PIMP (Completed)

fourteen: the strategy

PRIYA PATTERSON

"Whatever you do, just remember not to get caught up. This isn't you, it's just a role you're playing." Egypt whispered to me before the hospital door opened and the nurse popped her head in.

"You have visitors!" she announced with a grin.

"Let them in please." I reached over to the remote connected to my bed, using it to adjust my bed up so I could sit. A sharp pain shot through my head, but I quickly rubbed it away the moment Pierre, Pharrell and Tahira walked in.

"We've been worried sick!" Tahira exclaimed, while rocking Akela in her arms.

"Been looking for you all night! We're sleep deprived, starving and stressed." Pharrell muttered, folding his arms across his chest.

My eyes wandered over to Pierre, his eyes were glued to mine and unlike the anger I expected; they were filled with tears. As one fell, he turned his face and looked out the window, just letting out a loud exhale. I tried so hard not to roll my eyes, but boy was the temptation real.

Pharrell rubbed Pierre's shoulder and I looked over at Egypt who seemed just as concerned as everyone else. For what reason, I don't know. But I was learning that Egypt was more of a softie than he thought he was, something that I'd need him to let go in order to get our plan handled.

"I'm sorry, Pierre." I said, then swallowed the lump of pride in my throat. Trying my best to make it more believable.

"Maybe we should give them some space," Egypt suggested. "Now that you're here. I'll head on out."

"Yes, I agree." Tahira added, "I just wanted to see you for myself to let you know how upset I am!" she pointed at me like a mother, "we will talk soon."

"Take care of yourself, Priya." Was all Pharrell said, before turning around and gesturing for Tahira to lead the way.

I waved goodbye to them all then as soon as the door shut, it all hit me. Here I was, face to face with a man that I was growing to hate by the second. My stomach growing weak at the sight of him, standing there; crying.

In case you didn't realize already, I chose to love myself instead, that which only came from Egypt's previous advice. The one about knowing your worth, adding tax and not settling for less. I knew who I was and no matter how I felt, I wasn't going to put someone else's feelings before mine. Especially not someone who could obviously care less about me.

So, when I say those crocodile tears didn't do a thing, didn't move my heart one bit. I meant it. My hood ethics kicked in the moment I chose myself and I was sticking by them. I had no remorse for a cheater, I had no remorse for a snake. However, I had to remind myself... that I had a role to play.

I cleared my throat, causing him to finally look at me. "Come here." I whispered.

"Priya, I thought I lost you."

"I know and I'm sorry."

"What could have gone through your head?" he wiped his eyes, then finally took a seat by my bed. "Everything was just fine and next thing I know you're gone."

"The wine got to me... and I was upset, that you basically brought me to a dinner to ignore me."

"Those weren't my intentions at all. My plan just didn't come out as I had planned it, like I said before; everything was out of place so Pharrell couldn't really f-."

"No need to explain." I held my hand up to stop him, "it isn't going to change how I felt Pierre. You had me thinking that we'd be celebrating such a big thing for me and that's how it ended up. Just when I felt like I was finally getting your full support on this chapter of my life."