doormouse
Seductively Sweet
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2004
- Posts
- 4,407
It's kind of at a stand still, yet one I can't let go.
I know, wrong forum, sorry. But you guys I can trust for honest criticism.
I know what I want to say, but the technical stuff stumps me.
Anyone caring to enlighten me what would happen here in reality would be a godsend.
Amelia.
___
It had started out like any other family celebration. The garden was set out with garden chairs lined up in rows alongside the spanse of tables, the crisp linen blinding against the strength of the hot Summer sun's reflection. Laying out the cutlery, Julie Simmons smiles at her husband as he tackles the mountainous pile of napkins in front of him. Watching him fumble blindly, folding the napkins into rosettes as she'd shown him sends a warmth glowing deep inside her.
The church service is booked for noon; the Christening for their new born daughter starting in only two hours leaving them little time to prepare the house for the festivities. Looking around their vast garden, Julie smiles. Mike had done a fantastic job with the decorations. The streamers curled and twisted overhead, strung from the eaves of their modest home, to the twiny branches of the trees towering tall at the rear of their block. The paper lanterns hang periodically from the colored streams giving the garden an atmosphere of celebration.
"Need a hand there?" Julie asks. Looking up at her, a dark curl clings to the beads of sweat appearing on his forehead as the heat of the morning sun promises a hot afternoon.
"Why can't we just fold them and place them in the glasses," he teases as he looks up adoringly at his lovely wife. With a grin she bites her lower lip, tempted to slap him playfully, but knowing he'd do anything for her. His dark eyes smile at her as he fumbles with the napkin, bending the folds to form petals.
"Oh, honey," she teases, "You know how perfect I want today to be."
Thinking back to the day of Amelia's birth still brings tears to Julie's eyes as she recalls that blissful day. Amelia's birth had been a miracle. Having been told she was barren at an early age, the couple had given up all hope of ever raising a family. Today was special for all of them; a day to thank God for the gift he had given them.
Taking a seat opposite her husband, Julie picks up a pile of serviettes and begins folding them into the cup like rosettes. Feeling a trickle of sweat make its way slowly down her back as the sun beats down upon them, she looks up at Mike. His tanned face looking hot and flushed as he quietly folds the last few napkins, transforming them into colorful paper flowers.
"I'll get us a cool drink," Julie says as she stands. "We'd better get these on the table, otherwise we'll run out of time."
"Okay sweetheart. I'll put these out." Picking up an armful of the rosettes, Mike makes his way to a table at the far end of the yard and begins setting them out.
As she makes her way inside, Julie hears the soft cries coming from upstairs. With a smile, she makes her way up to their daughter's room, and quietly opens the door as she peers inside.
"Hey beautiful," she whispers, seeing Amelia's eyes opening. Making her way quietly across the room, Julie smiles as she looks over the side of the bassinet at their baby. Stroking a finger lightly over Amelia's cheek feeling the softness of her delicate skin, she leans in and gently picks her up. With her hand supporting the baby's head, she pulls her into her chest as she slowly unbuttons her blouse. As she sits in the rocker, she hears Mike calling from downstairs.
"Honey, Linda is here."
"Okay, thanks honey. Tell her I'm up here feeding Amelia."Julie calls, holding her hand over Amelia's ear so she doesn't startle her. Hearing the dull voices downstairs, Julie places her baby's mouth on her nipple and watches with adoration as she feeds.
"Hi Jules," Linda says as she steps into the room. Looking up from the rocker, Julie smiles at her sister.
"You look nice," she says, admiring her sister's attire.
In her black skirt and matching blouse, both edged with embroidered delicate pink roses, Linda looks much older than her mere nineteen years. Her dark hair pulled up into a messy pony tail, with wisps or curls framing her porcelain skinned face, setting her dark eyes alight. Her lips a deep crimson, giving her lips a luscious appearance offsetting the brilliant white of her teeth.
"Thanks," Linda says taking a seat on the end of the bed. "How's the star of the day going?"
"Just woken up," Julie smiles, looking down at the baby in her arms. "I have to get her dressed before she goes back down."
"I came over early to see if you needed a hand with anything. Mike has done a fantastic job on the backyard."
"Yeah, he has," Julie says proudly. Feeling Amelia release her nipple, she pulls her bra across and eases herself to her feet. "Linda, do you mind burping her while I have a quick shower? I'll never get ready in time otherwise."
"I'd love to!" Taking the baby from her sister's arms, Linda places her carefully against her shoulder and gently pats her back. "What time do the caterers arrive?"
"They should be here shortly to get things set up," Julie says as she lays her clothes out on the bed. "They dropped the spits off this morning and got the meat started. I told them we planned on eating around one-thirty." Kissing her daughter's hair softly, she picks up her fresh lingerie and heads toward the ensuite. "I won't be long."
"Take your time," Linda says, bouncing Amelia gently against her bosom.
Meanwhile, outside Mike sets the small net bags of sugar almonds into the paper rosettes he'd painstakingly folded earlier. Standing back, he admires the tables and decorations adorning their garden. The smell of the meat roasting gently wafts through the air, filling the yard with the delicious combined aromas of roast lamb and pork. Glancing at his watch, Mike wipes his brow before heading inside.
As he enters the bedroom, Julie is finishing applying the last of her make-up. Whistling through his teeth, Mike moves up behind, draping his arms around her waist he kisses her neck.
"You look gorgeous." Smiling at him in the mirror's reflection, Julie turns to face him.
"Thank you," she purrs, tracing a hand through his damp hair. "You'd better get in the shower loverboy, otherwise we're going to have a sweaty daddy standing at the altar." Squeezing her ass playfully, Mike kisses her lightly before heading toward the en-suite.
