My Bet with my colleague (Part 15)

By ilikeoldchangke

10pm

I spent a while researching about Thomas, his catering business, his facebook profiles, his linked in account.

Anything I could get on line.

I even purchased a copy of the business profile from ACRA.

I laid out all the information I gathered so far on the table.

I looked at Thomas’ facebook postings and pictures.

I googled the location of his catering business.

I jotted down a list of items that I would need.

15th Jan 2014

Tuesday

9pm

It was a crazy day at work, it’s seriously no joke trying to cover the workload of 2 person.

Joan and I exchanged a couple of messages, purely work related, although she did end off with a “ miss your corny jokes “ message

I got to the neighbourhood shops which sold everyday household items and I grabbed hold of a basket.

I bought a basic set of tools, hammer, screwdriver and the works.

I threw some glue into the basket too.

I added a cheap lipstick and a bottle of nail polish.

I bought a plastic 3 tier shoe rack.

And the largest item of all, I took a collapsible laundry rack. Those kind you see outside hair salon, they used it to dry their towels.

I could not carry anymore and I decided to leave the rest of the shopping for tomorrow.

I lugged everything home and deposited them in my room.

11pm

At 11pm, the bro I bought a sim card from arrived on a motorbike and we concluded the deal at the carpark.

He told me to top up using cards you get from stalls and to avoid topping up online.

I thanked him for his trouble and paid him for the sim card.

I asked if he mind waiting a min while I test the card to make sure everything is ok.

He agreed.

While waiting for the phone to load up, he asked;

Sim card seller : Bro, Are you the same James that likes curry puff and writes a lot of nonsense online ?

I smiled and replied without looking up as I was trying to check the network was up.

James : Nope sorry..… hahaha…

I saw the network up and I gave the brother a thumbs up, indicating everything was ok.

Right before I turn and leave, I added.

James : I don’t like curry puff……

James : …..but I like old change kee….

My Bet with my colleague (Part 14)

By ilikeoldchangke

She laughed and tried to fight me but I held onto her hands.

James : say you believe me…. Or I’m really going to send you back.

She giggled in a ticklish manner and pleaded with me not to.

James : You don’t sound very convincing la… let’s go … let’s go… get change and we go back to your place.

It was at that moment when I knew life has this funny way of joking with you.

I saw the helplessness Joan had with her hands being held down while I straddled her and she reluctantly started to plea with me the very moment my room door opened.

Joan : Don’t la James…. Please~~~… don’t…don’t …please~~….

My door swung opened and there she was, my mum with a spare blanket in her hand.

Mum : Oh… sorry.. sorry…

The door closed immediately and Joan and I shared this priceless look.

She burst into laughter and I let go of her.

I raised both my arms into the air, directed towards the ceiling as I looked at my ceiling light in a mock prayer position.

I wanted to sing the famous song called “ I ask heaven”

I took a deep breath and quickly got off the bed to look for my mum.

I can only imagine if I was in her shoes, barging into her son’s room to see him holding down the hands of a girl while she pleaded for him not to continue.

It’s a horror no parents would want to experience.

I went out and saw her whispering sharply to my dad and they quickly stopped.

I told her to give me the blanket and to knock before coming in.

She tried to tell me to behave and so on and I brushed her off saying everything is ok.

I turned to head back to see Joan coming out the room.

She was fast, she had already changed out of my work shirt into her normal clothes.

She stood by the door and leaned against the doorway, looking at her feet before looking up in a coy manner.

My mum decided that she would speak up that day and made a decision for both of us.

Mum : Ah James ah…. Today so hot… sleep with the door open la…..

If I had a white flag that day, I would just stick it on my head and walk around.

After we returned to the room, Joan laughed and laughed, trying to cover her mouth.

We took our individual beds, kept the room door open and I switched off the lights.

10.45pm

Joan : Goodnight James….

James : Goodnight Joan…

I was honestly exhausted by that weekend and I did not know what time I fell asleep, but I knew I slept with a smile on my face.

14th Jan 2014

Monday

7am

Nothing of note happened, both of us just had a really good sleep.

Joan thanked my parents again for the trouble before I went with her to grab a cab to the causeway.

My parents told her she’s welcomed to come over anytime.

Even my brother woke up early to say goodbye.

9am

Mr Chan wanted to speak to me and I took the opportunity to update him on Joan’s work I had been covering the past week. I also gave him a rough overview of the programs I’ll be doing that week.

Half way through the update, Siti burst into the room without knocking.

Both of us looked up and Siti spoke really fast in a flustered manner.

Siti : Mr Chan…. That man is here again.

Mr Chan got up immediately and went out of the office with me following close behind.

When I got to the reception, a couple of my male colleagues were already there.

Thomas was at the reception with 2 huge hampers and several boxes of cupcakes from a famous local chain.

Mr Chan stepped forward and asked what Thomas wanted.

Thomas: Mr Chan…. i.. I sincerely apologise for my outburst…I hope you and your staff can forgive me.

Thomas : What I did was wrong, rude, and unprofessional. I shouldn’t have done that.

Thomas : I’m really sorry.

Just then he saw me standing behind Mr Chan, he extended his hand, bowed his head a little and added.

Thomas : Sorry brother…. Sorry… I shouldn’t have done that… please accept my apology …

With so many pairs of eyes on me, I shook his hand but I did not speak.

Thomas gave everyone gathered a slight bow, apologising again for his behaviour.

He went on to add that he had catered lunch for the whole office, and that they will be setting up in a while.

He left after saying his piece.

11.30am.

The food started arriving and I could see he spared no expense on that meal. It’s a good spread.

12pm

Most of the staff help themselves to the food, Mr Chan included. It’s free food after all.

12.15pm

Thomas arrived. He apologised again to everyone, but this time round on a more personal basis.

I happened to be standing near a cluster of my colleagues and when I heard Thomas asking about Joan, I figured out what he’s up to.

Thomas : Ermm.. anyone of you happen to know where Joan is ?…

He switched group shortly after and carried on his questions.

Thomas : Joan and I had a minor misunderstanding…..i’m trying to contact her to sort things out.

I observed him going round the reception area, chatting casually with each colleague, he gave out namecards, adding that he could give a good discount for catering but most important of all, to contact him if Joan gets in touch.

Thomas : Yah, help me reach her if you can la…. I give you voucher…free catering also can hahaha….

He stressed that he really want to speak with Joan.

My turn finally came, I was 1 of the last he approached for obvious reason.

Thomas: Hey brother… I’m sorry… really sorry…I heard you are covering Joan’s work is it ?

I did not know where he got that information from, probably from one of the loose lipped colleague.

I decided to play along and take the chance to vent my anger.

