Chapter 58

Later That Afternoon-Drusilla’s House

“My William you’re home.” Drusilla called out as she wrapped her arms around her husband’s body and pulled him into a hug. “How was your trip?”

Spike pulled away from Drusilla and placed his bag on the floor near the door. “It could have gone better.”

“Oh, did the club not like your music?” Drusilla asked pulling Spike into the living room.

Spike took a set on the couch and watched his wife’s movements. “No, the person I was with liked everything I had to offer.” Spike stated thinking of how he had spent his morning with Buffy.

“That’s great.”

“So, how was your weekend?” Spike asked.

“It was alright. I had a few things to work out, but I have everything is under control now.” Drusilla stated before taking a seat in a chair across from the couch.

“That’s good. Did you talk with Carter this weekend at all?”

‘Oh God!’ “Why would I talk to Carter?” Drusilla asked. ‘Does he know something?’

“I just thought that he might stop by while I was out to check on you and the baby.” ‘Or work on the plan on how to fuck over his friend and the girl he says he’s in love with.’ Spike added in his head.

‘Doesn’t know anything. Good.’ Drusilla thought. “Oh. No, I haven’t seen him lately.”

Spike stood up and walked away from the couch and over towards the window. “Really?”

“No, the last time I really saw him is when you guys were playing at The Bronze for the college. The night I found out who you had had an affair with.” Drusilla stated hoping to get a guilty reaction from Spike. “The girl who was in one of my classes at the being of the year.”

“Oh.” Was Spike’s only reply.

‘That’s it? All I get out of him is ‘Oh’.’ Drusilla thought trying to come up with another way to get her husband to react. After a few minutes of not being able to come up with anything Drusilla stood up from her spot and walked over to Spike. She placed her hands around his waist and rested her chin on his shoulder. “I think I should give you a proper welcome home.” Drusilla whispered into his ear before placing a line of kisses on his neck.

Spike unwrapped Drusilla’s arms from around him and moved away so that there were a few feet between them now. “As much as I would like to take you up on that offer Luv, I have to go and meet with Deacon and Carter to discuss what happened this weekend.” ‘And get the Bloody Hell away from your crazy fucked up self.’ Spike added to himself as he made his way over to the front door.

“Oh, alright. What time will you be home?”

“Um. . .Not sure. Don’t wait up, you need all the rest you can get before the baby gets here.” Spike said before walking out the door and to his car.

*****

Deacon and Carter’s Apartment

KNOCK-KNOCK

“Coming.” Deacon yelled as he made his way from his bedroom to the front door.

KNOCK-KNOCK

“I said I was coming.” Deacon yelled again as the knocking continued.

Finally reaching the door he threw it open. “What?”

“Is that any way to talk to your girlfriend?” Alyson asked in a teasing manner standing on the other side of the door.

“Allie!” Deacon called out before pulling her into a hug and a passionate kiss.

“Much better.” Alyson stated pushing past Deacon into the apartment.

“What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t coming until next weekend.” Deacon said closing the door again and following her into the apartment.

“I changed my mind.” Alyson said taking a seat on the couch in the living room.

“I’m glad.” Deacon told her taking a seat next to her.

“Deacon who was at the door?” Carter asked as he came out of his room. “Alyson?”

Alyson stood from her seat and walked over towards Carter and gave him a small hug. “Hey.”

“Hey yourself. You look great, it’s amazing how much a person can change in five months.” Carter stated looking Alyson up and down.

“Are you implying that I didn’t look amazing before?” Alyson asked in a jokingly tone.

“Never.” Carter stated.

KNOCK-KNOCK

“Who could that be?” Deacon asked walking back towards the door. “Buffy?”

“Hey, can I come in?” Buffy asked.

“Sure. You’ll never believe who’s here.” Deacon told her as he led her to the living room.

“Alyson!?” Buffy asked in shock and happiness.

“Buffy!” Alyson called moving towards Buffy and throwing her arms around her long lost friend.

“Oh my god! What are you doing here? My room mate told me you had stopped by but I thought she had the wrong person.” Buffy asked.

“Had some free time, thought I’d see what’s so great about Sunnydale that took my best friend and my boyfriend away from me.”

“I’m glad you came.” Buffy stated before looking up and seeing Carter standing off to the side. “Although I’m not sure if now was the nest time.”

“Hello Buffy.” Carter said in a low voice.

“Carter.” Buffy stated in a even tone.

Alyson walked over towards Deacon and wrapped her arm around his waist. “I think I’ve missed a few things.” She whispered to her boyfriend.

“You have no idea just how much you’ve missed.”

KNOCK-KNOCK

“God!” Deacon sighed. “Who could that be?”

“I’ll get it.” Carter stated before heading towards the front door.

After a few moments Carter’s body went crashing into the coffee table in the living room as Spike walked into the apartment.

“Spike!” Buffy gasped as she made her way to him.

“What are you doing here?” Spike asked looking down at Buffy.

“Willow told me that Alyson was here.” Buffy told Spike.

Spike looked over Buffy’s head to see Deacon and Alyson helping Carter off of the ground. “Oh.”

“What are you doing here?” Buffy questioned. “I thought you got past the physical pain stuff with Carter yesterday.”

“Guess not.” Spike stated.

“Okay, will someone please tell me what’s going on?” Alyson asked looking at the group in the apartment.
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Chapter 59

Deacon and Carter’s Apartment-An Hour Later

Alyson stood up from her spot on the couch next to Deacon and Buffy and walked over towards were Carter was standing and slapped him across the face. “Bastard.”

“That pretty much covers it.” Buffy stated kind of wishing she were the one who had just slapped Carter across the face.

“How could you?” Alyson asked.

“I wasn’t thinking. I just wanted Buffy to be with me.” Carter stated in a low voice. “I never meant for it to go this far. Drusilla is out of her mind.”

“You just figuring that one out?” Buffy asked sarcastically.

Carter just looked down at the ground. “It gets worse.”

“How? How does it get worse?” Buffy asked.

“She’s not going to stop until you’re completely out of the picture.” Carter said looking directly at Buffy. “It was fine until Faith didn’t do her job and the two of you ran off to L.A. together for the weekend.”

“How did you know we were in L.A. for the weekend? And how did you know about the deal with Faith?” Spike asked Carter.

“It was my job to know where the two of you were at all times, apart or together.” Carter told the group.

“How completely out of the picture are we talkin’ about here?” Alyson asked.

