Title: Contentment
Part: 1&2/?
Email address: mtnlaurels34@hotmail.com
Distribution: I just like to write...but it would be fun to know if this shows up somewhere else.
Feedback: This is my first fic, but I already think I'm going to be a feedbackaholic...your insights will help me steer some of the "fun" aspects of the W/T relationship *wink,wink*
Spoilers: This is completely AU! No spoilage here.
Rating: PG -13...at least for now.
Disclaimer: Yeah, so I just thought it would be fun to play with the Willow/Tara relationship. I have no rights whatsoever...most of the other characters in this fic are new, so that should be fun.
Authors note: Like I said earlier, this is an AU fic. There's no magic (per se), so don't get upset with me. It's just a love story...that's all. Hope you enjoy reading as much as I have enjoyed writing!
Ooh! and one more thing! To start off with, we go back a few years, and then we pass the present and move a few years into the future--I kind of tried to help with a timeline of sorts.
-Laurel
1997
“M-momma Kris? C-can my d-dad ever t-take me away from you?”
Kristina Harrison—Momma Kris to all who knew her--looked at the wide blue eyes of her teenage charge and her heart nearly broke, as it did every time ‘the question’ was asked of her. Tara Maclay had lived with Kristina for nearly a year, and not one week passed that the girl did not ask at least once. Tara’s stutter was evident as well, a sure sign that the young woman was nervous and scared. Kristina took a deep breath, wrapped a loving arm around the frightened girl and sighed.
“Nobody’s gonna take you from me.” Momma K looked at the girl beside her once again. “You trust me don’t you? Have I ever let you down before? I love you kiddo, and I need you here with me. Who else is can help me run this place as well as you?”
Tara smiled into Kristina’s eyes, and the smile held all the love and adoration she felt for the aging camp director that had become like a mother to her.
Tara snuggled down into her comforter a little more, closed her eyes finally, and asked one last question. “Momma Kris? Will you t-tell me again how you and my m-mom became friends? I love to hear about that…she was happy here, w-wasn’t she?”
Kristina thought back to her childhood and shared with Tara about the first time she met her life-long friend. Tara smiled fondly hearing the story once again, knowing that her mother had been happy at least for a time in her life. Finally, the teenager drifted to sleep and the older woman stood at her bedside. If only your mother could see you now, Tara. She’d be so proud of you.
--
2001
“I’m so proud of you, Tara! You worked so hard for years, and now look at you. Graduating college and ready to take over my job.” Momma Kris stood holding Tara just after the young woman had received her degree.
Tara was giddy with excitement, and her eyes beamed. “Momma Kris, you’re going to be around for years yet, so I guess you won’t have to worry too much about anyone taking your place anytime soon…but if the pay is right, I might make my way over to that run-down place you call a camp and help out now and again.”
“You just see that you do that, you hear?” Kristina responded with a smile. Inside, however, her confidence waned somewhat. She’s never really had anyone but me. Ed’s like a big brother and father all rolled into one, but he’s got a family of his own, the older woman thought as she looked at the beautiful young woman she had grown to love. We can’t pretend I’ll be here forever. And when I go, then what will she do?
--
2004
“What will I do, Ed?” Tara asked as she looked once more at the framed picture of Kristina Harrison that occupied the space above the mantle in the great room of the lodge.
“She had a happy life, I know, but I’ve had her for all these years, and now I don’t know what I’m going to do without her.”
Ed Harrison, Kristina’s only child, looked at the young woman beside him and weighed his options. He knew she needed to grieve his mother’s passing, but to coddle her right now would make matters worse.
“I’ll tell you what you are going to do. You’re going to direct this camp just like she taught you.”
Tara looked at the man in surprise and then looked behind him to consider the staff that stood around them. They were all looking at her expectantly. A moment passed, and Rick, the Program Director stepped forward and finally asked, “Well Capt, what do we need to do before the next group of campers arrive?”
Tara studied the faces of the nearly forty-member group, and as her eyes met those of each staffer she had to hold back the tears that threatened to stop her voice completely.
Finally, Tara addressed the group quietly. “I think we’re pretty m-much set for this week’s arrivals. Leaders-in-Training, please help unload the bags at each cabin. Leadership staff, make sure you have your walkie-talkies with you and call me on my cell phone if you need anything.”
