ER [wlw]

Chapter 33

I step out of the courthouse, the warm sunlight hitting my face like a weight lifting off my shoulders. Will walking beside me, his small hand gripping mine, his footsteps light, almost like he's not quite sure what just happened. The past few months feel like a blur, but now, standing here with him, I finally feel the weight of it all sink in.

Ramona is a step behind us, her presence steady and grounding. I glance back at her, and she gives me a small, reassuring smile. I'm glad she decided to be present for this. Bellamy would have been too if it wasn't Ari's day to have her. I was supposed to work today but I was able to get today off. I honestly love my job.

"You good?" I ask, glancing down at Will, his arm, still snug in the cast. He fidgets with the edge of it, running his fingers along the rough surface. In a few more weeks he'll be able to get it off. He looks up at me, his face still a little uncertain but softening as he meets my gaze.

"Yeah." He says quietly. "I'm good. I get to stay with you forever now."

I smile, my heart swelling with pride. He feels safe with me. I squeeze his shoulders. "I want you to know that I love you and there's nothing you could ever do to change that."

His lips curl into a small smile. "I love you too and I'm glad you're my big sister."

"Me too." I grab his hand as Ramona steps up beside him.

"We should celebrate, right?" She smirks
down at him.

His eyes light up. "Yeah, can we go get ice cream?"

I smile. "Sure, bud."

We all pile into my car and head to the nearest Ben and Jerry's. Which cray enough happens to be the same one where Bellamy, me, Ari and Sadia for the first time. I'd say that's a good memory though, my baby got to meet her Mamá.

Will is out before me and Ramona can even unbuckle. I chuckle to myself the action reminding me of Bellamy. I miss my baby, she'll likely be calling me soon though.

"What's funny?" Ramona questions with a small smirk.

"Will, Bellamy always gets out before me too." I smile at her.

She chuckles herself. "Trust me I know."

We get out will impatiently bouncing on his heels beside the hood of my car. "I want rocky road."

I close the car door with a giggle. "Ok, buddy."

"I love rocky road too." Ramona says as we begin walking to the entrance.

"Makes sense, you're cool." He replies nonchalantly.

"Hey, rude. I like strawberry ice cream but I'm cool too." I remark feigning offense.

He shrugs with a boyish smirk. "Yeah, but a different type."

Ramona starts laughing as she opens the door for us while I stand slightly offended. "Whatever."

We get inside and all get our ice cream before settling at a table. Ramona and Will sat together while I'm on the other side. I'm happy he's taking a liking to her.

I focus on Ramona as I eat my ice cream. I can tell she's thinking about something, her gaze is soft, but there's a weight to it.

"What?" I ask, raising an eyebrow as I take a bite of my sundae.

She shakes her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Nothing. Just... watching you."

I roll my eyes but can't help smiling back. "That's not weird at all."

"It's not weird." She insists, her voice low and teasing. "You're cute."

"Whatever." I smile, feeling my cheeks warm as I look down to my ice cream cup. It's ridiculous how she makes me blush like a teenager with a crush.