Mama's Little Girls

forty-four

Onika Maraj
30 October 2019
Edgewood

My eyes fluttered open and the sound of Beyoncé's steady breathing beside me was all I could hear. The early morning stillness felt almost sacred, but I knew it wouldn't last long.

Soon, the girls would be up, and the routine would begin. I normally left in the morning, whenever I decided to stay the night but I was choosing to be a part of this morning.

I turned my head to look at her. She was still sound asleep, her features were peaceful in the morning light. I wanted to let her rest a little longer, so I carefully slipped out of bed, grabbed my robe from the chair, and headed for the bathroom to brush my teeth, then the kitchen to start the day.

By the time I finished pouring juice into glasses and setting out some cereal, I could hear shuffling in the girls'. I knocked, and was granted entrance. I poked my head through the door to find Akira already bouncing with energy, flipping through one of her little notebooks, while Raiya rubbed her eyes and stretched lazily on her bed.

Jadah was fast asleep on the other side of the room, in her bed. She didn't need to be up like her sisters did, because she had a different day ahead of her.

"Morning, girls." I said with a grin. Akira waved over, then flicked through her notebook once more.

"Morning, Ms. Nicki." She chirped. "What's for breakfast?" She didn't question the fact that I was here in the morning.

"Cereal today. But if you hurry and get dressed, I might have time to make you some pop tarts." Something Theresa recommended I get.

She didn't need to be told twice. Akira bolted out of bed and darted for the bathroom. Raiya, on the other hand, rolled back onto her pillow, on the top bunk.

"Raiya." I said gently, standing near the bunk bed, standing in my toes. "If you don't get up soon, you're going to be late."

She groaned but finally lifted her head. "I'm going, give me a second."

Satisfied, I headed back into the kitchen and found Beyoncé there, tying the sash on her robe. She gave me a sleepy smile and kissed my cheek before heading to pour herself some coffee.

"How do you do this every morning?" I teased.

"You get used to it." She said with a chuckle. "The key is to keep them moving. Don't give them time to think about how much they want to stay in bed."

Noted.

Akira was the first to sit down at the breakfast table, munching on cereal and kicking her legs happily under the chair. Raiya emerged soon after, still yawning but dressed and ready to eat. I let Beyoncé take over breakfast duty while I set up shop at the coffee table in the living room, to do Raiya's hair. I motioned for her to come over, and she trudged to my side, holding her brush. In her other hand, she had the pop tart I'd promised her and her sister.

"All right, let's get you looking ready for school." I said, kneeling on the floor so I could work on her hair.

She came over and sat in front of me, getting comfortable. "You best not mess me up."

"I won't. If I do, I'll give you $10." I promised her, knowing that'd get her cooperation.

I applied the techniques Theresa had shown me, sectioning Raiya's curls and detangling them with care. She chatted away, telling me about her plans for school that day—nothing educational. She was talking about her plans for recess and lunch. First grade was serious business for her.

I smoothed her edges and gave her two French braids. She grinned at me, clearly pleased with the results.

By the time Raiya was ready, Akira had finished her breakfast and showering. That left the shower vacant for Raiya and I had to wrap her hair, so my work wouldn't be ruined. When I was done, I gave Raiya a little nudge toward the bathroom so she could brush her teeth.