James : Yah. She suddenly urgent leave. I got to cover all her work on top of my own.

James : These few days you know how I’m living or not… I hide here, hide there, run here run there, avoiding people, now I’m the one holding the fort, if it’s you, you dulan or not ? you tell me.

James : Sometimes phone ring , don’t dare to answer, vibrate also my heart jump.

I gestured in an animated way.

James : That day, client came for another project. I hide ah…. Really hide ah. Squat and duck walk from cubicle to cubicle. Almost got to do cover and concealment with the office plant.

I pointed to the really sad looking palm that Siti was suppose to take care off.

Thomas smiled warmly and tried to calm me down, he said that he understands my frustration, and that he will talk to Joan once he gets in touch with her.

He passed me 1 of his name card too and I saw it’s the same one I got from Joan’s place.

It’s of the catering business he co-owned.

Thomas : Don’t worry, she’ll be back soon ah…. Tahan a bit more… sorry ah… really sorry about last week.

I waved him off, saying it’s water under the bridge.

3pm

I messaged Joan about what Thomas did.

4pm

Joan just sent me a screen capture of what Thomas sent her.

“ Let’s talk ”

“Why are you hiding”

“Do you really need to tell your boss about this”

It ended with ;

“I’ll find you eventually”

I got off work at 8.30pm that day.

9.00pm

I bought a 2nd hand phone from one of the neighbourhood shops near my place.

9.30pm

I got back home and had a long shower before I started surfing online forums. I messaged a few brothers in the hope that I could get a prepaid sim card.

After an hour, I finally hooked up with someone and he agreed to meet me the following evening.

My Bet with my colleague (Part 13)

By ilikeoldchangke

I stared wide eye as my dad tried to talk to me for a good 5 minutes. It’s always awkward for the father to broach certain subjects to their sons.

The fact that he did this showed how serious they viewed this matter.

I nodded and nodded and I kept nodding, saying that it’s a misunderstanding.

Right after my dad left, I got a sms from my younger brother, Jasper.

He’s got 1 year left on his books and I have no doubts he’s the brains of the whole family.

He is the only one in my extended family that has made it into the university.

Jasper is a nice kid but can be a little irritating and cheeky at times. He has never been in a stable relationship before even though he’s already 23. It’s usually a quick 2 week puppy love.

He has never been friendly to any of my ex-gfs before, some of my ex even complained to me that my brother did not seem to like them much.

This made me even more surprised when I saw his message.

Jasper sms : Kor… She’s hot. You don’t deserve her…. Intro to me.

I closed the message and tidied up the room a little.

About 5 minutes later, I went out to the living room and I saw my dad chatting with Joan.

Jasper served drinks and my mum was trying to bring out the guest mattress from the storeroom.

I went over to help my mum and she spoke within everyone’s earshot.

Mum : Ah James ah… tonight you sleep on the floor ah… let Joan have the bed.

I had given up trying to talk to my family and I just nodded.

My bed is only a super single, well it’s a tight squeeze for 2 adults but isn’t that what cuddling is about ?

Joan saw the commotion and got up to help us with the bedsheets and cover.

My mum insists that Joan take a seat and made me take the stuff in together with my brother.

En route to my room my brother actually asked;

Jasper : Eh… Kor, you really wack her ah ? or you all kena robbed or something.

I gave a sigh and told him I’ll explain in due time.

He dumped the stuff on my room floor and went back to the living room, planting himself beside Joan.

I set up the bed and joined the rest of the family at the living area.

I never imagined what a smooth talker Joan could be. Her shy smile, her gentle demeanour, I could tell my parents took a liking to her immediately.

Perhaps she was the only girl I brought back that did not stink of cigarette smoke or alcohol, or looked like someone who just came out of a club.

When my mum brought some fruits out from the kitchen, Joan would stand up slightly, help to receive the plate before placing it on the table.

When my dad could not understand the news re-runs of the new property cooling measures introduced by the government, Joan explained in layman terms and my dad nodded his head with a smile.

Just when I thought there was nothing else she could pull, she asked to use the bathroom and happen to see my brother’s books.

She struck up a conversation straight away, adding that she did the same modules back in school.

You should see the way my brother’s eyes lit up as she gave him some tips and offered to pass him her books with all the notes in it.

Joan went ahead to the bathroom and the moment the door closed, I was peppered with questions.

When did we meet ?

How long were we together ?

What are the details about her injury ?

I put my hands to my head and said I have a headache. I will explain to them in due time.

Meanwhile, Joan just needs to stay the night, she’ll be off in the morning.

10pm

Joan thanked my parents for allowing her to crash for the evening and apologised for the inconvenience.

She said goodnight to my brother, clench her fist upright before pulling it down sharply and did a running man style “fighting” gesture when she saw him hard at work on his books.

Joan : Jasper, Fighting !

I could almost see the flames on Jasper’s shoulders as he powered up for a night of intense reading.

I shut my room door and I immediately gave Joan the look.

She laughed and said she could explain.

Joan : Well, I can’t exactly tell your parents that I was beaten up by my ex and he’s now terrorising me right ? haha

I gave up reasoning with her and told her to get an early rest.

I got onto the mattress on the floor but Joan did not go on my bed.

She wandered around the room, checking out my desk, opened drawers and ran her fingers through my books.

She stopped at my cabinet, opened it and said.

Joan : Anything of yours I can fit ? hahaha

I laughed and replied.

James : You find it… it’s yours.

I watch her run her fingers through my work shirts and she took one out.

Joan used her leg to nudge me to turn around while I looked at the shadow being cast on my wall in front of me by the standing lamp beside Joan.

I watched the shadow pull down the pants.

I watched the shadow pull off the top.

I watched the shadow slipped on my white workshirt, the long arms threading down the sleeves before buttoning the shirt up.

Joan : Ok… I’m done.

My erection was already raging and throbbing away when I was staring at the shadow.

I turned around to see Joan smiling as she re did her hair after removing the hairband.

When her arms raised up, the hem of my shirt raised up along with it.

Joan :Nice ?

She spoke in a serious tone, mimicking that of a teacher.

Joan : 做戏。。。要做全套。。。

She scurried onto my bed and pull the blanket over herself.

Joan : Girlfriend usually wear the boyfriend’s shirt to bed one.

The signals and hints Joan has sent thus far was too obvious for me not to notice.

I’m not a block of wood, of course I knew how to response accordingly.

If something similar happened to you and you still don’t know what to do, you need help.

Professional help.

Please feel free to send me an email anytime.

I got up and got onto the bed beside Joan.

We smiled before we both broke into a silly giggle.

Joan just looked at me in the eyes and asked.

