Chapter 49
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Chapter 49: First Light
Warnings: Coarse language, cats.
Meadow sighed as she reached for the discarded bottle. She had been trying to teach Sage that there was a place for everything, and it usually wasn't the floor. She looked around at her own things littering the kitchen floor. It was a little difficult when she herself couldn't provide a good example.
She was conscious of the time. If she spent another fifteen minutes here, she'd be late for the bus that would take her to campus. At least Ben was on his way down. With everything that had happened lately, she felt lucky and grateful that he was still willing to babysit for her.
She stood up, looking down at Sage's work of art. She wanted to encourage her son to be creative, but she really wished he didn't use the kitchen wall for his installations.
Still, for a toddler, the drawing was actually pretty good. He was turning out to be quite the artist. Just like his father...
She was starting to think of him again. Annoyed at herself, she tried to put Rowan from her mind. She had spent all day nursing a gamut of emotions ranging from sadness to outright anger. She was bothered that Rowan just turned around and left without saying a word to her, without even acknowledging his son.
But she also knew that some of this was her fault. She was the one who kept Sage away. She should have told him.
If anything, his reaction should have proven to her that he wouldn't be a good father to Sage. Why did she hope that he would be?
Meadow: Sage, sweetie. Rise and shine! Ben will be here any minute now.
She overslept that morning, that was why she was running late. She walked into the one bedroom this apartment had, only thinking now that Sage didn't wake her in the morning like he usually did.
He was still in his crib, asleep it seemed. This was odd... by now, he at least he should have been up and moving around. She had put him to bed over twelve hours ago. Sage was not a deep sleeper.
Meadow: Sage, time to wake up.
He didn't even stir when she gently shook him. He was breathing, slow, even breaths, but his eyes stayed shut and his body was completely limp. She shook him again, a little harder this time.
He didn't wake up.
Meadow: Sage? Sage?
Her voice was getting increasingly louder, more desperate when he still didn't react.
Meadow: Sage, please. If you're pretending, Mommy can't play right now. I have to get to school. Sage?
Something was wrong.
When she picked him up, he only slumped over, his head nodding limply like a lifeless doll. She tried to position his tiny arms around her neck. She began to cry when he wouldn't hold on to her.
Meadow: Wake up, baby! Oh no no no... Oh, God, please...
"Please wake up."
The next day
Rowan had no idea how long he'd been asleep.
He didn't know what time it was either when he heard the noise at the door.
Truth was, he'd lost track of time. It could have been four in the morning or noon, it didn't matter to him. Left to his own, he'd have ignored everything going on around him. But the incessant banging at the door wouldn't allow for that.
He swore and grumbled as he found a shirt and pulled it on. Whoever was at the door better be ready for a fist in the face...
Rowan: What the fuck, Linden!
Linden: No, fuck you. What, have you been asleep this whole time? Damn it, Rowan.
Rowan: My business what I do. What the fuck are you doing here.
Linden: It's not your business anymore.
Rowan: The hell it is. Who said you could come in?
Linden: Rowan, just shut up for a second.
Linden: Meadow's been trying to reach you but you're not answering your phone. She couldn't get a hold of Willow either. She just called Mom this morning. That's why I'm here.
Rowan: Meadow called Mom? What the fuck for?
Linden: It's Sage...
Linden: ...Sage is in the hospital.
It didn't matter how much sleep she got last night. She had to get out and do this.
Her early morning runs were Jasmine's favourite time of day. At this hour, the small town was still asleep. No one was awake, and the streets were quiet.
It was impossible to get any kind of decent rest anyway. She offered to stay with Cecilia, and just like they occasionally did when they were kids, they slept in the same bed. Cecilia ended up hogging most of it by the end of the night. Getting out of bed was more of a matter of simply being forced out.
It didn't matter. She had to get this run in.
For whatever reason, she took another route: the north road that climbed up the side of a hill. It might as well have been a mountain.
She was pushing herself harder than she usually did. But once she started up the hill, she was determined. She didn't kid herself, this was hard. For a moment she wished that Adrian was here, if anything, at least to see her make it.
But it wouldn't have been the same. She needed her solitude, and unlike Adrian, she didn't need to show off her victories.
As rewarding as they were.
Jasmine looked around her, grinning to herself. She'd made it. It was beautiful up here. And it was quiet.
She wondered how much further she could go.
The side walk ended here, but there was a dirt trail that hikers and mountain cyclists used.
Jasmine didn't bother thinking too much about it. She just started running.
From up here, she could see the forest sprawl down the side of the hill towards the farm fields that surrounded the campus town. She knew this would now be her new favourite route.
Down below, something caught her eye.
