Justin and Kiki were still clinging to each other when there was a knock at the door. Sitting in the chair by the door, Derek opened it to see Dr. Sabine had returned.
“Hey Doc.” He greeted.
He grinned at the moniker. “Mr. Lewis. Hello everyone, how’s it going?” He noticed the new faces in the room including the man holding Kiki on the couch and he surmised that was his patient’s father. Getting closer look, he recognized the face of Justin Timberlake who was plastered on his eldest daughter’s bedroom wall.
Kiki moved out of Justin’s arms and wiped her face as he approached her and Justin. “Hi Doctor.”
He grabbed the wheeled stool that stood in corner of the room and sat down in front of the parents. “So I’m guessing this is Dad?” He asked with the same warm smile he’d been wearing since she met him. It was part of his job, keeping the parents as positive about their child’s prognosis as possible so they could be a good support system.
If asked, Kiki would say he was doing a great job in that respect. The gesture was a small, but soothing and it was because of his excellent bedside manner that she was able to give a little smile back. “Yeah. Justin this is Dr. Harry Sabine. Dr. Sabine, this is Cheyenne’s father - Justin Timberlake.”
“Nice to meet you Mr. Timberlake.” He extended his hand which Justin politely shook.
“Same to you and thank you for everything you’re doing for our daughter.”
“The staff and I are going to do everything we can to get her healthy again.” He stressed. “At this point I’m hoping that you’re the one who can do that.” Justin looked perplexed. Him? Dr. Sabine read the confusion on his face and asked. “How much do you know about your role in her treatment?”
“Just that I could be a donor match.”
“Aah.” He looked over at Cheyenne’s paternal grandmother and saw her shake her head. Apparently Mr. Timberlake had yet to be informed of the latest developments.
Lynn spoke up to break the news to her son. “Honey.” She started softly, rested a hand on his shoulder and he looked up at her. Knowing that tone in her voice, Justin had a sinking feeling that what she was about to tell him was not good. “We’ve all been tested and the registry has been check thoroughly and there’s still no match.” He inhaled sharply as his worse fears were confirmed. Next to him Kiki started crying again, the helpless feeling returning at the reminder that they were running out of options.
“Listen I don’t want you or anyone to be discouraged.” Dr. Sabine could feel these people losing hope and he had to keep them optimistic. “There is still a high probability that you will be a match Mr. Timberlake.” He announced assertively.
“And if I’m not?” Justin asked bluntly, looking the doctor in the eyes. He didn’t want things to be sugar coated, he wanted full disclosure on what was to come.
“How about we cross that bridge when we get to it?” A silent understanding passed between the two men when Dr. Sabine glanced over at Kiki. She was a wreck and her mind was probably already being bombarded with the possibility of losing her baby. She didn’t need to hear it out loud. “For now let’s just do a blood test to determine if you are match. Okay?” Again, Justin nodded gravely. “How about you come with me and we’ll get that done now?”
Justin looked to Kiki before he left. A shaking smile appeared on her face and he reached over and hugged her, both of them gripped each other tightly. As they held one another, they both sent a silent prayer up to God for him to be Cheyenne’s saving grace.
Following Dr. Sabine out of the room, Justin passed by Cameron and grabbed her hand. He tugged on it slightly asking her to come with him. He had a lot to explain to her and this was the best time, the only time to do so. After this, for the foreseeable future, he was putting his main focus on Cheyenne and building a relationship with her, for whatever time he had left.
Dr. Sabine showed Justin to an exam room where a nurse was waiting to take his sample. She took a few test tubes worth of blood before she bandaged him up and sent him on his way with a Dixie cup of juice. He found Cameron leaning on the wall across from the exam room, waiting for him. Quickly drinking down the juice, he tossed the cup in a nearby trash can and stepped forward to face her.
“So ‘Cheyenne’ is your daughter.” She jutted her chin towards the name scribed across his forearm. She had always wondered who the name belonged to, but he refused to talk about it. She figured whoever the person was, wasn’t around now so she didn’t sweat it or force him to reveal their identity. But never in a million years did she think it belonged to his child.
Justin rubbed his hand over the tattoo before he pulled his sleeve down. He wasn’t quite ready to let that be seen yet, especially by Kiki. “Yeah.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
He moved to stand beside her and leaned his back against the wall. “Same reason why I didn’t tell anyone. It’s not something you broadcast, I was ashamed of myself. I still am.” He’d probably always be ashamed of the past two years of his life. He couldn’t do anything worse than walking out on his child for honestly no good reason. “I made a big mistake and I’ve got a lot of atoning to do for it.”
