The Gemini: Emancipation

6 - Nine Three

May 1993

"When you gonna come visit?"

"I can't make any promises, Nik. I wish I could." Jody pouted as she put a sorry sounding end to her sentence.

"E's always asking about you. Like you his mama or something. Everything is Auntie Jo this and that."

"I heard that eyeroll." Jody laughed.

"Good." Nikki replied bluntly before continuing on with her complain. "You come to town, spoil my kids, and then zip off like some fairy-god auntie."

Another laugh, "Those are my children, I can do what I please."

"Mhm. Speaking of..."

Jody smoothly dodged the incoming question. An asking that happened to be Nikki's favorite to pose. In place of an answer, she quizzed back.

"How's Kyla?"

And, of course, Nikki didn't give up. "Better if she had a cousin to play with."

"You're worse than my dad."

"I mean, it's a easy way to fix all that. Where's Shorty? Let me talk to him real quick."

Softly Jody huffed. "Nikki."

"What? I want – no – I demand some answers. What's taking y'all so long?"

"We're working."

"That was your answer last year. Do you really wanna be one of those old-ass ladys that can't play with their kids at the park? Kids just calling your name, but you stuck on the bench because your knees are popping."

Starting with a chortle, "Nik-"

The other woman interrupted, "It ain't pretty, Jo. I see it every Tuesday."

"It's not even that serious."

"Isn't it? Shorty's pushing forty. Didn't I see him with a cane?"

"He's thirty-five and no, it's a prop. Look we're gonna get there, alright. Just not right this minute."

Nikki sighed in a mournful way. "We had this all planned out. Our kids were supposed to grow up together."

"Who says it can't still be that way? I'll give you a call when Prince and I are ready. Then you and Dev can get busy and, boom, problem solved."

"You've got a year, tops. Devin already knows I'm closing down shop soon. I refuse to be pregnant in my thirties. It wouldn't feel right."

"Well, depending on how this album sales, we might have to negotiate something."

Nikki made a scoffing sound. "Listen to me talking about family. I forgot you too busy being a hoe."

Jody cackled. "Don't act like you don't play my hoe music in your car."

"Oh, I won't deny it. I blast it and sing along too, but that's not my point."

Jody's amusement slowly waned.

"Okay, I know you living your dreams and got more money than I can shake a stick at. But, being forreal, you're happy right?"

Going quiet for a second Jody wondered if anything came across in her voice. Her ears didn't think so. She's actually feeling relaxed for once...for the most part anyway. So it wasn't a complete lie when she answered.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"I'm just checking. I know you-"

Words halted. Saved by the crash. Through the line a clanging of pots is heard. Nikki reacted immediately.