Chapter 12: Tying Lose Ends

“Merry Christmas.” Drake smiled down at Nicki once he saw her eyes flutter open. He thought she looked so innocent when she slept and he was so grateful that he had the privilege of wake up to her most mornings. He looked down at her and noticed the dazed look still on her face. She obviously hadn’t woken up fully yet so he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I love you… more than you know.”

“I love you too.” Nicki said back groggily. She reached up and rubbed the stubble on his cheek while staring into his eyes. One thing she loved about being with Drake was the moments they had like this one. Where they could just drift away in each other’s arms, get lost in each other’s eyes and just let go. When they kissed all of her problems went away, none of her worries seemed to matter when they were together.

After looking into each other’s for what seemed like eternity Nicki pecked his lips one last time before getting up to head to the bathroom. “You wanna join me?” She asked, looking back at him.

“I’d love to but I can’t take anymore teasing.” Nicki pouted with a shrug then closed the door to begin her shower. Drake laid back in his old bed and looked up at the ceiling. It was great to see his parents again and even though his relationship with his dad wasn’t the best he was still glad to see that they were both okay. Drake closed his eyes and relaxed his mind as he slowly drifted off to sleep. When he woke up he felt the weight of Nicki’s head on his chest. She loved being in this position because she could hear his heartbeat. Strong and steady, just like him. Clad in his Calvin Klein boxers, Drake could feel the soft material of Nicki’s sweats on his body, then connected his eyes with hers. He noticed the distressed look in her eyes but her face seemed full of content. He could only draw the conclusion that she was trying to hide her feelings from him.

“You okay?” He studied her face and waited for a reaction that he never got. “Nika?”

“I’m fine.” Nicki said in a hushed voice, turning her head away from him. Drake placed his hand on the small of her back and sat up, pulling her with him.

“Hey, you know you can tell me anything right?” Nicki sighed before speaking.

“I really don’t want to talk about it.”

“Nicki.” Just from looking up at his face she already felt secure, but not enough.

“I just don’t want you to get in your feelings about it.” Drake huffed, annoyed at her attempt of staling.

“Nicki just tell me what’s on your mind so so I can help you.” Nicki poked her lip out and sucked it up.

“I still…” Nicki polked her lip out even further and began to draw circles in his chest with her finger.

“You still what?” Drake questioned calmly, happy that she seemed to be letting him in.

“I… still haven’t heard from Safaree.” She said in a low whisper, but Drake caught Safaree’s name. He stiffened; astonished at the fact that Safaree could still have such a strong effect on her when they weren’t even in the same country!

“Safaree?” Drake said shocked.

“See now your mad.” Nicki felt the tears coming and attempted to get up and run to the bathroom but Drake pulled her back into him.

“No no no. I’m not mad.” He lied straight through his teeth. “Thank you for telling me.”

“Is just we haven’t spent not one Christmas apart in such a long time and-”

“Shhh, it’s okay.” Drake rubbed her back. “I’m sure he’ll call or something.” It pained Drake to say it but Nicki was what was most important to him and if Safaree was what she wanted… then Safaree she would get. Nicki could feel that Drake was tensed and immediately felt bad.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought t up.”

“No I’m glad you did.” Drake sighed and Nicki looked up to meet his eyes. “Safaree might not be my favorite person in the world but he’s important to you and that’s all that matters. I don’t want you to feel like you have to keep your feelings from me okay? That’s not the type of relationship I want us to have.”

“Okay.” Nicki smiled, feeling the weight that had been crushing her chest vanish within seconds. “I’m so happy I’m with you.”

“Me too.”

*****

“Oh, I’m going to miss you!” Sandi exclaimed as she gave Nicki her biggest bear hug. “You and Aubrey come back to visit any time and I mean it.”

“Thanks Mrs. Graham.”

“Call me Sandi dear… oh I almost forgot!” Sandi rushed to the kitchen and came back to hand Nicki a small white box. “This is for you.” Sandi beamed.

