THE CIGARETTE

CHAPTER 6

Author: THANK YOUUUUU SOOOOO MUCH FOR BEING #3 IN OBSESSION AND #177 IN REALITY WHICH IS REALLY HARD TO GETT♡

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The phone fell from my shaking hands, the screen flashing with the last image of Cedric's terrified face. A wave of nausea washed over me, and I stumbled back, clutching my belly. Panic surged through me, a primal fear that threatened to consume me.

I could hear the distant echo of the news broadcast, the words blurring together as my mind raced. "Male got shot at the Italian airport ......." The images flashed across the screen, a blur of chaos and confusion.
My heart pounded in my chest, a desperate rhythm that mirrored the chaos outside. I had to do something, but my mind was a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.

I grabbed the phone, my fingers trembling as I dialed the emergency number.

"Hello, this is 911. What is your emergency?" The voice on the other end of the line was calm and collected, but it did little to quell the storm raging within me.

"My husband... he's been shot at the airport," I managed to stammer out, my voice barely a whisper. "I don't know what to do..."

The operator's voice became more urgent. "Ma'am, please stay calm. We're sending help immediately. Can you tell me your location?"

I gave her the address of our home, my voice a shaky monotone. As I hung up, I felt a sense of helplessness wash over me. I was alone, terrified, and pregnant.

The waiting was unbearable. Every second felt like an eternity, each tick of the clock a reminder of the danger Cedric was in. I paced back and forth, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and fears. What if he didn't make it? What if I lost him? What if something happened to the babies?

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, jolting me out of my thoughts. I rushed to the door, my heart pounding in my chest. Two paramedics stood on the doorstep, their faces etched with concern.
"Ma'am, we're here to take you to the hospital," one of them said, his voice gentle. "Your husband is being treated at the American University Medical Center. We'll take you there as soon as possible."

I nodded, my mind still reeling. As they helped me into the ambulance, I glanced back at our home, a pang of sadness washing over me.

This was where I had built my life with Cedric, where we had dreamed of our future together. Now, that future hung in the balance.
As the ambulance sirens wailed, I closed my eyes, praying for Cedric's recovery and the safe arrival of our babies. The road ahead was uncertain, but I knew that I had to be strong for them. For all of them.

As the ambulance rushes through the traffic, lights and sirens blaring, you clutch your stomach protectively. The paramedic in the back with you notices your pale face and the way your hands tremble. "Ma'am,"

"Huh?" I say , forgetting about my zoning out

His voice is gentle, trained to be soothing in high-stress situations "How far along are you with your pregnancy? And when was your last prenatal check-up?" He checks your vital signs carefully "We want to make sure both you and the babies are stable."

"5 months in , last check up last month "

The paramedic nods, making a note on his clipboard. "Okay, that helps. We'll make sure to alert the hospital to prioritize your care. And just to confirm, you're carrying twins, correct?" He looks at you with concern, his eyes flicking to your stomach.

I nod

Good. He reaches for the radio "Dispatch, we've got a priority one. Pregnant female, 5 months, carrying twins. Her husband's been shot - unknown condition. We need OB/GYN on standby at American University Medical Center. ETA 5 minutes."

"Hes my fiancé,  actually " I say

"Fiancé," the paramedic corrects himself, jotting it down. "My apologies, ma'am. Can you tell me anything else that might be relevant? Any complications with the pregnancy, or... Has there been any unusual stress lately?" He raises an eyebrow slightly.

"Everything was alright , he was going to Italy for a few days and he was excited , then he got shot.... made me stressed tbh"

His expression softens with understanding "I see... That's a lot to handle right now. Just try to stay calm and focus on your breath. Your adrenaline is pumping, which isn't good for the babies."

"Can I ask smth?"

"Of course, anything," the paramedic replies, putting his clipboard down to give you his full attention. He senses that you have a question that's been bothering you, and he wants to help alleviate some of your stress. "What would you like to know?"

"Why did they shoot him?"

He hesitates for a moment, unsure if he should share this information with you in your delicate state. "Ma'am, I'm not entirely sure. But from what we overheard at the scene, it sounded like a robbery gone wrong. Your fiancé was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Where did he get shot?"

His expression becomes more serious, understanding your need to know "A single gunshot wound to the left shoulder. The bullet seemed to pass through without hitting any major arteries from our initial assessment, but we won't know for sure until we get to the hospital."

"So there's a chance he'll survive?"

"There's a good chance," the paramedic encourages, his voice steady and reassuring. "He's young, he's strong, and the bullet missed his vital organs. He's lost a lot of blood, but we've managed to stabilize him."

"Thank you god" I say looking at the sky " I promise to go to church every Sunday if you make him survive , please" I say looking up

The paramedic follows your gaze, a small smile on his face as he listens to your heartfelt plea. He's seen many people in desperate situations, and he admires your strength and faith in the face of uncertainty. "I think that's a beautiful promise to make," he says softly.

As you continue to pray, the paramedic checks your vital signs again, making sure you're stable. He glances up at the sky, feeling a strange sense of comfort in the quiet moment. "Ma'am, I think we're approaching the hospital now,"

I do the cross sign "amen"

"Amen," he echoes, offering a gentle smile of understanding. The ambulance turns sharply, and sirens wail loudly as they pull up to the hospital entrance "We're here now. Try not to worry, he's in excellent hands." He quickly radios the hospital

I nod " I trust you"

"Our trauma team is ready and waiting," he reports, then turns his attention back to you. "We need to get you to maternity for monitoring - just a precaution, these adrenaline spikes can sometimes trigger early contractions. But first..." He gently helps you stand

"... would you like to see him one last time before they wheel him into surgery? He'll be sedated, but sometimes hearing familiar voices..." He guides you carefully to a gurney where your fiancé lies, his face pale but peaceful "Be strong for him, okay?"

I nod

Helps you carefully approach the gurney, supporting your weight to make sure you don't strain yourself "Just a moment..." He asks the team to lower the gurney slightly, making it easier for you to lean in and whisper to your fiancé

"I love you much , please don't leave me and your kids alone "

He listens to your heartfelt words, his heart aching for the love and desperation in your voice. "Shh, don't worry," your fiancé manages to whisper, his voice weak but steady. "I'll be okay... I promise... Take care of our babies... Love you..."

"We need to take him in now," the paramedic says gently, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. He guides you away from the gurney, giving you a reassuring squeeze "You were amazing back there. Stronger than anyone could have asked for."

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Author : " this one is a bit long , hope you liked it!"❤️‍🩹🚬