Fic: What's your tale, nightingale? (AU)

[little miss 666]

HOWDEY!



Just popping in to say that this is one of my favourite fics on the board. Hehe Willow and Tara are busted! I hope everything turns out okay and i hope Buffy and Willow get back on track soon, when i read that i was so close to tears! How could you do that! Argk! I'm getting upset again. Goodbye keep writing! .... please





- lilmiss

I'm never alone I'm alone all the time. Are you at one or do you lie? We live in a wheel where everyone steals but when we rise it's like strawberry fields. I treated you bad you bruised my face. I couldn't love you more you've got a beautiful taste.

[numbered words]

Oh geez! I totally need an update ASAP! What's Sheila going to say?









pleeeeeeeeeeeeease let her not be too angry



ray





-Kristyn

[veiled isis moon]

Oh noooo! Willow's mum saw more than she should have, i'm supprised she managed to exit the room, i thought she would have fainted or had a heart attack for sure!!



Willow and Tara still retain their 'Sweetest Couple Ever' crown, what with Tara wanting Willow regardless of her injuries and Willow being all concerned and frightened of hurting her.........bless em'.



I hope Willow's parents don't freak out to much, even if that is a little too much to ask, what with the year the fic is set in. And i hope Willow dosn't get too freaked out either now that her parents know. Don't let her do anything stupid, like call it off with Tara, cos that's just wrong and silly



I hope Willow and Tara help each other through their own personal angst-y issues and realise how special and meant for each other they are.



Michelle.xx

[KiwiAlcyone]

blue and green wings: I wish I had a prize to give you for being the first It had to happen didn’t it? I actually had the scene where Willow’s mother walked in on them written absolutely ages ago, it was one of the first things I wrote so everything has been leading up to this point in the fic. I love Abby to, she’s definitely a great sympathetic voice for our girls.



ShyTemptress: It’s definitely a line out of a worst nightmare alright! Thanks so much, I love writing the relationship between the two of them in this fic because it’s so innocent and yet they’re both braver than I’d ever be in their situation.



LunaMuses: Yup, it’s all out there and it’s the biggest challenge Willow and Tara could ever face, things are heating up as we move towards the conclusion.



wimpy0729: It’s my thing I think, I like jumping from angst to humour and back again. Thanks so much, I’m glad you enjoying it even with the emotions flying all over the show. More soon



4WiccanLuv: It’s kinda scary huh? I wanted something that really separates the fluff from the angst. Up until now, for the most part they’ve been living their dreams. While there have been glimpses to the difficulties they will face, only now has it all come out into the open. Playing at being in love is over, the real test is coming, all Willow’s fears are coming to life and yeah, it’s pretty scary. I wouldn’t bow to me, I bow to all the wonderful kittens for tuning in to my fics!!



gabbles: lol, I dunno but however I do, it’s fun! Hey, have faith in me chick…all will be better I promise!



BurningWhiteRose: lol, makes me glad I don’t live anywhere near my parents! Willow is going to have to dig deep inside herself in order to be able to dig out of the hole she’s in…I’m sure she can do it



shuyaku: I think that’s going to be my new favourite abbreviation, OHF!! Perfect



barnabasvamp: The idea was to have everything crashing down on them at once, so I think I managed that quite nicely. And yeah, it’s going to be interesting the next chapter, that’s all I’ll say



Artemis: I’m glad that I did take the time to make Ira and Sheila seem a little more than just the unsupportive, absent parents that the show made them out to be. Means that the next chapter is that little bit more unpredictable as to what their reaction will be. Things have also been leading up to the challenge for Willow in particular, she has spent a lot of time doubting her ability to respond to such a challenge. Thanks so much



tarawhipped: I definitely like your use of OHF, and I think I’m going to adopt it lol, I should have stuck a ‘don’t read at work’ warning at the top!



Willow Friendly: Aw, thanks I wanted the love scene to be tender and prove that after everything they’re still on fire for one another. Yup, school is important to Willow but even that pales besides her love for Tara.



