No Childhood

Remember Me

Andre and I walked through the lobby of the hospital, after he signed me out. As we neared the doors, my mind screamed at me to turn and run, but I didn't know where, or how. The crutch slowed me down and even without the it, Andre was much faster than I was. Plus, he had a gun.

The sun rays peeked through the trees and shined threw the glass door outside. It made it difficult to see what was outside. I looked at Andre and he was squinting just as hard as I was. As the door opened, the fresh air flooded inside. We continued, until we finally stepped outside. The hospital doors quickly closed behind us and my eyes lit up.

"Freeze!" A policeman commanded, pointing his gun at Andre. We were surrounded by police cars and officers, who had their guns ready. Andre froze, a look of surprise was plastered on his face.

"Step away from the girl," the officer ordered. Andre raised his hands and took a step towards the cops. His back to turned to me, but I knew that mischievous smirk that stained his  face was gone now and hopefully forever.

"It's okay kid, you're safe, come towards me," the cop said, motioning for me to approach him. I clutched my crutch and made my way over to the cops. Before I got to him, I turned back and gave Andre a smug grin. His angry eyes bore into me, as I quickly limped to freedom.

While most attention was turned to me, Andre quickly went for his hidden gun. I turned my back and moved faster to get away from him. Before I reached the officer, a deafening gun shot rang out.

A body behind me fell to the ground. I turned, to see Andre lying the ground, bleeding out. I searched the cops and my eyes finally fell on the shooter. It was X. I smiled at him, as tears of joy filled my eyes. But he didn't smile back. Instead his expression was one with terror and sympathy. His eyes weren't on mine, but far lower than that.

I glanced down at my body and a crimson stain was expanding on my shirt. All the pain struck at once. I held my hands over the wound, hoping that the extreme pain would stop. Officers scrabbled and the hospital door opened again. Two people walked out, hold a stretcher. I fell to my knees, but before I fell forward, someone I didn't expect to see caught me, Tre. He held my shoulders, keeping me in place. His face was stained with worry and exhaustion, as he stared me in my eyes.

"Everything's going to be alright Delilah," Tre assured me. "You're okay." When the paramedics reached me, they put on the stretcher and took me back inside. I was rushed into the emergency room. The doctors lifted my shirt, to see the wound.

"The bullet was lodged through her lower abdomen, on the right," Dr. Gaines observed.

"Did it make it out?" A nurse asked.

"Yes, there's no bullet inside," Dr. Gaines replied. "Get her hooked up to an IV."

"Does she need surgery doctor?" The nurse asked.

"I have to make sure there's no internal damage, before I can be sure," he replied. "Put pressure on that," he told the nurse. The nurse grabbed some gauze and applied pressure to my wounds. I snapped my eyes shut, holding back my screams.

"Here," Dr. Gaines said, handing the nurse a mask. The nurse took it from him and covered my mouth and nose. Everything went black again.

***

"She should be waking up soon," I heard Dr. Maxwell say. I opened my eyes, and Tre, X, and Dr. Maxwell were standing across the room. They didn't yet know that I was awake.

"When can she go home?" Tre asked.

"It'll be a few days before she can leave," Dr. Maxwell replied.

"Well can she be transfered?" X asked.

"That's depends, where to?" Dr. Maxwell asked.

"Lawrenceville," Tre replied.

"Maybe, but I don't recommend it. It'll only be a few days," the doctor replied.

"But this way making her way up there won't be difficult. I'll pay, whatever it costs. I want to make sure she's safe," X requested.

"I'll put in a request for the transfer. It is only a 15 minute drive," Dr. Maxwell assured them.

"Thank you, I appreciate it," X said, lying a hand on Dr. Maxwell's shoulder.

"No problem, she has been through a lot, and the police still have to question her. I'm glad someone is looking out for her," Dr. Maxwell said. "If you'll excuse me, I have some things to take care of," the doctor said, slipping out the room.

After Dr. Maxwell departed, Tre looked over at me. A smile spread across his face.

"You're awake!" He observed happily. X's head snapped in my direction.

"Yea, I guess I am," I said, sitting up straighter. A sharp pain made me grimace.

"Be careful not to rip your stitches," Tre said, limping towards the bed. He had crutches and bandages were covering his shins.

"Yea, not really the best idea," X said. Following Tre. "How are you feeling?"

"Perfect," I said sarcastically.

"What's wrong?" Tre asked.

"First, there's and freaking hole in my stomach and you," I said pointing to Tre, "you're a prick." A look of confusion stained Tre's face.

"Okay, I understand why you're mad. I'm sorry I lied, but I have a perfect explanation for doing so," Tre claimed.

"I'm listening," I said.

"My full name is TreVon and X's name is Xavier. He is a undercover cop. We are a lot closer than I may have said," Tre admitted. "Everything else I told you about me is true, but X helped me."

"How?" I asked.

"A cop, with a brother on drugs doesn't end well. He knew about my debt and everything and went undercover as soon as I was kidnapped. I couldn't tell you though, there were to many snitches in the room and they would've done anything to be free, or get more drugs."

"Tre and I would speak secretly every so often," X chimed in, "I filled him in on what I was doing. Then you came."

"Why was I so special?" I asked.

"You're young and innocent. I couldn't let you live like that, so I told Tre about the vent exit."

"What about everybody else? How come you could let them live like that?" I asked.

"I was personal," X mumbled.

"Personal?" I asked, curiously. X sighed.

"You really don't remember me," X said.