Chapter 12: So, is it a boy or a girl?
Title: A new beginning.
Author: Nikka
Author notes: Hi everyone, If you need to know about summary, rate and all the rest it's all in chapter 1 I'll just remind you that **English is not my native tongue** I want to thank Sarah for all the great works she's done, and to welcome aboard Kelly who from now on will be reproofing my fic. As it is you may still find some spelling & grammar mistakes. You're more than welcome to let me know about them but remember you may find them while you read the story. Have fun.
A special thank you to Kelly for reproofing my story. As of that the upload of the chapters may take longer.
Feedback: I love love love reviews and I'll be sure to mention it at the end of every chapter.
***
"I can't believe this is happening." She smiled softly as he held her hand.
"What's so hard to believe?" He reached out and touched her gently. "I'm in love with you Cordy, I have been for a long while. And now..." He paused for a moment. "Now I'm not afraid to say it, not ashamed anymore."
"And Buffy?" She asked with hesitation.
"Buffy will always be a part of my life. But that part is over and done with."
"How can I be sure Angel? How can I truly know you're mine, heart and soul?" Her eyes were longing for an answer, a closer.
"I'm here with you in your bed tonight, not with her. That should say it all." He wrapped his arms around her, letting her head rest on his chest. Feeling her heart beat, feeling her warmth.
A comfort feeling surrounded her, serenity she longed for. She closed her eyes as his hands caressed her face. She smiled as she let sleep and dreams take hold of her. She was complete. She was happy. She was.... "Awww." Her body twisted in pain. She opened her eyes looking around. Angel who woke up from her scream was standing by her bedside. She didn't know what felt worse, the pain or knowing everything was just a dream.
"Cordy what's wrong?" He asked worriedly.
"Nothing." She lied. "Just had a bad dream."
"You're all curled up? Are you in pain?" he sat on the edge of the bed.
"Bit nausea, nothing to worry about." She replied.
"Can I get you something?"
"Yeah a glass of water would be great." She mustered up all the strength she had to smile, hoping it would calm him.
"I'll be right back." He said as he ran out.
She got up and stumbled to the bathroom. She locked the door behind her. Holding her belly, she slid to the bathroom floor; her back leaned against the door. The pain was weakened, but it still hurt. "God what's wrong with me." She tried getting up, and barely made it. She pulled up her T-shirt and looked amazed at her belly. "Oh god, it can't be?!" She kept rubbing it in disbelief. "It's so big." She kept saying, staring at her belly that grow over night. She knew she was around 3 months pregnant, but right now she looked at least five months pregnant. "Something's wrong." She said as she pulled her shirt down. "Terribly wrong."
"Cordy?" She heard a nock on the door. "Are you alright in there?" Angel asked from the other side of the door.
"Fine." She replied. "I'll be right out." She washed her face and tried pulling it together. The pain was gone but the shock wasn't. "He'll see this and freak." She said to herself. She looked around and saw her robe hanging on the back of the door. She quickly put it on and walked out.
"Hey, I was worried about you." Angel, who was waiting on the other side, said with a smile.
"Nothing to worry about, a little morning sickening." She replied and quickly got under the covers.
"But it's not morning yet." Angel looked out the window.
"Uh, you know, it's just an expression." She brushed it off. "Go back to sleep." She said as she laid her head on the pillow.
"I think I'll stay awake for a little while." He sat back in the armchair.
"Suit yourself, I'm tired." she said and turned to the side, her back facing him.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight." She said knowing this night was anything but good.
***
He opened his eyes slowly. The soft harmless rays of light shining softly through the curtains woke him up. He got up and starched, supporting his lower back with his arm
"Are you sure you have super strength, cause you sure don't look like it right now." He looked up to see her standing in the doorway to the bathroom. She was wearing her robe. There was a big towel on her shoulder and her hair was wet.
"Been to the shower I see." He commented.
"I like taking showers in the morning. It's better than caffeine, and I'm not saying that just cause I can't have any, at least not for the next 6..." She pondered for a moment thinking of the belly she was concealing underneath the robe. "Hmm... months. I actually mean it." She chuckled.
"As long as you believe it." He teased her. She throw the towel at him.
"Thank you." She said as she sat on the bed combing her hair. He stared at her unable to take his eyes away from her; she was so beautiful, so natural with no makeup and fancies cloths. She was just herself.
"Angel?" She called his name in her tone he sensed it wasn't the first time she called him in the past few minutes.
"What? Sorry." He shook his head slightly snapping out of his trans.
"I said, thank you for staying here last night, it mean a lot to me." She repeated what she said before."
"It was my pleasure." He smiled and grabbed his jacket. "Now if you don't mind I think I'll take your advice and go take a quick shower and than it's breakfast time." He announced with a smile. "What do you say?"
"Sounds good." She smiled back.
"Okay, so ten minutes down stairs. You can to the toast you like so much." He said as he stood in the doorway.
"So that's it, no more room service." She pouted her lips.
Vacation's over princess." He chuckled."
"Yeah, I kind of noticed that." She replied with a tiny smile.
***
"Okay." She stood in front of the mirror, looking at herself from every possible angle, making sure it wasn't shown. "Looks good, Cor. Looks good."
"Good morning." She greeted Willow and Xander as she came down to the lobby.
"Good morning." They replied.
"What's with the Eskimo outfit?" Xander asked when he noticed her outfit, which were a big sweater and a coat.
"Felt a bit chili this morning." She said knowing it wasn't very convincing. "You know it is fall, and winter is not far away."
"Yeah, just look at those blue sky. There's definitely a storm coming to sunny L.A." Xander said sarcastically.
"Whatever." She brushed him off. "I was gonna offer you breakfast, but I see you're way ahead of me." Cordy said as she looked at Xander enjoining his bowl of serial.
"Well it depends on the breakfast." Xander replied with a mouth full of serial.
"Really?" Cordy asked trying not to sound shocked by his gluttony.
"Ha ha." Xander nodded his head.
"How about you?" Cordy asked Willow.
"Sure." Willow replied and followed Cordy to the kitchen "Sleep well?" Willow asked politely.
