Crazy Girl

14. Half

The two nurses escorted Marley downstairs to the small health station they had.

Marley still felt a sharp pain in her side.

Once they got done doing Marley's x-Ray they gave her the news.

"Well Ms. Jennings, it seems you have 2 cracked ribs." The nurse told Marley.

"Can you make the pain go away?"

"We can give you a pain reliever. But that's probably it. The pain should go away in about a week or so."

"Thank you. Can I go now?"

"Yes. But please, stay away from Mr. Jackson. He is no good."

Marley got up and wobbled to the door and up the steps.

"Marley! Are you okay? We heard about what happened and we wanted to check on you." Dasia said.

"I'm good guys! Thanks. It just hurts a lot.."

"What made you and Trevor fight?"

"Nothing..." Marley said nonchalantly.

"So he just hit you for no reason? He's so fucked up for that. I have no respect for him!"

"He's alright Dasia..I guess I provoked him. But it was wrong for him to hit back, but I'm used to it so whatever."

Marley and Dasia walked to Stormer's room and sat down.

"How you holdin' up little soldier?" Stormer asked Marley.

"I feel pretty fine. Thanks Stormer!"

Marley giggled.

"How was the quiet room?"

"Quiet."

Stormer and Dasia laughed at Marley's sarcasm.

"Did Trevor say anything to you?"

"He apologized."

"Did you forgive him?"

"Well...."

Mr. Green had walked into Marley and Stormer's room interrupting their conversation.

"Excuse me ladies. I'm sorry for interrupting. But Ms. Jennings your social worker has come to see you."

"Why?"

"I called her last night and told her about your little scuffle with Mr. Jackson and she told me she'd come by and check on you."

"I'll be back guys!"

Marley got off of her bed and followed Mr. Green to the front.

Marley saw Mrs. Marino and smiled. Marley knew Mrs. Marino long before she became her social worker because that was her grandmothers best friend.

"Mrs. Marino!" Marley exclaimed.

"Marley! How are you sweetie?"

"I'm in a little bit of pain, but I feel kind of alright.."

"I heard about the encounter and I'm not very pleased to hear about it. I'm disappointed actually."

"I'm sorry Mrs. Marino! It won't happen again, I promise."

"Good. Do you like it here?"

"I miss home a lot. It's fine, I made some friends though. Oh and Jacob, Roc, Ray, and Prod came to see me! I was surprised and happy."

"I knew he'd come!"

"How's my mother?"

"She's going through withdrawals right now so she's pretty sick. I should have an update on her within the next few days or so and I will be sure to tell you."

"Oh..At least she's not on drugs anymore. Hopefully she changes and becomes a better mother or at least steps up. That'd be nice.....Right?"

"Right!"

"How are my friends at the community center!? I wonder who teaches the painting class now! I bet they're all sad I'm gone..Bring me a painting next time you come visit please! Bring me one of Ms. Drayton's paintings!" Marley said excitedly.

"Marley.."

"I love Ms. Drayton's paintings! She's very talented for an old women!"

"Marley!"

"I bet she's like 'oh that poor Marley.'"

"Marley!!"

"Yes Mrs. Marino?"

"I have some extremely bad news."

"What is it?"

"I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you but Ms. Drayton...She passed away a short while after you left."

"What?"

Marley couldn't believe what Mrs. Marino had just told her.

"I'm so sorry Marley."

Marley fell out of her chair.

"No! Why couldn't I have been there?! This can't be!" Marley screamed.

Mrs. Marino got on her knees and comforted Marley.

"It's gunna be alright baby girl. She's in a much better place! Think of how peaceful she is now at home with God."

Marley cried into Mrs. Marino's shirt.

"Some good news has come out of this as well." Mrs. Marino said trying to ease Marley's conscious.

"What is it?"

"I talked to the people here and they said I could take you back to Charleston for a few days. I want you to go to Ms. Drayton's funeral and you can spend some time with Jacob and I."

"Really?" Marley said smiling.

"Yes. We will leave tomorrow and you'll be staying at my condo until it's time to leave."

"Thank you Ms. Marino! What will I wear to the funeral?"

"We will work that out. You're welcome baby girl."

Marley smiled for the first time today.

She'd get to go home and spend time with her best friend and boyfriend Jacob.

___________________

RIP Mrs. Rosalee Ladson-Drayton.

March 11, 1920 - February 19, 2013.

Love you grandma. You're my angel.