Willow Moon's Arc

Chapter 1 of 6

Willow Moon had rehearsed one sentence for three days, and now a redhead was sitting in the seat she needed. The boy sat at his usual table in the food court, under the gray stone arches and hanging vines. He read a paperback, the same worn cover she had memorized. Willow wanted the empty chair beside him. She wanted to say her line and finally have him look up. She had never spoken to him. Today was supposed to be the day. But Scarlett Monroe had already claimed the chair. Willow knew her by reputation. Scarlett was the girl boys watched cross a room. Her uniform came with gold bracelets and a red bow, and no blazer ever hid what she looked like. Willow tugged her own blazer, which flattened her waist to nothing. Scarlett leaned toward the boy, one hand flat on the table, blocking any gap. Willow stood three steps away, holding her tray, deciding. She could walk off. She could wait another week. Instead she stepped forward. "Is that Crime and Punishment?" Willow asked. The boy looked up. He actually looked up. "Yeah," Jess said. "Second time reading it. Not gonna lie, the first half is slow." Willow's rehearsed line vanished. "The middle is worth it," she said. "Once he confesses to her." Jess set the book down. "You've read it." "Twice," Willow said. Scarlett's smile stayed, but her eyes moved to Willow and stopped. "Cute," Scarlett said. "I didn't know the quiet ones talked." "I talk," Willow said. Scarlett stood. She was taller, and she made sure Willow felt it. "Here's the thing," Scarlett said. "I saw him first. I stepped in front of him so he'd notice me. That's my seat now." "He was reading before you sat down," Willow said. Jess held up a hand. "I'm right here." Both girls looked at him. "I don't know either of you," Jess said. "But she's read the book. That's kind of rare." He nudged the empty chair on his other side toward Willow with his foot. "Sit. Tell me what the ending means. I never got it." Willow sat. Her tray clicked against the table. Across from her, Scarlett did not leave. Scarlett lowered herself back into her chair and folded her arms. "Fine," she said. "I'll listen too." Jess talked to Willow about the book for the rest of lunch. He asked her name. He remembered it. When the bell rang, he looked annoyed the way she remembered, then said, "Same table tomorrow?" "Same table," Willow said. She walked out with her heart pounding. She had done it. He had seen her. But Scarlett fell into step beside her at the door, close, her voice low. "You got his attention today," Scarlett said. "I don't lose. Tomorrow I'll make sure he forgets your name." Then Scarlett walked off, bracelets clicking, already planning. Willow had a seat now. She also had an enemy who meant it.