One Boy's Journey Chapter 53

Written by Brianna Demonet

I had Amber give me frog eye tongue piercings; she did my nipples and my hood's outer labia on both sides. I knew Cathy had a tongue stud and her flower pierced so I figured I would double down on the tongue and get my vagina done while I was at it.

Amber showed me some really cool temporary tattoos. I said why not! I couldn't go into the pool for a few days, and I was given the rest of the week off, so I got a real big tribal tattoo with roses on my lower back and a barbed wire tattoo on my upper arm like Amber had. I also got a small rose behind each ear.

I was probably making my decision with my emotions, but I always wanted nipple rings anyway, and I'm 19 now. I made an appointment to come back for my hip and back dermals on Saturday along with my hair and nails. I made an appointment for Lexi too.

I showed Cathy what I had done.

Ohh!!! Ree!!! You swung for the fences! Said Cathy.

I'm not done yet! I said proudly. I'm getting dermals like yours on Saturday!

Ree!! That's a lot! Said Cathy.

You have just as many! I said. When I said I wanted to be just like you, I wasn't kidding!

I should say not! Brenda is going to kill me! Said Cathy.

I'm 19 Cathy! She can't say anything! Besides I've been wanting these for years! I said.

You really are like my little sister, aren't you!

Yes, I am! Big sis!

Okay, but make sure you disinfect them. And you better ice that tongue! I need you on the phone on Monday!

Yes ma'am! I started to mumble. I went to Walgreens and bought everything I needed, I bought extra for Lexi. I knew she would get hip dermals.

Amber invited me and Lexi out for Saturday night to go clubbing! I was really excited to go with a group. I couldn't drink but I didn't care about that, I wanted to dance!

Saturday night came, and Lexi and I dressed up in tight half-tank tops and mini skirts. Lexi and I were showing off all our curves. We wore our black 6-inch platform heels.

We were showing off our dermal piercings. We were a little sore but they were very sexy. My lower back tattoo got a lot of attention. I decided that night to get a tattoo.

Sharon, Amber, and Sarah were with us. We were joined by a young lawyer named Annie, she was very sweet! Annie recently graduated from Law school at Stanford.

Guys were flocking around us all night! It was an incredible rush. I danced with a few guys that night, it was fun. We usually danced as a group. I danced a couple slow songs with Lexi.

As the night came to an end. Lexi and I were growing more affectionate with each other. We tried to keep our feelings for each other on the down low! But our friends could tell. Lexi and I rekindled our feelings for one another.

It was a 45-minute drive home. We were exhausted. I started the shower and started cleaning up. I didn't hear the shower door open. Lexi stepped in and wrapped her arms around me.

I was a little surprised at first. She turned me to face her and kissed me deeply. That French kiss took my breath away. We embraced a deep and loving kiss. I longed for such a kiss.

It's been years since Lexi and I showered together like this. As turned on as I was at the club, I didn't realize how much I missed being kissed by her. Sure we fooled around some since John and I broke up, but this felt much more intimate.

I don't remember much after our shower. I woke up in the morning with Lexi next to me. She opened her beautiful blue eyes and kissed me. We went to the shower and started up again.

I was feeling up her body and I touched her penis. I noticed it was much smaller than I remembered. Lexi softly moaned as I touched her. I noticed her scrotum was empty.

Lexi, where are your balls? I asked.

In the trash! I had an Orchiectomy, remember? Said Lexi. I wasn't using them anyway and they were getting in the way all the time. Besides I haven't had an erection for years.

I completely forgot about that.

Mom and I are saving for my bottom surgery after graduation. Lexi said.

Did you ask Lisa about doing your surgery?

No, because I wanted my Mom to be close.

Your mom is more than welcome to stay with us! I can stay at Becky's if you want some privacy.

Thanks, Ree, I'll ask my Mom. Lexi said.

Lexi loved my pierced flower.

I'm going to get my flower done just like yours she said.

We spent the rest of the day doing laundry and cleaning. We kissed several times during the day and made salads for dinner.

I was actually smiling throughout the day. I hadn't thought about John for a whole day.

Just as I got up for work on Monday morning my phone rang. It was John!

I debated even answering it. Between my heartache and anger, I wasn't sure I could talk to him. I let the call go to voicemail.

