CHAPTER 15
MONDAY MORNING
Ian opens his eyes looking at the clock. '6:15.' He tilts his head listening for any sound signifying that Emma is awake. He carefully moves out of bed not wanting to wake Sara. He frowns 'Sara has to be at work at 8.' He brushes his lips over her cheek. "Sara."
Sara smiles in her sleep.
"Its time to get up my love."
Sara opens her eyes smiling at Ian. "I don't want to get up yet." She whines "Where you going?"
"I have to go wake Emma." He quickly kisses her. "Don't you have to be at work at 8?"
"Yes" Sara sighs heavily "but I don't wanna get up yet."
"Well I better go wake your daughter. I bet she turned off her alarm clock."
"I knew my daughter was smart." Sara grins watching as Ian gets out of bed pulling on his pants.
Ian chuckles walking out of the bedroom he goes across the hall to Emma's room. He enters to find the alarm clock on the floor and Felix on the bed with Emma. "Emma it's time to get out of bed." He announces turning on the light.
Emma groans pulling the pillow over her head. "Noo" she whines
Ian pulls the pillow off her head. "We need to leave by 7:30. I want you downstairs by 7." He tosses the pillow on the floor. "Now get a move on. I have to go drag your Mom out of bed so she can actually get to work on time." He looks at Felix "Felix off the bed." He orders
Felix slinks off the bed curling up on the floor.
Ian walks out of Emma's bedroom to find Hugo lying next to his door. "Morning Hugo." He rubs the dog's head then enters his bedroom to find Sara still asleep. "Sara, come on love, you need to get up, or you will be late to work."
Sara lifts her head from the pillow looking at Ian. "Let's be late to work." She rolls out of bed standing she walks up to Ian her arms going around his neck.
"As much as I like that idea, we have work and Emma has school." He sweeps Sara into his arms "But we can have some fun in the shower." He smirks
Sara laughs her arms tightening around his neck. "And save time."
"Oh definitely."
7AM
Emma walks into the kitchen scowling at the sight of her parents kissing. "Good God people its too early in the morning to walk in on that."
Sara breaks the kiss and chuckles "Morning to you too baby."
"Morning Em"
Emma grunts pouring herself a cup of coffee. "Do I have to go to school?" She grumbles
"Yes" Ian says firmly. "Just be glad I never agreed to boarding school like he wanted."
"Evil bastard." Emma mutters
"Emma" Ian chastises
"Sorry Daddy." Emma apologizes
"What would you like for breakfast?" Ian questions
"Cereal"
"What kind?"
Emma tilts her head "Cheerios?" She asks after a moment.
Ian nods "I think I saw them somewhere. The housekeeper had the food delivered."
"You in the grocery store is an interesting idea." Sara watches Ian move about the kitchen.
"Dad doesn't grocery shop unless it's an emergency."
"That's what I pay Martha for." Ian shrugs
"Oh really?"
"He hates the lights." Emma informs her Mom.
"I can stand them for a limited time but after a while I get a migraine." He opens the refrigerator removing the milk.
"Are you ready for your first day?" Sara asks Emma
Emma shrugs drinking her coffee. "I wonder if Dawn, Zan and Connor go to the same school."
"Who?" Sara asks
"The kids I met at the skate park."
"Zan was the one with the piercings wasn't he?" Ian asks
Emma nods "He's not bad."
"You aren't dating a guy with piercings and tattoos." Ian says quickly
"How did we get to the factor of me dating Zan?" Emma asks puzzled.
"Ignore your Dad. He's having issues."
"I know. Did he tell you his rule on me dating?"
Sara nods grimly. "No dating until he's dead."
"Damn straight." Ian says
"I have no interest in dating right now Daddy."
"Good."
Sara and Emma roll their eyes at each other.
Ian sets the bowl before Emma "Eat up then go brush your teeth."
"'k"
20 MINS LATER
"Bye Mom." Emma says pulling on her backpack.
"Bye baby. I'll see you soon. Have a good day at school."
"Yeah right." Emma heads towards the door.
"I'll be right out." Ian calls as Emma walks out the door. He turns back to Sara his fingers running through her hair. "I love you."
Sara smiles "I love you." She leans up kissing him lightly. "You better get her to school."
