Willow

by Donna Lynn Hope

  “She’s pleasant enough,” Amber interjected. “She talks to me whenever she gets the chance.”

  “That’s because you’re the nicest person in school,” Tavia praised. “Everyone likes you.”

  “I haven’t given her much thought,” Reece added. “She seems pretty severe.”

  At that point I began paying too much attention to my food. I didn’t want her thinking that we were gossiping, which is exactly what we were doing. When I looked her way one more time, she was looking right at me but I couldn’t gauge her expression.

  I ate in silence for the next few minutes and randomly listened to various conversations around me but I didn’t join in any of them. I noticed when Lacey got up to leave and as she came near our table I kept my head down but saw that she was wearing Grecian sandals. Her toenails were painted a startling silver and then she stopped. I looked up long enough to see that she was gazing down at Amber and asked if she could talk to her. Amber stood up and they left the cafeteria together.

  Tavia took that opportunity to walk over to a boy who had, minutes before, very nearly tripped when another guy stuck his foot out in front of him. He lit up when he saw her and too quietly for anyone else to hear, began talking with her. I turned back to the table and noticed Reece watching me. The silence, which was usually so comfortable to me, was awkward so I excused myself and walked to class.

  That evening I brought up the dance to Anne who was trying to make a decorative design on the pot pie she was making. Anne couldn’t cook but she tried. Discouraged, she slammed the fork down on the counter and exclaimed, “Dammit, why can’t I do this?” Anne wasn’t known for her patience.

  I took a look at the mess, concealed my amusement, and offered to help. I demonstrated with two fingers how to crimp the edges of the crust so they looked nice. I also cracked an egg and added a little water, scrambling them together to make an egg wash. I fumbled around in Anne’s kitchen drawer until I found the right utensil and brushed the crust with the wash.

  “It’s a simple design,” I said. “But it’s fast. I like using a wash since it gives sheen to the crust. Dad taught me.”

  Anne’s face softened. “He was the better cook,” she recalled fondly.

  I nodded in agreement and decided to change subjects. “A dance is coming up.”

  She raised her eyebrows inquisitively. “The fall dance...I attend every year.”

  “I would like to go but I don’t have anything to wear,” I said apologetically. I didn’t want Anne to spend too much money, or worse, feel obligated to.

  “Oh,” she said; her tone dropping with curiosity. “Don’t worry about that! We can find something online.”

  Fed-ex and UPS were always delivering packages to Anne; she loved to shop and had impeccable taste. Me on the other hand...I stuck to basic colors because I couldn’t figure out what looked good together. Changing course she exclaimed, “Wait, I have the perfect dress!”

  She hurriedly put the pie in the oven, wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and took me by the hand and led me upstairs. She opened her closet and fumbled around until she found what she was looking for. She pulled out a long black and white dress.

  “Oriental Cheongsam,” she proudly showed off. “Of course it doesn’t fit me anymore but I could never get rid of something so beautiful.” She held it out for me to take.

  The dress wasn’t what I had in mind, it was better. Its elegance was timeless.

  “What size is it?”

  “Try it on, try it on,” Anne urged. “If it needs to be altered we can have that done.”

  Minutes later I came out of the bathroom partially zipped up and barefoot. Anne looked very pleased, “My word, you look stunning. It’s as if the dress was made for you.”

  “Really?” I asked. She nodded cheerfully and zipped me up.

  I admired the dress as I ran my hands across the silken fabric. “I promise I’ll take good care of it.”

  Anne looked thoughtful. “I know you will, but it’s yours now.”

  Chapter 10

  Reece had asked if he could escort me to the dance where we would meet up with our friends. Anne was going too and Benjamin Dalton was her unofficial date. The adults were going to one ballroom while most of the teens were going to the ballroom at the lodge.

  I stood in front of the hallway mirror and took one last look at myself. I had curled my hair and left it down, letting the length fall over my left shoulder. Anne let me borrow some of her perfume and I dabbed the tiniest amount behind my neck and admired the light floral fragrance, which wasn’t the least bit overpowering. I had seen Anne wear a beautiful anklet once and asked if I could borrow it. Anne seemed apprehensive, which was unlike her. When I asked again she handed it to me. Satisfied that I looked presentable, I flashed a look of gratitude in her direction.

