Behind the rhymes

Chapter 29

*Onika*

"Now just crack the egg into the bowl, and then Blue, you can start stirring the dough, alright ?"

They both nodded and did as I said. I stepped away to turn the oven on, leaving them together on the counter.

We were making a chocolate cake because the girls had been begging for one, and I agreed, partly because I was bored. Beyoncé outside in the garden, on the phone with whoever, chatting about God knows what. She'd been out there for a while, looking at ease, her laughter carrying through the open window.

"Mommy ?" Destiny called after a little while.

"Hmm ?"

"Can we watch a Disney movie tonight ?"

I came back to check on them, making sure everything was going smoothly. "Of course, we can. What do y'all want to watch ?"

"The princess and the frog !!" She answered immediately, her eyes lighting up. She loved that Disney.

I glanced at Blue, who was unusually quiet. "Are you okay with that, Blueberry ?"

She just nodded, keeping her focus on stirring the dough without even looking up. A flicker of concern crossed my mind. "Is everything okay, Blue ?"

Finally, she looked up, her face blank, unreadable. "Yes. I think the cake batter is ready."

I studied her, sending something was off, but decided not to push. "Alright, let me check." I said, glancing at the batter. "Looks perfect, girls! Now let's pour it into the pan."

Destiny poured the batter carefully, her tongue poking out in concentration, while Blue helped her hold the bowl steady.

I couldn't shake the feeling that something was bothering Blue, though. Usually, she was full of energy, especially when it came to baking or watching movies with Destiny.

As we put the cake into the oven, I knelt down beside her, looking up into her eyes. "Hey, Blueberry. Are you sure you're okay ? You seem a little quiet today."

She hesitated, looking down at her shoes before answering. "I am okay."

I put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You know you can tell me anything, right ? If something's bothering you, we can talk about it."

She nodded, giving me a smile, but she didn't say anything more. I decided to let it go for now, but I'd mention it to Bey later. Just the, Beyoncé herself walked i to the kitchen, a little smile playing on her lips.

"What smells so good in here ? What did y'all make ?" She asked, sniffing the air.

"A chocolate cake." Blue replied quietly.

"But it's not ready yet, mommy just put it in the oven." Destiny added, then looking at me. "Can we go play outside ?"

I nodded and they bolted outside, leaving Bey and me alone in the kitchen.

She walked up to me, wrapping her arms around my waist. "You look pretty today."

I raised an eyebrow as I wrapped my arms around her neck. "Today ? So I'm ugly all the other days ?"

She chuckled, shaking her head. "You know that's not what I meant. You're always beautiful, but today..I don't know, you're just glowing."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Hmm, nice save." But I couldn't help the small smile creeping up on my face. She knew just how to melt me, even when I tried to be serious.