CHAPTER 18
NEXT MORNING
Sara opens her eyes and smiles faintly when she sees Ian propped up beside her watching her. "Hey" she yawns stretching.
"Morning my love."
"How long have you been awake?" Sara asks curiously
"A while" Ian lifts his shoulder.
Sara looks at the clock over his shoulder '8.' "Do you ever sleep?"
"I don't need much." He shrugs
"I've noticed." She kisses him lightly. "Why don't you sleep?"
"Growing up he would wake me at all hours of the night for lessons, lectures... punishments... whatever he felt like at the moment he would wake me. In the end though all those nights of being woken helped me."
"How so?"
"Emma's midnight bottle... her nightmares... and with the military."
"And now?"
Ian shrugs "I just can't sleep a lot. I guess part of me still expects him to wake me in the middle of the night for something."
Sara takes his hand lacing their fingers "Even now that you don't live with him he's still living with you." She frowns "Does that make any sense?"
"Yes." Ian assures
"Ian" she looks at their laced fingers "are you ever going to be free from him?" She meets his gaze.
"One day." He promises
"Good." Sara smiles
10:30AM
Emma stumbles into the kitchen rubbing her eyes.
"Morning sweetie." Sara greets over her third cup of coffee.
Emma grunts
"Emma before your friend gets here I want you to pick up your room and brush the dogs."
Emma grunts pouring herself a cup of coffee.
"How was school yesterday?" Sara asks amused at Emma's half asleep antics.
"'S 'k" Emma mumbles
"Did you stay up late talking to Lauren?" Ian asks curiously.
"And Dawn" Emma yawns
"What time did you get to bed?" Sara asks
Emma looks at the clock "Six or so."
"Emma" Ian sighs
"Non-school night" Emma points out.
"I know but you know you need sleep."
"I'll be fine just keep the caffeine and sugar going." She stands walking out of the kitchen.
Ian shakes his head.
"Well at least she's awake." Sara laughs
12PM: DELANEY/SUMMERS HOME
"Yo Connor get your ass in gear man." Zan yells as he enters the house through the back door.
"Zan please don't yell." Kathy groans
Zan smirks "Hangover?"
"Bite me." Kathy snaps
"Zan why are you even here?" Angel asks with an annoyed tone at his son's best friend.
"Picking up your kid."
"He's supposed to go work on his project isn't he?" Angel asks
"I am" Connor snaps at his Dad as he enters the kitchen.
"He is." Zan assures "I like the Kid. Not going to let this bum screw up her first week here."
"You only like her because she'd kick my ass." Connor scowls.
"Damn straight. Someone needs to kick your ass from time to time." Zan grins.
"Let's just go." Connor stalks out of the kitchen.
"So long people." Zan follows his friend.
45 MINS LATER: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
As she walks down the stairs Emma hears the doorbell ring. "I got it." She calls as she opens the door to find Connor standing there. "Surprised you showed up." She steps aside so he can enter.
Connor shrugs "Yeah well my Dad would have bitched me out if I hadn't."
"I was gonna grab some food then start thinking... don't think too well this early in the day without major junkfood."
"Know the feeling." Connor acknowledges following Emma to the kitchen.
"So any idea what you want to do?" Emma asks
"No."
At that moment Ian enters the kitchen coming up from the gym. "Emma where are the dogs?"
"I let Felix outside. Hugo is probably wherever Mom is." Emma answers. "Dad this is Connor. Connor this is my Dad, Ian."
Ian nods at the young man. "Nice to meet you."
"You too sir."
Ian goes over to the back door letting Felix inside.
Felix bounds over to his mistress his back end wagging with excitment.
"Hey Felix" Emma greets rubbing the dog's head. "Behave OK?" She looks at Connor. "He gets kind of puppyish around new people if he trusts them." She opens the refrigerator "What do you want to drink?" She asks "Coke, Sprite, Pepsi, or Dr. Pepper?"
"Coke." Connor answers as he scratches the dog's head.
Emma grabs two cans and sets them on the counter. "We have a wide choice. I'm betting most people are going to stick with wars and such... easier to research and narrow to a specific topic."
"I really don't care what we do. I just want to get this over with."
"So why are you even doing this?" Emma asks curiously.
"If I don't my Dad will chew me out and we'll get into another fight. I try at least once in a while to do something so he won't bitch at me."
"Oh." Emma grabs a bag of chips and cookies. "We'll be upstairs." She informs her Dad.
Ian looks up from his reading and nods "All right."
Connor follows Emma up the stairs to her room. "Nice room." He says taking in the posters and furniture.
"Thanks" Emma sets the chips and cookies on the desk.
Connor picks up a picture of four year old Emma on her Dad's shoulders. "You and your Dad are close huh?"
Emma looks at him seeing a brief flash of sadness. "Yeah. For most of my life its only been me and Dad. Now its me, Dad, and Mom." Emma watches him curiously. "What about you? Close to your parents?"
"Yeah right. My Mom sees me as a mistake that only benefits her when it impresses people or to get information on my Dad. My Dad took off for ten years, only returned because he had too."
"Sorry."
Connor shrugs "I've dealt."
Emma opens her textbook. "All right lets get this started."
"Why do you even care?"
Emma shrugs "I don't. I want to get this over as well."
30 MINS LATER
Hearing a knock at her door Emma looks up to see her Mom standing there. "Hi Mom."
