Broken

Chapter Thirteen: You Don't Belong Here

The morning was uneventful. I folded, cooked, cleaned, and all the basic sexist jobs I was relieved of back home. Being rich, Jordan and I had people to do these things for us. I never saw them as workers, they were our family, but they did an amazing job. We had access to any service in the world. Chefs, maids, butlers, even our own personal counselors, and nurses who were on call. While it wasn't part of my regular routine, I remembered the lady who raised us, Ms. Leanne, and how she did it all. Man, how did she do it? I was over here struggling.

Beverly was the first out of the two to get up. He was drunk with sleep and clumsily walking in. He barely made his way to the door.

"Beverly, come and get breakfast."

My voice perked him up. "Hey, babe."

"I'm not your babe." I set down a plate of bread and fruit because I didn't know how to use the gas burner. "Eat."

"Can I have you for dessert?"

"Just eat the food, Beverly. Don't you have a girlfriend anyway?" Remind Jordan to never have perverted kids. Oh god, Jordan. I felt sick to my stomach. I have to sneak out later. Maybe the kids can sleep all day. Louis wouldn't have a problem with that right?

"It's not serious yet." He sat down with a smile.

A loud rustling came from the room and Althea emerged with bedhead. I silently gave her breakfast. My mind was consumed with thoughts about Jordan, about how I was going to make it up to him and apologize again if I could find him in time. He didn't look that bad, did he? I wondered. The dust floated on the uneven, creamy tile as I swept. The suds coated my forearms as I scrubbed. This is so boring. Why did I offer to stay?

The day went by without any disturbances, not even from Beverley. The sky was a crisp orange when Althea came up to me so quietly it made me jump.

"Oh! It's just you. I thought I'd have to knock someone out!" I laughed.

She cracked a smile. "Can you help me with my homework?" A picture book, something I found so simple and innocent, was on my lap.

"Of course. Come sit." I removed the book and patted where it used to be. She wasn't as heavy as she looked.

"I'm supposed to read the whole thing by myself. Louis usually helps but he isn't here yet..."

"Am I your replacement Louis?" I beamed. It felt good that she needed me. I loved kids in every way and the admiring look in their eyes when I helped them was enough to brighten up even the dullest of days, like this one.

"Yes!" she perked up.

"Ok, then." I wrapped up in a thin blanket and she began to read Once a Mouse in broken fragments until the sky was completely dark. Louis still hadn't returned, neither had Beverly, and I was itching to find Jordan by this time. I can't leave sweet, innocent Althea by herself. Could I? I debated.

Of course, you can. You're struggling love life is definitely more important than the life of a child.

Louis will probably be home soon. Just go quickly. He'll never know.

Famous last thoughts before a murder case.

She'll be fine. I'm sure of it.

I went into the bedroom. The familiar rhythm of a shower echoed. "Althea!" I called.

"Yes!" Her muffled voice replied. A seed of guilt planted itself in my stomach.

"I'm going to run an errand for Louis!" I lied.

"Ok!"

The deed was done.

I walked diligently for a few blocks and caught a couple of rides before getting to the closest hospital. I walked in, the stark coldness of the hospital was like needles.