The message Cheryl received before we got the group message notification earlier in the day was from Victor.
Victor sms : Hang in there… I’m almost there…
I smiled and I scrolled though the rest of the messages and a cold chill ran down my spine. Goosebumps rose on my arms, and the hair on my neck stood on it’s ends.
I breathed faster and harder as I glanced through the messages and the content.
Cheryl’s been busy.
It finally dawned on me things might not be as simple as it seems on the surface.
She is in a relationship that’s for sure.
But none of this make sense to me.
What does it mean exactly ?
I don’t know.
I give up.
“did you like the taste of his dick ? “
Cheryl sms : of course… beats sucking a dildo anytime….
“ How about when he penetrated you ? “
Cheryl sms : heavenly…. There was no way to describe that feeling of being filled.
“ So you keen on getting fucked by him again “
Cheryl sms : Haha… unlikely it’ll happen….
“ I’m saying what if ? “
Cheryl sms : I would not say no … lol….
“ It feels different ?? much better than me ? “
Cheryl sms : Out of this world…. That unwillingness of his….lol… I squeezed him hard when he entered me….somehow, seeing him struggle with his decision even though I know he wants it is arousing.
Cheryl sms : All men are the same… they want it, yet they pretend they don’t…. the lies they tell just to get it…..
“ Is that why you hate them so much ?? “
Cheryl sms : you won’t understand .. ..
I could feel my blood boiling as I read on further.
Then the message took a drastic change in topic.
“ Few more months and we are done, we can leave “
Cheryl sms : Looking forward to that day…. Can’t stand Ruhui…
“ just think of the money, it works for me… “
Cheryl sms : I’ll try…
The next few messages were of her being worried about her family
Her phone buzzed and the latest message came in.
I read it before putting back the phone.
Jacklyn sms : I miss you…….. come back soon…
I looked up, staring out the windscreen and I watched as the sweet, innocent looking girl next door came running out of the lobby with a stack of napkins in her hands.
Cheryl : You ok ??
I nodded and pointed to the sanitary pad that was getting a little soaked.
James : I need to change my pad..
We spent 5 minutes cleaning up before I said I better make a move.
I was having really mixed feelings and emotions at that moment. To be really honest, I felt like raping Cheryl.
I wanted to put the blame on the alcohol, I wanted to yank down her dress to expose her breast.
To fondle her lovely cute nipples as I undress her.
The urge was so strong that I found it hard to control myself as Cheryl’s head was bent over my bottom, trying to clean up my wound. Her long hair fell onto my lap, brushing against my tummy, my groin and my thighs.
I only need to nudge her head down a little, should would be able to take up the perfect position.
Cheryl : Ok, it doesn’t look like a deep cut…. But somehow it’s still bleeding. …. Not as bad as the initial bit.
James : It’s ok… I’m fine… I better go…
Cheryl : James wait… i could give you a lift…. The scare sobered me up …. I’m quite ok now…
James : You go ahead….
She looked a little puzzled but she got in her car anyway. Perhaps it was the sudden coldness she felt from me. I could not help it. There is something about her that makes me wary.
The very thought of her actually enjoying being forced upon was an alarm bell on it’s ok.
Cheryl drove by in the car and we gave each other a wave as she wind down her window.
Cheryl : I’m sorry James…..
James : It’s ok… drive safe…
A hotel guest arrived and I took the opportunity to grab that taxi while the luggage was being unloaded.
I would have wanted to head back home for a good sleep but the little accident woke me up. The realisation of Cheryl’s relationship with Jacklyn also contributed to the factor.
I burst out laughing in the cab as I pictured TJ announcing Rex is his boyfriend but I brushed it off.
The uncle stared at me and I directed him to head to office. Since I was in town, I might as well go pick up my suitcase before going back.
By the time I got to office, it was already close to 1am. The guard stared at my bloodied pants and partially stained shirt with shock but I told him I’m fine.
James : Minor accident …. I go clothes in office to change.
He nodded before going back to his newspaper.
Well, at least the spare set of clothes I packed in my bag would be useful after all.
When the lift door opened at my level I froze again.
It cannot be.
Along the dimly lit corridor, my office light was on. The only lit office along the entire row.
I approached it cautiously, slowing down as I got nearer.
There was a flash of a shadow, someone was definitely inside.
I took a peek through the slit at the entrance and heave a sigh of relief when I saw it was Stephanie.
I tapped on the glass door so as not to alarm her before entering the password.
The moment she saw the blood, she dropped the 2 dresses on hand and quickly went to the pantry for tissues.
Stephanie : What !!!! oh my god. … JAMES!!! …. JAMES!!!!
I was holding onto the wound and bloodied patch and I decided to play a trick on Stephanie.
I maintained a neutral expression and I staggered towards the middle of the office before I slowly kneel down.
Stephanie : JAMES !!!…. oh fuck… fuck… JAMES!!!
She began pulling a lot of tissue. A lot a lot of napkins flew out of the box but she was not doing anything. She really panicked and came over to my side with all the white tissues settling onto the carpet floor.
Stephanie supported me with her body , allowing me to lie against her.
Stephanie : James..!!.. James… shit… don’t care me…..phone… phone… I need to get my phone…
She tried to move away and I fell backwards but before I could hit the ground, Stephanie caught me again and I was lying on her lap.
Stephanie : Shit… James… don’t scare me…
I gave a long exhale…. Trying to recall dying scenes in the movies I’ve watched.
James : I’m….. I’m sorry….
Stephanie : What… what ??? no… no… what are you sorry for… shit… oh my god…where is your phone….??
She tried to reach into my pocket for my phone and I had it on my right where the wound was. When she touched it, I winced in pain, groaning do hard as I gritted my teeth with my eyes closed.