Joan : Don’t…. don’t you think it’s amazing the things that are happening to us … haha ..

I did not know what to say but I just lowered my head closer to Joan.

I went so close that our nose almost touched.

I wanted to kiss Joan and I knew she wanted me to kiss her, but there’s that feeling of uncertainty. That feeling of yes we want, yet don’t know if we should.

I’m sure most of you know what I’m talking about.

Joan did not move, she just stared and waited for me.

I leaned forward, planting my first peck on her cheek. She bit her lips and look away.

I planted the 2nd kiss, a little longer on the same cheek and I could feel Joan adjusting herself on the bed, making space for me.

I would never forget that feeling.

That moment of me straddling Joan on my small bed.

I put my leg over her and watched the rise and fall of her chest.

I held both of Joan’s hand, our fingers entwined and I slowly slide it against the soft bedsheets of my bed, gently dragging her hands upwards to her head before tucking it under the pillow.

There was zero resistance from Joan and I could feel my dick literally begging to be let loose.

Joan had this dreamy look in her eyes, I don’t want to get too philosophical and say things that I can see her soul, bla bla bla and feel her urge and so on and so forth, but that day when I peered into her eyes.

I felt something really hard to put into words.

It’s more of a kind of relieve, of finally feeling safe.

I spent a good minute just staring at Joan without a word in that position. I did not see a reason to rush through such a beautiful moment.

Joan smiled and whispered softly

Joan : What’s wrong ? …

James : I just want to look at you….You have no idea how beautiful you are. …

She smiled and said she did not believe a single word I just said.

James : Well….. don’t believe… I’m just going to send you back to your place….. you can hide when Thomas comes knocking. Haha.

My Bet with my colleague (Part 12)

By ilikeoldchangke

13th Jan 2013

Sunday

7am

I woke up with a sore left arm and I could hardly feel it there anymore.

Joan was nowhere to be seen.

When I sat up, I noticed black marks at my left toe. Upon a closer inspection, I realised Joan had drawn a fake tag on the top of my feet complete with a fake string loopng around my big toe.

It read : “ For sale “

I laughed and got out of bed.

The door to the room was opened and from my angle, I could see the bathroom door was closed.

There was a light drizzle going on and I could hear the rumbling of the distant thunder. It may already be 7 but the skies were overcast and dark.

Joan had opened up the windows in her room .I could feel the refreshing breeze of the morning rain on my face. I looked out through the bedroom window to the road below, it was such a nice and dreamy morning.

The cool air made me feel like I was overseas, waking up in some wine valley and looking out of my hotel room.

Joan came out of the bathroom after her morning shower in shorts and singlets. She was drying her hair and for the first time, I saw the bruises and marks on both her arms.

Her arms took quite a bit of beating, she must have blocked and deflected quite a bit of the blows from Thomas.

She realised I was looking at her and she quickly went to her wardrobe.

She gestured that she needed to change and I got out and use the bathroom, smelling the fresh fragrance of Joan’s soap and shampoo.

Moments later, she came out in a long sleep turtleneck and ¾ pants.

I took a seat on her bed and Joan sat down beside me.

Joan : Thanks…. For being here the whole night… I ermm..

Joan : It’s been a while since I slept so soundly…

I could tell she wanted to say she feels safer with me around but she stopped herself from going there.

I just smiled and told her it’s ok.

She started to tease about the drawings on my feet and asked about the 3 meals I promised.

James : Technically you fell asleep first.

She rolled her eyes. Giggled softly and replied.

Joan : Who’s the one with the drawings ? haha.

James : Let’s head out for breakfast.

Joan : You think he’s still out there ?

I took a deep breath and replied.

James : Only one way to find out. We can’t hide forever.

I peered through the peep hole and the corridor was clear.

I opened the main door and paused.

Nothing.

I saw several cigarette butts on the floor but no sign of Thomas.

I helped Joan shut all the windows and take out the trash before we head out.

Joan and I spent the entire day together at Hougang mall. We ate, we went to the library, we had coffee. We shopped.

We even went to the arcade to play some video games.

I did my best to keep her laughing, I wanted her to ignore the stares from the public about her bruises.

No we did not hold hands, we did not kiss, we did not exchange lovey dovey messages. It’s just 2 adults spending a day together.

If there is one thing for sure, we were a lot more comfortable with each other compared with the week before.

After all, we did spend the night together on the same bed.

I found out that she promised her parents to return to her relative’s place in Kukup the next day and I told her not to worry about her work. I’ll update her whenever I could.

James : You better head back early and rest.

8.00pm

We alighted from the bus and we took a slow walk back to Joan’s place.

As we approached the block , Joan casually asked.

Joan : Eh… so… you staying over again ? haha

She did not look at me but I guess she felt safer with me around.

There was no telling if Thomas might come knocking again.

James : I.. can’t..

She nodded without looking at me.

James : It’s a work day tomorrow… can’t wear your dress to work…

Joan laughed and slap me on the arm.

As we approached the lift lobby, I decided to try my luck.

James : Hey… i.. erm.. slept in your bed last night….

James : It’s only fair you slept in mine tonight.

Joan smiled before breaking out into a grin and slapping me on the arm again.

Joan : Wait your parents scold you ah, bring a old auntie back to your place.

James : They wouldn’t.

Joan : Wanna bet ?

James : Haha… why not..

I accompanied her up to her place, she packed what she needed, grabbed her passport and we took a cab to my place.

As we alighted, I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for what was about to happen.

I opened my house door and 3 pairs of eyes turned towards me.

My dad look up from his papers.

My mum stopped plucking the tails of the bean sprouts.

My younger brother dropped his books.

James : Pa , ma. My friend, Joan.

My mum dashed into the kitchen and came out with a first aid kit.

That was the first time I brought a girl back with bandages and bruises on her face.

She smiled and took Joan’s hand and led her to the Sofa while my dad made space for their new guest.

The first words that left my mum’s mouth was ;

Mum : My dear I’m so sorry. …. Did James do this to you ?

I could not be bothered with my mum but it was Joan’s reply that made me turn.

Joan : We… quarrelled… and I slipped and fell..

My mouth gasped open in shock and I saw the look of disgust my brother and dad gave me.

Joan did not even look at me.

I shook my head and went into my room.

30 seconds later I received a text message from Joan.

Joan 1 James 0

My bedroom door opened at that moment and my dad came in and sat down beside me.

Dad : Ah James ah….. cannot like that treat girlfriend you know….

My Bet with my colleague (Part 11)

By ilikeoldchangke

It’s a TaeKwonDo robe. I should be able to fit it.

As I pulled it out, a couple of belts fell out too.

