“Thanks,” I mouthed to her and Jada.
I walked past them and down the hallway into the unknown. I’d read about people seeing loved ones that had passed before them in their final hours and days. Was that what was happening? Was this the end?
When I stepped into Naomi’s room, the fresh scent of lavender wafted in the air. The only light came from The Kardashians playing on the flat screen. Naomi was on the bed, and Lola was seated beside her, holding her hand. They both looked totally engrossed in the reality show. Skye and Gary were in chairs by the window.
Skye looked up when I came in and stood. She walked over to me, and I followed her out of the room and shut the door quietly behind me.
“What are you guys doing here?” I asked in a low whisper, then heard how accusatory it sounded. I couldn’t help it. I was scared. Terrified. “Sorry, I mean, I’m so happy to see you, but why are you here?”
Skye’s voice was calm and soothing. “Jada called. Naomi was having a tough time, and so was Bella. She asked if we could come over.”
I nodded, waiting for her to continue. When she didn’t, I asked, “How is she? Is it…”
“She’s comfortable. I don’t think she’s in any pain.”
“Bella said she’s been talking to her mom.”
Naomi told me that her mom passed away from a heart attack a year after she was incarcerated, but she’d gone to see her several times in prison and had apologized to her. She said the two of them were on good terms before she died.
Skye’s lips pursed together, and she nodded. “Yeah, she’s had a few conversations with her. She told her about the holidays and birthdays that you guys celebrated last week. She was smiling from ear to ear.”
I felt tears begin to form in my eyes. “Is that…normal? To talk to people who are…?”
“It is,” she assured me.
“Does that mean it’s getting close to…?” I couldn’t finish the sentence.
“Yes.” Skye’s eyes filled with tears as she nodded.
No.This was too soon. She needed more time. I needed more time. I wasn’t ready for her to go yet.
Without thinking about whether anyone would see us or if it was appropriate, I pulled her into my arms and held her. I wasn’t sure what the rules were in circumstances like this, but I didn’t care. I just needed to hold the woman I loved. I just needed Skye.
