Author's Note: I realized quickly after I started writing this that I paired up Angelina and Brad (like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt), completely unconscious of what I was doing. This was not intentional! I also intend to change one of the sub genres of this story, but don't worry! We'll see how it works out, okay? Oh, and many thanks to those of you who wrote reviews. It really made my day to see that you liked to story. Ending on that note, here's Chapter 2.
A Hint…
Ruby and Ralph Carbunkle (Brad and Tuck's parents) ran outside to greet their guest. Ruby reached Angelina first and pulled her into a bear hug. "It's good to have you back," she said as she squeezed the girl, "And you didn't even bother to give a heads-up!" Angelina replied, "I wanted to surprise you!" Ruby then held her at arms length. "Look at you," she said with a motherly smile. "You're so beautiful." Ralph placed a hand on his wife's shoulder. "It's good to have you back, Angie." Then he said, "Brad! Tuck! Take Angie's bags to her room, and be careful with them."
"Yes sir!" Both boys took her luggage into the house. Jenny followed them into a room that, until now, had remained locked.
The room had the monochromatic color scheme of black and white in the twin sized bedspread, furniture (of which there was very little) and various pieces of art that hung on the walls. But a small, sloped enclave off to the right-hand side of the room could barely go unnoticed, mainly because of its contents. It was painted pink, and a crib sat in the center. There was a mobile hanging from the ceiling, and a changing table next to that, and even a whicker rocking chair.
To someone who hadn't helped with the planning of this room, they might've been confused. Jenny was, and she became more curious when she saw how Brad reacted. She noticed that, upon entering the room, he looked toward the small space longingly, clutching the suitcase handle and, after taking a deep breath, walked into the room. Tuck followed behind, then Jenny, and then Angie. Immediately, she reeled back as if someone had dealt her a severe blow and grabbed the door frame. Her heart started racing and she took in a sharp breath. Brad turned around and grabbed one of arms to help steady her. He could feel that she was trembling, and looked at her as if to say, "Are you alright?" Angie nodded her head and entered the room. Time seemed to stand still as she ran her hand wistfully across the crib railing. She looked crushed when she turned to them. "Nothing's changed," she said. There was mixture of happiness and pain on her face. Brad, unable to bear anymore, swiftly left the room. Tuck quickly followed after to comfort him. Jenny, who looked from Brad to the other girl in the room, felt that something was amiss. Angie placed a hand on her metallic shoulder and assured her, "He'll be alright."
Norene Wakeman dialed a number, praying that she would get the answering machine. It seemed that fate was against her. A woman with an authentic British accent answered the phone. "Hello?"
"Hello Dahlia," This was not what Nora wanted.
"Oh Nora!" the woman said with mock surprise. "How are you, dear girl?"
"Is your husband available?"
"Oh, you mean Damon? Good heavens, no! May I take a message?"
"Will you tell him that his daughter has come back to town? I really have no idea how long she'll be here, but she's staying with the Carbunkles and I think she would like to see him."
"Oh you mean the rebellious love child?" She laughed bitterly. "Angelina was her name, right? How much fun! I can't wait to see her again!"
Nora listened carefully and discerned what Dahlia truly meant. "You don't want him to be around her, do you?"
"Absolutely not!" she said vehemently. "She's not my child and we don't want any old feelings resurfacing, do we, Nora?" She laughed again. "I will allow him to see her, but not under my roof. Access to my abode for her is expressly forbidden."
Nora was quiet for a moment. "Thank you for understanding." She bid her acquaintance good-bye, and hung up.
Meanwhile, Dahlia climbed the stairs to her bedroom and sat next to her hard working husband. "Darling," she whispered, "your daughter is back in the area." Then she flashed a menacing smile. "How about we pay her a visit, hmm?"