W/T Season 3 Y'all

[Bubblecath]

wow - that was a great update! im glad that Willow is okay! poor Terri.....uh Tara!! having to pick up Sheila from the airport and being so worried! Cant wait to see how Sheila reacts and if she freaks..hmm what are the chances!

waiting patiently!!!

cath

xxx

[daydreamer]

uh oh, cliffhanger. great update though. can't wait to see what happens.

[The Rose24]

Appendicitis huh? I am just glad Willow is doing okay.



I can't wait to see what Sheila's reaction is. You and your evil cliffhangers.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[shuyaku]

I loved this update!



While W/T lovin - okay, okay I really mean smut - is always great, I think this update reflects a major reason I love their relationship - it's the little things (not that major surgery is a little thing ). They are just there for each other. For the good... the bad... the painful... and the Mother-in-law (aka Sheila ).



Can't wait for more. Well I can, I just don't wanna



-shuyaku

[JustSkipIt]

DMW – Hey something synchrontistic here. I was first to post on your update and you returned the favor. Great job btw with The Dark Rose!!! I’m glad you liked their characterizations. I try to be spot on. I’ll just say this: Sheila’s reaction will be completely in character.



Mary – Ha ha, I “holy…’d” a comment on a fic yesterday. Yes, even in our everyday lives, there are very important everyday events. I’m glad that Sheila’s arrival caught you by surprise. It seems it did everyone. I think you may have a special appreciation for the upcoming conversation… Ha ha to your terror of computers. One of the things so frustrating about them is that usually when they do something wrong, they were told to do it. So no one to blame! Ha ha on the things Sheila may do.



Nation – I’m so glad you liked. Yes, I’m getting a little cliffhangy here aren’t I. Everyone is nervous but I would imagine Tara would be much more so than the average person. Thanks.



Grimmy – Yeah a little too big for Tara to heal. And if she had can you imagine how sick she would have been? But obviously she got the nurse in time so it’s all good. I’m trying to make Sheila’s reaction be one which fits her character well without being a carricature. You can let me know later if I succeed. Yeah on the theory, nurse, speedy ambulance, Tara & Ms. Geller following close behind, etc.



Aimee – Yes, definitely an “oh shit” moment. Update in a few days.



Ashley – Yes, Willow will be fine. Glad to comfort you there. I think Tara held her own in the meeting. Now we’ll see how it goes from here on out.



Insanity – Ha ha. We have a vote for an understanding Sheila. I’ll work on that.



littlecrazy80 – Yes, I’m glad our red-haired heroine is fine too.



Natti – Coming soon on W/T Season 3 Y’all: How does Sheila react?



Willntlover – Glad to cliffhang you.



Cath – Ha ha about Terri picking up Sheila. Yeah, she did ok. Everyone’s curious now…



daydreamer – Glad you liked the update and cliffhanger.



TheRose24 – Ha ha



shuyaku – Ahhh, that’s beautiful. I’m glad you like all the parts.

---

"War may be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary it is always evil." - President Jimmy Carter after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize

[SilverWingedNemesis]

Oh My Goodness....



Well, that's certainly one way for her to find out.. No beating around the bush with you is there, Debra? *giggles*



Hummm



Methinks.. Sheila.. not going to be so happy? She better not pull Willow out of school!





Humm I know you'll take care of us Debra..



Wonderful Update. Keep up the great work!





~Nickole~

"All fear is the fear of loss. And only through that fear, can we truly love."

[Grimaldi]

loved the update



pretty funny when Willow asks her mom for a story, she starts to tell her about the seminar she taught and Willow falls asleep. definitely not the best way for Shelia to find out about Willow and Tara, can't wait for the rest of her reaction.

You can't just go declaring shenanigans on innocent people, that's how wars get started!
I'm not stealing, I'm just taking things without paying for them. In what twisted dictionary is that stealing?
Did you just say the 'F' word?

[Vampivy]

There’s a common worry about Sheila pulling Willow out of school, but if I’m not mistaken isn’t Willow 18 years of age already making her an adult legally. The only thing I see happening is Sheila refuses to pay for her education causing Willow to become like Tara, financially independent. In other words, Willow, baby, it’s time to get a job .

Saying her grades are good enough to get her a scholarship to the college of her choice is an understatement, also I think if her mother does cut her off financially, Willow will have a new appreciation for Tara and all her hard work. Just another thing to bring them closer together. Probably not what Sheila had in mind? Then again this is all speculation of course .



I really loved the transition from one chapter to the other. Glad everything turned out well for Willow. Except now it’s time to find out what Sheila will do with this new info. I’m glad she knows, but kinda wish it would have come out in a better way. Oh well it’s out now, so time to deal.



Great update Debra, anxiously waiting for more.



Patty

[samiamiguess]

Oh Sheila, one of those rare people to whom I really have to clench my fist whilst doing an impression of Riley as my jaw clenches tightly in an effort to control my frustration. People really shouldn't have such a high opinion of themselves.



And what a way to come out huh? Telling your mother that you're gay is hard enough, telling them to accept the love of you life is only going to make the challenge all the more interesting. I'm sure you won't disappoint Debra, you've never failed me so far .



Oh and I loved how you so clearly portrayed Tara's nervousness over Willow's health and meeting her mother in such stark contrast to Sheila. Who you could be forgiven for thinking might have an icicle up her rear end. Sorry, there's my frustration getting in the way again heh.