James : ARghhhhhh….uggh..ergag….
Stephanie : AHH!!!.. shit.. shit… fuck!!.. James… oh my god… what do I do!!… don’t scare me… don’t scare me…
With her last sentence, I felt this sudden jolt in my heart as she started to cry.
Her body shuddered and I could literally see her eyes well up with tears.
Stephanie : noo……don’t …. Don’t die… sob.. sob… sobzzz…
Her hands hovered near my wound, unsure of her next course of action. One moment she looked like she wanted to put pressure on the wound, another moment she was afraid to touch me.
I started to wonder if I had gone overboard when I felt several large droplet of tears on my face as Stephanie looked down at me and bawled away, calling out my name.
Initially it was pretty audible, then it droned off, getting softer and softer as she choked on her own words.
Stephanie : I’m… sorry…. We shouldn’t have gotten you involved in this…I’m sorry… sob.. sob.. sobzz…
James : It’s….. it’s fine… I…
Stephanie : Don’t talk… don’t talk !!… keep your mouth shut….don’t talk… sob.. sob.. sob… I’ll call for help…
James ; It’s ok…. Don’t need…. I just need to rest…
Stephanie : Shit… Shit… no… stop talking… don’t you dare close your eyes !!! arrHHHH… fuckk…. Fuck..!!…
She started slapping me lightly on my face.
Stephanie : Keep talking… James… keep talking… Phone… I need my phone…
She tried to get up but I groaned again and she sobbed harder , looking up into the ceiling before her head came back down once more.
Stephanie cried harder. I could almost see her kicking her feet on the floor as she cradled my head in her lap.
Stephanie : sob… sob… sobbb….. what do I do ??
I decided to push her a little , it’s the right moment to throw in some sentimental shit.
James : I’ve…. Still got so much things I want to do….
Stephanie : sob.. sob… JAMES!!.. stop talking… please… sob.. sob…. Oh fuck !!!.. stop!!…
Both her hands alternated wiping her own tears as she tried to calm herself down.
James : I want to see my daughter call me papa….. to see my son’s first day in school…. To love….. to grow old….
Stephanie : JAMES!!!.. stop !!… sob… sob… sob…
I smiled weakly at her and I tried to touch her face with my palm. Stephanie immediately held my hand, bringing it to her face.
I should have gone for her breast instead.
James : you….. haven slept with me yet….
Stephanie : sob… sob… stop joking James… sob… sob….what should we do….can you move ???
James : Promise me something Stephanie…
Stephanie : sob.. sob…. Ok… ok… what is it… sob… sob…
James : That…. You will not be angry with me….
She shook her head as more tears fell into my face and chest area.
Stephanie : Don’t say things like this James… my god… shit…..sob.. sob.. sob…
James : Promise me… you won’t be angry…
Stephanie : I promise,….. I promise….
Then I decided to go an exaggerated mile and I rolled back my eyes and shook my body as if I had a spasm for 2-3 seconds while I choke on my own blood or some shit.
James: KORRRkkkkkgggooaottttttt….eeruuuu.ughhh..uggggg…ug hhhhhhhhhh
Stephanie : AHHHHHH!!!!…JA….
At the very instance, I knew I was in trouble.
Stephanie cried, both her hands left my head as she brought them up to her own face in shock. There was a sudden expulsion of warmth from beneath me and I could smell the unmistakable smell of pee.
In fact I could feel it soaking the carpet beneath me and my top as well.
I stopped immediately as Stephanie cried like a toddler having a meltdown. Her mouth opened, her eyes red and lost, even her hands did not know where to position themselves.
James : Stephanie…. Stephanie…..
I immediately got back up to my normal self and started shaking her a little.
James : I’m ok…. I’m ok…. It’s just a joke…
It took a while for her to stop crying.
And when she did, I could see the gradual change in her expression.
Her shoulders followed her breathing, as it got heavier, the more her body rose and slouched.
Her eyes, red with the crying glared at me.
I saw her look down at herself before turning back towards me and I backed a couple of steps away from her.
James : You….. promised…. You won’t get angry….
I swallowed a mouthful of saliva when her left hand clenched into a ball of fist.
I backed away a little more as her 2nd fist was formed.
James : Steph…. Steph… calm down…. Talk to me…. Talk to me…
She glared at me as she slowly rose off the floor like an apparition. Her flowery sundress was stained and wet at the bottom. With the wet fabric, I could see the distinct outline of her bikini.
The shapely triangle that plastered itself tightly now against her wet crotch.
James : Stephanie !!… I really had an accident… it’s just not that bad…. But I had an accident…
She did not reply me but continued walking towards me in a menacing manner.
I was running out of space to back anymore and I changed direction and opened her office door.
I immediately closed it but she had to rush in after me. As if me playing the trick on her was not bad enough, I slammed the door into her forehead before I could close it.
Stephanie : ARHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
James : I’m so sorry….
I lifted up both my palms, trying to calm her down.
In the confusion, Stephanie closed the distance. Like a praying mantis reaching out for it’s prey, her right hand reached out and managed to grab a big tuff of my hair, yanking me towards her, pushing me down onto the floor.
James : ARHHHHHhh!!!!….
Before we realise it, we were wrestling. I tried to prise her hands away while she tried to straddle me. Lifting up my bottom, I raised my body and pushed her off, but she would not give up.
She made another attempt but I managed to roll a short distance and she missed her grip, cursing into the carpet.
I tried to get up on my feet but I only managed to get my knees off the ground when I was yanked back downwards by her.
An arm went around my neck and I quickly pushed it out before she could tighten her grip.
