Chapter 11
"Angel don't you remember going up to the San Gabriel Mountains with Connor and Lou so that you could see what she could do?" Cordelia asked him as he was getting dressed.
"Yeah I remember that." "Connor brought you home last night bleeding and unconscious. You apparently had an accident when you saved Lou from falling from a tree. As you caught her you were pushed into the stub of a broken limb. See the red marks on your stomach. It went all of the way through you but apparently Angelus was working overtime and made you heal within hours of the accident." Angel was quiet while he tried to remember. He looked at the brace that he had found on his arm when he woke up. His arm felt okay so he took it off and left it on the bed. He picked it up and looked at it again. "I must have broken my arm also and that's why I had this on my arm." "Yes that's right. You've been unconscious since the accident. I was beginning to have some serious doubt that you would come out of it." Cordelia went to Angel and put her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss.
"Cordelia I don't remember any of that. The last thing I remember was sitting on a tree limb and eating pine nuts that I had found at the bottom of a tree." Cordelia backed up when he said that. He had a worried look on his face. It was evident that his memory lapse was really bothering him. "Why don't you finish getting dressed then we'll go and see Mom."
Cordelia went down to Dr. Martins room and knocked on the door. Dr. Martin answered the door. "Good morning Cordelia. How is Angel doing?" "Not to good Mom. It seems that he doesn't remember the accident last night." "Okay, why don't you take him down to the clinic and I'll be there in a few minutes." Before going downstairs Dr. Martin stopped to get Hunter. She told her what Cordelia had said and they both went downstairs.
Angel was sitting on the examination bed with Cordelia and Kathleen near by. Hunter started the examination by asking Angel some questions to see if his memory of the previous nights accident was the only time affected. When she was done she told Angel to go have some breakfast and they would come to talk to him in a few minutes.
Angel went into the kitchen and warmed up some blood for himself and fixed Kathleen's breakfast while Cordelia was downstairs with Connie and checking on the supplies. When Dr. Martin and Hunter came in they had Wesley with them also. "Let's go out to the patio Angel so we can have some privacy. Do you know where Cordelia is?" "Yes she is downstairs with Connie checking on the supplies." Dr. Martin asked Wesley to go and get her.
In a few minutes they were all gathered outside around the patio table. "Okay Mom where all here, what do you think is wrong with me?"
"We don't have much to go on Angel, but this is what we do have. You have had two accidents that severely affected your brain. The first one of course was when you had the PVC pipe punch a hole in your skull. The second was last night. We think that you must have also had other injuries during your many fights with whomever or whatever. We have seen different symptoms crop up here and there but you always seemed to get over them quickly." "What symptoms are you talking about?" Angel asked.
"Angel I don't know if you realize it or not but occasionally you slur your words. Occasionally you will speak to us in a different language other then English and you don't notice it unless some one says 'What?' Occasionally we've seen you, for lack of a better term, space out for a span of at least 30 seconds. After each of these episodes you recover quickly. Are you aware of any of this happening?"
Angel didn't say anything for awhile. "Yes some times I am aware of it but most of the time I think that I just lost my train of thought which has been happening more frequently."
Dr. Martin and Hunter looked at each other. "Angel I asked Wesley to join us because of what we need to do. I have to figure out a way to get you into the hospital so that we can take a Cat Scan of your brain. Hunter and I believe that your symptoms are pointing toward a possible blood clot or possibly a tumor. Since you are having these problems it's obvious that Angelus can't heal whatever it is." Dr. Martin said.
Cordelia put her hands on her husbands. Angel looked at her. She felt the anguish that he was feeling. He looked back at his Mother. "Mom, why is this happening to me? I've never had any problems like these before. I've been hit many times and Angelus always just took care of it."
Dr. Martin got up and went over to kneel beside Angel's chair. "Angel think about what you have been working towards for so many years. Now I want you to think about how hard it was on Wesley when he was shot and had to have two operations. Remember how much he suffered for over a week. By the second week it was a little easier but still hard on him. You saw how much he suffered especially when you and Gunn made him start exercising. Because his friends where standing by him he made a monumental effort every day so that he could recover and get back into shape. Angel this is what it is like to be human and these things are happening to you because you are becoming more human. This isn't being caused by St. Michael to teach you anything it is just a part of being human. Wesley is going to be helping me today to set up an appointment to get the tests done that we need done on you. We have to find out what kind of machine the hospital has. Our biggest problem is that we have to have one of our own people run the machine at the hospital. I think that Willow will be the best one to do that but she has to learn how to operate the machine and the computer program. I want you to rest today if you can Angel no strenuous exercising if possible. If you have a client that needs something done try to postpone it until we get the tests done." Dr. Martin stood up then and Wesley followed her and Hunter back into the clinic.
Angel looked at Cordelia and squeezed her hand. "We'll get through this Angel just like we have everything else. All we can do is trust in God." Angel stood up and pulled Cordelia up into his arms.
"What scares me most is that I might have to leave you so soon. I've never wanted to stay in this world because I was alone but now I have you and I don't want to leave you so soon. I have everything that I've always dreamt about and I don't want to have to give it up yet. I know that Mom has told us that no one in the family will die for at least the next 20 years but she didn't say what condition we will be in." Angel turned Cordelia around so that he could wrap his arms around her and she could watch the lightening that played in the thunder clouds of the oncoming storm. They could tell that the storm was coming in from the ocean because they could smell the ocean in the rain clouds. They stood like that for a good five minutes before they went back into the Hotel.
Dr. Martin had called Willow and asked her to come down to the clinic. They explained everything that was going on and the roll that they wanted her to play. That afternoon Dr. Martin, Wesley, and Willow went to the hospital to check out the equipment that the hospital had for scanning the human body.
While preparations for Angels Cat Scan were being made Angel was patiently resting and waiting in his room. Kathleen had been taking her afternoon nap and was awake now. Even though Angel was laying down on the couch she could feel him in the room. "Daddy……Daddy….. I know you're in here Daddy. I want up Daddy."
It's funny how children can continue to say the same thing over and over and over again until you want to ……………….. Today though Angel wanted to hear his daughter's voice, he wanted to hear her call him Daddy over and over again. When she got tired of him ignoring her she threw her own special little temper tantrum. Kathleen started crying on the inside of her mind and telling her Daddy that he didn't love her anymore and that was why he didn't want to come and get her. Angel was concentrating on her cries so hard that he didn't notice that he wasn't hearing it. When he went to the crib he saw her smiling at him with her arms wide open and reaching for him.
"You little witch. You sure are learning early how to manipulate men. I didn't think girls started that until they were in their teens. Come here my little princes." As soon as he picked her up he smelled the nuclear waste. Toby had been sleeping on the floor right in front of the crib. He took a sniff of Kathleen's diapers and immediately wanted out. Since Cordelia wasn't in the room Angel had no choice but to clean her up.
As Angel was finishing with his daughter he heard Connor in his room playing with Toby. He picked up Kathleen and went to his son's room. Connor felt his father at the door and opened it. "Hi, do you have a few minutes free?" "Sure Dad, come in."
Angel put Kathleen on the floor to play with Toby.
