It’s a TaeKwonDo robe. I should be able to fit it.
As I pulled it out, a couple of belts fell out too.
I bent down to pick it up and Joan leaned forward to see what I was up to.
Even in the dark, I could make out the black coloured one with Joan’s name on it.
I made eye contact with Joan, I could roughly see her giving me a smile and a wink before returning to her book.
The 1st thought that came to my mine was how useful that belt was to her. It did not protect her from Thomas.
Then again, Thomas is at least 1.85 by my estimates, works out in the gym and does MMA.
I hung everything back and decided to just stay in my clothes.
Up till that point in time, there was no indication of any kind where I was supposed to sleep.
I took it upon myself to try my luck and I got into bed with Joan keeping a close eye on what I was doing.
I started rearranging her soft toys, making space for myself.
I put Micky and friends in the middle, effectively drawing a line between us and Joan laughed and helped with the rearrangements.
Joan : You’re very thick skin leh James…hahaha….
Joan : I had wanted you to take the floor… haha….
I ignored her and arranged myself a cosy spot against the wall.
I appraised my work and nodded my head.
It’s a snug corner, surrounded by bolsters, soft toys and some small pillows. It’s nicely tucked against the wall too, furthest away from the windows and door.
I was about lie down when Joan decided to take the spot I just made. She rolled over and made herself comfortable, sticking her tongue out at me.
We laid down facing each other.
Neither of us spoke.
Joan broke the silence first.
Joan : I bet you’ll fall asleep before me.
James : Haha… I’ll bet all 3 meals tomorrow .
She laughed an agreed.
She got up, reached over me and for a brief second, her breast hovered mere centimetres away from my face as she retrieved a marker from the desk.
Joan : Winner gets to draw on the loser when he falls asleep.
James : You’re on.
We chatted a little, mainly about Joan’s parents.
Joan : They’re very disappointed. They even joked that i should just stay single and by their side for the rest of my life. haha.
After a little teasing about my dick being zapped by radiation from her phone, we slowly grew quiet.
We never spoke again that night.
We just laid still, staring at each other.
I estimated it was about 10 minutes before Joan’s eyes started getting heavy. Then without a word, and any sign of a struggle. She‘s gone.
I waited a while more before I waved my hand in front of her.
I waited another 10 minutes before I gently shook her.
She roused, turned away from me to face the wall and I detected the slightest hint of a snore.
She must be exhausted.
I quietly got out of bed.
I stared at Joan for a while more, looking at the rise and fall of her body.
11.30pm
I tiptoed out of bed and decided to spend the time snooping around.
It’s dark but my eyes had already adjusted to the lack of light.
I stoop low and duck walked over to Joan’s laundry basket.
Immediately my erection rose as I dug my hands into the pile of cool clothes.
There was not a lot of them, just a couple of t-shirts and shorts. I guess most of her worn clothes are in the unpacked suitcase in the corner. She just came back from overseas after all.
I dug deeper and found a light coloured bra with lacy straps.
And right at the bottom of the basket, was a pair of soft sleep shorts with the undies entwined within.
I finger the 2 precious garment in my hand, secretly thanking my luck stars.
I felt this immense sense of happiness filling me from within. It’s really the simple pleasures in life that makes you happy, no matter how dark the pleasures may be.
I looked at Joan from where I was and cupped her bra cup over my face, taking in the beautiful erotic scent of her sweat, her scent and her womanly order.
My dick was throbbing away and I lowered my pants a little, instantly wrapping the cold cool undies onto my dick as I masturbated.
My very action made me sick but I could not help it.
The thought of being in Joan’s room, masturbating with her lingerie while she slept a few meters away was too much for me to bear. If only I could shout out to Thomas that I’m playing with his ex gf’s undies and bra while he’s stuck outside the corridor.
I could feel the end coming and I quickly replaced the clothes back into the basket.
I went to the bathroom and filled my mind with images of me and Joan, and my expectations of the day when I can finally cum deep inside her womanly hole and I came, sputtering and drooling onto the bathroom floor.
I cleaned myself up, tidied up the bathroom and went back to Joan’s room.
She was still sound asleep so I took the opportunity to look through some more of the stuff on her table.
Letters, bills, envelopes.
Something I noted was that Thomas’s credit card and phone bills were sent to her address.
I looked at the bag of belongings at the floor, it did not seem like he stayed here often given it’s a pretty small bag.
I guess after 10 years together, it’s common to give your partner the keys to your place.
I took one of Thomas’s credit card bill and folded it inside my wallet together with his namecard I snitched.
When I got into bed, the movements made Joan turn.
Without a word, she snuggled up with me, nestling herself against my chest, pushing the soft toys away.
I smiled and raised my left arm, with her eyes closed, she lifted her head slightly before falling right back to sleep in my arms.
I fell asleep with 2 things on my mind.
Number one.
How do i stop Thomas from bothering Joan ?
Number two
How do i go about doing number one.
13th Jan 2013
Sunday
7am
I woke up with a sore left arm and I could hardly feel it there anymore.
Joan was nowhere to be seen.
When I sat up, I noticed black marks at my left toe. Upon a closer inspection, I realised Joan had drawn a fake tag on the top of my feet complete with a fake string loopng around my big toe.
It read : “ For sale “
I laughed and got out of bed.