That was distinctively chimney smoke she was seeing.
She thought she knew the area well. She had no idea that people were living up on the hill though.
As usual, she didn't think too much of her next path of action. If she wanted to know, all she had to do was get closer to it. Climbing down a forested hill... she could do that.
She finally reached what looked like the backyard of an old brick house. She thought about Willow. Gabriel told her that she was staying "out in the woods". He couldn't tell her exactly where... he wasn't sure he remembered how to get there himself.
This was now officially the only house out in the woods that Jasmine knew of. It wouldn't be too far off for this to be Willow's. Was she even home?
There was a warm glow coming from that window.
Curiously, she peered through.
Someone was lying on the floor in the house. Jasmine pressed herself against the glass and tapped on it loudly but the person wouldn't wake up. Jasmine was sure it was Willow. What was she doing on the floor?!
Too many scenarios played out in Jasmine's head in a brief second, and none of them were good. She panicked and ran quickly to the door.
It rattled as she tried to push it open.
She decided just to break it down instead. If this wasn't as bad as it looked, she could at least buy Willow another door...
Jasmine: Willow?!!
Jasmine: Are you hurt? Willow, wake up!!!
Wake up, Willow.
Everything ended so quickly and when it was done there was just an incredible silence. The world finally came to a rest and Willow had to accept all of its burdens. It was only then when she realized how exhausted she was.
Clara had been keeping her somewhat sustained through magic. But that was just an illusion and once that was gone, her body only began to realize what it was missing.
Willow barely had the energy to teleport one last time. She felt lucky that she made it home.
If she could call it home here.
The house took on a different meaning with the realization that the Coven had set this place up in preparation for the Heir. It must have been here waiting for her for a very long time. Long before she was born.
She bathed and ate the small amount of junk food that she had stored away. It wasn't much but she felt a little better. She could go to bed, but instead she sat in front of the fire, staring blankly into the flames.
She stayed that way for hours, letting her mind play back everything that happened. Clara. Wesley. Everything.
She didn't know at what point her body finally surrendered to sleep.
Jasmine: Willow, wake up!
Willow: Jasmine?
Jasmine was here? It was as if she hadn't seen her best friend in years. Jasmine being there didn't seem real, but this wasn't a dream.
Jasmine: Yes, it's me, dummy. You freaking scared the shit out of me!
Willow: Why?
Jasmine: Because you looked like you were dead, that's why!
Willow: That... that worried you?
Jasmine: Yes! Yes that worried me! Why would you even think it wouldn't?
Willow: I don't know... last time we talked you were kind of mad.
Jasmine: I know. And I should be still pissed off at you. But god Willow, I don't want to see you hurt!
Jasmine: It's just so good to see you.
And it really was. Even with everything that had happened with Adrian and with Gabe, Jasmine realized she did miss her friend being there. So much had happened in the past few days.
Jasmine: Where the hell have you been?
Willow: I've been...
Willow didn't know what to say. If she told Jasmine that she was kidnapped by an evil witch, and rescued by Malcolm Landgraab, she knew Jasmine would believe her. And that would involve her further into this mess. Willow didn't know if she could do that to Jasmine.
Willow: I've been right here.
Jasmine: Here. This is the new place I've heard so much about. No wonder you never invited me over. It's a dump.
Willow: Well, no, it's not the best, but it works for what I need.
Jasmine: Like practicing "witchy" stuff? That is the only reason why you have a place out in the middle of nowhere, right?
Willow: Kind of.
Jasmine: You know what I'm going to say.
Willow: I know. You don't like it.
Jasmine: I hate it. The whole place looks like it's falling apart.
Willow: It's not that bad.
Jasmine: You know I'm less worried about the house than I am of you. Now you look like you're falling apart.
Willow: Okay, well... I am kind of hungry.
Jasmine: That, I can help you with. We can get you out of this dump, at least for a little while. And we can talk.
She was a little hesitant, but being with Jasmine did feel a lot more comfortable than being alone here. She was almost feeling normal again.
Willow: Okay, let me get changed. And if I were you, I wouldn't do too much exploring.
Jasmine: Yeah, I think I'd rather get out as quickly as possible.
Jasmine: Willow? There better not be any rats in this place. I hate rats.
Jasmine: I'm sorry, Willow...
Jasmine: I forgot to mention I was babysitting.
Cecilia: I don't think that guy over there is wearing any pants.
Willow sighed.
Willow: It's okay, Jasmine.
Jasmine: Cecilia, could you please stop staring?
Cecilia: I can't help it! He isn't wearing any pants.
Jasmine: ...
Jasmine: For crying out loud, Cecilia, keep your voice down. It's getting embarassing.
