Chapter Seven
January Twenty Eighth
Juniper
June had stopped at the supply store getting a few makeup items and Brittanya helped her pick out a dress, it was two hundred and ten credits for the dress and ninety credits for the make up. Brittanya Told June it would be worth it and if she needed, she would help her with anything she would need in the next couple days since those and the groceries almost cleared her down to her ‘welcome bonus’.
Brittanya tugged at June’s hair as she sat in the chair against her vanity, Whitney sat on her phone against the headboard. “What are you going to wear?”
“Brittanya took me shopping earlier, I picked out a green dress.”
“It’s in the bag on the door if you want to look at it.”
Brittanya nudged her head towards the bag on the door handle.
Whitney followed her nudge and pulled the dress out of the bag. “This probably looks so gorgeous on you,”
She held it arm's length away.
“It does.”
Brittanya confirmed. June’s soft dark hair tumbled over her shoulders in curls. She sprayed hair spray all over June’s head and held her breath.
“It’s five fifty, just so you know June.”
Whitney laid the dress on the bed and exited the room.
“Okay,”
Brittanya combed her fingers through June’s hair. “ Get dressed, She followed Whitney and closed the door to her own room.
June looked at the tag and saw ‘Summer collection’. She smiled seeing that she had bought Summer’s dress without knowing. The soft fabric poured over her head and down her body as the three quarter sleeves ended in the crook of her elbow. The scoop neckline was low enough to give some cleavage and the coquettish movement of the fabric stopped above her knees. The smell of the new dress hugged her body.
“June I have some things for you when you’re ready,”
Whitney knocked. June, being ready, opened the door. “Stunning.”
Whitney looked June up and down, she had a purse and shoes in one hand two fragrance oils in the other. “Here.”
She pushed passed and set them on the bed. “I didn’t know if you had anything to go with it.”
The black envelope clutch and wedge sandals were a perfect match.
“Thank you Whitney.”
June put the shoes on and sniffed the blue bottle and then the purple. “Oh I like that one.”
She applied it sparsely.
“You look amazing!”
Brittanya entered, “But you might want to pick up the pace, he’s here.”
“What?”
June mouthed quietly and raised her eyebrows. Her stomach churned in nervousness. She placed her phone and new lip balm in her borrowed bag. Taking one last look in the mirror she followed the other two pouring into the hallway.
June emptied into the living room and Wolfgang stood near the door with a black button down and the sleeves rolled up. His blue jeans hugged his thighs and she could smell him from where she stood, visually titillating her while he was holding a bouquet. “Juniper, you look amazing. These are for you.”
“Thank you.”
She accepted them, “And thank you.”
Seeing him in her home made her realize how tall he was. She was already deemed short at five foot four but Wolfgang had to be six foot four.
“Here,”
Brittanya grabbed the flowers, “I’ll get these in a vase.”
She smiled.
Wolfgang opened the door and gestured for June to exit. “Bye”, June turned to leave.
He closed the door and walked behind her, “Thank you for joining me tonight. I probably would be bored out of my mind at home instead.”
June didn’t know how to respond so all that came out was a ‘hm’ unsure if he really would have been bored. “Thank you,”
She showed gratitude to him, opening her door and extending his hand to help her in. ‘Maybe a skirt was a bad idea.’ She thought. He closed the door behind her. The inside of his jeep was very clean for being old. June pushed the small bag under her left leg and folded her hands in her lap.
The jeep teetered as he got in to start it and there was no roar, no rumble, it had been converted to electric and rolled forward. “So are you hungry?”
“I’m starving.”
she tried hiding her smile as her hands began moistening nervously. The last time she went on a first date was with Ben and that was heavily sugar coated.
“Would you like to go to the restaurant around the corner?”
His eyes glanced to the passenger side for a second.
“Sure. I haven’t been there yet. What do they have?”
He shrugged, “Food.”
Followed by a smirk.
Juniper saw him glance at her bare legs and shifted them to the other side. She hated how shy she got in front of new people. June tried not to put off stuck up or a boring attitude. She noticed a small vial hanging from the rear view mirror. “What’s this?”
She caught it mid swing as they dipped into the parking lot and thumbed the outside.
“That’s my dad.”
“Oh,”
She stiffened the chain and released it awkwardly, withdrawing her hands back to herself. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine Juniper.”
He smiled at her.
“How long has he been gone?”
“I was seventeen, so, twelve years.”
He parked the car.