"Just thought I'd see if you two wanted anything."
"We're fine." Emma assures "Connor this is my Mom Sara." She introduces.
"Hi" Connor nods at the woman. 'Damn she's hot.'
"Hi" Sara returns. "Enjoy." She walks away.
"So what do your parents do for a living?" Connor asks curiously.
"Um Dad works security for my Grandfather's company."
"What company?" Connor asks
"Vorschlag." Emma shifts in her seat.
Connor lifts his brow "Your Grandfather is Kenneth Irons?"
"Unfortunately." Emma says dryly. "We don't get a long very well."
"What about your Mom?"
"She's a homicide detective." Emma answers "What about your parents?"
"My Dad runs my Grandfather's advertising company and he's a photojournalist... or at least he was before my grandparents died. Darla... my Mom... she's a lawyer. We don't talk much. Buffy, Dawn's sister and most likely my future stepmom goes to NYU with my Aunt Kathy."
"Where's your Mom?"
"She's here in New York. He makes us spend time together every so often."
"Yeah my Dad practically has to carry me to my Grandfather's to get me to spend any time with him. Dad wants us to get along but we just can't for some reason."
"Ever pick fights?"
"No. We barely say five words to each other unless we have too."
"Same with me and Darla. Its kind of hard to get along with someone who only wants you around when they need to impress or want something."
Emma nods "So we have a list of 15 ideas. Anything else?"
3PM
"So we've narrowed that list down to three. How about we sleep on it then make a final decision on Monday."
"Whatever."
"Look I don't want to cram in the end so we're going to have to set a few hours aside every week to actually work."
"Fine." Connor nods looking at the collection of CDs. "Nice collection... rock, metal, R&B, pop" he looks at her curiously "Oldies and classical?"
"I've got eclectic taste." Emma shrugs
"So tell me why do you go to public school?"
"More entertaining."
Connor grins "It can be can't it."
"Wanna know a secret?"
"What?"
"I mostly go to public school to piss my Grandfather off."
"Smart" Connor approves.
WHILE LATER
Martha looks up from the cookbook she's reading. "Hey Emma. Is your friend gone?"
"Yep." Emma leans against the counter. "Where is everyone?"
"Your Dad is in the study going over some paperwork I think."
"As always." Emma laughs
"Your Mom is with him."
Emma nods "Need any help?" She asks
"No everything is on schedule. Did you do everything your Dad asked you to do?"
"Yep. Rooms picked up. Dogs have been brushed and fed."
"Good."
"Well then I'll be upstairs." Emma walks out of the kitchen.
4PM
* Chat *
Emma sits at her computer typing back to Lauren.
* I can't believe your Dad let a boy in your room. *
* Just because he doesn't want me to date doesn't mean I can't have guys over. * Emma types back.
* True *
Downstairs Sara looks at Ian "Are you OK with this? Having a bunch of people over?"
"Its fine Sara. I want to meet your friends." He strokes her cheek with his thumb. "If that means people here I don't care." He smiles faintly "I love you."
"You must love me a lot to do this." Sara says absently.
"More than you could ever believe." He kisses her lightly then pulls back as the doorbell rings.
"I'll get that." Sara kisses him again then walks away heading to the front door. She opens the door and grins seeing her friend Vicki Po standing there. "What no interesting dead bodies?"
"All dead bodies are interesting but this is way more interesting... and amusing."
"Hey" Sara protests
"Oh come on you have to admit if you were me you'd find this just as interesting." Vicki enters
Sara tilts her head then laughs "Yeah your right I would." She hugs her friend. "It would be even more interesting if Jake were to come."
"Where is he?"
"Oh he went to California for a week. Its his parents anniversary."
"Ahh" Vicki nods
Sara feels a nudge at her leg and looks down to find Hugo sitting there looking at her forlornly. "Hey Hugo what's wrong buddy?"
"And who is this gigantic guy?" Vicki asks with a grin.
"This is Hugo." Sara rubs the dog's head affectionately. "Felix is around here somewhere."
"He is probably upstairs with Emma."
Sara smiles hearing Ian's voice and turns.
Vicki watches amazed as her friend's eyes brighten at the dark haired man. 'She really loves him.' She looks the man over 'I can see why.'
"Ian this is Vicki." Sara introduces.
"It is nice to finally meet you." Ian nods
"Same" Vicki returns.
"I will go get Emma." Ian passes them heading up the stairs.
"Nice choice Pez." Vicki says as Ian disappears.
Sara scowls at her friend then grins. "I know."
"You really love him huh?"
Sara shrugs "What's not to love... underneath his dark exterior Ian is one big softie."
"I see your bad boy type started all the way back in high school."
"Actually... Ian is the good one. He just looks like the bad boy type." Sara admits.
Ian knocks on Emma's door then enters to find the teen at the computer with headphones on and music blaring as she furiously types. He stands there for a moment watching her then walks over carefully putting his hand on her shoulder so she doesn't start.
Emma tilts her head back and grins removing her headphones "Hi Dad."
"What have I told you about being aware of your surroundings at all times?" Ian asks sternly.
Emma shrugs "Daddy I'm at home no one in their right mind would try anything with you home."
Ian crouches beside her. "Always be aware Emma even if I am home. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Dad... relax." Emma scrunches up her nose.
Ian kisses her forehead as he straightens up. "Finish up. Your Mom's friends are starting to arrive."
