Paths Diverged/Divulged

[AmbeRocks]

that was a great update



i might sound kid-ish, but i'm hapy to know that in a sense, it's kinda the same tara... i've always felt guilty that willow loved another one, even though it's not really an other one...anyway, yeah i'm kinda crazy, so never mind!



but anyway, really good work, loveable as always



jen

There is such a variety of well-invented things that the earth is like the breasts of a woman: useful as well as pleasing - Nietzsche

[Insanity]

Hey Debra!



It's good to see you back! And I hope everyone is fine, healthy and such...



This was an awesome update. I'm totaly faszinatetd every time, when it comes to the parallel Universe thingy...



I'm wondering...when you wrote Y'all.. did you already know about the sequel? Cause it all fits so perfectly....

Its just, see I'm writing this story and it becomes kind of really long, but in the moment I'm only at chapter 20 and sometimes I'm just frustrated because I didn't pay attention enough, did'nt plan enough, so I have to juggle a little bit to make it all fit. Do you get my point?

(Oh God, I'm babbling, are I??)

Okay.... stopping now!



I really love this story!!



Insanity

"Nobody messes with my girl!"Tara, Bargaining

[good2cats]

Hi Debra,
I would love to read and comment on the current much awaited installment but I keep getting a BLOODY error response every time I try to access section 42.What the F..k is happening ?I hate computers! I hope your day is going better than mine.
Take care,Karen

[The Rose24]

JSI,



I hope all is well with you, and I am so glad to see an update on this story.



So both Taras are one in the same? Will you explain this a little more? I got a little confused.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[wimpy0729]

Hi Debra!

I have loved all your updates, but this one really touched me. I have happy tears now. This is just so beautiful. Thank you.



Again, you made my heart beat wildly and there wasn't even a shower scene, which by the way, was another of my favorite scenes. You can express their love so well. You truly have a gift.



I hope you are all doing well.



Take care,

Wimpy

Quote:

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Tara: There was plenty of magic!

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[sam darls]

That was so amazing, and so beautiful, I loved it. I hope everything is okay, family wise Love sammi xx

"Sometimes things happen between people that you don't really expect. And sometimes the things that are important are the ones that seem the weirdest or the most wrong. And those are the ones that change your life." - Jessie Sammler (Evan Rachel Wood)

Edited by: sam darls at: 3/28/04 6:37 am

[Grimlock72]

Wee.... update..........



Hope your familly is wel Deb, baby keeping you nice and busy I trust ?? Heh.



Anyway... I hadn't expected Willow's flashbacks to be so severe and causing trouble in the MaClay's home. I know she was there with Tara1 and that she had some important experiences there. Still didn't think it would be this bad to get back there. Good thing she seems to have overcome the initial shock now.



Aren't there more healers around in Texas ? Amber might not be powerfull enough to do much, but ain't there other healers around ? Anything that can help Tara would be good.



Willow's meditation confused me a bit, hopefully Willow can figure it out :-). The part where both Tara's were considered one being and such, while I grasp on to the fact they're seperate... confusing indeed.



The rings are a nice tough, lets hope they don't cause as much trouble as last time .



Willow's enthiousiasm about her birthday was sweet. Good to see she still has that childish quality and hasn't lost it due to her experiences.



P.S. Just pasted this chapter in word-document, 248 A4 pages.. neat.



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

Edited by: Grimlock72 at: 3/27/04 12:55 pm

[russ]

Hi Debra,



Great to see an update to this story. It's a wonderful chapter, and well worth waiting for.



Among my favourite parts are the little intimacies the girls share: the teasing on the plane, Tara making Willow blush while Donnie's driving them home. Just nice everyday stuff that shows how close they are.



I also really like the descriptions of the farm. I'm green with envy at the notion of pecans growing in the yard, instead of highly priced at the store. Though an urbanite, Willow must be a country girl at heart, to appreciate the new tractor. Given the prices of farm equipment, that was a generous gift on Tara's part. And Daddy Maclay is a true farmer, to allow that "one indulgence."



I still have difficulty with the notion of the Maclay men as nice guys. It's a pleasant shock, mind you, but a shock all the same.



Hopefully the family don't think Willow's too weird, with her panic attack and passing out. It's as if, meeting the family and walking through the house, she was living in both worlds at once, and was overwhelmed by the double memories. When she actually hears their voices from the previous trip, it's no wonder she faints, and is disoriented on waking, not knowing where she is.



