This Winter

Chapter 14

Late night update. I apologize but I fell asleep but it's still here on time sooooo Enjoy. Yes, this chapter ends on a cliffhanger.

Leila's POV

"Devin I am not trying that," I said through a fit of laughter. Devin, who had begun to cook more and more often, had decided to try cooking food from all over the world and today he had chosen the Caribbean; Jamaica to be more specific. 

"Oh come on it doesn't look that bad," he said defending his 'creation.'

"I don't think Jerk chicken is supposed to be that black," I mumbled before gasping in surprise as he lifted me up and spun me around.

"Are you dissing my cooking?" He asked placing me on top of the counter before he began to tickle me. 

"Devin stop! Stop!" I couldn't control the laughter that escaped my lips as Devin continued his assault on my sides.

"Apologize for disrespecting my chicken."

"I apologize."

"And say I'm the best cook in the world," he added and I rolled my eyes earning more tickles in response.

"Okay okay, you're the best cook in the world."

"And now kiss me," he finished, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Now that I'll do gladly," I mumbled before leaning in slowly, our lips nearly connecting before my phone went off. 

"You better not answer that phone," Devin said glancing at the caller ID on the phone. Emmanuel. 

"What if it's important?" I asked before he brought our lips together, silencing any thoughts about Emmanuel. Emmanuel who? Our lips moved together in perfect unity before the phone rang again.

"Fuck that nigga knows how to ruin a good thing," Devin mumbled against my lips before pulling away. "Answer it."

"Let's ignore it," I offered, grabbing onto his collar and pulling his body closer to mine. He pecked my lips before handing me the phone. I rolled my eyes before answering it.

"Hello?"

"What's up gorgeous?" He greeted happily.

"What can I do for you Emmanueal?"

"Today's the day," he said and I sighed. 

"What hospital?" He recited the address before I hung up and slid off the counter. 

"Today's the surgery?" He asked and I nodded. "Want me to come with?"

"I couldn't ask you to do that."

"Then it's a good thing you didn't because I wasn't asking. I'll be ready in five minutes alright?" He said pulling me into his embrace and I nodded before giving him a peck on the cheek.

"I really appreciate it, you coming?"

"Don't worry about it. Five minutes," he repeated before rushing off to his room. What did I do to deserve such an amazing man? Heading into my bedroom, I changed out of my boy shorts and undershirt and slipped into a white dress with a blue jeans jacket. I fixed my hair into a messy ponytail before reapplying my lip gloss.

"Ready?"

"Yeah, let's go." I exited the room before Devin entwined our fingers together placing a kiss on the top of my head.

"Everything is going to be okay," he reminded me with a smile. This man was perfect.

***

"What room is Ms. Taylor Evans in?" I asked the nurse at the front desk and she typed in her name before glancing up at me.

"What relation do the two of you have?"

"I'm her daughter," I said before a new voice interjected.

"Leila your here!" Emmanuel said happily before pulling me in for a hug. "And you brought him with you. Devin."

"E," he replied in an unenthusiastic tone and I nudged him giving him the look that said 'Be nice.'

"What is he doing here?" Emmanuel asked and I rolled my eyes.

"He's my boyfriend and he's here for moral support."

"Your boyfriend?" Emmanuel repeated in disbelief and Devin smirked, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Yeah, this is my girl. This entire body right here belongs to me and only me," he replied and I looked up at him curiously.

"Oh really?"

"Damn right," he replied causing me to laugh. 

"If you two are done my mother is in her room fighting for her life," Emmanuel replied dryly and my cheerfulness died down. 

"How is she?"

"She wants to talk to you before she goes in for the surgery. Room 436," he said not making eye contact and I nodded before hugging Devin.

"I'll be right back."

"Alright, good luck in there." I nodded before walking down the hallway towards her room. The numbers continuously went up until I was standing in front of her room door. Room 436. I knocked twice before she yelled to come in. 

"Hey mama."

"Leila, you're here!" She cheered before going into a fit of coughs. I quickly rushed to her size, handing her a bottle of water and she smiled graciously before taking a gulp, stopping the coughing.

"Take it easy ma."

"I can't help it, that boy has been stressing me since you left the other day." I couldn't help but laugh and she shook her head.

"Everyone is worried about you."

"Well, I'm grown. I don't need anyone babying me, not even you. Do you understand me?"

"Yes ma'am," I replied before the door swung open and the doctor stood holding a clipboard. 

"It's time for the surgery Mrs. Evans."

"Alright, Leila gives me my hug so I can go," I gave her a tight hug not wanting to let go before pulling back and wiping my fallen tears. 

"You make sure you take good care of her, alright? That's my momma right there."

"We will do our best." Sighing I left the room and felt the tears beginning to form again. 

"Baby I'm right here," Devin said appearing out of nowhere and suddenly I was thankful he had indeed come along. He pulled me into his embrace before rubbing my arms softly.

"She'll be okay. She's going to be okay."

***

"Family of Mrs. Evans?" The doctor asked before Devin and I stood up. "Where is her son?"

"He went to the bathroom but please tell us we've been waiting for six hours."

"Very well then. The surgery was successful, Mrs. Evans is fine now," he said and I let out a deep breath of relief. Thank god! 

"So the cancer is gone?" I asked and he scrunched his face up in confusion.

"Cancer? I don't think I understand your question."

"She had cancer, that's what the surgery was about right?"

"I think your mistaken, Mrs. Evans didn't and has never had cancer, her surgery was to get her appendix taken out. I don't know who told you otherwise but they seem to be mistaken. Mrs. Evans is perfectly healthy."