Page 30 of Rhet

“Hi, sugar. Your mom is clean and fed.” Ms. Helen wipes her hands on the kitchen towel and places it on the counter.

“Hi, it smells so yummy in here. Yeah, I saw her resting.”

I open the fridge and pull out a caramel rice cracker. Judge me all you want, but over the past few weeks I’ve been getting thicker.

I’m not a waif. I’m five seven with a big booty and ample chest. God had a good time when he made me. All that sounds good on paper, but I need to maintain a healthy diet.

“Your brother isn’t talking to anyone again.”

Dante can be difficult. I’m the only one who can calm him down.

“What’s his problem today?” I ask, biting into the sweet Styrofoam tasting treat.

“Lord alone knows,” She huffs.

“Did he try to use the stairlift?” I eye the freshly baked bread.

“Yes, he did. He came downstairs for an extension cord. He grumbled about the stairlift and then he was gone again,” Ms. Helen says.

He better have used that stairlift. I had to beg someone who I owe too many favors to, to buy and install the thing.

She rolls her eyes. “You know your brother, but I’m off. Same time tomorrow?”

“Actually, can you come early, around five? I got a new job today.”

She places her hands on her cheeks. “That’s so awesome, congratulations.”

“Well, I need to talk to you about staying overnight for at least two months. The pay will increase.”

Ms. Helen taps her chin. “Tell me what you need.”

“I have a new job as a P.A. It will be live-in. However, I will stop in during the week and Sundays you’ll be off.”

I bite my nail waiting for Ms. Helen to decide what she wants to do. I didn’t think about this part before I accepted the job. I have long-term goals I need to accomplish with this position.

“Fine, I can do it for you,” Ms. Helen comments.

I jump up and hug her in excitement. “Thank you so much.”

“No problem. Your mom was a real blessing to me in the past. I intend to be the same to her.”

I make a mental note to get Ms. Helen something special. She doesn’t have to do this, but she is. I leave the kitchen and go to see Dante. His room is at the end of the hall upstairs. I knock on the door and then wait for an answer.

“Come in.”

Walking in, I find Dante sitting in his chair watching TV.

“Hey,” I say covering my nose with my hand. His room smells like dirty laundry and sweat.

“Hey,” he replies.

Moving further into the room, I sit on his bed. He turns his wheelchair toward me.

“How was it?” He locks the wheels of his chair.

I exhale, knowing me getting this job means a lot to him. “I got the job.” I smile at my brother.

“That’s awesome, Zee! So, he fell for it,” he says.

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