Chapter 15
FIFTEEN
MAUI
When I woke up, I was so confused. I remembered gun shots, and I remembered seeing Mythic, but that was it.
One thing they didn’t have to tell me was that I lost my baby.
I could feel the void the moment my eyes opened.
The memories of me laboring entered my mind.
It was like I could feel my heart sinking from its rightful place all over again.
I looked over to my right and saw Ashanni, Milana, and my mama.
My mama was in the chair, and my girls were on the little couch.
I turned my head to them, and they all stood, surrounding my bed. As I surveyed the room, I realized I was no longer in Nome. My eyes felt extremely heavy. “Where am I?”
“You’re at Saint Elizabeth Hospital, baby. How are you feeling physically?” my mama asked.
“I’m okay. Where’s everyone else?”
“They went home so you can rest,” Shani said.
I glanced toward the window to see that it was dark outside. “Where’s Mythic?” I asked.
They all looked at each other, then Milana said, “He went home.”
“Why?”
“I think he thinks that now that the two of you have lost the baby, you would no longer want him.”
I closed my eyes. “Please call him.”
Milana smiled slightly, then she pulled her phone from her pocket. I stared at her as her phone rang. Just when it seemed she was about to end the call, her eyes brightened. “Hey, Mythic. It’s Lana . . . No. She wants to talk to you,” she said as she glanced at me with my arm outstretched.
She gave the phone to me, and I said, “Hey, Mythic.”
“Hey, lil mama. How you feeling?”
“Like crap. I need you.”
“Maui, for real or just for now?”
“Does it matter? I just lost our baby. Shouldn’t you want to be here?”
“I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean it that way. I do want to be there. I’ll get Epic to bring me.”
“I’m at Saint Elizabeth now, on the third floor.”
“Okay. I’ll text Milana for the room number. See you in about an hour.”
“Okay.”
I ended the call and handed the phone back to Milana.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes. Surely my family would be able to accept Mythic as one of ours now.
He sacrificed for me all the time, but he saved our lives today.
That guy would have killed Seven and me.
I was starting to remember parts of our conversation.
He was still blaming himself for all of this, including me losing the baby.
Turning to my mama, I asked, “Did anyone say anything to Mythic?”
“No. They all shook his hand, but no one really said anything. Everyone was more concerned about you. You’d passed out, and we were so worried about you, baby.”
I nodded. “Is Daddy and Seven still hating this?”
“I don’t know, baby. I haven’t really talked about that with them. Again, we were just so worried about you.”
“Did you know that Mythic saved me and Seven? A guy was about to shoot him and possibly injure me. Seven didn’t want the extra security, because he, for some reason, thinks he’s untouchable.
Had it not been for Mythic, he would be dead.
Surely, that should make up for what Mythic did two years ago, right? ”
“I don’t know, baby. Once someone betrays you, it’s hard to see past that, no matter what they do to try to rectify it. You know your father isn’t easily persuaded. Seven is worse.”
“What do you think though?”
She looked away and that told me everything I needed to know.
Mythic would never live up to their standards, because of the past. He’d already taken a bullet he didn’t have to take and now he’d prevented Seven from taking one he should’ve taken.
Despite what Mythic did, Seven was the one that snitched and got that man’s drugs taken.
That was the reason he was out for Seven’s blood.
“Maui—”
“It’s okay, Mama.”
I turned my back to her. Here I was, trying to figure out if I would choose Mythic over my family again.
Why did shit have to be so hard? I hit the call button and asked for something for pain.
I noticed they had a blood pressure cuff on my arm since it was now taking my blood pressure.
Once it was done, I saw that it was one forty-eight over ninety-seven.
That was still high. It was probably climbing after this discussion with my mama.
She walked around the bed with her purse on her shoulder.
“Maui, I’m gonna go home. We all just want what’s best for you, baby.
I’m so, so sorry about the baby. I really am.
I don’t know how it feels to lose a baby, but for some reason, I feel like I’m losing mine right now.
” She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, then leaned over and kissed my head.
“I love you, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I love you too,” I said softly, not bothering to assure her of my place in her life.