I bent down to pick it up and Joan leaned forward to see what I was up to.

Even in the dark, I could make out the black coloured one with Joan’s name on it.

I made eye contact with Joan, I could roughly see her giving me a smile and a wink before returning to her book.

The 1st thought that came to my mine was how useful that belt was to her. It did not protect her from Thomas.

Then again, Thomas is at least 1.85 by my estimates, works out in the gym and does MMA.

I hung everything back and decided to just stay in my clothes.

Up till that point in time, there was no indication of any kind where I was supposed to sleep.

I took it upon myself to try my luck and I got into bed with Joan keeping a close eye on what I was doing.

I started rearranging her soft toys, making space for myself.

I put Micky and friends in the middle, effectively drawing a line between us and Joan laughed and helped with the rearrangements.

Joan : You’re very thick skin leh James…hahaha….

Joan : I had wanted you to take the floor… haha….

I ignored her and arranged myself a cosy spot against the wall.

I appraised my work and nodded my head.

It’s a snug corner, surrounded by bolsters, soft toys and some small pillows. It’s nicely tucked against the wall too, furthest away from the windows and door.

I was about lie down when Joan decided to take the spot I just made. She rolled over and made herself comfortable, sticking her tongue out at me.

We laid down facing each other.

Neither of us spoke.

Joan broke the silence first.

Joan : I bet you’ll fall asleep before me.

James : Haha… I’ll bet all 3 meals tomorrow .

She laughed an agreed.

She got up, reached over me and for a brief second, her breast hovered mere centimetres away from my face as she retrieved a marker from the desk.

Joan : Winner gets to draw on the loser when he falls asleep.

James : You’re on.

We chatted a little, mainly about Joan’s parents.

Joan : They’re very disappointed. They even joked that i should just stay single and by their side for the rest of my life. haha.

After a little teasing about my dick being zapped by radiation from her phone, we slowly grew quiet.

We never spoke again that night.

We just laid still, staring at each other.

I estimated it was about 10 minutes before Joan’s eyes started getting heavy. Then without a word, and any sign of a struggle. She‘s gone.

I waited a while more before I waved my hand in front of her.

I waited another 10 minutes before I gently shook her.

She roused, turned away from me to face the wall and I detected the slightest hint of a snore.

She must be exhausted.

I quietly got out of bed.

I stared at Joan for a while more, looking at the rise and fall of her body.

11.30pm

I tiptoed out of bed and decided to spend the time snooping around.

It’s dark but my eyes had already adjusted to the lack of light.

I stoop low and duck walked over to Joan’s laundry basket.

Immediately my erection rose as I dug my hands into the pile of cool clothes.

There was not a lot of them, just a couple of t-shirts and shorts. I guess most of her worn clothes are in the unpacked suitcase in the corner. She just came back from overseas after all.

I dug deeper and found a light coloured bra with lacy straps.

And right at the bottom of the basket, was a pair of soft sleep shorts with the undies entwined within.

I finger the 2 precious garment in my hand, secretly thanking my luck stars.

I felt this immense sense of happiness filling me from within. It’s really the simple pleasures in life that makes you happy, no matter how dark the pleasures may be.

I looked at Joan from where I was and cupped her bra cup over my face, taking in the beautiful erotic scent of her sweat, her scent and her womanly order.

My dick was throbbing away and I lowered my pants a little, instantly wrapping the cold cool undies onto my dick as I masturbated.

My very action made me sick but I could not help it.

The thought of being in Joan’s room, masturbating with her lingerie while she slept a few meters away was too much for me to bear. If only I could shout out to Thomas that I’m playing with his ex gf’s undies and bra while he’s stuck outside the corridor.

I could feel the end coming and I quickly replaced the clothes back into the basket.

I went to the bathroom and filled my mind with images of me and Joan, and my expectations of the day when I can finally cum deep inside her womanly hole and I came, sputtering and drooling onto the bathroom floor.

I cleaned myself up, tidied up the bathroom and went back to Joan’s room.

She was still sound asleep so I took the opportunity to look through some more of the stuff on her table.

Letters, bills, envelopes.

Something I noted was that Thomas’s credit card and phone bills were sent to her address.

I looked at the bag of belongings at the floor, it did not seem like he stayed here often given it’s a pretty small bag.

I guess after 10 years together, it’s common to give your partner the keys to your place.

I took one of Thomas’s credit card bill and folded it inside my wallet together with his namecard I snitched.

When I got into bed, the movements made Joan turn.

Without a word, she snuggled up with me, nestling herself against my chest, pushing the soft toys away.

I smiled and raised my left arm, with her eyes closed, she lifted her head slightly before falling right back to sleep in my arms.

I fell asleep with 2 things on my mind.

Number one.

How do i stop Thomas from bothering Joan ?

Number two

How do i go about doing number one.

My Bet with my colleague (Part 10)

By ilikeoldchangke

After a short bout of laughing, we both grew quiet, just lying on the ground, staring at the ceiling.

Neither of us spoke.

Joan broke the silence by saying that it’s silly to be lying on the floor.

We lingered for a couple of minutes more before we decided to get up.

Joan : Let’s get up..

I got on my feet and I helped Joan up on hers. She brushed off her clothes gently before helping me do a bit of simple brushing with her hands.

James : No need, it’s ok..

Joan : Carpet dirty la… so dusty..

After she’s done, she went to get a drink of water while I just leaned against the sofa, looking at her in the dark kitchen.

I could not tell if she was staring at me but she emerged a moment later and her head just nodded towards the direction of her bedroom.

There was nothing cheeky or suggestive about the action in my opinion, she just wanted to get out of the living room.

Just then the loud audible sound of the lift chiming in the corridor rang out again.

Both of us froze in place as we saw the hulking shadow of Thomas outside the corridor again.

Then there was the unmistakable ringing of the keys echoing into the living room.

Both of us got back down onto the ground and I harshly whispered to Joan .

James: He has the keys ?!!

Joan whispered back sharply saying that her parents had already changed the lock.

We paused and listened intently at what Thomas was doing.

I could heard the key being inserted into the cylinder set of the main timber door.

Both Joan and I shared a look and she quickly whispered.

Joan : We only changed the padlock !.

I pushed her towards the direction of her bedroom corridor while I dived towards the main door.

No, I’m not trying to push it shut, I was going for the 2 pair of slippers and the bag of dinner trash that were right beside the door.

I had placed the trash there with the intention of bringing it out when I leave, Joan conveniently just threw our slippers there when she brought it in earlier.

It’s not easy to turn the cylinder of the timber door without unlocking the gate but it’s not impossible.

