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

[Grimm]

Harmony has the brain power of a dead battery. It is beneath Willow to even engage in verbal sparring with that half wit.. But, big up's to Tara for getting all large with the butch and defending her girls honor...What 2 do about the softball game... ...If the girls are as bad as advertised, I suggest you start corking bats, using stick em on hands for catching or just bring in a bunch or ringers (established/pro/skilled/players). But, I have a sneaking suspicion that Veronica has a bit more skill than she's showing. At least let em have a moral victory....and you are a big meanie if you don't let Mouse get on base at least once! .

[BeMyDeputy]

Interesting that Tara so readily agreed to performing in front of others, given her previously indicated fear of public speaking. Now, as her fear of public speaking is likely fed by her stutter, it's not unreasonable that she'd be comfortable performing an instrument in public. I just thought it was interesting.

Harmony can DIAF. Yay for Tara for verbally bitch-slapping her. But I've seen Aly post-breast feeding . . . and damn . . . wait, I was leaving feedback.

I was a little surprised that Willow and Tara didn't stop the girls from calling Cordelia's campers names.

"Wallace and Gromit" is THE BOMB. Have you seen "Shaun the Sheep"? So good.

Quick punctiation thing: you want a question mark here:

“So when are we painting on our blood red numbers,” asked Devola.

Kate

[BlondCavalier]

Hi Ariel, sorry I haven't posted in a while! Among other things, I've been really stressed out lately . But I really like this chapter. I liked how you stayed true to the character of Harmony with her remark about the socks. It was totally fitting with something she would have said, either as a human or as a vampire.

And I'm really looking forward to the softball game. I know you're going to do a great job with that, I can tell. You're certainly building up the suspense leading up to it well.

I liked everyone playing "the truth game" at night. That sounds like a fun game actually

As usual, you do great with the longing the girls have for each other. My only suggestion is how about a little more lovin' between them since you do that so well!

In short, keep up the great work. Your story is a real inspiration to me!



P.S. I LOVE Wallace and Gromit!!

[Sarah]

I just read the entirety of your story so far today and can I just say that I love it. I love how you show the interactions between Willow and Tara. I also love the interactions between the campers and the two. So basically I love it all. I can't wait for more.

[KnightlyLove]

Brevity IS the soul of wit, thank you, I completely agree.

But just to prove you wrong (about me), I'm going to say something substantial:

Willow was a creature of dappled moonlight and mysterious shadow

that is without any doubt the best line ever.

Cordy and Harmony are fuckfaces. Wait, am I not allowed to say that? Anyway this fic has been NC 17, I should be okay, right? :/

And poof! the spark disappears from KB.

[willowtaralover]

HIMYM 24
Harmony’s next move is my fault???? Typical I had to go and ask where she was didn’t I, that'll teach me to open my big mouth.

“Willow,” Harmony raised her hands, each holding a single rolled up sock. “You’re looking flatter than usual. These must have fallen out of your bra!” She smiled sweetly and offered the socks to Willow had stopped in her tracks and whose cheeks were flushed with humiliation.

Tara took one look at her lover’s face and strode forward to snatch the socks out of Harmony’s hands. “These w-would do more good in your m-mouth, Harmony!” Tara shoved them forward, stopping just before Harmony’s mouth and watched the taller girl flinch. “Th-then we wouldn’t have to l-listen to all the st-stupid things that you say!” She glared at both of them, “Willow is m-more of a woman than you’ll ever be!” She put her arm around Willow and they walked between Cordelia and Harmony who were forced to step aside and let them pass.

Wait, is that it, is that the best Harmony can do???? Ha, what a sad, pathetic loser. Tara should’ve knocked her on her fat, flabby butt, that would’ve got a laugh from Devola at least. And I totally agree with Tara, Willow isn’t just way more of a woman than the bitch and her lap mutt (do I get a meow for that) she’s way more of a human being too.

Willow sat down then slid her legs back over the bench to help Mouse, but saw Veronica helping the littler girl fill and carry her plate. Willow smiled and pointed them out to Tara who returned the smile.I love the way these two are bonding. Veronica has only been there a few days if my calculations are correct and yet she’s already a far nicer person than when she arrived. I hope Mouse, Veronica and Devola team up together to avenge Willow and Tara should Queen C (or Queen B as she is also known) and her little lap mutt Harmony do something really nasty to the girls.

Incidentally, it’d be nice to know why Cordy doesn’t like Veronica cos the younger girl certainly looked up to her when she first arrived. Are Veronica’s parents the poor relations?

Devola cracked up, “’Stilton’ she’s a cheese head! Get it? Cheese?” She contemplated the baffled silence and blew an exasperated breath, “Am I the only one that watches ‘Wallace and Gromit’? Stilton is a kind of cheese.” She noted the continued silence and shrugged, “I give up!”

Connie smiled, “And that’s the best news I’ve heard all day!”

A nice touch here with a really cool Brit reference, cos who doesn't love Wallace and Gromit, and more wit and wisdom from Devola. Truly seven year old girls are the source of all knowledge.

Mouse spoke, “I didn’t like that Billie-girl. She was really, really mean.”

Veronica nodded agreement and patted Mouse on the shoulder.
Oh god, can Mouse and Veronica get anymore adorable???? Can Willow and Tara adopt them and take them home at the end of the story, PLEASE???

“That’s hard.” Debbie thought for a long time. “I have a younger sister so there’s lots of stuff.” The other girls nodded understandingly. Debbie’s face brightened, “I think I got it! I told my sister that I had magic powers and I’d turn her into a slug if she got me mad and put salt on her.”

“Ooooooh!” Devola sighed with admiration. “That’s good.” She smiled, “I’m gonna try that one on my brother!”

This has to be my favourite piece in the chapter. I take it brother/sister relations in the U.S. are the same as here in the U.K.

[LonelyTara]

Two delightful updates, sorry I'm such a slacker. Back from San Fran and I'm STILL sick. :( But, on the happier side, I have been looking over my fics to begin writing again. I hope to update both of them by this weekend. I can't wait for the next update, my friend. I have to agree with Maggie, I'm a bit nervous about how smooth things have been going, how happy everyone is, but I totally trust you and your vision for this fic. I can't wait to see what happens next. And the whole "Michael Row the Boat Ashore" bit, hilarious!

[xlaurax1]

Wow wow wow, I'm too ashamed to even go back and find out how long it has been since I've left feedback for this story. I'm doing it a great disservice as it is such a wonderful piece.

The Willow and Tara you have created would have to be the most adorable version of these characters i have ever read, and I love how in every update I find things that make me love them more.

“These w-would do more good in your m-mouth, Harmony!” Tara shoved them forward, stopping just before Harmony’s mouth and watched the taller girl flinch. “Th-then we wouldn’t have to l-listen to all the st-stupid things that you say!” She glared at both of them, “Willow is m-more of a woman than you’ll ever be!”

I love this so much, that Tara can be so shy and vulnerable at times, then come out with something like this at other times. And both sides are completely believable.

I'm still loving their kids, they're such a spunky group. Cordelia and Harmony and their group really need to get what's coming to them, something which I am eagerly waiting to see sometime soon.

Anyway, I'm gonna try and leave feedback more consistently from now on, this fic deserves it.

Looking forward to more soon,

Laura.

[Ariel]

indigokane:
Congrats on your dibs!

Go Tara!!! Put that wicked, and not so bright, Harmony in her place.

And she does. Next up, drum roll, Willow “the Rock” Rosenberg . . . stay tuned!

loved the steamy bedtime routine!

From you that’s quite a compliment!!! Thank you!


Laragh:
In response to Harmony’s socks/bra attack you said:

Is it bad that if she'd said this to anyone other than Willow, I'd have laughed?

Absolutely not! You, SMGOVAN and Rick caught this one . . . Watch Willow!

But I loved Tara's reaction!!! Sticking up for your girl!! Awesome!

When Willow is hurt, Tara goes from shy to protective in a heartbeat, glad you liked it!

Hehe, teasing around a campfire. Try and tell me that's not romantic

Sweet closing

I won’t tell you it’s not romantic, ‘cos it is!


Maggie AKA Leonhart17

I'm glad everything went well for this chapter, but it makes me nervous that everything is going to get bad soon.

Will you quit being right all the time, Maggie! But it’s not as horrible as you’d think . . maybe. . . I hope.

Glad you like seeing Veronica and Mouse getting along so well. Me, too.

I hope Cordelia doesn't try and mess with her again (I'm sure she will but hopefully the others will back her up)

Stay tuned, some positives and some negatives. I’ll be interested in what you think.


Zampsa19752001:

Big yay for Tara standing up to her girl against Harmony

I couldn’t agree with you more: Laragh, Finey, SMGOVAN, Kate/BeMyDeputy, Laura and willowtaralover/Rick are all with you!

I really liked their campfire activities

Thanks for the feedback, I wonder sometimes if I’m too corny with this stuff. Glad it worked! :smile

I really really liked Willow's stunt after the little ones have been put to bed...

Big, big thank you!!!


Shel AKA Finey McFine:

BITCHES!!!

In response to Harmony’s ‘socks shot’ we saw the re-emergence of the Goddess of Icon-y Evilness (to Willow-ize your title, Exalted One)

BIG, HUGE, GIGANTIC YAY for Tara!!!

You’re in good company! Zampsa19752001, Laragh, SMGOVAN, Kate/BeMyDeputy, Laura and willowtaralover/Rick

The kids conversation at the table was perfect! There's really nothing more honest and genuinely funny than listening to kids talk amongst themselves. Love it!

It’s funny, their dialogue is the easiest to write, I really hear them in my head. Ooookay! Time for that mental health hotline call!


SMGOVAN:

Harmony has the brain power of a dead battery. It is beneath Willow to even engage in verbal sparring with that half wit..

You’ve done it again, hilarious! And, *YOINK* stay tuned!

But, big up's to Tara for getting all large with the butch and defending her girls honor.

Right again, girlfriend! And Zampsa19752001, Laragh, Kate/BeMyDeputy, Laura and willowtaralover/Rick all agree with you!

