Chapter 37

[simtopi]

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Chapter 37: Face To Face

Warnings: Death, bad words.

It had been far too long since Linden had made a proper visit back to his alma mater. He had to admit, the last time he was even near here didn't exactly count.


Much of campus was different, but some things stayed the same.




Linden: Nice to see that you're at least checking your e-mails.


Willow looked up and smiled warmly seeing her brother there.

Willow: Linden! Sorry, I only got it this morning.


Linden: It's okay, at least you came out. I'm also glad to see that you haven't turned into Gollum yet, hanging out in the wilderness. You really spooked us.


Linden: And would it kill you to get a phone hooked up at least?
Willow: It isn't exactly on my list of things to do. I'm still at campus enough.


Linden: Well I don't know how you do it. I'd freak out if I had no way of reaching the outside world.
Willow: I make do. I never really used the phone that much anyway.


Linden: Have you had lunch yet?
Willow: I wasn't sure when you'd get here. I had a quick bite just a little bit ago. I have an hour or so to kill before next class. Are you hungry?
Linden: I'm actually fine. How about we go for a walk. I still haven't seen campus in a while.


Willow really was happy to see Linden again. At least this time he wasn't unconscious or being threatened by her own magic. They didn't talk about that much. He was revelling in nostalgia about campus and she was just glad he was here.


Linden: Is that ice rink new?
Willow: I think so. I never had any real reason to come here before.



Willow: But it's weird... so much seems so different lately. I don't know exactly what it is.
Linden: You've been through a lot. I bet your perspective on a lot of things have been altered. You might not even know it.
Willow: Is that a good thing?


Linden: It can be. Maybe you're just coming out of your shell a bit.
Willow: I didn't realize I was so "contained".
Linden: Well, neither did I until I graduated and moved to Sunset Valley. Though I have to tell you, it's really good to be back here.


Willow: Does that mean you're staying?

He chuckled and looked away.
Linden: For a little while longer.


Linden: I came back to see everybody again, take a bit of a break and relax, but the last time we were all together you nearly got me killed.
Willow: I said I was sorry about that.
Linden: All I'm saying is that it's good to hang out without the threat of mortal danger looming over us.


Willow: Well, you never know with me, right?
Linden: Look, I'm just getting used to you having all these weird, heeby jeeby supernatural powers. Don't remind me.
Willow: You're beginning to sound like Rowan.
Linden: Heaven forbid.


Willow: And you're not the only one getting used to it. I think I've told just about everyone I know. Well... almost.
Linden: For some reason, I'm comforted knowing that I'm not the last one to know.


Willow: You've been away. Writing you an e-mail about all these details would have seemed so impersonal. Besides, I wasn't exactly allowed to tell anyone about me.
Linden: Like sworn to secrecy and stuff? Sounds very superhero of you.
Willow: I wish. I don't feel very hero like. And I can't fly though. At least not yet.


Linden: Well does Gabriel know?
Willow: Gabriel?
Linden: Yes. Your boyfriend. You're still together right?


Willow didn't answer right away. Her smile left her face. Hearing Gabriel's name only brought her back to her reality. It had only been a couple of days since her night with Adrian, but as she always had, she tried to stop thinking about it by focusing on other matters.

Linden: You're not saying anything. That's not exactly a good sign.
Willow: Things are different now, Linden.


Willow: I should get to class.


Linden walked Willow to class, but she was mostly quiet along the way. She smiled when he spoke, but she seemed more distant than she had been when he first met up with her.


Linden: You know if you need help, you can get in touch with me right? I'm not Rowan, I'm not going to freak out on you or anything like that. I just want to make sure you're doing okay.
Willow: Is that the real reason you came by? To check up on me?
Linden: I won't deny that. You're my little sister, I kind of just want to know you're safe. Not too much to ask for is it?
Willow: I'm fine. I can take care of myself.


Linden: Now you're just being defensive for no reason. I know weird things are going on, Willow and I know there's no way I could even deal with half the things you must be dealing with. But if you're in trouble, then I'm going to want to help. Even if it's just to talk about it.


Linden: Because pretending the problems aren't there isn't going to make them go away.
Willow: Well, I don't want you to help. There isn't anything you can do about my problems.


Linden: You don't think I'd at least try?


They hugged and said their goodbyes. As he started to walk away, Willow called out to him.

