Fanfic - How I Met Your Mother (UPDATED: May 26, 2012)

[Finey_McFine]

PRE DIBS!! lol

[BeMyDeputy]

This is not the story.

Yes, I'm being obstinate.

[Ariel]

As always, feedback read and re-read and often used! Thank you!


Title: How I met your mother*
Author: Ariel
Email: blaziak@yahoo.com
Feedback: All feedback welcomed, specific input appreciated. PM to harsh on me!
Rating: R for touching and conversation
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, but I love to take them for a ride!
Credit: “Romeo and Juliet” by uh duh William Shakespeare. Note, I punctuated it the way Tara remembers it not exactly as it was written.
Summary: A/U before season 1, the summer after Willow's freshman year with a large dose of Queen Cordelia at her bitchy best and teen-aged angst.

*no connection to the sit-com of the same name

Thoughts are in italics.

There was no time for Willow to cross the few feet naked to her bed, no time to put on her pajamas, so she ducked under Tara’s bed and Tara jammed Willow’s pajamas completely under the covers.


Mrs. Finch walked directly into the cabin without knocking. “Where’s Willow?”


Tara’s eyes were huge, “She w-went to the b-bathroom.”


Mrs. Finch nodded. “Mind if I sit?” She took Tara’s stunned silence for assent and sat on the end of Tara’s bed. “It’s just as well that Willow isn’t here. You and I need to have a long conversation.”

Part 18: Darkness and Light


Tara sat cross-legged in bed with the covers pulled over her legs and prayed that Willow could remain hidden under her bed.


“First, let me ask you this directly: Did you and Willow have anything to do with what happened to Cordelia?”


Tara met her eyes. “No.”


“Do you know if anyone else did?”


Tara’s voice remained steady. “No.”


Mrs. Finch smiled. “Glad to hear it. You’re a bad liar, Tara, so I can conclude that you are both innocent. Next, this is my second bed-check on you two. Do I need to do any others?”


Tara stared back, she was absolutely speechless.


Mrs. Finch tried again, “Are you familiar with the term ‘due diligence’?”


Tara shook her head.


“Then let me explain. I received a complaint about alcohol being served to a group of minors on the property and a complaint about inappropriate behavior between you and Willow. Are you with me so far?”


Tara nodded cautiously.


“So I have a legal and moral obligation to adequately investigate the complaint, in other words ‘due diligence’. Unfortunately I found overwhelming evidence that at least half of the complaint was true which underscores the requirement that I look into the rest.”


“W-Why?” Tara’s voice was a whisper.


"Legal liability, Tara. I can’t ignore a complaint that serious. So I investigated, got a confession, and took action. Now I am keeping an eye on you and Willow, but I’m hoping that I don’t have to do that any more. You have a good head on your shoulders, Tara. You know that it could be very unfortunate if you and Willow were doing something wrong and one of your girls saw you.”


Tara swallowed. “W-we don’t w-want to hurt the girls. W-we l-love them!”


Mrs. Finch’s face softened. “I know you do.” She sighed, “There is a fine and delicate line between what I believe and what I officially know.” She noted the confusion on Tara’s face. “Take Elizabeth Lianne, for instance.” She smiled, “I believe she is going by ‘Mouse’ these days?”


“Y-yes.”


“Well, if I had to stake my life on her actual age, I would estimate that she’s four years old, but that’s only an unofficial guess. However, if I had official knowledge that she was four then I’d have to make other arrangements for her and she wouldn’t be allowed to stay in this cabin with girls so much older.”


Tara sat up straight, blue eyes flashing. “We l-love M-mouse!”


“I know you do. The good news is that the only official information I have from her mother states categorically that she is 7 years old. So I can go along with that and let her stay where she’s happy. Do you understand?”


“I th-think so.”


“Good! So this brings me to why I came here. I don’t have any official evidence that you and Willow are doing anything wrong.” She drilled Tara with her eyes, “So make sure I never get any!”


Tara felt her face flush, but her gaze on Mrs. Finch was unwavering. “You won’t,” She said firmly.


“Tara. Be careful. Willow is barely a woman. If you truly have feelings for this girl, do you have the right to interfere with her life, possibly change her into someone she won’t want to be when she’s old enough to know better?”


She looked at the pain on Tara’s face and continued.


“Her principal wrote her letter of reference. Willow is a brilliant, gifted girl with an extraordinary future ahead of her. Do you honestly believe that you would fit into that future? That she would want you in that future?”


Tara bowed her head.


“Good. Let her go, Tara. Don’t be her Svengali. Don’t corrupt that very precious innocence because of your own selfish desires. She deserves better than that. You know she does.”


Tara was silent, fighting the tears. It always hurts more when you cry.


“I’m gladder than I can say that this bed check didn’t reveal any problems and that we’ve had the opportunity to talk. Now I want to apologize to you and Willow.”


Tara stared at her incredulously.


“For how rudely I cut you both off in the meeting today. The simple truth is that I don’t want Veronica with Cordelia. I gave Cordelia the opportunity for political reasons, but my preference is that Veronica stay with you. I didn’t want Cordelia to change her mind so I cut you off in the most effective way I could think of.”


Tara struggled to speak, “W-why do you w-want Veronica with me?”


“Because you had the courage to stand up to Veronica from the very first. You held her accountable for her actions and I believe that you and Willow are the best chance that poor girl has at learning how to act like a human being.”


Tara was confused, “So y-you’re our fr-friend?”


Mrs. Finch was emphatic, “Absolutely not! I am here to run the camp and make it successful. Interfere with that and you’ll suffer the consequences. As for Cordelia, Mr. Chase is a generous donor and this place needs extensive remodeling. For one thing, we need bathrooms in the cabins! Speaking of bathrooms, where in the world is Willow?”


“I’m sure th-that she’s c-coming,” Tara said weakly.


“The path from here to the bathroom is a straight line. I am going to walk over there right now and if I don’t find her I will put together a search party!”


Tara’s face went white. “Mrs. Finch, I h-have something to, I mean that, I mean that I w-want—“ Suddenly inspiration struck and Tara jumped to her feet, opened the door and stepped on to the porch. “I don’t s-see her.” She came back in, taking care to leave the door open. “B-but come t-take a l-look at the kids sleeping. They’re so c-cute and I b-bet W-willow will be back soon!”


Tara took Mrs. Finch’s arm and walked back behind the sheet to look at the girls sleeping, taking care to whisper into Mrs. Finch’s ear and make as much noise as she could without waking up the kids.


When they returned to Tara’s bed they met a pale, shivering, angry Willow who was just walking in the door and wearing her pajamas.


Mrs. Finch was concerned, “Good heavens, girl! No robe, no slippers! What took you so long, you’re freezing!”


Willow glared at the director. “It takes as long as it takes, okay!”


Mrs. Finch appeared sympathetic. “May I recommend a daily glass of prune juice or—“


“I’m fine!” Willow snapped, “Now can I please go to bed and get some sleep!”


“I certainly have no objection to you going to—“


Willow whirled around to face Mrs. Finch again, “And I’m sick of finding you hanging around the bathrooms and hanging around our cabin. Tara and I are best friends and we love each other and there’s nothing wrong with that!” She walked closer and noted with surprise that Mrs. Finch was backing up. “Are we done here?”


Mrs. Finch edged towards the door. “Why, yes we are.” She cleared her throat and pasted a smile on her face. “Good night,” she said nervously.


“Good night!” Then Willow slammed the door behind Mrs. Finch and turned to Tara, eyes wide. “Can I faint now or should I freeze first?”


Tara pulled the shivering girl into her arms, trying to warm her up.


Willow’s whisper was triumphant, “I can’t believe it! I, Willow Rosenberg, honor student, teacher’s pet and faculty favorite actually mouthed off to an authority figure!” She grinned, “And I liked it!” She stepped back, “So why don’t we continue the warming process in bed?”


Tara met Willow’s eyes. “Do you w-want to?”


Willow stared back. “Of course I do. Weren’t you listening?”


Tara smiled, got into bed and lifted the covers. Willow slid into her lover’s arms, sighing with pleasure as she felt herself enfolded in Tara’s warm embrace.


“Tara?”


“Yes?”


