--
Pulling into the Summers' driveway, Dawn was looking at her new makeup, unsure if she would be able to use it properly. As Cordelia got out, Dawn shoved the little purse into her new Prada shoulder bag, knowing her mom would want to see her new stuff, and wouldn't approve of her having makeup. Going to the trunk, she grabbed the bags that Cordelia hadn't taken, and trotted toward her. Opening the door, she kicked off her shoes, ran in to the living room, and hopped onto the couch, tearing into the various bags. Cordelia followed, and sat beside the hyper girl, watching as she behaved like Willow on coffee.
"Buffy? Is that you?" Joyce rounded the corner, to find her younger daughter surrounded by shopping bags from the more exclusive stores in Sunnydale. "Where on earth did you get all this stuff? And what are you doing home so early?"
"Hi, Mrs. Summers. Buffy had her hands full, so I offered to watch her. So I took her shopping."
"She can't possibly keep all these! You shouldn't have had to pay for this. I'll take Dawn to the mall tomorrow and return it."
"Don't worry, Mrs. Summers. I didn't pay for it. My father did. I have an unlimited account. My dad gives me as much money as I can spend, and I don't see him unless he's on his death bed." Seeing the appalled look on the older woman's face, she added "He's a workaholic."
"Oh. I'm sorry. But are you sure you don't mind about all of this?"
"I'm sure. Her sister may be completely a social pariah, but your younger girl has a lot of potential." Standing up, she turned to face them, smiling. "I have to go now, I'm meeting some friends at the Bronze. But it was great to spend time with Dawn, maybe we could get ice-cream after school tomorrow?" The girl in question looked up at her mom, hoping she would say yes.
"Of course. I'm sure Buffy'll be glad that she doesn't have to look after her then."
"Thanks!"
"Meet you at the doors of the library after my classes, okay?"