From Knives to Pens

From Knives to Pens - Chapter 20

A/N: This is a note to tell you that I'm not going to be posting as often as I need to focus on writing for a while. I will post but not as frequently as I was. I apologise for this but for the story to continue I need to  focus on writing. Thank you for the support again. Please notify me of any mistakes and please comment your thoughts. Thanks again. Ciara x

Chapter 20 Willow’s POV:

The journey on the bus to my house is way too short and before I know it we’re walking up the path to my front door. My heart pounds nervously and as if sensing this, Andy squeezes my hand reassuringly. I look up at him appreciatively and he gives me a supportive smile. I can tell by the look in his eyes he’s just as nervous as I am.

“We can get through this. I’m here with you.” Andy says and his head bends down towards mine, lips meeting mine briefly. I close my eyes, savouring the moment. Too soon his soft lips leave mine and I’m forced to look away from him to the door in front of me. I take a deep breath before I knock. It doesn’t feel right just walking in, this house doesn’t truly feel like home anymore.

My hand stays firmly in Andy’s and I grip it as if he’s the only thing keeping me on this Earth. After a moment the door opens and reveals my extremely tired looking Mum. Her eyes widen at the sight of us and her eyes go from me to Andy and back again.

“Willow what are you doing here?” She says sounding shocked. Her eyes leave mine and move to focus on Andy. I can tell she’s taking in his dark clothes, his now almost gone warpaint and she doesn’t like what she sees. I move closer to Andy, feeling the need to be nearer him.

“I need to get some things. Can we come in?” I ask my voice stronger than I expected. At first Mum doesn’t look away from Andy, or make any motion to open the door wider to let us in. She seems to shake herself from her trance and she nods slightly. The door opens wider and she moves out of the way so we can enter.

We step inside and she closes the door behind us. Me and Andy stand in the hallway, somewhat awkwardly. Andy feels tense beside me.

I look over at my Mother and she looks at the two of us nervously. “Willow can we talk?” She says her voice quieter than usual.

“Mum I really-“ I begin to say but she cuts me off by holding up one hand.

“Please, can you just listen to me.” Mum says, pleadingly. I look up at Andy and I see him watching my Mum. His eyes look at her curiously. Then his head turns my way and his eyes meet mine. I look at him wanting his opinion on what I should do.

“Do what you feel is best. I’m here for you. It might be good to talk to her Willow.” He says softly, as if my Mum isn’t stood right in front of us. I nod at him appreciatively. I’m so glad he’s here with me.

“Okay but we can’t stay long.” I say reluctantly. Mum looks relieved and she leads the way to the living room. She takes a seat on the armchair and Andy and I sit on the sofa side by side. Andy still seems tense and I squeeze his hand once.

“Willow, I’m sorry I never meant to hurt you like I did. I was just worried about you and what decisions you were making. You’ve been hurt enough times before and I didn’t want to see you hurt again.” She casts a nervous look Andy’s way. I don’t reply but stare at her expressionlessly. She takes a deep shaky breath before carrying on. “Me and Zack have missed you. Please come home. I promise I won’t do what I did again. I respect you and you’re old enough to decide what to do in your life.”

I’m shocked at her words. When I imagined coming back to this house and seeing her again I never thought she would say she respected me. I imagined her ripping me from Andy and locking me in my room. I can’t get my head around the fact that she has shown the understanding she was lacking yesterday.