chapter 5

JOANNA.

Words got caught up in my throat once Asher made that statement. I felt like I was in a daze, slowly losing my breath. That was one cruel statement..So we are no longer allowed to get intimate because I couldn't conceive?

Wow. Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes but I tried to hold them. It wasn't like it would change anything.

I retreated. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you” I whispered, my voice cracky.

“Good for you.” He responded in a flat tone and I pursed my lips, turning to the other side of the bed, my heart overwhelmed with sorrow. I had no idea what to say but I didn't want to press the issue and annoy Asher.

I kept staring at the wall, slight tears threatening to slip through.

Asher's ringtone pierced the air, and he swiftly answered, "Hello, Cassandra?" But before he could even utter another word, Cassandra's ear-piercing scream exploded from the phone, sending chills down my spine. I jolted upright in bed, my heart racing with alarm. What could be wrong?

Asher panicked at that moment as he took to his heels and exited the room without another word.

Alarm etched on my face, I threw off the covers and trailed closely behind Asher, my senses on high alert.

The moment I was getting to the door of her room, Asher's gaze met mine..

“Get her a warm ginger tea or herbal tea, fast!!!” He demanded and I nodded quickly and headed over to the kitchen.

I guess it was one of those pregnancy symptoms.

I boiled hot water and decided to make herbal tea instead. It would be better.. in about 10 mins, I returned with a cup of herbal tea.

Cassandra was groaning in slight pain and seated on the bed while Asher bent over, holding her hands tightly like his life depended on it.

I twitched my lips on reaching them as I stretched out the cup of tea to her.. She reached out her hands to collect it and the moment I let go of the cup, it fell and broke into pieces with the slight hot tea in it. Not too hot to burn the skin.

“Ahhhhhh!!!!!” Cassandra erupted into a loud painful shout..

“Jesus, Joanna! What is wrong with you!” Asher barked and I was even more confused, I thought Cassandra was taking the tea cup!

“I …I …” I stuttered, words failed me because I had no idea what was going on! Why would Cassandra not take the tea cup? I had even forgotten the tea was hot and it touched my skin as well but the slight shock didn't let me feel the pain..

“This is fucking hot, Joanna! Are you trying to send me and my baby to an early grave! I don't know why you are so clumsy!” She hissed, malice lacing from her tone. Honestly, I had no idea what was going on, I have never been so confused in my lifetime so I just stood still, staring at the broken pieces of the cup on the floor..

“i..m I'm sorry. It was a mistake..” I apologized and Asher hissed. He stood up and scooped Cassandra in his arms.

“Joanna, Clean this up..” He instructed, avoiding the broken pieces of the tea cup as he exited the room. I heaved a deep sigh and bent down to start picking them..

I and Asher's relationship seems to be growing more sour especially after Cassandra showed up. He just seems to be giving her all his attention. I know he doesn't give me attention most days but I don't get to witness this barking and all.

Once I was done cleaning them, I decided to return to the room. I had no idea where Asher carried Cassandra to but the moment I opened the room door, I saw Asher’s head placed on Cassandra’s tummy as he was giggling so was Cassandra.

“Did you hear anything?” Cassandra asked him, her voice bubbling with excitement.

My heart sank as a wave of insecurity and sadness hit me. Would Asher have done the same if I did get pregnant? Would he be so caring and playful the way he was with his pregnant sister?

I bit my lips in anxiety, clearing my throat to let them know I was back and suddenly the atmosphere turned so foggy like I interrupted a special moment. Asher's demeanor changed.

“Are you done?” He asked and I gave a curt nod.

“Okay, I will take Cassandra back to her room” Asher muttered and Cassandra frowned.

“My legs and abdomen are hurting, Asher. She can sleep in my room, let's just stay here.” She blurted.

My mouth went agape to her request.. Cassandra was really crossing boundaries! I know this was her brother's house but she can't just show up and make silly decisions! This was my matrimonial room with Asher! What the heck was she insinuating?

“I could carry…” Asher's words were cut off when Cassandra placed her index finger on his lips and Asher went mute. This was weird, I felt a certain way about their relationship but couldn't really describe what it was… Maybe Asher just cared too much for Cassandra. I kept feeling weird but I decided to shake off the feeling of insecurity.

“You are so tired from carrying me the first time, Asher… Just lie down. You know I can't sleep without you here. It's no big deal, tell Joanna to go back to my room” She pouted and I let out a scoff. Cassandra is making me hate her!

Asher better say no to this! Asher gently turned to me and all of a sudden, he had a warm gaze.

“Joanna if you don't mind. Cassandra's just pregnant. Let her just stay here. You can go to the living room if you don't want to sleep in the next room…” Asher requested and I was even more short of words.

“Asher. This is wrong on all levels…” I tried to speak up but Cassandra cut in..

“This is not a big deal, Joanna. Stop overreacting. Maybe you don't understand because you haven't taken in yet? I'm just too weak and I have insomnia. I need Asher here…” Cassandra’s tone was laced with mockery yet so soft and pleading.

I ran my hands on my forehead, feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. The sadness of not having babies hit me again. Maybe she was right. Maybe I don't understand her condition because I haven't taken in yet. I pressed my lips together, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes as I gently turned and walked away to go sleep on the couch..