Disclaimer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer is not mine. Never has been, never will be. Oh well. This story is mine, but it's not like I'm making any money off of it. I do it for my enjoyment. Actually, I do this because I got bored. So on with the show . . .
PREVIOUSLY:
"I can't keep doing this. Pretending to her is so hard,"Jessica complains. "So wise one, how- no better yet when- are we getting home?"
"Anytime in between now and the series finale,"Meghan says quickly.
Jessica's face goes into reality check mode. "Then we'll have to tell Giles. He can do research and find a spell."
"Hold on just a minute! We were so friendly less than a week ago, and now you're shutting me out?"Spike asks.
Meghan realizes that "Dawn" use to have a crush on Spike, and that he had been watching her all summer. Like Jessica, she would have to change for the sake of her part. Meghan pulls door all the way open and gestures for him to come in.
"What the hell do you want?"Jessica demands.
"To talk to you,"Spike says calmly.
"About what?"
"I know you've been acting weird. Resurrection does that to a person. I just wanted you to know that you aren't the only that's been acting strange."
"What are you taking about?"
"Dawn. She's been really different lately. I just wanted you to know that I'll keeping my eyes on her for you."
"Whose turn is it to bury the body?"Jessica asks.
"Hello, Buffy, Dawn. What are you doing here?"Giles mostly asks Jessica.
"We wanted to talk to you,"Meghan says.
Giles looks at Meghan strangely because it is out of character for "Dawn" to take the lead.
"Dear Lord! You aren't Dawn,"Giles exclaims.
"That's what we've been trying to tell you!"Jessica yells.
They both look at her. Giles composes himself.
"What did you say your names were again?"Giles asks.
"She's Jessica and I'm Meghan,"Meghan tells him. "It's nice to meet you."
The apparition disappears. Jessica throws on the lights. Giles stands on unstable legs. He nearly falls, but Jess catches him.
"What was that?"Giles asks.
Jessica shakes her head. "Meghan, do you know?"
Meghan sits up. The look on her face is distance, remembering something.
"Meghan?"Jessica asks again. "What is it?"
"It's The First,"Meghan says slowly.
INUNDATED
Jessica stares in shock at Meghan. Meghan slowly stands. Together they look at Giles gravely.
"What is it? What first?"Giles asks them.
Jessica looks at Meghan. Meghan nods.
"The First Evil,"Meghan begins. "The thing that brought Angel back from hell. It convinced him to try to kill himself. It has Bringers that do it's bidding for it because it is incorporeal. It must have brought Jessica and I here. I don't know why it would make such a stupid move. Either way this is bad. Uber bad . . ."Meghan says.
Jessica smiles a little at that.
"Uber bad?"Giles asks.
"The first is going to attack us with . . . an ubervamp. One that can't really be staked. Buffy had to decapitate it to kill it,"Jessica explains.
"Dear Lord,"Giles said as he moves to sit on his couch.
Jessica sits on one of his chairs. Meghan paces.
"So how do we stop the First?"Giles asks.
"The First won't be a problem until next season,"Jessica tells him. "I want to know how do we get home?"
Meghan stops pacing.
"This is bigger than us Jessica. Way bigger,"Meghan takes a breath. "Jess, you and I will continue to do research on a way home using the materials at the Magic Box."
"What about Giles?"Jess asks.
"He's going back to England,"Meghan says resolutely.
"What?"Jess and Giles ask at the same time.
"Did you both not hear me? Giles is going back to England,"Meghan repeats.
"Why?"Jessica asks.
"There is a war coming, Jessica. We weren't called in to change something from this season for the First. It wants next season to change, so it will win. We can't let that happen, at any cost. If it wins, we'll never go home."
"What I am to do in England?"Giles asks.
"Gather your resources. Find anything you can about the First. Put the Council on alert. The Bringers will be out killing potential slayers next summer. Do all of this with caution. If the First gets wind of this, it may speed up its plans."
"When should I leave?"Giles asks.
"Not just yet. Maybe after we all lose our memories?"Meghan asks Jessica.
"Sounds good to me,"Jess confirms.
"We all loose our memories?"Giles asks.
