Okay everyone. Jack was never born in the fan fiction. I found it a bit easier to not have him as a character. Spike was never pregnant with Jack. This would probably take place between Seaon 4 and Season 5. I'm sorry if that doesn't make sense but it's the best I got. Emma just got out of her sophomore year, so she'll be a junior in the fall. Please correct me if I'm wrong with the grade matching the season.

Wednesday morning, I thought as I collected a few dollar bills off an empty booth in the corner of the Dot. I shoved the bills in my back pocket and turned to walk toward the counter. Wednesdays were always slow through out the day. I sat down on a vinyl stool by the counter and spun around on it a few times. Spinner looked at me suspiciously.

"You know, the boss said you didn't have to come in today." Spinner stated as he dried a glass with a dish towel.

"I know." I said as I stopped the stool to look at him. "But I have to come back to reality sometime, why not now?"

Spinner placed the glass on a shelf, and then flung the towel toward the sink. "Em, death is a hard thing to go through--."

"Yeah and how would you know about that Spin? Have you ever actually had people close to you die?" I asked displeased.

He looked away from me, but when he looked back toward me to say his answer, I intervened.

"I didn't think so." I whispered. "When it has happened to you, let me know. Then we'll talk."

The door opened, a business man came in and walked to the counter.

"One coffee to go." He said as his cell phone rang in his pocket.

I snickered at Spin and then walked away. As I began to clean off the booth, I felt holes being burned into my back as Spin glared viscously at me. I knew what I had said was rude, but it seemed like no one would understand, why should anyone even try unless they know what I'm going through? Right?

When I arrived at Joey's later that night, it seemed quiet. Joey looked at the mail that was placed at the kitchen counter and Angela was coloring in a book across from Joey. I closed the door and walked into the kitchen. I opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.

"I think we've solved our limited space crisis." Joey stated as he looked at another bill.

I turned to look at him so he would continue.

"Craig volunteered to give up his room." Joey stated nonchalantly as he looked up to see my facial expression.

I felt my mouth drop. "I can't take his room, I won't."

"He volunteered to transform the garage into a room for him to stay in." Joey stated as he placed the bill on the counter to give him my full attention.

"Joey. You're trusting Craig with this? I mean, he's a guy, don't you think he'll sneak in a girl or something?" I asked sullenly. "You have to be going mad!"

Joey laughed slightly. "Em, he's a teenage boy. Plus it wouldn't be any different if he snuck in a girl through his upstairs window."

I put my arms across my chest and looked away from him. Joey was going crazy! Did he not remember all the shit Craig had done in the past? Joey sighed and looked down at the floor for a moment.

"How about this." Joey began. "You move into the garage, have your own personal space. Would that make things better for you?"

I looked at Joey with surprise. I hadn't expected that, I mean of course I didn't want Craig to give up his room for me, but my own personal space? Was it what I needed?

"That could work." I stated softly. "Don't worry I wouldn't sneak guys in of course!"

"I trust you on that." Joey said with a laugh.

It was quiet for a moment before I spoke up.

"Joey, I didn't mean to make everything so hard for you." I said wistfully.

Joey looked at me with a saddened expression. "Don't be Emma. It's not your fault."

"But what if it is? Do you think things would have been different if I would have been in the car? What if I would have spared just a few minutes, they wouldn't be dead, and you wouldn't be going through all this just to take me in." I stated as tears began to well up in my eyes.

Joey shook his head slowly as he walked toward me. He pulled me into a tight hug as tears went down my cheeks.

"I'm just grateful you weren't in the car Emma. It would have been even harder if we lost you too." Joey soothed. "None of this was your fault, don't ever think it was. Okay?"

I nodded into his chest as I tried to take in his words. But I couldn't help but not believe them.

"How about you go get some sleep?" Joey questioned as he patted my back.

"I could probably use a bit more sleep." I stated, my tears began to cease.

I pulled away from Joey and wiped my cheeks with the back of my hands.

"I'll call the Dot tomorrow morning, if you want?" Joey asked.

I shook my head. "No, I actually want to go to work. Not because I have to, but I need to. I was kind of mean to Spinner today."

Joey nodded. "I'm glad you're doing your best to get back on track."

I half grinned. It seemed like it was the first time I had actually attempted to smile, but it didn't last very long. "I'm trying."

I turned and walked toward the stairs slowly.

"We'll move you in tomorrow if you want. We can go get your stuff after dinner."

I half turned and nodded slowly. I hadn't thought about that, going back to my home and getting my things. But I couldn't call it home anymore now could I?