A little after 9am, Willow was alone packing the rest of the belongings she had brought for herself and the girls when she heard a gentle knocking on the door. "Hey Wills, its me. Can i come in?" she heard Jeff ask from the other side of the door. "Give me two seconds Jeff. I got cases open all over" she replied as she quickly closed a few before opening the door. "Hey Jeff, come on in. Mind the crazy chaos" she said as Jeff sat on the edge of the closest bed. "I owe you an apology Wills. Im so sorry for asking all those questions last night. I didnt mean to upset you" he said as Willow sat on the bed opposite him. "Its ok Jeff. I probably would have had that attack regardless" she replied "But you know nothing is going on with me and Matt. We're still working on building trust and his relationships with the girls" "I know Wills, i just want you to be happy. I want Matt to be happy and it seems like you were both happiest when you were together" he said as Willow sighed. "I know Jeff, and we were. For a long time, but ive already told him im not interested in a relationship with anyone right now. Im focussing on the girls and my health" Willow said, taking a deep breath. "Wills, whats really going on? Did something happen last night?" Jeff asked, feeling like she was holding back. Willow shook her head. "Last night, it was just so good. Finally just being able to talk to him about everything thats happened this past year. Letting out all the hurt, the pain the anger. The betrayal. Now we're trying to build up the trust we lost in order to be the best parents we can be for the girls" she said as Jeff nodded in understanding. "Want to tell me about the depression?" he asked as she took a deep breath and just as she was about to answer him, her cell started ringing. "Let me get that, then i'll tell you" she said as she took the call in the other room, returning a few minutes later. "Everything ok Wills?" Jeff asked as Willow sat on the bed. "Everything is good. It was just Vince, wanting a catch up so im headed to the house show on Monday" she replied before continuing "So you know how i was struggling for a long time with everything, including the panic attacks? Thom thinks its a combination of depression and PTSD" "Why both Wills?" Jeff asked, as Willow replied "Ive had symptoms of both. Ive had nightmares, all those unwanted memories from certain events and you know how much i hate talking about them and certain people" she said before continuing "this last year, i was really low. I lost all hope, i wasnt eating, sleeping. I struggled to get out of bed some days. I hated working out, didnt want to cook, watch movies with the girls. I self harmed. There were days i wanted to give up and die." "Why didnt you say something to us Wills? We would have helped" Jeff said as he put his arms around the woman he considered his little sister. "I couldnt. Its my issue, my problem and im dealing with it. I just have to make an appointment with Beth and a therapist when i get back to Vass" Willow said as she dried her eyes, "as for me and Matt, there will always be a part of me that loves him. Maybe in the future, who knows what will happen. But for now we're both single" "If you ever need any help, support or the need to vent, call me and i'll be straight there. Youre the little sister i never had. And thats my cue to leave" Jeff said as the door started to open and Jasmine ran in to the room followed by Matt who was carrying Ruby and a bag of breakfast for Willow.
"Everything ok with Jeff?" Matt asked as they waited for the train. "It was good. He apologised and we had a really good talk. I also had a phone call which i will tell you about later" she said as their train pulled into the station. "Where are we going momma?" Jasmine asked once again as they foursome boarded the train. "You'll find out soon Jas. Maybe in fifteen minutes or so" Matt replied as Jasmine indecated she wanted Matt sitting next to her. "Why dont we play a game? See what wildlife we can spot from the window" he suggested as Willow placed Ruby on the seat opposit Jasmine and sat next to her. Willow watched Jasmine and Matt playing wildlife hunt for most of the journey, smiling as Ruby was transfixed by the passing countryside. "Hey Jas, why dont you look out of the other window" Willow said as she glimpsed the top of the castle. "DISNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY" Jasmine squealed with excitment. "Calm down Jas, we have all weekend here" Matt said she returned to her seat. "Wait until you see the room i managed to get for us" he added as the train pulled closer to Marne le Vallee. "You havent gone overboard have you Matt?" Willow asked as Matt shook his head. "I managed to find a suite with 3 rooms, so certain people didnt get any ideas" he said as Ruby crawled onto Willows lap and indecated cuddles. "Hey Rubes, dont go to sleep. We're almost there" Willow said quietly as they pulled into Chessy, Marne le Vallee station. "Hey come on. Lets go get checked in then have a day of fun!" Matt said as he grabbed the suitcases as Willow carried Ruby and took Jasmines hand, leading them off the train and followed Matt towards the hotel.
"Wow Matt, you werent kidding with this suite were you?" Willow said as Matt put the cases down near one of the sofas. "What an amazing view of the castle and Main Street" she said as she looked out of the french doors and over the park. "I was thinking maybe we could watch the fireworks from here later" Matt whispered in her ear as she bit her lip. "Sounds like a plan Matt. Now girls who wants to go get get a quick snack and go on some rides?" Willow replied as Jasmine and Ruby started jumping around. "Come on then. Lets go meet Mickey and the princesses" Matt said as Willow grabbed baby wrap for Ruby and headed out into the warm French sun.
"Hey Matt, im going to go take Rubes back to the room for a nap. Shes pretty much out right now" Willow said as Jasmine held onto Matts hand. "Plus its pretty hot out here for her. Jas too probably, its almost 104 degrees" "You guys head back, I'll bring Jas back in half an hour, hour max" Matt replied as he faced Jasmine and asked "Hey Jas, you want to go play in the pool at the hotel for a while?" as Jasmine nodded "But more rides first dada" she replied. "Go, me and Rubes will be ok" Willow said as she watched Matt and Jasmine head towards Pirates of the Caribbean. "Just you and me Little Rubes" Willow said as she turned to walk up Main Street. As she walked up past the stores and bakery, she was suddenly stopped in her tracks by someone who looked like Harriet. Harry? No it cant be. Willow thought to herself as she walked a little bit further towards the hotel. Holding hands with another woman? Just a week ago she was in my bed with me! she thought as she passed the store the look a like had just entered, trying to catch a glimpse to ease her mind. As she turned her head, she felt her heart break a little. It was Harriet with her new girlfriend. Picking up speed, she headed for the hotel. As she was walking through the hotel, towards the elevator to take her to her room, her cell began ringing. "Hello, Willow Smithson speaking" she answered. "Hello Miss Smithson, my name is Bruce Gordon and im warden of USP Atwater, where Dean Woods is currently incarcerated" "What does he want now?" Willow asked as she unlocked the hotel door, frustrated at Dean trying to contact her again. "Theres been an incident. Mr Woods was attacked by a group of prisoners and was seriously injured. He was treated at our infirmary before being transferred to a local hospital for surgery" Warden Gordon said over the phone. "What does that have to do with me? He knows not to contact me ever again" Willow asked as she placed a sleeping Ruby on the bed. "He was asking for you and his daughter" "Jasmine is NOT his child. He has been told this countless times" Willow replied, feeling a panic attack coming on. "I wont be coming to see him. I want nothing to do with him. Please dont contact me again" Willow said as she hung up. Collapsing on the sofa as she dialled Ellys number.
Come on El, pick up. Willow thought to herself as she waited her sister answering, feeling her panic attack getting stronger. Elly, you were desperate to talk this morning. Please answer she thought as eventually, Elly answered. "Hey Wills, whats up?" Elly asked before noticing her sister was having an attack. "Wills, are you having an attack?" Willow nodded, the tears running down her face as Elly tried to calm her. "Wills, take deep breaths and listen to my voice. Whatevers going on, we can talk it out. I just need you to take deep breaths" she said as Willows attack began to subside. "Feeling better?" Elly asked thirty minutes later as Willow nodded. "Better than i was El. Havent had an attack this bad since..." Willow said, not wanting to recall the attack she had after she split from Matt. "Want to tell me what caused this one?" Elly asked as Willow told her about the phone call regarding Dean. "Is he for fucking real? After everything hes put you through over the years. I hope you told him to go rot" "Of course i did. I dont want anything to do with him." Willow replied, trying to hide the uncertainty in her voice. "Wills? You sound uncertain. It wouldnt happen to have anything to do with another ex?" Elly asked as Willow shook her head. "Thats another complicated story which i will tell you all about when i see you on Tuesday" Willow replied as Elly said "So is what im hearing true? You two had dinner last night?" "Like i said, i'll tell you on Tuesday. Look, we land around 5:30 in the afternoon. Girls will be shattered after the flight, dinner bath and bed for them. Then we can have that long catch up" Willow said as she heard the hotel room door opening. "Wills, please dont worry about Dean, and i'll see you Tuesday when you get here" Elly said before realising that Willow wasnt in the centre of Paris. "Hey Wills, where are you right now?" she asked as Willow smiled "I gotta go but i'll send you a pic" she said before hanging up, as Matt and Jasmine entered the room.