So the house is Tara's inheritance, and Willow's been seeing it in her dreams as their future home. Sounds like a good place to raise kids, a good place to belong.



I have to admit to being confused by the vision, but then Willow's confused too. We're not really equipped to understand the afterlife. I think that what Willow learns here is that in "the world of souls," both Taras are one, and that Willow & Tara are meant to be together, no matter which body Tara is wearing.



The gift was wonderful, and although they didn't say the words, we know what was meant: "With this ring ... "



Russ

[wimpy0729]

Hi Debra!



Not wanting to seem like I'm complaining, because I love this story soo much, and I really loved this update, so touching, but I just realized that Willow didn't get her "Happy Birthday". Maybe too many people in the house?? Maybe she'll get it officially when they get home?? Just wondering. Please forgive me.



Wimpy

Quote:

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TARA: There was plenty of magic!

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[littlecrazy80]

Great update!

It was kinda confusing, but I got it. It´s a long time since I read Y'all, but I still remember Willow´s dream. And I´m glad that this Tara is the other Tara in some way.



More please asap!?!



*lil´c*

"Okay, we’re here, we’re queer, let’s kick this shit into gear," Five by Five (Taras Shadow)



SweetAmber

[Grimaldi]

loved the update



i liked the part with Willow and Tara's mom

I'm not stealing, I'm just taking things without paying for them. In what twisted dictionary is that stealing?
Don't let the door hit you on the way out...cause I don't want ass prints on my new door

[JustSkipIt]

Washi – Thanks for asking. The family is wonderful. Asher is growing very well and a very happy easy-going baby. He giggles and coos and smiles a lot and is very fun and we’re loving being mothers.



Sorry that the part where Willow fainted was confusing and at the same time, it was kind of meant to be so that the reader would be in the same space that Willow was in. Basically, there was a bleedthrough because of it being the first place where Willow was with both Taras. Whether it had a mystical or emotional cause is a mystery and quite honestly shouldn’t make any difference.



I’m glad that you like that both Taras are one and that the room is the room from the dream. Thanks.



Jen – I can understand feeling guilty that Willow would replace Tara 1. And yes, on the soul level, all Taras are the same Tara and all Willows are the same Willow. Thanks.



Insanity – Thanks. Everyone is wonderful.

Quote:

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I'm wondering...when you wrote Y'all.. did you already know about the sequel? Cause it all fits so perfectly....

---

I’d love to say that I had the sequel planned all the way through…. But that wouldn’t be true. When I wrote Wish/Wash I definitely had no plans to do a sequel. When I wrote Dopplegangland Too (the part where Willow & Tara pull the Willow & Tara through to their universe) I sent it back and forth to a board moderator to get approval for it. I wanted to make sure that it met Kitten/DCP rules. The moderator was very helpful and provided wonderful feedback and part of what she said was that “in any universe Tara would belong with Willow.” (perhaps not an exact quote). Between the time that I got the approval for that part and the time that I updated, I was driving to Dallas to see my mother (about a 4 hour drive). By the time I got there, I had planned pretty much the entire sequel and went back to put a few features into Dopplegangland Too (such as Tara obviously playing with the hairband). The rest of it sprang full-grown from my forehead and is history…

Quote:

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Its just, see I'm writing this story and it becomes kind of really long, but in the moment I'm only at chapter 20 and sometimes I'm just frustrated because I didn't pay attention enough, did'nt plan enough, so I have to juggle a little bit to make it all fit. Do you get my point?

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I totally get your point. There are parts of the two stories together that actually contradict each other and it bothers me because I would like it to be closer to perfect. Ex: When Tara Too is pulled through she tells Michelle that Eliza was kicked out of her school for having sex in a parked car but from this story we know that Tara Too hadn’t met Eliza at that point. But by the time I got that far in planning, it was already posted. So I definitely understand what you are saying. My free advice: stick with it, do the best you can, and learn from your writing.



Karen – How weird about your errors. Comment when you can. I had a good day: traffic was so terrible that the highway was shut down three separate times so I got to work from home and spend the day with my family! Take care yourself.



TheRose24 –

Quote:

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So both Taras are one in the same? Will you explain this a little more? I got a little confused.

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Yes, all Taras in all universes as well as all Willows are the same on a soul level, just as all incarnations are the same.



