Title: Last Slayer
Author: Inquisitive1
Disclaimer: I own only Briena
Distribution: My site http://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqsitive1sfanfiction/index.html- won't be up until Monday or Tuesday. Fanfiction.net and numerous mailing lists.
Authors Note: Don't send feedback until after the weekend- I have no email access
_____________________________
Part 14
**** Monday morning ****
"Angel" Cordelia calls insistantly from the bedroom door
Angel slowly opens his eyes "What Cordy?" he growls
"Its 10. We have appointments all day with daycare centers. We need
to leave in an hour. Get up and dressed. Your breakfast is in the fridge.
Doyle will be here in fifteen minutes." Cordelia tells Angel
Angel carefully places Briena beside him "OK" he stands
"And Angel I am not going out with you dressed all intimidating. Go
shower and I'll pick something less vampirey."
Angel groans "Cordy I am a vampire"
"I'm not disputing that fact. All I'm saying is that people will
judge both of you based on your clothes. Now go" she orders pointing to the
bathroom door
"All right" he surrenders "Just let me get Brie up"
"I'll do it" Cordelia says "Now go shower"
Angel groans "OK Cordelia" he agrees closing the door behind him
Cordelia goes over to the bed "Briena time to get up" she calls
Briena slowly opens her eyes sitting up "Hi Cordy" she yawns
"Why don't you go watch cartoons for a while." she suggests opening
Angel's closet "Doyle will be here in a while and he'll make you some
breakfast"
"OK" Briena says scrampering off the bed she races into the
livingroom.
Cordelia stares at the closet "What is still his style without being
intimidating?" she frowns searching through the clothes. She hears the shower
shut off as she reaches for a pair of black slacks tossing them on the bed as
she hears the bathroom door open "Angel you need to do some major non
threatening clothes shopping"
"Cordy are you done yet?" he whines
"No. I need to find you something that doesn't clash. Go eat and say
good morning to Brie. I'll be done in a few."
"Cordy its just interviews. After today they'll rarely ever see me"
Angel reminds as he pulls on his slacks
"I know but you need to make a good impression even if its only once"
Cordelia replies "Now go eat" she snaps
Angel sighs heading out to the living room where he finds Briena
watching TV. "Morning" he leans down kissing her head as he passes
"Hi Daddy" she replies jumping off the couch she follows Angel into
the kitchen where she finds him putting a mug of blood in the microwave. She
hugs his legs tight
"Hey baby" Angel picks her up giving her a kiss "How did you sleep?"
Briena hugs him "No dreams" she tells him
"That's good" Angel replies shifting her as the microwave dings. He
opens it taking out the mug he takes a sip
"Daddy?"
"Hmm"
Briena frowns looking between Angel and the mug "Why don't you go
'grr' like Spike when he eats?"
Angel looks at her startled he carries her over to the kitchen table
sitting down with Briena in his lap. He places the mug on the table
"Sometimes I do. Most of the time I don't need to."
"Why not?"
"Usually I do when I'm really hungry. But I'm not really hungry right
now."
"Oh" she leans against his chest listening as his heart begins to
beat.
"Angel I found a decent shirt for you" Cordelia announces holding up
a cobalt blue silk shirt.
"Thanks. Just put it on the chair"
"good morning" Doyle greets walking down the stairs "Cordy you look
nice" he compliments "Hey monkey. You ready to have some fun?"
Briena looks surprised "Where you going?" she asks Angel
"Cordelia and I have to go to some meetings" Angel replies
"But its daytime" Briena says confused
Angel nods "I know. But its cloudy out. Isn't it Doyle?"
"Oh yeah Monkey Angel will be fine. You don't need to worry." Doyle
says comfortingly
"Angel we need to go" Cordelia says impatiently by the door
"All right Cordy. Pull the car up I'll be out in a minute" Angel says
"Just hurry we have 15 minutes to get to our first meeting"
Angel nods as the brunette heads out the door "Brie everything will
be OK. I promise." he kisses Briena's forehead "Go play with Doyle while I'm
gone. When I get back we'll watch a movie. OK?"
Briena nods slowly "OK" she slides to the floor silently walking into
the livingroom
Angel watches the little girl walk away he stands pulling on his
shirt he buttons it. "I'll check in in a while. Brie needs breakfast"
Doyle sees the flash of pain in Angel's eyes as he watches Briena
walk away without saying anything. "Angel she just needs to learn how to be
apart."
"I know" he replies going into the livingroom crouching before Briena
on the couch. "Brie we'll be back later. Be good." he orders
Briena smiles "I will"
"Love you baby girl" he hugs her
"Love you Daddy" she kisses his cheek
Angel stands "Bye" he says leaving the apartment he rushes to the car
"Finally" Cordelia grumbles as he slides into the passenger seat
"We're gonna be late"
"Sorry. Brie was unsure about all of this."
"Of course she is Angel. I mean you could burst into flames."
"Cordy" he groans "Don't mention that to Brie."
"I won't." she promises pulling into a parking lot. "Here we are."
she announces "Its on the first floor."
Angel nods carefully avoiding the sunny areas of the parking lot.
Within moments the two are on the first floor. Angel avoids the windows
staying close to the far walls as they reach the office door. He opens it
allowing Cordelia to enter first "seems nice" he thinks. Angel smiles as he
hears the sounds of laughing kids.
Cordelia walks up to the front desk and smiles brightly at the older
lady behind the desk "Hi we have a meeting with Karen Handlen"
"Just a moment" the older lady replies standing she goes to an office
door and knocks "Karen your next appointment is here"
Angel swallows as he sees the bright light in the office "Cordy"
"I'll take care of it." she replies smiling at the older lady and a
younger one in her 30s exit the office.
