Title:Rebound
Email: Throwastar@cs.com
Author: Krystal_Faerie and Krystal_Unicorn
Disclaimer: We do not own any of the characters of BTVS. (If we did do you think
we would be writing stories on the Internet?) We have no money so please do
not sue us. Lyrics “Break me, Shake me” by Savage Garden
Summary: When Willow meets someone while she is on the rebound, will he be the
man of her dreams or her nightmares? And when she needs her best friends, will
they be there for her or will she get help from a long forgotten one?
Distribution: We really do not care if you want to use this story just ask first,
k?
Author's Notes: This is only our 2nd story, please send feedback!!!(We live
off of feedback!) We only follow to Becoming 2 (sorry, no Oz) And we really
do not like Buffy in this story so for all those who do, sorry! * *encloses
thoughts.
Part 1
* * * * *
“Angel, we need to talk.” Willow stated as soon as Angel let her in his apartment.
“All right, what about?” Angel was cautious. Ever since Buffy came back she
had been a little cold towards him every time he tried to romance her (which
was usually every time they were together). “Us,” Willow looked a little nervous,
“Um..............I really don't think that this is working out.”
“What are you saying, Willow?” Angel was trying so hard not to hear, to believe, what she was saying. “We shouldn't.....see each other anymore...........,” Willow looked away from Angel's hurt and angry face, “Like I mentioned earlier, we aren't working out.....” Her voice faded. To Angel, the way she sounded so.......so.........odd. Angel was infuriated, “How do you know we aren't working out? You haven't even given us a chance!?!,” Angel grabbed her arms roughly, “How can you do this? To me? To us? To yourself? How can you be so...........cold?”
“I'm sorry, Angel.....I have to go now.” Willow brushed past him as she headed for the door. At the door, she hesitated and turned to face him. “Goodbye, Angel.” Angel looked away from her penetrating gaze. She turned and Angel heard the door close. As she left Angel realized his mistake. He mistook that look as a woman looking for forgiveness for what she was doing, but no. It was something worse. She was looking for something inside him, something he could never give to the woman whom had stolen and broken his heart all in the same year............friendship.
* * * * *
After Willow left Angel looked at the door and whispered
the words that seemed so........so............final. “Good-bye, Will.”
Angel walked towards his bedroom. As soon as he entered memories of him and
Willow together, in this exact bed, surfaced. Angel turned on his heel and
walked out of the apartment. The next few weeks, maybe even months, were going
to be VERY hard.
* * * * *
It seemed to Willow that she was home in almost no time
at all. As soon as she closed her front door her resolve crumbled and she fell
to the floor in sobs. She hated herself for doing this...............but Buffy
was still in love with Angel as he was still in love with Buffy. No matter how
much he said he didn't love Buffy anymore, as soon as she returned, she began
doubting his word. Even he began to doubt his own statement. *Not like he
would ever say that to me........but it was so obvious* All she wanted
was for them to be happy.......... but why did this have to hurt her
soooo bad? Why did it have to hurt soooo much? Willow was so absorbed in
her thoughts and her pain that she didn't even hear Buffy knock, much less hear
her opening the door. “Will, what's wrong???” Buffy was scared something was
seriously wrong *Which was the reason I came over, when Will didn't answer the
phone* “Angel.......and I......broke up......” Willow was shaking so hard from
crying that it took longer to explain. “That bastard....” Buffy was being the
perfect best friend on the outside but on the inside half of her was rejoicing
while the other half was thinking *Is that all?? That's the reason I am
here on a Saturday night!?! I could be out having fun but noooo.......* *I
shouldn't be thinking that! Bad Buffy! Willows in genuine pain....* Buffy was
snapped out of her thoughts as Willow explained, “No, I.......broke up.....with
him.....” Buffy looked at Willow incredulously. “Why?” Willow never
answered her question but yet again broke down into sobs. Buffy had never seen
Willow like this. She was always the strong one......the one everyone depended
on in a time of crisis or need. “Everything's gonna be okay,
will.......shhh............... you'll be okay........”
* * * * *
“You should've seen her, Xander. It was like she
completely broke down” Buffy said into the phone later that night. “Yeah, I
mean, I have never seen her like that and personally, if you ask me, I never
want to again. You have never seen anything as sad as this, Xander.
NEVER. Yeah okay bye.”
* * * * * * *
End Part 1
Part 2
“Uh, sure......hey Willow?”
“Umm?”
“You doing anything tonight? Cause I really need someone to show me the sights.” Willow looked at him startled. “Uhh....I guess so, how ‘bout meeting me at The Bronze?”
“Great, see you tonight?”
“Um, yeah” And with that Max walked out of the classroom and past a dumbfounded Buffy.
“Nevermind! I gotta go.” And with that Willow walked away. “What??” Buffy
still stood there clueless as to what she had said to make Willow mad.
“That guy over there with Willow.” Buffy’s jaw practically hit the ground and
frantically started looking “Where!?!” Angel pointed out the couple who was too
engrossed in their conversation to notice the gaping and stunned look coming
from Buffy and the rather jealous one coming from Angel. “Oh my God!! He
actually showed up???”
“Who actually showed up?” Angel was becoming agitated. “This new guy at
school....,” Buffy looked at Angel funny, “Why do you care?” Angel went on the
defensive. “I was just worried he might be a demon......or something.”
“Yeah, like I really believe that one, Angel, you have jealousy, pure and
simple, written all over your face!”
“Oh I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you upset. I probably shouldn’t have
said anything.” Willow looked as if someone had just run over her dog. “No, it’s
ok. I......it’s been a........while. I......sometimes......it just comes back
full force, you know?”To Max it looked like Willow had been close to the old
teacher. “Were you real close to her?” Willow nodded. “She is....I mean was my
mentor and friend. Even though she was a teacher.” While they had both been
trying to find a new subject they had arrived at Willow’s house. “Well, I’ll see
you at school?” Max asked Willow. “Uh, yeah see you tomorrow.” Max leaned over
and gave Willow a kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight, Willow.”
“Night, Max.”
“Who are you?” Max and Xander asked simultaneously. “Oh, yeah, Max this is
Xander, my best friend, Xander this is Max, my ummm......”
“Her boyfriend.” Max filled in for her and Xander. Xander looked skeptically
at him and then at Willow. “Oh, okay.” Willow noticed the tension between the
two males so she turned to Xander and asked “So, you going Bronzing tonight?
Cause Max and I are and maybe you and Cordelia could? Kinda like a double date?”
