Chapter Four: The Wes of it All
Buffy opened her eyes and it was later that evening. She had slept the whole day. Depression washed over her. She needed to get out of the house. Buffy missed her old life. She missed being with her family and friends. She had no idea why she came back, but she knew it had something to do with being The Slayer. She was brought back into the body of a Potential. Her destiny wasn't over.
She threw the covers off of her and turned on the bedside light. It was really dark out, but she wanted to go for a walk. Buffy opened her door and walked downstairs. Her parents were on the couch with the television on. She sighed heavily and thought it was going to be difficult to get past them. Buffy walked downstairs and Jasmine spotted her. Evan stood up.
"Maddie, are you okay?" He asked.
Buffy nodded. "Yes, I am fine. I just needed some rest." She lied.
She was tired of all the lies. Hopefully when Wesley came over tomorrow, she could clear up some of these lies. Buffy looked at Jasmine and then turned her attention to the door. She put her hand on the doorknob and said,
"I'm just going for a quick walk. I need to clear my head."
"Now?" Evan asked. "It's so dark out and you haven't been home in a long time. Are you sure you remember the neighborhood?"
Buffy sighed again. "I know that I haven't been myself around you guys and I'm sorry for that." She paused. "I wish I could be more and I wish that I could give you an explanation for my behavior, but I can't. I just need you guys to give me some space. I am an adult. Can you do that?"
Evan looked at Jasmine for approval. Jasmine looked at Buffy and tears came to her eyes. Buffy was getting tired of the tears, but remained silent. Jasmine sniffled and looked at Evan. She nodded in approval.
"Alright fine," Evan said. "But only to the stop sign. Deal?"
Buffy nodded. "Just to the stop sign. I can do that."
"I know it's late, but I can make you something to eat if you'd like when you get back." Jasmine said.
Buffy smiled. "I'd like that. Thank you."
Buffy opened the door and stepped outside. They were right. It was late. The skies were pitch black with stars. The moon was full. However, Buffy needed a break. She needed some space to clear her head. Buffy closed the door behind her and inhaled the night air. She understood why her new parents were so clingy, but she needed this. Buffy stepped down the front steps and turned onto the sidewalk.
She really hoped that when Wesley came over tomorrow that they could clear up some of the tension. Buffy needed her new parents to know that she wasn't Maddie Pierson. She was Buffy Summers. They needed to start there. Buffy wondered about Giles, but she wasn't ready to reveal herself to the rest of the crew yet. She needed some answers.
Buffy walked down the street, slowly. She wanted to enjoy herself. There were some other neighbors that were out at night too. Buffy heard some chatter and walked past a couple of people. Everyone seemed to have the buddy system except her. She was out alone. Perhaps I should have someone with me, Buffy thought. She shrugged it off. Once she got to the stop sign at the end of the street, she turned back.
The rest of the walk was normal speed. She had a feeling that she shouldn't be out at night by herself, but she wanted to feel alone. Buffy felt suffocated in the new house with the new family. She got back to the house and opened the door. Her mother had prepared a simple dish, which was Ramen. There was meat in the Ramen and everything. Buffy sat at the table and thanked her. Then she started to eat her dinner.
Jasmine returned to the living room with Evan. Buffy sat in the dining room alone. She was grateful. The noodles and broth tasted very good. Buffy was finished with her dinner and placed her dishes in the sink. She walked into the living room and said,
"Thank you. Everything was yummy."
Jasmine smiled and nodded. "You're welcome. You used to eat Ramen all the time."
Buffy smiled. "I like it." She paused. "I think I'm going to go up to my room and spend the night there. You two have a good night."
"You too." They both said.
Buffy walked upstairs and walked back to her room. She got onto the computer and researched Sunnydale. Yup, you're still there, she thought. The town was still alive. Buffy had no idea how it was still there without her, but it seemed to be okay. Buffy was ready for this dinner with Wesley. She walked to her dresser and changed into pajamas. Buffy walked to her light switch and turned it off. She then walked to her bed and crawled over the covers again.
She dreamt of Heaven again. The light around her was this brilliant orange, white light. There wasn't a body that her soul clung to. It was more like air. Buffy could feel the air around her. Her mother was there and a few other family members. Buffy remembered how Heaven felt. It was beautiful. It was peaceful. She wanted to go back, but she knew that her place was here. Her dream screamed back to Earth.
