Act 2
Fade In:
Ext.
Giles and Becca’s House – Back Porch – Evening
Giles and Becca lounged on their wooden porch swing, his arm around her shoulder as they slowly swung. Just inside the house, they could see Grace doing her best to take care of the twins in their crib. At the bottom of the hill in the backyard, Rowena was playing tag with Liz and Marty. Becca smiled as all three of them got tangled up and went down in a heap.
Buffy sat on an all-weather chaise across from them, her eyes closed. “It’s kinda nice,” she said. “Everybody. Together.”
“Yes,” Becca agreed.
“Almost makes me forget how much I’ve screwed everything up,” Buffy said. without opening her eyes.
“That’s hardly the –” Giles began, but Buffy cut him off.
“I put on a show,” she said. “I’m the general, everyone’s counting on me. You taught me that. But that doesn’t mean I know what I’m doing. Here I am giving orders, and I’m the Chairwoman who ran the Council into the ground.”
Giles kissed Becca lightly on the top of her head, and she moved slightly to allow him to untangle himself. He leaned forwards toward Buffy, resting his elbows on his knees.
“Buffy, what we need to understand is that this country, this world, is, at the moment, a place of fear. Economically, politically…people are scared. It’s not anything you did or anything you didn’t do. In a land of huddled sheep, any shepherd will do.”
Buffy slowly rubbed her temples with her fingertips. “You mean O’Mara.”
“Yes,” Giles nodded. “I think anything we can do to remove her is absolutely key.”
Xander appeared behind Buffy. He put a hand softly on her shoulder, and she finally opened her eyes to look up at him. She smiled gratefully as he handed her a glass of red wine. Giles grinned at the display, but said nothing.
“Do you really think we can do that?” she asked Giles. “Bring her down? Rumor has it she could be the president someday and we’re…Our library is limited; most of the girls have gone home. It’s just us die-hards left now.”
“Well, we used to save the world all the time,” Xander told her as he sat down next to her, “and all we had then were four friends and the shady back shelves of a high school library. We did just fine with you, me, Giles, and–”
“I miss my Willow,” Buffy sighed, taking a sip of her drink.
Giles nodded. “Yes. We all do.”
Jim poked his head out the back door and called down the hill. “Rowena! We’re ready for you in here.”
“I’ll be right there,” Rowena called back. She set a giggling Liz back on her feet under a birch tree. “I’d love to keep playing with you guys, but I have go do watcher stuff, okay?”
Liz wrung her little hands and rocked back and forth nervously. “Are you gonna bring Aunt Willow home?”
Rowena opened her mouth, then closed it. She leaned forward, hands on knees. “I hope so,” she said earnestly. “The books I’m gonna go look at might help.”
“How?” Liz asked, full of little kid innocence.
Rowena bit her lip. “It’s hard to explain,” she said. “You can find out lots of things in books.”
“Books are your favorite things…and cookies,” Liz pointed out.
“Yes,” Rowena nodded with a smile. “Two of my favorite things.” She then straightened up and shouted over to Buffy. “Maybe Aunt Buffy can chase you around for a while?”
For the first time, Buffy grinned. She handed her wine to Xander and easily cleared the porch railing in a single jump. She made a growling noise as she ran toward Liz, making the young girl laugh as she tried to hide behind the tree.
Cut To:
Int.
Triangle Bar – Later
Jason Felix walked into the Triangle and glanced around. The place was tiny, though it was indeed triangle shaped. The bar ran across one of the long sides, an old television showing the Indians game flickering above it.
A thin, tired-looking man, the one who had earlier eaten a tuna melt in the MystaCorp break room, motioned him over furtively. Felix walked over and casually slid onto the stool next to the man.
“I must say,” Felix began, “for this level of skullduggery, you might have chosen a younger accomplice.”
“I heard some people talking,” the man said, nervousness creeping into his tone.
“Good for you.” Felix motioned to the bartender. “Scotch, please.”
“They said you were asking around,” the younger man continued. “Asking for tidbits on how to turn off an anti-magic chamber.”
