Prologue
Early 1985?
Thirteen year old Liam Angelus 'Angel' Sullivan watches his father
pace and his mother frown. 'Wonder what I did this time? Dad looks pissed'
Moira Sullivan looks at her husband then seeing his anger she turns
to her son "Angel honey your father and I have discussed it and
we have decided that it would be for the best if you went to a school we found in Ireland."
"What?!" Angel explodes "Ireland?! What about my friends?"
"You'll make new friends" John Sullivan replies "You need structure.
You've screwed up this time boy"
"I've been good Mom" Angel protests
"Honey go get packed up. I put the list of things you'll need on
your desk. The flight leaves at noon."
"What about Darla, Spike and Dru? Can't I at least say good bye."
"No"
"What? Why not?"
"Don't argue with your mother boy. GO" John yells
Angel scowls walking out of the room
"John are you sure this is for the best?" Moira asks
"We have no choice. Liam is thirteen. We agreed that he'd never
know the truth. He won't have any contact with her."
"But John"
"Its decided. The boy will be on the flight at noon" John storms out of the livingroom
Moira sits down "Oh Angel my little boy." she sighs "What now?"
Chapter 1
5 years later
Eighteen year old Angel pales as he reads the letter in his father's desk
'Dearest Angel,
I don't know if your getting these but I just want to write to
you. I miss you. More so as I sit here feeling our baby move inside me.'
Angel pauses his brow furrowed
'I should go. I love you darling Angel ~Darla'
Angel stares at the letter in his hand noting the date. He shoves
the letter in his pocket opening his father's desk he searches for more letters.
"What are you doing?!" John bellows entering the study to find
his son searching through his desk.
Angel looks up his eyes angered "I think I should be asking you
that" Angel takes the letter out of his pocket "you stole the letters
Darla sent me." he says his voice hard
"What's going on?" Moira demands joining her husband she pales
seeing the anger and hatred in her son's brown eyes. She notices
the letter in her son's hand "Angel"
"How could you do this?!" Angel demands looking at his mother
"Sweetie we were looking out for you" Moira says nervously "You were 13."
"Was she pregnant?" Angel asks
Moira nods
Angel closes his eyes taking a deep breath allowing his anger and
disbelief to settle. He opens his eyes "I will never forgive either
of you" he says brushing past his parents "Ever"
"Listen here boy" John grabs his son's arm
Angel glares at his father pulling his arm out of his father's
grasp "What Dad? More lectures of how I'm not the perfect son?"
"You were 13 Liam. You and Darla never should have been having
sex." John says "Dennis and Janine didn't even want Darla to go to term."
Angel winces
"But as much as your mother and I disapproved of the actions you
two took we convinced them otherwise. We all agreed, even Darla,
that we wouldn't tell you. We were looking out for you."
"Honey we're sorry if we hurt you. We just thought it was for the
best. I know it seems like it was wrong but at the time it was right."
"Right or wrong you had no right to do this" Angel says storming out of the study
Hour later
Moira knocks on Angel's door entering she finds his laying on his
bed staring at the ceiling "Angel"
"I can't believe you of all people would lie to me Mom" he says without looking at her.
"I never wanted to hurt you Angel. I just thought it would be for
the best." Moira sets the box on the bed "When Darla ranaway Janine
was going to throw this stuff away. I managed to convince her to
let me keep them just in case Darla returned or you found out."
Moira walks to the door "I'm sorry Angel"
"What did Darla have?" Angel asks sitting up
Moira smiles "You have a daughter"
Angel nods "Where is she?" he asks blinking back tears
"The lawyer found her a family in California. He said they were
a good couple with another child a few years older."
"So she's happy?"
"I believe so" Moira answers "Why don't you get some rest and we'll
talk some more later." Moira says walking out of the room.
