Buffy sat curled up in Angel's lap in the hospital room with Joyce.
Yesterday she had gone through a CAT scan and Buffy's worst fears had been
recognized. Joyce had had a shadow on her brain. Almost immediately
after, they had taken Joyce to surgery. Things had gotten worse when the
doctor had told Buffy that her mother had a brain tumor. Then, Buffy had
found out that Giles had sold some dangerous things to Glory, the woman
Buffy had fought and pretty much lost to in the factory. Giles and Angel
were the only other two that knew about Dawn being the Key because Glory
had sent a snake monster to find the Key. So that meant that she didn't
know and she still didn't because Buffy had killed the snake before it
could get to Glory.
"Listen, I know this creamed spinach is pretty delicious, but I promise I won't be offended if you go out and get some real food." Joyce said looking at the trays that Dawn held and the one sitting next to Buffy on a table.
"Are you kidding me? This is the good life. Relaxing in bed while people bring you food on trays." Buffy said.
"And I like the Jell-O." Dawn said.
"Help yourself. There's something about a food that moves all by itself that gives me the heebie-jeebies." Joyce said. Buffy and Dawn reached up and each took a cube of Jell-O.
"Mmm. Good 'n wiggly." Buffy said.
"This girl at school? She told me that gelatin is made from ground-up cow's feet and that every time you eat Jell-O there's some cow out there limping around without any feet. But I told her that I'm sure the cow is dead before they cut its feet off, right?" Dawn asked.
"You're the one who insisted on teaching her to talk." Buffy said to Joyce.
Joyce smiled back as the doctor came in. "Oh hello, Dr. Kriegel. You've met my girls, Buffy and Dawn. And Buffy's fiancé Angel."
"Yes, of course. You three are becoming part of the regular crew around here." The doctor said.
"Just keeping her company." Angel said.
"Good for you. Just be careful you don't wear her out."
"Don't worry about that. I woke up exhausted, there's really no more exhausted to get." Joyce said.
"Well, maybe some good news will help. The blood work has come back from the lab and everything seems fine. So, we've gone ahead and scheduled your surgery for the day after tomorrow at ten in the a.m. How does that sound to you?"
"I think they have me scheduled for volleyball, but I'll work around it."
"Alright then. Joyce, you take care. Make sure to get some good solid rest. And I mean that." The doctor left and Joyce turned to Buffy.
"The day after tomorrow? I don't know if I can stand to be stuck here for two more days just waiting."
"Waiting? Gimme a break! We've got tons to do!" Buffy said.
"Yeah, we've got soap operas to watch and trashy magazines to read.." Dawn said.
"Ooh, and an adjustable bed to fiddle with. That alone'll keep me going for the next four hours or so."
"Now Buffy, I really don't need you and Angel to stay here all night. I know you've got patrolling to do." Joyce said.
"Not tonight. Tonight we have Mom taking-care-of to do. Besides, Riley is filling in for me with the others. I'm sure they've got everything under control."
"I hope so." Angel said.
"Tonight we are staying here and taking care of you."
"You really do need to go home. Sleep in a bed for once." Joyce said.
"Mom, I am fine right here. When the doctor tells me that you're perfect, that's when I'll sleep in my own bed."
"What about the mansion? That big beautiful house with nobody there for all this time."
"It's covered Joyce. No need to worry about that." Angel said.
"I'm trying not to. For Buffy's sake. I don't her to 'freak out' on me like she's been doing every time I flinch or say 'ow.'"
"You're my mommy. I can't have you dying on me." Buffy said.
"I won't sweetie." Joyce patted the bed and Buffy climbed in it with her. She laid her head on Joyce's shoulder and Joyce stroked Buffy's long blonde hair. "My little Buffy. You're all grown up. And soon, a man truly worthy of you is going to take you away from me."
"He's not taking me away. I'll still be right here. Just not in the house here."
Joyce kissed Buffy's hair and stroked Dawn's hair. Dawn had laid her head down on the edge of the bed. "You know, this is the best family anyone could ever ask for. My two beautiful girls and my soon to be son-in-law watching out for me."
The next night, Buffy, Angel, Dawn, and Joyce sat in the hospital room. Dawn was curled in a corner reading her spell book. Joyce fiddled with her call button.
"This thing doesn't work! It isn't working!" Joyce said.
Buffy gently pulled her mother's hand away from the call button. "I'm sure they heard you, Mom."
"I bet it's not even hooked to anything. Like those push-buttons at the crosswalks that are supposed to make the signal change."
"I'm sure someone's on the way.. the push-buttons at crosswalks aren't hooked to anything?" Dr. Kriegel entered the room and Buffy didn't even notice. Angel tapped her shoulder and she looked up. "Doctor.."
"Tell him, Buffy. Tell him, okay?" Joyce said.
"Dr. Kriegel, we want to go home."
"Well, of course. You can come back and visit your mother first thing in the morning." The doctor said.
"No. We, meaning all of us. My mom too."
"Oh, well, I understand that. But it's not necessarily the first thing I'd recommend."
"I can't, I can't wait here two days before the operation. I just can't.. It makes my head hurt to be here, can't you tell that?" Joyce said.
"Joyce, there's no reason to get upset.."
"No reason to get upset?! Oh, right, sorry, I must just think there is because of my brain tumor!"
"Um. Hey, Dawn? You wanna get a soda from the machine?" Angel asked. Dawn nodded and Angel handed her a couple dollars. Buffy smiled at him gratefully and he took her hand.
"I'm sorry I said that. I'm just so tired." Joyce said.
