My bet with my colleague

The very next day, I received a message that is so brutal that it made me laugh out loud.

Joan sms :

“Hi James… I’ve just been dumped by my boyfriend. I need someone to accompany me and make me smile. Do not for a moment think you stand a chance. You are just a stand in replacement till I find someone. PS : I am a very selfish person. You can choose to ignore this message. Joan “

I laughed and almost choked on my soya bean drink that morning when I saw Joan’s message.

I wanted to draft a reply but the next message came through.

Joan sms : Can you spend this afternoon with me ?….. and just agree to go along with everything I want to do …

And the next one followed suit.

Joan sms : I’m a in foul mood, i bet……. you would surely say ‘no’ to me before the day is over.

I sipped and drained my drink and the 4th message came through.

Joan sms : I bet…. 2 x slap…

I smiled and replied.

James sms : Can we be more civilised ?

Joan replied almost immediately.

Joan sms : 3 x slap

1 minute later

Joan sms : 4 x slap

Another minute later

Joan sms : 5 x slap

James sms. Ok… ok… I get the drift… Where do we meet ?

Joan wanted to meet for lunch so we arranged to meet in town at City Hall station at 12.30pm.

I was feeling pretty happy to be meeting Joan no matter how you want to view this date. Yes, you can say I’m silly, it’s a one sided affair and so on and so forth.

It doesn’t matter to me.

A date, is a date, is a date.

I had a shower, got changed and took the train down to town at 11.30am. I was early and I got to city hall at 12.10pm

It’s my first official date after all and I have no intention of being late.

I was dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt. I took a short stroll around the underground mall before heading back to the station at 12.25pm.

When I saw Joan exit the gantry, I burst out laughing from where I stood.

It was one of the few times in my life I was left speechless and I just want to smile and giggle.

It seemed she has already started on her self-destructive behaviour.

She was wearing a simple pair of shorts, nothing too short, just mid-thigh pants that’s grey in colour. She had on a crumpled white t-shirt with absolutely no prints on it. Her hair looked like she just work up from a nap and they were tied up with a red rubberband.

Those red rubber band you get when you take away chicken rice.

She had no expressions on her face and she had no bags. Her only possession was her phone and a wallet she carried.

I can hear the muted slapping of her slippers as I watch her come towards me.

Joan : How ? Ugly right… unglam right…no wonder I got dumped. … i deserve it..

She started a slew of self-depreciating comments and I just kept quiet, allowing her to go on.

Joan : You can go back you know… if you find it embarrassing to walk beside me.

Truth is, I still find Joan beautiful despite seeing her in her market clothes.

There was no makeup, no fancy clothes, no need for branded bags. Her skin is naturally radiant , it’s evident that she took care of them.

Her hair may look a little puffy and messy but there is no hiding the fragrance of shampoo and the silkiness of its texture.

Her T-shirt may be crumpled, but they fit nicely on her body frame. Her pants may look like something you wear to the wet market but her bottom filled it up properly.

The cheap market slippers she was wearing that day only served to show me how nicely manicured her nails were.

Secretly I laughed at my observations.

Perhaps it’s true they say beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder.

I chose my words carefully before speaking.

James : Eh… you going wet market ah…

She gave me a look that made me reconsidered making any other snide remark.

She just gave a sigh, linked arms with me and we started walking.

Joan : yah.. I feel like an auntie…

Almost immediately when our hands touched, Joan started going on again.

Joan : I’m just using you James…. I know you are angry…. you feel the world is unfair… I’m a jerk… but too bad…. This is the way things are going…..

Before she could go on further, I quickly asked about our lunch plans.

James : What do you feel like eating ?

She shrugged her shoulders.

In the end, Joan could not make up her mind, in the end, we bought snacks, drinks and we ate as we shopping along the underground mall.

She was chirpy and talkative for a moment, then she sank back down to an awkward silence, then for no apparent reason, she would make some silly jokes.

Then came a barrage of attempts to make me say ‘no’ to her.

I make sure I considered my reply carefully and I constructed my sentences cautiously, leaving her in no doubt that I’m not falling for her tricks.

Joan tried to appear cheerful again after failing to trip me.

I feel bad for her, it’s got to be pretty sucky to pretend that you are alright when you are not.

It’s such a long relationship, it’s not possible to have a clean break.

We passed by one boutique and Joan just pass me the yogurt drink she was drinking and went in to take a look.

I saw her checking out this khaki coloured pants before talking to the sales staff.

It’s a stylish 3/4 cropped pants with no prints.

After a 3 minute chat, she went to the cashier, paid for the pants and went straight into the dressing room.

I took a quick look around and I could not resist but take a sip of Joan’s drink.

I felt the soft cold slush of her drink slide down my throat and I tried to imagine tasting her saliva.

She came out shortly after and asked for the tags to the pants to be cut off.

Joan was facing me as she turned around to allow the staff to cut off the tag and I gave her a thumbs up, signalling that she looked good.

She gave a smile and went back to the changing room to retrieve her old pants.

She placed them in the paperbag and we resumed shopping.

Joan : Better ?

I took another look and replied.

James : Hmmm… upgraded from wet market to Sheng Siong.

She laughed and ignored me.

I assumed she would want me to carry her bags for her but I was pleasantly surprised.

I offered to do it and was rebuked by Joan .

Joan : You’re my date James….not my slave… I can carry my own bag.

With that, she linked arms with me again and we continued our shopping trip.

To be honest, I was rather keen in getting my hands on the pants she changed out off.

After a short walk, Joan ducked into another boutique, this time coming out with this white off shoulder top. She let the soft fabric dropped naturally down her left shoulders, exposing her bra strap.

When she linked arms with me again, she shot me another look, as if she’s waiting for my remark and I did not disappoint her.

James : Ok… upgraded to NTUC.

She smiled and dragged me 20 steps forward to a shoe shop.

10 minutes later, Joan was taller than me.

A simple pair of casual heels propped her up slightly and she gave me this slanty eye look deliberately over her bare left shoulders when she’s a couple steps in front of me and I knew I had to reply her.

James : NTUC finest…

I saw her shoulders slouched and shivered and she laughed.

She slowed down and waited for me to catch up to her before we linked arms again.

Before we knew it , we were already done with the entire underground mall, coming out onto marina square. Joan passed by this accessories shop and she picked out the elegant hair clip adorned with a silver butterfly.

With a few deftly moves, she tidied up her hair and brushed back a couple of stray fringes.

James : Joan…

Joan : Yah ? ….

James : Ntuc finest is the most expensive market I’ve ever shopped at…. I don’t know any others liao. ….

She laughed out loud and for the first time that day, I believed she forgot about the unpleasant breakup with Thomas.

……………….

………………….

…………..

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.

…………

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 2013

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.

…………….

18th Jan 2013 

Friday

9.15am 

It was one of the few occasions I was late for work that day. 

I was in office till around 2am that morning before I headed back for a rest. 

Even then, I could not finish what I was supposed to be doing. 

A couple of clients had started to make noise, I was CCed in the mail that were directed to Mr Chan himself. 

My boss did not question me at all, he just dropped me a mail, asking me to try and prioritise and clear the backlog as much as I can. 

I had lunch alone at 2.30pm that day, my eyelids were heavy, I was exhausted and I could not think properly. 

Both Joan and my deliverables were starting to pile up. My plans for Thomas were in shambles, I simply scribbled bits and pieces of information and ideas on post it notes. 

It did not help when my mum called at 4.30pm to ask if Joan was coming over during the weekend. She wanted to do her grocery shopping in case she needed to cook. 

I told her I don’t think Joan would be coming over since she was still overseas. 

My perk me up call came at 5.30pm. It was a Malaysia registered cell number.

Hearing Joan’s voice on the phone had this weird effect on my mental well being, I felt slightly better hearing her ask about my day. 

Joan : How’s your day ? 

James : Haha… what do you think ? You got read your emails or not ? 

She apologised for dumping me with all the work, she had wanted to reply some of the mails but she did not have access to the information I had. 

Joan : Hehe.. Sorry la… I buy you dinner.. 

I had excused myself to the lift lobby by then, I did not want my colleagues to know that I was talking to Joan . 

James : How are you ? Feeling better ? 

Joan : Yup. Much better. 

James : Then come over my place and give me a massage. 

She laughed before she grew silent. 

Joan added a moment later that she could get her relative to drop her off at the customs the next day, she’ll make her way to my place thereafter. 

I immediately felt a stirring in my pants when I heard her reply and I tried to contain my excitement. 

James : Serious or not ? Don’t joke ah… my mum want to cook for you.. 

She laughed and asked me to tell my mum not to trouble herself. 

Right before we hang up, Joan asked if I’m picking her up at the checkpoint the next day. 

Joan : It’s gonna be pretty early you know… my uncle leaves for Singapore round 5.30. I should be at woodlands round 6.45am or so. 

I wanted to tell her I needed sleep but decided not to. She asked me to hold the line and I heard her speaking to someone on her end. 

Joan : Okok… around 7am at woodlands interchange. My uncle can drop me there. 

I agreed and hung up. 

8pm 

I left work at 8 that day and I went shopping for the rest of the stuff I needed. 

I bought a pair of cheap leather shoes from the neighbourhood shop. 

I added to my stash a large canvas bag, those really china ones looking with red, white and blue coloured strips. 

I dropped a ketchup squeeze bottle into my loot before making my way back. 

The thought of having Joan over again gave me a much needed energy boost. 

I dropped by the pharmacy and I bought condoms, lubricants and even one of those fancy vibrating ring. 

Nothing should go wrong this time round. 

I reached home at 9.30pm and I told my mum that I’m meeting Joan tomorrow morning, she’s coming over for the weekend. 

My mum started scolding me, asking why I said she was not heading over earlier in the day. 

James : It was a last minute decision. 

She took the opportunity to dig some information from me about Joan and I quickly answered them so she’ll leave me alone. 

James : Yes…. My colleague…. Yes…. Same office…. Yes…. Same cubicle…. Yes… do same project…. Yes…..yes… and more yes… 

I escaped when I had the chance and I heard her making plans with my dad to head to the market early the next day to do some shopping. 

Jasper came out of the shower and upon hearing Joan’s heading over, asked me if I could give him her mobile number. 

Jasper : Kor, gimme her number leh, I wasapp her for the textbooks she said she wanted to give me. 

I gave him a suspicious look before texting Joan about it. 

She told me to go ahead and give Jasper her number.

30 minutes later, I received a group notification beep only to realise that suddenly there was a new group chat initiated by my mum. 

Mum wasapp : Hello Joan. …. Auntie cook lunch for you tomorrow yah. .. See you.. 

Jasper wasapp : Yoz Joan… sup… 

James wasapp : You guys are freaky……Stop this…. Before you scare her off… 

Mum wasapp : I’ll create one more group without James…… he very irritating.

Joan wasapp : haha. Thank you auntie….. Sup Jasper… see you tomorrow. 

I allocated some time to tidy up my room 

I cleaned the aircon filter. 

I dusted my table 

I cleaned up my bedside table and placed a fresh box of tissues on it. 

I removed all the junk in the drawer of the bedside table and filled it with the condoms and lubricants I just bought. 

I knelt in the middle of my bed and I tried to visualise. 

I tried reaching for the tissues, the condoms, yes, everything was easily within reach. 

I place the aircon remote near too. 

That was it. 

I’m almost there. 

I can almost feel myself on top of Joan. 

I checked that my lock to the room was still working, after all, it’s been a while since I locked the door. 

I spent a bit of my new found energy working and reviewing the information I had so far about Thomas. 

I already knew his car right down to which area he was staying at. 

I even knew which cafes he frequent, and who his hairdresser is. 

It’s pretty amazing the amount of personal information people upload freely onto social media these days. 

Please be sure to check your privacy settings. 

I know a lot of people like to check in to cool cafes, hipsters restaurant and all, but to sick perverts like me, it only tells me one thing. 

No, not that you are dinning and having coffee in some cool place. 

It just tells me you are not at home. 

That’s all I needed to know.

Before I slept, I had a pretty good idea brewing for Thomas, but it’s very much dependent on timing and opportunity. 

I did some detailed sketches and diagrams, drew some funny stickman characters. 

Things got to happen at the right time, in front of the right people. 

I stuffed the notes into a file and put it together with the items I bought and transferred everything to the storeroom. My mum asked about the new purchases but I told her I needed them to test a new prototype at work.

I set my alarm for the next morning and fell asleep at 1am. 

19th Jan 2013 

Saturday

6am 

I boarded a bus, did a transfer and got to woodlands interchange at 7am sharp. 

I loitered around the drop off area near the train station, waiting for Joan to show up. 

A Malaysian registered mpv pulled up shortly and Joan stepped out of the passenger seat. She thanked her uncle for the lift before coming towards me. 

I was standing a distance away and I made no attempt to acknowledge her because her relative’s car was still hanging around. 

