Julip Lullabies and Silent Cries

By C. Victorya Grace

The Julip Trees are always there. Seeing, remembering, and growing. If only they could speak.

Kate and Jackson live on a cozy farm in Louisiana with their son, Alec. Their quiet routing of chores, games, laundry, and tending to vege

• Language: English
• Publisher: C Victorya Grace
• Release date: Jan 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781953910301

C. Victorya Grace

My biggest blessing and most wonderful accomplishment is being a mother. I treasure the time I have with my children and will forever be grateful for them. They have taught me the most out of life. Family is so important and the time that you have is precious and unpromised. Enjoy it and live in the moment.

Book preview

Julip

Lullabies

and Silent Cries

C. Victorya Grace

Copyright © 2021 by C. Victorya Grace

Illustrations by Serenity Yepez-Martinez

Editing by Janis Rodgers

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN 978-1-953910-28-8 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-953910-29-5 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-953910-30-1 (ebook)

A close up of a tree Description automatically generated

4697 Main Street

Manchester Center, VT 05255

Canoe Tree Press is a division of DartFrog Books.

A Note From the Author

Dear Readers,

I am sure by now; you have done your research on Google to find exactly what a Julip Tree is. I mean, we have all heard about Mint Juleps but not a Julip tree. So, what is this tree that holds such meaning in the story? I am afraid you will not find your answer on Google or anywhere in the search engines that we have available in today’s world.

The Julip trees are found deep within your heart. Allow me to explain.

Remember seeing something as a child that threw your mind into complete enchantment and set your soul to a warm, comfortable feeling? Your eyes grew bright with wonder at the sight and your heartstrings were filled with such peace that you simply enjoyed the moment, saving it deep within. Often, I find myself thrown into a whirlwind of memories at a certain scent or familiar road that I once traveled, taking me back to that moment in time and reliving the emotions of the memory.

A Julip is a memory flower that blooms artistically throughout the year. Each petal innovatively created with purpose and beauty in its own time. The petals on each flower representing milestones and memories that are made in our lives and the ones who lived before us and who will live after us. A strong foundation of love, trust, and hope built firmly into the roots that carry the branches of faith which hold the Julips comfortably above the ground. The Julip Tree is an analogy that represents family.

We are each petals of a Julip that blooms with time, love, and patience. Our family is the roots, each piece instilled with values and strong virtues to hold up the branches of faith that we need to carry one another above the ground. When we are in full bloom, we are content, loving and living in the moment. When we reach the end of our journey, falling to the ground softly, it is only a memory that we leave behind.

A beautiful memory.

C. Victorya Grace

December 15, 2020

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Acknowledgments

Thank you again, my beautiful family. I love you.

Thank you, life, for the lessons that you give me, good and bad.

Thank you, God, for loving me and using me.

This is for my family, near and far.

I love you all.

Prologue

Samual sat on his bed with his head lowered and feet dangling. It was a cold morning in February, and he should’ve been getting ready for school.

Instead, he listened to his parent’s worried whispers in the hallway outside of his door. Though only four years old, he felt an unsettling aura of fear and uncertainty lingering throughout their home. His baby sister, Lorynne, lay in her bassinet beside his bed and cooed softly as she woke for her morning bottle.

Longing for the soft songs of his Nanny Kate as she sang him to sleep and put his worries to rest, he walked to the window, gazing out at the Julip trees of memories that once lived. Oblivious to his mother’s soft steps as she approached, holding Lorynne and kneeling to his level. She embraced him as they all looked to the beautiful branches of the trees, her tears falling silently.

How could she explain this to them? They were too little to comprehend the heaviness of the situation. Would she ever get to see them again? Would they forget her and their father? Who would take care of them? Would their new family love them the way they deserved to be loved and give them everything that she and Reemus would’ve? She pulled her children close and held them tightly, sitting on the floor of their home for the last time, savoring every moment. Breathing in their soft smells and embracing the feeling of their little hands in her own, quietly wondering what Kate would have done.

Gathering her strength, she whispered softly to them, I promise I will come back for you; I will find you just as the Julip finds its tree.

Chapter 1

Lunch was always served at the same time every day. It usually consisted of one good thing Samual would eat leaving the vegetables to pawn off on the other kids. At the orphanage, all the kids ate together, it was the only time during the day that he was able to see his sister, and he looked forward to it. She always had his back, even though sometimes he could be a troublemaker and create unnecessary problems for himself with food fights or class disruptions. He didn’t always possess such behavior outbursts, it was a recent mood change that came with growing a little older.

Samual would turn nine in a few days, but to him, it didn’t matter. He and Lorynne did not have a family to celebrate with, and they really couldn’t do much at the orphanage due to a lack of funds. Normally, they presented the birthday kids with a small Little Debbie cake and a day off from classes, which was good enough for him.