“Well it’s not like she’ll even remember you not being there.” Cameron shrugged, not really thinking about how callous she sounded.
Justin heard it loud and clear, but given the fact that all this was suddenly sprung on her, he let it slide and didn’t bit back. Still he responded with an incredulous scoff as he pushed away from the wall, away from her. “It doesn’t matter if she remembers or not. I still missed everything. The day she was born, her first words, her first steps. I’m missing a connection with my own child that I should have had since, since…God since Kiki was pregnant with her. All because I was a fuckin’ idiot, too wrapped up in myself.” His fists clenched at his sides as a wave of anger towards his self surfaced. He took a minute to calm down and let it go because he’d been granted a second chance. Instead of being angry, he was going to take it and run with it. “But it's not about me anymore, it can’t be. I get that now so I have to refocus my life and concentrate on Cheyenne and being a good father to her.”
“What about your work, your career Justin?” What about me? She didn’t dare say it out loud, but that was how she felt.
“What does that matter? Who really gives a fuck about my career right now Cam? I know I don’t.” He shrugged and turned away to head back to keeping a vigil over Cheyenne.
With Cameron trailing behind him, Justin walked into the docile room and went right back to sit next to Kiki. Nina had been occupying his seat while he was gone, but she made way for him once he returned. In case they were needed and to satisfy their own needs to protect there children, she and Lynn continued to flank them, perched on the arms of their shared love seat.
Justin breathed tiredly as he sank back into his seat. “How’d it go?”
“Okay, but I won’t feel good about it until I know I’m a match.”
“Yeah.” Oh please God let him be a match. Kiki could feel a depressed cloud loom over her again so she kept talking to distract herself. “Um Marissa and my sister-in-law brought some coffee, donuts and muffins in case you’re hungry.”
Everyone in the room had either been there or on a plane since early morning, no doubt tired and hungry by now. Thinking they all could use a little pick me up, Marissa and Rhea had left to make the coffee run and returned while Justin was being tested. Both girls were happy to be informed that he had made it to the hospital, but like everyone else, they were still weary that he might not be a match.
“Nah I can’t eat anything right now.” Justin replied.
“Me either.” She hadn’t had anything in her stomach since last night, but she was too restless over the results to keep anything down. She smiled halfheartedly at him and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. The last thing either of them was concerned about was themselves. All they wanted was for Dr. Sabine to return and tell them this nightmare was over.
Despite the food and drink now scattered around the room, everyone was relatively quiet. The fear of the unspoken was just too much for conversation. They all knew if Justin wasn’t a match Cheyenne might not survive.
Each second seemed like an hour while they waited. Putting a rush on the results it was a half an hour before Dr. Sabine returned and when the door began to open, they all stopped breathing.
He glanced at everyone around the room, but when his eyes landed on the two parents he smiled brightly. “We got a match.”
The room burst with happiness and cries of joy. Everyone was hugging whoever was next to them. Derek had actually hugged Dr. Sabine who was standing beside him.
“Sorry Doc.”
“It’s okay. I’m glad I could bring good news to warrant it.” They both chuckled and Derek turned to envelope his wife in a bear hug.
Kiki had burst into tears, folding her body in half as she sobbed for joy in her hands. She started panting for air as immense relief washed over her and her mother was draped over her, rocking her soothingly. In her mind she was thanking God repeatedly for answering her prayers to save her baby. Her precious baby was going to make it, that feeling of hopelessness was erased by promise and joy.
Justin was hugging his mother with tears falling from his eyes. After over two years of guilt, shame and self-hatred, he finally felt like it was coming to an end. Not only would the world be okay now that Cheyenne had a donor, but he felt like he was experiencing a moment of redemption. He still had a chance to make everything right with his daughter and give her all the love she deserved.
Breaking away from their mothers, at the same time Justin and Kiki recalled each other’s presence and immediately turned to engulf each other in a joyous hug. Kiki’s body sagged with relief and he pulled her close to his chest. Their little girl was going to fight through this battle and they’d have the rest of their lives to nurture her, love her and watch her grow into a beautiful woman one day.
“I told you she’d be okay.” Justin whispered into her hair.
She laughed lightly and pulled out of the embrace. “Yeah you did.” She wiped her tears and he slid a piece of her fallen hair from her face before swiping his own lingering tears away. Their private moment of reprieve was interrupted when Dr. Sabine reclaimed his seat on the wheeled stool in front of them. “So it’s almost over right? What’s happens now?” Kiki asked as the room settled down to hear his answer.
