Chapter 20: Chapter 20

JUNE

“You don't have to look anxious, I just —”

“She doesn't wish to speak with someone like you.” A man sat on my left, with his glare narrowed at him.

Compared to the man sitting on my right, this one looked clean-shaven. His black hair is slicked to the side with a gel. His green eyes glittered with anger, staring at the man as if he were moments from throwing him away.

“Why do you care? Wait for your turn mister. No one asked for your opinion, mister." The first man glared at him, looking god-damned murderous.

"Scurry away now that I'm asking nicely! Else I will call the security on you for harassing a lady." He huffed, looking like he was moments from throwing the man out.

The first man rose from the chair, glared at the second one, and hastened out.

“That's what they do at parties, constantly looking for harmless women.” The second man smiled at me, “I'm Frank, and you?”

“June.” I shook his outstretched hand, comfortable with the stranger. Perhaps, it might be because of his help but I don't feel weary of him.

“First time in parties?” He motioned for the bartender to come closer.

“Is it that obvious?” I blushed, a bit self-conscious.

“Nah,” he shrugged. “A cup of wapatuli,” he said to the bartender before he turned to face me. “You don't look like one, but I figured it out easily. I can't tell how I did, though.”

“Oh.” I tucked a strand of hair behind my right ear with a nervous smile on my face. “All my life, my uncle kept me sheltered. This is my first time out in a place like this.”

“Oh,” he thanked the bartender when he dropped a cup of a rich dark green coloured drink.

I stared hard at it as he took a sip of it, wondering what the hell he ordered.

“What's that?” I motioned to the drink when he dropped it.

“This?” He gestured to the drink and I nodded. “It's a sweet fruit alcoholic drink. Do you need a taste of it? It's called jungle juice.”

“But that's not the name you gave the man.” I protested, staring at the juice with a curious expression on my face.

“Wapatuli?” He raised a brow, and I nodded. “It's another name for it. Do you wish to have a drink? It's delicious. Not like other alcohol.” He took another sip of his drink.

“Nah, I will pass.” I scrunched my nose up, “alcohol is a no for me.”

“The bitter taste?”

“More like it.”

He took another sip of his drink and motioned for the bartender to come closer. He ordered another cup of his drink, which the bartender rushed to make.

“You won't know that you are taking alcohol. It's as sweet as fruit juice.” He smiled at me, “As a frequenter of parties, it will be a grave sin if I don't introduce you to the world of fruity alcohol. Don't worry, it won't get you drunk.”

“But….” I glanced at the door Mark left through, wondering what the delay was. What could he be doing that will take him more than ten minutes to do?

“No buts!” He passed the cup when the bartender got it for him. “Here, have a sip. If you don't like it, you might discard it, though I doubt you will ever do that.”

I glanced at the cup he offered and back at him before I picked it up and took a sip, stunned by the burst of flavours in my mouth. Just like he promised, it tasted entirely like fruit.

“Wow!”

“See? Told you so,” he winked at me. “So, do you like it?”

“Absolutely!” I downed the entire content and asked for more, which he ordered from the bartender.

“You have to be careful, June. Though it tastes like fruit, it has a high alcohol volume.” He continued to sip from his cup, occasionally nodding his head to the beat of the music coming from the dance floor.

I was on my third cup when my mind felt murky. My head felt bigger, and I had to blink, to keep my focus, yet, I continued to ask for more.

“No, you can't have any.” Frank stopped me from calling the waiter for the fourth cup.

“Why?” I slurred, feeling a bit heavy-headed. I had to force myself to keep my eyes open. “I love it! It tastes like wine! I want more.” I tried to take his cup, but he stopped me.

“You are drunk, June. You need to go home.” He took the cup from me and dropped it on the table. “You —”

“June!” The familiar voice caused me to turn.

A furious Mark closed the distance between us, he pocketed his phone before he threw a punch at Frank.

“Shit!” I rose from my chair and staggered a bit. “Stop it, Mark!” I called out before he could punch Frank.

“June, are you okay?” He turned his focus to me.

“Fine! Never been better,” I giggled as I held him tight in my embrace. “God, I feel so light, as if I can fly!” I giggled once more.

“June, are you okay? What did he feed you? Why are you giggling?!” He sounded concerned.

“You need to taste the juice, Mark! It's a pity he asked me not to drink any more.” I hugged him tight, “Please get more for me, my dear Mark.” I pouted, staring at him, “You know I love you, right? But not as much as I love my uncle!”

“God, June. You are drunk out of your arse!” Mark growled. “I just went out to answer a call, and met a friend, just to return to see you drunk out of your mind!” He scolded, making me scrunch my nose up, pissed at him.

“I'm not drunk, Mark.” I clung to him, “Stop scolding me like Kristin.”

He sighed, “Let's go, June. I don't think we can stay here any more. Your uncle might have my head if I return you this way.”

"Hey man, it isn't what you think. I just —"

"Shut the hell up! Don't dare come close to her!" Mark growled at Frank.

He tried to lead me out, but I refused to budge. “I don't wish to go, Mark! I want to drink more of that sweet wine!”

“No, you won't. You are coming with me, and that's final.”

“You are no fun!” I whined, pissed at him. “I don't wish to go!”

“But you have to.” He leaned down and carried me up, bridal style.

“Hey! Let go of me." I tried to kick him, angry that he dared touch me.

“It's time to go.” The headstrong man carried me out of the house and towards his car while I tried to get him to let me go.

He opened the door, and gently placed me on the passenger side at the front, buckling me up before sliding behind the wheel...