JUNE It took less than ten minutes for Kristen to march to my room. He knocked thrice on the door and let himself in without waiting for my permission. Seems that he's aware I won't even do that. He's dressed in the same clothes he wore yesterday, which means he either slept in that whore's house or went to a bar…Well, that's not my problem. I don't care what he does with his life. “June,” he called as he took a step towards me, only to pause when I narrowed my eyes at him. “Uhm… Doll… When did you return?”He looked nervous as he ran his fingers through his hair, unconsciously tapping his toes like he does most of the time when he's super nervous. I didn't reply to his question. Instead, I popped some fries into my mouth and slowly chewed on them, pretending as if there was no one in front of me. “Doll?” I slowly raised my head to look into his eyes, trying not to take in his wrinkled clothes and tousled hair. What would it have taken him to change out of those clothes before
KRISTEN Why this unexpected feeling of disappointment?This was what I wanted, right?Then why was I feeling sad and moody? June seemed to have moved on with her life and her obsession with me, and I was suddenly feeling sorrowful?! When she got up and walked away, I felt a part of me break. Why did it feel like she was walking out of my life? For a long time, I've wanted our relationship to go back to the uncle-and-niece period of our lives filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect. Seems my wish manifested with a glitch in our happiness.Or maybe I was just overthinking and needed some fresh air. I climbed the stairs and walked to my room, kicking my slippers off at the base of the sliding glass doors leading to the balcony.The cool evening wind rushed into my face as I stepped out. I watched the sunset, the colours deepening and changing as the sun sank lower. The sky is turning from gold to purple, and the city lights are beginning to twinkle brighter. It's amazing how
KRISTEN "I wasn't joking," June said firmly. Her eyes were set, her chin firm and daring. Truly, she is no longer the baby I fed those years ago. At one point, she seemed to have grown so much that I was having a hard time believing it.Her eyes did not change a bit. I used to easily read her through those brown expressive eyes. I don't know if I still possess that ability, but at that time when June was still a kid, it was much easier. Whenever she cried, a hug from me was enough for her to spill out every single problem she was facing at school, who made her sad and the events that led to it. She also didn't lie. That way, she was the best person to send on an errand.I don't know when things changed, but I know that I don't want this change... I don't want a change that makes me feel like shit, a change that makes me distant... I don't want that change... If anything, we need to be closer to one another. We only have each other. I don't want to think what her fate will be if she
JUNEIt has been a week since that fateful night. Things went back to normal. Well, as normal as it could be between us. Mark and I returned to how we have always been. Though we never spoke of that night, I can see in his expression that he wishes to talk about it.But I always find ways to skid around it, not ready to speak about the worst night of my life.I combed my hair, running my fingers through the beautiful black strands as I stared into the mirror. I stared at the woman I had become, not aware of the right feelings I should have.For a week, I have successfully acted like I wasn't affected by whatever Kristen did. Those seven days must have been the worst for him because he looked like a shell of his former self.And me?I was barely holding on. But who was I to complain when I was the one that decided on this?I tied my hair into a ponytail, forcing a smile as I posed for the mirror. I wore my beautiful body con black dress, with a slit on the left thigh.It wasn't indecent
JUNEMy mind was filled with thoughts of my uncle throughout the day. I couldn't even concentrate on my studies. I was guilty — I swear, it's written on my face.Despite how cold I was to Kristen, he was still treating me well, trying to get closer to me. And here I am, acting like a spoiled brat because I wanted to show him that I've grown.But where did that leave me?With my heart unable to heal.It was a long day for me. One that made me think of the right approach to this. Perhaps, I was trying to solve things the wrong way.I didn't call him like he asked me to. I took a cab home, but that was after I went grocery shopping. I had a 180 turn after a deep thought about my uncle.I've decided to make dinner tonight as a silent apology. Since I don't know much about meal varieties, I decided to make Italian fried rice and beef Salad with macaroni.I watched a video on how to make it online, and I got busy. I changed out of my clothes and wore a loose gown, tying my hair up, I coveted
KRISTEN June did not say anything and it wasn't helping the jumble of anxiety tying strings around my guts."Doll, talk to me," I begged and scooted closer. Her hands, which were in mine, slightly quivered. It felt like she wanted to pull back and keep her hands in mine at the same time. I've never seen June so conflicted in my entire life.I had a meeting that afternoon and was completely bamboozled with official responsibilities that took my time—and peace of mind—such that I forgot I was supposed to pick her up. Was that why she was mad? Or... did Edith's voice over the call... I sighed."I had a meeting with a company today," I started slowly, even though she didn't ask. "They needed our services." I didn't bother breaking it down because June knows specifically what my company do. Hell, she used to come there a lot, until... well, until her teenage stubbornness began. "As a trusted and hardworking employee, Edith had to go with me. I had planned to hand the job of replying to my