James : Stephanie !!.. listen to me… please…
Another tuff of my hair was pulled and I felt back downwards onto the carpet.
I knew it was game over when both her hands were in my hair while I held onto her wrist as she straddled me.
James : You’re rubbing pee all over me… ahhhhh…..
Her dress rode up high, her bikini bottom already well exposed.
Another round of vigorous hair pulling was done as she shook me like a doll with a broken neck as she screamed at me.
Stephanie : AHHHHH!!!!….
We were both exhausted and spent by then.
Her fingers loosened the grip on my hair but I continued my grip on her wrist.
Both of us were panting for breath as we stared at each other.
I pulled Stephanie closer and she fell onto me, her body pressing against mine. Her hair was messy and untied. It fell all over my face, creating a barrier of sort as it encased both our faces within that black mass.
Our faces were close together, almost to the point that our nose were touching.
A stray ribbon of her Halter bikini hung over the right of Stephanie’s neck, plastering itself against her cheek near her lips.
I tilted my lips upwards a little, unsure of what I was doing.
Stephanie too, hesitated for a moment but in the end, her lips met mine.
It was just a peck.
A soft peck.
A greeting of sort between our lips.
I reached forward again and Stephanie did not move. I kissed her on her lips once more before I bit onto the ribbon, pulling it away from her cheek and untying the knot that held it together.
With the sudden lost in tension, I could see the top of the halter coming loose. Stephanie kissed me again and our fingers interlocked as she pressed them down onto the carpeted floor, her bottom sliding downwards slowly from my tummy towards my groin.
She kissed me on my cheek before whispering by my ears .
Stephanie : Any last words ??
James : Huh ?
Before I could react, Stephanie’s thigh squeezed down, clamping tightly at the area where my wound was, my mouth gasped opened and I immediately tried to struggle free as my body went into spasm.
It was not really a killer pain but more if the sharp sting and the rapid twitching of raw nerves. I was convulsing like I was in a fit as Stephanie laughed and held on for a while longer before I started begging for her to stop.
When she finally did, she sat back up and tied up her halter bikini again.
I was groaning on the floor as she stood up.
Stephanie : If you ever ever…. Tell anyone about this…. I will kill you…
5 minutes later, we were sipping a cup of tea in the pantry together. I was surprise there were no awkward moments despite what happened.
We chatted normally and you could tell it was not a deliberate attempt to keep conversation going. It was really just a normal chat.
Stephanie came back to retrieve some clothes for the trip to Malaysia. I told her I came for my suitcase.
Both of us changed, in separate rooms before I walked her back to her place, talking about what happened.
I told her what I found out about Cheryl and Jacklyn and Stephanie was shocked beyond words.
We parted at the door with just a simple goodbye wave and a smile. Neither one of us said anything about what happened. Right before she closed the door, she asked me to clean up the office.
Stephanie : It better……. Not stink…. When I get back,.
James : Hahaha… ok…
I collapsed onto bed when I got back home, losing track of time as I slept through the weekend.
There were no phone calls, no messages, no drama.
All was good.
I brought my parents out for dinner before catching a movie with friends.
31st December 2012
Monday
8.30am
It’s a half day for me, not that it matters, Stephanie is in Malaysia.
I spent some time looking for a cleaning company and was happy to find one that is in the same building as mine. After getting a quote for the cleaning, I asked them to send someone over after the holiday, first thing on Wednesday morning.
2nd January 2013
Wednesday.
9.50am
Stephanie came back to work, looking really bright and cheerful. Her mother had been nicely settled into her apartment in Malaysia. She would be visiting whenever she can so would Victor.
Stephanie : Peace…. I hope it last……
James : Of course it will.
She smiled and said Ruhui will not take it lying down.
Stephanie : She will have something up her sleeve, I just hope not too soon…
January flew by without me realising it.
Life went back to normal and I was happy.
Really happy.
Ruhui’s 10k cheque actually cleared and I withdrew the entire sum, putting them into the same stash I have at home. Together with the money from loose change and Stephanie’s extra from my CPF employee contribution, I have close to 19k in various denomination.
14th Feburary 2013
Thursday
8.30am
James : Boss…. You got date today ??
Stephanie laughed as she signed off the cheques I issued on her behalf.
Stephanie : Date you lor…. What to do…haha..
I laughed and boldly asked her for dinner and drinks at the hawker centre near her place.
Stephanie : Swee…. It’s the only place they don’t try to sell you some valentine set meal…. Haha… ok…
I placed the mail on her table and said I’ll see her after work then.
James : Nah… your mail…. I think you got red bomb….
I left her room soon after.
Barely 2 minutes after I sat down, there was a loud slam.
WHAM !!!
The sound of palm against table. I jumped in shock and I immediately walked over to Stephanie, before I got to her room, she had her bag in hand, walking right pass me and out of the office.
James : Stephanie !!… Stephanie… !!
I chased after her but she said she needed to go out urgently.
Heading back to the office, I scratched my head and continued my work.
11am
Victor called me, saying that some contractors will be coming down to replace the office door, asking me to assist.
My phone notification went off and it was a group message.
I looked at the message again, to make sure I was reading it right.
It was the same group created by Victor.
We were to meet in Stephanie’s office that evening at 8pm
Something did not smell right.
A new member was added to the group, TJ introduced the person as Shawn, his younger brother, who would be working for Victor as well.
3 minutes later, Cheryl was added into the group by Victor himself.
11.30am
Some contractors arrived together with the vendor for the security system. They spent the next 3 hours replacing the glass door with a solid timber door before leaving.
The new door closer is pretty tight, it takes a while for the door to close automatically on it’s own after you leave it. The new magnetic catch too, snapped shuts with a loud thud.