Samual pushed his confusion and pain from his mind as much as possible, but the feelings persisted and often left him with a sense of hopelessness. He and Lorynne had been at the orphanage for a little over four years, and it was hard for him to understand why they had not been adopted. They yearned for a family and a place to call their own. However, he was incredibly grateful he and Lorynne had not been separated. On the last day they were with their birth parents, he had vowed to watch out for his sister and make sure no harm ever came to her. It was because of her that the thought of running away was not an option. She kept him alive and hopeful inside, whether she knew it or not.

He sat alone on most days, primarily due to his poor behavior in class. Though his teachers had pitied him before and let him eat with the rest of the class, lately, they stuck to a stricter route that offered him a lunch spent in solace. Even Lorryne was restricted from sitting with her brother as part of the punishment.

In his time alone today, he had time to reflect on the events that had led him to where he was. His actions weren’t that bad, were they? All he had done today was shoot spitballs at the ceiling during a lesson. Was it really that bad? He didn’t think so. However, Mrs. Ruley would beg to differ at his disrespect during her lesson on poetry. She had just read an excerpt from one of Edgar Allen Poe’s magnificent pieces and looked up to see Samual shooting those spitballs, Excuse me, Mr. Lloriano, might I ask what you are doing? Her tone was firm with annoyance and unfortunately, Samual was caught off guard by her mispronouncing his last name for the hundredth time. His eyes met hers, and as he blew into his straw hard, the spitball flew far and fast, hitting Mrs. Ruley right in the forehead with a thick splat.

The classroom roared with laughter as she rushed to her desk to retrieve a paper towel and clean her face, embarrassment clear in her rose colored cheeks. The spit seeped over her eyebrow, and she cringed with disgust. Though Samual knew he would be punished, he stood abruptly and slowly walked to the front of the classroom to help Mrs. Ruley try to clean up her face. It was too late now, but he had to try. Why did he let his emotions get the best of him? He should have just sat quietly like his peers and took notes on the poetry being recited, Nevermore.

So now he sat with a small tray and nobody to talk to or keep him company. He knew with every action there is a consequence, but he hated being separated from the rest of the kids. He took comfort in knowing they were all orphans together. It was them against the world inside of the orphanage, but outside it was a different story.

He picked up a cold chicken nugget dipped in ketchup, but before he had a chance to put it in his mouth, he glanced up to see Lorryne standing over him. What happened this time, Samual? Empathy filled her light caramel eyes as she hurt for her brother. She would gladly sit there and take his place if they’d let her. He felt disappointment creeping up his spine and pulse through him as he lowered his head. It didn’t last for long, as he felt her small arms wrap around his neck and a whispered reassurance into his ear, It’s okay brother, I love you anyway. She squeezed him a little tighter before being shooed away to another table. Samual knew his little sister loved him deeply, and he was all she had, all she remembered, and all that would always be there for her.

He finished his lunch and gathered up his tray and garbage. He was almost to the garbage can when he heard a commotion behind him. He turned to see his sister standing in the center of the room covered with milk from head to toe. Her soft brown hair dripping wet. Two empty cartons laid on the floor, and the kids were crowded around, laughing and poking at her. The sight enraged Samual, his breath caught in his throat for a split second while he tried to collect his anger. Breathe in, breathe out. Nobody would get away with hurting his sister, but before he could spring into action, the two lunchroom supervisors entered the scene. Mrs. Ryken gasped and cupped her hand over her mouth as she rushed to the aid of Lorynne, gathering napkins from every tray.

The other kids were silent as Mr. Tubule strode through the crowd and took note of what he saw. He was quiet as he glanced around the room at the children. Well, don’t all speak up at once now, who is responsible for this? Children, might we remind you that there are serious repercussions for things like these. What compelled you to do such a thing in our absence? Glancing around the lunchroom with intense eyes that could seek out the smallest fable, he softened his tone slightly, Of course, honesty is always the best option here. You will only get worse punishment for lying. His eyes rolled around the silence of the lunchroom one last time.

One of the older kids was sitting in the back, almost unseen. His voice was clear and held an casual tone, Samual did it. His announcement made all eyes fall on Samual as he stood there in shock. Surely, they wouldn’t believe that. Why was he being targeted again? He was already in trouble, and anyway, why would he do that to his sister? This wasn’t making sense.

