Live Like a Weed, Unyielding and Tough

"Take your junk and get out," Melva sneered.

The suitcase hit the floor, its zipper breaking open. Filthy, torn clothes spilled out, tumbling down the stairs to the hall below.

A sour stench filled the air.

...

"Oh my God! What is this? Gross!" Nicole cried out downstairs.

Melva froze, then snapped at me, "You timed this to scare Mrs. Sullivan when she walked in, didn't you?"

I trembled with rage, ready to argue, but Nicole's eyes welled up.

She clung to Peter, whimpering, "If Hollie doesn't want me here, she can just say so. Why did she do this? What if those clothes carry germs?"

She gagged dramatically. Peter patted her back, easing her onto a sofa.

Then he turned to glare at me. "Get down here and apologize to Nicole."

Melva's lies were bad enough, but Peter's attitude cut deeper.

I stood my ground. "It wasn't me."

He signaled to Melva, who immediately grabbed me and dragged me down the stairs with the other maids.

I stumbled on the last few steps and fell to the ground.

Pain shot through my belly. It felt just like the trample of horses from my second life.

Terrified for my baby's safety, I curled up on the floor and begged, "It hurts. Please, call an ambulance for me."

Peter wavered, but Nicole grabbed his arm.

"The carpet's thick," she said. "No way that fall hurts. She is just faking and doesn't want to apologize to me."

Peter's face hardened. "Apologize to Nicole, or you're not going anywhere."

I bit my lip, fumbling for my phone.

Before I could dial 911, a high heel stomped on my hand. Another crushed my phone.

Nicole's voice floated above me, light and cruel.

"I changed my mind," she said. "Let's keep Hollie here to help me out. She's further along, so she's gotta know how to care for a pregnant woman."

I winced, glancing at her. Her eyes were glinting coldly, sending a shiver down my spine.

"My due date is soon. I can't help you," I blurted. "I'm sorry for upsetting you. I'll leave now."

Peter's voice boomed. "How could you ignore Nicole's kindness like that? Except for the day you give birth, you're staying here to take care of her."

He saw my pale face but still added condescendingly, "Do a good job, and your child gets fancy formula too."

Behind him, Nicole mouthed with a smirk, "I'm not done with you."