The Right Decision

[kindagay]

Title - The Right Decision

Author - Kindagay (Jeanne)

Disclaimer - I own nothing (except any origional characters). Please don't sue, I'm a poor student

Rating - pretty much suitable for anyone right now, there will be NC-17 scenes later on, but I'll give appropriate warnings when they come up.

Feedback - is good for the soul. Any comments/opinions are welcome & appreciated

Summary - Actually, the openning paragraph should summarise it quite nicely, but here's a little summary anyway. Willow chose Oz at the end of NMR, it's now 8 years later & Tara re-enters Willow's life.

Note - For the purpose of this fic I have assumed that Willow & Tara were in an intimate physical relationship before NMR.



I want to say a HUGE thank you to my baby who provides much help & support throughout the creation of this fic. I love you sweetheart



_______________________________________________________________________



Eight years ago…



“Tara I have to tell you…”



… she made a decision.



“I do love you, but, I have to choose Oz. I’m so sorry and I only hope that one day you’ll forgive me.”



Now, she has the chance to make it right.



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



“I’m flying all the way to Australia.” A small auburn-haired girl squealed delightedly as she zoomed around the park with her arms outstretched.

“Well, I’m gonna fly to India.” An identical girl called out as she swept past her sister.

“Why don’t you two fly all the way to the swings and play with your little cousin?” An attractive redhead in her late mid-twenties suggested to the youngsters. Two pairs of identical hazel eyes communicated silently with one another before the girls raced over to the swings giggling all the way.



“Do you remember ever having that much energy?” The redhead enquired of her best friend.

“More importantly, do you remember ever being that carefree?” The brown eyed male replied with his own question.

“It’s such a shame that they have to grow up and face all the problems and responsibilities of adulthood.”

“They’re only five Will; they have years left before they have to be responsible and mature.”

“Or, if they’re anything like you, Xander Harris, they won’t ever be mature.”

“Hey! I’m offended by that comment; I’ve grown up a lot in recent years.”

“Okay, I can’t argue with that, you’ve definitely matured and become somewhat responsible since Ryan was born.”

“Fatherhood will have that effect on a man.”

“Unfortunately, not on every man.”

“Oz is an idiot; he doesn’t know a good thing when he has it. Only a complete ass could ever walk out on you and those beautiful girls of yours.”

“I agree, but enough about that, it’s all in the past and, in hindsight, it was a good thing that he left.”

“Right, ‘cos if he hadn’t left, you wouldn’t have finally accepted and admitted the truth; that girls are much more fun to date, and be naughty with, than guys.” An impish grin accompanied this comment.

“Xand, I’ve been raising twin girls on my own for the past four and a half years, I really don’t have much time for the naughty stuff, or even the dating for that matter.”

“Well then, we’re just gonna have to get you back into the dating game aren’t we? Oh, there’s a cute brunette at work…”

“Uhm, no offence Xander, but, considering your choice in women, I’d much prefer it if you didn’t set me up. With anyone. Ever.”

“I’m pretty certain she’s not a demon. The offer’s there if you change your mind.”

“Thanks, but I’m not really interested in the whole, dating game. It’s too complicated with Lydie and Jules.”



_____________________________________________________________________________



Okay I know there's not much to it just yet but, do you like it?

Oh, and don't worry, Tara will be in the next part



Hugs

Jeanne

----------



Tara: “Let me guess – you want me to lie on your lap while you feed me grapes, but my sweet, shy, precious, honey you’ve been too shy to ask – yes?” - GROWW by WannaFriendsBe

Edited by: maudmac  at: 8/7/04 9:39 pm

[willohand]

well i think im going to have to say that the start has my attention. oz left willow? well now seeing how he supposedly loved her so much... i think it was a way for him to not let them be together.im sensing some dirty plot by the oz man.he came back found out about tara,willow is forced to choose and now that he has her he leaves. bad oz bad oz.

but willow is now single and hopefully tara will be too. ray

[amazonaa]

I'm liking this story so far. And poor Willow having stupid ediot Oz walk out on her.





Well great job so far. please continue.







brittney







~Kiss this axe, bitch!---Tara "Bargaining paer 2"~

[WannaFriendsBe]

Hey Jeanne!



Give me a heart attack why don't you!!!

