Willow Danes

Early Mornings

I run down the stairs holding my backpack with my teeth, as I try to pull on my blue blazer, which I get on about halfway down the stairs and slip on my bag.

I run behind the counter, lift the lid to the muffin container, grabbing a blueberry one, and run to the door.

"I'm sorry I can't help today. I have to get to school early," I yell to Luke as he comes out of the kitchen.

"Wait, lunch," he yells.

He turns around, grabbing the teddy bear covered lunch box off the counter. It had a long shoulder strap on it he just placed around my neck.

I laughed and turned to the door, running out.

"Have a great day!" Luke yells from the diner door.

"Love you!" I call over my shoulder.

"You too," he yells after a second.

I smile. He's great. I love him.

I make it to the bus stop a few minutes early, so I sit on the bench pulling out my book, which I'll finish with by the time I get to school.

My hair grows fast, so I cut it. It reaches the bottom of my neck, and all remaining red and blonde is now gone. I have the top part pulled into a little ponytail and tied off with a blue bow that matches my school uniform.

My reading doesn't last long, as my book is startled out of my hands.

"Morning stranger!" my girlfriend yells, leaning over the back of the bench.

"Jesus Christ! Scarlett Paige!" I yell.

She laughs and walks around, picking up my book for me.

"Good morning, beautiful," she says, holding the book out to me.

"Good morning," I replied.

As I try to grab it she pulls the book away.

"It'll cost you, chocolate locks," she says, smiling.

I grin, leaning a bit to kiss her. As I pull back I shiver. My uniform jacket isn't enough to block out the cold.

"You're off early this morning, I almost missed you," Scarlett says, sitting next to me.

"I got to get to school early. I need help with something, and this is the only time I'll be getting it," I explain.

"Oh, how is school anyway?"

"Good, I'm doing all right, but not the greatest. Are we still on to hang out later?"

"Definitely, I miss my girl," she replies.

I lean into her, resting my head on her shoulder. She's so pretty. Because of the chilly weather, her sunset blonde hair has darkened to a golden honey color.

The bus pulls up, and I stand.

"Have a wonderful day," she says.

"Love you, too," I reply, kissing her again.

I hand her my muffin I didn't eat and walk up the steps of the bus.

"I love Scarlett Paige."

"Love you too, Willow Elizabeth," she says, smiling.

I get on the bus, sitting in the back like always. The journey gives me time to finish my last three chapters and review my notes for my history test later today.

I enter the building, drop some stuff off at my locker, and go to my English class. Luckily in a school of unfamiliarity my English teacher was a person I had some knowledge of. 

"Good morning, Ms. Danes," he says.

Set my stuff down on the desk right in front of his, and start pulling out what I need.

"Hello, Arturo," I reply smiling.

"I believe you're supposed to call me Mr. Medina in class," he replies, returning my smile.

"Well, technically we aren't in class yet," I tell him.

"Well, I guess you're right. What can I help you with?" he asks.

We talk for about 20 minutes about my paper that is due at the end of the week. He answers all my questions and I pack up to leave.

"Bye, Max," I say.

"Have a good day Willow," he replies.

"You wanted to be a clown," I laugh as I walk out.

"I'll see you in class, Ms. Danes," he says.

I leave the room laughing. Everyone who knows Rory knows we know each other.

Including Mr. Medina. Which causes me to mess with him sometimes. He's fine with it. He's super nice.

I walk around to find somewhere to sit and read until classes start. My Chilton experience isn't nearly as exciting as Rory's.

No super smart girl trying to battle it out with me, no guy trying to get with me. No one really bothers me, so no drama, but that also means I don't really have friends.

Luke is doing well, Lorelai is going crazy with the construction and everything going on with the Dragonfly.

Jess is... alive. Not starving to death. Not homeless. That's as much as I know.

Life is good. I'm... content.

I'm kind of bored.