(2)

Their mother was putting stuff in a box when they came down from one of their photo sessions.
“Mom, what’s wrong?”, Alice asked.
“Your father is in jail, again. I have to bring him some stuff. Be good and I’ll be right back.”
“Yes, mother.”, the sisters said in unison.
Then she left them. Jenice made herself ready to go find some interesting thrown out stuff, while Alice took out paper and pen so she could start writing. They kissed each other goodbye and Jenice went out too.

Jenice arrived at one of her favourite spots and there she searched through the trash. When she heard a movement, she took out her pocket knife and turned around.
“Al, it’s you! Don’t sneak on people like that, I could have hurt you.”
“I am sorry, Jenice. I just wanted to check on you as I heard you were here.”
“You know me. I am always fine.”
“Yeah, but it’s just…”
“Just what?”
“Well, there’s a serial killer in the area.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes. He only kills woman.”
“Did you put your head in some books again?”
“You know I can’t read!”
“Hmmm, that’s true. Where have you heard this?”
“A lot of different gangs are talking about it. They feel that their territory has been violated. Also Mortem was talking about this serial killer.”
“Mortem? John’s gang?”
“Yup, indeed.”
“Where does he find his victims?”
“Well, everywhere, I suppose.  Some gangs are far apart from each other, though they all speak about the same incidents. It’s even on the news! Haven’t you seen?”
“We don’t have TV.”
“Pity, well it’s all over the news.”
“Keep me informed, Al.”
“I will. Now let’s go spray some graffiti.”
“You have the cans?”
“As always, sunshine.”
“Then we’re going at it.”

In the meantime Alice was writing a story, while writing a letter to John. She didn’t know why she was writing it as she already had sent him one, but somehow she couldn’t resist.  Suddenly she heard a knock on her window. She was startled.
“What? Who could it be?”
She walked to the window, drew back the curtains and saw John. Quickly she opened the window.
“John? What are you..? Why…?”
“Shh, let me in.”, he interrupted her.
“Oh, okay.”, she said and took a step back, after which he crawled through the window.
“Are you alone?”
“Yes, mother is visiting father in jail and Jenice went out to find some stuff she could and want to use.”
“Listen to me, it’s dangerous outside.”
“What are you talking about? It’s always dangerous outside around here.”
“No, that’s not what I meant. It’s worse now. There’s a serial killer out there!”, he pointed outside, “He’s somewhere and he doesn’t respect territory.”
“That’s awful!”
“Listen to me, love, he only targets women, any age. I want you to be safe, same goes for your sister and mom.”
“What do we have to do?”
“I don’t know, I really don’t know. But I do know that you never have to lose sight of each other. I am going to stay here until your sister and, or your mom comes back.”
“Okay, do you want something to drink?”, she asked without forgetting her etiquette.
John laughed: “Anything is fine, babe.”

When Jenice came home she had the shock of her life. John was in the living room talking with Alice.
“Bright? Is that really you?”
“Jenice!”, he stood up, “Of course it’s me!”
She walked towards him and cuddled him.
“What on earth have you been doing? You smell like paint and garbage!”
“I’ve been spraying some graffiti with Al and I tried to find something that I could use.”
“Oh, that’s why. Now go to bath, I can’t talk to you while you smell like this. Go clean yourself up, will you, Jesus.”
Jenice laughed and ran upstairs to take a bath. When she came back, everyone was wearing a serious face. She sucked in her breath. Some earnest news was coming her way.
“Why are you here, Bright?”, she asked.
“You probably heard about the serial killer?”
“Yes, Al already told me about it.”
“You know it targets women?”
“Yes.”
“Then you know why I am here?”
“You are really protective.”, she remarked.
John laughed before answering seriously: “Indeed I am, but I came to check on you all, because I wanted to know if you were safe. I’ll be coming more often from now on, because I also need to check on my mum, naturally.”
“For now let’s make it a fun party!”, Jenice exclaimed.
Alice and John laughed, even though Alice laughed a bit more nervously. She went to the kitchen and took some drinks and snacks, which she presented to her sister and John. Alice knew this wasn't the time to party. But it was better to be positive as much as possible. Soon their mom came in.
“What on earth are you doing? Your father is in jail and you’re going to party?!”
John stood up.
“How are you doing, missus?”
“John, is that you?”
“The one and only, missus.”
“Why are you here?”
“Have you heard there is a serial killer in the neighbourhood?”
“Yes, I have, isn’t it awful?”
“Indeed, missus, I wanted to check on you all. I wanted to know if you were safe. But now with your husband gone to jail, I’ll be visiting more often to check on you all.”
“That’s very kind of you, John.”
“I do what I can, missus.”
“Come sit with us, mother.”, Alice pleaded.
Their mom sat beside Jenice. Alice went to fetch a glass for her mother and filled it. Their mom looked around and was satisfied. She was happy that they all were together like in the old times. She knew that the girls missed John. She saw this as a fortunate day for her children. She hadn’t seen them as happy as they were now for a while. They gave off a vibrant smile. She wanted to add candles to the warm feeling, which would give a nice extra. She asked Alice to fetch them and asked Jenice to lit them. It indeed added up to the vibe. And soon everyone was laughing and cheerful. When it became very late, their mother asked if John wanted to stay. Jenice wanted him to sleep in her room. Their mother agreed, but Jenice had to sleep with her sister.
“Of course!”, Jenice exclaimed agitated, because she was misunderstood.
Jenice had put new blankets on her bed and told him to stay off of some things. John smiled at her and nodded. Jenice was happy and left the room. John gave Alice a smile which appeared filled with a message. She smiled bashfully back and said good night, which he returned.