Chapter 23/?
Buffy pulls into the driveway of her fathers house. She rings the doorbell insistantly and pounds on the door. "Open up" she calls
The door opens and her father stands there rubbing his eyes tiredly. "Buffy what are you doing here?" he asks surprised
"Hank who’s there?" a womans voice calls tiredly
"No one honey. Go back to bed" he calls. Buffy enters and sees a woman about 25 standing in the doorway of the living room
"Hank who is that?" the lady asks
"Yeah Daddy tell her who I am" Buffy glares
"Gina this is my daughter Buffy" Hank introduces nervously
"Nice to meet you” Gina says “He’s told me so much about you”
“I’d say the same but I didn’t know you existed” Buffy retorts
“Why are you here?” asks Hank
“I want to know why your doing this?” she demands
“Because I care” he replies
“No you don’t” Buffy protests
“Yes I do. I’ve missed you Buffy”
“No. If you cared you wouldn’t have done this to me. Why are you trying to rip apart my life?”
“I’m protecting you” he protests
“Protecting me?” she laughs “Your protecting me by taking away my baby?!” she says angrily “By taking me from my family?!”
“I’m your family” Hank argues
“No your not. Giles is the father I never had. Your just the one who I share DNA with. They are my family” she laughs “Even Spike is more like family than you ever were and I hate Spike”
“Buffy your 17 and not even out of high school and you’ve all ready destroyed your future”
“No I haven’t” she retorts “I have a beautiful little girl. And she is my future.”
Gina calmly says “Your father is right. You are too young to have children”
“You should have aborted the bastards kids” Hank mutters
Buffy hears that “excuse me?!” she says angrily her eyes showing her anger. “You have no right to say that to me”
“Yes I do” Hank argues “There are people in this world who want to have kids and they can’t. And you a highschool student gets knocked up.”
Buffy sees the sadness on Gina’s face then realizes “You want my baby because you can’t have one of your own.”
Gina nods “Yes. But thats not the only reason. We want to give you the chance to be like other teenagers”
“I won’t ever be like other teenagers. I am not giving up my baby. She is my miracle so was William. And because of you I lost my son” she says angrily her father is about to protest she continues. “You say that you want to have children and can’t. We thought it wasn’t possible”
Hank snorts “Well you did”
“Yes I did. And I’m glad I did. I love Angel. I love the twins. If you ever think of taking Katie from me I will make your life a living hell”
“Don’t speak to me like that” Hank says angrily. “I am your father. I deserve more respect”
“You lost my respect years ago. If you ever come near my daughter” she walks closer to him. She grabs his neck and slams him against the wall leaning close she says her voice angrily “I will destroy everything you hold dear. See Daddy I don’t take well to threats. And I’m betting you will be getting visits from Giles, Angel, Spike, and Mom. I’ll tell Spike to leave you in one piece. Just so you know Giles seems mild mannered but when he’s pissed watch out” she releases him. “Now tomorrow morning you will withdraw the custody papers. And Mom and I will file for a restraining order.” she walks to the front door without turning around she says “By the way you are no longer my father” she slams the door behind her
Angel and Spike return to the house to find Joyce pacing. “Did you find her?” she asks
“No. Looked everywhere” Spike says
The phone rings “Buffy?” Joyce answers. “You bastard” she hisses. “You’ve done enough damage for a lifetime”
“Joyce I just called to let you know that I am going to have my lawyer pull the suit tomorrow first thing.”
“Why?” asks Joyce she smiles “Buffy threatened you didn’t she”
Spike laughs “The Slayer threatened her father”
“Shut up Spike” Angel growls. Katie wakes up crying. Angel heads upstairs to calm the crying baby.
Buffy pulls into the driveway getting out of the car she climbs the trellis and into her room through the window. She finds Angel asleep on her bed holding Katie against his chest. Smiling she slips off her shoes and walks to the bed. Carefully she takes the sleeping baby from Angel’s arms and takes her to the bassinet and puts her down. She looks at the sleeping infant she smiles.
