#a few years ago jey & i were talking about wanting to play but life busy etc.

[owlbelly]

grabbed a 2nd edition Vampire: the Masquerade player's guide from the thrift store today & it had two different people's mid-to-late 90s character sheets tucked inside :') they are so precious

someday i am actually gonna play this stupid game, for which i have been collecting books since like 2003 & without which i would not have become a TTRPG illustrator

[thebloodlinereigns]

Love Heals All Wounds (part 6)

Their relationship was thriving and so was Roman’s rehab. In the past few months, he was able to abandon the crutches and continue forward with working out. He still had a brace just for added protection but was no longer using the one he had from post op. His cousins were back in town as the show had returned to Pensacola. Roman was excited to at least go watch a show, even if he couldn’t be involved physically just yet. Roman packed up the car and headed out to the arena with the plans of surprising Draya at work.

The thoughts of The Miz’s trash talk lingered in his mind as he continued to drive. He replayed it all in his head as he pulled up to the arena. The words burned into his memory as he thought of the things The Miz had said to Draya. His eyes narrowed and his brows knitted as the intensity continued to build. He knew he couldn’t lose his cool at this show given he still hasn’t been cleared to compete. “I could just be REALLY, REALLY careful and just beat his face in. I mean trading jabs can’t be that stressful on the knees can it? Draya would kill me if I reinjured my knee. I just want to rip him apart limb from limb. If he starts shit tonight, I’m ending it. That’s it. They better be prepared.” He nodded his head slowly as a devious smile appeared across his face. He pulled all the way into the parking garage to hide the fact that he was there from the people waiting to enter. He slipped in and headed to the locker room to hang out with his cousins.

A loud thunderous pounding was heard from inside the locker room as Jimmy and Jey played Madden on the PlayStation. “Man, who the fuck is that knocking like they the police? WHO IS IT?” Jimmy yelled out as they watched the door vibrate from impact. “Don’t make me buss yo ass. We stay ready homie!” Jey called out.

“Uce, it’s me open the damn door bro. Y’all ain’t gonna do shit but lose with whatever bullshit team you playing as. I’m got next against whoever wins.” Roman said as he stood outside the door. The twins rushed to the door. They opened it and jumped up on Roman playfully. They hadn’t seen him since he had been injured and was glad to see him back.

“WHAT’S UP FAM?! Man, you’ve been gone so long. Driving ain’t the same without you man. Jey already got two tickets for speeding in two separate states. It was easier when you drove. Then we could just sleep.” Jimmy teased as they walked back to their seats. Roman shook his head in disbelief. “Jey, that’s a damn shame. He watched the two continue their game.

“So, I see you and Draya have been doing good. Naomi won’t stop gloating about how her match making skills are on fleek. It’s good to see you happy though. I don’t think any of your ex’s hold a candle to Draya.” Jimmy said as he made a run on the game. “Lisa, crazy ass sholl can’t compete. Remember that time she went ape shit and busted up your car cause she thought you was with another girl and it turned out to be Aunt Patti. Aunt Patti damn near caught a case that night. She came out there swinging that bat around.” The two burst out into laughter as they recalled the incident. Roman looked on obviously not amused by the ordeal.

“Lisa, wasn’t my best choice. I know that now. It didn’t start off that way. She just changed, but all of that is behind me now. I know they have a promo event for NXT coming up and I am thinking of asking her to be my date. I’m ready for the world to know what she means to me.” Roman proclaimed as he looked down at his hands before pushing his hair back out of his face. Roman continued to talk to his cousins as he watched their game.

Meanwhile, Draya was in the training area getting things ready for the show. She felt her phone buzz and looked down at her smartwatch to check the notification. The number was unfamiliar so she ignored it initially. She continued with her duties as she felt the buzz again and looked down at the number. “Hello?” She answered the mysterious caller. “STAY AWAY FROM ROMAN! HE’S MINE!”the caller said before hanging up. Draya looked down at the phone and tried to call the number back to no avail. She went back to her tasks but the thought caused a huge distraction.