Willow: Linden, I really did like hanging out with you today. Thank you.
Linden: Me too, Willow.
Willow: I promise you, I'll be okay.


He didn't know if he believed her but there was no point ruining the rest of the day by getting into an argument about it.

Besides, he was saving all that energy for the other sibling.

---

He spent the rest of the day at campus and ran a few errands before he grabbed a bus back to the city. He had to make one more stop, but it was by the other end of town from where their parents lived.

As loudly as he banged on that door, no one answered from inside the apartment.


Linden swore, annoyed. This wasn't exactly one of his favourite neighbourhoods to be in after dark.


He walked out of the building, looking around cautiously as he stepped outside. The street was eerie in its silence.




He gasped, startled by a loud noise that sounded like breaking glass.


A stray cat stepped out from behind a parked car, staring back at Linden with the same amount of apprehension.


Linden exhaled. The cat must have knocked something over. Sensing no further threat, it scampered on its way.


Linden hated this neighbourhood. There would be only one reason he'd be out here. And even now, he wasn't sure it was worth it. He continued to walk away.


"For fuck's sake, look up, you moron."


Linden: Fuck Rowan, you scared the shit out of me.
Rowan: I was trying to get your attention. Was funny though.
Linden: Yeah, I'm all laughs. What are you doing up there?
Rowan: Admiring the landscape until you stepped in it.


Rowan: Well little bro'? What do you want?

---

It took a few cancellations, but this meeting was finally happening.


It also wasn't like Cecilia to be early, but she was a little anxious to meet the infamous Heather Huffington and learn what she could about her dead college friend.


While she had waited, Cecilia did a little more research on who Heather was. Heather Huffington had studied drama in college, acquiring the covetted title of Miss Sim State which opened up the opportunity to act in a few low budget movies soon after she had graduated, all of which was well before Cecilia's time. She didn't get too far in her acting career before she got into journalism, eventually owning her own publishing company. Somewhere along the way, that lead to Heather's community involvement, now moving into politics.


The woman wanted to be mayor. And though they've never met, Cecilia was already annoyed by her.


Despite getting there early, she was kept waiting. She looked up expectantly at the receptionist who was easily ignoring her. She sighed loudly in frustration. The receptionist glanced up nonchalantly and answered by casually flipping the page of the magazine he was reading.


She didn't even know why she was bothering... Cecilia never waited for anyone.


Tiffany: Cecilia Baird?


Tiffany: Sorry to keep you waiting.
Cecilia: Right. Campaigning gets busy and all that.


Tiffany: It can. I'm Tiffany Sampson. We spoke on the phone.


Tiffany: Heather will be a moment. In the meantime, you can wait in her office.
Cecilia: Wait, what? I've already been waiting for half an hour...
Tiffany: She'll be here soon. Again, I apologize for the wait.


Cecilia sighed. Of course, she'd have to leave people waiting so they can hang around an office she doubted anyone did any actual work in. In fact, it looked more like a place to show off all her awards and accolades.


Photos of Heather smiling with underprivileged children, doing community work, meeting VIPs, all surrounded her.




One of the pictures in particular caught Cecilia's attention.


Heather: Pretty picture ain't it? At least I think so, I just love what I'm wearing there. Funny thing, but I actually forget what party that was taken at.


Heather: So many parties, so little time, y'know. But I get the feeling you're not admiring me, are you sugar? I know that man accessory on my arm ain't too bad to look at


Cecilia: You mean Malcolm? Are you dating him?
Heather: No honey, that's an old picture. We had a fling. Not a biggie. I guess you know him then? And on a first name basis too, hm?


Heather: I figure. Where money an' fame are concerned that man is a dog. If you didn't know that by now, I'm sure you will soon.


Cecilia: Actually, I have no idea what you're talking about.
Heather: Let's just say that Malcolm has a type.


Heather: But you're not just here to talk about men, are you hon'?
Cecilia: Well no, I'm not...


Heather: Speakin' of, how is that old man of yours? I tell you I had such a thing for him when we were at SSU together. Sometimes I think it's too bad we never hooked up, but I guess our sim God has other plans for us all. I was so happy to hear when Clive and your momma got hitched... though he didn't invite me to the wedding.... But look what came out of that! Aren't you an adorable lil' thing, don't you think Tiff?


