An Unwelcomed Relative

The mists had cleared up a little bit and the sun was seen shining down in its full glory. The day was beautiful and it made for a perfect day of rest.

It was Pauline's day off from duty and she was very pleased. She had utilised the previous night to engage in her excesses to full satisfaction. It made her ecstatic with joy as she saw the look of horror in the eyes of the man under her, fully tied up.

She relished the look of fear in him. Just pathetic, she would think. The man would constantly squirm on the bed.

She stood by the window and a slight smile appeared on her face as she sipped her early morning drink. It was really pleasant. She stood there thinking with amusement what she should consider doing for the day.

It was at this point that the doorbell rang and she frowned a bit. She wasn't expecting anyone and it was very rare for her to have visitors. The only few people that ever visited her were Richard and two other soldiers and even they would call before dropping by.

She dropped her glass gently, careful not to break it, then walked to the door with graceful steps. She had her gun strapped to her waist and the light floral top covered it perfectly well.

As a soldier she had learnt that it was imperative to always be prepared and that meant having one's gun at all time. She checked through the peep hole and her frown deepened.

She hesitated, her fists folding and unfolding, for a few seconds before she opened the door slowly. She stood by the door as if stating that she didn't want the visitor to come in.

It was a woman, slightly older than her, with light black hair and soft facial features. She had a big smile plastered on her face as she stood by the door. The moment she came face to face with Pauline her smile grew wider, showing her dimples.

"Hi, is this Pauline Jeremy's residence?" she asked. Her mouth moved subtly that Pauline would've suspected that she wasn't actually the one speaking.

She shook her head instinctively before saying, "I mean yes, I am Pauline. What do you want?"

The woman exhaled deeply while putting a hand to her chest. She seemed relieved for some reason and her eyes sparkled as she looked more intently at Pauline. The gaze made her uncomfortable but she stood there; open to the scrutiny of her eyes.

"Pauline…" the woman said in a purring voice. She stretched her hand to touch Pauline's face but she quickly swatted her hand away, maintaining her frown of displeasure. "Pauline, you look so different…so grown up. The last time I saw you, you were very…"

"Tiny? Beaten? Miserable?" Pauline threw the words out with acidic coatings. Her face was contorting by the second.

The woman shook her head. "It's been such a long time and I know you might not remember me. It's me, Kristine!"

Pauline scoffed. "I remember you very well, Kristine."

Kristine's eyes sparkled once more and she made a move to step closer but Pauline's glare kept her at bay. She smiled tightly. "How are you doing?"

"You've seen me."

"Can I come in? I have something very important to tell you."

Pauline shifted a bit, letting her in. a part of her wanted to kick her out but another part—a bigger part—wanted to listen. To listen for old times' sake.

Kristine looked around the house with admiration. "You were always one with good taste."

"Get to the point."

Kristine nodded and arranged her words. "Father's very sick, critical even. The doctors say he might not survive past this month. He is very sad…always have been. He has regrets, Pauline. He wants to see you before he passes on."

Kristine glanced at Pauline who was silent. She didn't move a muscle or try to say something. She just stood there with her fists balled up and eyes vacant. The only thing she did was nod from time to time.

"Did you hear me?" Kristine asked. "Father wants to see you before he…gives up."

Pauline took a deep breath then exhaled. She wiped her eyes which were getting wet. She wanted to curse herself for crying. For showing weakness. She hated herself for it but then again she was pained for a totally different reason.

She nodded again, letting her eyes lock on to Kristine who had slightly red eyes. "Father's sick?"

Kristine nodded solemnly. "He's been sick for a long time…"

"And he wants to see me?"

Kristine nodded again.

"What makes you think I want to see him?"

"Huh?" Kristine was taken aback before quickly collecting herself. She looked at Pauline, whose face was now pale like a ghost, and wiped her forehead. "I…"

"Don't answer that," Pauline raised a finger to stop her. "I will never see that monster ever again in my life!"

Pauline's face was now as black as charcoal and her anger knew no restraint. Her chest heaved and for a brief second she felt the hand gun strapped to her waist with her hand. She wanted so badly to pull it out and put an end to this conversation. She wanted to put an end to her misery.

Kristine sighed and put her hands together. "I knew it would be difficult to convince you when I came."

"Then why did you come if you already know my answer?"

"Because," Kristine said. "I was hoping that I could talk to you and make you understand that we looked for you. We did, and we hoped you'd come back. We waited, we searched for you.

"No one wanted what happened to happen."

"You looked for me?" Pauline had a contemptuous look on her face. "Was it before or after?"

"What do you mean?"

"How did you find me today? When did you actually find me?"

Kristine sighed. "We didn't know where you were all those years. We searched for you, believe me. I kept searching until a month ago I found your house.

"I didn't want to approach you like that but now that father is ill, I have no choice but to come fetch you."

Pauline gritted her teeth and pointed a finger at her. "Fifteen years, Kristine, fifteen years and you come to ask me to go with you?"