"I wanted to talk to you about today. When I woke up this morning Cordelia had to tell me about what happened last night because I couldn't remember anything after I was sitting up in the tree and eating pine nuts. Grandma and Hunter checked me out. They told me that because of my memory lapse and other symptoms I apparently have been displaying Hunter and Grandma think that I either have a blood clot or a tumor on my brain. They said that they have been noticing the problems that I have been having since shortly after I had the accident with the PVC pipe going into my skull. I don't know if you've heard, but Hunter has told us that our Demons can't heal anything to do with our brains. Right now Grandma, Wesley, and Willow are checking out the Cat Scan equipment at the hospital. Hunter and Grandma want me to have a Cat Scan to see if it's a blood clot or tumor."
"How dangerous is it?" Connor asked. "They didn't spell it out for us but I would say that anything having to do with the brain is very dangerous. I don't think I'll die from it though. Remember Grandma telling us that no one in our family will die for at least the next 20 years?" "Yeah." "Well she didn't say in what condition we would survive." It was quiet in the room for a while.
"Well I just wanted you to know." Angel picked up Kathleen then and left Connor to contemplate what was happening with his father. But that wasn't what Connor was doing. He called a friend of his first then called his Grandmother.
"Hello, this is Dr. Martin." "Hi Grandma, where are you?" "Where at the hospital Connor, why, is there a problem?" "No Grandma but you can come home now I have a solution to your problem of setting up a place to give Dad a Cat Scan." "Okay Connor will be home as soon as possible." Dr. Martin talked to Wesley and Willow then made up an excuse to the technician as to why they had to leave.
Thirty minutes later they walked through the back doors of the Hotel. Connor was waiting for them.
"Well what is your solution?" Dr. Martin asked. "We have what you're looking for at my college. In the medical wing of the college they just received a brand new Cat Scan machine. The company that makes them has donated one to the school so they could train people to use them. I've set up some time with the professor in charge of it so that we can use it …..tonight. He is expecting us tonight at 11 after the evening classes are all done and out of the building." Connor was smiling as he finished.
"How did you accomplish that and does he know about Angel?" Wesley asked. Angel's safety was always his primary concern.
"You don't have to worry Wesley. I did a favor for this man early in the school year. He owes me a favor and yes he knows about Dad and I, he will be there to let us in and he will run the machine." Wesley and Dr. Martin looked at each other and just smiled. "I guess my grandson isn't a little boy anymore. He's becoming adept at walking in his fathers shoes. I wonder if supper is almost ready because I am starving." Dr. Martin went into the kitchen to check on supper. Connie told her that it would be ready in 15 minutes. Dr. Martin went up stairs then to talk to Angel and Cordelia.
She knocked on the door softly. Cordelia came to the door and opened it as quietly as possible and went out into the hallway and closed it behind her. "Hi Mom, both Angel and Kathleen are sleeping right now." Dr. Martin pulled Cordelia along with her as she walked back to her bedroom.
"Cordelia we have had a small miracle occur. Apparently Angel told Connor what was going on with him and Connor has set up an appointment for us at 11 tonight at his college. It just so happens that the very machine that I need is sitting right now at the college that Connor attends. The company that makes them has donated one to the school so that they can train people in using it and the professor in charge of it owes Connor a favor." Dr. Martin and Cordelia hugged.
"Now I don't want him to eat anything tonight including blood. He can have some after the test. Cordelia I also want you to bring Kathleen with us. I am going to try a few things while he is in the machine and I need Kathleen there to tell us something. Spike is coming also to take part in the test. Why don't you come down and have supper with us then you can come and tell Angel what we will be doing tonight. I don't want him to come downstairs I just want him to be quiet and to rest." Dr. Martin saw the tears rolling down Cordelia's cheeks. She pulled her into a hug again. "Have faith in God Cordelia. Have faith and trust in God that He won't let anything happen to Angel that isn't for his benefit." "I'm trying to Mom, but it's hard when I know that Angel is suffering so much. He's afraid Mom, he is afraid that he won't come through this as a whole man." "How do you know this Cordelia? Has he told you that he is afraid?" "No but he doesn't seem to be able to control who he speaks to in our minds. He is radiating his thoughts out to both Kathleen and I, and I am willing to bet that Spike is hearing him also. And Mom it seems to give him a very painful headache when he does talk to us."
At 11 P.M. Connor, Dr. Martin, Hunter, Wesley, Spike, Cordelia, Kathleen and Angel were standing outside of the building where the test was going to be performed. A short man that appeared to be in his 50s came to the door and let them in. They all filed in and went to the room where the machine was installed. It was an unusually large room so that students could be accommodated. Once everyone was inside Connor introduced the Professor to everyone.
"Professor Brandon this is my father Angel Martin, his wife Cordelia, my Grandmother Dr. Martin." He kept on until everyone had been introduced. Prof. Brandon stepped closer to Angel and shook his hand. "Mr. Martin I am very happy to meet you. You should be very proud of your son. He is an exceptional young man and from what he tells me about you I would say that he will have very big shoes to fill when he takes over the family business from you." "Thank you for telling me this Prof. Brandon. May I ask how you came to know about Connor?"
"I am a medical doctor also Mr. Martin I realized, when I was in my 40's that I liked teaching. When I was asked to check your son, he had opened up a big gash on his leg during some exercises; I saw how unusually fast he healed. One thing lead to another and I ended up trusting him with an unusual problem I was having." The professor saw how Angel was looking at him.
"Please don't worry Mr. Martin your secret is safe with me. I am more than happy to help you with this. Dr. Martin if you would prepare Mr. Martin for the test I will start things up on this side." Dr. Martin guided Angel and Cordelia over to the other side of the screen. She noticed him having a slight problem walking but it disappeared by the time Angel removed everything from the waist up. Dr. Martin gave him a shot with a special liquid that would help to show all of the veins in his brain better.
"Okay Angel lay down. I want you to lie as still as possible but at the same time I want you to think of something that will make your heart beat faster. During the test I will be asking you to do certain things. You will be able to hear me through speakers by your head. She took his things with her and went back to the other side of the screen.
Dr. Martin gave the okay for the Professor to start. When it was done with the initial scan Dr. Martin called to Angel. "Angel I want you to concentrate on Spike and speak to him through the link you share with him." They could see on the scan screen that he was using a certain part of his brain to speak to Spike. After a few seconds Spike came over to the mike and said "You dirty old man my poor virgin ears are turning red." "Okay Angel I want you to talk to Cordelia now." When he spoke to Cordelia they could actually see a soft blue corona surrounding his brain. Cordelia touched his mind with a soft light touch that made his heart beat faster.
"Okay Angel it's obvious you've contacted Cordelia. I want you to talk to Kathleen now." Hunter and Dr. Martin watched the scanner carefully while everyone else watched Kathleen. "I love you too Daddy. When are we going home Daddy? Okay Daddy." "Okay Prof. Brandon you can bring him out now." Dr. Martin went to the other side of the screen. As the table came out of the Scanner she saw that Angel was in pain with a headache. "Do you have a headache Angel?" "Yes." He didn't dare shake his head because it hurt so much. "What does it feel like? Is it a sharp pain or a dull aching feeling?" "It's a sharp pain." He had his head down and he was holding onto it as though he felt that it would explode if he didn't hold his head together. The pain was so bad that he went to his knees. Dr. Martin called out to Cordelia. "Cordelia come and help me." As Cordelia came over to her husband she got on the floor and lay down beside him. She took his head on her chest and he rolled over so that he could lie next to her more comfortably. Prof. Brandon brought over a couple of pillows and put it under Cordelia's head.