“Now we wait until her fever breaks.” Initially, the parents sulked at the thought of waiting any longer, but they were aware that this wouldn’t be a quick hospital visit. “As of now it’s down to 101, but I want it below 100 and for her to regain consciousness before we move on. She needs to be as healthy as possible when we start the chemotherapy treatment which she’ll go through for about 2 weeks.” Knowing the effects of chemotherapy, both Justin and Kiki knew those two weeks were going to be hard on Cheyenne. They would have to be strong to help her get through it. “During the first round of treatment we’ll consistently do blood work to check its effectiveness and at the end of the two weeks, we’ll conduct a series of tests to determine if all the cancer cells have been eradicated. If they haven’t, we do another round and continue the same cycle until they have been.”
Doing the math in his head, Justin concluded. “So that’s at least a month in the hospital?”
“Which means she’s going to be here for Christmas and New Years’.” Kiki stated, depressed by the thought of Cheyenne having to spend the holidays in a hospital. But if she wasn’t in this hospital she might not see another Christmas or New Years, she reminded herself. “Well then I guess we’ll just have to bring Christmas and New Years to her here.”
“Nice positive attitude, that's what I like to hear. It’s an unfortunate situation, we know and that why we have a Santa Claus come in and visit the kids here.” He saw her perk up at the idea and hoped what he still had to tell wouldn’t bring her back down. “I want to be straight forward with you though, her stay will most likely be more than a month because even after the transplant she’ll need 2 weeks to recover and met the criteria for discharge.” a month and a half, at the very least, was still a long hospital stay, but however long it took, they had and they would keep the faith that when it was all over, Cheyenne would be healthy again. “She has a long road ahead of her, but her chances at a full recovery are excellent.”
Looking back at her baby through the window, Kiki couldn’t help, but feel anxious for the day she could take her out of here. “She’s not going to be in that room for the whole time is she?”
“Oh no. When her fever breaks she’ll be transferred to a long term treatment room. It’s very much like this room and there are accommodations for you both so you can stay with her for the duration.”
“Perfect because I don’t plan on going anywhere.”
“Neither of us are.” Kiki smiled at Justin's subtle wink to let her know she was not in this alone, not anymore. “So what do I have to do to prepare for the donation? Do I have to go on a special diet or something like that?” Whatever was required for him to be the best donor for Cheyenne, he was on board 110%.
“No that’s not necessary. The only preparatory step that has to be taken is an immune boosting medication that we’ll give you a few days before the harvest.”
“Will you be doing the procedure?” Lynn asked, her own maternal instinct rising to the surface at the knowledge that her own child would be going through a medical ordeal.
“Yes I’ll be doing the harvest. It’s a one day procedure. I’ll be taking one to two quarts of bone marrow from your hip. I know that sound like a lot, but its only a small percentage of your body’s total bone marrow supply. You won’t be under sedation, but you will have a local anesthetic. And to be perfectly honest with you “ despite that medication it’s a painful process. Afterward you’ll experience some fatigue and you’ll be sore.”
“I’ll deal.”
“Very good then, but as of now you don’t have to be concerned about the harvest. It won’t happen until the chemotherapy is successful.” Dr. Sabine further explained. “As unsettling as I know it is, it’s really just a waiting game for the time being unfortunately. We’ll continue to monitor Cheyenne and keep her on the antibiotics until she regains consciousness and the fever lets up.”
“Do you have any idea when that’ll be?” Justin inquired before Kiki got the chance.
“Given the rate at which her temperature is falling, I’d say later this evening or very early tomorrow.”
“This day can’t end fast enough then.” Kiki muttered to herself and looked through the window again. “I can’t wait to hold her again.”
“I know Ms. Lewis.” He smiled sympathetically. “For now though, do either of you have any more questions, concerns?”
“I don’t think so.” Kiki looked over at Justin and he shook his head. “You’ve been so honest and empathetic with us. We appreciate it so much. Thank you Dr. Sabine.” She reached over and hugged him.
“You’re very welcome Ms. Lewis. Mr. Timberlake it was a pleasure to meet you.” He extended his hand to Justin and he grasped it.
“You too. Thank you doctor.”
He stood up from the stool and slid it back into his previous spot as he made his way to the exit. “You all have a good day and I’ll be by later to check up on Cheyenne and give you an update.”
“Okay.” Justin and Kiki replied in unison.
