W/T Season 3 Y'all

[Cindy Lou Who]

Debra:



You've been *so* busy (much to my benefit) and I've been dealing with things that kept from all your wonderful work! Sorry for that I am.



You've taken me from wanting to shake some sense into Willow (during the fight) to wanting to hug her tight (the Sunnydale conversation) to envying her position(s) with the most astonishing Tara! (the dance floor and class) All in 3 updates!



With the Sunnydale thing: Willow wants to be of such use. She reminds me of a Dickensian Copperfield. That installment was so tender and wrenching it made me even view the argument a little differently.



And the notes...kind of a risk after the prior confiscation...but one worth taking I say!!!



Thanks for all you've done and all you do~Suse

"When they offer you money, it can be tough. But when you feel like something is important and you want to stand up for what you believe is right, you have to do it. As painful as it can be to live in poverty, I prefer it to doing things I think are wrong." ~ Interview with A. Benson courtesy of Kajo2000

Edited by: Cindy Lou Who at: 5/8/03 8:12:15 pm

[shuyaku]

WOW... Holy mother of wow



I definitely was not writing the right kinda notes when I was in school! I feel the need to make sure my gf has her IM setup - just add a little technology to the whole note passin' thing



I love how you alternate the smutty goodness and the angst/plot. Can't wait for more!!



-shuyaku

[littlecrazy80]

That was awsome!

I never wrote or even read such notes when I was in school.



*lil´c*

Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.



Check this out

[Stroke of Luck]

Okay I guess school time would have been so much more fun if I had done this "nice" chat. Damn I just had the normal paper chat. Hmm I guess i need to go back to school



Cu

SoL/Natti



You'll follow your heart and don't worry about me."

"You're part of my heart."

Gabrielle and Xena in "Ulysses

[Grimlock72]

Willow not getting into the Mayor's computer system does beg the question how the Sunnydale gang will now get the information about his ascension... (how come a big snake is an 'apoclypse' by the way??).



Well at least Willow cried her sorrow out, letting Tara console her all the while. It is indeed strange to think of Willow finding comfort in standing next to her horse . Knowing Willow she'll probably still blame herself for not being in Sunnydale for weeks onwards, hopefully she'll not it drag her down anymore though.



Judging on the classroom exchange I'll say Willow has sorta recovered, heh. Those were definitly notes that are better never intercepted by a teacher . Would be rather embarressing I'll bet.



Grimmy

--

She(Tara) knew that she was Willow too. If she knew that then why hadn't Willow herself? That wasn't fair. She was Willow. she should have known that first. -- Willow in _Sidestep Chronicle_ (part 80)

[JustSkipIt]

bluewillowwitch – Welcome. Ahhh, such sweet comments. I’m glad you are loving the story so much. Yes, there will be a sequel. I’m working on it now. Thanks for joining us and giving feedback!



Puff - about the cold shower. I’m so glad you liked that part. I wanted to put in something kind of light and sexy before bringing about the end. Yes, I’m working on the sequel right now.



TheRose24 – Yeah, I wanted to stir it up a little with Tara doing the spicy talk. I think that she’s comfortable with it because she knows home much she loves and wants Willow and vice versa.



Mary – Well yes math class would have been great. But would you have learned any math? Probably not so for the better I’d think. I agree with you about written smut although I’m a big fan of spoken too (al la your smut list piece). Yeah, Willow’s having an incredibly hard time being so useless and far away from Sunnydale. Truly it has been something that has plagued her throughout the year but for a long times she’s been able to focus on Tara and ignore it.

Quote:

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(You've been quite the creative Kitten lately, haven't you?)

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Actually I got this all written a few weeks ago and have quite a bit on reserve. This week I can barely write a freakin sentence.

Quote:

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(just as racial diversity was never shown, w/ the exception of one Slayer who had an abbreviated stay by virtue of getting extremely dead).

---

I was thinking of this the other day and with a very short list of minorities on the show we have a history of 6 slayers we’ve ever seen: 2 White, 3 Black, and one Asian. But other than that, hardly any minorities ever….



But you’ve said before how much you liked the SES stuff here and I’m so glad. It’s such an issue when it exists in the real world—particularly in relationships.



Re: your comment about RL in your thread—you don’t know the half of it girl.



Suze – I’m sorry you’ve had to be away. I hope everything is ok. I’m glad you like the emotional spectrum of the last few updates. Ha ha about the notes being confiscated. I think these would have been much more dangerous to our girls but fortunately…



shuyaku – ha ha. I was neither writing or thinking those things in hs. Your idea about IM is a great one. A great way to add some technology to the passing notes thing. Thanks for the comment about alternating.



littlecrazy80 – Yes, seems a long list of kittens who didn’t have those notes in school. Thanks.



Natti – Ha ha. To do it again… No, I wouldn’t for a million dollars come to think of it.



Grimmy – As usual asking the hard questions:

Quote:

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Willow not getting into the Mayor's computer system does beg the question how the Sunnydale gang will now get the information about his ascension...

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– I don’t remember that that is how they got the info at all. Seems to me that her attempt was cut short by the appearance of her doppleganger. Didn’t they get get the ascension info from the demon and then from Faith in enemies?

Quote:

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(how come a big snake is an 'apoclypse' by the way??).

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I’ve gotta agree with you there. By my standard only s2, s5, s6 and perhaps the hellmouth opening in the Zeppo should count as apocalypses. But it seems that the scoobies count each.



