Chapter 21 - Pool Of Blood
A/N: Thank you so much for the 1k+ reads guys! All glory to God for His help and thanks to you all for your love and support! I couldn't have reached here without it! I'm sorry this is the chapter I got to give you as a thanks. Anyway, I hope you like it and I'm highly looking forward to read your comments!
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I sat on my bed and took my phone to text Benjamin, once after my brother left my room, after a heartwarming conversation. It wasn't heartwarming at all in the beginning, because neither of us were agreeing with each other, but it all turned out be an affectionate conversation we had in a long while. Thankfully, he didn't push me into confessing about what's going on between me and Benjamin.
The problem with my brother is that, he doesn't trust anyone; anyone who tries to hangout with me. But he wasn't like this to Harry in the beginning; maybe it's because Harry was his best friend's brother.
My thoughts, that were wondering about my conversation with my brother, flee at once, upon seeing that I have a message from Benjamin on WhatsApp.
I quickly opened his chat and read his message; he was apologizing to me about what happened tonight. He wrote that he's sorry that he wasn't able to defend me from my brother and called himself useless and stupid; he also asked if I'm okay.
I sighed after reading his message, which send warmth to my heart as I realized that he cares for me. I texted back, telling him not to blame himself, that I think it was a wise decision to stay silent before my brother, or else it would've been worse. Assuring him that I'm totally fine even with my brother, I closed the chat.
The next day, I woke up around eleven o'clock, due to the tiredness from a long day of my cousin's wedding yesterday. Bonnie and her husband Clyde were leaving to Paris this afternoon for their honeymoon, and I reached out for my phone to text her, wishing a safe trip; but when I saw Benjamin's message appear on top of the chats, I stopped there.
I'm glad you're okay, it makes me so relieved. You have no idea how much worried I was, when your brother dragged you with him against your will like that. It was nothing of your brother that I thought of, from what you've told me about but, I'm glad you two are good now. That's a good news for our relationship. We really need to tell our family about this, I can't keep this in hiding, love. I'm in love with you and I want to love you in freedom.
I'm counting on seeing you tomorrow at church for our youth meeting. Please, I want you to make it tomorrow, don't let your brother ruin it, I'm planning on a surprise for you, since you are leaving to Chicago on Friday. I hope to hear back from you soon, beautiful.
My cheeks began to hurt from the wide smile that grew on my face, reading the text from my boyfriend. I texted him back immediately, thanking him for his love and concern and promising him that I'll convince my brother at any cost to come to the youth meeting.
I held my phone close to my chest, inhaling deeply. The feeling to know that I have a boyfriend out there who loves me, was indescribable.
“I love you, Ben.” I whispered, glancing at my phone, where I could see Benjamin's profile pic.
Excitement flooded through my veins when those three words escaped my mouth to the air. I got up to my feet and danced on the floor, holding onto an invisible Benjamin as I danced in happiness.
Tomorrow, when I meet up with him at church, I'm going to confess my love to him.
But can I make there tomorrow?
The answer to that depends on my brother's agreeing on giving me a ride. And that was my next mission, convincing my brother.
“Jonny?” I called my brother as we finished our late breakfast together with my brother. Dad and mom had been up before we did and had their food before us.
“Yes, hun?”
“Can you do me a favor?” I asked, sounding sweet as possible.
“Yes, what's it?”
“I want a ride to the church tomorrow.” I said.
“What church?” my brother inquired.
I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes, “The church we went for worship last sunday.” I said.
“Why do you want to go there?” Haxsel raised his eyebrow.
“I have a youth meeting.” I leaned back on my chair.
“You have a youth meeting?” my brother asked, slightly amused.
“What's so funny? Of course I have a youth meeting there, which I had been attending ever since I got here this time.” I told him.
“Wait,” Haxsel paused, “What?”
I didn't respond but kept looking at my brother with raised eyebrow.
“You've been attending a youth meeting ever since you got here? How did you got there? Who had been taking you to there? Who gave you the permission? I told you not to go out, anywhere without someone from our family!” Haxsel said, suddenly growing serious.
“I gave her the permission,” mom turned to Haxsel from the kitchen counter, “Do you have a problem?” she asked, slightly annoyed, if I may say.