Mr. Tubule slowly turned to Samual, the brown pleather heels on his shoes making an echo as he approached, Mr. Lloriano, why would you do that to your sister? Samual could not believe his ears. He shook his head slowly, disbelief apparent in his eyes as his face started to feel hot. I would never do that to my sister! And if you don’t believe me, ask her what happened. I’d like to know who did this to her as well! His deep brown eyes went to his sisters. There she stood, tears silently falling as Mrs. Ryken cleaned the milk from her face with a damp napkin. Her embarrassment stopped her from looking up at her brother; she wanted nothing more than to run from the room at the moment.

Samual’ss anger rose steadily as he stood there and watched the kid in the back of the room. Not once did he try to get up and help. Not once did he budge or drop his gaze from the scene with that snarky smirk clearly on his face. Call it a hunch if you will, but Samual knew he was behind this incident. It was evident that this kid had it out for him, and he had no idea why. Finally, the boy’s gaze fell to Samual. They locked eyes, and Samual clenched his jaw tight. Surely, they were not buying this.

With the smirk still light across his lips, the kid rose from his seat and casually strode over to where Lorynne was standing. He placed his hand lightly on Lorynne’s shoulder and looked up at Mrs. Ryken and Mr. Tubule, who were in deep discussion. They stopped and turned their focus and attention to him. Even Lorynne gazed up at the older kid, Joey, who was confident with his light blonde hair and speckled gray eyes as he spoke softly. Samual wondered what was being said; he caught glimpses of them cutting their eyes towards him from time to time. He waited, quietly, trying to find a hiding place, but where could he run to? He had nowhere else to go, and he felt like nobody understood him anyway. It was pointless. He had nothing to do but await his fate.

After what seemed like an eternity, Mr. Tubule strode back over to Samual. Sighing, he looked down in disappointment at the young man he had known since he came to the orphanage. He had high hopes for Samual and his sister, but Samuel was beginning to make him question why he had such strong notations about him. Boys will be boys, they say, but Samual was so different. Why was he changing now more than ever?

With a heavy heart, he took Samual by the shoulders and looked right into his eyes, This truly pains me; however, you must learn to respect your peers, including your sister. Letting his glasses slide down his nose, he continued without blinking, Samual, I will walk you to the see the chancellor, and you will have study hall every day for two weeks.

Samual let out a breath of despair. He looked at the crowd staring at him with sullen faces, all except Joey, who had been successful in his ploy against Samual.

Lorynne lifted her head, and with sad eyes filled with tears meeting his; he watched her lip quiver as Mrs. Ryker turned her away and walked her out of the lunchroom, watching her go out the door made his heart hurt and all the hope leave his body. What did I ever do to deserve this? Why can’t they give me a chance for once instead of listening to everyone else?

His head sank, and shoulders slumped as Mr. Tubule took him by the shoulder and led him in the direction of the Chancellor’s office.

On the long walk down the dim halls, Samual’s mind was a whirlwind of confusion and chaos. He didn’t understand what exactly had just taken place in the lunchroom. Why didn’t Lorynne tell them it wasn’t me? That was not like her at all. She was always there for him. She was the only one he could always count on to help him in times of turmoil, but it felt like she had bailed and turned on him just like the rest of them did. He felt the betrayal rise deep in his gut.

It hurt. Samual felt his face growing hot and tears welling up in his eyes, No, don’t cry; you can’t cry. They will really think you did something wrong then. Be strong and hold your head up. You will be okay, even if you do have to stay in study hall. You can get through this. He pleaded in small whispers with himself to stifle the emotions and make peace with them. He needed to feel comfort and peace more than anything. He only remembered feeling that once in his life. He closed his eyes and let the memory play through his mind. He was four years old, but his memory was vivid.

Samual walked down the hospital’s never-ending, cold hallway, taking in the warmth from his father’s strong hand in his own. Pictures of his father looking down at him came to view and instantly, he felt a sensation of happiness. Smiling to himself, he rememebered his father’s kind voice, Hijo, are you ready to meet your baby sister, and see tu ma? Samual bobbed his head up and down in excitement and felt his chubby cheeks wobble as he laughed. His father, Reemus, stopped and knelt down in front of him, eyes at matching level. Samual wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch the face that was right in front of him in this moment, his heart filled with a painful longing. Remembering the words Reemus spoke, he opened his eyes for a moment to blink away the tears, I am so proud of you, son. You will be a great big brother. He smiled with pride and pulled him in, wrapping his strong arms around Samual’s tiny body tightly. Samual wished for that embrace and warmth from his father as his heart beat against his own, feeling nothing but love radiating, recalling how he scooped him up and carried him to meet his sister. Samual felt like he was on top of the world in his father’s arms.

They reached the door, and Samual giggled with excitement. His father put his finger to his lips to remind him they had to be careful and quiet with the new baby. Samual nodded his head, and his father turned the handle to open the door. They entered slowly, but quietly.