“You went to see your father” Angel states quietly from the bed
Buffy nods without turning around she says “I had to Angel. I needed to talk to him”
“What happened?” he asks
Wiping away her tears she answers, “He has a new girlfriend. Gina she’s not much older than me.” she walks towards the bed and sits down. “They wanted the twins because they can’t have any kids. Angel he was angry so angry”
“Why?” Angel asks softly
“In his words ‘you a high school student gets knocked up while people who want kids can’t have them.’ He didn’t want me when I needed him. And now I don’t need him he wants me for my baby.”
“I’m sorry” Angel says stroking her back
“He told me I should have had an abortion”
“I’m glad you didn’t” Angel whispers
Buffy looks up at him “So am I.”
“Go to sleep beloved” he says
“I love you Angel. I always will”
“Forever” Angel says
Part 24/?
“Buffy” Angel says softly stroking her hair. “Time to get up”
“No” she mutters burrowing closer
The bedroom door opens and Joyce enters “ELIZABETH ANNE SUMMERS” she says angrily “GET OUT OF BED THIS INSTANT” she exits angrily
“I’m up I’m up” Buffy insists sitting up wide eyed. “I’m in trouble aren’t I?” she asks Angel
“I think so” Angel says. At that moment Katie wakes up crying.
Buffy picks her up “I’m sorry Katie girl” she shushes kissing her head
Angel gets up “Go talk to your mom. I’ll take care of Katie” he says taking the baby.
“I guess I’m going to have to tell her everything” she groans she trudges down the stairs. “Hi Mom” she greets sheepishly entering the kitchen.
“Buffy I want to talk about last night” Joyce begins
Buffy nods “I know but can I say something first?”
“Go ahead”
“I know that I shouldn’t have gone to LA with out telling you but I needed to do it by myself. I had to find out why he was doing all this.”
“And did you find out?” asks Joyce
Buffy nods “Yes I did.” She proceeds to tell her Mom what she had learned.
Fifteen minutes later Joyce talks “Oh honey I’m sorry.” She hugs Buffy “I think your father thought in some way he was doing what was best.” she sees Buffy is about to protest holding up her hand she continues “But he still shouldn’t have done it.” Joyce glances at the clock “Now go call Cordelia and tell her that we’ll pick her up in an hour.”
“But Mom...” Buffy protests
“No you aren’t driving. First you don’t have a license. Second its illegal. Third I said so”
Buffy rolls her eyes as she walks out “Gee I drive to LA without getting pulled over or in an accident and she won’t let me drive to Cordelia’s.” she mutters “Not my fault they won’t let me get my license. You crash one Drivers Ed car trying to save the world and your penalized for life.” she grumbles entering her room.
“Buffy are you OK?” Angel asks as she enters
Buffy looks at him laying on her bed holding the baby. She shakes her head and crawls up the foot of the bed to him. Laying her head on his shoulder she looks at their sleeping daughter. “I miss him Angel.”
Angel hugs her “I know baby I do too”
She glances up at him “I heard him cry Angel.”
“Buffy...”
“No Angel don’t tell me it was my imagination. I heard him.” She turns her attention to the newborn “I did”
“Baby you need to get ready for school” Angel reluctantly reminds her.
Buffy nods kissing Katie’s head she reluctantly gets up. “I take it your staying here today?”
“yeah I am. Its too late for me to go.”
“Oh” she says heading out of the bedroom
Angel watches her leave then looks down at the sleeping baby “Katie I bet you miss your brother huh?” Carefully he stands and walks over to the bassinet placing a kiss on her forehead he puts her down. “We miss him too Katie.” He goes back to Buffy’s bed laying down he thinks of what Buffy had said. Soon he falls asleep.