"Listen, Dr. Kriegel, I don't see why we can't take Joyce home until the operation. I mean, wouldn't it maybe be good to let her rest where she feels safe and comfortable?" Angel asked.
"Even if it would mean some work for you two? Taking care of her." Dr. Kriegel asked.
"Oh thank God." Joyce said.
"We can do it. Anything." Buffy said quickly.
"There are medications to administer, I'd have to go over those with you. And I'd need you to check her vitals, watch her pretty closely. I'm afraid you won't get a lot of sleep." The doctor said.
"We're not really sleep-people anyway."
"Let's go now. Can we go now?" Joyce asked, trying to escape the covers and get out.
"Mom, wait, I need the stuff.. the medicine, and instructions how to do everything."
"She's right. Let's do this right. We don't want to forget anything." The doctor said.
"I'll go with the doctor. You stay and get your mother ready to go." Angel said.
"Thank you." Buffy leaned in and kissed Angel before he left. She turned to her mother. "Ok, lets get you dressed, huh?"
Buffy, Angel, Dawn, and Joyce stood at a nurse's station waiting for Dr. Kriegel to finish filling out the forms. Joyce, wearing her street clothes, stood with Angel and Dawn while Buffy got the rest of the prescriptions and forms.
"Well, I guess we're all set then. You've got my phone number, pager number.. And here.." He handed Buffy the prescription bottles. "Those are the medications I talked to your fiancé about. The sedative and so forth. Pain killers.."
"Right." Buffy said uncertainly.
"I remember. Don't worry." Angel said.
"If this is going to be too much for you, we can make Joyce perfectly comfortable here." The doctor said.
"No, no. We've got it. And I really appre.."
Joyce cut Buffy off. "You look like your father when he cries."
Buffy was a little wounded, even though she knew it was just a flash of dementia. She looked at the doctor, flustered. "She's.. I told you she's been.."
"I know." Dr. Kriegel said. He looked at Joyce. "Joyce? Joyce." Her eyes finally focused on him. "We're done here. Why don't you take everyone home now?"
"Yes. Yes, thank you. Thanks for all your help, Doctor." Joyce said.
"I'll see you in a couple of days."
"Thank you." Joyce looked at Buffy. "Let's get the hell out of here."
They all turned and headed towards the door. Angel opened the Jeep's doors and allowed Joyce to get in back and lay her head down on the back of the seat. Dawn climbed in on the other side while Buffy and Angel took the front seats. Angel drove them all back to the Summers' house. As they walked up to the door, Buffy and Dawn supported Joyce as Angel unlocked the door and opened it. Buffy closed and locked it once they were all in. Joyce rested with her arm around Dawn's shoulder as Buffy turned on the foyer light.
"It's nice to be home." Joyce said.
"Do you want to get in bed, Mom?" Dawn asked.
Joyce blinked and shielded her eyes with her hand, crouching away from the light. "Oh that light. Oh, Buffy no, it's too bright. It's too bright! It's too bright!"
"Okay, Mom." Buffy said.
"Buffy it hurts, it hurts! It hurts my eyes!"
Buffy turned off the foyer light, but other lights shone from the living and dining rooms. "Okay, hey, don't worry. Dawn, turn off the lights down here. Angel and I'll take Mom upstairs."
"Sure." Dawn said.
"We'll turn off the lights up there, too." Angel said gently to Joyce.
"Ok."
Dawn started turning out lights as Buffy and Angel lead Joyce up the stairs.
"Here we go. It's okay now." Angel said.
Buffy helped Joyce get into her gown and into bed as Angel went around upstairs and turned off the lights. Buffy kissed her mother's forehead as she pulled the covers up. Angel met her out in the hallway with open arms. Buffy wrapped herself up in his strong, comforting arms.
"Thank you so much Angel." Buffy said. "I don't know if I could do this without you."
"Well, let's not try it then ok." Angel said softly. "Everything's going to be fine Buffy. Don't worry. Your mother's strong, like you. She's going to be ok. I.."
"Don't promise. You can't promise mom's going to be ok. No one can."
"Ok, I won't promise."
"Good." Buffy hugged Angel tighter. "Good."
"Let's go downstairs. Maybe watch some TV?"
"Yeah. That's a good idea."
"Come on." Without releasing Buffy's shoulders, Angel made his way down the stairs with her. Dawn was already curled up on the couch watching some sitcom with a studio audience. The whole house was dark and the flashing lights from the TV cast eerie glows around the room. After a while, a crash sounded from the kitchen and everyone on the couch jumped.
"What.." Dawn started.
"Mom?" Buffy called.
Another crash. Buffy and Angel got up and ran to the kitchen, Dawn at their heels. Light streamed from the opened refrigerator, illuminating Joyce as she peered into it. The kitchen was a mess. Days-old dirty dishes cluttered the sink, orange juice was spilt on the counter, and an empty frying pan smoked on the stove.
"Mom, what are you.." Buffy started.
Joyce spun around to face them, her face a mask of cold contempt. "I'm making breakfast." Joyce looked at Buffy. "But you shouldn't eat anymore. You're disgustingly fat."
Buffy blinked, absorbing that, but recovered and approached Joyce slowly, touching her arm. "Mom.."
Joyce looked at her, then at the mess around her. She suddenly softened, appearing as bewildered as the girls and Angel were. "Buffy.. I-I don't know what I'm doing."
"It's ok."
Angel went to the stove and turned off the burner, moving the smoking pan to a cold burner.