Needless to say, I’m pretty sure my date with Stephanie is cancelled.
I never saw her again until that evening.
7.20pm
I got some drinks and snacks up into the office, I don’t think anyone would have eaten.
7.45 pm
The magnetic catch started snapping.
Sarah was the first to arrive. In a slick black pants suit and a blazer, she looked cool and trendy. Her hair was tied up into a high ponytail and her heels made her look like any one of the office ladies that you see in Raffles place on a work day.
I learnt from her she has started work at a clinic, dealing mostly with corporate clients, and yes, Victor’s company being the biggest.
7.48pm
TJ entered alone.
Snapped !
7.55pm
It snapped again when Cheryl came in and took a seat opposite the very table I penetrated her.
7.56pm
It snapped once more when a guy I never saw before came in, he had to be Shawn.
8.00pm
Stephanie entered and I could see Victor on the phone in the corridor as the door slowly closed.
Again it snapped, the thud causing a slight vibration on the wooden door
No one spoke.
Subconsciously, we had formed a semi circle around the main entrance while we waited for Victor.
I leaned against the reception, my arms folded as I stared blankly towards the wall.
Cheryl sat with her legs crossed, looking at her phone.
Shawn and TJ stood against the wall outside Stephanie’s office , I could see the similarities in their features.
Sarah had her hands in her pocket as she tried to draw some invisible figure on the carpet with her heel.
Stephanie had dragged out her office chair, she looked glum and gloomy with her arms folded as all of us waited for Victor.
8.03pm
Victor entered, apologising for the wait.
He made eye contact with each of us, nodding his head slightly as the heave timber door slowly swung to a close.
I watch him pass me the same red invitation card I saw Stephanie stormed out of the office with.
My heart sank and there was this foreboding feeling all over again.
The groom is Matthew, Ruhui’s brother.
The bride.
Stephanie.
I passed it along to Cheryl and looked back up at Victor.
At the same moment the door snapped shut with a vibrating thud, he nodded his head slightly at us and addressed everyone in the room.
Victor : It has begun….
Thank you for the kind comments.
Hope you would continue to enjoy the rest of the ride.
Cheers
ilock
Everyone looked on intently at Victor as he considered his words carefully before speaking.
Victor : This….
He pointed to the card that was being passed around.
Victor : This is but a taste of what is about to come….
He went on to say that so far, Stephanie has the only copy. It’s a warning. It looks like a first draft of the card design that was sent for Client’s approval.
Victor : I knew she would not take what we did lying down, but I never expected her to strike so fast….
Victor : I don’t know who sent it…. It might be Ruhui….. it might not be…. I don’t know…. Maybe someone is trying to warn us….. or maybe it might be Ruhui giving us a warning….. nobody knows…..but I’m trying to find out.
He does not rule out Ruhui might be using this as an attempt to ruffle our feathers a little to see what we would do, but the message was clear enough to all. She will hit back.
Victor updated us about some stuff which happened after they settled their mother down in Malaysia.
There was some major reorganisation in his office, he got rid of a few senior staff that he knew were working for Ruhui on the side, providing her with sensitive information.
Ruhui on the other hand got rid of a team of 4 staff that used to belong to Victor. A team of in house designers that dealt with everything from graphics to minor renovation works required in the offices and production plants.
Victor : She’s going for the senior technicians next. That’s what I would do if I was her….
He went on to explain that there was a team of about 30 staff which were the 1st generation workers his grandfather had. Many of them worked their whole life for the company, these are 30-40 year old veterans, some starting work as young as 15 back in those days.
Victor : During the merger, it was more practical for Ruhui’s company to take over the team as their core capabilities complemented her structure better as we get ourselves in order.
It was something his grandfather strongly disagreed with but had no choice. It was for the better of the other hundred odd employees.
With the advancement of technology and tools, many of these veterans are obsolete. Their skills no longer relevant, but Ruhui kept them for only 2 simple reason.
Their Singaporean IC, which opens up a lot of possibilities and the poker chips to talk to their grandfather.
Several attempts were made to get them back but it was unsuccessful. Ruhui kept insisting they are serving as mentors to younger staff although.
Victor : I always knew this would come back to haunt us 1 way or the other….. and of course… there is this….
He pointed to the wedding invite.
Ruhui’s intention to get her brother to marry Stephanie is in part due to her wanting her brother back in Singapore. He was always travelling around, fooling with woman and spending money. She wanted him back to help manage the company.
His level of maturity is worse than a 15 year old going through puberty.
Matthew however, took a fancy to Stephanie when he first saw her, Ruhui saw it as an opportunity.
Victor : The deal was that if Ruhui could get Stephanie for Matthew…..he would stop fooling around and settle down…
I stole a glance at Stephanie and there were no expression on her face.
I could only imagine what was going through her mind.
Jack, is disgusting, but if she rather have Jack than Matthew, I wondered what kind of monster he is.
Victor pointed to Shawn and TJ.
Victor : 14 September 2013….. you have the date…. Call every hotel, ballroom, restaurant….. I don’t care if it’s a convention centre….. I want to know which one…
Victor : The location was not specified, but it’s not going to be a hush hush 10-20 tables…… 50-60 at least…. There are not many ballrooms with that capacity in Singapore….
He added that even that would not be enough, it’s likely that there would be a separate reception in the afternoon before the main banquet for other guest base on his own wedding with Ruhui.
Next up was Cheryl.
Victor : I want to know what she is up to… anything… find out… call your old colleagues, when is she travelling? , where is she going ?…. What is she doing ?… everything… including Matthew.
He looked at Sarah and asked her to dig some information up for him.
Victor : I want to know everyone Ruhui’s company is hiring…. I can’t walk into her HR department, but I knew everyone goes to the clinic for check-ups before they are hired.
He spent a few more minutes on general matters before the meeting was over. He asked to speak with Stephanie in private and we cleared the room.
8.45pm
Victor came out of the office and I was loitering near the lift lobby. I was not assigned with any task at the moment.
He came up to me and asked me for a favour.
Victor : James…. Help me keep an eye on Stephanie ok….
James : Sure… don’t worry….
He paused for a moment before turning to check to make sure we were the only one along the corridor.
He reached into his pocket and passed me a set of 2 keys.
Victor : Steal Stephanie’s passport for me…
James : WHAT!
He dragged me further away from the lift lobby and my office.
Victor : Stephanie may look calm but she is panicking…. When you panic… you tend to make stupid decisions… I don’t want her to run… let me get the whole picture first…
James : But…. But… what if she find out…. She’ll …
He reassured me it’ll be fine. He’ll be taking her out for dinner the next day. I was to quickly go to her place, grab it and get out. That was all I had to do.
I reluctantly agreed.
8.55pm
I went back to the office and saw Stephanie munching on a kuey I bought.
James : I…. don’t suppose you still want to go for the date ?
She turned and straight away asked me what did Victor tell me.
James : To keep an eye on you…. That’s all..
Stephanie : I don’t believe you…
She suddenly came close to me and I backed away.
James : Oei….. siao ah…
Stephanie suddenly reach out her hand towards me and I instinctively went to cover my right pocket where her spare house keys were. She immediately caught sight of that as I backed off further.
Stephanie : What’s in your pocket…
James : Nothing la…
I tried to change the topic and proposed the valentine’s day date again while I pretended to brush some invisible dust off my pocket.
She turned away and said she’s not in the mood for dinner but doesn’t mind some drinks.
Stephanie : Let’s buy something up my place…. I need a hot shower…
BINGO !…
I could not believe my luck.
If I could get her passport later, I would not have to break in the next evening.
It sure beats telling the police her brother asked me to steal something from her sister if I was caught.
Sure, I could say the brother asked me to, of which I’m sure the police will say something like if Victor ask me to go and eat shit will I do the same ?
James : Sure… let’s go…
Stephanie told me what she wanted and asked me to grab them from the supermarket. Some nuts, beer and snacks while she heads back for her shower.
9.30pm
I waited about 5 minutes by the door before she opened it for me.
Her hair was still damp and she was trying to dry them with her towel. She wore a white t-shirt with some decorative buttons near the neckline, the wet spots on the fabric turning it translucent. I could catch glimpse of her pastel blue bra she wore and I quickly looked away.
I chose to look downwards which was a mistake, she was wearing this really short pink shorts that reached so high up her thighs.
I set down the stuff and for no apparent reasons, my heart started beating faster.
I could see her room a few steps away and I was trying to think of a reason to go in there. More like finding an opportunity to go in.
The easiest way was for her to go to the bathroom. Then again I don’t know where is her passport, how was I supposed to find it within that short period of time.
The drinking and chat started once we settled down in the living room.
I did not know if Stephanie did it on purpose, she took a big gulp of beer, spilling some in the process. A good amount trickled down her neck and wet her white top, revealing more of her bra.
I swallowed a gulp of saliva and quickly downed some beer as she slapped me on my thigh.
Stephanie : Can you pay attention to what I’m saying…!!
I nodded as we continued talking about our school days.
We were sitting on the ground cross-legged , every once in a while, Stephanie would hugged onto her knees or changed her position because your legs get numb. I did the same thing too but the thing was that she was wearing shorts so short, I could not help but stare at the crotch area as she talked.
I could see the pink shorts, the tiny sliver of fabric that was layered with another layer on the inside, no doubt her panty.
Smack !…
Another hit on my thigh as she asked me to stop staring at her…
Stephanie : Haiyah!!… what’s wrong with you !..
James : Sorry… very distracting …haha…
She went into her room to get a blanket and placed it over her lap as we continued chatting.
After our 2nd beer, the conversation died down a little.
We opened the 3rd can and I suggested playing some games.
Stephanie : Strip poker ah ?
I almost choked on my beer as I stared wide eyes at her.
James : You sure ?? I on one !…
She maintained her calm outlook and narrowed her eyes at me. I could feel this burning excitement inside my guts. Strip poker exists only in the movies, jap porn, or maybe just some stories you read online.
Then again, despite playing it a couple of times, no one was ever games enough to go all out. Once we go beyond a certain line, people would just chicken out.
James : You sure or not….. don’t wait lose already… give all sorts of reasons…
Stephanie kicked me with her feet and went into her room.
I could feel a strange sense of arousal, the thought of being able to strip her slowly. To see each piece of the clothing come off.
Hell, I might even want to up the stake and offer to take it off for her.
Stephanie came out with a stack of cards and I immediately started off shooting out all the rules I can think off.
James: don’t play cheat ah…. 1 piece means 1 piece… cannot say 1 button or anything… take off means take off…. Cannot leave it on or anything…. Not even putting it over the shoulders….
James : We play no put back clothes one ok… is all the way until the 1st one to get naked lose. … I mean like totally….naked…
I even added that the game ends when one is naked, there after the winner gets to choose a forfeit.
James : Forfeit got to do when naked also ya..
Stephanie : You very naggy lah…. Like auntie like that….
She started shuffling and I quickly added.
James : We play normal rules ah… don’t have wait suddenly you draw 2 of spades say we play dai dee rules….
Stephanie : TSK !….
She gave me such a loud tsk and drew a card. I got 1 too and I slowly peeped at the corner.
Before I did, I took a swig of beer. My very action reminded me of all the funny gambling shows I watched.