“Wow, you really didn’t have to get me anything.” Nicki studied the beautiful jewelry box before looking up at both Sandi and Dennis. “I know you’re Jewish.” Dennis cleared his throat before speaking.

“Consider it a thank you for being such a great asset in Aubrey’s life. Why don’t you open it?” Nicki opened the box and gasped once she revealed a white gold charm bracelet with a Toronto snow boots charm.

“This is so beautiful. Thank you so much.”

“No problem dear. Just wear it whenever you want to think of Toronto.”

“I will.” Nicki handed the bracelet to Drake so he could help her put it on her wrist. As soon as he hooked the two ends together his phone vibrated.

“Okay guys the car’s outside.” Drake moved to his mother and hugged her after hissing her cheek. He gave Dennis a hug as well before making their way out the house.

“That was a nice visit babe.” Nicki said putting on her seatbelt.

“Yep.” Drake waved one last time to his parents who were still standing outside before the driver took off. Nicki dug in her purse and pulled out her phone so she could call her family. She didn’t really care who answered; she just needed to tell someone what time she’d be there. It felt like forever to Nicki as she waited for someone to pick up the phone. Just as she was about to hang up she heard a familiar voice.

“Hello?” Micaiah balanced the phone between his shoulder and ear so he could still play his game. Hearing her baby brother’s voice brought a smile to her face.

“Hey lamb chop.” Micaiah’s eyes got wide and he almost dropped the phone.

“Nika?”

“Yes lamb chop it’s me.” Micaiah paused his game and grabbed the phone with two hands.

“You’re coming home today right?” Nicki could hear the excitement in his voice.

“On my way to the airport right now.”

“And mom said your bringing somebody too?”

“Mhmm.” Nicki looked over at Drake who seemed preoccupied with his phone.

“Is it somebody famous? Is it Lil Wayne?”

“Yes and no.”

“Is it Drake?”

“You’ll just have to wait to find out lamb chop.” Micaiah groaned in annoyance that Nicki wouldn’t tell him who was coming to their home.

“We’ll when are you gonna get here?”

“Well my flight is 2 hours since its snowing so hard sooo… at around one o’clock.”

“Is there time difference?”

“Nope, we’re on the same time but I still have to check into my hotel.”

“How come you can’t just stay here?”

“Because lammy, I just need a little space while I’m there. I’ll be spending most of my time with you guys though.” Nicki heard Micaiah sigh on the other end.

“Okay we’ll I can’t wait to give you your present so come as soon as you can.” Micaiah said with a wide grin.

“Aww you got me a present?”

“Yeah, well you always get me a lot of stuff so I wanted to get you something too.”

“That’s so sweet. Thank you.” Nicki said with a pout.

“I really hope you like it.”

“I’m sure I will.”

“Because I saved up money for four months just so I could get you the best one.” Nicki felt like crying. Micaiah was the cutest thing to her trying to get her a gift.

“You didn’t have to spend all your money on me sweetie.”

“But I wanted to because I love you… but mom is calling me so I have to go. I love you.”

“I love you too. See you later okay? And tell don’t forget to tell mommy what time I’m coming.”

“Okay.”

Nicki ended the call and looked out the window. Talking to her brother had really brightened up her mood and Drake picked up on I immediately.

“Someone looks happy.” Drake said, eying Nicki’s smile.

“Yeah, my lamb chop is the best.” She confessed, as her smile got even bigger.

“I’m sure he is. Can’t wait to meet him.”

“Well I’m sure he’s gonna be excited when he realizes it’s you.” Nicki slid over to him and Drake wrapped his arm around her.

“That’s what it’s like to be me.” Drake said as he sighed dramatically.

“Shut up!” Nicki couldn’t help but laugh.

“Jealous much?”

“Jealous of what?” Nicki scoffed. “I have more fans than you.”

“No you don’t.”

“Yes I do. I have 17 million followers on Twitter and you only have like… 10.”

“12 actually.” He corrected. “But I’m almost to 13.”

“Whatever.” She waved him off. “Nobody can touch my Barbz.”

“Yeah yeah.”

