Separate Ways...

Nicki stood at the stove pushing around the ground beef in the skillet. It had been a long day and she was physically drained. The kids had her running around all day to their different activities. When she went to the studio they decided that they weren't going to be the sweet angels they usually were for her and just sit there and read, color, or do homework. No they constantly bother the producer, argue with each other, run out of the studio playing tag. By the time she reached home all she wanted to do was hide in her room and pretend she had no kids or responsibilities. But she had a man that had been out all day working on new business deals and wanted a home cooked meal. Safaree had requested a five course meal but tonight he wold be getting sloppy Joes.

Nicki heard the garage door open and the sound of Safaree's motorcycle pulling in. She gave a sigh of relief. Nicki knew he was good at riding but she worried still that maybe he wouldn't make it home one day. The alarm system announced that the door to the garage had been opened and in walked Safaree. Six small feet swiftly moved across the floor to greet him with shouts and praises. Nicki rolled her eyes annoyed that she had gotten attitudes from them all day and he comes home to get so much love.

"Hey baby." Safaree wrapped his arms around her small frame and inhaled her scent.

"Hi." Nicki said dryly. She opened up the oven to check on the french fries that were baking.

"Sloppy Joes?" Safaree looked at the skillet with disgust until he looked over at Nicki's intense stare borrowing a hole in his head. "I mean a coon can't wait to tear this up. I'ma go take off my jacket and shoes." He kissed her on her cheek and walked out the kitchen. "I'm not going to deal with her attitude tonight." he said out loud only to himself.

During dinner the children acted so sweet for Safaree which sickened Nicki as she nibbled on her fries. Safaree noticed Nicki huffing and puffing all through dinner every time one of the kids would say something.

He caught that they were the core of her problem.

"Babe go on upstairs and take a bath. Me and the kids will clean up and I'll make sure they get bathed and in bed." Safaree smiled feeling like the best boyfriend in the world.

Nicki showed no appreciation just dropped the french fry on the plate and got up to leave. Once out of sight he turned his attention back to the kids.

"What did y'all do to mommy today?"

"Nothin." They all said together looking guilty.

"Mhmm. You know If I go ask her and she tells me otherwise it's not going to be good for any of you right?" Safaree was trying to give them another chance to save themselves.

"Ethan kicked mommy in her leg when she was trying to take away his train for arguing with Daria after she told them to be quiet." Zaria snitched and Ethans eyes got wide.

"Zaria called  mommy a poop head when mommy told her she couldn't get another one of those stupid dolls." Ethan yelled giving Zaria the evil eye.

"Daddy I told mommy I hated her but I didn't mean it. I think I made her sad." Daria confessed and began to cry.

"Aww Toot come here." Safaree scooped her up in his arms. "Why would you say that to her? Stop crying." he rubbed her back to sooth her.
"She-she--she yelled at-me for spilling her water all over her papers. I didn't mean to do it daddy, honest I didn't." Daria finally managed to get out the words then cried even harder.

"Tomorrow you all will apologize to her. You three know how to act. I better not ever hear about or see you acting like brats again or i'ma put something on your behinds, do you understand me?" Safaree gave a stern look to all of them. He meant business and they knew he did.

"Yes daddy." they said.

"Ethan come here." Safaree watched him slide off his chair and stand in front of him.

"If I ever hear about you putting your hands on another girl especially your mother, me, you, and my belt gone have a good time getting to know each other. Do you understand me?"

"Yes sir." Ethan didn't make eye contact.

"Now get upstairs and pick out your night clothes while I clean up down here and I bet not hear a peep outta you." Safaree put Daria down and wiped her face before she left out with her siblings.

Safaree hated leaving Nicki alone with them by herself. Not that she couldn't handle it but because he knew it was a lot to take on by ones self. Three five year olds is enough to drive anybody crazy. He knew he had to go get her out of her bad mood or she wouldn't be pleasant in the morning and tomorrow was their date day.

After finishing up the dishes, cleaning up the kids play room, and getting the kids to bed Safaree made his way to the master bed room. Walking in he seen Nicki sitting on the bed sowing Daria's dance costume.

"Baby I thought I told you to go bathe and relax?" Safaree sat next to her on the bed.

"Well Safaree I have shit that has to get done so I can't relax." she continued to thread the tutu onto the pink leotard.

Safaree got up and went to the bathroom to take his shower. He would handle her when he got out.
Hours later Safaree slid out of the bed leaving a satisfied Nicki to slip into a deep sleep. He looked down at her in her peaceful state. Safaree ran his hand over his neck and jerked it back when he felt a sting. He gently touched his neck again and figured out that Nicki had left scratch marks there. He shook his head and smirked.

"All you needed was some good dick to mellow yo ass out." he said feeling good about himself walking into the bathroom.

Safaree got a towel and ran warm water over it and added soap. Safaree cleaned himself up at the sink then went and cleaned up Nicki.

The next morning Safaree woke up excited about his day with Nicki. Nothing was planned more like a go with the flow type day. Both him and Nicki had been stressing for the last month over work and the kids so today was their day to just give each other their attention. Lauren and Rex were coming over to get the kids for the day. Lauren was taking the girls for Medi's and Pedi's, and also to get their hair done. Rex was taking Ethan go-Kart racing and to a BBQ in his old neighborhood.

Safaree left Nicki sleeping while he went to go get the kids up and ready for their day. He started with Zaria first because she was the hardest to wake up. She slept like the dead so he would begin with her then move on to Daria who woke up when asked, then go back to Zaria who would most likely be balled up under the covers and he would have to snatch them off her. Then go across the hall to tell Ethan it was okay to get out of the bed now, he was like his mother an early riser.

"Zaria get out the bed now. How many times do I have to repeat myself? Get up little girl." Safaree picked her up and stood her on her feet then moved on to a different task. Her eyes still closed she swayed then fell limp. "Oh shit." Safaree said hearing her body hit the floor with a thud. "Zaria you okay?" He picked her up in his arms trying not to laugh at the dazed look on her face.

"What happen daddy?" she rubbed her eyes.

"You umm- you fell out the bed crazy girl. You gotta be more careful." he rubbed her head. "Go brush your teeth." he watched his still half sleep daughter stumble into the bathroom.

Safaree proceeded to make the girls beds then went to go give Ethan his breathing treatment. The doctors were treating him for asthma but something was telling Safaree it was something much more than just that. He had been doing research but was coming to dead ends. He looked at his son with the mask around his face inhaling.

"You ready to apologize to your mother?"

Ethan shook his head yes.

The Girls

Lauren took the girls to Happy Nails Spa for a day of pampering. It was more like she added them to her day of pampering. Nicki called her after she made her appointment and she wasn't about to cancel it. So she just added her nieces to the equation.

Zaria sat in the nail chair getting her manicure. She was getting pink nails except for her index finger she was getting yellow with glitter, her mothers child. Daria only wanted clear polish but her sister and Lauren convinced her to get green nails since it was her favorite color.

"Auntie Lauren do we get to go home after this?" Daria asked.

"No baby doll. We are going to go get food and go meet up with uncle Rex."

"Oh." Daria bit the corner of her lip.

"Is that okay?"

"Yes auntie." She gave a dimple smile.

Lauren sat back and let a lady begin on her avocado and honey facial.

"Auntie can we get a um..um..a faceticle too?" Zaria asked straining her neck to see the lady put it on Lauren's face.

"Do y'all want one?"

She received mixed answers.

"Sissy do it wif me." Zaria pouted.

"It looks nasty Z." Daria turned up her nose at the green mixture.

"But it will make your skin pretty."

"I'll look like you?" Daria said. Lauren sighed. Nicki told her that Daria thinks her sister is much prettier than her. She didn't want her niece having body image issues this young. She was gorgeous.

"Sissy you already look like me."

"Okay. But you have to do basketball camp with me."

"Deal." Zaria had no intentions on going but it got Daria to do it so she agreed.

At the House
Safaree lay with his head towards the foot of the bed icing Nicki's bruised leg. He was happy to have her all to himself for the day. Safaree just wanted to love on her and act like they did before they had kids. He loved his children to death but he wouldn't have minded if they came a little later in life.

They had the windows open and the wind was blowing their curtains. Nicki stared out at the neighborhood enjoying the comfortable silence between her and Safaree. She felt the palm of Safaree's rough hands slide up her leg. She turned her head to look at him causing her hair to fall around her face. Making eye contact they smiled at one another.

"I'm enjoying this." Nicki motioned for him to take the ice off her leg.

"What's that?"

"The quiet. No one screaming my name every two minutes."

"I mean I could do that if you wanted me too?" Safaree smirked at Nicki.

"Down boy." Nicki lay her head on a pillow still able to stare at Safaree. "Oooo you know what I want?"

"No tell me." Safaree was kissing on her leg trying to get something started.

"A strawberry and cream pie from McDonald's." She licked her lips.

"Well come on and lets go get one."

"Safaree you know I'm on a diet." Nicki pouted.

