Under The Willow Tree • Louis Tomlinson

i.

i. new beginnings

— • —

"What do you mean you're quitting?"

"It means what it means." I muttered as I glared at Gabriel

"Rose, you're making a mistake" Gabriel replied, his eyes were full of worry.

"I'm sorry. I truly am. But I need to follow me dreams... and Doncaster isn't fulfilling them." Guilt filled me as I said those words. There was no going back now.

"Fine then. If you really want to give up the steady job I'm giving you then fine." Gabriel said, turning away from me to face the window

"I won't be gone forever. I'll just be in London. It's hard to be an upcoming designer here. If I go to London I can open up my own small shop."

Gabriel turned around, his black hair covered his eyes. "It will be hard Rose. But I have my faith in you. But you better get your shop up and running quick smart!"

I laughed and nodded "Six months. In six months' time I will have the shop up and running. I'll be the youngest top designer London has ever seen!"

Gabriel grinned and pulled me into a hug. "I'll miss your ideas. The customers loved them." He then pulled away and smirked, "But I won't miss your need to listen to all that strange music."

"Rude!" I gasped, "Ed Sheeran isn't strange. He is perfect."

"Sure, sure" Gabriel chuckled. "Now get out of here before I change my mind."

With that, I smiled and stepped out of Doncaster's only formal dress shop. I was making a big decision. I just hope I don't regret it.

***

Rain fell steadily outside, my taxi was waiting in the driveway. I would miss this house, this town. I guess I'll miss the simple life I had as a teenager...

"Do you have everything?" Mum asked, interrupting my thoughts.

"Yep! I have all my belongings." I replied, scanning my luggage

"What about your violin? I don't want you to give up your music when you go to London." Mum was studying my face, she was really good at telling if someone was telling the truth or not.

"It's right here" I smiled, tapping the hard black violin case resting against the wall.

"That's my baby girl!" She sighed, wrapping me up in one of her tight bear hugs.

"Mum!" I squirmed, "I'm not your baby girl, I'm 19." I waited until she had loosened her grip before I continued. "I better go now. I don't want to miss my train. I'll promise to keep in contact and visit whenever I have spare time."

Mum released me and kissed my forehead. "I'll miss you so much Rose, but it's worth it. Go live your dream!"

I grinned and picked up my suitcases. The Taxi driver noticed that I had too many bags for one person to carry so he got out of the taxi and helped me with the bigger items. When everything was in the taxi and out of the rain, I hopped in the taxi and looked out the window. It was hard, saying goodbye to her. Mum was all alone now. I grew up as an only child. I never really knew my dad. I think he lives in Canada now... I'm unsure.

 As I pulled out of the driveway and onto the street I blew a kiss in mum's direction. I was finally leaving this all behind. I was finally going to live my dream.