“You gave her permission?” Haxsel casted mom a look of disbelief, “Why? I told you–”
“What's your problem, Jonny?” mom asked, irritated.
“She isn't safe!”
“Excuse me?” mom blinked, “I thought, we spoke over this matter two months ago. Where is your faith?”
“That's not what I'm talking about.” Haxsel said curtly.
“Jonny,” I cut in between their argument, calling him softly, “I just want to see my friends there and bid them goodbye, since we're leaving on Friday early. I promised I'll meet them there tomorrow.” I said, mixing up the facts with lies.
Pfft, who are the friends you're saying you've got there, Hayline? A glowering Meghan? A weird Diana? Or anyone from their group?
“See? What's the problem with that?” mom pointed out, taking my side. “Come on, Jonny, give her some freedom. She isn't going to any party or a club, it's a Christian youth meeting.”
Whoa, that's the first time mom has ever been so keen to fight like that for me.
Haxsel glanced at me from our mom, and I nodded at him; he sighed.
Mom sighed too, seeing her son sigh and walked over to where he sat next to me, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “What can go wrong in the church, dear? She'll be perfectly fine.” mom told him and turned her blue eyes on me with a smile, “Won't you dear?” she asked me.
I nodded smilingly, “Yes.”
“Okay.” Haxsel nodded, exhaling. “I'll give you a ride.”
I smiled and got up from my seat to hug my brother a thanks, and also my mom for her help. Later that day, I texted Benjamin saying, I convinced my brother with a little help from my mom, so I can surely make it to the meeting tomorrow. Excitement thumping in my heart, I went to bed that night, waiting for the next day to arrive soon.
*****
I rolled over my bed, clutching onto my abdomen and let out a moan. My stomach has been hurting for short while now, making me uneasy to sleep. I groaned as the pain increased and sat up on my bed, breathing hardly.
The morning was already here but I was too tired to take it in. I wrapped my arms around my abdomen and bended with a moan as it began to hurt. I couldn't tell what's the reason I'm having such a bad stomachache early in the morning. Did I ate something yesterday that would've caused this? Or what? It it already time for my worst week?
Worst week.
That clicked me; I frowned and growled at myself before going to the bathroom. I groaned even louder in frustration as I saw, I've got it.
After readying myself up, the next thing I was worrying about was, meeting with Benjamin. Oh no, I don't want this stomachache to ruin my maybe-last chance on seeing my boyfriend!
I laid back on my bed after my morning prayer, which was only halfway done due to how badly my abdomen was hurting. I didn't got to touch my Bible at all. I curled up on my bed, a hand still clutching my stomach and grunting in pain. When I couldn't find the grip to walk downstairs to my mom, I called her on phone, asking if she has a painkiller with her.
Sadly, it was a no; but she sent Haxsel to a pharmacy to get me one. Even though it took time, and I had to suffer, when I got the painkiller in my hand, my relief was huge.
I gulped down the painkiller along with hot water mom handed me and closed my eyes. She stroked my hair and told me to lay down, when I told her I don't feel to eat anything as she asked. She didn't push me to eat something, like my brother would, because she must've known how it feels too.
Dad visited me twice and Haxsel visited me five times, while Nicky stayed with me all the time. Haxsel told me, maybe I shouldn't go to the youth meeting, when I told him the painkiller isn't reacting, which only made me upset.
This wasn't the first time I was having a stomachache due to the period, I used to have it mostly every time, but this time, the pain was really unbearable that I found silent tears rolling down from my eyes. Why today of all days? I kept asking God.
I asked mom for another painkiller but she wouldn't give me, thinking it'll cause something. Haxsel showed up, begging me to have food; he said he'd buy anything of my favorites for me, even burgers and pizzas, but I didn't even felt my mouth water up.
Giving up, my brother left; but only when he returned after a while with chocolate bars in his hands did I realize that, Haxsel Houston don't give up on his sister. The thought made me laugh but my situation was too bad to do so. This time, he wasn't begging me to eat, but told me I should get up and eat. And, I was the one who had to give up.
Taking a small bite on the chocolate bar, I didn't notice how fast it finished in the minutes that passed by. Though there was no cure for the pain, I did felt an unknown relief as I swallowed the chocolate from my mouth. After sucking up on chocolate –not much but only a bit, according to the amount I would've sucked up if I was in normal condition– I laid back on my bed and as my brother then left my side, I reached out to my phone.
