SEASON 4 - LUKANETTE

LUKANETTE S4 - CROCODUEL - PT 3

JULEKA'S POV

The day of the party quickly came. I couldn't help but think that nightmare was a premonition or a bad omen, or that it might come true. I kept checking my wrist that I still had my magical charm there. I was worried it might fall off and I'd become fresh meat for one of Shadowmoth's akumas again.

While I was waiting for the guests to arrive, I began pacing back and forth. Luka was playing guitar not far away, but he looked up at me and gave me a confused look. I think he was about to ask what was wrong, when we saw the gang arriving, climbing down the stairs to the houseboat. I smiled, happy to see them all. Rose came up and hugged me. 'Happy birthday Jul!' she said sweetly and handed me a gift.

'Thanks Rose' I smiled. I opened it. It was a bracelet with purple beads she made me. 'It's awesome, thank you!' I smiled, putting it on straightaway. 'I knew you'd like it!' Rose giggled happily and we hugged each other.

Mostly everyone put their gifts for Luka and I on the gift table.

Then Dad showed up. As usual, he completely ignored me and made a beeline for Luka. I could feel jealous anger begin to rise in me. I was so annoyed I made an exasperated sound that everyone could hear and went up the stairs and locked myself in the engine room where the helm was.

After my dramatic exit, I could hear all my friends asking about me.

Rose: 'What's going on, Jul?'

Alya: 'Where is she going?'

Nino: 'Is there a problem?'

Alix: 'Is she okay?'

Ivan: 'What's wrong with her?'

Luka came and knocked on the door. 'Is everything okay Jules?' he asked me.

Sorry bro, but you're the last person I want to talk to right now I thought to myself. I needed someone understanding. Rose was my best friend, my soulmate. But I wasn't sure what advice she could give me on this situation. She's always been a not glass half full but glass overflowing kind of outlook. I needed someone more down to earth. Then it hit me.

'Send Marinette in. I'll talk to her' I replied. Luka looked hurt, and I hated the fact that I couldn't tell my own twin what was bugging me, it hurt me too. I looked away so I couldn't see his face.

Mari knocked on the door about half a minute later. 'Luka said you wanted to talk to me?'

But everyone was looking in the windows at us.

'Not here' I replied. 'Let's go somewhere more private.'

I grabbed her hand and led her downstairs to the kitchen. I sat behind the counter and Mari sat next to me.

'So, what's the matter Juleka?' Mari asked me softly.

'It's just... ever since we found out Jagged Stone is our Dad, I just feel invisible. If Luka's there with my Dad, it's like I hardly even exist. I think I was happier not having Dad in my life. He clearly loves his son more than his daughter. But I can't bring myself to talk to my own brother about it. I mean, for me, Luka's always been my male role model. He kinda took on the job of father and brother to me. So, I didn't miss not having a Dad. But I understand that it's different for Luka. I want him to be happy, I really do. But I want to get to know my real Dad too, you know?' I said as I started to sob.

Mari looked concerned. 'Have you ever talked to your Dad about how you feel? I'm sure he loves you equally as much as Luka. This could just be a big misunderstanding. You need to talk to your Dad. That's how problems get solved!'

'Will you help me talk to him Marinette? I've never been great with words' I said shyly.

'Of course! If you think it will help!' she replied.

'Thanks Mari!' I reply as we hug each other.

Then we heard footsteps coming towards us as Luka and Dad enter the room.

'You'll see, she's a real beauty! A sound that'll make your head spin!' Dad said as Marinette and I peek over the counter. 'So, you better hide it, okay?' He hands over a guitar case to Luka. 'And not a word to your sister!'

Upon hearing this, I felt dejected again and angry again. Or maybe I didn't misunderstand! I thought.

Marinette heard this too and actually stood up for me. She stands up angrily from behind the counter to confront Dad. 'Jagged!'

I gasped, in awe of her. I could never be that brave.

Dad was shocked by Marinette's sudden appearance. 'Marinette!'

'Jagged, you can't just give an amazing electric guitar to your son and nothing to your daughter!' she says, pulling me reluctantly out from behind the counter.

Dad sighs. 'Hey, thanks a lot for your incredible discretion, Marinette. Rock and roll. Actually, this was supposed to be a surprise gift for Juleka. Juleka plays bass for Kitty Section, right? So, I thought it'd be cool if I gave her the very first bass I ever owned.' He pulls out a bass guitar from the guitar case and hands it to me. 'Happy birthday, Juleka!' he says.

I really did misunderstand him. 'Thank you!' I said, shocked.

Dad smiles fondly at me.

'He wanted to surprise you' Luka smiled. 'I was helping him find some wrapping paper to wrap it up for you.'

I looked at Mari, who smiled and winked at me. I smiled back. With Mari there beside me, I did feel braver and decided to tell them my feelings. 'I always thought that Dad didn't love me as much as you bro, because you spend so much time with him. That's why I didn't have the heart to say anything before' I said sadly.

'Is that what this is about?' Luka and Dad said together and we all chuckled. 'Juleka, of course I love you, you're my daughter! It's just that you're so quiet I had no idea. I know I haven't been playing to your tune, but from now on, whatever you want to say to me, I'm all ears!' Dad smiled.

I had tears of happiness in my eyes now. 'I love you, Dad!' I said, as I hugged him tight.

'You rock my world too!' Dad replied, returning the hug.

I saw Mari and Luka smile as they watched us hug it out.

'But of course, I've got a present for my two kids. My gift for Luka was this original edition of the first LP from Crocoduo, the group I had with your Mom.' Dad blows the dust away from the vinyl and was about to hand it to Luka. 'Happy birthday, Luka!'

But before Luka could take it, Mom shows up. 'Jagged Stone, you really are a shipwrecker. How dare you come here and give my son the album that caused our break-up?!' she said.

Dad looked shocked. 'Caused our break-up?? You mean the album to help me get my life back after you left me!'

Mom stomps her way towards Dad. 'You got a lot of nerve, pirate! You were the one who left me!' She pulls the vinyl from his hands.

'No, you were!!' Dad replied angrily.

An akuma flies in the room, heading towards the vinyl Mom and Dad are tugging at. As the akuma lands on the vinyl, the disc breaks in two, causing Mom and Dad to fall on the ground, now possessed by the akuma. Luka, Marinette and I gasp in fear.

So, my nightmare did come true. But it wasn't me getting akumatised, it was my parents!