Chapter 12: signs.
Dinner was an ordeal of unspoken anger and resentment. Nobody really said what was on their minds. Mike, for instance, complained about the food and would not talk to me. I was bad, he muttered. He didn't like me anymore.
Cindy rebuked him and he slumped in his chair and kicked the table leg. That irritated dad because no one enjoyed the food he had slaved over for an hour.
Even though dad denied putting fish into the stew, I could have sworn I tasted the distinct taste. Not a fan of seafood. I had no appetite anyway. It was obvious that Cindy and dad had lost patience with me. She had told me to stop pouting and eat. My dinner which made me very queasy was not appetizing. Dad was so cross with me, he corrected me for saying 'Can I' instead of 'May I 'which was absolutely ridiculous.
Before Cindy took Mike upstairs to bed, she looked at dad in a way that made me uneasy. Hoping to avoid the inevitable I tried to leave the room quietly. But I was stopped by dad.
''Don't rush off, I want to talk to you. ''
I sat down reluctantly. ''I must study. ''
Dad ignored me. ''Cindy tells me you've been sleeping late. She hasn't seen you crack a book in days. ''
''Cindy doesn't know everything, some nights I study past midnight. That's why I sleep late. ''I was amazed at myself as the lie became so easy.
''If that's true I think you should skip the evenings with Caius, so you don't have to work so late. ''Cindy said coming into the room. ''Studying would be far more useful than spending your time staring at Caius as if he was your lover. ''
I stared at her too shocked to speak. Dad drew a breath and made a face as if Cindy had gone too far, but Cindy did not care. ''It's not a healthy situation you should see less of Caius.''
When dad nodded his agreement, I turned to him fuming. ''How can you take her side. In case you haven't forgotten on your daughter! ''
I expected my father to have a change of heart, but he said, ''I'm afraid I agree with Cindy. We both notice your change, Raina. I'm disturbed with you sneaking off with Caius and spending time in his room. ''
I leapt to my feet. ''Why did you invite me here? You never spend time with me you never see me anymore. All you care about is your new family and the book. ''
Dad reach for my hand, but I turned and ran toward my room. In the Hall, I collided with Caius.
''Raina, what's wrong? ''
His voice was rich with concern. I wanted to hurl myself into his arms and beg him to take me away. Dad would be sorry then. Monster or no I still loved Caius.
But Cindy and dad were close by and could hear every word I said. I had to protect our secret. They must not know I love Caius and discover what he is.
''Don't look so alarmed, Caius. Dad said dismissing the scene with a nervous laugh. ''You know how young women are, they must be such drama Queens every now and then to keep themselves from being bored.''
At that moment, I hated my father he was making a fool out of me in front of Caius. He belittled my tears, turning them into a joke for them to share.
Caius glanced at me. The little mark on my neck tingled as if he touched it with his lips. I knew he'd come to me later. We'd be alone, free to show each other our love. Without looking at my parents I stalked down to the hall to my room.
Just before midnight, I heard footsteps in the hall, then a rap at my door. Snowy raised her head and stared at me. Lashing her tail, she growled, rose to her feet, and arched at her back and hissed. I opened the window and let the cat out.
Caius stood in the hall outside my door. ''May I come in?''
''Of course, ''I said as I got out of bed.
Though when I got up too fast, the room spun, and I was dizzy. Nausea rose inside. I struggled to open the door. When I did Caius moved in swiftly and caught me before I fell to the floor.
''It's happened, you are unwell I see. ''He observed.
''I …I think I'm going to puke.'' I said getting up and racing to the bathroom.
I lifted the ivory lid and emptied the contents of my stomach into it. Retching and gagging. I was so distracted I didn't hear Caius come in.
''There, there Raina, it will pass. So, I understand. ''Caius said, calmly.
''I must have the touch of the flu. I felt it coming on at dinner. ''I said.
I flushed the toilet and went to the sink and to wash my mouth out and dry my face. Thankfully, I did not get any in my hair. I heard Caius coming up behind me. His comforting scent breezed around me. He wrapped his arms, encircling me, holding me close. I laid my head back against his shoulders. I felt so emotional, dangerously so. I almost revealed our secret out of anger when dad and I fought. I'd have to be more careful in the future. I did not want to lose Caius.
He chuckled softly. ''Raina, you do not have the flu. You are pregnant.''
My mind just spun, and I thought I would faint. Pregnant?
''You are developing signs, and it will only intensify. But I have done a lot of research on the matter. With love and care and a little preparation you will be fine. '' He explained to me.
My heart raced in my chest in fear what would my dad say, what would he do. Why didn't we use protection? In hindsight is 2020 so they say. Sensing my distress, Caius turned me to him. ''Come, my darling,'' he said. ''I will take good care of you.''
Steering me out of the bathroom, he picked me up as I lost footing at the threshold and placed me on the bed.
''You will take care of me? ''I asked. ''Do you love me still?''
''Of course, my sweet little mouse. I have marked you, didn't I?''
I touched the hickey place so lovingly by Caius on my neck. What did it all mean?
''I think I shall explain shall I,'' Caius said as he got in bed with me and pulled me into an embrace.
At first, I shivered but soon I relaxed to his gentle hold as a purr rumbled from his chest. It was strangely calming. Something equivalent to a tranquilizer.
''I made you mine, we share a special bond, ''he began mysteriously. ''I was so happy to find you, you are so special to me. ''
''How so? ''I asked unsure of his meaning.
He kissed my face and came to my lips at last. The kiss was tender as his words. I felt such love like never before. He wanted me; I could feel it. Everything about him comforted me now. I was lost woman devoured by this man in ways I never thought possible. He possessed me. The clock struck midnight in the hall, but time held nothing against us.
''I will never leave you or forsake you. You are mine and I am yours. ''The emotion of his tone was raw and the truth of it brought me joy.
''Take me away, Caius. ''I say taking his hand and kissed it. ''My dad will never understand. ''
''In due time my dear, all in good time.'' He replied soothingly. ''Now my sweetheart you must rest, ''he rubbed my tummy, ''you have need. ''