ImSoCooliPissIceCubes- Yep, Grayson came through...on all fronts. I think you will be pleased with Ira in this next chapter:)

Inoeth: You've said that several times before...got it.

Graq the Wild Child 2: You were correct! You guys should have had a pool going:) Robby showed his true colors and the boys definitely took care of him.

tanner12: Wow...I LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK! I look forward to it with every update:) That chapter was born out of my intense desire for 'Family' to have gone differently. I REALLY wanted to see Willow be the one who stood up for Tara and not Buffy. It was very disappointing...so I changed it! Thank you, thank, thank, you! I'm gonna PM you about the rest:)

gimpy72: Thanks! It's one of my favorite chapters:) Ira and Sheila have it out in the next chapter...hope you like it.


Chapter 51: Aftermath

The rest of the family began the tedious task of cleaning up the flour-y mess Grayson had made and tried to ignore the heated discussion coming from the back porch. Rachael met Hunter's eyes and they both cringed. In their entire lives they could not ever remember hearing their parents fight, and it was quite unsettling to them both.

"Sheila, what is wrong with you! Have you completely lost your mind?" Ira asked his wife.

"Don't you try to turn this around on me! This is about our daughter and her relationship with that woman! She's throwing her future away Ira and I won't allow it!"

Ira was incensed with Sheila, he cupped his jaw; taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm his nerves, "You are totally missing the point here. Our daughter was attacked! Attacked Sheila, by a man that you invited into our home with the expressed intent that he was to pursue her romantically. He forced himself on our child, our baby!"

"How was I supposed to know he would act like that? I didn't put him up to anything, and quite frankly I resent the implications! I love Willow and would never knowingly put her in harms way. Robby has been part of this family for as long as I can remember, he's never acted inappropriately and has always had an open invitation to family gatherings."

"That may be true in the past, but after the debacle on Sunday...like it or not Sheila, this is your fault and you need to take responsibility for this disaster. Willow is an adult and she is entitled to make her own decisions. Trying to force her to do something against her will is just pushing her further away. She is happy and in love for the first time in her life, and you're just going to have to deal with it."

"I don't have to deal with anything. I am sick and tired of dealing with the fallout from the heinous decisions our children make and their less than stellar partners."

Ira's eyes widened in horror; as he realized that Eli and Stella were within earshot of the heated conversation. As if on cue, he glanced past Sheila, and saw his son. Eli said nothing; instead he picked up Milo, took Stella by the hand and the three of them left.

Ira turned away from his wife and slapped the side of the house hard, causing everyone inside to jump. "Who our children choose as partners is none of our business, and if you bothered to take even a millisecond of time to get to know Tara, you'd see how much she genuinely cares for Willow. And as for Willow's decisions…they are intelligent and well thought out, which is more than I can say for yours."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Ira replied through clinched teeth, "It means that you need to butt out and stop sticking your nose where it doesn't belong! Applying to college for Willow, inviting Robby the rapist to dinner, questioning Eli and Stella's parenting abilities…enough is enough. It's time to cut the cord Sheila! For God's sake, let them live their lives!"

"Well isn't this just typical of you, always taking their sides as if they can do no wrong."

"Oh they can do plenty wrong and have on many occasions, but this isn't one of them. You need to make this right Sheila. You need to make it right before Willow leaves, or you risk never seeing your child again."

Ira was still livid with her, but decided not to say another word for fear of saying something he knew he'd regret later. He turned and headed back inside; slamming the door behind him


After everything that had transpired, Willow was sure that Tara would be ready to leave; hop on the next available flight and head back to California. Why would one of the most famous, sought after women in the entire world want to stick around with her screwed up and dysfunctional family? Everything is a mess and it's all my fault.

They entered Willow's room and Tara shut the door behind them. Willow was terrified, too frightened to see the look of disappointment she knew was waiting for her.

"Willow," Tara breathed.

