A Passion Rekindled

by Nolan, Rontora

  They ran out the door and Christian rode with the officer as Chris followed in his car. As they arrived to the scene, Christian looked around at all the bystanders and the firemen working to clear the scene. Christian noticed someone on the gurney in a black bag. His emotions got the best of him as he thought the worse.

  “Scarlett! Scarlett! Please God no!”

  He ran to the gurney but was held back by the other officers.

  “I have to see her tell me it's not her.”

  “Sir please we need you to calm down.”

  “No let me go.”

  “Sir there is nothing more you can do you need to get behind the line.”

  “Let me go I have to see her.”

  Chris ran behind Christian and tried to calm him.

  “Christian!”

  “No Chris she’s gone. She’s dead and I couldn’t save her.”

  “Christian look over there.”

  Christian looked over to where Chris was pointing and saw two paramedic lifting Scarlett’s limp body on a stretcher into the ambulance.

  “Scarlett.” Christian made a beeline for her.

  “Is she ok? Tell me she’s ok.”

  “Who are you?”

  “I am her boyfriend.”

  “I never thought I would say this but being thrown from the car might have saved her life.”

  “She was thrown?”

  “We have to get her to the hospital. It doesn’t look good sir.” Christian grabbed the gurney.

  “Scarlett you have got to be fine. Please wake up. We need you please.”

  “We got to go sir.”

  “I'm coming with you.”

  Christian stood back as they secured her in the ambulance; he looked at Chris with tears in his eyes.

  “I'm going to go with them ok?”

  “Yeah. You know she's going to be fine right?”

  “What if she's not…they said it doesn't look good.”

  “Who cares what they say it only matters what God says.”

  “You're right. If we all pray she will come out of this.”

  “Yeah we will the whole way there.”

  Chapter 13

  Are you ready for a miracle…?

  Christian sat at Scarlett’s side. Jay walked into the room.

  “Hey…how is she doing?”

  “She seems to be getting stronger. They took her off the sedatives that were keeping her sleep but uh he still hasn’t woken up though. They say she's healing fine. But I just don’t understand if she is healing so well why won’t she wake up?”

  “It takes time. Hey umm would you mind if I talked to her?”

  “No go ahead they say she can hear us. So if we all talk to her maybe she will wake up.” Jay stepped closer to the bed.

  “Hey Scar. It’s me Jay. You know when we first met I knew we would be friends. You have become like a sister to me and I need you to wake up.”

  Tears welled in her eyes. “They said you guys were on Broadway. That’s down the street to from my house. He was coming after Angel wasn’t he? You protected us didn't you? Scarlett you got to wake up so I can thank you. Hey, we set the wedding date. It won’t be a wedding without you. Everyone is praying for you to get better. We know you will.”

  She kissed Scarlett on the cheek and hugged Christian who gave her a small smile.

  “How are the girls and Devon?”

  “Well they know she was hurt but Angel and Maggie still can’t bring themselves up here. And Devon is holding everyone together.”

  Christian took Scarlett’s hand in his. “I can’t believe he did this.”

  “Christian how did he find her?”

  “Amber.”

  “What?”

  “Yeah she was the one who told him where she was. And that Angel was with you if she wasn’t home.”

  “I can’t believe it.”

  “I can…Danger said some things and got me thinking. He was talking about how she didn’t belong in my world and stuff like that and he started to sound like her.”

  “Wow so you knew it?”

  “He had friends in high places and next thing I know Amber is leaving me messages apologizing.”

  Jayla exhaled angrily. “I can’t believe she did that…so what's going to happen to her?”

  “I don’t know and I really don’t care.”

  “You know Scarlett is going to be fine…right?”

  “I want to know that I really do. But how can I believe she is going to be fine. It’s been a week.”

  “I can’t believe my ears. I did not raise you to speak like that.” They looked at the door and Helen walked into the room.

  “You and I both know Scarlett is going to be fine.”

  “I'm just scared. I was there. He raped her and shot her. Then he took her from me. She risked her life to save mines and I couldn’t even protect her. And he didn’t even look sorry. No second thought about Angel or Maggie or Devon. What kind of person does that?”

  “Someone who is really messed up in the head.” Helen said reaching for Scarlett’s free hand.

  “Mom I was really scared. But Scarlett wouldn’t go without a fight.”

  “I am just so glad he didn’t shoot you.”

  “I wish he did. Because at least Scarlett would be fine. If they lose her on top losing their mom I don’t know what will happen.”

  “You wish what? Jay can I have a moment with Christian?”

  “Yeah I am going to call home and see how the kids are. Maybe I can get them up here.” Jay walked out the room and Helen looked over to him.

  “Far be it for me to tell you how to live your life…but I don’t know what you and your brother were thinking going in there. That guy is a drug dealer if he shot her and he said he loved her? What would he have done to you?”

  Christian got up from his seat and walked over to his mom.

  “I don’t want to hear this mom ok. I know you don’t think Scarlett is good enough for me but she is. And I don’t care what you say about it.”

