Chapter 20

[simtopi]

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20: Innocence



 

Willow: Miss Cordial, wait up! I think there's something stuck in my shoe...
Kimberly: There's nothing stuck in your shoe. One step at a time, Willow, it's not that hard.


Easy for you to say, Willow grumbled, looking down at her bare arms. And why was it easy for her to say? The hill was steep and rocky and Miss Cordial was able to maneuver as easily as if she were walking in a flat, grassy park.
Willow: I'm being bitten alive out here. And I think I hit some poison ivy a little while ago.


Kimberly: No you didn't, Willow. You'll survive.
Willow: How much further do we have to go?


Kimberly: We're almost there for crying out loud. I can't believe how much you're complaining. I thought your family loved nature.
Willow: Yeah, sure we do. Except I've lived in the city my entire life. I'm exhausted, Miss Cordial.

And a little frustrated. The hike seemed to be taking forever, and Willow was a little embarassed to admit to herself that she was out of shape. She was never very active and it clearly was apparent now. She did actually prefer to be indoors reading about the great outdoors rather than actually be directly interacting with it.


Kimberly: Just a little further, Willow.
Willow: Are you sure? I don't know if I can do this. You know we're not even dressed for this kind of trip. When you said we'd be outdoors I thought you meant the city park.


Kimberly: It's your birthday, Willow. I thought it was appropriate to dress for the occasion.
Willow: Seriously, you really expect me to climb that??? In this dress?
Kimberly: It's okay. After today you won't ever have to worry about doing any physical labour ever again.
Willow: Really?


It was actually easier than it looked. It was a matter of finding the right path up the steep incline. In a matter of minutes, she had managed to follow Miss Cordial up the side of the hill though she grumbled about every step.


Kimberly: I told you it wasn't hard. We're here now.


Willow: That's... that's great.
Willow wasn't sure how pleased she was. She was still trying to catch her breath from that last part of the climb.


When she did, she looked up and was finally able to fully appreciate why they climbed all the way up to this hill at all. Willow had never seen the top of the forest trees like this. The air up here was cool and clean. There was no traffic, no hum of neon lights or desktop computers. There was no Rowan or Linden yelling at eachother in the hallways. No new age music coming from her mother's old stereo. Just the sound of birds and the wind through the firs. It really was magnificent.


Willow: Where are we?
Miss Cordial had bent down in the middle of the crude stone circle and was drawing something in the dirt.


Kimberly: It's a special place we witches like to use for certain conjuring spells. It's quiet and the view is nice, don't you think?
Willow: So what are we doing?


Kimberly: Beginning your education. Though in your case, I suspect it will be a little more condensed. Have a seat, Willow.


Willow was a little excited. She had been waiting for this day for years, to be honest, ever since Miss Cordial had told her who she was. As much as she had tried, she couldn't call on any of her powers again since the night she saved Rowan from that fire. She had asked Miss Cordial, but she had always been denied. It's not the right time, she would tell her. You're not ready.


Willow had been ready for a long time. She was anxious to learn and pick apart whatever this magic stuff was. It was the day Willow received her acceptance letter to Sim State University, on her birthday, that Miss Cordial told her to meet her.


Kimberly: We Witches have existed in some form for a very long time. We are the conduits of the elemental magics that exist in this world. Some of us are more powerful than others. Some of us are aligned to different energies. But all of us have one thing in common, no matter how we are aligned. We can only harness the energies of life. Earth, air, fire, water, those are the very basic elements that we have command over. And believe me, that encompasses a great many things, on this world and on others.


Willow: Does that mean we can cast spells on different planets and stuff?


Kimberly laughed, amused by her inquisitiveness.
Kimberly: Yes, technically. If you ever are so unfortunate to find yourself on another planet, yes you can harness the elemental magics that exist there. Though we were created here, and on this world. The closer we are to it, the more energy we have to use.
Willow: That's neat!
Kimberly: It is. But it's not a game.


