Author: Ghost of Eternity
Rating: PG-13
Copyright: I don't own Buffy, but the story is mine, and so is the idea.

"Green River, all out!"

Willow stood up and grabbed her suitcase then made her way to the door of the car.

"That's all you have, miss?" the conductor asked as he helped her down onto the platform. She nodded, and he began guffawing.

"Good luck miss!" he managed to get out as the train began moving again. Willow watched, as it became smaller, a little more than unnerved by the display. Well, what does he know? You'll be fine, Willow.

She turned to the town, and her jaw dropped.

I've been gypped!

It was a dusty two-bit looking town with only a few buildings that looked like they were in a good state of repair.

Oh. My. God. This is... this is not good at all. I'm screwed!

"Excuse me, miss, but are you the only one who got off the train here?"

Willow whirled around and saw a young woman with blonde hair and hazel eyes. She was kinda small, but not tiny, and she had on a shiny marshal's badge.

"Uh, y-yes." Willow stammered out.

"Oh. Hmm. Well, if you're new in town, allow me to introduce myself. Marshall Buffy Summers, at your service, miss...?"

"Willow Rosenberg."

"Miss Rosenberg, you look lost. Do you have any family in town or someone you're staying with?"

"Uh, no-"

"All right then come with me."

The blonde turned and began walking down the street. Willow picked up her suitcase and dashed after her.

"So, Miss Rosenberg, what brings you to Green River?" the Marshall asked as the two of them walked along the boardwalk.

"Uh, well, I-I'd like to open a violin shop."

The blonde stopped short and Willow almost crashed into her from behind.

"A violin shop?" the Marshall asked.

Willow nodded, and she felt herself closing her eyes and waiting for the same response she'd gotten from the train conductor.

Marshall Summers smiled, "Well, that'll be nice. Could use a little more culture in this place, and you just might bring it."

Willow opened her eyes, cocked her head and then smiled. She liked this girl. She was all right. Maybe she'd made a new friend.

They came to a stop in front of the second biggest building. The sign read "The Bronze Stake". Another sign in the window said "rooms for rent" and "banjo player with experience needed".

"You'll find a place to stay in here. My mom owns it. The food is good and the rooms are nice." Buffy said as she opened the door and gestured inside.

Willow stepped inside, and her senses were assaulted by the smell of food, tobacco and whiskey as her eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room.

The Marshall went in and began moving through the crowd, Willow following behind her. When they reached the bar, Buffy howled out a name.

"Andrew! Andrew! ANDREW!!!"

"WHAT?!"

A harried-looking young man came up from under the bar. He had baby-blue eyes and gold-blonde hair, and was dressed in a waiter's outfit. "Buffy, what is it? I've got a lot of work to do, and I need to-"

"She needs a room and something to eat." the Marshall said, gesturing at Willow.

Andrew looked over at Willow. His face softened, and he thought about how he'd felt when he'd first arrived in Green River. He ran his hand through his hair and smiled. "Sorry about that. I'll take her to your mom, Buffy."

The Marshall smiled, "I know you'll take good care of her Andrew. Good afternoon, Miss Rosenberg." And with that, Buffy disappeared into the crowd.

Andrew held out his hand to the girl, "I'm Andrew Wells." Willow took his hand and shook it. "I'm Willow Rosenberg."

"Pleasure to meet you. I'll take you to Joyce."

Oh boy. Well, here we go!

Willow grinned as she stepped into her bedroom. Things with Joyce had gone well, and she now had a place to live, and a place to open her shop. She'd also met Buffy's sister Dawn, who was not too bad for a teenager.

After she had put away her things, she flopped onto her bed. She still had time before dinner with half an hour to kill. The redhead was seriously considering taking a nap when she heard something. It was faint at first, and she wasn't sure what it was coming from, but it got louder. As she listened, she realized it was someone singing...

"I know there's someone
Somewhere, someone
Who's sure to find me soon.
After the rain goes
There are rainbows
I'll find my rainbow soon.
Soon it won't be just pretend
Soon a happy ending!
Love, can you hear me?
If you're near me
Sing your song
Sure and strong and soon..."

Willow realized she was holding her breath and let it go; shuddering.

That voice! Who was it? It was beautiful! It had to have been a woman; no man could sing like that...

"Willow, it's time for dinner!" Andrew's voice called from the other side of her door.