Thank you to all that have sent me reviews. I can't begin to tell you how good it makes me feel.
Thank you especially to Raph, I completed this Chapter just before I received your review. I went over it again and tried to use your advice. If you find a section where I need improvement please let me know and give me the specific location so I can better understand what you are talking about. Your advice was very clear but sometimes you can't see what is right in front of your nose. I am almost done with Chapter 5 and will be adding it soon also. I had some checking to do on locations in Ireland and dates so the posting of Chapter 4 took a little longer.
The Gift
Chapter 4
"I'm home, I'm home. My beautiful Ireland. It's been so long." Angel picked up Cordelia and twirled her around. They had just landed an hour ago and it had taken all this time just to go through customs. Angels accent had started to come back once he started hearing the natives speak. They walked over to the car rental office after picking up their luggage. Angel had once again reserved a mini van for them. They had landed in Dublin and they had a ways to go to get to Galway which was the nearest town to where Angel was born.
"Why can't we stay in Dublin for a couple of days to do some sightseeing?" Cordelia had asked. "For one thing our reservations are for tonight in Galway. Secondly I don't want to take any chances with everyone's safety. It doesn't happen that often but if you recall they still have a war going on here and every once in awhile you hear on the news about a bombing. The further we get away from the cities the more comfortable I will feel young lady. Keep yourself busy by checking the map they gave us at the rental service and make sure I am going the right way. The last time I was here they didn't have all of these roads and I certainly didn't travel in this much luxury." Angel told Cordelia as he handed her the map. "I don't suppose you have a container of blood in your bag Cordy?" "It just so happens that I do have exactly that. Are you real hungry or just a little hungry?" Cordy asked as she started to rummage through her bag. "I am real hungry." Cordelia finally pulled out the large thermos for him and poured some into a cup. Angel drank it down in one gulp and Cordy poured him some more until it was all gone. "That's it for that container my dear. I have the small one filled also but that's for tonight."
"For the next several days Angel you won't have to worry about where you are going to get your blood because the cook gave me several jars of her specialty. It's wrapped in dry ice for now." Dr. Martin said. "I'll have to send her a thank you gift. That was awfully nice of her."
Angel said. They traveled on a little longer and just watched the scenery.
After awhile Connor spoke up. "Grandma, why did all of the sisters curtsy or bow to Angel every time they met him or walked by him at the funeral?"
"I asked some of them about that. They said Angel has gone through so much suffering in his life that they compare him to a saint. Many of our saints suffered terribly for their faith. Since he can't die, except for certain ways, he has suffered more than even St. Peter and the rest of the Apostles put together. The way some of them were killed was worse then what he has gone through but once they died their suffering was over where as your father remains in this world and suffers over, and over, and over again. Some have told me that they equate his suffering with what we make Christ go through every time we sin. It is for that suffering that they have a great deal of respect for him." They were all silent for awhile after Dr. Martin was done.
"I never thought of what he goes through like that. It's kind of like what Fr. Barris says hell is like. You never get to rest from your suffering because it happens over and over again so that your suffering is constant." Connor said as he stared at his fathers back.
"When we are close to greatness we usually don't see it. Since we see them all of the time we often don't realize how special a person is. We just take them for granted. That is why St. Michael and God wanted to give him some happiness. They figured that he had earned it. That is why he was given Cordelia and now the child she carries, your little sister."
"But the way Wes and the Sunnydale gang talks they said that they were surprised when Angel fell in love with Cordelia since he was so much in love with Buffy at one time." Connor said.
"Because of Doctor patient confidentiality I can't say why it was impossible for Angel to be with Buffy but I can say why he is with Cordelia. It's because Cordelia loves Angel unconditionally. She has known from the start what he is. She has seen him at his worst and yet she still loves him. Most of all though I think God and St. Michael knew that Angel needed someone that was strong enough to walk beside him and not above him where she would judge him or constantly question whether her love for him was right or not. Emotionally, Cordelia is a very strong person, she isn't actually a leader but a very strong person to have beside you and supporting you. Haven't you ever thought about why it is that when she says some thing has to be done a certain way or handled a certain way and you all just automatically do what she says?" "Well that's because all the things about the hotel and basically home are all kind of under her jurisdiction, she's the boss there. Besides, Wes says that if we don't do what she says she has her own demon that comes out and takes control and he said you don't every want to see that demon because its almost worse then Angelus and that's why even Angelus is afraid of Cordelia."
"What is this demons name?" Dr. Martin asked with as serious an expression as she could.
"Wes said it's name is Queen C. Wes said that he has seen it come out and take control of her many times. He said he has even seen Angel bow before it."
"Have you ever seen this Queen C?" Dr. Martin asked Connor. "No, I've never actually seen it but when you wanted to talk to Angelus Cordelia was able to tease him and make him mad at her." Dr. Martin had been leaning forward with her hands together while talking to Connor. She was trying very hard not to laugh, she leaned back and looked like she was trying to think about how to handle this.
"Connor I've noticed how you have changed from the fiery young man that was angry and argumentative about almost everything. You were defiant about almost everything. I've also noticed that you have made almost a 360 degree turnaround. Now you are eager to get to know your father and don't seem to hate him anymore but instead your love for him is growing and most of all you respect him. You also have decided to go to school and of your own accord you have started taking lessons from Fr. Barris so that you can join the Catholic Church more fully. Most of all you seem to be a much happier person. Am I not correct in all of this?"
"Yes I have changed." Connor answered.
"What do you think about that person that you used to be?" Dr. Martin asked.
Connor thought about it for awhile. He gazed out at the beautiful landscape that became greener as they got close to the ocean. "I think that now that I am able to look back at that person I think he wasn't a very nice person. I think he was very self centered and mad at the world for what had happened to him and he took it out on everyone around him, especially Angel."
Dr. Martin put her hands on Connors and he looked up into her eyes. "Connor you made a tremendous leap forward in growing up. No one talked to you about it you just did this of your own volition. I think that you will be an excellent leader when it comes time to take over from your father. I am very proud of you." Dr. Martin leaned forward and hugged Connor. When she finally let go of him she could see how much it meant to him that she said this. "Let me get back to the original reason for this conversation. What you were back then is a different person. You made such an astonishing leap forward that you can pretty much talk about yourself as though that person was someone else. Connor that is what happened to Cordelia. Something happened to her that made her realize the person she was when she was in high school wasn't a very nice person. While she was in high school her nick name was Queen C. She was proud of that name and she even had it as her licence plate. But as you can see she has become a person that is not only beautiful on the outside but beautiful on the inside as well. But I think when you get home she will probably let Queen C out when she has a few words with Wesley." Angel and Cordelia were laughing at that statement. Connor heard them as well.
"What were you like back then Cordelia that Wesley would call Queen C a demon?" Connor asked as he rested his chin on his hand.
