Chapter 4: Family Reunion
Two weeks later, Kennedy and Willow were still searching for Roxanne. Willow had contacted Giles in England but he didn't have a lot of information to give them. All he knew was that Roxanne lived in Pennsylvania and that she knew where Kennedy lived because she had asked her ex-husband and surprisingly, he'd told her.
Kennedy was getting frustrated and Willow didn't know how to pull her out of it without finding Roxanne.
Kennedy had told Meg that Roxanne was still alive and that she was trying to find her. Meg was thrilled and supported Kennedy any way she could. Surprisingly, it was only when Kennedy was with Meg that she could let go of the frustration and be hopeful. Meg had that effect on her.
One day, Meg had invited Kennedy over for the afternoon, saying only that she had a surprise for her. Meg specifically asked that Kennedy come alone. Kennedy told Willow and, while she felt a slight stab of jealousy, Willow agreed that Kennedy should go and that she'd stay in the study looking for Roxanne.
Kennedy arrived at Meg's house and rang the bell. Meg opened the door and immediately put a blindfold on Kennedy, saying simply, "If not, you'll ruin the surprise."
Kennedy relented. Meg could get her to agree to almost anything and Kennedy never stopped to question why, she simply assumed it was because of her connection to Roxanne and the week they'd had in 1964.
Meg led Kennedy into the living room and in one smooth move she removed the blindfold and Kennedy was bombarded by a shout of, "SURPRISE!"
Standing there in Meg's living room was Meg's family, Will, JJ, Beth, Jack and Helen Pryor, and several younger teens and a few little kids. Kennedy hugged Helen and Jack, Will, JJ and Beth and was introduced to the others who turned out to be Meg's kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. It was a family reunion and Meg had told Will, JJ, Beth and her parents the truth about Kennedy. The others simply knew she was a friend of the family.
The party then began and everyone had a good time. Kennedy soon pulled Meg aside for a chat.
"Not that I don't like this but, what's up? I thought your folks were in Florida."
"I called them and told them and they insisted on flying in to see you again. JJ, Beth, Will and his wife Lynn were then called by my folks and the reunion was arranged. I was the last to know before you. Kennedy, my parents really liked you and after I told them you were Roxanne's daughter they were thrilled. Believe it or not, they knew about Patti. She'd secretly told them about it so she wouldn't get in trouble for being out late and training and everything. They accepted it after Patti saved them from a vampire. They figure if vampires can be real why not time travel? Besides, seeing you now kind of confirms it. As for JJ and Will and Beth, if mom and dad say so they'll fall right in line. Besides, they all liked you, especially Will, I think he had a crush on you after you invited him and Patti to talk with you and Roxanne that first day but he'd never admit to it."
"Oh, well not like he'd have a chance anyway right?"
"Yeah..." Meg drifted off.
"What?"
"Just wondering if I'd had a chance during that week. If I hadn't been so na?e and innocent would something have happened?"
Kennedy was stunned. This was not anything she ever expected to hear from Meg. "Meg, I don't know. I mean I love Willow. She's my everything. But looking back, if I hadn't been with Willow and you were more worldly...maybe. But then there's also the fact that I would've been seducing my mother's best friend. I dunno, that just doesn't seem right. And now, well...there's a huge age gap plus there's still Willow."
"Kennedy relax, you're babbling. I was only wondering I wasn't asking you for anything. C'mon, let's enjoy the party ok?"
"Ok."
Kennedy and Meg rejoined the party and Kennedy took a moment to talk to Helen and Jack Pryor. They spoke of that week she'd spent in their house. Reminiscing about it and also about Patti. Kennedy had made the first move and brought it up, and they began to talk about it.
Kennedy then talked to JJ and Beth and then Will and Lynn. Everyone had accepted that Kennedy had gone back in time and they didn't even mention it after a bit. Kennedy talked with Meg's kids and played with the grandkids and soon it was late and Kennedy needed to do a quick patrol before heading home. She made her excuses and left.
Kennedy walked around the cemetery and soon found herself at Patti's grave. Not even questioning how or why she just accepted it and since it had been a quiet night began to tell Patti about the party. No detail was left out as Kennedy poured it all out. When she was finished, she said goodbye and walked away.
Kennedy ran into one vampire on her way out of the cemetery and made quick work of dusting him. Kennedy headed home feeling good about the day's events, thoughts of not being able to find her mother temporarily banished from her brain as the after effects of that one slay settled in.
Kennedy's arrival at the house was met with silence since everyone was asleep. Everyone, except for Willow who was in the study playing Yahoo Poolďžobviously waiting up for her.
Kennedy snuck up behind Willow and in short order had her naked and on the floor of the study screaming out her name.
TBC...
