Chapter Text
By the time baby Julia was three months old, Bea and Allie had reached a point of exhaustion they didn’t know existed. Little Julia was a good baby except for one thing. She never slept for more than four hours at a time. She would go to sleep after Allie had fed her, but she wouldn’t stay asleep. She would wake up and fuss loudly until one of her Mums picked her up and to top it off, they discovered quickly that only two things kept Julia happy—listening to music and being read to. Bea had lost count of the number of nights she had fallen asleep in the rocker with Julia in her arms with an open book on her lap.
Ryan had taken to staying over at their house twice a week so Bea and Allie could get a full night’s sleep when he was there. He had passed the Bar exam and was a licensed attorney now. Julia worked with him to develop networks. His practice focused on young adults who found themselves in trouble with the law. They traveled together on occasion, but due to his daughter’s situation, he didn’t like to be gone for more than a few days at a time wanting to help out as much as he could.
Allie had reached a breaking point one afternoon. Bea had gone out with Helena for the day to an estate sale near Kaz’s farm. They had left early that morning and wouldn’t be returning until later that evening. Baby Julia had been especially stubborn that day and would not go down for a nap no matter what Allie tried. The infant had been screaming for over an hour straight when Allie heard a knock at the front door. Julia was standing on the porch with her arms full of children’s books.
“Oh thank God!” Allie exclaimed over the baby’s cries when she saw Julia. “Just set those over there, will you?”
“Are you OK?” Julia asked with a look of confusion on her face.
“Take her.” Allie said as she thrust the baby towards Julia. “Please Julia, just take her.”
“Take her where?” Julia said as she took the baby from Allie.
“Anywhere!” Allie screamed. “I know it makes me the worst mother in the world, but I can’t take listening to her cry for one more minute!”
“She stopped.” Julia said as she held the baby. “You still want me to take her somewhere?”
“I don’t believe it!” Allie said as she watched the child coo in Julia’s arms. “Can you hold on to her for a few minutes? I have got to go to the loo!”
A very uncomfortable looking Julia walked over and sat down on the couch holding the child. She looked down at her and little Julia started babbling a mile a minute at her. Allie returned twenty minutes later fresh from a shower.
“Sorry Julia, I didn’t mean to take advantage, but I needed a chance to cool off.” Allie said. “I can take her back now.”
Allie leaned down to take baby Julia and as soon as the child left Julia’s arms she started to cry again.
“Shit!” Allie exclaimed as she sat down and raised her top to offer the baby her breast. Baby Julia was having none of it and continued to cry. “Sweetheart what is it? What do you want?”
“Let me try something.” Julia said as she motioned for Allie to hand the child back to her. The minute she was in Julia’s arms again she stopped crying. “That’s better.”
“My child hates me.” Allie said with frustration evident in her voice.
“She doesn’t hate you.” Julia said. “You’re tense and she knows it. That’s all it is. Why don’t I take her out for a walk while you catch a nap.”
“Do you mean it Julia?” Allie asked hopefully. “This is the first time I ever remember you even holding her much less offering to take over.”
“We’ll be fine.” Julia said as she got up and headed for the door. “It’s a nice day outside. We’ll get to know each other a little bit.”
“Thank you Julia!” Allie said. “You’re a lifesaver. Let me get her bag and the stroller for you.”
Julia pushed the stroller as she walked down the back path to the estate. When they were passing the daycare center Noah and several other children were outside playing. Julia heard the baby squeal happily and she stopped to pick little Julia up out of her pram. Julia looked with interest as the baby watched the children play. The baby giggled loudly and tried to clap her hands as she continued to watch the other children. After a few minutes, Julia put the baby back in the stroller and started walking again.
“Come on Little One.” Julia said. “It’s time for you to meet somebody.”
Julia stopped when she got to Howard’s garden. She sat down on the bench and pulled baby Julia from the stroller. The baby immediately started babbling away again as soon as her eyes met Julia’s.