The door to the room was opened and from my angle, I could see the bathroom door was closed.
There was a light drizzle going on and I could hear the rumbling of the distant thunder. It may already be 7 but the skies were overcast and dark.
Joan had opened up the windows in her room .I could feel the refreshing breeze of the morning rain on my face. I looked out through the bedroom window to the road below, it was such a nice and dreamy morning.
The cool air made me feel like I was overseas, waking up in some wine valley and looking out of my hotel room.
Joan came out of the bathroom after her morning shower in shorts and singlets. She was drying her hair and for the first time, I saw the bruises and marks on both her arms.
Her arms took quite a bit of beating, she must have blocked and deflected quite a bit of the blows from Thomas.
She realised I was looking at her and she quickly went to her wardrobe.
She gestured that she needed to change and I got out and use the bathroom, smelling the fresh fragrance of Joan’s soap and shampoo.
Moments later, she came out in a long sleep turtleneck and ¾ pants.
I took a seat on her bed and Joan sat down beside me.
Joan : Thanks…. For being here the whole night… I ermm..
Joan : It’s been a while since I slept so soundly…
I could tell she wanted to say she feels safer with me around but she stopped herself from going there.
I just smiled and told her it’s ok.
She started to tease about the drawings on my feet and asked about the 3 meals I promised.
James : Technically you fell asleep first.
She rolled her eyes. Giggled softly and replied.
Joan : Who’s the one with the drawings ? haha.
James : Let’s head out for breakfast.
Joan : You think he’s still out there ?
I took a deep breath and replied.
James : Only one way to find out. We can’t hide forever.
I peered through the peep hole and the corridor was clear.
I opened the main door and paused.
Nothing.
I saw several cigarette butts on the floor but no sign of Thomas.
I helped Joan shut all the windows and take out the trash before we head out.
Joan and I spent the entire day together at Hougang mall. We ate, we went to the library, we had coffee. We shopped.
We even went to the arcade to play some video games.
I did my best to keep her laughing, I wanted her to ignore the stares from the public about her bruises.
No we did not hold hands, we did not kiss, we did not exchange lovey dovey messages. It’s just 2 adults spending a day together.
If there is one thing for sure, we were a lot more comfortable with each other compared with the week before.
After all, we did spend the night together on the same bed.
I found out that she promised her parents to return to her relative’s place in Kukup the next day and I told her not to worry about her work. I’ll update her whenever I could.
James : You better head back early and rest.
8.00pm
We alighted from the bus and we took a slow walk back to Joan’s place.
As we approached the block , Joan casually asked.
Joan : Eh… so… you staying over again ? haha
She did not look at me but I guess she felt safer with me around.
There was no telling if Thomas might come knocking again.
James : I.. can’t..
She nodded without looking at me.
James : It’s a work day tomorrow… can’t wear your dress to work…
Joan laughed and slap me on the arm.
As we approached the lift lobby, I decided to try my luck.
James : Hey… i.. erm.. slept in your bed last night….
James : It’s only fair you slept in mine tonight.
Joan smiled before breaking out into a grin and slapping me on the arm again.
Joan : Wait your parents scold you ah, bring a old auntie back to your place.
James : They wouldn’t.
Joan : Wanna bet ?
James : Haha… why not..
I accompanied her up to her place, she packed what she needed, grabbed her passport and we took a cab to my place.
As we alighted, I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for what was about to happen.
I opened my house door and 3 pairs of eyes turned towards me.
My dad look up from his papers.
My mum stopped plucking the tails of the bean sprouts.
My younger brother dropped his books.
James : Pa , ma. My friend, Joan.
My mum dashed into the kitchen and came out with a first aid kit.
That was the first time I brought a girl back with bandages and bruises on her face.
She smiled and took Joan’s hand and led her to the Sofa while my dad made space for their new guest.
The first words that left my mum’s mouth was ;
Mum : My dear I’m so sorry. …. Did James do this to you ?
I could not be bothered with my mum but it was Joan’s reply that made me turn.
Joan : We… quarrelled… and I slipped and fell..
My mouth gasped open in shock and I saw the look of disgust my brother and dad gave me.
Joan did not even look at me.
I shook my head and went into my room.
30 seconds later I received a text message from Joan.
Joan 1 James 0
My bedroom door opened at that moment and my dad came in and sat down beside me.
Dad : Ah James ah….. cannot like that treat girlfriend you know….
Thank you all for the kind words.
I apologise for the tons of grammar, spelling and spacing mistakes.
I’m glad you enjoyed the read.
Cheers
ilock
I stared wide eye as my dad tried to talk to me for a good 5 minutes. It’s always awkward for the father to broach certain subjects to their sons.
The fact that he did this showed how serious they viewed this matter.
I nodded and nodded and I kept nodding, saying that it’s a misunderstanding.
Right after my dad left, I got a sms from my younger brother, Jasper.
He’s got 1 year left on his books and I have no doubts he’s the brains of the whole family.
He is the only one in my extended family that has made it into the university.
Jasper is a nice kid but can be a little irritating and cheeky at times. He has never been in a stable relationship before even though he’s already 23. It’s usually a quick 2 week puppy love.
He has never been friendly to any of my ex-gfs before, some of my ex even complained to me that my brother did not seem to like them much.
This made me even more surprised when I saw his message.