Cordelia spoke softly to Angel and continually ran her fingers through his head gently. After a few minutes you could see him starting to relax as the pain slowly subsided. After about fifteen minutes Angel was able to sit up. "Thank you my dear. Once again you have been a source of comfort. That was the worst one that I've ever had." Wesley and Spike came over to him and helped him up. Angel reached for Cordelia's hand and pulled her up. Dr. Martin gave him his medal that he always wore around his neck then helped him put on the rest.
"Would you men walk Angel back to the Van please? I'll be there in a few minutes." Dr. Martin said. She watched him as he walked out. Angel had a distinct shuffle in his steps as he walked out. When they were gone she turned to Cordelia.
"Cordelia did I hear him correctly when he said that this one was the worst one?" "Yes you heard him correctly." "Why haven't you told me about these?" "I didn't say anything to you because he didn't want me to. Last week when they started getting worse he realized that they always occurred when he had been talking to Kathleen in her mind. He doesn't want you to tell him to stop."
Connor and Prof. Brandon were coming over with a large envelope. "Here is the film of the Cat Scan. Besides pictures I also gave you a CD with the pictures on them." "I cannot begin to thank you enough Professor. As you can guess Connors father is very important to us and we all love him very much. After seeing the way that Connor handled this I would say that the family business is going to be taken over by very good and capable hands." Dr. Martin, Cordelia, and Kathleen left then to go back to Connors van. Connor followed behind them after walking the Professor to his car.
Angel and Cordelia were sitting in the back with Kathleen. Cordelia had changed her and was now nursing her as they drove back to the Hotel. They were all quiet during the long drive back. Cordelia had told Angel what Mom had asked her about. Angel could tell that she was seething with anger at him but she wasn't saying anything. He knew his current illness was keeping her quiet.
The next morning Angel was feeling a lot better when Cordelia woke him up. "Get up Angel it's 9 o'clock and we have to get ready to go to church. I have all of your clothes laid out for you. Go and take a shower first then I'll have something for you to drink." Angel did as he was told and took a quick shower. When he came out he had a towel wrapped around him. He had already shaved so he just went to the bed where Cordelia had set out his clothes. He was in a good mood so he was whistling an Irish tune to himself. He took the towel off and threw it over a chair. He stopped to admire himself in the full length mirror. He made his muscles stand out and his chest muscles move. Angel would never admit it but he was just as conceited as the next guy. After about 10 minutes of admiring himself he pulled his shorts on then his pants. It wasn't until he went to his side of the bed so he could sit down and put his socks and shoes on that he noticed two other people were in the room along with Cordelia. Dr. Martin and Hunter were over by the couch when he noticed them. He turned bright red. Hunter blew a loud sexy whistle.
"Do it again Angel except this time we want to see you make your but muscles dance." She gave a loud whistle again. The ladies turned around and sat down again and were laughing their heads off. "I'm glad I was able to provide the entertainment for you this morning ladies. Tomorrow I'll put another show on except I'll wear a string around my waist so you can put some money in it. Why didn't you stop me Cordelia?" "Sorry but I was busy making your breakfast and didn't notice that you were putting on a show for the ladies. Besides it's not like they haven't seen your naked body before. Put your T-Shirt on and come over to the couch where I have your breakfast." Angel made the right decision by just saying "Yes dear."
He came over to his favorite chair and sat down. In front of him on the coffee table he found a large mug of blood along with two soft boiled eggs and several pills waiting for him. "Is this going to be part of my morning ritual from now on?" "No, just until the blood clot is re-absorbed into your system or else we find someone that can do the surgery to remove it. So take your pills and wash it down with some blood. Then eat your eggs and toast." Angel did as his mother said without saying anything.
"I've given Cordelia prescriptions for these 3 pills. These were samples that I received from the pharmaceutical companies." After Angel had taken his pills and eaten he leaned back in his chair. "Okay no use in delaying this any longer I know you're going to tell me that I have to stop talking to Kathleen in her mind. I know that it's aggravating the problem because I always have the bad headaches afterwards."
"How long have you been experiencing the headaches Angel?" Hunter asked. "I'm not sure I tend to forget the time period just before they happen." Everyone looked at Cordelia for the answer. "They started five months ago and have been getting progressively worse. Last night was the worst yet. As Kathleen has been growing in her command of languages he has been talking to her more." "You said her command of language. Don't tell me she is learning other languages as well." "Yes she is picking up French and Spanish from him as well." Cordelia gave Angel a dirty look as she said this.
"Why are you angry with Angel about it?" Dr. Martin asked. "Because he tells her things to do to make her Mother angry. But what makes me really angry is that we had agreed not to do things like that anymore." Dr. Martin and Hunter looked at Angel. The look on his face said 'Guilty as charged'.
"Angel shame on you how can Cordelia ever trust you if you go back on your word with such simple things as that?" Dr. Martin said in a scolding tone. "Well I only do it when it's too good to pass up." "Angel I'm serious now you have to stop talking to her in her mind. It's not good for Kathleen to have to close a link with her Father. Did you know Angel that she is picking up on your dreams? Can you imagine how confused she is going to be if you should have a dream of having sex with her mother? Can you imagine how hard it will be for her if you continue on like this into her teens? If you think its hard dealing with her now wait until you have to stand over her with a bat to beat off the boys at 12 years of age, because that is what is going to happen if you link your mind up to hers any longer." Dr. Martin had stood up to further emphasize her orders.
"Today Angel is the last time that you are to speak to her without speaking the words because if you don't do as I say then you run the risk of having seizures, or permanently disabled in some way or even possibly death. Now all I want to hear from you right now is 'Yes Mom I will do as you say'." "But…" "No, that is not the right word. Try again." Angel just looked at her and gave up. "Yes Mom I will do as you say." "That's a good boy. I am going to contact a couple of people that I know I can trust. If I can find someone to do the surgery Angel it may come down to us traveling to New Hampshire so that we can have it done at the convent Hospital. The surgery isn't the problem it's the surgeon that's the problem. I'll see you guys at the church. Rupert wants to take me to a shop he found so we will be leaving in a few minutes. See you later."
Hunter was still sitting on the couch. "Wow when Mary gets fired up she gets fired up. Don't forget Angel that it will be very easy for us to find out if you cheat. But that's okay because then Mary and I will get to see your masculine, finely chiseled body again. Wow." Hunter said as she got up and started making a sound like a trumpet playing the strip tease music while taking her jacket and blouse off. Before she went to far though Angel threw his towel at her and she went running out of the door and right into Mike who was looking for her.