“What are you trying to tell me Little One?” Julia asked out loud.
“I thought I might find you two here.” Helena said as she quickly sent off a text.
“You’re back early.” Julia said.
“It’s time for dinner darling.” Helena said. “Cat said you picked the baby up hours ago.”
“She’s up?” Julia asked. “I told her just to call me. You didn’t have to come looking for me.”
“You forgot your phone.” Helena said as she sat down next to Julia and smiled at the sleeping baby. “She’s gorgeous isn’t she? I love those blonde curls of hers.”
“Do I have competition for your affections?” Julia teased.
“Never.” Helena said as she leaned in and kissed her wife. “We’d better get back up there before they start to worry.”
That night at dinner, Allie asked Ryan if he could take the baby to his place for the evening. Ryan had moved into the guest house soon after Bea and Allie had moved out. Bea was a bit confused about Allie’s request, but she didn’t say anything. Ryan happily agreed to take his daughter for the evening telling them to call when they were ready for her to come home.
As they walked together hand in hand towards their house, Bea let her curiosity get the better of her.
“Why did you ask Ryan to take Julia?” Bea asked. “It’s not his normal night.”
“Thanks to the other Julia, I got a four hour nap this afternoon.” Allie said as she quickened her pace. “For the first time in weeks I feel human and I’m in the mood for something more than those quickies we’ve been settling for. I want a long, slow bath with you and then I’m gonna listen to you holler instead of our daughter for a while.”
“Remind me to thank Julia.” Bea giggled. “Tomorrow.”
A couple of months later, Bea’s eyes shot open as she heard Allie call for her to come to the nursery.
“Bea!” Allie yelled. “Quick, come here!”
“What?” Bea asked sleepily as she entered the nursery. “What is it?”
“Do it again sweetie!” Allie smiled brightly at their daughter as she spoke. “Come on. Do it for Mumma!”
“Mumma!” Baby Julia said clearly as she reached out to touch Allie’s face.
“Did you hear that?” Allie asked. “She called me Mumma!”
“Clever girl!” Bea said excitedly. “You’re a smart one aren’t you?”
“Mum!” Baby Julia said as she reached out for Bea to take her.
“Oh my God!” Bea gasped as her eyes filled with tears of joy. “She called me Mum! She knows we’re her Mums!”
“I’m her Mumma.” Allie said proudly. “I’m good with my name. How do you feel about yours?”
“It’s perfect!” Bea said as she cuddled her daughter closely. “She’s perfect!”
That weekend at dinner, Allie was keen to show off her daughter’s new skills to Kaz. Once she got the infant into her high chair she sat down beside her.
“Tell Kaz who that is.” Allie said as she pointed to Bea.
“Mum!” Baby Julia said smiling.
“Who’s that?” Bea asked pointing at Allie.
“Mumma!” Baby Julia said.
“That’s amazing!” Kaz remarked. “Isn’t she awfully young to be speaking?”
“It’s not unheard of.” Bridget said. “Sweetheart, who’s that?”
“Daddy!” Baby Julia squealed as Ryan smiled at his daughter.
“Let’s try a new one.” Ryan said as he pointed at Jason. “Who’s this baby girl?”
“JJ!” Baby Julia said as everyone cheered.
“Let’s see how long she’ll keep going.” Jason said as he pointed at Bridget. “Who’s that?”
“Gigi!” Baby Julia said.
“That’s right! OK sweetheart, who’s this?” Bridget asked pointing at Franky.
“Fanky!” Baby Julia said as they all cheered.
“Close enough Junior.” Franky said as she pointed at Helena. “Who’s that?”
“Elena!” Baby Julia said.
“I can’t believe this!” Helena said. “This is remarkable don’t you think Julia?”
“She’s figured it out.” Julia smiled. “She’s just letting us know about it.”
“Sweetheart, who’s that?” Allie asked pointing at Kaz.
“KK!” Baby Julia said.
“You’re gonna melt my heart you sweet girl!” Kaz exclaimed. “Who’s that bubba?”