  It couldn’t have been a couple minutes later when I noticed an engine cut and shortly thereafter I heard footsteps on the stairs followed by the knock. Anne was about to answer when I told her I would get it. I opened the door and was immediately taken with how nice Reece looked. He was wearing black slacks, black shoes, a white shirt and a black tie. I admired him while he admired me.

  “Wow,” he said before offering me his arm.

  “Wait!” Anne cried. “I need a picture!”

  She came towards us with her camera. I noticed Reece was admiring her, too. We turned and smiled and she arranged us in different poses until she got the right one. Satisfied, she waved us off and as I swept past her she handed me a small black wrap. “Keep warm. It’s going to be cold tonight.”

  As we walked out the door I noticed the Dodge pick-up parked in front.

  “Nice truck,” I observed.

  “I like it. I worked hard for it. It’s perfect for hauling, bringing home game or camping out in the bed.” He grinned down at me as he opened the passenger door. “Not that I’ve had a chance to do that yet.”

  I gave him a knowing look and stepped into the truck. My ankle began to itch so I discreetly leaned over to scratch. Reece closed the door, jogged around to the driver’s side and slid in next to me. After adjusting his seat belt he glanced over at me, appraising. He chuckled. “I think I’ll call you Snow White from now on.”

  “Why?” I laughed.

  “Because you look like her.”

  “What? I do not,” I continued to laugh.

  “My snow white does.”

  Feeling self-conscious, I blushed. “I’m glad you like the dress. It was my aunt’s.”

  He gave me a crooked grin, “It’s not the dress. It’s the girl wearing it…”

  By the time we entered the festive lodge my ankle was on fire. A few people came up to greet us and while Reece and his girlfriends were taking pictures together, I politely excused myself and hurried over to the hallway, which was deserted. I was so uncomfortable I stumbled. A pair of strong hands prevented my fall. I laughed in astonishment, regained my footing and attempted to straighten myself. I looked up to thank my rescuer.

  Dreamy blue-green eyes were burning into mine. He was dressed in black, and his light-brown hair wasn’t as tousled as the first time I saw him. He smelled divine, but different, not a hint of cloying aftershave or cologne. Sincerely he asked, “Are you okay?”

  His hands gripped my arms and his expression was one of masked intensity. He was intimidating, or is that what people think when they’re attracted to someone?

  “I’m fine, really.”

  He bent down and retrieved my black clutch. I didn’t even realize I had dropped it.

  “Oh, thank you,” I told him, trying to conceal the awkwardness I felt. The burning was becoming intense so I bent down and unhooked the anklet. It left a rash but at least the discomfort began to subside. I dropped the anklet into my clutch and determined that I was allergic, just as my mother had been.

  “That’s a pretty piece of jewelry,” Haven noted. He raised his brow as he noticed the mark on my ankle. “Allergic to silver?”


  “I’m not sure. My mother had an allergy to nickel, or something like that. I probably have the same thing. I usually don’t wear jewelry.”

  He seemed to consider that.

  “I’ll escort you back to the dance.”

  He extended his arm and I immediately discerned the force of his lean frame.

  “There you are,” Reece said as he approached me near the entrance of the ballroom.

  Haven raised his eyebrow but released my arm. Reece looked at him and acknowledged him dryly.

  “Haven.”

  “Reece.”

  They were sizing each other up. I looked from one to the other.

  Suddenly a soft voice purred, “You’re not going to make me wait all night, are you? I’ve already been lucky enough to see the one I came here for.”

  Without having made any noise, Lacey appeared at Haven’s side. She was wearing a slinky blue dress that matched the deep intensity of her dark eyes. Her skin was remarkably pale but her lips and cheeks couldn’t have been painted any prettier. Her blonde hair had black low lights and it was longer than I thought.