"How do I look Mummy?" Linda asks in a mock voice, holding Amelia out in front of her.
Turning to look at her daughter, Julie feels tears well in her eyes. The ten day old baby looking delicately small in the lengths of satin and lace. The lace bonnet framing her tiny face making her appear angelic, her large dark eyes open wide as she stares at her mother. The pink satin ribbons woven into the lace, making their way down her tiny arms, gather in a bow at the wrist. The lace and ribbons sewn down the front of the gown, contrasting against the sheen of the white satin. Falling gracefully well below her tiny feet, the folds of satin gather to meet the wide ten inch lace hem.
"You look absolutely gorgeous," Julie smiles, taking Amelia in her arms.
"She looks so beautiful," Linda says, as she straightens the folds of the long overhanging skirt.
"Daddy, doesn't your daughter look beautiful?" Julie asks as Mike walks out of the bathroom with a towel secured around his waist.
"She looks stunning," he says as he takes in the beauty of his daughter. His heart skipping a beat as he takes her tiny hand in his and kisses it softly.
"Honey, you'd better get dressed," Julie warns as she glances at the clock beside their bed. "I'll get the nappy bag packed."
"I'll meet you downstairs," Mike says as Linda follows her out the door.
* * * * * * *
The congregation is already building when they arrive at the church. Seeing the masses of familiar faces, they make their way toward the small crowd gathered around the entrance. Being the first time for many of her distant friends and family to see Amelia, Julie proudly shows her off as a crowd forms around them. Smiling proudly at Mike, she feels his arm slip gently around her waist as he beams with pride at his daughter.
"Oh, she's absolutely adorable," Jasmine coos, a strand of dark hair falling over her face as she bends over Amelia making babbling baby noises. Giving Mike a knowing sideways glance, Julie watches as Jasmine wiggles her finger at their baby.
Jasmine, at twenty-eight is by no means a small girl. Her pretty features highlighted by the mane of dark hair that falls in waves around her shoulders, making her appear years younger. In her pale gray trouser suit and contrasting pink blouse, she holds an air of grace as she stands tall in her heels, making her five-foot-six frame seem taller and slimmer. Being Julie's cousin, the two have often been mistaken as sisters. Having the same almond shaped eyes, Julie's being brown whereas Jasmine's were a sparkling blue didn't hide the uncanny resemblance between the pair.
"We'd better get inside, it's almost noon," Mike says, leading Julie through the crowd.
As the ceremony begins, Julie and Mike stand proudly at the front of the church as the minister talks through the service. Being the chosen Godparents, Linda and her husband Trevor are called to the front as the minister bathes Amelia's hair with holy water.
The flashing of cameras lights up the church as the proud parents stand posing with their daughter. With the formalities over, Mike thanks the minister for the service before making his way outside to join the crowd.
"The service was beautiful," Linda says as she steers Trevor over to Julie and Mike.
"It went longer than I thought it would," Mike says as he lays Amelia in the pram. Looking up at Julie, he smiles. "Now it's party time." Winking playfully at his wife, he stands and turns to Trevor. "Want to come with me to get the alcohol?"
"Sure." Looking at Linda who gives him a reassuring smile, he kisses her cheek softly then follows Mike toward the parking lot.
"So, how's married life?" Julie asks as she wheels the pram down the narrow path.
"Couldn't be better," Linda beams. "Trevor's talking about us starting a family." With a giggle, her face takes on a slightly darker shade of pink.
"That's great!" Julie exclaims as they reach the car. "You two would make such fantastic parents."
As Linda restrains Amelia into the baby seat, Julie folds the pram and places it in the boot. Chatting incessantly about babies as they make their way back to the house, Julie looks at her sleeping baby in the rear view mirror. It's been a big day for her, Julie muses as she pulls up in the driveway.
"I'll take Amelia upstairs and put her to bed." Gently lifting her sleeping baby from the baby capsule, she looks up at her sister. "There are some hors d'oeuvres in the fridge, would you mind popping them in the oven for me please?"
"Sure." Grabbing her purse Linda follows Julie inside and makes her way toward the kitchen.
"There are some tubs in the garage," Linda hears Mike say from outside, as she lines the pastries on the oven tray. Looking out the window, she watches as he stacks cases of beer beside the spits.
Julie enters the kitchen just as more of their guests begin to fill the garden. Smiling, she watches as Mike hands them each a drink and tells them to make themselves at home.
"He's always the perfect party host," Linda says, reading her sister's thoughts.
"Yeah, he is." Smiling, Julie grabs a cask of wine from the fridge and heads outside. "Want a Riesling, Linda?"
"You bet," she grins.
As the caterers set up the trestle tables with various salads and platters of lasagna and casseroles, the guests begin to take their seats.
All of a sudden a deafening explosion erupts from inside the house. Slithers of broken glass fly through the air as the windows explode outward. Looking up at the flames licking the eaves from the windows upstairs as the thick black smoke fills the sky, Mike drops his beer and races toward the house.
"Oh my God, Amelia!" Julie screams running after her husband.
"Stay back!" Mike shouts as he charges in through the thick smoke already engulfing the lower floor of the house.
"I'll call the fire brigade," Linda says as she pulls her cell phone from her purse with shaky hands.
Julie feels comforting arms around her, but stands frozen as the tears stream down her face. The voices sounding muffled as the beating of her heart pounds loudly in her ears as she waits for her husband to return.
"I can't get near the door," Mike chokes as he emerges from the thick smoke. "Trevor, grab the ladder, quick!"
Running into the garage, he grabs the ladder and hurries back to stand it against the side of the house. Ascending the rungs two at a time, Mike pulls his sleeve over his fist and smashes the window to his daughter's bedroom. The room is engulfed in flames, only seeming to reignite as the air feeds the inferno. Holding his arm to shield his face from the intense heat, Mike slowly makes his way down the ladder, tears sting his eyes knowing there's little hope of his daughter being alive.