So, we have the mother daughter discussion huh? *rubs hands* can't wait. Thanks Debra,

Sonya

Edited by: samiamiguess at: 3/16/03 12:20:21 pm

[JustSkipIt]

Note – Hi Everyone. I will be making some changes in my posting style. I need to prioritize “real life” over my Kitten Board time. But I love writing and having the readers enjoy what I post, so that won’t stop. But I won’t be able to take the time to respond to comments or comment on other fics. I really appreciate the feedback everyone provides and am glad that you all enjoy the fic (for the most part ). Many of you are writers on the Kitten Board and I am reading many of those fics and enjoying them immensely. Just because I won’t be posting feedback to your fic, doesn’t mean it’s not wonderful. Please know that I’m enjoying your writing even if I don’t post. Thanks for understanding.





Title – W/T Season 3 Y’all – part 45 – Changes



Author– JustSkipit - Debra



Spoilers–Season 3 through Helpless



Rating– Part 45 – PG



Disclaimer – Willow and Tara and any other character that appeared in the syndicated television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is property of Joss and Mutant Enemy, I’m only borrowing them and am not making any money off them Thanks.



Thoughts in italics!





“The love of your life?” Sheila repeated after a few very long seconds as she reached her hand out as if to steady herself in the doorway.



Tara and Willow looked from the woman to each other and back to Sheila. Finally Willow spoke: “mom. I thought you were doing some work?”



Willow’s mother started to move into the room, shutting the door behind her as Tara rose from the chair as if trying to make a stealthy escape. Sheila looked from one girl to the other as she answered Willow’s ridiculous question: “the hotel’s Internet connection was down. I thought I’d come see… the love of your life? What? You’re in love with Terri?”



“Tara,” Willow answered.



Turning to look at Tara who was inching closer and closer to the door Sheila informed the blonde, “I thought you said your name was Terri.”



“T-t-tara,” Tara stuttered. The inanity of the conversation struck the blonde as funny and a smile curled up at one corner of her mouth. Willow glanced at her lover and saw her lop-sided smile. It reminded her of the first time she met her and she started smiling right back.



Dropping to sit in the chair that had been vacated by Tara, Sheila looked back and forth between the two girls. “Why do you both have such silly grins on your faces?” she asked sternly.



Willow nodded at Tara and then at the foot of the bed, indicating that she wanted her to sit with her. First the blonde removed the breakfast tray and noted that Willow had in fact eaten most of the meal before her mother had appeared. She took it as a good sign that not only had the redhead regained some appetite but that she had now been awake for over an hour. After setting the tray on the floor Tara sat on the bed as Willow took her hand. Still smiling Willow took a deep breath before speaking: “mom, this is the love of my life: Tara Maclay. Tara, this is my mother Sheila Rosenberg.”



Although she was clearly shocked by the turn this morning’s conversation had taken, Sheila leaned across the bed extending her hand towards Tara who tentatively took it in hers and gave a quick shake. “What happened to the goyim guitar player?” she asked Willow.



Willow had trouble not laughing out loud at the question but she restrained herself, trying against all odds to have a reasonable conversation. As her mind ran through every appropriate and many inappropriate responses, she though of the way she’d heard a court testimony should go: Answer only the question asked “We broke up,” she answered.



Sheila exhaled loudly. Yes Willow had answered the question but she hadn’t given any information. This was all very frustrating and sitting there watching the two girls lightly hold hands as if they expected to be facing the Spanish inquisition was almost as irritating. And really she should be getting some work done; if it just wasn’t for the hotel’s Internet connection… “You came to Sunnydale?” she weakly asked Tara.



Tara nodded her head as she worked on getting the words out of her mouth: “y-y-yes ma’am.”



Sheila sat dumbly nodding her head in time with Tara’s movement. Looking down at her hands she exhaled loudly before sitting quietly for a few minutes. She looked up, “Maclay?” Tara nodded. “I don’t suppose that’s your stepfather’s name and you’re Jewish?” Tara shook her head side to side as she curled her lips into what she hoped was an appealing smile and shook her head as if to apologize.



As she watched the two women, Willow struggled to keep from breaking into giggles again as she imagined she and Tara at a double bat-Mitzvah. As if Xander hadn’t made enough trouble at her own and when he found out that he not only could drink wine but was supposed to… When he started clapping at the end of her speech, she knew that he had been embarrassed but she had felt really loved.



Still no one spoke for a few minutes. Finally Tara looked over at her lover who was by now leaning back on the pillows. “Will?” As the redhead nodded Tara continued, “you seem pretty tired. Why don’t I go to class and let you get some sleep?” The redhead nodded as Tara stood up from the bed, not wanting to release her girlfriend’s hand. Turning to Willow’s mother she willed herself to speak smoothly, “nice to m-m-meet you Mrs. Rosenberg.”



The older woman took a second before answering, “nice to meet you too.” She watched as Tara rose from the bed, appearing to give Willow’s hand a soft squeeze before going out the door. Sheila looked back toward the bed to see her daughter watching the blonde go with a look that could only be interpreted as adoration and love before closing her eyes. “You’re tired?” she asked. When Willow nodded, her mother decided to allow her to rest and sat back in the chair, opening a journal to get some work done. She knew there would be time to discuss this situation before leaving.



---



Willow again woke to the waning light in her hospital room. By now she recognized the space and remembered why she was in the hospital. She was feeling much better and still hoped that as had been offered as a possiblity she could go home today. For one thing, the food in the hospital really sucked. Yes she was up to eating real food, but the food wasn’t very good. Even the food at the school would be better than this stuff. Actually, she had been pleasantly surprised by the quality of food at the school but had figured that with all the spoiled rich kids, the school had to offer quality food or they would get fed up with it and complain to their parents.