I’m not sure after what happened, her immediate relatives, parents included could accept a new man in her life. 

Joan was oblivious to her busybody relative and she just came towards me, gave me a smile and nudged me on the arm as we walked off together. 

Joan : Miss me or not… haha 

I observed the vehicle slowly pulling away, before picking up speed when we’re out of sight. 

James : My whole family misses you. What poison did you feed them ? 

She laughed and we boarded a train back to my place.

When we got in at 8.20am, my parents were out and my brother was still sound asleep. 

We were both pretty hungry, so after dropping off her overnight bag, we headed to macdonalds to grab some breakfast at Hougang mall since it’s a 10 minute walk from my place. 

She complained that I took so long to even choose a seat and I smile at her sheepishly.

James : The aircon so cold…. 

While Joan was placing the order, I took a look around and made sure the coast was clear. 

I took a picture of her back view. 

When I was sure she’s not looking, I took a picture of her at the condiments counter picking up napkins and chilli sauce. I took a few quick shots, I wanted to capture the drinks and food for 2 on the tray.

Half way through the meal, I pretended that my phone rang and I needed to take it outside as it’s quite noisy in the restaurant. 

Now I chose the seat beside another couple who arrived slightly earlier than us. They had only just set down their food when Joan went to make the order. 

The guy was pretty big sized, he should be able to block me easily if you were to look in from the exterior. 

If I chose to stand on the exterior of the restaurant, I can position myself such that I can take a picture down the long seats with the couple right in front while Joan and I were next in line. 

I switched my phone camera to burst mode, pretended to talk on the phone at the glass panel right beside the couple and fired away. 

I moved about, not sure if I could get the shot I wanted, I can’t check my phone as it’ll be too obvious, I just let the burst mode go wild as I paced up and down. 

I went back after a minute or so and finished my breakfast. 

Joan went to the bathroom and I took the opportunity to review the pictures and found a couple that looked pretty decent. 

I deleted the rest and went through my plan in my mind again. 

Timing… it’s all about the timing. 

Joan and I took a slow walk back to my place and we had a long chat. 

I casually asked if she was comfortable talking about Thomas, and why is he bent on getting in touch with her. 

James : Didn’t he initiated the breakup ? 

Joan brought me though the sequence of events that led to the breakup. It turns out that the relationship were on shaky ground around since early june in 2012. 

She suspected that he was two timing her but she was afraid to confront him and brushed it off as her own imagination. 

The truth came out when one of her friends saw Thomas with a PRC woman behaving intimately at a family ktv joint in August. She decided to head down and Thomas was caught red handed. 

James : What did he say ? 

Joan : That she was just a regular friend.. 

She was upset of course but she kept the matter from her parents. 

They quarrelled several times and she said he kept denying. 

Her parents did suspect something was off but since Joan did not come clean with them, they did not press her for answers. 

Thomas on the other hand tried to pretend everything was normal but Joan said she was just so lost and did not know what to do. 

The only thing she did was to immediately head for a check up back in August. 

Joan : I just felt so dirty, thinking about Thomas and the PRC girl. 

Joan : I refused to let him touch me since then. 

She went on to say that she felt compelled to keep the appearances up because of pressure from the family. There were no less than 6 major family gatherings including her grandparents 80th birthday celebration, weddings and baby shower that they attended together since August. She did not want relatives to ask unnecessary questions. 

During the Christmas season when Thomas came over for dinner, and he wanted to stay over. 

Joan : I refused. We quarrelled quite badly and he stomped off….. 

James : What happened next.. 

Joan paused, seemingly lost for words as she just looked down onto the floor. 

James : It’s ok if you don’t want to say….. 

Joan took a seat at one of the void deck benches and I joined her. 

Joan : My parents could not take it any longer and forced me to come clean and I told them everything. They were shocked and they asked me again and again if I was sure.

Joan : They confronted Thomas but he denied everything. He got angry, told my parents off and said he’s breaking up with me since they don’t trust him. 

Joan: My parents….. they did some digging and found out about the PRC girl. she’s an employee at the catering business…..

Joan : My mum immediately ran a check and said she would not be extending the work permit of the PRC girl when it expires in mid Jan. 

It was then I reeled around and stared at Joan. 

So the co –owner of the catering business is her mum. 

With a different surname from Joan and Thomas, I assumed it was purely a business partner with no blood relations.

I tried googling the name but it reeled no results. I guess her mum is not a big fan of social media. 

Joan : Thomas found out . He wanted to talk, he wanted to keep the girl here and he wanted to make up with me… he said I was overreacting… He even added the girl was a good chef. 

James : Can’t Thomas do the extension, he owns 50% of the company…… 

Joan paused and shot me a look, I quickly recovered and said he did mentioned he’s the boss when he came to the office and that he co-owned it. 

Joan went on to say that’s true but all the staff from admin to finance to the operation staff were hired by her mum before she handed the reins over to Thomas. 

Joan : They know who to side. She’s still the main signatory for the company. 

I could see Joan’s eyes welling up and I patted her on the shoulder. 

Joan : More than 10 years, and I thought I knew this person inside out. 

Joan broke down and I stopped my questions. 

10 minutes later when she spoke, I could feel the anger she suppressed inside herself. 

Joan : Then the day after I met you…he wanted to see me on Sunday… he came over to my place….my parents were at Church… 

She went on to tell me that he wanted talk and he realised his mistakes, he even mentioned he would like to make up barely 3 days he broke up with her. 

Joan confronted him again and said she would consider if he came clean about the PRC girl. 

Thomas admitted that it was a fling, and that they already broke up and yes, they had sex.

She spoke up then adding that since they broke up, it should not bother him that her mum was sending her back, and if he liked fucking her, he should just go back to China with her.

Thomas lost it and slapped Joan first. 

Joan threw the next punch, then everything went out of control.

I kept quiet and listened on. 

Joan : He kept messaging me lately, saying he’s sorry…. That he wanted to talk, to make up. He also wanted to keep the girl, saying that she’s a good worker and that she needed to support her family back in china.

James : He should be looking for your mum to keep her, why is he looking for you ? 

Joan : My mum has initiated a transfer of the business over to my name, we’re waiting for the papers. She said it’s something I should sort out on my own. 

She got up from the seat and began walking again. 

Joan : Thomas wanted a few things, he wanted to buy over my share when the transfer is done, and he wanted to keep the woman here and he wanted to make up. He wanted everything to go back to the way it once were.

I fell in step beside Joan and asked. 

James : Why can’t he just register a new business and keep that bitch ? 

Joan laughed and ruffled my hair. 

Joan : James ah James….. in this current climate…… you don’t suka suka open a new business and expect the ministry to give you permit for workers…. Haha…

I nodded and replied. 

James : So…. That means in the near future, you’re going to be a business owner ah ? 

She nodded in a disinterested manner. 

I took the opportunity to hold Joan’s hand, interlocking our fingers together. 

She was surprised and although she stared at me, she did not push me away. 

Joan : What…was that for ….. 

I led her to the lift lobby of my block and replied. 

James : You’re going to be a boss soon….. I’ve always wanted a sugar mummy… 

Joan laughed and ignored my comment. 

What’s important was that she did not push my hand away. 

We went up the lift and when we stepped into the house at 10.20am, my parents were back. My mum’s busy in the kitchen and she stopped what she was doing to say hi to Joan. 

The first thing she noticed was Joan’s red eyes and she shot me a look. 

I quickly avoided her and went into my room while Joan offered to help with the preparation. 

While Joan was busy in the kitchen, I did a bit of work, replied a few emails made a few calls.

…………..

My mum kept asking Joan if the food was ok during the meal. 

Is the soup too salty ? 

Is the vegetables too spicy ?

Is the meat too sweet ? 

Joan smiled with every reply, adding that it’s all nice and good, but she did not stop there, she added that the dinner my mum cook had something special. 

Joan : There’s the 家的味道。。 very homely. 

The smile never left my mum’s face that evening. 

7.45pm

Joan and I retreated to the room and I brought out my old lego set I used to meddle with. 

Together we recreated a simple model of Joan’s place and her immediate surroundings. We laughed and fought for the pieces we wanted to represent us. 

I selected a lego piece with a frown and moustache for Thomas and placed him at the model depicting Joan’s corridor. 

Joan took a look at the figure and she pulled out his head. 

Joan : Looks so much better now. 

I went over my plan with Joan and she made some adjustments and comments along the way. Now that she’s on board, certain shortcuts can be taken. 

It’s a lot easier for me to set everything up too. 

We went through the plan twice and did a dry run with the lego models, laughing and giggling along the way how funny it would be if everything worked accordingly to our plan. 

At 9.00pm that day, I got changed into black running shorts and t-shirt and I put on my running shoes. I even chose a black underwear. 

Joan saw my attire and asked what was I up to, I replied her honestly that I learned something from a very good friend of mine back in school days. 

Joan : Wah… you ninja ah…? 

James : If you are up to no good…. Gear up….. Be prepared to run. 

Joan : Hmm… good advice… where is your friend now ? 

James : Jail…. He out ran the police many times …. He was 1 of the best VCD seller at bedok interchange when we were in secondary school. 

Joan hit me on my head and asked what happened then. 

James : You can run 10 times, 100 times… the police just need to catch you 1 time. Game over. 

I lugged the items to the main door and gestured to Joan that we’re ready to go. 

As we entered the lift, Joan look at her get up in the reflection and said. 

Joan : I also want to change. 

I laughed said of course. 

We hailed a cab and arrive at Joan’s place at 9.45pm. I directed the cab to 2 blocks away, just in case Thomas decided to camp near Joan’s house. 

I checked that the coast was clear and we lugged all the items up. 

Our roles were clearly split even before we left the house and the moment we reached, we sprang into action. 

Joan opened the door and we carried the wooden shoe cabinet into the house. 

She set up the laundry rack along the corridor and left me on my own. 

I told her to head to the convenient stall and get me 2 bottles of water and a packet of condoms, and to remember to get the receipt and ask for a plastic bag. 

Using the tools I bought, I took apart the top piece of the shoe cabinet and flipped it over. 

I cut lines after lines along the middle of the top half using a cutter, causing the chipboard to flake and come loose with every cut. 

I did it till almost half way thought the thickness of the top cover. 

I removed the mid vertical support for the interior of the cabinet, with the support gone, you can no longer hold up the rest of the horizontal planks but it doesn’t matter. 

I let all the shoes pile on top of one another and I replaced the top cover. 

I opened the door and carefully moved it back into place. 

My shirt was already drenched with perspiration by then and Joan happened to get back with the items I needed. 

We opened both bottled of water and drenched the men’s shirt over the sink before wringing it dry and hanging it on the laundry rack on the corridor. 

I asked Joan for a set of her lingerie that Thomas would definitely recognised as hers and we did the same thing before hanging it at the laundry rack. 

I placed the cheap man’s shoes outside the main door and Joan added a pair of her flats beside it. 

I had about ¼ of water left in my bottle and Joan had about half. Using the lipstick, Joan left some lipstick marks at the mouth rim of the bottle and smudge some on the bottle cap. 

I checked that everything was done and I asked Joan to get changed while I clean up the mess we made so far. 

11pm

Joan came out in a pair of black Yoga pants, commenting that it felt a little tight. 

Joan : Die… put on weight liao… 

I looked that the pair of black pants hugging Joan’s bottom so tightly that I suddenly wished I was the one holding up her firm bottom. 

She wore a black running singlet but had on lime green sports bra. 

As she put on her running shoes, I composed the message to Thomas using the sim card I bought online. 

James sms : Hi Thomas… You gimme namecard in office. I think I see Joan. She stay sengkang is it ? 

I hit sent. 

Almost immediately, my phone rang but I rejected it. 

It rang again and I hit reject again before I draft a message. 

James sms : Sorry… I don’t want to be involved… but can you gimme $300 catering voucher for next month if I tell you where is Joan ?

Thomas replied immediately 

Thomas sms : No problem. Can. Where is she ? 

James sms : I see her walking with a guy…. I at sengkang now…. Near rivervale plaza… 

Thomas sms : Where ? Which block ? 

James sms : Confirm can gimme the voucher ? 

Thomas sms : Can.. I can give you cash if you want too…where is she ? 

James sms : no need. The voucher you put at reception… I go take. 

Thomas sms : Can… where is she now… ? 

James sms : They walking around the hdb block… donno go where…Joan stay near here ? 

Thomas dropped me a message with Joan’s address and I replied that they look like they heading over to that block. 

James sms : They going up liao… are you coming ? if not wait you say I lie ? 

Thomas immediately replied that he’s on his way. 

James sms : Okok. I think they go in lift liao…. Good luck…

I stopped my messaging and I signalled to Joan that it was time to go. 

She left her room light on, and placed her phone in the middle of the dining table on ring mode. 

