"Hey Thom, isnt that Willow going up into the house?" Luke asked as Thom peeked out of the window. "Yeah it is, with the girls. But no Matt. Somethings gone on. Im going to go over, say hi" he replied, putting his cup down and headed out across the street. Knocking on Willows door, he was shocked to see her looking so frail and gaunt as she opened the door. "Hey Thom, its been a while" she said quietly, her eyes red from the lack of sleep and the silent crying she'd done on the flight. "It has. What are you doing back here Wills? Wheres Matt?" He asked but as soon as he mentioned Matts name, Willow broke down. "We're done. Over. Have been for a while. Do you want to come back later? Its been a rough couple of days and we really need to sleep" she said as Thom nodded. "We'll come over later. We'll bring some food too" "Thanks Thom. See you later" she said as she closed the door, leaving Thom wondering what was going on with his friend.
"So let me get this straight, Matt cheated so you ended it. You slept with someone, ended it after a while. You were ill during this time too. Matt found out who this person was a month after Ruby was born and kicked you out? Damn Wills thats awful" Luke said that night as Willow nodded, before adding "And top it off, Matt kicked me out the day i finally got my diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer. He still doesnt know" "You have cancer? You've really been through hell havent you? Thom said as Jasmine came down the stairs. "Hey baby whats wrong?" Willow asked as Jasmine came and cuddled in next to her. "I cant sleep momma. It feels strange being in a new bed" "Want to sleep in Moms bed?" Willow asked as Jamine nodded. "Guys, give me five minutes so i can put her down and we can carry on" Willow said as Thom and Luke nodded. Willow carried Jasmine upstairs, leaving the two men concerned about their friend. Willow returned fifteen minutes later, "sorry guys, Jas went down straight away then Rubes woke up. Luckily she only needed a change and was straight back down. She hasnt been sleeping through the night despite being almost one" she said, holding back tears. "Sorry guys, its been a rough year and i dont know what to do. Im not coping, i havent been for a while" she admitted as she brokedown. "Have you spoken to anyone about this Wills? It sounds like you have depression" Thom asked as Willow nodded. "Ive spoken to my doctor back home and she recommended a therapist. They say its Post natal depression, but i think its worse. Ive been self harming in a bid to cope with everything. I know its wrong, but theres been days where ive barely been able to get out of bed. My life has spiralled out of control these last few months and i need to get it back on track. I need to get over him and i couldnt do it back in Cameron" she said as both Thom and Luke hugged her. "Whatever you need Wills, we're here for you" Thom said "And im going to get you in with our top Oncologists and we're going to beat this cancer" as Luke added "and Matt is an idiot" "Thanks guys, actually there is something i need help in doing. A while back i was offered the chance to pose nude or at least semi nude and ive been thinking i want to do it. I just need to build up my confidence again and i think you two can help me do it"
Two months later, Willow was walking alone through London, heading towards the photo studio where she would be spending the day. She sipped her coffee as she made her way down the main road what the hell am i doing? Posing naked. No one is going to want to see a cancer stricken, thin, boney scarred me. I look so unhealthy. I dont even look like me she thought as she caught a glimpse of herself in a window. She arrived at the studio where she was greeted by a woman. "Hi Willow? Im Harriet, ill be the photographer today. I want to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Some people find being naked in front of the camera a daunting task. People tend to get really nervous" Harriet said as Willow nodded, "Im already nervous. Its not a thing ive ever really considered until recently" she said as the two women entered the elevator and headed to the floor. "If you feel really uncomfortable we do have lingerie" Harriet said as they arrived at the floor. Stepping out of the elevator, Willow was taken aback by the set up. It was like a suburban home from the 1950s or 60s. Bright and colourful, Willow was amazed at the amount of effort made for her. "Oh my god, this is amazing" she said as Harriet walked her over to hair and make up. They decided to keep the first look simple and as natural looking as possible. Doing various touch ups throughout the day. Willow posed in various lingerie sets, eventually building up the courage to go topless, and eventually fully naked. "You are absolutley stunning Willow" Harriet said, taking the last few photos of the day. "I think this is the cover shot" she added as Willow layback on the sofa, fully naked with only a cushion between her legs. "It takes alot to remove clothing and pose nude, it takes even more to bare your soul and inner feelings within a photo and youve done it today. There was a kind of sadness to you" Harriet said as Willow sat up. "Its been a rough few months. Im sorry, its getting late and i have to get home to my girls. Today was fun though" she said before running off to get dressed and headed home without even seeing the images.
