Heavenstone 01 - The Heavenstone Secrets

shock from what the doctor had said. Every once in a while, I stopped at a mirror and looked at myself. Howcould my subconscious mind, my own imagination, be doing this to me? For a while, I wandered about aimlessly, disinterested in anything and everything. Then I went to my computer and looked up pseudocyesis. It was exactly how Dr. Samuels had described it, and there was even a reference to Mary Tudor, whom Cassie had mentioned.
    Even though I read this and understood, I couldn’t stop myself from experiencing all of the symptoms of pregnancy during the days and weeks that followed. I tried not to have a bigger appetite, but my resistance was weak, and I ate more than I should have. Every morning, I weighed myself and saw that I was still gaining, and my waist and stomach were expanding. Cassie saw this, too, and one morning, she had left the girdle for me to wear. It was very uncomfortable, so I wore it only when Daddy came home, or at least I tried to restrict it to that. Cassie would appear, see I wasn’t wearing it, and go into one of her rages.
    “You’ll make a mistake and go outside when the workers are around or something is delivered. Unless you stay only in your room, you put it on.”
    I couldn’t disagree. Uncle Perry had appeared at the door unannounced one afternoon, and I had almost neglected to put on the girdle.
    “Hey,” he said when I went to the door. “How are you, Sam? I was visiting a manufacturer not far from here and thought I’d stop by.”
    I stood staring out at him stupidly. In the back of my mind, I was worried that Cassie wouldn’t approve of my inviting him in right now.
    “Hi. I’m fine,” I said.

    “Can I come in? I’ve got a little time,” he said.
    “Of course.” I stepped back, but I was very nervous and afraid he would see it.
    “It’s pretty hot today,” he said, gazing around but eyeing me suspiciously. “Got something cold to drink?”
    “Oh, sure. I made some lemonade this morning.”
    “Perfect,” he said, and followed me to the kitchen. “I’ve been asking about you. Sorry I haven’t come around, but Teddy is making some major changes, and we’ve all been quite busy. If I ever needed a vacation, now is the time.”
    “Are you going anywhere soon?” I asked, pouring him a glass of lemonade and pouring one for myself.
    “I’m supposed to go to Greece. A friend has a friend in Athens, and from there we’re going to some islands, Mykonos, Crete, and a less known one, Chios. His friend has a yacht.”
    “That sounds wonderful. I want to travel like you someday, too.”
    “You will,” he said. “I’m sure.” He sat at the kitchenette.“So, tell me, what have you been doing with yourself besides the home-schooling?”
    “Lots of reading, cooking, taking care of the house.”
    “Still no having friends visit or doing things with them?”
    “No. But,” I added quickly, “I’m sure I’ll make new friends soon.”
    “Really? I understand from Teddy that you want to continue home-schooling.”

    “For a while, yes.”
    “Why?”
    “I’m just more comfortable with it now. I’ll be all right.”
    “It’s not healthy for a girl your age to be cloistered like this. Is it because of your mother, what she did?” he asked, his eyes narrowing. “Do you still feel you can’t face people?”
    “Maybe. I suppose,” I said, appreciating the reason. For now, it got me off the hook.
    “Perhaps you should see a therapist, Sam. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
    I nodded. “I’ll see. Actually, Cassie and I have been talking about it.”
    It wasn’t a total lie. I had been talking about it. She had just not responded with any enthusiasm.
    “I hope you don’t mind me saying you look like you’ve gained some weight.”
    “I know. I’m on a diet,” I said.
    The look on his face told me he was just as good as Cassie when it came to reading my face. I had to look away.
    “You’re eating out of boredom, aren’t you?” he asked.
    I breathed relief. At least, he hadn’t thought of any other reason.
    “I suppose.”
    “This is so unhealthy for a young girl as vibrant as you, Sam. Would you mind very much if I nagged my brother about it?”
    “Yes,” I said a little too emphatically. I calmed quickly. “Please don’t, Uncle Perry. I would hatemyself if I added any new worries to Daddy’s list right now. I’ll be fine. Maybe I’ll do what you suggest and see a therapist soon. Please don’t bother Daddy about it.”
    He