James : Picture… pictures…..colour LED TV….picture….wah… wah.. wah… got frame… got frame….
Stephanie gave me a weird look and asked me not to be so uncle like.
James : Yours what card… got picture or not ??
Stephanie did not bother peeping and just brought it up and looked before shaking her head.
Stephanie : it’s a number…
James : HUAT AH!!!
I slammed the jack of hearts onto the table and looked a little eagerly at Stephanie who was trying not to sulk.
We stared at each other for a moment before Stephanie gingerly took off her top at once, exposing her skin and pastel coloured blue bra. She set the card aside and drew another one with her right hand while her left was trying to cover herself.
I could not stop staring at her.
Her supple breast nested comfortably on her bra. Her left hand trying to cover herself while she glared at me with a crooked mouth. I could not resist displaying the antics of a sleazy old man as I took the next card.
James : One more time !!… one more …..please…..shit… no border…ahhh..ahh….
The moment I saw 4 diamonds on 1 side, I grinned again. I opened it up and it was a 10.
James : Wah… not bad…
Stephanie gave another louder TSK as she threw her card aside. I could see she wanted to scream at me but she was holding back.
James : You wanted to play one hor…. Not me ah….
Reluctantly she stood up and it happened in slow mo. Stephanie pulled down her shorts and my blood vessels contracted, I immediately adjusted my sitting position as she slid down her shorts.
Don’t be mistaken.
I was aroused not by the fact that she was taking off her shorts. It was more of the action.
Of how she wriggled the shorts low enough before using 1 of her toes to push it down, that way, she would not have to bend all the way to remove it.
Stephanie : Stop staring !…
Her panty is a school girl white low rise panty. When she sat down, I was pretty sure I could see her butt crack if I was behind her.
She immediately picked another card.
Before I picked she immediately called out.
Stephanie : Can I pick 2 cards and use either one ? you win 2 times liao…
James : No!… rules are rules… don’t play cheat..
I wanted to chuckle as I confidently picked another one.
Stephanie : How about we double it or nothing….
I stared at her slyly and asked her what she meant.
Stephanie :…2 cards each, the one with the biggest takes all….2 piece of clothing.
I laughed and slapped my thigh.
James : Are you sure… !!
I could not help but smiled. Even if I took off, I would still be left with my underwear. If Stephanie loses, it’s game over.
She nodded her head and I let her picked another one while I drew mine.
I felt a sudden throb in my dick when I saw the disappointment in her face as she looked at her cards before looking back at me.
James : I’m sorry girl… haha…
I placed down a Queen and a 4 of spades, rubbing my hands gleefully.
Then Stephanie placed down a king.
The smiled disappeared from my face as I stared at the card.
James : Why do you look so disappointed then ??
Stephanie : You obviously don’t play poker…
She gestured with her finger as I grumbled and took off my shirt followed by my pants.
The moment I took off my pants, I could no longer hide my erection through my loose boxers and there was an awkward moment of silence. The entire shape was so obvious, I might as well be naked.
Stephanie deliberately looked away as she pulled her blanket to cover her legs and bottom while I sat in front of her with a hard throbbing dick.
We drained the 3rd can of beer and Stephanie asked me to grab some more from her fridge.
I had both my hands in front of me as I walked into the kitchen. I was initially amazed at the number of facial masks in her fridge but the moment I touched the cold beer, I immediately rushed back to the living room but I was too late.
Kneeling in front of my clothes, Stephanie had fished out the keys Victor gave me.
James : Stephanie I can explain…
She glared angrily at me as she pulled on her shorts before pulling on her shirt. She looked around the living room and the only thing she could get her hands on was the electric fly swatter. A really old one with exposed horizontal wires.
Some parts were deformed, probably the cause of hitting it against furniture or something
James : Stephanie…. Calm down…. Listen to me…
She walked steadily towards me, swinging the racket at me as I ducked under her, trying to run into the living room.
Stephanie : What did Victor tell you to do ??
James : Nothing…. It…it’s just to keep an eye on you…
Another swing of the racket came and I ducked, jumping onto the 3 seater sofa as I tried to dance my way out of danger.
Stephanie : Don’t lie to me James…
James : I’m not… it’s really… to take care of your…in case…
She started swinging the bat in a wide arc, cutting my route off.
I made and attempt and she caught me right on my finger.
TIAK !
James : Ouch…!!.. fuck… siao ah…
I tried to grab it from her but she struck again.
TIAK !
James : AHHH!!… stop it…
Another attempt made but I was faster, I got under Stephanie and tried to wrestle her onto the sofa but she stepped aside during my tackle, I still got her but not straight on. We hit the sofa together and another jolt hit my butt.
James : AHH…
I turned around and tried to grab the bat from her right hand but she threw it and catching it on her left, the moment I saw her grab it, my instinct was to protect my head and face.
It’s instinct.
Whenever we were startled, we would want to protect our head first. Our hands would rise up instinctively, our body reacting to the imminent danger.
I was wrong.
Very wrong.
If she had instantly brought it down on me, she would naturally go for my head, or hands, but she did not.
The next thing I felt was the hard coldness of the electrical wires on my boxers
I froze.
My eyes widened in fear.
James : Stephanie…..wait.. wait…
A smile broke out on her face as she moved the bat slowing around my bulging dick, trying to find a sweet spot.
Stephanie : Don’t move James… you will regret it.
I tried to talk but Stephanie screamed, giving me the fright of my life.
Stephanie : Quiet!!!
James : AHHHHH!!! Don’t.. don’t… please… don.t
By then she had positioned and squeezed my bulge through the flexible wires. The tight squeeze through the soft wires rubbed onto my dickhead, the constricting feeling sent more blood to my erection.
