Edie

Edie

SasatheShy

--

Chapter Thirty-Two: Two Seeds, One Flower

--

Forter’s only doctor hurriedly sprinted after Leigh. He was not fully sure on what was happening. All he knew was that someone at the inn had had a pass out. He was certain it was Amana, since of what she had gone through. Leigh had shared zero details. She was tired out from running to his place, and now, all the way back to the inn.

They soon returned. Leigh led him inside, immediately heading for the back. He followed her tiredly, trying to catch his breath.

Once downstairs, they rounded the corner, finding Tonisha standing there. She looked up at them, and she sighed heavily. “Finally.”

“What’s going on, Tonisha?” Tiller asked, panting. “Is it Amana?”

“No, it’s Edie,” Tonisha said. She saw that the doctor was confused. “She fainted -- and, well -- I’m not exactly sure what else is wrong.”

“I’ll have a look,” he nodded. “Why don’t you two wait out here?”

“Very well,” Tonisha said. She sounded stubborn, but she wanted Edie to have the best support. And she figured a moment alone with Tiller might help to answer some questions she had.

Tiller entered Edie’s bedroom. Closing the door behind him, he spotted her lump form resting under a few covers on the straw bed. He made his way over to her, and helped himself to a seat on a small stool sitting next to the bed. It had been moved in there by Tonisha. “Edie?”

She slowly peeked out. Seeing it was the doctor, she pushed down her covers.

“You remember me?” he smiled. “My name is Tiller. I’m the town’s doctor, and I’ve heard you had quite the stumble.”

Edie only nodded. She wiped at her nose. It was running. She kept still as Tiller reached into his bag. He pulled out a white cloth, and he handed it to her. “Here.”

“Thank you,” she said softly. She accepted the cloth. She wiped at her nose, and she blew. She leaned back, looking gloomy and bitter.

Putting on some gloves, Tiller had Edie scoot a bit closer to him. He started to feel over her face, checking up her nose, in her ears, and over her forehead.

“So…” he said while he examined her well. “How many hours a day do you work?”

“I -- I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “I start early, and work until evening time.”

“Mm hmm…” Pausing, Tiller raised a brow. “Well, you have no fever. That’s good.”

“It was nothing,” Edie said. “I just -- took a bad step.”

“Oh, it’s definitely something,” Tiller chuckled. He peered down at her. He lowered his spectacles, looking at her as if she were hiding something. Yet, by the look in her eyes, he guessed that that something not even she knew. He pushed his spectacles back up his nose “How often do you drink water?”

“Lots.”

“Alright, that’s good,” he unsurely whispered. He finished writing some things down before digging into his bag. “Have you ever been sexually active with another?”

Edie went bright red. She quickly looked away. “W -- why would you want to know that?”

“It’s important to know,” Tiller said.

“Y -- yes…” Edie said, feeling embarrassed.

“How long ago?”

Frowning, Edie leaned back. “A -- about five weeks…”

The doctor pulled out a small cup, and a small bag made of pig skin. Edie eyed both objects suspiciously. She wiped at her forehead. She suddenly felt warmer than she had earlier.

“Okay,” Tiller smiled. He leaned forward, and pulled out a small purple herb from within the bag. “When was your last cycle?“

Blinking, Edie tilted her head. She did not understand what he meant by this. “Cycle?“

“Your menstrual cycle,” he chuckled. “You’re period.”

“Oh!” Edie blushed red. She put her hands to her cheeks. “I -- I can’t remember.”

Nodding, Tiller rummaged through his bag again. “Alright. What I’d like, Edie, is to test a urine sample from you. I want to make sure that everything is okay… All you have to do is take this small cup and do your business in it -- I don’t need a large sample, just a small amount will be fine. Can you do that for me?”

Embarrassed even further, Edie slowly took the cup. She felt that this was completely unnecessary, but she did not want Tonisha to fret. She got to her feet and went to take care of the task.

--

Tonisha nervously bit at her nails. She paced back and forth, worried to death. Tiller’s been in with Edie for almost an hour. She was about ready to bust down the door, and see why it was taking forever for them to talk.

She continued to pass Leigh and Amana. Amana had joined them after finishing the dishes. Leigh was leaning against the wall with crossed arms. Eventually, she got tired of Tonisha’s pacing. It made her feel dizzy. “Tonisha, calm down -- everything is fine, I’m sure.”

“He’s been in there for way too long,” she sighed. “What could be taking him?”

