Heavy is the Head

XIV

Fantasia, as usual, was the first one awake the next morning. Having shifted in her sleep, she found herself wrapped in Taraji's arms and her back pressed against her girlfriend. Not wanting to wake her, Fantasia slid out of the bed slowly and replaced herself with a pillow before grabbing her phone and leaving the room. She was about to text her mom to see where she was, but she heard music and laughter coming from down the stairs and followed the sound until she was met with her and Taraji's parents dancing with each other in the smaller kitchen around the island. It warmed her heart to see the couples enjoying themselves and getting along. Being royal meant being held to standards and maintaining perfect images so to see two couples so in love and able to let their hair down was refreshing to see. She hoped that her kids would be able to look at her and Taraji in the future and see the same thing. Fantasia soaked in the scene until she was caught staring by King David.

"Well good morning, beautiful princess," he bellowed, not missing a step in dancing with Jenifer. Fantasia blushed, still not used to the generous way that the Griers complemented others. It was one of the things she had learned from Taraji early on. For a long time she thought it was because Taraji was a big flirt, but upon meeting David and Jenfier, she realized that it was just the nature of the family. "Where's Taraji?" The question made Sheryl and Keith stop, realizing that their daughter was there, and both of them walked towards Fantasia with open arms.

"Good morning," Fantasia gracefully responded, hugging her parents. "She's still asleep." Jenifer and David stopped dancing and sat at the island, grabbing the pitcher of juice and pouring them both a glass. Jenifer noticed the mismatched pajama set that Fantasia had on and the extra pep in her step and alarm bells went off in her mind. "We were up kinda late last night." Jenifer's jaw dropped but she recovered it quickly, hiding behind her glass of juice. Jenifer glanced at the three other parents in the room, trying to gauge whether or not they were thinking the same thing she was. The kings seemed to be oblivious, but the look on Sheryl's face told Jenifer that they were on the same page. The poor woman looked as if she was about to faint.

"Uh, David, why don't you go show Keith your cigar collection or something. Let us ladies talk for a little bit," Jenifer suggested. David gave her a look of confusion and she gave him a threatening glare, making him jump up and do as he was asked. He quickly shuffled along, waving Keith to join him. Keith shot a look to his wife, who looked like she was on the verge of tears and quickly understood, following David immediately. Fantasia watched as all of the exchanges were made, not understanding what was going on.

"Mommy? Am I in trouble?" Fantasia sat down at the island, fidgeting with her hands. Sheryl sat beside her, taking her daughter's hand and holding it tight, and kissed Fantasia's head.

"No, darling. You're not in trouble. Jenifer and I just have a few questions," Sheryl assured. Jenifer and Sheryl shared a look, silently debating who would broach the subject. Jenifer stared intently, making it very clear that Sheryl should be the one to do it, so she did. "Sweetheart, did um... are you and Taraji uh..." Sheryl was trying to approach it gently, not wanting to be crass.

"Together? Yes, Mommy. We introduced each other as our girlfriends yesterday." Fantasia shrugged, not understanding why her mom would be so weird about the subject. They had even discussed it on the phone many times before.

"No, honey, we know that. What we want to know is if um... did you and Taraji do what couples do?" Jenifer slapped a palm against her face, trying to not laugh at the horrible job Sheryl was doing at this. Jenifer had always wondered why when Taraji spoke to her about Fantasia the girl sounded so green, but with parents like hers Jenifer couldn't blame the girl for not knowing anything.

"We go on dates? And we kiss?" Sheryl wanted to scream, the uncomfort becoming too much for her to handle.

"No, sweet princess," Jenifer takes over, "did you and Taraji have sex last night?" Fantasia went wide eyed and Sheryl dropped her head out of embarrassment. Jenifer did laugh this time, the situation becoming too funny for her to contain her laughter.