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“I have George’s daughter and my grandbaby on the way. They will want for nothing, Aimon. Now, leave.”
Stepping back, I nodded. Could I change my mind? His? Could I say no? What would happen if I refused or called the cops once I left here?
Who was I kidding? Our lawyers were the best. Nothing would come out of any report I filed. Physically fighting wouldn’t get me what I wanted. Neither would causing some big scene. I’d be thrown out with a lot less than what I was getting now.
Another step.
And another.
Something didn’t feel right.
“Aimon. Go.”
At my grandfather’s deepening tone, the threat was obvious. He was losing his cool, and me, I was procrastinating for reasons I didn’t understand. I suddenly didn’t want to go. There were too many emotions: anger, panic, pain. I didn’t know what to do or what to think. Freedom? Father? Banishment? I was losing more than I could even understand. If I ever found it, would I even know what it was?
Chapter 13
Fay
It wasn’t the same without Aimon. There were no moments of joy. No arguments. No anticipation for what the day would bring. I was in a loop of never-ending misery. Between the morning sickness that left me too weak to function, and the fatigue that kept me in bed, I was a walking, napping zombie of melancholy. It didn’t feel right without Aimon here. Not that there was really anything he could do for me. Having him would have made it better.
“Soup and crackers. Ms. Emmy said it should help both of us.”
I turned from Master Carmelo, looking around the large table in the dining room. This was never going to become easier. Everything was so formal. So…big. I wasn’t sure I would ever get used to this lifestyle. I sometimes questioned if I was right even trying. What was Aimon doing now that he was free? Had he found a job yet? Was he having the time of his life?
No. I wouldn’t think of that. I wouldn’t think of him. I picked up the spoon, blowing over the broth. The smell alone was enough to make my mouth water, but not in a good way.
“I don’t think I can.”
“You have to try.”
Swallowing hard, I forced the spoon past my lips, holding my nose as I drank the contents. The taste had me cringing despite that it was good. I let go of my nose, waiting. Waiting. Another small drink. So far, so good. I picked up a cracker, nibbling. It was hit or miss with this sickness, but mostly it hit.
“See. You did good.”
“What about you?” I gave Master Carmelo a look that had him quickly giving me one of his own. The chemo hadn’t been very good for him either. We were both suffering, but at least he was doing better than me. Or maybe he just appeared stronger because that’s how he was raised.
He brought the spoon to his mouth, swallowing the broth. “Piece of cake. Now, let’s eat. We both want this part over with.”
And, we did. The fact that we were in such a comfortable routine had me growing quiet. This wasn’t the same man I met the night I arrived. He was stern, but supportive. So much about him reminded me of my father. It wasn’t just in his actions, but in his random smiles. In the way he doted over me and made sure I was comfortable or being taken care of. It was in his questions or in the small stories he told about the past. They were the bait, and I kept taking it to hold to a part of myself I didn’t want to lose.
“A few more, Fay.”
Had I stopped eating? My eyes lowered and stayed on my bowl, but I didn’t see it as I spooned the broth to my lips. Thoughts quickly bounced between Master Carmelo and back to Aimon. Back to the last time he was here…weeks ago. He wanted me to call. I thought about it, but what would I say? Anything I could tell him now would be worrisome. I was sick. And not just a little sick. Parker had me on pills to stop the vomiting and nausea. They only semi-worked. Aimon didn’t need to hear about that. He needed to focus on him. He needed to get going on his new life.
That didn’t mean I didn’t want to talk or see him. Every day, every night. It was a heartbreak I didn’t want to face. I’d lost him. Just like my parents. Just like my life. Everything I’d ever known was gone. The only one sure thing was the child within me.
“Master Carmelo, do you know if—”
“I know everything.”
I put down the spoon, almost not able to speak as I stared at him... “Has Aimon called? Is he okay?”
“He’s doing good. He called this morning. He calls Thomas every couple of days. Sometimes more.”
“Oh.” I looked down at my bowl as questions began to pop off in my mind.
“He asked about you, if that’s what you were wondering.”