“You know the Eskimos, I mean the Inuit tradition was that women would, you know, offer their breasts as hand warmers and—“


Tara grinned and sighed at the same time. “Okay, go ahead.” Willow’s freezing fingers cupped Tara’s breasts and Tara gasped.


“Tara? What’s wrong?”


“I think ‘Sea’ and ‘Love’ j-just became ‘Iceberg’ and ‘Hate’!”


Willow giggled, “Hey, it was cold under that bed and I had to put my P.J.’s on outside the door!” She paused, “I think a deer was looking at me.”


“S-smart, deer!” Tara smiled, then shivered.


“I know a way to warm you up.”


Tara was wary, “How?”


“Super hot smoochies while fully and properly pajama’d.” She thrust her leg between Tara’s and began leaving warm, breathy kisses down Tara’s neck and felt Tara’s fingers caressing her hair and then stroking down her back. Then she nuzzled Tara’s neck and finally drifted off to sleep.


Tara’s embrace, as always, was warm and solid. She smiled, feeling Willow relax into sleep and press sweetly against her body. Tara breathed deeply, cherishing the scent of strawberry shampoo mixed with the soft, clean scent of Willow’s skin. She raised a finger to trace the tender curve of Willow’s cheek, pillowed on her breast, then caught a strand of hair that had fallen across Willow’s face and smoothed it back behind her lover’s ear.


She was amazed at the duality of her emotions. That she could lay perfectly content in Willow’s arms while at the same time feeling a cold lump in her belly and a flush of shame on her cheeks. Am I dragging her down? Will she hate me some day because she never had a chance at a normal life? Should I break up with her? Tara clutched Willow convulsively and felt the smaller girl stir, then snuggle in even more closely and drop a sleepy kiss on her collarbone. She smiled at the warmth between them while feeling her eyes burn with unshed tears. I can’t do it. She may hate me some day and I may hate myself, but I can’t walk away from her, can’t turn away from our love together. She tightened her embrace, tried to breathe deeply and relax, but sleep was a long time coming.


Willow woke in the early dawn, her cheek against Tara’s breast and her arm flung across her lover’s stomach while still enfolded in Tara’s embrace. She scooted up and brushed the flower petal softness of Tara’s lips with her own.


Tara breathed in, parting her lips and was awakened to a warm velvet kiss caressing her tongue. She returned the kiss. Then stretched luxuriously and Willow felt the ripple of Tara’s muscles moving against her body.


Tara opened her eyes to see Willow’s beautiful eyes a few inches away. “What day is it,” she asked sleepily.


“Saturday,” Willow’s eyes widened. “Saturday!” Suddenly Willow sat up, flinging the covers aside while Tara grumbled sleepily at the sudden influx of cold air. “Tara, I have an errand. A quick one, can you deal with the girls? Back in 10 minutes, okay?”


Tara nodded, already hearing a couple of the girls stirring, and resigned herself to impending consciousness.


Willow dressed and ran off while Tara threw on her clothes quickly before being besieged with inquisitive little girls and their questions. Today everyone seemed a little subdued, so they dragged Willow’s cot next to Tara’s bed and everyone except Veronica and Mouse piled in for chatter and cuddles. Then everyone dressed and Tara went to wake up her two sleeping beauties, finding them sprawled out asleep in Veronica’s bed. She awakened them gently, silently helped Mouse get dressed and explained that Willow would be back for breakfast. They headed for the bathroom and Tara dropped back with Veronica and Mouse.


“Veronica, thanks for b-being there for M-Mouse’s nightmare.”


Veronica looked uncomfortable and didn’t meet her eyes, so Tara turned her attention to Mouse.


“Are you okay?”


Mouse nodded happily then ran up ahead.


Willow was already back by the time the morning hand and face washing was done and Tara headed behind their curtain to make their bed only to find their bed already made and a single red rose laying across the pillow.


Willow blushed. “It isn’t a whole lot, but it’s our week anniversary, and I wanted to give you a present. It’s from Mr. Macready’s rose bush and he let me cut it.”


Tara was speechless. She caught Willow in a tight embrace then let her go and picked up the rose to smell it and touch her cheek with its softness. “It’s perfect, Willow,” she said softly.


Willow looked around quickly, knowing that there was no possibility of a kiss, but she stepped close and whispered. “We can’t make love, I mean not with our clothes off. But today’s our day and I want to make love with you all day, every way I can think of that won’t get us fired, okay?”


Tara felt her mouth crook into a tender smile. “Okay.”


“Good!” Willow bounced on the balls of her feet, but remembered to keep her voice a whisper, “Because I love you, Tara.”


“I love you, too, Willow.”


As they returned to the area by the window, the light hit Willow turning her hair to a glowing sunrise and her skin a golden peach color.


Tara swallowed, the words coming out of her mouth of their own volition.


“’What light through yonder window breaks.
It is the east and Juliet is the sun.
Rise fair sun—‘”


Bettina cut in, anxious that she had missed something and tried to catch up. “There’s a light through the broken window and it’s Willow?”


Devola was scornful. “No, dummy! It’s uh, it’s,” she grinned and shrugged. “I don’t know what the ‘plop’ it is!”


“It’s Shakespeare,” Tara replied, “but I’m r-reminding you that we d-don’t have any dummies in this room or anywhere else in the world.”


“Just a ‘Moronica’,” Devola still enjoyed the nickname.


“No!” Every eye turned to Tara, since she so seldom raised her voice. “When I w-was little people c-called me a dummy because I stutter and was shy and t-too scared to t-talk much.” She blushed and dropped her head. “I even flunked k-kindergarden on the f-first day because I w-was too shy to talk to the teacher. Th-that’s why I’m a year older than W-willow but we’re in the same grade. So no m-more n-name calling b-because when you s-say it to someone else it’s l-like you’re saying it to me.”


Willow was by her side, pulling Tara close in a one-armed hug. “Same here,” she said firmly. “Only I got called a ‘geek’ and a ‘dork’ and a ‘nerd’ because I like school and get good grades. Names can really hurt, okay?”


The girls were owl-eyed, taking in the new idea that their counselors had actually been little once.


Willow grinned. “Uh oh! We’ve made too much noise,” her voice became deep and creepy and the girls shivered delightedly, “and the Blanket Monster is waking up!” Willow ducked behind the curtain, emerging as the Blanket Monster and a lively round of Blanket Monster was played with even louder screams and giggles than usual.


The breakfast bell rang somewhere in the middle of round two and the girls raced off for the dining hall.


Willow turned to Tara and sighed. “I wanted to brush your hair again, like I did that time.” She looked down shyly, “I wanted to make love to you.”


Tara’s heart was full, thinking of how Willow had stood beside her. “You did, Willow,” she replied softly. Then there was a moment for a brief fluttering kiss, like rose petals brushing together in a breeze. Then the lovers clasped hands and ran for the dining hall.

[Finey_McFine]

REAL DIBS!

[leonhart17]

Finch is still a bitch... I'm glad Willow didn't get caught though! And I'm really glad that Tara didn't bring up the completely insane idea that she's doing to bring Willow down! Because I don't think Willow would take too kindly to that idea!

[Finey_McFine]

“Are you familiar with the term ‘due diligence’?”

Ok, first she is a CSI and now Law and Order...I so wish we had sound effects because I would totally insert the Law and Order 'Dun-Dun' right here. BTW...of course Tara doesn't know what it is, she's 17!

You know in many ways, Finch reminds me of an abusive parent. She beats them up a little, then smiles and offers them 'candy.' In her case thinly veiled support. She's taking advantage of their youth to manipulate their behavior and get what she wants. Throwing big scary words out there like morality and due diligence, etc. to intimidate Tara and then using Willow against her. I sure didn't see her tossing morality around when it comes to her relationship with Cordelia, basically justifying throwing W/T under the bus. The bottom line is that she doesn't want W/T screwing it up with Cordelia because she needs Cordy's $$$.

“May I recommend a daily glass of prune juice or—“

This, literally, made me laugh out loud! This is something my grandmother would say because, who the hell even drinks prune juice anymore? Hello! 1930 called and they want their medicinal juice back! Yeesh! Reminds me of Sybil's mother!!

Big Kudos for quick thinking Tara! Distracting the Mistress of The Prune long enough to get Willow safely back in the room.

Even BIGGER YAY for pissed off Willow!

