You Again (Completed) ✔️

62.

I pull the car in front of my parents' house. Opening the door, I step out and head to the front. Knocking on the door, I wait for my parents to answer.

Cole stands beside me and says, "Your brothers normally walk in when we come for dinner."

I'm not going to do that. I prefer to wait for my parents to open the door and invite me in.

The door opens, revealing Dad wearing an apron that says, "Kiss the chef." Placing my lips on his cheek, I say, "Hey, Dad."

A smile spreads across his face. "Hey, Kiddo. Where are your friends?"

Turning around, I see two cars pulling into the driveway. "Here they are." They climb out of their cars and head in our direction.

Once they are standing at the door, I say, "Dad, meet Braelynn and her husband Bo." They exchange a greeting. "This is Amalia. She's the one who got me safely to the car during the shoot-out at the prison."

Dad shakes his head. "I still can't believe that happened while you were there. That stuff never happens; it did on the day you saw Antwon." He keeps going on about it until Mom walks down the stairs.

She's wearing a pink dressing gown that I bought her years ago. "Hey, sweetie." She pulls me in for a hug. She lowers her voice and says, "I'm getting the tumour out next week." " She looks between Cole and me. "I want to be around when Cole and you decide to start a family. You two are getting close now."

We are.

A smile spreads across my face. "That's great, Mom." I wrap my arms around her, hugging her.

She does the same to me. "Can you visit me after the operation? I know my boys won't be there like they promised."

"Of course, I will be." Looking across the room, I see Cole talking to my father. "So will Cole. You know he's like a third son to you."

She laughs. "Cole is. When you take the next step in your relationship with him, he'll be my son-in-law. I knew that boy would be right for you someday."

"Thanks, Mom. I want to introduce you to some of my friends." I introduce her to everyone, and she talks to them as if they were her kids. She tells them stories about when I was younger to try and embarrass me.

I would have been embarrassed a long time ago, but sharing the same stories with Mom makes me smile.

Today seems to be a good day for her. I don't want to see another day where she's not normal.

Dad announces that dinner is ready and sets the metal trays with meat, sausages, and chicken wings on the table. There's also a salad and bread rolls.

"Thanks, Daddy, for cooking this meal."

Dad places his hand on top of mine. "You're welcome, princess." He looks around the table at everyone. "It's nice to meet the people helping protect my daughter after everything that's happened. Thanks for putting your life at risk to keep her alive."

Amalia picks up her glass of wine. "I'll toast to that." She smiles at me. "I would do anything to keep your daughter alive. She's a welcomed addition to my family. I haven't met many nice women, and I am happy to announce that Braelynn and Julia are my friends."

Braelynn holds her glass up next. "We're going to be friends for life. I haven't met anyone like Julia and Amalia, and it feels great to have a friendship with two beautiful women."

They're saying the nicest things.

Picking up my glass, I say, "I don't know what's going to happen in the next couple of weeks or years, but I want you all to know that I love you all. You'll all try to find me if something happens to me."

Cole places his hand in mine. "I'll tear the entire city down to search for you, Julia. No bed will be unturned, and all involved will be dead. Even if it includes your brothers."

Everyone at the table goes silent.

I see my parents stiffen after hearing what Cole said about their sons. Mom's eyes start to water, and she throws herself into Dad's arms.

"Cole," I whisper. He turns his attention to me. That was too much for my parents. I know you'd do anything to keep me safe, but you must remember Antwons are still a part of my family." Standing up, I walk out of the room and head outside. I sit on the chair and look at the bush surrounding the house.

After a few minutes, the door opens, revealing Braelynn and Amalia. They take a seat close to me.

Amalia is the first to say something: " Your parents are talking to Cole about what he said. I can see you care for your brothers. You have to remember that they're after you, Julia."

Looking at her, I say, "I know how bad the situation is. After work, I went to Cole's place, and Antwon took a shower in Cole's bathroom. Stupid me thought it was Cole, and I called his name. The water stopped, and Antwon stepped into the room. He was going to take me from the house, but Cole got home in time to save me. We left Cole's and are now staying at mine."

"I would like to meet this friend of yours," Amalia says. "Next time I come to town, we should all grab something to eat—you two, Braelynn. Meeting you girls was the best thing that has happened to me. I know you'll have my back when I need it."

"We will," Braelynn says. "Bo's been teaching me how to defend myself. With and without using a weapon. Bo wants me to stay away from weapons, but there's always a gun in the glove box of the car."

Amalia shakes her head. "I'm sure Bo wouldn't want people to know what's in his car. You should keep it a secret from everyone else."

She nods. "You girls are the only ones I've had contact with outside of my work colleagues. I can't count them as friends because they work for me. Since my parent's death, I have been alone. I'm lucky that Bo found me when he did because if he waited longer, I would have died."

Looking at my new friends, I say, "Someday, you both have to tell me how you met your partners, and then I'll tell you mine. Right now, my story is being written."

Amalia laughs. "Next time I come here. You'll probably have moved in with Cole and deciding where to have the wedding. That's my prediction for now."

A smile spreads across my face.

I like that very much.