SOFT WHISPERS

@WILLADARLING UPLOADED A NEW PHOTO.

 I like going through people’s photos and seeing how much they’ve changed. So, try and tell me that I don’t have the most beautiful friend? not only does she get drunk with me but she listens to me whine. 

“Yeah I liked cheetahs cause I used to be a quarterback and I appreciated their quickness. And polar bears are just beautiful. And I mean growing up there were always those polar bear coca cola commercials, you know? So I’ve always associated with them Christmas and well..I love Christmas,” he admitted, actually pretty damn happy to finally have his first holiday season home. “I love a good fall day, though. The light breeze, jean jacket or something, it’s..beautiful. Especially here in Edens. It’s like a dream.” He took a deep breath, imaging the start of the school year, Amelia and Brooks hanging by his truck before they went to class. Late afternoons after practice sitting on the bed of his truck with beers or food. The hope he had, the endless path of opportunity ahead of him. He wondered if he’d ever get to a point where he didnt’ yearn for it. “I grew up here,” he explained, a proud smile growing his lips. “Only been back for a few weeks, did a lot of work further up north,” he told her, finding that was the easiest explanation these days without having to tell the full truth. “Nice to be home, I’ll tell you that. Nothing like this place,” he added, stuffing his hands into his pockets as they started off towards the restaurants by the water. “I work part time at the book store,” he added and glanced over at her. “You much of a reader?”

She nodded her head slightly, a smile curled onto her peach fibers, tucking the blonde lock behind her ear. “That makes sense, I like how unique all animals are. Bit like superheroes. Polar Bears have their strength, cheetahs their speed. There’s something inherently cool about that,” she mused, tilting her head as the though pondered her mind. She adjusted her bag on her shoulder, making a mental note to empty the excess crap out of it when she got home tonight. Sick of carrying around pointless garbage that she seemed to keep collecting. “Right? A night warm sweater, the leaves falling and seeing everyone getting excited for pumpkin pie and halloween,” she mused in delight, a contented sigh parting her lips.  Feeling the light breeze against her features, she glanced back to him. “Must be a lovely place to grow up,” she  admitted lightly, her feet pounding the pavement lightly. It was so different from New York. “I can imagine–– working at a bookstore? that must be so peaceful,” she could only imagine being able to flip through pages,  “I love books...I wish I could say I read a lot but I've not really stuck to it, I get distracted by other things or fall asleep.” She admitted sheepishly.

“Lucky then, a lot of people don’t… love their job I mean, most love animals” least most people he would want to talk to did. The others… well he planned to avoid them and their strange life choices. “Oh not at all, one of us can get them over, besides walking a five year old has a similar effect and uses her energy” he joked with a laugh. “Well minus university, I have. Home is home. Although, probably means I know all the embarrassing secrets”.

Kate scoffed at the blonde’s words - It took all she had not to throw whatever item was in her hand back at the blonde. Willa left Bull high and dry, and it left Kate to pick up the shattered pieces of her brother and put them back together. The whole family had to reel in what was left of Bull, because of the woman standing in front of her - and Kate wasn’t sure anything she did would make up for what had happened. 

“You don’t get to have a life epiphany and say sorry fixes your problems. You left my brother in pieces and without looking back - now you think you can try to make amends and it makes everything better? That’s not how life works.” Kate had always been a fireball, and had always been blunt. Never afraid to share her feelings and make it known to anyone around what mood she was in. Unfortunately for Willa, she was the one who had to take it all.  

if fire was a person. It would be Kate at this current moment. Not that it wasn't unasked for. She had unwreathed her holy terror. So now she had to lie in it. She wasn’t sure what words fit. How she explained. Not that she deserved a chance; not that Kate would or should listen. So Willa merely exhaled, listening to Kate as she spoke. Her pearly white gnawing at the inside of her gums as she felt herself questioning herself more and more. Hues falling on Katherine’s face, she exhaled once more, like she was trying to breathe away the weight on her shoulders. “I know.” she said with more strength in her voice than her last words. “I know I don’t, I’m not inserting myself, demanding a second chance. I came to prove myself, I know there’s probably nothing I can do to fix it; to help mend what I ruined. But I’m going to try.”