Wimpy – Don’t think I’ve seen comments from you before so welcome. I’m glad for the happy tears and glad it touched you. Thanks.



Sammi – Thanks so much. Everything is wonderful!



Grimmy – Thanks. The family is wonderful and if anything is busy but focuses life if that makes sense. I think that she is better able to handle the flashback situation now that she knows that it exists. When I planned this story, this scene was one of the cornerstones. I felt it was important to show again the connection between the two universes and the two Taras.



There may or may not be more healers but it isn’t really important at this point. Tara has a happy and fulfilling life. She’s a gifted woman with a wonderful relationship and the love of friends and family.



The rings won’t cause any trouble: they weren’t exchanged blah blah blah from the myth so they are just beautiful rings.



russ – Hey! Wonderful to see comments from you always. I agree about their closeness and the way that they fit together coming through in little things. Pecans grow all over this part of the state and just litter yards. It’s nice. You can also buy them on the side of the road rather than the supermarket. Ha ha about the Maclay men…

Quote:

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It's as if, meeting the family and walking through the house, she was living in both worlds at once, and was overwhelmed by the double memories. When she actually hears their voices from the previous trip, it's no wonder she faints, and is disoriented on waking, not knowing where she is.

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Exactly! There is bleedthrough either mystical or emotional and she is actually living in both worlds at once.

Quote:

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I have to admit to being confused by the vision, but then Willow's confused too. We're not really equipped to understand the afterlife. I think that what Willow learns here is that in "the world of souls," both Taras are one, and that Willow & Tara are meant to be together, no matter which body Tara is wearing.

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Two good points!



Wimpy – Ha ha about the Happy Birthday. . You can bet that she got one!



Romy – Thanks. I’m working on the next update. I believe that this story will have 36 parts plus an epilogue (which is already written) so I have approximately 20-25 pages to write. It’s both exciting and scary at once.



Grimaldi – Thanks. Glad you liked.

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"Your little will can't do anything. It takes Great Determination. Great Determination doesn't mean just you making an effort. It means the whole universe is behind you and with you - the birds, trees, sky, moon, and ten directions." - Katagiri Roshi

[justkazy]

The update was awesome as usual and well worth the wait



hope to read more soon

"I'd cry..i would die if i lost you-Alex Parks...I love you, baby!

[wimpy0729]

Hi Debra!



Yeah, I've been around for a little while now. I've been through Y'all, Paths and even ventured over to Please. Which I must admit, I was surprised that I thoroughly enjoyed. I also found it very, um, educational. Oh, and thanks for pointing me towards Hellebore by Chris, which I am also really enjoying. And the link from there on p. 27 (Mistress Kitten Fantastico), another pleasant surprise!



Some of my favorite highlights that come to mind --

From Y'all - Tara and Willow on Chestnut, and then after (so hot).

From Paths - Loved Michelle's party and got goosebumps at Tara's song. And of course, the beautiful shower scene.

From Please - Let's just say Tara with a riding crop, and leave it at that.



There's many, many more I can think of, but I don't want to keep you from your writing time just to read this. So, thanks again for your awesome fics and can't wait to see what you have in store for us!



Wimpy

Quote:

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TARA: There was plenty of magic!

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Edited by: wimpy0729 at: 3/30/04 7:32 pm

[JustSkipIt]

JustKazy - Thanks. I’m working on the next update.



Wimpy – Well welcome anyway and I’m always glad to see the feedback. Ha ha about being surprised about Please but glad you liked. If you got to the riding crop then you must have liked it since that’s part 11. I’m happy to turn anyone on to Hellbore because it’s fantastic. I love that you pointed out the highlights for you. I have two other finished fics on the completed fic archive that you might like: Two Days and Turned. Enjoy.

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"Your little will can't do anything. It takes Great Determination. Great Determination doesn't mean just you making an effort. It means the whole universe is behind you and with you - the birds, trees, sky, moon, and ten directions." - Katagiri Roshi

[Kytzya]

great update...i actually did my happy dance in my chair...and then remember that my friend was in the room...very akward moment...but thanks for making my day, it was the light in my tunnel....yes...i'm very lame...sue me...



