Authors: Janet Adeyeye
Chapter 1
We decided to travel to
East LA
for our honeymoon, and even though I knew absolutely nothing about Mexico, I found it fascinating. We rented a beach house made out of glass on the island. It had been three days since we got there and things were going great. As we sat on the beach this sunny afternoon, I couldn't have wanted it any other way. I covered my face with a towel allowing the sun to hit my bikini body. I had on only my bathing suit and sunglasses while Angel insisted on wearing just shorts. He was sitting a few inches away from me reading a magazine. We’d been sitting there for over an hour and neither of us had dared as much as saying a word. We didn't argue. No, I just wasn't in the mood to talk.
"Babe?"
"Uh-huh?"
"Can you rub some cream over my back for me?"
I removed the towel from my face now and looked at Angel. I knew he was just doing this to get me to talk to him. He had that face at least.
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, unless you want me to get burned."
I stood up from the mat and crossed over to his side. Grabbing the lotion from his hands forcefully, I watched him turn backwards, his face to the mat. He kept on smiling as I rubbed the lotion over his back. So I jokingly sat on his butt. He wasn't expecting it, so he screamed. I laughed and got up.
He looked at me, faking a frown. “You better start running.” As he said this, he got up and started running after me. I screamed when he almost caught me and increased my pace. But not for long though. He grabbed me by the shoulder and in what seemed like a second, I was on the sand.
He laughed when he saw the face I made after my butt hit the sand, and then stretched his hands out to pull me up. Not wanting to be defeated, I touched his hands as if I wanted to get up and, then out of nowhere, I dragged him down allowing him to fall over me. I laughed.
I hadn't even noticed he was over me until he slowly touched my face. We grew silent now, staring into each other's eyes. He pulled away the strand of hair that had fallen out of place and pushed it to the side, and then he kissed me. I wrapped my hands around him now, kissing him back. I can't say for how long we kissed, but it was long enough for my body to surrender to him again. I withdrew my lips now and looked into his eyes, and like he'd read my mind, he got up and pulled me up into his arms until I was sitting comfortably on them. And then he started walking towards the villa, still kissing me. We went through the back door straight to the living room. He dropped me. His eyes locked on mine.
I couldn't wait any longer, I pulled him closer now until my back hit the wall and we were just inches apart. I wanted him to kiss me again, to touch me. But he didn't. He wanted me to burn more with desire for him. He wanted me to beg him to be mine. I kissed him now, pushing his hands until they touched my body again. The intensity of the kiss increased, and then he grabbed my thigh and lifted one of my legs up until it was firmly wrapped around his leg. And then, and then he touched my sweet part. I moaned. I wanted him. I wanted him now.
"Please..." My voice came out in a baritone
He touched my nipples now, playing with them while he kissed me. My feet trembled. I couldn't take it any longer.
"Angel... Please." I moaned again, louder now. And then, like that was what he'd been waiting to hear, he entered into me. It was swift and strong. I felt my whole body tremble with excitement. And then he continued, in and out of me, my nails sank into his back as I moaned with pleasure. And then I thought of my mom. If she was here right now, she'd slap the living daylights out of me. I was making love with my worst enemy, who was also my husband.
"Let's go back tomorrow," I whispered into his ears. He stopped to look at me for a second then slowly slipped away. "I'm missing home already. My mom. Don't you miss your family?"
"I like it here with you." He replied walking away. He went back outside now and sat on his mat. I joined him there almost immediately.
"I'm sorry."
"Why are you so eager to leave? Don't you want to be with me? One second you love me. The next, it's like you don't."
"I'm sorry. I don't know what I was thinking." I knelt behind him now and hugged him. He didn't move or resist me.
"I miss home too," he finally said
"See? Let's leave already."
He smiled now and then got up swiftly. "Let’s leave now then. We should get back home before nightfall. We'll surprise them."
I nodded in approval and we both went back inside to the bedroom. We didn't exchange another word after that. We just packed our stuff inside separate bags quickly like we were in a hurry to leave.
Chapter 2
Everyone was surprised to see us arrive home early, but they welcomed us in anyway. Then after a while, I headed upstairs to Angel's room. The maid had already put our stuff there, so obviously they expected us to sleep together. The rest of the family was still downstairs in the living room questioning Angel when I excused myself. I pulled out my cell phone as soon as I shut the door to the room and dialed my mom. She picked almost immediately.
"I'm back, Mom."
"Finally. I thought you had already forgot about our plan."
"How can I?"
"Good. Now our first target is Elizabeth. Like I told you."
"Are you coming over?"
"No... Drop by my place in an hour. I'll get the bottle ready."
Angel entered the room.
"I have to go now, Mom. Talk to you in a bit," I hurried in saying, then hung up. "That was my mom. I called her to let her know we are back."
Angel nodded then went over to the wardrobe to take off his clothes.
"I have to go see her."
"Now?"
"Yes. She wants to see me."
"It's late. You'll never make it back in time for dinner."
"I am not asking for permission, Angel. I am going to see my mom." I raised my voice now to show how serious I was. He looked at me for a second, then looked back into the wardrobe pulling out his pajamas.
