CHAPTER FOUR

GRETEL tried to sleep, but she could not. She was exhausted, and she almost got robbed and harmed a while ago. She could not just let that thing go from her mind. Ironically, she was scared to wake up and find that everything was just a dream—including meeting a strange being named ‘Alexander.’

She finally gave up tossing and turning on her bed and went to the kitchen. She noticed that it was almost sunrise. She might as well cook their breakfast.

“Gretel!”

Gretel jumped at Hansel’s voice. He rushed to the kitchen, looking restless. He looked like he did not get a decent sleep, too.

“I’m here. What’s the matter?” she asked as she put more firewood on the fire. She was cooking rice.

“How did you get home last night? Are you alright?”

“I did. Everything’s fine.”

“I’m sorry. I promised I’d pick you up, but I did not show up.”

“I remember. That’s why I was a little disappointed. What happened, brother? Is everything alright?”

Hansel looked away for a moment as he swallowed. Gretel was sure something was not right.

“I fell asleep right after I came back from the market. I’m really sorry.”

“Are you sure?”

“Y-yeah.”

Hansel was lying. He did not look like he got enough sleep.

“Do you want coffee? I’ll make you a cup.”

“N-no. I’m fine. I’ll just go back to sleep.”

Gretel took a deep breath as Hansel left the kitchen. Something did not feel right. She could only hope that Hansel did not involve himself in trouble.

“GRETEL?” Her mother was still rubbing her eyes when she appeared in the kitchen.

“Good morning, Mother.”

“Why did you wake up so early? You should go back to bed.”

“I could not sleep even if I wanted to. I already fried some eggs. Do you want me to make you a coffee? It’s still brewing.”

“Yes, I can smell it, and it’s stirring my appetite.” She sat on the bamboo chair. “What time did you get home last night? Did Hansel pick you up?”

“It’s fine, Mother. I did not walk home alone.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Glenda said in relief. “You know there were rumors that a man from another village was targeting people who walk alone at night. He threatens them with a knife to rob them of their money.”

Gretel stopped for a moment. He must be that man who tried to rob her!

“I’m not scared, Mother,” she said with a smile. “That man had probably met his match. If he did that again, he’d be dead.”

“That’s for sure.”

GRETEL cleaned the house when her mother and Hansel finally left for the market. She picked up a new book after that and eventually fell asleep in the living room.

GRETEL found herself in a dark, unfamiliar room. It was elegant, and the sheets were made of fine silk. She was naked, and a feverish sensation was taking over her body. She was in an indecent position. Her legs were parted, and she was panting. Her middle and ring fingers were inside her, stroking her vaginal walls roughly while her other hand cupped her breast.

She only got one thing in her mind, and that is to climax. Of how she got in that situation and where exactly she was, she did not care.

“Who would have thought that Miss Prim and Proper was a slut behind closed doors?” said a familiar voice.

“She was not as boring as she seems. I like her,” another familiar voice said.

What was that? Where were the voices coming? She should not be caught!

As her climax neared, two figured suddenly appeared at the bottom of her bed. Javier and Alexander—they were smirking at her. Gretel’s eyes grew wide as she came.

“No!”

Gretel jolted from her sleep, and the book on her chest fell on the floor. She was panting and sweating.

She looked around her and realized she was only dreaming. But damn, it felt real.

She wrapped her arms around her as she shut her eyes tight. How could she be with Javier and Alexander in an embarrassing dream? Goodness!

“Oh, no.” Gretel saw from outside the window that it was almost sunset.

Her mother and Hansel will be home soon. She must prepare their dinner before she goes to the backyard and see if Alexander would show up.

GRETEL bathed quickly after preparing dinner and went back to the kitchen to prepare something for Alexander. She sliced mangoes and filled a huge plate. She also made her special spicy vinegar sauce. Well, that wasn’t much, but maybe Alexander would still appreciate it.

“Why are there only two plates here?” Glenda asked as they finally sat at the dining table.

“I won’t be joining you, Mother. There’s some place I must go, but I’ll be back later. Enjoy your dinner,” Gretel said with a smile.

She passed by the kitchen and grabbed the mangoes and lamp before she headed to the backyard. 

Gretel thought she had to wait too long just to be disappointed. But she saw a hooded figure sitting under the mango tree. She put the lamp on the rock and approached him.

“Alexander.”

He looked up with a blank expression on his face.

“I actually don’t think this is a good idea,” he said as he stretched his legs.

“I’m glad you took a chance.” She sat beside him. “Have you had dinner?”

“Yes.”

“I suppose you eat human food.”

“I’m just cursed, but I’m still human.”

“Cursed?” Gretel stared at him.

“Long story.”

“But curses are meant to be broken, right?”

“Just like promises? That’s not the same with my case, unfortunately. I’m going to die like this.”

“I’m sorry about that,” Gretel said weakly. “I hope these mangoes could make you feel better, though.”

“They’re my favorite.” Alexander smiled weakly. He picked one slice and popped it in his mouth. “This is good.”

Now that she had stared at him longer, he did not look scary anymore.

“Have some more. They’re all yours.” She handed him the plate. “Your hands must be strong,” she remarked as she watched him eat.

“Aren’t you scared?”

“I am. Your hands are capable of killing, aren’t they?”

Alexander brought his hand to caress her cheek. Gretel flinched, but she did not feel any fear. His touch was surprisingly warm.

“You’re right.”

“YOU’RE COMING back tomorrow, right?” Gretel asked. It was finally time to say good-bye. She did not want her mother to search for her in the backyard if she took any longer.

“Do you want me to?” Alexander asked in utter surprise.

“Well, we’re friends already, aren’t we?”

“I’ll see what I can do. Good night, Gretel.”

“Good night, Alexander.”