A Hidden Truth

Juniper's Birthday: Morning

[Juniper]

    I dreamed about the most amazing things. Jaxon in a meadow on a large blanket. Doing things I’d only ever read about. Jaxon saving me and whisking me away from everything. Holing up in his castle with an enormous library and a huge canopied bed. Being happy and doing what I wanted with a handsome, intelligent man who loved me.

    There was a shift in the bed. Teddy kissed my forehead and smiled as I opened my eyes.

    “Good mornin’, Juni-bug. Happy birthday, little sister.” He whispered.

    “Thank you, Teddy-bear. And thank you for staying with me last night.” I smiled and got out of bed to get my outfit for the day.

    “You thank me every mornin’, sweetheart. You know you don’t have to. I love you. But I have to say, I’m a little concerned.” Teddy said seriously.

    I turned and looked at him. Of course today wasn’t entirely a happy day, but he shouldn’t be worried. I could handle it.

    “I’m going to be fine, Teddy. Don’t worry.” I sighed.

    “No, I’m worried someone might’ve overheard you screamin’ in your sleep last night.” Teddy snorted.     “Sugar, I have no idea exactly what you dreamed, but I definitely do know exactly who you dreamed about.”

    My stomach dropped and I felt my cheeks burning. I covered my face with my hands and groaned.

    “Yeah. Heard a lotta that sound, too.” He laughed.

    “Teddy, you better git out my room ‘fore I jerk a knot in your tail!” I yelled and chased him out the door as he laughed.

    Well, that was nice and embarrassing. I knew I would say things when I was having nightmares. It wasn’t fair that I couldn’t enjoy the good dreams in private.

    Pulling out my new sunflower vintage cut dress my mom gave me, a petticoat, and a pair of bright yellow socks, I locked my door and started getting ready for the day. I loved the dress, it was blue with big yellow sunflowers on the skirt, the sleeves went to my elbows and the back was high. My mother knew about my fondness for dresses that flared out. I was thrilled it covered the scars on my back.

    Twyla always made me a birthday breakfast and we didn’t have to do any chores on our birthdays, so I could dress up a little. It was one of my favorite things, nothing was as nice as being able to dress up for big events, and an eighteenth birthday was huge. I was an adult as of today, and I had plans.

    After I put on my clothes, I brushed my hair and straightened it, then used a yellow headband to keep it out of my face. I added a little makeup, too. Mama would appreciate the effort. My last touches were my jewelry.

    I selected a charm bracelet Teddy gave me for my tenth birthday and a necklace with a wire-wrapped piece of amber. I never took out my gold star shaped earrings for very long. My father gave them to me for my seventh birthday. I wore them for every birthday since. I’d switch them out if the outfit required it, but I wore them as often as possible.

    I left my room and headed down to the kitchen. Remy and Twyla were already there. She’d made him some peanut butter pancakes. They were his favorite. He was happily chattering to her about things he learned in school and his friends. I got my birthday hugs from Twyla as she set my cinnamon and honey waffles down. I sat next to my messy little brother. He was covered in peanut butter and Twyla’s homemade strawberry preserves.

    Breakfast on Saturdays was usually loud and fun. Teddy, Remy, and I would cook together while Twyla hung out and drank coffee. We would all have our breakfast, then clean up together. It was moments like that which made me push to endure the nights and other torments.

    As I was taking my plate to the sink, the bell rang. I tried not to look excited. I knew it was Jaxon picking Teddy up for the day. I wanted him to see me in my dress, since I rarely wore things that showed my figure. It was nice to feel feminine. Yesterday, I’d been wearing a smock that went past my knees with bicycle shorts, ruffled socks, and mary-janes. It was cute, but made me look like a 5’4” kindergartener.

    I went to the entryway and saw my mother talking with Jaxon as they waited on Teddy. He was wearing black jeans, a white t-shirt, a deep purple button up, and white sneakers. I loved it when a man wore colors other than the usual black, white, or blue. Especially if those colors didn’t involve a plaid pattern. I walked over and slipped my arm through my mother’s.

    “There you are, Juni!” She smiled brightly. “Look at you in that dress. I loved it the moment I saw it. Happy birthday, baby.”

    “Thank you, mama. I love the dress, too. It’s my favorite birthday present.” I smiled back at her.

    Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Jaxon taking in the sight of me. He looked like he was going to drool. It made me feel good that he appreciated my effort. I wished it were me he was taking out, instead of Teddy.

    “Here I am!” Teddy called, waving like royalty from the top of the stairs.

    He seemed to be going with a lighter version of Jaxon’s look. Teddy was wearing a lavender button up and tan khakis with similar shoes and t-shirt. I couldn’t help but grin as he sashayed down the stairs. When he got to the bottom, he walked over to me and pulled me from mama’s arm to twirl me around and dip me. Teddy loved having fun and had cloistered himself away for me. So I allowed it, even though I hated being dipped.

