Mine (Norminah)

Chapter 5

Normani's POV

I would be lying if I said these last two weeks haven't been the best weeks of my life in a long time. Not having to worry about who I'm around, not having to censor myself, feeling genuine love; I see why people love being carefree black girls.

Don't get me wrong DJ has been on my mind everyday, but I've tried to push her to the back trying to ignore that little nagging voice in the back of my head. Everyday for the past thirteen days my mom has been trying to get me to open up about what happened between DJ and I, but I haven't been ready until today.

But anyway, I've done so many things this week that I never thought I'd have the opportunity to. I've spent time with family and friends that I haven't seen since before the tour started. I got to hang out with Matthew Knowles', Beyonce's dad, group Blushhh Music. And as soon as that got out the amount of love I was getting tripled. I guess people were happy to see me with a group of girls that looked like me. I really don't know but it was beautiful.

And not only that, I attended Beyonce's Formation World Tour with the group. When I say my weave was snatched, Bey left me edgeless. It took everything in me not to cry. The whole production of her tour was heavenly, it made the 7/27 tour look like an opening act. But that's neither here nor there. And apparently Bey remembered me because I got invited backstage. I got to meet the precious baby Blue Ivy and she was just adorable. I watched the second half of the show from backstage, playing and singing around with the mini Beyonce herself. When the show ended I got to meet the queen in all her post-concert sweaty glory. And I even got some pictures with her and Blue, to be released at a later time.

But of course with all the fun and play came hard work, I never really had a day off. Three magazine shoots and three interviews all in the course of two weeks. I hate not being productive so I work and campaign a lot during my free time. But the one thing that I loved doing the most, minus seeing my mother in concert, was going down to The Potter's House. One of my interviews were with the T.D. Jakes himself, to be recorded for his television show. He contacted my PR team and said he wanted me to be a featured guest on his show. It was surreal getting to talk to someone so woke, religious, and into their faith as I am. He even prayed for my strength when we were done. It truly was a blessing.

Today is my last day home and I've spent it surrounded by the ones I love the most. I've been trying to avoid this talk with my mom all day and so far it's been working. Since six AM I've been at my old dance studio watching, dancing, and enjoying the company of my former dance mates. Earlier today I found out the head mistress will be retiring in two years and is on the hunt for someone to take her place. One could only wish.

So here I am snuggled up to my Hello Kitty plush doll, that I got while we were in Japan, watching Netflix trying to enjoy my last stress free day.

"Mani, can you please come down here for a moment?" my mother screams from what I assume is the living room. Well there goes my day of rest. Upon entering I see my mom and dad sitting side by side on the couch.

"Yes mom?"

"Sit down baby, your father and I want to talk to you about some things. How are you feeling? Do you want to talk about anything?" Even though I knew what she wanted to know I decided to play her at her own game.

"I'm doing good mom. This break from social media has me feeling free, like none of their words can hurt me anymore. I've had more time to reflect and bond with the girls and the crew. I've seen how much support I have and that feeling can't get any better."

"I'm glad to hear that baby. I'm happy that you're in a better place and you realize how strong you are. But," she sighed, "I want to know what's going on with you and Dinah. Milika told me Dinah's been nothing but miserable these last two weeks. She had to force Dinah to go back to Tonga, just to get her out that funk she's been in. Talk to us Mani." I sigh, I need some advice from a couple who are just as in love as I am with Dinah. Here goes nothing.

"Mom dad, you guys know how much I love her. We've literally been to hell and back, but it seems like I'm always forgiving her for something. And that doesn't mean that I'm perfect because I sure as hell know that I'm not. But I feel like she never learns. I mean, she doesn't have a 4.0 GPA but you've got to learn after some time right?" I say, my voice slightly elevated due to the tears dropping from my eyes. Without saying a word my dad moves to the couch where I'm sitting and cuddles me in his arms. We stay like that until my tears stop falling and my breathing returns to normal, but he doesn't move away from holding me.

"Mom what would you do if this were you and dad? What should I do?" I pleaded.

"Normani I can't tell you what to do in your relationship because I've never been there. But I can say this, you guys have something real. Hiding it for all this time but still being able to maintain a healthy relationship. I'm proud of you both for that. In a healthy relationship neither person is perfect and both bring baggage. That's more than true with you guys. But your future is so much brighter than your past if you want it to be. Do you want it to be Mani? Do you still want that?" Without a second to spare I shook my head yes.

"Mom I don't want to be with anyone else but Dinah." She nodded then looked over to my dad who had yet to say a word.

"Daddy please say something. I need your opinion too." I looked at him trying to understand the emotions on his face. Even though he loved DJ like a daughter, he was never the number one supporter of our relationship.

"Manibear," I smile at my childhood nickname, "you already know how I feel about the situation. But I will say that you have this glow when you're around her and I love seeing you that happy. So whether I agree with your relationship or not, I say if you love her fight for her." And with that he got up and walked in the kitchen. My mom got up and took his place cuddling me into her arms.

"He's trying Mani. He doesn't understand it all yet but he's trying. We both love you Normani and we only want what's best for you. And right now that crazy child is what's best for you. You guys make each other better and you're stronger together. You guys will find your way soon. But go upstairs and get some rest. You're flight is in a couple of hours and you want to look fresh when you see your boo. Goodnight Mani, I love you." She kissed my head as she pushed me upstairs.

"I love you too mom. And I love you too dad. " I shouted as I walked past the kitchen to my bedroom upstairs. Finally plopping down on my bed I looked at my phone and noticed the amount of notifications that I had. Ally and Ashlee had texted me saying that were waiting for me in New York so we could all fly to Ireland together. Mila had texted me saying she made it to Ireland. And Lauren said the same and that DJ was waiting for in New York as well. Lauren was usually the person I go to during my relationship troubles so texting her back should help me get my thoughts together.

        N: Lolo can we talk?

L: sure what's on your mind mama

N: just a quick question. do you think me & DJ will last

L: unless me & Ally break up

N: Lo I'm being serious. i'm in love with her

L: then fight for her babe

So with a good six hours of sleep and some teary goodbyes, I was on my way. Finally stepping off the plane I saw my girls all smiling and frantically waving at me. And there was my girl sporting the cutest dimpled smile holding a piping hot latte in her hand, my baby. Walking towards them I tried to get my self ready. Well here we go.