And you suggest cheating on the softball game? For shame, yet another *YOINK*

But, I have a sneaking suspicion that Veronica has a bit more skill than she's showing. At least let em have a moral victory....and you are a big meanie if you don't let Mouse get on base at least once! .

I am definitely considering your request . . . stay tuned!


Kate AKA BeMyDeputy:

Interesting that Tara so readily agreed to performing in front of others, given her previously indicated fear of public speaking. Now, as her fear of public speaking is likely fed by her stutter, it's not unreasonable that she'd be comfortable performing an instrument in public. I just thought it was interesting.

Great catch! Tara has no camp or scouting or group campfire experience. She believes that they’ll be sitting in the dark surrounded by their girls and simply playing together. Her eagerness to perform shows up clearly in this post . . .

Harmony can DIAF. Yay for Tara for verbally bitch-slapping her.

You’re welcome and that goes for you and all your friends who feel the same!

But I've seen Aly post-breast feeding . . . and damn . .

*YOINK* Great minds think alike . . . stay tuned!

I was a little surprised that Willow and Tara didn't stop the girls from calling Cordelia's campers names.

Again, good catch, you don’t miss a trick, girlfriend! They were fact-finding in the beginning to find out what was going on. Sometimes you shut a kid up too soon and the truth never comes out. Later, they were too mad, frankly.

"Wallace and Gromit" is THE BOMB. Have you seen "Shaun the Sheep"? So good.

You and Rick and BlondCavalier need a W&G party and I’m in too! I’ve only seen the first three and the longer movie.

Finally, thanks for the punctuation help. You offer it so clearly and so helpfully that it’s a gift. I plan to edit when I post this story.


BlondCavalier:
Whoa! Sorry about the stress! Thanks for taking the time to write! ;o)

Glad Harmony worked for you!!! There’s less canon to guide me!

And I'm really looking forward to the softball game. I know you're going to do a great job with that, I can tell. You're certainly building up the suspense leading up to it well.

Thank god ONE of us knows that! Because I’m struggling . . . stay tuned!!!

As usual, you do great with the longing the girls have for each other. My only suggestion is how about a little more lovin' between them since you do that so well!

All with the W/T love!!! My pleasure

Glad you love Wallace and Gromit, too! Check out similar sentiments from Kate/BeMyDeputy and Rick/willowtaralover!


[b]Sarah:

I just read the entirety of your story so far today and can I just say that I love it. I love how you show the interactions between Willow and Tara. I also love the interactions between the campers and the two. So basically I love it all. I can't wait for more.

I’m all blushy-bouncy happy over that one! Thank you so much!!!


KnightlyLove:

Brevity IS the soul of wit, thank you, I completely agree.

But are you constant as the northern star?

Willow was a creature of dappled moonlight and mysterious shadow

that is without any doubt the best line ever.

Heartfelt thanks; I could see her so clearly and am glad the words were there . . .

Cordy and Harmony are fuckfaces. Wait, am I not allowed to say that? Anyway this fic has been NC 17, I should be okay, right? :/

Let it out and tell the truth!!! Sounds right in my book! And no, the spark is undimmed! I am working on your feedback . . . want it to be worthwhile.


willowtaralover AKA Rick:

Tara took one look at her lover’s face and strode forward to snatch the socks out of Harmony’s hands. “These w-would do more good in your m-mouth, Harmony!” Tara shoved them forward, stopping just before Harmony’s mouth and watched the taller girl flinch. “Th-then we wouldn’t have to l-listen to all the st-stupid things that you say!” She glared at both of them, “Willow is m-more of a woman than you’ll ever be!” She put her arm around Willow and they walked between Cordelia and Harmony who were forced to step aside and let them pass.

Wait, is that it, is that the best Harmony can do???? Ha, what a sad, pathetic loser. Tara should’ve knocked her on her fat, flabby butt, that would’ve got a laugh from Devola at least. And I totally agree with Tara, Willow isn’t just way more of a woman than the bitch and her lap mutt (do I get a meow for that) she’s way more of a human being too.

You are so RIGHT about this – you and Laragh and SMGOVAN nailed this – to U.K. intellectuals and one lone American! Way to go! Stay tuned, you’re proved right!

Your line: Harmony as Cordelia’s lap mutt! :LMAO who get the whole cat for that one, not just a meow!!!

Devola cracked up, “’Stilton’ she’s a cheese head! Get it? Cheese?” She contemplated the baffled silence and blew an exasperated breath, “Am I the only one that watches ‘Wallace and Gromit’? Stilton is a kind of cheese.” She noted the continued silence and shrugged, “I give up!”

Connie smiled, “And that’s the best news I’ve heard all day!”

A nice touch here with a really cool Brit reference, cos who doesn't love Wallace and Gromit, and more wit and wisdom from Devola. Truly seven year old girls are the source of all knowledge.

God Save the U.K. and Wallace and Gromit! You, Kate/BeMyDeputy and BlondCavalier appreciate the classics!

“That’s hard.” Debbie thought for a long time. “I have a younger sister so there’s lots of stuff.” The other girls nodded understandingly. Debbie’s face brightened, “I think I got it! I told my sister that I had magic powers and I’d turn her into a slug if she got me mad and put salt on her.”

“Ooooooh!” Devola sighed with admiration. “That’s good.” She smiled, “I’m gonna try that one on my brother!”

This has to be my favourite piece in the chapter. I take it brother/sister relations in the U.S. are the same as here in the U.K.

You and Shel AKA Finey both grabbed that one!

Yeah, I’ve had the fantasy about keeping Veronica and Mouse together . . .


LonelyTara:

I have been looking over my fics to begin writing again. I hope to update both of them by this weekend.

WOOHOO!!!

I can't wait for the next update, my friend. I have to agree with Maggie, I'm a bit nervous about how smooth things have been going, how happy everyone is, but I totally trust you and your vision for this fic.

Okay, now I’ve got it in writing, someone thinks there IS a vision for this fic! Thanks, actually.

And the whole "Michael Row the Boat Ashore" bit, hilarious!

As the official winner of the “Name their breasts” contest, your help was invaluable!!!
P.S. Really hope you’re feeling better, sorry I missed you when you came to SF!


xlaurax1 AKA Laura:
No apology needed, I’m just so glad to hear from you again!

The Willow and Tara you have created would have to be the most adorable version of these characters i have ever read, and I love how in every update I find things that make me love them more.

I don’t know . . . there’s some stiff competition! Check out Shel’s the Santa Line, for one! But thank you, heartfelt thanks.

In response to Tara’s counter-strike on Harmony, you said:

I love this so much, that Tara can be so shy and vulnerable at times, then come out with something like this at other times. And both sides are completely believable.

Tara has suffered enough to learn NOT to fight back for herself, but an attack on Willow is entirely different . . .

I'm still loving their kids, they're such a spunky group. Cordelia and Harmony and their group really need to get what's coming to them, something which I am eagerly waiting to see sometime soon.

And some of it happens in this very post! Stay tuned.


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

[Ariel]

SORRY I’M LATE!!! CRAZY, CRAZY, CRAZY WORK WEEK!!!

Feedback is golden and ALWAYS read (over and over, even! ) Thanks for reading, sharing great ideas, and feedback!!!


Title: How I Met Your Mother*
Author: Ariel
Email: blaziak@yahoo.com
Feedback: All feedback welcomed, specific input appreciated, harsh on me via PM
Rating: PG-13 for language and W/T light loving, ratings will change depending on content
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


Part 25: Showers and Show Business

Willow woke up first as usual. She looked over her shoulder, the door was closed and there were no sounds of awakening children, so she allowed herself an instant to savor awakening with her cheek on Tara’s breast. Then she rolled over on her side and leaned on her elbow to discover two sleepy blue eyes looking at her. Then Tara’s arms wrapped around her, pulling her into a warm embrace and Tara began kissing her way down Willow’s face with stops at her forehead, eyebrow, cheek, nose, lips and chin, finally ending at her neck.


“Good morning, sweetie.”


“Morning, baby.”


Tara sighed. I love it when she calls me ‘baby’.


Willow squirmed a bit awkwardly and Tara knew that her lover had something on her mind. “What?”


Willow traced a random pattern around Tara’s collarbone, oblivious to her lover’s increasingly deep breathing. “Tara, you know, what Harmony said yesterday. Do you—“


Tara pulled Willow into a tender kiss, hiding them both under the covers and then letting them up a few minutes later for air.


Then Tara lowered her eyelids, hiding her dancing eyes, and did her best to sound solemn, “Willow, I may have a vitamin d-deficiency and there’s only one cure.”


Willow was worried, “What is it?”


Tara smiled, “Lots of ‘Milk’ and ‘Honey’.” She looked innocently up at Willow, “Doctor’s orders!”


Then she poked Willow in a few strategic tickle spots and Willow collapsed, giggling into Tara’s neck. Then Willow calmed down and attempted to refocus on the seriousness of the discussion.


“So I’m not too flat or,” Tara cut her off.


“The only thing wrong with your breasts is I d-don’t get to spend enough time loving them.” She looked into Willow’s eyes. “And it’s the same with the r-rest of you.” She blushed, her eyes dark with longing, “I w-want you so much, Willow.”


Willow swallowed. She knew exactly how Tara felt.


A moment later they heard the first pair of feet hit the floor and they knew that their day had begun and it was time to get dressed.


They sighed with frustration at exactly the same time, then grinned at each other and prepared to meet their girls.


“Tara! Willow!”


“Get off me, Devola! You’re stepping on me.”


“Not all of you, Connie. Just a little tiny eensy weensy bitty bit of you.”


“Get – off – my – toe – NOW!!!”


Devola giggled, “Why didn’t you say so!”


There was an inarticulate yowl of frustration from Connie and continued laughter from Devola.


“I’m gonna kill you!”


More laughter from Devola, “Gotta catch me first!”


Then the happy sound of chairs overturning, girls slamming into bunk beds, the table, dressers, and each other.


Tara shot Willow a concerned glance and began fighting her way out of the covers to intervene, but Willow took charge calling, “Cuddles on the big bed,” and the furniture crashing noises stopped.


“C’mon, Veronica! I wanna go sit on Willow and Tara’s bed!”


“Okay.”