  “But I told you not to get involved with her. You and your brother could have been killed.”

  “So you would rather us not have gone over there and let that man do God only knows what to her.”

  “No…you were so brave…but I was so worried about you when I heard.”

  “Mom. When I got there and saw him standing over her. I just wanted to stop him. She had to relive all that he put her through. If Jay hadn’t called the police when she did.”

  Christian walked back to his seat and grabbed Scarlett’s hand.

  “He was heading towards Jay’s. If Scarlett wouldn’t have prevented him from going after the girls, it could’ve been worse. She was so brave and she shouldn’t have even been there but she was because I didn’t get there on time I told her I would be there at ten. She didn’t deserve any of this.”

  “I know where you are going and it’s not your fault.”

  Christian smirked bitterly. “11:30 mom that’s when we got to her house. Chris and I arrived at the same time. If I would have gotten there earlier or called to say, I was, running, late then she could have gone with the girls and none of this would have happened. And if she dies it’s my fault.”

  “No it’s not.”

  “Mom I know she’s not educated or have an Ivy League background but I don’t care. I just want her the way she is.”

  “Helen I think you should tell him.”

  They looked at the door and Christopher Sr. was standing there.

  “Tell me what?”

  Helen sighed. “You and your brother are more like your father than you know.”

  “What do you mean?”

  She took a seat placing her purse on her lap. “When your father met me I was a waitress at this restaurant. He would come by every day with a different flower. Your grandmother wouldn’t hear of it. Christopher was heir to their empire and he wanted to be with me. A small town waitress with no education.”

  “What? But I
saw your degree.”

  “In order to marry your father I had to finish school with honors, grow my hair out, and drop fifty pounds.”

  “What?”

  “That was what they felt would push me away. But I took their money went to school finished in two and a half years. I lost the weight and grew out my hair. My parents threatened to disown me. I changed so much because of your father. But I loved him. I told him when we married I would never be like his mother was but look at me. Judging you because you love her. And poor Jay she really is perfect for Chris but I tried my best to ruin them.”

  “If you went through all that why do it to them?”

  “A mother just wants what is best for her children. But what I forgot was I raised you to shoot for the stars and you did. I just don’t know what would have happened if he would have shot you. I love you you’re my baby.”

  Christian moved to her and embraced her tightly. “Mom I know that but all this has proved one thing to me. I’m in love with Scarlett and I don’t want to be without her. And when she gets well, I am going to ask her to marry me. And I hope by you telling me your story you will approve.”

  “Are you sure you are ready for that kind of commitment?”

  “Yeah I am.”

  “I don’t know what happened to my children. After years of begging you to settle down…you finally do. And I have to say. Scarlett may have a sorted past but I have seen how happy she makes you. And the way you are with those kids. I'm sorry I was just so scared at losing you. But you and Chris have found some pretty great girls.”

  “And she has a pretty great family.”

  “Yeah she does. Those girls are so sweet and Devon is just so smart. But are you ready to be a father?”

  “I am ready to be with Scarlett and if that means be a father to Angel and be there for Maggie and Devon well we are already doing that.” Jay walked into the room.

  “Devon and Chris are bringing the girls up here. I think if Scarlett hears from them she will come back to us.”

  “I thought the girls wouldn’t come up here?”

  “I talked to Devon then he talked to them.”

  Helen looked at Jay. “Jay you are doing a great job with those kids. I can’t wait till you and Chris have children.”

  “The girls are older so it’s a lot easier but Chris and I have talked about starting a family.”

  Christian touched Scarlett’s hand and it moved. “Did you guys see that?”

  “See what baby?”

  “Her hand it moved.”

  “I didn’t see it. Maybe it was wishful thinking?”

  “I don’t know…maybe.”

  An half an hour later Christian stood as he saw Devon, Maggie, and Angel.

  “Hey guys.”

  They walked in and hugged Helen and Christopher sr. Devon looked at the bed.

  “How is she?”

  Christian smiled.

  “She is healing well.”

  “Mommy.”

  Angel walked over to her and shook her a little.

  “Why won’t she wake up?”

  Christian looked at his mom and then he took Angel’s hand and pulled her to him.

  “You see those bandages those are where your mommy was hurt. She is sleeping so she can heal better. Once she is all better she will wake up and be good as new.”

  “So she's resting? Kind of like sleeping beauty?”

  “Exactly like sleeping beauty.”

  “So when she's all better she will wake up?”

  “Yes…she wants to be good as new for you.”

  “But what if I need to talk to her?”

  “You can still talk to her. Why don’t you talk to her now?”

  “Ok. Hi, mom we had a lot of fun over Aunt Jay’s she is almost as funny as you are. You sleep all you need mom so you can be good as new…I love you mom.” Angel hugged Scarlett then walked back to Christian.

  “You want to come? Aunt Jayla and Uncle Chris are taking us skating?”

  “I would love too but I think I should stay here in case your mom needs anything.”

  “Ok. You better take good care of her.”

  “Angel I will I promise.”

  “Christian do you love my mom?”

  “Yes I do.”