“See you then.” The whole room chorused a farewell as he left.
“Oh thank God she’s going to be okay.” Kiki turned to her mother when she rubbed her back. “Siento como puedo respirar otra vez.” She sighed happily and raked her hair out of her face. “I may be living out of this place for the next month and a half, but I’d live out of a cardboard box right about now if need be.” She cracked lightly now that she left like a weight had been lifted off her chest.
“Well you won’t be alone here. I think it’s safe to say this place is going to be the new hang out spot for us.” A consensus of agreement followed Paul’s comment. The entrance to the fourth floor of Cedar Sinai was about to turn into a revolving door for this family.
Kiki looked around at everyone, taking in their tear stained faces and happy smiles. They all just went through a rollercoaster of emotions, even the newcomers “ their reaction instilled in concern for Justin mostly, but it all came from a shared source, even if they were complete strangers. That probably needed to change in this close knit situation.
“If that how its gonna be, I’m pretty sure introductions are in order for some of us.”
That sense of unity in the atmosphere came to a halt and an awkwardness took its place as everyone started peering out the corner of their eyes at those they didn’t know.
Watching them all act like a bunch of chicken shits, instead of mature adults, Kiki rolled her eyes. “Oh Dios….. Okay to those who don’t know “ I’m Kiki and this is Justin. On my side we have…”
She proceeded to go around the room introducing all her family and friends, even those who knew each other already. As she introduced her father and siblings in particular, she gave them a glare that said for them to be cordial, down right pleasant. And not just now, but for the entire duration of Cheyenne’s hospital stay. She knew for a fact how much the three of them despised Justin and that even his saving Cheyenne’s life wouldn’t make their feelings toward him magically disappear. But if they started anything while Cheyenne was in treatment, she was going to go off, this was not the time or place.
Maya, Frederick and Derek all knew the look on Kiki’s face, so at minimal politeness, they nodded and muttered a welcoming to Justin. For Cheyenne’s sake and to avoid Kiki’s wrath, they’d play nice…. For now.
“Nice meeting you all.” Justin said in particular to Kiki’s family who he’d never met. A smile graced his face in an attempt to show that he was being genuine. He could feel waves of animosity coming off of her siblings and her father, and he knew he deserved it. He only hoped it wouldn’t interfere with his being here for Cheyenne. They could cuss him out later, but now he wanted to concentrate on his daughter.
“It’s very nice to meet you as well Justin. Thank you for coming to help Cheyenne.” Nina responded as the spokesperson for the family. She was the only one forgiving enough to be genuine in her words. It would take some time for a trust to exist between her granddaughter’s father and the rest of her family. In the meantime she wasn’t going to let pride get in the way of Cheyenne have the support of her whole family, including her father. Besides if the look on her youngest’s face meant anything, any and everyone might find themselves getting kicked out if they didn’t cooperate.
“You don’t have to thank me. She is my daughter and I have a responsibility to her. I know that now.” When he felt Kiki looking at him, he turned to see her smiling and she nodded acceptingly at him.
They had a lot to talk about on that subject, but it could wait for now. When that time did come their families had no say and their opinions were inadmissible. Yes they played a part in raising Cheyenne and Kiki was thankful for their help, but Cheyenne wasn’t their child. She was hers and Justin’s. Now that he was here, Kiki had no inclination to keep them apart, she never did. They knew that, so they would have to deal with his presence.
“So..” Kiki perked up a little to break the tension in the room. “I introduced myself and my people. What about yours?”
“Yeah um.” He cleared his throat and looked towards the other side of the room that the four in question occupied. “Everyone “ this is my best friend Trace, my girlfriend Cameron, and my friends and bodyguards Lonnie and Eric. This is Kiki, her family and her friends, who most of you know already.” He and Kiki chuckled reflexively. Over half of these introductions were between people who already knew each other very well.
Again another bout of discomfort descended in the atmosphere in the wake of the reminder that there was a big division between the group of friends. Ever the mood elevator, Kiki took the initiative to cut the crap for the third time and she greeted her old acquaintances.
“Hiya Tracey.”
At first he rolled his eyes at the nickname he didn’t miss until she giggled lightly at his expression, pulling him in for the ride. “Hi Kiki.”
“It’s good to see you again.” She was cheesing at him and he couldn’t not smile back. She still had that same irresistible, bubbly personality.
“You too, but I’m probably going to regret those words in the near future.”