Ragemore7: That’s my educational contribution for all the kittens…lock your doors!



sam7777: It’s as thick as cement…almost anyway Insightful sam…that’s all I’m going to say!



sharleen711: You always have to get suspicious whenever things seem to be going well and I did set it up by stressing the fact that Willow’s parents were supposed to be overseas. You’re very welcome



jixer: lol, someone really needed to stress that to poor Willow! I have kind of left it open as to how things will be interpreted and exactly what the reactions will be of certain people when they find out. It’s going to be interesting is all I’ll say for now



lil miss 666: Thanks so much! Well, given that Buffy was never my favourite character I didn’t have too much of a problem with making her a villain of sorts. It wasn’t a fun thing to do, but necessary nevertheless. I’m not going to stop writing in a hurry!



numbered words: hmmm, not angry you say? We’ll see



veiled isis moon: yes, I think a heart attack would have been realistic, maybe not quite as funny though! We do have to keep in mind the fact that it is 1958 and reactions will be based on this…but be rest assured, whatever those reactions…Willow and Tara are going to end up happily ever after. Although you know me, I can’t help but make the road a little rocky.



Thanks to all the wonderful kittens who read this chapter, love you all heaps! Events have been building up to this point for a while so I’m glad it stirred up quite a few emotions. They’re certainly going to be running high for the remaining chapters!



Alcy

Reality continues to ruin my life - Calvin and Hobbes

[JustSkipIt]

Hey Kiwi,



I know I've been not so much with the feedback but believe I'm reading. I have to say that this scene has been coming the entire time! I have been reading this fic with a sense of overwhelming foreboding of bad things to come. It's strange but throughout, no matter how light, every update has just seemed to move one step close to dark. Then the update with Tara & her dad and now this come as no surprise.



I must say thought that I'm definitely counting on you to get our girls out of this happy and together because I'm having trouble imagining how that will happen. But I leave it to you. Debra

MoveOn.Org

American Civil Liberities Union

Human Rights Campaign

[CEsgirl13]

thi is amazingly written. I absolutey love it. You desribe everything so well. I love this fic. Please update soon, the suspence is killing me.

~Jamie

[KiwiAlcyone]

JustSkipit: hey Debra I have to totally agree with you that despite all the humour and fluff this fic has had some very serious issues at its heart. Even when writing a particularly cute scene I kept in mind that things would eventually come to a point such as this. Indeed, I originally wrote the discovery scene to come right after their first sex scene but moved it back a few chapters to allow for other plot developments.

I have trouble believing things will eventually be happy once more…although this next update does end on a positive note thank goodness.



Cesgirl13: Thanks so much Jaime, here’s an update for you because I don’t want to leave you suffering from the suspense



Note: Necessary requirements before reading this chapter:

1.        box of Kleenex.

2.        A sharp axe





Chapter Thirty-three – “Game over.”





Willow pulled her clothes on in a state of numbness. She couldn’t really feel the fabric against her skin or beneath her fingers as she struggled into the garments. Her fingers wouldn’t co-operate as she tried to do up the tiny buttons on her favourite red cardigan. She struggled with each hole, all the while the look on her mother’s face kept intruding in on her thoughts. It had turned the beautiful moment with Tara into something ugly and repulsive…as though she should be ashamed for being caught.



She felt like crying as she slipped a button into the last buttonhole and realised she still had buttons to spare…she’d done it up all wrong. Willow stared for a few moments at the buttons that had nowhere to go before methodically undoing each button and starting from the top again.



Tara sat on the bed, her hands folded beneath her arms to stop them from shaking as she watched Willow. The red head had not said a word to her as they dressed and the silence was unbearable. She was terrified and she desperately wanted some assurance from her love that everything was going to be alright even though she knew Willow was just as scared.



Her heart tugged painfully as she watched Willow realise she had done her cardigan up wrong. Even as she struggled to start all over again, Tara stood and crossed the floor space between them to stand in front of Willow. Her hands went to Willow’s, trapping the trembling fingers beneath her own even as they still struggled with the tiny button. Tara gently lowered her hands to her side and took over the task herself. Willow stood unmoving as Tara dressed her…feeling an odd sense of back to front déjà vu as she remembered the same thing happening the night before, only in reverse.



The last button down up, Tara’s hands could not leave Willow’s body. Instead, they snaked around the red head’s waist and held her close. Finally, Willow met her eyes. They were wet, her bottom lip looked as though it desperately wanted to quiver on the verge of tears. Tara tried to keep the tears from her own eyes as she reached her hands up to cup her cheeks gently.



“I’m sorry,” Willow whispered in a broken voice.



“Don’t be sorry sweetie,” Tara stroked Willow’s cheek with her thumb, “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for.”



“I should have known better after last time…it was my fault the door wasn’t locked…” Willow hung her head.