"Hello I'm Karen Handlen" the younger one greets holding out her hand
"I'm Cordelia Chase and this is my boss Angel"
"Angel Kelin" Angel adds with a smile shaking the younger womans hand
"why don't we go into my office" Karen suggests leading the way to
her office
Angel shies away from the door nervous at the intense sunlight
Cordelia looks around then asks "Ms Handlen do you mind if I close
the blinds? Angel's sensitive to bright sunlight"
"Oh I'm sorry" Karen apologizes hastily closing the blinds
"Its OK" Angel responds as he enters the shadowed room "I should have
had Cordelia warn you before hand"
"Have a seat" Karen offers. Angel and Cordelia sit down "According to
your call you were looking for a daycare problem for your 4 year old
daughter"
"Uh not mine" Cordelia protests "I just work for him"
"OK so then its your daughter?" Karen asks
"She is" Angel nods "Her name is Briena"
"So how did you hear about us?"
"We don't live far from here" Angel answers "I am looking for a place
that is near the apartment and that can allow Brie to make friends her own
age"
"There are like no kids in his neighborhood" Cordelia adds
"Friends is what we believe all kids need and here they have the
opportunity to make them" Karen says
"Thats good" Angel nods "Ms Handlen I am looking for a place that can
take Briena at first a few hours a week later a few hours a day."
"Most parents want a center that can take their kids fulltime" Karen
states
Angel nods "Yes I know."
"And her mother?"
"She is involved in Brie's life. I have full custody"
Karen nods writing some notes "Does your daughter have any behavior
problems?"
Angel frowns "She is well behaved."
"How does she interact with other kids?"
"She doesn't." Angel admits "She seems to not notice them"
Karen nods "What do you do Mr Kelin?"
"I'm working as a private detective right now."
"OK" Karen replies standing "How about I show you around?"
"All right" Angel agrees standing he and Cordelia follow Karen out of
her office
"This is our main office area." she gestures "We have security
cameras in each classroom and hallway and in the yard just so we can have
extra eyes on the kids. The cameras can be accessed by internet by the
parents. Each parent recieves an ID number and password to access the
cameras." she leads them down a corridor "This is the arts and crafts room"
she stops before the door
Cordelia laughs at the sight of a little boy making faces "Hey Angel
the little boy making faces who does he remind you of?"
Angel frowns then chuckles "He's like a mini Xander"
"Xander?" Karen asks
Cordelia smiles "Yes. Xander is someone from home. That little boy
just reminds me so much of Xander"
Karen notices the little boy they are talking about "Oh yes" she
laughs "That is Vincent he is one of our clowns"
"So how many people work here?" Angel asks
"Right now we have 10 who work full time. Another 5 who work parttime
after school. We have on average 15 fulltime kids. 10 parttime. That is just
the ones that are under 8. The older kids are upstairs. My husband Tom is
incharge of that age group. I have infant to 7. Upstairs is mainly parttime
workers since the kids are afterschoolers."
Angel nods. "What sort of activities would Brie be involved in?"
Karen gestures towards the door. "Arts and crafts. Then there is
story time. That takes place down the hall. If she's here during early
afternoon then there will be naptime"
Angel shakes his head "She most likely will be here early morning or
mid afternoon. It will be a rare occassion that she'll be here for naptime"
"Oh may I ask why?"
"She tends to have nightmares that would most likely distress the
other kids."
"I understand. Sometimes the kids go on little field trips to the zoo
or something kid friendly. We ask parents or other adults in the childs life
to chaparone at least once a year. We have a talent show every six months.
The kids have to participate at least once a year. We have other events that
family and friends can come and get to know the other parents."
"Sounds productive" Angel states
"Oh yes. We try to keep the kids busy. The kids who are here during
lunchtime will be given lunch. On the weekends we are open to for kids whose
parents have to work or there is an emergency. We will not take kids whose
parents just want them out of the house so they can go off and have fun
without their kids. We also have overnight stays for parents who work
nights."
Angel shakes his head "If Brie ever stays here over night it would be
a very rare occassion. I'm home most of the time if I'm gone it's for a few
hours."
"Well if you ever need someone to watch her we're here." Karen tells
him "Out back we have a playground which whenever a child is out there
someone is always keeping an eye out."
"I know Angel is worried about pick up policy." Cordelia volunteers
Karen smiles at Angel "We have a pretty strict policy. The only
people who are allowed to remove the child are the people on a list that you
give. When picking up the child the person will have to show ID and you will
have to inform us of who is picking her up."
"Thats good. Other than me the only two people who will be allowed to
pick her up are Cordelia, my assistant Doyle, and her mother if she's in town
during the week."
Karen nods "You'll need to write all the names down. We'll need her
immunization records, emergency numbers like doctor and such."
Angel frowns looks at Cordelia "Were are those records?"
"I filed them. I'll pull them out when we get back."
"Do you have any other questions?" Karen inquires
"Not right now." Angel answers "Maybe later"
Karen leads them to the office "Why don't I get the papers that need
to be filled out" she goes into her office
"So what do you think?" Cordelia asks Angel
He looks around thoughtfully "I like it."
"No wiggy feelings? No mini demons?" Cordelia asks
"No it seems like a normal place." he replies "Cordy what do you
think?"
"Well Brie would probably like it here once she got used to it. Are
you going to talk it over with Buffy?"
Angel nods "Yes. I told her I'd call tonight"
Karen returns to the front office carrying some papers "OK here is
information on the center." she hands Angel a brochure. "The rest is papers
you'll need to fill out."
Angel shuffles through the papers "Do you mind if I bring Brie by
tomorrow? I want her to get a feel for the place before a final decision is
made."
