Author's Note: I feel that the ending for my last chapter was a bit rushed, but I had severe writer's block and alcoholic beverages do NOT help, lol. Anyway, on with the story!
"Chapters"
September: 1994
The high school was about the same distance from her house as the middle school was, so again, Tara walked to school. It was the first day of high school. Everything was going to be new and different, almost like it would be a whole new begining.
There was a group of stares leading up to the main enterance of the high school with a big bulldog painted on the windows. Tara looked up at the big enterance and looked around the front and noticed many groups of friends huddled together. There were big people and small people and medium sized. There were big groups and little groups and individuals.
Once Tara stepped into the hall, she was amazed. The halls were kind of dark and there were so many bodies moving around and moving about. Then she finally saw someone she knew.
She came at Tara with a look almost of fright, but she knew at she was only playing, "Tara!" she shouted, "Oh my god! It's so weird! We're so tiny!"
Tara smiled and looked at Adrienne and found that she wore something a bit different than her usual attire. Sure Adrienne always wore black, but now there was a different tone. What was the term they used? Tara thought about it for a moment then it hit her: Gothic. Adrienne was no where near the punk goths but was going closer to the traditional gothic look. And she looked just down right beautiful, "Um, yeah."
Within the middle of the crowd, Tim popped out with a half terrified half amused look as he stummbled his way toward the girls.
"Tim!" Adrienne shouted and she reached for him.
"Oh God guys!" Tim said, "I know it's going to freakin' blow here!" he finished off his statment with a grin and both the girls smiled at his remark.
As the day went on, Tara learned that high school was not much different than middle school. Only that the students are bigger, the staff is more bitter, and that it'll take an extra year to get out. The art club was run by a bunch of anime loving, pimply, and sweaty guys and the band was full of kids with sticks up their butts. It was just utterly wonderful! Not... She wasn't even in the Marching Band, but she sure wished she was. Tim and Adrienne were in it, but what could she play? A marching violin? That idea was laughable.
At lunch, the trio met near the gym. For the first 10 minutes of lunch, not one of the three friends spoke a word.
For Adrienne, she was in many honors classes (English, Biology, and Health), and a geometry class. The band director, which all three shared, was and old man that needed to retire. Mr. Immel, the band director, hated the fact she was a good flute and bass player and wasn't in the Orchestra (Strings only) or the Concert Band. She also joined begining dance which her sister was very proud of.
For Tim, everything was boring. He had gotten a D in pre-algebra in 8th grade, so they put him in a two year long algebra course. It was usless because Tim was actually quite smart, he just never applied himself like he should have. He hated Immel, but never said anything because he wanted to become the percussion section leader. But Immel constintly harassed Tim to join the concert band. Tim always said he'd think about it because it interfered with his auto shop class. Immel always came back with "Learning about cars is more important than band?"...
And finally for Tara, everything was new and intimidating. She had an honors English class, regular algebra, regular bio, orchestra, and art. Yet all of them seemed almost minuscule.
The friends looked at each other, almost in defeat. Tim was drinking from a bottle or Mr. Pibb AKA Dr. Pepper, not saying a word suprisingly. Adrienne was chewing on the same bite of her egg salad sandwich for the past few minutes. And finally Tara kept staring at her jello cup. She just didn't feel like eating.
"So... We're all very talkative aren't we?" Tim asked, breaking the awkward silence between all of them.
"Guess we all h-had a... Rough day." Tara offered.
"High school barely came and already I'm sick of it." Adrienne added.
October
"The big day is coming up, Tara!" Tim smiled and clapped his hands then rubbed them together as if eyeing a piece of pie.
With a sheepish laugh Tara replied, "It's really... no big deal."
"What do you mean 'no big deal'? It's a huge deal." Adrienne added, "You only turn 14 once in your life. Enjoy it while you can." she finished with a smile.
"Well... All I ever do r-really is just... Stay at home." Tara paused for a beat, "So I'm not... Used to... Big stuff."
A smirk appeared on Tim's face as he turned to face Adrienne. They met each other's eyes and both smirked. Then they both slowly blinked their eyes and nodded their heads.
Tara cocked up an eye brow as she wondered what those two weirdos were doing. As crazy as those two could get, Tara loved them dearly. They were the only people, aside from her mother, that she trusted with her life and would do anything for them.
Adrienne gently placed a hand on Tara's shoulder, "How about this: Tim and I buy two large pizzas, one for your family and one of the three of us, and we rent 'The Crow' and watch it at your house. Sound good?"
"I'd have to... Check with my dad first." Tara meakly said.
When she did, Dale's first instinct was a big "NO". Tara didn't fight him though. She just dropped her head, apologized for having brought the subject up, and made her way up the stairs.
Once she was inside her room, she slowly closed the door, making sure not to let it slam or even make a loud noise. Slowly and dejectedly, Tara walked to her bed then around it. She grabbed onto something she hadn't touched in a while: Her violin. She placed the case on the bed and opened it. All she did for a whole minute was stare at the piece of wood. Finally she grabbed it and picked it up along with her bow. Slowly she played the simple C scale with ease. As she finished the scale, she played an A. Then another A followed by an F sharp.
Not too bad, Tara thought to herself. Quickly Tara grabbed a pencil and some sheet music and made the notes on the bar lines. She added a few more notes to the bar lines before she played them out loud. Once she added a few more, she put her pencil down and picked up her bow and played what she'd written down: A A F# A A (hold to) B A F# (A/N: It's a song... Here's a hint "I lived my life in shadow..."... Remember it? Lol.) It sounded nice, almost lovely.
Then there was a knock at her door. It startled Tara enough that she almost dropped her violin. Her door opened and Dale stepped through. Suprisingly he didn't have his terrifying angry face.
He walked in further and looked at his daughter with an unreadable face. He walked futher in and sat on Tara's desk chair. He inhaled deeply then exhaled and leaned forward, "Tara, I was doing some thinking," he stared, "I think, you should have your friends come over for a while. But only for three hours. Maybe this Saturday from 3-6?"
Tara smiled widely, "Thank you, sir." she went and hugged her father.
Outside her door, Donny was listening. He began to fume. He hated his sister with a passion. He didn't give a rat's ass about her in the least, and that was obvious. Infact, the only woman he could stand at all was his mother. And then it was only because she was his mother and she does care for him. And for some reason, as he was growing up, everytime he was upset or hurt Amber would always make him feel better.
When Dale walked out of Tara's room and closed her door, Donny was in front of his own room with his arms crossed over his shoulders. He stared at his father with his nostrils flaring.
"Donny, calm down." Dale said nonchalantly.
"Dad, you know what she is," he whispered harshly, "We shouldn't let her be out and about with innocent people. She could... She... She might hurt them." he said trying to make a serious face.
"Son, listen to me," Dale said as he put an arm around Donny's shoulder, "I know it seems like I'm giving her all this freedom. But you see, she's going to be locked up once she's 20. I'd really hate to have her live in ignorance of the world after that. Do you understand?"
Donny nodded his head. He understood but what he didn't understand was why did Dale care so much if Tara lived in ignorance? Something Donny would never understand.
When Saturday finally came, Tara was happy. Amber was happy for Tara. Even Dale was somewhat excited.
The three friends were in the living room, being left alone by Dale, Amber, and suprisingly enough, Donny. The girls sat comfortably on the sofa and Tim layed on the floor. They split the pizza between the three of them and were just entranced with "The Crow"... It was an amazing movie. But it ended very quickly for the friends.
Once the movie officially ended, Tim rolled onto his back, "Man I can't wait 'til 'Mortal Kombat' comes out. That movie is gunna rock! And Mortal Kombat 3 the game is coming too! Well next year I mean. Guys!" he sat up, "We gatta go watch it for my birthday! Please, we just have to!"
Adrienne patted Tim on the head, "Don't worry. We know how much you love anything that has to do with Mortal Kombat. We'll go, don't worry." she smiled, "I promise."
Finally Tara felt contentment. Something she feared didn't exist. She fell into a daze but was taken out of it almost as quickly as she fell into it. She heared her father and brother talking to her mother. They both needed to leave to the propane shop. Something happened with one of the tanks, but Tara didn't much care. She was finally content, and in her own home! It was the first time... But hopefully not the last.
November
So far, everything was good and easy. Tara practiced her violin and her piano more and more. She continued her drawing and painting, which was becoming more surreal and even abstract. And she was enjoying every moment of her life, finally. Finally and for once, Tara Maclay was enjoying her life. All those years of repression and of living in fear have finally got their balance.
Dale and Donny had to go in at the propane dealership early so Amber and Tara had some free time before getting down to cleaning the house and all of that fun stuff. It wasn't all the time that both men were out of the house and the women were left to rest and relax.
Both women were in the basement doing a lesson in the mystic arts of magick. Only this time, it wasn't just Amber and Tara, but Adrienne was with them too.
The women sat in a circle facing each other with their legs crossed. All had their eyes closed and were concentrating on their breathing. It was a meditation excercise to build concentration and focus. They all sat and focused on their breathing for about 10 minutes, and it was quite intense.
"Alright girls, open your eyes and take in the images you see." Amber said as she exhaled and slowly opened her eyes.
Tara and Adrienne both exhaled as well and slowly opened their eyes. To both of them, everything seemed like it had color missing, but they knew it was because they had their eyes closed and hadn't moved a muscle for so long.
They both stole glances from each other and blushes were faintly seen on both of their faces. Though it was obvious to Amber what was going on, she didn't want to embarrass either girl about it. It was a difficult time for a young teenage girl, for both of them. At these times, it would be confusing and nerve racking to think about sexuality and what not. But Amber knew both girls were strong and could manage with or without help. She could sense it.
"Now Tara, I know we're working on the light. How is that coming?" Amber asked her daughter.
Tara looked at her mother, "It's um... I'm getting b-better. Still working... On it." she smiled.
Amber smiled, "That's good." she turned to Adrienne, "What about you? How much experiance do you have?"
Adrienne became embarrassed. She was Pagan, but she never tried anything having to do with witch craft. She was religious and loyal to Paganism, but she had never believed that magick and witches were actually real. "Oh um... I never... I'm not... Wiccan. I'm Pagan and I never dealed with... Magick and stuff."
"But you have the potential. Paganism and Wicca are very similer. Sometimes it's almost hard to tell what the differences are (A/N: It is! I don't know the differences myself so if anyone knows, please feel free to tell!)." Amber smiled, "I can sense some power in you. I'll start you off with something simple, a small telekinetic type of excercise," Amber stood and walking over near the washing machine and grabbed a pencil and held it up, "Make this pencil float."
"Whoa!" Adrienne started waving her arms in front of herself, "Telekinesis is a no for me. I can't do that."
Tara gently touched Adrienne's arm, "Yeah you can. All you have to do is just focus on it," she glanced at the pencil that was now on the floor, "Feel it. Then make it float." she smiled.
Staring into Tara's eyes and seeing the faith in them, Adrienne tightened her lips and nodded her head. If Tara had some faith in her, the least she could do is try. She turned and faced the pencil and stared at it.
A laugh was heard coming from Amber, "Oh my... Adrienne, sweetie, you're trying too hard. You're going to strain yourself," she walked toward the girls and kneeled behind them and put a hand on both of their shoulders and leaned in and whispered into Adrienne's ear, "Just relax and feel the essence of the pencil. Remember, everything has an essence. You must feel its essence."
Adrienne looked again at the pencil. This time, she concentrated on finding the essence of the pencil and not just the surface. She felt a connection. She felt the essence. Slowly the pencil began to wobble. It rised about half a centimeter then fell back onto the ground and stayed still.
A grin came over Amber's face and she glanced at Tara, who was smiling, then to Adrienne who stared at the pencil in disbelief. Her jaw was hanging from her mouth yet nothing came from it. "You did it." Amber said simply.