"Everything ok Wills? You look like youve been crying" Matt said as Willow sighed. "I will be Matt. Can we talk tonight? After the girls are in bed?" she asked as Matt nodded. "Im going to take Jas to the pool for a few hours, get her to cool off. Why dont you take a nap Wills? You look exhausted" He said as she nodded. "I might just do that. I have a terrible headache starting and Elly was trying to ask me a million questions on the phone just now" she said as he kissed her. "Matt i..." she began to say but was interrupted by a returning Jas who had her bather on the wrong way. "Oh Jas come here. Lets get you dressed properly for pool time with dada" she said as Jasmine did a silly walk over to Willow, who redressed her daughter as Matt went into his room to change. "How do you like your surprise Jas?" Willow asked as Jasmine hugged her tight. "Love it momma! Best surpriso ever!" she replied as Matt reentered the room. "Go enjoy the pool with dada Jas. Then we'll go find some yummy food and go back in the park for a few more hours before bed" Willow said as Jasmine nodded, taking Matts hand practically pulling him out of the door. "We'll be back in a few hours. Try and get some sleep" Matt said as Willow nodded as they closed the door behind them. Sighing Willow stared out of the window taking a few pictures for Elly, before laying on the sofa and closing her eyes.
"Hey Wills...Wills wake up" she heard a voice say what felt like five minutes later. "Matt? Ugh what time is it?" she asked, sitting up. "Almost 6 Wills. Want to go grab some food with girls and head back into the park?" Matt asked as Willow nodded. "Rubes has been changed and Jas is ready to go when you are" he said as she smiled. "Give me five minutes and we'll go" she said as she headed to the bathroom. She quickly freshened up and headed back to the main living area of the suite. "Ready to go? I know i am because i am starving" Willow said as Jasmine took her hand, Matt carrying Ruby in the wrap as the foursome headed out into the twilight.
"It almost 10pm guys, time to head back to the room for bedtime" Matt said as Willow carried a sleepy Jasmine. "But im not sleepy" Jasmine said, hiding a yawn. "Yes you are Jas. Ive been carrying you for the last hour" Willow replied as they headed up Main Street. "Do you mind putting the girls to bed Matt? I just want to take a quick bath when we get back" Willow asked as Matt nodded. "Everything ok? Youve just been quiet tonight" "Im ok. Just let me have my bath, then we can talk" she said as they passed the bakery, getting closer to the hotel entrance. "Want to grab something from the bakery for a midnight snack?" Matt asked flirtily as Willow nodded. "I'll head on back with Jas, just pick something for me" she said as Matt waited at the bakery window. "Mommy are you and daddy happy again?" Jasmine asked as Willow replied "We're getting there Jas. It'll still take some time, but we are getting there" "You and daddy look happy together" Jas said as she snuggled into Willow shoulder. "Speaking of Dad, how would you like him to come put you to bed tonight? Read you a story?" Willow asked as Jasmine nodded. "Lets go get ready for Daddy and Rubys arrival" she said as she closed the door behind them, heading into the room Jas was sleeping in and got her ready for bed. "Want to watch some cartoons while you wait for dad?" Willow asked as Jasmine nodded sleepily as Willow placed her on the sofa and turned on the TV. "Jas, im going to go start running my bath. Dad shouldnt be too much longer ok" Willow said as Jas nodded, engrossed in the cartoons, as she headed to the bathroom. She didnt have to wait long for Matt and Ruby to arrive back at the room. She heard him in the living area. "Hey Jas, wheres mom at?" he asked as Jas told him in the bathroom. "Hey we're back Wills. Going to get Rubes changed and ready for bed" he said from behind the door. "Thanks Matt. I'll be an hour max in here then we can have that talk" Willow replied as she undressed and stepped into the hot water. Events of the last few days playing on her mind. She closed her eyes as she heard Matt putting Ruby and Jas to bed, picturing what life could have been like for the last year had they not the afternoons events came crashing into her thoughts. Why did i have to see Harry today of all days? And with her new girlfriend? she thought as she submerged herself under the water, exhaling as she went under. Then that phone call from Warden Gordon about Dean. The fucking nerve