Going Through Changes

Chapter 35: Hidden Secrets

No clues this time.

---Zaya's POV---

It was Valentine's Day.  I wasn't pregnant like we thought which meant that I couldn't blame Vincent.  Eliza and Lucas were with my parents.  Megan and Bethany were with Vince.  I had the house to myself with nothing to do.

That night, I got to the party.  Vince helped DJ go all out for the party.  His wallet fell out of his pocket.  I saw a piece of paper sticking out.  I grabbed it and unfolded it.  It was my list of things to do.  Vince walked back over.  "You knew about this?"  I shove the paper into his chest.

"Zaya..."

"Is this why you're doing this?  To joke about the things I want to do."

"I found it and I started planning things on your list.  You know what?  You are a spoiled brat because you can't get what you want.  I guess I'll have to keep it that way."  He crumbled the paper and threw it on the floor.  He left me standing there.  I grabbed my jacket and purse.  I left without saying a word or returning any glances.  My mom called me, but I didn't answer.  

I was walking home in the cold.  Vince had the keys and it was snowing too much for a cab.  I slipped and fell on a sheet of ice, hurting my side and knee.  It was midnight when I got home.  I was freezing cold.  I went upstairs and changed out of my pajamas and put on a sweatshirt and sweatpants.  I cleaned the blood off my knee and my side.  I checked my cell phone and saw missed calls and texts.

I found one from my mom.  "Zaya, I don't know what happened and it's none of my business.  Please, just tell me where you are."  it was sent 5 minutes ago.

"Home."

I grabbed some blankets and pillows from the hall closet and went downstairs.  I made myself a bed on the couch.  I laid down and pulled the blankets over me.  I tried to blink the tears away, but they still made an appearance and I couldn't stop it.

---Vince's POV---

I got home and got the kids out of their car seats.  I unlocked the door and went inside.  I saw that Zaya was buried by blankets and pillows.

The next day, I was making breakfast when Zaya came in.  She had a slight limp and she was holding her side.  She saw me there and quickly recovered.  She grabbed a bowl and some ceral.  Without saying a word she went back into the living room.

I had to run to the store that afternoon.  "I need to get a few things.  Do you want anything?"

"No."  she said barely audible.  I grabbed my keys and left.

At the store, I grabbed diapers for Bethany and grabbed stuff for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.  I kinda regretted what I said, but she was being immature.  I grabbed some ice cream and went to the check out.

That night, I made dinner and held out Zaya's plate to her.  She ignored it and grabbed some crackers.  I set the plate down with a harsh slam.  She flinched slightly and I really started to feel bad.  She went into the living room.

I brought her some ice cream and saw that she was facing the back of the couch.  She didn't even have the TV on.  "Here."  she shook her head.  "Zaya, don't treat me like I'm the bad guy."

"I'm not.  I'm just not asking for anything or taking anything that you give me.  You can forget about a lot of stuff because I don't need it."  I fought the anger building up.  I set the bowl down.  I went into the kitchen and heard her start crying.

I woke up around midnight from my spot in the recliner.  I saw that the bowl was empty.  I smiled a little at that.  I put it in the kitchen.

Morning came, I was changing Bethany's diaper when I heard voices downstairs.  I finished her diaper and fixed her baby sweats.  I went downstairs taking her and Megan with me.  Eliza and Lucas were watching Scooby-Doo.  Zaya's Uncle Riley was here with her parents.  He was checking her side and her knee.  I saw the scraps and bruises.  "Vince, when did this happen?"