The Succession: Sequel To The Passage (h.s.)

Chapter Two

***Warning adult content. Not recommended for young readers. Another note, if you don't like it don't read it. Just move along. For the rest of you, enjoy the rebooted version of this chapter***

Willow's POV

The tender caress of Harry's lips on mine is heavenly. There's no better to wake up than with such amazing news and his warm kiss while he softly strokes my cheek. I want more from him, but I've decided to push my eagerness aside. I don't want to make Anne feel uncomfortable while watching us make out. No matter how badly I want Harry close to me right now, I have entirely too much respect for her to act like a horny teenager in her presence. And besides, I've been unconscious off and on for almost two days. I have no clue how he has any desire to kiss me right now, I'm sure I could use a good teeth brushing. Why does my mind venture into such odd places when it's racing?

But back to the topic of Anne, I can't believe she told me to call her mum. Her words keep softly repeating in my head. She's such a tender soul and her voice is just as smooth as silk. Everything about her is calming, Harry most obviously inherited that from her. It's obvious she would move heaven and earth to support not only her son, but me and the girls as well. I've never met anyone like Anne, and I don't think I ever will again.

There is something I'm struggling with though; I really miss my own mother. I always do during the most painful and amazing times in my life as well as everything in between. I'd give anything to have her celebrate these times with us. Even after we're grown and have children of our own, many of us still long for our mothers to share these moments. Just like when we're small children, we strive for our parents to be proud of us. We wait patiently with eager eyes for the words of praise or the look of pride. Being without these things has made me feel like there's a gaping hole, a piece that is forever an open wound. I search for ways to fill it myself, but until I met Anne, there has been nothing which has sufficed.

Anne's nurturing heart doesn't ease all this pain, but it makes it much more bearable. I'm so lucky to have her in my life. I'm still not sure if I believe in an afterlife, but if there is one, I know my mom is peacefully watching over us. Neither of us ever had a man who cherished us the way we deserved, I'm sure she'd be delighted knowing that I have Harry to love me unconditionally. He's helped me break our cycle of being married to absent and/or abusive men. This isn't just a reward for me, but for Lark and Lily as well. They deserve to have a happy mother who's treated with love and respect. Nothing in life is a guarantee but living with parents who are in a strong healthy relationship sets an example of how they should be treated and how they should treat others as they grow.

"I'm going to the hotel to get settled in. I'm a little tired from travelling, I'll check in with you later. I love you darlings."

She kisses us both on the forehead.

"Love you too Mum."

Harry wraps his long arms around her torso and squeezes her tight.

"I love you Mum. Thank you for being here for Harry and making sure I'm ok. I hope you know how grateful I am for you."

"Of course sweetheart. I'll be here for both of you whenever you need me, always."

***

Harry and I are now alone in my hospital room. I'm exhausted and I don't really want to get out of bed, but I need to get cleaned up a bit. I'd kill for a toothbrush and toothpaste right now. And possibly a hairbrush to untangle this mess upon my head. I know I can't walk around on my own at this point, and it's not like he'd let me anyhow so I may as well ask for his help.

"Harry, I feel disgusting, will you walk me to the restroom so I can get cleaned up?"

"You're not disgusting darling. But if it makes you feel more comfortable of course I'll take you. Give me your hand."