Chapter 32: Chapter 32

KRISTIN

God help me!

I palmed my face as the car drove into the street and out of view. Not only did June manage to embarrass me, but she might have also angered Edith.

"Edith, I am so sorry," I started, already feeling weak. "I don't—"

"Kristin, stop," she smiled reassuringly and tugged on my arm. "I'm not mad. C'mon, let's go in."

If I had half the level of coordination Edith has, I would probably be the best uncle in the world to June.

When we got to the sitting room, the first question she asked was, "Have you had breakfast?"

"Yeah, I did." After a while, I added, "I'm fine." Realizing that she was the only one who always asked about my well-being, I cleared my throat, "So, what about you? Are you okay?"

She nodded and smiled, "trust me, I am fine. Just wanted to check on you before heading to the office."

That is slowly becoming a habit. And I am not complaining. It's not every day you find someone that cares about you.

"Thanks. Well, as you can see, I'm surviving."

"I can see that," she laughed. "You really look stressed."

"Stressed" should be an understatement right now. I feel devastated—if not worse.

"I guess I need some rest." I shrugged like it didn't matter. "I will be fine though."

"I'm sure you would," she nodded and looked around the sitting room. She was yet to sit. "Are you sure you already had something for breakfast?"

Now, she is beginning to sound like my mom.

"Edith, I'm fine. I swear."

Since she hadn't taken a seat, I had not too. She sighed and approached me where I rested on the kitchen's doorframe.

"You don't look fine and I'm worried."

Worried? It's been so long since someone got worried because of me.

"I am fine," I stubbornly maintained. She suddenly approached me, sighing like a mother would do to her obstinate 10-year-old who refused to obey instructions.

I drew back a bit when she reached for my face. Her fingers stayed frozen in the air for a moment, then she continued stretching forward for my face.

This time, I didn't pull back.

I was so entranced by her eyes that I didn't feel it when her warm palm cupped my right cheek.

The blue of her eyes shone like a rare stone, digging deep into my soul.

"No, you are not fine," she whispered, smiling in reassurance. "There are bags under your eyes and you look exhausted. That alone is enough to tell that something is stressing you. Is it June?"

I leaned into her touch. When last had someone touched me so tenderly? I didn't know I needed a hug until Edith wrapped around my neck and pulled me close.

For a moment, I stiffened.

Realizing that she was out to help me, I gently grabbed her waist and hugged her back. Edith's womanly scent filtered into my nostrils with an intensity that made me close my eyes and sigh.

Somewhere in my mind, I caught the distinct sound of the wind continuously tugging on a window in the sitting room.

I was suddenly feeling sleepy... I can't remember the last time a woman's touch made me so relaxed.

I tried to tell myself that I was lacking physical touch, but the idea didn't sit well. Talking about physical touch, my numerous sexual escapades should cover that.

Just when I thought I was going to fall asleep in Edith's arms, she pulled back and smiled.

"I hope you feel better."

"I do," I confessed, voice low. "Thank you."

"Nah, it's nothing," she looked around the sitting room again. I saw her eyes twirl over the centre table and doorway, "your place needs some cleaning."

I nodded weakly. "I know. I've been kind of busy."

"Kristin, come sit," she led me by my hand to a sofa and sat opposite me. Her tight black gown exposed some parts of her thighs, "what exactly is June doing that is bothering you?"

It was supposed to be a simple question with a simple answer. I don't know why my mind always tangles whenever the topic of June comes up.

What am I supposed to say? That my mind has rotted so much that I can't keep pictures of my naked niece away from my thoughts? Or that I wanted Mark dead because he wanted to snatch June away from me?

Wait... That didn't come out well. I just don't think Mark is the right person for June. That son of a bitch is hideous on the inside. I don't know if June doesn't see it or if she chooses to ignore that part of him.

"June was never the problematic child," I started, breaking eye contact with Edith. "She used to be a very sweet girl... Well, that was until she got into college."

"You mean, until she turned eighteen," Edith corrected with a smile. "The college isn't what made her this way. It's just normal for new adults to behave this way."

And once again, Edith's words made sense.

"I will go with what you said," I Helplessly agreed. "She hardly listens to me anymore," I complained bitterly. "I can't even sit her down to have a normal convo."

"That is all part of the new-adult exuberance."

"She makes me go crazy." And that goes both ways. Sometimes, I feel like tugging my hair until the strands pull out; other times, my heartbeat accelerates and pumps blood straight to my dick. One thing is sure: June drives me crazy.

"What is parenting without an occasional mental breakdown?"

She started laughing. It was so infectious that I joined in moments later.

"I just hope I don't lose my mind before she finishes college."

"Nah, that won't happen. You have me." Words of reassurance again. I have always known Edith to be a very sweet person. I didn't know her lovely nature got to this level.

Whenever she is in the office, my mind is always at rest. Sometimes, I feel like she takes control of the others better than I do. When she speaks, everyone listens.

"Sorry about June's tone the other time," I apologized again out of the blue.

Edith laughed. "I said it's okay," she said. "Just make sure that you take it easy. I always meant to ask about her mom."

"She's late."

"I know," Edith said softly. Her voice dropped. "I know you must miss your sister a lot. I see it in your eyes whenever you look at her."

Talking about my sister brought fond memories. I can almost picture her sitting in the exact spot Edith is, glancing through files or attending to calls. Even when she stayed at home, she still worked.

"I miss her," I confessed. "Sometimes, I wish she was still around... Things would have been a lot more different."

"I know... She is up there watching over the both of you."

Hearing that from Edith sounded soothing. I have always told myself that June and I are being watched over by my sister from heaven. Hearing it from someone else makes me feel warm.

With a smile, I nodded. "I know she is. Thank you, Edith."

"It's okay..." I saw her lips move to say something. She fixed her eyes on a corner of the sitting room as if searching for a subtle way to present her question. I kept shut. "I...wanted to inquire of..."

"Yes?" It seemed what she was going to ask was very sensitive. "I am all ears."

"Don't be mad, but... what about June's dad?"