Kimberly: What you will learn is how much of those energies you can handle. Everything is controlled by thought. If you wish hard enough, things will happen for you. But as you know, sometimes your thoughts drift too far, and are too unorganized. You can wish to douse a flame, and end up sucking all the oxygen out of a room, killing yourself in the process. It can be dangerous. Spells, charms, incantations are only ways for our minds to be able focus those thoughts to help you achieve exactly what you need. Different schools of the craft can teach you different spells with different words, but all in essence are just words that will help you use your thoughts to control your magic.


Willow: So how much can we do?
Kimberly: You've already called in a rain storm Willow. As you suspect, we can do quite a bit.
Willow: That probably means a lot of spells to learn, huh?
Kimberly: You'll... have help.


Kimberly looked up at the young, innocent girl in front of her, and remembered meeting her as a child for the first time. She was simple and shy, unambitious but bright. And she was so curious and eager to learn, but she was barely a woman. Was she really who the Coven wanted? How could someone with such an innocent soul be the one that they needed?


Willow: Miss Cordial? What's wrong?


Kimberly waved her wand over the circle, using a simple spell to summon an item she already had in her possession. It was given to her by the guardian of the Sorceress' Chamber, to be given to this girl, Willow. Despite Kimberly's own doubts, it was not up to her to determine her fate.


Kimberly: Many of us learn much from spell books. They are passed down from our sires. Or we acquire new ones. This one... was meant for you.


Willow: I have my own spell book?
Kimberly: Yes. It's a very special book Willow. Keep it safe and don't let it fall into the wrong hands. You will learn everything you need to know from this Book, whether you are aware of it or not.


Willow was too eager. To Kimberly's surprise, she didn't hesitate as she reached forward to take the Book. Immediately it seemed to buzz as if there was an entire hive of bees beneath the cover.


The bindings of the Book, old, faded and brown seemed to glow brightly, shedding it's ancient facade, adjusting to Willow's alignment. As Kimberly suspected, Willow was aligned towards the light. She said nothing of it.


Willow: Wow.
Kimberly: Wait...
But before she was able to say anything more, Willow opened the book.


Willow gasped. She could feel the energy from the book tingle through her hands and deep into her. She could hear thousands of voices whispering in her mind, as the spells collected for centuries began to find their way through her memory. She knew right away that this wasn't an ordinary Book.


The voices seemed to be a choir now and the light from the book seemed brighter, encompassing her entirely. She seemed to be levitating above the ground now. The earth shook slightly and the wind became a little stronger. Kimberly looked around, her wand ready, concerned with the sudden influx of energy to the circle.






She sat still at the edge of the circle, her breath caught in her throat as she watched Willow take in the magic of the Book as only she could.


There was no more doubt in Kimberly's mind that Willow Marlen was the Heir.










Willow: So. What do we do now?

---

Present day...





Gabriel: Hey. Wakey wakey.


Slowly, Willow opened her eyes, looking up at Gabriel sleepily. She had been studying in the common room all night, she hadn't realized that she had fallen asleep here. She might have been dreaming, but if she was, her dreams must have been pleasant. It was nice not having to be startled awake by nightmares for once.


Gabriel: I saw you were reading here late last night but I didn't want to bug you.
Willow: I wouldn't have minded it. I didn't realize I was so absorbed.
Gabriel: Well you looked like you were enjoying yourself.
Willow: I don't know about that.


Willow: You know, I never mind if you bother me. I wish you would have.


Gabriel: Then your wish is my command. Better late than never?


He was wonderful, Willow thought. She never knew being this close to someone could be this amazing. Things still seemed very new between them but she didn't want that feeling to end. Whatever he did, he always managed to make her smile and forget about anything else that was going on.


And he was a lot more than what he seemed. He was funny and outgoing, but he was also smart and creative, something she never expected from him. They could spend all day and all night deep in conversation. Or they could spend that time kissing.


They did a lot of that, too.