Jasper sms : Kor… She’s hot. You don’t deserve her…. Intro to me.
I closed the message and tidied up the room a little.
About 5 minutes later, I went out to the living room and I saw my dad chatting with Joan.
Jasper served drinks and my mum was trying to bring out the guest mattress from the storeroom.
I went over to help my mum and she spoke within everyone’s earshot.
Mum : Ah James ah… tonight you sleep on the floor ah… let Joan have the bed.
I had given up trying to talk to my family and I just nodded.
My bed is only a super single, well it’s a tight squeeze for 2 adults but isn’t that what cuddling is about ?
Joan saw the commotion and got up to help us with the bedsheets and cover.
My mum insists that Joan take a seat and made me take the stuff in together with my brother.
En route to my room my brother actually asked;
Jasper : Eh… Kor, you really wack her ah ? or you all kena robbed or something.
I gave a sigh and told him I’ll explain in due time.
He dumped the stuff on my room floor and went back to the living room, planting himself beside Joan.
I set up the bed and joined the rest of the family at the living area.
I never imagined what a smooth talker Joan could be. Her shy smile, her gentle demeanour, I could tell my parents took a liking to her immediately.
Perhaps she was the only girl I brought back that did not stink of cigarette smoke or alcohol, or looked like someone who just came out of a club.
When my mum brought some fruits out from the kitchen, Joan would stand up slightly, help to receive the plate before placing it on the table.
When my dad could not understand the news re-runs of the new property cooling measures introduced by the government, Joan explained in layman terms and my dad nodded his head with a smile.
Just when I thought there was nothing else she could pull, she asked to use the bathroom and happen to see my brother’s books.
She struck up a conversation straight away, adding that she did the same modules back in school.
You should see the way my brother’s eyes lit up as she gave him some tips and offered to pass him her books with all the notes in it.
Joan went ahead to the bathroom and the moment the door closed, I was peppered with questions.
When did we meet ?
How long were we together ?
What are the details about her injury ?
I put my hands to my head and said I have a headache. I will explain to them in due time.
Meanwhile, Joan just needs to stay the night, she’ll be off in the morning.
10pm
Joan thanked my parents for allowing her to crash for the evening and apologised for the inconvenience.
She said goodnight to my brother, clench her fist upright before pulling it down sharply and did a running man style “fighting” gesture when she saw him hard at work on his books.
Joan : Jasper, Fighting !
I could almost see the flames on Jasper’s shoulders as he powered up for a night of intense reading.
I shut my room door and I immediately gave Joan the look.
She laughed and said she could explain.
Joan : Well, I can’t exactly tell your parents that I was beaten up by my ex and he’s now terrorising me right ? haha
I gave up reasoning with her and told her to get an early rest.
I got onto the mattress on the floor but Joan did not go on my bed.
She wandered around the room, checking out my desk, opened drawers and ran her fingers through my books.
She stopped at my cabinet, opened it and said.
Joan : Anything of yours I can fit ? hahaha
I laughed and replied.
James : You find it… it’s yours.
I watch her run her fingers through my work shirts and she took one out.
Joan used her leg to nudge me to turn around while I looked at the shadow being cast on my wall in front of me by the standing lamp beside Joan.
I watched the shadow pull down the pants.
I watched the shadow pull off the top.
I watched the shadow slipped on my white workshirt, the long arms threading down the sleeves before buttoning the shirt up.
Joan : Ok… I’m done.
My erection was already raging and throbbing away when I was staring at the shadow.
I turned around to see Joan smiling as she re did her hair after removing the hairband.
When her arms raised up, the hem of my shirt raised up along with it.
Joan :Nice ?
She spoke in a serious tone, mimicking that of a teacher.
Joan : 做戏。。。要做全套。。。
She scurried onto my bed and pull the blanket over herself.
Joan : Girlfriend usually wear the boyfriend’s shirt to bed one.
The signals and hints Joan has sent thus far was too obvious for me not to notice.
I’m not a block of wood, of course I knew how to response accordingly.
If something similar happened to you and you still don’t know what to do, you need help.
Professional help.
Please feel free to send me an email anytime.
I got up and got onto the bed beside Joan.
We smiled before we both broke into a silly giggle.
Joan just looked at me in the eyes and asked.
Joan : Don’t…. don’t you think it’s amazing the things that are happening to us … haha ..
I did not know what to say but I just lowered my head closer to Joan.
I went so close that our nose almost touched.
I wanted to kiss Joan and I knew she wanted me to kiss her, but there’s that feeling of uncertainty. That feeling of yes we want, yet don’t know if we should.
I’m sure most of you know what I’m talking about.
Joan did not move, she just stared and waited for me.
I leaned forward, planting my first peck on her cheek. She bit her lips and look away.
I planted the 2nd kiss, a little longer on the same cheek and I could feel Joan adjusting herself on the bed, making space for me.
I would never forget that feeling.
That moment of me straddling Joan on my small bed.
I put my leg over her and watched the rise and fall of her chest.
I held both of Joan’s hand, our fingers entwined and I slowly slide it against the soft bedsheets of my bed, gently dragging her hands upwards to her head before tucking it under the pillow.
There was zero resistance from Joan and I could feel my dick literally begging to be let loose.
Joan had this dreamy look in her eyes, I don’t want to get too philosophical and say things that I can see her soul, bla bla bla and feel her urge and so on and so forth, but that day when I peered into her eyes.