Quote:

---

Summary - Actually, the openning paragraph should summarise it quite nicely, but here's a little summary anyway. Willow chose Oz at the end of NMR, it's now 8 years later & Tara re-enters Willow's life.

---

Willow chose Oz???? Willow chose Oz????!!!!!!



OMG!! You have gotta be kidding me right? You've so got my attention!! - Do you know I haven't even read the update yet.... BUT when I read that line of summary, it did something to my brain and heart - the words palpitations, skipping a beat, panicked disbelief - come to mind !!



But don't worry I do trust you to fix me back to normal, er... um I mean fix things for our darling girls.



Yep indeedy you have so got my attention (I'm worried for my health at the moment though lol - because like I said I've not even read it yet and my mind is already buzzing endlessly with a mantra that says "please tell me Willow realised her mistake and has NOT been with Oz for ALL of the 8 years" OMG! my brain is gonna implode....!!)



Okay *deep breaths*, *deep breaths* - ah that's better, Okay I'm off to read it now armed with my trust in you.



Please check back soon to read my feedback on the update.



WFB



P/S - You're a sneaky fic writer aren't you? - you ask me to update my own fic alla time(thanks 4 that btw & I'll oblige asap) - BUT you never gave a hint you have a new fic in the works!! Heart attacks aside, I'm so glad you do though

[WannaFriendsBe]

Hi Jeanne



Yeah, so I'm back with feedback - and the first thing that comes to mind is a huge Where are the smelling salts? - I seem to have come over all faint....



Oz left Willow? He left her? He left a gorgeous redhead and two equally gorgeous little girls? What a moron!



Also Willow, Willow - what shall we do with you Willow?



Um Jeanne, are you sure there wasn't a brainwashing demon in Sunnydale 8 yrs ago - one that brainwashed Willow? I mean in your summary you say that Willow and Tara were even in a physical relationship before 'Oz-moron' came back... which implies that Willow and Tara were surely very close and begs the question of how on earth Willow could have hurt Tara that way.



Poor poor Tara - I see MAJOR angst ahead!!! - man this is so tough. I find myself so mad at Willow now and though I hate to say it I'm thinking Tara would be justified in not making any reconciliation easy for her..... but I guess I shouldn't jump to too many conclusions or get ahead of the story - I put all trust in you that you'll fix things satisfactorily even though I can almost taste the angst awaiting.



BTW - is this gonna be a long fic?



Whatever the case - please continue very soon - I am dying to read more!!



As you know - I lurk mostly, but I assure you I'll be reading (and I'm sure loving) all your updates even if I don't leave feedback.



Okay I'll shut up now.



Keep up the great work.



WFB

[musicmad10]

hi. This sounds like a cute story already. She has 2 little girls and well no oz what a suprise, huh? Well hopefully she meets with Tara again and they can both be mummies!? please?



Well whatever happens, keep going it sounds good!



Luv Hannah

[shuyaku]

OMG, are you trying to kill us?



I know I mentioned in one of your fics awhile back that you are one of a few authors on my must read list. I'm trying to not add any fics to my read list until some actually end, but must read is must read and so here I am - sigh.



To Oz, I say and again.



To Willow, I say were you thinking!



And just for the sake of my sanity, I want to clarify a few things. It's 8 years later, the twins are 5 years old and Oz left when they were babies (6 months old). So that means Willow and Oz were together for 3 1/2 years? Just checking...



Since I MUST read, you MUST write. More. Soon. Very Soon!

-shuyaku

Oh God, Willow—you’re giving me the gift of Karen Carpenter. Just when I think I grasp the full extent of your love." - Tara

"Why do birds suddenly appear? It’s because, you are queer…" - Willow (Gods Served and Abandoned by AntigoneUnbound)

[sam darls]

OOh, ok..you got my attention..hehe..and she left Tara for Oz..huh?!! Love sam xx

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

[willowsgirl]

You have my attention too! I love the way that even in quite a short update, we learned so much as readers. And Im loving what Ive learned! I cant wait for more, and Im eagerly waiting for a certain cute girlie to walk into Willow life



Stace xx

"You're the only one I'd be with til the end- When I come undone, you bring me back again- Back under the stars, back into your arms" 'Fall to pieces' by Avril

[WickedReds]

*ears perk up* Oooo sounds intersting... update soon...



-reds

[Axel Avalon]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

She chose Oz? Hmmm

I don't see many fics that go this route.