Ha ha. Willow has grown a long way since the year started and it’s only represented by her and the horse. I think she’s changed a lot. Yeah, the notes definitely make it seem better don’t they? :smirk

---

"Keep in mind always the present you are constructing. It should be the future you want." - Alice Walker, Temple of My Familiar

[JustSkipIt]

Title – W/T Season 3 Y’all – part 58 – First Choices



Author– JustSkipit - Debra



Spoilers–Season 3 through Choices



Rating– Part 58 - PG-13



Disclaimer – Guess what, I don’t own W&T, Buffy or the rest of the BtVS crew.



Thoughts in italics!





“There are just so many…” Tara trailed off looking around at the papers scattered all over the bed.



Willow looked at her girlfriend before picking up first one and then the next sheet, scanning each as if it would give her some insight into her destiny. Their destiny. As if one sheet would call out to her, screaming, “I’M THE ONE! PICK ME!” But they all stayed silent with their nearly identical messages: “Congratulations Ms. Rosenberg [or Maclay]. We are pleased to inform you of your acceptance to begin study at … for the 2000 school year…” Every letter with the name Rosenberg on it showed a successful attempt at admission. Only a few rejected Tara and those were the schools neither girl really expected her to be admitted to: Harvard, Yale, etc. All the other schools had accepted both girls, which didn’t make the choice any easier.



Helping to narrow the search were the additional sheets informing the girls of scholarship and financial aid information. While some of that information would not be available until later in the summer, their aid was somewhat balanced out. Willow had received more dollars in pure scholarship offers while Tara received more in need-based financial aid. Even if the couple decided to narrow their choices to those schools offering a pretty-much “free ride” they had multiple options. In Tara’s opinion the best package when combined by educational quality were being offered by Texas A&M and The University of Texas. All the UC schools were offering considerable financial assistance but only UC Sunnydale offered more than the Texas schools. In her opinion though, the strengths of Willow’s hometown option were more than outweighed by the lacking academic opportunities there and the increased danger. The redhead countered that she had friends there and the two witches could help in the ongoing fight against evil.



As if in contrast to the long time that had elapsed without their discussing their college selection process, the two girls now were “talking it to death.” The scattered sheets of paper had been folded and unfolded countless times as had each of their preferences and needs. Neither girl had reached a point of frustration or anger with the other but they had certainly reached that point with the process.



“What time does Donnie’s train arrive?” Willow finally asked wanting to shift the focus from the looming college selection process.



“1:00,” Tara responded. She and Willow planned to drive the school truck into town to pick up her brother. From that point on, it would be a busy weekend. Tonight’s show was at 8:00. Graduation would happen at 7:00 Saturday night and Sunday held two shows at 2:00 and 8:00. Then strike and cast party. In addition to the exhaustion she expected from the performances, Tara was nervous over the announcement of additional scholarships during the graduation. Various endowments were always announced at the ceremony and she had applied for many of them. Fortunately (or unfortunately) her sixth place ranking kept her out of the spotlight and energy required to make a valedictory or salutatory speech. Willow was somewhat disappointed that her late transfer made her ineligible for class ranking, particularly since she had finished her three years at Sunnydale High and now a year at Brenhams without making a grade lower than two A minus in PE her freshman and sophomore years.



“I don’t understand why graduation is so early here,” she repeated.



“Sweetie,” Tara answered gently, “we’ve discussed this before. Graduation is so early because the school year here runs from earlier in August to early May because of the heat.” In fact their graduation was scheduled for a full week earlier than Sunnydale High’s graduation.



Tara jumped as the phone rang near her. Although Willow had had the phone in her room for nearly the entire school year, the blonde had never been able to adjust to its presence and always reacted badly when she heard it ringing. Part of her negativity toward the implement was based on the fact that it was contraband and part was due to the fact that she felt like it was Willow’s “bat phone.” Lately, the thing only went off for bad news from Sunnydale or something that her friends needed her to do. Since either only served to cause the redhead more grief and guilt because she wasn’t there helping, Tara was having trouble appreciating either type of call.



Ironically the school had announced that starting next year they would be installing phones in each room. They had finally realized that it was illogical and anachronistic to deny the students phones, particularly when they had high-speed Internet access in their rooms. As more and more students got cell phones, it became obvious that the electronic age had reached even the Texas Hill Country.



“Hello,” Willow spoke breathlessly into the phone. As Tara watched she mouthed “Buffy” at the blonde. Tara leaned back against the pillow finding no surprise that the slayer was the person calling. At least with Buffy calling, it was possible that the reason for the call was social. The only other person who ever called was Giles and he never called socially; his calls all meant that he needed help from the redheaded witch.



Tara listened to Willow’s end of the conversation for a few minutes as she gathered up the letters and laid them neatly on her girlfriend’s desk. Looking at the clock, she tapped it twice to get Willow’s attention. As Willow excused herself from the phone conversation Tara explained, “I’ve got to go into t-t-town.”



Stealing a quick kiss the redhead encouraged her girlfriend: “mmm. Bring Donnie back here so I can see him before dinner time ok?” Tara nodded as she went out the door, wondering what was going on in Sunnydale this time. She was sure that Willow would share the news from the conversation with her although she feared that the smaller woman would want to save her from the stress until after her performances.



As she went out the door she heard Willow’s question, “so she tried to turn Angelus? Buffy that’s terrible.”



