Caged Angels

[justin]

ooh an update and I almost missed it.

We're starting to learn a lot more about Tara's past. She certainly didn't seem to have a great childhood. I'm guessing that Donnie killed the horse because he was jealous that it was given to Tara rather than him and decided if he couldn't have it then no one could.

I'm also going to guess that there's a lot more to learn before we find out Tara ended up in that asylum.

From Donald's reaction at the end it seems he's read about Tara's escape from the asylum. If so, now he knows that Donnie doesn't have things under control, is he now going to go to try to find Tara himself?

[WickedReds]

Ooo Evy an update... and Yay im asking the right questions, but i'll sit back and read the story so they can be answered... ..
I really like Willow's approch to getting Tara to talk, specially having to talk about bad things eventually. its nice to go to a nice place before the unplesent...Oh god that was sad.. Donny killed Logan... hes such an asshole... Oh shit lets me guess her dad found out she excaped... not good, not good at all...
Woo Evy great update cant wait for my million questions to be answered...

-reds

[WT214]

Such a great update My parents were watching something and nice mellow music was playing along, seemed perfect, anyway offtopic. Loved the update. Can't wait to find out what happens next.

[SilverWingedNemesis]

Hey there...

Just started reading this fic and I must say it immediatly caught my attention..and held it. that's rare! lol

I can't wait to see where you go with this.. I love the way you've written it out so far... you give us enough detail to question, and possibly come to a couple conclusions of our own, and i love that... you aren't spelling it right out, or leaving nothing to go by.. excellent touch!

keep up the great work and i'm looking forward to more!

*hugs*

Amanda

[Artemis]

It came across 100% just how painful a memory that was for Tara - yikes. But she's sharing and trusting Willow with it, which is promising for her recovery. Then again, I'm pretty certain her most painful memories are still to come. And I wonder how Willow will deal with them when Tara shares them - and when the Maclay clan turns up. Willow's very deeply involved with Tara, as a friend as well as a doctor, I don't think she'll be able to help sharing her pain. When the causes of that pain show up, in whatever manner they do, I wonder how Willow will react - as a doctor protecting her patient, or as a friend personally horrified by what they did to Tara? Interesting. Great work

[Willow~Rosenberg]

Wow. I just read all of the chapters that you have posted and I am entranced by this story. I don't think that I've ever read something along this line, but you have conveyed such a spellbinding story. The characters are multi-dimesional, endearing (well, except for Tara's family), and real. I can totally picture Aly and Amber acting this out, and I am stumbling to find something meaningful to say. The depth of emotion you've captured is amazing and I am honored to read your story.

[stillrunning]

Wow I just read that last chapter...and I've come to a worldchanging conclusion:

DONNY IS AN ASSHOLE!!

That is all. Glad to see Tara opening up. It should clear things up soon I hope.

[irishgrl3]

*Wanted* Hit (Wo)Man to knock off one Donald and Donnie Maclay. Unfortunately with the two Maclay men on the loose Tara will never be safe. She has been through so much and is finally able to discuss some of her past with Willow (the horse story was so tragic). It would be perfectly awful to have her relapse into silence because of her family finding her. I'm so glad you updated and can't wait for the next chapter!
-anna

[grimlock72]

Oh oh.. can smack Donnie over the head now, can we can we caaaaaaan we phuleeeease ???

Willow is smart to let Tara remember the good times as well, though it does make the difference between good and bad times more obvious and painfull . Poor Tara's life must have been hell indeed, that alone would be sufficient reason to close yourself of from the outside world. It doesn't explain however why her father (and use that word merely to indicate a person not nessecarely someone who performed that function well) signed her in.

What is daddy so afraid of, can it help Tara break free or just the opposite? Questions, questions...

Staying in Sunnydale with a docter people know, might also not be the safest option. There is only so much violence (I doubt Donnie knows how to get anything done without it) Willow can shield Tara from, confrontation is best avoided I think. (or if unavoidable taped on several tapes for further evidence, while you're at talk about the horse he abused)

Yeah, not liking Donnie right now... can you tell?
No amount of bad childhood on Donnie's part is going to make me feel sorry, trust me. There is just no excuse for killing a living animal just to hurt your sister, who likely hasn't done anything to hurt you in the first place.

Now I do happen to know there is a room available at the local sanitorium for one MaClay... heh. I think Donnie would feel right at home.