I heard the sickening click right when I grabbed the slippers and almost immediately the knob turned and I heard the creak of the old door when I lifted the plastic bag off the floor.

I was thankful for the old rusty hinges as the creak masked the sound of the plastic bag.

I had not time to go anywhere and I stayed behind the door.

The door was pushed to a 15 degree opening. The low shadow of Thomas squatting down was cast long and willowy into the living room from the corridor light.

I saw him move, opening the door a little further, reducing the space I had behind the door.

He pushed even more, breaching the 45 degree angle as he peered into the empty dark living room.

I could hear him grunt as he tried to push the door wide open, and he managed another 10 degree, his push being stopped by the door closer .

I did not dare to breath, thinking back, it was really a comical sight.

I had both pair of slippers and the trash high above my head in a mock surrender position.

I could see Joan squatting at the end of the corridor, both her hands covering her mouth.

Then without warning, Thomas let go, allowing the door to close and eventually slam shut.

He was still outside the corridor, I heard the flick of a zippo lighter before the smell of cigarette came into the house.

I deposited the stuff in the kitchen and quickly joined Joan in the corridor.

James: He’s still outside.

She exhaled and shook her head and told me to ignore him and head into her room.

Joan kept the lights off and the only light in the room was the green led light from the air conditioner near the ceiling after she turned it on.

Thankfully the window of her bedroom is not facing the corridor.

James ; You going to fumble in the dark the whole night ah ?

Joan : Haha.. yah… are you afraid of the dark ?

I laughed.

James : 怕黑。。。。你不是白白的活着吗？ 。。。

Joan laughed and said I’m the cheesiest person she’s ever knew before climbing onto her bed.

She has a queen size bed in the room, it took up a significant portion of space even though it’s tucked against the corner. About a third of the bed was filled with bolsters of at least 3 different sizes, soft toys, a shawl, a cardigan and I even saw a book nestled in the middle.

She propped herself upright and pulled the blanket over herself.

She was a little embarrassed by what happened earlier, and she tried to offer me an explanation. She did what she did not because she was afraid of Thomas, but because she did not want to face the reality of dealing with that problem for the time being.

I nodded knowingly in the dark room.

I took Joan’s chair, swivelled around and sat down. I put both hands on my knees with my legs propped wide open and in a serious tone, made Joan a proposal.

James : Ok, be serious now……

Joan perked up, her head straightened and looked at me as if I had an important announcement.

I paused and pretended to consider my proposal before speaking.

James : $200.

Joan : Huh ? What $200 ?

I stood up, checked the window and the door before turning around to reply Joan.

James : For $200, I’ll stay and protect you for tonight…

It took Joan a second or so to digest what I just said before I saw a Minnie mouse flew towards me and hit my head.

Before I could pick it up, micky and Donald came over too.

I picked up all three and was about to put them back on the bed and 3 small minions joined in the foray and hit me squarely on the head.

James : oei.. oei… okok…. Price can negotiate .

Joan laughed as I put the bunch of toys back where they belonged.

I immediately went over to open her cupboard.

Joan : Oeeehhh.. what are you doing… ?

James : Where do you keep your spare towels ? I need to shower before sleeping.

She laughed and this time round, she took the biggest bolster, stood up on her bed and hit me squarely on the chin.

She got out of bed, came over and closed the cupboard.

She walked over to the drawers and pulled out a pink towel before passing it to me.

Without a word, she got back into her bed.

Joan : I’m not paying you $200 James… haha… but I can consider buying you breakfast.

I smiled and shook the towels at her before giving a little bow.

Right before I left the room, she whispered harshly after me.

Joan : And don’t on the lights…..

10pm.

I had an erection again when I used the same soap, shampoo and facial foam as Joan. The thought of smelling like her, of using the same toilet bowl, of using her towel, of even being in the bathroom she used sent my hormones into overdrive.

It is so hard to describe that feeling of euphoria.

There were no lingerie or worn clothes of any kind in the bathroom.

I took a quick shower in the dark and left the bathroom. I hope I would have more time and opportunity to explore it in the future.

10.15pm

I did not know if Thomas was still outside and I don’t care.

I entered Joan’s room again, she had a tiny reading light on, directed onto her book. The orange glow gave her skin a nice colour tone, a little dream like scene.

She pointed to a sports bag on the floor.

Joan : You can wear some of Thomas’s old clothes if you like..

I looked at the packed bag on the floor, seems like he’s a goner for sure.

James : No way… I’m not wearing his clothes…

Joan : Haha.. you going to sleep in these ah ?

I gestured to her cupboard.

James : Anything of yours I can fit ?

She laughed, chuckled in a silly manner before adding.

Joan : don’t be silly la…. Haha

She went on to say that if I can find any, I can wear them.

I briefly pushed and browse through her clothes, I could make out some dresses and tops I’ve seen her in at work. Then right at the corner, I saw some robes.

My Bet with my colleague (Part 9)

By ilikeoldchangke

8.30pm

After dinner, I considered heading back when Joan asked if I would like some tea.

I tried to lighten up the atmosphere but giving her a delirious look, my eyes widened, and I licked my lips at the same time.

James : Slurp…. You know in the movies what happens when the girl ask the guy to stay for tea ?

I rubbed my hands in glee.

Joan just smiled and told me to carry on dreaming.

We settled down on the sofa and I asked Joan why she not report this to the authorities.

James : It’s a criminal offence.

As Joan took me through the situation, I kind of pitied her circumstances.

It’s true Thomas was wrong and Joan had every right to go to the police. The thing is Thomas had in a way been part of the family for the past decade.

Ten years is a long time.

Even Joan’s parents had grown to accept him as part of the family.

It’s not an easy call to simply call the cops on someone like this.

Ten years is only 8 alphabets when you read it on screen.

Ten years is from the day you step into primary one, till the day you graduated with your ‘O’ levels.

Joan went on to say that it’s a sticky situation, imagine every Chinese new year, all the family gatherings, Thomas was there.

Things took such a sudden and drastic change that even her parents were a little lost.

That was part of the reason why they chose to get away from the country for a while to sort out their thoughts.

Joan cried once, got mad twice and burst into uncontrolled laughter 3 times durng the course of an hour.

When she ran out of words, she just stared at me with her round eyes.

James : Ok… ok… let’s change the topic shall we… this is the last thing you need on your mind right now.

Joan wiped away her tears with the back of her hand and got up to clear the tea cups.

I helped her do the dishes while she just stood by the side and watched.

Joan had just plonked herself back onto the sofa when her phone rang. She rejected the call, it was not hard to guess who it was.

It rang a couple of times but each time Joan swiped the reject button.

I was about to speak when the tone for messages came through. I watched Joan’s finger flicked through them when suddenly her eyes widened.

