Chapter 3

Alice

After Mommy and Uncle Lemuel finished talking to me, I went straight to my room.

The house we were renting was a bungalow style with two rooms. I was the one occupying the master bedroom since Uncle Lemuel became Mom's boyfriend. She said I needed more privacy. I didn't have to leave the room to use the bathroom because it had its own toilet and bath.

I think my mother was cautious. She loved Uncle Lemuel, but she also loved me, and maybe at the back of her mind, she was afraid that something might happen to me.

I wasn't allowed to wear very short shorts or revealing clothes when Uncle Lemuel was around or if there were male visitors. I understood Mommy about that.

But being a witness in their relationship for a few years now, I knew for myself that Uncle Lemuel could be trusted. I knew that he loved my mother. I could see it in every action and in the way he talked to Mom.

Also, in the many times Uncle Lemuel and I have somehow managed to be alone, I have never seen him show any affection. Or at least he has given me a strange look. Nothing like that, as in.

My mother is also a good example. She has never allowed Uncle Lemuel to sleep here at home. I just shake my head when I think about how conservative my mother is.

But after what happened to me last night, I suddenly thought. Something must be happening to them, too. Because sex is so good. Especially when you do it with the person you love.

Shit! What am I thinking about? Why did I suddenly think about Mommy and her boyfriend's sex life?

I went into the bathroom and took off my clothes before facing the mirror.

I looked at myself; I saw the hickeys that that man gave me again.

I closed my eyes as I remembered some of our scenes last night. “Ooh… my little rider…” the man moaned as I was on top of him, squeezing my hips while supporting my every move.

“Fuck, yes… like that, my little rider. Ride me all you want...”

My hands were resting on his chest as I continued to grind and swivel on top of him. I can’t remember how many times I’ve come off doing that. But I never thought I could do that.

It was my first time! Is it a virgin’s job to come on top right away?

No! It was because of the medicine my manager gave me, I became like that! No one else to blame but my manager and that drug!

I shook my head and quickly cleared my mind of that madness. I went under the shower and turned it on.

It was like my soul separated from my body when the cold water suddenly hit me. My whole being woke up.

After taking a shower, I went back to sleep. I felt so tired. What that man did to me was terrible and at the same time, heaven.

When I woke up, it was already afternoon, and my mother and Uncle Lemuel were gone. Luckily, I didn't have school today, but I had to meet my friend Shirley and realize I didn't have a cellphone.

I went to my study table and turned on my laptop just to chat with the witch there. “Hey, where are you?”

The first person I saw. I smiled; the chat was only 30 minutes ago. I immediately typed.

“I don’t have a phone, let’s just see you as usual. I’m going there now.”

“What happened? Why did you lose your phone?”

“I’ll tell you later. I'm on my way now.”

“Okay, I’ll go there now, too.”

“Bye,” I replied before closing the laptop and immediately putting it in the backpack that was also on my chair. Then I left my room.

When I got to the living room, I remembered to leave a note for Mommy. I didn’t want her to worry about me again.

I went to the kitchen, and there I saw the small whiteboard where my mother had put a reminder.

“Sweetheart, I went out with Lemuel to buy groceries for tomorrow’s dinner.” I read it in her note as well. I smiled before I erased it, picked up the marker, and started writing.

“Mom, I’m going to meet Shirley. I’m bringing my laptop, I’ll chat when I get home. I love you!”

Then I left.

At PrettyCafe, I found Shirley sitting in a corner. We’re here all the time, so the staff already know us. They already know we’ll be there for a while because that’s how it is.

“You witch, where’s your cellphone?” she asked as soon as I sat down. I couldn’t help but smile because there was coffee in front of me. We’re both on time when we meet. So when I told her I was on my way, she already knew what time I was coming, and I did the same to her.

“Long story,” I replied.

“I’m ready to listen.” My eyebrows rose at what she said. “Come on, say it.”

I knew she wouldn’t let me go, so I took a deep breath before opening my mouth. I could see her eyes widen as I detailed the incident to her.