Mouse tugged Veronica into the room and the little girl climbed right up into Willow’s lap while Veronica sat somewhat awkwardly at the edge of the bed.


Bettina hurried over and jealously staked out a spot right next to Tara and leaned in for her morning snuggle.


Then Lisa wandered in with a book in her hand and Debbie seemed to bounce in, full of high spirits while a smiling Kate held out her arms and collected a hug from each of her counselors.


“Cheese! Cheese! Cheese! Cheese! Connie is a cheese head, fleas head, sneeze head, peas head!”


“I am not!”


Willow called, “Hey, Devola! No names. Connie, calm down a little.”


Towanda the peace-maker was determined to back up her favorite counselor, “You two shut up right now or I’ll really let you have it!”


Silence reigned and Connie attempted a dignified entrance while Devola came in behind her, still laughing uncontrollably.


Towanda shook her head, conscious of her responsibility as a leader in the group. “Hi, Willow!”


“Tara! Willow!”


“Hi l-little cuties!”


They received an avalanche of affection from their girls and were nearly buried alive in their beds. Obviously the kids had slept well and were ready for the day.


Tara grinned at the squirming mass of girls on their bed, dog piling into one big cuddle clump. “Okay, a little more cuddle time then w-we need to start g-getting dressed!”


There was a universal groan.


“For br-breakfast!”


Suddenly the bed was cleared and pajama clad pandemonium ensued as the girls began dressing.


Willow took advantage of the private moment to shut the door and start to dress. She removed her pajama bottoms. “Oh no!” She blushed.


“Willow?”


“It’s my period!” Suddenly she froze, nearly paralyzed with worry.


“Tara?” She swallowed, “What if I uh stained you?”


Tara smiled, “I’m sure my honor w-will recover!” She looked tenderly back at her lover, all traces of humor gone from her face. “I l-love you in every phase of the moon, Willow. And,” she added matter-of-factly, “I know how to w-wash a sheet. So take your shower and don’t worry.”


Willow nodded and grabbed some clean clothes and her toiletries bag and hurried off to shower.


She stood under the warm water, enjoying the soothing warmth against her flesh. No one else was around, but she turned quickly just to double check.


She cupped her breasts in her hands, watching her nipples turn pinker under the falling water and she thought of Tara’s full lips kissing her there. She sighed and cherished the curve of her own breasts; they felt fuller somehow as if making love had changed her. She slid her hands along her waist, smiling at the curve inwards, then slid her hands behind her and felt the curving roundness of her hips. Her belly was mostly flat, but with a small rounding out that she decided she liked.


She touched her red curls timidly at first, then stirred them experimentally and explored her soft folds, letting the water cleanse and caress her. Then she smiled shyly, and reached down to touch her slightly swollen bud. She moved her finger experimentally and enjoyed some new tingles, but it’s definitely better with Tara.


She blushed, remembering her need for reassurance earlier and cupped her breasts again. Tara loves them. She recalled the heat of her lover’s desire and the tender passion of her touch. Then she looked down at them clinically and could almost feel Tara’s hands cupping them and kissing her hardening nipples. It was a new thought, a bud of a thought, but she felt it begin growing in her heart. I’m not ugly. That wasn’t enough, she realized. It didn’t do justice to the dawning revelation of herself as a woman and a lover. She ran her hands down her body again, as if to seek validation from her soft skin and curving womanhood. She breathed in sharply, almost afraid to think it, but there it was: I’m pretty.


Then the door to the shower room was flung open, banging into the wall and she heard Cordelia’s voice.


“Kelly, run and get my curling iron then help Tizzie keep an eye on the brats.”


Willow wasted no time; she dried herself quickly put on a pad and had her pants and bra on by the time Cordelia and Harmony appeared.


Cordelia paused, raking her up and down, her eyes alight with malicious pleasure. “If it isn’t Willow Rosenberg! My favorite drag queen.” She laughed, “It’s amazing how you’ve managed to disguise yourself as a girl; it almost works!”


Willow grabbed her shirt and pulled it on while Harmony giggled appreciatively at Cordelia’s wit.


Then she sat down and began searching frantically for clean socks.


As if reading her mind, Harmony once again extended a rolled up sock in each hand, putting them close to Willow’s face.


Harmony smirked, “Go ahead, Willow. We know you need them!”


Willow looked up, expecting to be frightened, but felt a surge of anger instead. What an idiot Harmony is! She has the brain power of a dead battery! And I’m an idiot to be afraid of her!


Harmony was still offering the socks and suddenly Willow grinned and snatched them out her hands.


“Thank you so much, Harmony!” She put on the clean socks, tied her athletic shoes, then handed Harmony her dirty socks in return. “Here, I wouldn’t want you to leave empty-handed.”


Cordelia’s eyes narrowed. “You flat-chested—“


Willow cut in, “Cordelia, that’s so,” her brain groped for the right word, “old,” she said finally. She felt strangely calm.


“Why you little—“


Willow looked up at Cordelia’s face and felt a surge of joy. She wasn’t even angry, she was free! She met Cordelia’s furious gaze squarely and smiled.


“There’s nothing you can say any more, Cordelia. I’m done.”


Then she walked down the aisle, not even bothering to look back.


Breakfast was a riot. Devola tried to sculpt with scrambled eggs, Mouse dropped her oatmeal bowl again but this time it landed on her and Veronica’s shoes which required a two kid clean-up, and the chatter level was close to deafening. For the first time, Willow looked forward to the peace and quiet of mucking out stalls.


She was relieved to move to the corner of the dining hall for the morning counselor’s meeting.


Mrs. Finch was shuffling papers with a look of manic glee on her face. “Girls, it’s time to think of that shining star on the firmament of Camp Pine Ridge!”


Willow and Tara looked around, baffled to see Carly slide down in her chair, Lawanna glower, and Hallie turn beet red. There were a variety of other reactions from the experienced counselors and none of them were positive.


Mrs. Finch misread the responses brilliantly and her smile broadened. “Yes!” She enthused, “The camp talent show will soon be upon us!”


Mary jumped out of her chair like a shot. “I h-have to go to the bathroom.”


Carly stood up quickly. “I’ll help you!” She clapped a hand over her forehead, “I mean, me too!” They started towards the exit.


Hallie and Lawanna were already on their feet to join the escape when Mrs. Finch’s voice rose, “Sit down immediately!”


The four girls dragged themselves back to their seats and cast longing glances towards the dining hall door.


Mrs. Finch regained her good humor and pressed on. “So there are several wonderful opportunities for you girls to perform in our show for the campers. But girls, it gets even better! Several parents have expressed interest in attending and the local paper has offered to cover the event as well.”


“Lawanna?” The sports program leader’s hand was raised.


Lawanna turned her head around sharply and looked around at Gail Chin and Rose Zepeda, then returned her gaze to Mrs. Finch. “I’m talking for Gail and Rose and I when I say that we appreciated the opportunity to do the ‘South Pacific’ medley last year. It was great for Gail and Rose to kneel down and pretend to be Polynesian children and I loved getting to play Bloody Mary and sing ‘Bali Hai’,” she paused, “especially when I can’t sing a damn note,” she added under her breath. Then she spoke again to Mrs. Finch. “In fact, it was such a great opportunity that the three of us insist that some other lucky girls do the next show tune musical number!” Then she folded her arms across her chest to emphasize her point while Gail and Rose babbled their complete agreement.


Mrs. Finch cleared her throat and re-applied her smile. “That is certainly very generous of you to insist on sharing the opportunity!” She fished for a paper, “This year’s song is a real charmer, it’s from ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ and it’s ‘The Girl that I Marry.’ A lovely, sweet song about a man singing and dreaming about the dainty bride he longs to wed.” She sighed gustily. “My artistic vision of this lovely song is to have a taller girl sing while the smaller, dainty girl dances behind her. Then the taller girl sweeps the smaller girl into her arms since the lyrics say, ‘A doll I can carry, the girl that I marry must be.’”


There was an audible groan at the recitation of the lyrics, but Mrs. Finch was not to be deterred. “So who will be our budding star . . . “


Cordelia’s hand shot skyward, “Willow Rosenberg!”


Willow’s jaw dropped. She moved her lips but it was like a nightmare she had had where she was screaming but nothing came out.


Meanwhile, Cordelia continued on. “Willow is the only one who can do it, Mrs. Finch!”


Harmony nodded enthusiastically. “Willow’s the STAR of all our shows at school!”


Dottie and Kit smiled at Willow, “We’re so excited to hear you sing! Cordelia said you’re the very best, almost professional!”


Mrs. Finch considered it. “But Willow is actually one of our shortest counselors.”


Willow found her voice. “Yes! I am short. I mean, there are vast quantities of shortness or a terrible deficiency of tallness, depending how you look at it. Is the glass half empty or half full; actually that doesn’t matter because the height of the liquid in the glass remains the same and I digress, maunder, meander and babble, BUT” she shouted triumphantly, “I am definitely, utterly, unequivocally short!” She gave a final jump of joy, sighed with relief and slumped in her chair while a concerned Tara fanned her flushed and sweating face.


Mrs. Finch beamed, “Willow that was charming! You’re a real little actress there! You’ve convinced me!”


Willow focused on pulling air into her lungs while Cordelia began clapping and Willow found herself receiving an enthusiastic round of applause.


“I’ve got it!” Mrs. Finch was triumphant over her new inspiration. “I’m going to choose the two shortest counselors to do the song together!”


Her eyes moved around the circle. “Well, Mary you’re the shortest of course, well under 5’ tall.”


Mary gasped and slumped into her seat.


“So you’ll be our dainty dancer.”


Mary’s voice was desperate, “But I only took ballet for one year when I was five and I was terrible!”


Mrs. Finch waved that aside, “A ballerina, too! Perfect.” Mrs. Finch’s eyes roved around the circle and everyone tried to look tall. “So it’s really between Willow and Hallie. Stand up girls, back to back now!”


Mrs. Finch stood, pursing her lips thoughtfully as she walked around them. “Heavens, Hallie! I have to compliment you on your posture! I’ve never seen anyone stand up so straight in my entire life!”


Hallie was red-faced with terror and the effort to stretch her compact body as far as she could. “Dad and Mom both in the Air Force, Ma’am.”


