What would you say if we told you Taraji and Terrence had a secret? It wasn't just any secret....it was THE secret. What if it didn't start during the filming of hustle and flow? No....it was years and years before then.
A relationship that was lit...
Marcel sat in the barber chair, crying and sliding down the seat. "Come on Cel. Be a big boy for daddy," Terry tried to make the 1 year old stop throwing a fit. "NO! Mommy! Mommy!" Marcel screamed through tears. He reached his hands out as if Taraji was at the barbershop with them. "Mommy isn't here Cel. Sit still and I'll give you some ice cream," he bargained with his child. Marcel shook his head, kicking and screaming louder. "Marcel Dashon Howard, I got to catch a flight tonight, which means I need you to chill out and get this haircut because your mama won't do it," Terry complained.
"Aye man, do you need a minute? I can get these other kids until you get him calm," the barber asked, feeling impatient and irritated about not making quick money. He had been watching Terry try to calm Marcel for the past 40 minutes. "Nah I got him. We good... Cel if you don't stop this I'm about to pop you. Be still!" Terry growled at his son. Marcel's lip quivered but he kept crying. Terry signaled the barber over and as soon as the clippers were turned on, Marcel started shaking his head again.
Terry washed his hands over his face then looked at the clock, noticing that it was approaching time for Cel to eat then take a nap. He pulled out a bottle and handed it to the child, who instantly stopped moving and drunk the milk. He sniffled as the barber worked, but he was more calm this time around. Terry wiped Cel's face and watched the process. "This isn't so bad is it?" He asked the sleepy boy. Marcel looked at him with defeat. He wasn't enjoying the buzzing sound in his ear, but Terry had him scared enough to not move.
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Once the barber finished, Marcel was wiping his eyes. Terry handed the barber $50 for his troubles, and scooped up his handsome boy. "We Howards gotta look fly Cel. Can't get caught slippin. You feel me?" Terry conversed with himself. Marcel yawned and laid his head on his father's shoulder, falling asleep with his bottle still hanging from his mouth. Terry's heart grew warm, feeling his son clutch his shirt. He was going to miss spending time with his boy, considering this was going to be the first time he spent a significant amount of time away from him.
He managed to put Marcel in his seat, not disturbing his sleep. He took the drive back to Taraji's house, proud about the haircut he left a generous tip for. He pulled up, carrying Cel inside and putting him in his crib. He walked to the kitchen, seeing Taraji turning off the stove and put the butter back in the fridge. "He's down for his nap. You gonna feed me before I catch my flight?" Terry lifted the lid off of the pan, revealing rice and shrimp. He licked his lips then turned to face a silent Taraji.
She shrugged then grabbed a plate out of the cabinet, beginning to fix his plate. He grabbed her hand and put the plate on the counter. "Raji what's wrong?" He asked her, noticing that she was stuck in her head. She shook her head and tried to go back to making his plate, but he moved the plate out the way and pulled her back towards him. He raised her chin, making her look at him. "Talk to me. What's going on in that mind of yours?" He asked again. Her eyes filled with tears and her lip quivered just like Marcel's did.