"Like a baby." Cordy replied and than saw the strange _expression on Willow's face as she mentioned the word baby. "So I'm guessing they really filled you in. Ha?" Willow nodded her head. The kitchen was empty. Cordy knew Fred and Gunn went out for breakfast, like they always do. And she imagined Buffy was somewhere around, probably with Dawn. She took out the bread and cheese while Willow took out the vegetables. "Just rinse those." Cordy said to Willow. "So do you have an opinion or are you still deciding?"
"Well... I..." Willow stammered trying to find the right answer.
"That's okay Will, that's the response I've been getting lately." Cordy cut her off. "All I can say is: that's what it is, deal with it or not, for me it makes no difference."
"Are you okay?" Willow asked while rinsing the cucumber.
"Yeah I'm good." Cordy smiled her usual I'm-okay-smile, as she prepared the toast.
"Now for real." Willow stopped rinsing and looked at Cordy. "Are you okay?" this time Cordy's response wasn't so quick like before.
"The truth?" she asked. Willow nodded her head. "My stomach is killing me. I'm hungry all the time but I can't hold anything in. I'm always tried, more than before. I can't drink coffee, which I love and miss. And I can't fit my jeans anymore." She sighed. "Oh, and to add to all of that I'm also hunted down by demons all around, all trying to kill me. And it seems the more people we call in to help us, the more beveled they all seem. Uh and lets not forget, I'm sick and tired of telling the same tale for the thousand time." She looked up at Willow, who seemed shocked by her sincerity. "I think that sums it up nicely."
"Yeah." Willow chuckled slightly. "Well I did ask for the truth. And for the record as for your question earlier, my opinion on your condition is that I have non. It's not my place to judge others. Besides you're a big girl and you knew what you were getting yourself into, right?"
"I guess..." Cordy wasn't as confident as Willow was. Willow smiled a soft and caring smile, a smile she never thought she'll see from any of the Scoobies. She liked that.
***
"Hey what's all of this?" Both Cordy and Willow turned to see Angel standing in the doorway. "I was sure you'll be half way done by now." He said with a cute smile. Willow couldn't help but stare. She couldn't seem to recall the last time she saw Angel do that, or any other time for that matter. He seemed different, more relaxed, more a person, less a vampire tormented with a soul.
"Did you really think I'd do all the work?" Cordy chuckled. "As if."
"Worth a shot, right?" He winked to Willow who was even more surprised by his behavior. "So it's just the three of us for breakfast?" He asked. "I already saw Xander eating his breakfast." He scorned. "And I'm guessing the two love birds already ate their breakfast..."
"Actually I don't know where Buffy & Spike are?" Willow cut him off, and by the two pair of eyes staring at her she knew she said too much. "Well... what I meant was..." She wasn't sure what she meant. Back in Sunnydale they were all grown to the idea of Buffy and Spike together, even Xander was. Mainly cause of the soul thing. She remembered when Giles told her. She was surprised, but not that surprised. She figured it was the next logical step. She just wasn't sure how he'd pull it off. But he did...
"Excuse me?" Her thoughts were interrupted by Cordy's cry. "Buffy and Spike are...? You know...?"
"Well not exactly." Willow tried to pull back but it was too late for that.
"Than what exactly?" Cordy asked eagerly.
"Friends."' Cordy turned to see Buffy standing behind them, looking very pissed. "Good friends, that's all."
"Okay." Cordy said and returned to her toast.
"Making breakfast I see." Buffy said as she walked in passing Angel without saying a word.
"Yeah. Are you joining us?" Willow asked hoping Buffy wasn't too angry.
"Sure." Buffy replied and only gave Willow a firm stare. Willow muttered a 'sorry', Buffy just smiled slightly and Willow knew she wasn't mad at her.
"So where is spike?" Angel asked but got no reply. "Buffy can I see you outside for a moment?" He said and again there was no reply. Buffy stood by Willow and began chopping vegetables. Cordy lowered her head pretending she wasn't hearing that conversation. Willow apparently did the same. "Okay then, ladies could you excuse us please?" He referred the question to Cordy and Willow who were more than happy to get out of there. "So, is this how it's gonna be between us? Are you going to give me the silent treatment the entire time you're here?" Buffy kept chopping vegetables and trying to ignore him. "Buffy." He reached out and grabbed her arm, turning her around. She was still holding the knife, so when he turned her, the knife was pointing at him. "Are you that angry?" He said as he stared at the knife pointing at him.
"Let go!" She ordered and he followed her wish. "She placed the knife on the counter. "What do you want Angel?" She sat on one of the stools. "Really what is it you want?" cause I don't seem to get you."
"I just want us to talk. Can we do that?"
"We are doing that Angel. But as always you're avoiding the question, avoiding the subject."
"And what question is that?" He asked.
"Angel?" A yell from the lobby interrupted them. "Angel?"
"Great just great." Buffy said in anger. "Well, go." She said and he hurried outside.
***
"You've got to be kidding me." Angel stared at the unexpected and unwelcome guest.
"I told you not to show up here." Cordy said. "But do you listen? Do any of you listen?"
"I came to help you." Lilah said as she walked down the stairs and into the lobby.
The lobby was packed. It seemed that right about the same moment Lilah decided to pay them a visit, everyone returned from wherever they were.
"You're not welcomed here." Fred said in an angry tone.
"I know that sweetie pie, but I came anyway. Aren't I the lady like?" Lilah said sarcastically.
"Lady wasn't what I had in mind." Gunn murmured.
"I want to talk to talk to Miss Chase alone for a moment, if I may?" Lilah walked towards Cordy only to be blocked by Gunn and Angel.
"No you may not." Angel said as he crossed his arms.
"I'm sure the little lady can talk for herself." Lilah looked at Cordy and smiled.
"I can, but you know hoe Angel loves to play with you lawyers. I really don't have the heart to tell him no." Cordy said with a smile.
"Look." Lilah who seemed a bit intimidated by Angel took a step back. "Kidding aside. We know about your little adventure in the park." Lilah said. Cordy didn't follow. "The glowing thing." Cordy nodded.
"What about it?" Fred asked.
"Obviously you can take care of yourself, so I don't see how a mere human like me can hurt you in any way. After all you do have the upper hand here, with you been a part demon and all." Lilah tittered.
"If this is one of your tricks I promise you..."
"No tricks." Lilah said quickly. "Cross my heart hope to die." She smiled.
"Oh you're just saying that." Angel said as the others laughed.