Tara cleared her throat and spoke again as her voice rose in strength and volume. “Remember guys, this may be your fifth week here at Contentment, but it’s the first time these kids will experience camp. Tim, please go open the gate. Everyone else, you know what to do.”
Tara watched as the staff departed. She turned to face the fireplace, finally alone in the large room. "You can do this,” Tara whispered to herself, “and you can do it well thanks to Momma Kris.” In that moment, she finally gained her first real glimpse of what Kristina had felt all those years—the duty, the responsibility to her staff and to her campers, and even the loneliness of going on without someone you love.
Ed surreptitiously watched the new director from the doorway. He looked at the woman who was practically like a sister to him, and knew that the next few months were going to be hard on her. Ed also knew better than anyone on the camp staff what an extraordinary director Tara was. He just believed, more than anything else, she needed someone to love…someone very special to share her life with.
Contentment
2006
Ch 1
Tara Maclay’s office door was open when the Executive Director poked his head around the frame with a quick smile and a satisfied, “Guess what I got ya for the summer!”
It was only a month before the first campers arrived so Tara had a list that nearly overwhelmed her of the many things Ed Harrison could have for her.
“Ed, I’m too tired for guessing games—some good news would be really nice right now.”
“Well, while I was visiting Charles Morris about some business a few weeks ago, I met the computer consultant he’d hired to help with his company. Her name’s Willow Rosenberg, and Charlie did nothing but praise her work. We all went out to lunch one day and talked for nearly an hour about our jobs and so forth. The woman’s been quite busy of late and could probably use a break. I just got off the phone with her and we have negotiated a deal…that’s where you and Contentment come in.”
“Wait a minute, Ed. Are you telling me that you filled a position on my staff without consulting me at all? I don’t get to interview her or anything?”
“Tara, I didn’t think you’d get this upset. I’m sorry. I just know how busy you have been lately. You’re exhausted, and the summer hasn’t even started yet. I wanted to help you out—honestly. I care about you. I wasn’t trying to undermine your authority.” Ed said sincerely.
“No, I’m sorry I snapped at you, Ed. I know you were doing what was best—for me and for the camp. You’re right, I’m just tired.” Tara swiveled in her desk chair but continued, “Wouldn’t this woman be a little over-qualified to take a few pictures and post them on our website, or did you have her in mind for developing the computer center for next year?”
Ed finally came into the office and took a seat across from the blonde director. “You are right about her qualifications, but I’m doing this more as a favor for a friend than anything else. Charlie has a real soft spot for this girl and, between you and me, he thinks this will do Willow a whole lotta good.” And you too, Tara. The older man thought.
Ed plowed on when it looked like the young woman was about to argue. “Tara, we need to get all the campers entered into the system, and Momma Kris’s method just doesn’t work anymore…let’s just get the work done while we can and while we have the resources.”
“So, her name’s Willow and she’s coming in when?” Just give me a little more time alone! I need to be ready for everyone’s arrival.
“I figure you could pick her up at the Atlanta airport this Saturday when you are out on your supply run.”
“Ed, that’s in two days! Most of the staff won’t be here until training two weeks from now and none of the quarters are ready! What am I going to do with her in that time?” There’s just so much to do! I can’t do this all alone…How did Momma K handle it all? Now I have to take care of someone else! Can’t anyone see I’m never going to be as strong as she was? Tara, however, held her emotions in check and turned a level gaze to back to the Executive Director.
“I figured that she could stay with you in the Director’s Cabin for a while…would that be ok?”
“Sure, Ed.” Thanks a lot. “ Just give me the flight times so that I know when to pick her up.”
--
Willow wondered again at her reason for agreeing to fly across the country to work at a camp for the summer. I never even went to camp. I don’t like dirt, bugs, horses, or frogs…what was I thinking? I love kids. That’s what I was thinking. I’m not good with them, but I do like them. And, it’ll be good to stay in the same place for a few months. But I’m gonna miss everyone back in Sunnydale…I’m homesick already—is this what kids feel all summer long? Why don’t they just let them stay home and watch TV? Why can’t they just…STOP IT! This will be good for you Willow Rosenberg!
The twenty-three year old redhead continued the conversation in her mind for the next few hours on the rather long, but not-long-enough flight from California to Georgia. The camp director, one Tara Maclay, would be waiting for her at the airport, and then she would be off to Contentment.
