Stumbling Through

Once Gone

Got it finished! *Self hi-five* only three chapters left to go! I'm buzzing, and also trying hard to stay awake right now...I got about three hours sleep last night and now I'm dog tired :'(

ANYWAY as always PLEASE ENJOY::

Chapter Twenty-Six

Willow’s POV:

It happened. My stomach felt hollow as I pressed the doorbell. It opened a second later revealing Derek’s father. He looked worn, wearing yesterday’s clothes with his hair dishevelled and out of place.

“Hi Willow.” He said standing back so he could open the door wider to allow me inside. “Derek’s upstairs with a couple of friends.”

I’d rushed straight from dance to be here, leaving Lucy teaching in my place. My face was still flushed red, and I was still wearing my leggings and loose t-shirt I usually taught in.

“Hi.” I said stepping through the doorway. “Thanks for calling me. How’s Derek?”

Sam gave me a sad smile. “As good as can be expected.” He said, nodding his head. “He’ll be glad you’re here though.”

I gave him a sad smile in return.

He rubbed his eye tiredly with the heel of his hand, as he closed the front door to his house.

“How are you?” I asked. I’d definitely seen him better.

Sam Reed’s lips pulled into a more honest smile at my question. “You’re sweet, Willow.” He said kindly. “I’m honestly okay.”

I questioned the ‘honestly’ but chose to say silent about it. I didn’t know Derek’s father that well, and it really wasn’t my place to butt in.

“Oh, and I almost forgot.” Sam Reed said straightening slightly; he walked across the room, reaching up to one of the shelves, before turning back to me. “One of the nurses said she left this for you, Willow.” He walked back to me with one of his hands outstretched.

My eyebrows wrinkled in confusion. He was holding out a small piece of paper.

“For me?” I asked.

I’d only met Derek’s mother a couple of times.

Cautiously I took the slim sheet of paper from his outstretched hand. It was an A5 sheet that had been folded over, and had jagged edges as if ripped from a notebook.

Unfolding it I sucked in a sharp breath.

To Willow,

Thank you for making him happy.

-Jasmine.

My heart cracked in my chest, and unexpected tears rushed to my eyes as I read the simple note.

Blinking back the urge to cry I looked back up at Derek’s father.

“She was an amazing woman, wasn’t she?” I asked.

He smiled slightly. “One of the best.” He agreed as he reached forwards giving my shoulder a short comforting squeeze. My hold on the note tightened slightly, wishing I’d gotten a chance to talk to her more than once.

Shaking the thought away I carefully folded the note back over, putting it inside my sports bag’s front pocket where it’d be most safe.

Wiping at my eyes to get rid of the tears that had built up there, I drew in a deep breath. “Is Derek in his room?” I asked, clearing my throat slightly so I didn’t sound so choked up.