"Fine. Five minutes, in the office." Cordy said and turned to leave when Angel stopped her.
"I don't trust her and neither should you."
"I don't." Cordy replied. "That's why I need you to stay close. Okay?" Angel nodded as Cordy went into the office followed by Lilah.
***
"It's been awhile since I've been here. Decorated?" Lilah observed the office carefully.
"What do you want?" Cordy sat in Angel's chair, her legs were killing her.
"After further consideration. The senior partners have decided to change their previous, and might I add very generous, proposal."
"Have they?" Cordy was less than impressed.
"This is a huge thing girly. It's not everyday the senior partners change their mind. You must be carrying a very precious cargo in store." Lilah explained.
"If only I cared." Cordy rolled her eyes. "So... what's the new deal? Not that there's anything you can offer me that I would ever say yes to."
"Nevertheless." Lilah kept on. "The deal is this; you give us access to what you know, what you knew as a higher been and give us permission to examine you and the baby throughout the pregnancy. Nice right?"
"You are unbelievable." Cordy was amazed. "Do you really think I'll help an evil law firm just to safe my ass? You don't know me at all."
"Than how about everyone else's assess?" Lilah's question beveled Cordy. "Although you usually get the visions from the powers that be, we can give you an inside scoop on what's coming. All you have to do is say the word."
"What? I don't understand? You can send me a vision? You can do that?" Cordy asked suspiciously. "Is it like last time? Are those "visions" of yours manifest themselves?"
"No. You misunderstood." Lilah explained.
"Ha?" Cordy asked confused.
"Here." Lilah handed Cordy a folder. "According to our sources this is the real thing. The near future is in your hands." Lilah paused for a moment letting Cordy time to observe it all.
"How can I be sure what you show me is for real? How can I know you're not faking it?" Cordy knew Lilah couldn't be trusted.
"You can't." Lilah replied. "But I promise you we didn't fabricated this. There are some stuff in here even W&H doesn't want to see transpire."
"How much time do I have to consider your "gracious" offer?" Cordy asked.
"I'll drop by around 17:00. You have till then. After that, you're on your own." Lilah replied.
"And the folder?" Cordy hesitated about that part.
"That's a free gift." Lilah smiled in proud. "Well then." She glimpsed at her watch. "I see my five minutes are up and I hate for your beloved protector to come crashing in, all angry and masculine." Lilah mocked Angel. "I better be off. Busy day ahead of us." Lilah opened the door with a smile to see a bunch of unfriendly faces staring back at her. "Don't worry, I'm leaving." She said and walked to the door.
***
"For real?" Gunn asked.
"Yes. For the thousand time, yes." Cordy said impatiently.
"And yes is even a possibility?" Fred asked amazed.
"I have too. It's not just the baby's life and my own, on the line. It's all of your as well. I can't just say no without consulting us..."
"Well you bloody consulted us. Now say no." Spike's response surprised Angel and the A.I. team. The Scoobies were less amazed.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but Spike is right." Angel could barely say tat line. "You can't take their offer."
"But I can still read the folder." Cordy said. "It could give us some well needed information."
"No." Angel said firmly. "You can't trust them. This folder was meant to throw you off track, to make you take their deal. If you read it, you'll never be able to forget it, never be able to consider the possibility it might be a lie."
"Angel I know that, but if there's no risk involve, and Lilah did say..."
"Well if Lilah said it was true, then it must be true." Angel said in a patronizing tone.
"If you'll just listen to what she told me..." Cordy tried reasoning with him
"I don't to, everything she says is a lie."
"Stop interrupting me!" Cordy yelled at him. "I'm not a child, you can't treat me like that." She took a hasty breath. "I know you care and that you have only my best interest in heart. But the thing is Angel... I'm a big girl now and I don't need you telling me what to do." She looked at him with a firm stare. "I'm serious Angel."
"So am I Cor." Angel said in an angry tone. "Now can we stop argue about this and go back to..."
"You know what Angel." Cordy stood up. "You don't owe me. You can't tell me what to do. No one ever could."
"I'm your boss, I think I can..."
"Don't even go there, mister." She stopped him before he was able to finish the sentence. "Cause there's nothing normal and ordinary about our co-workers relationship." He knew what she meant, so he decided to try a new angle.
"Cordy, I just want to keep you safe, is it that so wrong of me?" the way he said it, made Buffy look the other way, afraid anyone will see her reaction. But someone did, as always it was Spike.
Cordy looked straight at him, as if they were the only one in the room. "I'm just saying, not to close this door without exploring the option." She stopped for a moment giving him a chance to take it all in.
"Fine we can review the file." She smiled a little victory smile. "But only." Angel raised his voice, "If we review it together and you promise to keep and open mind and not take everything it says as the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth." He smiled.
"I promise." She raised her right hand while placing her left one on the folder. They both chuckled.
"Can we eat first?" willow asked with a pitiful _expression.
"Almost forgot." Angel said. "Eat first, review later, agreed?" he looked at Cordy waiting for her response.
"Agreed." she said and followed him into the kitchen.
"By the way what's with the sweater?" Angel asked.
***
"Hi." Buffy said as she descended the stairs into the garden. "How was breakfast?"
"Greta. I never knew Angel could cook so well."
"The things you learn." Buffy said and walked towards Willow. "Can I join you?"
"Sure." Willow moved aside a bit to make room for Buffy. "So, what's up?"
"Nothing much. It's just that we didn't get much of chance to spend some time alone since you got here yesterday and I thought this could be a great opportunity to catch up." "So are you going to ask me how was my summer, cause it was a real drag." Willow said sarcastically.
"Well... I didn't.... I mean..."
"Relax Buffy. I know this is weird, okay? This is weird for me as well. It's not like I've been to a vacation or something. I was in a rehab facility cause I killed a man using dark magic. Now try explaining that to your parents and guess how they'll react."
"Well my mom is dead and my dad doesn't give a shit." Buffy replied in the same sarcasm.
"Now you're getting the hang of it." Willow laughed. "I'm okay Buffy, really I am. It's not like I'm going to start using magic any day now but I'm getting there." She paused for a moment. "The covenant taught me that I shouldn't ran from my power or try to conceal them. I should embrace them but learn to control them. To use it only when it is necessary, only when it is needed and not for my own beneficiary."
"Wow, it sounds like you made a lot of progress."