"Oh my god. I... I can't believe it. I made it move." Adrienne still couldn't believe it. Magick was real. Witches were real. This opened a whole new door on her perspective of the world. And it was thanks to Tara. Wait, Adrienne thought, this must mean Tara's a witch too. She turned to Tara, "You're a... A witch? Both of you?"
Tara smiled with Amber smiling right behind her. Slowly, both mother and daughter nodded at the young girl.
December
The town was covered in a small blanket of white snow. Everyone was filled with cheer and bliss of "the season of giving" as it was more commonly known as. The mall and stores were full of people trying to buy gifts and all the little knick knacks they may want for the upcoming season and year. This time, for Tara, it seemed so much brighter.
Houses had colorful lights on them, strangers singing their hearts out, and everyone just seemed a lot more cheerful. It was crazy how everything seemed brighter, livelier, and just all around better.
Not only was this Christmas time or Winter Solstice but also, it meant extra magick practicing because Dale and Donny would be working overtime at the propane shop. Cold weather means more propane needs which mean Dale and Donny work more than the rest of the year. Tara swears that one day there will be a show with a conservative man being in love with propane...
Neither Amber or Tara minded though. They always loved it when the men were out of their hair in some way that way they could both relax and not be stiff. They usually spent those days relaxing in the living room or practicing magick techniques and spells.
They both sat in the basement, legs crossed, eyes closed, and in perfect rhythm in their breathing. They were meditating to strengthen their focus, their concentration. Or in reality, Amber was helping Tara in concentration. She could never stress to Tara that magick was not a right, it was a privilege and gift bestowed upon her. That she must always respect it.
Amber opened an eye to look at her daughter. Tara was still and meditating, and Amber smiled. She was so proud of her daughter. She knew Tara was one of a kind and that she would be something in the future. Something good and wonderful. One day she'll stand on her feet tall and strong and Amber couldn't wait for that day.
"Okay sweetie, open your eyes." Amber said.
Once Tara opened her eyes, she had to rub them and let them slowly adjust to the light. It took a few minutes but her eyes finally adjusted to the light and she could see fine. She looked toward her mother for instructions.
Tara always loved to practice magick and techniques and meditations with Amber. It just felt exhilarating when Tara would do this. It was almost like a high, but Amber made sure that Tara would never get addicted. She knew that her mother became addicted once and nearly became consumed. Because of this, Tara was extra careful when it came to magick. She knew what could happen when it was used wrongly.
Picking up a pencil from the table, Amber held it up and looked at Tara. She made a small and knowing smiled then let go of the pencil. It went fast to the ground but it didn't hit it. It levitated and floated back up to Amber's hand. She stared at the pencil for a moment and then grabbed it and smiled at her daughter, "You've improved a lot. I'm proud." She put the pencil back on the table, "Now, the light."
Tara closed her eyes and began to breath. She silently said a few words and a small ball of light began to form. It was tiny and faint, but was stronger than before. Amber could tell that Tara had been practicing her concentration and she inwardly smiled before it dissapeared.
"Sorry," Tara whispered, "I couldn't hold it longer."
"Tara, it's okay. You're improving and that's the important thing." Amber smiled, "Soon, in about six months, you'll be able to do this..." she lifted her right arm and turned her palm face up. She didn't even speak the incantation and a softball sized, maybe even bigger, ball of light appeared and hovered over Amber's palm. It glowed like a beautiful orb.
She smiled proudly at her mother. One day she could do that, one day. If Amber had faith in her then Tara knew it was possible. It just need some time, time and patience and, of course, practice.
January
I really should write in here more often but, oh well. I'm lucky if I get a break between school, babysitting, piano and violin practice, and magick practice... I'm complaining again. I really need to stop. I also need to stop crushing on Adrienne so much. She is going out with that guy, Pat. Was that his name? I don't remember. Ugh, I get so jealous everytime I see them together. Okay, I need to calm down and "release my negative vibes" so to speak. But still... She spends so much time with him and they've been together for, like, 2 weeks. Okay, I need to calm down. It's not like I don't have Tim around me so I'm not lonely. It's just this crush! She's never going to like me like that so why should I stay stuck on a crush going nowhere? And why am I always worried? This sixth sense is driving me insane. I hate knowing something bad is going to happen and I can't stop it because I don't know what it is. It's really getting annoying...
The new year had come and all was calm. There were no disasters, natural or otherwise. But there was something in the air. An eiree calm feeling. Almost like the eye of a hurricane. But what could it be? Tara knew that something was bound to happen. Something big and something she probably couldn't control.
At school, Tara made sure to keep her eyes and ears, inner and outter, opened for anything. She walked down the pale halls watching for any sign. Something to tell her she was either right or wrong. She hoped to all the Powers That Be, to all of the Endless the was wrong.
Walking down the halls, Tara spotted Adrienne walking up to her with her head down. Tara began to worry, why was Adrienne sad? What happened?
Finally they reached each other, both stopped in front of each other, "Adrienne? What's wrong?"
Adrienne lifted her head, she wasn't crying and hadn't been. She just looked really sad, "You know Pat?"
Tara thought for a moment, "That... Guy you've been seeing? Kind of... Seeing?"
She nodded then said, "Yeah... Not anymore." then she shrugged.
Tara blinked. Did Adrienne just shrug? Apparently so. Tara couldn't believe it. Adrienne was so into the guy and she just shrugged him off like nothing. "Oh?"
"Yeah..." Adrienne began to walk down the stairs to her lockerm "He was being a real asshole."
The thought of anyone being as asshole to Adrienne was just too much for Tara. In mid thought, Tim came from behind Tara and placed an arm around her, "Who was being an asshole?"
Looking from her locker to Tim, Adrienne said, almost dejectedly, "Pat. He was beginning to get controling and not very friendly."
Tim Straightened up, "What?"
Both Tara and Adrienne could tell that Tim was getting angry. Tara never knew why Tim was so sensitive toward the treatment of women. Sure he make an obscene joke or a remark every now and then, but she couldn't help but adore him for being so sweet to the female race.
"Tim, calm down." Adrienne said.
"Did he hurt you?" Tim waited and continued when she didn't answer, "What did he do to you?"
Why hadn't Adrienne said anything before? If Pat was abusive, in any way, why didn't Adrienne say anything? Why hadn't she said anything to Tara?
Adrienne put a hand on Tim's shoulder, "Please calm down. He didn't hurt me. He just yelled a lot."
"So he thought he was above you, huh?"
Adrienne sighed, Tim was being difficult, "Does it matter what he thought? It's over between him and I. He didn't deserve me."
Inwardly, Tara smiled. She loved that Adrienne had confidence in herself. Just one of the many things she loved. Woah! Did Tara just think love? No way...
"I think I'm going to have a talk with him." and Tim left before either girl could stop him.
Adrienne turned to Tara with a sorrowful face, "I hope he doesn't do anything that will get him in trouble." Tara nodded in agreement.
He walked down the halls looking for Pat. Tim mummbled to himself, "Son of a bitch." once he spotted him at his locker.
Casually, Tim walked up to Pat and nudged him, "Hey man. What's up?"
Pat just glanced at Tim and nodded.
"So... How are things with you and Adrienne?"
"What the fuck fo you care?" Pat said without even looking up.
"Oh I care." Tim stated. Pat seemed to think he can talk as much shit as he wanted just because he was a junior.
Pat turned and looked at Tim in the eyes, "Are you her fucking body guard or something?"
With a smirk Tim responded, "Maybe." The way he said it, it was plain and simple, yet, showed that Pat is going to regret mistreating Adrienne.
Anger was rising in Pat, "Don't worry. I didn't sleep with her. Bitch wouldn't give it up." he finished with a grin knowing that would piss Tim off royally.
And boy it did. Tim saw red and everything went blurry. Without even thinking, Tim grabbed Pat's shirt and swung him into the row of lockers. Although suprised bu the sudden action of this, Pat expected it and wanted it to happen. He saw Tim was ready to punch him so he dodged and Tim's fist made contact with the locker instead.
That hurt, badly. Tim immediatly let go and groaned in pain. Pat took that oppertunity and tackled Tim into the opposite wall of lockers. Punches were thrown and bodies were being pushed into lockers and trash cans.
A crowd began to gather as the boys continued to fight. Both Tara and Adrienne noticed and both knew that it involved Tim. They glanced at each other and rushed to the crowd.
Sure enough, it was Tim rolling around on the ground with, "Pat!?" Adrienne exclaimed.
"Break it up!" Two security guards came and broke the boys up. Then the principal came.
The principal was definitely not happy, "Mr. Cunliffe, I am suprised at you... Mr. Pat Nelson, I am not the least bit suprised." Both boys were being taken to the office and Tim caught a glance from Tara and Adrienne.
"Timothy, you're suspended for the rest of the month. Patrick Nelson... You're exspelled." Principal De Roos said.
"What!?" Pat exclaimed, "I didn't even start it!"
"But you didn't stop it. And this isn't your first fight. You're out of here Nelson."
Pat stood and turned to Tim, "You better watch out, Cunliffe."
February
It was mind numbingly dull without Tim the past two weeks. Sure Tara was glad she was with Adrienne still, but Adrienne was just down because she felt responsible for Tim. But Tara knew that it wasn't her fault. Every person was responsible for their own actions, yet, Tara understood why Adrienne felt the way she did. Tara herself often felt responsible for events she couldn't control.
It was Tim's first day back at school and both Tara and Adrienne waited impatiently. They looked around the campus before finally spotting him walking through the hall.
Both girls rushed to him and embraced him in a group hug. Adrienne was the first to speak, "Tim, we've missed you so much!"
"Yeah... It's been really boring... without you." Tara added with a smile.
"Awwwww guys!" Tim began to fake tear up, "You love me! You really love me!" he hugged both girls again.
Adrienne soon calmed and looked at Tim seriously and sincerely, "Tim... I'm sorry I got you in trouble. It was my fault."
"Oh, no!" Time exclaimed, "I was the one who went up to Pat. I was the one who started it. Not you, me. I did it all." he finished with a caring smile.
Tara looked on at the scene before her. She wanted to cry herself. It was just such a beautiful scene. A scene of a loving friendship whose bond can not be undone. Tara wanted to cry at how beautiful it was but also because she truely believed that no matter how much her friends loved her, she knew she could never have a bound the way they had. Tara wanted that, but because of what she is, she knows it can never happen.
By the end of the day, the eiree feeling haunted Tara again. What could it mean this time? She walked out with Adrienne and Tim, not speaking as she normally did. She loved to listen to her friends, she seldom talked for fear of saying something wrong. What Tara didn't know was that both Adrienne and Tim cared for her deeply and wished she'd be more social with them.
The three friends walked together almost in complete silence. They felt almost happy though. What they didn't realize was Pat and his posse were watching them and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"My exit," Tara stated. She smiled at her friends and turned on her street heading for her house.
Adrienne and Tim continued to walk in silence. After a few moments Pat stepped out from behind a bush, "Well, well. The bitch and the dead man." he crossed his arms.
Tim clenched on his drum sticks, he was getting angry, "Hey, listen asshole... Just step aside."
"Or else what?" one of Pat's buddies stepped out. Then two more came out.
Adrienne and Tim began to get nervous. Neither have ever been in this possition before. They had absolutely no idea what to do.
"Pat, please, just leave us alone." Adrienne pleaded.
All he did was laugh and then went up to Adrienne and grabbed her by the arms, "It's time for some fun, babe."
Tara was almost at her house when the feeling struck her like a mack truck. They were in trouble and she knew it. Without thinking, Tara broke into a run back in the direction she had been coming from.
