PART 7/?
“I will” promises Buffy as she unbuckles her seatbelt
“If you need anything”
“I know I’ll call you right away. Bye Mom” She says opening the car door. “I’ll be fine Mom. Besides I’m not due for another few months” reminds Buffy
“I know. I was going to say, if you stay at school I don’t want you going outside by yourself. If Spike or Faith aren’t here when its dark I want you to wait until one of them are or stay inside”
“I promise not to go outside by myself if it dark." Buffy replies.
“Good. Bye honey have a good day” Joyce tells her
“Bye Mom” Buffy replies walking away from the car. Walking into the building she heads directly to the library, “Giles” she calls out
“Ah Buffy” greets Giles exiting the stacks, ‘How did you sleep last night?” he asks
“Oh fine just one nightmare” Buffy answers sitting down
Alert to the word nightmare Giles looks up from his book. “A nightmare you say? A prophetic one? Or a normal one?” he questions
Looking at Giles in confusion she answers, “I’m not really sure. I think it was a normal fear one. I mean don’t all pregnant women have nightmares?”
Stammering Giles answers, “I suppose it is so. Since you are the Slayer they could mean something. What were they about?” he asks
Stroking her abdomen absently she repeats what she had told Spike the night before. When she's finished Buffy asks, “Giles do you think it could mean something?”
“Um I’m not sure really’ rubbing his forehead he continues nervously, ‘it could be just your dreams showing your fears or it could be a prophecy”
Thinking it over Buffy then asks, “Giles is it possible for the twins to be able to feel connections to people that are a part of them in someway?” Buffy asks hesitantly
“What do you mean?” inquires Giles
Looking away momentarily she continues, “I mean whenever I say Angel or Daddy the twins seem to know who he is.”
“Well it is possible that they do know or they could be acting according to how your voice expresses you feelings” Giles responds thoughtfully
Thinking it over Buffy then hesitantly questions. “Is it possible for them to be able to recognize someone they are in some way related?”
“uh yes I think its possible. Why? Are they reacting the same way towards your mother?”
Looking away from Giles Buffy answers quietly, “Um no. Not to mom or even dad.”
Knowing the only answer left Giles questions softly, “Then who?”
Twisting her ring nervously Buffy replies, “Spike”
Curious about how Buffy knows Spike is back Giles asks, “Oh Spikes back?”
“Uh yeah. Faith and I ran into him last night”
“What happened? Did you stake him?” Giles questions nervously
Squirming Buffy answers, “No. He said he came to help me”
“Did he say why?”
“He said something about family duty”
“Do you believe him?”
“Giles for some strange reason I do.’ Buffy sighs thoughtfully, ‘I mean something told me to trust him. It felt as if the twins trusted him and willed it to me to trust him”
“And do you?”
“For right now I have to trust him. I mean last night it was the weirdest thing. After my nightmare I went downstairs to get a drink. I saw Spike watching TV in the family room and something compelled me to talk with him. The twins had been restless since I had woken up. When Spike and I started talking the twins calmed immediately. Almost as if they knew who he was and that they weren’t in any danger”
“Interesting.’ Giles declares thoughtfully. “Class should start soon. Why don’t I check some resources and see what I can find” he offers
“You will?” urges Buffy standing up
“Yes. It's an intriguing thought. Now go to class” orders Giles as he walks up to the stacks to find some books
“Thanks Giles” calls Buffy as she hurries out of the library to her class. Out in the hall she finds the rest of the Scooby Gang on their way towards her. “Hi Guys” she greets cheerfully
“Buffy your in a good mood” notices Willow
“She’s right. Your awfully chipper this morning Buffster” remarks Xander
“Yeah Buffy you even look halfway decent” compliments Cordelia scanning Buffy’s clothes critically. The others stare at Cordelia in surprise. “What?” she asks, “Can’t I be nice to someone?”
“Uh yeah its just a surprise that your being nice to me” remarks Buffy
“OK what have you done to my Cordy?” demands Xander staring at his girlfriend in surprise
Glaring at Xander Cordelia answers, “Shut up Xander” she stalks away. Xander quickly follows behind his angry girlfriend.
“OK Buffy what is really the reason your happy?” demands Willow then she grins, “Angel called last night” she says
Frowning Buffy shakes her head “No. He still hasn’t called since the weekend”
“Don’t worry Buffy. He’ll call” comforts Willow
“Wills right, Buffy. Angel will call.” Oz states.