"And you need to get to work."
"I'm going. I'm going." Sara grumbles grabbing her helmet and backpack. She walks out of the house just ahead of Ian.
After a few minutes, Ian gets into the car and starts the engine.
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
"When is Martha getting here?"
"Wednesday."
"When are our things getting here?"
"This afternoon. Father's housekeeper is going to come over and let the men in. Tonight we'll start unpacking."
"OK."
7:45: JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL
Ian pulls the car up to the curb. "Have everything?"
"I'm good."
"Need money for lunch?"
"Nope."
"I'll pick you up at 3:15"
"OK" Emma leans across the seat kissing her Dad's cheek.
"Have a good day."
Emma nods opening the car door. "Bye Dad." She steps out of the car grabbing her backpack. Closing the door with her hip, she stares at the building before her and quickly scans the students around her. Taking a deep breath, Emma walks up the stairs, once at the top of the stairs she looks over her shoulder to see her Dad pull away from the curb. She makes her way through the crowd of students and enters the building. She winces at the noise of students talking and laughing, as well as the sound of slamming lockers. Emma makes her way through the security metal detectors. "Office?" She asks the security guard.
"Take a left and it's at the end of the hall."
"Thanks." Emma makes her way down the crowded hall. Finally, she reaches the office and steps up to the counter where the secretary is filling out some paperwork.
"Hello," the secretary smiles "How can I help you?"
"New here."
"Name?"
"Emma Nottingham."
"Oh yes." The secretary nods. "Let me get your schedule." She moves away from the counter.
Emma leans against the counter drumming her fingertips on the countertop. 'Come on.'
"Here is your class schedule, locker number, and locker combination. The Freshmen lockers are in this building. You can get your books at the library which is the next building over."
"I'll show her." A voice says
Emma turns to see the girl, Dawn, from the skate park standing there.
"Thank you Dawn." The secretary says with a smile.
"So you end up here huh?"
Emma nods "Looks that way."
"What's your schedule?" Dawn asks joining Emma at the counter
"Haven't looked." Emma hands Dawn the schedule.
Dawn scans the schedule. "Your locker is next to mine. Your first class is across the hall from mine. Connor is in that class. The rest of your classes are the same as mine."
"Cool. Least there's someone I know."
"Can we get hall passes?" Dawn asks. "I'll show Emma how to get around." She offers
"Sure." The secretary nods writing on a pad of paper.
"When did you get here?"
"Friday night.
"You didn't come to the park this weekend."
"Don't have my gear until this afternoon. Dad wanted to spend some time with me, to kind of make up for the last few weeks." She rolls her eyes "He's having guilt issues."
"Sounds like Angel."
"Angel?"
"Connor's Dad. Their relationship is... complicated."
"Ahh now that sounds familiar." Emma laughs. "Tell me about this place." She requests as they walk out of the office.
"Like all schools its divided in groups, Jocks, Cheerleaders, Brains, Freaks, Nerds, Stoners, Crims, Bangers, Boarders, Bladers, Outcasts, and Goody-Goodies."
"What are you?"
"I am among the few floaters. The floaters are the ones who have friends or connections among all the groups. Usually I stick with Connor, Zan, Zan's girlfriend Liz, Rath, Lonnie and a few others. Some of the ones you didn't meet them at the park. You'll meet them at lunch." Dawn says as they walk out of the building. "You coming to the park after school?"
"Doubt it. Dad's picking me up after school and we're going to unpack."
Dawn nods opening the door and the walk a few feet and turn the corner. "Here's the library." Dawn announces as they stop before a set of doors. They enter the library and go up to the counter where a dark-haired girl dressed simply in a pair of khakis and a blue sweater is checking in books. "Hey Liz. Liz Parker this is Emma Nottingham."
Liz smiles "Zan mentioned you. He said you're a good blader."
Emma shrugs "Decent."
"You nailed all the moves and dropped the guys." Dawn laughs
Emma shrugs
"Here for books?" Liz asks
"Yeah" Emma hands her the schedule.
"So where are you from Emma?"
"Boston."
Liz nods "I'll get your books." She moves to the back office.
"What are the teachers like?" Emma asks
"Decent."
"Hard asses?"
"Only a few of the teachers in the whole school." Dawn replies.
