CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
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The next morning, I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle another day at work. I get dressed and head to the kitchen to grab a quick breakfast before heading out the door. My mother is already up and about, sipping on a cup of coffee.
Her : Good morning, dear ( smiles). I'm so proud of you for getting this job.
Me :Thanks, Mom. I'm really happy about it too.
I quickly finish my breakfast and head out the door, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness about my second day on the job. As I walk to the bus stop, I can't help but think about the strange behavior of the mother from yesterday. I wonder if she'll be any more pleasant today.
When I arrive at the house, the mother is already there, and she seems a bit more relaxed than yesterday. She greets me with a nod and hands me a list of instructions for the day.
"Make sure to feed him at 12 pm sharp," she says. "And by the way lm Neo's mother Ashley ."
I take the list from her and nod introducing myself too, feeling a bit more at ease. Maybe yesterday was just a one-off, I think to myself.
As the day goes on, I settle into a routine with the toddler, playing with him and keeping him entertained. The mother comes home a bit earlier than expected, and I'm relieved to see that she seems more pleasant today.
"Thanks for taking care of him," she says with a smile. "I really appreciate it."
I smile back at her, feeling a sense of relief. Maybe things will be okay after all
As I'm feeding the toddler, I notice that the Ashley has a bruised eye. I try to ask her about it, concern etched on my face.
Me :Ma'am, I couldn't help but notice...are you okay? What happened to your eye?
But instead of answering me, she snaps, her expression darkening.
"Mind your own business. It's none of your concern."
I'm taken aback by her sudden hostility. I didn't mean to pry, I was just worried about her. I nod quickly and look away, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Me : Sorry, ma'am. I was just concerned.
The rest of the day is awkward, with the mother barely speaking to me except to give me instructions. I'm relieved when it's finally time for me to leave.
As I'm walking home, I can't help but wonder what happened to her eye. Was it an accident, or something more sinister? And why was she so quick to snap at me? I push the thoughts aside, telling myself it's none of my business. But the image of her bruised eye lingers in my mind.
As I walk home, I can't shake off the feeling that something is off. Ashley's behavior seemed so erratic and mysterious.
When I arrive home, my mother notices my concerned expression.
Her : Hey, what's wrong?
Tiana : yes mommy what's wrong you look tired .
they are still awake , l kiss their foreheads
Joshua : Mama don't do that lm a man now .
Me : You'll forever be a boy in my eyes baby .
He gives me a cute frown.
Her : Martina what's bothering you?
I take a deep breath and tell her about the Ashlely's bruised eye and her snap at me. My mother listens attentively, her expression growing more serious.
Her :That doesn't sound good
Me : What scares me is that she reminds me of myself when kuda used to abuse me
Her : l hope that's not the case
I nod...I'll be careful, but I won't ignore my instincts either. Something is off, and I'm going to find out what it is.
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I understand that Martina is concerned about me, but honestly, I don't want her prying into my personal life. I appreciate her kindness, but this is my business, not hers. I'll figure it out myself.
The truth is, taking care of this baby is hard for me because he's a constant reminder of his father - the man who beats me up every chance he gets. Even when we're separated, my ex makes sure to harass me at work, in front of my employees. It's humiliating and terrifying.
Last night, I came home early because my ex had kidnapped me. He beat me up, and I don't even know how I managed to escape. That's how I got this bruise on my eye. I'm lucky to be alive.
I know the nanny thinks I'm being rude, but I can't let her in on my secrets. I have to protect myself and my child from him. I'll do whatever it takes to keep us safe.
I'll try to be more pleasant to the nanny, but I need boundaries. My life is complicated enough without her well-meaning but intrusive concerns. I'll handle this on my own, no matter how hard it gets
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