Thanks, Meredith, for your beta talents!
Chapter 3: The Results
John read the results of the DNA test with satisfaction. It was true; Buffy was his granddaughter. He had felt it deep in his bones, and he was glad to have this tangible proof since his daughter was so disbelieving. Buffy's explanation seemed insane, but he knew that she was who she believed to be. The test just proved what he and Lee already felt—she was family.
Rising to his feet, he went to Beth's bedroom door and knocked on it.
"Come in," she called.
He opened the door and found Beth on her bed with her laptop open in front of her.
"You working?" he asked.
"A bit. What's up?" she asked, shutting the computer.
"I got the DNA result," he said, handing it to her. "Buffy is yours."
Beth looked at the paper and saw that Buffy was Rip's daughter and John's granddaughter. "It's not proof she's my daughter. I wasn't tested," she said, handing it back to him.
"Now you're just being stubborn. I'm going to go show it to Rip and then bring my granddaughter home," he said. "You will be nice. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal," she said sullenly. It didn't make sense. How could the girl be hers? How could she not know she'd delivered a baby?
"Buffy says a powerful hypnotist messed with your memory and Jamie's. Maybe everyone's," he said. "I don't know. I just know that she's ours, and we have to contact her adopted mom since she's technically a runaway."
"You didn't do that already?" Beth asked, surprised.
"No. I didn't want her to run," he said. "Now that we know for sure, there's no reason for her to run."
Beth nodded. "Are you going to tell Rip?" she asked.
"Unless you want to?" he replied.
"No," she said. She didn't know what she was going to do.
"I'm going to have Kayce bring Monica and Tate to dinner tonight, and introduce them to Buffy," he said.
"All right," Beth said.
He left and went to find Rip, who was with Lee in the main corral, working with the horses.
"I have news," he said, holding up the paper.
Both men moved to the fence. Rip got off the horse he was on.
"What's up?" Lee asked. "Is the DNA test in?"
"It is," he said, handing it to Rip.
Rip felt genuine shock run through him when he read the result. "She was right. Buffy is my daughter," he said. "I can't believe it." He, of course, believed Beth and thought Buffy was just misinformed. The DNA test, though, changed everything.
"I can believe it. I knew she was," John said. "I could feel it."
"What am I supposed to do with a teenage daughter?" he asked.
"Just love her," John said.
"I'm going to go get her," Lee said, grinning. He slapped Rip on the back. "Go prepare the mother."
"I already told her," John said. "I'm not sure how she's handling it."
"I'll go talk to her," Rip said.
"I'm going to go see Kayce and invite him for dinner to meet Buffy," John said.
"Okay," Rip said. He went to see his woman.
"Are you okay?" he asked Beth when he saw her sitting on the porch drinking.
"No," she said. She held up her bottle of whiskey. "Want to drink with me?"
"No, but I will sit with you," he said, sitting down next to her.
"I guess you heard," she said.
"I did," he said. "We have a nearly grown daughter who seems to have inherited my very bad luck."
"Why do you say that?" Beth said.
"She left home because her friend was murdered, and her boyfriend killed. Then her mother threw her out," Rip said. "She also said the principal accused her of murdering her friend and expelled her."
Beth's eyes widened. "She's a killer? You let a killer into my home?" she asked.
"Of course not," he said. "The charges were dropped two days after she left."
"That's good, I suppose," she admitted.
They sat in silence for a few minutes. "She's got grit," Rip admitted.
"You like her," Beth said, a note of accusation in her voice.
Rip shrugged. "I've got zero experience with teenage girls except when you and I were teens ourselves," he said. "But she's athletic and scrappy—a survivor."
"I guess that's good," Beth said.
"We'll figure it out," he said, putting his arm around her shoulder and pulling her against him.
Beth allowed herself to lean into him, absorbing his strength. This was going to take some time to get used to.
***** Broken Rock Reservation*****
"Grandpa!" Tate said, seeing John as he got out of his truck. Tate was playing with some cousins outside the mobile home he lived in with his mother, her father, and Kayce, John's youngest son.
John bent down to scoop up his grandson, groaning. "I'm not sure I can lift you if you keep growing on me," he said.
"That's what Mom says, too!" Tate said, grinning at him.
"How's your summer going so far?" he asked as he walked toward the porch. Kayce was already at the door.
"Great!" he said. "Mom let's me sleep to eight sometimes."
"You're going to turn into a slug-a-bug if you keep that up," John teased, setting him down.
"No danger of that," Kayce said. "Hey, Dad. What brings you by?"
"I was hoping you and Monica would bring Tate for dinner tonight at the house," John said.
"I will ask her. She's not here now, but she will be back soon," Kayce said. "What's the occasion?"
