AFRO TO HIS BEATS

CHAPTER 26

REMA'S POV

The applause from the crowd still reverberated in my ears, a raw reminder of the electric energy we had just unleashed on that sold-out stage. But as I sank into the solitude of my hotel room, the thrill faded, leaving behind the heavy cloak of exhaustion draped over my shoulders. I tossed my phone onto the bed, swiping through the barrage of messages and notifications. Each ding yanked my thoughts back to a reality that felt increasingly disconnected, especially from Tolani.

It was impossible not to think about her from miles away, especially as photos flooded my feed of her. Each snapshot twisted in my chest, a complex mix of pride and gnawing insecurity. She looked incredible, a radiant force of nature, but the sight of her without me made my heart ache. I couldn't shake the feeling that this distance was creating a chasm between us, one that loomed larger with every passing day.

The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of city lights and screaming fans, yet each moment felt hollow without her by my side. I was performing for crowds of strangers, but the only one who truly mattered was thousands of miles away.

"Rema?" Her voice cut through my spiraling thoughts, a lifeline pulling me back to the present. It was Tolani, calling as she did every night.

"Hey, Lani," I replied, forcing a grin despite the heaviness in my chest. "How was filming today?"

"It was good! We're finally getting to some of the juicier scenes. You know how Malia is; she's such a boss!" Her excitement lit up the call, and I could picture her animated gestures, her eyes alive with passion. But the reality of her living her dream without me felt like salt in a fresh wound.

"That's great," I said, striving to match her energy. "Can't wait to see it. You're going to crush it!"

"Thanks! I just wish you could be here. The crew is planning a little celebration for the end of filming. I was hoping you could join us."

"Yeah, about that..." I hesitated, the words thick in my throat. "I'll still be on tour, Lani. I can't just drop everything and fly back."

"Right," she said, the lightness in her voice dimming. "I know. I just thought... I miss you."

"I miss you too," I admitted, feeling the weight of her longing push against my resolve. "Every single day."

Silence stretched between us, an invisible wall despite the digital connection. I could hear the faint sounds of her life in Lagos—a mix of laughter and chatter. It felt foreign now, a world I was no longer part of. I wanted to reach through the screen, to touch her, to feel her warmth again.

"How are Michael and Nkechi?" I asked, attempting to steer the conversation away from the growing distance. "I heard they had the twins!"

"Oh my God, Rema!" she exclaimed, her excitement flooding the call. "You won't believe how adorable they are! Elijah Osaze Ifeanyi Hunter and Deborah Esosa Chiamaka Hunter. They look just like him!"

A smile tugged at my lips, picturing Michael holding his newborns, the weight of fatherhood settling on him like a badge of honor. "I can't wait to meet them. It must be surreal."

"It is! I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that they're finally here. It's chaotic but amazing," she laughed, and I could hear the joy radiating from her.

"Do you think he's handling it well?" I asked, genuinely curious about my friend's new role as a dad.

"He's doing surprisingly well. I think he was born to be a father. He's been up with Nkechi, helping out with everything. They're so in love; it's beautiful to watch," she said, her tone softening.