Gangster's Gem: The Devious Dance

28

Malik's Perspective:

1 week later

I sit beside Diamond, another bouquet of fresh roses layin' on her bedside table. Doctors say flowers brighten up the room, like it's gonna make a damn difference. I stare at her, hooked up to all those machines, barely any movement. The thought makes my chest tighten like somebody got me in a chokehold.

"Aye, Diamond," I start, my voice a low, harsh whisper. "You think you gon' leave me like this? After everything we been through? Nah, I ain't havin' it." I lean in closer, almost mad at her. "I swear we wasted so much fucking time, bein' petty, actin' like kids. Could've been real together this whole time. We just got back together, and you gon do this to me? I regret every fuckin argument we done had, every insult, hell- I'll let you dance at eclipse if you wake yo ass up. I'd do anything, you don't even know."

I sit back, clenching my fists, thinkin' about all them times we'd race down I-285, her laugh ringin' in my ears, tauntin' me to catch up. Or the late nights she'd show up at my place, lookin' fine as hell, teasin' me with that smile. I'd give anything to see it right now.

I squeeze her hand, my voice crackin'. "You know, I regret it all—every minute we spent trippin' on dumb shit. Should've just been together, Diamond. So you gotta wake up, 'cause we got time to make up for. You don't even know what you doin' to me right now. Life ain't worth living if you ain't here. I love you. More than fucking anything. I ain't never stop and won't ever. I fucking love you Diamond."

It's been a week and no leads on nothing. Layla still missing too.

Janelle's POV

2 weeks later

I sit down next to Diamond's bed, barely able to look at her, all quiet like this. It messes with my head. She's supposed to be the loud one, the one draggin' me into some wild mess every weekend. I blink back tears, but I can't help it.

"Girl, you better wake up. You got folks out here talkin' mad shit, like they happy you laid up in this bed," I whisper, my voice shaky. "These hatin' bitches actin' like they know you. Actin' like you weak. But they got no idea who they messin' with. You need to wake yo ass up so we can beat these bitches- nah fuck that, I'm on yo shit now- let's shoot em."

I clutch her hand, wishing I could just shake her awake. "Nah, Diamond. You can't leave like this. We got too much left to do, too fucking much. I need you in my life. Always pushing me to be greater. If wasn't for you I woulda gave up on my lil clothing shit- you made it big, gave me a whole damn store! I can't live this life without you, I'll lose my mind girl."

Darnell's POV

3 weeks later

I stand by Diamond's bed, lookin' at her, feelin' that ache in my chest. "Girl, you got my fans sendin' prayers up for you every day," I whisper, tryin' to sound strong, but my voice wavers.

"This ain't even cute, Diamond. Lyin' here like you got nothin' better to do. We got events to hit, places to be. Wake up, baby girl. You got a whole world waitin' on you. Laziness is ghetto chile, better wake yo ass up. You got me thinking and shit. If you never posted all them damn eclipse teasers and tagged me for doing yo hair and make up, I wouldn't be where I am right now. All cause of you! Well not all- I did the work- but you get what I'm tryna say D. I hit three million followers this week and Beyonce booked me to do her hair next month- but none of this means anything with you laying here. You supposed to be celebrating with me."

I take a shaky breath, patting her hand like she can feel it. "I'll even bring my secret boo I've been hiding, to see you when you wake up. So don't keep me waitin'."