"Oh God, I'm.. I didn't mean to.. I don't know what's happening to me." Joyce said.
"You need to rest. Let's just get you back to bed." Buffy said soothingly.
Joyce nodded. Buffy took Joyce's arm and led her out. Dawn and Angel followed. They passed the basement door, which was slightly ajar. The basement light was on. Buffy figured Joyce had just gone down and they hadn't known it.
Angel opened the door to Joyce's dark room. They laid Joyce on the bed and Buffy got her a glass of water. When she got back, Buffy handed Joyce the glass and then twisted open a prescription bottle of sedatives. She poured out two pills and handed them to Joyce.
"Here Mom, these will help you sleep." Buffy said. Joyce swallowed the pills with the water. She laid back and slipped her legs under the covers. Together, Angel and Buffy helped tuck Joyce into her bed like she was a sleepy little girl.
"There we go Joyce." Angel said.
Dawn sat on the edge of the bed, stroking her mother's hair. Joyce turned to look at her, then, out of the blue said, "Don't touch me, you.. you thing!"
"M-Mom, please.." Dawn said, drawing away from Joyce.
"Get away from me! You're nothing! You're a shadow! I don't know what you are or how you got here."
"Mom, it's Dawn." Buffy said.
Dawn ran away into her bedroom. A suddenly coherent Joyce called after her, concerned. "Dawn, honey, what's wrong?"
"She's.. tired, Mom. We all are. You get some rest. I'll check on you in a bit." Buffy said gently. She and Angel walked out, shutting the door, and headed into Dawn's room.
Dawn was sitting on the bed, hugging her pillow, when Buffy and Angel entered. The pink lamp on the side table was on. Dawn was severely freaked, on the verge of tears. Buffy sat down next to her as Angel leaned against a corner.
"She hates me." Dawn said.
"No.." Buffy tried.
"She.. she called me a thing."
"She loves you. She's just not herself. I told you what the doctor said. It's the tumor. She.."
"No, not just Mom. People. They keep saying stuff like that.. about me."
"You mean that man in the hospital?" Angel asked, referring to trouble they'd had earlier that morning when Willow had visited.
"He.. He called me a thing, too. And there was another one. A weird guy, outside the magic shop. Said I didn't belong.. I wasn't real.." Buffy looked up at Angel, realizing as Dawn continued. "Why does everybody keep doing that? What's wrong with me?"
"Nothing. It's not you." Angel said.
"It's.. It's just.. I think there's something that happens in people's brains when there's something wrong. Like a short circuit. And it makes them feel like nothing's real except them. That's all it is." Buffy said.
"So, what's wrong with your brain?" Dawn asked Buffy.
"My..?"
"You said stuff, too. Said I.. I wasn't your sister."
"Dawn. I was.. It was stupid. I was upset. About Mom. And I was tired and.. Look.. It's not you. So, if anyone says anything like that again, including
me, don't listen. Okay? Even if it's Mom."
"I hate it."
Buffy hugged Dawn. "I know. Just don't listen."
"I'm going to bed." Dawn pulled away from Buffy and went to her dresser.
"Ok. Angel and I will be downstairs if you need us."
"Yeah. Ok."
Buffy and Angel walked downstairs and sat back down on the couch. After a few minutes, they heard Joyce talking to herself. She was talking crazy. Buffy stood, looking nervous.
"I, uh.. I should clean the kitchen." She said.
"Buffy.." Angel said.
Buffy cut him off. "No. It's messy. Mom would never let it get that messy."
She went into the kitchen and turned on the water. Once the sink was filled up enough, she turned it off and turned on the radio. Spanish music came out of the speakers. Buffy started to scrub at the burnt pan.
Suddenly, it was all too much for Buffy. She lowered her head and began to cry. She turned up the radio so no one would hear her. Then, Angel was there, holding her to him as she let go. All her fears and all the pressure released in her tears. The enthusiastic salsa music continued to play. The two stayed frozen in a tight, loving embrace in the kitchen until Buffy had cried herself out. She sniffled and rubbed her nose. Angel reached up with a hand and wiped away a tear from her cheek. With a small, weak smile, Buffy turned the water in the sink to cold and splashed it on her face, breathing deeply to calm herself. Then she turned the faucet off. Angel handed her a towel and she wiped off her face. She tossed the towel on the counter and sat down on a stool, Angel joining her.
"Are you ok?" Angel asked.
"I will be. I've just been holding that in for a long time." Buffy said, her voice a little horse from sobbing. "Funny thing: that."
"What?"
"You're the only one I'll break down in tears for. I've never done that for mom, or Dawn, or any of my friends."
"I remember the last time."
"The Master's bones. Yeah."
"You're too grown up Buffy. Once this thing with your mom is all over, you should really take a break."
Buffy chuckled.
"What?"
"This is my break from slaying." Buffy stood, going back to the dishes. "We haven't been out since this whole thing with my mom began."
"Really? I hadn't noticed."
"Don't be a smart ass.." Buffy heard a scream and a door slam from upstairs. Buffy and Angel looked up. "Dawn!" Immediately, the two ran out of the kitchen and charged up the stairs.
"Buffy!" Dawn yelled through a door.
Buffy went to the door of Joyce's bedroom and opened it. "What is it?"
"There's something out there Buffy. It's after Mom!"
"Make it stop looking at me Buffy.. it chokes me.." Joyce said.
"You two stay in there. Do not leave that.." Buffy shut the door and the creature fell from the ceiling, knocking her to her back on the floor. Buffy wrestled with it until Angel grabbed the thing and pulled it off. The thing clamped onto Angel and they got to the edge of the staircase and then began to tumble down, still fighting.
