I served my family well. Or at least I think so. Lying in the bed or looking at myself lying in the bed felt like a nightmare itself. Time seemed endless in this world. Whenever I think it's been a full day it's only been an hour. A week seems like two and I'm sure a month is going to feel like a year. Was this ever going to end?
Is this what I get for being so demanding or pushy? Is this how all my assistants felt when I yelled at them? Or when I asked them to do something for me after hours? Their day must feel like crap when I come for rehearsals.
The door opened slowly. I was at the window so I'm curious to see who it is. Could it be Luca again? Or Brad? Maybe Wayn came back to get revenge. For what, I don't want to know. I doubt Sha'Kera or Hayden would dare show up. Maybe it's just a doc--
"I see you're still holding onto life," She snarled. "I thought that weak body of yours would have given up by now."
I stiffened at her voice. Why was she here? Were all my enemies out to get me now? First Wayne, then Sha'Kayla and Luca. Now this piece of French--
"I'm surprised Asher is still interested in you. What is it that you do that has him groveling at your feet when you push him away?"
"Beauty is a hard thing to manage," I said. "I don't think you've ever experienced that problem."
"When I look at you now...I can't find a single word to describe you." I turned around as she laughed. What's so funny? "You've always been a problem. Mine. Sha'Kayla's. Kathryn's. It's crazy now that I think about it. We never had anything to be jealous of."
"What? I'm by far more superior than all three of you put together!"
"Is it because you're the mother of his child? Maybe that's it. He doesn't want to make you feel sad that he's not hanging on anymore like when you dated. He's in love with me now, Lexi. Me. And when he makes a decision, he tends to fulfill it to the fullest."
The door opened.
"Angela?" We both jumped in surprise. "What are you doing here? I thought you left Saturday."
"Earthquake happened...Where have you been since then?" She asked.
"Places. I thought you hated Lexi."
"...Hate shouldn't stop me from wishing her a speedy recovery. I was on my way to the airport and decided to stop by."
"It doesn't change the fact that you still hate her." Asher frowned. He looked so handsome today in his suit. His straightened hair had been pulled back into a ponytail. His brown eyes wandered freely taking in his surroundings. Did he have an important event today? A photoshoot?
"I know, but you don't have to say it like that." Angela pouted. I retched. Putain. "I thought I'd make amends and leave. No harm in that."
"No...You should have called me. I would have come with you." Asher smiled. "How are you anyway? I've been a little occupied recently."
"I'm good. I was hoping to see you before I left anyway. Fate has its ways, doesn't it?"
"Really..."
"Duh." He sat down at the foot of my bed. Angela stood in between his legs. I launched myself at them, but fell through the bed. I huffed and got back up. I hate this body. I want to come back. What could I have possibly done to have this rude awakening?
"They say Lexi might wake up within the month. Wayne's little shooting didn't do much damage. Isn't that a relief?" Asher asked. "Such great news."
"Really...great news." Angela looked at me and forced a smile. "It would be a miracle if she wakes up within the week. I'm getting anxious waiting for it to happen."
"I know, right! I thought I was the only one," Asher agreed wholeheartedly. They sat in silence for a moment. I really wanted to snap Angela's neck. Or even sit up in my body and tell her like it is. "How's your father? I haven't heard from him since...last year? When I visit my mother I might go see him."
"He's doing well. Not as active as I'd love him to be, but...you know. He's still going to the shelter every once in a while." Her smile turned into a sly one. "We never finished what we started last week."
"What..." He asked, feigning innocence. I clenched my fists. "I don't know what you're talking about. Please refresh my memory."
Asher stood up and placed his hands on her waist. I looked between the two of them not knowing this shared secret. What was she talking about? How long had she been in town?
"Well...we were locked in a kiss. You were holding me like this and I had my arms around your neck."
"Asher, no!" A scream ripped from my throat. "Don't fall for it. Please!"
"Angela, I love you, but now is not the time for this." Ash smiled at her. I beat my chest and cried out again.
"The things people do for love..."
"What?"
"Nothing. Want to drive me to the airport?"
"...Sure. I have something to do, so I'll meet you in the lobby."
"I just want to apologize to Lexi correctly."
"Alright. Don't take too long."
Angela smiled and let him go. He walked out before I could react. He--No! How could he? I thought he loved me and now he's messing around with an ex? Angela looked at me and scoffed. There was no smile. No pity. Just pure hatred. She pulled a pocket knife from her purse and smiled to herself. I watched in horror as she found my oxygen tube.
"Seulement je reçois le bonheur pour toujours."
She walked out the room like she hadn't done anything. I was praying security would see this and come storming down the hall looking for her. That didn't happen. Pretty soon I was clawing at my throat. I couldn't breathe. Black spots dotted my vision as I fell to the floor. Help...
A nurse happened to walk into my room at that moment. He yelled for doctors and raced to my aid. Soon the entire room was buzzing with action as they tried to stabilize my vitals. Nothing seemed to be working. I was fading in and out of consciousness as I tried to understand the situation I was in. Why was this happening to me? Why was Angela so angry with me if Asher loved her?
"BP is 140/90 and decreasing!"
"Patient is going into cardiac arrest."
"Defibrillator on stand-by."
"If this goes well...she may be put into a medically induced coma."
"130/85 and decreasing!"
"Oxygen mask!"
I took a deep breath and my eyes fluttered open. The lights were bright, but I was so tired. I wanted to sleep more. My eyes seemed to have plans of their own. They closed once more and I was sucked into darkness once again.
"Patient has flatlined!"
"Start chest compressions."
"Sir, she's--"
"I said start chest compressions! Charge to 200 joules!"
I never thought my life would end like this. It was hard and it was easy. I did good things and bad things. I've forgiven and been forgiven. Was I missing anything? Of course I was! I didn't get to say goodbye to anyone. Asher, my children, and Brad. Even Luca. I really want to keep fighting for my life, but I'm so tired. I can't even think straight. They'll all be fine without me. Their lives will be much easier.
I'm so sorry.