Fruit of Misfortune Page 5

  “I told you, I’m not going.” I yanked the sheets from his hand.

  “Yes, you are.” He flung the covers off me and to the floor.

  I noticed the tips of my feet had turned a greyish-blue shade.

  “My feet…”

  “Merde.” Eros lifted the sheets from the floor, placed them over me, and raced to the bathroom, where I heard the steady flow of water begin to run.

  It was difficult to grip it with trembling hands, but I managed to take my phone from the nightstand to dial David’s number.

  “Put that thing down.” Eros drew the covers off me. “You have hypothermia. I’m putting you in the bath.” He pulled me close, and then draped his arms over me, ready to lift.

  “Get off me!”

  “Eros!” David growled from the bedroom door.

  For a moment, I stopped shaking, and my eyes widened in panic. Eros twisted his neck to look at David, who stood at the foot of the bed, now, almost snarling.

  “She’s not well,” Eros said, uncovering my legs.

  “What is that?” David frowned.

  “Don’t ask me how, but she’s hypothermic. She has to be put in the bath with very warm water,” Eros said.

  “Hypothermia?” David walked to the side of the bed.

  “I’m so c-c-cold,” I said.

  David covered me with the blankets and hugged me.

  “Put her in the bath,” Eros said.

  “No,” I protested.

  David shook his head. “She’ll go into shock, if I do that.”

  “I’m… not going… in the w-water,” I said.

  “She won’t go into shock.” Eros cocked his brow. “Do as I say, and put her in the bath.”

  “Don’t.” I clenched David’s arm as a plea.

  “Isis, your lips are completely blue.” David touched my mouth. “Putting you in warm water will raise your temperature.”

  “Just t-take me… t-t-to… the h-hospital,” I stammered.

  “Oh, now you want to go to the hospital?” Eros lifted a hand in the air. “Okay, go to the hospital. I hope you’re partial to warm water enemas, because that’s what you’ll be receiving there.”

  “Is that t-true?” I looked at David.

  David nodded.

  “But I’ll f-freeze to death in water,” I said, feeling like I was about to lose consciousness.

  “You listen to me,” Eros said. “Your pupils have started dilating. That indicates that your body temperature is at eighty something degrees Fahrenheit and dropping. That is ten or more degrees below normal. Do you know what happens after this stage… do you?” Eros’ panicked face warned me the answer wouldn’t be good.

  I shook my head.

  “Cardiac arrest,” Eros said, with a firm look. “To be honest, I’m surprised you’re still lucid and conscious.”

  I widened my eyes and looked at David.

  “You have to go in the water, Isis,” David said, kissing my forehead. His breath felt like a cold gust of air against my skin.

  “Okay,” I nodded.

  My feet were numb. I was unable to walk, so David lifted me and took me to the bathroom. Meanwhile, Eros called Camilla to help me undress. I refused to take off my underwear in front of her. Camilla wrapped me in a large towel and called David to lift me into the tub, towel and all.

  Though I could see the steam rising, the water felt ice cold on my skin. I stayed there for over an hour. Camilla made sure the water stayed warm.

  Slowly, the circulation returned to my limbs and my skin turned back to its natural color, with the exception of a few blue specks on my fingers and toes. I felt drained from the aggressive shaking, but that was it. Nothing like this had ever happened to me before.

  I was able to dress myself, so Camilla stepped out of the bathroom, taking the wet towel and clothes with her. I heard Eros and David attempting to keep their voices down, as they spoke in the bedroom.

  “There’s something you’re not telling me, and I demand to know,” Eros said. “Fructus est?”

  There was that weirdly phrased question again. Why did he insist on asking if I was pregnant?

  “Of course not,” I heard David say. “It must be a virus.”

  “I doubt that. First, she had a fit of anxiety, then she vomited on my shoes, and then for no reason, her temperature dropped to the point of hypothermia. And I heard you call your family asking them to come as soon as possible. There’s something not right, my friend. The signs all point to one thing.”

