A man of his word.
1970 Words
"Hey honey," she said while stretching her arms out to hug me.
"Hi mom" I was really happy to see her, just then I heard Dr. King's voice
"Just the person I wanted to see"
"Who me?" My mom asked with a surprised look on her face.
"Yes ma'am, I'd like to take your daughter out for coffee but I would love to get your permission first" he said while smiling beautifully at my mom.
I scowled at him as I could see the shock that was written all over my mom's face.
"Well.... ummm, sure.. I think" she replied with a childish giggle, making me roll my eyes at her.
"Ahem, I believe the choice is mine as I'm over the age of consent thank you" I said sternly and trying to be serious but truthfully my insides were melting.
"Age of consent or not its always wise to listen to your mother" I heard her say while still giggling. My mouth shot open.
"Seriously mom?! I growled between my teeth.
"Awwww come now the last time I checked you were single" she continued
"Oh great" I said while throwing my hands in the air in defeat. "Why not get a mic and go tell everyone then"
"Look at him, he's foooiiine and it's just coffee, come on Nicky, give him a chance" she whispered to me as she hugged me again and I sighed
"Okay" I whispered back to her.
Just then my stomach rumbled.
"Gosh Nicole is that your tummy? Sounds like you're starving" she said while rubbing my belly
"Pretty much" I answered.
"I'll go get you something to eat, I'll be right back" she said and left me alone again with the perfect man.
"Don’t you have somewhere to be or something to do" I asked as he stood there watching me intently.
"As a matter of fact I do" he answered
He came over to where I was took my hand in his and kissed my knuckles and I didn’t know what to do with myself.
"Don’t worry I wont bite" he whispered while looking into my eyes.
The feeling of his lips and breath on my skin made my insides tingle and I flushed for the hundredth time today. Thank goodness that my melanin skin wasn't able to turn red from blushing because I would be so embarrassed right now.
"I'll be back for the number Miss Lyons" he chuckled then spun around on his heels and left.
************************ ********
Mom came back with an egg sandwich and bottled water; she sat beside me as I gobbled them down in quick time as my hunger was in full flight.
"Do you know when you'll be able to go home?” mom ask
"Later today hopefully, everything seems to be normal thus far. Any news on Kimone?" I asked
She shook her head
"Everything's basically the same" she said sadly...
"Mom did you know Kyle cheated on her? He's the reason she's here fighting for her life.... that bastard" my voice was filled with the new found hatred I had for Kyle.
"Honey, I don’t believe in blame game, no-one's perfect you know that" she said while gently squeezing my hand
I looked at her in total shock; I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I withdrew my hand.
"How can you defend him mom, with everything that he has done, even after he disrespected you like that?"
"Honey, I've been around long enough to know that we all make mistakes, everybody deserves second chances and forgiveness" she said softly.
I sighed. Leave it to my mom to see the good in everything and everybody.
"I really hope Kimone gets a second chance... she's so young and we had so many plans. I'm not ready to lose her Mom" I said while fighting back my tears.
"I know honey..... We can only pray and hope for the best right now"
We sat there in total silence and then like a flicker of light a thought hit me.
"Mom, remember the prayer circle you used to do when I was younger?" I asked
"Yeah.... I still do it at church" she replied.
"Think we could do one for Kimone in her room?" I asked again
"Sure honey, in fact that's a great idea" she said with her voice filled with excitement.
"Okay...… let's go" and we both got up and made our way to Kimone's room.
My mom was a devout Christian. Growing up I wasn’t allowed to miss church, even while I was away for college she would call me on Sundays and we would have our mini church services over the phone. She was my prayer warrior, she prayed about everything and I was taught to do the same. I've never seen my mom angry; she was calm in every situation.
She was also my rock, my 5ft 6 inches of pure faith and love. My dad died when I was 8 and she did her best to provide everything I needed since then. I wasn't one to have a lot of friends so when I introduced her to Kimone and Kyle she immediately took a liking to them.
Upon arrival in Kimone’s room we saw Kyle and a doctor in deep conversation. They both looked at us as we entered and Kyle called me over.
"Dr. Miller, this is our friend and roommate, feel free to share the information with her as well” Kyle said while pointing in my direction.
The doctor looked at him and then back at me with a bit of confusion on his face
"Friend?" He asked
"Yeah" Kyle answered.
"Really? I thought you were brother and sister"
Kyle and I both laughed, even mom let out a low giggle.
"I know right, we get that a lot " I replied with a smile.
"Will she be ok Dr.?" I asked
"We're not able to say right now, her brain is still swollen" he said while looking at the chart in his hand.