Cecilia: Oh I'm embarassing. What about that guy?
Jasmine: Okay, he's at least wearing boxers.
Cecilia: Right! No pants.
Cecilia: Do you think he just forgot to put them on? And seriously, who orders a whole pizza at nine in the morning?
Jasmine: You live in a greek house, Cecilia. You guys order pizza all the time. Any hour. I've seen it.
Cecilia: Whatever. This conversation's getting boring anyway.
Jasmine: Well sorry we don't lead as interesting lives as you do.
Hanging out with Jasmine's sister wasn't an ideal way Willow wanted to spend her time. She was too aware of Cecilia's problems with ghosts... chasing Cecilia's ghost found Willow the magic mirror which might have gotten her into the situation she was in now. Jasmine also hinted earlier that Cecilia's problems weren't necessarily over with either.
It still didn't bring Cecilia any closer to being one of her favourite people. Right now, she couldn't find herself caring about her ghosts.
Cecilia: Willow, this is your second helping. I haven't even finished the first.
Willow: I was hungry. Is that a problem?
Cecilia: No, I was just curious. You even look like you haven't eaten anything in days. And what's with your hair? Do you even own a brush?
Jasmine: Cecilia.
Willow: I had things I had to deal with. Serious things. You wouldn't understand.
Cecilia's voice lowered and for a moment her expression hardened.
Cecilia: Do you want to start playing "whose shit is more real"? You have no idea what I've had to deal with.
Jasmine was about to say something, but at that moment the door chimes jingled announcing someone walking in. She glanced over. This couldn't possibly get anymore awkward...
Adrian: Hey...
Jasmine: Hey yourself. You got my text.
Willow lowered her face into her hand, suddenly feeling extremely self-conscious. She hadn't seen Adrian in days, not since she had tried to stay at their dorm. She never did explain to him why she left so abruptly.
Adrian: Yeah, and it looks like my schedule's free. Thought I'd join you.
Jasmine: Well, have a seat then.
They glowed when they looked at one another. There was no mistaking that Adrian saw Jasmine first when he walked into the diner, and that big smile on his face said everything about how he felt about her. There was a time when Adrian would always greet Willow first.
Right now, she just wanted to either turn invisible or teleport away.
Adrian: Hi Willow. Haven't seen you in a while.
Willow: Hi. Yeah... sorry. I mean... I guess I've been busy.
Adrian: It's cool.
Cecilia: Speaking of important things to do, can we get going? Jasmine and I have something to take care of.
Jasmine: What's the rush?
Cecilia: No, no rush at all. It's, like, only a matter of life and death. I mean literally.
Cecilia rolled her eyes and sighed loudly as Adrian reached over. Jasmine smiled awkwardly and squeezed his hand briefly before pulling it back. Adrian should have known that her sister always had problems with public displays of affection.
Cecilia: Speaking of boyfriends. How's Gabe doing, Willow?
Jasmine: Cecilia, seriously, shut up.
Cecilia: What the hell, I just asked.
Jasmine: It's none of your business.
Cecilia: Gabe's my cousin too, you know!
Willow: It's okay.
Jasmine: Willow, you don't have to...
Willow: If you're really all that concerned, Cecilia, me and Gabriel broke up. Okay?
Cecilia: Well no one told me....
Adrian looked over at her. She couldn't read what he was thinking. She wondered if he had already known about it.
Adrian: Are you doing okay, Willow?
Willow: I'm fine. Thank you for asking.
She was a little more curt than she meant to be.
Adrian: I guess you know about me and Jasmine...
Willow: Yes, I know. It's always been obvious.
She looked up at him and for the first time since he walked into the diner, she met his eyes. She stared at him with an intense look in her eyes that started to make him feel uncomfortable.
Willow: I'm happy for you two. I really am.
Willow: Sorry, I just have this big headache...
Jasmine: Well, let's get going then.
They headed out, Jasmine and Adrian together. Willow didn't mean for things to get awkward in there. She was still confused about Adrian and how she was supposed to feel about him and Jasmine. The last two nights were beginning to be more of a bad dream, and reality was what it was now.
Cecilia: Oooh, cute kitty!
She really should have known that Jasmine would end up with him. She was perfect for Adrian in a lot of ways. He must have known it too.
Jasmine: Come on, Cecilia!
Cecilia: Just a sec, he's so adorable!
Jasmine sighed. She didn't know how Cecilia could switch from being helpless and victimized by undead spirits to this bubbly little airhead. She knew that pretending everything was normal was Cecilia's way with coping under stress, but the attitude could get annoying.
Jasmine: I am sorry about Cecilia. I know she could get insensitive.