Buffy's eyes snapped open. There was sweat all over her body. She turned and looked at the digital clock on her nightstand. It was two in the morning. Buffy rolled her eyes. She was almost wide awake. The sleep she had gotten before prevented her from falling asleep again. Buffy threw the covers off of her and went to the bathroom. She turned on the light and walked to the sink. She splashed cold water on her face and dried it off.
Buffy then turned off the light and walked back to her bedroom. She ignored her reflection. Buffy closed her bedroom door and got back into bed. She tried to fall asleep again. This sleep thing was difficult. She tossed and turned all night and then it was morning. Thank God, she thought. Buffy got out of bed and walked downstairs. Evan was up already and making coffee.
"Mind if I have some of that?" Buffy asked.
Evan smiled. "Not at all." He said and grabbed a second coffee cup.
He poured the coffee into the cup and looked at Buffy. "Good morning. How'd you sleep?"
"Alright. I kept tossing and turning last night." Buffy said truthfully.
"I thought I heard someone get up." Evan said and handed her the full coffee cup.
"Oh yeah," Buffy said. "That was me. I woke up in a sweat last night. I'm sorry if I woke you."
Evan shook his head. "It's fine." He paused. "Your mom and I have to go back to work tomorrow. Will you be okay here by yourself?"
Buffy nodded. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Where do you work?"
"I'm a construction worker." Evan replied. "And your mother is a teacher."
"Nice." Buffy said and took a sip of her coffee. "Do you like it?"
Evan shrugged. "It pays the bills." He said. "Would you like some breakfast?"
"Uh, sure." Buffy said and smiled. "That'd be nice, thank you."
Evan walked to the fridge and grabbed some eggs. He started to cook breakfast. Buffy walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. Jasmine walked downstairs and yawned. She was in slippers and pajamas still. Buffy guessed that she had just woken up.
"Good morning." Jasmine said and sniffed the air. "Your father making breakfast?"
Buffy nodded. "Yeah he's making eggs." She said, "There's coffee available."
"Thanks." Jasmine said and smiled. She walked into the kitchen.
Buffy turned on the television. She flipped through the channels until she found something interesting. Jasmine walked back into the living room and sat down in a chair with some coffee. She turned to Buffy and asked,
"Are you ready for tonight?"
She smiled and nodded. "Yeah. It'll be nice to see Wes-I mean Mr. Wyndam-Pryce."
"How do we know him?" Jasmine asked.
"He's new." Buffy replied. "He's a new friend- a counselor to help coma patients."
She was lying, but it was best to lie to her new mother for now. Jasmine nodded and accepted her answer. For now. Buffy got up off the couch and Jasmine looked at her.
"Where are you going?" She asked.
"Upstairs until breakfast is ready." Buffy told her.
"You can barely spend five minutes with me." Jasmine said. "Is something wrong?"
Buffy sighed heavily and sat back down. "No, nothing is wrong." She lied.
All these lies were piling up. She really didn't want to spend that much time with Jasmine. It seemed like Jasmine wanted her daughter back and Buffy wasn't ready to tell her that her daughter was gone. Buffy watched television and got comfy. Evan walked into the room and set up some tv dinner tray tables, including one for himself. He walked back into the kitchen and brought out plates with eggs and toast on it. Evan set his plate down on his table and sat down.
"Dig in." Evan said and started on his own plate.
Buffy smiled and started to dig into her breakfast. The eggs were actually pretty good and she didn't need any ketchup. The family ate breakfast silently while they watched some sitcom on television. It felt normal to Buffy. It reminded her of when Dawn, her mom, and her would have breakfast. Buffy finished her plate and leaned back into the couch. Jasmine smiled at all of them.
"This is nice." She said, "All of us here."
Evan nodded. "Yeah it is."
"Yeah." Buffy said.
She was being truthful about that. It was nice. Buffy was glad that she stayed. It was still awkward, but it felt right. Evan stood up and cleaned up the plates. Jasmine stood up and looked at Buffy.
"I'm going to get ready for the day." She said, "I'll see you in a bit."
Buffy nodded and Jasmine walked upstairs. Evan walked back into the living room and looked at Buffy.