“I’ll have to ask Cordy but I’m sure we’ll go.” Xander turned at the sound of
his girlfriend calling him. He turned back to Willow and said “I’ll see you guys
later, ok?” And with that he yelled “Coming!” and walked away. Willow suddenly
thought maybe Max didn’t want them to come and asked “Is that okay that I asked
them?”
“Oh, I don’t mind.” The bell rang and Max kissed her on the cheek and said
“See you tonight?”
“Okay, bye.” Then they both walked to their separate classes.
“Well, I wanted to talk to you about Max. I heard some
rather.........disturbing news about him from his last school.” Willow looked at
Xander and said “What are you talking about, Xander?”
“Max was thrown out of his old school for “confidential reasons” Xander made
quote, unquote motions with his hands. “So? Buffy burned down the gym at her old
school.....and Angel? Don’t even get me started on the bad things he has done!,”
Willow paused and started up again, “Or do you excuse those because there were
vamps inside the gym she burned down and he had no control? Look I know you’re
just looking out for me, but I like Max....... alot.” Willow noticed his
perturbed expression and relented, “Look, I’ll be careful. Does that help any?”
“I guess so.” She gave him a hug and then she noticed that Buffy, Giles,
Cordy, and Angel had watched the whole exchange. Xander turned to them and said
“Hey, guys.”
“What’s this about Max?” Buffy asked. Willow eyed Angel and noted that
surprisingly him and Buffy weren’t all over each other. “Nothing.” Both Willow
and Xander answered at the same time. “Okay.” Buffy went back to training and
Cordelia was surprisingly quiet for a change.
“Bout 2, 3 cups, give or take a few?”
“Wills!”
“What!?! I was thirsty!!!”
“Umm, why exactly can she not have coffee?” Xander turned to Max, having
completely forgotten he was there, “Oh, she tends to ramble and she gets a
little jittery. We’re going to take her home now, Willow, say good-bye.”
“Good-bye!?! I don’t wanna go!” Willow was dragged out of The Bronze
protesting all the way.
“Wow! You know you guys could learn a few things from Max!” Cordelia turned
and gave Xander and Angel a stern look. “Huh, what?” Was Xander’s drowsy reply.
Angel just kinda looked.......lost. “Oh nevermind!” Willow just looked amused by
Cordelia’s frustration. Buffy chose that moment to walk in. Willow tensed up and
everyone noticed it. They hadn’t really seen each other since Buffy had insulted
her and dared to look clueless about it. *Though you can’t really blame
her........ It’s not like she has the brains to figure it out.*Willow’s evil
side thought snidely. Giles also came out of his office at that moment.
“Nevermind, what?” Buffy and Giles asked simultaneously. “Nothing.” was
Cordelia’s reply. “So, what’s the big bad now, Giles?” Buffy asked a little
distractedly. “Well, I’m afraid there is a new, rather powerful demon in town.”
Giles said. “Gosh, who would’ve thought? A demon!?! On the hellmouth!?!
Horrors!?! Everybody, quick, run for your lives!” Xander cowered behind the
table like a scared rabbit. “Shut-up, Xander.” Everyone said simultaneously.
“Geez, just trying to lighten the mood a little.......” Xander was muttering.
Angel just smirked at him.
“Who hates you, Willow?”
“Max.” Willow was scaring Amy. “Why does he hate you? Willow?” Willow had
been looking at her hands and when she heard Amy say her name her head jerked up
“Huh?”
“I asked you why Max would hate you?”
“Oh, Amy, I ruined everything! I’m a bad, horrible person! Max thinks I
cheated on him.” Amy stared at Willow increduosly. “Why would he think that!?!”
Willow was the most faithful and loyal person that Amy knew. *I mean when Xander
hurt her so many times, did she ever run or hurt him back? No. She stuck by him
at all times and would rather die than hurt him, ever.* “We were supposed to
meet at the Bronze and he was a little late. A guy I taught last year asked me
to dance and......”
“And???”
“And I said yes. Max came in and got outraged at this guy and he hit him and
broke his nose....”
“He broke the guy’s nose!?!”
“Yeah. And it’s all my fault! And Max hates me now!” By the time Willow got
that out she had even more tears streaming down her face. “Oh, Will, that wasn’t
your fault anymore than it was my mom was a witch, literally. You were just
dancing with the guy. Nothing more, nothing less,” Amy paused, “Max was the
jerk! HE broke the guy’s nose not you!” Amy looked at Willow. Willow smiled at
her, “You’re right,” She stated determinedly, “Max hit the guy ...........,”
Willow’s determination crumbled. “But it’s my fault he hit the guy!!!” She
wailed. Amy pulled her friend closer into a hug. “Shh........it’s okay,
Will.......everything’s okay..........”
“Of course I don’t want you to leave.”
“But you just said-"
“I need you to go, there is a difference, you know.”
“Ok, call me after he leaves.” Willow nodded. “Oh and Will?” Willow turned to
Amy. “That is not a request.” Willow smiled at her friend and nodded. Willow
walked to the front door and took a deep breath, then opened the door to find
Max looking a little dejected. Max heard Willow opening the door and looked a
little more hopeful. “Willow?” Willow just stared at him with her arms crossed.
“Thank the gods. Please let me explain.......just wait here for a second.” Max
went to his car and returned with a bouqet of red roses and a huge teddy
bear.Willow stared at him incredulously. “You’re trying to buy me back!?! Who do
you think you are??” Willow started to slam the door in the face but Max put his
foot in the way. “Wait! When I got to the Bronze and I saw you with that
guy...........I.........I lost it! I love you so much and I couldn’t stand to
see you with anyone else. Even if it was just a dance.” Willow had stopped
listening after ‘I love you’. “You love me?” Willow sounded like a little child.
Max just replied with “Of course I do! Why wouldn’t I? You’re smart, beautiful,
and caring. Any guy who couldn’t see that is a fool.” Willow was thinking of
*Angel* of all people. *He used to call me all that. I just thought he was
flattering me. Wait! Why am I thinking of him? I’m with Max now, not Angel.* At
the same time Max also was thinking of Willow’s ex. *That guy was a fool to let
her get away. Though he seems to hang around alot........I need to watch out for
him...........he just gets to me.* “All right, I’ll forgive you if you pay his
medical and take me out.” Max nodded. He would do anything to get her back. “Oh
and Max,” Max turned to look at her, “It better be nice.”Then she turned, walked
into the house and quietly shut the door.
