"What do you want Matt? Did i not make myself clear enough last night?" Willow said, the frustration of the last few minutes building up inside her. "Please Wills, i just want to talk" he replied as Willow shook her head. "Matt i dont have time for this. Ive got an appointment in an hour and the sitters just cancelled. So im trying to find another one because im not dragging the girls to my appointment" "Why dont i watch them? They are my girls after all" Matt said as Ruby reached out to him. "Fine, you can watch them. But Jasmine is still feeling really uneasy about you so dont push her. Rubes is due for a nap soon as well" Willow said as she let him in to the house, her eyes catching Harriets, who could see she was upset by having him there. "Wait here Matt. Im going to let Jas know that your here. See how she reacts" Willow said as Matt waited outside the living area, listening to Willow and Jasmine from the hallway. "Hey, you can come in now" Willow called to Matt, who made his way into the living area, seeing Jas for the first time, sitting on the sofa, staring at him like he was a total stranger. "Hi Jas. Ive missed you princess" he said as Willow said "I'll be back later. Jas, Ruby you know to behave, i love you" "Love you too momma" Jasmine said as she hugged her. As Willow walked out of the room, she heard Matt saying "Hey Jas, what do you want to do?"
"Wills? You feeling ok?" Harriet asked as she placed her hand in Willows. "You seem to be asking that alot in the last few hours, but im ok" Willow replied adding, "I guess its just been the shock of seeing Matt after all this time. I wasnt ready to see him, im still not. Youre right that we do have to talk, im just need time. Im worried about Jas, she seemed a bit reluctant to spend time with him" "Think she'll come around?" Harriet asked as Willow nodded. "Given time she will. She loves him. She loved him as soon as she met him, and vice versa. I just hope that shes being good for him" she said as the two headed off for Willows appointment.
"Jas, can we talk? I owe you a huge apology" Matt said as he returned downstairs after putting Ruby down for her nap. "What is it daddy?" Jasmine asked as she sat next to him, still apprehensive about him. "I owe you an apology. I did the most awful, nasty thing by you and mom. That night you were taken to hospital, i called you a liar and said that you were making it up for attention. A few months back, i found out that you and mom were actually telling the truth and that Reby had lied to me about it. She told me what she had done, both to you and then the cover up. I broke up with her and i realised that i hadnt been happy with her. I was miserable without you and Ruby and mom. Ive been trying to find you ever since. Im so so sorry Jas. I swear to you that i will never ever stop trying to make it up to you" Matt said as Jasmine listened inquisitively. "Have you really got rid of nasty moo moo Reeeebbyyyyy?" she asked as Matt nodded and replied "I have. I missed you guys so much. I searched my heart for what truly made me happy and do you know what I found?" Jasmine shook her head at the question as Matt said "It was you and Ruby and mom. You are what make me happy. I love you girls so much. I love your mom, even though she hates me right now" "She doesnt hate you daddy. Mom cried lots and lots but she loves you" Jasmine said as it became Matts turn to listen. "She was hurting daddy, cried at night. She was always tired after her trips with nanna Amy to the hospital. She wouldnt eat, she was really really sad. She missed you. Mom got really angry with you after i was at the hospital. I heard her talking to Elly, I told momma that i didnt want to see you because i didnt trust her. Shes a nasty, horrible person. Mom eventually gave up on you, and then in the middle of the night a few months after that, we came here. We've been here for a whilenow dada" Jasmine said, moving closer to Matt. "Then mom met Harriet and theyve been bestest friends ever since. Shes making mom happy again, but i think momma still still loves you" "And what about you Jas? What do you feel?" Matt asked as Jasmine shrugged her shoulders and said "I dont know. I miss home and everyone. Ive missed you daddy. Im sorry for being mad at you" "Its ok Jas, you had every right to be mad at me. I know i wasnt moms first choice to look after you today, but how do you feel about doing something tomorrow? Daddy daughter day trip?" Matt said as Jasmine nodded and replied "OK daddy. Sounds fun. Now can we watch a movie?"