Vaya con dios

[good2cats]

Hi Debra,
I finally got to the site.Yippee!Your update was stupendous.I like the way that you reconciled the two Tara's.The entire installment was very moving.I don't know why I couldn't access the page before.I am having the same problem at the what's new screen at the Mystic Muse site as well.I think I'm just cursed,since February my cat has died and my house has been broken into.Thank you very very much for the update I need the vacation from reality that a great story can provide.
I hope that you and your family are all doing great.
Be well,Karen

[bluewillowwitch]

Debra ,

How are you and Rachel and the all doing? It has been awhile since I have asked. Everything wonderful in the world of motherhood? I'm sure it is all great.



So I loved the update! It was so sweet. I loved the similarities in the two families. Tearesa is the best. She can always make you see what is right infront of your face. giving that ring was the perfect birthday present, especially when she pulled out it's match. Can't wait to more. Update soon, please?





Grace

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[JustSkipIt]

First comments and then the update (Part 35 of 36 in case you are wondering).



Kytzya - Glad to make you so happy. I hope your friend was at least amused at your antics.



Karen - Glad that you were able to read the update. I’m sorry that you are having such a hard year. At least you have DCP to come home to when it works. Yes, reconciling the two Taras was one of my major intentions in this story so I’m glad it seemed to work.



Grace - Motherhood is wonderful. He’s growing so fast that it’s almost scary. Completely gorgeous and a little flirt already. Yes, the family is great and I’m glad you liked the inclusion of the rings. Your update starts now…







Title – Paths Diverged/Divulged Part 35 – Back where We Started From



Author – JustSkipit - Debra



Spoilers –Season 6



Rating – Part 35 – R



Disclaimer – Guess what… I don’t own W&T, Buffy or the rest of the BtVS crew. Any similarity to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental and fortunate.



Disclaimer II - The wonderful song in this part is by Sarah McLaughlin. It’s off Afterglow which I highly recommend.



Thoughts in italics





“Oh God,” Tara moaned, “r-right there..” She leaned her head back, exposing her neck to Willow’s avid attention.



The redhead grinned as she slowed her progress up her lover’s neck. She’d spent nearly the entire drive to the hotel teasing and flirting with Tara and knew the blonde was ready to make love. It wasn’t that Willow wasn’t ready herself but she so enjoyed teasing the blonde, that it was worth it to drag out their pleasure. The girl, so recently innocent, was even more outspoken when she was extremely aroused. “Is that all, baby?” Willow whispered with a smirk on her face.



Tara feigned innocence once again: “That feels so good, Willow.” She knew what Willow wanted to hear. A few times during their lovemaking Willow had teased and aroused her to the point that she had used “spicy talk,” surprising even herself. The first time she had slapped her hand quickly over her own mouth and blushed red in embarrassment; however, Willow had not reacted with disgust. Quite the opposite: she appeared to take the words as a challenge-one for which she was completely ready.



“What feels good?” Willow hinted as she ran her hands up and down Tara’s sides, scooting her shirt up with the backs of her hands.



“You want to k-know what feels good?” Tara whispered as she gently rolled to press her body on top of the redhead’s.



Willow smirked as she brought their lips together. Pulling back to run the tip of her tongue along Tara’s lips she answered, “Yes love. What feels good?” She ran her hand along Tara’s hip. “Am I close?”



“You want to know?” the blonde teased.



The redhead’s words didn’t seem to agree with her movements as she shrugged non-committally: “Only if you want to tell me.” In the meantime, she slipped her hand under Tara’s blouse, palming her breast as the girl groaned in response.



“Oh god, Willow,” Tara almost shouted as her nipple instantly hardened, straining against the silk of her bra. She was just about to share her wishes with the redheaded witch when both girls lifted their heads to stare at the cell phone suddenly playing “The Eyes of Texas” and vibrating on the nightstand. “You’ve got to b-be kidding me,” Tara groaned as she reached for the offending article.



Before the blonde could put her hand around her cell phone, Willow picked it up. “Nope,” she declared, hitting the silence and then decline button, “we don’t need to talk to Eliza right now.” She dropped Tara’s phone back on the table and used her now free hand to begin working her lover’s other breast.



Tara arched her back as she reveled in the attention Willow was paying to her body. “G-g-good choice,” she whimpered. Again she opened her mouth to tell her lover what she wanted, only to hear “Jingle Bells” playing on Willow’s phone.



“In the spirit of the h-holidays,” she teased as the redhead again reached out for the phone.