Angel opens the box picking up a picture of he, Darla, Spike and
Drusilla playing out in the snow. He smiles setting the picture
aside. He removes a bound journal opening the first page he reads
the dedication 'To Angel Love Darla.' he turns the page reading the date 'February 2, 198-'
'Dear Angel,
Probably wondering why I'm writing in a diary huh? Well I have
some news that I thought would sound better on paper before I tell
you. I don't know why but its hard to even think these thoughts... I'm 13'
Angel smiles almost seeing Darla shrug as she writes
'OK the news... I'm pregnant. Wow pregnant. Never thought I'd see
myself write those words. I went to the doctor the other day and
he called back. Boy did Mom and Dad flip out.
I bet you and your parents will.'
"If they had told me yeah" he mutters going to the next page.
'February 3
Oh Angel its horrible. My parents are so angry. They said that
I can't see you anymore. They want me to get an abortion.'
Angel winces
'I told them no. Its our baby and not their choice but ours.'
Angel flips through the pages coming to the day he left
'February 10,
Oh Angel I miss you. I know our parents have been talking. I heard
Mom say that you were sent away.
Where are you? They won't tell me. I wish you'd call. I have so much to tell you.'
Angel notice a bundle of letters in the box. Marking his spot in
the journal he sets it aside picking up the letters. He opens the first one.
'February 12,
Angel where are you? I've called your house. I've called Spike
and Dru. Are you mad at me? Anyway Mom and Dad are sending me to
live with a cousin in LA. Your parents won't tell me anything either.
Your Mom said that if I wanted to write you she'd make sure you got them.'
"Five years too late." Angel mutters. He sets the letters aside picking up the journal
'February 20,
I am so sick. Mom said it'll last for a few months. I miss you...
and home. I like LA well enough its just so hot that I get sick.
I wish you were here Angel. I miss you.'
Few hours later
Angel glances at the clock "Almost midnight" he turns the page
reading the date "Around the time the letter Dad had in his desk was dated"
'April 25,
I am so hating this weather right now. I'm nauseous, dizzy, overweight
and always eating. But something so cool happened last night.
The baby moved. It was so cool. Kinda like it was saying hi.'
Angel smiles 'Wish I'd been there.'
'I miss you Angel.'
Early morning
Angel barely glances at his father as he pours himself a cup of coffee
"Angel" John says gruffly
Angel remains silent as he sips his coffee.
"Angel did you have a good sleep?" Moira asks
"Up most of the night."
"John don't you have something to say to Angel" Moira prods
John sighs "Liam I am sorry for not telling you. In hindsight I
should have. I just thought I was doing what was best for everyone."
"Oh yes and putting up your granddaughter for adoption without telling me was for the best."
"You were underage" John shrugs
"You should have asked me. God Dad you don't even get it." he laughs
harshly "Why am I not surprised"
"What's to get? Your 18 Liam move on. You'll have more kids."
"Dad this isn't about age or the fact I have a kid out there I'm
never going to know. Its about you"
"What about me?" John demands
"You always assume things"
"What did you think Liam?! You think I was going to let you destroy your life that way?"
"Dad I would have most likely agreed to the adoption. What I mean
is that you assume what everyone else thinks and feels. I know Darla
and I would never have lasted... not just because of our age but
we were too close as friends." Angel sighs "You and I don't get
along... I've accepted that. But I'd wish you'd learn a lesson from
this... but I doubt you will." Angel walks out of the kitchen
"John?"
"Not now" John retorts folding his newspaper up.
Chapter 2
New York: 1996?
"Dad I am not going to take over the company. I have no interest
it. Why do you think I avoided getting a degree in business" Angel says pouring himself a drink
"You are my only child Liam. When I retire you will take over."
John insists "And that is final"
"NO it isn't" Angel throws the glass at the wall "I am sick of
this" he yells "I don't want anything to do with the company."
"Liam this has been in our family for generations." John reminds.
He runs his fingers through his hair "I will make you a deal."
"What kind?"
"I will totally step down."
