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Title: Mom
Summary: After Joyce’s death, one of Willow’s stopping by her parents house fic. It’s kinda a coming out fic as well. I’m sure the Rosenberg’s know about Willow and Tara, but I wrote this a while back with the possibility that maybe they do not know yet.
Feedback: Welcome…
Disclaimers: the usual…
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Willow enters her house.
Willow- Mom?
Sheila- (in a side office) In here, Willow.
Willow- (entering) Hey.
Sheila- Hello. How are you?
Willow- Been better… How are you?
Sheila- Busy. I’m writing. I have a lecture this Friday.
Willow- Oh, really? Where?
Sheila- Cincinnati.
Willow nods her head nervously. She sits on the couch and looks at her mother sitting on the desk. She wondered if she would feel this lost if her own mother had been the one to pass away. She began to tear at the thought maybe she wouldn’t.
Sheila- (sighs sadly) You didn’t cry this much when Zeide died.
Willow- (wiping away the tears) I was five when grandpa died. I didn’t really understand death back then.
Sheila- And now you do?
Willow- No…
Sheila- Willow-
Willow- (stands up) I should go.
Sheila- Wait. (Willow looks at her expectantly) Don’t look at me like that. I’m not going to lecture you. Sit. Stay a while.
Willow sits and silence ensues. She looks around the room. A few paintings, pictures, lots and lots of books.
Willow- I see you’ve bought a couple of new tomes since the last time I was here.
Sheila- Tomes? (looks at her a bit wide eyed) You’re still hanging out with that British librarian?
Willow- Y-yes. But not in an ewww sort of way, mom. He owns the Magic Box now.
Sheila- The Magic Box?
Willow- Yeah, um, party tricks and… costumes.
Sheila- I was not born yesterday, Willow. I know it’s that new age-y shop off Main.
Willow- It is.
Sheila- I wasn’t aware you were into that now.
Willow- I’m into a lot of things.
Sheila- Right, I recall you calling upon Satan once. You still think you’re a witch?
Willow- Yup. A gay one too.
Sheila- (looking at her work) As long as you’re happy.
Silence.
Willow- (it’s now or never) I really am you know?
Sheila- What, honey?
Willow- (nervously) Um, gay… Well, both a witch and gay.
Sheila- And two years ago you were into computers and in love with a boy in a band.
Willow- (slow anger) What is that supposed to mean?
Sheila- Be true to yourself, Willow, but do not label yourself. It keeps you boxed in and you’re a free spirit. It’s what I’ve always admired about you.
Willow is shocked to hear her mother speak of her like that. She doesn’t know what to say.
Sheila- You’re a special young woman. And I want you to know that I love you with all my heart. Even if I… ‘suck’ at showing it.
Willow sees Sheila’s trying to communicate using common language on a level she’s probably never been on. She starts to cry and runs up to Sheila. They hug.
Willow- I love you, mom.
Sheila- I love you too, sheine.
Willow- I feel horrible about what happened to Joyce and about keeping Tara a secret but I just didn’t know how to tell you and if anything were ever to happen- I just-
Sheila- Shhh… It’s ok.
Willow- I’m so scared, mom. I can deal with vampires and demons and such but not something like this.
Sheila- Willow, honey, you need to stop reading Alexander’s comic books.
Willow- (giggles) Yeah, I guess I do.
Sheila- I understand they are a metaphor for- (off her ‘don’t lecture me’ look) Sorry. I understand.
Willow- And Tara?
Sheila- Tara?
Willow- Do you understand that?
Sheila- (honest) No, but reaching that plateau of understanding is my job. (beat) Do you understand?
Willow- (smiles and nods) It’s so different, yet similar. I love it. I… I love her.
Sheila- Is she Jewish?
Willow- (chuckles) She’s a goddess. (horrified to say that to her mother) I mean, I- um- She’s Wi- well, non denominational but very spiritual.
Sheila- You met in school?
Willow- Yes. Last year.
Sheila- Last year?!
Willow- We’ve been together over a year.
Sheila- A year?
Willow- (meekly) Yes?
Sheila- And now you tell me?
Willow- Well, I- I didn’t know how to tell you before.
Sheila- You did it perfectly well a few minutes ago.
Willow- I’m sorry… Mom…
Sheila- Willow, I’m beginning to realize how fast time flies. It feels like just yesterday you were two years old and running around with the bed sheet over your head when-
Willow- I fell and broke my chin. I still have the scar.
Sheila- Yes, and I was afraid you were a little slow when three days later-
Willow- (smirking) I ran around with the pillow sheet covering my head and I fell again.
Sheila- You broke your front tooth, remember?
Willow nods. Is crying again.
Willow- I wasn’t slow. I was simply trying to get your attention.
Sheila- I was paying so much attention to you, Willow, I got lost in all the little details.
Willow- Well, I think I’ve turned out pretty good.
Sheila- Yes, I am proud to have a lesbian, hacker, witch for a daughter.
Willow- Hey! No labels remember? And don’t start forming any parent coalitions either. Last time-
Sheila- I wont.
They hug again.
Willow- I should get back. Tara…
Sheila- Goodnight, Willow.
Willow begins to walk away. Sheila turns back to the desk and proceeds to read over her notes.
Willow- G’night, mom.
Sheila- Oh and Willow?
Willow- (turns back to her) Yes?
Sheila- (still looking at her notes) Bring her around for dinner one evening.
Willow- (smiles) I will. Bye.
Sheila- (smiles as well) Bye.
THE END