Tara gently lifted the red head’s chin, bringing her gaze back to her. She laid a gentle kiss on Willow’s forehead.



“This was never about an unlocked door Willow,” Tara replied, surprising herself with her own composure, “It’s about the future…and I know you’re scared, I am too but what’s done is done…and maybe, all things considered…” Tara paused as if she were reluctant to speak her mind, “It was a good thing…”



Willow blinked as though she were not entirely sure she heard Tara correctly, she went to take a step backwards but Tara’s arms went around her waist and held her close. Willow did not struggle but her expression was one of confusion and pain.



“My mother caught us in bed together, leaving very little to the imagination…just how is that a good thing?” she asked plaintively.



“You once said that you wished you could cry out to the whole world that you love me…I know this is far from the romantic scenario you envisioned but they know Will…we’re….we’re out. I-I mean, it was not at a time of our choosing but people know, they were going to know eventually anyway.”



“That’s just the point! People know!” Willow could not think clearly enough to get her mind around what Tara was saying.



“Y-y-you d-don’t want people to know…about us?” Tara asked, cursing her stuttering for returning at a time when she least appreciated it.



“No!” Willow burst out without thinking.



Tara was crestfallen, finally stepping back from Willow. She turned her back on her lover and felt tears burn her eyes. She sniffed violently, trying to stop the tears from starting up because she knew once she started she would not be able to stop.



At the sound of Tara’s pain, Willow realised what she’d said and in turn what Tara had been trying to say. People were going to find out about them eventually, why not now? I’m not ready!



She crossed the short distance between them and laid a shaking hand on Tara’s shoulder. The blonde did not shrug away but nor did she lean into Willow’s touch.



“Tara, baby, I love you more than anything and of course I want people to know about us. I don’t want to live a lie for the rest of our lives…but this has come upon us much too soon. I’m still at school…I wanted to graduate, find a job so I can look after us…”



Tara hung her head at Willow’s words, “Do you think me incapable of taking part in your plans for our future?”



“Tara? No…I was just meaning…”



Tara fought back any traces of anger she felt and turned in Willow’s arms. Now was not the time for them to turn on each other because of misunderstandings. Willow’s intentions were sincere, if painfully misguided.



“I know Will, I know,” Tara reached out both her hands for Willow’s, entwining their fingers tightly until her knuckles were white.



Willow drew in a few deep breaths, “I love you more than anything Tara…you are my everything.”



“I love you Willow Rosenberg,” Tara barely whispered it.



The door suddenly flung open and both Willow and Tara whirled around to see Sheila and Ira standing there with tight faces. Willow let go of Tara’s hands but did not move away from her.



“Miss Maclay, Joseph will take you home now,” Ira said, looking at Tara with a steely glare that she met evenly.



Tara spun to look and Willow and she drew her close in a fierce embrace, “Come with me,” Tara whispered in her ear.



“What?” Willow replied with confusion evident in her voice.



“Come with me.”



“Now?”



“Right now,” Tara whispered, clinging tightly to Willow even as she felt Ira and Sheila Rosenberg’s eyes like daggers in her back.



“Tara, I…”



“Walk out of here with me…please, I need you Willow.”



Willow held Tara as tightly as she could, “I want to! But I can’t…not right now.”



“Willow, Miss Maclay has to go…now!” Ira repeated.



Tara drew back out of Willow’s arms, tears rolling down her face as she stepped away on shaky legs.



“W-Willow?”



“I can’t…”



Tara continued to walk away, still staring at Willow for a last few moments. Willow ached, she wanted to be able to throw everything away and go with Tara. However, even if she could be sure her parents would not stop her, what would she do? Where would they go? There were too many questions that all begged immediate answers, answers Willow did not have.



When Tara all of a sudden spun and rushed from the room, past her parents Willow stepped forward but all her father had to do was raise his hand for her to stop. Her lover was gone and she was left alone with her parents.



“We will speak with you in the living room when we are ready,” Ira addressed Willow coldly, “Until then you will remain in here.”



Feeling as though she was going to throw up, Willow watched her parents leave and shut the door behind them. She couldn’t move from the spot in which she stood, her feet made of lead.



*****



Willow kept her eyes downcast and her hands neatly folded together as her mother and father sat on couch opposite her…making sure to keep their distance as though she was contagious. It was clear neither of her parents really knew where to start this conversation. Her mother clutched a well-used handkerchief in her hand.