“All the way out.” Carter answered.

“What do you mean?” Buffy asked taking a hold of Spike’s hand. “Are we talkin’ another town, state even?”

“No. Drusilla wants you were she knows you can’t come back from.”

“Dead.” Buffy whispered.

“If you’re dead you can’t take Spike away from her. That’s how she sees it anyways.”

“And how do you see it?” Spike asked pulling Buffy into his strong arms trying to make her feel as safe as he could right now.

“I love Buffy. I never wanted it to go this far.” Carter stated.

“If you love her so much then why hurt her this way?” Alyson asked.

“That’s not important right now. Carter knew it was getting out of hand and he told us. That’s what matters right now. We have to find a way to keep Buffy safe and Dru locked up.” Deacon told the group speaking for the first time since the truth was out in the open all the way.

“Deacon’s right, we need to figure out what to do.” Buffy stated as tears ran down her face. “Cause I’m really not in the mood to be six feet under any time soon.”

*****

The Magic Box

“Dru Darling, what are you doing?” Ethan asked as he walked out of the back room and into the shop where his daughter was seated at the large table.

“Sending out a few gift boxes for some very important people.” Drusilla told her Father.

“Who?” Ethan questioned.

“People who should be in the know of things.” Drusilla stated.

“What are in the boxes?”

“One has photos, while the other has a video tape inside.” Drusilla said with a small grin on her face.

“Dru you have got to stop this. It’s gone on for far to long. If William truly loves you he will be with you.” Ethan told his daughter, hoping she would stop all of this before she got hurt.

“How can you say that to me? You’re the one who helped me come up with the plan to begin with.” Drusilla yelled.

“I helped you come up with a plan to keep William from divorcing you. What you’re doing now is to much. You’re destroying people lives.” Ethan yelled back.

“She destroyed mine. She took William away from me.”

“You can’t take something away if it wants to go.” Ethan stated in a lower voice then before.

“What are you saying?” Drusilla asked in confusion.

“That from this point on you no longer have my help.” Ethan said before walking back into the back room of the shop.

*****

Deacon and Carter’s Apartment

“Do you think that will work?” Alyson asked.

“There’s no other way.” Carter stated.

“She’ll know somethin’ up.”

“Spike’s right. Drusilla may be crazy, but she’s still smart.” Buffy told the group.

“It’s a good plan, it’s just going to take some extra work to actually pull it off.” Spike stated.

“And Help. There’s no way the five of us can pull this off on our own. We need more people in on this.” Buffy added.

“Who you thinkin’ Pet?” Spike asked.

“Cordy for sure. There’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll want in on this. From there I’m not so sure, maybe Willow, Tara, and Anya will want to help too.”

“Do you think Riley would help?” Alyson asked.

Buffy shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t think so, I think he’s had about enough of this as he can take. I’ll ask him though.”

“I’ll call Faith, see if she’s in the mood for a little pay back against Dru.” Carter stated.

“Faith’s and wild card, she could go either way on this. I don’t think we should bring her in unless we really need to. There’s a lot of bad history between her and Buffy.” Alyson told Cater.

“Alyson’s right, you never know what Faith’s going to do.” Buffy added.

After a few moments of rechecking the plan Deacon spoke. “So, we have the plan?”

“Yeah.” The group responded.

“Let’s get it movin’.”

*****

Hank Summer’s Office

“Mr. Summer’s there’s a package here for you.”

“Who’s it from?” Hank asked his secretary.

The secretary looked at the package then pushed the button on the intercom. “It doesn’t say Sir.”

“Bring it in.” Hank told the secretary.

A beautiful young blonde wearing a short skirt and a shirt that if seated in the right position anyone could see down brought in the package. “Here you go Sir.”

Hank took a moment to give the young women a once over before taking the package. “Thank you Beth.”

Beth nodded her head and began to leave the office but stopped just before the door. “There’s also a message from your daughter on your voice mail.”

“Elizabeth?”

“Um, no . . . It’s from your other one.” Beth told her boss.

“Oh.” Hank stated sounding a little disappointed. “Thank you for telling me.”

Beth smiled. “Just doing my job Sir.”

Hank smiled back before asking: “Can you hold all of my calls for the next hour?”

“Sure. Is there anything else you need?” Beth asked.

Hank shook his head. “Not right now.”

“Alright. I’m just a beep away.” Beth stated before walking back out of the office.

“What could this be?” Hank asked as he looked down at the package sitting on his desk.

As Hank open the package a letter and two envelopes fell out one with the number 1 on it and the other with the number 2. Hank picked up the letter first and began to read it:

‘Dear Mr. Summer,

Inside the envelopes is some information in which I believe you would be very interested upon receiving.

Enjoy,
D.R.W.’

“D.R.W.? Who could that be?” Hank asked himself as he opened the first envelope. Inside he found pictures on his daughter in a variety of different sexual positions with a man who was obviously older then her.

After a few moments of looking through the pictures in disgust he put the photos back in the envelope they had come in he picked up the envelope marked 2 and opened it. Inside this time he found a marriage certificate and a picture of the man he had seen in the pictures with his daughter standing next to a beautiful women in her wedding dress.

“Beth” Hank called over the intercom.

“Yes Mr. Summers?”

“Get a hold of Elizabeth NOW!!!!”

*****

Joyce’s Art Gallery

“Joyce there’s a package for you on your desk.”

“Thank you Winifred.” Joyce said as she walked into her office and over to her desk. “Winifred?” Joyce called into her office after looking over the closed package.

“Yes?” Fred asked.

“Do you know who sent this? There’s no return address on the box.”

“No, it was brought in by a UPS man earlier today.” Fred told her employer.

“Oh.” Joyce said nodding her head and looking back down at the package.

“I’ll be in the main gallery if you need me.” Fred called over her shoulder as she walked out of Joyce’s office.

“Alright. Keep an eye out for Mayor Wilkins, he ordered a few things and should be by today or tomorrow for them.” Joyce called out.

“Sure.” Fred said before closing the office door.

“Let’s see what we have here.” Joyce stated as she began to open the box. Inside she saw a letter on top of a tape and an envelope marked ‘After viewing the tape’ on the outside. Joyce picked up the letter and began to read it:

‘Dear Mrs. Summers,

On this tape is something in which I think will be of great interest to you.

Sincerely,
D.R.W.’

Joyce picked up the tape and walked over to the television and VCR she had along one of her office walls. After placing the tape into the VCR she stepped away and picked up her remote.

