CHAPTER 132

Geneveive Tessa Robert

I felt sick even before I stepped out of bed. It wasn’t a fever. I have been worrying and been unable to sleep ever since I started the silent treatment. The one where I read Kyle’s messages, ignored his calls, and zoomed him off my thinking radar. I stepped out of the bed and walked into the shower. Showers had a way of relaxing my thoughts and allowing me to review my decisions on certain things. This time around, all my decisions revolved around Kyle. 

A few minutes later, I stepped out of my room, feeling better. I knew what I had to do. 

‘Hey, dear. You look better than yesterday. How’s the headache?’ Vera asked, arranging the plates for breakfast. 

I sighed. She wasn’t supposed to be doing anything but resting. Vera never listens.

‘You should have allowed Estella and the men to do the arrangement. You shouldn’t stress yourself. You promised.’

She shrugged. ‘Okay, doctor, but you know I am indisposed, just pregnant. Y'all are treating me like I would break into two if I did one tiny task.’

I collected the plates from her. ‘We are sorry that you feel this way, but baby, we are looking out for you and the baby. Your blood pressure is still high.’

‘Yadda, Yadda, Yadda. You know that’s not your fault. Murphy took me to that creepy carnival, and their freak shows got the best of me.’

‘You pressured him to take you there, or else you were going to cry all night. He had no choice, Vee.’ I laughed, watching her seat.

‘Whatever. Where are the kids?’

I glanced outside, watching them play with Murphy and James. It was too early for them to be outside. ‘They’re with the men. Let's get them.’

I strolled outside, yelling James name. He paused, looked up at me, and signalled for the kids to follow him. Murphy followed.

‘Good morning, sis. I am sorry for taking them out this early. It wouldn’t happen again,'he bowed, smiling a bit.

‘Right. Your conscience is doing a great job these days. Apology accepted. Breakfast is set, and Vera would be angry if Murphy didn’t show up at her side in the next five minutes.’

Murphy laughed, following us in, ‘She wouldn’t because she loves me so much.’

I agreed, carrying Hope up. ‘These kids are getting fatter each day. James, what have you been feeding them behind my back?’

Hope replied, ‘Momma, Uncle Jam bought us pizza for lunch yesterday. It was yummy.’

James raised his hands, his eyes bulging. ‘They wanted something different, and the chef was out with Estella.’

‘I am not offended, though. I am glad Hope rooted you out. Next time, don’t trust a five-year-old with your secret.’ I laughed, dropping her as we took our positions at the dining table.

Murphy said grace, and we dove into the different delicacies Vera and the chef had prepared for us. We weren’t the table manners kind of people, so everyone talked about everything. We also laughed, making the kids grumble and laugh again. There were a lot of humorous tales from Murphy that made us laugh until tears dropped.

Kyle suddenly came up when James mentioned him in passing. I shot him one of my dark looks, and he quickly switched the topic, but it was too late.

‘Momma, when is Kyle joining us? We miss him.’ Nicholas said, looking up from his meal.

Oh, my days! This was what I was trying to warn James about. I had been able to keep the kids from asking Kyle since we got here, and James had to ruin it with his running mouth.

I stared darkly at him, and he mouthed a sorry, sis. ‘Dear, Kyle is busy with work activities, but I promise you and hope he will enjoy the holidays.’

Hope’s eyes glowed. ‘He’s coming to France?’

I sighed inwardly. Sometimes, having smart five-year-olds who thought like adults was a little bit challenging. You had to be careful about the responses you gave them, or they would root you out. ‘ No, baby. We’re going to meet him. Now, eat your meals so that Aunt Estella will take you and your brother to school.

Hope nodded, returning her focus to her plate. One of the things I loved about my kids was their zeal for education and the great way they learned to meet up when they missed lessons. I had been worried that removing them from their classes in the United Kingdom would cause an imbalance, but the lesson teacher had been impressed by their intelligence. I was so proud of them. Even though it wasn’t a full-time school, I was glad I was able to get a place that would allow them to learn.

I didn’t enjoy the idea of making them miss school anytime I had to travel with them or there was an emergency. 

Breakfast went quietly after the conversation, and soon I was the only one left at the dining table.

‘You should call him Tessa. It will help with the ache, okay?’ Vera said, walking towards me. She looks more beautiful each day. Her face glowed, her face was fuller, and her eyes were always so hopeful. I almost envied her. She had her husband by her side to help her through every process. A man who would do anything just to ensure she didn’t have to worry about her health condition. It was the opposite of my pregnancy journey. I had my family, but no husband to massage my toes and tell me everything would be alright. 

I bit my bottom lip. It was one of these moments that ignited my hate for Kyle.

He should have been there for me.

I stood up, crossing my arms, and said, ‘I know I should, but Vee, I don’t want to. I am yet to understand my feelings for him, and communicating with him would make me more confused. He waited for five years before it dawned on him that he needed me back. I am sure he can still wait, right?’

She smiled. ‘I just don’t like how you always have this faraway and pained look. You’re holding a lot against him, and I feel that if you talk more with him, you can release some of those feelings. Tell him what his sudden presence is doing to you, okay?’

I sighed, my hands falling. ‘I will in due time. Can we go shopping later in the day? I feel caged in this place.’

‘Finally!’ she giggled. ‘I need to get some stuff for the baby and myself. Also, we can get…’

She went on and on while I slowly returned to her words. Maybe all I need to do is tell him how I truly feel about his presence. It should help, right? Or not…