Felix nodded slowly. “Yes.”
“Is this because of the one they have Willow Rosenberg in?”
The bartender plunked a shot glass in front of Felix, and he took a sip, using this as an excuse not to answer. “This is surprisingly good.”
“I helped design that cell,” the man continued. “The one in Hazelton. If you’re looking for a way to spring Rosenberg, I may be able to help. A safety feature was installed – something that can be done in case someone ever got trapped inside by accident.”
“For someone without a name, you’re especially chatty,” Felix commented. He took another swig of his drink, then spent a moment sizing his companion up. “Why you? Why are you offering to help when no one else will?”
The younger man looked directly at Felix for the first time. “Slayers saved my sister,” he said. The two men stared at each other for a few seconds, and then he looked up back up at the TV. “She had too much to drink one night with friends. She was walking home alone when she was attacked.”
“A vampire?” Felix asked gently.
The man shook his head. “No. He was just an ordinary guy. But if that patrol wasn’t there…well, it’s hard to think about it, really. She got away with just a couple of scraped knees, could have been a lot worse…a lot worse,” he stressed, and then looked back at Felix. “The world needs the Watchers Council, Mr. Felix. They help everyday people out…every day.”
“Our new slogan, I’m sure.” Felix grinned.
“It’s not just about monsters,” the man continued. “I’m not sure I get what O’Mara’s saying completely, but I can tell you that the misdeeds of one witch to free a slayer who helped save the world…well, she shouldn’t be taken away from the people.” He sounded a lot less nervous now. “And besides, I can name you a helluva lot of people who deserve a place behind bars more than Rosenberg. People in Washington, for example. So what I’m saying, Mr. Felix, is that if you want my help…I’m in.”
Felix grinned, but the man grew very serious and lowered his voice even further. “Just…don’t ever mention me. To anyone.”
Felix grin became a full-fledged smile as he took another sip of his scotch.
Cut To:
Int.
Giles and Becca’s House – Bedroom – Night
Rowena lay on the floor next to the twins, Alex and Jen, who were both sleeping. Liz slept on her other side. Sandwiched between the kids, she heard the door open and looked over to see Felix standing there. She immediately sat up, making Liz stir. Felix then waved her to follow him as he turned his back. Rowena ran a hand over the girl’s hair, settling her, before she walked toward the hallway where Felix waited.
When she arrived in the hallway, Felix held up a piece of paper and simply said, “We might have a way.” Rowena smiled and walked over to pull him into a hug.
“I might have to name our next child after you if this works, Jason,” she said as she pulled away.
“What if it’s a girl?” he teased. “‘Jason’ is a bit masculine.”
“How about Sophia then?” she asked, remembering his wife’s name.
“Actually…” Felix stopped himself. He looked away for a moment. Then he said, “That would be a much better choice, I think.” He gave her a firm nod and a slight grin. “Now come with me. I’ll explain.”
Fade To:
Int.
Giles and Becca’s House – Kitchen – Day
Rowena, Felix, Faith, Buffy, Andrew, Ethan and Giles were all standing around a table with a map.
“It still makes sense that I do this,” Faith told the group.
Rowena shook her head. “I am not having you hand Willow a letter and tell her it’s from me.”
“If it’s my letter, it won’t make any sense. The guards might figure it’s a fake and not hand it over to her, and then we’re boned. It has to be from you,” Faith replied.
“You know how Willow is – she’ll spaz,” Rowena countered. She motioned Giles and Buffy to look at Faith. “Tell her,” she stressed. “Willow will think I’m sending Faith in with a Dear John letter, right?” Buffy and Giles looked sheepishly at each other. “See?” Rowena pointed. “We know how Will thinks.”
“I’ll convince her otherwise, okay?” Faith shot back. “Look, just…I have to be the one to do this, all right? We’ve gone over it like a thousand times this morning. The prison is here.” She pointed to the map. “The farm is here.” She pointed again. She opened her mouth to say something else, but was interrupted.