When she left the room, my girls stood on either side of the bed. Glancing at both of them, I said, “I love y’all, but please go home. Ashanni you have a man and a son to see after. Milana, you have fiancé to tend to, not to mention a rigorous practice schedule. I’ll be fine.”
Looking at the clock on the wall, I saw it was already after nine o’clock. “We’ll leave when Mythic gets here,” Shani said.
The nurse came in and administered pain meds. I knew I would be asleep before Mythic even arrived. Milana got in bed with me and held me close while Shani stood at my side holding my hand, caressing it between hers. I said in a soft voice, “I love y’all.”
“We love you too, Maui,” Lana said and kissed my cheek.
I didn’t bother asking them what they thought. I was the only one thinking it was okay to be with Mythic now. He was proving his loyalty to us, but no one cared. I hated having to choose. It was hard enough the first time. I didn’t know if I could do it again.
When I woke up, it was daylight outside.
I was in bed alone. When I turned toward the window, I saw two bouquets of beautiful flowers.
I couldn’t even smile. No one was here. I didn’t even know if Mythic showed up last night or not.
While I wanted to cry, I couldn’t get a tear to drop.
My breakfast was on a tray next to me, but I didn’t have an appetite, especially not for hospital food.
I’d never had it, because I had never been hospitalized, but I’d heard the horror stories.
As I tried to get up to go to the bathroom, my room door opened. I remained still to see who would walk in and when I saw Mythic, I felt a sense of relief. He’d come for me.
“Baby, where you going?” he said as he hurriedly set a bag on the nightstand and came to me.
“To the bathroom. I thought you didn’t come.”
He kissed my head. “I will always come for you. If you want me with you, that’s where the fuck I will be, baby.
I just . . . I didn’t think you wanted me anymore.
When you called, I realized I was trying to talk to you when you were out of it at the clinic.
You weren’t saying anything to me, and I took it that you didn’t want me.
That was why I went home. I’m sorry for being an ignant fool. ”
I smiled and puckered my lips. He kissed me, then proceeded to help me to the bathroom, although I didn’t need the help. When I got inside, I realized someone had brought all my hygiene items. Mythic was still holding on to me. I looked up at him and smiled. “I got it. Thank you.”
He kissed my head again and pulled me close. “I missed you so much, baby.”
“I missed you too,” I said as I pulled away from him. “Once I get cleaned up, we’ll talk. Okay?”
He nodded and smiled, showing me the platinum grill that I loved.
Once inside the bathroom, I started the shower.
I knew either my mama or Ashanni had made sure I had everything I needed, and I was grateful.
After brushing my teeth, I went to finally relieve my bladder.
The minute I pulled off the netting and the diaper sized pad, I broke.
It reminded me that I had a baby. It wasn’t a miscarry.
I pushed her out like I would have her to raise.
Having the labor scars without a baby to show for it would always be a trigger for me. The knock on the door claimed my attention. “Baby, you okay? Can I come in?”
I didn’t respond to him, because I couldn’t.
My cries had taken over every part of me.
When the door opened and he saw me on toilet, he came in and knelt beside me.
He glanced down at the blood, then used one arm to pull me to him.
I was so glad he was here and that I didn’t have to endure this shit by myself.
The life we created in our lust was gone.
Losing a child was hard, and I now had an inkling of how Uncle Kenny felt. I hadn’t gotten to spend time with her like he did with Kendrick, but no one could tell me that I hadn’t bonded. Feeling Indigo move around in my belly was a feeling I would never forget.
Pulling away from him, I said, “I’m sorry. Thank you so much for being here.”
“You don’t have to apologize. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
He kissed my forehead and stood, giving me privacy.
I wiped and pulled the diaper off then grabbed the shower gel and got into the shower.
I allowed the hot water to soak me from head to toe.
My hair was braided, so I wasn’t worried about it in the least. Seeing the blood on the shower floor was hard, but I managed to clean up and get out.
The pads and netting were on the countertop, so I put that on, then grabbed the hospital gown from the hook behind the door.
When I left the bathroom’s confines, Mythic was standing there. “I’m going to need your help Mythic. I need to tie this.”