I felt something really hard to put into words.
It’s more of a kind of relieve, of finally feeling safe.
I spent a good minute just staring at Joan without a word in that position. I did not see a reason to rush through such a beautiful moment.
Joan smiled and whispered softly
Joan : What’s wrong ? …
James : I just want to look at you….You have no idea how beautiful you are. …
She smiled and said she did not believe a single word I just said.
James : Well….. don’t believe… I’m just going to send you back to your place….. you can hide when Thomas comes knocking. Haha.
She laughed and tried to fight me but I held onto her hands.
James : say you believe me…. Or I’m really going to send you back.
She giggled in a ticklish manner and pleaded with me not to.
James : You don’t sound very convincing la… let’s go … let’s go… get change and we go back to your place.
It was at that moment when I knew life has this funny way of joking with you.
I saw the helplessness Joan had with her hands being held down while I straddled her and she reluctantly started to plea with me the very moment my room door opened.
Joan : Don’t la James…. Please~~~… don’t…don’t …please~~….
My door swung opened and there she was, my mum with a spare blanket in her hand.
Mum : Oh… sorry.. sorry…
The door closed immediately and Joan and I shared this priceless look.
She burst into laughter and I let go of her.
I raised both my arms into the air, directed towards the ceiling as I looked at my ceiling light in a mock prayer position.
I wanted to sing the famous song called “ I ask heaven”
I took a deep breath and quickly got off the bed to look for my mum.
I can only imagine if I was in her shoes, barging into her son’s room to see him holding down the hands of a girl while she pleaded for him not to continue.
It’s a horror no parents would want to experience.
I went out and saw her whispering sharply to my dad and they quickly stopped.
I told her to give me the blanket and to knock before coming in.
She tried to tell me to behave and so on and I brushed her off saying everything is ok.
I turned to head back to see Joan coming out the room.
She was fast, she had already changed out of my work shirt into her normal clothes.
She stood by the door and leaned against the doorway, looking at her feet before looking up in a coy manner.
My mum decided that she would speak up that day and made a decision for both of us.
Mum : Ah James ah…. Today so hot… sleep with the door open la…..
If I had a white flag that day, I would just stick it on my head and walk around.
After we returned to the room, Joan laughed and laughed, trying to cover her mouth.
We took our individual beds, kept the room door open and I switched off the lights.
10.45pm
Joan : Goodnight James….
James : Goodnight Joan…
I was honestly exhausted by that weekend and I did not know what time I fell asleep, but I knew I slept with a smile on my face.
14th Jan 2014
Monday
7am
Nothing of note happened, both of us just had a really good sleep.
Joan thanked my parents again for the trouble before I went with her to grab a cab to the causeway.
My parents told her she’s welcomed to come over anytime.
Even my brother woke up early to say goodbye.
9am
Mr Chan wanted to speak to me and I took the opportunity to update him on Joan’s work I had been covering the past week. I also gave him a rough overview of the programs I’ll be doing that week.
Half way through the update, Siti burst into the room without knocking.
Both of us looked up and Siti spoke really fast in a flustered manner.
Siti : Mr Chan…. That man is here again.
Mr Chan got up immediately and went out of the office with me following close behind.
When I got to the reception, a couple of my male colleagues were already there.
Thomas was at the reception with 2 huge hampers and several boxes of cupcakes from a famous local chain.
Mr Chan stepped forward and asked what Thomas wanted.
Thomas: Mr Chan…. i.. I sincerely apologise for my outburst…I hope you and your staff can forgive me.
Thomas : What I did was wrong, rude, and unprofessional. I shouldn’t have done that.
Thomas : I’m really sorry.
Just then he saw me standing behind Mr Chan, he extended his hand, bowed his head a little and added.
Thomas : Sorry brother…. Sorry… I shouldn’t have done that… please accept my apology …
With so many pairs of eyes on me, I shook his hand but I did not speak.
Thomas gave everyone gathered a slight bow, apologising again for his behaviour.
He went on to add that he had catered lunch for the whole office, and that they will be setting up in a while.
He left after saying his piece.
11.30am.
The food started arriving and I could see he spared no expense on that meal. It’s a good spread.
12pm
Most of the staff help themselves to the food, Mr Chan included. It’s free food after all.
12.15pm
Thomas arrived. He apologised again to everyone, but this time round on a more personal basis.
I happened to be standing near a cluster of my colleagues and when I heard Thomas asking about Joan, I figured out what he’s up to.
Thomas : Ermm.. anyone of you happen to know where Joan is ?…
He switched group shortly after and carried on his questions.
Thomas : Joan and I had a minor misunderstanding…..i’m trying to contact her to sort things out.
I observed him going round the reception area, chatting casually with each colleague, he gave out namecards, adding that he could give a good discount for catering but most important of all, to contact him if Joan gets in touch.
Thomas : Yah, help me reach her if you can la…. I give you voucher…free catering also can hahaha….
He stressed that he really want to speak with Joan.
My turn finally came, I was 1 of the last he approached for obvious reason.
Thomas: Hey brother… I’m sorry… really sorry…I heard you are covering Joan’s work is it ?
I did not know where he got that information from, probably from one of the loose lipped colleague.
I decided to play along and take the chance to vent my anger.