"No"
"Liam"
"Stop calling me that"
"Your name is Liam"
"Only to you. Everyone else calls me Angel."
"Liam" John says ignoring his son's glare "I want the company to
stay in the family. I want you to turn it over to your kids."
Angel winces "Planning that too Dad" he says sarcastically
"Liam I am trying to give you a future."
Angel snorts "Yeah Dad" he pours himself another drink "We both
know you'd never step down." he frowns "If I were to agree there would be stipulations."
"What kind?"
"I will run the company in name and stock only. I will have nothing to do with it day to day."
"Liam"
"Unless I change my mind. If I don't you hire someone to do the
day to day." Angel says "I want a complete agreement that my personal
life will be kept out of the spotlight. I will be Liam Sullivan
in business only. I can keep my own interests."
"Drinking and sluts why am I not surprised."
Angel ignores his father "And the biggest stipulation and most important"
"What?" John asks warily
Angel looks at his father head on "You tell me who adopted my daughter."
John stares at his son "Liam son you can't be serious"
"I am Father." Angel says "That's the deal"
"Son she's been adopted. You can't barge into her life."
"I'm not going too." Angel crosses his arms over his chest "You and Mom signed the papers."
"Liam she's got a family. You don't need to add this to your already insane life."
"Because of everything I need to do this Dad." Angel rubs his neck
"Dad do you have any idea what its like for me? I'm 23 and I have
a 10 year old daughter I've never seen and know nothing about.
I've done everything I can to make it up to myself. Dad all I want
is to know what she looks like. What she's like. Even if I do find
her I doubt I'd even tell her who I am. I don't want to ruin her
life... I just want to know she's OK." Angel looks at his father
"I just want to see her. She's my daughter" he shoves his hands
in his pockets walking out of the room
John stares after his son touched by his words
"Hi honey" Moira greets walking into the study "Did you and Angel get into another argument?"
John shrugs "He agreed to my proposal with a few stipulations"
"Please tell me its not bikini day."
'I wish.' "One of his stipulations is that he wants to know where the girl is."
"Oh dear" Moira sits down "John you can't go disturb her life."
"He said he doesn't want too. He just wants to know where she is.
He said he most likely won't tell her who he is." John sighs "I
don't want to lose the company but the girl has her own life how can I interrupt it."
"See what you can find out from the lawyer." she suggests "He might know."
That evening
Angel opens his apartment door to find his father standing there
"Here to yell at me some more?"
John shakes his head handing Angel a piece of paper "Hank and Joyce
Summers adopted her a few days after she was born. Her name is Dawn"
Angel takes the paper "Dad"
"Liam just promise me you'll be careful. She's only ten. Even if
she knows she's adopted it might confuse her"
"I don't think I'd tell her."
John nods "Hank and Joyce just divorced. Joyce has custody of both
girls. Joyce moved the girls to Sunnydale California and opened
a gallery. Addresses and numbers are written down" John turns around
"Dad... thanks"
"Good luck son"
Angel closes the door smiling at the piece of paper "Dawn" he says "my daughter's name is Dawn."
A week later: Sunnydale, CA: Summers home
Joyce Summers enters her house "Girls I'm home"
"We're in the kitchen Mom" 16 year old Buffy calls
Joyce enters the kitchen to find 10 year old Dawn doing her homework
while Buffy reads a magazine eating a snack.
"Hi Mommy" Dawn grins
"Hey punkin" Joyce kisses Dawn's forehead
"Why are you home?" Buffy asks "I thought you had a meeting"
"I do. I just came home to check on you."
"We're fine Mom" Buffy says rolling her eyes "Now go do whatever you need to do."
Joyce smiles "I'll be back in a couple hours."
20 mins later
Joyce enters her office at the gallery to find a tall darkhaired
man looking at a picture of Dawn and Buffy "You must be Mr Angelus. I'm Joyce Summers."