Roman left the locker room in search of his love. He went to the trainer’s room and quietly came up behind Draya. He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close. “Hey D, ” he said as he buried his face in the side of her neck. Draya smirked and turned around to look at him. ”Funny that you're here, I was just thinking about you. Do you know this number?” she said as she took out her phone to show him. ”A few moments ago, a woman called and said that I should stay away from you because you're hers?” Draya said as she looked intensely in his eyes. His head lowered as he looked at the number. ”That's Lisa. She is an ex that I haven't talked to since we broke up. I have no idea why she would feel the need to do that. I don't even know how she got this number. Here, I'll take care of it. Don't worry. I have a favor to ask you though. Draya, these past few months have been amazing and I will be honored to have you by my side for the Slammy Awards this Sunday. I'm going to be a presenter and a nominee for NXT Superstar of the Year. Either way, I go home a winner with you on my arm, ” he said as he pushed her soft hair back and leaned in for a kiss. Draya kissed his lips before pulling back, ”I’ll go. Just get Ms. Lisa under control.” She looked at Roman with a side glance before getting back to work.

”Okay, okay. I'll call her and talk to her but you have to get everything together for the Slammy’s. I set it all up to you just have to show up and get all sexy. Trust me, babe, you're in for a good night, ” he said as he held her in his muscular arms. She nodded as she smiled trying to contain her excitement.

Later in the show, The Miz appeared in the ring with a spotlight and the lights were dimmed. ”WELCOME to the most Must-See Wrestling talk show in all of sports entertainment industry, Miz TV! On this fascinating episode, I used my journalism abilities to dig into this story that you'll see tonight. It took me some real digging but I got to the heart of the matter and I think you will be incredibly interested in this story. I know one wrestler who should pay close attention. You know what, this news is so good that I want to see his face first hand. My guest tonight, Roman Reigns!” he said as Roman’s music began to play.

Roman looked up at the monitor confused as he heard his music begin to play. Draya looked up at him with the same expression. ”This can't be- no one told me I was going out there tonight, ” he said as Draya looked up at him with concern. ”Babe, be careful!” she pleaded as she knew that he still hadn't been cleared for competition. Roman became silent as he pecked her on the cheek before heading down to the ring. He walked down the ramp trying his best to keep a straight face. On the inside, his heart was pounding as he soaked in the reaction from the crowdm. He was back in the same arena just a few months after being injured. The crowd roared as he approached the ring. He climbed inside and grabbed a mic as he stood toe to toe with The Miz. The Miz looked on with a smug smirk as he looked down at the knee brace.

”Well, well, well, look who we have here. Roman Reigns back in the NXT ring after months of inactivity thanks to my flawless plan. Roman, I appreciate you coming out but if you know what's best for you, I suggest you keep your temper under control.” The Miz snickered as he stared down the angry Samoan Badass. Roman looked coldly at The Miz as he refrained from unloading on him. ”Why am I out here, Miz?” he asked blatantly. The anger building inside as he stood there and the past comments ran through his mind.

”I'm glad you asked. I want you out here because I want to expose the truth to the people in attendance. I have a surprise for you. I have someone here who has been dying to talk to you. ” The Miz stated proudly. A woman’s voice came through the speakers.

Lisa walked down the ramp with a mic in hand. Her long, straight black hair flowed gently as she walked down to the ring in a form fitting black dress and matching pumps. The Miz propped the ropes open for her to enter as she stared down Roman with her ice blue eyes. “Roman, it’s been a while. I can tell that you have kind of fallen on hard times,”she said as she looked down at his knee brace. “I’ve followed your career for a while and you’ve made quite the name for yourself. Been quite busy, huh? Too busy to answer my calls, my texts, and emails? I tried contacting your family and they all seem to have a problem with me. I didn’t get any answers from anyone. I guess I should have expected that from savages. They never truly understood what we had. So I figured the best way to reach you was to reach out to The Miz to get a spot on Miz TV to see if that would get your attention. Worked to perfection! You know I have to admit I am proud to be the one that got you in the business. I drove you past you’re breaking point. My plan to motivate you to actually be something in life launched a decent career. But one thing that is burned into my brain is the fact that you have yet to acknowledge me for your success. If I hadn’t broken you, you wouldn’t be in the business. All of the cheating and mind games were for your own good. Can I at least get a Thank You card, a edible arrangement, some kind of recognition?” Lisa said as she looked coldly into his eyes.

