by A. E. Murphy
I shake my head again, fighting down the urge to vomit, “I’m fine.”
“Ok, let me grab a drink and we’ll go. You want anything?”
Head shake. Hurry up, I’m gonna hurl!
“Don’t forget you have lunch with my mom tomorrow.” I nod in response and he orders his beverage. “And Marie is coming over later with Summer.”
Nod, nod, nod.
“You really look like shit,” he sighs and grabs his drink. I don’t even have the energy to call him a name back. My knees wobble and I double over to grip my stomach. “Fuck, baby. I’m seriously taking you to the doctor.”
“No, I’m fine.” I say and head into the bathroom. He sighs and follows, waiting outside the door, ordering me to keep it unlocked just in case. I head to the toilet and sigh with relief, I just got my period. “Told you so,” I grumble on the way out. He shakes his head in amusement and follows me to the car.
I take a couple of pain killers when I return home and slowly the pain subsides whilst I soak in the tub. James sits by me, he’s worried. It’s nice that he’s worried but he’s smothering me a little bit. He only leaves when Summer and Marie arrive, being loud as they are.
“Hey Summer, be a little louder! I don’t think China heard you yet,” I shout and smile as the girls giggle. “James,” I call and he bursts into the bathroom. “Help me out.”
“If you aren’t better in the morning I’m calling the doctor. I don’t care what you say.”
“Not to worry,” I say as he helps me out and wraps me in a fluffy towel. “If I still feel like this tomorrow I will go willingly.”
He nods seeming satisfied and helps me dress. Not because I need it, just because he wants to.
“Ladies,” I smile at the two females on the couch as I enter the room in nothing but my fluffy white bath robe. “So, give me the gossip.”
“Oh my god, you’re never going to believe who Marie fucked last night,” Summer giggles and gulps down her wine. She waves her empty glass in the air. Marie, who is staring at her phone refills it without even looking up. James is shocked to say the least. He’s watching the multi-tasking capabilities of my friend with a gaping mouth. I reach over and shut his mouth without even looking. My skills rock too you know.
“Stan Jacobson,” Marie blurts and slams her phone beside her. “Fuck me he was shit in bed.”
I screech, “No way! But he’s so hot.” I ignore my husband’s grunt of protest.
Stan Jacobson is the lead singer of Marie’s favorite band. She’s been trying to bag him for months. This is quite an accomplishment as the dude has a wife. I frown a little at that. Being a married woman I can now empathize with other married women and I can’t help but feel a little ashamed of my friend. “He’s married though,” I say quietly. “That’s…”
“Nah, they got divorced last month. Haven’t you been watching TV?” she smirks and picks up her beeping phone. “He was totally rubbish. All rough and lazy with a stupid grin. He was done in two seconds and then acted like it was the best sex I’ve ever had. Arrogant bastard, it’s safe to say that band is not my favorite anymore.”
Me and Summer burst out in a fit of giggles. “Totally feeling you,” I wag my eyebrows a few times, giving them a mischievous smile. “Before I married him you know how scared I was he’d be a shit lay.”
“Hey,” James groans, his head peeking from behind his laptop. I wink at him, “Don’t worry baby. You’ve totally ruined me for all other men.” He beams at me, flushing a little and I turn back to Marie. “So, how’d you manage it?”
“I got him alone and threw myself at him. He’s called me like twelve times since. Yuck,” she cringes and sips her wine. “Even sent me flowers this afternoon.”
Summer snorts and picks up her own phone, “My Chris was like that. Do you remember?”
“Yes,” we both announce in chorus, praying she doesn’t go into detail on how they both met for the millionth time. “Christ yes we know. We were there,” Marie adds and refills her own glass. “You guys totally need to get single again. I miss our man hunts.”
“Hey, sitting right here,” my husband laughs. We all look at him, “Go away,” we say together and giggle loudly. James rolls his eyes, packs up his laptop and kisses me on the forehead, “I’m going to bed. Try to keep the cackling to a minimum.”
