chapter 6

I jolted awake.

Sunlight stabbed my eyes. I threw an arm over my face, groaning. My chest heaved like I’d been running.

I glanced at the clock.

9:17 a.m.

“Shit,” I whispered. “I slept too long.”

It was just a dream.

A stupid, vivid, mortifying dream.

But then I remember how he held me tighter calling my name in his sleep like he was actually dreaming about me

I dragged myself upright, cheeks burning.

Get it together, Michelle. You didn’t hear anything. Act normal. Uncle Pedro was just half asleep when he murmured your name. It doesn't mean anything I thought, biting my fingers.

After a quick shower, I headed downstairs.

Mom and Dad were at the dining table, laughing over something silly. I paused in the doorway for a second, watching them. Even after all these years, they still looked at each other like teenagers. No matter what life threw at them, they found ways to stay light. I envied that.

I've always wanted to be like my parents. I dream of having a life partner I can laugh and play with, someone who loves me to the moon and back, just as deeply as I would treasure them. Every day, I wish to live a perfect and peaceful life, filled with the same love and harmony I see in my parents.

“Morning, Mom.” I leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Morning, Dad.” Another kiss.

“Look who finally decided to join the living,” Dad teased, grinning.

“Why didn’t Melissa wake me?” I asked, sliding into the chair beside him and grabbing a slice of toast. I smeared peanut butter across it with a small knife.

“I told her not to,” Mom said, sipping her tea. “It’s summer. You deserve to sleep in before school starts again.” She looked at me smiling. “ Which is soon.”

“Speaking of school,” Dad said, “this is your last semester, right?”

“Yeah.” I said legs swinging beneath the table as I eat.

“My baby’s all grown up,” Dad said, reaching over to ruffle my hair. I laughed and swatted his hand away.

“Finally, you get to go out there and experience the world when you start college.” He wiggled his eyebrows dramatically.

I smiled, warmth spreading through my chest. My dad has always been so open-minded, just like my mom. They couldn’t wait for me to step out and explore the world the same way they once did. I love them so much. They’re fun, not overly strict, and they’ve always encouraged me to enjoy life and make the most of every moment.

Mom set her cup down. “Have you decided on universities yet? Harvard would be—”

“I’m still thinking about it, Mom,” I said quickly, offering her a smile to soften my words.

She had been dreaming of Harvard for me ever since I was ten. It was the college she never got to attend herself, and she wanted it so badly for me. But it was too far away. I didn’t like the thought of being that distant from my family and friends.

“Hmm, where is Uncle Pedro? I said, trying to stop the silence from swallowing the room whole.

“Well he left early this morning and said he has some business to attend to," mom said as she dropped her cup of tea I only nodded.

Dad stood, grabbing his suitcase. “I’m already late. Love you both.” He kissed Mom deeply, then dropped a quick kiss on my forehead before heading out.

Mom studied me for a long moment after he left.

“What?” I asked.

She exhaled. “Have you invited anyone for your birthday party?”

“I told you, I don’t really have friends. Just Lisa.”

“Then tell Lisa to bring people. Stop being such a nerd, Michelle. You’re a Dante.” She gave a dramatic sigh. “You’re graduating soon. I don’t want you looking back with regrets. Explore a little. Like your mother did.” She winked.

“Okay, Mommy. I’ll try.”

“That’s my girl.” She stood. “I’m heading to the salon. Oh—and your dad and I are flying out tomorrow for Gina’s wedding.”

My eyes widened. “Both of you.”

"Yes, sweetheart. I hope you'll be fine alone. Besides, Uncle Pedro will be here."

"But he has business..."

“ Melissa is here too.”

“Mom, she barely comes out of her room.” I said, rolling my eyes.

"I know, but if I were you, I'd invite some friends over.Have fun.” She chuckled as she walked out.

The house suddenly felt too quiet.

Just me.

And Uncle Pedro.

My stomach flipped.

Don’t think about it. Don’t think about the dream. Don’t think about last night.

But I did.

I thought about the way he’d whispered my name—low, desperate, like he couldn’t hold it back.

I thought about how his hand had felt in the dream, sliding up my thigh.

I thought about what it would be like to kiss him for real. To feel his mouth on mine. To hear him say my name again, but this time while he was touching me.

He was so much older.

He probably had women—beautiful, confident, experienced women—who knew exactly what they were doing.

And yet… he’d dreamt about me.

I lifted my teacup, hiding a tiny, secret smile behind it.

That had to mean something.

Didn’t it?

Yes.

It definitely did.

I had to cool myself down because I was feeling very hot. I checked the weather—the sun was blazing today. After I finished my breakfast, I decided to take a walk down to the woods very close to our house. There’s a stream pool built over there where we usually relax. I should go swimming to take my mind off these silly thoughts, or else I might go crazy!!

I walked through the woods toward our special pool, but my mind refused to focus on anything except the thought of Uncle Pedro and me alone in the house. Melissa would be there, of course, but after her morning chores she always locked herself away in her room and rarely came out unless someone called for her.

The house would feel so empty… yet he would be there. My heart raced at the idea. How would he react when he learned it would be just the two of us tomorrow? Would he avoid me? Or would the pull between us finally become impossible to ignore?

A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I remembered the way he held me tighter as he whispered my name. I reached my usual spot and peeled off my clothes, folding them neatly on the low branch of the old tree. Left only in my panties, I stepped into the water. It was deliciously warm. I swam a few strokes, then stopped at the edge and pushed my wet hair back from my face.

I could hardly wait to be alone with him. I craved his touch, his kisses, the feeling of being wrapped safely in his strong arms. Uncle Pedro had been my deepest crush for so long. I wasn’t going to let this chance slip away.

I was going to make him see me as a woman—no matter what it took. I would make sure I became his, and he became my first… and hopefully my last.

You are mine, Uncle Pedro.

Mine.

I took a slow breath and let the water swallow me completely, sinking beneath the surface as I imagined a future wrapped in the arms of my dear Uncle Pedro.