“You have lost your damn mind, I ain’t giving you shit. I earned everything that has happened for me in this business. I got here on my own and didn’t take a single hand out from anyone. I ignored you because I don’t need you in my life. You are toxic to everyone around you. You broke up with me and I’m supposed to reward you for that? You broke me down to a shell of myself and now that I have an ounce of happiness you want to come back and reap the benefits. I’m not coming back to you. I don’t want you. Leave Draya alone and stay away from her,” Roman scolded as he towered over Lisa.

“Woah, someone’s grumpy. What’s wrong baby? Is she not pleasing you the way I did? You know you miss the way my body felt against your skin. I’m not the best person but I know all the right things to do to make you feel good.” Lisa said in a sultry voice as she brushed against Roman’s body. “I know I put you through a lot but if I hadn’t done those things you would have never been able to get where you are now. You’d still be at that bank wasting your talent instead of making those checks with all those zeroes. You went from depositing those large checks for others to making those large checks for yourself. Just imagine where I could take your wrestling career.” She said as she pulled him close to her.

Roman snatched away from her and backed away. “No! Get off me! You are crazier than I thought. Let me put this in a way that you can understand. I DON’T WANT YOUR CRAZY ASS! Stay out of my life!” He said slowly and clearly.

Lisa pulled away and laughed quietly as she looked back up at Roman. “You don’t mean that, that’s the new girl talking. They all turned you against me that’s what it is. They’ve gotten in your head and made you believe that what I did was meant to hurt you. I want the best for you.” She said calmly.

“What the h- NO! You don’t! You don’t want the best for me you want the money. You want the fame. You want me to bend over backwards for you and let you use me as your personal bank. I can’t do that Lisa. You have to find your own way.” Roman backed up and dropped the mic before exiting the ring.

“Don’t make me do this Roman! You remember what happened the last time you were in this arena? Get back here! I’m not done talking to you! ROMAN! Don’t you walk away from me! You’re making a big mistake, Roman Reigns! You turn your back on me and you will never wrestle again you hear me!” Lisa snapped as she watched Roman walk away. She looked back at The Miz and nodded. “I warned you!” She called out as Roman continued to walk away. The Miz quickly exited the ring and ran behind Roman, driving his shoulder into the back of his knee. Roman collapsed to the ramp instantly as he clutched his knee. Roman covered up as The Miz continued to stomp him. Roman grabbed The Miz’s leg and pulled him down to the floor beside him and unloaded with vicious strikes just as the referees came to try to break the two up. Trainers poured out of the backstage area and got in between the two.

Lisa stood in the middle of the ring, shouting demands at The Miz to help him regain the upper hand as she leaned against the ropes. “COME ON MIZ, YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT TO DO! It’s just like last time! Go for his knee! Attack it! If he doesn’t want to be with me, I will make his life a living hell.” Lisa smirked as she watched from the ring.

The Miz grabbed Roman’s injured leg and began to lock in the Figure Four. Roman desperately fought this attempt. He frantically kicked The Miz several times to block him from applying the hold. The Miz tried once more before he successfully locked in the hold. Lisa shouted in to the mic,”ILL BE DAMNED IF I SEE HIM WITH ANY OTHER BITCH! I am the mastermind behind his attack! I enlisted the help of The Miz to ensure that he would be taken out. No one will reap the benefits of his career other than me. I am the reason he decided to wrestle. I should get what’s owed to me! I should be walking red carpets and going on vacations. I broke up with him to challenge him to become greater. He’s now good enough for me to date and I won’t stop until he’s mine.” She laughed as she watched the anguish on his face. The trainers attempted to break the hold but were unsuccessful. Roman screamed out as he felt the pain intensify.