*****

After checking into their penthouse suite, Nicki decided to venture over to Safaree’s mother’s house, which was a couple blocks from the hotel. She had planned to leave this visit till tomorrow when she was better rested but she couldn’t wait anymore.

“Oh hi Nicki.” The older woman stepped out of the doorway to embrace her. “I was wondering where on earth you’ve been. You and Safaree usually travel together but I figure something must have happened since he’s been locked up in his room so long.”

“About that… do you mind?”

“No, no, no. Of course not dear. Maybe you can get more out of him than I can.” As Nicki made her way upstairs, the faint rap music in the background kept getting louder and louder until she finally reached Safaree’s old room. Nicki turned the doorknob and to her surprise it was unlocked.

“Safaree, what is wrong with you?” Nicki fumed as she looked him over. The lights were off and he was laying bed clad in a pair of boxers and Nike socks. Safaree turned his body, looking over at her warily and Nicki could tell he had been sleeping.

“Get out.” He stated simply.

“Excuse you.” Nicki felt like she was about to explode.

“Leave.” Safaree closed his eyes for a while as if he was waiting for the right time to open them and Nicki would be gone. When he finally did lift his eyelids Nicki was still standing over him, looking pissed. She opened her mouth to say something but Safaree cut her off.

“Don’t even start Nic. You can’t really even be mad cuz’ nobody asked you to come here.” He sat up looking her straight in the eyes. “You wanna be all cuddled up with Drake? That’s cool but don’t be commin chasing after me when I don’t wanna be bothered anymore.”

“What the fuck Safaree! First off you never told me any of this shit! You can’t just fucking leave while I’m on tour. I don’t give a fuck if you got personal problems, that’s your fucking job. And unless you don’t want to keep it I would advise you to never pull that bullshit again. You don’t have to be my friend Safaree but if you’re gonna be my hype man you have to be professional.”

“Stop playing girl like you don’t care if we friends or not. You love me.” Nicki brushed Safaree’s hands away form her waist as quickly as they had appeared.

“No I don’t Safaree!”

“Yes you do! You always have! I’m just the one that always has to pull it out of you. Damn!”

“Safaree.” Nicki massaged her temples in an attempt to try and calm down. “I am not in love with you anymore. I do love you but I’m not in love with you. I love Drake. I’m in love with Drake.” Safaree shook his head silently. “Stop trying to make this into something that it will never be again.”

“Have you slept with him yet?”

“You don’t have a right to ask me that.” Nicki gritted her teeth.

“You haven’t have you?” Safaree said with a grin. “You can’t because you still have feelings for me. You can’t give yourself to him because you’re still in love with me. Actually, I don’t even think know who you love.”

Nicki looked down at him with a blank stare because that’s all she could seem to do. She could say nothing. She could do nothing. All she could do was stare. Because Safaree was right. All this time she had been avoiding sleeping with Drake because deep down she thought that she might still have feelings for Safaree but seeing him here in this moment made her realize who she really loved.

“Your right.”

“I know.” Safaree stated matter-of-factly.

“Your wrong about one thing though.”

Safaree sighed. “And what’s that.”

“I know what I want and I know who I love. His name is Drake.” Nicki turned to leave but Safaree grabbed her hand.

“Just stay. Maybe we can talk about some things.”

Nicki regained control of her hand and continued to the door. “I have somewhere I need to be. Merry Christmas Safaree.”

*****

Nicki closed the door to her and Drake’s suite and journeyed to the bedroom. She heard Drake in the shower and decided to join him. Once she had disrobed of all her clothes she opened the shower door as the hot steam hit her body giving her goose bumps all over. Drake hugged her body close and lifted her off the ground. As she wrapped her legs around his waist all she could do was stare into his eyes.

“You okay?” He asked, finally breaking the silence.

“I’m ready.”

Chapter 11: The Grahams

Shout Out to LiyahBarbie and Jay Zolanski for commenting on every chapter! Shout out to all my other commenters as well... Enjoy!

“You ready Nic?” Drake called up to her from downstairs.

