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“Does.He.Know?” Rhovier repeats each word carefully, deliberately through gritted teeth. My stomach drops. Wait. Is she talking about what I think she’s talking about? And...how doessheknow?
But I school my features into a neutral expression. I’m not about to confess to anything in case Rhovier isn’t asking what I think she’s asking about.
“Does he know what?” I ask, feigning innocence.
Rhovier’s forest green eyes flash darkly at me as she steps forward, hauling back and slapping me hard across the face. I stagger back, hand to my cheek as tears spring into my eyes, staring at her in disbelief.
“That you’re pregnant, you little slut! Do you really think word wouldn’t get around? That healer you saw, Healer Darla? Sheworksfor the theater, which means she’s belowme, you stupid bitch. Shehadto answer my questions. And she was all too happy to tell me the joyful news!”
My stomach drops. So Darla told Rhovier? But...I thought that was confidential information!
I can’t deny it. There’s no way to deny it anymore. Taking in a shaky breath and biting my lip, I whisper, “No. Ris doesn’t know.” There, now it’s out in the open. Now Rhovier has all the information she wants.
“Good,” she says, smirking. “I suggest strongly that you keep it that way. You are nothing to him. You arenothing, you’re a human, a slut and a worthlessnothing. Don’t you dare get in between my brother and his career, do you understand?”
“But...” I try to speak up and Rhovier looks enraged as she rushes towards me, lifting me up easily and pinning me to the wall by my throat. The brick digs into the skin of my back and I struggle, trying to pry her hands off me.
“If you so much as dare to breathe awordin his direction about this I will silence you myself.Permanently,” she adds with a hiss. “Now, do we have an understanding?”
I can’t speak, I can’t even breathe so I simply nod, tears streaming down my face freely now.
“Good.” Rhovier smirks and drops me, turning on her heel as she leaves me alone.
I lay there on the alley ground, shaking and curl into myself. A sob escapes me, followed by another and another until I’m bawling.
What am I going to do now? I can’t tell Ris. I can’t risk it!
What do Ido? Rhovier would kill me if I said something to him. She would kill me and our unborn child.
I knew she hated me but I didn’t think she hated methis much. It’s baffling. I’ve never done anything to her. I would never jeopardize Ris’ music career or his life, or anything like that. The tears keep streaming down and I try to breathe but it’s hard.
I can’t risk telling Ris. That’s off the table now. But if I try to pretend everything is fine, he’ll find out one way or another. I stand up on shaky legs, brushing off the gravel and the debris from the street. My neck hurts from where Rhovier gripped it and I press my fingers to it, trying to massage out the aches.
I have to go home. I need to clean up and I need a bath to soothe myself from this nightmarish day. I need to eat something and drink some more water. Ever since Darla told me I was dehydrated I’ve been trying to make sure I drink plenty of liquids.
Limping through the alley, I take a left and start on the trek back to my little home.
If I don’t have Ris’ help, I’m really going to struggle. Without him, I can’t afford a child on my own. I thought I could do it at first but then I think I was just fooling myself—deep down I think I was hoping that Ris would help me financially even if he didn’t want the child.
Everything feels like a mess right now. I need to lie down. By the time I make it home, my throat hurts even worse and I worry that the baby was hurt in my fall.
I start by stripping everything off and turning on the tub, making the water as warm as I can stand it. I’m still shivering like I’m cold even though I know that’s not the reason.
“Please,” I whisper, not sure what I’m asking, or who I’m asking. “Please.”
Sinking into the tub, I let the hot water lap over my skin, soothing the aches and bruises of my throat and the pain in my lower back.
Right now, all I want to do is to protect myself and my unborn child. That’s the first and most important thing. And I’m safe here tonight. I don’t have to make any rash decisions right now.
Rhovier said she’d kill me if I said anything. So, as long as I keep my mouth shut, she’ll leave me alone.
That doesn’t give me a lot of options but I’m not interested in thinking about them right now. Right now, all I want to do is rest and get something to eat. Something that won’t upset my stomach.
Though, the nausea has finally subsided. And now that I don’t feel as sick, I’m starting to crave something to eat. Part of me wants the fish and eggs I made this morning. I’m not about to go get it from the yard but I can cook more. I have a little more fish left and two more eggs.
That sounds like a yummy dinner to me. So I slip out of the tub and dry off with a cloth before putting on a comfy shift and padding into the kitchen to make myself something to eat.
The eggs and fish smell amazing now that I’m no longer sick to my stomach. I devour it quickly, wishing I had more. At least I know that the nausea won’t last forever.