"Since the fuck when Nicki?" He made them both burst with laughter. "You and this nonexistent diet. You look just fine Nicki. I kinda want you to gain a lil weight. Get thick in the thighs again." he gazed over her body like she was a five course meal and he hadn't eaten in days.

"I'm getting older baby. I can't just gain weight and drop it like I used too."

"Well let's go get me a pie from McDonald's."

"K." Nicki hopped up and put on her sneakers.

Safaree shook his head knowing she was going to get at least two pies for herself.

Sitting in the parking lot of McDonald's Safaree watched Nicki put away her two pies and half of his second one. They sat talking about business and where each of them were going in there careers at this point. Safaree didn't want to discuss that, they always talking about business.

"Let's go to the movies." Safaree suggested.

"Do you remember the chaos that went down the last time we tried to go by ourselves? You will not have me running through the parking lot again. And on top of that we in this pink ass car."

"Baby please. I really want to go see that new action movie." Safaree leaned on the arm rest and gave Nicki his best sad face.

"That's what you really want to do?" she rubbed her hand across his head feeling his waves.

"Yeah."

"Okay. We'll go. You buying the popcorn." She started up the car.

"But I bought the pie's."

"You'll buy them tickets as well." Nicki whipped the car in to traffic and headed to the theater.

The Theater

"Ewl Safaree." Nicki hid her face in his chest.

Mark Wahlberg and just blow off his brothers head for betraying him. And the director had left it as graphic as possible. Nicki felt tricked. Safaree said it was a action movie but to her it was more of a horror movie. She wasn't feeling the movie at all. She'd rather be in the new Julia Roberts movie playing in the next theater.

Needless to say the movie had lost her interest. Nicki and Safaree were at the top of the theater sitting off to the side against the wall.. Nicki had raised the arm rest between them to be closer to Safaree. Nicki adjusted in the chair and kissed Safaree on his jaw line as he looked at the screen watching the story unfold. She kissed him on his neck.

"Come on Nicki watch the movie." Safaree whispered. He wasn't lying when he said he really wanted to see this movie.

"It's boring." Nicki kissed the corner of his mouth. Safaree tried his best to ignore her as she tugged on his earlobe with her teeth.

"Nic why won't you let me enjoy my movie? We could have did this at home." he tilted his hat up and leaned back in the seat.

Nicki swung her leg over his lap and kissed his lips. She didn't know what came over, not one for public affection, but she just wanted to be touched by him. Safaree placed his hand on the back off her head gripping her hair and kissed and sucked on the side of her neck.

"Take me home." she kissed his lips again. "Take me home and make love to me." She looked him in his eyes. That's all Safaree needed to hear. They were back to their car within minutes.

Rex and Ethan

Rex strapped Ethan into the kart behind him before going to strap himself in. They had met up at Grand Prix center with his friend Lamar and his two boys Darnell and Frankie. The boys were a year older than Ethan.

Ethan had been having a great day so far. Rex took him to IHOP earlier for breakfast and he got his banana pancakes and sausage. Then they stopped and got Ethan the new train that his mother told him he couldn't have, this was unknown to Rex. Now they were about to race.

"You ready to beat them?" Rex asked making sure Ethan was strapped in tight. He new Nicki would make sure he was 6ft under if anything happened to Ethan while in his care.

"Yeah." Ethan yelled. He loved spending time with his uncle.

Ethan had fun whipping around the corners and driving the kart. They went four rounds with Lamar and his boys before calling it quits. Rex and Ethan had beat them three rounds out of four. They headed over to the cook out at Rex aunts house. Rex and Lamar left the boys at the table while they went to get them food.

"That was fun. Me and my uncle whooped you guys." Ethan said making conversation. "Why'd you keep bumping my kart tho Frankie?"

"I didn't bump you." Frankie said.

"Yes you did. Four times, it hurt my neck." Ethan said in a small voice.

"Shut up you big baby." Darnell pushed Ethan's shoulder.

"Don't be mean to me." Ethan shouted.

Before he knew it Darnell had pushed him off the bench and onto the grass. Ethan looked up at them laughing at him. Ethan got up and walked over to Rex at the food table.

"Hey big E. What's wrong?" he asked looking down at him. Ethan looked back at the boys.

"Nothing. Can you put pickles on my burger uncle Rex?"

"You got it my man."

Later that afternoon all the boys were in the backyard playing football. Ethan sat in the grass enjoying all the smack talking. He wasn't used to all the cussing and rough housing but he liked it. He had made sure to stay clear of Frankie and his brother. That's until Rex told him to get in the game and play. He had only played flag football, never tackle.

"I don't want to uncle Rex."

"You'll be fine. Come on you're supposed to be my right hand man. You can't leave me hanging." Rex held his hand out and helped Ethan up. "Alright now I'm going to yell hike and then Camden is going to hand me the ball. Then I'm going to hand the ball off to you and you are going to run as fast as you can between Lamar and Frankie and make it to the fence. Okay?"

"Yeah."

Rex put Ethan where he needed to be and put the play into motion. Ethan got the ball and tried to run between Lamar and Frankie but they had blocked it off. Ethan ran under Lamar's legs and made his way all the way to the fence.

"I see you Big E." Rex said jumping up and down at Ethan's touchdown. "Slam the ball down." Rex yelled and Ethan spiked the ball and jumped up and down like he saw Rex do.

Out of no where Frankie came and pushed Ethan face first into the wire fence. Ethan felt a sharp pain go across his face. When he felt it he saw blood on his small hand. Ethan turned his head and looked at Frankie. Without warning Ethan stood up and tackled Frankie to the ground. Ethan proceeded to punch Frankie in his face.

"Fight." one of the kids yelled out.

Rex turned around to see who the knuckle heads were.

"Damn." Rex raced over to break up the fight. "Alright Ethan let him go." He pulled Ethan's small body off of the boy. Ethan's breathing became irregular. Rex sat him on the picnic table while everyone watched him pull Ethan's breathing machine out of a small black bag. He put Ethan's breathing mask on. "Come on buddy slow your breathing. Deep breaths." Ethan did as he was told. "There you go Big E. Just like that."

While he finished his treatment Rex took a napkin and wiped the blood from the scratch off his face. Rex's aunt came over pushing everyone away.

"Is everything okay?" she asked.

"Yeah. But I think I'm going to take the little guy home. He's had enough excitement for one day."

"I hate that this happen. I have the plates you asked for in the kitchen. I'll go get them for you."

"Thank you aunt Bernie." Rex was trying to figure out how to explain this to Nicki when Lamar came over with Frankie.

"Hey man I'm sorry about all this." Lamar said shaking his head.

"They kids man, they gone have scuffles." Rex picked up Ethan.

"Yeah but that don't make it right. Frankie don't you have something to say?" Lamar pulled him forward by his shirt.

"I'm sorry for pushing you Ethan." he said. Ethan just turned his head away laying it on Rex shoulder.

"We gone head and get out of here. I'll hit you later this week." Rex dapped up Lamar and took the plates from his aunt and headed back to Safaree's house. He texted Safaree when he got in the car.

Rex
I'm bringing Ethan back home. I'll explain when I get there.
Rex
Make sure you come out and get him okay. Not Nicki.

Back @ the House

Nicki and Safaree were in the bed wrapped in the sheets after an afternoon of love making. Safaree was kissing a half sleep Nicki's fingers as she laid against his chest. Both sweaty and in need of a shower. Safaree was convinced this was better than anything the movie was about.

"Hey sleepy head."

"Hm." Nicki wasn't able to give a full response.

"Wake up. You can't sleep on our date day." Safaree slipped her finger in his mouth and pulled it out slowly.

"I'm sleepy. Let's just sleep together." she pulled the cover over her shoulders.

"We just slept together though. You want to go another round?" he asked. Nicki gave a lazy smile.

"Nooo nasty. I mean actually sleep, cuddle with me." she pulled his arm over her.

"No lazy. I don't want to sleep I want to go do something since I didn't get to see my movie." he still wanted to see the movie. "Aye." He nudged her.

"What boy?"

"That thing you did in the car on the way here, you should do that more often." he smiled big.

"Oh you liked that huh?"

"Hell yeah." Safaree reached over to his vibrating phone. He read the text from Rex. "Rex said he's bringing Ethan home early."

"Nooo. It's not even six yet." Nicki buried her head under a pillow. "I just want to sleep." Safaree strained to make out what she said. "He's your child for the next two hours."

"Don't worry, I'll keep him out of your hair."

"Good." she wrapped herself up even more in her cover leaving Safaree ass naked and cold.

"Guess I'll go take a shower then. Get in with me?" he looked to see if she would move. He got nothing.

Hours later Safaree heard movement upstairs then looked over at Ethan's face. He knew Nicki was gone flip when she saw it. Safaree on the other hand was proud of his son. He knows Ethan is a very quiet and loving kid so he was always afraid he would get picked on. After what Rex told him went down he knew he need not worry. Getting Nicki to see his way was going to be the hard part.

"Ethan how does your face feel?"

