"What are you doing here Elly? " Willow asked again as the two sisters hugged. "Did you really think i'd let my sister spend her thirtieth birthday alone, moping on the other side of the world?" Elly replied as they pulled apart, taking a seat near Mike and Graces graves. "So, whats been going on? Im so sorry about the break up with Harriet. How are you doing with that?" Elly said as Willow sighed. "Im getting there. It was such a mess. I was a mess. I was already drinking pretty heavily, I couldnt even face going home to see the girls and Matt. Thom and Luke had to practically force me to go after spending the afternoon in her place. Who invites someone over, under the guise of making up, ending up in bed together only to walk out and leave in the middle of the night? It wasnt right" "It is a pretty shitty thing to do. Id be a mess too." Elly said as Willow wiped her eye. "Speaking of shitty situations, how are things with Matt?" Elly asked as Willow sighed. "Its been weird. Its great that hes here, spending time with the girls, you know rebonding with them. Its given me time to focus a little on me and the recovery from the cancer treatments. We've talked a little bit about what happened but i dont want to hear it any more. Its like we keep going around in a circle. I mean he did stay in my bed with me a few weeks ago" she said as Elly replied "Wait what? What happened?" "It was after the break up with Harriet. He found me in the kitchen with a knife in my skin. He had to come physically take it off me and i just broke down. He cleaned my arm and just stayed with me. He just knew that something wasnt right and i shouldnt be on my own" Willow said as Elly asked, "Do you still love him?" "Honestly, i dont know. Part of me always will but i think right now, i just need to be on my own. Work out what i want in my head" Willow replied as the wind picked up speed, blowing colder. "Want to get out of here? I know two little girls that will be super excited to see you" Willow asked as Elly nodded. As the two sisters stood up, heading out of the graveyard as the rain started to fall.
"Hey, i forgot to ask, is Phil with you?" Willow asked as she and Elly arrived at the house. "Yeah, hes been with Matt and the girls all day. You ok?" Elly asked as Willow nodded. "I just want to talk to him about a couple of things" she said as they entered the house, where they were immediatly pounced upon by Jasmine and Ruby. "MOMMY!" Jasmine yelled as she hugged Willow tightly, before spotting Elly behind her. "Mommy come see what we did today" Jasmine said as she grabbed Willows hand, "But close your eyes mommy" "Kay Jas, eyes are closed. Show me what you guys have been upto" Willow said as Jasmine led her into the living room, followed behind by Elly, who was carrying Ruby. "Ok mommy open your eyes" Jasmine said as she let go of her hand as Willow opened her eyes. "SURPRISE" everyone in the room exclaimed as Willow looked around, in shock at all the decorations and balloons that had been placed in the living area. "Oh my gosh! You guys. Thank you. This is amazing" Willow said as she hugged everyone. "You deserve it Wills, after the year youve had" Phil said as Willow replied "Can we talk later? I just have some stuff i need to get off my chest but Elly and Matt cant know" "Sure thing Wills. Everything ok?" Phil replied as Willow nodded as they spent the evening catching up. Around 8pm, Elly noticed that Jasmine was starting to fall asleep and Ruby was already gone on the floor. "Hey Matt, why dont we take these two sleepyheads up to bed, leave Wills and Phil to have that chat?" Elly suggested as Matt nodded as he scooped up Jasmine, Elly picking up Ruby and headed upstairs, leaving Willow and Phil alone.
"So whats going on Wills? What did you want to talk to me about that you couldnt tell El or Matt?" Phil asked as Willow took a deep breath and poured her heart out to him. Everything from her cancer, to the problems with Matt, her relationship with Harriet with their messy break up all the way through to her self harming and drinking. "So i just really need help in getting my drinking back under control, and you helped me so much the last time i was just hoping you'd help me again" she said as Phil nodded. "Of course ill help Wills. How much are you drinking currently and how much do you have in the house?" He replied as Willow led the way to the kitchen and started emptying the cupboards of all bottles containing alcohol. "Jesus Wills, theres almost twenty bottles here" Phil said as Willow began to choke up as she spotted the blood stained cloth from a few weeks ago. Although the blood had faded as it had washed, the faint stains were still visible. "I thought i got all the blood out of that" she said quietly as Phil took the cloth and hid it out of sight. "What happened there Wills?" he asked as Willow closed her eyes and took a deep breath and told him about the night Matt found her cutting herself. "You know he stayed with me that night. In my bed. He didnt want me to be alone, and to be honest he was right. I wasnt in the right frame of mind to be on my own" She said as Phil asked "Do you still have feelings for him?" as she shook her head. "I dont know. My heads been a mess ever since he turned up" she replied as she took another deep breath, as she continued "I dont even know if i could trust him again after everything thats happened. Does he even love me? How do i know that he wont up and leave me and the girls again if i give him another chance?" Willow questioned as Phil replied "from what ive seen today, Matts not going anywhere. He loves you, he loves the girls. Hes learned his lesson from this past year. He knows he fucked up. Who do you think organised all these decorations?" "Really? Matt did all this? Did he get you guys over too?" Willow asked, her head spinning with this new information. "We came over of our own accord. There is something ive been wanting to ask you, but it can wait till after your birthday" Phil said as he grabbed two bottles of Wine. "Getting back to this, i want you to pour these down the drain" he said as he passed Willow one of the bottles, and she immediatley began pouring. "Hows that making you feel?" he asked as she nodded, "Better. Alcohol never made me feel good about myself, just helped numb the pain for a while. I was never happy drinking, i think it made me worse" she said as Phil passed her another bottle. As she was pouring her fourth bottle, Matt and Elly joined them in the kitchen. "Whats going on here?" Elly asked as Phil explained what they were doing as the foursome spent the rest of the night, destorying the alcohol and catching up.
