Thee Intruder - Part 2

Chapter 2   Thee intruder

Part 2        

To his surprise Safaree woke up with his back aching at the dining table where he’d sat to cool off the night before. He didn’t sleep well. The suite was untouched, lights dimmed, and the smell of Lysol still lingered in the morning air. Rubbing his eyes, yawning he got up. It was ten o’clock. The fact that it was a new day made nothing better; his mind was still in the same position. Nicki’s door was closed. He heard the clacking of heels in the kitchen, and walked toward the sound. There she was dressed and polished for the day, pouring herself a cup of tea. He couldn’t help but feel delighted to see her, but remembering last night his heart became sore.

“Good morning.” He sighed, removing a cup from the glass cupboard. Her face lit up at the sight of him but fell soon after. What were they to do?

“Good morning.” her voice was a low, nostalgic murmur. It hurt her not to say more, or give him a simple hug. But no interaction between them was simple anymore. Without another word she grabbed her tea and headed for the door.

“Wait, where you going?” He called. She was leaving without him. His stomach tensed; dread washed over him. She never left him behind.

“Rehearsals.” It was clear he was in pain and she’d caused it. This truth made her sick.

“But what about…”

“I think you should sit this one out. I’ll be okay on my own today. Go out have fun; you can have some me time.” She interrupted, unable to let him say a word. No matter what came out of his mouth it would only make her feel worse. And with that she was gone. The once peaceful and romantic getaway was now a lonely, depressing prison. A Luxury Suite had never seemed more UN luxurious. The lavishness of the room mocked him by only making the desolation of his situation more apparent. Forcing him to think about the previous night and how fulfilling it should have been. Have fun she says. How could he? Nothing was even remotely amusing. “Me” time was the farthest thing from his mind. He couldn’t help but think this was somehow his fault. Thinking maybe he shouldn’t have made his move, and brought the truth out. This was not how things were supposed to play out. She’d slow danced with him, and didn’t object when his arms wound around her waist, but instead wound hers around his neck. She’d kissed him back and was ready to become one. So what caused her sudden change? The only thing he was sure of was that she didn’t start pushing him away until after she spoke to Drake. Deeply disappointed he dragged his feet to his room. Waiting for the shower to get hot, he brushed his teeth, longer than was necessary. Nicki wouldn’t be back for hours and it’s not like he had anything to do but wait. In the shower he just let the water run over him for a while. Hoping the hot water would loosen up his constricted muscles. He succeeded in relaxing his body, but there was no hope for putting his mind at ease. He sat at the end of the bed, rotating the small valor box in his hands. Opening the box he sighed, wishing that this prize was on the finger of his love. The sun’s rays sent shimmers of pink light around the room, deflecting off of the 6.1 carat Harry Winston, pink diamond. This was without a doubt his most valuable possession. Dropping over 1.2 million on the ring he hoped would officially make Onika Maraj his. He laid back on the cloud like mattress, tightly holding the box imagining proposing, being ecstatic when Nicki agreed, and finally the ceremony; Wondering if he wanted a huge wedding or a private island getaway with the sunset reflecting off the clear blue ocean; where it would just be them and a priest.  After a while his thoughts hushed as he drifted into sleep. It was eleven thirty when Nicki’s car pulled up to the venue. Grudgingly she stepped from the car, and was escorted through the back door by security. She trudged through the halls, nonchalantly; paying no attention to anything, just following behind the staff. Once they were upstairs in the enormous auditorium they left her to her work.

“Hi, Nicki good to see you.” Jeff, the sound technician chimed walking from backstage.

“Jeff.” She replied nodding her head once.

“Okay so were going to do a quick sound check to make sure your mic is working properly. Then we’re going to have you choose your stage setup.” He informed.

“Sounds good.” She was pleased to be doing a sound check. Not wanting the nonsense from the BET awards to happen again. These were her kind of people, professionals… Spending hours working, with her mind in a distracting place, she was relieved when rehearsal started wrapping up, ready to go home. She would see SB and try to fix everything. With that in mind she was troubled to see Drake waiting for her backstage.

“There’s my baby!” He exclaimed with the world’s biggest smile.

She huffed. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought we could start early. I wanted to give you a ride back.” He was way too enthusiastic.

“Oh. Okay.” She wasn’t too thrilled about the ride or hanging out at all. But she had to be cordial around Drake. Once in the car, a simple black BMW he pulled “Pink Friday” out of his glove box and put it in the cd player; Switching to Right thru Me. He didn’t say much, he was mostly thinking of what to say, and where to take Nic.

- Stretching SB rolled around on his bed; then sat up looking shocked at the darkness.

