Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 20

Emily entered the restaurant through the back door and found Vee chatting with Sophie at the counter. She intended to deliver the new mail from the mailbox to Stella's office. Passing by them, they glanced at her as she approached the office. Emily lightly knocked on the door before entering. Inside, she noticed Stella facing away from the door, looking out the window.

"Good morning," Emily greeted, but Stella remained silent, the room heavy with the scent of tobacco as she smoked. Emily stood by the door, holding the sealed mail.

"Ma'am, the mail has arrived, including our monthly bills for electricity and water—"

Stella abruptly interrupted her. "Just drop it on the table and leave my office," she commanded.

Emily approached the table and placed the mail, stealing a curious glance at Stella, she sighted bruises on her swollen face. Stella adjusted her hair to conceal the marks, clearly wanting to avoid detection.

"Are you alright, ma'am?" Emily inquired, concerned.

"Emily, please, just leave," Stella scolded, prompting Emily to apologize and exit the room quickly.

Returning to the counter, Emily noticed Vee and Sophie still conversing in hushed tones.

Upon seeing her, Vee said, "You have quite the nerve, Emily."

Confused, Emily asked, "I'm sorry, I don't understand..."

"Walking in there when Madam is in that mood," Sophie explained, emphasizing the word "that."

"I would never" Sophie said.

"What mood?" Emily feigned ignorance of Stella's behavior.

"I don't know how to say it..." Sophie hesitated before whispering, "Stella's husband occasionally beats her."

Emily was momentarily stunned, feeling as if the air had been sucked out of the room, recalling her own experiences with Mark's abuse. She realized she was not alone in suffering from domestic violence, there was another person, just like her. One who sat and worked with her everyday.

"Yeah, he's despicable," Sophie confirmed, nodding. "But she seems to still love him and stays..."

"That's bullshit. I would have left," Vee said.

"She has adult and teenage children with him; it's not so simple..." Sophie explained.

Emily stood silently, reflecting on their conversation. "Emily, what do you think?" Sophie asked, snapping Emily out of her thoughts.

"I... I really..." Emily began, but was interrupted by the arrival of the first customer of the day.

"First customer of the day" Sophie announced.

"I'll go... take her order," Emily said trying to escape the conversation.

"Emily, you're heavy, don't you think you should you know... take some rest?..." Vee asked looking worried.

"I'm still strong," Emily laughed. "You know what, I think I'm carrying Superman because I've been stronger this entire pregnancy than when I wasn't," she said, forcing a smile before attending to the customer, her mind consumed by the weight of the revelation.

#**^%#\|##*

""You have to hang in there," the nurse said to Emily as she was wheeled inside the ward.

"Hello Emily, I am Dr. Claire. I will be handling your birth. Please remain calm," the doctor introduced herself as they proceeded.

Emily looked at the people above her as she lay down. She was in so much pain that she couldn't bear it. She wanted this to be over quickly, but the attention she was getting from a lot of people at once made her scared. She didn't want to be scared, but she couldn't help it. They all whispered and tried to say things to calm her down, but she grew more scared until she was finally wheeled into the labor room and transferred to a bed. Emily panted and stared at the nurses and midwives. She wanted this pain and agony to stop. She was weak; she couldn't speak anymore.