New Fic: There You Are

[Puff]

DW hope the show goes well tonight

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You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[DarkWiccan]

for those of you who may be curious..



The show went really well.. the critics seemed pleased. We have more critics coming tonight and as they publish their reviews I'll make them available on my website... provided of course they are good reviews



No update until tomorrow or Sunday I'm afriad... I'm all caught up in showbiz at the moment.



Cheers

DW

[BethanyB3]

Hi DW great to hear your show went well. Hope tonight wow's the reviewers. In case you are into those old theatre superstitions, I promise not to whistle tonight, (in your honor) and hope you break a leg.

[KathleenWolf]

oh my... I have missed a giant portion of story... but holy wow much with the plot devolopment...



The evil bird is putting a huge shadow over everything but I'm glad to see that the gang are starting some independant research to figure out what is going on...



can't wait for more



bravo

kathleen

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

To The Land of The RainbowWriters

[DarkWiccan]

Here We Go!



_____________________



Emily was nervous. She had never been called to the counselor’s office before, and even though her parents had prepared her for being called out of class, it made her feel as if she had done something wrong. She walked down the wooden floored halls of Sunnydale Elementary suddenly finding them to seem very much bigger than they had seemed before. Big and quiet. Too quiet. The doors to the other classrooms were mostly shut, occasionally one would be open and she would walk more briskly buy, afraid that if the teacher inside were to see her, they might think less of her, despite the fact that she did not know them.



She clutched the offices summons tightly in her small right hand as she used her left to grasp the door to the administrative offices and turned the knob gingerly, peering inside.



“Yes?” said a rather severe looking woman from behind a long counter-like desk.



Emily looked up at the strange lady with wide doe eyes, wordlessly reaching her hand up onto the counter, and letting the crumpled summons fall onto the countertop.



The older woman sniffed at the paper before picking it up and unraveling it to read.



“Oh”, she said her demeanor warming, “Down the hall, dearie, last door on your right. You’re parents are already here.”



Emily nodded mutely and pivoted to go down the hall. She stuck her head into the indicated room and found herself staring into the face of someone she had never seen before, her parents seated with their backs turned to her, they did not notice their daughter’s entrance.



“Here she is”, Charlotte announced happily from behind her desk. Willow and Tara both turned in their seats to greet Emily with beaming smiles, her little sister asleep in her mommy’s arms.



“Come here, sweetheart”, Willow encouraged, taking Emily’s hand and pulling her to stand between her and her wife’s chairs. “You want to sit on my lap?”



“Yes please”, Emily asked softly, her level of anxiety betrayed by her eyes. She knew she wasn’t in trouble, but she felt as though she was. Willow lifted Emily up onto her lap, and the miniature redhead relaxed considerably in her Mama’s arms.



“My goodness, Willow”, Charlotte commented, “The two of you look so much alike. No doubt who’s daughter she is there. I take it you had Emily and Tara had the new baby?”



Tara had to work very hard to stifle a laugh. “Um, no…” she said after sharing a quick glance with her lover, “I had Emily and Willow had Michelle.”



“Oh”, Charlotte answered, seemingly confused by the revelation. “Interesting… I just thought since… never mind.” The counselor waved it off, turning her attention once more to the child seated on the redhead’s lap. “Emily, do you know why you’ve been called to my office today?”



“Mama said it was because of my good test scores and maybe going to fourth grade”, Emily replied, feeling slightly more sure of herself



“Exactly”, the counselor smiled. “How do you like school so far this year. Emily?”



“It’s fun”, the girl answered, “It’s always fun. I like learning.”



“Is it easy or difficult?” Charlotte pressed.



“Um… it’s easy.”



“Too easy?”



“Sometimes”, Emily said honestly. “Sometimes I get a little bored. But then my friends need help and I help them and it’s not so boring.”



“How do you help them?” the counselor questioned.



“Well, if we’re doing a group project and they don’t understand something, they ask me and I explain it to them”, Emily explained.



“Do you like your teacher?”



“Mr. Bradst is okay”, the girl replied, “I mean, he’s nice and stuff.”



“Is there a teacher you liked better than Mr. Bradst?” asked Charlotte.



Emily started to get excited at this question and wiggled a little bit on Willow’s lap. “Oh yes”, she said animatedly, “Ms. Henckle. She was my teacher last year for second grade. She always gave me fun stuff to do.”



“Like what?” asked Tara, feeling it was time she and Willow started joining in this conversation.



“Like worksheets and stuff. Math worksheets mostly, with really big numbers!”



“How big”, Willow inquired.



“Three digits mostly”, Emily explained, “But sometimes four! And it was tough math like multiplication and dividing.”



“And were you able to do the math?” Charlotte questioned.