John smiled. "Turns out that I have a granddaughter, and I want her to meet the rest of the family. She's met everyone else," he said.
"That means she's related to me, right?" Tate said, smiling eagerly.
"She's your cousin," John said. "She's seventeen."
"Tate, go share the good news with your other grandpa, so I can talk to Dad," Kayce said.
"She's the daughter of Beth and Rip's," John said, anticipating the question.
"How did Beth have a seventeen-year-old daughter, and no one knew?" Kayce asked.
"That's a confusing story as Beth attacked Buffy for working a con when she met her. The DNA test, though, proves it's true," John said.
"Buffy? Her name is Buffy?" Kayce said, grinning.
"She was raised in California and adopted by a good couple," John said. "A friend was murdered, and her boyfriend killed, so she needed to get away for the summer."
"How did we not know Beth was pregnant?" Kayce asked.
"It's a bit of a mystery as Beth is convinced that she had an abortion, and Jaime said he drove her to the clinic back when they were teens," John said. "However, Buffy says that the group that stole her has the power to hypnotize and convince people of things that aren't true. She came across some papers that explained how the guy who took her died in a car wreck before he could place her with the organization behind it. Buffy wasn't hurt in the wreck, and DHS adopted her out. He made it as far as California, however, so that's where she was raised. Los Angeles until two years ago. Now she's in a town called Sunnydale."
Kayce grimaced. "That's a dangerous town," he said. "I heard a lot of rumors about the place when I was in Coronado."
"She mentioned that," he said. "She's a fighter. Says she started studying it when she got bored with gymnastics and ice skating."
"A girl named Buffy who can fight. I will make sure we make it for dinner," he said, smiling.
"Seven o'clock," he said.
"Grandpa, do you want to come see my room?" Tate asked.
"Sure," John said. "I have time." It was rare to spend time with his grandson, and he eagerly extended his visit.
*****Several Hours Later*****
Buffy was feeling the butterflies as it was almost dinner time, and she would meet the remaining family. Lee had come by lunch time to get her and told her that the DNA test was in. Then he insisted that she check out of the motel and bring all her stuff to the house. They put her in Kayce's old room as Jaime and Lee still lived at home, and Beth's room was hers when she visited.
The room was bare. A few pictures and sports trophies. A desk and dresser. However, it had a large window that overlooked the back of the property.
Her grandfather hugged her when she arrived. "I knew you were ours even if I don't understand how the secret was kept," he said. "I am very happy you came to visit."
Buffy smiled, feeling emotional. "Me, too," she said.
"However, we have to call your mom and let her know," John said.
Buffy's face became mutinous, and John fought back a smile. She was so Beth's daughter.
"No, we don't," she said.
"Yes, we do. You left without permission," he said.
"She told me to go!" Buffy declared.
"A mother disagreeing with her daughter can't be judged so harshly," John said. "I am sure she loves you, and she's worried sick. Have you called her at all?"
Buffy felt a flash of guilt and shook her head. "No," she said.
"I'd have to ask Jaime, but harboring a runaway could be a criminal offense," John said. Of course, he wasn't actually worried about that, but he wanted her to call her mother.
"How about I call Giles and let him call my mother?" she suggested.
"Your librarian? That seems a bit ridiculous, don't you think?" John said, frowning.
"I think it's a great idea," she said.
"I need to speak to her and make sure she's okay with you staying here for the summer," John said. "That is if you want to stay the entire summer?"
"I'd love to," Buffy said, grinning.
"Beth won't be here as she has to return to her home in Utah for work, but Rip will be. You can get to know him," John said.
"Can we call after dinner?" Buffy asked, wanting to postpone it.
"Fine," John said, not wanting to upset her. "But the call will be made."
"Okay," Buffy reluctantly agreed.
Now it was dinner time, and she was sitting at the table next Rip and across from Lee while her grandpa was at her left at the head. Beth was on Rip's other side, which was fine by Buffy. Jamie was next to Lee, so that left the two end chairs and the other head of the table open for Kayce, Monica and Tate.
When they finally arrived, Buffy was surprised at how beautiful Monica was and couldn't help but comment.
"No one told me you'd be so beautiful," Buffy said.
Monica flashed the teenager a warm smile. She had long black hair and full red lips and was just a little bit taller than Buffy. "That's really nice of you to say," she said.
"I would've told you she was beautiful," Kayce said, his arm around her shoulders as he smiled down at her. "I have excellent taste."
"She's the most beautiful woman in the world," Tate said proudly.
Monica laughed. "I have him well trained," she said.
"My kid's as smart as his beautiful mother," Kayce said, kissing Monica's cheek.
