Page 35 of Bern and Isley
Snow beat me to the bedside as she gently laid against Isley. Isley struggled to open her swollen eyes.
“How are you feeling?” Snow asked out of instinct because it was clear as day that Isley was in some pain.
“I’m okay.” She winced as she attempted to adjust herself in the hospital bed.
My feet finally propelled me toward the other side of the bed. I reached out to grab Isley’s hand. “I’m glad to see you’re still with us,” I managed to blurt out.
She squeezed my hand gently in response. I felt so much vulnerability in her touch. I wished that I could take away every ounce of her pain and discomfort.
Snow and I visited with her for twenty minutes in comfortable silence. I pulled up a chair beside her bed because Isley didn’t want to let my hand go. I didn’t mind because I wanted to continue to hold hers. And I was glad she found comfort in my presence. Snow eventually left so my mom and Isley’s aunt could visit as well. After a couple of hours, everyone left, then it was just me and Isley.
We didn’t say much. The television played in the background to break up the silence. She was weak and I didn’t want her to use her energy trying to converse when she should be resting. She didn’t have any major injuries, but she would be sore for a while.
“Isley, I know the timing is fucked up, but I have something I need to tell you.”
“Okay.”
“You probably don’t remember. But the day that I came over for a retwist, I told you that I needed to tell you something. But when you started vomiting, I lost my train of thought.”
“I do remember that.”
I took a deep breath. All of a sudden I regretted bringing the topic up. “Never mind.”
“Spit it out, Bernie,” she urged, giving my hand a hard squeeze.
“I love you, Isley.”
She smiled weakly. “I love you too… but what do you need to tell me?”
“I’m telling you. I love you. And I’m not just talking about a friendly type of love. I’m in love with you, Isley. I know we’ve been best friends for many years and that you probably don’t see me in that way, but I’ve been fighting this feeling for a while.”
Isley didn’t respond. I wasn’t too surprised by that. I knew it was a lot to drop on her, especially at this moment. But the fact that she could’ve died without even knowing my true feelings about her made me feel better about finally speaking my truth.
“And I’m going to be there for you, helping as you recover from your injuries. My mama has agreed to come over every day to help with your aunt too. So that’s one less thing you have to worry about. Your top priority is just getting rest and continuing to bake that little bun in the oven.”
Isley’s shoulders began heaving as a sob escaped her lips. “There is no bun. I lost my baby.”
Chapter 20
Isley
Eight weekslater
“I think it would be good for you to get out of the house, friend.”
“It’s too hot.” I rolled my eyes at Snow. It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the full truth. Physically, I had healed from the car accident, but emotionally I was still dealing with the grief of losing Angel. That was what I called my unborn child. It was the name I planned to use whether it was a boy or girl since it was unisex. I hated Marshall with my whole heart for taking my baby from me. And I hoped his soul was tormented in hell. I was glad that I survived the accident. His parents had the nerve to be salty because I refused to attend his services, but why would I? The nigga was responsible for me losing our child and he almost took my life too.
“You know they’re going to have all of those food trucks out there. You know you want some fried Oreos.”
She had me there. Fried Oreos sounded good. DP was hosting its annual block party. It was always a huge event and everyone in the community and surrounding areas were welcome.
“And you know that dessert truck with those fancy beignets will be there too.”
All of the junk food sounded tempting as hell, but I wasn’t sure I was ready to be around a bunch of kids. Word had gotten around about my accident and I was tired of the stares of pity.
“I told Bernie that I would think about it.” I shrugged.
“Speaking of him, where do y’all stand since he poured out his heart to you?”