Buffy enters her room dressed. She finds Angel sprawled on her bed fast asleep. Smiling at the sight she goes to the bed. Leaning over she kisses him softly. “I love you Angel” she whispers. She goes over to the bassinet to find Katie sleeping as peaceful as her Daddy. “See you later Katie girl. Love you.” she picks up her backpack and heads downstairs.
The remainder of the week Buffy constantly worries that her father will reappear and try to take Katie. At the end of the week Buffy awakens early on Saturday morning. Glancing at the clock she sees that it is almost dawn and Katie hadn’t cried all night. Concerned she glances in the bassinet to find it empty “Oh she must be with Angel” she thinks. Pulling on her robe she heads downstairs where she finds Angel sitting on the living room couch giving Katie her bottle. Buffy stands there watching the father and daughter.
“Katie today is my last day here with you and mommy. Its hard to leave but I have to. I’ll come visit when ever I get the chance. Remember little one no matter where I am I will always be there for you and your mom. You two are the most important people in my life. I love you little one. I love your Mommy and I always will.”
Buffy smiles at his words and heads back up to bed. “Forever my Angel” she whispers as she falls back to sleep.
After the sun goes down on Angel’s last day in Sunnydale spends his last few moments with Buffy and Katie. Buffy is sitting in the rocking chair holding Katie she looks up to see Angel watching them from the doorway. Sensing the sadness in her parents Katie begins to cry. Buffy looks down at her “Its OK Katie” she says tearfully. Katie starts crying even more. Angel crouches before them. Buffy looks at Angel tears in her eyes “She knows something is wrong.”
Angel kisses Katie and whispers “I love you Katie.” He looks up at Buffy he touches her face wiping away a tear “I love you Buffy.” Angel kisses her softly on the lips.
“I love you too” she whispers “Forever”
“Forever baby” he echoes
Buffy pulls away and wipes away her tears “You better get going” she says looking down at the crying baby.
“I know” Angel says sadly. He kisses the baby one last time. “Bye Katie” he stands and starts walking to the bedroom door.
“Angel?” Buffy calls
Angel turns back “Yes?”
“Call every once in a while” Buffy requests
“I will baby. I’ll be back next weekend” Angel heads downstairs where he finds Spike and Joyce in the kitchen. “Spike keep out of trouble” Angel says to the blond vampire. “Thank you Joyce”
Joyce looks at hm surprised “For what?”
Angel shrugs “Everything you’ve done”
Joyce nods “You’re coming next weekend right?”
“Planning to.” he answers he says goodbye and heads out to his car. Looking up he finds Buffy watching from her window. Buffy places her hand against the window. Angel holds his hand up the same way. After a second Angel gets into his car. As he is heading out of town Angel decides to go to the cemetary.
Parking the car Angel walks through the cemetary deep in his thoughts. Finally he reaches he grave crouching before the tombstone he reads the writing:
“William Kieran Summers
September 10, 1998
Beloved miracle who
will be with us FOREVER”
“We miss you William. I wish we had the chance to know you.” Angel reaches into his pocket. He pulls out a small jewlery box. Opening it Angel looks at the small silver cross. “A few days after I left Sunnydale I was walking passed a jewlery store when I saw two small silver crosses like the one I gave your Mommy.” Angel lifts the cross out by the chain “I had planned to give these to you and your sister when you were older. But I think that this one belongs here with you.” Angel lifts the tombstone and slides the crucifix under it. Angel stands looking up at the night sky Angel thinks to himself “Jenny, Kendra I know that after what happened I don’t have the right to ask this of you but I will anyway. Watch after our boy for us. And keep an eye out for Katie. She’ll need you to keep an eye out for her.” The dark haired vampire looks one more time at the grave of his son. “I promise you that I will find out who attacked your mother.” He turns and walks back to the car. He starts his two hour drive back to LA.