Still she was surprised to wake up alone in the room. After Tara had left this morning, Willow went to sleep and Sheila had been sitting in the chair and reading a journal. Willow had woken for lunch and eaten while she and her mother talked about neutral topics like her father’s business trip, current events, and her mother’s session overseas. Nothing about her relationship with Tara, SAT scores, or Sunnydale troubles. Of course she didn’t expect her mother to discuss her own involvement in the mob-mentality events of the prior week back at home. Even if Willow were to bring them up, she expected her mother to have begun actively surpressing the memories so that she could continue to live in her state of denial. Attempting to burn Buffy and Amy at the stake and seeing Amy turn herself into a rat was probably more than she could bear.



Willow giggled to herself as she imagined mother’s competing instincts. On one hand was her overwhelming drive to deny that Sunnydale was anything other than a sleepy normal American community. On the other was the possibility for producing academic research on the phenomenon of mob-mentality and mass-hysteria. Surely the possibility was tempting to the woman as she could hardly ever be deterred from the almighty line on the vitae.



Reaching out her hand, Willow hooked it around the leg of the rolling bedside table to pull it closer. The chocolates had a nice card from Michelle, Eliza, James, and Emma and it looked like everyone in her computer classes had signed the card on the flowers. And glory and hallelujah! The chocolates were the kind with a key on the lid so that you didn’t accidentally bite into coconut or mint or orange chocolate. The center one was milk chocolate around dark chocolate and looked like a very reasonable place to start. “Put that down Willow Rosenberg!” she heard just as she was putting the chocolate to her lips.



Shocked, Willow dropped the candy back into the box as she swirled her head to follow her mother’s path into the room. As she reached the bed, the older woman gently took the box from her daughter and placed the lid back on it before placing the box farther away and offering her a cup of water. “Thanks mom,” Willow mumbled before taking a drink.



Shelia set the cup back on the table and sat in the chair. “How are you feeling sweetheart?” she asked.



“Great. Fine. Good. Chocolate worthy. Getting up and walking around worthy. Going home worthy,” Willow babbled.



Willow’s mother nodded and smiled as she answered, “no to the chocolate but the doctor said perhaps you can check out after dinner if you eat well.”



The redhead looked like her mother had said that she could have a new car for her next birthday. “Great! Did you get a rental car or do you want to call Tara to see if she can come pick us up?”



“I thought that you could stay with me at the hotel tonight and then return to school tomorrow when I fly home,” Mrs. Rosenberg explained. When Willow nodded her mother continued, “speaking of Tara, can we?”



“Can we what mom?”



“Speak of Tara?” Sheila explained.



Willow nodded. She had been thinking about this in most of her scant waking moments since finding out that her mother was coming. Part of her had been so eager to tell her parents about her relationship with Tara. But the larger part had accepted long ago the lack of interest they took in her life. She had dated Oz for months without ever discussing that with them and the only way they even knew he existed was because they saw him at the hospital when she woke from the coma. It had been so long that they had been such a distant part of her life that she really no longer took any notice of them or allowed them to enter her plans. Sure she would love to have the type of parents who might be interested in her love life but really when Joyce and Giles had accepted her relationship with Tara, that was as much as she had really thought about. It wasn’t that she was ashamed of Tara: not in the least. She just couldn’t imagine that her parents would care about her relationship at all. So really what she guessed she wanted was parents who could not only accept but care about her relationship with Tara; barring that, she just didn’t want a hassle from them.



Sheila decided to start with easy questions or what she hoped were easy questions: “How long has this been going on?”



Willow thought about the question. Knowing her mother, she knew that the woman would have believed that she was asking an easy question: a starter question. And still there were so many different ways to answer. Did she mean how long had her feelings for Tara been going or how long were they a couple or how long was she gay? And was she gay? Or was it just Tara? And really that question was so far outside the current line of questioning and so complicated to really sidetrack them anyway. “We had a connection from the moment we met mom,” Willow finally answered, “we’ve been a couple for about three months.” As she watched her mother just sitting quietly apparently taking in her daughter’s answer Willow tacked on, “I’m in love with her.”



“And she?…” Sheila led.



A broad smile filled the redhead’s face as she reassured her mother: “both of us. It’s mutual.”



Sheila considered this for a few moments. “People at the school? Ms. Geller, the other students, they all know? Your friends in Sunnydale?”



Willow looked a little down thinking that her mother was so concerned with other peoples’ opinions. “Yeah mom, all those people know. They either don’t care or they’re happy for us.” As she looked at her mother she tacked on, “I was kind of hoping that you could be too.”



Sheila sat back and sat quietly for a few minutes before again sitting forward. “I was very shocked when I came in this morning Willow. I’ll tell you that right off.” As she saw the redhead about to speak, she held up her hand: “let me speak for a little ok? I was shocked but maybe I shouldn’t have been. You’ve had that friendship with Bunny for a few years with all the slumber parties and intensity of everything. You always seemed like everything with her is direly important like the world was ending. And before that, your only friendship was with that Harris boy. I mean most girls have girl best friends.”



Not noticing Willow’s combined amusement and exasperation Sheila continued, “while you were sleeping I did some research. Now I want to reassure you. What you are going through is both sociologically and age appropriate. There is a large trend right now toward a blurring of the traditional sex-role and sexual orientation definitions. And while it has always been normal for people of your age to choose to experiment and to attempt to defy what you have seen as traditional, it is even more pronounced in your generation. I myself, published a paper of the characteristics of Generation Y. Yours is a generation with an unwillingness to judge anything or anyone. One with an especially blurry definition of most things.”



Finally Willow had to interrupt: “right. But I’m not a statistic. I’m not just part of a generation or an age and neither is Tara. We’re just us.”



As the doctor was entering the room Sheila leaned over to patronizingly pat her daughter’s hand: “of course you aren’t. I’m just saying that you don’t have to know everything about what you want from life right now. You can make choices and later change your mind.”



