by TC Rybicki
Doug reluctantly let Tanner pull him out of the room and hopefully outside.
Willow dabbed the wet cloth on Brantley’s cheek before handing him the ice bag. “Here, you need to keep this on or it’ll swell.”
Brantley winced, “Too late for that. I feel like I got hit by a truck, face first.”
“I’m so sorry. You didn’t deserve this. Are you sure you don’t need a doctor?”
“Naw, I’m good. I guess I learned my lesson.”
“You can’t be serious. What lesson could you be referring to?”
“I didn’t pay attention to the school legends.”
“I’m not following.” Brantley seemed confused from the attack.
“I was warned not to pursue you.”
“Warned? By who?”
“A few people, guys in the locker room when I asked about you. Apparently, a threat was issued a few years back to stay away from Willow Chadwyk or else.”
“By whom?” She already knew but needed confirmation.
“Your brother, that’s who. I thought I might be in the clear since he was at Duke. But apparently, he still has eyes on you. This might earn me another ass kicking but it was worth it. I mean, spending prom night with you was worth it, Willow.”
Willow’s heart pounded against her chest wall. She didn’t know where the delayed-adrenaline rush came from, but hearing Dutch issued such a threat at school years ago was more upsetting than the actual brawl that just took place in front of her. It was also damn confusing. He had his pick of girls the entire time, so why was she forbidden the chance to date anyone?
She struggled with a response, “He’s not my brother.”
“Yeah, I heard the story, but his family took you in after, well, I’m sure you don’t need reminding because it sounded traumatic.”
“You know?” No one ever mentioned that stuff to her. “I never talked about my childhood with you.”
“Sure, I guess everybody knows. I wasn’t gossiping, but I wanted to know more about you. I don’t blame the guy, Doug, is it? I’m protective of my little sister too.”
Brantley acted as if he understood, but he made himself less appealing with each word and defending Dutch cinched it. He would never be her boyfriend. Willow suspected classmates talked about her behind her back that first year at school, but she had no idea rumors persisted. She would always be the woods’ girl.
“I have to go home.”
“Okay, let me see who’s sober. I don’t think I’m alright to drive just yet. Don’t be upset. I swear I’m okay.”
“Please, forget it. Forget all this crap, forget me. You’re nice, but I can’t see you again. I’ll find a ride. You rest, use the ice, and I’m glad you’re not hurt. Goodbye, Brantley.”
Willow didn’t see anyone she wanted to get in a car with, so she started walking along the gravelly road that led home all alone. She had a beautiful prom dress draped over her shoulder and a pair of sparkly heels that hurt to dance in looped around her fingers. All the other girls changed as soon as prom was over, so she didn’t want to stand out. All that fuss for a few hours seemed like such a waste now.
Home was a good two miles to the south, quicker if she took a shortcut, but Willow stayed out of the woods these days. The second set of headlights she encountered caused her to shield her eyes. Oh shit, the first car passed without instance, but this one was turning around. Adrenaline flooded her veins and fear overwhelmed her. All Willow had for defense was a spikey heel and her natural speed. She thought a few seconds about taking off running in her bare feet, but then the horn honked, and she realized this was a rescue mission, not danger lurking along the country roads.
Walt came after her. That meant he knew.
She took a deep breath to calm her frazzled nerves. Walt rolled down the window to speak to her, “Young lady. What have we always told you?”
“Call. No matter the circumstance, if you’re upset, unsafe, or even if you’re breaking the rules, call. Don’t take chances… ever.”
“So, you did remember?”
How could she forget those words from the only adults that ever cared about her? Dawn and Walt promised they would always pick up the phone no matter what time of night. It was a promise to all their children.
“Sorry, I wasn’t thinking.”
Walt nodded knowingly. Willow was sure her words were slurred. He knew she’d been drinking, but there was no yelling or judgment. She only saw understanding eyes. They were the eyes she focused on that night in the back of an ambulance because Walter volunteered to ride with her. Dutch begged, but the crew said one adult only.
“Get in the car, honey.”