Grimmy

[The Rose24]

Finally! I am glad Willow seems to be making progress with Tara, and I can't wait to hear the rest of Tara's story.

[ophelia11]

Well I have to say after re-reading this story, it is still one of my all-time favorites. You've created this incredible atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. Each chapter is well developed and leaves me eager for the next update. Between Tara's family closing in and Willow's growing involvement in protecting her, I know that some serious drama is on the way.

Now seeing that this hasn't been updated in a VERY long time, I thought it was perhaps time to give you a nudge. I'm sure you have to have a few new pages written and saved somewhere on your computer. Check that folder where you save all the porn.

Seriously though, lady. UPDATE. I must know how the story ends.

[terra21]

After the shout out in"Yesterday's Tomorrow" update, I downloaded this story to my laptop and read it from start to finish again. I'm with Laura...I gotta know how this story ends. Even though W/T love is not in the picture yet and probably won't be for several more chapters, I don't give a flip. This is good writing and it pulls me in and makes me think. I like it. So, update?

[onyxsundrops]

Chapter Fifteen Feedback

Tempest Duer: Yep, you’re the first. Thanks a lot for reading and I’m glad you liked the update.

Wimpy: Pam, hey, thanks for the feedback. Seeing as you owe me a story and I hardly ever update anymore, I think we’re pretty even on the lazy scale. Kidding. I know RL has got you busy these days, so thanks for stopping in.

Taralicious: Blayne, to be honest, I was a little unsure of how the readers would take Willow’s unorthodox methods, so I’m glad to see that it’s working out. As for what Mr. Maclay read in the newspaper, I can’t say but I hope that the next update will give you a tiny hint. Thank you for continuing to read.

Cperrins78: Thanks, Christina. I’m happy knowing that you’re enjoying the mysterious element of the story and I hope you continue to do so.

UhHuh: Thank you for the comments. Some of your questions should be answered soon.

GayNow: Car, I think your feedback is longer than my entire update. I’m always amazed by how many people like this story. I’m sorry that my response won’t be as long as your feedback, but your words were greatly appreciated. Thank you for your wonderful comments, observations, and for taking the time to write out your thoughts on this story.

Tarawhipped: Cam, thanks for dropping by. I decided that I would make Tara’s process of relaying her past, a slow process. Not simply to torture the readers, but to leave room for the plot(s) to catch up. Whatever lingered in Tara’s voice is something you (the readers) will learn soon enough. Thanks again.

Justin: Hey, Justin. Thanks for the comments. You’re right. There is a lot more that needs to be revealed before the reasons behind Tara’s admission into the hospital are exposed. And as you’ve already pointed out, her childhood wasn’t the best. I hope to incorporate more snippets of that before everything is said and done.

WickedReds: Gina, hey. I’m glad you like Willow’s approach for getting Tara to open up a little more. I think it’s safe to say that Willow’s methods as a doctor aren’t that professional, but it’s enough to get the job done. Thanks for stopping in.

WT214: Hi, WT, thank you for the feedback. I’m happy to know that you enjoyed the update.

SilverWingedNemesis: Amanda, glad that you happened to stop by. Thank you for your comments on the story and I hope you continue to enjoy it.

Artemis: Chris, hey. Willow’s eventual response once she learns everything will be interesting… doctor or friend? I agree that her involvement has grown too deep for her to turn away now. So, what next, right? I won’t spill my guts just yet, but you did bring up an interesting point. Thanks for continuing to read.

Willow~Rosenberg: Hi, W~R. That you stopped in to say a few words is meaningful enough. I’m the one who should be honored, especially that so many people are enjoying the layout of the story, even though it can be a bit confusing at times. Thank you for reading.

Stillrunning: SR, thanks for your world changing conclusion, I’m sure that many people agree with you. Thanks for dropping by.

Irishgrl3: Hey, Anna. I’d gladly hire you to knock off the Maclay men, and perhaps a few others. As always, thank you for the feedback and for reading.

Grimlock72: Grimmy, hey, thanks for your response.

What is daddy so afraid of; can it help Tara break free or just the opposite? Questions, questions...

Good question.

TheRose24: Thank you, Rose, for coming in to leave a few words. I hope you continue to read and enjoy.