It was not a look of surprise but of fear.

She got up quickly and grabbed me by the shirt.

Joan : Thomas’s is just at the carpark….. shit… shit..

For a moment I thought Joan wanted to throw me out , or to quickly get me away to prevent any further misunderstanding but I was wrong.

She pleaded with me to close shut all the windows whilst she removed both our slippers from the entrance.

I quickly followed suit.

Joan shut and bolted the door and dashed to switched off the lights for the living room and kitchen, plunging the whole place into darkness.

I dashed into her room and switched off the lights too before coming out.

I was heading towards Joan when I heard the loud chime of the lift door opening outside the unit.

Joan ducked downwards and when I approached her, she pulled me by my pants, pulling me down to her level.

Right at that moment, I saw the large shadowy figure of Thomas on the window.

There was a low bass like boom as he cupped his hands and plastered his face onto the window, trying to make out the interior.

I could not understand why was Joan hiding but I could tell she was afraid so I just kept quiet and played along.

We were plastered against the wall too, the low parapet wall of the corridor that separated us from Thomas, peering up slightly, I saw the shadow retreated before it reappears a distance away on another panel.

And again it went, another low boom as Thomas tried to look into the unit.

I could see Joan breathing pretty fast as she just looked at me, helpless and afraid.

I put my arms around her and mouthed that everything would be ok.

Just then I head the unmistakable shifting of a cabinet, the dragging some of timber on concrete floor.

The sandy drag went on for a second or 2 before and loud smack against the low wall we were huddling against.

Wham !. That smack of Joan’s shoe cabinet made her jumped and she dug her fingers into my arms.

I looked up and realised that the top louvred windows were wide open.

Yes, the typical HDB windows had 2 parts. The sliding ones were closed, but the top hung portion was wide opened on the extreme end.

Thomas would be able to make us out from that angle if we remained still.

I grabbed Joan and I forced her to move.

She shook her head, petrified and scared.

I half dragged her off the ground right when I felt the entire length of window vibrate as I was the shadowy figure got taller and both palms hit against the window panels for support.

The boom was louder and the vibrations amplified Joan’s helplessness in that dark living room.

I grabbed Joan and we dove down behind the sofa onto a carpet. I forced her to lay flat and I put a finger to her mouth.

Jokes aside.

That point in time, I felt like I’m Tom cruise or some action super star.

The position I was in is not a good one.

I failed my commanders who taught me In the army.

In cover and concealment, I need to be able to see my enemy.

At that moment, I was certain Thomas could not see us, but I could not see him either.

I was just lying beside Joan on her right when I heard this pretty loud tapping sound.

It sounded awfully familiar.

Click. Tap tap tap.

Click.

It suddenly struck me what it was because I was using the same phone.

The 1st click was when you slide and unlock the screen.

The 4 taps with the audible tones the password you keyed in.

The last click for redial.

Till this day I could not figure out how my brain processed this information and translated to the following series of actions.

It just happened naturally.

Joan was gripping onto her phone with her right hand, I immediately gripped onto that hand together with the phone, I placed it on her tummy and immediately flipped my body over her.

The moment I was over Joan, the phone started vibrating.

Joan did not expect me to go over her and she got a shock, so she naturally used her right hand to cover her privates and her left to cover her breast and stared at me wide eyed.

It took her only a second to realise what I was trying to do and of all things to do, she let go of the vibrating phone and hugged onto me, pressing me down on the phone.

My eyes widened too and Joan’s mouth gaped opened but she hugged me tighter. The vibration was strong, there was no room for self control.

My erection raged forward, no doubt Joan could feel my dick slowly pushing the vibrating phone out of place.

She hugged me tighter, using both our pelvis to sandwich that cursed vibrating piece of device. We would hear the vibration, we only hoped out body could filter out the sound.

It lasted about 40 seconds.

When it stopped, we panted and suddenly we heard the clicking sound and Joan hugged onto me again, the movement squishing my poor penis onto the radiation emitting device and in turn onto her privates.

It stopped again after another 30 seconds or so.

Then it was all quiet.

I heard the loud slam of an adult landing on the concrete floor before the dragging of the cabinet sounded out again.

It hit against the wall with a slam.

Then it was all quiet before the lift chimed.

Joan’s hands left my back and she gently nudged me off her.

I got off and rolled onto my back,.

Both of us laid in the dark, quiet for a good 10 seconds or so before we burst out laughing.

My Bet with my colleague (Part 8)

By ilikeoldchangke

I reacted and the next thing I knew, Mr Chan and another colleague was trying to pry a letter opener out of my hand while several other male colleagues were hold Thomas down.

The next thing that happened shocked me even more.

Mr Chan let go of me, grabbed Thomas by his collar and slapped him across his left cheek with a loud smack.

Everyone was shocked.

Nobody moved as Mr Chan just shoved Thomas against the wall and let him go.

I could see the look of surprised on Thomas face as he looked at the 60 year old man that just hit him.

Mr Chan broke the silence 3 seconds later.

Mr Chan : Get the fuck out of my office.

He pointed his finger at Thomas and added.

Mr Chan : Joan told me…..she told me everything….get out before I call the police.

Thomas shot both Mr Chan and I a look before pushing himself away from the crowd and got out of the office.

The atmosphere was a little heated, colleagues asked if I was ok and I nodded my head.

Suddenly the office joker / gay , Junwei spoke and lightened up the atmosphere.

Junwei : Mr Chan ho man wor…. ~~~ haha

There were some scattered laughter and Mr Chan laughed, asking everyone to head back to work.

He asked if I was ok and I give him the thumbs up.

He did not tell me what Joan told him, and I did not ask.

The rest of the week came and went.

Taking on another person’s job is no mean feat, the paper work alone meant several extra hours at work.

For the first time that week, Mr Chan did not chase me away at 8pm.

Joan did not contact me at all that week and seriously, I was so busy with work, I hardly thought about her.

11th Jan 2013

Friday

8pm

Mr Chan told me to take care of my health and to let him know if I needed anything before heading off.

10.20pm

The office was quiet, and I had finally finished both Joan and my stuff for the week.

I was exhausted and I needed a massage.

I drafted a mail to Joan, purely professional mail to keep her up to date on what she’s missing out.

A 2nd mail followed to ask her how was she coping.

James email ;

Dear Joan,

How are you coping? Hope everything is fine on your end.
Our cubicle feels empty without you around.

Come back soon.

PS : I’ll wear anything you want…as long as you’re back.

I did not see the need to update her on what happened in the office. She’s had enough on her mind.

11.20pm

I only just stepped into my room when I received an email reply from Joan .

