[color=gray][right][sub][b][u]TIMESTAMP: [/u][/b] Tuesday, July 20th, 2021 | Blue Hill Reservation | Shortly After [i]Field of Memories[/i]
A [@LovelyComplex] & [@Venus] Collaboration
Featuring [color=aab0ee]Tennessee Deere-Echohawk[/color] & Introducing [color=9E5674]Willa Casey[/color]
(with mentions of [color=82726a]Blackhat Casey[/color] sprinkled in)[/sub][/right]

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[indent][indent][indent][indent][color=9E5674][i]My dearest Daddy,

There comes a time when even the most sheltered of butterflies must leave their cocoon, spread their wings, and find their special place in the world. And as much as I know it’ll pain you to hear this, I am confident that the time has arrived for me to do the same. 

I can’t stay in town anymore. The memories of a past long gone and the possibilities of what could have been are much too painful for me to endure. Being here makes me feel like I’m drowning in the deepest of waters, and that the only way to save myself is to pack up my things and start somewhere new.

I promise you I’ll be okay. I’ll take everything you’ve ever taught me and continue carrying it with me, to ensure that I’m always safe. No matter the distance or the time apart, please remember that I love you to the moon and back, always. This decision I’ve taken has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with my desire to find the happiness I feel I let go of and will never get back. It’s my dearest hope that you find it in your heart to forgive me and to understand.

Your little girl always,
Willa Jean[/i][/color][/indent][/indent]
The decision of leaving Reeds Point, Wyoming was not one that the youngest member of the Casey clan had taken lightly. After the culmination of her university studies, Blackhat Casey’s only daughter had returned to their small, Mountain West hometown with a master’s degree under her belt and a heart full of hope for the future. In her dreams, the lover she had left behind welcomed her back with open arms, they rekindled their relationship and built the life they always dreamed of since the age of fourteen.

Reality had turned out to be the cruelest mistress around. Walker Jameson, her high school sweetheart and first love, had been diligent in carrying out her best wishes for him. Being freed from his ties to the youngest Casey girl had led the lover she had left behind straight into the arms of his true soulmate, as Willa had been eagerly told by her father. As her eyes filled with tears and her heart shattered into a thousand pieces all over again, she could hear Blackhat’s scolding words in her ear: 

[indent][indent][color=82726a][i]“Did you seriously expect him to sit around and wait for you, Sweet Pea? Wise up, baby girl. [b]You[/b] were the one who let him go, and he went ahead and found himself somebody else. You did this to your own self. He just did what you asked him to, sweetheart.”[/i][/color][/indent][/indent]
With no hope left for a future in her hometown, this was the moment that, in her heart and mind, Willa Casey realized that her departure time from Reeds Point and the Casey ranch had arrived.

Although she knew she was the apple of her father's eye, Willa knew well that he wouldn't take kindly to another family member 'abandoning the ranch and their legacy' as he would call it. She knew that once the initial sadness had passed Blackhat would be using every tool at his disposal to track her down, so she took as many precautions as she could to ensure her identity and final destination remained anonymous throughout the trip. Her cellphone and credit cards had stayed behind in her childhood bedroom at Reeds Point. She had emptied her bank account and retrieved all of its funds in cash, some of which had been used to purchase the tickets of her various transportation methods. A bus ride to the Denver airport, a flight to Philadelphia, a train ride to South Boston, and an Uber ride later, and Willa Jean was finally within walking distance of what she hoped would be her new home alongside her mother, brother, cousins and stepfather: Blue Hill Reservation.

The decision to wear her signature dark brown leather cowboy boots had proven useful as Willa made her way down the dirt roads of the reservation. Small pebbles and rocks crunched under her footsteps and the combined weight of the large red suitcase, matching large duffel bag and her backpack that carried her clothing and prized possessions became heavier and heavier the further she walked. She knew she could have called Kerry to meet her at the entrance to the rez and drive her to their mother’s home, but she needed some time alone to clear her head before the questions about her latest life decisions began.