Ophelia11: Oh! There’s that evil woman that set me up. No, seriously. Hey, woman, thank you for digging this story out and making me write again… despite how long it took (is taking). Serious drama is always on the way when I’m involved, figuratively speaking, of course. And just how would you know where I save all my porn? Have you and the wife been going through my stuff again? Regardless, thanks for your comments and I will be updating sometime this year.

Terra21: Hey, Terra. If I can get/keep my lazy butt in gear, you will certainly know how this story ends. I’m glad you took the time to read and found yourself liking this ‘lil story. Thanks.

Okay, folks, that’s it for replies. Give me a swift kick if I missed anyone. Update coming soon, possibly before the end of the weekend, I just need to tweak a few things.

Yvonne

[onyxsundrops]

Chapter Sixteen


Bad news in the professional world traveled fast, especially when it wasn’t supposed to. Giles’ mind reeled as he took the familiar route to his protégé’s house. When a colleague had informed him of the incident at Pines View, his curiosity prompted him to find out more information as well as the name of the missing patient. When Tara Maclay’s name came up, his suspicions pointed him in Willow’s direction.

A number of emotions coursed through the doctor, but the most prevalent was betrayal. He was quite sure that Willow had heard of the disappearance by now. So, the question was why hadn’t she come to him? Even if she was unaware of the circumstances surrounding Ms. Maclay’s disappearance, he had subconsciously expected her to come to him for advice or to tell him what she knew.

Giles knew that Willow had gone against his will to treat Ms. Maclay even after learning the hospital’s shaky background; he was certain that her passion would not allow her to give up so easily, but he also knew that it was that same intense passion that had led many astray. The last thing he wanted to see was Willow getting in over her head, and he would do just about anything to prevent it from happening. He just hoped that he wasn’t too late.

~

Donald tried not to panic despite his initial reaction. Carefully reading over the article, he continued to ignore his friend’s voice and attempted to get as much as he could from the small article. No specific details had been revealed within the short paragraphs, but enough had been given to spark his interest.

He hung up the telephone and looked over the paper, feeling annoyed. Everything about the news column bothered him. Why wasn’t more information given, and why now? He had worked too hard for everything to fall apart. Getting Tara back would eliminate most of his fears, but he never anticipated this new barrier.

Picking up the receiver again, he rummaged through the papers on his desk until he found a telephone number hidden amongst the crumpled scraps. The other line rang several times before a weary voice answered.

“Paula.” He had to tie up some loose ends before it all unraveled.

~

Somberly, Paula hung up the telephone and stared at the receiver. Of all the people, Donald was the last person she expected to hear from, especially when it concerned their daughter. She continued staring at the telephone as she remembered his words.

Donald had been hesitant when he spoke. She didn’t want me to tell you. He had said as he recounted his last meeting with Nadia and the young woman’s plan to move north to Canada.

After a brief pause, he had gone on about their short conversation.

I can’t tell you how much this has been destroying me over the years, but I… I needed to finally let it go. I never wanted to hurt you, Paula. Please forgive me, I know this is not how you wanted to find out… she was always a wicked child… you did the best you could for her.

As his last words continued to race through her mind, Paula left her chair and walked toward the series of pictures above her fireplace. Why had Donald come forward about Nadia now after so many years of silence? Was this it? Was it over? Was it time she ended her search now that she knew? Now that her worst fears had been confirmed?

~

Robin peeked into her roommate’s bedroom and lightly tapped on the door. “Are you too busy for coffee?” She asked, smiling as she revealed two coffee mugs.

“How can I be too busy for coffee?” Willow asked and pushed back from her desk. She had been updating her notebook, but was glad for the interruption.

“Okay, how about coffee and conversation,” Robin said as she handed Willow a mug and sat down on the bed across from the redhead.

“Nope, I’m never too busy.” Willow leaned back into her chair and faced her friend, “What’s up?”

“How are you holding up?” Robin asked, pulling up her legs and folding them on the bed. After Willow’s session with Tara yesterday, she had been a little worried when she noticed the sadness on her friend’s face before Willow went to bed.

“I’m okay,” Willow answered, although visibly unsure. She gave a tiny sigh and rubbed her forehead. “There is so much more that has to be done, but I think I’m starting to get through a little more.”

“Trust never comes easy,” Robin said, briefly glancing toward the hallway as she sat her mug on the floor. “We both know that you’re doing the best that you can and when the time goes, it’ll all be worth it.”

Willow nodded, placing her cup on the desk. “I know.” After a short pause, she went on. “I can see that she’s been hurt so much, and I don’t want to push her or make any mistakes.”