"OK. Just a sec." Emma turns back to the computer typing a quick message to Lauren and turns off her CD. She stands "Come on Felix." She looks at her Dad.
"Come on my sweet Em" he brushes his knuckle down her cheek. "We are about to be invaded by guests."
"Hey you were the one who agreed to this."
"I know... I just can't help but give in when it comes to you and your Mom."
Downstairs two little kids come bounding in the front door. "Aunt Sara, Aunt Sara." A little girl says excitedly.
Sara smiles at the pigtailed little girl and picks her up getting a big hug in return. "Hi Una." She greets the four year old. "Hi Mikey." She smiles at the seven year old boy.
Michael Woo grins at his Aunt. "Hi Aunt Sara."
"Hey Mija." Sara greets seeing Danny's 14 year old niece.
"I'm wearing my new shirt Aunt Sara." Una says excitedly.
"I like it." Sara smiles at Danny's wife. "Hey Lee."
"Aunt Sara who's the doggie?" Una asks curiously.
Sara looks at Hugo who is still sitting beside her. "That is Hugo. Felix is around somewhere."
"He's right here."
Sara looks towards the stairs to see Ian and Emma walking down them.
Felix sniffs around the new people.
"Felix be nice." Emma laughs
Michael looks at the two dogs with curiousity and awe. "They are big."
"They won't hurt you." Ian assures the little boy.
"Emma, Ian this is Danny, Lee, Mija, Michael, and Una. Emma this is Vicki."
"It is nice to finally meet you both." Lee smiles at the girl.
"You too."
"You go to Jefferson don't you?" Mija asks after a moment.
Emma nods
"I've seen you hanging out with Zan and the others." Mija states
"Mostly I hang out with Dawn."
Mija nods "How do you stand hanging out with Lonnie?"
"Ignore her." Emma grins.
"Smart thinking... though last year she beat a guy with his own history book for ignoring her." Mija muses.
"That would hurt... history books are heavy." Emma muses
"Sounds like Lonnie has issues." Lee states
"Lonnie's not so bad... just come up with a few good insults and she'll leave you alone for a while." Emma shrugs
"I'll stick with staying far away from her." Mija says dryly. "Lonnie as an enemy... not good."
HOUR LATER
Emma and Mija sit on the floor of Emma's bedroom. "Man you have some wicked CDs." Mija states.
"Thanks."
"So how are you liking New York?" Mija asks
"It's cool with me." Emma replies
"How are you and Sara getting along?"
"We get along OK. As long as Dad's happy I'm happy."
Mija nods "Heard you were paired up with Connor Delaney."
"Yeah"
"What's he like? Connor Delany is one of the mystery guys. He dates but no one outside that circle knows much about him other than rep."
"He's... interesting" Emma finishes after a moment.
"He" Mija stresses "is one of the hottest guys in school." Mija remarks excitedly. "I saw his Dad once after Connor was suspended last semester for fighting... and damn I know where he got the hot genes from. His Dad is one word... WOW."
"I bet."
"How did you get him to agree to work? He has a rep for always getting in trouble for not doing his schoolwork."
"Said I'd kick his ass." Emma grins
"You are so lucky... all the girls in school would do anything to spend even a minute with Connor or anyone of those guys. Zan, Rath, and all of them are just... HOT." Mija says dramatically. "But Rath and Zan are taken and if anyone even tries to flirt with Rath Lonnie flips. Zan flirts but everyone knows he's Liz's."
"How long have Liz and Zan been together?"
"On and off since sixth grade."
Downstairs Sara watches Ian interact with Michael and Una while he talks with Danny and her friend Gabriel Bowman.
"He seems comfortable with kids." Vicki states seeing the look on Sara's face.
"Una seems to have taken a liking to him." Lee smiles at the sight of her daughter sitting next to Ian playing with some toys.
Sara smiles "He's an incredible guy regardless of his own childhood... I guess that what makes him so good with kids."
"Emma is great." Lee states
Sara looks at her friends "He did a great job with her. I'm glad she was with him all this time."
"What exactly happened Sara?" Lee asks gently.
"It's complicated." Sara hedges
"Why do I get the feeling it involves your sister?" Lee asks dryly.
"When doesn't trouble involve Aras." Sara sighs
"Does Aras know he's back?" Vicki asks
"No. We still don't speak. I know she talks with Marie every so often. I asked Marie not tell Aras he's back."
"What if she shows up?" Vicki questions
Sara shrugs "If that happens I'm not going to let her get between us this time. Aras might be my sister but I don't trust her and I'm not going to let her cause anymore chaos in my life."
LATER THAT NIGHT
"Did you have a good time with Mija?" Sara asks Emma as the teen snuggles in bed.
"Yeah. She's cool."
"Good." Sara nods "So did you and Connor decide on a topic?"
"No. We managed to cut it down to three choices. We'll make the final choice on Monday."
"Oh."
"Mom can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"Do you miss your sister?"
Sara brushes a strand of hair off Emma's forehead. "Sometimes I do." She admits "But until Aras straightens out things are going to stay this way."
"Am I ever going to meet her?"
"Maybe."
Emma nods "Are you working tomorrow?"
"Unfortunately yes I am. Though I would really rather spend time with you and your Dad." She looks at the clock. "Good night sweetie."
"Night Mom."
Sara walks towards the door. "I love you Emma."
