With his departure, I quickly took off the black dress. Placing it in the laundry basket, I put back on the tent. I pulled my hair out of the clip and gave it a good toss, as Gabe suggested. Grabbing some blush from my purse on the counter, I intentionally rubbed the rose hue onto my cheeks, throwing it back in my bag and sitting down just as Henry entered the kitchen.
“Hi love. How are you?”
Tru was wearing khaki shorts and a navy blue knit polo. His hair was still wet from the shower, as he approached to stroke my belly and say good morning to Emma Grace. Leaning down in front of me, his eyes stared at my face.
“A woman is here for you- outside. I asked her if she wanted to come in, but she refused.”
“Yes. She’s a realtor. Are you unwell? Your cheeks look flushed.” His hand found its way upward to my face, concerned.
“I don’t feel so good today. A realtor?”
“Do you have a fever?”
His hands cupped both my cheeks then gravitated to my chest and back.
“I don’t know. I don’t think so. Why do you need a realtor?”
“Emma Grace will be here soon. I need to find a house. We should get you to the hospital.”
He started to pull me out of my chair.
“No. No. I probably just picked up something from Mattie. He’s around all those other kids at therapy. It’s no big deal. I’ll just take some Tylenol and drink lots of orange juice. I’ll be fine. You have plans. Go. Don’t keep Tricia waiting.”
“Her name is Callie. I’ll reschedule. I wouldn’t feel right leaving you today.”
“If you’re sure?” I replied, trying not to smile.
“My girls come first. Let me go explain the cancellation. I feel bad she drove out here for nothing.”
I followed closely behind him to the door.
“Tell her that I’m so sorry for screwing up your plans.”
“I will. You don’t worry about that. Sit down. I’ll make you a ham and cheese omelet. Be right back.”
With that, the door closed. My plan had worked. Gabe was the puppet master. I had become his evil apprentice. After feeling a very small tinge of remorse, I promptly decided that the ends justified the means. I tried not to be too obvious, staring through the window, watching them converse. Callie looked truly disappointed and I relished in my victory. Baby trumps big hair every time. Thank you, Emma Grace. Operation GET YOUR DADDY BACK was commencing.
When Henry returned, he dragged me back up to bed, insisting that I get more rest. If there was one thing I didn’t need, it was more rest. I was the most rested person in America. There was little for me to argue, considering that he had bought my little rouse. I made my bed and now would have to lie in it- all day. Lucky me. Tommy would call that justice, but I preferred to think of it as falling on my sword for the greater good.
“Here you are,” he said, placing the tray of food down in front of me.
“I am really sorry for messing up your day.”
“It’s no trouble. We rescheduled for tomorrow.”
“I think I’m going to be sick,” I realized looking at the omelet.
God was zapping me. Maybe it was Henry’s news that I didn’t stay off the house hunting search or maybe it was heavenly retribution for lying, but my stomach began to churn. I motioned with my hand to the trash can beside the nightstand, which Henry grabbed and presented to me in the knick of time.
“Sorry. I don’t know where that came from. My stomach was fine when I woke up this morning.”
“She’s really doing a number on you. I can’t wait for the next ultrasound.”
“You’re in luck. We have one scheduled this week.”
“Perfect. I’m the only one who hasn’t seen her. Now, let’s get you a shower. Come on, then, follow me.”
Being in the bathroom with him was like old times. He turned on the water as I disinfected my mouth with Listerine, brushed my teeth, and then deposited a piece of mint gum on my tongue to settle my stomach. When I was done, he stood behind me and pulled off my robe. He turned to leave as I grabbed his arm.
“Don’t leave. Stay and talk to me while I sit perched on my shower chair. I’m tired of my own company.”
“Are you sure?” he asked surprised.
“Yes, unless you have better things to do. I’m having your baby. I think we’re way past modesty. It’s not like you don’t know every inch of my body anyway- right? Just because we’re struggling, it doesn’t mean that I don’t love you, Tru. There is no one else in the world who I feel more comfortable with than you.”