“You’ll do fine… you’re doing fine,” Robin said, reassuringly.

“You know, for once I would like you to tell me what a horrible job I’m doing,” Willow said, smiling as she joked with her friend.

Robin rose from the bed when she heard the telephone ring, “Trust me, when the time comes, I’ll be the first to let you know.” She grabbed her mug from the floor. “Are you taking calls?”

“Yeah,” Willow said, nodding. Once Robin had left, she went back to her work, jotting down thoughts when they came to her and oblivious to the footsteps that paused and then continued passed her doorway.

Tara heard Robin’s voice as she descended the steps and approached the foyer. She had been hesitant about disturbing either of the women, especially during something as ordinary as getting a glass of water. As quietly as she could, Tara rounded the corner and walked into the kitchen.

“Please tell me you have something for me,” Robin said, speaking into the telephone with her back toward the steps.

Her friend, Daniel, sighed before speaking, “I’ve checked around, done some digging, but it all leads to the same conclusion. She simply disappeared. No records, parking tickets, or anything that would suggest she has settled in another town, have been found.”

“How can there not be a single bread trail?” Robin asked, clearly frustrated. Tara stopped at the entranceway into the dining room when she heard the agitated lawyer’s voice.

“It’s easier to disappear than you think, Robin. People do it everyday and they are often never found unless someone is looking for them or they want to be found.” Daniel finished, sharing the young woman’s frustration. Without enough information to go on, he knew that it would be next to impossible to find any solid leads on a woman whom had been missing for so long. He was a cop, but even cops had their limitations.

“Dan,” Robin paused, fearing her next words but she knew that the same question was lurking in her friend’s mind. “Do you think something happened to her?”

On her way back from the kitchen, Tara paused inches from the stairs. Eavesdropping on the lawyer’s private conversation was wrong, and she knew it. Whatever was going on had nothing to do with her, right? Tara frowned. Who were they looking for? Deciding that she had heard enough, the blonde quietly made her way back upstairs.

She once again paused before reaching Willow’s door and thought about whether or not she should interrupt her. The doctor had done so much for her, the least she could do was say “hello.” Hesitantly, she knocked on the door and smiled when Willow looked up from her work.

“’Morning,” Willow said as she closed her notebook and stood up. “How are you feeling?” She gestured for Tara to enter.

“Good,” Tara said, a half smile on her lips as she stepped into the room. She glanced at the assorted papers and books scattered across Willow’s desk, “Am I b-bothering you?”

“No,” Willow said, shaking her head, “I could use a break. Did you want to talk?” She asked, a bit excited by the fact that Tara had come to her.

Did she want to talk?

“It can be about anything, it doesn’t have to be about the past. We can talk about pancakes if you want, which, actually, kind of makes me hungry.” Willow bit her lip, her cheeks growing red.

Tara chuckled, appreciating the doctor’s ability to make her laugh. It felt strange after so long, but she liked it.

Downstairs, Robin hung up the telephone, disappointed. She felt helpless and yet she knew that there wasn’t much she could do. How do you find someone who doesn’t want to be found? You wait. A short series of knocks on the front door interrupted her reverie.

Giles prepared to knock again but stopped short when the door swung open.

“Giles,” Robin whispered, surprised by the doctor’s presence. She quickly glanced back toward the steps before addressing the older man. “Is everything all right? Willow’s-.”

“Is she here?” Giles asked, abruptly, having followed Robin’s quick look into the foyer.

“Oh, yes… yes, she is,” Robin said, studying Giles’ face. Something was wrong. “Giles, what’s going on? Is it Olivia?”

Giles shook his head, quickly dispelling the younger woman’s fear. “I need to speak to Willow about a professional matter. I believe she…,” he trailed off upon noticing the two figures coming down the stairs.

Willow froze on the staircase, barely moving when Tara accidentally bumped into her.

“Willow, what have you done?”

[Willow~Rosenberg]

Uh oh. This can't be good for Willow, even if it is just Giles. I like that WIllow was able to get Tara to laugh after the traumatic experiences she has undergone. I just hope Willow can persuade Giles to help her rather than get her in more trouble.

[The Rose24]

Phew! I hope everything turns out okay for Willow, and I hope Tara doesn't withdraw again. Willow is finally starting to make progress.