The redhead stiffened, but still did not turn.

"Look at me, please?" Tara begged.

Willow finally turned to face her girlfriend, expecting total rejection, but was met instead with love and understanding. Seeing the unspoken words in Tara's beautiful teary blue eyes, Willow flung her arms around the blonde and completely let loose. She sobbed hysterically as they sank to the floor; Tara cradling Willow in her strong arms and rocking her back and forth.

After several long minutes, Willow finally sat up; wiping her face on her shirtsleeve, "I'm s-so sorry," She sobbed.

Tara shook her head, cupping Willow's cheeks and kissing her gently on the lips. "You stood up for yourself, for us, and I'm so proud of you."

"B-But I…I should have talked to you. I…I just don't know what to do. It's so overwhelming and…" Willow's voice trailed off as she began to lose control of her emotions once again.

Tara could sense what was happening and decided to intervene, "Sssshhhhh, we don't have to talk about it right now. I just want you to try and calm down, ok?" She smoothed some errant red hair back behind Willow's ears and kissed her several times.

"Hey," Willow said, her voice laced with concern, "You're bleeding."

"What?" Tara asked as Willow examined the bloody sleeves surrounding her elbows.

Willow's brow furrowed tightly, "He hurt you," She said flatly, "I let him hurt you."

"I'm fine, it's just a few minor scrapes."

"Scrapes as in plural? Where else are you hurt?" Willow met Tara's eyes with a pained expression.

Tara ducked her head, not wanting this to be about her; looking up and seeing Willow's resolve face, she knew she would have to confess, "M-My knees, they're scraped up as well."

"Tara! Why didn't you say something?" Willow asked, it was more of a rhetorical question and Tara responded by just shrugging her shoulders.

Willow hopped to her feet, "I'll be right back," She mumbled and left the room. Only to return minutes later with a wet cloth and the first aid kit.

"It's ok Will, I-I need to shower anyway."

"Well at least let me clean them up so they don't get infected and then I'll patch you up after your shower, deal?"

Tara couldn't believe how sweet Willow was, after everything that had happened, all she was concerned about was Tara's scrapes and cuts, "Deal."

Willow took Tara's shirt by the hem and pulled it over her head, then turned each arm over, patting the wounds with the cool cloth. She then unscrewed the cap on the hydrogen peroxide, "This is gonna sting," She said as she poured it over Tara's right elbow.

"Ouch!" The blonde cringed. It stung like crazy, but she soon felt the soothing sensation of her girlfriend blowing on the fizzy liquid.

Willow repeated the process three more times, first with her left elbow and then both knees. "Better?" She asked.

Tara nodded and smiled, "Thank you."

Willow returned the smile; leaning forward to kiss Tara when she heard a soft knock at the door.

"Willow, it's Dad. Can I come in?"

"Yeah, hold on a second."

They rose from the floor and Willow slid a robe on Tara.

"Ok," She called to her father.

Ira entered the room and upon seeing Tara clad in a bathrobe, felt slightly embarrassed. He didn't want to intrude on their private moment.

"Um, should I come back later?" He asked.

"Oh no it's fine. I was just going to take a shower," Tara answered, gathering her things and quietly exiting the room, giving Willow and Ira some time to talk.

Ira glanced at the floor and saw the open first aid kit, "Are you hurt?" He asked with fatherly concern.

Willow shook her head, "No, but Tara got pretty scraped up when she fell…um got pushed I mean."

Willow shrank back and sat awkwardly on the side of the bed, nervously fidgeting and preparing herself for the worst. Not only had she talked back to her mother, but also cursed and said some very hurtful things. It was the worst family fight ever; Thanksgiving was ruined and it was all her fault.

Her head was down, as she stared mindlessly at her hands when she felt the bed give next to her and Ira put an arm around her shoulders; pulling Willow close.

"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry. Are you ok?" He asked.

Willow was stunned, "What? But, I'm the one that should be apologizing Dad. I said some horrible things and-"

Ira pulled back and lifted Willow's chin, "My darling daughter, you always take the weight of the world on your shoulders," he sighed deeply, "When you were born, you were so tiny and I…the first time I held you, I promised to always protect you, and I…I failed you Willow. I'm so sorry."

Willow couldn't believe her ears. Her father had failed her? What was he talking about? "No Dad, you could never fail me."

Ira shook his head, "But I did, I just never thought I'd have to protect you from the one person that you should never need protecting from."

"Dad, you can't control what she thinks and feels. It's not your fault."

Ira nodded his head slightly, "This is your home Willow, you should never feel unwanted or uncomfortable here, and I'm sorry that you felt like you needed to escape. You're my daughter, I accept you for who you are and I love you so very much."

Tears welled in Willow's eyes as her father pulled her close. She always felt so safe and secure in her father's arms; she was a Daddy's girl through and through. "Dad, about vet school…I, I just…I don't…"

"Sweetie, I'll support whatever decision you make and I'll help you in any way that I can."

"Thank you. The only thing I know for sure is that," Willow took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, "I don't want to leave Tara."

Ira smiled, "You really care about her don't you?"

Willow nodded in agreement, "I love her Dad…I'm in love with her, she's everything to me."

"And how does she feel?"

"The same."

"Well do you mind if your old Dad gives you some advice then?" Willow smiled and shook her head. "If you want your relationship to have a chance, then you'll need to make decisions together. Don't take it all on yourself, be honest about your feelings Willow. Whether you want to continue and attend med school or you aspire to wash dishes…Tara needs to know. Just as you need to know her feelings, what she wants; it's a give and take and you both need to agree. You have to do what's best for you both, it's the only way to make it work."

Willow nodded and squeezed her Dad tighter, "Have I ever told you that you're the best Dad ever?"

"I'm your only Dad ever," He replied in amusement.

"Then I guess you win," Willow giggled.

"This thing with your Mom…she loves you Willow, and in her mind she is doing what she thinks is best. I'm not making excuses for her, because God knows I do not approve, but she's going to have to work through it on her own and it's going to take time. I'm less than thrilled with her behavior this week and I've voiced my opinion more than once."

"I…I don't want to be the source of badness between you and Mom. I mean you're not splitting up are you?" Willow's eyes were full of anxiety. Her Mom was a pain in her ass, but she loved her dearly and the mere thought of her parents breaking up terrified her.

Ira chuckled, "No Sweetie, we're not going to break up. I love your Mom very much...even though she's as stubborn as a mule. We all make mistakes and she'll eventually realize that she's making a big one. I can't change her, all I can do is try to influence her behavior, maybe steer her in the right direction."

"So what are we supposed to do the rest of this trip? Hide out up here? Avoid her? Maybe go to Rachael's o-or a hotel?"

Ira's shoulders slumped, "I hope you decide to stay here, in your home where you belong. I don't want you and Tara hiding up here. I'd like to spend a little time with you Sweetheart, even if we just hang out and watch TV. What were your plans before all of this?"

"Well, Mom said that she's going shopping tomorrow, so I thought maybe I'd take Tara down to Kemah, but now the weather...I dunno. Eli mentioned maybe all of us going to the Houston Zoo on Saturday and then we leave Sunday. I'm ok here Dad, but I'm leaving it up to Tara, I don't want it uncomfortable for her. She deserves better than to have to deal with dirty looks and snide remarks."

"I understand," Ira said as he gently squeezed Willow and kissed the top of her head, "What about tonight?"

"Oh well, I'm gonna take a shower, get cleaned up and then I guess Tara and I will take Aunt Gerty home. Is she ok? I hope all the craziness didn't upset her too much."

Ira laughed, "She's fine; fell asleep on the couch about an hour ago. I don't think she heard a thing." Ira sighed as he stood, "Do me a favor?" Willow nodded, "Please stop by Grayson's on the way home? I uh, just want to make sure he's ok. I doubt Bambi is the comforting type."

"Sure Dad," Willow replied with a knowing chuckle.

Ira turned and began to walk towards the door when he stopped suddenly, turning back to face his daughter, "Will, if you happen to run into Robby the next few days, try to steer clear, ok? I don't want you and Tara anywhere near him. He's a loose canon and there's no telling what he might do."

Willow nodded in agreement and Ira exited her bedroom.


By the time Willow and Tara got cleaned up, it was dark outside and the weather had taken a turn to cold and rainy. Tara glanced out the bedroom window when she saw the bright flash of lightening.

"I think we're gonna need jackets," She mumbled as the house shook with a huge clap of thunder, "Woah!" She exclaimed, jumping backwards.

"Hey, you ok?" Willow asked from across the room.

"Yeah, it just startled me is all. I'm not used to big thunderstorms living in California. You know how it is…" Willow nodded her head in agreement. "So what happened to the nice weather?"

Willow shrugged her shoulders, "What can I say, it's Texas. Hot one minute, cold the next. Must be a front coming through or something. Ready to go?"

"W-We're gonna drive in this?" Tara asked with a worried expression on her face.

Willow approached Tara, taking both of her hands and smiling sweetly, "It's ok love, if you want, we can wait until it passes."

Tara reached up and cupped Willow's cheek, looking lovingly into her eyes, "Are you ok baby?"

"Yeah and I know we need to talk but…" Willow's voice trailed off and she looked down.

"Sweetie, I'm here whenever you're ready. No pressure, ok?"

"I just…we need to take Gert home before it gets much later and I don't want to be interrupted and…you understand?"

"I do, come on let's get going," Tara said; pulling Willow into a chaste kiss and a warm embrace.

When they emerged downstairs, the mood was somber. Ira's parents had left before the storm hit with a request that Willow stop by before she returned to California and everyone else was scattered about the house.

As they entered the family room, a bit awkwardly, Nanna Adele was the first one up, "How are you Hun?" She asked rubbing Willow's arm.

"I'm fine Nanna, thanks." The words had barely left Willow's mouth when she felt herself being swept up in her Nanna's arms into a big hug.

The hug lasted for a long moment before Nanna Addy finally pulled back, "I just wanted you to know that we don't all feel like your mother. The school thing, well that's another issue and I'm sure you'll do what's right, but I want you to know that I love you Willow and I accept who you are. Not to mention the fact that you have great taste in women." She said; winking at Tara in attempt to lighten the mood.

Willow giggled and glanced at Tara, "Yeah, I do don't I?" Tara returned the grin; turning bright red in the process, "So, where's Mom?" Willow asked.

"She's in the kitchen with Gerty and Rachael."

Willow inhaled deeply; puffing out her cheeks and exhaling slowly, "Ok, I guess we need to get Gerty home before it gets much later."

"Well, it's not like she's tired. She slept all afternoon and she's eating again. I sure wish I had her metabolism," Adele complained, "She's always been fit as a fiddle! Well, physically that is, earlier she fussed at me for spilling gravy on her best dress that Momma just got hemmed. She said she needed it for the school dance next Friday night. Then she-"

"ADELE!" Grandpa Leo shouted, "You're rambling again and I can't hear the TV."

Adele waved a dismissive hand in the air and led Willow and Tara to the kitchen; grumbling under her breath.

Sheila and Rachael were at the kitchen island separating leftovers and Gerty was at the table; enthusiastically digging into a plate full of food. Willow made eye contact with Sheila, but her mother just looked away and continued her task. Willow's shoulders slumped and she sat down next to her Aunt Gert; who looked up and smiled sweetly.

Willow winced and crinkled her nose, "Aunt Gert, what the frilly heck are you eating?" Willow leaned forward to also examine a glass filled with a dark murky liquid, "Oh God, and what are you drinking?!"