“Whipped,” Marie announces and flicks her arm in the air at James. “Totally whipped. Good girl Maya, at least you got your man where you want him.”
“I’m not whipped.”
“Baby, can you get me a glass of water,” I whisper and rub my stomach. He nods and rushes off. The girls cackle, literally cackle as he comes back into the room with a glass in hand. “Thank you handsome.” He rolls his eyes, accepts my kiss and disappears into the bedroom to finish his work in silence.
“We just bought a penthouse apartment in the Preston building,” I grin and the girls gasp.
Of course Marie screams, “HOUSE WARMING PARTY!”
I raise my eyebrows at her, “After the last one? Are you out of your fucking mind? The apartment cost me two million!”
“What I’d do to have your bank account,” Marie sighs, her eyes rolling up as if dreaming. Summer nods in agreement, humming a little. “So. House party?”
“No!” I hear James shout from the bedroom and we cackle once more.
I shrug, “James wants a baby.” Marie chokes, I nod, my face grim. “That was exactly my reaction.”
“I want a baby,” Summer says dreamily and presses her hands to her belly. “Chris wants to wait a few years.”
“Hey James!” I shout. He grunts in response. “How do you feel about a wife swap?” He doesn’t answer. Marie throws her head back and laughs with me. Summer scowls playfully and snacks on a celery stick dipped in humus. “I want to wait ten years.”
Marie nods thoughtfully, “If you get pregnant, you can kiss your freedom goodbye.”
“Why don’t you just hire a nanny?”
I shrug, “If I’m going to have a kid I don’t want a nanny constantly. My kid deserves a parent that wants to give them all of her time you know?”
“Umm…” Summer says with a smile. “I get it. You want your freedom. I’m honestly bored with the whole partying scene. I just want Chris to get a ring on my finger. His mum is really putting the pressure on him.”
“It’s about time,” I say and they both look at me totally shocked. “What?” I laugh defensively. “I know I was on Marie’s page a year ago but things have changed. I thought getting married was a death sentence but I see the appeal now. Hell I experience it daily.”
“Don’t listen to her,” Marie begs playfully and throws her hand over my mouth. “She doesn’t know what she’s saying. James and his mother have poisoned her brain.”
I roll my eyes and swat her hand away, “Shut up.” I giggle and sip my water feeling the nausea coming back on. “Let’s order in. I’m hungry.”
The girls agree on Chinese food. We eat, chat, laugh and drink the night away. They both leave around two in the morning and I crawl into bed with my sleeping husband. He looks so peaceful, so angelic. I kiss his eyelids and watch him for a few minutes before finally dozing off.
I choose a suit dress for my lunch date after convincing James I’m much better, which is only half of a lie. My stomach aches but my nausea is gone and my energy is back. My outfit consists of a blue pencil skirt, white shirt with a tied collar and a matching blue fitted jacket. I match it with black heels and black handbag.
I let my hair loose so it hands in natural waves to my waist and put on a pair of stylish sunglasses. James’ eyes darken when I walk into the room. It’s not my normal attire but I actually want to make an impression at the women’s club. No men allowed.
“Wow,” he grins and kisses me on the nose. “You look very… sexy yet sophisticated.”
I exhale in relief, “Thanks baby, I have to go. I’m going to be late for tea and crumpets with the league of extraordinary snob
s.”
He chuckles and sees me to the elevator. I wink at him and am on my way.
When I step into the hotel I shudder a little at the sight of the women in the dining room to my left. Sylvia waves me over as I walk through. All eyes are on me and silence has descended over the long table. They’re like a bunch of vultures. With their beady old eyes and stiff postures as if ready to face a lion.
ROAR!
Yes libido. Thank you for your input.
“Sylvia,” I smile and air kiss her cheeks. A man comes over and pulls my chair out for me as I sit beside her and she begins with the introductions, I hardly pay attention. In reality I should be at the end of the table as I’m the wealthiest but I don’t contest it. I just avoid the twenty pairs of eyes on me. “How are you?”
“Fabulous my dear. And yourself? James says you’ve been under the weather.” She raises an eyebrow thinking I’m fibbing like the many other times I’ve rejected an invitation due to many illnesses.