For the next two weeks, my phone rang four times a day. My mailbox was full. I didn't listen to a single message.

I was in the middle of typing up a deposition when my phone rang at my desk. It was Aunt V. Aunt V never calls me during the day.

Hi Aunt V! How are you?

I'm fine, Ree, how are you doing?

I'm fine, I'm really busy right now!

Ree! I'm worried about you! John called me. He's very worried! You haven't answered any of his calls.

He's a married man now. He doesn't need me anymore. I started crying again, just when I was starting to pick up the pieces.

Ree! Talk to me! You've survived much worse than this and came out on top! Aunt V said

That's what I was doing when you called! I actually didn't think about him until he started calling me.

Ree! You need to talk to him. He's not any happier than you are!

Aunt V, I love you; you're a second mother to me! You saved me! I'll always be grateful to you. I owe you everything!

Tell John if he wants to talk to me to make an appointment at the firm. I'm very busy right now.

If he really wants to talk to me, he can do it face-to-face. I don't have time for anything else!

I'm sorry I am really busy! I have to go.

I love you, Auntie Vanessa!

I love you too, baby girl!

I hung up the call and cried in the bathroom for ten minutes.

Two weeks went by, no calls no texts, no one bothering me about John.

Cathy and Becky gave me a lot of slack. I worked off the clock catching up with my work. I was finally caught up by the third week with everything. Cathy and Becky were happy; Carol came by a couple of times to check on me.

Mom, Dad, and Aunt V called a few times, but they never mentioned John. I turned off my Facebook alert. I was finally starting to focus on my career goals and work. Lexi and I were going out on Saturday nights with the girls.

At the end of the third week, my desk phone rang.

It was Sharon.

Hi Sharon! What can I do for you?

Your 3 o'clock appointment is here! Sharon said.

Cathy doesn't have a 3 o'clock appointment, I replied.

It's not for Cathy, it's yours! Sharon said.

I'll be right there!

I walked down the corridor, I rounded the corner and John was standing there in a nice suit and dress shirt with no tie.

I froze!

Ree! I blocked you for 30 minutes in conference room 2.

Oh, okay!! Thanks, Sharon.

Right this way Mr. Park! I said coldly.

How can I help you? Treating him like a client.

Ree! I really need to talk to you! John said almost begging.

You're a married man! I have no interest in married men!

Ree, I need to explain!

I sat at the head of the conference table. I crossed my legs exposing as much skin as possible.

Well, let's hear it! I said, flatly!

I'm sorry! I never meant for any of this to go so far! I didn't have a choice if I didn't agree to get married. Soo-Min and her family would have excommunicated my family.

We would have cut out our family and legacy! My father's legacy would die.

I never wanted to hurt you! I didn't want to do any of this! My parents did everything they could. You have to believe me.

But you did it! I've seen the pictures on Facebook. She's a very pretty girl! I'm sure you will be happy together! She's quite the little social media influencer too!

For the record John! You looked pretty happy with her!

Look closer, Ree! Every smile is forced. I was thinking about you when I smiled at those pictures.

John, I am really busy, what do you want from me? Forgiveness? You have it, I forgive you! I can't promise I'll forget it, but I forgive you. I love you too much to hate you.

Ree, I have loved you from the first time we went out together. I still love you, and that will never change. I need you to believe me when I say I never wanted any of this! Neither did my parents! My parents love you, Ree!

John, I could never hate you, but this broke my heart. I love your family as if they were my family. All I can do now is move on! I believe you love me. But we both have to move on!

I hope you eventually find some happiness with her. I won't get in your way.

I still love you! I kissed his cheek, ran to the bathroom, and cried.

I gathered myself and finished the work day.

Thank goodness your eyeliner is tattooed like mine or you'd be a mess! Said Cathy. She was smiling.

I'm sorry! It's been a really rough few weeks. I think I'll be alright. I said.

Ohh!!! I know you will! You're a fighter! You're as tough as I am! Maybe tougher! Cathy said. Once you get through law school, you're going to be hell on wheels, little sister!

Ree, I know how much you loved him! My parents loved him! Breakups happen. It happened to me a few times. We're women! We're built to get through it! We don't need men to define us!

