"She was the queen.."

Chapter 2

Nika went home after work and called Celine.

Celine - Oh hi! How are you?

Nika - Celine, you will never guess what happened a few minutes ago!

Nika explained what had happened.

Celine - Cardi B's daughter? Really!?

Nika - Yes, she and her friend were talking badly about my mom, and I was so mad that I told them I would join the competition.

Celine - Woah, you're so brave.

Nika - But now, I really don't know if I should join the contest. What should I do?

Celine - As I said, it's your choice. But it would be amazing if you could follow your mother's path. Not exactly the same one, but people need you to be her successor.

Nika - You're right. I will think about it and give you my decision tomorrow.

Celine - Call me anytime, rest well.

They hung up, and then her dad came into her room.

Dad - I didn't want to be nosy, but I heard your call.

Nika - Dad..!

Dad - Listen, I know your mother very well. She loves you so much, she even said..!

He went silent, without finishing his sentence.

Dad - Forget about it.

Nika - No! Tell me what she told you.

He sighed.

Dad - I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want it to influence your choice. She told me that when she passes away, she wanted you to take her crown and don't let any other girls replace her. The only replacement she wants is you.

Nika - (What..? So Celine was right, it's really what she wants for me?) But why didn't you tell me before?

Dad - Because you never cared about rap as a little girl; you never seemed to be a music lover, let alone hip hop and rap. I didn't want you to think that we were forcing you to become a rapper, so I let you decide for yourself.

Nika hugged him.

Nika - Thank you so much for caring about me.

Dad - You know I love you.

Nika - I promise that tomorrow, my choice will be clear.

Dad - It's okay, take your time.

Her dad left her bedroom.

Nika - (Dad and Celine want the best for me, but it's still a lot of pressure on my shoulders.)

Nika tried to relax all day by doing things that make her happy, like watching TV shows, trying new makeup, and getting a manicure. The day ended quickly, and she was really tired. She ate something then went to sleep.

She woke up, feeling confident.

Nika - I know what I want now.

She dressed up and went to work. Hours later, she came back home, and Celine was waiting for her in her room.

Nika - Celine, you didn't tell me you were coming.

Celine - I wanted to surprise you.

They hugged each other, then they sat on the bed.

Nika - So I thought about it all night, and I made my decision.

Celine - That's cool! What did you decide?

Nika took a deep breath and answered.

Nika - I think I'm ready. I have to pick up the slack.

Celine - OH MY GOD.

Celine started jumping and screaming while Nika smiled at her. Her dad entered the room, worried.

Dad - Is everything okay, girls!?

Celine - NIKA SAID SHE IS READY.

Nika's dad looked at her, then smiled. You could see how proud he was just by looking at his eyes. Both dad and daughter shared a hug.

Dad - Your mother would be proud.

Nika - (Seeing Celine and dad rooting for me gave me even more strength than before. I wasn't scared anymore. Even mom must be proud of my decision. I knew I wasn't alone, and that is why I decided to make them proud.)