[irishgrl3]

Wow, what bad timing Giles had. I hope Willow can convince him what she's doing is for Tara's best interest because it would be awful for Tara to have go back to that place.

I like that there is some converasation between W & T even if it is small. I loved this part;

Tara chuckled, appreciating the doctor’s ability to make her laugh. It felt strange after so long, but she liked it.

So glad you've updated, this is such a suspenseful, edge of your seat sort of fic. What a great storyline you've created.
-anna

[UhHuh]

What is Donald hiding? In the beginning I thought he was only trying to protect his involvement with Tara and the hospital but there's more that we don't know about him. That phone call was just creepy and so out of the blue that I think it's worse than we think. And Giles showing up now makes everything worse. Awesome update and it's great you started writing again.

UhHuh

[taralicious]

For Giles's pointed question to Willow, I think Angel said it best after taking command of Wolfram & Hart. "Oh, there's no way this can end well."
As for what Donald may be hiding, the same holds true.
All of the players are moving inexorably towards some sort of showdown and it's only a matter of time before their paths intersect and no one will emerge unscathed.

[spells42]

OS Hi!
I remember reading this story earlier this year, and I'm glad to see an update. I did a quick re-read to refresh my memory.

The idea of Tara being shut away in an institution for so long, of being so lost, is awful. Of course Willow found her, and Willow helped her, but Tara helped herself first (by escaping). I wonder what was the catalyst for that and if it's significant to the story. Was it that Willow visited her, or perhaps Tara knew something was due to happen on a certain date? It does seem rather coincidental that Tara's father should send Donnie for her at about the same time.

Now Tara's safe, opening up to Willow, and recalling more of her past. Will she remember what led to her being committed in the first place? Will Giles help or hinder? Mmmmmm.. More, please.

[onyxsundrops]

Chapter Sixteen Feedback

Willow~Rosenberg: W~R, hey. Thanks for the feedback; I am glad you liked it. And no, it can’t be good that Giles showed up at such an expected moment…

TheRose24: Hey, TR, thank you for the comments. Hopefully Giles’ presence won’t hinder Tara’s progress.

Irishgrl3: Anna, hey. I’m glad you liked the little W/T snippet. And yeah, let’s hope Willow can convince Giles that she’s doing the right thing. Thanks for reading.

UhHuh: Hey, UH. What is Donald hiding?... hopefully you’ll stay around to find out. Thanks for reading.

Taralicious: Blayne, hey. Thank you for the comments. I think you’re right and that no matter what happens, nobody will escape unscathed.

Spells42: Hey, S42. I’m glad you came back to finish reading. You ask a lot of good questions and I hope you stick around for the answers.


Yvonne

[Artemis]

Oh, nuts... this must seem like absolute confirmation, to Giles, of his feelings of betrayal at Willow not keeping in touch with him - and his worry at her getting in over her head. But will Willow be able to convince him that she had to do what she did? I mean, she did get too involved, in terms of being a doctor, but the situation is hardly normal - it's pretty plain that Tara needed more help than the ailing system could give her. But with Giles worried first and foremost for Willow, and perhaps at the same time annoyed with her and not necessarily wholly listening to her, I wonder if she'll be able to make him see that.

I like that Willow makes Tara laugh. It's a simple thing, but it's such an alive thing for her to do - I can't imagine the dull-eyed Tara from the beginning of this story chuckling.

[FineyMcFine]

Upon an extremely passionate recommendation from Carleen, I read Caged Angels on Looking-glass, and I was (and still am) hooked! This is so suspenseful. I love the tangled web and finding out bits and pieces of Tara's past - much like Willow is doing, we are sort of paralleling her pace of discovery because we're not getting a ton of glimpse into Tara's private thoughts.

Giles will for sure think Willow has committed some kind of infraction (which I suppose she has, technically). I hope she'll be able to convince him before he reports her or turns her in.

Enjoying this very much!

[terra21]

I am so bad. I am the worst. I beg for a feedback and when I get one, I gobble it up and leave you with nothing. I'm sorry, please forgive me? Now to kiss axx...

Oh dear, please don't let Giles turn Willow in! She had to do it, she just had to! I hope this doesn't put a wedge in their professional friendship. He'd do it in a heartbeat if that were Jenny Calendar sitting up in the Psychc Ward.

Loved, loved, loved Willow making Tara laugh. Sometimes its the smallest things that make us feel in touch with the world again when we're "out of it" so to speak.