"Im so glad to be getting out of that place. I dont know if ive ever told you but i really hate hospitals" Willow said as she and Harriet left the appointment. "Do you have to be getting back home straight away Wills?" Harriet asked as Willow shook her head "What did you have in mind? Hopefully Jas wont be being naughty for Matt. Although if it was me, id be giving him hell" "Lunch? Walk along the river? Back to my place" Harriet said as Willow smiled, "sounds perfect. Lets go" The two women spent the afternoon together. They decided against lunch, instead getting a picnic and having it in the park before taking a stroll along the river. "Im sorry for being distracted last night. Matts unexpected arrival has just completely shaken me. I need to talk to mom. See what she knows" Willow said as they sat on a bench near Harriets place, overlooking the river. "Its ok Wills. You dont need to apologise. If my ex turned up out of the blue, i'd be feeling like you. Ive been meaning to ask, have you and they guys got any gigs coming up? Id love to hear you singing live again" Harriet replied as Willow shrugged her shoulders, "im not sure. Thom and Luke are the ones who organise the gigs. Theres been a few possible dates mentioned" she said as she faced Harriet "please dont worry about Matt. I have no intention of getting back with him. I signed the divorce papers this morning. Ive got the most amazing, perfect girlfriend whose been my shining light through my darkest time. I love you Harry" "I love you too Wills. Im not worried about Matt, you do have issues to sort with him. But i trust you. Even though i do have to go away for work tomorrow, i trust you. I'll be gone for four, five days max" Harriet said, seeing the pained look on Willows face. "Why dont we go back to my place for a while? I got new toys" Harriet said flirtily, kissing Willow who nodded and said "Lets go"
A few hours later, Willow walked up the dark street to her childhood and current home. She wiped her face trying to hide the tears she'd shed on the way home. Im not sure i even want to go in there right now. I cant face him She thought to herself as she faced the house. She glanced over her shoulder at the dark house of her best friends Thom and Luke. I could really use their support for this, and a drink. A really strong drink. She sighed before heading up the driveway towards her worst fears. At least the girls are in there. Theyre my priority, not him. She thought as she entered the house quietly. The house was deathly quiet as she entered, the only sound she heard was coming from the living area. As she walked closer, she could make out Matt reading a story to Jasmine.
"'You shall not be called Thumbelina!' said the spirit of the flower to her; 'that is an ugly name, and you are much too pretty for that. We will call you May Blossom. 'Farewell, farewell!' said the little swallow with a heavy heart, and flew away to farther lands, far, far away, right back to Denmark. There he had a little nest above a window, where his wife lived, who can tell fairy-stories. 'Tweet, tweet!' he sang to her. And that is the way we learnt the whole story"
She overheard him telling the story of Thumbelina to Jas, right before he added "And now, its time for bed" "But i want to stay up for mommy coming home" Jas said and she knew that was her cue to enter the room. "MOMMY" Jas yelled excitedly as she she Willow enter the room. "Hey baby, what are you still doing up?" she asked as Jasmine ran over and hugged her. "I waited for you. I missed you momma. I wanted to tell you about my day with dada" "I missed you too Jas, but its late and now its time for bed. You can tell me all about it tomorrow" Willow replied as Jasmine let go and ran back to Matt. "You want me to come make you all snuggly Jas?" he asked, sensing that something with Willow wasnt feeling right. Jasmine nodded and the two headed upstairs, Willow went to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine. She went back to the living area where she closed her eyes for a moment, trying to push the events of the last two days out of her head. She must have been out for a while as when she opened her eyes, Matt was coming down the stairs. She let out a groan as he sat next to her.
"Dont start Matt. I dont have the time, strength or patience to hear anything you have to say" Willow said quietly as Matt replied "Jas and Rubes are down. Im not going to push anything Wills, but i do want to clear the air with you. Im so sorry about everything. Harriet not with you?" "Matt, im serious. Dont do this right now. I dont want to hear it. Harriet is going away with work tomorrow, she needs to pack and be up in the early hours. Not that its any business of yours." Willow said, the anger starting to rise in her, as she took a sip of wine which took Matt by surprise. "Drinking Wills? Are things that bad?" he asked as Willow stared at him. "Thanks for today Matt, but you can go now. Im not ready to talk to you" she snarled at him, adding "Just go" before he could say anything. "Something isnt right with you Wills. Whats going on? I dont want to leave you on your own. What are you hiding?" Matt argued as Willow snapped "Matt, im fine. Now just go. Get out of this house i really dont want you here. Actually before you go, there is something you can do. Wait here" she said as she left the room, rushing back in with the divorce papers. "You can sign these. Make it the first right thing youve done in a year" Willow said angrily as she practically threw them at him. "Is this really what you want Wills?" he asked as he glanced over the papers. "Just sign them and go Matt" Willow said, her heartbreaking all over again as she watched Matt pick up the pen and sign, seeing that Willows signature was already on the paper."Happy Wills? Because im still not. Im never going to stop loving you or trying to make it right with you" Matt said as he got up from the sofa to leave the house. As the door closed behind him, Willow broke down, heart broken once again and left wondering if she had made the right decision.
Willow didnt know how long she was sat alone for. Her head spinning as she tried to videocall Amy, unsuccessfully. She thought she must have fallen asleep as she heard a tiny voice calling her "Mommy, mommy wake up" "Hey Jas, what are you doing up?" Willow said sleepily, as Jasmine climbed on the sofa next to her and replied "I had a bad dream mommy.I had a dream that nasty Victor came back and took you away from me and Wuby and daddy" "You know hes not coming back Jas. He cant hurt us anymore" Willow replied as she put her arms around her daughter, knowing that there could be a very real chance of Victor showing up. "Hey, speaking of daddy. What was it like seeing him this afternoon? Was it all ok? " she asked as Jasmine nodded. "We talked and daddy said sorry. Then we had fun momma. I didnt know how much i missed daddy and i miss him now. He misses us mommy. Can i see him tomorrow?" Jasmine replied as she yawned. "We'll see in the morning Jas. Want to come sleep in my bed? Have cuddles with mom" Willow asked as Jasmine nodded as Willow picked her up and carried her up to bed.
Across the street Matt was having a different sort of night. He was drinking with Luke as Thom was at work. "I dont get how she could do this? Divorce? I really thought we could at least try to work it out" he said as Luke passed him another beer. "Matt you know she must have been thinking about it for a while for her to tell you she wants one" he said as he sipped his beer, Matt responded "Wills didnt tell me she wanted one. She practically threw the papers at me" "Wait what? She threw the papers at you? Damn Matt thats got to be tough" Luke said, surprised at the revelation. "I really thought we could at least try to work it out. She looked so sad when she came back earlier, shes hiding something Luke. I feel so helpless" Matt said as he sipped his beer. "Look at the positive, you and Jasmine made up. You spent time with your girls. Willow has had two massive days, give her time to calm down. She'll talk to you eventually" Luke said as Matt sighed and smiled. "Thats so true. Ive missed out on so much with them. Im hoping that Jas had a good time this afternoon and has forgiven me enough to ask Wills if she can spend more time with me" he said taking a drink before adding "I still dont understand her and Harriet. I know you told me they met at the shoot, but how did they go from that to a relationship? Is it serious? Is she gay now? Im confused by it" "Thom has known Willow and Harriet for years. They must have hit it off at the shoot and thats all i know Matt. Its Willow and Harriets story to tell. If you want to know, you'll have to ask her" Luke said as Matt stared at the house across the street. "Its killing you inside isnt it? Not being able to be with them" "It is Luke. I was an idiot for such a long time, i chose a fake, golddigging bitch over my own child. I need to make it right with all of them" he said as he glimpsed Willow closing her bedroom curtains and smiled when he saw that she was still wearing his old tshirts to sleep in. "Shes still sleeping in my tshirts" he said quietly as both the men heard the front door opening. "Hey guys" Thom called as he closed the door behind him, walking into the living area as Matt and Luke caught him up on the days events.
Willow was having yet another restless night. She was unable to sleep after catching a glimpse of Matt staring at the house from Thom and Lukes. She looked at her clock and sighed in disbelief at the time, 3:50. Willow was used to getting up throughout the night as Ruby was a night owl. Willow got up and checked on Ruby who was fast asleep and eventually sleeping through the night at almost one year old. She headed downstairs and set up her laptop for a skype call to Amy. Please please answer mom. I need you right now Willow thought as the call rang and rang, silent tears starting to roll down her face. She was about to give up hope when a man finally answered "Hey Wills, Whats up?"