  “Haven…” Lacey repeated.

  He turned to me and whispered in my ear but the music was so loud I couldn’t understand him. By the time I asked him to repeat himself he was moving across the floor with Lacey by his side.

  “Forget him,” Reece advised. He looked at Haven with a frown on his face. “He’s a creep.”

  I was pleased when Tavia and Amber came towards us. Looking sophisticated, Tavia turned around to show off the glittery red ensemble she was wearing. Her beautiful curls framed her dark face and she was decked out in jewels. Amber was a striking contrast in a toned down simple black dress. Her hair was twisted upwards and secured in a soft French twist. She was lovely and her kind green eyes were cheerful.

  Tavia looked at me with admiration. “That dress is hot! Where on earth did you find it?”

  “My aunt gave it to me…I was lucky it fit.”

  “Your aunt has great taste,” Amber added. “In fact, by the way everyone keeps looking over here, I’d say you’re a hit.”

  “Well,” I attempted to explain. “The dress is not the usual and people tend to notice what’s different.” I didn’t want to stand out in a bad way but there were worse things than being noticed because of a great dress.

  Even though Reece and I had agreed to meet up with everyone else, we ended up dancing together most of the night. It was one of the last songs and Reece drew me in closer than usual but I didn’t object – it was easy being with him. I could feel his breath on my face but we said nothing.

  “May I cut in?” A low voice asked. We both stopped dancing and turned to look at Haven.

  “That’s rude,” Reece accused. He angled himself towards me and checked to see if it was alright. Not wanting a scene, I nodded. Haven ignored Reece but held his hand out for mine.

  “Will you dance with me?”

  I looked at the ground before lifting my eyes to look into his. “If my dancing partner doesn’t mind.”

  Before I knew it Haven’s hand was on my back and his other hand took my right hand and he began to lead. Our movements were harmonious and for the first minute or so we said nothing. It was apparent, though, that he was commanding.

  “I’m Haven,” he began. “I should have introduced myself sooner; especially since we keep running into one another.”

  “Willow,” I replied courteously.

  He raised his brows. “I know.”

  I looked away from him when I felt myself blush and saw Reece dancing with Amber. Reece was a foot taller than her so he had to lean down and I could tell they were in a deep conversation. Despite their awkward difference in height they looked good together, like a couple that has history between them.

  They made it look so easy. I had to work to keep conversations going. I could only imagine what it must be like to have a comfortable and effortless connection with someone. I didn’t even know what to say to my dancing partner. We were physically connected but our voices were still and we didn’t know each other. I began to pull away from him but we were still holding hands.

  “It was really nice dancing with you,” I said. “But I should meet up with my friends.”

  “That’s not the reason you’re leaving though,” he replied.

  When I didn’t answer he looked past me and grinned. “Would you like to go out for coffee tomorrow?”

  He was so sure of himself.

  “What makes you think I drink coffee?”

  “I know you do,” he said. His eyes seemed to wink as he looked at me.

  My heart skipped a beat. I had never had anyone talk to me the way he did. We were no longer dancing but since we were still connected, I could feel my hands radiate heat and before I had a chance to perspire, I pulled free. I bit my lip, wouldn’t look him in the eye, and reached across my waist to hold my arm. It was a nervous habit and I couldn’t tell if I hated or loved the fact he could read me so well. He was different and the physical tension between us was palpable.

  “I don’t know…” That was my brilliant reply.

  “You know and I know that you want to go.” He was challenging me.

  After a long silence I gave him directions to Anne’s house but he wasn’t writing them down. We settled on a time and before I left his side I touched him on the arm. “What did you whisper in my ear earlier?”

  He bent down enough that I could smell his scent, and I found it as appealing as he was.

  “I knew even then,” he grinned. “I told you I was looking forward to tomorrow.”

  He looked at me for a moment longer and walked away. Confused, I walked over to Reece, who was still conferring with Amber. Lacey walked by and as she did, she reached up and stroked the back of Amber’s hair. Amber looked over her shoulder and acknowledged her politely. Before I had a chance to say anything, Tavia swooped over and ushered me to the ladies room.

