Petals

ꕥ

Onika Tanya Maraj

Onika laid in her canopy bed, she admired the luxurious drapes hanging from the top. The favorite thing about her bed—is that she felt like she was in her own shelter. Her own little—defense barrier.

It was night, Onika planned on going to sleep but she really couldn't.

She rolled around in her pastel pink comforter and sighed. She really had to preform a piano piece she barely knew. Beyoncé's been patient with her—which Onika does appreciate but it doesn't relieve her stress.

She tossed and turned glancing at the lock that read 2am. maybe it was the performance—maybe it was because..she knew who she had to have dinner with today.

She immediately tried to suppress that thought but—she truly couldn't as she gripped her sheets.

Flashbacks came quickly as she thought about the girl she'd be seeing for the first time in almost a year.

She shook her head and sat up. She hated thinking about her. It hurt so much when she left—and the destruction she left behind her impacted Onikas life so much. She wasn't sure if she wanted to see her again.

Her mother was so excited about it though, Onika didn't have the heart to tell her. So she just smiled and nodded when her mother said she would be coming back.

Onika groaned as she placed her pillow over her head, Onika tried her hardest to be calm and collected at all times—but she just messed it all up for Onika.

Onika got up; sliding her slippers on and venturing outside of her room. It was dark; but she didn't want to disturb her mother.

She wandered through the dark and carefully stepped downstairs and made her way to the room the piano resided in. She thought practicing would make her feel better. and maybe give her a little confidence.

She sat at the bench, and took a deep breath before remembering Beyoncé.

She played it with ease, and no tension in her face—no hesitation—how did she do it?

Onika admired it—and she wanted to have that same ease as she played. If practice makes perfect then Onika would practice for hours upon hours to reach perfection.

So she placed her fingers on the keys and began to play. She needed a distraction.

Because if she didn't—she's not sure if her under defenses would be able to combat the memories of  what she did to Onika.

She practices till 4am.

_____________________________

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles

"Alright, now try this whole line right here." Beyoncé said looking at Onika. She was making progress for sure—but now they were going to test if she could handle at-least half the song. The performance was in 3–almost 2 weeks.

They sat together at the bench, and Beyoncé watched Onikas fingers press the first few keys. "It's okay to look at the paper." Beyoncé said and Onika shook her head.

"On stage I won't have it, so I should practice without it." Onika mumbled and Beyoncé backed off because of how sure she sounded of herself.

She watched her take a deep breath before beginning to play. Beyoncé watched and listened carefully. She played at a steady space so each keys sound blended with the next—to create the first half of the song.