I smile sheepishly, “Definitely the truth this time. I’m ok now.”
“You look a little peaky dear. You aren’t on one of those ridiculous celebrity diets are you? My granddaughter insists on starving herself. It’s ridiculous.”
I shake my head and smile at the brown eyed woman opposite me as the chatter of the table restarts. “No, I don’t diet. I eat healthily but I love chocolate and pastries too much to diet.”
“James tells me you run every morning,” Sylvia says with a proud smile. “It’s good to see young people caring about their health.”
“Yes, I enjoy running. I run about eleven miles daily. It’s a fantastic way to escape the reality of life. Wouldn’t you agree?” Although I’m pretty sure none of them can run anymore. Being old and all.
There’s a chorus of agreements as a tea cup and scone is placed before me. I’ve never been one for scones so I ignore that and sip my tea wishing it was coffee. The table has a wide range of foods, fancy foods, caviar and finger sandwiches and what not. I choose not to eat for fear of vomiting. That would be disastrous. It’s bad enough the pain in my stomach has come back with a vengeance.
“I threatened to cut him off,” my ears perk up at the sound of the old hag Charlene Petal who is sitting at the end of the table looking regal with her dyed black hair pulled into a bun so tight her wrinkles stretch across her face. Her pink suit dress is rather similar to my own. “It’s ridiculous. A daughter who marries out of our circle and now a grandson who’s so confused he thinks he’s gay.” I roll my eyes. Then she targets Sylvia. “Of course, Sylvia knows the feeling. Her nephew is a homosexual isn’t he?”
Sylvia nods, “Yes and he and his life partner have just adopted a gorgeous little Ethiopian boy. They have named him Clayton. Stunning little boy.”
I snort and Sylvia winks at me. “James showed me pictures in his attempt to convince me to open my womb.” I say quietly. Sylvia chuckles and pats my hand, “I’m sure you’ll be ready when you’re ready.”
“Are you planning a family?” Charlene asks me, a conspirator gleam in her almost black eyes.
I shake my head and sip my tea, “Not yet. Plenty of time for that. I’m far too busy with my business.”
“And partying in Vegas,” Charlene’s friend to her right mumbles but the entire table hears her.
I smirk, “Yes, that was a fun trip. Vegas is an amazing place.”
“Was it your honeymoon?” Charlene asks, she seems polite but she’s not. She’s a crow.
I change the subject, “Oh I forgot. James and I just purchased the penthouse apartment in the Preston building and it is divine.”
Sylvia beams and clasps my face in her hands, “That sounds fabulous. Charlene, you had your eye on an apartment there didn’t you? Such a beautiful building. Not like some of the awful high rises that are going up all over the city.”
Charlene scowls a little before nodding, “Yes. We were going for an apartment on the seventh floor. We decided on something a little less high maintenance.”
“Yes, can’t be easy riding elevators and climbing stairs at your age Charlene. I don’t know how you do it,” I smile and a few people stifle or choke on their laughter. Charlene scowls and harrumphs before turning to her friend and chatting animatedly to her friend about her gay grandson. “Scandal. He’s gay,” I hiss with feigned anger whilst rolling my eyes.
“It’s vile and disgusting,” Charlene says loudly, giving everyone a pointed look. Most of them roll their eyes, the rest nod in agreement. “It shouldn’t be allowed.”
As normal I voice my opinion, “I think it’s wonderful. In all honesty why are you complaining? It is the twenty first century. The majority of the world agreed with letting them marry, letting them be. There are clubs specifically for gay people. There are parades, fashion shows, parties, lunches, and high end fashion all supporting gay people. There’s gay pride and so many other things. Why can’t you accept it? What is so vile about two men or two women falling in love?” I clear my throat and continue. “Did you know there are fifteen hundred species of animals that display homosexual behavior? Tell me honestly what’s more natural? The fifteen hundred species or the few humans who can’t be open minded enough to give them a shot. I don’t see a group of whale’s gay bashing their fellow gay whales. Now that is something to think about.”