"It felt better before you put the sting stuff on it." Ethan cut his eyes at Safaree.

"Well it was that or let it get infected then you look like ugly and we have to send you away." Safaree said looking over his face. "You'll be alright. When your mom comes down here tell her it doesn't hurt."

"But it does."

"Man tell her it doesn't and I'll tell her I bought you the train she told you you couldn't have. Instead of telling her the truth about you suckering your uncle into buying." Safaree held his hand out.

"Deal." Ethan slapped him five.

Upstairs Nicki sat admiring her engagement ring when her phone began to ring. She looked at the screen it was Lauren.

"Hello?" she greeted.

"What you doin hoe?" Candi's voice boomed through the phone.

"Lauren why you call with her on the phone. I thought I was going to have civilized conversation." Nicki teased.

"Did ju eba really lub me Steebie?" Nicki cackled at Candi's response.

"What do y'all want?"

"I called to tell you how that Zaria child is the devil's spawn." Lauren said with attitude.

"What did my Angel do?" Nicki snickered.

"Everything was going fine until we went to go eat. I didn't go to the right restaurant I guess and that little heffa threw the mother of all fits. I will never take her anywhere by myself ever again. Daria is my road dog. She was cool through the whole thing. I thought she was gone whoop Z ass when she went to help calm her down and Zaria kicked her in the stomach." Lauren explained the car ride home. Nicki sat cracking up.

Nicki had told Lauren that they were a hand full when she found out she was taking them for the day. Zaria was particular about where she ate, she didn't get this from her parents.

"I'll make her apologize to you tomorrow. Sorry Lauren. Well I've been sleep for awhile let me go help my baby with the terror triplet's. Talk to y'all later." Nicki hung up and put her phone back onto the charger and mad her way downstairs.

Nicki entered the living room and the girls ran to her giving her a hug. Nicki noticed how tall they were getting. They arms looped around her waist. But she was small herself. She looked around to see where Ethan was. She spotted him on Safaree's lap. Nicki put her hands on her hips.

"So my baby boy don't love his mommy no more? Da kid can't get no hug.?" she put on her ratchet voice.

"I'm playing with Fat Daddy mommy." Ethan tried his best not to turn his face towards her like father told him too.

"So that dog is more important than me?" Nicki plopped down on the couch right next to them. "Give me a kiss." Nicki placed her hands on both sides of his cheek causing Ethan to scream out.

"No Nicki." Safaree said moving her right hand from his left cheek.

Nicki looked confused. "What's wrong with him?" she looked from one to the other as they looked at each other. "One of you better get to talking. Ethan Lloyd what's wrong?" She watched him fumble with his hands.

"I uh...mommy I got into a fight." Ethan admitted. "Sorry daddy."

"You got into what? With who?" She turned his head and saw the scratch the started from his ear and stopped in the middle of his cheek. "My babies face." Nicki pulled Ethan into her lap. "Safaree who was he fighting?"

"Man some kids at a Barbecue in Brooklyn Rex took him too." Safaree shook his head at her dramatics.

"BROOKLYN? Why was my baby in Brooklyn?" Nicki kissed the side of Ethan's face.

"Man Rex was at his aunts. Ethan was playing with the boys and they had a small scuffle. Nothing to worry about Nicki. The scratch will go away." Safaree was not trying to hear or see her baby Ethan all night. "He is fine Nicki. Do not sit here and baby him. He hasn't cried about it once since being here. Matter of fact Ethan go ahead and get to the corner and stand on one foot. I haven't forgot about you kicking your mother. Learn to keep your feet on the ground. I'll tell you when you can switch legs."

Ethan slid of his mothers lap and went to finish his punishment. He stood for an hour when he first got home. Zaria also got her punishment for cutting up with Lauren, she had to clean up the whole play room by herself and sit for an hour at her desk quietly.

Nicki sat looking like a sad puppy at Ethan's face. She never wanted to see her babies hurting. She looked over at Safaree and gave him a evil look. She knew he was just being a parent but she didn't want Ethan being punished right then and there, especially after begin in a fight. Nicki sighed and moved over to Safaree.

"He's staying there Nicki so don't even try and plead his case." Safaree clocked her before she opened her mouth.

"See I wasn't even going to say nothing about him." She wrapped her arms around Safaree.

"Then what? You gone blame me for his face?"

"Noooo. I was going to say you're the cutest almost husband ever and that I love you." she puckered her lips.

"Oh. Thanks." He leaned down and kissed her lips. "Let's have a game night with the kids."

"Can we play Candyland?" Daria chimed in.

"How she hear me from all the way over there?" Safaree asked. "Yes we can play toot. Speaking of playing. Is Michelle still going to be able to watch the kids next weekend while we go out to L.A.?"

"I believe so but I will text her tonight to make sure it's still a go. Baby do you ever get a weird vibe from her?" Nicki asked.

"No. What you mean?"

"Like I feel like I know her from somewhere but I can't pinpoint it. She's nice though so it has to be a happy place I know her from." Nicki shrugged it off. "After Ethan's hour is up then we'll play. Tonight I'm not going to make anything special for dinner but tomorrow I'll make your favorite. I've been slacking on my culinary skills."

"It's whatever you want to do. I see you rocking your ring." Safaree tapped the ring. Nicki blushed.

"Yeah. I love it. My favorite piece of jewelry."

"You better tell TM before they find out from somewhere else. They will eat you alive if they find out with everyone else."

"Let's do it now."

"You sure?" he said handing over his phone.

"Yes or I'll forget.." Nicki logged into her account from his phone

@NICKIMINAJ
Oh Verd? Now.

Nicki watched her TL break out in spazzing. She logged into her Oh Verd? page and watched that TL speculate about what she had to tell them.

IBodyyBitches: What if they tell us they getting married? 

Nicki went and fav'd her Status. Her whole TL spazzed out.

IBodyyBitches: Naw she got us last time with that Drake shit. Put a pic up so we know it's real.

Onika T. Maraj: Oh Verd Eb?

Onika T. Maraj: pic.OhVerd.wall.fm/0RuQ3k4Wpl

Nicki put a picture of her left hand holding Safaree's up on her status.

Onika T. Maraj: Love you Barbz. Signing out.  XOXO

"Okay well let me go start dinner." Nicki got up and pulled her underwear out her butt.

"Ya booty just be eating ya panties."

"Shut up Safaree." She yelled walking away.

The kids and Safaree laughed hard at Nicki's expense.

*I didn't know how to end this chapter. I'm trying to get to the meat and potatoes of this story but it takes time to reveal the big moment. Sorry if you wanted more of the kids scene but it's hard trying to think from a 5yr old perspective. lol I hope it was log enough. Um Leave a comment please. Tell me what you're thinking. Until Next time.*

Work in Progress....

Why did I even agree to this shit? I just want him to get out of my face right now. Seeing him won't calm me down. This whole not leaving the room when we're mad BS is for the birds. These lists we made are getting on my nerves too. It's like everyday he got something else to add to mine like I'm a problem child. He wants me to be a stepford wife and that's not going to happen. I'm me and me has a temper problem that won't ever go away. Why doesn't he know this by now?

"So you're just going to sit there and stare at me?" Safaree broke me from trance. I looked over to see Dr. Wolff starring at me.

"Well I don't see the problem. Never once have you brought this up to me and now you do it in front of a total stranger Safaree."

"I didn't know how to bring it up to you and could be assured that you wouldn't leave. When we made the rule last week I figured here was as good as place as any."

"If our sex life is that dull to you then I have a great plan. How bout I won't fucking touch you ever again. Not a kiss, a hug, hell I'll do you one better how 'bout I you sleep in your old room so you don't EVERR have to touch me." looking over at the time and it couldn't be any more perfect for my "Fuck You" speech to dickhead. I  grabbed my bag and slid on my Chanel shades and stormed out the room.

Walking out to the car I realize I'm doing exactly what Safaree told me I do. I never try and resolve it with him right away. I blow up at him then shut down all together, hindering our process. He's done everything I've asked of him, hell today he actually came through on one of my request. He addressed a quality in our relationship that he felt needed work instead of just letting me continue to do it and then punish me for it while leaving me clueless. Basically I just made him feel like complete shit for bringing it up in a zone where he felt comfortable.

I walk back into Dr. Wolffs office and see him and Safaree carrying on a conversation. They stop and look at me enter the room and sit back next to Safaree. Sliding off my shades I suck it up and apologize.

"I realized what I just did was on my list and I'm sorry."

"Well I'm glad because I did nothing wrong Onika. That's-"

"Wait Safaree, Onika just admitted she was wrong. Isn't that one of the things you put on her list to work on?"

"Well yeah but-"

"If she is progressing don't belittle her like she is a child. Also something she put on your list." Dr. Wolff sat back and watched us.

"Thank you for admitting you were wrong Nicki and I'll work harder as well." he clenched his jaw. He would never admit it to me or anyone else but he is just as stubborn as me at times.

"Babe you have worked hard." I turn towards him. "I'm sorry I haven't acknowledged your progress. I'm trying to get my temper under control it's just so hard when I've been set in my ways for so long. That is the only way I feel like I'm being heard at times."

