Withering Ivy

Chapter 2: Questions

It has been a long year since the accident. I decided to stay with Willow's mom, Mrs. Heinsberg because Willow was the only family she had left and I know first hand how hard it was to lose someone very special to you. Our relationship started out rocky. She was not sold to me marrying her son, however I would like to think I have proven that I am worthy, and that I really love and value Willow when she started seeing me as a son in law.

Ever since Willow passed, Mrs. Heinsberg was not the same anymore, she cut off everyone outside her Villa, the people had not heard from her. The only time I really get to talk to her was during breakfast and lunch. Sometimes she would even eat inside her room, I was getting worried, but I know it will take time. With her being inactive that also brought me to the spotlight. I was known as Willow's fiancee, and was the talk of the town when they announced the news, to the point where I could not even leave the villa. Now it was even worse, whenever I would step out the gate there would be a few people, specially journalists waiting. You would think after a year it would die down, but we can not seem to have peace. I always had to wear a disguise just to be able to go out, even school.

Today I found myself at an English lecture, probably one of the most boring subjects ever. I have always had a distaste when it comes to language, can't we just have one language? The seat next to me is unoccupied. It was Willow's spot. Yeah he was gone but ever since I started school with him we would always save a seat next to each other. I would always be on the right and him on the left, with no reason at all it was just how it has been. Our classmates also noticed it and do not sit in our supposed spots, even if the other person is gone.

"...Mr. Schawl," my train of thoughts were cut off as I heard my name called out by the teacher.

"Yes? Mr. Marin?" I answered not knowing the rest of what he said.

"Do you mind your new classmate sitting next to you?" He asked, pointing at a boy with shoulder length brown hair. The seat next to me is Willow's. I did not know what to say. I might sound immature but I still can not handle the fact that another person would be on my left other than him.

"Do I have a choice?" I asked hoping for a yes.

"Well, no, that is the only unoccupied seat here," I mentally cursed hearing those words. I simply nodded in response, accepting defeat as the new guy started making his way towards the chair next to me. He flopped down with a huff and a sigh of relief.

"Man, what a day! I got lost all around this huge school," he told himself, and I was clearly not paying attention to the way he tied his hair into a bun. "Oh my name's Kelley by the way," he looked towards me but I did not have a reaction, pretending not to hear what he just said. "Ah I see, you're the snobbish one."

"I'm not, I'm just... Listening to the teacher," I clapped back as he made a face that was about to laugh.

"He's not even speaking," he smirked as my eyes widened in embarrassment.

"Just don't talk to me..." I did not know when I became this feisty. I was usually very approachable. But ever since he was gone, I never had anyone I am comfortable to be with. Well mostly I was scared. Scared to find somebody again, scared that I might mess up again. I would rather not know happiness and love than risk losing somebody again, I do not know if I can bear that feeling once more.

Kelley did not reply, instead he just sat there and focused as the teacher continued the lecture. After a dreadful hour it was finally time to go home. Usually I would just walk home alone or call on of the drivers back home to pick me up, but today I had planned to visit Willow and decided to walk there since it is not too far away from school.

Walking towards the familiar street just outside the back exit of my school, the mixed scent of foods being cooked in the street food stalls nearby hits my nose giving me a sense of nostalgia, as it was mine and Willow's favorite spot after school. I was nearing the cemetery when a hand grabbed my shoulder making me scream in surprise.