We shut door and placed the 2 bottles of water inside the plastic bag. I bunched the bag down, arranging it such that it gave an appearance that we were in a hurry and left the bag on top of the shoe cabinet. 

I made sure the receipt is prominently displayed, sticking it to the side of one of the bottle. 

We had already kept the condoms in Joan’s room. 

We crossed over to the neighbouring block and found a vantage point 1 floor above Joan’s unit. It gave us a good view her corridor and the road below. 

We giggled and laugh in excitement and we were both imagining how the scene would play out. 

We chatted and kept looking down to the road below. 

It was about a 20 minute wait. 

11.45pm

Joan grabbed my hand and nodded her head towards a car pulling into the small road. It turned head into the rubbish bin area and the engine and lights went out. 

Thomas got out and I saw him walking briskly towards the lift lobby. 

Moments later we saw him at the corridor. 

He plastered his face on the window again and he reached for his phone, presumably dialling her number. 

He must have heard the phone in the house because he literally slammed his face back against the glass, trying to make out where the sound was coming from. 

He went from panel to panel and I could see him keep repeating his calls. 

It was then then he took notice of the water on the shoe cabinet and we giggled as we saw him ransack through the bag , no doubt snooping to see what Joan was up to. 

He turned around and saw the laundry rack,

He took a closer look and no doubt must have noticed the men’s shirt drying on the rack together with some of Joan’s lingerie. 

Then it happened. 

Thomas shifted the shoe rack again, moving it towards the part where the top hung window is opened. 

I could feel Joan squeezing my hand while she chuckled that it was going to happened. 

And it did. 

I was half expecting Thomas to get up on the cabinet before falling down but when Thomas pressed down the top panel to hoist himself up, it collapsed with a loud smack and we saw the comical sight of him disappearing from view totally.

Joan burst out laughing, slapping her knee and I giggled a good deal too. 

Thomas stayed out of sight for a while and after what seemed like 1 minute or so, we wondered did he hit his head and faint or something. 

Then Joan suddenly gripped my hand, her gaze was directed not towards her corridor but towards the parked car at the bottom. 

A woman emerged with phone in hand, she looked upwards as she answered. 

She was scantily dressed, her choice of clothes and the branded Chanel bag she held on so dearly screamed PRC. 

She wobbled on her high heels on the pavements quickly towards the lift lobby. Thomas must have called her for help. 

I was about to turn to Joan when I saw her grabbed a brick from some potted plants along the corridor we were hiding at and started running down the stairs. 

James : Fuck… 

I immediately got up and ran after her. 

James : Joan…!!… Joan !! wait.. please… 

We were on the 5th floor of the opposite block and Joan flew down the steps, brick in hand. 

She took 2 steps at a time, jumped the last 4 steps and kept going. 

I did my best to catch up to her, calling out her name along the way. I did not dare to be too loud, trying my best to direct my voice at her. 

James : Joan wait… wait… Joan! 

It was amazing how fast both of us tore up that 5 floors of steps, I could feel my feet and thighs burning when I jumped the last 5 steps onto the ground floor. 

I landed on both feet and staggered forward a few steps. 

Joan was only a couple of meters ahead of me. 

I sprinted, opened up my steps and managed to grabbed Joan’s left hand. 

James : Joan wait !… wait.. please. 

She shook me off effortlessly and continued on. 

I thought she wanted to smash the car but I was wrong. 

She went straight for the lift lobby of her place. 

I was panting hard, perhaps it was a mix of adrenaline and fear, I caught up to Joan and I managed to wrap my right arm around her waist. 

I went around the moment Joan made a dash forward, the momentum drove a sharp pain into my right shoulder blade. 

I held on, gripped and literally lifted Joan off the ground, retreating towards the opposite block. I was desperate to get some cover. 

It was then Joan struggled in the opposite direction and I felt the swing of her arms.

I looked back and saw the brick fly towards Thomas’ car the moment Joan called out

Joan : Bloody bitch… 

My heart almost dropped as I followed the trajectory of the brick. 

My balls shrank and immediately went back to normal size when I saw Joan missed and it only hit the frame of the rear wheel. 

Joan was still fighting to go forward and she left me no choice. 

I set her down, took a deep breath and did a fireman lift on her. 

Joan : ARhghhhh…James… let me down….arghhh.. 

I ran. 

I really ran as fast as I could in the opposite direction of Joan’s place and estate. 

Joan struggled, hitting my back. 

It brought back memories of my artillery drills back in my army days. 

I ran. 

And I ran.. 

I could almost hear myself shouting 

“arti….atri… arti “ 

At that moment, I believed in Karma. 

I really did at that moment in time. 

Joan was desperate for me to put her down, she reached into my shorts and she started tugging and pulling at my underwear. 

Joan : ARghh.. arghhh.. arghh…. 

The tugging sent waves of pain and sensations I could not describe to my balls and manhood and I slowed down considerably. 

As if pulling was not enough, Joan had to shake it side to side. 

Joan : ARghh… put me down. 

I finally slowed down to a crawl and set Joan down. 

I knelt down immediately and I hugged Joan on her leg, looking up at her with my eyes wide open .

Joan : arghhhg.. so angry… why did you stop me… 

Joan saw me hugging onto her leg without a word and asked if I was ok. 

I wanted to speak but no words left my mouth. 

Joan shook herself free and went to the nearby bush and started stomping and kicking exclaiming how angry she was. 

I reached into my pants and I slowly feel my exposed butt cheeks. 

I unrolled the twisted clump of fabric on my butt cracked and slowly sat down on the floor and looked up into the skies. 

That day, I had been punished. 

I was punished for all the wrong doings I had done. 

Joan came over and asked if I was ok. 

Joan : Are you ok ? …. 

She helped me up and I replied. 

James : My….. underwear….. became a G-string….. what do you think ? … 

She apologised and helped me to a nearby bench. We were both quiet for a good 5 minutes she burst into laughter first. 

Then I joined her. 

At the stroke of midnight, both of us were just laughing at the bench, clutching our at stomachs. 

We calmed down enough to grab a cab around 12.30am in the morning.

I got home and everyone was already asleep. 

Joan wanted me to shower first and I did. 

I showed her the deformed underwear with the top elastic band all loose and she laughed, chucking and snorting in the bedroom. 

Joan went ahead with her shower and we were both ready for bed at 1.15am. 

Her hair was still wet, I watch her tilt her head to the side, trying to dry her long hair with the towel. 

Yes, she wore my work shirt again that morning. I could see through my shirt to the bra and underwear beneath. 

She saw me looking at her and she smiled. 

I locked the door.

No one will barge in that morning. 

There’s no reason for things not to work out in my favour. 

1.30am 

Joan got into bed, and I followed suit. 

No I did not immediately rape her, I was not that horny yet. 

I knew in my heart that the moment was upon us. 

I laid down beside Joan, and we were just smiling in a silly manner at each other, neither wanted to make the first move. 

We chatted a little, and laughed again at the stupid things we have done.

1.50am 

I went on top of Joan, and she stroked my face as I went close for a kiss. 

That was the first time I tasted her lips. 

Our faces were so close that I could feel her breath on my face and yet I was just staring at her. 

Part of me still can’t believe what was about to happen. 

Joan suddenly asked me a question

Joan : Do you love me ? ….

James : Which man, in his right mind…… would say no…..especially when he’s in this very position…. Haha

She laughed and gave me a playful slap. 

Joan : You and your nonsense…. 

I reached for a condom, waving it at her and she just smiled. 

We kissed again before I broke off our lips. 

It was only fair I asked her the same question. 

James : Do… do you love me ? 

She just looked at me and smiled. 

She hesitated for that half a second before her lips opened again. 

Then Joan did something I totally did not expect her to do. 

Joan : You…asked me if I love you… 

She sang. 

She actually sang me a song. 

I was totally taken aback. 

I never expected her to do what she did. 

Her voice is so different when she sings. It’s like a healing balm for the soul. 

I watched her lips moved, I watched her looked at me and she went on. 

The soft tenderness of her vocal felt like a warm blanket in the cold aircon room.

I hung onto every word, every lyric, every note. 

As she went on, she smiled and her eyes watered. 

I simply froze where I was. 

When she finally stopped, she answered my question. 

Joan : Yes James….… I love you….

She hugged me, pulling me close to her. 

After a short embrace, Joan let me go and she took the condom from my hand. 

She held it in front of me and said. 

Joan : Think….. very very… carefully… before you answer me James….

Joan : Do you love me ? ……haha. 

I decided to return her the favour and I started to sing the same song in a totally off tuned and disgusting voice.

James : You ~~ ask…. Me…~~~ if I love…..you~~ 

She laughed and tried to stuff the condom into my mouth in a bid to stop me from singing. 

I stopped her and I tried to do the same for her. 

She resisted but I could feel her slowly giving in to me. 

Then she tore open the wrapper and waited. 

I put it near her mouth and I saw her tongue came out. I gave the wrapper a little squeeze… and off it went into Joan’s mouth. 

She just smiled and I felt her hands pushing me off her so I could sit up. 

I got up, leaned back and look back up at the same ceiling I stared at last week, 

I felt my boxers go and the cold air of the room hit my privates. 

I closed my eyes the moment I felt the surreal warmth of Joan’s lips and the condom being unrolled onto me. 

I must have accumulated some good karma in my previous life too.

It’s been so long since I felt that humanly warmth engulf my manhood. That feeling is really hard to describe no matter how I tried. 

That initial touch of her lips sliding down, coating your most private region with her warm saliva, then without warning, the tease of her tongue is enough to make me shiver in pleasure as I sit spread legged on the bed. 

I was excited, aroused and definitely horny seeing Joan bent over me. Her soft silky hair tickled my thighs as her head tried to manoeuvre herself into position. 

It was barely 2 minutes after it started when I started to get this weird feeling. 

Something was wrong. 

I tried to decipher what it meant and I figured out after a min or so. 

Something was definitely wrong. 

I knew instantly that it was not going to end well and I bit my lips, forcing myself not to laugh but I could not. My body shook as I giggled and I instantly felt a tight slap on my thigh. 

“ piak “ 

James : Ow…. 

I could feel Joan trying again but it’s not going to work. 

I giggled again and this time round, my erection died off, my dick deflated a little and I could feel the condom slipping off me. 

When Joan brushed back her hair and glared at me, I was giggling no more. 

She was visibly irritated but it was just so silly that I could not help laughing. 

Joan tried to put the condom on for me using her mouth, I really appreciate it but she got it in the wrong way, it only slide down just a little before it got stuck. 

She did not realise it was wrong and she kept tugging and trying to pull it down, when she eventually was aware of the mistake, she tried to pull it out but my erection had started to die down and the whole condom just sort of float back into her mouth. 

She spit and left it on my as she got up to glare at me. 

James : Sorry… sorry…. Let’s try that again… 

Joan pushed me away and pulled the blanket over herself. I threw away the used cap and started on a good 10 minutes of coaxing and cooing. 

I found out that it was actually the first time Joan tried something like that, and her reason for doing so was that because it was for me. 

Partly it was also because I’m a lot younger than her, she thought that younger people would want something more adventurous and kinky rather than a normal intercourse. When she said she actually surfed to research this, my heart soften and melted. 

James : Sorry… I erm….

I stroked Joan on her arms, trying to coax her again before she would even turn to look at me. 

She squinted her eyes at me before hitting me on the head for being insensitive. 

I part tugged part nudged Joan back onto her knees although she’s a little unwilling.

Her unwillingness to engage me again turned me on in this weird unexplainable way. 

It’s like I felt this kick, this indescribable high as I in a way, forced her to do it for me. 

I could feel the swell of my manhood as Joan lowered her head again in a pout, a little hesitant, probably afraid something embarrassing might happen again. 

My dick throbbed and shook as I nudged and pressed her down onto me, forcing her to take my dick into her mouth. 

Joan : armphhh… ermpphh.. orumppphhh…..erngghh… 

The blowjob without the condom was so much better. The feeling of my naked dick brushing against Joan’s mouth, her lips, her tongue sent waves after waves of euphoria into my brain. 

I tried to recall images and incidents of my encounters with Joan before we got close. 

I remembered the time when we quarrelled over a project in the meeting room. 

I remembered the time when I thought she looked a little proud and stuck up when she came dressed in powersuit for a presentation. 

I remembered the time when she turned up in black stockings and a tight blue dress for our annual dinner. 

And yes, I remembered the time she teased me for looking at her legs in office. 

All these images flooded my sick mind as I nudged and pressed Joan’s head down onto my dick. 

Her hair fell like a waterfall of silk treads around my entire private region, the very movement of her head caressing my thighs, my pelvis, my dick and yes, my testicles. That softness, the smell of her shampoo, the warmth of her mouth. 

It gave me this feeling of being in control. 

As I immersed myself in the suction of Joan’s mouth, I could not help but remembered the blowjobs I’ve had in my life. 

