A.L.E.N - Between Shadows (Chapter 2)

Act 3

Julie finally arrived at the front of the school, where her best friend, Sam, an 18-year-old with a friendly smile, was waiting for her. "Hey Julie, you're running a little late today," Sam said after a few minutes, her tone tinged with concern. "What happened?" she inquired worriedly.

Julie appeared sleepy and attempted to make an excuse. "Ah, I just fell asleep, Sam. I had a freaking dream, or more like a nightmare, but everything is fine now," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Sam immediately grabbed her hand, her grip firm but reassuring. "Okay, breathe, Ju. And Happy Birthday, Bestie!" She gave Julie a quick, heartfelt hug before urging, "Now, come on, we don't want to be late. Let's go!"

Julie felt Sam's strength in her hand and immediately pulled back. "There's no need to grab my hand so forcefully. I'll be right behind you, Sam," she said, her tone a mix of annoyance and appreciation.

Sam quickly apologized, letting go of Julie's hand. "Okay, sorry about that, Julie. But we have to hurry; you know how impatient Mr. Ross is."

Julie nodded, "Aye, you're right. Let's go."

As they hurried inside, Julie couldn't shake off a creeping unease, a feeling that someone was watching her. She glanced around but saw no one, deciding to ignore the sensation and follow Sam into the school. Unbeknownst to her, there indeed was someone outside, observing her intently without being noticed.

They finally made it to their history class, albeit a bit late. Julie, feeling a mix of embarrassment and anxiety, addressed the teacher, "Sorry for being late, Mr. Ross."

Mr. Ross, an older man with a stern demeanor, looked up from his notes, his expression one of mild frustration. "Ah, Miss Julie Rogers, this is the fourth time in a week. What's your excuse now?" he asked, his voice tinged with impatience.

Julie murmured, "I fell asleep, Mr. Ross." The class erupted in laughter, which quickly died down as Mr. Ross crossed his arms and glared at the students.

Julie looked down, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Ross. It won't happen again, I swear."

Mr. Ross accepted her apology with a nod. "Please go to your seat, Julie. I hope it won't happen again, Miss Rogers." He cleaned his spectacles as Julie made her way to her seat, feeling the weight of her classmates' stares and whispers.

As she sat down, Julie couldn't help but notice the empty desk where her friend Aiden usually sat. She glanced around, feeling a pang of worry mixed with her embarrassment.

Mr. Ross, meanwhile, had inserted an old videotape and turned on the television. "Alright, students," he began, "today I brought a tape from the 1960s, an old edition version showcasing our beloved town, Walfield. Please pay close attention. No falling asleep here, I mean it," he said, pointedly looking at Julie.

The students groaned, expecting a boring history lesson, but Julie found herself intrigued as the video started. The screen flickered to life, showing a grainy black-and-white image of a man standing in front of a quaint, picturesque town. "Greetings and welcome, family and friends," the man began, his voice warm and inviting. "My name is Mr. Walf, and I've noticed you appear tired or stressed out as a result of all of your work. But I have a solution for you that will allow you to relax."

Julie watched, surprised and perplexed, as Mr. Walf continued to describe the small community outside the city. The man's voice had an almost hypnotic quality, drawing her deeper into the narrative. Despite the mundane subject, something about the video felt oddly captivating, as if there was more to Walfield than met the eye.