Breaking Glass

(13) Realization of an Impregnation

Please vote!

-------------------------------------------------

Chapter Thirteen

“You disgusting, vile creature!” Cade wipes his hands on his shirt with a scowl on his face. I kept retching, the insides of my mouth burning from the acids pouring freely from my stomach. I watch slyly as the yellow liquid spills on Cade’s shoes, causing him to jump up in disgust. “Stop it! Stop it! You’ve gone mad; mad I tell you! Mad!”

“No… I haven’t,” I manage to say as I spit out the remains of my lunch.

“You are vomiting all over me! How is that not insane?”

“I’m sick, Cade! Most likely out the tribulations you and my sister have caused me.”

“Your problems aren’t our fault.” He crossed his arms.

“You bastard.” Tears were tightening my throat. Despair shoots through my chest.

“Rose, look. What happened, I couldn’t help but-“

“You couldn’t help but what? Break my heart? Tear me into pieces? Devastate me?” I was shuddering now, my corset getting infinitely small on my waist.

“I didn’t do any of that, did I?” A pained look was on his face.

“You did.” I let out a small sound of sadness, his face softening in return.

“I didn’t mean to!”

“But oh, you did.” I turned on my heel.

“Rose, I’m-“

The door shutting cut him off abruptly. I sigh in relief and let all my tears flow. This was the first time I really cried lately. Every sob seems to tear my torso apart. The feeling of being watched starts to dawn on me. I turn slowly, carefully to face the shocked faces of every important person I know. I begin to fret but finally decide to speak. “Hello.”

This seemed to smack everyone back into reality, letting them know I was aware of their presence. The music continued playing and everyone goes about their business. I remain by the door.

Everyone is whispering, throwing secretive glances at me. I start to hear what they say.

“Poor girl, must still be bent over by her mother’s death.”

“Are her and that Adams boy still together?”

“Which one?”

“Why the one she kissed at the wedding, of course! The other one is married.”

“To her sister!”

“I suppose she is. Oh, what an interesting life she must have!”

If only they knew…

I gather my senses and stalk over to my father, paying special attention for any signs of suspicion on his face.

“My! Rose where have you been?” he exclaims, clapping his hands once as if to stop all the conversation at his table.

“Outside,” I answer simply.

“And what were you doing outside?”

“Is it any of your business?” I snap.

My father recoils, his head snapping to the guests at his table. He smiles and laughs nervously, patting my back. “There she is.” Everyone at the table chuckles in agreement.

There I am indeed.

 ***

“Lydia… Lydia…” I call to my servant, my hands searching through air. I can’t see anything with this rag on my face.