“Excellent, excellent. Willow, you are our lucky winner, the star of our Broadway tribute!”


Willow’s knees actually buckled, then she caught herself and staggered white-faced to her chair where Tara threw an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.


Mrs. Finch began shuffling sheet music and handed Mary the music.


“Now there are so many opportunities!”


Carly sat bolt upright, “We already have something planned,” she said hurriedly. She looked around her, “Uh me, Jenilee, Hallie, and Lawanna have been rehearsing skits forever!”


They nodded eagerly.


Mrs. Finch sighed, “I was hoping one of you could do that lovely song from the 30’s, ‘I’ll Build a Bungalow’. It’s just adorable and there’s room for singing, dancing, and a whole cast!”


Cordelia’s hand shot up again, “Tara! She has a voice like an angel and she’s so very, very talented!”


Tara’s head jerked up from comforting Willow. “I-I-I’m already d-doing the r-riding pr-program stuff! And so is W-willow!” She did her best to sound firm, “You’ll have to f-find someone else for b-both s-songs!”


Hallie glared at Tara. Tara smiled back apologetically and shrugged, but this was a real emergency and it was every girl for herself.


Mrs. Finch sighed, “Tara. You have a gift. I’ve heard you singing in the cabin and at our campfires and it is my duty as your guide and mentor to encourage you to share that gift! Same for you, Willow!”


Hallie breathed an audible sigh of relief while Tara and Willow clung to each other’s hand.


“Here’s an idea, maybe Willow can lend her talent to your song. Wouldn’t that be fun!” She turned to smile fondly at Cordelia, “How generous you are to point out the talents and gifts of others! You embody the friendship and respect this camp is founded upon.”


Cordelia smirked, then pretended to duck her head modestly. “It’s truly my pleasure, Mrs. Finch,” she said sweetly, “And I’ll admit that it’s a bit selfish of me as well because I so look forward to seeing Willow and Tara perform!” She shot Willow a glance of vindictive triumph, “Especially Willow. Her solo, in front of everyone, will be unforgettable.”


“Thank you again, Cordelia. I think that wraps up today’s meeting. For those of you that don’t have anything prepared, I have plenty of lovely songs here.”


Counselors bolted from their chairs, jabbering excitedly about their acts and what they could come up with to avoid Mrs. Finch’s selections and actually have some fun with the show.


Tara put an arm around Willow and was in the process of helping her to her feet when their path was blocked by Cordelia and Harmony standing directly in front of them.


Cordelia leaned over Willow, her voice mocking, “So, ‘there’s nothing you can say to me, Cordelia. I’m done’.” Willow looked up, eyes wide. “You’re done, Willow, or at least you will be when you open your mouth to sing!”


She spun on her heel and headed towards the doorway with Harmony by her side, “Bye bye, loser girls. See you in the papers!”

[zampsa19752001]

Yay for great update-y goodness... I loved their morning cuddle-pile... Ok, now I hate Bitch C even more than before... I hope the Scooby Resistance strikes back before the "Big Event" and gets rid of Bitch C and her Mutt Harmony...

[leonhart17]

What a BITCH! Now they can have private singing practice and show Cordelia up by being awesome at the show? If that's the badness then it wasn't so bad... And I loved Willow's mental turn to stand up for herself!

[Laragh]

Aww sweet morning awakenings. Love it.

Then Tara lowered her eyelids, hiding her dancing eyes, and did her best to sound solemn, “Willow, I may have a vitamin d-deficiency and there’s only one cure.”


Willow was worried, “What is it?”


Tara smiled, “Lots of ‘Milk’ and ‘Honey’.” She looked innocently up at Willow, “Doctor’s orders!”

Could she have answered any more perfectly? I your Tara.

Haha I loved the kids all running around and teasing.

“I l-love you in every phase of the moon, Willow.

Aww that was too sweet! (Not too sweet like overly so, I thought it was perfect!)

Willow's self-discovery about her body and self-esteem in the shower was wondefully written. I don't care what anyone says, there's nothing wrong with someone else being the one to show you how amazing you are as a person.

Hurrah for the liberation of Willow from the duo of mean!

Woo and hoo for a camp talent show! That was one of my favourite nights when I went to camp! Boo Cordy and Whormany, I think both Willow and Tara are gonna be amazing!!!

Great chapter!!

[indigokane]

great update!!!

when you love someone, everything about them is perfect. "inadequecies" included.

good for Willow standing up to cordelia. it may have backfired for now, but i know she'll get the last laugh. hopefully a mortifying and messy last laugh on them?

i'm loving the comraderie between all the "good"characters, nice they are banding together. and i don't think Willow and Tara could get any sweeter!!! well, they probably will, won't they?

loving this story and can't wait for more!!!

tina

[BuffyFan4ever]

BITCHES!!! (Imagine it not waving) As someone who cannot sing or act, I fully sympathize with Willow and Tara. Willow should go up to Mrs. Finch and show how well she's been "practicing." Hopefully (but doubtfully) F.T.D.B. will realize that Willow can't sing. As much as I would hope that Willow and Tara can show up Queen B by putting on an amazing performance, I don't see Willow suddenly becoming really good and while still being true to her character. I can't wait to see how you solve their problem.

[BuffyFan4ever]

BITCHES!!! (Imagine it not waving) As someone who cannot sing or act, I fully sympathize with Willow and Tara. Willow should go up to Mrs. Finch and show how well she's been "practicing." Hopefully (but doubtfully) F.T.D.B. will realize that Willow can't sing. As much as I would hope that Willow and Tara can show up Queen B by putting on an amazing performance, I don't see Willow suddenly becoming really good while still being true to her character. I can't wait to see how you solve their problem.

[LonelyTara]

I hate Cordelia so much. I'm sure that Willow and Tara will find a way to pull things out of the fire, but I'm really, really waiting for Cordelia to get her own. And that Harmony, ugh. She's so dumb maybe she'll look up during a rain storm and drown.

I am feeling a better, thanks. Sorry I didn't get to meet you and your family in SF, maybe next year. PS--Sorry for the lack of update on W and WO3H, I, like you, had a totally crazy work week!

[xlaurax1]

Hey Ariel, I'm back again just like I said, see! <<<<<<

Lovely update as usual. I especially love them in the mornings.

Then Tara lowered her eyelids, hiding her dancing eyes, and did her best to sound solemn, “Willow, I may have a vitamin d-deficiency and there’s only one cure.”


Willow was worried, “What is it?”


Tara smiled, “Lots of ‘Milk’ and ‘Honey’.” She looked innocently up at Willow, “Doctor’s orders!”

So sweet. And I absolutely loved Willow's moment of realisation about herself and how she made the distinction between not being ugly and being pretty. Now she just needs to convince Tara that she's beautiful too, although with everything Tara's been through i'm guessing thats not gonna be so easy.

Quote:
I'm still loving their kids, they're such a spunky group. Cordelia and Harmony and their group really need to get what's coming to them, something which I am eagerly waiting to see sometime soon.

And some of it happens in this very post! Stay tuned.

You certainly delivered here when Willow stood up to Cordelia and Harmony, and how mature she was, but then by the end of the chapter I was back to thinking how much their butts needed to be kicked again. I'm really ready for that now...please?

As always, I love your work, and I can't wait to see what happens next,

Laura.

[Grimm]

Yes, Cordelia is a complete ass for throwing Willow under the bus like that. But, I can't wait to read about the performance. While we all know Tara/Amber has a beautiful voice. I expect Willow to be abso-fricking-lutely awwwwwful! Which means more laughs for me !!! All I have to say about Harmony is baaaaah..She is a mindless .

[Finey_McFine]

UGH! I am SO friggin' SICK of Cordelia and Harmony!!! I hate them and have decided that they need to disappear in the middle of the night, never to be seen again!

I love Willow, as you already know, and I hate to see her cry or get upset in any way. So, when they pick on her I get into ultra mega pissed off mode. Which, in turn, is why I also love Tara...she just has a way of making things right.

“The only thing wrong with your breasts is I d-don’t get to spend enough time loving them.” She looked into Willow’s eyes. “And it’s the same with the r-rest of you.” She blushed, her eyes dark with longing, “I w-want you so much, Willow.”

It was a new thought, a bud of a thought, but she felt it begin growing in her heart. I’m not ugly. That wasn’t enough, she realized. It didn’t do justice to the dawning revelation of herself as a woman and a lover. She ran her hands down her body again, as if to seek validation from her soft skin and curving womanhood. She breathed in sharply, almost afraid to think it, but there it was: I’m pretty.

To me, this was...wow! You really nailed the teenage body realization. This can go one of two ways: I hate my body or I love my body. I feel that for a large percentage of teen girls...it goes bad. Willow is so lucky to have Tara in her life to give her that reassurance.

Then, of course, the A-Holes have to come in and put a damper on all of it. But, Willow stands up...YAY!

“There’s nothing you can say any more, Cordelia. I’m done.”

Then she walked down the aisle, not even bothering to look back.

The kids are perfect and hilarious as always, but then...the dreaded morning meeting!! You just never know what cruel and unusual punishment Mistress Finch is going to dole out. Of course, she never disappoints, does she?

Meanwhile, Cordelia continued on. “Willow is the only one who can do it, Mrs. Finch!”

Harmony nodded enthusiastically. “Willow’s the STAR of all our shows at school!”

Dottie and Kit smiled at Willow, “We’re so excited to hear you sing! Cordelia said you’re the very best, almost professional!”

OK, I can so see that scene form 'Carrie' playing out here, lol!!! NOT FUN AT ALL!

Mrs. Finch sighed, “Tara. You have a gift. I’ve heard you singing in the cabin and at our campfires and it is my duty as your guide and mentor to encourage you to share that gift! Same for you, Willow!”

Duty? Mentor? Seriously? 'This is your brain...this is your brain on prune juice.'

AARRGGHH!!! I'm hoping for a miracle and that our girls totally knock their fake boob socks off!!

[xlaurax1]

Sorry about the second reply, but I just really had to say:

“Get off me, Devola! You’re stepping on me.”