“And I’m sick of finding you hanging around the bathrooms and hanging around our cabin. Tara and I are best friends and we love each other and there’s nothing wrong with that!”

Finch is right about one thing, Willow's no dummy. So she'd better take her own advice and leave well enough alone.

Which brings me to the I love that Willow can go from 'in your face' to sweet innocent teenager. It was a lovely heartfelt gesture, one which I'm hoping really drives home the point with Tara that Willow's in it for the long haul.

So, did you decide?? Frequent shorter updates or longer infrequent updates?

[Grimm]

There are no words to describe a woman like Finch.....well, there is one .Bitch....words hurt..especially hurtful words that are said to children who have been emotionally (maybe even physically for Tara) abused. If everyone in your life tells you that you are worthless. There comes a time when you might begin to believe it.

This happens so often in our society. I have worked inside a jail in Los angeles county for 11 yrs. I look at some of these men and women and think...What could they have been if just one person believed in them....

Now i said all that to say..I hope Willow will be that person for Tara. I want her to question Finch and others thoughts on subjects like ...Why is Tara not salvageable? What makes her un-worthy of Willow's love?

Willow was born into certain opportunities that Tara was not. But, it does not make Willow better than Tara...it just makes her a whole lot luckier.

[KnightlyLove]

I thought this update was particularly thought-provoking.... I think Ms. Bi**h was being pretty hard on Tara, but like I said in my last comment, it's totally true that they're still young and we still don't know where their families live. It doesn't appear that Tara is financially independent....
That all said, I think Ms. Bi**h was very nice to say that she'd ignore it if they didn't make it obvious. She's probably a lesbian anyway.
Also, what are they doing fooling around under the covers all the time? Naughty naughty. Oy.
Also, no period yet? O.O

I wish Willow had talked to Tara about the conversation she overheard a bit though.... Something like "you're not holding me back, you're rocking my WORLD!!!"
=P
love love. Keep writing please!

[Laragh]

Huh. Finchy was...not Finchy the Bitchy. I don't know how to take that. I'm on high alert that she's up to some serious scheming...

AND I TAKE IT ALL BACK, WHAT A CLASS A BITCH!

How dare she question something she doesn't even 'officially know is happening'! And to just denounce Tara like that, like she's nothing and doesn't deserve Willow. Fuck you, Finch. Fuck you.

Ha @ Willow mouthing off to her. I was surprised she didn't rush to reassure Tara that what Finch said wasn't true though. Maybe she thought it was just so ridiculous that she didn't even need to debunk it?

We can’t make love, I mean not with our clothes off. But today’s our day and I want to make love with you all day, every way I can think of that won’t get us fired, okay?”

That was great, I love the idea of all-day, clothes-on intimacy.

Hehe, they're both so cute with the kids

[zampsa19752001]

Yay for great update-y goodness... I'm glad that Willow told Bitch F to leave her and Tara alone... I'm really happy that Veronica helped Mouse when Mouse had nightmares...

[wimpy0729]

Okay, I'll admit I'm a little confused. In some ways, Finch almost sounds understanding. I'm with Knightly, thinking Finch is probably a big old lesbo herself. She's pretty much saying that she knows something is going on, just don't get caught because then we'd lose the money the camp needs. Also, there probably is some kind of "morals" thing for the camp employees, as they are minors, and she would be held responsible. I mean, if it were male/female counselors sneaking around having sex, she would have to address it the same way. Realistically though, it probably happens all the time no matter what the rules are. I was actually shocked when she apologized to Tara for the way she spoke to them earlier. Interestingly, I'm thinking she's kind of playing Cordelia now, being her "faux" friend so the camp will continue getting her daddy's money. It's nice that she can actually admit that she knows Tara and Willow are better for Veronica than her own family. Perhaps the Finchmeister is a woman of many layers. Okay, naturally it bothered me when she was asking Tara if she thought she was really going to fit in Willow's life after camp, and if she really cared about her, did she really want to hold her back. Of course, as hurtful as it was for Tara to think about these things, it raises some questions for me. Do the girls live far away from each other, and will they be able to manage to see each other after camp anyway? It almost makes me think Finch has been through a similar situation herself. Makes me go "hmmm".

And poor freezing Willow. Very smooth move there for the stealthy escape/entry, but I can just picture her shivering like crazy. And the telling off of Finch was awesome. At least she had a place to hide. It's a real bitch when you need to do that and realize the bed is only like 6 inches off the floor and you really wish you knew that beforehand. Not that I would know anything about that.

The anniversary thing was very touching, and of course, they can be intimate without the sex. Although it's not as much fun, if you love someone there are many different ways to show it.

Oh yeah, Tara's Boob Warmers -- pleasant images for the rest of my day. Thanks for that.

Can't wait to see what's next!

P.S.
[blockquote]clear out your box, okay?[/blockquote] I actually enjoy a fullness in my box, thank you very much.


Wimpy

[Nue]

Hey Ariel, what´s up?

I was kinda angry with Fitch, but now I think she´s just an big old lesbo with a broken heart... I kinda feel sorry for her...

but I still can´t forget what she said to Tara about her holding Willow back... that´s low!

and Willow? she´s so sweet and adorable ^^

[LonelyTara]

Huh...this was thought-provoking indeed. We have this small moment of humanity from FTDB (Finch the Dusty Bitch):

Tara swallowed. “W-we don’t w-want to hurt the girls. W-we l-love them!”

Mrs. Finch’s face softened. “I know you do.” She sighed, “There is a fine and delicate line between what I believe and what I officially know.” She noted the confusion on Tara’s face. “Take Elizabeth Lianne, for instance.” She smiled, “I believe she is going by ‘Mouse’ these days?”

“Y-yes.”

“Well, if I had to stake my life on her actual age, I would estimate that she’s four years old, but that’s only an unofficial guess. However, if I had official knowledge that she was four then I’d have to make other arrangements for her and she wouldn’t be allowed to stay in this cabin with girls so much older.”

Tara sat up straight, blue eyes flashing. “We l-love M-mouse!”

“I know you do. The good news is that the only official information I have from her mother states categorically that she is 7 years old. So I can go along with that and let her stay where she’s happy. Do you understand?”

And then she goes right back to horrific again. I agree with Finey...she's like an abusive parent. Who would tell a child that they were dragging someone down? It's so hurtful! The biggest risk at this point is that they'll both end up heart-broken because they can't stay together when camp ends. Sigh...I just don't trust FTDB..she's freakin' bipolar or something.

I definitely look forward to more anniversary sweetness. And yay for Veronica being nice to Mouse, even if she's embarrassed about it.

[BlondCavalier]

All I have to say is that Mrs. Finch is a bi-a-tch for saying that Tara will "corrupt" Willow and make her someone she doesn't want to be by loving her! UNbelievable!! What is her problem, esp. when she's pretty cool about letting Mouse stay there even when she's underage?

I loved how Mare and Amor became Iceberg and Hate!

Willow is so romantic by getting Tara a rose! Maybe next one of them could write a poem or something!

I think you should definitely do more frequent updates - I'm really enjoying this

[Ariel]

Shel AKA Finey McFine:

You know in many ways, Finch reminds me of an abusive parent. She beats them up a little, then smiles and offers them 'candy.' In her case thinly veiled support. She's taking advantage of their youth to manipulate their behavior and get what she wants. Throwing big scary words out there like morality and due diligence, etc. to intimidate Tara and then using Willow against her. I sure didn't see her tossing morality around when it comes to her relationship with Cordelia, basically justifying throwing W/T under the bus. The bottom line is that she doesn't want W/T screwing it up with Cordelia because she needs Cordy's $$$.

At your evil icon-y best, Goddess! A hypocritical adult! I find that hard to believe!

Responding to Mrs. Finch’s offer of a glass of prune juice:

This, literally, made me laugh out loud! This is something my grandmother would say because, who the hell even drinks prune juice anymore? Hello! 1930 called and they want their medicinal juice back!

As to “laugh at loud” funny – right back atcha, girlfriend. You are hilarious!!!

Thanks for commending quick thinking Tara and the fighting Rosenberg who let Mrs. F have it!


Maggie AKA Leonhart17:

Finch is still a bitch... I'm glad Willow didn't get caught though!

You said it!

And I'm really glad that Tara didn't bring up the completely insane idea that she's doing to bring Willow down! Because I don't think Willow would take too kindly to that idea!