“I’m sorry. I can explain.”
“Not tonight. I’ll tell you what I told those boys, everything can wait until the morning.” All three of them had broken a rule. Willow had learned to find comfort in them. Tanner was usually obedient as well. Not Dutch. He was the official rule breaker. Once, he’d insisted those types of people were the ones that made it the farthest in life.
Willow wanted to be as calm as Walt and let it all wait until the morning, but she couldn’t. Dutch’s door was open. He was sitting up in the bed with the lights off when she entered the room.
Of all the things he needed to say, first thing out of his mouth was, “Dad’s pissed.”
“Maybe, but he didn’t show it.”
“Ha! Of course, not in front of you. Fucking Tanner spewed like a geyser. Told him about lying that he had met his buddies at the movies. He was supposed to be at Randy’s all night for video game tournament not a kegger. Then he told Dad you were drunk with your date and I tried to kill him so expect a call or the police any minute. I would have heard plenty tonight from him, but he was too worried about you.”
“Tanner hates lying as much as I do. We’re getting grounded in the morning, I bet.”
“Not me. I don’t live here. Maybe I’m getting arrested though. I figured your pussy boyfriend called the cops as soon as he could move.”
“He didn’t. He won’t, and Brant’s not my boyfriend.”
Dutch flipped on his lamp, so Willow closed the door behind her. They needed to talk.
“You had me fooled then because you gave a non-boyfriend free reign of your body. I never expected that behavior from a such a goody-two-shoes like you, Wills.”
She shook her head, “You’re such an asshole.”
“Good, at least one of us is staying true to themselves. Go to bed. Expect a raging headache in the morning. Maybe you and your non-boyfriend can share a painkiller.”
“You aren’t even sorry. Unbelievable. And Brant doesn’t blame you. There won’t be any consequences to your behavior. I swear that’s the story of your entire life.”
“The only thing I’m sorry about is that he was still able to carry on a conversation. I shouldn’t have held back. You were drunk. He had you alone about to take advantage and you thought he was romantic. That’s sick. Let me guess, he isn’t pressing charges because you promised an encore in return. Something he couldn’t turn down?”
“No, pig, but thanks for making me sound like a whore. He didn’t listen to the warnings, apparently. Amazing how that idiot thinks he deserved the beating because he has a little sister too. I’m done with him not that it’s any of your business, and I’m done here.” Willow turned around to leave. She wasn’t sure what she expected to gain from talking to him. Dutch rarely admitted wrongdoing.
A large hand covered hers before she could open the door. Willow was furious with him, but she leaned back a little to feel his body heat. His forehead rested against her damp head. She headed straight to the shower after Walt brought her home. Willow had erased all traces of her prom-self. Dutch wasn’t moving away. She felt him everywhere, breathing, struggling, waiting.
Willow didn’t turn around, “Why are you so jealous?”
“Wills, it isn’t about jealousy.”
“Then what is it?”
“You’re too speci
al for all of them. I’m protecting you.” Willow tried to turn around so that she could face him, “No, please, don’t turn around not right now.”
She let her head hit the door a few times gently, so she didn’t wake anyone but prayed it was enough to knock some sense into herself. As mad as she was, Willow wanted nothing more than to turn around, return to his arms and kiss him like they had in the afternoon. Wanting her best friend like that was a secret Willow hid from everyone, including herself.
“Did you ever consider the boys at school were not who I needed protection from?”
Dutch held a piece of her hair, slowly rubbed his fingers to the ends before moving her hair out of the way, so he could rub her neck with the back of his knuckles, “Every fucking day.”
She shivered from that contact, and her voice quivered, “We could try…”
He stopped her, dropped his hand, stopped touching her, “No, we can’t, and I won’t because you’ve already endured too much and you’re still sixteen, about to graduate early, completely unprepared for how cruel this world is. The least I can do is maintain a safe environment for you. This is our home, and I only want good memories here for you, Wills.”