The woodland scenery to the right of her path soon gave way to acres and acres of lush green fields. Curious, the young woman left her bags on the side of the road and took a few steps in the direction of the nearest bush. Careful inspection of the plant revealed strawberries growing from the soil, and Willa couldn't help the small smile that spread across her face as she plucked the ripest berry she found and held it between her fingers. Her favorite fruit being her first discovery in reservation soil was the sign she needed from above that the decision of a fresh start had been the right choice.

When the photos start to fade, and her memories slip away, what happens next for Elizabeth Deere-Echohawk? Tennessee knew for a fact he would not have the strength to remind his mother of what was important. What was right in front of her. He wasn’t like his twin who knew what to say and how to say it. Her strength and sheer power of will was one of her best qualities and he could never compare to that. Winnie was amazing and she didn’t even see how strong she was. How easy she made it seem to be someone’s caretaker. Someone’s guide. Someone’s center. 

Some days Elizabeth knew who her son was, other days all she saw was his father. The love of her life. Today had already been a hard day for him, seeing how he was this close to graduating and starting next week, he would be a rookie lighthorseman. The thought of his father played back, like a broken record, and he wondered if he was being dumb and if he was about to make the worst mistake of his life. He wondered if he even had what it takes to be a lighthorseman and stand beside the likes of Fallon Tatanka and Sheriff Rudy Wolfe. 

Ten had his doubts. Not of himself, because he knew he would protect his home fiercely. He had his doubts because he wondered if he was doing this for himself or was he doing this because, in some way, he wanted to be just like his dad. He knew he could never be the Bright Star this village knew and loved. He could never be as steadfast, as wise, and as brilliant as his dad. Part of him wondered if it was possible, in some way, to live a life using his father as his example. His blueprint. His map to a happy, fulfilling life. A drunk decision one night to become a lighthorseman led to him attending the program and challenging himself. Actively pursuing this career path, finding excitement to leave bartending behind, which he was never good at, and join a cause that he firmly believed in. To this day he had no idea if that drunk decision was his or not but he ran with it and made it his own. In days, Ten would cross the finish line, almost there. Finishing a goal. In days he would swear an oath and be a sword or a shield for the people, depending on what they need. In days, he would be responsible for protecting not a few but many. In days, he’d be a lighthorseman. 

Here Ten was, sitting on a stump, staring at a basket filled with strawberries, getting cold feet. Shaken and on the verge of tears, the grief overtook him. His mind tried to bury his father’s life, days long passed by, and the emptiness in his mother’s gaze as she searched for her past in her children. He wanted to have purpose and this choice could very well give him that but he knew if he continued to walk forward, he wouldn’t be there to hold his mother’s hand. He wouldn’t be able to tell her all the names of the faces she didn’t recognize and be like yes, this person, she’s your friend. Or yes, I am your son who is all grown up. Right here, right in front of you. Your son who chases a feeling, following his heart, just like you always said he would. 

Today as he watched Kerry and Winona tenderly look at each other as they all walked with Elizabeth and listened to her stories, her history, and the struggles she went through to be where she is today, he couldn’t help but think one day, those two would get together. He could see it a mile away, how badly they burned for one another.  They were fools to think they hid it well. What made this bittersweet was that one day, his mom would forget it all and not see them get married, have children, or just be so deeply in love with each other, just how she was with her Bright Star. Add that on top of the fact that their future kids would never meet their grandpa, the world in this moment felt far too heavy to carry alone.

Was he even going to be able to make it to work tonight? 

Of course he was. 

He couldn’t do that to his sister. She busted her ass off on the daily. The least he could do was show up and be there for her in the only way he knew how. Sighing to himself, Tennessee rubbed his eyes, wondering if he could just shut off his brain and take a nap. Whether he had time for a nap or not was entirely up for debate. Once he was done rubbing his eyes, making sure no tears slipped out, he dropped his hand to the side only to see a sight he didn’t expect. The past two days seemed like the time for offcomers to visit. He couldn’t get a good look at her from how far she was but her frame alone made her seem elegant and small. Standing up to make his presence known, he waved at her, [color=aab0ee]“Are you lost?”[/color] He spoke loudly so the stranger could hear him.  