“Perfect.” His smile widened, considering that he may just walk out the door that day with a new four legged friend. “Actually, I’m uh, free right now? Would you be able to show me some of them?” His gaze remained on the excited pup, his thoughts running wildly about the possibility of having his own. “You know I have some pretty good friends, but I can’t force them to love me like I can with a dog.” He laughed and pulled his phone out of his pocket before opening the photos app. “These are the dogs I had when I was a kid,” he said, retrieving the few photos he had of the goldens. “I know it’s rare for y’all to have pure breeds, but anything mixed would be perfect. I’m Bruno by the way.” He extended a hand towards where she sat on the ground.

Her features shot into a smile when he mentioned he was free, her arms still containing the excited pup. "That's perfect. I've got time to show you around," Willa insisted, “I’m Willa–– it’s a pleasure to meet you,” shaking his hand firmly before she stood up,  taking a step back to pull open the door to the backroom. “I get ya, sometimes it’s nice to have someone to cuddle endlessly,” willa laughed playfully. Holding the door open for him. “C’mon in,” willa hummed invitingly, glancing at the photos of the dogs. Beautiful they were. “hmmm, I might have one or two up your ally,” she winked, sliding the door shut behind them. “I think dogs are so wonderful and when people choose to adopt,” letting a happy contented sigh fall from her peach fibers.

“Really? Poor thing. That’s very sweet of you to take care of her, Willa. Are you going to keep her, you think?” AJ had been wanting to adopt a buddy for Sergeant, so he would keep a mental note only if Willa still needed to place a home for the girl. “And he knows it, sadly. Such a mess. Not sure how my dog ended up being so full of himself, but I also am not quite sure what that says about me.” He erupted into soft laughter at Willa’s joke; that probably was the equivalent of dog flirtation. “Definitely. I see the way he looks at her,” AJ added playfully, and gave a gracious nod in regard to the extra treats. “Thank you.”

AJ loved that dog with all of his heart; he was his companion, and every day looked forward to their time together. That included walks and playing on top of the usual just hanging out like buddies would. “I’m really glad, because you’re definitely one of his favorite people. He’s always incredibly hyper and his tail wags like crazy when he gets in a visit with you, Willa. And I can’t blame you there. I’d probably spare all of my breaks for those cute faces.” He still wanted to look into doing volunteer work for the shelter, but the chance to give some of the dogs that needed some extra freedom was a start. “That sounds good! Friday, maybe? I’ll bring treats for all of ‘em. It’s the least I can do. And a coffee or something for you.”

"Yeah–– it's such a shame. It's not even like it's a job. I just want everyone and everything to feel a little love," she was trying to repent all the pain she had caused. All her cruddy mistakes; her bad choices and lack of goodbyes. A smile slid onto her paled features, tucking the blonde lock back behind her ear. “I mean If I was such a handsome dog, I’d love myself too,” she teased, leaning down to ruffle his fur. “Oh of course, maybe if he’s lucky; I’ll bring her for the walk.” Willa wiggled her own brows in amusement, shaking her head slightly.

There was something inherently beautiful about having a companion. Someone who was always by your side and loved you endlessly. Just like you loved them. Perhaps it was why she was always so drawn to this job. To spending all her time hidden behind these four walls. “Well I am very flattered, he’s one of mine too.” she smiled, rockling back up to the soles of her feet. “Friday would be great! That’s sweet of you, we can always stop off for a coffee. Mo told me that there’s a new cafe in town that’s dog friendly.”

was the blondes day off. She had even put the effort into her outfit. Dressed in a red summer dress and sandals, these were the times that she was glad she had kept most of her wardrobe. She slid into the station with a grin painting her peach fibers. Fingers twirling in the loose curls of her hair, hoping they would remain slightly longer. Leaning her frame over the front desk as her smile beamed. “Hello, I’m here to steal Eleanor for lunch,” she mused happily, feet bouncing as she waited at the reception. Slim digits raking back through her blonde locks, Willa paused for a moment. Her hues lifted, brows wiggling in their place when she saw the female walking towards her. “Hello my love, how are we doing this fine day?” Willa didn’t have many friends, thus she was clinging onto those she did have. Much like she was clinging onto the frail remains of summer. Hoping that the warmth would continue to shine through the darkness. “I’m treating to lunch today–– I want to make the most of this sunny day and I believe we are overdue a catch-up,” she insisted, stepping backward to hold the door open for her friend.

This was what he needed. A drink, and someone around that wasn’t going to judge him for his past. It was like the stress rolled right off of Gavin as he settled more comfortably onto the seat. “You’re welcome, Willa. Oh? I have to admit, I’ve never met anyone with that name before. Willa is very pretty, but your full name is unique. That’s not a bad thing,” he assured with a small smile. “Long week for you too?”

