Author's Note: Trigger Warning - At the beginning of this chapter there is talk of depression and suicide. I do apologize but I figured that Dawn would have had repressed trauma she never truly dealt with. After all she saw her sister die twice (and knew of a third time), seen her mother dead. Knew that all her friends were dead.
If you have a problem with the talk of depression and suicide then go ahead and skip down to the break that starts the episode… September 23, 1997 – Tuesday.
Chapter 6: School Hard
September 21, 1997 – Sunday
Summers, Payne & Harris Residence
"Chloe!" Dawn's urgent call echoed through the living room, slicing through the stillness of the air like a blade, her voice thick with a potent blend of urgency and concern. For Dawn, the mere mention of Giles' name seemed to unleash a torrent of emotions, each one more tumultuous than the last.
Responding to the urgency in Dawn's voice, Chloe descended the stairs with a rapid heartbeat, her senses heightened by a cocktail of anxiety and curiosity. As Dawn handed her the landline phone, Chloe felt the weight of the impending conversation settle heavily upon her shoulders. Gratitude welled up within her as she softly murmured, "Thanks, Dawn," her voice a whisper against the backdrop of tension that hung in the air.
With trembling fingers, Chloe brought the receiver to her ear, her breath catching in her throat as she prepared to face whatever news Giles had to deliver. The palpable sense of unease in her voice betrayed the turmoil swirling within her as she greeted Giles with a hesitant, "Good morning, Giles. Anything I should know about?"
Giles' response sent a chill coursing down Chloe's spine, his words laden with a weight that seemed to press down upon her very soul. "Yes," he replied, the gravity of his words hanging in the air like a dense fog. "You might try and see if Dawn has additional trauma on top of what we already know, mainly with August and the Master."
The word 'trauma' struck a nerve within Chloe, her mind racing to comprehend the implications of Giles' cryptic message. Memories of past horrors flooded her mind, each one more harrowing than the last. With a trembling voice, she probed, "I take it something happened?"
"The Master's bones were dug up for a revivication ritual," Giles explained, his voice laden with a weight that seemed to press down upon them all. Chloe listened in silence, her mind reeling at the magnitude of the revelation.
As Giles recounted the harrowing events that had unfolded, Chloe felt her chest tighten with each word.
"Buffy and Dawn led Xander and Angel to the factory where we were being held," Giles continued, his voice steady despite the weight of the memories he carried. "During the ensuing battle, they dispatched the vampires and then proceeded to take turns grinding the Master's bones into a powder. At which point they both broke down in tears," he concluded, his voice heavy with emotion. "If Dawn was still harboring that after twelve years."
Chloe's heart ached at the thought of the pain Dawn had carried with her for so long, the weight of her trauma buried deep beneath the surface. "Who knows what else might be buried under the surface waiting to erupt," Chloe murmured, her voice filled with empathy and sorrow. "Especially when she is expecting a baby now. I'll talk to her."
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Chloe called Willow and had her ask Xander over for a while so she could talk to Dawn alone. Her heart ached as she sat down next to Dawn, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on her shoulders. She knew that this conversation wouldn't be easy, but it was essential to address the pain and trauma that had long been buried.
"Hey, Dawn," she began gently, her voice filled with compassion and understanding. "I think we need to talk. Giles informed me on what happened last week. We know about August, of course, and we suspected about the Master. But what I want to talk about now is when Buffy died for you."
Dawn closed her eyes, a deep sigh escaping her lips. She had hoped to keep this painful chapter of her life buried, but she knew that Chloe was right. She was a Slayer, and lives were at stake. The weight of her emotions threatened to overwhelm her as she spoke, her voice laced with the raw pain of her past. "I know you and Giles said it was noble of me to come back. But I was right too, it was selfish. I came back primarily for my family. For my mommy, for my sister, for my girlfriend. Yes, I came back for our friends too. But it was primarily for my family. When Buffy died the second time, it was so much worse because, until Willow's spell, there was no coming back. It was very hard for me to get up, get dressed, and go about my day. Every day was a chore, every day I considered committing suicide."
Chloe's eyes widened in shock and sorrow at Dawn's confession. The room seemed to grow heavier with the weight of Dawn's pain. "Suicide?" she gasped; her voice filled with genuine concern.
Dawn continued, her voice quivering with the burden of her emotions. "So, I could be with Buffy and mom," she confessed. "I knew the guys thought Buffy's soul was in a hell dimension. But I was sure that was not true since she gave her life for me. Why would God or the Powers that Be or whatever send her to a hell dimension when she did that? I was sure that Buffy was in heaven with mom. So, I thought about joining her. Every day it was different. Sometimes I would return to Glory's tower, climb to the top, and as I looked down, I would think about jumping. Other times I would be holding a razor blade to my wrists. Others, I thought about throwing myself in front of a moving car."
Chloe's eyes welled with tears as she listened, her heart aching for the pain that Dawn had endured. She asked softly, her voice tender and gentle, "Do you remember what it was she said?"
Dawn's tears fell freely as the memories of Buffy's poignant words flooded her mind. She could hardly speak, her voice choked with emotion. "Dawn, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I'll always love you. But this is the work I have to do. Tell Giles I... I figured it out. And I'm okay. Give my love to my friends. You have to take care of them now – you have to take care of each other. You have to be strong. Dawn. The hardest thing in this world is to live in it. Be brave. Live. For me."
The weight of Buffy's last words to her sister left Dawn trembling, and she buried her face in her hands, allowing the tears to flow freely. It was as if a dam had burst, and all the pain she had been carrying for so long came rushing out.
Chloe, overwhelmed with compassion and a desire to provide solace, pulled Dawn into her warm, comforting embrace. She held the teenage Slayer close, feeling the weight of her sobs and offering words of comfort in a hushed tone. "It'll be all right," she whispered, her heart breaking for the girl who had been through so much.
September 23, 1997 – Tuesday
Sunnydale High School
Buffy had been summoned to Principal Snyder's office, a place that always seemed to drain the color from her world, leaving everything in muted tones of dread. Beside her sat Sheila Martini, a girl with short brown hair and a perpetual look of defiance. They both sat in front of Snyder's imposing desk, feeling like prisoners awaiting their fate.