The following morning, Willow woke up with a sense of dread and sadness. Even though it was her birthday, she was missing everyone back home. She picked up her cell to see if anyone had sent her any birthday messages, her heart sank when she saw not one member of her family had sent her any messages. I suppose it is still early in Cameron she thought to herself as her sell started ringing. "Hello?" Willow answered, as she heard a reassuring, familiar voice on the other end of the line. "Hello Willow, its Beth. First of all happy birthday" "Hi Beth and thank you" Willow replied, "What time is it over there? Is it still early?" she asked as Beth replied "Its a little after 4 30. So, i have some news for you. Ive been in contact with Dr kippelman..." Beth said as Willow listened intently, her eyes filling with tears. "Willow, are you still there?"Beth asked as Willow replied "Im still here, just taking everything in. So what do we do next?" she asked "Well, we can make an appointment with Dr Kippleman or if youre ever coming back to NC, make one with me" Beth replied as Willow said "Im moving back in a few weeks. Can i give you a call when i get back and settled?" "Of course Willow, no rush. I'll speak to you in a few weeks" as they hung up, Willow lay back and just let the tears flow. She didnt know how long she lay there for, but a knock on the door pulled her out of her trance. "Happy Birthday Wills!" Elly said as she entered her sisters bedroom. "Hey whats wrong? And no lying" "I just had a call from Beth..." "Oh my god what did she say?" Elly asked, interrupting her. "Im still processing everything El, but i do have to make an appointment with her once i move back. Once ive absorbed it, come to terms with what Beth said, then i'll let you all know." Willow replied, not wanting to discuss the phonecall. "Im not going to force anything out of you Wills, but what i do know, and you didnt hear this from me, is that there are presents and cake downstairs!" Elly said as she hugged Willow who laughed as she replied "cake? Why didnt you say so! Give me five mins to put some clothes on and we'll head downstairs"
"Happy birthday Wills" Matt and Phil said in unison as Willow made her way down the stairs into the living space as Jasmine and Ruby ran up to her and hugged her tight saying "happy birthday momma. Look at all these presents" Jasmine said, leading her to the sofa and the small pile of presents. Willow opened all her cards and presents, still feeling upset that Amy and the rest of the family hadnt called or messaged her to say happy birthday. "You ok Wills? Youre quiet for it being your birthday" Matt asked as Willow nodded "Just waiting on messages coming through from everyone back in the USA. They are unusually late" she said as Matts cell vibrated. "I wouldnt worry Wills, it'll still early over there" he said as Willow sighed. "I guess your right. No point in worrying" she said as Ruby walked over to her wanting cuddles. "Hey what are your plans for tonight?" Matt asked as Ruby settled on Willow. "I dont know Matt. Maybe stay in with a takeaway i guess" she replied as Ruby yawned, "Im going to go put her down for a nap" she said as she headed upstairs, carrying Ruby. Matt waited until he heard Willow close the door upstairs before asking "Guys, have you noticed if something has been going on with her today?" "She had a call this morning from Beth but thats all i know" Elly replied "Wills didnt give me any details, but she did say she'll explain in time" "She still doesnt have any idea about tonight though. I might need your help with that Elly" Matt said as Elly nodded, pressing her finger to her lips as they heard Willow coming back down the stairs.
"Come on Wills, we're taking you out" Elly said a few hours later, trying to persuade her sister to go out for a birthday celebratory meal. "You cant stay home and be miserable on your birthday. We'll get a sitter for the girls, and the four of us can go out. Come on please" "Ok fine, but just a meal. Nothing else. What time do you want to go?" Willow asked as Elly replied "Sevenish? It'll give you a while to get ready" Willow nodded as she opened her wardrobe and pulled out a bag with the label birthday outfit on it. "Didnt think id be getting this out. Ive had it since January" she said as Elly stood beside her."Wills, are you ok? Youve been acting weird all day" she asked as Willow nodded and replied "Just pissed that not one person called or messaged me happy birthday. Mixing that with the news from Beth, spending the day with Matt, the girls and you and Phil. Its just been a crazy day full of mixed emotions" "From what you told me yesterday and watching you with Matt today, theres still love there with you two. You know hes been worried about you all day?" Elly said, as Willow shook her head. "He doesnt have to be, I really am ok" she replied looking at the clock. "I think im going to take a bath. Want to come get ready together in a bit?" she asked as Elly nodded as she headed downstairs to let Matt know she'd been successful.
