Read Woman at the Top of the Stairs Page 17


  Chapter 17

  Zenobia

  I woke up to new pain and fresh blood between my legs. I heard Percy when he climbed out of bed, but I pretended to be asleep. I didn’t want him to touch me again. I didn’t want to look at him or hear his voice. I thought about taking the pain meds Dr. Randolph prescribed but I didn’t want to be sleepy. I didn’t get any sleep last night, but I can’t get sleepy now. Whenever I closed my eyes I saw my baby. Lying up under the one who took her from me - breathing on me and holding me so tight I thought I would lose my breath - made it hard to rest.

  Let me drag myself out of this bed and get cleaned up. I can’t believe it’s afternoon already. All I need to do is put a few things in place before he gets back.

  “I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “Babe, I don’t feel so good.”

  “Awww, what’s the matter Percy?”

  “I dunno. I got down with your brother earlier…and I thought…I thought I would feel up to taking care of some business, but I just I dunno…I don’t feel right.”

  “You think if you eat that will make you feel better? Did you eat anything before you left?”

  “Nah…nah, I was trying to get to Tre’. Yeah, maybe if I eat a lil’ somethin' that’ll help.”

  “Let me fix you something to eat. Why don’t you go lay down? I’ll call you when it’s ready.”

  “Okay cool…thanks girl.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  I know it’s wrong, but I can’t help it. It’s hard trying to hide the smile on my face knowing that the first step has already been taken, and he so willingly took the bait. Now this is one meal I’m going to enjoy fixing. Although it’s not in the plan, I do have a treat for my dearly beloved as well. He deserves it and I’m not going to feel bad for giving it to him.