“I’ll do it for you. Just hold the gown closed.”
I frowned slightly at the voice I heard.
My temperature had increased significantly.
It was Shaydon. Why now? I stepped out of the doorway to see him standing there next to Mythic.
They were close to the same height. Shaydon may have been an inch taller.
Mythic’s gaze never left me as he held one side of my gown.
I cleared my throat, and said, “Thanks, Shaydon, but we got it.”
He nodded as Mythic and I worked together to tie it.
He helped me to the bed, then sat in the recliner next to me.
Shaydon sat in a chair near the foot of my bed.
I noticed there was another bouquet in the window that had to have come from him.
Mythic began playing on his phone, then reclined and said, “Y’all just pretend I ain’t here. ”
I glanced at him, hearing the slight hostility in his voice. Shaydon said, “King told me that you were in the hospital. I’m so sorry for your loss, baby girl.”
“Thank you,” I said softly.
“Is there anything you need? Food, drinks, clothes?”
“No. Thank you though. I’m okay and have everything I need. I think my mama or Ashanni brought stuff last night. Plus, I think Mythic brought back something to eat before I took a shower.”
Mythic stood to get it. I think we’d both forgotten about the food when Shaydon arrived. “How long have you been here?”
“Maybe about five minutes before you came out of the bathroom, so not long. Mythic, do you need anything, man? I don’t mind driving to Liberty.”
“Naw, I’m cool. Thanks.”
I was so glad Shaydon asked him about his needs. It made this moment a little less awkward. As mythic set the breakfast croissant in front of me, Shaydon said, “I apologize for not including you earlier, but you have my condolences as well.”
“I appreciate that,” Mythic said.
I noticed his frown had eased slightly. “Did you come here alone, Shaydon?”
“I rode to Nome with my pop. He’s with Uncle Kenny. They’ll be up here later. They were talking about going into business together again. I swear, those niggas run so many businesses at once they make me tired. Mister Jasper was supposed to be meeting with them too.”
I chuckled. “They are so smart, all three of them.”
It became slightly quiet, so Shaydon stood from his seat and said, “I just wanted to come and check on you. I’m supposed to be meeting King, Kane, Royal, Crew, and Seven. They wanted to talk to me about a country hood clothing line.”
He slowly shook his head as my eyebrows lifted. “Shaydon, that isn’t a bad idea! I know you will kill it. While you aren’t necessarily country, you’ve been around it enough to get that shit right.”
He smiled and nodded repeatedly. “I guess. We gon’ see what we come up with. Thanks, Maui. If y’all need anything, hit me up.”
He nodded at Mythic, and he nodded in return, then came to my bedside and kissed my head.
My heart rate increased as I glanced at Mythic to see him flip that damn blade in his mouth.
Once Shaydon had left the room and closed the door behind him, Mythic said, “That’s the nigga that wants you.
You seem to be attracted to him too. That’s why you turning red and shit? ”
“No. I’m turning red because I was nervous.
I didn’t want any drama to pop off. Shaydon ain’t from the streets.
We practically grew up together. He’s my friend.
That’s the truth on my end . . . nothing more.
” I slid down in the bed and pulled the covers up to my neck.
“When did you stop trusting me, Mythic?”
He glanced at me. “I’m sorry. Our situation has me insecure. I don’t feel like our talk will go well. I know unless your people accept me, this shit will most likely be done, and he’ll be waiting in the wings to scoop up my fumble.”
“I love you, Mythic. Just like you said I’m the only woman you want, you’re the only man I want. I do hope that my family can see that.”
There was another knock at the door. It was the nurse. “I wasn’t getting any blood pressure readings,” she said.
“I’m sorry. I took a shower and forgot to call to have it put back on.”
“That’s okay, baby,” she said as she glanced at Mythic.
He had on a black hoodie and his braids hung close to his face.
So, hopefully his appearance didn’t make her nervous.
When he looked up at her, he gave her a head nod, and she smiled.
I frowned slightly. I wondered if they knew one another.
After she fixed my cuff, she left. I looked over at Mythic and asked, “You know her?”
“Yeah. That’s my son’s mother.”