Broken Contract (Book 2)(Editing for Publication)

Chapter 4: In A Dark Place

Chapter 4: In A Dark Place

Sleeping and crying seems to be all I am capable of each day. I have disconnected my land line and turned off my cell phone. My bedroom door opens several times a day. My children come in for daily hugs and kisses. They seem to know I have nothing to give so they hug and kiss me morning and at night.

David comes in a few times each day. I feel the bed dip. He kisses wherever he can reach. Cheek, lips, or my head. Finally he sits against the head board. We do not talk. He does not try to talk to me. Sometimes he stays for a few minute and sometimes for hours.

Sounds reach me from the first floor. My children talking. My baby crying. When did Jason start crying? There is an excessive ringing of the doorbell followed by shouting. I recognize David and my brother Jerome shouting.

"How could you man?" It is my brother shouting the loudest. Soon the voices of Betty and my sister-in-law Candy are added, trying to stop David and Jerome from what now sounds like a fight.

My house is quiet. Did I fall asleep? Betty comes with her twice daily request to get me to eat. She returns with my favorite ice tea and chicken noodle soup. She sits it on the night stand, pats my head and leaves. My bedroom is darker when she returns so I know it is late evening. I smell tomato soup and hear ice cubes against a glass. Now water is running in my bath tub. The smell of bath oils and salts reach me.

"Quiana," Betty's voice startles me. I must have dozed off again. "Your grandmother came here when you were a baby. She told me once that your mother grieved herself to death. Said she never recovered from feeling betrayed and hurt by your father. Carrie said she laid down one day and never really got up.

I don't know the details but I have figured out more or less what is going on. I feel for you but I feel for your babies more. They are so sad and quiet. You are sliding deeper and deeper into depression. David is depress and not himself. You have four children depending on you. You need a bath and this room needs to be cleaned. Your bath water is ready. I will reheat your soup. You are a beautiful, smart woman and you can come out of this."

I opened my eyes and watched her back as she leaves the room. Sitting on the side of my bed, I stare out my glass door leading to the deck. Standing slowly and stretching, I think about the hot bath waiting for me. Several days have passed since the last time water hit my body. This is too crazy. First a bath and then some tea and soup. Lastly I must decide if my marriage can recover from David's betrayal.

Touching the water I find it is still nice and warm. Undressing I slide into the water and begin to bathe. I have slept and rested enough. When my children come tonight they will find their mother ready to hug and kiss them. David will be able to take one look at my face and know we are done.