It was almost two thirty afternoon, and since my abdomen is still struggling, there's no way I can go to the youth meeting today, which begins by three or three thirty. I sighed and opened WhatsApp to send Benjamin a text when I saw his message already there, in which I could visibly see his excitement on meeting me with his surprise.
I took a deep breath and decided to send him a voicemail, instead of texting, in which I could explain my reason; that I couldn't make it today and I'm so sorry for that.
I kept my phone aside after sending him, and turned on my Christian music playlist, to which I found myself slowly resting and finally fell asleep.
When I opened my eyes, I could still hear the music playing and Nicky still laying down on my floor mat. I snuggled up to my pillow when I remembered the whole reason I was on bed.
Stomachache.
My hand suddenly reached to my stomach beneath my pajama top at once and all my sleepiness flew away when I realize it was gone, all the pain had left me. I quickly sat up on my bed and stretched out my body, yawning. I thanked God and reached for my phone to stop the music. That's when my eyes caught the time, 4:17pm.
“Ben.” I whispered to myself. Maybe if I can hurry up, I can still make it to church; doesn't matter if I couldn't get in time for the meeting, I just wanna see him.
I jumped out of my bed, nearly startling Nicky, to whom I apologized before heading down to the living room first, to convince my parents and brother. There was only one thing that worried me, Haxsel had told me yesterday that he'll have to go to Charlie today, so if he isn't going to be here, I'm doomed.
Fortunately, my brother didn't leave home because I was sick –so sweet of him as always– and, there I found my luck. They all were relieved to find me healed and allowed me to go to the meeting on one condition, I should have my food first; to which I agreed without any complaints because I was already hungry since the stomachache has left.
To take a cool bath, have food and get ready took me thirty five minutes in record time and by 5:10, I left home with my not-well-pleased brother in our rented car. I suddenly remembered the message I've sent Benjamin earlier, but didn't dare to look up for his reply infront of my brother, who as no clue that I'm so eager about this youth meeting is all because of Benjamin. Anyway, I can give him a surprise when I show up unannounced and unexpected.
“Are you sure the meeting isn't over yet? Look, there are some teens leaving.” Haxsel said as he rode the car into the church yard, motioning to a couple of teen boys and two girls coming out of the church building.
“Actually, I wasn't planning on attending the meeting when I knew I'd be late. I just wanna see my friends and bid them goodbyes.” I said, mentally slapping my head for another lie, before getting out of the car.
“Be careful, okay?”
I turned around to my brother's words and saw his eyebrows scrunched up in concern. “I will, Jonny. Don't worry.”
My brother gripped the wheel tight as he sighed. He opened his mouth to say something but hesitated and shut it. “Just...” he hesitated again before skipping whatever he was about to say. “Call me if you ever need, I'll be back by 6:45 or 7 o'clock.”
I smiled, “Thanks Jonny,”
“I love you.”
“I love more.”
“I love you –”
I cut him off, “I love most and more than most and most...” I winked at my brother and walked from him to the church building, as my brother has probably shaken his head at me amused from behind saying, no, little girl, I love you the most.
Once I entered, I went straight up to the youth meeting center, and as I had expected, the meeting was over. I saw familiar faces here and there as I searched for Benjamin among them; he wasn't there, and I know just where to find him. His favorite place.
On my way up there, I thought of giving Benjamin a call, but then decided not to; it will be my chance to surprise him. I speeded my pace as I climbed up the stairs, but I slowed myself as I heard Diana's voice. I slowly climbed up, without making a noise and when I reached at where the stairs stopped by a platform, I peered and saw Diana standing by a corner, near to the wall I was standing next to. She was standing with her back facing me, and was talking with someone on phone.
I had a creepy feeling about seeing her here, and slowly went on my toes to climb the stairs up, which continued from the ones I had climbed up here. She didn't see me, she was so much into talking to the person on her phone. And as I continued my journey up to my destination, these words she spoke, made me stop automatically.
“Meghan doesn't know anything; she just want a friend, which I'm being to her. She have no idea about what is my purpose.”
I felt my heart skip a beat, what is she talking about? Her purpose?