The big, ripe strawberry Willa had been holding fell to the ground beneath her when she was startled by a masculine voice breaking through the silence. The young woman’s head immediately snapped up, her senses on high alert as she looked for the source of the words. She could see a male figure in front of a stump in the distance, standing in front of what seemed like a basket full of berries. A lonely female carrying multiple pieces of luggage and appearing to be lost in unknown forest territory would be easy prey for anyone with ill intentions… That was, if she wasn’t the daughter of Blackhat Casey.

[color=9E5674]“In a manner of speaking,”[/color] Willa replied to the man just as loudly, making sure her naturally honey, dulcet voice showed no signs of worry, apprehension or fear: only assertiveness and fortitude, just like her father had taught her. Meanwhile, her hand was discreetly posed on the handle of the silver revolver holstered on her right hip. [color=82726a][i]'It's a dog eat dog world out there, Sweet Pea. You gotta kill or be killed'[/i][/color] was Blackhat's mantra when it came to firearms possession for self-defense. He’d taught her how to shoot with a handgun by the age of eight, and by age thirteen she was proficient in the use of rifles. So, naturally, a handgun and ammunition had been the first things she’d bought in Philly before boarding her train ride to South Boston. You know, just in case-- to keep herself safe. [color=9E5674]“Who are you?”[/color]

While part of him was lingering on his own grief and sadness, the other part of him understood the situation. He needed to. To read the room was only a small portion of his upcoming job as protector of the people. Ultimately they were strangers and the last thing he wanted to do was make her uncomfortable. [color=aab0ee]“Tennessee,”[/color] he called back, adjusting himself to pick up the wicker basket. He needed to deliver it to the Summerhill house, seeing how his sister and mother picked plenty for them. He was sure the Summerhill girls would be grateful for it and knowing Yana, she’d prepare smoothies for all of them. 

He didn’t want to keep shouting though. If a girl was in need, he wanted to assist but if she said no. No means no. [color=aab0ee]“Is it alright I approach you, Miss?”[/color] He honestly asked. [color=aab0ee]“My sister, mom, and my friend just headed back not too long ago. If you need help, I can show you to the station?”[/color] Could she even hear him from this distance? He hoped so. 

If not, he could inch a little closer… 

Assertively, he did take a couple steps forward. If she showed clear signs of discomfort, he would stop. [color=aab0ee]“You’re definitely a new face! I know just about everyone who lives on the Res. While I can’t promise you we got everything you need, we’ll help you the best we can to get you where you’re going. Can you hear me? Sorry, I’m trying to respect your boundaries!”[/color] 

Rather than back away, Willa straightened her shoulders and wrapped her hand around the revolver’s handle, ready to spring to action in a split second. This guy could just be saying things to earn her trust only to turn around, kidnap her and take her back to his cabin in the middle of the woods to do God knows what. But if there was a life skill that the brunette luckily possessed, it was the ability to decipher most people’s intentions.  And Willa could see that the man’s tone of voice, the words he’d chosen to communicate with her and the way he carried himself came from a place of respect, politeness and a true desire to assist her if she was in need. She didn't perceive a threat in his demeanor.

Allowing herself to relax, Willa released her hold on the handgun and took the remaining steps to close the distance between them. Upon first impressions, the man who had identified himself as Tennessee was nothing short of handsome. He appeared to be half a foot taller than her, with well-styled black hair, beautiful brown skin, and captivating dark eyes: all part of those beautiful features that distinguished Native Americans-- ones that Willa had always found fascinating. It made the young woman break into a smile.

When the girl approached him, everything about Tennessee radiated like the sun. There was a warmness about him, with the way he looked at her. His eyes brightly smiled with his lips and he beamed a youthful energy, which shined through even as he stood there trying to handle the situation maturely. He was carefree and relaxed, especially now that he had company that wasn’t too close to home. Whatever was creeping up on him, while he sat with his thoughts, combating sadness, all that had dissipated and his focus was now the offcomer. 