“Oh! Of course, if you will please follow me.” Max eagerly followed him to
get out of the awkward moment between the maitre d and Willow. Willow followed
but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Angel and...........Buffy. *Bitch.*
Willow silently sent their way. Max was surprised to see a look of pure hatred
on Willow’s face. “Are you ok? Cause you look a little flushed.” Willow looked
like she had just remembered that Max was even there. “What? Oh. Yeah,
I’m.....I’m fine.” Her voice cracked as she answered him. Max just looked at
her, feeling a little concerned.
“Oh, I remember. I also remember you telling me that I was the only one you
ever brought here. After having Buffy sit in the same chair in which I sat in
not too long ago they should burn it.”
“I’ll repeat myself, being a bitch is not going to help you.”
“Who said I needed, much less wanted help?” Buffy had walked up as Willow was
saying the last sentence. “What are you doing here?,” Buffy glanced between
Angel and Willow. “You know, stalking is illegal.”
“And you should know.” Angel just watched the two warily, making no move to
stop them. “What did you say?”
“You heard me.”
“You know, I could easily make you regret saying that.”
“So could I.” Willow calmly stated. “Oh, please! You couldn’t hurt a fly!”
“Who said it had to be physical hurt?” Buffy paled noticably. “Wh-.....What
do you mean?” Smirking Willow replied, “You know what I’m talking about.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Try me.”
“No one would believe you!”
“Maybe not.....but I, and you do too, know that they would believe Cordelia.”
The two seemingly had forgotten Angel was even there. Angel was watching the
two, confusion written clearly on his face. “How would Cordelia know?” Buffy was
also confused now. “Oh please! You actually think you are my only friend!?! I
told her.”
“Why? Why would you do that?”
“Oh and pass up the chance to tell someone that the perfect, almighty Buffy
Summers actually stalked Matt Damon for so long he actually had to get a
restraining order?” Angel’s eyes bugged out while Buffy turned an odd shade of
purple. “Buffy, what is Willow talking about?” Willow smiled at the damage she
had done and suddenly remembered Max. “I have to go.” Willow turned to go and
halfway back she called out, “Oh, and Angel? We’ll finish our ......discussion
later.”
“Like to what?” He had forgotten what they had been talking about. “Your
name, silly.”
“Oh, yeah. It’s Aaron. What about yours?”
“Willow.” Aaron took her hand and kissed it while saying, “Normally, we
aren’t supposed to make advances on the patrons but........how can one resist
such a beautiful woman with such an unpleasant date?” Willow giggled at him
while Max walked up and sat down. Smooth as honey he said, “That’ll be all,
thank you. We would like our check now please.”
“Of course, sir.” Aaron tightly replied. He winked at Willow when he returned
with the check and walked away.
“Didn’t want me to think what? My girlfriend is a slut? Well,
congratulations! Two guys in one night, all behind my back. I think that calls
for celebration don’t you?” he said as he walked up to her and grabbed her hair
forcing her head back.
I never thought I would change my opinion again... “I’m not a slut! I was trying to-”
“I know exactly what you were trying to do. Your ex has told me all about
your exploits when you were with him.”
“It wasn’t like that at all, I loved him! I mean-” Willow didn’t have time to
finish her sentence before Max threw her against the edge of the coffee table.
Max looked down at her stunned form before muttering “You need to learn your
place, bitch.” and storming out of the house.
Break me, Shake me, Hate me As he got into his car he realized what he had done. He collapsed into the
driver’s seat and started crying. He loved Willow. As he was crying he
remembered the weekends spent at his grandparents house. He would stay there
while his mom went on business trips. His grandfather hated him playing in the
mud or getting dirty at all. *I learned real quick what not to do and soon
Willow will have, too* he thought bitterly.
“I respect that but-” Buffy was cut-off by Xander saying, as he slumped into
the chair next to Willow, “I hate the entire female population of Sunnydale.”
Willow and Buffy stared at Xander. “Ahem. Uh, Xander? We are a part of the
female population in Sunnydale, you do know that right?” Buffy asked him. Xander
looked up at them and said, “No, you aren’t. I uhh......I mean..........you’re
my buddies! Not the females I’m talking about........ok, foot in mouth. Not a
good place. Nasty flavor.” Buffy laughed and said “We understand. So what’s up?
Cordy doing what she does so well again?” Xander looked like a little boy with
no more toys. “If that means making me miserable, then yes she is.” Willow
looked at him sympathetically, “What is it now?” she asked him. “What isn’t it?
I mean-” Xander was cut-off as Max came up to Willow and just stood there. “What
do you want, Max?” Willow asked. “I just want to talk. That’s all. Can we please
talk? Alone?” Max looked at her pleadingly. Willow glanced from the safety of
her friends to where Max stood. *No! Don’t go! It’s safe here, while over
there.... .........No, I have to go. It was my fault he got mad! I deserved it
and he deserves another chance!* “All right, just to talk.” Willow relented.
When they were alone Max immediately started to apologize. “Oh, God, Willow, I
am so sorry! I lost my temper and I don’t know what happened. Please you have to
forgive me! I love you so much and I can’t lose you! I just can’t. I promise
I’ll never-”
“You hit me, Max! You can’t just ask me to forgive you and then expect me to
almost immediately. I just can’t do that-” Willow was interrupted by Max, “I
know that you can’t forgive me right now,” Max looked lost as he put his head
down, “But can you at least try?” The last part was barely audible and Willow
could barely hear him. “I don’t think I can-” “Why not!?! I’ve forgiven you for
making me so mad in the first place.” The words he said were like a punch in the
gut for Willow. *I was right! It is my fault! His words only enforce
that.......* “I can try, Max..............I can try.” Willow felt she had to.
*Especially since he forgave me so easily........*
“I know what you were doing.” Max was apparently in a bad mood, so Willow
decided to step lightly. “I really am sorry.” Willow looked up at him with an
innocent face.
“Oh yeah? And what was the first thing out of her mouth when you asked?
Well?” Xander interrupted. They both looked at each other and said in unison, “I
have to ask Max first.”
“Yeah, but it isn’t our business.” Cordelia was sticking up for them. As the
couple left, the others decided to leave it alone.
* * * * *
Buffy looked at Willow respectively “Wow, Wills, did
that guy just ask you on a date?” Willow, whom had been in La-La land, stopped
dead in her tracks and stated (for Buffy’s information but also mostly for her
own) “Don’t look so surprised, Buffy, there are guys that are of the living who
like me and find me attractive, you know!” Buffy just stared at her blankly.
“Huh?”
* * * * *
Bronze
Angel and Buffy were arguing over some
latest demon that was to be fought and did not really notice Willow sitting
there, alone. Willow had not taken her eyes off of the table when Max came in.
Max spotted Willow and made his way over to her. “Hi, again.” Will looked up at
him obviously surprised and it made Max uneasy. “We did say tonight, right?”