The cries from the party guests almost drowning out the wails of the fire truck as it comes screeching to a halt at the front of the property.
Holding each other close, Mike and Julie stand forlorn as their once happy home stands burning. The firemen make their way around the house, dragging their long hoses with them. All of a sudden the smoke intensifies, as the powerful jets of water begin the grueling task of dousing the flames.
A few of the guests make polite exits, the couple too fraught to notice as they watch the smoke billow high into the afternoon sky. An hour passes before the fire is deemed extinguished. A fireman carries a small bundle in his arms wrapped in a yellow canvas wrap as he makes his way from the house. A tall man, his face blackened by the smoke, approaches the pair.
"We've just pulled the body of your daughter from the house..." The rest of his words a blur as Mike and Julie hold each other tight, their bodies racked with grief as the world seems to spin around them.
Hours pass, Linda and Trevor taking the charge thanking the firemen once the arson squad had completed their investigations. Feeling numb, Julie feels her sister's arms around her as she's led to Linda's car out front.
"You're staying with us tonight," she hears, the voice sounding as though it's coming through a muffled mouth piece from some other time and place. Mike and Trevor talk quietly as they make their way toward the car, Linda's hand squeezing Julie's arm lightly as the men climb into the back seat.
Looking up at the house as they drive down the street, Julie feels as though all life has been drained from her.
* * * * * * *
Hearing the dull voices from outside her room, Julie struggles to raise her aching body. Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror above the dresser, she lets out a sigh. Her normally pristine hair, now a mash of knots and tangles hanging limp around her gaunt face. Her brown eyes rimmed in red from the tears she'd shed, puffy and looking as though they belong to the face of a stranger. Swinging her feet over the side of the bed, she grabs the robe her sister had placed over the foot of the bed and drapes it over her shoulders.
"Honey," Mike says softly, seeing her emerge from the room. Walking down the short hall, he drapes his arms around her. "The coroner has filed his report on the body found at the house."
Holding her at arms length, he tries to contain his mixture of both grief and excitement.
"The body they found was not human." A confused look crosses Julie's face as she creases her brow looking at her husband. Shaking her lightly, Mike smiles. "Don't you get it? It wasn't Amelia!"
Wrapping his arms tight around her, the glimmer of hope all he can hold onto that his daughter may still be alive.
"Wh.. what?" Julie stammers, her heart beating rapidly at the thought that Amelia could be out there somewhere.
Jubilant, yet confused, wondering what kind of person would take their baby and start a fire, leaving them to believe their daughter had perished in the blast, she looks up at Mike.
"What did the coroner say?" she stammers, "I want to know everything!"
"Come to the kitchen honey," Mike says, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. "I'll make you a coffee and tell you what he told me."
Being only yesterday that her world had come crashing in around her, now offering a glimpse of hope that their baby may be okay; on shakey legs she follows her husband to the kitchen. Her face expressionless as she looks at Linda and Trevor, who are already sitting at the table chatting quietly between themselves. Looking up from her conversation, Linda gets to her feet and rushes to her sister's side.
"Oh, Jules." Holding Julie close, Linda kisses her hair softly. "Come on sis, I'll put the kettle on."
"Thanks Linda," Julie says, anxious to hear the news from Mike.
"Okay, first things first," Mike says as he leads Julie to an empty chair. Taking her hand in his, he speaks softly as she breathes deep waiting for him to continue. "The coroner has suggested we get an attorney. The body they found was a puppy."
"What?" Julie feels her head swim as she tries to make sense of what she's being told. "A puppy?" Her voice shrill. "They can't tell the difference between a fucking dog and a baby?" Fresh tears sting her eyes as she fights back the knot forming in her stomach.
"Honey, I know... but the body was burned... "
Her mind racing as she fights to remember who she'd seen entering the house before the explosion. The house had been filled with long lost friends, partners, cousins, family, her hands moving to her temples as a headache builds inside her head.
"The arson squad have deemed the fire to be deliberately lit," Mike continues, "leading them to think that Amelia was taken and the dog placed in her cot moments before the explosion."
Tears stream down her face as Julie looks desperately at her husband. "So what are they going to do? When do we get our daughter back?" Her voice raising in pitch as the frustration and anger surfaces. Feeling the ache of her full bosom she sobs. "She's still breast feeding for fucks sake!"
Taking her in his arms, feeling his own anguish and frustrations sting his eyes as the tears threaten to swell, Mike smoothes Julie's hair.
* * * * * * *
It has been two years after that fateful day. Julie sits in the lounge of their new home looking over the invitation to the family barbecue; a party for a cousin's birthday. As the tears well in her eyes, Julie watches as the drips smear the scrawl on the invite. Amelia will be two this week, she cries silently. With a renewed grief, she screws up the paper and tosses it aside.
Sitting with her knees drawn to her chest, she allows herself to grieve.
"Honey?" Placing his case at the door, Mike moves beside his wife. Smoothing her hair, he feels her sobs as her body racks against the intensity of her tears. Wrapping his arms around her, holding her close he notices the crumpled paper at her feet. "Honey, we'll get through this."
A sudden anger surges through her. Looking at Mike, her eyes red, forming thin slits as her look becomes a threatening glare.
"Get through what?" she hisses. "What the fuck are we going to get through? Another two years of nothing?"
With a heavy heart he sighs, feeling his marriage dissipating further. Even moving to the new house hadn't helped settle Julie's grief, instead it had made her even more bitter. Picking up the discarded paper, he unravels it. Shaking his head sadly, he looks at his disheveled wife.