“Not all of you, Connie. Just a little tiny eensy weensy bitty bit of you.”


“Get – off – my – toe – NOW!!!”


Devola giggled, “Why didn’t you say so!”


There was an inarticulate yowl of frustration from Connie and continued laughter from Devola.


“I’m gonna kill you!”

Have you been spying on my sister and I and just changed the names? Is it weird that we still act that way sometimes and we're 21 and 26? In a loving way, of course.

[wimpy0729]

And here we again see the tiny, tiny, twisted minds of Cordelia and Harmony. Cordy needs to find another hobby besides picking on our girls. I really wish Finch could see the Real C, and soon please. Of course, talent shows/public performing and Willow are like two un-mixy things. (i.e. The Puppet Show and Nightmares) Oh no. Can't wait to see what happens here.

I love the small moments where the simple thing like waking up together can be so wonderful. And Tara is just so good for Willow. Her monthly visitor could have been very embarrassing, but Tara just handles all that stuff so well and makes her feel like it's no big deal. We should all be so lucky to have someone like that.

Tara is helping Willow feel better about herself, which I think gave her the strength to stand up to C&H. Although it seemed to come back and bite her in the butt, it's still a big step for her.

And of course, I'm still loving the little girls. They never cease to crack me up. Thanks for that!


Wimpy

[willowtaralover]

Then Tara lowered her eyelids, hiding her dancing eyes, and did her best to sound solemn, “Willow, I may have a vitamin d-deficiency and there’s only one cure.”

Willow was worried, “What is it?”

Tara smiled, “Lots of ‘Milk’ and ‘Honey’.” She looked innocently up at Willow, “Doctor’s orders!”

What a brilliant way for Tara to reassure her little redhead and let her know that there isn't a single part of Willow that is wrong, deficient or out of place.


“C’mon, Veronica! I wanna go sit on Willow and Tara’s bed!”

“Okay.”

Mouse tugged Veronica into the room and the little girl climbed right up into Willow’s lap while Veronica sat somewhat awkwardly at the edge of the bed.

This is such a great moment showing how close Mouse and Veronica have become, but also how Veronica still feels a little like an outsider even though the group have accepted her a lot more. Also, it may be my imagination, but I get the feeling that Veronica allowed Mouse to sleep in her bed so she wouldn’t get frightened by any nightmares.

“Hi l-little cuties!”

Why do I get the feeling that when Willow and Tara finally get married they’re gonna run a foster home together.

It was a new thought, a bud of a thought, but she felt it begin growing in her heart. I’m not ugly. That wasn’t enough, she realized. It didn’t do justice to the dawning revelation of herself as a woman and a lover. She ran her hands down her body again, as if to seek validation from her soft skin and curving womanhood. She breathed in sharply, almost afraid to think it, but there it was: I’m pretty.

At last Willow finally gets why we all love her so much, not just Tara. Cos she’s not just pretty, she is one hot mamma yamma


Cordelia paused, raking her up and down, her eyes alight with malicious pleasure. “If it isn’t Willow Rosenberg! My favorite drag queen.” She laughed, “It’s amazing how you’ve managed to disguise yourself as a girl; it almost works!”

Willow grabbed her shirt and pulled it on while Harmony giggled appreciatively at Cordelia’s wit.

Then she sat down and began searching frantically for clean socks.

As if reading her mind, Harmony once again extended a rolled up sock in each hand, putting them close to Willow’s face.

Harmony smirked, “Go ahead, Willow. We know you need them!”

Willow looked up, expecting to be frightened, but felt a surge of anger instead. What an idiot Harmony is! She has the brain power of a dead battery! And I’m an idiot to be afraid of her!

Harmony was still offering the socks and suddenly Willow grinned and snatched them out her hands.

“Thank you so much, Harmony!” She put on the clean socks, tied her athletic shoes, then handed Harmony her dirty socks in return. “Here, I wouldn’t want you to leave empty-handed.”

Cordelia’s eyes narrowed. “You flat-chested—“

Willow cut in, “Cordelia, that’s so,” her brain groped for the right word, “old,” she said finally. She felt strangely calm.
“Why you little—“

Willow looked up at Cordelia’s face and felt a surge of joy. She wasn’t even angry, she was free! She met Cordelia’s furious gaze squarely and smiled.

“There’s nothing you can say any more, Cordelia. I’m done.”

Then she walked down the aisle, not even bothering to look back.

There's only one word to describe this moment and that’s YAY, GO WILLOW as she gets to kick ass once again whilst at the same time show she’s as butch as Tara when taking on Superbitch and her companion The Mutt Wonder (I couldn’t think of any Batman/doggy comparisons for queen C).

“Girls, it’s time to think of that shining star on the firmament of Camp Pine Ridge!”

Willow and Tara looked around, baffled to see Carly slide down in her chair, Lawanna glower, and Hallie turn beet red. There were a variety of other reactions from the experienced counselors and none of them were positive.

Mrs. Finch misread the responses brilliantly and her smile broadened. “Yes!” She enthused, “The camp talent show will soon be upon us!”

Mrs. Finch cleared her throat and re-applied her smile. “That is certainly very generous of you to insist on sharing the opportunity!” She fished for a paper, “This year’s song is a real charmer, it’s from ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ and it’s ‘The Girl that I Marry.’ A lovely, sweet song about a man singing and dreaming about the dainty bride he longs to wed.” She sighed gustily. “My artistic vision of this lovely song is to have a taller girl sing while the smaller, dainty girl dances behind her. Then the taller girl sweeps the smaller girl into her arms since the lyrics say, ‘A doll I can carry, the girl that I marry must be.’”

This sounds like it’s gonna be a lot of fun with a dragged up Willow singing, though wouldn’t ‘Secret Love’ from Calamity Jane be more suitable????

“I’ve got it!” Mrs. Finch was triumphant over her new inspiration. “I’m going to choose the two shortest counselors to do the song together!”

Her eyes moved around the circle. “Well, Mary you’re the shortest of course, well under 5’ tall.”

Mary gasped and slumped into her seat.

“So you’ll be our dainty dancer.”

Mary’s voice was desperate, “But I only took ballet for one year when I was five and I was terrible!”

Mrs. Finch waved that aside, “A ballerina, too! Perfect.”

Can this story get any better. Just the image this presents is sublime comedy, and this is just a hint of what’s to come. One thing though, surely Superbitch and the Mutt Wonder will have to perform as well, and Tara as proven she can actually sing so what can the two retards do?

[Ariel]

Zampsa19752001:

I loved their morning cuddle-pile

Mmmmmm. Cuddles are the best!!! Glad you agree!

Ok, now I hate Bitch C even more than before... I hope the Scooby Resistance strikes back before the "Big Event" and gets rid of Bitch C and her Mutt Harmony...

As the leader in developing the Resistance, your voice will be heard . . . Like “Mutt Harmony”

Leonhart17AKA Maggie:

What a BITCH! Now they can have private singing practice and show Cordelia up by being awesome at the show?

Great Idea! But how?

Maggie, glad that bad wasn’t too bad! :derr


Laragh:

Aww sweet morning awakenings. Love it.

Thank you! More of that in their good night tonight.
Watch for a nod to “Lessons in Love” near the end.

Willow's self-discovery about her body and self-esteem in the shower was wondefully written. I don't care what anyone says, there's nothing wrong with someone else being the one to show you how amazing you are as a person.

Love is an amazing strengthener! And those two are strong together!

Boo Cordy and Whormany

Brilliant name for Harmony!!!

Hurrah for the liberation of Willow from the duo of mean!

Yeah. Willow is seeing that she is a beautiful woman and that Cordelia is no longer a Goddess to be feared but a bitch to be dealt with. More to come on that . . .

Any advice on the talent show is welcome! :Get on your knees and pray :Get on your knees and pray :Get on your knees and pray


Tina AKA indigokane:
Glad you liked, the scene in the shower with Willow finding her own beauty. You’re right!

good for Willow standing up to cordelia. it may have backfired for now, but i know she'll get the last laugh. hopefully a mortifying and messy last laugh on them?

Great idea! Just have to find the right torture . . . advice is welcome!


BuffyFan4Ever:

BITCHES!!! As someone who cannot sing or act, I fully sympathize with Willow and Tara. Willow should go up to Mrs. Finch and show how well she's been "practicing." Hopefully (but doubtfully) F.T.D.B. will realize that Willow can't sing.

Willow tried to follow your advice, but notice how neatly Mrs. Finch turns the tables on them by subtly threatening them with their enemies and ‘encouraging’ them to improve their camp spirit? In other words, “The beatings will continue until morale improves.” God, she’s good!

I don't see Willow suddenly becoming really good and while still being true to her character. I can't wait to see how you solve their problem.

And you’re right and I PROMISE that Willow will not get magic singing lessons and develop miraculous talent. So stay tuned . . . it will be answered.

Thanks for writing, by the way!


LonelyTara AKA Robin:

hate Cordelia so much. I'm sure that Willow and Tara will find a way to pull things out of the fire, but I'm really, really waiting for Cordelia to get her own.

As the first person to ‘name’ Cordelia (Queen B for Queen Bitch) you’re entitled! Stay tuned for the perfect revenge! : devil

And that Harmony, ugh. She's so dumb maybe she'll look up during a rain storm and drown.

Awesome!!!

Definitely hope you’re on the mend, girlfriend! :Get on your knees and pray Miss your mighty pen!!!


xlaurax1 AKA Laura:
Wow, back and back again! The Princess of Post!

So sweet. And I absolutely loved Willow's moment of realisation about herself and how she made the distinction between not being ugly and being pretty. Now she just needs to convince Tara that she's beautiful too, although with everything Tara's been through i'm guessing thats not gonna be so easy.

It’s true. Tara is struggling right now with how much to share. She wants to . . .

You certainly delivered here when Willow stood up to Cordelia and Harmony, and how mature she was, but then by the end of the chapter I was back to thinking how much their butts needed to be kicked again. I'm really ready for that now...please?

eh? Naughty, naughty! Okaaaay! You got it, but later.

And about you and your sister being the inspiration for Connie and Devola’s little discussion . . . I apologize for the spycam in your home, it was uh set up accidentally and . . . I better stop now.


