Author's note: This story was written back in season 5, before Emma's eating disorder. So anything involving that, or Manny's discovery of Peter and Emma, or the latter is not canon in this fan fiction. Thanks for reading!
Spike's POV:
I cannot believe the moment I have been dreading since eighth grade is here. My little girl—my baby is going to college in the states. Of course I'm proud of her for buckling down during her last two years of high school and getting into Harvard. But I'll be missing her so much.
It seems like just yesterday I was walking out of that office, Shane holding my hand tightly, and telling my mother she was going to be a grandmother. It was just yesterday I was holding the little bundle in my arms for the first time.
It has hurt me so much to see all the pain she has recently gone through. Yet there was nothing I could do for her. But she threw herself into work, and look where that's brought us.
"Are you sure you don't want me to help you move in, baby?" The fully grown girl gives me a small half smile. That's all she gives anymore. I haven't seen a real smile cross over her lips for three years. She shakes her head lightly, sending her blond hair side to side. This is the first time she's even brushed through her hair in a year. She'd given up on life. That's the only reason I'm happy to watch my baby leave this town.
"I'll be home for Thanksgiving, Mom. I love you." With that, she closes her trunk, pressing it down with all of her strength. She walks over and gives me a kiss, which I acknowledge with a small smile, similar to the one I had just witnessed on her face, and gets into the front seat of her car.
"I love you, too. Call everyday."
She laughs, though still only having that same half smile on her face. "I will. Take care of my brother. I want to see some fat on those bones the next time I see him." I see a tear roll down her cheek, though she tries to hide it. "I'm stopping by the cemetery on my way out of town."
I nod, tears entering my eyes, as well. I stand cross-armed, refusing to allow myself to show emotion. My weakness increases her weakness. "Tell Snake that I love him and I'm sorry." She nods, wipes the tears from her eye, and finally pulls out of the driveway, headed towards success and happiness for the first time in years.