A few hours later, Willow and Elly were sitting in Willows bedroom applying the final touches to their outfits. "Boots or heels?" Willow asked as she showed Elly the two options. "hmmmm, i think heels. Shows off your amazing legs" Elly said as she spritzed perfume on her "Thanks El. You look stunning tonight" Willow replied as she picked up the necklace Matt had given her before their wedding and put it on, making Elly curious about her sisters feelings towards her ex husband but before she could question her, the doorbell rang indicating that the babysitter had arrived. As they headed downstairs, Matt and Phil were waiting in the living area with Thom, Luke and their neighbour who was to be the babysitter for the night. "Hey, what are you guys doing here?" Willow asked as Thom and Luke hugged her. "Happy birthday Wills, we're also coming out with you guys tonight" Thom replied as Willow smiled, as Matt said "You guys ready to go? Dont want to be late" as everyone nodded. "We'll be back around 10:30ish, maybe 11 at the latest. Girls have been bathed and ready for bed." Matt said to the sitter before walking over to his daughters, who were playing on the floor. "Hey girls, mommy and i are going out so be good for Kat" "We will daddy" Jasmine said looking up and eventually noticing Willow. "Mommy! You look super duper pretty!" she said as she hugged her tight. "Be good tonight Jas. I'll come see you when we get back ok" Willow replied as Jasmine went back to playing on the floor with Ruby, as everyone headed out the door. "So where are we heading?" Willow asked as she joined Matt, Elly and Phil in one taxi. "Its a surprise Wills" Elly said as the driver began to drive to the restaurant. As they neared the destination, Willow began to feel nervous. It must have shown on her face as Elly asked "You ok Wills?" "Im ok" Willow lied, "Just hungry" "Well you are in luck because we have arrived" Matt said as the taxi pulled up outside of Willows favourite restaurant. "You guys remembered this was my favourite place!" Willow exclaimed as Phil paid the taxi driver. "OK Wills, before we head in i need you to close your eyes" Matt said as Willow gave him a look that indecated she wasnt impressed. "Do i have too?" she asked as Matt and Elly nodded, "Urgh fine. Look eyes closed" she added as she closed her eyes. She felt Matt take her hand, and her heart skipped a beat as he guided her into the restaurant. He led her into a waiting room where he whispered to her "Wait here" before hurrying off for a few minutes before returning. "Just a few more steps Wills and we're there" Matt said as he took her hand again and led her into the main room. "Ok you ready Wills, open your eyes" he said and as she did there was a loud eruption of voices all saying "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" There, in front of her were Amy, Adam, Trish, Jeff, Brooke, Christian, Becky and Seth, who had been joined by Elly and Phil.
"Oh my God! When did you guys get here?" She asked as they all got up and hugged her. "Some of us arrived late last night, some this morning" Amy said, taking extra time to hug her daughter. "I just wish you had all told me you were coming" Willow replied as she took a seat at the table where everyone spent numerous hours catching up and celebrating Willows birthday. The hours passed by so quickly and it soon approached 10:30, Thom and Luke were the first two to leave as they had an early flight the following morning. "So who is coming back to the house? Carry on the celebration" Willow asked as Becky and Seth shook their heads, "we cant. We have promo interviews for the UK tour in the morning" Seth said as Becky added "But we'll be here for a few days if you want to hang out for a bit" "That would be good. I miss you guys" Willow replied as they exited the restaurant. "You guys are coming right?" Willow asked as she returned to the table. "Of course we are. Thom and Luke offered to let us stay in their place while theyre away" Trish replied as she, Amy, Elly and Willow all left the restaurant and waited outside for the men to join them. "For what its worth, im glad you guys are here" Willow said as the first taxi pulled up to take them home. "You know you could have told me you were coming though. I was thinking all day that every one had forgotten..." "Wills, we could never ever forget you. We just wanted to surprise you today" Amy said as she put her arms around her daughter and hugged her. "Did Matt know that you guys were coming?" Willow asked, as the other women remained silent, confirming what Willow had suspected. Matt had set the surprise up.