"I was a nasty bitch. I said what I wanted and to whoever I wanted to say it to. I had no concern whatsoever as to whether I was hurting anyone's feelings or not. As far as I was concerned it was the truth and it was my duty to say it. I used to tear down Wesley a lot. I called him all kinds of things from a Man Wanna Be to Miss Priss. I guess what I said to people was pretty funny because when I went to confession to Fr. Barris I actually had him laughing." Everyone was laughing now. "Well anyway if I'm not careful sometimes Queen C comes out. Angel has had to tell me to lay off more than once. I guess you can say that we monitor each other and maybe that was another reason why they matched us up together."
Cordelia reached over and put her hand on Angels arm. Angel looked at her with nothing but pure love for her. "Hey you two, didn't you get enough of that last night. Lets leave the driver alone before we get in an accident." Connor said as he looked at Dr. Martin with a grin.
"Don't tell me you heard us?" Cordelia said. She was starting to blush a little.
"No not this time, but I did hear what you said to Angel as you got up from the floor last night. You forget Cordelia that I inherited my fathers hearing. Anyway, so that I wouldn't have to listen to you two I slept downstairs in front of the fire. I swear you two do it so much that I am going to get a banner that says 'If The House is Rocking Don't Bother Knocking.'" Connor and Dr. Martin had a good laugh at Angel and Cordelia's expense.
"That's okay Angel, they're just jealous."
It was starting to get dark now and they were starting to enter the outskirts of Galway.
"Cordy how do I get to the Galway Inn?" Cordy looked at the instructions on the Galway Inn map. "If you stay on this road we should come up to it pretty soon. It says that it's right on the main road and on the north side of Galway. I am so glad were almost there. I am so tired."
"What time is it here now?" Angel asked no one in particular. "I just saw a sign on a bank that said it's 8 P.M." Connor announced.
"There's the Galway Inn Angel on your left. Wow it's awfully big for an Inn." Cordelia said as she bent forward to see how many floors it had. As far as she could see it had 12 stories. They couldn't see the ocean from the road they were on but they could smell it. Angel pulled into the driveway for the front lobby. He went inside and checked them in, after giving them his credit card and business card for Angel Investigations he returned to the van with a porter in tow.
"Everybody out, this is home for the next 2 nights." Angel helped Dr. Martin out and Connor helped Cordelia. They were all stiff from sitting for so long. Connor made sure they got all of the luggage and Angel handed the keys over to the valet who gave him a ticket in return. They all followed the porter to the elevator. Cordelia noticed that the Porter had pressed the button marked suites. She elbowed Dr. Martin in the side. When she had her attention she pointed at the button the Porter had pressed. She whispered "Suites." Dr. Martin smiled at her in return.
When the elevator stopped the Porter stepped out first and pulled the luggage carrier with him then went to the door directly across from the elevator doors. When he opened the door he stepped back so that they could go in first.
"Oh Angel it's beautiful." Cordelia went to the windows and opened the drapes which hid two french doors that led to the balcony and overlooked the Atlantic Ocean. She could hear the waves beating against the rocks. It reminded her of Hawaii and her honeymoon. She turned and went back in just as the porter started showing them the layout of the rooms and all of the various controls. The suite had 3 rooms with one being the master bedroom. Each bedroom had it's own bathroom and there was a kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator and a small electric stove. The living room had a large 45 inch flat screen and cable television. The master bedroom had a large king size bed in it along with a balcony and it's own 32 inch flat screen TV. Cordelia almost screamed when she saw the deep whirlpool bath that overlooked the city. There was also a very modern glass enclosed shower that gave a full body spray. It was more than big enough for two people. Each bathroom had it's own electrical water heater that heated the water as it flowed through electrical coils so they could take as long a shower as they each wanted. Candles were set up all around the whirlpool and the rest of the bathroom. It all made for a very romantic setting. The porter pointed out to them that all of the windows were specially treated so that they wouldn't fog up. Angel gave him a tip and the porter left with the carrier. "I hope you enjoy your stay sir. The kitchen will be closing in 2 hours if you want to order room service." "Thank you." Angel said as the porter left.
"Lets order something to eat everyone before you unpack." Angel said. Cordelia pulled the menu out and told them what they had available. Meanwhile Dr. Martin was pulling out the jars of blood that she had brought with her for Angel. She was happy to see that they still had dry ice surrounding them and they were nice and cold.
"Your food took the trip real well so if you want any it's in the fridge Angel." "Thanks Mom, lets see what they have first."
After they all studied the menu Angel ordered a small rare steak along with a loaf of bread that came in a circle. Cordelia, Dr. Martin and Connor all ordered a cheeseburger. After Cordelia called in the order they all went to unpack. Angel took his shoes off and turned the TV on in their bedroom. The clerk that checked them in said that their was a special hotel channel that showed all of the local points of interest and the local country side. After awhile he looked to see where Cordelia was. He found her on the balcony listening to the waves so he joined her. He took in a deep breath of Ireland. He could smell the land as if it was alive. It called out to him with memories of his childhood when his mother would take him to the seaside for a picnic on Sundays. He remembered those days as the happiest days of his childhood. On those days his father would stay home which suited little Liam just fine because then he would have his mother all to himself. "Momma I'm home. I've been away for so long." Angel was so deep in thought that he hadn't realized that he had said this out loud.
The knock on the door brought him out of the depths of the well that contained his memories. "Angel, Cordelia the food is here." Connor said then walked away.
"Angel we have to go and have something to eat it's been a long time since we last ate. We've been so excited about being here and listening to Mom explain things to Connor that it took up our thoughts during the drive." Cordelia had stood up and put her arms around him. She laid her head on his back as he leaned over the railing. "Are you going to come or would you like for me to bring the food to our room?" "I'll come out and join everyone." They both stood up then and closed the doors to the balcony and went into the living room to join Dr. Martin and Connor.
"How is it?" Cordelia asked as they came through the door.
"It's very good. But I thought we ordered potato chips cause they gave us these french fries." Connor said as he picked one up and popped it in his mouth.
"That's what they call french fries over here." Angel said. He pulled the chair out for Cordelia and then sat down to his steak. They had cooked the steak just as he requested it. In a small cup they gave the juice. To the side he had a loaf of bread from a local bakery that was the size of a saucer. Angel pulled off a piece of the bread and put some butter on it and then dunked it in the blood that Dr. Martin had warmed up. He put it in his mouth and closed his eyes. "Mmm, mmmmm. That is good." Cordelia laughed at him. They ate in silence for awhile.
Cordelia, of course, was the first to speak up. "So my Irish lover what are we going to do tomorrow?" "On the guide for tourist that I was watching it said that their was an old part of town that is still standing from the 1700's. So that is where we are going. Connor when everyone is done you can push the cart out to the hallway. Goodnight everyone I am going to bed. It's been a long two days and I am dead tired." "I'll be in, in a few minutes Angel." "Okay." Angel answered then he stood up and took his glass of blood and went to the bedroom.
