AN: Changed Emma's age from 14 to turning 15 to 13 turning 14.
----
CHAPTER 20
3 WEEKS LATER: NOTTINGHAM HOUSEHOLD
"What's wrong with Emma?" Sara asks Ian as she sees the teen slumped on the couch arms crossed over her chest.
"She's mad at me." Ian answers with a shrug.
"What did you do to my baby?" Sara demands
"I promised her that I would pick her up from school and we'd spend some time together."
"And?" Sara lifts her brow.
"He scheduled a last minute meeting to discuss the new building and ordered me there."
"Poor baby." Sara shakes her head.
"We're both still getting used to this whole work every day situation." He shrugs looking at Emma. "I'm sure once things are more routine I will be able to talk him into cutting back hours." Ian glances at the clock. "Emma its time for bed."
"I'm not tired."
"Its 11 Emma. You know the rules. Go on up to bed."
"Fine." Emma snaps standing she stomps out of the living room.
"You aren't going to let her go to bed angry are you?" Sara asks curiously.
"No. I'll talk to her before she goes the bed." He leans against the counter. "And how was your day?"
15 MINS LATER
Ian enters Emma's room just as the girl crawls under the covers. "Getting excited to see Lauren?"
Emma nods
Ian sighs sitting on the edge of the bed. "Emma I know your upset."
"You promised" she says hurt.
"I know I did." He reaches out brushing a strand of hair off her face. "Something came up."
"I know." She sighs heavily.
"Its not always going to be like this Emma."
"Yes it is." She crosses her arms over her chest. "He's going to find a way to butt in and ruin things."
"Emma he won't. He knows how much you mean to me."
"Dad you know he doesn't care about anything or anyone other than himself."
"I'll take care of it."
"I know its your work and all and I get that. I just don't like that when he wants you to do something you always do it." She grumbles
"Emma"
"I'm tired now." Emma says changing the subject as she snuggles into the blankets.
"Everything will calm down soon Emma."
"I hope so."
Ian leans down kissing her forehead. "Goodnight Emma Joy." He pulls back giving Emma a small smile he starts to stand when Emma throws her arms around him.
"I love you Daddy." Emma says fiercely.
Ian returns the hug. "I love you too."
"Where's Mom?"
"She was staring at a file when I came upstairs. Want me to send her up?"
Emma nods
"After that you go to sleep." Ian says firmly.
Emma nods lying down she watches her Dad walk out of her bedroom.
Ian makes his way downstairs to the kitchen where he finds Sara still staring at the file. He chuckles lightly stepping up behind her. "Emma wants to see you." He says as he drops a kiss to her head.
Sara looks up at him and smiles "OK." She stands her arms going around his neck. "I love you." She says softly.
"I love you." He returns kissing her lightly.
Sara steps out of his arms "Be right back."
Upstairs Emma scratches Felix's head as the dog lies beside her.
"Hey baby girl." Sara greets entering Emma's bedroom. "You ready for Friday?"
Emma nods "I can't wait to see Lauren."
Sara sits on the edge of the bed. "You've missed her."
"She was my first friend who wasn't an adult."
"So I gathered."
Emma yawns
"Its time for you to get some sleep. I love you Emma."
Emma smiles sleepily. "I love you Mom." She snuggles into the covers.
"Night baby." Sara stands walking out of Emma's room she closes the door behind her.
LATE THURSDAY NIGHT: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
Ian frowns as the phone rings and looks at Sara who is leaning against him and Emma asleep with her head on his chest. "No one calls the house this late." He says absently.
Sara smiles at the sight of Emma snuggled against her Dad. "I'll get it." She kisses his cheek before standing and walking over to the table where the phone is.
Ian sits there gently stroking Emma's hair. 'I should wake her or take her up to bed.'
"Yes he is just a moment." Sara looks at Ian. "Wants to talk to you... says its important."
Ian nods then carefully he moves Emma so she's resting on the couch. He joins Sara taking the phone "Yes?"
"I'm sorry to disturb you so late Mr. Nottingham. My names Krista Wilson, I'm Lauren's aunt."
"How can I help you?" Ian asks puzzled.
"I know Lauren was supposed to come visit with Emma this weekend but earlier today" she pauses "there was a car accident... Lauren died in the accident."