Angel and the thing went tumbling down. They landed hard and Angel lost his grip on the thing. It scrambled away, quick as lightning. Buffy helped Angel get to his feet and they both paused, listening hard.
Buffy entered the darkened kitchen as Angel covered the other way. Her eyes continued to scan, flicking from corner to corner. Smoothly, she pulled a carving knife from a knife block and cocked her arm back, ready. She walked towards the stove, her eyes missing nothing. Suddenly, something sprung out from the basement behind her. Buffy whirled, knife ready only to find Spike, who held something in one of his hands. Buffy glared at him.
"Spike." Buffy said.
"Yeah. Listen, did you hear a noise?" Spike asked.
"What the hell are you doing in my house?"
"Right then, you caught me. Your basement's full of junk and, me being in need of.. junk.."
"You were stealing?" Angela asked, coming in from behind Spike.
Spike jumped, but tried to play it cool. "Well, yeah. Can't exactly work the counter at Burger Barn, now can I?"
Buffy wasn't listening. She noticed what Spike was slipping into his jacket: photos of some kind. They almost looked like photos of her. "Wait. Are those pictures of.."
Buffy didn't finish. The thing fell from the ceiling onto Spike. Spike let out a scream. He wriggled under the creature, kicking at it with his arms and legs. Buffy readied her knife, waiting for a clear shot at the thing. But before she got her chance, one of Spike's thrashing legs kicked the knife out of her hand. It went skittering across the kitchen floor.
Without a weapon, Buffy had no choice but to tackle the creature thing. She and the thing tumbled out of the kitchen and into the dining room. Angel bent and picked up her knife. He went into the dining room where Buffy and the creature thing were making a huge mess.
"Buffy!" he yelled.
Angel tossed Buffy the carving knife. She caught it deftly, just as the thing pounced on her. Buffy lied on her back with the thing on top of her. She held the knife with two hands, pointing the blade inwards, and thrusted down at her own chest, as if she were committing Hari-kari. The blade impaled the thing. It stopped moving. Buffy lied there, the creature heavy on her chest, goop oozing from its body. Spike extended a hand to Buffy, offering to help her up. She accepted and stood up, covered in filth, exhausted.
Just as she got to her feet and Angel started to check on her, the front and back doors were kicked open. Spike, Angel, and Buffy reacted as Riley and the Black Ops charged into the house, weapons drawn. A few fanned into the living room while the others entered the dining room with Riley.
"Are you okay?" Riley asked.
Buffy didn't answer. She and Angel ran upstairs and into Joyce's room. They entered the room and ran to Joyce and Dawn. Buffy climbed onto the bed with them and the three embraced, holding each other tightly.
"It's ok. I killed it." Buffy said.
"Oh, God.." Joyce said.
"It's gone? You promise?" Dawn asked.
Angel came over and sat on the edge of the bed near Dawn. "I promise. Everything's all right."
Joyce grabbed Angel's shirt and pulled him into the group hug. "You're family. You belong in this little huddle."
A little while later, only Riley was left from everyone. Buffy and Angel walked downstairs and up to him. Spike was gone.
"What was that?" Buffy asked.
"I called the Black Ops. They came in to help out. Shoulda known that you wouldn't need it." Riley said.
"How'd you know?" Angel asked.
"Willow and the rest of the guys found a meteor outside of town in the woods. We checked it out and found out that thing was a Queller demon. It's here to get rid of all the crazies."
"Oh." Buffy said.
"I'm going to go. Leave you and your family alone."
"You don't have to."
"No, but I need to. See you later Buffy. Angel." Riley left.
A day and a half later, Buffy, Angel, and Joyce sat in the hospital room as a nurse prepped Joyce for surgery. Buffy sat at her side, holding her mother's hand. Angel stood behind Buffy, his hand holding her shoulder. The nurse swabbed Joyce's arm with alcohol and inserted an intravenous needle. Joyce winced and kept her focus on Buffy. The nurse left the room and Joyce looked at Buffy.
"Buffy?"
"Hmm?" Buffy asked.
"I.. I want to ask you something.. both of you. And if I'm being crazy, you just tell me. Okay?"
"You got it."
"The other day.. Actually, I'm not sure when. The days all seem to bleed together.."
"It's not important."
"No, I guess it isn't. I do know I was pretty out of it. And I had.. not a dream exactly. More like, I had this knowledge. It just came to me, like truth, you know? Even though it didn't seem possible. Even though I shouldn't think such things."
"What, Mom? It's okay."
"That Dawn.. She's not mine, is she?"
Buffy looked up at Angel, asking what to do with her eyes. Angel looked down and then back up, a "tell her" in his eyes. She turned back to her mother and said, "No."
"She's.. she does belong to us though."
"Yes, she does."
"And she's important. To the world. Precious.." Buffy nodded and Joyce took her hand. "As precious as you are to me?" Buffy nodded again, tears welling in her eyes. "Then we have to take care of her. Promise me, Buffy, if anything happens to me, if I don't come through this.."
"Mom.."
"No. Let me finish. No matter what she is, she still feels like my daughter, and I have to know you'll keep her safe. Both of you. Both of you will love her like I love Buffy."
"I promise."
"Good. Good.." Joyce laid back and pulled Buffy to her. "My sweet, brave Buffy.
What would I do without you?"
