Page 49 of Back to Willow

“Not today.” I sigh. “But I have to go, though. I have to pick Dylan up soon.” I sigh before standing up.

“Huh…” he hesitates, standing and slowly looking around us. “How are you going? Do you need a ride?”

“I–I don’t want to be any hassle. It’s just a short walk up to my car.” Hopefully, he’ll let it go.

“Well, I’ll walk you to your car, then.” His big hand scratches the back of his neck. “It’s getting dark, and I’d be worried."

My mouth opens as I go to refuse his offer, and he shakes his head, cutting me off. “I’m not taking a no for an answer.”

I nod. “Thank you.” All that comes out is a broken whisper before we start walking side by side.

As we walk in silence, I start to regret accepting his offer because I obviously ran a longer distance than I realised.

“Sorry,” I blurt out. “It’s a little further than I thought.”

“Good thing I offered to walk you, then.” His lips turn up slightly in a subtle but obvious smile. A kind one.

Heat creeps up my neck, straight to my cheeks, and I look away almost immediately, focusing on something else.

The sky colours change from light to dark as the sun sets far away on the horizon. And as the streetlights start to take over the illumination, I understand what he meant by getting worried. With the twilight, the city feels emptier and more dangerous.

Even though Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, awful things will always happen—even where you feel safe—and when you least expect them.

I would know.

“So…” his voice interrupts my wandering thoughts, and for once, I appreciate it.

I was about to go down a dark path.Again.

“Why did you decide on elementary teaching for your degree?” Professor Adell asks, glancing at me from the corner of his eyes.

It’s a much-appreciated distraction. Can this man read minds?

“Well,” I start, keeping my sight on the street ahead of us. “I’ve always wanted to be a biologist, but Dylan changed my mind.” Sweet memories of baby Dylan swarm my mind, etching a smile to my lips.

“How so?” He cocks an eyebrow, making his curiosity obvious.

It’s confusing, really. How is this man beside me the same one who used to taunt and pick on me? Surely, they can’t be the same.

He used to be cold, rude, and arrogant, but now…his eyes seem pained, and his voice sounds soft. It’s like the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde case—two personalities within one body.

“Willow?” his husky voice snaps me out of my thoughtsonce again.

“Ahm, sorry. I’m just a little bit in my head tonight.” He nods, seemingly understanding. “What made me change my mind was my son. When he started walking and talking…I still can’t explain the feeling. He was and still is the best part of my days. And teaching him everything, I just fell in love with it. Doing it with other kids means I am making a difference in their lives and in future generations. Makes me feel useful like I have a purpose.”

Another silence stretches as I wait for his reaction, and when it doesn’t come, I look at him, just to find him looking at me with a weird expression on his face. For the first time tonight, things turn awkward. His deep gaze makes it feel like he is looking right through me.

“Professor Adell?”

He shakes his head before letting out a barely there hum, and when he finally looks back at me, he seems to have recollected himself.

“Sorry,” he apologises with a shy smile.

This man seems to have smiled more tonight than his whole life combined. Which is a shame because he has one hell of a smile.

“If that is how you feel about it, then you chose the right profession,” he comments.

I know. In a parallel universe, I might still be a biologist, but in this one…I was meant for this. Even if it hurt too much to get to this point, everything was still worth it because I have Dylan.

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