She has left the country and is in Malaysia. She’s spending sometime with a relative in a quiet fishing village in Kukup, somewhere up north of Johor.

She’s feeling a lot better and just need some time alone.

Her message ended with ;

PS : it’s nice and quiet up here. Love the sound of the waves at night. Wish I could slap you….

I laughed and closed the email application.

If only she knew her slap quota just got deducted by 1 that week.

12th Jan 2013

Saturday

11am

I woke up at 11am and I could feel my stomach growling.

I saw 7 miss calls from Joan but I was too hungry to do anything other than find some food.

I had a nice breakfast at a coffee shop, read the papers and hit the gym.

I tried returning Joan’s call but it did not get through.

I took a afternoon nap and when I got up at 4.30 pm , I saw 3 more miss calls from Joan and a message asking if I’m free to meet up at the void deck near her place.

I agreed.

6.30pm

I could see Joan from a distance away. Her back was facing me and she had on long grey track pants and a long sleeve white hoodie.

The hood was down and Joan was just tapping away on the phone.

I approached and tapped Joan on the shoulder.

I flashed my brightest smile and said

James : Got miss me or not… ?

When Joan turned around, my smile left my face.

There was a bandage on her left cheekbone the size of a credit card that covered all the way to the corner of her left eye.

There were some scratches on her forehead that were already healing.

The bruise on the side of her lip was still a little purplish.

Joan tried to smile but I could see it hurt.

I took her hand and tried to lift up her long sleeve but she pushed my hands away.

Joan : James… don’t… I’m sorry…..

Joan : I didn’t know what happened until Amy called me this morning…. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding…

I could see her eyes starting to tear and I tried to calm her down.

I did not ask Joan what happened but I could pretty much guessed.

When the time is ripe, perhaps she would share it with me.

I spent 5 minutes trying to calm her down. I told her she needed to rest but she said she felt so bad that she just had to see me in person to apologise.

I told her it’s ok, all is forgiven and that she better go back up to rest.

Joan : Ok… I’m really sorry James….sorry for getting you involved.

I wanted to send her to the lift but she said she needed to grab dinner for herself at the coffee shop a few bus stops away.

I told her I’m going with her and she nodded her head.

Her parents were still in Kukup, she insisted on returning to Singapore to apologise to me against the wishes of her parents.

We hardly spoke during the bus ride and I could see a few uncomfortable glances from the public when we took the bus and queued for the food.

Joan did not feel comfortable eating in public in her state, we packed food for both of us and headed back to Joan’s place.

She did not officially invite me up, nor did she ask me not to tag along.

I just went along naturally right up to her place.

It felt so weird.

Only days ago, I was just here, sneaking around. Yet here I was, standing beside Joan as she unlocked her door for me.

I stepped into Joan’s place and she said she needed the bathroom. I place the food on the dining table and watch Joan head towards the toilet.

Right before she closed the door, Joan turned around and asked.

Joan : James….. are you mad ? …. At me… ? and everything ?

I smiled and shook my head.

Joan smiled too and entered the bathroom.

The moment I heard the click of the lock, I dashed towards the bedrooms.

I opened door after door, trying to determine which was Joan’s room.

I got it on the 2nd try and I went into a room with walls full of pictures. There were pictures of Joan and Thomas during happier times.

Yes, there were laundry in the basket.

Yes, there were lingerie on the bed.

Yes, there were worn clothes all around, enough for a sick pervert like to me indulge in the whole day.

But I was not interested in those that day.

I searched though Joan’s desk, lifting documents, envelopes, letters.

It did not take long for me to find what I wanted.

I only manage to find Thomas’s namecard stuck to a magnetic board together with an array of other stuff. I took it and stuffed it into my back pocket.

I quickly got back out to the living room and settled down a the dining table.

Joan came out shortly after and sat down beside me.

She helped me open up my food and place the utensils properly for me.

Joan : James…. You sure you’re ok ? Won’t get mad ?

I nodded with a smile and ask Joan to tuck into her food.

Of course James won’t get mad.

Nothing comes out of getting mad.

James don’t get mad…

James get even. ..

My Bet with my colleague (Part 7)

By ilikeoldchangke

I know by now many of you will probably laugh and say I’m a sick pervert but I don’t care. We all have a different side, perhaps you can say a darker side we do not want to admit.

The way you let your eyes linger a little longer on your hot colleague, the manner in which you glance at your sister in law, the contact you crave when doing physical sports with some hot friends. Would you really pass up on similar opportunities?

I was still feeling the excitement as shut my bedroom door behind me and place my prize in the cupboard.

I went to take a shower and gently wash the lacy panty I was wearing the whole day.

I needed to dry it without anyone else knowing, the last thing I needed was my parents or my siblings chancing upon it.

I still owe them an explanation for the dildo and some ropes they found when I was still attached with my ex gf.

I shut off the lights and got into bed with the bag in hand.

Slowly I undid the ribbon and took out Joan’s worn panty.

I wasted no time and I had this silly fear that her fragrance and her feminine smell would escape and fade into the room if I left it out in the open for too long.

Pressing it to my nose, I took a deep breath, instantly feeling my erection poking and pushing against my boxers.

I imagined myself pressing my nose against Joan’s privates, relishing her love hole’s unique aroma.

I imagined Joan stroking my hair, pressing my head down harder on her privates.

I imagined Joan gasping and moaning as I feasted on her erroneous region.

All the while I gently stroked myself, taking in deep whiffs and the scent of Joan’s underwear.

Sick, desperate and silly, that was what I would call my action but at that moment I really couldn’t care less.

I was about to cum at the height of my own arousal and I had already gotten to the point that I had the part of the cotton panty where Joan’s privates were most likely to be directly on my nose when my phone rang.

It was nearing midnight and I was not happy that I was disturbed.

I tried to reach for my phone but the ringing stopped after 3-4 rings before I could answer.

It was Joan.

I considered calling her back but I was tempted to finish what I had started.

I only just got myself settled back down when I heard a message come through.

And another…

And another.

The series of beeps affected my mood and I got a little frustrated even though I knew chances are it was Joan .

I decided to stop and I unlocked my phone for the messages.

As if the barrage of messages were not enough to dampen my mood, the following messages that followed killed my erection.

Joan sms : James…. Thank you for spending the day with me…. I really appreciate it….

Joan sms : I just want to say i’m really happy for all the things you’ve done for me so far no matter how small and silly they may be……

Joan sms : I’m going through a rough patch…… and I’m glad you are there for me….

Joan sms : I just want to be upfront….. I don’t want to lead you on….. it’s just … not a good time….

Joan sms : Hope you understand.