“I know he will’ Buffy sighs, ‘I just hope he does soon. After all the twins need to have names soon. I want him to help with that. I mean if they can’t have him here then I want them to be able to say ‘my daddy helped name me’ I think its very important that he gives his input” she stretches her back
“Well have you thought of any names?” asks Willow as the three begin walking towards class
Nodding Buffy answers, “I’ve been thinking over names. I’ve found a few I like but I want to talk them over with Angel”
“So what have you come up with?” asks Willow as they enter the classroom the bell rings
“I’ll tell you after class” Buffy says sitting down
“Ah Miss Summers glad you could be on time” the English teacher Mr. Harding greets snidely
“Yes Mr. Harding. I didn’t want to miss a minute of your brillant teachings” Buffy lies cheerily
“You should have thought of that before” responds Harmony one of Cordelia’s ex friends.
“Maybe you would have ended up learning rather than getting knocked up” adds Aura
Buffy ignores the taunts and opens her book. Willow though hears the remarks and starts to become angry. Her mind whirring over the idea of Harmony getting hit in the face with her book begins evolve. Suddenly they hear a sharp cry of pain. Turning around Willow sees Harmony holding a hand up to her face, “My nose” she cries
“Harmony go to the nurses office” Mr. Harding orders, ‘Aura go with her”
Aura helps the crying Harmony up. Glancing over at Buffy Willow smiles slightly. Shaking her head Buffy mouths “Willow” with a slightly disapproving look on her face and gleam in her eyes. Smiling back Willow returns her attention to the teachers lecture.
“What?” Willow asks innocently
“That was mean” Buffy replies
“What was mean?” asks Xander joining them with Cordelia
“Willow willed a book to smack Harmony in the face” Oz replies nonchalantly
“Uh why?” asks Xander in confusion
“They were insulting Buffy” Willow answers angrily
“Poor Harmony” mutters Cordelia the others all glare at her. “What?’ she asks with a mischeavious grin, ‘She just spent major bucks on plastic surgery”
The others all laugh. “You better not let Giles find out Willow,’ advises Buffy, ‘You know he’s still mad about last time”
“I know’ Willow sighs regretfully, ‘but how was I to know it would end up burning a hole in the carpet” she grumbles
“So Buffster why the good mood today?” inquires Xander, “I mean you have been a little...” he trails off
“A little what?” Buffy asks suspiciously
The others look at her nervously. Cordelia the only one that tells it how it is answers, “You have been a major bitch. So whats the deal?”
The others shake their heads at her bluntness. “Cordy tact is something you need to learn”
“Why beat around the bush? You all know I’m right your just afraid to say it”
“I know I’ve been a bitch lately and I’m sorry. Its just...” she trails off thoughtfully
“You miss Angel” Cordelia sums up
“Yeah” Buffy answers, “Plus with everything else...the twins, school, work. I feel kind of stuck with nowhere to go. But that has changed”
“Uh how?” asks Xander, “Is Deadboy coming back?” he demands
“No ANGEL is not coming back...as far as I know. But I do have something to tell you” she announces. At that moment the bell rings, “I’ll tell you during lunch” she says. The five split up Cordelia to art. Oz to history. Willow, Xander and Buffy to math. Sitting through her classes Buffy thinks of a way to tell the others that Spike is in town.
Part 8/?
Heading towards the table in the quad Buffy finds the others sitting chatting. Seeing Buffy, Xander demands, “So whats the deal Buffster? New demon?’ his eyes wide he asks, ‘Uh its not the end of the world is it?”
Laughing Buffy answers, “No Xander its not that big.’ sitting down beside Willow Buffy begins, “Now I want all of you to keep a level head,’ looking at Xander she says, ‘especially you Xander.”
“Why are you all staring at me” protests Xander
“Because what I have to tell you I know you’ll overreact” replies Buffy
“I promise I won’t overreact”
“Ok.’ taking a deep breath Buffy says quickly, ‘Spike’s in town”
“What?!” shrieks Xander
“Shhh!!’ Buffy says, “you said you wouldn’t overreact”
“But you just said Spike’s in town” stammers Willow
“I take it thats not good” Oz voices
“Not good? Not good?’ Xander babbles, ‘Spike is Spike. He’s tried to kill Buffy and us more times than I can count”
“Is Drusilla with him?” Willow asks nervously
“Who’s Drusilla?” asks Oz
“Angel’s psycho childe” answers Cordelia
“No Willow Dru left Spike” Buffy replies
“Oh poor Spike” sympathises Willow
“Poor Spike?’ asks Xander, ‘Why poor Spike?”
“Because he loves her” Willow remarks
“So why is Billy Idol wannabe doing here?” asks Cordelia
“To kill us all” Xander mutters
Glaring at Xander Buffy retorts, “No Xander. Spike is actually here to help us”
“Help!” exclaims Xander, ‘Thats what he wants you to think. He’ll help us then kill us”
“Not he won’t.” Buffy promises firmly as she opens her lunch bag.