“Aw Tracey you’re still such a sweetie.” She grinned condescendingly with her sarcasm and he winked at her, their old banter still familiar to them both. “Now Mr. Lonnie and Mr. Eric I’m rather surprised to see you two. I thought you were smart enough to have moved on to bigger and better by now.” A light chuckle vibrated through the room at Kiki’s teasing while she was playful nudging a glowering Justin.
“Oh man she’s still the same ball buster.” Lonnie said to Eric.
“Yeah and she bred another one. Her daughter is just like her “ evil.”
“She is not evil. She’s just smart and doesn’t buy into the crap you and Derek try to feed her.” Kiki ticked her neck at Joey. “And if I’m not mistaken didn’t Cheyenne beat you up not too long ago when you challenged her?” He ran his fingers through his hair, remembering the tight grip those little hands had on him. “Yeah that’s what I thought “ hater.”
Joey leaned into Tami on the sofa they were sharing with JC, but she moved away. “Nuh uh, don’t come to me looking for sympathy. That’s what you and Derek get for messing with her all the time. You forget she’s not stupid and she’s not afraid of either of you.” Cheyenne was the perfect angel, but if you pushed her she didn’t hesitate to push back. Of course she was usually crying in the process, but she was sensitive and didn't like being bothered or forced to strike back.
“Take note honey, you have a tough little girl. She’s smart to boot and doesn’t fall for the normal tricks and trades of parenting.” Lynn hipped her son to what to expect with little Ms. Cheyenne. “You actually managed to produce a little brain child sweetie.” She teased.
“Uh thanks Ma.” He rolled his eyes at her and as everyone laughed, Lynn lovingly ruffled his head.
In the middle of the laughter and the now light and easy mood, Kiki moved from sitting on her bent leg and it knocked into something when her foot landed on the floor.
“What’s this?” She asked aloud before bending down and seeing it was her Key West gym bag she kicked.
“Oh we stopped by your place to get a change of clothes and some other thing for you and Cheyenne. Of course now I’m sure you’re gonna need more than that.” Rhea explained.
“Oh yeah we’re probably going to need like my whole luggage set full of stuff.” Kiki replied while opening the duffle and examining what was inside.
“Me and your sister can put a few bags together for you hijita. Yeah Maya?”
“Yeah, absolutely.”
“Thanks Mamí.” There were two sets of clothing for her and Cheyenne, but there was something else in the side pouches that she was now going for.
“You probably need me to do the same for you too.” Lynn said to Justin and he nodded.
“Oh my gawh! You brought these.” Kiki squealed and pulled out 3 DVDs. Everyone turned from their side conversations to see her giddily holding up A Goofy Movie, Bend It Like Beckham, and Tarzan.
Marissa was cheesing at her friend’s excited response. “I know they have DVD players in hospitals now-a-days so we thought they’d keep her preoccupied while she was here.”
“Oh thanks guys.” She turned to Justin and informed him about the significance of the films. “These are Cheyenne’s favorite movies and the music from each of these are some of her favorite songs.”
“Even…?” He inquired excitedly at the thought of his daughter being a fan of his music.
“Yes even Trashin’ the Camp. She actually um..” Kiki giggled at the memory. “She makes Josh and Joey sing-along if they’re around while she’s watching it. So you’d better get those vocal cords warmed up.”
“With 3 out of 5 now, she’s gonna have them putting on full blown concerts for her.” Maya quipped, but the funny thing about it was that, that scenario was very likely. Cheyenne had both Joey and JC wrapped around her little finger and as soon as Justin came face to face with her, he’d be added to the mix. She’d have the three singers crooning out melodies to her in a heartbeat.
“Kik check the other pouch there’s someone in there who hopped into the bag.” Both Rhea and Marissa were grinning brightly.
Eyebrows furrowed, Kiki dug into the other end of the duffle and when her hands made contact with a familiar fluffy mass, a big smile popped on her face. She pulled out the little stuffed penguin and sighed contently. “Duke.” Bringing him up to her nose, she could smell Cheyenne’s scent that had saturated him. She felt Justin’s curious eyes on her and she introduced the little fella. “This is Duke, Justin. Cheyenne faithful companion since she was 9 months old.” Marissa and Trent had given it to her after a trip to Santa Monica pier where Trent won it playing one of the carnival games. “The only place and I mean only place, he doesn’t go with her is daycare. And that’s only because Duke doesn’t like playing with the other kids.” Justin chuckled at Cheyenne’s apparent covetous streak. “She will share any of her toys with anyone except for Duke. He is Pixie’s baby.”
“Pixie?”
