Chapter 12
451 Words
They’ve not heard me coming, too busy talking among themselves, three redheads close together, speaking quietly. And apparently, Kirstie’s in on it too.
Something’s cooking…
I stand in the doorway, telling myself I’m not eavesdropping. I’m in full view if anyone looks up, but no-one does. Nonetheless, try as I might, I can’t pick out the words.
Damn…
I give it another few seconds, then deliberately clear my throat.
Three heads of red hair, and one black, pop up like slices from a toaster.
“Good morning. You all seemed very intent on something there. What were you talking about?”
All four answer together…
“Shopping...”
“The wedding...”
“Books...”
“The flowers…”
… then look at each other.
Mitch reaches into the newspaper rack, producing some glossy Sunday periodical…
… How to spend it…
… “As you can see, James. We were looking through a catalogue, helping Kirstie put together her wedding list. We don’t want her to end up with five toasters and no cutlery.”
Hmmm…
I offer Charlotte a long look, but she refuses to meet my eye.
From upstairs, comes a wail; Cara. Charlotte immediately stands from her seat.
“I’ll put some coffee on, shall I.” I retreat around the door, waiting in the hall. As Charlotte steps through, I snag her by the wrist, holding tight. “What was all that about?”
“Nothing.” She glances up the stairs, Cara’s demands growing louder. “Master, I…”
“Cara’s fine for a moment. I don’t like being lied to, especially not by all four of you. What were you talking about?”
Colour rises up her neck. Her head hangs. “Master, I was going to talk to you. But later, when it was just you and me.” She looks up, meets my eye once more.” I promised Michael that when I felt ready, I would have a second baby, for him.”
him.Ahhh…
“Do I take it you feel ready now?”
“Um, yes.” Her fingers knot together. “Is that alright?”
“Of course it is…” A smile pulls at the corners of her mouth. “… We all know what was agreed. You and I have discussed this many times. You only had to say so.”
“Yes, but it means, um… When we… Er… You and I…” She dries up, cheeks blazing.
“You"re off your contraception?”
“Yes, I am.”
“That’s fine, then. So long as I know.” I kiss her forehead. Now, go see to Cara. It sounds as though she’s hungry.”
*****
- Writer