Cecilia could see how Heather could be so popular. She was talkative and way too perky. She was also gorgeous, and practically glowed platinum with positive energy. She could barely keep up as Heather reminisced about stuff Cecilia had no idea about.

Cecilia: I'm sorry, I'm not usually this weird around people...


Heather: Oh hon', aren't you a sweetie. Listen I'm flattered, but there isn't any reason to be shy around me.


Heather: I may have done a lot in my life, reached some of my life goals, but I'm just the same as you, Tiffany, that guy out there takin' my phone calls, any sim you know.


Heather: Your momma, Tiff and I were all Tri-Var. We were all friends, isn't that right, Tiff? Tri-Var for life!

Tiffany mumbled something and looked down at her clipboard.


Heather: And now look at us. Denise is a brilliant singer, and I just want to serve the public. I'm just happy I don't have to run against your Gramps, I don't mind sayin'...

Tiffany coughed, catching Heather's attention.


Heather: Well look at me, runnin' off my mouth again about politics. And I know diddly squat about why you're even here. Now believe me, I love your Gramps but I also know we don't exactly agree on a lot of key points. I suppose I can't expect any sort of endorsement out of you or your family now, could I?
Cecilia: Um... no... I mean I'm not here about the election, or my Grandfather, or my parents or anything like that.


Heather: Well hon'... floor's all yours. Why don't you tell us what I can help you with?


She gulped down and took a deep breath as Heather waited expectantly for Cecilia to speak.
Cecilia: I wanted to know... what you know about Brittany. Brittany Upsnott. She was Tri-Var too...


Heather's demeanor suddenly changed. The easy smile quickly left her face.
Heather: Brittany...? What makes you think I know anything about what happened to her?


Cecilia: "What happened to her...?" So you know something did happen to her. She died in college, right? At the Landgrabb Mansion...


Heather: Brittany was my best friend and she disappeared while we were in college. No one knows what happened to her. It really isn't nice to bring up bad memories. And if you're implyin' anything...
Cecilia: But I'm not...
Heather: I see what this is, I should have known. Old Mayor Baird did send you to dig up shit on me, didn't he? I can't believe I wasted time on you. Tiff...


Heather turned her back, and even before she called on Tiffany, the other woman was already practically in Cecilia's face.

Tiffany: This meeting is over, I think it's time to leave Miss Baird.


Cecilia: Meeting? I didn't even get a chance to say anything!
Tiffany: There really isn't anything more to say, is there. Now get out of here before I need to call security.


Cecilia: Are you kidding me? I have information about your "best friend" and you don't want to hear it? Come fucking on, I sat here listening to your bullshit, you could at least listen to mine... get your hands off me!


Cecilia pulled away from Tiffany.
Cecilia: I really don't know what happened between you and her. I don't give a shit if you were friends or enemies or whatever. All I know is that Brittany isn't resting in peace like you wish she was. And she's already screwing up my life.


Cecilia: I'm tired of dealing with it alone. Whatever happened, it's already coming back up.

She turned around and stormed out of the office.


The two women were silent long after Cecilia left. Even Heather had no words. Tiffany finally spoke, her voice low and shaking.

Tiffany: You knew it wouldn't be the end of it, did you Heather?



Cecilia stood outside waiting for the cab. She was furious. All this time she wasted only to have to be rudely kicked out. She thought briefly of phoning her father... even her Grandfather to tell them about what happened.


But she didn't know what she could tell them. It would sound juvenile. Brittany Upsnott is haunting my sorority house and Heather Huffington doesn't want to help me!


Angrily, she started to walk. She didn't even want to wait in front of this building anymore. She had only taken a few steps when a sedan drove up towards her.


It stopped with an abrupt halt.


Cecilia was a little surprised to see Tiffany get out of the car.
Tiffany: Cecilia wait...
Cecilia: I called a cab, I'm leaving!


Tiffany: I know. I called the cab company to cancel it. I'll drive you back to your place personally.
Cecilia: Right. Tell me all about it then make me "disappear" to shut me up. Like my mother always said, I'm not that blonde.


Tiffany: What? No! We're not going to make you disappear... Listen. We got off to a bad start I think. We can tell you what happened to Brittany. If you still want to know. But there are a few things you have to agree to.


Cecilia looked back at Tiffany and stood back cautiously. She knew this would be a bad idea, but she was also not looking forward to another night dealing with Brittany's ghost. If Tiffany and Heather had anything to tell her that could help her appease the ghost, she wanted to know.