Hearing that Ian looks over at the couch feeling pained at the thought of telling his little girl her best friend was dead. "And her mother?"
"She's in serious condition. I thought I'd let you know... I know how close Lauren and Emma are."
"Yes. Thank you for letting me know."
Sara watches as Ian talks and frowns at the look on his face as he looks at the couch. "What's wrong?" She asks concerned by his expression. When he doesn't reply Sara reaches up stroking his cheek with her thumb. "Ian?"
Ian turns his head brushing his lips over her palm. "That was Lauren's Aunt."
"Is everything OK?" Sara asks
"No." He sighs heavily. "Lauren died in a car accident earlier today. Her mom is in the hospital."
"Oh no." Sara looks at the couch. "She's not going to take this well."
Ian shrugs "She and Lauren were inseparable."
On the couch Emma slowly stirs surprised by her change in sleeping position. Slowly she sits up "Daddy?" She says sleepily.
"Are you going to tell her?"
"I can't hide it from her." Ian makes his way over to the couch. "Emma... we need to talk." He sits beside her.
Emma searches her Dad's eyes frowning when she sees the sadness and worry. "Daddy what's wrong?"
"Emma" Ian begins looking at Sara briefly then back at Emma. "I just received a call from Lauren's Aunt."
"Is Lauren still coming?" Emma asks. When they don't answer Emma looks between them worried and confused by their silence. "What's going on?"
"Emma... Lauren died earlier today in a car accident." Ian informs his daughter watching her closely.
Emma stares at her Dad seeing the look in his eyes she blinks back tears. "Oh." She chews on her lower lip not knowing if she wants to cry, scream, or run and hide. She pulls her knees up to her chest her eyes on the floor.
AFTER MIDNIGHT
Ian looks at his silent daughter who is just staring at the wall. "Get some sleep huh?" He caresses her cheek with his knuckle. "We'll talk tomorrow."
Emma remains silent.
After a moment Ian stands joining Sara in the doorway. With a final look at Emma he pulls the door closed and leans against it closing his eyes.
"You OK?" Sara reaches up stroking his cheek.
"She's shutting herself off."
"She's had a big shock."
"I know but she's never shut me out Sara." He says pained.
"Just give her some time alone."
Ian sighs rubbing his forehead.
"Come on let's go to bed."
8AM
Ian enters Emma's bedroom to find the girl lying in bed stroking Felix's head. Ian sits on the edge of the bed. "Did you get some sleep?"
Emma lifts her shoulder slightly.
"I called the school and told them you won't be in until sometime next week." He reaches out stroking her hair. "Your Mom took the day off so if you need her she's around."
Emma looks at her Dad. "Daddy do you have to go to work?"
Ian nods "Yes" He says reluctantly "but I will be home as soon as possible."
"'k"
"I'll see you tonight." He kisses her forehead "I love you Emma." After a moment he stands walking out of the bedroom.
Sara lifts her head from the pillow as she hears the bedroom door open. "Hi"
"Morning my love."
"Do you have to go to work?"
"Unfortunately I do."
"How is she?" Sara asks as he sits beside her.
Ian shrugs "Still upset. I will call Lauren's Aunt and see when the service is."
Sara sits up "Did you get some sleep?" She strokes his cheek.
"Not really. I couldn't sleep so I went to check on Emma."
"Was she OK?"
"She was crying in her sleep."
"Poor baby."
Ian sighs "I have to get going. As it is I am already late." He kisses her lightly. "I'll see you this evening." He smoothes her hair back. "I love you."
Sara smiles slightly "I love you too."
HOUR LATER: VORSCHLAG
"Your late." Kenneth states as Ian enters his office.
"We received some news last night that upset Emma."
"And what was that?" Kenneth asks vaguely
"Lauren's dead. She died in a car accident yesterday."
Kenneth stands walking to the window. "How did the girl take the news?"
"She's upset. Sara took the day off to stay with her." He watches his Father for any sign of sympathy. 'Why bother he has none.'
"I remember the first time I saw you two alone together." Kenneth says thoughtfully. "You didn't know I was outside the room." He glances at Ian briefly then back out the window. "I remember the look on your face as you were looking at her. You were so enthralled with her. I remember thinking that that was the look I saw on your face one other time... the day at the museum." He looks at Ian and chuckles lightly at the surprised look on Ian's face. "You had that very same look that day when I saw you and Miss Pezzini looking at the exhibit."
