Thirty Six

*AALIYAH*

Could Nikki be waiting for me at the opposite end of the room? I see her standing there. Possibly, I suppose. She's trying to make up for those lash outs, but she shouldn't worry; I've always known her to be sweet, so one argument won't change anything—not that I didn't deserve it anyway.

“How long have you been standing there, Nikki?”

“As long as you can envision." She smirks.

I encircle her with my hands and take comfort in how warm she is. "Thank you so much, but you didn't have to—I'm not a baby. I'll be all right."

"But you're having a baby—our baby," She takes my hand and releases me. "Are you already feeling hungry? Do you need anything?”

"Yes, to a degree. The problem is that having a baby is draining me of strength. I massage my flat belly.”

"Reason why you need to eat"

“True, but without the mixture the chef always adds.”

"Ouch! That's a problem now. I never gave it much thought. Been so accustomed to receiving poor care that it seems normal.” After we enter the