Buffy paces her bedroom trying to calm the crying newborn. “Katie its OK. Daddy will be back.” Buffy soothes stroking her back. She hears a knock on her door. “Come in” she calls
“Buffy?” Joyce asks entering the room
“Hi Mom.” Buffy says looking up from the crying baby.
“Honey whats wrong?” Joyce asks sitting on the bed she watches her daughter pace the room
“She won’t stop crying” Buffy says worriedly
“She’ll stop when she’s ready to” Joyce comforts
“She misses her Daddy and her brother.” Buffy says tearfully “I do too.” She nuzzles the baby’s head with her cheek. “I wish Angel was here... he’s better at calming her.” Buffy goes and sits on the window bench holding her daughter she stares out to the night sky.
Joyce sensing her daughter’s need to be alone she quietly exits the room. Heading downstairs she joins Spike in the living room.
“So how’s the Slayer?” Spike asks
“Not doing well she feels bad about everything.” she sighs
Upstairs Buffy stares at the night sky, she shifts the baby so she can look out the window. “Look Katie the night sky. Where I met your Daddy. Your Daddy used to come and visit me at night by climbing through my window.” she chuckles “First time Daddy and I kissed was right here. This is where I found out that Daddy is a vampire. Even so I still love him. I always will love him. After all he’s given me so much.” She cradles the now quiet baby so she can look down at her. “His love. My life. You and your brother.” she traces the baby’s face. “You look so much like him.” Katie grasps her finger and squeezes tightly. “You sure are strong Katie.” After a while Buffy and Katie fall asleep on the bench.
After a two hour drive Angel pulls into the underground parking lot, he takes the elevator up to his office he grabs his mail and then heads down to his apartment. He goes into the kitchen and puts the jars of blood in the fridge picking up the cordless phone from his desk he dials Buffy’s number as he walks into his bedroom.
“Hello?” asks Joyce
“Joyce its Angel. Can I speak to Buffy?”
“Sure just a moment.” Joyce answers. Angel listens as Joyce calls for Buffy.
“Hello?” Buffy asks sleepily as Joyce hangs up.
“Hey baby” Angel greets
“Angel” she says happily
“I just got in.”
“I’m glad you called.”
Angel hearing the wariness in her voice asks “What’s wrong baby?”
“Katie spent half an hour crying after you left.”
“She OK?”
“She misses you. I miss you” Buffy sighs as she walks to the crib. “She’s sleeping now.”
“I miss you too.” Angel says heading into his room. The two talk for an hour after saying good night they hang up each falling into a restless sleep missingthe comfort of being together.
Part 25
Finally, Monday rolls around and Buffy awakens to her alarm clock going off quickly she turns it off and gets up. Going to the crib she checks on the baby finding that Katie is still asleep Buffy heads into the bathroom and quickly showers. After showering she returns to her room where she finds the baby cooing happily in her crib, “Hey Katie girl.” she greets checking on the baby. Buffy goes to her closet and rifles through her clothes. “Well Katie what should Mommy wear today?” she muses. After Buffy gets dressed in a pale blue mini skirt with a white spaghetti strap top and knee high heeled black boots as a habit she puts on the cross Angel had given her and then goes to pick up Katie as she holds Katie close the newborn starts crying. “Oh I’m sorry baby.” she apologizes as she tucks the cross under her top. After changing and feeding the baby she heads down to the basement to wake up the blond vampire. “Spike” she calls, not getting an answer she calls louder. “Spike get up.” she orders
“What?” Spike growls sleepily
“Its Monday remember? I have school.” she reminds him
“Bloody hell Slayer” Spike mutters drowsily
“Spike!!” she growls
“Sorry Slayer” Spike apologizes
Buffy puts the baby into the crib. “She’s been fed and changed. She just went back to sleep. I’ll make up some bottles and put them in the fridge. Heat ‘em up for 15 seconds in the microwave. If you need anything Mom’s at the gallery. If you can’t get a hold of her call Giles at the library. His numbers on the fridge. I’ll be back after school to pick her up. If I can’t come I’ll send Willow or someone.”
