JUNE’S POV
"Challenges may be formidable, hardships may be severe, but such is the nature of life. What truly adds beauty to this reality is the understanding that we are not meant to navigate life in solitude. No matter how self-sufficient we may strive to appear, the truth remains that we are not designed to endure life's journey alone. Seeking assistance does not denote weakness; rather, it signifies strength and a genuine desire for self-improvement," I said to Griselda as I gently caressed her hair.
I felt a sense of hypocrisy in uttering those sentiments, as I had never sought help despite my own dire need for it. I habitually interpreted any offer of assistance as having an ulterior motive. A deep sigh escaped me, and we both settled into a comfortable silence. It had been a month since the pivotal incident involving Griselda, and I had faithfully kept my promise to be her friend, meeting her at this very location each day for the past month. I found solace in witnessing her gradual return to a state of contentment, and our bond had deepened. It was not until I crossed paths with Griselda that I realized my own yearning for companionship. We exchanged little stories about our lives, delving deeper into each other's histories. I shared details about my daughter, Lily, albeit omitting the fact that she was not my biological child; I regarded Lily as my own without distinction.
"I deeply apologize, June," Griselda murmured pensively.
"What for?" I inquired with a gentle chuckle, uncertain of the reason behind her apology.
"For having to face the challenges of raising Lily on your own," she stated simply, locking eyes with me, though I harbored doubts regarding the true motive behind her apology. Dismissing my paranoia, I offered her a faint smile.
"It appears that rain may be approaching," I remarked, noting the distant rolls of thunder and the illuminating flashes of lightning across the evening sky.
"I should probably depart," Griselda declared as she stood up. "I concur," I replied, rising from my seat as well. We bade each other goodbye, and I proceeded on my brief journey homeward.
During the drive, I couldn't shake the memory of the tender kiss shared between Miguel and me. Though a month had passed, the recollection remained vivid in my mind, leaving an indelible mark. Neither of us had broached the subject since, opting to avoid the matter altogether. I often pondered the possibility of reliving that intimate moment with him, but dismissed the idea. Miguel had made it clear that our interactions were merely for show, a fact I internalized as a reminder that he viewed me solely as a contractual obligation.
"Welcome back," Miguel greeted as he graciously opened the door for me. I merely nodded in acknowledgment and offered a forced smile that failed to reach my eyes. The swirling emotions that had accumulated during the drive home made it challenging to engage in conversation.
"How did your session with the new companion go today?" He inquired as he made his way into the kitchen. I hung up my coat and followed suit. I told him I made a new friend but refused to divulge any further information.
"Acceptable," I murmured softly in response. Clearing my throat, I inquired, "Where is Lily?"
"She is tending to her potted plant. It was her weekend assignment- to care for and nurture for the plant," Miguel responded calmly as he skillfully stirred a concoction on the stove. Observing him cook with such finesse, I couldn't help but reflect on how naturally he fit into my home, preparing meals and assisting with Lily's schoolwork. Strangely, this realization brought tears to my eyes.
"Are you feeling alright?" Miguel inquired with a furrowed brow, his expression betraying his concern. Though he gazed at me, I averted my eyes and simply nodded in response. It was stupid- my sudden surge of emotions had caught me off guard. Perhaps my tear ducts had broken.
Using his index finger, he delicately but firmly guided my face to meet his gaze, and I found myself lost in the depths of his grey eyes for a fleeting moment.
"What seems to be troubling you?" He asked, his tone laced with worry.
"Oh, it's nothing significant. It's just that my emotional state seems to be in disarray due to my monthly cycle," I lied, hoping he wouldn't probe any further.
"Very well," was all he uttered, yet his expression did not exude conviction.
"Uh... Miguel?" I softly called out, endeavoring to maintain composure in my voice.
"Yes, June," he replied, meeting my gaze directly.
"I simply wish to express my gratitude for all that you have done. Your assistance with Lily and preparing dinner on most evenings, despite the demands of your own job, does not go unnoticed. I am truly grateful for the time you have dedicated to me and my daughter," I conveyed earnestly, locking eyes with Miguel. I hoped he could perceive the depth of my appreciation for his support, even though I may have been somewhat reluctant to accept it.
"It is my pleasure, June. I suppose I must begin honing my skills as a prospective husband, correct?" he quipped, a broad smile illuminating his face. The way he articulated those words caused my heart to skip a beat.
He approached me, and we were now standing mere inches apart. I sensed his warm breath on my face, mingled with the fragrant blend of mint, vanilla, and spices from the food.
I felt the palpable tension in the atmosphere intensify, rendering me too mesmerized to make a sound or motion. I observed his gaze shift from my eyes to my lips, prompting an unconscious reflex of moistening my lips with my tongue.
"What are you doing, Miguel?" I whispered softly
"What is do you think?" He responded with an inquiry of his own. We were now in close proximity, my breaths becoming shallow and ragged.
There were no spectators present, no need for pretense. If he chose to kiss me, it would be out of genuine desire, not obligation.
"Mum!" Lily exclaimed as she entered the kitchen, causing both of us to startle. Miguel emitted a grunt as he reached for the can of tomatoes situated behind me. He lifted it in order to indicate that it was the item he desired, and I couldn't suppress the twinge of hurt that washed over me.