  “Details! What happened?” She demanded to know. She and everyone else had noticed Haven and “the new girl” dancing together.

  “It was nothing, just a dance.”

  “Nu-uh! Haven has never been seen with anyone other than his inner circle.”

  What did she expect me to say? I was just as confused as anyone else. “I don’t know Tavia. We didn’t even talk, not really.”

  “Well, you’re lucky. I don’t think you know how much.” She paused before giggling. “I mean, look what I had to dance with…” She peeked around the corner and pointed to a gangly young man with glasses--the one who very nearly tripped in the cafeteria. He happened to notice us looking in his direction and waved with too much enthusiasm. She drew me back in the restroom, still giggling. “That’s Adam. He’s liked me since I moved here during grade school!”

  I looked into the mirror and gave my hands something to do by smoothing out my hair. “I think that’s really nice. Maybe you should give him a chance.”

  She rolled her eyes but looked flattered. It was obvious something was there, but Tavia didn’t want to admit it to herself, let alone anyone else.

  By midnight the dance had dwindled and it was time to go home. Reece and I exited the lodge after saying goodnight to Amber and his other friends. I laughed as I felt a snowflake land on my face.

  “First snow of the year!” He exclaimed.

  People hurried out, some moaning, others exuberant and happy. I looked into the dark sky and held my hands out, letting the accumulation of snowflakes fall and melt into the palms of my hands.

  “Don’t get too excited, it will be gone by morning,” Reece warned.

  “Don’t ruin my fun,” I rebuked playfully. “The first snowfall of the season is magical.”

  For several minutes we stood there laughing, talking, and absorbing the wintry ambiance. It was more fun than the dance had been. I looked to my left and saw Haven standing near his car. He was looking in our direction and his expression was unreadable. Reece prodded me to follow him and before the
heater in his truck had a chance to warm up, he had me home. I thanked him and hurried inside, but not before he gave me a hug and whispered under his breath, “Catch you later Snow White.”

  Anne was already home. She was curled up on the couch under a red micro plush throw. She had a partially filled bowl of popcorn on the coffee table and an empty mug in her hands. She was immersed in an Alfred Hitchcock movie and didn’t see me in the doorway.

  “Hi,” I whispered.

  Anne practically jumped off the couch and I covered my hand with my mouth to stifle my laughter.

  “Willow! You scared the daylights out of me!” She was surprised but there was no anger in her rebuke. “So, how was it?”

  “Fun, and guess what? It’s snowing!”

  Anne paused her movie and turned around to look out the window. Together, we admired the lightly falling snow. She turned to me, “Want some tea? It will warm you up.”

  “That sounds really good. I’m going to change and I’ll be down in a minute.” I kicked off my shoes and ran upstairs with Pandora on my heels. It had been such a wonderful evening and as I sat on the couch with Anne she tucked the throw in around the both of us. Pandora settled herself near us and rested her head on her paws. Anne listened intently, taking periodic sips of caramel truffle tea, as I talked about the events of the evening. I noticed her expression change when I mentioned Reece and his father.

  “Jericho,” she stated.

  “Reece never told me his name.”

  “Yes, that’s his name. He’s a very interesting man. I’ve seen him around but he keeps to himself - the complete opposite of Reece,” she sighed.

  “You don’t like him?”

  “No, that’s not it at all. I find him very handsome but he has never noticed me,” she said.

  “I find that hard to believe. You shouldn’t assume. Everywhere we go people stare at you, men in awe, women resentfully.”

  Anne shrugged, looking slightly dejected. “Jericho lost his wife Rebecca, Reece’s mother, years ago. It was really tragic. She was so young.”

  She looked down and smoothed nonexistent wrinkles on the blanket. I looked at her and wondered if she had feelings for Jericho, but never acted on them. Anne was old-fashioned. She would never make the first move. I never saw her as insecure, quite the opposite really, but when assuming Jericho’s “lack of interest” in her, it almost seemed to pain her.