Twisted Obsession Read online

  TWISTED OBSESSION

  Yawatta Hosby

  Table of Contents

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Other Stories by Author

  Copyright

  Twisted Obsession

  By Yawatta Hosby

  Copyright 2016 by Yawatta Hosby

  All rights reserved. Except for use in reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced, translated into a foreign language, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the author. For permission, contact the author at www.yawattahosby.wordpress.com

  Book Cover: James from GoOnWrite.com

  Editor: Monica Shaughnessy

  Published by: Dream Snatcher Press in the United States

  This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Dedication

  To my awesome cousin, Latisha, for never complaining when I had us watch the movie Fear over and over again…

  Acknowledgments

  Thanks to Zach, Genny, George, and Robin for loving my short story Trapped. Not only did they find Miki and Finia’s story fascinating, but the members of AHA Scribes also encouraged me to dig deeper and turn my short story into a novella. They said there was more to tell between my characters. I’m happy that I listened. My inner-nerd always enjoys a challenge.

  I would like to thank my writing buddy, Melissa, for looking at earlier drafts of this twisted story. I appreciate your motivation and support with our writing challenges and letting me vent when I need to. You’re a good friend. There’s no more wacky adventures in Shepherdstown, but Daily Grind seems to be taking over. Let’s keep making more crazy memories. I’d also like to thank my beta-readers Lisa, Alexandrina, and Desirae. Thanks for the tough love. I needed it, making my story the best it could be. I definitely need to give a shout-out to Alexandrina for suggesting having the title Trapped: A Novella changed to focus on the inciting incident. Thanks to all my blog followers, especially the ones who took the time to vote on my poll, helping me create my new title Twisted Obsession.

  Trust me, when I say if you ladies read this story again, there’s surprising changes. Thanks to my wonderful developmental editor, Monica Shaughnessy ( http://monicashaughnessy.wordpress.com/author-services ). Thank you for giving me the story elements and new plot outline to call Twisted Obsession a suspense novella instead of a dark contemporary piece. Last but not least, I’d like to thank my cover design artist, James from Go On Write ( http://goonwrite.com ). If anyone’s looking for affordable premades, then please check out his website.

  Thank you for helping me live my dreams. You’ll never know how much that means to me.

  Chapter One

  Lying in the darkness, Finia wondered if Miki had gone to sleep. She had waited an hour for him to drift off because she had to be alone, because he rarely left her alone. From the moment she left for work at Loretta’s Chocolates to the moment it was bedtime, he was there, orchestrating every piece of her life. Something heavy was weighing on her mind, and she needed an answer now.

  She breathed very softly and touched his arm. She slowly lifted the covers, quiet as a mouse, then set one foot on the floor. Then the other.

  Half-asleep, he grabbed her wrist. “Where you going, babe?”

  She froze. “I gotta pee. That’s all. It’s okay. I’ll be right back.”

  Finia found her way to the bathroom, shut the door, and turned on the light. After finding her secret stash of pregnancy tests hiding inside a tampon box underneath the sink, she peed on the stick. When a few minutes passed, she closed her eyes, her heart beat quickening like a passenger realizing the plane was a couple seconds from crashing.

  With slumped shoulders, she sighed and fell back onto the bathroom sink. She raised the stick to eye level then examined it. A blue plus sign. She bit her bottom lip. Not only had the plane crashed, but it had also exploded, destroying everything in a fifty mile radius.

  She intended to put the stick down onto the edge of the sink, but it fell on the tile floor, making a loud clanking sound. Staring blankly ahead, she wrapped her caramel-colored arms around herself.

  How could this happen? She was only twenty-eight and had so much to live for, not be tied down. The results had to be wrong. They had to be, if she was going to keep her sanity. Why hadn’t condoms or her birth control pills worked?

  Tears welled in her eyes, sliding down her cheeks. She didn’t raise her hands to wipe them away.

  Finia and Miki had been in a committed relationship for years, but recently, they’d broken up. His jealousy and controlling ways had taken a toll on her psyche, and she needed a break. She hoped maybe they could still be friends; instead they ended up as friends with benefits. She hated that she was weak to his touch.

  She had only been with him these past two months, so there wasn’t any chance that she could have multiple potentials. How long before a woman got pregnant? Months? Weeks? Maybe it wasn’t so cut and dry. She swallowed a knot in her throat.

  The only reason she had taken the test was because she was late for “her friend,” and she had thrown up a couple of times at work. At first, she thought she had a flu or cold, but there were no other flu-like symptoms.

  Without knocking first, Miki, rubbing his eyes, came into the bathroom. He groggily made his way in front of Finia and took her by the wrists. She felt trapped. Her worried brown eyes met the confusion in his face. Before she could say anything, he glanced down at the stick. A huge smile spread across his lips. “Finia, is there something you need to tell me?”

