CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“My heart suspects more than mine eye can see.”
- William Shakespeare
Nine blinked her eyes a few times before opening them widely. When she looked up she was staring into the beautiful face of Isabel Prophet. She was sitting on one of Nine’s high decorative pillows, massaging her shoulders with her warm fingertips, while humming a song that Nine was unfamiliar with.
At least the hallucinations were gone.
Pulling her pouty dry lips apart, Nine asked, “Where is Leaf?”
“He went to get you some more sleeping medicine.”
“From who?”
“Dr. Banning prescribed it for you.”
Nine closed her eyes before opening them again slowly. The world seemed cloudy, as if it didn’t exist. When the phone rang, Isabel picked it up. “Hello?” She paused. “Hold on.” She covered the receiver and said, “It’s someone named Vanique from Royal Babies. She’s asking for Marie Antoinette.”
Reluctantly, Nine accepted the call and said, “Hello.”
“I’m sorry to call you like this but Julius is out of the program!” She was rude and short.
Nine’s eyes widened. “For what?”
“Two reasons! First, we found out that you lied about your name. And second, we found out that your last name is Prophet. And we don’t accept incestuous behavior at our school! Goodbye!”
Nine handed her the phone. That was the last thing she felt like hearing. “Please hang it up,” she said.
“Everything okay?
Nine shook her head no. “I need a bath.”
“It’s funny you asked. I already ran the water for you.”
****
Nine leaned back in the freestanding tub while Isabel sat on the edge of it massaging her shoulders again. “How did you learn to knead skin so smoothly?”
Isabel laughed and scratched into the row between two of her cornrows before massaging Nine’s shoulders again. “My father taught me. He said the more sensual the massage, the better the orgasm.”
Nine shook her head in disgust. “I fired him the other day. I am certain your parents are talking about me badly.”
Isabel smiled. “Who cares? What can they do but get over it?” she shrugged. “What’s wrong with you though, Nine Prophet? I haven’t known you long but what has gotten your mind so racked all of a sudden? I’ve heard of your legend and you are always poised and subtle.”
“I do not know, Isabel. I wish I did because I would put an end to it quickly. It bothers me so much that it keeps me up at night.”
“Have you tried what I suggested? With giving yourself and orgasm?”
“Yes.” Nine sighed. “It makes me focus on the sensations but my mind and thoughts are still the same. Wild and crazy. I feel sick lately, as if I am breaking down inside. Something else is wrong.”
Isabel grabbed a washcloth, lathered it with soap and lifted Nine’s arm softly to clean her pit. “Search inside, Nine.” She brought the cloth to the back of her neck. “Only you know what has changed in such a short period of time. Search hard, and when you find the right answer, attack it.”
Nine leaned further, while the back of her head nestled between her cousin’s bear legs. “Can you make me some tea?”
“Sure. What kind?”
“Earl Grey. No sugar, no honey.”
Isabel removed her feet from the tub and wrapped a large blue velvet towel around her body. “Say no more.”
****
Isabel hummed all the way down the hallway toward the kitchen until she ran into Banker who was sashaying out of Julius’ room. Surprised, Banker turned around and looked into Isabel’s eyes as if she was caught red handed doing something wrong. “How is she doing?” Banker asked.
“Who is she?”
“Nine.”
Isabel looked down at Banker’s feet and slowly moved her gaze up to her eyes. “Do you receive a check from Nine?”
Banker flapped her lids a few times. “Excuse me?”
“Are you or are you not an employee?”
Isabel frowned, believing she already knew the answer. “I am.”
“Then refer to her as Mrs. Prophet. And when you see any of us, we expect the same honor.” She paused. “I believe you have something to do with Nine being sick. For your safety, I better not find out that it’s true.” Isabel bumped her shoulder and moved toward the kitchen as she continued her humming.