14 Ride or Die

Kyle was in a coma for over three weeks. He had a neck and back brace. His arm and his left leg were in a cast. He had three surgeries so far, he slipped into a coma after the last one. Dr Williams said his vitals were showing signs of improvement but he hadn't woken up yet. I visited him everyday and would have one-sided conversations with him, mostly urging him to get up or shake a leg or twitch his lashes or something..Anything.

The waiting was torture and emotionally draining. I threw myself into my work trying to distract myself and to numb the worry and the fear. For some reason he had listed me as his next of kin on his emergency contact details and I was not entertaining any thought or suggestions about pulling the plug. I kept convincing myself that Kyle would pull through. He still had so much to live for and I just couldn't stand the thought of losing him again.

I was an idiot to let him go in the first place. I should have fought harder for our relationship. I promised myself that when he woke up I would beg him to take me back, I would grovel if I had too. I had come to realize how much I cared about and this time I was not walking away.

His manager Michael Taylor and his best friend James Todd flew down from Los Angeles last week and were constantly by his side. His loyal fans and reporters were always camped outside the hospital waiting eagerlyfor any bit of news. Good or bad.

I made sure there was strict security that they wouldn't be able to bypass.James and I bonded almost immediately. We became good friends during the weeks that passed. He told me that Kyle told him all about me-well us, and he was glad that Kyle finally found someone that he was crazy about.James was a professional photographer and events coordinator and he contributed greatly to my business. He worked tirelessly with our team and helped our launch to be a resounding success.

We managed to set up our shop, offices and warehouses in Capetown without a hitch. Our business was up and running within a short space of time. The business in New York was currently being run by the managing director and I was confident that it was in very capable hands. If it wasn't for Kyle I would have upped and left by now but I didn't-no I couldn't leave him until I knew for certain that he would be fine.

Richard was back at work against my orders. We managed to find an organ donor for Rita and her operation was a success. Richard and Rita got closer and her boyfriend was still AWOL and she did't seem to be bothered much. She had flown back home with Richard and her parents and was recuperating.

My phone buzzed and I answered on the first ring. It was James.

"He's awake!" He yelled excitedly. "He is asking for you-"

"I'm on my way," I cut him off. I sat still not able to move.

I had waited for almost a month to hear those words! I called Andrew and told him to cancel my lunch appointment and asked him to tell Steve to drive me to the hospital.

I grabbed my bag and waited for Steve to bring the car to the front entrance. My heart was racing. I couldn't believe it. Kyle was awake!

*****

I stood by the doorway and still couldn't bring myself to believe that he was back. He was sitting up and talking quietly with Michael and James. James was ecstatic.

They looked up as I walked in and they excused themselves and left quietly.

"Hey,"I said nervously.

"Hey," he said smiling weakly.

His eyes had sunken in and he had lost a lot of weight but none the less he was still looking good. His hair was slightly overgrown and fell just above his eyes. His beard had grown more, giving him more sex appeal.

Without thinking I ran to him and threw my arms around him. He was equally stunned but he wrapped his good arm around me and stroked my hair. Then my emotions took over and I started to cry.I sobbed softly into his shoulder and he continued to sooth me.

For the life of me I couldn't understand why I was crying. Maybe it was relief or maybe it was all the pent up emotions but it just felt like I needed to let it all out. I felt a whole lot better afterwards.

"I'm okay baby," Kyle whispered softly and kissed my hair. "I'm right here babe.. I'm okay," He cooed as he kept stroking my hair.

"You gave us quite a scare didn't you,?"I said, looking up at him as I reached for a Kleenex to wipe my face. At least I didn't worry about ruining my make up. Thanks to my dream team, they had devised make-up that didn't rub off, come rain or shine. At least now a girl could cry with a bit of dignity.

"You know me baby-drama king," he laughed softly.

"I don't want to go through that ever again," I said as put my head back on his chest.

"I promise to never have an accident again. Scouts honor,"he raised up his hand.

We both laughed.

"Trust you to turn a tragedy into a joke," I said shaking my head.

"It's good to hear you laugh though," I said looking into his eyes. Then I just remembered something.

"Why did you list me as your next of kin and emergency contact?" I raised my eyebrow.

"That's simple. Because I know that I can trust you to do what's best for me without overthinking it," he stared deeply into my eyes.

Gosh. How I missed those deep brown eyes. I could just get lost in them. They held a mixture of a whole lot of other emotions, that I won't get into right now.

"I can't imagine what you must have gone through. But thanks for sticking by my side.You're definitely my ride or die chick," he winked.

"As long as you need me, I'll be here," I repeated his words back to him.

"I'll always need you babe. Always," he said, resting his hand on my cheek.

"I'm sorry to disturb," Dr Williams walked in and cleared his throat, "but I need to examine my patient."

"Dr Williams, you have perfect timing as usual," Kyle complained.

"Morning Dr Williams," I smiled.

"Sorry Kyle but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." Dr Williams laughed and started flipping through his charts.

"I'd almost convinced her to run away with me,"Kyle chuckled.

"Then I guess I can always come back.." Dr Williams continued to joke.

"I think I'm going to leave," I laughed lightly.

"I'll see you later okay?" I smiled warmly at Kyle.

"Sounds good babe," he kissed my hand and winked.

I couldn't held but smile. It was so good to hear him say that and to see him smile again. I thought I'd never hear those words come out of hisagain.

I gave him one final hug and rushed out before he could pull me back again.

Today was a good day..