“Almost ready!” Nicki yelled from her bathroom. Drake knew it would still take her a while so he started up the stairs and headed to Nicki’s room. He found her in front of the mirror fixing her jacket. He had no idea why it was taking so long because she only had on a pair of cream sweats.

“Do I look okay?” Nicki asked, looking at Drake through the mirror.

“You look perfect.” Drake walked up behind Nicki and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into him. “You are perfect.”

“You think your parents will like me?” Nicki asked looking at the ground.”

“I know they’ll love you.” He rested his head on hers. “Just like I do.” Nicki lifter her head and smiled.

“I love you.”

“I love you more.” Drake smiled back.

*****

“Nicki?... Nicki?... Nicki?” Nicki was drifting away from the white light that surrounded her. “Nicki?” She faintly heard a voice calling her name. She was light headed and shielded her face from the light as she finally woke from her deep sleep. She looked over to see Safaree in a chair next to her hospital bed. Her hand in his as he gripped it tightly. “Nic.” Safaree was relieved that she was awake. The memories quickly drifted back to her and the fear took over her once again. She snatched her hand from his and tried to move away but the piercing pain in her back let her know it wasn’t a good idea. “Nic-” Nicki groaned fiercely at Safaree letting him know not to come near her. She tried to speak but no words would leave her mouth. She reached up to touch her throat and was met by the thick bandages wrapped around it. “Nicki look.” Safaree stretched his hand out to touch her and that’s when the tears fell. Nicki cried feeling helpless. She couldn’t speak, she was in enormous pain, and she was 2 inches away from the person that had thrown her around like a rag doll. Safaree stood up to lean over her and that’s when she screamed.

Nicki quickly sat up in a cold sweat out of breath. She felt around in the darkness and identified with the sheets she had fallen asleep in the night before. “Aubrey?” She whispered but received no answer. She crawled over to the edge of the bed and turned on the light.

She sighed in relief, feeling safe once the lights were on. She looked around Drake’s old room in the basement. She smiled thinking about how far they had both come in their lives. She figured he’d gone upstairs so she headed to his bathroom to get herself ready for the day.

“She’s a beautiful girl Aubrey.” Dennis said, as Sandi placed his coffee and the newspaper in front of him on the dining room table. After he thanked her she headed back to the kitchen to finish making breakfast.

“Yeah dad she is.” Drake knew exactly where his father was going with this, he was just waiting for him to say it. “Did you think she wouldn’t be?” Dennis opened the newspaper before answering.

“No, not necessarily. I’m just pleasantly surprised by your choice in women.” Drake smiled sourly, shaking his head.

“And what’s that suppose to mean?”

“Well with your “profession” and all I was worried that the first girl you’d bring home would be one of those sleezy women you so call rap about.” Drake just stared at his father who hadn’t looked up from the newspaper.

“Well there it is.” Dennis finally looked up and put the paper down.

“There what is son?” Dennis challenged.

“That’s how you really feel about my career. You’ve just never been man enough to say it.”

“You watch your mouth in my house Aubrey Graham.” Drake let out a dry chuckle.

“You know the funny thing is, without the money from my “profession” you and mom would’ve lost this house a long time ago.” Without a word Dennis got up and headed to his room. Sandi called after him but he was long gone.

“Aubrey why do you always have to bicker with your father?” She asked as she took a seat.

“I don’t bicker with him, he bickers with me but there’s not point in explainin that to you because you always take his side anyways.” Just then Nicki entered the kitchen in an all white outfit.

“Good morning dear.” Sandi got up to hug her. “Oh, you smell so nice!”

“Thank you.” Nicki beamed. “It’s my own fragrance.”

“Oh well I’ll just have to go buy some.”

“Oh I have an extra bottle in my bag. I’ll give it to you later.”

“Well aren’t you just the sweetest thing." Sandi patted Nicki’s cheek. “Please, have a seat breakfast is almost ready.” Nicki sat down in the seat next to Drake.

“Morning my beauty.” Drake said then sweetly kissed her lips.

“Good morning my prince.” Nicki kissed him again.