"That's fine. Bring her by anytime." Karen offers
"Thank you" Angel says with a smiles. Angel's cellphone rings he
reaches into his jacket pocket and hands it to Cordelia. "Ms Handlen thank
you for showing us around."
"Your welcome. It was nice to meet you and Ms Chase. I think that
your daughter would be very happy here."
"Excuse me" Cordelia apologizes "Angel its Doyle" she hands him the
phone taking the papers
"Doyle is something wrong?" Angel asks worriedly as he hears crying
in the background
"Briena had an accident" Doyle manages to tell him
"We'll be right there" Angel hangs up smiling apologetically "I'm
sorry there is a problem at home"
"That's all right." Karen smiles back "I hope everything works out"
Angel and Cordelia hurry out to the car. Cordelia gets into the
drivers side "Did he tell you what happened?"
"No" Angel shakes his head
"Its probably something small and he can't deal" Cordelia says
comfortingly glancing at the worried vampire from the corner of her eye
"I hope so" Angel sighs
Moments later Cordelia pulls into the underground parking lot. Angel
gets out of the car and rushes to the door to the apartment. He can hear
Briena crying from the parking lot he opens the door immediately he's hit
with the familiar smell of blood
"Come on Little Monkey" Doyle says crouching before the child holding
a towel to her forehead
"Doyle what happened?" Angel demands rushing to the chair he picks up
the crying child "Shh baby" he hushes pulling the towel away he sees a nasty
looking cut. He swallows back a wave of bloodlust the sight of the wound
"We were playing and she lost her balance and hit the edge of the
coffee table" Doyle answers pacing
Cordelia enters the apartment and finds Angel holding a crying Briena
"Is she OK?"
"I called a doctor friend of mine" Doyle replies "That cut looks like
it might need stitches"
Angel nods laying his cheek against the crying child's hair "Thanks
Doyle" he rocks the child whispering soothing words. "Shh baby. You're fine."
he listens as her cries easen up to choking sobs
A few moments later a knock is heard at the door "I got it" Doyle
stands rushing to the door he opens it "Hey buddy" he greets
"Why did you call?" the newcomer demands
"Angel, Cordy this is Phil."
Angel looks up to see that Phil is a horned half demon. "Doyle?"
"Phil is a doctor" he assures Angel
Phil notices Briena on Angel's lap and frowns "I take it she's the
patient"
Angel nods "She fell and hit the coffee table."
Phil smiles at Briena "Hi I'm Phil" he says gently
"Hi" she whimpers
"Her names Briena" Doyle offers
Phil places his black bag on the table "Let me see that cut" he nods
at the towel Angel is holding in place. Angel removes the towel to show the
wound. "Wow that's a doozy" Phil observes
"I think I saw some bone" Doyle says
"If you did it healed somewhat" Phil replies
"Angel doesn't she have fast healing?" Cordelia states
Angel shrugs "We haven't explored that"
Phil smiles at Briena "From what Doyle said to what I've seen Briena
seems to have fast healing. Though not as fast as yours" he nods at Angel.
"If I stitch her up it should heal by tomorrow afternoon"
Angel nods
Phil opens his black bag he grabs a syringe and fills it with some
novacain then turns to Briena "Briena I have to give you a shot" he says
pulling on some gloves
"No" she shakes her head
"It will help you feel better." Phil tells her "Why don't you close
your eyes and I'll make it as quick as possible you won't feel a thing"
Briena reluctantly closes her eyes leaning back against Angel "kay"
she sniffles
"Good girl" Angel comforts
Phil quickly injects the novacain into the area surrounding the
wound. "All done with the shot" he tells Briena. "Now we need to stitch you
up. I need you to sit really still. Can you do that for me?"
Briena nods "Uh huh"
A few moments later Phil announces "Well I'm done" he removes his
gloves "Briena you were a great patient."
Briena smiles weakly "Thank you" she whispers laying her head against
Angel's chest
Phil smiles "You need to keep a close eye on her for the night. If
she starts slurring her words or complains about headaches call me. Other
wise I'll be here tomorrow at" he glances at his watch "around noon and I'll
remove the stitches. Keep the bandage dry and everything should be fine"
"Thanks" Angel nods at Phil
"No problem" Phil replies
Doyle walks him to the door "Thanks Phil. I really appreciate it"
"No problem" Phil replies "Keep an eye on her" he tilts his head
towards Briena "she is a very special child"
"She is" Doyle agrees "Thanks again man" Doyle closes the door behind
Phil. Doyle returns to the kitchen "Angel man I'm sorry. It was a total
accident"
"I know Doyle. She's a kid. All kids have accidents she'll be fine."
Angel assures standing he carries Briena into the bathroom setting her on the
counter he dampens a washcloth. "How are you doing baby girl?" he asks gently
wiping off the dried blood
"I'm fine Daddy" she replies her voice quiet
"Good. I was worried when Doyle called" he tells her
Briena looks down at her feet "I'm sorry Daddy" she says tearfully
sniffling
"Hey" he protests putting the washcloth down he crouches to her
level. "I'm not mad." he tells her wiping away her tears "I was just really
scared."
"Why?" she asks
Angel smiles faintly "Cause I was scared that something really bad
had happened to you. I promised that I'd take care of you" he kisses her
forehead "And I'm always going to honor that promise" he picks her up "Now I
have to work for a while. How about you come and keep me company" he suggests
Briena nods then lays her head on his shoulder. She remains silent as
Angel carries her upstairs to the office. When Angel moves to put her down on
the couch she tightens her arms around his neck "No" she cries in protest her
voice somewhat panicked
"Briena" Angel soothes rubbing her back lightly "Baby I'm not going
anywhere"
"Wanna stay with you Angel" she mumbles against his shoulder
Angel sighs needlessly concerned about her clingyiness he agrees
"sure baby. Remember though I've got to work for a while. But after I'm done
we can have lunch and if you are really good watch a movie. OK?" he walks to
his chair sitting down with the little girl on his lap
Briena looks up at him her eyes tearfilled as she nods "I'll be good
Daddy" she promises burrowing against his chest
"I know baby your always good" Angel kisses her head as he begins to
work.