Stay tuned . . . and sorry!


SMGOVAN:

words hurt..especially hurtful words that are said to children who have been emotionally (maybe even physically for Tara) abused. If everyone in your life tells you that you are worthless. There comes a time when you might begin to believe it.

Your post was so touching and so powerful! Everyone, please read her post!

I worked in the Oakland City Jail for just six months, had the exact thoughts as you!

And yes, let Willow be the one for Tara. The one to give her the healing love she needs.


KnightlyLove:

I thought this update was particularly thought-provoking.... That all said, I think Ms. Bi**h was very nice to say that she'd ignore it if they didn't make it obvious. She's probably a lesbian anyway.

Seeing the softer side of Finch, a new perspective . . . stay tuned!

I wish Willow had talked to Tara about the conversation she overheard a bit though.... Something like "you're not holding me back, you're rocking my WORLD!!!"

Willow made her love obvious in a lot of ways, but Tara has a lot of hurt to overcome.


Laragh:
You saw it coming! Noted the softer side of Finch, but stayed on “high alert” then you said it!

AND I TAKE IT ALL BACK, WHAT A CLASS A BITCH!

How dare she question something she doesn't even 'officially know is happening'! And to just denounce Tara like that, like she's nothing and doesn't deserve Willow. Fuck you, Finch. Fuck you.

I agree 100% On the lighter side, glad you like the clothes-on intimacy. See post from Wimpy for contrast!


Zampsa19752001:

I'm glad that Willow told Bitch F to leave her and Tara alone.

That’s a happy moment for many of us!

I'm really happy that Veronica helped Mouse when Mouse had nightmares...

More to that than meets the eye . . . stay tuned! AND the “resistance” begins – thanks for the GREAT IDEA!!!!


Wimpy:
And now for the softer side of Finch viewpoint:

Okay, I'll admit I'm a little confused. In some ways, Finch almost sounds understanding. I'm with Knightly, thinking Finch is probably a big old lesbo herself. She's pretty much saying that she knows something is going on, just don't get caught because then we'd lose the money the camp needs. Also, there probably is some kind of "morals" thing for the camp employees, as they are minors, and she would be held responsible.

There are complex issues.

I was actually shocked when she apologized to Tara for the way she spoke to them earlier. Interestingly, I'm thinking she's kind of playing Cordelia now, being her "faux" friend so the camp will continue getting her daddy's money. It's nice that she can actually admit that she knows Tara and Willow are better for Veronica than her own family. Perhaps the Finchmeister is a woman of many layers.

And at least one of them is pruney . . . stay tuned.

And poor freezing Willow. Very smooth move there for the stealthy escape/entry, but I can just picture her shivering like crazy. And the telling off of Finch was awesome. At least she had a place to hide. It's a real bitch when you need to do that and realize the bed is only like 6 inches off the floor and you really wish you knew that beforehand. Not that I would know anything about that.

Please, do not air your dirty (bed) linen here! (probably a hilarious story!)

Glad you enjoyed the anniversary romance AND the boob warmers, too!


Nue:

I was kinda angry with Fitch, but now I think she´s just an big old lesbo with a broken heart... I kinda feel sorry for her...

You’re in good company. KnightlyLove and Wimpy share some similar feelings!

but I still can´t forget what she said to Tara about her holding Willow back... that´s low!

Right again! I think you’re 2 for 2! Wait, Willow’s adorable-ness, make that 3 for 3!


LonelyTara:

Huh...this was thought-provoking indeed. We have this small moment of humanity from FTDB (Finch the Dusty Bitch):

Referring to her treatment of Mouse

And then she goes right back to horrific again. I agree with Finey...she's like an abusive parent. Who would tell a child that they were dragging someone down? It's so hurtful! . . . .Sigh...I just don't trust FTDB

I definitely look forward to more anniversary sweetness. And yay for Veronica being nice to Mouse, even if she's embarrassed about it.

And there is some anniversary sweetness and some victory on the resistance!


BlondCavalier:

All I have to say is that Mrs. Finch is a bi-a-tch for saying that Tara will "corrupt" Willow and make her someone she doesn't want to be by loving her! UNbelievable!! What is her problem?

I loved how Mare (Sea) and Amor (Love) became Iceberg and Hate!

Thank you for liking that!!! I felt like I was the only one laughing.

Willow is so romantic by getting Tara a rose! Maybe next one of them could write a poem or something!

Or maybe a song . . .*Yoink* Another idea from you collection of witty people! Will do!


[center]STORY WILL FOLLOW (ALMOST) IMMEDIATELY AFTER![/center]

[Ariel]

Feedback is golden. It’s always appreciated and often used! Thanks for reading and writing!!!


Title: How I met your mother*
Author: Ariel
Email: blaziak@yahoo.com
Feedback: All feedback welcomed, specific input appreciated. PM to harsh on me!
Rating: PG-13 for language
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, but I love to take them for a ride!
Summary: A/U before season 1, the summer after Willow's freshman year with a large dose of Queen Cordelia at her bitchy best and teen-aged angst.

*no connection to the sit-com of the same name

Thoughts are in italics.

Willow turned to Tara and sighed. “I wanted to brush your hair again, like I did that time.” She looked down shyly, “I wanted to make love to you.”

Tara’s heart was full, thinking of how Willow had stood beside her. “You did, Willow,” she replied softly. Then there was a moment for a brief fluttering kiss, like rose petals brushing together in a breeze. Then the lovers clasped hands and ran for the dining hall.

Part 19: Love and Vengeance


They almost ran into Carly who was just stepping up onto the porch of the dining hall.


“Whoa there, you two!” She smiled at their clasped hands. “How goes it?”


“Fine!” Willow bounced on the balls of her feet and started tugging Tara inside, but Tara hesitated. “M-Mrs. Finch has b-been d-doing bed checks on Willow and I.”


Carly was indignant, “Bed checks! What a load of crap!” She leaned back, obviously thinking, then her eyes sparkled. “Leave it to me, I got your back.” She frowned, “It’s about time we mounted a resistance. First she fires my best friend, now she’s going after my babies,” she saw Willow’s and Tara’s blushes and cleared her throat, “I mean my uh colleagues.”


Meanwhile, Tara insisted Willow sit down so that she could be served without standing in line. Willow smiled, understanding the love behind the gesture and watched as Tara got Veronica to help serve Mouse her oatmeal. Willow had just poured herself a glass of water from the pitcher on the table when Mrs. Finch’s voice sounded directly behind her.


“Good morning, Willow.”


Willow jumped in surprise, spilling half the water into her lap as Mrs. Finch set a glass of murky liquid in front of her and continued speaking. “I hope there are no hard feelings over our little visit last night.”


“No,” Willow said resentfully while using her flimsy paper napkin to sop up water from her lap.


“Good. Then please join me in a glass of prune juice.”


Willow stared up, wild-eyed with horror as Mrs. Finch clinked her glass against Willow’s. “Down the hatch!” Mrs. Finch finished her glass, smacking her lips with evident enjoyment and stared pointedly until Willow managed to choke hers down as well.


“Excellent. One glass a day is all you need!” Her crepe soled shoes glided silently away and Willow grimaced, using another napkin to try to wipe the taste off her tongue.


Tara set her plate down and Willow jumped again, spilling the rest of the water. “You got me all wet,” she complained.


Tara smiled and gave Willow their new ‘W’ WAVE and Willow blushed and grinned in spite of herself. “Mrs. Finch, the mistress of prune-y badness just now and,” she rolled her eyes and smiled, “Never mind. I think I’ll live!”


Tara sat next to her, indulging in the rare treat of sitting side-by-side during meal time. She thanked Veronica for helping Mouse with her oatmeal and smiled as the girls gathered and sat down. Then Bettina stood beside her and tugged at her arm.


“Can you come talk to me?”


Tara nodded and left her seat to follow Bettina to the corner of the porch farthest from the dining hall door.


“Tara?” Bettina hesitated, then walked closer so she could read Tara’s lips more easily.


Tara smiled at her, “What is it?”


Bettina dropped her eyes and started fidgeting, rolling the edge of her T-shirt up and down. “Can I ask you something?”


Tara sensed that this was serious, so she sat on the porch and patted a spot next to her. Bettina smiled gratefully and sat down.