Buffy held onto her mother until the nurse came back in, signaling it was time to go. Buffy stood and grasped onto Angel's hand tightly. They stood back as doctors came in and moved Joyce onto a gurney and wheeled her out. They followed, meeting up with Dawn, Riley, Xander, Anya, Willow, Tara, and Giles in the hallway. Buffy, Angel, and Dawn stood in the doorway holding hands, watching as Joyce was wheeled away towards the OR. Joyce smiled at them and they returned her brave smile.
"Listen, I know this creamed spinach is pretty delicious, but I promise I won't be offended if you go out and get some real food." Joyce said looking at the trays that Dawn held and the one sitting next to Buffy on a table.
"Are you kidding me? This is the good life. Relaxing in bed while people bring you food on trays." Buffy said.
"And I like the Jell-O." Dawn said.
"Help yourself. There's something about a food that moves all by itself that gives me the heebie-jeebies." Joyce said. Buffy and Dawn reached up and each took a cube of Jell-O.
"Mmm. Good 'n wiggly." Buffy said.
"This girl at school? She told me that gelatin is made from ground-up cow's feet and that every time you eat Jell-O there's some cow out there limping around without any feet. But I told her that I'm sure the cow is dead before they cut its feet off, right?" Dawn asked.
"You're the one who insisted on teaching her to talk." Buffy said to Joyce.
Joyce smiled back as the doctor came in. "Oh hello, Dr. Kriegel. You've met my girls, Buffy and Dawn. And Buffy's fiancé Angel."
"Yes, of course. You three are becoming part of the regular crew around here." The doctor said.
"Just keeping her company." Angel said.
"Good for you. Just be careful you don't wear her out."
"Don't worry about that. I woke up exhausted, there's really no more exhausted to get." Joyce said.
"Well, maybe some good news will help. The blood work has come back from the lab and everything seems fine. So, we've gone ahead and scheduled your surgery for the day after tomorrow at ten in the a.m. How does that sound to you?"
"I think they have me scheduled for volleyball, but I'll work around it."
"Alright then. Joyce, you take care. Make sure to get some good solid rest. And I mean that." The doctor left and Joyce turned to Buffy.
"The day after tomorrow? I don't know if I can stand to be stuck here for two more days just waiting."
"Waiting? Gimme a break! We've got tons to do!" Buffy said.
"Yeah, we've got soap operas to watch and trashy magazines to read.." Dawn said.
"Ooh, and an adjustable bed to fiddle with. That alone'll keep me going for the next four hours or so."
"Now Buffy, I really don't need you and Angel to stay here all night. I know you've got patrolling to do." Joyce said.
"Not tonight. Tonight we have Mom taking-care-of to do. Besides, Riley is filling in for me with the others. I'm sure they've got everything under control."
"I hope so." Angel said.
"Tonight we are staying here and taking care of you."
"You really do need to go home. Sleep in a bed for once." Joyce said.
"Mom, I am fine right here. When the doctor tells me that you're perfect, that's when I'll sleep in my own bed."
"What about the mansion? That big beautiful house with nobody there for all this time."
"It's covered Joyce. No need to worry about that." Angel said.
"I'm trying not to. For Buffy's sake. I don't her to 'freak out' on me like she's been doing every time I flinch or say 'ow.'"
"You're my mommy. I can't have you dying on me." Buffy said.
"I won't sweetie." Joyce patted the bed and Buffy climbed in it with her. She laid her head on Joyce's shoulder and Joyce stroked Buffy's long blonde hair. "My little Buffy. You're all grown up. And soon, a man truly worthy of you is going to take you away from me."
"He's not taking me away. I'll still be right here. Just not in the house here."
Joyce kissed Buffy's hair and stroked Dawn's hair. Dawn had laid her head down on the edge of the bed. "You know, this is the best family anyone could ever ask for. My two beautiful girls and my soon to be son-in-law watching out for me."
The next night, Buffy, Angel, Dawn, and Joyce sat in the hospital room. Dawn was curled in a corner reading her spell book. Joyce fiddled with her call button.
"This thing doesn't work! It isn't working!" Joyce said.
Buffy gently pulled her mother's hand away from the call button. "I'm sure they heard you, Mom."
"I bet it's not even hooked to anything. Like those push-buttons at the crosswalks that are supposed to make the signal change."
"I'm sure someone's on the way.. the push-buttons at crosswalks aren't hooked to anything?" Dr. Kriegel entered the room and Buffy didn't even notice. Angel tapped her shoulder and she looked up. "Doctor.."
"Tell him, Buffy. Tell him, okay?" Joyce said.
"Dr. Kriegel, we want to go home."
"Well, of course. You can come back and visit your mother first thing in the morning." The doctor said.
"No. We, meaning all of us. My mom too."
"Oh, well, I understand that. But it's not necessarily the first thing I'd recommend."
"I can't, I can't wait here two days before the operation. I just can't.. It makes my head hurt to be here, can't you tell that?" Joyce said.
"Joyce, there's no reason to get upset.."
"No reason to get upset?! Oh, right, sorry, I must just think there is because of my brain tumor!"
"Um. Hey, Dawn? You wanna get a soda from the machine?" Angel asked. Dawn nodded and Angel handed her a couple dollars. Buffy smiled at him gratefully and he took her hand.
"I'm sorry I said that. I'm just so tired." Joyce said.
"Listen, Dr. Kriegel, I don't see why we can't take Joyce home until the operation. I mean, wouldn't it maybe be good to let her rest where she feels safe and comfortable?" Angel asked.
"Even if it would mean some work for you two? Taking care of her." Dr. Kriegel asked.
"Oh thank God." Joyce said.