A knock came at the door. It was Dr. Wolff's assistant letting him know his. 11:15 appointment was here.

"Okay you guys. It's clear you still haven't really figured out the list thing. The list is not here for you to throw in each others face. You aren't to point out something knew about the other while in a heated argument. No one wants to hear about a therapy tactic while they're pissed off. If you see a trait you don't like you wait until both of you have calmed and then bring it up. Alright you two get out of here and continue working towards your goal. And next week I'll have different homework for you."

"Thank you Dr. Wolff." I stand up and walk out the door with Safaree behind me. This therapy stuff isn't all that bad I'm still pissed about him bringing that up in front of him though.

Heading to the school, so I can help Chaperon this trip to the Sony Wonder Technology Lab, all I could think about was how boring I was in the bedroom all of a sudden. Like WTF? I could feel a possible fight brewing but I had to know what was up with Safaree.

"So what changed?" I asked never looking at him only outside at the passing cars on the other side of the rode.

"About what?" so we're going to play dumb?

"Our sex life Safaree. When did sex with me become uninteresting?"

"When you started sneaking around to have it a constant habit. It was no longer because you just wanted a quickie before the main course that night but because you don't want to do it with the kids in the house? Like is that what it's going to be like once we're married? No longer making you yearn for me to touch you. Not hearing your moans as I go deep inside you slowly and hear you telling me it's all mine. Can I no longer make your back arch off the bed as I eat your pussy til my face is covered in your juices? Is it never going to be another night where you ride me all night and bite the left side of your lip while trying to make me cum but only causing your self to hit another climax? Baby please tell me I'll be able to ask you after our fourth or fifth round if I can hit it in the morning and in the morning when I'm tapping you on the shoulder to fulfill my sexual hunger for you I'll actually be met with open legs instead of weak kiss and a worn out excuse? Will it continue to be the same quick nut we have been having over the last three months? That's not the type of relationship my body and your body have."

We pull up to the school entrance. He put the car in park and looked into my eyes as he licked his lips.

"In the middle of the day on a Saturday when the kids are watching a movie and I see you walking around in your tight little green shorts that say "Juicy" on the back and I have a certain need for special attention will my wife be willing to pull me to the room and work her magic?"

Silence filled the car.

"See this is about me not giving you head the other day. I knew it." I roll my eyes.

"So from all of what I just said that's all you got from it Onika? Get out the car, I'll be back to pick you guys up at two thirty." He slid his shades on.

He's irritated now. Getting out the car I watch him pull away and merge into traffic. Damn him for having me horny at twelve in the afternoon. My attitude was full blown.


Sony Wonder Technology Lab 

Being with my kids and their friends was really what I needed. Out of a adult free world full of judgement and into the carefree world of 5-8yr olds. This place is so much fun. We made I.D. cards when we got here and I've actually learned a lot of stuff about technology. Now the Barbz can't clown me on how to work ustream or my computer. Speaking of Ustream I still owe them like two.

Nope, I won't think about work right now. I'm here with my babies and they get all my time today. Looking around I find them in separate groups of friends. Daria with the boys she plays soccer with, Zaria with a bunch of girls around her. I pray she doesn't turn out to be one of those girls like in the movies who grow up privileged and bullies the rest of the school. She's gorgeous and she knows it, she is really going to be handful when she gets older. And then there is Ethan also surrounded by girls but he on the other hand is completely ignoring them. They're not getting the hint.

"Excuse me ladies, Ethan come to Robo Zone with me." I stretch my hand out and he eagerly takes my hand.

Turning around I see Michelle approaching us. Me and her have become really close, one of the few people outside of my childhood friends that gets me. We've been  on a few lunch dates, she's even going to take the kids next weekend so me and Safaree can have a day to ourselves. Michelle is really good with them.

"Hey mamacita."

"Hello Ms. Maraj. Hi Ethan."

"Hi Miss. Tanner. Come on mommy the robots."

"You go ahead mommy will be along in a minute." I watched him take off across the room.

"So how have you been? I haven't heard from you in a couple of days." I ask.

"Family problems, nothing I can't handle though." she had a look in her eye. I don't know how to describe it but it happens a lot. Scary. "So how has Safaree been?"

"Ugh please don't even bring his name up right now." I rolled my eyes.

"Counselling not going so well? She said a little to loud for my comfort.

"Could you be any louder with my business girl? And it's going fine I guess it's just--" I looked around to see who is in ear hustling range. "he just  brought up our sex life today in front of the therapist." I whispered. Michelle made a "O" shape with her mouth.

"Well maybe you should spice it up?" I looked at her blankly.

"How you just assume it's me with the problem? See...lets just drop this before I get heated. I'll talk to you later." I walked off to go play with Ethan.

Another hour in and we were playing on this light up floor. These kids had worn me out today. I will never volunteer to do this again. Watching my own three is hard enough but they give me five more to tend too as well. Shoot me now please. My babies are having fun hanging with me though and that's all that matters. I see that Daria had come out of that shell she clamped herself in last year.

I hear my stomach growl. I'm glad I packed an extra lunch for me because that rabbit's food they tried to serve me was not going to cut it. But that still didn't fill me up because Zaria was eating off my plate and her plate. Safaree has to cook later. Well that's if he's not still agitated with me. I need to fix this, I won't let something this small take us back to that childish banter and games we used to play. If all he's asking for is something that small then he can have it. I'm not losing him.

Looking over at Ethan i see he is bent over trying to catch his breath. I've noticed he has been doing that a lot lately. He will run a few yards then he would sound like he had ran a marathon. A couple minutes later he'll be fine.

"Hey small fry are you okay?" I bend down in front of him.

"Yes-" Breath. Breath. "mommy-" Breath! "I'm okay." he stood up and ran over to his sisters and started playing again.  I need to get him checked out If this keeps up.

Later That Night

Safaree barbecued us some ribs, made loaded potato salad, and BBQ baked beans. When I tell you I pigged out. My baby can throw down in the kitchen. He needs to go open up his own restaurant. But he wanna do other dumb stuff my mess around with motorcycles.

Heading upstairs I see that Safaree has all the kids bathed and in their pajama's. He hasn't said much to me since he picked us up from the school earlier. He has really kept his distance from me. I walk into the girls room and see all of them in the corner talking and giggling.

"What's funny? I want to laugh too." I sit in Daria's small chair.

"You can't mommy. He is only our friend." Zaria says.

"Who? I don't see nobody." I look around.

"He is right here." She points to the corner with the chair in it.

"Ohhhh you have an imaginary friend. That's cute." I smile.

"He's not imaginary mommy, He's our Angel" Ethan said sternly.

"Angel?"

"Yes mommy." he rubbed his eyes, he was getting sleepy.

"Is he your age, my age, or grandmas age?"

"He's older then us." Daria put a spoon to her baby dolls mouth.

"What does he look like?" I ask.

"He looks like uncle Jay." Zaria explained feeding her doll.

"Oh okay. Well what's his name you guys?"

"Aidan." they all said together. Nicki looked at them with wide eyes. Ethan looked up at her.

I could tell all the color had just drained from my face. Aidan? How do they know about him? Who's been blabbing their big mouths around my children. I haven't had a dream about him in years.

"What's wrong mommy?" he walked over to her and sat in her lap.

"Nothing baby. Well why can't I see Aidan?"

Ethan looks over at the wall where I again see nothing then nods his head.

"He says he isn't here to help you this time. He's here to protect us."

My heart nearly skipped a beat.

"Protect you from what baby" I was beyond weirded out.

"He won't tell us mommy." Zaria said.

"He's says he can't leave until what's done is done." Daria chimed in while putting her toys away. "How do you know Aidan mommy?"

Oh hell no.

"Alright everyone in bed. Let's go, toys up."

"But mommy." Ethan whined still laying on the floor with his train.

"Boy what did I tell you about that "But mommy"? When I say move you move. Now go put up your toys and get in bed. I'll come and tuck you in when you are done." I help the girls with their room.

"Yes ma'am." he moved slowly out of the room.

Walking into our bedroom I sit on the bed. Safaree is in the shower, the smell of Irish Spring seeped in the room from up under the door. How do I tell my children that I killed there brother? My tears roll down my hot cheeks. I can't handle this.

                                                                           *****
SB's POV

That shower was just what I needed. Got my thoughts together while in here. I usually think while I'm cooking but Onika decided she wanted to be all up under me. After all these years I still don;t fully get that woman. One minute she's bitchin' at me then the next she's following me around. Bi-polar ass.

Wrapping my towel around my waist I start brushing my teeth. I guess I'll never fully understand her, then again I don;t think I want to fully understand what goes on in her head. I might end up crazy like her and have wacky emotions. Women. Opening the door to enter the bedroom I see her curled in a ball in the middle of the bed. Her eyes open from the light hitting her face. I see hurt. She shuts them and continues to sob on the bed.

"Onika what's wrong." I sit on the bed and rub her back.