“Play.” She said as she pushed the button.

“Oh my god!”

*****

Loft Apartment

“Buffy you have a phone call.” Cordelia called through Buffy’s bedroom door from the hallway.

“Who is it?” Buffy asked.

“Beth, she says she works for your Father.”

“I’ll be right down.” Buffy told Cordelia.

“Okay.”

“I’ll be right back.” Buffy stated as she crawled out of her bed.

“No rush Luv, I’ve got all day.” Spike said with a smirk on his face as he watched Buffy pick up her clothes from the floor and put them back on.

“Thanks Cordy.” Buffy said taking the phone from her after she made it down the stairs.

“No problem, if you need me I’ll be at Angel’s” Cordelia told Buffy as she picked up her car keys.

“Alright, say ‘Hi’ for me.”

“I will. Bye.” Cordelia called walking to the loft’s door.

“Have fun.” Buffy called.

“Always.”

Buffy picked up the phone and pushed the hold button. “Hello?”

“. . .”

“Do you know what he wants?”

“. . .”

“Daddy?”

“. . .”

“What’s wrong?”

“. . .”

“Now’s not a good time. I have mid-terms that I really need to study for.”

“. . .”

“Can it wait a few weeks?”

“. . .”

“Alright, I’ll stop by for dinner tonight.”

“. . .”

“Bye Daddy.” Buffy said hanging up the phone and walking back up to her room.

“Who was it?” Spike asked from his spot in her bed.

“My Father.” Buffy stated as she removed her clothes again and crawled back in bed with Spike.

“Is something wrong?”

“He won’t say, but something in his tone didn’t sound right. I have to go to the mansion for dinner tonight.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing. Probably just misses you s’all.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Of course I am. Now, come ‘ere and I’ll help you forget about all your troubles for the next few hours.”

“I like that idea.” Buffy stated as she moved closer to him.

“Thought you might.” Spike stated with a smirk.

“Spike?”

“Yeah Luv?”

“I love you.” Buffy whispered.

“I know. I love you too.”

“I know.”

“Everything will work out, you’ll see.”

“Promise?” Buffy asked.

“Promise.” Spike stated before capturing her lips with his own.
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Chapter 60

Hank’s Office

“Hank? Hank we need to talk.” Joyce stated as she walked into her husbands office and closed the door behind him.

“Joyce what is it?” Hank asked as he walked over to his wife.

“I got this tape in the mail today along with this letter and this envelope.” Joyce told Hank as she handed him the things from the package.

“You got a package too?” Hank asked taking the offered things from Joyce.

“You got one?”

“Yes, but mine had two envelopes one with photos and the other with a marriage certificate, as well as a letter with the initials ‘D.R.W.’ signed at the end.”

“Were the photos of . . .” Joyce drifted off from her question at the look of in her husband’s eyes.

“Elizabeth, and an older man.”

“Yes.” Joyce said nodding her head. “Hank what are we going to do? What do you think this person wants?”

“I’m not sure, but I’m having Elizabeth come to the mansion for dinner tonight we’ll find out about this is about then.”

*****

Summers’ Mansion – Family Dinner

“Ms. Summers, it’s so good to see you. You should come home more often.” One of the maids stated as they took Buffy’s wrap from her shoulders and moved her further into the house.

“Thank you Maria. Do you happen to know what any of this is about?” Buffy asked looking to see what changes the mansion had undergone since her last visit.

“No, but I do know that they sent your sister to spend the night at a friends house.”

“Really?” Buffy asked.

“They also gave most of the staff the night off. The only workers that are still here are the cook and a few servers.”

“This can’t be good if they’ve cleared out the place.” Buffy stated.

“All I know is that your Mother and Father were very upset when they came home.” Maria told her.

“Where are they?” Buffy asked.

“In the dinning room. They told me to send you in when you arrived.”

“Thanks.” Buffy said before heading off towards the dinning room.

“Any time Ms. Summers.” Maria called after her.

“Here goes nothing.” Buffy stated before pushing the dinning room doors open.

*****

Angel’s Dorm Room

“What do you think?” Cordelia asked from her spot next to Angel in his bed.

“She’s going to ask Riley for help?” Angel questioned.

“I’m not sure. She was talking about it. Do you think he’ll help?”

“If she asks I’m sure he will. He still loves her.” Angel told her.

“Will you help if they need it?” Cordelia asked.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea, but if you need my help I’ll be there for you.” Angel stated before kissing her sweetly.

“Thank you.” Cordelia said kissing him back. “Buffy and Spike really love each other, they just met at the wrong time.”

*****

Summers’ Mansion-Dinning Room

“Elizabeth, thank you for joining us on time. Please have a seat.” Hank stated as Buffy walked in through the dinning room doors.

“What’s going on?” Buffy asked her parents as she took a seat at the table in-between her Mother and Father.

“Your Mother and I have a few things we would like to discuss with you tonight.” Hank stated.

“What is it?” Buffy asked becoming more and more nervous at each passing second.

“Your Father and I both received a package today with some documentation in it which we are rather concerned about.” Joyce told her eldest daughter.

“Take a look at these and tell us what you think.” Hank said as he handed the envelope marked ‘1’ to Buffy.

Buffy opened up the envelope and pulled out the pictures. She looked through the photos with wide eyes. When she looked back up at her parents she knew there was more. “What else is there?”

“I received a tape of you and this man. And you father and I both received a letter and a marriage certificate along with a wedding photo.” Joyce stated.

“Can I please see the letter?” Buffy asked.

“Here.” Hank said handing her both of the letters.

Buffy read over the two letters as the initials ‘D.R.W.’ playing over and over in her head. “Drusilla Rayne-Winthrop.” Buffy whispered.

“What did you say?” Her father asked.

“D.R.W. stands for Drusilla Rayne-Winthrop. She’s William Winthrop’s wife.” Buffy stated unable to look at either of her parents.

“The man in the photos and on the tape?” Joyce asked.

“Yes.”

“Elizabeth how could you?” Joyce questioned. “Why would you be the other women? Haven’t you learned anything from what your Father and I went through a when you were sixteen?”

“I didn’t know?” Buffy cried out. “I didn’t know he was married until three months later.”

“What does she want?” Hank asked.

“William. She wants him, and she’ll stop at nothing until she wins.” Buffy told her father.

“Then let her win damnit.” Hank yelled.

“It’s not that simple.” Buffy yelled back.