"Love you too Mom." Emma replies snuggling under the covers.
Sara closes the door and smiles before going in search of Ian.
CHAPTER 19
LATE NEXT MORNING
"Daddy"
Ian looks up from his paperwork to see Emma flop on his study couch. "Yes Em?"
"I'm bored. Entertain me." She demands
"Homework?"
"Done."
"Talk to Lauren?"
"She's spending the day with her Dad."
"What about your new friend Dawn?"
"Spending time with her sister."
"What about Mija?"
"Not home." She sighs "I need something to do."
"Well how about I take a break from this paperwork and drive you to the skate park."
"Really?"
Ian nods "Sure."
Emma jumps up hurrying over to her Dad. "You are the best Daddy." She kisses his cheek.
"Good to know. Now remember that the next time I have to ground you."
"You never ground me."
"I know." He sighs heavily. "Now go grab your things and let me know when your ready to go."
"OK" Emma barrels out of the study.
45 MINS LATER: SKATE PARK
"Call me when you want me to pick you up."
"I will." Emma grabs her backpack from the back seat "Bye Dad."
"Have a good time."
"I will." Emma closes the door and hurries up the steps.
SOME TIME LATER
Emma skids to a stop infront of Connor and removes her helmet. "Hey" She greets.
"Hey." Connor returns with a nod. "How long have you been here?"
"A while." Emma shrugs sitting on the grass she stretches her arms over her head. "What's up?"
Connor sits beside her. "Not much. Had to get out of the house. He's playing Dad again."
"He is your Dad." Emma says gently.
"A technicality for a guy you couldn't keep his hormones under control 15 years ago." Connor says bitterly.
"You know being bitter isn't going to help."
"What do you know about my life?" He demands
"We have something in common Connor."
"What's that?"
"I know what its like to be raised by a teenage parent... granted the one who raised me wasn't your average teenager."
Connor looks at her. "Your parents do look kind of young. How old were they when you were born?"
"Mom was 15 almost 16. Dad had just turned 17. You?"
"Both were 15."
Emma nods
"Your Dad raised you didn't he?"
"Yeah." Emma nods "Mom originally put me up for adoption but I ended up staying with my Dad. He didn't tell me much about my Mom until just over a month ago. She didn't even know he had me until around the same time." She looks at Connor "What about you?"
Connor inspects a piece of grass then answers "My Dad. He raised me until he was 18 and went off to college and left me behind. My Grandparents raised me after that. Darla wants nothing to do with me unless it benefits her." He finishes with a bitter tone.
The two are silent for a moment then Emma speaks "You know I'm getting kind of hungry. Where's the nearest place for food?"
"I'm getting hungry too." Connor admits "Want some company?"
Emma smiles "Sure. I just have to get out of these." She nods at her blades.
LITTLE LATER: RESTUARANT
Connor watches Emma as she scans the menu. "What's it like?" He asks after a moment.
"What's what like?" Emma looks at him.
Connor looks away for a moment "Being so close to your Dad?" He looks at her.
Emma tilts her head. "For me its sometimes hard."
"Why?"
"He's all I have... all I've ever known. Sometimes I worry that I'm going to lose him."
"And what about your Mom?"
"We're still getting used to each other. What about your Mom?"
"Only see her when I have too." Connor looks at the menu.
"What can I get you both to drink?" The waitress asks as she steps up to the table.
"I'll have a Coke." Connor answers
"Same." Emma nods
"All right." The waitress scribbles on her pad. "Do you need more time to order?"
"I don't." Connor hands her the menu. "I'll have a bacon cheeseburger."
"I'll have a cheeseburger."
"OK" the waitress nods writing the orders down she takes the menus. "I'll be back shortly with your drinks."
"Thank you." Emma smiles.
Connor nods.
"So have you always lived in New York?" Emma asks him
"Yeah. What about you?"
"I think I was born upstate." Emma answers after a moment. "Dad really doesn't talk much about the past. But we moved around a lot because he was in the military."
"Where'd you live?"
"Spent a good part of the first two years of my life in Japan. After that we lived all over."
"You did a lot of travel for a kid."
"I guess."
"Did you like it?" Connor asks
"It had its moments."
Connor leans back "What's it like being related to one of the richest men in the world?"
Emma lifts her shoulders as she plays with a fork. "It's complicated." She hedges. "We don't get along to say the least."
"I didn't get along with my Grandfather either."
"My Grandfather otherwise known as the Evil Bastard or just plain Evil One hates the fact Dad refused to sign the adoption papers."
"Mine saw my Dad as a screw up who'd never been anything but a screw up so in the end that's what he saw me as."
"What happened to them?"
"They died in a car accident two years ago."
"Sorry."
Connor shrugs "Its fine. The only one I miss is my Grandmother. She at least tried not to make my life hell... unlike my Grandfather. What about your grandparents?"
"Don't have any other than him. Mom's parents died before I was born."
"I rarely if ever see my Mom's parents."
"Here you go." The waitress sets the drinks on the table.
"Thank you." Emma nods taking a sip of her drink. Once the waitress walks away she speaks. "How long have you known Zan?"
"My whole life. His older sister Anya used to babysit me. Anya is friends with my Aunt and she dates Liz's cousin Xander. Xander is one of Dawn's sister Buffy's best friends from California. When their Mom died not only did Dawn and Buffy come out here but three of Buffy's best friends did as well."