"I-I--I can't tell them." she buried her face in the pillow.

What in the hell happened? See, emotional for no ass reason.

"Tell who what babe?" I move over to the dresser and pull out my briefs to put on.

"'The kids. They told me Aidan is here to protect them. He said something bad is going to happen." I hate when she crying and trying to talk too.

"Wait what?" I walk into the closet to get my shorts.

"Yeah that's what I said. Said Aidan told them he can't leave until what's done is done. Safaree have you spoken about Aidan to anyone while the kids were around?"

"No Nicki. I don't ever bring him up. Why would you even think I would be that careless?" She pissing me off. And I wish she would stop crying, it's not that serious. "Nicki they are kids. Now I don;t know how they found out about him but they did. They probably liked the name and start making up stuff. They have good imaginations."

"Really Safaree? That's to much of a fuckin coincidence. What if he really is, ya know, here?" she pulled her knees to her chest. "That's the only time he used to come to my dreams is when things were about to go wrong so he could warn me. And can you stop moving around and actually have a conversation with me." I stopped and really looked at her.

Shit man, she really fucked up about this. I move to my side of the bed and pat the space next to me. Nicki rolled her eyes.

"Girl." I pull her by the arm and into mines. "Everything will be fine. The kids will be fine and we will be fine." Nothing is going to happen to our family." I kiss the top of her head as she hugs my waist. "You believe me?" she looked up at me.

"Yes."

"Okay so calm your nerves and chill. Just sit here and be my sweetness." She smiles. I wipe away the tears left on her face. She is such a beautiful mess. "Kiss me."

Pushing up on my thigh she pushed her lips against mine. Nicki tried putting her tongue in my mouth but I wouldn't let her. She began to whimper and pout.

"Stop being mean to me." she ran her tongue along my bottom lip.

"Naw you don't get to start nothing you not gone let me finish. Let's just sit here and chill."

"There ain't nothing to do Faree." she kissed my chest.

"Let me teach you how to play my game" I reached over for the remote control.

"I'm trying to love on you and you want to play that stupid Duty game? You never cease to amaze me but if you want to play I'll play." she sat Indian style between my legs and took the gamer controller.

"Naw that's the player one controller You need the this one." She almost gave me a elbow to the neck when I tried to take it away.

"No. Ion want that one. If I got to play then I get to pick my controller, move ugly boy."

"See that's why I'ma let you die in the game."

"You better not." She leaned back on my chest while I explained the rules. I miss times like this.

Next Night

It was two in the morning and Nicki was just getting in from club Zest. She made an appearance for her Barbs, and Wayne had asked for her to come out with her YMCMB family. She walked into the living room and gawked at the disaster in the front room. She took off her heels and picked up the toy chest and began cleaning.

Around two-forty-five, she climbed the stairs to go to bed. Nicki went into the girls room and checked on them. They were both sound asleep, she kissed both on their cheeks and left out the room. She checked Ethans room but he wasn't there. Nicki walked into her room and seen Safaree sleep in his boxers and Nike socks with Ethan on top of him sleep in his batman underwear and Nike socks. She went and got Safarees camera out of his closet and snapped a picture of the pair. She went and showered, then climbed in bed and cuddled up next to her men. She succumbed to sleep moments later.

The next morning Nicki woke up to and empty bed. She went to the restroom to relieve herself and did her morning routine at the sink, then went to the Kitchen. Nicki found both Ethan and Safaree standing in the front of the fridge with their legs spread, hip with a part, and left hand on their hip. Ethan had his head tilted back drinking his small bottle of Sunny D and Safarees head was tilted drinking from the big jug of Simply Orange.

"Well look at Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Big Dummy." she said putting her hands on her hips and staring at them.  Both turned, looked at her then turned away. SB put his bottle back in the fridge, Ethan tried to do the same.

"No E man you finish yours." Safaree instructed.

"Well what do you think you're doing putting your lips on the bottle I drink from too?" Safaree burped, then Ethan let out a small one as well.

"Getting our vitamin D woman." Safaree hadn't gotten the sleep out his voice yet.

"Yeah woman." Ethan said. Nicki gave him a look.

"Ethan Lloyd Samules, don't let your daddy get you in trouble. Don't Say that." He knew that look and tone.

"Sowee mommy." he rubbed his eyes walking up towards her. He tugged at her silk pajama pants and pooched his lips out for a kiss. Nicki bent down and kissed his lips.

"Eww man man why are your lips so wet?" she wiped her lips. He walked away scratching his booty. "Does your booty itch?"

"No!" he said taking another sip of his juice.

"Yes it does, get ready to get in the tub stinkabutt," When she turned around SB was waiting for his kiss. "And what yo soup coola's poked out for?" she folded her arms. Safaree pulled her to him with his left arm.

"Give me my kiss."

"Get the sleep out your voice." she giggled, then he squeezed, her tighter. Nicki pecked his lips. "That's all you getting. Now go take a bath with your son, both of you look like it's hot between your butt cheeks and armpits." she made a disgusted face. Safaree lifted his arm and sniffed then pulled Nicki to make her smell it. "Gross you buffoon, get off me." he let her go. She punched him in his chest twice. "Send him out once he is done so I can get him dressed for the day and then you hurry, breakfast will be done by then.

After breakfast the pair took the kids down to the neighborhood park. Safaree and Ethan were having a race on the monkey bars while Nicki and the girls were on the Merry-Go-Round. 

"Whoaaaa mommy, too fast." Daria said gripping the short pole tightly.

"Okay Toot." Nicki stuck her foot out to slow it down. She looked over to the open field and seen Safaree and Ethan playing football. Ethan was chasing Safaree because he had the ball. Safaree got a good distance away from Ethan. Ethan slowed down and grabbed his chest. Safaree turned around laughing but it quickly faded when he seen Ethan fall to his knees.

"Ethan." Nicki screamed out running to get to her son. Safaree made it to him before her.

"Ethan what's wrong?" his dad asked.

"I can't breath daddy." he strained to say.

"Safaree we have to get him to the hospital now." Nicki said  jumping up. Safaree scooped Ethan up in his arms and began running to the car. "Girls let's go." Nicki yelled. "Lord please let my baby be okay."


*I know it's been forever. Um comment please. Also I have a link at the top, it's to a short stories blog I want to start. I posted on it early yesterday. For the people that are allowed to view my story Nothing In This World, I'm really not sure if I want to really get into that story anymore. Sorry.*

Visuals

Enemy on the Home Front...

*Okay so I'm back. First I want to say I'm going to right from the narrators POV from now on because when I try to right from their POV I always end up going back into the Narrators. So on some parts it might do that. I tried to fix most of it so you won't be confused. I hope you enjoy this chapter. It's long like you guys like it, maybe a little longer than usual. Also the format ended up messing up at the end. So it's not indented. Enjoy. Comment pls.*

            Nina was on her way to our house for a week. At first Nicki told me it was for her to just get out the house and have a change of scenery from L.A. Should have known that was a lie. Nicki is in heavy promotion for her movie there is no way she would think to entertain a guest during this time. Yesterday she decides to tell me that Michelle will be visiting Nina since they haven't seen each other in months. I'm not supposed to let Quinton know but that's my boy. I know how he feels about my sister. Nicki was more convincing than ever while she was sucking on a niggas earlobe. I'm going against guy code by not telling Q but Nicki would give me the cold shoulder for going against her and I need to keep the home front drama free. This is one thing I'll go to my grave with, besides what kind of damage could it cause by letting the girl hang out here for a couple of hours?

            We had just sent Mama Carol back on a plane two days ago. It was great having her around. She sat up late night with us and counseled us on our future marriage. A lot of things came out about us that we didn't know about each other. Like Nicki really has anxiety about when I leave for long periods of time and she doesn't know where I am. I just thought she was being overbearing and a jealous girlfriend thinking I was out doing wrong, now I know I need to call and let her know I'm alright. I hear the bathroom door open and a cloud of steam follows Nicki out.

            "Safaree why haven't you gotten dressed yet? We have to be at the airport in a hour." she was talking at me and not to me. "I don't want to be late because of you picking Nina up." she rubbed lotion on to her body.

            "But you can be an hour late picking me up? Ain't that some shit, shows how much you love me."

            When I get up to use "her" shower, my fiancee but she still won't share her bathroom, she grabs my hand and pulls me into a kiss. Her towel falls and I feel her nipples harden against my chest from the cool air hitting her still damp body. She began getting into this kiss more than I thought, it seems she has mistaken my bottom lip for one of those watermelon Blow Pops shes been obsessed with lately.

            "Now who's going to make us late?" I leave her standing there panting as I go start my shower.