Tim lungged at Pat, but met a fist in the stomach, knocking the air out of him. Pat's buddies began to bash Tim, punching and kicking while he was on the ground. Pat then pushed Adrienne to the ground and made his way to Tim, pulling out a switch blade, "You are one stupid fucker." he said before grabbing Tim's collar, bringing him to his feet then sticking the blade into his stomach.
"No!!!" Adrienne shouted while Pat's buddies laughed. They split into two groups. One went for Adrienne and the other went for Tim. The group that headed for Tim wasted no time in bashing him.
Just then, Tara came around the corner and saw the sight before her. No, she thought. "No!" she yelled and broke into a sprint. They were a good block apart but she ran as fast as her legs could take her.
Without thinking, Tara reached out her arm and hand and yelled, "Dislavo!" A blue light shot out from her palm and hit Pat and the rest of his friends sending them all flying backwards.
She finally reached them and saw that Tim was bleeding. Adrienne was terrified. "Oh god." Tara whispered.
Pat slowly got up and saw Tara, "What the fuck? It's the mouse?" he got to his feet.
Tara looked up, not caring about hiding her powers, "Hold mine victims," an invisble barrier formed, holding Pat and his friends at bay. They were stuck.
Tim groaned in pain. He was in bad shape. Tara put a hand on his head and his wound, "Goddess of healing, please take his pain."
Slowly Tim's pain was going away. He was still bleeding and it still hurt, but the pain wasn't as bad, it was barable. He opened his eyes and saw Tara looking down at him, like a guardian angel.
At that moment the police came. Pat tried to run but the unseen force would not let him move more than a few feet. Shit, he thought, shit shit shit.
When the officers stepped out and walked toward Pat, Tara whispered, "Release," just as they reached them, and they got arrested.
The ambulance was called and took Tim to the hospital. Reports were taken from witnesses and from Adrienne and Tara. The girls made sure to leave out certain details.
Once all of that was done, Tara walked Adrienne to her house, a good half mile away from her own house. She was going to be late and her father wouldn't be happy, but she didn't care.
"Thanks for not... Telling them about me."
"Oh, your secret's safe with me." Adrienne stopped walking and turned to Tara and suddenly threw her arms around the blonde and began to bawl. Tara just held Adrienne and gently rubbed her back as she cried.
Once Tara got home, Dale was waiting, "Where have you been?"
Fear rose in Tara, "I was... I w-walked Adrienne home."
"Why?"
Tara gulped, "She... She was s-sad and didn't w-want to... walk alone."
Dale was silent for an entire minute, 60 seconds. He finally spoke, "Never do something like that again without my permission!" and back handed her. "You are grounded for the rest of the month. Go to your room now!"
She obeyed. School, home, sleep. A routine she remembered and did for the rest of the month.
March
Tim had been back for about two and a half weeks and Pat and his crew were in juvenile hall and on their way to prison if they stayed on that path. Adrienne felt awful and she avoided having any deep conversation with Tim. Little did she know that she was hurting him. With all that, Tara was stuck in the middle.
"Why don't you t-talk to him?" Tara asked Adrienne as they sat and waited for the bell to ring so that their Honors English class could begin.
"I fell so bad. It's my fault. I know that if it wasn't for me-"
"That's not true."
"It is..." Adrienne paused. "No one sticks up for me the way he does. When I lived in Alabama, my brother was heavy into drugs. My mom was never home so Andy would take me outside then usually go crazy and think I was an alien or something. He'd shoot me with a BB gun. Never intentionally though." she closed her eyes, "He'd cry when he realized what he did saying 'I thought I was protecting you... I'm an awful brother... I don't deserve a sister like you.' Then, I moved here. I guess Tim is like the brother I never had so I feel responsible for what happened."
That was something Tara didn't know about Adrienne, about her past. It saddened Tara to hear that in a way, Adrienne was abused, much like Tara herself. But right now, Tara wanted to comfort her, "People choose their own actions... He chose to confront Pat. Wh-what happened wasn't your fault. We all play our parts and... choose our own paths."
It made sense and did make Adrienne feel better.
At lunch, Adrienne went to the art room to work on a project, so Tim and Tara sat alone together in their corner of the bleachers.
"I'm glad that son of a bitch is in juvi. Maybe he'll get a taste of his own medicine." Tim stated. He shifted his possition and groaned, gently touching his stomach. He was still sore and in pain.
"Why'd you do it?" Tara asked.
He looked at Tara and knew what she was talking about. No use in hiding it any more, "Guys shouldn't treat girls like that." He noticed Tara arch her eye brow. He continued, "My dad was an asshole. He would always hit my mom. It made me angry thinking 'This is my father. He's not suppose to hurt my mom. He's suppose to love her. Love us.' I swore I'd never be like that. Never."
Small tears sweeled in Tim's eyes. Tara made a sympathetic face and moved to hug him. Her arms were around his neck. He continued to fight the tears as he buried his head in Tara shoulder. After a few minutes, Tara shifted so that one arm was around him, both bodies faced the same direction, and she held one of his hands in her own as his head leaned on her shoulder.
What if... What a thought! Tim closed his eyes and smelled her hair, which was down and slightly blowing in the gently breeze. The first thing that came to mind was flowers. Her hair smelled like some kind of flower.
A lot was revealed to Tara that day. She was almost over whelmed by what Adrienne and Tim told her. She had so much in common with them. They understood each other more than they thought, or Tara understood more. Adrienne and Tim still had no idea about Tara's history or her background.
April
The three friends sat at their spot on the bleachers in the far right corner, which over looked the field.
"I'm... going to get some water. I'll be back." Tara said as she got up and walked down the stairs. On the way to the nearest vending mechine, Tara accidentally bumped into another girl. A punkish girl with light brown/red hair with bright red streaks, "S-sorry." Tara stammered.
The girl looked at Tara and Tara looked back. This girl is kind of cute, Tara thought.
"No problem." the girl said and walked away.
After a few days, Tara and Tim began to discuss about Adrienne's birthday. The girl was going to be 15, a good age to live life.
"Alright, I talked to Andrea, Adrienne's sister, and she's totally down for it. I know a couple of her friends, some other cool people. You know anyone?" Tim asked as he took a swig from his Dr. Pepper.
"Umm," Tara thought for a moment but no one came to mind. "N-no..." she looked down at her lap.
"THat's okay. Less phonies." Tim smiled and chuckled. He pulled out a notebook and a pencil, "Let's see... We've got Rickie, Jenn, Jason, Ellie, Sean, he's my buddy and is probably the only other straight guy, other than me, who'll be there..."
Tara was overwhelmed. Who were these people? Would she fit in? So many doubt and insecurities were flying all through her head. This was going to be hell indeed and because how anti-social Tara was, she was sure she wouldn't have a good time.
When the day came, sure enough, Tara was alone in the corner. She looked at everyone and what they were wearing. Jaime, whom she met briefly, was wearing smug navy blue dickies, long sleeved brown turtle necy, and a vest that matched him perfectly. Then she spotted Jenn, who was wearing ripped jeans, a black tank top, and a black leather jacket. She was dancing with her biker boyfriend. Looking more, Tara saw Jason, who looked like he was Eric Draven straight out of "The Crow." Black leather pants, black long sleeved polyester shirt, long leather jacket, long hair down, black eye liner, and black boots. Soon she found Tim, sporting his head banger enesmeble, baggyish pants, black t-shirt with the band name "Panterra" on it. He was talking to another guy, Sean, she assumed, who was busting out a "gangsta" look. Baggy jeans, white tank top, grey sweat jacket, complete with a black beanie.
Finally Tara spotted Adrienne and froze. Adrienne looked absolutely radient and breath taking. Tara looked at her; she was wearing a black and baby blue medieval dress. Her face was sweet and pale, her hair was dyed a dark purple/blue, her eyes were perfectly outlined with the eye liner. Everything was perfect on her. She truly was a gothic beauty.
Then Tara looked down at herself. She wore a green/brown faded jean, long, skirt, long sleeved burgandy top, a celtic/wiccan pendant her mother gave her, and finally, her honey blonde hair was straight down. She felt so out of place. She felt like a complete dork and she chastised herself for coming to Adrienne's birthday party.
"Hey, haven't I seen you before?"
Tara looked up and saw that punk girl she had bumped into earlier that day, "Um," she started, "We, uh, b-bumped... Earlier."
"That's right," the girl smiled, "Mind of I have a seat?"
Tara motioned to the seat and the girl sat. She looked at the girl, she had firey brown/red hair, which was teased and pushed back by a black head band. She wore a long sleeved black shirt with a white design. A necklace with small spikes hung around her neck loosely. She also had an knee length black and red laced skirt, arm warmers, and finally, knee high black boots. Tara also saw her eyes, a unique shade of grey.
"My name is Ellie. Ellie Nash."
"Tara Maclay."
Tara and Ellie continued to talk amongst themselves for about an hour. Tara learned that Ellie was on the track team, played the bass clarinet in band, and was in the tech crew for the drama team, she was very into art, but not in the club, was involved in an underground student newspaper, and finally, she was Canadian.
"Hey! You guys met!" Adrienne exclaimed, "Ellie is the only other cool person in band! Other than Tim and I that is." Adrienne was glowing and Tara was happy that Adrienne was enjoying herself so much.
"Riiiight." Ellie replied in a stoic-like manner.
"Well I'm glad you guys are having fun!" Adrienne finished and returned to the party, leaving in a smooth, cloak-like motion.
The party wasn't all bad. Tara, to her suprise, had a good time, only because Ellie had talked to her. It was an interesting time.
May
"Goddess, bring life, let live..." Tara said in a low voice, her fingers were touching the soil in a pot of a dying plant. Her hand and the soil began to glow a color of the sun. Slowly the plant began to turn green and straighten. It was alive again and its color was a lively and healthy green. Tara smiled and looked to her mother for approval.
Amber put a hand on Tara's shoulder and smiled proudly at her daughter, "Tara, you did a great job. I'm very proud of you. You're going to be an amazing witch." She gave Tara a final squeeze then removed her hand a took a few steps back, "Now... The light."
With a smile, Tara turned back around and preformed the spell. The blue light, which looked like a faerie almost, appeared and moved around the room. It stayed strong and bright. When it finally died, it was because Tara willed it away. She was definitely getting more powerful.
At school, Tara, Adrienne, and Tim all sat in their corner on the bleachers, all eating their lunches.
"Alright girls, I know it's a little early but, for my birthday I really want to watch 'Mortal Kombat'! Please!?" Tim bugged.
Adrienne rolled her eyes with a smile, "Hey dorkass, relax. We're going. Wouldn't miss it for anything." She smiled and gently mudged Tara. Tara was a bit startled, then smiled, "Um, yeah."
They all laughed and enjoyed the rest of their lunch.
Soon the day came and the three friends enjoyed their night out. During the movie, Tim was in utter amazment. In his eyes, the movie was awesome. Seeing Scorpion, his favorite character, use his trademark move, Tim was just estatic.
Tara herself was getting into the movie. Seeing all th fights was just a bit overwhelming, still, it was hard to turn her eyes from Sonya and Kitana. Both were beautiful and utterly hott.
Discreetly, Tara turned to peek a glance at Adrienne, who was glued to the screen. Tara smiled at Adrienne's amusment. She must like the special effects, Tara thought. She looked closer and noticed Adrienne's eyes were beaming with delight. Yup, definitely loving the special effects.
Once the movie was done, the three friends walked out in delight. Tara got to go to a big movie theater with her friends, Adrienne saw amazing special effects, and Tim got to see his favorite video game as a movie. This night was amazing!
"Ready for your present, Turbo?" Adrienne asked with Tara smiling right behind her.
"Oh, you guys didn't have to do that." Tim blushed.
"Well, we still did."