  David said nothing. I wondered if he would tell Eros about me being Creatura. Did he have enough confidence in Eros to reveal something so critical? Before I could find out if he would confess, I opened the bathroom door.

  “My lovely...” David stepped in my direction, and placed his hands on my face. “How are you feeling?”

  “Much better.”

  Camilla walked past us with a pitcher of water and a glass and placed them on the nightstand. She swung a towel over her shoulder, and then sat on the chair she had set next to the bed earlier.

  “I no go.” She glanced between David and me.

  It was sweet of her to take concern, but aside from the exhaustion and a light soreness, I didn’t feel sick at all.

  “You’re not going to let her sit there all night, are you?” I asked David.

  “If not her, then it’ll be me who stays, but I doubt we’ll be able make her move from that chair.”

  “Well,” I sighed, “then… I’ll be right back.” I headed to the bedroom door, past Eros.

  Camilla rose from the chair with one arm bent at her waist, rambling.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” David asked.

  “The kitchen. I’m hungry. Can I get you anything?”

  Eros glared at David. “A miraculous recovery. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  “I’ll join you.” David ignored Eros.

  “Oh, Isis, one thing…” Eros said with his shoulder against the doorframe. “Remember to tell David about that thing we talked about, oui?”

  “Right,” I said, and quickly made my way to the stairs.

  “What did you two talk about?” David asked, catching up to me.

  “Just small talk. Nothing noteworthy.”

  “Mhh.” David tightened his lips. “Then why did he say you had to tell me something?”

  “I…” I paused for a few seconds, “think… that… uh…” My mind was blank as we crossed the living room. “Well… the thing is…” I stepped into the kitchen.

  “What? Just tell me.”

  “I… I thought about it, and I do want to go to Chios Island.”

  “We can’t go. All our plans for travel are postponed. That includes Kyparissia. Your condition needs to be evaluated first.”

  “But I feel fine now.”

  “Yes, but I’m concerned. Beyond concerned. I was going to take you to the hospital as soon as your temperature was normal, but my mother wants to see you before they run any unnecessary tests. She and Gemini will be arriving tomorrow night.”

  “I know. I overheard Eros mention it while I was in the bathroom. Only, I don’t understand why they need to come. I could see a doctor, instead of going to the hospital. They don’t have to make the trip on my account.” I took a bite out of a piece of bread and grabbed a pitcher of milk from the fridge.

  “Isis, you do realize how serious this is, don’t you?” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I think I should take you to the hospital, regardless of what my mother says.”

  “I feel a lot better. Really. There’s no need to take me,” I said, rummaging through the freezer. “Where do you keep the meat? Never mind. Found it.”

  I placed the two steaks on the counter behind me. I opened the other door to the refrigerator and found some leftover pasta, which I placed next to the meat. Then I pulled out some fresh vegetables that I cradled in one arm. Satisfied with my selection, I closed the doors to the fridge. “Do you have potatoes?”

  Camilla and
David were standing next to the refrigerator, staring at me like I was some strange animal.

  “What?” I asked, looking back at them.

  “Are you planning on eating all of that?” David asked.

  “Oh, did you want some, too? We can share.”

  “You don’t seem the least bit worried. It’s past midnight and you’re sick. Do you really think putting all that food in your stomach is a good idea?”

  Mumbling under her breath, Camilla took the vegetables from my arms and returned them to the refrigerator.

  “Okay?” I frowned. “I guess I’ll starve till morning.”

  “Here,” David said, splitting open a pomegranate. “Persephone’s fruit of misfortune.”

  “Well that doesn’t sound appetizing at all, but I’m going to eat it anyway. And just so you know, I draw the line at the grapes of wrath, so don’t try to feed me any.”

  David smiled as I picked a crimson seed off the fruit.

  “I’m a lot like a pomegranate, you know?” I rolled the seed between my fingers. “I’m a fruit of misfortune.”

  “No, you’re not. You haven’t condemned anyone.”

  I stared at him for a moment.