At that moment, the bedroom door opened. Tiller came out. Behind him, Edie could be heard whimpering. Tonisha was gaping up at him as he closed the door, silencing Edie’s cries. He walked up to them.

“What’s going on?” Tonisha asked. She was clearly panicked. “Why is she crying? Is she going to be okay?”

Tiller sighed. He put his hand up, shaking it softly in front of Tonisha. He wanted her to remain calm. “She‘s pregnant.”

“Pregnant!” Tonisha shouted. She did not sound mad, however. She was in shock. Behind her, Leigh and Amana, too, took in the news by being loud. They each gasped.

“Keep your voice low,” Tiller recommended. “Now, I checked every possible symptom. She told me she has also been having the feeling of nausea. And she’s been having headaches. This dizzy spill of hers wasn’t the first one she’s had. She just never told any of you about it. I’ve seen her symptoms many times before, since she had no fever. I took a urine sample, and she’s definitely pregnant.”

Gaping, Tonisha tried to take in everything she had just heard. She tried to collect her thoughts as she made tiny, silly sounding noises. “I -- w -- when? How -- far along is she?”

“From what I could tell, I’d say five to seven weeks. She’s definitely over a month pregnant.”

“A month…?” Feeling a bit faint, herself, Tonisha stumbled backwards. She leaned into Leigh. Leigh held her steady.

“Easy,” Leigh cooed.

“I left her some medicine to take,” the doctor continued. “Make sure she takes one herb a day to avoid anymore dizziness. And maybe she should take a few days off -- just until she is feeling better enough to work.”

“I’ll talk to her about that,” Tonisha nodded. “Thank you, Tiller.”

After handing Tonisha what payment she owed him, Tiller took his leave. Sighing, Tonisha handed Leigh the bill. She then went in to check on Edie alone.

Edie faced the wall. She was on her side, sobbing quietly.

Tonisha slowly made her way over to the bed. She sat down on the stool. Gently, she reached her hand out to touch Edie’s shivering shoulder. “Edie…?”

Jumping, Edie wiped at her eyes. She turned her body, and looked up at Tonisha. She stayed quiet, only for a moment. She tried to stop crying, but she only forced more tears back out. “Mm.. I -- I’m pregnant…”

“So I heard,” Tonisha said. “Five to seven weeks along.” She wanted to make sure she was as motherly as possible. She would not be angry with Edie. In fact, she had the feeling that Edie and Lavan had gone the distance -- little did she know that there was more to it.

A lot more.

Smiling, Tonisha rubbed Edie’s arm tenderly. “Why are you crying?”

“It’s -- just --” Edie sniffed. She closed her eyes.

“I know…” Tonisha whispered. “I’m sorry. I shouldn‘t of asked that. That was -- silly of me.”

Sniffing, Edie stared up at her. “I -- I don’t know w -- what to do…”

“Well,” Tonisha started. “You probably should speak with Lavan.” She smiled, but when she saw Edie’s sudden expression, she became confused. “Edie?”

Edie gaped. More tears built up as she closed her eyes. She turned her head away. She felt shattered. A secret she had hoped to be keeping was close to coming out. And she knew that it was the right thing, too.

“Please talk to me,” she heard Tonisha whisper. The kind inn owner was still rubbing her arm soothingly.

Trying to calm down, Edie faced Tonisha. “It -- could be --” She wiped at more tears. She just could not get them to stop.

Shaking her head, Tonisha was frightened to push Edie further. But she did. “I -- don’t understand.”

“I --,” she sobbed, knowing that familiar look on Tonisha’s face. She hated this. “I s -- slept with Cain…”

“What?” Tonisha gaped. She pulled her hand back, and placed it against her heart. “When?”

“Mm -- when he invited me to d -- dinner that second time,” she sniffed. “I ended up -- staying the night and -- he brought me h -- home that next morning…”

“Oh, Edie…” sighed Tonisha.

At that moment, Edie could no longer hold in her more powerful tears. She broke down. She slowly sat up as the tears flowed. She was quivering terribly. “P -- please don’t be m -- mad…!”

Sighing, Tonisha shook her head. “Scoot over.” She joined Edie on the bed. Wrapping her arms around Edie, she began rocking the sad cook gently. “I’m not mad, Edie.”

Not sure that she believed Tonisha, Edie pressed the matter further. “I -- I’m a -- slut…” She did not know where that had come from.

“No,” Tonisha gasped. She nearly chuckled, thinking Edie was saying such things to gain more attention. “No -- you’re not a slut, Edie. You’re just -- confused.”