“Why not?” Hank demanded.

“Because he doesn’t love her.” Buffy stated.

“And he loves you?” Hank asked in an angry tone.

“Yes.”

“He probably just saw you as a pretty face to have and affair with.” Hank stated.

“He’s not you.” Buffy screamed.

“Get out of my house.” Hank yelled.

“What?”

“Get out of my house. You’re on your own from now on.”

“Mom?” Buffy asked turning to face Joyce.

Joyce looked at Buffy before turning to walk out of the dinning room.

“Mom . . .” Buffy called after her.

“You can keep everything we’ve giving you, but after tomorrow don’t try to use any of your credit cards because they won’t be excepted.” Hank stated before following her mother out of the dinning room.

Buffy just looked after her parents in shock before turning to leave the mansion and her family.
------------------------------------------------
Chapter 61

Loft Apartment

“Pet, what’s wrong?” Spike asked as Buffy walked into her bedroom and slowly began to remove her dress.

“My parents know about the affair.” Buffy stated in a low voice as she pulled on a tank top and a pair of shorts.

“How?” Spike questioned as he walked over towards her.

“Your wife.”

“What?”

“Drusilla sent them packages today. My father received photos of us together as well as a marriage certificate, and my mother received a tape of the two of us, and a marriage certificate.” Buffy told him.

“How are there photos? Or a tape?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know.” Buffy whispered.

“What did they say?”

“My mother wouldn’t even talk to me after she found out the truth. And my father . . .My father has disowned me.” Buffy said as tears began to run down her face.

“Shh Luv, I’ll never leave you. We’ll work this out, I promise.” Spike said as he pulled her into his arms.

“I’m just so tired of all of this.”

“I know. Now, come to bed. You need your sleep.” Spike stated as he moved her towards the bed.

After he had her all tucked in he kissed her on the forehead and headed for the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Where are you going?” Buffy asked in a sleepy tone.

“I’m gonna stay at the Sunnydale Inn tonight.” Spike told her.

“Please stay.”

“Sure Luv.” Spike said turning off the lights and crawling into bed next to her.

After a few minutes the blonde couple was fast asleep, leaving their problems to be dealt with tomorrow.

*****

The Next Morning

Spike woke to the sound of a ringing phone, and without really thinking about it answered it. “ ‘ello?”

“. . .”

“ ‘ello?”

“. . .”

After a minute of breathing and no talking on the other end Spike hung up the phone.

“Who was it?” Buffy asked as she turned over to face him.

“Don’t know. Who ever it was wasn’t in the mood to talk to me.”

“Oh. What time is it?”

“It’s still early, go back to sleep.”

“Okay.” Buffy said as she closed her eyes and snuggled into Spike’s warm arms like she had done the night before.

*****

Later On That Day

“Mr. Winthrop!” Willow gasped in shock as she ran into Spike wrapped only in one of Buffy’s silk robes on her way through one of the apartments halls.

“Ms. Rosenberg. How are you this morning?” Spike asked as he tightened the robe around the waist.

“Um, fine. You?” Willow answered. “I didn’t know you stayed the night here.”

“Buffy had a bad night with her parents, stayed with her to make sure she was okay.”

“Oh! Is she okay?”

“I’m sure she’ll be fine once we get this whole nightmare worked out.”

“I’ll help anyway that I can. I know that I was upset with Buffy for keeping so much from all of us to being with, but I kinda understand why she did it.”

“I’m sure Buffy will be thankful for your help. I should probably go and check on her.” Spike said as he placed a hand on the doorknob of Buffy’s room.

“Right, I’ll just. . .” Willow trailed off as she pointed down the hallway towards the stairs.

*****

Buffy’s Bedroom

Ring-Ring

“Hello?” Buffy questioned sleepily into the receiver.

“. . .”

“Mommy?” Buffy asked as she sat up in the bed.

“. . .”

“When?”

“. . .”

“I could stop by the gallery around two or three if you’re free then.”

“. . .”

“I’ll see you then.”

“. . .”

“Bye.” Buffy whispered as her mother hung up her end of the phone.

“Who were you talkin’ to luv?” Spike asked as he walked into the room, closing the door behind him.

“My mother.” Buffy stated as she looked up at Spike with tears in her eyes.

“Oh?”

“She wants to meet with me later today.”

“That’s good.” Spike stated as he walked over towards the bed and sat on the edge.

“I hope so.” Buffy said as Spike wrapped his arms around her and the two leaned against the headboard.

*****

Joyce’s Art Gallery

“Buffy how nice to see you. It’s been so long.” Fred said as Buffy walked into the gallery.

“Hello Fred. Have you seen my mother?” Buffy asked.

Fred nodded her head. “She’s in her office.”

“Thank you Fred. Have a nice day.”

“You too Buffy.”

KNOCK-KNOCK

“Come in.” Joyce called out from behind her desk.

“Mom?”

“Elizabeth, come in.” Joyce said as she stood from her seat.

Buffy shut the door and walked over to her mother’s desk and stood in front of it.

“I hope you’re not missing anything important today.”

“I’m not. A lot of classes aren’t meeting this week so the students have time to study for their mid-terms.”

“How are your classes going?”

“Fine.”

“Is he one of your teachers?”

“What?”

“I remember his name being on your class schedule when I saw it at the beginning of the fall semester.”

“He’s my English Professor.” Buffy stated.

“And his wife? Her name was on the schedule as well.”

“Yes it was. She’s my Art History Professor.” Buffy added.

“And did she know that she was teaching the woman who slept with her husband?”

“No. Not at first.”

“Your father did some checking, and what he found out about Mrs. Rayne-Winthrop is quite shocking.”

“What did he find out?”

“That your lover’s wife is pregnant for one.”

“No she’s not.”

“What?”

“She’s not really pregnant. It was all part of her plan to keep him. She found out about the affair and then she found out that William was going to leave her for me.” Buffy explained.

“Do you really love him?”

“More then anything in this world.”

“And does he really love you?” Joyce asked.

“He does.” Buffy said nodding her head.

After a moment of silence Buffy walked over towards her mother. “I’m so sorry if I hurt you. I know how hard it was for you when everything happened with daddy. I never wanted to do any thing to disappoint you.”

“You could never disappoint me. I was just shocked by everything last night.” Joyce stated as she pulled Buffy into a hug.

“Daddy still hates me.” Buffy whispered.

“Your father doesn’t hate you. He’s just worried about you getting hurt in all of this.”

