Chapter 11

Dawn gripped the leather armrest of Cordelia's car tighter and tighter. The vision she had was not a good one she had seen her mother on the floor lifeless and not moving. She just hoped she wasn't to late. Peter on the other hand was concerned his girlfriend just had a vision the question was did she really believe her mother was in danger he knew Joyce had been sick but this was a lot to take in.

They arrived at Buffy's house around noon. As soon as Cordelia parked her car Dawn was running to her house. Peter followed soon after leaving Cordy by herself. When Peter got inside he turned into the living room and saw Dawn over the body of her mother trying to get a pulse.

"Peter she's not breathing! Call 911!" screamed a panicked Dawn

Peter ran to the nearest house phone and called 911. A few minutes later Buffy entered the room and saw her mother on the ground as well. Tears started to form in her eyes as she saw her mother not breathing or responding. Dawn went to her sister and the two of them started crying hoping their mother would make it.

The paramedics arrived a short time later they asked the three teens questions. When'd they get here etc. Dawn and Buffy held hands as they tried to revive their mother but each time they tried with no success the girls lost hope. Peter watched as one of the medics told them there was nothing else they could do. Their mother was dead. Dawn ran over to Peter and started to cry into his chest. Her worst fear imaginable came true and Dawn was powerless to stop it. Peter could relate to loosing a loved one but this was different Peter knew he couldn't heal this one. It would take time lots of time for the girls to heal.

Willow and Tara were the first to arrive at the hospital. Buffy, Dawn and Peter sat in the chairs with blank expression. Dawn was curled into a ball lying her head on Peter's shoulder her eyes were red from crying. Buffy looked like she'd loose it any second her face was still a look of shock the doctors had said that she was fine and the tumor was gone and if their were any signs to bring her in. Buffy had seen the signs and she had ignored them it was her fault her mother was dead.

Xander and Anya arrived a short time later their faces said the same thing. No one spoke for a few minutes' only hugs and condolences were said between the group of friends they were all shocked.

"Why… why now…" whispered Dawn

"Dawn there was nothing we could do…she's in a better place now though" said Willow

Just then a doctor came by and asked for Dawn and Buffy to come and see the cause of death to their mother. The others all waited out in the hospital lobby. Silence again hushed over the group until the two Summers girls returned.

After leaving the hospital Buffy, Dawn and Peter decided to stay at Peter's. They couldn't go back their mother had just died in that place they called home they might never return.

Dawn and Peter lied in bed together neither of them spoke the events of today had taken their tolls on them. Peter decided it was best if he just be there for Dawn because that's what She needed the most.

"I know what it's like to loose someone you love" Peter whispered softly," but it doesn't mean there not still here…my uncle Ben he told me with great power must also come great responsibility…he died because of my actions and I've never forgiven myself…Dawn you don't need to blame yourself for this I'm here for you and I'm not going anywhere you hear me…" Peter finished his speech and stroked her brown hair gently.

"Peter…why do bad things happen to good people?" whispered Dawn

"I don't know Dawn…I don't know"