The Moments I Recall

XYLIA REEVES

I tried getting an appointment with her after school today, but she had been gone. I figured my next plan would work just as well, but there was something I had to fix first.

 I underestimated Will, I can say that for sure. He spent the day at school with his usual persona. I caught him staring at Theo's empty seat in classes and I admit it is weird not having him around anymore. I am still debating whether telling Will my plans are is good idea because he may reveal them in attempts to stop me.

 It's only been three hours since school ended and I'm still waiting on Will's driveway for him. His home is one story and larger on a scale of width. Afternoon sun paints the cream-colored walls pale yellow, his home leaking with all sorts of warm, spicey aroma from inside. Momma would have loved it here. Reminds me of a moment when she had more time, when she was still with him. Simpler times when the world was just as is.

As I'm about to lose hope, Will's car speeds onto the driveway. I watch him turn off the engine, watching me with his hand lingering by the driver's side door.

"Hey Willjay." I say as soon as I hear the door crack open.

"That's a first." He smiles climbing out from his seat.

"We weren't close like that yet." I tell him. "It smells great, I..."

"Why are you here?" His tone light and his accent weak. He's eyes constantly flicking between me and his home.

"Where have you been?" I ask.

"With Jessie......" he laughs, "have you finally come to you senses and decided that I am a million times better the J.P?"

"Are you okay? You don't have to be like that with me." His smile quickly fades as I say this. There's singing from inside that creeps out into the air around us.

"Beija-Flor," a womans voice murmurs, my ears moving my head towards the entrance of the house.

"Hey Ly, what makes us like that now?" He asks. I turn face him again.

"I... I know you aren't doing so well right now." I make sure to hold his gaze. His hair is ignited by the suns light behind him, but his eyes dark and muddy. "I... I need you to give me the gun Will." He stops for a second, his expression more concerned for me rather than how I came to know.

"I don't know what you..."

"Please don't lie to me, you can't." I cut in.

"You do know your eyes have just changed co..."

"Will."

"It that was the last thing...... Xylia, I just..... I wasn't going to do anything. I am not my brother, I wouldn't leave them, I wouldn't leave..."

"But you are and eventually......" my mistake, "It's one of the best things about you Will." I try and reassure him. "Your brother did good with you, he was...."

"I know." Will says. "I know, you don't need to be like that with me Xylia." He pulls out a brown satchel from underneath the driver's seat. He stares at it, holding it out, hesitating, before passing it to me.

"Aren't you going to ask me what it is for?" I ask him. He shakes his head.

"I know you too Xylia, maybe more than you think." He smiles halfheartedly. "Just don't do anything stupid okay."

"Will...." I say stopping him from turning away. We hold each other's gaze. For the first time, I really take in the tan, hazel eyed, curly haired, brunette with the famous smile we all needed. The boy with the anxiety, and the dead brother, the boy who loved us all so much he'd take it to his grave I needed.

".... you won't remember this, but Mateus would have died either way, every time. You were given a choice Will, every time." I say wrapping my arms around his waist. He opens his mouth to speak but holds his words. He just waits, resting his chin on my head, his arms still deciding wether to embrace me. I release him, turning to leave.

"And Theo?" Will asks stopping me before I get far.

"That was never meant to happen." I tell him.

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