"I would have never returned Buffy, if I didn't think I was ready to. I would never put you or any one else at risk again. I promise you that. And I know trust has to be earned and..."
"No it doesn't. Cause it was never lost. I trust you Willow with my life, especially now. You're my friend and you made a mistake, true a huge mistake, but a mistake nevertheless. And you asked forgiveness and understanding and you got them both. Trust included, no extra charge." Buffy chuckled. "I love you Will, and nothing you'll ever do can change that." She leaned over and hugged her.
"I love you too, Buffy." Willow whispered to her as the two hugged.
"Have you had a chance t speak to Xander?" Buffy asked after they finished hugging.
"Yeah, I talked to everyone except Dawn. I don't know what to say to her, how to explain."
"Yeah, she's been through a lot this past year." Buffy said. "But give her some credit. She's not the little girl you left 4 months ago, she's grown this summer, a lot due to Tara's dead and your breakdown." Buffy explained. "Just talk to her, she'll listen I can promise that much.
"Thanks." Willow murmured. So, new topic, what do you think of this whole situation here?"
"You mean the-new-and-improved-Cordelia-Chase-and-the-very-strange-and-unfamilia- Angel-situation?" Buffy asked and Willow nodded. "Weird, so very weird.
"Yeah me too. She asked me before if I have an opinion and I said I had non and it wasn't my place to judge and I still think that..."
"But..." Buffy knew there was a but coming.
"But I can't help but think, how weird is that. I mean Queen C as a mom? Can you imagine?"
"I know I know." Buffy laughed. "This kid will be the most color-coordinated kid in the world." They both Laughed.
"Do you think she'll buy him designer cloths for the infants?" They both burst in laughter unaware that Cordy was standing at the top of the stairs hearing every word they were saying.
"And did you see Angel all fatherly and loving towards her." Buffy laughed. "So weird."
"Stop I think I'm staring to cry." Willow said while laughing.
"Oh please don't, I really want to hear more." The two stopped laughing and looked up to the top of the stairs.
"Cordy..." Willow mumbled.
"Oh no, please, call me Queen C." Cordy said in an angry tone. "How dare you come to my home, my town as guests of mine and pass judgment on me!" Cordy raised her voice. "I thought I was capable of many thing but stupidity was never one of them. But you two proved me wrong..."
"Cordy I..." Buffy tried.
"I'm not finished yet." She cut her off. "I thought you were my friends, I thought despite the past, you'll be able to remember all the times I helped you. Remember the last time we spent together fighting side by side. And maybe, just maybe telling you about my life and what I've been going through wouldn't be that terrible. Maybe you'd understand and support me." She paused and took a big breath. "Like I said; stupidity. Will never happen again." She turned to leave when willow ran after her.
"Cordy wait." She called out. Cordy turned with an angry stare.
"You may be one hell of a witch Willow, but you haven't seen what I'm capable of, so back off!" And with that she stormed back to the lobby.
***
Angel was standing in the lobby when Cordy ran into him.
"Wow Cor, take it easy. You are a pregnant...?" He stopped when he realized she was crying. "Cor? What happened?
"A brash with reality, that's what happened." She walked towards the door.
"Wait! Where are you going?" He ran towards her and blocked her way.
"I have a doctor's appointment."
"Well I'll go with you." He said.
"It's not far from here, I'll just walk.
"Fine I can walk." He smiled.
"Not in broad daylight, you can't." She said as she looked outside. "It's okay, Fred is meeting me there." She lied. "I'll be fine."
"Can you first tell me what happened?" He placed his hand on her shoulder.
"It doesn't matter right now, and I'm late." She walked around him and went up the stairs towards the door.
"I can ask Willow or Buffy to go with you." He offered.
"Not in this lifetime." She said and walked out. He wanted to run after her and hated the fact that he couldn't.
***
"So Mrs. Chase." The doctor looked over her medical file.
"Actually it's Miss." Cordy corrected him.
"I see. And the father, is he...?"
"Not in the picture." Cordy filled in the sentence.
"Are you alone here in L.A.? Do you have any friends or family?"
"Family. I'm leaving with them." She replied. The doctor nodded while writing something in her file.
"I see you haven't given us your previous medical file." The doctor looked at her file. "You're at least 5 months pregnant, I assume you've seen a doctor?"
"Five months?!" That came out not in the way she intended it to.
"You almost sound surprised." The doctor chuckled. So did Cordy, nervously chuckled.
"I was leaving in Europe for a few years. I just moved back to L.A." She remembered it worked the last time she and Wes had to explain her lack of medical care while she was pregnant.
"Well it's a good thing you came back when you did. A little while longer and you couldn't have flown back."
"I know." Cordy smiled.
"Okay lay on the bed and I'll do a quick ultrasound to see if everything is alright.
Cordy lay on the bed, terrified of what he'll find. **Couldn't be worse than last time, right?** She thought to herself.
"Lets see." The doctor moved the device on her swollen belly. "Size normal, heart beats normal."
"Okay? It looks like a five months embryo should look like?" She asked scared of the answer.
"Don't worry. Your baby is alrihgt." The doctor looked at the monitor and smiled.
"Are you sure?" Cordy didn't expect that answer. "Its normal in all ways possible."
"Well I can't be sure in every aspect. Bt as far as the ultrasound goes I am sure. Later on we can do other test to check for specific problems. But as I said it doesn't look like it's going to have any." The doctor smiled as Cordy tried to comprehend it all. Her baby was normal, but how was it possible. She should be 3 months pregnant not 5? "So." The doctor's voice snapped her back to reality. "Do you want to know the sex?"
"Excuse me?" Cordy asked confused.
"The sex of the baby? Do you want to know what it is?"
***
TBC
Hi ppl,
Thank you for your patience. I'm sorry for the delay but I was busy with the last chapter of Reunion time, my other fic (which is up now, in case you didn't get a chance to see it yet. A little self-promotion never hurt anyone. lol).
I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. And as you can see I ended it with a question, which now I hand over to you. What do you think should it be a boy or a girl? If you have arguments to go with your answer the better. So send me a review, tell me how you like this chapter, or disliked. And answer my question if you feel like it. As always I'll take every answer into consideration. I promise to update soon.
Thanks Nikka.
P.s. noticed how long this chapter is. I maybe late but at least it's longer than normal. Lol :-)
Title: A new beginning.
