10th Commandment | Revamped

Chapter 13

Continued..

While her mom was taking a shower, Fantasia made a nerve-racking call to Taraji. It rang three times before she picked up.

Taraji: Hello, this is Taraji P. Henson.
Tasia: Um, it's me... Fantasia.
Taraji: Oh... Hey! Are you alright? I heard about the verdict. You never cease to amaze me.
Tasia: You must be really upset that I didn't end up in prison.
Taraji: Upset? Not at all, Fantasia. I'm feeling relieved and happy, honestly.
Tasia: Then why did you turn against me while I was in there? You didn't just try to send me to prison—you actually did it.
Taraji: I sincerely apologize; things spiraled out of control. But let's be honest—if I really aimed to keep you locked up, you would be, trust me.
Tasia: you owe me, Taraji. I fell in love with you, and you just tossed that aside.
Taraji: What do you want me to do?
Tasia: I'm your wife! Did you forget that little detail?
Taraji: Of course not, baby.
Tasia: Well, my mom is here; she's a huge fan of yours and loves your amazing products. I had to bend the truth about a few things, or else she would have taken me back home to 'fix' me. I had to tell her I was working two jobs at your company and that the penthouse belongs to you. I'm supposedly your sister's driver and an intern in your office. Now she wants to meet you. If that happens, it might finally ease the pressure off my back, and maybe I won't be such a disappointment in her eyes anymore. So, could you please pretend all of this is true for my mom? I know it sounds crazy for a grown woman to still seek her mother's approval, but... it's complicated.
Taraji: You don't have to explain yourself to me, honey. I understand what that's like; it doesn’t change how I see you. Come by the office; I genuinely have your back this time.
Tasia: Thank you.
Taraji: I'm so thrilled you're out,
Tasia: Yeah, I was really close to not being. But let’s keep the jail talk away from my mom.
Taraji: I said I’ve got you covered; you can count on me. Also, I still feel a bit guilty about what happened, so I'm more than willing to help.
Tasia: Good. I’ll see you tomorrow.

The next day.
At the Beauty Palace/Boutique—TPH by Taraji

Taraji was at her desk, and her team was hard at work when Fantasia and her mom arrived.

Fantasia knocked on the office door. "Come on in!" Taraji called, still on a business call. They entered, and she gestured to some seats.

Fantasia’s mom was scanning the office with interest. Taraji finished her call and slammed the phone down. "Good morning, ladies! Sorry about that little delay. I wasn't aware today was 'Take Your Mother to Work Day.' Did I miss something on my calendar, Ms. Barrino?"

"No, sir. My mom was just in the area, and I truly appreciate you making this happen," Fantasia replied earnestly. "We’ll talk about your debt later; for now, I’m thrilled to meet this wonderful woman. I’m Taraji P. Henson; you must be Isabella Barrino..."

"I am indeed—but it’s Isabella Martin now. It's an honor to be in your impressive office where all the magic happens. I adore your products!" she said. Taraji beamed as she pulled out a large file and set it on the table. "Today, you get to work in my office. I’ll show your mom around," Taraji declared. "Absolutely!" Fantasia said, fully aware her desk was taken by a new intern, and Taraji was trying to cover for that.

She took Isabella on the tour.

"Wow, your office is amazing! Your mom must be so proud," Isabella complimented Taraji.
"Well, I don’t think pride is something she’s bestowed upon me. The dynamic between mothers and daughters can be complex, right? Can you relate at all?" Taraji probed.
"Yes, my relationship with Tasia is pretty tangled as well, but I have a solid bond with her sister. She understands me, and she’s got her life in order, you know?"