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This book contains mature themes, explicit language, and scenes of a sexual nature intended for adult audiences only. It is rated R and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.
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This book also includes depictions o...
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Onika Maraj Manhattan Hospital
July 21, 2025
I sat there in the waiting room, my legs shaking nonstop, feeling completely drained. I didn't think I had any more tears left in me, but somehow, they kept coming. My head was pounding, and every muscle in my body ached from the constant tension.
"Here, baby, drink this," Lauren said softly, holding out a cup of tea.
I shook my head, barely glancing at her. "I can't, Laur..."
"You need something, Onika," she pressed, sitting down next to me. "You've been crying for hours. At least drink something."
I let out a shaky breath, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. "I can't. I'm too... It's just too much."
Lauren sighed, scooting closer. "I know it's too much. I know you're scared. But you need to take care of yourself, sis. You're not doing anyone any good by sitting here starving and dehydrated."
I stayed quiet, my eyes still glued to the floor.
She leaned forward, gently touching my knee. "You know I wouldn't push if it wasn't important. Your body's under so much stress right now, and you're pregnant on top of it. You gotta at least try to keep your strength up, or you're gonna pass out."
I swallowed hard, blinking back more tears. "I can't think about anything except her right now."
"I know, babe. I know it feels helpless. But Beyoncé wouldn't want you making yourself sick over this. She'd want you strong, for her and those babies. You have to stay ready for whatever comes next."
I sighed again, finally taking the cup from her hands. "I'm trying, I really am."
"I know you are. Just take it slow, okay?"
I nodded, bringing the cup to my lips and taking a small sip.
I wiped my eyes, trying to distract myself. "Where's Blue and Solange?"
Lauren pulled out her phone.
"Let me check," she said, dialing Solange's number.
I raised an eyebrow. "Y'all fucking?"
Lauren looked at me, shaking her head. "Girl, go back to crying."
Lauren nodded as she spoke softly into the phone, listening intently. After a moment, she hung up and turned to me.
"It's Blue," she said.
My heart dropped. "What's wrong?" I asked, standing up.
"Solange said she won't get out of the car," Lauren explained. "She's blaming herself."
I nodded, grabbing my phone as we made our way outside. When we found Solange, she was standing by the open car door, talking gently to Blue.
I walked up closer so I could see her, my stomach tightening. Blue was sitting in the car, her head buried in her hands, shaking and crying.
