The Boy with Bad Habits

Chapter 37

I was struck with awe and admiration. Willow's voice had a light flow to it that was extremely soothing and beautiful; full of ressonance. Voice like honey dripping from a hive, yet so quiet and patient. I found myself also having to fight sleep.

The way she drawled out the lyrics made it so deep. She meant every word. Which made me even more curious about how much meaning the small child had to her. It couldn't have been some random kid she babysat.

Ryan's eyes closed slowly after the third verse. I was still standing near the corner of the room observing how caring Willow actually could be. The thought of her caressed my mind, like a mental cocoon.

She whispered, "Goodnight munchkin," and kissed his forehead.

The sight was so endearing and memorable. Willow would be a blessing to have a as mother/caretaker/relative.

Before she had the chance to turn the lamp that illuminated her room off, I noticed something. Now that I was closer and could actually see for myself, a picture frame on her nightstand showed a very intriguing sight.

It appeared there were three women in the photo, all huddled in a way so a young looking Willow was in the middle. She resembled each adult, one of them happened to be Lydia out of the three. To my surprise, the hag smiled broadly just like everyone else.

Willow's hair was short in the image with two pig-tails brought to the front with glasses and a bright green summer dress. One of the women, whom I'd never seen before only favored Willow's dark hair color.

Another average size young female had honey colored hair with a narrow nose. She looked like the blonde version of Willow, mirroring almost every feature. I assumed maybe the woman was her mother given their shared similiar features and resmblance to Lydia as well.

I stepped toward the frame and picked it up without Willow noticing since she was too busy tucking in Ryan.

"Is this you mother?" I asked in a hushed tone, getting her attention in the process.

She cut off all movement, a brief sorrowful emotion flashed in her eyes making them dewy. "Yeah....I-"

Immediately she cut herself off lowering her head making sure I didn't see. Temptation washed through me. I put the frame down and walked over to her, mentally cursing myself for bringing up a sensitive subject.

I attempted to wrap both arms around her, having to kneel a bit because of our extensive height difference.

Willow backed up; head still facing the ground. It was upsetting because I couldn't read her emotions, and was left standing there dejected and clueless.

"Thank you for the help Ace, see you tomorrow," she whispered making it so nothing could be extracted from her voice, that in which I'd be able to get a better understanding of.

Stinging me gradually, my nostrils flared at the sudden mood change. My own confusion over her behavior frustrated me.

"See you tomorrow Willow." I detached my voice from any emotion, leaving it completely blank and bored.

Walking out of the room, my right shoulder brushed her left one. Each movement was brisk as though her rejection meant nothing when it affected me very much in a negative way.

I was successfully in the front room when I heard light footsteps padding down the hallway. "Wait," a light voice called out quietly.

Turning, Willow looked surprised I had heard her. "Yes?"

By the hallway being dark, I didn't notice how tired her eyes were until she walked into the light, "I'm...sorry."

Her voice cracked, but no tears seemed to escape, just watery. I sighed deeply realizing how rejection influenced my actions and how insensitive I behaved toward Willow. My hand left the door knob, as I faced her completely, "You don't need to apologize because I'm being a major ass."