"Only temporarily. We'll get them back once Xander steps on the crystal,"Meghan explains. "Willow does a spell."
"Ah, I think I remember you mentioning Willow being on a bad path . . ."
"She'll try to end the world,"Jessica says off handily.
"And I feel so much better. Willow tries to end the world? I don't believe she would ever do that,"Giles replies.
"Believe it, Giles. She'll become addicted to magick. She'll even try to kill you. She'll take the magick you borrowed for the coven in England and try to end the world. Xander will stop her though,"Meghan says.
"This is quiet a lot to wrap my mind around,"Giles says.
"You and me both,"Jess comments.
"We can't talk about this to anyone. Understood?"Meghan asks.
They nod.
"Good. Jess, we need to get back. I have a feeling that there is a leaky pipe that'll need to be fixed soon. Giles, do what you have to do,"Meghan says.
They all stand.
"I'll talk with you both later,"Giles says.
"Count on it,"Meghan says leading Jess to the door.
"Bye,"Jessica says as she follows Meghan out.
The door closes. Giles begins to clean his glasses.
"I think some hard liquor is in order,"Giles says to himself.
Jessica walks around in the basement with the wrench.
"So. We meet at last, Mister Drippy,"Jessica says.
Something about this situation feels familiar to Jessica. She knows that for some reason, this won't end well. Meghan walks half way down the stairs.
"You sure you don't want to call a plumber?"Meghan asks for the thousandth time.
"No, Meghan. I've got it,"Jessica says placing the wrench on the pipe.
"Are you absolutely sure? I've got the number of a plumber right here,"Meghan says.
"For the last time, NO!"Jessica shouts.
"Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you,"Meghan says before disappearing up the stairs.
"Blessed peace,"Jessica says to herself as she turns the wrench.
The drip stops.
"See? Didn't need a plumber. Just some good ol' elbow grease,"Jessica says.
She steps down the step stool and begins to head to the stairs. The pipes groan, and Jessica looks worried. Just then, the pipes burst, shooting water from all directions. Jessica screams and runs up the stairs. Meghan stands there holding a towel. Jessica takes it from her.
"You knew that would happen!"Jessica yells.
"I did warn you,"Meghan says.
"Very Angel-cryptic like,"Jessica replies.
Meghan rolls her eyes.
"I think I'll call Xander. He knows that guy Tito,"Meghan says.
Seconds later, she dials the number and tells Xander the situation. Twenty minutes later, everyone has convened in the kitchen waiting for Xander and Tito to reappear from the basement. The door opens and the two men step out.
"And a big Sunnydale round of applause for Tito the Amazing, plumber extraordinaire,"Xander announces.
"So how's everything looking down there?"Tara asks.
"Like we should start gathering up two of every animal,"Xander says dismally.
"Basically, you're pipes are shot. I mean, the whole system's gonna have to be replaced. What you need is a full copper re-pipe job,"Tito explains handing Willow the invoice.
"A full copper re-pipe? That sounds potentially pricy,"Willow says with worry.
"Well, if you have any questions, our number's on the invoice,"Tito tells them.
Tito pats Xander on the shoulder and leaves, unnoticed by most. Meghan knows of the pricing, and isn't all that interested. She tries to remember what will happen later in the episode. Tara and Buffy examine the invoice however.
"Is that the bill?"Tara asks.
"Hey. Tito cut you a good deal down there. Those are his bargain prices. I did a little haggling for you,"Xander tells them.
"Thanks, Xander. We'll pay him. I don't know what the big deal is."
Everyone exchanges glances.
"Um, Buffy, there's some money stuff we're going to have to talk to you about,"Willow says.
They escort her into the living room and sit her down. After many attempts to break the news to her softly by handing her many bills, Meghan decides to jump in.
"Buffy, we're broke,"Meghan tells Jessica.
Everyone winces, except Meghan, Jessica, and Anya.
"I think I want to call Giles over. Now,"Jessica announces.
"Oh, it'll be fine, Buffy. I sure we can figure out something to do,"Willow assures her.
"I have an idea. We'll burn the house and collect the insurance. Plus, fire? Pretty,"Jessica suggests.
"I'll bring the marshmallows,"Meghan adds.
They both laugh. The others look worried, but begin to easy up as well.
"Well, I have another idea that doesn't involve fire, but would defiantly bring the money rolling in,"Anya says.
"What's that Anya?"Jessica asks.
"Start charging for slaying vamps,"Anya says.
"That sounds like a good idea,"Jessica says.
Everyone else looks skeptical.
"Except for the fact that it doesn't settle well morally,"Meghan added. "Actually, I have a few ideas. Like a loan for one. And everyone getting a job for two."
They all stare at Meghan.
"When did you become a font of financial knowledge?"Xander asks.
"I may be just a teenager, but it doesn't mean I don't know how to get money. You can get a job, or a loan . . . or a scholarship and I know all this from college research,"Meghan says covering her foreknowledge.
They all buy it and continue on.
"I think Dawn is right,"Tara says. "We could ask for a loan. If that doesn't pan out, we can start looking for jobs."
Meghan smiles at Tara.
"Alright, let's all ignore my suggestion,"Anya complains before standing to leave.
Anya walks out. Xander notices and follows her outside to exchange words with her about why he doesn't tell everyone they're engaged already. It almost works, but Anya remembers that he is stalling and storms off.
Jessica looks at herself in the mirror repeating phrases that make it sound as if she knows what she talking about when she has no clue.
"Stupid skirt,"Jessica says.
"You ready?"Tara asks from the door.
"Yeah, I should be. I've practiced enough. I think I'll go now,"Jessica tells her.
"Good luck,"Tara tells her giving her a hug. "You'll be fine."
"I hope so,"Jessica says.
Jessica leaves the room recalling what Meghan had told her about the demon at the bank before Meghan had left for school.
Jessica sits in the office. She stands and smiles when the man arrives.
"Hello,"Jessica begins.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Carl Savitsky. Loan officer,"He tells her as he sits.
Jessica sits back down.
"That's why I'm here. Hoping you'll give me a loan,"Jessica says. "I didn't know what you needed, so I brought everything."
Jessica hands over a folder. He opens it up and begins to go through it.
"I don't think I'll need this, . . . or these. Old report cards, definitely not,"Mr. Savitsky says, pulling papers from the stack.
"Knew I should have taken those out,"Jessica says.
Mr. Savitsky looks up at her. She quickly smiles at him. He returns to looking through the papers.
"So? Do I get a loan?"Jessica asks.
"Yes, well, uh, it looks as if, financially, uh, we have a bit of a tangle."
"Right. I remember property values are low. So no re-financing,"Jessica says remembering the episode.
Mr. Savitsky looks up at her with shock. He didn't expect her to think of things like that.
"Yes, well, that and the fact that you have no income."
"So, if I get another job, can I get a loan then?"Jessica asks.
"You already have a job? I didn't see it on any of the papers,"Mr. Savitsky says looking over the papers again.
"I don't get paid for it,"Jessica explains.
The body of a man crashes through a window sends glass everywhere. People begin to scream. Jessica sits there calmly.
"And that would be my job. Can I borrow this?"Jessica asks about the letter opener.
Mr. Savitsky nods and sinks behind his desk. Jessica cuts a slit in the skirt.
"Just sit tight for a minute. This will be over in no time,"Jessica tells him before running out to the demon. "Hey!"
The demon turns to look at her.
"Are you in the wrong line? That one's for deposits. That's for withdraws. And this one is for getting kicked in the face,"Jessica says as she successfully kicks him in the face.
They continue to fight as someone makes an illegal withdraw. The demon picks up Jessica.
"Put me down, you loser,"Jessica says pounding on him with her fists.
There is a gun shot. The demon stops. Both Jess and the demon stare at the guard.
"Put the girl down,"The guard commands.
The guard's hands shake as he holds the gun. The demon throws Jessica at the guard and begins to leave. Jessica grabs the gun.
"These things? Never helpful,"Jessica tells the guard as she tosses the gun away.
The gun hits the floor and goes off.
"Oops,"Jess says as she runs to the demon.
The demon shoves another person in her path. She moves the person out of her way, but the demon is gone.