“Wiw!” Baby Julia said.
“Smart and beautiful! Who could ask for more?” Will said as he pointed to Julia. “Who’s that?”
Baby Julia just looked over at the woman she was named for and didn’t speak.
“Sweetheart, you know who that is.” Allie said. “It’s Julia.”
Baby Julia shook her head no and pointed to herself. “Ju-ya”
“Yes sweetheart, your name is Julia but so is hers.” Bea said encouragingly.
Baby Julia shook her head no again and pointed to herself. “Ju-ya.” She reached out to Julia with both arms and said, “Buddy!”
“Is Julia your buddy?” Bea giggled.
“Buddy!” Baby Julia said smiling brightly.
“At least she didn’t call me Doc!” Julia said as she winked at the young girl.
After dinner Bridget pulled Julia aside.
“She is awfully young to be meeting benchmarks like this.” Bridget said.
“You said it yourself, it’s not unheard of.” Julia said.
“We both know what this means.” Bridget said quietly. “At the very least she’s gifted and…”
“Let’s keep this to ourselves for now.” Julia said. “Let her be a kid for as long as she can be.”
Just after Thanksgiving that year, Franky received a call from her father. He had been diagnosed with liver cancer and there wasn’t much that could be done. Franky and Bridget left to go to Australia the next day. Will helped to run the estate in Franky’s absence. Alan died the day after Christmas. Franky was convinced he had held on so Tess would not have to associate Christmas day with his death. Julia and Helena came to Australia for the funeral instead of going to Miami for New Years. They spent a few days packing everything up and brought Tess to live at Eastbelle with them. Franky had promised her father that Tess would have a happy life—she would see to it. Tess was sad due to the loss of her father, but she was excited about the possibility of spending her life with her sister at the home she had loved from the first time she visited.
Julia had Tess tested to determine what needed to be done about her schooling. Tess had always been a good student and was more advanced than other girls her age. Julia suggested that they allow Tess to take some time off to heal and start the school year in the fall. The young girl was thrilled with the idea of no school for nine months. She had a ball at the estate and on occasion she would go and spend a week with Kaz at the farm. She had a special affinity for horses and loved helping Kaz do her chores.
Will had proposed to Kaz at Christmas, but Kaz had turned him down. She assured him she loved him, but she still saw marriage as a power struggle they didn’t need. Will took it in his stride and backed off the idea of marriage between him and Kaz. They were happy when they were together and he saw no reason for her refusal to change that.
Will found himself becoming an unofficial counselor at Eastbelle. The staff naturally gravitated towards his kind and easy nature. He had listened to Franky tell countless stories about Howard and how much they all missed him. Will hadn’t known this man, but he understood him. He grew close to most of the staff members and many of them had confided in him about the horrors that had brought them to Eastbelle. The stories were difficult to hear, but unlike the women at Wentworth, these people all had a chance at a happy life if they chose to make the most of it so Will no longer felt his words of encouragement were falling on deaf ears.
After Franky had returned from Australia, Julia wanted to do something to cheer Franky up. Her father’s death had been difficult for her and the responsibility of raising Tess weighed heavily on her. Julia remembered Franky’s love of games and organized a weekly poker night. Franky, Bea, Julia, Will, and Ryan played cards nearly every Thursday night in Julia’s office. It was a chance for them all to relax and enjoy each other. They laughed and they drank and they poked fun at each other. Franky loved these evenings and looked forward to Thursday every week.
Another year passed quickly and in March, baby Julia had her two year check-up. After they returned from the pediatrician’s office, Bea and Allie dropped Julia off with Judith, grabbed Bridget and went to Julia’s office where she was working with Ryan.
“We’re sorry to interrupt, but we need to talk with you all about something.” Bea said as they entered the office. “We just came from the pediatrician.”
“Is there a problem?” Ryan asked with concern. “Is she alright?”