“W-what is it, sweetie?”


“Do you like Veronica better than me?”


“Sweetie, why do you s-say that?”


Bettina looked away. “You’re always talking to her and walking with her and watching her and everything. I thought maybe you didn’t like me anymore.”


“O, sweetie,” Tara held out her arms and Bettina lunged in for a strong hug and some rocking back and forth. “You’re the only Bettina Alighieri there is! No one can t-take your place. You’re one of a kind, special and I love you so m-much!”


Bettina gave an audible sigh of relief, then resumed rolling and unrolling the edge of her T-shirt. “Tara?”


“What is it, sweetie?”


“Love,” Bettina answered solemnly, then her voice became anxious. “How do you tell someone that you love them?”


Tara blushed, “I’m not r-really an expert on l-love.”


“But you’re really old.”


Tara concealed a smile. “I know, but I h-haven’t had m-much practice. I mean, I’ve always b-been pretty shy.”


Bettina turned quickly and looked incredulously back at Tara. “But you’re not shy now! You rode Midnight the first day and you talked on the microphone and stuff! You sing and tell stories in front of us and teach classes and everything! And you rode by the cliff to save Veronica!”


Tara’s brow wrinkled in confusion. “B-but I am shy.”


Bettina got up on her knees and whispered into Tara’s ear. “Well, nobody knows, so don’t tell!”


Suddenly Tara squeezed Bettina closer and kissed the top of the little girl’s head. “Good idea. We’ll k-keep it a secret.” Then she tipped Bettina’s chin towards her so the little girl could read her lips. “Are you okay?”


“Yeah, maybe, I think so.” The little girl continued rolling and unrolling the edge of her t-shirt. “But I still wanna know how you tell someone you love them?”


Tara thought seriously. “You can t-tell them with words and you can tell them by h-how you act.”


“Like what?”


“L-like helping them. B-being nice. L-listening to them.” She smiled tenderly, recalling how Willow had held her through her tears. “G-giving them a hug when they f-feel bad. G-giving a present, something you made or found or s-singing them a song. Th-there’s lots of ways to say ‘I love you’ if you look for them.”


Bettina turned and gave Tara a hard, fierce hug. “Okay!” Then she ran back in to eat breakfast, with Tara right behind her. Mouse had stolen her spot next to Willow, but Tara was determined to make some Willow time later.


[center]*******************************[/center]



Mrs. Finch looked around the circle of seat counselors, “Any new business?”


Carly shot a quick glance at Lawanna, who raised her hand. “Yeah, I lost twenty bucks when I took my kids into the bathroom for face and hand washing this morning.”


Jenilee shook her ash blond hair back then spoke up. “Me, too.”


Mrs. Finch looked concerned. “This morning?”


Jenilee nodded, “I lost my silver charm bracelet.”


We should make an announcement to remind people to conceal their valuables and I’ll talk with Mr. Macready. Perhaps he can install locks. Of course I’ll need a master key.


Carly smiled eagerly. “Well, we have a lot of locks around the shop and I’m sure most of them work on a master key. I think he can get on it right now. Want me to tell him on the way to swimming this morning?”


Mrs. Finch nodded gratefully, “That would be very helpful, thank you Carly.”


Carly nodded cheerfully, then raised a hand to scratch her forehead and winked at Willow and Tara from behind her hand.


After the meeting was excused, Tara caught up with Carly while Willow ran to the cabin to change her pants before the first class.


“B-but Carly, if Mrs. Finch has a m-master key—“


“Well, some of those locks work on a master key and some don’t. By some strange coincidence the locks for your cabin, my cabin, Jenilee’s cabin, and Lawanna’s cabin won’t have a master key. Gosh darn it. My poor old Dad did the best he could with what we had in the shop.”


“D-does he know?”


“No. But I’ll tag the locks and he’ll put ‘em in or I could just do the work myself.”


“You?”


“Hell, yeah! Mom took off when I was four and we couldn’t afford a babysitter so I’d just follow my dad from job to job doing handyman work, same thing after I started school. I picked up a lot over the years, I can do some basic wiring and plumbing, install windows and doors, and even do some fridge and dishwasher repair. My dad is the best. He used to help Jules out when her dad came here hunting for her. My dad’s my buddy, a really good friend.”


Tara smiled and gave Carly a one armed hug, "Then I guess it r-runs in the family."


Carly returned the hug then Tara hurried off to the stables for her first group.


[center]*******************************[/center]


Willow watched Tara working. She was in the center of the corral with a 30’ lunge line to keep the horse trotting in a circle while one beginner at a time sat on the horse. Tara had the sleeves of her work shirt rolled up, and the muscles under her forearms worked smoothly to control the horse. The sun beat down on her blond head and there was already sweat stains on the front of her shirt.


“G-good! Heels down, hold on w-with your hands if you have to. T-tuck in your rump use your t-tummy muscles to keep your seat. Good, tuck it in again. Now f-feel the horse’s rhythm, put your weight on your stirrups, heels down and post, good, post, good! Y-you’re doing it!”


Sadie Ludovic, a chubby 8-year-old, beamed with pride. “I’m posting! I’m posting!”


“G-great! But keep your heels down, always! G-good job Sadie. A little longer. Okay, n-next.”


Willow watched, making love to Tara. What can I do? Then a smile lit her face and she ran to the kitchen. A few minutes later the last child received her posting lesson and Tara walked back to the barn to find Willow waiting for her.


Willow smiled and patted a nearby hay bale. Tara was happy to drop down on the offered seat. Then Willow picked up one of the metal pitchers from the kitchen, its outside dripping with cold perspiration and its inside filled with cool water. She held the pitcher to Tara’s cheek and Tara sighed against it, cooling her hot face. Then Willow poured Tara a glass and while Tara drank, Willow wetted a cloth and wiped Tara’s face and the back of her neck. Tara finished the glass, arching her neck to the cool caresses and felt the soft swell of Willow’s breasts supporting the back of her head. She sighed again, relaxing under the tender ministrations of her lover.


By the time Faith appeared for the second ride of the day, Tara felt refreshed and deeply loved. She stood and waved at Faith. Making love to Willow. It has to be wonderful, worthy of her. She crinkled her forehead in thought, That’s it! Perfect! Then she hurried over to talk to Faith.


The sun was high and hot overhead on the third ride of the day, just before lunch. The advanced 11 and 12’s were trotting easily and it was a pleasure riding with them. The group wended their way to the stream and were allowed to dismount and tie the horses to the branches of a fallen tree. The stream was shallow and Tara gave the girls permission to take off their shoes and wade.


“Hey, look! Berries!” Robin Matsuishi found the bush and kids began searching their pockets for containers. Tara had to speak up, “C-can’t use helmets! They stay on for riding.” Fortunately a few bandannas turned up, Tara’s included, and berry picking was allowed to continue until it was time to mount up and head back.


Faith hurried off to serve lunch while the girls and Tara loosened girths and removed bridles before heading to the dining hall. Tara lingered behind, pulling her filled bandanna carefully from her shirt. Willow watched as Tara patted the same hay bale she had sat on earlier then got the hint and sat down while Tara pulled the first ripe berry from the bandanna. She pinched it in her fingers and brought it to Willow’s lips. Willow parted her lips and opened her mouth eagerly. Then Tara popped the berry in and Willow bit down until it exploded sweetly against her tongue. She savored the taste and swallowed then smiled up at Tara.


“Mmmm. Great, Tara!” Willow reached for a berry but Tara shook her head and fed her another one, finally cradling Willow’s head and feeding her berries until most were gone. Then Willow gave her an impish grin and began licking the juice slowly from Tara’s fingers. Then Tara returned the compliment, kissing and sucking each of Willow’s fingertips in turn.


Then the lunch bell rang and they got to their feet, put their arms around each other’s waist and wandered into lunch, somehow not thinking much about food.


Mrs. Finch was standing at the microphone. “Today is ‘Silly Day’ she explained solemnly. So there will be skits and silly games in the dining hall after dinner, a comedy movie, and pranks are allowed.” She held up her hand for silence, “A word about pranks, please pay attention! Nothing to cause injury, severe fright, or property damage. Discuss all pranks with your counselors to make sure they are in the proper camp spirit rather than a destructive outburst!” The remainder of the speech was drowned in cheers as campers and counselors began eagerly plotting against each other.