"I got to photograph an absolute stunner the other day. The only problem is i was going to ask her if she wanted a part airbrushed out but i never got the chance" Harriet said as she caught up with Thom. "Do you have the models name? Could you track her down?" he asked as Harriett replied "Willow was her name and ive no way of contacting her" "Did you just say Willow? I know a Willow, do you have a photo?" Thom asked, curiously as he thought Harriet shot Willow? That would be too much of a crazy coinsidence if it is. As Harriet scrolled through her images, she found one of Willow and showed it to Thom. "I cant believe this. I know her. I grew up with her, shes my neighbour" he said as Harriet looked at him shocked. "Seriously? Can you put me in touch with her?" she asked as he replied "no need. Shes already here" as Willow walked in to the cafe with Jasmine and Ruby. "Hi uncy Thom" Jasmine said as she ran over to the table. "Hi Jas, Wills" Thom replied "This is my friend Harriet, but youve already met her, havent you Willow?" "Yeah, hi. Im sorry about rushing away the other day. I had to get home for these two" Willow said, apologising to Harriet for her behaviour. "I get it, no need to apologise. Actually im glad you're here, i need to ask you a question from the other day." Harriet said but before she could ask, Thoms pager went off. "Sorry guys i need to go. Im needed at the hospital" "Are you and Luke still ok for dinner at the weekend?" Willow asked before he left as he nodded. "Now what was it you wanted to ask me Harriet?" "Its kind of hard not to notice, but your scars. Would you like them airbrushed out of the used photos or kept in?" Harriet asked as Jasmine climbed onto the seat next to Willow. "Keep them. As much as i hate them, they are a part of me. My fans know that i have the scars and it would be insulting to them if we brushed them out" she replied as the two women spent the rest of the afternoon together.
"Momma do you have to go out? I dont like it when youre not here" Jasmine asked a few weeks later as she watched Willow get ready. "Its only for a few hours Jas. Thom and Luke will be here babysitting. I'll come and see you when i get back ok" Willow replied as the doorbell rang. "That will be Thom and Luke. Want to go let them in Jas?" she added as Jasmine ran downstairs. "HI UNCY THOM" Jasmine said loudly so Willow could hear upstairs. Willow finished getting ready and headed downstairs ten minutes later. "Wow. You look amazing Wills" Luke said as Willow entered the living area at the bottom of the stairs. "You do know its only dinner and drinks right?" Thom added as he entered the living room with Jasmine as a juice. "I know but its the first time ive been out since Ruby was born. Jas behave for Thom and Luke ok. I'll be back in a couple of hours ok. I love you" "Love you too Momma" Jasmine replied as she hugged Willow before she headed out.
"This place is amazing Harriet. How did you find it?" Willow asked as the two women sat at their table. "I once came here as part of a party with one of my old jobs. I loved how cute and quaint it was and the food was amazing. Ive been coming here for a while now" Harriet replied as Willow smiled at her. "I have got to say, youre right about the food. It was amazing" she said taking a sip of her wine, before adding "I need to thank you. For making me feel really comfortable in the shoot. Like i said its been a rough few months" "I have got to thank you to Willow. You were incredible. You are so stunning in those images, which by the way i have to show you" Harriet said as she tookout her cell and showed her some of the images as they spent the rest of the night flirting. "Would you like to come back to mine?" Willow asked as she and Harriet left the restaurant. "I dont normally do this but that would be really nice Willow" Harriet replied as the two women headed towards Willows place. As they approached the house, Harriet stopped "I need to confess something to you. I like you Willow, i like you alot. I feel this connection to you and i have to do this" she said before kissing her. "Im sorry i shouldnt have Willow" Harriet said as she pulled away, leaving Willow taken by surprise. "Harriet, wait. I also feel the connection between us but this, this is so new to me. Ive never done this before" Willow said, taking Harriets hand "but if we can take it slow and you can be patient with me, im kinda curious to see where this goes" Willow replied as she lead Harriet into the house.
"Well dont you two look happy? How was it?" Luke asked as Thom came downstairs. "it was really good. I had a really good time with Harriet. How have the girls been?" Willow asked as Thom replied, "No problem. Ruby has just had a change, Jasmine is in bed she was out as soon as her head hit her pillow" "I did promise Jas i'd go check in on her when i got back" Willow said as she let go of Harriets hand and headed upstairs. "So, how was it for you?" Thom asked Harriet as they took a seat in the living area. "It was good. I know we've only been hanging out for a month but i really like her" Harriet replied as Thom and Luke looked at her for more information. "So are you two going to date? Or are you already?" Luke asked as Willow returned from upstairs. "Whats going on? Why are you all staring in silence at me?" she asked as she sat next to Harriet. "We just want to know whats going on with you two" Luke said as Willow sighed. "We like each other and we are going to be taking it slow" She said as Harriet took her hand. "You know what ive been through, what im going through. This is all new to me, Harriet is my first female relationship and my first after..." she added as Thom cut her off. "You dont need to tell us Wills. For what its worth, i think you two are so cute together" he said as Luke added "Guys, we can double date now!" "Lets not rush into anything Luke. Theyve only just got together, theyre still getting to know each other" Thom said as the two men stood up. "Thanks for looking after the girls tonight guys" Willow said as she walked to the front door with Thom and Luke. "It was no problem Wills. Can we ask, are you happy?" Thom asked as Willow nodded, "Im getting there. Taking these baby steps with Harriet is a start. Im also looking into divorcing Matt, making it offical" she said as they hugged her as Luke said "Whatever you decide to do, whatever you need. We're here for you, the same way youve been here for us."
