Chapter 437

That evening, the four siblings sat around the dining table.
“Welcome home, sis,” Jimmie said, raising his glass first and delivering a sentimental speech. “Juniper, you’ve got brothers to back you up now. No matter what happens, we will always be your strongest support.”
“Welcome home,” Harold and Melvin echoed, their faces beaming with affection as they looked at Juniper. “And congratulations on graduating.”
“Thank you, my brothers,” Juniper replied, clinking her glass of juice against theirs.
“Shanley said you love mangoes,” Melvin said, pushing a plate of sliced fruit in front of her. “Here, try some. See if you like them.”
Juniper ate a piece. It was perfectly sweet, but for some reason, it tasted completely bland. “They’re good,” she said, forcing a smile, not wanting to hurt his feelings. “You guys should have some too.”
“Okay.”
The three brothers exchanged a look. Their sister seemed happy, but it was as if something was weighing on her mind. Or rather, someone.
…
After dinner, Juniper sat on the sofa watching TV, feeling bored. She tried playing a game on her phone, but that felt boring too. Everything was just… boring.
Her brothers hovered nearby, trying to make small talk, but Juniper only gave distracted, occasional replies.
“Ms. Payne, some lemon water,” Dana said, bringing a glass over to her. “Thanks, Dana.”
Juniper took a sip. It was warm. She was about to ask for ice when Dana quietly explained, “Mr. Schwartz said that your period is due in a few days and specifically instructed me not to give you anything cold for now.”
“Oh.” A faint blush crept up Juniper’s cheeks. It was strange how Shanley remembered these things when she couldn’t even keep track of them herself.
“It’s getting late. You’ve had a long day, Juniper, you should get some rest,” Jimmie said gently. Harold and Melvin nodded in agreement.
Jimmie walked her to her bedroom. He pushed open the door to reveal a massive, dreamy princess room. The open-concept closet was filled with designer clothes perfect for her age, and a crystal chandeliercast brant light across the space t was stunning.
“Let me know if there’s anything you don’t like,” Jimmie said, his voice soft as he looked down at his sister. “We can have it changed tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Jimmie,” Juniper said, a wave of warmth washing over her. “It’s perfect. I love it.”
“Good.” Jimmie breathed a sigh of relief. “Sleep well. I’m right next door. Call me if you need anything.”
After the door closed, Juniper sat on the bed, staring at the glass of lemon water on the nightstand. She couldn’t resist. She picked up her phone and sent Shanley a message.
Juniper: [.]
Less than five seconds later, a video call came through.
Tsk. Juniper scoffed internally. So now he remembers to video call her? He had all day and couldn’t even send a single text. She really didn’t want to answer. Her mind screamed no, but her finger had a mind of IES own and tapped ‘accept’.
“Hi, Juniper.”
On the screen, Shanley was still in his suit, clearly at the office. It was nearly midnight, and he was still working. She remembered that when she was living at Cloudscape Community, he never came home later than seven.
Juniper propped her phone on the nightstand and sat cross-legged on the bed, silent.