Angel smiles "Hope you don't mind" he nods at the picture "I uh
find family pictures fascinating... probably since my own avoids them at all costs"
"Oh its fine. What can I do for you Mr Angelus?" she asks sitting down
"Mrs Summers when we spoke I wasn't quite honest about why I wanted to meet with you."
"Oh?"
"I didn't know if you'd meet with me if I told you my full name."
"Why?"
Angel sits down looking at his hands and then at Joyce. "My full
name is Liam Angelus Sullivan. I'm your daughter Dawn's biological father."
"What?"
"Mrs Summers I can explain"
Hearing his tone Joyce nods "Explain then"
"I'm not here to barge in on Dawn's life. I just... I don't know
it hard to explain" he stands shoving his hands into his pockets
"I was 13 when my parents suddenly shipped me off to boarding school
in Ireland. I had no idea why until I was 18. That's when I found
out Darla had been pregnant." he looks at Joyce "I came to see you
because I had hoped you'd tell me about her."
"You aren't going to try and get custody of her?"
"No. I'm 23 I can barely keep myself in line. I just didn't want
to spend the rest of my life wondering about my daughter."
After a few seconds Joyce nods "Dawn is into writing and drawing"
Later
"Mrs Summers thank you."
"Mr Sullivan why don't you want Dawn to know who you are? I'm curious."
"She's happy" he shrugs "Why ruin it."
Joyce sees the sadness in his eyes "How long are you staying in town Mr Sullivan?"
"Angel. For a while. I'm not sure."
"Why don't you come over for dinner tomorrow night." Joyce suggests.
Seeing him about to protest she continues "We don't have to tell
the girls who you are. You can meet them and get to know Dawn."
"Are you sure? I don't want to cause any trouble Mrs Summers"
"You aren't. Besides Dawn loves meeting new people. Buffy is another matter but she'll deal."
"If your sure"
"I am" Joyce says sternly "And call me Joyce" she scribbles on
a piece of paper. "Dinners at 6:30"
"I'll see you then" Angel smiles faintly
TBC... What do you think?
Early 1985?
Thirteen year old Liam Angelus 'Angel' Sullivan watches his father
pace and his mother frown. 'Wonder what I did this time? Dad looks pissed'
Moira Sullivan looks at her husband then seeing his anger she turns
to her son "Angel honey your father and I have discussed it and
we have decided that it would be for the best if you went to a school we found in Ireland."
"What?!" Angel explodes "Ireland?! What about my friends?"
"You'll make new friends" John Sullivan replies "You need structure.
You've screwed up this time boy"
"I've been good Mom" Angel protests
"Honey go get packed up. I put the list of things you'll need on
your desk. The flight leaves at noon."
"What about Darla, Spike and Dru? Can't I at least say good bye."
"No"
"What? Why not?"
"Don't argue with your mother boy. GO" John yells
Angel scowls walking out of the room
"John are you sure this is for the best?" Moira asks
"We have no choice. Liam is thirteen. We agreed that he'd never
know the truth. He won't have any contact with her."
"But John"
"Its decided. The boy will be on the flight at noon" John storms out of the livingroom
Moira sits down "Oh Angel my little boy." she sighs "What now?"
Chapter 1
5 years later
Eighteen year old Angel pales as he reads the letter in his father's desk
'Dearest Angel,
I don't know if your getting these but I just want to write to
you. I miss you. More so as I sit here feeling our baby move inside me.'
Angel pauses his brow furrowed
'I should go. I love you darling Angel ~Darla'
Angel stares at the letter in his hand noting the date. He shoves
the letter in his pocket opening his father's desk he searches for more letters.
"What are you doing?!" John bellows entering the study to find
his son searching through his desk.
Angel looks up his eyes angered "I think I should be asking you
that" Angel takes the letter out of his pocket "you stole the letters
Darla sent me." he says his voice hard
"What's going on?" Moira demands joining her husband she pales
seeing the anger and hatred in her son's brown eyes. She notices
the letter in her son's hand "Angel"
"How could you do this?!" Angel demands looking at his mother
"Sweetie we were looking out for you" Moira says nervously "You were 13."
