SEGUE. Ϟ

xxxix

June 4, 2000 | 2:45 a.m.
Miami, FL

The wedding is in less than 48 hours and I'm excited but I just feel like something is going to happen. I've been shrugging it off but I know my gut knows something I don't. Later today, we'll be flying down to St. Kitts and Nevis. I decided on having the wedding there. I don't know if mom is going but I know for a fact that dad is. I haven't spoken to my mother since her outburst a while ago.

I heard whispering coming from the other room, which was strange. I wasn't bothered at the fact that Prince wasn't in bed. He doesn't sleep at night. I ignored it for a while until my curiosity won me over. I crept out of bed and looked for P. I saw him on the phone. Who the hell is calling him at this time of night?

I went back in the room and picked up the phone, listening to their conversation.

"Denise, seriously?"

"Yes, baby. I don't even know why you're getting married to her. You're not even being faithful."

"Yes I am. I only did that shit with you once because I wanted you to leave her alone. You fucking threatened to kill her and my kids. What the hell, Denise?"

"I only did that because I knew it would work in my favor but I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about Manuela. How are you juggling around with two females? I mean, I'm not surprised because you messed around when we were together but still."

"I'm not fucking with Manuela."

"Okay, you're fucking Manuela and serenading Andréa. Who knows who else you're messing with."

"Look, what do I have to do for you to keep your mouth closed and leave me alone?"

At that point, I had enough. "Nothing. Nothing at all. Y'all can have each other." I slammed the phone down with tears streaming down my face. I quickly packed my things. I packed up Melody and Addaren's things as well. "Mom, where are you going?" Chris asked.

I sighed. "Away. I think it's best that your pops is alone for a while."

"Can we go with you? Please?" Janelle pleaded. I didn't want to leave them. They were my babies. Still crying, I nodded my head. "Just pack your stuff. Don't tell you pops. Hurry up."

I woke up Tionne and Antoine. "What's wrong, Z?" Ant asked. "Yeah, you okay?" T asked.

"I'm about to go hop on this plane to NC. The wedding's off. I'll call and tell you about it later." I whispered. My voice had become hoarse already.

As I was walking down the stairs, P stopped me. "Baby? Baby, wait." I pushed past him and loaded all of the luggage into the limo. I went back inside and the kids were ready. Addaren picked up Mel and put the bags over his shoulder. "Baby? Please. I'm sorry." His voice was breaking my heart. The desperation in his voice was enough to make me break down. "Come on." I whispered to the kids. They followed out the door. "No! Baby! Don't leave! Don't take our kids! Please!" By now, he was crying. I couldn't fall into that. It happened with Fenty and I refuse to relive that. I took my engagement ring off and placed it on the floor in front of him. "Goodbye." I whispered.

I wouldn't dare look him in his eyes. Chres and Tionne decided to fly to NC with me. I didn't mind. I just wanted to just heal myself and I knew exactly who could help.