I must say, I am curious as to where this is going.

And Willow had twins. How Awesome is that?

Can't wait for more dude keep it up.

----------- I don't believe in love, I believe in fucking. It's honest and efficient. You get in and out with a maximum amount of pleasure and the minimum amount of bullshit...- Brian Kinney (Queer As Folk)

[MissKittys Ball O Yarn]

Oh yay! I love this fic so far....And twins huh?? Double Trouble! I can't wait for Tara to make an appearance...it will be interesting to see what Tara would have done with her life if Willow had chosen Oz at the end of NMR. But...*clearing throat* they will be getting back together right?? right??? RIGHT??? (Okay...now that that's out of my system) UPDATE SOON! <-------he's cute





xoxo

Emms

The people I'm furious with are the womens's liberationists. They keep getting up on soapboxes and proclaiming women are brighter than men. That's true, but it should be kept quiet or it ruins the whole racket.----



Anita Loos

[Mikaelah Braenna]

I have to agree with shuyaku... what in the hell was Willow thinking?! So, Oz left her when the twins were little. He definitely has no idea what he had.

But now, she can be where she belongs... with Tara. More soon please!



~Mikaelah

That'll teach me to challenge her. ~Tara ... ~Something New by Ophelia11

Edited by: Mikaelah Braenna  at: 7/28/04 8:12 pm

[na71684]

very good start. i cant wait to hear whatts gonna happen next.

[sharleen711]

Hey ! This first part was so short !!!!!! Too short, i want more because it's very good...

~ Sharleen ~

[kindagay]

:Wow, look at all those replies. So this is what it's like to feel popular - I like it.

Thank you so much to everyone who left feedback, your kind words are very much appreciated.



willohand: Hey baby Thanks so much for your feeback. You're so sweet pretending like you haven't already read the next, how many, parts? just so that you don't spoil it for all the other kittens.

Yep, very bad Oz. But now Willow is all single & free to date any blonde goddesses that she might happen to meet in the not too distant future.

Love you sweetie



Amazonaa: Glad you're liking this already, even after such a short opening.

Oh yeah, much not liking of stupid idiot Oz.

Continue? I intend to



WFB: Hey My goodness, you left feedback to my summary!?! Has that ever happened before?

I'm honored that you de-lurked twice for one teeny beginning of my fic. Uhm, sorry about the heart attack & the making you feel feint. You have my word that I will fix things for our darling girls.

Yep, 'Oz-moron' (hee hee, I like that, I might have to pinch it & use it later on in the fic) left Willow & their two little girls. Doesn't it just make you want to go ?

A brainwashing demon? Interesting idea. That would explain Willow's actions, but, no, I don't think there was one in Sunnydale 8 years ago.

MAJOR angst? I'm not so good at writing the angst, I promise to keep it to a minimum.

& yes, I think this fic is going to be quite long, so, get ready for a long journey.



musicmad10: 2 little girls & no Oz, that's about right yeah. You want her to meet Tara again? Really? Then I definitely think you will enjoy this fic.



Shuyaku: Ah yes, it was you that told me I'm on your must read list. I'm still flattered by that by the way, thank you. I apologise for making you HAVE to read this fic, but, I'm very glad that it's on your reading list.

was Willow thinking? Good question . :: shrugs :: I just thought it'd be an interesting idea for a fic.

&, in the interest of saving your sanity, yes that is correct, Willow was with Oz for 3 & half years.

I can assure you that there is much writing going on & updates should be quite frequent.



Sam: I have your attention? Good good, lets hope I can keep it. Thanks for the feedback.



Willowsgirl: Yipes. I have all this attention, it's kinda scary

I'm glad you think that I fit lots of info into that little opening update, & I'm really glad that you loved what you learned.

A cute girlie? A cute, blonde, wiccan girlie perhaps?



WickedReds: ::Wonders why you needed your ear to read the fic::

I hope you continue to find it interesting. Thanks for the feedback.



Axel Avalon: I admit, it is rather a risky route to take, but hopefully I can pull it off. ::crosses fingers::

I know, twin mini-Willows - very awesome!



MissKittys Ball O Yarn: Twins yeah, double the fun!

Tara's appearance will be in the next update, so you don't have to wait long.

What would Tara have done with her life if Willow had chosen Oz? I should really figure that one out shouldn't I?