Willow looked embarrassed. “Yeah, I just didn’t think you would actually show
up...” Max followed Willow’s now transfixed gaze to the site of her ex and best
dancing and holding each other very tight. *They must have resolved their
problem* Willow was thinking while Max was thinking. *Well, two can play at that
game* “Willow, would you like to dance?” Willow looked surprised, but also very
relieved. “Why not?” And they got up and walked to the dance floor.
* * * * *
Angel stopped mid-sentence when he saw a guy about
Willow’s age holding her rather closely. “Who’s that?” Buffy, whom had been
engrossed in staring at Angel, looked a little perplexed “Who’s who?”
* * * * *
Later That Night
“So,” Max started,
“How long have you lived in Sunnydale?” *Oh, yeah, Max that is just going to
sweep her right off her feet* “All my life.” Willow stated simply. “Oh hey, what
actually happened to the computer science teacher?” As soon as the words left
his mouth he regretted them. “I......well....she was..........she was murdered.”
* * * * *
Grinning, Will walked hurriedly into the school to meet
Max. Everything was working out perfectly. *Angel has Buffy, I have Max. No more
love triangles.* Max was waiting for her at her locker. “Hey, I’m really sorry
for upsetting you last night so I thought I’d try to make it up to you.” He
explained as he pulled out a long-stemmed red rose. Willow gasped delightedly
and said “You really didn’t have to, you know,” Willow took the rose and looked
at him shyly, “but, thank you just the same.” Max was going to respond but then
Xander walked up to Willow. “Hey, Wills, sorry I couldn’t make it last night.”
* * * * *
Later That Day
Xander pulled Willow
aside as soon as their last class ended and walked with her to the library. As
soon as they were out of the student populations hearing range Willow asked
Xander, “Is there a reason you are acting so secretive?”
* * * * *
End Part 3
Part 4
At The Bronze
Willow was thinking
about what Xander had said about Max. *He’s wrong.......he has to be! Max is
sweet, kind, considerate.....* She looked at the rose and came to the conclusion
that Xander had no clue what he was talking about. She then saw Max make his way
to her table. “Hi!” She was a little too enthusiastic with that greeting. Max
looked at her a little startled. “Hey.” “So, listen, I was thinking maybe we
could go out sometime. I mean not that we aren’t out right now but well? Or
maybe not...cause you might not want to....but then again you might want to but
it’s not like I’m real pretty or anything. Well? Max just watched her go on and
on. Xander and Cordy had walked up behind her while she was rambling. Xander
tapped her on the shoulder. She turned “Xander, my buddy! How’s life treating
you? Cordy? Buffy? I mean she isn’t exactly my fave person right now but-” She
was cut-off by Xander asking her “Will, how much coffee have you had?”
* * * * *
The Next Morning
Willow’s eyes
cracked open. She looked over at her alarm clock that read 9:47 a.m. Willow
jumped out of bed and raced to get dressed. *I am so late for
school...........wait today’s a Saturday!* Willow sighed a huge sigh of relief
but it was very short-lived because someone was banging on the door. Very
loudly. She ran down the stairs worrying that she had plans that she had
forgotten about. When she opened the door she expected to Xander, Cordy, or
possibly even Buffy but the person she actually saw was Max. Never in a million
years did she think he would show up. Especially after last night. “Max, what
are you doing here?” Willow asked curiously. “I just thought I’d stop by......”
Max replied. “Really? Why? I mean not that I don’t want you here.......I just
wasn’t really expecting it. Especially after last night-” Willow was cut-off by
Max’s lips on hers. When they stopped it was only because they needed to
breathe. “Wow.” Willow was breathless. “Yeah, wow.”Max echoed.
* * * * *
Later That Night
“So.....he just
stopped by to see if you were ok and say good morning??” Cordy acted like the
man had found a cure for cancer. (Which a guy doing what Max did is kinda on the
same scale.) “Yep.”
* * * * *
End Part 4
Part 5
1,2 Months Later
*Everything’s going
so well for us lately* Buffy thought. *Max and Willow are still together and it
seems he gets sweeter every day........she also seems to have forgotten the
fight that we had. I can’t believe Max brings Willow a rose every morning,*
Buffy sighed at the thought,*Not much demon activty, either. Yeah ....
........life’s great.* Buffy smiled as she walked through the library doors but
soon lost her smile when she saw Willow crying, but that wasn’t what made her
stop in her tracks .............it was Angel trying to comfort her that made her
angry. Willow and Angel looked up when they heard someone enter and when Willow
saw Buffy she grabbed her bag and ran out of the library. Buffy really didn’t
notice,she was too busy staring at Angel.
* * * * *
Willow flew down the hallway and into her computer
science class. She didn’t really care what Buffy thought (at least not anymore),
she was just glad to get away from Angel’s cross-examination of why she was
crying.She was wiping away the tears when she heard the door open. Willow looked
up and saw Amy standing there. When she saw her friend she started crying all
over again. “Oh, Amy, what am I gonna say to him? He hates me!!”
* * * * *
Later at Willow's House
“Willow, we
need to talk. Please open the door.” Max had been standing out there pleading
with Willow for the past half hour. “No way!” Amy replied to Max’s request. Amy
had been here comforting Willow when, out of the blue, Max just showed up.
Willow turned to Amy and said “Why don’t you go home?,” Amy gave Willow a look
that asked ‘Are you sure?’ “I can handle this, Amy, I need to. Please?” Amy
looked reluctant. “All right. Only if you really want me to.”
* * * * *
Max nervously straightened his tie before knocking on
the door. Amy answered the door and coldly stated, “She’ll be down in a minute.”
Max came in and Amy said in a low, hard voice. “If you ever hurt her,
I’ll............just be forewarned. I am not a happy person when someone hurts
my friends.” Max looked at her with respect. Anyone who cared for their friends
that much was ok in his book. “She has been through a lot and if this is just
some passing thing for you.....well end it now. I’d rather deal with her now
than when she falls completely for you.” Max noted a hint of experience in the
area of comforting a hurting Willow. “I don’t intend to ever hurt her. I love
her.”Amy scrutinized him. “Just remember you said that.” They heard Willow
coming down the stairs and turned around. “Wow!” Max was stunned. She was only
wearing a simple sundress but Max thought she looked positively radiant. He
walked over to her and grinned. Offering his arm, he asked “Shall we, milady?”
Haughtily, Willow took his arm and walked out calling back to Amy. “See you
later!”
* * * * *
End Part 5
Part 6
Willow had
been feeling very un-Willowlike since Max left. Creul, even vicious. Grinning to
herself, she thought *I think I’ll make him sweat for awhile. Maybe even flirt
with a waiter or two......show him that flirting does not call for broken bones.
Also show him that even if I do flirt, it doesn’t mean anything because my heart
beliongs to him........ *She started to feel guilty for her thoughts as she
thought of tonight It was supposed to be special. “So........where are we
going?” She asked as they sped away from her street. “Monsieur Patou......it’s a
little French restaurant in the next town over.” Willow already knew where he
was talking about. Angel took her there all the time when they were together.
She felt that pang that she thought she had gotten rid of as they pulled into
the parking lot. *Bad Willow!!! None of that now! You are here with
Max.........not Angel........* She was thinking as they walked to the entrance
to the restaurant. The maitre d’s face paled at least three shades.
“Madam.......Welcome back.” The maitre d furtively shot a glance at a couple on
the other side of the room. Max looked at Willow curiously. “We have a
reservation under Kilburg.”
* * * * *
Angel stared at Buffy’s face, pretending to be hanging on
every word that came out of her mouth. Though in reality he was scolding
himself. *Stupid! Why did I bring her here? How-* He was cut off mid-thought
when he saw Willow looking their way. She turned away from them before she
noticed that Angel saw her but not before Angel saw the look of animosity on her
face. Buffy stopped talking and started to nag Angel. “Angel! Are you listening
to me? What are you looking at?” Buffy turned in her chair to get a better view
of what Angel was staring at. Angel snapped out of his daze and said to Buffy.
“None of your business.” Buffy stared at Angel, shocked that he would even dare
to talk to her like that. “And just who do you think you are, Mr. Pretty Boy? Do
you even know who you are talking to!?! I am going to go to the bathroom and
when I come back I would prefer it if you apologized and acted like a civilized
date.” Buffy stated firmly. As soon as she left Angel let out a frustrated
growl.
* * * * *
Willow was hellbent on ruining the date, even more so
after she saw Angel. First off, she was rude and making snide comments all
during the appetizer. Secondly, she was silent during the salads. At one point
during the entree she looked over at Angel and saw the look of irritation on his
face and then she saw Buffy stalk away from the table. “I have to go to the
bathroom.” Willow retorted to Max while still staring at Angel. Willow shashayed
over to his table. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t loverboy. You and Buffy get in
a fight? Poor baby!” Willow asked, feigning pity. “Being a bitch towards me is
not going to help you get over me.” Angel sweetly replied without even looking
up. “Well! Don’t we have a big ego!” Willow shot back. “We were over a long time
ago. Or do you not remember that?”
* * * * *
“Sorry, I ran into an old friend.” Max looked relieved
that she had finally come back. “It’s ok. Who was-” He was cut off by the waiter
coming to bring them their dessert. Willow remembered her plan to flirt with the
waiter as Max excused himself to go to the rest room. Willow innocently dropped
her fork as the waiter passed by. *Oooo......my, my doesn’t he look yummy. Must
work out.* She thought as he bent over to retrieve her fork. “I really don’t
believe I caught your name before.” Willow said coyly. “That’s because I didn’t
give it.” The waiter replied as he checked her out. Willow crossed her legs
seductively as he looked appreciatively. “Would you like to?”
* * * * *
The more Max thought about what he had seen, the angrier
he got at Willow. *How dare she make a fool of me like that!?! She does not care
about me..........only how many ‘conquests’ she can get. Well, she won’t feel
that way for long.......she’ll get what’s coming to her.It’s like that saying
‘What goes around, comes around..........*
* * * * *
Willow felt absolutely awful for flirting with Aaron.
She shot a worried look towards Max. *He looks so angry. What did you think,
Willow? That me flirting with soemone else was going to make him happy?* She
really hadn’t meant for Aaron to flirt back. *Right,Willow, what was he gonna
do? Turn away from you when you had your legs bare and right there in his face?
Please! I hope he isn’t too mad...........*
* * * * * *
End Part 6
Part 7
Max
pulled to a stop in front of Willow’s house, but instead of driving away after
she had gotten out he pulled around to her driveway. He got out and followed her
to the door. Tightly he said “We need to talk....now” Willow meekly opened the
door and let him in. “I really don’t know what came over me.” she began. “I
guess I was trying to prove that me being your girlfriend does not automatically
make me your property.......Wow, where’d that come from?” Willow trailed off and
looked up to a very angry Max. “Earlier I made a mistake. I understand that. So,
to make it up to you I took you to a nice dinner at a nice restaurant where you
made a fool of me in front of everyone there. I’ve been meaning to ask you, what
friend did you run into? Because there was a certain couple who the maitre d
almost had to throw out for disturbing the patrons.” Willow looked shocked as
she fumbled for words “Well....I......I didn’t want you to think.......I mean-”
You confused me in a
way that I’ve never known
Take me over
* * * * *
Willow got up slowly. *What just happened here? I didn’t
mean to make him.........h.........do that. I never should have made him mad. I
knew it would but I did it anyways. I never thought he would..........* Willow
became worried when she didn’t hear his car leaving. She went to the window to
see why Max hadn’t left yet. He was just sitting there and crying. *Oh, Goddess,
what have I done?*. Max looked up to see Willow watching him closely. He quickly
wiped his eyes and drove away. In her reflection on the glass she could see her
cheek close to her eye was cut where she had fallen. *I better go take care of
this.*Willow thought, desperately trying to block the events of the night.
Willow tiredly headed upstairs to take care of her eye and then cried herself to
sleep.
* * * * *
End part 7
Part 8
The Next Morning
Willow opened her
eyes. The events of the night before came rushing back as she felt a stab of
pain go through the left side of her face. *I hope it doesn’t look too bad.
*Willow was thinking as she made her way to the bathroom to see the damage. As
Willow was looking in the mirror, there was a knock on the door. Forgetting
about the bruise on her face, she raced down the stairs and opened the door to
see Amy and Xander standing there. “Hey, Wills, I thought-......What the hell
happened to your face!?!” Xander exclaimed. “My face? Oh, yeah, my face. Well,
you see, I.......umm........I......ran into a door.” They mistook Willow’s
hesitation for embarrasment. “Well, let me help you clean that up and then we
can go meet everybody at the library.” Xander was surprisingly calm. Amy, on the
other hand, was not believing a word that came out of her mouth. “No, Xander,
I’ll help her. You go on to the library and we’ll meet up with you there later.”
Amy firmly grabbed Willow’s arm, not seeing Willow wince from the pressure, and
pulled her into the house, leaving a stupefied Xander on her doorstep.
* * * * *
“So, what really happened to your face?” Amy had started
to interrogate her as soon as they were alone. “I told you what happened, Amy, I
ran into the door.” Willow’s hands suddenly became very interesting as she
purposefully refused to meet Amy’s eyes. “Willow, I know your hands are not that
interesting, so please look at me and tell me what happened.” Amy instinctively
knew that somehow Max was involved in all of this. “You’re not my mother, Amy,
so stay out of this!” Amy could see that Willow was upset so she decided to let
it go for now. “All right Willow, I’ll leave it alone......for now.” Willow
smiled gratefully at Amy. They fixed Willow’s face and made their way to the
library in silence.
* * * * *
Later that night at the library
As
soon as Willow and Amy walked into the library all conversations ceased and the
gang just stared at her eye. Willow grew entirely uncomfortable being the object
of everyone’s attention. “You know, usually one opens a door before trying to
walk through it.” Buffy snidely commented. “Gee, thanks for the advice, Buffy.
Why don’t you remember that yourself for the next time you try out for
cheerleading, ok?” Willow replied sweetly. Everyone gawked at Willow. Xander
stood up and started clapping and cheering, “Bravo!I have taught you well,
Daniel-san.” Xander was desperately trying to relieve the tension with his
unusual humor. “Shut up, Xander!” Buffy demanded.
“Willow......uh.......th-....that was rather uncalled for. You, too, Buffy.” It
was obvious to everyone that Giles didn’t know who to side with. Willow is a
dear friend of his but Buffy is his slayer. Buffy got up and stormed out of the
room. “What did I say?” Willow asked with an innocent face. During the
stare-down everyone, even Xander, had failed to notice Angel had shown up and
had witnessed their remarks.
* * * * *
Buffy was halfway to her house by the time Angel caught
up with her. Abruptly he asked her “Have you got a heart? Or even half a brain?
You and Willow used to be friends.” Buffy smiled grimly. “It’s hard to be
friends when you hate each others guts.” Angel stopped walking and looked at
her. “What happened to you? How did you become so self-centered? I’ve been alive
for 243 years and this is the first time I’ve been stupid enough to not see when
someone I care about has hidden behind their insecurity. I’m sorry, but we
aren’t working out.” *Gee. where have I heard that before?* he wryly thought.
“What? You....you can’t do that to me! I love you.” Angel gently took her hand,
“No you don’t. You love the security I provide. I’m someone for you to hide
behind,and I don’t want to be your barrier anymore. One day you’ll have to face
the world. Your’s is uglier than most, but you have to deal with it. Or you’ll
never make it as a slayer.” Buffy just stared at Angel, searching her mind for
something to say. Angel took one last look at her before walking away.
* * * * *
End part 8
Part 9
Next Night
Willow was staring
despondently at the computer when there was a knock at the door. Tiredly, she
got up and opened it....and saw Max standing on her doorstep. Immediately she
tried to close the door. “Wait!!” Max hollered. Willow warily poked her head out
of the door. “What do you want?” Max looked a little more hopeful. “I wanted to
apologize for what I did the other night. And ask you if there is any way I
could make it up to you.” Willow was amazed at his audacity. “The last time you
tried to make something up to me you called me a slut and threw me into a coffee
table. So no, I don’t think there is any way for you to make it up to me.”
Willow went back into the house and bolted the door, leaving Max standing at the
door. Buffy was standing in the shadows of the next house staring at Max. She
struggled to comprehend what she had just heard. *Is that how Willow’s face got
cut? I can’t believe this. Willow wouldn’t stand for that....... Would she? Have
I really changed so much that I don’t even know who my best friend is? I think
it's time I had a little talk with Max.* Buffy walked up to where Max was still
standing on the doorstep. Buffy said, “Max, we need to talk.........”
* * * * *
*The nerve of some people! How could she imply that?!? I
just lost my temper a bit! I was just teaching Willow how she should and
shouldn’t act. Just like I was taught.* Max thought as he took another swig of
whiskey. He felt like he was on a merry-go-round. *Maybe that Angel Dust was
bad. Seems like you can’t trust anyone in this town. Not even your own
girlfriend.* He stood up and took a few steps towards the door intending to go
to Willow’s house but he barely made it 2 feet before passing out cold.
* * * * *
At School the Next Day
Buffy
tentatively sat down next to Willow at lunch, “Hey Wills.” Willow was startled
that Buffy was speaking to her in a civilized manner. “Hey......Buffy.” There
was an uncomfortable silence as both girls searched for something, anything, to
say. “Look Willow, I’m sorry for the way I have been acting. Can you forgive
me?” Willow wanted to accept her apology but she wasn’t sure she could trust
her. “Why the change of heart?” Willow was still suspicious. “After all you’ve
done, it’s hard for me to believe you. How do I know you don’t have an ulterior
motive?” Buffy abruptly stated, “Angel broke up with me. He said some things
that really made me think about the way I’m living now, and I realized I didn’t
like what I’ve become. I’ve lost all my friends. I miss you, Will” Buffy sounded
like she meant it. Willow hesitated then said, “Look, give me some time to think
about it, ok? And even if I forgive you that doesn’t make us friends.”
* * * * *
End Part 9
Part 10
1 Week Later
“So, we’re on for the
mall?” Buffy was asking Willow as they headed to the Bronze to meet the gang.
Buffy had regained her friendship but not her trust. She worked on a day to day
basis to regain Willow’s trust. “Uh, maybe.......I gotta ask Max first.” Willow
seemed to have to ask Max first about alot of things, Buffy noticed. “Well, how
‘bout you let me know?” Buffy asked as they got to the entrance of the club. “I
will.” Willow scanned the club and saw Max on the other side of the club as her
friends were, “Look, there’s Max. I’ll see you later, okay?” “Why don’t you guys
sit with us? Everyone misses you. We haven’t seen you at all this past week.”
Buffy watched Willow closely. “I know you guys miss me but I’ve been spending a
lot of time with Max.........you know what? The mall sounds fun. I’ll go.”
Willow had made the decision when Buffy had reminded her that they hadn’t seen
each other at all this week, outside of the library. “I thought you had to ask
Max.” Buffy said critically. “I’m sure he won’t mind.....,” Willow looked over
at Max and saw him getting impatient, “Look, I really have to go. Call me in the
morning when you want to go?” Willow walked over to where Max was at. “Sorry, I
was talking-”
Meanwhile: Buffy and Everyone Else.