Cordelia warmed up a cup of water for her tea. Dr. Martin went over to her. "How has he been Cordelia? Has he been taking those pills I had made for him?" "I haven't seen him take any." Cordelia said as she took her cup of hot water out of the microwave.
"I want you to give him 2 of them and tell him that I said he was to take them tonight." "Okay, I'll make sure he takes them from now on. Goodnight Mom." Cordelia gave her a kiss on the cheek then said goodnight to Connor and went to the bedroom. She found Angel sitting on the balcony. She added her herbs to the hot water then went to the suitcases and pulled out the special pills that Dr. Martin had made for him. Then she grabbed a blanket and went to join him.
"Here Angel, Dr. Martin wants you to take these now. He took them without question and put them in his mouth and drank some blood to wash them down. Cordelia sat in the chair next to him and wrapped the blanket around herself . They sat in silence for a long time as she sipped at her tea. After an hour had passed she found that she had fallen asleep for a short time. Angel was still there in the same position and still looking out into space.
Cordelia knew that Angel was feeling very sad and his mind was occupied by thoughts of the life that he left behind here. She went over to him and pushed her way onto his lap. She kissed his lips very tenderly then she traced her finger over his lips and around his face and forehead. She traced kisses down his neck and to his ear where she lightly bit his ear lobe and breathed softly into his ear. Finally he responded to her. Angel put his hand under the blanket and skillfully opened her blouse and undid her bra with one hand as he held her with the other. When he placed his hand on her naked breast she gasped as an electrical current went from his hand and into her breast. At least that is what it felt like. Her nipples were firm because of the cold outside but he took it into his mouth and suckled. By the time he pulled his mouth away and kissed her lips so skillfully her nipples were warm and soft to the touch. He pushed her lips further apart so that his tongue could search out hers. When he found it his tongue wrapped itself around hers. He withdrew his tongue from her mouth and continued to lick her neck in between kisses. He picked her up with the blanket and took her inside. He couldn't wait so he put her down on the floor and took the rest of her clothes off while she practically tore his off. When they were done disrobing each other he returned to kissing her body all over. He put his hand between her legs and reached inside of her with his fingers to see if she was ready for him. As one hand was busy the other hand and his mouth were paying attention to her breasts. When he put his fingers up inside of her she arched her back as that electrical current went through her again. Cordelia reached down between his legs and found him ready also. She positioned herself until his hips were between her legs. She grabbed him and guided him into her warm opening and he gladly responded by carefully pushing as far in as he dared. She raised her hips and threw her legs around him. Angel took her right there on the floor. At first he did it slowly then faster until he felt her climax and then he took what he wanted. They laid on the floor for awhile and after a short rest Cordelia pushed herself away from him. Then she started kissing him again doing everything to him that he had done to her except this time as she felt him starting to get hard again she took him into her mouth. As she started to lick him all over and take as much of him into her mouth as she could one of her hands assisted her mouth and her other hand played with his boys. With each stroke she could feel him getting harder so she increased the speed of her up and down movements and within minutes he climaxed so hard that he let out a loud moan. She slowly wiggled her way up his body and let her breasts slide up against his legs until she could take him between her breasts as she pressed them together. Within minutes he was getting hard again and achieved an erection again within minutes of the last one. Cordelia was getting more and more skillful at making love to Angel. He reached down and pulled her up where he could reach her lips. He couldn't stand it anymore. She was not only getting skillful at making love she was also getting skillful at driving him crazy with desire for her. He pushed her legs apart again with his and entered her once again. Once again he suckled at her other breast but this time he did it longer and harder until he got the response from her that he was searching for. Angel put his hands between her legs and played with her center until he felt her squeezing her legs around him then he brought them both to a climax. Angel laid down beside her without withdrawing from her and pulled the blanket over them then grabbed the quilt from the bed and pulled that down around them also. They both went to sleep then. They were both tired and content. Angel smiled as he heard Cordelia purr in her sleep.
Three hours later Cordelia woke up shivering. The warmth of their love making had warn off and now she was cold. She got up and closed the windows and put the blanket and covers back onto the bed. "Angel get up baby. Lets get into the bed it's to cold for me on the floor now." He woke up long enough to crawl to the bed and under the covers. Cordelia covered him up along with herself. Then cuddled up to him and went back to sleep.
They didn't wake up again until it was 10 A.M. the next morning. Cordelia crawled out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. When she was done cleaning herself inside she started to run the water in the whirlpool. She found some bubble bath and poured it in. After she got in she called for Angel.
"Aaaannnnggggeeellll, oh wake up Angel." She lay soaking in the whirlpool but hadn't turned the jets on yet. She didn't hear anything in the bedroom so she called out again. This time she heard him get out of bed with a loud thud. In another few minutes Angel came crawling in on his hands and knees and laid down again on the soft carpet. "What do you want Cordy." "I want you to get into the whirlpool with me before I turn the jets on." "Oh, okay." Angel stayed on the floor and before she knew it he was snoring softly again. Cordy thought she would try one of Dr. Martins tricks. "Liam me we boy. Your Da is calling for you to come and help with the milking." Cordelia did her best Irish accent and hoped that, that would finally get him to stay awake this time. "I'm coming momma I'm coming." Angel got up and looked around with one eye shut. He wasn't used to seeing the day light coming into the room when he woke up. He jumped up to get out of the sun light. He was still half asleep because he forgot that he had Hunter's ring on. He rubbed his eyes and got on his knees again. "Do you think your being funny missy?" He said to Cordy. "As a matter of fact yes. It got you up didn't it? Get in here with me so you can wash my back and we can take some time to soak a bit. The whirlpool is keeping the water warm so that not even your cold buns can cool it off."
Angel got in the whirlpool also. Cordy had her side to sit on and he had his. She turned the jets on and they just let the jets massage their bodies. They were a little sore from all of last nights activities.
"Last night was A number One Okay Cordy. You are getting good girl. If Fred is even half as good as you Wesley should have her pregnant by the time we get home. He sat up and picked up a washcloth and the liquid soap and started washing her all over. Then he gave the washcloth and liquid soap to her so that she could do the same for him. When she was done they laid back again and just soaked for awhile longer until they heard Connor knocking on the door. "Are you two going to stay in the whirlpool forever and a day? Grandma and I have already had our breakfast and I am cooking up some scrambled eggs and toast for you two right now so get out of the tub and get in here. Were burning daylight here guys." Angel finally heard Connor leave the door.
"I guess we better get up before we both turn into prunes." Cordelia said as she got out of the tub. Angel got out of the tub reluctantly and slowly. Cordelia saw how slow he was moving. She turned to help him. "Angel what's wrong?" "I'm not sure but I feel so tired." Cordelia helped him to dry off then stood by him as he made it to the bed. She helped him to get dressed then helped him walk out into the living room where he sat on the couch.