--
On the two-hour drive from the camp to Atlanta International Airport, Tara thought about her nearly ten years at Contentment and remembered again why all the work was worth it. As a teen, she had had a tough home life. Not long after her mother died, Tara was taken from her father by the state and sent to her mother’s childhood friend. She remembered arriving that first day to have Momma Kris waiting to greet her. The young woman remembered, too, the moment when one work-roughened hand took Tara’s bruised luggage, while the other gentle hand, though just as strong as the first, was placed on her shoulder and guided her to the cabin she would soon recognize as home.
From that day on, for eight years, Momma Kris continued to guide and love a stuttering, timid teenager. The love she showered on Tara helped the girl gain more confidence. Though she had been told often enough that she was ignorant, under Momma K’s care Tara discovered that she was a rather intelligent, successful student with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. As she worked each summer on staff at Contentment, Tara proved to be a very capable administrator, and competent leader. Just before Momma K died, she passed on her camp on to Tara. Kris’s son, Ed, remained as the executor of all the funds for the camp, but Tara was the guide now.
Under her leadership, the camp was no longer going to be rented out to large groups as a retreat center in the off-season. Rather, plans were underway for children from troubled homes to be sent to Contentment during the school year. Tutors were being hired to educate the children, while programs were being developed to create a “safe” environment for the kids to grow stronger as individuals and as a community. All the programs, all of the people hired, every single activity of every single day was designed for one ultimate purpose—to create a loving, accepting, nurturing environment where kids could grow and learn.
Of course, with all the changes, the computer program that the camp had been using was out of date to keep up with all of the records. Not only that, computer classes were being offered to students in during the school year, and parents now had the opportunity to watch the summer progress for their campers through daily updated pictures and email…some definite alterations had to be made. Thank goodness Ed found someone capable of removing one more stress from Tara’s life.
--
From her position in the driver’s seat, Tara caught a glimpse of the woman out of the corner of her eye and mused once again how she’d have almost mistaken her for a teenager had not Ed’s description of her been so appropriate. He forgot to mention that she was breath-taking.
When Willow had first stepped into Tara’s view, she seemed to be searching frantically for someone—almost anyone would have probably been acceptable to the weary woman. Tara’s heart softened immediately and she greeted Willow with her brightest smile, and her most hospitable voice. Willow visibly relaxed and accepted the proffered hand that Tara extended in welcome. After a little small talk about the flight and dinner, Tara and Willow were on their way to the green Jeep Grand Cherokee parked in the adjoining garage.
Tara could tell the consultant was nervous—she kept up an almost completely one-sided conversation for the first 15 minutes of their trip back to the camp. Questions kept coming about what needed to be done, the timetable for the work…questions asked in such a rapid succession that Tara had little or no time to answer. In fact, Tara finally stopped attempting to answer, and instead, sat enchanted by the smaller woman’s stream of thought. Willow caught sight of the smirk on the director’s face and immediately realized she was rambling. They both started to giggle a bit. Tara pointed out Stone Mountain as they passed it, smiled again, and Willow began to feel more comfortable. Tara, usually loving silence on her drives, longed to hear Willow’s voice again. Honest enough to admit that fact to herself, she still reigned in her thoughts and concentrated on driving.
Willow, though she laid her head back on the rest and closed her eyes, found herself peering often enough at the woman in the drivers seat. When she pictured a camp director, Tara McClay certainly was not what her mind conjured up. Tara was soft-spoken, kind, and normal looking—no khaki article of clothing on her person. She was young, too. Aren’t camp directors, like, 45 years old and a little off-kilter? Like that one in the Parent Trap...the one with the redheaded kid... Tara looked to be near her own age, perhaps a little older, and her eyes held so much warmth that Willow was nearly taken aback when they first met. It wasn’t long before Willow was actually excited about her summer at camp.
Ch 2
The sun was just beginning to set behind the hills as Tara pulled onto the two-mile gravel road that led to Contentment. Upon first entering the rougher terrain, Willow was jostled from her sleep and caught her first sight of the wooden sign announcing the entrance to the camp. As the two women rode along, Tara pointed out the riding rings for the equestrian program, the archery field, the athletic field, and Willow noted the excitement and pride that entered the woman’s voice. She belongs here. Willow noted.
Peace just seemed to fill the cab of the Jeep and Tara anxiously awaited Willow’s first impression once they made the final curve around the Wrangler’s cabin and onto the nearly 75 year-old camp.