The two girls talk about the school for a while before Liz returns. "Here you go Emma." She sets the pile of books on the counter just as the bell rings.
"Thanks." Emma opens her backpack setting the books inside and zips it. "So I am onto" she tilts her head "history."
"Same" Dawn nods "See you at lunch Liz."
"OK" Liz says
Once out of the library Emma looks at Dawn "She's dating Zan?"
"They are considered to be the weirdest couple in school, the Brain and the Freak."
"Not that weird. If you knew my parents history you would think they were the weirdest couple. Then there is my Grandfather and his skanky on and off again girlfriend. Now that is a scary couple." She says dryly.
"You should see my sister Buffy and Angel. They are majorly mushy."
"So are my parents. Good God I keep walking in on them kissing. I mean the first few times it was fine 'cause they'd been apart for 14 years but damn after the tenth time..." she shakes her head.
Dawn laughs, "Connor and I always walk in on Buffy and Angel making out." As they walk out of the building she changes the subject. "OK most of the freshman classes are in the one hundred building with the administration offices. The 200 building has the sophomore classes and the library. The 300 hall holds the junior classes. The 400 hall is the senior building. The 500 hall is the mixed honors classes and the art classes. The 600 is the gym, cafeteria and the tech classes."
Emma nods "OK"
"If you have Zan, Lonnie, Rath, or Connor around the upperclassmen won't mess with you. Connor may only be a freshmen but he has the whole school freaked by reputation and his friendship with Zan, Lonnie, and Rath. Zan, his sister Lonnie, and Rath are juniors. Ava, Rath's sister, and Liz are sophomores. You'll meet everyone at lunch." The two girls continue talking as they enter the 100 building.
SAME TIME: VORSCHLAG
Ian silently enters his Father's office going straight to his spot beside the desk.
"I take it you dropped the girl off at school." Kenneth says without looking up.
"Yes sir. I have to pick her up at 3. Is there anything particular you would like me to do before then?"
SCHOOL
"Here's your class. Mines across the hall."
"See ya." Emma opens the door stepping into the classroom.
"You must be the new student." The man with light brown hair smiles at the student.
"Names Emma."
"Emma" he nods "I am Mr. Williams. Right now, we are discussing this semester's research project. You'll be partnered with..." The teacher picks up a sheet of paper scanning it. "Connor Delaney." He states "Connor?"
"What?" A bored voice asks
Emma follows the voice to see the brown haired boy from the park sitting in the back looking bored.
"Meet your partner Emma."
Connor looks the girl over "Fine teach."
"Here is the packet of information. You have until the end of the month to come up with a project proposal. We will discuss a plan of action. The calendar is in the packet listing the dates of things due."
"No prob."
"Questions?"
"Not right now."
"Read through the packet and let me know if you have any questions."
Emma nods making her way to the empty desk in the back row across from Connor. She listens to the teacher and occasionally glancing at Connor. 'I have a feeling that working with him will be... interesting.'
30 MINS LATER
As the bell rings, Emma stands grabbing her backpack and walks out of the classroom just as Dawn steps out of her class.
"So how'd it go?" Dawn asks as she joins Emma.
"He talked about the semester research project. I'm working with Connor."
"Ouch." Dawn winces. "Good luck. Connor is one of my best friends and eventually he might become a relative, but he is not the greatest of students. He's smart and all, but he hates school. Only reason he goes is because Angel makes him."
Emma nods in understanding. "Well off to..." she tilts her head "Math."
"Yep." Dawn acknowledges with a scowl as they walk down the hall.
LUNCH TIME: OUTSIDE
"Hey kid." Zan greets seeing Emma beside Dawn. "Didn't know you were goin' here."
"Didn't know either until last week." Emma sits on the bench "And don't call me kid."
"Well if it isn't the rich kid." A voice says coldly.
"Lonnie" Zan says annoyed as he glares at his sister. "Be nice." He looks back at Emma. "How are your blades?"
"Good. Haven't used 'em much this week. Too busy getting ready to move."
"You blade?" a guy with spiked light brown hair demands
"Blade, board, bike, climb... kick ass." Emma finishes with a smirk.
"That's Rath." Dawn says "And that's Ava." She gestures at the small girl with pink and purple hair and a nose ring, lip ring, eyebrow ring and numerous earrings.