Dr. Martin and Connor were sitting at the table but got up and followed them to the couch. "What's wrong Angel?" Dr. Martin asked. "I'm real tired. I think I'm not getting enough blood to drink. Remember when it was taking me so long to heal after I was crucified. That's what I feel like again. Cordy I need for you to check out the phone book for a butcher around here. When you get the phone number I'll make the call to see if they sell animal blood." Cordelia started looking thru the local phone book that was at the desk.
"The pills Cordy gave you last night didn't help?" "They helped for what she did to me last night but now I am to tired to even reminisce about it. Angelus seems to be putting his foot down on this. He either wants or has to have pure blood. Since I have always consumed pure blood I don't know exactly what it is." "Why don't you take some right now so that we can see if it is going to have any affect on you at all." Dr. Martin went to their room and grabbed the bottle of pills. She gave him several pills and some bottled water that was in the refrigerator.
Cordelia came over to the couch with the phone. "There is a butcher close to the hotel according to the map. Here is the phone number." Angel took the phone and number from her. He sat up and made the phone call. They waited while he spoke in Gaelic to the butcher. After 10 minutes he turned the phone off. "You can go and get it right now. He said he is getting ready to slaughter some sheep right now and he will save the blood for me. I told him it had to be kept as clean as possible since I was going to make something that my mother used to make for me when I was little. I said I needed a couple of gallons just in case I screwed up the recipe. So that's your story. You can tell him that were Americans but that your husband was born here and we came to see my birthplace. Don't ask the clerk how to get there. He'll have too many questions. Connor go with Cordy. I am entrusting you with her safety Connor because I don't think I could do anything right now. Don't think that you'll be safe here just because were in Ireland. Remember that this is where your mother found me. Cordy leave your purse here and just take what you need. I picked up these little cards that they have for the monetary exchange rate." Angel gave one to everyone. "Get going now before I turn to dust from hunger."
Cordelia held out her hand for the ticket to give the valet. "It's in the inside pocket of my jacket." Cordy went to their bedroom and got the ticket. "Did you ask how much it would be?" "No, but it shouldn't be more than $10." Cordy took her wallet with her drivers license and some money then they headed out the door. Angel laid back down again and Dr. Martin went to their bedroom and pulled one of the blankets from the bed. Within that short time Angel had fallen back to asleep. Dr. Martin put the blanket over him, then closed the drapes and turned the kitchen light off. She went back to her room, grabbed a blanket and went out to the balcony where she sat down to pray her rosary and The Litany of Offices that most religious were obliged to pray at least some portion or all of it every day. She had a hard time concentrating on her prayers since she had such a beautiful view of the town and the ocean. The town was busy now so it was to noisy to hear the sounds of the waves. Finally after several attempts to start her prayers she closed her eyes so she could shut out the world and concentrate on her prayers.
An hour later Cordelia and Connor came through the door. Connor was carrying the 2 jugs of blood. Cordelia went over to the couch and gently shook Angel. "Angel, wake up honey. We have some blood for you." Angel opened his eyes and sat up. Dr. Martin heard them come in so she joined them. As soon as Connor unscrewed the cap Angel could smell it. Before anyone knew what was going on Angel had gone to the kitchen and took the whole jug out of Connors hands and began drinking it right from the jug. He didn't stop until he drank half of it. Connor tried to wipe the blood up that was spilling to the side of his face but he pushed him away. He finally put the jug down and took a breath. He wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. He looked around and noticed everyone looking at him. "What's wrong? You've seen me drink blood before." "Yes dear but you usually don't change your features when you do." Angel reached up and felt his face. "Sorry, I couldn't control that. I was too hungry for it. I bet I scared the socks off of Mother Superior when I changed after you gave me the Hershey's chocolate bar Mom. You were craving that chocolate so bad Cordy that when I picked up on it I guess it was as bad as when I am hungry for blood like now and I let Angelus come through for a second."
"How are you feeling now?" Cordy asked. "All better now Momma." Angel answered with a grin as he drank some more blood. "Okay Daddy as soon as you change your shirt and clean up we can start acting like tourists." Cordy said as she went into the kitchen and had a slice of toast with an egg on it. By the time she was done with her tea Angel was ready. "Lets go everyone I am ready to see my old home town."
Cordy went inside and got his coat and hers also. "Here is your coat, you don't want to look out of place do you?" Angel took the coat and put it on. Then they all filed out of the door and to the elevator. When they arrived downstairs Angel went to the lobby counter and told the clerk that they didn't need anything in the suite and he didn't want anyone going in his rooms while they were gone. He joined the others. Cordy had already given the valet the ticket for the van. She had told them that they would probably be going out again within a short time so they had parked the van close to the entrance. As the valet pulled up in front of them Angel gave him a tip and helped Dr. Martin in while Connor helped Cordelia.
When Angel pulled out into traffic he headed towards the middle of town then took a side road. As they were going along the streets started to become more narrow until their was just enough room for just 1 vehicle. At that point Angel found a parking lot and pulled in. They didn't allow vehicles beyond this point anyway since the roads were to narrow for 2 vehicles to pass each other and the old brick roads couldn't take the weight of the modern day vehicles.
They all got out and followed Angel who seemed to know exactly where he was going. "You seem to be looking for something Angel. What is it?" "I am looking to see if the pub I used to go to all of the time is still there. If it is then I will be able to show you the alleyway where Darla turned me."
They continued to follow him. He started walking faster then stopped as he got to a small intersection. He stared at the pub then looked at the alley across from it which led through an archway. He walked more slowly now. He came to the entrance of the alley and stopped and just stared at the brick covered road.
"This is it Connor. This is where your mother enticed me to join her. I thought she meant that she wanted me to join her in her bed but she meant for me to join her in her world of Vampires and demons. Because of what she did to me that night I was introduced to Angelus and I have been suffering for it for over 250 years." "You sound like you hate her for it." Connor said.
"I did for a long time but I don't anymore. It is no more her fault that she was turned into a Vampire than it was mine. Dr. Martin helped me to see and understand that. When I made my confession to Fr. Barris he told me that none of the things that Angelus did when he was in control of my body was my fault. As part of my penance he ordered me to stop blaming myself for everything that Angelus did and that I was only responsible for what happened while I had my soul. As I worked on clearing my conscience of all of those years of hatred for myself I also stopped blaming your mother." Angel put his arm around Connors shoulder and they turned back to Cordelia and Dr. Martin who were waiting patiently. Angel took them over to the pub that he had spent so many hours of happiness in. He opened the door. Cordelia looked at him as they all went in. He looked like his face was going to split, his grin was so wide.
A hostess came up to them and told them to sit wherever they wanted to. Angel guided them over to a bench type table that looked as though it was as old as the building. As they sat down he started looking all over the table.
