Where Do We Go Now?

Sweet Child O' Mine

Sweet Child O'Mine

"Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place

Where as a child I'd hide

And pray for the thunder and the rain

To quietly pass me by."

1978, Lafayette, Indiana

"Quick, William, over here." We were two kids running in the brush, trying to escape the reality that was catching up behind us. I knew it wasn't his fault, it very seldom was, he was just a misunderstood kid really. Sure on the outside this child looked rough, a throwaway that should be locked up, but the first day that I looked into his eyes, I knew they held a light, hidden deep within them.

After nearly tumbling in the thicket, we finally reached our destination, it wasn't much, but then again it was all we needed. I let William climb in ahead of me, and I quickly pulled myself up into the little tree house. Not many knew about the hideaway, just me and my brother, who created a piece of sanctuary, in the chaos that always seemed to find us, and my chaos was William Bailey.

I pulled out the first aid kit that I smuggled from Ma's kitchen. "What happened this time Bailey," I questioned, while pulling out the tissues and rubbing alcohol.

"Y'know the usual, sh--. I exist, and HE gets mad." he winced as I dabbed at a scratch on his cheek. "The same f---ed up garbage as last week." My heart felt for this boy, but I never let it show on my face. I know how he feels about sympathy, I've always felt the same way. If someone doesn't understand what you are feeling, what right do they have to sympathize with you?

"Y'know Willie, it's a nice night, I propose that we go on a camp out. You, me, and the tree house." I smiled.

"Millie, if this was an excuse to get the two of us alone, y'know I could have.." he began to pull me in for a hug but I pulled away.

"Ew.... gross." his smirk was mischievous as a chuckle escaped his lips.

"It's the fact of life babe. Eventually you'll grow up, fall in love and you'll want to..."

I interrupted William before he could go any farther, "No. No. No. I ain't ever growing up."

"I've seen how the guys look at you, you're going to break many hearts with that line."

"That's why I have you, William, because you scare those boys." I smiled back.

"Not my fault those creeps aren't good enough for my Millie." he ruffled my hair.

I decided to change the subject, "I'll just go home, grab some blankets and snacks, then I'll be right back. Kay, Willie."

"Kay Millie," he swayed his hand toward the doorway as if to say, ok move on.

I walked out of my tree house, and made the trek back towards my house. Many may have found the path a little creepy, but I enjoyed the solitude that the path brought, though I thought I'd hurry along, as the sun was beginning to dip below the treeline. I may be a woodsy person, but when it gets dark, my perspective may change a bit.

I picked up my pace and made it to the front yard, Mama was sitting on the porch swing, knitting,something, with the soft teal yarn that I loved. She looked up from her work and smiled at me. "Hello Matilda,"

"Hey Ma, I was thinkin' bout goin' out camping, and I thought I would grab some supplies quick."

Her face got stern, "This doesn't have anything to do with the Bailey kid, does it. His father was asking about him."

I smirked, glad that the darkness covered my face, because to tell you the truth, I'm a horrible liar. "No Mama, I just thought that it would be fun to head out. Y'know I like it much better in those woods anyway. Brings me closer to Pa.

"I know sweety, here let me help you. Sides I know what you're doing, and to be honest, I feel bad for that Bailey Kid, and you said you haven't seen him."

"Nope."

"That's what I thought, you pack up, I'll make a couple thermos' of Coco."

"Thanks Ma, y'know how cold I get in the woods."

"Very," she smirked, and signaled zipping her lips.

I ran into my bedroom and grabbed a few quilts, a couple pillows. I then ran into the kitchen and grabbed a bag of chips.

"Now how does my baby girl suppose she's going to carry all that." Ma placed her hands on her hips.

I rolled my eyes, "I'm gonna use Pa's old wagon." I stopped by the odds and ends drawer and grabbed a flashlight, and made my way back to the woods.

I approached the little tree house, and knocked on the door three times. William began to sing, "Knock three times /On the ceiling if you want me/ Mmm, hmm, twice on the pipe/ If the answer is no."

"Sorry Willie, but there are no pipes."

"My heart," he dramatically held onto his chest, "maybe I shouldn't let you in."

"Now that would be a mistake Bailey, I brought coco." I shook the thermos showing him that I was truthful, and he pulled me in." I see someone likes coco" He hastily grabbed the coco from my hands, and I climbed back down to grab the blankets.

The tree house did not take long to set up, luckily it was big enough to hold one William Bailey, and one Millie Winters. I snuggled into the blankets and I was out.

Williams POV

I turned around to ask Millie a question, but she was already out. She looked quite peaceful when she was asleep. I quickly slid into the blankets. "Good night my silly Miss Millie."

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping. I began gagging as I spit some hair out of my mouth. I turned around to see that Millie was still sleeping. Instead of waking her up, I decided that I would wait for her.

Millie's POV

I woke up, I felt as if I was being watched, I turned around and noticed Willaim was wide awake. "Good morning dear." I smiled at him.

"Mornin' Honey." We both bursted out in laughter

That was one of my fondest memories with William Bailey or William Rose as he began calling himself, when he discovered his real dad's name. Of course William and I had many good times together, however a few years later William cut out of town. He told me he was moving to New York, L.A., somewhere far away from the town. It made sense, if William stayed in Lafayette, he probably would have been in prison for life, he went to jail for many reasons including vandalism and possession.

But with William I had to remember the better years. After he left, I graduated from high school, but to be honest I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I was a good student, I got good grades, but people expected too much out of me, and I supposed that I kind of burned out. I figured, maybe I should go abroad, not like Paris, even though that would be cool, but perhaps in a couple years I could save up some money, and make my way to L.A. Deep down, I know it would take a miracle to find him, but hey he was my best friend, and if there was the slimmest chance of meeting him again, I would love to see that he is at least doing fine. He used to send me letters talking about the cruddy housing, the bands, the part time jobs, and the people that he's met, however, those letters stopped coming. I thought it was for the best, I could tell, that kid was made for better, no, bigger things, the good and the ugly.