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

Act 2

Julie started to get ready, brushing her teeth and meticulously curling her long red hair streaked with black highlights. She rummaged through her closet, searching for something to wear. Eventually, she bundled up warmly in a thick jacket, flared bell-bottom pants, sturdy boots, and a smooth scarf. 

As she prepared to begin her cold day of school, she made her way to the kitchen. Her father, Robert, was resting at the table, savoring his morning coffee, while her little brother Lex slept comfortably in Julie's warm, smooth bed.

Still a bit groggy, Julie greeted her father, "Dad, good morning..." She pulled out a chair and sat down at the table.

Robert, holding a steaming mug of coffee in his right hand, smiled warmly at her. "Oh, happy birthday, my sleepy princess. How did you sleep?"

Julie, still shaking off her drowsiness, replied, "Fine, I guess... Please don't tell me that I'm no longer eight." Her voice carried a hint of boredom and tiredness. She sat with her left hand propping up her chin and her right hand idly playing with her breakfast—a plate of scrambled eggs with bacon and buttered toast, which she wasn't particularly hungry for.

With a big smile, Robert said, "Alright. But you will always be my little angel."

Julie, looking thoughtful, asked, "Dad? Have you ever considered what would happen if we never met that 'guy'?"

Robert looked at her, trying to grasp her meaning. "That 'guy'? Hold on, you mean A..." he began, but Julie cut him off abruptly.

Julie dropped her fork, her frustration evident. "Please do not mention his name," she snapped. "None of this would have happened if he hadn't come into our lives. I lost Middy, and I could also lose you. How different or 'normal' would things be if this had never happened?"

Robert sighed deeply, setting his mug on the table. "I understand what you mean, but things happen for a reason. I know it's difficult to accept given all of the insane events that have occurred," he said gently, though Julie remained unconvinced.

Julie reluctantly ate a bit of her breakfast, then got up and began packing her school supplies into her backpack, a sour expression on her face. Robert, attempting to lift her spirits, said, "Here, it's for you," as he handed her a small gift-wrapped box.

Julie looked at the gift, curiosity piqued. "What is it?" she asked.

Robert pointed to the box. "Well, open it!" he encouraged.

Julie carefully unwrapped the gift to reveal a delicate necklace with a silver music note pendant. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she was almost speechless. "Mom's necklace...? Wait, she had two necklaces; where or how did you get this?" she asked, tears threatening to spill over.

With a close-lipped smile, Robert sipped his coffee. "No, it's one from you. An old friend of mine gave it to me a long time ago and said, 'Give it to her when the time is right.'"

Julie, filled with questions, pressed on, "Wait, what do you mean by an 'old friend'? And who was he, anyway? Dad...?" But Robert fell silent, instead reaching over to gently place the necklace around her neck.

Switching topics, Robert said, "Look, it is your birthday. Let's enjoy the day, okay?"

Julie, still puzzled, stared at him and then reluctantly nodded. "Yeah, Dad. I guess."

Robert smiled warmly. "Alright, Julie. Good luck at school," he said gently as she walked out the door and stepped outside into the cold.

As Julie closed the door behind her, she felt a swirl of confusion, still pondering the mystery of the necklace's origin. However, she tried to push the thoughts aside. On her way to school, she received a text message from an unknown number that simply read, "Ju?" But Julie didn't notice, as her phone was set to mute.