More Than I Prayed For

𝟎𝟗

FANTASIA

December 22nd, 2023

I knew my kids had really missed me because they were being clingy. It was cute for the first week and a half or so but it had gotten to the point where I couldn't even pee by myself.

Thankfully, Zion would get breakfast situated so I could sleep in for a bit, but once my littles caught wind of me being awake, it was over.

My babies weren't overly affectionate though so I enjoyed all the love and attention they were giving me at the moment but still, mama needs some space.

So while they were preoccupied by the show they were watching, I attempted to sneak off into my bathroom just so I could have a moment to myself.

I quickly filled up my bathtub, adding bubbles and everything before sinking down into the warm water.

I sighed on contact, laying my head back against the cold marble stone.

My eyes fluttered closed and before I could even begin to properly decompress, a loud holler cut into the quiet atmosphere.

"Maaa!"

"Oh my God" Fell through my lips in an astonished whisper. My head immediately fell into my hands as I folded my lips inwards

What'd Abby Lee Miller Say?

"All I want to do is sit back and relax when all of a sudden, I hear this agitating, grating voice"

I can't even wash my ass!

Staying quiet in hopes that they wouldn't actually come looking for me, I slid further down into the tub. To the point that the bubbles had come all the way up to my chin.

I was very wrong however. Hearing heavy footsteps get closer and closer to the room. The loud squeak of the door being pushed in alerted me that they did in fact come to find me.

I opened my eyes just in time to see my clan of children filter in one by one from youngest to oldest.

A deep frown on each one of their precious faces.

"Ma! Kezzy won't let me watch my show!"
"I wanna watch Minnie!"
"Can I borrow your card?"

I took a deep breath, resting my cheek on my opened palm before even acknowledging them. Their expectant eyes and the cacophony of their demands made my heart swell with both love and exasperation.

"Now, I'm not sure if you two are aware but there is more than one tv inside this house. And Zion, you told me you just got paid! Why do you need my card?"

"See, momma that's my money. I wanna spend your money" She smiled bashfully, deep dimples all on display

I sighed, not even in the mood to go back and forth with her. I was gonna let her use the damn card either way "Go look in the purse on my dresser"

"Thank youuu!"

I rolled my eyes before closing them once again. I expected for them to leave but to my dismay, I didn't hear the door close.

"Y'all can go now"

"Whyyy? We wanna be around you" Dallas whined

"Ew" I scrunched up my face playfully.
We sat in silence for a few minutes before an idea popped into my head, maybe it was time to reveal the little surprise I had for them.

"Y'all do know y'all bestie is in the guest room right? Why don't you go bother her?"

Taraji was here.

And although T and I very much slept in my room, she insisted on keeping her luggage in the guest room to prevent any suspicion from the kids.

She also took it a step further, literally sneaking out of my room and into the guest bed this morning once we "finally woke up for good". Her reasoning was that it was in case my two youngest found a reason to burst up into the bedroom.

While I appreciated the fact that she didn't want to create any confusion for the kids, I still felt as if she was doing entirely too much.

Too many times I'd had girl friends over and we ended up in the bed together. Whether it was my room or the guest room, my younger children had thought nothing of it and I doubt they would've viewed it any differently.

"Bestie?"
"Who you got up in this house Fantasia Monique?" Zion inquired

"Gir- don't make me slap fire out that mouth"

"I was just playing!" She laughed "But who's here?"

"Guess"
The three of them went back and forth naming my previous house guests while I stayed quiet.

"Is it Raji?" Dallas asked

"Mhm" i hummed

They all broke out talking at once, I could only make out a few words

"Raji?" Kezzy gasped
"Why didn't you tell us!"
"Bye"

They all ran out of the room leaving me behind laughing.

I knew there was a possibility that Raji had gone back to sleep but being woken up by them would bring her so much joy. And hopefully, they would lay up with her for at least an hour so I could finish my whole self care session.

We were originally supposed to spend the holiday with Taraji and her family in L.A but last minute, her mom told her she and her new gentleman friend were going out of town. Taraji's son, Marcell was then called to assist on a project and of course, Taraji wouldn't let him pass it up so she was basically left by herself.

Raji literally acted as if she was terrified to tell me that plans had changed - saying she was so sorry to let me and the kids down.

The same kids that at that point had no idea we were going to be traveling to spend Christmas with their literal favorite person.

So, we arranged for her to just come to us instead.

Tryna get her inside this house this morning was hell. Her flight had been set to land at 5am. The airport was an hour away so I had to be up at 3:30 the latest. And of course, when I started getting ready, Zion's ass was wide awake, chopping it up with her lil friend whose house she had just been at a few hours before.

I literally had to tiptoe in the dark so that she wouldn't suspect anything. Leaving out wasn't as difficult because she had gone to sleep by the time I had to actually leave.

I kept the windows down on the way to the airport, letting the cold air whip against my face so I would stay awake.

Taraji and I didn't even have a proper reunion once I picked her up due to how exhausted we were. We threw her two unnecessarily heavy suitcases in the trunk and got right back on the road.

Her company and the soft music she played kept me alert.

It was all worth it though.

Waking up to her this morning in my house, in my bed felt so surreal.

Her body angled towards mine. A hand thrown over my waist. Her curly hair splayed all over my pillows and her gorgeous face, which only gave me a view of the lower half of her face - pouty lips literally on display.

I'm not even gonna front and act like I didn't take a few minutes to admire the beauty that was laid out comfortably beside me. The way her breath brushed against my skin softly, the rise and fall of her chest. The way the morning light had filtered through my bedroom curtains, and casted a warm glow over her resting body.

A rush of emotions had passed over me in the moment - a mixture of excitement, gratitude and utter awe knowing this woman really went out of her way to be here for me and my children to ensure that we will have an unforgettable Christmas.

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I hope this wasn't too confusing
or all over the place😬. It took me a
while to "perfect" this but I hope you
guys liked this updateee 🙂