Even as the doctor began asking how the redhead was feeling, Willow’s anger was fading. While she was moderately insulted by her mother’s implication that she was going through a phase that would pass, so what? So her mother thought it was a phase. Let her believe that if it was what she needed to believe. Willow knew better. She knew that she loved Tara with all her heart and soul and that Tara loved her the same way.



---



Tara dialed the phone nervously. This morning had been nerve wracking for her and she knew that it had been so for Willow. Although her girlfriend had handled her mother’s hearing the two of them discussing their love and had smoothly introduced her, she knew that it was more troubling than anyone in the room had let on. Actually she was somewhat impressed with Willow’s mother’s reaction or lack thereof. It seemed that perhaps she just wanted some time to digest the information or that she respected Willow’s condition.



The phone was picked up quickly and Tara heard Sheila’s quiet voice: “Hello?”



Crap! she thought as she heard her girlfriend’s mother’s voice rather than Willow’s on the other end of the phone. “Mrs. R-r-rosenberg? It’s Tara. How’s W-w-willow?” she stuttered out.



Tara almost dropped the phone as she heard the answer: “oh Tara. I’m glad you called. Willow will be checking out shortly and I’m going to take her to my hotel overnight. Can you possibly meet us for breakfast in the morning?”



“Oh Thank y-y-you Mrs. Rosenberg. I have to w-w-work in the morning,” Tara explained. She wished that it wasn’t true but she had missed too many hours during the week and as always, Saturday was the chance to make them up. As often happened when she could not work during the week the horses all needed extra attention. And she couldn’t believe that Willow’s mother was extending this invitation. Maybe she and Willow had talked? “Perhaps we could have l-l-lunch?” she suggested.



“Yes, lunch would be fine. Can you take me to the airport afterwards and ensure that Willow makes it back to school?”



Tara could hardly believe the conversation she was having. “Of c-c-course. Is 1:00 too late?”



“Yes Tara, 1:00 will be fine. Do you know the Royal Arms?”



Tara almost dropped the phone as she listened to Mrs. Rosenberg’s innocent question. She nodded for a few seconds before realizing that the older woman couldn’t see her over the phone. “Y-y-yes.”



“Ok. I’ll look forward to visiting with you a bit. Now Willow is waving her hand at me and giving me a look like I’ve totally embarrassed her so I’ll put her on the phone and go sign the discharge papers.”



Moments later the blonde heard her lover’s sweet voice: “Tara?”



“Yeah baby, I’m here. Are you in the twilight zone?”



Willow laughed lightly: “pretty much.”



“What happened?” Tara asked.



“She’ll be back in a few minute baby. I’ll tell you all about it later ok?” Hearing Tara murmur her agreement, Willow shifted into her vixeny voice: “so you know the Royal Arms baby?”



Growling back at her lover Tara answered, “intimately my love.” Shifting her tone somewhat she told her plaintively, “I miss you in my arms though. It’s hard to sleep without you.”



Willow immediately concurred, “I know baby. One more night and then I’ll be home. I miss you too.”



Although she missed the redhead Tara still felt concerned, “are you ok to leave the hospital? How do you feel my love?”



Willow chuckled as she answered, “much better. I’ve been walking around some but remind me not to have my appendix taken out any time soon ok?”



Tara nodded vigorously although she knew Willow couldn’t see her: “Absolutely. No more scaring me like that. And no more being away from me either love.” Remembering, she informed Willow: “oh, I almost forgot. Buffy called this morning after I got back. I told her what was going on. I hope that’s ok?”



“Of course baby,” Willow assured her. “Hey my mother’s coming back in and it looks like the doctor is with her. I better go so I can get out of here. I love you.”



“Love you too,” Tara echoed before hanging up the phone. Taking a moment to breathe in her surprise over the conversation she spotted Michelle and Eliza sitting on one of the couches in the living room. The two girls had been pretty inseparable since that day in the stables and Tara was very pleased to see Michelle so happy. She’d gathered from Willow that the newest and youngest addition to their group was perhaps the most experienced and had relatively few reservations or doubts about her sexuality.



Michelle waved the blonde over and asked about Willow immediately. Both girls were happy to hear that the redhead was getting out of the hospital and surprised to hear that Tara was having lunch with she and her mother the next day. “So she doesn’t know about you two?” Eliza concluded.



“Actually she overheard us this m-m-morning. She does know,” Tara shook her head. The three girls visited for a while as they speculated on what was happening between Willow and her mother and Mrs. Rosenberg’s reactions to Tara.

---

"People have the power to redeem the work of fools." - Patti Smith

[willntlover]

That was so funny! Shelia rocks. In a fun to watch way of course.



Glad to hear that michelle adn eliza are doing okay.



-Will

"I think finding her soulmate would have made Tara a more confident and secure person" -Amber Benson

[SilverWingedNemesis]

what the frilly heck? how'd i post twice??



Oh well, hehe.. um..



LOVE THIS FIC!!!



hehe.. okay..





Laters~



~Nickole~

"All fear is the fear of loss. And only through that fear, can we truly love."

Edited by: SilverWingedNemesis at: 3/16/03 3:42:35 pm

[SilverWingedNemesis]

I'm so glad Sheila didn't spaz out.. even though she is in the doubting stage that.."it's just a phase" *GRR* god i hate that..



anyhoot.. LOVED the update Deb, very sweet..



and yeah yeah, i'm TRYING to get my updates done.. but things have been hectic.. and it's ALL BRANDI'S FAULT! *giggles* okay, so it's not.. but yeah.. hehe..



Keep up the great work! Hopefully i'll get an update up before I move! I'm workin on it!



*hugs*



~Nickole~





Why DO people go to Hooters? LOL

"All fear is the fear of loss. And only through that fear, can we truly love."