"A lot of educators tell students to think of your principal as your 'pal'. I say think of me as your judge, jury, and executioner," Snyder proclaimed, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the two girls. "Tell me, who do you think is the most troublesome student in this school?" He paused, letting the question hang in the air like a guillotine blade. Sheila popped her gum nonchalantly, while Buffy shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her mind racing with possible repercussions.
"Well, it is quite a match between you two," Snyder sneered, opening both Sheila's and Buffy's thick folders. "On the one hand, Buffy hasn't stabbed a horticulture teacher with a trowel, yet."
"I never stabbed anyone with a trowel!" Sheila exclaimed; her voice sharp with indignation as she stabbed the file in front of Snyder with her finger. He involuntarily edged back, his confident demeanor flickering. "It was pruning shears. It should say pruning shears."
"On the other hand, Sheila's never burned down a school building," Snyder countered, turning his gaze towards Buffy.
Buffy and Dawn had anticipated this moment, strategizing for weeks on how to handle such an accusation. They had devised a half-truth based on the fire marshal's inspection of Hemery High's burned down gymnasium. Taking a deep breath, Buffy spoke with practiced calm, "That was never proven… the fire marshal said it was faulty wiring. And if you are insinuating it was anything else, I have been told to have you talk to my lawyers."
"Lawyers?" Snyder's skepticism was evident as he arched an eyebrow.
"Paine and Hope," Buffy replied, her voice steady. "In Los Angeles. They're the executors of my cousin's inheritance. And graciously, when Dawn asked them to, they agreed to take on me, my mom, and my sister Marie as their clients."
Dawn had actually asked her lawyers to add Buffy, Joyce, and Marie as their clients and to take their retainer fee out of her own money. Her lawyers had agreed without hesitation, seeing it as a simple expansion of their existing responsibilities.
Snyder's glare bore into Buffy, a silent promise of the challenges ahead. He looked down at the files spread across his desk, a slight sneer curling his lip. "And the two of you seem to be tied in the class-cutting and fight-starting events. You're really neck and neck here. It's very exciting."
Sheila leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "What does the winner get?"
Snyder grinned, a malicious twinkle in his eye. "Expelled," he announced with relish. "This Thursday is parent-teacher night. Your parents," he paused to look pointedly at Buffy, "assuming you actually have any, will meet your teachers." His gaze shifted to Sheila. "Assuming you have any left. I have decided to put you two in charge of this event. You have three days to prepare the refreshments, make the banners, and transform the school lounge into a habitable place for adults. This will incur my goodwill, and may even affect what I tell your parents when I meet them. Are we clear?"
Buffy forced a smile, her mind already racing with the logistics of the task ahead. "We're clear," she said, turning to Sheila with a sarcastic edge. "Don't you feel clear?" She looked back at Snyder, her smile widening. "We're very clear."
"Good," Snyder replied, his tone dripping with satisfaction. "Because if you mess up this time, your parents will be coming to clean out your lockers."
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
"Dawn," called a voice, breaking the rhythmic sounds of fists and feet striking the punching bag.
Dawn paused mid-punch, turning to see Giles and Chloe standing in the doorway. Chloe had recently taken up Giles' offer for a recommendation and now worked as his assistant librarian at Sunnydale High. "Yes?" Dawn asked, catching her breath as she let the punching bag swing freely.
"We just received word from Diana Dormer that she and Faith will be here by the end of the month," Giles announced, his voice tinged with relief.
Dawn's face lit up with a smile as she instinctively rubbed her pregnant belly, the life growing inside her filling her with hope and determination.
Chloe, noticing Dawn's smile, felt a warmth spread through her. It was a welcome change after the tension of recent events. "You have to remember, Dawn, that this Faith does not know you," Chloe reminded gently, her concern evident.
"I know, Chloe," Dawn replied with a nod, her smile fading slightly. "I know I will have to build up the relationship from scratch, assuming this time around she is even interested in returning my feelings." Dawn sighed, the uncertainty weighing on her. "Now, that said, we have an incident coming up on parent-teacher night. I would say stake the vampire behind it, but he does prove useful in the future after the military implants a chip that keeps him from biting humans. He slowly switches sides after that. He even protected me during the summer after Buffy's second death. I say we should let this one play out. Buffy handles him, with some help from Mom, and eventually, he runs off. By the end of the school year, he's gone. While Buffy is fighting him, I will deal with the others that came with him."
"Then we have a plan of action," Giles said, his tone steady and reassuring.
"Agreed," Chloe added. She then looked at Dawn with a mix of concern and sternness. "Do I have to remind you to be careful? You are due in the coming days, aren't you?"
"Yeah, the doctor said a week, maybe two," Dawn replied, patting her belly. "And I intend to be careful. I promise."
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Buffy walked alongside Sheila, their footsteps echoing through the school hallway as Xander and Willow approached them, their faces lit with curiosity and concern.
"It really shouldn't be that hard," Buffy said, trying to inject some optimism into the daunting task ahead. "We'll work on banners tomorrow at lunch, and we can figure out refreshments then."
Sheila, her attention already drifting, spotted an older, slovenly, tattooed guy at the far end of the hall. "Yeah, sure, whatever," she mumbled dismissively. "Hey, Meatpie! Wait up!" She shouted, racing off without a second thought.
Xander and Willow watched her go, bemused. "Heard Snyder's got you guys making party favors," Xander remarked, his tone light but sympathetic.
"Yeah, his two worst students," Buffy sighed. "I used to think that was how Mom saw me, before she knew the truth."
Willow's expression softened with understanding. "You know that's not true though, right?"
"Yes, I know that's not true," Buffy replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I know Mom is proud of both me and Dawn. But I wonder what Sheila's excuse for everything she does is? I know mine—I'm a Slayer."
"Homework," Xander interjected. "She won't do it, and most of the teachers respect that now. You'll probably want to keep her away from sharp implements while you're working."
Buffy chuckled despite herself. "Besides Dawn, do you think any of the other Slayers ever had to go to high school?"
"Hey, it's no biggie," Xander said with a reassuring grin. "You'll put on a nice little affair. The parents'll love it. As long as nothing really bad comes along between now and then, you'll be fine."
Buffy and Willow exchanged horrified looks. "Are you nuts?" Buffy exclaimed. "What'd you say that for? Now something bad is gonna happen!"
"What do you mean? Nothing is gonna happen!" Xander protested, looking genuinely confused.
