Author's Note: Thanks for reading and reviewing. I have made some head way in writing, so I have decided to post this chapter sooner than I normally would. Please, let me know what you think. Thanks.
Author's Note: I own nothing.
God has provided the perfect opportunity to keep the harlot away from the Reverend, if only for a few days. It was very upsetting to hear the Reverend so happily announce that woman would be accompanying them on the relief trip to Chino. It was crass at best. They aren't married, haven't even known each other all that long, and here the Reverend is bringing her along on a trip where they will share a room, every volunteer aware of what will be going on behind that closed door. As though the way the harlot's blouse clung to her, revealing the swell of her stomach, isn't proof enough of their ungodly acts.
It wasn't until the committee was setting the table for dinner that God's plan presented itself. Susan brought and prepared a meal for the committee, her way of apologizing since she is unable to participate in the actual relief efforts. Maybe if she had better control over her wayward children, she would be able to help those truly in need. Either way, her less than stellar parenting has provided a way to prevent the harlot from joining them on the trip.
Susan prepared the meal in the kitchen of the fellowship hall where the soup kitchen is held. Upon entering the kitchen for napkins, the empty packaging which contained the raw chicken was out on the counter. Susan's inability to pick up after herself has paid off. The room temperature, bloody drippings from the chicken was poured over the salad that was then placed on the harlot's plate. She was so busy trying to be the center of attention, laughing and flirting with the Reverend, she didn't even notice there was an extra ingredient in her food.
Dear God, please watch over and protect the baby she is carrying. Though conceived in sin, the child should not be punished for its mother's behavior. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Adrian doesn't see James' car when he arrives home, unsure if Evelyn and James have returned from dinner yet. There is always the possibility, though it is very slim, that the man will be staying at his own place tonight. Adrian doubts it very much, having lost count of the number of nights James has spent at the mansion.
Adrian's thoughts are taken away from the Reverend when he enters the study, noticing Evelyn's purse resting on the bar. He looks around the room, a half glass of apple juice on the coffee table, a book Evelyn has been reading turned face down beside the glass. It is very unlike her to place a book down like that or bend down a page to mark her spot. She respects their library, so if she left the book like that, she must have been in a hurry.
Deciding to go in search of her, Adrian exits the study. Nearing the stairs, he hears retching coming from the downstairs bathroom. Apparently dear friend nausea has decided on a return visit. Adrian walks to the bathroom door, turns the knob, thankful Evelyn hasn't locked it, and steps into the bathroom. He isn't at all surprised to find Evelyn on her knees in front of the toilet. She is pale, one elbow propped on the toilet seat, her head resting in her hand, while with the other hand she tries to hold back her loose locks. She looks absolutely miserable. Adrian doesn't recall the nausea ever making her look this sickly, but due to their separation, he hasn't experienced a lot of moments during this pregnancy.
"Go away, Adrian," she croaks, her throat raw.
He ignores hers. Adrian walks over to her, kneels behind her then gently pulls her hair back. He places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Morning sickness back?" He asks carefully, not wanting to further upset her.
Evelyn groans. She leans forward and vomits into the toilet. Adrian doesn't comment or even cringe, instead he holds her hair and gently rubs her back. On the few occasions she experienced actual vomiting during her pregnancy with Barrett, Adrian always did exactly this. When there is nothing left in Evelyn's stomach, she leans back against Adrian, glad he's there for the physical and emotional support he offers. She hasn't ever been this sick, but she has been eating more since the nausea subsided. Apparently, it was just a short reprieve.
"Better?" Adrian asks, Evelyn noticing for the first time he has wrapped his arm around her waist and is stroking her arm.
"I think so," she answers hoarsely.
"Are you ready to stand?"
Usually the question would be met with a sharp response, but tonight she feels much too weak to argue. She offers a slight nod, glancing at Adrian. He stands first, reminding himself he's getting too old for sitting in the floor, then helps Evelyn to her feet. She's unsteady at first, her hands shaking in his. He warps his arm around her waist, pulling her closer so she can lean against him. She tries half-heartedly to push him away but can't seem to muster the energy.
"Let me help you." His tone is soothing, his grip tightening around her. She is much too exhausted to argue, reluctantly leaning into him.
They make their way out of the bathroom and up the stairs. He helps her into the bedroom and onto the bed, noticing for the first time she has already changed into pajamas. She must feel unwell to already be in night clothes at barely seven thirty. He pours her a glass of water, noticing the way she pales at the sight of water. He goes into the adjoining bathroom, returning a few moments later with a cool, damp cloth in hand.
"Lie back," he instructs. Evelyn scowls but does as told. Maybe if she allows him a few moments of overprotectiveness, he will go away and she can sleep.
Adrian places the cloth on her forehead, sitting beside her on the edge of the bed. She studies him, still feeling the hurt and anger from his earlier threat. If she didn't feel so poorly she might comment, but she is too weak to begin an argument. Honestly, she is relieved he's with her, a bit concerned by how she's feeling. A comfortable silence falls over the room as Adrian sits there watching Evelyn closely. There is a lot they need to discuss, but for now she needs to rest.
"Thank you," Evelyn says a while later, feeling a bit better.
"Evelyn, I'm here anytime you need me," he says, concern and sincerity filling his eyes. He takes her hand in his, gently squeezing.
For a moment, Evelyn's anger dissipates. She looks into his eyes, the love and concern overwhelming. Her only response is to squeeze his hand. He brushes a stray lock of hair out of her eyes with his free hand, momentarily resting it on her cheek. Even exhausted and pale she is the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. Evelyn places her hand over his. She appreciates his presence more than he knows, and more than she is comfortable voicing. This sweet, caring Adrian is the man she married, the man she remembers from before Barrett's death. She closes her eyes at the thought, mentally admonishing herself, but like always she finds it impossible to push him away.
The shrill ringing of her phone shatters the moment, startling both of them. Evelyn pulls her hand out of his, moves the other hand that rests against his. She sits up and begins searching her robe pocket for the phone. It surprises her when she is a bit annoyed to see James' name on the screen.
"Thank you, again, Adrian. I am fine now." She dismisses him. He nods and stands from the bed.
"I'm here if you need me," he tells her before heading to the door.
She watches him exit the bedroom, answering the phone once the door is closed. James just wants to check on her to see if she is feeling any better than when he dropped her off. He offers to come over and stay with her when she tells him she is still sick, but she declines. He needs to rest before tomorrow and he won't do that if he's taking care of her. James doesn't like it, but he doesn't argue. He reminds her to call him should she need him, tells her he will call first thing in the morning, then hangs up.
Evelyn lies back in bed, thinking about James. She cares deeply for him. He is such a kind, wonderful man. There is no reason to be upset with him for calling and checking up on her, even if the phone call did interrupt a moment between her soon-to-be ex-husband and she. Her eyes widen in horror. No, she isn't upset at James for putting an end to that moment between expectant mother and father. She's simply annoyed that just like Adrian, and now Marisol, James is hovering. Her hormones are wreaking havoc on her and all the well-meaning people in her life.