Grace poked her head inside and said, “Rowena? Your family made it.”
“Thank you,” Rowena answered and then pointed a finger at Faith. “This discussion is not over,” she added, before walking away.
“Yes, it is. I’m demanding a vote,” Faith called out as Rowena left.
“Ethan?” Buffy asked, getting his attention. He looked over at her. “What do you think? Will Willow have enough power to escape if that shield goes down?”
“You’re seriously asking my opinion?”
“Like Giles said yesterday – desperate times and all that.”
Ethan grinned. “One of two things would happen, I suppose. One, she’ll be incredibly powerful since she hasn’t done magic in three months. Or two, she’ll be incredibly drained since, well, she hasn’t done magic in three months.”
“So, in other words, you have no idea?” Buffy remarked.
“None whatsoever, sorry,” he said casually.
Buffy sighed. “If you fail,” she told Faith, “you’ll both end up back in jail.”
“I know that, B. I’m willing to risk that.”
“Have you talked to Robin about this?” Buffy asked.
“Yep, and he knows I’m doing this.”
A small silence fell around the group.
“How’s your search going on O’Mara, Andrew?” Giles asked.
“Not as fruitful as I hoped,” he replied.
Giles looked to the group. “Time is of the essence here. We need Willow.”
“True,” Felix added. “The longer this draws out, the more momentum O’Mara gains. We need to neutralize her efforts, and very soon.”
“Now, passports, like we talked about earlier,” Andrew perked up, “that I can get by the end of the day. But like Ethan said, would any of that matter? If Willow doesn’t have the power–”
“Guys,” Faith interrupted, “we’ve been over all this. Am I going to do this or not? Because there’s stuff I’ll have to get ready.”
“Agreed,” Buffy said. “Let’s take a vote. All in favor of Faith’s plan, say aye.” Buffy, Faith and Andrew all said, “Aye.” “Motion carried.” Buffy picked up a spatula and smacked it on the table. “It’s the little things I miss…like my gavel,” she said, as she inspected the cooking utensil. “This isn’t quite the same.”
“We’ll get your gavel back, B…and your podium…and all the walls that surround it.” Faith stood up and headed for the doorway. “I’m gonna go tell Robin what’s up.”
Cut To:
Int.
Giles and Becca’s House – Living Room – Moments Later
As Faith walked by Rowena, who was talking to her mother and sister, she said, “Council took a vote. I’m going tomorrow.”
At first, Rowena looked surprised. Then she quickly called after Faith’s retreating form going up the stairs, “Technically, there is no Council.”
“Technically, you’re wrong,” Faith countered. “There is still a Council. We’re just homeless right now.”
“You have a home,” Giles said as he entered. “And I have the food bill to prove it.”
Faith just smiled and continued up the stairs.
Buffy walked up next to Giles. “We’ll pay you back, I swear.”
Giles grinned. “How so? You have no money.”
“If we don’t solve this problem, I’ll go back to working double or triple shifts at the Doublemeat Palace to make sure you get paid.”
“Bloody hell. I’ll still never see my money. You better succeed,” he replied seriously before smiling. Buffy finally grinned, too, as Giles put his arm around her shoulder, giving it a pat of support.
“Anyway,” Rowena said, turning back to her family, “will you both consider what I’m asking?”
“I’m in,” Mary Grace answered automatically. “I can’t speak for Mom,” she said, turning to her expectantly.
“You really think she can pass as you, Blanche?” their mother asked.
The women stood side-by-side, looking almost like carbon copies. “I think she’ll do,” Rowena teased.
Rowena’s mother bit her lip for a moment. “Okay, I’ll help.”
“Thank you,” Rowena said sincerely. “Oh,” she said, as she began to take off her bracelet and wedding ring. “You’ll need these,” she told Mary as she helped her put them on. “I’ll give them to you now in case I forget later. Just remember I’m giving you the two most precious things in the world to me.”
“I know,” Mary replied.
Rowena finished putting on the bracelet. “I’m not talking about the jewelry,” she told her. “I meant Alex and Jen.”