[color=9E5674]"My name is Willa. I’m moving here from Wyoming to be with my family, but I wanted to take a little time for myself and explore the Res for a bit before I called my brother to pick me up. What I didn’t realize was how heavy these bags would get the longer I walked down these dirt roads!”[/color] she explained with a chuckle, gesturing towards the suitcases and duffel bag that she'd left on the side of the road.

As she introduced herself, his intrigued gaze never left her hopeful eyes. He didn’t let his curiosity check her out nor did he breach any closer to cause her discomfort or force her to bring her walls back up. He could tell easily that she was a pretty girl but if his mama taught him anything, it was to look at someone’s soul, not what was on the surface. True beauty were the flowers that helped other flowers bloom. 

Holding the wicker basket in one arm, he nodded before realizing something, [color=aab0ee]“My friend is from Wyoming! He doesn’t really talk about anything else in regards to his life before he moved here but that I do remember.”[/color] Common sense would tell Ten that this friend was connected to this young lady right here but Ten sometimes was oblivious to context clues. [color=aab0ee]“Maybe you know him? I mean it isn’t everyday we get someone from the same state.”[/color] 

His mind had a delayed response with her last comment about her bags. Something his sister would’ve likely picked up on first. [color=aab0ee]“Oh wait, sorry. That was rude of me. You need help with your bags? Here, we can trade! You can be the keeper of strawberries and I’ll be your mule.” [/color]

A giggle escaped from Willa’s lips at Tennessee’s comment. His eagerness and overall jovial demeanor reminded her of a golden retriever: friendly, sweet and helpful. It was surprisingly quite endearing, and it made her feel bad for almost pulling her gun out on him earlier. [color=9E5674]“Only because you offered,”[/color] she told him with a smile, exchanging her luggage items with Tennessee for the basket filled with yummy strawberries.

[color=9E5674]“So you have a friend from Wyoming, huh?”[/color] the brunette asked as they made their way down the dirt road, kicking some rocks for entertainment along the way. From her conversations with Kerry, Willa knew that her family members were the only Blue Hill citizens that came from the mountain west state. So when he talked about a male friend from her home state, there was a 80% chance that Tennessee was talking about her beloved big brother. Curious about what impressions her new friend had of her family, the youngest Casey decided to inquire more about the subject.  [color=9E5674]“Wyoming may look big on a map, but when you’re actually there it just feels like it’s all one big small town-- if that makes sense. You tend to know lots of people, or know someone who knows someone who knows someone,”[/color] she explained. [color=9E5674]“Maybe if you tell me more about your friend I can see whether I might know him or not.”[/color]

[color=aab0ee]“Hey, the Res is like that too. Well, actually we’re like one big family so we try not to cross mingle if you know what I mean,”[/color] Ten chuckled to himself, knowing if it weren’t for the program that lets them go to schools nearby like Salem, Pinehurst, or Edenridge, they would be reverting back to the past and trying to procreate with blood. It was a new dawn and a new age and Blue Hill did not do that shit. That he knew of. With her duffel hanging on his shoulder and her suitcase being carried by the handle, since the gravel made it hard to roll, the native man considered her words. Wyoming was like a village and everyone knew everyone which meant this girl might’ve heard of Kerry. 

What a small world!  

He watched her as she talked, a smile never leaving his face. Nodding when she asked about his friend, Ten was quick to answer, [color=aab0ee]“This guy came in like he was from a Western movie. He got swag for days, like all the girls drool over him beside my sister. Though I know the truth. Hehe,”[/color] Ten’s thoughts trailed off as he thought of something that turned his smile into a grin before realizing he was now talking in his head and not outloud. [color=aab0ee]“This guy! Yeah, my friend really loves Johnny Cash. Never really listened to that myself until he showed me, now I can say I can Cash. Cash is good. We usually have bro nights — him, me and Tank. Though he’s hard to crack open like one time, he told me his broken watch he wears all the time is from his little sister but he never gave me a name. Weird seeing how he walks my sister home every night, but whatever.”[/color] 

What else could he say about Kerry? 