I consider myself really lucky to have quite a few given by girlfriends, flings and even friends. I’ve had enough to even classify them into a few categories. 

First, is the shampoo girl. 

It’s a really wet and sloppy blowjob, but the problem is she doesn’t swallow her saliva. It just flowed and flowed and flowed endlessly onto my dick, giving it a saliva fondue and my pubic hair a through shampoo. 

Next comes the surgeon. 

The way she cleaned my dick up, I almost felt like I’m going in for surgery. 

First the soap when we shower, then it’s a through flush of running water. Next came a body scrub with bath salt, then it’s a pat dry with towels. 

Right before we begin, it’s another wiped down with wet tissues. 

I had no complains the moment it began though, it was with surgical precision that I came, moaned and groaned like a little girl. 

Then comes the drug abuser. 

She had a really powerful suction and fastest head movements, it was comfortable, it made me cum, it was amazing but besides making me cum, she made herself puke. Try shaking your head to and fro at high speed while sucking on something if you are curious. 

I shall skip the Sze chuan spicy steamboat session I had with a PRC student. 

It was not enjoyable. 

Joan oh Joan. 

Hers was a nice and slow rhythmic movement, really slow and sensual. You can feel every suction, every movement oh so gentle. 

There is just 1 problem. 

I cannot cum at that speed. 

After about 10 minutes, Joan stopped and raised her head, massaging her jaw and mouth. 

I laid her down on the bed and brushed back her hair.

We kissed and I wasted no time, I spread her legs with mine and prepared for entry. 

I caressed her full and supple breast after I unhooked her bra. The tender mounds of her love pillows felt so good and bouncy in my palms that I could not resist squeezing and kneading them as our tongues fought. 

I took another condom and capped myself. 

I pulled down her panty and I noted that a good portion of it was already damp.

I immediately dove back in and I could feel the welcoming warmth of Joan’s vagina waiting for me. 

It only took a gentle push and I could feel her vagina’s muscles doing the rest of the work as slide into her slippery and wet love hole. 

I let out an uncontrolled moan as I feel the grip of Joan’s tight muscle on my manhood as it slips deeper and deeper into her. 

I just went all the way in as I watched Joan’s lips parted and her eyes closed. Her head turned sideways, exposing her long neck as she took in a sharp breathe of air. 

We kissed again for a minute or so before I could no longer take it. I started to withdraw before going back in again. I humped a couple of times and I realised there was another problem. 

You must be wondering why there was so many problems by now, I’ll tell you why. 

Two adults on an old timber frame for a super single bed that’s probably as old as I was is bound to give you problem. 

I could hear the creaking of the bed with each thrust. 

Creak…. Creak… creak…. 

Joan immediately slap me several times on the arm , asking me to stop. 

Joan : Oh my god… James !… your bed…

James : It’s ok….. no one can hear. 

I did a few more and the creaking grew louder. 

Joan tapped me a few more times, trying to push me back and stop me but I went on. 

Creak….creak…. creak…. 

Joan : James stop…! It’s so loud…. 

James : It’s not loud…. Cannot hear one…. 

It was then both our phone beeped at the same time. 

It was Jasper in the family group chat 

Jasper sms : ……………………… 

Joan smacked me several times on the head, saying that it’s so embarrassing. 

I half push, half coaxed her onto the mattress on the floor and I pinned her down. 

Joan :Oei,…. Crazy liao ah … oei… James… 

I entered Joan again despite her protest and before long, I worked up a suitable rhythm.

She tried to resist, turning me on even more. I held her hands down and entered her. 

It’s quite embarrassing actually, I came within 5 minutes. 

We were both exhausted and we fell asleep after cleaning up. 

Thinking back, I guess you just got to accept the reality that the 1st time will probably not be that mind blowing. 

It’s your first time. 

Come on. 

You are not familiar with each other’s body, you don’t even know her likes and dislikes. 

Which are the positions that turn her on ? 

Which angle suits both of you ? 

Which are the buttons to push ?

So many questions, no answers. I can only slowly figure them out one by one. 

20th Jan 2013 

Sunday

11am 

I could not remember what time we fell asleep but it was already 11am when we work up. 

My family had all gone out, leaving only Joan and me at home. 

We washed up and immediately head out for breakfast as we’re starving. 

12.30pm 

We went back to Joan’s place. I did a bit of reconnaissance and made sure the place is clear before we headed up. 

The corridor was in a mess, the show cabinet in shambles and shoes were all over. 

Joan opened the door and realised the main door’s bolt was left unlocked. 

Thomas must have tried to open it again to see whose inside. 

Joan immediately went to check on her phone which she left on the table. There were 126 miss calls. 

The most I’ve ever seen in my life. 

About 117 from Thomas alone. 

The others were from Joan’s friends and 8 from Joan’s parents. 

Joan : Shit…. My parents must be fuming mad they could not reach me. 

She immediately dialled and it was obvious she got a scolding from her parents. 

Joan spent about 20 minutes on the phone as I cleaned up the corridor, threw away the useless stuff and set up the new shoe rack for her. It could not hold as much shoes as before so we made the decision to get another one later. 

1.45pm 

Joan was saying her parents wanted her back in their relative’s place that day. 

I was unwilling to let her leave and I could tell she wanted to stay too. 

We went to Joan’s room and had sex for the 2nd time. It was a lot better, and we both spent a good amount of time exploring each other’s body.

I asked her what she liked and she asked me the same thing. 

By 4pm, we were horny enough for another go and we did it again. 

5pm 

Joan’s phone started ringing and she had a hard time convincing her parents why she wanted to stay. 

It ended with a quarrel before she hung up. 

Joan : Can I stay at your place for a few days ? 

I gave her a cheeky grin and agreed without a thought. 

Joan packed some of her stuff and we left her place at 6pm for dinner before grabbing another timber shoe cabinet from a neighbourhood stall. 

We dropped it off at Joan’s place before heading back. 

My mum was more than happy to know that Joan would be spending a few days with us and she sat down with a list of dishes she wanted to cook for her that week. 

10pm 

Joan was on the phone with her mum for quite a while that evening. Needless to say her dad was not pleased at all with her decision but she argued that she’s no longer a little girl. 

I cringed in my seat when I heard “ boyfriend “, “James “ , “ just got together “ in snippets of the conversation. 

After Joan hung up, I took the opportunity to ask her what her parents were like. 

She gave me a sly naughty grin and replied. 

Joan : Oh… you know how friendly your mum and dad is to me….. 

She gestured a little with her hands 

Joan : They really made me feel welcomed and part of the family…. And there were so much laughter and smiles…. 

Joan : And the really relaxed atmosphere of your house….. Your parents hardly bothered us….. 

Then her face changed a little dramatically and said; 

Joan : My parents are the exact opposite. 

I had no expressions on my face but it was not hard to guess what I was thinking. 

Joan gave me an awkward smile and told me everything would be fine, they’ll like me for sure. 

I have my doubts though, which parent would so easily trust another guy especially one which has been with them for 10 years actually beat their daughter up. 

It’s not going to be easy. 

James : They sound just like my nightmare. 

She prodded me with her feet and scolded me for describing her parents in that manner. 

We slept shortly after. 

21st Jan 2013 

Monday 

6.30am

Joan woke up together with me that morning even though she did not need to head to work. She prepared breakfast, ok, it’s applying jam unevenly over 2 pieces of bread and a 3 in 1 coffee, but it’s still breakfast. 

She kissed me before I left and I asked Joan if she was ok staying at home with my mum. 

She shrugged her shoulders and wave me off. 

When I got home at 9.30pm that day, Joan was making lanterns with my mum in the living room, getting the house ready for the Chinese new year. 

After my shower, my bed was made, the aircon was on, and the moment I got into bed, Joan came and gave me a shoulder massage. 

I was suspicious immediately of her intentions and after a little pressing, Joan said her parents wanted to meet up with me. 

James : Don’t you think this is a little fast ? 

I got a smack from Joan. 

Joan : You think too much James,….. they just wanted to see what kind of person you are…. You’re nowhere close to the actual interview….

We chatted a little about work before sleeping. 

That week flew by, and I reached home at close to 11pm each day. 

By Wednesday, I noticed all the new year decorations are up and the house is really spick and span. Even the tops of the shelves were clean and dusted. 

My mum’s constant praises in the group chat left me no doubt who was the greatest contributor to the spring cleaning. 

By Thursday evening, I saw Joan’s key chain had 2 additional keys. I teased her about it and demanded a set of her house keys too. 

I reached home at 11.20pm on Friday to see Joan and my mum watching a Korean drama together , both of them had swollen eyes and boxes of tissues in front of them 

I shook my head and went to take a shower. 

I entered my room to see my keychain too had 2 additional keys. 

The hectic week left me drained and I was looking forward to the weekend. 

When we snuggled up that night,Joan suggested a morning walk along the waterway and I agreed. 

26th Jan 2013 

Saturday. 

6.00 am 

Joan dragged me up early and I agreed only because she said I could have a afternoon nap undisturbed later in the day. 

We got changed and took a slow walk to Punggol park before taking the park connector along the waterway. The journey to the promenade took us close to 45 minutes since we strolled slowly, taking in the fresh and cool morning air. 

Joan wore a pair of short running shorts that morning, showing off her long and toned legs. She had a new pair of trainers that is white with streaks of baby blue. Her socks was a cute pair with spongebob prints and she had on a bright pink running singlet. 

Her black sports bra was pretty much exposed as her singlet’s armholes are quite big.

She strapped her belongings to a chic and small fanny pack around her waist and tied her hair up in a high ponytail.

During the walk, Joan caught me several times giving her the look and she had to smack me around a bit . 

James : Eh… it’s dark…. Nobody’s around… 

It was obvious what I was suggesting as we got nearer to the promenade with the cafes and fastfood restaurants.

James : There’s a restroom in front…. Come la… 

Joan laughed and said no. 

Joan : No way…. You’re crazy… haha.

I tried to coax her, I even added a little pleading but she still said no. 

It’s been a full week since we had sex and that bit of a morning walk seemed to have stirred up the monster in me. 

I got a little touchy as we walk, stroking her back, letting my hand wander down to her shorts. 

Joan knew what I was up to and she kept pushing my hands away. 

Joan : No James….. don’t…. no…….. oei…. Don’t la… 

I could not help it. 

I could not resists touching her. 

I looked at the beads of perspiration on Joan’s head and body and I blamed it on the hormones that she was releasing early that morning. Suddenly I just felt an erection coming. 

As my hands wandered lower and got more daring , Joan laughed and she tried to keep a distance away from me. 

From an arms length, to about a good 2 meters away. 

I tried to close the distance, but she would giggle and step further away. 

I tried to block her path, but she would feigned a move and get away. 

We got so engaged in that little dance that she soon did not even allow me to touch her. 

I tried to grab her hands, telling her let’s stop but she kept her distance, prancing around like a boxer in the ring. 

Several joggers passed us by, and everyone. I really meant everyone that was male, looked at Joan. 

The way her full breast jiggled, the way her leg muscles flexed and relaxed as she hoped and prance around. 

7.00 am 

The rising sun cast an orange glow on Joan’s face and body. The morning rays reflected off Joan’s perspiration as we continued our standoff. 

I would reach for Joan, she would push me away. 

I tried to grab her, she would either jump out my reach of grab hold of my hand.

7.10 am

10 minutes later, we were both panting.

Joan just giggled away while I could feel the rise of something primal in me. 

It must have showed in my eyes when Joan suddenly wanted to stop

Joan : okok… let’s stop… 

I bent down and tighten my laces 

Joan saw what I was doing and it only took her another second to react. 

She screamed and took off, running towards the direction of punggol park

I tightened the straps of the bag I was carrying and I took off after her. 

It was just a normal run, Joan was laughing and screaming for me to stop chasing her but I ignore her screams. 

Several joggers shot us a look but I did not care. 

I caught up with Joan and I grabbed hold of her wrist. Turning her around, she laughed and scream. 

I quickly loop my hand around her waist, pressing her body towards mine. Joan immediately used both her hands and push me back, fighting to get away from me. 

I staggered backwards and I fell on my backside. I did not know what I was feeling at that point in time. I just felt like having sex with Joan. 

Looking at her long legs, her tight bottom and her brightly coloured singlet. It turned me on in a perverse way. 

Joan : James…. Stop… haha… don’t play already la… 

I stood up and replied. 

James : come here….. come here and I’ll stop…… 

Joan : Noooo… don’t la James….. stop it…

I took a deep breath, turned around to check that we’re alone and I made Joan a wager. 

James : I bet….. you’re going to get raped today.. 

Joan laughed, slowly retreating a couple of small steps at a time.

Joan twisted her head to the left, and then to the right, stretching her muscles a little.

Then it happened. 

She showed me her middle finger, laughed and replied me before she took off.