"I think this is the table I always sat at. Look for my name, not Angel but Liam Martin." After a few minutes Dr. Martin called out, "I found it." She pulled one of the lamps closer to the name that was carved in the wood of the table. They all stood up to take a look at it. Angel ran his fingers over the letters that he had carved in the wood over 2 centuries ago. The waitress came over then and they sat down again. Angel ordered some ale for everyone and said they would order the food when she came back. They checked the menu out and decided to let Angel order for them. They had some unusual names for the food and they felt safer letting him order. "I am going to show Connor my favorite place in here." The ladies said okay and the men left. As soon as they were gone Cordelia looked at Dr. Martin and said "What do you want to bet that he is showing Connor where he made marks on a post where he kept count of his conquests in bed."
"No he wouldn't have that in here would he?" Dr. Martin said as she watched them turn the corner. "Mom, I overheard him telling Gunn and Wesley one night that, that was how he kept track of how many women he had sex with." They both looked at each other and got up at the same time and followed Angel and Connor. They saw them standing at the foot of what used to be a stairway and a large post that the stairway was attached to and also helped to hold up the ceiling. Angel went up a couple of steps and told Connor to come up and reach up and put his hand on a certain place then bring his fingers down to the bottom. Connor seemed to be counting something because he went at it slowly. They saw the look on Connors face when he got done. The women hid in the ladies bathroom as they came back. When they went past they came out and went to the post and found that there were notches in the post. Cordelia counted them. When she was done she looked at Dr. Martin "There are 73 marks going sideways and 3 that are together and are standing up. He must of had 3 women at one time then." They looked over at Angel with their mouths open. "No wonder he is so skillful at making love. He has had an awful lot of practice." They stopped in the ladies room and cleaned up then went back to the table.
"And where have you ladies been? Keeping out of trouble I hope?" Angel said. The waitress brought their food for them. Angel had ordered a beef stew and a round loaf of bread. The waitress gave them four bowls and a small bowl of butter for the bread.
Dr. Martin looked at it. "This is just like my grandmother used to make." She took a slice of the bread with the butter on it then dipped it in the stew. "Oh my goodness this is so good. Try it Cordelia it's so good." Cordelia ate some of the stew. "This is good." Angel had dished up mostly the gravy so that he could soak it up with his bread. He was still pretty full from the blood he had drunk. He was looking around a lot and memories of his misspent youth kept crowding his thoughts. Mostly he thought of the fun he had fighting in those days.
"Mom, do psychiatrist have any explanation why men have so much fun fighting?" Angel asked as he dipped the last piece of bread in his bowl.
"A group of men were asked that very question while they were in jail. A psychiatric student was able to obtain permission from a local sheriff in a small town, to question his prisoners that had been in a bar room brawl in Texas. It turned out that these very same men had this bar room brawl at least once each month. When asked the question why do you fight like this all of the time when you know that you are going to end up in jail for a couple of days. All of these men answered with the same thing. They said 'It's fun.' But I have my own thoughts on that. I think that men do it because it's how they let off steam. Have you ever come across Cordelia crying her eyes out and when you ask what's wrong she just says nothing and continues crying?"
"Yes and it drives me crazy. I keep on thinking that I've done something to make her cry. But she always just says nothings wrong I just needed to cry."
"Well women cry and men fight. Humans just seem to have something that builds up inside of us and we need to let it out. So women cry and men fight. It's like a pressure valve that lets the steam escape when the pressures inside get to high."
"Well my pressure valve seems to be stuck. I need to work out in a gym for a couple of hours. I won't be able to fight if I don't get some exercise. Either that or my buddy here and I can go out tonight and have some fun. Are you up for your first bar room brawl Connor?" Angel asked.
"Do we have to drop off the women or do we just drag them by the hair out to the van and tie them up to the bumper?" Angel swung his leg over the bench and just looked at Connor.
"Why Connor Martin. I would never do anything like that. Besides Cordy would hurt me." They had a good laugh then got up. Angel left the tip and paid at the register as they left. They had a nice slow walk back to the van. Cordy was window shopping as they went. Angel was thinking of all of the times that he had walked thru these very streets as a young man. Thoughts of killing people tried to infringe on his thoughts but he pushed them away by reaching for Cordy's hand. The thoughts stayed with him though and they became stronger as he continued through the old part of town.
"Let's get back to the Hotel." Angel was walking fast and towing Cordelia along behind him. When they had to walk on the street Cordelia tripped on one of the old bricks that was partially sticking up from the rest. When she went down hard on one of her knees, she cried out for Angel to stop. Angel turned and picked her up and carried her the rest of the way. Dr. Martin had to run to keep up with Angel and Connor. Angel continued running away from the old part of town and didn't stop until he got to the van. He pressed the button on the key ring so that the side door would open. Angel placed Cordelia on the seat and laid his head on her lap. He was breathing hard and sweating. Cordelia put her hand on him and ran it over his head to try and calm him down.
"What's wrong Angel?" Cordelia asked. After he was able to get himself under control he looked up at her and turned and looked for Dr. Martin. Connor was standing next to the van on the other side of him. Angel took Dr. Martins hand in his. "Angelus was hitting me with everything. He brought Kathleen's face, my fathers and step mothers face in front of me. Everyone that I killed in these alleys before I left with Darla was also flung into my face. Angel let go of Cordelia and Dr. Martin and went over to the front of the van. He started throwing up until his stomach was empty. Fortunately he had already digested most of the blood he had drunk. Dr. Martin waited for him to finish then went to him. There was a faucet and hose near by so she wet her handkerchief and gave it to him to wipe his face. When he felt a little better Angel went to the faucet and rinsed his mouth out, then washed down the front of the van since he had thrown up on it also. When he was done he went back to Cordelia. Dr. Martin was checking her knee. Her pants had torn over her knee but otherwise it was just scratched.
"Cordelia I think I know now what you felt like when Volka gave you all of those visions at once. I don't think I'll want to go down there again. I'm sorry I dragged you along with me so fast. All I could think of was to get away from there." Angel sat on the step of the van and leaned his head back against Cordelia. Dr. Martin gave Cordelia the handkerchief so she could put it on Angels face. After a few minutes rest Angel stood up and closed the door. He went to the other side and helped Dr. Martin get in. Angel and Connor got in and they took off for the Hotel.
Angel pulled up to the entrance of the Hotel. Before he got out he turned to everyone. "If you all want to go out and do some sightseeing here are the keys." "No I think I've had enough for today." Cordelia said and Dr. Martin echoed her response also. "Are we still going to go out tonight?" Connor asked.
"I don't think so Connor. I think I'll just check to see if they have a gym here. I need my family around me right now. When all of you are with me, I, I draw strength from all of you and it's only then that I can endure what Angelus throws at me. Do you understand what I am trying to say." "Sure Dad I understand. If they have a gym though you had better take a nap old man cause I am going to beat you at everything tonight." "In your dreams." Angel said. Connor and Angel got out of the van and Cordelia and Dr. Martin just looked at each other and said at the same time "Men." They laughed and got out so the Valet could park the van.