“Physically she’s fine.” Allie explained. “It’s in the mental department where the doctor has concern. Julia’s off the charts with her verbal and reasoning skills. She’s concerned that Julia’s too advanced and wants to refer us to a specialist for testing.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Julia sighed. “It’s really nothing to worry about.”
“Nothing to worry about?” Bea asked. “She wants our child to see a specialist.”
“Brenda, Julia and I have known for quite some time that little Julia is gifted.” Bridget explained calmly. “She was hitting all of her cognitive benchmarks far earlier than she should have. Her abilities with speech, concentration and memory are remarkable. Her problem solving skills are highly advanced as well.”
“Problem causing you mean.” Allie huffed. “She’s managed to get past every bit of baby-proofing we tried to put in that house! No matter what we tried, she got through it. I’m amazed the poor thing hasn’t managed to really hurt herself as many times as she’s gotten past the baby gates and latches.”
“It’s time for you three to face some realities about your child.” Julia said. “She is gifted. She is learning at an exponential rate and she retains everything she takes in. She takes that information and uses it to get what she wants. She is a two year old after all. Emotionally she won’t develop as quickly as she will intellectually. Her childhood will be difficult.”
“How do you mean?” Bea asked.
“She can do things like get past baby gates and child-proofing but she has no idea the danger she’s putting herself in by doing it.” Julia said. “She won’t understand why other children her age are not like her and that will frustrate her.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my daughter!” Allie exclaimed. “She’s sweet and she kind and she’s loving. Yes she likes to sleep with books and puzzles instead of cuddling a teddy bear, but so what?”
“I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with her.” Julia said. “I’m saying she has a significant gift and with that comes responsibility. She’s too young to handle those responsibilities so we have to do it for her until she’s capable handling it without causing damage to herself or anybody else. My mother had to hire four nannies to watch out for me when I was her age. Let me put it this way, Brenda, that bike of yours will go as fast as 160 miles an hour, right?”
“Yeah, it could.” Bea answered.
“But you don’t drive that fast down the road when you go out.” Julia observed. “Why?”
“Because I don’t want to end up being a grease spot on the road.” Bea said.
“Exactly.” Julia said. “You understand the power you control when you’re on that bike. Julia doesn’t understand the power she has in that brain of hers. She wants to learn as fast as she can because she can—not because she should.”
“Julia are you saying she’s a…” Ryan started.
“She’s like me.” Julia said. “But unlike me she has parents who love her and she’s surrounded by a family. My mother tried to weaponize my gift. We have to make sure that doesn’t happen with her.”
And how do we do that?” Bea asked.
“First you need to be prepared for her curiosity.” Bridget said. “She’ll ask questions about things you’ll think she’s too young to deal with. You don’t have to be explicit, but you will always need to be honest with her. She’ll ask questions she knows the answer to at times to insure you’re being honest with her. Also, she’ll need to be limited as to the amount of time she’s allowed to study from books. You’ll have to make her spend time playing with other children.”
“So she’s going to want to study instead of play?” Allie asked. “Jesus this is a lot to take in at one time! How’re we supposed to deal with this?”
“Balance.” Julia said simply. “It’s all about balance. “
Over the course of the next year they all fell into a new routine. Julia retired so she could focus her energies on Ryan and young Julia. She spent her mornings with the child tutoring her in science, literature, geography, languages and young Julia’s favorite subject—math. By the time young Julia turned three, she could not only read and write, she could do complex equations and she was well on her way to being fluent in three languages. In return for her tutoring services, Julia required the child to spend the afternoons at the day care center with the other children so she could socialize and play.
Bea walked out of her workshop late one afternoon and went by the day care center to pick Julia up and take her to their home to clean up before dinner. Julia was visibly agitated when Bea got there but when she asked the young girl what was wrong, she refused to talk about it. When they got to the house, Bea walked Julia upstairs and told her to wash up for dinner before she went to find Allie.
“Hey you!” Allie said as she leaned in to give Bea a kiss. “How was your day?”
