Faith

Chapter Nine

There was a different feeling amidst the air the next morning; a feeling of expectation and a feeling of relief. It was a day Julia thought felt different than any other days. She lay in her bed thinking of last night and smiled to herself. Last night felt so unreal; like a dream and yet it happened. Happily, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. It was one morning she felt like she wanted to get up and go to school.

            After dressing, she walked out of her room smiling. It was as if she was floating for she was in her bare feet and the surface between the skin of her feet and the floor was cool air drifting in from the open windows. That was then she realized that the kitchen windows were open. For the first time in years they were finally open; allowing the chilly air from outside to be let in. Her eyes moved to her mother whom was standing at their sink, washing dishes while their beginning meal was cooking.

            “Good morning Mother,” Julia spoke cheerfully. Celine turned her head with a smile.

            “Good morning Julia, how did you sleep?” She asked.

            “I slept well,” Julia replied. “Where is Ed?” Her mother's eyes seemed to look past her, landing on Ed's door.

            “He is still sleeping, I suppose,” she replied. Julia gave a little nod and glanced back at Ed's room. She walked over to his door and lightly knocked.

            “Are you awake, Ed?” She asked. She waited for an answer but all she heard was nothing. She glanced back at her mother who was watching her.

            “Ed??” She called. There was still no answer. She twisted the door knob and opened the door. She scanned his room and his drawings on the wall. He was nowhere to be seen. She moved out of his room closing the door and she headed towards the front door.

            “I am going to see if Ed is by the tracks,” she said. When she stepped out, a chilly breeze took her breath away. She found Ed, scouring the train tracks. There was a new person there with him. A girl almost Ed抯age with white hair put up onto both sides. She wondered who it could be.

            As she drew closer, she heard the girl rambling on and on although she couldn't tell what exactly she was talking about. Ed looked normal of course; his face emotionless and far away.

            “Ed!” Julia called to him. He turned his head to her. “Mom does not want you to come out here and yet you still do? Can't you do what she says and stay away from the tracks?” He continued to be silent. Julia went up to him.

            “Are you his sister?” The girl asked.

            “Yes. I am Julia. Who are you?” The girl stepped onto the rails of the track and walked across it trying to keep her balance.

            “Stephanie; Daughter of Michael and Julie Linton. I live a little close to you and Ed so I want you to visit me on your own some time!” She exclaimed and jumped of the rail. When her feet landed she lost her balance, knocking into Ed. Her face turned red and she immediately backed away from leaning on his chest. Ed didn’t seem to notice and Julia rolled her eyes. Many girls at school would fawn over Ed but none really talked to him because he was so quiet.

            “We'll think about it,” She replied to Stephanie. She turned to Ed again. He was looking into the distance where the tracks headed.

            “Your brother is quiet,” Stephanie said coming up beside them.

            “Ed, it's time to eat.” Julia informed him. He looked at her and then nodded.