[color=aab0ee]“Oh! And he has a lot of hats. Like A LOT of hats. For different occasions too. Never met a guy that had that many hats. Hell, I couldn’t afford that many hats if I wanted to,”[/color] Ten admitted, looking back at the small woman beside him. He was glad she appeared when she did or else who knows what other dark things his mind would think of. He had gotten so caught up with talking about Kerry that he didn’t realize he didn’t bring up a name. [color=aab0ee]“Sound like someone you know?”[/color]

[i]Old Western movie swag?[/i] Check. Her brother had been the wallflower type for most of his life, but he’d earned his confidence after escaping their father’s dictatorship and enrolling in the Armed Forces.

[i]Fan of Johnny Cash?[/i] Check. The Cash, as Tennessee had so comically called him, was an artist all of the Casey children had grown up listening to thanks to their fathers and grandfather. Kerry in particular had grown fond of the singer since he was a boy.

[i]Difficulty in opening up to others he hadn’t known for long?[/i] Check. Another challenge that the people that cared about him and had the best intentions for him could blame Blackhat for. A lifetime of physical, verbal and emotional abuse would do that to you.

[i]Consistent use of a long-since broken watch gifted to him by his sister?[/i] Check. The leather watch had been an item that caught fourteen year-old Willa’s eye during one of her trips around Downtown Reeds Point, and she had saved up her allowance money for weeks so she could get it for Kerry’s sixteenth birthday. He’d put it on immediately after unwrapping it that day, and he hadn’t taken it off since.

[i]A collection of hats that would make any cowboy jealous?[/i] Check. Hats were to Kerry like boots were to Willa, what men were to their cousin Rochelle and what destinations were to their other cousin Joelle: something worth collecting. Some had been gifts from his mother, his aunt, his sister and his cousins; and some had been purchased throughout the years. Still, it was certainly quite the collection, and Willa was happy her brother had managed to keep it.

[i]That her big brother was walking her new friend’s sister home every night?[/i] Now [i]that[/i] was a juicy piece of gossip that had Willa going from a smirk to a full-fledged grin. Throughout his life, Kerry had never been the type to get caught up in romances like Willa or Jojo, much less get entangled in the webs of lust like wild child Chelle. To know that there was a woman out there who had captured her brother’s attention to the point that he was [i]walking her home every night[/i] was a very unexpected but exciting revelation. She couldn’t wait to grill him about it later.

[i]Did it sound like someone she knew?[/i]

[color=9E5674]“Yeah, you can say that,”[/color] came the girl’s vague response, unable to stop smiling. It truly was a joy to meet people who clearly thought as highly of her brother as she and the females in their family did. A man as wonderful as Kerry deserved nothing less than that. [color=9E5674]“He sounds like a cool guy.”[/color]

[color=aab0ee]“Too cool. He makes me look bad,”[/color] Ten grumbled, as they continued to trek down the dirt path, with Willa chuckling at his comment. He led the way to his home, unsure where to drop her off. Certainly though, he would figure it out, one step at a time. [color=aab0ee]“Now, we can talk about Kerry all day but I want to know a bit about you. As your mule, I think I deserve a little treat. You said you have family here. Or around here. Why didn’t you move here when they did?”[/color] His brown eyes curiously searched her face, genuinely concerned why now she chose to come when she could’ve left before. Was she running away from something? [color=aab0ee]“I hope that’s not too personal, if it is… we can talk about… food. Everyone loves food.”[/color]  

The cheerful demeanor Willa had presented throughout their earlier conversation was quickly dampened by unease. There was no way for Tennessee to have known how loaded of a question he had asked, and how complicated the entire story behind it actually was. But something inside the Casey girl was telling her that this was the time to let go of some of that burden she’d been carrying for years-- that this stranger would be capable of listening to her without judgment. And before she could talk herself out of it, the brunette embarked on the narration of some of her life story.