Author: Nikka
Author notes: Hi everyone, If you need to know about summary, rate and all the rest it's all in chapter 1 I'll just remind you that **English is not my native tongue** I want to thank Sarah for all the great works she's done, and to welcome aboard Kelly who from now on will be reproofing my fic. As it is you may still find some spelling & grammar mistakes. You're more than welcome to let me know about them but remember you may find them while you read the story. Have fun.
A special thank you to Kelly for reproofing my story. As of that the upload of the chapters may take longer.
Feedback: I love love love reviews and I'll be sure to mention it at the end of every chapter.
***
"I can't believe this is happening." She smiled softly as he held her hand.
"What's so hard to believe?" He reached out and touched her gently. "I'm in love with you Cordy, I have been for a long while. And now..." He paused for a moment. "Now I'm not afraid to say it, not ashamed anymore."
"And Buffy?" She asked with hesitation.
"Buffy will always be a part of my life. But that part is over and done with."
"How can I be sure Angel? How can I truly know you're mine, heart and soul?" Her eyes were longing for an answer, a closer.
"I'm here with you in your bed tonight, not with her. That should say it all." He wrapped his arms around her, letting her head rest on his chest. Feeling her heart beat, feeling her warmth.
A comfort feeling surrounded her, serenity she longed for. She closed her eyes as his hands caressed her face. She smiled as she let sleep and dreams take hold of her. She was complete. She was happy. She was.... "Awww." Her body twisted in pain. She opened her eyes looking around. Angel who woke up from her scream was standing by her bedside. She didn't know what felt worse, the pain or knowing everything was just a dream.
"Cordy what's wrong?" He asked worriedly.
"Nothing." She lied. "Just had a bad dream."
"You're all curled up? Are you in pain?" he sat on the edge of the bed.
"Bit nausea, nothing to worry about." She replied.
"Can I get you something?"
"Yeah a glass of water would be great." She mustered up all the strength she had to smile, hoping it would calm him.
"I'll be right back." He said as he ran out.
She got up and stumbled to the bathroom. She locked the door behind her. Holding her belly, she slid to the bathroom floor; her back leaned against the door. The pain was weakened, but it still hurt. "God what's wrong with me." She tried getting up, and barely made it. She pulled up her T-shirt and looked amazed at her belly. "Oh god, it can't be?!" She kept rubbing it in disbelief. "It's so big." She kept saying, staring at her belly that grow over night. She knew she was around 3 months pregnant, but right now she looked at least five months pregnant. "Something's wrong." She said as she pulled her shirt down. "Terribly wrong."
"Cordy?" She heard a nock on the door. "Are you alright in there?" Angel asked from the other side of the door.
"Fine." She replied. "I'll be right out." She washed her face and tried pulling it together. The pain was gone but the shock wasn't. "He'll see this and freak." She said to herself. She looked around and saw her robe hanging on the back of the door. She quickly put it on and walked out.
"Hey, I was worried about you." Angel, who was waiting on the other side, said with a smile.
"Nothing to worry about, a little morning sickening." She replied and quickly got under the covers.
"But it's not morning yet." Angel looked out the window.
"Uh, you know, it's just an expression." She brushed it off. "Go back to sleep." She said as she laid her head on the pillow.
"I think I'll stay awake for a little while." He sat back in the armchair.
"Suit yourself, I'm tired." she said and turned to the side, her back facing him.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight." She said knowing this night was anything but good.
***
He opened his eyes slowly. The soft harmless rays of light shining softly through the curtains woke him up. He got up and starched, supporting his lower back with his arm
"Are you sure you have super strength, cause you sure don't look like it right now." He looked up to see her standing in the doorway to the bathroom. She was wearing her robe. There was a big towel on her shoulder and her hair was wet.
"Been to the shower I see." He commented.
"I like taking showers in the morning. It's better than caffeine, and I'm not saying that just cause I can't have any, at least not for the next 6..." She pondered for a moment thinking of the belly she was concealing underneath the robe. "Hmm... months. I actually mean it." She chuckled.
"As long as you believe it." He teased her. She throw the towel at him.
"Thank you." She said as she sat on the bed combing her hair. He stared at her unable to take his eyes away from her; she was so beautiful, so natural with no makeup and fancies cloths. She was just herself.
"Angel?" She called his name in her tone he sensed it wasn't the first time she called him in the past few minutes.
"What? Sorry." He shook his head slightly snapping out of his trans.
"I said, thank you for staying here last night, it mean a lot to me." She repeated what she said before."
"It was my pleasure." He smiled and grabbed his jacket. "Now if you don't mind I think I'll take your advice and go take a quick shower and than it's breakfast time." He announced with a smile. "What do you say?"
"Sounds good." She smiled back.
"Okay, so ten minutes down stairs. You can to the toast you like so much." He said as he stood in the doorway.
"So that's it, no more room service." She pouted her lips.
Vacation's over princess." He chuckled."
"Yeah, I kind of noticed that." She replied with a tiny smile.
***
"Okay." She stood in front of the mirror, looking at herself from every possible angle, making sure it wasn't shown. "Looks good, Cor. Looks good."
"Good morning." She greeted Willow and Xander as she came down to the lobby.
"Good morning." They replied.
"What's with the Eskimo outfit?" Xander asked when he noticed her outfit, which were a big sweater and a coat.
"Felt a bit chili this morning." She said knowing it wasn't very convincing. "You know it is fall, and winter is not far away."
"Yeah, just look at those blue sky. There's definitely a storm coming to sunny L.A." Xander said sarcastically.
"Whatever." She brushed him off. "I was gonna offer you breakfast, but I see you're way ahead of me." Cordy said as she looked at Xander enjoining his bowl of serial.
"Well it depends on the breakfast." Xander replied with a mouth full of serial.
"Really?" Cordy asked trying not to sound shocked by his gluttony.
"Ha ha." Xander nodded his head.
"How about you?" Cordy asked Willow.
"Sure." Willow replied and followed Cordy to the kitchen "Sleep well?" Willow asked politely.
