Reputation Is Everything (On Hold)

Chapter 4

Willow had forgotten all about the college thing, that is, until she walked into her small one story house.

She kicked off her shoes, and headed for the kitchen, only to find her father shuffling through a large stack of papers.

“Dad?” She asked. He didn’t answer for moment, and Willow wasn’t even sure if he knew that she was standing there.

“Dad…” She repeated. He snapped his head up to look at her, his eyes had dark circles under them. Looking back down at the papers in front of him, he answered her.

“Welcome home honey.” His voice was rough, and she could tell that he hadn’t got any sleep the night before. Throwing her stuff on the floor, she took a seat next to him.

“Dad, you need some rest.” He shook his head.

“No…no, I’ve got to finish this…” He seemed to be talking to himself more than her.

“No, Dad. You need to lay down.” He didn’t respond, and she let out a sigh.

“What is all this anyway?” She asked.

“These are all the debts I’ve got to pay within two years time.”

“What!?” He refused to look at her.

“Dad, this isn’t necessary! You don’t need to borrow any money from anyone! I’ll take care of it!” Willow felt like she was going to start crying all over again.

“Honey, your only seventeen. I know what I’m doing. I’ve got everything under control.” He finally looked up, to see that his daughter on the verge of tears.

“No you don’t dad. I can get a job, I can help. But please, whatever you do, do not owe anyone anything! Now, go get some rest, and when you get up, we’ll send all this money back.” He stared at her for a moment before finally surrendering. He slowly stood, kissed the top of her head, and then headed to his bedroom.

Rubbing her forehead, Willow tried to think.

I wonder if Sarah could get me a job where she works…

She didn’t want to think about all that right now, all she wanted to do was think about Finn. That’s all she ever really wanted to do…

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The next morning was a lot better than the one before. It was a beautiful day, and the temperature was perfect. Looking up at the cloudless blue sky, Willow smiled. Even though her and her father were in need of a lot of money, she still couldn’t help but feel like nothing could go wrong.

Am I bipolar?

She laughed at the thought. Sure she was having quite a few mood swings lately, but she was positive that if she hadn’t talked to Finn, she would still be depressed. He just had that kind of effect on her.

I wonder if he’ll talk to me today…

She mentally slapped herself.

Don’t go getting a big ego just because he talked to you and walked you home yesterday! Your still a geek, and your still invisible! Don’t get your hopes to high idiot!

She sighed, and looked down at her feet while walking up the steps of the school. Then a thought hit her.

Maybe I really am bipolar…

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She didn’t even bother going to her locker. Instead, she went straight to the music room, hoping to find Finn there.

Slinging open the door, she looked around, but to her dismay, she saw no one.

Told you not to get your hopes to high…

“Hey.” Screaming, Willow spun around, hands covering her mouth. There, standing in front of her and laughing, was Finn Carter.

“Oh my gosh, you scared the crap out of me!” Willow breathed, holding her chest, as she tried to calm the breathing.

“Sorry about that.”

He sure doesn’t look sorry…

He was smiling as brightly as ever, and once again, she found herself paralyzed by his bright eyes.

“So were you looking for me?” His voice broke her trance, and blushing, she began to stutter.

“Psh, n-no…” He stepped closer, looking down at her as she pushed her back up against the wall, trying to avoid any physical contact.

Don’t look up, don’t look up, don’t look…

She looked up. His face was inches from hers, as his breath blew against her face. Gulping, she bit her lip.

“You sure about that?” His smile remained, but she could see a smirk forming.

“Uh…”

What do you mean ‘uh’!? Say something moron!

But nothing came out. Her eyes dropped to her feet, desperately trying to keep them off his lips. And then suddenly, laughter filled her ears. Looking back up, she noticed that he had stepped away from her, and was bent over, laughing uncontrollably.

“That wasn’t funny!” Willow whined, stomping her feet.

“Yes it was!” It took him about a good two minutes before he could finally breathe again.

“I really didn’t come here because of you.” She lied, arms crossed.

“Liar.” He smiled, making his way to the doors.

“Excuse me!?” She shoved him into the hallway, trying to act angry.

“Oh come on Willow, you don’t really think that I’m that oblivious do you? I’ve caught you looking at me countless times.” She almost tripped hearing this.

“Is your ego that big?” She asked, looking at him. This started another round of laughter from him.

“Its as big as you make it, sweetheart.” She looked at him again to find him smiling at her.

“Do you know how much I want to slap you right now?”

“How much?” He asked.

“A lot.” They stared at each other for a moment, before both broke out into laughter this time.

“Willow? Finn?” Snapping their heads up, they met the eyes of Sarah…

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Authors Note - You have NO idea how hard this was to write. I’ve had writers block so bad lately, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Well anyways, here it is! J Please Vote and Comment!!!

- Leigh