E love series box set, p.13
E Love Series Box Set, page 13
Steven could feel a calming overtaking his wife, and he knew without a doubt the Holy Spirit was working on her behalf. He grabbed her keys, opened the car door so she could get in, and then raced to the driver’s side while mashing the button so the garage door would rise. Louisiana Day was over twenty-five minutes away from their house. He planned to get there in less time.
Nathan ended the call, then stood, grabbed the folded towel off the arm of the sofa, and wiped the tears from his eyes. He was now ready to face what awaited him at Louisiana Day. For years his mother, who sat on the board of Louisiana Day, had tried to get him to come home. He’d refused.
Not that Louisiana Day was a bad hospital. He just did not want to be that child who got the job because his mother was in high places. Trying to forge a trail in life that only God alone could be glorified for, he’d missed many opportunities that favor afforded him. Now, Nathan would be spending as much time as he needed at Louisiana Day and he would certainly need the help of his mother.
As he picked up his jacket and keys from the table, he grabbed his cell phone and immediately dialed his mom’s phone number. Awaiting an answer, Nathan set the alarm on his office alarm pad and closed the door behind him.
His mother answered. “Hello, my handsome son.”
“Hello, Mother. So much has happened.”
“Yes, I was told about the wreck. And I was also informed that the young lady you’ve been sharing with me about was in the accident.”
“Yes, ma’am. Regina was on her way to see me, Mom.”
“Son, you have to be strong in the power of the Lord. Know that God has this situation just like He’s had so many others.”
“Yes, Mother,” Nathan replied in between sniffles. He was a man, but when it came to his mom, he was just her baby boy.
“Are you still at La’Shelle’s?”
“I’m actually just now getting in my car. I’m going to Louisiana Day to check on Regina. Mom, her parents are in Milledgeville, Georgia, and I need to contact them.”
“Nathan, just leave all of that to your momma. I will get her family flown in, and they can stay at the condominium on Cross Lake. I know you do not know much about them other than what she’s told you. But trust me, Mom will handle things as if someone was coming to get me and it was you.”
“Thanks, Mom. You are always there when I need you the most. I tried calling her boss, but there was no answer. I almost dropped everything and ran straight there, but the Lord slowed me in my tracks. I can’t quite describe what I have never felt before, but, Mother, it was so strange.”
“Son, the Lord knows how to halt the steps of those He loves. ‘The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,’ and this is a prime example of having your steps ordered. God knew that He had Regina under control. And you, son, taking out the time to do what I know I taught you to do proves He also has you under control.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Take your time and drive carefully. I love you.”
“Yes, ma’am. I love you too. I will call you as soon as I get some information.”
“I’m holding you to that, and I will be sure to take care of Mr. and Mrs. Jones. Talk to you later, baby.”
“Later, Mother.” He disconnected their call as he lowered his body into his car.
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even as far as the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrows, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
Chapter Eleven
Nathan pulled into one of the vacant chaplain’s parking spaces on the front of the hospital. Chaplain Whitaker had sent Nathan a text with instructions for him to park there until they could get him a code to park in the doctor’s lot. He was grateful because he dreaded parking in the lot across the street and walking.
Louisiana Day was considered the state hospital, but you received the best critical care because, in addition to it being a trauma 1 hospital, it was also the school of medicine. The only thing holding Nathan back from joining the team at Louisiana Day was having to spend all his off time at La’Shelle’s. He knew if he worked this close to his parents, there was no way he’d have them going into the restaurant. In reality, it would be for him like having two stressful full-time jobs.
Nathan pulled his keys from the ignition and grabbed his hospital coat and bag. He was not going to be her attending physician on paper, but he was going to make sure that all nine years of his medical education would help Regina. As he closed his door, he heard his name being called in the distance.
“Nathan!”
Nathan turned towards the sound of his name and saw his best friend, Jacob, running towards him. Jacob was what Nathan called “a white boy gone wrong.” He had all types of friends, from all occupations, but his best friend was a natural disaster all by himself. Jacob Nichols was the only child of Brent and Emily Nichols, a couple who attended Greater Grace Church, whom his parents befriended. They were actually still best friends, and every trip Nathan, Sr. and Linda Stallone took Brent and Emily Nichols were on the same flight, boat, or in the same vehicle.
Their son, Jacob, was their miracle, and if he told the story, their special gift from God, Himself. Since they never vacationed without the Nichols, it was only natural for Nathan and Jacob to become besties. They went to the same schools, played on the same teams, wore the same clothes and the only differences then were their skin tones and preferences in a woman.
Nathan wanted a woman with brains and determination who loved the Lord, and all Jacob wanted was a big booty and a smile. He could care less if she were smart or saved or how long she stayed. Neither did her race matter. His multicultural experiences caused him to be embraced by either side black or white, but in his heart, he was just as black as Nathan and as Caucasian as Brent.