Emma nods in greeting.
"'sup" Ava greets. "Killer boots."
Emma looks at her combat boots "Thanks."
"So rich kid why are you in a public school?" Lonnie demands
"I'm not a rich kid."
"Your pops bought a lot of shit that day."
"Lonnie back off." Zan snaps
"Private school is boring. All you have is the rich and richer and all they care about is getting richer."
"You don't?" Lonnie asks
"I'm not rich. My Grandfather is but he despises me as much as I despise him."
"Know how that goes." A voice says
Emma looks up to see Connor join them.
"Where were you man?" Zan asks Connor
"Around." Connor snags a fry off Dawn's plate.
"Don't do that." Dawn slaps his hand. "Go get your own food."
"You never finish yours why should I spend my lunch money?"
Dawn rolls her eyes.
"So Connor if we're going to end up working together are you actually going to work or what?"
"If I don't?" Connor lifts his brow
"I'll kick your ass." Emma says in return.
"Ooohh." Everyone says
"I don't work well with others." Connor says
"Yeah well deal." Emma snaps
"Something tells me things will be even more interesting with you around." Zan remarks
"Let's just see." Emma smirks
JUST AFTER 3PM
"God I can't wait to get home." Emma sighs as she grabs the books she needs for homework.
"Why?" Dawn asks
"I get to go home and play with Felix and have my things."
"Felix?" Dawn questions
"My dog."
"Lucky. My Mom said no pets."
"Yeah well Dad already had a dog and I asked for a cat but he said no way, so I got a dog instead."
"So you named your dog Felix."
Emma looks at her new friend surprised "Most people don't get the connection."
Dawn laughs, "It's an amusing connection."
"Thanks. What are you going to do this afternoon?"
"Probably hang out." Dawn shrugs "Do some homework. Not really sure."
"Why don't you call me later?" Emma picks up a pen and writes her number. "Here."
"Thanks. Come on lets get outta here. Buffy's probably waiting."
"Dad should be here soon. He's always on time."
"Buffy's always early or late, she's rarely on time." Dawn laughs as they walk through the hall. She notices Connor talking with a girl. "Connor lets go Buffy's picking us up today."
"I'll be right out." Connor says returning to his conversation.
Dawn rolls her eyes, "Always hanging with the skanks. He's taking up where Angel left off before he met Buffy."
"My Dad never dates."
"Never?"
"Never. He's been in love with my Mom for almost half his life. It's my job to keep him out of trouble and keep the skanks in the world from eating him alive." Emma says as they walk out of the school.
"See my Dad he'd jump the bones of any skank in the world. It's why my parents divorced."
Emma scans the parking lot and finds her Dad's car waiting. "I better go, Dad's here. Call me when you get the chance."
"Have fun unpacking." Dawn calls
Emma takes the steps three at a time.
Ian sits in the car reading a file when the car door opens. He looks up to see Emma getting into the car. "Hello Emma."
"Hi Daddy" Emma leans across the seat kissing his cheek.
"How was school?" Ian asks putting the file in the backseat.
"Good I guess. Remember those kids I met at the skate park?"
"Yes."
"They go to school here."
"Good. I'm glad you have some people to hang out with."
"Is everything at the house?"
"Yes. All the furniture has been put in the bedrooms. Martha's things have put in the apartment. At least we don't have much to unpack."
"How much is there left to unpack?"
"All of the books for the study and living room. The old furniture will be used in the guest rooms and Martha will take care of those rooms."
"I like my new bed."
"I'm glad. I thought you deserved one. You've had that other bed since you were 8." Ian glances at his daughter with a faint smile. "I remember when you got your first bed. You hated it, said it was too big."
"I did?"
"Mmm, for weeks afterward you'd climb into my bed. After a while, I decided to just put you to bed and sleep in your room. I ended up sleeping in your room until you got used to sleeping in your bed." He smiles "That first night you slept in your bed on your own you were so excited." He reaches out running his hand over her head.
Emma smiles at her Dad.
6PM: DELANEY/SUMMERS HOUSEHOLD
"How was school?" Angel Delaney asks Connor and his girlfriend's sister as they sit at the dinner table.
"Fine." Connor shrugs looking at his food.
