You Again (Completed) ✔️

46.

I wake up to pots and pans banging downstairs. Climbing out of bed, I head to the kitchen and see Dad behind the stove. "Do you need help, Dad?"

He jumps and holds his heart. "Shit. Julia, you scared the shit out of me."

I giggle. "Sorry, Dad. I thought you heard me?"

He shakes his head. "No, I didn't. I'm surprised to see you here, though."

Walking around the counter, I stand next to him. "You're going to need help with that, Mom. I thought that my help would be appreciated."

He hugs me. "Of course it is. I will have to get someone in to help while we're at work during the week. Your brothers can't take time off either."

"I'll help you look for someone, Dad. We can't start until Monday, however, as all the places are closed for the weekend."

"Why don't you work from home for a couple of days? I'll go to the vaults and get your paperwork. If someone needs you to come in during the day, get one of the boys or Cole to help."

A smile spreads across his face at the mention of Cole. "You've been spending a lot of time with that boy. Does that mean you've forgiven him?"

"Cole's done enough for this family. How can I not forgive him? He's also been there for me since I came back. I can tell he loves you all, and I don't want to take that away from him after he's lost a lot."

"You're a great woman." He kisses my cheek. "Now, tell me what you want me to do?"

Pointing to the chair at the dining table, I say. "Sit down and read the paper. It was one of your favourite things to do when I was growing up."

He puts the kettle on and waits for it to boil. He fixes himself a drink before walking to the table and reading the paper.

I start making waffles with chocolate sauce and ice cream. "Dad, do you want to take this to Mom?"

He shakes his head. "You made breakfast. You should take it to her."

I place the waffles, orange juice, and tea on the tray and carry it up the stairs to Mom's room.

I walk into the room and say, "Mom, I brought breakfast."

She opens her eyes and looks at me. "Julia? Is that you, baby?"

"Yes, Mommy."

She holds her hands open. "Give me a hug, sweetheart?"

"I need to put the tray down." Walking over to the nightstand, I put the tray down and sat on the bed next to Mom. I wrap my arms around her. "I love you, Mom."

A smile spreads across her face. "I love you, too. Why don't you get your breakfast and eat with me?"

"I still have to make Dad's and then mine."

"I can wait."

I run out of the room and down to the kitchen.

Dad looks up from the paper and says. "Where's the fire?"

Looking at him, I say. "Mom wants me to join her for breakfast, and I still have to make yours and mine."

He stands up and walks over to me. "Make yours and join your mother. I can make some for myself."

I kiss him on the cheek. "You're the best." I make my waffles, and once they're done, I put chocolate sauce and ice cream on them. Grabbing the orange juice, I pour myself a glass and then take my breakfast upstairs to my parents' room.

When I walk into the room, Mom looks up. "I see you haven't forgotten my favourite breakfast or how I make it."

Sitting beside her, I say, "It's been a while since I've made it, but I can't forget what you've taught me, Mom." I cut into the waffle and put it in my mouth.

Mom starts eating hers, too. She grabs her tea and takes a sip. "This is good tea. Thanks for making me breakfast."

"You're welcome."

Mom and I continue to have small talk until we've finished breakfast.

I grab the trays and dishes off the table. "I have to go out, Mom. I'll see you when I get home. Is there anything you want for dinner?"

"Yes, can you make kebabs for dinner? I've always loved the way you make it."

"Sure," I kiss her cheek before walking downstairs.

Dad looks up from washing the dishes. "Are they for me?"

"Yes, Dad." I put them on the table beside him, and he starts washing them up.

"What are you doing today?" I started to shift uncomfortably, not sure how to answer him. He frowns. "Is it that bad?"

I climb onto the table and look at him. "I'm unsure how you will react to knowing my plans."

He laughs. "If you're not sure how I'm going to react, then it says you're doing something you're most likely not going to like."

"Yeah, but this has to do with getting the answers I need."

He nods. "Just tell me, Julia. I'll deal with it the best I can."

"I'm going to Twin Towers Correctional Facility to see Uncle Kevin. He has the answers to everything I need to know."

Dad sighs. "I love my brother wholeheartedly, and I still can't believe he would do that to me. But again, there's more to the story that I'm unaware of. If you find some solid information, I would like to be told about it, sweetheart."

"I will, Dad. I must get ready and meet a friend coming with me to the Correctional Facility."

"Do I know this friend?"

"Jesse, he went to high school with Cole and me. He's going to be with me for the entire visit. It's at Cole's request. He didn't want me to do anything stupid without back-up."

"Smart boy. Get ready for the visit, and I'll see you when you get home." He kisses my cheek.

I walk to my room and change into a dress that ends above my knees and boots. I grab a light jacket and put it on. Then, I pick up my handbag, which I put over my shoulder.

I'm about to open the door when Dad stops me. "Tell my brother I forgive him and will visit him next week."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

He shrugs. "I don't know, but if you're going to see him, I might as well too."

"I should go with you, Dad. I don't want to see you hurt by your brother again."

"Kevin's not going to hurt me again. He's already done that."

"Bye," I walk out the door and climb into my car. I head to Burbank, where Jesse wants me to meet him with his ridiculous idea of us being each other.

I don't think it's a good idea for me to be a part of it, but if he's happy to pretend to be me, then I have no problems.

When I get to the house's gate, it opens, and I drive towards the house.