“Sure Slayer” Spike says sleepily “Have fun”
“Spike don’t corrupt my daughter” Buffy orders
“Sure pet” Spike answers automatically his eyes closed.
Buffy rolls her eyes she leans over and kisses the baby. “Bye Katie girl” she says heading upstairs she finds her Mom in the kitchen
“Morning honey” Joyce greets over her cup of coffee
“Morning” Buffy replies grabbing the container of formula. “Katie’s with Spike.”
“Mmm” Joyce mumbles as she watches Buffy fill the bottles. “Are you training this afternoon?” she asks
Buffy nods. “Yeah. I told Spike I’d pick Katie up after school.”
Joyce stands “We need to leave in 10” she says
“OK” Buffy puts the bottles in the fridge. Going back upstairs she grabs her backpack. After a second thought she grabs the diaper bag and Mr. Gordo Jr.
“Honey we need to go” Joyce calls
Buffy walks down the stairs “I’m going to drop this off in the basement”
“I’ll be in the car” Joyce says heading out the door.
Buffy takes the diaper bag down to the basement she puts it beside the crib and puts the stuffed pig in with Katie. “Bye Katie.” she heads upstairs hurrying out to the car.
Buffy spends the morning worrying about Katie being with the vampire. Finally, its lunchtime and Buffy heads to the library and dials her phone number. “Spike I know your up” she mutters
“What?” he growls picking the phone up
“How’s it going?” Buffy asks
“Slayer you interrupted our stories” Spike whines
Buffy rolls her eyes “Spike I don’t care. I’m just calling to see how its going.”
“Fine. Katie just had her bottle. I ate. Now we’re watching Passions”
“Did you change her?”
“Doesn’t need it yet.” he replies “Slayer we’re missing our show”
“Fine Spike go watch your show.” Spike hangs up. “Stupid vampire.” she mutters walking out of the library.
Before she knows it the final bell rings. “Yes” she says happily. She sees the Prom Queen “Hey Cordy” she calls
“What?”
“I need a favor. I need to go pick up Katie.”
“Why me??” demands Cordelia
“Uh you have a car I don’t.” Buffy reminds.
Cordelia stares at the Slayer and rolls her eyes. “Fine. Lets go.” The two teens head to Buffy’s. Ten minutes later they pull into the driveway. They head into the living room where they find Spike sprawled on the couch holding the baby against his chest.
“Hey Slayer” he greets without looking up from the screen.
Buffy shakes her head. “Spike how did it go?”
“Good pet.” he hands her the baby and stands. “I’m going back to bed.”
“Toss up the diaper bag.” Buffy requests to the retreating vampire her eyes on her dozing daughter.
“here” Spike says tossing the bag on the counter slamming the door behind him as he returns to his basement room.
“Cordelia can you grab the diaper bag and a bottle out of the fridge?” she asks as she puts the baby in the car seat.
Cordelia returns with the bag. “let’s go” she says impatiently. After strapping the car seat into the back they return to the library.
Over the next three months life in the Summers household finds a new routine. Spike watches the baby while Buffy’s at school after school Buffy picks up her daughter and takes her to the library. Joyce or Giles watches Katie while Buffy patrols. Weekends Angel visits when he can; spending the time with his daughter.
Part 26
Shaking her head in amusement she grins "Spike I need you to watch Katie." she hands the baby to the British vampire.
"Sure pet" Spike says taking the baby
Buffy showers and dresses she returns to the living room to find Spike and Katie still in front of TV. "Thanks Spike." Buffy says taking the baby from him. "Lets get you fed baby girl" she takes the baby into the kitchen. Heating up a bottle she fixes hersdelf a bowl of cereal. She sits down at the table alternately feeding the baby and eating herself. Spike joins them in the kitchen going to the fridge he takes out a container of blood. Pouring it in a mug he puts it in the microwave. "Spike don't forget Angel will be here in 2 days"
"Slayer does Peaches have to stay here?" he whines
Buffy looks up at him "Spike he's staying. Its a holiday. Holiday's he stays at the house remember?"