“I know what you meant,” Mary told her. “Everything, and everyone, will be safe. I promise.”
Rowena grinned, although she looked like she might cry at any moment. As if not trusting her voice, she simply nodded.
Fade To:
Int.
Kadin’s Cabin – Guest Bedroom – Next Morning
Faith and Robin were curled up in bed, wrapped in each other’s arms.
“You know,” Faith began, “you don’t have to go. I’ll get someone else to ride shotgun.”
“I know,” he said. “I can’t speak for you, but I’m in this relationship for the long haul.”
“Can’t talk you out of it, huh?” she asked.
“You do mean the job and not us, right?”
Faith grinned. “Yes. You’re looking at being an accessory if we get caught.”
“We can do this, or, more to the point, you can do this. I’m sure.”
Faith moved to her elbow and looked down at Robin. “Well, just in case you’re wrong…one more go-around before we leave the bed.”
Robin smiled and pulled her down toward him. They started to kiss, slowly at first and then with greater intensity.
Cut To:
Ext.
Kadin’s Cabin – Later that Morning
Faith rode an ATV up the ramp of a trailer hooked to the back of a Jeep. She shut off the engine and hopped to the side, where Kennedy stood next to the trailer.
“Got everything you need?” Kennedy asked.
“Yep, I’m all set.”
Robin made his way over along with Kadin, the two of them quietly chatting.
“Okay, babe,” he called over to Faith. Faith looked up from strapping the ATV down and hopped down from the trailer. He gave her a tender kiss and then said, “I’ll see you at the rendezvous point.”
As he climbed inside a waiting car, she gave him a wave. “I’ll head out soon, too,” she called out.
“Do you really think this will work?” Kennedy asked, as Faith went back to strapping down the vehicle.
“It’s one of the last shots we’ve got,” Faith replied. “It better.” Giving the strap a final pull, she said, “That should do it.”
“Why don’t you have a cup of coffee before you head out?” Kennedy offered.
“Sounds like a plan,” Faith said. The three women began to make their way back to the cabin.
Cut To:
Ext.
Giles and Becca’s House – Day
Robin pulled into the driveway to see Rowena and Giles sitting on the porch. Upon seeing him, they each picked up two bags and made their way over.
“All set?” Robin asked.
“Yes,” Rowena answered, as she opened the rear door. Giles first put in the bags he was carrying and then helped Rowena with her two.
Giles shut the door and gave her a hug. “It’ll be a while before we see each other, so be safe. Give Willow my best.”
“I will,” she told him.
“Good luck,” Giles said to both of them.
Robin extended his hand through the car door window, and Giles shook it. “Remember what we worked out,” Giles told him.
“Certainly,” Robin said, as Rowena got into the passenger seat.
Cut To:
Ext.
Farm House – Evening
With the ATV in tow, Faith arrived at what looked like a farm. She got out of the Jeep was headed toward the front door of the house when someone called out to her from a nearby barn. She walked over toward him.
“You might not know me–” Faith began.
“You’re Faith Lehane!” the man said, with a bit of excitement.
“Or maybe you do.” Faith grinned.
The man then shouted out toward the house. “Oh, gosh! Paula, get out here!” He then turned back to Faith. “What brings you out this way?” he asked.
“Well, I’ve passed this property quite a bit while visiting my friend Willow Rosenberg.”
“Oh yeah, that witch,” he said. He quickly looked nervous. “I mean, not that she’s a witch. Just that she’s–”
“I get it,” Faith said, waving her hand dismissively. “She’s a witch, but not a bitch.” The man visibly relaxed. “Anyway, I love ATVing, and I can’t find anywhere in the city to do it. Plus, photographers…they’re everywhere I turn.”
At this point Paula made her way over. “Oh my word! You’re Faith Lehane, aren’t you?”
Faith smiled bashfully. “Yeah, that’s me.” She then turned to the man. “I’m sorry, what’s your name?” she asked him.
