DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything.
TIMELINE: Starts at the begining of Season Five, from there if takes it's own course.
SPOILERS: None, that we already don't know.
SYNOPSIS: This story starts in August of 2000, oh about 9 months after IWRY. The Oracles did turn back time when Angel and Buffy were together during IWRY, but their actions were not erased. ~~~~ This is a new twist on the same story alot of you have already told. ~~~~
DISTRIBUTION: Whatever
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Go easy on me, this is my first post.
FEEDBACK: Please, tell me what you like and what you don't. Tell me if you want more! I have tons more to send immediately.

It's been over a year, but Buffy still thinks of Angel daily. He left right after graduation in June. The slayer understood why he decided to leave, but she still wished he hadn't. He wants her to live a normal life. It still makes Buffy laugh, how can a Slayer have a normal life. Riley, is a big part of the blonde's life right now, you can say she loves him, but it is much different than what she feels for Angel. Riley is there for her, he has a heartbeat and he understands the slayer's purpose. Buffy sighed as she turned the street continuing to look for vampires and demons. It's been quiet tonight. Buffy thinks, I'm glad, I feel like I'm a thousand miles away from reality. As that thought crossed her mind she heard the sound of twigs cracking.

"Okay, it's game time" the slayer mumble under her breath. "Show yourself, I'm not in the mood for games!" Just then a newly born vamp jumped out at her. The experienced Slayer could still see the dirt all over him and the dress suit he must have been buried in. "Hi, we haven't met, I'm Buffy and you must be dust!" The inexperienced vamp charged towards her, Buffy turned her back to him and pulled out Mr. Pointy, she spun and lunged for his heart. What an easy kill.

Deciding that she saved Sunnydale for the night, she walked back towards the dorm. It was a hot, August night and Buffy was ready to shower and go to bed. It was easy to convince herself to go home, classes started this morning. Buffy was very proud of herself; she actually stayed awake in them today. As the pretty blonde walked towards the room that she shared with Willow she could smell the pizzas that they ordered across the hall. Normally, Buffy would pop in a grab a slice, but the smell made my stomach turn. As she entered her room, she saw Willow and Tara sitting on her bed. "Hey, Will, Tara, how are you?" Buffy said.

Her chipper, redhead friend smiled, "Oh, we're great Buffy. Tara and I found this spell on finding lost items and I found my pink fuzzy sweater. It was in your closet!"

Buffy frowned, "I'm sorry Will, I must have accidentally hung it with my clothes." I was actually planning on wearing it tomorrow night for the Frat party Riley is taking me to, I thought I would leave that detail out.

Tara walked over to Buffy, "So do you have anything we can find for you, it's like we are on a roll!"

Tara was cute, let me rephrase that, she's cute in a 'she's cute for a girl way', not in a 'she's cute and I want to jump her bones kind a way'. "Let me think about that one, I'm sure there's lots of things I've lost." Currently, my memory could only think of a love. "I'm going to clean up and go to bed, how long do you two think you're going to be at it?"

Willow could see that her friend needed her sleep, " Actually, I was just going to walk Tara home, so I'll see you after your shower."

Buffy smiled, she knew Willow could read her mind. While spending 15 wonderful minutes in the steamy shower, she continued her thoughts, but this time about Riley. He deserves a normal life, too. With the Initiative dismantled, she wondered what he would do. He decided to stay on campus for another semester and complete his degree. But then what, Riley and Buffy really needed to have that talk.

When Buffy woke up to her alarm clock in the morning, she growled, "Oh, no. It hasn't been long enough."

Willow sat up straight in bed and smiled, "I'm ready to go! I'm so excited I start my European history class today."

Buffy rolled her eyes, "History, yuck! It's all about dead guys and the really important things they did back then, that aren't really important right now."

Willow replied disapprovingly, "Buffy, you know a lot of what we deal with is some type of history. I find it so interesting. Think of all the knowledge we can learn."

Buffy and Willow made their way to the bathroom. Buffy stumbled a little down the hall and then supported herself up with the bathroom sink. Willow just looked at her friend as if she were drunk. "Are you okay Buffy?"

"Yeah, yeah. I guess my equilibrium is off." Just then Buffy lunged for the bathroom stall and started dry heaving.

With her motherly concerned, Willow stated, "No, I think you need to take a breath and sit down."

Buffy sat on the cold bathroom floor; oh it felt so good. She was about to lie on the ground, but that would have been so gross.