After kissing Tara goodbye, Willow had returned her attention fully to the call from Buffy. It was unbelievable. She knew that Faith was bad and she knew that the dark-haired slayer got on her nerves but she never expected this level of evil from the girl. Sure Willow had taken an instant dislike to her based on her callous and crude treatment of herself and Tara, particularly Tara, but she never took the girl for a heartless murderer.



According to Buffy while Faith was giving the appearance of regaining the trust and approval of the Watcher’s Council and the Scoobies, she had actually sold out to work for the Mayor. Even knowing that he had something diabolical planned for the city, that he trafficked with demons and vampires, she had apparently gone to work for him and was undermining all the good work being done by the Scoobies. It would not have surprised the redhead to find out that Faith had given the Mayor the heads-up on her file hacking attempts on his data.



After working incognito for a few weeks, Faith had come out of the closet in a big way. According to Angel she had tried to bring back Angelus in the traditional manner. In other words, as Willow pointed out, she had acted with him like she acts with every other man or boy she came in contact with. When he had rejected her, she had worked with a shaman to steal his soul, bringing Angelus back. Then she took him to work with her and Mayor. The two had tricked Buffy, chaining her to the wall and promising a long slow torture for fun and pleasure. In the process Buffy had goaded Faith into revealing the Mayor’s plan.



According to the dark-haired slayer, the Mayor was working toward ascension as a demon—an event that would occur on Graduation Day and result in the destruction of the town and most of its inhabitants. Not a warm fuzzy thought.



“How did you escape Buff?” Willow worried.



“Oh, sorry I left out a key piece,” Buffy explained, “Angel wasn’t really evil. The shaman was a friend of Giles’ and he only pretended to bring back Angelus. I wasn’t chained. Faith and I fought and she took off.” Having no concept of cinematic foreshadowing, the blonde failed to mention Faith’s comment as she and Buffy held each other at knifepoint that the blonde slayer was not ready yet for that.



“So on Graduation day the Mayor is going to become a demon and eat the school?” Willow confirmed.



“The city apparently,” Buffy added.



“Wow.”



“Yeah wow,” Buffy agreed. She waited a few minutes before continuing, “hey Will. We kind of need some help.”



Tears started to seep from the witch’s eyes as she answered, “sure Buffy. What do you need?”



“Um I have a note here from Giles,” Buffy explained, “two things: one magical and one computer. We need to make living flame and we need schematics of the city hall building.” Willow took down the information and promised to get online immediately. Within an hour she had found and sent the desired information to the school where Oz retrieved it. Once again she found herself grateful that he boy had failed the year so that he could handle the computer needs for the group while she was away. After confirming that the Scoobies had received the information successfully, she leaned back to think and worry about the situation.



It was unbelievable really. The mayor of Sunnydale is going to destroy the town? Can’t they find a way to kill him? What is with Faith and why is she such a sadistic bitch? Why aren’t I there? Should I be? Could I even help if I were there? Even Willow’s powerful brain became tired with all the worry and “what ifs.” More importantly her emotions were draining her of any energy. She fell asleep not to awaken until Tara and her brother returned from town.



---



Tara pulled into the train station a few minutes late. Seeing few people in the area, she assumed that the train was even more late and settled back against the bench to rest. As she sat she played over the college choices in her mind. She knew what her first choice was. She wanted to go to A&M. As her father had done. As her mother had done. As she had always dreamed of doing. For as long as she could remember she had wanted to go to A&M for undergraduate and then veterinary school. Sure the colors were ugly and the corps of cadets was a bit too Lords of Discipline for her liking, but she planned to stay away from that segment of the student populace. But now… How could she expect Willow to settle for A&M? While the school had a good computer engineering department, it certainly wasn’t Harvard, Yale, or MIT.



She was startled from her thoughts by a knock on the window of the truck and for the second time that afternoon she jumped. Looking over and seeing Donnie, she immediately jumped down from the vehicle to hug her older brother. “I can’t believe you came,” she gasped as he twirled her around.



“Had to come little sis,” he drawled, “not every weekend your baby sister graduates from high school and stars in the musical all the same few days.” As he released her he threw his duffel in the back of the truck. “Walk around or slide across?” he asked, being familiar with farm vehicles and their notoriously unreliable passenger doors.



She waved him to slide under the wheel and began quickly driving back to the school. As they drove he filled her in to the events at the farm. The baby was growing quickly as evidenced by the pictures he eagerly pulled from his pocket. Teresa was well but having intense pain with her arthritis on a daily basis. Their father seemed to be feeling better but was still financially strapped due to the ongoing hospital bills. Donnie told his sister that the older man had said repeatedly to tell her how sorry he was that he could not come for her big weekend. He had promised a celebration for her and Willow when they came in the next few weeks.



“H-h-he said a celebration for both of u-us?” she questioned.



“He repeated it three times little sis,” Donnie confirmed. “I think our daddy may not be as dumb as people have always thought.”



“I’ve never thought he was d-d-dumb,” Tara pleaded, “just that he might not catch on to s-s-some things.”



Donnie chuckled to himself as he thought of the days after their departure at Christmas. “Right after you left he and I were riding. He kept saying how happy you seemed to him. He stressed it over and over. Didn’t I think you seemed happy? Didn’t it seem like you were complete? Didn’t Willow seem like a nice girl?” Donnie explained. “Finally I asked him if he wanted to know something.”



