Bending of wills

Thank goodness that there
were instructions on all of the papers that the nurse gave us, Buffy
thought.

Buffy’s head was swimming with all the information she had
received. There was just so much that everyone wanted to tell her or have her
do. For most of it, she had just nodded her head complacently, hoping it would
be over quickly. However, when the subject came around to counseling, she had
frozen, terrified by the prospect. She really didn’t want to talk to anyone
else. Talking about it had gotten her kicked out of the house, disowned by her
parents, and forced her friends to shun her. So far, the only thing good that
had come out of the horrible incident was Spike. He seemed to understand and
had yet to leave her side. No, no counseling for her.

As Nurse McClain finished up with all the instructions, she
turned and faced the young girl in front of her.

“Right now you’re probably frightened and feeling very
alone. I… I just wanted to tell you that I understand; I really do. If you ever
need someone to talk to, call me.”
She handed Buffy a piece of paper with her cell number on it. “I have been
there, so please believe me. Anytime you need to talk, just give me a call.”

Buffy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It was horrible
to hear that someone else had had the same experience, but still… it would be
wonderful if there was someone she could really talk to, someone who would
actually understand. She wanted to believe that the nurse would be there if she
called… she really did. But did she dare get her hopes up?

“I…” Buffy opened her mouth to speak, but quickly closed it.
She had no idea what she wanted to say. It was just too much. Today had been too
much.

Smiling, Tara reassured her,
“You don’t have to say anything, and you don’t have to promise to call me. I
just want you to know that you are not alone. There will be no judging. I can
tell you have gotten enough of that today.”

Turning back to Spike, Tara
gave him a small smile, “I think we are all done here. How about you take her
home?”

With a final wave, she turned and walked out the door. Spike
let out a small sigh of relief.  It was
over, for now.

“Pet, let’s go home.”

With that said, Spike placed Buffy in her wheelchair and
slowly rolled her out of the hospital and right up to his car.

Buffy was shocked to see that his car was just waiting right
outside the hospital. He hadn’t left her side since he arrived, so she was
puzzled as to just how he managed to have his prized Desoto ready and waiting
to whisk her away from this dreaded place.

Spike was amused. Seeing the puzzlement on Buffy’s face was quite
comical. He knew that she had to be wondering about the car, and he pondered
letting her wonder for a bit longer just so he could stare at her face some
more. Eventually, he decided against it.

“I gave my keys over to that annoying orderly, Andy, or
whatever his name is.” He was about to continue but was interrupted by a very
feminine shriek. 

Buffy hadn’t really been paying attention until Spike
mentioned whom he had entrusted to drive his car. Sure, it was only from the
parking lot to the front door, but still, she couldn’t believe he had let
someone else drive his car, especially that
orderly.

“Andrew! You let Tucker’s brother drive your car?” she
shrieked in amusement, then shot a little smile over her shoulder and laughed.
“Now, I know you love me.”

Without saying another word, she hopped in the car, leaving Spike
standing outside with a look of shock etched on his face.