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

Act 5

Later on, Julie and Sam were sitting outside at a picnic table during lunchtime, discussing their school project. The sun was shining brightly, casting warm shadows around them as students milled about.

Sam enthusiastically shared her ideas. "I was thinking that for our school project, we could write about some old places in town, like the library. Did you know it used to be an old orphanage? I can't remember the exact date, but it was probably in the 1950s or 1960s... I'm not sure." She paused, noticing that Julie wasn't paying attention. Julie's gaze was distant, lost in thought.

"Hey, the earth is calling Julie! Hello!?" Sam waved her hand in front of Julie's face, trying to snap her out of her reverie.

Julie blinked and shook her head slightly. "Sorry, Sam. I just have a lot on my mind right now."

Sam frowned, concerned. "Are you okay, Ju? You seem really distracted."

Julie sighed. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just... why didn't Aiden show up today? He never misses class unless he's really sick. Except for that one time he had the flu, he's always here."

Sam nodded slowly, her own thoughts racing. "Yeah, I noticed that too. Now that you mention it, it is kind of strange."

Julie glanced at her phone. "I tried calling and messaging him, but he didn't respond. Maybe I'll try again." She grabbed her phone from her backpack, but before she could message Aiden, a new message popped up from an unknown number: "Ju?"

Julie stared at the screen, puzzled. "Who is this?" she murmured to herself. Sam leaned over to look at the phone.

"Who's that?" Sam asked, her curiosity piqued.

Julie hesitated. "It's just someone I know... for a while."

Sam's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Ah, I see. You could just tell me you have a boyfriend. I thought you had a crush on Aiden."

Julie rolled her eyes. "Ugh, Sam! No way."

Sam was still confused. "What? You mentioned being acquainted with him."

Julie turned back to her phone and saw another message: "Ded."

"Ded? What exactly does that mean?" Sam asked, puzzled.

"It means 'dead'... I don't understand," Julie said, her brow furrowing.

Sam looked at the message and chuckled. "Well, whoever this is, you should tell them they misspelled the word. The 'a' is missing."

Julie's eyes widened with sudden realization. "Yeah, you're right. The 'a' from 'Alen' is missing. Or maybe... he is missing."

She started to piece things together, murmuring to herself. "It can't be, unless it is 'he' that is writing to me now. But that makes no sense; he has some knowledge, which could help with our project because he lived here before I was born and actually knows a lot about Walfied, but he can't talk. However, books, on the other hand..."

Sam looked at Julie expectantly. "Julie? If you have something brilliant on your mind, please share it with me."

Julie's face lit up with excitement. "Sam, you're a genius! Thank you," she beamed at her friend. "I've got to go."

Sam was taken aback. "Oh well, I try to be. But, wait... Where exactly are you going?"

Julie stood up, determination in her eyes. "Please inform Mr. Ross that I will be running late. He is, after all, your father."

Sam looked puzzled. "Ah, aye, but... Ju, wait! I don't want you to get into any trouble," she said as she stood up. "Remember what you promised?"

Julie smiled reassuringly. "Yes, I know. But please, it's important. Tell him I'm going to the library to get something for our project." She spoke as she opened the door.

Sam was still concerned but nodded. "Sure, I'll do my best to cover for you until you get back," she said softly to herself. "Great, genius," she added as she gathered her belongings.

Julie stepped outside, trying to close her backpack in her haste. Suddenly, the zipper broke, and her phone fell to the ground.