"There's a new girl in school. She and Connor are supposed to work together on a project." Dawn informs them.
"Who is this girl?" Buffy Summers asks her sister.
"Her names Emma Nottingham. She just moved here from Boston." Dawn says. "She's a boarder and blader."
"Are you at least going to try to work with her?" Angel asks his son.
Connor shrugs "Haven't decided."
"She'll kick your ass if you don't work with her."
Connor snorts, "She can try."
"Connor just work with her." Angel says
"Don't tell me what to do... Dad" Connor finishes sarcastically.
"Come on you two can we have one meal without you two fighting." Buffy requests
"I'm going out." Connor stands
"No you aren't." Angel stands as well. "You're staying home tonight."
"No I'm not."
"Yes you are. You've been late every night this week. You are not going out tonight."
"Connor can you just stay in tonight?" Buffy asks hoping to keep the two men from arguing once again.
"Fine. I'll be in my room." He walks out of the dining room.
"I'll start the dishes." Dawn says disappearing into the kitchen.
"Hey Dawnie." A woman greets entering through the kitchen door.
"Hey Kathy" Dawn smiles at Angel's sister.
"What's going on? They get into another fight?" Kathy asks with a sigh.
"Almost. Buffy intervened again."
Kathy sighs
"I'm sick of this." Angel says walking into the kitchen. "It's the same thing every night. After almost two years he's still pulling the same shit."
"Oh come on Angel can you blame him?" Kathy snaps at her brother.
"Don't guilt trip me Kathy."
"Dawn why don't you go upstairs." Buffy suggests knowing her boyfriend and his sister are going to get into another fight.
Dawn walks out of the kitchen and makes her way up the stairs. She knocks on Connor's door.
"What?"
Dawn enters to find Connor staring up at the ceiling. "Kathy's home."
"Fighting with him again?"
"Of course." Dawn joins him on the bed.
Downstairs Buffy starts the dishes listening as Angel and Kathy talk.
"I had no choice Kathy. Mom and Dad wouldn't let me take him with me."
"You can't just expect him to believe what you say Angel. You have no idea what he went through living with Dad. You had it easy compared to what he went through. You at least didn't have to deal with the avoidance and insults as a child. Dad didn't start in on you until you were older."
"You think I wanted to leave him here?"
"No but you can't expect him to forgive you Angel, listen to you, or even get along with you... at least not until he's ready." Kathy walks out of the kitchen.
Once his sister is out of the room Angel sits down his head in his hands. "She's right. He might never be ready to forgive me."
"Angel"
"I left him here Buff." He looks at his girlfriend. "I abandoned my son. I just allowed my parents to do what they did."
"You didn't know your parents would cut all contact off with him."
"I suspected but I didn't think they'd actually go through with it... especially not my Mom." Angel runs his fingers through his hair. "I never should have left him." He mutters. "He's my son... and I left him with the man who abused me."
Buffy wraps her arms around his shoulders pressing her lips to his hair. "It'll be OK."
"My son hates me as much or even more than I hated my father."
Upstairs Dawn finally speaks, "Connor are you going to work with Emma?"
"Maybe"
"At least meet with her so you can talk about the project."
"Fine."
"Thanks Connor. I think you'd get along with her if you give her a chance. You two seem to be a lot alike."
"Whatever."
"You upset Angel."
"Like I care."
"He's your Dad, Connor, and he loves you."
"Some way to show it. He abandoned me Dawn. Would you forgive your Dad if he showed up after all these years and expected you to allow him in your life?"
"There's a difference between Angel and my Dad... Angel actually cares. My Dad only cares about his next fuck and making more money. He would never show up at the doorstep after any amount of time. He likes his freedom more than his own kids."
"Same with him." Connor says bitterly.
"Well he did come back. Mine didn't and won't." She shrugs "Have you done your homework?"
"No."
"You going to do it?"
"Might as well considering I'm stuck here tonight."
10PM: HOUSE
Sara smiles at the sight of Emma and Ian sitting on the floor unpacking a box. 'God I never thought I'd see them together.'
"Hi Mom." Emma greets
"Hey sweetie. How was school?"
"It was OK. Some of the kids I met at the skate park go to school there."
"Good." Sara joins them on the floor.