"Oh hi Mike. Mary and I were just talking to Angel." "And can you tell me why that entailed taking your jacket and blouse off?" "I was just teasing him dear it was nothing serious." "Hmm. I guess I'll let it go this time, are you almost ready yet?" "Yeah, I just have to change. We have a couple of hours before Mass starts and I want to take a nap. Besides those hormone injections you're giving me are making me hot and you're the only thing that can cool me off." She dragged him by his tie back into their bedroom. She was humming the strip tease music as they went into their room. Angel could hear all of this as he sat in his chair.
Angel was just sitting and trying to think of how he was going to handle this with Kathleen. She was awake now and Cordelia was changing her so she could feed her.
"How am I going to explain this to her Cordelia?" "Well if I were you I would just wait and let her come up with the question as to why you haven't spoken to her in her head. Remember Angel that children her age will often accept a simple answer. Let's go downstairs I don't have anything for her up here."
Two hours later everyone was at Fr. Barris's church for Sunday Mass and the baptism of Buffy and Spikes baby. They took up two and a half rows in the church they had so many people that had been invited. Lorne was the only one that didn't go to the church for obvious reasons. For once all of the baby's that were going to be baptized were quiet and sleeping during the Mass. As it came time for the Baptism Spike was getting noticeably nervous. Angel was watching Spike as he rocked his daughter and cooed at her. He laughed at the sight. 'Never in a million years would I have thought such a sight would be possible'.
When Angel and Cordelia had to go up to the altar with Spike and Buffy Angel gave Connor his sister to hold. She started to complain about this but as usual Angel turned to her and gave her the 'Look', as Cordelia called it. He started to say something to her in her mind but he caught himself and hoped that the 'Look' would suffice. While they were up on the altar both Giles and Willow were taking pictures. Willow took still pictures while Giles had the movie camera going all of the time. Cordelia held Joyce while she was being baptized which suited Kathleen just fine. They knew if her Daddy held Joyce that she would let everyone know how well her lungs were doing. To everyone's surprise Wesley and Fred brought their sons up and Fred's parents stood as Godparents to both of the boys.
They all went back to the Hotel along with everyone else. David and Marissa came with their baby girl who was born just 2 months ago. In all they had 3 bassinets filled with babies. Fred had both of her boys in one bassinet since they were so small. David and Marissa's baby was in a bassinet by herself and one for Joyce while Jr. and Kathleen were in the playpen. The Sanchez family usually went to Mass with the rest but today they had gone early in the morning so that Connie and Lucinda could start on the banquet for the celebration. They had so many people at the Hotel that Cordelia had to rent another long dining room table for the guests. Cordelia had told Connie to feed everyone in the usual banquet style but to have everything at both ends of the table so that everyone could get their food faster. She had made pinto beans and white rice along with chili and mounds of tortillas, both flour and corn tortillas. Lucinda had made several different types of salads along with baked potatoes and breads of all kinds. At the middle of the table were large Main Lobsters that Angel had flown in from Main just the day before. Joaquin was in control of the barbeque grill in the kitchen. If someone didn't want Lobster then they told Joaquin how they wanted their steak. Connie would then take them to the people at their tables.
Connor had invited Professor Brandon to join them and he sat with Connor on one side and Lou sat on the other. Wesley and Fred were sitting at the extra table with their families. Of course Fr. Barris was there and sat next to Dr. Martin. Richard of course was there along with Bobby and his now fiancé cousin. Xander, Anya and Dawn had arrived late last night. Cylanda of course sat with Gunn. When everyone had finished eating they were sitting around and just talking when Spike stood up and hit his beer bottle with his spoon to get everyone's attention. Everyone stopped talking and looked at Spike.
"Buffy and I would like to thank everyone for coming to celebrate the baptism of our daughter. We would also like to thank Angel for hosting our celebration and for this wonderful feast he has provided. I guess I'll turn this over to Wesley now." Spike sat down and Wesley stood up.
"I know this came as a surprise for everyone but I called Fr. Barris last night and asked him if we could add the boys baptism onto the Mass today. I explained that their Godparents were here and they live in Texas and that we would be eternally grateful if he would allow us to have the boys baptized along with Joyce. The boys decided to make their appearance early and we thought we just couldn't pass up the opportunity. So that's our story and we're sticking to it."
Everyone clapped and the party went on. By 7 o'clock that night those that weren't staying at the Hotel were starting to leave. Buffy had started to go through the presents for Joyce. There were quiet a few duplicates so they gave those to Fred. The best one of all though came from Joyce's Godparents. They had given her a gift of $50,000 dollars that was to be spent on her college education. With that money and the interest it would accrue by the time she was ready she would have enough to go to any college she wanted to if she had the grades.
Just as everyone started to help clear the tables someone came in through the front doors. Angel approached the man. "Hello welcome to Angel Investigation can I help you?" "Yes I am Doctor Douglas Weinstein I was told to ask for a Dr. Mary Martin." Yes she's here I'll be right back. Angel went to the kitchen to see if she was there. "Have you seen Mom?" "She went downstairs to put some food in the freezer." Giles said as he scraped another dish and put it on a growing stack. Dr. Martin came up the stairs in the next minute. "Mom we have a Dr. Douglas Weinstein out in the lobby and he's asking for you." Dr. Martin went out to the lobby.
"Hello I am Dr. Martin." "I am Dr. Douglas Weinstein and I've been sent by Bishop Jack O'Connell. He gave me this letter to give you. It should explain everything."
Dr. Martin read the letter before saying anything else. When she was done she gave the letter to Angel.
Dear Dr. Martin:
Dr. Weinstein is an acquaintance of mine from my Seminary days. He is a surgeon who specializes in brain surgery. Dr. Weinstein was an intern at the time that I was in the Seminary. He is a friend that helped me with Angel when I found him unconscious and he helped me to take him to the Seminary basement and took care of him. Dr. Weinstein is a well known specialist in his field and I would trust him with my own life. I of course couldn't come with him since the press would be curious as to why I was visiting Angel Investigations.
Jack O'Connell
Dr. Martin and Dr. Weinstein had gone into the clinic and were looking at his Cat Scan pictures when he joined them.
Angel held out his hand to Dr. Weinstein when he turned around. "Dr. Weinstein I wanted to thank you for coming out here on such short notice. I know you must be a very busy man." "Your welcome, I was just telling Dr. Martin that I am very busy but it just so happens that I have this week off. I have my wife and grandchildren with me so that we could see Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm and all of the rest of the sights. My wife especially wants to take a tour of the stars homes. If you don't have any arguments Angel I would like to do the surgery tomorrow. If you'll look over here at this photo you can see that the blood clot is on the top layer of your brain. I don't think we will even have to shave all of your hair to get to it. Your lucky Angel that it's on the top and not inside of your brain if it was on the inside your prognosis would be very poor. Get all of the rest you can and no food or fluids after 9 P.M., okay?" "Okay, thank you." Angel left to go upstairs and Dr. Martin stayed to discuss the procedure with Dr. Weinstein.
Angel went into his room and then to the balcony where he sat in the dark and thought about what was going to happen tomorrow. An hour later Cordelia came upstairs with Kathleen. She found Angel still on the balcony. After she put Kathleen down for the night she went out to join him. Dr. Martin had explained to Wesley and Cordelia who Dr. Weinstein was and why he was here.