"Actually, you're wrong there," Dawn said as she approached, her presence immediately grounding the conversation. "We're going to need to be prepared for parent-teacher night. I already told Giles and Chloe what's coming, and they agreed to my plan of action. You will fight the main vampire while I take out his minions. That said, don't dust him. He was valuable in the future after the military implanted a chip in his head so he couldn't bite anyone."
Xander raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "A vampire with a chip in his head? Sounds like a sci-fi movie."
"It's more like a supernatural drama," Dawn replied, her tone serious. "But trust me, he becomes an unexpected ally."
Buffy nodded, her resolve hardening. "Alright, we'll stick to the plan. But we need to stay vigilant. This parent-teacher night just got a whole lot more complicated."
Willow gave a supportive nod. "We'll get through it together. We always do."
Summers, Payne & Harris Residence
That night, Dawn was getting ready for bed. Sitting in front of her vanity, she winced as she tried to brush tangles out of her hair. "Ow," she muttered, pulling at a particularly stubborn knot with more frustration than success.
Chloe appeared in the doorway, her presence comforting and familiar. "What's wrong?" she asked, her eyes widening with concern. "You aren't going into labor, are you?"
"No," Dawn replied with a sigh. "Just this new cream rinse. It's neither creamy nor rinsey."
Chloe laughed, a sound that filled the room with warmth. "I know the feeling," she said sympathetically. "You can borrow mine if you want."
"Thanks, Chloe," Dawn said, grateful for the offer. "I may take you up on that."
Chloe stepped further into the room, her footsteps soft on the carpet. "I also got the mail for you," she said, placing a small stack of letters on Dawn's vanity. "There's something there from the school."
"Probably a reminder about parent-teacher night," Dawn replied, her voice carrying a mixture of annoyance and resignation. "Of course, I have no official parents that will be attending since they're dead." She sighed, the weight of her past and the complexities of her current life pressing down on her shoulders like a heavy, invisible cloak.
Chloe's expression softened with sympathy as she took in Dawn's tired demeanor. The responsibilities and hardships Dawn carried were immense, and the thought of adding parent-teacher night to the mix seemed almost cruel.
"Which reminds me," Dawn continued, her tone reflective, "originally, Buffy never told Mom about it. The first time around, Mom didn't know for several more months about Buffy being the Slayer. Buffy was afraid of what her teachers might say." Dawn's eyes grew distant as she delved into the painful memories. "I know that Snyder has it out for Buffy and me since I told him I was her cousin. She even mentioned that when he called her into his office at the end of school, he brought up the gym burning down at Hemery."
Chloe frowned, her brows knitting together in concern. "You got the lawyers handling your inheritance to take Joyce, Buffy, and Marie on as their clients, didn't you?"
"I did, as of yesterday," Dawn confirmed, her voice filled with a quiet sense of accomplishment.
September 24, 1997 – Wednesday
Sunnydale High School
Dawn sat off to the side, her eyes following the swift, coordinated movements of Buffy, Xander, and Willow as they worked on the banners for parent-teacher night. She could see the focused determination on their faces, each brushstroke and cut of paper bringing them closer to their goal.
"Sheila's a no-show?" Willow asked, her brow furrowed as she looked up from her work. Buffy nodded in confirmation. "She goes to this really rank bar, the Fish Tank," Willow explained, her voice tinged with concern. "Sometimes they have raids and… other things that could make you tardy."
"Hey, Dawn, can you help me cram some French tonight?" Buffy asked suddenly, turning her attention to her sister. "I don't want Mr. DeJean telling Mom I'm an imbecile!" She emphasized the final word with a dramatic French accent, earning a chuckle from the group.
"Bien sûr, Buffy," Dawn replied with a smile, her French pronunciation flawless.
Buffy grinned, a flicker of pride in her eyes. "I can't believe you know a few other languages," she said, her tone admiring as she glanced over at Dawn.
Dawn shrugged modestly. "I guess it just came naturally," she said, a hint of playfulness in her voice.
"We are going to the Bronze," Buffy replied with determination. "I can study, party, and handle parent-teacher night."
Dawn raised an eyebrow, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "How did Mom take the news about parent-teacher night?"
Buffy sighed, a mixture of pride and concern in her expression. "Well, she's proud of us both for protecting people. She understands how important our work is. But she's disappointed about my grades. I promised her that I would try harder."
"She knows you're doing your best, Buffy," Dawn said encouragingly. "It's not easy balancing everything."
Before Buffy could respond, Giles, Chloe, and Jenny approached the group, their expressions serious and focused.
"There's nothing in the Chronicles about an extraneous lunar cycle," Giles said, adjusting his glasses as he spoke.
"The Order never accurately calculated the Mesopotamian calendar!" Jenny answered, her voice carrying a hint of frustration.
"Does this have to do with tomorrow?" Dawn asked, her brow furrowing with concern.
"Unsure," Giles replied, his tone reflecting the uncertainty of the situation.
"I've been researching on the net," Jenny interjected, her voice carrying a hint of urgency. "According to my calendar, this Saturday is the Night of Saint Vigeous."
"It could be a coincidence," admitted Chloe, though her expression suggested she doubted it. "Or the vampire attack on Thursday could just be two days early. So you don't remember anything about a separate attack, Dawn?"
"If there was one, Buffy didn't tell me," Dawn said, her mind racing to recall any forgotten details.
"Then we should prepare just in case," Giles declared, his gaze shifting to Chloe, who nodded in agreement.
"Agreed," said Dawn firmly. "I will stop by in the morning to see what needs to be done. Buffy needs to finish this so she doesn't get kicked out of school."
The atmosphere grew tense as everyone processed the potential implications. Buffy glanced at her sister, a mix of gratitude and worry in her eyes. "Thanks, Dawn. I appreciate you covering for me."
Dawn gave a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Buffy. We've got this. Just focus on getting through parent-teacher night without Snyder breathing down your neck."
Willow, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "We'll help."
"Yeah!" agreed Xander enthusiastically. "I can whittle stakes!"
"And I can research stuff," added Willow, her eyes lighting up with determination.
Xander looked toward Willow and smiled. "While I'm whittling, I plan to whistle a jaunty tune."
Buffy smiled appreciatively at her friends' eagerness.
Dawn suddenly tensed as she caught sight of Snyder approaching. "Buffy," she whispered low enough that only her sister and their friends could hear. "Snyder's approaching."