"Is everything okay?" He asked.
Buffy sighed. She was really getting tired of that question. "I guess so." She said, "She just thinks I'm avoiding her."
"Well, you haven't wanted to stay in the room with her so I understand." Evan replied. "I think your mom is just really worried about you."
"Dad," Buffy said and winced. "There's some stuff I want to tell you about but I can't tell you right now. It's not the right time, but it's the reason why I'm acting not like myself. Can you understand?"
Evan narrowed his eyes and nodded. He noticed the wince, but didn't say anything. Evan walked into the kitchen and started dishes. Buffy stood up and walked back into the kitchen.
"Can I help?" She asked.
He nodded. "Sure."
Evan handed her the wet dishes and she dried them then put them away. Buffy felt more honest with Evan than she did with Jasmine. She wasn't sure why, but she felt more of a connection with him. Jasmine came downstairs and was dressed. She watched her daughter and her husband do the dishes and smiled. This felt right, Jasmine thought. Evan and Buffy finished the dishes. Jasmine looked at the time.
"I'm gonna start getting the house ready." Jasmine said. "Maddie, would you mind helping me?"
Buffy turned to her and said, "I don't mind." She paused. "What do you need?"
"We need to dust and vacuum for Mr. Wyndam-Pryce." Jasmine said. "Do you want to dust or vacuum?"
"I'll vacuum." Buffy said. "How about this? I'll get started on a shower while you dust and then I'll vacuum."
Jasmine smiled and nodded. "I like that plan."
"We've already done the kitchen so you don't need to worry there." Evan said.
"Good, then I'll start making lunch after we do that." Jasmine said.
Buffy smiled and nodded. She walked upstairs and stopped at the top of the stairs for a moment. She heard the two of them talking. They were happy. Buffy continued up the stairs and walked into her bedroom. She picked out some clothes. Now that she thought about it, it was odd to be wearing Maddie's clothes. Buffy shrugged it off and grabbed the clothes. She walked into the bathroom and closed the door. She turned on the light and the fan. Then she continued to get ready for the day.
Meanwhile, Jasmine and Evan were getting the house ready for dinner. Jasmine dusted the house while Buffy was in the shower. After the water had turned off, Evan cleaned the bathrooms. Buffy changed into clothes and then walked into her bedroom. After Buffy was out of the bathroom, Evan cleaned that one too. Buffy walked downstairs and vacuumed the house.
The house was clean and then it was time to make lunch. It was a late lunch so they had turkey wraps. After lunch, Jasmine noticed what time it was. She started on the potatoes. There was a giant bowl on the table. Jasmine peeled the potatoes over the bowl. Buffy turned off the vacuum and put it away. She walked into the kitchen and saw Jasmine. She washed her hands and looked at her.
"Can I help?" Buffy asked.
"Sure, we have another peeler in the drawer." Jasmine said.
"Which drawer?" Buffy asked.
"The one over there." Jasmine pointed to it.
"Thanks." Buffy said.
She found the other peeler and started to help. Evan turned on some jazz that played throughout the house. It wasn't too loud and it was the perfect temperature in the house. Buffy and Jasmine finished peeling the potatoes. Jasmine started to chop up the potatoes and put them in a pot of boiling water. She started on the chicken. Buffy went upstairs and changed into respectable clothes. Her reflection was still strange to her, but she moved past it. Evan helped set the table. By the time Buffy knew it, the doorbell rang. Buffy walked into the kitchen and said,
"I'll get it."
She walked out of the kitchen and to the front door. Buffy opened the door and there was Wesley. He had a salad in his hands and some dressing. Buffy smiled, it was nice to see a familiar face. Then she remembered her situation. She looked at Wesley and whispered,
"Thank God you're here." Buffy paused. "I am dying."
"It's good to see you too Buffy." Wesley whispered. "Why are you dying?"
"I can't keep this up." Buffy said. "We have to tell them tonight that I'm not their daughter."
Evan walked into the room. "Mr. Wyndam-Pryce," he said and held out his hand. "So nice to see you again. Welcome. Maddie, let him inside."
Buffy took a step back and let Wesley enter. Wesley stepped inside. Evan looked at Wesley and said, "Aw, thank you, you didn't have to bring anything."