"Like a baby." Cordy replied and than saw the strange _expression on Willow's face as she mentioned the word baby. "So I'm guessing they really filled you in. Ha?" Willow nodded her head. The kitchen was empty. Cordy knew Fred and Gunn went out for breakfast, like they always do. And she imagined Buffy was somewhere around, probably with Dawn. She took out the bread and cheese while Willow took out the vegetables. "Just rinse those." Cordy said to Willow. "So do you have an opinion or are you still deciding?"
"Well... I..." Willow stammered trying to find the right answer.
"That's okay Will, that's the response I've been getting lately." Cordy cut her off. "All I can say is: that's what it is, deal with it or not, for me it makes no difference."
"Are you okay?" Willow asked while rinsing the cucumber.
"Yeah I'm good." Cordy smiled her usual I'm-okay-smile, as she prepared the toast.
"Now for real." Willow stopped rinsing and looked at Cordy. "Are you okay?" this time Cordy's response wasn't so quick like before.
"The truth?" she asked. Willow nodded her head. "My stomach is killing me. I'm hungry all the time but I can't hold anything in. I'm always tried, more than before. I can't drink coffee, which I love and miss. And I can't fit my jeans anymore." She sighed. "Oh, and to add to all of that I'm also hunted down by demons all around, all trying to kill me. And it seems the more people we call in to help us, the more beveled they all seem. Uh and lets not forget, I'm sick and tired of telling the same tale for the thousand time." She looked up at Willow, who seemed shocked by her sincerity. "I think that sums it up nicely."
"Yeah." Willow chuckled slightly. "Well I did ask for the truth. And for the record as for your question earlier, my opinion on your condition is that I have non. It's not my place to judge others. Besides you're a big girl and you knew what you were getting yourself into, right?"
"I guess..." Cordy wasn't as confident as Willow was. Willow smiled a soft and caring smile, a smile she never thought she'll see from any of the Scoobies. She liked that.
***
"Hey what's all of this?" Both Cordy and Willow turned to see Angel standing in the doorway. "I was sure you'll be half way done by now." He said with a cute smile. Willow couldn't help but stare. She couldn't seem to recall the last time she saw Angel do that, or any other time for that matter. He seemed different, more relaxed, more a person, less a vampire tormented with a soul.
"Did you really think I'd do all the work?" Cordy chuckled. "As if."
"Worth a shot, right?" He winked to Willow who was even more surprised by his behavior. "So it's just the three of us for breakfast?" He asked. "I already saw Xander eating his breakfast." He scorned. "And I'm guessing the two love birds already ate their breakfast..."
"Actually I don't know where Buffy & Spike are?" Willow cut him off, and by the two pair of eyes staring at her she knew she said too much. "Well... what I meant was..." She wasn't sure what she meant. Back in Sunnydale they were all grown to the idea of Buffy and Spike together, even Xander was. Mainly cause of the soul thing. She remembered when Giles told her. She was surprised, but not that surprised. She figured it was the next logical step. She just wasn't sure how he'd pull it off. But he did...
"Excuse me?" Her thoughts were interrupted by Cordy's cry. "Buffy and Spike are...? You know...?"
"Well not exactly." Willow tried to pull back but it was too late for that.
"Than what exactly?" Cordy asked eagerly.
"Friends."' Cordy turned to see Buffy standing behind them, looking very pissed. "Good friends, that's all."
"Okay." Cordy said and returned to her toast.
"Making breakfast I see." Buffy said as she walked in passing Angel without saying a word.
"Yeah. Are you joining us?" Willow asked hoping Buffy wasn't too angry.
"Sure." Buffy replied and only gave Willow a firm stare. Willow muttered a 'sorry', Buffy just smiled slightly and Willow knew she wasn't mad at her.
"So where is spike?" Angel asked but got no reply. "Buffy can I see you outside for a moment?" He said and again there was no reply. Buffy stood by Willow and began chopping vegetables. Cordy lowered her head pretending she wasn't hearing that conversation. Willow apparently did the same. "Okay then, ladies could you excuse us please?" He referred the question to Cordy and Willow who were more than happy to get out of there. "So, is this how it's gonna be between us? Are you going to give me the silent treatment the entire time you're here?" Buffy kept chopping vegetables and trying to ignore him. "Buffy." He reached out and grabbed her arm, turning her around. She was still holding the knife, so when he turned her, the knife was pointing at him. "Are you that angry?" He said as he stared at the knife pointing at him.
"Let go!" She ordered and he followed her wish. "She placed the knife on the counter. "What do you want Angel?" She sat on one of the stools. "Really what is it you want?" cause I don't seem to get you."
"I just want us to talk. Can we do that?"
"We are doing that Angel. But as always you're avoiding the question, avoiding the subject."
"And what question is that?" He asked.
"Angel?" A yell from the lobby interrupted them. "Angel?"
"Great just great." Buffy said in anger. "Well, go." She said and he hurried outside.
***
"You've got to be kidding me." Angel stared at the unexpected and unwelcome guest.
"I told you not to show up here." Cordy said. "But do you listen? Do any of you listen?"
"I came to help you." Lilah said as she walked down the stairs and into the lobby.
The lobby was packed. It seemed that right about the same moment Lilah decided to pay them a visit, everyone returned from wherever they were.
"You're not welcomed here." Fred said in an angry tone.
"I know that sweetie pie, but I came anyway. Aren't I the lady like?" Lilah said sarcastically.
"Lady wasn't what I had in mind." Gunn murmured.
"I want to talk to talk to Miss Chase alone for a moment, if I may?" Lilah walked towards Cordy only to be blocked by Gunn and Angel.
"No you may not." Angel said as he crossed his arms.
"I'm sure the little lady can talk for herself." Lilah looked at Cordy and smiled.
"I can, but you know hoe Angel loves to play with you lawyers. I really don't have the heart to tell him no." Cordy said with a smile.
"Look." Lilah who seemed a bit intimidated by Angel took a step back. "Kidding aside. We know about your little adventure in the park." Lilah said. Cordy didn't follow. "The glowing thing." Cordy nodded.
"What about it?" Fred asked.
"Obviously you can take care of yourself, so I don't see how a mere human like me can hurt you in any way. After all you do have the upper hand here, with you been a part demon and all." Lilah tittered.
"If this is one of your tricks I promise you..."
"No tricks." Lilah said quickly. "Cross my heart hope to die." She smiled.
"Oh you're just saying that." Angel said as the others laughed.
"Fine. Five minutes, in the office." Cordy said and turned to leave when Angel stopped her.