"Damn,"Jessica says.
She returns to the loan officer and grabs her papers.
"See what I mean?"She asks as she leaves.
All of them (except Spike) sit in the Magic Box at the table looking through books.
"So then, I left,"Jessica says.
"I guess we have to get jobs now,"Meghan says.
"I guess so,"Tara adds.
"Well, it's not like it'll be the end of the world,"Giles says.
"That's a shame, because we're so good at that,"Jess says.
"The girl has a point,"Xander says.
"Let's be glad that this isn't the end of the world. Because that usually leads to fear, pain, and death,"Anya reminds them.
They all wince except Meghan and Jessica.
"What?"Anya asks.
"An, honey, can I talk to you for a moment at the counter?"Xander asks.
Anya and he get up.
M'Fashnik walks down a street.
Anya and Xander reconvene at the counter.
"We're all still touchy about the 'd' word, An,"Xander explains. "Could you avoid using it for a while?"
"You mean I made them depressed?"Anya asks.
"Yes, you did."
"Well, then let's tell them about us. A good burst of happy news will cheer them right up again,"Anya says.
"Maybe later,"Xander says.
"Chicken."
"Would you stop?"
"Dare you."
"Anya, if I tell them that we're engaged right after you dared me too . . . wouldn't you always wonder if that was the only reason I did it?"
Anya thinks about it.
"Oh,"Anya admits.
"Score one for Captain Logic."
"No, no. Captain Logic is not steering this tugboat. I smell Captain Fear at the wheel!"Anya says.
"Hey!"Meghan exclaims.
Everyone looks at her.
"What is it?"Jess asks.
Anya and Xander return.
"I think I found him. Does it look like him?"Meghan asks Jessica holding out the book.
"Yeah, that's him,"Jessica confirms.
"M'Fashnik,"Meghan tells everyone.
"Ah, yes, M'Fashnik,"Giles says taking the book from Meghan.
"You know it?"Tara asks.
"Yes, by reputation. They come from a long line of mercenary demons that perform acts of slaughter and mayhem for the highest bidder,"Giles explains.
"Well, it is the American way,"Xander comments.
"Ah, yes, but the question now becomes, what's out there powerful enough to control one of these?"Giles asks.
They all fall silent. Something clicks in Meghan's head.
"Giles, I need to talk to you in the training room,"Meghan says.
They both stand and leave.
"I wonder what that's all about?"Willow asks.
They all exchanges puzzled glances. Giles and Meghan walk into the back room.
"There's something, actually, three some things I need to tell you about,"Meghan tells Giles.
"What?"
"The Nerd Herd, better known as the Geek Trio,"Meghan says.
M'Fashnik growls tossing things around inside a basement. He points his finger at the highest bidders.
"We had a deal. You got what you wanted. Now give me what I want. The head of the Slayer!"The demon yells.
The Geek Trio, siting on bean bag chairs and holding stacks of money, look up at M'Fashnik.
"Okay,"Warren says.
"Sure,"Jonathan adds.
"We can do that,"Andrew concludes.
The demon continues to rant about it. The Trio get scared. They go to talk among themselves about whether or not they should kill the Slayer, telling the demon that they want to figure out how to kill her. The demon tells them that it should involve pain.
"You don't have to stay the night, Giles,"Jessica says.
She begins unfolding blankets. Giles moves to help her.
"Well,"Giles lowers his voice. "Meghan said there would be an attack tonight. I want to help if I can."
"You'll probably just get knocked out,"Jessica says.
"That does tend to happen a little too often to me."
"I'm worried. Do you think you'll have any permeant brain damage? I mean you get hit in the head almost every episode of every season,"Jess says.
"I think I'll be fine,"Giles assures her.
Meghan walks down the stairs. She sees Jess and Giles. She sneaks past them to go out the back door and sits on the back step. She lays back on the porch looking up at the stars. Jessica and Giles finish making the bed.
"Well, I think I'm done. I'm off to bed,"Jess says.
"Goodnight,"Giles tells her.
He sighs, but doesn't feel sleepy.
"I guess I could always do the dishes,"He suggests to himself.
Giles walks into the kitchen and begins the dishes.
The nerd herd has a council. They review what they signed on for and decide to just give M'Fashnik Buffy's name, address, and telephone number. The demon leaves.
Willow walks into the kitchen.
"Hey, Giles."
"Hello, Willow. I thought you were going to bed?"
"Yeah, but I wanted a last minute cookie."
"Look I never did get to talk to about what you did. About bringing Buffy back,"Giles begins softly.
Recalling Meghan's warning, Giles remains calm, though he is severely upset about all this.
"I know. It was so cool Giles."
"You shouldn't have done it."
They are silent a moment.
"What? I brought Buffy back. Isn't that a good thing?"
"Yes, Willow, but you've tapped into some very black magicks. Do you understand what you could have done?"
"I don't know what's wrong. I brought Buffy back, Giles. Buffy! I did the impossible!"
"No. I'm sure there are others out there in the world who could do what you did. You just wouldn't want to meet them."
"Probably not. They're the bad guys. I'm not."
"Tell yourself that if it comforts you, but it remains to be seen,"Giles says.
He loses his cool, tosses his towel, and storms out of the kitchen. Willow looks upset. She shakes her head and goes upstairs.
Jessica tosses and turns in her bed but can't fall asleep. She gets up and heads downstairs. Giles is sitting on the couch reading.
"Can't sleep either, huh?"Jessica asks.
"Apparently not,"Giles says. "What about you? Why aren't you sleeping?"
"Something's eating at me, about all this. I'm worried, Giles,"Jessica says. "I mean at first it was cool. How many teens get to be their favorite super hero? Then we find out it's the First that did it, and I don't know. Meghan says that he probably brought us here so that we'll change things, and he'll win. And if he wins, we'll never go home. Giles, I'm just a teenager. I'm from another world for Christ's sake. I don't want to be a slayer."
"And Buffy said just the same thing. I think you're learning what sort of sacrifices heros have to make,"Giles tells her.
Jessica sits down.
"I just want to go home. Sleep in my own bed in my own room in my own house. I don't want to keep pretending to be someone I'm not. I just want this to be over."
"It's not just going to go away. But we'll get through it."
"You sure?"
"You've watched the show. Don't we always get through it?"
"We'll work it through within a minute,"Jess sings.
Giles looks at her funny.
"You'll understand soon enough,"Jessica says.
They sit there in silence.
Meghan is still on the back porch looking up at the sky when she feels someone near by.
"Why's a nibblet like you sitting out where the baddies can get at you?"Spike asks.
"Looking at the stars. It's been a while since I've really looked at them, you know? I loved to do it as a kid . . ."Meghan trailed off.
She doesn't know why she's telling Spike about her childhood. Spike lays down next to her.
"Me, too,"Spike confesses.
"Really?"Meghan asks, looking at him for the first time.
"Yes."
"Okay. So where's Orion?"Meghan asks, wanting proof.
Spike points to it. Meghan notices he's right. There is loud roar from out in front of the house. Both Spike and Meghan look at each other.
"Oh, shit,"Meghan curses as she remembers M'Fashnik's attack.
She jumps up, grabs Spike's hand, and drags him to the front of the house. A tall demon is walking up the street.
"Can you distract him until I get Buffy?"Meghan asks.
Spike nods.
"Keep him out here!"
Spike picks up a rock and runs to the street. Spike tosses the rock at the demon.
"Hey, ugly!"Spike shouts.
The demon turns.
"Yeah, that's right. I'm talking to you. You want to have a go? Come on you pansy,"Spike yells at him.
Meghan laughs as she is suddenly reminded of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The demon charges Spike. Meghan runs in the front door.
"Buffy! Get an ax! M'Fashnik is outside!"Meghan yells.
Giles and Jessica leap to their feet from the couch. Giles moves to the weapons chest and tosses Jessica an ax. Jessica runs outside to help Spike deal with the demon. Meghan runs out to watch. Giles stands behind her. They watch as Jess and Spike successfully kill the demon in the street.
"Yes! We've saved the coffee table!"Meghan exclaims.
Giles looks at her strangely.