“Does Giles know?” inquires Oz
Buffy nods as she bites into her sandwich. After swallowing she continues, “I know normally I wouldn’t trust Spike and I’d tell you to not trust him. But for some reason I feel as though he can be trusted.”
Rubbing his face in frustration, Xander grimaces, “what makes you think that you can trust Spike?” demands Xander
Rubbing her abdomen comfortingly Buffy answers truthfully and simplistically, “The babies told me I could” The others all stare at Buffy confused. Buffy puts down her sandwich and tells them what she had told Giles earlier.
“So its like since the twins trust Spike your willing to risk our lives” summarizes Cordelia
“Hey when you say it like that it sounds bad” whines Buffy
“It is Buffy. I mean Spike is bad evil.” rambles Willow
“Not only is he bad but he has like no style” complains Cordelia as she files her fingernails
They all roll their eyes in annoyance. “I know you guys but something tells me he can be trusted. I don’t know who or what is telling me to trust him but I do”
Xander holds his hand up in protest, “Just remember if he tries to kill us then I am going to say right now I told you so”
“If Spike tries anything’ threatens Willow, ‘I don’t know what I’ll do but I’ll do something bad to him”
“OK Willow” chuckles Buffy just as the bell signifying the end of lunch rings. “Well time for class’ Buffy sighs regretfully as she struggles to get out of her seat. After a few moments she looks to her friends and says, “Uh guys? I could use a little help here” Xander hurries over and takes her hands and pulls her up. “Thanks Xan.’ she grunts, ‘I have been having trouble getting up lately”
“Well duh Buffy’ remarks Cordelia, ‘Look at how much weight you’ve gained” she points out gesturing to Buffy’s baggy clothes
Looking down at her clothes Buffy frowns, “I know’ shrugging she continues talking and walking, ‘but at least its not that noticeable.”
“Uh Buffy it is getting to be noticeable” Willow remarks
Cordelia shudders in revulsion, “I would hate to be pregnant. I mean look at all the weight you end up gaining. Swollen feet and ankles. Man I would never want to be pregnant”
Xander looks Buffy over, “Well I think you look great Buffy” he compliments
“Xanders right Buffy” agrees Oz
“Thanks guys I needed that. I’ve gained ten pounds since I found out’ she grimaces rubbing her lower back. ‘But the funny thing is I kind of like being pregnant” she shrugs
“I’ve heard of women who like being pregnant” Willow muses
“Why?’ demands Cordelia, ‘I mean like I said the weight gain”
Frowning Buffy rubs her abdomen absently, “I know. But I’m talking about what it feels like when they move. I hate the weight gain, swollen feet, and morning sickness. But I love the feeling I get when they move, its like I have what I’m supposed to with them” she finishes explaining when they reach their classroom just as the final bell rings.
“Miss Summers glad you could make it” greets the French teacher Mrs. Conely. Nodding a greeting Buffy sits down in her seat. For the next 45 minutes Buffy impatiently sits through the class conjegating verbs and such.
Next the Scooby Gang attends study hall. Willow sitting next to Buffy hears her inhale sharply. “Are you OK Buffy?” she asks worriedly
Nodding Buffy grins, “I’m fine Willow one of the babies just kicked” she answers rubbing her side comfortingly
“Ooh can I feel?” Willow asks excitedly
Rolling her eyes at the others Buffy replies, “Sure Willow.’ Willow puts her hand on the spot that Buffy had her hand. Chuckling Buffy remarks, “You know Willow you should be used to this. I mean you have been feeling them kick since they started”
“Its just so cool” Willow exclaims her eyes widen as she feels one of the babies move, “I mean these are two little people”
“Yeah they are little people but they are strong little people” Buffy complains. The Scooby Gang talk quietly through study hall. Finally the bell rings signifying the end of school.
Part 9/?
“Summers watch where your going” snaps Snyder strolling away quickly
Buffy watches the little man walk away, “Troll” she mutters to herself continuing her journey to her locker. Stopping in front of her locker she quickly opens it. As she puts her books in an envelope slips out of a book. Opening the envelope she pulls out a letter that she had received from Angel upon his departure from Sunnydale. Saddened she opens the letter and begins to reread it:
“My dearest Buffy,’ it began,
‘As I write this I am thinking about you and the babies, our miracles. They are our miracles not just because of what I am but because of who we are and who they will be. I love you Buffy more than anyone in the world. I wish I didn’t have to leave you, my love, but I had no choice. I want to be with you and the babies more than anything in this world. To leave you breaks my heart but to stay and end up hurting you and our miracles would be worse. I do love you and I always will, you are the love of my life. ~Angel”
Smiling sadly Buffy puts the letter in her pocket and closes her locker.