Edie slowly looked up at Tonisha. She frowned and shook her head. Her heart knew what Tonisha had meant by this, but her mind wanted to fool her. “I -- what do you mean?”

“Well,” Tonisha said softly. “I didn’t want to think it could be -- possible. But it’s obvious, Edie, that you clearly have feelings for both of those men.”

Taking a moment to take in Tonisha’s thoughts, Edie shortly pulled away. She looked to the bare wall. Was that it, then? Did she actually have feelings for the both of them?

“It’s --” she paused. Sniffling, she shook her head. “W -- what should I do?”

“You should talk to Lavan,” Tonisha whispered. “He needs to know.”

Evidently, Edie was far from noticing that Tonisha wanted her to forget about Cain. Tonisha wanted her to work things out with Lavan, and to run a smooth, happy life. The inn owner had felt this way ever since Amana was returned to them battered and broken. And it worsened when Edie had spilled about her rape. All Edie could do was agree with Tonisha. For now, anyway.

“O -- okay,” she soon whispered. “But -- I’m scared.”

“I know,” Tonisha nodded. “It’s a scary situation. But I want you to know that you have my support, and Leigh’s, and Amana’s… And once you tell him, I’m sure you’ll have Lavan’s.”

Of course she would. Lavan was a sweetheart. But she knew it was going to be difficult, nonetheless. “C -- could you get him for me?”

Smiling, Tonisha got to her feet. “I’ll go and fetch him right now.”

--

Tonisha marched upstairs. Rounding to the left, she passed by three doors before halting in front of Lavan’s newest borrowed bedroom. She gave a good few knocks, making sure that they were loud enough for him to hear. She figured he was sleeping. He had worked hard all day, and looked exhausted by the time he was finished. However, he had not looked like Edie, the poor thing.

“Lavan!” she cried out.

She heard a creak, some groaning, and then a few pattering footsteps before the door opened. Lavan’s hair was messy. He was wearing a simple white nightshirt, and some brown pants. For once, however, he did not smell like pinewood.

“W -- what is it?” he asked, yawning.

“You need to go talk with Edie right away.”

“Edie?” gaped Lavan. “Why? Is something wrong?”

Sighing, Tonisha crossed her arms. She stomped her foot down, showing Lavan that she was not in the mood to explain herself. “Just go see her. She’s in her room.”

Sensing that something was off, Lavan did not question Tonisha further. He quickly passed her.

She shook her head. In his rush, Lavan had left the door to his room wide open. Tonisha closed it for him. She then leaned against it, and crossed her arms.

--

Lavan reached Edie’s bedroom. He raised his knuckles, ready to knock. Pausing, he figured she knew he was already on his way. So lowering his hand, he turned the handle, instead. He opened the door wide, and stepped into the room.

He found Edie sitting up in bed. She dabbed at her eyelids with a white handkerchief. Something was definitely not right. And Lavan hated seeing Edie in tears. He went up to her, and as he stepped forward, he noticed that she was sweating.

“Hi,” he whispered. His voice caused her to jump. He had startled her, which seemed a bit off since the door had made a huge creak when he opened it. He slowly took a seat. “What’s wrong? Tonisha sounded freaked out -- like there was an emergency or something.”

Placing the handkerchief next to her pillow, Edie slowly twisted her body. She faced Lavan. Her eyes sparkled from crying. Her eyes had puffed up. Dark bags aligned the skin beneath her eyes. She almost looked like a sad, beautiful ghost. Slowly, she peered up at Lavan. She was hesitating. Seeing him sitting there, knowing he was about to learn of her past, made her feel queasy and light-headed. She retook the handkerchief, and blew into it again.

“Are you sick?” he asked. He sounded worried.

“No.” Edie shook her head. Lifting her hand, she slowly reached it out to take Lavan’s. “Um -- I -- have something to tell you…”

“Okay,” he nodded. He sounded on edge. Edie did not blame him.

“I --” Edie sniffed. “I’m -- pregnant…”

She quickly looked down, waiting for Lavan’s reaction. She expected the worst. She had drawn out what he’d appear like after she shared the news. He would raise to his feet, flabbergasted and unsure. He’d become jittery, and show her that he was afraid, and not ready to take on such a task. But to her surprise, she heard nothing of the sort. Lifting her head, she saw that he was acting the exact opposite.

He appeared shocked, of course. But he was almost smiling. He blinked a couple of times, taking the information in.

“Pregnant?” he finally managed to gasp. He started to rub her hand affectionately. “R -- really? Are you -- serious? You’re --?”

“Yes,” Edie whimpered. She sounded terrified. Lavan was slightly scaring her. He had a glow in his eye -- something told Edie that she had preferred her vision to the actual reaction she was receiving.

“Wow,” he exhaled. He smiled at her. “This is --”

“I know,” Edie finished. She wiped at her nose. “Tiller said that I’m -- about five to seven weeks along…”

“Well, we did -- have sex around then,“ Lavan blushed. He chuckled a bit, seeming really happy with this news. He could hardly believe it. Edie was pregnant. She was pregnant with his child! But -- he hinted that something seemed wrong. He saw that she was starting to whimper more loudly. Frowning, he scooted closer to her. “You don’t look too thrilled about it…”

Shaking wildly, Edie grasped the covers in order to keep herself balanced. She was close to bawling like a baby -- but she did not care. She eyed Lavan, showing him that she had more to say. She watched as he went still. She knew that he was really worried, now.

“Edie?” He frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“P -- please don’t be m -- mad at me…” she then begged. “Please d -- d -- don’t hate me… Don’t hate me --” She placed her hands over her face. Her tears freely fell, now, soaking her cheeks and chin. Some droplets fell onto her bed.

Lavan‘s fear rose. He shook his head at her. “I -- I won’t be. Edie, just talk to me…”

With her lips quivering, and skin moistening, Edie slowly leaned back. She struggled to become serene as she stared up at Lavan sadly. She then told him what she had been painfully holding in.

“The -- baby -- might not be yours,” she started. She paused, seeing that Lavan was already on edge.

“What?” he asked, startled.

“It,” she continued. “It -- could b -- be -- it could be Cain’s…” She closed her eyes again, expecting what she had from before.

And this time, she received just that.

Hearing the stool fall to the floor, Edie opened her eyes to find Lavan on his feet. He was almost glaring, but not quite. She saw that he was trying hard not to show his anger too much, for he wanted to keep her from feeling hurt. But some of what he needed to get out showed. He panted angrily, and he put his hands up defensively. He shook them back in forth, just taking in the small amount of information.

“I -- I’m sorry,” he laughed. “I don’t think I heard you right. What did you say?”

Sniffling, Edie repeated herself. She added in, “I s -- slept with Cain.”

“You…!” Grinding his teeth to avoid growling, Lavan pushed his hair back. He was definitely aggravated. His anger covered up his shock. He laughed pathetically, hoping to God that Edie was playing him like a rat. “I -- can’t -- when?”

“About -- five weeks ago,” Edie cried. “The night -- before the challenge outside -- in the snow…” She bowed her head. Her voice had drifted off. That night still plagued both of their minds. It had been horrible. And Edie truly had had sex with Cain just the night before that happened.

Lavan’s shock now shined. He stepped back some, and he started to pace in a circle. He kept his eyes off Edie, resisting the urge to throw down a piece of furniture. He knew that if Edie still had those flowers Cain had given her some weeks back, he’d pick them up and smash them to the floor.

Edie then spoke up. “You -- said you wouldn’t be mad…”

“How can I not be?” Lavan asked, shouting now. “Damn it, Edie! How --?” he then paused, realizing something. “That’s -- why you turned down my proposal, then? How could you?”

Gasping, Edie turned her head away. She trembled as more tears burst out of her eyes. “I d -- don’t know! I don’t know, okay? I --”

“Do you like him?” Lavan asked. He thought that that idea was crazy. On the other hand… “Wait, no -- of course you do!”

“I’m s -- sorry,” she hiccupped. “I r -- really am Lavan. I know t -- that I l -- like you so much, Lavan. I really do! But -- but I also l -- like Cain.”

“For how long?” Lavan snuffed. When he received no answer, he licked at his lips. He furiously took two steps forward. “Edie, you did meet Cain before you met me, didn’t you?” Again, no answer, but he was certain he saw her nod. He shook his head, and rolled his eyes agitatedly. “I don’t -- believe this…”

“Yes…” Edie said, then, answering him. “I did k -- know Cain --” Wiping at her eyes, she glanced up at Lavan. “I did know him! I knew him seven years ago when he -- came to my village like he had yours! He murdered my neighbors, my dad, and my mom!”

Lavan gaped at that. He slowly calmed down as he stepped forward again. “Edie…?”

“And after I h -- had to witness their deaths, he dragged me into my house and he raped me!”

There was some seconds of silence. Edie’s whimpers had ceased, as had Lavan’s huffing. Soon, Lavan found his feet moving again. He was drawing forward. He soon hovered over her bed, staring down at her sadly.