Caleb doesn't define me! He loves me he supports me, and I do the same for him. We love our children.

Children? I asked.

Are you? I started to ask

Pregnant? Yes! Said Cathy. I found out this morning! Caleb doesn't even know yet!

I hope it's a girl this time! I said smiling!

Me too! Said Cathy.

Ree, I want you to be godmother to my New baby! Will you do it?

Cathy, I'm not Catholic? Heck, I'm not really religious at all! I don't know.

You would have to convert to Catholicism. But I know you would be a great godparent. Said Cathy. Besides, if it's a girl, I need her to be as tough and resilient as you are!

I trust you Rianna! I know you will teach her to honor our Korean and Italian heritage.

You know I will!

That's why it has to be you!

Caleb is a great father and family-oriented, but if it's a girl, he's going to need you! He doesn't know what being a girl is all about!

Cathy, you're freaking me out a little! You make it sound like you're dying!

I'm healthy as a horse! But what have I always taught you over and over? Cathy asked.

Always have more than one contingency plan! I said.

That's right! I love you, little sister! You're the only person I can ask.

What about Caleb?

He doesn't know. I'm not giving him a choice! He'll be okay with it! He loves you too!

Okay, I'll do it! But I have to talk to my mother and father first.

Three weeks later I started school again. My last year before I graduate. I attended Catholic classes. By the time I graduated, I was baptized and had my first communion.

Mom wasn't very religious, but Dad was a Catholic. They were very proud of me.

Cathy and Caleb gave birth to a baby girl. They named Maria May. After me and her mother.

I was accepted to law school at Stanford. Cathy and Becky were right about law school. The first year, they scare you to death; the second year, they work you to death; and the third year, they bore you to death. Lexi was in med school at Stanford.

Emma was doing a double major in law and business at Berkeley. The three of us lived at the condo. Emma had a big commute, but it saved her a lot of money on rent.

I stayed an extra year and earned a master's business as well.

Last summer, before my last year in grad school with my double Masters degree, Becky got me an internship as a clerk for Judge Harris. He was a very nice man and a great judge. His nickname was Hang'em Harris from his days as state court judge!

I had not heard a word from John. It's been almost six years now. I dated a little on and off. I've been working at the San Francisco DA office for almost two years. I've been working very long hours. I was never bored.

Just as Becky promised I was on track for my career. It's been over ten years since I was attacked and left for dead. My Mom, just like me, passed the bar exam for the first time this spring. She was hired by Mr Fountain. Cheryl was an assistant DA for Clark County.

I was just finishing up my paperwork when my phone rang.

Hi Dad! How are you? I heard my mom crying in the background.

Ree can you come home tonight?

What's wrong Dad?

There's been a terrible accident. We need you here. John and his family need to see you.

What happened? Is John okay?

John is fine honey. But he needs you! The Park family would love to see you.

I'm not so sure Dad. I haven't spoken to John in over five years.

Yon asked me to call you. Please come home.

I'll be there as soon as I can Dad. I love you! Tell Mom I love her and I'll be there soon.

We love you too Ree!

I raced back to my apartment and grabbed a few things. As an afterthought, I grabbed my black Korean formal dress. Don't ask me why. But I did.

I just barely made the 7 pm flight to Vegas. I called my office and told them I had a family emergency.

Aunt V picked me up in her Porsche from the airport.

What's going on Aunt V?

John and his wife were in a horrible car accident.

Are they okay? Their kids?

John has a concussion and some broken ribs. The kids were at Yon and Jii's, and they're fine.

His wife? I asked.

She was killed on impact. A truck ran a stop light and crushed her on impact.

Ohh!! My gosh! That terrible!

When John regained conscience he was asking for you!

Me? But we haven't spoken in years.

He still loves you Rianna!

Where is he?

In the hospital! Doctors are holding him for observation due to some minor brain swelling. The doctors said he'll be fine!

Let's get you home and we can visit him tomorrow.

Please take me to the hospital! I demand softly.

Okay, sweetheart!

We got to the hospital; it was almost 10 pm local time. Visiting hours were over.

I went to the desk; visiting hours are over, young lady. You'll have to come back tomorrow. I'm Mr Park's attorney. I was told to stop by.

