Title: Can I Have A Minute?
Author: AllytheVamp
Email: Marie_214@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: Joss Owns these characters!! Not Me!!
Author's Note: This is a story about a tragedy. This is sad and hard but it has some Willow/Oz bonding. They search for the answers they need.

Part Three


When Cordy's mom reached us she had tears in her eyes. She had never cared about her daughter in the strictest sense, but she was taking it hardest of all. I wondered why exactly. She held out a crumpled piece of paper. It was yellow and I could see it was written in Cordy's handwriting. Willow took it curiously.

"My daughter wanted you to have this. She told me a few days before it happened that she knew something was going to happen to her, so she said to give you this. All I want to do is my daughters last wishes..." her voice choked up with tears. "She always asked me for things I couldn't give her..." Mrs. Chase buried her head in her hands and Willow reached out and hugged her. I was wordless as I opened the letter. Mrs. Chase put her hand over it so fast I jumped.

"NO!" she cried. She lowered her voice tearfully. "She wanted you guys to read it to everyone. I'm not sure who everyone is, but you must know. I have to go. Thank you." Cordy's mother managed a small smile before she ran away shoulders slumped.

I looked over at Willow who looked as if she might cry now too. "Get everyone." she told me firmly. "We'll meet in the library."

I nodded. I leaned over and brushed my lips on hers for a second. She pulled my face down until I was really kissing her. My thoughts blurred a moment and then we released each other and went our seperate ways.

We all sat in the library, Xander, Buffy, Willow and I.

"Who want's to read it?" Buffy asked timidly.

"I think Xander should." Willow spoke up. "They were closest."

Xander nodded and stood picking up the letter:

"Dear Everyone (You know who you are)

I guess you will be reading this afterward. I just want to take this moment to say that I never wanted to die. I mean who wants to? But I had one of those freaky visions where it told me I was dying. At first I was scared, then I was all like, why me? But I realized that I'm not afraid to die. Everybody dies. Its part of life. Anyway I wanted to tell you guys everything I couldn't say:

"To Buffy...I know I always called you a freak, and to me you were. I mean you were like superwoman, which was kinda scary, but you are also my hero. I know that there's gonna be alot more people who tell you what you do doesn't help, but it does. Don't you ever stop! (Buffy started to cry here)

To Willow...yes I called you a dork and insulted you, and for that I'm truly sorry. You have grown so much as a person Willow. You are pretty and talented and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Also hang on to Oz. You guys are meant to be. And Will in my vision there is a part where you throw a stake in my face. It wasn't what caused it ok? Don't keep blaming yourself! (Willow just shook her head and looked in shock. I took her hand)

"Oz...wow. You have got to be the most gentle hearted guy I know. Keep that way. You have a calmness people need. Don't lose it!

Finally Xander...what can I say? We've had our fights Xand, but you know what? Don't ever think I didn't love you (Xander's voice shook and on every other word broke with tears) I do, and you were never an unintegrel part of the group. You kept me laughing and for that I will always be grateful. I know me dying will hurt but know that I love you and there's a fire in you that can't die. Xander you need to keep laughing. Take care of everyone. Never forget us ok? We always had something amazing. I love you so much...I'm crying. I'll miss you dork head!

Ok that's it. Keep fighting! I love you all! Beat that vampy scum

Sincerely Cordelia Chase."

Xander broke down crying and buried his head in his hands. The letter fluttered to the floor. I wiped my eyes which were watering quite a bit. Willow looked on sadly. Buffy sat in her chair, her eyes filled with tears muttering "She was so special...it's not fair. I should have been there..."

"No!" Willow bolted out of her chair. "Buffy it wasn't you. You had to protect everyone at the same time and that's impossible!" Buffy nodded and they hugged. I went over to the still sobbing Xander and patted him on the back. "You'll be ok buddy." I said my voice cracking. I knew he would be.

At that moment Willow got up and walked out of the room. Buffy smiled at me for some reason and gestured for me to go. I followed quickly. There was something I needed to know... and something I needed answered. I made up my mind I was going to do it no matter what.




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