Love I Once Knew (a Ray Ray love story)

Chapter 19::

Ray's POV

I wake up to find Taja not wrapped under my arm anymore.
"Where'd she go?"

I get up to to see if she was in the bathroom but it was empty.

So I throw on a jacket and my slides and I head downstairs to search some more.
Soon as I reach the bottom of the staircase in walks Taja.
"Hey baby where'd you go?" I asked while wiping the crust from my eyes.

"I went for a run around the block. My mind was kinda racing. Thought I'd run it off."

"Oh yea. Guess thats kinda my fault huh?"

"Yea. So do you care to explain yourself?"

I sat in one of the high chairs near the kitchen counter and took a breath.

"Come her babe."

I extend my arms out as she walks towards me. I wrap her arms around my waist and I look her in the eyes.

"Imma let you start by asking me what ever questions you have floating around and I'll answer. So go ahead. Shoot."

She took a deep breath and stared back into my eyes.

"Where were you earlier this morning?"

"...I was at...a friend's house."

I couldn't bring myself to tell het it was Tasha. At least not yet.

She almost distanced herself from me but came back and came with more questions.

"Babe...what friend needed you at 2am. At 2am you're supposed to be with me."

"I know baby. I know. It was an old friend. They couldn't sleep they had something on their mind and wanted to talk."

As I'm speaking I'm sitting here basically bull shitting the truth...and to one of the most amazing things God has put in my life.

"Old friend huh...male or female?" She asked.

I opened my mouth to answer but before I could my phone rang.

I pulled it out and read the caller id

::Ma Dukes💖😍::

"Hold on babe its my mom."

I kiss Taj's forehead and walk away to answer the phone.

::Phone Convo::

"Hey ma wassup"
"Hello is this Raquan?"
"Yes this is he. Who might this be?"
"This is officer Bryant. We got a call that your mother had fell down the stairs of her home after suffering a mild stroke. She's been admitted to the hospital in fair condition. We're just informing you on her condition and the doctor will contine you to keep you updated."
"...than...thank you officer. Please tell my mother and family I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Will do sir."
"Thanks again"

::End Phone Convo::

I stood there in silence for a while.

"Baby what's going on?" Taja chimed.

I turned around to see here analyze me with concer and worry in here eyes.

"My...my mom had a stroke..." I finally managed to spit it out.

Taja covered her mouth as she gasped.

"Oh my God...is she ok?" She asked as sat me down and sat in my lap.

I tried to keep from crying but one lone tear managed to escape my eye.

She wiped it away and kissed my cheek.

"They said she's in fair condition and that she's in the hospital right now. But she had a stroke Taja. That's scary."

Taja hugged me by the head and kissed my forehead. I swear I love this girl so much.

"I know love. I know. So what do you plan on doing?" She asked.

I thought as she rubbed my temples in efforts to comfort me still.

"I wanna fly out there. I gotta be there for her. I don't wanna put out there but I just don't want this to be bad."

I said as i looked up at her.
She kissed me and looked into my eyes and caressed my cheek.

"Then let's go babe." She said.

"But baby...you have school. As much as I want you to be with me I need for you to kick ass in school. I don't know how long I'm going to be gone but I don't need you getting side tracked."

"But baby--"
"No buts Taj. I love you and I appreciate you with everything in me.  I'll be back before you know it."

My baby sat there and pouted but looked at me in understanding.

"I got you. I'll hold it down while you're gone."

I kissed her and we sat there for a little while just holding each other.

Taja's POV

My poor baby. I really hope his mom is ok. She was like a second mom to me. Always kind and uplifting. Ray and I still haven't reconciled the b little late night issue but there's not important. I just really want his mom to be ok.

The next morning I was helping him pack some things for his flight back home.

Ray's POV

We got up so I could pack and get my stuff situated. I decided to call the boys and let them know what was going on just in case they tried to reach me. They all wished my mom and my family the best and will continue to pray for us and keep things tight while I'm away.

Taja walked up and hugged me from behind.

"I'm gonna miss you babe." she said

I turned around and picked her up and sat her on the bed.

"Imma miss you too. But we gotta stay strong." I while rubbing her things with my head on her shoulder.

She rubbed my head as we stayed there for a while.

"Alright babe lets get you to the airport. Don't wanna miss your flight." She reminded me.

We maded our away to the car and pulled out the driveway.

Roc's POV

Damn man...my boy's got it tough. I don't know what I would do if that were me. I might've soazzed after first hearing the news.

Hm....

This is so terrible for me to even bring up...especially in the midst of such a crisis....but this means Taja is unattended for the mean time...stop it man..Geez.

Let me hit up Prince.

::Phone Convo::
"Yo"
"Aye wassup Prince. You heard about Ray?"
"Ya. Its so crazy man. Really hope things work out with his mom and fam."
"Me too. I can only imagine how Taja feels."
"Yea. Especially since he wants her to stay here and focus on school. She knew his mom really well."
"Yea. You think she might need some company?"
"She has friend's for that Roc..."
"Yea I know. Why can't I be a friend too?"
"Because I know you."
"Man it aint even like that. If it'll make you feel better how bout we all go. You, me, and Prod. Shoot we can even invite EJ."
"That sounds nice. Sure lets do it. Tomorrow morning. I'll hit up the guys and let em know."
"Alright Prince. Peace"
"Alright"

::End Phone Convo::

Hm..
Mm..Mm..

Nothing wrong with wanting to lend a comforting hand...amongst other things...right?

A/N: And here is Chapter 19 loves. I know some of yall prolly reall fed up with me. I know I know. Not even going to make promises but i will try to get the next chapter to you soon. Let me know what you think.