“Goddess Donnie, what did he say?” Tara asked.



“He said ‘I’m right: she’s really happy right?’” Donnie answered. “But I knew what he meant. I said that you were very happy. Then he patted my hand and said that’s all he ever wanted for his children: to be happy like he and mama were.” Both siblings felt the hot tears pooling in their matching blue eyes and let them come and then flow, happy for the moment.



Pulling into the lot Tara asked her brother, “you want to go and drop your stuff off at James’s room or go say hi to Willow first?”



“Let’s go and see Willow first,” he answered. “I just need to hang up my shirt so it ain’t too wrinkled.” Tara nodded her agreement. “I just brought a shirt and slacks but I’ve got a new tie ok?”



Stopping to hug her brother Tara reassured him: “I’m just glad you’re here Donnie.”



When they reached Willow’s room, Tara knocked to ensure that Willow wasn’t busy since she had left the smaller woman in the middle of her conversation with Buffy. “Come in,” they heard her call from the room.



By the time the two blondes entered the room, Willow was halfway across the floor and found herself caught up in one of Donnie’s hugs, which were quickly becoming infamous for the spinning ability. Fearing for her computer Willow quickly yelled to stop and the boy did.



“Hey Willow,” Donnie greeted her enthusiastically. “So what do y’all think about Tara and this play? Is she great? The star or what?”



Tara blushed as Willow praised her to her brother: “You won’t believe it Donnie. She’s amazing. The dress rehearsal was last night and she shined. You can sit in the front row or with me in the lighting booth.” Both girls blushed furiously as they made eye contact remembering the way Tara had come down from her amazing high after the show.



Pulling his shirt to hang it on the back of the closet door the older boy continued, “we’re all just as proud of her for graduating as the musical.” He amended, “I mean I graduated from high school too but to have all those colleges wantin her to go. That’s pretty big.”



“Oh,” he exclaimed, “I almost forgot.” He pulled a leather bound album from his bag and handed it to the two girls. “Grandma said to send this along. She said it’s important and it’s about that thing you’re tryin to figure.”



“For m-me or Willow?” Tara questioned.



“I don’t know little sis,” Donnie explained. “That’s what she said. I guess she wants y’all to sit down and go through it together.” Willow set the book on the edge of her desk as she gave a shrug of her shoulders. After a few minutes the three agreed that Tara needed to rest before the show and Willow and Donnie went to take a ride. Tara warned Donnie about Willow’s limited ability and fears and he promised to take good care of her. “Can I ride Chestnut sis?” he teased, clearly expecting her to refuse.



She thought for a moment before reassuring him, “sure. Take good c-c-care of her.” After Willow and Donnie left, she lay down and went quickly to sleep.

---

"Keep in mind always the present you are constructing. It should be the future you want." - Alice Walker, Temple of My Familiar

[littlecrazy80]

Loved the update!

I think they will go to UC Sunnydale, because of the Album Donnie brought.



*lil´c*

Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.



Check this out

[justin]

Great update.



I guess they'll be going to UC Sunnydale. Given how guilty Willows being feeling about not being able to help her friends for the last year, I don't think she'd survive going to any other college.



It's convinent that graduation is a week early at that school. It means that Willow and Tara can get to Sunnydale in time for the graduation there.

I understand, you should be with the person you l-love


I am

[darkmagicwillow]

I sense conflict about college choices and Sunnydale ahead, especially with the possible combination of the two. Perhaps if they return to Sunnydale for graduation, they'll be foolish enough to think they'd resolved all its problems with the Mayor gone. It does make sense that UCS would have to offer excellent financial aid packages, especially as they probably need a lot of transfer students to have a graduating class.

--

"Omnia mutantur, nihil interit." -- "Everything changes, but nothing is truly lost."

[sam7777]

I kinda hope that their destiny takes them away from UC Sunnydale though it will be fun to have them there for the graduation dust up.

[The Rose24]

A very fun update. I am very glad W/T can talk about college now without being afraid. I am sure they can come to an agreement that will suit both of them.



I am looking forward to the play and graduation. I am glad Donnie can be there for Tara.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[bluewillowwitch]

JustSkipIt,

I loved the update! Can't wait for more.





bluewillowwitch

------------------------

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[WillowPowered]

The more of this fic I read the more I love it.



Next bit please!!



