Your Blue Eyes Ch.13

Willow gazed out the glass window that separated her from the outdoors, emotionless. The only noise was the uneven clanking of the train as it continued on its way through the countryside. She didn't know where it was headed; she didn't care. Her heart hurt too much. She saw John in everything she laid eyes on. In the trees, in other people; it was a miracle she could even look at anything.
"Pardon me," the elderly woman sitting beside her said quizzically.
Willow turned her head, slightly baffled. The woman hadn't said one word to her since she got on the train; why was she deciding to talk now? "Yes?" She couldn't help becoming embarrassed by how depressed and unsociable she sounded.
The woman's eyes clouded with concern. "Something wrong?"
"N-no, it's nothing." Why should she reveal anything to this stranger?
"Oh, goodness me, I forgot. I'm Anne." Anne held out her hand, smiling kindly.
The moment they shook hands, something stirred in Willow. I can trust this woman. "Willow," she responded, managing a small smile.
"Well, that's a pretty name."
Some invisible force slammed into Willow's chest, knocking the breath out of her. That was exactly what John had said when she had told him her name. "Thanks," she replied, her voice hollow.
"You're quite welcome." Anne scrutinized her for a moment. "Troubles?"
"It's nothing serious, really-"
"Boy troubles?"
Willow stiffened. Anne smiled tightly, knowing that she had been correct. How did she know? Willow wondered.
As if Willow had spoken her thoughts out loud, Anne affirmed, "You just seem the proper age to be having these kinds of problems." She shrugged. "You can tell me, you know."
Again, another John-line. "I was a girl once, too," the older woman prompted gently.
"I… I'm going through… a complication with my… b-boyfriend." The word felt unnatural in her mouth. She had never referred to John as her boyfriend. Then what is he to me?
"And why are you here, on this train, away from him?"
"I'm a coward that runs away from her problems."
"Nonsense! I've only known you for ten minutes and I only see a young lady who feels lost. Not a coward."
Willow shot her a grateful glance. "But what do you think I should do?" she questioned.
"What do I think? I think you should consider going back to him and working everything out. If he really loves you, he'll understand."
The only flaw that Willow could see was that her boyfriend was a huge celebrity who would probably move on to another girl. Just the fact that he had stayed with her for so long still confused her. Despite her doubts, she considered Anne's plan anyway. After a few minutes she decided, "I will. But I think I just need to… get away from everything for a bit."
"That sounds reasonable," Anne approved. "Where are you planning on staying?"
"Oh, I don't know. A hotel somewhere, probably."
"Hogwash! You're more than welcome to stay with me if you'd like. I live near here. In fact, it's the next stop."
Willow didn't know what to make of this. Such a sudden and very generous offer from someone she had just met. "Well, that's very kind of you, but I don't want to be a bother."
"Oh, you won't be a bother, dear. All of my grandchildren have grown up, and I do enjoy guests."
Willow smiled. "Thank you so much, Anne."
"Oh, it's no problem, dear. Anything for a girl in need." She winked.


As Willow found out, she quite liked Anne's house. It felt like an actual, normal house, for one thing, and if she didn't know any better, she would've called it home.
After they had arrived and settled down a bit, Anne made tea, and the two of them sat on the sofa, sipping from their cups and watching the news. They made idle chitchat about various things, from flowers to pets to tomorrow's breakfast.
Anne suggested, after quite a bit of time had passed, "Why don't you retire for the night? Something tells me you've had a long day."
Willow didn't protest. She thanked Anne for the tea and made her way to her new bedroom. Laying down on the bed, she retrieved her duffel bag from the floor and sifted through its contents. Some money. Clothes. A silver locket that John had given to her for their one-month anniversary; she quickly put that away. And lastly, a simple photograph of her and John, his arms around her waist, both of them laughing. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't take her eyes off of the photograph. They looked so happy - no, were so happy - a few months ago. Now look where we are, she thought resentfully.
She couldn't refrain from admiring the way that John smiled. Even his eyes smiled. It was all she could do not to cry. There were no words to describe how much she missed him. Get over it, she told herself. You're going back to make things right. Not now, but soon. If he's not with another girl…
Willow glowered at the photograph, angry at herself, at the world, for causing so many problems. Why did she have to be so dramatic and run off when she had had the best life ever? Her mind abruptly changed course, and she recalled the day the photo had been taken.

"Hurry up, silly girl!" John laughed.
Willow sped up and when she caught up to him, tackled him to the grassy ground. "Caught you!" she boasted.
"Oh?" John teased.
She gazed down at him and ran her fingers through his hair. George, Paul, and Ringo came into view, panting heavily. "Jeez, what's the rush?" Ringo asked ruefully. "It's just a meadow."
"Not a meadow; the meadow!" Willow corrected him.
"Sure."
Ignoring him, she turned her attention to the very still John beneath her. "John?" she said worriedly. When he didn't respond, she shook him, yelling, "John!"
After a moment, she stopped, close to tears. John's eyes fluttered open, and he flashed that amazing smile. "Fooled ya," he whispered, lifting his head and giving her a kiss.
That wasn't funny, John. I thought you passed out!" Willow sulked.
"But I didn't."
"Still!"
He grinned impishly. "What would you do if I died?"
"I'd cry."
He chuckled. "I might die if you don't give me a kiss."
"No. I'm still mad at you."
John wheezed dramatically. "I see… the light!" he rasped, clutching his heart.
Willow rolled her eyes. "Grant my dying wish! I wish to die after receiving a kiss!" John puffed.
"No one likes a person who rhymes."
"For Christ's sake, girl, I-" Willow managed to shut him up by locking lips with him.
It was a while before they broke apart, though it was only because they needed air. John stared up at her affectionately. "I love you," he murmured.
"I love you, too," Willow replied without hesitation.
"Aww!" the other three gushed. George wiped away a tear. "Most beautiful thing I've ever witnessed!" he blathered proudly.
Willow and John got to their feet. Without warning, John unexpectedly enveloped her in his arms, tickling her mercilessly. Willow laughed. "Stop that, John!"
John, too, was howling with laughter. "Nope!"
Paul simpered. "I smell a photo-op!" He snatched Ringo's camera from his neck and snapped a picture.

Willow sighed heavily, tucking the picture safely back into a small compartment in her bag. I want to go home. The thought weaseled its way in before she had time to even process it. As much as she loved Anne's house, it wasn't home, and she knew that. My home is back in Liverpool. With John. She fell into a dreamless sleep, the thought embedded in her mind.