* = Emphasis
< = Thoughts
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~1~ Leaving Sunnydale
(Willow's P.O.V.)
We're actually leaving Sunnydale. Something I thought we would never do.
I
actually never thought Buffy would ever want to leave. I guess after
everything that has happened since Angel left, it's all finally taken its
hold on her.
Angel. Her first true love. The man, or vampire, she ever truly loved and
desired for. After he left for L.A, she was crushed. She was torn to shreds
after he left, but things were never the same between them even before
then.
Ever since he got back from Hell, things were always awkward between the
two.
Just saw the 'Now leaving Sunnydale' sign. I wonder where she wants to
go.
She told me to drive so she could sleep. I don't know where we are headed,
but I know it's someplace where she can forget everything ... everyone.
Xander and Anya. There's a real riot of a pair for you. They got married,
you know. Yep. Xander and Anya. I'm happy for them anyways. I wonder if
he
still misses Cordelia. It's odd really. I didn't think Xander would ever
get
over her. I guess things really do change.
Oz and Tara. My two former lovers. Now married to each other. So much can
happen to a broken heart in the amount of two years.
Here we are. Both now 20, soon be 21. Heading someplace we don't even care
to know. She looks sad. Well, I would imagine she would be. Come home the
night before your wedding and find your fiancee in bed with another woman.
I
can't imagine what she is going through. I wish sometimes that she had
listened to my warnings about him. *sighs* Sometimes you just don't want
to
see past your heart.
Riley. She gave him two years of her life. I honestly thought he loved
her.
I can't believe he would do something like that. Ok, sure, Buffy has done
him wrong a few times, but never cheated on him. Especially with his worst
enemy. I can't believe he did that to her.
The night she came to my house, I knew something was wrong with her. I
couldn't understand what because she never told me why she was hurting
so
bad deep inside. It took me a week to get her to talk to me. I should have
known something was up when she didn't go to her own wedding. The thought
crossed my mind, but I didn't want to make her talk. She talked when she
knew she was ready.
She hasn't slept this well in a long time. I'm glad she can get some sleep.
I'll wake her when we come to a rest stop. Until then, I'll let her sleep.
Where we're headed, only time will tell. Right now, our destination is
unknown.
~*~*~*~*~*~
(Buffy's P.O.V.)
We went by the 'Now leaving Sunnydale' sign awhile back. I can't believe
I'm
leaving. I was supposed to get married two months ago, but after what I
saw
... I couldn't go through with it.
*tries to hold back tears* I can't believe he did that to me. I really
want
to hate him, but I can't. God, why am I so weak for? The men I love always
seem to desert me, and fall for her. Faith. Of all people. They have to
fall
for her. First, it was Angel when he pretended to be all big and bad. Now
... Riley.
I can now understand Wills anger toward Xander when he fell hard for her.
I
honestly thought she was overreacting, but now, I completely understand.
Willow. My bestest friend. My companion. My life. If not for her, I don't
know how I would honestly survive. She has stuck by me through everything.
Even after the treatment I have given her, she still looks to me as a
friend.
I don't know how I could have been so foolish as not to have ever seen
her
problems. I know for a long time, everything seemed to revolve around me.
The slayer. The chosen one. No matter how bad things got, she stood beside
me.
I just look at her and I smile now. Xander and Anya were never told about
what happened. As far as they know, I just got cold feet and realized I
didn't love him. They've been married for awhile now, and Willow seems
to
have taken the news rather good. What hurt her the most was when Oz said
he
had married Tara. That's when our friendship started to get repaired. I
realized how much she needed me.
I don't know if it was so much as a realization, but rather realizing I
missed my best friend. She tried to warn me for about a year about Riley
and
Faith. Said she noticed how the two were getting to close for comfort.
I
thanked her for her warnings, but never realized she was right.
I am such a fool! I cry and I cry, and I cry, but yet nothing seems to
change. She comforts me when my heart breaks. She was even there when I
was
in the hospital for a couple of days for attempt at suicide. She hasn't
left
my side since.
This road trip was her idea, you know. She won't admit it, but I think
she
was just as happy to leave the Hellmouth as I was. She said it would do
my
heart some good. I was happy when she suggested it would just be me and
her.
I know she misses him. She just won't tell me. I know she has deep feelings
for him, and I know something happened between the two when I was gone
for
the summer. She won't tell me what, but just said they got closer. I don't
mind. After all, he is my past, and perhaps sometime soon, he can be her
future.
I don't know where we're headed. I told her to just drive, and wherever
we
ended up, we ended up. It didn't matter to me. Maybe we'll go to L.A.
Cordelia offered to put us up at her place about a year ago, when Wills
and
I went on vacation. But instead, we went to Disney Land. Just two girls
having a grand ole time.
I'm about to celebrate my 21st birthday soon. In about two weeks. Wills
turns 21 soon too. A few days after mine. Maybe we'll celebrate with a
cake
... and some alcohol. We'll both be old enough.
*tears start to fall* Wills is looking at me with concern on her face.
I
look at her and I nod. Telling her I am fine. Good ole Wills. Never worrying
about herself. Only worries about others. Well, I tend to change her moody
ways over this trip.
Wherever we're headed, we're doing it together. That's all that counts.
Right now, our destination is unknown.
~2~ Destination Unknown
Willow looked out the car window as they passed a sign. 'Welcome to San
Fransisco' was what it read. Willow smiled with enjoyment.
"Hey, Buff," Willow whispered. "We're in San Fransico," she smiled
enthusiastically.
Buffy yawned. "Huh? San Fransisco? Gosh, Wills. How long have we been on
the
road?" the sleepy girl asked, starting to wake up.
"Oh, I'd say, about five hours."
"Damn," Buffy laughed.
Willow smiled. {That's the first time she's laughed in about two months.}
"Where do you want to rest? I think I would love to stay here for a few
days
... weeks ... years ..." Willow laughed.
"Ok, Wills, calm down. How 'bout we find a hotel first," she giggled. {She
hasn't been this excited in years}
Willow nodded and pulled into the first hotel the two girls found. It was
a
Holiday Inn, so it was a pretty nice hotel. They rented one room with two
beds, and they paid for a week's vacation at this hotel.
{Thank the goddess for my parent's letting me have their credit cards ...
all of them} Willow thought.
The two girls went to their room, opened the door, and couldn't believe
everything they had seen. This Holiday Inn was much different from any
of
the one's they had ever seen before.
There were two king size beds. Two sinks, a refrigerator, a stove, a
microwave, two bathrooms, a desk, an air conditioner, cable hooked up
through their T.V, a VCR, and a computer w/printer, scanner, speakers,
digital camera, microphone setting on the desk.
"Dear god in heaven!" Buffy exclaimed. "Wills, you sure we're in the right
room?"
"Uh, as far as I know ... yes. Room 2435," Willow stated, jumping on one
of
the beds, claiming it as her own.
Buffy smiled at the girl. She was acting like a little five year old, but
who could blame her? This was something neither girl had ever expected.
{Just me and Wills. Together forever} she thought as she unpacked. The
two
girls had a very long night ahead of them.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Three hours later ...
After the girls had gotten settled, they went to the grocery store and
bought some food. They bought all sorts of different food, drinks,
entertainment supplies, and anything else they so desired.
Willow was now in her pajama's, and was on her way back to her bed. Buffy
had put in "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," and Willow brought the snacks.
"Hey, Wills?"
"Yeah?" Willow asked, jumping onto the bed.
"Wha happened to all of our girl nights we used to have?" Buffy asked,
snuggling up with Mr. Gordo.
Willow flinched at the question. {Should I tell her the honest truth?}
"And be honest. I know how you are when you don't want to hurt my feelings.
You start to look away from me and you bite your lower lip. You're doing
it
now. So, spill it. Please," Buffy pleaded.
Willow took in a deep breath, and decided she needed to hear the truth.
"Ok,
promise no interruptions?"
Buffy nodded, and did her little 'cross my heart and hope to die' routine.
Willow started.
"Ok, everything started to happen two years ago. It was right after Angel
had left. You were very miserable, and you didn't even seem to care about
the rest of us. Well, everytime Xander and I wanted some time with you,
it
was as if you never wanted anything to do with us. So, we gave up on trying.
Up until that time, I remembered how we used to always talk about what
was
bothering us, no matter who or what it was about. I missed that, and I
still
miss it. Over the past two months, our friendship has gotten stronger.
I
know I may sound completely selfish about this, but in a way, I'm sort
of
happy things didn't work out between you and Riley. In the beginning, I
completely hated him. I hated how he took away my best friend from me,
and
the others. It was as if no one or nothing else mattered to you anymore.
You
started to neglect your slayer duties, neglecting your friends, neglecting
everything that happened around you. It was as if we meant nothing to you.
But after awhile, things started to get better between us. Riley was at
the
point to where we were starting to accept him part of the group, but there
was still something about him that none of us liked ... or trusted. There
was just that instict about him that we didn't like. Due to the fact that
he
was part of the Initiative, even though they were destroyed, it was never
fully dismembered. Giles never wanted to tell you because of your
involvement with Riley," Willow stopped to look at the face Buffy was
making. "Shall I continue?" she whispered softly.
Buffy nodded, tears in her eyes.
Willow took in another deep breath. "About a year ago, the Initiative got
a
new member. The identity was secret because they didn't want anyone to
know
about the newest member. They were still trying to keep the group under
control, and rebuilding everything. Xander and I were walking on campus
one
night patrolling for you since you were out with Riley. That's when we
saw
Faith. She was fighting a few vamps, so we thought we would help. When
we
got there, we helped her dust 'em, then before we knew it, she was gone.
We
decided the next night, we would follow her because she was very suspious.
That's when we saw her with Graham, Riley's friend. We found out that she
was, indeed, the newest member of the Initiative."
"That's why you tried to warn me about her and Riley," Buffy whispered,
holding Mr. Gordo close with her tears falling upon the stuffed pig.
"Buffy, Xander and I at first didn't want to believe it. We never even
questioned Riley because we just believed they were friendly because they
were in the same group. It wasn't until ..." Willow stopped, looking away,
trying to forget Buffy's gaze.
"Until what, Willow? Please, I have to know," Buffy pleaded.
"Xander and I were patrolling. It was that weekend you were away with your
dad. We walked by the Bronze and we saw that Riley was there. We started
to
head towards him, but Xander pulled me behind a tree when we saw Faith
arrive. Riley pulled her in for a kiss, and the two went back to Riley's
place. It was then we realized, Riley and Faith were more than just
friends," Willow stated, looking away from Buffy.
Buffy started to pace in front of her bed. "WHY ... THE FUCK ... CAN'T
I
FIND A NORMAL GUY? HUH? SOMEONE WHO ... WHO WILL LOVE ME ... AND ... AND
CHERISH ME ... AND NOT ... FUCKING CHEAT ON ME????? WHY IS IT THAT BUFFY
SUMMERS CAN NEVER FIND SOMEONE TO LOVE HER? WHY MUST I ALWAYS GET THE
FUCKING SHITTY END OF THE GOD DAMN DEAL?" she screamed, collapsing to the
floor, holding her hands over her face.
Willow jumped off her bed immediately and threw her arms around Buffy's
shivering body. She tried her best to comfort her friend, feeling like
she
understood Buffy for the first time in a long time.
"Buffy, listen to me," Willow whispered, holding her best friend. "For
the
first time in a long time, I actually understand what you're going through.
It takes time, trust me. Goddess Buffy, this was how I felt after Oz and
Tara. But you soon realize, there *is* someone out there for you. Break
ups,
and broken hearts all come with the territory, Buffs. Trust me. Everything
will be fine after awhile."
Buffy laughed through her tears. "When did you become the strong one, Wills?
Last time I knew, I was the strong one who supporeted you through your
relationships."
Willow smiled shyly. "Buffy, I've been through a lot the past two years.
Things you don't even know about. But, hopefully ... this trip will
eventually make us become better friends. Now, let's get you cleaned up
and
head off to bed. We'll do some shopping tomorrow, have a night out just
us
girls. Maybe go do some clubbin," she giggled, doing the 'Xander' dance,
making Buffy break out in laughter.
Buffy nodded. "Ok, Wills."
Willow watched as Buffy stood and went to the sink. {Everything will be
fine, Buffy. I promise} she thought.
That night, both girls settled down into bed. Willow stayed awake until
she
made sure Buffy was sleeping tightly. As she listened to her best friends
heart beat slow down, she gently smiled to herself. {Goodnight, Buffy.
Sweet
dreams} she thought, sliding into a silent slumber.
~3~ Memories
~Flashback to July 2002~
{Tomorrow is my wedding day. I can't believe I'm getting married} Buffy
said
enthusiastically. She had never been so happy before in her life. Willow
was
going to be her maid-of-honor, Anya and Cordelia were going to be her
bridesmaid, and Giles was giving her away at the alter. Riley's best man
was
Graham, his two groomsman were Forrest and Xander.
As she walked into her house that night, she saw candle light, dinner,
and
heard romantic music being played over the stereo. {Riley has a romantic
evening planned before our wedding for us. *sighs* I do love him so} she
thought, bringing a smile over her face.
She set down all of her bags, and walked into her room, smiling seductively.
She saw Riley asleep, and walked over to the bed. She sat down beside him,
and slowly rubbed his face.
"Hmmm?" Riley mumbled.
"Riley?" Buffy whispered, smilng.
"Buffy?" Riley groaned. "Buffy!" he yelled, jumping up out from underneathe
the covers. "Wha ... what are you doing here?" he begged, looking around.
"I live here, silly. What kind of question is that?" she asked.
"I uh ... I was just asking ... because um ... isn't it like bad luck if
the
groom sees the bride before the wedding?" he stuttered.
"Riley ..." Buffy asked, with a confusing look on her face. She then noticed
the covers moving. "What ... who ... Riley?" she asked, tearing starting
to
fall.
"Riley, baby. Go back to sleep," the voice mumbled.
"Faith?" Buffy whispered.
"B?" Faith questioned. "Oh my god ... B!" she screamed, jumping up outta
bed.
Buffy looked confused. She looked at Riley ... then back at Faith. "It's
true?"
"Buffy, listen. I can explain," Riley pleaded.
"Explain?!? Explain that you've been cheating on me?!? Why didn't I just
listen to Wills and Xander? And on the night before our wedding!" she
screamed, starting to leave.
Riley jumped out of bed and grabbed her arms. "Buffy, I can explain."
Buffy slapped him across the face, and pushed him away. "How dare you,
Riley
Finn. This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. And you have
ruined it. Not just for me, but for everyone who was excited about coming.
We gave each other two years, or at least I gave you two years. How long
have you been fucking her?" she asked in a whisper.
Riley sighed. "About a year now," he responded, not looking her in the eyes.
Buffy nodded, and backed away from him. Before she headed out the door,
she
turned to look at them both. Quietly she said, "Faith, I know we've been
enemies for quite a long time now. I always knew you hated me. But what
you
have done tonight, and over the past year, just proves what a bitch you
really are. Riley, I gave you my heart, my soul, my mind ... and you know
how you were always scared I was always thinking about Angel?" Riley nodded.
"I thought about him quite often. I never gave him my soul or my mind,
but
he had a piece of my heart. A piece that you ended up claiming once I
realized how much I loved you. Angel and I said our goodbye's, and I gave
my
whole heart to you. I'm sorry if you ever thought I loved him more than
I
ever did you, but to be honest, in reality, I only wanted you," she said,
turning to leave. "I'll be by in a few days to pick up my things. If you
need me, I'll be at Willow's. Goodbye, Riley," and with that, Riley Finn
no
longer existed to Buffy Summers.
~Present Day, September 2002~
Willow awoke when she heard sounds of crying from Buffy's bed. She quietly
got up, and went to her best friend in need. Willow put her arms around
Buffy, holding her while she cried. She quietly sang ...
<<Have you ever loved somebody so much
It makes you cry?
Have you ever needed something so bad
You can't sleep at night?
Have you ever tried to find the words
But they don't come out right?
Have you ever, have you ever?
Have you ever been in love
Been in love so bad
You'd do anything to make them understand
Have you ever had someone steal your heart away
You'd give anything to make them feel the same
Have you ever searched for words to get you in their heart
But you don't know what to say
And you don't know where to start>>
Willow noticed that Buffy's tears had stopped, and that she was finally
going into her quiet slumber. She continued to sing ...
<<Have you ever loved somebody so much
It makes you cry?
Have you ever needed something so bad
You can't sleep at night?
Have you ever tried to find the words
But they don't come out right?
Have you ever, have you ever?
Have you ever found the one
You've dreamed of all you life
You'd do anything to look into their eyes
Hve you finally found the one you've given your heart to
Only to find that one won't give their heart to you
Have you ever closed your eyes and
Dreamed that they were there
And all you can do is wait for that day when they will care
Have you ever loved somebody so much
It makes you cry?
Have you ever needed something so bad
You can't sleep at night?
Have you ever tried to find the words
But they don't come out right?
Have you ever, have you ever?
What do I gotta do to get you in my arms baby
What do I gotta do to get to your heart
To make you understand how I need you next to me
Gotta get you in my world
'Coz baby I can't sleep
Have you ever loved somebody so much
It makes you cry?
Have you ever needed something so bad
You can't sleep at night?
Have you ever tried to find the words
But they don't come out right?
Have you ever, have you ever?>>
Willow then closed her eyes, still holding Buffy in her arms, and fell
asleep, singing "Have You Ever?"
~4~ An Old Friend
(Buffy's P.O.V.)
Willow just left to go shopping. I felt bad keeping her here with me. I
didn't feel like going. I just wanted to stay in today. Everytime I close
my
eyes, I can remember seeing the picture of that night. I try not to
remember, but it hurts so bad.
<<Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters>>
I cry so many tears for him, but it just seems as if I can't get rid of
this
awful pain. It hurts ... right here *points to her heart* ... and it feels
as if it will keep breaking. I used to be a fighter, but I just feel like
I
can't go on without him in my life.
<<So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters>>
I look in the mirror now, and I start to question my reality. Whether or
not
I'm really of any existence to this planet. It seems as if I'm only here
to
perform my duty as slayer, but there is nothing else for me. That job can
be
for someone else. It's time I did things my way.
<<Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say>>
I will miss Willow forever. I will miss Xander, Anya, Giles, Angel, Cordelia
... and as weird as it may seem, Spike. He's helped us out a lot over the
last few years. I sometimes wonder why he stuck around with us. I guess
I'll
never know now.
My blade is so big, and so sharp. Well, I know it will definitely get the
job done. I cut my wrist, but I also hear the key in the door. She's too
early. I didn't have time to finish. I'm feeling weak, though. Perhaps
it
was enough.
She looks into my eyes, stunned from what she sees. I'm leaning against
the
wall, and she's screaming my name. She's rocking me back and forth begging
me to stay with her. I can't. I need to leave. Please don't wrap up my
wounds, my sweet Willow. Let me die in peace.
<<Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters>>
I'm closing my eyes now. I'm begging God to take me away. I hope he answers
my prayers. Please God, just let me die.
I mumble 'I love you, Willow,' and she just rocks me back and forth. I
hope
the next time I awake, I'm in heaven.
~*~*~*~*~*~
(Willow's P.O.V.)
I can't believe I was so foolish as to go off and leave her alone. I came
home just in time to see her cut herself with the knife. I ran to her,
and
cradled her in my arms. I begged God to protect her, and he did. Buffy
will
stay with me now.
I know things are so hard for her right now. Goddess, who wouldn't want
to
die after what she saw? I felt so bad for telling her about Faith and Riley,
but deep down inside of my heart, I always wished I was wrong. I can't
believe Faith would sleep with him on the night before their wedding. Damn
her! Damn him!
When we told the gang we were leaving, they seemed to understand. I told
them we would be back one day, and they all just cried. The Scooby Gang
was
breaking up. Giles, Anya, Xander and Spike stayed behind. Buffy and I left.
I called the gang while I was out. Giles is doing fine, and so are Anya
and
Xander. Anya found out she's three weeks along with their first child.
They
seem happy.
I was sad when Giles said that Spike had left town shortly after Buffy
and
I. Spike became a great friend to us all. I sometimes wonder what his
motivation was for helping us. *smiles* I think secretly, deep down, he
loved Buffy. But, you know Spike. *mimics Spike* 'I'm the Big Bad! No one
messes with me and lives!' *laughs silently* Looks like to this little
redhead, someone is in love with the slayer.
She deserves to be loved. She deserves someone who will always love her
for
who she is. Someone who will always be there for her, no matter the
consequences.
Riley never deserved her. She was always too good for him. She always
deserved better, but as her friend, I never said anything. *smiles shyly*
I'm going to miss her when everything works out the way they need to.
I'm never going to turn my back on her. Not like she did with us, but that
is all in the past. It's now time for a new beginning. For us both. For
Buffy Summers and for Willow Rosenburg. One of these days, we will both
be
happy with our lives.
But right now, we're just living as old friends. Tomorrow, it's a new
beginning.
~5~ The Scooby Gang
"Hey, Wills?" Buffy asked, taking a drink of her pop.
"Yeah?"
"After everything that has happened, why are you still my friend?" she
questioned, doctoring up her knife wound on her left wrist.
"Because you're still my bestest friend," Willow smiled.
"How's come?"
"Buffy, listen to me ok?"
Buffy nodded.
"You were going through a difficult phase in your life. Two years ago,
Angel
left town, you met Riley, things were going bad for you in college ...
things were happening all at once. I just didn't realize how much you were
going through at the time. I mean, I was jealous because everything was
revolved around you, and you were the center of everyone's attention. After
Oz left, then the whole incident with Tara, I felt alone. I started to
hate
you for everything, but then, I realized, it was just as my fault as it
was
yours."
"How so?" Buffy questioned, confused.
"Well, I figured ... I was just as much at fault for everything, if not
more. Buffy, listen to me. Friendship is something that goes two ways,
not
just one. I could have done something to help out the friendship the minute
I realized it was falling apart. But did I? No, I didn't. I just threw
all
the blame on you. I wanted to hate you for everything, but after talking
to
Spike, as odd as it may seem, he showed me the truth. *laughs* You remember
asking me if I was in love with Spike because of all the times I spent
with
him?" Buffy nodded, laughing. "I never loved him. Sure, ok, it was a
friendship love, but *deep breath* my heart belongs to someone else, and
it
always will. I just realized ..."
"You love Angel, don't ya?" Buffy grinned.
Willow nodded. "He and I have stayed in contact over the past few years,
and
believe it or not, him and Spike helped me understand a lot of things.
Also
helped Xander, Anya, and Giles understand everything. It's weird when
vampires start to make a lot more sense than you do," Willow laughed.
Buffy held her stomach in laughter, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Do
you
remember how much we all hated Spike before he was neutered?"
"Oh goddess, do I. Remember how he reacted when he realized he couldn't
kill
us?"
Buffy nodded in agreement. "Oh gosh, Wills. I never realized how much I
missed out on. And you're right, you know."
"Right about what?"
"Friendship works two ways ... not just one. How 'bout an agreement right
now."
"What kind of an agreement?"
"No more leaving the other one out. If there is something bothering us,
we
tell the other one. And, we don't keep secrets from one another. No matter
how much we know it will hurt the other one. Deal?" she said, extending
her
hand.
"Deal," Willow responded, shaking the girls hand, then laughing.
Tomorrow was definitely going to be a new day for the two new friends.
They
were free of all secrets ... or at least they thought.
~6~ Freebirds
(Buffy's P.O.V.)
We just shook hands. We made a pact that neither of us would ever lie to
the
other one. Why am I suspecting she is still holding something back from
me?
Why am I still feeling somewhat betrayed?
I think I'm just paranoid. She wouldn't keep something from me after we
made
that pact ... would she? Dammit! She's hiding something from me. I can
feel
it. I'll have to find out what it is.
She's smilng. She's not even aware I know her secret. She's keeping it
from
me. How can I find out from her if I don't just ask her straight out? She
has been nothing but honest with me from the beginning. Hasn't she?
She was right about Riley. She was right about the past two years. *sighs*
Why are you still keeping something from me, Wills? I can just feel it.
What
are you hiding? Why are you scared to tell me?
Please, Willow. Just tell me the secret. It would make us both feel better
about ourselves. Please. As my friend ...
~*~*~*~*~
(Willow's P.O.V.)
Oh goddess ... she knows ... she knows I'm keeping something from her.
I
can't tell her. Then she would think I was only with her for *that* reason.
Oh goddess in the heavens ... it's so much more than that. That's not the
only reason I'm her friend, and the reasons for me still being by her side.
*sighs* She looks sad. Again. And this time, I did cause it. Why did I
have
to have this job? Why couldn't I stay the normal teen I was? Why did I
have
to find out about my heritage? Why me? Why her?