[Cindy Lou Who]

Debra:



Nice update as usual King Friday.



I may be giving Sheila more credit than she deserves but she did seem a bit more affectionate (with the "Sweetheart" endearments and all) and responsive than is her typical style. She actually appeared to listen a little! Good on her.



And her generational research and somewhat patronizing "understanding" aside - I agree with Willow

Quote:

---

While she was moderately insulted by her mother’s implication that she was going through a phase that would pass, so what?

---

Especially considering how intolerant and hostile some folks can be concerning this issue. Besides - Willow knows she will prove her mother wrong!



I'm certainly looking forward to eavesdropping on the lunch date and Tara's conversation with Sheila! I can only imagine...



TY-Suse

[xita]

Great update. I love this extended encouter with mom. Seems like Mom is more interested in Willow then we would have thought and it's not surprising she's over analyzing it.

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

Only 50 cents

[The Rose24]

It is typical for Sheila to think Willow is going through a phase, but we all know the truth.



I am glad Willow is doing okay and will be able to go back to school. It is nice Sheila seems to like Tara even if she doesn't know her name.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[MissQuirky]

Great update! Ahh Sheila, what can I say - for one I was glad she didn't totally flip out out and start buying plane tickets for them both, her and Willow, to go back to Sunnydale. But she did get all coo coo and went a bit overboard with the stereotypical mumbo jumbo on being gay. Which in a way I kinda expected from her... But anywho I loved the update and I'm glad Willow will be going home. WooHoo on the road to recovery! -- practically there but felt like saying it! Can't wait for more!



~Ashley~

[Penrose Orleans]

Oh, does Sheila ever remind me of my own mother... Well written part, and you're just burning up the thread with your great writing... (that sounded clever in my head, but it's 6 in the morning, so nothing is safe). Thank you for giving me happy feeling with such a nice story! --Nora

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

"Un delgadísimo halo negro rodeaba el ojo y lo inscribía en la carne rosa, en la piedra rosa de la cabeza vagamente triangular. . . que le daban una total semejanza con una estatuilla corroída por el tiempo.” –Julio Cortázar, "Axolotl"

[Grimaldi]

great update



glad that Shelia didn't totally overeact and seemed somewhat supportive of Willow, even though she did imply that it was a phase Willow is going through. the lunch between Tara, Willow and her mother should be interesting

You can't just go declaring shenanigans on innocent people, that's how wars get started!
I'm not stealing, I'm just taking things without paying for them. In what twisted dictionary is that stealing?

[Stroke of Luck]

Well Sheila is great. But a phase hello gay now

Hope she will understand that some people are loving the same gender. And that it isn´t a phase



Great to see Willow healthy and funny again.



Cu

SoL/Natti



Man sieht nur mit dem Herzen gut, das Wesentliche ist für die Augen unsichtbar - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

[littlecrazy80]

Great update! Sheila must be really stupid, because she can´t see that this isn´t a phase.

But I´m glad that she didn´t overreacted.



*lil´c*

Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.

[LokiPromise]

Have to say, loving the fic so far, haven't gotten round to reading the last few updates yet but hopefully will soon, keep up the good work.

BB:Hello Xander...and Anya, how is your money?!

A:Fine!Thank you for asking!

[Grimlock72]

Thats one way to handle a surprise of that magnitude, cheerfully ignore it



Sheila is in denial, which is fine by me. For all I care she can stay that way till Willow is over 21, after which I will no longer care what Sheila thinks or does. Funny thing that, Sheila can or does appearantly teach people about pshychology and parental issues but she can't or wont handle her own... typical.



P.S. Yezz, you're allowed to have a Real Life as well Debra. I'll post comments anyway, with or without reply... heh. After all comments are what keeps a writer writing



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[AntigoneUnbound]

Hey Debra--First things first: kudos for thinking about what you need to prioritize and how you're going to do it. Your presence on the Board is a singular and articulate one, and we will take whatever we can have of you. I hope the energy investments that you make pay off handsomely for you.



And the fic...And here's to you, Mrs. Rosenberg/This ain't just a phase, your daughter's gay...Hey, hey, hey...



I think what jumps out at me so consistently in your rendering of Sheila is her arrogance, her unwavering conviction in her absolute correctness. It isn't mutually exclusive to love--I believe she really does love her daughter--it just tends to produce a very narrow band of flexibility on her own part re: changes in her own attitudes that she's willing to make as a manifestation of that love. And did that sentence make any sense whatsoever? Somehow I suspect not..



I shook my head in total empathy w/ Willow's inner musings re: her mother's reaction. If Sheila can't be interested and supportive, then she should just keep her distance as she's always done.



Great work, Debra, and again--be good to yourself!



Mary

[JustSkipIt]

Title – W/T Season 3 Y’all – part 46 – Only Wiggling



Author– JustSkipit - Debra



Spoilers–Season 3 through Helpless



Rating– Part 46 – PG



Disclaimer – Willow and Tara and any other character that appeared in the syndicated television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is property of Joss and Mutant Enemy, I’m only borrowing them and am not making any money off them Thanks.



Thoughts in italics!







Tara sang quietly as she drove back to the hotel. So far, it had been a strange day to say the least. She had just dropped her lover’s mother off at the airport and was on her way to pick Willow up at the hotel to return to school. A part of her was amazed that Willow’s mother was so distant that she flew into town for the emergency and now was leaving without ever even visiting the school or seeing where Willow lived. That part was furious in the same way that she had been hurt and angry for her girlfriend at Willow’s mother’s phone call back on vacation. Particularly given that Tara had never lacked for love from her family, she couldn’t believe the distance at which Mrs. Rosenberg held her own daughter. On the other hand, Willow didn’t seem particularly upset and seemed just as glad to have her mother leaving.