"Is this it, Julie?" he asks, feeling his own anger rising. "Is this what you're hiding from?" Tossing the invitation in her lap, he walks out of the room. His own grief he'd never fully been able to shed, it was always Julie that everyone doted on. Julie, who they endlessly asked about. Julie, who was allowed to cry and unleash her frustrations and anger. Walking into the bedroom he slams the door behind him.
"What about me?" Mike shouts to his unseen audience. "Don't I have feelings too?"
Hearing the door slam, Julie winces. I know I'm being selfish, she tells herself, but her grief is too strong, not knowing her daughter's whereabouts, tearing her apart. The doctor and psychologist had both suggested anti-depressant drugs, but she couldn't bring herself to take anything that may make her feel better when her daughter is out there - out there with God only knows who.
Picking up the invitation from her lap, she sighs.
"Honey?" Hearing Julie's soft knock at the door, Mike dries his eyes on his sleeve before gently opening the bedroom door.
"Honey, I'm sorry," Julie weeps. A new wave of tears floods her eyes as she falls into his arms.
"Jules, it's okay baby." Mike's eyes filling with tears as they finally release the anguish that had engulfed their lives for too long.
* * * * * * *
"Ready hon?" Julie calls from the bedroom.
"Almost. Can you help me with these cufflinks honey?"
Smiling at her husband, Julie feeds the gold rod through the small eyelets on his cuff.
"You look gorgeous," she says, standing back admiring her husband standing in his crisp white shirt and black trousers. The gold of his buckle matching the gold of the cufflinks, giving him a stately appearance.
Brushing nervously at the imaginary lint, Julie hands Mike his blazer.
"Honey, we don't have to do this if you're not ready."
"No, I'll be fine." Swallowing the hard lump forming in her throat, Julie helps Mike slide his arms into the sleeves of his jacket. "It's time to face reality." Feeling the pang in her stomach, she forces a smile.
"I'm proud of you baby," Mike says, wrapping his arms around his wife he holds her tight.
The drive to her cousin's expecting to take a good part of an hour, Julie is grateful for the distraction as she watches the luscious landscape slip by as they make their way along the highway.
"I think this is it," Julie says, as they drive along the winding side road. Pointing to the line of cars parked along the street, she checks the invitation.
Parking the car, Mike looks over at his wife. "Ready?"
With a soft smile, she plucks the gift from the rear seat and nods.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Making their way toward the house, they hear the squeals of children filtering through the air from the backyard. Squeezing his hand tight, Julie inhales as they climb the three small steps of the porch and knock gently on the door.
"Julie! Mike!" The heavy set woman wraps her arms tight around the pair as she steps out onto the porch to greet them.
"Hi, Beryl," Julie laughs, surprised at the warmth of her cousin's greeting. "Happy birthday."
"Happy birthday," Mike says as they're led toward the throng of people filling the spacious living room.
"Bah, it's just another excuse to party," Beryl laughs.
"Julie, Mike, over here," Linda calls from the far corner. Trevor, looking like he's already sampled a few of the imported beers the host has on offer, his exaggerated smile lopsided as he spots them making their way across the room.
"Hey, where do I put the present?" Julie asks, taking a calming swig from Linda's beer.
"Out the back, I'll show ya." Grabbing her sister by the arm, Linda leads her out to the backyard. The table already laden with parcels, Julie places her gift with the rest then turns to survey the crowd gathered in the yard.
Glancing at the children running around, Julie spots one little girl in particular that catches her eye. The toddler, around two years of age, has large brown almond shaped eyes and blonde hair the colour of spun gold similar to her own. Julie shivers as a chill runs up her spine, a haunting feeling racing through her as the watches the little girl play.
"Who's little girl is that?" she asks Linda.
"Which one? The little blonde?" Linda follows her sister's gaze and watches the toddler play. "That's Jasmine's daughter."
As the pair stand watching her play, the little girl suddenly smiles. Julie's eyes fill with tears as she looks at the girl's mouth.
"Look at her smile. Doesn't she remind you of anybody?" Julie asks. A look of recognition washes over Linda's face as she sees Mike's smile on the little girl's face.
"Oh my god, you think that's... "
"Get Mike."
Nodding, Linda rushes inside as Julie crouches beside the little girl.
"Hey, sweetheart. What's your name?" Taking the young child's hand in hers, Julie looks into the familiar brown eyes.
"Her name's Samantha." Placing her hands possessively on the girl's shoulders, Jasmine pulls her close.
Looking up into Jasmine's threatening blue eyes, Julie gets to her feet.
"I didn't even know you were pregnant," Julie says, fighting to control the sarcasm in her voice.
Turning to see Mike heading toward her from the house, with Linda and Trevor in tow, Julie feels a new wave of confidence surge through her. Mike stops in his tracks as he spots the little girl.
"Amelia?" his voice choked as he kneels in front of the toddler.
"Her name's Samantha!" Taking the child into her arms, Jasmine rushes inside the house.
"Call the police! Do something!" Julie's face a ghostly white, her voice frantic as she looks desperately into her husband's face. "You can't let her get away!"
"I'll stall her," Linda says, rushing inside the house after Jasmine.
Fighting his own desires to just pull the child out of the woman's arms, Mike looks hopelessly at his wife.
"We can't prove anything, Jules. I'll call the attorney first thing Monday morning."
"Monday morning she could have fled the fucking country," Julie spits, her voice raising above the noise of the crowd. The few people turning to watch the commotion go unnoticed as they desperately think of a way to get their daughter back.
"She's gone," Linda says as she makes her way back to the small group. Holding up her nail clippers and a clump of hair, she grins. "Not before I got these first."
