Once In A Lifetime (Sequel to Secrets)

The aftermath

Natalie's Pov

"Natalie is that you?" Asks a groggy voice.

"Oh my gosh Craig is that you? I can't believe you're finally awake. You scared me I thought I lost you. How long have you been up?"

"Not long just a few minutes ago. I woke up and noticed you sleeping with your head on the side of my bed. What happen?" asks Craig

"All I remember was me and my girls hanging out. You went to your bachelor party and I was at my bachelorette party. Nikki got this call about there being an accident at your party. We all rushed here as soon as we got the call. I needed to make sure you were okay."

"I feel like I was ran over by a truck, but other than that I'm fine." says Craig

"You don't look fine to. You look so tired, fragile and weak. I don't want to keep you up. Go back to sleep if you want. I'm not going anywhere."

"I..I love you N." says Craig in a weak voice.

"I love you too baby. I'm so glad I didn't lose you. I don't know what I would do without you. Don't worry about anything I just want you to get your rest. We can postpone the wedding to a later date."

"I'm so sorry Natalie. I know you were all excited about us saying our vows." Says Craig

"Why are you apologizing this isn't your fault. From what the others have told me, a fight broke out at the club and people started shooting. You were at the wrong place at the wrong time."

"I guess you could say that. Where are my boys?" asks Craig looking around the room.

"Don't stress yourself for the most part they're okay. You and Chris were the only ones badly injured. Jacob and Ray are fine."

"Hey look whose finally up," says Jacob walking into the room.

"How's Chris is he okay?"

"He's going through a lot right now but I know he'll make it." says Jacob

"What happen to Chris?" 😳 asks Craig

"He was shot in the back. He lost a lot of blood and Nikki had to give him some of her blood. Thank goodness her blood was a match." says Jacob

"Somehow you ended up with the gun gracing your face just barely. Ray was touched at all."

"It could have been worse. Craig man your lucky you only got shot in the arm. I'm glad you're okay man. I up all night worried sick about you and Chris. We never should have went to that club. It's my fault I was the one who suggested we go there. Someone could have died last night." says Jacob

He looks like he's about to cry. I walk over to him and give him a hug.

"Jacob don't beat yourself up. It's not your fault you can't control what other people do. Let's just be thankful that y'all are okay. Keep positive energy remember?"

"Sorry Natalie I'll try." says Jacob

"There we go, now where's everyone else?"

"Aaliyah went to get Hazel and baby Prince. Nikki is in the waiting area along with Mel, Cecilia, and Ray. Mia went to go get us some breakfast. We all know hospital food is the worse." 😨 says Jacob

"That was nice of her. I completely forgot about Hazel. I ended up falling asleep here with Craig. I don't know what I do without you guys. I have the best friends in the world."

"We're more than that, we're family." says Jacob

"You're so right. Speaking of family I'm sure everyone's parents will be here soon."

"My mom is busy on a business trip in Hawaii. I told her I'm fine. Chris and Craig's parents should be on their way. I could have sworn Aaliyah said something about your mom and dad getting here as soon as possible." says Jacob

"They were already on their way here for the wedding. It just sucks that we'll have to reschedule it." 😔

"Don't worry Natalie it's still going to happen. Here you are encouraging to be positive and your getting sad. Please don't start crying in front of Craig. He doesn't need to see this right now." Whispers Jacob

"Yeah I know let me get myself together. I feel like I might burst out in tears soon."

"Why don't you clean yourself up in the bathroom. I'll stay here with Craig." says Jacob

'Thanks I'll be back soon."

I look over at Craig he fell back asleep. I quickly leave before I have a break down.

I walk past the others in the waiting room and head towards the restroom. I close the door behind me and walk over to the mirror. My make up is all smudged and my hair looks like I just roller out of bad. Thank goodness this is a single bathroom now I can cry in peace. I make sure the door is locked so no one can interrupt me.

Suddenly I fall to the floor and pull my knees to my chest. I cry not only for Craig but for Chris as well. He's in a worse position than Craig. I really hope they're okay. I can't he lot but think I knew this was gonna happen sooner or later. The lifestyle they live is so dangerous. One minute your living up with all the finer things in life. The next people are getting shot left and right, or end up in a jail cell. All of that jacking people up and killing people finally caught up with them. I hope this is a wake up call. There might not be a next time. I know this sounds crazy they were shot at a club not a drive by. But still this could have been them in a drive by.