James : Yah. She suddenly urgent leave. I got to cover all her work on top of my own.
James : These few days you know how I’m living or not… I hide here, hide there, run here run there, avoiding people, now I’m the one holding the fort, if it’s you, you dulan or not ? you tell me.
James : Sometimes phone ring , don’t dare to answer, vibrate also my heart jump.
I gestured in an animated way.
James : That day, client came for another project. I hide ah…. Really hide ah. Squat and duck walk from cubicle to cubicle. Almost got to do cover and concealment with the office plant.
I pointed to the really sad looking palm that Siti was suppose to take care off.
Thomas smiled warmly and tried to calm me down, he said that he understands my frustration, and that he will talk to Joan once he gets in touch with her.
He passed me 1 of his name card too and I saw it’s the same one I got from Joan’s place.
It’s of the catering business he co-owned.
Thomas : Don’t worry, she’ll be back soon ah…. Tahan a bit more… sorry ah… really sorry about last week.
I waved him off, saying it’s water under the bridge.
3pm
I messaged Joan about what Thomas did.
4pm
Joan just sent me a screen capture of what Thomas sent her.
“ Let’s talk ”
“Why are you hiding”
“Do you really need to tell your boss about this”
It ended with ;
“I’ll find you eventually”
I got off work at 8.30pm that day.
9.00pm
I bought a 2nd hand phone from one of the neighbourhood shops near my place.
9.30pm
I got back home and had a long shower before I started surfing online forums. I messaged a few brothers in the hope that I could get a prepaid sim card.
After an hour, I finally hooked up with someone and he agreed to meet me the following evening.
10pm
I spent a while researching about Thomas, his catering business, his facebook profiles, his linked in account.
Anything I could get on line.
I even purchased a copy of the business profile from ACRA.
I laid out all the information I gathered so far on the table.
I looked at Thomas’ facebook postings and pictures.
I googled the location of his catering business.
I jotted down a list of items that I would need.
15th Jan 2014
Tuesday
9pm
It was a crazy day at work, it’s seriously no joke trying to cover the workload of 2 person.
Joan and I exchanged a couple of messages, purely work related, although she did end off with a “ miss your corny jokes “ message
I got to the neighbourhood shops which sold everyday household items and I grabbed hold of a basket.
I bought a basic set of tools, hammer, screwdriver and the works.
I threw some glue into the basket too.
I added a cheap lipstick and a bottle of nail polish.
I bought a plastic 3 tier shoe rack.
And the largest item of all, I took a collapsible laundry rack. Those kind you see outside hair salon, they used it to dry their towels.
I could not carry anymore and I decided to leave the rest of the shopping for tomorrow.
I lugged everything home and deposited them in my room.
11pm
At 11pm, the bro I bought a sim card from arrived on a motorbike and we concluded the deal at the carpark.
He told me to top up using cards you get from stalls and to avoid topping up online.
I thanked him for his trouble and paid him for the sim card.
I asked if he mind waiting a min while I test the card to make sure everything is ok.
He agreed.
While waiting for the phone to load up, he asked;
Sim card seller : Bro, Are you the same James that likes curry puff and writes a lot of nonsense online ?
I smiled and replied without looking up as I was trying to check the network was up.
James : Nope sorry..… hahaha…
I saw the network up and I gave the brother a thumbs up, indicating everything was ok.
Right before I turn and leave, I added.
James : I don’t like curry puff……
James : …..but I like old change kee….
18th Jan 2013
Friday
9.15am
It was one of the few occasions I was late for work that day.
I was in office till around 2am that morning before I headed back for a rest.
Even then, I could not finish what I was supposed to be doing.
A couple of clients had started to make noise, I was CCed in the mail that were directed to Mr Chan himself.
My boss did not question me at all, he just dropped me a mail, asking me to try and prioritise and clear the backlog as much as I can.
I had lunch alone at 2.30pm that day, my eyelids were heavy, I was exhausted and I could not think properly.
Both Joan and my deliverables were starting to pile up. My plans for Thomas were in shambles, I simply scribbled bits and pieces of information and ideas on post it notes.
It did not help when my mum called at 4.30pm to ask if Joan was coming over during the weekend. She wanted to do her grocery shopping in case she needed to cook.
I told her I don’t think Joan would be coming over since she was still overseas.
My perk me up call came at 5.30pm. It was a Malaysia registered cell number.
Hearing Joan’s voice on the phone had this weird effect on my mental well being, I felt slightly better hearing her ask about my day.
Joan : How’s your day ?
James : Haha… what do you think ? You got read your emails or not ?
She apologised for dumping me with all the work, she had wanted to reply some of the mails but she did not have access to the information I had.
Joan : Hehe.. Sorry la… I buy you dinner..
I had excused myself to the lift lobby by then, I did not want my colleagues to know that I was talking to Joan .
James : How are you ? Feeling better ?
Joan : Yup. Much better.
James : Then come over my place and give me a massage.
She laughed before she grew silent.
Joan added a moment later that she could get her relative to drop her off at the customs the next day, she’ll make her way to my place thereafter.
I immediately felt a stirring in my pants when I heard her reply and I tried to contain my excitement.
James : Serious or not ? Don’t joke ah… my mum want to cook for you..
She laughed and asked me to tell my mum not to trouble herself.
