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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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Onika Maraj Home
August 9, 2025
I woke up slowly, blinking and realizing I'd been out longer than I thought. The room was dim, and everything felt quiet, almost too quiet. My phone started ringing, and I fumbled around for it until I found it buried under a pillow.
It was Lauren, so I answered.
"Hello?" I said, my voice still groggy from sleep.
"Hey, you okay, baby? Just checking on you,"
I rubbed my eyes and sat up, trying to shake off the sleep. "Yeah, I'm good. I came home and took a nap, but..." I glanced at the phone screen, seeing the time. "It's 7? Damn, I didn't realize I slept that long. I should get back to the hospital. Solange is probably wondering where the hell I went."
Lauren laughed softly. "I'm just glad you got some rest. You needed it. I'm proud of you."
That caught me off guard. "Proud of me? For what?" I asked, my voice still a little thick.
There was a pause before Lauren spoke again, her voice softer now. "For pushing through everything. You've been dealing with so much, especially being pregnant through all this with Beyoncé. Pregnancy's tough enough without all the extra shit you're going through, but you're still handling it."
Her words hit me, and I felt my throat tighten. I sniffed, quickly wiping at the tears that had started to come.
"I don't know if I'm handling it," I said, my voice shaky.
"But you are," Lauren said, her voice gentle. "You're getting through it, even when it feels like you can't. That's strength, Nic. You've always been strong."
I tried to hold back more tears, but they were coming anyway. I wiped my face quickly.
"Thanks, Lo," I whispered, feeling everything hit me at once.
"You're doing great, mama. Beyoncé's gonna be so proud when she wakes up. Those babies are lucky to have you as their mom."
I couldn't stop the tears now.
"I hope so," I whispered, my heart heavy but a little lighter after hearing her.
"You're doing it," Lauren said. "And you're not alone. You've got people who love you, and we're here for you."
I took a deep breath, trying to pull myself together. "I love you, Laur. Thanks for calling."
"Love you too, Nic. Call me if you need anything, okay?"
I nodded, even though she couldn't see me, still wiping the last of my tears. "I will."
I got up from the bed, still feeling a bit out of it from the nap, and headed to the bathroom. I turned on the shower, letting the steam build up as I stood there for a moment.
