Dean:
"It's $500 dollars to get me out," I told AJ.
"Alright, I'll be there soon," she said.
I was getting restless again waiting for AJ. She finally came to bail me out.
I was stuck in the police station until morning time.
"I also bailed out Biggy too, but he caught a cab home," AJ said to me.
"Good," I said.
I got into the passenger seat, put my seatbelt on, and didn't say a word. AJ drove me back to the hospital.
"Mom is with Desiree. The doctors said the bullet didn't go far into Desiree's head. She should be out of hospital soon. You need to visit her," AJ said.
"You guys didn't tell her what happened did you?" I asked.
"No."
I got back to the hospital and went to see Desiree. I didn't want to see Desiree hooked up to IV's or anything but I knew she was. And there was nothing I could do about it. I had to keep calm and try to get through everything.
I walked into the room and let out a little sigh of relief.
Desiree still looked beautiful as ever but she had bandages wrapped around her head. Only one IV in her hand. She turned her head to look at me and smiled a small smile.
I walked over to her and gave the most gentle kiss on her cheek.
"How do you feel baby?" I said. I was trying not to choke up.
"Good," she said.
I teared up.
"No, don't cry," Desiree said.
"I messed up, Desiree," I said. "It's because of me that you're here now."
"Dean, calm down," Desi said.
I managed to pull myself together.
Mrs. Langston was on the other side of the bed.
"I'll leave you two alone for a minute," Mrs. Langston said.
She left along with AJ.
It was just me and Desi now.
"Dean," Desi said. "Look at me."
I looked at her.
"We will get through this, dammit, do you hear me?" she said, tears forming in her eyes as well. "Don't you fucking forget that!"
Desi was crying now. I grabbed some tissue and wiped her eyes.
"I know," I said.
I really wanted to believe Desiree. But I for some reason I did not want to.
I was beginning to doubt that we could actually make it.
I wasn't going to up and leave her with two kids. No, that's not me.
But a simply seperating would be best. Not for me, but for her. Once Eva was dealt with, then I would tell Desiree that in order for her to live a happy and fulfilling life, she had to leave me.
I wouldn't take no for an answer. I didn't want to break her heart but everything was getting to me. Her brother was attacking her and me for being in an interracial relationship. Not sure if he had a problem with Caucasions in general or the simple fact that I am white and I'm with her, a beautiful black woman. Our baby was mixed but that has nothing to do with me being a father to Destiny. I even wanted to adopt Dave.
"Dean? Dean?" Desi said.
I was lost in thought.
"Hmm?"
"Can you hand me another tissue?" she said.
I handed her another tissue and resumed staring blankly at the magazine I was reading. I wasn't really reading it. I was deep into thought about our relationship. I wasn't going to call of the engagment. We just needed a break. I needed time to think and clear my head. I would have to break the news to Desi. And I would be prepared for the reaction. For now, I wanted to take care of Desiree.
Desiree was back to her usual self, even though I knew she was still burning up on the inside about what Eva did to her. To help her relax, I decided to make her chicken noodle soup. She wanted to be near Destiny so I brought Destiny in the room with us.
She had teeth growing in fast. There was a tooth poking out from her top gum.
"Great. More teeth to bite me with," I said.
"Last time wasn't THAT bad," Desi said.
"It hurt, Desiree. I know she's only a baby but it hurts. Why you bite Daddy, hmm? You think it's funny?" I said to Destiny. I was holding her up. I lowered her and gave her a kiss. I put her back up in the air, and brought her down again to give her another kiss.
She was squealing and laughing all the way. I put her down on the bed and watched as she crawled to Desiree.
"Hello there," Desi said.
I couldn't help but smile at the two of them. Soon, Dave ran in. He jumped straight into my arms.
"Heeeey Dean!"
Seeing how happy Dave was, seeing Destiny grow, and seeing Desiree smile again, I couldn't believe that I was planning on telling Desiree that we needed time apart.
Part of me wanted to tell her it was for the greater good. Part of me was saying don't be an asshole.
I didn't know what to do. I loved Desiree dearly.
Later on that night, I found Desiree in the bathroom combing her hair. She was glad to be able to do it again, after taking off all of the bandages. I watched her as delicately combed her long brown locks. She then tied her hair into a bun.
"Well, hello there beautiful," I said.
She turned to look at me.
"Well, hello there handsome."
I walked into the bathroom and wrapped my arms around her. I looked at her in the mirror.
"Each day you get more prettier," I said.
Desi smiled at me.
"And everyday you get more pretty yourself."
"I don't have to try hard."
Desiree took my hands and placed them on her breasts.
"I've been craving you for a while, Dean. Don't keep me waiting."
And that I did not do.