I wanted to stay there and listen to what she's saying but one look at my watch told me, I have no time for other people's business. So I decided to continue up, but my legs eventually stopped again as I heard two arguing voices from above, from Benjamin's favorite place.
“No! I certainly don't understand!”
My heat skipped another beat; it was Meghan's voice. What is she doing up there?
“You don't, you won't and you wouldn't; because you've always been so naive to understand things like this.” I heard Benjamin say.
My heart gave a vibration as I heard his voice; what are they doing up there? And why is Diana below? I couldn't help but be suspicious.
“Naive?” I heard Meghan ask, “You think I'm naive now? Didn't you felt that when you had only me to drool on?”
I made a disgusted face at her words and climbed up the rest of the stairs up, and hide myself beside a wall by the staircase that led upstairs to the rooftop of the building. I wanted to know what's going on, and decided to listen to their conversation instead of walking in, which won't give me away any clue of what I want to know.
“You've always been naive; I just never told you that, because I think I didn't realize it. It was until I met her, Hayline, who rewrote my whole mind on dating a girl.” I heard Benjamin say, his voice going gentle at last, when he mentioned me.
A smile made its way to my lips, even though I have no idea what did I rewrote in his mind, his words made a movement inside me.
Meghan let out an angry growl, “Ugh, can you ever stop talking about her?”
“Never.”
“Benjamin!” Meghan whined.
“I told you, I love her.”
I felt happy tears cram into my eyes as I stood there, leaning my back against the wall, and eavesdropping on them. I wanted to run into him now and tell him that I love him too, but I stopped myself, to hear more. I wanted at least to see what's happening on the other side of the wall; I knew, if I try to peek, they might see me, and that won't be a good impression to my boyfriend. So, I pulled out my phone, turned on the camera and held it horizontally against the wall, leaving the camera part out, so it can help me get a viewing.
I got a funny feeling on recording the event, and I did, as their argument continued.
This conversation between them is going to be my victorious recording. But that's what I thought.
“You loved me.” Meghan said, and I could see her through my camera, that she's near to crying.
They both stood a bit afar from where I stood behind the wall. Benjamin was standing with his back faced my camera while Meghan was before him, face to face, so I could see only her face.
“I did, but you failed me several times and I realized, I couldn't anymore.” Benjamin said.
Meghan's face fell to crying, “I'm so sorry, I was a prick, I never... I never realized how much I need you until... until I saw her with you.”
Benjamin shook his head, lifting his eyes to the ceiling. “Meghan, I know what are you trying to tell me but listen, I'm in love with Hayline and Hayline alone. I asked her out and she said yes; we are official now. And I want you to know that, I can't love you anymore.”
Meghan had a dumbfounded look on her face but she shook it off, “But she's leaving, isn't she?”
“That's none of your business.” Benjamin shut her sternly.
“I hate this.” Meghan's eyes fell to her feet and her lips trembled as she cried silently.
Benjamin sighed looking away, while I began to wonder if I should show up now or wait. “Just...try not to mess up next time when God brings someone into your life.” Benjamin said truly concerned for her, as I've began too.
Meghan shook her head, and looked up at him. She told something to him that I couldn't catch right, which turned into whisper due to her trembled lips, but I heard her last words.
“I want only you.”
Meghan took a step closer to Benjamin and her hands reached up to wrap around his neck. My heart skipped a beat as I watched this, but relieving me, Benjamin moved away from her reach saying, “Meghan, no.” a warning in his voice.
No, no, no.
“Ben, please...” Meghan got a hold of his shirt, pleading.
“No, Meghan, I said no.” Benjamin struggled to get her hands off him.
My heart gave a badly vibration that wanted me to show myself up and tear her off from my boyfriend. My Benjamin.
Meghan didn't let go of her hold from him but instead, she leaned in and kissed him.
My heart dropped to my stomach, witnessing the scenario with my horror filled eyes, widely struck at my phone screen. I wanted to go and get in between them but, I could feel something stopping me.
Benjamin was taken off guard, and I knew it; He pushed her away, hissing something. She tried to kiss again and he pushed again, she stubbornly repeated it, with Benjamin pushing her back. Everytime I could see her lips getting connected to his, my blood boiled in my veins.
