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Nia’Rose

The next morning, I found myself stuck in my familiar, disheartening routine. As Beyoncé's ‘Lemonade’ album played softly in the background, I alternated between wiping my tears and reapplying foundation. In between, I sipped my coffee, desperately trying to muster some energy. It frustrated me that this breakup had such a hold on me, constantly sending my emotions on a wild rollercoaster ride.

My phone rang cutting through the stillness in my apartment. It was my big sister, Stephanie. One thing she was going to do was check in every single day, sometimes two or three times a day. Especially now with what I was battling. Being five years older than me, she was fiercely protective. Since our mother passed away when we were very young, we were raised by our father, and she stepped into that motherly role and did it beautifully.

“Hey, sis,” I answered, propping my phone up on the stand that rested on my vanity.

“Good morning, sis. You still over there putting on your face? Girl, you’re gonna be late.”

“Yeah, rough morning. Ugh.” I sighed as I applied my mascara.

“I get it. It’s okay.”

“It’s not. I’m so ready for this phase of my life to be over, Steph. I’m tired of crying like a little weak ass bitch.”

She snickered softly before taking a sip from her coffee mug. “You’re not weak. You’re human, sis. You were with that man for eight years. Give yourself some grace. At least you left his ass. Most women get trapped in a vicious cycle because they are too afraid to start over. Let’s start focusing on the positives instead of the negatives.”

This time, a wide smile spread across my face. I loved my sister deeply; her strength and guidance were a constant source of inspiration. I had never encountered another soul as beautiful as hers. She was a successful Behavioral Health Therapist, and I knew her patients appreciated her just as much as I did.

“Thanks, sis. I really needed to hear that.”

“Of course, you know I got you always. So… enough of that. Why didn’t you call me back last night, bitch?”

I couldn't help but laugh at her sudden change in tone. The therapist hat had come off fast this morning. Stephanie had a habit of talking shit when she wasn’t offering genuine support.

“Exhausted,” I gave her a half-truth. “I came home, showered, and fell asleep. My bad, girl.”

I normally shared everything with Stephanie, but this time I decided to hold back on what transpired yesterday with Prosper and how it had my head so messed up that I forgot to call her back. Why didn’t I tell her? I hadn’t figured that out just yet. Maybe because deep down, I wanted him too, and didn’t want her to discover that part.

“Well, I can’t dig in your shit about that. I’m glad you’re finally getting some sleep.” She said, alluding to the restless nights I had when I first found out that Martin had a baby on me. Admittedly, I couldn’t eat, sleep or think.

“Yes, Mother Teresa , so cut me some slack.”

We laughed as I applied a coat of Fenty lip gloss.

“Anywho, the real reason I called is that Shay and I are going out for drinks tomorrow night at this club she heard about Downtown. You need to get out of the house and join us.”

I thought about it for a moment before ultimately dismissing the idea. Shay was our godsister and whenever she joined us, our nights out turned into a loud, chaotic whirlwind. Whether it was the places she chose or her just getting tipsy and acting crazy, trouble was always on the horizon. Lord knows I love her with all my heart, but I just wasn't in the mood for that kind of energy right now.

“Um…I don’t know. I’ve fallen behind on work. I’ve got a ton of papers to grade.”

“Girl, fuck them papers. You can do that Sunday after church. Come out and enjoy yourself with your big sisters. This is exactly what you need to get your mind right.”

“Sissss…” I whined, slightly annoyed. I wanted to stay in. My plans included getting some work done and then curling up in bed and watching TV.

“Have I ever steered you wrong, heffa?”

I rolled my eyes playfully. “Nope, but Shay ass has.”

Stephanie cracked up. “I won’t argue with that. Still, you are coming. I’ll be there at eight to pick you up. And don’t even think about ignoring my calls and pretending to be asleep, ‘cause I’ll just use my spare key and drag your yella ass right on up outta there. We are gonna be shakin’ ass on the dance floor with you dressed in your robe. I’m sure the niggas would love that. And who knows, you might just find a man that’ll do your body right and make you forget all about your troubles.”

“Girl, please. Daddy would have a fuckin’ heart attack if he found out I was in the club shaking my ass in this little skimpy ass robe.”