“Randy,” he said, offering his hand. “Randy Fulton.”
Faith took it and gave it a firm shake. “Anyway, like I was telling Randy here, I like ATVing, and I can’t find a good place to go. When I’ve been by, I thought this would be a great spot, y’know, secluded.”
“Oh, those damn paparazzi,” Paula said. “Oh, pardon my language, ma’am. They killed Princess Diana, you know. They can just be so terrible, can’t they?”
“Yes, I don’t seem to have a moment to myself,” Faith said, “which is why I’d like to know if it’s okay if I do a little riding here after I go visit my friend Willow. You might have heard her story.”
“Yeah,” Paula replied. “We heard. What a shame. Is she over at Hazelton now?”
Faith nodded. “Worst part is, she can’t seem to get a court date. They’re dragging their feet and…” Faith sighed. “Anyway, it’s a mess, so I thought maybe after my visit this time I’d do some riding around here, clear my head.”
“Oh, that’s fine, Ms. Lehane. Go right ahead.”
“Great,” Faith said with a bright smile. “I’m going to unhook here, if that’s okay? It’s hard enough to find parking as it is out there at the prison, let alone with this thing behind my jeep. ‘Sides, I’m not sure if they’ll let me take it.”
“Oh, it’ll be just fine here,” Randy told her. “Don’t you worry about it.”
“Thanks a lot,” Faith said, shaking their hands again. “I gotta get going now, though, because visiting hours are only held at certain times on Fridays.”
“Oh, absolutely,” Randy nodded. “If you need anything after you come back, just head up to the house if you don’t see me out here.”
Faith nodded and then walked back to unhook the trailer. “You guys are great. Oh, and if you don’t mind…please don’t tell anyone I’m here? Or otherwise the photographers won’t be far behind. Word does spread that quick, and I really just want to get away for a while.”
“Don’t you worry, Ms. Lehane. Mum’s the word,” Randy told her.
“Thanks again, guys,” Faith said. She unhooked the trailer with a loud clank.
Cut To:
Int.
Federal Detention Center – Check-In – Evening
Two guards were smiling as they talked to Faith. “We were wondering when we might see you,” one said. “We’ve seen just about everyone else so far – at least, the people from the magazine pictures and stuff.”
“I saw you on TV that one day,” the other guard said. “Did it hurt when you got stabbed in the stomach? It looked like it really hurt.”
Faith said nothing at first, then said, “Yeah. It hurt.”
“That’s a dumb question,” the guard told the other. “Why did you even ask that? Did it hurt?” he mimicked.
“Well, she’s like a superhero. I just wondered if it’d feel the same.”
“Hey, guys,” Faith said, cutting off their argument, “can I ask you for a favor?” she asked.
They looked at each other apprehensively. And Faith reached into her back pocket. “Rowena asked that I bring this to Willow. And I know you guys don’t like us to bring anything but…”
“I’m not sure,” the curious man said nervously.
“Well,” the other said, more confidently, “at the very least, we’ll have to read it.”
“Go for it,” she said, handing it over. “It’s pretty beautiful, and I’m not really into mushy stuff all that much.”
As the two guards examined the letter, Faith waited. Upon finishing it, they looked at each other and shrugged.
“I don’t think this will be a problem,” one of them replied.
“Thanks,” Faith told them. “That’ll mean a lot to Rowena. Me too. So really, thanks.”
“Come on.” One of them motioned Faith to follow.
Cut To:
Int.
Federal Detention Center – Visitation Room – Moments Later
Faith walked in and found Willow was already seated behind the glass partition in the prison’s visitation room. Upon seeing Faith, Willow stood up
“Guard,” she called out.
Faith quickly moved to the divider and knocked on the glass. She pointed forcefully at Willow and then at the phone before picking it up. The guard came to the door, and Willow waved him off with a small apology. Reluctantly, she sat down across from Faith and picked up the phone.
“First,” Faith began, “I’m sorry. You were right, and I was wrong. But I honestly didn’t think they’d lock you up, not like this.”