Well, some things are really obvious and you do not need to explicitly spell it out.

Yes I already know you just needed company.

I knew you just broke up.

I knew.

I knew I was just taking my chance.

I knew there was hardly any possibilities you would jump right back into a relationship given that you just ended one.

I knew.

I really know.

It’s really just common sense.

I did not go on a date with you expecting you to fall head over heels with me just because I wore a panty you bought.

Still, I lost the mood to cum and I just kept Joan’s grey panty back into the bag and went to sleep.

6th January 2013

Sunday.

I did not reply any of Joan’s messages simply because I did not know what to say.

She did not call, neither did she drop me any more messages that weekend.

7th January 2013.

Monday

8am

I got into work early as I needed to be at a client’s office at 9.30am. I printed what I needed and took my documents and left.

1.30pm

It was already way past lunch by the time I got back into office. I was starving but I wanted to unload the huge bag of samples before I go grab a bite.

I turned and looked at Joan’s work station, her PC was not on, and her desk was clean and neat. It did not seem like she was in office that day.

Before I could do anything else, Mr Chan happened to step into office and he gestured me over to his office.

I took a seat opposite him and he filled me in.

It turns out that he had just finish having lunch with Joan and that she had a personal request. She wanted a month off to sort out some personal matters.

He had already approved her no pay leave after learning her situation.

Mr Chan : I hope you do not mind covering for Joan for this period.

I told Mr Chan not to worry, I’ll do what I can.

He passed me a gift box, saying that it was from Joan.

Mr Chan : She knew you would be covering for her, so she bought you a gift in advance to thank you for the trouble.

After another 30 minutes of work related chat, I excused myself to grab some lunch.

I opened the box after coming back and saw a post it note.

I recognised Joan’s handwriting straight away.

Inside the box was the same paper bag that held my boxers.

The message went;

“You took the wrong one idoit!!. Washed and dried yours, I expect the same to be done for mine !!! “

PS : Don’t wear it, it doesn’t fit

Joan

I smiled and kept the gift box in my drawer.

I received a message from Joan at 3pm.

Joan sms : James…. Did not hear from you since sat, are we ok ?

I replied after i finished my lunch.

James sms : Of course we are. Have a good rest. Will cover in the meantime.

Joan sms : You’re the best !

The highlight of that day happened when we’re about to knock off work .

At 5.30pm that day, everyone in the office had a surprise.

I recognised him from pictures Joan had showed me before.

Thomas came to the office.

He was gesturing and talking to the receptionist before he just barged into the office.

He just walked through the office and I could see the receptionist Siti quickly going to Mr Chan’s office.

Thomas wandered around before finally coming over to my cubicle, the moment he saw Joan’s name at the cubicle beside mine, he asked in a voice that was too loud for me to respond to him properly.

Thomas : Where is Joan ? I need to talk to her.

I shot him a look and replied.

James : I don’t know, this is an office. People work here, take your problems outside.

He walked right up to me in an aggressively manner and I stood up immediately, rising to my full height, staring back at him.

His face came close, his eyes widened as if he wanted to pick a fight.

Thomas : What’s your problem.. ? You got something to say, ? huh ? You got something to say ? We step outside la… lai ….

By then several of the male staff had stood up and gathered around us.

Mr Chan came too.

I was about to reply Thomas when suddenly I just felt myself stagger back a step or so. It happened so fast I did not realise it had actually happened.

Thomas had shoved me, pushing me on my chest, raising his voice at the same time.

Thomas : Don’t think I don’t know. Joan told you right…Joan told you right or not….. I know Joan told you…

That was all I could make out before I felt the numbing sensation on my left cheek and it took me half a second to register the pain of the slap.

My Bet with my colleague (Part 6)

By ilikeoldchangke

I knew she was already tipsy, chances are she would not pay much attention to the bags. She’s going to go back, probably dump everything on the floor and only sort them out the next day anyway, which meant if I could get away with it, I could have my prize for a day at least.

I passed Joan the rest of her shopping and held my breath.

She entered the lift and waved a half hearted goodbye.

I waited for the lift to close before I went over to the staircase and got ready.

When the lift stopped at the 4th floor, I quickly dashed up the stairs, taking 2-3 steps at a time.

I slowed my pace when I was about to reach, fighting to keep my breathing steady.

It’s a good opportunity to find out where Joan lives and I’m not going to waste it.

I peered out from the small glass panel from the staircase door and I caught a glimpse of Joan struggling to open the gate with her keys.

She dropped her keys twice before she unlocked the gate.

With all the commotion she was making, I was surprised her parents did not come out to help her.

I could feel my sweat dripping down my back as I observed Joan from the stuffy staircase landing. She finally got the main door open and she half pushed and kicked it open.

I saw her stepped into the unit and I pushed open the staircase door slightly just in time to hear the closing of the metal gate.

Seconds later, the heavy timber door closed with a thump.

I tiptoed over to the unit and made a mental note of the unit number and the surroundings.

I saw a old timber cupboard outside the door and I was elated. Chances are it was a shoe cabinet.

Perhaps I could find some of her nice slutty heels she wore to work occasionally.

I could not hide my excitement and was about to open the cupboard door when suddenly I hear the snap of a bolt.

I panicked and I squatted down immediately and ducked walk a few steps away.

I immediately saw the spill of light into the corridor as Joan’s door swung open.

I visually calculated the distance from where I was to the stair landing and curse under my breath that I would not be able to make it.

There were no blind spots at all.

I was out in the open.

I was already fumbling to think of a reason should Joan come out of her unit when another loud smack on the concrete floor of the corridor made me jump and almost pee in my pants.

I turned and realised that Joan had threw her slippers out through the gate.

I had pack them into the shoe box that was meant for the heels only moments ago.

Thankfully, the door closed and I quickly made my way to the staircase landing and scrambled down the stairs.

As I approached the main road to hail a cab, something struck my mind.

I had put her slippers into the shoe box, packed it into the shoe bag. Placed everything into the main big bag she was carrying.

As an empty cab pulled up to me, I realised that her taking out her slippers could only mean one thing.

She’s actually unpacking her shopping stuff.

Everything I had anticipated and predicted was wrong.

I fumbled with the paperbag in my hand as I told the cab driver my address.

I felt the cab accelerate, forcing me back onto the seat right at the moment my phone rang.

It was Joan .

I bit my lip and answered the call.

Joan : James…. Where are you ?

James : On a cab why ?

There was a moment of silence before she spoke.

Joan : Thanks for the shawl.

I felt my heart dropped and I managed to reply her.

James : Happy belated birthday ….

Joan : Good night…

I hung up and exhaled, fingering the precious small paper bag in my hand.