"We can do it. Anything." Buffy said quickly.
"There are medications to administer, I'd have to go over those with you. And I'd need you to check her vitals, watch her pretty closely. I'm afraid you won't get a lot of sleep." The doctor said.
"We're not really sleep-people anyway."
"Let's go now. Can we go now?" Joyce asked, trying to escape the covers and get out.
"Mom, wait, I need the stuff.. the medicine, and instructions how to do everything."
"She's right. Let's do this right. We don't want to forget anything." The doctor said.
"I'll go with the doctor. You stay and get your mother ready to go." Angel said.
"Thank you." Buffy leaned in and kissed Angel before he left. She turned to her mother. "Ok, lets get you dressed, huh?"
Buffy, Angel, Dawn, and Joyce stood at a nurse's station waiting for Dr. Kriegel to finish filling out the forms. Joyce, wearing her street clothes, stood with Angel and Dawn while Buffy got the rest of the prescriptions and forms.
"Well, I guess we're all set then. You've got my phone number, pager number.. And here.." He handed Buffy the prescription bottles. "Those are the medications I talked to your fiancé about. The sedative and so forth. Pain killers.."
"Right." Buffy said uncertainly.
"I remember. Don't worry." Angel said.
"If this is going to be too much for you, we can make Joyce perfectly comfortable here." The doctor said.
"No, no. We've got it. And I really appre.."
Joyce cut Buffy off. "You look like your father when he cries."
Buffy was a little wounded, even though she knew it was just a flash of dementia. She looked at the doctor, flustered. "She's.. I told you she's been.."
"I know." Dr. Kriegel said. He looked at Joyce. "Joyce? Joyce." Her eyes finally focused on him. "We're done here. Why don't you take everyone home now?"
"Yes. Yes, thank you. Thanks for all your help, Doctor." Joyce said.
"I'll see you in a couple of days."
"Thank you." Joyce looked at Buffy. "Let's get the hell out of here."
They all turned and headed towards the door. Angel opened the Jeep's doors and allowed Joyce to get in back and lay her head down on the back of the seat. Dawn climbed in on the other side while Buffy and Angel took the front seats. Angel drove them all back to the Summers' house. As they walked up to the door, Buffy and Dawn supported Joyce as Angel unlocked the door and opened it. Buffy closed and locked it once they were all in. Joyce rested with her arm around Dawn's shoulder as Buffy turned on the foyer light.
"It's nice to be home." Joyce said.
"Do you want to get in bed, Mom?" Dawn asked.
Joyce blinked and shielded her eyes with her hand, crouching away from the light. "Oh that light. Oh, Buffy no, it's too bright. It's too bright! It's too bright!"
"Okay, Mom." Buffy said.
"Buffy it hurts, it hurts! It hurts my eyes!"
Buffy turned off the foyer light, but other lights shone from the living and dining rooms. "Okay, hey, don't worry. Dawn, turn off the lights down here. Angel and I'll take Mom upstairs."
"Sure." Dawn said.
"We'll turn off the lights up there, too." Angel said gently to Joyce.
"Ok."
Dawn started turning out lights as Buffy and Angel lead Joyce up the stairs.
"Here we go. It's okay now." Angel said.
Buffy helped Joyce get into her gown and into bed as Angel went around upstairs and turned off the lights. Buffy kissed her mother's forehead as she pulled the covers up. Angel met her out in the hallway with open arms. Buffy wrapped herself up in his strong, comforting arms.
"Thank you so much Angel." Buffy said. "I don't know if I could do this without you."
"Well, let's not try it then ok." Angel said softly. "Everything's going to be fine Buffy. Don't worry. Your mother's strong, like you. She's going to be ok. I.."
"Don't promise. You can't promise mom's going to be ok. No one can."
"Ok, I won't promise."
"Good." Buffy hugged Angel tighter. "Good."
"Let's go downstairs. Maybe watch some TV?"
"Yeah. That's a good idea."
"Come on." Without releasing Buffy's shoulders, Angel made his way down the stairs with her. Dawn was already curled up on the couch watching some sitcom with a studio audience. The whole house was dark and the flashing lights from the TV cast eerie glows around the room. After a while, a crash sounded from the kitchen and everyone on the couch jumped.
"What.." Dawn started.
"Mom?" Buffy called.
Another crash. Buffy and Angel got up and ran to the kitchen, Dawn at their heels. Light streamed from the opened refrigerator, illuminating Joyce as she peered into it. The kitchen was a mess. Days-old dirty dishes cluttered the sink, orange juice was spilt on the counter, and an empty frying pan smoked on the stove.
"Mom, what are you.." Buffy started.
Joyce spun around to face them, her face a mask of cold contempt. "I'm making breakfast." Joyce looked at Buffy. "But you shouldn't eat anymore. You're disgustingly fat."
Buffy blinked, absorbing that, but recovered and approached Joyce slowly, touching her arm. "Mom.."
Joyce looked at her, then at the mess around her. She suddenly softened, appearing as bewildered as the girls and Angel were. "Buffy.. I-I don't know what I'm doing."
"It's ok."
Angel went to the stove and turned off the burner, moving the smoking pan to a cold burner.
"Oh God, I'm.. I didn't mean to.. I don't know what's happening to me." Joyce said.
"You need to rest. Let's just get you back to bed." Buffy said soothingly.
Joyce nodded. Buffy took Joyce's arm and led her out. Dawn and Angel followed. They passed the basement door, which was slightly ajar. The basement light was on. Buffy figured Joyce had just gone down and they hadn't known it.
