Chapter 180
I could hear Raina’s offer to stay with her, playing in my head like a lifeline. Perhaps that was all I needed, a break from all of this, a chance to think things through
Night fell and I couldn’t bring myself to eat. Not even Alex’s gentle pleas at dinner, asking me to take just a bite, would work. Long gone was my appetite, sunk in the pit of my stomach where my terrors, rage, and sorrows had planted their flag, I sat in my room with Caleb in my arms, cradling him as if he were my life preservet, and whispered assurances I wasn’t sure I felt myself.
The next morning, the house was eerily quiet. It was as if the tension froin last night had seeped into the walls. My body felt heavy as I sat up, Caleb stirring in his crib. The baby needed me his soft whimpers a reminder that no matter how broken I felt, I couldn’t give up.
I decided I’d prepare something to eat. It wasn’t for me–didn’t feel like eating–but I needed my strength to take care of Caleb. His little body still depended on mine.
The kitchen was empty when I first entered, but my solace was short–lived. Eliza sat at the dining table, her legs crossed and a smug smile plastered on her face.
“Well, well,” she said, her voice full of mockery. “Good morning, sleepyhead. Now that you’re up, you can make me something to eat.”
I shut my eyes, willing myself not to explode. I couldn’t let her get to me. She fed off chaos, and I would not give her the pleasure
“Talth,” Eliza drawled, her voice rising “Did you hear me? Make Me Something To Eat”
I opened my eyes, staring straight ahead. I clenched my fists at my sides as I walled around the kitchen, pulling out the ingredients for breakfast. She kept on talking, grating against my ears like nails on a chalkboard
“You low, this is your problem,” she said, standing up from her chair to come around behind me. “You’re too meek. That’s why Dominic needs somebody like me–somebody who can take charge, somebody who doesn’t just fade into the background.”
Her words hit a nerve, but I didn’t say anything. I kept my attention on the task at hand, reminding myself to breathe.
When I was finally done cooking something to ear, I took my plate and disregarded Eliza’s pointed stare as I headed for the living room. I just wanted to eat in peace, away from her taunting voice.
Prace, however, was not mine to have.
Just as I sat down on the couch, Eliza came marching in behind me. There was something wild blazing in her eyes, and before I could move, she slapped the plate out of my hands,
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: A Divorce He Regrets (Alissa Nexus)