Draya was fed up and made her way ringside armed with a steel chair. She ran up quickly and clobbered The Miz with the steel chair until he broke the hold. Once he collapsed to the mat, she fell to her knees next to Roman as she writhed in pain. She stroked his hair and she held him close. “I know, I know. Let’s get you to the back.” She said as she helped him up. He limped slightly as she guided his steps. She looked back at Lisa before shaking her head and turning back around to help Roman to the back. “I’m sorry, I- I’m so sorry. I didn’t know she would be here.” Roman said with remorse.

“It’s okay. Johnathan, make sure he gets to the back. I’m going to be right back.” Draya assures before she let Roman go. Draya turned and headed towards the ring as the producers and officials tried to talk her out of it. Lisa teased from the ring,” Come on, bitch! I’m not afraid of you. You’re just temporary. You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. He’s forever going to be mine, this isn’t over. You think you bringing your punk ass out here is going to change shit? I know everything about you, Draya. You have nothing on me. That’s my man and I will stop at nothing to ensure that we will be together again. I will keep showing up until he’s back where he belongs.” Lisa said confidently.

Draya snatched away from the officials and slid in the ring under the ropes. She charged towards Lisa as the crowd erupted with a “YES” chant. The crowd was on fire as Draya took Lisa down to the floor. She unloaded with vicious elbows before she proceeded to stomp Lisa’s upper body. Lisa swept Draya’s feet out from under her causing her head to bounce off the mat. Draya was dazed as she held the back of her head and neck before she rolled on to her side. Lisa propped herself up on her elbow and crawled towards Draya. She pulled her hair and slammed her head into the mat repeatedly. Draya laid there as she tried to recoup for a few moments. Lisa made it to her feet and gloated as she soaked in the reaction from the crowd. Draya used the time to muster up enough strength to make it to her feet. She sneaked up behind her and lock in the Coquina Clutch. Draya’s grip around her neck became tighter as she felt her body go limp. The two collapsed to the mat as Draya wrapped her legs around Lisa’s mid section. The referees climbed into the ring and pulled Draya off of Lisa. “Bring it on bitch!” Draya called out as she fixed her hair and checked her mouth for blood. Lisa laid lifeless as the referees checked on her. Draya quickly escaped the ring and ran full speed to the trainer’s room to look for Roman.

“Where is he? ROMAN?! What the hell happened out there?! He wasn’t even cleared for physical activity! Where’s Hunter at? Who’s fucking idea was it to let this happen, huh?! NO ONE HAS ANYTHING TO SAY? So y’all just gonna look at me like I’m stupid?” Draya looked around the room at the producers and fellow members of the training team. Draya stood with her hands on her hips as she breathed heavily, her body covered in sweat. A few bruises and wells became evident under the light in the training room. Roman came out of the bathroom with a heavy limp as he walked carefully back to the table. Draya rushed over to him as the producer called Hunter. “Are you okay? Did they look you over?” Draya said as she spit the words out quickly. Rage filled her heart as Roman looked at her with a defeated demeanor. “I’m okay, just some pain. They did some tests here but I have to go back and get some at the ER. I’m fine. Just some swelling, nothing different than when I work out. I’m sorry about what happened to-“ Roman was cut off by Hunter bursting through the door.

“What the hell was that? That’s not how that segment was supposed to go. I didn’t approve that shit. The health of our talent comes first, if this delays his return to the ring, I swear- it better not happen. Someone dropped the ball and when I find out, you can bet your ass that you’ll deal with me. Go get checked out and let me know what happens, call me directly. I don’t know what kind of psycho shit is going on but this can’t happen again. Good job mustering through it. Draya, I apologize it went that far but hat was a hell of a job taking her down.” Hunter stated before leaving.

Draya looked at Roman and kissed his lips softly before grabbing her things. “I’ll take you to get checked out. I didn’t expect any of this to happen. This bitch is psycho. Why didn’t you tell me about her?” She asked as he pushed himself up from the table.

