Buffy opens her eyes slowly as they still burn from crying the night before. She cried almost every night, although she felt better since talking to Tara the week before. It felt good to tell someone what she was dealing with. She struggled to get out of bed, but eventually rose to her feet. Opening her curtains to reveal the morning sun, she gently places her hands over her abdomen. It seems so scary to think about it. Something, probably not all that human, living inside of me, swimming around like a guppy. Buffy smiles a true smile for a moment. Mine. She started walking toward her bedroom door as she suddenly felt nauseous and headed for the bathroom instead. Happy birthday to me.
"Happy birthday Buffy!" Xander greeted as Buffy walked into the kitchen, which was then followed by a hug that she warmly accepted.
"How are you feeling?" Dawn asked sweetly as she looked up from her cereal bowl.
"I'm doing well," Buffy lied. "How's the party planning going?"
"Darn Expensive!" Anya grouched. She didn't enjoy spending her money on things that weren't for her.
"Ahn!" Xander whispered, elbowing his fiancé. She darted an angry look back at him.
If Spike and I could be happy like th--. Stop thinking about him, Buffy. Hasn't he already done enough?
"Buffy, are you okay?" Willow says, walking towards her best friend. She stands in front of her, looking into her eyes. Buffy glances at all of her friends and then to Willow with yet another fake smile. "Fine."
"Hey Tara." Buffy said, greeting Tara at the door. Tara looks at Buffy for a moment, then glancing around the room making sure no one is near.
"How are you doing?" She said, concerned.
"Okay I guess. I haven't seen him… I'm doing better." Buffy said, rubbing her stomach. "It's weird."
"I'm here for you Buffy. Whenever." Tara said sincerely.
Buffy took a deep breath and gave Tara a warm, friendly hug. "Thank you…Are how are you doing?"
"The word 'gulp' comes to mind." Tara laughed just as Willow came downstairs. Looking beautiful as always.