As the Jeep rounded the rustic building, Willow’s eyes widened at the large pond spread out in front of them, and as they cleared the last turn she caught sight of eight two-story cabins nestled between large evergreen trees as well as a massive building at the top of a hill. To their right was another building. From her vantage point in the passenger seat, Willow could tell that the building contained at least a stage and possibly a basketball court as well—all of the floors looked to be hardwood and the building, itself, was impressive. Xander would love to see this. Willow recalled the friend she’d had since childhood and remembered, too, his appreciation of fine craftsmanship. This place is beautiful! She was enthralled and couldn’t wipe the grin off of her face.
Tara, too, was awestruck. More by the woman sitting next to her than by her surroundings, though sometimes she was still left speechless when she considered the place she called her home.
She pulled slowly down the drive pointing out several structures to Willow until she finally stopped in front of a quaint, two story cabin.
“Well, we’re home!” Tara announced as she quickly opened her door.
Willow joined Tara at the rear of the car and they both grabbed some of the cargo. Tara led her across a bridge over a small stream and into the mud-room in front of the cabin.
“So, you really don’t mind staying here for a while instead of having your own place?” Tara questioned once more.
“This will actually be better than putting me someplace alone…out in the middle of nowhere, animals all around, unfamiliar surroundings…I’d probably end up in bed with you before the first night was over.” Willow realized what she’d just said and found herself rather flustered and Tara was again, giving her a half grin that she found herself returning.
Well, if that’s all it takes…Tara nearly laughed outright at her own thoughts. Instead she smiled once more, remembered herself, and opened the door leading inside.
Willow was completely taken in. Like the woman herself, Willow found the director’s cabin fascinating to say the least. A small kitchen occupied the right side of the large open area. While the ceiling for the sitting area was completely open, there seemed to be a loft built above the kitchen. A small fireplace marked the center of the sitting area, and she noted two doors to the far left. The many windows in the deceptively small house would allow much light to enter in during the day, but for now the growing darkness was evident. Drying herbs were hanging in bunches near the kitchen, a vase of some unrecognizable flower accented the island that served as the eating space, and Willow was pleased to note the number of books arranged throughout the cabin.
Tara was busy explaining the layout of the structure. “Over on the left, that first door leads to my study—it used to be a room, and still has a bed, but only for when I am up late working and am too lazy to climb the steps to my actual bed.”
Somehow, Willow could never picture Tara as the lazy sort.
“That second door leads to the bathroom, and, well, let me just show you.” Tara tugged lightly on the sleeve of Willow’s shirt and indicated that she should follow. “We can just drop the bags,” she suggested.
Tara pointed out the laundry room that was also connected to the bathroom. Then she led her to the study, and Willow was again surprised at the volumes of even more books that Tara had in this room.
“If you’d like, you can use my laptop or your own in here at anytime—now or during the summer when you need quiet and the kids are just driving you crazy! None of the other cabins have internet access, so it’s either here or one of the offices…sorry about that. ”
As they left the room, Tara pointed to the fireplace and smiled fondly. “I love that fireplace! Momma Kris—the woman who brought me here—used to tell me the story about how her father built this cabin all by himself. He cut trees from this land to make the cabin and took the stones for the fireplace from the Chattooga River. It actually gets pretty cool here during the evenings well into the summer, so um… we might want a fire later tonight.”
After the women crossed the room, Tara led Willow up a small set of steps that had previously been hidden from view. At the top, Willow realized they were in Tara’s room.
“For now, w-why don’t you stay up here and I’ll either sleep on the couch or in the study. The sheets were changed out this morning and I could only be happy knowing you were up here…and ah, now that I have left you no alternatives, what do you say? Will this be ok?”
Willow nodded a quick agreement and the women set about bringing up Willow’s bags. Tara noticed the other woman’s droopy eyes and offered to draw her a bath.
“I hate to fly—I get completely stressed and only want to rest when I finally reach my destination. I’ll start the bath, you unpack just what you need tonight…we’ll worry about the rest tomorrow. While you are relaxing, I’ll start a fire, cook a light meal, and put on water for some tea. We’ll make it an early night.”
Willow could think of nothing that sounded better.
tbc
Edited by: mtnlaurel at: 5/15/02 11:04:40 am
I really got into this story!! Keep up the GREAT work!