“Mine was fine, but our daughter has her knickers in a twist about something.” Bea said as she went in the closet to go change her clothes. “She wouldn’t tell me what was wrong. Didn’t say a word the whole way home and we both know that’s not like her.”
“Let’s go talk to her.” Allie suggested. “We don’t want her in a mood at dinner.”
They walked down the hall to young Julia’s room. She was just coming out of the en suite when they entered.
“Don’t worry.” Julia said. “I remembered to use the soap when I washed my hands.”
“Mum says you’re upset about something.” Allie said. “Is that true?”
“I’m not upset.” Julia said. “I’m angry.”
“Who are you angry with?” Allie asked.
“Tess.” Julia said as she sat on her bed with a huff. “She called me a baby. I’m not a baby! Just because I can’t go to school yet doesn’t mean I’m a baby!”
“What brought that on?” Bea asked.
“I told her I liked her school uniform and I wanted one like it.” Tess explained. “She said I couldn’t have one yet because I was a baby and I was too young to go to school!”
“Well that wasn’t very nice of Tess to say to you.” Allie said. “I’ll have a word with Franky tonight after dinner, OK?”
“Don’t bother.” Julia said dismissively. “I already got her back.”
“What did you do Julia?” Bea asked hesitantly.
“I told her I wouldn’t do her math homework for her anymore.” Julia said.
“You’ve been doing Tess’ homework for her? She’s in the fourth grade!” Allie asked. “How long has this been going on?”
“A while. I didn’t mind. She’s not very good at math and I am.” Julia said. “But she can try to do her own homework from now on since she’s so mean.”
“Sweetheart, you can’t do people’s work for them.” Bea said as she sat down next to her daughter. “That’s why they have homework so they can practice and learn.”
“But I already know how to do it.” Julia said. “It’s easy. You told me to be nice to people and help them when I could.”
“I know we did precious girl but this is different.” Bea said. “I don’t mind if you help the others with their schoolwork, but you are not to do it for them. Do you understand the difference?”
“I think so. I didn’t mean to do anything wrong.” Julia said. “Don’t tell Buddy OK? I don’t want her to be disappointed in me.”
“Julia would never be disappointed in you sweet girl.” Bea said as she reached over and hugged the child. “Not unless you really hurt somebody.”
“I don’t want to hurt anybody.” Julia said. “Ever!”
“We know you don’t sweetheart.” Allie said as she ran her fingers through her daughter’s curls. “Just remember that everyone needs to do their own homework and you’ll be fine. If they ask you a question, you can explain it to them, but don’t do it for them, alright? You ready for dinner?”
“I’m starving!” Julia said dramatically.
“Just like your Mumma!” Bea laughed.
That June, Ryan and Jason married in a small ceremony at the estate. Ryan asked Bridget to walk him down the aisle since Jason would be escorted by both of his parents. He also asked Franky to stand up with him as his “best man”. Young Julia acted as the flower girl and Tess was the ring bearer. Young Julia was thrilled when she realized her dress was exactly like Tess’. Despite the age difference, young Julia worshipped the ground Tess walked on and wanted to be like her.
Ryan and Jason were headed to Africa for their honeymoon. Helena and Julia had arranged for them to go on a two week safari. Ryan kissed his daughter before he climbed into the car promising to bring her back a present. It was almost ten when the party finally broke up and Bea was carrying young Julia in her arms to their home.
“Are Tess and I related?” Young Julia asked as Bea set her down inside the house.
“Not really, but sort of.” Allie answered. “It’s complicated.”
“Can you try to explain it?” Julia asked.
“Well let’s see.” Allie said as she sat down on the couch and removed her heels. “Ryan is your father and Bridget is his mother. Franky is married to Bridget and Tess is her sister so that means you and Tess are related by marriage, sort of.”
“I wish she was my sister.” Julia said. “I’d like having a sister.”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen sweetheart.” Allie said. “Your Mumma’s getting a bit old to have another baby.”
