New Beginnings

Chapter 8: Love & War

We stay on the front lines
Yeah but we're still here after the bomb drops
We go so hard we lose control
The fire starts then we explode
When the smoke clears we dry our tears
Only in love and war
~Tamar Braxton "Love & War"

I woke up in a room with four white walls.

"Am I dead?" I asked out loud.

Lisah and Jamel suddenly appeared.

"No girl, you're still here." Lisah smiled grabbing my hand.

I tried to turn my neck but it wouldn't move.

"What is this?" 

I heard Jamel's voice. "The doctors said that you broke your neck.. And fractured your skull."

I pulled the IV out of my arm."Where's Devin?"

"I'm right here baby girl." Devin's voice was shaky, like he'd been crying.

"Lisah, Jamel? Can you two give us a minute?"

"Yeah." They went into the waiting room and I pressed the button to make the bed go up so I could see Devin.
His eyes were bloodshot.

"How long have I been here?" I asked.

"A couple weeks."

"Weeks?"

He nodded, looking at the floor.
"How's your mom?"

"She's fine, she just had a mild stroke."

I wanted to nod, but then I remembered I couldn't. "Oh."

It was silent for a few minutes, but it felt like hours.

"Why are you so quiet?" I asked.

"Because I broke my promise to you. Now you're in the hospital. It's all my fault." He bit his bottom lip, I knew he wanted to cry, but his pride got in the way.

"It's not your fault, come here." I moved over so that Devin could get in with me. He climbed in and laid his head on my chest. I played in his hair.
"Are we moving too fast Devin?" I asked.

"I don't think we are. Do you?"

"I don't know. It feels right."

"I don't wanna freak you out or nothing, but I already know I love you." Devin said nonchalant.

At this point, I didn't know what the fuck love was. I know it's not Monte.
But how do I know it's Devin? I've only known him for a couple months.

"I'm not rushing you, but I know you finna fall in love with me. I mean, look at me." He said cockily, licking his lips.
I had to laugh. "You think you the shit?"

"Yup, so do you."

Yeah, but I wasn't gonna admit it.

"Boy whatever."

Just then, the doctor walked in.
"Glad you're finally awake Brandee. I'm Dr. Micheals." He extended his hand and I shook it. He brought in x-rays. "You suffered severe injuries to the head, such as a cracked skull.
Though it shouldn't effect your brain, we want to run extra test just to make sure. Do you have any questions?"

"Yeah" Devin spoke. "When can she get this thing off her neck?"

"In a few weeks. Her bones should be healed up by then."