Disclaimer: There is very sensitive and descriptive content in this chapter.
Nicki
Christmas break was 2 weeks away, which meant that the annual winter concert was approaching.
Bey and I had been putting crazy hours into the choir, before school, during school, and after school.
It had began to take its toll on me because I hadn't been sleeping. It is the peak of my junior year and I am more stressed than I had ever been. Every time I turn around I have an SAT study session with my tutor, an essay to write, or colleges to look at.
I'm drained.
Beyoncé wasn't making it any better because of how distant she's been for the past few days. I decided not to press her but I feel really unwanted and neglected and I think she should know that. Besides part of the reason is because stress is beginning to consume her as well. She sings lead in one of the songs for choir and she hasn't been feeling the song lately so her emotion doesn't shine in her vocals like they normally do. Beyoncé is a phenomenal singer, but she hasn't been going full out. She'll talk to me when she's ready I guess.
~
"Hey bey," I said sitting next to her on the stands.
We were getting ready for our, now regular, before school routine for this choir. I don't see the purpose in singing before 8 in the morning but whatever.
"Hey hun," she responded more joyful than usual.
"Ooo, someone is in a good mood today."
She smiled, "yeah I guess."
"Nah go on and embrace what you're feeling, don't hold back," I reassured her.
"My uncle called me this morning," she responded with a smile.
"What uncle?" I returned the smile, I loved to see her smile.
"My uncle Thomas, he's in prison. All for being at the wrong place at the wrong time."
"I'm sorry to hear that, he seems like a great person for you to be smiling from ear to ear. I like this."
"Yeah, I've never met him but I feel like I connect with him the most."
"Alright, everyone to their sections please!" Mrs. Greene interrupted.
"Talk to you later my love," I said and she nodded.
I got up from the soprano section where Beyoncé sat and went to the alto section. Another potential 12 to 14 hour day. I sighed.
~
When I got home the clock read 6:45 and I sighed. My feet ached from standing for a 2-hour long after school rehearsal.
I was greeted immediately by the smell of my mother's cooking, I lured my way into what caused the smell.
She was making her famous stew chicken.
"Hey ma," I greeted her and kissed her cheek.
"Hi Nika, how was school?"
"Good, choir is killing me. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with choosing a career path and college," I began to ramble unintentionally before my mother cut me off.
"Nika don't stress yourself over things that are beyond your control. Just be the best version of yourself you can be and always remember to pray and trust God," my mother responded.
I felt the weight on my chest loosen momentarily. I thanked her for her words and then went to shower and start doing homework. It was already 8 p.m when I got into bed, I sighed when I thought about all of the homework and projects that were due within the next two days.
