When the person on stage finished their song, Dave picked up his microphone. "Okay everyone, listen up" He called. "Next up we have Dawn with 'I'm not a girl, Not yet a woman.'"
She stood up her face reddening as she made her way to the stage with all her friends cheering behind her, and she realized eight people can make a lot of noise when they want too. Trying to calm her nerves, Dawn unhooked the microphone from the stand, took a deep breath and waited for the music to start.
"I used to think I had the answers to everything But now I know That life doesn't always go my way Feels like I'm caught in the middle That's when I realize
I'm not a girl, not yet a woman All I need is time, a moment that is mine While I'm in between I'm not a girl"
She looked over to her sister, the previous night and the willingness to let Dawn stay on her own even if it was only for half an hour till Xander showed up meant a lot to Dawn and she wanted to make sure Buffy knew that she apprieciated it and that this song was only to reaffirm the trust Buffy was slowly starting to place in her..
"There is no need to protect me It's time that I Learn to face up to this on my own I've seen so much more than you know now So don't tell me to shut my eyes
I'm not a girl, not yet a woman All I need is time, a moment that is mine While I'm in between I'm not a girl"
She saw the proud smile on Buffy's face and couldn't help but smile back at her.
"But if you look at me closely You will see it in my eyes This girl will always find her way
I'm not a girl, not yet a woman All I need is time, a moment that is mine While I'm in between I'm not a girl"
Dawn closed her eyes and belted out the rest of the song.
(I'm not a girl) I'm not a girl, don't tell me what to believe (Not yet a woman) I'm just trying to find the woman in me, yeah (All I need is time) Oh, all I need is time (A moment that is mine) That's mine
While I'm in between I'm not a girl, not yet a woman, no no All I need is time, a moment that is mine While I'm in between I'm not a girl, ooh Not yet a woman"
She stood there for a moment, her eyes still closed and it wasn't until the sound of the crowd cheering that she opened her eyes and immediately started to blush. Handing her microphone back she left the stage and made her way back to her friends.
Before she could get there though she was stopped by Spike. "That was brilliant Nibblet"
"Spike" Dawn cried throwing her arms around the vampire. "You came!"
"Of course I came Bit, didn't think I was gonna miss your birthday did you?" He said returning her hug, albeit a bit uneasy, not used to innocent physical affection.
"Well I wasn't sure. I know things with you and Buffy are a bit strained"
"Hush Nibblet, I wouldn't miss this for the world, and about your sister don't you worry about it, I can deal with it if it means I get to see you." The smile he was rewarded with nearly lit up the entire room. "Now c-mon, let's get back to your mates."
Wrapping her arm around his waist she lead him back to the table.
"That was amazing Dawnie." Tara cried getting out of her chair and giving her a big hug.
"It really was" Buffy said giving her sister a hug of her own and a smile that said she understood what Dawn was trying to say.
"Thank you." Dawn said returning Buffy's smile with a grin of her own.
Buffy turned to face the man next to her sister. Well the vampire but sometimes all she could see was the man. She gave him a small smile which he returned. "Spike."
"Buffy."
"... Xander"
Willow who was sitting in between Xander and Tara slapped the back of his head.
"Oww" Xander cried, raising his hand to rub the wound.
Willow glared at him and he lowered his head.
"Quiet now"
Spike took his own seat between Buffy and Dawn awkwardly.
"So... who's up next?" Anya asked.
End Chapter 3
Disclaimer: The song was sung by Britany Spears.