"Was she pregnant?" Angel asks
Moira nods
Angel closes his eyes taking a deep breath allowing his anger and
disbelief to settle. He opens his eyes "I will never forgive either
of you" he says brushing past his parents "Ever"
"Listen here boy" John grabs his son's arm
Angel glares at his father pulling his arm out of his father's
grasp "What Dad? More lectures of how I'm not the perfect son?"
"You were 13 Liam. You and Darla never should have been having
sex." John says "Dennis and Janine didn't even want Darla to go to term."
Angel winces
"But as much as your mother and I disapproved of the actions you
two took we convinced them otherwise. We all agreed, even Darla,
that we wouldn't tell you. We were looking out for you."
"Honey we're sorry if we hurt you. We just thought it was for the
best. I know it seems like it was wrong but at the time it was right."
"Right or wrong you had no right to do this" Angel says storming out of the study
Hour later
Moira knocks on Angel's door entering she finds his laying on his
bed staring at the ceiling "Angel"
"I can't believe you of all people would lie to me Mom" he says without looking at her.
"I never wanted to hurt you Angel. I just thought it would be for
the best." Moira sets the box on the bed "When Darla ranaway Janine
was going to throw this stuff away. I managed to convince her to
let me keep them just in case Darla returned or you found out."
Moira walks to the door "I'm sorry Angel"
"What did Darla have?" Angel asks sitting up
Moira smiles "You have a daughter"
Angel nods "Where is she?" he asks blinking back tears
"The lawyer found her a family in California. He said they were
a good couple with another child a few years older."
"So she's happy?"
"I believe so" Moira answers "Why don't you get some rest and we'll
talk some more later." Moira says walking out of the room.
Angel opens the box picking up a picture of he, Darla, Spike and
Drusilla playing out in the snow. He smiles setting the picture
aside. He removes a bound journal opening the first page he reads
the dedication 'To Angel Love Darla.' he turns the page reading the date 'February 2, 198-'
'Dear Angel,
Probably wondering why I'm writing in a diary huh? Well I have
some news that I thought would sound better on paper before I tell
you. I don't know why but its hard to even think these thoughts... I'm 13'
Angel smiles almost seeing Darla shrug as she writes
'OK the news... I'm pregnant. Wow pregnant. Never thought I'd see
myself write those words. I went to the doctor the other day and
he called back. Boy did Mom and Dad flip out.
I bet you and your parents will.'
"If they had told me yeah" he mutters going to the next page.
'February 3
Oh Angel its horrible. My parents are so angry. They said that
I can't see you anymore. They want me to get an abortion.'
Angel winces
'I told them no. Its our baby and not their choice but ours.'
Angel flips through the pages coming to the day he left
'February 10,
Oh Angel I miss you. I know our parents have been talking. I heard
Mom say that you were sent away.
Where are you? They won't tell me. I wish you'd call. I have so much to tell you.'
Angel notice a bundle of letters in the box. Marking his spot in
the journal he sets it aside picking up the letters. He opens the first one.
'February 12,
Angel where are you? I've called your house. I've called Spike
and Dru. Are you mad at me? Anyway Mom and Dad are sending me to
live with a cousin in LA. Your parents won't tell me anything either.
Your Mom said that if I wanted to write you she'd make sure you got them.'
"Five years too late." Angel mutters. He sets the letters aside picking up the journal
'February 20,
I am so sick. Mom said it'll last for a few months. I miss you...
and home. I like LA well enough its just so hot that I get sick.
I wish you were here Angel. I miss you.'
Few hours later
Angel glances at the clock "Almost midnight" he turns the page
reading the date "Around the time the letter Dad had in his desk was dated"
'April 25,
I am so hating this weather right now. I'm nauseous, dizzy, overweight
and always eating. But something so cool happened last night.
