chap 23: second world: the real daughter

As Alexa stepped inside, the first thing she saw was two middle-aged people sitting tensely, their eyes glued to the door. The moment they saw her enter, their faces transformed from anxious anticipation to a blend of relief and overwhelming emotion. The lady, tears welling in her eyes, rushed forward and gently touched Alexa's cheek before pulling her into a heartfelt embrace.

The man, letting out a deep sigh, joined in the embrace and murmured, "It's good to be back."

In that moment, Alexa felt a wave of inner peace wash over her, dispelling the resentment she had harbored towards them for not believing in Julie. Whether it was due to Julie's lingering emotions or her own innate need for familial connection, she couldn't tell, but the warmth of their hug brought a comforting sense of belonging.

After a few moments, they guided her to the dining table, where a spread of delicious food awaited. The table was laden with dishes that spoke of careful preparation and the desire to make this homecoming special. As they served her, they began to introduce themselves and the household.

"My name is James, your dad," he said, his voice tinged with a mixture of joy and nervousness. "And this is your mother, Elena. We've been waiting for you for so long. Finally, we found you." He paused, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We also have an adopted daughter, your sister now. Her name is Jamie. Now that you're back, you can tell us what you want to do first. We will listen to you. When you're settled here and used to everything, we'll get you into the prestigious academy so that you can make friends too."

His efforts to appear calm were betrayed by his watery eyes, and Alexa could sense his genuine care and concern. Despite her initial anger towards them, their earnestness and the love they showered on her made it difficult to hold onto any resentment. Elena, too, was equally warm and attentive, constantly reaching out to hold Alexa's hand, as if reassuring herself that this moment was real.

Realizing the challenges that lay ahead, especially with Jamie, Alexa decided to focus on her immediate goals. "It's fine, you can just get me registered in school. I should continue my studies from Monday. I don't want to get behind, and I'll try to fit in as early as I can," she said, noting that it was a Friday and she had two days to acclimate to her new surroundings and formulate a plan.

Elena smiled, her eyes filled with pride and relief. "That's very mature of you, Julie. We want you to feel comfortable and supported here. We're just so happy to have you back."

They continued to talk over dinner, sharing stories about themselves and their lives. Each word, each shared memory, seemed to strengthen the bond between them. Alexa learned that Jamie had indeed come home but had left with friends shortly after, not yet aware of her arrival. This unexpected time alone with her parents was a blessing, allowing her to connect with them without Jamie's interference.

As they conversed, Alexa observed their mannerisms and subtle cues, noting how genuine their concern was. James had a habit of ruffling his hair when he was nervous, while Elena's eyes sparkled whenever she spoke about her family. These small details helped Alexa understand them better, and she felt a growing sense of connection and responsibility towards them.

After dinner, Elena showed Alexa to her room. It was a light pink haven with a large bed in the middle, inviting and warm. The room was decorated with care, from the floral curtains to the soft, plush carpet underfoot. "Do you like it?" her mother asked, a hopeful smile on her face.

Alexa smiled and nodded. "Yes, it's lovely. Thank you."

Her mother left, allowing her to rest and settle in. Alexa walked over to the cupboard, browsing through the clothes until she found a comfortable white t-shirt and blue jeans. Taking a deep breath, she headed into the washroom.

Under the warm shower, she replayed the sweet moments she had experienced since stepping into the house. The tenderness and love her mother had shown mirrored the care she remembered from her own mother in her real life, reaffirming that Elena's love for Julie was genuine and profound. The shower was a moment of solace, where the water seemed to wash away the anxiety and tension she had been carrying.

After her shower, Alexa felt a renewed sense of determination. Drying off and dressing in the comfortable clothes she had chosen, she stood in front of the mirror. Staring at her reflection, she could see the challenges ahead but also the opportunities to heal and set things right. Julie's wish to reveal Jamie's true nature to their parents was now her mission, and she was ready to take the first steps towards that goal.

As she lay down on her new bed, the events of the day swirled in her mind. She knew the road ahead would not be easy, but with the love and support she felt from her parents, she was prepared to face whatever came her way. The softness of the bed enveloped her, offering comfort as she drifted into a deep, restful sleep, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities.