Willow looked at the people gathered around the table. She knew what she was going to say would change things between her and them. She had hoped to come back to Sunnydale and recapture something she had lost. Things never happened the way you planned. She knew she was different, as much as they were the same. She knew they were uneasy around her. She saw the curiosity and the hope in their eyes. She would rather have that than what she knew would replace it. She really didn't want them to look at her in pity...in disgust...
Angel was another problem. If she were completely honest, he would feel guilty. She knew this. She had long ago realized that all she had felt for him was a crush. A fading affection caused by them working so closely together that summer. She assumed he felt the same. As soon as Buffy had returned, he had forgotten her. That still hurt a bit, but was nothing compared to what she had experienced since. She also knew that the entire truth would most likely put his and Buffy's relationship in jeopardy. This was another reason she had remained silent.
She took a moment to collect herself.
"Excuse me." she said quietly. They all stopped and looked at her. "I need you to listen to me..."
"Of course Wills." Buffy said, surprised that her friend was voluntarily speaking. "What is it?"
Willow looked at them with her unfeeling eyes. "I need your help. But, first, I have to explain some things....I will understand if you don't want to get involved after I tell you my story."
"Willow....we'll help you. Story or no story." Xander said.
"Let her talk" Spike said, his voice low. "You need to hear this...I need to hear this." He looked at Willow. She was looing at him, affection replacing the coldness in her gaze. "We won't interrupt. I know how hard this will be pet."
Willow nodded. She kept her eyes on his as she
began to tell her story.