Two Weeks Later

 

    Willow Rosenberg walked into the Summers' house, slamming the door.  She stomped into the living room and collapsed onto the couch, exhausted. She heard footsteps on the stairs, and opened her eyes see Dawn standing above her.

 

    "Hey, Willow.  Are you all right?" The younger girl asked, concern evident in her voice.

 

    "I'm fine Dawnie,” Willow assured her. "I just got attacked by some vamps on my way back from the Magic Box. They were obviously just out of the ground, so I managed to take care of them pretty easily. Just floated stakes into their hearts.  One of them managed to get in a few good kicks though.  Times like that I wish for Slayer strength."

 

    "Do you need anything?  I could get you some aspirin if you'd like."

 

    "Thanks Dawn; that would be great.  Is your sister around?"

 

    "No," Dawn told her, "Buffy's out patrolling.   I just ordered a pizza.  It should be here in about 20 minutes."  Dawn went into the kitchen and returned with a couple of pills and a glass of water.  "Here you go," she said, handing them to Willow.

 

    Willow took them gratefully, and got up off the couch.  "Pizza sounds great, Dawn. I'm going to head up stairs and take a shower.  I'm pretty well covered in dust."

 

    15 minutes later and Willow was showered and refreshed. She had changed into some comfortable sweats, and was feeling a lot better.  She heard the doorbell ring downstairs, and ran down to get it.  "Dawn, I think the pizza's here!"  She called out.

 

    Willow opened the door, and froze at what she saw. "You're not the pizza boy," she informed the man who stood outside the house.

 

    "No. No, I'm not," he replied, and easy smile on his face.  "Are you Willow Rosenberg?"

 

    Willow continued to stare at him, shocked. "Yes, I'm Willow."

 

    "Great, I'm..." the man began, but Willow cut him off.

 

    "You're Josh Lyman."  Awe and more than a little confusion filled Willow's voice.

 

    "See, Donna, people outside of Washington do recognize me." Josh said to the pretty blond woman whom Willow noticed for the first time since she answered the door.   "Ms. Rosenberg, this is my assistant Donna Moss.  Do you mind if we step inside for a moment?  There's something I'd like to talk to you about."

 

    "Oh, of course."  Willow step aside, and motioned for them to come in.  She was still stunned, and didn't quite know what to do.

 

    Just then Dawn entered from the kitchen, carrying plates, "Hey, Will. What's taking so long with the pizza?"  Her voice trailed off as she saw two people she didn't recognize standing with the redheaded witch.  "Who are you?"

 

    "Um, Dawn this is Mr. Lyman and Ms. Moss.  They work at the White House.  Um, this is

Dawn Summers."

 

    "Nice to meet you kid." Josh grinned at her.

 

    Dawn narrowed her eyes at him, she did not appreciate people she didn't know calling her kid. "Why are people who work at the White House here?"  She asked.

 

    "I was kind of wondering that myself."

 

    "Is there a place we could sit and talk?" Josh asked.

 

    "Of course, please come into the living room."  Dazed, Willow led the pair into the living room.  Donna and Josh sat on the couch, and Willow grabbed an armchair.  Dawn stood in the doorway.

 

    Josh cleared his throat. "Well, to put it quite simply, Ms. Rosenberg.  I'm here to interview you."

 

    "I don't understand." Willow began, "I mean...."

 

    "I'm here to interview you for a position at the White House."

 

 

End Part 1