"Is there anything you can do to get the swelling down?" I asked anxiously
"Yes, there are a couple of methods as I was just explaining to Mr. Err ...Matheson here"
"Which are?" I was becoming impatient.
"Umm... so there are three procedures we were looking at surgery, hypothermia and osmotherapy” he responded.
"Which one do you recommend?" I asked again.
He paused for a moment then spoke again.
"Surgery is the best choice but it's very risky...... this surgery involves removing a part of the skull and repairing the damage, which may be a ruptured blood vessel. Ventriculostomy is another possible procedure. It involves inserting a plastic tube into the skull to drain excess fluid and reduce increased pressure on the cranium" he replied as if he knew I was gonna ask him to explain the details of the surgery.
I sighed and felt a firm grip on my hand, I knew it was Kyle, he gave it a gentle squeeze and I looked at him
"I'm sorry" he mouthed
And I gave him a weak smile
"Her mom will be here tomorrow morning so when she gets here we'll discuss it"
"Why can’t we make the decision" I asked while looking at the doctor
"Because the decision is not ours to make" Kyle said softly
"Really?" I asked
"Yeah, he's right, if they were married the choice would be on his shoulders, but don’t worry a few more hours wont do any harm" the doctor said reassuringly.
As the doctor made his exit, I took about four deep breaths in an effort to calm myself.
"You okay?" Kyle asked
I Sighed
"Barely" I replied
My mom hugged me from behind and I felt a bit of comfort.
"She'll be alright honey; lets do the prayer circle, Kyle would you like to join?" She asked while stretching her hand out to him, he hesitated for a moment.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Lyons, I did not mean to disrespect you, I don’t know what came over me" his words were a washed with sincerity.
"Its okay love, all is forgiven" she said with a soft smile as we all sat on the floor with hands joined together and we prayed.
We were so emotional, I could barely find the words to say, Kyle was a little better as he managed to get a few words out. My mom was a boss, she prayed and prayed then she prayed some more.
I admired her strength and I really appreciated her being here with us through this disastrous time. We prayed for about 2 hours and when we were finished we just sat on the floor singing some of our favorite gospel songs.
I was half way through 'Amazing Grace' when Dr. King walked in.
"Hi Dr. King" my mom said happily
"Hello Mrs..... It’s Lyons too right?" He asked
"That's right" mom said.
I didn't speak, instead I chose to focus on the pattern on my Mother's skirt"
Hello Nicole" he said softly...
I pretended as if I didn't hear.
"Don’t be rude child" my mom said while pinching my leg
"Owwwwww" I squealed
Kyle laughed and leaned over to my ears and whispered
"You like him don’t you?"
"What?!.......Noooooo!" I answered
"Whatever you say Nicky" he said and he and my mom got up.
"How’s the patient doing?" I heard Dr. king ask
"No change, her brain is still swollen" Kyle answered
"Who's her Doctor?" He asked again
"Dr. Ummmmm..... Miller" Kyle answered after a couple seconds...
"Okay, I'll check with him and see wassup"
"Thank you" I heard Kyle and my mom said in unison.
"No worries" he replied while stretching his hand out to help me up from the floor.
"Thank you" I mumbled
"I'm here for the number Miss Lyons, I told you I'd come back for it and I'm a man of my word" he said with a sheepish smile.
"I rolled my eyes" and my mom giggled.
"I already told you no" I told him while stretching my legs
"And I thought you’d realize I don’t take no for an answer " he said menacingly
"Don't worry Dr. King... I'll give it to you" I heard my mom said excitedly
"You wouldn't dare!" I snapped
She didn't answer but she gave me her 'I've made up my mind' stare, a stare that told me this was a battle that I wouldn't win.
I stood in silence and watched my mom took her phone out and gave my number to Dr. King who wrote it in his hand and left immediately after
"You'll thank me later" she said as she noticed my annoyance.
"Dang, Mrs. L, you’re the only one I’ve ever seen bully her " Kyle remarked while popping the collars of my mother's blouse.
"Not funny Kyle, You two are ridiculous you know that?" I said as I headed to the door.
"Where are you going?" My mom asked
"To get a nurse to discharge me so I can get di heck outta here" I replied
"I thought you were gonna stay with Kimone?" She asked with a tinge of disappointment in her voice.
"Naah, its Kool I got it" Kyle replied quickly...
"Thanks bestie.... ummm, sorry about today, I said some things that I shouldn’t have".....
I had to apologize, I was mad at him for cheating on Kimone but as my mom said everyone needs a second chance and he was one of my best friends.
"Its fine Nicky..... I started it, I was way outta line too so I guess I deserved it"
I smiled....
"I'll be right back" I said and left to find the nurse.
- Writer
