The Woman Next Door

3

October 28th

Charlotte, NC

Onika "Nicki" Maraj

"Good afternoon ladies.", I said and they said it back.

"I'm not a lady girl.", my best friend Oscar said.

"And gentleman. You happy?"

"Very."

We laughed and I walked in the back. I saw someone I thought I wouldn't see ever again and I rolled my eyes.

"Well hello to you Onika."

"Hello Marcus."

"Can we talk?"

"Talk about what? I haven't talked to you in almost two years. How in the hell did you even find me?"

"The shop's name is 'Onika's Salon'."

"Okay captain Obvious. Can you leave?"

"Can we talk? Over dinner or something?", he asked and I nodded.

He smiled and I rolled my eyes.

"Don't act like you don't miss me."

He kissed my cheek and walked out. Oscar walked in with a "bitch I know you lyin face"

"What did you expect me to say? I can't get over him."

"You going to try to connect that old spark again? It's been almost 2 years.", he said and I sighed.

"I know Oscar. I know. We'll finish this conversation later but right now, you're
about to go shopping with me."

"Better than being stuck here listening to these annoying girls."

"We're not annoying. You just love annoying us. Get it right boo.", Sarah said.

"I can't with y'all. I'll see you guys later on or tomorrow."

"Bye Nicki!", they yelled and we walked out.

"Where we going?", Oscar asked.

"I need some more shoes and maybe get a new purse."

"Chanel?"

You know boss lady like her Chanel."

We laughed and I drove to the mall.

Robert "Meek" Williams

So Heaven's fever has went down to 98.5 which is great. Malaysia stopped throwing up and has been drinking water and eating crackers here and there.

"Daddy can we see Ms. Nicki before we go to bed?", Malaysia asked.

"Depends what time she comes back babygirl, but if she comes back before you guys go to sleep then yeah."

She squealed and I laughed.

They've grown a bond with her and I'm happy about it. They like her doing their hair, telling stories, and they like when she comes over with snacks.

"I'm hungry.", Heaven said.

"You want some crackers?", I asked and she shook her head.