Buffy acted quickly, grabbing Xander and Willow's paint brushes out of their hands. Then Chloe, Xander, Willow, Giles, and Jenny hurried away, scattering like leaves in the wind. Snyder came up behind Buffy just as the last of them disappeared from view. Thankfully, he hadn't seen the others leave.
"You wouldn't be helping Buffy in Sheila's place, would you?" Snyder asked, his suspicious gaze landing on Dawn.
Dawn, ever quick on her feet, placed a hand on her pregnant belly and gave Snyder a weary smile. "In my condition?" she said, waving at her pregnant belly for emphasis. "I'm just watching while I wait for classes to start."
Snyder glared at Dawn before looking at Buffy, his expression hard and unforgiving. "She ditched. Mmm-mmmm, I feel an expulsion coming on."
"She's been helping for hours," Buffy quickly interjected, meeting the principal's eyes with a calm, steady gaze. "She's just out getting more paint…" Her voice trailed off as she spotted Sheila stumbling in through the doors. Seizing the opportunity, Buffy rushed over to her. "No more teal in the art room? I know you wanted it to be perfect, but let's just keep going with the green." She plopped Xander's brush into Sheila's hand, hoping Snyder wouldn't notice the slight tremor in her own.
Snyder eyed them suspiciously but seemed to accept the explanation. "Just make sure everything is perfect on Thursday," he said curtly before walking off, his presence a lingering shadow of authority and menace.
Once Snyder was out of earshot, Sheila let out a relieved breath. "Thanks for covering. Guy's a serious rodent."
"That I can agree with," Dawn chimed in, her tone laced with irritation as she watched Snyder's retreating back.
Sheila turned to Buffy, curiosity in her eyes. "Did you really burn down school property one time?"
Dawn shook her head slightly, signaling Buffy to handle the question carefully. Buffy met her sister's eyes briefly before addressing Sheila. "It was just as I told Principal Snyder—the Fire Marshal did blame it on faulty wiring," she said with a shrug. "It wasn't as dramatic as Snyder makes it sound."
Trying to change the subject, Buffy offered a friendly smile. "So, we're gonna Bronze it tonight, if you wanted to come."
Sheila snorted, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I can't go there. You threaten one bartender with a broken bottle, and they like ban you for life."
The Bronze
Dawn sat comfortably with Chloe, Buffy, and Willow; their small group nestled in a cozy corner of the Bronze. She had extended the invitation to Chloe wanting to offer the young woman a reprieve from the weightiness of their shared responsibilities. After all, Chloe wasn't much older than they were.
"La vache devrait me toucher à partir de jeudi," Buffy said earnestly, her brow furrowed in concentration as she practiced her French.
Dawn couldn't suppress a shake of her head, a fond smile tugging at her lips. "You're a bit off there, Buffy. You just said the cow should touch me starting Thursday."
Buffy shrugged with a hint of mischief. "Well, maybe that's what I was going for."
Willow's soft giggle broke the moment, her eyes twinkling as she added, "At least the pronunciation wasn't bad."
Dawn couldn't help but grin at Buffy's attempt. "La soirée parents/professeurs est le jeudi," she corrected smoothly, effortlessly switching to French.
"Show off," Buffy teased, nudging Dawn playfully.
"You're just not focused," said Willow, gently teasing Buffy's French pronunciation. "It's 'Angel message.'"
"A little possibly," Buffy admitted with a sigh, her thoughts briefly drifting to Angel. He was still in town, but their pact to keep their distance, except for necessary information, weighed heavily on her heart.
"I wish you could be with Angel," Dawn confessed wistfully, her concern for her sister's happiness evident in her voice. "Out of all your boyfriends, he was the one I liked the most. Well, except when he went evil. Everyone else was a problem. The first one was a one-night stand, the second one left you not long before Mom died because he thought you were pining for Angel. The last one attempted to rape you."
"So, you're saying I have bad taste in men, Dawn?" Buffy's tone was light, but underneath, there was a trace of self-reflection as she acknowledged the troubled history of her romantic relationships.
"No," Dawn replied softly, her voice filled with sisterly concern. "But I am steering you away from them."
"Men in general or those guys in particular?" Buffy's question held a genuine curiosity, as if she truly wanted Dawn's insight into her love life.
"Them in particular," Dawn affirmed, her voice laced with a protective edge, as if shielding Buffy from any potential heartache. "Though I might steer you away from men in general, I don't know." Her gaze flickered mischievously to Chloe, adopting a playful tone. "Hmm, Buffy, what about Chloe? Do you find her attractive?"
"What!?" Chloe sputtered, caught off guard. Surprise tinged her voice, along with a hint of embarrassment at being suddenly thrust into the spotlight.
Buffy glanced at Chloe, assessing her with a candid appreciation. "She is," she admitted, her voice carrying a trace of admiration. Turning back to Dawn, Buffy's tone was laced with curiosity and a hint of uncertainty. "Are you suggesting I might be interested in women?"
"Possibly, I'm not sure," Dawn replied gently, her voice reflecting her open-mindedness and understanding as she explored the notion with Buffy.
Just then, Xander approached them from the dance floor, his voice brimming with enthusiasm and a plea for companionship. "Guys!" he exclaimed. "I'm all alone out there! Somebody has to dance with me."
"Well, I'm not exactly in dancing condition right now," Dawn admitted with a small grin. "And I'm tutoring Buffy, remember?"
"Willow, Chloe?" Xander's voice cut through the music and chatter of the Bronze.
"Thank you, but no," Chloe politely declined.
"Will?" Xander turned to Willow expectantly.
"Sure," Willow replied with a smile, following Xander onto the dance floor.
Suddenly, a urgent voice interrupted the atmosphere. "Where's a phone? I need to call the police. There's some big guy out back trying to bite someone."
Buffy and Dawn exchanged a quick glance, their instincts kicking in. Together with Chloe, they swiftly rose from their seats and hurried outside into the alley behind the club. There, they found a vampire gripping a woman by the neck, poised to strike. Buffy wasted no time, locking her hands together and delivering a powerful blow to the vampire's wrist, shattering his grip.
"Slayer," he acknowledged gruffly.
"Slayers," Dawn corrected with steely determination, emphasizing their unified presence. "Plural."