"You still sent me away"
"You were still a child Ian." Kenneth argues "I did what I thought was best for you."
"And how was blackmailing me with my child the best for me?" Ian asks
"If I hadn't done what I did you never would have accomplished anything. You would have been like every teenage parent out there..." Kenneth gestures to the window "struggling to survive. You have accomplished so much more than most people in this world could ever dream of Young Nottingham."
"Being used to kill people is such a great accomplishment Father." Ian says bitterly then flinches looking down when Kenneth raises his hand to strike him.
Seeing Ian flinch Kenneth lowers his hand. "We will discuss this some other time." He waves his hand in dismissal.
Ian nods turning on his heel he walks out of the office.
SAME TIME: HOUSE
"Mommy"
Sara opens her eyes to find Emma beside the bed. "You OK baby?"
Emma shakes her head.
"Come 'ere." Sara sits up her back against the headboard as she pats the spot next to her. As Emma sits beside her Sara brushes her hair back. "Want to talk about it?"
"No." Emma mumbles
"OK." Sara nods watching Emma drift back to sleep.
EARLY AFTERNOON
"Emma its Dawn. Do you want to talk to her?" Sara asks her daughter as she holds the phone.
Emma shakes her head "Not right now."
"OK sweetie." Sara walks out of the livingroom. "Dawn, Emma's too upset to talk right now."
"Is she OK?" Dawn asks worried.
"Um..." Sara looks at Emma then sighs "her friend Lauren died yesterday." Sara informs the teen.
"Oh." Dawn says sadly. "Well tell her I'll email her the homework."
"OK I will. Thanks Dawn." Sara hangs up returning to the couch. "Emma talking might make you feel better."
"I don't want to talk." Emma rests her head on her Mom's leg. "I want Daddy." She sniffles.
"I know you do. He'll be home in a few hours." Sara strokes Emma's hair. "He always did have a way of making things better." Sara smiles slightly. "Not long after I met your Dad I found out I was failing math. Your grandfather was furious, said if I didn't pass the next math test I'd be grounded. Your Dad risked getting in trouble to help me study."
Emma looks at her Mom. "What was Daddy like back then?"
"Shy... a little skittish. Not in a nervous way but in an unsure way. He was too smart for his own good. If it wasn't for meeting your Dad" Sara sighs "I don't know what my life would be like. Certainly wouldn't have you."
Emma sighs heavily.
9PM
Ian enters the kitchen where he finds Martha cleaning up. "Where is everyone?" He asks
Martha wipes her hands off crossing her arms over her chest as she looks at her employer/friend. "Sara is upstairs with an upset Emma."
Ian winces at the look in her eyes "Why is Emma upset?"
"You were supposed to be home hours ago." Martha reminds.
"The meeting ran late." Ian explains.
"Then you should have called. You know Emma worries when your late... now its going to go from worrying that you took a serious beating to being dead."
Ian groans "I'll go talk to her."
"There is a plate in the refrigerator for you if your hungry." Martha informs him.
"Thank you Martha." Ian walks out of the kitchen taking the stairs two at a time. He stops outside Emma's bedroom to see Sara sitting on the edge of the bed stroking Emma's hair. He watches them for a moment then smiles faintly at Sara as she looks at him. "Emma" he enters the bedroom.
Emma sits up looking at her Dad. "Your late." She says sadly.
Ian sits beside Sara "I'm sorry. It was a last minute meeting that ran late. I lost track of time." As Emma throws her arms around him burying her face in the crook of his neck. He looks at Sara puzzled then returns the hug gently stroking Emma's hair.
HOUR LATER
"How is she?" Sara asks as Ian joins her in the basement gym. She removes her gloves and shoves her sweat damp back.
Ian sits on the bottom step "She's asleep. She was exhausted."
"She's been quiet most of the day." Sara sits beside him. "How was your day?"
Ian shrugs "Long... all I wanted was to come home."
"She's fine Ian."
"I know" Ian brings her hand up pressing his lips to her knuckles. "I just wish this hadn't happened." He sighs "I spoke with Lauren's Aunt."
"How's her mother?"
"She made it through surgery. They think she'll be OK though she's still unconscious."
"What about the service?"