  “Do you love us?”

  “Of course I do…how can I not you all are so wonderful.”

  “We love you too.”

  Angel hugged Christian then looked at Maggie.

  “Maggie don’t you want to talk to Mom?”

  “I can’t.”

  Maggie began to cry.

  “If we.”

  “Don’t think it Maggie…Scarlett is going to be fine.” Jay hugged Maggie.

  “Maybe we should go.”

  “Wait I will meet you guys at the car I need to talk to Scarlett…alone if you guys don’t mind.” Devon said frowning.

  Christian nodded. “No problem I will walk them to the car.”

  Everyone left the room and Devon walked over to Scarlett.

  “Scarlett I know you can hear me…so you need to listen up and listen good. I need you. Maggie needs you and so does Angel. You are an awesome sister and an even better mother. Bad things have happened to us you were the one who pulled us together. So you need to come out of this. Christian is a great guy. And he really loves you. I don’t think he has left your side for more than five minutes since you have been in here. I need you to get better. There is so much going on. I am graduating, I have prom and I can’t go through all this without you. So please come back. Lord, I ask you bring my sister back. Please bring her back to us. Amen.”

  Devon kissed her cheek and walked out the room.

  ***

  Scarlett looked around. She was in the same dark place she had been for the past couple of days. She gave up calling for help. She sat in the dark corner and waited. She didn’t know where she was or what was going on. She didn’t even remember how she got there. All she remembered is hearing voices telling her to come back. But she didn’t even know where she was.

  “Scarlett?”

  Scarlett looked up and saw Danger walking towards her. She jumped up and screamed. Danger held up his hands.

  “Scarlett please calm down.”

  “What are you doing here? Where am I? Stay away from me.”

  “Scarlett wait I’m not here to hurt you. I need to talk to you.”

  Scarlett tried to walk away but as she looked around, she realized there was nowhere to go. Danger walked a little closer to her.

  “Scarlett I won’t hurt you. I'm trying to help you.”

  “Danger go away.”

  “Please call me James.

  “What?”

  “Call me James. I never liked it when you called me Danger. You meant more to me than that.”

  Scarlett looked and him and had to admit there was something different about him. He didn't look the same as she remembered. His eyes were soft and kind. His clothes while they usually consisted of saggy jeans and a wife beater he wore a pair of Khaki’s and a red polo shirt.

  “What’s going on? Where are we?”

  “Somewhere you shouldn’t be. But don’t worry I am going to help you out of here.”

  “I don’t know what happen.”

  “We hit a pole. You flew out the window.”

  “Did you?”

  “No I was stuck in the car when it caught on fire.”

  “Am…am I. Are we dead?”

  “No you’re asleep…you have had a lot of bad in your life, mostly thanks to me but good things are on their way.”

  “So why am I here?”

  “Because you’re afraid. You are scared to go back.”

  “How did you know?”

  “I just do. Just because you don't believe I love you doesn’t mean I don't. I know bad things have happened. I hurt you for years and I never apologized for it. But know Scarlett none of that was your fault. It was mines. And even though I truly loved you I know I hurt you.”<
br />
  “Why did you?”

  “That’s who I was. But I never wanted to hurt you I thought you were remarkable from the moment I saw you. But now I know it was never meant for me to have you.”

  He moved closer to her.

  “You have a man there who loves you and that beautiful daughter of ours. And he wants to help you take care of Maggie and Devon. Don’t let fear stop you from returning to your life.”

  “How?”

  “Just wake up.”

  “But.”

  “No buts…Scarlett you are a strong woman…your family needs that strength so they can reach their potential. Great things are going to happen all you have to do is let them. So just wake up.”

  “I don't know how to.” He caressed her face.

  “I realize now that you and I were never really meant to be. We were only meant to produce that beautiful little girl. I want to thank you though.”

  “What did I do?”

  “You got me here.”

  “How?”

  “When we were in the car telling me all I had to do was ask for forgiveness. I have been to church. Been saved and baptized but I wanted to live that easy money life. Started when I was 17 and I went right to the top. No one ever had faith in me like you. And now because you cared enough to make me a better man I am in this better place.”

  “I still don't know why you’re thanking me.”

  “You saved me Scarlett and now it's my turn to return the favor. I am going to save you for once.”

  He pulled her to him. “Please if you ever tell Angel about me tell her I made a lot of mistakes in my life but she was the best one.”

  “I will. I promise.”

  “So all that’s left for you to do now is just wake up.”

  He lifted her face to his and kissed her, as he did she felt like she was falling.

  Christian sat next to Scarlett’s bed sleep. Scarlett looked around the room and felt his hand on hers. She tightened her grip and Christian awoke.

  “Hi beautiful.”

  “Hmmm water.”

  Scarlett’s voice came out in a whisper. Christian grabbed his water bottle and placed it onto her lips. She drank and then licked her lips as Christian placed the bottle onto the table and moved closer to her.

  “Welcome back we missed you.”

  Christian pushed the nurse’s button as Scarlett looked around the hospital room.