  “Yes, I have, but you’re too noble to admit it.”

  “Isis…”

  This time, he didn’t have the right words to say. And to be honest, I was glad because I hated faking smiles. I hated pretending that everything would be fine. I hated knowing I was his doom. And however hard he tried to convince me that I wasn’t, there was nothing that could be said to change what I was.

  “Mi scusi.” Camilla interrupted our silence. She took the fruit from me and handed me a bowl with water. She lifted my arms and positioned the dish on my head.

  “È Mal’occhio,” she said, making the sign of the cross over my forehead.

  I looked to David for a translation.

  “She says it’s the Evil Eye—a superstition. She’s attempting to rid you of it.” David tried to subdue his smile.

  “I don’t believe in that stuff,” I said. “Is it bad manners to stop her?”

  “Yes. Now hold still. It’s entertaining to watch.”

  I gave David a playful scowl.

  Camilla took the bowl from my hands and placed it on the counter. She grabbed a small bottle of olive oil and dipped her thumb in it, and then placed it over the water to drip.

  “Ah,” she gasped, her eyes wide, and poured salt into the bowl. She then took a knife and parted the substance using cross shapes.

  “What’s she doing?” I asked, leaning over the marble counter.

  “Cutting the curse of the Mal’occhio using salt and a knife.”

  “Does that work?”

  “I wouldn’t know. I’m not superstitious.”

  ***

  Once Camilla was done with the Evil Eye ritual, and I had finished eating my piece of fruit, all three of us returned to my bedroom. Camilla sat in the chair, next to my bed.

  “She’s a good nurse,” David said.

  I nodded. “How long has she worked with your family?”

  “Five good years, but in another two, my mother will have to let her and Paulina go and hire another set of hands. People tend to get suspicious when they don’t see us age. We hire immigrants because it’s not likely that we’ll ever run into them again after they’ve been let go.”

  “That’s a shame. I really like her.” Paulina not so much.

  “I have an early day tomorrow, and you have to rest,” he said, settling a strand of hair behind my ear. “Do you feel well enough for me to leave you for the night?”

  “I have a private nurse. I’ll be okay.” I felt nervous about being left alone with Eros—the French Cupid—the next day. Already, I was planning on locking myself in my room. “Will you be gone all day tomorrow?”

  “Tomorrow’s meeting should be brief. Not more than half the morning. My phone will be on if you need to reach me.” David kissed my forehead. “Good night, love.”

  “Good night.”

  ***

  It seemed like I had been asleep for just minutes, when I felt someone’s stare on me. I opened my eyes and found Eros sitting on the bed by my side, a large knife on his lap.

  I gasped and held my blanket to my chest.

  “What are you doing here?” I said.

  “Bonjour, my sweet. I hope you slept well.”

  Not answering, I stared at the pointy cook's knife.

  “Oh, are you wondering about this?” He raised the blade. “I found Paulina putting it under your bed in a glass of water early this morning.”

  “You shouldn’t be in here.”

  Eros smacked his lips. “I don’t think Paulina likes you very much.” He twisted the knife, inspecting the sharpness. “To be honest, I don’t think she likes you at all.”

  “Didn’t you hear me? You need to leave. David will be home soon.”

  “Mhh.” Eros cocked his head. “Should we be concerned about David?” He slid his finger along the blade of the knife. “Or should we be concerned about Paulina’s dislike for you?”

  “Why don’t we discuss my distaste for you, instead?”

  I rested my head on the headboard, feeling lightheaded. I assumed it was from the lack of food in my stomach.

  Eros stood up and looked at me with a forced smile on his pink, pouty lips. “Should I tell Camilla you’ll be taking your breakfast in bed, or will you be joining me downstairs?”

  “When are you leaving Athens?” I asked. “Soon, I hope.”

  Eros laid the knife on the nightstand and placed both hands on the bed. My stomach twisted with nerves. His smooth, unblemished face was a few inches from mine, and my heart began to beat faster. I shifted my sight, focusing on his reflection in the dresser mirror behind him.

