Forever Us (Always and Forever 4)

My head hurts, but no serious damage is done to my body when the ambulance shows up and assesses me. I’m sitting in the back of the ambulance, telling the police the story. I couldn’t see the driver, because the windows were too tinted and I didn’t have time to fully adjust to everything, to pay enough attention. I knew this day was going way too good.

“Miss, would you like your phone and personal belongings before we tow your Jeep?”

I nod, and he hands me my phone and purse. I unlock my screen, deciding I better call Kingston. It’s nearing 4:00, and this whole thing took way longer than I expected. I didn’t even think to call him until I had a police report and everything filled out first.

After I dial his number, he answers on the third ring. “Mama, what’s up?”

I swallow, and for some reason, I choke up, growing emotional. “H-hey,” I stutter on a quiet sob.

“Lana! What’s wrong?” he asks.

I shake my head, and both the EMT and officer step away to give me some privacy. I look at the smashed back end of my Jeep as it lifts onto the tow truck and see how bad the damage was. I’m so thankful nothing else happened, that a bump on the forehead was the most of the damage. And what’s more important? I’m lucky my son wasn’t in the car with me. I don’t know what I would have done.

“I...I was...h-hit by an...an... Shit! I was in a hit and run—a car accident.” I try to self-soothe, counting to three in my head like Dr. Moore said.

“Fuck! Where are you, baby? Are you on the way to the hospital? Was Prince in the car?” He chokes out the last part.

“No, no, he wasn’t. I’m on 54th Street, right at the light by the Italian restaurant. I’m fine. They don’t need to take me to the hospital, but I’m sure whoever hit me totaled my car. Theirs has to be just as bad.”

“I’m on my way. Are the police still there with you?”

“Yeah, they just finished asking me questions.”

“Okay, I will be there in less than three minutes. Don’t worry.”

“‘Kay.”

“Stay on the phone with me, take some deep breaths. It’s okay, you’re okay, and that’s all that matters.” He calms me down the best he can.

One second, I’m daydreaming about Kingston, and the next, I’m hit by another car. I was at a red light. He or she had to have seen me stopped, and who the hell hits and runs anymore? Especially in a nice car like they had. They obviously have money.

I don’t answer him or speak anymore. I just do my deep breathing and count my blessings. Prince is okay. I get a ding on my phone and pull it away, seeing Shayla calling.

“Kingston, Shayla is calling me. I should take it and let her know where we are. I was supposed to pick Prince up at 3:00.”

“Okay, I’m pulling up in less than a minute. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Switching over calls, I answer Shay before it goes to voicemail. “Hey, listen, I’m so sorry I’m late. I was in a car accident.”

“Oh my God! Lana, are you okay?” she shouts.

“Yes, it was a hit and run. He rear-ended me and I’ve been busy with the EMTs and police. I didn’t have a minute to call.”

“Lana, where are you? We will come see you.” I hear her rushing around and yelling for Trey.

“Shay, no, it’s okay. Kingston is almost here, and then he’s going to take us home. I’ll be there in about an hour. Please, it’s okay.”

“Lana, oh my God. What a...a...a douche canoe, taking off like some shithead.”

I chuckle through a sniff. Shayla still doesn’t curse, so when she does, it’s always entertaining.

“Who took off? Was she in a hit and run?” I hear Trey in the background at the same time Kingston’s Bimmer comes screeching up behind the ambulance.

“Shay, Kingston is here. I will see you soon. Sorry for being late.”

“No, we are fine. See you soon. Love you.”

“Love you too.”