:::Three Days Later:::
It was raining, the sky was cloudy and it was rather cool the morning that Taylor was leaving. Phoebe sat with Judy under the
willow tree and watched the Hanson family packing up their van to go to the airport. She rested her head on her knees. They
didn't get to spend very much time together those last days. He was off with his family, getting things organized for the tour, as
well as going to practice. She never really saw him...until now.
Taylor's hair was a little wet from the light rain, and it stuck to his face, framing the golden skin she loved. He looked very
serious that morning. She knew that he was dreading saying goodbye...just like she was.
Phoebe sat there for as long as she could. She wanted to make every second last a minute...every minute last an hour. Taylor
looked up and caught her gaze, his blue eyes looking into hers so deeply. He was waiting for her.
She stood up, and Judy stayed behind, knowing very well that Phoebe needed to do this on her own. She watched her walk
slowly to the van. Her feet felt heavy and she didn't even mind the rain that was soaking her clothes. That didn't matter. She
crossed her arms and shivered a little. It was an odd sort of coldness that morning. Taylor looked cold too, but they both
seemed to forget all of that when it was time for them to part. To leave one another.
Phoebe stepped up to him and stared into his eyes.
He stared back, and then hugged her. It was the hardest he'd ever hugged her. He turned his head and smelled her hair, moving
it aside to place a kiss on her neck. She kissed him too, and closed her eyes, letting the rain hide the tears that were slowly
falling down her face.
Everyone was in the car but them. They just stood there, alone in the rain, hugging each other. They didn't want to let go.
A crack of thunder caused them to break away. She laughed a little. He did too. She brushed her hair off her face and wiped
her eyes. He took her hands and placed a kiss on each of them.
"I love you." He whispered, hugging her once again.
"I love you too." She burried her face into his shoulder and inhaled him once more.
There was no need for any more words. The small moment that lasted between them was more that what any word could
describe. It was everything...every emotion, every happy memory, every fear. Nothing could take the place of that.

Phoebe stepped aside into the grass and watched Taylor close the van door. She waved to the whole family and then slid her
hands into her pockets. The van pulled down the driveway slowly, breaking her heart every inch of the way. She walked to the
middle of it and stared. Taylor rolled the window down and waved. She waved back, before watching him drive away. She ran
down to the street and saw them turn the corner. She couldn't see them anymore. It was over. The tears really came that time.
She covered up her face and let the rain beat down on her. Judy got up and walked to the street when she saw her do that.
Phoebe looked up and sighed. Judy put her arm around her, and tried to comfort her the best way she knew how.
"It's gonna be ok Phoebe." Judy whispered. She patted her on the back. Phoebe nodded. "I know, I know." They walked over
to the curb and sat down.
She rang out her shirt and stared at her soaking wet shoes.
"I'll be ok I think. All I have to do is wait. This isn't forever."
Judy smiled a little. "You're right. He'll be back sooner than you think. Time will pass and you two will be together again."
Phoebe grinned a little. "We had a time though, huh?"
"You guys sure did. You are so very lucky to have him Phoebe. They way he looked at you...I wanted to cry!" She laughed
and wiped the rain out of her face.
Phoebe laughed too. "Let's get out of the rain...I'm getting cold." They both stood up and headed back over to the willow tree.
Phoebe leaned against the trunk.
"Seems like everything begins and ends at this tree." She commented.
Judy nodded. "Weeping Willow trees are special. Well, I've always believed that."
"I used to wonder why they called them 'Weeping Willow's'. I know why...but just look at it today." She walked around and
stared at the vines. The rain was dripping off of the vines like tears. Like the tree was crying. As if the tree was weeping.
Judy saw what Phoebe saw. They both stared at it, and smiled.
"We better go inside and dry off." Judy walked out from under the tree. The sun was beginning to show a little.
"Yeah, you're right." Phoebe ran her hands through the vines and sighed. She followed Judy to the house, stopping only once to
stare at Taylor's home. It looked so empty...no life to it at all. She took a deep breath. He'll be back soon, she whispered to
herself.
He'll come back to his roots.
 

BACK TO WILLOW