Glad you're keeping up the suspense, I can't wait to see how this story unfolds.

t

[onyxsundrops]

Artemis: Hey, Chris. I’m not finished with the Giles/Willow situation, but here’s a small update. Thanks for staying with the story.

SallyMcFine: Hey, thank you for taking Car up on her recommendation. I’m really glad to know that you’re enjoying the story and thank you for stopping by to leave a few words.

Terra21: Howdy, T, no worries, I’m satisfied just knowing that people are still reading. Thanks for the comments and for reading.


Chapter Seventeen


Once Robin had been convinced that Tara would be all right upstairs alone, she debated on whether or not she should join the others in the kitchen. Giles’ appearance, to say the least, had been a surprise to both women; his knowledge, albeit little, of Miss Maclay’s disappearance was even more unexpected. All though Robin knew that the ramifications of their decision to personally care for Tara could be costly, she never anticipated that they would have to deal with the consequences so soon.

Tara’s progress was now beginning to show more and even though Robin’s search had so far been fruitless, there was a lot more that could and needed to be done. Hearing her name being spoken in the kitchen, the attorney decided to join the heated conversation.

“… have any idea what kind of risk both of you are taking by keeping Miss Maclay here? Not only will there be legal consequences, but professional as well? What if the authorities were to learn of this?” Giles frowned, focusing his attention on Robin when she entered the kitchen. “Did you even bother to think about and explain the full legal aspects before you agreed to this?”

The lawyer’s brief glance toward Willow answered Giles’ question. The eldest doctor rubbed the bridge of his nose, obviously frustrated.

“Giles, there’s more to this than just a missing patient,” Willow said, attempting to keep her voice low. She had no desire for Tara to overhear them. The young doctor had grown tired of having to defend her decisions, however unorthodox they might seem, but she knew that it was quite possibly the only way to persuade Giles.

Unsure of how much she should reveal about what they’ve learned in recent days, Willow took a quick look toward Robin. She was aware that the facts were choppy and that without concrete information, her beliefs were mere hearsay. The one thing Willow was sure of was that there was more to Tara’s story and that somehow it went beyond Pines View.

“That is not for either of you to decide,” Giles said, unconscious of Willow’s inner thoughts. “The matter at hand is that you’ve willingly taken in this young woman. A fugitive.”

“Fugitive? Giles, she runaway from a hospital not a prison,” Robin countered. She understood Giles’ use of the term, but felt it was unfairly used to describe Tara’s situation.

“Yes, a hospital where she was receiving proper care. There’s no telling how this will and has influenced her mental state.”

“As compared to being locked up in a padded cell?” Willow said, agitated. “Giles, she has shown more progress in a week than any of her files ever indicated.”

“So what do you suggest, Willow? That every psychologist take their patient home with them?” Giles asked, still attempting to make Willow see what she had done. “This is not a game. You are influencing a person’s mind and body, you cannot decide if they will be better off in a non established environment such as this.”

Robin continued to listen, conflicted as she heard both arguments; her thoughts and opinions laying somewhere in the middle.

“You once told me to be careful of whom I trust.” Willow said, reminding her mentor of an earlier conversation. “Can you honestly say that she would be better at Pines View?”

Giles was silent as he remembered their previous discussion. He, along with several of his close colleagues, had heard the rumors about the mistreated patients and dodgy drug polices at Pines View, but what could he do that had not already been attempted?

~

Without straining to listen, Tara could hear the muffled voices coming from downstairs. It was clear that the man who had shown up at Willow’s door had been angry, and she suspected that it had something to do with her.

Willow was risking everything to help her. Was she a burden? Should she not have left the hospital? All though her decision to leave had been planned, Tara couldn’t help wondering if she would’ve been better off staying put. The thought made her shiver.

She hated Pines View. But, most of all, she had hated the drugs. The tiny tablets they constantly fed her had made her brain clouded and slow, useless. She had long since learned how to forget. How to push every unwanted thought into the back of her mind until it no longer existed. But the drugs… they made her remember. Other than the slow ‘normal’ thoughts, only images of long-ago had been left to fill the void.

Tara snapped out of her reverie, reluctant to think about the past. Willow had already begun to tug on the chain of those stored feelings and thoughts that were so well hidden, and Tara knew that the time would one day come when she would have to let go. But she was safe now and history didn’t matter. She tried her best to ignore the tiny sensation of doubt.