Joan : In your dreams James… 

I took off immediately after Joan. I had that sudden urge to really hold her down and rape her that morning. 

I could tell Joan really took off this time round, she opened up her pace, pounding up the pavement with me following a distance away. 

We passed by the cafes in no time, both of us sprinting towards the underpass that goes beneath the expressway. 

I caught up to Joan at the underpass and I managed to grab hold of her singlet. 

She screamed and hit me, pushing me away. 

If not for her laughter, the 2 joggers passing by would have really thought I was a rapist. 

Joan managed to get away, putting a distant of 6-7 meters between us as she ran at full speed away from me. 

My erection was in my way and I forced myself to catch up. 

I caught up again to Joan near a section of the waterway that has quite a bit of pandan plants. We struggled, Joan scream and we pushed each other onto the grass patch, laughing and struggling for breath. 

Joan tried to get up but I grabbed one of her shoes, pulling it away from her feet. She hit me and grabbed a handful of my hair, she too had a go at my shoes. 

My left shoe got pulled out and Joan threw it away into the bush behind me. 

I cursed and I quickly went in search of it. 

By the time I got it, Joan had taken off again. 

We ran for a good distance, neither one of us stopping.

I could feel my lung burning and screaming for air as it tried to close the distance between us. Joan took a shortcut, running up a hill and exited the waterway, heading straight in the direction of Rivervale plaza. 

I was about 20-25 meters away. 

I saw Joan desperately hitting the traffic light button and I took the opportunity to close the distance. 

The lights turned green and she took off again. 

By the time we got near to her place, I was totally drenched. My shirt was stuck to my back, I was panting like a dog and I felt like to got to release my pent up energy. 

I wanted to grab hold of Joan’s long legs. 

I wanted to press my face and nose on her wet and sweaty body. 

I wanted to pull and rip her running shorts off her tight bottom. 

I wanted to tear into her bright running singlet and take her on the floor with both our sweaty bodies against each other. 

I saw Joan closing the lift door and I forced my aching feet to go on a little more. 

Just that little bit more and I could have her. 

There was no way she could hide in her place. 

Once in that was it. 

I’ll give her a really good session, I want to hear her scream my name as I hold her down, flip her on her stomach and take her from behind. 

I could relish myself in her sweat stained clothes. 

Play with her wet salty sports bra 

I even wanted to tie her up, all sweaty and wet as she begged me not to rape her. 

I tried to race up the stairs but my legs gave up on me. 

I half hopped and limped up the 4 storeys and I kicked opened the staircase door with a wham. 

I saw Joan closing the main door with a snap as I got to the corridor. 

I immediately fingered my bag for the keys. 

She had given me the keys. 

I took a few deep breathes, taking my time to calm down. 

I laughed outside the corridor, checking the time. 

7.50am 

I went to the window and cupped my hands, pressing my face to the panels with a boomed. 

Boom ~ 

James : Joan ~~~ ……. Joan…… come out….

I laughed again, louder this time round as I paced along the corridor. 

I repeated my actions and off it went again. 

Boom ~…. The panels vibrated and shook as I tried to make out the interior of Joan’s place. 

James : Joan ~~~… you cannot hide forever…. 

I used my leg and shifted the new timber cabinet, dragging it along the concrete floor and I hoist myself up, peering into the house from the top window. 

James : Joan….. where are you ~~ haha 

I jumped off with a thud and decided it was enough. 

I unlocked the gate with the key and swung it open. 

I unlocked the cylinder of the main door and pushed the door open, hearing the familiar creak of the old hinges. 

There were no one in the living room. 

I was about to head straight for Joan’s bedroom when I saw something that made me stopped in my tracks. 

I froze. 

I wanted to dig a hole and hide. 

Right by the door, were 2 large luggage. 

My hand went to my mouth and I took a cautious step towards the kitchen. 

I saw Joan grinning and trying to stifle her giggle as she stood behind her mum and dad, both her hands on their shoulders. 

Joan : Mum…. Dad,….. Meet James… 

She gave me that priceless look and added. 

Joan : James….. here’s your nightmare… haha

With that, she laughed so hard that she sat down onto the kitchen floor. 

I immediately gave a slight bow and greeted her parents. 

James : Uncle,….. Auntie… 

James : Ermm… i…. I can explain… 

Joan’s dad shook her head and told us to go wash up and get changed. We could all have breakfast together. 

When her parents left the kitchen, I did a mock strangling sign at Joan, and she just laughed. 

Joan got up, walked over to me and I could see her checking out the area behind my back to make sure her parents went into their room. 

She walked closed, really closed to me such that our bodies touched. 

With her face right in mine, she gave me this really coy and mischievous look.

Joan : Still……. Want to… rape me ? … 

She let her index finger brush lightly over my deflated and shrunk manhood before walking right by me. 

I turned and replied. 

James : More than ever….

……………..

I’ve never felt so embarrassed before in my life. It was such an awkward situation and frankly, I was a little angry at Joan for putting me in such a spot. 

I did not have any spare clothes at Joan’s place so while I went back home to get changed and agreed to meet the 3 of them at Hougang mall for breakfast. 

10am 

We settled down for kaya toast and coffee at a local joint and started some casual chat. 

It was just something really casual, about me, my family and where I stayed. Joan’s parents never asked anything I found hard to handle since it’s pretty much surface conversations. 

Joan’s dad asked if I knew about her current situation and I nodded. He did not continue about Thomas after tha. 

10.45am 

We had drained our second cup of coffee and Joan’s mum asked if I could leave them alone for a while. 

They wanted to talk to Joan. 

I felt a light squeeze of my thigh by Joan before I said my goodbyes. 

Joan text me that she’ll head over to my place after she’s done. 

I went to the library, got a couple of books and went back home. 

11.30am

My parents were already out for their last minute Chinese new year shopping and I could see Jasper heading to the shower. 

I shut myself in the room and settled down on my books. 

It’s been a while since I could spend a quiet weekend reading.

12.10pm 

Joan came back and I ignored her when she walked into the room. She knew she was in a little trouble when I did not acknowledge her coming in. 

I was a little angry and it was not hard to miss. 

I continued flipping my books even though from the corner of my eye I saw Joan pouting and looking at me. 

I was lying on my bed on my tummy, taking up the center spot, Joan decided to squeeze herself in beside me. 

I continued to ignore her and she put her head on my shoulders, speaking in a soft squeaky voice. 

It was hard to concentrate on my books but I persevered. 

Joan was in a grey singlet that day, her light blue bra straps were visible and she was wearing a pair of teal coloured shorts. 

As she paced around the room, there was this floating cloud of teal at the peripheral edge of my vision. 

Joan : Oei…. James….. Angry ah …. 

She paced around a little more before ransacking through my wardrobe. 

Joan : James baby…… don’t angry la…. 

I wanted to grab her and hold her down but Jasper was still at home. In fact I was waiting for him to leave before I rape Joan. 

She flicked through some of my clothes and pulled out 1 of my tie. 

Dangling it in from of me, she gave me this smiley face which softened me drastically but I bit down hard on my teeth and kept my expressions clear. 

Joan came over to the bed again and just laid down beside me, sulking away. 

Just then my door opened and Jasper popped his head in. 

Jasper : Yoz…. You guys want to have dinner together ? I got a voucher. Need 8 pax. I’m 2 short. 

James : You treat ah ? 

Jasper : Ya la ya la… 

He looked at Joan for her reply and she replied in an obedient manner. 

Joan : If James say yes, I’m ok. I’ll listen to him… 

She said it in such a coy and soft manner than Jasper raised his eyebrow. 

Jasper : Ermm… ok…. See you at 7pm. Clark quay. 

I heard Jasper close and lock the door shortly after. 

Now Joan is a smart girl, she knows her way to get to me and she plays her cards right. 

The moment Jasper left, she went and took my tie from the cupboard again and began to sulk and tie herself up in a dramatic and helpless manner, moaning about how pitiful she is. 

She coiled the tie around her wrist several times before getting on the bed, nudging and squeezing me out of the way to make space for herself. 

I placed the book aside and look at her. 

She had this sad frown on her face as she stretched herself out on my bed, pushing her tied hands underneath my pillow. 

Then she gave me this doe eyed look and she twisted her legs as if she going to be in some photoshoot. 

Joan : Don’t be angry la…… I’ll….. I’ll do anything…. 

She said in in such a dramatic manner than I felt it was a waste for her not to go into acting. 

I locked the door and strip myself and I saw another side of her acting skills again. 

Joan : Oh……. No…….. oh dear me…. Someone….. help 

Her voice was so high pitched and whiny that it was comical. 

I could not hold it any longer and I burst out laughing. 

Joan tried to get up but I quickly straddled her and held her hands down . 

Her voice returned to normal immediately and asked. 

Joan : So…. No angry liao ah… So petty… where got man like that one. 

James : It’s so embarrassing ok… 

She tried to get up, wriggling her way free but I held her down. 

Joan : Oei…. Since not angry liao… this is it… no more… 

I laughed and I kissed her as she turned her head left and right to avoid me. 

She tried struggling a little and it aroused me even more. 

At the end of that session, Joan asked if I was aroused by her resisting. 

Joan : You like ah ? This kind of sick scenarios… 

I admitted that it was kinda different, brings out a different side of me. 

James : What about you ? You like it ? 

She replied that she sees it from another perspective. 

Joan : I like the thought of being helpless… haha… 

1.30pm 

We cooked noodles for lunch and I asked her about her discussion with her parents earlier on. 

Her mum wanted to put the matter behind so everyone can move on, so she’s pushing for Joan to resolve the issues as soon as possible. 

The paper work is ready and her parents wanted to sit down and settled everything at one go with Thomas. 

Her mum just wants to take things easy and not bother about the business anymore, she wanted Joan to take over but Joan had no interest at all in the business. The last thing she wanted was to become Thomas’ business partner. 

Then again, it’s going to be such a pity if she were to sell a profitable business to Thomas. 

It’s like being caught between a rock and a hard place. 

Joan was supposed to set up a meeting with Thomas after the new year and she just did not want to think about the matter for now. 

On a serious note, I too was wondering how would Joan go about sorting out the issue with Thomas. Knowing how stubborn she could be, there was no way it’s going to end well. 

3.30pm 

After a little more cuddling, we got change and made our way to town to meet Jasper for dinner. 

Joan had on this long sleeve top with puffy sleeves. The material is really soft and the silver colour shimmered and shine under the light in this really dreamy manner. 

I’m not talking about those shimmer similar to the costumes singers wear on the 7th lunar month performance, it’s something more classy, something more subtle. 

Her pants tapered in a shapely manner towards the bottom, bringing out the best of her legs. After she slipped on a simple pair of low black heels, she was ready for a casual evening out. 

Being the typical guy, I just threw on a top and jeans. Joan made me change twice before letting me out of the house. 

Women … 

We shopped around for a while, picking out some new year clothes. Joan made it clear that I do not need to visit her relatives during the festive season, her parents included. 

It’s a little sensitive for her family especially not all of the relatives knew about the breakup.

Joan : My parents …. Actually wanted me to keep this new relationship hush hush…. At least until things die off… 

Joan : You know those relatives….. they tend to talk a lot… 

I told her I understand where she was coming from and not to worry about it. 

James : You’ll need to visit the relatives on my side though. 

She perked up when she knew she was invited but I immediately told her to split the red packet she collected with me. 

Joan : Is money that important ? 

I could sense where that was heading so I quickly change the topic. 

James : You are more important…. Haha

I got a playful smack on my arm and we continued our shopping. 

7pm 

Joan and I reached the restaurant at 7pm sharp and were surprised to find out that we’re the last ones there. 

Jasper introduced us and it was not had to notice where the eyes of all his male friends drifted to. 

There was 2 other girls at the table though and I thought 1 of them looked quite cute. 

Joan took the seat between Jasper and me, shortly after that, dinner was served. 

Joan was really friendly and sporting, talking and joking with Jasper’s friends. The guys showered quite a bit of attention on her. I was not jealous, in fact I felt pretty proud of Joan.

Jasper blushed a bright shade of red when Joan praised him a couple of times in front of his friends. 

Joan : Don’t bully him ah….

She threw her arms around Jasper, pulling him close, earning a few cheers and someone shouted that he’s jealous. 

Now Joan was pretty observant too over dinner. She actually told me that Jasper gave her the vibe that he was interested in one of the girls at the table. 

Joan : Look at the manner which they talk, the body language… 

I shot her a look and asked. 

James : You know how to read body language meh ? 

She rolled her eyes at me before turning away. 

Joan : I can read you like a open book James… 

While waiting for dessert, Joan decided to play matchmaker and head over to chat with the girls. I did not know what she said or did, but when dinner ended, Jasper was seen whispering and laughing with the girl Joan said he liked. 

James : What did you say to the girl ? 

Joan replied without looking at me. 