"What do you make of Wills wearing the necklace Matt gave her before the wedding?" Trish asked Amy and Elly as Willow headed upstairs to check on the girls. "I dont know Trish. Dont push it with them, especially Wills. Shes been a mess and really conflicted these last few weeks" Elly replied as they heard the second taxi pull up outside the house with the guys in."But watching them these last 24 hours, its clear that they both still have feelings for each other. Maybe her wearing the necklace is a sign..." She continued but couldnt finish as they heard the front door opening and Willow returning from upstairs, as everyone gathered in the living area, just as Willows cell began to ring. "Hello, this is Willow speaking" Willow said as she answered the call, heading outside for privacy. She'd been in the garden for fifteen minutes, when Matt went out to check on her. "Wills? You ok?" he asked quietly as Willow looked at him, "Sorry Laura, im going to put you on speaker as Matt has just joined me. Can you repeat what you just said please?" Willow said down the phone as she pressed the button for loudspeaker. "Hey officer Steninger whats going on?" Matt asked as he sat next to Willow on the garden bench. "Hi Matt, so i just asked Willow to confirm her current location as we arrested Victor Dalimar at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, trying to board a flight with a bag full of weapons screaming that he was coming for her" Officer Steninger said over the phone as Willow felt the silent tears running down her face. "You actually found him and arrested him? How do we know hes not going to get out again and find Wills or the girls and harrass and threaten them again?" Matt asked as Officer Steninger explained that Victor is to be held in a high security prison, in solitary confinement. No interaction with anyone other than the guards. "So hes really gone?" Matt asked, Willow remaining silent as she was in shock. "Hes gone. There will be a trial but i dont think Willow will be called upon to testify, we have enough evidence to put him away for life" Laura said down the phone as the call ended. "Wills, you ok?" Matt asked after a few minutes as Willow remained shocked. "Its over. Its finally over. I cant breathe" she said quietly "Its ok Wills, Im not going anywhere. Just focus on me" Matt replied as he faced her. He could see she was still shaken by the news. Instinctively, Matt put his arms around her and held her close and to his surprise, she didnt pull away.
"I wonder whats going on out there?" Elly asked as they watched the former couple embracing in the garden. "You know, with the necklace at dinner and now this. Something is going on" Trish added as Matt and Willow stood up and headed back inside. "Everything ok Wills?" Amy asked as they headed into the living area. "Im ok. Actually i do have a couple of things to tell you" Willow replied as everyone gathered round and began listening intently. "So today i have had two phone calls, one was from Beth and the other from Officer Steninger. Beth this morning told me that she had been in touch with Dr Kippleman, the doctor who had been treating my cancer over here and, um... Im now in remission" Willow announced as Amy got up and hugged her, "Im still a long way off being fully recovered so as soon as i get back to Vass i have to make an appointment with her" she continued as Jeff said "Youre moving back? About time. Its not been the same since you left" "But why Vass?" Brooke asked as Willow explained about there being no suitable homes in Cameron. "So what about Officer Steninger? What did she want?" Adam asked as Willow took a deep breath. "Officer Steninger...They arrested Victor. He was at the airport with a bag of god knows what, screaming that he was going to come here and kill me. Its over" she said as she sighed. "Im just really overwhelmed that its finally over and it'll take some time to get used to not living in fear" she said as they spent the rest of the night catching up.
Trish and Jeff left just after midnight, with Brooke and Christian following them not long after. Amy and Adam would be staying in the spare room, with Jasmine, Ruby and Nevaeh sharing. Matt offered the spare room to Amy and Adam, saying he'd be more than happy to sleep on the sofa. A little after one, Amy and Adam headed up to bed, followed by Elly and Phil an hour later, leaving Matt and Willow alone for the first time in almost two days. "Hey Matt, thank you for tonight. I know it was you who got everyone over here and i needed it. I needed this surprise" Willow said as she sat next to Matt who replied "You looked amazing tonight Wills. And who told you i got everyone here?" thinking someone had told her as she shook her head. "No one told me anything. I kind of figured it out" she said as she continued "And thank you for being there when Laura was on the phone about Victor. Its been the longest five, well nearly six years dealing with him" "And now its over. You can look to the future, a new future with the girls in your new home" Matt said as Willow edged closer. "Im sorry ive been avoiding you these last few weeks Matt, ive just had stuff going on in my head. That night you found me in the kitchen i was... i dont know, i wasnt myself" she said before continuing "Waking up next to you that following morning, it stirred up a lot. Ive done some things this last year ive regretted and I just needed some time to figure things out and tonight really helped" "Willow, what are you saying?" Matt asked as Willow placed her hand on his. "Im saying that this last year has been one of the worst of my life but these last few weeks have been the start of me getting back on track and its down to you. I love you Matt, I never stopped, i cant believe its taken so long to say it. I love you" Willow said as she kissed him. As they pulled apart, Matt replied "I love you too Wills" as they kissed again only this time, they didnt stop. Willow took Matts hand and led him upstairs to her bedroom, where for the first time in over a year, they spent the night together.