Chapter 2: Living Through the Past to Get to the Future

(Willow's POV)

I shake her hand and I can feel a jolt go through as our hands touch. Kennedy jerks back and I know she feels it too.

"Chills." She says apologetically like I hadn't felt it.

I let it slide and reply chuckling, "I know what you mean."

I walked into the living room with hate for the new comer on my mind. We sit down and Riley begins to debrief us on the new threat in town. I glare at her every once and a while but I feel bad every time and end up looking back with apologetic eyes. I hope she doesn't notice but gets the just of my meaning.

Soon the debriefing is over and Kennedy starts talking of ways to try and find the eggs. I don't really listen until she brings up the idea of me scrying.

"…do you think you can do that for us?" She asks excitedly.

When Kennedy mentioned the word 'scrying' all the memories of what had past came rushing back, overwhelming me. I sit there for a second reminiscing in guilt and pain.

After a moment I finally replied, "I can't…I got addicted to magic…"

That was all I was able to get out. I couldn't stand it any longer and left the room. Giving Buffy an apologetic look but she gave me a reassuring smile so I new it was ok.

I walk into the kitchen and put some hot water on for some herbal tea. Tears were streaking down my pale cheeks. Quickly wiping them away I grab a tea package from a drawer and a cup. I lean on the counter taking deep breaths as I wait for the water to heat up. I soon hear it bubbling and pour it into my cup.

Grabbing my cup carefully I walk over to the island and take a seat. I take a few sips but it isn't long till the wife to be walks in.

I can't help but feel some resentment towards the younger girl, "What do you want?" I ask rather coldly, not even looking up from my tea.

She replies shyly, "Willow, I just wanted to apologize. I've had some close friends back home get hooked on magic, they tried quitting but it took their lives…"

After a few moments of silence I look up to see her zoned out and tears began to form in her eyes.

"Kennedy?" I ask concerned and she doesn't answer.

I get up from my position at the island. "Kennedy are you alright?" I walk up and softly lay a hand on her shoulder. Again the shock goes through my body from our contact.

She turns away but I don't let go until she faces me. She gives in and faces me but doesn't look into my eyes.

'She's lost someone dear…' I realize.

She sighs and runs her hand through her hair. I decide to relinquish the contact and drop my arm from her shoulder.

She finally spoke when she got herself under control, "I only wanted to tell you that I think you're really cool to have come back from something when I know and seen what the full consequence of it is…"

Before I could reply the agent turned and basically ran out the back door leaving me speechless.

'I wonder if Riley even knows how much pain she's in…and that she's gay…well maybe bi…but my gaydar is definitely going off around her…'

I begin to wonder as I go back to the island to finish my tea. The only thing on my mind being Riley's so called fiancé.