Chapter 36: Merrigold.
"I'll be gone just for a little while..."
"That's odd." My brother said with concern. "You've never been off the plantation what if you got harmed? You certainly can not trust that man...? What if he is planning to murder you where it is you're headed even worse sell you off. You're not going anywhere Merrigold, I refuse!"
"Y-you can not tell me what to do?! I'm only going because it's my duty to help with...uhm...the many things I do...you would not understand James. I'm well skilled, somewhat educated and that is the reason why he has chosen to me and no other for this voyage."
"You sound delusional, what is it that he did to you upon your return? You're not going anywhere!"
"I'm leaving at dawn, just thought to inform you." I crossed my arms.
"Merri...!" Miriam, my brother's wife said trying to calm him down as he was already fuming with anger. Knowing him, I thought it was simply to give me a scare.
"Where is your head at this point and time?" James growled at me, massaging his temple. Frustration was clear off his mere tone and gestures. Bouncing his daughter on his lap, he lifted her up and handed her to his wife, Miriam. I admired what they had, I always did. His eyes furious, I turned to look away from him. Not being able to bare any more of this face off. "You're a slave Merri, you simply do not go about on 'voyages' as you called it." In all honesty, Austin was getting to me. I was picking up on his distinguished first class vocabulary. I liked the word voyage, from the moment Austin had used it in one of our conversations. He explained that it meant journey in old French, a language he could get around a bit here and there. It was quite sundry, Austin seemed to know so much.
"But I am going with my owner, from my knowledge horrible misfortunes happen to those without a keeper or runaways.."
"Austin Cunningham is your keeper then?" James spat with disgust.
"...somewhat.." I replied with a shrug.
"Let me remind you what he is since you clearly forgot. Your head must be denser than a wall. That your 'Austin' is a woman beater, a lazy bastard who awaits you to do all his work while he smokes on the balcony every second of the day and takes credit. He is a rapist, a pathetic pathetic—"
"That he is, I did not deny it nor did I say he was the opposite. I suffered a great tragedy with the lose of my child and I'd like a break." With a pause, I crossed my legs rolling my eyes at his facial expression. "The least you could do is be supportive. I will be back soon."
"The lose of your beloved mulatto child.." James corrected.
"James no..." Miriam warned him.
"Excuse me?" I frowned.
"You heard exactly what I said Merri. Oh so I suppose this is a little 'voyage' for the parents grieving their child? since the father is a nutcase, you're going to make another one on your 'voyage'..."
"It was Thomas child, I do not care if you believe me or not but that's that!"
"Merri!!" My brother yelled making me jump a little. "Stop this ridiculousness!"
"No, James." I stood up quickly, he did as well towering over me as if to intimidate me, I was not. "I came here to say my early farewells but you seem to have already been upset before I even arrived."
"You have changed so much Merri, ever since he arrived... you changed." James whispered shaking his head lightly making a clicking sound.
"I have not, I've simply grown up."
"Grown up? You call committing adultery with that thirty year old Caucasian man growing up? Well you surely have a lot of growing up to do then on your 'voyage'..." he mocked.
"I will be twenty-five soon that isn't far off and he is not thirty, he is thirty-two... February 3rd." I defended, realizing what I did. I felt embarrassed because this only implied that his claims were true at which I should have been denying. "I'm not committing any adultery with him." I lied, knowing very well what I had done before heading to the commune. Knowing very well where my lips had been and my body cuddled up against him. Knowing well enough what I had been up to as of late but needless to say, I did not care. My life had turned south anyways at this point, I was simply letting everything go on and following suit of fate.
"But you did before... and my, you even know his day of birth. You should be proud of yourself Merri."
"Did Thomas come to report to you?" I asked. "I only know it because of the filing I do not that I care."
"...no, you're simply shameless because you got caught right handed."
I knew Thomas told him.
"Alright then. You seem to be more concerned for Thomas than me. Need I remind you that I'm your blood sister and he is a stranger... blood is thicker than water!"
Letting out a laugh. James crossed his muscular arms and backed away. "You're turning out just like him... lying, manipulating and wow... he really groomed you well then Mrs. Cunningham? From everything we have been through together... you're calling Thomas a stranger? Merri you know he is more than that. Thomas has always been family before anything else you had with him romantically."
Feeling shameful, I kept my mouth tight lipped to avoid saying anything else that would make him, make up theories.
"I'm disappointed... if you go on that voyage with your Master then do not come back to me when it all turns sour in that house. When he beats you again, trust me he will. When he rapes you, trust me he will. He is not about to change for anyone or anything."
"Are you wishing all these misfortunes upon me?"
"Stop, just stop Merri. This is what I'm talking about these mind games that you have suddenly learnt. I'm not Austin, it will not work on me. You know all I want is the best for you, do not ever imply that I don't..."
"Just let me be happy James just this once..." I changed my tone to a more softer one.
"What exactly are you asking for? For me to accept your adultery habits or your voyage or both because there is no difference?"
Biting my lip, I sidled in my stance. "My trip.."
"Where is he taking you?"
"It's a surprise..."
"Oh I see, you're that acquainted huh? To the point of making each other surprises."
"It's not like that.."
"Merri... are you secretly inlove with him?"
"....no...never...I'd...rather...die..."
"Mhm.." he paused. "Try to stay alive while on your little voyage."
"Is that an approval... I hear.." I stood on my tippy toes to pinch his cheeks. He immediately smiled, that always got him.
"Not like I have much of a choice."
"You're the best best best best brother! You know what would make you a better brother?"
"Enlighten me?"
"If you did not tell Thomas and this stays between us." I grinned.
"What has Austin done to you?!" He groaned with annoyance. I simply hugged him knowing that he would do as I had asked. I said my goodbyes to James, Miriam and my niece. I felt excited and very happy! When I got back to the house... Austin was giving instructions and having a few workers set up the carriage with the best horses. He looked down at me and subtly smiled before shouting at the poor men working. It was weird seeing him this way.
As soon as I got closer, our eyes met. We could not do much but just stare at each other as we had an audience.
"Guess what?" He finally spoke.
"Three long days.."
"What?"
"That's how long I haven't had a smoke, before you came; I was itching to have one but now that you're here. The urge just vanished how bizarre.."
"Right.." I replied, not knowing what to say.
"This love thing is certainly a drug on its own."
"You sound delusional at this point."
"You reckon?"
"Yes!" I rolled my eyes at him.
"When you do that, I just want to pick you up throw you on the bed and.."
"Ravage me?" I grinned.
"No, tickle you!" Austin smirked.
"Oh.." I said uninterested.
"I've certainly turned you into a horny beast my love, stop frowning."
"You irk me with your nicknames."
"My ever new delight!" He teased, I tried being angry but I ended up smiling for a bit. "Mio dolce amor! My dearest darling! My—"
"You're a pain in the neck.."
"I want to kiss you.. right now." He whispered, tight lipped. Noting that the people around us were working but they had their eyes on us from time to time. I was grateful Thomas was not present.
"...no.."
"Follow me after a few minutes so as to not be suspicious... in our usual place." He smirked before going into the house. A wave of excitement went through my body. I stood there for ten minutes or more before deciding it was the right time to follow. Knowing our place, I got inside the many kitchen pantry. Like mindless sex provoked teens we made out and laughed at the mediocracy.