"It will be held on Wednesday afternoon."
"Think Emma will go?"
"I will ask her tomorrow."
"Might do her some good." Sara remarks
"I know... I'm not going to force her to go."
"I know you won't." She kisses his cheek
CHAPTER 21
NEXT MORNING
Sara awakens startled when an arm hits her just as the alarm goes off. She opens her eyes just as Ian turns off the alarm. "Morning." She mumbles sleepily frowning when a foot kicks her. "I see we had a visitor." She looks at Emma snuggled between them.
Ian shrugs "It was the only way I could get her to go back to sleep."
"You are so wrapped around her little finger." Sara teases gently.
Ian looks at Emma a faint smile appears "I know I am." He brushes his knuckle down Emma's cheek. "I can't help it."
"I know." Sara smiles at the look in his eyes as Emma burrows into the covers. "I better get ready for work." She groans
"I'm going to try to get this one back into her own bed."
Sara looks at Emma burrowed into the covers the only part of her seen the top of her head. "You can try but by the looks of it getting her to budge is going to take a lot."
"Probably." Ian watches as Sara heads to the bathroom then turns his attention to the girl. "Emma" He says softly only to get her to burrow deeper. Ian pulls the covers off her then chuckles when he sees Emma curl into a ball. 'All right.' He carefully picks Emma and carries Emma to her bedroom.
10 MINS LATER
Sara steps out of the bathroom wearing only a towel. She smiles at the sight of Ian doing push-ups. "How'd you get Emma to go to her own bed?"
"She's out to the world." Ian says between push-ups. "I just put her in bed." As he hears Sara laugh Ian sits up and watches her thoughtfully as she dresses.
"Are you working today?" Sara asks
"No. I told Father I wasn't going to come in this weekend unless its an emergency."
"And to him not being able to find a pen would be an emergency." Sara says dryly as she zips up her jeans.
"I told him only real emergencies."
"Think he'll listen?" Sara asks as she pulls on her shirt.
"Perhaps." Ian shrugs "We'll see."
"Is what's her name in town?" Sara asks with a scowl.
"Come on you know her name, my love." Ian teases lightly.
"Never going to say it." Sara says stubbornly.
"Why not?"
"Don't like her." Sara grumbles crossing her arms over her chest.
Ian stands pulling Sara close. "Jealous?" He asks softly
"No."
"Good." He cups her cheek. "You are the only woman I have ever loved or will love."
Sara smiles "I know." She sighs "I better get going." She kisses him lightly then pulls away.
NOON: SUMMERS/DELANEY HOUSE
"Dawnie are you doing anything with Emma today?" Buffy asks her sister.
"No"
"Why wasn't she at school yesterday?" Connor asks curiously.
"Her friend Lauren died on Thursday." Dawn answers
"That's too bad." Buffy says sadly.
"Yeah. I mean from what Emma told me the two of them were inseperable."
"Have you tried calling her?"
Dawn nods "Her Mom said she's not in the mood to talk."
Connor stands "I'm out of here."
Buffy watches him "What's with Connor?"
Dawn shrugs "I have no idea."
SAME TIME: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
"Emma there is something I want to talk to you about." Ian sits at the counter where Emma is quietly eating cereal.
"I don't want to talk."
"All right then I will." Ian pauses carefully choosing his words. "I spoke with Lauren's Aunt yesterday." When his daughter glances up he continues "Her Mom made it through surgery she should be fine." He assures only to have Emma just look at him showing no emotion. "Her Aunt also informed me that the service is set for Wednesday afternoon." When Emma doesn't reply he continues "You don't have to go if you don't want to but if you do..."
Emma shakes her head quickly.
"You don't have to decide now. But if you want to go Martha is going to go either way."
Emma nods
"Emma I know this is hard for you."
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Emma you can't hide from what happened."
"I'm not hiding. I know she's dead!" She stands running out of the kitchen.
Ian sighs rubbing his forehead.
Martha enters the kitchen and frowns at her employer's expression and sets the grocery bag down on the counter. "What's wrong?"
"You know me so well."
Martha laughs "After 14 years I can understand your moods pretty well." She sits down "What's wrong?"
"Emma's upset."
"She did just lose her best friend." Martha reminds
"I know I just..."
"Don't like seeing her upset." Martha finishes.