“Mum, why didn’t you ever have a baby?” Julia asked.
“I did.” Bea said after taking in a deep breath. “I had a daughter called Debbie.”
“I have a sister?” Julia asked. “Where is she?”
“She died baby.” Bea said sadly as she sat down next to Allie.
“Like Thor and Zeus?” Julia asked. “I was very sad when they died. I still miss them.”
“Yes baby.” Bea said. “I still miss Deb every day.”
“We’re you her Mumma?” Julia asked Allie.
“No sweetheart, I wasn’t.” Allie said. “Debbie died before I met your Mum.”
“What did she look like?” Julia asked excitedly. “Did she have blonde hair like me? Tell me about her!”
“What do you want to know?” Bea asked as she pulled a photo album from a cabinet in the coffee table.
“Everything.” Julia answered.
Bea spent the next hour telling her daughter about Debbie and how wonderful she was as well as showing her photos. Inevitably, young Julia asked about Debbie’s father. Bea explained that Debbie’s father was not a nice man and he was mean to her. She then told Julia as gently as she could how Debbie died.
“That’s a very sad story.” Julia said. “I’m sorry my sister died.”
“Me too baby.” Bea said as tears started streaming down her face. “Me too.”
After they finally got Julia to bed, Bea and Allie settled down together in their own bed.
“Did I do the right thing?” Bea asked. “Was she ready to hear about Deb?”
“Bridget always told us to be honest with her.” Allie said as she traced Bea’s abdomen scars with her fingertips. “She asked and you told her the truth. She seemed to handle it all really well.”
“You know what this means don’t you?” Bea asked. “One day she’s going to find out about our life before we got here. God I dread that!”
“We’ll worry about that when it happens.” Allie said as she yawned. “Go to sleep baby. I love you.”
Jamie finally proposed to Judith two years after he started practicing law. They both wanted more children and had started on their new family right after they were married. While Jamie and Ryan did not have a practice together, they consulted with each other about cases on a daily basis. Judith had a small meltdown during her first pregnancy with Jamie. While she wanted to have a family with him, she didn’t want to leave her Eastbelle family behind. Julia surprised them all with a house close by that was more than large enough for the young couple to raise a family and allowed Judith and Noah to be at Eastbelle whenever they chose to be.
When you Julia was five she started attending school with Noah and Tess. Due to her advanced abilities she started in the sixth grade. Noah and Tess each kept a watchful eye on their young friend at school. When anyone attempted to bully Julia, they would step in and protect her. Tess and Noah were both very popular amongst their peers and they had no problem at all recruiting others to help them watch out for their young friend, but there were children who saw Julia as an anomaly and they made young Julia’s life at school difficult.
One day Allie went to pick up Tess and young Julia from school. The minute she saw her daughter she jumped out of the car and ran to her.
“What happened here?” Allie asked gently holding Julia’s chin and looking at a swollen left eye.
“I fell.” Julia said curtly. “It’s nothing. I’m fine.”
“It’s not nothing!” Allie said. “It’s got to hurt. Where did you fall sweetheart?”
“I wasn’t watching where I was going.” Julia said. “I walked into a door.”
As soon as they got home, Allie took young Julia to have her eye looked at by Julia to determine if they needed to go to the emergency room.
“It’s just a bruise.” Julia said as she looked over the young girl’s injury. “I don’t think anything’s broken. Let’s just keep some ice on it.”
Allie went to the kitchen to go get an ice pack.
“Do you want to tell me what really happened?” Julia asked the young girl.
“I told you.” Young Julia said. “I walked into a door.”
“We both know that’s not true.” Julia said. “We have a deal Little One. We never lie to each other no matter what. Don’t lie to me now.”
“I got hit.” Young Julia admitted. “A girl cornered me in the restroom. She got mad because I wouldn’t let her cheat off of my paper.”
“Did you tell the teacher?” Julia asked.
“No!” Young Julia said indignantly. “I’m no lagger! I just covered my paper up and she got mad.”