    “There’s the beautiful birthday girl! Are you really sure you’re okay with me havin’ a date today instead of hangin’ around, Juni?” He asked while bending me backward over his arm.  

    “Yes! Now, let me up!” I demanded slapping his shoulder.

    Teddy pulled me up to stand a little hard and I ended up stumbling. Jaxon caught me before I fell and held me against him tightly, with one hand on my shoulder and the other on the small of my back. My face was pressed into his chest. I took a moment to inhale the scent of him and memorize the feeling of him holding me before I pushed myself out of his grasp.

    “Better be careful, Teddy. I might steal your man.” I teased.

    Jaxon scowled at Teddy. “You do need to be careful. She could have been hurt.” He seemed to realize that he shouldn’t talk like that if they were dating. “Then we’d have to sit in a hospital instead of the date I had planned.”

    Teddy went to him and wrapped his arms around Jaxon’s neck. After a moment of hesitation, Jaxon put his hands on Teddy’s waist. I realized I was staring with my mouth open. And closed it.

    Mama had wandered away once I was in Jaxon’s arms. She probably thought he was trying to butter Teddy up so he wouldn’t oppose us. Her delusions about Teddy were always that he would find a nice girl. Especially, since Carson was a thief and she disowned him for it.

    “Do I get to see you boys kiss, or are you saving it for Hank?” I giggled.

    Teddy snickered and let Jaxon go. He was blushing and looking at the floor so adorably. I winked at Teddy and he put an arm around Jaxon’s waist leaning his head on Jaxon’s shoulder.

    “We should go, honey. I’m starvin’.” He said the last as a breathy whisper in Jaxon’s ear.

    Jaxon shivered and looked up at me. My amusement must have shown on my face because he looked a little angry. Lord, he was pretty when he was angry.

    “Yeah. I have too many plans for you and not nearly enough time, babe.” Jaxon said mimicking Teddy’s hold and squeezing him into the curve of his body.

    They turned and left with a wave. I bit my lips together trying to hold in my laughter. He was trying so hard. I hoped they came up with something.

    Without warning, two big arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me back into Hank’s body. He leaned down and kissed my neck. I grimaced.

    “Happy birthday, baby-girl. You ready to become a woman?” He murmured.

    “Thank you for the birthday wishes, Hank.” I said sternly as I pulled from his grasp.

    “Unless you’re lookin’ for a mark to match the one I gave you for your last birthday, you should change that attitude.” He growled, referencing the brand he left on my back. “Your brother and his boyfriend leave?”

    “Yes. Teddy said he’d be back before supper. I’m so glad he found someone. Aren’t you?” I asked sweetly, walking toward the living room. Mama was often sitting in there reading her magazines or working on some craft.

    “Definitely. Your mama wanted him for you, though. But you’re not looking for someone to distract you from your studies like a boy will.” He responded as he followed me. “That’s a really pretty dress, Juni. You’re lookin’ more and more like your mama every day. You really should let your hair curl like hers.”

    Mama looked up and beamed at us. She was so happy he was complimenting the dress and me. I hated him for what he was doing to her, what he was making me do to her. I had liked him, even thought of him like a father, up until he started his touching. I would be polite for my mother, though.

    “How I wear my hair is my business, but, thank you, Hank. Mama bought me the dress for my birthday. I thought it would be nice to wear her present. And you’re right. I have a lot on my plate and a boyfriend would just be a hassle. They take up so much time. I hope you’ll excuse me. I have some homework to finish so I can enjoy my birthday celebration tonight.” I nodded to them and headed to my side of the house.

    Our house was huge and had eight standard bedrooms and two master bedrooms. The detached garage had a one-bedroom apartment upstairs and there was a guest house with two bedrooms as well. There was even a ballroom in the main house. The Merritt’s used to have guests over all the time and host special events. Hank inherited the house and the rest of his siblings moved away after their parents died. No one came over anymore.

    Mama and Hank had the master bedroom in the west side of the house and I had the one in the east, since I was the only girl. Remy’s room was next to my mother’s and Teddy had moved to a room on my side of the house when he moved back home after finishing his bachelor’s degree.

    He majored in business with hopes of taking over the dealerships, until Hank told him he wouldn’t let a ‘poof’ take over his business. He’d been okay with it until Teddy came out. Then Carson was caught stealing. Now, he was planning to give it to Remy.

    I entered my room and straightened it up a little before heading to the desk in the little sitting area near the windows, right next to the French door that led to the balcony. If I didn’t straighten up, I would get distracted and start cleaning while I was supposed to be working. My friends were going to take me to lunch today, so I wanted to finish.

    Kelly always wanted to look at my science and math homework. She had trouble with them and I tutored her on Monday and Wednesday nights. When I finished, I would start a tutoring plan for next week and get study schedules emailed to my students.