As Adrienne began to dig into her bag, Tara turned to Tim and said "W-we know how much you like... 'Mortal Kombat' so..."
"So we got you this..." Adrienne handed Tim a rectangular shaped box that was wrapped.
Tim took it and held it. He was scared and excited. He knew what it was but couldn't believe it. Slowly he ripped open the paper, and there it was smiling at him. He began to shake. He was holding the brand new Mortal Kombat 3 video game and he couldn't believe it. "Oh... Holy shit." Finally he began to breathe, "How...?" he looked up at them.
"We both pitched in." Adrienne said.
"Yeah, we had to, um... Pre-order." Tara added.
Tim was speechless. He had no clue what to say. The two people he loved most in the entire world took him to see the movie he'd been waiting to see for a long time and got him the new addition to his favorite video game series. He jumped up and hugged the girls tightly, then sat back, "Wow... Thank you guys."
"No problem." they said in unison.
June
"We definitely could use a mallets player in the Marching Band." Mr. Immel, the band director at Colorado Springs High School, said to Tara.
"Um..." Tara was hesitant. She wasn't sure how her father would react to her being in Marching Band. "I'd ha-have to... Check with my, my parents."
"As good as you are at the piano, you'd have no problem with the bells and mallets." He patted her on the shoulder and walked away.
There was something to look forward to, more Immel, Tara thought sarcastically. Knowing him, he's already signed her up for Marching Band without telling her, but at least, Marching Band would give her the PE credits she was lacking.
She picked up her bag and packed up her music, getting ready for the walk home. Adrienne and Tim should be waiting for her outside in about 10 minutes so she didn't rush.
Once everything was packed, Tara picked up her violin case and was ready to walk out... Then she heard a low instrument playing. It seemed like a tragic song. This intrigued Tara, enough that she began to follow it.
Finally Tara reached a practice room in the back of the band room. She peeked in and found Ellie Nash playing her bass clarinet.
After a few moments, Ellie found Tara looking in, luckily she was nearly done with the song and gave it the tragic ending. Ellie stood up, holding onto her bass clarinet and opened the door, "Hey, Tara. What's up?"
"Hey... I just... I heard the playing and I, I w-wanted to see who was, um, playing." Tara studdered.
"Why? Was I that bad?" Ellie laughed.
Tara smiled, she knew Ellie was joking, "It's... It was pretty good."
"Thanks," Ellie smiled. She waited a moment, "So you're going to introduce the marching violin?"
Tara let out a small chuckle, "No... Um, Mr. Immel wants me to, uh, play mallets."
"Hey! That cool! We need the mallets. It's a nice sound. You should. Besides, band need more cool people." Ellie smiled.
Wow, Ellie thought she was cool? No one ever said that except Adrienne and Tim, "Umm... Well I s-still have to, um, talk to my, my dad about it."
"I see, well, I hope he lets you," Ellie smiled, "Well, I got to go. I'll see you around." she disappeared into the instrument locker room.
By the time Tara walked out, Adrienne and Tim had been waiting for her, "What took you so long?" Adrienne asked.
"I was, um," Tara thought for a moment, "Talking to Mr. Immel."
"What did he want?"
"To know if I wanted to play mallets in the marching band."
"Mallets? Like the xylophone?"
Tara nodded.
"Are you?" Tim asked, "'Cause that's part of the percussion and I'm in the percussion section." he smiled.
"I don't know yet." she shruged, "Have to ask my dad."
"Well if Immel wants you, he's signed you up already without you knowing."
It took a few days to finally cough up the courage to ask Dale, but Tara finally got around to it. Now, Tara just had to time it right.
"Mom," Tara spoke out as she helped her mother cook, "I was thinking about... Joining the Marching Band." she looked up at her mother.
Amber look back at her daughter, "What would you play?"
"The, uh, mallets. Xylophone."
"Oh, that'd be interesting." Amber smiled, "Have you asked your father?"
Tara hung her head. It was an obvious no.
"He's in a good mood. Ask him tonight after dinner."
Tara brought her head back up and smiled at her mother. That's exactly what she'd do, they were making his favorite dish, meatloaf and mashed patatoes. He'd be happy once he ate.
When dinner time came, Dale stayed in his good mood. He finished his meal and was onto his desert, peach cobbler. "Mmmmm, Amber, this is the best peach cobbler you've ever made."
She smiled back, "Thank you."
"Yeah Mom, it's really sweet." Donny added.
Both Amber and Tara smiled, then Amber looked at Tara, telling her it was time. Right now would be the best, Tara thought. She took a deep breath, "Dad?"
Dale looked up at his daughter, "Yes, Tara?"
"Um," she began, "I w-was thinking... I'd want... I'd like to, um, join the, uh, Marching Band. May I?" she was terrified.
Donny bursted into laughter, "You?! Oh you got to be kidding me! You're so damn clumsy, you'd mess up the band!" he laughed again.
He's right, Tara thought. What was she thinking? She wanted to cry, but why? She should've known she couldn't do it. She was too much of a klutz.
Despite Donny's chuckles, Dale still thought about it. Suprisingly, he liked the idea. This would definitely teach Tara dicipline and to obey authority, "Donald, quiet. Why couldn't you be more into school like that? You're the man, you should have been one to join something like that."
"Football." he replied.
"You dropped out." That shut Donny up, "Tara, I like that idea. If you do it, you're going to be practicing double time. Understood? No more extra hanging out with your friends. Only on the weekends, but on school days, no. Got it?"
Tara nodded, "Yes, sir." There it was, his permission. She also noticed how lieniant he was being and she couldn't understand why. It was almost like he wanted her to see the world that surounded her.
That's exactly the feeling she was getting. What could it mean?
July
"Tara!" the little Monica Williamson yelled at the top of her lungs.
Because Tara was only in the kitchen while Monica was in the living room, the yelling was unnessessary. But try telling that to a 6 year old.
Tara came in almost running, "What happened?"
"Watch with me!" she pointed to the television set. Sure enough, the Power Rangers were on.
Even though she wanted to, more for being with Monica than actually watching it, Tara was busy, "Oh, Moni, I can't. Don't you... You want me to finish your chicken and s-stars soup?"
The little girl pouted, "No. I want you to watch with me."
How could anyone resist that face, Tara thought. Monica had the biggest puppy dog eyes and she was sticking out her lower lip. Tara almost wanted to cry it was so cute and adorable. She gave in, "Alright Monica, you win. Let me just clean up."
Monica smiled big and bright, then turned her attention back to the screen. The show was barely starting. Tara hurried to the kitchen and began to clean quickly.
It didn't take her long at all, only about seven minutes. Once she was done, Tara went into the living room and sat down on the couch with Monica next to her. Monica was in amazment of the TV. She got really into it, the screen was a mass of colors jumping all around.
The entire day was spent watching TV and coloring and reading. Around 8:30, Monica was wiped out. "Tara?" she said in a drowsy voice, "I'm sleepy."
"Well then, let's get you to bed." Tara took the girl by the hand and let her to her room. Ashley, Monica's mother, was a single mom so her house was small and only one story.
Tara put the little girl in her pajamas and tucked her in, "Tara?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm scared."
"Of what?"
"The night monsters."
"The what?" Tara was intrigued, she gently sat on the bed with young girl.
"The night monsters. They have yellow eyes and sharpe teeth and they say they eat blood. They come to my window at night."
Tara could see that Monica was really scared, "Oh sweetie, d-don't worry. I'm here and I w-won't let anything happen to you, I promise." Tara slowly layed beside the young girl and put an arm around her so that the girl would feel safe.
But Tara thought about the "night monsters" that drank blood. Could it be vampires? Tara hadn't seen one herself, but her mother had told her about them and about other demons and werewolves and slayers. She had yet to see any of them, but she knew they exsisted.
The front foor opened and closed gently. Ashley was home. Tara looked at Monica and saw she was asleep. Very slowly Tara got up and walked out of Monica;s room and down the stairs.
"Hello, Tara. Did you have a productive night?" Ashley asked while removing her coat and hanging it up.
"Uh, sure?"
Ashley laughed, "That's good." She began to rumage through her bag, "Okay, for the past two weeks, I owe you... About $150?... Yeah..."
"Really? That much?"
"Everyday for four hours. I think I should give you more."
"No, th-that's fine. I enjoy it." Tara smiled.
Ashley smiled back, "It's getting late. Do you need a ride?"
"No... it's okay. I'll be fine."
The door was closed behind her gently and Tara began to walk down the long block to her house. It was nearing 10PM and it was dark. An uneasy feeling of anxiety washed over Tara and she looked around herself yet saw nothing.
Her legs began to pump faster. Quickly she glanced behind her and saw two figures. They walked behind her at a steady pace.
Finally Tara spotted her house and she broke into a jog and made it across the lawn, onto the porch, and to the door. When she realized it was locked, she reached into her bag to look for her keys. She pulled the out and fiddled with them and glanced back. They stood still in front of the yard, watch her, playing with her.
It took a few moments until she got her key and opened the door. She quickly closed it and locked it then looked out the window and saw they were walking away. Then she heard a growl, one of them growled. They were vampires. Tara had just seen her first vampire.
August
"I can't believe they demoted us!" Dale shouted as he walked in through the door, while Donny slamed it shut. "Who in the hell do they think they are?!"
Tara peeked out of her room and saw they were both fuming mad. Panic and fear sank in Tara. She began to shake and she gre terrified.
Gently she closed the door and walked to her desk. She closed her sketch book and put it under her bed pillow and looked back at her painting, it was still wet.
With a sigh fulle of fear, she began to gather the paints and put them in the drawer in her desk. Then she grabbed the brushes she used and dunked them in the cup of water in attempts to clean them.
Finally they were clean enough to put away. The picture still wasn't dry enough so she slid it under her bed.
Just at that moment, Dale burst through the door, smoke coming out of his ears. He glared at Tara, who was frozen on the floor, "What are you doing? he growled.
It took a few seconds but Tara finally answered, "I-I just... I'm cleaning m-my room... Sir." she continued to shake.
He didn't move at all, "Where is your mother?"
She swollowed the hard lump in her throat, "Sh-sh-she w-w-w-"
The studder made him snap. He charged in the room and grabbed Tara by the arms and shook her, "Where is she?!" he yelled in her face.
She couldn't think. Everything was still. Time didn't move. Nothing exsisted except for Tara and Dale, with him holding her by the arms tightly, tightening his grip with every second.
"S-store..." she finally managed to say.
He held her for another second then dropped her. Slowly, in a smooth fashion, Dale turned his back to her and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Time slowly began to move again and Tara began to breathe. Her heart was still pounding and she could feel it in her throat and in her ears. Tears began to build in her eyes. First time it's happen in a long time.
Author's Note: SOOOOOOO SORRY!!!! I know it's been a long ass time since I've updated but... Man I'm super busy! I was planning on having at least one chapter out every month but... That's a bit out of reach. I will try my hardest to have a chapter out every other month. I have BIG plans for Tara and everyone else who's invloved in her life.
Answers to Reviews:
Blackcat200- I don't really know where that mistake was. I checked but can't find it.
Destiny girl- Thanks!
Omar- I plan on going up until Tara's sophmore year of college! Maybe further (Yet unlikely since that's when her and Willow met).
me2- Tim and Adrienne are gunna play a HUGE part of Tara's life. Adrienne especially but... I think I may change it a bit out of guilt.
Slayergirl1362- Don't worry, I'm gunna continue. Just may take a little longer than planned... I started a new job and it's killing me! Plus college, grr.
Nora Night- Thanks! And I know the crush on an actress who played a Power Ranger is a little weird... But Amy Jo Johnson had it going ON back then, still kinda does. I was younger than Tara but older than Monica when I was into PR and I crushed on both Tommy and Kymberly, lol, so I'm just putting some crazy, real life stuff in there.