She noted that he was twenty nine. “I lost my dad too.”
She looked over at him, “Thirteen years ago.”
“I’m sorry, it sucks.”
He turned the car off.
Wolfgang exited the vehicle and came around to June’s door, thinking to himself how he knew from her file that she had no existing family members, but ignored that, “Thank you.”
She grabbed his palm and slid out. Walking next to her he placed his hand on her back escorting her into the building. The warmth from his hand headed south making her question anything she felt for any other male before him. The list was short but that made it easier.
“Two,”
He smiled at the hostess who appeared to be a teenage girl working her first job.
“It’ll be about five minutes Wolfie.”
She sent a cheery smile at them and tapped on her screen.
They stepped to the side, “Wolfie?”
June decided to question him.
“Yeah, no one really calls me Wolfgang, which is an actual name, Juniper .”
“Thirty years ago I’m sure Juniper was a common name.”
She tried saving herself.
“Well Wolfgang is also a family name.”
He paused as the hostess informed them that the table was ready.
June set her clutch between the wall and herself on the booth seat, and swooped her skirt under herself.
“Tonight's special is grilled chicken with a light marinade, vegetables and rice. Would either of you be interested in that?”
“That sounds great,”
He handed her his menu.
“I’ll have that too.”
June followed his lead and turned back to him as the hostess walked away, “So you were born here?”
“Yes, I saw a lot of it develop.”
His topaz kissed arms rested on the table. “Margaret was looking for some information technologist and software engineers. That's what my family is good at and my dad designed the program we use now. He tried teaching me everything when he got sick.”
“That’s amazing.”
She took a sip of water placed in front of her. “How did he pass, if you don’t mind me asking.”
Wolfgang grabbed his cup and set it back down, leaving a dry outline of his hand on his glass, “He was one of the few people to pass from cancer on the island. There’s a cure now but- he missed that by a few years.”
“And your mom?”
June questioned.
“Not so fast. I want to hear about you too. Is that fair?”
He crossed his arms, rocking the table as he leaned in. June nodded. “What happened to your dad?”
“He was drafted into the war. He didn’t come home and we were eventually informed he passed away in battle.”
“How old were you?”
“Twelve.”
She looked at the table, “We went two years without knowing, so didn’t know until I was fourteen.”
“That’s terrible.”
He finished his first glass of water, “I’m sorry.”
and moved his cup to the end of the table to lean in on his folded arms, “My mom, she’s alive and well but dying for me to date, so this could be good news. And your mom?”
“She passed when I was twenty.”
June blinked at him.
“Ugh,”
He groaned, “I’m sorry again.”
Wolfie’s brow furrowed sympathetically.
“My only sister was with her,”
She continued.
“Shit Juniper, I can’t imagine.”
He reached across and grabbed her arm where her bruise had faded. Her breathing stilled as her skin attempted to crawl away and she tensed up. ‘Don’t react.’ She told herself. ‘He doesn’t deserve that dumped on him too, not right now.’ His touch warmed her arm, almost comforting her when she calmed down internally. She looked Wolfgang in the eyes, “They went to go get some food for the week, and got caught in a riot. It was bad.”
“Is that what America was like when you left?”
He recoiled his hand.
“Nope. The war had stopped, the riots had stopped. You were either rich or poor.”
Her shoulders curled in, she sighed and placed her elbows on the table, shaking the feeling off. “Do you have any siblings?”
“No, my parents were lucky to get me.”
He stroked his beard almost in thought.
“Have you ever left the island?”
“No, I haven’t.”
He twisted a few beard hairs between two fingers.
“What do you do for fun?”
He studied her.
“I haven’t had fun in ten years. And the small parts that seemed fun had terms and conditions.”
June spilled.
“What do you mean?”
“Have you ever been with the wrong person and there would never be a right time?”
“No, but I get what you mean.”
He shifted back in his seat, bumping his knee against her accidentally. Wolfgang caught her eyes with his, “So, no movies, painting, puzzles, television, music, kite flying? None of that?”
June smiled, “Kite flying?”
“Hey, that’s a thing.”
“I am aware, is that what you do for fun?”
“Maybe it is.”
He smiled and stared into Juniper’s eyes. She felt she could drown in them and looked away as two plates were placed in between them.
Wolfgang
He stared at her, chewing his bite. She was beautiful and hot at the same time and he wanted to kiss her but wanted to get to know her. She seemed to have some weird baggage, he wanted to help her unpack.
