My Favorite Woman. (CG|LG WOMANXWOMAN)

23.

Ashanti in the MM.

Comments pls .

"You okay?" Ashanti asked as she walked with Nadine to her last class. Nadine hasn't said a word since receiving that call from her brother. She continued eating her lunch while swinging her feet, but Ashanti could see behind her eyes that she was hurting.

"I'm fine, mama. Please stop asking." Nadine sighed while squeezing her hand. Ashanti nodded, rubbing her back as they continued to walk to her class. It was a simple lecture, Nadine deep in her class work as Ashanti watched. She wrote her notes and did her assignments, before copying down her homework that was due in a week. It made Ashanti feel youthful as she watched her lover eagerly develop her career.

They were now on their way home, Nadine calling out of work and staring out of the window of the car. Ashanti looked over, before sighing and turning off the gps and making a turn that Nadine wasn't familiar with.

"Where are we going?"

"What do you want for dinner?" Ashanti asked suddenly. Nadine furrowed her brows, looking at her lover who just continued to drive down the rural area. Nadine cleared her throat while nervously tapping her thigh.

"I'm not too hungry."

"You sure, baby?" Ashanti asked.

"I don't know. Why? Where are we going?"

"We're going on a road trip."

"What?! What about our clothes? Our toothbrushes, our-" Nadine's panic was cut off by Ashanti's lips. She melted into her touch, moaning into her mouth as Ashanti sucked on her bottom lip.

"Just hush. It's clear you need some space to clear your mind. We'll be back home tonight. So let's get some food and-"

"Happy meal?" Nadine asked quietly as she pressed her fingers together. Ashanti nodded, pulling into McDonald's and getting the happy meal that her baby wanted. She got herself a coffee and a snack wrap, before driving off.

The ride lasted for about an hour or two, Nadine still quiet as she stared at all of the trees that passed her by. She imagined herself as one, being free and moving with the breeze and being a home to all of the animals that she loved.

"You don't mind getting dirty, right?" Ashanti asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Dirt, water, bugs.."

"No. Is that what we're doing?"

"You'll see." Ashanti got out of the car, opening the door for Nadine and grabbing her hand. They silently walked through the trail, the smell of fresh water and pine immediately regulating Nadine's nervous system. She felt as if she was in a pleasant dream, the water getting louder and louder as they continued to walk.

"I used to come here a lot when I was younger. Whether to scream or cry, or just listen to the water. The water is fresh, it being one of the cleanest river banks in Illinois." Ashanti explained. Nadine stared at the water as it flowed in one direction, the birds and squirrels running around and climbing up the trees that smelt so fresh.

"Get what you need. I'll be here." Ashanti breathed quietly. Nadine stepped forward, slowly sitting on top of a large rock that was close to the water. She hugged her knees to her chest, the tears starting to stream down her face as she watched the river. She sniffed quietly, wiping her eyes against her knees as the memories of her childhood ran through her head.

She knew her mother never loved her the way she loved her brothers, but it hurt to know that even on her death bed she didn't once care about her. She didn't care about her life or what she's been up to. She didn't care about her degree or her building her career. She felt as if the woman gave her life for nothing. To be her punching bag and an excuse for her misplaced anger.

Nadine didn't realize she was sobbing loudly until she heard herself over the loud streaming water. She let it out, sobbing into her knees as she finally accepted her pain and grieved the childhood that she always wished she had. She wished things would have been different. That her mother just gave her a chance to show her who she was. To show her the woman that she's become through it all.

She grieved the times she wished her mom would teach her things. To show her how to be a woman and how to love herself instead of Nadine learning from friends and teachers. She never blamed her mother, just keeping it to herself when her mother asked her who did her hair and how ugly it was out of spite. She stayed quiet every time her mother would criticize her for people buying her things and giving her stuff because of her mothers neglect.

Ashanti watched as the young woman cried, her own tears falling down her face. She wanted nothing more than to hug Nadine, but she wanted to give the young woman a chance to feel her feelings without interruption. She didn't know the extent that her pain went. The young woman was always quiet when it came to her personal life, and Ashanti wasn't the one to ever push someone to speak when they weren't ready.

Nadine's sobs slowed into shaky breaths and hiccups, her sad and tired eyes staring into the water as the sun started to set. She heard footsteps behind her, Ashanti kneeling in the dirt and hugging Nadine from behind who immediately felt comfort in her warmth.

"What do you need right now?" Ashanti asked quietly. Nadine let out a shaky sigh, sniffing before leaning back against Ashanti as she rubbed her arms.

"I don't even know. I do feel a little better though."

"I'm so happy to hear that."

"Would it be bad if I-um.." Nadine started shyly.

"What? Hm?" Ashanti asked as she continued to rub Nadine's arms.

"Would it be bad if I asked if we can..do it here?" Nadine asked. Ashanti froze slightly, blinking rapidly at the young woman's sudden request.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, mama. I'm sure." Nadine sounded more confident and it caused Ashanti to swallow hard. Nadine twisted around and looked up at Ashanti with watery eyes. It made Ashanti nearly moan as she caressed Nadine's cheek.

"Only if you're in the right headspace."

"I am. You said get dirty right? Well.." Nadine started as she sat up on her knees, taking off her shirt and throwing her bra in a random direction, leaving her chest bare and Ashanti licking her lips.