"How are you feeling? You see I have to ask because I can't feel your well being. You seem to have shut down completely." Angel didn't answer her for a while. He just looked at her and raised his hand to show her that he was praying the rosary. So she just sat quietly next to him with her arm through his. When he was done he just put his rosary in his pocket and sat very still and quiet for a long time. He thought of everything that he had gone through to become human again. He thought of his real mother and sister and how much he missed them. He thought of how much he loved Cordelia and how she would miss him if he should die tomorrow. He thought of his love for his friends and the memories he had of all of the things they had gone through over the last six years. His head was hurting he was thinking so much. He looked down at his wife and kissed her head. She had fallen asleep shortly after sitting down next to him.
"Cordelia wake up baby." Cordelia opened her eyes and rubbed them. "Cordelia would you mind doing something for me?" "No what is it?" "Come with me." Angel stood up and pulled her up and then into the bedroom where he turned one light on that was by the closet and away from Kathleen. Angel reached for the clothes bag that contained Cordelia's wedding dress. He hung it over the door and started to take Cordelia's clothes off and put the dress over her. He brushed her hair back and away from her face. He put pins in it to hold it back. Then he took her veil and put it on her head. He took the shoes out that she wore on her wedding day and put them on her feet. He then put his own suit on that he wore that day. When he was done dressing he took her hand and led her downstairs.
When they reached the first floor he put a Patsy Cline CD on. When the music "True Love" started he took Cordelia in hand and waltzed her around the Lobby, just as he had at the wedding reception. They danced to this same song over and over again. They didn't know it but they had an audience up on the second story balcony. The ladies were all crying as they watched them.
"You know we have an audience up on the second floor." Angel told Cordelia as he gracefully swung her around the floor. "That's okay Angel the ladies are all drooling over my handsome husband and thinking how lucky I am. Lets go back upstairs now Angel. It's 2 in the morning and you have to get some rest." Angel turned the CD player off and turned the lights off. He heard a couple dozen pairs of feet go running back to their bedrooms. He took Cordelia's hand in his and started back up stairs. Half way up he stopped and sat down on the step. Cordelia sat beside him.
Angel held Cordelia's hand in both of his. She could tell that he wanted to say something to her but couldn't find the right words. She saw his tears by the light of the second floor hallway.
"I don't know how to express how I feel about you Cordelia. Mere words cannot express how much I love you. If something should happen to me tomorrow that leaves me unable to express my love for you, don't forget this night." "I promise I won't forget Angel besides you don't have to worry about tomorrow." "How do you know for sure that everything will be alright?" "I have faith and trust in God." She kissed him then got up and reached for his hand to guide him back into the light of their bedroom where she checked on their daughter. Since Angel was ordered to rest there was no sex that night instead Cordelia snuggled into his comforting embrace and they went to sleep.
The next morning started early for Angel. He took a shower and cleaned his hair thoroughly with a special shampoo his mother gave him. By 8:30 he was downstairs in the clinic in his robe and pajama bottoms that he had borrowed from Wesley. Dr. Weinstein, Martin, and Hunter were there also and waiting for him. Dr. Martin had purchased a special plastic cover that formed a clean room of sorts within a room. The plastic room covered the bed that Angel would lie on and the surgical team. Hunter was going to serve as the anesthesiologist while Dr. Martin assisted Dr. Weinstein.
Everyone else was waiting outside in the lobby. Cordelia had left earlier with Lou to do some shopping. She had Kathleen with her. She told Dr. Martin that she was afraid if she stayed in the hotel during the operation that Kathleen might pickup on what Angel was going through and she didn't want that to happen. Gunn had followed behind her with his truck so that he could carry the bulk of the groceries. When it came time to pay the bill Cordelia's hand was shaking so badly that Gunn came up behind her and took the credit card from her hand. He passed the card thru the machine then helped her to sign her name. Everyone was staring at Cordelia and Gunn. Gunn explained that her husband was being operated on and she had gone grocery shopping to take her mind off of what he was going through. They didn't get back until 12 noon and the operation was over.
Lou was carrying Kathleen so Cordelia pulled up to the back and ran into the hotel and to the clinic. No one was in the clinic so she ran upstairs. She found Dr. Martin sitting by Angel and keeping watch over him. As usual, whenever she stood watch over him she had her rosary or prayer book in hand. Cordelia walked quietly over to the bed and kneeled on the floor. "How is he Mom?" "The operation went well and Dr. Weinstein removed the blood clot successfully. Angel hasn't awakened yet. We won't know if there was any damage until he wakes up."
Cordelia reached for Angels hand and kissed it then held it in her hand while she lay her head on their joined hands. After 30 minutes in that position she got up and went to the other side of the bed and lay down beside her husband.
By 3 in the afternoon Angel still hadn't awakened. Cordelia got up to go to the bathroom. When she came out Spike was in the room and talking to Dr. Martin. "What's wrong?" "Nothing I just asked Spike to come and relieve me for an hour so that we could go and get something to eat." Cordelia started to protest but Dr. Martin just raised her hand and said "No arguments please we need a break." "I guess your right I need to check on Kathleen anyway." They both went downstairs then to see what Connie had available. As they sat down to eat their sandwiches Cordelia was watching Lou change Kathleen's and Junior's diapers. After putting them both back into the playpen she put the dirty diapers into a plastic bag and held her nose. Lou let Toby smell the bag. He started sneezing over and over again. The 2 playpen inmates thought this was pretty funny and were laughing at Toby. This of course made Cordelia and Dr. Martin laugh at the two babies laughing at Toby.
"Babies make a home so much more like a home. They bring laughter to some of the darkest times." Dr. Martin said. Cordelia got up then and took their plates into the kitchen. When she came back out she picked up Kathleen. "Lets go and see if we can wake up your Daddy." "Daddy sleeping?" "Yes but I think it's time for him to wake up." Dr. Martin followed Cordelia back upstairs.
When Spike saw them come in he vacated the chair for Dr. Martin and stood to the side. Cordelia lay down on the bed with Kathleen. "Wake Daddy up Kathleen."
Kathleen leaned on her Daddy's chest and said "Wake up Daddy, wake up." He didn't open his eyes so she crawled up over by his head. Cordelia put her hand by Angel's bandaged head so that her daughter didn't accidentally hit it. Kathleen bent over and kissed each of his eyes gently then she put her mouth by his ear and said in what was supposed to be a whisper "Wake up Daddy, wake up." The way she did it tickled Angel's ear and he reached up to rub his ear. "Who's blowing in my ear? Is it Mommy?" "No Daddy it's me." Angel acted as though he didn't hear her. "Is it Grandma?" "No Daddy it's me, Kateen." "I know, it must be Toby." This made Kathleen angry so she climbed up on his chest and sat down then put her hands on either side of his face. She reached for his eye and forced his eye open and stuck her face close to his eye. "See Daddy it's me, Kateen." Angel couldn't help it anymore when she did that. He put his arms around her and hugged her.
"How are you feeling Angel?" Dr. Martin asked. "I feel very well thank you." "Wiggle your toes for me." Angel did as she said without a problem. "Do you think you could get up and walk around the room a little?" "I don't think that will be a problem." Angel sat up and threw the covers off. He stood up took his first step and promptly fell flat on his face. Dr. Martin held up her hands to stop Cordelia and Spike from going to him.
"Are you ready to try that again? A little slower this time please." Angel turned over and looked at her with a grin. "You knew that was going to happen didn't you." "I had a pretty good idea." Dr. Martin smiled back at him.
Spike helped Angel up and stood by him while he took a few steps more carefully this time. Dr. Martin noticed a slight dragging of his left foot but she thought he would improve with time. Angel walked across the room and walked back without any assistance and sat down on the bed again. "That was very good Angel now I want you to try and speak to Cordelia and then to Kathleen through the Link."
Angel put his head down and said something about the activities he had plans for tonight. Cordelia was already getting hot just from the way he said it. She picked up a magazine that was on her nightstand and started fanning herself.
"How does your head feel?" Dr. Martin asked Angel after Cordelia started to fan herself. "It hurts a little but it has always felt like that whenever I talk through the link."
"Okay try Kathleen now." Kathleen was sitting on the bed with her mother. She looked at her mother after a few minutes. "Who is Santa Clause Mommy?" Dr. Martin was watching Angel all of the time. She saw the look on his face when he was talking to his daughter. It was clear that he was in pain afterward.
"Angel I am going to tell you something and I want you to follow my orders to the letter or you're going to have problems again. I am telling you that you have to stop talking to your daughter through the link that you share with her. If you can close down the link then do it and I mean do it 'NOW'." Angel rubbed his temples. "Can't I do it a little at a time so that she can get used to the idea? She's going to think that I don't love her anymore if I just stop talking to her." "Angel your daughter is very intelligent. If you do it right she will understand and accept it." Angel was quiet for awhile as he thought about the risks he would be taking and the resulting pain he would have to endure.
"Would you talk to her for me?" Angel asked his mother. "Yes, I'll have a talk with her but you and Cordelia have to be there also and I won't say anything to her until she questions why you aren't talking to her." "Cordelia said the same thing." Angel said.
"That just goes to show she's a pretty smart cookie also." Dr. Martin said as she got up to leave. "Uh Mary, can you tell me if it's safe for me to leave tomorrow night? Do you think it will be safe for Angel to get into any fights that might occur?" Spike asked.
"From all that I can see Spike he's looking okay, but to be on the safe side lets wait until Hunter can see him tomorrow morning. Maybe we'll get lucky and he'll put another show on for us. I'm told that the usual denomination to use at these events is fives and tens so I have to go to my piggy bank to make sure that I have enough on hand." Spike didn't have a clue as to what she was talking about so he just looked at Angel. Angel had turned red.
"Apparently you are the one that can explain what she is talking about." Spike asked Angel. "Just before we went to church for the baptism Mom and Hunter came to talk to me. I was in the bathroom taking a shower when they came in so I didn't know they were here. It would have been nice if someone had told me they were here." Angel turned and looked at Cordelia as he said this. "As far as I knew it was just Kathleen and Cordelia in here. So I'm feeling pretty good and whistling to myself as I walked in with just my towel around me. Cordelia had all of my clothes laid out on the bed so I whipped off my towel and as I am a magnificent example of the human male I flexed my muscles and checked them out. That's when Hunter starts with the whistles, whooping and everything else just as though we were at a male strip joint."
Spike put his hand to his mouth and was laughing. He came over and sat on the bed next to Angel and put his arm around his shoulder. "Well Sire all I can say is don't feel to bad because I'm in the same boat with all of the women that I'm living with. At least you have other men you can talk to or that may be brave enough to stand by your side." Spike patted him on the back then left.
"I want you to stay in here and rest Angel. Two of the men will come and get you when it's time for Supper. Don't try to come down on your own because you're still dragging your left foot a little. I'll see you later." Dr. Martin gave Angel a kiss on his forehead then started to leave.
"What about me Grandma?" Kathleen reached up her hands when her Grandma turned around. "What about you?" "Kiss me too." "Oh okay I guess I can give you one also." She picked Kathleen up from the bed kissed her then gave her a hug and put her back on the bed. "What about Mommy?" "Okay Mommy too." She gave Cordelia a kiss also then turned to leave. "I'll be back in a minute with something for Kathleen Cordelia."
A few minutes later Dr. Martin came in with an old reading glasses container. She pulled out a chair for herself and sat down in front of Kathleen and gave her the container. "What's this Grandma?" Dr. Martin opened it and showed her what was inside. "This is a container that holds lots and lots and lots of Grandma's kisses." Angel and Cordelia could see that it was just a Kleenex that Dr. Martin had pressed her lips to after she put on some lipstick. "See this Kleenex. Grandma put it to her lips and put kisses all over it." Dr. Martin had taken the Kleenex out and unfolded it so she could show her all of the kisses she had put on it. "Now when you feel that you need a kiss from me or you want to give one of my kisses to someone like your Daddy or Mommy you can take this out and put it to their forehead and that's how you'll give them one of Grandma's kisses." She carefully folded up the Kleenex again and put it in the case and gave it to Kathleen.
"What do you say to Grandma?" Cordelia asked. "Thank you." Kathleen said as she hugged it to her chest. Dr. Martin left then and went back to her own room.
Later that night Gunn and Connor came up to escort Angel down stairs. "I feel like a dangerous prisoner that has to be escorted to the dinning room." Angel did as his Mother said though and walked between Gunn and Connor so that if he fell they would be able to catch him. As Cordelia followed with Kathleen she could see Angel drag his left foot a little. She was happy to see that he had improved slightly from earlier in the day.
Joaquin brought in large mugs of blood for the three Vampires while his wife and mother brought in bowls of spaghetti and spaghetti sauce. Connie had made two bowls of spaghetti sauce, one with red chili added and another without. She put a little card marking which was which. They also had put out salad and garlic bread.
Everyone was eagerly digging into the meal and the conversation was held to a minimum while everyone ate. Lou and Connor had fallen into the habit of married couples where Lou would attend to Connors every need. The only difference between them and a married couple was that they slept in different rooms. Everyone had noticed this. They all knew though that Connor was remaining firm on his decision that they wait until Lou finished High School and he finished college. Wesley and Fred had started to test Lou to see what she knew and had begun to bring her up to speed on the subject of History. Buffy was the first to break the silence.
"You know I actually used to think that Garlic was a deterrent for Vampires but as you can see it doesn't do a darn thing." Everyone laughed at her. "When did you try using it?" Dr. Martin asked as she took a bite out of her garlic bread.
"I put it up all over my bedroom window when I found out Angel was a Vampire and when Angelus took over for awhile." Buffy said as she fed some garlic bread to Spike.
The last one brought up bad memories for everyone so it was understandable when everyone welcomed a change of subjects.
"Wesley we need to go back up to the little town that we camped near. I told Chambeau we would meet him at the restaurant in the center of town next week Saturday at noon. I told him you would probably have questions for him about Lou and him and his son also. If anyone wants to go they are welcome. I have to tell you though that it takes eight hours to get there which means we have to get up early or else go up on Friday and stay at a small motel they have." Angel said as he sat back in his chair and finished off his mug of blood.