Roman replied,” I was meaning to but how exactly do I bring that up without scaring you off. She’s not gonna stop until she gets what she wants. I like you a lot and I didn’t want to ruin it before I had the chance to see where it went. I guess you heard most of the story already. She was a childhood sweet heart that ended up being nothing more than a money hungry, manipulative, cheater that only cared about herself. She only wanted me because I had the job at the bank and was spending all my money on her. Money I didn’t even have. I took out loans, maxed out cards because I thought that what love was. She wasn’t happy even after all that so she left. I was broken turned to women, drinking, just letting myself go because it was my first real relationship and I just wanted to numb the pain. I started wrestling then one thing lead to another. I made it here. When I came to NXT and started to get a little popularity. She started calling and trying to contact me. I ignored it all. Then it stopped, I figured I was in the clear. When they started mentioning you on tv, it picked up again. After you showed me the number calling you, it confirmed it.” He said as he held Draya’s hand. “I’m truly sorry for all of this and I understand if you don’t want to continue this relationship. I’m grateful to at least have been happy with you this long.” He said as he looked down at their hand.

“I’m not going anywhere. What we have is worth fighting for. I’m not going to get scared and run away from some delusional woman. It’s all going to be okay. I trust you and I know your heart. We can get through this. Ro, you mean too much to me for me to just let go. We will get you checked out, then we decide what we’re going to do for the Slammy awards.” She said with a smile as she pecked him on the cheek.

Roman smiled slightly as they walked out of the trainer’s room and to his car. Draya took the keys and hopped in the driver seat as Roman climbed into the passenger seat. The two went to the ER to get his knee checked out. After an hour or so, they were informed that no significant damage was done to the knee but the hold did place a lot of stress on the surgical site. They suggest that he stayed off the knee and just rest for the next few days.

Taking the advice, Roman and Draya drove back to her condo. As Draya drove up, she noticed something was different. The condo’s windows had been broken out and clothes were scattered across the lawn. Tears filled her eyes as she saw “HE’S MINE!” spray painted across the door. She slowed to a stop as she turned the car off. Roman quickly called the police as he got out the car and accompanied Draya inside. The home had been ransacked. Paintings had been sliced with knives just like her furniture. The kitchen was barely recognizable as most of the fixtures had been broken. The appliances were smashed to bits. Childhood photos had been cut up and melted frames were found in the fire place. Tears flowed from her eyes as she realized that irreplaceable photos of her grandmother were burned. She quickly went to her room and looked around to see that it had also been destroyed. Her closets were emptied and shoes covered in some type of chemical. Her bed had the same slashes as the rest of the furniture. The smashed wooden furniture left wood pieces scattered across the floor. Every inch of her dream home had been desecrated. Her escape from her busy days was now in shambles.

Draya’s heart broke as the reality sank in. Roman held her tight as he comforted her. “Draya, I'm so - I can't even fathom what you must be feeling. I'm sorry that this happened. I never meant to be a source of pain for you. I never wanted to bring a tear to your eye. It pains me to see everything you worked so hard for destroyed because of us being together.” Roman said in a low voice.

”Ro, I - this was the first home I ever owned. my grandmother was my rock. She was the only one that believed in my dreams and pushed me to pursue everything my heart desired. Those photos were passed down to me from her. Generations before her were in those frames. I can't get those back. When she passed away, I promised her I would get back to Florida and settle here. I promised her I will do the things that make me happy. My last pictures of her before she passed were on these walls. I didn't have anyone else but her. She raised me like I was her own daughter because my own parents didn't want me. She was my first experience of unconditional love. You don't know - I can't explain how I feel right now. LISA TOOK THAT FROM ME!” Draya said as lowered herself to the ground. Roman sat next to her and held her in his arms as her tears stained his shirt. Her loud sobs ripped him to pieces as they intensified. The louder they got the harder it was for him to keep himself together. He pushed his hair out of his face and continued to hold her.