Mrs. Finch’s miked voice finally rose above the din, “Pranks may begin after, I repeat ‘after’, all plates and food has been returned to the kitchen after lunch! I said ‘after lunch’!” And although the microphone worked and her voice boomed across the room, it was plain to see that no one was listening.


[center]*******************************[/center]


Cordelia pulled Veronica around the far corner of the dining hall for a little private conversation. “Any names they don’t like to be called?”


Veronica’s face was troubled, “You’re not gonna yell at them over the mike or call them names are you?”


Cordelia widened her eyes innocently. “I promise not to yell at them or call them names. No one will say anything to them. I’m just curious, that’s all.”


“Then Tara hates being called ‘dummy’ and Willow hates ‘dork’.


Cordelia smiled. “Good. Thank you.”


“Can I come stay with you now?”


“Not yet. But soon if you keep doing a good job.” She gave her cousin a quick pat on the shoulder then hurried off to organize her cabin while Veronica walked slowly back for the afternoon activities.


[center]*******************************[/center]


The final ride of the day was done and they made love with shoulder rubs and tickling each other’s necks with a piece of hay before finally heading back to their cabin before softball practice.


Tara quickly tugged off her sweat-soaked work shirt and pulled another out of her duffel bag. Suddenly she stiffened, holding the offending shirt out in front of her. “Look!”


Willow turned around then saw the front of Tara’s shirt with the word ‘Dummy’ written on it with bleach. Then she pulled three of her shirts out to find ‘Dork’ written on the front of her shirts.


Meanwhile Tara pulled out her other work shirt to find out that it had been decorated similarly. She slumped on her bed, utterly defeated and once again shaking with unshed tears.


Willow sat beside her and slid an arm around her. “Tara, don’t cry okay. It’s just a shirt. I mean it’s a rotten thing to do, but it’s only a shirt. You can get another one, no big deal. That’s what I’m gonna do. My spending money is coming on Monday. What about yours?”


Tara’s face burned with embarrassment. Without a word she got up and headed for Mrs. Finch’s office and walked straight in.


“I n-need an advance on m-my pay.”


“Tara, I can’t do that. We promise room and board and you’re paid at the end of the camp session. You and your parents and I signed a contract together.”


Tara’s voice was anguished, “But I r-really need it!”


“If I break the rule for you then I’ll have to break if for everyone.”


Tara turned away and headed back to their cabin to find a very worried Willow.


“Tara, why did you take off like that?”


Tara shook her head.


“Hey, maybe Finch will let us go in to town and shop together.”


“I c-can’t.”


“Why not?”


Tara felt her face heat up again, but she met Willow’s gaze squarely, “Because I d-don’t have any m-money.”


Willow waved that aside, “Well I’ve got lots so I’ll buy your shirts for you.”


Tara swallowed. “I can’t ask you to d-do that. Maclays d-don’t take charity.”


“Well, call it a loan then.”


“I c-can’t pay you back until I get home.”


“Tara, I don’t care! It doesn’t matter!”


Tara jumped to her feet, her pride stung. “It d-does matter! I’m j-just dragging you down, like M-Mrs. Finch said. I c-can’t g-give you anything. Y-you’re going to h-hate me someday and I h-hate myself right now!” She bolted through the cabin door and Willow stared after her just as the cabin filled with their kids, returning from their final activity.


Devola was wide-eyed, staring after Tara’s rapidly retreating back. “What happened to her?”


Willow held up a shirt, her hands shaking with fury. “This happened!”


The girls gathered around.


Kate’s voice was sad. “’Dummy’, that’s such a mean thing to say!


Lisa agreed, “Bet it made her sad.”


Bettina was confused, trying to position herself to see everyone’s lips. “Who made her sad?”


Willow was certain. “Cordelia, that’s who.”


Bettina nodded, “I heard her call Tara a bad name in crafts.”


Towanda thrust her way through the group. “That’s a mean prank!”


Willow nodded, “And Tara doesn’t have any more work shirts. She’s feeling pretty bad right now.”


Kate was concerned, “You mean she has to go around in shirts saying ‘Dummy’ for the rest of camp? That’s terrible!”


Mouse sidled up to Willow and wrapped her arms around Willow’s waist, feeling sad and scared by all the emotion.


Willow looked around the room. “Look, I need to think about this and figure out how to help Tara, so I’m going to sit right outside on our porch. Can you guys wait here for a few minutes by yourselves?”


They nodded and watched Willow sit down right outside. Then Devola crept to the door and shut it and leaned against it, her dark eyes snapping with excitement. “This means war!”


Debbie agreed, “Yeah!”


Towanda grinned, “How can we get her?”


Bettina spoke up, “Push her off a cliff.”


Devola was scornful, “No they put you in jail for that!”


Connie chipped in, “Steal her make-up. She’d die but they wouldn’t call it murder.”


Lisa jumped in, “It’s gotta be a lot worse! She really hurt Tara!”


Debbie noticed one of Willow’s shirts and held it up. “Willow, too. Look!”


Towanda smacked her fist into her palm. “We gotta get ‘em good!”


Devola jumped for joy, “I got it!”


“I know what to do!” Lisa was certain, too.


“I have it!” Towanda’s face lit up with spiteful joy.


Kate took charge, “Well come on! Let’s hear them all.” So they huddled together and each girl told her idea.


Connie looked confused. “I think we have to vote or something.”


Devola was scornful. “’Plop’ that! Oh, hey! We need a new swear word for the day. Never mind!” Her grin was pure evil. “I say we do ‘em all!”


Her suggestion electrified the girls and they clustered together to plan their counter-attack.

[Laragh]

Dibs!

Loved Carly referring to the girls as her 'babies' lol.

I don't know whether to be or @ the prune juice comment...

Tara/Bettina conversation on love was adorable!!!

Hehehe, Juliet! I like it though! But Tree is cool too

Woop, Silly Day!!!!

Oh Cordelia, you cruel bitch. Poor Tara :( I hope Willow talks to her soon :( :(

Great chapter!

[Füchsin]

Cordelia is a superbitch deluxe! I really hope someone is going to shave her head Or dye her hair green or something

[zampsa19752001]

Yay for great update-y goodness... Finchmeister's prune juice comment was kinda creepy... I really liked Tara's talks with Bettina & Carly... Good to know that Willow's & Tara's cabin door lock doesn't work with Finchmeister's master key... I really really hope that Veronica feels bad for telling Bitch C about what "nicknames" Willow & Tara hates... Can't wait for resistance's strike back...

[leonhart17]

Boo Veronica being a spy!!! Cordelia being a bitch doesn't surprise anyone though :/ I'm curious what the kids will do to get her back.... And I hope Willow sets Tara straight soon about the stuff Finch-bitch said!

[wimpy0729]

Oh, ouch. That was just down right nasty what Cordelia did. And poor little Veronica again being used and lied to. I hope this opens her eyes to exactly how mean her cousin really is. She's basically blackmailing her into doing her dirty work. She probably has no intention of letting her stay with her anyway.

And now this raises a whole other thing that Finch had already planted in Tara's mind. It breaks my heart to think Tara thinks she has nothing to give to Willow and will be holding her back. The "Maclay charity" comment sounds like something she's heard from her crappy dad her whole life. Although we don't know the exact details of her family life, I really hope this incident will motivate her to get out of there as soon as possible and make future decisions that will enable her to feel like she's good for Willow, like we already know she is. Still, a very delicate subject.

I really can't wait to see what the girls come up with for payback.


Wimpy

[willowtaralover]

RESPONSE TO HIMYM CHAPTER 16

Ariel, I’m really really sorry I’ve not been posting responses as rapidly as either of us would have liked so here’s a multiple chapter update.

She strained to pull Willow closer as if to merge their hearts into one. She knew that they were joined by tears and trust, friendship and deepest love. She knew, too, that somehow she had pledged herself to this girl and that their love itself was golden and good.

It's good to see that Willow anad Tara are following Tree's advice and are not going to stop loving one another and consequences be damned.

Now just what revenge is being plotted in the bathroom against Cordelia????

At dawn Willow awoke with a jerk, staring straight into Mouse’s eyes as the little girl stood at their bedside.