"I thought it was appropriate that I bring something." Wesley said and handed the salad to Evan.
Evan took the salad. "Well, Jasmine is almost done with dinner. Why don't you sit down at the table?"
"I'd love to." Wesley said.
Buffy guided Wesley to the dining room. Wesley sat at one head of the table and Evan sat at the other head. Jasmine and Buffy served the food. Jasmine sat next to Evan and Buffy sat next to Wesley.
"Well, dinner is served," Jasmine said. "Let's eat."
"Thank you Jas-mom," Buffy said. "Everything looks great!"
Jasmine noticed the small error but shrugged it off. She smiled at Buffy and nodded. Wesley cleared his throat and began to eat. Dinner was silent for a moment while everyone ate. After a few moments, Jasmine looked at Wesley.
"Our daughter tells me you're a counselor?" She asked him.
Wesley looked at Buffy then looked at Jasmine. "Sort of," he said. "I'm more of a guide. There's lots to talk about tonight."
Buffy smiled at Wesley. She was glad that he knew what she wanted to talk about. She wanted an out. Wesley would be a good buffer, she thought. Buffy ate a bite of her food.
"Oh?" Evan said. "Maddie and I talked a little bit about that earlier today. It seems like there is something she wants to tell us."
"Yes, I have something to tell you both." Buffy said. "It's hard to explain."
"Why don't we start with something simple." Wesley said. "For example, I am not a counselor. Not like the one that you're thinking of."
"Then what are you?" Evan asked.
Wesley looked at Buffy then turned to Evan. "I'm a Watcher."
"A what?" Evan asked, shocked. "What does that even mean?"
"A Watcher that guides Potentials and The Slayer to their destiny." Wesley started to explain.
Evan placed his utensils down and looked at Buffy. "I've heard enough." He said. "This is ridiculous."
"No it's not." Buffy said and stood up. "I'm not Maddie Pierson."
"Then who are you?" Jasmine asked.
"I'm Buffy Summers. This is Wesley Wyndam-Pryce. He was my Watcher when I went to high school." Buffy explained.
"I want you to leave." Evan said and looked at Wesley. "Clearly this is some type of game."
"It's no game and your daughter is in danger." Wesley told him.
"What are you talking about Wes?" Buffy asked.
"I wish I could be more gentle about this, but I can't." Wesley said. "There is a new vampire in town."
"Okay, what is this nonsense?" Evan asked. "Vampires? You must be joking."
"No, I'm afraid I'm not." Wesley told him. "His name is Karl and his creating a new vampire community."
"Karl the vampire?" Buffy repeated.
"Take this seriously Buffy." Wesley said. "He intends to create a large community and we need your help."
"Okay, that's it." Evan said and stood up. "I'm done. This is all nonsense."
"Wait, maybe it's not." Jasmine said. "I've been feeling something different with Maddie."
"It's because I'm not Maddie." Buffy insisted. "I prefer if you call me by my real name."
"You're sick, both of you." Evan said.
There was a loud shatter of glass and the family screamed. Buffy jumped and Wesley immediately got up from his seat. He ran out of the dining room and went into the living room. There were vampires that crashed through the living room. Wesley threw Buffy a stake and she staked two of them.
The vampires turned to dust right in front of Evan. He was flabbergasted. The last one was headed for the dining room. Right at Jasmine. Jasmine saw the face of the vampire and screamed. Buffy ran to the dining room and staked the vampire that went after Jasmine. It turned to dust right in front of her. Jasmine's mouth dropped.
"What the hell was that?!" Jasmine screeched.
"That," Wesley said as he entered the room. "Was a vampire. He turned to Buffy and said, "They must have followed me here."
"Just when I thought we could have a nice dinner." Buffy said and turned to Evan who walked into the room. "Sorry about the windows."
"What just happened?" Evan asked and ran over to Jasmine. "Sweetie, are you okay?"
Jasmine was in shock. Buffy looked at all three of them. "I'm sorry, but the truth is…We live in a much different world than you think."
"And what world is that exactly?" Evan asked.
"We live in a world where demons exist." Wesley told him.
Shock settled in the house and everyone stared at each other. Silence engulfed Buffy. There was nothing else to say. Jasmine and Evan knew that their daughter was gone. Their world was forever changed.