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𝑂𝑛𝑖𝑘𝑎
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I was uncomfortable. Sitting here in this dress, with the thought of who I'd be meeting. I dreaded every passing second, wanting nothing more than for the world to fall away and leave me be for just a moment.
My mom had my hands wrapped in hers, my anxiousness was through the roof and I guess she could tell. She knew I was unhappy and she trying her best to ease me, but nothing was going to work. I was in pain, emotionally and physically. My father sat on the other side of mommy, sipping something dark from his glass, ignoring my presence, his disappointment radiating off of him.
I still can't believe he hit me.
"Hun, fix your face. You'll get frown lines." My mother turned my face to look at her, brushing the cheek dad had hit. I did my best to cover the spot. I shrugged her off and slouched, folding my arms over my chest. Mommy set her gaze on me, a solemn expression plastered across her features, but I still said nothing.
I wanted Beyoncé. I couldn't help it, I can't breathe without her near me. This was all so overwhelming and I wouldn't be surprised if a panic were to occur.
Mom pinched my side as the people we were waiting for made their way over. I sat up to be respectful but my frown didn't leave, especially when the boy in question stepped into my vision.
"You have got to be joking." I scoffed, collecting my bag and getting up to leave. My mom grabbed my arm, but I twisted it out of her grasp and left. I could hear my name being called but I didn't turn back.
If they think I'm going to date Chris they're sadly mistaken. I'd rather they tell me I couldn't date, period. I won't submit myself to the torture of being his girlfriend, not for the sake of my father, not for the sake of anyone.
And I know how relationships like this works. Power hungry men only want control. Especially when it comes to the woman in their corner. Girlfriend, fiancée, wife, mistress. It doesn't matter. I'm just a useless pawn to them.
But I'm smarter than that. I'm smarter than those women, I'm smarter than my mother. I won't let it happen to me.
When I made it outside I took a deep breath. Basking in the fresh air, until I felt arms around me. A hand went over my mouth when I tried to scream, silencing me and pulling me over to the side of the building.
"Chill, it's just me." He laughed. I bit his hand making him yell out in pain and pushed him off of me.
"Don't tell me to chill and definitely don't touch me." I growled, turning to rush off but he caught me before I could.
"Look Onika, I'm sorry. Alright? It was a stupid mistake on my part. I was expecting to get a little more from you that night. That's all. So let's keep that in the past and focus on the present and future. You're gonna be my girl and I'll be your man. We all win." He stepped closer so I stepped back, holding out my hand to keep distance between us.
"I don't like you, Christopher, at all. That's also in the past. I like someone and they like me. Our connection is so real and precious to me, I will never let this bullshit get in the way of me being with them."
His jaw clenched. Chris glanced back at the restaurant and I followed his line of vision seeing our parents watching us talk. My blood boiled.
He turned to me. "You know your father is never gonna let you go out with Beyoncé. The girl has no real goals or talents that she can utilize to build a name for herself. She wouldn't fit into your lifestyle, Nic. You're a privileged, high maintenance, trust fund princess. Beyoncé is a common girl with dirty chucks. That isn't what you want, baby."