“Most of the time, but sometimes I would get stuck and Ms. Henckle would have to help me.” Emily’s voice fell slightly, as though she was upset with needing help. Tara caught this immediately and went to put a stop to it.



“Emily”, she said firmly, but sweetly, “It is never wrong to need help with something, and it is certainly never wrong to ask for help when you need it. Okay?”



“Yes, Mommy”, her daughter smiled softly.



“Did Ms. Henckle ever give you anything other than math to do, Em?” Willow now asked.



“Um, yeah… “, Emily recalled, “Sometimes she would give me lists of words to look up… Oh! And puzzles, she liked to give me puzzles to solve.”



“What kind of puzzles?” said Charlotte.



“Riddles mostly.”



“Emily”, Charlotte began after a pause, “How would you like to have Ms. Henckle as your teacher again?”



Emily’s eyes went wide with surprise as her jaw dropped with excitement. “Really?”



“Yes, really”, Charlotte smiled back, “Ms. Henckle is the new fourth grade teacher.”



“She’s not just the fourth grade teacher”, Willow clarified a little firmly. Not wanting her daughter to get ahead of herself with excitement. “Baby-girl, look at me.” Emily swiveled a little on her Mama’s lap and small blue eyes met older green. “Ms. Henckle also teaches the G.A.T.E. program. Do you know what that is?”



“It’s the special classes for the smart kids”, she replied.



“Sort of”, Willow agreed. “They’re classes for students that pick things up a little faster than their classmates. A person can be very smart and not be in the G.A.T.E. program, it doesn’t mean anything against them. Emily, if you choose to go the fourth grade with Ms. Henckle, you’ll be placed in the G.A.T.E. program with other kids who learn fast like you. It’s going to be a lot of work. Much more than what you’re used to. Is that what you want?”



“Before you answer, Emily” Tara interjected, “Remember that your Mama and I love you very much, and we only want you to be happy. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to if you only feel that you have to impress us or make us proud. We’re already so very, very proud of you.”



“We’re here to support you in what you want to do”, Willow added warmly. “Not in what you think we want.”



“Do you want to go to the fourth grade, Emily?” Charlotte asked.



The little girl considered this for a long moment. Fourth grade sounded like a fun adventure, and being with Ms. Henckle again would be good too. But, at the same time it did sound like a lot of work… but she enjoyed work and figuring out problems and learning new things. It could be fun. It would be fun.



“Yes”, she finally said, her features set in a mini version of her Mama’s resolve face. “Yes, I do.”



The next half-hour was spent going over the paperwork of the advancement, and explaining to Emily how she would need to pass a test before she could move up a grade. A date was set for the exam and Willow and Tara hugged and kissed Emily goodbye as their little girl made her way back to class, promising to pick her up from school in a few hours and offering her reassurance that they were very proud of her, and would have been no matter what decision she had made.



Alone now in her office, Charlotte picked up her phone and dialed Ms. Henckle’s classroom. “Ms. Henckle”, she said in greeting, “you can expect Emily Rosenberg-Maclay to report to your class in the next couple of weeks…yes… you’re welcome.” And with that she hung-up and went back to her paperwork.



*****

TBC...

"Promise me you'll never be linear." "On my trout."

[VampNo12]

Great part DW! Even though, Emily knows she hasn't done anything wrong, I liked how you portrayed her having a sense of trepidation in walking the halls to the counselor's office. She really doesn't want anyone to think less of her/get a bad impression of her. With this in mind, I thought it was very important how both W&T stressed the decision was solely Emily's, and that whatever she decided her parents were very proud of her.



Lastly, although, Emily is thrilled to be reunited with Ms.Henckle, I getting an ominous feeling with this teacher. It just seems a tad too convenient that she is now teaching the same grade Emily is going into, as well as the dialogue (at the end of this part), which seems to infer Ms. Henckle wanted Emily in 4th grade (for a purpose more than mere learning). Or maybe I am reading way too much into this, but either way I look forward to the next part! By the way I am glad your show is going well!

Edited by: VampNo12  at: 7/13/02 5:24:37 pm

[Puff]

Great update DW Emily is such a cutie

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You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[GiveMeChocolate]

Great update DW, I just love Emily, she's so much like her Mama, and it's very sweet! Can't wait to see more.

Axe, not gonna cut it

[Kerrison]

Nicely done. I look forward to the next update.

-Kerry

[Scout]

Very enjoyable update! The way you describe Emily - I can just picture her little body walking down the halls and then see her handing over the crumpled note. But I'm a little concerned about the teacher, too. Her name is coming up too much. We'll have to keep an eye on her.



Thanks for the update!

[BethanyB3]

I could imagine the look of confusion on Charlotte's face. you know that had to have her pondering.

Emily is so sweet & a natural teacher & leader (priestess).