SMGOVAN:

Yes, Cordelia is a complete ass for throwing Willow under the bus like that.

Definite agreement with W/T fans!

But, I can't wait to read about the performance. While we all know Tara/Amber has a beautiful voice. I expect Willow to be abso-fricking-lutely awwwwwful! Which means more laughs for me

And I will not ‘pretty up’ Willow’s voice. It will be her . . . so we can only hope!

As to Harmony being a mindless Keep those hilarious names coming, you’re writing this story and I can’t thank you enough!


Shel AKA Finey McFine:

UGH! I am SO friggin' SICK of Cordelia and Harmony!!! I hate them and have decided that they need to disappear in the middle of the night, never to be seen again!

Abduct the Evil Ones . . not a bad idea!!! All suggestions are welcome

I love Willow, as you already know, and I hate to see her cry or get upset in any way. So, when they pick on her I get into ultra mega pissed off mode. Which, in turn, is why I also love Tara...she just has a way of making things right.

Yes she does and Willow does the same for her. True love has a way of healing people. Can I recommend, “Racing the Rain” and “The Call” for addressing that same theme.

To me, this was...wow! You really nailed the teenage body realization. This can go one of two ways: I hate my body or I love my body. I feel that for a large percentage of teen girls...it goes bad. Willow is so lucky to have Tara in her life to give her that reassurance.

Thank you so much! I really want to show Willow’s growth as a woman, glad it worked!

In response to Mrs. Finch’s gift for morning meetings and the upcoming show:

OK, I can so see that scene form 'Carrie' playing out here, lol!!! NOT FUN AT ALL!
Duty? Mentor? Seriously? 'This is your brain...this is your brain on prune juice.'

Did it again, Shel – freakin’ hilarious!

AARRGGHH!!! I'm hoping for a miracle and that our girls totally knock their fake boob socks off!![/quote]
Not a miracle, but believable . . . that’s the challenge!


Wimpy:

And here we again see the tiny, tiny, twisted minds of Cordelia and Harmony. Cordy needs to find another hobby besides picking on our girls. I really wish Finch could see the Real C, and soon please.

In a word, “Softball” – stay tuned! It will get better soon-ish! But not this post.

I love the small moments where the simple thing like waking up together can be so wonderful. And Tara is just so good for Willow. Her monthly visitor could have been very embarrassing, but Tara just handles all that stuff so well and makes her feel like it's no big deal. We should all be so lucky to have someone like that.

You’ve been so wonderful following the story, glad to give you some more of this!

And of course, I'm still loving the little girls. They never cease to crack me up. Thanks for that!

I love them, too. They are so easy to write – I just listen. Wait for the softball game with two *YOINK*-able moments from your mighty mind (actually in the BIG game)

Yes, it’s good to see Willow growing up and getting stronger; they both are.


Rick AKA willowtaralover:

Then Tara lowered her eyelids, hiding her dancing eyes, and did her best to sound solemn, “Willow, I may have a vitamin d-deficiency and there’s only one cure.”

Willow was worried, “What is it?”

Tara smiled, “Lots of ‘Milk’ and ‘Honey’.” She looked innocently up at Willow, “Doctor’s orders!”

What a brilliant way for Tara to reassure her little redhead and let her know that there isn't a single part of Willow that is wrong, deficient or out of place.

Great catch, that’s exactly what she was doing!

In response to Willow’s standing up for herself against C & H you said:

There's only one word to describe this moment and that’s YAY, GO WILLOW as she gets to kick ass once again whilst at the same time show she’s as butch as Tara when taking on Superbitch and her companion The Mutt Wonder (I couldn’t think of any Batman/doggy comparisons for queen C).

Hey, calling Harmony Cordelia’s lap mutt has been well received!

“This year’s song is a real charmer, it’s from ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ and it’s ‘The Girl that I Marry.’ A lovely, sweet song about a man singing and dreaming about the dainty bride he longs to wed.” She sighed gustily. “My artistic vision of this lovely song is to have a taller girl sing while the smaller, dainty girl dances behind her. Then the taller girl sweeps the smaller girl into her arms since the lyrics say, ‘A doll I can carry, the girl that I marry must be.’”

This sounds like it’s gonna be a lot of fun with a dragged up Willow singing, though wouldn’t ‘Secret Love’ from Calamity Jane be more suitable????

Oh yeah! Am I the only lesbian in the world to get totally turned on by “Calamity Jane” and Katie playing house? God you’re good, Rick!

Mary gasped and slumped into her seat.

“So you’ll be our dainty dancer.”

Mary’s voice was desperate, “But I only took ballet for one year when I was five and I was terrible!”

Mrs. Finch waved that aside, “A ballerina, too! Perfect.”

Can this story get any better. Just the image this presents is sublime comedy, and this is just a hint of what’s to come. One thing though, surely Superbitch and the Mutt Wonder will have to perform as well, and Tara has proven she can actually sing so what can the two retards do?

Yes and it’s a challenge! Something believable. Wouldn’t it be sad if something went wrong for them? We can only hope that all goes well!


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

[Ariel]

Title: How I Met Your Mother*
Author: Ariel
Email: blaziak@yahoo.com
Feedback: All feedback welcomed, specific input appreciated, harsh on me via PM
Rating: PG-13 for language and W/T light loving, ratings will change depending on content
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.
Credit: “Think of Me” by C. Hart, R. Stilgoe, and Andrew Lloyd Webber from “The Phantom of the Opera”, book by R. Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber

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



Part 26: Monday, Monday


Tara and Willow walked woodenly to the stable, torn between anger and terror by the news of their parts in the talent show.


Willow whined again, “At least you can sing!”


Tara stopped and stared at her. “H-have you ever n-noticed th-that I d-don’t like getting up in front of p-people! You’re m-much better at that than I am!”


“Hey, I’m shy, too! Just because I’m not all famous-y shy girl about it doesn’t mean I’m not shy!”


“What d-do you m-mean, ‘famous’?”


Willow blushed, “I’m sorry, Tara. I just meant that people notice that you’re shy, that’s all.”


“I kn-know what you m-meant!”


“I said I was sorry. What else do you want?”


“I w-want to start this d-day over again and w-wake up kissing you!”


Willow exhaled, all the tension leaving her body. “Me, too. I’m sorry I yelled.” She offered a small smile.


Tara smiled back, “S-same, here.” She put her arm around Willow’s waist and they cuddled close then resumed walking, “N-now where were we? Oh, yeah, C-cordelia is a bitch!”


“Now you’re talking!” Willow squeezed her back and they were happy again.


“W-we have a c-couple of minutes. W-want to try p-petting Dolly?”


Willow stepped up close and put her arms around Tara to whisper in her ear. “How about we try kissing Tara?”


“Vixen!” Tara giggled, “Okay, but only after you pet Dolly!”


Willow was outraged, “That’s blackmail!”


Tara laid a feather light kiss on Willow’s cheek and another on the curve of her jaw, while her fingers danced lightly down Willow’s neck.


“I’ll pay, I’ll pay!”


Then Tara turned her around, hugged her close from behind, and walked her over to Dolly. Willow leaned back into Tara’s warmth, put her hand on top of Tara’s, and petted Dolly. “Hey, a tiny part of your smell is horse smell.”


Tara blushed, “I’m a h-horsey girl, I guess.” She pulled away a little but Willow reached behind her to pull her back, “I didn’t say I didn’t like it! On you, it’s kind of nice. Goes with the sunshine smell and the hay smell and the Tara smell.”


Willow breathed deeply, feeling herself being lightly rocked from side to side. Then Tara slid her hand out from under Willow’s and Willow felt Dolly’s hide under her hand. “It’s smooth and it’s warm.” She thought about it, “It’s nice.”


“G-good job!”


Then Tara danced her away, turned her once, and embraced her. Willow sighed, melting into the hug before she raised her lips and received a fresh supply of Tara kissage.


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


Willow and Tara walked across the yard towards the dining hall with their arms around each other’s waist, pleased with their morning’s work.


“Hey!” They turned and waited for Carly, noticing that her hair was wet and she had pulled shorts on over her bathing suit. “Samantha’s got a cold so I’m helping with the swim program today. It’s fun, the first paid job I had here at camp.”


A little girl with straight brown hair in a pixie cut tore past them and Carly snagged her upper arm expertly and swung her around.


“Whoa, there! What’s the rush, Letty?”


Letty grinned, “Great lunch today!”


“Well first let me take a quick look at that scrape of yours! Letty, why did you take the band-aid off your elbow? Your scab is torn off.”


Letty grinned, “Yeah, Kelly Leblonski bet me five dollars I wouldn’t dare pull it off and eat it.”


Carly grimaced, “Don’t tell me, okay!” But Letty waved her five dollar bill exuberantly and the three older girls all looked a little greenish.


Willow tried to change the subject. “So what’s for lunch today?”


“Pepperoni Pizza!” Letty dashed off, leaving the three girls behind her to exchange glances and wish that they had never seen her.


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


Bettina was rocking from foot to foot then she rushed forward and grabbed Tara’s hand. “I have something! A surprise for you! Come see!”


Willow smiled and waved good-bye, snagging them a place in line while Bettina tugged Tara over to an empty section of porch.


Tara smiled at Bettina’s enthusiasm, the little girl was wriggling like a puppy. “I made it for you! I made it all myself and it’s a present. For you. From me.” She fished a bundle of white toilet paper out of her pocket and thrust it towards Tara. “Oh, uh Cordelia wouldn’t give me wrapping paper or ribbon so pretend, okay?”


Tara nodded and carefully unwrapped her gift, a woven red and yellow plastic lanyard with a key ring in it.


Bettina was nervous. “Is it good? Do you like it?”


Tara pulled her into a tight hug, then bent down so the little girl could read her lips. “I love it!”


Bettina still looked doubtful. “For real?”


Tara nodded, then picked up the lanyard and looked closely, “H-here’s what I see. It has bright red like a s-setting sun and y-yellow like sunshine or daffodils. It’s woven n-nice and tight and strong and I’m going to keep it f-forever.” She hugged Bettina again, “Thank you for making this for me!” Tara fished a safety pin out of her pocket and pinned the lanyard to her shirt. “S-see, it’s r-right over my heart.”


