Acceptance

chapter 3

Lena -

When I get to work I clock in and put on my apron and John smiles at me.

" Hey, how was your first day back!!" I laugh and grab my notepad.

"It was okay just another day you know?" he chuckles and nods.

" yeah I know what you mean I do not miss it not one bit."

I grin and begin taking orders as I leave. Will's brother is John. He actually helped me land my current job, and despite Will breaking my heart, he and I are still in touch. It's good that John updates me on Will's progress. Even if it wasn't with me, all I want is for him to be happy.

The sound of the rain hitting the metal roof could put me to sleep when I take a break and go outside.I take a deep breath and close my eyes. As soon as I smell cigarette smoke, I wrinkle my nose and open them. John is smoking while he leans against the wall.

" So how is Will doing?" I ask and he shrugs.

''He's well, but I wish everything had returned to normal. Lena, my brother, who I love, was damaged by that incident. He basically gave up on what could have been such a promising future.''

I sigh and remember the day of the accident.

FLASHBACK
Lena -

We are out riding the trails with our friends. Holding onto Will tightly as he rips around the curve, laughing, I'm riding on the back of the four-wheeler.

"Don't let go princess," I overheard him saying. We all made the decision to ride a new trail. We had always done this. We frequently rode the trails over the break in the season. Everyone loved it. This period of time will was going somewhat too quickly.

"Slow down, baby, you're going too quickly!" I shout above the sound of the engine.

He responds, "nonsense babe, we'll be fine just hold on tight," and I tighten my grasp. However, when he makes a curve and we run into something, he loses control, and I scream.

" will !!" I lose my grip on him, which causes me to fall off the back. My body tumbles to the ground. It seems like someone just smacked me over the head as I smack my head. The entire world is spinning as I reach up and take off my helmet. As I trace my finger along the crack, I can feel it. Will is calling my name, and although he sounds in pain, I can hear him.

I can hear approaching footsteps. As Kraig and Griffin run over to Will, Jamie is by my side.

" Lena, are you okay, hello!" I take a deep painful breath.

"I'm good. Where Will is he good." I try to sit up but get lightheaded as she dials 911. We were told we were lucky to have helmets on when we arrived at the hospital. In an effort to better cover my head as I fell, I broke my arm. Will was shaken but otherwise fine. After that, he was no longer able to even look at me since the life in his eyes had faded.

END OF FLASHBACK

Lena-

I suddenly realize what I'm thinking and sigh, "I know John, I know, but I just hope one day he'll be the normal William again." I enter, and as the night continues, the other waitress and I clean up the front section of the restaurant while the men clean the kitchen. We then collect our tips, hang up my apron, and grab my keys.

" alright guys im out of here ill see yall tomorrow" they all yell bye and I walk out to my car and check my phone.

Theo- hey how was work?? I smile and reply

Lena - "It was okay glad it is over heading home now how was your first day?

I get in and head home Mom and Freddie are watching a movie on the couch.

"Hey sweetie, how was school and work?" my mom asks I shrug.

"Just another day but I'm exhausted. I'm going to go upstairs and take a shower.''

After a long well needed shower i crawl into bed the warmth of the blankets could put me to sleep instantly but as soon as i go to close my eyes my phone buzzes with theo replying back to me. I dont know when i fall asleep but it had to have been late.

Theo -

Every morning I meet up with everyone at Lena's locker, and it feels good to have friends. I didn't anticipate fitting in as quickly as I have, but it is nice. As I approach, Griffin is complaining, "But Lena you promised you would go!" I chuckle and stand next to her.

"Why are you pouting griff ?" he rolls his eyes.

Because she has weekends free, Lena swore she would attend the party, but she is now attempting to back out. She shrugs as I stare down at her.

I chuckle and she smiles, "I just don't want to go, I would rather lay in my bed." After everyone encourages her to go, she eventually gives in, and we all proceed to class. I sit next to Lena.

Why is it important that you attend this party tonight? Sighing, she plays with the hair tie on her wrist while looking down at her desk.

''We go there each year. Even though it is kind of our thing, I didn't want to take the chance of running into him. In simple terms, I'm not yet ready to see him.''

She smiles at me as I put my hand on her arm.

''I understand, but just try to enjoy yourself.''

" So I take it, they told you about Will," she asks as I pull away and rub the back of my neck.

" They told me that you two dated and that he had an accident and it changed him but didn't go into detail."

I can see the pain on her face as the teacher enters the room and calms everyone down. I suppose there's more I don't know, but I don't want to press the issue and put her on edge. I've learnt to respect women's privacy because Tatum used to always let me know when anything was bothering her and she was ready to talk about it. She'll let me know when she's ready.