Angel stopped at the counter to enquire about a gym. The rest waited for him by the elevator.
They saw the clerk give Angel a key. As he returned to them he said "Lets go take a look at the gym before we go up. He said we could use it at any time." He held up the key as proof.
The gym was right around the corner from the elevator. Their was no one in it at the time so they took a little tour. They had everything that a gym would have except it was just one machine of each kind. The hotels recreational pool continued into the gym so that you could go into the pool after a work out and then go under the glass wall and be in the outside pool. The whole pool was heated to a constant 75 degrees during the winter and summer. A large exercise pad was in the middle of the room also.
"Wow, it has everything we need." Connor said excitedly. "Why don't you come down with us Cordelia. I haven't worked out with you in a long time." Angel asked. "I don't know Angel, I have to be careful now." Cordelia said. "It's alright Cordelia. Keeping yourself in good shape physically will help you to have an easier delivery. I'll come down with you and if you do something that you shouldn't I'll let you know." Dr. Martin said. "Now you don't have any excuse." Angel said as they left to go up to the room.
"I am taking a nap girls so I can be rested for tonight." Angel said as they entered their suite.
"Hey, what do you mean 'girls'. There is one other man in here you know." "Oh I forgot. Well tonight I'll give you a chance to prove it. Of course now the reason I want to go at night is so that I can use my full strength. So get all of the rest you can my boy, because tonight you are going to get a workout." Angel went into his room and closed the door. Cordelia listened at the door. She looked back at Connor and said "He's laughing his head off. He's got something up his sleeve Connor I wouldn't worry."
Connor tried acting real macho by saying 'I'm not afraid.' Connor went in his room to rest anyway.
"Connor has never won against Angel yet." Cordelia told Dr. Martin. She made herself a hot cup of water so she could make her tea. She had forgotten to have some after they ate and she was hoping it wasn't too late. She made some regular tea for Dr. Martin and they went outside on the balcony to watch the view and drink their tea. "How often have they had physical fights and why?" Dr. Martin asked.
"Well I can't say how many because I've lost count but it's been a lot and usually it was because of Connors hot temper. As you know he never used to try to find out the whole truth behind something, his temper would just flare. That's when Angel and Connor would start fighting. Connor never wins the fights and he never learns that he can't win over Angel. You see Connor inherited Angel and Darla's strength, speed, sense of smell and hearing, but he doesn't seem to have inherited the ability for the psychic link or the full strength and speed. Angel has been working out with him once in awhile and without Connor knowing it he's been keeping track of Connor to see if he is getting stronger as time goes by. Tonight I think Connor is going to get tested again. That is why he said he is going to use his full strength tonight. Well I think I'll go and take a nap also since he is going to make me work out also. I'll see you later." Cordelia picked her cup up and took it into the kitchen, washed it out and put it away. Then she joined Angel for a nap. Dr. Martin thought to herself 'Well since everyone else is taking a nap I might as well also.' She cleaned her cup then went to her bed and settled down for a nap. "This is nice, yup I could definitely learn to get used to this sleeping in the afternoon." Before she could finish the thought she was asleep.
Angel was having a dream of being pulled behind a truck as horses were being forced to try to stomp on him. As his body turned upwards he tried to get a look as to who was riding the horses. When he was able to focus in on them he saw that it was Holtz and his men. Angel woke up yelling Holtz's name.
"Bad dream?" Cordelia asked as she reached up for him. "You haven't had those in a long time. Maybe coming here was a bad idea." "No I wanted to see Ireland again and I wanted you and Connor to see the land where I was born over 250 years ago." Angel said as he laid back down. Cordelia looked at the clock. "It's 6 o'clock, when did you want to go downstairs?" "Lets go now, did you bring your bathing suit?" "Yes, I brought your swimming trunks also." "Good let's go swimming afterward." They both got up then and gathered there things. When they went into the living room they found Connor sitting on the couch watching the Hotel channel that showed the different sights around Galway. "Get your swimming trunks Connor were going swimming afterwards." "Aren't you afraid you'll be to tired afterwards?" Connor said as he went to get his swimming trunks. "I'll answer that when we get downstairs." Angel said. Cordelia had knocked on Dr. Martins door. "Lets go Mom and get your bathing suit so we can go swimming." Dr. Martin came out in a few minutes. Everyone stared at her when she came out. "What's everyone looking at. Are you shocked that I actually have legs?" She had come out wearing shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt.
Connor was the first to speak. "You are one hot foxy looking lady." Angel reached over and lightly hit him upside his head. "That's no way to talk to your grandma." Why? Don't tell me you didn't think the same thing. I saw you looking at her." Connor said in reply with a grin. "Well all I can say is that I hope I look half as good when I get to your age." Cordelia remarked.
Angel got control of himself and said "Lets go."
When they arrived at the gym their was one person left and he was getting ready to leave. They had the whole gym to themselves. They threw their stuff to the side and started their warm up exercises. Dr. Martin watched from the side after giving Cordelia instructions as to what she was to be careful about. After 30 minutes Angel started with a workout on the weights. The hotel, for insurance reasons, only had the bar bells going up to 250 pounds. So Angel did 50 of those. When he got up Connor started on them. When they were all done going through the machines Angel called Dr. Martin and Connor over to the center mat. "Common you two I am going to teach you Tai-Chi." "Isn't that the Japanese exercise that goes in slow motion?" Dr. Martin asked. "Yes but it is also very useful for keeping the muscles toned. Once you learn to do it correctly it also helps to calm your inner being. Cordy is almost as good at it as I am. Connor this will help you to learn to control every movement that you make. It helps me to control my temper when I am fighting so that I don't let my emotions control what I am doing. Like you said I gave you your Irish temper so this is how I have learned to control it. I am going to stand at the front so that you can watch me. Get in position like Cordy. Here we go." Angel led them through a 30 minute exercise. When he was done Cordy and Dr. Martin sat on the floor to rest their muscles.
"Okay ladies if you would move to the area by the wall I would appreciate it. Connor and I are going to have some fun." Cordelia and Dr. Martin reluctantly got up and sat on some chairs that were by the wall and near the pool.
Connor knew what they were going to do so he took his t-shirt off and Angel did the same. Angel noticed how Connor had started to develop some muscle. He wasn't anywhere near as big as Angel but he had time on his side.
"Come at me Connor, lets see if your able to take your old man yet." Connor took a running leap at Angel and tried to hit him in the chest but he missed and landed on his behind instead. He quickly twisted his legs around though and forced Angels legs out from under him. He went down hard but he was on his feet within a second. This time Angel tried to move on Connor. His foot got Connor in the head and he fell backwards.