It seemed that Gabriel was the only bright spot in her life right now and she didn't want to let go of that. Despite everything that was going on, being with him made her happy. She couldn't help but be reminded of her chosen responsibilities everytime she walked into her room.

Useless book, Willow thought. It was frustrating for Willow. By the time she had reached senior year, she had read the book at least a dozen times front to cover. She could still feel the energy of the pages each time she touched it and the choir of voices dimmed to a gentle murmer now. But she still hadn't felt any more "powerful" than she's ever had. Sure, if she tried hard enough she could conjure fire flies or make things fly across the room. She had even managed to fix her eyes, but it still took concentration. This book was supposed to teach her nearly every spell in existence, but she still felt like a novice.


Right now, Willow sure could have used Miss Cordial's help trying to figure out what spell Clive was under and how to break it. Willow must have read her spell book one more time, and even had gone to the library to find more books on the occult hoping there would be any information in there. There were so many counter spells but all of them were so different.


Some involved potions, some involved expensive crystals or live frogs. Some involved having the spellbound person do a dance under the full moon and Willow was completely certain that Clive Baird, owner and CEO of the largest corporation in Simtopi, would not be doing that anytime soon. But the one thing she needed to know was the specific spell that Clive was under and she couldn't get that without seeing him in person. Willow had even lost sight as to why she needed to break the spell, a spell that would make Clive irrationally furious whenever Denise was present possibly being the reason why they were divorced to begin with. At this point, Willow just wanted to be able to do it.

---

Willow was able to get through her courses without much problem. She always felt fortunate that it was easy for her to sustain her average. Lately she was finding it hard to concentrate in classes though. Studying magic on top of it all made things even more stressful, and now of course there was Gabriel to think about.


And she also had a new mission in Clive. Willow knew that Jasmine did believe her on some level. Superficially she thought the idea was ridiculous but she knew her friend well enough to know when Jasmine was doubting herself.


She knew she hadn't spoken to Jasmine lately. Not with any depth at least. They've spent a few casual moments talking in the halls, but nothing about Willow's witchcraft or anything else. Willow was too caught up with mid-terms to worry about it, but now that she thought of it she was conscious of it. Did I scare Jasmine away? Willow thought to herself, suddenly afraid that she did.


She was so deep in that thought that she didn't realize who she was walking into.
Adrian: Whoa there. Careful, now.


Willow: Adrian... wow I didn't see you there.
Adrian: Are you sure you don't need your glasses anymore?
She smiled at his teasing.
Willow: Sorry, I guess I was lost in thought.


Willow: I haven't seen you in a while. How are you doing?
Adrian: Pretty good. Mid terms. You know how it is.
He seemed tense, and a little distant. She used to be so comfortable with him, but now there seemed to be something different and she couldn't place what it was.


Willow: Yeah.. me too. But I haven't seen you since...
Adrian: Since the accident.
Willow was about to say since she and Gabriel had started dating. It nagged in the back of her mind for a moment.


Adrian: I just figured you were busy. You've had a stressful few weeks, I can understand that.
Willow: It's been a little stressful.
She didn't know what else to say to him. There was a long, slightly uncomfortable silence between them as they stood in the hall avoiding eachother's direct eye contact.


Willow: Well... I'm just done with classes, and I'm heading to the library. I guess...
Adrian: How about I walk you there?


Willow: Uh... sure. I hope I'm not keeping you from anything though.
Adrian: Nothing important. You're right. We haven't seen eachother for a while. If it's okay with you of course...




It was a short trip down the block to the old library, but it seemed to take longer. There wasn't much to talk about with Adrian, Willow realized. She mentioned Gabriel briefly but for some reason she felt a little strange talking about him with the guy she used to have a crush on in highschool.


She still felt shy sometimes around him. Even though they had been best friends, sometimes she was still too self conscious of being the skinny little geek around the popular highschool jock.
Willow: Well, we're here.
Adrian: I guess we are.


Willow: Thanks for walking me here. I appreciate the company.
Adrian: It's okay. I like the company too.
There was another long, silent pause. This time, Willow had to say something about it.