"Then why are you telling me? Suit yourself."
I sighed and left through the door. He was obviously still upset over what happened, but why was I suddenly concerned about how he felt? Wasn't all this just a show?
I asked the driver to take me to my mom's place and in no time we were on our way there. I knew our home was far, so if I wanted to make it to her place in time, I'd have to leave immediately. It took over an hour to get there. It was already past seven by the time the car came to a halt at the curb.
My mom pulled me inside almost immediately and hugged me like she'd feared for a second that I was in danger. Ever since the night my dad had that car accident and died, my mom never trusted the Moreroes again. It was like a veil had been lifted from her face allowing her to see them for who they truly were.
"Did he hurt you?"
"No, Mom. Angel is not like that." I snapped and pulled away from her.
"Do you know that family better than I do? Child..."
"Mom, stop it okay? Angel is different. And he loves me."
My mom scoffed, discarding what I just said. "Listen, you'll be making a huge mistake if you fall for him. It's only a matter of time, I tell you."
"Mom, I'll be careful."
"Here." She placed something into my hands. "Drop this into her tea or coffee every morning."
I looked down at the bottle in my hands. It contained a liquid substance. "What's this, Mom?"
"Prednisone."
"What does it do?"
"Prednisone is a corticosteroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. It also suppresses the immune system. Prednisone is used as an anti-inflammatory or an immunosuppressant medication. Prednisone treats many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders."
"How is this helping, Mom?"
"But not just anyone can take it. Elizabeth has a heart disease and taking this can worsen her case slowly. No one would suspect you or anyone."
"Mom, no. This could kill her," I said while quickly pushing it back into her hands.
"No, it won't. If you give it to her bit by bit."
"What would this do to her then?"
She pulled out a note from her pocket and opened it: "According to what is written on the warning side effects: ‘hives; difficult breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; severe depression, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness, changes in personality or behaviour, seizure (convulsions); bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood; pancreatitis (severe pain in the upper stomach spreading to the back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate); low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling); or dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure). Other common prednisone side effects may include; sleep problems (insomnia), mood changes; increased appetite, gradual weight gain; acne, increased sweating, dry skin, thinning skin, bruising or discolouration; slow wound healing; headache, dizziness, spinning sensation; nausea, stomach pain, bloating; or
changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).’” She looked up from the paper. "See? This won't kill her."
"No, Mom. I am not so sure about this."
"Child, for your father."
I looked at her, then at the bottle. She had stretched it out to me.
"Take it. And be very judicious about the dosage. An overdose might kill her."
I grabbed it out of her hands and hid it away into my purse.
"In a week, we should start seeing some changes."
I nodded, then quickly hugged her and kissed her cheeks. Leaving almost immediately, I hurried into the backseat and shut the door. I couldn't look my mom in the face anymore. I was heaving heavily. What if someone sees me? This has to work as planned, or else I am doomed. But this was only just Phase Two.
Chapter 3
I got up early before anyone else and made my way to the kitchen. Although, the maids were up already making breakfast.
"Good morning," I said strolling into the kitchen.
"Good morning, ma’am," they all said in unison.
I nodded and smiled then opened the fridge. Taking out the jug of juice, I poured some into a cup and drank from it.
"Is Elizabeth up already?" I asked still drinking from the cup.
"No, ma'am. We take her breakfast up to her every day."
"Oh, I see." I came closer to the lady putting together the tray. "Is this hers?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Let me take it up to her. Okay?"
The maid look at me for a second confused.
"I just want her to like me. Okay?" I smiled at the lady now and she smiled back like she understood even more than I'd said. I picked the tray up from the table almost immediately and walked away out of the kitchen, then straight upstairs to her room. Stopping along the way, I slowly placed the tray on the table in the corridor then went back to see if anyone was coming. After clarifying that the road was clear, I slipped the bottle out of where I'd hidden it and quickly dropped some into her teapot. Hiding it almost immediately, I took the pot and shook it stirring the tea well. Clearing my throat, I picked up the tray again and continued walking.
I knocked on her door and waited for her to say something. When she didn't, I knocked again.
"Come in dummy!" she yelled and coughed. I opened the door and dipped my head inside. "Oh my goodness, Kayla. Please do come in. I'm sorry. I didn't know it was you."
I nodded then entered with her tray. She was sitting on a stool looking into the mirror.
"You really shouldn't have bothered. The maids could have done that."
"I volunteered to help, Elizabeth." I dropped the tray off on a stool now and quickly turned to take my leave
"Wait."
I froze to that spot.
"Do I look lean to you?"
I turned my head back to look at her now. She really did look thinner than I knew her to be years back. I just never paid attention.
"I know, right." She answered herself looking back into the mirror. She coughed again then quickly took out her pills from inside the drawer. "Could you help me with the water?" She added stretching her hands to take the bottle of water on the tray. I moved swiftly to her side and handed it to her instead. She smiled, pouring some into a cup. I just stood there looking at her. She looked really sick.
"Are you okay?" I found myself asking after a while
"I'll be fine. Did you make the tea yourself?"