Sometimes a drink or two melted all the stress and anger away. Like her bone suddenly became hollow or melted into honey dew.  “Oh really? there is a first for everything, thanks,” she quipped with a small smile of her own. Swigging her drink as she mulled over his question, giving a small nod. Not wanting to think back on all that was happening. “Long life,” she laughed rather dryly as the sarcasm laced her tone like venom. “Sometimes it just takes the edge off, y’know?” it also helped not spending all her time alone.

“Yeah? Are horses your favorite animal? Or do you have another one? I’m partial to cheetas…and polar bears. Polar bears are awesome.” Devon’s smile widened slowly when she said yes to lunch and he gave a friendly nod to her co worker who had just walked in. “Yeah? Perfect. How do you feel about…lobster rolls? Haven’t had seafood in a while but it sounds like the perfect thing for a beautiful day like today. Plus nothing beats being by the water. Trying to hold onto the last bit of summer I can, you know?” Although Devon loved the fall weather, halloween and all of it, he was grateful that he still had a bit of the summer to hold onto, to soak up the sun and really grab onto the freedom he had been desperate for. “How long have you been in Edens?”

"Ooh tough one," she chuckled. "It's probably a close tie between horses and dogs," Willa admitted with a wide grin. Something about animals just brought out an ethereal love in her soul. “Ooh interesting and both are so vastly different.” She mused with a wiggle of her brows. “I can always munch down on some seafood,” nodding her head as she slung her bag onto her shoulder, a bounce in her step. “I know, I don’t want the sunshine to ever leave us,” she exhaled rather happily, though she couldn’t complain about snuggly sweaters. “I’ve been here about a month,” talking as she wandered to the door, pulling it open for him. “What about you?”

“That… sounds like a lot of work” he replied with a soft laugh. But he had to live by not pleasing others. He had tried that for too long. The only thing he ever did was make sure no one ever suspect him of doing anything that was illegal. “Well, we’ll try not to leave it until the day, that sounds difficult planning on our end, and with a five year old… pretty much have to have every second mapped out” which was harder when he could barely get his husband to look at him. “Ah, that would explain it. Hunter. Been here all my life so if you have any questions, I probably know it”.

          Without so much as a thought, Scott’s feet were moving in the direction that she was going. The dog in his arms uncomfortable, but shivering less than it was before; Willa was right, people were cruel. “You know who does stuff like this?” He asked, crouching down in one easy movement to lay the dog onto the bed. “Cowards—” Scott mumbled, stepping back to give her some space. “Like when the big kids pick on the little ones, cause’ they know the other big kids will fight back.” The man shook his head and sighed, looking at the dog. “Takes a real coward to inflict pain on someone, or somethin’ that has no chance of winning.”

the blonde held a small blanket in her hands as her bum sat on the floor. A sadness glazing her features. “People without a heart,” she sighed, her fingers hesitant as they ran over the soft yet ragged fur of the puppy’s coat. Her hues doing a visual once over, as she wrapped the shaking dog in another blanket. Digging her phone out her pocket to text Laura, a vet that popped by now and then. Hoping if she couldn’t stop by today; she would tomorrow. She chewed on her lesser lip, assessing the dog's hues and teeth. “Exactly. Especially on someone that only wants to love you unconditionally. What a way to break someone’s heart,” she whispered. “You’re a kind person for helping him.”

“You can explain?” Kate almost wanted to laugh at the expression that just left the blonde’s mouth. What could she explain? How she shattered her brother’s heart, leaving her and her siblings to pick up the pieces. She had never seen her older brother cry, but after Willa left town - it was as if he couldn’t stop. He was finally back to his old self when Willa came walking right back in. How does shit like this even happen? 

“What is your explanation? Because I would love to hear it.” She couldn’t help the bitterness in her tone - it just came out and Kate was unable to stop it. This was someone she never wanted to see again, and some how she was three inches away from her face. “Actually - scratch that. Save it for someone who cares.” 

Will was one wall to brake down and Kate was the reinforcements. She wouldn't have been surprised if the whole family was willing to sacrifice her to the devil. Willa wasn’t sure she could face it... handle talking to both of them so soon.  She didn’t really know how too. How to justify how shitty she had acted. How much she disliked herself. But–– she deserved it. Wincing at Katherine’s words and her quick retaliation. Of course, Kate didn’t want to heart anything Willa had to say. “Kate,” she exhaled, dipping her head as she stood in the doorway, fingers gripping it. “I...I’m trying to make amends,” she whispered.