* * * * * * *
Monday morning, Julie and Mike pace nervously outside the attorney's office waiting for it to open.
I know, wrong forum, sorry. But you guys I can trust for honest criticism.
I know what I want to say, but the technical stuff stumps me.
Anyone caring to enlighten me what would happen here in reality would be a godsend.
Amelia.
___
It had started out like any other family celebration. The garden was set out with garden chairs lined up in rows alongside the spanse of tables, the crisp linen blinding against the strength of the hot Summer sun's reflection. Laying out the cutlery, Julie Simmons smiles at her husband as he tackles the mountainous pile of napkins in front of him. Watching him fumble blindly, folding the napkins into rosettes as she'd shown him sends a warmth glowing deep inside her.
The church service is booked for noon; the Christening for their new born daughter starting in only two hours leaving them little time to prepare the house for the festivities. Looking around their vast garden, Julie smiles. Mike had done a fantastic job with the decorations. The streamers curled and twisted overhead, strung from the eaves of their modest home, to the twiny branches of the trees towering tall at the rear of their block. The paper lanterns hang periodically from the colored streams giving the garden an atmosphere of celebration.
"Need a hand there?" Julie asks. Looking up at her, a dark curl clings to the beads of sweat appearing on his forehead as the heat of the morning sun promises a hot afternoon.
"Why can't we just fold them and place them in the glasses," he teases as he looks up adoringly at his lovely wife. With a grin she bites her lower lip, tempted to slap him playfully, but knowing he'd do anything for her. His dark eyes smile at her as he fumbles with the napkin, bending the folds to form petals.
"Oh, honey," she teases, "You know how perfect I want today to be."
Thinking back to the day of Amelia's birth still brings tears to Julie's eyes as she recalls that blissful day. Amelia's birth had been a miracle. Having been told she was barren at an early age, the couple had given up all hope of ever raising a family. Today was special for all of them; a day to thank God for the gift he had given them.
Taking a seat opposite her husband, Julie picks up a pile of serviettes and begins folding them into the cup like rosettes. Feeling a trickle of sweat make its way slowly down her back as the sun beats down upon them, she looks up at Mike. His tanned face looking hot and flushed as he quietly folds the last few napkins, transforming them into colorful paper flowers.
"I'll get us a cool drink," Julie says as she stands. "We'd better get these on the table, otherwise we'll run out of time."
"Okay sweetheart. I'll put these out." Picking up an armful of the rosettes, Mike makes his way to a table at the far end of the yard and begins setting them out.
As she makes her way inside, Julie hears the soft cries coming from upstairs. With a smile, she makes her way up to their daughter's room, and quietly opens the door as she peers inside.
"Hey beautiful," she whispers, seeing Amelia's eyes opening. Making her way quietly across the room, Julie smiles as she looks over the side of the bassinet at their baby. Stroking a finger lightly over Amelia's cheek feeling the softness of her delicate skin, she leans in and gently picks her up. With her hand supporting the baby's head, she pulls her into her chest as she slowly unbuttons her blouse. As she sits in the rocker, she hears Mike calling from downstairs.
"Honey, Linda is here."
"Okay, thanks honey. Tell her I'm up here feeding Amelia."Julie calls, holding her hand over Amelia's ear so she doesn't startle her. Hearing the dull voices downstairs, Julie places her baby's mouth on her nipple and watches with adoration as she feeds.
"Hi Jules," Linda says as she steps into the room. Looking up from the rocker, Julie smiles at her sister.
"You look nice," she says, admiring her sister's attire.
In her black skirt and matching blouse, both edged with embroidered delicate pink roses, Linda looks much older than her mere nineteen years. Her dark hair pulled up into a messy pony tail, with wisps or curls framing her porcelain skinned face, setting her dark eyes alight. Her lips a deep crimson, giving her lips a luscious appearance offsetting the brilliant white of her teeth.
"Thanks," Linda says taking a seat on the end of the bed. "How's the star of the day going?"
"Just woken up," Julie smiles, looking down at the baby in her arms. "I have to get her dressed before she goes back down."
"I came over early to see if you needed a hand with anything. Mike has done a fantastic job on the backyard."
"Yeah, he has," Julie says proudly. Feeling Amelia release her nipple, she pulls her bra across and eases herself to her feet. "Linda, do you mind burping her while I have a quick shower? I'll never get ready in time otherwise."
"I'd love to!" Taking the baby from her sister's arms, Linda places her carefully against her shoulder and gently pats her back. "What time do the caterers arrive?"
"They should be here shortly to get things set up," Julie says as she lays her clothes out on the bed. "They dropped the spits off this morning and got the meat started. I told them we planned on eating around one-thirty." Kissing her daughter's hair softly, she picks up her fresh lingerie and heads toward the ensuite. "I won't be long."
"Take your time," Linda says, bouncing Amelia gently against her bosom.
Meanwhile, outside Mike sets the small net bags of sugar almonds into the paper rosettes he'd painstakingly folded earlier. Standing back, he admires the tables and decorations adorning their garden. The smell of the meat roasting gently wafts through the air, filling the yard with the delicious combined aromas of roast lamb and pork. Glancing at his watch, Mike wipes his brow before heading inside.
As he enters the bedroom, Julie is finishing applying the last of her make-up. Whistling through his teeth, Mike moves up behind, draping his arms around her waist he kisses her neck.
"You look gorgeous." Smiling at him in the mirror's reflection, Julie turns to face him.
"Thank you," she purrs, tracing a hand through his damp hair. "You'd better get in the shower loverboy, otherwise we're going to have a sweaty daddy standing at the altar." Squeezing her ass playfully, Mike kisses her lightly before heading toward the en-suite.
"How do I look Mummy?" Linda asks in a mock voice, holding Amelia out in front of her.
