Hear Me Sin

Chapter Twenty Seven

I'M COMING

Inola's words on the white sheet of construction paper shocked the room into silence. Everyone turned to look at her, their mouths hanging open as they just watched her. It was like some cruel joke where they were all waiting for her to say she was pranking them.

It had been a month and she was finally coming to see Omari in the hospital. She was following directions and going weeks apart like French told her, so now it was safe to go. Everyone exchanged looks but nobody said anything. After an awkward moment Collins scratched the back of his neck and turned to Enrique, saying something. Enrique then nodded his head and looked at his mom to translate the message.

We're leaving at eleven thirty so try to be ready by then. He signed.

Inola nodded her head and turned to go get started on breakfast. They had two hours before they left so she was good. She offered to make breakfast but Phara and Collins declined, saying they would make their own. Inola refrained from rolling her eyes and just got started on preparing something for her and Enrique. Joshua was on his feeding tube right now.

Once breakfast was finished and Inola took Joshua off his feeding tube, she went upstairs to get started on her other morning duties. Since everyone finished with half an hour to spare before the designated time to leave, they left early.

The van was full and so uncomfortable Enrique kept his eyes out the window. He didn't know why everyone was acting so weird but he couldn't wait to get out. It was stuffy and uncomfortable in here. The whole way there no one said a word to the other.

Inola was still dressed in one of her unusual outfits. This time she looked nice, though. A tall pair of six inch heels, a tight black pencil skirt and a white ruffled long sleeve blouse. She looked like a secretary in a high class firm or something. She had her fake Nicole Holland ID with her and a medium black bob with a bang. Her makeup was light and she was nervous.

When they pulled up to the hospital and parked, Collins helped to assemble Joshua in his wheelchair before Inola took over pushing him. They all made their way up to the floor Omari was on and entered the room, but they saw he wasn't in there. A passing nurse informed them a nursing assistant took him to use the bathroom down the hall. There was something wrong with the one in his room and they would have it fixed by tonight.

Inside the room Inola was shocked to see her friend Shea and her boyfriend Terrence. She didn't see their daughter Star, but she was most likely too young to be here. When the two spotted each other, Shea ran over and gave her a hug. It felt like years since they had last seen each other.

Sweetie, oh my gosh! Where have you been? Everyone is so worried about you. You just up and left and then you weren't coming to visit Omari. His mom was pretty pissed. Shea signed.

Inola wanted to choke Phara. She could tell the old woman was probably here spreading lies or putting ideas in people's head that wasn't true. Inola wasn't sure if she should extend that information to Shea just yet, so she kept it simple.

Girl, it's a long story. I'll have to tell you another day, but a lot is going on that she doesn't understand and instead of trying to believe me she's getting an attitude and thinking I'm doing Omari wrong. It's so annoying. Inola signed back. The one advantage about sign language was that they were able to talk about people right in front of them if they didn't know the language.

Shea just grabbed her in a hug again and kissed her cheek. I'm just glad you're okay. I missed you.

I missed you too Shea, how's Star?

At Terrence's aunt's house, one of the kids in his family is having a birthday party so she's over there having a blast.

Inola smiled, nodding her head. She then turned to Terrence and smiled, giving a small wave which he returned. Terrence was Omari's friend so Inola wondered if he thought she was in the wrong too.