Right before we hang up, Joan asked if I’m picking her up at the checkpoint the next day.
Joan : It’s gonna be pretty early you know… my uncle leaves for Singapore round 5.30. I should be at woodlands round 6.45am or so.
I wanted to tell her I needed sleep but decided not to. She asked me to hold the line and I heard her speaking to someone on her end.
Joan : Okok… around 7am at woodlands interchange. My uncle can drop me there.
I agreed and hung up.
8pm
I left work at 8 that day and I went shopping for the rest of the stuff I needed.
I bought a pair of cheap leather shoes from the neighbourhood shop.
I added to my stash a large canvas bag, those really china ones looking with red, white and blue coloured strips.
I dropped a ketchup squeeze bottle into my loot before making my way back.
The thought of having Joan over again gave me a much needed energy boost.
I dropped by the pharmacy and I bought condoms, lubricants and even one of those fancy vibrating ring.
Nothing should go wrong this time round.
I reached home at 9.30pm and I told my mum that I’m meeting Joan tomorrow morning, she’s coming over for the weekend.
My mum started scolding me, asking why I said she was not heading over earlier in the day.
James : It was a last minute decision.
She took the opportunity to dig some information from me about Joan and I quickly answered them so she’ll leave me alone.
James : Yes…. My colleague…. Yes…. Same office…. Yes…. Same cubicle…. Yes… do same project…. Yes…..yes… and more yes…
I escaped when I had the chance and I heard her making plans with my dad to head to the market early the next day to do some shopping.
Jasper came out of the shower and upon hearing Joan’s heading over, asked me if I could give him her mobile number.
Jasper : Kor, gimme her number leh, I wasapp her for the textbooks she said she wanted to give me.
I gave him a suspicious look before texting Joan about it.
She told me to go ahead and give Jasper her number.
30 minutes later, I received a group notification beep only to realise that suddenly there was a new group chat initiated by my mum.
Mum wasapp : Hello Joan. …. Auntie cook lunch for you tomorrow yah. .. See you..
Jasper wasapp : Yoz Joan… sup…
James wasapp : You guys are freaky……Stop this…. Before you scare her off…
Mum wasapp : I’ll create one more group without James…… he very irritating.
Joan wasapp : haha. Thank you auntie….. Sup Jasper… see you tomorrow.
I allocated some time to tidy up my room
I cleaned the aircon filter.
I dusted my table
I cleaned up my bedside table and placed a fresh box of tissues on it.
I removed all the junk in the drawer of the bedside table and filled it with the condoms and lubricants I just bought.
I knelt in the middle of my bed and I tried to visualise.
I tried reaching for the tissues, the condoms, yes, everything was easily within reach.
I place the aircon remote near too.
That was it.
I’m almost there.
I can almost feel myself on top of Joan.
I checked that my lock to the room was still working, after all, it’s been a while since I locked the door.
I spent a bit of my new found energy working and reviewing the information I had so far about Thomas.
I already knew his car right down to which area he was staying at.
I even knew which cafes he frequent, and who his hairdresser is.
It’s pretty amazing the amount of personal information people upload freely onto social media these days.
Please be sure to check your privacy settings.
I know a lot of people like to check in to cool cafes, hipsters restaurant and all, but to sick perverts like me, it only tells me one thing.
No, not that you are dinning and having coffee in some cool place.
It just tells me you are not at home.
That’s all I needed to know.
Before I slept, I had a pretty good idea brewing for Thomas, but it’s very much dependent on timing and opportunity.
I did some detailed sketches and diagrams, drew some funny stickman characters.
Things got to happen at the right time, in front of the right people.
I stuffed the notes into a file and put it together with the items I bought and transferred everything to the storeroom. My mum asked about the new purchases but I told her I needed them to test a new prototype at work.
I set my alarm for the next morning and fell asleep at 1am.
19th Jan 2013
Saturday
6am
I boarded a bus, did a transfer and got to woodlands interchange at 7am sharp.
I loitered around the drop off area near the train station, waiting for Joan to show up.
A Malaysian registered mpv pulled up shortly and Joan stepped out of the passenger seat. She thanked her uncle for the lift before coming towards me.
I was standing a distance away and I made no attempt to acknowledge her because her relative’s car was still hanging around.
I’m not sure after what happened, her immediate relatives, parents included could accept a new man in her life.
Joan was oblivious to her busybody relative and she just came towards me, gave me a smile and nudged me on the arm as we walked off together.
Joan : Miss me or not… haha
I observed the vehicle slowly pulling away, before picking up speed when we’re out of sight.
James : My whole family misses you. What poison did you feed them ?
She laughed and we boarded a train back to my place.
When we got in at 8.20am, my parents were out and my brother was still sound asleep.
We were both pretty hungry, so after dropping off her overnight bag, we headed to macdonalds to grab some breakfast at Hougang mall since it’s a 10 minute walk from my place.
She complained that I took so long to even choose a seat and I smile at her sheepishly.
James : The aircon so cold….
While Joan was placing the order, I took a look around and made sure the coast was clear.
I took a picture of her back view.
When I was sure she’s not looking, I took a picture of her at the condiments counter picking up napkins and chilli sauce. I took a few quick shots, I wanted to capture the drinks and food for 2 on the tray.
Half way through the meal, I pretended that my phone rang and I needed to take it outside as it’s quite noisy in the restaurant.