of him to want me and Jas to go see him. The audacity for him to think that Jas is even his still! After the times we've told him shes Matts daughter! she thought as she grabbed her razor and dug it into her arm, completely oblivious to the pain, her eyes stinging with tears. She wasnt sure how long she sat in the water. She felt it getting colder, yet unable to move. Her arm stained red. "Wills? Wills you ok? Youve been in there for over an hour" Matt asked quietly from behind the door. Willow didnt respond, she didnt know how too. "Jesus Wills, whats going on with you?" Matt asked as he entered the bathroom, concerned about his ex wifes well being. "I thought you were done self harming" "Im sorry Matt, i fucked up" Willow said quietly as Matt helped her out of the freezing water. "Whats going on Will? Talk to me" Matt said as he cleaned up her arm, hearing the fireworks in the distance. "Matt do you mind going to grab me a peppermint tea whilst i get ready. I'll tell you everything" she said as Matt nodded, before heading out leaving Willow alone with her thoughts.
"Wills, im back" Matt called out quietly before spotting her on the balcony. "Want to tell me whats going on Wills? You havent been yourself today" Matt asked, joining her passing her the tea. "I dont even know where to start Matt. I was in such a good place mentally this morning" Willow replied taking a sip of her tea. "Jeff apologising for last night was fine, we ended up having a good talk and hes backing off" "So what changed?" Matt asked as Willow replied "I dont know. I saw Harry earlier. With her new girlfriend. I had to do a double take to make sure it was her and i wasnt just imagining it. It was her. Matt, she was in my bed last week, trying to get back with me. I cant lie, it hurt me seeing her. Even though it was only a brief glimpse..." Willow said as Matt interupted her "It felt like a knife to your heart" as Willow nodded. "Then as i was bringing Rubes back for her nap, i got a phone call from the prison where Dean is" "What the hell did he want this time?" Matt asked as Willow drank more tea. "It wasnt him, it was the warden. Dean was attacked by a gang, badly. He was treated at the prison before being transferred to hospital. He was asking for me and Jas to go see him. He referred to Jas as his daughter" she said, holding back tears. "You know Jas is mine and nothing is ever going to change that. How do you feel about going to see him? Do you even want to?" he asked as Willow shook her head. "I dont want anything to do with him. Not after the shit hes put us through. I just get so mad everytime he tries to claim Jas as his" "But do you want to know for certain? Just so the next time he comes out with it, you can show him that hes not" Matt asked as Willow sighed. "I dont know Matt. My head has been spinning all afternoon. I had a really bad panic attack when i was trying to call Elly. It lasted half an hour, i struggled to breathe, i had tears running down my face. Elly eventually got me calm enough for me to tell her what happened" "What did she say?" Matt asked. "Said the same as me. Dean can go to hell. At the end of the day, its your name on Jas's birth certificate, its entirely upto you if you want to get her tested" Willow said as Matt sighed, before replying. "I think we should. Only because Dean wont stop coming for her until hes shown proof. But only if youre on board with it" "I think youre right. He wont stop. We'll do it once youre back" Willow said as she shivered. "Im sorry about how you found me in the bath earlier. I dont even remember picking up the razor or cutting" she added as Matt put his arm around her, pulling her close. "Its ok Wills. You werent thinking but i have to admit it scares me seeing you like this. I love you and i want you to get better" Matt said as he kissed the side of her head. "I love you too Matt, and i want to get better. I need to, for the girls, but for me and for us" She replied, leaning into himand placing her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. "Want to head to bed Wills? It is getting late" Matt asked as Willow nodded. "But first, i need to do this" she said before kissing him. "What was that for Wills?" he asked, as she smiled before biting her lip. "Might be our only chance to have a kiss in front of the castle" she replied flirting with him, before kissing him once more, running her fingers down his arm until her hand interlocked with his, leading him inside to their bedroom for the night.