Something New

Chapter 8

Kemi

"Are you alright?" I look up and up to see Mr. Frederick whose attentive eyes speak of warmth tucked away. 

And I could really use that right now.

No.

I turn my eyes away, laughing lightly. I'll handle this myself.

It's been a few weeks since the last time I came to Grace's place and he gave me a hug. Here we are again at another small gathering Grace, Joe, and the kids are hosting in Grace's home. It doesn’t happen often, but that didn’t stop Nova from giving it a name.  “Family Night Plus Two”, she calls it. 

I stepped aside for a moment, entering the kitchen to have some time to gather myself, and he came just a few minutes after. I'm not sure if he needed something in the kitchen or if he just wanted to check up on me because of last time. 

"I'll be alright. Thank you, Mr. Frederick." Silence. The silence forces me to look back at him.

"Fred, Kemi," his deep voice rumbles. It doesn't leave room for argument. 

"Fred." He's so respectful that I naturally want to return the gesture and call him what I call him. But there's no harm in saying his first name like this. He looks away and nods once.

"Alright," he mumbles and I stare at him for a while.

"...Fred?" His warm brown eyes meet mine. His eyes aren't probing or alarming, but there's something about them that keeps me from looking away. Fred is the same age as Joe, so there's wisdom in his eyes. They tell of how much he’s seen, but his demeanor also says he knows there's still more to learn. I like that.

I take a breath as a question I've been wanting to ask, but never doing so, begs to jump off my tongue. I look around Grace's kitchen, making sure no one overhears. If Joe or Grace heard what I had to say, they'd stop me from leaving here. But I feel like I can ask him.

"When do you call 911?" My voice is softer than it usually is. My eyes flit around and I hear our two friends continue chatting with the kids in the living room, laughter and loud conversation making a great cover for the one I'm holding with this officer.

Fred doesn't answer my question immediately, just stares at me with a troubled expression, his strong brows pulling together. He moves closer, his back to the sink that I face.

"When you're ever in danger," he finally says.

"...Will anything bad happen to me?" His brows furrow further.

"Do you mean if we'll do something bad to—"

"Will he do something to—" My hand moves to my stomach and his gaze drops. His eyes widen and he takes hold of my elbow, but his touch is gentle. First, there's joy on his face. He knew about my miscarriages due to being here when I broke down and mentioned them to Grace, so it's natural to be happy. Yet, I'm taken by how his face seems to light up in a way I've never seen before. 

But then realization sinks in as he recalls what I'm asking and he moves closer, worried.

"Kemi, you can't risk that," he says sternly. My eyes prickle, but I smile through it.

"I know." 

His mouth opens and he looks lost for a moment. "Is there…is there something that's stopping you from asking for help? I don't know what your situation is like. I can get you help. If you need a place to go or—" I shake my head.

"I'm alright. I was just wondering for my baby." 

He stares at me and his expression turns grim. "Kemi, make sure you call us as soon as you're in danger. I can't guarantee I'll be there myself, but I don't want anything bad happening to you or your baby." Again, his voice leaves no room for argument. But still, I remove my arm from his grasp and just smile.

"It's alright, I was just asking." I don't want him this concerned. I'm sure nothing bad will occur, but I asked just in case. 

"Promise me," he says, his brows pulling together and a frown marring his face. His resting face is serious, but this one is even more so. I try to look away and laugh it off though.

"Fred—"

"Promise me." He gently takes hold of my chin, his touch impossibly soft and there's care written on his face. Care and worry. I can't help it as my eyes cloud up. He steps closer. "Promise me you'll call. Don't try to handle this on your own. If you don't want to call 911, then at least call Joe or I, Kemi. Do that much for your baby."

For my baby. 

I nod, willing to do anything for my baby. Having lost the first two, I'm praying with deep longing that this one stays. I might lose my mind if he doesn't. 

"And do it for yourself." His words give me pause. For myself? I've been suffering alone and not telling anyone the full extent of what my now ex-husband has done to me. It never hit me the way it has until I got pregnant with this baby. 

"I'll call," I promise and his expression floods with relief. He nods and continues gazing at me before finally letting my chin go.