"A delicious casserole that no one touched and I get it all to myself! Rachael said so." She proclaimed proudly lifting he glass and taking a large swallow to wash it all down, "And I'm drinking nature's relaxant. Would you like to try some?"

"N-No, thank you. Nature's relaxant?" Willow questioned, hearing a slight giggle from her girlfriend who was standing behind her with her hands resting on Willow's shoulders.

"Prune juice dear. I've been drinking two glasses a day since I was a child…it keeps the old pipes clean!" She grinned widely.

Willow looked up at Tara, horrified that her aunt was not only enjoying Bambi's rancid concoction, but chasing it with shots of nature's relaxant; Tara responded with a half smile, completely amused with Willow's reaction.

Willow glanced at Nanna Addy, "Don't look at me like that Willow. I don't subscribe to the same regimen. Gertrude's friend, Doris Finch, got her hooked one-year at summer camp and she's been addicted ever since! Nope not me, although, when you get to be my age regular BM's are very important and it is good for you…"

Willow closed her eyes tightly and shook her head vigorously trying with all her might to erase the last five minutes of conversation from her brain. TMI! TMI! She shouted in her head.

"Willow?" Aunt Gerty asked.

Willow opened her eyes, "Hmmm?"

"Be a dear and wrap this for me so I can take it home. I don't want to waste one single bite, it's just too good!" Aunt Gerty exclaimed as she drained the very last drop of the putrid juice.

"Uh ok, if you say so." Willow took the plate that was slid in her direction. She scraped the remainder back into the original tray and wrapped it tightly with a piece of foil. "Aunt Gert, are you ready for us to drive you home now?"

"Oh yes dear, I need to get back to Othello. He must be awful lonely by now."

Willow looked at her questioningly, and then turned her confused gaze to Nanna Addy. "Now Gertrude, you know that cat has been gone for quite some time. We haven't had him since we were kids, remember?"

Aunt Gerty looked genuinely confused, "Oh…w-well…I," She stammered.

Tara's heart broke for the old woman, who was clearly having a difficult time staying in the here and now. She knelt by her side and rested a soothing hand on her arm, "Gerty," She whispered, "Can I help gather your things? I think you left your bags in the other room, near the big chair."

"Oh yes, thank you dear and Willow, please don't forget the casserole and my other dishes."

"I won't," Willow said softly as Tara led her to the family room to gather the rest of her things. Willow's heart swelled; Tara was a saint, she was sure of it.

"Willow, do you still have my keys?" Sheila asked.

"Yes."

"Then will you please drop these containers off at Grayson's on your way back? I know he'll be upset if he doesn't get to make his favorite leftover turkey sandwich tomorrow."

"Sure, no problem," Willow replied as she reached for the containers. She smirked unconsciously, knowing that a leftover turkey sandwich would be the very last thing on Grayson's mind. "Where's his new place again?"

"Just off FM242 and Watson Rd…over in Mason. Here, just use the GPS," Sheila said as she scribbled Grayson's address on a small scrap of paper and handed it to Willow. Accepting the paper and glancing it over, Willow shoved it in the pocket of her jeans.

"Hey Boo, do you have any plans for tomorrow?" Rachael asked placing a hand on Willow's arm to get her attention.

"Yeah, well...we did, but now…I don't…why? What's going on?"

"Oh nothing, I just thought if you guys weren't busy you might want to stop by, see the nursery and have lunch or something…just us girls?"

"I…maybe," Willow glanced towards her mother, who pretended not to be listening, "Umm, can I call you in the morning? I just need to get Gert home, drop these leftovers, it's been a long day...you know?" She said rolling her eyes towards her mother.

Rachael finally caught on, Willow didn't want to discuss anything in front of Sheila, "Ok, sounds good."

Willow nodded, leaning in and exchanging a quick kiss on the cheek with her sister as she grabbed all the containers and went to find Tara and Gertrude.