Can't Change the Past

~31~

Beyoncé POV

Shawn called last week and asked if the kids could come down to Houston for the weekend to visit his father. I like his dad, despite the fucked up things he did to Mama G. He was always kind to me. I decided to leave Kenzie in California this trip. This will be the first time I've been away from any of my kids for this long. We're staying with my parents of course because I refuse to sleep in the same house as that woman.
"Did you hear me?"
"No mama. I wasn't paying attention. What did you say?"
"I said what time are y'all going to see Shawn's dad tomorrow?"
"Oh, whenever he texts me the time. He's going to take us up there so I don't have to pay for an Uber or Lyft."
"I don't see why he wouldn't. The boy paid for the plane tickets and came to pick y'all up from the airport."
"His.... his whatever she is is here too. So you never know how he's going to act."
"You still fighting with that girl?"
"Honestly I'm over her and him altogether. I just need him to be a good father to Aubri and King."
"How is my other granddaughter?"
"Growing everyday. You know she looks just like you but just a little darker."
"And how is her father?"
"He's good I guess."
"You guess?"
"Yeah, I haven't talked to him in a while. I guess the case is really intense right now."
"Oh Lord."
"What?"
"I know how you can get. He will call you when he can Beyoncé. Do not jump to conclusions."
"I'm not. Kenzie is the one who asks about him all the time."
"And you don't worry about him?"
"I have three kids. He's all the way in Chicago somewhere working. I don't have time to worry."
She nodded, "I'm proud of you baby. Despite what you've been through. You're still here and taking care of your children."
"Thank you mama." I smiled.
"Ma, can we eat some of the cookies that grandma made?" King asked with Aubri next to him.
"After dinner."
"Papa, mommy said after dinner." I heard Aubri tell my dad when they went back to the living room.
"That man is always trying to sneak deserts." she said shaking her head. I couldn't do nothing but laugh.

The next morning Shawn called and picked us up early. The ride to the hospital was quiet, mainly because the kids were sleep. They were up late playing uno with my dad.
"So how is he?"
"They're giving him chemo but he doesn't look the same."
"You okay?"
"Yeah I'm straight."
"Have you slept?"
He glanced at me at me and chuckled, "Yes mother."
"I'm just trying to be supportive. I mean if my dad was dy-"
"Don't."
"So you're still in denial?"
"I ain't in denial about nothing."
"Did you not just tell me he doesn't look the same?"
"He's undergoing a tiring treatment Beyoncé."
"I'm not trying to sound like a bitch. But reality is that he might not make it and I'm trying to see where your head at."
"We're here." He said ending the conversation.
I sighed, "King, Aubri. Y'all wake up." I said turning around tapping them. King began blinking his eyes and Aubri had an attitude because she was still tired.
"Ma, why we at the hospital?"
I looked to Shawn, "I thought you should be the one to tell them."
He nodded, "My dad, your Pops, is sick. I don't know when he's going to get better. I just want you two to spend some time with him."
"Is Pops going to be in a dress?" Aubri asked.
"Yes baby. But that doesn't mean you can't hug him." The last time she was in the hospital was when I went into labor with Kenzie. Of course I was in pain but I wanted to hold my baby because then I could have focused on something besides the pain. Nobody would let me though because I was too close to delivering. They told her when I changed out of my "dress" then she could hug me.
"Come on everybody." Shawn said.
We all filed out of the car and went inside. It was early so it was pretty quiet. When we made it to the room Shawn went inside to make sure his dad was awake, then told us to come in.