ICU TOO

Chapter Fourteen

CHICAGO, IL

Devale

I woke up to both Jayla and DJ in the bed with me. No Zena, she went back to her place. As much as she wanted me to stay with her a part of me just needs my own space. Plus, I don't want my kids getting the wrong idea. Whether or not Zena and I do want to be together there is still stuff I need to figure out.

Crystal and I haven't spoken in a few days. We don't have anything to talk about if it doesn't concern DJ. There are something's I'm sure she wants to say to me, but it's pointless. Our marriage is over, there's nothing we can do about it.

As much as I love Crystal, I don't think we can ever get back to how we used to be.

"Front door opened." My house alarmed me.

I got hp and went downstairs to meet the only person that has a key to my house.

"Mom what are you doing here?" I ask her.

"I came to check on you."

"You didn't have to fly to Chicago to check on me. We could've FaceTime called." I say giving her a hug.

She kissed my cheek in return and I grabbed her coat.

"Where are my grand babies?" She asked.

"Upstairs, sleep. It's nap time." I remind her.

"I'm glad to see you keeping things afloat." She said as we went into the kitchen. "How's Crystal?" She asked.

I shrug my shoulders, "I don't know I haven't heard from her." I tell my mom.

"I didn't expect you to move on so fast." She said leaving me confused. "I spoke to Zena earlier-"

I put my hand up before my mom could finish her sentence. "I'm single. Me and Zena just got a good relationship." I said making my mom sigh.

"What?"

She sat down at the island and played with her hands as she stayed silent.

"Devale sometimes I wonder where did I go wrong with you." She said making me squint.

"Nothing mom. I don't know what you mean." I shake my head.

"Your lack of respect for the feelings of those around you, especially when you're the cause of their feelings." My mom responded.

"I do respect Crystal and I respect Zena too. I know where you're going with this and I don't wanna talk it."

"You're lack of accountability has already caused you to lose your wife, I'm not sure if you care or not-"

"Mom don't go there, I do care about Crystal. I tried to save my marriage. She ended things. I didn't want to get- you know what I'm done talking about this." I said putting my hands up.

My mom stood up and walked around the island to meet me. She placed her hand on my shoulder, taking a deep breath before speaking.

"I just want to make sure you're doing good and I don't have too much bad karma coming your way." She said smiling softly. "You already have enough."

Before I could open my mouth to redone my phone started ringing. I grabbed it and looked at the caller ID. It was Lauren so I answered.

"Hey what's up?"

"I'm down two surgeons. I need you." She said making me chuckle.

"Are you asking me for a favor?" I ask making her smack her lips.

"It's a little girl, her pelvis is completely detached from her spine. I need someone I can trust.." she said softly.

I sigh, "When do you need me?" I ask her.