"I know but why does he have to sleep downstairs." he grumbles taking the mug out of the microwave
"Ask mom. I have no problem sharing my room with him. But she does. Just because I'm a teenager it doesn't mean my hormones are out of control." she mutters
Joyce enters the room. "Buffy thats not the reason. It sets a bad example for Katie." she reminds them going to the coffee pot.
"Mom its not like anything would happen." Buffy protests
"Its not like anything could happen mum" Spike states "Peaches knows better. So does the Slayer"
"Spike why are you helping me?" demands Buffy
Spike rolls his eyes "'Cause I don't want to share my room with Peaches. The bloody wanker annoys me."
"Damn" Buffy mutters "I'm gonna be late" she hands the still feeding baby over to Spike. "Spike I'll be back to get Katie around noon. Its a half day" she reminds them.
Buffy heads to school and anxiously awaits the day to end. Finally the final bell rings sending the students into a rush to start their vacation. Buffy rushes home to get the baby and returns to the library where she works out until just before sun down. Hey are you guys coming over for Christmas dinner?"
"Sure B." Faith says
"Why not? Where else would I eat?" asks Xander
"Mom and Dad are gone" says Willow
"Where Willow goes I go." says Oz
"Yes I shall be there" Giles states
"What about you Cordy?" Buffy inquires turning to the cheerleader
Cordelia sighs "I don't know. I guess unless some better offer appears"
"OK dinner's at 7." she tells them putting the sleeping baby in the stroller. We're outta here." she annouces pushing the stroller towards the door. "Faith I'll patrol tonight."
"5 by 5 B." Faith calls
"Buffy call me when you reach home" Giles orders
"Right Bossman" she salutes
"Mom we're home" Buffy calls opening the front door she pushes the stroller in.
"Hi honey how was your day?" Joyce asks entering the living room. She watches as Buffy takes the baby out of the stroller.
"It was good. Everyone said they'll be here tomorrow. Cordy said as long as she doesn't get a better offer" she laughs "So how was your day?"
"Oh I went to the gallery for a little while. Then came back here Spike has been helping me get ready for Christmas dinner"
Buffy stares at her mother surprised "Spike? Our Spike? Blond haired vampire who wears the same clothes everyday Spike?" she laughs
"Bloody hell Slayer I'm still good ol' Spike" he growls from the doorway
"A vampire who cooks" she muses shaking her head "Katie look at that Spike is into cooking" Katie just giggles
"I may be a vampire but I know how to cook" Spike retorts
"Uh why? I mean come on face it you don't eat why cook?" Buffy questions heading into the kitchen
"Sometimes Dru wanted to act like a bloody human" Spike answers
"mm" Buffy sniffs "Smells good"
"So how was school honey?" Joyce asks returning to her cooking
Buffy shrugs as she opens the fridge to get a bottle "It was OK I guess."
"Honey please tell me your gonna make it through this semester without getting expelled" Joyce asks
"Mom" Buffy groans putting the bottle in the microwave "I've been good this semester. I think it helps that we had little problems concerning the Hellmouth"
"That's true pet its been quiet" Spike remarks thoughtfully
"Great" Buffy groans "You just jinxed us" she complains "Now something bad is gonna happen."
"Is not" Spike retorts
"Is too" Buffy argues
"Is not" Spike growls
"too" Buffy glares siiting down she gives Katie her bottle
"Stop arguing god you two sound like siblings" Joyce sighs
"God no" Buffy groans
"So Slayer when is Peaches gonna be here?" Spike asks
"He said two days. He'll be here by Christmas Eve" she shrugs looking down at the baby.