"I hate to say it Buffy, but do you think you feel like going to class today?"

"Oh Will, don't be silly, I must be coming down with a bug or something. I have to at least show up for the first day of my Chemistry class." As she said those words "Actually, I could use some more sleep, so maybe I can go . . ."

"No, you're right, Buffy, it's important to show up today and make a good impression".

Buffy took a deep breath, "I actually feel a little better, now."

As the two perky college girls got themselves together they promised to do lunch and left each other.

Meanwhile in L.A.

"Angel Investigations, we help the hopeless. And now accepting Visa, Mastercard and American Express?" Cordelia sang into the phone. Cordelia's smile turned into a frown, "Oh, hello Kate. He's sleeping right now, can I take a message, unless of course you feel like arresting him for doing nothing but helping people. " she paused and flicked her pencil into the air. "You bet, I'll let him know tonight."

Wesley came walking through the front door. "Hello Cordelia, how are you feeling today?" He said in his very British accent.

"Fine, Wes, how about you?"

"Not too bad, I read this enchanting book last night, it was -"

"Look a simple 'fine' would have done." Cordelia spouted out.

"I guess someone didn't out of bed on the right side."

"No, it's not that. Kate just called, she acting all friendly, like she isn't mad at Angel anymore. I can't stand how people change their attitude or their beliefs to get something they want!"

Wesley could only chuckle. "What is it that Kate wants?"

"Oh, some vampire thing. She thinks a murder that happened last night is right up Angel's alley."

"Did she give you any other details? Maybe we could start research."

"Of course not; she NEEDS to talk to ANGEL about it. Like we aren't capable." Cordelia said now offended.

HALF A DAY LATER IN SUNNYDALE

"Buffy aren't you going to eat something for dinner, I saw your lunch ya know. Bananas are good but you need to consume more food." Willow said concerned, remember the episode in the bathroom this morning.

"I know, Will. I just have no real appetite. I know I should eat, but each time I try to put something in my mouth my stomach gets all up in knots." Buffy said defeated.

"I know what will cheer you up, and here he comes walking towards you, 10 feet away, 5, 4, 3, 2 . . Riley! How's our favorite ex-commando." Willow teased.

Riley smiled and sat next to Buffy. He placed a kiss on Buffy's forehead. "I'm good Willow and you?" Without looking at Willow for a response he turned to Buffy. "Hi sunshine, how are you - you don't look so good, what's wrong?" Riley's tone turned concerned.

"Well hello to you, too. That's a great way to get a woman in the mood." Buffy now glared at Riley.

Riley now stammering for an apology, "No that came out wrong, I - I just meant, your face is gloomy, I mean -"

"I get it, I just don't feel well. Maybe I'm getting the flu or some European plague Willow was telling me about." Buffy kissed Riley on the cheek.

"Maybe we shouldn't go to that party tonight. How about I take care of you all night long." Riley winked at Buffy.

Buffy smiled. "That sounds nice. Besides Tuesday night parties are nothing compared to the parties later in the week". Buffy said trying to sound happy.

Willow spoke up, trying to stay in the conversation, "Yeah, Tuesday's and Wednesday's they only have two kegs, where on Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's they have two kegs for every kind of beer!" Willow didn't know why she was talking about beer; she doesn't really like it that much.

Buffy acknowledged her friend's humor with a smile. Riley stood up, "come on let's get you back to my room." Buffy stood and obeyed. She wished her friend a good night and left with Riley.

SOMEWHERE IN LA

"Kate, this is definitely the work of vampire. What other clues did you guys find?" Angel looked at the crime scene. It was very clear to him and he thought it should have been clear to Kate that it was vamps.

Kate tried to recover from the annoyance she heard in Angel's voice, "I wasn't exactly sure, if those were bite marks or a knife wound. And - I didn't want to guess wrong." She handed Angel a bag of hairs recovered off the victim's body and a matchbook.

Angel examined the evidence and instructed Kate he would look out for the vamp. With that he left.

Making his way back to A.I. He couldn't help but to think that was a ploy for her to see him. He remembered back to when he dated Buffy. He and she used to come up with the lamest excuses to see each other. He told Buffy many times she thought she was in trouble, when he knew darn well she that wasn't. Just seeing her face and smelling her fragrance was all he needed. He remember the night in November, right after he visited Sunnydale, she came to A.I. with the excuse that she was visiting her father. She was really there to see him. So much happened that day and he was the only one with the memory. How he wished he could share it with Buffy. Angel walked into his apartment and crashed on the couch.

