Another Chance

The Storm

Janet POV

My heart was racing at the unknown. I turned to Tasha who had followed us outside, her expression a mixture of worry and urgency. Remembering Darius frantic voice sent a wave of panic through me again.

"Let's go," Joey said, leading me to the car into the cool afternoon. He tried to cover me, but I knew it was too late. I had been seen, and I was unbothered. Even overhearing some fans comments outside of the restaurant didn't matter. I didn't care at this point. None of it mattered, and I needed to get to Eissa.

"I'll follow in my car Janet." Tasha called out going in the opposite direction hurrying to her rental car. 

The streets of London, typically vibrant and bustling, felt like a blur. My mind was filled with images of Eissa's sweet smile and his infectious laughter. I couldn't shake the guilt that washed over me for being out at lunch while my son was hurt. 

"Janet, breathe," Joey voiced sternly as he gazed at me through the rear view mirror. I tried to. I closed my eyes trying to focus on it. I felt like I was going to be sick. My body felt hot and my chest hurt. The tears burned behind my closed lids as I tried to take deep breaths.

Joey hurried as the world around us faded.  My thoughts spiraled into a whirlwind of fear for my son as it gripped me in its wake. 

My thoughts instantly went to when Eissa was in the hospital when Randy got into a bad car accident. When he was in the hospital things were critical and unpredictable. I didn't know if he would make it. At that time, Darius and I were barely speaking. Sure I eventually contacted him to let him know what was going on. But we weren't in a good place. That moment when he came though let me know that he still loved me, even with everything we had been through. Thankfully Eissa pulled through even with his injuries. He healed and did well. I liked to think that it had to do with him knowing that Darius was back in our lives.

For Eissa, to come out of what he did brought so much relief. It also bought Darius and I back together. So many emotions surfaced as Joey quickly sped to the hospital.

I was told that I deserved a day out. Just me and Tasha. No kid, no worries. Time away. Time off is what I thought I needed. It's what I was told I deserved. A little break from motherhood. It was supposed to be a nice change. I thought Darius had it under control.

I tried to relax as Joey made his way to the hospital. Guilt set in that I wasn't there, my heart heavy. 

****

Eissa, our spirited kid, was always filling our days with his laughter and quirky jokes. He was my life. Eissa was a sweet boy, curious and full of energy. He had taken to Darius like a fish to water, and watching them together filled my heart with warmth. Darius had embraced his role as a stepfather with open arms, and the bond they shared was beautiful to witness. He wasn't just a stepfather, he was Eissa's dad.

Darius had always been the rock in our family.  My husband, who was attentive and our protector. The one that was strong so I didn't have to be all the time. He adored Eissa and embraced his role with open arms, but this was different. The thought of Eissa hurt and scared made my heart ache.

As we approached the hospital, I could see the bright lights reflecting off the pavement. When we made it to the hospital parking lot, Joey made me wait in the car until he had more information about where they were keeping Eissa. Tasha parked quickly. He didn't want me to get jammed up and have people in my face. Tasha came and sat in the car with me while we waited to see where Darius was with him. 

Tasha urged, glancing at me with concern. "He's going to be okay. Remember, Darius is with him."

I nodded, but the knot in my stomach tightened. Joey quickly came outside nodding at us to let us know everything was okay and we could come in. He led me to a back entrance where people didn't go, and we rushed inside.