“Prince?” Drake questioned. “Don’t you mean king?”

“Nope. I’m the king.”

“O yeah?”

“Yeah.” Nicki giggled.

“Why is that?”

“Because I run this show.” Drake playfully rolled his eyes as he watched his mom struggle to approach the table with more plates than she could carry.

“That looks good ma.” Drake eyed the food as he licked his lips.

“Thanks baby.” She said as she continued to balance the plates.

“Go help your mom.” Nicki said as she hit him in the arm.

“Ouch babe.” Nicki eyed him until he got up to help is mother bring the food to the table.

“Oh thank you sweetheart.” Sandi took a deep breath as she sat down. “Can you get the juice from the counter?”

“Yeah.” Drake retrieved the orange juice and sat it down in the middle of the table. He took his seat and started to fix his plate grabbing two pieces of toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and two pancakes.

“Geez babe you gon eat the whole country?” Nicki asked while looking down at her plate that only had some bacon and a pancake.

“Oh well my baby always could eat.” Sandi smiled. “I never understood how he managed to stay so skinny.” Drake said nothing as he was so focused on his food. “So Nicki I can’t say how grateful I am for you to be staying in our home. I know you’d rather be staying in one of those fancy hotels you’re used to.”

“No not at all. I’m in love with this house. Makes me remember what it’s like being a normal person.”

“Oh well I’m glad dear. So why cut the visit so short then? I mean you only got here last night and your already leaving tomorrow?”

“We gotta go see Nicki’s family too ma.” Drake said with a mouth full of food.

“Aubrey where are your manners?” Sandi laughed eyeing the jelly on Drake’s face.

“I got it.” Nicki used her napkin to wipe his mouth then kissed his cheek.

“Look at you. Twenty six years old and still spoiled as ever.” Sandi shook her head laughing. The three talked more about their lives and future plans as they continued to enjoy their food. “But you two really should come visit again… and soon.” Sandi said finishing her food.

“You sure you had enough to eat ma?”

“Oh I’m fine baby.” Sandi walked over to the kitchen and fixed Dennis a plate before turning to Drake and Nicki. “Well I’ll leave you to it and Nicki dear you really should see the town.” And with that she was off to her bedroom to bring Dennis his breakfast.

“So you gon show me around?” Nicki asked, then bit off another piece of bacon.

“Mhm I can think of a lot of things I could show you in my bedroom.” Drake buried his face into her neck.

“Get off me.” Nicki giggled. “We are not getting busy in your parents house, especially with your parents in the house.” Drake slid her into his lap and carried her back to his room.

“I wasn’t finished.” Nicki said as he retreated downstairs.

“Whatever. It takes you forever to eat.” He said nonchalantly as he dropped her on the bed.

“That is not the way to get into my pants.” Nicki laughed.

“Whachu sayin?” Drake grinned as he crawled on top of her.

“I’m sayin if you want this anytime soon you gon have to do much better then that.” She stared into his eyes and leaned up and kissed him. The two kissed passionately as they began to get more and more into the moment. Drake snaked his hand down and unbuttoned Nicki’s jeans then began to slowly slip his hand into her thong but Nicki quickly grabbed his wrist. “I said no.” Drake looked her in the eyes then kissed her nose.

“My bad, I’m sorry.” Drake rolled over on his back disappointed once again. Why is she doing this to me?

I think I'm going to start posting short chapters like this one because then you guys will get updates faster instead of me taking so long to write longer chapters. But idk what do you think?

Interlude: Mother-in-Laws

Thanks for the comments! I really do appreciate them... Enjoy!

“Oh Aubrey. It’ll be great having you home again.” Sandi said on the other end of the call. It had been almost eight months since Drake had been up to Toronto because of his schedule being so hectic, but he had planed on visiting tomorrow with Nicki. They’d be arriving in Toronto the night before Christmas Eve and leaving on Christmas day to spend time with Nicki’s family in New York. “Oh and your father is just so excited to see you.”

“Dad? Excited? Yeah, I bet he’s just jumping off the wall.” The sarcasm couldn’t be more obvious in his voice.

