A Trip Back Home

Chapter 13// Façade

Sorry for no updates for a while, for now I'm aiming for once a week but I don't have a day set. This chapter is a bit shorter than the usual one, but it does have important things.

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Willow's Outfit: Same

CHAPTER THIRTEEN// FAÇADE

We called for the check, ready to head out. The waiter delivered the check, and I reached for it at the same time Grayson did. We locked eyes, both of us pulling for the check.

"I got it," Grayson said, pulling.

I shook my head. "No. I do. I haven't paid for anything yet. It's my turn."

"Willow, let go of the check."

I refused, shaking my head. We stared each other down. Grayson quirked an eyebrow, and I frowned, reluctantly letting go. I'm perfectly capable of paying. I make my own money. I work, I'm independent. I don't need any one to pay for me all the time.

Grayson pulled out his wallet and took care of the check. I leaned back in my seat, watching. The waiter picked up the check and took care of everything. Grayson replaced his debit card again, before standing up and offering me his hand. I took it and let it go as soon as I was steady on my own feet. I lead him through the restaurant before exiting out onto the sidewalk. The sun was down, and the street lamps were on, illuminating the people bustling around on the streets of Munich.

Grayson caught up, grabbing my hand. "Let's head to the park," he said, pointing to the park about a block ahead.

I nodded, and we walked over. The park still had a few stragglers walking around. We entered, and Grayson lead me over to a bench and we both took a seat. We sat in silence before Grayson spoke up.

"Is something bothering you?"

I looked out at the park, not looking at him. "No. Why would you think that?"

"Well, for one, you're not looking at me," he started. I whipped my head to him. "You're also being short, and you have that look on your face."

"I don't have a look," I declined, looking back out at the park.

"Please. I've known you since eighth grade. I know when you're angry."

"Well, if you know that I'm angry, why'd you ask?"

"Because I want to know why," he answered gently.

I shook my head, letting out a deep sigh.

"No. Don't do this. Don't shut me out."

I looked to him. He had a pained expression.

"I don't see why anyone cares how I feel."

"I care, Willow. Jaq cares. Our friends in Kassel care. Your friend Alyssa cares."

"You want to know why I'm angry?" I started, whipping my head towards him. He nodded, "yes."

"I feel like I'm discriminated. Like people see me as some pretty face on magazines and billboards, not a real person. A person who has feelings. Is independent. Is smart, went to college. Like everyone just sees me as some ungrateful, anorexic, high-cheek boned, unintelligent, man-relying little girl who can't do anything for herself," I answered, slightly out of breath. I leaned back in my seat, crossing my arms.

"Willow," he answered, wide-eyed, turning towards me. He took me in my arms, and I felt my façade being broken down, tears brimming my eyes. "You are so loved. You are respected. You are beautiful. Gifted. Envied even, by people who wish they could do what you do. You are independent. You are smart and intelligent, and if anyone questions that, I'll be flabbergasted."

I laughed slightly at the last word, but it eased my tears a bit. He embraced me pulling to his chest. I wrapped my arms around his chest, burying my face in it. He smelled like cologne, and it comforted me. It reminded me of those days when my parents fought, and he would be there to pick up the pieces.

Tears still streamed down my face, and Grayson lifted my chin, forcing me to look at him. "What's wrong?"

I debated over telling him what I was feeling now. The confliction. I decided to tell him another time.

"Nothing."

He seemed skeptical, but didn't press any further. We sat in silence for a few more moments. "Do you want to head home?" he asked. I nodded into his chest, before we stood, hand-in-hand, and headed back to the car.