Bettina sighed blissfully, then grabbed Tara’s hand and swung it back and forth as she skipped into the dining hall.


They saw Devola and Willow already in line and fell in with them.


Cordelia and Tizzie heard Tara showing off her new gift and turned to face them. Cordelia’s lips curved in a condescending smile, “Always a trend-setter, Tara.” She pointed to the lanyard, “Now it’s fashion accessories for the mentally challenged.” Her laughter rippled behind her as she turned back to her group.


Tara’s jaw dropped, she was stunned by Cordelia’s cruelty to a little girl.


Meanwhile Tizzie tugged on Billie’s arm and pointed, “Look how dumb! It doesn’t even have a key or a whistle on it!”


Bettina’s face went white over Tizzie’s insult but she hadn’t been able to understand Cordelia’s more elaborate vocabulary. Maybe the tall girl had liked it, after all she was the one of the craft ladies and she had smiled when she looked at it. She turned anxiously to Devola, “What did Cordelia say?”


Devola looked back at her and hesitated. “Uh, she said that Tara’s lanyard thing is retarded.”


Bettina looked up at Tara, stricken. It’s a dumb present, not a nice present! I gave Tara a dumb present! Then her eyes filled with tears and she ran out the door.


Tara caught her a few steps outside and led her to an empty bench nearby.


Bettina was sobbing, “I thought it was pretty! I wanted to give you something pretty!”


Tara sat Bettina on her on her lap, and held her close until she began calming down.


Bettina looked up at Tara, sniffling. “You don’t have to wear it Tara. It’s just a dumb little thing that’s all. See,” she pointed to one of the tiny woven threads, “I made a mistake here and I didn’t have time to fix it.”


Suddenly Tara’s warm hand covered hers and Tara’s blue eyes met her brown ones. “I d-don’t care about that. I care that you g-gave me a beautiful present that you m-made with your own hands. I want to wear it everywhere and sh-show it off.” She brushed the tears from Bettina’s cheeks and kissed her on the forehead, “I l-love it and I l-love you.”


Bettina burrowed in close. “Really? You love it?” Bettina felt Tara nod her head then they held each other a little longer and everything was all right again.


“Lunch?” Tara asked finally.


Bettina nodded and they walked back hand in hand to find that their places were saved and their filled plates were waiting for them at the table.


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


Tara and Willow had just finished their lunch and were hoping to steal a kiss in the barn when they felt a chill on the back of their necks and found Mrs. Finch standing behind them.


“Willow. Tara. I’d like to see you in my office.”


They got up wordlessly and followed her. Then sat across the desk.


Willow plucked up her courage, determined to escape the talent show if she could. “Mrs. Finch, uh about the show—“


Mrs. Finch raised a hand, forestalling further conversation.


“So,” Mrs. Finch began, “We are still in the same situation with the regular counselor. Poor girl, it’s been one delay after another. I’ve had a variety of thoughts. Perhaps I could move Cordelia into your cabin as Senior Counselor. Willow, I recall Cordelia mentioning her close friendship with you; so perhaps the two of you could team up.”


Willow gave an inarticulate squeak of horror and Mrs. Finch continued. “Then I could promote you to Senior, Tara, and you could help pull Harmony into line. I think she could use some guidance.”


Tara gasped.


“Or I could just continue with you two as you are. I’m looking for some real teamwork, here. You’ve done a good job filling in, but I’d like to see that old camp spirit shine with you both. What do you say, girls?”


Willow spoke first. “Oh, we’re all with the team spirit. I mean team, you know. A group, traditionally, pulling together. And spirit, not like ‘woo woo boo’ ghostly but happy spirits. All Camp Pine Ridge-y spirit-y goodness like s’more spirits and campfire spirits! We’re with that, the spirit! Lots!”


Mrs. Finch stared at her, awed by Willow’s ability to release so much babble on only one breath.


Tara nodded eagerly and pointed to Willow. “J-just like she said!”


Mrs. Finch smiled, “Wonderful!” She looked at the girls. “Now what were you saying about the camp show?”


Willow heaved a sigh then pasted a sickly smile on her face.


Tara spoke up, acknowledging defeat, “M-may we have the m-music?”


Mrs. Finch beamed, “Wonderful! Wonderful! I knew you two were interested! Here you go!” She handed them music. “You’re getting top billing! And Willow, your solo will be the highlight of the evening!”


Willow froze.


“Off you go, time for your afternoon rides!”


Tara shot her lover a concerned glance; then helped her up and guided her out of the room.


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


They made it through their afternoon rides and through a dinner nearly miraculous in that no one spilled anything on anyone.


However, no amount of discussion could choose an acceptable swear word of the day so the topic was finally tabled.


After the evening’s hygiene battles, Willow elected to take a quick shower and Tara let the kids amuse themselves in the cabin.


Devola’s eyes lit up, “Hey, Tara! How about a story or something?”


Lisa nodded, setting Stuart Little aside, and the other girls began gathering.


Connie sighed, “I want something lovey.”


Devola made a gagging noise, “’Lovey’! That’s dumb. I want death and murder and monsters.”


Tara thought for a moment, then she smiled. “G-got it! This has everything. I am going to tell you the story of the ‘Phantom of the Opera’.”


The girls looked excited and leaned closer.


“So it all starts at a rehearsal of an Opera. A very fat man is a warrior and he tries to climb on an elephant but he h-has a hard time.”


Debbie giggled, “Like this?” She struggled to climb from a chair on top of the table puffing and breathing and getting mad and the girls laughed loudly. She explained, “That’s my uncle getting into his new truck!”


“V-very good. Then there’s a girl in the chorus who is dancing, sh-she’s younger than the big girl who is the star and her name is Christine.”


Connie jumped up, “That’s me.” She began to dance and Tara led the girls in some quick applause.


“Th-the regular girl who was the star is kind of mean.”


Towanda got up, “Get out of my way you losers! I’m the star!”


“And she thinks she s-sings really w-well but she s-sounds t-terrible!”


Towanda looked uncertainly at her.


“L-like a chicken.”


Towanda nodded and began clucking and flapping her arms.


“So then a m-mysterious w-woman comes out.”


Lisa stood hopefully.


“Who kn-knows the terrible secret of the Phantom of the Opera. And she says, “G-give the little girl a ch-chance.”


Lisa entered slowly and mysteriously, then pointed to Connie and said her line. Then Lisa had a great idea and shut off the cabin light, leaving only a flashlight on.


Tara stood behind Connie, holding the girl’s arms, “And she sings.”

Think of me, think of me, fondly,
when we've said goodbye.
Remember me once in a while -
please promise me you'll try.

When you find that, once again, you long
to take your heart back and be free -
if you ever find a moment,
spare a thought for me ...

We never said our love was evergreen,
or as unchanging as the sea -
but if you can still remember,
stop and think of me ...


Tara held Connie in front of her and the two swooped and glided around the room. After a few lines Connie began gesturing, letting the pulse and sweetness of the music fill her.


Willow stood, leaning against the door she had slipped through, not wanting to interrupt Tara’s singing. She felt her throat clench. There was so much beauty in the song and so much sadness. Then Tara’s eyes were meeting hers and she realized that Tara was saying good-bye.


Finally, the last golden note stilled to silence.


Tara stopped, blushing to find herself back on earth with a cabin full of seven year olds staring silently at her. “And th-that’s all for tonight.”


Devola jumped in, “Hey! The Phantom didn’t come out yet!”


Tara smiled, “Well, he will if we w-want to keep going tomorrow.”


Then Devola’s eyes lit up, “’Phantom’” is our swear word of the day!”


The girls chose to keep going, agreed to the new swear word and then it was time for a last bathroom trip and bed.


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


Willow and Tara talked inconsequentially about the day’s events, careful not to mention either scabs or the camp show. Finally they made the rounds and found their girls asleep.


Then Willow lay back on her cot and groaned. “I’m all over tummy ache-y badness. I’m the cramp-o-rama ouch girl, here.”


Tara’s face was tender. “W-we’ll call a d-doctor then.” She cleared her throat and stood up stiffly. “I am Dr. Snuggles the f-famous Ache-y Cramp-y doctor. How m-may I assist you?”


Willow blushed, but decided to play along. “Doctor, I have cramps.”


Tara pulled up a chair and sat beside Willow. “I prescribe rub-y therapy.” She laid a warm hand on Willow’s tummy and began gently making circular motions.


Willow sighed into the touch. She felt herself warming a bit and relaxing. “Mmmmm. That feels nice.” She grinned at Tara, “You’re very good, Doctor. You have a wonderful bedside manner.”


Tara blushed, then resumed the doctor’s deep voice, “And the next part of my prescription involves snuggles with my assistant, Tara Maclay. W-will you take the treatment?”


Willow was embarrassed and looked away. “Tara, I feel like I’m wearing a diaper. What if I smell or something?”


Tara smiled reassuringly. “You don’t sm-smell at all, but even if you did, ‘A Rosenberg by any other smell would be as sweet’.” She kissed Willow gently. “C-come to bed, sweetie. I m-miss you.”


Willow smiled and got up. They arranged their sleeping positions differently with Willow on her back and Tara rubbing her tummy until Tara saw her lover ease gently into sleep. Then Tara laid a warm arm across Willow and put her head on Willow’s shoulder, nuzzling her cheek into the softness and drifting sweetly into dreams of love.

[Laragh]

Dibs!

Aww, tension-fighting. Never of the good.

“W-we have a c-couple of minutes. W-want to try p-petting Dolly?”

That sounds so dirty out of context

Aww Bettina is so sweet! Boo Cordelia, she's such a bitch! To her 'peers' is one thing, but the kids is stooping to a whole new low!

C/W and T/H(W)!? Hells no!! W/T together in all aspects of camp life please!

Tara retelling TPOTO was amazing!! Loved it!

Period tummy rubs FTW

Great chapter, can't wait for more!

[leonhart17]

Who makes fun of a little kid? Only psycho bitch Cordelia!!! Grr Argh! I'm glad Tara didn't let her run off upset! Finch-bitch better not split them up! :(

Maybe Willow could play piano while she sings and get one of the other girls to rig up some way to make it sound like she's singing (like they did during the Battle of the Bands scene in the Freaky Friday remake)

[Finey_McFine]

Dibs!

