Chapter 1: Welcome Back, Julia

JULIA 

“Julia, wake up!” 

Someone violently shook my shoulders, causing my eyes to snap open. I was breathless as I faced my best friend, Sarah, who was looking at me with annoyance. 

“Finally,” she grumbled. “It’s so hard to wake you up.” 

I clicked my tongue and shook my head. “Do you have to wake me up so vigorously? I thought I was in real danger for a second!” 

“You might as well be,” Sarah said with a smile. “I’ve been trying to wake you up for ten minutes. Ten whole minutes! Are you dreaming about your first and greatest love again?” 

My cheeks instantly warmed up, and although I tried to deny it, Sarah had already caught on. 

She narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. “I knew it,” she said. “You’re still dreaming about him, huh?” 

“I’m not!” I denied. “I’m just—I was dreaming about…the end of the world!” 

“Well, when he left you, you did say that was the end of the world.” 

“Sarah!” I exclaimed. “You're rubbing salt on my wound.” 

“Oh, come on. You’ll cope. He already left you with a child! What could be worse?” 

I sighed and shook my head. 

“Anyway, it’s whatever,” Sarah added. “At least you aren’t moaning his name this time.” 

My eyes widened comically, and I stood to cover her mouth. 

“Shut up! I do not moan his name,” I defended myself. “You’re making up stories again!” 

Sarah removed my hand from her lips and smirked. “You say that, but why did I walk in on you saying ‘Evan…Evan, please!’” she fake moaned, causing me to shriek and cover my ears. 

“Sarah!” I exclaimed. “Please never do that again.” 

She burst into laughter while holding onto her stomach. 

“And please,” I added. “Don’t call him that name,” I muttered. 

She stopped laughing, but the amusement never left her eyes. “Ah, right,” she said. “I nearly forgot that it’s only you who called him ‘Evan.’ It’s ‘Anders’ for most people, huh?” 

I pursed my lips and didn’t say anything. 

Sarah sighed and shook his head. “You say you don’t care about him anymore, but it still shows,” she muttered. “You even named your son after him!” 

“I did not,” I tried to deny. However, it was honestly obvious. 

Sarah smirked, not believing a word I was saying. “Well, get ready now. Your son even woke up earlier than you. He’s eating breakfast now.” 

I smiled gratefully, scratching the back of my neck. “Thanks, Sarah. What would I ever do without you?” 

“Of course,” Sarah smiled. “I’m the best in the world!” 

I playfully rolled my eyes before going to the bathroom to get ready. 

It was a monumental day. 

It was going to be our new beginning. 

As I went out of the bathroom, feeling the cool air against my skin, I glanced at the clock. I sighed in relief when I saw there was still some time. 

With that, I changed into my clothes and looked at my reflection. A small smile made its way to my lips as I observed my face. 

“You look better,” I muttered, feeling slightly proud. 

Then, I went out of the room and trudged to the kitchen, finding the love of my life sitting on the table. 

“Andy!” I exclaimed, causing the young boy to turn to me with wide and excited eyes. 

“Mommy!” he said, about to stand, but I shook my head. 

“Finish your food, bub,” I fondly smiled. “Then, go and brush your teeth. We’ll be out in a few minutes.” 

Andy nodded. “Okay, Mommy!” 

With that, Andy continued eating while glancing at the television from time to time. 

After a while, he got up from the table, went to the sink using the stepper, and rinsed out his bowl. Then, he went back to his room to brush his teeth. 

Sarah let out a deep breath as the door closed behind Andy. 

“I swear—your son scares me,” she said, shivering exaggeratedly. 

I slapped her shoulder. “What are you talking about? Andy is the sweetest, smartest boy in the entire world!” 

“Exactly!” Sarah exclaimed. “He's too perfect. He doesn't cry. I remember—the moment he came out of your birth canal, he didn’t even cry, so the doctors thought he was dead!” 

“How do you even know that?” I frowned. “And please never say ‘birth canal’ ever again.” 

“Oh, I slept with his doctor,” Sarah nonchalantly replied, to which I shook my head. 

“Anyway, he’s a kid! He should complain. He should ask for things. However, he’s always thankful. He doesn’t complain when he doesn’t like the food. He never asks for take-out! Heck, he even brushes his own hair and picks out his own clothes!” 

“He’s five, Sarah,” I explained. “He’s not a toddler anymore. However, you’re right,” I sighed. “He really does seem older than his age. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.” 

“Me too,” Sarah muttered. “Should I birth a child to see if this is normal for children?” 

I chuckled loudly. Sarah never failed to make me laugh. 

“You can’t even commit to one person. How can you have a child?” 

Sarah shrugged. “You’re right. Andy is already enough.” 

I hummed and took a bite of the sandwich Sarah had prepared earlier this morning. 

“Anyway, are you excited?” she asked. 

My smile widened as I nodded. 

“Of course,” I responded. “It’s been a while since I’ve wanted to do this.” 

“Well, to be fair, I’ve been trying to convince you for a while now,” Sarah suggested. “It’s been long overdue for you to go back to school.” 

“You know I can’t do that,” I said. “I need to be with Andy for every milestone. It already hurts knowing I’m the only parent who could attend his events.” 

“I get where you’re coming from,” Sarah sighed. “Anyway, at least now, the two of you would be attending school together. Your parents also started accepting him, and your mom’s willing to pick him up when you can’t.” 

I nodded with a smile. “Yeah,” I muttered. “Things are finally looking up for once.” 

“Hey, say what,” Sarah suddenly said, capturing my attention. “What if he suddenly comes back?” 

“Who?” I asked. 

“Evander, of course.”