"Just can't seem to get over the way you hurt me...Don't know how you gave another who didn't mean a thing the very thing you gave to me"- Beyoncé, "Resentment"
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
~ TARAJI ~
I sat at Fantasia's hospital bedside, holding her hand as she slept. The intense stress she was under combined with the fact that she hadn't eaten all day is what caused her to pass out. I know that I shouldn't be here, but there's a whole world outside of these walls waiting to use my pain as a weapon against Fantasia and as a survivor, that's the last thing I want. I don't want my pain and suffering blasted all over the internet just to punish Fantasia, but Amber's actions have already set it in motion. Now everybody is telling my story for me and dragging Fantasia in the process. I haven't checked my phone again today. Danielle was standing outside of Fantasia's hospital room with Chloe in her arms, looking in through the window. I think she's struggling to process the fact that her best friend isn't exactly who she thought she was. Fantasia's not the villain of my story in my eyes, but she's not innocent either. I sighed, getting up and walking out to talk to Dani. She closed the blinds, pressing her back against the wall.
Taraji: Are you just gonna stand out here all night? Where is your head at right now?
Danielle: All over the fucking place. I've stuck by her side through a lot of stuff, but this...I don't know if I can support her through this. I was praying to God that it wouldn't be true, that it was all just some sort of misunderstanding, but it is true. She raped you. I'm so sorry that I doubted you for her sake. I'm sorry, Raj.
Taraji: It's ok. I understand you wanting to be loyal to your friend. You still can be. She needs you now more than ever. I promise you Dani, I'm fine-
Danielle: But you're not fine, Taraji! Nothing about what happened to you is fine!
Her small outburst of anger scared the baby, making her burst into tears. I gently took Chloe from her arms, laying her head down on my shoulder as I bounced her a little and rubbed her back to soothe her. I didn't think that Danielle would hurt her, but her emotions weren't stable enough for her to be holding such a small baby. Chloe calmed down and I put her little pink blanket over her, still gently patting her back. Dani let out a heavy breath of frustration as she ran her hand through her hair. I don't think any of us know how to go about handling this situation without losing our minds just a little bit. I need to get in contact with Amber and figure out a way to make her retract her statement, but I don't see that happening without me having to pay a price.
Danielle: How am I supposed to look at her the same? What message would I be sending to my supporters if I stood by her? I love Fantasia, God knows I do, but this is a lot. I can't do this. I shouldn't even be here.
Taraji: Hey, Dani, I need you to keep a cool head. Freaking out won't help any of us. This is mine and Fantasia's mess to clean up. You're going to make yourself sick with all this stressing for no reason. I appreciate you trying to be in my corner, but I'm telling you that I don't blame Fantasia, so you shouldn't either. We were both in a shitty mental headspace at that time. I put my hands on her a lot, but nobody is calling me an abuser.