"I don't trust her and neither should you."
"I don't." Cordy replied. "That's why I need you to stay close. Okay?" Angel nodded as Cordy went into the office followed by Lilah.
***
"It's been awhile since I've been here. Decorated?" Lilah observed the office carefully.
"What do you want?" Cordy sat in Angel's chair, her legs were killing her.
"After further consideration. The senior partners have decided to change their previous, and might I add very generous, proposal."
"Have they?" Cordy was less than impressed.
"This is a huge thing girly. It's not everyday the senior partners change their mind. You must be carrying a very precious cargo in store." Lilah explained.
"If only I cared." Cordy rolled her eyes. "So... what's the new deal? Not that there's anything you can offer me that I would ever say yes to."
"Nevertheless." Lilah kept on. "The deal is this; you give us access to what you know, what you knew as a higher been and give us permission to examine you and the baby throughout the pregnancy. Nice right?"
"You are unbelievable." Cordy was amazed. "Do you really think I'll help an evil law firm just to safe my ass? You don't know me at all."
"Than how about everyone else's assess?" Lilah's question beveled Cordy. "Although you usually get the visions from the powers that be, we can give you an inside scoop on what's coming. All you have to do is say the word."
"What? I don't understand? You can send me a vision? You can do that?" Cordy asked suspiciously. "Is it like last time? Are those "visions" of yours manifest themselves?"
"No. You misunderstood." Lilah explained.
"Ha?" Cordy asked confused.
"Here." Lilah handed Cordy a folder. "According to our sources this is the real thing. The near future is in your hands." Lilah paused for a moment letting Cordy time to observe it all.
"How can I be sure what you show me is for real? How can I know you're not faking it?" Cordy knew Lilah couldn't be trusted.
"You can't." Lilah replied. "But I promise you we didn't fabricated this. There are some stuff in here even W&H doesn't want to see transpire."
"How much time do I have to consider your "gracious" offer?" Cordy asked.
"I'll drop by around 17:00. You have till then. After that, you're on your own." Lilah replied.
"And the folder?" Cordy hesitated about that part.
"That's a free gift." Lilah smiled in proud. "Well then." She glimpsed at her watch. "I see my five minutes are up and I hate for your beloved protector to come crashing in, all angry and masculine." Lilah mocked Angel. "I better be off. Busy day ahead of us." Lilah opened the door with a smile to see a bunch of unfriendly faces staring back at her. "Don't worry, I'm leaving." She said and walked to the door.
***
"For real?" Gunn asked.
"Yes. For the thousand time, yes." Cordy said impatiently.
"And yes is even a possibility?" Fred asked amazed.
"I have too. It's not just the baby's life and my own, on the line. It's all of your as well. I can't just say no without consulting us..."
"Well you bloody consulted us. Now say no." Spike's response surprised Angel and the A.I. team. The Scoobies were less amazed.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but Spike is right." Angel could barely say tat line. "You can't take their offer."
"But I can still read the folder." Cordy said. "It could give us some well needed information."
"No." Angel said firmly. "You can't trust them. This folder was meant to throw you off track, to make you take their deal. If you read it, you'll never be able to forget it, never be able to consider the possibility it might be a lie."
"Angel I know that, but if there's no risk involve, and Lilah did say..."
"Well if Lilah said it was true, then it must be true." Angel said in a patronizing tone.
"If you'll just listen to what she told me..." Cordy tried reasoning with him
"I don't to, everything she says is a lie."
"Stop interrupting me!" Cordy yelled at him. "I'm not a child, you can't treat me like that." She took a hasty breath. "I know you care and that you have only my best interest in heart. But the thing is Angel... I'm a big girl now and I don't need you telling me what to do." She looked at him with a firm stare. "I'm serious Angel."
"So am I Cor." Angel said in an angry tone. "Now can we stop argue about this and go back to..."
"You know what Angel." Cordy stood up. "You don't owe me. You can't tell me what to do. No one ever could."
"I'm your boss, I think I can..."
"Don't even go there, mister." She stopped him before he was able to finish the sentence. "Cause there's nothing normal and ordinary about our co-workers relationship." He knew what she meant, so he decided to try a new angle.
"Cordy, I just want to keep you safe, is it that so wrong of me?" the way he said it, made Buffy look the other way, afraid anyone will see her reaction. But someone did, as always it was Spike.
Cordy looked straight at him, as if they were the only one in the room. "I'm just saying, not to close this door without exploring the option." She stopped for a moment giving him a chance to take it all in.
"Fine we can review the file." She smiled a little victory smile. "But only." Angel raised his voice, "If we review it together and you promise to keep and open mind and not take everything it says as the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth." He smiled.
"I promise." She raised her right hand while placing her left one on the folder. They both chuckled.
"Can we eat first?" willow asked with a pitiful _expression.
"Almost forgot." Angel said. "Eat first, review later, agreed?" he looked at Cordy waiting for her response.
"Agreed." she said and followed him into the kitchen.
"By the way what's with the sweater?" Angel asked.
***
"Hi." Buffy said as she descended the stairs into the garden. "How was breakfast?"
"Greta. I never knew Angel could cook so well."
"The things you learn." Buffy said and walked towards Willow. "Can I join you?"
"Sure." Willow moved aside a bit to make room for Buffy. "So, what's up?"
"Nothing much. It's just that we didn't get much of chance to spend some time alone since you got here yesterday and I thought this could be a great opportunity to catch up." "So are you going to ask me how was my summer, cause it was a real drag." Willow said sarcastically.
"Well... I didn't.... I mean..."
"Relax Buffy. I know this is weird, okay? This is weird for me as well. It's not like I've been to a vacation or something. I was in a rehab facility cause I killed a man using dark magic. Now try explaining that to your parents and guess how they'll react."
"Well my mom is dead and my dad doesn't give a shit." Buffy replied in the same sarcasm.
"Now you're getting the hang of it." Willow laughed. "I'm okay Buffy, really I am. It's not like I'm going to start using magic any day now but I'm getting there." She paused for a moment. "The covenant taught me that I shouldn't ran from my power or try to conceal them. I should embrace them but learn to control them. To use it only when it is necessary, only when it is needed and not for my own beneficiary."
"Wow, it sounds like you made a lot of progress."
