𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔

𝒳

Onika Maraj

I had to admit, life had settled into a surprisingly beautiful rhythm lately. Following that tense period where my connection with Beyoncé felt more like a chore than a comfort, something had shifted between us. We had moved past most of our misunderstandings, and for the first time in a long while, we were in a good place. It felt almost surreal, like stepping into a sunbeam after months of clouds.

Beyoncé's presence sparkled in my life, and I knew I had to find a way to help her unlock the chains of her self-imposed isolation. To my delight, our ongoing professional collaborations blended seamlessly with our personal friendship. Each project became a canvas for our creativity, but the growth between us was more subtle—a delicate dance between understanding and attraction I was still figuring out, and that made my heart race.

But I wasn't solely reliant on Beyoncé for happiness. My budding friendship with Sevyn had swiftly blossomed into something special. She had become my built-in bestie, the type of friend you could pour your heart out to and laugh with until your stomach hurt. We'd go on little outings, grabbing lunch at our favorite spots or catching movies in cozy theaters that smelled of buttered popcorn. I had even made her my personal assistant, and she seemed to thrive in the role as we navigated our day-to-day schedules. There was something so refreshing about having someone who could match my energy and bring a carefree charm to my sometimes-overwhelming life.

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"Nicki! You are going to love this place!" Sevyn exclaimed, practically bouncing as she dragged me towards a tidy little café with vibrant street art wrapping around its exterior.

"Are you sure this isn't some hipster nightmare?" I teased, glancing skeptically at the chalkboard menu with its array of frilly coffee drink options.

"Trust me! The avocado toast here will change your life," she insisted with a wink.

We giggled and caught up over brunch, our conversations weaving a tapestry of inside jokes, shared dreams, and the occasional gossip about industry politics. Our laughter was a balm against the stresses of our careers, and I cherished every moment of this newfound freedom—enjoying good food and real company without the constant pressure of expectations looming overhead.

My relationship with Sevyn reminded me that companionship didn't have to hinge on navigating the weighty complexities of a romantic entanglement. It was refreshing to have someone who didn't expect more than friendship and mutual support. She became my confidante, often pushing me out of my comfort zone while never stifling my individuality.

As I returned to the office after our outings, I would often find myself grinning like a schoolgirl, feeling revitalized by the bond we had forged. It felt good to share my dreams and fears, unfiltered without the looming shadows of romantic anxieties that had often tainted my interactions with others.

On one particular day, I was seated at my desk, poring over a report for a new content campaign when I spotted her through the glass window of my office. Beyoncé stood at the door, frozen mid-stride, her expression a blend of surprise and disappointment.

Across from her was Sevyn, her laughter sparkling in the air as they chatted animatedly. I was sharing a light moment with Sevyn, recounting a silly story from our brunch, and the atmosphere was warmed by the comfort and joy of our friendship.

But as I caught sight of Beyoncé's face, I felt a pang of unease twist in my stomach. She didn't look happy; she looked furious.

The sudden realization tumbled around in my head. **This wasn't just about friendship; this was about the arrangement Bey and I had, the unspoken rules that seemed to narrow our vision, leaving no room for anything else.** I didn't want to hurt her, but I also craved the laughter and camaraderie Sevyn brought into my life.