                                                                            ****
            We set Nina up in the small guest bedroom downstairs since her leg wasn't completely healed. Seeing my little sister with scars on her body and face was hard for me to take. She said they aren't as bad as they originally were and were fading quickly. Nina was a tough like our mother, something like this wasn't going to stop her from doing what she wanted. Which she has been trying to walk around and play with the kids like everything is okay. They are five and don't get that auntie Nina can't wrestle with them like she usually does. Ethan ran up to her like he always did and wrapped his arms around her hurt leg happy to see her. When Nina screamed out in pain it scared him and he began crying. I've kept them away from her since then. She keeps insisting she can handle them but I don't want to cause her any more discomfort. But instead of causing her discomfort it's causing her to glare at me and roll her eyes at me, I just want to be a good brother. Damned if I do, damned if I don't man.

            Nicki and Nina were in the living room laughing and catching up, when I entered Nina mean mugged me and turned her back to me. Defeated I walk into the kitchen. Foot steps follow mine. I turn around and see Nicki .

            "What did I do to her?" I ask leaning on the island.

            "Apparently, "He being just like Q. Always trying to control what I do. I'm a grown woman and I know what I can handle." end quote."

            "Fine if she gets hurt then she bet not start that whining shit. I'll treat her as if she has nothing wrong with her."

            "Safaree don't be mean to her. She came here to relax and get away from one overbearing person, Nina just wants breathing room. If you are going to do what Quinton was doing her coming out here."

            "Bullshit, y'all brought her out here to see that girl. Let's not try and play me like you didn't tell me your true intentions."

            "Daddy I told you I was sorry for tricking you." she put her hands under my shirt rubbing my abs and pouting.

            "Move with all that." I move around her and hear her laughing.

            Making my way up the stairs I go into the kids play room to see what they were up to. I see them all huddled around the corner talking to something but there is nothing there. I clear my throat and they all look at me and smile. They go back to looking at the corner and laughing. Well shit I don't fit in nowhere around here.
            "Who are y'all talking to?" I sit on the small chair in the middle of the room.

            They all walk towards me.

            "What are you talking about daddy?" Zaria ask picking up her doll.

            "You guys were just talking to-"

            "Daddy we wasn't talking to nobody." Ethan said with a weird look on his face.

            Oh so I didn't see what I saw? Ok play me for boo-boo the fool. "Whatever man. Can I hang with y'all mommy and auntie downstairs trippin."

            "They keep falling?" Daria asked with wide eyes.

            "No baby girl it's just an expression." I smile at her innocence.

            "What's an expression?" She asked.

            "Its a way of saying how you felt or what someone was doing."

            "Ohhhh."

            I swear these kids want to know everything about everything. That's a good thing I suppose.
                                           
                                                                     *****
            The kids finally talked Nicki into getting their pets, well they talked her into one pet then Ethan decided he wanted a turtle which made Daria say she would rather have a rabbit than a dog. So now we are on a hunt to find all three animals. We put in our applications two weeks ago for the pet adoptions, they came and checked out our home to make sure it was livable for the animals. Nicki is still not for having animals in her house.
            
            We walked into Animal Heaven Shelter and were greeted by one of the workers. They took into consideration Nicki's persona so they instructed us to come on a Wednesday because it was one of their slow days. True to their word it wasn't many people, in fact it was only us in here besides the workers and animals.

            "Hi my name is Kelly and I'll be helping you pick out the new additions to your family today. If you would follow me this way we will start with the dogs. We are looking for a puppy I'm told."

            "Yes ma'am." Zaria confirmed.

            "Oh so this must be your pet?" Kelly asked. Zaria nodded her head excitedly. "Alright well right through these doors is the puppy play area. We have the puppies out but they are separated into three cages so they don't all jump on you at the same time. You ready little one?" Kelly asked Zaria.

            "Yes. Mommy can you hold my jacket and purse? I don't want the puppies to mess them up when we play."

            "Yes baby girl." Nicki to the items from Zaria right before she took off into the play area. "Z-bear be careful." Nicki began to run after her but Safaree grabbed her arm.

            "Babe let her go pick her dog, she'll be fine."

            "Can we go play with them too daddy?" Ethan asked. Before Nicki could protest to all her kids being surrounded by dogs Safaree gave the OK and they bolted to the other two cages and were let in by workers.

            "Safaree what if they get hurt?"

            "Baby they're just puppies, calm down. You can't be afraid to let them go do things on their own." He kissed her cheek.

            "Okay. I guess you're right."

            "What? Say that one more time. Did Onika say the coon was right?" I asked standing wide eyed. Nicki narrowed her eyes at me.

            "Don't push your luck sir." She grabbed my hand and we walked around the cages checking out the puppies.

             Zaria was having fun letting the puppies jump on her and chase her around. Daria and Ethan sat talking to each other while the puppies laid around them having their belly's rubbed. Them having these pets will be their first big responsibility. They already knew they were taking care of them, me and Nicki are just there to help when necessary  Well at least that's what Nicki thinks I already know they are not about to help out for long. First couple weeks maybe then it'll be "Daddy can you take the dog out to pee please" or "Daddy can you change the bunnies cage".

           "Zaria do you see any dog you want? Remember if you don't find it here then we have two other places we can go."
.
           "No I found the one I want mommy, I would show you but he won't stop eating." Zaria came running our way. "Come see mommy, come see." She pulled a hesitant Nicki along into the cage. The dogs began to jump up on Nicki's legs, well more like her ankles.

           "Nicki calm down they are not going to hurt you. I'm going to go look at the big dogs in the next room."

           "Safaree Lloyd don't you dare leave this room." she yelled out.

           "Come on Toot and Ethan, let's go see the big dogs."

           "Yay" they screamed running towards the doors.

           "Safaree don't leave that room with no dog. I'm not playing with you." I heard her demand as the door shut behind me. Ain't nobody trying to get no damn dog. I just want to look at them.

                                                                     *****
            Daria was last to pick out her pet. We walked in to the area with all the bunnies. They were all caged when we got in there but they took five out at a time for Daria to pet. Me and Safaree sat in the chairs observing while the kids had fun with the animals. I am so ready to go home and shower. All those damn puppies have me feeling gross. Daria walked around observing each one of the rabbits carefully. Then walked back over to me and her daddy.

             "Mommy I don't see one that i want." She had the saddest look on her face.

             "Okay baby but don't be sad we can go to another place and find you one."

             "But I want one from here. They got theirs from here." She pointed back to her brother and sister who were petting the rabbits.

             "Toot it's okay if you don't get it from here. You have to make sure it's right for you." Safaree said picking her up.

             "Come on let's go tell them we are ready to go so my baby girl can get her a rabbit." I got up and headed over to the lady. "Kelly we are done here. She said she didn't like any of them."

             "Alright well lets go sign off on the final paper work and you can take your animals home." she turned to another worker. "Jeff we are done here you can put them all away. Right this way Ms. Maraj."

             When we got to the front there was a lot of commotion going on. Apparently they had lost one of the animals and as I looked around I lost one of my children.

           "Safaree did Daria go to the restroom?"

            "No I thought she was walking in front of you." he began to look around for her.

             "Daria." I yelled. "Daria baby where are you?" i ran back through the doors that led to the animals. Panic shot through my body. What if she was in the dog cage and one of them got loose. My baby. "Daria."

             "Nicki." Safaree came through the door. "Did you find her yet."

             "Does it look like it idiot."

             "Don't start being a bitch to me, all I did was ask you a question."

              I walked towards the cats ignoring him. He's such an ass at times. Like why is he trying to start an argument when our daughter is missing? Out the corner of my eye I see a rabbit hopping towards me.

             "Sir Hopper where did you go?" Daria's voice rang out.

             "Daria where are you?" I shouted.

             "I'm right here mommy." She appeared from around the corner. "Mommy I found the bunny I want. He was hiding behind some boxes." A feeling of relief came over me as I seen she was unharmed.

             "That's great baby." I bent down to her level.

             "Why are you sad mommy?" I pulled her into a hug.

             "I'm not sad baby, just please don't go somewhere and not tell me. I get worried OK?"

             "Yes mommy. Come look at Sir hopper." 

             She pulled me over to the window to see the rabbit. It was a light brown bunnie and it seemed to be on the shy side. Much like Daria was. What a great fit. We walked back to the front with the rabbit and the whole room sighed with relief.

            "There goes Jack." Kelly said.

            "No this is Sir Hoppers." Daria said with a frown.

            "I found her back by the cats with Ja-" Daria glared up at me "Sir Hoppers. I think we will be taking him as well." 


            Kelly took the rabbit from Daria. I sat down and watched the other two look at their pets through the cage. Safaree walked through the doors that led to the back and scowled at me. What did I do?

           "Daddy I found my bunny." she ran and hugged his leg.

           "That's great babygirl. Hey you two let's go put your new pets in the car. Daria you stay with mommy and wait for the rabbit."

            He bent down and grabbed the dog cage. Ethan held his turtle in the small container and followed behind Safaree. Kelly motioned for me to come sign the papers.

           When we got back to the house we put the kids in the back yard with the animals. Safaree was still acting an ass towards me. I'm not here for his female like behaviors today. I found him in his old bathroom and shut the door. He looked at me through the mirror then continued to trim his beard. Walking over to the window I open it so I can hear the kids in the back yard, Nina is out there but she's crippled. Hopping up on the counter I stare at him and he acts like I'm not here.

