Fairy (manxman)

8: Ryan/ Willow

Ryan

My hands nervously shook as I knocked on the large front door in front of me. After taking a shaky breath I wiped my now sweaty palms onto my shorts as the door opened and Willow appeared. His long hair was pulled up into a bun, his narrow frame accentuated in a fitted blue shirt and shorts. A large smile was spread onto his face as he looked up at me like he was truly excited to see me. That thought alone was just crazy to me, how could he actually be happy to see me? After what I did to him basically his entire life? It might be selfish but I wanted to keep seeing that excited look on his face. It made me realize no one had ever looked at me that way in my entire life. No one had ever been excited to see me. And I didn't want to lose that.

"Hey," he said while closing the door behind him.

"Hey, you ready to go?" He nodded while starting to walk down the front steps gingerly. "How's your back feeling?"

He shrugged while I led him towards my truck. "I have good and bad days. But usually if I just take some ibuprofen I feel better."

"Have you been back on the ice since?"

After opening the passenger door for him I watched him slide in while he said, "No. I haven't even put my skates on. I know I've been skating my entire life but I'm actually a little afraid to get back out there."

Those eyes were then hesitantly looking up at me, where I could see fear. "You, fearful? Sorry Willow, I don't believe that." He smiled, the fear disappearing from his eyes. "You're the bravest person I know."

With that I shut the door and quickly got in the driver's seat before starting up the truck. We made the short trip downtown where I actually found a good parking space. We then started to walk around the different vendors, the smell of different food wafting in the air.

"Oh Ryan look!" Willow said while walking over to a small booth with what looked like different caramels on it. "These are so good, my dad and I always get some."

"I don't think I've ever tried them."

He gasped as the woman behind the table smiled at us. "Hi Willow! Great to see you."

"Hi Pam! I'm hoping you still have some of my favorites left."

She smiled while reaching into a box and pulling out different bags. "You know I do. Anything for my favorite customer."

I couldn't help but smile while watching their interaction. After he was handing her money and taking the bag from her, they chatted for a little bit longer before turning back towards me. "Pam, this is my friend Ryan. He's actually never been here before."

Pam smiled at me before saying, "It's a pleasure to meet you Ryan. You have the best tour guide there is."

Willow was laughing as he pulled me away, after I greeted Pam. He was then holding up multiple different colored bags, all filled with what looked like caramels. "Now, are you allergic to anything, nuts?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

He looked almost giddy as he asked, "What do you like better then... pecans, chocolate or plain caramel?"

"They all sound pretty good to me, how about you choose one for me?"

I watched as he was opening a bag and handing me a small wrapped piece of caramel, that looked like it had pecans in it. "Try this one."

After placing the wrapper into my palm I got my wallet out to pay him back. He immediately saw what I was doing and said, "No way are you paying me back. This is my treat."

My insides were feeling weird as I stared down at the small piece of caramel in my palm. No one had ever bought me anything; even my parents stopped buying things for me when I was young. I had to compose myself before looking up at him, having to clear my throat. "Thank you."