KRISTEN June ate with a familiar look of anxiety in her eyes, one I had seen before.It was the same look she had after her first time of the month. The universe had decided that it would happen on a day she was undoubtedly dressed in nothing but white.White shorts. White shirts. White shoes and headband.I'm still grateful because, for one, it didn't happen on the school premises or during the basketball game; and she didn't freak out (else I might have run mad).I clearly remember the first panicked yell that tore out of my guts before my mushy brain put two and two together... I was concerned and embarrassed; she was anxious. Nobody prepared me for that day. Edith was the one I ran to the following morning for help with pads and what to do if it came again. Amidst chuckles, she helped me even though she knew nothing about June at that time... There was this look of anxiety in June's eyes. She had probably thought that she was... dying... Just like she always thought during the
JUNECould this be really happening?I stared at him as he said those words, dazed not only by the kiss but by the words I never expected to hear from him. Not in a million years. He placed both hands on my cheeks and brought my face closer, placing his forehead on mine as he stared into my eyes, a smile tugging the sides of his face. I expected him to kiss me since that was what his words implied, but instead of doing that, he pecked me on my forehead. “You look just like her,” he whispered so low I had to strain my hearing. “Like who?” I pursed my lips. “My mum?” I asked, knowing she was the one he was likely thinking of.Shocked, he gave me a look, shook his head and leaned down to capture my lips with his, sealing my question. Letting the matter drop at that moment, I wrapped my hands around his neck, and brought his face closer, kissing him with a vigour that surprised me. His tongue snaked into my mouth, seeking dominance, which I gave up easily, not in the mood to play. K
EPILOGUEJUNEPeering down at my baby, I tried not to shed a tear. Martha Mary Storm was the name Kristen gave to her, in honour of the two women who played significant roles in our life.I tenderly caressed her red hair, which was so much like her father's. The only thing she picked after me was her honey-brown eyes.She produced noises in her throat, and I did the same, inducing her to giggle like a darling. It has been 6 months since I gave birth to my baby. Favour and Henry literally live with us. They do nothing else in their leisure aside from spending time with their granddaughter, who I have no doubt will be spoiled rotten.It doesn't help matters that Mark adores her. He's always getting presents for her, declaring to be the best uncle she can ever have.He hasn't found a girlfriend yet, though he insisted he wasn't in a haste to find one. I have sought countlessly to help him out, to ease my guilt, but he doesn't seem to want that. Kristen asked me to let it.“Darling, Mark i
KRISTENI stood on the balcony overlooking the sea, my light-cotton robe dancing behind me to the tune of the wind. I couldn't contain my happiness. Within twenty-four hours, my life had suddenly become complete.June made me complete. It took everything in me not to burst into tears when I saw her coming up the aisle with her dad.My doll... My June... My life had spontaneously gotten back on track, and I couldn't be any happier that June was there with me to celebrate, to give me congratulatory kisses, and to pleasure me as we rejoiced.Immediately after the wedding had ended, we flew out to Maldives for our honeymoon. In June's words, "Seattle has too many bad memories. I need a breather."And I couldn't help but agree. Here, in a bungalow close to the sea, we had all the time in the world, making out when we wanted and engaging in all sorts of fun activities. In less than twelve hours, we had played in the shallow part of the water, fucked on shore, fucked on the kitchen island,
JUNEI confronted Mark about his feelings, and he came clean. I felt guilty hearing him speak of how much he had loved me for the past 10 years. I was such a fool for not realizing that the boy who had always been by my side was in love with me. It was painful to think that I played with his emotions all along, constantly speaking of Kristen in front of him. I can't express how much pain he passed through when I got together with Kristen. Yet, he was there for me through thick and thin. I can't ever ask for a better friend. That was why I vowed to help him. I will always be there when he needs me. The moment the makeup artist left, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I looked different. I can't explain how she did it, transforming my face until I looked so much like a doll. “You are beautiful," Mark whispered, coming to stand beside me. He locked his gaze with mine through the mirror, grinning. “Thank you.”Dressed in a dark blue suit with a golden tie, he looked so mature an