"I would have never returned Buffy, if I didn't think I was ready to. I would never put you or any one else at risk again. I promise you that. And I know trust has to be earned and..."
"No it doesn't. Cause it was never lost. I trust you Willow with my life, especially now. You're my friend and you made a mistake, true a huge mistake, but a mistake nevertheless. And you asked forgiveness and understanding and you got them both. Trust included, no extra charge." Buffy chuckled. "I love you Will, and nothing you'll ever do can change that." She leaned over and hugged her.
"I love you too, Buffy." Willow whispered to her as the two hugged.
"Have you had a chance t speak to Xander?" Buffy asked after they finished hugging.
"Yeah, I talked to everyone except Dawn. I don't know what to say to her, how to explain."
"Yeah, she's been through a lot this past year." Buffy said. "But give her some credit. She's not the little girl you left 4 months ago, she's grown this summer, a lot due to Tara's dead and your breakdown." Buffy explained. "Just talk to her, she'll listen I can promise that much.
"Thanks." Willow murmured. So, new topic, what do you think of this whole situation here?"
"You mean the-new-and-improved-Cordelia-Chase-and-the-very-strange-and-unfamilia- Angel-situation?" Buffy asked and Willow nodded. "Weird, so very weird.
"Yeah me too. She asked me before if I have an opinion and I said I had non and it wasn't my place to judge and I still think that..."
"But..." Buffy knew there was a but coming.
"But I can't help but think, how weird is that. I mean Queen C as a mom? Can you imagine?"
"I know I know." Buffy laughed. "This kid will be the most color-coordinated kid in the world." They both Laughed.
"Do you think she'll buy him designer cloths for the infants?" They both burst in laughter unaware that Cordy was standing at the top of the stairs hearing every word they were saying.
"And did you see Angel all fatherly and loving towards her." Buffy laughed. "So weird."
"Stop I think I'm staring to cry." Willow said while laughing.
"Oh please don't, I really want to hear more." The two stopped laughing and looked up to the top of the stairs.
"Cordy..." Willow mumbled.
"Oh no, please, call me Queen C." Cordy said in an angry tone. "How dare you come to my home, my town as guests of mine and pass judgment on me!" Cordy raised her voice. "I thought I was capable of many thing but stupidity was never one of them. But you two proved me wrong..."
"Cordy I..." Buffy tried.
"I'm not finished yet." She cut her off. "I thought you were my friends, I thought despite the past, you'll be able to remember all the times I helped you. Remember the last time we spent together fighting side by side. And maybe, just maybe telling you about my life and what I've been going through wouldn't be that terrible. Maybe you'd understand and support me." She paused and took a big breath. "Like I said; stupidity. Will never happen again." She turned to leave when willow ran after her.
"Cordy wait." She called out. Cordy turned with an angry stare.
"You may be one hell of a witch Willow, but you haven't seen what I'm capable of, so back off!" And with that she stormed back to the lobby.
***
Angel was standing in the lobby when Cordy ran into him.
"Wow Cor, take it easy. You are a pregnant...?" He stopped when he realized she was crying. "Cor? What happened?
"A brash with reality, that's what happened." She walked towards the door.
"Wait! Where are you going?" He ran towards her and blocked her way.
"I have a doctor's appointment."
"Well I'll go with you." He said.
"It's not far from here, I'll just walk.
"Fine I can walk." He smiled.
"Not in broad daylight, you can't." She said as she looked outside. "It's okay, Fred is meeting me there." She lied. "I'll be fine."
"Can you first tell me what happened?" He placed his hand on her shoulder.
"It doesn't matter right now, and I'm late." She walked around him and went up the stairs towards the door.
"I can ask Willow or Buffy to go with you." He offered.
"Not in this lifetime." She said and walked out. He wanted to run after her and hated the fact that he couldn't.
***
"So Mrs. Chase." The doctor looked over her medical file.
"Actually it's Miss." Cordy corrected him.
"I see. And the father, is he...?"
"Not in the picture." Cordy filled in the sentence.
"Are you alone here in L.A.? Do you have any friends or family?"
"Family. I'm leaving with them." She replied. The doctor nodded while writing something in her file.
"I see you haven't given us your previous medical file." The doctor looked at her file. "You're at least 5 months pregnant, I assume you've seen a doctor?"
"Five months?!" That came out not in the way she intended it to.
"You almost sound surprised." The doctor chuckled. So did Cordy, nervously chuckled.
"I was leaving in Europe for a few years. I just moved back to L.A." She remembered it worked the last time she and Wes had to explain her lack of medical care while she was pregnant.
"Well it's a good thing you came back when you did. A little while longer and you couldn't have flown back."
"I know." Cordy smiled.
"Okay lay on the bed and I'll do a quick ultrasound to see if everything is alright.
Cordy lay on the bed, terrified of what he'll find. **Couldn't be worse than last time, right?** She thought to herself.
"Lets see." The doctor moved the device on her swollen belly. "Size normal, heart beats normal."
"Okay? It looks like a five months embryo should look like?" She asked scared of the answer.
"Don't worry. Your baby is alrihgt." The doctor looked at the monitor and smiled.
"Are you sure?" Cordy didn't expect that answer. "Its normal in all ways possible."
"Well I can't be sure in every aspect. Bt as far as the ultrasound goes I am sure. Later on we can do other test to check for specific problems. But as I said it doesn't look like it's going to have any." The doctor smiled as Cordy tried to comprehend it all. Her baby was normal, but how was it possible. She should be 3 months pregnant not 5? "So." The doctor's voice snapped her back to reality. "Do you want to know the sex?"
"Excuse me?" Cordy asked confused.
"The sex of the baby? Do you want to know what it is?"
***
TBC
Hi ppl,
Thank you for your patience. I'm sorry for the delay but I was busy with the last chapter of Reunion time, my other fic (which is up now, in case you didn't get a chance to see it yet. A little self-promotion never hurt anyone. lol).
I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. And as you can see I ended it with a question, which now I hand over to you. What do you think should it be a boy or a girl? If you have arguments to go with your answer the better. So send me a review, tell me how you like this chapter, or disliked. And answer my question if you feel like it. As always I'll take every answer into consideration. I promise to update soon.
Thanks Nikka.
P.s. noticed how long this chapter is. I maybe late but at least it's longer than normal. Lol :-)