An hour later Cordelia enters the office to find Briena on Angel's
lap as he works. "Hey you two why don't you take a break" she suggests
Angel glances at the clock on his desk. "Brie are you getting
hungry?"
"Uh huh" she answers
Angel stands shifting the little girl to his hip "Cordy are you going
to join us for lunch?"
Cordelia shakes her head "No. I have a lunch meeting."
"Sure" Angel nods "Will you be back later?"
"Yeah. I need to finish up the filing."
Angel nods "Thanks for helping me this morning."
"No problem." Cordelia shrugs "Bye Brie"
"Bye Cordy" Briena waves laying her head on Angel's shoulder
Angel carries Briena down to the apartment to the kitchen where he
makes her lunch. After lunch the two watch a movie which Briena falls asleep
in Angel's arms.
**** That Night ****
Angel is upstairs in the office working as Briena is asleep
downstairs in her room. He smiles as he hears the little girl sigh in her
sleep over the baby monitor that Cordelia had picked up that afternoon so
that Angel could work upstairs while Briena slept downstairs in the safety of
the apartment. He hears the phone ring and Cordelia pick it up
"Angel Investigations. We help the helpless" she greets "Yes I'll
accept them" she agrees "Hi. I'll go get him" Cordelia stands and goes to the
door of Angel's office "Its Buffy"
"Thanks" Angel says picking up his phone "Hi Baby" he greets
"Hi sorry to call collect but I wanted to call and I am out on
patrol."
"Its OK. I'm glad you called"
"I am too. How's it going?"
"Besides missing you? Fine."
"How's the baby?" she asks
Angel smiles at the mention of their daughter "She's asleep right
now" he sighs "She's had a long day"
On the other end Buffy moves so her back is to the phone "What
happened?" she asks worried
"Let's see. This morning I had meetings with daycare centers and she
didn't like the idea of me leaving since it was daytime"
"Angel can you blame her?" Buffy asks "I mean normally you'd turn
into a crispy critter going outside during the day."
"I know" he replies "Anyway she was a little spooked with that. I was
supposed to go to meet with a few possibilities but Cordelia and I only made
it to one."
"Which one?" Buffy inquires
"The one just down the street. It seems like a nice place. I'm
planning to take Brie there tomorrow afternoon to see what she thinks."
"Is it safe?" Buffy demands
"Yes. I didn't sense anything evil. It seems secure."
"How?"
"Well they have camera's throughout the building. They have them
overlooking the playground. They have a security system in place for those
who are allowed to pick up the children"
"In what way?"
"One of the forms that I need to fill out is who is authorized to
pick Brie up. Whoever is authorized has to show ID. They also have the rooms
online so that each parent can check up on what their child is doing. Each
parent receives a authorization code to have access to those cameras."
"Who have you put down?" Buffy asks
Angel grabs the paper "So far you, me, Cordelia, and Doyle. I'm
thinking of adding Kate and Spike as well. But only in case of an emergency.
Anyone else?"
"Giles would be a good idea." she pauses "Willow and Xander"
"All right." Angel agrees "I'll put them down as emergency contacts"
"What else is there?"
"Well they want emergency numbers for her doctor. Except the only
doctor she's seen that I know of is a horned demon."
"Horned demon whose a doctor?!" Buffy exclaims "You let him near the
baby?!"
Angel groans thinking "I shoulda kept my mouth shut." he leans back
in his chair "Buffy calm down. It was an emergency."
Hearing that Buffy is concerned "What happened?"
"Its not a big deal really. Brie just had a little accident while she
and Doyle were playing"
"Angel" she gasps
"She's fine baby. She just fell and hit her head on the coffee table.
Doyle called a friend of his and he stitched Brie right up."
"She needed stitches?!" Buffy exclaims
"Buffy calm down. She's fine. The wound will be healed by the
afternoon" Angel assures
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive. I checked it before I put her down and it seems to be
healing quite well."
"Good. Angel?"
"Hmm?"
"I miss you and Brie"
"We miss you too" Angel replies
"Give her a hug and kiss for me" Buffy requests
"I will. I'll talk to you later" Angel says
"Love you"
"Love you too" Angel says hanging up the phone
"So how'd Buffy take the news?" Cordelia asks
"Pretty well" Angel answers "She didn't threaten to come here and
stake me" he grins
Cordelia laughs "Knowing Buffy she will take a while to process the
news"
Angel shrugs "maybe"
**** Sunnydale ****
Buffy stares at the phone after she hangs it up. "So much" she thinks
to herself
"Hey I've been looking for you" a voice greets
Buffy turns around to find Riley watching her with an amused smile
"Well you found me" she grins
"So who were you calling?" Riley asks curiously
"Uh just checking my messages" she lies
Riley leans down and kisses her "I missed you" he whispers
"Well I'm back." she grins "So what happened this weekend?"
"Not much. Things were pretty quiet. How 'bout you?"
"Just hung around got some studying done" Buffy answers slipping her
hand into his as they walk
"Did you have fun with your friend?" he asks curiously
"Yeah. We spent alot of time talking" she shrugs
"Glad you had fun" Riley states
"So are you going to keep me company while I patrol?" Buffy asks
"Of course. Why else would I be here?" Riley teases
Author: Inquisitive1
Disclaimer: I own only Briena
Distribution: My site http://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqsitive1sfanfiction/index.html- won't be up until Monday or Tuesday. Fanfiction.net and numerous mailing lists.