Willow: Is it just me... or are things just a little weird now.
He just looked at her.


Willow: I mean... not weird in a bad way I think. Just we used to be able to just talk to eachother and now we can't think of things to say.


Adrian looked away for a moment, drawing a deep breath.
Adrian: You're right. It's a little weird.


Willow: So are we going to just stand here talking about how weird it is then?


Adrian: No... No we don't have to. I guess I should get going.


Willow: I didn't mean to chase you away. I'm not in any rush.
Adrian: I know. Everything is cool. I mean it.
Willow: Promise?


Adrian: Yeah.
Willow reached out and hugged him instinctively. She was still comfortable doing that. He hugged her back, but this time he seemed to hold her just a little more tighter than she was used to from him.


And he lingered a little longer.


What was happening here? Willow thought her mind racing. She looked up at her friend and for once this entire night their eyes met. His expression was almost sad as he looked at her. His hand was still on her arm.
Adrian: I guess I should tell you... I need to tell you...


Willow: Adrian...
Adrian: I really care about you, Willow. I really do. A lot more than I should.


Willow's heart began to beat a little faster.


And the only thing she could think of was Gabriel.
Willow: Adrian, no...


Adrian: ... I'm sorry, Willow...


Willow: Why would you tell me this now? I'm with Gabriel, you know I can't do this...
Adrian: I know. I guess if I didn't now, I'd never say it. I'm really sorry.
Willow: Adrian I don't want to hurt you.
Adrian: You didn't do anything wrong. I shouldn't have... I'll just go.


Willow watched him leave, feeling conflicted and hurt. She cared so much for him and she hadn't expected this from him at all. Another time, she might have possibly given in to what he had started, and that's what was scaring her right now. She didn't want to do that to Gabriel.


Adrian: That's one thing I've always admired about you, Willow.


Adrian: You've always been a good person. Don't ever change.


She nearly felt like crying as she watched him walk away. All this time, she had believed that their friendship didn't have to be anything more than that. She cared for him and trusted him, but she never wanted to cross that line herself, always afraid that she'd lose her only friend from her younger years. And now, it happened anyway. She turned around and headed to the library.


He had been sitting behind the fountain the entire time. She saw him as she began to approach, balling her fists instinctively. She had nearly forgotten about him and right now he was the last person she needed to see.

Wesley: Your friend seems nice.


Willow: What do you mean by that?
Wesley: He's nice. That's all I meant.
Willow: I already have a boyfriend.
She didn't know why she blurted that out.
Wesley: I'm not implying anything else, Willow.


Willow: I don't even know why I'm talking to you. What are you doing here? I'm not letting you bite me again...
Wesley: I'm not here to bite you, Willow.
He sighed, looking at her. It didn't take too long for him to find her, but he wasn't sure why he did. He didn't know what to expect. The child he used to know always greeted him with bright eyes and a wide smile.


Wesley: I came to see if you're alright.
Willow: I'm fine. Just fine. My best friend just made a pass at me, I'm an incompetent witch, I have a vampire for a stalker and I have a million exams to study for. My night is just great.


Willow: So I don't know what you're doing here, but I'm not lost, or being chased by zombies this time. You know I wish you were a figment of my imagination. It'd make my life about ten percent less ridiculous right now.


Willow stormed off. She wasn't even sure why she was saying all those things to him. He had always been so nice to her when she was young. But like everything else in her life it seemed, things were a lot more complicated than she wanted it to be.


He understood why she was angry and bitter. There was a time in his life where he wasn't able to accept the things he had learned, where losing his innocence also meant losing the life he was used to. He held the Key tightly in his hand. Tonight, he had meant to give it to her.


But he remembered Clara's words from the night before. He knew she was waiting for Willow to find out what the key opened. The key was warm in his hand and glowed faintly as if it knew it was close to it's promised keeper. It belongs to the Heir, he could hear the Construct's soft, metallic voice in his head.