"Hey, you know the other week when we were in the cafe and you asked about my scars" Willow asked as she returned to the living area and sat next to Harriet. "What about them?" Harriet asked as Willow said "You werent curious as to how i got them?" "I was, and still am. But i didnt want to pressure you. Its your story to tell in your own time" Harriet replied as Willow took her hand and said "I want you to know" as she told Harriet all the trauma she had been through. The two new lovers talked for hours, before they knew it it was almost 2am. "Its late Willow, i really should be going" Harriet said as she stood up to go. "Stay" Willow said "I dont normally do this either, but i'd really like you to stay" "Are you sure Wills? I know you said babysteps..." Harriet replied as Willow nodded "Im sure. Like you said its late and you'll be struggling for a taxi home. You can sleep in my bed. We can still take it slow, we dont have to have sex" "Ok ok, you win. I'll stay" Harriet said as she helped Willow to her feet, pulling her close and kissed her. As Willow kissed her back, she reached down and grabbed her hand, leading her upstairs, where they collapsed on her bed and stayed for the rest of the night.
"So hows everything over there Wills? Are you and the girls doing good?" Amy asked over facetime a few weeks later. "We are doing good. We miss you guys though. How is everyone? Hows Gil?" Willow replied "Everyone is good, we miss you two. Gil is Gil. He still isnt talking to Matt. Hes refusing too. He cant forgive him for pushing you and the girls away, Gil also doesnt like or trust her and hes not the only one. No one in the family is talking to him" Amy replied as Willow sighed. "Not a single person is talking to him? Because of me? Mom thats crazy. Does he even know we arent even in Cameron? Does he even care?" she asked as she sipped her tea as she recieved a flirty message from Harriet that made her blush. "He has no idea. Anyways whats going on with you Wills? Youre blushing" Amy said as Willow said "Im seeing someone. We've been hanging out for a while, started dating a few weeks ago. Shes amazing" "A SHE? I never would have guessed Wills. Tell me everything" Amy said as Willow told her about Harriet. "We're taking it slow. She knows about my past issues. Shes been my light through my darkest days. Its still early days mom, we're still figuring us out. But Harriet makes me happy. She makes the girls happy and thats all i want. Youre the first person ive told and i will tell the others in my own time" she said "Thats all i want for you. As for your relationship, im not going to tell anyone" Amy replied, as the mom and daughter spent the next hour catching up.
"Im really glad you came over tonight" Willow said the following night to Harriet as she entered the house. "Its been a rough day" "Whats wrong?" Harriet asked as she kissed her girlfriend. "It was just one of those really dark days where i just didnt want to get out of bed. Ive just wanted to hide and cry all day" Willow replied as Harriet hugged her. "Im here now. Want to gorge on pizza and watch really bad rom coms and musicals?" she asked as Willow nodded as they entered the living area and sat next to each other as they ordered their food. "Feeling better Wills? Youve been quietly singing away. I didnt know you could sing" Harriet asked as Willow lay in her arms a few hours later, "I am, thanks Harriet. I really dont know what i would have done without you this last month" Willow replied as she sat up. "Want to watch another movie or head up to bed?" Harriet asked as Willow bit her lip and replied "I know we said that we were going to take it slow but ive been thinking" "What have you been thinking about? Talk to me" Harriet asked, as Willow said "ive been thinking that i want to take the next step with you. Its my first time so i dont have a clue as to what im doing, all i know is that im ready. Im ready to have sex with you."
