The Florencia Lozano Homepage - Fan Fiction
SOULMATES
BY CAROL |
CHAPTER
61 |
Chapter 61
More days passed and Tea just decided to enjoy her time with Marisa. The weather had cleared and the sun was now shinning again. Tea could see Todd, sitting out on the porch from the upper level of the house, staring out at her and Marisa. She figured he needed time to gather his thoughts and strength. She knew he wasn’t comfortable with everything that had been thrown at him in the past few weeks. She knew that he was not capable of handling what had happened to her. She also knew that he wouldn’t be able to raise another man’s child and she knew he thought Marisa was Powell’s. The rape and the subsequent beatings had left her weak and scared of her own shadow. She couldn’t worry at first about what Todd was going through. She knew she had to continue in her self-preservation mode. Her survival mode. She knew that Marisa would take up anything that was left. It saddened her to realize how much like Todd she now sounded. But another part of her had a better understanding of this enigma, that had constantly astounded her…never knowing for one minute how he would react, how he would act…her now being exactly in his shoes. She was unsure how she was going to deal with it, but she knew two things for sure. She didn’t want to be this way and she would figure out a way to not end up like Todd. The irony would always be that as she got worse, he got better. How could this possibly be happening?
Todd had made the day to day easier by sending courier after courier with meal after meal for the two. He had even found a chef that specialized in Puerto Rican cuisine and had made her special dinners. But he made sure that the restaurants sent over food specifically for Marisa. He had stocked the refrigerator well and the pantries were full. He did know how to shop for children. Tea giggled to herself, a fond memory from her past with Todd entering her mind’s eye. She thought to herself that Todd must have shopped according to what he liked, remembering how he and Starr liked the same foods.
After a week of isolation, Tea decided to take Marisa to see Starr and Todd. As they began nearing the home where Todd was staying, Todd jumped to his feet, running from the upper level to the ground level. He came barreling out of the front door, thrilled at her arrival, terrified of the whys.
He threw a carefree grin in her direction and met her eyes straight on. She could tell he was happy to see them. But as usual, trying to play it cool, he quickly put up his barriers and tried to play it off.
Todd: Just couldn’t stand to be away from me? (He asked with a hint of hopefulness)
Tea: Ran out of sugar and wanted to see if my neighbor would lend me a cup.
Todd: Oh, I…
Tea: Todd, I’m kidding. Lighten up.
Todd: I, well, I knew you were kidding.
Tea: Yeah, right.
There was an awkward moment as they each knew what the other was instinctually thinking. They had spoken these exact words on the night of Todd’s real proposal. The night they almost made love for the first time.
Todd: This is where you fall asleep now, isn’t it?
Tea: That’s not what I had intended that night. I wish we had made love that night. I still don’t understand why I was so tired.
Todd: Well, (trying to change the subject as thoughts run through his head about why she really did fall asleep that night) that’s enough of that.
Tea: Why did you leave us all alone? Did you need time?
Todd: No, I thought you did. And once you were alone, you stayed that way.
Tea: Well, I wasn’t really alone, now was I?
Marisa giggles. Todd looks down at her and smiles.
Todd: Glad to have your mommy all to yourself?
Marisa: Yes sir. Mommy’s not sick any more.
Todd: Well, then. You must have been the right medicine for her.
Tea: She’s not the only “medicine” I need.
Todd: How so? I don’t understand what you’re saying, Tea.
Tea: Well, if you invited us in, we could sit and try to figure it out.
Todd: Sure. I could do that. Come on in.
Tea: You’re sure.
Todd: I’m sure. Are you sure?
Tea: I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t sure.
Todd: Then sure.
They both laughed out loud at the silliness the conversation had created. As they walked toward the door, a car pulled into the drive way.
Todd: I’ll handle this.
Tea: But he’s here to see me.
Todd: Not for long he won’t be.
Tea: Todd….
Todd: Tea….
Tea points Marisa in the direction of the front door where Starr is standing, watching the adults interact.
Starr: Come on kid. I know my job. Let’s go see if there’s any snacks. We can get away with eating as much junk as we want.
Tea: I heard that Starr. No junk.
Starr: Okay Tee. Come on Short Cake.
Tea smiled at Starr’s agreeability and also her kindness toward Marisa. Turning her body, she now focused on the conversation at hand.
Todd: What are you doing here? I told you two weeks.
Moe: I also told you that you needed to keep in touch. I haven’t heard a word from you. How is she?
Tea: I’m fine Dr. B. How are you today? What brings you all the way out here?
Moe: You do, of course. Some good doctors still make house calls. So how are you?
Tea: As well as should be expected, I guess.
Moe: I stopped by the other house and no one answered. So are you all staying here now? You’ve seen your daughter, I imagine?
Tea: Yes, I have. She’s adorable, isn’t she?
Moe: For all she’s been through, she’s a remarkably strong young lady, much like her mother, I suppose.
Tea: I suppose.
Moe: Why don’t you let me give you a look see since I’m here?
Todd: Is that a professional peek-a-boo you’re going to try to have with my wife or is that something else?
Tea: Todd!
Moe: I didn’t recall your being married.
Todd: And your point? I’m sure you’re trying to make one, but it’s being missed on me.
Tea: I’m fine, Dr. B., but if you’d like to check me out, we can go inside.
Todd: Yes, WE can.
Tea: Don’t mind him, Dr. B. He’s harmless. And he listens well, don’t you Todd?
Todd: Depends on who’s talking.
Tea: Well, right now, I am. Best behavior, Todd. We have company. Why don’t you get Dr. B. something to drink?
Todd: Little early in the day, don’t you think?
Tea looks in Todd’s direction with a disapproving look.
Todd: You’re really going to make me do all this silly stuff, aren’t you?
Tea: Every last bit of it.
Again, the two smiled, an inward, knowing smile. There lives were swirling around them and around them. Some parts were worth repeating. Others weren’t ever going to be repeated again.
To be continued...
2003 Copyright by Carol
FanFiction Home
Home