Willow: I'm not worried about Cecilia. It's okay.
Jasmine: I don't really want you two to hate eachother though. She needs your help.
Willow: Jasmine... I don't know if I can right now...
Jasmine: At least hear me out. It really is a big deal.
Cecilia: Wait, kitty... noooo!!!
All of a sudden, the cat just bolted. It ran between the parked cars onto the road.
Cecilia watched with horror as a car came around the corner, heading down the road towards the cat.
She could only helplessly watch as everything happened.
With Cecilia's shriek and the squeal of the brakes, everyone turned to look.
Willow didn't know what she was doing. She was acting purely on instinct when she pulled out her wand. She didn't want to see the cat get run over, as much as Cecilia didn't.
The car careened and as if it was strung along, it suddenly changed course. Sims reacted quickly, running and diving out of its path.
It struck the lamp post with a loud bang and stopped.
The cat ran off, unharmed.
Willow gasped at the aftermath of her spell.
Willow: I didn't mean... oh my God!
Jasmine: Willow, what just happened?
Adrian was already running towards the car.
As everyone looked on, he opened the car door and helped the driver out. The driver was just a kid. A student like most of everyone here. He looked badly shaken but at least he was on his feet.
Jasmine turned around and looked at Willow. There was no mistaking that flash of light she saw.
Jasmine: Willow, what did you do?
Adrian: Jasmine, call an ambulance!!!
Willow: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... I thought...
Adrian: Jasmine!!!
Jasmine ran off, dialing the emergency line on her cell. Willow hung back, feeling disconnected.
She tried to help the cat, but only managed to almost injure or kill a bunch of innocent people instead. But moving the car was the first thing she thought of.
Willow: I should help. I could use my magic to heal him...
"There's no need, Kitten."
She gasped in surprise when she turned to see that familiar old woman there, holding the cat affectionately in her arms.
Wilhemina: Let the prole tend to their own. You've done enough. The young man will be just fine.
Willow: You...
Wilhemina: You've kept what's important safe. I knew you'd do well.
Willow: But I hurt that guy... and could have killed the people on the sidewalk too.
Wilhemina: What are you worried about, dear? No one was killed in the end, and you saved my dear precious Foofoo.
Willow: Why are you following me? Who are you?
Wilhemina: It matters not my lovely little Willow. We are the ones who are sworn to protect you. You managed to slip by me once already, but not again. But don't worry, Kitten. We'll always be with you.
Wilhemina: Trust in the magic, and you'll do well. Now, Foofoo... this will teach you to run away. All this excitement! Heavens!
She turned towards the accident scene. The kid looked fine, but they were helping him onto the ambulance. More people had started to appear curious about the accident. Adrian was already talking to the police about it.
Jasmine walked towards Willow, almost cautiously. Willow could see the look in Jasmine's eyes. She was looking for a reason for this to not be Willow's fault.
She didn't know what to say.
Rowan didn't say a word to anyone as he and Linden strode down the hospital halls.
Linden was working to actually try to catch up to Rowan's pace, apologizing everytime he'd nearly knock someone over. By the time they found where they needed to go, Rowan was already far ahead.
Linden hung back. Maybe Rowan needed to do this on his own for now. It didn't seem like he was invited anyway.
Rowan stopped in front of the door. He took a deep breath and finally opened it gently.
Meadow: Rowan?
Rowan walked towards her. Behind the hospital curtain was the crib. He looked down towards it seeing the young child inside. He just looked like he was sleeping.
Rowan: What's going on Meadow?
Meadow: He's been asleep for over a day. He'd try to wake up a few times, but he'd just go back to sleep. The doctors don't know what's wrong. They're running all these tests...
Meadow: But he won't wake up, Rowan.
He reached for her and pulled her into his arms as she started to sob. Rowan could easily bury and mask a lot of his emotions, but seeing her like this... seeing their son like this... broke him. He never wanted them hurt.
Willow could heal. She's done it before.
And if he had to pull her kicking and screaming out of that hovel in the woods, he'd do it if it would save his son.
Next » [ Chapter 50: The Storyteller ]
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Notes:
* Self-sim cameo bysimsinthecity. I hope you didn't mind. <3
* Kitty is Primitiva by smegthesims. Foofoo first appeared in Interlude II
* finishing this chapter meant I've finished one of two chapters I challenged myself to do for SimStoCreMo 2012. I'll be honest, I missed my personal deadline by about two days. Getting this done on a schedule was hard. :) Thank you guys for the encouragement.
* Cecilia kind of stole the diner scene for me.
* bringing Rowan back was so fun. The scene kind of made me sad though. :(
Thank you guys for reading. I'm always happy to know what you think. :)