"I really know too much about this show,"Meghan says.
Jess and Spike walk up to the house.
"Now, that I'm exhausted, maybe I'll get some sleep. Night, everyone,"Jessica says.
"What about the demon?"Giles asks.
"It's dead. I'm done. Right?"Jessica asks.
"I mean the body,"Giles rephrases.
"Oh, right, well . . .did I ever tell you that I really don't clean things up?"Jess says nervously.
"Don't worry about it, Buffy. I'll take care of it,"Meghan says.
Everyone stares at Meghan.
"You wanna help, Spike? You've got super strength. You could help me move it,"Meghan asks.
Spike's face is grim.
"Please, Spike?"Meghan asks again.
"Fine, bit,"Spike says. "Where are the shovels?"
"I put them back in the shed. Giles, lock the door after us. I have a key,"Meghan says.
"Good night all,"Jessica says as she walks in the door.
"I'll get the shovels,"Spike said walking around back.
"Which one of you is older?"Giles asks Meghan now that they are alone.
"She is by a few months. Why?"Meghan says.
"No reason. You're both doing well,"Giles complements.
"Thanks,"Meghan says before slamming her palm to her forehead. "Right. Phone call tomorrow."
"Phone call?"Giles asks.
"We'll worry about it in the morning,"Meghan says.
Giles nods and walks in the house. Spike returns.
"I have the shovels. I grabbed you some gloves,"Spike says tossing the gloves at her.
Meghan catches them and puts them on.
"Let's go,"Meghan says.
Giles walks in the house. Jessica is sitting on the couch, waiting. She looks up when Giles enters.
"I really don't think I'm doing this right,"Jessica says.
"Doing what?"
"Being her."
"You're doing the best you can. It's all anyone can expect from you."
"But I'm the Slayer, now. What if 'the best I can' isn't enough?"
"Well, Meghan seems to know every move. I'm sure she can keep you from erring too horribly. Beyond that, well, you just need to take it one day at a time. We'll find a way to get you home. I promise,"Giles tells her.
Jessica gets up and hugs him.
"Thanks, Giles,"Jessica says before running up to bed.
"Thank me when you're home,"Giles says to himself.
Meghan and Spike stomp down the dirt over the demon. They pick up their shovels and begin to walk out of the woods.
"I'm never gonna be able to wear this again,"Meghan complains.
"Why not?"Spike asks.
"Well, it's covered in mud, and it's gonna stain. I can't wash it because the washer and dryer are out of commission now that the basement's inundated,"Meghan explains.
"Inundated? When did you learn such a big word for 'flooded', Nibblet?"Spike asks.
"Oh, it's amazing how your vocabulary will expand when you read a thesaurus,"Meghan says.
Spike raises an eyebrow in question.
"Long story. Let's just say . . . I got bored,"Meghan offers.
Spike accepts the same excuse Meghan gave to Jessica every time she did something weird, and they fall silent. The woods eventually gives way to a park. Meghan stops to look up at the stars again.
"We need to be getting back, bit,"Spike reminds her.
"Can't we just stay for a few minutes?"Meghan asks softly.
Spike doesn't says anything. Meghan smiles and lays on the ground to look up. Spike thinks a moment before he joins her. They lay side by side in silence.
"Why do you look at the stars?"Spike asks.
"I don't know. I think I look because it makes all my problems feel small and unimportant, like in twenty years, they won't matter because they don't really change the big scheme."
"You're strange, you know?"
"I know . . . I know . . ."Meghan trails off.
The next morning, Giles and Jessica are in the living room talking as they sip on tea.
"I'm really glad you saved the coffee table. It's nice to have something for our cups,"Giles says.
"I guess I did save it. Do you know when Meghan came in?"
"She was out really late. Spike came in and nodded to me before leaving. I don't know when she'll be up. I won't be surprised if she sleeps all day,"Giles says.
Meghan walks in the room.
"Would you be surprised if I woke up early, then?"Meghan asks.
Giles and Jessica look up at her.
"'Morning, Meghan,"Jessica says.
"Are Willow and Tara home?"Meghan asks, worried.