The baby moved. It was so cool. Kinda like it was saying hi.'
Angel smiles 'Wish I'd been there.'
'I miss you Angel.'
Early morning
Angel barely glances at his father as he pours himself a cup of coffee
"Angel" John says gruffly
Angel remains silent as he sips his coffee.
"Angel did you have a good sleep?" Moira asks
"Up most of the night."
"John don't you have something to say to Angel" Moira prods
John sighs "Liam I am sorry for not telling you. In hindsight I
should have. I just thought I was doing what was best for everyone."
"Oh yes and putting up your granddaughter for adoption without telling me was for the best."
"You were underage" John shrugs
"You should have asked me. God Dad you don't even get it." he laughs
harshly "Why am I not surprised"
"What's to get? Your 18 Liam move on. You'll have more kids."
"Dad this isn't about age or the fact I have a kid out there I'm
never going to know. Its about you"
"What about me?" John demands
"You always assume things"
"What did you think Liam?! You think I was going to let you destroy your life that way?"
"Dad I would have most likely agreed to the adoption. What I mean
is that you assume what everyone else thinks and feels. I know Darla
and I would never have lasted... not just because of our age but
we were too close as friends." Angel sighs "You and I don't get
along... I've accepted that. But I'd wish you'd learn a lesson from
this... but I doubt you will." Angel walks out of the kitchen
"John?"
"Not now" John retorts folding his newspaper up.
Chapter 2
New York: 1996?
"Dad I am not going to take over the company. I have no interest
it. Why do you think I avoided getting a degree in business" Angel says pouring himself a drink
"You are my only child Liam. When I retire you will take over."
John insists "And that is final"
"NO it isn't" Angel throws the glass at the wall "I am sick of
this" he yells "I don't want anything to do with the company."
"Liam this has been in our family for generations." John reminds.
He runs his fingers through his hair "I will make you a deal."
"What kind?"
"I will totally step down."
"No"
"Liam"
"Stop calling me that"
"Your name is Liam"
"Only to you. Everyone else calls me Angel."
"Liam" John says ignoring his son's glare "I want the company to
stay in the family. I want you to turn it over to your kids."
Angel winces "Planning that too Dad" he says sarcastically
"Liam I am trying to give you a future."
Angel snorts "Yeah Dad" he pours himself another drink "We both
know you'd never step down." he frowns "If I were to agree there would be stipulations."
"What kind?"
"I will run the company in name and stock only. I will have nothing to do with it day to day."
"Liam"
"Unless I change my mind. If I don't you hire someone to do the
day to day." Angel says "I want a complete agreement that my personal
life will be kept out of the spotlight. I will be Liam Sullivan
in business only. I can keep my own interests."
"Drinking and sluts why am I not surprised."
Angel ignores his father "And the biggest stipulation and most important"
"What?" John asks warily
Angel looks at his father head on "You tell me who adopted my daughter."
John stares at his son "Liam son you can't be serious"
"I am Father." Angel says "That's the deal"
"Son she's been adopted. You can't barge into her life."
"I'm not going too." Angel crosses his arms over his chest "You and Mom signed the papers."
"Liam she's got a family. You don't need to add this to your already insane life."
"Because of everything I need to do this Dad." Angel rubs his neck
"Dad do you have any idea what its like for me? I'm 23 and I have
a 10 year old daughter I've never seen and know nothing about.
I've done everything I can to make it up to myself. Dad all I want
is to know what she looks like. What she's like. Even if I do find
her I doubt I'd even tell her who I am. I don't want to ruin her
life... I just want to know she's OK." Angel looks at his father
"I just want to see her. She's my daughter" he shoves his hands
in his pockets walking out of the room
John stares after his son touched by his words
"Hi honey" Moira greets walking into the study "Did you and Angel get into another argument?"
John shrugs "He agreed to my proposal with a few stipulations"
"Please tell me its not bikini day."
'I wish.' "One of his stipulations is that he wants to know where the girl is."
