To be loved

IMANI MET DAVE

CHAPTER 1 .

" This is your last week attending physical therapy , How do you feel? A few more sessions and you're done" Imani's therapist said slowing down the treadmill. She smiled " Amazing. I never thought I'd be able to function on my own again because of the pain , but because of you and the lord I'm back and better than ever ".

After leaving that night six months ago she got into a horrible accident with a semi truck. Had he not pressed on breaks when he did she wouldn't be here and by nothing but the grace of god she only left the scene with two broke legs and a few gashes. The outcome could have been way different and she was thanking God daily for his grace.

Sadly her unborn child didn't make it because of the impact and it left a hole in her heart. Knowing she couldn't save her little boy ; which she had found out after they delivered the still born via c section; ate her more than she showed. She often felt it was her fault , but that night made her realize life is too precious to spend it depressed over something she couldn't change.

She didn't even want revenge on Ariana and Richard. She wished them the absolute best. Although it hurt she wasn't going to press the issue "You were a little difficult in the beginning but I saw determination in you. I knew you were going to bounce back. You're one of the strongest people that have come through here and no one can take that from you. With the drive that you have you can accomplish anything" She said smiling and hugging her. Audrey didn't click with others easily but with her it came natural. She was so much like a mother figure that she lacked.

"Thank you so much Mrs.Dawson" She responded fanning her eyes.

"My son will be here shortly. Would you like to wash up before he arrives?" Her son would always come in after sessions to give a second opinion on Imani's progress. Mrs.Dawson knew how Imani felt about people seeing her cry.

She nodded her head before heading up stairs and collecting herself.

After washing up she walked into the living room seeing an extremely handsome guy sitting and speaking with her therapist. She quietly took in his numerous tattoos and sharp side profile. Jamal was good looking but this son was FINE.

She coughed not knowing what to say since this wasn't the son she was used to seeing. "Oh here she is now. Dave this is Audrey , Audrey this is Dave. The son who's barely around" Mrs.Dawson spoke putting emphasis on the last part while side eyeing him.

Looking up his eyebrow lifted and he eyed her intensely. Imani unconsciously brushed her hand over her hair wondering if it was wild. "I think I know Her" He mumbled out before looking down at his phone.

She was confused for a moment so she denied it. "No I would know if I saw you". Her words had double meaning because she was sure if she seen someone as handsome as him she would've remembered. Her eyes scanned his tall figure once more but nothing came to mind.

"I don't think you saw anything but two people that night" He shrugged. Imani's eyebrows furrowed as she racked her brain to figure out what he was talking about. That's when she realized his voice was familiar.

Her cheeks flushed bright red and regret washed over her " I'm so sorry about that. I wasn't thinking and- "

He stopped her with a low chuckle " I know. I visited you during your time in the hospital once I heard what happened and the broad you fought informed me of the details. I don't blame you. Though you could have handled it a little classier " She tilted her head not knowing rather to be upset or grateful for his words as he slightly mugged her.

" Yea ok you trying having your bestfriend f**k your girlfriend for two years of y'all four year relationship and let's see how classy you are" She huffed out. There was no way he was sitting up here judging her reaction. That was beyond betrayal for her.

He stared at her with a hard look,distaste evident on his handsome face and she glared back not backing down. The two remained in an intense stare down reading each other before they were stopped.

"Ok guys that's enough" Mrs Dawson said shaking her head and frowning at Dave. If looks could kill he would've sprawled out on that floor.

" Ight Ma dukes I'm about to get out of here. Brianna want to have a date night" He said acknowledging it was almost time to pick up his fiancé. His stood and hugged his mother ignoring the mean mug Imani was sending his way. He really didn't give a f**k. What she did was embarrassing and distasteful. She could have got her s**t, took it like a woman, and hashed it out with them somewhere less public or atleast not in his restaurant.

Mrs Dawson shook her head but hugged him back "Alright be safe Dave and tell Brianna I said Hello". He walked out without spaying Imani a glance. He was definitely that rude son because Jamal was way nicer. " I have to get going Mrs Dawson I work a double tonight" Imani said grabbing her things with an attitude. She was just shocked at how much of an ass her son was. The therapist shot her an apologetic smile " I really apologize for Dave, he can be quite rude sometimes. That darn son of mine don't have a nice streak in him. Audrey chuckled shaking the situation off "oh it's fine. It didn't bother me. Enjoy your day Mrs Dawson" she said before exiting the woman's two story home. She got in her New 2020 grey Honda accord sport slamming her things into the passenger seat. She has a good nerve to find his socials and curse him out. Who was he to say how she could have done anything when he probably didn't know how something like that felt. Brushing her thoughts to the side she wasted no time heading to the condo she shared with her cousin Nyella who was like a older sister. Upon pulling up she rushed into their space ready to tell her about how she was tired today. She was sidetracked at the smell of food. Normally she was the one who did all the cooking but Nyella had begun trying to learn a little something as of lately. She was always talking about she would have a man one day and needed to know how to cook for him.

" Ok sis you got it smelling good in here". She spoke smacking her butt as she entered the house. From the aroma she could tell she was baking chicken. Nyella jumped a little before smiling and hugging her cousin "Damn b***h I was wondering how much longer you were going to be gone. I was lonely". Nyella and Imani were more like sisters than cousins. They weren't as close growing up but by the time they turned 14 and 15 they were inseparable. They went through everything together down to getting their own place when they were 15 and 16 through the help of a family friend. "I missed you too but let me tell you about this rude ass son my therapist got". Imani said kicking off her shoes. "Jamal" Nyella asked turning the stove down a little so she could tune in." No it's another one named Das, Pas, Dave or some s**t. He was there the night that s**t happened with Ariana and Richard and he just happened to be the one that broke it up. He gone have the audacity to tell me I could've handled the situation classier! Like nigga what if it was you" she spoke slightly getting upset again thinking about the smug look he held on his face while he was stating his opinion.

"Girl did you say Dave?" Nyella said disregarding everything she said with wide eyes.

"yes"

" That's her son? Do you know how much weight that man holds around here. He don't f*****g play" Her eyes widened a little more "and he is engaged to Brianna the boujiee ass daughter from the Thomas's. We don't know how she got him cause she ain't with the lifestyle he live but whatever " she continued while peeking in the oven. Imani tooted her lip "f**k him and the weight that his name hold he need to mind the f*****g business that pays him. Ugly ass"

"b***h you know that man ain't ugly" Nyella lightly laughed. She knew her cousin was lying. All of the Dawson's boys were fine as f**k. The daddy too hell. "Ok he ain't ugly but he rude as f**k mean mugging and s**t like I did something to him. Nobody told him to jump in and do captain save a hoe. He did that on his own". Imani raged throwing her hands up. Nyella ignored her cousin and laughed once Imani didn't like you she really held a grudge. It seems as if Dave tried to give advice but went about it the wrong way, but what she witnessed from small encounters was that it was just his personality. He probably didn't mean any harm but her cousin is just as rude being a little hothead as they probably bumped heads.

"Well you just stay out his way and hopefully y'all won't cross paths again. That's a battle you can face on your own" Her cousin joked but she sensed a hint of seriousness in her voice.