“I
really don’t like him.” Buffy commented as they watched the couple kiss. “Aw,
come on, he’s a good guy,” Xander started, “Besides the fact that he won’t let
her see us.” He had finished his sentence under his breath but everyone had
heard him. “Well, Will and I are going to the mall tomorrow, so it’s not like he
totally controls her-”
* * * * *
End Part 10
* * * * *
“Do you like ferris wheels?” Max asked as soon as they got into the park. “I
don’t know.” Willow replied with a shrug. “How could you not know? It’s the
best ride in the entire park.” Max said with enthusiaism. “My parents never
took me to any amusement parks and I’ve never gone with Xander or Buffy.” Max’s
face clouded at the mention of her friends. “Why do you do that?” Willow demanded.
“Do what?” Max asked distractedly. “Whenever I mention my friends you get this
look on your face. Do you have a problem with them?” Willow was sick and tired
of him telling her she couldn’t hang with her friends and of him making comments
about them every chance he got. “No, no problem. I just think it’s a little
weird that your best friend is a guy.” Willow stopped walking and turned to
Max, “What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked defensively. “Nothing,” Max and
added, “However, I would like it if you didn’t hang out with him so much.” Willow
eyes grew huge, “What!?! He is my best friend and has been since we were five!
I will not-” Max interupted her by grabbing her arm hard, “I would like it if
you stopped hanging out with him.” he repeated firmly. “O-Ok, I’ll stop.” Willow
knew he was mad and knew she needed to cooperate to get him to calm down. Max
let go of her and smiled, “Good. Now what would you like to do first?” The rest
of the date was spent riding rides and having fun, his anger, and her arm, forgotten
but not his words.
* * * * *
* * * * *
End Part 11
Part 12
Willow was wiping the tears from her eyes as she made her way up the walkway
of her house. She made herself a sandwich and headed to her bedroom to think
about what Xander had said to her. Before she had a chance to turn the lights
she saw a shadow inside her room and shrieked. She quickly turned on the lights
to find Max standing there. “What are you doing in here!?!” Max set down the
picture of Xander and her and turned around, “You gave me a key, remember?”
Willow had forgotten that he had talked her into giving him one, “Yes, I remember.
That doesn’t give you the right to come waltzing in my room when I”m not here
and when I do come home scare me half to death.” Max scrutinized Willow, “Are
you done?” He inquired quietly. It was at this point that Willow noticed that
Max’s attitude suggested he was angry. “Are you ok?” Willow asked nervously.
“Yeah, I’m fine....you know what? No, I’m not fine. I decided to go to the Bronze
tonight and guess who I saw? You. After you told me you had to study tonight.
And, to top it all off, you were dancing with someone I told you I didn’t want
you around anymore!” He was talking softly but Willow could sense that he was
furious at her. “Max, I was telling him-”
“I know exactly what you were doing and it wasn’t talking.” Max made his way to her and soon he was towering over her. “We were not even-” Before Willow could finish her statement Max backhanded her.
But straight away you
just moved into position again
You abused me in a way that I’ve never known....
Willow got up and glared angrily at Max. “So this is your idea of keeping a promise?” Max got a look of sorrow on his face, “Willow.....,” he called her name softly and slowly made his way to her. When he got beside her he grasped her arm, twisting it behind her back and slammed her into the wall, face first.
So break me, shake me,
hate me
take me over
“Yes, baby, this is my idea of keeping a promise.”
* * * * *
Willow went downstairs after Max left and leaned against the front door. After
a few moments, she sank to the floor. Willow sat there, in a daze. *He-He.....
...But he promised that.......-* Willow was brought out of her thoughts as a
stab of pain shot through her shoulder. It was then that she realized she couldn’t
feel her arm. *Okay.................... everything’s okay....I just need to.......need
to go to a doctor........and......* Tears ran down Willow’s face as the reality
of the situation hit her. *The past few years I have been taught ways to protect
myself from demons, vampires, and any other unspeakable evil............but
how can I protect myself when the “evil” is my boyfriend?* Before she
could answer her own question she heard someone at the door. *Should I get it?
What if it’s Max? What if-* She relaxed visibly when she heard Buffy calling
her name. “Will? You in there?” Willow stood up and smoothed her hair and clothes
with her left hand and opened the door. “God, Willow! Why did you say those
things to Xander? You two are best friends and after 12 years you decide to
call it quits because of one guy? What is your problem?How could you
be so heartless? I would have thought that-” Buffy cut herself off when
she finally looked at Willow. “What happened?!?” Willow could see the concern
in her friend’s eyes and at that moment she wanted to tell Buffy her secret.
“Umm.........a vamp attacked me. I was walking home and he was just there....”
*Yeah, right in your own bedroom......* “Here, let me help you. Your arm looks
really nasty, Will," Buffy took a look at it and replied a few minutes later,"Luckily,
it was only knocked out of it’s socket. I’m gonna pop it back in.......hold
still, it’s gonna hurt a whole lot.” Willow screamed as the pain she had felt
in her shoulder intensified. After Willow reassured her many times that she
was going to be okay, Buffy went back to the original reason she was there.
“Will? I know it isn’t a good time......but Xander’s hurting and I just want
to know why? Why are you doing this? Do you really want to stop hanging out
with him? Because, let me tell you, it sure doesn’t look like it-”
“Buffy, please? I did what I had to. It’s better for all of us. Believe me. I need some time away from him.” Buffy watched Willow’s face while she was speaking. “All right, but let me give you a little advice. If you are so insistent that you need time away, then it would probably be best if you stayed away from the library for awhile. It’s not that I don’t want or even need you around, because I do. It’s just that you hurt Xander bad and right now, he just needs time to adjust. And you being around the library all the time won’t help matters at all,” Buffy pulled her friend into a hug, “I’m glad you’re all right. I should get going now. Call me if you need anything, please?” Willow watched her friend’s back retreat from her house and as she closed the door, she sank to the floor, all out of tears.
* * * * *
End part 12
Part 13
Willow was sobbing quietly on her bed when the phone rang. Quickly she picked
it up thinking it might be Max. “Hello?”
“Hey, Wills. What’s up?”
“Not much,” Willow said cautiously. “Well, I was thinking we could go out to a movie or something tomorrow. I have to get out of this house.” Willow nervously chewed on her lip and said “Well, I don’t know. Max might have something planned for us.”
“Then ditch Max for the day! It’ll be a girl’s day out thing.” Amy replied cheerfully. Amy was trying to get Willow to go out at Buffy’s request. She had promised Buffy she would try and find out what was wrong with Willow. *I know what’s wrong with Willow. She has a manipulative, psychopathic, abusive bastard for a boyfriend. Little Miss Blondie’s too much of an idiot to see that.* “Pleeeease?” Amy pleaded. Willow almost laughed listening to Amy whine. “Alright, what time should I meet you?”