The room was filled with a smell Samual would always remember. It was his mother, lavender mixed with honeysuckle, that was her smell. He loved burying his little face in her long, dark hair and taking that smell in when she would scoop him up after a bath and wrap him in a towel. He felt instant comfort settle over him at the sight of his mother smiling up at him from her hospital bed. She was cradling a soft white blanket to her chest. Her warm chestnut eyes met his, Hola, Samual. I have missed you so much. Her smile growing as he came closer.

His father placed him on the bed beside his mother. Samual didn’t move, as he felt that this was not a time to play; so he sat and waited for his mother to continue. She spoke with a gentle tone, worry never apparent in her voice, Samual, I want you to meet somebody incredibly special. Her eyes met his and grew serious, But, before you do, I want you to always remember that she will be there for you and love you no matter what you do, as you must do for her. You are her big brother, and you must always try to help her when you can and teach her right and wrong. You have a big responsibility, mi hijo. Are you ready? Samual smiled and nodded his head. His mother slowly moved him under her arm and placed the bundle in his arms. He felt a sudden warmth spread deep through his chest, glancing down slowly as his mother lifted the blanket covering his sister’s face.

Samual went into an instant trance at the sight of her. She had soft tan skin with the brightest red cheeks; her dark eyebrows were beautiful with her head full of black hair. She appeared to be sleeping, but slowly opened her eyes to look at her big brother. They were a beautiful dark blue that seemed to hold a mystic enticement. Samual was in awe and felt an instant connection with a new kind of love forming for this little baby that he held in his arms. She yawned and moved her head back and forth, Samual was tickled at her cuteness and little personality that glowed already.

Reemus and Mari locked eyes and smiled sweetly to each other, and in that tender moment, they knew their family was complete.

They were approaching the chancellor’s office door and his memories began to fade, reality set in letting the fear of the unknown creep back in slowly.

That was the only time that he had felt peace, when his family was together and complete; it felt like the world was right, but everything was different now.

He swiped the last tears from his cheeks and held his head high as they entered Mr. Darton’s office.

Chapter 2

Leaning back in the comfort of his desk chair, Mr. Darton drummed his fingers on his desk and waited desperately to hear Samual’s side of the story. It seemed like nobody ever gave the kid a chance or took the time to listen to him. Given his reputation, they automatically assumed that any accusation made against him was the truth without hearing his side. Poor kid; no wonder why he stirred up trouble most of the time. It was the only time he ever received attention or acknowledgment.

Alec Darton had always tried to give each child a fair chance, as they were in the orphanage under unfair circumstances to begin with, and conflict between children was expected in any home setting, so he tried to remember to keep calm and listen to all sides with an open heart.

Years ago, when he was a senior year in high school, he had decided he wanted to start an orphanage. His brother had been his inspiration for doing it, so he pitched the idea to the city and was shot down due to budgeting. A few years later, they built it on a whim, and he immediately applied for the chancellor position. Maybe they felt bad for stealing his idea, or perhaps it was because he had the qualifications, so they offered it to him. Whatever the reason, he was content and accepted the position immediately. He let his memory of why he was passionate to help children sing in his heart.

When Alec Darton was four years old, he lived with his mother and father in a two-story home on ten acres of land. There, he would run and play at the end of every day as he watched his mother hang up their freshly washed laundry, and she never grew tired of the sound of his laughter ringing in her ears. During the day, his father would go to work in a shoe factory nearby while he and his mother would do chores and enjoy their time together, playing in the Louisiana sun’s daylight.

Alec oversaw clearing the dishes from the table after their breakfast, afterwards he was given grade school assignments to help prepare him for his first year in school. When he had finished reading, he was to wash and clean clothes with his mother, then they would go outside for fresh air while the smell of clean laundry filled the atmosphere. His father kept a garden out back for fresh vegetables during the summer and Alec’s responsibility was to tend to it in his absence.

Alec ran to the garden with his chocolate Labrador trailing close behind. Since he had no brothers or sisters, he relied on Scoot to keep him occupied when boredom crept in, and the lab certainly held up to that responsibility. Wrestling was one of their favorite things to do together, until one of them became too rough and got hurt.

He reached the edge of the garden and began to scan the corn stalks, looking for any birds or critters. After a moment, his eyes froze solid and his mouth dropped open in disbelief. Somebody had sabotaged the scarecrow he and his father had built the day before to stand tall over the garden for protection of the mischief-makers. Who would do that? He felt the anger and frustration rise as tears filled his eyes, flooding his warm face. He wanted to sit down next to Scoot and bury his face against the softness of his fur, but as he looked down at Scoot he noticed his demeanor change. He was crouched down, paws stretched out in front of him, tail not moving and tucked between his legs his. He was focused on something. Alec heard