“Oh yeah I should probably tell you that - Pixie is Cheyenne’s nickname. With the exception of Derek and Rhea, who calls her CJ, we all call her Pixie probably more than Cheyenne.” She laughed.
“Where’d the name come from?” It was sad that he hadn’t learned all this about his daughter first hand, but he was lucky he was getting this opportunity now. There was still so much to learn, but he was ready and willing to be one dedicated student.
“My Dad.” She looked over at Frederick. He had been so quiet this whole time and she gave him a pleading look for him to stop acting so cold and distant. She and Cheyenne needed him to be accepting and open minded to Justin’s returned presence.
There wasn’t anything Frederick wouldn’t do for his little girl and his Pixie so he swallowed his pride. Talking to Justin directly, he said with a shrug. “From day one I always thought she looked like a little fairy. She’s got the personality of one too. Sweet as pie when you’re on her good side, but get on her bad side and she got herself quite the fiery temper. Joey’s hair and my son’s arms can attest to that.”
Those familiar with the results of a play fight between Cheyenne and one of her uncles, giggled at the defense arsenal the little girl already had.
“The name is mostly due to her appearance, she's got this cute little elvish face and she’s a little bit with a rather high pitched voice. But...” A happy smile donned Kiki’s face when she thought on the beloved light of her life. “She is so full of life and happiness, like this little burst of energy that you just want to be around all the time.” Her voice got quiet at the ending, thinking about what would happen if she couldn’t be with her baby anymore. Not even an hour ago that thought plagued her mind and her heart. Now that Cheyenne had new hope for recovery it didn’t change or take away that fear. Kiki was sure that for the rest of her life she would worry that this nightmare could reoccur.
The room could see her mood dampen again and think quick Derek retorted. “She may be the cutest little munchkin, but that voice of hers, especially when she starts yellin’ - it drives me a little stir crazy sometimes.”
Frederick and Paul both let out a deep chuckled, nodding their heads agreeably. During football season sometimes she would sit with them in front of the TV at Sunday dinner and whenever they cheered for their teams so would she, loudly and in that high pitch voice of hers. That little girl sure had a set of lungs on her.
“Hey I like her voice man. It’s unique.” JC defended.
“No it’s adorable. Like a little chipmunk’s.” Tami gushed.
Maya gasped. “Oh I should make her a little chipmunk costume for Halloween next year when she goes trick or treating.”
“You are not dressing my child up as a rodent.”
“Whatever costume she wears, it’s gotta be hot. It’ll be her first time trick or treat.” Joey was the self proclaimed king of Halloween, especially dressing up so it was only fitting that he pass the skill on the next generation starting with his goddaughter.
“Knowing Cheyenne I bet she’ll make that decision for her herself when the time comes.” Nina jumped into the conversation with a comment they all agreed with. Cheyenne was definitely her own person.
Justin listened avidly as all the people who loved Cheyenne continued reminisced on some of their favorite moments with her. He had missed so much, but at the same time there was still so much for him to experience with his daughter for the rest of his life. Hey already he had her first time trick or treating to look forward to.
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Morning turned to afternoon and those donuts and muffins had long since done their job. Cheyenne hadn’t woken up yet and there was no tell when that would actually happen. There was no point in everyone sticking around at this time especially when they all had their own lives to live and could come back later. Justin and Kiki weren’t going anywhere so they urged everyone to go home. They would activate the family tree as soon as something changed. Of course they all were hesitant, double and triple checking that the parents were all set on their own.
Justin and Kiki were both fine for the night. Their parents would be by tomorrow with clothes, and odds and ends. There was an all night café downstairs so they were covered for food. But that wasn’t good enough for Nina Lewis and Lynn Harless. They decided they would come back later that night with overnight bags and some dinner. Having their babies living off of hospital food was not acceptable for the mothers. Kiki knew that both of them would probably be burning up their kitchens for the duration of this hospital stay, taking turns feeding them. As a matter of fact while their friends were saying goodbye, the two women were on the other side of the room strategizing their meal plans.
Along with Marissa and Trent, Derek and Rhea were the first to leave. To no surprise, a hug and cheek kiss was given to Kiki by Rhea and she politely said goodbye to Justin, but what shocked everyone was Derek clutching Justin’s hand. Everyone, even Justin, was surprised by the friendly gesture and the only outward appearance that Derek was aware he was acting out of character, was a wink for Kiki alone. For her and Cheyenne he was extending the olive branch just a little. Besides he couldn’t ignore how devastated Justin was by Cheyenne’s sickness. The man had to be really fucking heartless to walk out on her again after this. Heartless and stupid because Derek would be on his ass if he ever left CJ again.
