Quiet Hearts (Sam Woolf Fanfic)

FIVE

Sam

So... I sort of became a hero in the town. Apparently word travels quickly... and it didn't help that they took a picture of me and Ria hugging to put in the news.

Speaking of Ria, since the incident a couple days ago, we haven't talked much. Both our minds have been zoned out and on other things.

I can imagine the trauma, so I've been giving her her space. I've had those kinds of experiences too, I know people can be overwhelming. Or in my case, intolerable.

But to be honest, I miss the happy, hyperactive Ria I've known for years, and it's only been a few days. Her laugh and her stupid jokes was like my coffee.

I guess that shows how much I depend on her to keep me up. She's my support through anything and everything, call me weak, but I-

"Sam, honey? Can you hear me?"

Ria's Aunt snapped me from my thoughts. I looked up and felt everyone's eyes boring through me. The once chatter-filled table was silent.

"Pardon?" I asked, my face turning hot. Why am I such a space cadet?

"I just asked if you're feeling well, you haven't ate or talked at all yet."

"Yeah, I'm fine, just-" I looked around at the table. Everyone was gathered around it for brunch, a tradition when family visits here, and they were all staring at me expectantly. Well, all but Ria. She looked as out of it as I had been, picking at her food with a tight expression. I'm not very good under pressure, as you probably have noticed.

My ears burned. "-not hungry. I'm sorry, can I be excused?" I swallowed nervously and my fingers twitched anxiously.

"Of course. Should I save your plate for later?" She flashed a brief sympathetic smile. She was the nicest lady.

"Yes, please." I scooted back my chair and paced to my room down the hall, my face burning hot as I looked towards the ground.

I felt bad, guilty even, because I had come here to spend time with people and Ria, and now I was taking time for myself. I knew it wasn't my fault, but guilt was an emotion that was permanently set in my brain, and I couldn't build a wall to stop it from rising.

I rounded the corner into my room, well Tony's room actually, and grabbed my guitar off my suitcase that was set next to the air mattress they had found for me. Yes, of course I brought it, it's my baby. I cannot go more than a week without it, I'll go into cardiac arrest or something.

I slipped through the sliding glass patio door and the fresh air hit my face. I instantly let a big breath out and slowed my pace.

I decided to sit in the shade, and settled myself under the canopy of a giant willow tree. I remembered Ria telling stories about when her and Charlie were younger and how they played under their giant tree, pretending they were fairies.

I mindlessly strummed and hummed unknown tunes running through my head. I caught one, an old lullaby about willow trees, and hummed it a little louder until lyrics came to me. I sang softly.

Willow tree, willow tree,

That's a safe place for you and me

Willow tree, willow tree,

This is the place where you come to me

And I'll be waiting under the leaves

Where moonlight is all i see

But when I see you you're as bright as can be

Willow tree, willow tree,

Can you feel the love beneath?

Willow tree, willow tree,

Protect this love as long as you breathe

"It's like the tree is magical, isn't it?" Ria sat next to me, but I didn't take my eyes off the strings. When I didn't answer, she continued. "That's why we played fairies in it. Because the tree made us feel small like fairies, but gave us magic so we could fly."

"Fly." I looked up and squinted at the sun peaking through the leaves.

"Yeah. Higher than anything."

"I wish I could fly."

"Me too."

A silence settled over us. After a few minutes, Ria looked down at her hands in her lap. She opened and closed her mouth for a few moments, but only her breath can out at first. She tried to find her words.

"I can't thank you enough for the other day, I just-

"Ria." I stopped her and looked at her. She kept her eyes on her fingers as she twirled her thumbs. "Look."

She lifted her head to look at my eyes. We were only a couple inches apart, and I could feel her hitched breath. Electricity ran up my body at the weight in the air.

"I would die for you." I breathed out quietly, trying not to crack. "Anyday."

"I know Sam." a tiny tear fell from her eye. I could tell she was scarred from the events she went through earlier.

She acted tough most of the time, but I've known her for years and I know Ria's mentality could be easily broken. Same as me. But over the years, we held each other together like glue. She kept me from dipping into depression years ago, and always, now it's my turn to help her.

I pulled her into my arms and held he tightly. She gripped the shoulders of my T-shirt tightly and took deep breaths.

"You're strong. And," I chocked back my own tears and pushed the shadow that was rising away. "I wouldn't be alive without you."

*****

Intense moment. Big moment.

This book will, I hope, pull a few heart strings on my readers. I want it to touch you. I hope I can do that.

Did this chapter?

I'm going to be starting something I see a lot of authors do as a way to connect with my readers.

Questions on every chapter you can answer, and I will answer your questions too.

Today's question to my readers is:

Do you have a special tradition or handshake with your best friend?

Okay see you :)

-Ell