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Onika Maraj February 21
I was exhausted. I had to work late last night, and now I was up for class, and I had to go right back to work tonight. But I was off tomorrow, so I was happy.
I was in the Dunkin' Donuts line and on the phone with my mother. I had recently sent her more money. I don't even think about myself-when Bey puts money in my account, I think about Mama first.
"How's school going?"
"It's great, Mama! I'm excited every day. We've been doing a lot of hands-on things, which I love, but of course, book work too," I said as I pulled up to the speaker. "Hold on, Mom."
"Okay," she said.
I placed my order. I just needed a coffee to pick me up this morning, and I got a little coffee donut to go along with it.
"So yeah. But, Mom, have you considered moving here yet?"
She sighed. "I'm fine here, baby. My friends are here, and I don't know if Los Angeles is for an old woman like me."
"But I want you closer so I can see you. It's hard being so far away from you. I thought you'd want to move here," I said, pouring my heart out even though she couldn't see me.
"That's what you wanted, baby. I'm okay here. I would love to come visit, though. I'm proud of you, but, baby, I want to stay here, okay?" she said.
"I respect it, Mom. But I am keeping my promise and getting you a house one day," I said.
"I know you are, baby, and I love and appreciate you. But don't you dare overwork yourself trying to do this. I'm your mother, and no matter how old you get, I'm going to take care of you first."
"But it's my turn to do that for you," I said.
I pulled up to the second window, paid, and they handed me my stuff as I drove off.
"You're so sweet, my Nika Bear. Did you have a good Valentine's Day last week? By the way, I got the flowers and clothes you sent me. These folks at this job ain't got nothing on me," she said, and I laughed.
"I'm glad you loved it, and... can I curse?"
"Just one time, Nika," she sighed, and I chuckled.
"These bitches ain't fucking with my mama," I said, and she sighed, sounding so disappointed, which made me laugh.
"That mouth of yours is terrible... but, you didn't answer me, how was yours?"
"It was very good, Mama," I said, sipping some of my coffee while driving.
My mind went back to Valentine's Day night and the way we slutted each other out. I didn't know Beyoncé had that in her, but she was definitely shocked at me-I tried to tell her I was nothing to play with, especially not when that alcohol gets in my system.
