When 8 year old Quinn literally falls into the arms of a 10 year old Daryl, it sparked something neither one of them expected. Over the next 3 months they become inseparable, until Quinn has to move away.
14 years later, Quinn volunteers to move bac...
I splash water on my face to wake myself up. Today is the day of my interview at the elementary school. I couldn't be more nervous. I got up early to make breakfast for myself and Noah just to take my mind off of it for a while. I do my makeup first, keeping it subtle but classy. I curl my dull blonde hair. I've never liked my hair, there isn't anything special about it. It doesn't have any shine to it. But, I can't find the strength to dye it a different color.
I choose my outfit wisely, wanting to make a good impression. I searched my closet and drawers for almost a half an hour. But, I finally found a outfit good enough.
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I slip my shoes on, grab my purse, and walk down the hall to Noah's room. He shut himself in there after breakfast. I knock on the door and peek my head through.
"I'm leaving. I'll be back within the hour. If something happens, call me." I tell him.
"Good luck." I hear him mumble as I close the door. I smile.
I take a steadying breath as I pull into a parking spot at the elementary school. I shut the car off and get out. I lock the car, straighten my dress, push my hair off my shoulders, and go inside. There are no student since the school session just released for summer vacation. I approach the woman sitting behind the front desk.
"Can I help you?" she asks.
"Yes, I'm here for a job interview. My name is Quinn Matthews." I tell her politely.
She picks up the phone and presses a few buttons, "You're twelve o'clock is here."
She hangs up after a moment, "You can have a seat, she'll be out to get you in a moment."
"Thank you." I smile. I sit on a chair at the opposite side of the office. I remember attending this school like it was yesterday.
"Ms. Matthews?"
I look up to see, whom I'm assuming is Mrs. Wood, standing with her hands clasped together in front of her and a smile on her face. She's probably in her late 40's, and looks nice. I stand up and smile, moving to shake her hand.
"Nice to meet you." I said.
"It's nice to meet you, too. Follow me."
She leads me down a short hallway, and stops at the last door on the right. I follow her into her office, and she closes the door behind me.
"Please have a seat." she said, gesturing to the seat placed in front of her desk. I do what she says.
She pulls out a pad of paper and a pen, "Now, let's start by you telling me a little about yourself."
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I walk out of the school about 20 minutes later. I thought it went well enough. I didn't feel like I totally bombed it, but I do feel I answered some questions poorly. I believe I have a well enough chance to get the job, but it depends on what my competition looks like. She said I should hear back about whether I got the job or not within the next three days. I climb back into my car and head back to the house.
When I walk through the front door, I'm surprised to see Noah sitting on the couch watching TV. I smile at him and go to my bedroom, closing the door behind me. I peel my clothes off and change into jeans and a black t-shirt. I need some time to myself for a while to think.
"Hey, I'll be outside for a bit, okay?" I told Noah. He nodded, not looking away from the TV screen.
I slip on shoes and head straight for the woods. I take my time going down the dirt path leading to the willow tree. My mind involuntarily wanders to my old Dixon friend. I wonder if I'll see him again, and I wonder how he'll react. I mean, at the diner, he seemed shocked. I can't help but think of his last words to me,
"Have a good life without me in it. 'Nd don't expect me to welcome ye with open arms if ye ever come back."
Those words haunted me for years when I couldn't keep my mind off of him. Gradually, I just gave myself some closure and gave him a rest from my thoughts. I didn't forget about him by any means, but I just took a break from thinking about him. Those words really hurt me. He was my best friend. I reach the tree and sit cross-legged against the trunk. I close my eyes and relax.
I hear quiet leaves rustling, and get that same eerie feeling that I got the last time I was here. I know for sure that someone is watching me, and I don't know if I want to find out who it is.
I stand up and raise my voice, "Who's out there?"
Silence.
"I know someone is watching me. Come out. Now!"
Then, the last person I expected to see steps into view. I gasp.