IN SUNNYDALE

Meanwhile, Riley rubbed Buffy's shoulders and she sat on the bed in a somber mood. "Riley, I think I'm going to try to get some sleep -" yawn "I'm so tired".

Riley looked at the woman he fell in love with a few short months ago. "Let me make you comfortable." He pulled back the sheets and took Buffy's shoes off.

"Thank you Riley, you're so sweet." Buffy drifted off into sleep. She slept well that night in Riley's bed, but she dreamt of another. She dreamt of licking ice cream off of Angel's chest. She could even taste the flavor, chocolate cookie dough fudge mint chip. She thought of destroying a demon and comforting Angel. Her mind wandered through out the night and she remembered crying her in Angel's arms. Everything seemed so different. It was a strange dream. Buffy woke up and noticed Riley sleeping next to her. She decided not to wake him, in fact she got up and went to her own dorm room. She had no clothes in his room and it would be so cliche of her to wear the same clothes to class tomorrow. With that thought she left and headed home.

Buffy crawled into her own bed and slept a few more hours.

***

As the alarm sounded the small dorm room, she knew her sleep was over for the night. She woke and carried herself to the showers. Reflecting on her night, Buffy smiled as she redreamt the dream of ice cream and Angel. As Buffy walked back down the hall to her room, she felt different the jeans she put on this morning didn't rub the right way. They felt smaller. How strange she hardly ate the last few days and she gaining weight. No, she must have shrunk them when she did the wash. She decided to find a her lose black slacks. They were her favorite and clung to her nicely.

The rest of the day was pretty much a blur. She attended a few classes and slayed some demons. Nothing to out of the ordinary or freaky. Well that was until Spike crossed her path.

"Hey, Slayer whatcha out doing tonight?" The blonde vamp hissed.

"Gee, Spike let me guess, I'm a slayer so I'm staking vamps. Oh hey wait, you're a vamp." Buffy reached into her jacket and pulled out Mr. Pointy.

Spike backed off and threw his hands in the air, "what ya trying to do, give a fella a heart attack".

Buffy teased, "Like your heart is going to stop beating".

Spike mimicked her, "You know slayer, I thought it was someone else, but you smell strange tonight". With the satisfaction of seeing Buffy's smile fade, he hurried away before Buffy could come back with an equally hurtful remark. He thought to himself, it's true.

With the defeat of that round with Spike she decided to turn in for the night.

During the night, Buffy once again dreamt of Angel. She now dreamt of eating chocolate and peanut butter with Angel and discussing the topic of food. She pictured them in bed together. It was a strange setting, she felt comfortable where she was, but she couldn't identify the place. And then, she saw Angel drop the ice cream on his chest and she licked it off, just like the night before.

It was Thursday now, and she still didn't have her appetite back. Buffy got out of bed and she didn't have to look but she felt the size of her belly, it had swollen over night. She felt her abdomen and she wasn't sore. She pulled out the scale; she had gained 10 pounds since the last time she weighed herself. Thinking back, that was several days ago.

In utter disbelief, she woke Willow. "Willow, look, am I getting fat?"

Willow rubbed her eyes; "No Buffy" was her immediate reaction until she looked at Buffy's naked tummy. "Did you eat some bad chinese or something, you look a little bloated, but not fat". Willow didn't know how to calm Buffy down.

"A little bloated, I would hate to see what you call obese!" Buffy ran over to her closet. "Look here are the slacks I wore last night, I can't even button them."

Willow tried to come up with an explanation, "Buffy are you sure those are yours. There's no way you could have worn those last night."

"I can't go to class today, I have nothing to wear." Buffy started to panic, what did she do to deserve this.

Willow pulled out the phone book, "Maybe you should go see your doctor and check with him."

Buffy started thinking, "I haven't seen a doctor on a regular basis since this slayer thing, I mean I don't know who to go to."

Willow called Giles, "Hey Giles, it's me Willow. I have a quick question. Let's say for instance Buffy was sick and needed to see a doctor, who would you -" Willow was cut off by a now nervous Giles. "No she isn't sick, but should she need to see someone, who would understand the whole slayer thing -" Willow handed the phone to Buffy, "Giles wants to talk to you." Willow gave her an 'I'm sorry' look.

