A playful grin pulls the corners of her mouth up. “My John is hungry for more already?”
“I’m not sure I’ll ever get enough of you, Mother.”
A blush creeps into her cheeks. “You’re so sweet, John. Let’s take care of your wife and child first, and we can play some more. Mother has specific needs today. Will you be a dear and take care of her?”
“Just tell me what to do.”
“Good.” She hands me the tray. “Don’t forget to dress before you head downstairs. You’ll find clothes waiting for you in the foyer.”
I obediently take the offering and begin to turn away.
“And John? Do tell Meisha to be grateful. She hurts my feelings when she complains. Please set her straight for me.”
“Of course. I don’t want anything to make you feel bad.”
“That’s my good boy.” She tussles my hair, caresses my cheek thoughtfully, and slides her hand down my torso to gently stroke my penis twice. “Return to me soon.” She blows me an air kiss.
If I wasn’t afraid of spilling the liquids on the tray, I would race from the room.
At the top of the stairs, I place the tray aside and slip into the waiting pile of clothing. Whistling a cheerful tune, I walk down the steps.
Meisha rushes me as soon as I cross the threshold into the room.
“John! Oh, thank God! Where have you been?”
In her unnecessary desperation, her fingers pinch and irritate.
I can barely focus on her words over the screeching of little Johnny. “Fuck, Meisha, can’t you quiet him?” My shoulders lift to my ears as if they can cover them and block the noise.
With relief, I remember the quiet of the main floor of the house that I will shortly return to. The separate quarters for my ungrateful wife and wailing child were an amazing idea. I can’t believe I never thought of this before.
“No, I can’t. How could I? He’s terrified. I’m terrified. Why are we being kept down here?” Her large brown eyes, now dull from fatigue because she isn’t taking advantage of the break Mother is providing, gape at me.
I glance around and find no suitable surface to place their breakfast. I set it on the floor against a wall where it will be out of the way.
“Kept?” I roll my eyes and shake my head. “This is the nursery, Meisha. Babies and toddlers belong in their nurseries. Christ, you act like you’re being held hostage.”
“What would you call it? I’m trapped down here in the dark with my baby. I don’t have diapers for him. When he started to pee earlier, all I could do was take him to the corner to keep it contained. I wiped his butt with my sock. You have to let us out.”
The screeching noise of her complaining sets my teeth on edge. She would never talk to Mother this way. Mother provides everything for her; Meisha doesn’t even need to cook anymore.
“What am I supposed to feed him? My boobs are drying up. I don’t know if he even got an ounce from each side this morning. He’s starving.” She holds the howling child closer to me as if I can’t hear him as it is.
I flinch away in disgust. “I brought food for both of you. If you would just shut up, I could show you.”
She pauses for a breath, and I kneel next to the tray and remove the lid from the dish.
“See?”
She gasps. “That food is moldy. I can’t eat it or feed it to Johnny. We’ll get sick.” Meisha shifts Johnny to her hip and shakes me with her free arm. “What’s going on with you? I think you need help.”
A great fire rages in my core. “I’ve received more help and attention in the last few days than you ever gave me. And now that everything you need is being provided for you, all you’re doing is complaining. I’m sick of it. Why can’t you just be happy?”
I might as well have slapped her. Her mouth falls open.
“Please.” She grips my hand. “Take us out of here, and we’ll leave you alone if that’s what you want.”
“You’re safe here. Mother is spending so much of her time taking care of you. Relax and enjoy your downtime for once.”
“There you go talking about your mother again. She’s dead, John. That’s why you’re here. To settle the estate. Are you seeing things? Do you see her?”
“Yes. Mother is taking care of everything. So stop fretting. It’s all okay.” I realize Meisha hasn’t experienced the pleasure of Mother’s company. She doesn’t understand. I reach out and stroke her cheek comfortingly. “We’re all going to be fine.”
I’m nearing the end of my patience and need a break from her whining and ungrateful attitude.
“Enjoy your breakfast. I’ll be back later with supper.”
“No!” She shrieks, latching on even tighter.
Johnny renews his screaming.
I cover my ears and turn away.
Meisha doesn’t let go until I exit the basement room. As I step through the doorway, her hand falls from me. Mercifully, I can’t hear her anymore either.
“Just be grateful,” I mutter under my breath as I march up the stairs. When I reach the silent top, I strip and leave my clothes neatly folded by the door.
I’m placing my underpants on top of the pile when I hear Her smooth, sultry voice speak from behind me.
