Recap
   Julie and Eliza took Lucas to the park. Though Eliza was skeptical, she trusted Julie completely. Lucas was quiet for sometime observing his environment. His social awkwardness was very evident. He was hesitant, but Julie encouraged him to try the swing. The giggles of the little boy filled Eliza’s heart with warmth, she felt guilty for depriving this from the kid for these many years. A part of his childhood was lost due to the ego and negligence of his grandparents.
   Julie slowly asked him, “if you find a kid of your age and ask for a turn on the swing, what would you do?”
He shook his head with a sad face.
“Why? She asked.
“I like this, I don’t want to get down”
“Okay I understand, but listen, if you give him a turn, he would do the same with you, and will be your good friend”
“Who is a friend?”
“One who plays with you and you like spending time with”
“Like you to me?” He asked innocently with a cute face.
“Awww..” Julie hugged the cute little boy who stuffed her heart with his pure love.
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Chapter 46
   After work, Julie would spend the evening with Lucas, playing with him, taking him to the park. She had asked Eva to arrange community services in the park for the kids. It would be either dance, yoga or some sports coaching taken up by the university students. Kids had started pouring in as the park had become a happening place.
   One weekend, Jim had planned a one-day trip to a petting zoo, Julie had invited Eliza and Lucas to join them.
   Lucas was slowly wearing out off his shell and getting comfortable with people around him. His behaviour had a gradual change since his lifestyle had been completely revamped. Initially he would easily get triggered and be defensive of strangers or kids who might try to test his patience, but with time and constant reminder by Julie to control his aggression and violent behaviour, he had practised tolerance. She took extra care in teaching him manners, etiquette and how to be polite.
  Every evening Julie would work on her freelance projects which kept her very busy these days while Lucas would play in the park happily. She had made sure to take him out on weekends to places like Art camp, science exhibition, swimming coaching, hiking, which would get him out of his confinement and ease him up. She wanted him to socialise with people and have fun as well. Spending time with the kid has greatly helped her from being lonely on her days off.
   Julie’s name was getting quite popular among the business circle as she still works on the 1% price for her service. She wouldn’t demand money from anyone, whatever they offer she would accept so she was the most sought, also her success rate was almost 90% in fetching projects and saving business from bankruptcy. Her reports were thoroughly professional and precise.
   Eva’s boss, Mr Dorris had called Julie several times to appreciate on her impressive works. He had referred her to many start-ups firms who were struggling to navigate through their financial crisis.
   With her experience and hands full of reading materials about numerous government projects, the expanse of her profound knowledge had grown immensely over time.
   Mr Ross had started letting Julie off little early as she was going to his house for Lucas every day. Though he wouldn’t make it obvious, Eliza could see some positive changes in Mr Ross with respect to his behaviour with Lucas. Slowly, Eliza and Lucas had practised to eat all the meals together in the dining, which would irk Mr Ross in the beginning, now he wouldn’t mind him roaming around the house or sitting with him in the dining.
   Eliza was showing Lily’ photo album to Lucas, he wanted to make one too. So he asked Julie to help him out. She got him all the photos that were taken when they had gone out on weekends. He took the picture of him, Eliza and Julie taken on the petting zoo, stuck it on the album. He took a picture of his mother and grandfather from the old album and attached near their picture and wrote ‘Family’.
Julie was overwhelmed at his sweet gesture, she had always believed in cherishing little happy moments in life like this. If giving love could bring you so much happiness, you can definitely prioritise it, Julie thought.
“Thank you Lucas for accepting me in your family”
   Julie knew that deep down Lucas yearns for Mr. Ross’ attention and acceptance. Though she couldn’t easily bring them together, at least she could get them together for a photo that Lucas can cherish forever.
   Julie had asked Eva and Jin to organise fun games for kids that weekend in the park and to invite Mr Ross to felicitate the kids.
The kids were eagerly participating in all the events like obstacle race, tug of war, sack race. Lucas was very excited and won in balloon blowing and sack race. Mr Ross was little stiff when he was giving prize to Lucas.
   Julie took the mic and asked, “Sir, do you enjoy this event?” Mr. Ross smiled and said, “Yes, it’s good to see the kids actively taking part in all the events. Actually I would like to appreciate all of you for this initiative”
“Mr Ross what games do you like to play?”
“I used to play chess and soccer in my childhood”
“Wow now we know why Lucas plays chess well, that runs in his blood. Sir, one picture please” before he could react, she diverted the subject to photo.
“Mmm..huh.. okay” Mr. Ross folded his hands awkwardly.
Lucas called Eliza to join them. He turned back to Mr. Ross, yanked his folded hands, stood in front of him, took his hands and folded it over his body, as if Mr. Ross was embracing him.
   Mr. Ross was taken off guard by Lucas’ gesture. He quickly walked away. Lucas felt sorry and looked at his grandmother. She held him by shoulders and asked him to relax. She found Mr Ross near a tree, standing alone.
   “What happened Stephen?” Eliza asked. Mr Ross’ voice cracked,
“Remember what Lily does every time when I fold my hands for Photo, she would pull it off and put my hands around her, standing to my front, HE did the same”
   Someone tugged at his coat, he looked down to find an innocent looking Lucas.
“I am sorry Mr Ross”
Mr. Ross could not hold his tears anymore, he got down on his knees and hugged his Lily’s son. He let go off his big fat ego and embraced his grandson. Julie took a picture of this beautiful moment with a big smile.
   Eliza was shocked at her husband’s sudden change of behaviour. Mr Ross looked at her speechless form and said, “I only saw Lily there, I miss her so much” she hugged him too.
“We have her son with us, Stephen” she consoled her emotional husband.
“You’re right, I can’t unsee Lily in him anymore, I’m sorry little boy” he looked at Lucas’ eyes straight and talked for the first time ever.
   Lucas was too shocked to react. They both gave him a crushing hug. Julie herself can’t hold the tears at the emotional reunion of this broken family. She can feel that Lucas wounds are getting healed by the hugs and love of his grandparents. It took almost 10 months to see this magical moment. Eliza motioned Julie to come who was lost in thought. Both Mr and Mrs Ross held her hands and thanked her whole heartedly.
“If not for your unwavering determination and perseverance, Lucas would still be in the darkness” Eliza stated the truth. Lucas jumped on Julie and gave her a bone crushing hug. Julie couldn’t ask for more.
***
   Eva’s boss, Mr Dorris and his friend was having lunch in a restaurant. His friend mentioned that he is one among the panel members in finding candidates for United Nations Youth Awards for the year in the field of education, environment, business, human rights.
   “I came on a two-day visit to your city,its a packed schedule. Thanks for planning this meet John, how’s your work?”
   “All good, I have a suggestion for your candidates list”
“Really?”
“I know someone who does a phenomenal work in the field of business, she is truly an inspiration. I feel her service and social responsibility has to be recognised and acknowledged”
“Who is that?”
“Juliet Rozana, she is a freelance Financial Analyst, she is very talented and kind enough to charge minimum to zero for her valuable services. Let your technical team review her outstanding works and contribution to the society to decide whether she is eligible for this prestigious internationally recognised United Nations Youth Award”
“Thank you John for making my job easier, it was very hectic. We have to finalise the candidates soon as the big event has been planned in a month where
UN Ambassador, high commissioners and dignitaries from across the globe will come together for this prestigious event”
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*Like I have mentioned earlier about Henry and Julie’s meeting, did you spot the spoiler in this chapter? tell me in the comments.
(Clue: focus on the guest list👆ðŸ»ðŸ¤)
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