By Any Means

Chapter 11

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

I woke up to the brightest lights I've ever seen in my life causing me to quickly shut my eyes again. Once my vision adjusted to the lights in my hospital room I looked to my left to see a monitor showcasing my vitals. After slowly turning my head to the right I was face to face with Asia. Just looking at Asia made me want to burst into tears, she looked tired and I could tell she's been crying. Asia and I have been friends since I can remember but, I can count on one hand how many times I've seen her cry.

"I'm okay." I said aloud trying to convince both her and myself.

"Your not. You don't even know how scared I was." She stopped speaking and began to shake her head so, she could control her emotions. "I watched you, my best friend fall to the ground and no matter what I did to try to get you to open your eyes it's like you were slipping further away. Your pulse was damn near nonexistent I just didn't know what to do to help you. It seemed like the paramedics took years to arrive. Briyana seeing you like that was the worst moment of my life. I know there's something bothering you and I'm not forcing you to tell me but you need to talk to someone keeping this bottled in isn't helping you." She looked me in my eye finally letting the tears she was holding escape.

How did she know me so well? Why did she know me so well? Nobody else has noticed I've been withholding so many secrets and lies. Things I weren't proud of which is why they've been buried deep in my mind.

I let out a sigh. "Asia what would I do without you? You're always here when I need you. I have been hiding some things from not just you but everyone. Just talking about Anthony made everything resurface. I've-"

I was cut off by the doctor entering the room. After greeting both Asia and I the doctor asked whether or not he can discuss his findings with Asia being inside of my hospital room. I wasn't expecting him to say anything crazy plus Asia was practically my sister so, I told him she could stay. He simply nodded before checking his clipboard.

"Well Ms. Lynch, you're stress levels are off the charts. I've never seen anything like it in my fifteen years of being a doctor. The amount of stress you're under is life threatening. We've ran multiple tests besides the stress test as protocol considering we weren't aware of your medical history or what caused you to faint. One of your blood tests came back and you tested positive for Chlamydia. Luckily the STD you contracted is curable and as far as the stress your body is enduring only you can control that." We briefly discussed medications I'll be taking once I'm discharged, when I'll be discharged, and follow up appointments I'll have throughout the next couple weeks before he left.

The news I received from the doctor left me speechless. My stress levels? I expected that since I've been neglecting my sleeping schedule in order to complete schoolwork. Some days I'd be happy to get a full hour of sleep because of the nightmares I've been having. How could I go back to sleep after a nightmare especially living in my own apartment? Between lack of sleep, Ciara's temper tantrums, and improper eating my body is wearing itself out. However, Rahmir giving me an STD has my blood boiling! I can't believe the one and only man I've ever loved and given my all to has been betraying me by sleeping with dirty hoes for god knows how long. Despite scamming niggas I've never gone to that level with them because the medicine I put into their drinks would have them sleep before they could even touch me in the places only Rah has seen and touched. Rahmir was so jealous I wasn't even allowed to look in another mans direction unless I was "working" while he was clearly out here enjoying himself. Once again I looked stupid all because of Rahmir and his silly ass decisions.

...

I was released from the hospital yesterday. Only Asia knew about my recent hospital stay and the information I received from the doctor. While I was there I reached out to Ms. White, Ci Ci's grandmother, to see if she could keep her for another few days. Without any questions Ms. White agreed and even offered to keep her until I was completely over my "cold". I decided I'll just pick her up tomorrow afternoon, I missed my baby. Despite her issues with her son we had never had any problems because we weren't around each other often. I also respected the fact that she requested to see Ciara whenever she could every since I gave birth to her.

Right now I was on my way to visit a psychic with Asia. Actually coming to see this psychic was all her idea after I came clean about everything I've been holding in. As the words came out of my mouth I felt as if I could feel weights being lifted off my shoulders. As usual my best friend assured that I would be okay and suggested I see a psychic because he or she would prove that these unfortunate events will soon lead to my success. At first I was a little apprehensive but what else do I have to lose at this point?

Once we arrived to this woman's house my stomach was in knots. Asia hopped out of her car like it was nothing and ran to the door. I wish I was as happy as she was but I don't think I've ever been this afraid and I'm always in some crazy situations. As soon as I reached the top step the woman opened the door and greeted us, Ms.Robin was her name. Probably not her real name but who am I to judge. I used a fake name sooo many times. We entered the room she'll be using before she sat us down at her table before she walked out of the room. She returned shortly after.

"Oh no the vibe in here is really heavy suddenly" I heard her mumble before she turned away from us to grab something.

"Okay let's begin with you sweetheart. Asia is it?" Asia nodded before slightly nudging me in hopes that I'd let go of her arm.

"You have such a beautiful spirit. These cards here is your destined future." She pointed to two of the three cards placed on the table. She then chuckled before she began to speak again "you aren't happy with your boss or coworkers at the moment so, your working very hard to open your own business to become your own boss. Smart girl. This card right here means you'll have to resume a responsibility that you aren't fully equipped for." Asia raised an eyebrow. "Equipped meaning? I have the qualifications for the business I'm trying to open." Asia questioned trying to understand what Robin meant. "This is a role that will come naturally. There aren't any qualifications for this job but, you'll adjust quickly."

Asia scrunched her face up before shrugging her off not grasping whatever the lady was telling her.

"Hello sweetie! You must be Briyana."

"Yes ma'am." I smiled.

She looked at me with a forced smile after she sadly looked down at some cards she pulled. "Okay so, umm wow, you're in a very dark place at the moment. Based on the cards I pulled your life will continue to go downhill from here. You-" before she could finish her statement I thanked her for her time but declined to hear whatever else she wanted to discuss with me. Asia followed suit and we headed back to her car.

"Briy this was just for fun she doesn't know what she's talking about." She laughed while starting up her car.

"So we weren't talking about how you hate your boss and your nosey ass coworkers on the way here?" I asked.

"Girl everybody hate they job, coworkers, and they bald headed ass boss." She yelled while looking at me like I was crazy.

"Well either way I believe her. My nightmares were a sign and she just confirmed it all."

"I guess we just have to agree to disagree then. So, where you wanna go now?"

I looked at her with teary eyes "My lawyers office I need to take this shit serious A. I'm setting up a will to make sure all my loved ones are straight because I don't know what's going on but obviously some shit is about to go down."

"I'm gonna support you but I can't wait to laugh at this stupidity in a couple months and when we're older bent over walking with our canes. Cmon come here cry baby." She said while holding her arms out for a hug that I gladly accepted.

...

"Wassup Rah. Long time no see, let's talk business."

"As long as that money lookin' right I'm ready when you are Ant!" I stated while walking up to Anthony. It's time for everyone to realize if you ain't at my table eating then you on the menu.