Till Death Do Us Part

5

FANTASIA M. BARRINO

I hadn't been back here in a while, and walking through these gates still made my stomach twist. Every time, it felt like a weight on my chest. The sound of the bars clanging shut behind me, the heavy air, the scent of concrete and sweat—it never got easier. But today, I had a reason to be here. A reason bigger than my own discomfort.

As I walked into the visiting room, I spotted her almost immediately. She was sitting at one of the tables, hands folded in front of her, head down. She didn't look up when I came in, but I could tell it was her the second I walked through the door.

I pulled up a chair across from her and sat down, forcing a smile. "Hey girl," I said, trying to sound casual, but my voice cracked a little.

She looked up at me then, her face softening. Her eyes were tired, but there was that familiar warmth there. That strength.

"Fantasia" she said, her voice a little hoarse but full of relief. " I didn't think you'd come today."

I felt a lump rise in my throat "I told you I would, didn't I? You think i'd forget you?"

Taraji smiled faintly. "You've got a lot going on, You got the world at your feet, You don't have time for someone like me tasia."

I shook my head. "Don't ever say that. I'll always have time for you, Taraji. You know that none of this would've—" I waved my hand around, indicating the poster and fame, the glitz— "None of it would mean anything if I didn't have people like you in my life."

She laughed softly, shaking her head
"Look at you. I can't believe how far you've come. Queen Latifah? You're living the dream girl."

I smiled, but it was bittersweet. "Yea. It's wild. But I haven't forgotten where I came from. Or who I came from." I looked at her, really look at her, and saw the same strong, proud woman i've always known. Even here. "I'm gonna visit you again. You know that, right? As soon as I can get out of this next tour cycle, I'll come back. I'm not going anywhere, Taraji."

Her eyes softened, and for a moment, It was like the whole world outside this prison didn't exist. There was no fame, no audience, no spotlight— just the two of us.

"I know," she said quietly "I believe you. But I don't want you to feel like you have to keep coming. You've got your life. You've got your career."

I reached across the table, placing my hand over hers. "Don't you dare say that again. You're in my family. And i'll keep showing up, no
matter what."

Taraji squeezed my hand, her lips curving into a soft smile. "I'm proud of you, Fantasia. You grew so much for the better ever since we met. You deserve it all."

I felt a rush of emotion I couldn't contain, and I cleared my throat to keep me from tearing up. "We'll get you out of here. I promise."

She nodded, the smallest hint of hope in her eyes. And for the first time, in a long time, I believed it too.

"I'll be waiting," she whispered.

And I would be. I was gonna make sure of the that.

"Well looks like I should be heading out. I'm on the clock today. See you soon, Taraji."

I walked out. Not wanting to leave her but it was the only thing I could do.
I just want her to be safe again and not in a hell hole.

FANTASIA: Hello?
QUEEN LATIFAH

Queen Latifah: Fantasia, It's Queen. Where are you? Rehearsals start in 30 minutes, and I don't see you in the building yet.

FANTASIA: Oh! Queen, I swear I'm on my way. Traffic is crazy, you know how it is—

Queen: You've got 30 minutes, not 31. I don't want to hear about traffic. Get it together Fantasia.

FANTASIA: Alright, alright, i'm moving. I'll be there. You know
how much I love this gig right?

Queen Latifah: I know, but love doesn't pay the bills or fill these seats. We've got a reputation to keep up, and I won't have anyone slowing down my schedule. You know that.

FANTASIA: I hear you, Queen. I'm not trying to mess it up I promise.

Queen: You better now. Now, you get in here, warm up, and do t waste any time. I expect nothing less than your best.

FANTASIA: You got it. I'll be there.

I hung up the phone with Fantasia and let out a long sigh, trying to shake off the tension. The assistant Malik, is sitting nearby, organizing some notes for the show. He glances up at me.

MALIK:Everything okay?

QUEEN LATIFAH: Well, that was Fantasia. Guess what? She's running late.. again.

MALIK: Damn. Did she atleast have a good reason this time?

QUEEN LATIFAH: She said she got stuck in traffic... which, you know, is probably true. But. it's always sum'

MALIK: Yea you're right. It's like she's got a personal relationship with "running late."  You'd think she'd have learn by now.

QUEEN LATIFAH: You'd think that. But you know what? It's part of the charm. She's got that energy where being late feels like it's on purpose. Makes you wanna forgive her before she even walks through that do-

I got paused in the middle of my sentence when I heard A door slam on the wall. It was Fantasia.

FANTASIA: Don't start! I know i'm late! Traffic is no joke y'all!

QUEEN LATIFAH: We've only been singing your praises while you were stuck in the car. But you're here now, so let's make some magic.

MALIK: And no more excuses. It's time to work, superstar.

FANTASIA: Alright then. Let's turn this shit up!