Only oner more chapter after this one!


Tara burst out the front of the store and frantically searched for Willow, but she was nowhere to be seen. She knew that when Riley handed her that book that all hell was about to break loose, but could do nothing to stop it. She felt horrible, the last thing she wanted to do was upset Willow, especially after the awkward week they'd had.

"Willow!" She called, but received no answer. She looked to her right and found the sidewalk crowded with people for the book signing still waiting in line. She decided to turn left instead and started walking briskly down the street looking for the redhead. She passed in front of an alley and stopped when she heard a soft whimper coming from behind a stack of empty boxes.

Tara turned into the alley and closed in on the sound. "Willow?" She called softly and could hear the distinct sounds of a sniffle.

Tara finally cleared the boxes and found Willow sitting on the ground with her back against the wall and her knees pulled to her chest sobbing. The sight was heart breaking and it was all Tara could do to keep from crying herself. She knelt next down and reached for Willow, only to have her shrink away and then jump to her feet; pacing nervously.

"Hey, hey it's ok. It's just me." Tara said soothingly.

Willow rubbed her eyes with her hands and then wiped her face on her sleeve; looking at Tara with angry eyes.

"I was supposed to buy you that book, NOT HIM!" She spat.

Tara jumped when Willow yelled; she'd never seen her so hysterical, "Will, what's going on?"

"I was supposed to buy you that," She whined repeatedly, the tears now pouring from her eyes, "Not him, me. I wanted to get you something special, it was important to me and he ruined it."

"Will, nothing is ruined-"

"YES IT IS!" She screamed. "Everything is ruined, he's everywhere! And…and I'm…I'm nowhere. I'm no one."

"What…"

"Don't you see Tara? Don't you see?"

"Willow, I don't…please help me understand."

"No! I can't…I…I can't do this."

"Can't do what? Willow please!" Tara was exasperated with her friend and just wanted some answers.

"I can't love you like this and watch him take you away. It's killing me and I just…can't be around you anymore!"

"Will…" Tara took a step and reached out for Willow.

"No, don't. I don't want your sympathy! Just, just stay away from me! Leave me alone!" She yelled again, except this time she turned and ran away at full speed. Leaving Tara standing with tears streaming down her face in complete shock.


Tara sat in her car crying as she stared blankly at the park swing set. She'd been driving around looking for Willow for hours and thought for sure this is where she'd find her. She'd even gone as far as to call Buffy and have Buffy call Willow's as not to alert the Rosenberg's of Willow's disappearance. Sheila had assured Buffy that Willow wasn't home and was with Tara at the book signing. Tara had also checked the coffee shop, Xander's basement, the comic book store and the library; all of the redhead's usual haunts and came up empty each time.

"Where the hell is she!" Tara grunted, the frustration clearly setting in. There was no way she was giving up her search until she found her best friend. She closed her eyes and leaned her forehead on the steering wheel. Taking in a deep breath she sighed and allowed her mind clear. That's when it came to her, a single word causing her to sit up and then suddenly, she knew exactly where Willow was.

"Runt," She breathed and slapped a hand to her forehead, "Ugh, why didn't I think of this before! Stupid, stupid Tara!" She threw the car in gear and sped out of the parking lot.