Oh goddess I think I'm gonna be sick. I have to tell her. It's that simple.
She must be told the rest of the truth. And I will tell her as soon as
I
puke.
How am I going to tell her I'm her watcher ... her protector ... her
guardian? This is going to be tough. I hope she forgives me for hiding
this
secret. Argh! This sucks!
~7~ The Watcher
Willow
gathered up her thoughts because she knew it was time for Buffy to
know the *whole* truth. She took a deep breath, and sat across from Buffy
on
the bed. Buffy knew something was wrong. Willow never acted like this unless
it was something serious.
"Buffy," Willow whispered. "There is one last thing you need to know before
we are completely honest with each other." Buffy nodded. "What I am going
to
say, I don't want you to think this is the only reason ... you know ...
I'm
still around ... because it's not. I'm still around because you're my
bestest friend so I don't want you to think anything bad now ok because
I
know how seriously you take things when you think your honor is going to
be
at stake and this is not what this is so please understa..."
"Wills," Buffy stopped her mid-sentence. "Just tell me," she grinned.
Willow slightly smiled. She took in a deep breath, and began her story.
"Ok, four years ago, I learned something about my heritage. I can't exactly
explain it ... because ... well ... it's um ... difficult. Well, ok. When
I
was 16-years-old, I learned of my family heritage. I started to do some
digging on my roots, and I came to find out that I have family from England.
So, I went to my parents when they were home from one of their many
thousands of vacations, and they told me something I didn't understand
...
until I met Giles and learned of his heritage. Well, you know how he learned
of his destiny to become a watcher at the age of eight?" Buffy nodded.
"Well, it seems ... as if ... um ... I ... uh ... have that same ... destiny
..." Willow smiled, somewhat embarrassed.
"You're a watcher?" Buffy asked in disbelief.
"Well ... uh ... yeah ... sorta. But, that's not the main thing. Ok, well
... um ... you know how whenever you were gone on patrolling and I stayed
behind with Giles?" Buffy nodded again. "Well, he was um ... training me
to
become a watcher ... like him," she took a deep breath.
"Willow, where are you going with this?"
"Yeah ... um ... I'm getting there. *deep breath* Ok, here's the point,
Buffy. Two years ago when Giles left the council, he was sent to England
to
find his placement."
"So, who was it?" Buffy asked curiously.
"Um ... uh ... me ... " Willow giggled, embarrassed.
Buffy took in a deep gulp. She felt as if there was a lump in her throat.
"You're what?"
"Um ... you're watcher ... yeah ..."
"Giles ... was replaced ... by ..."
"Me ..."
"Oh dear god," Buffy whispered, almost fainting.
"Giles was never fired. He was training me to take his place."
"That's why you were two went to England, and both were gone for nearly
six
months a year ago."
Willow nodded. "When we both first found out, we didn't want to leave
immediately. It would seem strange. You know? I mean, he comes back from
England, then a day or two later, him and I both leave for England and
gone
for six months. I had to stay there and train without you around. Giles
said
it's the most natural thing for a new watcher. They must train without
their
appointed slayer being around."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I wasn't allowed. The council told me that if I did, then you would no
longer be a slayer. Yeah, ok, I can see the good side of it now, but Buffy,
this is your destiny, the same as it is now mine. The council thought with
me being your watcher, you would be safe now. Plus, they sorta liked me
because we were close friends, and with me knowing virtually everything
about witchcraft now, they thought I would be best fitted with you. I hope
you can forgive me for not telling you, Buffy. I wanted to ... but I also
didn't want to risk everything," Willow smiled shyly.
Buffy nodded in agreement. "Wills," she whispered, bring her into a hug.
"I
wouldn't want anyone else protecting me. Now," she said breaking the hug
and
looking at Willow. "What do you say. We pack up here, leave this city,
and
head to good ole L.A? I know a few people who would love to see us," she
smiled.
Willow got a huge grin acrossed her face. "L.A, here we come!"
With that being said, both girls jumped up off the bed, packed up their
things, checked out, and jumped in their car. After everything that had
been
said between the two girls over the week they were there, they each felt
that their friendship was something that would never be broken. They were
heading into a new beginning.
^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^
~*~The End~*~