Fooled by Perfection

Chapter 25: Guardian

When I open my eyes again, the room is full of sunshine. I look around, and I see Shonda sitting in a chair, watching TV. She's eating something that smells really good. I start to sit up, and she looks over.

*Shonda*

Hey girl. How are you feeling?

*Ciana*

I told her that I felt okay. It wasn't exactly the truth, but it would do for now. I look around the room; she's the only one there. I asked her...

"Did you get Dezman and Teek last night?"

*Shonda*

Yeah, they're here. They've been in the waiting room this whole time 'cause they wouldn't let them through without you being okay with it first. Dezman didn't want me to wake you, so they just stayed out there. I'll go get them now, though, since you're up.

*Ciana*

She turns to me before walking out.

*Shonda*

I brought you some stuff that I thought you'd want. I got you a toothbrush, some toothpaste, and some mouthwash, and I also got you some changing clothes that I picked up from the store. You know shit like that.

*Ciana*

Thank you, Shonda.

*Shonda*

You're welcome. I'll be back.

*Ciana*

As she's getting ready to walk out, my nurse walks in, and she informs me that there's getting ready to be a shift change, so I'll be seeing some new faces soon. I thank her for all her help, and she wishes me well. I'm able to make my way into the restroom after our discussion with the bag of things that Shonda bought for me. Through the pain, I brush my teeth as best as I can. I then changed into a pair of pajama-style pants and a long-sleeved shirt. I was happy the clothes covered some of the bruises.

When I come out of the restroom, a different nurse is standing there with Shonda. She quickly introduces herself to me, and then she asks me about the other visitors that are wanting to come up, and I let her know that it's fine, and they both walk out. I sit on the bed as I wait, looking over at Shonda's delicious breakfast that she's been eating.

I have my back turned towards the door when I can hear someone walk into the room. I turn around, making eye contact with Dezman only for a split second, before I turn back around. I put my head down. I'm too embarrassed with the way I look for him to see me like this.

He walks over to me, and he gently lifts my chin up, giving me no choice but to look back at him, and he asks if I'm alright. I shake my head yes, and he kisses me very lightly on my lips. He looked so exhausted. I asked him if he was okay.

*Dezman*

"I'm 'ight, if you 'ight."

This shit wasn't alright, and I was far from being okay with it, but I had to keep my cool. She had been through enough already.

*Ciana*

That makes me smile through the pain. I expected him to be different. I didn't expect him to be so calm, but I was happy to see him this way instead. "Where's Teek?" I asked him.

*Shonda*

He stayed in the waiting area. He didn't wanna overwhelm you with everybody being in here, and he wanted y'all to have some time alone. I'm gonna go and be with him. I'll come back up in a lil bit.

*Ciana*

I look at Dezman after Shonda leaves. I told him that I'm so happy that he's here now.

*Dezman*