Turning to look at her daughter, Julie feels tears well in her eyes. The ten day old baby looking delicately small in the lengths of satin and lace. The lace bonnet framing her tiny face making her appear angelic, her large dark eyes open wide as she stares at her mother. The pink satin ribbons woven into the lace, making their way down her tiny arms, gather in a bow at the wrist. The lace and ribbons sewn down the front of the gown, contrasting against the sheen of the white satin. Falling gracefully well below her tiny feet, the folds of satin gather to meet the wide ten inch lace hem.
"You look absolutely gorgeous," Julie smiles, taking Amelia in her arms.
"She looks so beautiful," Linda says, as she straightens the folds of the long overhanging skirt.
"Daddy, doesn't your daughter look beautiful?" Julie asks as Mike walks out of the bathroom with a towel secured around his waist.
"She looks stunning," he says as he takes in the beauty of his daughter. His heart skipping a beat as he takes her tiny hand in his and kisses it softly.
"Honey, you'd better get dressed," Julie warns as she glances at the clock beside their bed. "I'll get the nappy bag packed."
"I'll meet you downstairs," Mike says as Linda follows her out the door.
* * * * * * *
The congregation is already building when they arrive at the church. Seeing the masses of familiar faces, they make their way toward the small crowd gathered around the entrance. Being the first time for many of her distant friends and family to see Amelia, Julie proudly shows her off as a crowd forms around them. Smiling proudly at Mike, she feels his arm slip gently around her waist as he beams with pride at his daughter.
"Oh, she's absolutely adorable," Jasmine coos, a strand of dark hair falling over her face as she bends over Amelia making babbling baby noises. Giving Mike a knowing sideways glance, Julie watches as Jasmine wiggles her finger at their baby.
Jasmine, at twenty-eight is by no means a small girl. Her pretty features highlighted by the mane of dark hair that falls in waves around her shoulders, making her appear years younger. In her pale gray trouser suit and contrasting pink blouse, she holds an air of grace as she stands tall in her heels, making her five-foot-six frame seem taller and slimmer. Being Julie's cousin, the two have often been mistaken as sisters. Having the same almond shaped eyes, Julie's being brown whereas Jasmine's were a sparkling blue didn't hide the uncanny resemblance between the pair.
"We'd better get inside, it's almost noon," Mike says, leading Julie through the crowd.
As the ceremony begins, Julie and Mike stand proudly at the front of the church as the minister talks through the service. Being the chosen Godparents, Linda and her husband Trevor are called to the front as the minister bathes Amelia's hair with holy water.
The flashing of cameras lights up the church as the proud parents stand posing with their daughter. With the formalities over, Mike thanks the minister for the service before making his way outside to join the crowd.
"The service was beautiful," Linda says as she steers Trevor over to Julie and Mike.
"It went longer than I thought it would," Mike says as he lays Amelia in the pram. Looking up at Julie, he smiles. "Now it's party time." Winking playfully at his wife, he stands and turns to Trevor. "Want to come with me to get the alcohol?"
"Sure." Looking at Linda who gives him a reassuring smile, he kisses her cheek softly then follows Mike toward the parking lot.
"So, how's married life?" Julie asks as she wheels the pram down the narrow path.
"Couldn't be better," Linda beams. "Trevor's talking about us starting a family." With a giggle, her face takes on a slightly darker shade of pink.
"That's great!" Julie exclaims as they reach the car. "You two would make such fantastic parents."
As Linda restrains Amelia into the baby seat, Julie folds the pram and places it in the boot. Chatting incessantly about babies as they make their way back to the house, Julie looks at her sleeping baby in the rear view mirror. It's been a big day for her, Julie muses as she pulls up in the driveway.
"I'll take Amelia upstairs and put her to bed." Gently lifting her sleeping baby from the baby capsule, she looks up at her sister. "There are some hors d'oeuvres in the fridge, would you mind popping them in the oven for me please?"
"Sure." Grabbing her purse Linda follows Julie inside and makes her way toward the kitchen.
"There are some tubs in the garage," Linda hears Mike say from outside, as she lines the pastries on the oven tray. Looking out the window, she watches as he stacks cases of beer beside the spits.
Julie enters the kitchen just as more of their guests begin to fill the garden. Smiling, she watches as Mike hands them each a drink and tells them to make themselves at home.
"He's always the perfect party host," Linda says, reading her sister's thoughts.
"Yeah, he is." Smiling, Julie grabs a cask of wine from the fridge and heads outside. "Want a Riesling, Linda?"
"You bet," she grins.
As the caterers set up the trestle tables with various salads and platters of lasagna and casseroles, the guests begin to take their seats.
All of a sudden a deafening explosion erupts from inside the house. Slithers of broken glass fly through the air as the windows explode outward. Looking up at the flames licking the eaves from the windows upstairs as the thick black smoke fills the sky, Mike drops his beer and races toward the house.
"Oh my God, Amelia!" Julie screams running after her husband.
"Stay back!" Mike shouts as he charges in through the thick smoke already engulfing the lower floor of the house.
"I'll call the fire brigade," Linda says as she pulls her cell phone from her purse with shaky hands.
Julie feels comforting arms around her, but stands frozen as the tears stream down her face. The voices sounding muffled as the beating of her heart pounds loudly in her ears as she waits for her husband to return.
"I can't get near the door," Mike chokes as he emerges from the thick smoke. "Trevor, grab the ladder, quick!"
Running into the garage, he grabs the ladder and hurries back to stand it against the side of the house. Ascending the rungs two at a time, Mike pulls his sleeve over his fist and smashes the window to his daughter's bedroom. The room is engulfed in flames, only seeming to reignite as the air feeds the inferno. Holding his arm to shield his face from the intense heat, Mike slowly makes his way down the ladder, tears sting his eyes knowing there's little hope of his daughter being alive.