  Hesitating, she said, “It could be wrong, right?”

  “I hope not. I’m so excited!” He wrapped his olive-skinned arms around her and swung them like a merry-go-round. He squeezed her tightly, his breath tickling her neck. “I can’t wait to tell everyone!”

  “Miki, hold on. Let’s wait to see what a doctor says.” She rubbed his back, then stepped out of his embrace. When she met his gaze, she was distraught to see his smile turn into a frown.

  Why wasn’t he nervous? Why was he so calm?

  “This is good news whether you think so or not.”

  “I just need time to process this,” she said.

  “Process what? We’re having a baby, a cause for celebration. You’re acting like we’re heading to a funeral or something.”

  “That’s not fair.” She took a deep breath. “I’m scared.”

  There had been plenty of nights wh
ere Finia would discuss her fears of being a mother. She didn’t think she knew how to truly love someone. Her mother had never said ‘I love you,” and she was afraid that she’d be an emotional robot to her child. She would never forgive herself if her child doubted her affection.

  She loved Miki, but she didn’t know if she was ‘in love’ with him. That had him on edge. He would come to her home and demand her attention, questioning her loyalty to him. The more confusion she showed, the more clingy he had become. Looking back, she regretted the friends with benefits situation because it hadn’t helped their issues. Yet, being American Indian, her parents raised her to stay quiet even if she was cautious. No rocking the boat.

  “There’s nothing to be scared about. We’ll make great parents,” he said.

  “You’re way too calm right now.”

  He grinned. “Oh, that’s easy. I kinda figured it out a couple weeks ago.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Well, I mean, hello, you’ve been moody lately. ‘Your friend’ was late, and you’ve had a beautiful glow surrounding you.” He kissed her forehead. “A beautiful glow only mothers can have.”

  Finia glanced towards her bedroom, wishing the darkness would swallow her whole.

  Chapter Two

  A week later, Finia’s eyes roamed the waiting room in the doctor’s office, full of mothers-to-be, and little toddlers wanting to explore but being held captive on their parents’ laps. She caught the eye of an older woman who smiled. Finia grinned back even though she wasn’t up to it. Her arms were folded across her chest as she leaned against the wall.

  Hovering over her, Miki placed a strand of hair behind her ear and stepped sideways. He blocked her vision of the older woman. Finia slowly met his stare. He grinned, then grabbed her hand. “No matter what the doctor says, we’ll get through this.” He searched her eyes, waiting for an answer. When she didn’t respond, he frowned. “Finia?”

  “I’m nervous,” she whispered.

  “We’re in this together.”

  She nodded. “Have you told anyone?”

  He shook his head. “I wanted to, but you asked me not to. Pretty stupid. Whatever.”

  “I just want to make sure before getting anyone else involved.”

  “Of course.” Miki’s eyes beamed with happiness. “But, I can’t wait to tell Mom and Rob.”

  “Will you be disappointed if the results were wrong?”

  He sighed. “I’d be devastated.”

  Finia frowned and lowered her gaze to the ground. Of course, he’d be, she thought. On one hand, she didn’t want to disappoint or hurt him in any way. But, on the other hand, she wanted to be free. Being pregnant wouldn’t be a miracle—more like a burden.

  “Would you be relieved?” he asked, his voice shaking.

  Before she could answer, a plump nurse with a dowdy haircut opened the door and ushered them inside an exam room. After their greetings, she instructed Finia to get undressed and to change into the thin hospital gown. The nurse stepped into the hallway to give them some privacy.

  Finia glanced over at Miki. He was watching her over in the corner.

  “Don’t tell me you’re shy to get undressed in front of me.” He smirked. “It’s not like I haven’t seen what you’re working with before.”

  “What I’m working with.” She rolled her eyes. “Nice.”

  “You’re beautiful. Did you know that?”

  His lustful glance creeped her out. There was nothing sexy about being in a doctor’s office. “I know you want a baby, but you’re right. I’d probably feel relieved if Dr. Madigan says it was a false alarm. I’m sorry.”

  He placed his hand over his heart like he was auditioning for a Shakespeare play. “Me too.” His tone turned accusatory. “What are you so afraid of? We’d be a cute family.”

  “We can talk about this afterwards.”

  She had her back to him, but she felt Miki’s stare burning into her. All she needed was for the doctor to know that they weren’t on the same page. Women were always judged when they got pregnant out of wedlock, especially if they ended up as single moms.

  Gray haired and a face full of wrinkles, Dr. Madigan came into the room. “Ms. Washington?”

  “Yes, doctor?” Finia fidgeted on the sterile bed, wrapping her paper gown around her for protection.

  Miki looked wide-eyed as he sat on the edge of his chair.

  “We just need to run a few tests,” Dr. Madigan said.

  After the exam, Finia and Miki had to wait longer.