Joan : I told her Jasper is like his brother, both of them very simple minded and easy to control…. 

I ignored her comment and I wanted to thanked my brother for the dinner when Joan insisted we paid our share. 

10pm 

Joan and I were already sitting in front of the TV but there was still no sign of Jasper. 

11.15pm 

Jasper came back and Joan immediately asked him how it went. 

He gave her a thumbs up and she gave him a hug. 

Joan : You owe me one ah … haha. .. congrats. 

Jasper : What did you tell her over dinner ? 

Joan : I told her you’re a really nice and hardworking guy, unlike your brother….. and that she should hold on to you…. 

I gave Joan a wide eye look but she ignored me. 

11.45pm 

As I cuddled up with Joan in bed, I asked her if she meant what she said. 

Joan : Which part ? haha 

James : That I’m really simple minded and easy to control. 

She must have sensed a change in my tone so she pulled my hand over her own shoulder and said she was just joking. 

Joan : You’re not simple minded…….

She looked at me with her big round eyes and added. 

Joan : In fact…. Sometimes I don’t even know what you’re thinking about…. 

I smiled and gave her this delirious look. 

Joan : Haha… now I know what you are thinking about. 

I cupped my hand on her firm breast, kneading them as she tried to push my hands away. 

Joan : I meant it though …. About the part that you’re easy to control… 

I immediately paused. 

James : What do you mean… ? 

Joan : hahaha 

Joan got off the bed, place both her hands on her hips and said. 

Joan : I bet you’ll beg me for sex before the 15th day of the lunar new year is over. 

I checked the date on my phone and replied. 

James : I’ll take up your challenge…. On the condition we start on the 1st of Feb. New year is on the 10th. …. 15 lunar days… 25th would be the end date. 

Joan checked her phone too before doing some mental sums inside her head. 

Joan : Ok. Deal…. What are we betting on. 

I rubbed my hands in glee and replied without thinking. 

James : You’ll be my slave for a day, and it’ll all be about sex…. 

Joan laughed and replied in a haughty manner. 

Joan : If I win, you’ll be my slave for a day…… and it’ll be about everything except sex. 

I got out of bed and immediately draft a simple contract. 

We both put our initials on it before I fold it up and sealed it in an envelope. 

I immediately grabbed her and pushed her onto bed. She tried to scream but I covered her mouth. 

The rest as they say ,…. is history. 

I do not want to bore you with endless details of our sexual encounter. We’ve had a few, in fact we’ve had more than a few, but one, one of it is special. 

That one special night. 

That night I would never forget. 

A night that I would take with me to the grave. 

The one night that I remembered and penned it down in excruciating details in my diary, reading it over and over again whenever I could. 

28th January 2013

Monday 

Joan came back to work and we agreed to maintain a certain level of professionalism in the office. 

Her menses started on that day and she was having some bad cramps in the cubicle. 

I ended up covering most of her work again.

31st January 2013 

Thursday 

It was 1 day before our official bet started and Joan asked me if I’m sure I could do it. 

I snorted and wave her off. 

What’s the big deal about not having sex for 25 days ? 

I can masturbate myself. 

No problem. 

Now that Joan has a good stash of clothes at my place. I have access to everything. 

You name it. 

Bra, undies, bikinis, pyjamas, fbts….. anything. 

I can indulge and cover myself in her lingerie and fall asleep on them if I wished to. I had no lack of materials to pleasure myself. 

She’ll be staying over on Fridays too, that way, I can even have ‘freshly’ worn unwashed lingerie to satisfy my perverted mind. 

What is 25 days ? 

I did a rough estimate, if I just do it once every 3 days, I just need to musterbate myself 8 times and that was it. 

The time will fly by in the blink of an eye. 

In fact, I was already fantasising about what I could get Joan to do for me if I won. 

Maybe outdoor sex ? 

Perhaps some kinky BDSM play ? 

Oh…. Should we try taking some videos ? 

Maybe we could so some cosplay, get her to dress up as sailormoon as I rape her. 

The mere thought of what I could do to her made me excited. 

Mentally, I was prepared for what is to come. 

What else can she do ? 

Dress provocatively ? 

Bent over a little while she drop some coins ? 

Try to snuggle up with me in bed ? 

Dirty talk ? 

I laughed to myself and snorted a couple of times, tickled by the fact that we actually made that bet. 

1st Feb 2013 

Friday

Day 1 of our bet. 

We finished work late, grabbed a dinner before catching a late night movie. 

Just a normal date night. 

Joan showered first, she had already taken off her cardigan and work pants in my room. Needless to say, I made use of it and got myself primed. 

I entered the bathroom and immediately released myself, feeling waves of sanity returning to my brain. 

3rd Feb 2013. 

Sunday

It’s the last weekend before the new year. 

I had a pretty formal dinner with Joan’s parents, this time round, they discussed Thomas in front of me.

I exhaled and was about to speak when Joan beat me to it. 

Joan : You like my worn clothes ar ? 

Joan : Have you done this before ? 

Joan : Like even before we got together ? 

Her battery of questions came all at once and for some reason I was without a reply. 

James : I… can explain… 

Joan actually snigger and giggled to herself as she stacked the documents together.

I told Joan what actually happened but she scoffed and snorted when she laughed, adding that she did not believe Patrick would do something like that. 

Joan : It’s ok la…. I know I’m hot and young man like you got your needs … hahaha. 

I tried to explain again but she waved me off, asking me to quickly finish up the documents and head back. 

Barely 10 minutes after we picked up the momentum of binding the documents, Joan actually initiated a series of discussion with me that surprised me. 

Using the worn clothing incident as a springboard, Joan actually asked me in a very direct manner what my fetishes were. 

Joan : So… what do you …..erm… really really… like ? As in …in a sexual kind of way… 

I looked up from the binding machine and my hands jumbled up the slots for the binding teeth. 

Joan : Well, you know….. it’s better to be open in a relationship…. 

She went on a matter of factly and carried on her questions. 

Joan : Since I chanced upon your worn clothes fetish….. you might just as well come clean with the rest of them .. haha… 

Joan did not even look up at me when she spoke, instead choosing to carry on her work. 

I was actually considering what she asked pretty seriously and thoughts of my previous relationships came into my mind. I tried to recall if I had actually had such a conversation with my partners before. 

This level of communications seems a little bit too high level for a simple man like me. 

Immediately I considered the duration I had been together with Joan, asking myself is it too soon to be discussing these questions, then at the same time I was processing these thoughts, words of advice from older friends who have been married for some time. 

They all had the consensus that if you had anything wild on your mind you wanted to try, best to do it early in your relationship. 

Especially during the honeymoon period. 

James : Let me think about it…. You think about yours too. 

She threw a ball of paper at me, adding that she does not have any particular sick fetishes. 

Joan : I’m not smelling your worn clothes for sure….. 

29th March 2013

Friday 

11 am 

I could feel a couple of weird stares coming from Patrick’s lunch khakis the past couple of days but I brushed it off as me being too sensitive. 

No one would believe me now that Patrick had spoken first. No point explaining myself, it’ll only make things worse. 

I guess he had to make the first move in case I decided to spill the beans on him. 

I wonder how would he feel if he eventually finds out Joan and I were together.

12.30pm

Joan’s parents actually came and met Joan for lunch that afternoon so I ate with a couple of other colleagues. 

Even after the lunch meeting with her parents, her phone rang several times throughout the rest of the day. It was not hard to guess it was her parents. 

2 more days before the handover to Thomas and to close the chapter, I guess it’s natural they’re busy with all the necessary preparations. 

At 7pm that Friday evening, I was done with my work and ready to leave but Joan was still engaged on the phone. 

It’s her parents, they kept bothering her with phone calls, asking her to check her emails and I saw her using her banking token a couple of times. I snuck a few peeps and saw that she must have entered her Singpass into some website no less than 3 times that day. 

By 7.45pm 

My stomach is growling and I had to resort to munching on crackers I kept in the office. Joan is grumpy and she had a frown on her face as she spoke to her parents over the phone. 

Every couple of minutes, she would slide over on her chair, held onto my hand and put whatever I had on my hand into her mouth. Bits of crackers, chocolates, loveletters, even some pistachio nuts. 

I considered taking my dick out in my hand and just have it ready but I was worried she might bite it off given her foul mood. 

8.15pm 

Joan was finally done and she signalled that she was ready to head out for dinner. 

James : Everything ok ?

Joan : Yup. 

We grabbed a simple dinner at the hawker centre at Kovan before heading over to Joan’s place. 

10 pm 

I had just come out of the shower when I saw Joan’s parents talking with her at the dining table. I excused myself into her room. 

11pm 

Joan snuggled up to me in the room and she updated me about the discussion with her parents. 

It turns out that her mum had receive calls from several staffs, telling them that Thomas had started hiring quite a few foreigners into the company. Most of them are related one way or another with Thomas girlfriend. 

From uncles who use to drive a bus to aunties who use to clean the foodcourt. There was even a new admin staff who was supposedly a good sister of the girlfriend. 

The staff were not happy for obvious reasons, they complained of hygiene and unethical handling of food by PRC workers. The trio of chefs that had followed the mum for quite a while were considering leaving too, together with a few other old workers. 

James : Let them leave… good what… that way, Thomas new company won’t survive for long. 

Joan went on to explain that there’s some new developments because of the staff decisions. 

Joan : The chefs wanted to start out on their own… on a smaller scale or course but they only know how to cook and manage a kitchen. 

Joan : They are not confident of handling the other operational requirements of the business. 

Joan added that her parents was keen to help their old staff start off but they did not want to get involved for too long, so they wanted her to quit her job, take the helm of the new business and eventually they can retire with a piece of mind. 

James : Woah… you’re quitting ? 

Joan : I don’t know … but my parents already registered the new business entity together with my name in it. 

We spent the next 30 minutes talking about her plans but came to no conclusion. 

Joan : I got to start from scratch…. Get clients, customers… build up the reputation… it’s going to be challenging. 

James : If it’s easy, everyone on the street would own a business already… 

Joan : How… how ? ,,…. Headache. 

I got up and straddled Joan . 

James : Give me a blowjob and I’ll tell you the solution… 

I started to pull my shorts aside and Joan just started biting wildly, saying that she will bite it off it I ever go close.

James : You already have a good list of clients….. one that your mum build up over the years. 

Joan : What do you mean ? 

I gave her a naughty smile and told her she could probably copy all the important information from the office and bring it over to her new company. 

James : Send out a mail, say all the chefs and old staff have joined you and so on and so forth….. 

She gave me a look of disgust and added ; 

Joan : That is so wrong… …. But…. It’s a good idea though… 

I parted my shorts aside totally and Joan hesitated for a while before taking my dick in and I felt the instant comfort and warmth of her mouth on my manhood. 

I continued talking as Joan sucked a little half-heartedly at my dick. 

James : Erhgh…..you see… urgh.. once Thomas new PRC staff …uerghhh urghh.. takes over… urgh… the standard would probably drop… 

I exhaled and readjusted my position so Joan could take more of me inside her mouth. 

James : Your old clients would probably start leaving…urghh..urgh… they would need to find someone else… 

I felt the sudden increase in suction pressure and Joans’ hands had came over to my waist as I struggled to balance while holding onto the bed frame and the wall. 

James : urghh… urgh…. Rather they find a new company… arghh… urgh… they might as well go to you… urghhh… urghh… 

The slurping got a little more frequent and as if concurring with what I said, Joan put in more effort into the blowjob. 

James : Urgh…urgh… urghh….oh my god… I’m… coming… 

Joan suddenly paused and pulled me out. 

Joan : But.. how are we going to get the information ? … I can’t exactly walk into the front door and sit at the machine to download everything out.

I kept checking my phone, not wanting to miss out on Joan’s message in case she needed me inside. 

I was perspiring as I wandered around, talking to the staff and kept checking my phone. 

3.15pm 

The office door opened and I could hear raised voices. 

It was loud. 

A couple of staff huddled over and as I went closer, I can tell it was Yanting’s voice. 

Yanting : 搞什么嘛？ 讲不讲礼呀。。。( What is this , it’s unreasonable )

Yanting : 如果在国内你这么样搞。。。你玩完了。。。肯定玩蛋。。 ( If you do this in China, you’re dead ) 

She went on a loud rant, and as I made my way to the front, she was ranting and shouting like a crazy bitch, pointing her finger at Joan. 

Yanting : I know…. You do this.. 

She spoke in her usual smatter of irritating English, accusing Joan of something. 

Joan’s parents started to raise their voices too , so did Thomas. 

Soon the commotion attracted the attention of the PRC gang at the far end and they too huddled and squeeze their way rudely pass everyone into the office. 

I could feel my hair on the back of my neck standing. 

The commotion is getting me excited. 

You could feel the tension in the air, I can smell the hostility and it’s like this weird anticipation in your gut. 

It’s like an angry mob waiting for a spark. 