"Chapters"
September: 1994
The high school was about the same distance from her house as the middle school was, so again, Tara walked to school. It was the first day of high school. Everything was going to be new and different, almost like it would be a whole new begining.
There was a group of stares leading up to the main enterance of the high school with a big bulldog painted on the windows. Tara looked up at the big enterance and looked around the front and noticed many groups of friends huddled together. There were big people and small people and medium sized. There were big groups and little groups and individuals.
Once Tara stepped into the hall, she was amazed. The halls were kind of dark and there were so many bodies moving around and moving about. Then she finally saw someone she knew.
She came at Tara with a look almost of fright, but she knew at she was only playing, "Tara!" she shouted, "Oh my god! It's so weird! We're so tiny!"
Tara smiled and looked at Adrienne and found that she wore something a bit different than her usual attire. Sure Adrienne always wore black, but now there was a different tone. What was the term they used? Tara thought about it for a moment then it hit her: Gothic. Adrienne was no where near the punk goths but was going closer to the traditional gothic look. And she looked just down right beautiful, "Um, yeah."
Within the middle of the crowd, Tim popped out with a half terrified half amused look as he stummbled his way toward the girls.
"Tim!" Adrienne shouted and she reached for him.
"Oh God guys!" Tim said, "I know it's going to freakin' blow here!" he finished off his statment with a grin and both the girls smiled at his remark.
As the day went on, Tara learned that high school was not much different than middle school. Only that the students are bigger, the staff is more bitter, and that it'll take an extra year to get out. The art club was run by a bunch of anime loving, pimply, and sweaty guys and the band was full of kids with sticks up their butts. It was just utterly wonderful! Not... She wasn't even in the Marching Band, but she sure wished she was. Tim and Adrienne were in it, but what could she play? A marching violin? That idea was laughable.
At lunch, the trio met near the gym. For the first 10 minutes of lunch, not one of the three friends spoke a word.
For Adrienne, she was in many honors classes (English, Biology, and Health), and a geometry class. The band director, which all three shared, was and old man that needed to retire. Mr. Immel, the band director, hated the fact she was a good flute and bass player and wasn't in the Orchestra (Strings only) or the Concert Band. She also joined begining dance which her sister was very proud of.
For Tim, everything was boring. He had gotten a D in pre-algebra in 8th grade, so they put him in a two year long algebra course. It was usless because Tim was actually quite smart, he just never applied himself like he should have. He hated Immel, but never said anything because he wanted to become the percussion section leader. But Immel constintly harassed Tim to join the concert band. Tim always said he'd think about it because it interfered with his auto shop class. Immel always came back with "Learning about cars is more important than band?"...
And finally for Tara, everything was new and intimidating. She had an honors English class, regular algebra, regular bio, orchestra, and art. Yet all of them seemed almost minuscule.
The friends looked at each other, almost in defeat. Tim was drinking from a bottle or Mr. Pibb AKA Dr. Pepper, not saying a word suprisingly. Adrienne was chewing on the same bite of her egg salad sandwich for the past few minutes. And finally Tara kept staring at her jello cup. She just didn't feel like eating.
"So... We're all very talkative aren't we?" Tim asked, breaking the awkward silence between all of them.
"Guess we all h-had a... Rough day." Tara offered.
"High school barely came and already I'm sick of it." Adrienne added.
October
"The big day is coming up, Tara!" Tim smiled and clapped his hands then rubbed them together as if eyeing a piece of pie.
With a sheepish laugh Tara replied, "It's really... no big deal."
"What do you mean 'no big deal'? It's a huge deal." Adrienne added, "You only turn 14 once in your life. Enjoy it while you can." she finished with a smile.
"Well... All I ever do r-really is just... Stay at home." Tara paused for a beat, "So I'm not... Used to... Big stuff."
A smirk appeared on Tim's face as he turned to face Adrienne. They met each other's eyes and both smirked. Then they both slowly blinked their eyes and nodded their heads.
Tara cocked up an eye brow as she wondered what those two weirdos were doing. As crazy as those two could get, Tara loved them dearly. They were the only people, aside from her mother, that she trusted with her life and would do anything for them.
Adrienne gently placed a hand on Tara's shoulder, "How about this: Tim and I buy two large pizzas, one for your family and one of the three of us, and we rent 'The Crow' and watch it at your house. Sound good?"
"I'd have to... Check with my dad first." Tara meakly said.
When she did, Dale's first instinct was a big "NO". Tara didn't fight him though. She just dropped her head, apologized for having brought the subject up, and made her way up the stairs.
Once she was inside her room, she slowly closed the door, making sure not to let it slam or even make a loud noise. Slowly and dejectedly, Tara walked to her bed then around it. She grabbed onto something she hadn't touched in a while: Her violin. She placed the case on the bed and opened it. All she did for a whole minute was stare at the piece of wood. Finally she grabbed it and picked it up along with her bow. Slowly she played the simple C scale with ease. As she finished the scale, she played an A. Then another A followed by an F sharp.
Not too bad, Tara thought to herself. Quickly Tara grabbed a pencil and some sheet music and made the notes on the bar lines. She added a few more notes to the bar lines before she played them out loud. Once she added a few more, she put her pencil down and picked up her bow and played what she'd written down: A A F# A A (hold to) B A F# (A/N: It's a song... Here's a hint "I lived my life in shadow..."... Remember it? Lol.) It sounded nice, almost lovely.
Then there was a knock at her door. It startled Tara enough that she almost dropped her violin. Her door opened and Dale stepped through. Suprisingly he didn't have his terrifying angry face.
He walked in further and looked at his daughter with an unreadable face. He walked futher in and sat on Tara's desk chair. He inhaled deeply then exhaled and leaned forward, "Tara, I was doing some thinking," he stared, "I think, you should have your friends come over for a while. But only for three hours. Maybe this Saturday from 3-6?"
Tara smiled widely, "Thank you, sir." she went and hugged her father.
Outside her door, Donny was listening. He began to fume. He hated his sister with a passion. He didn't give a rat's ass about her in the least, and that was obvious. Infact, the only woman he could stand at all was his mother. And then it was only because she was his mother and she does care for him. And for some reason, as he was growing up, everytime he was upset or hurt Amber would always make him feel better.
When Dale walked out of Tara's room and closed her door, Donny was in front of his own room with his arms crossed over his shoulders. He stared at his father with his nostrils flaring.
"Donny, calm down." Dale said nonchalantly.
"Dad, you know what she is," he whispered harshly, "We shouldn't let her be out and about with innocent people. She could... She... She might hurt them." he said trying to make a serious face.
"Son, listen to me," Dale said as he put an arm around Donny's shoulder, "I know it seems like I'm giving her all this freedom. But you see, she's going to be locked up once she's 20. I'd really hate to have her live in ignorance of the world after that. Do you understand?"
Donny nodded his head. He understood but what he didn't understand was why did Dale care so much if Tara lived in ignorance? Something Donny would never understand.
When Saturday finally came, Tara was happy. Amber was happy for Tara. Even Dale was somewhat excited.
The three friends were in the living room, being left alone by Dale, Amber, and suprisingly enough, Donny. The girls sat comfortably on the sofa and Tim layed on the floor. They split the pizza between the three of them and were just entranced with "The Crow"... It was an amazing movie. But it ended very quickly for the friends.
Once the movie officially ended, Tim rolled onto his back, "Man I can't wait 'til 'Mortal Kombat' comes out. That movie is gunna rock! And Mortal Kombat 3 the game is coming too! Well next year I mean. Guys!" he sat up, "We gatta go watch it for my birthday! Please, we just have to!"
Adrienne patted Tim on the head, "Don't worry. We know how much you love anything that has to do with Mortal Kombat. We'll go, don't worry." she smiled, "I promise."
Finally Tara felt contentment. Something she feared didn't exist. She fell into a daze but was taken out of it almost as quickly as she fell into it. She heared her father and brother talking to her mother. They both needed to leave to the propane shop. Something happened with one of the tanks, but Tara didn't much care. She was finally content, and in her own home! It was the first time... But hopefully not the last.
November
So far, everything was good and easy. Tara practiced her violin and her piano more and more. She continued her drawing and painting, which was becoming more surreal and even abstract. And she was enjoying every moment of her life, finally. Finally and for once, Tara Maclay was enjoying her life. All those years of repression and of living in fear have finally got their balance.
Dale and Donny had to go in at the propane dealership early so Amber and Tara had some free time before getting down to cleaning the house and all of that fun stuff. It wasn't all the time that both men were out of the house and the women were left to rest and relax.
Both women were in the basement doing a lesson in the mystic arts of magick. Only this time, it wasn't just Amber and Tara, but Adrienne was with them too.
The women sat in a circle facing each other with their legs crossed. All had their eyes closed and were concentrating on their breathing. It was a meditation excercise to build concentration and focus. They all sat and focused on their breathing for about 10 minutes, and it was quite intense.
"Alright girls, open your eyes and take in the images you see." Amber said as she exhaled and slowly opened her eyes.
Tara and Adrienne both exhaled as well and slowly opened their eyes. To both of them, everything seemed like it had color missing, but they knew it was because they had their eyes closed and hadn't moved a muscle for so long.
They both stole glances from each other and blushes were faintly seen on both of their faces. Though it was obvious to Amber what was going on, she didn't want to embarrass either girl about it. It was a difficult time for a young teenage girl, for both of them. At these times, it would be confusing and nerve racking to think about sexuality and what not. But Amber knew both girls were strong and could manage with or without help. She could sense it.
"Now Tara, I know we're working on the light. How is that coming?" Amber asked her daughter.
Tara looked at her mother, "It's um... I'm getting b-better. Still working... On it." she smiled.
Amber smiled, "That's good." she turned to Adrienne, "What about you? How much experiance do you have?"
Adrienne became embarrassed. She was Pagan, but she never tried anything having to do with witch craft. She was religious and loyal to Paganism, but she had never believed that magick and witches were actually real. "Oh um... I never... I'm not... Wiccan. I'm Pagan and I never dealed with... Magick and stuff."
"But you have the potential. Paganism and Wicca are very similer. Sometimes it's almost hard to tell what the differences are (A/N: It is! I don't know the differences myself so if anyone knows, please feel free to tell!)." Amber smiled, "I can sense some power in you. I'll start you off with something simple, a small telekinetic type of excercise," Amber stood and walking over near the washing machine and grabbed a pencil and held it up, "Make this pencil float."
"Whoa!" Adrienne started waving her arms in front of herself, "Telekinesis is a no for me. I can't do that."
Tara gently touched Adrienne's arm, "Yeah you can. All you have to do is just focus on it," she glanced at the pencil that was now on the floor, "Feel it. Then make it float." she smiled.
Staring into Tara's eyes and seeing the faith in them, Adrienne tightened her lips and nodded her head. If Tara had some faith in her, the least she could do is try. She turned and faced the pencil and stared at it.
A laugh was heard coming from Amber, "Oh my... Adrienne, sweetie, you're trying too hard. You're going to strain yourself," she walked toward the girls and kneeled behind them and put a hand on both of their shoulders and leaned in and whispered into Adrienne's ear, "Just relax and feel the essence of the pencil. Remember, everything has an essence. You must feel its essence."
Adrienne looked again at the pencil. This time, she concentrated on finding the essence of the pencil and not just the surface. She felt a connection. She felt the essence. Slowly the pencil began to wobble. It rised about half a centimeter then fell back onto the ground and stayed still.
A grin came over Amber's face and she glanced at Tara, who was smiling, then to Adrienne who stared at the pencil in disbelief. Her jaw was hanging from her mouth yet nothing came from it. "You did it." Amber said simply.