Buffy grabbed the phone, "Look it's no big, it's just I'm big and I haven't been eating and well, maybe it's some weird spell or something". Buffy grabbed a pen and started stratching down some information, "okay, I'll call him now. Thanks Giles".

Buffy then dialed the number Giles gave her. "Hi, is uh- Dr. Chung there, I need to make an appointment?" She paused a moment. "Oh, he's not seeing new patients anymore, well could you tell him that Rupert Giles referred me. My name is Buffy Summers, thanks". She's putting me right through she whispered to Willow. "Hi, Dr. Chung, my name is Buffy, oh good you know who I am. Well, I haven't been feeling very well and I thought - okay be there by 2:00pm. You bet, I know the place. Thanks". Buffy turned to Willow and said "I guess there's another good thing about being a slayer, you get VIP service at the doctor's office".

Willow teased, "jeez whenever I go to the doctor it takes two weeks to get in and that's only if I'm dying!"

"Well, I get to officially blow off my first day of classes and it's only Thursday". Buffy said rather chipperly.

Part One

LATER THAT DAY AT THE DR. CHUNG'S OFFICE

"It's nice to finally meet you Ms. Summers". The short, oriental doctor said. The medical specialists at the Watcher's Council trained him so he was well informed on the slayer and her capabilities. "So tell me what ails you?"

Buffy started her story with the weird dreams and school starting up again. Then she finally ends with "I'm getting fat!"

The doctor looked at her and advised they should run some tests. After drawing some blood he stated she should wait in the office for a few minutes while he gathered more information. Buffy looked around the office and poked and prodded the instruments. She was bored out of her mind, but if this doctor could help her then she would wait.

The doctor walked twenty minutes later and had a cheerful grin on his face. "Let me ask you a few questions, Ms. Summers." Buffy started listening for the terrible news that she was going to die or she had some weird slayer reaction to silk or something. Dr. Chung looked at Buffy and said, "Are you having unprotected sex?"

Buffy was a bit embarrassed but she exclaimed "No, Not at all. The man I'm with is so well prepared; we never have unprotected sex. Do I have an STD? Cuz if Riley gave me something then I'm going to kill him!"

Dr. Chung tried to reassure Buffy that it was not an STD. "How long have you been with Riley?"

Buffy started thinking back, "We started dating in December, towards the end". Buffy looked confused and hoped this doctor would get to the point and quick.

Dr. Chung said, "I would like to lie you down and do an ultrasound. And I'll have my nurse come in so that you can feel more comfortable, but I need to do an examination".

Buffy cringed at the thought of an exam but she gave in. "Dr. Chung, why do you need to give me an ultrasound, do I have a tumor growing inside of me?"

The doctor reassured her that it wasn't a tumor. The nurse came in and the scan began.

"Just as the test indicates. You are going to be a mother, Buffy." The Dr. said proudly.

Buffy sat up in astonishment, "A what? Doctor, I killed my goldfish, how could I possibly have a child?"

The doctor looked amused and smiled. "I need to explain how a pregnant slayer is different. Because you are supernatural, slayer's only show the signs for pregnancy for 9 days. Each day symbolizing a month. This is done so you are not incapacitated for 9 months and helpless from your duties. Many slayers in the past have either miscarried their baby or die during these 9 days. You need to stay off your feet and leave the vamps and demons alone for a few more days. My best guess is you're in your 4th month right now.

Buffy sat very confused and scared. Her face said it all. "When did this happen? Riley and I didn't have relations" she tried to make hot, sweaty sex sound so mature "this last week".

The doctor pulled out a chart. "If you are 4 months along as I estimate. Then you should be giving birth on Wednesday of next week. And that being the end of August, then you have to figure nine months before that point. Ah, yes, the end of November. The end of November is when you actually conceived!" The doctor sounded so proud of himself.

Buffy now even more confused. "I have been pregnant for the last 9 months but didn't show and now in 9 days, I'll grow a big, fat belly and give birth?"

The doctor held Buffy's hand. "Yes, that's what happens. During the last 9 months your body has protected this embryo. The baby developed his or her characteristics and features, this final stage is where the baby grows to full size and then birth."

"But, doctor, I wasn't with anyone in November. Your calculations are wrong. I knew Riley but we didn't start dating and then having relations" there goes that mature word again "until late December. Before that I was with a guy in September, but - you've got to be wrong."