  Dr. Madigan walked back in with the results. “Ms. Washington.”

  “Yes?”

  An encouraging smile formed on his lips. “Put January twenty-ninth on your calendar, you’re going to have a baby.”

  She lay back on the cement-like table, then focused her sight on the ceiling. She couldn’t bear to look over at Miki, who was probably grinning from ear to ear. Or who knew? Maybe he was still brooding over her comment from earlier. That was the thing with Miki—it took him a while to let things go. He couldn’t accept your answer; he had to try and convince you to see things the way he saw them. No leeway.

  Dr. Madigan continued, “Of course, you have options. Would you like to hear them?”

  “We’re keeping the baby, doc. End of discussion,” Miki interjected himself into their conversation.

  Ignoring him, Finia said, “Dr. Madigan, I’ve been taking birth control pills all this time. Will that harm the baby?”

  The doctor furrowed his eyebrow as she rose from her spot, walked over to her purse, shuffled through her belongings, then pulled out her birth control case. “I can show you the pills I took. I got them from the clinic.” She crossed the room and handed him the case. “See for yourself.”

  He opened it and motioned to one of the pills. “Can I?”

  Finia nodded.

  The doctor picked one up and examined it against the bright light. Making a confused face, he sunk his teeth into the pill for a split second, then shook his head. “Ms. Washington, this isn’t birth control. It’s a placebo.”

  “Placebo?”

  “Sugar pills.”

  Taken aback, she snatched the case from his hands. Some pills spilled onto the floor. “It can’t be. I’ll sue that clinic.”

  “When you received your birth control, it was sealed? Correct?”

  Finia took a moment to think. She leaned against the cold surface of her seat, facing the doctor. Her eyebrow raised. “Yeah it was.”

  “Then it wasn’t the clinic’s doing. I’m sorry.”

  The lump in her throat made it hard to swallow. “But, I don’t understand.”

  Silence filled the room. Her heart beat skipped within her chest at a fast pace. If it wasn’t the clinic’s fault, who could she blame? The wheels turned in her head…

  Someone she trusted tampered with her birth control!

  She turned her head towards Miki, who looked like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Did he do this? Was he responsible? He had reached a new low if that was the case. She glared at him because she couldn’t afford to look at the doctor. Dr. Madigan probably thought she was a basket case. Accusing someone of messing with her pills. Who freaking did that? She breathed deeply and heavily.

  The doctor’s lips moved to speak, but she cut him off. “Can you tell me if placebo pills are safe for the baby?”

  “They aren’t dangerous. No side effects at all, probably just made you a little hyper.” Dr. Madigan smiled weakly. “Placebo pills are sugar.”

  “Thank you.”

  He exited the room in haste, probably wanting to get away from her drama. Finia sighed. She couldn’t even look at Miki anymore.

  Chapter Three

  Miki stood. “Finia,” he pleaded, desperation in his voice. She wasn’t ever supposed to find out, especially like this. Why did that fucking doctor narc on him?

  With her back still facing him, Finia held herself and said, “You need to leave. I have to get dressed.” Then
, she spun around, looking like her heart had descended into sadness, yet her mind was sealed with rage at the same time, if that was even possible.

  Miki couldn’t lose the love of his life. He had to win her over but couldn’t cause her stress. He couldn’t afford to have her lose their baby. He didn’t do all this work to have his plan fail immediately.

  He had been lonely before Finia came into his life. She saw something in him that no other girl took the time to see. The day she had told Miki she admired him, he knew she was the one. Their first date to be exact.

  “Did you do this? Did you mess with my pills?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Do you think I’m stupid?”

  “Finia,” he said before getting interrupted.

  “Get out. Get out now.” Her tone stayed even. He could tell she was upset, but she never raised her voice.

  He wondered, even as a kid, if she’d ever scream or yell. Always nice. Always the pushover. He knew that he could get away with anything around Finia. Even if something bothered her, she wouldn’t press the issue. It hurt Miki’s heart to see her in pain, but eventually she’d get over it. Or she would avoid the issue, so he wouldn’t have to worry about it much longer. As long as he could get his way with whatever, the better.

  He took a step closer, but she backed away. He stopped in his tracks. Maybe she’d need more time than he thought. “Finia.”

  “Get out. I have to get dressed.”

  Not wanting to leave her like this, Miki bit his bottom lip in inner-turmoil. The first few months were the hardest on an expecting mother. If they could get through this trimester, then hopefully it’d be smooth sailing after that. He had to get back on her good side to ensure that she didn’t do anything crazy like get an abortion or give the baby up for adoption.

  Fuck options.

  Miki raised his hands in surrender. “Okay, I’ll leave you alone. I’ll be right outside.” He took a deep breath, placed his hand over his heart, pouted, then left the room. Before the door shut all the way, he heard Finia sob.