“When was the last time you had sex?” Willow asked, annoyed. Faith seemed taken aback by the question at first, and then a look of realization washed over her features, although she said nothing. “I’ve been celibate for three months. A-and not a self-imposed chastity, like ignoring sex in the hopes of achieving some higher spiritual awareness. But sex aside, I can’t even touch anyone I love, not so much as a handshake, because they think I’ll get something to help me escape. So you tell me, when was the last time, huh?”
“Willow,” Faith sighed.
“When?” Willow insisted.
“Today, okay?” Faith replied, getting annoyed. “And I hugged Kennedy. I shook hands with Kadin, and I kissed your wife on the cheek before I came here with a promise I’d bring the letter she wanted me to bring.”
“A letter?” Willow asked, suddenly concerned. “What kind of letter? Have you seen the letter?”
“Chill, okay?” Faith told her. “She figured you’d think it’s a Dear John letter – well, in this case, Dear Jane, but still – It’s not what you’re thinking. In fact, it’s so sweet anyone who reads it might get diabetes on the spot, so you’ve been warned,” Faith said with a grin. “I told the guard to give it to you after I leave, so take it back to your cell and read it there.” Faith raised her eyebrows ever so slightly and then winked. Willow still looked a bit unsure, but said nothing. “Anyway, have you seen the news lately?”
“Yeah,” Willow said. “There’s no more Council?”
“There’s a Council,” Faith answered. “It’s just crammed into Giles’s three-bedroom house. From the basement to the attic, literally. That’s why Robin and I are staying at Ken and Kadin’s cabin.”
“Ken and Kadin? Ken moved out? Prior to getting the boot, I mean?”
Faith nodded. “Well, yeah, they got engaged.”
“They’re engaged?” Willow asked.
“Nobody told you?” Faith asked.
“No, nobody told me,” Willow said, annoyed. “When did they get engaged? How long ago?”
“A couple weeks,” Faith replied. “Kadin asked. Ken said yeah. I guess they’re doing what you and Ro did. Kadin’s got residence status from all over the world. They can get married in pretty much any country.”
“Except here,” Willow pointed out.
“That’ll change someday,” Faith said.
“Oh really?” Willow said, disappointed.
“There was once a time when Robin and I couldn’t even date, let alone get married. Things change – it just takes time. Plus, there’s California now.”
Willow snorted. “Yeah, if I ever get out of here, I can get married in Massachusetts and California – it’s just all the other states in between that won’t count.”
Faith suppressed a grin. “Like I said, times will change, I’m sure. Right now, though, nuptials aren’t our biggest concern. We’ve got O’Mara to deal with. We think she’s behind all of this – the Council, the courts dragging their heels on you. We just need to figure out why…and who she really is. Kadin has this theory that she might be a demon in human form. We don’t know, so it’d be real helpful if we had a hacker to turn to.”
“Go figure,” Willow replied.
“Yeah, that’s what we’re thinking, too. Your extended incarceration is not a coincidence,” Faith said. “Everyone misses you, Willow, in more ways than one. It’s been rough, so that’s why after I leave here I’m going to go climb the big hill to the west with an ATV. I just need some time away.”
“Prison is good for that – you have lots of me time.”
“I remember,” Faith told her.
Willow sighed. “Maybe this really isn’t about you, Faith. I mean, maybe you came clean and I got put here because…karmically, this is where I really should be. I can’t say I’m a completely innocent person. Maybe it’s just desserts, y’know?”
Faith licked her lips. “I’m gonna tell you something, something that someone told me five years ago…We need you. You’ve got experience and wisdom you can pass along. So maybe that’s your real debt to society. A-and the best way to serve that debt is to help us in this fight.”
“Well, Giles was always the biggest brain,” Willow said.