“Take a hint,” Willow muttered at the phone as she repeated her earlier actions by declining the call. “Now where was I?” she whispered as she lifted Tara’s shirt over her head and began to unhook her bra.



“Right there!” Tara’s voice rose at the end of her confirmation in response to the feel of Willow’s lips wrapping themselves around her nipple. “Definitely right there,” she whimpered as she lifted her hips, attempting to rub against the redhead’s thigh.



“What do you want?” Willow asked as she began to transfer her lips to Tara’s other breast.



Tara lifted her mouth to the redhead’s ear, letting her know that she would indeed be telling her exactly what she wanted. “I w-w-want you to…” she dragged out her answer to tease Willow back.



The knocking on the door caused both witches to stop mid kiss and look toward the door as if it were causing the offense. Actually pounding would be a better description of the sound echoing from the thick wood. “Open the door!” Eliza’s voice shouted.



“Arggghhh!” Willow moaned as she dropped her forehead onto Tara’s shoulder. She rolled off her lover and started toward the door before leaning back to kiss her lovingly. “We’ll definitely come back to this later,” she whispered.



“Count on it,” Tara agreed as she refastened her bra and pulled down her shirt. Deciding that smoothing her hair would be virtually impossible, she put it in a ponytail just as Willow reached the door and opened it.



“Ever hear of calling first?” the redhead asked as Eliza and Michelle entered the room.



“Sorry about that,” Michelle mumbled as she nodded toward the bathroom and went through the door.



“We called,” Eliza mouthed off as she grabbed a handful of nuts off the table.



“Ever hear of calling and waiting for someone to answer first?” Willow amended her earlier question. “And where did you call from? The elevator?”



“The phone wouldn’t work in the elevator,” Michelle answered as she emerged from the bathroom, “we stood in the hallway.” She looked around the room and nodded her head: “This is pretty nice.”



“Yeah, isn’t it?” Tara agreed as she rubbed Willow’s lower back. Both witches had agreed that even through most of their friends, including Eliza and Michelle, were staying at the Royal Arms for homecoming, they would stay at another hotel.



“Y’all ready to go?” Eliza asked as she picked up Willow’s jacket and appeared to look around for Tara’s.



“Go where?” Willow answered, completely confused about the schedule. “I thought the career/college fair was tomorrow morning and the dance tomorrow night?”



Michelle picked up Tara’s jacket and helped the blonde into it while Willow was pulling on her own with a confused look on her face. She looked at the clock on her phone and asked, “I thought Aunt Maria wasn’t expecting us until 7:00?”



“She said come earlier and we’re hungry,” Eliza answered as she ushered the two witches out the door and waited while they ensured that the lock latched behind them.



Willow shrugged as they stepped into the elevator. She’d gotten very good at going along with whatever activity the others had planned. She rubbed her stomach as she realized, “You know I actually am really hungry.”



The others laughed as they piled into Eliza’s car. The way the young woman drove, they arrived at the restaurant and bar less than an hour and a half later. Quite a few friends from school, both people that Willow had met in this world and those she hadn’t met although she had known them in high school were in the restaurant. Elizabeth was there with a date but with the exception of coming over to say hello to the group and give Michelle a quick hug, she stayed clear of them.



Aunt Maria of course welcomed the girls with a few baskets of wings and brought them a pitcher of beer. “Who’s driving?” she asked like the parental figure she was and Michelle raised her hand. With the career fair early the next day, the other girls weren’t planning to drink heavily either. As Willow understood it, Michelle was going to talk about earning scholarships, Tara and Eliza were manning or “womaning” a UT table, and Elizabeth was hosting a table from the UT school of pharmacy which she had entered at the beginning of the summer. Their other friends were all representing their schools or career choices or simply returning to the school for homecoming.



The gathering was a much less boisterous one than Willow was used to and she really enjoyed the conversation. Not that she would ever stop missing Xander and Buffy, but having these friends filled a hole in her heart. They had finished eating and were still visiting as she heard people singing “Happy Birthday.” Not knowing whose birthday it might be but wanting to be festive anyway, she joined in, until she realized that Maria was carrying the cake toward her.



Willow blushed as she blew out the candles but happily accepted her friends’ late birthday surprise. “We couldn’t believe that you didn’t want a big party,” Michelle explained, “but we wanted to celebrate with you. Happy Birthday, Willow.”



Maria gave the girl a kiss on the cheek as she pulled the candles from the cake and began cutting it. “That looks possibly illegal,” Willow pointed.