Mouse smiled sleepily at them, relieved to see that even big girls needed to snuggle sometimes, “Did you have a bad dream, Willow?”

This chapter moment is just so sweet and cute, it's almost as if Mouse is talking not to one of her counsellors but to one of her mom's.

Veronica edged over and patted Mouse on the back and got a smile in return. Then Veronica saw Willow looking at her and moved away quickly to start dressing behind their curtain.

I love how the girls all play the game with Mouse in the cabin and, even Veronica joins in. Maybe she can be redeemed after all, the gang just need to keep her away from Cordelia’s poisonous ideas and ideals.

'Murd-a-lated', what a cool word. Gonna have to use that in everyday speech from now on.



The sequence where they put a large amount of laxative in Cordy’s breakfast drink is a brilliant masterpiece of gross out comedy worthy of a Hollywood teen movie, especially where she falls backwards onto Finchy’s lap. Totally laugh out loud. The fact that she is given a chance to apologise and doesn’t makes the revenge even sweeter, see beloe for further details.

Mary kept her face neutral. “Why did you do it, Cordelia?”

“Do what? Oh, that,” she dismissed it. “I was trying to get rid of Tara and she was just about to confess until that ‘Tree’ jumped in to save her.
Look, Mary. The first rule of staying popular is to know your losers. Once they’re identified they’re a lot easier to avoid. But sometimes they get annoying and you’ve got to deal with them, that’s all.”

“What does that have to do with Tree?”

“Well it wasn’t part of my plan to get rid of her but she is a loser, Mary and the sooner you know that, the easier it is to cut her loose and forget about her.”

“How do you mean, ‘she’s a loser’,” Mary asked slowly.

“Well, look at her: crew cut, kinda overweight, no make-up I mean come on! And her clothes! A head on collision between the Army Surplus store and the state prison!”

“But she loves those kids. She’s a great counselor!”

“Hello, not caring here!” Cordelia rolled her eyes, “Now look, Mary. I’m throwing you a bone.

17
Veronica’s reactions to the trick played on Cordy are very believable and Tara’s loving care paid to the girl shows how much she cares for all the girls under her charge.

“Veronica, I’m glad you’re n-not scared of me. I know you want to go, but I w-want you to r-really hear me right now.” Tara’s gazed steadily into the little girl’s eyes, “I don’t hate you.” She gave the girl another tiny hug.

For the first time Veronica hesitated and seemed confused. Then she climbed off Tara’s lap, once more avoiding her eyes, and walked slowly to crafts.

Poor kid, she must be going through a lot of tough stuff right now. My guess is that she’s been spoiled at home which is why Veronica reacts the way she does when Tara and Faith first rescue her then Tara makes her muck out the horse’s stalls. She is just unused to being told what to do. But somehow I believe the girls are going to get her properly adjusted to living in the real world.

There must be more love in Tara’s heart than in the whole world, but that love seems to be working on the younger Chase girl. Maybe Tara and Willow can persuade the rest of their cabin to treat her more nicely.

I wonder what is going to happen to Tara and Faith’s friendship when Tara learns of Faiths part in the ‘make Cordelia poop’ plot.

They must be the two most hormonally frustrated girls in the entire camp the number of times they get interrupted just making out, then after they get the poop on them and head to the showers, and get more than a little heated under the hot water. At least Faith and Carly are watching out for them ensuring that the Finchmeister doesn’t catch them ‘In Flagrante Delicto’, and no, I have no idea what that means apart from sex.

Tara raised her hand and received an angry glare from Mrs. Finch. “Tara Maclay, what is wrong with you? You’ve taken up quite enough of the group’s time!”

What is wrong with Finchy? Isn’t raising your hand supposed to be a polite way to let people know you have a comment to make? And as Tara is a counsellor at the camp as well as the horse riding tutor is it not possible she may actually have a point to raise?

Tara dropped her eyes and tried to speak. She finally shot a pleading glance at Willow who sat up straight, gave Tara’s hand a reassuring squeeze and jumped in. “It’s the softball-y stuff, meaning the we’re-not-good at the softball-y stuff specifically. Our kids got slaughtered and they feel pretty down, not mental health hotline down but definitely downer than usual down and—“

Mrs. Finch cut her off. “Will you quit babbling on and come to the point!” She turned to Cordelia, “Is she always like this?”

Cordelia rolled her eyes, “You have no idea. It’s like Tourette’s syndrome only without the funny.”

Excuse me but is this actually allowed in a summer camp, for one counsellor to be offensive to another right in the middle of a camp counsellor meeting, with all the other counsellors there and being overseen by the camp administrator????

Uh oh, now Harmony’s turned up that can only make things worse for the girls.

I loved that Mouse went to Veronica in the dinner queue and got her in with her cabins area. Especially after Veronica had yelled at her earlier that morning, I can see these two becoming friends. It may take some time but I can definitely see it happening.

Holy crap what a cliffhanger, with Willow in hiding under Tara’s bed, and Finchy sitting on the cot, about to question Tara.


18
“Then let me explain. I received a complaint about alcohol being served to a group of minors on the property and a complaint about inappropriate behavior between you and Willow. Are you with me so far?”
"Legal liability, Tara. I can’t ignore a complaint that serious. So I investigated, got a confession, and took action.”

Uh oh, none of this sounds good, but who could have reported that the girls were behaving inappropriately, and who did Finchy interrogate over this? This smacks of a lot of not very niceness going on.

What the hell is Finchy up to, one minute she’s practically threatening Tara over her relationship with Willow, the next she’s saying that she’s kept Veronica with Willow and Tara because she believes they are her best chance of growing in to a decent human being. These are definitely mixed messages that are being sent out. The Finchmeister is definitely not one to be trusted.

One thing I don’t understand is what is meant by a normal life? I mean we’re all normal aren’t we????

Some very quick thinking there on Tara’s part rescuing her girl from discovery. Then Willow puts Finchy in her place telling her what’s what and who’s who.

It’s sweet that Veronica is having a change of heart and helping Mouse but why is she still so nervous of Tara??? Is she scared because she knows that the girls are lovers and is afraid of something happening to her?????

“Just a ‘Moronica’,” Devola still enjoyed the nickname.

“No!” Every eye turned to Tara, since she so seldom raised her voice. “When I w-was little people c-called me a dummy because I stutter and was shy and t-too scared to t-talk much.” She blushed and dropped her head. “I even flunked k-kindergarden on the f-first day because I w-was too shy to talk to the teacher. Th-that’s why I’m a year older than W-willow but we’re in the same grade. So no m-more n-name calling b-because when you s-say it to someone else it’s l-like you’re saying it to me.”

Willow was by her side, pulling Tara close in a one-armed hug. “Same here,” she said firmly. “Only I got called a ‘geek’ and a ‘dork’ and a ‘nerd’ because I like school and get good grades. Names can really hurt, okay?”

On the point of hurtful words I totally agree with SMGOVAN. I spent all my high school life being told that I was ‘useless’ a ‘failure’ and a ‘waste of time’ and this was by my fellow classmates. Why? I just don’t know, all I can say is that I really, truly hated myself for a really, long time. At times it got so bad that I considered suicide as a serious way out because I didn’t think I would be missed at all.
To add to this I never once heard anyone in my family say anything positive to me or encouraged me in things I wanted to do.

Eventually, over time, I’ve learned to love myself again and accept me for me and not think too much about what anyone else says or thinks. I can walk with my head held high and a smile on my face but those words still lurk at the back of my mind and every so often those doubts do come creeping back. But they don’t stick around like they used to.


I really like that Willow and Tara, whilst not exactly taking sides with Veronica, they are telling the girls that they are a team and should support each other and not call each other names.

So Saturday has come round at last, I just wonder if when it comes to the softball game and Veronica is on the team that she turns out to be a regular Lou Gehrig. Here’s hoping.

One thing though, what is the difference between softball and baseball?

[Finey_McFine]

“Bed checks! What a load of crap!”

I agree!!

“It’s about time we mounted a resistance. First she fires my best friend, now she’s going after my babies,”

Awww...this was very sweet! I love that they have someone that sort of taken them under their wings. Yay Carly! Great idea about the locks as well!!

“I hope there are no hard feelings over our little visit last night.”

“No,” Willow said resentfully while using her flimsy paper napkin to sop up water from her lap.

