The One

Chapter 33: The Willow Tree.

Alyssa's POV:

Tuesday afternoon found me sitting in Tammy, nervously gripping the wheels until my knuckles turned pale. I was parked just outside the park Damon and I used to meet.

A part of me wanted to turn around and leave like I was never here, to escape from what I now deemed was emotional torture. The other part wanted to stay, maybe hear him out. I think it's safe to say the former was winning over my actions.

I tried to play over scenarios in my head of what might happen when I walk into the park. What will my emotions be when I walk out? Will Damon and I be in an okay place at the very least? Or will I end up causing a scene when he brings up those events and memories I have kept at bay. Uncertain thoughts floated through my mind continually.

Why is this so hard? I released the wheels and dried my damp palms on my jeans. Just get it over with, Alyssa.

The faster, the better.

I turned off the engine and got out, relishing in the warm sunshine. Maybe it's a good sign. Nevertheless, I found my legs walking almost automatically through the routes I was oh-so-familiar with. Honestly, I could walk it in my sleep.

I stopped in my tracks though. Or rather I slowed down my pace and fought to erase the feeling of nostalgia I felt coursing through me as I watched Damon sitting hopefully on the bench underneath the willow tree.

Our Willow Tree.

I walked over to him wordlessly and sat on the bench, leaving a sensible amount of space between us.

"You came, thank you", he said with a grateful smile on his face.

"You wanted to talk?" I prodded, trying to avoid any small talk.

He let out a dragged breath. "Yes, I just want to say how sor-"

"Why did you do it?" I blurted sharply.

"I- I don't know",

"Damon, tell me the truth".

"I wanted something different. Someone different, but I didn't know how to end it without hurting you... I- I'm sorry".

Somehow, I had a feeling that the reasons were things along that line, but hearing Damon say them to me hurt more than realising it.

"So you cheated on me because I was naïve?" I muttered to him. His eyes widened like saucers at my question. Like he wasn't expecting me to ask.

"It wasn't like that-"

"Was I naïve, Damon?" I pressed, interrupting him yet again.

"To an extent," he replied and paused. "But it wasn't your fault, I should have handled our relationship better. I was older, and I should have done better. I can't live with the fact that it feels as though I took advantage of your lack of experience in relationships and I'm sorry, Alyssa. I was fucking selfish, and I know that. It's only up to you to decide whether or not to forgive me".

It felt as if all the air supply was cut short. I couldn't breathe as much, and my head hurt from all the confession.

"Kiss me".

What the hell are you doing Alyssa?

"What?" asked Damon, looking mortified. If not for the severity of the moment, I almost chuckled at his facial expression.

"Kiss me, Damon".

"What, no Alyssa, I'm not doing th-",

I didn't let him finish though. I swiftly pulled him closer, closing the initial distance between us and allowing our lips meet at the middle. It didn't last for more than six seconds, the kiss. I didn't let it, and neither did Damon. He even pulled away before I did.

"Wh-"

"I forgive you Damon. It's all over and good now. Good bye".

With those words I hoped were final, I stood up and rigidly walked back through the path I had come through.

---

I had run through my actions with Damon today with Shannon, Rowan, Mikaela and Cameron. I just wanted to know I had their support and I wanted to avoid a messy situation that definitely would have occurred if I hadn't revealed my intentions to them.

As a part of it, Cameron insisted on coming to the park at a particular time when I was sure to already be with Damon, and wait for me in the parking lot to avoid any run-ins.

And there he was, with his hands in his jacket pockets, anticipating my return. He strolled over to meet me halfway when he spotted me, and I pulled him into a hug.

"How was it? Did you go through with the plan?" he questioned as soon as I released him.

"Yes, Cameron. I kissed him".

"He didn't pull anything right?"

"Nothing that I would have let him," I joked to lighten the mood.

"Good. I'm happy you were able to put it past you, Alyssa". He said, smiling softly.

When I brought up my plan with Cameron, I wasn't sure what reaction I was going to receive from him and I was a little scared about the whole situation. But thankfully, he was fully understanding. With my best friends, it took a lot more explanation and convincing.

I smiled back at him. "It was for the best, I suppose".

"Of course. And what else than the absolute best for my girlfriend?" he asked now grinning widely.

I stood up straighter to kiss him properly. It felt safe and reassuring. Like this new relationship we were building.

For however long it lasts.