“Oh Aubrey, your father loves you more than you know. Even though he may not always show it, he’s always very excited to see you.”

“Okay ma.” Drake took a deep breath to prepare brining up the next subject. “So… do mind if I bring someone along? There’s someone I really want you and dad to meet.”

“One of your little rapper friends?” Drake could hear the smile in her voice. His mother had always been supportive of his career. She defiantly appreciated it more than his father did.

“Kind of… she’s-”

“She? Oh Aubrey you’ve got a girlfriend!”

“Yeah ma, that’s kind of what I wanted to-”

“Oh, I bet she’s beautiful! You always had great taste in that department. And she must-”

“Ma!” Drake couldn’t help but laugh at his mothers antics. All she had ever wanted was for her son to find a woman that would treat him right and make him happy.

“I’m sorry baby, I’m just so happy for you. I mean you haven’t dated anyone since you got back together with that Nebby girl.”

“Yeah, can we not talk about her please?”

“Of course darling. I didn’t mean to bring it up.” Sandi quickly changed the subject. “So tell me. What’s she like?”

“Well she’s… Nicki Minaj ma.”

“Nicki Minaj? You mean the Nicki Minaj?” Drake laughed again.

“Yeah ma. The Nicki Minaj.” He mocked.

“Oh don’t make fun.” Sandi waved him off even though he couldn’t see her. “She’s the one you decided to prank the world with and tell everybody you were married right?”

“Yeah mom. She’s the one.” Drake smiled at the old memory. “So can she come?”

“Well of course! You claim to be famous yet you’ve never brought any celebrities back home before.”

“Well she’s special ma.” Sandi smiled at the way he said that.

“Oh, sweetheart. You think she might be the one?”

“I know she is. I’ve been chasin after her for five years and I’ve finally got her. I’m not gonna let her go.”

“That’s great baby.” Her heart was warmed by how much her son could love. “Just make sure you treat her right Aubrey.”

“Trust me I will.”

“Okay baby. Well your father just came downstairs so I’m gonna start on lunch.”

“Alright ma. I love you.”

“I love you too sweetheart. Call me soon.” Sandi urged.

Drake chuckled. “I will ma. Bye.” After Drake ended the call he turned his attention back to the paper in front of him and finished up the verse he had been writing.

*****

“Yes mommy.” Nicki replied, bored of the conversation.

“Alright Onika. What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing. I’m fine.” Nicki tried to play it off but her mother wasn’t buying it.

“Onika.” Her mother said sternly. Nicki sighed.

“I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“Talk about what?” Carol said curious as to why her daughter would be hesitant to talk to her about anything.

“I’m gonna have to tell everybody when I come visit anyways so I might as well only have to tell you once.”

“Onika are you pregnant?” Carol asked with a disappointed tone.

“What! Why do you always have to think the worse?”

“Well are you?”

“No.” Nicki said, slightly insulted.

“Well then what could be so bad that you can’t talk to me about it over the phone?”

“That’s the point. It’s not bad. I just know you wont approve.”

“Onika you’re a grown woman. You know you’re free to make your own decisions.”

“Okay then, let’s see if you remember that.”

“Don’t go getting smart with me young lady.” Her mother warned.

“I have to go.”

“Wait, Onika-”

“I love you.” Nicki ended the call then laid back against her headboard.” She stared at her phone for a while before deciding to call Safaree again. She still hadn’t heard from him but she hoped he was in New York with his mother. That way she could try and hash things out with him when she went to visit her family.

“Yo, dis is SB. Scaff Beezy to you niggas. I’m out makin that money, shittin on ya life, all that shit. Stay icy niggas. Yeah.” Nicki sighed upon hearing Safaree’s voicemail for the fourth time that day. Even though she didn’t want to show it around Drake, deep down she was torn up inside at the fact that he would disappear without a word. The saddest part was that she didn’t even know why.

“Safaree… please call me. We really need to talk.” And with that, Nicki hung up and continued to pack her bags for her visit to Toronto.