Jill

~~~~~~~~

My Home Page



Willow - Say, you all didn't happen to do a bunch of drugs did ya?

Willow - I'm a blood sucking fiend, look at my outfit . . . .

Me - I may not be fighting the good fight, but I'm cheering from the sidelines.

[russ]

So you answered my question about graduation; looks like they'll have plenty of time to get to Sunnydale for the apocalypse. (wouldn't want to be late for that!). Although Willow wants to be there with her friends, she may not want to put Tara in danger.



I can understand Tara's reluctance to attend UCS, what with the high death rate and all. However, she has to quit worrying about holding Willow back; a degree from Harvard or Yale would not make a happy Willow if Tara weren't with her. Besides, one of the girls (can't remember which right now) promised Dawn in a vision that they would be in Sunnydale when she arrived. It will be interesting to see what is in the album that will help with the decision.



Tara's father is a very sympathetic character in this fiction. He's trying to juggle so many things: the farm, hospital bills, looking after the elderly in the family, and helping his children get started in life. Talk about the "sandwich generation!" He trys to do what he can for his kids, and is genuinely happy that Tara has found love with Willow, even though the relationship is "unconventional" to one of his cultural background. He makes sacrifices for Donnie, too. Sending Donnie to represent the family at graduation is a nice way of giving him a vacation, which is probably uncommon in their hard-working lives. Only too bad Willow doesn't have such a family.



I'm looking forward to the play, though I'd rather be there to see and hear it.



Russ

[Grimaldi]

loved the last couple of updates



the note passing in part 57 was , and it was funny that they were so caught up in it that they didn't realize class had ended.

I'm not stealing, I'm just taking things without paying for them. In what twisted dictionary is that stealing?
Consciousness: that annoying time between naps

[Nation]

Only three or four parts left? NOOOOOOOOO..... Oh well, I knew the end was near. Personally, I'd vote for UT myself, but I have a sneaky feeling (incorrect possibly) that they'll hit good ole' UC Sunnydale so as the sequel (hint hint) will have Will back with her friends. Looking forward to a fantastic ending!!!



Nation

[shuyaku]

I really like the fact that they are not in Sunnydale. It's been interesting hearing about all the big apocalypses in an almost post card kinda way - with the focus on W/T.



I would love for them to go to Texas A&M - it's been Tara's dream for so long. I definitely see angst on the horizon But Russ did point out something that slipped my mind - there was the promise to Dawn to be around.



-shuyaku



Great update, btw. - almost forgot to say that...

[mocha fiend 22]

ooo updates that i missed...hmmm how did that happen... anyhoo great updates cant wait for more

I love you now and forever and a week

[Cindy Lou Who]

Aw Deb this update has me torn. So I'll start with the easy stuff first.



As others have said: I'm so very glad that you gave Tara such a wonderful family. The idea of Donnie and Dad out riding and discussing Tara's happiness. I felt deeply how important it was to her dad. All his kind of halting hints about how complete she seemed and what a nice girl Willow is...geez. Really got me where I live!



And on to the (painful) ambivalence: I know that UCSunnydale might seem like the obvious choice. I agree that Willow would be far happier there than Ivy-Leaguing it (and the fact that Sheila would be disappointed only makes it better! ). But I identify with Tara's pull toward tradition and a long-standing heart-set idea. And her thoughtful comparison of academic and financial considerations underscored this for me. If Sunnydale it is then I think Tara has to *want* it for her own reasons...not just what would make Willow happy (althought this should play a role). A complete sacrifice wouldn't feel right to me. As much as she was counting on A & M before finding Willow...well let's say again that I'm torn!



Opening night jitters...and I'm not even there.



Thanks as always for making me think and feel. It's all to the good.



~Suse

[Grimlock72]

It's nice of Tara not wanting to hold Willow back, but that issue is really past them by now. Willow wouldn't be happy at MIT without Tara studying close by anyway so the University which only accept Willow and not Tara can be safely removed from the list.



That still leaves a number of them, including Sunnydale and Texas A&M. Those two seem to be the focus. We don't know where Willow really wants to go though, we don't know how highly regarded Sunnydale Uni. is compared to Texas for example. I'm not in favour of Sunnydale, mainly due to the danger. I would like Willow to have a somewhat nice life, as opposed to fighting evil all the time.



Whatever happens Tara has to tell Willow she would like/prefer to go to A&M. Won't do either of them any good if that comes out (and it will) months later when they're on Sunnydale U.



I'm not sure where Texas A&M is, but compared to Sunnydale it's probably in a big town. Likely it has a better Computer Science dept.



P.S. On TV they learned about the ascension from the pages Willow stole out of some book. She was actually *reading* that book while she should have escaped from being held hostage, bookwurm to the extreme indeed .



Grimmy

--

She(Tara) knew that she was Willow too. If she knew that then why hadn't Willow herself? That wasn't fair. She was Willow. she should have known that first. -- Willow in _Sidestep Chronicle_ (part 80)

[Stroke of Luck]

Please let them go to UC Sunnydale



Great update want more



Cu

SoL/Natti



You'll follow your heart and don't worry about me."

"You're part of my heart."

Gabrielle and Xena in "Ulysses

[JustSkipIt]

Well lots of thoughts on where the girls will/should go to school, and all good ones at that. Thanks a lot everyone.



littlecrazy – That’s a good guess alright although it could mean something else.



justin – Good point about the early graduation. We really do have very early graduation here. It just gets too darn hot here. (it certainly is today in the house).



DMW – good sensing. Yes they have some conflict about where to go. I don’t think they would ever think that eliminating the mayor would get rid of any danger but might want to be there for the danger.



sam7777 – I’m not telling a word…



TheRose24 – Yes they can talk openly now. Or so we think…… Ohhh, I am so mean today. Donnie is actually a good guy here. Can you believe it?



bluewillowwitch, WillowPowered, Grimaldi – Thanks. Glad you liked. Update in a few days.



