One Day You'll Be Mine(31)

Jordan wrapped his arms around me and cried. He thought Hollis tried to kill me in the house. Kelli appeared calm, but there were tears building at the corner of her eyes. She raised her hand to step back and let me have a moment with my son, who desperately needed my soothing.

“Mom, are you okay?”

Even though it was uncomfortable for me to talk, I nodded. “Yes, baby. Mommy’s okay. Your father and I just had a little fight. That’s all.”

“You’re not supposed to hit girls. That’s what they taught us in school.” He looked at me. “Are you calling the cops? Is dad going to jail? Why did he hit you?”

“Boys are not supposed to hit girls, honey. You’re right. And No, I’m not going to call the cops. Daddy’s not going to jail.” I sighed, holding my boy close to me as tears fell. My life was unraveling quicker than I could catch up, and I couldn’t stand watching it happen in front of my son. “But Mommy is going to leave Ms. Kelli’s house with Ms. Kelli and take some space, so Daddy and I can calm down okay?”

He looked at me, his hazel eyes pooled with concern. “Can I come too?”

I smiled and caressed his face. “I would love to take you, but perhaps another time. Mommy just needs rest. I’ve been sick all week, and now I’m tired.”

“It’s okay. I’ll make you soup,” he offered.

“You don’t know how to make soup.”

“Uh huh. You open the can, pour it in the bowl and put it in the microwave.”

I smiled. For a boy who thought affection gave you cooties, he was pouring it all over the place right now.

“Spend time playing with Karter. School’s starting soon, and that means you won’t spend time with him because you’ll be studying and playing basketball. I promise to spend time with you later on, okay?”

He nodded, seeming satisfied with the answer. He helped me up. I checked my face in the mirror. My cheek was still red from where Hollis had slapped me, and there were was redness around my neck from where he grabbed me. I could tell I’d be bruising later on, another curse of have sensitive fair skin. The burn of shame, anger, and embarrassment would redden me up just enough that nobody would notice. At least that’s what I told myself, pushing my glasses down my forehead and perching them back atop my nose.

***

Jordan held my hand protectively as I walked into the living room. Kelli was inside, Karter sitting next to her looking sad.

“See, Ms. Natalia is okay. Jordan’s taking care of her, you see?” Karter nodded slowly, looking at us as if he were in a daze.

We kissed our sons goodbye, though they were reluctant to let us out of their sights. They followed us to Kelli’s car, and almost marched us right past Kristophe, who was standing by himself, and talking on his phone. Kelli walked over to Kristophe, and spoke a few words to him. He nodded, his eyes flitting back from her to me, before waving grimly. Too weary to fight I waved from the car and buckled my seat belt so I could close my eyes and surrender myself to rest.

Kelli started the car. Immediately music began to play, but she lowered the volume.

“Are you okay?” she said. “I know you didn’t want to make a scene, but do you need help? Do you want to go to the hospital or call 911?”

“I’m battered and bruised, but not broken.” I didn’t bother to open my eyes. “I don’t want to go to a hospital. I don’t want to go anywhere. I just want to go home and sleep.”

Angst began to fill my lungs, and I started to get that familiar feeling in my nostrils I usually got when my eyes watered and started to cry. I was tired of crying. I was tired of being emotional, I was tired of putting up a strong front for my son and this military family Hollis and I created, and I was certainly tired of being in pain.

I assumed Kelli would listen to me and take me home, but she didn’t. I could tell because it only took a few minutes to get to my home, and before I knew it, I felt the car go over the speed bumps and swerves required to exit the base.

“Kelli…” I groaned. “I’m not in the mood. Please take me home.”

“Shhh,” she said. “Just relax and trust me. Please. Just rest.”

I grumbled, sighed, and once more resigned myself to Kelli’s plans. Even when I all I wanted was to be alone, I couldn’t have what I wanted out of life.

Chapter 13: Natalia



“Wake up, lady.” Kelli nudged my shoulder. I blinked rapidly, attempting to figure out where I was. Not realizing I’d fallen asleep in Kelli’s car, I was surprised to wake up and see we were in front of a hotel.

I looked at her and asked, “Where are we?”