Authors Note: Don't send feedback until after the weekend- I have no email access
_____________________________
Part 14
**** Monday morning ****
"Angel" Cordelia calls insistantly from the bedroom door
Angel slowly opens his eyes "What Cordy?" he growls
"Its 10. We have appointments all day with daycare centers. We need
to leave in an hour. Get up and dressed. Your breakfast is in the fridge.
Doyle will be here in fifteen minutes." Cordelia tells Angel
Angel carefully places Briena beside him "OK" he stands
"And Angel I am not going out with you dressed all intimidating. Go
shower and I'll pick something less vampirey."
Angel groans "Cordy I am a vampire"
"I'm not disputing that fact. All I'm saying is that people will
judge both of you based on your clothes. Now go" she orders pointing to the
bathroom door
"All right" he surrenders "Just let me get Brie up"
"I'll do it" Cordelia says "Now go shower"
Angel groans "OK Cordelia" he agrees closing the door behind him
Cordelia goes over to the bed "Briena time to get up" she calls
Briena slowly opens her eyes sitting up "Hi Cordy" she yawns
"Why don't you go watch cartoons for a while." she suggests opening
Angel's closet "Doyle will be here in a while and he'll make you some
breakfast"
"OK" Briena says scrampering off the bed she races into the
livingroom.
Cordelia stares at the closet "What is still his style without being
intimidating?" she frowns searching through the clothes. She hears the shower
shut off as she reaches for a pair of black slacks tossing them on the bed as
she hears the bathroom door open "Angel you need to do some major non
threatening clothes shopping"
"Cordy are you done yet?" he whines
"No. I need to find you something that doesn't clash. Go eat and say
good morning to Brie. I'll be done in a few."
"Cordy its just interviews. After today they'll rarely ever see me"
Angel reminds as he pulls on his slacks
"I know but you need to make a good impression even if its only once"
Cordelia replies "Now go eat" she snaps
Angel sighs heading out to the living room where he finds Briena
watching TV. "Morning" he leans down kissing her head as he passes
"Hi Daddy" she replies jumping off the couch she follows Angel into
the kitchen where she finds him putting a mug of blood in the microwave. She
hugs his legs tight
"Hey baby" Angel picks her up giving her a kiss "How did you sleep?"
Briena hugs him "No dreams" she tells him
"That's good" Angel replies shifting her as the microwave dings. He
opens it taking out the mug he takes a sip
"Daddy?"
"Hmm"
Briena frowns looking between Angel and the mug "Why don't you go
'grr' like Spike when he eats?"
Angel looks at her startled he carries her over to the kitchen table
sitting down with Briena in his lap. He places the mug on the table
"Sometimes I do. Most of the time I don't need to."
"Why not?"
"Usually I do when I'm really hungry. But I'm not really hungry right
now."
"Oh" she leans against his chest listening as his heart begins to
beat.
"Angel I found a decent shirt for you" Cordelia announces holding up
a cobalt blue silk shirt.
"Thanks. Just put it on the chair"
"good morning" Doyle greets walking down the stairs "Cordy you look
nice" he compliments "Hey monkey. You ready to have some fun?"
Briena looks surprised "Where you going?" she asks Angel
"Cordelia and I have to go to some meetings" Angel replies
"But its daytime" Briena says confused
Angel nods "I know. But its cloudy out. Isn't it Doyle?"
"Oh yeah Monkey Angel will be fine. You don't need to worry." Doyle
says comfortingly
"Angel we need to go" Cordelia says impatiently by the door
"All right Cordy. Pull the car up I'll be out in a minute" Angel says
"Just hurry we have 15 minutes to get to our first meeting"
Angel nods as the brunette heads out the door "Brie everything will
be OK. I promise." he kisses Briena's forehead "Go play with Doyle while I'm
gone. When I get back we'll watch a movie. OK?"
Briena nods slowly "OK" she slides to the floor silently walking into
the livingroom
Angel watches the little girl walk away he stands pulling on his
shirt he buttons it. "I'll check in in a while. Brie needs breakfast"
Doyle sees the flash of pain in Angel's eyes as he watches Briena
walk away without saying anything. "Angel she just needs to learn how to be
apart."
"I know" he replies going into the livingroom crouching before Briena
on the couch. "Brie we'll be back later. Be good." he orders
Briena smiles "I will"
"Love you baby girl" he hugs her
"Love you Daddy" she kisses his cheek
Angel stands "Bye" he says leaving the apartment he rushes to the car
"Finally" Cordelia grumbles as he slides into the passenger seat
"We're gonna be late"
"Sorry. Brie was unsure about all of this."
"Of course she is Angel. I mean you could burst into flames."
"Cordy" he groans "Don't mention that to Brie."
"I won't." she promises pulling into a parking lot. "Here we are."
she announces "Its on the first floor."
Angel nods carefully avoiding the sunny areas of the parking lot.
Within moments the two are on the first floor. Angel avoids the windows
staying close to the far walls as they reach the office door. He opens it
allowing Cordelia to enter first "seems nice" he thinks. Angel smiles as he
hears the sounds of laughing kids.
Cordelia walks up to the front desk and smiles brightly at the older
lady behind the desk "Hi we have a meeting with Karen Handlen"
"Just a moment" the older lady replies standing she goes to an office
door and knocks "Karen your next appointment is here"
Angel swallows as he sees the bright light in the office "Cordy"
"I'll take care of it." she replies smiling at the older lady and a
younger one in her 30s exit the office.
