Ye old Willow

Part 2 Questioning

“The king is dead?” The princess repeated in shock.

The messenger nodded, “And you are chosen to be queen.”

The next day as soon as school had ended, Ayla wondered over to the park. She had a thirst to know the reason behind that boy. To sleep in the middle of a storm, in a place hidden from view could not be pointless. She had no idea why this curiosity had filled her. She had her own problems to deal with, why was she trying to find out the reasons of someone else?

It was mostly for the reason they were someone else. If others had to go through the same torment as she, doesn’t that mean they would know of a way to deal with it?

Ayla sighed as she made her way through the park. Realization dawning on her that she had never set a time. Who knew when that boy, Kazuki would choose to show up.

Her fears were not realized however when she saw the old willow, Kazuki leaning against the tree sleeping as had been doing yesterday. His position unchanged.

“Yo, “ She said.

“Oh, Hi,” He yawned, walking up from his midday nap.

“Wait long?” She asked.

“You could say that.”

She sat down next to him, leaning against the tree. “You now have to answer my questions.”

“Yes I do. I don't know why your so excited about it though. For all you know it could be a tremendously stupid reason why I'm here.”

“You don't seem the type.”

“To act stupid?” He exclaimed, “Everyone's the type to do that.”

She couldn't get herself to agree. What of the people who studied their whole lives, does he consider them stupid as well?

“Now,” He clapped his hands, sitting up. “What did you want to ask me again, Ayla?”

The way he said her name felt weird, as if he was having a hard time getting it out of his mouth. Her heartbeat sped up a little as he said it.

She spoke energetically trying to cover the sensation up, “Okay lets start with the big one. Why are you here.”

“Because I ran away from home.” He said in a calm detached voice, as if it was not his problem.

“You ran away from home? why? Or more importantly, how do you expect to survive?”

The clouds covered the sun darkening the surrounding area.

He stood up, picking up a round flat stone on coast of the pond. “My father died.”

He chucked the stone in the water. It bounced once before sinking into the murky depths of the pool.

“He was the only real support I had. My stepmother has no reason to care for me, if anything she will try to make it harder for me to live. And for that latter question. I have no idea.”

“Why would your step mother do-?”

He held his finger against her lips, silencing her. “My turn, I get to ask a question now. You asked some, so it is only fair.”

Ayla felt like Kazuki had avoided answering, but she still nodded her head in agreement.

He spoke softly, as if he was afraid to ask, “Why where you here yesterday. It wasn't for a late afternoon stroll, not in that weather. Nor did you run away from home, or else you wouldn't have gone back so easily at my prodding.”

“Its my parents,” She answered, her voice weak.

“Parents?” He asked.

“They're getting a divorce, They're planning to split me and my brother up. I don't know If I'm going to have to switch schools. Or If I'll be able to see my brother again.” She could feel her voice tearing up.

He patted her softly on the top of the head. “It'll be okay. Life can be harsh sometimes, But if you persevere through it. Something wondrous will happen at the end. A small gift of happiness will be bestowed upon you.”

“Is that something religious?”

He smiled, “Its something my father used to say, But that's not the point here. If you don't want to be separated from your brother. Say so. If your words are not spoken, How can they be heard.”

He stood up, brushing himself off. “Its about time for me to go. If you wish, we can meet again tomorrow. If you ever need some help facing those parents of yours, don't be a stranger. Technically we're friends now.”

“Sure,” she smiled.

Kazuki walked off, leaving her all alone. The clouds of the nearby storm, threatening to rain on her as she sat in silence. After gathering some of her thoughts, she headed home.

The doors of her house stood stalwart, threatening her. She found it hard to enter even though she knew the only one inside would be her brother. Her parents both worked seriously, and they only came home late at night. That was partially the reason for the divorce. How could you love someone if you never saw them?

She fumbled with her set of keys and unlocked the door. “I'm home, “ She yelled.

“Hey Sis,” Her brother replied from the living room. He had leaned back on the couch with a bowl of chips on his lap. and his feet on the coffee able.

She glared at him, and he sat up properly.

“Sis, did you see this?” He pointed to the T.V.

A large building in the heart of the city had collapsed. The Female reporter had her back to the flames.

“Whats this?” She asked her brother, Fray.

Fray replied, tossing a few chips in his mouth for good measure, “Som teromiss attach som chovermen uilding.(Some terrorists attacked some government building.)”

“Why?”

“They said that they were angry at the government for having men in power. That females were the only ones with the right to rule, or something along those lines.”

“That’s scary, Fray, watch your back when you go outside, alright? I don't want you getting jumped by some of their supporters.”

“Aye Aye captain,” He saluted.

She trudged off to her room, and flopped herself on the bed.

She paused for a second, letting herself relax from the comfort her bed provided her. She looked at her cellphone, the only connection she had between her and her parents. If she called they might answer.

Ayla flicked the cellphone open, she had decided to take Kazuki's advice, to state her opinion. She dialed her fathers number, her force of will at full tilt.

The phone rang twice before someone answered ,”Hello Summer Industries, Natalie speaking. How may I help you?”

“May I speak to Mr. Meyer?” She asked politely. Ayla couldn't maintain a good grip one her phone, her nerves finally getting to her.

After a few seconds the secretary spoke again, “I'm sorry but Mr. Meyer is in a meeting right now. Is this call business or private?”

“Private”

She could just imagine the secretary's fake smile pulling up in the corner of her mouth. “I'll have him call you right back.”

The secretary then proceeded to hang up the phone.

Without bothering to wait for a call that would never come, Ayla called her mom.

“Hello may I ask who is calling?” The somewhat attentive voice answered right off the back.

“Ayla Meyer.”

Beep Beep Beep.

They could have at least made an excuse like the last secretary.