Return of the Ex's - Chapter 3

Buffy looked on in wonder as Tara glided toward her, a warm smile on her face. She stopped in front of Buffy and descended far enough that she was almost eye level with the slayer. "Hello Buffy." Tara said. Tears came to Buffy's eyes as she regarded her lost friend. "Oh my god, Tara. I'm so sorry." Buffy started to cry. "Sshh. It's okay Buffy. I'm okay here. And I know all about what happened. I've been watching. I'm so proud of all of you. When you get back, will you tell Willow I still love her and tell Dawn I am proud of her, too?" Tara asked. Through the tears Buffy answered, "Of course.wait. I'm going back? Where am I? What happened? I was fighting and then.I can't remember." Buffy became scared; she couldn't remember what had happened to everyone else. "It's alright. Everyone made it out fine, except you. You're unconscious. They laid you in your bed. They're crying for you, but you'll be back soon. After I talk to you." Tara answered. Buffy nodded and Tara continued. "Buffy, you have a major choice ahead of you. The Powers That Be are aware that your choice influences more than just you and the gang. I can't tell you what effect your choice will have, because honestly I don't know, but I can show you glimpses of possible futures that may help you with your selection. When you have made your decision you will be sent back to your body." Buffy nodded again, she had been left speechless. Tara floated upwards again and Buffy became enclosed in a bright green light. The light stung her eyes and she closed them, when she opened them again she was looking at the night sky. She tried to move but her body wasn't under her control, she was just watching through future-Buffy's eyes. Suddenly a hand appeared in her field of view and she grabbed it and pulled herself into a standing position. That's when she realized it was Spike that helped her up. He swatted the dust away from his leather duster and she dusted herself off. Unexpectedly, Spike grabbed her and pulled her into a searing kiss that left her breathless. Then she took his hand and they walked back to her house on Revello Drive chatting about the previous patrol. They reached the house and walked inside. It was slightly different, but more or less the same as it was when she was.how far in the future was she? She couldn't tell. It couldn't be too long. Spike went to the kitchen for a cup of blood before bed and Buffy headed upstairs to her room. She sat down and began to brush her hair but when she looked at the mirror she didn't recognize the reflection. Instantly the memory came to her that she was 28 years old. Her head was quickly filling with questions. She had no idea; Spike had looked exactly the same. As her future-self finished brushing her hair Buffy longed to know more details. As quickly as the first, memories rushed back to her. Dawn was in college, UC Sunnydale. Willow was dating again, she imagined a girl with short dark brown hair, brown eyes and a beautiful smile. Then she saw Xander.playing pool with Spike at the Bronze. They had accepted their differences and become friends. And Xander and Anya were married with two kids, human kids. They were a happy family. Giles was back in England with Olivia and they were engaged. Everyone was happy, including herself. But Buffy couldn't deal with the fact that Spike looked so young and she looked so.not old, but definitely older. She could imagine herself growing older and grayer and beside her was Spike who still looked young and handsome. She was broken out of her thoughts as Spike lay down in bed next to her. She felt so warm, so protected, and most of all, so happy. Her future-self didn't worry about the age difference. She was in love with Spike and Spike was in love with her. That was all that mattered. As future-Buffy fell asleep curled up in Spike's embrace, Buffy thought less and less about their appearances and more and more about how good she felt. Memories flooded her as future-Buffy rest peacefully. Nights spent watching the stars. Her and Spike training Dawn, she was so proud of Dawn. Her life was good. Suddenly the green light enraptured her again and she closed her eyes. When she opened them again she stood in front of Tara, and she was grinning like an idiot. "I see you're happy. I take it you liked your future with Spike." Tara asked. Buffy nodded and closed her eyes, remembering the feel of Spike's lips on hers. "Now you will see a future with Angel, a human Angel." As Tara spoke, a red light engulfed Buffy and Buffy closed her eyes, awaiting her fate. She opened her eyes and found herself curled up in front of the television in Angel's arms. This time she knew the drill. She reached into future-Buffy's mind and pulled out memories of picnics in the sun and a beautiful wedding ceremony in the park. She remembered so many wonderful things and then, 'Oh my god.' she thought, 'I have a child.' Emily. She had a baby girl named Emily. She was barely six months but she was adorable and when Buffy held Emily she felt such happiness and pride. She had brought another being into the world. Nothing compared to that. But then the bad memories started to creep in. 'Oh my god.' She thought again. Angel had slowly lost his vampire strength as months went on. Now he was as weak as Xander. And without him to back her up, he insisted she didn't patrol. She felt like a teenager at night when she snuck away from Angel's embrace and patrolled the cemeteries. Then came the worst news. Since Buffy patrolled less, the vampire and demon population had increased slightly and the effect had been. 'Oh no, not that!' Willow had been attacked by a horde of vamps one night and she was in the hospital in a coma. She had been there for seven months and it was tearing Xander apart. But this was the normal life she had always wanted. These were the trials and tribulations that were surpassed by Emily. It was a bad time, but life was good and Buffy was glad. She snuggled closer to Angel but was immediately engulfed by the bright red light and appeared back in front of Tara. Tara had a knowing look on her face as she approached Buffy and hugged her. She stood back and looked into Buffy's eyes. "I have to send you back now. Remember to give my love to the gang. And choose wisely. Heaven and hell depends on it." She whispered. Tears were running silently down Buffy's face as Tara faded and she was sent back to her body. Back on earth, the gang stood surrounding Buffy's bed awaiting the slayer's wake up. Suddenly Buffy's eyes flew open and she sat up. "Tara." The words left her lips in a mere whisper but the name was heard by all in the room.