Babymama

38.

Onika Maraj

I was abruptly awakened by the sound of Beyonce's labored breathing. She seemed to be struggling for air, inhaling sharply as if her lungs refused to fill. Concerned, I quickly turned on the lamp beside me, casting a warm glow over the room, and turned to face her, ready to offer help

"Baby? Beyonce, please talk to me, what's wrong?" The fear gripped me tightly; she had never experienced anything like this before.

Recalling that Noel has asthma, I dashed to his room, got his nebulizer, and hurried back, setting it up as swiftly as possible to offer her relief.

"Here, baby, breathe through this," I said, offering her the mouthpiece. As she placed it between her lips, I kept a deep watch over her, a wave of relief washing over me as I noticed her breathing gradually steadying back to normal.

I checked my phone and it read 3 a.m. My baby scared me so badly that I didn't know what had happened. I ran downstairs to the kitchen to get her a glass of water.

"Here, baby, drink some water for me." I handed her the glass and she drank all of her water. I rubbed her back and kissed her forehead.

"You okay baby?"

Stammering slightly, she assured me, "I-I'm okay. It was just a nightmare. But Onika, could you make me a promise, please?'" I noticed the tears welling up in her eyes, which heightened my concern.

"Yes?"

"Don't ever take my kids away from me, no matter how bad things get. Please, promise me," she sobbed. I sat on the bed, hugging her.

"I would never take them away from you, Bey. Was that your nightmare?" I asked gently. She nodded, her head resting on my chest. As I cradled her, my fingers softly twirled through her curls.

"You were angry and wanted full custody of them, and you won, I don't ever want to go through that pain" my baby was seriously hurt about this.

"I promise you, I swear I wouldn't take your babies away. They adore you, and so do I," I said as I gently lifted her chin and kissed her. It took a moment, but then she returned the kiss, sealing our silent vow.

"I adore you too" she responded.

--

Beyoncé stood up and stepped outside to breathe in some fresh air. Compelled by my concern for her, I followed. I needed to understand what was troubling her mind.

"Onika, remember the time in college when I was unfaithful? I want to offer you a heartfelt apology for that. I realize it caused you pain, and you never received a genuine apology from me."

Tears began to cascade down my cheeks. I had yearned for this apology for so long, carrying the ache deep within my heart.

"Thank you, Beyoncé. Your apology means so much to me. I'm sorry for my absence; I should have faced our problems together rather than running from them," I said, my gaze lifting to meet hers.

"I'm working hard every day to prove I'm not going anywhere. I want us to heal, to be better. And yeah, Bey, I do see us getting married one day. But let's sort ourselves out first, okay?" I said with hope in my voice.

I was so happy that we are having this heart to heart conversation, I don't know what that dream did but I appreciate it.

God is good.

"I forgive you, Nicki. I can see the love you have for us and how you show it every day. I accept your apology," she said. Standing before her, I felt her arms encircle my neck, and as I kissed the arm that held me, I knew we were moving forward together.

We just looked at the moon and stars enjoying the fresh air.

"I can't wait to finally get you down the aisle and spend the rest of my life with you"

"I'm all in for this journey with you, Beyoncé. There's no one else I'd rather do life with," I said, my words steeped in truth.

In our daze, we failed to notice the arrival of our three children. The twins emerged, rubbing their sleepy eyes. Noel ended up in my arms, Brielle was scooped up by Beyonce, and GG clung to my legs

"Mommy, we couldn't find you guys," she whined, rubbing her eyes too. I looked down, running my hands through her curls.

"Remember, we'll always be close never far, alright?" Beyonce reassured her, planting kisses on each of us.

"okay, Mama," GG responded, resting against my leg. Despite the quiet darkness outside, we were basking in the warmth of our family time.

"Mommy, I like outside," Noel shared with Nicki, our laughter filling the air. Nicki moved to my side, snuggling close to me.

"Me too, papa"

Beyonce turned her gaze towards me and pressed her lips against mine, and a smile spread across my face during our embrace.

"EW!" all of the kids yelled.

"You're my favorite babymama" Beyonce said, I furrowed my brows before smiling and pecking her lips.

"I'm your only babymama"

🫶🏽