"You have a big family."
"Do you have any aunts or uncles?"
"My Mom has a twin... I haven't met her yet. My former Nanny is kind of like an Aunt... just one who gets paid to make sure the house is clean and I don't screw up. The guys in my Dad's unit were like uncles to me but most of them are dead."
Connor regards her thoughtfully. "You aren't like most people I hang out with."
"Oh really?"
"Most people other than Dawn and Zan leave me alone."
"Most people leave me alone as well."
"So tell me is it true that you slammed someone into a locker at your old school?"
Emma laughs "No. I'm pretty much a pacifist unless provoked and most people don't provoke me... especially after they see my Dad." She takes a sip of her drink. "I don't know why people are so freaked by my Dad... I know he can be a little odd at times."
"He seems cool."
"He is." Emma smiles "So what about you did you really beat up a senior while you were in middle school?"
"No." Connor laughs "He was a sophmore. I have no idea how it became a senior."
"High school rumor mill." Emma laughs
2 HOURS LATER
"Wow we've actually been talking for two hours." Emma says as they step out of the restuarant.
"Yeah." Connor nods
Emma sighs as her phone rings. "Excuse me." She fishes the phone out of her pocket pressing talk. "Hi Dad."
"Just wanted to check on you." Ian says
"I'm fine Dad." Emma rolls her eyes
"Having fun?"
"Yeah. Just hanging out."
"Call me when your ready to come home."
"I will."
"Have a good time." Ian hangs up.
Emma closes her phone returning it to her pocket. "Sorry he can be a little... protective at times." She says slightly embarassed.
"Its cool."
"So have you thought anymore about the project?"
"Not really."
"Me either." Emma admits
6PM: PARK
Emma notices her Dad's car pull up to the curb. "My Dad's here." She stands picking up her backpack. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
Connor nods "Yeah."
"Oh and Connor" She turns as she reaches the car "Try and make up your mind huh?" She grins opening the back door she tosses her backpack in and closes the door.
"And if I don't?"
"History books are very heavy. I've often wondered if they could cause a concussion." She grins opening the front passenger door. "Tell Dawn I said hey." She gets into the front seat closing the door. "Hi Daddy."
"I was starting to get worried." Ian states
"I'm fine Daddy." Emma assures "Connor was showing me around and we lost track of time." She explains as she buckles her seatbelt.
Ian pulls away from the curb. "Did you have a good afternoon?"
"Yeah. Connor's not that bad. We have a lot in common."
Ian glances at his daughter. "Emma"
"Dad relax."
"I can't relax... you're my daughter and I worry." Ian runs his hand over her dark hair.
"He's just a guy who I have a lot in common with... that's all."
"OK I will leave it alone."
"Thank you."
"Did you come to a decision on what your project will be about?"
"No."
"When are you going to start?"
"I'm hoping on Wednesday. That's if I can get him to work."
"You will. One thing I know about you is that you are very good at persuading people." Ian smiles faintly. "You got that trait from your Mother."
Emma grins at her Dad. "More traits from Mom huh?"
"The more time I spend with your Mom the more I see things you inherited from her."
"Really?"
"Really."
AFTER MIDNIGHT: SARA'S APARTMENT
"What's wrong? You have thoughtful look." Sara brushes her fingers over Ian's beard.
Ian captures her hand brushing his lips over her knuckles. "I have a feeling that the boy Connor is going to be spending a lot of time with Emma."
"What has Emma said about him?" Sara asks
"Not much." He admits "Just that they have a lot in common."
"Big deal. Doesn't mean anything."
"I know." He sighs
"You are such a Dad." Sara teases. "She's growing up and you don't like it." She states
"Its not that I don't like it... its just"
"You want her to be a baby forever."
"Good God no." Ian laughs "I like seeing her grow up I just don't want her to grow up too fast."
"Like we did?"
"My childhood stopped long before Emma... even long before we met."
"She's a normal kid."
"I know."
"Who one day if we're very lucky will turn out to be a very normal adult."
"Don't remind me." Ian groans
"Oh stop grumbling and kiss me."
Ian grins "As you wish."
BEFORE DAWN
Sara opens her eyes feeling the bed shift. "Where you going?" She asks sleepily.
"I have to get back to the house."
"Oh OK." Sara sighs heavily. She lies there watching him dress. "What are you doing today?"
"Same as always." Ian answers as he buttons his pants. "You?"
"Paperwork. Have to catch up this week. Captain's orders." She scowls.
"You don't like your new Captain."
"Don't trust him." Sara replies with a yawn.
Ian pulls on his sweater and sits on the edge of the bed as he pulls on his boots. "When do you have to be at work?"
"8."
Ian turns to her brushing his knuckle down her cheek. "Go back to sleep."
"I'm planning too." Sara assures "Give Emma a hug for me."
"I will." He promises as he leans down kissing her lightly. "Have a good day."
"You too." Sara smiles
"I should go." He says reluctantly after a few minutes of silence.
"I know" She says sadly. She watches as he walks down the stairs and out the door.
6:45 AM: NOTTINGHAM HOUSEHOLD
Showered and freshly dressed Ian knocks on Emma's bedroom door. Not getting an answer he enters to find Emma still in bed with the pillow over her head. Chuckling lightly he goes over to the bed removing the pillow. "Emma sweetness its time to get up." He watches amused as she burrows under the covers.
