𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄

CHAPTER FOUR

"Hudson, why did you kiss me?" I demanded as we are on our way again. No answer.

"Hudson it will do you no good to ignore that question!" I warn.

"I kissed you because I wanted to ask you something." Hudson said.

"June, will you go out with me? For real?" asks Hudson.

"Hudson, I am a Christian. I need to be sure that if I do go out with you, it won't be incest." I said calmly.

"But Peter and Ruth are dating!" says Hudson.

"Yes, but since my mother died, Peter lost all sense of Christianity. I'm not sure he gained them back. Ruth... well, whatever. I don't want to be like them, Okay? I will not date you until I know it is not incest," I say decidedly.

"Okay, then. June, I need to buy fuel for the car and diesel for the generator." Hudson says.

"Well, I want to go the cyber cafe." I say. I know Hudson's plans for the Koalas are ruined, and I can't help feeling a bit sorry for him, because I technically killed 2 birds with one stone for him. Hudson drops at Gold bricks shopping complex and he leaves almost immediately. I walk into WebCrawler Cyber Cafe, and I order for 15 minutes. On my e-mail address, jnno_p@yahoo.com, I have 2 messages. They are from Dad and Grace. I open Grace's first.

How are you and Hudson doing? I hope you haven't wasted the money yet! America is fun, but we all miss you. If you want anything, call. Mr. Kindler is coming tomorrow after church to give you your tickets. He will also give you $500 for when you land in America. Grace.

Huh; Informative e-mail. Just like Grace to send that horrible man that despised my mum, acting like she stuck out like a sore thumb. I don't bother to reply to that one. I click Dad's e-mail.

Hello Pumpkin, (he hasn't called me that in years!)

I'm sorry I haven't been all so nice over these years. I have been on the stress mode, because of Mum. Now, I need to tell you something. I didn't have an affair while your Mum was alive. Ruth and Hudson aren't my kids. That's why I was okay about Ruth and Peter, and that's why I'm okay with Hudson and you. Yes, Hudson told me he liked you and everything. That's why I was angry when you guys pretended you were twins. I give the OK for you and Hudson dating. I'm sorry for misleading you if I did all these years. Now, I hope I can trust you to keep yourself at bay. Remember your mother. I look forward to seeing you. I love you dearly.

Oh my God. Hudson isn't related to me? Wow! And I blew him off! I quickly close my box and leave. I go to the parking lot, where Hudson is due in 10 minutes. I walk around the vast car park. The winds blows; and I feel content.

Dear God, thank you for your mercy and understanding my feelings. I pray you help me through this phase. I like Hudson. Thank you for fulfilling my greatest desire. Amen.

Just then, Jan McGregor comes out of nowhere. "June!" He typically jumps on me. In an attempt to push him off, I pat his back and push. He gets the message and steps back. "Hi, Jan, how are you?" I say. "Oh fine, I was just hoping to see one fine lady like you today. Do you need a ride?" Jan says, pointing to his Volkswagen.

"No, never mind." I say.

"Hudson will pick me up, I hope!" I say.

"Do you really want to risk it?" he asks.

"Never mind, I can always walk!" I say.

"Okay. June, I really must go home now, please tell Hudson to keep up the good work with Barta!" Jan says this as he hurries to his car. I begin to laugh helplessly.

As I look up, I see the car. Hudson is driving treacherously with his eyes conical, frowning up a heavy shower. Jan drives out and I wave to him. I run towards the car and I jump in.

"You look excited, like you had a good time." Harry says disconsolately.

"You have no idea, Hudson." I say. I know Hudson's feelings are hurt, so I try to moderate my giggling, but when he's driving and I see his apprehensive, jittery face, Jan's words echo and I began to laugh. When we get home, we carry our Peseta shopping to the kitchen.

"Leave the shopping, Hudson and come join me in the parlor, I need to tell you something" I say suddenly.

"Alright" says Hudson, still in a dejected, injured tone. We go to the parlor. "Well, what is it?" Hudson says. "Hudson, we are not related." I say.

"What? who told you that?" Hudson says. He is practically falling off the edge of his seat. "In the cybercafe, I got an e-mail from Dad. He says you and Ruth were not his kids. That was why he, he allowed Ruth and Peter to date. He said that I could date you. But..."

"But....," Hudson encouages eagerly. I notice that his mood has changed. Hmm!

"But it's absolutely my decision to date whoever i want to date." I continue.

"So, June, will you go out with me?" says Hudson.

"Yes, I will" I say.

"So, June, can we go to Koalas now?" Hudson asks.

"Okay!" I say gleefully.

It's 20:10 as we pull in from koalas. Hudson and I had a marvellous time. Hudson is still jovial, however. When we get into the house, he pulls me on his lap and locks me down as I scramble.

"Hudson, I need to have a bath. I haven't all day" I protest. He finally lets me go and I run upstairs. I strip myself of my things and run into the bath. Running water, I bathe quickly.

As I am in my room, all springy and clean in pyjamas, there is a knock at the door. "Come in" I say. Hudson comes in.

I didn't want to catch you off-guard again." Hudson sits on my bed.

"Hudson, are you coming to church tomorrow?" I ask.

"Okay, I will come to church" Hudson says. He leans forward, I lean forward and we share a furtive hug. But when Hudson begins to hold me for longer than usual, I pull back. I look away.

"What's wrong, June?"

"Hudson, I want to stay chaste until I am married. That's is one of those things my mum told me before she died. Please don't tempt me. Sure enough, we can kiss, but I don't want to do stupid stuff." I say, fiddling with my cover. "That's okay. Now, let's go to the parlor. They are showing Rome 2." Hudson says.