The cries from the party guests almost drowning out the wails of the fire truck as it comes screeching to a halt at the front of the property.
Holding each other close, Mike and Julie stand forlorn as their once happy home stands burning. The firemen make their way around the house, dragging their long hoses with them. All of a sudden the smoke intensifies, as the powerful jets of water begin the grueling task of dousing the flames.
A few of the guests make polite exits, the couple too fraught to notice as they watch the smoke billow high into the afternoon sky. An hour passes before the fire is deemed extinguished. A fireman carries a small bundle in his arms wrapped in a yellow canvas wrap as he makes his way from the house. A tall man, his face blackened by the smoke, approaches the pair.
"We've just pulled the body of your daughter from the house..." The rest of his words a blur as Mike and Julie hold each other tight, their bodies racked with grief as the world seems to spin around them.
Hours pass, Linda and Trevor taking the charge thanking the firemen once the arson squad had completed their investigations. Feeling numb, Julie feels her sister's arms around her as she's led to Linda's car out front.
"You're staying with us tonight," she hears, the voice sounding as though it's coming through a muffled mouth piece from some other time and place. Mike and Trevor talk quietly as they make their way toward the car, Linda's hand squeezing Julie's arm lightly as the men climb into the back seat.
Looking up at the house as they drive down the street, Julie feels as though all life has been drained from her.
* * * * * * *
Hearing the dull voices from outside her room, Julie struggles to raise her aching body. Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror above the dresser, she lets out a sigh. Her normally pristine hair, now a mash of knots and tangles hanging limp around her gaunt face. Her brown eyes rimmed in red from the tears she'd shed, puffy and looking as though they belong to the face of a stranger. Swinging her feet over the side of the bed, she grabs the robe her sister had placed over the foot of the bed and drapes it over her shoulders.
"Honey," Mike says softly, seeing her emerge from the room. Walking down the short hall, he drapes his arms around her. "The coroner has filed his report on the body found at the house."
Holding her at arms length, he tries to contain his mixture of both grief and excitement.
"The body they found was not human." A confused look crosses Julie's face as she creases her brow looking at her husband. Shaking her lightly, Mike smiles. "Don't you get it? It wasn't Amelia!"
Wrapping his arms tight around her, the glimmer of hope all he can hold onto that his daughter may still be alive.
"Wh.. what?" Julie stammers, her heart beating rapidly at the thought that Amelia could be out there somewhere.
Jubilant, yet confused, wondering what kind of person would take their baby and start a fire, leaving them to believe their daughter had perished in the blast, she looks up at Mike.
"What did the coroner say?" she stammers, "I want to know everything!"
"Come to the kitchen honey," Mike says, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. "I'll make you a coffee and tell you what he told me."
Being only yesterday that her world had come crashing in around her, now offering a glimpse of hope that their baby may be okay; on shakey legs she follows her husband to the kitchen. Her face expressionless as she looks at Linda and Trevor, who are already sitting at the table chatting quietly between themselves. Looking up from her conversation, Linda gets to her feet and rushes to her sister's side.
"Oh, Jules." Holding Julie close, Linda kisses her hair softly. "Come on sis, I'll put the kettle on."
"Thanks Linda," Julie says, anxious to hear the news from Mike.
"Okay, first things first," Mike says as he leads Julie to an empty chair. Taking her hand in his, he speaks softly as she breathes deep waiting for him to continue. "The coroner has suggested we get an attorney. The body they found was a puppy."
"What?" Julie feels her head swim as she tries to make sense of what she's being told. "A puppy?" Her voice shrill. "They can't tell the difference between a fucking dog and a baby?" Fresh tears sting her eyes as she fights back the knot forming in her stomach.
"Honey, I know... but the body was burned... "
Her mind racing as she fights to remember who she'd seen entering the house before the explosion. The house had been filled with long lost friends, partners, cousins, family, her hands moving to her temples as a headache builds inside her head.
"The arson squad have deemed the fire to be deliberately lit," Mike continues, "leading them to think that Amelia was taken and the dog placed in her cot moments before the explosion."
Tears stream down her face as Julie looks desperately at her husband. "So what are they going to do? When do we get our daughter back?" Her voice raising in pitch as the frustration and anger surfaces. Feeling the ache of her full bosom she sobs. "She's still breast feeding for fucks sake!"
Taking her in his arms, feeling his own anguish and frustrations sting his eyes as the tears threaten to swell, Mike smoothes Julie's hair.
* * * * * * *
It has been two years after that fateful day. Julie sits in the lounge of their new home looking over the invitation to the family barbecue; a party for a cousin's birthday. As the tears well in her eyes, Julie watches as the drips smear the scrawl on the invite. Amelia will be two this week, she cries silently. With a renewed grief, she screws up the paper and tosses it aside.
Sitting with her knees drawn to her chest, she allows herself to grieve.
"Honey?" Placing his case at the door, Mike moves beside his wife. Smoothing her hair, he feels her sobs as her body racks against the intensity of her tears. Wrapping his arms around her, holding her close he notices the crumpled paper at her feet. "Honey, we'll get through this."
A sudden anger surges through her. Looking at Mike, her eyes red, forming thin slits as her look becomes a threatening glare.
"Get through what?" she hisses. "What the fuck are we going to get through? Another two years of nothing?"
With a heavy heart he sighs, feeling his marriage dissipating further. Even moving to the new house hadn't helped settle Julie's grief, instead it had made her even more bitter. Picking up the discarded paper, he unravels it. Shaking his head sadly, he looks at his disheveled wife.