          "Babe?" he looks over at me. "Baby what's wrong?" I pull at his belt loop. "Come here." he puts down his clippers and stands in between my legs. "Talk to me."

          "Your mouth pisses me off."

          "I thought you liked my mouth." I smirk at him.

          "I'm serious Nicki. You feel like it's okay to say whatever you want to me when you're mad and I'm just supposed to take it. I'm over that shit."

          "I'm sorry. I'll try-"

          "No. You always say you'll try and the shit never gets done. Fuck trying I need you to do." he knows being cut off pisses me off.

          "You're really serious right now." We lock eyes. "Fine, I won't say shit to you then." Who the fuck pissed in his cornflakes this morning?

          "Stop that shit too. Every time we argue you just want to stop communication. Fuck that, you're going to be my wife and that's the stuff I won't tolerate in my marriage."

          "You won't tolerate? Who do you think-"

          "I know I'm your man and you're going to start treating me like I am your MAN Onika. Just know it's certain shit I'm not taking off of you any more. I won't go into marriage with you and have all these old ass problems. We got something real and I'm not letting small shit ruin it. I'm glad we agreed to a long engagement."

          "Why? So you if I piss you off enough you can say you tried and walk away?" I folded my arms across my chest.

          "Please shut up with that dumb shit. You know that's not what I meant. I just want to work on us some more. I love you Nicki." he moved and went back to clipping his beard. 

            Hopping off the counter I head out to the back yard pissed. Not at him but myself. I really do need help with my temper. Now he's all mad at me and we have company coming over tonight. I should just learn to be quiet at times.

            "Mommy." Zaria brought me from my thoughts.

            "Yes Z-bear."

            "All Fat Daddy does is eat. He won't play with me." she sat by me on the grass. I chuckled at the name she gave him.

            "Well Z-bear maybe he eats when he's nervous." Like you.

            "Nervous? He's a doggy mommy."

            "Yeah but he's in a new place and he doesn't know us. You have to give him time, don't give up on him tho."

            "Okay mommy. I'm going to go get him so you can pet him." she jumped up and ran off. I don't want to pet her stupid dog.

            "Mother." Here comes Ethan's proper ass.

            "Yes son."

            "I don't want bolt anymore, he doesn't do nothing but stay in his shell."

            "Well that's not nice. What if I decided I didn't want you any more because i didn't want to buy you clothes and feed you? You wouldn't be happy about that would you?" I rubbed his head. He sat and thought.

            "No but  your my mommy, he's just my pet."

            "You brought him into this family today and you can't just throw him to the side like a toy you don't want anymore. You made a promise to Kelly at the adoption center that you would love and take care of Bolt and you have to honor that. I'm not going to raise a little boy that doesn't stay true to his word. Do you understand me?"

            "Yes ma'am."

            "Mommy." oh my God.

            "If you're coming over here to tell me you don't want your pet either Daria I don't want to hear it. You are stuck with it until the end of time." I laid back on the grass.

            "No. I love Sir Hoppers."

            "Oh. Well good, what do ya want stinkabutt."

            "Hey my booty don't stink. Yours stinks."

            "Oh yeah? What's it smell like?" 

            "Broccoli and cheese."

            "Well I just so happen to think that broccoli and cheese smells heavenly.

            "What stinks to you?" she asked sitting on my stomach with her rabbit.

            "Um, daddy stinks."

            "Ya booty smells like daddy then" She giggled.

            "Pauz son."

            "No you pauz son." she mocked my accent. "Can I get Sir Hoppers a carrot?"

            "I'll go get it, you've been touching that stinky thing." She stood and I headed to the kitchen to start lunch. "Stay away from the pool area you guys." I received a harmony of  "Okay."

Safaree

            I walked in the kitchen and seen Nicki leaning on the counter nibbling on a carrot. She's so cute when she pouts. She focused on me and gave me a half smile and went to the back door and gave the carrot to Daria. When she turned around I pulled her into a hug. She laid her head on my chest.

            "Why you pouting? You mad at me?" I moved back so I could lean on the counter. Nicki ran her finger over my chest and spoke.

            "You yelled at me." her voice was small. She's such a baby. I lift her chin and kiss her lips.

            "I didn't yell at you." I palmed her ass as we continued to kiss. "And we not going to me mad at each other today, you hear me?"

            "Why you being so bossy?" she ran her hands over my abs.

            "I said did you hear me?" I bit her neck.

            "Yes baby I heard you."

            "Good now give me a kiss and go make lunch." she kissed my lips.

            "Stay with me and help."

            "I was going to go play with the kids."

            "No. Stay with me daddy."

            "Oh you gone start that daddy talk?" she looked back and gave me that "it'll be worth your wild later" look. "Alright, I'll stay." Seeing her smile make a nigga feel good knowing I put it there.

Melanie/Michelle

            I have to wear the perfect outfit for my first time seeing Safaree in so long. I know he loves red and form fitting dresses. I just hope I keep my cool tonight and not jump on him when I see him. God that man is my weakness. 

         Turning around and checking myself out in the mirror I decided it was time to make my way to see my bestie and future husband.

         "Try and be cool Michelle. Don't freak out when you get there just act normal."

         "You are nowhere near normal so that'll be a task." my mom said from the living room.

         "I don't expect you to support me, you've never been supportive. You know what just get your stuff so you can go back down to your room." why won't she just die already?

         "Like I told you when you first came up with this plan I will not be the one cleaning this mess up when it goes wrong." She stood waiting for me to unlock the shackle from around her ankle.

         "I'm not going to need you." I unlocked her and watched her walk to the back and down the stairs.
Locking the door behind her, I hang the key up and make my way out of the house. This would be about a thirty minute drive. I had to live in a middle class neighborhood instead of the more upscale place I'm use to living in because of my teachers salary. My mothers accounts are frozen since they can't find her. So I'll have to endure this until I'm back in Safaree's arms.  I give myself one last once over in the mirror and out the door I go.

                                                                         *****
            Being in their house felt strange at first. Nicki was the one to greet me at the door, she even hugged me. That was awkward to say the least. She led me to the living room where Nina had her leg propped up on a pillow. I can't say seeing her that way didn't make me feel guilty. She is a really sweet girl. The way she embraced me was like she had found a long lost relative.

            We were all three sitting down having a cocktail in the living room when Safaree entered the room. I swear he has gotten sexier since the last time I seen him. He was much more fit. And call me what you want but his dick looked mighty grand in his skinny jeans he had on. He reached out his hand for me to shake. Something deep down in me wanted him to see through my new look and embrace me how he use to do. How he did before that bitch sitting next to him interfered.

            "So Michelle how are you liking Wilson's so far?" Safaree asked me.

            "I love it." Lie. "Children make me happy." Lie number two. "I can't wait to have some of my own one day."

            "Anyone special?" Nicki asked. Nosy bitch.

            "No, not at the moment."

            "I thought you said you had a man here?" Nina chimed in.

            "I did but he kinda found someone while I was gone. I don't think it's that serious, he'll come back." I finish off the last of my Bahama Mama.

            "Oh let me get you another drink." Nicki offered.

            "Get me one to babe." Safaree ran his hand up her leg as she stood. Nicki leaned down to kiss him, her hair fell in front of her face so I didn't see it but I heard it. I'm trying to keep my temper but they're pissing me off.

            "Ewl get a room you two. Why do you have to show so much PDA around me?" Nina put a pillow over her face.

            "You could always go home." Safaree said watching Nicki's ass as she walked into the kitchen. It's fake I don't see what the big deal is about it.

            "You're such an ass. So Michelle do you miss me yet."

            "Every day sweetie. I don't have my ride or die with me. You know I don't fool with these other females so I stay at home most of the time."

            "Well if you want to grab lunch or drinks sometime I'd be more than happy to go with you." Nicki said handing me my drink. "I'm sure my friends would love to meet you." She sat on Safaree's lap.

            "I would love that."

            "You forgot my drink Nicki." Safaree took hers from her hand.

            "So you just gone drink mine nigga?" I watched as he leaned over and whispered something in her ear. From the look on her face she liked what he said. I can see this is going to be a long night.

                                                                         *****

           Sometime during the evening Nicki's friends came over and turned what was supposed to be just us to a small house party. I have to say I am enjoying myself. I believe it's more of the drinks making me feel good than the people. All these people at one point hated me. Nina had kept me busy for most of the night and kept my mind off of Safaree but I still knew where he was for the most part. I loo over and see Nicki and him off in a corner all over each other. I couldn't even blame them though, whatever Nicki had put in these drinks had a bitch ready to fuck. I should go ask for the recipe.

          "Hey Nicki." I plop down on the couch next to the chair they are siting in. Nicki looked up and Safaree looked annoyed. "What's in this drink you made?"

           "The Bahama Mama?" I shook my head yes. "It's light rum, Malibu rum, orange juice and pineapple juice. You put it over ice like I did earlier or blend it when you have COONS crash your party and don't feel like making it pretty." All of Safaree's friends start yelling and acting barbaric when she said coons.