[color=9E5674]“My father isn’t exactly a good man…”[/color] Willa began to explain, and immediately felt a twinge of hurt and guilt in her chest. Blackhat had treated her like nothing short of a princess the majority of the time, but that didn’t mean she was naive to the different types of abuse he had inflicted on their family. [color=9E5674]“Although he spoiled me as his only daughter and treated my aunt and my cousins fairly well, he wasn’t as nice to my mom or my brother. My dad didn't lay a hand on us girls-- though I think he might have grabbed my cousin’s arm hard enough to leave a mark once--, but he did things to scare us and keep us in line. He’d punch walls, he’d throw things around the room, talk about how if we did this or that he’d bury us in the backyard… His favorite way to keep us in line was to flick a bullwhip next to whoever he thought was disrespecting him, because he knew we hated the sound and it would make us flinch. Fear, threats and intimidation were his favorite ways to keep us submissive. My brother had it the worst, though. My dad wanted him to be his heir so badly, but my brother had too much of my mother’s virtues in him, and that made Dad even angrier. He was beaten so many times-- for the smallest of things, too. And even then, there were times when he willingly put himself on the line of fire to keep us girls as safe as he could. He wanted to leave so badly, but he was only able to after he joined the Army. Once he enlisted and left for basic, he never came back.”[/color]

[color=9E5674]“Then when my two oldest cousins left for college and didn’t come back either, my aunt moved back to Texas to be with her family. Her husband-- my dad’s brother-- had died when the girls were five and seven, so she stayed in the ranch until the girls left because my dad had fulfilled his promise of taking care of them. Then after [i]I[/i] went to college, my mom finally left the ranch too. She waited until she knew I’d be okay, bargained with my father to get a divorce, took her chance and never looked back. She’d heard about Edenridge from my aunt MaryJo, who has a brother that lived there, and thought that would be the perfect place to start out fresh. She wasn’t expecting to fall in love with your Chief and end up moving in with him to this reservation, though,”[/color] Willa confessed, a small smile peeking through the clouds of gloom of the conversation. [color=9E5674]“So that’s why we all moved here at different times. My mother Darla came in first, after she got together with Chris. Then came Kerry after he was done with the army-- Mamma told him where she was and how they needed ranch hands and he moved here with her. Joelle and Rochelle came in after that, to both be ranch hands and train with Brad Clearwater for their rodeo competition events. And now here’s me: just graduated from college, desperate to get away from my hometown, and so ready to be with my family again.”[/color]

Realizing that she had shared so much more than she had intended, Willa’s face flushed. [color=9E5674]“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to just dump all of this on you like that,”[/color] she apologized, tucking a strand of her behind her ear and keeping her eyes glued to the ground. [color=9E5674]“Guess that’s one way to over-answer a simple question, huh?”[/color]

While this was more than Tennessee could ever expect, he was sitting on all the reveals she threaded in her story. Her mother was Darla, Chief Coldwind’s wife. Her cousins were Joelle and Rochelle, two girls he’s found comfort with, in more recent days. They found their footing in the Reservation and absolutely loved it here. Far better than their home, they’d say. The one reveal that hit him the most was that Kerry, his comrade, his buddy, his pal… Kerry Casey was her brother. And everything she revealed about her brother only caused Ten to frown. He didn’t even know how to answer but he didn’t want to stay silent for too long. He didn’t want her to feel ignored after she so courageously opened her soul to him. How brave she was to show him her heart. [color=aab0ee]“I… wow. Great Spirit, calm my mind.”[/color] 

With his hand that wasn’t holding the suitcase, he rubbed his temple, [color=aab0ee]“That is awful… sorry, I… you know what? Nevermind all that.”[/color] He thought carefully and swiftly, deciding to reassure instead of throwing her a pity party. [color=aab0ee]“I can promise you the Reservation, while small and could use some funding, is a great place. We have good people that go out of their way for each other and your family, which I’m still processing is your family, they’ve really become part of our family. I…”[/color] he was trying to grab onto the right words, as everything she had just loaded onto him caused him to malfunction. [color=aab0ee]“... I think it’s great that you’ve come all this way to be with people that make you feel loved and safe. I’m sorry to hear that about your dad. If it means anything to you, I actually really appreciate your company right now. You caught me at a weird time, my mom, well.”[/color] He cleared his throat and looked away from her. 

