SPOILERS: Surprise, Becomings
SUMMARY: Another Letter.

I'm not jealous of Missy. I do resent the fact that she knows Mom better than any of us, because she gets to read her Slaying journals, but then, Melissa does have the responsibility of being the Slayer.

I was at home today, I went with Josh to announce our engagement to the family. And as I left, I got what I suspected Dad would give me. A letter from Mom. It's at times like this where I wish I could speak to her, and I miss her so much. Why did they have to take my Mom away? My Dad gave me the keys to the mansion, and told me that me and Josh could live there, if we wanted, since it was in pretty good condition, and its been abandoned pretty much, since before Mom and Dad were married. Dad said they didn't live there because it held some painful memories. Josh dropped me off, and said he would come round for me in a couple of hours. He knows that I need this time alone, to read mom's letter. I let myself in, and this place is huge. And furnished. And its clean. There's a note on the black leather settee.

"Maighan.

Willow, Xander, Cordelia, Oz and I cleared this place up about 2 weeks ago, since Willow said certain people were getting to a marriable age. I guess she can read into things better than I, and I've had years of practice! Anyway, its up to you whether you live here or not.

Love

Dad."

Aunt Willow. Perceptive, to say the least! And here was me thinking that we had been discreet about our engagement before telling the family. I take a good look around the mansion. It's beautiful. Everything is perfect condition. I walk into the master bedroom. It's so romantic. Even the bed has been made. I take a closer look at it, and realise it has red silk sheets on it. It reminds of my parents bed when we were all little. When mom was alive. That thought brings me out of me reverie, and I settle down to read the letter she's left me. The envelope is addressed, in a bolder script this time.

"Maighan Willow O'Connor, on the occasion of your engagement"

I pull the letter out of its envelope and read it slowly.

Dearest Maighan

The envelope this letter is informal. I just wanted to have some small part in your wedding. You know I'll be there. You really are all grown up now. Getting married. I hope you've found someone who loves you truly. Remember the claddagh?"

How could I forget? I never took that necklace off my neck. I fiddle with it as I'm reading the letter.

"The hands are for friendship, the crown for loyalty and the heart is for, well, you know. Love. Love really does conquer all. Look at your father and me. I know, if you are getting married, you'll have found someone with whom all those are abundant."

Yeah. Josh. I know you'd like him Mom. Aunt Willow thinks he's brilliant. Aunt Cordy swears if she was 20 years younger she'd go for it herself! And Uncle Xander and Dad gave Josh the biggest scare of his life when they grilled him on everything. It was like 20 questions!

"I wish I could be there to go dress shopping with you. I wish I could be there to help you through those last minute nerves, and help organise your wedding. I will be there in spirit."

I wish you could be there too mom. Aunt Cordy and Aunt Willow promised to help me out, along with of course, Kristen, and Melissa.

"All the best. You know I love you."

The letter is smudged with tears here. Both fresh ones from me today, and 16 year old ones from Mom as she wrote this.

"Mom".

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