          "What time is it Michelle?" Safaree asked me. When he says my name it's so sensual with out him trying to be.

          "It's 12am."

          "Nicki you have to go to bed. You have your Oprah interview early tomorrow and it's here so we have to get up early and clean up.

          "But I can't kick everyone out baby. They're not sober like us." Sober? She is far from that. I roll my eyes.

          "Okay I'll take everybody's keys and they'll sleep here."

          "Oh no I'm not staying here. I can drive home."

          "So you can end up like y sister did last time you decided she was okay to drive? Naw baby girl you not going anywhere tonight." Well, I guess he told me.

          "Fine. They are in my purse over there." He stood up and held on to Nicki's drunk ass. Bitch can't even be a classy drunk. She's all over Safaree in front of everyone.

          "Alright everyone we got y'all keys, so find a spot somewhere and pass out. I'm bout to go put this one to bed so she'll get up in the morning."

          "Oh you puttin da kid to bed?" Nicki cocked her head to the side looking at Safaree. He ignored her.

          "Try winding down within the next hour y'all. Check out time is six, we got shit to do tomorrow. Goodnight."

          "Night bro bro." Nina yelled out from the couch.

          "Night Michelle. I hope you had a goodnight. And try not to judge me in the morning." Nicki yelled at me as Safaree pulled her up the stairs.

                                                                          *****

            Around one everybody had found somewhere to sleep and around two I woke up to use the restroom. Lauren put me in the guest room to the right as you come upstairs. I made my way down the dark hallway to the restroom. When I was done washing my hands I was headed back until I heard low moans coming from the last bedroom. I walked down and pushed the already cracked door open slowly. I peeked around the corner and tried to see who was in the bed. My eyes adjusted to the dark and seen it was Nicki and Safaree's room.

            Safaree had his head buried between Nicki's legs. He was completely naked, his ass was muscular. Nicki's back was against the head bored and she was scratching at his back. He had her legs shaking.

           "Stop running" I heard him say quickly before his head went back down.

           "I can't take no more." Nicki surrendered and he moved her leg and lay next to her.

           "This will teach you not to wake a nigga up from his sleep after he already gave you the dick once."

            He lay back and I watched them sleep for awhile. As I was getting ready to go back to my room I knocked Nicki's purse that was on the chair next to the door to the floor. I looked back to see Safaree sit up in the bed, sinking back into the shadow of the room he mutters my name. There is a few moments of silence then I hear him lay back down. I let out a small sigh of relief and back out of the room closing the door. As I turn around I bump into Lauren.

          "Oh shit." we said in unison.

          "What are you doing coming out of they room?"

         "I just came out of the bathroom and got turned around." that lie just rolled off my tongue.

         "You just came from the bathroom?"

         "Yes." she looked at me weird.

         "Oh. Okay. Well your room is that way. Sleep tight."

         "Thanks." hauling ass down the hallway away from her I make it to my room and close the door. I have to get out of this house, I'm slipping.

Nicki

            Surprisingly I woke up with no problem this morning. Safaree on the other hand is still in bed. I had to clean this place up with Lauren after I put everyone else out. Nina went with Michelle so they could have a day of shopping. Surprisingly Daria wanted to go with them. Right now we are on break from shooting so I can get started on the food for the cooking portion of the show. I had Zaria and Ethan with me on set, they wouldn't stay in the play room.

 Zaria and Ethan were sitting on the stools at the island while Nicki checked on the food that was to be presented as cooked when she got through demonstrating. Oprah was speaking to them.

 "So Ethan on a scale of one to ten and ten being the best in the whole wide world how good does your mommy cook?" she leaned on the counter.

Ethan twisted in the chair trying to think. "She is a nine."

"A nine?" both Oprah and Nicki said at the same time.

Zaria clamped her hand over her mouth and giggled.

"Yeah a nine." he said reassuring them both.

"Well who cooks better than your mommy?" Oprah asked.

"You better not say your daddy either." Nicki turned around and checked on the noodles in the pot.

"No, Nana is the bestest cook in the world." Ethan smiled.

Nicki scoffed and rolled her eyes.

Oprah laughed and walked away going to check on the next set up. Zaria sat quietly eating her orange that her mom peeled for her. Ethan reached over and snagged one off her napkin. She didn't say anything until he reached over and snagged another.

"Stop it Ethan." she slid her her napkin further away from him.

"Don't be such a fatty Zaria." Ethan whispered low enough so Nicki couldn't hear then punched Zaria in the arm.

Zaria slid down off the stool and ran over to her mom pulling on her shirt tail. Nicki looked down at Zarias sad little face.

"What's wrong mama?" Nicki asked scrunching up her face. Oprah entered the room and observed Nicki's interaction with the kids.

"Ethan punched me in my arm." Zaria rubbed at the spot. Nicki heard little feet hit the floor and begin running then Ethan appeared in front of her.

"No I didn't mommy." he shook his head.

"Yes you did. Right here mommy." Zaria lifted her arm and pointed to the spot. "And it hurts really bad." she pouted.

"I didn't mommy I pwomise."

Nicki looked back and forth from each child. She didn't know who to believe.

Oprah had went to speak with the cameraman to run back some footage of a conversation Nicki and her had about females in the industry from when she first hit the scene to now. As it was wrapping up she noticed the cameraman was still filming and caught Ethan on tape hitting Zaria.

"Listen you two you cut it out right now." Nicki was tired of the bickering between Zaria and Ethan.

"Nicki look at this." Oprah placed the camera in front of her. Nicki watched the playback and raised an eyebrow then looked over to Ethan who had a smug look on his face.

"Ethan are you lying to me? You know I rather you tell me the truth if you did something bad then to lie to mommy."

"No mommy I didn't hit her."

Nicki bent down and put the camera in front of his face and played the footage. Ethan's little eyes got big like Nicki's did when she was shocked by something.

"So you're not lying to mommy?"

"No." his voice became small.

"So you're still lying to me? So you're telling me that Ms. Oprah is lying as well? And you better think long and hard about your answer." Nicki was in mommy mode and didn't care what cameras were around to see it. The room was silent.

"Yes." he answered.

"So you're calling an adult a liar." Nicki sunk back on her hip.

Ethan's head popped up shaking quickly from left to right. He knew the consequence of calling an adult a liar. "No mommy. I was saying yes to your first question." he corrected her.

"So you lied to me."

"Yes."

"So you must have lied to me about all the other times Zaria told me you hit her?"

"Yes." Zaria chimed in.

Nicki cut her eyes in Zaria's direction. "Zaria Chanel was I speaking to you?"

"No mommy." Zaria hunched her shoulders.

Nicki crouched down to Ethan's level and grabbed him by his shirt pulling him close to her. She gritted her teeth and spoke in a threatening tone.

"Look me in my eyes." Ethan's head snapped up. "For as long as your name Ethan Lloyd Samules I better not ever hear about you puttin your hands on either one of your sisters or any other girl. And lie to me again if you want too and see if you don't catch a belt to your backside. Do you understand me?"

Ethan's tears had spilled over on to his cheeks. Nicki had never spoken to him that way before.

"Yes."

"Yes ma'am." she corrected him.

"Yes ma'am."

"Now go tell your sister you're sorry and give her a hug and a kiss. And when you're done since you think it's okay to lie to mommy you will tell your father what you did and since you like using your hands so much you will go get every train you have and put it in your train bin and pull the trunk into the garage. They will not be played with for two weeks."

"But mommy that's not fair." Ethan whined crying harder.

Nicki tightened her grip on his shirt. "A month, you wanna go for two?"

"Noooo." he sobbed.

"Now get over there and do what i told you." She released his now wrinkled shirt.

"I'm...I'm...I'm sorry Zaria." he said trying to catch his breath. He hugged her and kissed her cheek leaving tears on her face.

"Eww." Zaria wiped her face.

Nicki pointed in the direction of his room. "Get in your room and get started with those trains now and don't take all day Ethan."

Ethan began running to his room.

"Are you running in my house?" she heard him slow down. "Little girl get back up on that stool and finish that orange."

Zaria zoomed around the counter not wanting to be hemmed up by Nicki like her brother.

Nicki looked up to see the whole production team just standing and staring at her. She looked over at Oprah.

"I haven't seen parenting like that in ages."

"I would never hit him, I'm into more psychological and creative punishments."

"I see nothing wrong with your actions. More parents need to put a little more fear in their kids to let them know you are not one of their friends." Oprah wrapped a arm around Nicki and gently squeezed her. Nicki smiled. "Let's go make your spaghetti you're always raving about on twitter."

"The Barbz are going to go crazy since I'm finally revealing my recipe. How do you get people to do and tell things they normally wouldn't?"

"That's a secret I will never reveal." Ugh. Damn she'd good.

*Alright I finally posted. I hope It was worth the long wait. Sorry for any typo's. Plz comment and give your thoughts.*

Visuals

Fat Daddy

Sir Hoppers

Bolt