“So, that’s it. The kiss meant nothing, and the rest of your bullshit is over-protectiveness because you pity me. You’re no different from all the kids at school. I’m still the woods’ girl, the freak, the victim, born into a cult and basically an idiot.”
“No, Wills. You’re brilliant. I’m jealous of your GPA. Things will be better when you get to Duke. It’s just this small community, the rumors, and a bunch of morons that don’t deserve you.”
“I don’t even want to go to that over-priced college. I only applied because you’re there.”
“And you got in like it’s easy.”
“I think I’ll stay here and get a certificate in travel.”
He stepped back, but blocked her with his hand on her shoulder, so she couldn’t move away from the door and turn around to have a normal conversation with him.
“Hell no. You will not pass up a full ride to Duke for a piece of paper that allows you to get average people deals to Hawaii.”
“A degree from Duke is also a piece of paper. I don’t want to go.”
“You’re going.”
He didn’t mention the kiss or deny he pitied her. Willow didn’t need him to admit it; she knew. “I’m going to bed.”
“Good, we need sleep and clearer heads.”
“I’m closing my door.”
“Wills come on.”
“Fine, I won’t if you look at me.” Doug dropped his hand and Willow turned around, but he walked away and went to the window. She was mortified by the rejection. It wasn’t enough for her to shut her door. Willow scooted her heavy chest in front of it for extra security. For one moment, she thought things could be different, but it was a stupid fantasy. Dutch was right; the world was cruel, and she wasn’t prepared for it.
Present day
The phone buzzed between her fingertips again. Kit made her silence the sound a hundred miles ago. Willow giggled at his texts; she missed Dutch more than she ever had. They only saw each other for her prenatal checkup and a quick dinner since that eventful birthday weekend. Things changed on her birthday. She was more confident in their relationship. Wills and Dutch were trying to be more than best friends for the first time even if that fact was unspoken between them.
“You know, someone is driving this luxury SUV, someone you haven’t seen in months. Obviously, since you got yourself knocked up at the sperm drive-thru. Tell, Doug to buzz off. What could you two possibly have to text about for three hours when you’ve known each other forever? And what’s so funny? Share, I like jokes too.”
“Just work stuff,” Willow lied to her friend. Half the stuff Doug texted were derogatory jabs about Kit, but plenty was the truth. Willow knew her female bestie had issues, but she came through for her many times. Even this luxury ride she acquired from her job was extra considerate. They were going to rent an economy car until she realized Willow was expecting, and Kit wanted her to be comfortable.
“Wow, who would have thought coronary artery disease was a laugh riot? Put him on Facetime, I want to hear the heart joke of the day.”
Willow typed, she wants to talk.
Doug called her before she had the chance to tell him to behave.
“Kit, beautiful, how the hell are you?”
Kit flipped her hair as if Dutch could see her. Willow tilted the phone, so he could. She quickly put the phone back on herself. He made a gagging gesture with his finger to his lips, but Kit did not repulse him; he was all man. Everyone thought Katrina Bloom was a goddess with her silky blonde hair, banging body, and green eyes which sparkled like gemstones. It wasn’t just a saying. Kit was gorgeous, and she didn’t let anyone forget it. Dutch said it ruined her looks for him.
Willow didn’t know how this Facetime would go. Texting in private was one thing but how could she expect to keep the charade going while he was in front of her, speaking to her with his smooth sexy voice? Kit believed the insemination story. Telling their family and the doctor was one thing, but neither of them trusted Kit who loved to blab. Willow didn’t want to hear her opinions on this. She thought she was nuts as it was for wanting kids.
“Doug, you should have come. I’d share my room since you know Willow is so stingy.”
Kit’s horrible flirtation was the last thing he wanted to hear. He mouthed, I hate her, so Willow covered his face with her hand.
“Um, Wills, I’m in the dark and I need to speak to Kit.”
She was afraid, but pointed her cell at the driver, “Hey, Willow needs to stop and walk around. I hope she told you that.”
“I know. She’s good, I’ve been stopping, but if she wouldn’t drink so much damn water, she wouldn’t always need to pee.”