Wesley: I just wanted to make sure you were safe.
Willow: Am I still in danger?
Wesley: I don't know.


He placed the key back in his pocket.


Willow: Are you going to tell me anything?


He wasn't sure what he could tell her. So much has happened that he had either ignored or forgotten. She was still so young and very much innocent. He didn't understand what the Heir meant to the Coven, and he couldn't tell her that Clara... the witch he was bound to by a blood oath... had wanted her killed.


Somehow, her temper cooled down. Willow didn't get angry often, and she was usually able to calm down quickly.
Willow: I'm... I'm sorry I snapped at you. There's so much I don't get, I wish someone could just help me with it all.


Willow: I never told you that I appreciate you helping me all those years ago...and I guess I should thank you for saving me last week... Mr. Wesley.
Wesley: You could just call me "Wesley", you know.
Willow: I know.
Wesley: I'm not ever going to let you come to harm, Willow. I mean that.
Willow: I know that too.
And she did. Deep down, she knew Wesley would try to protect her always.


Her arrival was quick and silent. She had been patient, waiting for this moment for a while.


She was just glad she didn't have to wait for much longer.


Wesley: Willow!

He saw the flash of light and knew instantly what was happening. Willow could feel the tingle of energy behind her. She had to think quickly.


Willow didn't know how she knew the counterspell, but it was effective. It worked! She was able to absorb the full energy of the spell before it struck anyone. She wasn't even sure what the spell did, but somehow she knew it would have hurt. Her hands already felt hot from the energy she had used.


Willow: What was that...?
She stopped short, her breath caught in her throat.
Willow: Miss... Miss Cordial???


Samantha: I'm impressed. That spell wouldn't have hurt you but you managed to counter it quickly. Very good, Willow.


Willow: You're not her. You're not Miss Cordial. Who are you?
Samantha: Well you're right. But not exactly. I am technically a Miss Cordial, though not the one you're aquainted with. My name is Samantha Cordial and I represent the Circle of the Nine.
Willow: The Circle... what's that?
Samantha: Don't tell me you haven't heard of us. We're an organization, Willow. Of Witches aligned to the light.


Willow: No... no, I haven't heard of you.
Willow was breathless and excited. She wasn't sure what to think. She didn't think too much of the existence of other witches other than herself and the Miss Cordial who had taught her.
Willow: What do you want with me?


Samantha: With you? Young lady, what makes you think that I'm here for you tonight?


Samantha: You, I'll deal with later. But for now, I need you to step aside. The vampire is mine.
Willow: You want Wesley. Wait... why do you want Wesley?


Samantha's voice was cold and even as her eyes darted towards Wesley. There was pure anger behind those eyes, which even Willow could sense.
Samantha: Stand back, Willow. I'm exercising my right to justice now and I will not take responsibility if you end up in my way.


Willow: Justice? Wesley what is she talking about???
Wesley: For her sister.


Willow went pale and silent. Her heart felt like it could stop completely now.
Wesley: For Kimberly Cordial. That's why she's here. I killed her sister.




next » [ Chapter 21: Odds and Ends ]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

* wooo, twentieth chapter!
* I hate posting on sim secret night, but I have to run and probably will not be back to this computer all weekend. So yeah, I'm a bit excited. :)
* to make up for the last chapter, this chapter is all about Willow!   Actually there was a few other parts to this chapter that wasn't working so I had to ditch it. Maybe I'll work it into chapter 21.
* the library is the Sim State library with a little bit of revamping.
* hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you for reading. :)

extra notes:
* I really enjoyed writing young Willow and Kimberly Cordial. I know my magic explanation isn't quite original, I have been inspired heavily from other concepts. It just sounded better than "Witches can do magic stuff. Wheee!" :)

Comments

[dark-dwellersim.livejournal.com]

Holy Crap! Suspensful ending! I like the bit of past you showed with Kimberly and Willow and how she got her book and such. Gabriel and Willow are such a cute couple. :P I have a feeling Adrian has like Willow for quite a while, longer than he's letting himself believe.

