Nocturnal Bravura

A Time To Tear 28

He heard her crying. He hated when Dawnie cried. He knew why. He couldn’t blame her. It was this time of year. Dawnie once called it the dastardly double whammy to the therapist Rupert made her go see.

For an adult to go through what she did in the span of those weeks would have sent most into a state of complete despair.

For Dawnie to still be standing. Strong with wisdom beyond her years was astounding. She found strength somehow to go on. Accept the life of the newest addition to the fractured Giles’s family. Even an active researcher for The Scooby Squad. For the most part she was finding a way to move on.

But she couldn’t right now.

William stood there debating whether or not to knock.

He finally decided to walk away when the door swung open.

William’s heart shattered when he saw her.

Her auburn hair clung to her wet face. Her eyes were red and puffy.

He held out his arms to her.

Dawn hugged him hard.

“It’s O.k. Bit. We know it’s hard for you....”

FLASHBACK

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William and Rupert Giles took the front of the coffin while Xander and Oz took the back.

Lizzie held her sister against her chest trying to soothe the broken child.

Joyce Summers had always been a fighter. She had fought to ensure her daughters always felt love even though their father had longed abandoned them. She fought to give them a new life of love and happiness, saving all she could to bring them to the town that brought them so much happiness. She fought the cancer that ravaged her body for so long. She fought to teach her girls a lifetime of lessons in the span of a few years knowing she may not be around when they got older.

Joyce Summer fought until she could fight no more.

Joyce Summer’s joined her friend Jenny, her best friend the women that gave her so much when she came to town. She joined Jenny and her sister one cold August morning. Her girls at her side with the two men that she entrusted to take care of them standing close. She looked at her girls, smiled then left this earth.

Dawn cried immediately. While Lizzie could not. William saw the same look in her eyes the day she found out about Spike. Nothing but pain a pain so deep it numbed the rest of her senses.

She had been walking around in a cloud. No one could get through to her. Not even William. She went through all the motions never complaining making sure everything was done. Making sure Dawnie was being cared for.

She could not cry. Lizzie had nothing left inside.

Her love and her mother were gone and she was left alone.

Shortly after the funeral a social worker came to the house.

“Mr. Giles, my name is Doris Kroeger. I have been assigned to Dawn’s case.” She said.

Rupert sat down looking at the cold women.

“How can I help you.” Rupert asked.

“Are you aware that is Joyce Summer’s has requested that you retain full custody of both her daughters?” She asked.

Rupert nodded.

“I am well aware. She made those provisions years ago when she first became ill. If anything was to happen to her my wife and I would raise the girls as our own.” Rupert said.

Doris Kroeger began to write down some notes.

“That was back when your wife was still alive?” Doris inquired.

“Yes but Joyce had other documents drew up after words I have copies if you like.” Rupert offered getting irritated at the women in front of him.

“That won’t be necessary. Mr. Giles let me cut straight to the point. If it was Dawn and Dawn alone you were taking my visit would not have been necessary. It is her sister Elizabeth that concerns us.” Ms. Kroeger announced.

“Lizzie. Why?” Rupert asked.

“We feel that Dawn is very fragile right now. She needs to be in a healthy environment.” Doris said.

“Are you suggesting that I am not capable of taking care of the girls?” Rupert said.

“I am suggesting that her sister is unstable and that it would be best that they spend some time apart.” Doris said.

“That’s absurd. They have just lost their mother. They need each other now more than ever.” Rupert argued.

“Mr. Giles, I have several reports. One from a doctor that treated Joyce Summers. He said Elizabeth had a violent outburst. Another one from Elizabeth’s doctor saying that there was a time not long ago where here mother considered institutionalizing her. A report from the school counselor saying Elizabeth has become withdrawn within the last year.” Doris said ruffling through her papers.

“Do you have any iota of what the girl has been through in the last year? First my wife died. She and Lizzie were very close. Now her mother. As for her bout of catatonia that was because my son had just been killed in a car accident. Lizzie and my son were very much in love. In fact there is no doubt in my mind that if he had lived Lizzie would have been my daughter in law one day. Surely, you can see that her reactions to these circumstances though a bit extreme are understandable.” Rupert trying to contain his own pain.

“Yes her relationship with your son. I have made some inquires about that. It seems as if the two were always together. Reports from neighbors about late night visits by climbing through windows. Some had concerns if the relationship was a healthy one at all.” Doris said.

Rupert tried to contain his anger.

“Ms. Kroeger why don’t you get to the point of your visit.” Rupert asked.

“Of course. I am going to suggest that one of the girls be removed from the home. Until social services can be assured Dawn will not have to endure any further trauma.” Doris said.

“Again I feel...”

“I’ll go.” They both heard.

Lizzie walked into the room.

“No Lizzie you are not to go anywhere.” Rupert said.

“Then we will have to remove Dawn.” She announced.

“No, Dawnie needs to be here.” Lizzie said.

“It’s o.k. Giles. I’ll be o.k.” Lizzie said.

“It’s nothing personal Ms. Summers. We are not sure Dawn would be safe in your presence for the time being.” Doris said lacking any real feelings of empathy.

“I understand. I will just get my things.” Lizzie announced.

Rupert grabbed Lizzie’s by the shoulder and kissed the top of her head.

“I swear to you. You will be back by morning.” Rupert promised.

Lizzie smiled and walked upstairs to tell Dawn and William the tragic news.

END FLASHBACK

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Will and Dawn sat on the top of the stairs. William had his arm around Dawnie.

“What a bitch.” Dawn mumbled.

William nodded.

After everything went down Doris Kroeger mysteriously disappeared. William had his own ideas about what happened to her. In fact his gut told him Spike had made sure she was as cold as her demeanor at the end of her life.

He did not know for sure.

“It makes you wonder. Why people have to die.” Dawn said looking straight ahead.

“Sorry Pet I am not good at the existential thoughts. That’s Da’s department.” William teased.

Dawn laughed her eyes filled with tears again.

William held her in his arms trying his best to soothe her.