Buffy nodded her head and looked over at a small clock sitting on her mother’s desk. “I should be going.”

“Alright.”

“Give Dawnie my love.”

“Of course.” Joyce said as she watched her eldest daughter walked towards the office’s door. “Buffy.”

“Yeah?”

“Give your father some time. He’ll come around.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Be careful.”

“Bye.”
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Chapter 62

‘Professor Winthrop’s Office’

“Ms. Summers how nice to see you again.” Mary-Anne said with a smile as Buffy walked into the area Spike’s office was in.

“Nice to see you too. How are you?” Buffy asked smiling back at the secretary.

“I’m good. You?”

“Things are looking up. Is Professor Winthrop in?”

“Sure is. Just knock and go right in.”

Knock-Knock

“Can I come in?” Buffy asked as she cracked the door to his office open while she knocked.

“Of course Ms. Summers. Is there anything I can do for you?” Spike asked as Buffy started to close the door again.”

“Only if you want to take my mid-terms for me.” She joked as she took a seat in Spike’s lap.

“How’s it go with your mum?”

“Good. It was good.” Buffy replied.

“I’m glad.”

“She thinks I should give my father some time, which is weird. Out of the two of them I thought my mother would be the one who wanted time to figure things out about me.”

“I’m sure the thing with your father is just him getting use to the idea your not his baby girl anymore.” Spike explained.

“He’s still got Dawnie.” Buffy stated.

“S’not the same. You were his first born, you were the first one to every call him ‘daddy’.” Spike said before going very quite.

“Hey.” Buffy said as she placed a hand on each side of his face and looked into his eyes. “You’ll be called ‘daddy’ someday. I promise.”

“I never thought she’s use my want for a family against me this way.” Spike stated.

“She knew it was the only way to keep you, she just didn’t know that what we felt for each other was so strong. What I want to know is what she was planning on doing when it came time for the baby to be born.”

“I’m sure she has some crazy plan already set in motion for when that time comes.”

“I’ve got an idea.”

“What’s that?” Spike asked.

“How ‘bout we have no more talking about Drusilla for a while.”

“It’s a deal.”

“Good.” Buffy said before leaning in to kiss Spike.

“He’s in a meeting! You can’t go in there Sir!” Mary-Anne yelled as Spike’s office door came crashing open.

“Daddy!” Buffy yelled in shock as she jumped off of Spike’s lap.

“I tried to stop him but he won’t listen.” Mary-Anne explained to Spike.

“It’s alright Mary-Anne, this is Ms. Summers’ father.”

Mary-Anne nodded her head and put a hand on the doorknob. “I’ll be at my desk if you need anything.”

“Thank you Mary-Anne.” Spike said as she closed the door.

“Elizabeth what are you doing here?” Hank asked.

“I think the better question is what are you doing here?”

“I’m your father, I don’t have to explain myself to you.” Hank stated.

Spike took a step forward. “We’ll, since you came bursting into my office the way you did maybe you’ll explain yourself to me.”

Hank looked between Buffy and Spike. “This is a conversation I’d like to have without my daughter present.”

“Mr. Summers anything you have to say to me in I can assure Buffy will know about the moment you walk out that door.” Spike said pointing in the direction of his office door. “At least with her still in the room you know I’m not twisting your words around to make her believe something that isn’t true.”

“Fine.”

“Please have a seat.” Spike said motioning to one of the chairs in front of his desk as he walked back behind his desk and took a seat.

Buffy moved the chair her father didn’t chose behind the desk and next to Spike. “Why are you here Daddy?”

“I wanted to know what type of a man Mr. Winthrop is.” Hank replied.

“That’s not true. If that was the reason you would just have your private detective look into it like you did with his wife.”

“You had someone gather information on my wife?” Spike asked wondering why Buffy had left that part out earlier.

“I wanted to know all the facts about the woman who decided it was time I knew the truth about my eldest daughter.”

“And what did you find out?”

“That even though your wife is expecting a child you still had an affair with ‘My’ daughter.”

“I think you should hire a new private detective Mr. Summers. The one you have now doesn’t have all his facts right. My wife isn’t pregnant and has never been so.”

“I seen recent photos of your wife, there is no way she’s not pregnant.”

“He’s telling the truth Daddy. She’s faking the pregnancy in hope of keeping Spike with her.” Buffy stated.

“If you both know about this then why haven’t you done anything?” Hank asked.

“We have a plan.” Buffy replied.

“What type of plan?”

“The type that makes her think she’s won.”

“And how does she win?”

“By having me dead.”

*****

TBC. . .
Chapter 63

‘Professor Winthrop’s Office’

“That’s you plan?” Hank asked skeptically after his daughter had told him what her and Spike had in mind.

“Yes.” Buffy answered.

“Were you planning on telling your family?”

“When we made this plan neither you or mother knew about the affair between Spike and myself.” Buffy explained.

“Do you have any idea what the effect of this plan would have of neither your mother, sister, or I knew?”

“After what happened last night why would you care?” Buffy asked angrily.

“You’re my daughter, of course I would care.”

“Disowning me is a funny way of showing it.”

“I was upset.”

“You had no right to be.” Buffy stated.

“And why’s that?” Hank questioned.

“Because you’ve had other women while still married to Mom. She’s the only person who had a right to be upset with my actions. She knows what it’s like to have her husband cheat on her.” Buffy yelled.

Hank took a step closer to his daughter. “How dare you take that tone with me. You don’t know all the facts of what happened.”

Buffy laughed at that. “I’m the one who found you with one of your slut secretaries bent over your desk. I’m the one you bought a brand new sports car for and sent away on a full expense-shopping trip to New York so I wouldn’t tell anyone what a jackass of a father I had.”

Spike stepped forward when he noticed the look on Buffy’s father’s face. “Mr. Summers the more people who know about the plan the less likely it is to actually work.”

“What about college Elizabeth?” Hank asked.

“It will only be a few weeks at the most, we won’t do anything until after my midterms. It’s just long enough to get what we need from Drusilla.” Buffy stated.

“Your plan will work better if I’m you have my help.” Hank said after a few moments of thinking.

“You’re help?” Spike asked.

“Yes, but your mother and sister have to know. You can’t put them through that type of pain that them not knowing would cause.”

“Fine.” Buffy said nodding her head.

“Have everyone who’s involved come by the house tonight and I’ll have the first stages mapped out for you.”

“Why are you doing this?” Buffy asked.

