Mama's Little Girls

thirty

Beyoncé Knowles
15 September 2019
Bey's Car Garage

I finished tightening a bolt on an engine valve cover, wiping my hands on a rag as I glanced at the clock above my workbench. I'd spent longer in the garage today than I'd planned, but I'd promised Willie that I'd have his old truck ready by the end of the week. This work wasn't easy, but I loved it, and besides, the girls were with Onika, so I had some extra time.

I was still trying to wrap my head around Onika's willingness to spend the afternoon with my kids. She'd been hesitant at first, but lately, she seemed more open to the idea. I appreciated her effort to get close to my girls—it wasn't easy stepping into an unfamiliar family dynamic, especially with kids as unique as mine.

The rumble of an approaching car pulled me out of my thoughts. I tossed the rag aside, closed up the hood of the truck, and locked the garage doors before heading outside to greet them.

As soon as the car door opened, Akira sprang out, waving wildly. "Momma, we went to the park, and I fed ducks!" She practically ran into my arms, her words tumbling over one another in her excitement.

"Did you now?" I asked, lifting her up and spinning her around before setting her down. "Did you have fun?"

"Yes! Ms. Nicki even swung with us, and Raiya won the swing contest." She said, rolling her eyes playfully.

Raiya stepped out next, crossing her arms. "I did win, momma. She can't swing like me." She bragged, grinning as she eyed Onika.

I chuckled and gave her a playful nudge. "That's my girl."

Finally, Jadah stepped out, keeping a cool distance as she adjusted the strap on her backpack. Her eyes flickered to Onika, and I caught the faintest hint of a frown. It wasn't something anyone else would probably notice, but I'd been paying attention to Jadah lately, especially when Onika was around. She was polite, sure, but there was a distance there, something unsaid between them.

I glanced over at Onika and smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude. "Thank you for taking them out today. Did they wear you out?"

She laughed, her eyes shining with warmth. "Oh, they definitely wore me out. But it was a good kind of tired." She shot a quick glance at Jadah, her gaze softening for a brief second before she looked back at me.

"Alright, girls." I said. "Head inside and wash up. I know y'all dirty." I mushed Raiya's head as she walked past me and she mugged me.

Akira and Raiya were already racing each other to the front door, but Jadah hesitated a moment, her eyes lingering on Onika before she turned away, her shoulders slightly tense. I could see the walls she had built up, but she had a maturity about her that sometimes felt more like a guard than anything else.

When the girls were inside, Onika and I shared a private moment by the car. I reached for her hand, lacing my fingers through hers, and leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to her lips.

"I'm proud of you." I murmured. "I know you don't have much experience with kids, but they clearly had a good time."

She squeezed my hand and gave a soft smile, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. "I think I still have a ways to go with Jadah," she admitted. "But I'll keep trying."

"You're doing great. She'll come around," I assured her.

With one last smile, she pulled away, slipping into her car. "I'll see you later?"

I nodded, watching as she backed out and drove away, before heading into the house.

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