Kiki smiled at her brother, happy and thankful to see he was putting his male pride aside like their father, even if it was in increments. He and Frederick had already made strides today, now there was only Maya left to follow their lead; however, she was probably the more difficult of the three. Maya was the only one in her family she turned to whenever her heartache got the better of her while she was pregnant. Her father and brother would only get angry and Nina would worry herself sick over her. Maya saw her sister’s pain and it would take more than a few hours for her to be open to accepting Justin. It didn’t deter Kiki’s faith that they’d all come around. This was a time for family unity and the Lewises stuck together.
“Kik I’ll get everything straightened out at work for you tomorrow.” Marissa offered. Key West would be going into “touring” mode again. “Do you want me to let everyone know what’s happening or not?”
“No go ahead and tell the staff, particularly Karen and everyone in the daycare. The kids are going to want to know where Cheyenne is, especially Robbie. Poor little guy.” She and Marissa could imagine the pout that would grace his face at the discovery that his friend would be absent for him side for awhile. “I should probably call Alana actually.” Kiki said to herself, storing a reminder in the back of her mind.
“Well in that case let me grab some of those visiting hours sheets on the way out.” Kiki’s eyebrows arched and she nodded definitively. The whole club, some members included would be ready to invade the hospital when the news hit. “Okay babe we’ll stop by tomorrow to visit.” Marissa leaned down and kissed Kiki’s cheek. Justin was talking to his parents next to Kiki so she politely interrupted to say goodbye and “good seeing you again.”
“Yeah you too Marissa.”
“Catch ya later Kik.” Trent was next up and gave her a hug before assembly lining over to clutch hands with Justin. “Good seeing you man.”
“Thanks man.”
He and Marissa joined Derek and Rhea who were waiting at the door, and the two couples left with everyone’s farewells. Not long after another quartet prepared to leave.
Trace, Cameron, Lonnie and Eric made the rounds with the remained inner circle before stopping at Kiki and Justin. The guys each gave Kiki a goodbye hug, but her parting with Cameron was standoffish and awkward. Neither knew quite how to react to each other, but if Cameron was going to be Justin’s life, by extension Cheyenne’s, they would have to get used to one another. For Kiki that wasn’t a challenge at all, Cameron was no threat to her, but she would bet anything that Cameron very much saw her as one. Sounds like a personal problem to me, Kiki thought briefly, not bothering to mull over it.
“I’m going to walk them out.” Justin told her before leaving the room with his party.
Side by side, he and Cameron walked down the hall behind the guys. They both were quiet, at a lose for what to say to each other until Cameron broke the silence.
“I have some running around to do tomorrow, so I won’t be able to visit, but I’ll call you.” Justin nodded mutely. He knew it was a lie, but he understood why she did it. She needed some time to process this all and make a decision. He had made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere from his daughter’s life and if they were going to continue their relationship, she needed to decided if she could handle him having a child.
“Okay,” was all he could say and all he could do was wait for her to make a choice. Whatever that was, he would accept it, even if it was to leave him.
Reaching the elevator, Lonnie pressed the call button and turned back to bring up a subject with Justin that he didn’t think he’d considered yet. “Do you want one of us to stay? There’s a chance someone saw you come in this morning. People might come snooping.”
“I was talking to Dr. Sabine about the hospital’s security and he said this floor in particular because it’s a pediatric ward, has pretty tight security.” Lonnie followed his gaze over to the police officer who was standing at the nurse station talking to one of the nurses. “Nobody can just walk in here. You saw that when we got here.” Every visitor had to check in with the nurse at the front desk before they were allowed pass, just like they had to do earlier today. That and the round the clock officer was enough for him, he didn’t really want to waste any energy worrying about the pathetic media and their intruding. “If they find out, they find out. Cheyenne’s safe here and that’s all that matters. I’ll worry about damage control later when I talk to Johnny in a few days. It’s just not a priority for me right now.”
“Alright call us if you change your mind or if anything happens.”
“I will.” He reached out and clutch hands first with him and Eric, then Trace. “See you guys later.”
“I’ll be by tomorrow to see how Daddy’s dealing.” Trace quipped. He knew besides being concerned over his daughter, Justin was nervous about meeting her for the first time and what impression he’d make on her. He hoped everything went well between them when the moment occurred.
“Yeah wish me luck.”
