More Than I Prayed For

𝟎𝟐

𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐉𝐈

I didn't know what the hell was wrong with Fantasia but I was desperate to find out.

Something in me had sensed a shift during the interview but I brushed it off thinking that maybe she spaced out or felt overwhelmed.

This was her first time experiencing a press run in terms of a studio film. It was natural for the repetitive questions and answers to get to you.

But going to her dressing room only for it to be empty?? That threw me for a loop. And after asking around, they told me she left right after we had finished.

That was different. Tasia always either came to me or waited for me to join her after we wrapped up for the day.

It made me wonder if I did something wrong. I was sitting here racking my brain trying to playback the events of the day

"You seen Miss O face when Raji said her first reaction was why the fuck were they remaking it? I almost fell out" Danielle's cackle and the mention of my name brought me out of my stupor

"I wasn't bout to lie! That was the first thing I thought!" I forced a chuckle so it wasn't obvious to the group that I hadn't even heard half of their conversation.

The cast had made last minute plans to meet up for dinner at this soul food bar. The vibes were immaculate - a lounge type of vibe with good food, good music, great drinks and eye candy!

Whewww the waiters were a different type of fine. Like 90s men fine.

But I was too in my head at the moment to truly enjoy the place for what it was. I made a mental note to come back before we left. And maybe force Tasia to come with.

We had already been served and almost everyone was halfway through their meals so I knew it wouldn't be long before we all parted ways for the night.

My eyes glanced down at my phone, checking the time then checking to see if I had got any notifications.

I had been doing this every 15 minutes approximately. I felt like I was going crazy!

I would've thought Tasia would at least text to say she was okay or something. Seeing that we always and I mean always stopped to talk for a little while. Sometimes even leaving together.

Fantasia was gone have to see about me

Another hour passed before we settled the bill and started bidding our goodbyes. But of course black people gotta say that shit bout 5 times before we actually went our separate ways.

"Taraji, what are you gonna get up to for the night?" Colman inquired, holding the restaurant door open for me as I walked through

Taking a moment to filter through my thoughts, I turned to face him, plastering a smile on my face

"Thank you, I'm going straight to sleep!" I giggled

He laughed as well "Don't I know it. We ain't young no more"

"Uh uhhh, speak for yourself. Baby, I'm still in my 30s"

"I know that's right!"
"Mhmmm" Dani and Corey hyped me up causing for another fit of laughter within the group

Corey, Dani, Colman and his husband were all headed to some club in the area but I declined the invite

Deciding to just call an Uber instead of my driver, I only had to wait a couple minutes before I saw the car pull up.

The ride was a silent one. The soft RnB streaming in from the car speakers ensured it wasn't an awkward silence.

My plan was to take a shower and go right to bed but as I stepped into the elevator, i didn't think twice about clicking the button for the fourth floor.

My legs carried me the short distance down the hallway to the respective room door. Raising my hand to knock, I faltered slightly before saying fuck it.

I just knew I was about to make a fool of myself.

It didn't take too long before I heard the click of the locks as the door was pulled open.

"Raji? You okay, baby?" That soft voice I had become so familiar with rasped

My eyes took in the sight before me. A look of confusion on Fantasia's face. Her eyebrows slightly knitted together as her hand came up to rub her eye

"I should be asking you that" The words just fell from my mouth - an evident attitude attached to them. Almost immediately, a feeling of regret swept over my entirety "Were you sleeping? My bad. I ain't mean to wake you up"

I took in her attire. A tightly tied white robe. She even had her scarf on her head even though it looked seconds away from sliding right off

"No, no. You're fine. What do you mean?" She opened the door wider, stepping aside so I could come inside

"No Tasia, it's okay. I feel bad, go back to sleep" I mumbled

"Taraji" Her face fell completely and was overtaken by a look of seriousness "Get inside this room and tell me what's bothering you"

"Yes ma'am" I conceded

Stepping into the room, I couldn't help but be shocked by how neat it was. Her clothes were all organized on a rack against the wall. Her shoes were lined up. Everything seemingly had a place "Damn. My shit is a hot mess compared to yours"

"Please, you should've seen it a couple hours ago"

We sat in the little living room area. Fantasia was staring a hole into my face as I tried to ignore the issue at hand.

I felt like that one Adele meme of her ignoring the camera

"Taraji!"

"Okay, okay. Damn" I finally looked up at her before glancing away out of sheer embarrassment "I just was feeling some type of way because you left the auditorium without saying nothing. And we always wait for each other. I thought I did something"

I watched as my words settled in and her face morphed into a slight frown

"Aw I'm sorry T. I didn't mean to make you feel hurt. I just had a lot on my mind and I just needed a moment to myself"

I nodded understanding completely and honestly feeling really shitty "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No, not really" She twisted her lips to the side before smiling sheepishly "I'll figure it out"

Tasia immediately reached over pulling me into her arms for a hug "Don't be mad at me"

"I'm not, I promise. I just feel bad" I mumbled into her ear. She smelled like literal heaven

"Don't, stop it!" She squeezed me tight before turning her head to kiss all over my face

I broke out into laughter
She pulled back slightly to look me in my eyes.

An emotion I wasn't familiar with flashed through her eyes before she gave me one last peck on my lips before sitting back into the sofa

I felt my stomach swirl. Literally

What the hell was that?