Meghan didn't intend to give up, she kissed him again; this time, Benjamin stood still.
Tears spring into my eyes, push her away, Ben, push her away! my heart screamed.
Benjamin exhaled, before returning the kiss.
My heart fell from his hands, breaking as it hit the floor, shuttering into pieces. Betrayal bit me like a poisonous snake and I went weak to my knees.
Before my very naked eyes, my boyfriend whom I trusted and loved, was kissing his ex girlfriend.
I released my one hand from the phone and covered hard over my mouth as a sob escaped. I stopped recording the video with trembling fingers, slipped my phone into my pocket and pressed both my hands over my mouth to not let my sobbing choke out. I couldn't believe what I just saw; a moment ago Benjamin was avoiding Meghan and the next moment he was kissing her.
What the heck?!
My sorrow turned into pure anger towards the boy I loved; he betrayed me, and I can't let him go away with it. Weakened but determined, I took out my phone; it would've been really pleasant to see Benjamin's face if I show up now, but I had a better plan.
I pushed myself away from the wall I had leaned on for support and before walking back to the way I came from, I took a small peek at them and saw them still snogging. I choked out a silent sob but gained myself to do my mission.
On my way back, I bumped into a confused looking Diana, by the platform I had seen her earlier. This time, she wasn't on phone, but looked visibly shocked as she saw me. She eyed me head to toe and then her gaze lingered on my face. I realized I have tears on my cheeks and quickly wiped them away, scolding me for not doing it before, or else Diana wouldn't have seen it.
“Why are you crying?” Diana asked, in a tone I couldn't make out whether it held concern or not.
I sucked in a shaky breath and shook my head, looking into space, wondering if I should tell her or not. I glanced at her, to see her eyes squinting on my star-of-david pendant over my t-shirt. “Your friend Meghan and her idiot of a...” I trailed off, gritting through my teeth as I thought.
“Wh–what happened?” Diana asked.
I hesitated but turned on the video on my phone and held it in front of her face; she's going to know this sooner or later, so I don't mind doing the honor since I felt so disgusted with Benjamin enough.
Diana squinted, watching the video that was playing on my phone. I noticed her face expressions, wide eyes, lips parted, gulping, more wide eyes... and then glancing briefly at me before looking back at the video.
Once it was over, I held back my phone from her.
“Why did you record that video?” Diana asked emotionless.
“Oh, I wasn't actually doing it for a purpose, was I?” I scoffed, “But I'm glad I did anyway.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I'd love to see what Ben's dad will have to say about his son cheating on his current girlfriend.” I said, glancing at my phone.
Diana was silent for a moment, “Give me that phone”
“What?”
“I said, give me your phone.”
“And why is that? To save your stupid friend?” I glared at her.
Diana clenched her jaw and reached out for my phone but I saved it from her reach, “Don't you dare.”
“Last and final girl,” Diana spoke in a deadly voice, “Hand. Me. That. Phone. Now.”
I lifted my chin at her – and would've sticked out my tongue too if I wasn't in a situation as this– challengingly, “You'll have to kill me.” I said and turned from her to the staircase that led down.
“Oh, I will.”
I had a bad feeling that she might come after me and try to pry the phone from my hands. I wanted the video to be safe at all costs and decided to send it to the WhatsApp group I share with Rex and Emmy, leaving a small note saying, plz keep this, it's my proof.
I was climbing down the stairs when I heard Diana saying something loudly from behind in Arabic.
Arabic?
I didn't had any time to wonder about it when an explosion sound erupted from behind and something hit on the back of my right shoulder. Everything that happened next was very quick. Pain shot through my entire body at once; my phone fell from my hands and I'm sure the screen might've broken; my eyes rolled back and I lost my grip, falling down on the stairs landing.
I gasped for breath, my whole body began to tremble. Another explosion erupted, this time I felt another hit on the same shoulder, making me gasp like I've never before. My fingers went to where I got hit and contacted with a hot liquid; bringing it back before my eyes, my heart skipped a beat; blood.
My breathing got worse at the sight of blood and it got only worse when I heard Diana's footsteps approach from behind.
“See? I told you I will.” she sneered, tilting her head back to look down at me, with no mercy in her eyes.