They have to get back together? I don't know, it's been 8 years... "There's just so much to work through. Trust has to build again, on both sides...you have to learn if... if we're even the same people we were, if you can fit in each other's lives, it's a long and important process and ...can we just skip it?" ....Hmm, skip it? Skip it & be kissing? .....Maybe



Mikaelah: I think the consensus of opinion is that Oz is an idiot & indeed did not know how good he had it.

Yes, Willow made a mistake in chosing Oz, but now she can make it right.



na71684: Thanks for reading, glad you're enjoying it so far.



Sharleen: Ooops, that was too short? Sorry, I'll make the next one a bit longer. Glad you like it so far, more coming soon.



Okay lovely kittens, I'll get an update up soon.



Hugs

Jeanne

----------



Tara: “Let me guess – you want me to lie on your lap while you feed me grapes, but my sweet, shy, precious, honey you’ve been too shy to ask – yes?” - GROWW by WannaFriendsBe

[Irishgrl3]

Great story so far, can't wait to read more! And Oz is gone for good right? I mean walking out on Willow twice? The first time she let him back in her life 8 years ago was obviously a big mistake and now it time to move on to better things... like Tara. Love the fact Willow had twins, how cute.

[kindagay]

Hi Kittens ,



Just a quick reply then an update



irishgrl3: I agree, time for Willow to move on to better things. Thanks for the feedback.



Okay, now an update, hope you enjoy (it's a little bit longer than the first part)



____________________________________________________________________________



“Ryan! Ryan!” Lydia and Julia Rosenberg called in unison to their three year old cousin as they raced towards the swings where the young boy was playing.

“Push me.” The boy requested, a frustrated pout playing on his face from trying to get the swing to work for the past two minutes.

The twins walked round behind Ryan and, as one, they gave him a forceful push that set the little boys’ swing in motion.

“Whhheeeeeeee!” Ryan giggled happily as he flew back and forth, with Lydia and Julia taking it in turns to make sure the swing didn’t slow down.



“Ryan, do you wanna play chase? You can be it first.” Julia, having gotten bored of pushing the swing suggested a new game for the three of them to play.

“Okay, stop me please.”

The twins stopped pushing and waited for the swing to slow down a little, then they grabbed the chains and held it completely still as Ryan slipped down to the ground.

“Are you ready Ry? Remember you need to count to ten before you can chase after us.”

And with that the two girls ran as fast as they could to the large field near the playground, leaving a bewildered Ryan trying to remember what number came after five.



The twins laughed and shouted as they ran, not really paying attention to where they were running. Looking behind them they realised that their little cousin was heading in their direction and decided to separate. Lydia ran off towards the picnic tables while Julia headed in the direction of the basketball courts. Guessing that he probably had more chance of catching Jules, Ryan set off in pursuit of the eldest twin, leaving Lydia to weave herself around the maze of wooden benches.



With all the available seating Lydie didn’t expect anyone to be sat out on the ground, which is why she tripped over the pretty blonde woman who’d been quietly reading on a red blanket near a large oak tree.



“Owie.” The youngster muttered reaching down to rub her left ankle.

“Oh sweetie, are you okay?” The woman asked focusing kind blue eyes on the child in front of her.

“I hurt my foot.” The young redhead explained, desperately trying not to cry in front of the stranger.

“Can I have a look?” The woman asked; concern evident in her voice.



Lydia looked at the blonde for a short time. After determining that the lady looked very nice and kind the little redhead simply nodded and moved her hands to let the grown up see her ankle. Soft hands slowly, gently removed one small purple sneaker and rolled down Lydia’s white ankle sock. The little girl took a sharp intake of breath as she caught sight of her, slightly bigger than usual, bruised ankle.

“It’s a little swollen; you must have twisted it as you fell.” The kind blonde explained before resting her palm above the bruised area and closing her eyes. A warm, tingly sensation ran through Lydia’s ankle and suddenly it didn’t hurt so much.



“There, does that feel better?” The woman asked as she once again inspected the injury.

Lydia looked down and saw that there was nothing but a small feint bruise left as evidence of her fall. Amazed hazel eyes stared awe-struck into twinkling blue ones before the little girl let out an almost silent “Wow!” The woman chuckled softly at the youngster’s reaction and Lydia knew that it was the prettiest sound she had ever heard in her life.

