Chapter 2

It was over. The war was over. Elyon was back on the throne, and Meridian was restored back to its original glory. And yet, one Guardian couldn't find solace in all of this happiness. Her thoughts kept going back to a particular someone.

'Stop thinking about him. He's evil, and in jail. He doesn't love you,' she thought furiously to herself. She shook her head furiously, and tried to focus on her work.

A year has passed, and now Will just wanted to move on with her life. She tried dating other people, but all of her relationships just ended in failure. When she got back, she tried to make her relationship with Matt work, but it just didn't. She had no remorse, no regrets, nothing. Every night, she kept thinking about why she was attached to him. He was like a drug, and addiction that no matter how hard she tried she couldn't break free. Oddly enough, she didn't want to. She was afraid, afraid that if she did forget him, then what? Will she be happy, sad, relieved, pained?

A sigh escaped from her lips. A year really did change her, physically and emotionally. Her body filled out more; she felt heartbreak and broke hearts.

'Ironic. It's said that you aren't an adult unless you had you're heart broken at least once,' she thought to herself. And yet, her heart kept breaking; day after day, week after week, month after month. Before she knew it, it's been a year since she's last seen him.

'Ugh! Focus Will. You have to study for this Biology test, otherwise you're going to fail,' she reminded herself. This is how it has been. She would immerse herself in her schoolwork; it was just a distraction, that was all. Now, she couldn't believe the results all of this studying was doing to her. Late nighters, honors classes, and soon she found an addiction to coffee. She wanted to be the best, even if it was just a distraction.

She heard the phone ring, and let it ring. She was too busy, and not in the mood. Lately, she's always like this. When someone called, she would just pretend that she's busy and let her mom pick it up.

"Will, it's Irma. You want this," shouted her mom. Will sighed, and picked up the cordless phone in her room.

"Got it," she shouted it back to her mom, "Hey, what's up?"

"You've got to take a break from all of this studying girl. Besides, we're all at the Silver Dragon. Hay Lin's got some awesome news," came Irma's voice.

"You know I can't."

"Come on. The test isn't until the day after tomorrow. You deserve a break with the rate you've been working." Will sighed again. Irma trapped her, and she knew it.

"Fine. I'll be over in twenty."

It started to rain. She didn't run, but took her time getting to the Silver Dragon. She liked the rain. While many find it depressing, she found it soothing.

"There you are," someone replied. She looked up, and saw her friends sitting at a table inside.

"Hey guys. Sorry it took so long." She hung her raincoat on the coat hanger, and sat down with her friends.

"So, what's the news," she asked. There was no enthusiasm in her voice, and the others heard it but ignored it.

"My cousin got into Oxford University," exclaimed Hay Lin. Will smiled. Hay Lin's cousin, Nicole Chen, was a really smart girl (so she heard).

"That's great. Congratulations."

"And that's not all the news I've got. Grandma talked to the Oracle, and we're allowed to go back to Meridian."

Will couldn't believe it. She was permitted to go back, and possibly see him.

'No, wait. You can't. The others will get suspicious, and then they'll find out,' she reminded herself.

"That's great," she replied, a forced smile plastered on her face. Irma and Taranee, however, saw right through it.

"What's wrong," asked Taranee.

"Nothing's wrong," answered Will. Taranee shook her head.

"Something's wrong. Please tell us Will," she pleaded. Will sighed again, and bowed her head. She didn't want to look at Taranee in the eye. She couldn't bear to give her friends any more pain. Taranee knew this sign. It was Will's way of telling everyone to leave her alone. Thus, the fire Guardian did just that.

"So, when are we go to visit," asked Will.

"Next Monday," answered Cornelia. Next week was Spring break, and what perfect timing.

"Great. I'll go and tell my mom."

A.N.: Hey all. I see this story's getting of to a great start (sarcasm). Well, hope this is easy to follow, cuz it sure as hell wasn't easy to write. Hehe. Also, in this, the families already know about the girls, and that they are sort of retired from being W.I.T.C.H. More will come later as to why they retired. Also, Kira's brought to my attention how the beginning's very similar to another story. I have to admit, I did get inspired by another story. But, that's where the similiarity ends. Don't call me unoriginal please, cuz I'm not unoriginal. I just needed that chapter to get started. Hell, I may even get rid of it if I find it necessary. Thanks. Bye. Remember, NO FLAMES! Don't like, don't read and review.