The Tyrant's Trophy

Maybell

Accidents happen every day and in the city - it is common. I ended up farther than my house than I realized. Near the south loop when I lived more north. I had no recollection of how I got there. All I could recall are snippets of the day’s events.

I woke up; showered.

I brought groceries and Phil’s wine.

He was with a young girl - kissing her hand and smiling that captivating smile. He sent me a text and the next thing I know, I’m standing on the sidewalk, watching the street lights turn colors. My head was heavy and the pain in my hips spread to my knees.

But I paid no mind to that or whoever bumped me. My mind went back to Phil. Why did he treat me with such hostility and not that girl? Did I become ugly? Is it because I’m not skinny or pale or smart? Did he get tired of me?

It’s not fair.

Phil is my everything - I try my best for him every day!

But he made it clear: I’m not good enough.

So where do I go from here? I don’t have money to make it back home and if I do manage to leave, who will believe my word over his? I’m worthless.

Just then, a bag flew onto the streets, where it immediately was taken by a car’s tire. I’m just like that bag: trash. Easily, I can be discarded and forgotten. I wonder where that bag will end up once the car stops. It sure won’t be in one piece but will it be at peace?

I wonder how that would feel?

To just let myself be taken away like that bag?

Maybe then, my husband would miss me - mourn me - want me. I doubt it. He’ll throw a party if I’m gone…so I should make that a reality. That’s when I felt a yank and everything went black.

“Hn…” My head is killing me. Did Phil hit me with another plate again? I touched my head to see if there was any blood. “Why is every morning the same now?”

But it wasn’t the same.

Instead of a cut, I had a damp rag on my forehead. Also, I wasn’t in my house or bed. Panicked, I sat up, only for a pair of hands to grab my shoulders and stop me.

“Take it easy, Maybell.” I blinked up. Abijah sat on the edge of the bed. “You fainted.”

“How - fainted?” She nodded, guiding me to lie back down. “What happened?” More importantly, how did I end up in Abijah’s place? “Nevermind that, what day is it? I have laundry to do.” I hope there’s still time to make it home and get it done. God knows what Phill would do if I don’t get it done.

But Abijah wouldn’t let me get up. “You’re sick, Maybell, and…” She paused, pensively. “You’re black and blue all over. You’re definitely not going back to that man.”

Black and blue?

Because I’m part black?

The woman slouched. “I knew that Dr. wasn’t what he seemed.” Her glare made me flinch. “A man who beats his wife deserves to be hung.”

My blood went cold.

She knows.

“I had to remove your makeup.” She answered my unvoiced question. “I thought it best to bring you here when you fainted and I had to remove the makeup in order to bring the fever down.” She took the rag off my head and placed it in a bowl of water. After wringing it out, she placed it back on my head. It was cold.

“You’re mistaken…this is..uh…” How do I spin this around? She can’t know about Phil. His reputation would be damaged if this gets out. “From an accident.”

“You have bite marks on your body.” Abijah scowled. “Deep ones. Are you claiming those are accidents too?” I looked away from her. “You don’t have to lie to me.” It’s no use anyways. “I’m not going to spread this to the public.” That’s a relief. “That is if you stay here.”

My heart sped up. “I can’t stay here!” Phil is expecting me. If I make it back now, the punishment may not be harsh.

Abijah shrugged. “Then I hope your husband has a strong back because once I share this, it’ll tarnish his reputation. People will believe me, especially when I have the evidence to prove it.”

“E-evidence!” Her face was unreadable. “Please…he’s worked so hard.” And where will that leave me? If it gets out that he beats me - I’ll be blamed for it. “He’ll kill me.” If I ruin his reputation, I’m good as dead and he’ll make it seem like an accident.

He’s capable of it and knows how not to get caught.

It became hard to breathe and I broke into a coughing fit. What am I going to do? “H-kell -” I couldn’t speak.

Air.

I need air.

Abijah held my hand. “Shh.” She soothed but it didn’t work. She has no clue what she’s done. “Breath.” How can she be so calm after sentencing a person to death? “Breath, Maybell. Your husband won’t find you - I’ll make sure of it.” She can’t be serious.

“You…” I wheezed. “Won’t.”

She didn’t heed my warning. “I’ll be outside if you need anything. Get some rest.”