Buffy and Dawn moved with practiced agility, executing synchronized roundhouse kicks that sent the vampire hurtling backwards. Chloe swiftly ushered the shaken woman back into the safety of the Bronze's interior.
"I don't need to wait for Saint Vigeous. You're mine!" the vampire growled, launching a punch at the Slayers. Buffy and Dawn evaded his strike with fluid grace. Dawn deftly retrieved her stake from the small of her back.
"Spike, give me a hand," the vampire called out confidently, his voice laced with worry.
Dawn's smile was fierce as she drove the stake into the vampire's heart, causing him to explode into a cloud of ash. Spike, hidden in the shadows, applauded slowly as he stepped forward into the dim light. "Nice work," he remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice.
"Hello, Spike," Dawn greeted him casually, noting his surprise at her familiarity. "We'll see you tomorrow night."
Spike regarded Dawn with a calculating gaze before smoothly retreating back into the darkness, disappearing from sight.
"Buffy, Dawn," Chloe's voice broke the tension as she reemerged from the Bronze.
"Met Spike," Dawn informed her Watcher with a serious tone. She glanced at Buffy, her expression grave. "He's the one you'll be fighting. The one you can't kill."
Buffy nodded solemnly, her eyes hardening with resolve.
Summers, Payne & Harris Residence
Chloe knocked gently on Dawn's bedroom door, the soft sound echoing through the quiet hallway of the Summers' residence.
"Come in," Dawn's voice invited.
Chloe turned the knob and stepped into the warmly lit room. She closed the door behind her, casting a brief glance around before focusing on Dawn, who was sitting on her bed.
"I understand you wanting to include me," Chloe began, her tone thoughtful as she approached Dawn. "I do appreciate it, especially since I never had the chance when I was younger. My mother was adamant that anything like friends and a social life would distract me from following in her footsteps. But what was that about asking if Buffy thought I was attractive?"
Dawn hesitated for a moment, then spoke honestly. "Mainly to gauge if she might be interested in girls. I thought maybe I could nudge her in that direction, if she was open to it. What about you?"
Chloe's expression softened; her gaze thoughtful. "I'm not entirely sure…," she started, then sighed softly. "Yes."
There was a moment of silence as Dawn absorbed Chloe's admission. She nodded slowly, her understanding evident in her eyes.
"It's okay," Dawn said gently, offering Chloe a reassuring smile. "Thanks for being honest with me."
Chloe returned the smile, a touch of gratitude in her own expression. She appreciated Dawn's openness and the opportunity to discuss something so personal.
"So, what do you think about Buffy?" Dawn asked curiously, leaning forward slightly as she sat across from Chloe.
Chloe's cheeks flushed pink, her eyes briefly flickering away before she met Dawn's gaze again. "She's a couple of years younger than me," Chloe replied softly, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.
Dawn shook her head gently, a small smile playing on her lips. "That's beside the point, Chloe," she insisted, her tone gentle but insistent. "What do you think about Buffy?"
Chloe hesitated, her thoughts racing as she considered Dawn's question. Buffy's bravery, her strength, and the way she carried herself—all these qualities had not escaped Chloe's notice. But more than that, there was a connection she felt.
"I think she's..." Chloe started, her voice trailing off briefly before she found the words. "She's remarkable. Strong, dedicated... and incredibly brave. She has this way of making you feel like you can face anything."
Dawn nodded knowingly; her eyes bright with understanding. "Yeah, she does that," she agreed warmly. "And what else?"
Chloe smiled faintly, her gaze softening as she continued. "And... she's kind. To everyone, even when she's carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. I admire that about her."
Dawn leaned back in her chair, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she teased Chloe gently. "So, you have a crush on my sister?"
Chloe's cheeks colored slightly, caught off guard by Dawn's playful remark. She chuckled nervously, running a hand through her hair. "I... well, it's not exactly..."
Dawn grinned knowingly, enjoying Chloe's flustered response. "Come on, Chloe," she teased further, leaning forward slightly. "You can't fool me. I've seen the way you look at her when you think no one's watching."
Chloe let out a soft sigh, a small smile playing on her lips despite her embarrassment. "Okay, maybe there's something there," she admitted reluctantly. "But it's... complicated."
Dawn nodded understandingly, her teasing tone softening into sincerity. "I get it. Buffy's amazing, right? It's hard not to admire her."
Chloe nodded; her gaze thoughtful. "She is. She's strong, brave... and caring. Sometimes I catch myself wondering..."
"Wondering what?" Dawn prompted gently, curious to hear Chloe's thoughts.
Chloe hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Wondering if... maybe there could be something more. But I know it's... not exactly appropriate."
September 25, 1997 – Thursday
Sunnydale High School
In the library, a couple of hours before Parent/Teacher night, the atmosphere was tense yet focused as preparations for the impending vampire threat were underway. Cordelia and Xander sat side by side, diligently sharpening stakes with practiced precision. Jenny and Willow, on the other side of the room, meticulously checked and adjusted the arrows and crossbows, ensuring each weapon was in optimal condition for battle.
Meanwhile Dawn and Buffy worked together seamlessly. Dawn expertly squeezed fresh lemons into a pitcher, adding just the right amount of sugar to make the lemonade tangy and refreshing. Beside her, Buffy chopped carrots with swift, controlled movements, her Slayer instincts as sharp as the knife she wielded.
"Do you think Sheila will show?" Willow asked, her gaze flicking briefly to Dawn as she pondered the potential arrival of Sheila. Cordelia, having joined the group after learning about Dawn being from the future, listened intently.
"If she does, it'll probably be after everyone clears out of the student lounge," Dawn replied matter-of-factly, her expression reflecting years of navigating her mother's unpredictable behavior. "Mom and I were stuck in one of the classrooms with Snyder and other parents while Buffy was out fighting vamps. If Sheila shows, it'll likely be during that chaotic time or when Mom and I were touring Buffy's classes."
Just then, Giles approached the group with a solemn expression, a worn book in his hands. "For three nights, the unholy ones scourge themselves into a fury, culminating in a savage attack on the Night of Saint Vigeous."
Xander, taking a break from his stake-sharpening duties, couldn't help but interject with a wistful tone. "Anyone else remember when Saturday night used to mean date night?"
Cordelia smirked, shooting Xander a teasing glance. "You sure don't," she quipped.
"The parents start arriving in an hour," Buffy remarked, glancing over at the clock with a hint of concern. "Okay, banners are in place, the lounge is comfy, what am I forgetting…?"