I don’t realize I have the entire table’s attention until I’m finished with my rant. Charlene is gaping at me, rather un-lady like with her mouth hanging open. “Well said,” the woman opposite me smiles. “I completely agree. It’s not like they can’t have a normal life now adoption and marriage is on the table. It is time for change.”
“Agreed,” a younger woman a few years older than me smiles from the other end of the table. I recognize her to be Charlene’s daughter. The one that married the black person. “Don’t you mother? Equality is important in this day and age. What with racism being so high and crime rates are through the roof.”
“What is with that?” I scoff. “I visited a school a few months ago for this ‘behold your future event’ and there was security at the doors, like airport security terminals. I had to walk through a bloody metal detector and have my bag searched even though I was a guest speaker. It was horrendous.”
“That’s because so many kids are in gangs these days and too many are getting shot or stabbed on the playground. It’s awful,” Sylvia says beside me. “When we adopted my James…” she shudders a little. “The house he came from. I had no idea people lived like that.”
“Me too,” Charlene says with a wave of her hand. “It’s frightening how bad things are getting. Just last month our neighbors were mugged in the street only two blocks from their home. That’s the main reason we are moving. These gangs are targeting the nicer areas.”
The conversation stays on crime and people’s experiences yet none of them, myself included have actually experienced the true crime which I’m grateful for. Yet how many people out there rely on the welfare, send their kids to run down schools, for fear their kids will get mugged, shot, stabbed or even raped because they said boo to the wrong person. Just thinking about it makes me sad.
The pain in my stomach intensifies to an alarming rate and the nausea returns. We still have forty minutes left but I don’t feel like I can make it. “Sylvia,” I whisper and clutch my stomach. She pulls herself to look at me mid conversation. “I think I need to go to a doctor.” I groan a little as the throbbing flares and my nausea builds.
She gasps and presses her hand to my forehead, someone asks if I’m ok but I can barely hear anything over the buzzing in my ears. “Hospital,” I say and double over panting, ouch it hurts so damn bad, and it’s come on so suddenly. There’s a scuffle of movement and a set of strong arms are lifting me from my chair. “Ouch,” I whimper as my stomach convulses.
Sweat beads on my forehead and my skin feels like it’s on fire. I vaguely hear Sylvia shouting for James as I’m laid back on a comfier seat. Everything seems surreal, like I’m
looking at my life through a lens not through my own eyes. I feel distant, like the ground is pulling me to its core yet pushing me out at the same time. And god the pain, it’s unbearable.
I don’t care if I’m embarrassing myself I curl into the fetal position on the soft couch as people crowd me and a damp cloth is pressed to my forehead. There’s a popping feeling in my stomach, I cry out and the world goes black.
CHAPTER TWELVE
“What’s wrong with her?” James… my James. He’s here. Wait, where’s here? So much pain.
“She was fine one minute, the next she just dropped,” Sylvia sounds sad. Why’s she sad. Where’s my James?
“Surgery now,” I hear someone demand and I feel my body vibrating as it moves. I’m on something soft and I can’t open my eyes. Using sheer will I peek them open a little, my eyelids flutter. James is running beside me, his hand gripping mine. He looks down and I see his green eyes brimming with tears. “You’re going to be ok,” he croaks and squeezes my hand. “I’m so sorry.” Why’s he sorry?
“Mr. Freeman, wait out here,” the male voice from before shouts. I must have blacked out again.
“Please, don’t let her die,” I hear James beg, his voice breaking around a sob as I’m wheeled away and darkness consumes me again.
“Her appendix burst. Luckily we got to it in time but the poison spread. It’s going to be touch and go for a while,” a female says softly. “The poison caused an infection called peritonitis. We got it all we hope. Now all we can do is wait.”
I can hear, I hear James. His hand is gripping mine. “Baby, please don’t leave me. Please.”
“She’ll make it,” Marie says. I hear a sob that can only be Jessica. I want to comfort them, tell them I’m here but my body won’t move. “She’ll make it.”
