Her excitement caused me to return a smile of my own. She was a ball of joy and could bring anyone out of a funk with her upbeat spirit. She washed her hands and took a seat on the exam stool. The burse gave her access to the computer as she stood to the side.
“Okay, so your flares are becoming a problem, right?”
“Slightly. The symptoms are the same, nothing new in that department. However, they last for days now. What’s that about?” I was worried and lowkey scared.
“It could just be time for an injection. Your last one was six months ago. Do the meds help any? What are you on again? Let me see.” She clicked a few times before her focus was back on me. “Flexeril and pregabalin. Are they helping?”
“They work just fine. I thought maybe the condition was getting worse, but hearing I just needed an injection is relieving. I can breathe better now.” I didn’t want to take more test or any of that. I was quite over this diagnosis to be frank.
“How about we go through our usual routine and see if there has been a change in anything? I want to say it’s nothing but then again this is your body, and you know it better than me. Karana, do you mind handling that for me?”
“Sure thing, doctor.”
I stood and followed the nurse out the room. She led me to the same room I’d gone to for years now. I ran through the x-rays and blood tests as usual. I’d been poked for quite some time now, so it no longer bothered me. I’d become immune to the shit if I was being honest. Anytime I came here for all this mess, I felt like some kind of damn test subject or something. I hated this shit.
Twenty minutes later, I was back in my room and Dr. Frances had stepped out to review the results. I handled the emails that went unanswered for the time being. I really needed my secretary to step up and do her job. Deena slacked when I wasn’t around. More time passed as I waited for Dr. Frances to return. By the time she did, it was close to five. I knew the traffic had picked up and that was going to frustrate me even more.
“Knock, knock.” Dr. Frances entered wearing that same smile and I lowkey got irritated by it. I just knew she was coming with some bull.
“So, good news. Nothing has progressed. I think your body just needs the cortisone and everything would be okay. If at any given moment you feel like the injections aren’t doing what they’re supposed to, don’t hesitate to call.”
“I know the drill. I’m just glad you didn’t bring back bad news. I was preparing myself for it,” I said relaxing a bit.
“Don’t always think the worse, Cheyonne. Where was the pain the most during your last flare?” she questioned. That was so she could know exactly where to stick me.
“It was more in my legs than anything. I’ll take the shot in my knee today.”
“Sounds good to me. Let’s get you together and on your way.”
The nurse administered the shot, and I could’ve sworn she poked me a lil’ harder than usual. The cortisone felt damned good though. I didn’t realize I was in slight pain until now. I guess dealing with this condition on a daily basis I’ve grown immune to it.
“Oh, I do have a question before I leave Dr. Frances. Kids. My parents have me wondering if it’s an option. So… is it?”
“It’s always an option, but it’s also a risk. I’m afraid your body can’t handle it but then again, I’m not God. He has the last say so. I don’t recommend it but if it is something you’re serious about, I will research some plans to bring you through a successful one,” she said.
“Thank you so much.”
Shortly after, I was making my way out the door and then out the building. My busy day was finally coming to an end. Hopping in my ride, I backed out, then hit the main road. I owed no one else my time. From my parents to Dr. Frances, nothing but meaningless conversations happened. I was ready for my bed.
The traffic was indeed too damn much. Sometimes I really hated the way people gravitated to Sage Springs. It was nothing here but those with money and then those without as much.I had to give it to the ones that made the Springs look good though. From the ball players that won championships to CEOs that built businesses brick by brick, it was lowkey something to brag about. I just wanted something new or someone new in my life to make the city fun again.
It took me a little over forty minutes to get home. I was beyond exhausted and hungry as well. Finally pulling into my driveway, I entered the garage parking next to my G-wagon. Having everything a family of three or more would have but only one person enjoying it was just as stressful. My mother must’ve sensed that I was entering that phase where I thought I was ready for a relationship and truly wasn’t.
Maybe twice a year I got in a rut where I wanted to love and be loved. I never really got to focus on anyone a hundred percent because of the career I chose. I traveled more than a damn pilot depending on my schedule leaving me no time to entertain anyone. However, I had more than a little extra time on my hands these days. A man didn’t sound so bad.
CH. 4
GENESIS
Smoke filled my lungs as I sat on the couch waiting for the rest of the crew. It was ‘bout that time to get some shit going ‘round this muthafucka. I had the perfect fuckin’ plan and this shit was gon’ put hella bankroll in everybody pockets. The risk of getting caught or hurt in this shit was low as fuck. Nothing ‘bout this plan left them figuring out what was next. All they had to do was get the fuck in and out. I had everything else handled.
The Springs had plenty of folk that handled jewelry, but this particular store had pieces on top of pieces, which meant they wasn’t short on stones. Missing a few pieces wasn’t gon’ hurt them. Twenty-One needed this shit. Ace and them were getting antsy and low on bread. I knew if I didn’t put something in motion soon, them niggas was gon’ start doing dumb shit and bring the heat our way.
“Yoooo!” TJ hollered as he made his way through the front door. We had a lil’ trap spot we kicked it in. It wasn’t shit but an abandoned warehouse we nigga rigged. We ain’t have nowhere else to meet and do this hot shit at so this made do.
“What it do nigga?” I spoke back before taking another hit. He was gon’ ask for it as soon as he was in reach.
“Not shit. Where them niggas at?”