Faith grinned. “Giles didn’t say it. You did, sitting in an examining room in a Toledo police station. You knew what I’d done and you still believed in me…And we all believe in you. The past is…well, the past. None of us can change what we’ve done, but what we do today is what matters most. And being here,” Faith motioned around them, “this isn’t serving society – no matter what O’Mara says, or even what you might think right now. The world needs Willow Rosenberg. The Council needs Willow Rosenberg. And yes, Faith Lehane needs Willow Rosenberg.” Willow got a bit teary-eyed at the admission. “Listen,” Faith told her. “Stay strong, all right? Take that letter back to your cell. I’m gonna go tackle that big hill out west, but I’ll be back next chance I get. Okay?” Willow nodded. “And for what it’s worth…” Faith continued, “I am sorry this happened, Will. I’m doing what I can to try to fix it. We love you, Red.”
Faith then put her hand up to the glass, and Willow followed suit.
“I love you guys, too,” she replied, before hanging up.
Cut To:
Int.
Federal Detention Center – Hallway Outside Willow’s Cell – Moments Later
Willow walked along with the guard in silence. When they arrived at her cell, he quietly handed the letter to her.
“It’s the letter Faith brought,” the guard said softly. “We aren’t supposed to do this kind of stuff, but I think you’re getting a bum rap, Rosenberg.” Willow took the letter. “You know,” the guard continued, “I read it…it’s really pretty beautiful – you’re a lucky woman.”
Willow walked into her cell, letter in hand, and the guard placed a talisman into a slot next to her cell and then typed a few numbers into a nearby keypad.
After he walked away, Willow went to the edge of her bed. She looked at the envelope, but didn’t open it.
Cut To:
Ext.
Farm House – Later That Evening
Faith returned to see the ATV already off the trailer. She backed the Jeep up to the hitch and got out. Randy came back over, with Paula following, holding a magazine in her hand.
“You took it down,” she told him. She pointed to the ATV on the ground. “Thanks.”
“Oh, no problem,” he replied. “Paula was hoping you’d sign that for her,” he said, motioning to the magazine.
Faith saw a copy of the defunct Watchers Magazine in Paula’s hand and grinned.
“Sure. Got a pen?” she asked. Excited, Paula handed her one, and Faith motioned for her to turn around. She wrote some words, using Paula’s back for support, and then handed the magazine over to her again. “There you go. I won’t be here too long,” Faith told them.
“Stay as long as you like, Ms. Lehane. Actually, we’ve got dinner if you’re hungry.”
“No, thanks, guys. I appreciate it, though,” Faith said, as she put her helmet on and started up the ATV. She gave them a short wave before heading toward the west side of the property.
Cut To:
Int.
Federal Detention Center – Willow’s Cell – Later
Willow was still holding the envelope. With a deep breath, she opened it, unfolded the letter from Rowena and began to read silently.
Dearest Willow,
If you’ve seen the reports, you already know what’s happened. First, let me say the twins are doing fine. The top brass is now living at Giles’s house, myself included. However, the majority of the slayers and trainees have headed to their former homes. I’m going to be staying with my mom for a while soon, at least until we can figure out our next move, but I promise I’ll write you every day.
I just wanted to let you know how much joy you’ve brought to my life. There was a time when I gave up hope that I’d ever find someone…I could have never been more wrong. When you look at me, Willow, I can feel it in my soul. I know you’ll love me forever. Just realize that my love for you is endless as well. And even though we’re physically apart, there is something you can do to feel connected to me.
Just look to the west, where I’ll be waiting for your return. Pretend for a moment you’re at the highest point and say, ‘Magic is in all of us and everything.’ Now I know how you are, my dear, but I really want you to do it. I want you to say it out loud and proud, right now – ‘Magic is in all of us and everything.’ I know it’s what you believe, I believe it too…I found you, so you’re my proof.
This situation won’t last forever, Willow, but my love will. Faith will bring us together – I promise.
Love always,
Rowena
Willow smiled and wiped the tears from her eyes. Then she said, “Magic is in all of us and everything,” just above a whisper. When she did, the anklet around her leg suddenly stopped glowing and fell off. So did the light surrounding the cell. Willow looked around in confusion for a long moment, and then her eyes went wide in realization.
Black Out
End of Act Two