Willow & Tara are such great parents. I loved the way the explained the G.A.T.E. program to Emily. That & how they loved, were proud of & supported her no matter what her choice was. This much mean so much to Willow since it always seemed that part of her drive to excel was based in her need to be even noticed by her parents.

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"The potential possibilities of any child are the most intriguing and stimulating in all creation." ~ Ray L. Wilbur

[xita]

*sniff, I love their family. They are such loving parents, and Emily is such a cute little version of them. And it was amusing watching the confusion as to which woman gave birth to Emily

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"Oooh Xita!" - Amber Benson

[willntlover]

Is mrs. hinkle one of the morigans? Loved the update, i loved how the counsler assumed who had whom



-Will

"Hear that baby? You're my always."

"well, you know, when you play a lesbian witch you've gotta get killed in this fun kind of exciting way, so the heart was the way to go..."

"we have the most amazing fans though they LOVE us."

[The Rose24]

Very cute.



I have a bad feeling about the Mrs. Henckle too. Am I being paranoid?

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[tkheaven]

Oh ohoh Em is so adorable! I liked how Charlotte was assuming Em was Willow's while Michelle was Tara's..and did I mention how cute Em is???



BTW I posted a new topic in the Kitten thread for those who watch Mad TV.. they had a spoof of BtVS...

Tk's new and improved "GrrArgg"

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Tara was similarly riveted, her body on slow burn as Willow's lips parted and her mouth opened, the food slipping inside and being consumed. Never in her life had Tara ever wanted to be a chicken casserole so badly...Later that night..."It's good to be a chicken casserole," Tara murmured, before passing out. ~ Answering Darkness by Sassette

[MadeinNZ]

Thanks for the update. I was a bit nervous when I read that Emily was going to see the counsellor - I thought a "wish" may be involved. But all is OK - so far.

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"When someone falls for Willow, they stay fallen" - Normal Again

[Lonewolf22]

DarkWiccan: Great update, I loved how Willow and Tara were explaining to Emily about G.A.T.E. and how they would be proud of her no matter what, they are such great parents and Emily is the BIGGEST darling I've ever seen and I love the way that she just took up the challenge of going to the fourth grade.



Also, I really loved when Charlotte thought that Willow had Emily and Tara had Michelle, LOL that was so cute, I could just imagine Tara and the look that she gave Willow before she explained to Charlotte about who gave birth to whom, just great. I can't wait to read more.



Lonewolf

[Latsric]

That was great. Willow and Tara are just the best parents and Emily is just the sweetest thing. I'm also having a wee bit of nervousness about the 4th grade teacher and the counselor too...they seem a bit to anxious to me, but then again I love this little family so much that I'm seeing evil in anyone who even looks at the girls funny.



-lat-

- I need my obsessions, they keep me sane -

[Thanatopsis]

Emily is just too cute for words. I loved how she seemed to perk up when talking about school, at least until she admited to asking for help. I can see where Charolette was confused, she seems to take after Willow with the redhair and the love of school.

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Too many of us live desert lives. ~Charles de Lint

[singgirl]

One word...Awwwww!

[Loco2]

ok, now i'm just repeating something everyone else said but a little later; you write kids so well!



this was sweet, and you could totally imagine how emily felt, this was brilliantly written, thanks



steph

"Dr. Becker, have you seen the skeleton?" "What do you think I am, a skeleton thief? You want to search me?!"
"Who sponsered career day this year, The Brittish Soccer Fan Association?!" - Xander - What's My Line?
"We'll all be a lot happier without the constant whining....Mom, Buffy, Tara, Waah" - DMW to Dawn

[Tulipp]

I agree with Loco2; you write Emily so well; I could really picture her nervousness when she walking down the hall, and her saying "yes please" to sit on Willow' lap expressed that nervousness even more. I will be very intrigued to see what happens next....

[KathleenWolf]

Okay I'm on the Emily is the cutest thing bandwagon...



oh and yes this fourth grade teacher... maybe I'm just looking everywhere for baddies but I swear... bad vibes on that one... hope I'm wrong



bravo

kathleen

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

To The Land of The RainbowWriters

[Shinnen]

sigh...DW.... you write the best kids...well not kids exactly cos one of them is kinda small and not fully functional yet... but I'm having to repeat what everyone and more has been saying... and repeating...so I'm gonna re-repeat what everyone said.... awwww... Emily... cute...! and the Rosenberg-Maclay family is so supportive of each other. Actually... I wished my parents were like that... instead they are like "you! next exam! we want an average of 85% on all 10 subjects!" no arguments.



Can't wait for the next update! <-- see? I'm already jumping up and down.

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When I Am Standing On My Head, The Sky Is So Deep And The Sea Is So High.

[Grimaldi]

great update i love how you portrayed Emily's anxiety about going to the pricipal's office. it was cute how Emily was talking about how much she loves doing school work. can't wait for the next update

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!