I hesitated for a second. "No. No the maid did. I just brought it up since I was in the kitchen to get some juice. Besides, I needed an excuse to come see you."
"Really?"
"Yes. I wanted to thank you for accepting me into the family."
She smiled generously now as though I'd just cracked a joke. She took the teapot and served herself some tea. I couldn't watch her. I'd probably throw up or scream. So instead of just standing there looking at her, I excused myself and left. Or maybe I left because I feared she'd ask me to join her. As I left out of her room, Alex’s door opened almost immediately and he came out. We stood looking at each other for a second.
"Hi," I said faking a smile.
"Hi," he replied, then walked away.
"Are you going somewhere?" I asked following quickly behind him.
"What do you care?" He kept on walking.
"Please stop." My voice came out in more of a whisper now.
He did, but still didn't look back at me. I was going to say something when suddenly Angel's bedroom door opened as well and he came outside. He stopped to look at both of us for a second.
"Good morning?" he said feeling awkward
"Good morning," Alex replied then went down the stairs. I followed him with my eyes for a second then sighed.
"What's going on between you two?" Angel asked coming closer. He kissed me on the forehead now.
"I don't know what you mean."
He smiled now and held my hands. "Let go downstairs for breakfast then." He added and then walked me down. We took our seat in the dining room. Clifford and Matthew were at the dining table already, so we just joined them. We ate in silence the whole time and only the crunches from our mouth intruded into the silence in the room.
"We're leaving for work." Clifford and Matthew finally broke the silence getting up.
"The shipping company seems to be doing very well," I commented while eating my meal.
"Yes. Quite well. Why?" Matthew replied.
"Well, I was wondering if I could drop by sometime to say hi."
"Of course, sister in-law. You can."
"Besides, I'd like to discuss business with you."
"Anytime," Clifford replied. "We really have to get going now though."
"How about I drop by today?" I said again, even though I knew Angel's eyes were fixed on me.
"Sure. You can meet with Clifford. I on the other hand have a lot of clients to take care of."
"I understand." I smiled.
"Oh, well. I guess we'll be on our way now." Clifford added walking away. Matthew followed suit almost immediately.
"Umm, honey. What was that about?"
I looked at Angel and smiled. "Nothing, honey. Remember, I studied business administration in college. I might be able to offer some of my ideas to help the shipping company."
"You really don't have to."
I sighed, "I don't just want to be lying around all day doing nothing. I want to work. I am thinking of becoming a partner at the shipping company."
Angel suddenly choked on his food. "What?"
"Yes, I want to help the family the best way I can. As your wife I have the right to."
"Become a partner? Isn't it too early for such things?"
"That's why I want to discuss it first with your brothers. We should be able to strike an agreement."
I raised an eye to look at Alex now. I noticed he hadn't said a word.
"I haven't seen Zee today. Have you Alex?" I asked.
He looked distracted, like he was nowhere around us to even listen to our conversation.
"Alex?" Angel called, tapping the table.
"Yeah?" Alex looked up at Angel, now startled.
"I was asking after Zee. Where is she?"
"She moved out. You know how she is." Alex snorted discarding that topic.
"Why? Did she say where to?"
Alex scoffed. "What do you care? Not as if you guys were best friends or something."
"Well, I care very much, okay?" And at a point, I was actually beginning to believe so myself.
"I'll leave you two alone to talk for a bit, okay? I need to leave for work as well," Angel interrupted, and then got up. In no time, I was left alone with Alex. I just stared into my plate not knowing what next to say.
"Happy?"
"Huh?" I looked up as though I didn't hear what he said
"I said are you happy with my brother? You seem happy."
"Yes, very much. I really am."
"I just hope it last long," he said, still indifferent.
"I heard you're moving too."
"Yes. I have no interest in being a part of the family business, so I have decided to move. It'd be convenient for everyone."
"But... But this is your home Alex. You just can't leave."
"Watch me." He bluffed, then got up agitated
"Is it because of me? Are you leaving because you can't stand being in the same house with me?"
He stared at me, then smiled.
"What?"
"You still have feelings for me," he said, and then sat down back.
"No, I don't." I replied quickly, although I was afraid I didn't sound so convincing.
"Yes, you do. You're even still wearing the perfume I got for you. I can smell it from here, you know." He smiled again.
I looked down, as if I wasn't sure anymore if I should keep on denying it. Alex and I dated secretly in college for two years. Well after I knew he was a Morero, and then my mom's plan for revenge came up. He knew me better than anyone I've been with. He knows what I like and what I don't. He knows how I sleep. He knows the exact size of my underwear. He even knows how I style my hair and when I don't. He know when I have my periods, and the medicines I take.
"You're never going to be happy with my brother."
"I wish there was a way to convince you that I feel absolutely nothing towards you anymore," I said in a baritone then got up and left. I couldn't keep thinking about the past. Alex is my past. I got a future I need to secure and Alex is definitely not a part of it. I needed to go see Clifford, if possible. I needed to partner with them as soon as possible. Mom's orders. She is still yet to tell me why, but I know she has a pretty good plan so I trust her judgement.