Friday, March 2, 2012

the presence of others



Willow hated that she'd doubted Jules. It was horribly quiet the next hour or so. Even after they shut down and went home. He would not say anything more to her. A mad silence was growing between them. He turned to his books to study, and she stood at the window back at their place, wondering what the weather would do. It was a murky cold out. Just as the last week was. A little flurry, here and there, but some rain. Nothing was changing. Not a sign of spring yet.

"I'm sorry." She finally blurted. But Jules didn't accept it. Evidently. She finally came over and put her hand at his shoulder and stroked his mop of messy hair. At least, he let her.

"Nothing, happened with Josie. Not that. All right." He could barely speak.

"I know. I know." She sighed barely above a whisper.

"Evidently not." His voice was barely there. Were they really having an argument? "I don't know who you think I am. Seriously, I'm not that guy. Haven't been for a long time."

"I don't want you to doubt me," Jules sadly said. He looked up at Willow. "I want to do the right thing, when I'm with you. And yeah, I..I know I was harsh with Josie. That's the way I used to be. I..thought for awhile..it must have been the drinking..or old habits..I dunno..I could still be that person, but I'm not. I'm really not, Will."

She couldn't help but smile as he tugged at her. Willow sat in his lap. She kissed him as if it were a promise. She wouldn't bring up Josie. Hopefully, Jules would never bring up Topher, either.

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