I won't settle for less nor will I be hidden .
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London
December 11th 2018
11:00am
Onika:
I was in a cab the next morning before Lauren was out of bed. She hadn't fought me on going, but she was worried and her concern only made me more nervous. I had no clue what waited for me in Notting Hill, but I sure as hell wasn't out to impress anyone today.
The plan was pretty simple. Get in. Get out. Get over it. My breath hitched when the taxi slowed to a stop in front of a gated row home. "This it, miss?" the driver asked. I couldn't get a word past the lump in my throat, so I nodded and shoved cash in his hand. I clutched the key so tightly that it cut into my skin as I approached the house.
Behind the gate, there was a garden in full bloom and a stone path that led to red steps and the door beyond.
Judging from the water pooling at the edge of the walkway, someone had tended the plants recently. It was likely Jade was here. My heart jumped in my chest, and I took a deep breath. See if the key works before you get excited, my rational side advised. I dropped it twice, trying to insert it into the lock with trembling fingers.
The key turned and the gate swung open, welcoming me inside the private sanctuary. Pausing amongst the flowers, I couldn't help wishing I were here under different circumstances. This place was a dream as cozy and inviting as the neighborhood to which it belonged.
But right now I was too tense to enjoy it. I'd brought Beyoncé to Notting Hill, and the memories weighed on me, turning my favorite place into somewhere I wanted to avoid. I'd come back though.
If for no other reason than to push this all into the past. I climbed the steps, resolved to get this over with, but as I reached for the bell, I spotted a red rose tucked into the door handle.
I took it gingerly, pricking myself on the thorny stem despite my care. Tears welled in my eyes and blood welled on my fingertip. There was no reason to believe it was for me, but I knew it was. Just as I knew that key was going to unlock the gate.
It was the same vibrant scarlet as the one I'd worn in my hair the night of the ball. The night where everything had changed between us. The door opened, startling me out of the web of memories I'd become trapped in.
The sight of her knocked the air from my lungs, and I gasped, tying to remember how to breathe. I'd spent the last two weeks dreaming of her face, but seeing her before me, I realised those fantasies hadn't even touched on her beauty.
Beyoncé first couple of buttons on her shirt was unbuttoned, revealing her black lace bra. My body betrayed me, responding instinctively to the magnetic energy sizzling between us. This was a mistake. Whatever reason she had for asking me to come here, it had been a mistake to come.
The tears fell freely down my cheeks, and I didn't try to stop them. The pressure in my chest built until I heaved with unrestrained yearning. Beyoncé reached for my hand, spotting the small wound on my finger.
She brought it to her lips and sucked away the blood before placing a gentle kiss on the spot. The gesture was small but not insignificant. When her arm coiled around my waist, I didn't resist her. I couldn't.
So much for being strong, the critical voice in my head sneered. But her mouth silenced my fears as it pressed against mine. The kiss was tender and hesitant, and her lips moved slowly. Salt mingled with her taste on my tongue, and I pulled away to discover the tears weren't mine.