"Hello I'm Karen Handlen" the younger one greets holding out her hand
"I'm Cordelia Chase and this is my boss Angel"
"Angel Kelin" Angel adds with a smile shaking the younger womans hand
"why don't we go into my office" Karen suggests leading the way to
her office
Angel shies away from the door nervous at the intense sunlight
Cordelia looks around then asks "Ms Handlen do you mind if I close
the blinds? Angel's sensitive to bright sunlight"
"Oh I'm sorry" Karen apologizes hastily closing the blinds
"Its OK" Angel responds as he enters the shadowed room "I should have
had Cordelia warn you before hand"
"Have a seat" Karen offers. Angel and Cordelia sit down "According to
your call you were looking for a daycare problem for your 4 year old
daughter"
"Uh not mine" Cordelia protests "I just work for him"
"OK so then its your daughter?" Karen asks
"She is" Angel nods "Her name is Briena"
"So how did you hear about us?"
"We don't live far from here" Angel answers "I am looking for a place
that is near the apartment and that can allow Brie to make friends her own
age"
"There are like no kids in his neighborhood" Cordelia adds
"Friends is what we believe all kids need and here they have the
opportunity to make them" Karen says
"Thats good" Angel nods "Ms Handlen I am looking for a place that can
take Briena at first a few hours a week later a few hours a day."
"Most parents want a center that can take their kids fulltime" Karen
states
Angel nods "Yes I know."
"And her mother?"
"She is involved in Brie's life. I have full custody"
Karen nods writing some notes "Does your daughter have any behavior
problems?"
Angel frowns "She is well behaved."
"How does she interact with other kids?"
"She doesn't." Angel admits "She seems to not notice them"
Karen nods "What do you do Mr Kelin?"
"I'm working as a private detective right now."
"OK" Karen replies standing "How about I show you around?"
"All right" Angel agrees standing he and Cordelia follow Karen out of
her office
"This is our main office area." she gestures "We have security
cameras in each classroom and hallway and in the yard just so we can have
extra eyes on the kids. The cameras can be accessed by internet by the
parents. Each parent recieves an ID number and password to access the
cameras." she leads them down a corridor "This is the arts and crafts room"
she stops before the door
Cordelia laughs at the sight of a little boy making faces "Hey Angel
the little boy making faces who does he remind you of?"
Angel frowns then chuckles "He's like a mini Xander"
"Xander?" Karen asks
Cordelia smiles "Yes. Xander is someone from home. That little boy
just reminds me so much of Xander"
Karen notices the little boy they are talking about "Oh yes" she
laughs "That is Vincent he is one of our clowns"
"So how many people work here?" Angel asks
"Right now we have 10 who work full time. Another 5 who work parttime
after school. We have on average 15 fulltime kids. 10 parttime. That is just
the ones that are under 8. The older kids are upstairs. My husband Tom is
incharge of that age group. I have infant to 7. Upstairs is mainly parttime
workers since the kids are afterschoolers."
Angel nods. "What sort of activities would Brie be involved in?"
Karen gestures towards the door. "Arts and crafts. Then there is
story time. That takes place down the hall. If she's here during early
afternoon then there will be naptime"
Angel shakes his head "She most likely will be here early morning or
mid afternoon. It will be a rare occassion that she'll be here for naptime"
"Oh may I ask why?"
"She tends to have nightmares that would most likely distress the
other kids."
"I understand. Sometimes the kids go on little field trips to the zoo
or something kid friendly. We ask parents or other adults in the childs life
to chaparone at least once a year. We have a talent show every six months.
The kids have to participate at least once a year. We have other events that
family and friends can come and get to know the other parents."
"Sounds productive" Angel states
"Oh yes. We try to keep the kids busy. The kids who are here during
lunchtime will be given lunch. On the weekends we are open to for kids whose
parents have to work or there is an emergency. We will not take kids whose
parents just want them out of the house so they can go off and have fun
without their kids. We also have overnight stays for parents who work
nights."
Angel shakes his head "If Brie ever stays here over night it would be
a very rare occassion. I'm home most of the time if I'm gone it's for a few
hours."
"Well if you ever need someone to watch her we're here." Karen tells
him "Out back we have a playground which whenever a child is out there
someone is always keeping an eye out."
"I know Angel is worried about pick up policy." Cordelia volunteers
Karen smiles at Angel "We have a pretty strict policy. The only
people who are allowed to remove the child are the people on a list that you
give. When picking up the child the person will have to show ID and you will
have to inform us of who is picking her up."
"Thats good. Other than me the only two people who will be allowed to
pick her up are Cordelia, my assistant Doyle, and her mother if she's in town
during the week."
Karen nods "You'll need to write all the names down. We'll need her
immunization records, emergency numbers like doctor and such."
Angel frowns looks at Cordelia "Were are those records?"
"I filed them. I'll pull them out when we get back."
"Do you have any other questions?" Karen inquires
"Not right now." Angel answers "Maybe later"
Karen leads them to the office "Why don't I get the papers that need
to be filled out" she goes into her office
"So what do you think?" Cordelia asks Angel
He looks around thoughtfully "I like it."
"No wiggy feelings? No mini demons?" Cordelia asks
"No it seems like a normal place." he replies "Cordy what do you
think?"
"Well Brie would probably like it here once she got used to it. Are
you going to talk it over with Buffy?"
Angel nods "Yes. I told her I'd call tonight"
Karen returns to the front office carrying some papers "OK here is
information on the center." she hands Angel a brochure. "The rest is papers
you'll need to fill out."
Angel shuffles through the papers "Do you mind if I bring Brie by
tomorrow? I want her to get a feel for the place before a final decision is
made."
