The Boy with Bad Habits

Chapter 60

I smiled against her hair, engulfed in an array of comfort. My mind was soothed with how she accepted me. That I could finally, abruptly lay out part of my story without the fear of yet another person exiting my life. One step closer to the entire truth of my tale.

"You're better than you think ya' know," she said in a muffled tone against the ruined button up I wore. Peering up at me, "Everything you've wrapped yourself around doesn't define you. Parents don't chose you, and you can't chose your parents. If they ever make an appearance again in your life, that genetic bond will never go away Ace..."

I sighed heavily taking it in. Willow didn't understand. My parents irresponsibly dumped their first child on someone who's done their part in already raising one kid, my grandmother. They were both selfish and senseless. Yet on the other hand, Willow was right. I'll always be their child and they will always be the ones responsible of my existence.

"Maybe... maybe you're right, but I just have a hard time comprehending it. You'd think over the years, I'd understand. Though, I'm still left clueless at how after all this time, I'm nothing to them."

"Oh Ace," she uttered sympathetically. Her hand reached my chin to tilt it for our eyes to meet directly. The feelings from earlier started to trail in, "Their choices aren't what make you. As much as I wish I could ease your grief, I can't. Just keep your head held high. You've made it this far, don't stray away."

An inward groan rang in my head. There was much more to it I couldn't share even if I wanted to. How it was my fault we were here in the first place. How 'love' screwed me over and my idiocy for believing in it. Willow would hate me if she found out my ex was the one who stole from us and left my grandmother and I penniless. Everything managed to be my fault.

"Come on," I gestured for her to follow me as my hand met the door handle. Nonna stated she'd keep it unlocked for me if I made it home. Which in actuality, wasn't supposed to happen.

Willow's hand drowned in my larger one. It felt cold compared to mine but I enjoyed it all the more. As we entered, a dimly lit candle illuminated the living room. My eyes swam in recognition at the familiar scene. When I flipped the switch of a nearby lamp, my eyes squinted not fully used to a bright gleam.

The cool hand of Willow left mine as she went over to the coffee table hesitantly. Her hair was curled at the ends in a complimenting style. A pale pink was the color of her dress, coming to mid thigh. I was a little surprised given her taste had always been so modest. Yet I couldn't complain, with golden and evenly olive toned legs. She was stunning.

"Is this from you grandmother?" she asked while turning to me holding an apple sized cupcake with a blue striped candle peaking out of the top of it. Corners of her mouth turned up in a warm smile.

I too found myself grinning, "Usually if Nonna ever has to work on my birthday," I mentioned and calculating each step to every year. "She would make a cupcake or cake depending on what she has at the time and..."

Walking over to the kitchen counter I recognized a blue envelope with a manually tied bow. "Leave a card that has exactly," ripping open the sealable flap, without even looking. "Fifty dollars," I held it up.

"Including a handwritten birthday card." I finished contently and blew out the runny candle that had been on the cupcake in Willow's hand the entire time.

Her eyes widened for a hot second in amusement and wonder. "How is it you know the details your birthday entails every year?"

Taking the delicious treat from her and inhaling one of my favorite scents of all time, chocolate—my favorite.

Chuckling unintentionally at her unwavering curosity, "Because I'd tell her to not even worry about a gift or a card for that matter. Ofcourse knowing Nonna, after I had turned thirteen she decided to let me figure out what I wanted and left me part of her paycheck depending on the circumstances."