“White chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate layers, and mocha icing,” Maria explained as Willow’s mouth watered. “Tara said you like chocolate and coffee?”



Willow took a bite before teasing the older woman: “Marry me?” The table erupted in laughter before Maria took her slice of cake with her to the kitchen.



“We didn’t want to let your birthday go by,” Eliza explained as she leaned over to give Willow a hug. She popped a bite of cake in her mouth. “Oh God, that’s amazing.” She started moaning somewhat obscenely, causing Michelle to lean over and whisper something in her ear. Both girls blushed and laughed about it.



As she was finishing her cake Willow looked around the table at her friends. “I wish Buffy and Xander could have met y’all,” she commented. They all knew that her friends knew another version of themselves, but they understood what Willow meant: she missed her friends.



“I’ve been thinking about that,” Eliza announced to looks of surprise. “What? I can’t be sensitive and caring?” she teased the table. She turned back toward Willow. “When you came here, did you arrive at the same place you left?”



Willow felt completely confused at Eliza’s line of questioning: “Huh?” She shook her head and nodded. “Yes,” she answered, “I arrived in the same crypt I had left, just in this world.”



“First: urgggh a crypt,” Eliza answered, “second: send a letter back the same way.”



“It’s n-not that simple,” Tara argued. “It’s not like there’s an interdimensional m-mailbox or something.”



“Wait!” Willow shouted a little too loud. She sheepishly took a drink of her water and thought outloud: “Maybe there is.”



“Maybe there is a mailbox?” Tara repeated.



Willow was nearly bouncing up and down in her seat: “What if we put together a letter to Buffy and sent it through the way that I got here? Then she would get it.”



“You want to go to Sunnydale?” Michelle asked.



Willow’s mind continued to whirl. “No!” she explained, “we wouldn’t have to go to Sunnydale. We just could put postage on the envelope and send it through here. Then it would get mailed.”



“What if you send it under a counter or into a crack in the wall or something and it gets lost?” Eliza suggested.



All four girls wrinkled their brows at that. “We’ll f-figure it out, baby,” Tara reassured her lover as she patted her on the knee. She was worried that the plan might be more complicated than it seemed and didn’t want Willow to have more pain over it.



“Yeah,” Willow agreed with a smile, “we will.” She returned her attention to the cake and the celebration, deciding that together she and Tara would work out the spell to send a letter to her other friends.



By ten o’clock the next morning she wasn’t thinking about the interdimensional mailbox anymore although she had more than once thanked multiple deities that she, Tara, and Eliza had only shared one pitcher of beer. Upon arriving at the fair, Willow had met some more of the other girls’ friends as well as Ms. Geller and other teachers and administrators she knew from her world. Since she didn’t have an official job, Willow had volunteered to help out anywhere she was needed. At first, people were asking her to run and get tacks or tape. Then some of the booths had a problem with their Internet access and Michelle had suggested utilizing Willow’s skills to solve the issues.



By the time Willow looked up, it was nearly 2:00. She returned to the UT table to find Tara, Eliza, Michelle, and Elizabeth laughing as they visited with potential students and old friends. The scene reminded her momentarily of her first encounter with Elizabeth years earlier but the similarities were limited. The older girl was surprisingly restrained and polite.



“And here’s another new Longhorn,” Michelle announced as the redhead approached.



“You’re going to UT?” Elizabeth asked.



“Starting next month,” Willow nodded.



“That’s great,” Elizabeth commented sincerely. She looked up at the clock. “Oh, we’re nearly done.”



“Yeah, I’m hungry,” Eliza agreed as they gathered their coats and bags. She and Michelle and Tara and Willow had planned to eat lunch on their way back to town.



After lunch Tara and Willow made love in the huge tub in their hotel room and then took a long nap. They had decided to meet up with their friends at the dance so they got ready and then had dinner in the hotel dining room before driving out to the school.



Both witches enjoyed the dance immensely as Tara continued introducing Willow to friends from school. James and even Emma and her husband were there and true to Willow’s lie from months ago she was expecting her first baby. As a slow song came on, the redhead turned to her lover: “Will you dance with me, Tara?”



Tara smiled and nodded, taking Willow’s hand in her free one and allowing her girlfriend to lead her onto the floor. One dance merged into another and before they knew it half the people at the dance had already left. Seeing Michelle and Eliza on the side of the hall they walked over. “We’re going to go,” Eliza explained, “I need my share of hot lovin.”



