“Meaning, if the new aid doesn’t work then we’ll have to look into surgical options.”
“I don’t want to go that route.”
Sympathy covered her face. “I know we were hoping to avoid that option, but from what it’s looking like, it’s going to eventually get to the point where the hearing aid doesn’t work anymore. The cochlear implant?—”
“No.” I shut her down, snatching my hands from Creed, slapping them down on my thighs, and leaning forward. “I don’t want the implants.”
“I know. I know. That’s the worst case scenario. First we’re going to readjust your hearing aids and get you back with your ENT. He should be able to determine exactly what’s causing the excessive damage and we’ll go from there.”
I licked my lips and balled my hands into fists. This was something I shouldn’t be upset over. I knew it was a possibility. She told me her concerns last year when I saw her. Still, it was a heavy pill to swallow.
My appointment continued and by the end of it I was exhausted, mentally and emotionally. With heavy spirits, we left the doctor’s appointment and started for Creed’s truck. It was shocking I hadn’t drawn blood from how hard I was biting my bottom lip. My eyelids pooled with unshed tears.
“Nakyra.” Creed called out to me before I could get to the passenger side of the truck. Giving him my attention, I saw his shoulders fall forward as he stepped into me, pulling me into his arms. I dug my face in his chest and the tears began to fall.
Creed didn’t speak. He rubbed my back and tightened his hold on me. Turning us, he leaned against the trunk of his truck with me in his arms.
“I don’t want to get surgery.” I sniffled. Tilting my head up, I stared at him through glossy eyes.
He didn’t respond right away, just continued to rub my back. His head dipped and he pressed his lips against my forehead.
“I don’t know what to say in a situation like this. It’s all going to be okay doesn’t seem appropriate,” he started. “I know we always spoke on the what ifs when it came to your hearing and you not being able to use your hearing aids anymore, but your doctor said there are ways you can still hear.”
I sniffed and pulled back. “Yeah, by them drilling into my skull. I just don’t get why I can’t catch a break. It’s bad enough I lost my hearing in the first place, now my ears just keep getting worse and worse.”
“The adjusted aids might work out.”
I released a guttural laugh. “Yeah, this is the third time. There’s only so much adjusting we can do before more intensive treatment has to happen.”
“Look.” Creed reached out and pulled me back into him. “Regardless of what happens, I got you. You won’t have to go through this alone. You also have Summer and Camilla too.”
“Eventually you have to go back to home,” I whispered as pain shot through my chest. A nauseating feeling passed through my stomach at the thought of him leaving.
Creed didn’t rebut my statement, he just pulled me closer and kissed the top of my head. “We’re gonna figure everything out. Still, you’re not in this alone. Whatever happens, you have people here to support you. Don’t let this stress you out.”
“You promise not to leave me?” Right now I didn’t care how clingy or needy I sounded. Creed had shown me more support in three months than Rome had in eight years.
“I promise. I got you. It’s me and you.”
I still felt uneasy, but I was choosing to believe Creed and found comfort in his words.
Chapter 25
Creed
“Long time no see, stranger.” Dee gave me a sultry grin, opening her door wider and letting me in.
“Yeah…you been good?” I asked, stepping into the house with my hands in my pockets. I paused and turned to face her.
I didn’t get the chance to talk to her before I left to go back to New Haven but it was time to end things with us. My feelings for Nakyra were growing and I didn’t want her to have any reason to doubt that.
“I have. You haven’t been to the club lately either. Everything okay?” She stepped forward and reached out to run her hand down my chest. I caught it in the air and stared down at her.
“Yeah, just been busy. Look, Dee?—”
“You’re ending this, huh?” The smile on her face didn’t show she was upset, it held understanding instead.
I released her wrist. “Yeah, I am.”
