Chapter 54: Chapter 54

KRISTIN

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 infinite emails over to her, but I decided against it at the last moment after remembering that she would be the one to tag along for the meeting. So sorry I forgot to pick you up."

"Hmm."

Well, that is something. I wasn't expecting any form of reply, hum or not.

"So..." I grinned into her face. "Are you still mad?" The tightness in her eyes started to slowly dissipate.

Don't be deceived, June might still be mad!

"I never said I was mad," she said softly. "And no, I'm not in any form of trouble. I'm fine."

I don't know what made me sigh in relief, the fact that she didn't end the call under the pressure of a gun to her head, or the gradual calmness settling within her. I know this is me being dramatic.

Well, who wouldn't?

"Well, you got me worked up for a second." Before her head began to conjure questions that could shatter the serene mood, I allowed my senses to drift to my surroundings in search of a topic, one that would distract us.

My nostrils flared involuntarily. I sniffed the air, turning my head in the direction of the kitchen where the waft of a sweet aroma seemed to be drifting out.

"What is that aroma I perceive?" I sniffed again. Why was I just getting this aroma now? I began to unconsciously wet my lips while salivating.

June looked at her hands like a shy toddler, "I prepared something."

"Sorry?" I inched my left ear toward her lips to make sure I got the correct message this time.

"I cooked," she rephrased her statement. "I made dinner."

Her last sentence made me believe that I would go through five full spoons without spitting out or relinquishing the meal.

"I don't believe it," I scoffed incredulously.

June? Cook?! She has never cooked without my supervision. Scratch that, she prefers to assist me when cooking. And the assistance revolves around dicing onions or mashing potatoes. Anything out of that nature is seemingly out of her cooking ability.

"But you just said you perceived a nice aroma," June stated and rolled her eyes.

"Well... You could have ordered it."

"Then you should see for yourself." She gently slid her hands out of mine—I didn't realize we were still holding hands—and indicated she wanted to get up.

I followed her lead to the kitchen. At once, I knew she had cooked.

Even though she cleaned, I could see bits of food substances that probably escaped her scrutiny; also, the pots she used served as evidence—and well, the strong aroma in the kitchen.

Let's not forget the look of smug pride on her face.

She led me to the kitchen island and pushed a covered dish to me.

"Open it."

She smiled again.

With my partial attention on her, I opened the plate of food and...

What met my gaze was simply out of this world... My lips parted but no words came out.

"Did you make this?!" I exclaimed in surprise.

"You shouldn't be surprised. I've been helping you in the kitchen for as long as I can remember."

"And I was always there to supervise you," I added and took a bite.

My taste buds were more than active for that first bite. The aroma I'd been inhaling had been making me salivate.

My eyes widened.

"How did you make this?!" I almost screamed. "Somebody helped you, there is nothing you can tell me!"

June got lost in the clutches of laughter. I know I probably looked comical.

"Why don't you believe me?" she laughed and stumbled back, almost crashing to the floor. "Now you know how good a cook I am."

The fact that June just casually made a meal entirely by herself did not escape my thought as I gobbled the food... Truly, she is no longer a kid. Now, I see why she always gets mad whenever I look at her as the same June from those years ago.

"This is good," I complimented between mouthfuls. "Tastes like heaven." My hunger took the better part of me. I paid her no attention until the plate was almost empty. "I really hope you reserved some for yourself."

"I did." She had a look of surprise on her face, the look aimed at me and the plate. I don't think she has ever seen me eat this fast.

Don't blame me, it's the hunger—and the delicious meal.

"You should eat too."

"Yeah." She got her plate and stood on the other side of the island.

"Thank you for this," I said as the plate quickly got levelled. "I am grateful you took out time to prepare this for me. You don't know how hungry I was."

"I'm glad you're enjoying it," she smiled softly. "I just wanted to present something when apologizing."

Huh?

I looked up, my brow quirking in disbelief. "What did you say, doll?"

"I want to apologize for my behaviour last week. I know it's been a week already, but I'm sorry... You have been very distant since that day."

"No, that wasn't because of you." I had resolved to bury myself in work because I wanted to distract myself. Well, it was still because of June, but she didn't need to hear that. "It's okay. I..." I exhaled softly. "I just want us to be happy, to be one family... like your mother intended."

I instantly regretted it. The atmosphere became chilly, and a quiet wave washed over us.

"Yeah..." she responded softly. Her eyes fell to the floor. "We need to be one."

I might have cried—Okay, I would have cried there and then—but my smile got the better part of my face.

"Doll, eat up, I have something to show you."