The first hand that went up was Cordelia's. "I'm in if Connie doesn't mind taking care of Kathleen for a couple of days." "Of course Mrs. Martin she can keep Junior company." "How about you Connor?" Angel asked. "Sorry but I have work to do. Term papers are due Friday and I have finals. Christmas is coming up in a few weeks and I am going to try and get some Christmas shopping done this weekend also."
"I'll call Richards and ask him to come and stay here for a couple of nights just in case you need him Gunn." Angel told him. "That sounds good to me."
"Since you're doing okay Angel Buffy and I have decided to leave tomorrow afternoon." Spike said but then he bent over close to Angel and whispered to him. ("We were going to leave tonight but Billy tells me that you made him a promise that you have to keep tonight.") Angel looked at him in surprise. "It's a good thing you told me because I forgot all about it. When do you think I can safely go into your bedroom?" Spike gave him a funny look. "I think you'll know, besides Buffy still doesn't want to have sex very much yet." Angel winked at Spike and they ended the conversation.
After dinner everyone went to their own rooms. Since Connor had a lot of school work to do Lou was spending the evening with Tara and Willow. They were teaching her how to play poker and since it wasn't much fun with only three they had gone to Dr. Martins and Giles room and asked them if they wanted to play. They ended up playing until shortly after midnight when Dr. Martin was yawning so much that Giles called a halt to the game so the old people could go to bed.
Angel had taken Kathleen down to the lobby where they had all of the children's books. Cordelia stayed behind to take a long soak in the whirlpool bath. Connie was still in the kitchen with her son in his playpen so Angel picked him up also and put Kathleen on one side and Junior on the other. Junior wasn't too interested and started fussing after only a few minutes of Angel reading the book so Connie took him. "I'm sorry Mr. Martin but he seems to be ready for bed." "That's okay Connie maybe he'll develop an interest after a few more months." Kathleen on the other hand seemed to inherit her fathers' love of books. She listened to every word he said and didn't ask any questions until he was done with the book. Of course the book was very short and he had chosen several in order to give Cordelia the time she needed by herself for awhile. One of the books was about Carl a Rottwieler that was a playmate and babysitter for his owners' baby girl. Kathleen liked this one because she said that was a story about her and Toby. By the time Angel was done with the third book Kathleen's eyes were closing so he took the books and his daughter and put her to bed.
Later that evening when the hotel was quiet he took the books and went to Spikes room. He didn't bother knocking on the door he just opened it quietly and went in. He first woke Buffy up so she wouldn't be scared when she saw him in her bedroom. Angel had talked to her about Billy's request some time ago and she understood that he would be visiting them at least once each month in the middle of the night in order to fulfill his promise to Billy. Angel went to the other side of the bed and very softly called out to Billy.
"Billy it's Angel. I've come to read you the stories that I read to Kathleen tonight." "Hi Angel. I thought you had forgotten your promise. Are those the books you read to Kathleen? Would you turn the light on so that I can see the pictures also." Billy turned to Buffy. "Do you mind if Angel turns the light on Buffy?" "No Billy I don't mind just keep your voice down so that you don't wake Joyce up okay?" "Okay Buffy I'll try to remember to whisper." Angel started to read the books. It was much slower going with Billy then it had been with Kathleen since Billy was asking a lot of questions. Angel finally had to tell him that he wasn't to ask any more questions until he was done reading the story. After he read the stories they talked about different things. Billy asked many questions. The questions that he asked is what made Angel believe that Billy was a small child when he was taken and made into a demon. He answered his questions that he knew he had asked before. It took a lot of patience to talk to Billy because he forgot about the question that he had asked before and received answers to. It was 4 o'clock in the morning before Angel told Billy he had to leave.
"Let's leave the rest of your questions for the next time I come to visit with you okay?" "Okay Angel. You promise to come to Sunnydale to come and visit me?" "Yes Billy I promise. Be good now and go to sleep." Angel gave Billy a kiss on his forehead. He was surprised when Billy threw his arms around his neck. "I am glad you're Spikes Sire Angel. I miss my Daddy so much. Good night Angel." "Good night Billy." Angel looked over at Buffy. She had awakened a moment ago and had seen the exchange between Angel and Billy. "You're a good man Angel with a heart of gold and an infinite amount of patience."
"I want you to know Buffy that I have talked to the Mother Superior at the Religious Order that Dr. Martin was in. I want her and the Sisters to meet Billy. I am going to ask them to pray for him. Only God can free him from Satan's hold when Spike leaves this world. I'll let you know when we will be going. It won't be at least until next summer though. I know that you two need to get used to being in your own home with your daughter. Good night Buffy." "Good night Angel." Angel left then to go back to his bed and wife.
The next day went by too fast and before they knew it, it was time for the Sunnydale gang to leave. Dawn, Xander and Anya had left the previous day since Dawn had to go to school and Xander had to get back to work. As always Anya was anxious to get back to the Magic Shop.
Angel, Wesley and Spike had been gone most of the afternoon. Spike had borrowed Hunters ring while they were gone during the daylight hours. Just 2 hours before, they had returned with a new Dodge Caravan. Spike told Buffy that they were going to need it in order to carry everything that she would need to take care of Joyce. Everything that they had received when Joyce was born was now packed into the van along with a new child safety seat for Joyce. Everyone came out to the patio when it was time for them to leave. It was a tearful parting for Giles. He gave his granddaughter a kiss then gave her back to Buffy. Buffy and Giles actually hugged each other. Buffy gave him a kiss on his cheek and said "Good bye Daddy." He smiled at her new name for him. He felt more at ease now showing her the affection that he felt for her. It took a while but Spike was able to finally get the girls to get in the van and take off.
Even though the Sunnydale gang was gone the Hotel still had enough extra people to keep Connie busy with the meals. Wesley's mother wasn't leaving until next week Monday and Fred's parents were leaving the day after. Wesley had taken a lot of movies of his new family and made duplicates for both his and Fred's parents. It made him sad that his father couldn't be there but it was just too dangerous to have him in the Hotel.
The rest of the week kept the men busy with clients and several of Cordelia's visions. By the time Friday came along they were glad to get away for a couple of days. Lou had been learning the Oriental Arts from Angel and she was doing well enough so that she went on a couple of the missions that resulted from Cordelia's visions. Connor went on one of the missions along with Lou. He was proud of the way she handled herself. He was amazed that she had learned so much from his father in such a short amount of time. Connor often found himself having to hold something in front of himself or crossing his legs just to hide the condition he often found himself in whenever he thought of Lou.
When Friday came Connor knocked at Lou's door early in the morning. "Who is it?" He heard Lou ask on the other side. "It's me, Connor." He said as low as he could. Lou came running to the door and opened it. "Come in." Lou whispered.
"I wanted to say good bye before I left for school. Today is the last day for finals and for the next two weeks I'll be off and we can do whatever you want." Connor pulled Lou close to him and gave her the best kiss that he knew how to give. When he pulled away he looked at her and from the look on her face he knew he had been successful. (She'll remember this kiss until next week.) He told himself. He let her go then and left. He was flying so high he jumped down to the first floor, grabbed his books from the dinning room table and ran to his van.
