Chapter IX: Faith in Recovery

Days Later - February 12th, 2019

Cedric Harvey laid in his hospital bed staring up at the sterille white ceilings of the hospital. A stark reminder of the fact that he had to change the finish of his match with Johnny Gargano at the recent NXT Live event. He was supposed to be the one to win and continue on with the reign until a episode of NXT that would see him dropping the title to Gargano but all those plans were scrapped. He was instead lying in a hospital bed just hours removed from the surgery to repair his torn tricep.

Since he had been admitted Keana had been there for him, refusing to leave his side despite him telling her to go to practice and go to class and handle her business. Even on a day like this, her birthday, her 19th Birthday, she was still here by his side.

Cedric Harvey let out a sigh, his gaze shifting from the ceiling to the figure of Keana sitting in a hospital chair sleeping in a rather uncomfortable position. Her unwavering presence filled him with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. He knew she had her own dreams and responsibilities, yet she had chosen to prioritize him in this challenging time. She could've been out having fun but she chose to be here with him.

Just then a nurse came into the room holding a clipboard in her arms. He momentarily took his eyes off of the woman who had his attention.

"She's sleeping Cedric whispered, his voice filled with both admiration and concern.

The nurse smiled kindly. "Yes, she's been here for quite some time," she replied softly. "She insisted on staying by your side."

"Yeah, even on a day like today. Today's her birthday," he told the nurse as her smile widened.

"Wow, you're very lucky to have a girlfriend that cares so deeply for you," the nurse said as the thought just crossed Cedric's mind. He had just realised that he had never truly asked Keana to be his girlfriend. She was still here and had never left his side despite them never actually putting a label and acknowledging a relationship.

Cedric's heart swelled with affection and appreciation for Keana. He knew he had found someone truly special. "I can't thank her enough," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "But she deserves so much more than this. I wish I could do something to make her day special."

The nurse nodded understandingly. "It's natural to feel that way, but sometimes the best thing we can offer to those we love is our presence and support. Just knowing that you're here, that you appreciate her sacrifice, can mean the world to her. And who knows you might be able to still show her when you're discharged in a couple of days."

Cedric's eyes returned to Keana, studying her peaceful expression. He reached out to gently brush a strand of hair away from her face. She was his woman and it was time to show her just how important she was to him.

"You're right," Cedric said, his voice filled with conviction. "I may not be able to give her a grand celebration right now, but I can show her how much just how much I appreciate her."

As the nurse finished her tasks and left the room, Cedric leaned closer to Keana, his voice a gentle whisper. "Keana," he murmured, his fingertips lightly grazing her hand. "Wake up, birthday girl."

Keana stirred, her eyes fluttering open slowly. A soft smile formed on her lips as she saw Cedric's face.

"Cedric," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. "You're awake."

Cedric nodded, his eyes filled with affection as his eyes met her dark brown orbs, "Happy Birthday babygirl, I'm sorry I can't really do too much for you and that I can't make this day as special for you as your deserve but I swear to you on everything that I love that I will do what I can to make sure that we celebrate your birthday the way you deserve."

Keana simply shook her head at Cedric proclamation, she leaned in giving a gentle yet passionate peck on the lips.

Cedric's heart skipped a beat as Keana's lips touched his. It was a tender and intimate moment, filled with unspoken understanding and love. He couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth and gratitude for having Keana in his life.

"You don't have to apologize, Cedric," Keana said softly, her voice laced with affection, "Being here with you, by your side, that's all I need. Your affection, your presence, and the promise of a brighter future together, that's the best gift anyone could give me."

Cedric gazed at Keana, his eyes shining with gratitude and admiration. He realized that Keana's affection transcended material things. It was the connection they shared, the support they gave each other, and the affection and care for one another that bound them together that truly mattered.

"You're right, Keana," Cedric said, his voice filled with conviction. "Today might not be the grand celebration you deserve, but once we're out of here, I will make every day feel like a celebration. We'll create beautiful memories, explore new horizons, and cherish each other in the most meaningful ways."

Keana's smile grew wider, and she caressed Cedric's cheek with her hand. "Cedric, you've already given me the greatest gift," she said softly. "You've shown me what it means to have someone who cares for you, to be there for someone unconditionally. And that's something I'll treasure forever."

"I know this is a terrible time but it's worth asking, Keana Parker, will you be my girlfriend?" He asked with a toothy grin. He didn't want to admit it but his heart was damn near about to beat out of his heart. He could go out and perform in front of thousands and thousands of wrestling fans in middle of a ring but asking this girl who had met his family and been inside his home to be girlfriend made him nervous.

Keana's eyes widened with surprise and delight at Cedric's unexpected question. Her heart skipped a beat, and a joyful laughter escaped her lips.

"Cedric Harvey, you have no idea how long I've been waiting for you to ask that," she replied standing up and walking over to his hospital bed, her voice filled with excitement. "Yes, a thousand times yes! I would be honored to be your girlfriend."

Cedric's nerves melted away, replaced by a rush of happiness. He couldn't contain his elation, and as much as he wanted to rise up out of that bed and lift her up but knowing that his strength was pretty much reduced to one arm right now, he couldn't.

"Well, I want to hug you right now but I'm kinda physically incapable, can I get a kiss?"

Keana giggled as she rolled her eyes before leaning down to give her new "boyfriend" a peck.

(!)-(!)-(!)-(!)

The time was 10:26 PM and Cedric was alone currently since Keana had gone back to her dorm to shower and have sometime with her brother for her birthday. She said she was going to come back or call him before she went to sleep tonight but he told her to just relax and have fun. She didn't want to part with him but after several deliberation, going back and forth, he convinced her to leave and enjoy herself on her day.

His parents were flying in tomorrow to check on him and check on him and be in his presence to make sure that he was okay after the surgery. After all, this was his first major injury in his career, thus being his first surgery to repair an in-ring injury.

Cedric laid in the bed as the Jazz and Warriors game played on the TV set. He couldn't really sit and focus on the game as he was too focused on what his road to recovery was going to look like. He wanted desperately to be back where he was if not in a better place but he understood that WWE was a business. A business that operates on a system of relevance and a "what have you done for me lately" mindset and with him being hurt and out of rotation, there's no way to keep his popularity up and keep himself in the limelight of the wrestling world.

His thoughts were cut when he heard his phone ring making him look up to the small nightstand where his phone lay. He reached over with his healthy arm and picked up to see the name across the phone, seeing his boss or at least one of them, Paul Levesque.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Cedric, I just wanted to check on you I know you just had your surgery today and I wanted to check in and see how you were doing?"

"The surgery went well, and I'm feeling a bit sore, but overall, I'm hanging in there."

"I'm glad to hear that the surgery went well. Just focus on your recovering, I'm in the process of working on some plans for the main roster for your return to active competition. If it all works out, you could be the next big potential superstar."

"And if it doesn't?"

Cedric's voice carried a hint of uncertainty as he posed the question to Paul Levesque. He knew the wrestling industry was unpredictable, and success was never guaranteed.

Paul Levesque's response was filled with reassurance and confidence. "Cedric, we believe in your talent and potential. Sometimes things don't work out exactly as planned, but we're committed to supporting you and helping you succeed. If one path doesn't lead to the desired outcome, we'll explore other opportunities. Your journey is far from over, and we're invested in your future."

Cedric found solace in Paul Levesque's words. Knowing that the boss had faith in him and was actively working on plans for his return to active competition gave him a renewed sense of optimism.

"But Cedric," Paul continued, his voice firm yet encouraging, "it's important to remember that your recovery should be your top priority right now. Focus on healing, following the doctor's advice, and taking the necessary steps to come back stronger. We'll handle the rest and ensure that when you're ready, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your talent on the grandest stages."

Cedric nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He realized that although the wrestling world operated on a "what have you done for me lately" mentality, he had a team behind him that genuinely cared about his well-being and future success.

"Thank you, Paul," Cedric said sincerely. "I appreciate your support and confidence in me. I'll give my all to my recovery and trust in the process. When the time comes, I'll be ready to step back into the ring and show the world what I'm capable of."

Paul Levesque's voice carried a sense of pride. "

"Good, now Stay focused, stay determined, and remember this is just a temporary setback. Your time is coming."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Cedric hung up the phone and turned his attention back to the basketball game playing on the TV. As he watched the players move across the screen, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement for the future. He knew that his road to recovery might be challenging, but he was ready to face it head-on. He was ready for the long road and journey ahead of him.