A spark to set everyone off. 

The group of PRC workers started talking loudly too for some reason. 

A couple of locals who got shoved rudely pushed back. 

Chao chee byes….. KNN….. Pu bor Kia…. Rang out generously. 

The ah beng chefs from Malaysia shoved back the PRCs and showed their fingers. 

The local uncles pulled off their apron and walked right up to the front, ready for the big game. 

I could not help but smile as I felt this exhilarating sense of confrontation filling me from the inside. 

I haven’t felt this excited since my first gangfight back in secondary school. 

Ok, I admit I exaggerated a little. 

It’s just 12 kids who are barely 15 hitting each other with whatever they can get their hands on in the sports room.

I snapped myself out of it and I pushed my way into the office in time to see Yanting pointing her finger at Joan and shouting in her face. 

Yanting : In China…. You will be done….!! 

Yanting : Nobody do things like this !!! Back home…. You and your family ….finish ! 

Yanting : Come to China…. I show you !!!… I show you how we do things in CHINA !! 

It was worse than a fish market. 

The din was deafening 

I squeezed pass the crowd to get into the room. 

I was barely 3 steps from Joan when it happened. 

It fucking happened. 

I saw Joan gave me a look with her gentle eyes before she flashed me a brief smile. 

I felt my balls shrink for an instance before the rush of endorphins slam it’s way into the back of my head. 

It’s fucking felt better than an orgasm I kid you not. 

I would give anything to be back in that spot, on that day when it happened. 

I watched at Joan slammed her hands down on the table, the loud smack echoed in the room, causing a ripple of silence that lasted barely a second amongst the angry crowd. 

But it was enough. 

That second of silence was enough. 

She grabbed onto Yanting’s finger roughly without warning right when she was about to rant of something about China once more. 

Joan : THIS ……IS …. SINGAPORE !! 

With that, I saw the first slap left Joan’s hand and connected with Yanting’s face. 

Not contented with the slap, she kicked the office chair in front of her , sending it flying towards Yanting. 

With the cracked of furniture hitting furniture, and Thomas trying to hold on to Yanting, the entire office erupted into chaos.

………………

There were a lot of shouting and shoving around. Fingers pointing, curses in different dialects.

I could see 2 distinct groups emerging. No I don’t mean the PRCs and the non PRCs, it’s more of the group that was trying to stop things from escalating further and the group that was going all out for blood.

Before I could react, Yanting had already bounced back and swung her bag at Joan while pushing Thomas away at the same time.

By the time I got over to Joan, she had already gotten hit by the handbag but she threw a punch at Yanting too but it failed to land on it’s intended target.

Thomas immediately grabbed onto Yanting by the waist, almost lifting her up into the air as he tried to separate the catfight. I grabbed hold onto Joan’s left arm, and I manage to swing my body in front of her.

My primary concern is Joan, nothing else.

I don’t want her to get hurt.

It was chaotic, the moment I tried to block Joan from the advancing crowd, I felt several heavy items land on my back, thick ring files, stationary holders, books.

I felt a hard object brush pass my chin roughly and I saw a hole puncher land on the floor in front of me. I immediately guided Joan back a couple of steps, and I could see Joan’s father trying to calm everyone down.

Joan’s mum was trying to shield herself from a couple of pen throwing PRC aunties with a ring file.

Thomas did what he could with Yanting, while he waved his free arm wildly in front of the stationary archers in an attempt to stop them. I could hear him shout at his staff, asking everyone to stop but it was no use.

In the heat of the moment, no one listened to him.

Then the situation escalated when I turned and saw the nose digging ah toing took a punch at 1 of the 3 uncle chef right at the doorway.

It was a direct hit and I could see blood trickling down his nose.

Several of the PRC guys immediately held down to the guy, chiding him for doing something so rash. They tried to restraint him but he was strong, easily breaking free.

He shouted in Chinese that the chef he punched always found fault with the way he does things.

Nose digging PRC : 你每天摆明是给我过不去。。。整体找我麻烦。。。 你妈的B。。

( You have been picking on me everyday, you’re out to pick on me. Fuck you )

A couple of younger Malaysian guys stood out in front of the injured chef and tried to calm things down. Shouting and shoving ensured but no more punches were being thrown.

Yanting resumed her cursing at Joan but Joan just remained quiet, glaring at Yanting who was trying to reach for her heels to throw at her.

Right when the situation inside the office more or less has gotten under control, the narrow passageway erupted into yet another round of shouts and shoving.

One of the Malaysian chap who was trying to keep the PRC gang from advancing tripped and fell and the nose digger took the opportunity to kick him when he’s down.

The fellow Malaysian who was left standing could not look on any longer and he immediately threw a punch which hit the nose digger squarely on the Jaw.

The shouting got louder as both sides had their share of peace maker trying to diffuse the tension.

Right at this moment, Joan’s dad decided to guide Joan’s mum out of the office and away from the mess but the mass of PRC workers at the door refused to move aside. Even Thomas threats did not work on them as they rallied and blocked the exit.

I tried to call out to Joan’s parents, asking them to stay away from the crowd but they can’t hear me over the din. I was still wearing my silly mask and cap in the office.

Right at that very moment I heard this low growl like bellow that grew louder and more forceful as it’s decibel level rose.

It’s like the growl of an angry animal trying to fight it’s way through the crowd. It emerged from the crowd at the door and I saw it was the toe rubbing PRC.

It was the first time I saw him at his full height, he was sitting down earlier on during his toe rub. He must have been taller than Thomas but a good 10 cm.

Thomas : Lao Liu ! 你给我出去。。。！！ ( Lao Lui, Get out ! )

It was clear things was starting to go out of control as Yanting immediately called out to Lao liu.

Yanting : 哥！！。。那贱货出手打我。。。 ( Bro, that bitch hit me )

She began whining about how she was being victimised, she did not get to finish her sentence when Thomas asked her to just shut up and stop her whining.

Lao liu had already started shoving himself towards Joan and me.

I grabbed the closest mug I could find, ready to use it in whatever means necessary.

Thomas tried to push Lao liu away but he himself was shoved and he lost his balance and toppled clumsily onto Yanting who screamed at him.

My eye met with Lao liu and I knew the confrontation is inevitable.

We were separated only by a desk and the chair Joan had kicked towards Yanting.

Then from out of nowhere, I heard this loud yelp by 2 of the PRC staff at the main entrance.

It sounded like a whoarrrrrrr that disappeared as soon as I heard it. The 2 figure disappeared from view as if they were sucked into a wormhole and the lady in front of them followed suit, being yanked firmly out the door.

2 more PRC guys went to fill the gap but all I saw was a pair of heavily tattooed hands that gripped onto their waist and yanked them out of the office, effectively clearing the doorway.

The bald head emerged through the entrance and I recognised the old man as the head chef of the company.

Joan just introduced him to me barely a couple of hours ago.

Charlie.

Charlie advanced into the room, his feet planted rock steady as he shove and pushed aside employees from both parties, attempting to separate the conflict.

Charlie was flanked by his disciple, this blond hair chap called Ah Soon from Malaysia. I remembered Ah Soon saying that he’s 2 years younger than me when I asked him what was the trick to making good soup base.

Charlie and Ah soon moved as one, separating angry bodies all the way right up into the office.

Ah soon took several shoves and push from the evicted PRCs but he made it a point to block Charlie from them.

Charlie shouted loudly at Lao liu who just made a wild grab for Joan’s hand but I shoved him away, angling my left shoulder and driving my body towards him.

Everything happened fast, I barely knocked him off balance and he just shove me aside. I was about to smash the mug onto him as I regained my footing but I felt this strong forearm hit me on my chest, knocking me off balance and landing butt first onto the floor.

By the time I looked up, Charlie had engaged Lao liu.

Charlie is approaching 65, looks like a puggy marshmallow man but he is strong. I think Chinese Tze char chefs are probably some of the strongest man around. The simple act of making a dish of fried rice requires a control of both the fire and the strength of handling the wok.

I could work out and lift weights in the gym the whole day, yet it took me only 5 mins before my arms hurt when I tried to help my mum with a big serving of bee hoon during a relatives gathering.

Given Lao liu’s superior build, he managed to avoid Charlie’s first attempt to pull him back, pushing his arms away like the flick of a cigarette butt. Charlie’s second attempt to grab him failed too as he avoided his move, Lao liu feigned a left dash before making a complete turn to head for the right opening towards Joan.

I quickly got up on my feet, feeling utterly useless as I was the 2 super size human face off each other.

I retreated to Joan’s side and pulled her towards the back of the office with her parents.

Lao liu made a dash at Charlie, throwing a thick folder of invoices at him at the same time.

Ah Soon was faster, he blocked the folder for Charlie, jumping in front of lao liu’s charge. His heroic act immediately cut short as lao liu grabbed onto the collars of Ah soon and threw him across the desk like a rag doll.

Joan and her mum cried out in horror as Ah soon landed on a chair before toppling noisily onto the floor.

By this time, all of the other commotions and confrontation had stopped.

The other PRCs and local staff no longer shoved and pushed around.

There were no more punches, no more kicks.

Rationale and reasons started to sink into everyone’s overheated brain.

Thomas was shouting for everyone to clear the area, I saw him entrusting Yanting to another colleague.

Staff were helping each other up and off the ground.

Only lao liu and Charlie remained, squaring off in the messed up office.

Charlie motioned for all of us to leave the office as he undid the buttons on his white spotless chef coat.

He warned lao liu once again to stop and calm down but lao liu started spewing vulgarities at Charlie, cursing Singapore and everything the country had to offer.

A couple of his PRC colleague tried to calm him down but he yanked off a keyboard and threw it at them, causing an immediate retreat at the doorway.

I escorted Joan and her parents towards the doorway right when I saw Thomas took off his Rolex watch and unbuttoned his coat.

Thomas took up position beside Charlie while lao liu cursed at Thomas for not taking care of his sister Yanting.

I checked to make sure Joan was ok and her parents were unhurt.

James : You ok ?

Joan : I’m fine. 

The action was about to begin. 

I could feel the excitement again. 

I will not miss this for the world. 

I exhaled and I reached behind my back and undid the knot for my apron, allowing the white cloth to fall ceremoniously onto the floor. 

I pulled off my cap and wiped away the beads of sweat around my forehead. 

I pulled off my face mask, crumpling it into a ball before throwing it onto the floor. 

I removed my casio watch and passed it to Joan. 

Before I even said a word, I felt a smack across my head and Joan glared at me. 

Joan : Look inside…. It’s like transformer vs pacific rim…. You hobbit go in for what!

I wanted to protest, to tell Joan I could help but she pinched me and said 

Joan : You think you very zai ah ? Your gang fight in the sports room… that time you told me what did you grab ? 

Joan : You were the last one in … 

James : I had to go toilet to shit…. I need to pang sai whenever I get nervous… 

Joan folded her arms and continued. 

Joan : Answer my question. People grabbed bats and rackets…. What did you tell me you grabbed from the sports room ? tell me ! 

I hesitated before answering, regretting telling Joan about the incident. 

James : Hula hoop… …. ….. I want to loop the biggest size guy…..but.. but… 

Joan’s exhaled in exasperation and her right arm went around my neck, pulling me towards her. 

Joan : I don’t want you to get hurt James… it’ll break my heart.. 

Her eyes went back to the office as I digested what she just said.

Right at that moment, I heard the loud crash and shouts of 3 men clashing inside the office. 

The shouting and cursing continued for less than 5 minutes before all was quiet. 

Everyone had calmed down. 

Joan asked me to leave first with her parents, I was unwilling to leave her but she told me to trust her. 

Joan : I can handle this. 

Joan’s dad drove and we sent her mum back before immediately heading over again to the kitchen. 

He was already on the phone with her the moment we dropped her mum off. 

It sounded like everything was resolved and the tension was more or less under control. 

The papers were signed and everyone was about to part ways. 

I could not help but ask what sparked off the incident. 

Joan’s dad explained that several staff wanted to leave the company to start out, something which I already knew. Both he and Joan felt that it would be very irresponsible if they were to just leave like this, and that it would be unfair for those who stayed if Thomas did not have the time to get new staff. 

They were actually in the midst of negotiation when Yanting started spewing curses. 

When Joan got into the car, she updated her dad about the situation. Thomas had things under control. Injured staff were sent home to rest, and he fired a couple of PRC staff. 

He also activated staff from another shift in to take over the operations to make sure the day’s orders went out as planned. 

Joan’s dad dropped us off at my place. 

7pm 

Joan and I did not even mention the day’s incident to my family over dinner. 

We enjoyed a nice meal of Tze char at the coffee shop, finishing with desserts over at the mall. 

We did some grocery shopping as a family, thinking of what snacks to get for the TV later in the evening.

10pm 

While Joan was in the shower, I went to the storeroom and did some digging before I found what I wanted. 