"No Daddy." She mumbles
"Yes." He sits on the edge of the bed. "It's time to get up."
Emma slowly pokes her head out from under the covers and rests her head on his leg with a heavy sigh.
Ian gently strokes her hair. "Do you remember when you were four or five and you had that really bad cold?"
"No." Emma mumbles
"Well I was on leave for the weekend. I woke up to find you standing beside my bed crying. When I asked you what was wrong you said you didn't feel good... you were so upset and unhappy because we had plans."
"What were they?"
"We were going to go to the zoo but we ended up staying home." He trails his forefinger over her features.
"Is there some sort of reason for this trip to the past?" Emma asks confused.
Ian brushes a strand of hair away from her face. "I was just realizing that you are growing up."
Emma sits up crawling onto his lap she rests her head on his shoulder. "I'm still the baby."
"Yes you'll always be the baby." Ian hugs her. "Just don't grow up too fast OK?"
"I won't Daddy."
"Good." He presses his lips to her hair. "Now go get ready for school."
"OK" Emma pulls back kissing his cheek. "I love you Daddy."
"I love you too Em."
Emma scrambles off his lap running into the bathroom.
OVER AN HOUR LATER: SCHOOL
"Have a good day." Ian says as he drops Emma off at the curb.
Emma leans across the sit kissing his cheek. "Bye Daddy."
"Goodbye" Ian returns as she slides out of the car.
Emma joins Dawn "Hey."
"How was your weekend?" Dawn asks
"Good. You?"
"Buffy took me shopping." Dawn says excitedly "Dad's monthly 'I'm sorry I'm a bastard but here spend my money.' spending spree."
"Connor told me."
Dawn grins at her friend. "So details. What happened with you and Connor? I mean he came home in a decently good mood and didn't start a fight with Angel until this morning."
Emma shrugs "Nothing happened. We just talked."
"Wow that's major. Connor rarely talks." Dawn states. "Buffy calls him a mini-Angel brooder. So what did you talk about?"
"School. Our project." Emma shrugs as they enter the building. "That's about it." She says as they make their way through the crowd of students and the metal detectors.
"So how'd the company go?"
"I think Dad has sworn off company for a very long time." Emma laughs. "Mom's godson and goddaughter got Felix so hyper that Dad had to banish him to the laundry room."
Dawn laughs
"Met Mom's partner's niece. She goes to school here. We hung out while they were over."
"Cool."
"Yeah. So what did you do?"
"Same old same old. Listened to Angel and Connor yell at each other Friday and Saturday night. Same thing every night really. Except last night."
LATER: 11TH PRECINCT
"Hey partner" Danny greets as Sara enters the office.
"Hey." Sara sets her helmet on the filing cabinet and removes her jacket. "Man morning came early." She sighs heavily as she sits down.
"Una gave this to me this morning." Danny hands Sara a picture. "She asked me to give it to you so you could give it to Nottingham."
Sara looks at the picture of Felix, Hugo, Una, and Mikey and smiles. "I'll give it to him tonight."
"He charmed my daughter." Danny shakes his head.
"Ian does tend to do that from time to time. One time he talked his way out of us being permanently banned from the library."
"And what did you do to get that threat?" Danny lifts his brow.
"Got caught making out in the stacks." Sara says sheepishly.
"Sara." He shakes his head. "Una asked Lee when she can come over and play with the dogs and Ian again."
Sara laughs "Ian will love to hear that." She opens a file before her.
"So anymore Pezzini-Nottinghams in the near future?" Danny asks curiously.
Sara shrugs "We've talked about it." She admits "No decisions made. Right now we're just concentrating on Emma getting used to all these changes."
"You really love him." Danny states
"Never stopped." Sara admits
"As long as your happy."
"I am." Sara assures "Happier than I've been in a long time."
"Good."
LUNCH TIME: SCHOOL
"Have you made up your mind?" Emma asks Connor as he joins the group at the table.
"Whatever you want to do." He shrugs
Emma sighs "All right. But whatever I choose you can't complain about. I will write the paper but you have to help with the research and the project. Agreed?" She holds her hand out.
Connor shakes her hand "Agreed."
"What are you doing after school Emma?" Dawn asks
"No idea." Emma replies taking a bite of her apple.
"Wanna come over? Buffy's picking us up after school."
"Sounds fine to me. I have to call Martha and tell her."
"Martha? Who's that your babysitter?" Lonnie says snidely getting snickers from Rath and Ava.
Emma looks at the older girl slightly annoyed. "She's the housekeeper. You can bait me all you want Lonnie."
"Lon leave her alone." Zan glares at his sister.
3:30 PM
"Buffy this is Emma Nottingham." Dawn introduces as the girls get into the car.
Buffy Summers smiles at her sister's new friend. "Hello Emma."
"Hi." Emma says politely.
"Where's Connor?" Buffy asks
"Said he'd get home somehow." Dawn answers
"OK" Buffy pulls the car away from the curb. "How was school?"
"Long." Dawn answers with a heavy sigh.
"Boring." Emma adds
"What about you?" Dawn asks her sister.
"Same as always." Buffy grumbles. "I don't know why I even try."
Emma frowns feeling her phone vibrate in her pocket. She removes it pressing talk. "Hi Dad."
"Martha told me you are going over to your friend's house."
"You know the nice thing to say to your only and very much adored child is 'Hi Emma. How was school?' I think your spending way too much time with the Evil One."
