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Rhonda nodded, grateful.
I led them outside into the steamy day and around the back of the building to the exterior stairs that would take us straight up to my apartment.
“I’m sorry, Miss Sorrel, for bothering you at work. I didn’t know where else to go.” Rhonda sniffled. “Jessilee has been crying for two days straight, and her fever is awful high.”
I kissed Jessilee’s head, and she was warm to the touch. “It’s no bother. I’m glad you came.”
When we reached my door, I had that feeling again that I was being watched from the shadows. I knew it would make me sound crazy, but for my own sanity I asked, “Did you see anyone come up here?”
Rhonda looked around the small space. There was nowhere to hide, unless you could fit behind the plant. “No, ma’am,” she answered.
I wasn’t sure if her answer made me feel better or worse. No matter. I unlocked my door and let us all in.
“Please have a seat.”
Rhonda and Isaiah took the couch.
“Kitty.” Isaiah lunged for Tara, who hissed and ran off. She was not a people person, unless it was me or Eric. Weird how even my cat was infatuated with him.
“Isaiah,” Rhonda scolded, “sit down.”
“He’s fine. Tara can take care of herself.” I sat down with Jessilee on the overstuffed chair to take a look at her. Poor thing was out of sorts, with tears streaming down her cheeks and a snotty nose. I ran my hand over her beautiful black curly hair. “Shhh, sweet one. Tell me what’s wrong with you.”
As if she could understand me, Jessilee tugged on her ear.
I kissed her warm forehead while placing my hands over her ears. I could feel an unsettled energy emanating from them. “You are so beautiful. Yes, you are.” Jessilee quieted and smiled at me. “I think I have just the thing to fix her up.” I gave her a good squeeze before standing and handing the sweet baby to her mother.
Rhonda took her baby and cradled her against her chest. “She hasn’t been this calm in days. You have a magic touch.”
“I just love babies.”
“You should have one of your own.”
I turned and staved off the tears. I wanted nothing more than to have my own baby, but I couldn’t bear to curse her. My only other option was to die childless. “I’ll be right back.”
“I can’t pay you, Miss Sorrel.”
“I wouldn’t accept it if you could.” I smiled at Isaiah, who was now stalking my cat behind one of my large houseplants. “Would you like a cupcake?”
He nodded furiously and ran my way.
“Is that all right?” I asked Rhonda. I probably should have asked before I’d offered.
“Of course.” Rhonda seemed grateful.
I took Isaiah’s hand, and we headed to the kitchen. I lifted him up and sat him on the counter before giving him a raspberry cupcake. While he devoured it, I got out some fresh gingerroot and garlic to make some ear drops for a now-giggling Jessilee.
I still had this funny feeling I was being watched. I looked around to find Isaiah focused on his cupcake and Rhonda playing patty-cake with Jessilee. I was losing it.
I turned my back to everyone, took the gingerroot in my hand, and closed my eyes, feeding my energy into the ginger, allowing it to release the healing powers it held. Making it become what it was meant to be. I probably looked like I was praying over it. When I felt heat emanating from the ginger, and what I could only describe as a pulse, I knew it was ready. I did the same with the garlic. Once the ingredients were ready, I made a paste out of both and mixed it with some of my specially made olive oil. After that I heated it up until it was perfectly blended. As soon as it was cool enough, I bottled it up. In between steps, Isaiah and I sang the ABC song repeatedly. Isaiah had also managed to eat two cupcakes, a banana, an apple, and some yogurt. I realized they probably didn’t have any food at home.
I sneaked into my room and grabbed some of the cash I kept hidden in my sock drawer for emergencies, just like my mother had taught me. But the only emergency I’d ever had was the fashion kind. Which made me feel guilty, knowing I had a family in my living room, starving. I grabbed $1000 and, along with the ear drops, put it all in a paper bag and folded the top.
I still couldn’t shake the feeling I wasn’t alone. Maybe I would make myself an elixir for anxiety after Rhonda and her kids left.
I walked back out and handed the bag to Rhonda, hoping she didn’t open it in front of me. “Put one drop in each ear a few times a day. She should be feeling better in no time.”