The police came into the house and surveyed the damage before getting a statement from Draya once she had calmed down a bit. Roman rubbed her back as she finished the statement. Her eyes were red and swollen as she continued to choke back tears. As the officers continued to question her, Roman’s phone vibrated. The number read as ”UNKNOWN” but some how managed to send a message with photos attached. The photos showed current images of the inside of the wrecked condo. Roman looked around as he tried to figure out where the pictures were being taken from. ”Ya’ll have to do something. I keep getting messages, she's getting messages from strange numbers. These have photos of the house, right now, attached. What the hell is going on? Can you do your job and arrest this sick bitch or not? Lisa is doing this because I don't want to be with her and she's going too far. This has to stop. I'm taking Draya away from here until this is resolved. Fix this shit!” Roman demanded.

”We will do our best, Mr. Reigns. I need you to cooperate and remain calm so that we can do our jobs. We understand this is a difficult situation but, ” the officer was cut off by Roman. ”A difficult with a difficult situation? You can bet your ass it's a difficult situation that will get a whole lot more difficult it Y'all don't lock her away. I don't understand the holdup. We told you what happened. She left this morning. I left around 12 to surprise her at work. Everything is going smoothly. She gets a message from her saying the exact same thing that's painted across her door. She threatened her at the show and now we come back to this. Draya doesn't deserve any of this and you want to drag your feet on this. Something needs to get done and quick. I can’t do anything to replace those photos but I can break my foot off in your ass if it makes you work a little harder to get this handled, ” he said as his anger reaches a boiling point. ”DO SOMETHING!” Roman exclaimed as he came face to face with the officer. He glared at him as he breathed heavily.

Draya interrupted the confrontation as she wedge herself between the two. “Roman, chill out before they lock you up. Officer, thank you for what you’re doing. I’ll find somewhere to stay until I decide how to get my house fixed.” She said as she looked at Roman. He continued to stare down the officer before the officer ultimately walked away. Roman looked down at Draya with sad eyes as he felt a rush of guilt flood his soul. “Babygirl, I’m sorry. I know I can’t ease the pain of this but I’ll do whatever I can to make it up to you.” He said as he lowered himself to his knees. “I sincerely apologize with every fiber of my being. I never wanted you to hurt like this.” He said as he held her tight to him. He rubbed her back slowly. Draya stroked his hair. “I know babe. I know.”

The days passed as the couple continued to bounce from hotel to hotel room. They weren’t able to stay at Roman’s place, given that Lisa knew where he and various family members stayed. To take their minds off of what happened, the two went shopping for outfits for the award show. Roman kept his word and used crutches to hobble around the boutiques as they looked for a suit. He tried on several, much to his displeasure, but didn’t feel comfortable in anything. “You know what, fuck this damn show. If I have to wear a suit I don’t want to go. Fucking leg hurts and I don’t want to wear a stupid suit.” He snapped as he put the suit back on the rack. Draya looked up from her phone. “Roman, calm down. You don’t have to wear a suit. Here we can go to another store and find something. Maybe a nice button down with a black leather jacket, nice dark denim jeans, and black boots?” She suggested. “Perfect suggestion! Let’s get the hell out of here and find that.” He said as he waited for her to gather her stuff. They walked across the street and found an outfit very close to what she had suggested. Draya looked around the store and didn’t feel much like shopping. She reflected on all that she had lost. She pulled herself together and tried on some outfits. Draya decided to get the black leather jacket, black jumper, and black open toe wedges. Roman looked on in awe of her as she modeled the outfit for him. “I love it, D!” He said as he kissed her lips.

Sunday night came around and the two put the finishing touches on their outfits. Draya finished applying her makeup and putting on her earrings as Roman got his brace on over the jeans. He walked over to her and lightly massaged her shoulders as she sprayed her perfume. “You ready to show the world how I’m the luckiest man in the world to have a woman as beautiful as you on my arm?” He said playfully. He grabbed the keys as he waited for her, leaning against the bedroom door. She grabbed her purse and smiled as she led the way to the door. Roman watched as he walked slowly to the door. He couldn’t help but admire the view. He hurried to the door as he realized that she had caught him in the act. “Come on Roman, we’re gonna be late. I don’t want to keep the people waiting.” She laughed as she held the door open for him. He handed her the keys as he carefully walked to the car. “I could totally drive.” He said before climbing into the passenger seat. “You’re supposed to be resting, I got this boo.” She teased as she started the car. She backed out of the parking spot and pulled onto the street. She picked up speed as she merged into traffic.