"Though the guy I'm supposed to work with on this project in history is going to be... interesting."
"Why?" Sara asks
"From what Dawn told me he doesn't do his schoolwork."
"Dawn?" Sara questions
"Dawn's sister dates the guy, Connor's Father and the four of them live together."
"What are you going to do if he doesn't work with you?" Sara asks
"I'm not going to do all the work and have him pass. I'll fail then deck him."
"You won't deck him." Ian says
"Why not?"
"Because I said so." Ian says. "Now is your homework done?"
"Yes but I need to go email Lauren." She flips to her feet walking out of the living room with Felix following behind her.
"She seems to be adjusting." Sara says moving onto his lap. "She's already made friends."
"She must have felt comfortable with them."
"Why?"
"She's never been much on the making friends side of life." He kisses her shoulder. "How was work?"
"Good. What about you?"
"Same as always."
Sara turns her head kissing him lightly.
"Hungry?" Ian asks. "There are some leftovers in the refrigerator."
"I grabbed a sandwich on a break." Sara says trailing her fingers down his beard.
11:30PM
Ian knocks on Emma's door then enters to find his daughter at the computer. "Emma you know you aren't supposed to be online after 11 on a school night."
"I'm almost done talking to Lauren."
"All right you have five more minutes to turn off the computer."
"OK"
Ian closes the door and walks down the hall.
Sara looks up as Ian rejoins her in the living room. "Is Emma in bed?"
"No. She's talking to Lauren." Ian opens the sliding glass door letting Hugo out into the yard.
"When is Martha gettiing here?" Sara inquires
"Sometime Wednesday. She went to see her parents for a few days." Ian answers leaning against the counter.
A few minutes later Emma walks into the kitchen wearing her pajamas. "I'm done talking with Lauren."
"Say goodnight and go on up to bed."
"I'm not sleepy."
"Its time for bed Emma. You know the rules."
"Why do I have to go to bed?"
"Because I'm older and I say so. Now say goodnight and go to bed."
"OK OK" Emma grumbles. "Night Mom."
Sara hugs her daughter "Night sweetie."
"Night Dad." Emma steps up to her Dad.
"Good night Emma." Ian hugs her "Sleep well."
"Come on Felix its time for bed."
Watching her daughter walk out of the kitchen, Sara joins Ian her arms going around his waist her head resting on his chest. "She really is incredible."
Ian smiles slightly as he runs his fingers through Sara's hair. "SHe is her mother's daughter." When Sara looks up at him with a smile he continues. "Sweet, beautiful... stubborn."
"Oh I'm stubborn?" Sara lifts her brow.
"Very." Ian says solemnly
"You are just as stubborn as me Mister." Sara finishes with a yawn.
"Tired?"
"Getting there."
"Go on up to bed. I'll be right up."
"OK." Sara kisses him lightly. "Don't take too long."
"I won't." Ian assures watching her walk away.
SAME TIME: DELANEY/SUMMERS HOUSEHOLD
"Angel?"
Angel looks up to see his sister standing in the doorway of his study. "Hey Kath"
Kathy enters the room "I'm sorry about earlier." She apologizes.
"Don't be." Angel says with a shrug. "You were right... Connor may never forgive me." He closes his eyes. "Just as I'll never forgive myself for leaving him here."
"I know you had no choice."
Angel looks at his sister sadly. "I did though. I could have stayed." He sighs "I could have stayed and protected my son but I ran."
"Staying would have destroyed you... and Connor. He still might have been the target of Dad's anger even if you had stayed." Kathy points out.
"We'll never know for sure. If I had stayed maybe things would be different."
"Or they could be worse." Kathy points out. "Think of it this way... you met Buffy. If you had stayed you wouldn't have met her. You might be married to Darla."
"I seriously doubt I'd be married to Darla." Angel laughs
"If Mom had her way you two would have been married the moment you told them she was pregnant."
"Yeah well it wouldn't have lasted long."
"True." Kathy agrees. "So speaking of the witch"
"Kathy come on don't... she's Connor's mother."
"You hate her as much as we do." Kathy says
"Doesn't mean I'm going to insult her every chance I get."
Kathy shakes her head. "Get some sleep huh big brother?"
Angel nods "Night Kathy."