“What!” she exclaimed.

“Can you lower your voice?” I said. We looked around together and noticed that several customers were already looking at us.

“I’m sorry, I was surprised!” she replied with a smile. “How was it?” she asked, expectant to the answer I was going to give.

I was stunned for a moment, wondering whether I should answer. Shirley is my best friend, and I really don’t hide anything from her. “Hey, why are you suddenly turned mute?”

“It feels good, She,” I said, calling her by her shortened name as my endearment. My voice was weak, but I knew she heard because she was staring at me, clearly in disbelief.

“Eeeehhh!” she squealed.

“Hey!” I said to her, We looked around again, and people were looking at us a little bad. “Sorry,” I told them before slapping my friend’s hand.

“Sorry, I didn’t think you’d answer that.”

“You asked me, I just answered, and yet, you reacted that way.” She closed her mouth after I said that. Then she suddenly remembered something.

“What about Javier?” That’s where I was stunned. Javier is my boyfriend. I suddenly felt guilty because I only remembered him now.

“It’s just a one-night stand, we’ll probably never meet again. Besides, I won’t go there anymore because I’m scared of my manager.”

“Are you going to tell him about it?” she asked.

“Do you think it’s easy to tell him?” I asked too. Shirley took a deep breath.

“But he’s your boyfriend, maybe he’ll understand if-” I didn’t let her continue what she was saying.

“She, I honestly feel guilty. But I really don’t know how to tell him about it.” I bowed my head, only now realizing the gravity of what had happened and what effect it would have on Javier and our relationship.

“Maybe just let it go for now. But make sure you still tell him. If he gets angry or breaks up with you, it’s his business. The important thing is that you’re not keeping secrets.” I sighed. She had a point, and I didn’t want to lie to Javier either.

“I think I really need to tell him, but I also need time to gather my courage.” Shirley smiled and nodded before we started working on our thesis. We’re partners, and I’m sure it will be successful because we’re both dedicated and hardworking.

It was late when I got home, and as promised, I chatted with my mother.

“Hi, Alice. I’m on my way home,” said Uncle Lemuel when I met him at the gate.

“Why don’t you just sleep here?” I asked. He was stunned, as well as Mom. “Don’t look at me like that, hey. I was just thinking, you’ve been in a relationship for three years, what’s wrong with sleeping here? You’re also here tomorrow for dinner, right?”

“Dear, I’m not–”

“Mom, I’m all grown up now. I understand the world, and I like Uncle Lemuel for you.”

“Eherm,” Uncle Lemuel clears his throat. “Don’t worry, your Mom and I will come there too. And I really appreciate that you like me for Annabelle. But I want you to know that I respect her and her decision, so I accept it completely. You have nothing to worry about.”

I couldn’t help but be impressed by him, which made me like him even more.

“Well, I’m leaving now. You and Annabelle go inside, and I’ll be the one to close the gate.” Mommy and I were stunned for a moment, looking very happy at Uncle Lemuel's words. She’s very lucky. “Go.”

I nodded and pulled Mommy inside.

The next day, after lunch, Uncle Lemuel arrived. Of course, he ended up busy in the kitchen with my mother while I was still working on my thesis. They didn't bother me anymore, and they said they could handle it.

When night came, I took a shower and dressed properly for dinner. I was drying my hair when Mommy knocked on my door.

“Your Uncle Lemuel's younger brother is here, dear.”

“Okay. I'm coming, I'll just finish this.” She looked at me carefully, taking in what I was wearing,, and nodded with a smile before leaving me. I did dress with sleeves and knee-length. Mommy is really conservative.

When I finished, I also left the room. I heard the conversation in the dining area, so I went straight there. I walked there with a smile and greeted everyone enthusiastically.

“Good evening, everyone!”

“Hello, Alice. Come on, sit down,” said Uncle Lemuel. I nodded and then turned to my seat. My eyes widened, and I froze as if I had been stabbed in the face.

Why?

That man was just there, sitting and smiling at me.