Intimacy

[23.] Dangerously in Love

<Wynnefield, Philadelphia, December 25th; 09:56:34 A.M.>

Nichola's House

"And I know you love me, love me for who I am
'Cause years before I became who I am, baby, you were my man
I know it ain't easy, easy loving me
I appreciate the love and dedication from you to me
Later on in my destiny I see myself having your child
I see myself being your wife and I see my whole future in your eyes
Thought of all my love for you sometimes make me want to cry
Realize all my blessings; I'm grateful to have you by my side"--Beyonce Knowles

"Merry Christmas baby." Nicholas said to me, handing me a gift.

"Awe, you got me something? You know you didn't have to." I told him.

"I wanted to . Now open it." Nicholas said, waiting to see my expression.

I opened the gift and it was a diamond necklace with black red bottoms.

"Nicholas." I said, surprised.

"Do you like it?" Nicholas asked.

"I love it baby. If only I knew what to get you. I feel bad now for what I got you." I said, seeming sad.

"I appreciate anything that you give and offer to me. I'm grateful either way." Nicholas said, kissing me.

"Well I wanted to take you to the mall to get an outfit. I don't have an exact gift for you baby." I told him.

"That's fine baby.. But I gotta tell you something..." He said, getting on his knees.

"What is it ?" I asked, curious.

"Please don't be mad at me but I went to go talk to Lamar. To fix everything and help him out." He said.

"Babe! Lamar doesn't need our help! He needs to get help from someone else. If you even think about taking another step with him, lord knows what he'll do next. He's not safe . Please don't bring him around me!" I yelled at him, scared.

"Baby, it's going to be fine . Just talk to him. Let's get to the bottom of this. We can't hold grudges forever. As long as I'm here, he won't harm you ok?" He said, walking to the door to let Lamar in.

Lamar then walked in and greeted himself.

"Simone.." Lamar said.

"That's my name, please don't wear it out." I told him, looking down, disgusted.

"Look, I'm here to tell you that I apologize. I'm sorry for everything that I put you through. The pain, the heart breaks. Everything Simone. I know you probably won't forgive me but I've been in a f**ked place lately. I just need someone to help me and hear me out. Please Simone... I already lost you as a beautiful girlfriend, I can't lose you as a friend. Please forgive me. I'm really... Really, sorry." Lamar cried out, on his knees as he broke down in silence .

Watching Lamar cry his eyes out to me like this made me realize how sorry he actually was. I know times are hard but I never expected him to do this. Maybe I can forgive him after all. As I hugged him, I noticed how hurt he was inside. And for that, I can't help but to help the man I use to love.

"I forgive you Lamar." I finally said.