“Because no matter what you may think right now, I do love you. I don’t want you to get hurt in anyway.”

“Thank you Daddy.” Buffy said giving her father a hug.

“I’ll see you tonight.” Hank said before walking towards the door.

“What time?”

“Seven. We’ll have dinner, then work everything out from there.”

“We’ll be there.” Spike stated.

“Goodbye.” Hank said as he opened the door and walked out of the office.

“Bye.” Buffy whispered as the door closed again.”

*****

‘Loft Apartment-Buffy’s Room’

“Who are we going to bring in?” Spike asked as he watched Buffy pace back and forth in front of her bed.

“Cordy.”

“Okay.”

“Alyson.”

“Right.”

“Deacon and Carter.”

“Wanker.” Spike mumbled.

Buffy stopped pacing and turned to face Spike. “We need him or this will never work and you know it.”

“I know. Who else?”

“I think Riley should know. He’s been hurt enough by me already.”

“Fine.”

“Cordy called me earlier and told me if we need more help Angel will offer his.” Buffy said coming to take a seat on her bed next to Spike.

“I don’t think we’ll need it, but it will be good for Ms. Chase if he knows so she doesn’t have to hide it from him.”

“I agree.” Buffy said nodding her head. “Who else?”

Spike thought for a moment. “Your roommates should know, even if they don’t help with the actual stuff.”

“So we have Cordy, Alyson, Deacon, and Carter.” Buffy said repeating the list to make sure they had everyone.

“Also your father.”

“We don’t know what his plan is yet.”

“He has power, and that’s something we can use on our side.” Spike stated.

Ring-Ring

“Yours or mine?” Buffy asked looking around the room.

“It’s mine.” Spike said as he leaned over and picked his cell up from the nightstand.

“Who is it?”

“Drusilla’s Father.” Spike answered as he looked at his caller id.

Ring-Ring

“Is that good or bad?”

“Not sure.”

“Well answer it and fine out.”

“Hello?” Spike asked as he brought the phone to his ear.

“. . .”

“What can I do for you Ethan?”

“. . .”

“No, I’m free then.”

“. . .”

“Where at?”

“. . .”

“I’ll be there.”

“. . .”

“See you soon.” Spike said before closing his cell.

“Good or bad?” Buffy asked.

“Still not sure. He wants to meet with me.”

“Did he say why?”

“No.”

“Are you still going?”

“Only way to find out what he wants.”

“What if it’s a trap?” Buffy asked with worry in her voice.

Spike shook his head. “I don’t think it is.”

“It could be. He’s Drusilla’s Father, why wouldn’t her help her?”

“Dru doesn’t want me hurt, she just wants me.”

“Still.” Buffy said.

Spike placed a kiss on her lips. “I’ll be fine. You go talk with Riley and I’ll go talk with Ethan.”

“Where are you meeting him at?” Buffy asked wanting to know where he would be just in case.

“At ‘The Magic Box’ in about. . .thirty minutes.” Spike said as he stood up and looked down at his watch.

Buffy also stood up and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Be careful.”

“I will be.”

“Promise?” Buffy asked looking up at him.

“Promise.” Spike said before kissing her on the forehead. “I’ll meet you back here and we’ll go to your parents house together from here.”

“Okay.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

*****

TBC. . .

Chapter 64

‘UC Sunnydale Campus-Angel and Riley’s Dorm’

Knock-Knock

“Buffy.” Angel said surprisingly as he opened the door to his and Riley’s room.

“Angel, hey. Is Riley here?”

“No, but he should be in about five minutes. You’re welcome to come in a wait.” Angel said stepping out of the way.

“Thanks.” Buffy said as she walked pass Angel and into the room.

Angel picked up his backpack. “I have a study group I have to get to, Riley should be here soon.”

“Alright.” Buffy nodded as she took a seat on Riley’s bed.

“Good luck with your plan.” Angel said before reopening the door.

“Oh, that reminds me.” She said standing back up. “My Father has invited everyone over to their house at seven for dinner. I’d like it if you came, Cordy will be there.” Buffy said added the Cordy comment when she remembered her friend had agreed to go over the phone call they shared earlier.

“I’ll see what I can do. I’ve got to go.”

“Bye.” Buffy called out as Angel shut the door behind him.

*****

“I’ll see you guys in class tomorrow.” Riley call out as a few of his friends walked towards their own room.

“Sure thing Ri.” They called back.

“Buffy. . .” Riley gasped as he opened the door to his room and saw her seated on his bed.

“Hi.” Buffy said standing up.

“Hi, what are you doing here?” Riley asked as he closed the door and set his backpack down at his desk chair.

“I came to talk. Angel said I could wait for you here, I hope that’s alright.” Buffy stated as she nervously looked at him.

“It’s fine. Just a bit shocked.” Riley replied.

A sad small smile spread across Buffy’s face. “I know, I’m probably the last person you expected to find in your room, let alone seated on your bed.”

“Yeah.” Was all Riley could say.

“So, how have you been?” Buffy asked.

“It’s only been a few days Buffy.” Riley stated.

“A lot can happen in a few days.”

“Right. One day you can have a girlfriend you’re falling in love with, and a few days later you can find out she’s involved with one of your college professors who just so happens to be married.”

Buffy took a step forward. “Riley I know I hurt you and I’m sorry. That’s why I’m here.”

“Why you’re here?” Riley questioned.

“Yes. I need to explain a few things to you, and I need you to just listen to me until I’m done saying everything. Will you do that for me?”

“Yeah.” Riley said before taking a seat across from her on Angel’s bed.

“Okay.” Buffy said sitting down again.

Buffy explained everything that had happened over the summer and everything that had happened since coming to Sunnydale and starting school. She explained everything dealing with Faith and their history together. She explained everything that the group had come up with and she explained what happened with her parents.

“Riley?” Buffy asked after a few moments pasted without him saying anything.

“Is that the only way?” Riley asked still taking everything in.

“Yeah.” Buffy said with a nod. “I thought you should know. I’ve already hurt you enough as it is, I didn’t want to hurt you anymore by this.”

“Thank you for telling me. When?”

“My father is having everyone who’s involved over for dinner tonight. We’re finalizing everything then. You’re more than welcome to come if you’d like. It’s at the mansion at seven.”

“Will he be there?”

“He’s a big part of the plan.”

“I think it’s best if I’m not there than.” Riley said standing up.

Buffy stood up as well. “I understand. I should go, I’ve got a few others to call about tonight still.”