"Oh my god. I... I can't believe it. I made it move." Adrienne still couldn't believe it. Magick was real. Witches were real. This opened a whole new door on her perspective of the world. And it was thanks to Tara. Wait, Adrienne thought, this must mean Tara's a witch too. She turned to Tara, "You're a... A witch? Both of you?"
Tara smiled with Amber smiling right behind her. Slowly, both mother and daughter nodded at the young girl.
December
The town was covered in a small blanket of white snow. Everyone was filled with cheer and bliss of "the season of giving" as it was more commonly known as. The mall and stores were full of people trying to buy gifts and all the little knick knacks they may want for the upcoming season and year. This time, for Tara, it seemed so much brighter.
Houses had colorful lights on them, strangers singing their hearts out, and everyone just seemed a lot more cheerful. It was crazy how everything seemed brighter, livelier, and just all around better.
Not only was this Christmas time or Winter Solstice but also, it meant extra magick practicing because Dale and Donny would be working overtime at the propane shop. Cold weather means more propane needs which mean Dale and Donny work more than the rest of the year. Tara swears that one day there will be a show with a conservative man being in love with propane...
Neither Amber or Tara minded though. They always loved it when the men were out of their hair in some way that way they could both relax and not be stiff. They usually spent those days relaxing in the living room or practicing magick techniques and spells.
They both sat in the basement, legs crossed, eyes closed, and in perfect rhythm in their breathing. They were meditating to strengthen their focus, their concentration. Or in reality, Amber was helping Tara in concentration. She could never stress to Tara that magick was not a right, it was a privilege and gift bestowed upon her. That she must always respect it.
Amber opened an eye to look at her daughter. Tara was still and meditating, and Amber smiled. She was so proud of her daughter. She knew Tara was one of a kind and that she would be something in the future. Something good and wonderful. One day she'll stand on her feet tall and strong and Amber couldn't wait for that day.
"Okay sweetie, open your eyes." Amber said.
Once Tara opened her eyes, she had to rub them and let them slowly adjust to the light. It took a few minutes but her eyes finally adjusted to the light and she could see fine. She looked toward her mother for instructions.
Tara always loved to practice magick and techniques and meditations with Amber. It just felt exhilarating when Tara would do this. It was almost like a high, but Amber made sure that Tara would never get addicted. She knew that her mother became addicted once and nearly became consumed. Because of this, Tara was extra careful when it came to magick. She knew what could happen when it was used wrongly.
Picking up a pencil from the table, Amber held it up and looked at Tara. She made a small and knowing smiled then let go of the pencil. It went fast to the ground but it didn't hit it. It levitated and floated back up to Amber's hand. She stared at the pencil for a moment and then grabbed it and smiled at her daughter, "You've improved a lot. I'm proud." She put the pencil back on the table, "Now, the light."
Tara closed her eyes and began to breath. She silently said a few words and a small ball of light began to form. It was tiny and faint, but was stronger than before. Amber could tell that Tara had been practicing her concentration and she inwardly smiled before it dissapeared.
"Sorry," Tara whispered, "I couldn't hold it longer."
"Tara, it's okay. You're improving and that's the important thing." Amber smiled, "Soon, in about six months, you'll be able to do this..." she lifted her right arm and turned her palm face up. She didn't even speak the incantation and a softball sized, maybe even bigger, ball of light appeared and hovered over Amber's palm. It glowed like a beautiful orb.
She smiled proudly at her mother. One day she could do that, one day. If Amber had faith in her then Tara knew it was possible. It just need some time, time and patience and, of course, practice.
January
I really should write in here more often but, oh well. I'm lucky if I get a break between school, babysitting, piano and violin practice, and magick practice... I'm complaining again. I really need to stop. I also need to stop crushing on Adrienne so much. She is going out with that guy, Pat. Was that his name? I don't remember. Ugh, I get so jealous everytime I see them together. Okay, I need to calm down and "release my negative vibes" so to speak. But still... She spends so much time with him and they've been together for, like, 2 weeks. Okay, I need to calm down. It's not like I don't have Tim around me so I'm not lonely. It's just this crush! She's never going to like me like that so why should I stay stuck on a crush going nowhere? And why am I always worried? This sixth sense is driving me insane. I hate knowing something bad is going to happen and I can't stop it because I don't know what it is. It's really getting annoying...
The new year had come and all was calm. There were no disasters, natural or otherwise. But there was something in the air. An eiree calm feeling. Almost like the eye of a hurricane. But what could it be? Tara knew that something was bound to happen. Something big and something she probably couldn't control.
At school, Tara made sure to keep her eyes and ears, inner and outter, opened for anything. She walked down the pale halls watching for any sign. Something to tell her she was either right or wrong. She hoped to all the Powers That Be, to all of the Endless the was wrong.
Walking down the halls, Tara spotted Adrienne walking up to her with her head down. Tara began to worry, why was Adrienne sad? What happened?
Finally they reached each other, both stopped in front of each other, "Adrienne? What's wrong?"
Adrienne lifted her head, she wasn't crying and hadn't been. She just looked really sad, "You know Pat?"
Tara thought for a moment, "That... Guy you've been seeing? Kind of... Seeing?"
She nodded then said, "Yeah... Not anymore." then she shrugged.
Tara blinked. Did Adrienne just shrug? Apparently so. Tara couldn't believe it. Adrienne was so into the guy and she just shrugged him off like nothing. "Oh?"
"Yeah..." Adrienne began to walk down the stairs to her lockerm "He was being a real asshole."
The thought of anyone being as asshole to Adrienne was just too much for Tara. In mid thought, Tim came from behind Tara and placed an arm around her, "Who was being an asshole?"
Looking from her locker to Tim, Adrienne said, almost dejectedly, "Pat. He was beginning to get controling and not very friendly."
Tim Straightened up, "What?"
Both Tara and Adrienne could tell that Tim was getting angry. Tara never knew why Tim was so sensitive toward the treatment of women. Sure he make an obscene joke or a remark every now and then, but she couldn't help but adore him for being so sweet to the female race.
"Tim, calm down." Adrienne said.
"Did he hurt you?" Tim waited and continued when she didn't answer, "What did he do to you?"
Why hadn't Adrienne said anything before? If Pat was abusive, in any way, why didn't Adrienne say anything? Why hadn't she said anything to Tara?
Adrienne put a hand on Tim's shoulder, "Please calm down. He didn't hurt me. He just yelled a lot."
"So he thought he was above you, huh?"
Adrienne sighed, Tim was being difficult, "Does it matter what he thought? It's over between him and I. He didn't deserve me."
Inwardly, Tara smiled. She loved that Adrienne had confidence in herself. Just one of the many things she loved. Woah! Did Tara just think love? No way...
"I think I'm going to have a talk with him." and Tim left before either girl could stop him.
Adrienne turned to Tara with a sorrowful face, "I hope he doesn't do anything that will get him in trouble." Tara nodded in agreement.
He walked down the halls looking for Pat. Tim mummbled to himself, "Son of a bitch." once he spotted him at his locker.
Casually, Tim walked up to Pat and nudged him, "Hey man. What's up?"
Pat just glanced at Tim and nodded.
"So... How are things with you and Adrienne?"
"What the fuck fo you care?" Pat said without even looking up.
"Oh I care." Tim stated. Pat seemed to think he can talk as much shit as he wanted just because he was a junior.
Pat turned and looked at Tim in the eyes, "Are you her fucking body guard or something?"
With a smirk Tim responded, "Maybe." The way he said it, it was plain and simple, yet, showed that Pat is going to regret mistreating Adrienne.
Anger was rising in Pat, "Don't worry. I didn't sleep with her. Bitch wouldn't give it up." he finished with a grin knowing that would piss Tim off royally.
And boy it did. Tim saw red and everything went blurry. Without even thinking, Tim grabbed Pat's shirt and swung him into the row of lockers. Although suprised bu the sudden action of this, Pat expected it and wanted it to happen. He saw Tim was ready to punch him so he dodged and Tim's fist made contact with the locker instead.
That hurt, badly. Tim immediatly let go and groaned in pain. Pat took that oppertunity and tackled Tim into the opposite wall of lockers. Punches were thrown and bodies were being pushed into lockers and trash cans.
A crowd began to gather as the boys continued to fight. Both Tara and Adrienne noticed and both knew that it involved Tim. They glanced at each other and rushed to the crowd.
Sure enough, it was Tim rolling around on the ground with, "Pat!?" Adrienne exclaimed.
"Break it up!" Two security guards came and broke the boys up. Then the principal came.
The principal was definitely not happy, "Mr. Cunliffe, I am suprised at you... Mr. Pat Nelson, I am not the least bit suprised." Both boys were being taken to the office and Tim caught a glance from Tara and Adrienne.
"Timothy, you're suspended for the rest of the month. Patrick Nelson... You're exspelled." Principal De Roos said.
"What!?" Pat exclaimed, "I didn't even start it!"
"But you didn't stop it. And this isn't your first fight. You're out of here Nelson."
Pat stood and turned to Tim, "You better watch out, Cunliffe."
February
It was mind numbingly dull without Tim the past two weeks. Sure Tara was glad she was with Adrienne still, but Adrienne was just down because she felt responsible for Tim. But Tara knew that it wasn't her fault. Every person was responsible for their own actions, yet, Tara understood why Adrienne felt the way she did. Tara herself often felt responsible for events she couldn't control.
It was Tim's first day back at school and both Tara and Adrienne waited impatiently. They looked around the campus before finally spotting him walking through the hall.
Both girls rushed to him and embraced him in a group hug. Adrienne was the first to speak, "Tim, we've missed you so much!"
"Yeah... It's been really boring... without you." Tara added with a smile.
"Awwwww guys!" Tim began to fake tear up, "You love me! You really love me!" he hugged both girls again.
Adrienne soon calmed and looked at Tim seriously and sincerely, "Tim... I'm sorry I got you in trouble. It was my fault."
"Oh, no!" Time exclaimed, "I was the one who went up to Pat. I was the one who started it. Not you, me. I did it all." he finished with a caring smile.
Tara looked on at the scene before her. She wanted to cry herself. It was just such a beautiful scene. A scene of a loving friendship whose bond can not be undone. Tara wanted to cry at how beautiful it was but also because she truely believed that no matter how much her friends loved her, she knew she could never have a bound the way they had. Tara wanted that, but because of what she is, she knows it can never happen.
By the end of the day, the eiree feeling haunted Tara again. What could it mean this time? She walked out with Adrienne and Tim, not speaking as she normally did. She loved to listen to her friends, she seldom talked for fear of saying something wrong. What Tara didn't know was that both Adrienne and Tim cared for her deeply and wished she'd be more social with them.
The three friends walked together almost in complete silence. They felt almost happy though. What they didn't realize was Pat and his posse were watching them and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"My exit," Tara stated. She smiled at her friends and turned on her street heading for her house.
Adrienne and Tim continued to walk in silence. After a few moments Pat stepped out from behind a bush, "Well, well. The bitch and the dead man." he crossed his arms.
Tim clenched on his drum sticks, he was getting angry, "Hey, listen asshole... Just step aside."
"Or else what?" one of Pat's buddies stepped out. Then two more came out.
Adrienne and Tim began to get nervous. Neither have ever been in this possition before. They had absolutely no idea what to do.
"Pat, please, just leave us alone." Adrienne pleaded.
All he did was laugh and then went up to Adrienne and grabbed her by the arms, "It's time for some fun, babe."
Tara was almost at her house when the feeling struck her like a mack truck. They were in trouble and she knew it. Without thinking, Tara broke into a run back in the direction she had been coming from.