"I believe you have it all," Dawn reassured her sister, setting down the freshly prepared pitcher of lemonade.
Cordelia let out an exasperated sigh, dropping a stake onto the table. "My fingers are cramping; how long have I been doing this?"
"Three minutes," Xander replied, a smirk playing on his lips.
"So, can I go now?" Cordelia asked, her frustration evident. "They're not gonna need that many stakes. I mean, if this Spike guy's as mean as you all said, it should be over pretty fast." She caught Dawn's glare and quickly amended her tone. "We're still rooting for you tonight."
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
An hour later, Dawn found herself seated on one of the neatly arranged chairs in the student lounge, gently rubbing her belly. She could feel the baby kicking, a sensation that brought a mix of awe and nostalgia.
"Bothering you?" Buffy asked as she settled down next to her sister, concern etched in her features.
"She's kicking," Dawn replied with a soft smile, placing a hand protectively over her abdomen. "You know, it kind of makes me appreciate Mom even more. She had to go through all this with us."
Just then, Dawn spotted Joyce and Marie entering through the lounge doors, their presence bringing a surge of warmth to the room. "Hi, Aunt Joyce! Hi, Marie!" Dawn called out cheerfully, her eyes brightening.
Buffy followed Dawn's gaze, offering a welcoming smile as Joyce and Marie approached them.
"Hi, honey," Joyce greeted, enveloping Buffy in a warm hug. "Buffy, did you do all this?" she asked, glancing around at the decorated lounge.
"I did most of it," Buffy replied proudly. "And Dawn helped with the lemonade."
Joyce nodded appreciatively, her gaze softening as she looked at Dawn. "I know legally speaking you aren't mine, Dawn," Joyce began gently, her voice carrying a mix of affection and solemnity. "But I spoke to your lawyers, and they agreed that while you're emancipated, I could fill in as a parental figure when it comes to school matters. So, they had me added to your file here at school."
"Okay," Dawn said with a sense of relief as she stood up and wrapped Joyce in a heartfelt hug. Over Joyce's shoulder, she caught sight of Principal Snyder approaching them, his usual stern expression fixed in place.
"Snyder's coming," Dawn whispered to Joyce, subtly alerting her mother to the impending encounter.
Joyce turned to face Snyder squarely as he approached. "Hello, I'm Joyce Summers, Buffy's mother and Dawn's aunt," she introduced herself calmly, extending her hand in a gesture of polite acknowledgment.
"Principal Snyder," he responded curtly, nodding towards the direction of his office. "I'm afraid we need to talk. My office is this way."
Joyce raised an eyebrow, her demeanor poised but unwavering. "Is this about the supposed fights?" she queried, her voice carrying a hint of challenge. "Because I see no problem in either my daughter or my niece protecting themselves from bullies. Or is this because of the absences? I believe I submitted paperwork for both of them on that front. Or perhaps this concerns their grades? Buffy has been struggling, yes, but we've discussed it and Dawn, being a straight-A student, has graciously been tutoring her cousin. So, we should be seeing an improvement in Buffy's grades soon."
Snyder, taken aback by Joyce's preemptive dismantling of his potential arguments, visibly bristled. He opened his mouth to respond but found himself unable to muster a coherent rebuttal. With a frustrated huff, he abruptly turned on his heel and stormed off, leaving Joyce, Buffy, Dawn, and Marie standing in a victorious silence.
"Way to go, Mom," Buffy, Dawn, and Marie chimed in simultaneously, their voices filled with admiration and pride.
"Well, I couldn't let that rodent of a man undermine you two," Joyce replied with a satisfied smile. "After all, you're both fighting to save the world, and Dawn, you're working to ensure a better future for us all. Now, girls, I am leaving Marie with the two of you till I am done with both of your teachers."
"Okay," Buffy and Dawn nodded in unison, watching as Joyce walked confidently down the hallway towards their teachers' classrooms.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Buffy glanced at the clock, its hands indicating 8:45 pm. Marie nestled comfortably in her lap, a reassuring presence amidst the tension.
"So, when are they supposed to arrive?" Buffy inquired, her voice steady despite the imminent danger.
"Not too much longer," Dawn replied, her mind already tracing the sequence of events from her original timeline. "It was originally just after Mom finished talking to your teachers and Snyder. She was mad and ordered you to get in the car. Snyder was shutting off the lights as the last of the parents were leaving. I'll get Marie and Mom to the library. Then I'll start taking care of the vamps in the hallway."
Just then, Joyce returned, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "Well, I know what we need to work on the most when it comes to your grades, Buffy," Joyce remarked, her voice tinged with parental concern. "Starting, apparently, with French."
Snyder, nearby, moved to flick off the light switch by the picture window, plunging the room into sudden darkness. The moment was shattered as Spike and his gang of six vampires crashed through the window, their presence electrifying the air with menace and danger.
"How did you know I couldn't wait till Saturday?" Spike taunted, his gaze fixed on Dawn with a mixture of challenge and amusement. He wasted no time, making a direct move toward the Slayers as chaos erupted around them—the sounds of teachers shouting, students screaming, and parents scrambling to safety.
"Come on, Mom," Dawn urged urgently, her voice cutting through the turmoil as she swiftly guided Joyce and Marie down the dimly lit hallway.
"Are you leaving Buffy by herself?" Joyce questioned, concern etched in her features.
"It's part of the plan," Dawn explained quickly, her mind racing with strategic calculations. "Spike is crucial to our future, but his lackeys are expendable. Buffy will hold him off while I take care of the others. Once I join her, it should be enough to make him retreat, just like the first time."
With purposeful urgency, Dawn ushered Joyce and Marie into the comparative safety of the library, immediately moving to barricade the door with a heavy filing cabinet. "Stakes!" she called out, her voice urgent and commanding, as she prepared herself and the others for the impending battle against the vampires invading their school.
Suddenly, the entire school plunged into darkness as the main lights flickered off, replaced by the eerie glow of emergency lights that cast long shadows down the corridors.
"Ooh, forgot about that," Dawn remarked with a touch of chagrin, her voice carrying a hint of self-admonishment amidst the chaos unfolding around them.
