New Beginning

CHAPTER FORTY

Chris
I sighed placing another stack of paperwork to the right side of me. For the last couple of weeks I've been burying myself in work. From ripping and running back and forth between my new location and current, I was doing anything to distract me from reality right about now.
It felt like my world had been turned upside down when I received that phone call from Naomi. I was already worried about Raya because when I returned the door was opened, furniture was scattered around, and her phone was still laying on the kitchen counter. Immediately, I went into panic mode because there were a million scenarios that ran ramped inside of my head. I called Naomi and Asia not knowing what to do other than call the police. That's when I found out that Danny knew about us which made me more anxious because regardless, anyone is capable of anything especially in a vulnerable state. When word finally came back to me that Raya was in a terrible wreck my heart sunk and after driving to the scene my heart shattered. As much as I didn't want to admit it, the way it all looked I was preparing myself for the worst.
Once I arrived to the hospital her parents were already there. I introduced myself as a good friend of hers. They were hesitant at first, but once Naomi, Asia, and Tremaine spoke to me they no longer paid me any mind. Danny was able to leave the hospital within a matter of days. He found out I was coming to visit Raya so being the pussy he is, he couldn't wait to tell Raya's parents all about us. Raya's mother was livid  and basically tried to ban me from coming. Out of no disrespect towards her, I refused and continued to come every day until a security guard told me out of her mother's request I was not allowed to visit. I had to practically beg him to let me speak to her father to give him her phone. Raya's father didn't say too much to me, which I didn't mind. It was a relief he wasn't as difficult as her mother. I asked him to at least let me know anything so I hope he does.
When the paperwork was completed, I went with the decision to head over to my newest location and see what progress was being made. Naomi has been doing a damn good job from what I've seen so I'm pleased with my choice of giving her the position.
As I got in my truck, my phone rang loudly through my back pocket. I didn't recognize the number and was nearly tempted to not answer. If it was a potential client, most call me on my work phone. No one really had my personal phone number besides the people I know. Going against my better judgment I went on and answered.

"Hello," I asked curiously.
"Good morning is this Chris," a man asked me on the other end.
"Yes this is he."
"Hey Chris, it's Gary, Raya's father. I still had your number saved and everything. I know you wanted me to keep you updated on my daughter."
"Yes sir. Thank you for remembering to call me," I sat up in my seat. Because I wasn't sure which direction this conversation would take I was completely nervous. I don't think I would be able to handle any bad news about my baby.
"Of course. I see that you care about her just as much as the next person and I wouldn't be a man of my word if I didn't reach out."
"I appreciate that sir, more than you know. How is she doing?"
"Well," he sighed with a pause, making my stomach twist. "I'm no doctor, but given the fact I'm watching her chow down on this Popeye's I just brought her, I would say she's doing alright."
Hearing those words brought so much happiness to my heart. There was a long pause over the phone as I sat there with my eyes closed, quietly thanking God.
"You still there son?"
"Yes, Mr. Lee I'm here. Just taking it all in. I thought I was going to lose her."
"Gotta keep the faith Chris. And you also have to know who you're dealing with. I raised a fighter, Raya wouldn't leave that easy," he lowly chuckled.
"Did she get her phone and everything?"
"Yes, she has it. She hasn't really been in the mood to speak with anyone else just yet. I hope you understand."
"No, I get it and that's fine. Could you tell her I miss her and when the time is right I can't wait to see her."
"Of course," there was another pause. "Listen, Chris I just want to apologize to you on the behalf of my wife and myself. I misjudged you because of the situation, but I want to thank you for the glow you placed on my daughter's heart. You gave her the push she needed and I can tell just by the way she speaks about you that you really make her happy. Although it's early days I just need you to understand Raya doesn't deserve anymore hurt from anyone. So if you want to be in her life, be patient with her and understand how to love her. Whenever she does decide to date again, you do have my blessing for now. Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves. I'm going to be a whole lot more protective with my daughter so don't fuck it up young man. If Raya gets her heart broken again, just know I'm putting my foot right your up ass. Understand?"
He laughed, but I knew he was serious.
"You won't have to worry about that Mr. Lee. I want to be here to stay."
"Alright Chris we shall see. Anyways, I'm about to head over to work. I just wanted to give you the good news."
"Thank you so much Mr. Lee. You really have made my morning."
He laughed once more before saying goodbye to me and hanging up. For the first time in a while everything felt right. I truly believe I can finally have Raya to myself. I'm so ready to love this girl completely and treat her the way she deserved to be treated. I prayed and prayed for God to make a way for Raya and I if it was in his will. This was enough of a sign for me to continue on with my heart. I'm going to make Raya my woman one of these days and I can't wait.