“Babyyy, what that man doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Wouldn’t be the first time we cut up behind his back.”

I laughed. “Ughhh, yes ma’am. See you then.”

“Okay, talk to you later, sis. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

A half-hour later, I pulled into my designated parking space. Grabbing my handbag and laptop case, I eagerly walked through the parking lot, ready to embrace the day ahead. Teaching has always been my passion, a calling I identified the moment at a very early age, playing school and pretending my dolls were students.

I entered the workforce at eighteen, starting as a teacher assistant at a local childcare center. This experience led me to teach in grade school, and ultimately to my current position at the college level after earning my master's degree. Each phase of my journey has not only deepened my love for education but also reinforced my commitment to shaping the minds of the next generation.

As I inched closer to the door, a Dodge Charger SRT glided into the parking lot. The booming sounds of Boosie Badazz & Mo3’s ‘One of Them Days Again’ blasting from the speakers caught my attention first. However, it was the striking matte black exterior and black rims along with the red brake calibers that truly captured my admiration.

To my surprise, Prosper stepped out wearing a fresh pair of Jordans and a nice black jogging suit. I figured it must be from his clothing line he had mentioned to the class before. The vibrant gold logo on the hoodie and pants was designed with elegance.

Suddenly feeling nervous, I averted my gaze and quickened my pace, hoping he wouldn't notice me. It felt like the universe was playing tricks on me—or perhaps the devil was busy. Despite having him as my student for months, I had never encountered him in the parking lot until now.

Shit.

Fortunately, he didn’t have my class today, so if I could just slip past him…

“You ain’t gotta speed walk past me, Ms. Mosley.” He called out, stopping me in my tracks. “Wouldn’t want you to fall in ya pumps.”

Taking a deep breath, I turned around, scanning my surroundings before replying. “Hello, Prosper. How are you doing today?”

“I’m doing well now.” He replied with a smirk, shutting the car door and walking toward me as he tossed his backpack onto his shoulder.

But before he could get too close, I quickened my stride, trying to distance myself. It was futile though. Prosper swiftly caught up and opened the door for me to enter the building. I shot him a wary glance, silently begging him not to say anything out of line in front of all the people we were approaching.

“Thank you,”

“Always,”

As I walked into the building, I could feel his eyes fixed on my backside. I didn’t have a huge ass but was often told for a girl on the smaller side, that thang poked. Prosper’s foolishness continued until we reached the elevators. I cursed inwardly when I realized we were the only ones getting on.

Inside the small space, the scent of his cologne enveloped me, and I couldn't help but notice how amazing he looked. His coal-black waves were thick, glistening against his chocolate complexion. I also realized he had a slanted part that wasn’t there yesterday, and I mentally scolded myself for recognizing every detail. He’d woken his fine ass up this morning and decided to go get a haircut as if it wasn't already perfection.

“You look so beautiful, mama.” He complimented once the doors closed. “You don’t belong in this generation of women.”

I shot him another glance, this one more pointed.

He chuckled, his large hand flicking his nostrils and I did not miss the VVS Cuban Link Bracelet hanging from his wrist. “What’s the problem, Ms. Mosley?”

“You,” I replied, secretly clenching my thighs together in the Pencil Skirt I wore. Why the fuck would he call me mama? “Didn’t we just have a discussion about your actions yesterday?”

“Yeah, we did. I can’t help the shit though. You beautiful, and I think you should be told that every moment of the day.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ve held back long enough.”

“Prosper, you don’t take my class today. Why are you going to the third floor?” I cut his shenanigans short, realizing he hadn't pressed a button for a different floor.

Our private community college had an intimate layout, and I shared the floor with only one other teacher. I was pretty sure Prosper didn’t take Ms. Lopez’s class, since she and I were very cool and often wandered into each other’s rooms throughout the day to chat. I had never seen him in there.

He smirked mischievously, a hint of his grill glinting. “Because I wanna spend time with you, and unfortunately, this is my only way to do so. For now, at least .”

We locked eyes, sharing an intense moment. Just as I was about to put him in his place, the elevator came to a stop and the door slid open.

On the other side, a group of students leaving Ms. Lopez's class was waiting to get on. Thanking God for the small crowd, I made my escape, leaving Prosper behind.