The elevator arrived right as he was starting back towards the room and after one last goodbye they piled into the car. The door closed and Justin was on his way back to his daughter.
Meanwhile in the family room Tami had decided to go with Maya and Nina to Kiki’s condo, so without her and alongside JC, Joey was next to call a timeout until tomorrow. After they each secured a promise from Kiki to call if she needed anything, they left. Not far beyond the door they just exited, Joey and JC ran into Justin and in that moment the three old friends knew it was time for a long overdue showdown.
Meeting in the middle of the hall, for a few seconds they were uncomfortably silent, the theme for the day among all the adults, as they tried to figure out how to start this conversation.
Justin knew he was the reason for the tension and that he had to be the one to start. “You two out of here?”
“Yeah. We both need some sleep and have some business to take care of before we come back.” Out of courtesy, JC responded as Joey stood by rather aloof.
“Cool, cool.” Justin nodded reflexively and inhaled deeply. Alright time to man up. “Listen I just want to thank you both for looking out for Cheyenne.” No longer able to ignore where this speech of his was headed, Joey gave him some real recognition. “I know in the past I haven’t been very appreciative or considerate of the two of you. I’m sorry for that. I’ve been a pretty fuckin’ shady person; a bad friend, a bad father. I got a lot of shit I have to make up for. Most importantly with Cheyenne, but I was hoping I could get another shot at our friendship too.”
Listening to him apologize not only for his more recent misdeed, but also those in the past that made them question their friendship with him, was a pleasant surprise for both men. Justin’s first act of selfishness and disloyalty with his sudden and one sided decision to take a break from the group had been forgiven after some distance and a serious discussion with an apology. But that betrayal paled in comparison to the ultimate against his own kid. Was he capable of doing that again and would they be the ones he turned on next for the second time? Behind the brief glance between Joey and JC the question was asked: Should we give him another chance?
Joey was the first to make a move by opening his hand to Justin. “You’re a little fuckin’ prick, you know that right? Always have been, but I think something’s finally clicked in that head of yours.” He had watched Justin’s reaction since he showed up and saw how rocked he was by Cheyenne’s crisis. He had essentially been scared straight and Joey didn’t think he’s ever take advantage of his daughter or anyone else who really cared about him again. “I don’t know if you know this, but Cheyenne’s my goddaughter and regardless of blood, she’s my niece too. Both of ours. Don’t leave her again. Take care of her, give it some time between us “ we’ll chill - and eventually we’ll be cool again. Okay?” Justin nodded, grateful for the reprieve he was getting from one of his oldest and best friends. Joey tightened his grip in his hand and pulled him in for a masculine hug.
“Thanks Joe.” They patted each other’s backs before ending the embrace and Justin looked to JC who had turned relatively quiet through everything he and Joey had said. It worried him. “C?” He tentatively asked. He’d know JC since he was a kid, he was like a big brother to him and he would never forgive himself if he had ruined their friendship especially.
JC could see Justin was waiting with bate breath as he contemplated his decision. He ended the suspense with a smile and Justin sighed with relief. “We’re brothers so it’s squashed. But three strikes you’re out. You act up again and I’ll disown your ass.” They both laughed and pulled each other into a hug.
With their friendships on the mend, the three men casually stood in the hallway now lacking the oppressive tension.
Joey leaned over to JC and joked. “Looks like we just can’t get rid of Curly, man. We’re gonna be keeping his ass in line until he’s rollin’ around in a fuckin’ Rascal and shit.” They laughed out loud at Justin, but he took it in stride. It was like old times when they would rag on him simply because he was the baby of the group. He felt like things would really be okay between them.
Keeping up the tradition he zinged back. “You can kiss my ass.”
“No we’ll leave ass kissing, specifically Cheyenne’s and Kiki’s, up to you.” JC teased and Joey winced.
“I damn sure feel sorry for you cuz I don’t know who’s tougher.”
“Exactly.” Again they laughed heartedly, thinking about Justin groveling to a two year old. That in itself was a pretty just comeuppance.
“You know what? Bye.” Justin dismissed the cackling duo and approached the door to the family room.
“Still can’t take the heat. That’s alright we’ll let you off the hook for now, but we’ll catch you tomorrow.” Joey replied as he and JC started back towards the exit.
“Bye.” Justin called out again before disappearing into the room, counting his blessings all the while. The rift between his friends and family was in the process of being healed, but best of all, his daughter was going to pull through and he’d finally get to fill that Cheyenne shaped hole in his heart.