On the sideline Dr. Martin started to go to him, but Cordelia caught her arm. "He's alright Mom, remember that they heal quickly. He'll be alright. If I thought he was getting hurt I would stop them. I know it's going to look bad, like they're killing each other but it's just a work out for them. They get hurt much worse when they are fighting demons and Vampires." Dr. Martin sat back down and kept her eyes closed most of the time. Connor repeatedly tried to get the better of Angel and repeatedly Angel got the better of Connor. After 30 minutes Angel finally called a halt to it. They were both breathing heavily and just sat on the mat. After a few minutes rest Angel got up and offered his hand to his son. He noticed the look on Connors face. Finally Connor got up on his own.
"Either your getting better or I'm slowing down because of Cordy." "What makes you think I'm getting better? You still won." Connor practically spit it out. Cordelia and Dr. Martin noticed this.
"Didn't you notice how I was starting to breath faster half way through the match?" "Yeah that's right you did didn't you. I've never been able to get you to do that before." Connor had a brighter outlook right away. Then it dawned on him as to the other thing Angel had said. "What do you mean it's probably Cordelia's fault?" Angel leaned into Connor and said "Sex. It will drain a man every time. Don't you know that a boxer is always told by his coach that he has to lay off of the sex when they are training for a fight?" Cordelia yelled from the side line. "Don't you believe him Connor. We didn't have any sex last night, he just doesn't want to admit your getting better." Connor was practically ecstatic when Cordelia said that.
Cordelia got up and took her work out clothes off and the rest did the same. Dr. Martin let her hair down and it went all the way down to and below her posterior. She looked like she would have to lift it up so that she could sit down. She asked Cordelia to help her put a rubber band on it so that it wouldn't go into her face. She wore a modest black one piece swim suit and as soon as Cordelia was done fixing her hair she jumped into the pool and did a couple of laps around the pool. The rest jumped in and did a few laps around the pool also. Of course Connor tried competing with Angel again and once again lost. Dr. Martin started showing Cordelia and Angel some exercises that Cordelia could do in the pool that would be easier on her body once she started getting to big to do the exercise that they had just done. Connor was keeping himself busy by swimming circles around them. Angel finally reached out and pulled him up by the hair. "Are you hungry?" "I am starving." Connor said. "Good why don't you run upstairs and get the ticket for the van and go and get the ladies something to eat. It's after 10 P.M. and the kitchen is closed here. Do you think you can navigate the streets okay?" "I think so." Connor said. "Okay what do you want ladies?" Pizza, cheeseburgers and chips, or Chinese food, or steaks or shall we see if they will let us go into the kitchen and make some sandwiches?" Everybody said the same thing. "Chinese food."
"Lets go up stairs then so you can look at the menu." Angel said as he started for the steps. "Why don't you just get the usual Connor. You know, pork fried rice, noodles you know the kind of stuff that we usually get at home. By the way what is a Chinese food restaurant doing in Ireland?" Cordelia asked. "I don't think there is a country in the world that doesn't have them, except for communist countries like Russia or Cuba." Dr. Martin answered. Connor was out of the pool and running for the elevator while they where still talking. He was just starting to learn to drive and he was happy to get a chance to drive tonight and especially in a foreign land. When he came back down stairs he asked the clerk at the counter where the nearest Chinese food restaurant was. "There is one right next store sir." The clerk said and Connors face immediately fell. He thought of using the van anyway but he thought the valet would probably think he was a crazy American. He went back into the gym to give Angel the key to the room.
"Where is he? He said I could drive the van because he knew that the only take out places where right around the Hotel." Cordelia pointed down. He knew you were coming back in so he went down where you couldn't yell at him. Connor dropped the key and money, threw his shoes off and jumped in. He went after Angel of course and Angel swam away from him and just out of Connors reach. He tried getting out of the pool but he was laughing so hard he couldn't quiet make it. Connor grabbed him from behind and pulled him back in. Cordelia and Dr. Martin couldn't see what was going on so they dunked their heads down under water. When they saw Angel getting the better of Connor they ganged up on Angel and held him back while Connor grabbed his foot and started tickling it. Even though Angel had both Dr. Martin and Cordelia hanging onto each arm he was able to walk over to the side of the pool and deposit the ladies on the steps. Then he turned around and looked for Connor, but he was gone. He had brought some dry clothes down with him and ran to the changing rooms and removed his wet clothes and got into his dry clothes. He quickly threw his wet clothes at Angel who was waiting to pounce on him as soon as he came out. While Connor went to get the food Angel, Cordelia and Dr. Martin got out of the pool and went up stairs. They took showers and changed into some comfortable clothes. When Angel came out he looked at his watch. "It's been about 45 minutes since he's been gone. Shouldn't he be back by now?" "Yeah it is taking him an awfully long time. Especially since it's right next door." Cordelia said. She was starting to get worried also. Just as Angel was about to go out of the door Connor knocked at the door. Angel it "Where have you been? I was getting worried." Connor gave Cordelia the bag of food and walked to the kitchen table. Angel came over to him. He looked closely at Connor. He could smell blood on him. Angel kneeled down by Connor and pushed his hand away that he had been holding over his side. He saw the stab wound. Connor looked at Angel and collapsed in his arms.
"Mom, Connors hurt." Angel picked Connor up and put him on the table. Cordelia turned the light on as high as it would go. Dr. Martin went to her bedroom to get her medical bag. She yelled at Angel "Take his shirt off Angel." Cordelia got some towels from the kitchen along with a pitcher of water to clean the wound out. Dr. Martin placed one of the towels under Connor then ran the water over the wound. "He'll be okay Angel it's a simple wound. It just looks like he has lost a lot of blood. He heals as fast as you do doesn't he?" "Yes." Angel answered as he walked back and forth. Connor started to wake up. Angel went to his side.
"Connor what happened?" His father asked. "Two humans jumped me as I was crossing the alley between the restaurant and the hotel. As one stepped out in front of me the other stuck his knife against my back. It wasn't really his fault that the knife went thru me. I stepped backwards and his knife went thru my side as I pressed him up against the wall. I guess they got scared because they took off like two bats out of hell."
"Connor do you feel strong enough to get up now? The bleeding has stopped and your almost completely healed." Dr. Martin said. Angel helped Connor to sit up and then he got off of the table. "How do you feel? Do you feel light headed at all?" "No Grandma I feel much better. I am real hungry though. I'm going to put on another t-shirt then I'll be right back and ready to eat." Connor left to go into his room and clean up, then he put a clean t-shirt on.
"Like father like son." Cordelia said as she cleaned the table off and set the food on the table along with plates and silverware.
