Ain't Shady Baby, I'm Hot

102

"Ma! Gray!" I shouted, ripping open the garage door to the house. Gray's truck and my mother's Subaru were parked in the garage, meaning they were home. They had to be. I held my small defense gun at my side as I tore through the main hallway.

"Ma! Gray!" I roared again as I surveyed the area. The house lights were dimmed, and the living room and kitchen were vacant. I reached their bedroom and kicked open the door, my gun raised as I took in the neatly made bed and the nightstand lamp on low.

I checked the dresser and found several clothes missing. Their two suitcases in the laundry room were also gone. I checked the back door, making sure it was locked before doing the same to the front and garage doors. I threw my phone on the downstairs charger and took off towards my bedroom. I held the gun in front of me as I cleared all three rooms upstairs and made sure every window and my balcony was securely locked.

I gave my phone some time to charge as I cleaned out my backpack and took care of my cuts and bruises. I changed my clothes, threw on a rain jacket, and then packed my bag. I put some spare clothes, a first aid kit, a waterproof phone pouch, a portable charger, and a cord then finally threw my gun in my nightstand drawer with the holster. I grabbed my utility pocket knife and clamped it onto one of the several elastic pieces on the backpack straps. I zipped up the water-resistant bag and took off to check on my phone.

I nearly cried in joy when I saw the screen light up. My finger typing in my password as I threw myself onto a barstool. I did cry when I saw the missed text messages I had received. My hand rising to cover my mouth as I let my emotions pour over.

Gray

We are at the hospital. Come when you can.
Gray

Xena. Please, I need to know you're okay.
I promise I'll explain when you get here.
Gray

Please hurry, Xena.
Gray

I felt like a dam that had finally reached the point of too much pressure and I was cracking so fast that I crumbled.

A sharp boom of thunder roared above. The first drops of rain hitting. The sky and I in sync.

"I--I need your help, pl-please. I have to go to the hospital." My breath caught in my throat. "I--I can't. I can't," I couldn't form my sentence as I sobbed into the phone.

"Where are you, Kiddo."

"I'm--I'm home, Murph. I'm home and I'm s-s-so scared." My lips quiver as my hand shook.

"We're coming. We're on our way." I cried harder hearing Roy in the background.

"Here's what I need you to do. Xena, hey, I need you to pay attention, okay?" I sniffled trying to focus in on Murphy. "Okay?"

"O-kay" The word was drawn out as I hyperventilate trying to calm down.

"Have all of your stuff ready, put your phone on a charger until we get there. Make yourself a sandwich and eat some fruit. I bet you haven't eaten all day." I nodded as another cry came from my lips. "I'll take that as a yes."

I was still crying as I laughed slightly. My emotional state wrecking me to my core. I heard him chuckle lightly on the other end.

"We're gonna stay on the phone. We are pulling out of the house now. Eat some food, even if you don't want to. Trust me, a PB&J is going to keep you from passing out on us."

I wanted to thank him for giving me a plan and directing me through it. Busying my mind with a task as they came to me instead of worrying about the uncertainty revolving Gray's text. I stayed silent, only a few sobs and sniffles coming from my end of the line as Murphy and Roy gave me a play-by-play.

I had eaten half my sandwich and a few strawberries when Murphy said they were turning onto 12th Street. I unplugged my phone, grabbed my bag, and barreled out the door to Murphy who was waiting for me outside Roy's truck.

"Lets go, Kiddo."

_______•*•*•*•_______

"Gray! Gray!" She ran as fast as she could, nearly knocking the man over wrapping him in a hug. He let out a wheeze but hugged her just as tight.

"Xena, oh my." His shoulders relaxed as he pulled her to his chest tighter. Tears coming to both of their eyes as the fell into silence. "I'm so glad you're okay."

Roy and Murphy watched the two as they approached. Their eyes taking in the bloodied headwrap and the cast on Gray's arm. When Murphy had answered the call and heard her crying, they were both moving. Roy had his keys in hand and Murphy was grabbing their bags and locking the front door.

"Oh, Kiddo." Murphy whispered as Roy and him finally reached the two as they separated from their hug. They both knew where this was going, and if Xena was in her right state of mind, she'd know too.

"Xena, I-- I don't know how much you heard over the phone. Your mother and I, we got into a wreck and--"

"Where is she?" Xena jumped in, wiping her cheeks as she cut Gray off. "Gray, where is my mother?"

"Room triple 5." She spared no time, turning her head to the sign and running through the large swinging doors.

"Murphy, Roy. Thank you for bringing her." The guys shook hands before turning to follow after the redhead. "She's going to need all the support she can get."

_______•*•*•*•_______

"549, 551, 553, 555--Mom!" Xena could care less that she was shouting as she rammed the door open, her chest tightening as she stared at the awful white room. The scent of cleaner and something bitter heightened as she entered.

Her heart jumped from its perch and sank deep into her as she saw her mother lying on the bed. Her skin like snow, her body frozen. The too slow beep of the heart monitor pierced the silence as a sob climbed out of her throat.

"Mo-m," the tears came freely, the dam no longer there to keep them in. Her knees gave out as she slammed into the hard tile floor. Her mother's propped head still visible as she stared at the base of the bed. "Mom." It was a whine. Similar to that of a lost puppy and it tore at the three males who had to stand at the door window and watch Xena fall apart.