In the dim illumination, the urgency of their situation intensified. The air was thick with tension as Buffy and Dawn exchanged a brief, knowing glance. They could hear distant shouts and panicked footsteps echoing through the halls, evidence of the chaos spreading throughout the school.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
In the dimly lit student lounge, Spike's commanding voice cut through the tension like a knife. He gestured sharply, dismissing his vampire underlings with a wave of his hand. One by one, they slinked away, leaving Spike standing alone in the center of the room, his icy blue eyes fixed intently on Buffy.
Buffy squared her shoulders, her expression determined despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She tightened her grip on her stake, readying herself for the inevitable confrontation.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
In the library, Chloe swiftly gathered several stakes and handed them to Dawn, who eagerly accepted them. Dawn then picked up an axe nestled in a specially designed holster, a creation born from her own practical thinking. The holster not only secured the axe but also conveniently held additional stakes in its pockets.
"Be careful," Chloe cautioned, her concern palpable as she passed the weapons to Dawn.
"I intend to, Chloe," Dawn reassured her Watcher with a confident smile, patting Chloe's hand gently before slinging on the holster and securing the stakes. "Move the cabinet back in place the moment I'm out the door."
Chloe nodded in understanding, her gaze shifting briefly to Giles who had joined her in overseeing their defensive strategy. Dawn wasted no time, swiftly moving the heavy cabinet that blocked the library door before venturing out into the dimly lit hallway.
As she stepped into the corridor, Dawn immediately spotted a vampire wielding a fire axe, poised to break down a classroom door across the hall. Without hesitation, she closed the distance and staked him before he could react, his surprised expression frozen in death.
Moving cautiously down the hall, Dawn approached a corner and cautiously peeked around it, spotting another vampire lurking near a different classroom door. She retreated quietly, planning her next move.
Just then, Sheila's voice caught her attention. Dawn turned to see her classmate approaching from the outside door down the hall, her expression troubled. "Sheila! Where've you—?" she started; her concern evident as she interrupted herself upon noticing Sheila's demeanor.
"Sorry I'm late. There's some pretty weird guys outside..." Sheila began to explain, her voice trailing off uncertainly.
Dawn studied Sheila for a long moment, a sense of unease settling over her. Something about Sheila's behavior seemed off, but Dawn couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. "Stay behind me," she instructed firmly, taking charge of the situation. She edged around the corner cautiously, ready for whatever danger lay ahead, with Sheila reluctantly following behind, clutching the fire axe in her hands.
Dawn's adrenaline surged as she raised her stake, her muscles tense and focused as she prepared to strike. Just as she was about to release the projectile, a voice called out her name from the side.
"Dawn!"
She turned swiftly, her heart racing, to find Chloe peering through a small window that overlooked the library from the hallway. Chloe's urgent gestures caught Dawn's attention, and she followed the direction of her Watcher's motions.
As Dawn spun around, her eyes widened in alarm at the sight of Sheila's transformed face, twisted into a vampiric visage, poised to strike her down with the fire axe. Reacting with lightning reflexes, Dawn pivoted and swung the axe, its heavy head connecting with Sheila's jaw with a satisfying thud. Sheila staggered back, momentarily stunned, before collapsing to the floor.
With barely a moment's pause, Dawn sensed the approach of the other vampire rushing towards her from behind. Instinctively, without turning, she flung the stake she had prepared, trusting her aim to be true. The projectile sailed through the air and struck home, burying itself deep into the vampire's heart. He crumpled to the ground, dust rising from his dissolving form.
Breathing heavily, Dawn turned back to face Sheila, who snarled defiantly, her vampire instincts urging her to retreat. With a feral growl, Sheila backed away, then turned and bolted for the nearest exit, fleeing into the night.
Realizing the immediate threat was temporarily neutralized, Dawn wasted no time. She sprinted to the door across from the library entrance, yanking it open with urgency.
"Into the library!" Dawn called out, her voice commanding as she ushered Snyder, the teachers, and the frightened parents into the comparative safety of the room. The frantic shuffle of feet and hushed murmurs filled the air as they hurried to find refuge from the chaos erupting throughout the school.
Without hesitation, Dawn pivoted again and raced down the hall, her mind already calculating the next move in this deadly game against the vampires that now invaded their once-safe haven.
In the dimly lit lounge, tension crackled in the air as Buffy and Spike circled each other like predators preparing to strike. Spike's voice, dripping with arrogance and menace, cut through the silence.
"The last Slayer I killed, she begged for her life. I don't see you as the begging kind," he taunted, his blue eyes gleaming with cruel amusement.
Buffy's expression remained stoic, her stance unwavering despite the danger. "You shouldn't have come here," she retorted, her voice laced with determination.
Spike chuckled darkly, his demeanor mocking. "Yeah, I messed up your doilies and stuff. Tell you what. As a personal favor from me to you. I'll make it quick. It won't hurt a bit."
Before Spike could make good on his threat, a sudden blur of movement caught everyone off guard. Dawn burst into the lounge, her axe held firmly in her grip, unholstered and ready for action. With a primal yell, she swung the axe like a batter aiming for a home run, the heavy blade connecting solidly with Spike's side.
The impact sent Spike sprawling away from Buffy, his own surprise evident on his face as he staggered from the blow. The force of Dawn's strike gave Buffy the opening she needed, her Slayer instincts kicking into high gear.
Spike, realizing he was now facing not one but two Slayers, knew instinctively that it was time to retreat. "Women," he muttered bitterly, a mixture of frustration and begrudging respect coloring his voice. With a defiant glare, he turned and leapt gracefully through the nearest window, shards of glass scattering in his wake.
Buffy watched Spike vanish into the night, a mix of relief and lingering tension in her posture. She exchanged a quick glance with Dawn, who stood poised and ready, adrenaline still coursing through her veins.
September 28, 1997 – Sunday
Sunnydale Hospital
With Joyce on her right and Chloe on her left, Dawn gripped their hands tightly, her knuckles turning white with the intensity of each contraction. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she screamed, the pain coursing through her body nearly overwhelming her.
After a particularly fierce contraction, Dawn turned to her mother, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Mommy, please make it stop," she pleaded, her voice trembling with exhaustion and agony.
Chloe exchanged a knowing glance with the doctors and nurses in the room. She had anticipated that Dawn might say something in the throes of labor that could seem unusual or unexpected. Taking preemptive action, she had discreetly ensured the medical staff's discretion, knowing they would honor their agreement to keep any remarks made during labor confidential.
