Trouble in Paradise

Chapter 6: Sanai

Weak, I fell to my knees. My ears must've been deceiving me. Sanai, Ray just got shot! played over repeatedly in my head. The waterworks began.

"I told him, I told him this life would be the death of him." I voiced aloud, sobbing.

Raymond...that boy is my life. I know if nobody else got me, he do. When my family turn against me, he remains the same. Life without him? I can't imagine it. I won't be able to live without Raymond Kyre Jones there living with me.

I couldn't wait for this game to end, I had to go see my baby. I checked the time, it was 8:40. Thinking back to the days when the Metro Bus was my transportion, I knew the next bus was coming in 5 minutes.  I took off, sprinting towards the exit trying to get to the bus stop. The way I was running one would assume that I was a track star.

By the time I got there my chest was burning and I couldn't breathe. I'm so out of shape. Once I caught my breath, I  looked to the left and saw the bus approaching. I stuck my arm out, signaling the driver to stop. After I paid, I walked to the back section where no one was. I need to gather my thoughts. Don't worry, Nai. He a fighter, he gone pull through. You know he is. I kept urging myself to think positive. So wrapped up in my thoughts I almost missed my stop. I hurriedly pull the string so I can get off.

Moving expeditiously, I got in my car and snatched out my phone, texting the unknown caller from earlier.

Text Conversation:

Me: What hospital?

(786) 650- 1110: Memorial. 

Before leaving out the parking lot I said a little prayer; praying for Raymond's well being and for me not getting pulled over because I most definitely was about to do some illegal shit. I whipped my car out the parking lot, causing the tires to screech.

A couple of mean mugs, honked horns, middle fingers, and ran red lights later, I was in the hospital parking lot. I hope I didn't get my picture taken. Lord knows if Reina Livingston caught whiff of me getting a ticket she'll chew me up and spit me out.

I got out the car and raced to the hospital's emergency room entrance. Frantically, I searched the waiting area looking for some of his friends. I saw no familiar faces. They must be in the room already.

"Hi, how may I help you?" the heavy set receptionist asked.

Damn, I thought I was big. And is that her breath smelling like spoiled shit and hot garbage? Fix it, JESUSSS!

I should have asked if I can help her to a pack of gum but instead I replied "I'm here to see Raymond Jones, he was brought here not too long ago."

She went to typing on the computer when I saw her about to speak I held my breath.

"What's your relationship to the patient?"

"Girlfriend." I pushed out.

"Okay, if you can just wait the doctor will be with you in a moment." she gave me a weird look.

"Thank you" I released my breath before my big ass fainted.

I walked over to waiting area and found a seat by the window. It began to storm outside, mocking my mood. My world was turned upside down with that phone call.

Sanai, Ray just got shot! Putting my face in my hands, I cried. I cried for Raymond and for the life he chose to live.

"Nai, what's wrong? Why are you here?"

I looked up. It was Amiyah who was walking towards me with worry written all over her face.

"It's Ray, he got shot." she pulled me into her arms and soothingly rubbed my back while I continued to cry.