At 8 in the morning Cordelia was up with Kathleen. "Good morning everyone, Joaquin I wanted to tell you that this morning, after we leave, Xander will be coming in with about 10 of his men from Sunnydale. They are going to be turning the last 2 rooms in the hallway by the clinic into a chapel. This is a surprise that I planned with Xander when he was here. Angel doesn't know anything about it. As soon as we leave would you start emptying the rooms, you can store everything in the basement. They are going to do their best to get everything done before we get back. I bought 2 statues and a cross from Fr. Barris and he will be bringing them over tomorrow night. Remember now this is all a surprise for Angel. It's my Christmas gift to him.
"We will get it done even if I have to work all night tonight Senora Martin." Joaquin said. "I know you'll do the best you can Joaquin. Thank you." Cordelia said. After she fed Kathleen she nursed her then put her into the play pen with Junior. As she went to her room Wesley met her at the door. "Cordelia can I speak to you for a moment?" "Sure Wesley what's up?" "We need your help. Fred isn't producing enough milk yet to feed both of the boys. Do you think either you or Connie could help feed the boys. Dr. Martin said she may start producing enough milk with time but she may not ever produce enough. She suggested that we ask Connie and you to help." "Sure Wesley I still feel a little heavy with milk. I was going to use a breast pump but this will work just as well. When I get through I'll talk to Connie for you and she can take care of one of the boys whenever Fred needs it until I get back."
Cordelia followed Wesley back to his rooms. One of the boys was sleeping contentedly after nursing but the other one was crying his head off because he was hungry. "Cordelia thank you for coming. I tried nursing him but I didn't have enough left to satisfy him." Fred was in a near panic. "Calm down Fred lets see if Auntie Cordelia can satisfy our little man." Cordelia picked up David, who was the oldest one, and sat down with him on the big solid wood rocking chair that someone had given Fred. She put him to her breast and he grabbed on right away and started eagerly nursing. When he had taken all his little tummy could hold he went to sleep. "Okay he's done and sound asleep." Fred came and took David from her and put him into the bassinet with his brother. Cordelia cleaned herself then buttoned and hooked herself back up.
"I have my breast milk in bottles in our refrigerator if you need any at night Fred. Don't worry about using it because Kathleen is starting to use a cup to drink from now. The only reason why I'm still nursing her is to keep Angel happy now. Don't tell him I said that either Wesley." Wesley made a motion as though he was zipping his mouth shut. "Thank you Cordelia you're a life saver." Fred said as she put her son to bed.
Cordelia left then to go to her room. Angel was up and dressed already when she came into the room. "Are you all packed?" He asked her as she came in. "Yes dear all packed and loaded in the van. Wesley is packing right now. I haven't checked on Lou yet though." As Cordelia walked by him to make the bed Angel grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. He inhaled deeply of her scent. "Are you checking me out sir?" "Yes I am my love. I am checking to make sure that it will be safe for us to indulge ourselves tonight." "And what does your senses tell you?" "Houston we do not have a problem and the launch sequence can begin tonight." Cordelia pulled him to the bed and started kissing him. She nuzzled his neck then traveled to his lips and pulled on his lower lip before she invited his tongue into her mouth. While her mouth was busy with his she lowered her hands into his pants and reached for him. Angel sucked in his breath as she grabbed him to see if he was responding to her love making yet. When she felt him responding satisfactorily she pulled away and got up.
"What's the matter?" Angel asked. "Oh I was just testing the shuttles main engine to see if it was working alright. We haven't had sex in almost 2 weeks and I wanted to make sure that the surgery didn't damage any of the main controls. After all I don't want to get all worked up then find that the main engine doesn't work." "You Vixen. Why don't you check on Lou and I'll finish packing and make the bed, that should give me enough time to power down the main engine. Where is the princes?" "She's sleeping in the playpen with Junior. Has she asked you yet why you haven't been in her head lately?" "No, not yet." Angel answered.
Cordelia went into the bathroom first and checked her calendar. According to her calculations she should be ripe for the next three days but Angel didn't smell anything. 'Well if my calendar is right and I'm pregnant by the time we get home then we will know what was damaged during the operation.' For some reason she felt that it was urgent that she have her babies now. She smiled at herself in the mirror and removed the birth control pills from her purse and put them in the drawer. She left to go and check on Lou then.
Lou was coming downstairs just as Cordelia started to go upstairs. "Already to go and see your father and brother?" "Yes and I can hardly wait. Do I have time to grab something to eat?" "Sure in fact I'll join you." Just as they were sitting down to breakfast Angel and Wesley came downstairs. They left their bags at the back door and came and joined the girls. As they were all sitting and having their breakfast the phone at the Lobby counter rang and Cordelia went to answer it.
"Angel Investigation We Help the Hopeless." They all heard her say. After a few seconds she called for Angel. He was on the phone for a few minutes then hung up and went back to his breakfast.
"Is there a problem Angel?" Wesley asked. "Just a slight one, we won't be able to get back until Sunday because I forgot about Lou's father not being able to go out in the day light. When we saw him it was during the day but the day was heavily overcast and that was why he could be out. Apparently as I become more human my Boss is making my mind adjust to being out in daylight and it seems normal to me even though I can't be out for too long. Any way Lou that was your brother Tom on the phone he said it's to clear today for your father to come out and even be in the shadows or the light that comes in through the windows of the restaurant. He said most likely it will be like that tomorrow also. So they will be meeting us at 6 P.M. on Saturday."
"You still want to leave today?" Wesley asked Angel. "Yeah why not, Lou do you think you could find where your father and brother are living now?" "Yes we always stayed in the same place for the winter and another place the rest of the time. We moved to the winter home just before we left to meet up with you." "Can we get their by car or do we have to walk?" "We can get their by a 4 wheel drive but I don't think the van will make it." Lou answered.
"What about your SUV Wesley?" "Sorry Angel but it's at the dealer repair shop today. I thought this would be a good time to have the 4 wheel drive fixed." "Well I thought you might be able to spend some more time with your father and brother but I guess that's out unless you have another way of getting there." Angel looked straight at Lou and was able to get her to look at him. As they looked at each other, Angel's eyes changed slightly then back to normal again. Lou smiled when she caught on to what he was inferring. "Yes I can think of an alternative method. I'll be fine we used to do it all of the time." "Good then lets go. We'll meet you at the van Wesley." Wesley went up stairs to inform Fred of the change in plans and asked her to tell everyone else.
Within the next 15 minutes they were on their way. Several things were going to happen during this seemingly innocent excursion.
One, the last of Cordelia and Angel's family would be conceived this weekend. Two, Cordelia is going to learn something new about Angel and three Cordelia's supporters are going to win 'THE BET'.
TBC………………………….
I want to thank all of you that sent me reviews. I cannot begin to tell you how happy it makes me when I read them. They give me the encouragement I need to continue.
If anyone has an idea as to how I can have Cordelia win the bet let me know. I want her to win but as of the posting of this chapter I haven't a clue as to how I am going to make it happen.