Although the redhead had not let on, Tara knew that the visit was hard on her. Certainly coming out to her mother had not been easy although she felt that her lover did it very well. Tara assumed that the two had discussed the matter at some point before she joined them for lunch today. She had been very nervous about the lunch date expecting that the two girls would face some sort of inquisition or something. Actually she had no idea what to expect. Her shock when Willow’s mother had invited her to join them for breakfast and then changed the invitation to lunch to accommodate her work schedule was only equaled by her surprise that they were staying at the Royal Arms. Not that it wasn’t ok; just that she found herself speechless when Sheila had asked if she knew the hotel. Knew it? She would never forget it…



Driving into town she found herself lost in daydreams about their first night together. She thought about how much she felt their love surrounding them throughout the entire magical evening. The tenderness with which Willow had kissed her as she moved toward the bed and how genuine and perfectly timed and stated her declaration of her love had been still moved through her body and mind. Tara knew that Willow loved her before the redhead had spoken but to hear those words was the most wonderful thing that had ever happened. And after that, the feel of skin on skin. Of wetness and excitement and fulfillment and joining. Even with her sleeping and waking dreams of their passion together, nothing could have prepared her for the perfection of the reality of their union. As she pulled to the first light in nearly 40 miles, right across from the hotel, she silently admonished herself and felt amazed that she survived the drive in so lost in her reminiscing.



Tara had returned from an early morning at the barn, showered and dressed in a nicely tailored pair of gray slacks and white silk blouse. Actually it was the same outfit she wore the last time she visited the hotel she reminisced but with the blouse buttoned higher and no gold chain. She found herself very nervous as she drove up to the hotel and knocked on the door, quite sure that her stutter would betray her. The door was quickly opened by Sheila who greeted Tara warmly and invited her into the room. Tara was somewhat surprised but then she hadn’t expected the woman to turn into a demon or anything. That was really more of a Sunnydale thing than a Texas happening she figured. The three of them had lunch in the hotel dining room because Willow’s mother was concerned about the time and didn’t want to tire Willow out walking somewhere else to eat.        



The meal had been surprisingly pleasant with no inquisition. By the end Tara was almost dying with curiosity. It was apparent that Willow and her mother had discussed their relationship as the redhead was doing nothing to hide her affection for her girlfriend. While she hadn’t been inappropriate, she had several times held Tara’s hand as the blonde answered Mrs. Rosenberg’s questions or called her “baby” during the meal. It was obvious that Sheila was aware of their relationship in whatever level of detail she wanted to be and didn’t seem to have a major problem with it. Of course, what neither girl had any way of knowing was that part of Mrs. Rosenberg’s acceptance was based on her pragmatic belief that the relationship would not last long given their age and looming college and career choices. Willow’s mother had the good sense not to mention that it was obviously a phase that the girls were going through.



Rather than question the girls on their relationship, as Tara had expected, Mrs. Rosenberg had engaged the blonde in a rather pleasant conversation in the “getting to know you” mode. She had asked Tara about her family, her experiences at the school, riding and teaching riding, college expectations, and other hobbies. By the end of the meal, Tara was even finding that she could converse with the woman without stuttering more than once or twice every sentence. Of course the college discussion was uncomfortable as it still loomed as the Elephant in the middle of the room for the two girls. The blonde was well aware that she was holding up the needed discussion as Willow had repeatedly attempted to engage her about college choices but Tara had found excuses to avoid the conversation. She knew that it was coming and needed to happen soon but it still made for somewhat uncomfortable pauses at the lunch table. Internally she resolved that she and Willow would talk about it as soon as the redhead was recovered.



She knocked lightly on the door, not wanting to disturb Willow if the redhead was sleeping. If so, she would leave a note and take a walk around the town for a while before returning to drive her home. The plan to walk was unnecessary as the door was pulled open the second that her knuckles hit the wood. Willow simultaneously pulled her lover by the hand through the doorway and kissed her on the lips. As they shut the door behind them, she wrapped her arms around the taller blonde to hug her. She pressed her lips to Tara’s neck as she whispered, “I’ve missed you so much baby.” Tears pooled in both girls’ eyes as they finally shared the closeness their bodies craved.



Tara reveled in the feeling of Willow’s body pressed to hers agreeing, “me too love.” Finally stepping back she smiled as she looked at Willow, “but you are so s-s-skinny now. I’m going to have to treat you like a princess while you recover.”



“Yum, princess treatment,” Willow smiled back, “do I get to choose what kind of princess treatment?”



“How about I start by taking you h-h-home and ensconcing you in your room before bringing you some dinner?” Tara asked looking around the room attempting unsuccessfully to locate Willow’s bag.



Showing her tiredness, the redhead walked to the bed to sit on the edge while pulling Tara along by the hand. “Yeah, about that: my mother called downstairs about half-hour ago to say that she would need the room for another night and to just add the charge to her credit card.” She smiled as she spoke.



Tara looked warily at her girlfriend: “love, your m-m-mother was with me 30 minutes ago. She didn’t make any such call.”



Willow smiled leaning forward to whisper in Tara’s ear as she lightly kissed her cheek and neck. “Really? Well someone called from the room and said we’d be staying another night,” she punctuated each word with a kiss.



Attempting to still the reaction her body was having to each kiss and caress Tara questioned, “but w-w-won’t she n-n-notice the extra night on her c-c-credit card?”



Willow began laughing as soon as Tara completed her sentence. Seeing the hurt look on her girlfriend’s face she quickly hugged her. “I love you Tara Maclay,” she whispered. “She’d never notice something like that. I wrote a program years ago to handle all the processing and payments for all the bills. She never even sees anything unless there is an unusually large charge and then it just e-mails her a notice which she ignores.”