I didn't say anything but looked up at her, clenching my jaw in pain and helplessly watching her bending over to take my phone from the floor casually. “No!” my word of protest only escaped from my lips as a moan.
“Shut up, you filthy–”
“What's going on down there?” my heart sightly rose at the voice of Benjamin, ringing from above.
Diana's gaze shifted to above her and then to me. She slipped my phone into her pocket and took out something big, at what's sight my eyes widened and confirmed me that I had got shot with bullets; it was a gun.
Diana pointed her gun at me threateningly, “Better die soon.”
I squeezed my eyelids close as I expected to hear another explosion erupt and the bullet to hit between my eyes, because that's where she was holding it. Footsteps thundered down from above, of which I was sure it might be Benjamin and Meghan. But what I listened to more was footsteps leaving, right my side.
I opened my eyes and saw no single trace of Diana; she left, knowing that she's in trouble. But why would she shoot me just to get my phone?
My whole body sweat up and my head began to daze, I clenched my hand on top of the wounded shoulder, which has turned numb already. I grunted in pain, fighting back my tears, God, please save me.
Someone screamed from above as soon as the footsteps I head above reached to an abrupt stop. I didn't turn my head to look because I already knew it was Meghan. “Ben! It's–it's...”
“Hailey?”
I had to bit my lip from choking out the sob as I head Benjamin calling my name. Hatred, betrayal, anger and disappearing love...all filled up my emotions.
“No.” I heard him whisper and his footsteps were right behind me at next moment. “No, no, no...baby...” his voice broke, “Wh–what happened to you?”
I glanced at him, crouched down beside me with concerned filled eyes. I couldn't help but feel angry at the sight of him, “How can you call me like that?” I hissed, because of my physical and emotional pain.
“Wh–what?”
I closed my eyes, reminding myself that it's not time to argue about anything. “Diana.” I whispered, opening my eyes to look at him, and saw Meghan too standing two feet away from us.
Benjamin's eyes grew wide, “D-Diana?”
I nodded, hissing in pain and hung my head low.
“What was that sound?” Meghan asked, in a shaky voice.
“Don't you dare ask such question!” Benjamin growled at her, “What the heck can it be than a freaking gun?!”
I raised my head to look at Meghan. She had her hands on her heart and her eyes horror struch at my back. I followed her gaze and when my eyes found what Meghan was looking at with horror, I grew weaker; I was in a pool of blood, my own blood.
“I told you that girl is a creep!” Benjamin shouted at Meghan in pure fury, “I warned you from the beginning! You are responsible for this!”
“Me?!”
“I've been telling you since the beginning. I told you she's up to something!”
“Did I know she–”
“You are responsible for this!”
“Stop it!” I shouted at out and glanced over at Benjamin who now has rose to his feet to argue with Meghan, “She don't know any of these, leave her alone. I heard Diana say so.”
Meghan looked at me utterly surprised for talking for her while Benjamin's face was unable to read. My shouting voice began to hurt my shoulder slowly and I grunted in pain again.
“We need to get you to the hospital.” Benjamin said, crouching down next to me, his body language telling me that's he's trying to help to get up.
“Don't be foolish, she can't walk like that!” Meghan told Benjamin, this time I was surprised at her words for me.
“Then go and get some help!” Benjamin said, either annoyed or frustrated.
“Was going to.” Meghan hissed at him before walking past us, climbing down the stairs.
I shifted my gaze from the disappearing Meghan to Benjamin; they don't look like a pair who were snogging a moment ago.
Benjamin looked at me as Meghan left us, our eyes meeting once. I tried to look away, but I couldn't, I wanted to ask him a lot of questions, but I couldn't get myself to it either. His eyes held more concern than I've ever seen in them and his hand reached out to the side of my face, “I'm so sorry.” his eyes filled with tears as he said it.
I wanted to ask him what is he apologizing for, but before I could, I felt my breath get caught in my lungs and gasped for breath. Benjamin panicked beside me and pulled me to lean on him, holding me close to his embrace, careful not to touch my bullet wound. He didn't cared that I'm covered in blood or that it'll be on his dress too, but just offered himself to be my comfort I wanted at that time.
I clutched onto Benjamin's shirt as I found it too hard for me to get my breath. “I want to see my brother, Ben.” I managed to choke out in between breathing, but I'm not sure if he heard me correct or not.