Joyce, her own eyes glistening with empathy, squeezed Dawn's hand reassuringly. "I wish I could, baby, but remember, you wanted to do this naturally," she reminded gently, her voice a soothing anchor amidst the turmoil.
Chloe added her encouragement, her tone steady and supportive. "You're one of the strongest women in the world, Dawn. You can do this. A few more contractions and then it will all be over," she assured her, her words a blend of reassurance and admiration.
Suddenly, Dawn's grip tightened on Chloe's collar, a mix of pain and fierce affection evident in her eyes. "You're lucky I love you like a sister," she managed to gasp out before pushing Chloe away with surprising strength.
With a renewed resolve, Dawn clutched both Joyce and Chloe's hands again, the support of her loved ones grounding her in the midst of the agonizing process. She screamed once more as another contraction ripped through her, the room filled with a sense of urgency and anticipation.
"It's okay, Dawn," Doctor Karen Channing's calm voice broke through the chaos. "I see the head. One more big push."
Practically squeezing the blood out of their hands, Dawn pushed with everything she had left. The exertion was overwhelming, each moment stretching out into eternity until finally, relief flooded the room with a single triumphant declaration.
"It's a girl."
Emotions surged as the nurse gently wrapped Dawn's newborn daughter, Elizabeth, in a soft blanket and placed her in her mother's arms. Tears of joy filled Dawn's eyes as she gazed down at her baby girl, overwhelmed by a rush of love and wonder.
"You look just like me, my pum'kin belly," Dawn whispered, her voice trembling with awe and tenderness as she marveled at her daughter's features.
Joyce leaned in, her smile warm and proud as she kissed Dawn on the forehead. "You decided to give her the nickname I gave you."
Dawn's thoughts turned briefly to Marie whom she shared the endearing nickname with. "I don't know how Marie will feel about that, considering she already had to share it with me," Dawn admitted with a small laugh. "But I thought it would be fitting to continue the tradition."
Several minutes later, after moving to a more comfortable patient room, there was a soft knock on the door. "Come in," Dawn called out, her heart skipping a beat with anticipation.
The door opened, and Dawn's smile widened as she welcomed Buffy, Xander, Willow, and Giles into the room, followed by Joyce, Hank, and Marie. The sight of her father among them took Dawn by surprise, and she couldn't hide her shock. "Uncle Hank, you came," she exclaimed, moving to hug him tightly.
"Of course, Dawn," Hank replied, returning the embrace warmly. "And I am not your uncle today. Your mother, Buffy, Mr. Giles, and Ms. Payne filled me in on who you really are. Tomorrow is another story, as we have to maintain the pretense that you are my brother's daughter. But today, I am here as your father, Dawn. And I couldn't miss the chance to meet my grandbaby."
"Well, here she is. I just fed her, so she's probably about ready for a nap," Dawn announced proudly, cradling little Elizabeth in her arms with a tender smile.
"You fed her already?" Joyce asked, a mix of surprise and curiosity crossing her features. It was unusual for babies to be hungry so soon after delivery.
Dawn nodded; her expression filled with awe. "Yes. After a twenty-four-hour labor, she was hungry and exhausted. The fact that she fed on the first try was amazing."
Joyce placed a hand gently on Dawn's shoulder, her eyes softening with maternal pride. "You've done so well, Dawn."
Xander chimed in with a warm smile directed at Dawn. "So, how are you doing, Dawn?"
"I'm okay, considering I just had a baby," Dawn replied, a hint of fatigue in her voice that was overshadowed by her joy. "Now that everyone is here, there's something I want to ask."
Dawn looked around at Buffy, Willow, and Xander, her gaze earnest and filled with emotion. "Buffy, Willow, would you both share the role of godmother for Elizabeth?"
Buffy's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I would be honored, Dawn," she said warmly, stepping forward to embrace her sister.
Willow, her eyes shimmering with tears of happiness, nodded eagerly. "Absolutely, Dawn," she replied, pulling Dawn into a heartfelt hug once Buffy had stepped back.
Dawn then turned to Xander; her expression serious yet filled with affection. "And Xander, I would be so grateful if you would be Elizabeth's godfather."
Xander's eyes softened with emotion as he nodded solemnly. "I'd be honored to," he said softly, leaning in to kiss Dawn on the forehead in a gesture of deep respect and love.
"Great." Yawning softly, Dawn was about to say something when the nurse entered the room, her presence interrupting their conversation.
"Hello, Dawn, it's time to take your baby to the nursery," the nurse announced gently, her demeanor kind and understanding.
"Already? So soon?" Dawn replied, her voice tinged with reluctance at the thought of parting with Elizabeth so soon after her birth.
The nurse smiled warmly. "Tell you what. After visiting hours are over, I'll come back here to take you to the nursery. I know how important it is to be the one to say goodnight to your baby," she reassured Dawn. "And I also have a form here for you to fill out, if you feel up to it."
Curious, Dawn glanced at the form the nurse held out to her. "What is it for?" she wondered aloud.
"The hospital needs the name for their records," the nurse explained patiently.
Dawn's gaze softened as she looked down at her newborn daughter, Elizabeth, nestled quietly in her arms. "Elizabeth Celia Summers," she declared softly, feeling a surge of pride and certainty in her choice.
Hank, standing nearby, nodded his approval at the name, his eyes reflecting warmth and paternal pride.
The nurse nodded, jotting down the name on the form. "And how about the father's name?" she asked gently, her tone careful.
Dawn hesitated for a moment, then shook her head with quiet resolve. "No father," she stated firmly.
"Are you sure?" the nurse inquired gently, her expression softening with sympathy.
"Yeah, I'm sure," Dawn affirmed, her voice steady despite the underlying complexity of her emotions. "To tell the truth, I'm unsure about who the father is," she admitted quietly, her gaze drifting back to Elizabeth as she gently kissed her daughter on the forehead one more time.
The nurse nodded understandingly, sensing the delicate nature of Dawn's situation. With a reassuring smile, she carefully took Elizabeth from Dawn's arms and made her way towards the nursery, leaving Dawn to contemplate the beginning of her journey into motherhood, filled with both uncertainty and unwavering love for her newborn daughter.
Author's Notes: "Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they're going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side. It's hard to be a friend to someone who's depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do." ― Stephen Fry
If you need to reach out to someone you can call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255