Page 88 of New Beginnings
“Get rid of the bodies,” I said to no one in particular and walked out of the den.
IF I DON'T MAKE IT BACK
J.D. Stevens
“This isn’t a good idea, man,” Caesar repeated for what felt like the millionth time.
For the last twenty minutes, we had been sitting in the hospital parking lot, surrounded by the sounds of honking cars and distant sirens. I had been trying to convince him to help me out, and he’d been trying to get me to change my mind.
But I would do it with or without his help. I was getting ready to finish this shit, and I had to make amends with her first. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t awake. I believed from the deepest depths of my soul when she woke up, she’d know I’d been there. All I needed him to do was create a diversion to keep her family, and the police occupied, so I could do what I needed to do.
“It probably isn’t, but I’m still going through with it. I need to see her and tell her some things just in case shit goes to hell when I get to Vegas.”
He stared at me for a moment, then gave a nod. “I’ll do what I can. But you’re gonna have to make it quick man, Rumi isn’t fucking with me right now. She’s blaming me for everything. Which isn’t new.”
“I’m sorry man,” I said. “I know you love her.”
He chuckled, but the sound lacked any trace of amusement. “What’s that song? Sometimes love just ain’t enough. I fucked up and now I’m living with the consequences of my decisions.”
He shrugged, attempting to hide his emotions, but the longing for Rumi was clear in his voice. Even though I didn’t understand their relationship because Rumi was a bitch, to him that didn’t matter and seeing him with her made me understand him more.
“Maybe she’ll come around.”
“That ship sailed a long time ago, man.” He gripped the steering wheel, then looked at me. “What’s the plan?”
“You just keep everyone distracted, and I’ll slip into the room, say what I got to say, then I’ll be out.”
He nodded in agreement, then pushed open the driver’s side door and hopped out of the truck. I took a deep breath and released it. I wasn’t sure what I was going to see when I went in there, but I knew it was something I had to do.
***
From the stairwell, Iwatched Caesar approach Rumi, who was just outside the sliding glass door opposite the nurse’s station. It was going to be difficult to slip by, so I hoped Caesar’s distraction worked.
I didn’t know the man talking to Rumi, but his gaze spoke volumes—it was filled with absolute love and adoration for her. Rebel had mentioned Rumi was engaged. This might be the fiancé.
Poor guy.
Caesar walked up to Rumi, grabbed her, and laid a kiss on her that startled her, but she didn’t push him away. Instead, she tightly clutched the lapels of his coat, pulling him closer. The stranger didn’t know what the hell was happening or what to do about it. And I think Rumi was just lost in the moment. Lost in her love for Caesar.
When the man got over his shock, he yanked Caesar away from Rumi, then punched him in the jaw and all hell broke loose. That was my cue. All the nurses and Rumi’s attention was fixed on the intense fight between Caesar and the man. I crept out of the stairwell, and quickly rushed to the sliding door of Rebel’s room. As the door slid open, I slipped inside unnoticed.
When I laid eyes on her, my fucking knees nearly gave out. She looked dead. The lack of color in her face and the stillness of her body was startling. If it wasn’t for the constant beeping of the machines, I wouldn’t have known she was alive. Her beautiful dark brown skin had no life in it. No vibrancy, like I was used to seeing. As I breathed in deeply, I felt a sense of calm wash over me, and I composed myself. I approached her, and once I reached her bedside, I gripped one of her icy hands.
“Fuck, sweetheart.”
I clenched my teeth, suppressing the sob trying to escape my throat. I needed to do this. I didn’t experience this with Dani, and I was determined not to let the opportunity slip away with her. I loved her with everything in me. I needed to tell her before it was too late. I had no doubt she’d pull through. She was strong and if anyone could, it would be Rebel. What I was uncertain of was if I was going to be around after all was said and done.
“You have been the best thing to happen to me in a long time, Rebel Pierce. And I hope you know I haven’t taken our time together for granted. And I haven’t taken you for granted. You’ll pull through this and if I don’t make it back after all this is done, I want you to know how much I love you. You’ve shown methat although I thought my world ended with Dani, that it really didn’t. You’ve shown me how to open my heart again and I will forever be grateful. I’ve got to go now, but if I don’t see you in this life again, baby, I will see you in the next. That’s a promise.”
I leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead, then pulled back. “I love you, sweetheart. Until the day I die.”
I wished she would say it back, so I could hear her voice one more time. I had no doubt she loved me because she told me when I brought her to the hospital. It was just hard not hearing the words one last time.
Caesar’s voiced echoed through the door. As he spoke, I sensed the urgency in his words. My time was up, and security was on the way. I hated to leave, but I didn’t have a choice.
After kissing her lips, I took a deep breath and without glancing back, I strode towards the door. If I looked at her, I knew I wouldn’t leave. As the door slid open, I peeked my head out. Rumi stood in between the man and Caesar. Caesar glanced my way briefly, I nodded to him, and rushed towards the stairwell, slipping back inside.
I still heard Caesar, but his voice was louder, so I knew he was headed my way. I rushed down the stairs, and out the exit. He’d probably be banned from the hospital, but I was glad he helped me out.