"Is this it, Julie?" he asks, feeling his own anger rising. "Is this what you're hiding from?" Tossing the invitation in her lap, he walks out of the room. His own grief he'd never fully been able to shed, it was always Julie that everyone doted on. Julie, who they endlessly asked about. Julie, who was allowed to cry and unleash her frustrations and anger. Walking into the bedroom he slams the door behind him.
"What about me?" Mike shouts to his unseen audience. "Don't I have feelings too?"
Hearing the door slam, Julie winces. I know I'm being selfish, she tells herself, but her grief is too strong, not knowing her daughter's whereabouts, tearing her apart. The doctor and psychologist had both suggested anti-depressant drugs, but she couldn't bring herself to take anything that may make her feel better when her daughter is out there - out there with God only knows who.
Picking up the invitation from her lap, she sighs.
"Honey?" Hearing Julie's soft knock at the door, Mike dries his eyes on his sleeve before gently opening the bedroom door.
"Honey, I'm sorry," Julie weeps. A new wave of tears floods her eyes as she falls into his arms.
"Jules, it's okay baby." Mike's eyes filling with tears as they finally release the anguish that had engulfed their lives for too long.
* * * * * * *
"Ready hon?" Julie calls from the bedroom.
"Almost. Can you help me with these cufflinks honey?"
Smiling at her husband, Julie feeds the gold rod through the small eyelets on his cuff.
"You look gorgeous," she says, standing back admiring her husband standing in his crisp white shirt and black trousers. The gold of his buckle matching the gold of the cufflinks, giving him a stately appearance.
Brushing nervously at the imaginary lint, Julie hands Mike his blazer.
"Honey, we don't have to do this if you're not ready."
"No, I'll be fine." Swallowing the hard lump forming in her throat, Julie helps Mike slide his arms into the sleeves of his jacket. "It's time to face reality." Feeling the pang in her stomach, she forces a smile.
"I'm proud of you baby," Mike says, wrapping his arms around his wife he holds her tight.
The drive to her cousin's expecting to take a good part of an hour, Julie is grateful for the distraction as she watches the luscious landscape slip by as they make their way along the highway.
"I think this is it," Julie says, as they drive along the winding side road. Pointing to the line of cars parked along the street, she checks the invitation.
Parking the car, Mike looks over at his wife. "Ready?"
With a soft smile, she plucks the gift from the rear seat and nods.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Making their way toward the house, they hear the squeals of children filtering through the air from the backyard. Squeezing his hand tight, Julie inhales as they climb the three small steps of the porch and knock gently on the door.
"Julie! Mike!" The heavy set woman wraps her arms tight around the pair as she steps out onto the porch to greet them.
"Hi, Beryl," Julie laughs, surprised at the warmth of her cousin's greeting. "Happy birthday."
"Happy birthday," Mike says as they're led toward the throng of people filling the spacious living room.
"Bah, it's just another excuse to party," Beryl laughs.
"Julie, Mike, over here," Linda calls from the far corner. Trevor, looking like he's already sampled a few of the imported beers the host has on offer, his exaggerated smile lopsided as he spots them making their way across the room.
"Hey, where do I put the present?" Julie asks, taking a calming swig from Linda's beer.
"Out the back, I'll show ya." Grabbing her sister by the arm, Linda leads her out to the backyard. The table already laden with parcels, Julie places her gift with the rest then turns to survey the crowd gathered in the yard.
Glancing at the children running around, Julie spots one little girl in particular that catches her eye. The toddler, around two years of age, has large brown almond shaped eyes and blonde hair the colour of spun gold similar to her own. Julie shivers as a chill runs up her spine, a haunting feeling racing through her as the watches the little girl play.
"Who's little girl is that?" she asks Linda.
"Which one? The little blonde?" Linda follows her sister's gaze and watches the toddler play. "That's Jasmine's daughter."
As the pair stand watching her play, the little girl suddenly smiles. Julie's eyes fill with tears as she looks at the girl's mouth.
"Look at her smile. Doesn't she remind you of anybody?" Julie asks. A look of recognition washes over Linda's face as she sees Mike's smile on the little girl's face.
"Oh my god, you think that's... "
"Get Mike."
Nodding, Linda rushes inside as Julie crouches beside the little girl.
"Hey, sweetheart. What's your name?" Taking the young child's hand in hers, Julie looks into the familiar brown eyes.
"Her name's Samantha." Placing her hands possessively on the girl's shoulders, Jasmine pulls her close.
Looking up into Jasmine's threatening blue eyes, Julie gets to her feet.
"I didn't even know you were pregnant," Julie says, fighting to control the sarcasm in her voice.
Turning to see Mike heading toward her from the house, with Linda and Trevor in tow, Julie feels a new wave of confidence surge through her. Mike stops in his tracks as he spots the little girl.
"Amelia?" his voice choked as he kneels in front of the toddler.
"Her name's Samantha!" Taking the child into her arms, Jasmine rushes inside the house.
"Call the police! Do something!" Julie's face a ghostly white, her voice frantic as she looks desperately into her husband's face. "You can't let her get away!"
"I'll stall her," Linda says, rushing inside the house after Jasmine.
Fighting his own desires to just pull the child out of the woman's arms, Mike looks hopelessly at his wife.
"We can't prove anything, Jules. I'll call the attorney first thing Monday morning."
"Monday morning she could have fled the fucking country," Julie spits, her voice raising above the noise of the crowd. The few people turning to watch the commotion go unnoticed as they desperately think of a way to get their daughter back.
"She's gone," Linda says as she makes her way back to the small group. Holding up her nail clippers and a clump of hair, she grins. "Not before I got these first."
* * * * * * *
Monday morning, Julie and Mike pace nervously outside the attorney's office waiting for it to open.