Cross my heart, smack me dead, stick a lobster on my head.

Watching TV shows doesn't create psychos...Canceling TV shows does

[Miss1234Kitty]

Oh wow, Emily is so cute! I agree, I have the same feelings about the teacher as you, but I don't want her to be nasty! Emily really admires her, so please, DW, if you have something nasty planned, make someone else evil instead.



I like how Emily is so much like Willow, and Michelle like Tara. It shows how bonded the two really are.



Gem

Tara: There's just so much to work through... and can you just be kissing me now?

[LeatherQueen]

Great update! But I, too, am worried by that last phone call. Should we be worried or are you just throwing us for a loop with that one? Hmmm....

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"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[DarkWiccan]

***VampNo12 – I based this trip to the counselor’s office on my own experience when I was in third grade and it was decided to enroll me in the Sp.A.C.E. Program at my school. (Specialized Accelerated Classroom Education). I had never been called out of class before and I was absolutely terrified. When we moved to California a couple of years later, I was automatically transferred to the West Coast version of SpA.C.E. which is G.A.T.E.



***Puff – Yes, she is, isn’t she



***GiveMeChocolate – I think that Emily is probably a little more outgoing than Willow was when she was her age. Most likely because of all of the encouragement and support her loving parents give her.



***Kerrison – Why thank you.. I look forward to posting it



***Scout – Because I was drawing on memory, it was particularly easy to make the image of Emily walking down the hall tangible.



***BethanyB3 – It was important to me that W/T make it clear that G.A.T.E. is not a program that should be looked at as something that makes Emily better than her peers. I remember a lot of the kids in the program with me when I was in school were arrogant little pricks and it’s no wonder that they never had friends. I didn’t want that to be the case with Em. No that it ever would be… but one likes to play it safe.



***Xita – Charlotte’s confusion, yes, the idea came to me as I was writing… I saw Emily sitting on Will’s lap and “POOF” there it was. In NMYWG Em’s resemblance to Will is a touching and important point. I wanted to re-iterate that here in the sequel.



***Willntlover – Hmm... is Ms. Henckle a bad… to this I say, keep in mind that Emily really likes her and trusts her… and both Em’s parents are very intuitive. Will is a little more knee-jerk when it comes to protecting her family, but Tara is very much a listener to her own instincts. These qualities have been passed to Emily…



***The Rose24 – Paranoid? Maybe, maybe not. This story is a game of “what is real” so I refer you to my last response above.



***Tkheaven – Yes, you did mention…



***MadeinNZ –Nope, no wishes here. Thankfully.



***Lonewolf22 --



***Latsric –

Quote:

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I love this little family so much that I'm seeing evil in anyone who even looks at the girls funny.

---

Good point… anyone with nervous apprehension should consider this.



***Thanatopsis – You’ll notice how quickly I had Tara offer Emily reassurance that it’s okay to ask for help. This is something I really wish I had had drilled into me when I was in school. I’m sure I wouldn’t have gotten into half the trouble I had if I had just asked someone for assistance.



***Singgirl -- thanks!



***Loco2 – I guess I write kids well b/c I am just a big kid at heart. That and I (eventually) would like children of my own. I’m 23 now, so I have plenty of time (tick, tock, tick, tock) Do you hear something?



***Tulipp – Emily is just a good soul. How could she not be coming from W/T?



***KathleenWolf – “Emily is Cute” bandwagon leaving for sweetie-pie square in two minutes… all aboard!!



***Shinnen – my parents were always very supportive, if at times a little distracted.. but all parents are… they (even after I was enrolled in the accelerated classes) were always like, “C or better is good enough for us sweetie”… of course this made me work harder for the A’s.



***Grimaldi – and I shall call her “mini-Willow” :: draws pinky up to corner of mouth ::



***Miss1234Kitty – Do I have something nasty planned. Well… in answer to that I will say this… “someone” in this fic is who not they appear to be. Who, you ask? Well, soon enough, friend… soon enough



***LeatherQueen – Here we go loop-dee loo… here we go loop-dee lie… here we go loop-dee loo…..



Cheers

DW

"Promise me you'll never be linear." "On my trout."

[Jennpurr]

Awww... That was just too precious. Emily is sooo cute.



DW, Why do I have a funny feeling about Emily's teacher?? Hmmm?? Am I supposed to?? I know you're not gonna answer those questions. I'll just have to wait patiently, I guess.



Thank you for the update and I can't wait for more.



OH... BTW, I'm glad your show went okay. Congrats!



Take care,

Jen

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Tara: Shhh, darling.

Willow: I can't do this.

Tara: We can do this.

[nika]

This was so awwwwww....I just love Emily, she's like the perfect blend of Willow and Tara. I wish all parents were like that.