"No. They left a half hour ago. I think they're gonna be gone all day,"Jessica says.
Meghan sighs.
"What was it you were saying about a phone call last night?"Giles asks Meghan.
"Right. Angel's gonna call, and he's gonna want to see Jessica,"
"What?"Jessica exclaims. "Giles, do I have to?"
Giles looks at her.
"Jess, you know you do. It's not like it's all that hard,"Meghan tells her.
"How do you know? You're not the one that's going!"Jessica yells back.
"Girls!"Giles said.
"Jess, you're acting like a baby,"Meghan continues. "All you have to say is hello. He'll say he wants to meet you. You say where. He'll name a place between here and there, I'm betting it's a diner or a gas station or something like that. Then you say you'll meet him tonight because we'll need to practice what you'll say to him. He'll agree. You'll say bye. He'll say bye. You'll both hang up. Not a big deal."
"I think it may be a under estimate of what you'll say on the phone, but it's the basics,"Giles agrees.
The phone rings.
"Oh my god! Meghan you answer it. You know what to say!"Jessica yells.
Meghan rolls her eyes and picks up the phone.
"Hello? . . .Hi, Angel, . . .yeah, she's, um, back, . . . yes, you can talk to her, just give me a minute to get her alright? . . .okay, hang on,"Meghan says to the phone.
Meghan then walks over to Jessica and holds out the phone to her. Jessica shakes her head. Meghan sits down next to her and holds the phone between them so they both can hear. Meghan remembers Angel's vampire hearing and turns her face away from the phone. He might wonder why he can hear two people breathing over the phone. Giles sits and listens intently to this end of the conversation.
"Hello?"Jessica asks.
"Buffy?"Angel asks. "Is it really you?"
"Yeah, it's me."
"I want to see you."
"Where?"
"Not here. Not there. I'll find a place between here and there. I'll call you on your cell phone and tell you where. Okay?"
"Sure. Well, I can't leave right now. But I'll meet you there tonight, alright?"
"Okay,"
"I guess I'll see you then."
"Yes, you will."
"Bye, Angel."
"Bye. Buffy."
Jessica hangs up the phone. Giles sat in puzzlement. The conversation went almost as Meghan had said it would. Meghan rolls over laughing.
"What is so funny?"Jessica asks.
"Angel. He's just so dramatic. It's hilarious,"Meghan says through her laughter.
Giles smiles at this. Jessica looks up him.
"Well, she is right,"Giles says.
Meghan's laughter dies off.
"I guess we'll need to practice what you're going to say,"Meghan sighs.
"After we go through these bills,"Giles reminds them.
"Damn. I thought I wouldn't have to worry about those,"Jessica says.
"Nope. You're going to be working the Palace from here on out, little girl,"Meghan says and beings to laugh again.
"Oh, my God. Giles, don't let them make me wear the hat!"Jessica begs.
"What hat?"Giles asks.
"The hat with a mock cow head and mock chicken feathers! This is horrible! I don't want to do it. No way in hell am I going to do it,"Jess says resolutely.
"Just calm down now. Let's worry about one problem, then we'll worry about the next. Alright?"Giles said.
"Alright,"Meghan and Jessica agreed.
"Now. Meghan is your homework finished?"
"Yes,"Meghan tells him.
"You can take a few books and do some research on a way to get you two home. Jessica?"Giles continues.
"Present!"Jessica says.
"You and I are going to go over these bills and figure out in what order to pay them off once you get a job,"Giles says.
Jessica groans, but it is useless. Giles begins to go over the bills with her. A few hours later, Giles releases her from the bills.
"I guess that's about it,"Giles says.
"Yes!"Jessica exclaims triumphantly.
"But you still have to practice for Angel,"Giles reminded her.
"Damn."
"Meghan could you come over here?"Giles asks.
Meghan, who is sitting at the kitchen table looking over some books, rises and walks into the living room.
"Now, how does their reunion happen?"Giles asks her.
"They didn't show it on TV. Angel and Buffy are on different stations right now. But I can guess how it will go,"Meghan offers.
"Tell us what you think will happen,"Giles says.