The doctor again reassured Buffy if he was wrong about anything, it would be the day she would give birth, the period of conception would be accurate. Dr. Chung said if it would help Buffy, he would phone Giles and explain the situation. Buffy agreed.

She left his office somberly with lots of pamphlets and vitamins.

By the time Buffy reached Giles' place he had already known what was happening. When Giles' opened the door he extended Buffy a hug. "Dr. Chung called, should I be happy or sad for you?"

Buffy gave a crooked smile, "I'm not sure. It's all so sudden. Now I know why people have 40 weeks to prepare for a baby. There's a lot to do, understand and deal with! I get 9 whole days!"

Giles said, "We will get you through this. Have you told Riley yet?"

Buffy explained, "Giles, I don't think this could be Riley's baby." She explained that the doctor said she conceived in late November. "In early December I remember that's when Willow did her 'Will' spell and Spike," saying Spike's name disgusted Buffy "and I were together. But I absolutely did not sleep with Spike, and second," now Buffy was getting hysterical "I can't get pregnant by a vampire - can I?"

Giles advised that the semen the vampire carry are dead. "Vampires will not be able to reproduce because of the inability to carry on life."

Buffy grabbed a cookie from Giles' cookie jar and started eating it. "Then I don't know what to say. I saw Angel for like 5 minutes, he's a vampire. I necked with - ugh - you-know-who for a day and he's a vampire. Parker was way before all of this and Riley is way after all of this! I think I would remember having sex with someone."

Buffy left Giles with no more information than she came with. Giles reassured that Xander and Spike would patrol over the next week. She went home to find Willow. Willow would be able to comfort her. Riley's was the last place she planned on going to.

A light bulb went off in Willow's head, "Hey maybe it was immaculate conception!"

Buffy was glad Willow was trying to help, but immaculate conception seemed far fetched, but it was the best thing she had so far.

Buffy went to sleep that night knowing she would wake up several pounds heavier. She almost dared not falling asleep. After all, how could her belly grow so larger over night, if she was awake? 2:00am came and Buffy was fast asleep. She continued to have the same dreams as the nights before, but each night she dreamt in more detail. It was if she was remembering more. She dreamt Angel was human and they kissed outside in the sunlight. She remembered a demon kicking Angel's ass. She had to save Angel because he couldn't stand up to this demon's strength. Then she dreamt of a painful break up and she cried the words "I'll never forget"

MEANWHILE IN L.A

Angel was moody all night long; he couldn't help to think Buffy was not well. He dared not call, everything was different now. He visited Buffy at her dorm a few months ago and Riley was there - protecting her. Angel no longer had that duty or that privilege. He gave it up.

FRIDAY MORNING IN SUNNYDALE

Just like the doctor had warned. Buffy gained more weight and was resembling a woman in her 5th month. As instructed Buffy returned to the doctor's office for another evaluation.

The doctor urged Buffy to start preparing for the birth of this child and advised she needed to tell the father.

Buffy decided to call Riley, if she went to his dorm he would freak out. "Riley, I need to talk to you." She really didn't want to make Riley feel like she was trapping him, but that's how she felt.

After Buffy started the conversation about her health and major changes, Riley said he would be right over, before Buffy could insist he not come over, he hung up. How was he going to handle looking at his girlfriend 15 pounds heavier than 3 days ago? The problem was, Buffy even looked pregnant, she was carrying the weight around her belly.

Riley knocked on Buffy's door. Buffy turned her back to the door and said "Come in".

Riley entered the room and walked towards Buffy, he turned her around and saw the tears in her eyes. He glanced down at her belly that now stood out. "Buffy are you what I think you are?" He ran his ran through his hair. "How could this be, we've been so careful."

Buffy hugged Riley and started crying. "I don't know. I'm not sure. There's a lot that needs to be explained. Can you go to Giles' with me? I need all the support I can get."

Riley escorted Buffy to his car and they drove to Giles' in silence.

After a long discussion that evening the conclusion was made, that the baby had to be Riley's and Riley was going to stand by Buffy's side. Riley left that evening to collect his thoughts and Buffy spent the night a Giles'. She didn't want to be seen walking through the dorm 5 months pregnant.

Giles gave Buffy his bed and slept an earshot away on the couch.

During the evening Buffy slept again. Now she dreamt of the Oracles. She saw Angel standing in a white room, begging for them to turn him into what he once was. He was doing it to protect Buffy. He was told that he would remember this day and she would not. Then she dreamt of the painful goodbye she experienced the night prior. She woke Giles up crying, "I'll never forget, I'll never forget."

