Friday, June 1, 2012

like a flashback



Jules would know her anywhere. She hadn't changed much, but it was years ago. Why hadn't his mum mentioned  who would be here? He guessed that's who took up his Mum's time now.

"This is my sister." He told Willow. Just when he thought he'd have his mum all to himself, he'd have to share her with a sister he hardly knew. He remembered her when she was a baby. She was barely three when she went to live with her Dad, permanently.

Haley only eyed him. His mother came to the rescue. She was all happy to meet Willow.

"We made you, cookies. Sorry, we lost track of time." His mother smiled. Only, Jules couldn't take his eyes off Haley. Why had his mum neglected to tell him they'd made contact. It was always a forbidden subject. His mother never liked to talk about her. His mum couldn't raise him and his sister on her own.

Suddenly, a lump lodged in his throat. All this time, he'd been worried about seeing his old friends who were full of bad jokes about him, but this was a blast from the past that was so unexpected.

They came into the kitchen where a small feast was planted on the table. Tea brewed. It was nice, but Jules didn't know what to say. What was he suppose to say?

"Mum, I don't like surprises." He finally managed. He hated her so much, sometimes. He didn't want to. And he knew he needed to make it stop, but it was worse than a migraine.

"That's because he likes to do all the surprising." His mum only giggled. "Go on, hug your brother, Haley. Nothing to be afraid of."

She looked at him as if she might wilt, but he hugged her as if he might melt. His face flooded with tears. It was all so unexpected.

"I remember you, drawing on the walls with your crayons." It was the only thing he could think to say.

She only smiled.

"I still like art." Haley finally told him. She hoped to get in a graphic arts program.

Jules told her he was taking art classes. Willow told her all about the coffee shop at the University.

"And he's helping my brother with a comic book." Willow grinned.

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