~

The atmosphere of the kitchen had grown quiet.

“Giles,” Willow began, interrupting the silence, “you have to trust me on this.” Giles’ shoulders slumped as he leaned against the kitchen counter, shaking his head.

“I don’t know if I can, Willow.” He straightened up, massaging the tension from his forehead. “You don’t understand what you’re doing.”

“Nothing ever goes by the book, Giles. I know that I have a chance to help her and I am going to.”

Robin couldn’t hold her tiny smile of support when Willow’s resolve set it. She caught Giles’ sideway glance and confirmed her decision with a nod.

Sighing, Giles did the only thing he could do. He gave up. “I’m sorry, Willow, but I’m afraid you’re on your own this time,” sympathy flickered briefly in his eyes as he left the kitchen. A moment later, they heard the door close.

“What do you think he’ll do?” Robin asked, pulling her eyes away from the direction of the front door to look across to Willow.

“I don’t know,” Willow whispered, continuing to stare at the empty space where Giles had just been.

How much further would she go to do what she felt was right?

~

Donnie was livid. Hours of searching had once again turned up unsuccessful. Even if Tara was alive and still in the city, they were never going to find her. He avoided calling his father even though his cousin had insisted several times. What good would it do? Donnie already hated his dad for sending him on a stupid trip to bring home his crazy sister. He could just imagine the fury and disapproval in his father’s voice if he was to call.

The nervous young man had gone over numerous excuses in his head, but each one was more ridiculous than the one before. Of all the things running through his mind, he still couldn’t figure out how Tara managed to get away. The hospital hadn’t been too forthcoming with the details of her disappearance, but Donnie guessed that they were just as clueless.

He had been gone the weeks before, but remembered the days prior to his sister being sent to the institution and allowed himself a small, satisfied grin. They were right to take her there. She had been mute for days; any doctor could see that she wasn’t quite right. Her hotshot doctor had mumbled over some paperwork, but didn't give Tara a second look before issuing the papers. She was one problem out of the way and no one cared about the why’s or how’s.

~

[AlysonGoddess]

OMG! I cant believe i havnt read this story before i absolutely am in love with it!!!!!! Poor Tara I hope donnie gets what he deserves Oh and by the way I like your picture..Rachel Weisz is Hott!!!! PLease update soon!!!

Peace Out
ERIN

[spells42]

Yvonne
Enjoyed the update. I hope that Giles isn't going to tell anyone where Tara is. Tara is becoming rational again, and even able to acknowledge her need to discuss her troubling memories. Don't want to waste that progress.

So many threads to this story. I can't begin to imagine how they all fit together, but I'm intrigued. I'm also enjoying the burgeoning connection between W & T.

Thanks
Anne

[taralicious]

Evy,
Another short but effective update providing us with a few morsels of color against the mostly blue sky pieces in this jigsaw puzzle of Tara's life that we're all working on.
Giles is ever the authoritarian figure quoting rules and regulations but will come around and do the right thing even if it means not doing the right thing.
He's heard enough rumours about Pine View to make abetting Willow in treating Tara on her own the laudable decision.
Donnie will get what's coming to him as not all sins go unpunished in this lifetime.

[UhHuh]

I'm a dummy. I deleted my post instead of editing it. Now I cannot even remember what I said.

I was thrilled to see that you updated twice this month and I hope that you continue to update rapidly. I know that I'll be here to read each word. Tara is getting more and more lucid each chapter and though I wondered if she was crazy to begin with, I'm now thinking that she somehow knows how to turn it off and on. Or maybe she only allows herself small amounts of clarity. Why was she mute before being sent away? I have the bad feeling that her dad had something to do with it. And Donnie makes me hate him more and more each chapter he's in. Awesome update.-- UhHuh

[FineyMcFine]

Giles, Giles, Giles. You're not Switzerland here. There are some seriously bad people, or at least bad doctors, involved in this and you KNOW that Tara wasn't getting the kind of care she needed. So Willow did something unorthodox in taking Tara home with her - give her a break, Tara is hot! I mean, seriously disturbed and needs help.

Anyway, when the crapola starts to hit the fan, if you're neutral, then you're not helping those who need help, and thus abetting the bad guys. Morals and ethics cut both ways, Rupert. Don't report Willow to the police, at the very least. I leave you to your conscience.