I can't wait to see what happens next with Samantha,Wesley and Willow... And Jasmine and Ceclia... Just everbody.

Great chapter as always. :D

[simtopi]

Thanks Nicole. :) You're right about Adrian, he has liked her for a while though he hadn't realized it until it was too late.

[spyroeldragon.livejournal.com]

D': Nooo, cliffhanger! Whyyy?

Anyways, wow. Just WOW. It's really easy to get absorbed in this. Hm, where to start.

"Willow: So. What do we do now?" For whatever reason, that was really funny to me. She just seemed so nonchalant after all the cool sparkly-stuff happened.

Going back to present-tense, it's been a really long night for Willow. |:< I can see how she's frustrated with the magic and the zombies and on top of all that, she's happy with Gabriel but Adrian might be compromising that. And Wesley. I love him and he's an awesome character but ARGH at the last part. I can only imagine that Willow is totally crushed right now. Oh, and Samantha is awesome for getting (possibly) her revenge.

I cannot wait to see what happens next! Unfortunately, I'll have to. d:

[simtopi]

I'm glad you liked it. It was strange just writing about Willow and the guys in her life. I won't say too much about what's going on, but thank you for reading. :)

[niki1988.livejournal.com]

*gasp* This was such a good chapter, I love the beginning, showing how much more she was learning about being a witch.

Willow is a lucky girl; First Gabriel, then Adrien, and probably soon, Wesley. I hope she finds out what he's involved in.

I can't wait for the next chapter.

[simtopi]

Willow is lucky, though right now she isn't seeing herself as lucky. She doesn't like things to be complicated, so Adrian is tilting her world a bit too much than what's comfortable with. She'll find out everything she needs to know soon enough. Thank you!

[kayleigh83.livejournal.com]

great chapter!! its cool to see this side of the story developing a bit more!! lol can't say i didn't miss the rowan and meadow storyline a bit though! we'll catch up next time! :D

[simtopi]

I'm glad that you like Rowan and Meadow. I like them too. But no worries, we'll get back to them soon. Rowan's still comfy in jail right now, I think, lol. Thank you!

[robertcarney.livejournal.com]

argh! you certainly know how to leave us with a cliff hanger.
this chapter was fabulous, and i can't wait to see more of samantha (:

oh! also, congratulations on your 20th chapter, its been a blast reading them all.

[simtopi]

Thank you so much. I never thought this story would get up to 20 chapters. I'm glad you like it. :)

[collidingwithme.livejournal.com]

It scared me a little to see Willow flare up. :P I mean, she's such a sweet and mellow person I never thought she would, but then again, I can understand the stress she's crumbling under.

It's so cool to see how she started with learning magic! All the sparkle! And I totally loved your cover picture of that single falling tree. Or at least I imagined it to be halfway falling. XD

Gabriel! X) I like how he complements Willow so nicely. He's like her haven, the only one that keeps her going.

I'm surprised it took Samantha so long to hunt Wesley down though. I hope Willow does something to stop a bloodshed! (If Wesley still bleeds :P)

[simtopi]

She is a sweet person, which is why she didn't stay mad for very long. I like writing Willow out of her norm, it sort of surprises me too. Samantha likes to take her time, I think. Actually i've wanted the confrontation to happen earlier but i hadn't been able to get to it. Thanks for the comment! :)

(I'm a little brain dead this morning so apologies if my replies aren't making sense)

[selenaq13.livejournal.com]

Too intense! This story deserves hard cover binding! Can't wait for the next chapter.

[simtopi]

Aww, I'm flattered... thanks! I doubt I could see it in any other format, this is fun. :)

[mimiwiggles.livejournal.com]

this chapter was AMAHZZZING!!!!!! cliffhanger!!! and willow is my favorite female character (i know that's so cliche loving the main character but.... ah well)... I really don't know what to think about wesley right now... argh!!! if this were a book i would probably read it in one sitting! :)

[mimiwiggles.livejournal.com]

p.s. i'm SOOOO glad you didn't have Adrian actually kiss her (and possibly get caught)! I hate it when that happens in movies!