Through the predicted telephone conversation, Giles had seen how Meghan seemed to understand Angel's inner workings fairly well, and wanted her thoughts on what they would do.
"Well, I think it'll happen like this. Angel will be there waiting for you. You'll show up and he'll hug you. He won't take it much further. Soul issues, plus, this is sixth season here, third season there, season finale is 'Tomorrow' so this is the season Angel begins to fall in love with Cordelia. So he'll keep his distance."
"What did you say? Angel will fall in love with Cordelia?"Giles asks astounded.
"Yeah. She's changed a lot since high school. She's a messenger for the Powers That Be now and working her way to Champion status. It really kind of sucks what happened -- will happen -- to her,"Meghan explained.
"I'm guessing this is one of the things I shouldn't know, so let's continue with the meeting,"Giles said.
"Well, Jess will show. They'll hug. He'll ask you how you are. Don't lie to him, not completely. Just tell him something to the extent of this is really weird for you, but you're getting better. He'll say her understands, that it's hard to be resurrected. What then? He'll be quiet for a moment, then he'll say that he's missed you. You should say the same,"Meghan says. "Then what?"
Meghan begins to pace, and they watch her think. Meghan stops.
"I guess you'll should say that you should be getting back, if he doesn't say it first. He'll agree. They'll be another hug. Another "I missed you". Just say that you know and say goodbye. Then you'll leave. Factor in all the awkward silences, the intense gazing, and all the talking, and the meeting should be done and over within about fifteen minutes to a half hour,"Meghan says.
"That sounds like how a meeting between them would go,"Jess says.
Giles sat in silent wonder of Meghan's ability to read people.
"What do you think, Giles?"Meghan asks.
"I think you've hit the nail on the head exactly,"Giles replies.
Meghan smiles at this and then yawns.
"I don't know about you two, but I could use some sleep. Good night,"Meghan says.
Meghan turns and walks up the stairs. The clock chimes two in the afternoon.
At six, Jessica and Giles stand by the door.
"Are you sure I have to go?"Jessica asks again.
"No, go ahead. Call Angel back and tell him you don't want to. He'll only wonder why the love of his life doesn't want to see him as badly as he wants to see her,"Giles tells her.
"Really?"Jessica asks, brightening up.
"No."
"Damn. This being another person thing is so hard."
"Well, acting is a hard profession. Though most actors don't have to act 24/7,"Giles tells her.
"Wow, Giles said '24/7' I think the world just stopped,"Meghan says descending the stairs.
"Come to see me off to hell, have you?"Jessica asks.
"You know it,"Meghan tells her. "But you'll be find. He'll let it slide if you act weird. Everyone else has. I mean you were just resurrected, after all."
"Thanks for the peep talk, Coach. You've really inspired the troop,"Jessica says sarcastically.
"Then my job here is done. Don't be too long. You'll get to try all sort of new jobs when you get back."
"All of which I will fail at miserably,"Jessica reminds them.
"You're stalling."
"I know."
Meghan hugs Jessica.
"Goodbye. I'll see you in couple of hours. And don't buy more chicken than you alone can eat,"Meghan tells her.
"Okay."
"Good luck, Jessica,"Giles tells her.
"Thanks."
Meghan opens the door and motions for Jessica to leave.
"You have your cell phone if you need us,"Meghan reminds Jessica.
"Okay."
"Now, walk out the door."
"I'm trying. Did you already make that wish?"Jessica asks.
"I didn't make any wish,"Meghan says.
Jessica still didn't move. Meghan sighs and pushes Jessica out the door.
"Now go,"Meghan says.
"I'm going. I'm going,"Jessica says walking down to the street.
Meghan closes the door.
"So what's for dinner?"Meghan asks Giles.
Giles simply stares at her.
FIN
A/N: So I lied. Are you the now or never kind? I like "Here's to the Night" by Eve 6. Anyway so I said within a week, butI didn't plan on making a writting and filming a movie last week either. So let me know what you think. There's some editing mistakes on earlier chapers. I'll see if I can't fix that. The next chapers should be up around Christmas, but I won't promise anything. Now, plz r&r. I makes me happy and I didn't get any on the last chappie. Thanks!