I wonder how Nikki is taking this. I'm sure she's a reck right now. Who had baby Chris, I hope Aaliyah picks him up too. Then again he doesn't need to see his father like that.

This is crazy I'm supposed to be getting married to tomorrow. Then me and Craig were to go on a fabulous honeymoon to the Bahamas. Seems like my life was finally starting to fall into place. Now it's just a hot ass mess.

I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't hear the knocking at the door.

"Natalie it's Nikki are you okay in there? You've been in there for a long time. Can I come in?" asks Nikki

"Yeah hold on."

I get up from the floor and unlock the door.

"You can open it, I unlocked it."

Nikki walks in and closes the door behind her.

"I heard about Chris. I'm so sorry how are you feeling?"

"I'm a little tired from giving so much blood. At least he's still here. I keep thinking why did this have to happen to us." says Nikki

"I know it's crazy not the long ago we were having the time of our lives. I haven't laughed so much in a long time. Thank you guys for making my day. Even though it ended up on an ugly note."

"You're welcome girl I'll never forget the look on your face when that stripper ripped his clothes off. Your face was priceless." says Nikki

"You guys sure know how to throw a party." 👏👏

"My girls and I got skills." Says Nikki

"Trueee."

"Hey do you think Chris will make it?" asks Nikki

"Yeah I do he's a fighter I know he'll get through this. What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger. I'm here for you you're my girl. If you need anything let me know."

"I should be asking you the same thing. Lets be real we both need each other. To be so young we've been through a lot." says Nikki

"Yes we have."

"Let's get out of here." says Nikki

"Let me fix myself first."

I wet a paper towel and wipe my face. Then I run my fingers through my hair.

"You ready?" asks Nikki

"Yeah girl lets go."

She opens the door and follow after her.

"There you girls are, I've been looking all over for you." says Ray

"Why what happened? asks Nikki

"I think all three of us need to talk." says Ray

"Fine lets go over near the window and talk."

Me and Nikki follow him over to the window.

"So what's up?" asks Nikki

"Promise me if I tell you something you won't flip out?" says Ray

"Depends on what it is." says Nikki

"Okay I think I know whose responsible for this." says Ray

"Really please tell us go on."

"It was Nikki's ex Anthony. At first I wasn't sure but now I'm 100% sure it was him. He was at the club giving us dirty looks all night. Chris looked like he was ready to beat his ass. I think Chris was still mad about you running into your ex. Anthony is still in love with you. He's the one who pulled the trigger he didn't mean to hit Craig. Craig just happen to be in the way. He got Craig by an accident but Chris was on purpose. He would have finished it off if the bouncers didn't pull him away. I'm telling you right now that nigga is crazy." says Ray

"We have to tell someone."

"Are you crazy I ain't no snitch. If you tell he will know it was me." says Ray

"Don't be silly a lot of people were witnesses that night. We can't sit back and do nothing."

"My poor Chris is fighting for his life right now and you want me to keep quiet. I'm sorry but that's not gonna happen. I think I need to have a little chat with Anthony." says Nikki with a wild look in her eyes.

"Oh no I know that look, Nikki please don't do something you'll regret."

"Too late I'm over playing nice. This bum nigga asked for it. You don't mess with my friends, friends and especially not my man." says Nikki through gritted teeth

"If your gonna do something at least go with someone. Don't go alone what if he tries to hurt you?"

"He wouldn't do that to me. I just want to ask him why he did this to me. I want him to now that he needs to move on with his life. I fear no one I can go alone he doesn't scare me." says Nikki

"Let us come with you don't do this alone. " says Ray

"If you guys want to come, it's on y'all. Either way he will be dealt with. I can't let this go, because of him everything is ruined." says Nikki

"I understand that you're upset I am too. I think you need to stay here with Chris. If he finds out you left it will hurt him more than he already is. He needs you right now. Worry about that bum later."

"Alright fine, but this ain't over." says Nikki

"Oh trust I know this is only the beginning" 😔🙈

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More drama on the way. 😁