"Hey Wills, whats up?" Adam asked from the other side of the world "what time is is over there? "Its almost 4am. Is mom around?" Willow replied as Amy came into view. "Hey Mom, im so happy to see you" she said as Amy replied "Wills, whats wrong? Youve been crying. Is everthing ok between you and Harry?" "Yeah mom everything is great with us. I mean, it was until Matt showed up a few nights ago" Willow replied as Amy replied in shock "WHAT? Matt turned up at your place? How the hell did he even find you?" "I dont know mom, i'd love to know. Its knocked me, him just turning up the same day i got the divorce papers" Willow said as she wiped away a tear. "You got the papers?" Amy asked as Willow nodded "Have you looked at them? Signed them?" "Signed this morning. Right before he turned up again at the most opportune moment" Willow said, "My sitter cancelled right before i was due to leave for my appointment and he turned up. So he spent the afternoon with the girls. I got back around 830, he was putting Jas to bed so i got myself a glass of wine to unwind""Hold on, your drinking? Since when?" Amy asked as Willow sighed. "Since last year. I know, i hid it well at christmas. Im not drinking as much as i used to. When i used to drink until i blacked out. Just a few glasses every now and again. And i really needed one after today" she said as Amy asked "what happened?"
"It was a bad round of treatment so i went back to Harriets for a while. We wanted to spend some time together before she went away for work, and also to give Jas and Rubes some more time with Matt. He still doesnt know about the illness. He caught me drinking, when he came downstairs after settling Jas. He was so disappointed. I told him to go because i still dont know how to act or feel around him, but before he left i made him sign the papers. I practically threw them at him. He didnt want to sign them mom. It was only when he saw my signature he did it and now..." Willow said holding back the tears as Amy became concerned for her daughter "And now what Wills? Whats going on?" she asked as Willow looked antagonised. "Wills, talk to me" "I dont know how to feel mom. Matt turning up just brought back alot of unresolved feelings" "Do you still love him?" "I dont know. Im just so confused. I love being with Harriet but with Matt, the spark, the connection it was still there. Seeing him so broken signing the papers, it killed me. What do i do mom?" Willow said as Amy processed everything that Willow had just told her. "How did Jas take to Matt looking after her?" Amy asked as Willow replied "She was fine with him. She said he apologised and now she wants to spend more time with him tomorrow. Which i guess is a good thing. Jas also said Matt broke up with Reby. Is that true?" "It is a good thing Wills and yeah its true. Matt ditched her a while back. Not sure on the details as everyone stopped talking to him while he was with her, even Gil was disgusted by his behaviour." "Mom what do i do? How do i block out all this confusion. How do i turn off my feelings for him?" "You cant Wills. I wish i could tell you otherwise, but i cant. I was the same last year when i miscarried and split with Adam" Amy replied as Willow said "yeah but you guys got back together" "We did, but it took work. We were hurting after the loss and we didnt know how to be around each other. The split did us good, it got us talking again and we realised just how much we wanted to be together" Amy said before adding "I think you need to take this time to really think about what you want. What makes you happy. You also need to talk to Matt, you need to tell him everything because if I know him the way i do, he wont give up. But right now, you need to sleep. You need to focus on recovery and yourself. The girls and Matts relationships will be repaired, so will yours. Go sleep, rest up Wills. How about i call you in a few days with Elly and Brooke?" Amy said as Willow nodded."Sounds good mom. Can we keep this between us for now?" she asked as Amy nodded and signed off, leaving Willow even more confused.
"Mommy mommy can i go spend the day with daddy?"Jasmine asked as Willow opened her eyes. "Jas its still early. Hes still asleep" she replied looking at her clock, 658, as she heard Ruby stirring in the other room. "Im going to go see to Rubes, but ill be back for cuddles with my two favourite girls, and then we can talk about you spending the day with your dad" she said as she slowly got out of bed, looking out of her window at the lifeless house across the street. "Mommy? Are you ok?" Jasmine asked from the bed as Willow faced her and smiled, "I'll be ok baby. Its just been a very strange few days" she said before heading out of her room.
"Momma, can i go see daddy noooow?" Jasmine asked impatiently as Willow made her breakfast. "Eat your breakfast then you can go" Willow replied as she felt her heart skip a beat, thinking about her ex husband as she text Thom and Luke to find out if it was ok for her to bring the girls over to Matt. Jasmine wolfed down her breakfast, excited to be seeing Matt again. An hour later, Willow was crossing the road with Jasmine and Ruby. Jas ran upto the front door of Thoms house and began pounding on it. "Hey guys, Matts just in the shower. He shouldnt be too much longer if you want to wait" Thom said as he opened the door. "Im just dropping the girls off Thom" Willow said as she passed Ruby to him. "Can you tell him to bring the girls back no later than 730?" "Whats going on Wills? Has something happened?" Thom asked as Willow shook her head. ""I just cant see him right now, its just too hard" she said, as Thom nodded in understanding as she headed back across the street, entering the empty house she was alone for the first time in almost a year.