Now I chose the seat beside another couple who arrived slightly earlier than us. They had only just set down their food when Joan went to make the order.
The guy was pretty big sized, he should be able to block me easily if you were to look in from the exterior.
If I chose to stand on the exterior of the restaurant, I can position myself such that I can take a picture down the long seats with the couple right in front while Joan and I were next in line.
I switched my phone camera to burst mode, pretended to talk on the phone at the glass panel right beside the couple and fired away.
I moved about, not sure if I could get the shot I wanted, I can’t check my phone as it’ll be too obvious, I just let the burst mode go wild as I paced up and down.
I went back after a minute or so and finished my breakfast.
Joan went to the bathroom and I took the opportunity to review the pictures and found a couple that looked pretty decent.
I deleted the rest and went through my plan in my mind again.
Timing… it’s all about the timing.
Joan and I took a slow walk back to my place and we had a long chat.
I casually asked if she was comfortable talking about Thomas, and why is he bent on getting in touch with her.
James : Didn’t he initiated the breakup ?
Joan brought me though the sequence of events that led to the breakup. It turns out that the relationship were on shaky ground around since early june in 2012.
She suspected that he was two timing her but she was afraid to confront him and brushed it off as her own imagination.
The truth came out when one of her friends saw Thomas with a PRC woman behaving intimately at a family ktv joint in August. She decided to head down and Thomas was caught red handed.
James : What did he say ?
Joan : That she was just a regular friend..
She was upset of course but she kept the matter from her parents.
They quarrelled several times and she said he kept denying.
Her parents did suspect something was off but since Joan did not come clean with them, they did not press her for answers.
Thomas on the other hand tried to pretend everything was normal but Joan said she was just so lost and did not know what to do.
The only thing she did was to immediately head for a check up back in August.
Joan : I just felt so dirty, thinking about Thomas and the PRC girl.
Joan : I refused to let him touch me since then.
She went on to say that she felt compelled to keep the appearances up because of pressure from the family. There were no less than 6 major family gatherings including her grandparents 80th birthday celebration, weddings and baby shower that they attended together since August. She did not want relatives to ask unnecessary questions.
During the Christmas season when Thomas came over for dinner, and he wanted to stay over.
Joan : I refused. We quarrelled quite badly and he stomped off…..
James : What happened next..
Joan paused, seemingly lost for words as she just looked down onto the floor.
James : It’s ok if you don’t want to say…..
Joan took a seat at one of the void deck benches and I joined her.
Joan : My parents could not take it any longer and forced me to come clean and I told them everything. They were shocked and they asked me again and again if I was sure.
Joan : They confronted Thomas but he denied everything. He got angry, told my parents off and said he’s breaking up with me since they don’t trust him.
Joan: My parents….. they did some digging and found out about the PRC girl. she’s an employee at the catering business…..
Joan : My mum immediately ran a check and said she would not be extending the work permit of the PRC girl when it expires in mid Jan.
It was then I reeled around and stared at Joan.
So the co –owner of the catering business is her mum.
With a different surname from Joan and Thomas, I assumed it was purely a business partner with no blood relations.
I tried googling the name but it reeled no results. I guess her mum is not a big fan of social media.
Joan : Thomas found out . He wanted to talk, he wanted to keep the girl here and he wanted to make up with me… he said I was overreacting… He even added the girl was a good chef.
James : Can’t Thomas do the extension, he owns 50% of the company……
Joan paused and shot me a look, I quickly recovered and said he did mentioned he’s the boss when he came to the office and that he co-owned it.
Joan went on to say that’s true but all the staff from admin to finance to the operation staff were hired by her mum before she handed the reins over to Thomas.
Joan : They know who to side. She’s still the main signatory for the company.
I could see Joan’s eyes welling up and I patted her on the shoulder.
Joan : More than 10 years, and I thought I knew this person inside out.
Joan broke down and I stopped my questions.
10 minutes later when she spoke, I could feel the anger she suppressed inside herself.
Joan : Then the day after I met you…he wanted to see me on Sunday… he came over to my place….my parents were at Church…
She went on to tell me that he wanted talk and he realised his mistakes, he even mentioned he would like to make up barely 3 days he broke up with her.
Joan confronted him again and said she would consider if he came clean about the PRC girl.
Thomas admitted that it was a fling, and that they already broke up and yes, they had sex.
She spoke up then adding that since they broke up, it should not bother him that her mum was sending her back, and if he liked fucking her, he should just go back to China with her.
Thomas lost it and slapped Joan first.
Joan threw the next punch, then everything went out of control.
I kept quiet and listened on.
Joan : He kept messaging me lately, saying he’s sorry…. That he wanted to talk, to make up. He also wanted to keep the girl, saying that she’s a good worker and that she needed to support her family back in china.
James : He should be looking for your mum to keep her, why is he looking for you ?
Joan : My mum has initiated a transfer of the business over to my name, we’re waiting for the papers. She said it’s something I should sort out on my own.
She got up from the seat and began walking again.
Joan : Thomas wanted a few things, he wanted to buy over my share when the transfer is done, and he wanted to keep the woman here and he wanted to make up. He wanted everything to go back to the way it once were.
I fell in step beside Joan and asked.
James : Why can’t he just register a new business and keep that bitch ?
Joan laughed and ruffled my hair.