russ – All good points about the timing and about Willow wanting to help her friends but not wanting Tara in danger. Hmmm, what ever will she do.

Quote:

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Besides, one of the girls (can't remember which right now) promised Dawn in a vision that they would be in Sunnydale when she arrived

---

Good memory: that was Tara. Yes you are right that Tara should realize that what will make Willow happy is being with her, not a Harvard degree. And yes again, I’ve made them a very different family here from in cannon.



Nation – Well that is a vote of confidence anyway. Well your guesses are partially right and partially off. I’ll let you figure out which are which. I’d definitely go for UT over UCS and certainly over A&M! But…



shuyaku – Thanks. Yes, that has been a big part of this: to get W/T away from the hell of Sunnydale and let them develop alone without that angst. Thanks.



mocha fiend 22 – ha ha. Yeah a few updates I bet. I’ve been getting them up every few days and I always mark the updates thread so look there. Thanks for catching up and commenting.



Suze – I’m glad you like the Maclay family stuff. Of course they are horrendous in canon and then never heard from again. And in most ff they are just really out-of-control monsters (which may or may not be accurate given the one time we ever see them). But I didn’t want that. I wanted to see how would Tara be different, more confident, more outgoing, more independent and capable of being loved and respected with a different background.



So your feelings on college seem to line up with the rest of the group. Definitely torn all over I’d say. Thanks for everything you say.



Grimmy – Yes I can understand your feelings about Willow not going to Sunnydale. I have mixed feelings myself.

Quote:

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we don't know how highly regarded Sunnydale Uni. is compared to Texas for example

---

I’ll have to quibble here and educate non-Texans (I think you’re in Denmark?) No one from A&M would ever shorten it to Texas as that refers to the University of Texas (at Austin – Go Horns!). The two are bitter rivals for over a hundred years. Anyway, just some rambling on things near and dear to my heart. But both are excellent schools. UT is one of the best universities in the country with huge endowments and one of the highest rates of research dollars granted in the country.

Quote:

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I'm not sure where Texas A&M is, but compared to Sunnydale it's probably in a big town. Likely it has a better Computer Science dept.

---

The computer science department there is wonderful. But it is in a (excuse the expression) crap-town called College Station. Hicks and filth (of course this is coming from my prejudice having gone to Texas Tech and University of Texas but still…).

Quote:

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P.S. On TV they learned about the ascension from the pages Willow stole out of some book. She was actually *reading* that book while she should have escaped from being held hostage, bookwurm to the extreme indeed

---

I’m not going back and watching my DVDs but I still think they learned about the ascension from the demon who offered to sell B&F the books. Later Faith goes and kills him and takes the books to the mayor. Willow does read the books and steal the pages but that just gives them some more information on the ascension. I’d say they learn about it from the demon and then from Faith in Enemies. But I quibble…..



Natti – Surprise, surprise. A vote for UC Sunnydale in the bunch. Thanks.

---

"Keep in mind always the present you are constructing. It should be the future you want." - Alice Walker, Temple of My Familiar

[Insanity]

Well I think you should send them to Texas and write a Season 4 Y'all *ggggg*



Insanity

"Nobody messes with my girl!"Tara, Bargaining

[JustSkipIt]

One comment then the next update:



Insanity - So one vote for returning to Texas for the sequel. Well….. That’s all I’ll say.



Title – W/T Season 3 Y’all – part 59 – Showtime



Author– JustSkipit - Debra



Spoilers–Season 3 through Choices



Rating– Part 59 - PG-13



Disclaimer – Guess what, I don’t own W&T, Buffy or the rest of the BtVS crew.



Thoughts in italics!





Even before the lights came down, a hush fell over the audience. Those who had seen the dress-rehearsal the night before, and there were very many attendees considering that the event was “closed” had passed on the word that the show was spectacular and the crowd came expecting something great.



Tara, Eliza, James, and the other players prepared and warmed up while still others peeked out from behind the curtain to report on the size and mood of the audience. For Eliza the reports served to whip her nervousness up to a frenzy pitch. She had never been involved in a performance of this magnitude and the butterflies in her stomach were active and growing. James adapted by adopting completely the role of his witless and self-absorbed prince. In doing so, he relaxed many of the other actors as he moved through the area bringing laughter and amusement.



Tara attempted to attack the backstage nervousness on two fronts. She felt not nervous but excited over the opportunity and the power she felt when on stage. She had confided to Willow the night before that being on stage, singing, acting allowed her to feel as if she had transcended her body, her being. It provided her with a freedom to be anyone and anywhere – completely unconstrained. Her chief emotion besides excitement was sadness over the loss of her mother. Last year’s performance would have been the first performance that her mother had ever missed. Instead she left school without appearing in the play and now her mother would never attend another performance. While she was glad that Donnie had been able to come, she felt a great deal of grief that her parents couldn’t attend either the play or her graduation.



Days earlier Tara had created a ritual to communicate with her mother. It was something she had done before but she felt the need to complete it at this time. After centering herself, she opened herself up to any communication that she might receive and then just talked to Spirit about her accomplishments and questions. She shared everything about her love for Willow, graduation, the play, and college choices. As she opened herself up to communication, she felt a calming and peace and knowledge that she would make the right choices. This experience allowed her to feel a peaceful contentment as she prepared backstage for this performance.