Riley reached out and placed a hand on her arm as she walked towards the door and turned her to face him. “Thanks again for telling me.”

“I’ll see you around Riley.” Buffy said before walking out of the room.

“Goodbye Buffy.” Riley whispered.

*****

‘The Magic Box’

“Ethan?” Spike called out as he entered the shop.

“William, so glad you could make it?” Ethan said as he walked out of the backroom.

Spike walked over to where Ethan was standing. “What’d you want to talk with me about?”

“My daughter.” Ethan stated.

“What about Dru?”

“She needs help.”

‘Why pass you on that one mate.’ Spike thought. “What type of help?”

“There’s no need to play dumb with me William.”

“Didn’t know I was playin’ anything.” Spike said wondering how much his father in-law knew.

“I know you’ve noticed my daughter’s behavior has been somewhat questionable at times. It was why the two of you were having problems back in England.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Drusilla knows about you and the young Ms. Summers still being an item and is none to happy.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Dru found out who I had an affair with yes. The key world in that sentence being ‘had’ as in the past.”

Ethan just smiled and shook his head. “Drusilla’s been having someone follow you and the young lady for some time now. I know what’s going on.”

“Drusilla’s been having me followed?” Spike asked in fake shock and anger. “By who?”

“Yes. I’m not sure, she’s never told me who exactly. I’ve only over heard a few of her phone conversations with this person.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Spike asked knowing how important Ethan’s daughter is to him.

“Because she’s taken this whole thing too far. She’s not in her right mind anymore.”

“You think she’s dangerous?”

“I know she is. William she’s been in love with you since the moment she first saw you. She doesn’t like to share, never has.” Ethan stated.

“Who’s fault is that?” Spike asked angrily.

“Mine I know. I gave her everything she asked for as both a child and an adult, and looking back I do regret what I’ve done.”

“What’s your plan?”

“Plan?” Ethan questioned.

“You must have a plan otherwise you wouldn’t have called me to meet with you.” Spike stated.

“I don’t have a plan. I just wanted to let you know what was going on.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want to see my daughter in prison for murder.”

“Murdering who?”

“Ms. Summers. She’ already begun planning everything out.”

“Do you know what?” Spike asked hoping he’d be able to find out Drusilla’s plan and work from there.

“No, I stopped my part once she sent out the packages to Ms. Summers’ parents.”

“Will you let me know if you find out anything new?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you Ethan. I know how hard this must be for you.”

“I let Drusilla get away with a lot growing up and now, I can’t let her get away with this if the end result is her hurting or killing someone.”

“I won’t let it get that far.” Spike called out as he walked out of the shop.

*****

TBC. . .

Chapter 65

‘Spike and Drusilla’s House’

“Carter I haven’t heard from you in a while.” Drusilla said as she opened the front door to let her guest inside.

“I’ve been busy.” Carter said walking past her and into the living room.

Drusilla closed the door and followed behind him taking a seat in a chair across from the couch where Carter was seated.

“The only thing you have to be busy with is doing what I tell you to do to help me get ‘My’ William back where he belongs.”

“I can’t do that if I’m always around you or on the phone with you. He would suspect something if that was the case.” Carter stated.

“And what has my dear husband been up to since we last chatted?” Drusilla asked.

“Working on new stuff for the band with Deacon and myself. He’s also been doing stuff for his classes.” Carter said telling Drusilla the story the group had come up with.

“Has she been around?”

Carter shook his head. “No, not in the past few days.”

“Where’s she been?” Drusilla questioned.

“Last I heard she was busy with cheerleading and studying for her mid-terms.”

“Anything with her family?” Drusilla asked wonder what had happened with the packages she had sent out.

“They had a falling out the other night from what I was told. It appears her parents received packages with some rather disturbing information in them concerning their eldest daughter. Her mother won’t speak to her and her father has disowned her. She called Spike when she got back to her apartment to tell him that her parents knew about the affair, and about what had happened.” Carter explained.

‘Perfect. Just the way I hoped it would go with her family.’ Drusilla thought with a grin on her face. “Did he go to her?”

“She asked him not to. Said she needed time to think and work things out with her family and stuff.”

Drusilla’s grin grew even wider. “Perfect.”

“Did you really have to bring her family into this?” Carter asked.

“Nothing else seemed to be working.” Drusilla stated. “My plan with Ms. Wilkins didn’t pan out. I had no other options at the time.”

“What’s next?” Carter knew he didn’t need to ask, he already knew what she had planed.

“The big finish.” Drusilla said seeing the final show in her head playing out.

“Which is?”

Drusilla stood up and walked over to the window and looked out for a moment before turning back to face Carter. “Her death.”

*****

TBC. . .

 

Chapter 66

‘The Loft Apartment-Buffy’s Room’

“You call everyone?” Spike asked through the bathroom door where Buffy was doing the finishing touches to her hair and make-up.

“Yeah.” Buffy called back out.

“Who’s all comin’?”

“Alyson, Deacon, Carter, Cordy, maybe Angel, Willow, Tara, and Anya on my last count.”

“Who out of them is actually helpin’ with this plan of ours?” Spike asked as he fixed his shirt and tie. “And do they know about this dress code your parents seem to have?”

“Cordy, Alyson, Deacon, Carter, maybe Willow.” Buffy said as she opened the door and walked out of the bathroom. “And yes, I told them all about ‘this dress code my parents seem to have’ when I talked to them and invited them over to the mansion.”

Spike turned to face Buffy. She had on a black cocktail dress that she had bought while they where in L.A. over the weekend. Her hair pulled half up and curly, and her make-up was done lightly. In one word she looked perfect to Spike.

“Beautiful.” Spike whispered in her ear as he softly kissed her neck.

“Thank you.” Buffy whispered back.

“You ready to go?” Spike asked as he pulled his suit jacket on.

Buffy looked around the room to make sure she wasn’t forgetting anything. “Guess so.” She said grabbing her wrap.

“Let’s get this show on the road than.” Spike said offering her his arm and leading them out of her room and out of the apartment to his car.

*****

‘The Summers’ Mansion’

“Thank you all for coming this evening. It’s good to know that Elizabeth has such a devoted group of friends that are willing to go to this extreme to help.” Hank said as he took a seat at the dinning room table with everyone else.

“I think this would be a good time to introduce everyone to each other.” Joyce added looking at her husband then to Buffy.

