Chapter 1
"I'll see you in just a few months." My boyfriend, Otto Wade, spoke softly into my hair as I hugged him.
My arms were wrapped tightly around his middle and my head was pressed into his chest, breathing in his scent so I could remember it while he was gone.
"I'm going to miss you."
"Don't worry Willa, you'll be back with me in just a few months.
Then we can get our future started."
Otto was leaving to go to Islington University all the way in Quietus, while I am staying here in our small town, Glenwood, in Timberfall for a bit longer.
He was going on a full ride scholarship for baseball which was incredible, so he couldn't pass the opportunity up.
It was something he has always wanted so if I held him back he would only resent me.
So, while he was off at college I would be here helping my mom out and earning some more money before going to the same school.
My mom recently got diagnosed with cancer so I needed to stay here with her for a bit.
With my father out of the picture and a younger brother they needed me.
It just sucked that he was leaving so soon.
I had months to prepare for this but it did nothing to help me for right now.
We were standing right outside of security and I didn't want to let him go.
I wasn't sure what I was going to do without him by my side.
For the past three years we have spent everyday together and this was going to be rough.
"I am going to miss my flight babe." He tried to pull away from me.
"Just don't...don't be an idiot and go drinking a lot or partying.
Do your work and call me every night.
And show those college kids how to play real baseball." Out of the two of us I was the more responsible and reasonable one.
If it wasn't for me Otto would have gone home drunk a lot or done something stupid.
"I promise.
I'll call you everyday and I won't get into trouble." He kissed my forehead as I hugged him one last time.
"I love you Otto." I grabbed the back of his neck and brought his head down to mine.
I pressed my lips against his, wanting one last kiss.
I didn't care that people were probably watching.
This was going to be my last kiss from him for a few months so I was getting all I could.
"I love you too." Otto whispered when we broke away from the kiss.
His hands were cupping my face.
"Don't you worry we will be fine.
I'll call you when I land." He kissed my lips one more time before untangling my arms from around him and took a step back.
I was swallowing thickly trying hard not to cry.
Behind me I could hear Otto's mother crying as well.
"Bye Willa." The way he said it made me think this would be the end of it.
I mean he was going far away for college and I was staying here.
Yes, I would be there soon with him but who knows what could happen in a few months.
No!
No we will be fine.
We can do long distance and we will end up together.
I fiercely told myself.
It was going to be okay.
As he said goodbye one last time to his family he grabbed his bags and turned to head for security.
This time I couldn't hold back the tears as they ran down my face.
Before he disappeared from view he turned around to look at me.
Otto blew me a kiss that just made my chest hurt worse, before disappearing.
I stood there staring after him wanting him to turn back around but he didn't.
As much as I wanted him to stay I knew I couldn't make him do that.
It was his dream to play baseball and if he could do that at a great school he had too.
It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for him.
We just had to hold out for a few months.
We could do it.
In no time I would have enough money saved, have my mom better and be by his side at Islington University.
It would happen.
It had to happen...right?
6 years later....
"Ms.
Scott, Nick is kicking my chair!"
"Am not!" Smiling and rolling my eyes I went over to the desks where the two voices were.
"Nancy, Nick how many times have I told you to get along?" I squatted down and looked at the two of them.
These two were always bickering and messing with one another.
With a classroom of first graders this was a common occurrence though.
"If you guys want to go out for recess you two better apologize to one another."
"But Ms. Scott I wasn't doing anything!" Nick pouted, crossing his arms across his little chest.
Nick was my little trouble maker so I didn't really believe him.
"Guys." I warned.
My tone wasn't harsh at all, only firm.
"Sorry." They both muttered, glaring at one another.
Grinning I stood up and moved back to the front of the room.
"Okay everyone go out and have fun at recess.
Be good!" No sooner had the words left my mouth did all of my students get up and run for the door leading outside.
I followed behind and propped the door open.
I shook my head as I watched the kids run around like maniacs.
I loved my job and this was one of the reasons.
Watching them all run around without a care in the world was sweet.
Sure teaching a bunch of first graders can be tough at times with their small attention spans.
But it was always interesting.
They kept me on my toes which I didn't mind.
"Hey, Willa." Coming towards me was another first grade teacher, aka my best friend Kayla Olson.
Her name fit her to a T. She had long red hair that was pulled into a tight braid and she had freckles along her face.
Kayla was really gorgeous.
"Hey, Kayla.
Excited for the holiday weekend?" I asked, leaning against the door.
"Of course!
It is the fall festival and and four days off.
Are you going?" Kayla stood across from me as we watched our kids.
"Yeah I am going.
I volunteered at one of the booths."
"Willa really?
You volunteered?"
"What?"
"The Fall Festival is meant to be enjoyed and to have a date with someone, not volunteer all your time."
"Kayla it isn't always about dating someone."
"No, it is about sleeping with them." She joked.
"Kayla."
"Willa you need to get out more.
You've gone on how many dates in the last year, two?"
"Two is a lot." I defended myself.
"No it isn't.
You are 24 and only have had like two boyfriends."
"That is a good thing you know." I pointed out.
"As your best friend I need to help you out.
We are going to make sure you have a great fall festival this year.
Maybe you'll find a hot guy."
"Kayla-"
"No Willa, you haven't done anything for yourself since your mom got diagnosed.
It is finally your time to do something for yourself and you will, I am making sure of it." She sounded very determined which was never a good a thing.
When Kayla got her mind on something she never lets it go.
Something I have learned in our many years of friendship.
"I love you Kayla but I don't need it.
I am fine with the way my life is."
"You may be but I am not." I didn't get to reply as another teacher headed our way.
Shaking my head I let the conversation slide.
Kayla was wrong, I didn't need to date or do anything.
I was happy with my life right now.
I had a great job, I had my own house, I had friends, what more could I want.
Sure a boyfriend would be nice but it wasn't a necessity for me.
I've gone through the whole heartbreak thing because of a guy and I didn't need to go through it again.
Once was enough for me.
So with that I pushed all of those thoughts aside.
Love was the last thing on my mind right now.