"I know its a part of growing up but Emma has always been a fair happy child. Granted she has issues with Father but who in this world doesn't."
"She just needs time to sort this all out."
"I know."
"She'll be fine."
Ian stands "Thank you Martha."
"Your welcome." Martha watches him walk out of the kitchen.
Ian makes his way up the stairs and stops outside Emma's room and knocks. Not getting an answer he enters to find Emma lying on her bed stroking Felix's head. "You OK?"
Emma shrugs
"Emma I know your upset." Ian sits on the edge of the bed.
Emma shifts resting her head on his leg "Daddy"
"Yes baby?" He gently strokes her hair.
"I'm tired."
"I'm not surprised you haven't slept much lately. Why don't you take a nap." He suggests
"Won't go anywhere?"
"I'll stay right here." He promises
" 'kay"
Ian continues to stroke Emma's hair listening to her breathing even out. He rests his head against the backboard his mind drifting back to the day he learned of his child's existance and met the woman who became his biggest confidant.
//13 YEARS EARLIER: JAPAN
Seventeen year old Ian looks up from his book as the maid enters his room.
"Master Irons is waiting for you in the study." She announces
Ian frowns closing his book "Why is he here?"
"I do not know."
Ian stands following the maid out of his bedroom to the study. He stops outside the study and takes a deep breath before walking into the room where he waits for his father to acknowlege his presence.
After a moment Kenneth finally speaks his back to Ian as he stares into the fireplace. "How serious did things become between you and Miss Pezzini, young Nottingham?" Kenneth turns looking at the teen.
Ian glances up surprised at the question then when he sees his father looking at him he looks down.
"Never mind I know the answer." Kenneth waves his hand. "I have told you many times that there are consequences for ones actions."
"Yes Father."
"It seems that we have a... situation." Kenneth pauses "There seems to be a result of your relationship."
Ian looks up confused by his Father's words and tone. "I don't understand sir."
Kenneth inwardly chuckles at his son's words of confusion. He presses a button on his desk. "Send our guests in." He looks at Ian "Now this situation needs to be dealt with as soon as possible." He looks over as the door opens and a young woman enters holding a small bundle.
Ian follows his father's gaze surprised to see the woman and the bundle in her arms. He looks at his father confused.
"This young Nottingham is the result of your... relationship with Miss Pezzini." Kenneth nods at the young woman who steps up to Ian. He watches Ian closely as the events unfold.
Ian's eyes are drawn to the bundle and he inhales sharply as the woman pulls the blanket back revealing a sleeping baby.
"She's two weeks old." The woman informs the young man watching him look at the baby in her arms.
Ian remains calm allowing the knowledge to sink in. "What's her name?"
"She doesn't have one." The woman answers
"Miss Fordham was hired to accompany us here and stay until this... situation" Kenneth says with disgust "is dealt with."
"Where is Sara?" Ian asks tearing his eyes away from the baby to look at his Father.
"Apparently your beloved Sara is not ready for a child. She signed the adoption papers."
Ian flinches at the knowledge and looks back at the baby who is slowly stirring.
"Do you want to hold her?" The woman asks
Ian looks at the baby thoughtfully then slowly nods. Once the baby is in his arms he stares at her. 'She's so small... and perfect.' He inwardly smiles. 'She's part of me and of Sara. She's our daughter... I have a child.' "Why did Sara sign the papers?" He asks softly not taking his eyes off the baby who finally opens her eyes. "Did her Father ask her too?" He questions.
"Mr. Pezzini is dead." Kenneth informs him.
Ian looks at his Father surprised. "Is Sara OK?" He asks worried.
"She and her sister are as well as can be expected."
Ian sighs in relief then looks at the baby. "Does Sara know she's here?"
"Martha why don't you take the child and get her settled in." Kenneth nods at the baby. "Ian and I must talk."
Martha nods and carefully takes the baby.
Ian stares after them. 'My daughter... with Sara. He must be angry.' He looks down at the floor waiting for his father's inevitable tirade. "Father I know I messed up..."
"Messed up?!" Kenneth lashes out striking him. "I have told you time and time again that women are trouble!"
Ian stands there listening to his Father rant.//
Ian is jarred out of his thoughts when Emma stirs. He looks down and smiles sadly. 'One of the best days of my life was the first time I saw you.'
TBC....