She relaxed a little, but still looked at me with the suspicion of a doctor, her eyes perusing my face, looking for symptoms.
"We're going to see my doctor next week. I'd like you to have a physical. I bet you didn't have very good medical treatment at the orphanage. How could you?" she asked before I could respond.
"I've never been seriously sick," I said. "Just a little cold once in a while, but nothing terrible. I didn't need a doctor."
She nodded.
"Yes, I know that, but still . . . I'm worried about you. I'll make the appointment," she said. "And remember, I want to know when your period starts. Immediately," she added. Then she thought again. "It didn't start, did it?"
"No, Ami."
"Okay. Don't forget. All right. I wasn't going down to dinner tonight, but I'll throw something on. It's just us. Basil left," she said. "Just wash your face and brush your hair. We don't need to dress up for Wade. I'll be out in ten minutes," she added, and left.
There was a heavy atmosphere at dinner. Wade barely looked up from his food, and Ami looked like she was still suffering from her migraine.
"You really should go to the doctor about the headaches you've been having lately, Ami," Wade finally said.
"I am going to the doctor. We're both going," she replied.
"Both?"
"Celeste and myself. For a physical. I'm making the appointments tomorrow," she told him.
He looked at me.
"Aren't you feeling well?"
"That's not the point, Wade. We didn't tell you all of it. She was physically attacked."
"Attacked? Now listen, Ami--"
"We want to be sure everything is all right, don't we, Celeste?" she asked, her eyes wide.
"Yes," I said.
"So don't butt into female business, Wade," Ami immediately told him.
He shook his head and looked down again.
"If you start a story like that, we will have some legal problems," he muttered.
"No one is starting any stories. Celeste has not really had a good physical anyway. It's only smart to have one."
"Whatever," Wade said.
No one was in the mood for any desert. Wade excused himself and went to his office, and Ami went back to bed.
As I ascended the stairway to go to my room, I saw
Mrs. Cukor standing in the living room doorway, looking up at me. She didn't look fearful or angry.
She smiled.
But it was the smile of someone who knew she was soon to be proven right.
And that sent more chills into my heart than anything else she had done or said.
15 The Alarms Return