Willow P.O.V


I held Briar tightly in my arms as the social worker scanned over a few papers and had me sign some things. She was searching for a name, number, and address that is written on a note. Apparently my mother already had this sorted out before. Or else i wouldn't be here. My patience ended as soon as i got here due to the fact i've been up for days because of two reasons. My little sister has the cold, and i just cremated my mother. Who would really sleep?


I look fine, surprisingly. I never cried when i found out the news. I actually couldn't. I did get teary eyed when my baby sister asked why she passed. 'Cancer is a bitch' i told her. She handled it pretty good. She never cried. Though she never knew mom very well either. I've raised Briar since she was born. Mom never wanted to get close to her due to the fact that she was sick, and didn't want her to, i guess, cry when she passed. So she kept her distance. But she did bond with her. She still acted like a mother to us.


Briar turned in my arms and continued to drink from her sippy cup. Whenever she's sick she gets real moody and clingy. Her big blue eyes were drifting in and out of sleep. Her hair is messy from the cuddling in my chest. Before i knew it, her cup dropped from her little hands causing a thud and she was finally asleep. I smiled and mouthed 'thank god' causing the lady to chuckle.


I leaned down to grab her cup and set it in the chair beside me. The social worker eyes lit up when she pulled out a single sheet of notebook paper. Hopefully this is the note.
"I believe, if i am correct, this here is what your mother had left for you two" she nodded
"Oh uh. Does it say who or where i need to go?" i ask
"Just a name and number. It also says what to say when the man answers the phone. It says underlined, bolded, and highlighted to say these exact words. Most likely important" he shrugs
I grab the paper and scanned it. Austin something, yadah yadah yadah, blah blah blah, say these exact words, more blah. Yup. I can do this.


I signed a few more things and left with a sleeping sister. I drove home quickly but stopped by McDonalds to pick up dinner for her. Just an iced coffee with whipped creme for me. I grab the food, Briar, her cup, her ipod, her blankey, my phone, my coffee, and shut the car door.
I unlock my house and take Briar to her room and crack the door after i turn on the night light.
After about 30 minutes of pacing and talking to myself, i decided to call the number.


After 2 rings, he answered.
"Hello?" the guy chirped
"Uh, hi. You don't know me but my name is Willow Grey. I have a little sister named Briar and my mother is named Rose" i breathe out
"Rose? She never mentioned she had kids. Is she alright?"
"That's why i'm calling dude. I, uh, i just cremated her. She passed due to breast cancer a few weeks ago. She left this note with instructions on it when you answered. Are you listening?" i groan
"Yeah yeah. I am. I'm just sort of shocked by all this. Go on. What's it say" he rushes

I took a deep breath and let it go.
"Dear Austin,
If you get this, then i've passed.
I knew your mother, you know that. I also helped raise you. From when you were born up until i had to move from Pensacola to Jacksonville. But we did keep in touch. For years and years. But we never saw each other. Occasionally i would watch your bands' music videos and interviews just to see how you look. I can honestly say, your mother would be proud. I heard that song you wrote about her. She is smiling. She is proud. I know because i know your mother better than i know myself. You've always had me, when you're confused, lost, scared, or have news. But now i need you. My two girls, my oldest Willow, and my youngest Briar. Their family does not want them, Willow knows why. So i can't leave my kids with them. I need you now. To watch over them. Willow was born on December 31, 1996. She is 17 years old, turning 18 in this December. Briar was born on May 1, 2010. She's 4 years old, turning 5 next year. Im not asking for much. Just until Willow can find a job and provide for herself and her young sister. I need you to take care of them like i took care of you. Please.
Love,
Rose"


I had to stop a few times because it was getting emotional. I learned a few things though. Austin is not that old, he lost his mother, he knew my mother well, Austin is in a band, the band must be successful if he does interviews. Heh, would ya look at that. My mother knew a famous guy.
I didn't hear nothing on the line for a few. I did hear a few breaths and a choked up mumble. After a few more moments he speaks up.


"Alright, Willow. I live in Huntington California. Can you get here?" he breaks
"Uh yeah. Mom had a car for me for when this happens"
"I'll, uh, text you the address, bring any paperwork that i need to sign. I'm so, so sorry. Just text me on the day you decide to leave. Some friends and i will set something up"
"Thank you so much. I'll talk to you soon" i hang up and feel some what relieved.


I turn around to see Briar waiting patiently at the table for dinner. I smile at her and grab her chicken nuggets and fries.
"Sissy who was that?" she squeaks
"It was a friend. We can stay with him until i can find my own place. Guess where were moving to" i smile
"Disneyworld!" she exclaims
"No no" i laugh "Try California"
"What" she drops her nugget and stares blankly
"You know. The beach, the shops, disneyland" i chuckle
"There's disneyland? What about disneyworld?" she cooed
"Well near California, people have disneyland, but in Florida people have disneyworld. So if you live in California, why would you drive two days just for disneyworld when you can just drive a few hours to disneyland?" i take a sip of my coffee
"But there is disney right?"
"Yes. Yes Briar there is disney" i laugh

Notes

Hi