The second activity she was attempting was calming the other actors. As James had used his humor to comfort others, she was using her healing powers. As she walked she allowed her hands to touch a neck here, a hand there, and where she found too much distress, she stayed a moment extra to visit. When she walked off those people mysteriously found themselves feeling more peaceful. Being close friends, she repeatedly visited with Eliza.



Finally the curtain went up and the actors took the stage for the fast-paced show. Sets were somewhat minimal but the audience obviously didn’t mind as they stopped the show repeatedly with standing ovations. James and the other prince were a particularly big hit as of course, was Tara.



Donnie watched from the light booth with Willow. The redhead was amused by his continuous running commentary. He obviously had never seen or heard the musical and asked questions which would be answered only moments later. Between questions he praised his sister and claimed her talent for the family: “isn’t she great Willow? You shoulda heard our mama sing. Or the two of em together. Ahhh man.”



Willow concentrated on working the lights and interacting minimally with the proud young man. While his constant dialog was distracting it was wonderful to see and feel how proud and supportive he was of his sister. Although he liked the princes’ song, he commented that, “them guys can sing but it seems like you’d have to be a little funny to dress like that.”



Willow turned a little shocked at the comment, “Donnie, that’s James you’re talking about. I thought you liked him.”



“Oh I do like him,” he confirmed. “I’m just sayin: a guy’s wearing pantyhose you gotta wonder…”



While Tara’s personal fans were enjoying the show so immensely everyone else in the auditorium appeared to do the same. At curtain the standing ovation was minutes long and everyone on the stage was overjoyed at the success. Willow and Donnie ran down quickly to greet Tara backstage.



Before Willow and Donnie could make their way to Tara who was clearly mobbed they saw Eliza who waved them over excitedly. As Willow gave the younger girl a hug Eliza spoke: “Willow these are my brothers Little Joey and Francis. They came down for the show. Joey and Francis this is my friend Willow. She’s the computer expert I told you about.” She indicated two men who completely dwarfed everyone else in the area. The redhead felt like her hand had been engulfed by a bear’s paw. Even Donnie’s hand seemed to disappear into Eliza’s youngest brother’s hand. Before moving away she was happy to see Eliza and Michelle casually holding hands as her brothers visited with the couple.



After waving casually at James, Willow and Donnie determined to make their way through the crowd to greet Tara. The redhead clasped the roses she had gotten on her clandestine trip into town with Emma behind her back. As they reached the center of the milieu Willow was dejected to see Elizabeth standing right next to Tara, her hand on the blonde’s arm looking very territorial. Before Willow could say anything Tara saw her and reached out her hand in absolute excitement. The redhead pulled the flowers from behind her back as she pulled Tara into a tight hug followed by a spontaneous and completely unselfconscious kiss. For a few second the two girls looked deeply into the other’s eyes, oblivious to anyone else. “You were wonderful my love,” Willow finally whispered.



Tara didn’t answer but just continued staring into the eyes of the woman she loved as if there were no one else in the world. After a few second of this someone cleared their throat and James’ father pushed through the crowd to congratulate Tara on her wonderful performance. As he released her, Willow noticed Elizabeth leaving the circle looking dejected. Oh well she thought get your own girlfriend Bethie! Hmmm, should I feel guilty for that? Nope I don’t think so. She returned her attention to hear James’ father telling Tara that he felt she had a very good chance at the scholarship given each year to the most rounded student overall.



Although Tara felt embarrassed to have the subject brought up by the man, she also knew that a certain amount of “schmoozing” was necessary, as the voting for the award had not been completed. “Come visit with me,” the man offered. Tara glanced at Willow to ensure that her girlfriend understood before wandering off to meet the rest of James’ family.



Later that night the two girls lay in bed snuggled close together. “Good day?” Willow asked.



“Mmm best day,” Tara agreed. “I th-thought the show went great.”



Willow leaned up on one elbow, “Goddess baby. It was wonderful. You were wonderful. You are so amazingly talented.”



Tara leaned forward to catch her girlfriend’s lips in a tender kiss. “And tired,” she whispered. Those were the last words either woman spoke before falling deeply and exhaustedly asleep.



---



The next day Tara, Willow, and Donnie took a long ride around noon. Tara had gotten up to work and Donnie came with her, cutting her responsibilities in half. Both siblings enjoyed the familiarity of working together with the horses and with each other once again. As they worked Donnie filled Tara in on the status of the farm and condition of all the horses. She was pleased to hear that the foal that had been injured at Christmas appeared to have recovered completely and was growing well.



“H-h-how is grandma feeling Donnie?” Tara asked.



“Her arthritis is hurting her pretty good,” he confirmed her suspicions.



Even though she expected this answer, Tara frowned as she heard it. “I’ll do what I c-can when we’re there,” she reassured him.



The older boy set his hand on her arm as he saw that she was concerned: “I know you’ll do what you can sis. She knows it too.”



Both worked mostly in silence for the rest of the morning as they didn’t want to discuss Tara’s absence from home. Late in the morning Willow arrived with a pack filled with sandwiches, drinks, and fruit for their picnic. Those students who were not graduating or involved in the musical were leaving and most remaining students were spending the day with their families so there was very little traffic at the stables or on the grounds. The three youngsters were able to take a long leisurely ride with no distractions. Occasionally Tara and Donnie would take off on a competitive race returning to Willow after a short while and teasing about which had gotten the better of their sibling.



Finally the group reached the edge of the creek and stopped to water their horses and enjoy lunch. After eating Donnie declared that he was going to ride some more and leave the girls alone. Willow pulled the book Donnie had brought from home. “Why do you think Teresa sent this along?” she asked her girlfriend.