“Hey Buffy” greets Willow as she and Oz join Buffy at her locker. “Whats wrong?” she asks concerned at her friend’s expression.
“Buffy you OK?” Oz asks quietly
Buffy nods slightly then remarks tearfully, “I was just rereading the letter Angel left”
“Oh Buffy” Willow murmers patting Buffy on her back, “It’ll be OK.” Oz nods in agreement
Buffy suddenly pulls away from Willow and rushes towards the bathroom with her hand over her mouth. “Uh I take it that thats not good” states Oz.
Nodding Willow replies, “Oz why don’t you go to the library and tell Giles we’ll be there in a few minutes.” Willow hurries towards the bathroom. “Buffy” she calls entering
“Hey Will” Buffy answers before retching in the stall
“Buffy are you all right?” Willow asks leaning against the stall door.
“Yeah Willow.’ Buffy answers flushing the toilet. Opening the stall door she smiles tiredly at Willow, “I guess the twins didn’t like lunch” she laughs. Going over to the sink Buffy rinses her mouth out.
“I thought you were done with morning sickness?” Willow asks
Buffy nods, “I am in a way. I occassionally get sick. Especially when I get emotionally stressed." Buffy looks down at her belly and gently rubs it. “I miss him’ she says tearfully, ‘I miss him more everyday. At night when I’m in bed and the babies move I miss him even more. Every night I wish Angel is with me to feel them to talk to them. Willow’ Buffy sniffs, ‘he hasn’t even felt this miracle of his babies, our babies.”
“Buffy” Willow says soothingly
Buffy continues, “Sometimes I wish that I had never Carpe Diem. Other times I wish I had an abortion when I found out about them not because I didn’t want them. I do Willow. I wanted them the moment I found I was pregnant but I didn’t even think that it would have led to Angel leaving me..us. A few times I have even wished that I had killed him so that I wouldn’t have had to worry like this”
“Buffy you don’t mean that” Willow remarks shocked
Wiping her eyes Buffy answers, “I do but I don’t. I love them more everyday Willow. I know I would never be able to give them up but I wish Angel was here”
Hugging Buffy, Willow declares jokingly “Angel is a bad man. Oh wait a bad vampire”
Giggling Buffy retorts, “Thanks Willow. You always know how to cheer me up”
“Are you feeling better?” Willow inquires
Buffy nods. “We should get to the library. Giles will freak about me being late. He’s being a mother hen” Buffy wipes her eyes. “Lets go” she says turning to the door
“Buffy’ Willow calls. Buffy turns around, “Everything will be ok.” Willow reassures.
“I know Willow.’ Buffy pats her belly, ‘It will be great soon as their born” The two friends leave the bathroom and head to the library to join their friends.
“Ah Buffy are you all right?” Giles asks worriedly as he gazes at his Slayer in concern. “Oz told us that you were ill” he removes his glasses and polishes them nervously
Buffy sits down on the leather couch wearily. “I just felt ill” she replies
Giles nods in acknowledgement. Turning to the others his asks, “I take it that Buffy has alerted you to our new situation?”
“Yeah Spikes here” Xander remarks
“Giles Spike told me that their is some demon or something that wants to harm the babies” Buffy says worriedly
“I am not surprised.’ Giles sighs, ‘when you told me of your pregnancy I told you that there would be problems with the demon world and in someways the mortal world too”
Buffy frowns in concentration, “Giles’ she sighs, ‘I know. But it didn’t hit me until last night when Spike and I were talking that we are in danger.’ sniffling Buffy remarks, ‘Giles for the first time since the Master I am scared of dying. When Angelus was about to kill me I wasn’t as scared because I knew Angel would break through. I am scared of dying but not for me dying but my babies.’ Buffy plays with her ring. ‘Giles I am scared to lose them, my link to my Angel.” Tears silently fall
Giles crouches before his Slayer and says quietly, “I know Buffy. I know your scared. We’re all scared.’ Giles moves to sit beside Buffy, ‘You won’t lose them. We’ll stop whoever does try to take them away from you” Giles answers putting his arm around her shoulders comfortingly.
Buffy wipes the tears away and looks at Giles her eyes filled with anger. Her voice filled with rage she remarks passionately, “If anyone tries to take my children away from me I will kill them.” The others hear the rage and promise in her voice and flinch in sympathy towards anyone who tries to take the Slayers children. The rest of the afternoon the Scooby Gang and Giles research possible threats to the twins.