“Cain -- raped you?” he asked gently.

Sighing, Edie leaned more against her pillow. She nodded as she wiped at her eyes. “He did.”

A unsure noise left Lavan. He stared down at the floor, stunned. He wiped at his forehead, sighing as he tried to think of something to say. He wanted to be supportive. He wanted to join her in the tiny bed, and embrace her lovingly. But he just couldn’t bring himself to doing that. Instead, he took what he knew elsewhere.

“He -- raped you,” he started. “And yet you -- had sex with him?”

Pressing her lips together, Edie peered down. “I -- I know…”

“Why?” Lavan cried out. “If he -- did this to you! If --” he paused. He turned around and stomped. “I’ll kill him.”

“No!” Edie shook her head. “Please, Lavan -- don’t challenge him. I don’t want that…” Sniffing, she lowered her head. She brought her knees up, and rocked herself slowly. “I don’t want -- either of you to get hurt.”

“Edie, I don’t understand,” Lavan frowned. “Why -- are you letting him…?”

“You’ve got it all wrong!” Edie cried. “You, Tonisha, and everyone else! Cain loves me… I know he does. It’s like I can see it in his eyes.”

“And you like him back?” Lavan glared.

Frowning, Edie looked away again. She brought the covers up to her chin. She slowly nodded. “I -- I think so…” She looked back up at him. “But I like you too, Lavan! I really do. Please don’t hate me for this… Please don’t leave!”

Lavan scratched at the back of his neck. He had thought about leaving. The moment she had told him she slept with Cain, he pondered if him staying there was a mistake. However, he now felt that it was his duty to protect Edie further. He would make sure Cain suffered in the end, and that the baby she was carrying was his.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said softly. He slowly sat beside her, now. He wrapped his arms around her. “I promised myself I’d stay -- as long as necessary. Besides, that could be my baby in there. I’m not going to be a jackass, and desert it.”

Wiping a tear on her cheek, Edie nodded. She hugged Lavan peacefully. “T -- thank you, Lavan. Thank you.”

He kissed the top of her head. “Anything for you, Edie.”

And he meant this with all his heart.

--

Some time later, Tonisha re-entered Edie’s bedroom. Edie was now alone. She was still in bed, taking time off like Tiller had suggested. Opening her eyes, she turned her head and stared up at Tonisha. She slowly sat up.

“Did I wake you?” Tonisha asked.

Edie shook her head. “No.”

Nodding, Tonisha crossed her arms. She stood next to the bed. She eyed Edie. “So how was your talk with Lavan?”

Knowing that Tonisha would ask her this, Edie shrugged. “It went well. I told -- him everything -- that the baby could be his or Cain’s… And he said he was going to stay and help.”

“He’s a good man,” smiled Tonisha.

That was true. Lavan was a good man. Edie knew this. But she knew that more had to be done. Slowly, she looked up at Tonisha. She brushed her fingers along her bed sheets, feeling nervous.

“Tonisha? I -- I was wondering if I could ask a favor of you?”

“I suppose,” Tonisha said wearily. “What is it?”

Biting her bottom lip, Edie kept from breaking down as she stared up at Tonisha. “I was hoping that you’d go to Cain’s and bring him back…?”

Gaping, Tonisha uncrossed her arms. She frowned slightly as she sighed. “Edie…”

“Before you say no, just listen to me,” Edie begged. She sniffed. “I don’t care if you hate him! I don’t care if Lavan hates him. He deserves to know the truth because this could be his!” She placed her hands on her stomach, showing Tonisha that she was dead serious about this.

“Please?” she went on. “I miss him so much. He’s -- not come by at all. He’s been gone for way too long, and he has every right to know, just like Lavan.”

Sighing, Tonisha looked down. A part of her felt that Edie was right. The baby within could be Captain Cain’s. And though she hated to admit it, Edie’s been depressed without his visits.

“V -- very well,” Tonisha found herself saying. “I’ll go and -- see if he’s home tomorrow morning.”

Relieved, Edie smiled at Tonisha. “Thank you.”

Laying back down, Edie sighed as she closed her eyes. She snuggled into the covers. “He -- needs to know…”

Tonisha gently helped to cover Edie. She brushed at Edie’s hair before taking her leave. She would do this favor, of course. It had not been a lie. She would visit with Cain, even though she was not happy about it. But for the first time in a long while, Edie had smiled. And if Edie truly had feelings for Cain, Tonisha knew it was not her right to interfere.