Buffy stood up from her spot in-between her mother and Spike. “I know some of you already know each other, so I’m just going to say your name and when I do you could just raise your hand so people can see who you are.”

“How very middle school of you Buffy.” Cordelia joked causing everyone at the table to laugh.

Buffy just smiled and glared at Cordelia. “Okay, we’ll start with the smart ass. . .”

“Elizabeth! Language.” Joyce said lightly tapping her daughter’s hand.

“Sorry.” Buffy told her mother before turning back to face the group. “Everyone this is Cordelia. Cordelia this is everyone.”

“Call me Cordy.”

“Setting next to Cordy is her boyfriend Angel. Next to him is Anya, then we have Willow, Tara, Carter, Deacon, Alyson, and you all know me.” Buffy said as she went around the table, listing people off. “At this end of the table is my mother Joyce Summers, next to her is my younger sister Dawn, and at that end of the table is my father Hank Summers.”

“Aren’t you forgetting someone Elizabeth?” Joyce asked looking over at Spike as Buffy took her seat again.

Buffy followed her mother’s gaze. “Oh! Sorry. Everyone this is Spike.”

“You can call me William if you prefer.” Spike said after noticing Joyce’s widened eyes at the mention of his nickname.

“It’s nice to meet you William. Although I wish it were on different terms.” Joyce said with a small smile.

“That’s understandable.” Spike replied.

“Why do people call you Spike?” Dawn asked.

Spike looked across the table to Deacon and Carter then to Buffy for a moment. “Not sure really. One day someone started calling me Spike, and it’s been that way ever since. Besides, I’m in a rock band and William doesn’t really fit with the image.”

“I like it.” Dawn stated.

Joyce leaned over to whisper into Buffy’s ear. “That’s not really how he got his nickname is it?”

“No.” Buffy whispered back.

“How?” Joyce asked.

Buffy looked at her mother for a moment. “Are you sure you really want to know?”

Understanding her daughter’s meaning Joyce shook her head. “No, nevermind.”

“Good decision.” Buffy said before straitening herself back up in her chair.

*****

“Dinner was very good.” Spike said as the plates were cleared from the table by the staff.

Joyce smiled at Spike’s comment; she really could see why her eldest daughter was in love with him. “I’m glad you thought so, it was on of Elizabeth’s favorites when she was younger.”

“It still is.” Buffy replied.

“I agree with Spike Mrs. Summers, it really was very good.” Alyson stated.

Joyce looked over to Alyson. “Alyson you and Elizabeth have been friends for how many years? I told you to call me Joyce. That goes for everyone else who I haven’t given birth to at this table.”

“Elizabeth, why don’t you show everyone to my office and make sure they’re comfortable. Your mother and I will be there shortly.” Hank said.

“Sure Daddy.” Buffy said standing up and leading everyone out of the dinning room and towards her father’s home office.

*****

TBC. . .

Chapter 67

‘The Summers’ Mansion-Hank’s Office’

“Everyone can take a seat wherever you like except the big chair at the end of the table, that’s my father’s.” Buffy said as she opened the doors to her father’s office and lead them inside.

“Your father has his own conference room?” Willow asked in shock.

“He had it built when we moved here, this way he could do business with people in a more homey atmosphere. Something about them being more comfortable, and willing to spend more money on his business deals.” Buffy explained as everyone took a seat around the large wooden table.

“You think this is amazing you should have seen the place in Los Angeles they lived in.” Alyson stated.

“That big?” Tara asked.

Alyson nodded her head. “Her mother had her own art gallery on the priority.”

“Alyson.” Buffy said trying to give her the hint to stop talking.

Alyson just ignored Buffy and kept on talking. “Dawnie had like eight champion show horses at their stables, and Buffy’s father had an ice rink built just for her.”

“Alyson that’s enough.” Buffy said with a little more anger this time. She didn’t want the people who where in this room to think of her the way she was thought of while still in Los Angeles. Sunnydale was a place where she had to keep up her rich socialite appearances to make her family happy. Sunnydale was the place she could just be Buffy.

“Why’d you move?” Anya asked; she would never give up a place like that.

“College.” Was all Buffy said.

“If I lived in a place like that I’d never leave.” Anya stated.

“Moneys not all Buffy cares about Anya.” Willow stated.

“Of course not, she has it all.” Anya replied.

“I do not. It’s my parents, and they worked very hard for it.” Buffy told Anya.

“It’ll be yours once they die.” Anya said.

“How ‘bout we find something else to chat about?” Spike asked placing a hand on Buffy’s back trying to help calm her down.

“Good idea.” Angel replied.

“Okay.” Anya said nodding her head. “I have a question.”

“Is it about money?” Cordelia asked.

“No.” Anya said.

“What is it?” Buffy asked.

“How’s Spike in bed?”

“Anya!” The group of people who actually knew her yelled.

“Where’d you find this people Buffy?” Alyson asked on behalf of the other group of people seated at the table.

“What? It’s a good question. I hear older men can be very pleasurable.”

“Anya! My sister’s in the room.” Buffy yelled.

“So?” Anya asked.

“She’s to young to hear this type of conversation. I’m to young to hear this conversation and it’s about me.” Buffy stated.

“I am not.” Dawn said crossing her arms over her chest. “I know about sex, and orgasms, and blow jobs, and other stuff.”

“What!?” Buffy asked in shock standing up from her chair before turning to face Angel. “Angel you better pray I don’t run into your brother anytime soon or you’re going to get a sister back.”

Dawn stood you as well. “Buffy just cause I know about it doesn’t mean I’m doing it. I’m not you.”

A wave of hurt crossed over Buffy. “No, you’re not.”

Dawn watched as he sister ran out of the room. “Buffy wait! I didn’t. . .”

“I’ll go talk with her.” Alyson said as she stood up.

“No, I’ll go.” Cordelia stated standing up also.

Alyson turned to face Cordelia. “This is L.A. stuff.”

“So?” Cordelia asked.

“You can deal with the Sunnydale stuff, but I’ve got the L.A. stuff under control.” Alyson explained before following after her friend.

“I didn’t mean it.” Dawn stated.

Spike wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I know Bit, it’s okay.”

“What happened to Elizabeth? Why’d she run out of here crying?” Joyce asked as her and Hank walked into the room.

Dawn looked over to her parents. “It’s my fault. I said something I shouldn’t have.”

“Alyson went to talk to her, I’m sure they’ll be back soon.” Deacon explained.

*****

TBC. . .

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