"Great I have to see the Poof again" Spike groans in annoyance
"Shut up Blondie"
"Make me"
"Hey you two knock it off. I want both of you on your best behavior this week. Especially Christmas Eve and Day. I don't want you two constantly bickering"
"Yes Mom"
"Yes Mum"
"Good. Buffy do you have any homework?"
"Yes" Buffy admits
"Go put Katie in her playpen. Spike and I will watch her while you do your homework."
"But Mom" she groans
"Buffy" Joyce warns
"OK." she groans as she puts the infant in the playpen she heads up to her room to work on her homework.
Two days have passed and Buffy anxiously awaits Angel's appearance. She's rocking a feeding Katie as she feels the tingling sensation alerting her to Angel's proximity. Katie starts to fidget waving her hands happily cooing in delight. "You feel him too huh?"
A few moments later she looks up to see Angel watching them from the doorway. "Hi" she says
"She still up?" he asks walking over he crouches beside the rocker
"Yeah I think she's been waiting to see you." Buffy says anxious at Angel's closeness. "So have I" Buffy admits with a small smile
"Same" Angel smiles hesitantly. "Hey Katie I missed you little one" he says quietly kissing the infants foot
Buffy stands so Angel can sit. Angel pulls her onto his lap linking their hands under the baby. "Its almost Christmas" she whispers laying her head on his chest
"Yeah baby it is" Angel whispers kissing her head
"Its their first Christmas and they aren't together like their supposed to be" she looks at the dozing baby "I wish he was here. Katie misses him so do I"
"I do too" Angel sighs rocking the two to sleep
Buffy awakens to find herself tucked into bed sitting up she looks to the crib to see Katie sleeping peacefully. Smiling she grabs her robe and heads downstairs to find her mom at the kitchen table drinking coffee and reading the newspaper.
"Morning Mom. Merry Christmas Eve" she kisses her mom's cheek
"Morning honey you seem happy" Joyce observes
"I slept through the night. Angel must've taken care of Katie's midnight bottle"
"So honey what are you going to do today?" Joyce asks as she watches Buffy make her breakfast
"Um..." she pauses thoughtfully "I think first I'm going to take a shower before Katie gets up. Sometime today give her a bath. Finish wrapping presents run a few last minute errands. Work on my homework. What about you?" she asks sitting down at the table
"I need to work on dinner for tonight and tomorrow. Also do some last minute shopping. I need to go to the gallery to get some paperwork"
"Mmm OK" Buffy mumbles "Need any help?"
"Uh no thank you" Joyce says surprised at the offer
"Let me know if you do" Buffy says standing "I'm gonna shower can you listen for Katie?"
"Sure sweetie"
Buffy and Joyce spend the day finalizing things for Christmas Day. Mid afternoon Angel and Spike come up to the kitchen arguing "Come on Peaches stop being a bloody wanker"
"I'm not. Will you shut up"
"No" Spike smirks going to the fridge grabbing a container of blood pouring some into two mugs and sticking them in the microwave
"Spike what did I say yesterday?" Joyce demands
"No bickering" Spike sighs
"That goes for you too Angel" Joyce orders
"Not a problem" Angel promises taking one of the mugs
"Mom" Buffy calls
"In the kitchen" Joyce answers
Buffy enters the kitchen carrying Katie wearing only a diaper. "Hey guys" she says turning to her mother she asks "Mom where is Katie's blue sleeper with cows?"
"Check the laundry room" Joyce suggests "I think its in the dryer"
Buffy hands the diapered baby to Angel and heads into the laundry room returning moments later with the sleeper. Angel hands the baby back so Buffy can dress her. "Come on Katie girl lets get you dressed" Buffy starts to pull the sleeper on the infant who protests by waving her arms and legs. "Katie stay still" she groans in annoyance
Joyce picks up one of Katie's teething rings and hands it to the infant "Here Katie" the infant takes it. She calms down and Buffy finishes dressing her.
