A Hidden Truth

Juniper's Birthday: Early Afternoon

[Juniper]

    Kelly and Amber pulled me back into my seat and rubbed my back and arms. It took a long time for me to calm down. I loved all of my brothers, but Carson had just left. He hadn’t even talked to me. Nothing could make me believe he’d actually stolen from Hank, but he disappeared. I thought we were close, but he just abandoned me. Once I had a handle on myself, I was embarrassed.

    Everyone in town knew I was levelheaded and calm. I didn’t have emotional outbursts or raise my voice. Now, an entire restaurant had heard me screeching and crying.

    If it got back to Hank, he might be angry. I represent our family when I’m out, just like my brothers do. After how he punished me for the car incident, I didn’t like to think how I’d suffer for this.

    “Hey. How about somethin’ juicy? I have hot gossip. And I’m the first to share it.” Amber said playfully.

    She loved to gossip and knew I hated it unless it was really good or really funny. I was in charge of taking stories back to the house for my mother. Plus, it might be useful for my files. I smiled a little and nodded.

    “So, I was walkin’ into town to meet up with Tammy. You know my parents don’t like her comin’ round. Anyway. I was walkin’ past the Shade Tree and saw Teddy bein’ led into a room by a really hot guy. He looked like he was playin’ shy, ‘cause we all know Teddy isn’t shy, and the guy pulls him in by the belt. Oh. My. God. Right?!” She was bouncing and gripping my arm.

    Unlike Tammy, Amber was bisexual and, very much like Kelly, she was really into ‘boys love’ mangas. I had a little fondness for them, too. Jaxon pulled Teddy into a motel room by his belt? My favorite seduction trope.

    “Wow. You didn’t recognize him?” Kelly asked. “You know everyone in town. I wonder where he came from.”

    “Let’s go ask him!” Amber giggled. “I know just what room they’re in. C’mon.”

    I shook my head. “Leave Teddy and his boyfriend alone. It’s hard to date in town. And, if they’re getting it on, it’s really not our business. This is the first time Teddy’s been out in ages. Please, y’all. Leave the boys alone. I can get pictures when he drops Teddy home and send them to you.”

    Amber and Kelly looked like they wanted to refuse and go. Tammy had a sour look on her face. She didn’t like how Amber fawned over Teddy.

    “It’s my birthday. I’m already going to have to deal with Hank being mad at me for losing my temper in public. Clayton insisting I like him will get around to Becca and she’s going to come after me for it. And Carson is telling random guys I like them if I act like I don’t. How many other guys do you think I’m going to have to deal with? Don’t make Teddy mad at me, too. Please. For me?” I begged and gave them sad puppy dog eyes.

    They sighed deeply and nodded. Tammy grinned. She didn’t want to go, either. We hung out a little longer and had some cake before they took me back home. 

Hank and Remy were waiting in Hank’s truck at the entry to the drive. Hank looked mad. That wasn’t good. If I couldn’t get him to stop being mad, I’d pay for it. I said goodbye to my friends and they headed off. I walked up to the driver’s side of the truck.

    “Can I speak with you out here, Hank?” I asked.

    The news had probably spread and I didn’t want to be caught out while with them. It would make it worse when he did find out. There’s never an excuse for not telling him things right away, especially if they might make him mad.

    “Can it wait? Remy’s gettin’ antsy. You’re late comin’ back and he’s been dancin’ around.” He said sternly.

    “Daddy, it really can’t wait. Remy, I need to talk to daddy real quick, then we can go. Is that okay? Someone hurt my feelings while I was out and I need hugs.” I knew using that name would get Hank’s attention.

    “I’ll kick their butts with my ninja moves, Juju! They shouldn’t make girls sad on their birthday!” Remy shouted.

    “Can you just sit in your seat while daddy and I talk? Then I want to go for ice cream to make me feel better. I think we deserve a double scoop for this.” I told him.

    “Yay! I’ll be right here, Juju!” He grinned and sat back in his seat.

    Hank got out of the cab and followed me near the back. When I turned around he put his arms around me and pulled me close. I waited for groping, but he just hugged me.

    “Tell me what happened, baby. Your makeup’s gone. You were cryin’. Who made you cry, baby-girl?” He crooned as he stroked my back.

    It almost reminded me of when I was a kid. Before he was the monster I feared.

    “Carson told a boy from my school that I like him. The boy passed me a note yesterday asking me to meet him after school. I thought he wanted tutoring-”

    He cut me off. “What did he want? Did he touch you?” His voice was angry.

    “He wanted to tell me to stop liking him. Only, I don’t like him. I never even look at him, except in fourth period because he sits right where the teacher stands to lecture. I told him I wasn’t interested in the first place. Today, he came up at the restaurant and accused me of lying. That’s when he told me it was Carson that told him. I got really mad, daddy. I started yellin’ at him. I threatened him if he didn’t leave me alone. I didn’t mean to embarrass you and our family, but Carson had no right to do that and the boy had no right to try and ruin my birthday. I’m so sorry.” I started crying and wrapped my arms around him, holding him tight.

    “Shh, baby. It’s okay. You stood up for yourself. That boy wouldn’t leave you alone. I’m not mad at you. I’m mad at him and at Carson. Don’t worry, baby-girl.” He rocked me and stroked my back until I stopped crying. “Let’s go back to the house so you can clean your face and get made up again. Then I’ll take you and Remy out. Okay?”

    “Thank you, daddy.” I sniffled.

    “You said you wouldn’t call me daddy outside the bedroom anymore. It must’ve really messed you up. I’m not gonna expect it again. I know you needed me to not be your lover right now. Let’s get you taken care of and end this birthday right.” He murmured into my hair.

    It was the most caring he’d actually been in the last three years. I’d missed this Hank. The one who held me when I was upset. The one who didn’t try to grope and kiss. The one who was like an actual second father to me. I was glad that deciding to talk to him had worked out. I still didn’t want to sleep with him, but it would make it a little easier if Teddy and Jaxon failed.

    Ten minutes later, we were headed to the ice cream shop. Remy was chattering about what cool ninja moves he had and how he was going to protect me forever. Hank would occasionally reach out and pat my hand. I was feeling hollow. The kind of hollow that comes after a cry. It was a little refreshing to actually feel nothing. I wondered if I could be like this for the rest of my life.