“Man, I just heard about Regina. I stopped back by the restaurant and… that Jamecia… After I gave her a hundred dollars, she told me where you were coming. Man, that lady is a trip, and she had the nerves to call me ‘white boy wannabe.’”
Nathan snickered. He could only imagine how the interaction between the two of them had gone. He also knew Jamecia could not stand Jacob and hated to see him coming, so the opportunity to milk him was probably number one on her list of to-dos.
“Yes, bro, and this thing is about to tear me up inside. I spoke with her orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mirondi, and she is now recovering from her second surgery.”
“So what does this mean for you, brother? Are you coming home?”
“Mother made some calls to have me transferred to Louisiana Day this morning, and if all goes well, yes. It was not in my plans, but God had another plan.”
“You must be in love, because there is no way Nathan Stallone, Jr. would be coming back to Shreveport to live unless he’s smitten.”
“She’s what I prayed for, and there’s no need in running now. I just pray she knows that I did not intend to lie to her about my life. I wanted to see where her head was first.”
“I understand, especially after your ex. But any woman in her right mind who understands how hard it is to get your coins up should understand that you are your only defense from fraud.”
“I’ve never heard it like that, but I guess you make sense. Are you sticking around or what? Dr. Esplanade is waiting for me before he visits her?”
“No, dude. I’ve seen Regina, prayed over her, and made sure Esplanade’s nurses treated her like she’s my sister. I pulled a fifteen-hour shift in this place yesterday evening, and I just want to take a nap.”
“I feel you, dude. Thanks for everything, choirboy.”
“Whatever, dude. We gonna see who fixing to be an altar boy now when Linda gets through dragging you to all these wacky meetings with these wacky people.”
Nathan made a face as if to say he hadn’t thought about that. “Help me, Lord.”
“I should be here when you come back on duty, so just hit me up.”
“I will, dude.” Jacob pulled Nathan into an embrace. “God’s got this and for whatever reason Regina has to go through this test, and you have to administer whatever God needs you to during the process, he got y’all, and so do I.”
“Thanks, brother, I love you.”
“I love you, too, man. Now get on in the lion’s den.”
“Ha. Ha. As long as Jesus is in there with me,” he pointed to the building, “I’ll be just fine.” He watched as Jacob sprinted off hollering, “Yep. Later, dude”.
Nathan took a deep breath and began walking towards the ground floor door. Louisiana would be his habitation for the next few weeks. And if things worked out the way he wanted them to, his wife would be coming down the aisle by next year even if he had to push her.
As soon as he reached for the door, his cellular phone sounded off in his pocket. Nathan let the door close and stepped back under the pickup shed.
“Hello, Mother.” He saw a picture of her pop on his screen.
“Son, I have taken care of everything. Bobby and Euradell Jones are now on an airplane to Louisiana. Your father and I will pick them up from the airport and bring them straight there. I also took the liberty of securing you one of the hospital apartment rooms there because I know you.”
“Thanks, Mom. I was wondering what type of sofa Regina had in her room.”
“I figured you would not want to leave the hospital. I also made provisions for you to have a good recliner for nights you desired to stay in the room with her. But first, let’s give her parents the opportunity to stay at her side.”
“Mom, really. You should know that you raised a perfect gentleman and it’s going to be great. Thank you for everything, Lady Stallone.”
“Mother or Mom to you. And don’t get it twisted either. I might be a lady, but you, sir, will address me by the correct salutation, and that starts with an M and ends in r or m.”
“Got it,” they both laughed as it was much needed. “Talk to you later, Mom.”
“I’ll see you when I bring the Jones to their daughter.” And they both hung up.
Steven tried everything in his power to calm Priscilla’s nerves. She asked him a thousand questions that he did not have the answers to. As she rambled on and on, Steven decided to just listen and pray.
“Baby, I should have answered the phone. I should have immediately called Regina back. Maybe she was trying to get me, and I would have stopped her.”
“Listen. Priscilla this is not about you, baby. This is not your fault, and that was Nathan who called you. Don’t you know God knows what He is doing? Nothing just happens, and everything we will ever face in this life is all a part of God’s plan, or by His permission. I don’t have to tell you this, and I need you to remember the Word.”
“Steven, that’s easy for you to say because it is not your sister lying in a hospital bed.”
“Priscilla, don’t do that. I love Regina just as much as you because, in the last six months, she has proven that she loves not only you, but me too. She’s our sister. But here’s one thing I know: God watches over His Word. When we speak His Word, He knows if it is coming from a heart of faith or foolery. I just chose to stand in faith for Regina by standing on God’s Word for her, and I know you do too.”
“Steven. Thank you. I know my faith response is what Regina needs right now, but I just…”
“You’re scared. And Priscilla, that’s perfectly okay. It’s okay to feel fearful, but it’s not okay to allow fearfulness to take over. Now love and strong-mindedness have to step up and overpower all of your fears.”
“Amen. I’ve got it. Are we almost there?”
“We’re about five minutes away. Just sit there and meditate on the goodness of Jesus and all He has done in the past for us. If He could save our marriage from my train wreck…He can surely save Regina from a car wreck.