Buffy picks the infant up and hands her to Angel "I've got to go do some homework" she groans heading to the stairs. Angel spends the day playing with his daughter while Spike watches TV, Joyce wraps presents and Buffy does homework.
Buffy awakens to find Katie asleep in the crib smiling the teen goes to her desk drawer and takes out her diary. She opens it to a blank page and begins to write:
'Dear Diary,
Its Christmas morning... finally. Its Katie's first Christmas. I am both excited and saddened about today. I'm happy because my little girl gets to celebrate her first of what I hope is many Christmas' to come. I am saddened because my little boy isn't here for this special day. When I was pregnant I dreamed of their first Christmas and what we'd do on this special day. My dream won't come true. Angel and I won't be able to celebrate this Christmas or any other with both of our little miracles. I am glad that we still have Katie. Not matter how glad I am to have her and how happy she makes me I still feel as though I am missing part of myself.
Every night I dream of the night the twins were born. I remember hearing my baby boy cry before they knocked me out. I am almost positive that William was at one time alive. They told me that he was born dead but I know that he was alive not just because I heard him cry but I feel that he was. With my whole heart I feel that my son was born alive he didn't die inside of me like I was told. If I told the others they would just say it was my imagination or wishful thinking but I felt his presence almost as strongly as I feel Angel's presence and Katie's.
Why was I told he died inside of me? Why did they lie to me? Was it to protect me? Or was it something else? I know William was alive after the attack. I felt them both move inside of me at the hospital. What happened to cause my son's death?'
Buffy sniffs back her tears as she closes her diary. She stands up pulling on her robe she checks on Katie and then goes downstairs to the kitchen to find her mother making a pot of coffee. "Morning" she greets
"Merry Christmas sweetie" Joyce greets "Is Katie still asleep?"
"Yeah" Buffy answers "She's out" she smiles
Joyce and Buffy sit at the kitchen table talking soon Angel and Spike join them in the kitchen. Angel hears the little girl wake up talking to herself. He goes upstairs to find the little girl chewing on her stuffed pig. Chuckling the vampire lifts the infant out of the crib onto the changing table his voice low he talks to her "Merry Christmas little one" he unsnaps the sleeper "Its a big day for your mommy. She loves Christmas I bet you will too" he says changing her diaper as he talks to her. After changing her diaper he joins the others downstairs. That afternoon they open gifts.
Buffy holds the baby on her lap as she helps Katie open her gifts. She giggles as her daughter seems more interested in the wrapping paper, boxes and bows rather than the presents themselves. The rest of the day is spent calm and relaxed. The Scooby Gang arrives for dinner and presents.
After Katie has been long asleep Buffy and Angel go out to patrol. The two stop off at their son's grave. "I wish he was here so much" Buffy whispers
"I do too" agrees Angel taking her hand
"Merry Christmas little man" Buffy wishes tearfully
"We should finish this and go back to the house" Buffy nods and they finish their patrol returning to find Katie sleeping.
"When do you leave?" Buffy asks changing into her pajamas
"Tomorrow" he answers
Buffy curls up next to him "Oh" she sighs sadly
"I'll be back"
"I know"
"Get some sleep love" he kisses her head
"Merry Christmas my Angel"
"Merry Christmas Buffy"
Angel looks at Buffy laying on her stomach reading as the infant sleeps. Going over to the crib Angel looks down at his sleeping daughter "See you later little miracle" he whispers tenderly stroking her soft cheek. He smiles as the little girl sighs in her sleep
Buffy smiles at the sight of her love watching the little girl sleep. 'He is such a good father' she thinks to herself
Angel turns around meeting Buffy's gaze he smiles slightly "I'll call you when I get home" he promises
Buffy smiles back "All right" she nods "Are you coming down next weekend?"
Angel shrugs "I'm not sure. I'll let you know" he heads towards the bedroom door
"Angel" she calls
"Yeah?"
"Be careful"
Angel turns around "You too"
