𝑊𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑒

Chapter 25 ~ Sick

Willow

My head and my whole body hurt. It's been a week since I was sick and had my first asthma attack since I have been in Seattle.

All I can think about is the fact that Maddox was there for me and he never left me. He even came over a couple more times to make sure I was eating and taking my vitamins.

Husband material. Stop.

Anyways, the only thing on my mind is the scene where he was holding me while I slept and he kept kissing my head and calling me 'baby' and being there for me. My love language has to be physical touch, that's why I got so many butterflies while he was here, cooking for me, holding me, taking care of me like a husband would.

Once he left I added his number to my phone and texted him just so that we had each other's numbers. I would be lying if I said I wasn't happy that we now had a way to contact each other without being near each other.

Even though he gets deep under my skin, he is still one of the best hearted people I have ever met.

🌿

"Willow Carter, please come to the office to receive missed work." The intercom of the school calls my name. I sigh and get up from my seat and grab my backpack and head to the office.

Once I get there I see my name with a folder and grab it, looking over all the work that needs to be turned in by the end of the year.

I put the work in my bag as Principal James came out of her office. "Hello Willow, good to see you back."

"Good to be back." I give her a smile. "So I wanted to talk to you, would you come into my office?" I scrunch my eyebrows in confusion but nod and follow her to the back and take a seat in front of her desk.

"So, Willow, I got a call from your parents saying they couldn't reach you yesterday or today."

"Oh, I might have forgotten to tell them that I took my phone to get the screen fixed, I'm picking it up after school today."

It was weird they called the principal. I mean I know I don't have any friends that they can call, but it felt off that they called her just to talk to me.

"Well, I asked them what the issue was and they told me that... Your grandmother has fallen sick." My heart drops to my stomach and my stomach turns. "Wh- what?"

"She hasn't been diagnosed with anything, but they wanted me to spread the message to you. Now, I have options, you can go up there for as long as you need and finish the school year online up there, or you can come back to a lot of missed work."

I try my best not to let any tears shed. My grandmother was one of my best friends. She was my only grandmother that was around. I wonder what grandpa is feeling right now. He must be just as if not more devastated to hear the news.

"Um, thank you, but I don't have money to go up there right now." I wipe under my eyes. The thought that I can't even go up there if I could makes me sad.

"You really don't have an option since your parents sent money for the plane ticket." She hands me an envelope with a smile.

I take it and open it to see a ton of money, I shut it not being able to look at that much. "Take it, go see your family darling, my prayers are with you. I will set you up for the online program by the time you get there."

I thank her as I leave. I let my tears fall to the floor. I slip on the slippery wet concrete. "Shoot." I gather my things and stand up.

"Willow?" That voice that I love brings my attention to them. Maddox stands there with his hands in his pockets. He frowns once he sees my state. "What's wrong?" He asks but I shake my head.

"Willow, what's wrong?" He comes closer.

"My grandma is sick." I blurt out. The sentence made me sob and fall back down to the floor. I feel a pair of arms around me seconds later. I let them coddle me and hold me.

Gosh I'm a mess.

🌿

I went home and started packing immediately after getting my phone and confirming with my parents when my flight was.

I packed most of my clothes but I know I left some at home so if I need any, I can just go there.

Maddox drove me back to the complex and then told me that he would take me to the airport tomorrow and that he would have a friend get my car back here safely.

I wanted to protest but he wouldn't let me. So I gave up and started packing two of my suitcases with the most I can fit. I see my phone light up with a call from Mayella. I answered, "Hello?"

"Willow?" Her voice comes from the other side.

"I'm here May." I try to use my best reassuring voice but I can tell that this is breaking both our hearts.

"She's sick." Her voice cracks which makes me break down.

"I know, she will be okay, I will be there tomorrow night, okay?"

"Alright."

"Make sure to give dad extra hugs, same with mom. I know it's hard on both because Grandma is also a mom to mom."

"I know."

"Alright, well I will talk to you later."

"Okay, Love you."

"Love you too." I hang up the phone and sigh, throwing it on my bed.

This is going to be a rough couple weeks.