Buffy looked at Kayce with interest. This was the man who'd been to war, trained to kill. Buffy could see the pain still lingering in his eyes.
For Kayce, he didn't know what to think as the dinner progressed. At times, the girl appeared a carefree teenager with an easy smile and quick wit. Other times, he could see the shadows in her eyes. Beth seemed right down hostile toward her—no real surprise as his sister was the most contrary of creatures. Rip, though, watched her with fascination mixed with longing. His dad had a warm manner with the girl, and it was clear the two were already close.
"What's it like living in California? Grandpa says all the weirdos and tree huggers live there," Tate said.
His parents winced, but Buffy just grinned, unoffended. "Well, I'm sure there are weirdos and tree huggers in other places, too, but yes, there's a lot of them in California," she said. "There's also the ocean. It's a wonderful thing to see."
"I wanna see the ocean, Dad," he said, turning to his dad.
"Someday, Tate," Kayce promised.
"Kayce was stationed in the Coronado base outside of San Diego during his Seal training," Lee offered up.
"You saw the ocean, Dad?" Tate asked.
"I did," he said. "I swam in it a few times."
"Did you have to fight off a shark?" Tate asked.
"Only once," Kayce said.
"Did you see its teeth?" Tate asked, excited.
"Yes," Kayce said.
"Then what did you do? Did you run away?" Tate said.
"Well, in the water, no human can swim as fast as a shark, so you have to stand your ground and scare it off," Kayce said.
"How did you do that?" Tate wondered.
"I showed it my own teeth," Kayce said, causing the adults to laugh.
"What's it like living on a reservation?" Buffy asked Tate.
"It's fun. I have a lot of cousins and friends to play with," he said.
"How big is the Reservation?" Buffy wondered.
"Big," Tate said.
"Yes, it is," John said.
Buffy gave Monica a curious look.
"It's a bit over two million acres," she said.
"Wow! That's huge!" Tate exclaimed.
"Yes, it is," Buffy agreed. "I've never seen such wide-open land before coming here."
"As it's over three thousand miles, I'd say so," John said.
"And yet many natives feel our measly twenty-five hundred acres should belong to the tribe," Lee said, giving Monica a pointed look.
"It was taken from the tribe," Monica said.
Buffy frowned. "If a family has land over a hundred years, is it fair to say it's taken?" she asked. "If that's the case, all of America is stolen land."
"It is," Monica said.
"In a war, people lose. Sadly, the Indians didn't have the numbers or superior weaponry of the Europeans, and they lost the land," Buffy said. "I don't think it's very nice to imply that the Duttons took something from your tribe since it was so long ago. Just because it's the biggest ranch, doesn't mean it's anymore Indian land than any place else in this country."
"Excellent points," John said, smiling at her.
"No white man should have so much land," Monica said, clearly upset at the thought.
"Babe," Kayce said, not wanting the argument to escalate.
Buffy's face looked a bit shocked, and she looked around the table. No one seemed that surprised at Monica's words. John looked sad while Beth rolled her eyes. Rip just looked grim.
"That's really a bit racist, don't you think?" Buffy asked.
Monica stood. "Racist? Are you kidding? The white man brought its diseases, destroyed the ecosystem, slaughtered the buffalo to near extinction, and massacred countless natives!" she exclaimed.
"Yes, and to make restitution, the American government has given all tribes sovereign power, and allowed them to make millions in their gambling casinos," Buffy said. "It's a lot more than we ever did for the black Americans, who we enslaved for two hundred years. At some point, you have to let history stay in the past and learn from your mistakes. The Dutton ranch doesn't slaughter natives, poison the land, or harm its neighbors in any way. Holding on to the past only makes you bitter."
Buffy didn't know why she was feeling the need to debate this woman, but she knew Monica was a teacher, educated, and the reason Kayce wasn't close to the family anymore. She couldn't help but want to defend the Dutton legacy since it was now hers, too.
"How about we change the topic?" John said.
"Kayce, Buffy claims she's a fighter," Lee said. "Why don't you see what she's got after dessert?"
Kayce smiled. "Really?" he asked. "I've never met a teenager girl with any skills like that."
"I wanna be a fighter! Teach me, Daddy!" Tate said eagerly.
"I will," Kayce told him, rubbing his head affectionately.
"It was a necessary skillset in Sunnydale," Buffy said with a shrug.
"I heard some stories about that town when I lived in California," Kayce said. "Any of it true?"
"Probably. The high school newspaper has an obituary section," Buffy said.
Monica, who had sat back down in sullen silence, was dismayed. "You're joking!" she exclaimed.
Buffy shook her head. "No, I'm really not. The town is like on a hellmouth," Buffy said. "Bad ju-ju there."