"Indeed, my dear," I replied absentmindedly. It occurred to me that Miguel had no intention of kissing me. What was I thinking? I scolded myself and lifted Lily up from the ground, cradling her on my hips.
"Would you like to see my plant?" She inquired, twirling a strand of my hair between her fingers.
"Absolutely!" I exhaled, grateful for the opportunity to escape Miguel's presence. I felt the intensity of his gaze upon me, causing a sense of discomfort within. Without looking back even once, I grabbed an apple from the refrigerator and exited the kitchen with Lily in tow.
"Oh, it's so exquisite," I mused as I gazed upon the beautiful flower.
"Her name is daisy," Lily announced with a proud grin illuminating her face. We both fixed our gaze on the flower, oblivious to the passage of time.
The screech of a car in my driveway snapped me back to reality. Who could it be?
I opened the window and observed two vehicles pull up in the driveway. I identified one of the cars as Bryan's and pondered the reason for his visit.
"Miguel!" I called out to him, and he hurried to my side in a single swift motion.
"What the matter?" He inquired, his countenance filled with concern. I motioned towards the window, prompting him to gaze outside.
"Why have they come here?" He pondered rhetorically.
"Lily, please return to your room and wait for me to call you, alright?" I cautioned. She complied obediently and swiftly ascended to her room. I pressed my hand to my brow in an effort to quell the rising migraine.
The doorbell chimed, and I glanced at Miguel with apprehension.
"Don’t worry, my dear, I am here for you," he reassured, to which I could only nod in response. He proceeded to unlatch the door, and I struggled to maintain a cheerful countenance.
Kathlyn, Lolia, and Bryan stood before us. I pondered the reason for their unexpected visit at this hour.
"What brings you here today?" Miguel inquired without preamble, ushering them inside.
"My apologies. Mother insisted I bring her here, along with her handbag," Bryan apologetically explained to Miguel, referring to Lolia as the handbag. I stifled a chuckle at the term, opting for a composed demeanor instead.
Bryan glanced briefly in my direction, offering a reserved smile. I observed Lolia, who haughtily averted her gaze, and then turned to Kathlyn, whose expression seemed to convey ill intent towards me.
"What a delightful surprise!" I exclaimed, accompanied by a nervous chuckle.
"We are the ones taken aback," Lolia retorted indignantly. I opened my mouth to respond, but found myself at a loss for words.
"Could someone kindly tell me what the hell is going on?" Miguel inquired, shifting his gaze from his mother to his sister.
"Why not direct your inquiry to your wife to be, Miguel?" Kathlyn responded, taking a menacing step towards me. I instinctively took a step back, seeking assistance from Miguel.
"What have I done wrong?" I questioned meekly, bewildered by the hostile treatment I was receiving, particularly from Lolia.
"Lolia?" I called out her name, but she raised a hand to silence me, leaving me taken aback. I had believed we had formed a bond.
"Would you please cease troubling June and inform us of your purpose here, or have you only arrived to taunt her?" Miguel demanded, his voice tinged with anger.
"Not after she has deceived you, Miguel, and all of us!" Lolia exclaimed, fueling my bewilderment further.
"Deceived?" I echoed. What deceit had I played? I shifted my gaze to Bryan, who appeared visibly uncomfortable, wishing to be anywhere else but here.
Miguel approached me and enveloped me in a protective embrace.
"Yes, deceived!" Lolia reiterated.
"Mother, I implore you to enlighten me on this matter," Miguel requested, his tone now composed.
"Where is the child, June?" Kathlyn inquired as she approached me, but Miguel intervened, preventing his mother from advancing towards me.
"What child are you referring to?" I inquired, still perplexed. My mind was filled with inquiries.
"Lily," Kathlyn pronounced, her tone tinged with bitterness as she uttered the name. I widened my eyes in comprehension and glanced at Miguel, who had shut his eyes. I then turned to Bryan, who was shaking his head, signaling that he was not responsible for disclosing our secret.
Well looks like the truth is out.
"You orchestrated this, didn't you?" Miguel asserted calmly, fixing his gaze on Bryan.
"Why would he take such action?" Lolia interjected.
"Indeed, Bryan expressed his fondness for June, and now she is in a relationship with me," Miguel replied, prompting Kathylyn to turn her attention towards me.
"Are you suggesting that after being with Bryan, you are now attempting to involve Miguel in your shenanigans?" Kathylyn interrogated, to which I simply shook my head. I had never sought any of this.
"What did you anticipate from someone like her mother? The lower-class girl pursuing affluent men, yearning for an elevation in her social standing," Lolia uttered scornfully, her words cutting through me like a dagger.
"Enough, Lolia!" Miguel shouted, causing a startle among everyone present.
"Mummy?" I heard Lily's voice beckon, prompting me to look up. As she hurried towards me, seeking refuge behind my legs.
Kathylyn remarked, "There is the little brat," inciting a surge of anger within me.
I stepped out from the protectiveness of Miguel's shadow and approached Kathylyn. With a pointed gaze, I addressed her, stating, "I am willing to endure any insults you may hurl at me, but I draw the line at you talking shit about my daughter."