Chapter 71: Chart Toppers and Heartfelt Homecomings
February 2nd, 2002, dawned crisp and cold in New York City. Holmes woke up in his new Fifth Avenue apartment, the city skyline stretching out before him. He grabbed a cup of coffee and turned on the TV, eager to see the latest Billboard charts.
The Billboard Top 10 (February 2nd, 2002):
The screen flickered to life, displaying the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10:
1. "U Got It Bad" - Usher
2. "How You Remind Me" - Nickelback
3. "Always on Time" - Ja Rule ft. Ashanti
4. "Wherever You Will Go" - The Calling
5. "Family Affair" - Mary J. Blige
6. "Hella Good" - No Doubt
7. "Get the Party Started" - Pink
8. "Hero" - Enrique Iglesias
9. "I'm Real" - Jennifer Lopez ft. Ja Rule
10. "Crazy Mind" - Holmes, Eminem, 50 Cent, D12
Holmes smiled, seeing "Crazy Mind" still holding strong in the Top 10. Its impact was undeniable.
Farewell to New York:
After a quick breakfast, Holmes headed back to Diddy's studio to say his goodbyes. He had already told Diddy about his brother's big news.
"Leaving already, Holmes?" Diddy asked, as Holmes walked into the lounge. "Just when things were getting interesting."
"Gotta get back to Chicago, Puff," Holmes said. "Family's calling."
"I understand, man," Diddy said. "Give your brother and Celeste my best. Tell them congratulations on the little one."
Holmes shook Diddy's hand. "Appreciate it, Puff. You're a real friend."
Jay-Z, who was also in the studio, nodded in acknowledgment. "Stay in touch, Holmes. We gotta make that track happen sometime."
"Definitely, Jay," Holmes said.
Lil Wayne approached Holmes, his eyes filled with admiration. "It was an honor meeting you, Mr. Holmes," Wayne said. "I learned a lot from you."
"The honor was all mine, Wayne," Holmes said, smiling. "You got a bright future ahead of you. Just keep grinding."
Back to Chicago:
Holmes boarded a private jet back to Chicago, his mind filled with thoughts of his family, his music, and his future. Knowing about Celeste's pregnancy added an extra layer of warmth to his anticipation. As the plane soared through the sky, he felt a sense of excitement and joy.
As the plane landed at O'Hare International Airport, he was greeted by his brother, Teddy.
"Holmes!" Teddy exclaimed, pulling him into a hug. "Good to see you, man. How was New York?"
"It was good, Ted," Holmes said, clapping him on the back and carefully avoiding mentioning the Celeste's condition so as to not make the news become public yet. "But it's good to be back home."
They chatted about New York all the way back to Teddy's house.
They pull up at the house and step inside. Holmes noticed Celeste sitting on the couch with her legs up, a soft smile on her face. Her figure was still slender as ever, barely showing the early signs of pregnancy.
"Holmes!" Celeste exclaimed, "How was New York?"
Holmes gave her a knowing look, trying to keep it subtle. "It was amazing, Celeste. But I have to say, you and Ted have a bigger surprise than the city."
Celeste blushed, knowing that Holmes was aware of her condition.
"So, you know?" she asked, looking at both Holmes and Teddy, excitement in her eyes.
"Of course, Holmes knows," Teddy replied, grinning. "I had to tell him the good news."
The three of them erupted with laughter, looking forward to the new chapter of their lives. Holmes was already thinking about baby names and all the things he would teach his niece or nephew.