Cape Cod, Five Years Ago III
That next morning found the five at the table again. Beyoncé woke up for the first time without crying. Ronda and Carmen poured coffee for all of them. Beyoncé picked up her cup and drank the hot liquid, savouring the bitterness. For the longest time, no one said anything. The silence was broken by Beyoncé's father, who cleared his throat out before he spoke.
"We would be happy to reimburse you for everything." It took a moment for Beyoncé's brain to register what he had just said. Ronda, Carmen and even Beyoncé's mother blinked in surprise.
"Dad?" Beyoncé whispered. He ran his hand through down his bearded chin. His eyes were dark, probably from tossing and turning all night thinking about the decision.
"We would pay you for tuition fees, book fees, room and board, any expenses you can think of. And we would owe you more than we could ever pay. I cannot begin to describe the debt we'd owe you for this. And Bey, I expect you to call at least once a week." Beyoncé hung her head. Some small part of her felt slightly embarrassed by it all.
"Are you sure?" Ronda asked.
"That's up to Beyoncé." Her father replied. Everyone looked at Beyoncé. She swallowed and nodded solemnly.
So that was that. Beyoncé moved in with Ronda and Carmen. Her parents left early in the morning and not a few days passed when a few boxes with Beyoncé's belongings arrived at the front door. Beyoncé quickly made herself as useful as possible, doing household chores when she had even a second. Carmen and Ronda never really had the time to do so and had previously hired a maid. When Beyoncé moved in, they found it no longer necessary and cancelled the service
There was no getting past the initial awkwardness in the household. Carmen was still slightly unsettled by the young blonde's presence but she made the effort to welcome her. Ronda on the other hand accepted Beyoncé fully into their home. She invited Beyoncé to cook with her, to watch movies with the two of them and even invited her to some of the parties they held for friends. Beyoncé politely participated in any activity that they suggested and she found herself enjoying their company.
One night, Ronda knocked on her door just as Beyoncé was getting ready for bed. The older woman sat down on her bed, her hand lightly holding something.
"I found these as I was developing some old film." Ronda said. Beyoncé didn't want to comment on how old fashioned it was to still be developing film but from the pictures on the walls, it seemed to be a hobby of the woman's.
"Really? What is it?" Beyoncé sat down next to her, trying to catch a glance. Ronda withdrew her hand.
"I was waiting for a time when you were ready. I'm not sure if you're ready for it." Ronda replied and instantly Beyoncé knew it was something to do with Kelly. Beyoncé took a deep breath, prepared for whatever it was that the picture showed.
"I'll be okay." Beyoncé replied. She instinctively touched the silver ring on her hand for comfort. She steadied herself as Ronda showed her the photo.
It was a photo of the two of them sleeping and Beyoncé remembered the moment.
"I took it because I thought you two were just the cutest things ever. I'm sorry if this..." Beyoncé cut her off and took the photo out of her hands.
"No." She reassured her. "No, it's fine." The two of the looked at the photo for a short while before Beyoncé felt her throat start closing up again.
"Um... Ronda..." She whispered. "I just need some time."
"Of course." Ronda stood up and walked out into the hallway, closing the door gently. Beyoncé wept silently, wiping the tears as they came but pretty soon she was crying into her arms. She held the photo against her chest and let the sobs overcome her body.