Dr. Martin put her things away and went to wash her hands then joined everyone else in the kitchen. Connor was already sitting down to eat. Angel was just having blood that he warmed up in the microwave. He turned the television on and sat on the couch while he drank his blood. Thirty minutes later Dr. Martin and Cordelia were cleaning up and putting what food was left in the refrigerator. "I'm going to go and take a shower now and get this chlorine out of my hair. Who wants to help me brush it while it dries?" Dr. Martin asked as she pulled the rubber band out of her hair. "I'll do it Mom." Cordelia answered. "Okay I'll be back in about 30 minutes." Dr. Martin went in to take a shower and wash her hair. As promised she was back in 30 minutes. Unfortunately everyone was asleep. Cordelia had laid down on the floor and Angel had gotten off of the couch to lay down with her. Connor was on the floor also and was curled up like a baby. Dr. Martin went into Angel and Cordelia's room and pulled the quilt off of the bed and covered them with it. She went to get Connors and covered him with his quilt. She looked at them and shook her head. "And here I thought I was going to be the one to fall asleep first." She went into her bed and finished brushing her hair until it was dry then she went to bed and was asleep within seconds.
Cordelia was the first to wake up. She looked at the clock. It was 2 A.M. in the morning. She shook Angel. "Angel wake up and lets go to bed. We'll both be even more sore if we stay on the floor." Angel reluctantly got up and crawled on his hands and knees to their bed. He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled his shoes off, next came his shirt and t-shirt. He got as far as unzipping his pants but then fell back on the bed and went to sleep. Cordelia watched him crawl to the bed and start to get undressed. She went back to the living room and turned the TV and lights off and then went back in the room. She got herself undressed and then pulled Angels clothes off the rest of the way. She threw the quilt back on the bed and over Angel then crawled into bed and went back to sleep.
The next morning Cordelia woke up to the sound of water running in the hot tub. Angel came out in his birthday suit. Do you need to use the bathroom before I get into the whirlpool?" "Yea."
Cordelia got up and put her bathrobe on since it was cold in the room. She went into the bathroom and closed the door. The whirlpool would take a while to fill up so she wasn't worried about it. Angel heard the toilet flush. He got up and knocked on the door. "Can I come in yet?" "No, stay out." "What's the matter Cordy?" "Nothing, just stay out." Angel was getting worried. He waited for a few minutes than tried again. "Can I come in now?" "Yes." Cordelia answered softly. Angel opened the door slowly. He saw her in the whirlpool so he came in and slipped into the tub. He looked at her. She turned away from him, she didn't want him to see the tears that were still flowing.
"What's wrong Cordy?" She still didn't say anything. Angel moved over to her side and pulled her into his arms then settled back down again. Cordelia hid her face against his chest and started to cry her eyes out. After about 10 minutes she finally stopped. Her deep sobs slowed down until she was just whimpering. Then that stopped and she turned around and sank her whole body below the water. She came back up and wiped the water from her hair and eyes with her hands. She turned around to Angel again and gave him a kiss and leaned against his chest again. "What was that for?" "It was a thank you kiss for not asking me a bunch of questions and trying to get me to stop crying. My big sobbing crying jig was one of my therapeutic cries. Either that or else it's a pregnancy cry. It's weird how I feel so much better when I cry like that. Give me a massage Angel, my muscles are all sore from last nights workout. You were right it had been too long since we had last exercised. We are going to have to make sure we do that at least twice each week until I can't do it anymore. Mom said if I keep my muscles in shape it will be a lot easier on me when I go into labor. Angel had been massaging her shoulders and neck. When she mentioned her labor he stopped.
"Are you afraid Cordy?" "Of what?" "Of the pain you will have to go through to bring our daughter into the world." "Yes, I am afraid. But when ever I start thinking about it and start getting scared I think of the happiness that we will experience afterward. I think of the look of pure joy and happiness that you will have on your face when our daughter is put into your arms. I think of the joy and contentment that I will feel when I first put Kathleen to my breast for her first meal."
They sat in the tub for a while longer then started to clean themselves. By 9 o'clock they were dressed and packing their clothes. Check out time was at 11. Angel went to Dr. Martins door and knocked on it. "I'm up and I'll be out in a few minutes." "Okay, well check out and then have breakfast before we leave the hotel okay?" "Yeah, that sounds good to me." Angel knocked on Connors door next. "I'll be ready in a second." "Good, how are you feeling?" "Never better."
Angel went to the kitchen and warmed up the blood that was left in the jugs and then filled the two thermos bottles that Cordelia carried. There was just a little left so he drank it. He rinsed the jugs out so that he could take them with him. He wanted to have something to put the animal blood in if he needed to go shopping on some ones farm. He put the jugs by their bags.
Angel stood in the middle of the living room and yelled, "Lets go guys where burning daylight here and I don't get to do that very often you know." Everyone came running out at the same time. "Well it's about time." The Porter knocked on the door just as they came out of their rooms. Angel opened the door so he could get the luggage. When they had everything loaded he told the Porter to hold the luggage at the front because they were going to go and have breakfast.
"Lets go troops." Angel ushered them all out the door. There wasn't hardly any one in the restaurant so they had their pick of seats. Angel chose a table over by the window. Since he was able to go into the sunlight he didn't want to waist any opportunity to bask in it. They quickly had their breakfast so that they could get on the road. While the others were finishing up and Cordelia had her tea Angel went into the lobby of the hotel and asked for directions to the district and small town where they would be staying for the next two weeks. The clerk sold Angel a local street map of the surrounding counties. She then showed him where the section of town that he was looking for was. Cordelia, Dr. Martin and Connor came around the corner. "Everybody ready?" "Yes sir." Connor said as he saluted. "All present and accounted for sir." "Very well soldier lets get the two privates loaded." Cordelia and Dr. Martin just looked at each other. "Lets just humor them for now Mom. They'll be much easier to handle later on if we let them play their little game." "I agree my fellow private. If I've done it once I've done it 73 times." Dr. Martin looked at Cordelia and winked. They silently made an agreement between them that the torture was to begin. The puppet strings had just been tightened a little.
Angel had given the valet his ticket and was listening in on the women's conversation. He walked over to Connor and whispered to him "I don't know how but they know how many notches I had placed on that post." "How could they unless they had followed us." Connor said. "Remember when we came back they weren't there and when they returned they said they had gone to the ladies room. They must have been watching us when I was showing you where it was." "So what's the battle plan?" Connor asked. "Remember the 3 women that I told you about that helped Lorne to cast a protective shield around Caritas?" "Yes." Connor answered. He had heard Gunn and Wesley talking about the 3 women but he could never find out what they were or how they knew Angel. Now he was going to find out. Connor knew that Angel had been with a lot of women over his 270 some years and now he was going to find out about his time with the 3 women. "When we get on the road you can ask me about the. Now they aren't the ones that I put the 3 notches for but we're going to make Cordelia so curious that she is going to blurt a question out. This game is going to take a while to play. Do you think you can stand up to their attacks soldier?" Connor saluted "Sir, yes sir." Angel smiled. "We shall see, we shall see."
The van was brought up to them and they loaded up and got on the road.
TBC...............