Seeing that Willow was obviously getting tired, Tara leaned against the headboard as she asked her next question: “what about the s-s-school? I have the truck.”



Beginning to feel herself sliding into sleep Willow answered, “I called Ms. Geller. Told her I was tired and could you bring me back tomorrow. She said sure and feel better.” Even in her sleepy state, the redhead continued nuzzling into Tara’s neck placing light kisses all over the soft skin she had missed so much. “Maybe later you can treat me like a princess,” she purred.



The sexual inuendo was unmistakable to Tara who reacted with concern: “love?” as Willow nodded that she was listening Tara continued, “I d-d-don’t think that we can… that you can… that we should…” She trailed off as a deep red blush filled her cheeks and neck.



Willow smiled sleepily back at her lover: “no baby. I asked the doctor when mom was out of the room and no...” (she smiled) “… for me for a ten days or more but that doesn’t mean you can’t.”



Tara answered quietly as she stroked her hands through her lover’s hair, “we’ll see love. You know I prefer to share our l-l-love fully.” By the time she finished speaking, it was apparent that Willow was asleep and she followed her quickly.



---



Willow woke hours later feeling the wonderful and missed sensation of Tara’s body against hers. Breathing in deeply she could again smell her lover. It was like home again finally and she almost started crying with the depth of how much she had missed the other woman. Opening her eyes slightly she noted the green glow emanating from the bed, specifically from Tara’s hands held over her stomach. The sensation felt like a mixture of heat like warm water and tickling at her scar. “mmm that tickles but I’m afraid you’ll tire yourself out my love,” she mumbled as she slowly became more awake.



Tara didn’t move her hands as she whispered, “I took a long r-r-ride yesterday and walked in the creek East of campus. I’ll be f-f-fine.” She was quiet as she continued her healing on her lover’s scar, attempting to not only influence the physical appearance of the skin but the internal damage and healing. Finally finishing she pulled the winding green energy back into her hands before leaning over and touching the floor to ground herself. “How do you feel lover?” she asked gently returning her hands to stroke Willow’s red hair.



“Better,” Willow answered as she moved into the luxury of Tara’s arms, “Thanks.”



“Do you want to go out for d-d-dinner Will?” Tara asked.



“Let’s order room service so we can take my mother up on her generous hospitality,” Willow winked.



Tara giggled as she leaned in to kiss her girlfriend: “you are really something Willow Rosenberg.” Extricating herself from the bed, she moved toward the bathroom as Willow picked up the menu to look over the expensive entrée choices.



Even though they couldn’t be as romantic as they would have liked, the two girls decided to make it a romantic dinner. They lit the fireplace and had room service bring candles with dinner. Of course they couldn’t have any alcohol with Willow recovering from surgery but that was fine with them. The food was exquisite as expensive meals bought with someone else’s money always should be and they took turns feeding each other bites from each plate. Willow’s restrictions were still in place so she had to eat mostly a pasta dish while Tara had a juicy steak. But they had the chance to share desert.



As they ate Tara watched her lover’s eyes sparkling in the firelight. “I really m-m-missed you Will,” she said.



Willow nodded, “I know. Me too although I know I shouldn’t have missed you so bad. I mean I was asleep most of the time. But every time I woke up, I missed your scent so much. I’m used to waking up without you but not without any trace of you. But the hospital smelled like hospital and not Tara and I need my Tara every day.” By the end of her babble the redhead had gotten up to stomp like a child and pout before sitting down on Tara’s lap.



Tara hugged Willow to her noting how her hipbones really jutted out and resolving to make sure that the redhead ate extra good for a while. “I guess I h-h-had it easier. I slept in your room so I could still smell you there when I f-fell asleep and woke up.” Leaning forward to kiss the smaller woman’s neck she nuzzled in: “but nothing is like the feeling of you in my arms lover.”



“Speaking of which,” Willow asked, “I’m getting tired. Can you put this stuff out and we can lie in bed and talk until we fall asleep?” Tara nodded and after a few minutes joined the redhead under the covers. Even without making love, the feeling of their naked skin warming each other was perfect. She felt as if they were flowing together and knew that her body was reacting to the presence of her lover even as they chastely cuddled.



“How are the homecoming preparations going baby?” Willow asked, wanting to catch up on the days she had missed.



“G-g-good. It’s a lot to do but it should be a really good fair.” Willow nodded as Tara spoke. “Oh, I forgot to tell you earlier. Chelle is taking Eliza,” Tara began.



Willow giggled, “big surprise there. Are you sure it’s not the other way around?”



Tara smiled as she thought about it: “you could be right there. Anyway, they want to know if we want to go out to d-d-dinner with them beforehand. They asked for a recommendation and of course I said Hannigans. What do you think love?”



“Of course,” Willow answered, “that would be fun. But only on one condition, ok two conditions, ok a condition and a preference…”



“What’s that?” Tara asked, her hands never stopping their gentle movement over Willow’s skin.



Willow smiled as she answered, “you let me pay for dinner.”



“B-b-but I asked you out,” Tara objected.



She was surprised as Willow leaned over the side of the bed, hooking a finger in the belt loop on her pants and pulling them onto the bed. From the pocket she pulled a wad of money—a few hundreds and assorted other bills—throwing them onto the bed. “Mom thought that she would be staying longer but she needed to go review an article,” Willow explained a little bitterly.



Tara pulled the smaller woman close as she whispered, “of course you can p-p-pay my love. I’m s-s-so sorry though.” Neither woman commented further on what Tara said and they just sat for a few moments. Finally she asked, “what’s the second condition or preference?”