Draya drove for a while before approaching the red light. Draya applies her foot to the brake, the car never slowed down. Roman looked over as he realized that they weren’t stopping. “Draya, stop playing around. Slow down, babe.” The horror on her face proved to him that she was by no means kidding. Draya frantically stomped the brake as she continued into oncoming traffic. She panicked as she attempted to swerve to avoid the cars. Draya looked up and saw headlights headed straight towards her. Her heart dropped as she realized their fate. She ran into a pole head on in an attempt to avoid others but failed to avoid the car coming towards her on the driver’s side. As they made contact with the pole, her head snapped forward and hit the steering wheel. The airbag deployed as the glass shattered. She blacked out instantly. She felt the pain surge through her body as the car made impact with the driver’s side door. The metal crunched around her as the impact snapped her neck another direction. The sickening sound of bones cracking under the weight made Roman’s blood boil. He looked over at his girlfriend and saw blood coming from her head. He frantically called 911 as soon as he could find his phone. He screamed, “DRAYA! Baby, please! Come on, talk to me.”

“Don’t move her, please tell me your location and I’ll have help on the way. Stay with her, try to talk to her. Look for any sudden movements.” The dispatcher instructed as she collected info from Roman. “Come on baby, open your eyes. Give me something baby. Anything, please let me know your here. I wouldn’t forgive myself - come on baby! Come on, D!” He begged as he caressed her face. He dropped his hand down to hers and held it firmly. Her hand twitched under his. He looked up as he felt the twitch. “Draya, it’s me baby, I’m here.” Her eyes fluttered as they slowly opened. She looked over at Roman and tried to speak. No matter how she tried, she couldn’t get the words out. “It’s okay, it’s okay. Just squeeze my hand and let me know you here me. Come on baby girl.” He patiently waited for a response as he continued talking to the dispatcher. She squeezed his hand as hard as she could. He smiled as tears flowed down his face. “Keep fighting baby, I’m so proud of you. Keep still for me and help is coming baby. How much longer?” He asked the dispatcher between motivating Draya. “They’re less than 5 minutes. Hold on baby, please!” The lights appeared in Roman’s view as he held her hand.

Roman got out through the passenger side and attempted to direct them towards the area. He checked on the other driver who was still coherent but shaken up. “Make sure she gets help,” the driver instructed. He nodded as the ambulance pulled up. Roman held his hands behind his head as he tried to process what happened. He gave his account of the accident as the cops questioned him. He stole a peek of the EMTs as they worked to pull the car door open. He rushed over as he saw them struggle. They used machinery to force the door open and did his best to keep from jumping in. Once the door opened, he got as close as he could without getting in the way. “I’m still here baby. I’m still here.” He called out as tears flowed from his eyes. They carefully pulled her out from the carnage and held her head straight as they placed the collar around her neck. The entire team were all hands on deck as they called out,”possible SCI with cervical fracture.” Roman honed in on those words as he tried to process what he heard while they strapped her in on the stretcher. He walked over to the ambulance as they loaded her up. He climbed in the back and took her hand. He held it to his lips as he kissed her softly. He sniffled as he choked back tears.

They made it to the hospital as they rushed Draya away. “What’s going on? Wh- where is she going?” He asked as they held him back in the waiting room. “Tell me what’s going on, please!” He looked the nurse in the eyes. “I can’t tell you what’s going on right now, I don’t even know but I will do my best to get an answer as soon as I can. Is there anyone we can call for you?” She asked and took Roman to get checked out.

Roughly 30 minutes later, Roman’s family appeared. Naomi led the pack with tears in her eyes. She knew by the look on his face that the news wasn’t good. He sat in the waiting room with a small bandage on his forehead and some bruising on his face. Patti rushed to him and hugged him tight in relief that he was okay. She kissed his forehead and held him as he began to breakdown. He pulled away as he looked at Naomi. His red swollen eyes welled with more tears as he began to tell her what happened. Naomi’s mouth dropped as she listened to the details. She held her hands over her mouth as tears fell past her chin. Just as Roman finished the story, silence spread amongst the room. Naomi paced back and forth as images of their childhood replayed in her mind. Patti and Sika sat together quietly. Jimmy stared at the ground as Roman sat silently by the window. Jey went to get snacks and coffee for everyone. Roman refused as he continued to sit in silence, not moving a muscle.