“Where’d the day go.” He said to himself looking out the window at the half light, half darkened sky. His next thought was, where’s Nicki? It’s been almost eight hours since she’d left. But turning of the front door knob, answered his question. He stashed the ring at the bottom of his luggage, and went to meet Nicki at the door. Despite everything he smiled when she came into view, but scowled when Drake showed up behind her. What the hell is this? He thought to himself. Why won’t Drizzy just go away, and leave Nicki alone. Why must he be such a pest, getting in the way of his happiness. He stood there waiting for an indication, or some sort of idea of what was happening.

“I’m hanging out with Drake tonight.” She said involuntarily, saddened that she had to speak this. She wished she had told him earlier. So it wouldn’t be so difficult now with Drake standing next to her.

“Oh. I didn’t know that.” SB tried his absolute hardest to sound casual and not like his heart was crying.

“Just for a little while. I’ll be back soon.” She tried not to make Drake feel unwanted, but also tried to assure Safaree that he had nothing to worry about.

“Have fun. I guess I’ll wait up.” Was all he could think to say.

“Uh, you ready?” Drake asked. He wanted to be out of this awkward situation as soon as possible. He didn’t want to believe he was doing anything wrong. He was in denial about Nicki and Safaree’s relationship. Knowing they had to be something more than friends, but wanting her bad enough to ignore it.

“Yeah” She replied. What else could she say? No, I’m going to stay here. She was too nice to do that. Even though she’s been hurting SB, everything would be set strait tonight. No more pain, she vowed. Drake put his arm up, so Nicki could wrap hers around it, She laid a lone piece of paper next to her bag before disappearing into the exquisitely decorated light green hallway. It was agonizing to only be able to watch, powerless, as she left him with another man at her side. Seeing them alongside each other made his insecurities worsen. Because there was nothing wrong with the picture. They looked good together. He picked up the little sheet of pink paper under her bag; reading it: I won’t be long. Wait up for me.  - Walking out of the hotel, Drake led Nicki down the street.

“I’m feeling like a walk. There’s a park around the block.” He informed, hoping it would set a romantic setting. She just listened while he babbled nervously. The park was beautiful! Giant Oak trees illuminated by a yellow tint from the setting sun. Random orange leaves lounged on the fresh cut grass that was buried under pink and yellow flower patches, a huge chrome fountain spewing water from the spout on the top sat in the middle. Benches scarcely distributed throughout. She tightened her arm around Drakes, forgetting that SB was not the man next to her. He looked down at her and smiled, feeling like he’s finally winning her over; like he might actually have a fighting chance. He walked her slowly toward a tiny bridge on the outskirts of the park. A canopy of white roses enclosed the cobble stone path. Under them the river lightly cascaded from a baby waterfall, carrying fallen roses downstream. The sunset was most visible from there, shining yellow, green, and orange against the river. They paused on one side of the bridge.

“That view is gorgeous.”  Nicki commented, attempting to make idle conversation.

“Just like you.” Drake smiled. Nic just shook her head, chuckling. Of course he had to take it there. He couldn’t just agree and move on.

“So, how we doin?” He asked watching her intently. She grinned, finally onto a lighter topic. Something that doesn’t make her have to fake a smile.

“I mean we both have Platinum albums, millions of fans, crazy success. So I’d say we’re doin damn good.” She started, in one her weird voices. “But I think we both know whose winning.” She joked, standing up walking to the other side of the fountain staring into the sunset. Drake laughed halfheartedly.

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” He said walking over to her, as she turned around to face him. He placed a hand on her shoulder, moving it up to her face, cupping her cheek. He tried to look into her eyes, but she kept looking down. He lifted her chin with his free hand, lowering his head, taking his chance.

“Please…” Nicki whispered before their lips could touch. “Don’t make me do this.” She didn’t know what she would do if he kissed her, and didn’t want to find out. Tears welled up in her eyes. Why did it have to be this way? No matter what her decision, she would have to hurt someone. Drake dropped his hands, but remained where he stood. Nicki let out a deep sigh, as she walked off the bridge to the exit; having to get away.

“Wait…Nicki I’m sorry!” Drake called running after her. “I shouldn’t have done it.”

“It’s okay. But I should go.” She said hiding all emotion. Walking away from Drake was surprisingly easy; she didn’t have the urge to turn back. Hoping SB read her note she opened the door,  it was dark. He was lying on the couch twirling something small in his hand; which he quickly shoved into his pocket when he saw her. As she approached him, he could see her wounded expression. He didn’t know what happened, but would ask in the morning. Right then didn’t seem like a good time. Taking her hand; letting their fingers intertwine he pulled her down onto the couch. She relaxed; lying on top of him, resting her head on his chest. She took a deep breath, as if to calm herself. SB kissed her forehead, and rubbed her back comfortingly with his free hand; Happy to have her back. In this moment she felt as if she were lifted off her feet, without any weight. In her man’s arms she lay very still, moving only once to cover her mouth as she yawned. They both couldn’t help but wonder how long this moment would last.