“Okay,” was all he could muster by way of a response.
“Okay. Help me out of this tent,” I said, smiling, referring to my old lady nightgown.
Henry assisted me and stood staring at my naked body which revealed itself one inch at a time. I couldn’t read his thoughts which bothered me immensely. Self-doubt became my clothes, cloaking me, and weighing me down.
“I know. I’m huge,” I said, figuring that’s what he was thinking.
“You’ve never been more beautiful,” he replied, placing his hands on my belly.
“Thanks. A girl needs to hear that occasionally; especially when she looks like a whale.”
“I love you,” he said out of left field.
Panicking, I said the only thing that came to mind.
“Could you get rid of those eggs before I get out? Emma Grace and eggs obviously don’t mix.”
He looked disappointed. I was disappointed. I had the perfect moment to remedy my own sad situation and I didn’t have the courage. There was no acceptable excuse. He’d already gone out on a limb in declaring his love; someone save me from myself- anyone.
Henry left and returned as I was stepping out of the shower. He walked towards me with a towel, outstretched. With his body against mine, he wrapped the white cotton towel around me. Feeling his hold, I exhaled slowly to steady myself. As he prepared to take a step back away from me, I found my courage, closing my eyes, and kissing his lips ever so gently.
“What was that for?” he asked.
“We should talk. Will you hand me my robe?”
Henry looked stunned. I was nervous, but I felt reassured knowing that he kissed me back. After tying my robe, I grabbed his hand and led him to the bed, where we sat.
“I’ve missed you… a lot. I know that you’ve been trying to mend fences with me and I haven’t made things easy for you. I’m sorry. It’s just that I was so hurt.”
“Tricia was a big mistake, Jewels. We both agree on that, but the bottom line is that you sent me away. You gave up on us.”
“I know. I did. I realize now that you had every right to see whomever you chose; but it was just Tricia?”
“Yes.”
“I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that I’m still of the opinion that our love…our history… should have kept that affair from happening.”
“I don’t want to go back over all this. I slept with Tricia. That can’t be changed. Whether or not you think that I didn’t have a long enough mourning period over the loss of our relationship is really none of your concern. You left me- not the other way around. You don’t get to decide how other people handle their heartaches and disappointments. People in your life are allowed to feel any way they want to, even if it doesn’t match up with your own thoughts on the matter.”
I pulled back, stunned at his frankness.
“Look, I’ve been making an effort because you are the mother of my child. We are going to be in each other’s lives for the long haul. Like you said, that doesn’t have to be together. I’m tired of forcing myself on you. I think I’m finally prepared to move on, officially.”
“Oh… well that makes my kissing you rather embarrassing, doesn’t it?”
“Jewels, we will always love each other. I do love you. That’s why I told you so. We have a child to raise together; it doesn’t mean that we have to be in love with one another, right?”
“Sure. Right. That’s a g
ood point. One request though, in light of this new understanding; would you please stay in the house until we get through the infant stage? I don’t think it’s in Emma’s best interest to be carted between houses, especially with me breast feeding. You can move into the room next to the nursery. The room is bare, but I can order some furniture for you.”
“I’ll stay. I agree; it is best for the baby,” he said in a matter of fact tone.
“Okay, then it is settled. I’m getting kind of tired. I think I’ll take a nap. Would you mind closing the door when you leave?” I asked, trying to disguise my disappointment.
“Sure,” he replied. Looking concerned, he added, “Are we okay?”
“Absolutely,” I responded pulling the covers over me and turning on my side, away from his field of view.
“I’ll wake you for lunch.”
“No. Don’t. I’ll set my clock to get up before Tommy and John arrive.”
“Okay. Have a good sleep. I’ll be here if you need anything,” he said as the door closed.