“I knew it was a mistake to let her go to Paris without us…Elizabeth shall hear of this and I will give her a piece of my mind for failing to supervise her adequately,” Sheila muttered in a miserable, angry voice.



Her father spoke up next…it was like a criminal trial, “And we allowed you to go to university! Thinking that we would give you one last indulgence before you married and this is how you repay us?” Ira asked, “By carrying on with this…this girl behind our backs, and in our very house? I’ve always known you were a headstrong young woman Willow…but this goes beyond that into disobedience and a complete disregard for the people who love you. Would you turn your back on us? We thought we raised you well, gave you everything…and now we learn that we should have kept a tighter reign on you all along.”



Willow blinked in bewilderment, finally finding her own voice, “You never raised me! You don’t even know me, you were never here when I was growing up!”



“We gave you everything,” Shelia repeated Ira’s words in a tight voice, “Obviously we’ve been giving you far too much freedom, freedom to go out and find…that…her!”



“I love her,” Willow replied calmly.



“It’s indecent!” Shelia spluttered.



Willow met her mother’s gaze, “It’s not indecent to love someone. The real indecency is not to love someone at all.”



“You wouldn’t know the first thing about love, you’re just a child,” Ira was much more calm than his wife, although his arms folded tightly was an indication of how tense he was.



“Well, at least I love someone…which is more than I can say for either of you two!” Willow snapped, feeling as though this meeting was definitely not going to go anywhere productive.



Sheila spluttered again while Ira replied firmly, “You’re never going to see that white trash girl ever again!”



Willow lost her temper completely and she stood to her feet, jabbing her finger at her parents, “Tara is not trash! Take that back!”



“Willow sit down, you’re making a scene where one is not necessary,” Ira cautioned.



“Not necessary?” Willow asked incredulously, “You made the girl I love leave, you call me a child and an indecent one at that, how much more necessary can you get?”



“Sit down please Willow.”



“No! I’m not finished!”



“Oh yes you are!”



“Who are you to order me around?” Willow demanded.



Ira suddenly stood up and lashed out, striking Willow full on the cheek with a blow strong enough to send her flying backwards. She stumbled and fell, landing heavily on her back.



Willow clutched her stinging cheek as she looked up at her father with tears shining in her eyes.



“I’m your father,” he replied, breathing heavily.



Ira looked decidedly unhappy, he had never laid so much as a finger on his daughter. He reached down to help her up but Willow yanked away.



“It’s no good trying to talk to her Ira, she’s past reason,” Sheila stood without even looking down at Willow, “Besides, there’s someone here to see you.”



Willow glanced up at the figure in the doorway and she went cold.



“Hugh?” Willow was dumbfounded.



“We’ll leave you two to talk.”



Willow scrambled to her feet as her parents left the room, closing the door behind them. She smoothed down her skirts as the tall young man stared intently at her.



“Nice to see you again Miss Rosenberg.”



“Can’t say I can say the same for you Hugh,” Willow replied quietly, trying to keep her voice calm and her anger under check.



“Well, it seems that we’re going to be seeing a little more of each other…a lot more in fact,” he seemed immensely pleased with himself.



“What are you saying?” Willow asked quietly.



“Your father has given me his blessing…to ask you to marry me.”



“Like hell I will!” Willow shot back instinctively.



“And since your opinion counts for so much at this point in time?” Hugh laughed, “I dare say you’ll be given a choice…marry me or be thrown out with nothing. Now that would be quite a shock to the system for you wouldn’t it…especially after being so used to having absolutely everything you ever wanted.”



Willow gaped, feeling cold and terrified all over. The mere thought that her parents would even consider doing this to her was enough to make her want to throw up. She could not stand to look at the smug expression on Hugh’s face, it both terrified and angered her to the point where she would consider doing something stupid like trying to punch him.



“Not so talkative now are we? I’d say something small and private, since I’m sure your parents wouldn’t want you to be seen in society,” he moved across the floor with blinding speed and grabbed Willow by the arm with an iron grip, “I know what you are,” he hissed in her ear.



“What am I?” Willow asked bitterly, trying to yank her arm away and failing, I’ll tell you what I am…I’m nothing without her.



“You’re a queer Willow Rosenberg,” he said in a low voice.



“And that news is new in what way?” Willow snapped back at him, trying to appear undaunted by his sneering tone, “I’m a lesbian, I like girls, breasts turn me on…and unless you’re covering up just as big a secret, you don’t have any Mr Carrington! Now fuck off and leave me alone!”



“You’re disgusting, you should be thanking me that I agreed to go through this marriage knowing what you are.”



“If disgusting means that I want to be with the person I love more than anything then perhaps I am.”



“You will marry me Willow…and I dare say one of us will enjoy it.”



Tara!



Willow was so incredibly scared and yet she took her inspiration from her lover, trying her best to emulate her courage even though her legs wanted to give way beneath her.



“They have words to describe people like you Hugh,” Willow said, twisting her head as though his breath were rank.



“Now, now Willow…I want you to save all that feisty energy for our wedding night.”



Willow couldn’t understand the reasoning of cruel men, what kind of twisted pleasure did they derive from hurting people?



“Why are you doing this Hugh?” Willow wished he would let her arm go, it was beginning to hurt, “Why would you want to marry a woman who will never ever love you?”



He finally let her go and Willow snatched her arm away, rubbing the tender flesh where his fingers had dug in.



“Because you said no to me…and I’m going to make sure you spend the rest of your life regretting it,” he said in a perfectly serious voice.



“You’re cruel,” Willow whispered, feeling her strength depart in the face of such unyielding evil.



“I know,” he winked at her and then made to leave as well, “See you soon doll.”



Willow sank back into the couch and drew her legs up to her chest as she hugged them tightly. She bit down on her lip, refusing to allow herself the comfort of tears because it would be him that caused them. It was all so surreal, as though she could not quite bring herself to believe everything that had just happened. Her parent’s crule indifference and outright refusal to even try to understand her…just like Buffy. Although while Buffy had severed all contact with her, her parents were determined to hold on to her forever by forcing her into marriage. She was in hell and Hugh Carrington was the devil himself



*****



Willow woke on Monday morning after a terrible nightmare. Her nightgown was drenched in sweat, the sheets strewn absolutely everywhere. She remembered every detail with painstaking accuracy. Someone had been torturing Tara as she was forced to stand and watch. No matter how much Tara screamed or pleaded for Willow to come and help her…Willow could not move an inch. It was as though she were cemented to one spot. At first she had though it was Tara’s father torturing her…that is, until he turned around and Willow saw Hugh.



Tara was crying out for her…and she wasn’t coming…



Willow scrambled out of bed and threw on the same clothes she had been wearing last night. Not bothering to shower or take the time to do anything with her hair other that shove it up into a messy ponytail. She grabbed the smallest suitcase from her wardrobe and began shoving clothes into it as fast as she possibly could.



All this happened within the space of a few minutes and Willow found herself sitting on her bed, packed suitcase at her feet, looking at the life she was leaving behind. There was nothing to look at…not the designer shoes arranged neatly in her wardrobe or the countless gowns she had worn to party after party. All of it meant absolutely nothing to her now. She wished fervently she had the guts to walk out with Tara. They could have gone hand in hand…instead Willow had made Tara do it alone.



Willow made her way down the stairs as quietly as possible. No doubt her father was at work already and her mother was yet to rise. She saw no one as she moved, carrying the suitcase awkwardly in both hands. Willow had no idea how she was going to get to Tara…just that she was going to her and that was all that really mattered. However, as she passed into the kitchen she stopped in her tracks.



Joe stood in front, his arms folded across his broad chest as he barred her way out the back door. Willow’s suitcase cluttered to the ground, falling from her numb hand.



“Joe…I…”



He made a move towards her, Willow shrank back However, all he did was pick up her suitcase and turn towards the door.



“I’ll take you to her,” he said simply.





TBC in Chapter Thirty-four – “Standing.”

Reality continues to ruin my life - Calvin and Hobbes

[ShyTemptress]

OMFG, I can't believe it. That slapped Willow. For all hes done for her she frickin slapped her. and he gave the asshole permission to marry her!!!



She could have just left. Why didn't she? -uuggghhh-

[little miss 666]

oh man



This is soooo not good! I hate Hugh! He's like a complete and utter poo!



I was so upset when Tara had to walk out by herself

I was like ''Willow you idiot! FOLLOW HER WOMAN!!!''



And HUGH! ARRGK! I hate him! Like seething hate! He's makes me so mad with his macho 'im gonna marry you and you can't do anything about it' arrrrgk! *takes cleansing breaths*



But anyway! After all the horrible things concerning the poo named Hugh, Joe's gonna drive Willow back to Tara so i believe there is still hope for the future! YAY!



I need more!!! More!! MOOOOOOORRRE! .... like really, i do, no jokes here man.





- lilmiss

Internet girls are cool ... they got strong fingers

[Puff]

I don't know about the axe I was thinking about a shovel. Or maybe a spoon. I'm glad I could finally catch up with this fic today. It hurt to see Willow not leave with Tara right away. I'm glad she has finally come to her senses. Thanks for the update, I can't wait to read what happens next.

---

It's a moo point. It's like a cow's opinion. It's moo.
Words of wisdom from 'Friends'

[BFR from Paris]

That was intense, I held my breath until the end, bless Joe!

I'm traumatized for the entire day, thanks Kiwi! lol

[wimpy0729]

Oh, holy hell! You're weren't kidding. Kleenex and at least two axes, one for each hand.



Now, I'm not a violent person, but here in fic-world, I could easily go Lizzie Borden on those bastard's asses! And Sheila needs a good smacking down too!



Oh man, Tara walking out alone just about did me in. Totally broke my heart just to think about it.



Whew! Okay, at least Joe's gonna get her to Tara. Please, please let her get to Tara soon!!



Please give us an update soon! I can't stand this!



Wimpy

"There was plenty of magic." ~ Tara

[Tempest Duer]

You know, I don't think an axe is a good idea... there's this really creative thing that I can do with a wire mesh vest and a cheese grater... okay, enough with the torturing Hugh fantasies...



But you're right, this is chock full o' angst. That is just... brutal. And yes, it hurt to read. But you know, it was worth it. She'll find Tara again, because they always find each other. I think that my faith and knowledge in that is all that's keeping me from exploding at my computer right now.



This is a wonderful piece of writing, Liz. It's wonderful.

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



~Eminem

[blue and green wings]

haha...you're right about the sharp axe. i wanna castrate hugh. hmm...doesn't sound like punishment enough though...but i love joe. update soon

[4WiccanLuv]

Tara must be so hurt and disappointed in Willow, I know I am. I had hoped she’d matured enough to handle her parent’s wrath. Unless they tied her up, I have no idea why she even stayed in that freaken house at all? Damn, I’m so angry I can spit!



I certainly hope Tara didn’t do anything foolish due to the rejection. And although she’s pretty sensible, it would serve Willow right if she didn’t find her just yet. I know you're an angst hound, so I imagine their reunion won't be all sunshine and puppies! Can't wait!



Hugh is a f**cking sadistic prick. He has to go down! Please say there’s castration involved? It would make me feel better!



All ranting aside, I must commend you on your writing, it just gets better and better!

"Those are my principles. If you don't like them I have others." - Groucho Marx

[gabbles]

Holy shit Alcy!





I was wanting to punch the screen! Just..woah....the scene with Tara and Willow was heart breaking...god! You wrote that so well.

Willow was kind of right...they weren't really ready for it. But, now it's happened and f*cking Sheila and Ira have bought hugh on the scene (hesn't doesn't deserve a capital at the front of it!) oh god, I really wanna to hit hugh....I wanna sick rabid rottweilers onto him...bastard. Sick, sadistic bastard.



Pwease....I have the feeling there's gonna be much more angst...but pwease....don't torture us too long?



That was amazing Alce!

*hugz*

~Gabs

"I'm known as the fat lesbian chick on Buffy. Of course, I mean you stand me next to an actress like Sarah and I look like I'll eat her. *beat* Wait, that didn't sound right. But, you know what I mean."-Amber

Edited by: gabbles at: 7/21/04 1:20 am

[willowsgirl]

Wow this update was amazing, I completely agree with everyone, if only I had that big sharp pointy object

But I have to say, right now I love Joe! I just hope he's being sincere, and he really does take Willow to Tara.

Angsty, yes, but I have every faith in you to get them back together again, without that slimy bastard Hugh!



Stacey xx

[Artemis]

Sigh, there's never a random sadistic uber-demon around for people like Hugh to blunder into the path of when you need them... Seriously, heart-breaking though it was, I can understand Willow just not being able to walk out on her parents. Few people have the strength to just ignore pretty much everything they've grown accustomed to in life - home, family, everything familiar - and have faith that they can survive without all of that. And even though I think we can see that Willow's love for Tara is strong enough for her to do that, that doesn't mean it's easy for her. While she believed there might be the tiniest chance to work things out with her parents, she had to try. Now it's obvious that there isn't that chance. I hope Tara can forgive her for trying though; she must have been hurt so deeply, and hurt in the one place where people like Mr Maclay can't reach her.



Now as for Hugh... somehow 'grrr' just doesn't seem like enough. This being a realistic story, I expect painful and supernatural everlasting torment is out of the question. But, if somehow, the loathesome little slime were exposed for the stain on the face of humanity that he is, publicly, and disowned by all and sundry... that'd get him where it hurts.



So much for my faint hope that Ira would think twice before staying in his cosy, small-minded little world though. I didn't expect Sheila to make an effort to understand Willow, but Ira I wondered about. Now... well, I hope there's enough decency in him that he finds himself as hurt by the memory of that slap as he deserves to be. And that he and Sheila find out exactly what kind of scum they wanted to give their daughter to.



Mind you, there was one line that gave me a glimmer of hope: when Hugh said "Marry me or be thrown out with nothing". He may not have thought Willow would have a choice, given how difficult leaving her old life will be for Willow, but he said it himself, she *does* have that choice. Now we just have to have faith that she and Tara can work things out.



I'm counting on you for a happy ending here, you know Or at least, happy enough for Willow and Tara. The world will never be perfect of course (hell, here we are 50 years later, and it's still far from), but I have hope the two of them can find happiness nonetheless.

[veiled isis moon]

Now, now........we'll have no more of those little cliffhangers, Alcy! I wanted to to see what would happen and i wanted to see Willow and Tara's reunion..........suppose i'll have to wait.



Joe is my new best friend, i wanna give him a big hug. I know it's a shame Willow didn't leave with Tara, it would have shown her parents how much she loved Tara, but now that she stayed, she could witness the cruelty of her parents and..........Hugh ...........you have no idea how much i want to hurt him right now! Stupid little power freak. He hates being turned down and out of control of situations..........you just know that he's really looking forward to forcing Willow to marry him and making her life hell! Bastard



And her parents are not better either. Shouting, hitting, controling, thinking there're disgusting. Although i can see why they gave Hugh their blessing. They don't want anyone to know or risk the news damadging their reputation, and the best way they see of stopping that from happening is to marry Willow off...........and of course, once she's been with a man, she realise how silly and wrong she was being. Narrow minded, arrogant fuckers!



Anyhow........(sorry for swearing!)...........great update.........and can we have a happy reunion, i need one.



Michelle.xx

[barnabasvamp]

OMG....Since Tara is the "shy" one I would have expected her to be more upset, but she handled it so well.



But Willow.. It was already out there, and she did need to talk to her parents, but to hurt Tara like that. I'm looking forward to their reunion, I believe Willow has alot of explaining to do!



As for Hugh...I'm with 4WL, but I'm thinking castration may not be good enough!



As always, excellent update.



BV

It's the passion in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness; it is the affection in a kiss that sanctifies it.

[JustSkipIt]

Hey Kiwi,



Well you are right that it ends on a high(er) note but I wouldn't exactly say high. I find this update quite disturbing for the way it shows everyone.



It seems that this update exposes Ira, Sheila, Hugh, and quite frankly Willow. Hugh we knew was a worthless piece of human excrement. But now we know that Ira & Shelia are willing to sell their only daughter into what they have to know will be a life of servitude and legalized rape. Not exactly good parenting. Ira, it turns out, is also a violent man. And Willow doesn't exactly rise to the occasion, yelling and cussing out her parents. More disturbing to me is the way Willow treats Tara (again). I can't put my finger on it but it seems to me that we've been through this W/T scene or tone again with Tara wanting Willow to trust them and Willow needing something different.



It's nice that Willow wants to be with Tara now that she sees no other options but if I were Tara, I'd prefer my lover's devotion even when offered a buffet of everything life has to offer. "Hi honey, I chose you when it became clear that I couldn't go to college anymore and my parents were going to force me to marry Hugh!" Ok, I'm being hard on Willow here but even though Tara is usually all with the "it's ok, we're together" theme, it has to be hard on her.



So really in this update, I give thumbs up to Tara (who apparently magically dressed, thank God) and Joe. I'm glad that Joe can see the two girls' love and will take Willow to her woman.



Now let's see how that reconciliation and groveling go. Debra

Go Lance!

MoveOn.Org

American Civil Liberities Union

Edited by: JustSkipIt  at: 7/21/04 5:19 am

[BurningWhiteRose]

Hugh...Give me a can of mace and some time alone with that arsewipe, and I'll show him the meaning of pain. I may not be strong, but after all these years of running in numerous sports, my legs arent weak. I can see it now...Steel toed boots, mace...Oh yeah...I'll show that jackarse pain!!!!



Why didnt she just walk out the door the first time?



Well...At least she's leaving now. GO JOE!!



Alcy, you ROCK!!



Sincerely,

BWR

***

If homosexuals dont reproduce, why are there so many of them?-Jim David

[pipsberg]

Alcy,



I was so excited to see not one, but two new parts when I got back from vacation. I really love the twists you have taken this story through. I am thoroughly enjoying the tension and angst, though not for too much longer I hope Sheila surprising W/T was agonizing. I can just imagine the horror of it all. But here comes Willow to save the day!! Yay! More soon please, pretty please...

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours

[photographer02]

Good update...



Though sad this part...but pretty typical this kind of society. I'm not that surprised at all!



Do update soon! Hope everything goes well!!



photographer02

[shuyaku]

I think there's a posse a'formin to run Hugh out of town. Okay, we are more likely to beat him with a shovel but that's really just semantics. I'm not sure if there is something painful enough to do to him though...



It was also painful to see Ira react violently. I'm sure that came as a complete shock to Willow. But even worse, for me anyway, was the fact that her parents seem perfectly okay practically selling Willow into was is certain to be almost slavery with Hugh (and like Debra said - legalized rape.) That is just horrific and painfully realistic given the time period you have chosen for this fic.



I do feel bad for Tara - I'm sure she feels betrayed by Willow's actions, but I also completely understand why Willow chose to do what she did. Now she has seen her parents true "souls" so to speak.



But the silver lining (which is kinda tiny in this update ) is Joe. I'm thinking he may be more help to Willow than just giving her a lift to Tara's...



Painful, but fantastic update,

-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)

[tarawhipped]

That was quite the emotional joyride, and I feel exhausted just from reading it. You do angst REALLY well. I find it especially poignant how human Willow's parents come off, flaws notwithstanding. Homosexuality was still listed as a mental illness in this period, so as much as I hate to, I can understand their behavior. Hugh, however, is just a villianous bastard. He must be destroyed.



As for the girls, roses and sunshine right around the corner, right?!?! Or can we expect more angst 'cuz Willow didn't stand up to her folks and walk out with Tara immediately? Don't answer, I think I already know.

[screeminguitar]

I have just recently discovered this fic in the last couple of weeks, and couldn't help but be moved to add a reply this time.



I love the reactions you are getting out of all the Kittens from raging mad to dumbfounded.



Yes, I can see why some are feeling upset with Willow not just walking out with Tara...but to realize Willow's personality, it definitely is in her nature to react as the one who wants things to happen according to a well-thought out plan...I definitely relate with her personality personally.

Tara's domineering emotion is her heart whereas Willow's is her brain at times. I think they both make a perfect balance. Anyway--I like how you mentioned it was not just the unlocked door but the issues they were now faced with. Unfortunately, Willow's analytical side was taken off guard.. I think she knows now. I hope Tara is understanding that Willow had to stay and face her parents alone. Although Tara knew what their reaction was going to be based on her intuitions Willow did not. I thought the way you are writing this is excellent on so many levels. Thanks a whole bunch for sharing---waiting with anxious anticipation!!



You go girl!!!!!

[sharleen711]

I'm just imagining this computer could be Hugh, willow's parents and Tara's father....

why Willow didn't follow Tara ??????

I'm just happy she decided to leave this house and go where love is...

I hope things will get better when she'll be with Tara and hope that they could live their life together and happy... But it depends on you

I'm waiting for the next update...

~ Sharleen ~

[CEsgirl13]

oh my god...oh my god...oh my god...that was so...woah...You almost got me crying there...well okay, I did cry, but geeze, I couldn't help it! great update...woah :walks off in shock:

~Jamie

When you choose to hold the rose you are also agreeing to bleed.

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-



Oh dear. Hugh is evil, and he has, for the time period, both legal and medical (homosexuality is a psychosis and will be for another decade or more) evidence hanging over Willow. Ira is going to regret a lot of things I'm afraid. I really think Ira and Sheila are being completely naive as well since they are the wrong religion to be totally accepted in the upper society of the times.



Ah, the 1950's- a perfect world for straight white males of the correct class and religion, and of course for the women who knew their place.



Very worried now,





Jixer