Family Ties. (A The Strokes Love story)

Chapter 10

June's PoV

-Two Weeks Later-

I've been taking my time to make sure that I spent more time with Albert instead of Julian lately. Julian's been fine with it, and he said he needed more time to organize his band.

On a particularly humid Thursday in October at approximately 3 in the morning, my mom burst into my room, screaming hysterically. Albert and I both sprang up, screaming with terror.

When we realized it was just mom standing excitedly in the doorway, I heaved a big sigh, holding my hand to my heart.

"W-what's wrong..?" Albert asked tiredly.

Suddenly, my a man next to my mother appeared in the doorway.

He was quite attractive, with blazingly green eyes, and short brown hair, with tanned skin. He kind of reminded me of Julian, the way his face was structured.

Then, mom held up her hand, and a big, diamond was resting contently on her ring finger.

"WHAT?!" I screeched happily, bounding off the bed, and excitedly hugged my mom.

"HE PROPOSED?!" Albert screamed, quite girlishly.

"You must be Stephano," I breathlessly said, shaking the attractive man's hand. Then, I just sucked in a huge breath, and hugged him tight.

"You must be June." He said in an attractive low voice. I can't believe he's gonna be my stepfather. Wowee.

I pulled away, smiling at Stephano, who wrapped his arm around Mom's waist.

"Okay, well you two can go back to sleep. Sorry to scare you, babies." My mother said, turning out the light, and walking out with Stephano.

I flopped back onto the bed, and I felt Albert plop obnoxiously down back down as well.

"Woah, this is great news, Albert."

"I know." He replied breathlessly.

"Do you think things are gonna be different this time...?" Albert asked lightly, knowing it was a touchy subject. I ran my hand over the long-healed scar underneath my left breast.

"I hope. Do you...?" I said, shifting my gaze to Albert.

"Yes. Stephano is a nice man, I've even run a background check."

"Haha, are you serious..?" I asked, smiling.

"Yep. If he hurts you, June...Good god." Albert said, clenching his fists.

"I trust him." I said boldly, nodding and curling up to my pillow. Albert squeezed my hand, and I could sense the smile on his face. I cuddled to Albert.

"I'll protect you, Junie." Were Albert's last words before I fell asleep in his arms, all of my senses of security feeling restored.

I woke up the next morning, with Albert's chin buried uncomfortably in my shoulder. I rolled out of his grip, yawning and getting out of bed. My phone had 1 notification on it.

'June, our plans for Saturday will have to be canceled, baby.' A message from Julian.

My heart sank lightly.

'Its fine, Julesy. We can hang out another time~.' I responded, setting my phone lightly down after I did so.

Albert woke up as I came out of the bathroom.

"We have school today, Albert." I said, reminding him kindly. Albert shrugged.

"Wanna skip today? Mom will let us."