Rebel (A Rihanna and Eazy E Love Story)

Girl's Night (Chapter 14)

Reb POV

A Month Later

It's been a month since I bounced out the hospital, and let me tell you, I'm back on my feet like I never left. That leg? Straight-up movin' like it ain't never took a hit. Therapy sessions been hittin' different, too, got me feelin' strong, like ain't nothin' stoppin' me. Ain't no limp, no drag, just me cruisin' through the city.

I still get these dull aches in my torso every now and then, especially when I'm movin' around too much, but it ain't no biggie. The scars? Yeah, they still mad sensitive, but Dr. Patel said that's normal, so I ain't sweatin' it. Honestly, I'm just thankful I'm still here, still breathin'. Coulda been lights out. Every day I wake up is a win. The street shit is over and done with, takin' bullets is not my forte. Saks is where it's at until I graduate or get a better job opportunity. I had some dough save up from what I made from the game and my commission from Saks was enough to keep me afloat.

I was currently on campus, headin' over to the  Academic Advisor's office, tryna get this leave of absence locked down for the fall. Missed a few weeks of class 'cause of what went down, so I figured, nah, I gotta fall back for a minute. Ain't just about healin' my leg either, it's my head too. That whole situation? Heavy. Real talk, I need to reset, get my mind and body right, then come back stronger.

I walked into the Academic Advisor's office, tryin' to keep my head straight while I filled out the paperwork for my leave of absence. I just needed a moment to breathe, ya know? But before I could get lost in my thoughts,  I  saw Cliff.

"Yo, Rebel! What's good?" he said, that familiar grin spreadin' across his face. It felt like a little burst of sunshine in this gloomy place.

"Chillin', just tryin' to figure some stuff out," I replied with a smile.

"Wanna grab some lunch? We can catch up," he suggested, his eyes sparkled with that playful energy.

"Why not?" I said, feelin' a little lighter.  I completed the forms and handed them in to the receptionist. We strolled out together, the vibe easy between us like always, a little flirty but just enough to keep it casual.

"So, how you holdin' up? Since you been out the hospital ," he asked, his tone shiftin' to that concerned friend voice.

"I'm gettin' there," I said, tryin' to brush it off. "Just takin' it one day at a time, you feel me?"

He nodded, but I could see the worry in his eyes. "Good to hear. Just know I got your back."

We made our way to this little spot down on campus, the smell of fried food fillin' the air. It was nice to be out, the weather was great. 

"So, you still workin' for Bones?" I asked, poppin' a fry in my mouth. The name rolled off my tongue like it was poison.

"Yeah, I am," he replied, his voice turnin' a little serious. "Just tryin' to stack some dough for college, ya know? Hopin' Wu-Tang takes off and I can leave all that behind."

"Man, I get it," I said, trying to keep it cool, but the weight of the past was heavy. "But you know that dude ain't the type to let people walk away easy."

He shook his head, his expression hardenin'. "I ain't proud of it, but it's a means to an end for now. Just gotta keep my head low until I can break free."

"Just be careful, aight?" I warned, my voice softer. "You know how that scene goes."

"Always," he replied, a smirk returning to his face. "But enough about me. You got any plans since you're back on your feet?"

I laughed, feelin' a rush of warmth at the thought. "Honestly? Just wanna live my life without lookin' over my shoulder." I said, he nodded.

As we chatted, the flirtation flowed naturally, makin' me forget about everything else for a moment. It was just me and Cliff, two friends in the mix, laughin' and talkin' about life and music.