“So why didn’t you tell your Mumma what really happened?” Julia asked.
“You know how she is.” Young Julia responded. “She’d make a big fuss about it. It’s not that big of a deal.”
“If someone hurts you like this it’s a big deal.” Julia said. “No one ever has a right to hit you. If someone is hurting you we need to know about it. Do we understand each other? Now are you going to tell your parents what really happened, or do I have to do it?”
“I’ll do it.” Young Julia huffed. “Just promise me you won’t let them take me out of school Buddy, please.”
Bea was beyond furious when young Julia told them what happened. While young Julia told them about how she got the black eye, she refused to tell them who had done it. Bea flew off the handle and ranted and railed until Allie finally stopped her and told her to go out on her bike for a while and cool off. When she returned, she was much calmer. She walked in the house, took Allie by the hand and led her up to their daughter’s bedroom.
“I’m sorry I got so angry.” Bea said as she sat down next to her daughter. “I just want to protect you. It just breaks my heart that anyone would ever hurt my precious girl.”
“Mum, you can’t protect me from everything.” Young Julia said. “Let’s face it. I’m not like the other kids.”
“No you’re not sweetheart.” Allie said as she stoked her daughter’s curls. “But you understand that there’s nothing wrong with being different, right?”
“Buddy says it won’t always be like this.” Young Julia said. “I want to stay in school for now. Please don’t make me leave. I like being around most of the kids.”
“Are you sure?” Bea asked. “The bullies probably won’t stop picking on you anytime soon.”
“I’m not worried about it.” Young Julia said confidently. “It’ll be OK Mum, I promise it will.”
A week later the young girl who hit Julia found herself in the principal’s office. When her mother arrived she was shocked to learn her child had been cheating. The principal explained that her teacher’s had spotted and irregularity in her grades. When they had investigated, they were able to prove the girl had hacked into the school’s grading system and had altered several of her scores from her own laptop. The principal handed the woman the laptop and told the woman her child was no longer welcome at the school. As they walked out of the building together the girl put her hands in her pockets. She felt something and pulled out a playing card from her pocket. It was a joker.
“Think this is funny do you?” The girl’s mother shrieked. “You just wait until we get home young lady and I’m going to show you funny!”
“That little punk who hit Julia got hers today!” Tess announced happily.
“Wait, you know who hit Junior and you didn’t tell me who it was?” Franky asked Tess.
“I’m no lagger!” Tess said. “Besides she won’t be a problem anymore.”
“Please tell me you didn’t hit her.” Bridget said cautiously. “You know two wrongs don’t make a right.”
“No I didn’t hit her!” Tess said. “Turns out the little cow got caught cheating. They kicked her out for good today.”
“You don’t know anything about this do you Little One?” Julia asked young Julia.
“Nothing.” Young Julia said as she kept eating. “Sorry.”
“We’ll talk later.” Julia said as she rolled her eyes and sat back in her chair.
By the time young Julia was eight she had become bored with school. She was even more exhausted with the constant haranguing she received from her fellow students. The physical assaults had stopped long ago but the sneers and the name-calling were taking a toll. She knew she shouldn’t let their words hurt her, but they did. Bea went to pick up Tess and Julia after school one day and she was shocked when she heard the older children chanting “Freak” at her daughter. Tess was standing between Julia and the crowd shouting back, but it made no difference. After screaming at them to shut the fuck up, Bea got in the car with Tess and Julia.
“I don’t want to go back.” Julia said quietly from the back seat.
“You don’t have to sweetheart.” Bea said as she pulled away from the curb.
After some discussion they all came to an agreement. Young Julia needed a break. Ryan, Allie and Julia were all registered as young Julia’s home instructors. She easily passed the high school equivalency test but Julia felt that young Julia was not ready for the rigors of university life yet. Julia suggested that there was no better education than travel. It was time for young Julia to see the world. For the next four years, they all took turns taking Julia not only across the United States, but also to every major city in the world.