“Baby, you're cold as ice!” Benjamin exclamation, tension visible in his voice.
“Ben, I want to see my brother.” I tried again, but my breathing got loud and worse.
“Don't worry, don't worry, I've got this.” Benjamin mumbled over my head and then I heard a hello from his phone.
“Dad!” Benjamin choked, “Please I need you help. It's Hailey, she got shot, no time to explain, please call an ambulance and come quick to the first staircase to the fourth floor. Hurry!”
Pastor Gale said something like in a hurry as he understood the seriousness and soon hung up the call. But there was so hope that I could feel in it.
“Ben,”
“I'm here, love.” Benjamin whispered into my hair, “Will you let me to carry you down? Can you manage it?”
“No,” I shook my head, “I think... I'm going to die.” I choked out a sob as I confessed out what I was feeling inside me.
“Shhh, no you're not.” Benjamin embraced me closer, “Don't think of such things.”
I began to be restless, “Can you do me a favor?”
“Anything.”
“Please tell my parents I love them.” I said.
“No... not that... Hailey you're not going anywhere!” Benjamin said, mostly to himself because he needed to believe it more than he could make me.
“Just listen to me.” I moaned, trying to gain all my might to speak “T–tell them they're the best parents in t–the world and that... I'm grateful for all what... they'd been t–to me; also that I love my Nicky, my grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts... I love them and will miss them.”
“Hailey...” Benjamin's heart vibrated as he cried silently over my head.
“Tell my brother to... to tell my friends Rex and Emmy that.... they're my sisters and my behalfs and the best.... friends and crime partners in the world and the I.... love them and will miss them.” I loudly sucked in a shaky breath before continuing, “And to Harry that..... he's the best male friend I've ever had, whom I love very.... much and that I want him to know Jesus and see him.... in heaven one day.”
“You're not going anywhere okay? I won't let you go.” Benjamin whispered into my hair.
I sighed, “And please tell my br–brother that...that..” I choked out a sob as I thought of my brother. “That h–he's my most favorite person in the universe and... I love him more than anything. Tell him that... I'm thankful for all he had done for me and for being the best brother.... in the world a girl could ever wish.... for and I'll see him one day.... in heaven.”
Benjamin didn't say anything this time but held me even close and we both were crying.
“And last,” I said and slowly pulled my head away from his chest to look at him, not minding my pain for a moment. “I forgive you.”
Benjamin glanced down at me with tearful eyes, confused.
“I saw you kissing her, when I came up.... to see you.” my lips trembling as I spoke to him.
Benjamin's eyes widened, “Hailey, I–”
“It's fine, I forgive you.” I stopped him from explaining any further, because the last thing I want to do before my life leave me is to forgive the only person I have left to forgive, to make sure I'm ready to go to heaven.
Benjamin leaned his forehead against mine, with his eyes closed, “I'm so sorry,”
“It's alright now, Ben, I forgive you. I want you to lead your life forth.... with the girl God wants you to.... be with.” I rested back on his chest.
“It's you I want to live my life with, not her, nor anyone, just you and only you. I want you, Hailey, don't leave me. I–”
I cut him off, “I hope you know I loved you.” my eyes overflowed with tears.
“I love you too.” Benjamin made me look at him, “I love you Hailey.
My heart began beating more rapidly than ever against my chest, fear shadowed over me and I knew I should overcome it, “Heavenly Father, please forgive my debts, please be mercyful unto me and please restore me in your kingdom. Please don't leave me, don't forsake me, I'm your child and I ask you for your forgiveness in all I've done. Please, in your son Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”
Benjamin's protesting words of prayer to God was in my ears while I was praying my prayer to God. I knew it's my time to go, and I want to be with God when I leave my earthly body.
I shifted my gaze to Benjamin, who was still crying. “Please tell my family what...”
The rest of the words I spoke didn't come out as a voice; my body against Benjamin's grew weaker and motionless like it never had been, I couldn't move a finger, my breath was leaving my lungs, my fingers that clutched onto Benjamin's shirt loosened, my eyelids became heavy and my vision started to get blank. I could hear Benjamin's increased cries as only a distant voice.
And then, my eyes shut close.
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