Where the Willow Meets the Sun

Chapter Three

-A Day Unlike Any Other- 

It was unlike any other day. The way the black dress draped against my body made me feel as if the world was coming to a close. My hair had been in light little curls and they fell every so slightly on my shoulders. I didn't wear any makeup, right when I woke up that day, I knew it wasn't going to be a good one.

As soon as I walked down the steps and saw Asher and Ellie, I felt a little bit lighter. I took a seat in between the two of them and as soon as I put my arms on the counter, Ellie put an arm around my waist. Ellie and I had known each other for almost our whole entire lives and we had experienced almost everything together, there wasn't a lie about it either.

"You look pretty, Willow." She whispered. "You really do."

I didn't really think being pretty mattered that much today, but I guess it was better than the sweatpants and sweatshirt I had been wearing for a greater half of the day. I looked at the fruit bowl and almost grabbed an apple but I hadn't eaten anything since we got the news. My hunger levels had been low too, I didn't want to eat anything.

"At least have something small," Asher whispered.

"I'm not really that hungry. My stomach's in knots right now." It wasn't a complete lie, just a small little tell.

The house felt so empty over the past two days. Mom was leaving her room more than I was. Every single morning she'd come into my room and ask if I wanted to go for a run with her but the thing was she's the one that emotionally runs. I'm the one who lays in bed and wonders if life will get any better. Which I decided that it will but that takes time anyway.

I heard Mom's heels click and clack down the steps and then when she comes into view we all notice how beautiful she looks in her uniform. I didn't know if Mom actually wanted to wear her uniform to such an occasion but it was protocol. She stopped in her tracks and smiled at the three of us. Asher stood up and took her towards the kitchen to get her to eat something because it was hard enough for her to eat already.

Ellie smiled at me and pulled me in closer. I let out a breath and tried my hardest not to cry because I knew all those tears would be for later. My hands become shaky as I set them on top of the counter, and Ellie notices too. She puts her hand atop of mine and gives it a squeeze. Nothing too hard but friendly enough to know that she's here.

"Do you want to watch a movie tonight?" She asked.

I nodded my head. "I would like that. Something with a happy ending?"

"Of course."

When the doorbell rang, I looked towards Ellie who was already shrugging her shoulders. My steps were slow as I made my way towards the door and when my shaky hand touched the cold metal of the knob, I let out a sigh. Jackson smiled at me and took off his cover as he took a couple steps into our house.

This time his uniform was decorated. Metals and pins, everything showing off how far he had made it. Jackson had been put in charge of helping our family because he was the closest to us. I didn't like it when Mom told me but there was no fighting her now, I wouldn't allow myself to do it.

"You look tired. Have you gotten any sleep?" He grumbled.

I smiled. "No, to be honest, I have not. But did you? Those bags under your eyes say quite differently."

Jackson chuckled at me. "I was doing some important things last night. Now where is Captain Garcia? I need to talk to her."

"Woah, woah, woah." I held out a hand towards him. "You can not imply you were doing the deed then go ask to see my mom."