Michelle blushed and slapped the girl lightly on the arm. “That didn’t make it any more likely,” she muttered.



“See y’all here in the m-morning for brunch?” Tara confirmed.



Everyone agreed that they would get chairs together for the fund-raising brunch. Eliza’s father had paid for each of their places at the $100 a plate event. His continued support of the school was just one of the reasons he now served on the board and would also be attending the brunch.



After a very filling brunch, some alumni left the school while others stayed to visit and enjoy the grounds. Willow found herself walking with the other girls and Mr. D’Angelo toward the stable and wondered how Tara felt. She knew that the girl wasn’t afraid of horses after their Thanksgiving visit but she didn’t know if she had bad memories of the school stables.



It was soon apparent that Tara harbored no such fears and Willow was again impressed with the work the girl had done to overcome the accident. She knew that the blonde had been plagued by nightmares about the accident and recovery, yet she was venturing toward the stables with little trepidation.



When they reached the stables, the entire group went inside. A few students were working but seeing the group’s fine clothing, they didn’t ask if any of them wanted to ride. Willow and the others, including Tara, looked at the horses, petting and stroking some of them. As they reached the end stall, all heads snapped around as Eliza began singing. Eliza and Michelle stood by the stall gate and the runner was blushing while her lover held her hand as she sung:

Every time I look at you the world just melts away

All my troubles all my fears dissolve in your affections

You’ve seen me at my weakest but you take me as I am

And when I fall you offer me a softer place to land



You stay the course you hold the line you keep it all together

You’re the one true thing I know I can believe in

Your all the things that I desire you save me you complete me

You’re the one true thing I know I can believe



I get mad so easy but you give me room to breathe

No matter what I say or do ‘cause you’re too good to fight about it

Even when I have to push just to see how far you’ll go

You won’t stoop down to battle but you never turn to go



You stay the course you hold the line you keep it all together

You’re the one true thing I know I can believe in

Your all the things that I desire you save me you complete me

You’re the one true thing I know I can believe



There are times I can’t decide when I can’t tell up from down

You make me feel less crazy when otherwise I’d drown

But you pick me up & brush me off and tell me I’m OK

Sometimes that’s just what we need to get us through the day



You stay the course you hold the line you keep it all together

You’re the one true thing I know I can believe in

Your all the things that I desire you save me you complete me

You’re the one true thing I know I can believe

By the time she finished singing, most of the people in the stable had tears in their eyes. Those who didn’t certainly developed them quickly as the singer bent down on one knee and pulled a velvet box from her pocket. A performer at heart, Eliza opened the box and displayed it to the assembly.



Still holding Michelle’s hand she told the shocked girl: “Since I kissed you on this spot nearly four years ago, I’ve known you were the only woman for me. Grace Michelle Stewart, will you marry me?”



For a second Michelle could do nothing but nod but as Eliza stood and began placing the ring she finally found her voice. “Yes,” she simply answered as she accepted both the ring and a passionate kiss. The applause in the stable reminded the girls of their audience and a few horses were disturbed enough by the clapping to snort, causing everyone to laugh.



Due to her cane, Tara was not the first person to reach her friends. She was beaten by Eliza’s father who kissed and hugged both girls as well as Elizabeth who appeared very happy about the events. Noting the grin on her girlfriend’s face, Tara asked Willow, “Did you know anything about this?”



“I helped her pick the ring,” the redhead explained, “but I didn’t know when she was going to ask.”



Tara lightly pinched her lover, teasing, “I’ll get you for keeping secrets later, missy.” By the time she had made her teasing threat, they joined their friends and exchanged hugs and congratulations. After a short celebration the party broke up. Tara, Michelle, and Eliza all had finals the next day and needed to get home to study. Willow drove so that Tara could rest. As she drove she appreciated even more the friends she had made in this world.

---

"Your little will can't do anything. It takes Great Determination. Great Determination doesn't mean just you making an effort. It means the whole universe is behind you and with you - the birds, trees, sky, moon, and ten directions." - Katagiri Roshi

[TemperedCynic]

Beautiful, sultry and deeply romantic. Love it!

---

More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly. Woody Allen (1935 - )

[wimpy0729]

Oh Debra!



