Mama's Little Girls

forty

Beyoncé Knowles
12 October 2019
Edgewood

Meeting Onika's dad wasn't just about making a good impression—it felt like a test. I wasn't one to get nervous easily, but the idea of walking into the home where she grew up, facing the man who shaped her, was a different kind of pressure.

"Momma, stop staring at your shoes like they got answers." Raiya's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. She stood in my doorway with her hands on her hips, mimicking my usual stern stance when I caught her and Akira up to something.

Akira peeked out from behind her, holding one of my nicer button-down shirts. "You gotta look nice for Ms. Nicki's dad."

I laughed despite myself, taking the shirt from her hands. "Y'all think this one's the winner, huh?"

Jadah strolled in next, arms crossed, her phone dangling from her fingers. "Better than that one you were gonna wear. You look like you're going to a barbeque, not to meet someone important."

Raiya nodded in agreement. "You need to look fancy but not too fancy."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Y'all are something else." I stood up and started to change into the shirt they picked. "Alright, alright. How do I look now?"

Akira clapped her hands together. "Perfect!"

Raiya grinned. "Ms. Nicki's daddy's gonna like you for sure."

Jadah rolled her eyes but smiled. "Yeah, you're passable. Don't embarrass us."

"Thanks for the boost, JJ." I stepped into the bathroom to give myself one last look. My hair was neat, my clothes pressed, and my nerves were still a mess.

A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts again. I went to open it, seeing Onika. This was a more relaxed version of her, but still elegant.

"You ready?" She asked, her tone calm.

"I'm chillin', baby." I replied.

The girls scrambled to the window as we stepped outside. "Bye, Momma!" Akira yelled, waving wildly.

"Don't be weird!" Raiya added.

Jadah just gave me a casual nod, but I caught the faintest smile. Maya, who was already on her way up the stairs with her daughter, waved too. "Go on, Beyoncé. I'll keep these three in line."

"Thanks, Maya." I called back, trying not to let my nerves show as I followed Onika to her car.

The interior of her silver BMW was very Onika. It was spotless, and she only added her professional personality into it, not her real one. I glanced over at her, trying to read her expression.

"You're quiet." She said after a few minutes. "What's on your mind?"

"Just trying to figure out how to make your dad like me." I admitted. "Got any tips?"

She looked over, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You don't need tips. Like I said, be yourself."

"Yeah, but what if 'myself' ain't good enough?" I asked, half-joking but mostly serious.

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Trust me, you're already a step ahead. My dad's tough, but he loves people."

"Alright, but if he doesn't like me, I'm blaming you for not giving me any more tips."

The drive continued with light conversation. When we finally pulled up to a modest but well-kept house in Atlanta.

"This is it." Onika said, putting the car in park. "Ready?"