BROKEN

41. BROKEN

"Only the brave can survive the claws of deceit"

~NICK~

The ride from home to the court was torture for me. All Nora was saying in a bit to keep my mind off thinking didn't even get into my consciousness, her lips move in sync with her rapid laughter that saturate the car; at a point, Melissa joined in the conversation but I couldn't figure out the gist. My only wish is for the situation that makes us all embark to the court work for my good.

Josiah is just a child to be appearing in court every damn time and neither do I enjoy seeing the faces of Hillary and Lauren.

The only offense I might have committed was to love her, even the Bible asked husbands to love their wives as themselves which was what I did yet it became my undoing.

"You good? You're awfully quiet" Nora whispered to me bringing my thoughts together, I look around us only to discover we were in front of the court building. How long have I zoned out?

She raised her brows at me and I nodded a reply that she didn't understand. I exhaled staring ahead of us, my hands felt cold yet sweat was dripping from them. My eyes went to the backseat where Melissa held a sleeping Josiah. I hope this won't be the last time he's with me or the last time I get to call him son

He doesn't deserve all this stress we are putting him through and neither do I deserve this pain rumbling in my chest.

We took turns getting out of the car. I sighted my mom's car a few distances from us. She was speaking to someone inside the car that I later recognized to be Jackie.

"Everything will be fine and I believe we'll walk out here with Josiah but I need you to relax and collective. You are so tense and it makes us all uncomfortable" Nora said mistaking my silence for being doubtful. And of course, I have a slight doubt but my faith assured me that Josiah is mine and that faith has gradually taken over my doubt even though I can't stop the nervous sensation from erupting.

I released the breath I was holding harshly and look back at her.

"Thanks for being here and for your kind words, I need all the positive words right now.. I know you have work and I appreciate your kind gesture" I said and she flashes a smile and then wave her hand in dismissal.

"It's not a bother for me and you're welcome..."She meant to speak further but held her speech on seeing my mother and sister approaching. "I will head inside," She said then exchange pleasantries with my mother and sister before she left.

My mother stares at her as she walks away for a moment before diverting her scrutinizing gaze at me.

"What did I do now?" I asked.

"Pay no mind to your mother, she will only soil your heart with forbidden thoughts. I know what my ears have had to feed on these few minutes I ride with her"Jackie warned walking towards Josiah.

My mother glared at her petite figure, "You will not worry about how to add a bit of weight to that thing you call body before your wedding day instead of worrying about what I have to say to my son " She hissed then returned her eyes to me.

Jackie's mouth twisted in annoyance. Our mother always find every opportunity to remind her of her skinny body.  Unlike the rest of us, Jackie was different, one could mistake her for a runway model with her structure. My mother is plump and heavily endowed and so is my father and I.

"You gave birth to me so we should inquire what you did with my body" Jackie voiced and I immediately envisioned a storm about to strike.

My mother turned and eye her figure, "Maybe you were switched"