Chapter 38：I Needed This Today

Was it time to move on? An interesting question Hazel knew the answer to. That time had come and gone long ago but she still couldn't do it.

She existed like a ghost, barely alive for those three years in the mental hospital before meeting Billy. He gave her the first scrap of hope that she could have a future since her parents died. In a way, he brought her back to life. She could never forget that.

Billy was solely responsible for shaping who she became after she left the hospital. She never even would have gotten out if not for him. His name was the word that broke her four year long silence.

If she hadn't spoken, she was sure her uncle would have found another hospital for her after the first one burned down. He couldn't be bothered dealing with a traumatized little girl, even if it was his sister's only child.

Hazel knew Muffincake was trying to help but since she didn't know the full scope of the situation she didn't know that what she suggested was impossible.

'I can't forget him, Muffincake. He's the only person in this world that matters to me'

'Yikes, I'm sorry I asked. Subject change time?' she sent back.

'Please. I'm working on chapter one right now but still need important dialogue and text to use for chapters 2-5'

They ended up talking about work on and off for the next few hours. During that time Hazel went back and forth between working on the chapter and thinking of ideas for the card she wanted to make Will.

She wasn't sure what to draw or write on it that wouldn't seem completely stupid and childish. Maybe she shouldn't bother with the card. He did really like her art though…

In the end, she folded a smallish piece of white cardstock in half and drew a sunflower on the front in colored pencil. On the inside, she used a calligraphy pen to write 'Sorry your coworkers are idiots and stressed you out' in blue ink.

It wasn't the best sentiment but it was all she could think of. She ended up using different colored ink to make tiny doodles of hearts and stars around the words.

"Hazel? You alright?" he asked, concern tinting his weary tone.

His day must have been hard based on how exhausted he seemed. Even his posture was different; he was more slumped over than usual. Seeing that gave her the courage to hold the card out in front of her, though she squeezed her eyes shut so she wouldn't have to see his reaction.

Will was obviously surprised. "Is this for me?"

She nodded shyly, her face on fire. She still couldn't look at him. After a minute of complete silence she dared to look up. He was covering his mouth but his eyes were crinkled at the corners. Was he smiling?

A second later he completely lost it and laughed with genuine glee, clutching his sides for support. Hazel couldn't tell whether or not the laughter was directed at her or the card. But he seemed too happy to be mocking her.

"Sorry," he choked out. "But this is brilliant. 'Sorry your coworkers are idiots and stressed you out.' You're hilarious."

Will continued chuckling as his arm went around Hazel's waist and he planted a kiss on top of her head.

"What was that for?" she asked in astonishment.

"I needed this today. That was my way of saying thank you."

Hazel's shyness returned. "There's no need for that. I wanted to do something nice for you because you had a bad day."

She blushed even more when she remembered the other part of how she planned to cheer him up. Should she say anything? Or wait until tonight in bed?

Hazel didn't want to seem like she was coming onto him. Saying something was important. She had to force the words out.

"Uh…Will…are you okay now or do you need cuddles to make you feel all the way better?"

He blinked at her uncomprehendingly, still clutching the card. "Does the offer still stand if I say I am okay now?"

"No."

"Then I'm not."

She scowled at him. He was definitely teasing her again. Based on how hard he had laughed at the card—that got a much stronger reaction out of him than she anticipated—he should be fine.

Why did he always have to tease her? Didn't he know her fragile heart couldn't take it? It wasn't funny!

Hazel stomped off to make something simple for dinner. She was drained from Will messing with her. Macaroni and cheese from the box ought to do it. If he wanted something fancier he could fend for himself.

He wasn't picky though and ate his macaroni without complaint, making sure to clear the table when they finished before she even got the chance. His mischievous smile was back.

"So, about that cuddling you offered…can I redeem it now while we watch a movie?"

"I'm pretty sure I rescinded that offer," she said flatly.

His tone turned wheedling. "Come on Hazel, please? You can't get my hopes up like that and not follow through. I did have a bad day, remember?"

Rolling her eyes, she reluctantly accepted. Taking her words back now would be rude and he was really tired when he came home from the stress. Just this once wouldn't hurt anything.

Hazel picked out the movie and Will sat down on the couch, gesturing for her to join him. She awkwardly sat on the cushion next to him as far away as she could manage but he wasn't having that.

He scooted as close to her as possible without Hazel being in his lap and actually picked her up, moving her so she was sitting in between his legs. His arms went around her waist and he rested his chin on her head.

"There. That's better. I can feel the stress going away already."

"You're ridiculous," she informed him. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you actually like me."

"Who said I didn't?" Will replied casually, nearly giving her a heart attack.