Consequences

39

Armani heard the rustling of Mckenna's bed sheets. She opened her eyes to see Mckenna tossing and turning. She jumped up and put her hand on Mckenna's arm.
"Mckenna, what are you doing?"
Armani asked. Mckenna slowly opened her eyes. Everything was a blur. All she could see was white walls. She turned her head. A face began to come into focus. She soon realized it was Armani. Mckenna licked her dry lips. Her voice crackled as she spoke. She cleared her throat.
"Taraji?"
"She is fine, Mckenna."
Armani smiled.
"You were having a bad dream again."
Mckenna looked at Armani. Slowly, images began to come in her head. She saw Taraji lying in blood. Mckenna rose up but quickly fell back down.
"Fuck!"
Mckenna yelled. She had been out of the hospital for a week, but Taraji was still in.
"Kenna, are you all right?"
"Where is Zaria?"
"Zaria and Nic are at the hospital with T. They have been staying with her while I stayed with you."
Roman popped into Mckenna's head.
"Where is your dude?"
"At the hotel."
"Well, I guess that wasn't a part of my nightmare."
"No,"
Armani said. Mckenna looked away.
"Damn. I gotta pee."
Armani helped Mckenna up. Mckenna slowly walked to the bathroom. She turned to wash her hands in the sink. She paused when she saw the large bandage on the right side of her face. She rubbed her hands against the dressing. She remembered everything now.
"I guess karma finally caught up to me."
"Don't say that. You didn't deserve this."
Armani walked over to Mckenna. She put her arm around her waist.
"Armani, I've done some fucked up things in my life.
I've treated women real fucked up. I finally have to deal with the consequences of my actions. But, T, she ain't done nothing wrong. I would have preferred to die than have anything happen to her. It's all my fault."
"Mckenna, it's not your fault. It's Monica's fault."
"Armani, there would have never been a situation if I wasn't trying to be up to my old self. Ti would have never had to go to that room if it wasn't for me. I can only hope she will forgive me. I want to go see her."
"You sure you up for all of that?"
Armani asked.
"Yeah, I am. I gotta see my bruh."

Vivid memories of the night continued to haunt Mckenna. She was filled with emotion as she walked into the hospital. She had almost lost her best friend.
"Hey, bruh. T, look who's here."
Mckenna's heart tore apart when she saw Taraji lying in the hospital bed. Taraji smiled when she saw Mckenna and Armani.
"Bruh, I was wondering when you were going to get up out of your bed,"
Taraji teased. Mckenna smiled.
"You know how I do it. Gotta sleep in."
She didn't want to ruin everyone's mood, so she held her feelings in.
"I missed you, bruh,"
Taraji said.
"Man, you will never know."
Mckenna grabbed Taraji's hand. She tried to hold back but couldn't.
"I am so sorry, bruh."
"Kenna, come on now. I'm gonna be OK. You're gonna be OK. Fuck it. We got big things to do."
A nurse walked in the room.
"You here to tell me I can go home?"
Taraji said to the nurse and smiled.
"Oh, you know you aren't going anywhere."
The nurse smiled as she checked Taraji's machines.
"I'm so happy to have my crew here with me again,"
Zaria, said hugging Mckenna.
"Well, I'm sorry to spoil your moment, Zaria, but I have to go."
"Oh, you are headed to Atlanta tomorrow morning right?"
Zaria hugged Armani.
"I'm going to miss you so much, girl."
"Aww, me too, but you know I am going to get out to L.A. while I am still sexy."
"I hear that."
"You're going to Atlanta?"
Mckenna asked.
Armani could see the hurt in Mckenna's eyes.
"Yeah, I'm moving there."
"Good luck."
Mckenna gave Armani a hug. She didn't want to let go, but she knew she had to.
"Bye, everyone."
Armani headed out the door. Mckenna yelled her name, causing her to turn back around.
"Armani,"
Mckenna said, walking toward her.
"Just know, you were the first. Armani, I will always love you. Remember that."
Mckenna kissed Armani on her hand. Zaria and Taraji were surprised by Mckenna statement. Armani smiled.
"Same here."
They let go. Armani walked out of the room and out of Mckenna's life. Mckenna turned around to see them looking at her.
"Yeah, that's right. A nigga said the L word."
Everyone started laughing.
"Fuck y'all, man."
Mckenna laughed as she sat back in her chair. They talked and laughed the rest of the night.