Chapter 2

Extract from Dawn's diary

Willow and Tara are taking me up to the university today, I guess I should be looking forward to it, but right now I don't know, I guess I'm feeling fragile right now, maybe I'm not ready. I always thought that Buffy would be with me when I went to University to help me, I guess I have to do well, for her. I smell pancakes downstairs, I had better be going. We need to be setting off soon.

Downstairs, Tara was concentrating on the pancake mixture in the frying pan. She smiled as she felt an arm snake itself around her waist and leaned her head back into Willow. "Morning sweetie, thought the smell of pancakes would wake you up."

"You kidding? You do the best baby."

Tara flips the pancake one more time before putting it on top of the pile and turning off the hob. Tara turned around and hugged Willow. They stood there for a moment and then kissed. As they drew away, the door opened and Dawn walked in. "Hey Dawnie."

"Hey guys." Dawn walked over and took the plate of pancakes to the table while Tara got three plates. "You got the syrup?"

Willow rummaged in the cupboard, "hmm, sugar, cornflakes, lemon, what's that doing in there? Ah Syrup hiding behind the cornflakes, naughty syrup." Willow takes it out and walks to the table with the syrupy goodness and places it on the table. The three eat, again in silence.

When Dawn leaves the table, Willow stands up and walks behind Tara who is still sitting and massages her neck, Tara sighs in pleasure., then she pulls away." Come on, we gotta get going."

...

The University was...big. Dawn took it all in as she walked around with Willow and Tara who were hand in hand. Dawn's eyes met those of another student, a girl with raven black hair, as soon as their eyes met, Dawn felt a spark of electricity. The girl was here alone, no one seemed to notice her, no one but Dawn. Dawn walked on with Tara and Willow.

The girl in question was here alone but not just at the university, she was alone in the world. Forced out of her home, forced to flee. To most she wasn't even a memory.