James : Stephanie…. This is not funny…
She was already trying hard not to laugh and maintain a straight face. Her finger hovered close to the switch. Every time she laughed, it got closer and closer to the button.
James : Stop… stop… stop laughing….
I closed myself, mentally willing my erection to die down, but Stephanie knew what I was thinking and she did the unthinkable.
She started moving the bat up and down, using the thin flimsy wires as a tool as she teased my erection
James : Don’t… don’t’… Stephanie…
She giggled as I could feel my dick getting harder. The harder it got, the tighter it became as I was already stretching the wire with my bulge.
When I saw Stephanie blinked a few times and sniffed her nose, I knew my time is up.
All the wrestling had kicked up a cloud of dust from the hardly used sofa. She tried to blink it away but it was too late.
Everything happened so fast.
I could not move.
I could only stare helplessly as her mouth opened a little before her eyes squeezed shut.
I could imagine myself staring at my maker, ready to go. I really thought i saw a flash of white light but it was from the bat.
As Stephanie sneezed, her finger depressed the button, completing the circuit, sending a current into my groin.
The TIAK! Came and went before I reacted.
Stephanie was in shock as she looked on in horror, she immediately dropped the bat and both her hands went to her mouth causing it to fall and hang by the wire on my dick.
She looked apologetic as she alternated her wides eyes between me and my groin.
Stephanie : I.m…..i’m…. I’m… so sorry …. James… James…
I don’t know what sensation I was feeling.
I felt all my testicles tightened so hard in a split second I thought they were being squeezed, then it felt like someone had driven a spike down my pee hole. It was painful, but I could not react.
I wanted to speak but I can’t, my mouth just wide opened as I struggled to breathe.
I laid back down on the sofa, my hand shivered as I tried to touch my own dick.
Stephanie : I’m so sorry… I swear… I swear… It was not on purpose…. Shit… I’m sorry James….
2 minutes later, I no longer had an erection. It was flaccid. The blood was all gone. The bat fell to the ground.
Stephanie and I both stared at my dick for a good few seconds before our eyes met.
Stephanie : Are…. Are you ok ??
I shook my head..
James : I’m…. I’m not sure…. i…. I can’t feel anything….
Stephanie touched me outside my boxers, just a prod
I shook my head.
Usually I would be getting a fucking erection. I mean Stephanie ??? touching me on my dick ???? when I’m only in boxers…. I could be spilling pre cum all over… but nothing….
Nothing happened.
I was feeling a little scared.
Then she held onto my dick and looked at me in a questioning manner.
Stephanie : Anything ?
I shook my head.
I could feel her finger depress my dick slightly as she massaged my head and she repeated her question again.
I shook my head but the reaction was already happening, I could feel it even before it happened.
Enough blood got back through as Stephanie pulled down my boxers before kneeling in front of me. She opened her mouth and looked back up at me with her eyes wide opened like some inflatable blow job doll as my dick shot to it’s full glory, throbbing in front of her face as she held it in her hand for the first time.
Stephanie backed away and slapped my dick once.
James : OWwww….What are you doing ?
Stephanie : It still works… you’re fine.
James : But…. But….. how do you know if I can cum properly ???
She reached for the bat again and I quickly backed away.
She sighed loudly in the living room and massaged her tummy, declaring that she needed the bathroom.
Stephanie : I’ll deal with you later..
After another threatening wave of the bat , she disappeared into her room with ipad in tow.
I got dressed and waited for a couple of minutes before I approached her room.
When I turned the door knob, I did it slowly and carefully, afraid that any creaking sound might alert Stephanie to my attempt at entering her room.
The moment the door swung wide enough, my heart felt as if someone had thrown a dart at it. I could not believe my eyes.
Right beside Stephanie’s bed, was a luggage. She was already packing.
Immediately my eyes darted around the room and I saw what I needed to grab on her table.
I kept an eye on the master bathroom’s door as I walked over to the table.
The E-tickets, the travel documents, hotel vouchers, they were all there.
I looked at the time of the bookings, it was all done in the early part of the day, a few hours after Stephanie saw the invitation. She would be flying out the next morning to Taipei.
Victor was right.
Stephanie is panicking and she was about to run.
I took the opportunity to grab her passport but what I just discovered was too important to keep to myself. I immediately text Victor and he replied immediately, saying that he would be here in 20 minutes.
I looked at Stephanie’s passport, she was smiling sweetly in the photo, it was then I noticed something else. She had less than 9 months of validity on her passport.
The bright coloured slip under a stack of mail was also a dead giveaway. I took it up and saw that Stephanie had actually applied for a new passport since her old one was about to expire.
It seems she did not have time to go collect her new one now that she needed to leave immediately.
I took both the slip and passport up in my hand and I was considering the situation when I heard the flush and the bathroom door opened.
Stephanie stood at the door and her surprise of seeing me in her room soon wore off when she saw what I had in my hands.
None of us spoke.
We just stood there staring at each other.
About a minute passed before she asked if that was what Victor asked me to do.
I nodded.
She did not charge straight at me.
She did not scream
She did not even scold me, or threaten me.
Something was off.
I saw her eyes looked away, trying to focus on a corner of the ceiling as she took a deep breath.
Honestly, I don’t know what I’m seeing.
She looked like she was hurt yet trying to put on a brave front.
I could see her bite her lips when I told her to calm down, and that Victor would have a plan, there was no need for this.
James : He’s on his way….we can talk this through.
Her shoulders slouched as she slowly walked over to her bed and sat down.
I don’t know how to describe the look on her face.
It made me feel like shit.
As if I had just betrayed her.