Tara took the book lightly as she set it in front of them. “I d-d-don’t know,” she answered as she opened the book. As she saw the first page, she gasped in surprise and felt tears come to her eyes.



“Wow,” Willow exclaimed, “you look just like her.” Even as she spoke, she reached out to hold her lover’s hand.



Silently the two girls began paging through the photo album. The book began with pictures of Tara’s mother as a youngster, playing with the animals on the farm and beginning to experiment with magic. As she grew, the album began to contain more clippings to go with the photos. Photos of Tara’s parents attending an 8th grade ball and their attendance at other formal events through the years were interspersed with news items touting her performances at various shows and recitals.



By now Tara had to be careful to keep her tears from falling onto the valuable clippings and photos. Her salty tears represented both sadness at the woman she had lost and love and pride over her mother’s accomplishments. Willow’s left hand constantly rubbed her lover’s lower back as both women perused the book.



“I thought your mama went to A&M?” Willow commented in confusion as she pointed at the headline reading: “Local girl wins scholarship to prestigious Juliard.”



“Sh-sh-she did,” Tara replied as she turned a few pages to find the item she was seeking. The engagement notice showed a beautiful and happy picture of both Tara’s parents. “Andrews-Maclay” the heading read. Farther down the notice stated that both would be enrolling at Texas A&M in the Spring.



The final few pages of the book relived Tara’s mother’s first year at college and the local paper’s coverage of her accomplishments. Willow turned the last page expectantly: “why did it end?”



“I guess it stops when they g-g-got married. That’s another book. I’ve s-s-seen it,” Tara explained.



“And this one?”



“I’ve never s-s-seen this one,” Tara told Willow.



Willow leaned against the tree indicating that she wanted to hold her lover. “Why did your grandmother send it with Donnie?”



Neither girl had heard the young man approaching on his horse but lifted their heads as he spoke, “she said somethin about figuring something out.” The three young people looked to each other and shrugged before deciding to ride back and put away their horses to get ready for the ceremony.



---



Hours later Willow and Tara lay cuddled in Willow’s bed basking in the glory of their evening. Graduation was a typical high school graduation with the same boring speeches and processional. The most exciting part of the evening was the announcement of last-minute scholarship awards. As expected Tara had received the award intended for graduates pursuing veterinary science at A&M. However, the major coup of the evening was her receipt of James’ family’s $5,000 cash scholarship to attend the school of her choice. Both girls knew that the award would go far toward supporting her education. Additionally, the award made her eligible to apply for renewal each year depending on her grades and accomplishments during college.



Willow had received no scholarships from the school but her educational needs were more than satisfied by the combination of awards and offers being made by every college in the country and her parents’ support. “It’s great that Donnie came,” the redhead commented, “he seemed so proud of you.”



“He always h-has been,” Tara agreed. “I’m really sorry that your parents didn’t make it love,” she continued as she stroked her lover’s stomach.



Willow was silent for a moment before answering, “I guess it didn’t really surprise me.” She reached over to her desk and handed Tara two telegrams that had arrived earlier:



“Willow. Congratulations. Gift wired to account. Mom.” Read the first sheet.



“Congratulations sweetheart. Proud. Gift in Driveway. Love Ira.” Read the second.



“Gift in the driveway?” Tara quoted.



Willow nodded: “sounds like it’s a good thing I learned to drive or you’d have a new car baby. Mom sent a lot of money.”



“I know you’d rather have them here than the presents,” Tara attempted to comfort her lover. As she spoke she felt Willow’s emotion break and the smaller girl cried herself to sleep.

---

"Keep in mind always the present you are constructing. It should be the future you want." - Alice Walker, Temple of My Familiar

[justin]

That was a great update as always. I liked the description of the play. Of course it was a success having Tara in it.



It's just a shame about Willow's parents. Could her mother's note have been any colder. Well it's good that Tara's there to comfort her.

I understand, you should be with the person you l-love


I am

[Stroke of Luck]

Stupid parents Why cant they be there for their girl just one time. They really dont care



And I love Donnie he is such a sweetie.



Cu

SoL/Natti



You'll follow your heart and don't worry about me."

"You're part of my heart."

Gabrielle and Xena in "Ulysses

[Domaris]

Did I ever tell ya how much I love this fic?



Really nice update! Why is teresa sending the photo albums tho.. I guess we'll find out in the few next updates!



So, Will has a new car huh? Will on Wheels, duh I'm bad lmao.



I'm looking foward the next updates, I can't wait to see which college the girls will choose! And, more dirty ? Lol kidding



Anyway, take care JustSkipIt!



Domaris!

"Rock my world!" - Gia

"Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, you'll be a mile from them, and you'll have their shoes" - Somebody

[Washi]

Okay, let's just say at first that I loved the whole update. I'm glad Tara won a financial aid. But the thing that strucl me more was the difference between Tara's family and Willow's. Tara's family isn't rich but they make up for it by being loving. On the other hand, Willow's family wouldn't know love if it bit them in the ass, but they're rich. Just the fact that they sent her telegraphs on her graduation day makes me wanna beat them up. That part of the fic really touched me, 'cause you finally see Willow's abandonement issues. Well, I'm not gonna start a whole dissection of how stupid Will's parents are. Just sayin' great stuff and hoping for more.

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"See? I've mastered this tact crap." Anya in Tears Of The Goddess by Lisa

[The Rose24]

I love this update. It is good to see Tara has many talents, and she can be just about anything she wants to be. I am really proud of her for receiving all of those scholarships.



I feel so sorry for Willow. Sheila practically forces her to go to a new school and says she glad Willow is doing so well outside of Sunnydale but fails to make time to come to her graduation. I am so glad she has Tara to comfort her no matter what. Well, atleast Willow gets a new car out of the deal.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.