June looked up at him and her eyes intensified against her dark eye make up. “What?”
She slyly smirked.
“Nothing.”
He took another bite, looking down at his plate and continued his thoughts in his head. Mom’s going to be excited.
Shianne
Shianne opened the door and saw Brittanya and Whitney on the couch. “Hello.”
She glared at them and walked down the hallway. Brittanya and Whitney looked at each other concerned, as they heard doors open and close. “I thought so!”
Echoed through the house as Shianne’s purse hit her dresser with a thunk and she reappeared in the living room. “Where is she?”
“Juniper?”
Whitney sat up.
Shianne looked at them both as if they were stupid, “Yes. You don’t have to tell me, because I already know. Do you guys know?”
She pointed at the space between them.
Brittanya turned off the television, “I think Wolfie took her out, showed her around the town.”
“They went to the restaurant next to my work and she looked awfully cute for hanging out!”
Whitney stood, “Just because you’re a first born and a silkie doesn’t mean you own Wolfgang or get to dictate who he hangs out with or anyone else Shianne.”
“You guys know how much I like him. He’s always been unavailable and not ready to date, until apparently now.”
Shianne’s face reddened with realization. “You guys helped her?”
Brittanya stood next to Whitney, “It’s not like that Shianne.”
“You don’t care about me or what I want. I’m glad to see who my friends are!”
She turned and stormed into her room. Brittanya and Whitney stared at each other silently while they listened to Shianne in her room, “Aunt Marge? Hi, Yeah I’m okay.”
They could hear her sniffle. “I can’t live here anymore.”
The roommates' breathing softened so they could hear everything. “Yes. It is Juniper. Can I just- Can I come over? Can someone come get me and my stuff tonight?”
They looked at each other in surprised confusion as if June had been involved knowingly. “I don’t want to live here with her or my roommates, they lied to me.” They couldn’t make out what she said next due to rustling and her drawers banging. “Thank you Auntie. I love you too.” Her door opened and closed again. “I won’t be a bother anymore.” She had a bag in one hand, half packed. “I’m leaving.”
Brittanya stepped towards her. “Shianne, you don’t-”
“For good!”
she gritted. “Don’t bother Brittanya, you’re too nice - to everyone! You can’t stick up for who matters.”
Shianne switched hands with her bag, “And Whitney, you’re a bitch. You never know when to shut up. You two are perfect for each other.”
She turned and threw the bag on the porch. “I’ll be gone tonight.”
Shianne blurted before storming back into her room.
“I’m getting a drink if you want to join me on the porch.”
Whitney stepped to the kitchen.
“Are you serious?”
Brittanya questioned.
“Uh, yeah. I’m a bitch remember.”
She chuckled to herself, “Don’t be too nice.”
“Okay.”
Whitney carried glasses and Brittanya carried a beverage to the front entry. Shianne was groaning in her room with anger as they closed the door quietly behind themselves and stepped over her bag. Whitney sat across from Brittanya, facing the door. “Wouldn’t it be nice to have an aunt who was in charge?”
“Oh my goodness, Whitney. I will-”
The front door swung open and the two of them caught Shianne off guard.
“Wow. You’re really going to watch?”
She dropped her box on the path to the door and flipped Whitney off leaving the door open.
“Shianne do you need any help?”
Brittanya asked.
“Eat dirt, both of you.”
She turned on her heel.
“I tried that once, but I didn't like it.”
Whitney joked, “too gritty.”
Brittanya looked at Whitney shocked, like she was too good for a joke. Shianne reemerged from the house with bedding and plopped it on the box. The two watched as Shianne made several trips inside bringing items out. She had lived here for six years and accumulated a lot of stuff. The yard was scattered with items when Brittanya and Whitney saw headlights stop in front of the home and cut off. “Oh no.”
Brittanya whispered.
Juniper
Garbage littered the yard as Wolfie pulled up to the house. “Whoa! What’s going on here? A party?”
Wolfgang put the Jeep in park.
June put the puzzle pieces together, which was easy considering there were not many, “No. I’m sure I can guess.”
Shianne was furious. She exhaled under her breath as she unbuckled her seat belt and not knowing what was going on inside scared her a little, this reminded her of Ben, like something he would do.
“What is it?”
He stayed seated and turned his head towards her.
June didn’t feel like it was her responsibility to explain Shianne’s obsession over him, since she hardly knew both of them, “It’s probably Shianne.”