Giles rushed to Buffy's side and asked her what she would never forget. Still in her sleep she replied, "everything we did. How can I go on knowing what we had together what we could have had together. I heard your heartbeat." The tears that streamed down her face were real.

Giles was not sure what she was speaking about, but figured he better write it down for all practical purposes.

When Buffy woke she was again another 5 pounds heavier. She gained 20 pounds in the last few days. She visited the doctor and stayed in doors where she could not be attached by any creature trying to destroy the very pregnant vampire slayer. Some how the word was getting around on the street. The slayer was pregnant.

IN LA AT ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS

Cordelia answered the phone; "We are now accepting Discover Card, in addition to Visa, Mastercard and American Express. You've reached Cordelia Chase at Angel Investigations where we help the hopeless!"

"Uh, Cordelia this is Willow"

"Do you mean I wasted that greeting on you Willow, you don't have a credit card, do you?

Willow shook her head in disbelief, "No, I'm calling for another reason."

"What's up Will, what can I do for you?" Cordelia sounded happy again.

"Well, Angel isn't around is he?" Willow asked in a whisper, even thought she knew Angel couldn't hear her.

"No, he's sleeping. Did you need to need him."

"Actually, I'm glad he's not around. I want to invite you to a baby shower and I didn't want him to hear". Willow sounded more relaxed now.

"How fun, whose having a baby?" Cordelia sounded amused, thinking one of her old friends is waddling around Sunnydale.

"It's Buffy."

Cordelia almost dropped the phone. "Buffy's pregnant? Oh my. Yeah last thing we need to do is let Angel know, he'd be brooding around for years! Who's the father? Do I know him?"

Willow said, "Well, it depends on who you ask. I think it was immaculate conception, but Buffy thinks it might be Riley."

"Well, jeez, Will how many guys did she have sex with! How can you not know who got you pregnant!

"Cordelia, the shower is tomorrow. Do you think you can make it?" Willow asked.

"Tomorrow, well you don't give a person much time do you?" Cordelia stated, as if her social calendar was so booked.

"Considering we've know since Thursday and Buffy is set to give birth on Wednesday, well, yea, sorry I should have called sooner. Can you be at Buffy's house around noon? It's a surprise."

Cordelia sounded concerned. "Okay, sure. You don't want Angel to know right?"

Willow, "I think it would best for everyone involved it that was left out".

Cordelia agreed.

IT WAS SUNDAY IN SUNNYDALE

Giles decided to wait until after the shopping trip and the shower to bring up Buffy's nightmare.

Buffy was a startling 25 pounds pregnant. She had a heart to heart with Joyce earlier. Joyce accepted the fact that she would never had another chance to be a grandmother that she better accept what happened and be supportive. Buffy and Joyce went shopping all afternoon for the cribs and changing table. They bought sheets and blankets. Secretly Joyce brought everything she knew Buffy wouldn't get at the shower that was being set up at her house as they shopped.

Buffy and Joyce pulled up to the house. Joyce was happy everyone parked far away. She instructed Buffy to leave the bags in the car and they would get them later.

When Buffy opened the door to the house, her closest friends who threw her a shower greeted her. Buffy was overwhelmed with emotion and started crying. Those things happened very easily nowadays.

Buffy started opening her gifts and thanking her attendants. Willow, Xander, Anya, and Tara pitched in and bought a Scooby Do comforter and sheets set, mobile and a stuffed Scooby Do. Cordelia choose to buy Baby Guess overalls and other designer baby clothes. She charged it to the A.I account, figuring one day Angel would find out. Wesley sent a gift with Cordelia; he bought her books to read the baby. Thankfully they were Dr. Seuss. Riley was there and he bought Buffy a baby monitor. Giles decided to present Buffy with a rocking chair to sit in the baby's room. Spike even showed up and bought the slayer a breast pump. He thought that should get the slayer blushing.

Buffy and her friends started talking about how this is going to change their lives. Cordelia escorted Giles into the kitchen. "You mean she's been pregnant since November and hasn't know it?"

Giles took off his glasses and rubbed his eye, "Yes, she has. The sad part is we aren't really even sure the baby is Riley's." He tried speaking low enough so they couldn't hear him.

Cordelia's face seemed to drop, "This November, you mean right after Thanksgiving, Buffy visited Angel November?" As if there was another.

Giles smile turned crooked. "Cordelia what is it that you know?"