Cecilia: Okay. But I'm calling my sister.
Tiffany: That's fine. Just get in the car.

---

Willow was tired by the time she came home from her classes. She tried to read a bit but finally decided she at least needed a nap. She hadn't been sleeping well lately.


Her nightmares had come back, more vivid than ever.


In this dream, she relived the death of that young man. He was murdered in front of her.


And she did nothing to stop it.


In her dream, she didn't run. As the old witch cackled behind her, Willow ran up to the corpse. It was already impossibly cold.


She gasped when she turned him over. A scream welled up inside of her. Nothing could stop her fear and her grief.


"Please no..."


Her cries echoed throughout the empty park...



.. and followed her as she forced herself awake.


She bolted out of bed and ran out of her room. She had to know if he was okay.


Willow: Gabriel! Show me Gabriel!!!


The mirror flashed brighter then it ever had in answer to her shouts. When the light began to dim, she could see Gabriel reflected there, clearer than ever. He was safe.


She exhaled, but her heartbeat wouldn't slow down.




Gabriel turned around quickly, though he wasn't sure why. He was alone up on the roof of his building.


But he still had that strange feeling that he was being watched. It was odd.


He'd come up here to explore. The building was old and had been occupied almost exclusively by college students. Apparently past residents had made the rooftop some kind of hang out joint. Right now, it was just quiet. Just how he preferred it.


It was enough to help him clear his head and think.




He jumped when Willow appeared suddenly before him.

Gabriel: What the...?! Willow!!!


Willow: I'm sorry! Did I scare you?


Gabriel: No shit you scared me!


Gabriel: You're not going to make a habit of just suddenly appearing out of thin air are you? 'Cause you know, most normal people just like, use the door. Knock. That kind of thing.


Willow: Most "normal" people? Come on, don't you think you're exaggerating a bit?
Gabriel: Well actually no I don't. Seriously most people don't beam up and all over the place to get around. How did you even know I was up here?


Willow: I... just knew. It doesn't matter. But I'm sorry I scared you. I really wanted to see you.
Gabriel: You could have called first.
Willow: I don't have a phone.
Gabriel: Are you serious? You live out in the woods now and you don't have a phone?


Willow: Why is that so weird? And it's not like you look like you're living much better. At least I have a roof.
Gabriel: I don't live up here... wait you're being funny. Nice, Willow.
Willow: Sorry.


Gabriel: Nah. Don't be. You trying to be funny is kinda cute.
Willow: So you're not mad at me anymore?


He sighed.
Gabriel: No I'm not. But it's not that simple, you know.
Willow: I know.


Gabriel: I've been thinking a lot about you... I guess I just wanted everything to be a lot less complicated than this. There's a lot I don't know.
Willow: Maybe... maybe that's for the best. Maybe you're right, I'm just not someone you want to know.
Gabriel: I never said that I didn't want to learn.



Gabriel: Willow, why are you here?
Willow: I wanted to make sure you were safe.
Gabriel: I'm safe. Look, all in one piece. But that's not entirely it, is it?

She looked away uncomfortably. Neither of them said anything until the silence between them was too much to bear.



Willow turned away from him finally.

Willow: I don't know if we should be together anymore. I thought I could... and I thought I wanted to ...
Gabriel: Are you going to at least face me and tell me this?


Gabriel reached out and gently turned her around. She still avoided looking at him.
Gabriel: Listen, I'm sorry too. I know some really weird stuff has happened and you're going through a lot. I shouldn't have gotten as mad as I did....
Willow: You were right to, though. Something could have gone wrong. Maybe I don't know what I'm doing.
Gabriel: And maybe that's the best reason why you shouldn't be alone.
Willow: What if it's what I need to do?


Willow: Gabriel, I don't want you to get hurt.


Gabriel: Then don't do this.


As tears began to fall, she kissed him one more time.



Next » [ Chapter 38: Sisterhood ]

.................................
Notes:

* brief appearance by shelbster93's Phineas

* even though it was a dream, and even though I've posed and mutilated corpses throughout this story, dead Gabriel still icked me out a little. Oh Willow, you and your dream sequences :p
* and sorry about this chapter. eeps.
* thank you for reading!

(P.S. <3 Rowan )

Comments

[simtopi]

Thank you! :D What happens with Cecilia will be told soon. :)