1039 word(s) Published 32 JASAMINA The man didn't look so mean anymore. His face had lost all that intense expression but he was still big and looking so intimidating. "You are not taking me back?" I couldn't keep the hope from my voice. My voice trembled so hard that I feel like a talking spring cord. He shook his head once. "Never. And I want to thank you." He stated. "Thank me?" "My brother. He has been lost to us for the past few years. If not for you, I wouldn't have seen him again." A muscle ticked his jaw as he looked away, "It's obvious that you and your child have affected him, made him stop drinking even if it's just for a while. Thank you." That brought me a bit out of my fear and I found myself shaking my head. "No, no, you don't have to thank me. I should be the one thanking you and Tanner. I don't know what would have become of me if not for Tanner." "He helped me especially financially, or I would have died from sickness...I would have lost Jaimie too." The rem

 1101 word(s)Published34 The brightness and the early chirpings of birds penetrated my subconscious. My eyed opened to a brand new day. The events of yesterday filled my mind. I smiled as I stared at Jaimie. He had woken me up twice in the middle of the night to breastfeed and change his diapers. After cutting my sleep short, here the little man is...sleeping like there's no tomorrow. I kissed his rosy plump cheek and rose from the bed. I flushed at a remembered event. I can't believe I actually hugged Tanner, last night. I'm more surprise that I didn't freak out while doing it, especially when his arms wrapped around my back. I felt safe. At home. I've gotten pretty used to him. Even Jaimie. I imagined hugging another man...even his brother....and shuddered at the thought. Men scare the devil out of me. And with good reasons too.

 1329 word(s)Published36 I was just about to loose my clothes when my cellphone rang. It was the girl's husband, the congressman. I let the call ring through. I whistled as I took off my clothes, ready to use the shower. Another call came in. I scared at him and recognised the number. I placed the call to my ear. "Rutherford speaking." "Xazix?" I recognized the voice instantly. "Mark!? "It's me, man! Longest time!" His voice cake through, making me smile. Mark was my best buddy back then when I was still a full-time bounty hunter. Mark hunts like crazy. He hasn't lost his touch and he still hunts. "How have you been? I lost contact with you." I spoke good-naturedly. "Changed sims. You know how it works. Where are you, buddy? I would have liked us to hang out together and play catch-up."

   1009 word(s) Published 38    🎁🎁🎁XAZIX🎁🎁🎁    As I walked down to the bus station at Third Avenue, many thoughts clouded my mind. I just saw my brother. After a long time, I just saw my lost brother. I just saw him and yet I miss him.    I miss Tann. The old Tann. The jovial one that smiled all the damn time, especially when Suzy is within sight. Or Dannie. The fun Tanner that loved to cook and goof around.    Suzy's death ate deep into him, he has been a shadow of himself ever since the incident; consoling himself with bottles of alcohol and drowning himself in the temporary somewhat "pleasure" intoxication brought unto him.  

 1190 word(s)Published40 🎁🎁🎁JASAMINA🎁🎁🎁 I woke up quiet early to get Jaimie ready for our visit to the doctor's. The silence of the house shows that Tanner was still sleeping. I took that time to arrange the house that has become home, and run a bath for myself. All the while, my mind feathered on Tanner. He has become a refuge to me. I never thought I'll ever be comfortable with another man, the way I am with him. Out of nowhere, I wondered what it would feel like to kiss him. The thought took me by surprise because it's a thought I've never had before. Not even before I married Dale and certainly, not during our marriage. I closed my eyes and put the thought at the back of my mind. Tanner is my friend, my savior and everything in between. I don't know if I can bear him as a lover. Any man at all. The t