When I heard his footsteps on the stairs, I got out of bed to lock the door. The last thing I needed was for him to walk back in and see me crying. I still had a small amount of pride intact. Dog snuck in as I swung the door shut, jumping up on my bed. Claiming the spot near the footboard, he responded to my neck scratches with tail wagging.
Trying to stifle the sounds of my discord, I plunged my head into the pillow. Crying seemed to upset Dog. She marine crawled her way up to my face, licking my wet cheeks. My mind was filled with images of girlfriends and step monsters caring for Emma while Henry was away working. A tart like Callie was destined to be in my sweet girl’s life and there wasn’t anything I could do about it.
When I calmed down enough to speak clearly, I called Gabe who informed me that he would be home in a flash with a chocolate milkshake. Thank God for true friends.
22
Trying to seem unaffected by his rejection, I did my best to make small talk with Henry as we waited for Tommy and John to arrive. They called from the limousine I had sent to collect them saying that they would be home momentarily.
I’d managed to take a shower and get dolled up just as Gabe had suggested during his pep talk earlier in the morning. He’d said that it was time to make Henry jealous. I was drowning in a sea of hopelessness, but agreed to play along. Gabe warned that he would be overly helpful and touchy during the course of the next few days. He was always helpful, but the touching would seem weird; although, after the events of the day, I was game.
Gabe arrived and brought me a big bouquet of flowers. They were hydrangea blossoms- my favorite. He kissed me on the cheek as he placed them in my hand.
“Hi beautiful,” he said as he rubbed my belly. “How was the rest of your day? I enjoyed the time we spent together this morning. I’m glad you agreed to consider exploring the possibilities we discussed,” he added as he gave me a pat on the backside.
Henry’s expression was priceless. His jaw almost touched the floor and his eyes grew in size.
“I bought some tickets to that concert you wanted to go to. Maybe Henry could watch Mattie for us; give him some practice for Emma Grace. What do you say, Henry?”
“I say that Jewels is on bed rest. She can’t be going to any concert,” he said irritated.
“True. However, the concert is in March.” He turned his attention back to me. “I could only get tickets for the Atlanta show so I thought we could spend the weekend painting the town. I’ll check into suites at the Ritz Carlton.”
“Sounds good?” I replied, not having the script to Gabe’s mind game in front of me.
“She’s breast feeding. She can’t be away from the baby so soon after giving birth,” Henry firmly stated, rather annoyed, but proud of his argument.
“You’re right. That’s why we’re going to take Emma Grace with us. My mom said that she would come and watch her while we’re at the concert,” he said to Henry as he slapped him lightly on the back. “I’ve worked out all the details. You don’t mind; do you Henry- just a quick trip to the city? Julia deserves it after all these months stuck in bed, don’t you think?”
“I guess,” he responded bewildered.
“Good, then it’s settled. I can’t wait,” he said, grinning from ear to ear as the front door opened.
Tommy was standing in front of John. Anxious to see my father with my own eyes, I charged the door. Before me stood a sickly old man, devoid of the vigor he once had. John’s eyes were still a light yellow and his skin was pale. He seemed a little short of breath which was concerning.
“Hi Father. How are you?” Without waiting for a reply, my nervousness kept my mouth moving. “Come in and sit down. I’ve had Gabe move a bed into the study for you so you don’t have to climb stairs. Are you hungry? I could fix you some food? Do you need to take medicine? I could get you a glass of water.”
“Julia, child, take a breath. I’m fine- just a little tired. It has been a long two weeks.”
“Come on Dad,” said Tommy, “Let’s get you to the couch. I’ll bring in your suitcase.”
Tommy walked past me, asserting control over John. It was apparent that they’d grown close through this ordeal and I was happy for my brother.
“Stop fussing over me Tommy. I can still walk.”
“Now you know how I’ve felt all these months. Sucks, doesn’t it?”
“Don’t talk like that Julia. Ladies don’t use those words.”
“Yes sir,” I said mocking him.
“I’m still fit enough to take you to task and don’t you forget it.”