The genuine welcome almost caught Anya off guard, knocking her train of thoughts off of where she was going with everything. “Willa!” She returned the smile hesitantly after a minute, following behind. “You got a new companion?” Anya commented, gesturing towards the puppy, shifting and slightly uncomfortable as she truly wasn’t sure anymore why Willa had returned. It didn’t seem like that she was out here because of Anya’s parents wanting to spy on her through a friend. She was way too casual compared to what her parents would’ve assigned. Way too open. “I didn’t mean to intrude if you’re busy though? I can come back another time.”

The pleasant smile was cocked onto her lips, as she held Rocky gently in her arms, shifting the puppy's weight, a brow quirked. Anya’s reaction seemed slightly frayed as if she wasn’t sure if she wanted to be in Willa’s company. “I did... a kind gentleman brought him in,” she told her, stepping back to let Anya in. “No no, just milling around my house, c’mon in,” she insisted. “I apologize, it’s not as nice as we’re used too. But I’m trying this whole... independence; free from parents thing,” Willa offered pathetically with a weak shrug.

Bull was starting to grow sick of listening to Willa repeat herself over and over again. How she had suddenly seemed to discover that her behavior was not at all pleasing was of now interest to him. In his mind what had been done was now done. Was he over it? Not necessarily. However, it felt like her showing up and bringing it up made it that much more of a pain to deal with it. How was he supposed to move on from it when she was hanging around now? If he wasn’t going to let it go he could of at least let his anger fester inside of him until one day he just died. Yeah, that would have been his preferred method of living with this. 

“Okay, okay,” he said and raised his hands and made a motion for her to essentially pump the brakes on her seven millionth explanation of how bad she felt. Again, something else he wasn’t too willing to listen to anymore. Sure, deep down he kind of felt better than she felt bad… but that joy was short-lived and turned into another stinging annoyance. “Just - I really don’t care,” he huffed, closing his eyes for a minute. A sigh came out as he opened them when Willa mentioned her horse. 

Owning that horse was like stepping on a lego. When you first step on a lego it hurts like all hell… but the pain from stepping on it feels everlasting as the dull throbbing continues well into the next hour or so after the initial contact. That was what it felt like to actually be the owner of Bambi. The thing was stabled in locations which were nicer than his house and was, in fact, the same price as a house. Sure, he picked her out as a huge gift to Willa but the worst part was that it was the last string that kept them connected. Even after they split up the announcers still had to announce that Willa was riding for the horse’s owner which was, in fact, Mr. William Bronson. 

“Don’t I have to sign off on some shit to have her even moved down here?” He asked, annoyed, “Okay - whatever. Do whatever you want with her,” he shrugged, trying to get out of having to see the thing or have to deal with Willa in the future. “Just tell them to call me if they have any questions. Unless you want to change her ownership now so they can just call you.”

she was almost tempted to sit down, so she could cocoon herself into a ball. She exhaled inaudible like she didn't want to make any sudden sounds or movements. It was like being around a pony she had never met before. Her skin felt tight, frail and she couldn’t even bring herself to maintain eye contact. It was like it was too unbearable. Willa didn’t blame him for not wanting anything to do with her. Especially since she was essentially inserting herself back into his life. Without his say. But she had a point to prove. She winced as he raised his hands. Her mind reeling back on her decision to sit down, arms encasing her legs to her frame. Dejected when he said he didn’t care. Once more– she didn’t blame him.

She seemed to carry a trail of destruction and heartbreak with her; like she was the personification of a tornado. It wasn’t that she had ever wanted to be that way, or that she had intentionally gone around wreaking havoc. It just merely seemed to be her warpath. She exhaled, head down as she hugged herself into the great foam of the chair beneath her. “I erm... my lawyer said you didn’t need too,” she whispered, rolling her shoulders back into the material. “I...” her mouth closed once more. Nervous of the words that would spill. “You can have her...she is yours after all,” willa said it with a nauseous sensation clouding her gut. Bambi was her life and she adored her. But she had no rights to the horse that her ex-fiancee brought her.  “Bu–– William, I’m sorry... I,” she exhaled as she cut herself off. Unable to find the words to fit the situation. “I can transfer you the money Bambi, if not.” She added, unsure how she could afford it. But if that would make him happier. She would rake it together.