Hours passed before an update. The time ticked by slowly as time continued to past. Roman looked up at the clock and walked to the desk just as the surgeon made his way out to the waiting room. Roman glanced at him, “Are you coming out to tell us about Draya? Draya Bermudez?” Roman asked. The entire family looked up in unison and stood up next to Roman.

“Yes, Ms. Bermudez underwent surgery to stabilize the fracture in her neck and her mid back. There is some swelling. She might have some issues with numbness or tingling which should subside as she heals. There’s no permanent damage to her spinal cord but it will be a long road to recovery. We will have her in her room soon. The nurse can let you know which ICU bed she will be in. We just want to monitor her for any changes. She’s going to pull through but we have a tough road ahead.” The doctor said before he shook Roman’s hands. Roman sighed heavily before he went over to the nurse’s station. “Where will Draya be?” He nodded as they provided directions. Naomi joined him and they left the others in the waiting room. They went upstairs to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit and went to the last door on the right. Draya laid in bed sleeping. Her body appeared so small surrounded by all the tubes and machinery. She was still intubated from the surgery with a ventilator in the room. A new neck brace replaced the previous collar that Roman saw her with. As he got closer, he realized that her torso was covered with a hard, plastic brace. She had two IVs in either arm both hooked up to pumps with fluids running. She had fresh stitches near her right brow and in her upper lip from where the glass cut her. He leaned down and pressed his lips lightly to her forehead as he stroked her hair. He took her hand as he pulled up a seat. He held it in his as he sat down. He pulled the rosary out of his wallet and placed it in her hand as he began to pray silently to himself. He wept uncontrollably as he begged for her healing. Naomi stood silently next to him with tears streaming down her face. She placed her hand on his shoulder as she watched her best friend lay in bed, helpless. Before the two knew it, an hour had passed. Roman watched intently for her to wake up. He never moved from the spot as Naomi texted everyone updates.

Draya desperately fought to wake up, the medication they used during the surgery was definitely winning this battle. She felt their presence but couldn’t do much to respond. She heard Roman pleading for her to wake up and Naomi calling her name. Her eyes felt like they were glued shut they were so heavy. Her eyes fluttered before she opened them to see a hazy image of a white ceiling. She looked around and wasn’t sure of her surroundings. She looked down at her hand and saw Roman with his head down. Draya squeezed his hand firmly to get his attention. Roman looked up and smiled as he saw that she was awake. His eyes widened as he heard the monitors beep more as the numbers increased. “Shhhh, baby. Baby, you’re okay. You’re safe. You were in an accident. You have to stay calm babe. It’s okay. You had surgery on your neck and back. They said you broke a few ribs. I know you’re in a lot of pain but I’m here. They have a tube in your mouth to -uh, the tube,”he said as he cleared his throat. “It’s there to help you breathe for right now. It’s temporary okay?” He said as his voice cracked. “I’m not going anywhere. You didn’t leave me and I can’t leave you.” Draya tried to speak but only incomprehensible sounds could be heard. Naomi looked around for a pen and paper. She held it up and waited for confirmation. She squeezed Roman’s hand tight. He nodded as Naomi held the paper and handed her the pen. Draya began to write the words, ” I love you, ” on the paper. She looked back at Roman with tears in her eyes. He wiped each one away before they passed her chin. “I love you since the day I met you babygirl.” He replied sweetly.

In this short time, Draya and Roman had endured so much. Why punish two people for being madly in love? They hoped for a lifetime of happiness but it seemed as if sadness had become the third wheel of their relationship. Will they even make it through this latest blow? It's a tough pill to swallow when someone who is so active and strong is no longer able to be themselves anymore. The true test is coming. The journey to recovery won't be an easy one but both are hopeful their love will conquer all adversity.