“I’ll pick you up. At around 10? Movie starts at 10:30. After we can go out to eat. Maybe somewhere French-”
“No, I would like Italian much much more,” Willow hastily cut in. “10 is fine. See you tomorrow. Bye”
“Bye”
* * * * *
“Willow, you know you can trust me with anything.” Willow remained silent, as she studied the tablecloth like it had the meaning of life in it. “Ok, I tried the easy way, and it didn’t work. It’s about Max. He’s hitting you, isn’t he?” None of what Amy had said had been a question. Willow’s cheeks burned red as she snapped her head up to say, “Max loves me! Although I suppose you wouldn’t be able to see that, with your long string of boyfriend all of whom went out with you for your looks. You’ve heard the rumors, right?” Willow looked shocked as soon as she realized what she had said. “Amy, I’m-”
“Don’t bother, Willow. We can talk once you realize how much you are deluding yourself. Goodbye.” Amy stormed out of the restauant leaving a saddened Willow in her wake. Willow looked up and was surprised to see her house in front of her. She didn't remeber leaving the bistro. *I can’t believe the things I said to her.* She slowly made her way into the house and saw that there was a message on the machine. “Hey, Wills. Just wanted to check up with you, ya know, see if the bruises were healing? Anyways, look, would you mind steering clear from the Bronze tonight? Xander’s a little down and seeing you would just kill him. Thanks, knew I could count on you! Call me later, k? Bye!” Beep. “Willow? Look, I know you said you wanted time away but I............Please don’t do this..........Your friendship means everything to me and losing it over a guy seems a little stupid to me. Look, call me, please? I-I love you..........bye.” Willow sat on the couch whlie tears threatened to fall. *No matter what I do...........I always hurt the people I love..........* Willow could think of two solutions to that problem. And to her, one was much easier than the other. *It’s not like anyone will miss me........I’ve already made sure of that.*
* * * * *
End Part 13
Part 14
Willow had left for the cemetery as soon as dusk had settled. *I’ve been here
for hours and not one vamp has attacked. Guess even they know to stay
away from me.* As Willow finished this thought, a freshly risen vamp grabbed
her from behind. He was too hungry to care that she wasn’t struggling or even
trying to run or scream for help. As he was leaning to bite her neck,
he was suddenly gone and Willow fell to the ground. She looked up to see Angel
kneeling next to her. “Did he hurt you, Willow-”
“Who the hell do you think you are!?!” Angel reeled away from her as if he had been slapped in the face, “I’m sorry, I was trying to help you!”
“Did it look like I wanted anyone’s help?” That’s when Angel noticed the fading bruise on her cheek. *Let me guess, she ran into another door?*He thought sarcastically. “Well, excuse me!” Angel stood up and started to walk away, but something made him stop. *There it is again* He turned around to see Willow had gotten up and then he saw the source of the noise. It was Willow. And she was crying. “What’s going on, Willow? What the hell is happening to you?” Willow looked up at him, surprised he was still there, “Nothing’s happening, Angel, I just realized how pointless my life is.” Angel’s face held a look of disbelief, “What? Willow, look at me. Your life is not pointless and it never will be. God.....you have helped too many lives to count in more ways than you will ever know.” Willow had stopped crying and was now looking away from Angel with a determined look on her face, “What do you know?!? Huh? All I ever do is hurt the people I love and all I am is a heartless tramp who no one cares about, so why should I believe you? I hurt you so bad.........yet, you still want me around. Why?” As Angel listened to Willow vent all of her anger, his heart broke. *Is that what she thinks of herself? A tramp? Where would she ever get that idea......* “Because, even if you don’t think the same way about me, I love you and I want you to be happy and alive. God, why would you think that I ever stopped loving you? Or even caring about you?” During his tirade, Willow had fallen to the ground in a sobbing heap. Angel watched her cry for a minute and then kneeled down and wrapped his arms around her. Willow clung to his upper body as she cried, neither one seeing Max standing on the other side of the street.
* * * * *
End Part 14
Part 15
*That’s right, Willow, bring out the tears. Never fails.* Max thought bitterly
as he watched the scene unfold. *She should’ve learned by now that I won’t stand
for her cheating on me. Guess she needs another lesson.* Max continued in the
direction he had been heading before he saw HIS Willow talking to that guy she
used to date, leaving the forgotten red roses broken, crushed, and thrown to
the ground.
* * * * *
Willow hurried to her house so she wouldn’t be late for her and Max’s date.
When she got there Max was already in the house. *Oh no, I hope he hasn’t been
waiting long! I never should have given him a key.* She ran the last few steps
to the house. As soon as the door opened she knew something was wrong. Willow
slowly closed the door behind her. “What’s wrong Max?” Max stood up from where
he was sitting and gestured for her to sit down. After she sat down Max said,
“Willow, do you love me?” Willow looked surprised and hesitated for a moment
before saying, “Yes, of course I do!”
“Then how come every single time that I turn my back, you go off with someone else?” Willow cringed when Max turned around to face her. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about you and the way one guy doesn’t seem enough for you. First it was your student, then it was the waiter,
But it’s not for free
baby,
You’ll have to pay.
next enter scene Xander, and last but most certainly not least, your ex-boyfriend. That is what I am talking about!!” he screamed. Willow quickly stood up intending to move towards the door, but before she could take two steps he threw her onto the floor and kicked her in the stomach. Before she could catch her breath, he picked her up, grabbing a handful of her hair, and shoved her against the wall. “When will you learn that when you cheat on someone you must be punished?” Max questioned before back handing Willow sending her flying into the table. As soon as she hit the floor she got up and ran towards the back door in the kitchen. Immediately Max gave chase. “Get back here! You think you can just run away from me??” He caught up with Willow and viciously slapped her, but when he slapped her he was seeing himself being hit by his grandfather. “You’re dirty! You’re a dirty little bitch and you have to pay for that!” Willow had started crawling towards the door when Max slowly reached over to the cabinet and picked up a knife. “You can’t get away from me that easily.” Willow got up and edged towards the cabinet intending to get something to knock him out with. “Max, please put the knife down.” she said while reaching for a champagne bottle behind her back. In three quick steps Max crossed the room and put the knife to her throat. “Drop it,” he ordered. “Max, please,.....” Willow whimpered terrified that he would kill her. “Relax, Willow. I’m not going to hurt you......much. You’ll probably enjoy it. Don’t whores like it rough?.......”
So break me, shake me,
hate me, take me over
When the madness stops then you will be alone.
* * * * *
End part 15