The Body #4: Nico and Cosi

Chapter 12 (Cosi): The Eighth Night

I heard the doorbell ring and had to work up the energy to go answer the door. 

Earlier in the day, I'd been doing a little mental calculating and was wondering if something else was causing my stomach distress and exhaustion. Maybe it wasn't the flu hanging on. My head was finally clear enough to realize that I hadn't had my period in a while.

 Maybe it was a tiny baby that I desperately wanted. Time to put one of those pregnancy tests I always kept stocked in our bathroom to use. 

I'd been so angry today after seeing those texts between Desti and Nico that I could barely think straight. Even though Nico's responses had been neutral, the things Desti was saying were way out of line, and he hadn't rebuked her for the shit she was saying. For the first time in my life, I wanted to share with my step-sister all of the wonderfully deadly deeds I was capable of. 

Do you know the most effective way to use a garrote, Desti? I do. Shall I demonstrate?

Instead, showing admirable restraint, when I'd walked downstairs this morning, I told her that I was feeling much better, I appreciated all the help she'd given me, but it was time for her to go home. She'd given me a stricken look.

I always wanted a husband to take care of, so I'm kind of getting my chance now in a way.

Yeah, you can't take care of my husband anymore. Go find your own husband and stop texting mine.

"But, Cosi, you're still not feeling well, and you get worse after you eat. I think it's too soon for me to go home."

"I'll be fine," I said shortly. She'd probably never heard that tone of voice from me before, but I was past caring.

"At least...at least let me make you lunch before I go."

"Fine." I could deal with one more heavy-on-the-salt meal from her. "Need help packing in the meantime?"

We'd gotten her packed, eaten lunch, and then I'd waved her on her way. Finally.

Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to rejoice in my victory because as usual, I had stomach cramps and other nasty things happen that were even worse than usual. Desti called to tell me she got home safely and she could hear it in my voice.

"You're sick again, aren't you?" she demanded.

"I'll be fine," I said weakly, then hung up.

Somehow, in the midst of all that unpleasantness, I took a pregnancy test and it came back positive. Everything made sense now. The length of time it took me to get over the flu, still feeling nauseated after eating, the constant tiredness. It wasn't because I was sick, it was all because I was pregnant. My hand pressed against my flat belly. Hi, little baby. You've been doing a real number on your mama, but I don't care because you're worth it. I've waited so long for you!

The doorbell chimed again, and I forced myself to get up and answer it.

Desti.

She pushed her way in, suitcase in hand.

Let me amend that: an even bigger suitcase in hand than the one she'd left with.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. I knew there was nothing welcoming in my voice.

"Nico told me to come back," she said, and I didn't like that triumphant tone in her voice. "When we were talking earlier, he told me to get back here and I was to stay here until further notice -- and he didn't care what you said. Want me to call him to verify?"

When we were talking? He didn't care what I said? Did they talk often?

"No. I wouldn't want to bother him at work." I'll get him behind closed doors for that particular conversation. "I'll talk to him when he gets home tonight."