“Huh, uh what…oh ok!” she gradually came down from her reverie and numbly paid the driver. She walked slowly up the driveway, holding her coat tightly around her against the late December chill. She entered the code and opened the door. As usual, the house was fragrant with the aromas of Miss Curry’s cooking. As she stumbled through the foyer and turned toward the elevator, she heard Curry calling her.
“Miss, Miss! Are you alright?”
Halvatia had watched June walk zombie like through the foyer. Her eyes were blank, her face drawn. Halvatia hurried over and wrapped her arms around this very special woman’s shoulders. Curry had eight children, all grown and gone, but she felt closer to this one than all of the others.
“Come, Miss! I got the kettle on! Let me fix you some tea.”
June let Miss Curry guide her into the living room and felt her sit her down. She slipped her coat off her shoulders and let it drape across the back of the chair. I am carrying my son’s baby. Forming that thought caused a flood of conflicting emotions. Joy that she had a life growing in her. Shame because she cheated on her husband and it was not his. Then horror! Incest created this precious life. She was dimly aware of Miss Curry sitting a cup of her tea in front of her and urging her to drink.
“That’s right, child, drink deep! Then tell ole Halvatia what’s bothering you.”
June took a deep calming draught of the hot tea. She turned to Miss Curry and blurted out her secret.
“I’m pregnant and it’s Carter’s baby!”