-willow tree-

Plan

Jane's heart raced as she walked back into her house, her mind buzzing with the plan she had set in motion. She approached her mother, who was sitting at the kitchen table, a concerned look on her face.

"Mom, I need some time alone," Jane said, trying to keep her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her. "I want to go to the willow tree."

Her mother nodded, misreading Jane's urgency as typical teenage angst. "Of course, sweetie. Just be careful, okay? You've had a rough day."

"Thanks, Mom," Jane replied, forcing a smile as she turned to head to her room.

Once inside, she quickly gathered her things, knowing she had to be swift. She packed a small bag with only the essentials: a camera to capture memories, a few sheets of paper, a pen, and two bracelets—one for her and one for Adaline. Each item held significance, a reminder of their love and the life they were choosing to forge together, away from the constraints that sought to bind them.

With her bag slung over her shoulder, Jane hugged her mom tightly, her heart heavy with the weight of the goodbye. "I love you, Mom," she whispered, feeling tears prick at her eyes.

"I love you too, honey. Just talk to me if you need anything," her mom said, oblivious to the true nature of Jane's farewell.

"Always," Jane promised, stepping back and wiping her eyes before heading out the door.

The night was cool as she made her way to the willow tree, the moonlight casting a silver glow over the ground. Her heart raced as she approached the familiar spot, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

As she reached the tree, Jane took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm within her. She pulled out the bracelets and held them tightly in her hand, a symbol of the bond she shared with Adaline.

Minutes felt like hours, but finally, she saw a figure approaching in the distance. It was Adaline, her face illuminated by the moonlight, a look of determination etched across her features.

"Jane!" Adaline called out, relief flooding her voice as she reached Jane. "I made it!"

"We need to get out of here," Jane said urgently, taking Adaline's hands in hers. "I can't let them take you away. We can start fresh, just us."

Adaline's eyes widened as she processed Jane's words. "Are you serious? You really want to leave?"

"Absolutely. I packed a few things," Jane replied, pulling out the camera, paper, pen, and the two bracelets. "We'll take these to remember each other, no matter what happens."

Adaline's heart swelled at the sight of the bracelet. "You're willing to do this for us?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

"More than anything," Jane said, slipping one bracelet onto Adaline's wrist and fastening the other around her own. "We'll wear these as a promise to each other."

With their bracelets secure, Jane felt a surge of hope. "Let's go," she said, her voice firm. "We'll find a place where we can be ourselves, where no one can tear us apart."

With their hearts intertwined and determination guiding them, Jane and Adaline prepared to step into the unknown, ready to embrace whatever awaited them on their journey together. As they sat beneath the sprawling branches of the willow tree, the night air was filled with a sense of urgency and quiet determination. Jane pulled out the sheets of paper she had packed, her heart racing as she began to write. Adaline watched her, curiosity and concern etched on her face.

"Where are we going?" Adaline asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jane paused, glancing up at Adaline. "I don't know exactly yet," she admitted, her pen still moving across the paper. "But we'll figure it out together. I just... I need to do this first."