She looked away from me
Stephanie : My brother….is … a very practical man…..he would do anything…. If it’s for the good of the company….
James : I don’t believe you…. It can’t be that bad….
She looked down on her feet and it doesn’t seem like she was in the mood to talk.
I left the room with the passport and collection slip in my hands and closed the door.
She said something right before the door closed which I heard clearly but chose not to reply.
Barely 10 minutes later, I heard a knock on the door before the bell rang.
Through the peep hole, I saw Victor and Shawn.
My hand hesitated for a moment at the door handle.
Right before I touched the handle, I could not help but recall what Stephanie had said to me before I closed her room door.
Stephanie : Do you think…a… kind….understanding…and …emotional…. Victor….will ever …….stand a chance against the likes of Ruhui ?? ….
I took a deep breathe, stuffed the collection slip deep into the recess of my pocket and opened the door.
Within the short span of that few seconds it took for the door to open, so much went through my mind.
What Stephanie said did make some sense but so did Victor.
He could read his sister like a book, knowing that she would be rash in making her decisions.
What good would it serve if merely an invitation card is enough to make Stephanie run ?
Shouldn’t she at least stay and fight ?
If she had ran, perhaps it was exactly what Ruhui wanted, to ruffle her feathers a little.
Still, I could not shake the shitty feeling that was going through my veins.
I tried my best not to touch my pocket even though I felt the weight of the collection slip in it.
It felt heavy, almost like a responsibility, weighing down on my shoulders.
When our eyes met, Victor asked if I was ok as he eyed the passport on my hand and relieved me of it.
I nodded my head as he stepped in.
TJ appeared from around the corner as he hung up his phone.
Victor : Is she angry with you ??
James : I guess so…
Victor : Don’t mind her…she’ll be ok after she calms down.
Victor knocked on Stephanie’s door and entered her room while the rest of us settled down in the living area.
Shawn saw the drinks and cards and immediately asked if we played strip poker.
Shawn : Wah…. Drink beer eat snacks…. Strip poker ah…
TJ and I both gave him a look and he looked away after smiling awkwardly.
I kept my ears peeled for any signs of quarrel or screaming inside the room but there was none.
As I sat in a daze, staring at my own feet, I tried to think of the implications of my action.
Sure, I withheld the collection slip but even if I had given it to Stephanie 1st thing in the morning the ICA opens, there was no way should could make her 10am flight out of the country.
About 15 minutes later, Victor came out of her room and he did not look too pleased. He motioned for all of us to go and we left Stephanie alone back at her place. I thought of dropping her a message but I have no idea what would be the content of that message.
I went home, dropped the collection slip on my desk and went to sleep with a heavy heart.
15 Feburary 2013
Friday
8.30am
It was work as usual for me. The new timber door felt imposing as I unlocked it but it sure felt a lot safer compared to the glass door that anyone could peep in.
I got on with my work and started getting things in order.
9.30am
The door opened and Stephanie came in.
I was surprised, I definitely did not expect to see her that day given what happened.
James : Good morning…
She ignored me and went straight into her room.
Well, I wasn’t exactly expecting a hug.
10.30am
I texted Stephanie if she wanted breakfast but she did not reply my message either.
Come noon that Tuesday afternoon, a series of unfortunate events started happening.
First was Uncle Bobby.
12.15pm
I was about to head out for lunch but decided to drop off a batch of components with Uncle Bobby first.
When he came to pick them up, he asked if Stephanie was around.
James : Oh… hold on, I’ll get her.
I did not think much of it seriously, I assumed it was time he collected money for his invoice or something.
I knocked on Stephanie’s door and told her Uncle Bobby is looking for her.
She came out a few seconds later and greeted him with a smile.
Then the situation became awkward.
Uncle Bobby : Errr…. Stephnanie… I err…. My health….. I not getting any better…. So….errr…. I think……you would need to find someone else…. To help you…
His eyes shifted left and right and he found it hard to look at Stephanie when she spoke. His hands clutched nervously on his cap as he tried to cough up the words.
I was expecting Stephanie to say something, ask him what was wrong, what’s happening but she did not.
Instead she gave him a smile and just nodded her head in an understanding manner, her palms raised up gently , signally that it’s ok and that he did not need to continued.
There was an instant look of relief in his eyes as his shoulders slouched and the unmistakable look of guilt took over.
Stephanie : It’s ok…. I understand.
Uncle Bobby gave a slight bow and immediately left the office.
When Stephanie turned around, she walked right pass me and back into the office.
1pm
I bought food for Stephanie and texted her I left it in the pantry. I knew she did not want to see me so I took the opportunity to go to the bank.
2.30pm
When I got back, I saw the food was finished alright and I fought back a smile.
Stephanie had chosen to eat on my work desk, leaving the bones, the wrapper and basically everything left unwrapped where it was. It was as if she was waiting for the cleaner to come clean up after her.
I tidied up my desk and made her a coffee, but before I could bring it in to her, our doorbell rang.
It was an old man in his sixties.
James: Yes….??
Oldman : I’m the landlord…. Can I talk to Stephanie ?
There was no need for me to call her out as her door opened and she came out.
5 minutes later, she was informed that she was unable to continue with her lease once it’s up in June.
The landlord said his grandson wanted to start his own business, he needed a good location and so on and so forth.
I shook my head as Stephanie sent him off with a smile.
Uncle Bobby’s lie sounded so much better.
3.20pm
Stephanie came out and passed me her phone before walking off. It was ringing at every 5 minutes interval.
They were various suppliers and they were asking for money.
I answered almost all of them, and I even recognised some as people I had spoken with during my course of work.
James : Ehhh… Cindy…. My cheque to you always on time one leh…. Why suddenly so funny ask for money now ??