Chapter 20
“How are you feeling? Are you tired? Do you need to sit down and rest? Want some more water?” Paige had asked Seniyah those questions at least five times since they arrived at the mall over two hours ago. From her sister and sister-in-law, Paige knew pregnant women tired easily and often needed rest. She was unfamiliar with the swollen face and hands but made a mental note to call and ask her sister about them. If she didn’t have an answer, Paige would search Google.
“I’m about as fine as I was when you asked me three minutes ago.” Seniyah smirked rather arrogantly, Paige thought, and then sipped from the water bottle.
“I’m just trying to take care of you and the baby. I don’t want to tire you out.”
Seniyah raised the shopping bag she carried and pointed at the ones Paige held. “Ms. Paige, we’ve been to two maternity shops and three baby stores, and now you don’t want to tire me out?”
Paige joined in with Seniyah’s laughter. “What can I say? I’m excited about the baby,” she said. “And your future,” she added after a pause.
“I could tell when you pulled up Consumer Reports on the mobile play set the salesperson attempted to sell you. You had him stuttering to answer your questions. You must have had one of those with your kids. By the way, how many kids do you have?”
Paige’s steps slowed in front of the cell phone accessory marquee. She stretched her neck to give the impression that the designer phone cases interested her, while she gained the courage to admit that she had no children, and that the only reason she knew so much about baby furnishings was that she had plans for Seniyah’s baby.
“Actually, I don’t have any children.” She faced Seniyah but didn’t make eye contact, opting to focus on the sporting goods shoe display across the aisle. “But I do have one niece and two nephews. I spent a lot of time caring for them when they were infants.” It was only a half lie. Paige had babysat on a few occasions.
“With your research skills and tenacity, you’ll make a great mother. You and Dr. Simone should think about it,” Seniyah threw out before taking another sip from the water bottle.
“Why would you say something like that?” Paige’s loud voice garnered the attention of passing shoppers. She lowered her volume when several stopped to watch. “Dr. Simone and I are just friends. And friends shouldn’t go around making babies unless they’re married. At least not at my age,” she said as hurt flashed on Seniyah’s face.
Seniyah raised her hand and took a step backward. “Don’t try to fix it. I know you look down on me for getting myself into what you consider a mess, but those are your high standards, not mine. I guess that’s why you’re mid-thirtyish, without a man, and childless.” Her shoulders shrugged. “But, hey, if it works for you.”
Sergio-Xavier’s suggestion of sewing her nose and lips together rang loud and clear as Paige watch Seniyah waddle away without the shopping bags containing a small fortune from Paige’s bank account. Why can’t I learn to be quiet?
“Seniyah, wait!” Paige almost tripped twice while trying to run after Seniyah and carry the bags.
This was not how Paige wanted the day to end. She’d planned to take Seniyah to an early dinner and then present her fabulous plan. Three stores down, Paige’s strides slowed as realization of what had happened set in. Seniyah had insulted her, and now Paige was running after her to force her to accept her gifts. She’d heard stories from her mother and sister, but now she had witnessed it with her own eyes. Pregnancy really did alter a person’s personality. The introverted and insecure teenager she’d met over a year ago would have never spoken to her like that.
As Seniyah exited the mall, Paige came to a complete stop and plopped down on an empty bench with the bags stacked at her feet. Ignoring the stares and murmuring around her, Paige lowered her head and cried. Her retribution and future were slipping through her fingers. If she wasn’t careful, she’d condemn herself to a life of sorrow.
“Ms. Paige, is that you? Are you all right?”
Paige’s jerked her head upward to find Jasmine and the divas staring down at her. She couldn’t think of an adjective to describe adequately how low she felt. It was one thing to cry in the presence of absentminded shoppers, but for her mentees to witness the meltdown was beyond humiliating.
Paige quickly dried her face and acted as if all was right with the world. “Hey, divas. I didn’t expect to see you today. What’s up?”
As usual, Jasmine spoke for the group. “You tell us. Why are you sitting in a crowded mall, bawling? What happened to all that poise and sophistication?” She moved in closer. “Did Dr. Simone do something to you? ’Cause if he did, we’ll go down to that hospital and put him in check. My cousin works up there, and she’ll take us right to him. I don’t care how fine he is. He can’t be disrespecting you like this.”
The other divas echoed Jasmine’s sentiment.
Paige jumped to her feet, waving open-palmed hands. “Whoa. Hold on. This has nothing to do with Dr. Simone. I just got some bad news, that’s all,” she lied.
“Oh.” Jasmine backed down. “Well, I’m just saying, if you need us to handle something for you, we got yo’ back.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that,” Paige said, knowing full well she’d never take them up on the offer. However well-meaning their intentions might be, forming an alliance with her mentees was something she would never do.
“So, do you want to talk about it?” one of the girls asked.
Paige looked down at the pile around her feet. “No. I think I’d better get home. It’s been a long day.”
Jasmine’s face twisted as if she was contemplating a serious decision. “Change of plans, divas. Let’s help Miss Paige take this stuff to her car, and then we’re taking her to the nail shop with us,” she finally announced. “We’re getting pedicures today,” she told Paige.
By the time Paige formulated an excuse, the divas had picked up her bags and were waiting for her to lead the way.
“Okay. I guess it won’t hurt,” Paige said, yielding, and then started walking toward the exit.
“Miss Paige, are you trying to tell us something?” Jasmine asked, walking beside her. “From the looks of the stuff you bought, you and Dr. Simone have been gettin’ busy.” Jasmine burst out laughing. “I ain’t mad at you. Even saved professionals have needs.”
Paige glared so hard at Jasmine, she walked into the glass exit door. This time onlookers didn’t stare; they laughed in her face.