Once again, you are amazing! I got goosebumps! And once again, happy tears! This was so beautiful.



I gotta admit I was really wanting to hear Tara's spicy talk -- you're so good at being a tease!



Between this story, Please and Hellebore, you and Chris are killing me. (I did get to part 11 in Please - #11!! and the taking of Tara on the balcony in Hellebore -- no words to desribe but GULP comes to mind.)

Quote:

---

Willow: OK, that's a little blacker than I like my arts.

Anya: Don't be such a wimp! -- Dopplegangland

---

Wimpy

Edited by: wimpy0729 at: 4/4/04 6:00 pm

[The Rose24]

I am glad Willow is making friends in this world and trying to find a way to communicate with her friends in the other.



Eliza asks Michelle to marry her? Not what I was expecting. Eliza doesn't seem like the marrying type, but congratulations to them any way.



Great update, JSI, and I am glad things are going so well for you and your family.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[LizPuRR]

hey there!!



God damn I love this story more with each amazing update.....



Can't wait for MORE









LizPuRR

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



"Oops, that kind of talk's more appropriate for the bedroom. I apologize."

Alyson Hannigan, That 70's Show

[sam darls]

Awww.so cute..and lovely . Love sammi xx

"Sometimes things happen between people that you don't really expect. And sometimes the things that are important are the ones that seem the weirdest or the most wrong. And those are the ones that change your life." - Jessie Sammler (Evan Rachel Wood)

[Grimaldi]

that was sweet

I'm not stealing, I'm just taking things without paying for them. In what twisted dictionary is that stealing?
Welcome friends, how may I pervert you?

[bluewillowwitch]

Debra ,

That was a wonderful update! Michelle and Eliza getting married, perfect. Must mean that and aren't far behind. It was a beautiful update!



I'm glad to hear that the family is well and the the is doing fine. Motherhood is so much fun. After practacally rasing both my sisters I have a want for children, but I think I'll leave that for after college. Hope y'all are having a great time.



Can't wait to more. Update soon, please?





Grace

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[Arwen276]

Loved it!!



Very romantic update! Can't wait to find out more about the mailbox-thingy!





~Arwen

Hear That Baby? You're My Always... Willow

[littlecrazy80]

Loved it!



*lil´c*

"Okay, we’re here, we’re queer, let’s kick this shit into gear," Five by Five (Taras Shadow)



SweetAmber

[JustSkipIt]

Willowhand – Thanks. I’m glad it was so lovely for you.



Wimpy – Yeah! For goosebumps and happy tears. I’m glad that it fell into place. Ha ha about the spicy talk. For pretty much this entire story, I’ve been keeping the NC-17 over and Please and PG-13/R in this one. Speaking of which, I’m so glad that you are enjoying Please and oh yes, I agree about the taking of Tara on the balcony. Woo hoo!



Thanks for reading and writing.



The Rose24 – Yes, this is her place now so she needs to have good friends. Eliza is very much the marrying type and I’m sure they’ll be very happy (as far as my crystal ball sees anyway). Thanks.



LizPuRR – Woo hoo! Thanks for the great words.



sam darls – Thanks.



Grimaldi – Thanks.



Grace – You can bet that W&T aren’t far behind but that won’t be happening in this story. Thanks.



Yes, you are right that motherhood is wonderful. I definitely recommend waiting until after college and when you have a good job and all that stuff. But you know what? People have children without any of their ducks in a row and it still works out fine for them too.



Probably Part 36 of 36 will be up in a week or so. No long waits any more.



Arwen276 – Thanks. The mailbox thing will be completed in the next post. I hope that pretty much cleans up the ends that need cleaned up.



Romy – Thanks.

---

"Your little will can't do anything. It takes Great Determination. Great Determination doesn't mean just you making an effort. It means the whole universe is behind you and with you - the birds, trees, sky, moon, and ten directions." - Katagiri Roshi

[Karmah]

Hey Deb,

Great update!! sorry I forgot to reply with the last one.

So how is the Family I bet ya'll are busy with the lil man. I miss the baby stage lol.

I loved this update. The scene with Eliza and Michelle was so sweet, and I have to say Tara's phone playing the "Eyes of Texas are upon you" was a very nice Longhorn touch .. I was surprised that Tara was able to go back to that stable, that shows great courage and determination on her part. I want Willows cake that sounded good lol. Great update.

Thanks

Arron