Addicted.

37: Not Even In Death

Qatari.

I limped carefully as I reached the car and entered, wincing to myself in pain. Jamell had started it up and peeled out of the parking lot, I looked in the backseat seeing our bags sitting side by side. "What took you so long?" He wondered curiously looking over at me then at the road. I pulled a piece of folded paper out of my pocket, "I was writing Maurice a letter," I confessed. He reached over snatching it unraveling the paper. Letting his eyes glance from the street to the letter back and forth. When he had finished he handed it to me gently clearing his throat. "I just wanted him to know that we love him... And no matter what people say about us we'd never leave him.."

"Not even in death," Jamell finished off wiping away his single tear.

I reached over grabbing onto his spare hand, intertwining our fingertips allowing the gesture to speak for me. He gave me hand a firm squeeze in assurance.

__

Once we arrived to the hospital there were dozens of cop cars literally surrounding the building. He parked the car and cut the engine, placing his arm onto the steering wheel then he looked at me. "You scared?" He questioned with his eyebrow slightly raised. I shook my head, "I'm never afraid when I'm with you..." I confessed. "Let's go see our baby."

On cue we both exited the car and shut our doors in unison. We made our way to the rear entrance to my surprise where there were less cops. I didn't bother covering my face and neither did Jamell. Once we were inside the hospital was moving as regular hours. I followed the signs searching for the infants unit. We stepped onto the elevator, going to the correct floor. I went up to the nurses station truly unclear as to what to say. "I'm here to see a baby baby boy born on..." I had given her the date and approximate time. Her expression had changed completely then she looked at me, "yo-your his mother?"

I nodded slowly.

She gave me directions on his room.

I thanked her then carried on my way with Jamell trailing behind me. When we arrived to the room the baby was releasing a yawn as if he'd just laid down to take a nap. "Wow," I said staring at him in complete awe. I was shocked at how beautiful he was. He had on a small beanie, I pushed it off his head completely gently finger combing through his thick soft hair. His dark eyes blinked slowly as he appeared to be relaxed. Jamell wasted no time scooping him up and held him closely. "Damn you heavy jit," he announced then released a small laugh. My heart began to ache at the sight of the pair. "He has your entire face baby," I admitted. He had Melly's wide lips, little non pointed nose, and his straight slit like eyes. I couldn't believe the resemblance.

"Right? That shit crazy.."

The look on Melly's face was a complete look to remember. He was genuinely happy and I knew he felt whole just as I did.

He rested his lips against his forehead, I believed he was soaking in the moment.

"I love you," I mumbled softly.

Jamell finally looked at me with a side smile, "I love you to-"

A piercing sound came about twice before he could finish his sentence and Jamell's eyes widened completely showing his entire cornea protruding then a look of confusion came as he released a strong single grunt, he suddenly dropped to his knees still clutching onto Maurice tightly. Blood fell from his mouth spilling two drops onto the baby's blanket as it was swaddled around him and at that moment I knew that he was hit.. "Jamell?" I called out, gently moving him slightly as if he'd get up. Blood started pool from his backside leaving a puddle around him. His dead eyes stared up at the ceiling. Tears started to fall from mine and I couldn't become hysterical. I couldn't scream how I wanted to. I didn't wanna startle my baby. I knew this day would come eventually - but at a time and a place like this? There was anger building up inside of me but I allowed it to subside, I didn't wanna die with hatred in my heart for anyone. I knew I was going to die. In a way I wasn't upset I'd die, I knew all the things I had done to people due to this sickening thing called love. But I couldn't really call love sickening since it was the root to causing us to have a beautiful baby boy. If there wasn't love between Jamell and I - there'd be no Maurice.

I gently caressed my hands over Jamell's face, shutting his  beautiful deeply colored eyes.

My weakened body slowly removed Maurice carefully from his arms, walking over to the spare chair in the room. I took a seat and I reached into my pocket, pulling out the letter. I placed it inside of his blanket at his side. My arms swayed as I gently rocked him back and forth hearing him coo in contentment.

"I love you baby boy..."

—

"This just in the couple known as the local Bonnie and Clyde have been gunned down at Trinity hospital. Jamell Maurice Demons and Qatari Mercedes Edwards were shot and killed by police officers. A nurse stated that they came into the Trinity hospital like they weren't even on the run for murder. They were believed to be visiting their child which Qatari had just a few short days ago. The pair were on the run for several murders and the attempted murder of her husband Samson Edwards. We'll keep you updated on the story..."