The Forgotten Ones

The Idiot and the Pauper

Song: Stubborn Love by The Lumineers

I was standing in front of the door of Willa's parent's house. I didn't really know what to do. Why was I here again? I know I have been giving Willa her space to go over everything that has happened weeks ago, but it feels like it has been years. I feel like I am standing here, ready to prepare for a family reunion. I just didn't know if my presence is something to be happy or disappointed about. Will she want to see me? Will she be happy to see me? 

I let out a breath of air and straightened out my jacket, happy to be out of the suit. I haven't realized how relaxing it can be to wear normal clothes. I shook those unnecessary thoughts, needing to focus on the mission at hand. Finally finding the strength, I lifted my hand and knocked on the door, my nerves running haywire. It's been a long time since I have felt this nervous. My last thought was about my wedding before the door opened. 

It was Willa's mom, Linda. She had an apron on and a look of surprise on her face. "Alexander, what an unexpected surprise! What are you doing here?" She asks. Linda, although nice, I know doesn't really want me to be here. I cleared my throat, unsure really what to say. 

"I uh...I just came here to see Willa. If that's okay." Linda was whipping her hands with her apron with a look of uncertainty. Maybe I should have called before I came here. It's too late now. 

"Willa actually isn't here at the moment. She went off to town. You will probably find her at the bookstore. She always goes there." I nodded. "Thanks for letting me know. I will go see if I can go find her there then. I hope you have a nice day, Linda." I tell her. She only responds with a small smile before she shuts the door. Well, this isn't how I planned this out. Or at least, not how I imagined this panning out. I sigh before turning back to my car and driving off towards the main town. I haven't been to the main part of the town in years. Not since Willa got back after her accident. That was months ago. It felt weird being back here. 

I parked my car at close as I could to the bookstore, wondering why Willa would be here alone. I know she can remember the town and all, but she doesn't know any of the new people here. She doesn't know who she can trust. But, I am happy that she is at least going out on her own without her parents lingering around. They were so overprotective after the accident. It's silly to think to have a grown woman have her parents everywhere she is. I began walking toward the bookstore, trying to remember where exactly it was. 

Memories of the place would come and go as I walked through the town. 

Willa and I would visit here a lot because of her parents when we were married. I would always buy her a daisy at the nearby flower shop, knowing it was her favorite. We would also eat the tiny diner, her ordering her usual burger and fries with an oreo milkshake while I got a steak with mashed potatoes. She said she grew up eating it for so long, she would never try anything else on the menu. It was silly, yet another thing I loved about her. 

Finally arriving at the bookstore, I went in, a bell jingling as I opened the door. It still looked the same all these years. Willa would come here all the time before things changed. Her first love has always been books. I'm not surprised her memories would take her here. I would remember the days I would turn around while being at a different shop and she was no longer there. I would go off to look for her, always finding her here. 

Walking down the isles, I already knew where I would find her. Even from before, I know she would be in her usual spot. She was there sitting at this small table that had this antique lamp on it. Her head was bent down, reading a book, the world disappearing around her. I smiled at the sight of her, my chest tightening at the sight of her. She was dressed in a red sweater with skinny jeans on and these black boots with a black cardigan. Even now, she dresses up like an English teacher.