"First things first I don't like it when you call your Grandfather that."
"Yes but you also hate when I swear and you know what else I'd call him."
Ian sighs heavily. "Hi Emma how was school?"
"Fine Daddy. How's work?"
"Good. Now are you going to your friend's house or what?"
"No Daddy I'm running away from home to join the circus." Emma says her voice very serious.
"All right. Just be home by nine."
"How do you know I'm not running off to join the circus?"
"Reason one if you did run off to join the circus and I found you your allowance and credit card would be cut off. Reason two... you hate clowns."
"OK you got me there. Than I'm not running off to join the circus. I'm running away to Vegas and using my skills for evil rather than good."
"All right just be home by nine."
"You know you really take the fun out of tormenting you." Emma grumbles "And why so early?"
"Because I said so. If you want me to pick you up than call."
"OK. Don't work too hard."
"I'll try not too." Ian hangs up.
Emma closes her phone.
"Running away to join the circus?" Dawn asks with a laugh.
"Evil One?" Buffy lifts her brow in the rearview mirror.
"I have to try and amuse my Dad after working with my Grandfather for so many hours."
"So who is the Evil One?" Buffy asks curiously.
"My Grandfather... we don't get along."
6 PM: SUMMERS/DELANEY HOUSEHOLD
Emma and Dawn sit on the floor of Dawn's bedroom watching MTV and talking. "Any boyfriends in Boston?" Dawn asks curiously.
"No why?"
"Just curious."
Emma shrugs "Dad doesn't want me to date... he even has a rule about it."
"What not until your 16?"
"No... not until he's dead."
"No way!"
Emma nods "Its not a big deal to me anyway."
"Why not?" Dawn asks "With your looks you could get any guy you wanted. Hell I've heard the guys at school are drooling over you."
"I'm not really interested in just dating anyone. If I found someone I would be interested in dating then maybe but none of the guys I met have interested me enough."
"What about Connor?"
"What about him?" Emma asks suspiciously.
"Oh come on I've seen how you look at him."
"Granted he's hot and we have a lot in common."
"So date him."
"Dawn!"
"Sorry." Dawn grins wryly "I tend to push things at times."
"Its OK."
"So why doesn't your Dad want you to date?"
"Probably because I'm an only child. What about your Dad?"
"Haven't seen him since the summer. I was supposed to spend the whole summer with him but he cut the visit short so he could go on a trip with his girlfriend." Dawn finishes bitterly.
"At least yours has a life." Emma says sadly.
"What do you mean?"
"Mine devotes all his time to me or The Evil Bastard. I love my Dad and I'm a little glad he never dated when I was growing up but... he still needed a life. I mean he's had very few friends in his life. He has only one friend alive right now... my Uncle Mobi."
"Your Dad doesn't date?"
"Nope."
"No hot girlfriends?"
"My Mom is the only woman he's ever been involved with."
"Ever?"
"Ever."
"So before they met up again it had been... what 14 years since he had sex?"
Emma nods
"And how do you know he's telling the truth?"
"My Dad doesn't lie to me. I can see right through him when he does."
"Wow. How old is your Dad?"
"31."
"So" Dawn tilts her head "he was what 17 when you were born?"
"Yeah Mom was 15." Emma looks at her friend "What about you any boyfriends?" She asks returning the topic to its original course.
"No. The guys at school are scared of Connor and Zan." Dawn scowls
"Girls dinner is ready." Buffy calls from the bottom of the stairs.
"You lucked out with Angel cooking tonight. If Buffy was cooking the smoke alarm would go off." The two girls giggle as they walk out of the bedroom. "My sister so can't cook. My Mom even went as far as to banish her from ever entering the kitchen." As they enter the kitchen Dawn asks "What do you do with your Dad?"
"Lots of things. My Dad is kind of strange." Emma admits
"All Dad's are strange." Dawn laughs
"Hey Dad in the room here." Angel reminds
"You are strange Angel." Dawn teases
"Am not."
"Are too." Dawn retorts
"So Emma did one of your parents have a job transfer?" Buffy asks as they sit at the kitchen table.
"Kind of. See my Dad was in the military until I was ten. After he left the military he was kind of a stay at home Dad. He did almost all of his work from home. Then my Grandfather decided it was time for Dad to take over the full responsibilities of head of security so he moved back here and much to my Grandfather's disgust I followed."
"I hope you like spaghetti Emma." Angel says
"I love spaghetti... or food in general."
Angel chuckles "Good to know."
"Thank you" Emma takes the plate from Dawn.
"So where is Connor?" Buffy asks
"Who knows." Dawn shrugs "He and the guys are probably playing ball."
"I told him to be home for dinner." Angel mutters
"Did you call him?" Buffy asks
"You know he won't answer when I call him." Angel reminds
"Where's Kathy?" Dawn asks taking a bite of bread.
"At work" Angel replies
30 MINS LATER
"Dawn its your night for dishes." Buffy reminds her sister as they start clearing the dinner dishes.
"But Buffy..." Dawn whines
"I'll help." Emma offers
Dawn grins "Thanks."
"Where were you Connor?" Angel demands from the living room.
"Out." Connor replies
"I told you last night and this morning that I wanted you home for dinner."
Connor strides into the kitchen. "Well I didn't feel like it OK!" He snaps opening the refrigerator he stares at the contents.
"Welcome to the Battle Zone." Dawn murmurs
"Damn it Connor I have put up with enough of your bull." Angel says angrily.
Connor closes the refrigerator looking at his father. "What are you going to do hit me?" He demands "Go for it. He would have. Hell the second I stepped in the door he would have."
Seeing Angel flinch Buffy steps between them. "No one is going to hit anyone. You go calm down." She gently guides Angel out of the kitchen.
"Stop baiting him Connor." Dawn says annoyed.
"Stay out of it Dawn." Connor snaps walking out of the kitchen.
"Welcome to my life." Dawn mutters
"Always like this?" Emma asks
"No. Sometimes Connor throws things. Doors slam. Voices yelling. Never gets physical though." She assures.
"Sorry about that Emma." Buffy apologizes as she reenters the kitchen. "They tend to get loud."
"Its OK." Emma assures "Its a lot different than my house."
"No one yells?" Dawn asks
"If we're staying with my Grandfather he's always yelling at Dad over something. But in our house... I can't remember the last time my Dad has ever raised his voice."
"I better go check on Angel." Buffy walks out of the kitchen and goes in search of her boyfriend. Finally she finds him in the basement exercise room pounding on the punching bag. "You OK honey?" She asks concerned.
Angel punches the bag a few more times than allows his hands to drop to his sides. "He's out of control Buffy. Nothing I do helps. I ground him. I don't ground him."
"Angel he just needs to learn how to trust you again."
Angel looks at his girlfriend. "Its been 2 years Buffy."
"And you've been gone half his life." Buffy reminds gently.
Angel sits down "I know Buff. Everyday I have to face the fact that I abandoned my son. I knew he'd take a while to accept me back into his life." He looks at his hands. "When he said that up there" He glances at Buffy "I was so tempted to just hit him." He takes a deep breath. "I have always sworn to myself that I would never be like my father. The day Connor was born I promised that I would never hurt him." He closes his eyes "And I ended up hurting him by leaving."
Buffy slides her arm around his shoulders. "I know you never meant to hurt him like that... or in anyway."
"For weeks before I made the final decision to leave, every night while he was asleep I sat beside his bed and watched him sleep. The night I finally made the decision was the night he hit me infront of Connor. After he hit me I told him I was taking Connor and leaving for school the next day. We argued about it then Dad said if I even tried to take Connor he'd have me arrested... that he'd do anything to keep my son. In the end he got to keep him."
"You never told me any of this."
Angel shrugs "I couldn't talk about it."
"Have you told Connor any of this?"
"No. He refuses to discuss any of the past."
"You need to get to talk to Connor about this."
"I know. I will... one day."
Buffy nods "What are you going to do about today?"
"Ground him for a week I guess. I'll think about it for a while."
"Angel... you are a good Dad. I know you sometimes feel like you aren't but you are. You did what you thought was best at the time. You've always done what's best when the decisions need to be made."
"I hope so Buff. I don't want to lose him again... I love my son."
"I know you do... he just needs to hear that every so often."
"Yeah I know."
9 PM: NOTTINGHAM HOUSEHOLD
"Thanks for dinner and the ride." Emma says to Buffy as they pull into the driveway.
"Glad you could come over." Dawn says
"Me too. Thanks for inviting me."
"Emma it was nice to meet you." Buffy says
"You too."
"I'll see you tomorrow at school." Dawn says as Emma steps out of the car.
"Yeah. Night." Emma closes the car door and grins seeing her Dad step out on the porch. "Hi Dad" she hurries up to the porch.
"Hello Emma." Ian opens the door "How was your afternoon?"
"Good." Emma sets her backpack on the floor by the stairs and removes her jacket hanging it up in the closet.
"Did you have a good time with your friend?" Ian inquires
"Yeah" Emma nods
"Did something happen?" Ian asks concerned at her tone and expression.
"Connor and his Dad got into an argument."
"People argue." Ian states as they walk to the back of the house.
"We don't argue... OK I argue but I never stay mad."
"Yes I know."
Emma tilts her head. "Connor really doesn't like his Dad." She frowns "Why do you still like the Evil One?" Emma asks curiously.
"He raised me Emma." Ian answers after a moment.
"So just because he did doesn't mean you have to like him." She grumbles.
"He's still my Father."
"I know." Emma sighs heavily then suddenly she hugs him.
At first startled by the hug Ian quickly returns it.
"I love you Dad."
"I love you too Em."
10 PM: DELANEY/SUMMERS HOUSEHOLD
"What do you want?" Connor asks coldly as he sees his father enter his room.
"Can you turn that down?" Angel requests
Connor scowls pressing the button the remote. "What do you want?" He demands as the music quiets down.
"I'm sorry about earlier Connor."
"Whatever" Connor mutters
"Not whatever Connor." Angel leans against the wall by the window. "Connor I am trying here."
"Well stop. I never asked you to even come back."
Angel flinches
"You left me here with him and you expect me to forgive you?!" Connor exclaims angrily.
"I never once asked you to forgive me Connor. I can't even forgive myself for that."
"Good because I never will." Connor says hatefully.
Angel winces at his son's tone the straightens up. "You are grounded for a week. No going out after school or having friends over. If you and Emma need to work on your project she will have to come over here."
"Fine." Connor turns the stereo up.
Angel watches his son for a moment then walks out of the bedroom.
TBC....