He glanced up at the sky, trying to find courage and strength from some greater being or even his father’s spirit. She was so honest to him, it was only right for him to do the same. He didn’t know if his words were coming out right but instinct was telling him to not hold back and talk. Just talk. They only just met but he wanted her to feel comfortable around him. He wanted her to feel safe. [color=aab0ee]“My mom is losing her memory and she called me by my father’s name. My father died a couple years back, on me and my sister’s birthday. We’re twins, actually. You wouldn’t be able to tell if you met her. She’s always been so focused, responsible and smart. She always knows how to pick me up when I fall but I’m getting off track, sorry.”[/color] He paused again, taking a moment to sigh deeply. 

No longer walking, stopping for a moment to gather himself, he noticed they had reached the Blue Hill Reservation sign. Looking at her, really looking at her and the soul that shone through her beautiful green eyes, Ten tightened his grip on her suitcase handle, adjusted her duffel and continued to confide, [color=aab0ee]“There was a raid and he was a protector. We lost a few lives that day and I don’t think my sister and I will ever look at our birthday the same. I guess, in a way, I’m really grateful for your brother. He’s healing my sister, even if she doesn’t realize it. She closed up a lot before he came here so yeah, I guess you can say your brother is someone I consider important. My best friend even. I’m glad you all got out of your bad situation and I hope I can become someone that protects people like you.”[/color] He wondered if that was too domineering, so he stumbled back on his words, [color=aab0ee]“Not saying you need protecting, I just mean, I want to help people. You know, like my dad. I’m sure you’re a total badass. Rootin’ tootin’ cowboy girl shootin’ skills. I just want to be something to someone. I want purpose. Am I making sense?”[/color] 

The young woman nodded, having shifted her sights from the ground and to Tennessee's face as he’d rewarded her sincerity with his own. His words had taken her on a rollercoaster of emotions. She was grateful for his sympathy at her situation-- it soothed wounds in her soul she didn’t realize she’d had in the first place. Her compassionate heart went out to him as she listened to the struggles he had faced throughout his own life. She couldn’t imagine the heartbreak of losing a parent, watching the other slowly fall apart in front of you and being unable to do anything about it. There was comfort in the midst of the sadness, though, with knowing that Kerry had been such a rock for this family like he’d been for his own. His way to describe her demeanor from earlier had made her giggle, and she could see his genuine desire to serve and protect reflected in his beautiful dark eyes.

[color=9E5674]“You’re making absolute sense,”[/color] Willa reassured him, feeling comfortable enough to hold the arm nearest to her and squeezing it gently. She wanted to do whatever she could to ease any doubts Tennessee had about himself.  [color=9E5674]“Finding your purpose, letting your purpose find you… I’ve been down that road myself. I’m still trying to find mine-- which is part of the reason I came to Blue Hill, too. But I know-- actually, I’m sure of it: we’ll both find that purpose of ours. And about being something to someone, just look at it this way: you’re your sister’s defender. You’re your mother’s protector. You’re Kerry’s friend. I’m hoping you’ll be my friend and keep me safe too, even with my rootin’ tootin’ cowgirl shootin’ skills,”[/color] she said with a joking Southern drawl before letting out a bright laugh. [color=9E5674]“See? That’s four people that you mean something to right there. It’s a start, right?”[/color]

It was a start. There was nothing wrong with humble beginnings. In truth, that was what life was all about. New beginnings and taking people along for the ride. He had three people, and obviously more if he were to include his mother, that he meant something to. Wait? He meant something to her? A girl who hardly knew him? He was taken aback by how caring she was and how she readily accepted him. For the first time in a long time he felt like he could be exactly who he was meant to be and that feeling only came because he met Willa Casey. 

[color=aab0ee]“Yeah. And I think-- No. I [i]know[/i]. You and me? We’re going to be great friends. Though, don’t get me wrong, you look like a sweet cinnamon bun but I feel like you got some spice in you. Spicy hot wings that could wreck me. Sounds like a good time. Sounds fun.”[/color] He gave a playful, toothy grin to the grinning brunette beside him still holding his arm before nodding toward the direction they needed to head towards. [color=aab0ee]“Come on, let’s get going. It’s time to start the next chapter of your life. Welcome to Blue Hill, Willa.”[/color][/indent][/indent][/color]