AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It was the most precious name I’d ever heard. It was special, just like the child I’d birthed and cared for in my past. The pricking of my eyes halted with a swipe of the back of my hands. Weights had been lifted from my body, making me feel lighter and less burdened with the guilt of not knowing her name.
Aussie.
On my way to the stove, pleasant thoughts replaced the others. The huge development was enough to wipe out anything that didn’t pertain to the child I’d be seeing in a few short weeks. My patience failed me suddenly and I couldn’t wait to meet her, see how big and smart she’d gotten.
A smile widened my face as I moved around the kitchen, preparing my ingredients before cooking them. One by one, I chopped the veggies and loaded them into a large bowl. One by one, I poured the salt-less seasonings into the bowl, making sure not to overdo it. Remembering Malachi’s high blood pressure caused for an altering of recipes and seasoning options.
After seasoning the veggie mix, I began working on the vegetarian lasagna that I’d mastered on the first attempt. It left me satisfied but I couldn’t wait to make more. Today was the day I could settle the cravings that left my mouth watery and my stomach howling.
The first step was to prepare the mushrooms. They were key to the recipe and mimicked the meatiness of actual turkey, chicken, or ground beef. Before layering everything, I cooked them with diced veggies to infuse the flavors and give it that extra kick I loved. I put the noodles on in a separate pot and moved the mixed veggies that wouldn’t be going into the main dish aside to work with the diced veggies.
The rain served as the perfect tune for my evening in the kitchen. Nothing compared to the peace it brought me. I found myself swaying my hips and moving my head from one side to the other, in total control of my thoughts and feelings for the moment. Pushing everything else to the back of my mind, I focused on the one that brought me utter joy.Aussie.
A knock on the door startled me. I dropped the fork I was stirring the mushrooms around with right into the pot. Instead of fishing for it immediately, I turned toward the door where the dark figure stood. I didn’t have to see his face or hear him yell his name out to know who was standing there.
Malachi.
Remaining in control of my limbs, thoughts, and emotions, I welcomed him in with a simple wave. The amount of strength it required to keep my feet planted on the ground and not run to jump into his arms was paramount. I’d never exercised that much restraint. I rubbed my hands against the towel on the sink and placed both hands on my hips to stop them from creeping up his chest, massaging his manhood, or touching his face.
“Malachi,” I greeted him, unsure of the purpose for his presence.
I wondered if it was his daily duty to confuse me in all the ways possible. Each time we encountered one another, I was left a bit more attached while he continued to detach.
“Aeir,” he responded, standing by the door with his hands behind his back.
“Is… is everything okay?”
“It will be.”
It was definitely his duty to leave me in shambles, a little more confused, and wetter each time I saw him. The jig was up. I was onto him.
“What are you doing here?”
“To bring you these.”
From behind his back, he exposed a bouquet of red roses. Its massiveness made it hard to believe I hadn’t noticed them before. My heart rate hiked a few notches. That pain that covered every inch of my body returned, keeping my feet planted.
Though the gesture brought me pure delight and filled me with elation, protecting my peace remained at the forefront of my mind. Each time he gave me something, he took it right back. I was only allowed to enjoy it for a brief moment. He was an Indian giver. Until he was ready to give himself to me in totality, I couldn’t accept pieces and parts he wanted to lend for his personal gratification. I needed more.
“Why? What are they for?”
“For you, Aeir.”
“I can’t accept those, Malachi,” I explained, turning around to monitor the food on the stove.
“Aeir,” he called out.
Trying to keep my tears at bay, I didn’t turn toward him because I knew all bets would be off. The amount of power he had over me was disturbing. The awful part about it was he had no clue.
“I can’t. Thank you, but I can’t.”
“Why not? And why can’t you look at me?”
I turned to face him, showing him first-hand the damage he was causing.
“So that you can see the mess of me you’re making?”
“Not my intentions.”