You'll have to wait until 9 am tomorrow. Okay! I guess I'll be late tomorrow because now I will have to file a complaint for a hospital refusing the visitation of council to a patient on request!

Very well ma'am! Room 405. Take a left off the elevator and the room is on your left.

Thank you!

Wow! Where did you learn that?

Where do you think? I winked at Aunt V.

She smiled at me.

John was awake and watching ESPN when Aunt V and I walked in.

R, R, Ree! Is it really you?

Yes John it's me!.

John looked terrible. His face had scrapes and scratches. His head was taped up with a cold pack. His chest was all bandaged up. His ankle had an air cast and propped up.

I wasn't sure you would come!

Dad said you wanted to see me?

Yes, I do. Ree, I'm sorry about everything. You are the best thing that ever happened to me besides my children! I just wanted you to know I still love you.

We can talk about it tomorrow. You need your rest. Your children will need you more than ever! I said.

Ree!!! He held out his hand. I'm so sorry! I should have been a stronger man for you!

I took his hand and kissed his lips. We'll talk tomorrow! Get some sleep, John. I'll be back in the morning.

As we walked down the hall Blake stepped off the elevator.

How's our boy? Ask Blake I hugged him! Peggy was right behind him.

I'm sorry Peggy!

Don't be; how about another hug for a friend?

I hugged her too!

Blake, Peggy, do you remember my Aunt Vanessa?

Of course! How are you Dr Stockton said Blake formally.

Just fine, Detective Sergeant! But you can call me V, Blake! You too Peggy!

Thank you V! Said Peggy in her perky trademark voice.

Detective Sergeant! Impressive! I said.

And you Peggy? I asked.

I'm the second-shift supervisor of the crime lab! Peggy said. I heard you're an assistant DA in San Francisco?

For two years now! I said.

How is he? Asked Blake.

He's sleeping right now. I'll come back in the morning.

Have you eaten yet? Asked Peggy.

No, I just got in town. Aunt V picked me up.

Ree, why don't you go get a bite to eat and you can sleep in Lexi's room tonight. I'll take you to your house in the morning.

We'll drop her off after said Peggy.

Blake snuck into John's room.

He came back out.

Let's get some dinner! I'm starving!

You're always hungry! Said Peggy!

We went to the Black Bear diner. Vicki was working the late shift.

Well if you three aren't a sight for sore eyes!

Hi Vicki! I said.

All grown up! You guys look great!

It seems like yesterday you were in high school!

So Ree, what are you doing now?

I'm a prosecutor for the San Francisco DA office.

Really! That's great!

What will you have?

Peggy and I ordered chef salads.

And for you Detective Sergeant?

New York strip medium and a side salad.

Coming up! Said Vicki.

What's with everyone using your rank I asked.

Blake became a detective and Sergeant last month. He made it 3 months earlier than his Dad did. Peggy said proudly.

That is impressive. I said.

I have an interview with the FBI next month. If all goes well I'll be training at Quantico soon afterwards. Said Blake. John was supposed to be interviewed, too!

What happened Blake? I heard a trunk ran a stop light and crashed right into them.

It was an accident, Ree. The brakes failed on the truck. The truck was loaded to the maximum. The driver swerved to miss some people in the crosswalk and ended up hitting John's SUV.

The driver was at full speed when the light changed. The brakes failed. There was nothing anyone could do!.

I examined the truck, Ree. The rubber brake lines were old and cracked and gave out. Said Peggy.

So what happens now? I asked.

The driver is in the hospital in the high-security wing, handcuffed to his bed. He has a concussion as well. We can't formally change him until the doctors clear him.

What about the kids? John is all alone now!

John and his kids will be fine. Yon and Jii love their grandchildren! Said Blake.

Besides Uncle Blake and Aunt Peggy will be checking in on them. Said Peggy.

It was just then I noticed her engagement ring.

Peggy is that an engagement ring?

Yes! She squealed.

Blake proposed after I graduated from college!

We're getting married next spring! You have to be there Ree! Said Peggy!

I will be there, you can count on it! I said.

They took me to Aunt V's. I hugged them both and thanked them for dinner. Blake paid for dinner even after I insisted on paying.

I left Vicki a $40 tip.

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