Tim lungged at Pat, but met a fist in the stomach, knocking the air out of him. Pat's buddies began to bash Tim, punching and kicking while he was on the ground. Pat then pushed Adrienne to the ground and made his way to Tim, pulling out a switch blade, "You are one stupid fucker." he said before grabbing Tim's collar, bringing him to his feet then sticking the blade into his stomach.
"No!!!" Adrienne shouted while Pat's buddies laughed. They split into two groups. One went for Adrienne and the other went for Tim. The group that headed for Tim wasted no time in bashing him.
Just then, Tara came around the corner and saw the sight before her. No, she thought. "No!" she yelled and broke into a sprint. They were a good block apart but she ran as fast as her legs could take her.
Without thinking, Tara reached out her arm and hand and yelled, "Dislavo!" A blue light shot out from her palm and hit Pat and the rest of his friends sending them all flying backwards.
She finally reached them and saw that Tim was bleeding. Adrienne was terrified. "Oh god." Tara whispered.
Pat slowly got up and saw Tara, "What the fuck? It's the mouse?" he got to his feet.
Tara looked up, not caring about hiding her powers, "Hold mine victims," an invisble barrier formed, holding Pat and his friends at bay. They were stuck.
Tim groaned in pain. He was in bad shape. Tara put a hand on his head and his wound, "Goddess of healing, please take his pain."
Slowly Tim's pain was going away. He was still bleeding and it still hurt, but the pain wasn't as bad, it was barable. He opened his eyes and saw Tara looking down at him, like a guardian angel.
At that moment the police came. Pat tried to run but the unseen force would not let him move more than a few feet. Shit, he thought, shit shit shit.
When the officers stepped out and walked toward Pat, Tara whispered, "Release," just as they reached them, and they got arrested.
The ambulance was called and took Tim to the hospital. Reports were taken from witnesses and from Adrienne and Tara. The girls made sure to leave out certain details.
Once all of that was done, Tara walked Adrienne to her house, a good half mile away from her own house. She was going to be late and her father wouldn't be happy, but she didn't care.
"Thanks for not... Telling them about me."
"Oh, your secret's safe with me." Adrienne stopped walking and turned to Tara and suddenly threw her arms around the blonde and began to bawl. Tara just held Adrienne and gently rubbed her back as she cried.
Once Tara got home, Dale was waiting, "Where have you been?"
Fear rose in Tara, "I was... I w-walked Adrienne home."
"Why?"
Tara gulped, "She... She was s-sad and didn't w-want to... walk alone."
Dale was silent for an entire minute, 60 seconds. He finally spoke, "Never do something like that again without my permission!" and back handed her. "You are grounded for the rest of the month. Go to your room now!"
She obeyed. School, home, sleep. A routine she remembered and did for the rest of the month.
March
Tim had been back for about two and a half weeks and Pat and his crew were in juvenile hall and on their way to prison if they stayed on that path. Adrienne felt awful and she avoided having any deep conversation with Tim. Little did she know that she was hurting him. With all that, Tara was stuck in the middle.
"Why don't you t-talk to him?" Tara asked Adrienne as they sat and waited for the bell to ring so that their Honors English class could begin.
"I fell so bad. It's my fault. I know that if it wasn't for me-"
"That's not true."
"It is..." Adrienne paused. "No one sticks up for me the way he does. When I lived in Alabama, my brother was heavy into drugs. My mom was never home so Andy would take me outside then usually go crazy and think I was an alien or something. He'd shoot me with a BB gun. Never intentionally though." she closed her eyes, "He'd cry when he realized what he did saying 'I thought I was protecting you... I'm an awful brother... I don't deserve a sister like you.' Then, I moved here. I guess Tim is like the brother I never had so I feel responsible for what happened."
That was something Tara didn't know about Adrienne, about her past. It saddened Tara to hear that in a way, Adrienne was abused, much like Tara herself. But right now, Tara wanted to comfort her, "People choose their own actions... He chose to confront Pat. Wh-what happened wasn't your fault. We all play our parts and... choose our own paths."
It made sense and did make Adrienne feel better.
At lunch, Adrienne went to the art room to work on a project, so Tim and Tara sat alone together in their corner of the bleachers.
"I'm glad that son of a bitch is in juvi. Maybe he'll get a taste of his own medicine." Tim stated. He shifted his possition and groaned, gently touching his stomach. He was still sore and in pain.
"Why'd you do it?" Tara asked.
He looked at Tara and knew what she was talking about. No use in hiding it any more, "Guys shouldn't treat girls like that." He noticed Tara arch her eye brow. He continued, "My dad was an asshole. He would always hit my mom. It made me angry thinking 'This is my father. He's not suppose to hurt my mom. He's suppose to love her. Love us.' I swore I'd never be like that. Never."
Small tears sweeled in Tim's eyes. Tara made a sympathetic face and moved to hug him. Her arms were around his neck. He continued to fight the tears as he buried his head in Tara shoulder. After a few minutes, Tara shifted so that one arm was around him, both bodies faced the same direction, and she held one of his hands in her own as his head leaned on her shoulder.
What if... What a thought! Tim closed his eyes and smelled her hair, which was down and slightly blowing in the gently breeze. The first thing that came to mind was flowers. Her hair smelled like some kind of flower.
A lot was revealed to Tara that day. She was almost over whelmed by what Adrienne and Tim told her. She had so much in common with them. They understood each other more than they thought, or Tara understood more. Adrienne and Tim still had no idea about Tara's history or her background.
April
The three friends sat at their spot on the bleachers in the far right corner, which over looked the field.
"I'm... going to get some water. I'll be back." Tara said as she got up and walked down the stairs. On the way to the nearest vending mechine, Tara accidentally bumped into another girl. A punkish girl with light brown/red hair with bright red streaks, "S-sorry." Tara stammered.
The girl looked at Tara and Tara looked back. This girl is kind of cute, Tara thought.
"No problem." the girl said and walked away.
After a few days, Tara and Tim began to discuss about Adrienne's birthday. The girl was going to be 15, a good age to live life.
"Alright, I talked to Andrea, Adrienne's sister, and she's totally down for it. I know a couple of her friends, some other cool people. You know anyone?" Tim asked as he took a swig from his Dr. Pepper.
"Umm," Tara thought for a moment but no one came to mind. "N-no..." she looked down at her lap.
"THat's okay. Less phonies." Tim smiled and chuckled. He pulled out a notebook and a pencil, "Let's see... We've got Rickie, Jenn, Jason, Ellie, Sean, he's my buddy and is probably the only other straight guy, other than me, who'll be there..."
Tara was overwhelmed. Who were these people? Would she fit in? So many doubt and insecurities were flying all through her head. This was going to be hell indeed and because how anti-social Tara was, she was sure she wouldn't have a good time.
When the day came, sure enough, Tara was alone in the corner. She looked at everyone and what they were wearing. Jaime, whom she met briefly, was wearing smug navy blue dickies, long sleeved brown turtle necy, and a vest that matched him perfectly. Then she spotted Jenn, who was wearing ripped jeans, a black tank top, and a black leather jacket. She was dancing with her biker boyfriend. Looking more, Tara saw Jason, who looked like he was Eric Draven straight out of "The Crow." Black leather pants, black long sleeved polyester shirt, long leather jacket, long hair down, black eye liner, and black boots. Soon she found Tim, sporting his head banger enesmeble, baggyish pants, black t-shirt with the band name "Panterra" on it. He was talking to another guy, Sean, she assumed, who was busting out a "gangsta" look. Baggy jeans, white tank top, grey sweat jacket, complete with a black beanie.
Finally Tara spotted Adrienne and froze. Adrienne looked absolutely radient and breath taking. Tara looked at her; she was wearing a black and baby blue medieval dress. Her face was sweet and pale, her hair was dyed a dark purple/blue, her eyes were perfectly outlined with the eye liner. Everything was perfect on her. She truly was a gothic beauty.
Then Tara looked down at herself. She wore a green/brown faded jean, long, skirt, long sleeved burgandy top, a celtic/wiccan pendant her mother gave her, and finally, her honey blonde hair was straight down. She felt so out of place. She felt like a complete dork and she chastised herself for coming to Adrienne's birthday party.
"Hey, haven't I seen you before?"
Tara looked up and saw that punk girl she had bumped into earlier that day, "Um," she started, "We, uh, b-bumped... Earlier."
"That's right," the girl smiled, "Mind of I have a seat?"
Tara motioned to the seat and the girl sat. She looked at the girl, she had firey brown/red hair, which was teased and pushed back by a black head band. She wore a long sleeved black shirt with a white design. A necklace with small spikes hung around her neck loosely. She also had an knee length black and red laced skirt, arm warmers, and finally, knee high black boots. Tara also saw her eyes, a unique shade of grey.
"My name is Ellie. Ellie Nash."
"Tara Maclay."
Tara and Ellie continued to talk amongst themselves for about an hour. Tara learned that Ellie was on the track team, played the bass clarinet in band, and was in the tech crew for the drama team, she was very into art, but not in the club, was involved in an underground student newspaper, and finally, she was Canadian.
"Hey! You guys met!" Adrienne exclaimed, "Ellie is the only other cool person in band! Other than Tim and I that is." Adrienne was glowing and Tara was happy that Adrienne was enjoying herself so much.
"Riiiight." Ellie replied in a stoic-like manner.
"Well I'm glad you guys are having fun!" Adrienne finished and returned to the party, leaving in a smooth, cloak-like motion.
The party wasn't all bad. Tara, to her suprise, had a good time, only because Ellie had talked to her. It was an interesting time.
May
"Goddess, bring life, let live..." Tara said in a low voice, her fingers were touching the soil in a pot of a dying plant. Her hand and the soil began to glow a color of the sun. Slowly the plant began to turn green and straighten. It was alive again and its color was a lively and healthy green. Tara smiled and looked to her mother for approval.
Amber put a hand on Tara's shoulder and smiled proudly at her daughter, "Tara, you did a great job. I'm very proud of you. You're going to be an amazing witch." She gave Tara a final squeeze then removed her hand a took a few steps back, "Now... The light."
With a smile, Tara turned back around and preformed the spell. The blue light, which looked like a faerie almost, appeared and moved around the room. It stayed strong and bright. When it finally died, it was because Tara willed it away. She was definitely getting more powerful.
At school, Tara, Adrienne, and Tim all sat in their corner on the bleachers, all eating their lunches.
"Alright girls, I know it's a little early but, for my birthday I really want to watch 'Mortal Kombat'! Please!?" Tim bugged.
Adrienne rolled her eyes with a smile, "Hey dorkass, relax. We're going. Wouldn't miss it for anything." She smiled and gently mudged Tara. Tara was a bit startled, then smiled, "Um, yeah."
They all laughed and enjoyed the rest of their lunch.
Soon the day came and the three friends enjoyed their night out. During the movie, Tim was in utter amazment. In his eyes, the movie was awesome. Seeing Scorpion, his favorite character, use his trademark move, Tim was just estatic.
Tara herself was getting into the movie. Seeing all th fights was just a bit overwhelming, still, it was hard to turn her eyes from Sonya and Kitana. Both were beautiful and utterly hott.
Discreetly, Tara turned to peek a glance at Adrienne, who was glued to the screen. Tara smiled at Adrienne's amusment. She must like the special effects, Tara thought. She looked closer and noticed Adrienne's eyes were beaming with delight. Yup, definitely loving the special effects.
Once the movie was done, the three friends walked out in delight. Tara got to go to a big movie theater with her friends, Adrienne saw amazing special effects, and Tim got to see his favorite video game as a movie. This night was amazing!
"Ready for your present, Turbo?" Adrienne asked with Tara smiling right behind her.
"Oh, you guys didn't have to do that." Tim blushed.
"Well, we still did."
As Adrienne began to dig into her bag, Tara turned to Tim and said "W-we know how much you like... 'Mortal Kombat' so..."
