Chapter Ten

Adam opened the front door guiding Mrs. Bailey inside. "Mildred," said Ben, hurrying from the sitting area, taking both of her hands in his. "I'm glad you could come."

"Do you think anyone could have stopped me?"

"No, I don't. And I see you're prepared to stay."

"As long as I'm needed. And I can't wait to see that boy of yours," she said, turning to Adam.

"Well, he's not real fond of anyone but Chi Mei and his mother yet. But, we'll try to give you some time with him," answered Adam.

Ben took her arm and guided her to the stairs. "Let's get you settled in; then you can see Rebecca."

"I don't need to get settled. Just throw that bag in a bedroom. I want to see her."

As Ben escorted Mrs. Bailey up the stairs and down the hall, he warned her. "Now Mildred, I don't want you to be too surprised. She's not the girl you knew. She's still feeling some of the effects of the opium, and now…" he stopped and looked at Adam.

"Mrs. Bailey, I told you she needed you. The reason is that…well, she's…ashamed because of what was done to her. She's not talking to me anymore. She won't even look at me."

They stopped at the open door of Rebecca's bedroom, and Mrs. Bailey took Adam's hand. "And you figure she'll talk to me. Don't worry, Son. I know what to tell her. Now, if she'll listen…that's another story."

When they stepped into the room, Becca was standing at the window holding the baby. Chi Mei had been sitting on the side of the bed, but rose and took the baby back to his room. Rebecca drew her robe tightly around her and wrapped her arms around herself as if she was trying to hide…as if she was embarrassed standing in front of the two men. She turned and faced the wall. Mrs. Bailey walked to her and put an arm around her. "Rebecca, why don't you come spend some time with me," she said as she slowly turned with Rebecca and headed to the chair. Ben and Adam backed toward the door, and Ben turned back down the hall, but Adam lingered just outside, listening…hoping that Mrs. Bailey could talk her through this.

Mrs. Bailey sat down in the chair, drawing Rebecca down in front of her to the floor. "Now Rebecca, lay your head down right here in my lap and get it out. Then we'll talk."

Rebecca did as she was told and wept.