Angel opened the door to Joyce's dark room. They laid Joyce on the bed and Buffy got her a glass of water. When she got back, Buffy handed Joyce the glass and then twisted open a prescription bottle of sedatives. She poured out two pills and handed them to Joyce.
"Here Mom, these will help you sleep." Buffy said. Joyce swallowed the pills with the water. She laid back and slipped her legs under the covers. Together, Angel and Buffy helped tuck Joyce into her bed like she was a sleepy little girl.
"There we go Joyce." Angel said.
Dawn sat on the edge of the bed, stroking her mother's hair. Joyce turned to look at her, then, out of the blue said, "Don't touch me, you.. you thing!"
"M-Mom, please.." Dawn said, drawing away from Joyce.
"Get away from me! You're nothing! You're a shadow! I don't know what you are or how you got here."
"Mom, it's Dawn." Buffy said.
Dawn ran away into her bedroom. A suddenly coherent Joyce called after her, concerned. "Dawn, honey, what's wrong?"
"She's.. tired, Mom. We all are. You get some rest. I'll check on you in a bit." Buffy said gently. She and Angel walked out, shutting the door, and headed into Dawn's room.
Dawn was sitting on the bed, hugging her pillow, when Buffy and Angel entered. The pink lamp on the side table was on. Dawn was severely freaked, on the verge of tears. Buffy sat down next to her as Angel leaned against a corner.
"She hates me." Dawn said.
"No.." Buffy tried.
"She.. she called me a thing."
"She loves you. She's just not herself. I told you what the doctor said. It's the tumor. She.."
"No, not just Mom. People. They keep saying stuff like that.. about me."
"You mean that man in the hospital?" Angel asked, referring to trouble they'd had earlier that morning when Willow had visited.
"He.. He called me a thing, too. And there was another one. A weird guy, outside the magic shop. Said I didn't belong.. I wasn't real.." Buffy looked up at Angel, realizing as Dawn continued. "Why does everybody keep doing that? What's wrong with me?"
"Nothing. It's not you." Angel said.
"It's.. It's just.. I think there's something that happens in people's brains when there's something wrong. Like a short circuit. And it makes them feel like nothing's real except them. That's all it is." Buffy said.
"So, what's wrong with your brain?" Dawn asked Buffy.
"My..?"
"You said stuff, too. Said I.. I wasn't your sister."
"Dawn. I was.. It was stupid. I was upset. About Mom. And I was tired and.. Look.. It's not you. So, if anyone says anything like that again, including
me, don't listen. Okay? Even if it's Mom."
"I hate it."
Buffy hugged Dawn. "I know. Just don't listen."
"I'm going to bed." Dawn pulled away from Buffy and went to her dresser.
"Ok. Angel and I will be downstairs if you need us."
"Yeah. Ok."
Buffy and Angel walked downstairs and sat back down on the couch. After a few minutes, they heard Joyce talking to herself. She was talking crazy. Buffy stood, looking nervous.
"I, uh.. I should clean the kitchen." She said.
"Buffy.." Angel said.
Buffy cut him off. "No. It's messy. Mom would never let it get that messy."
She went into the kitchen and turned on the water. Once the sink was filled up enough, she turned it off and turned on the radio. Spanish music came out of the speakers. Buffy started to scrub at the burnt pan.
Suddenly, it was all too much for Buffy. She lowered her head and began to cry. She turned up the radio so no one would hear her. Then, Angel was there, holding her to him as she let go. All her fears and all the pressure released in her tears. The enthusiastic salsa music continued to play. The two stayed frozen in a tight, loving embrace in the kitchen until Buffy had cried herself out. She sniffled and rubbed her nose. Angel reached up with a hand and wiped away a tear from her cheek. With a small, weak smile, Buffy turned the water in the sink to cold and splashed it on her face, breathing deeply to calm herself. Then she turned the faucet off. Angel handed her a towel and she wiped off her face. She tossed the towel on the counter and sat down on a stool, Angel joining her.
"Are you ok?" Angel asked.
"I will be. I've just been holding that in for a long time." Buffy said, her voice a little horse from sobbing. "Funny thing: that."
"What?"
"You're the only one I'll break down in tears for. I've never done that for mom, or Dawn, or any of my friends."
"I remember the last time."
"The Master's bones. Yeah."
"You're too grown up Buffy. Once this thing with your mom is all over, you should really take a break."
Buffy chuckled.
"What?"
"This is my break from slaying." Buffy stood, going back to the dishes. "We haven't been out since this whole thing with my mom began."
"Really? I hadn't noticed."
"Don't be a smart ass.." Buffy heard a scream and a door slam from upstairs. Buffy and Angel looked up. "Dawn!" Immediately, the two ran out of the kitchen and charged up the stairs.
"Buffy!" Dawn yelled through a door.
Buffy went to the door of Joyce's bedroom and opened it. "What is it?"
"There's something out there Buffy. It's after Mom!"
"Make it stop looking at me Buffy.. it chokes me.." Joyce said.
"You two stay in there. Do not leave that.." Buffy shut the door and the creature fell from the ceiling, knocking her to her back on the floor. Buffy wrestled with it until Angel grabbed the thing and pulled it off. The thing clamped onto Angel and they got to the edge of the staircase and then began to tumble down, still fighting.
Angel and the thing went tumbling down. They landed hard and Angel lost his grip on the thing. It scrambled away, quick as lightning. Buffy helped Angel get to his feet and they both paused, listening hard.
