Chapter 24: Two Steps Back
Just Stay
[Page 5]
ROGUEOWL // 9:22pm
As Tyler leaned forward, Willow turned her head to the side. Instead of brushing his lips against hers, he got her cheek instead. "Why did you do that?" There was a light growl in his voice. The arm supporting his weight on the wall was protesting from the pressure, but he ignored it.
"Are you trying to tease me? Play hard to get? Because I don't appreciate being led on."
FALLENSPARROW // 9:31pm
The change in his tone was quick, she could sense his annoyance at her behavior. She let her eyes close slightly, and looked at him through her long lashes. She prided herself in being untamable. Her name was Willow, after all. Was she now so willing to roll over like a dog, submit so easy to his interest?
"Just because I like you, does that automatically make me yours?" Her tone was clipped, but there was a somewhat seductive purr to her voice. She was challenging him, giving him the chance to pursue. If he did not feel she was worthy to chase, then maybe he wasn't worth her affection.
ROGUEOWL // 9:45pm
Despite the blow to his pride, Tyler kept his frustration in check. She was still flirting, that voice teasing him in a maddening way. After everything they went through, she still insisted on playing the game?
"We battled monsters, I helped you escape from Crimson Rose, and you still think I need to chase you? What have I been doing so far?"
FALLENSPARROW // 9:55pm
Willow scowled at him, firmly pushing on his arm to free herself from her position. "Yes, but that happened within the span of only a few days. What do you know about me? What makes you confident your feelings are genuine?"
She wanted to lecture him, claim they were still strangers. However, that would be a lie. He was familiar to her now, comforting. She enjoyed seeing him, even when he was young and impulsive. Relationships were built on the desire to share someone's presence.
Yet he argued with her. How could he not listen to what she was saying? Make an effort! Prove it wasn't just infatuation. Once the heat disappeared, she wanted to know what was really left.
ROGUEOWL // 10:15pm
What did he know about her? Genuine feelings? He took a step back, head tilted slightly in surprise. She was attractive, so he wanted to kiss her. Now it felt like she was surrounded by miles of red tape he had to cross. Didn't girls like the initiative, the first move? Going for what they wanted?
"I apologize if I misread the situation," he finally said, tone careful and controlled.
Rylee's Room // 10:32pm
//You two are killing me! Screech is like a puppy dog who doesn't know what he did wrong!// ShAdowClaw pinged in the chat box.
Rylee laughed and shifted in her chair before responding, //Willow is keeping him on his toes. Love won't come easy!//
She stretched before standing, skin protesting with her movements. The scar tissue that was forming on her hip fought against her. Now that the stitches were gone, Rylee savored the freedom of walking again. Although, Tara's watchful gaze kept her from skipping down the halls.
Bandit watched her stand, barking happily and bouncing off the bed to snatch a toy at her feet. She knew he felt neglected by her as she recovered, and owed him more attention.
Carefully reaching down, she snatched the squeaky duck and threw it from the room. There was the sound of scrambling paws and Bandit dashed after it. Her heart warmed inside her.
Watching her dog play inspired Rylee. Instead of posting, she sent out a note to RogueOwl she was done for the night, and opened a new canvas on her computer. She drew Bandit taking a walk, tail waving in the air like a flag, a proud expression on his face. Then she gave it the cheesy caption "pawsome and I know it!"
After she colored, the simplistic art style felt...right. In fact, she was pleased enough to share it. Without letting doubt take over, she opened DeviousArt, and uploaded the image. With that complete, some of the stress that had built in her mind dissipated.
Every day, she felt like she took one step forward and two steps back. She fell for Evan, but was scared when he seemed to reciprocate those emotions. She created artwork, but fear stopped her from sharing it. Sometimes, she felt less like Willow, and more like Screech, unable to jump through the hurdles of life. Why did it seem so complicated to live? Love?
Zane was the one who reached out, asking if she would come see a movie as a group. At first Rylee wanted to turn down the offer, still embarrassed by how she left things with Evan. Today, she felt a little braver. The role play, the artwork, Bandit's attention all gave her strength.
'I have Friday night off, I can ask Tara if she'll come,' she texted before she could change her mind.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone