FIC: The Gift of Sorrow - Rainbow Writer's Season 7 Pt. 1,2

[KJchicago]

rainbow writers - you guys are awesome. You've come up with such an interesting way to bring Tara back and to see how damaged Willow became. Also really like how you have Buffy and Dawn taking care of Willow. Also, just seeing how important that Tara was to all the Scoobies. I always look forward to your updates!

[Jennpurr]

**Waves at Kim** Hey girly.



Ruth and Beth,



Excellent update, ladies! I loved the, "I heard you needed a taxi," comment. So very Buffy.



I'm a little worried about Xander, too. Hope he's okay.



Update, soon? And more smoochies. One smoochie was not enough.



Jen

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


"Alyson Hannigan is a frickin' amazing kisser."Amber Benson

[Beth Dragon]

Its Saturday and heres the next little update. I might be able to post more later



Much love to everyone, Beth





Buffy grumbled as she left the KFC without any more idea of where Xander was. It wasn’t completely a surprise that the young girl annoyingly snapping her bubble gum knew who she was describing, but that the girl was also positive Xander hadn’t been there was very disappointing. She’d checked all of his usual haunts. Checked most of the parking lots for his car and had even run across a duo of newly risen vampires who also assured her before she dusted them that they hadn’t seen him. For all intent purposes Xander had either run away, disappeared or was somewhere stupid and for that Buffy would kill him after she hugged him.



“Er, mmmmm, Buffy?” A voice the Slayer vaguely recognised as their demon ‘friend’ Clem called to her from the shadows.



“What?” She snapped her head up. “Oh hi Clem, sorry I didn’t see you.”



“Hi.” He lifted his hand a waved slightly. “You getting late night snacks?” He nodded towards the chicken place.



“I wish. You haven’t seen Xander by any chance have you?” Buffy looked back and shook her head. “I need to find him.”



“You’re dark haired friend?” Clem clarified Xander identity.



“Yeah, our guy friend.” Buffy nodded.



“Oh yes I saw him earlier.”



“Where?” Buffy almost jumped on Clem in growing desperation.



“He was coming down the main street trying to hide a big axe, you might want to talk to him about how to efficiently hide a large two handed weapon.” Clem added thoughtfully. “Then these two guys came and seemed to be really insistent that he leave with them.”



“What two guys? What did they look like? Where did they take him?” Buffy reached out and shook the loose skinned demon.



“Oh well I’m afraid I don’t know that.” The demon let her shake him for a moment.



“Were they human or demons?” She let him go patting down his coat in apology.



“They looked pretty average, but come to think of it I didn’t see them you know walk down the street after your friend they did kinda just appear near him. Sorry.” He added apologetically.



“I so don’t need this.” Buffy put her hands up to her head trying to think. “Do I look like I need this? I mean what would they want with Xander anyway.”



“No actually you look like you need a little sun, perhaps a holiday.” The demon smiled at her.



“Clem, you haven’t heard of anything new in town?” Buffy questioned trying to find some sort of lead.



“Well there’s a rumour that there is some kind of visiting mage in the area. You know big spell caster type.” He shrugged.



“Her I know about, she’s at my house.” Buffy shook her head. “Anything else? Someone who likes locust and snakes?”



“She is?” Clem frowned.



“She’s a good big spellcaster type.” Buffy tried to explain. “And I think she just registered as a big spell caster type cause she came back from the dead.”



“Oh.” There was something unreadable about Clem’s face.



“Hold on... is everyone sure this big mage is a she?” Buffy questioned him feeling a knot grow in her stomach.



“That I don’t know Buffy but as a friend.” Clem glanced around. “If you have this mage in your house, get rid of her. If she s what’s got us all jumping you don’t want her around.”



“Why what is the word on the street about her?” Buffy felt the knot turn into a series.



“Big mage, bad news.” Clem paraphrased efficiently.



“Who can give me more information than that?” Buffy questioned knowing she couldn’t waltz in and kick Madalene out again, not with Xander now being missing. Though Xander had gone looking for the spellcaster, so maybe Buffy was just being too open-minded and not adding up what was in front of her.



“Well the words big round Willy’s.” Clem continued to try and be as helpful as he could.



“Willy’s right. Thank you.” Buffy acknowledged as she turned to head towards the bar.



“Buffy.” Clem called after the Slayer and she instantly turned back as she reached the end of the sidewalk. “I’m sorry about your friend, Willow and her girlfriend, the shooting.” He said apologetically glancing at the floor.



“Thanks Clem, but it’s okay now. Tara is back.” Buffy smiled feeling at least that reality resonant with hope in her chest before she turned deciding to run to Willy’s.

[witchbitchwillow]

heya,



great update. Clem can be so sweet! lol. i really dont know whether i should like or dislike madalene, shes a dodgy little character, hmmmmm.



more soon please!



love ellie x x x x

*thats me as a vampire im so evil and skanky and i think im kinda gay*

*no candles? well i brought one its extra flamey!*

[KathleenWolf]

hope i'm not too behind...



oneinten: so glad you're still reading along with us... and that you are enjoying all the elements we are working very hard to create



Thanatopsis: well no no it isn't... hopefully in the next few updates the who and why will become clearer



TheRose24: one miracle away from sainthood... but we'll settle for just having Tara back with Willow



Ghostwriter: thank you so much for reading... it's the most important part



VampNo12: oh yes ice cream is a great bonding tool... and Buffy is in such a hard role right now, we know that everyone is looking to her for guidance and strength and I think again she is becoming the brave woman she once was



fidds: thank you we are so happy you are enjoying



tommo: no worry... ME fools... RainbowWriters just die hard romantics



KJchicago: thank you very much... we've tried really hard to balance the reality of season six but to move positively forward from it



Jennpurr: i'm going to go with Kath and Beth as what you meant... or else is something going on that I'm not aware of? and of course one smoochie is never enough... and yes there will be more soon... but you know can't rush these things, we have to sneak them by the censors.. oh wait no censors, I'll push for more smoochies!



hope everyone is still enjoying... thanks for reading

kath and beth



ps: witchbitchwillow... who snuck in on me... we're sorta purposely playing up the Madalene good or bad angle... truth is how the coin falls is still to be determined... glad your enjoying... thanks for reading

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

Edited by: KathleenWolf  at: 6/29/02 3:43:53 pm

[MadeinNZ]

Curiouser and curiouser. Where is Xander? Is Madeline evil? Did Buffy put on weight by just walking into KFC? So many questions. Now, all we need are the answers ..... please.... just when you're ready ..... no need to rush .....(I'm kidding about the "no need to rush" bit)

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


"When someone falls for Willow, they stay fallen" - Normal Again

Edited by: MadeinNZ at: 6/29/02 3:33:22 pm

[LeatherQueen]

Hm... intriguing. More and more it's pointing towards Madalene not being all she's said... but that could just be a smokescreen for some other more powerful dark mage, right? Hm. Love the update, and Clem...

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


"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[VampNo12]

Great update guys! First I loved the humor in the sense Buffy made sure to ask the vampires if they saw Xander before staking them, as well as the line ("Buffy would kill him after she hugged him."). Adding Clem into the story was a big yay, I do adore his natural sweetness.



As for Madalene I am further intrigued with Clem's new information, and I am curious if she is indeed "The big mage" he is talking about. What's interesting is the fact that Madelene doesn't remember her past (if she is telling the truth), so in effect she could be "bad", but now be good because she is now living a different life from before she "died". Can't wait to the next part!

[Thanatopsis]

I feel like we should have an announcer. There's so many questions. Where did Xander go and who are the men Clem saw with him? Is Madalene the big bad mage? And does that make her evil? What's going to happen between Willow and Tara? Find out next time... Mind you, I'm not complaining. I'm thoroughly enjoying this story.

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

Dawn: I gave birth to a pterodactyl.
Anya: Oh my god, did it sing?

[WiccansIllusion]

Ladies awesome update as usual. My weekend is getting better and better. I got the Indigo Girls autographs and now an update to my favourite story. Thank you!

'It's good to be a chicken casserole'-Sass, answering darkness

'My heart is cleverer then I and it knows what to do.'-MC Legends of the Kiss

[spazz07]

Wooing and Hooing here. Great update and so can't wait for more. I really hope Mads is not the big bad here as i am rather fond of her and i laughed out loud to the bit where the KFC girl pretty much knew who Xander was, I got a friend like that too at our KFC, so i thought it was funny. I also like the addition of Clem to the story line. Anywayz great stuff and more soon plz.







Cheers

Nath

If life was meant to be a bed of daisy's we'd have chicken crap thown on us all the time.

[Lola19]

Yeay, Im enjoying loads still!

Tonight will be my last night i get to visit the kitten board for TWO WEEKS though because im going on holiday!

Im going to miss so many updates! Aaaaggghhh!!

Thanx for another great update.

Love Lola xxx

[Beth Dragon]

enjoy



******



Buffy didn’t even hesitate despite the late hour as she pushed open the door to the dingy underground club and strolled in. She had a quick glance around making sure no one in there was immediately going to harass her or make trouble before she headed right to the bar and Willy.



“Okay I want information.” Buffy glared at him. “You know the drill.”



“Don’t hit the nose this time.” He said under his breath.



“I’m going to rip it off if you don’t tell me about the new mage in town.” Buffy hissed.



“New mage, big power, after something, something big.” Willy whispered back.



“Name?” Buffy nodded that she was appreciating his forthcoming ness.



“Don’t know one.”



“Description, what do they want and where will they find it?” Buffy pushed pulling her hand up.



“I’m thinking it varies.” Willy hissed.



“Varies how?” Buffy glared at a nearby demon that seemed interested in her for a moment before he shuffled away.



“You know new town new name. Big mages don’t need histories.” Willy picked up a glass and ran a cloth around it.



“Has anyone seen them?” Buffy looked around to see if anyone appeared knowledgably. There can a round of shaking heads and shrugs from the demonic and vampiric crowd



“I need more.” Buffy growled. “I need at least a where.”



“They a Mage Buffy not a demon could be at the local motel.” He tried to be helpful.



“Who can tell me more?” Buffy leaned with both hands on the bar.



Again the room fell silent.



“Come on this is Sunnydale, everyone has a big mouth about this stuff.” Buffy growled loud enough for the silent patrons to all hear. “If someone doesn’t tell me something soon I’m going to have to start killing. I know you would all just rather I go on my merry way for the night to fight this mage so spill.”



“No one wants trouble Buffy.” Willy said quietly.



“Then someone tell me what I need to know.” The Slayer barked at him.



“Rumour has it that a stranger in town rented a room at the motel on the outskirts of town a few days ago.” A Flacke demon called from the far corner of the room.

“See now we’re getting somewhere.” Buffy turned towards the gravely voice. “Anyone else?”



“But the same rumour had her hanging out with you.” A second voice hissed as a snake like demon caught Buffy’s eye.



“Any other rumours?” Buffy’s voice was icy.



“The Mage was called here by the power of your witch friend.” The snake like demon continued. “Your name is mud in this town Slayer.” It seethed.



Buffy walked over to the incredulous creature and in an instant had it by the throat.



“Since you seem to be knowledge snake guy why don’t you keep hissing what you know?” Buffy growled again.



“I only know what we all know Slayer. First you bring with you your own method of destruction then you breed your own team of witches.” It hissed at her slowly. “And when one of them is cut down, the other just grows stronger and stronger trying to destroy our home and even now you harbour her.”



“Blah blah blah old news. I want to know about the new girl.” Buffy smacked him hard.



“You only get what you deserve Slayer, Maladic will triumph.” With a shimmer and another hiss the snake demon transformed into a small garden snake literally slipping between Buffy fingers and sliding away under the bar in an instant



Buffy hesitated for a second, completely horrified and surprised by his metamorphosis before she pushed off and raced back out into the night. She had to get home; she had to get there... if she wasn’t too late already.



******

[LeatherQueen]

Um... I think I'm going to have to go with uh-oh here. Lovely update, tho... and love the transforming snake demon.

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


"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[VampNo12]

Wow another update, I feel "spoiled", but in a good way. Again with the intrigue, and I love Buffy's threats to do a little slaying if she doesn't get some information pronto! The transforming demon snake was quite interesting, especially the demon's line "... Maladic will triumph". Maladic seems kinda familiar to the name Madalene, so I can't wait to see what happens when Buffy returns home.

[oneyedchicklet]

Ok, I've been roaming around the cabin and flight attendant Kath informed me of the smoking lounge which is where I've been reading the updates from. But the Captain has once again turned on the "Fasten Seatbelt" sign. I'm heading back to my seat to strap myself back in cause I'm feeling like this fic is headed for some serious turbulance ahead.

Thanks ladies and I'll be waiting here patiently for the next update.

Barb

Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop to look around, you could miss it.

Ferris Bueller

[spazz07]

Not good sign for our Mad's here is there. I guess the main thing is that Willow and Tara make it out of this okay though i do kinda like Mad's and hope that it's not really her. Will be hanging on for dear life waiting for the next part, this is just so god damn addicting.



Can't wait for more and thx guyz.



Cheers

Nath

If life was meant to be a bed of daisy's we'd have chicken crap thown on us all the time.

[KathleenWolf]

I'm being good and getting in here again before I check into bed for a nice long sleep...



MadeinNZ: let me go at the questions one at a time... you will find out soon... you will have to wait and see ... mmm I think maybe a little bit, but you can hardle notice and she'll lose it by the time she runs around tonight... and we know you don't mean the no rushing but we love that fact!



LeatherQueen: well we couldn't give Madalene an easy ride could we? ... oh and clem is such a cutie, we had to get him in... we have a snake theme it seems but so far it's working



VampNo12: interesting question on Mads... cause very true she has no recollection other than the letter buried with her so by all rights... have to wait and see ... so glad we could spoil you in a good way... guarantee there will be more tomorrow when I get it edited... today was a very prolific GOS day for us writing wise... I assure you that Beth is very careful what names she picks for demons and such, she's been studying names since she was very young and always has a hidden meaning in them...



Thanatopsis: well if you are voluneteering for the job ... and that you are enjoying the story makes your resume top of the pile



WiccansIllusion: you are a lucky one... I have their cd playing right now with Vanessa Carlton and Sarah Slean (little canadian girl)... so glad we could add to your good weekend



Spazz07: laugh... hey now I have to admit I occasionally enjoy the KFC... though I tend to use the drive thru for annonomity... so glad you enjoyed it, and extra happy that you like Mads enought to not want to see her be the big bad... though the happy Willow and Tara we guarantee



lola19: I hope you have a great time on your holidays... too bad you'll be away from the board for 2 weeks but I'm sure lots of updates will await you when you return... have fun and thanks for reading!



oneeyedchicklet: since you have to fasten seatbelts can I offer you a beverage from the refreshment cart? ... the captain is expecting turbulence but the flight is so far on scheduale for our arrival in happy loving Willow Tara Airport



okay that's this little writer off to bed

sweet dreams everyone till tomorrow

kathleen

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

[witchbitchwillow]

ahhhh, okay know i need to know if shes bad and going to hurt Tara! or Willow or Xander, but hes not as important.



more soon please! im an impatient little kitten



love ellie x x x x

*thats me as a vampire im so evil and skanky and i think im kinda gay*

*no candles? well i brought one its extra flamey!*

[dartegan]

just a very deep lurker here...delurking to say how great I think this story is (well all your stories RWs actually). Thank you so much for sharing it with the rest of us.



Dartegan

"break my back, my hands, my neck, my legs...but please don't break my heart"

[Puff]

Agh cliffhanger! Now I don't know who'e evil. I can't wait to read the next part

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[no birthday cake]

i like clem.

i like mad.

i, however, do not like snakes at all.



good call on the evil thing.

[The Rose24]

I have never been too sure about Madeline because we do not know much about her. I'm interested to know what her whole story is.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[Jennpurr]

Quote:

---

Jennpurr: i'm going to go with Kath and Beth as what you meant... or else is something going on that I'm not aware of? and of course one smoochie is never enough... and yes there will be more soon... but you know can't rush these things, we have to sneak them by the censors.. oh wait no censors, I'll push for more smoochies!

---

Ooops. My humble appologies to you. Sorry about that. Yes, I meant to say Kath and Beth.



Nope, can't rush the smoochies. I agree with you there, but it makes me a happy mitten to know that there WILL be more. Thank you.



Hope you are both doing well.



Those updates were awesome. Hmm... I wonder what's up with Madeline. She's not gonna hurt Will or Tara is she? No.. she can't. Buffy HURRY!!!!



Update, soon?



Jen

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


"Alyson Hannigan is a frickin' amazing kisser."Amber Benson

[little wicca dude]

hi guys



interesting updates, u got me thinking now



can't wait for more



luv Jill

"did i just say that? did i just say that too?"

My Scooby Page

[Tulipp]

The Saturday updates were great, really intriguing, and I'm glad you brought Clem in; I've always had a fondness for him. Willy not so much, but he works here.



I admit I'm watching and waiting for the talk that Tara and Buffy are going to have...



p.s. I just discovered the whole Circle series elsewhere and am about to dive in.

[Little M]

Madeline..... Maladic .....hmmm....somehow I feel these two know eachother very well...

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

'I go online sometimes, but everyone's spelling is really bad..it's depressing' - Tara

[KathleenWolf]

hi everyone... just catching up with the overnight readers



witchbitchwillow: we'll have more as soon as I can edit it... but I can't spoil what's going to happen only say have faith!



dartegan: well thank you for delurking... it is always wonderful to know we motivated someone enough with a story to post... thank you for reading



Puff: laugh... I'm assuming with the cliffhanger we're the evil ones



no birthday cake: mmm I'm not anti snakes but I do know how evil they are protrayed seen by people... glad you're still enjoying



TheRose24: not that we like to torture the readers but we're so glad that the Madalene aspect isn't being too transparant one way or the other... it should be cleared up soon though



Jennpurr: no worries ... i was just teasing hopefully the update will be soon (ie: today sometime) ... so glad we got you hooked for the future smoochies



little wicca dude: well we like to keep you thinking... thanks for reading



Tulipp: We try to use Willy's as sparingly as possible... mostly just as the box standard info stop and such... and Clem well he is just too cute and good hearted... I think the talk might be in the post trauma parts to be honest, so hopefully the rest will keep you hooked till then... OH MY! diving in the Circle Series... will bring supplies and such, it's a long one



Little M: lips are sealed no spoilers from me...



hope to have the update up soon... now to get to some editing



kathleen

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

[Beth Dragon]

There you go this should answer a few questions Bx





******



Buffy came to the side of the house and seeing the light on downstairs tapped on the small window that lead to the underground of the Summer’s house. She’d wanted to just burst through the front door but the truth was she needed information and tools if she was going to go into this. After her run in with Willow, who though powerful at the time was only a witch hopped on dark magic power, she knew she couldn’t just face another spellcaster head on and not expect someone to die. She tapped harder when the form of Anya sorting out laundry with a scowl on her face didn’t seem to notice her.



“Buffy?”



The voice slightly behind her made the Slayer jump. Tara smiled at her from her place leaning against the side of the front of the house



“Tara!” Buffy jumped and turned. “Oh my God how did you do that. What are you doing out of bed?” She questioned worried.



“I’ve not been to bed.” Tara replied. “I was resting on the porch, I asked Dawnie to help me out here before insisting she went to bed.” Tara explained. “And as for how I got here-here.” She pointed to the spot where she leaned. “Hard work.” She smiled again. “Which may be about to back fire on me.” She admitted suddenly looking slightly wobbly.



“I got you.” Buffy moved over to help her stand.



“What’s wrong Buffy?” Tara said instantly leaning into the offered support. “I can see that something is wrong, your I don’t know what, is off.”



“It’s nothing you need to worry about.” Buffy tried to cover. “Why don’t we get you back up on the porch?”



“Buffy please.” Tara took a firmer grip on Buffy’s supporting arm. “My body is weak right now and my memories might be few but I’m not blind or stupid.”



“Okay, I have reason to believe that Xander has been kidnapped and well some suggestion that Madalene is not really who she says she is.” Buffy kept her voice low and they stayed sheltered at the side of the house.



“What?” Tara staggered back into Buffy’s arms a little.



“Some mage named Maladic is in town, rumour seems to think it’s her.” Buffy tried to explain.



“Buffy no, they’re wrong, Madalene isn’t hiding anything from you.” She shook her head.



“Tara, I really want to believe that but how do you know?” Buffy questioned.



“Because she helped me.” Tara whispered her voice shaking a little.



“Helped you how?” Buffy jumped on it immediately. “In some way other than I know of?” She wasn’t comforted when Tara shook her head.



“Buffy if it wasn’t for her then I wouldn’t be here. I’d be...” The blonde shivered and dropped heavier into Buffy’s arms.



“I know, I know.” Buffy held her tight. “I don’t want to think this but I have disappearing snake men and rumours and that’s why I wanted to talk to Anya.”



“I could get her.” Tara blinked up at Buffy.



“How?” Buffy questioned confused.



“I’m not sure I can but…” Tara replied and then closed her eyes. *Anya?*



“Ok so don’t try that again in a hurry little miss recovering witch.” Anya’s form appeared beside the pair and the demon gave Tara a kind scowl.



“And I thought slayer powers were good.” Buffy smiled softly.



“Hey I’m not knocking the slayers powers.” Tara opened her eyes and smiled at the Slayer before slumping against her harder. “Because I imagine that every time you do something you don’t have the sudden need to fall over like I do.” She joked softly.

“I got you.” Buffy held her in place. “Anya, do you know of someone called Maladic?” She questioned the demon immediately.



“Look this is al fine and dandy...” Anya began her rant to be cut off by Buffy. “Maladic the Mage?” The demon’s eyes widened.



“Exactly.” Buffy nodded.



“Oh yes, I know Maladic. Well more I know of Maladic.” She nodded.



“Okay well this might seem like an odd question...” Buffy poised it softly feeling bad for her doubts. “Could Madalene be Maladic?”



Anya looked between Buffy and Tara for a moment and then coughed and then again looked between the pair before tipping her head back and laughing.



“Have you fried your slayer brain?” She said through her laughter.



“I’m serious Anya.” Buffy scowled. “I need to know.”



“Oh believe me so am I.” Anya chuckled.



“Then tell me why it’s not her.” Buffy glared at the demon.



“Maladic the Mage is over two hundred years old and HE is a gnarly, warty ugly thing.” Anya shivered and gave a look of disgust.



“Couldn’t he just be posing as Madalene? The rumour is big mage in town is staying with me.” Buffy bit back not appreciating Anya’s condescending stance on her valid questions. “And the only mage I have is her so I’m left with limited options.”



“No absolutely no chance.” Anya shook her head.



“Then I don’t understand it, the snake boy at Willy’s was going on about how I have a whole breeding stock of witches and that Maladic would have his due.” Buffy tried to think.



“Oh no you see that makes sense.” Anya smiled. “Maladic the Mage has a Contoric staff, it’s a very big ugly thing, like him, that is the source of his power.”



“Which means?” Buffy felt completely confused.



“He uses it to harvest Magic. Willow’s recent adventure with power, may have drawn him here.” The demon contemplated.



“Okay so where do I find him and how do I kill him?” Buffy got to the point.



“I don’t know.” Anya shrugged. “To the finding him part, the killing part is easy.” Buffy waited for more information but it came from another source.



“Break the staff.” Tara offered with a small shrug.



“Bingo, prize to the attractive blue eyed witch.” Anya rewarded Tara with a large smile.



“Anya can you orb to Xander?” Buffy didn’t smile with the others. “Or better bring me to him?”



“How can I orb to him when I don’t know where he is.” Anya put her hand on her hip and stared at Buffy.



“It was a hope...” The Slayer frowned. “Cause I think some of Maladic’s goons took him.” She was surprised when again Anya only laughed.



“Maladic took Xander!” She snorted loudly. “Did you not hear the speech about how he gathers witches and drains them? He doesn’t gather cowards to chastise them, though it would be nice if he did.” She added thoughtfully.



******

[oneyedchicklet]

I usually read a couple of updates before I post but since Flight Attendant Kath is passing up the asile with the beverage cart, I'll have a double of anything strong. I'm still getting a little nervous about the turbulance that Captain Beth is giving a sense of. But I'm still hanging on. I heard there was ice cream available. Will Chocolate Chip Mint be served?

Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop to look around, you could miss it.

Ferris Bueller