Cordelia walked away from Giles and walked up to Buffy to say goodbye. Giles grabbed Cordelia's arm and asked her again, "You know something don't you? Why are you acting all nervous?"

By this time everyone in the room was looking at the Watcher and the prom queen. "Nothing, I know absolutely nothing. I just remembered I have to get back to L.A. to help Angel with research of a -."

Riley piped in; "You work with Angel?"

Cordelia smiled, "Yes, it's quite fun actually -."

Giles gave Cordelia a very stern look and Buffy stood to face Cordelia. "What's going on?"

Cordelia looked defeated and slumped down onto the couch, "Look what I know is hearsay, I never actually asked Angel and he never really told me either. It was Doyle you know that dead half-demon partner of ours." Cordelia tried shifting the blame to make it seem less important.

Xander spoke, "Then humor us, what does Dead-Boy know?"

Buffy glared at Xander. She noticed Riley was in the room and felt uncomfortable discussing the Angel topic in front of him. It was only a few months ago that Riley and Angel did battle.

Cordelia started to explain what she heard. "Remember the day after Thanksgiving when Buffy came to L.A. to confront Angel on his mysterious appearance in Sunnydale. Angel was in a really bad mood the day Buffy left. It was so bad that you did not want to be anywhere around him. I tell ya, vamps everywhere were scared."

Cordelia's audience was forming. She liked the attention but she didn't like the story she was about to continue. "Doyle went to talk to Angel to see why he was so upset. Angel explained that Buffy did not visit him for 5 minutes, rather Buffy was there an entire day and night." Cordelia peeked at Buffy to see her reaction

Buffy chimed in, "Excuse me, I'm the one who was there, I would know. 5 perhaps 10 minutes, we said our goodbye and I left Angel."

Cordelia meekly spoke, "Actually Buffy, that's all your allowed to remember. The Oracles erased the events of the day."

"The Oracles?" Buffy questioned, "Are they Greek like and stand in an all white room?"

Cordelia stated, "I've never seem The Oracles, but Angel speaks of them as godly."

Buffy started remembering her dream again. "Please continue."

Cordelia began again, "Buffy do you remember that demon that crashed through the window when you were in Angel's office?"

Buffy nodded, "yea, Angel killed that demon in seconds, it was amazing."

Cordelia smiled, "It wasn't so amazing the first time. The part you don't remember is that demon got away and you and Angel chased it. Angel was cut and the demon's blood mixed with his own. It was a regenerating demon, Mohra, I think."

Giles recalled, "Yes, the Mohra demon can keep regenerating his body even after death. Oh my."

Cordelia continued, "That demon blood turned Angel human." She paused for a moment and then finished. "As you can imagine Angel being human changed the rules between Buffy and himself."

Buffy remembered, "I dreamt that I kissed Angel on the pier in the sunlight."

Cordelia tried summing up the story as quickly as she could

"So basically after being given an opportunity at the forbidden love of all eternity the two soulmates spent the night and the day together. Doyle and I found out shortly afterwards that the demon Angel killed regenerated himself. Angel in his human form went out and tried to slay the demon. Luckily Buffy showed up and saved the day otherwise Angel would have died. He decided that he could not protect Buffy, in fact he was putting her life in danger so he had the oracles turn him back. That's it end of story." Cordelia took a deep breathe.

Buffy looked as it the memories were coming back. "He told me that he asked them to turn him back. I asked why, and he said 'because more than ever I know how much I love you.'" Buffy was crying the same way she was when it actually happened nine months earlier. It pained her, but she had to say it, she had to hear the words they exchanged out loud. "And if he stayed mortal one of us maybe both of us will wind up dead. He didn't want to stand by and watch me fight, maybe die alone. He said 'how could we be together if the cost is my life or the lives of others.'" Buffy was still choking back the tears. "I asked him what happens next, he said 'The Oracles are giving us back the day, turning back time, so he can kill Mohra before his blood makes him mortal.' He said it would happen in a minute. I told him it wasn't enough time. He explained we didn't have a choice it was done. I remember crying 'How am I suppose to go on with my life knowing what we had - what we could have had'. He said I wouldn't know, only he would know everything we did. I told him I felt his heartbeat and we held each other on last time, we kissed until moments before. I cried 'I'll never forget, I'll never forget.'" By this time Buffy was on the floor in tears. Remembering all the details of the day. The Oracles had refreshed her memory. She now knew.

