Chapter 13

                                    

                                          
(one month later)
Beyonce's POV
It's currently a Monday; I don't know what it is, but Mondays always move extremely slowly.
I'm with my last class for the day, then I get to see my baby, Onika. I smile just at the thought of being around her. Our relationship has been going strong, and her bond with the kids has become even stronger. They both adore Onika, which I find so cute.
Onika is amazing with children. Anytime something goes on with the kids, she's the first one to show up. The kids notice, and that's probably why they love her so much.
While in my thoughts, I see one of my students come up to me. "Hey, Ms. Knowles, I have a question about our poem."
"Hey Laila, What's your question?" She hands me over her outline. "For our poems, will we have to present them to the class?" I could tell she's not that fond of public speaking, which is okay. "No, its okay. Some can opt to present for extra credit." I explain to her. She thanks me before heading away to walk back to her desk.
For their poems, I have the kids reflect on who they believe they are as people now and who they were. I want them to dig deep and express themselves freely. Without any judgement. Kids deserve to feel like they have a safe space. I want my classroom to be that.
The bell finally rings after about twenty minutes. I announce to my class that their poems are due on Friday.
I head into Onika's classroom, seeing my mom in there. They glanced at me before continuing their conversation. Damn, no hello or nothing. But I can tell they're having an intense conversation, so I won't be in my feels too much.
"Principal T, no disrespect, but I don't think it's appropriate for me to be going on that field trip with a bunch of students I no longer teach." Onika huffed.
"Onika, listen, you are the only teacher here that I trust to watch over everyone. I don't want to be that way. But I'm not asking you; I am telling you. It's an order. We have no other teachers to fill your place. So I expect you to be prepared for this field trip on Wednesday." My mom spoke with sternness; I knew she was standing on whatever they were talking about. "Okay, Principal T, I will have my things prepared." I could tell Onika didn't want to push because even though she and my mama are close, that is her boss.
"Also, you will be sharing a room with Ms.J." Onika's entire face frozen. "Listen, I understand we are low staff for the amount of teachers going, that I can deal with. But I cannot share a room with Jhene."
My mom shrugs. "I know about the relations you and Jhene had prior, but that will have to suffice in this situation. I expect you both to be two grown adults." Onika rolls her eyes. "Mama T, please."
What the hell does she mean 'relations'?
"I'm sorry, Nicki, but I cannot arrange anything else." My mom gives Onika a hug to comfort her about the situation. "Who's Jhene?" They both look in my direction. "I think that's a conversation for you and Onika to have babygirl."
"It's okay, you can tell her." Nicki voiced.
"Jhene is a twelfth grade teacher here; her and Onika used to date," my mom said.
Onika's POV
"Yup," I admit. "I'm sorry, Nicki; if I could have figured something else out, I would've." she said. "It's okay; it's not your fault; you're just doing your job." I pinch the bridge of my nose, letting out a breath.
"But, before you get in your feels, Bey, I demanded Onika to go on this trip, and if we're being frank here, Onika doesn't ever communicate with her at all. Onika's the only other teacher that can handle the amount of students going." Mama T said, trying to have my back.