"That's fine. Bring her by anytime." Karen offers
"Thank you" Angel says with a smiles. Angel's cellphone rings he
reaches into his jacket pocket and hands it to Cordelia. "Ms Handlen thank
you for showing us around."
"Your welcome. It was nice to meet you and Ms Chase. I think that
your daughter would be very happy here."
"Excuse me" Cordelia apologizes "Angel its Doyle" she hands him the
phone taking the papers
"Doyle is something wrong?" Angel asks worriedly as he hears crying
in the background
"Briena had an accident" Doyle manages to tell him
"We'll be right there" Angel hangs up smiling apologetically "I'm
sorry there is a problem at home"
"That's all right." Karen smiles back "I hope everything works out"
Angel and Cordelia hurry out to the car. Cordelia gets into the
drivers side "Did he tell you what happened?"
"No" Angel shakes his head
"Its probably something small and he can't deal" Cordelia says
comfortingly glancing at the worried vampire from the corner of her eye
"I hope so" Angel sighs
Moments later Cordelia pulls into the underground parking lot. Angel
gets out of the car and rushes to the door to the apartment. He can hear
Briena crying from the parking lot he opens the door immediately he's hit
with the familiar smell of blood
"Come on Little Monkey" Doyle says crouching before the child holding
a towel to her forehead
"Doyle what happened?" Angel demands rushing to the chair he picks up
the crying child "Shh baby" he hushes pulling the towel away he sees a nasty
looking cut. He swallows back a wave of bloodlust the sight of the wound
"We were playing and she lost her balance and hit the edge of the
coffee table" Doyle answers pacing
Cordelia enters the apartment and finds Angel holding a crying Briena
"Is she OK?"
"I called a doctor friend of mine" Doyle replies "That cut looks like
it might need stitches"
Angel nods laying his cheek against the crying child's hair "Thanks
Doyle" he rocks the child whispering soothing words. "Shh baby. You're fine."
he listens as her cries easen up to choking sobs
A few moments later a knock is heard at the door "I got it" Doyle
stands rushing to the door he opens it "Hey buddy" he greets
"Why did you call?" the newcomer demands
"Angel, Cordy this is Phil."
Angel looks up to see that Phil is a horned half demon. "Doyle?"
"Phil is a doctor" he assures Angel
Phil notices Briena on Angel's lap and frowns "I take it she's the
patient"
Angel nods "She fell and hit the coffee table."
Phil smiles at Briena "Hi I'm Phil" he says gently
"Hi" she whimpers
"Her names Briena" Doyle offers
Phil places his black bag on the table "Let me see that cut" he nods
at the towel Angel is holding in place. Angel removes the towel to show the
wound. "Wow that's a doozy" Phil observes
"I think I saw some bone" Doyle says
"If you did it healed somewhat" Phil replies
"Angel doesn't she have fast healing?" Cordelia states
Angel shrugs "We haven't explored that"
Phil smiles at Briena "From what Doyle said to what I've seen Briena
seems to have fast healing. Though not as fast as yours" he nods at Angel.
"If I stitch her up it should heal by tomorrow afternoon"
Angel nods
Phil opens his black bag he grabs a syringe and fills it with some
novacain then turns to Briena "Briena I have to give you a shot" he says
pulling on some gloves
"No" she shakes her head
"It will help you feel better." Phil tells her "Why don't you close
your eyes and I'll make it as quick as possible you won't feel a thing"
Briena reluctantly closes her eyes leaning back against Angel "kay"
she sniffles
"Good girl" Angel comforts
Phil quickly injects the novacain into the area surrounding the
wound. "All done with the shot" he tells Briena. "Now we need to stitch you
up. I need you to sit really still. Can you do that for me?"
Briena nods "Uh huh"
A few moments later Phil announces "Well I'm done" he removes his
gloves "Briena you were a great patient."
Briena smiles weakly "Thank you" she whispers laying her head against
Angel's chest
Phil smiles "You need to keep a close eye on her for the night. If
she starts slurring her words or complains about headaches call me. Other
wise I'll be here tomorrow at" he glances at his watch "around noon and I'll
remove the stitches. Keep the bandage dry and everything should be fine"
"Thanks" Angel nods at Phil
"No problem" Phil replies
Doyle walks him to the door "Thanks Phil. I really appreciate it"
"No problem" Phil replies "Keep an eye on her" he tilts his head
towards Briena "she is a very special child"
"She is" Doyle agrees "Thanks again man" Doyle closes the door behind
Phil. Doyle returns to the kitchen "Angel man I'm sorry. It was a total
accident"
"I know Doyle. She's a kid. All kids have accidents she'll be fine."
Angel assures standing he carries Briena into the bathroom setting her on the
counter he dampens a washcloth. "How are you doing baby girl?" he asks gently
wiping off the dried blood
"I'm fine Daddy" she replies her voice quiet
"Good. I was worried when Doyle called" he tells her
Briena looks down at her feet "I'm sorry Daddy" she says tearfully
sniffling
"Hey" he protests putting the washcloth down he crouches to her
level. "I'm not mad." he tells her wiping away her tears "I was just really
scared."
"Why?" she asks
Angel smiles faintly "Cause I was scared that something really bad
had happened to you. I promised that I'd take care of you" he kisses her
forehead "And I'm always going to honor that promise" he picks her up "Now I
have to work for a while. How about you come and keep me company" he suggests
Briena nods then lays her head on his shoulder. She remains silent as
Angel carries her upstairs to the office. When Angel moves to put her down on
the couch she tightens her arms around his neck "No" she cries in protest her
voice somewhat panicked
"Briena" Angel soothes rubbing her back lightly "Baby I'm not going
anywhere"
"Wanna stay with you Angel" she mumbles against his shoulder
Angel sighs needlessly concerned about her clingyiness he agrees
"sure baby. Remember though I've got to work for a while. But after I'm done
we can have lunch and if you are really good watch a movie. OK?" he walks to
his chair sitting down with the little girl on his lap
Briena looks up at him her eyes tearfilled as she nods "I'll be good
Daddy" she promises burrowing against his chest
"I know baby your always good" Angel kisses her head as he begins to
work.