"What's a hellmouth?" Tate asked.
"She didn't mean literally," Monica said. "She just means it's like a hell—full of bad things."
"Are we ready for dessert?" the cook asked, pulling a tray on wheels.
"Chocolate pudding? I love chocolate pudding!" Tate said happily.
"I know you do, buddy. I had Cook make it just for you," John said, smiling.
"With whipped cream makes it extra delish," Buffy said happy to receive hers.
The family ate dessert in relative silence as talk of hellmouth and stolen land was pushed aside. However, no one would be quick to forget any of it.
Beth was impressed that the girl had a keen mind—she didn't seem that way at all. Monica was nice enough and made Kayce happy, so she didn't have any real issues with the woman. However, she was a tad bit sanctimonious for Beth's taste. As most women hated Beth and the feeling was normally mutual, she didn't let Monica's opinions bother her too much.
Rip was very proud of his daughter, who could speak so eloquently in defense of their home.
John, too, felt a strong sense of pride in his granddaughter but also gratitude. Kayce's thoughtful expression after the exchange made it obvious that Buffy's words weren't so easily dismissed by his youngest. John knew how powerful love was, and Kayce fell in love with a woman who despised his heritage. She had contempt for the family, and it hurt John's relationship with their son and Kayce. Could Buffy bring them closer?
Lee was amused at his niece and how easily she stood up to his baby brother's highly educated wife. The woman always won every argument Lee ever had with her, so he was really enjoying the dinner since Buffy had won her first battle with Monica effortlessly. He loved having a niece!
Jamie said little, observing the effect the girl had on everyone. Beth didn't seem to like her much, but it was no surprise to Jamie that she didn't like her own daughter. The woman was a real bitch, and her plan to destroy Jamie's place in the family over his part in the abortion didn't work. Not only was there no abortion, but the girl was here with them all. He honestly had not known the clinic would sterilize Beth; the idea was horrific. Hopefully, the girl's presence would soothe Beth somewhat.
After dessert, Monica was ready to leave.
"What about our fight?" Lee asked. "Buffy's gonna put Kayce on his ass."
"Yea, right," Beth said, snickering.
"She put you on your ass," Lee reminded her.
"I'm not a trained Navy Seal," Beth pointed out.
"It's late. I'll come over tomorrow," Kayce said. "It was nice meeting you."
Tate gave Buffy a hug. "Come over to my place, and I will show you my other grandpa and my cousins," he said.
"I'd like that," Buffy said, smiling at the adorable boy. He was very outgoing for a four-year-old.
After they left, John pulled Buffy in for a hug. "You did good, kid," he said.
"I can't believe someone actually won an argument with Monica!" Lee said with glee.
"I don't usually debate people," Buffy said. "I don't know what came over me."
"You're Beth's daughter," Jamie said, smirking at his sister.
"Do you want me to make you cry?" Beth threatened, glaring at her brother.
Jamie made a quick retreat to his room, making Rip smile.
"Why are you so mean to Jamie?" Rip said.
"You know why," she said.
"He was a kid, and he made a mistake," Rip said. "You were the one that wanted to get rid of our baby. That's not on him; that's on you."
"Actually, that's just a lie you were made to believe," Buffy interjected.
"That's too crazy to think about," Lee said, shaking his head.
"I'm going to bed," Beth said. "Good night."
After she left, Buffy said, "Well, at least she included me in her glance. That's progress."
Rip reached out and touched her arm. "She's tough, but give her time," he said. He looked at his boss. "Thanks for dinner. See you in the morning."
"Good night, Rip," John said.
"Good night," Lee and Jamie echoed.
"It's just now eight. Why are you all so tired?" Buffy said after her father left.
"We get up at four," Lee reminded her.
"That's insane," Buffy said.
"It's life as a rancher," John said. "Don't worry. I'll let you sleep to six."
"Gee, thanks," Buffy said. "I'm not sleepy. I want to go for a run. Is that okay?"
"Watch out for snakes," Lee said.
"Snakes mostly stick to wood piles," John countered.
"Good to know," Buffy said.
"Just don't run in shorts, and stick to the driveway," John suggested.
"Okay," Buffy said. She went to her room and put on a pair of leggings with a hoodie since it got chilly at night.
"Before you go, come here," John said, gesturing her into his study.
Buffy went in and grimaced as he held out his phone. "Time to make your call home," he said.
Buffy had really hoped he forgot.
What if her mother made her return home?
******To Be Continued*****
This story doesn't seem to be very popular on this site, but I'm enjoying writing it. If you enjoyed it, take a minute to leave a review. So far, I have 7 chapters written. It will probably go to chapter 10. Thanks for reading!