“Right,”
He smiled, dropping his head. She picked up that he knew Shianne’s fixation on him and reached for the door handle, “Stop. I’ll get it.”
He exited and June sat back in her seat as he raced around the vehicle to release her. His nervousness showed through the warmth moisture of his hand radiating through the material on her back as his thumb tickled between her shoulder blades. They walked side by side up the narrow pathway between bags and boxes and stopped halfway. Shianne was furious. They were never a thing, and from how June watched Wolfgang react to her, he never wanted it to be a thing. June grew embarrassed for how this was ending. “Hey,”
He waved to Whitney and Brittanya on the porch.
“Hi.”
They stayed hidden.
“I didn’t even see you two over there.”
June was short and could hardly see over their privacy bushes.
Wolfie brushed his hand on June’s arm, “I had a good time tonight, Juniper.”
His smirk exposed his white teeth through his beard.
June stood anxiously, palming her clutch in one hand and sliding down her sandals from sweat and humidity. “I did too thank you.”
The door swung open, “Get out of my way. You’re lucky you’re staying on this island. I could have had you RE-placed.”
Shianne threatened as she dove between Wolfgang and June heading towards the curb.
“Shianne, will you calm down? June didn’t do anything.”
He faced Shianne and the street as another car pulled up.
She took large steps towards them, “No, how dare you !”
Shianne’s face was glistening with sweat, her blue eyes were red from crying. “Why didn’t you just say you didn’t like me? You were leading me on until something better came along, right?”
She paced in the grass, “I feel so stupid.”
Curving around Wolfgang, she pointed in June’s face, “Why don’t you go ruin someone else's life? Misery loves company.”
June saw Ben. She felt how Ben made her feel and June was over this, she didn’t come here to escape Ben to deal with Shianne. “You don’t know me Shianne! If he liked you, he would have asked you out a looong time ago. Sorry I wasn’t spoiled my entire life, I was in hell before I came here!”
Wolfgang resumed his position between them, “Shianne, listen. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that I don’t like you like that. Please don’t-”
The house door slammed closed and he turned to see Juniper was gone. “Shianne, let it go.”
He raced after Juniper, wanting to end the night on good terms and stopped at the door, turning to Whitney and Brittanya who looked surprised to see him. “Can I get in?”
“Yes.”
Whitney stood and practically ran to open the door for him. “Second door on the right.”
She pointed in the direction. Wolfgang's feet stood quietly in front of her closed bedroom door and he knocked. She yelled on the inside and the door opened. He looked down at Juniper, her eyes were glossy and reddened, making them bluer than ever, she was gorgeous to him.
She froze seeing Wolfgang there. His green eyes flickered sympathetically, scanning her face.He didn’t know what to say and stood there until his body moved for him.
He barreled into her, wrapping one arm around her lower back and palming the back of her head, almost lifting her off the ground. June’s lips welcomed him as he pressed their bodies together. Her arms sat at her sides unexpectedly and her stomach exploded with butterflies.
Wolfgang withdrew his lips grasp, “Goodnight Juniper.”
His tranquil voice spoke through his satisfied face. She was delivered back to her room as he turned and vanished down the hall. June’s mouth filled as she salivated, tasting the sample just given. Her face itched from his facial hair. Two snickering voices bloomed in the hallway.
“Yes?”
her annoyance returned and looked out her room at Brittanya and Whitney.
“So your date went well?”
Whitney asked.
“Did Shianne leave?”
June blinked at them angrily.
“Yes. We’re sorry you had to be involved in that.”
Brittanya piped.
“I started it didn’t I?”
“Kinda.”
They stood in the doorway to her room. “How was the date?”
“Fine. We went to the restaurant around the corner.”
“By Shianne’s work, that’s how she found out.”
Whitney informed June.
“Oh!”
June’s head shot back in realization.
“Now that this is all settled, and it looks like he likes you, it’s still early and I’m going to go see Fade.”
“Okay, here’s your bag and shoes.”
She grabbed them, passing them over, “Thank you.”
Whitney crossed the hall into her room and Brittanya hugged June. “I’m sorry that happened. She said some mean things.”
“I wasn’t nice either.”
Her guilt set in.
“Don’t punish yourself for sticking up for you! You’re amazing.”
“Thank you, I think I’m going to shower and go to bed.”
“Alright. I’m just down the hall if you need me.”
She turned, “And if you see any of Shianne’s stuff, throw it in the yard!”
June could hear the smile in her voice.