There wasn't a dry eye in the room, even Riley was crying. Riley knew there was no way he would get Buffy back. She was still so much in love with Angel.

Giles finally broke the silence. "That's why you have been having these nightmares or dreams I suppose. You were given the knowledge of that day back."

Joyce started, "I suppose that Angel is the father of my grandchild then."

Buffy looked at her mom and they hugged. It was at that moment she realized Riley was still in the room. Oh, she wished he wasn't. "Riley, I - I don't know what to say to you."

Riley stood, "We never knew for certain that you were carrying my baby. I'll be okay. How about you? What are you going to do now?"

Buffy sat in silence, "I don't know, guys I don't mean to be a party pooper, but I think I'm going to lie down for a while." Buffy hugged her friends and retreated to her bedroom.

Giles decided to end the shower with a warning, "I hope we all know to keep this new information a secret. We don't want the vamps and demons out there to know that the slayer is pregnant with Angel's baby. Who knows what kind of evil rituals will surface? "

There was a knock on Buffy's bedroom door. "Come in," said the depressed slayer.

It was Cordelia, "Hey, I just wanted to know what I should say to Angel."

Buffy looked at the prom queen, she was so sincere. "I don't want Angel to know that I know. Angel keeps making decisions with our lives and he doesn't consult me first. He thought it would be best to leave me so I might have a change at a normal life, so he left. He thought it would be best to give up his humanity so he could 'continue protecting me', again he did. I want to be in control of my life. If I were to tell him that I was carrying his baby he would make decisions on his own and left me know afterwards. I don't want that."

Cordelia nodded, "Angel is a very protective person and he loves you so much that he puts your best interest first and anything else last. I bet if you told him you were pregnant, he would come back to you. And maybe you can have a normal/slayer life together."

"That's just it, I don't want Angel to come back to me because I'm having his child. I want Angel to come back to me because he loves me and he believes in our relationship. I would feel like I'm trapping him otherwise. The last thing I want to do is make him feel obligated."

Cordelia was beginning to understand her friend, "I guess it would be for the best right now anyway. I mean with you being pregnant those heartless attorneys from Wolfram and Hart might try to do something to you and the baby to get to Angel."

Buffy was now given another reason to be dishonest with Angel. "Yea, they sent a rouge slayer to kill him, I guess killing me or his baby would be to far from the top of the list. Then it's settled - Angel knows nothing. Nothing until he tells me what happened on that night in November. If he can't be honest and tell me the truth, why should I?"

Cordelia, "Buffy don't play games, you know he wouldn't like that."

Buffy said, "Cordelia I'm not going to play games, if you hadn't told us what happened I would still think his was Riley's baby. Or better yet immaculate conception. When he decides to be honest with me, then I'll let him know."

"Okay, Buffy you be careful. That's my boss' baby you carry." Cordelia said with a smile.

Buffy hugged Cordelia, "Thanks for being here." The brunette opened the door and there stood Riley about to knock on the door. Cordelia gave Buffy a sympathetic look and left.

Buffy motioned for Riley to join her on the bed. "Buffy, I know what a struggle you must be going through. Are you going to call Angel and have him take care of you?"

Buffy looked into Riley's eyes. "No, Riley I'm not. Just like I didn't want to trap or obligate you, I don't want to do that to my ex."

"Buffy he's hardly your ex. He obviously loves you very much." Riley said trying to sound noble.

"My mind is made up, Angel will not know. I will raise this baby by myself. If Angel ever tells me what happened that night in L.A. then I will let him know this baby is a product of our love. Until them, he needs to know nothing. Let him think it's someone else's kid. I don't care. I don't want to set myself up for disappointment, hoping he will return to raise our child together."

Riley saw a glimpse of hope, "Buffy, I will stay by your side. If you want to continue to let people think this is my baby, I would be honored. I will be here for you."

A tear rolled down the slayer's cheek. She hugged Riley, "Thank you. I would be honored if you wanted to be with us, but I don't want you to stop living your life for the baby and me. I don't think I have to tell you, Angel and I are soulmates and we are truly meant to be a couple. My heart belongs to him, but that doesn't mean I don't love you, too."

Riley kissed Buffy on the forehead. "Why don't you get some sleep, I'll come by tomorrow and we can fix up the nursery ok."

"Thank you Riley." Riley stood up to leave, "Have a good night, I'll see you in the morning."

Go to Part 2