  “There’s no need to continue with this act. I know what you’re feeling. But you still think I’m influencing your emotions, don’t you?” The tip of his forefinger touched the bottom of my chin, turning my face toward him. “I had to learn that lesson at a shameful price—a price I’m not willing to pay again.”

  I slapped his hand away.

  “More sob stories. Do you really think I’m interested?”

  “You, my sweet, are a very rude and spiteful person. I pity your parents who didn’t teach you respect.”

  “You’re preaching about respect? That’s like the devil preaching about sanctity.”

  “If you ever compare me to the devil again, I will personally show you the infernal pits of hell.”

  “Oh, I’m sure you know your way around hell very well. Why don’t you go there now?” I said, stepping out of bed, in the direction of the bathroom.

  Just as I reached the door, he pulled me against him, my back against his chest, his arm constricting my movement. His other hand held my face stiffly, his lips on my jaw as his spoke.

  “If I’m ever damned to hell again, you’re going with me.”

  Again? What did he mean by that? I struggled and tried to break free of his brawn.

  “You know what amuses me? Looking at you, now—so closely—I don’t know what entices me. You’re not even pretty.” With a slight shove, he set me free. “You should get dressed. You look hideous.” Then he stuffed his hands into his pockets and walked out the door.

  My mouth hung open. I stared past the door and into the hallway where Eros disappeared. Sure, I wasn’t drop-dead beautiful, but to call me ugly? Never in my life had anyone called me that. Unsure of how to feel, I walked to the door and turned the lock.

  In the bathroom, I splashed water over my face, and then looked in the mirror. My skin was pasty. There were dark rings below my eyes. My lips were dry and cracked. Eros was right. The girl that looked back at me looked horrible. Or had his comments made me so self-conscious that I was exaggerating? I convinced myself that that was the case, and grabbed my cosmetics bag.

  As I reached for my phone on the nightstand, I noticed the knife was still there. I wondered if Eros had been
telling the truth about discovering Paulina placing it under my bed. I summoned up my courage and walked out of the room.

  ***

  Paulina was washing vegetables in the sink. I was hesitant to confront her, but I walked over to her and placed the knife on the marble counter top anyway.

  “You left this in my room,” I told her.

  Paulina’s eyes broadened when she saw the knife I set next to her. She tried to speak, but no words formed from the syllables she uttered. A short silence followed, which Eros interrupted. He had been watching us from the table.

  “If you tell David what she’s done, she’ll be unemployed by this afternoon.” Eros looked at me over the newspaper in his hands.

  “Please, Miss Isis, don’t,” Paulina said. “I have my mother and sisters to support in Italy.”

  “Are you going to let her off that easily?” Eros asked.

  “Do you mind?” I glared at Eros. “I was under the impression you were on your way to hell.”

  From the wooden chair, he stood and stalked toward me. For every step he took, I took a step back until the small of my back hit the far end counter. I was cornered. Eros’ stare burned through me.

  “Leave us, Paulina,” Eros said, without turning to look at her.

  “No, Paulina, don’t.”

  “Paulina, if you don’t leave, I’ll make sure you’re fired within the hour,” Eros said.

  Paulina looked at me, and I shook my head.

  “I’m sorry, Miss Isis,” Paulina said and left the kitchen.

  “I’m tired of your attitude,” Eros hissed. “I won’t stand to be spoken to like this. You will respect me, or I’ll teach you what it’s like to beg for the mercy of Deus in a forsaken land.”

  I knew I couldn’t push Eros’ buttons any further. No matter how daring I might’ve seemed, I was actually afraid of what he might be capable.

  “Speak,” Eros said, through gritted his teeth. “Where’s your uncouth language, now?”

  But I had nothing to say to him. All I could do was stare to the side.

  “Well?” The palm of his hand slammed down on the counter, and I jumped.

  “Stop harassing me, and I’ll stop being a pain. What do you think you’re going to accomplish by it, anyway?”