Joan : James ah James….. in this current climate…… you don’t suka suka open a new business and expect the ministry to give you permit for workers…. Haha…
I nodded and replied.
James : So…. That means in the near future, you’re going to be a business owner ah ?
She nodded in a disinterested manner.
I took the opportunity to hold Joan’s hand, interlocking our fingers together.
She was surprised and although she stared at me, she did not push me away.
Joan : What…was that for …..
I led her to the lift lobby of my block and replied.
James : You’re going to be a boss soon….. I’ve always wanted a sugar mummy…
Joan laughed and ignored my comment.
What’s important was that she did not push my hand away.
We went up the lift and when we stepped into the house at 10.20am, my parents were back. My mum’s busy in the kitchen and she stopped what she was doing to say hi to Joan.
The first thing she noticed was Joan’s red eyes and she shot me a look.
I quickly avoided her and went into my room while Joan offered to help with the preparation.
While Joan was busy in the kitchen, I did a bit of work, replied a few emails made a few calls.
11.45am
It was an early lunch and the first comment I had when I saw the spread was where was the yusheng.
James : Eh where’s the yusheng….. can lou hei already….
I gestured to the table to food and asked my mum.
James : You cooked reunion dinner ah ?
She ignored me and shouted for my brother and my dad to come out for lunch while she change out of her cooking top.
I saw my brother come out for lunch and I shouted in his direction.
James : eh You siao ah ? …At home eat lunch gel hair. ?
Jasper : Aiyah… you mind your own business la.
He smiled and took the seat beside Joan.
My dad emerged next with a new haircut and my eyes just widened in disbelief.
He saw me look at him and added,
Dad : What’s wrong ?
James : Nothing….
My mum came out shortly in a nice top and joined us at the table.
I took a look around the dining table and realised everyone was quite well dressed except me.
I’m not talking formal wear but at least decent.
I was wearing a crumpled pair of berms and a tshirt with a hole near my sleeve. My hair has been puffy since I woke up that morning.
I turned and looked at Joan, her sleeveless hugging dress accentuated her figure nicely yet it’s casual enough. Her hair was neatly tied up in a bun.
She had crossed her legs, placing both her hands on her thighs as she waited for my family to be seated.
I burst out laughing when she went ;
Joan :Uncle, auntie, 吃饭。。。
She even looked towards Jasper before angling her head towards the food and gave a slight nod
Joan : Jasper…let’s eat.
She nudged my on my elbow to stop me from giggling anymore.
Joan : James….
My family and Joan tucked into the delicious spread of home cooked food. We chatted and laughed and my mum and Jasper peppered Joan with a series of questions and she answered them all without hesitation.
I’ve never felt so ignored in my life but seeing Joan laugh and enjoy her meal that day, I have no complains.
2pm
After doing the dishes, we retreated to our room. My mum immediately came over and mentioned that the weather was really hot that day and that we should keep the door opened.
James : I have this white box that spews out cold air on the ceiling mum…
I ignored her and closed the door.
Joan and I laid down on the bed. I don’t deny I was horny and I wanted to have sex but I was really tired especially after the heavy lunch and going without a good sleep the past few nights.
Joan too was tired from her journey out from Kukup early that morning and we both just knocked out beside each other on the bed.
5.30pm
I must have really zonked out and I did not realised it was already that late.
I saw Joan sitting on my desk, her back facing me and she was busy reading.
I turned and stretched and realised that my mum had already brought in the spare mattress from the bedroom.
My eyes shifted a little and I quickly jumped out of bed.
Right by the door was the stash of items I bought.
I cursed at my carelessness when I recalled I had leaned everything against the spare mattress.
I went over to Joan and saw her going through the pieces of drawings and sketches I did, including all the information I had collected about Thomas.
I panicked… I really did.
That was the first time since the start of this fiasco I found myself without a reason or a witty comment.
James : Joan…. I can explain. …
She swivelled around on my chair and waved the pieces of paper at me.
Before I could speak, she spoke first.
Joan : It’s not worth breaking the law for him James…
James : I…
She folded her arms and stared at me, I did not say a word.
I really did not know what to say.
Then Joan stood up, came over to me and gave me a hug and spoke by my ears.
Joan : Don’t do stupid things James… it’s not worth it.
I nodded and she let go.
She threw most of my drawings away and kept 2.
Then she gave a cheeky smile and added.
Joan : I thought it’ll be funny to do this 2 though….
I smiled too seeing her break into a giggle and agreed.
6.30pm
We went out into the living area to see my mum with a 2nd spread of food on the table.
As she laid out the utensils, she asked ;
Mum : Joan , how ? you all got figure out the prototype for work or not ?
Joan and I sat down at our seats, my brother and dad sat down too, completing the family.
Joan’s hand reached for mine under the table and we held hands.
She gave mine a little squeeze and replied my mum.
Joan : We did…… We’ll test it out tonight…
She turned, so did I and we shared a looked for that brief second before we turned back to the table.
James : Dad…. mum…吃饭。..
Thank you for the kind comments.
Knowing that you guys enjoyed the read is reason enough for me to keep sharing.
I wish i could reply to each and every post but i can’t.
I only have a small window of opportunity to log on each day.
Appreciate the comments you guys posted, i read every post, i’m glad you liked it.
Cheers
ilock