“Are, are you a fairy?” The little girl asked quietly, as if she were sharing a secret.

“No honey, I just know a bit of magic.”

“My mommy can do magic, but, but she doesn’t make my owies better like you did.”

“I’m sure she makes your owies better in her own, special way.”

“Yep, she kisses them away, then gives us a candy.”

“Well, I don’t have any candies, so, you’re gonna have to run back to your mommy for one of those.” The blonde smiled kindly.

“No, I’m okay now. Can I sit and talk to you for a little while please? Oh no, wait, I’m not allowed to talk to strangers, and I’m supposed to be playing chase with Jules and Ryan. Oh, they know where I am, they can come get me if they want me to play. But then I’m still talking to a stranger, which is bad, so I should find out your name. Oh, and tell you my name because otherwise you’ll be talking to a stranger too. Are grown ups allowed to talk to strangers?”

When the musical sound of the blonde’s laughter once again filled the air Lydia stopped talking and blushed furiously.

“Sorry, I, I get that off my mommy. Julia usually shuts me up when I start to babble.”

“Oh, I like the babble. I’m sorry honey, I, I wasn’t laughing at you. You just reminded me of someone I used to know is all. And I don’t want you getting into trouble for talking to a stranger, so, I’m Tara.” The blonde introduced herself, as she marvelled at how much like Willow this little girl was, both in appearance and character.

“Oh, that’s a very pretty name, my name is Lydia Danielle Rosenberg and I’m five years old.” The little girl replied politely, just like her mommy had taught her.

“Rosenberg?” Tara’s heart momentarily stopped as this little, babbling, red-headed girl spoke the name that was engraved on her heart.

“Yes, Rosenberg, that’s my mommy’s name. She changed our names to be the same as hers when daddy left, but, I don’t remember that because we were only tiny when that happened. Oh, we is me and Julia, Jules is my twin sister. She’s exactly like me only she doesn’t talk as much, and she’s older, but only by four minutes. Oh and she’s bossy too.”

“Okay.” Tara hadn’t heard babble in almost eight years so she was quietly proud of herself for being able to follow what Lydia was telling her. “I know who you are, and I now know who Jules is, so, who might Ryan be? That is who you said you were playing chase with isn’t it?”

“Yep, Ryan’s our little cousin. He’s only three and we have to look after him because he’s the baby. Only, he won’t be the baby for much longer ‘cos auntie Anya and uncle Xander are having another baby soon.”

At the mention of Xander and Anya’s names Tara finally accepted what deep down, she had known from the second she’d laid eyes on the little girl. This was Willow Rosenberg’s daughter.

Tara’s heart leapt at the knowledge that the woman who she’d never stopped loving was probably not too far away.



___________________________________________________________________________



Am I still doing good?



Hugs

Jeanne

----------



Tara: “Let me guess – you want me to lie on your lap while you feed me grapes, but my sweet, shy, precious, honey you’ve been too shy to ask – yes?” - GROWW by WannaFriendsBe

[RaVeN]

MORE MORE MORE MORE hee hee ahh damn I am going away for the weekend and this will prob. get updated and I'll still have to wait.. GRRR oh well I will have something to look forward to coming back to Sunday, that is unless you update it by say tomorrow afternoon??? hint (evil grin) hint (evil grin) lol

[amazonaa]

That was sooooo cute. And Tara helping the little girl. And the little girl with her babble that was sweet.



i wonder how Willow is going to handle this.







Great job. more soon.







brittney









~Kiss this axe, bitch!---Tara "Bargaining part 2"~

[Axel Avalon]

DUDE. Where the hell is the rest of that update?

There is no way in hell that you INTENTIONALLY left us there.

I mean come on man. We need more, now.

Get your ass back here and update.







Just kidding dude, that rocked.

And man poor Tara, 8 years.

Dude by then I would of cracked.

Can't wait for more

----------- I don't believe in love, I believe in fucking. It's honest and efficient. You get in and out with a maximum amount of pleasure and the minimum amount of bullshit...- Brian Kinney (Queer As Folk)

[sam darls]

Aww..wow..that was so incredibly beautiful..I loved it..and know Tara knows about Oz and Willow..yay!! . Love sam xx

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

[Irishgrl3]

A bit of a cliffhanger there eh? So close... so close.



The interaction between Lydia and Tara was sweet. And Lydia babble, cute just like her mom. She passed some great info on to Tara though about Daddy being out of the picture.