Willow turned around as she began kissing Tara’s neck lightly, particularly her pulsing jugular. “I want to take your beautiful dress off you and make love to you all night when the dance is over,” she purred punctuating each word with her lips and tongue as Tara shivered under the attention.



“uh huh…” Tara moaned, wrapping her arms around the smaller woman to hold her still so they could rest. Much more of this and she was going to have trouble using her common sense to resist Willow’s advances or teasing. She didn’t know which word would more accurately describe what the redhead was doing but knew that they couldn’t make love so soon after the surgery.



Just as the blonde was starting to get her thoughts to form coherent and will-powered-laden sentences Willow whispered in her ear, “I can smell you. I missed that smell so bad.” Tara bit her lip and shut her eyes trying to deny the arousal she felt. “I missed your taste too,” Willow teased. Tara gave an incoherent groan before standing from the bed and grabbing a shirt and panties. She pulled them on without comment as Willow gave her a sad-puppy-dog look and climbed back in the bed. As she leaned back into her lover again Willow pouted: “phooey on clothes on my baby in bed. I like the feel of your skin.”



Tara giggled at Willow’s feigned innocence. “Maybe you should try to b-b-behave a little young lady,” she admonished playfully. “You know if you weren’t injured, this would be the perfect occasion for me to tickle the nonsense out of you,” she teased as she waved her fingers in the air.



Waving right back Willow answered quickly, “if I weren’t injured there wouldn’t be anything to tickle me about.” Tara laughed as Willow spoke in a low sexy voice: “but you could still put those wiggling fingers to good use.” After the two girls relaxed together watching the fire for a little while Willow asked, “after the dance will you be less busy love?”



“W-w-well, I won’t be working on the dance but t-t-tryouts for the Spring Musical are the next week. If I get a part, that will take a l-l-lot of time,” she explained.



Willow bounced on the bed as she turned to look at her lover: “a part in the musical? That’s so cool. What musical? What part are you going to try out for? Have you been in them before? Who else will be in it?”



Tara smiled at Willow’s enthusiasm. She knew that the redhead would never try to stop her from doing something that she loved but at the same time she was a little worried that Willow would feel jealous of the time the production took. “I’ve been in three so far although last year I left before the show and the understudy took my part,” Tara explained sadly. Willow took her hand to attempt to comfort her sadness over the cause of her missing the show. “F-f-freshman year was Guys and Dolls. I was one of the Alley Cats girls. Sophomore year was Annie get your Gun. I was a town kid and a performer. Last y-y-year would have been the best: I was Anita in West Side Story.”



“You played a Puerto Rican? Who was Maria?” Willow giggled. She figured that whoever it was would be Tara’s main competition for the lead this year if she had been Anita the year before.



“Chelle’s older sister. She g-g-graduated,” Tara explained understanding why Willow had asked. “This year is Into the Woods. We all lobbied to do Rent but they wouldn’t even consider it. It’s too bad. That show has some fantastic parts both for singing and dance.”



Willow nodded as she listened. She was amazed at how absent Tara’s stutter was as she talked about the show. She had never heard her girlfriend speak this long and this smoothly even about riding or art. “I don’t know it. What’s the lead?”



Tara considered for a moment, “I’d say the witch but there are a lot of really great singing p-p-parts. I’ve got it in the truck if you want to listen to it later.”



Willow leaned forward to kiss the blonde: “do I tell you how proud I am of you? You are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.” She hugged her tightly as if Tara were a treasure that she’d never let go.



Tara leaned back on the headboard again as she snuggled the smaller woman. Their fingers were entwined and she drew circles on Willow’s palm as she spoke: “you’ve said that. Thanks. W-w-would you want to d-d-do something for the s-s-show.”



She felt the redhead’s panic immediately, “what? Do something for the show? Something like what? Like stand on stage looking insane? Like forget all my lines? Like sing off-key? Oh Goddess, it’s that dream. The one that came true Freshman year and and and…”



Realizing that Willow was starting to hyperventilate Tara stroked her hand. “Baby, not something in the show. There are lots of things to do that don’t involve b-b-being on stage. You can paint scenery or run the light board.” She considered for a minute before saying, “actually you would be great at the l-l-light board. The guy who did it graduated last year. You could make up all k-k-kinds of charts and schedules,” she ended teasing.



“Well you know how I like charts and schedules,” Willow agreed. The two girls talked for a long time about the musical and the upcoming career fair and dance. Eventually they fell asleep as both were very tired and they needed to return to school early the next day.

---

"People have the power to redeem the work of fools." - Patti Smith

[littlecrazy80]

Great update!

I´m glad that Sheila didn´t make any stupid comment about the relationship. But the best part was, when she finally left the town.

Can´t wait for the homecoming and the musical. I hope they will have a lot of fun.





*lil´c*

Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.

[Bubblecath]

Hey debra!

That was a really sweet update!

i am glad that will is better now! you had me worried!!

cant wait for homecoming!

thanks

cath

xxx

[AntigoneUnbound]

Hey Debra--Gotta love that sneaky Willow: putting an extra night on her mother's credit card AND being so clever that her mother never sees the charges unless they're huge. Loved your comment about food tasting so good when it's expensive and someone else is paying for it--ain't that just the case...



I totally get Willow just wanting Sheila to leave. It reminds me of the saying "Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Passin' on the left, Mrs. R...



Very enjoyable.

Mary

[shuyaku]

Another great update. Dining and snuggling in comfort on someone else's credit card - now that IS romantic



Looking forward to Home Coming



-shuyaku

[The Rose24]

Awww. Sneaky and vixeny Willow. She booked the hotel room for another night.



I am glad Willow and Tara will be able to spend some quality time together. I know they miss each other a lot.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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