“Well, the water’s necessary. Wills are you drinking enough?”
“Yes, Doctor and I have healthy snacks.”
“Snacks? Didn’t y’all stop for lunch?”
“No, not a proper one, but we’ll have a big dinner tonight. I’m scoping out places as we speak I want to review for the blog.”
Kit turned up her nose, “Ugh, no honey, I don’t want to eat at a fancy restaurant after this four-hour car trip.”
“Well…”
Doug shook his head. He was irritated.
“Scope out bars instead, one large order of cheese fries and you’ll be good to go. That’s all the basic food groups if you’d finally try bacon.”
Dutch spoke loud and clear over the phone, “Willow isn’t eating cheese fries in a bar tonight. She already skipped lunch.”
Willow stammered, “I should go. We’re coming up to the populated area. I need to give Kit directions.”
“Oh, I can give Kit directions if she intends to take you to a bar tonight.” Willow hit the end button without a real goodbye. Kit’s tastes in bars wasn’t the best; she didn’t go with upscale or classy. Willow predicted the next word out of his mouth, so she hung up on him.
Dutch: Kit can go straight to hell! Tell her right now. You wouldn’t be caught dead in one of those skeevy, STD-infested dumps she enjoys. You’re pregnant for God’s sake. Wills! I’m calling back.
Wills: No. I’ll handle it.
Willow shut her phone off. It was almost dead anyway. They could use the car’s navigation system to get to the resort. Surely, Kit was joking. Willow told her what this trip was about. She had certain responsibilities for her job and bars weren’t on the agenda. The resort had three to choose from, so she had no problem accompanying her friend to one of those after they had a nice meal.
Kit came in her room wearing a skintight black dress after they unpacked. It wasn’t freshening up the way Willow did. She assumed Kit’s clothing was a dress, but maybe it was her underwear. “You can’t wear that to this place. It’s family-friendly.”
“I already told you I can’t go there. I’m not in the mood and you hat
e fish.”
“They serve more than fish. The menu is full of other fresh fare.”
“Willow, jeez, that sounds so borrowing, and this is girls’ weekend. Let’s go out for fun tonight, please. Tomorrow we can do what you want.”
“The last time I went to a club with you was a disaster.”
“No, it wasn’t. You were just rusty with your pickup game.” Willow didn’t have a pickup game. “Honey, please, I came on this trip to unwind. Work’s been crazy. Besides, it’s not safe to go out solo. I need you to be my sidekick. Lone, single ladies always look so desperate. And you’re my DD since you’re knocked up. Pretty please. I love you, bestie.”
She’d feel terrible if something bad happened. Kit had been in some precarious situations before. She didn’t have the best judgment even at thirty. “Hold on, I need to grab my phone.”
Willow dreaded to turn on her cell to see what Dutch had to say. She became unnerved when it did not turn on at all. She clearly put it on a charger when they arrived at the resort.
“My cell isn’t working.”
“Oh, well, you can use mine if you need it.”
“No, it’s just Dutch might have called back. You know how he is.”
“Yes, he is a major downer which makes no sense considering his hotness. He didn’t try to call me, so he’s probably chill.”
“You changed your number last month.” Her pregnancy brain forgot to mention that to him. He only had Kit’s old number, but some guy she had hooked up with was stalking her, supposedly. Willow could call Dutch, but it would end up being more drama than she wanted. She was already over this girls’ night out by the time they pulled into the parking lot.
Finally, her damn phone had enough charge to talk. Willow realized when she made it back to the hotel a few of the plugs in the room didn’t work at all. She unplugged the bedside lamp to find one that did. Dutch had called all evening. The hotel phone had ten messages as well. He was going to be furious with her but mostly Kit. Willow was more than furious with her friend after what happened. It was horrible. The club allowed smoking which made her sick to her stomach. The men were especially gross, and Willow was so paranoid to eat or drink in there, she almost passed out near the end. When she pulled Kit off the dance floor to insist they go back to the resort, she blew her off, told Willow she looked too tired to be out and should leave her because she met someone that intrigued her.