Can't wait for the next update!

[MissKittys Ball O Yarn]

Oh that was absolutely marvelous! Lydia is too adorable...cause with the babble. And hey! Yay! Tara! I can't wait to see Willow's reaction...its going to be....*romantic sigh*.....so lovely.



Keep up the good work sweetie!



oh and... <--------- he's still cute





xoxo

Emms

[wimpy0729]

OH yay! Tara knows, Oz is gone, the girls are like their mommy and their mommy is close by.



Oh, this is gonna be good!!



More soon please!



Wimpy

"There was plenty of magic." ~ Tara

[WickedReds]

Tara knows,, lalalalaaa.....

my ears kinda rang when i started reading there for they perked up... ...



-reds



my banana dances for fics

[bluehippocampus]

Yes! You're doing perfect. Keep on writing. Keep on writing. Please?



BH

Beauty in things lies in the mind which contemplates them - David Hume

[Tempest Duer]

This is a cute fic so far, even though Willow was intelligent enough to choose Tara in the series, but I'm not going to go off on that tangent because everyone else is already going off on that tangent, and wow, am I babbling? Dear Lord, I'm turning into Willow. Oh well.



I liked this update as well as the first chapter, and I find it comforting to know that Tara didn't become bitter when Willow chose Oz over her. Of course, Tara never had it in her to be bitter, but you know what I mean.

It's insulting to the whole gender[sic] of rap.



~Eminem

[kindagay]

Hi everyone How you all doing?



Look at all that feedback again, it makes me feel all loved & warm. Thank you so much for your kind words



RaVeN: More? Uhm, I take it you like it then?

I have an update today for you, so you can read it before you go away. Hope you have a good weekend



amazonaa: Cute? Cute is good

You'll find out how Willow will handle this, in the next update.



Axel Avalon: Gulp, sorry. I hadn't realised that finishing there would be that bad. Forgive me?

I know, 8 years away from her love - that's gotta be tough. Don't worry though, Tara's strong & she survived



Sam: Incredibly beautiful - wow! I was trying for quite sweet, but incredibly beautiful.... Thanks for the compliment.



Irishgrl3: Cliffhanger? Where? Oh, I guess that was a bit of a cliffhanger wasn't it? Hee, sorry about that

You're right - so close!

Isn't Lydia the cutest little girl? I love writing her babbles



Emms: Ah finally, someone who isn't expecting the reunion to be all angsty. You won't be dissapointed

Lydia really is adorable, a sweet mini-Willow who I absolutely love writing.

& I agree <------- he is cute



Wimpy: I second your yay! Tara knows some very interesting things. Things that probably make her do this (although probably not in public).

I hope I can meet your expectations (I have a feeling that I will)



WickedReds: Yes, Tara knows, & from your lalalalaaa-ing, I'm guessing it's a good thing.

My fic made your ears ring? That's good right?



BH: Perfect you say? Thanks. More soon



Tempest: Glad you like it.

Yes, you were kinda babbling there & there's nothing wrong with a good babble every so often

Tara - bitter? Those 2 words really don't go together do they?



Okay Kittens, stay tuned for an update very soon

----------



Tara: “Let me guess – you want me to lie on your lap while you feed me grapes, but my sweet, shy, precious, honey you’ve been too shy to ask – yes?” - GROWW by WannaFriendsBe

[kindagay]

I believe, that this is the part that you were all looking forward to.



& I'm off on my holiday for a week tomorrow, so I'm afraid there'll be no update until I get back.



Enjoy



_________________________________________________________________________________



“Lydie where are you?” A voice sounding very much like Lydia’s interrupted Tara’s conversation with the youngster.



“That’s Jules.” Lydia explained. “Oh, you should meet her, I’m sure she’ll like you. And Ryan too, he likes everyone.”



“Lydia! We’re playing chase, not hide and go peep.”

Lydia giggled before jumping up to find her sister.



“I’m right here Jules. I wasn’t hiding, I was talking to Tara, she’s magic, she mended my poorly foot. Come meet her, she’s really nice. Where’s Ryan?”

“You’re babbling again.” Julia pointed out almost scoldingly.

“I know, but Tara said she likes my babbling. And you still didn’t tell me where Ryan is?”

“He got bored and ran to his daddy.”