Mum : You crazy ah… so late take hula hoop for what… 

James : Aiyah… you won’t understand la. 

10.20pm 

Joan was drying her hair while looking through the clothes she had at my place, picking out the pieces she wants to wear for work the next day. 

She saw me come in with the hula hoop and started laughing. 

Joan : Hahahaha… crazy ah James ? …

James : I want to show you what I can do with this…. 

She chuckled and put aside her towel.

Joan : It’s ok la…. No need… 

James : It’s important… I need to show you…. 

I was about to explain myself when Joan went to my drawer when I kept my condoms and took out a bunch of them before scattering them onto the bed. 

Joan : Show me what you can do with these… 

With a shy smile, she got into my bed, laid down on my pillow, pulled my blanket right up to her cheek before looking coyly at me. 

Joan : You can take off your casio watch now James…

………..

I was feeling a little exasperated and I really wanted to show Joan what I could do with the hoop.

Then again, with her wide eye coy look just staring at me, I decided to keep the demonstration for the future and just cast the hoop aside in my room. 

I feel weak almost immediately, knowing that I had just given myself in to the offer of sex. It’s amazing how easy men can be controlled once you know the right button to push. 

In my feeble attempt to make it seem as if I’m not that desperate, I went to the scattered condoms and in a grand display of wide arm swipe, I picked all 5 up at one go. 

I shook my hands left and right, as if I’m some Japanese yakuza shaking a few dices in a cup. 

James : I’ll show you !!….. I’ll show you what I can do with these !!! 

I twirled 2 rounds, my hands shaking more vigorously and I cast the condoms onto the blanket Joan was covering herself with 

James : Huat ah !!! …..

I clasped my hand together with a loud smack before immediately going for the condoms. 

I took one, threw it up into the air and caught another, playing a game of 5 stones as I smirked and looked at Joan. 

James ; I actually quite good with this one ok… haha… look… look !…. 

Joan’s face was expressionless, the smile she had on earlier left her face and she looked like she wanted to strangle me. 

James : Ok.. ok.. I was just kidding… 

I tried to straddle Joan but she hit me several times and pushed me away when I tried to mount her. 

Joan : Go and play with your 5 stones. 

I laughed and tried to straddle Joan again only to get pushed roughly away, landing awkwardly on my back on the squeaky bed. 

James : Haha… dear ~~ … kidding la..… haha

Joan mounted me 5 minutes later and my brains was fucked out by her that evening.

As if making me moan was not enough, she made me pay back the slaps I owe her long time ago. 

I found it hard to express in words the feeling of getting slap while being rode on like a galloping horse. 

We used all 5 condoms within 2 hours, I came twice, had 2 blowjob and it felt like we had both ran a marathon. 

Joan : How are we going to work later ~~~ …. 

Joan fell asleep with her perspiration soaked t-shirt while I knocked out with a clump of tissue wrapped around my dick as if it was bandaged. 

1st April 2013 

Monday

Joan’s phone rang several times in the morning after we got into work, it was not hard to tell it was her parents. 

Right after lunch, her phone began a 2nd bout of ringing and it was Thomas. I could hear Joan speaking his name when she answered, asking what he wanted. 

I was busy with my work and did not pay much attention to the phone conversation. 

Joan left on the dot at 6pm after sneaking in a quick peck on my cheek that day, she said she had to meet her parents to sort out some issues. 

8th April 2013 

Monday

One week after the incident at the kitchen, Joan was giving serious thoughts about quitting her job to concentrate on the new venture. Her parents voiced their support for her but ultimately, they wanted her to decide for herself. 

Joan : They said as long as I was happy with whatever I was doing, they would support me. 

I nodded in agreement and said that as long as she’s happy, I’m behind her decision too. 

I noticed Patrick acting a little weird that day, entering and leaving Mr Chan’s office several times.

I found out in the pantry later that afternoon that he had just tendered his resignation. 

I told Joan about it and she was a little surprised about him leaving too. 

James : Well…. If I was caught playing with your ….. 

Even though it was a hush whisper, a quick jab on my ribs made me stopped as Joan gave me a frown and push her finger to her lips. 

Joan : You never know who’s listening. 

She whispered quickly before turning back to her work. 

26th April 2013 

Friday 

Joan told me over dinner that Friday evening that she had made up her mind. 

Joan : I’m handing in my resignation in May. 

I was a little sad that I would not be able to see her at work everyday but I did not let it show. 

Joan updated me on the issues at the Kitchen, several staff had left, with a few more serving their notice. Her parents had come up with the initial capital of close to 300k for her to start out the new business.

James : Wah…. So rich….. you really ah siah kia…. 

She ignored my comment and added that the 3 chefs who would be the business partners are coming up with another 120k

6.30pm 

I made dinner reservations and we spent some time packing up her table since it was still early.

I helped Joan packed up some of her stuff that had accumulated over the years deep in her drawer and she mumbled she had some missing stuff. 

Joan : I thought I had them here all along…… 

I looked at the box of belongings when Joan went to the bathroom right before we left for dinner around 7.30pm. 

Some of her pads looked like it had been opened and stuck back. Lip gloss with missing body, only the cap remained. 2 bottles of hand lotion which Joan said was brand new but the seal looked like it had been tampered. 

She mentioned she was missing some photographs too, pictures of her days in the office. 

I disposed off all the pads and tampons and threw away the hand lotions. 

You never know if there are any other sick people in the office. 

People like me. 

10.00 pm 

I headed over to Joan’s place that evening after dinner to see her parents packing up quite a bit of their stuff in the house.

I placed Joan’s stuff down on the dining table and went forward to help Joan’s dad bubble wrap a laughing Buddha sculpture. 

James : Uncle, you all moving ? 

Joan’s dad went on to tell me that they had leased the place a while ago. Their original intention was to live there for a while, and when Thomas and Joan get married, they intended to buy over the flat from the owner for the both of them to live in. 

Now that things had come to this state, there was no point in extending the lease any longer. 

I nodded as I went into the room to wait for Joan to finish her shower. 

As I settled onto her chair, I began to ask myself how much did I really know about Joan ? 

Come to think of it, it’s only been a quick few months, yet it felt like we had been together for so long. 

Perhaps it was because of the amount of things that had happened within this period. 

Well, I knew Joan’s parents pocketed a tidy sum from the en bloc deal at Farrer court few years back, they should have no problem putting up 300k for the business. 

Still, for someone who has yet to have even 30k in his bank, I cannot begin to imagine what it feels like investing 300k in a new business. 

Joan emerged from the shower, drying her hair as she hummed along a pop song from Jay chou. 

James : Dear…. You never mentioned you’re moving…. 

Joan : Oh… ya…. Wanted to ask you to help me pack this weekend. 

James : So last minute…. Are you running away ? 

Joan studied me for a moment before breaking out into a smile. 

Joan : Ooooohh… someone not happy I never tell him we’re moving ah ? ….. 

She chuckled and sat on my lap, using her feet which was still damp from her shower to push the door close. 

As she guided my hands around her waist, Joan told me that she was just moving back to her old place. She did not think it was such a big deal. 

When I asked where her old place was, she just casually mentioned Serangoon garden. 

My eyes widened and I nodded without any expression. 

She gave me a weird look and asked me what’s wrong.

7.00pm

We gathered in the staff pantry, a small cozy corner with a salvage round table. 

It was not enough to fit everyone and most of us stood. 

The atmosphere was warm, family like and there were laughter and cheers as we ate, joked and filled our stomach with more than just food. 

Stories were exchanged, from something as silly as unable to find a pair of scissors to having to borrow soy sauce from the kitchen next door. 

We chuckled and laugh as everyone related how things went wrong on that faithful day. 

I watched Joan’s dad peel an orange for her mum as she brushed off some dust on his t-shirt while asking him to drink more water.

I turned just in time to see my mum laugh at my dad as she helped him pound his lower back, commenting that it was a good work out. 

Jasper and Cheryl ate quietly in the corner, their eyes never left each other as they put dishes on each other’s bowl from their own bowl. Their soft whispers made them seem as if they were in a world of their own inside the noisy room.

Joan was leaning back against the countertop, smiling as she looked at Charlie scold Ah soon for crashing the car in a funny manner. 

Charlie : Kuar zhar bor si bo ? ( Look at girls is it ? ) 

Ah soon looked apologetic and admitted he swerved to avoid hitting a stray dog who dashed out. 

Charlie laughed and gave him a light shove, exclaiming loudly that he was born in the year of the dog. 

Charlie : Aiyah….. suar la…. Suar la…… Lang bo dai ji xiang toing yao… ( Forget it, the most important thing is you’re ok ) 

Joan turned towards me and I went over to her side. 

Before I could speak, she spoke first. 

Joan : Thank you James…. I could not have done this without you…. 

I smiled and I reached for a peck on her cheek. 

James : What are family for … ? … 

Joan : When did I ever agree to be part of your family ? haha… 

We turned our attention back to the group in the room, there was a special kind of warmth that I found it hard to describe in words. 

No, we definitely did not just pull off some out of the world feat, it was nowhere close. 

It’s just that the realisation that we had accomplished that much together brought about this overwhelming sense of satisfaction. 

I asked Joan how much did we make from that 2 job and I could not help but laugh and chuckle from the amount. 

She laughed too before turning away to get more food. 

Sometimes it’s really not just for the money. 

She estimated a profit of about $250 max. 

I was about to tuck into my second helping when Joan suddenly put her bowl down a little too loudly onto the table. 

“Piak “ 

Joan : Shit !…… 

There was an immediate silence around the table as all eyes turned to look at Joan. 

Joan : I forgot about clearing up after the job… !!! Everything is still there ! 

The room was quiet for a good 3 second before Jasper put down his bowl and said he was ready to go 

Jasper : Let’s go… 

Cheryl too joined Jasper by his side, rolling up the sleeves of her cardigan and gave Joan a wink.

My Dad reassured my mum he’s fine and stood up too. 

Charlie followed next and it was clear dinner was officially over. He began directing staff to prepare for the next day. 

Joan : I’m…… I’m so. Sorry for dragging everyone into this….. 

Jasper spoke after Joan, echoing what I just said only moments earlier. 

Jasper : Joan…. Don’t be sorry…. What are family for ….. we’ll support you all the way.. 

7.45pm 

I started the engine of Joan’s parents’ ride as I watched Jasper and Cheryl get into my dad’s car from the rear mirror. 

I saw my Dad deep in conversation with Joan’s father and both of them got into the back seat behind Jasper and Cheryl. 

I watched Joan drained a bottle of water at the entrance through the side mirror and I waited. 

Moments later, she walked towards my car in a swagger that reminded me again of Lara croft. 

She got in, took off her boots and put her feet up on the dashboard. 

She stuck her left hand out of the window and gave Jasper a thumbs up and the headlights flashed twice from behind. 

I shifted the gear into drive and slowly rolled out of onto the road. 

Joan turned on the radio and just so it happened it was playing the song which she sang that night during the company dinner

She started humming the song as she tapped her thigh with her finger. 

Joan : Please James…. Please let this day be over soon….. please…please…please… please….. 

Joan stretched and massaged her neck as she lowered her seat a little to make herself comfortable. 

At the first red light, I turned and look at Joan. 

James : Look at me in the eye when you beg…….

She laughed and tried to give me a playful jab in the rib with her phone but it ended up being pushed and dropped near the accelerator when I tried to counter her move. 

Joan : Haha… idoit… see la… my phone… 

Joan tried to retrieve it while I looked down and gave her directions as I knew roughly where it landed. 

Right at this moment, the walkie talkie crackled on the dash board. 

Jasper : J Lo 11….. This is J Lo 12…… 

James : Wassup ? 

Jasper : Is Joan doing what I think she is doing ?… Because it really looks like it from back here……. And Joan’s dad is asking…. 

We laughed but did not reply and as soon as the lights turned green, we sped off. 

December 2013

Joan ‘s new company took about half a year before finally turning a profit. 

After taking away operating cost and drawing a salary of $2700 for herself, the company made a profit of $1700 that December. 

She has since expanded to include confinement meals in her menu. 

Joan now employs 12 staff and owns 2 delivery Van.

It’s really a tough environment getting good committed staff in this climate, especially in the F&B sector. 

Still she managed a decent turnover with an average profit of 6-7k per month after deducting all her cost, rental and staff salary. 

It’s not a lot but it’s a start. 

Definitely going to be a while before everyone gets their capital back. 

Jasper, Cheryl and I helped out during peak and festive periods. Mostly for corporate events and setups. 

So do keep a lookout if you see 2 handsome guys, a girl with huge boob and a local version of lara croft which you think might be Joan doing the buffet setup at your office. 

Go ahead and have a casual chat with the crew…. And keep an eye out for the walkie talkie. 

If you ever see if sitting by the side while the crew is setting up, try your luck with the call sign. 

You never know who will reply. 

The end…….