Dominic's Rose

Sixteen

I haven't heard from Rose in two days. I called her about 100 times. I knocked on the door and no answer. I was worried about her. I wanted to talk to her so bad, but she was nowhere to be found

I sat at home, starting blankly at the TV which wasn't on. I felt empty at the fact that Rose just broke up with me in a way. I don't know if she wants to see me or if she wants to work it out. I knew nothing.

I thought about times from when we just met. Like how I was completely annoyed with her on our first date because she kept asking me to open her doors and holding my hand. Now I'd be more than happy to open Rose's door or to hold her hand...id give anything to hold her hand right now.

My phone rang next to me and I was so happy because I thought it was Rose but it wasn't.

Rodney

Well, maybe her brother might know where she is so I definitely won't ignore this call.

"Hello?"

"Bro, where you at?!" He said.

"Home. Where's Rose?!" I said eagerly.

"Dom, we all at the hospital. Rose was shot."

My hands shook and my phone almost fell out my hand. "I'm coming right now." I hung up and got my shoes on in seconds. I sped to the hospital.

----

I got there and in the waiting room was Rose's parents, her brother, her grandparents, and her aunt.

"Where is she? Is she okay?!" I shouted, almost about to cry.

"We're not allowed in there right now, doctors are working on her." Mrs. Crestview said.

I put my face in my palms and fought back tears. I couldn't believe it, it didn't feel real.

"So son, do you know any woman who are angry at you for being with Rose instead of them?" Mr. Crestview spoke up.

I stopped. I knew where he was going with this. I thought about Shawnie first, but I knew her well, she's not crazy. Then I thought about Annika, now that chick is fucking nuts.

"I do." I said.

"So it's your fault! We saw the video of Rose getting gas and a chick with a gun and five guys behind her pointing it at Rose. She said 'you took Dom from me you little whore' before she shot." He said.

I put my hand over my mouth and that's when it happened, I cried. "I'm sorry."

"Wait a minute, so you know these people? Why were they coming after my sister?!" Rodney said.

"Look I didn't know they would hurt her."

"You're supposed to protect her. What were you doing?!" Mr. Crestview said.

"I uh-uh." I stuttered.

"Spit it out!"

"That's enough!!" Mrs. Crestview stood to her feet. "Y'all leave him be. I'm sure this was not intentional. Now the both of you sit down." She spoke to her son and husband. They did as she said.

She walked close to me and spoke to me quietly so none of them could hear and budge in our conversation.

"Who is this girl?" She asked.
"Her name is Annika, she has a brother named Andre that I bet was in the video you all saw."

She nodded.

I started crying again, thinking about what I'd do without my Rose.

She pulled me in for a hug and patted the back of my head.

"Do you love my daughter?"

"Yes ma'am." I sobbed

"Will you be there for her when she needs you?"

"Yes ma'am." My tears dropped on her shoulder.

"Will you protect her?"

"I promise."

"That's all I needed to know. Be strong for her okay. She needs you. Keep praying and everything will be okay." She tapped my back. "It's not your fault."

"Crestview?" A doctor said behind me.

Everyone jumped up and I let go of her mom.

"She's doing better than before. You may come see her now, she is on medication."

Everyone quickly grabbed their things and went to her room.

I stood outside her door while everyone else was inside, wondering if I should even show my face. Quickly I brushed it off and went in.

As soon as I saw her in that hospital bed I broke down again. I didn't like seeing her like that. She had a bandage on her chest, indicating where she was shot. I walked up to her bed crying waterfalls. I never cried so hard in my life. My eyes were a running faucet.

She slowly struggled to open her eyes and she turned her her towards me.
"Dom." He voice cracked, it was barely louder than a whisper.

"Rose." I grabbed her hand and two tears fell on top of her arm.

"You came to see me?" Her eyes were getting heavy.

"Of course baby, why wouldn't I?"

"Um, family let's give them a moment." Mrs. Crestview said, directing everyone out the room.

"I love you so much Dominic." She said, a tear rolling down her face as well.

"I love you too." I kissed her hand.

I saw a smile slowly appear on her face and she chuckled.

"What?" I gave a weak smile.

"You said the L word." She teased.

I playfully rolled my eyes. "Yeah, I did. I'm in love with you Rose. And I'm so sorry, I don't know what I was thinking."

"I know you are baby I forgive you. Just please don't do it again."

"You have my word."

She smiled again, which made this less painful. "Dom, they gave some medication and I'm really sleepy. Can I go to sleep?"

I wanted to say no so bad, what if she didn't wake up?

"Yes get some rest. I'm not going anywhere I'll be over here the whole time if you need me." I wiped my face for the last time and walked to the small couch in the corner of the room.

She gave a weak "okay."

After she fell asleep, I stayed up all night to make sure that she was breathing. I wasn't missing anything.

I just wanted her to be better again so we could go home, together.

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