An hour later Cordelia enters the office to find Briena on Angel's
lap as he works. "Hey you two why don't you take a break" she suggests
Angel glances at the clock on his desk. "Brie are you getting
hungry?"
"Uh huh" she answers
Angel stands shifting the little girl to his hip "Cordy are you going
to join us for lunch?"
Cordelia shakes her head "No. I have a lunch meeting."
"Sure" Angel nods "Will you be back later?"
"Yeah. I need to finish up the filing."
Angel nods "Thanks for helping me this morning."
"No problem." Cordelia shrugs "Bye Brie"
"Bye Cordy" Briena waves laying her head on Angel's shoulder
Angel carries Briena down to the apartment to the kitchen where he
makes her lunch. After lunch the two watch a movie which Briena falls asleep
in Angel's arms.
**** That Night ****
Angel is upstairs in the office working as Briena is asleep
downstairs in her room. He smiles as he hears the little girl sigh in her
sleep over the baby monitor that Cordelia had picked up that afternoon so
that Angel could work upstairs while Briena slept downstairs in the safety of
the apartment. He hears the phone ring and Cordelia pick it up
"Angel Investigations. We help the helpless" she greets "Yes I'll
accept them" she agrees "Hi. I'll go get him" Cordelia stands and goes to the
door of Angel's office "Its Buffy"
"Thanks" Angel says picking up his phone "Hi Baby" he greets
"Hi sorry to call collect but I wanted to call and I am out on
patrol."
"Its OK. I'm glad you called"
"I am too. How's it going?"
"Besides missing you? Fine."
"How's the baby?" she asks
Angel smiles at the mention of their daughter "She's asleep right
now" he sighs "She's had a long day"
On the other end Buffy moves so her back is to the phone "What
happened?" she asks worried
"Let's see. This morning I had meetings with daycare centers and she
didn't like the idea of me leaving since it was daytime"
"Angel can you blame her?" Buffy asks "I mean normally you'd turn
into a crispy critter going outside during the day."
"I know" he replies "Anyway she was a little spooked with that. I was
supposed to go to meet with a few possibilities but Cordelia and I only made
it to one."
"Which one?" Buffy inquires
"The one just down the street. It seems like a nice place. I'm
planning to take Brie there tomorrow afternoon to see what she thinks."
"Is it safe?" Buffy demands
"Yes. I didn't sense anything evil. It seems secure."
"How?"
"Well they have camera's throughout the building. They have them
overlooking the playground. They have a security system in place for those
who are allowed to pick up the children"
"In what way?"
"One of the forms that I need to fill out is who is authorized to
pick Brie up. Whoever is authorized has to show ID. They also have the rooms
online so that each parent can check up on what their child is doing. Each
parent receives a authorization code to have access to those cameras."
"Who have you put down?" Buffy asks
Angel grabs the paper "So far you, me, Cordelia, and Doyle. I'm
thinking of adding Kate and Spike as well. But only in case of an emergency.
Anyone else?"
"Giles would be a good idea." she pauses "Willow and Xander"
"All right." Angel agrees "I'll put them down as emergency contacts"
"What else is there?"
"Well they want emergency numbers for her doctor. Except the only
doctor she's seen that I know of is a horned demon."
"Horned demon whose a doctor?!" Buffy exclaims "You let him near the
baby?!"
Angel groans thinking "I shoulda kept my mouth shut." he leans back
in his chair "Buffy calm down. It was an emergency."
Hearing that Buffy is concerned "What happened?"
"Its not a big deal really. Brie just had a little accident while she
and Doyle were playing"
"Angel" she gasps
"She's fine baby. She just fell and hit her head on the coffee table.
Doyle called a friend of his and he stitched Brie right up."
"She needed stitches?!" Buffy exclaims
"Buffy calm down. She's fine. The wound will be healed by the
afternoon" Angel assures
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive. I checked it before I put her down and it seems to be
healing quite well."
"Good. Angel?"
"Hmm?"
"I miss you and Brie"
"We miss you too" Angel replies
"Give her a hug and kiss for me" Buffy requests
"I will. I'll talk to you later" Angel says
"Love you"
"Love you too" Angel says hanging up the phone
"So how'd Buffy take the news?" Cordelia asks
"Pretty well" Angel answers "She didn't threaten to come here and
stake me" he grins
Cordelia laughs "Knowing Buffy she will take a while to process the
news"
Angel shrugs "maybe"
**** Sunnydale ****
Buffy stares at the phone after she hangs it up. "So much" she thinks
to herself
"Hey I've been looking for you" a voice greets
Buffy turns around to find Riley watching her with an amused smile
"Well you found me" she grins
"So who were you calling?" Riley asks curiously
"Uh just checking my messages" she lies
Riley leans down and kisses her "I missed you" he whispers
"Well I'm back." she grins "So what happened this weekend?"
"Not much. Things were pretty quiet. How 'bout you?"
"Just hung around got some studying done" Buffy answers slipping her
hand into his as they walk
"Did you have fun with your friend?" he asks curiously
"Yeah. We spent alot of time talking" she shrugs
"Glad you had fun" Riley states
"So are you going to keep me company while I patrol?" Buffy asks
"Of course. Why else would I be here?" Riley teases