*excuse any typos*
Beyoncé
Los Angeles, California
March 17th
"You did your thing today, JuJu." my dad smiled at me from across the table.
I was pleasantly surprised that he flew out to Cali to watch us play against UCLA, but then again my parents supported us in everything we choose to do so in a way there really wasn't a surprise. I guess I didn't expect him to come this far.
"Thanks, Pops."
Dinner for the most part was kind of quiet but not awkward, thankfully.
"So how's your mom and sisters? They won't accept my calls. I knew I had you to count on to talk to and everything."
I chewed the steak that was in my mouth, grateful that it was there to serve as time to think of an answer.
"Well, they're hurt, as you could imagine. For the first week she didn't leave her room, so taking care of Koi feel on Solange and Ash, and me when I wasn't busy on the court. Solange felt by herself, since you were gone and mama was distant. And honestly, Ash and I were pissed off. Neither of us like seeing our parents hurt. The hurt definitely hits different when your mom is crying because your dad keeps doing the same things over and over."
I sighed in defeat and was about to speak until he realized I wasn't done talking. He motioned for me to continue. "I still love you the same, you're my dad. We're all humans and we all have flaws and imperfections, though some are as controllable as others." I shot him a glare. "Nobody is perfect. Do you love mama?"
"Of course I do. She's the first woman I've ever fallen in love with, the first woman to bear my children. Whenever I fell short, she was there in my corner."
"Okay. Do you love her enough for her to be happy?" I asked.
"Of course Ju, where are-" I cut him off.
"Do you love her enough for her to be happy, even if that means y'all aren't together anymore?"
His face told me 'HELL NO' but I could see in his eyes he was having an internal conflict with himself.
"I-... I will always want your mother happy but letting her go is something I can't do. I can't see another man having her in ways I have." Okay, eww.
"But you've taken what she had in you and given it to countless women. I know marriage is 'For better or worse' but sometimes the worse is just too much to bear, Pops. I'm not telling you to divorce her or anything but for this one time, take her happiness and humility into account."
He nodded sadly but shifted the conversation. "So, how have things been going for you? Anyone new yet or you and Jhené patched things up?"
"That girl is crazy." I rolled my eyes but he only chuckled. "I'm serious, it's like I see her every time I turn around. The only solution at this point is to stop turning around."
"In all seriousness, make sure you protect yourself babygirl." I could hear the sternness in his voice.
"I know but I feel like if she was to do something, she would do it to my significant other and her child."
"Significant other?"
"Um yeah, me and Onika." I blushed at his surprised smile that then turned into a smirk.
"I would have never guessed. She is a beautiful woman. Do you get along with her daughter well?"
"Yeah, she's a great kid."