KRISTENI knew she had a sly plan when I heard her ask, “Have you ever fantasized about watching me pleasure myself?”What I didn't expect was to get restricted from using my hands.Her boobs were larger than I remembered, the soft plums a beautiful feast to my eyes. I could see the smooth flesh of her inner thighs and the desire swarming her brown irises."Go there," she ordered, pointing to a couch in the corner of the room. "And take off those obstructions."In a haze of desire, and lust—I couldn't tell one from the other—I rose to my feet and shrugged off my trousers. The shirt and briefs followed seconds later, leaving my hard cock throbbing expectantly, jutting out in front of me like the heralds of a very important news.I could already see a clear pool of precum on the tip of my cock, but I knew she would only tell me to stop if I did as little as touch myself. I sat on the couch, and she hastily turned the bed to her auditorium. "You love my boobs so much." It wasn't a ques
JUNEI leaned towards him and kissed him. I only intended to peck him on the mouth the same way he did to me, but he didn't have the same thoughts. He wrapped his right hand around my waist and brought me closer, pulling me to sit on his thighs.It was a slow, sensual kiss. One that left me panting for breath as he tangled his tongue with mine, sucking it into his mouth. I wrapped my hands around his neck, clinging to him as he deepened the kiss.His right hand started going down my back, but I stopped him, shaking my head as I looked down at him.“What's wrong? Don't you want to do it? Did the doctor ask you not to —”I placed my index finger on his lip and slowly shook my head. “The doctor said nothing like that. We may have sex as long as we don't take it to the extreme,” I explained to him like one will do a little kid — not that he's a kid.“So….”“I've always wanted to do something.” I pecked him on his lips and got down from the bed, smiling at the confused man sitting on the b
JUNEWith the phone in hand, I strode towards a still shell-shocked Edith. I smirked, loving the way her ugly face writhed in anger. “You know, it was fun playing with you, Edith.” I raised the phone, waving it in her face. “You are just a bitter woman who deserves to be shackled for life.”“You played me all along? I assumed you were naïve!”“Naive?” I scoffed, raising the phone. “Well, I just learned something today. Before Mark told me of his encounter with you, I assumed you were only involved in sending the thugs to me. Who would have predicted that you are a bloody killer!”Before the detective could stop me, I slapped her. The resounding slap reverberated in the silent room, startling everyone around me. “June!” Kristen rushed towards me, but I raised my hand to stop him, smiling apologetically at the detectives. “I just wish to speak to her about something. I hope I'm allowed to do that?” I charmingly smiled at them, making adorable faces. “As long as you don't get physical
KRISTENEverything happened suddenly.I saw Edith jerk back in shock, gasping as she saw us storm in. The room seemed oddly neat. It was unlike what I had in mind. I was happy for one thing: the men were not kidding. They took their jobs seriously. I could almost see the tension hanging over their heads like a cloud.I ran straight to June, with Mark heavy on my heels."Baby!" I knelt in front of her while the officers advanced close to Edith, cornering her to a wall. "June!"She was trying to struggle out of her restraint, and she looked very fatigued.Mark moved behind her and unlocked the chains, then lifted her to her feet. I planned to pull her into a reassuring hug to calm her down, but... but the next surprising thing happened. June jutted her palm forward, stopping me from initiating the hug any further. She focused on Mark, throwing eye daggers at the young man beside me."What took you so long?!" She demanded from her, her eyes narrowed in... anger? But she didn't look angr
KRISTEN"June has been kidnapped."I stood still, frozen to the spot, scared and confused at the same time. My heartbeat doubled. For a split second, I could almost picture Mark opening his mouth again to speak and telling me that June—God forbid, because I'd hang myself in the living room—was found dead somewhere."Don't worry, she is okay," he added. Seemed he noticed the dead look in my eyes. I exhaled in relief, my breath coming out in gasps. Surprisingly, Mark was no longer frantic and running around in alarm. I didn't pay much attention to it. "What the hell do you mean by that? Her safety isn't something to joke about! Where is June?" I asked, rushing to my table and grabbing my keys. Mark was still not moving."Kristen, listen to me. Listen carefully." He blocked the door. "I made all that drama to clear the way so I could see you on time."Keys in hand, an erratically beating heart, and my mind flying in all directions, I stopped at the door and accessed Mark with squinted
JUNEMy left cheek stung from the slap I just got. I wanted so badly to rub on it, but it was impossible. Secured to the armchair, I couldn't even move my hands. “You don't seem to have learned your lessons, June. Well… that's wonderful. I will gladly do everything over again until I get what I want!”“Which is?”“How did it feel losing your baby?” She smirked, mouth curling up at the sides like a clown. “Do you perhaps wish to go through it once more?” “What? My baby?” I choked. “You were… You did… But…”“I was the one that found you, right?” She laughed, walking back to the chair. She sat on it and faced me once more. “It was fun playing with you and Kristen. Acting like a good Samaritan was worth it. If you assume you will have my man and live contentedly, you've got something coming for you!”“My baby….” I mumbled as tears freely ran down my cheeks. “You… You were the one who sent her?” I raised my face to look at the woman in front of me. “And not only that. I was the one who