"Oh dear" Moira sits down "John you can't go disturb her life."
"He said he doesn't want too. He just wants to know where she is.
He said he most likely won't tell her who he is." John sighs "I
don't want to lose the company but the girl has her own life how can I interrupt it."
"See what you can find out from the lawyer." she suggests "He might know."
That evening
Angel opens his apartment door to find his father standing there
"Here to yell at me some more?"
John shakes his head handing Angel a piece of paper "Hank and Joyce
Summers adopted her a few days after she was born. Her name is Dawn"
Angel takes the paper "Dad"
"Liam just promise me you'll be careful. She's only ten. Even if
she knows she's adopted it might confuse her"
"I don't think I'd tell her."
John nods "Hank and Joyce just divorced. Joyce has custody of both
girls. Joyce moved the girls to Sunnydale California and opened
a gallery. Addresses and numbers are written down" John turns around
"Dad... thanks"
"Good luck son"
Angel closes the door smiling at the piece of paper "Dawn" he says "my daughter's name is Dawn."
A week later: Sunnydale, CA: Summers home
Joyce Summers enters her house "Girls I'm home"
"We're in the kitchen Mom" 16 year old Buffy calls
Joyce enters the kitchen to find 10 year old Dawn doing her homework
while Buffy reads a magazine eating a snack.
"Hi Mommy" Dawn grins
"Hey punkin" Joyce kisses Dawn's forehead
"Why are you home?" Buffy asks "I thought you had a meeting"
"I do. I just came home to check on you."
"We're fine Mom" Buffy says rolling her eyes "Now go do whatever you need to do."
Joyce smiles "I'll be back in a couple hours."
20 mins later
Joyce enters her office at the gallery to find a tall darkhaired
man looking at a picture of Dawn and Buffy "You must be Mr Angelus. I'm Joyce Summers."
Angel smiles "Hope you don't mind" he nods at the picture "I uh
find family pictures fascinating... probably since my own avoids them at all costs"
"Oh its fine. What can I do for you Mr Angelus?" she asks sitting down
"Mrs Summers when we spoke I wasn't quite honest about why I wanted to meet with you."
"Oh?"
"I didn't know if you'd meet with me if I told you my full name."
"Why?"
Angel sits down looking at his hands and then at Joyce. "My full
name is Liam Angelus Sullivan. I'm your daughter Dawn's biological father."
"What?"
"Mrs Summers I can explain"
Hearing his tone Joyce nods "Explain then"
"I'm not here to barge in on Dawn's life. I just... I don't know
it hard to explain" he stands shoving his hands into his pockets
"I was 13 when my parents suddenly shipped me off to boarding school
in Ireland. I had no idea why until I was 18. That's when I found
out Darla had been pregnant." he looks at Joyce "I came to see you
because I had hoped you'd tell me about her."
"You aren't going to try and get custody of her?"
"No. I'm 23 I can barely keep myself in line. I just didn't want
to spend the rest of my life wondering about my daughter."
After a few seconds Joyce nods "Dawn is into writing and drawing"
Later
"Mrs Summers thank you."
"Mr Sullivan why don't you want Dawn to know who you are? I'm curious."
"She's happy" he shrugs "Why ruin it."
Joyce sees the sadness in his eyes "How long are you staying in town Mr Sullivan?"
"Angel. For a while. I'm not sure."
"Why don't you come over for dinner tomorrow night." Joyce suggests.
Seeing him about to protest she continues "We don't have to tell
the girls who you are. You can meet them and get to know Dawn."
"Are you sure? I don't want to cause any trouble Mrs Summers"
"You aren't. Besides Dawn loves meeting new people. Buffy is another matter but she'll deal."
"If your sure"
"I am" Joyce says sternly "And call me Joyce" she scribbles on
a piece of paper. "Dinners at 6:30"
"I'll see you then" Angel smiles faintly
TBC... What do you think?