“Okay. Come on, you have to meet Tara.”

“We’re not allowed to talk to strangers Lydia.”

“She’s not a stranger, she’s Tara. She’s really kind and pretty, I think she’s a fairy, but she said that she’s not. Just, come and say hello. Please Julia.”

“I’ll just say hello, then we have to go. Mommy said it’s time for lunch.”

“Okay.” Lydia led her sister back to where Tara was and found that the blonde was carefully unpacking a small wicker picnic basket.

“Oh, are you having lunch? ‘Cos we’re just gonna go and have ours, our lunch I mean, you should come eat with us. I mean, if you want to. I’m sure mommy and uncle Xander wouldn’t mind and mommy says you shouldn’t eat alone, but, I’m not sure why.”

“Oh, it’s very nice of you to ask Lydia, but, I, I…” Suddenly Tara stopped, as a voice she never thought she’d hear again filled the air.



“Lydia! Julia! Where are you two horrors? We’re waiting to eat. Get those little twin butts of yours right here quick march.” Noticing her daughters talking to a young woman Willow immediately started to apologise on her daughter’s behalves. “I’m so sorry if they were bugging you, I know Lydie can talk anyone’s ear off. Come on girls, leave the nice lady to eat her picnic in peace.” Willow reached out to take her little girls’ hands without paying much attention to the woman she had just apologised to.



“I-it, it’s okay, they weren’t b-bugging me.”

Willow froze, her back turned away from the voice that she’d recognise anywhere. She didn’t dare turn around just in case she didn’t see the blonde goddess who owns that soft, melodic voice.

“Y-you have two l-lovely little girls, W-Willow.” Tara knew Willow had recognised her voice and was desperate to make the redhead face her.



Her plan was successful; Willow slowly spun around to face Tara and smiled nervously.

“Hey Tara.” Willow gave a small, anxious wave.

“Hey Willow.”

“Uhm, how have you been?” Before the blonde could even begin to answer the question, Willow launched into a full blown babble. “You look good, uhm no, you look great actually. I’m sorry about the girls bothering you whilst you’re eating. Are you alone? Probably not, I guess you’ll be waiting for a, a girlfr…, uhm a friend or something. Not that it’s my place to even ask about that. God I’m so rude, asking you that, what kind of example am I setting to the girls? I’m sorry, I’ll go, the twins need to eat and you’re waiting for friends. I’m sorry. It was really good seeing you again. We should catch up someti…” A soft, slender finger pressed against Willow’s lips, bringing a stop to the seemingly endless stream of words pouring from her mouth.

“N-not that I don’t l-love Willow-babble, and goddess I really have m-missed it, but you uhm, you need to breathe s-sweetie.” Tara smiled her infamous half smile before, reluctantly, moving her finger away from Willow’s lips.

“Oh, right, yes, breathing is important. Must remember to breathe. Thanks, for uhm, for stopping me before oxygen became an issue.” Willow smiled sheepishly.

“A-and to answer your questions; I, I’ve been really well a-and I’m actually eating a-alone.”

“Oh? You are? You know, you shouldn’t eat alone. I’m not sure why, but, people seem to say that for some reason. Uhm, you can join Xander and me if you like. It’d give us chance to, to catch up.”

“I, I was uhm, already invited b-by Lydia, but I, I w-wasn’t sure if you’d w-want me...”

“Oh I want you… To, to join us. Oh god, sorry, I didn’t, I meant, I’d love for you to join us. Yes, I definitely would like you to come and join us, for lunch. Please.”

After a brief moment of internal debate Tara decided that, even after eight years, she could never say no to Willow. She quickly re-packed her picnic and gathered her basket and blanket.

“L-lead the way.”

“Great.” Willow beamed. “Come on kids… Oh, where did the kids go?” The redhead enquired when she realised that she was no longer holding on to her daughters’ hands.

“They ran off giggling a-about half way through y-your babble.” Tara smiled reassuringly.

“Oh.” Willow blushed and giggled nervously. “So, shall we go join, everyone?”

Tara nodded and followed Willow towards Xander and the children.



________________________________________________________________________________



So, was the reunion good?



Hugs

Jeanne

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Tara: “Let me guess – you want me to lie on your lap while you feed me grapes, but my sweet, shy, precious, honey you’ve been too shy to ask – yes?” - GROWW by WannaFriendsBe