“W-we have a c-couple of minutes. W-want to try p-petting Dolly?”

That sounds so dirty out of context

Hahahahahaha...so true! I thought the same thing!! Everything's dirty!

Letty grinned, “Yeah, Kelly Leblonski bet me five dollars I wouldn’t dare pull it off and eat it.”

Uh, this was uncalled for. You broke me.

Tara’s jaw dropped, she was stunned by Cordelia’s cruelty to a little girl.

Like I said before, nothing a good midnight kidnapping wouldn't fix. Screw the high road, taunting a kid...this means W-A-R! Maybe a little super glue on the toilet seat, dog shit in Cordy's shampoo or make up. I dunno, but the meaner the better!

“So,” Mrs. Finch began, “We are still in the same situation with the regular counselor. Poor girl, it’s been one delay after another. I’ve had a variety of thoughts. Perhaps I could move Cordelia into your cabin as Senior Counselor. Willow, I recall Cordelia mentioning her close friendship with you; so perhaps the two of you could team up.”

I bet this was just Mistress Finch's way of blackmailing them into the talent show, cuz she's gotta know they work well together and not to upset the apple cart or she's a complete moron.

Tara nodded eagerly and pointed to Willow. “J-just like she said!”

I can totally see this.

I love the girls together so much! And I just keeping that the summer eventually has to end and then what???????????????

[zampsa19752001]

Yay for great update-y goodness... So Bitch C makes a new record for bitch-yness... I hope the Resistance strikes soon and make Bitch C and her Mutt to feel what it feels like to be on the recieving end of their usual "jokes"...

[willowtaralover]

“What d-do you m-mean, ‘famous’?”

Willow blushed, “I’m sorry, Tara. I just meant that people notice that you’re shy, that’s all.”

“I kn-know what you m-meant!”

“I said I was sorry. What else do you want?”

Uh oh, I hope this almost fight doesn’t spell trouble for our girls in the future.

Tara blushed, “I’m a h-horsey girl, I guess.” She pulled away a little but Willow reached behind her to pull her back, “I didn’t say I didn’t like it! On you, it’s kind of nice. Goes with the sunshine smell and the hay smell and the Tara smell.”

Willow breathed deeply, feeling herself being lightly rocked from side to side. Then Tara slid her hand out from under Willow’s and Willow felt Dolly’s hide under her hand. “It’s smooth and it’s warm.” She thought about it, “It’s nice.”

This is a wonderful scene with Willow’s description of Tara, ‘sunshine smell’ is such a wonderfully evocative phrase to use conjuring up images of fields full of flowers on beautiful summer days.
Then, on top of that, Willow really faces her fear by stroking Dolly the horse and discovers the velvety smoothness of her hair. I foresee the possibility of Willow getting a little more involved with the horse-riding program.

I really enjoyed the scene where Letty tells them about her dare and then they learn that the lunch is to be pepperoni pizza. Wonderful piece of gross out comedy that is both gross and funny. Once more you raise the bar Ariel.

Cordelia and Tizzie heard Tara showing off her new gift and turned to face them. Cordelia’s lips curved in a condescending smile, “Always a trend-setter, Tara.” She pointed to the lanyard, “Now it’s fashion accessories for the mentally challenged.” Her laughter rippled behind her as she turned back to her group.

Tara’s jaw dropped, she was stunned by Cordelia’s cruelty to a little girl.
Meanwhile Tizzie tugged on Billie’s arm and pointed, “Look how dumb! It doesn’t even have a key or a whistle on it!”

Bettina’s face went white over Tizzie’s insult but she hadn’t been able to understand Cordelia’s more elaborate vocabulary. Maybe the tall girl had liked it, after all she was the one of the craft ladies and she had smiled when she looked at it. She turned anxiously to Devola, “What did Cordelia say?”

Devola looked back at her and hesitated. “Uh, she said that Tara’s lanyard thing is retarded.”

Bettina looked up at Tara, stricken. It’s a dumb present, not a nice present! I gave Tara a dumb present! Then her eyes filled with tears and she ran out the door.

Grrr argh much evilness here, I do hope someone takes their fists to Cordelia, and soon, she needs a good pummelling after that nasty bitchiness, upsetting a little kid like that. Methinks Cordelia needs more macaroni sticking up her nose, and shouldn’t Devola have been a little more tactful in telling her friend? The way Tara comforts Bettina though was charming and so very like her to care so much more about the well being of others.

I really like Finey McFine’s ideas or punishments after they picked on Bettina’s present for Tara. I just fail to see why we can’t do all of that so she tries to wash her hair in the morning only to end up rubbing horse shit into it, then she discovers more of the same when she tries to put on make up. The final trick in this little coup d’état is to place either glue or more horseshit in the shoes so that her feet are either stuck in the shoes (preferably $3000 Manolo’s) till they are removed or they stink so bad she has to throw them away. (I’m not really evil, I just happen to know a girl called Devola LOL).

Tara and Willow had just finished their lunch and were hoping to steal a kiss in the barn when they felt a chill on the back of their necks and found Mrs. Finch standing behind them.

“Willow. Tara. I’d like to see you in my office.”

Wow, this is a really good scary scene you’ve set up here. Did FInchy see them about to smooch or something????

“So,” Mrs. Finch began, “We are still in the same situation with the regular counselor. Poor girl, it’s been one delay after another. I’ve had a variety of thoughts. Perhaps I could move Cordelia into your cabin as Senior Counselor. Willow, I recall Cordelia mentioning her close friendship with you; so perhaps the two of you could team up.”

Willow gave an inarticulate squeak of horror and Mrs. Finch continued. “Then I could promote you to Senior, Tara, and you could help pull Harmony into line. I think she could use some guidance.”
Tara gasped.

Nooooo, say it aint so Joe, I mean Ariel ;D. At least the Finchmeister seems to have noticed that Harmony isn’t pulling her weight. Perhaps Finchy is a little more perceptive than first thought.

“Or I could just continue with you two as you are. I’m looking for some real teamwork, here. You’ve done a good job filling in, but I’d like to see that old camp spirit shine with you both. What do you say, girls?”

Phew, that was close.

Tara nodded eagerly and pointed to Willow. “J-just like she said!”

More great laugh out loud comedy, how do you come out with so many funny lines?

Mrs. Finch smiled, “Wonderful!” She looked at the girls. “Now what were you saying about the camp show?”

Willow heaved a sigh then pasted a sickly smile on her face.

Tara spoke up, acknowledging defeat, “M-may we have the m-music?”

Mrs. Finch beamed, “Wonderful! Wonderful! I knew you two were interested! Here you go!” She handed them music. “You’re getting top billing! And Willow, your solo will be the highlight of the evening!”

Jeez, pile the torture on poor Willow why don’t ‘ya, giving Willow top billinglike that and then assuming that her song will be the highlight of the evening. Doesn’t Finchy know that to assume anything makes an ass out of u and me ;D. Still I know Willow will come out on top in the end, with the help of Tara of course.

Devola made a gagging noise, “’Lovey’! That’s dumb. I want death and murder and monsters.”

Devola is definitely one of my favourite girls in the cabin, along with Mouse and Veronica, yeah she’s grown on me. I’m surprised Devola hasn’t had a go at smacking Cordelia herself, it seems the gutsy kinda thing she’d do.

I love the way that the girls start to act out different parts of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ as Tara begins to relate the tale to them with everyone getting their opportunity. My guess is that Devola will be allowed to play The Phantom, preferably Lon Chaney senior’s version, but who will Mouse and Victoria play???

I have a little request here, well two actually. 1) Can we have a sequel story to this one please has it has been so much fun to read and it can be hard to find really fun, entertaining stories on the KittenBoard cos it’s so big. Request 2) is can we have Mouse, Devola and Victoria work together on some secret plan because they have to be the best girls in the story, outside of Willow and Tara of course.

Then Willow lay back on her cot and groaned. “I’m all over tummy ache-y badness. I’m the cramp-o-rama ouch girl, here.”

Tara’s face was tender. “W-we’ll call a d-doctor then.” She cleared her throat and stood up stiffly. “I am Dr. Snuggles the f-famous Ache-y Cramp-y doctor. How m-may I assist you?”

Willow blushed, but decided to play along. “Doctor, I have cramps.”

Tara pulled up a chair and sat beside Willow. “I prescribe rub-y therapy.” She laid a warm hand on Willow’s tummy and began gently making circular motions.

Willow sighed into the touch. She felt herself warming a bit and relaxing. “Mmmmm. That feels nice.” She grinned at Tara, “You’re very good, Doctor. You have a wonderful bedside manner.”

Tara blushed, then resumed the doctor’s deep voice, “And the next part of my prescription involves snuggles with my assistant, Tara Maclay. W-will you take the treatment?”

Willow was embarrassed and looked away. “Tara, I feel like I’m wearing a diaper. What if I smell or something?”

Tara smiled reassuringly. “You don’t sm-smell at all, but even if you did, ‘A Rosenberg by any other smell would be as sweet’.” She kissed Willow gently. “C-come to bed, sweetie. I m-miss you.”

This is just such a wonderfully adorable scene with Willow having the rumbly, achey tummy and Dr. Tara on hand with the perfect cure for what ails the gorgeous little redhead, yeah ya got me, I’m a Willow lover. I’m actually starting to get a bit of an achey tummy myself now, wonder if Dr. Snuggles is on call out, I could do with some of that rub’y, snuggles therapy.

I’ve noticed of late that our fave kitchen assistant, Faith, has been missing of late and as far as I know she hasn’t been sacked so where is she????

I noticed in your reply to Laragh that you asked for advice on the talent show. Having recently watched ‘OMWF’, Willow/Alyson doesn’t have that bad a singing voice, so maybe when she’s on stage there is a total turnabout humiliation scene. Willow performs the song, maybe not brilliantly, but at least respectably, while Superbitch and the Mutt Wonder, believing themselves to be perfect at everything, wind up putting on a shabby performance and get booed offstage. Just a thought