“Good. Then please join me in a glass of prune juice.”

Willow stared up, wild-eyed with horror as Mrs. Finch clinked her glass against Willow’s. “Down the hatch!” Mrs. Finch finished her glass, smacking her lips with evident enjoyment and stared pointedly until Willow managed to choke hers down as well.

Ok, this made me cringe!! I almost don't know what to say about this except that Mistress Finch IS SYBIL'S MOTHER!!!!! I half excepted her to chop a head of lettuce and scream "ARMAGEDDON!!!" That was just all kinds of wrong. Someone should lock her ass in a box with a purple crayon...that's for sure. I seriously hope that she does NOT have kids of her own. Can you imagine??


GREAT idea of making love to each other all day...very sweet!!

So there will be skits and silly games in the dining hall after dinner, a comedy movie, and pranks are allowed.

Uh, the Mistress really is an idiot. There is NO WAY you can tell a large group of kids that "pranks are ok" and not expect complete CHAOS! Talk about liability!! She basically opened the backdoor for Cordelia. See??? An abusive parent!!! Passive aggressive bitch.

So, the end was heartbreaking to me. I really hate that Cordy is using a child like that. Then ruining their clothes? She deserves MUCH worse than public diarreah. What worries me is that the kids are going to retaliate and will probably end up getting in big trouble, because 7 yr olds aren't exactly stealth in their actions. What I truly hope is that Faith and Carly find out what happened and take more adult vengeance! Where is Anya and D'Hoffryn when you need them???

Awesome update...as always!! Anxiously awaiting lot's of VENGEANCE!!

[Grimm]

F.T.D.B. (The best sh!t ever!!!) is a huge piece of crap and Cordelia is a lower life form. I mean, she's not even human. Poor Tara..Her pain is heart breaking. Cordy deserves to have her head shaved for this one. Although I know she is being used, Moronica is back on the hit list!! She chose her side..now she has to live with the consequences.....Viva la Resistance!!!

ps. thanks for the kind words.

[LonelyTara]

I was hoping, in a way, that the girls would figure out a way to fix the shirts, dying them with some tie-die stuff left over from a craft day or something...still, I look forward to the vengeance they will achieve!

[vampyregurl73]

Ariel,

Je m'excuse de l'être négligent dans partir vous les réactions, Ariel doux, mais bien, la merde arrive.

I have mixed feeling now on Finchy. I understand she has a job to do, I understand due diligence, and "moral" propriety.
Bed checks, her "talk" with Tara - c'mon, how dare she say Tara at 17 is ruining Willow at 16. To me that smacks a bit of not homophobia per se, she didn't condemn the relationship, but she basically said Tara wasn't good enough for Willow. Who is she to decide?

It also seems to me if Tara had simply shown her the shirt, something could have been done as far as an advance. I also understand the need to fund her camp, but it seems like Cordelia's behavior is going unchecked. Now she is using her 7 year old cousin to go beyond mean to cruel... what goes around, comes around.

Yes, there is still the sweetness between Willow and Tara. The "W" is hilarious, the finding various ways to "make love" to one another all day.

I guess I'm feeling a bit sorry for Tara in all of this, since it seems that not just she and Willow are getting the short end of the stick, but here is yet another adult (since we know something is up with her family) taking a swing at her already somewhat fragile self esteem.

Le soupir.

[KnightlyLove]

Hehe the kiddie calvary You've got these characters down pat. Very cute story

[love_2003]

Great update. I still don't know what to think about Mrs. Finch. Wondering when Tara will tell Willow about her family. The little kids getting together to plan revenge is super cute; wondering what they will come up with.

[willowtaralover]

Hey Ariel I'm a bit more up to speed with this reply YAY

First she fires my best friend, now she’s going after my babies,” she saw Willow’s and Tara’s blushes and cleared her throat, “I mean my uh colleagues.”

It’s so nice to know that Willow and Tara have someone to watch out for them

I Love the subtle way that you’re building the friendship between Veronica and Mouse, first Veronica strokes Mouse in the game played in the hut, then Veronica lets Mouse sleep with her when she has a nightmare, Mouse goes to bring Veronica to her part of the dinner queue after Cordelia rejects her and now Veronica is helping to feed Mouse.

The scene where Finchy gives Willow a glass of prune juice is a great piece of comedy. You can just imagine the look on Willow’s face as the glass is placed before her.

The conversation between Tara and Bettina is so sweet, showing all the insecurities that children of that young age have and the reassurance they constantly need. It also shows what a great parent Tara would be, possibly why she is usually written as the mother of hers and Willow’s children.

What is Carly up to with her plan involving locks? On the other hand, it’s nice to see a girl raised in a happy homelife with a father after all the bad luck stories we have about Tara and Mr. Maclay.

Would the berry picking be allowed, surely Tara would have to ensure first that the fruit is safe to eat and not poisonous or toxic in any way????

What a sweet scene with Tara feeding her favourite redhead the berries and then each licking the others fingers clean of the juice.

How low can Cordelia possibly get, using Veronica only when it suits her purposes and ignoring her the rest of the time. What a £$%$$%$$$££ing beeyatch.

And what an incredibly cruel and small-minded trick to play on Willow and Tara, bleaching words mean spirited words into Tara’s shirts and making her feel worthless and believe that one day Willow is going to hate her, lets hope that Willow is going to prove her wrong that she loves Tara.

I feel really sorry for Veronica though, she’s gonna feel so guilty over something that wasn’t even her fault in the first place but was caused by those twin Machiavellian princesses of evil Cordelia and Harmony. I hope Mouse defends her and she’s allowed to join in the revenge on H and C.

Connie chipped in, “Steal her make-up. She’d die but they wouldn’t call it murder.”

This line is hilarious, it really made me laugh out loud.

Devola was scornful. “’Plop’ that! Oh, hey! We need a new swear word for the day. Never mind!” Her grin was pure evil. “I say we do ‘em all!”

A multiple revenge, I can’t wait

[BeMyDeputy]

Sorry for the delay, I've been trying to figure out recent developments.

Mrs. Finch
Okay, I'm still trying to figure out her motivations, and the last two updates have me only more confused. I simply don't understand her at all. She reminds me of Miss Hannigan (from Annie, not anyone related to Alyson).

The whole conversation in the cabin with Willow is . . . disturbing. She should have used her office.

"I received a complaint about alcohol being served to a group of minors on the property and a complaint about inappropriate behavior between you and Willow."

She said this in the cabin where the kids might hear? Way to potentially undermine the authority of your councilors.

"Legal liability, Tara."

Liar. Yes, she had to look in the alcohol part of the complaint due to legal liability. The hot girl-on-girl action, no. While she may feel motivated to look into the rest of the complaint, she can't (well, to an adult) claim that she has a legal responsibility to look into whether Willow and Tara kissed.

"There is a fine and delicate line between what I believe and what I officially know."

While that may actually be true, that's one of those things you never say out loud.

"If you truly have feelings for this girl, do you have the right to interfere with her life, possibly change her into someone she won’t want to be when she’s old enough to know better?”

Why would you say this, if not to hurt Tara? Seriously, this is summer camp. Relationships last from June until August, and then they go back home. End of story. Even if Mrs. Finch was concerned about Tara or Willow, why should she think that their story wouldn't follow that pattern?

“Today is ‘Silly Day’ . . . and pranks are allowed.”

What. The. Fuck.


Tara

"Glad to hear it. You’re a bad liar, Tara, so I can conclude that you are both innocent."

I'm surprised that didn't scare both Tara and Willow. They lied during the councilor meeting where Tree got fired.

"[T]his is my second bed-check on you two. Do I need to do any others?”

My snapshot response to this question was "That depends on why you're making them." I know Tara isn't as snarky as I am, though.

"Do you like Veronica better than me?”

This whole exchange was adorable. I'm guessing Bettina is crushing on Tara. Then again, who wouldn't?

I don't understand why she didn't show Mrs. Finch the damaged shirts. I mean, yes, she's been . . . really evil, but the rules laid out for 'Silly Day' said property damage was off limits, and that sure was property damage. Whether or not they like Finch, she's still the authority figure.

Oh, I really hope Willow and Tara stop the girls from taking out their anger on Cordelia. At this rate, the kids will get in trouble, while Cordelia will come out just fine.