Alma's Loyalty by Amra Pajalic

Author:Amra Pajalic [Amra Pajalic]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pishukin Press
Published: 2022-09-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Mum called me downstairs to say goodbye before she left for work. I spent a few hours playing a board game with Sabiha, while Ali was in the study. Usually I would have chased him off the computer and forced him to help me take care of Sanela, but knowing what was awaiting him, I gave him a few hours’ grace.

I rolled the dice and moved my figurine into the requisite number of squares. ‘Ow.’ I rubbed my temple. ‘I’m getting a headache,’ I said, setting in motion the first part of my plan.

I went to the kitchen and prepared sandwiches. Ali took his plate to the study. As I ate I was aware of the ticking clock.

I’d arranged to meet with Alex at eight and had over an hour to go. I did a quick checklist in my head. Sanela’s usual routine was bath, brush, pyjamas, bed, book and lights out. Sanela had a bath earlier in the day, so that was taken care of. All Ali had to do was put her in pyjamas, read her a book, and leave her to sleep.

I placed the dirty dishes in the kitchen sink and sat on the couch. On cue, at seven o’clock I moaned gently.

‘What’s wrong?’ Sanela stood beside me.

‘I’m hurting a little.’ As if I was holding my body together, I held my hands across my abdomen. I moaned again and gently writhed on the couch.

‘Maybe we should call Mummy.’ Sanela gently patted my hand.

‘Mummy has to work tonight and we don’t want to bother her.’ I writhed harder.

Sanela ran out of the living room, yelling Ali’s name. She returned, dragging him by hand.

‘What’s wrong?’ he demanded.

‘That time of the month.’ I whimpered.

‘Shit.’ He stomped his foot.

I had to fight from smiling. Payback was a bitch. He was long overdue a turn babysitting.

‘I’m going to lie down.’ I sat up. ‘You and Ali can watch dinosaurs together.’

Sanela tugged Ali onto the couch and eagerly curled up against him. I hobbled up the stairs, holding my stomach. I heard Ali asking Sanela if she could watch dinosaurs by herself. As I heard Sanela say no, I smiled. As soon as I was out of their sight, I stood straight.

I’d spent the afternoon in my room agonising over what to wear and pulled on the mini-skirt and v-neck top that wouldn’t wrinkle while I lay in bed. I put my lipstick, eyeliner and mascara in my handbag and tucked it under the pillow.

I had just enough time to jump into bed when there was a knock on my bedroom door and Sanela walked in carrying her care tray that was a special treat for any sick family member. It was always a surprise what would be on it. Today it was orange juice and a chocolate that she’d pulled apart, eating a few bars herself and smearing the rest on the plate.

‘This is just what I needed.’ I took a bite of the chocolate.

Sanela beamed a big smile as I polished the tray.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.