Pushing the door wide open, she was amazed to see him sitting up in bed watching TV and eating applesauce. Although frail and gaunt, he looked nothing like the horrible images that had been dancing around in her head. His normally low-cut hair was now a plethora of sandy brown curls. “Butta!” Arnessa smiled brightly. She placed the basket in a chair, released the balloons, rushed over to his bed, and kissed him. Butta placed his arms around Arnessa and squeezed her tightly and returned her kiss. He inhaled her scent while running his fingers through her hair. She felt so good in his arms, he didn’t want to let her go. “I’m so glad you came,” Butta said into her ear.

“Did you think I wasn’t?”

“I wasn’t sure, since you were supposed to be here three days ago.”

“And I would’ve been here, but of course I had to deal with some of Cenise’s nonstop drama.”

“Where is Cenise at, anyway?”

“At Lena’s.”

“Well, like I said, I’m glad you’re here but …”

“But what?”

“What are you wearing?” he asked, frowning at the formfitting sky-blue Juicy jogging suit that she wore.

“What’s wrong with this?” She gestured from her chest to her hips.

“It’s nice and all.” Butta smirked. “I was just hoping to see something short and sexy.”

“And what could you do with something short or sexy with all those IV tubes stuck in you?”

“A whole lot.” He winked.

Arnessa sat on the edge of the bed. She took Butta’s hand. “I sure have missed you. I was so scared for you that night. I thought … I thought you were going to …” She stopped talking as tears filled her eyes.

Butta squeezed her hand, “It’s okay, ’cause I didn’t … I didn’t die.”

“Thank God.” She smiled, wiping the tears from her face.

“I got to speak to Sincere for few minutes. I heard shit is real thick in the city.”

“That’s one way to describe it”—Arnessa sighed—“but insane is more like it.”

Arnessa spent the next hour filling Butta in on all the events that had transpired since his shooting. He was angered but deeply saddened by what he heard. “That’s too much shit poppin’ off,” Butta responded once she finished. “I don’t want you to go back.”

“I have to. I can’t leave Kane and them to fight my battle.”

“Trust me, they can handle it. Besides, I need you here with me.”

“Butta, that’s not fair to them at all. No one would be in this mess with Suef if it weren’t for me.”

“You’re the reason I held on. I can’t lose to this bullshit. Not now.” He yawned, feeling the effects of his codeine drip. If anything were to happen to you, I would go straight seven. You’re my heart. I love you.”