"Oh my.. oh wow. That was...different" Willow panted as she and Harriet lay in bed next to each other in the early hours of the next morning. "A good different i hope?" Harriet asked as Willow kissed her and replied "A very good different. Was it good for you?" "It was Willow. For having never done it before, you were great" Harriet replied, having noticed the fresher cuts on Willows thigh. "Want to tell me about these?" "I did them yesterday morning. You know how i said last night yesterday was a rough day? I was in pain from the treatment, I was missing people back home. Im trying to be strong for the girls but im struggling to be strong for me. Its also close to the anniversary of Eric holding me captive. Its been playing in my head for a few days, and cutting myself just felt like a release. All the pain, the hurt, resentment flowing out. Its been so long since it happened and im still conflicted as to how i should feel about him. He did horrendous, unspeakable things to me and yet he was my biological dad" Willow said quietly, tears rolling down her face. "Wills, you have been through hell. I cant even begin to imagine what it was like for you, but you know if you ever feel like youre going down that dark road youve got me and Thom and Luke. We will always be there for you. As for this treatment, whens your next appointment? Im coming with you because you shouldnt be dealing with this alone" Harriet replied as she wiped away the tears and kissed her forehead. "Few days time. I guess ive been dealing with it on my own for such a long time, i dont know how to let people in. I have this guard up and i find it hard to trust people. Youre the first person i've let in in such a long time" Willow replied as she kissed her back as the two women ended up sleeping together for the second time.
The month flew past and before Willow knew it, Christmas was coming. As the days grew closer, Willow began to recede into a dark place. It would have been her first wedding anniversary with Matt, day she was free of Victor. The day she announced Ruby to the world. Everything changed the day we got married. The day we became four. We were so happy. I was happy. How quickly things changed she thought to herself as she sat alone in the dark living room. We both did some stupid shit and hurt each other, i thought we got over it. How wrong was i? Here i am, almost a whole year later. Back home in the UK, separated from him. Fighting cancer, raising two kids who want nothing to do with him. And hes off with her. The one he fucked behind my back, living it up. "Momma?" Jasmine said quietly as she made her way down stairs. "Hey baby what are you doing up? Its so late" Willow replied as Jasmine sat next to her. "I had bad dream momma. I dream you were sad Momma so i come see you. Are you sad?" Jasmine said as Willow pulled her in for cuddles. "I kind of am Jas. Im missing everyone right now and its its getting close to our favourite day and we dont have anyone here" she said as Jasmine said "Why dont we ask Gamma to come? And Ewwy?" "That is a wonderful idea Jas, what about Thom and Luke and Harriet" Willow asked as Jasmine nodded. "Tell you what, why dont we facetime them tomorrow and you can ask them. But right now, want to come sleep in my bed and have cuddles?" Willow asked as Jasmine nodded as they headed upstairs.
Amy, Adam and Nevaeh arrived a week before Christmas. Willow and Amy embracing in the biggest hug ever. "Ive missed you mom, but you know i had to get away" Willow said as the mom and daughter separated after what felt like an eternity. "Ive missed you guys too" she added hugging Adam and Nevaeh, who had grown in the months theyd been apart. "Nevaeh! Look at you. You look more and more like your dad every day" she said as they entered the living area, where Harriet was sitting. ""Everyone this is Harriet, Harriet this is my mom Amy, Adam and Nevaeh, my youngest sister" "Nice to finally meet you. Willow has told me all about you" Harriet said as they all sat on the sofas, Jasmine running down the stairs at the sound of Amys voice. "GAMMMA!" Jasmine squealed as she ran towards Amy. "Hi Jas, ive missed you" Amy said as Jasmine hugged her before seeing Nevaeh, who was more like her best friend than Aunt. "NEYNEY! Wanna go play?" Jasmine asked as Nevaeh nodded, Jasmine leading her upstairs to her room, leaving Willow, Harriet, Amy and Adam alone in the living area, where they spent the day catching up.
As the day turned into night, Harriet left as she had to work early the next day. "Shes so sweet Wills. I can see how good shes been for you" Amy said as she moved next to her daughter, "Thanks mom. I honestly dont know what i would have done without her these last few months. I was in a really dark place. It got so bad i was self harming. Shes been great with the girls, with me and my cancer. Shes really helped me get over him" Willow replied as Adam said "You know Gil has pretty much disowned him? They had a huge falling out over Reby" "I spoke to Jeff and Trish a few nights ago. They arent fans either" Willow said, really not wanting to talk about Matt. "You know what I think Wills. I think hes an idiot. He threw what, 8 almost 9 years away over what? You sleeping with someone else when you werent together? I dont get it" Adam said as Willow sighed and replied "You dont know the full story do you? It wasnt just a random one night with some guy. It lasted a few weeks and it was with Seth. Matt found out after someone, i thought Victor, sent him a recording of me and him having a conversation when in was in hospital after that really bad collapse in New York. In the conversation its basically him apologising for having feelings for me and me for him" "You had feelings for Seth? Why didnt you say anything?" Amy asked as Willow replied "Because they were more feelings of lust. I was still in love with Matt but i was still pissed at him for cheating with her. That backfired badly didnt it" "Wills, are you happy now? Because thats all that matters to me" Amy asked as Willow nodded and replied "Im getting there. Im just so happy that you guys are here for christmas. Elly is going to be here in a few days too. Its going to be a good christmas, i can feel it"