Cotton Club: Bloodlust (Under Construction)!!!! ⚠️

Chapter 10

***Isabelle's POV***

Ten Years Earlier

Owwww, Ma! You're hurting me! I yell, as I cringe slightly. If she touches my ear with this hot comb from the stove, I am going to scream bloody murder. The middle of my head isn't too bad. It's just the heat from the comb on my scalp that hurts. But, my edges are the worst...My neck gets real low, like a turtle crawling into its shell...Too bad I don't have one. I have to go through this for another ten minutes, before she finally styles my hair. She hands me the small hand mirror, allowing me to look at myself.

"Awww, don't you look beautiful. I told you, you were hollerin' for nothing."

I hand her mirror back, as standing from my seat. I hear the sound of gospel music being played on the record player, while the smell of fresh fish cakes sits by the stove. This is our routine every Sunday morning.

"Now, go and get ready for church. You know how your daddy is about us being late."

She shoo's me into the next room...

After I dress, I go into the kitchen, when I hear my tummy rumbling...I didn't have time to eat this morning. And, I know how my parents are about me eating in my Sunday wear. But, I figure one fish cake can't hurt...As I'm eating, and twirling, a song comes to mind...I remember that song I heard on the radio a few days back. It was called Crazy Blues, by Mamie Smith...I begin to sing that song, just like she did. Maybe someday, I will be able to go on stage, and perform just like her. I get so lost into the song, that I forget that I'm singing louder than I intended...And, I immediately hear loud footsteps coming into the kitchen...I turn, and I see my dad! I gasp, and in my next breath, I am slapped so hard, causing me to fall to the floor.

"What you doin' girl!? You will NOT be singing devil's music in this house!"

"Carl, leave her alone! She's just a child. She's just foolin' around!"

I hold the side of my face, as warm tears stream down my face...My mom comes to my aid.

"Well, she can't fool around, Linda. She's a child of God. And, I will NOT allow that kind of foolishness in my house!"

I watch as he takes off his belt. I know what's coming next. He begins to quote bible scriptures, about secular music, and I close my eyes...

"I am First Baptist Missionary Church's preacher! How do you think it looks to have some hoochie for a daughter, singing this...this crap!" He pops his belt, causing me to flinch...

"Get over here, girl..." He says, as pointing beside him.

"Stop it!" My mom screams.

"Leave her alone. I am the man. Now be a woman, and shut up!"

He grabs me by my arm, and starts whooping me. The belt hits my flesh, causing me to scream louder with each hit...

I've been in in a Christian boarding school for the past three years because my parents didn't want me exposed to things being taught in the regular school system. My whole life, I've been wearing clothing that covered me from head to toe, even in the summer...All because, it's a sin to show flesh. I was teased and humiliated for this. I know being fourteen isn't easy...But, I never thought it would be this hard. I can't even talk to my father without him making me feel like some sinner...

I wonder what my parents would think of me now? They would probably disown me. Here I am, in the waiting room of a hospital, waiting to hear the news of the man whom is a murderer. Not only that, a crime boss. And, I love him...

The doctors soon come back...Frank, Steve, Billy, and I jump up, wanting answers.

"How is he doctor?" Frank asks.

He takes off his glasses, while looking at us.

"He keeps going in and out of consciousness...But, he keeps calling for someone named Belle."

Everyone looks at me, when he says that. I can't help but to smile a little...We listen as the doctor continues.

"He's lost a lot of blood. We need a blood donor. And, he needs it before we can operate to remove that bullet."

We all decide to get tested to see if we match up to Michael's blood type. Fifteen minutes later, the doctors come back with the results. He's shocked with the results.

"Isabelle...Seems like you're the only one who matches."

After checking my levels, they hook me up to a machine right beside Michael...I hate seeing him like this...I feel my arm being pinched with the needle...I look away...

Another hour, they give my blood to Michael, and don't hesitate to operate. We're back in the waiting room...And, I find myself doing something I haven't done in a while...I pray. I step outside the waiting room, and into the hallways of the hospital...

"Dear God, I'm sorry...I know I've stepped away from the church, and even my faith. I know I've hurt my parents. And...I also know Michael isn't all that bad. He's actually a sweet guy once he's away from the violence. God...Please don't let Michael die. I...love him (sniffs)...I promise I'll tell him more about you, if you allow him to live. Don't take him away right now...Amen."

I walk back into the waiting room, and see the doctor talking to the guys...They're eyes light up when they see me...

"Looks like your boyfriend is going to be just fine." Says the Doctor with a smile.

"Can I go see him?"

"He's been asking for you...Sure."

I smile, as walking with the doctor...I enter the hospital room, and see Michael. His eyes hold lack of sleep, and weakness from the operation. I don't care though. I'm just glad he's okay.

"I'll leave you two alone." The doctor closes the door behind me.

"Baby! You're okay!"

I sit on the edge of his bed, as running my fingers through his hair...He grips my arm, pulling my face to his. We share a kiss on the lips.

"Of course...It takes a lot to get me down." His voice cracks.

"I was so worried about you. I thought you were...dead..." My voice trails off, causing me to cry a little.

"Hey! Shh...Don't cry, doll. I'm right here. And, I'm not going anywhere." He wipes the tears from my face...

"Besides, the doctors told me about your courageous move."

He says, referring to me being the donor.

"Yeah, well...You would've done the same for me."

There is a silence...I look around the dim hospital room with the dull walls...This is all too much.

"Something on your mind?" Michael asks.

"It's just...I had a talk with someone about your condition. And, I told them I didn't want you to die."

"Who?"

"God. And, he heard me."

He grabs my hand, smiling warmly.

"I know he did." Michael says winking at me.

We hear a knocking on the door, which interrupts us...Then, the door opens to Billy coming into the room...A huge smile crosses his face, to see his friend is alright.

"Good to see you're alright, Mike."

"Thanks, man. I know I can always count on you guys."

"Oh! And, Mike...I think you need to start giving your girl more credit. I found this after you were taken to the hospital."

He pulls out my gun. I still see the evidence of my shooting from earlier. Michael begins to smile, as looking at me.

"I always knew there was something different about you. From the moment I saw you..." Michael cups the side of my face.

I know this life may not be perfect. And, it may not be what my parents intended. But, it's perfect for me.