“…who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,” 2
Timothy 1:9
Chapter Twelve
Regina felt an excruciating pain forcing her from a deep sleep. Where was she? Why was her leg hurting so badly? She contemplated bringing her hand up to touch her aching head, but her arm felt like the weight of eight bricks. She was thirsty. The only way to tell someone was to open her eyes, but they just would not cooperate.
“Regina! Regina!”
She heard her name.
Someone’s calling me. Come on eyes, open.
Regina dragged her eyes open with all of her might. First, she noticed the soft light. But her eyes still fought her, slowly closing again. Then she heard her name again.
“Regina, come on open your eyes, love.” The voice spoke so softly.
Was the Lord calling her? I hear you, but my eyes won’t open, and my lips won’t move.
“Regina, I’m here, baby. Can you just wake up?”
Regina tried turning her head, but her body felt intruded upon by weight and pain. Whatever had her bound in an unresponsive state was losing its grip. Her eyes were now open, but her focus was still off.
There he stood. Was he an angel or a figment of her imagination? She closed her eyes and opened them again, and now he smiled. She still couldn’t figure out the who, what, or why.
She tried to drag the corners of her lips into a smile to let whomever he was know she was thankful for his being there. But nothing moved. All her jaw muscles ached which made even the thought of smiling back impossible. Regina closed her eyes and opened them again. There was another man.
There were two of God’s angels standing right before her very eyes. Jesus done sent my greatest desire in two different shades to carry me to glory.
“Regina.”
And these fine angels keep on calling my name.
“This is Dr. Esplanade, and I think you know Dr. Stallone.”
Did he just say, doctor? Regina needed him to repeat what he’d just said because if she heard him right, they were both doctors. One she should have known, but didn’t. When she tried to drag a sound from her lips, all she could muster was, “Who,” sounding like a deep raspy bullfrog.
“Regina, I’m Dr. Esplanade, and this is Dr. Stallone.”
This time she slightly nodded her head.
“You had a bad car accident and are now in our Intensive Care Unit at Louisiana Day. I know you may not understand all that I’m saying to you right now. But we would like to take a look at some things.”
“Regina, if you understand, please try nodding your head.”
Regina couldn’t help but think there was something in the other guy’s eyes reminding her of a familiar peace, but she could not place him. She slowly nodded but thought he must have mistaken her for someone else.
“Thank you, love. Hold tight, and we will be finished in a moment.”
She listened as best as she could to them talking as they combed her body. The fact the darker skin-toned one called her love startled and made her perplexed.
“There was an open fracture of the right proximal tibia and right patella, a fracture of the shaft of the right humerus, and a fracture of the right tibial plateau, as well as of …”
By now, tears were slowly falling from the corners of her eyes. She was not sure what all this meant or even the meaning of some of the words they were speaking. Regina, however, understood she was broken, which now explained her pain. At this point, she tried to close her ears and her mind.
I just want my momma. And as if heaven heard her cry, Euradell’s voice rang in her ears.
“Oh, my baby. My baby.” Euradell cried as she rushed to Regina’s bed.
Tears fell quicker and more forceful from Regina’s eyes—a semi explosion filled with the ramifications of emotional, physical, and spiritual pain.
“Now, now, my big girl. Daddy’s here. Everything is going to be alright,” Bobby assured Regina as he wiped her tears.
“You’ve been through greater hurdles, and you’ve swam through deeper oceans than these, and the same God who brought you out of captivity is able to bring you out now. What Daddy wants you to do is think of the things that are of a good report. How God has seen you through so many times and far so much worse. Determine to get out this bed and everything will be alright.”
Nathan stood by in shock at how one parent was falling apart while the other was definitely standing on the shoulders of God. This probably would have been the same reaction he’d gotten had it been he, Linda, and Nathan Sr. Linda would have been out of her mind, while Nathan’s cool, calm, and collected demeanor would have shown brightly.
“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Jones. I’m Dr. Nathan Stallone, and this is Dr. Martez Esplanade, my friend and my brother, and Regina’s attending physician.”
Why did the name Nathan ring a bell?
Dr. Nathan Stallone?
Regina watched quietly as her dad interacted with him.
Nathan had not stopped speaking before Bobby pulled him into a warm embrace. “Thank you, son, for taking care of this matter and getting us to our baby. We will forever be in debt to you.”
“No sir, you do not owe me anything. It is the least we could have done. Regina has sustained a rough hit, but she is strong. Dr. Mirondi said she pulled through the surgeries with the strength of a strong shield maiden and she should heal just fine.”
“Praise the Lord!” Euradell hollered, now rubbing Regina’s head.
“Yes. We definitely have to give Him all the praise,” Nathan replied nodding and smiling.
“Dr. Esplanade and I are going to step out to allow you the opportunity to visit with your daughter. Visiting hours are posted on the wall outside of this door. But if you use today to rest, she will probably be in her very own private room by tomorrow at noon.”