"So we got you this..." Adrienne handed Tim a rectangular shaped box that was wrapped.
Tim took it and held it. He was scared and excited. He knew what it was but couldn't believe it. Slowly he ripped open the paper, and there it was smiling at him. He began to shake. He was holding the brand new Mortal Kombat 3 video game and he couldn't believe it. "Oh... Holy shit." Finally he began to breathe, "How...?" he looked up at them.
"We both pitched in." Adrienne said.
"Yeah, we had to, um... Pre-order." Tara added.
Tim was speechless. He had no clue what to say. The two people he loved most in the entire world took him to see the movie he'd been waiting to see for a long time and got him the new addition to his favorite video game series. He jumped up and hugged the girls tightly, then sat back, "Wow... Thank you guys."
"No problem." they said in unison.
June
"We definitely could use a mallets player in the Marching Band." Mr. Immel, the band director at Colorado Springs High School, said to Tara.
"Um..." Tara was hesitant. She wasn't sure how her father would react to her being in Marching Band. "I'd ha-have to... Check with my, my parents."
"As good as you are at the piano, you'd have no problem with the bells and mallets." He patted her on the shoulder and walked away.
There was something to look forward to, more Immel, Tara thought sarcastically. Knowing him, he's already signed her up for Marching Band without telling her, but at least, Marching Band would give her the PE credits she was lacking.
She picked up her bag and packed up her music, getting ready for the walk home. Adrienne and Tim should be waiting for her outside in about 10 minutes so she didn't rush.
Once everything was packed, Tara picked up her violin case and was ready to walk out... Then she heard a low instrument playing. It seemed like a tragic song. This intrigued Tara, enough that she began to follow it.
Finally Tara reached a practice room in the back of the band room. She peeked in and found Ellie Nash playing her bass clarinet.
After a few moments, Ellie found Tara looking in, luckily she was nearly done with the song and gave it the tragic ending. Ellie stood up, holding onto her bass clarinet and opened the door, "Hey, Tara. What's up?"
"Hey... I just... I heard the playing and I, I w-wanted to see who was, um, playing." Tara studdered.
"Why? Was I that bad?" Ellie laughed.
Tara smiled, she knew Ellie was joking, "It's... It was pretty good."
"Thanks," Ellie smiled. She waited a moment, "So you're going to introduce the marching violin?"
Tara let out a small chuckle, "No... Um, Mr. Immel wants me to, uh, play mallets."
"Hey! That cool! We need the mallets. It's a nice sound. You should. Besides, band need more cool people." Ellie smiled.
Wow, Ellie thought she was cool? No one ever said that except Adrienne and Tim, "Umm... Well I s-still have to, um, talk to my, my dad about it."
"I see, well, I hope he lets you," Ellie smiled, "Well, I got to go. I'll see you around." she disappeared into the instrument locker room.
By the time Tara walked out, Adrienne and Tim had been waiting for her, "What took you so long?" Adrienne asked.
"I was, um," Tara thought for a moment, "Talking to Mr. Immel."
"What did he want?"
"To know if I wanted to play mallets in the marching band."
"Mallets? Like the xylophone?"
Tara nodded.
"Are you?" Tim asked, "'Cause that's part of the percussion and I'm in the percussion section." he smiled.
"I don't know yet." she shruged, "Have to ask my dad."
"Well if Immel wants you, he's signed you up already without you knowing."
It took a few days to finally cough up the courage to ask Dale, but Tara finally got around to it. Now, Tara just had to time it right.
"Mom," Tara spoke out as she helped her mother cook, "I was thinking about... Joining the Marching Band." she looked up at her mother.
Amber look back at her daughter, "What would you play?"
"The, uh, mallets. Xylophone."
"Oh, that'd be interesting." Amber smiled, "Have you asked your father?"
Tara hung her head. It was an obvious no.
"He's in a good mood. Ask him tonight after dinner."
Tara brought her head back up and smiled at her mother. That's exactly what she'd do, they were making his favorite dish, meatloaf and mashed patatoes. He'd be happy once he ate.
When dinner time came, Dale stayed in his good mood. He finished his meal and was onto his desert, peach cobbler. "Mmmmm, Amber, this is the best peach cobbler you've ever made."
She smiled back, "Thank you."
"Yeah Mom, it's really sweet." Donny added.
Both Amber and Tara smiled, then Amber looked at Tara, telling her it was time. Right now would be the best, Tara thought. She took a deep breath, "Dad?"
Dale looked up at his daughter, "Yes, Tara?"
"Um," she began, "I w-was thinking... I'd want... I'd like to, um, join the, uh, Marching Band. May I?" she was terrified.
Donny bursted into laughter, "You?! Oh you got to be kidding me! You're so damn clumsy, you'd mess up the band!" he laughed again.
He's right, Tara thought. What was she thinking? She wanted to cry, but why? She should've known she couldn't do it. She was too much of a klutz.
Despite Donny's chuckles, Dale still thought about it. Suprisingly, he liked the idea. This would definitely teach Tara dicipline and to obey authority, "Donald, quiet. Why couldn't you be more into school like that? You're the man, you should have been one to join something like that."
"Football." he replied.
"You dropped out." That shut Donny up, "Tara, I like that idea. If you do it, you're going to be practicing double time. Understood? No more extra hanging out with your friends. Only on the weekends, but on school days, no. Got it?"
Tara nodded, "Yes, sir." There it was, his permission. She also noticed how lieniant he was being and she couldn't understand why. It was almost like he wanted her to see the world that surounded her.
That's exactly the feeling she was getting. What could it mean?
July
"Tara!" the little Monica Williamson yelled at the top of her lungs.
Because Tara was only in the kitchen while Monica was in the living room, the yelling was unnessessary. But try telling that to a 6 year old.
Tara came in almost running, "What happened?"
"Watch with me!" she pointed to the television set. Sure enough, the Power Rangers were on.
Even though she wanted to, more for being with Monica than actually watching it, Tara was busy, "Oh, Moni, I can't. Don't you... You want me to finish your chicken and s-stars soup?"
The little girl pouted, "No. I want you to watch with me."
How could anyone resist that face, Tara thought. Monica had the biggest puppy dog eyes and she was sticking out her lower lip. Tara almost wanted to cry it was so cute and adorable. She gave in, "Alright Monica, you win. Let me just clean up."
Monica smiled big and bright, then turned her attention back to the screen. The show was barely starting. Tara hurried to the kitchen and began to clean quickly.
It didn't take her long at all, only about seven minutes. Once she was done, Tara went into the living room and sat down on the couch with Monica next to her. Monica was in amazment of the TV. She got really into it, the screen was a mass of colors jumping all around.
The entire day was spent watching TV and coloring and reading. Around 8:30, Monica was wiped out. "Tara?" she said in a drowsy voice, "I'm sleepy."
"Well then, let's get you to bed." Tara took the girl by the hand and let her to her room. Ashley, Monica's mother, was a single mom so her house was small and only one story.
Tara put the little girl in her pajamas and tucked her in, "Tara?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm scared."
"Of what?"
"The night monsters."
"The what?" Tara was intrigued, she gently sat on the bed with young girl.
"The night monsters. They have yellow eyes and sharpe teeth and they say they eat blood. They come to my window at night."
Tara could see that Monica was really scared, "Oh sweetie, d-don't worry. I'm here and I w-won't let anything happen to you, I promise." Tara slowly layed beside the young girl and put an arm around her so that the girl would feel safe.
But Tara thought about the "night monsters" that drank blood. Could it be vampires? Tara hadn't seen one herself, but her mother had told her about them and about other demons and werewolves and slayers. She had yet to see any of them, but she knew they exsisted.
The front foor opened and closed gently. Ashley was home. Tara looked at Monica and saw she was asleep. Very slowly Tara got up and walked out of Monica;s room and down the stairs.
"Hello, Tara. Did you have a productive night?" Ashley asked while removing her coat and hanging it up.
"Uh, sure?"
Ashley laughed, "That's good." She began to rumage through her bag, "Okay, for the past two weeks, I owe you... About $150?... Yeah..."
"Really? That much?"
"Everyday for four hours. I think I should give you more."
"No, th-that's fine. I enjoy it." Tara smiled.
Ashley smiled back, "It's getting late. Do you need a ride?"
"No... it's okay. I'll be fine."
The door was closed behind her gently and Tara began to walk down the long block to her house. It was nearing 10PM and it was dark. An uneasy feeling of anxiety washed over Tara and she looked around herself yet saw nothing.
Her legs began to pump faster. Quickly she glanced behind her and saw two figures. They walked behind her at a steady pace.
Finally Tara spotted her house and she broke into a jog and made it across the lawn, onto the porch, and to the door. When she realized it was locked, she reached into her bag to look for her keys. She pulled the out and fiddled with them and glanced back. They stood still in front of the yard, watch her, playing with her.
It took a few moments until she got her key and opened the door. She quickly closed it and locked it then looked out the window and saw they were walking away. Then she heard a growl, one of them growled. They were vampires. Tara had just seen her first vampire.
August
"I can't believe they demoted us!" Dale shouted as he walked in through the door, while Donny slamed it shut. "Who in the hell do they think they are?!"
Tara peeked out of her room and saw they were both fuming mad. Panic and fear sank in Tara. She began to shake and she gre terrified.
Gently she closed the door and walked to her desk. She closed her sketch book and put it under her bed pillow and looked back at her painting, it was still wet.
With a sigh fulle of fear, she began to gather the paints and put them in the drawer in her desk. Then she grabbed the brushes she used and dunked them in the cup of water in attempts to clean them.
Finally they were clean enough to put away. The picture still wasn't dry enough so she slid it under her bed.
Just at that moment, Dale burst through the door, smoke coming out of his ears. He glared at Tara, who was frozen on the floor, "What are you doing? he growled.
It took a few seconds but Tara finally answered, "I-I just... I'm cleaning m-my room... Sir." she continued to shake.
He didn't move at all, "Where is your mother?"
She swollowed the hard lump in her throat, "Sh-sh-she w-w-w-"
The studder made him snap. He charged in the room and grabbed Tara by the arms and shook her, "Where is she?!" he yelled in her face.
She couldn't think. Everything was still. Time didn't move. Nothing exsisted except for Tara and Dale, with him holding her by the arms tightly, tightening his grip with every second.
"S-store..." she finally managed to say.
He held her for another second then dropped her. Slowly, in a smooth fashion, Dale turned his back to her and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Time slowly began to move again and Tara began to breathe. Her heart was still pounding and she could feel it in her throat and in her ears. Tears began to build in her eyes. First time it's happen in a long time.
Author's Note: SOOOOOOO SORRY!!!! I know it's been a long ass time since I've updated but... Man I'm super busy! I was planning on having at least one chapter out every month but... That's a bit out of reach. I will try my hardest to have a chapter out every other month. I have BIG plans for Tara and everyone else who's invloved in her life.
Answers to Reviews:
Blackcat200- I don't really know where that mistake was. I checked but can't find it.
Destiny girl- Thanks!
Omar- I plan on going up until Tara's sophmore year of college! Maybe further (Yet unlikely since that's when her and Willow met).
me2- Tim and Adrienne are gunna play a HUGE part of Tara's life. Adrienne especially but... I think I may change it a bit out of guilt.
Slayergirl1362- Don't worry, I'm gunna continue. Just may take a little longer than planned... I started a new job and it's killing me! Plus college, grr.
Nora Night- Thanks! And I know the crush on an actress who played a Power Ranger is a little weird... But Amy Jo Johnson had it going ON back then, still kinda does. I was younger than Tara but older than Monica when I was into PR and I crushed on both Tommy and Kymberly, lol, so I'm just putting some crazy, real life stuff in there.