[simtopi]

I'm glad you like Willow. She's so far from my personality, she's kind of a challenge for me to write. I did think of Adrian and Willow being caught by someone originally, but I'm happy with how this is going. Thanks again for commenting. :)

[simgarooop.livejournal.com]

Uh oh... things are going to get ugly between Willow and Wesley!

I loved the chapter, especially the part with young Willow and Kimberly Cordial, her transformation sequence is really well done! :)

[simtopi]

Yeah, things are certainly looking interesting for Willow and Wesley. (All her relationships in fact). I'm really glad you liked this chapter. Willow and Kimberly were neat to write.

[velvet-love14.livejournal.com]

I just wanted to say, I found this story a few days ago, I've read through it now! I absolutely love it, I was ecstatic to find out there was a new update today. :)
I was really surprised by the whole Adrian/Gabriel thing. I do love Gabriel though. He's fun^-^
Also love the way you incorporated the maxis story lines/characters, as well. You made me re-download the mega-hood and start making them over! :P

[simtopi]

Thank you, I'm happy you're liking this story so far! I'm flattered that you mentioned redownloading the mega hood. If my game allowed for it, I would totally do that too. Right now, with all my CC, I'm not sure I could fit another neighbourhood in there, but I still have the originals. :)

[velvet-love14.livejournal.com]

I tend to reinstall my game a lot, and when I do, I always immediately delete the originals, and a few months later I want them back, aha.

[lintelsoups.livejournal.com]

I just found this, your story here tonight. WOW. I haven't found a good story like this in awhile, I'm very impressed. And I gotta be honest, reading this from the beginning; it felt like it belonged on the CW. But the more I read the better it got. I think it's just that I like some characters more than others - which goes to show how great your writing is with this.

As for this chapter, yes! that is an awesome cliffhanger. I can just hear the "dun dun dunnn" after Wesley announced that.

[simtopi]

Thank you so much! I don't mind it belonging on CW, to be honest. I've always thought if I had to have an age category it would suit that target. I'm really happy to have new readers and I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the comment. :)

[simtopi]

Hi there! I don't think I've ever had an icon lead someone here before, but that's neat. :) I love the Cordial sisters personally. I'm really glad you've read and liked the story so far. I really appreciate the comment. ^_^

[prettypalisades.livejournal.com]

I read quite a few Sims stories and I've got to say, yours is my favorite! I love the storylines and character development, please keep it going. I can't wait to see how the plot unfolds with Willow. Sincerely, one of your fans, Patricia.

[simtopi]

Wow, that's really nice of you to say. The story still has quite a few chapters to go before the end so it'll be around for a while. Thank you very much, and I'm just glad you've enjoyed it. :D

[starling-1.livejournal.com]

I just followed a link and landed here and I am HOOKED!! Wow! The quality of the the shots, the writing, Willow as a character and the mystery and tension in the storyline are wonderful! Immediately adding this to my favorites list and I can't wait to go backwards and read everything you've done!

[simtopi]

After looking at your stories briefly, I don't feel really worthy of your praise but thank you very, very much. I'm honoured! :D And thanks for introducing yourself, I'm totally looking forward to reading your stuff too. :D

[pnkpnthr334.livejournal.com]

I just started reading this story last night, and it is fantastic! I'm loving all of the supernatural elements, and how everyone is connected in some way. It's getting late, so I have to stop here. Hopefully, I can get all caught up 2mrw.

[simtopi]

Thank you for taking the time to read this and getting as far as you did. :) I'm glad you're enjoying it! ^_^

[maranazar.livejournal.com]

So...I squeed when I saw Samantha, but now I'm torn as to whether or not it's a good thing. xD You do a really good job of building up characters before you show their faces. It's awesome. =D

[simtopi]

I try to be a little suspenseful. ;) Thank you!