“That’s it. I’m sold. John is fine,” I said, adding my estimation of his health.
Tommy walked back in carrying a package. Henry grabbed the suitcase and disappeared to place it in the study. I sat down next to my father on the sofa and Gabe sat on the arm, next to me, with his hand on the small of my back. This was obviously for Henry’s benefit. When he returned, he sat in the chair across from us- the sad chair. My father broke the tension with questions.
“How have you been, Henry? I heard that you helped your replacement get adjusted to working in our New York office. Thank you.”
“I’m fine, sir. I was sorry to hear of your illness. Your new hire is quite versed in the Spencer portfolio. He’ll be a great asset,” said Henry, acting congenial.
“Thank you. That’s good to hear. Any job prospects for you?” he quizzed.
“I’m considering some opportunities.”
“You know you have my highest recommendation.”
“Thank you, sir. I know.”
Tommy walked over to me and held out the brown paper covered package.
“This came for you. It’s from the Peruvian police department. What could that be?” he asked.
“Father John said that they would be posting my personal effects after the investigation was closed.”
“Are you sure you want to relive that event, sis?”
“No, but I want Mom’s locket and my pictures,” I replied.
Henry stood to walk over and intervene, but Gabe beat him to the punch.
“Come on. You and I will open it together. Let’s put the past in the past.”
Henry and I looked at each other. It was clear to me that he wanted to be the one to get me through it. Maybe Gabe’s plan was working. Regardless of who helped to open the package, it was going to be difficult. I hadn’t thought of that night for a very long time. Henry’s unhappiness was apparent as he stormed out the front door. After hugging John and discovering that he didn’t need or want anything, Gabe led me up the stairs to my room. He took out his pocket knife and cut through the police tape, exposing the contents to light.
On top was an official letter with attached documents from the police which I laid to the side. Under that was a plastic bag with my dress in it. The garment was still covered in mine and Connor’s blood. Gabe became upset.
“What kind of crack pot police force sends these items back to the
victim? Do you have a number for these people?” he said angrily.
I stood motionless holding the torn dress, remembering Hector shoving the knife into my belly. Gabe noticed my emotional distance and unclenched my fingers from the plastic bag. He walked to the door and tossed it out into the hall.
“Are you sure about all this? I can go through this stuff and find your mom’s locket,” he said concerned for my mental health.
“No. I’m okay. I’m not a victim, Gabe. I’m a survivor. There’s a big difference in the two. Let’s keep going.”
I pulled out some of my books that were left at the mission, along with pictures and correspondences from the States. Below the letters was another plastic bag containing my blood-drenched shoes. Gabe immediately took them and placed them next to the dress in the hallway for disposal. Returning to my side, he took the box and shook it, rattling its final contents.
“Is there anything left?” he asked as he peered into the box.
Reaching in, his hand swept the inside of its cardboard walls.
“Here’s something,” he commented as he pulled an object from the box. “What’s this?”
In his hand, was the black, death amulet that Hector’s acquaintance had given me during my birthday party. My own hand rose to hold the object again, grabbing it out of Gabe’s grasp. Without delay, my mind was transported to the events of that night and the tragedy in the clinic. The memories flooded back with warp speed in a schizophrenic fashion.
“Julia?” he said, waiting for some type of response. When one wasn’t forthcoming, he became concerned. “What’s the matter, Julia?”
My hands rubbed across the smooth ceramic surface, surprised that it had survived the long journey intact. I stood and walked out onto the veranda, leaving the door open behind me. Suddenly becoming paralyzed with fear, I began to cry, scanning the yard for the evil that was certainly lurking behind the magnificent magnolia trees.
“Julia, talk to me. What is this thing?” he questioned, grabbing my arms, and shaking me gently to try and break my trance.
All I could do was sob louder. I heard the sounds of someone below, scurrying to the front door. Within minutes, Henry was at my side.
The Battered Heiress Blues Page 22