Buffy entered the darkened kitchen as Angel covered the other way. Her eyes continued to scan, flicking from corner to corner. Smoothly, she pulled a carving knife from a knife block and cocked her arm back, ready. She walked towards the stove, her eyes missing nothing. Suddenly, something sprung out from the basement behind her. Buffy whirled, knife ready only to find Spike, who held something in one of his hands. Buffy glared at him.
"Spike." Buffy said.
"Yeah. Listen, did you hear a noise?" Spike asked.
"What the hell are you doing in my house?"
"Right then, you caught me. Your basement's full of junk and, me being in need of.. junk.."
"You were stealing?" Angela asked, coming in from behind Spike.
Spike jumped, but tried to play it cool. "Well, yeah. Can't exactly work the counter at Burger Barn, now can I?"
Buffy wasn't listening. She noticed what Spike was slipping into his jacket: photos of some kind. They almost looked like photos of her. "Wait. Are those pictures of.."
Buffy didn't finish. The thing fell from the ceiling onto Spike. Spike let out a scream. He wriggled under the creature, kicking at it with his arms and legs. Buffy readied her knife, waiting for a clear shot at the thing. But before she got her chance, one of Spike's thrashing legs kicked the knife out of her hand. It went skittering across the kitchen floor.
Without a weapon, Buffy had no choice but to tackle the creature thing. She and the thing tumbled out of the kitchen and into the dining room. Angel bent and picked up her knife. He went into the dining room where Buffy and the creature thing were making a huge mess.
"Buffy!" he yelled.
Angel tossed Buffy the carving knife. She caught it deftly, just as the thing pounced on her. Buffy lied on her back with the thing on top of her. She held the knife with two hands, pointing the blade inwards, and thrusted down at her own chest, as if she were committing Hari-kari. The blade impaled the thing. It stopped moving. Buffy lied there, the creature heavy on her chest, goop oozing from its body. Spike extended a hand to Buffy, offering to help her up. She accepted and stood up, covered in filth, exhausted.
Just as she got to her feet and Angel started to check on her, the front and back doors were kicked open. Spike, Angel, and Buffy reacted as Riley and the Black Ops charged into the house, weapons drawn. A few fanned into the living room while the others entered the dining room with Riley.
"Are you okay?" Riley asked.
Buffy didn't answer. She and Angel ran upstairs and into Joyce's room. They entered the room and ran to Joyce and Dawn. Buffy climbed onto the bed with them and the three embraced, holding each other tightly.
"It's ok. I killed it." Buffy said.
"Oh, God.." Joyce said.
"It's gone? You promise?" Dawn asked.
Angel came over and sat on the edge of the bed near Dawn. "I promise. Everything's all right."
Joyce grabbed Angel's shirt and pulled him into the group hug. "You're family. You belong in this little huddle."
A little while later, only Riley was left from everyone. Buffy and Angel walked downstairs and up to him. Spike was gone.
"What was that?" Buffy asked.
"I called the Black Ops. They came in to help out. Shoulda known that you wouldn't need it." Riley said.
"How'd you know?" Angel asked.
"Willow and the rest of the guys found a meteor outside of town in the woods. We checked it out and found out that thing was a Queller demon. It's here to get rid of all the crazies."
"Oh." Buffy said.
"I'm going to go. Leave you and your family alone."
"You don't have to."
"No, but I need to. See you later Buffy. Angel." Riley left.
A day and a half later, Buffy, Angel, and Joyce sat in the hospital room as a nurse prepped Joyce for surgery. Buffy sat at her side, holding her mother's hand. Angel stood behind Buffy, his hand holding her shoulder. The nurse swabbed Joyce's arm with alcohol and inserted an intravenous needle. Joyce winced and kept her focus on Buffy. The nurse left the room and Joyce looked at Buffy.
"Buffy?"
"Hmm?" Buffy asked.
"I.. I want to ask you something.. both of you. And if I'm being crazy, you just tell me. Okay?"
"You got it."
"The other day.. Actually, I'm not sure when. The days all seem to bleed together.."
"It's not important."
"No, I guess it isn't. I do know I was pretty out of it. And I had.. not a dream exactly. More like, I had this knowledge. It just came to me, like truth, you know? Even though it didn't seem possible. Even though I shouldn't think such things."
"What, Mom? It's okay."
"That Dawn.. She's not mine, is she?"
Buffy looked up at Angel, asking what to do with her eyes. Angel looked down and then back up, a "tell her" in his eyes. She turned back to her mother and said, "No."
"She's.. she does belong to us though."
"Yes, she does."
"And she's important. To the world. Precious.." Buffy nodded and Joyce took her hand. "As precious as you are to me?" Buffy nodded again, tears welling in her eyes. "Then we have to take care of her. Promise me, Buffy, if anything happens to me, if I don't come through this.."
"Mom.."
"No. Let me finish. No matter what she is, she still feels like my daughter, and I have to know you'll keep her safe. Both of you. Both of you will love her like I love Buffy."
"I promise."
"Good. Good.." Joyce laid back and pulled Buffy to her. "My sweet, brave Buffy.
What would I do without you?"
Buffy held onto her mother until the nurse came back in, signaling it was time to go. Buffy stood and grasped onto Angel's hand tightly. They stood back as doctors came in and moved Joyce onto a gurney and wheeled her out. They followed, meeting up with Dawn, Riley, Xander, Anya, Willow, Tara, and Giles in the hallway. Buffy, Angel, and Dawn stood in the doorway holding hands, watching as Joyce was wheeled away towards the OR. Joyce smiled at them and they returned her brave smile.