Young Julia thrived during this time. None of them had ever seen her so happy. As much as she loved visiting new places, she always loved coming home and telling everyone about her adventures. Tess was allowed to tag along whenever she was on a break from school. Franky and Bridget took the girls to Australia whenever they got the chance.
No matter what was happening they all still spent New Year’s together in Miami. Julia and Helena had bought the condo below their own to accommodate everyone on these trips. It was a tradition they all enjoyed and this year was no different.
Bea was walking down the beach back towards the condo early one morning when she saw her daughter and Allie walking toward her. She took in a quick breath when she noticed how much their daughter had grown. She looked just like her Mumma tall and slim. The only difference between them was a few inches of height and the mass of blonde curls that covered her daughter’s head.
“Did you have a good visit with Debbie?” Young Julia asked.
“I did sweetheart.” Bea said as they walked together across the sand. “You don’t think that’s weird do you?”
“Not at all.” Julia said. “Buddy still talks to Howard whenever she gets the chance. She goes down to the garden and she says if she gets quiet enough, she can hear Howard speaking to her. I’m sure it’s the same thing for you and Debbie.”
“It is.” Bea nodded as she spoke. “What are you two doing up so early?”
“I wanted to speak with you both away from the others.” Julia said. “I think I’m ready for school again.”
“I thought you were enjoying travelling for a while.” Bea said as they all sat down together on a set of lounge chairs. “You don’t need to be in any rush to get back.”
“I do enjoy the travelling, but I miss the structured learning.” Julia said. “I want to find some direction and I think going on to university is the way to do that.”
“You’re not thinking of going away to school are you?” Allie asked. “I don’t think I’m ready for that.”
“No. Buddy says she can get me in at Vanderbilt.” Julia said. “They have some specialized programs for kids like me.”
“Do you know what you want to study?” Allie asked.
“I’m having a hard time deciding between medicine and law.” Julia said. “I may do both.”
“Just follow your heart and you’ll be fine.” Bea said as she leaned over and kissed her daughter’s head. “And remember, you can always change your mind about what you want to do. You’re not locked into anything. You do what makes you happy. Franky wanted to be a lawyer and she ended up running Eastbelle. You never know where life might take you.”
“Like you used to be a hairdresser and now you’re a designer?” Julia asked quietly.
“How long have you known?” Bea asked. “How did you find out?”
“A few years now. I always wondered why you didn’t go to Australia with us.” Julia revealed. “I got curious about Wentworth after one of Auntie Vera’s visits. It took about two minutes on Google before I saw a picture of you. I followed the trail from there.”
“Why didn’t you say something?” Allie asked. “We would have been happy to talk with you about it.”
“I talked to Buddy about it.” Julia said. “She told me what I needed to know.”
“So you know what I am then.” Bea said sadly. “You know I’m a murderer.”
“You’re my Mum.” Julia said. “Bea Smith died long before I was born. That woman doesn’t exist anymore.”
“Your Mum wasn’t the only one who was in prison.” Allie admitted. “There are things I probably need to go ahead and tell you about my own past.”
“Buddy told me all about it already.” Julia said. “She also told me that Mum loved you so much that she was willing to go back to prison to be with you.”
“But thanks to Julia, that didn’t happen.” Bea said. “We both got the chance to be together and have you. Why do you think we named you what we did? Julia and Howard gave us the life we have.”
“What’s it like?” Julia asked. “What does it feel like to be dead?”
“It’s peaceful.” Bea said. “Death isn’t hard for the one who dies. It’s hard for those who loved them.”
“Do you remember anything?” Julia asked.
“Some.” Bea said. “I’ll tell you this much, both times I came back my life changed a great deal and you wanna know a secret?”
“What?” Julia asked gazing intently at Bea with her crystal blue eyes.
“It’s all about love sweetheart.” Bea said. “In both my previous lives I didn’t know much love. This time around my life’s been full of it. There’s no doubt about it Little One, for me the third time is the charm.”