Time Turned Backwards

Chapter 5

When Xander knocked on Buffy's door he was elated to see Dawn answer. He chuckled when she squealed his name and hugged him. "Hey Dawnie, how's my favorite girl?" Dawn giggled and pulled him into the kitchen where Buffy, her Mom, Willow and Tara were sitting. As she did she told him how good things were going and how wonderful school was.

Dawn looked at Xander in confusion when he came to an abrupt halt at the sight of the four other women who dominated his mind and heart. "Hello Xander." Joyce said pleased to see the young man. They were all shocked when Xander was suddenly rushing across the room and pulling Joyce into his arms. Joyce was unsure what was going on, but she let herself be held by the shaking and distraught young man. After a few minutes he turned and repeated his actions with Tara who he had come to love like a sister.

Willow was shocked and concerned by Xander's behavior. There was also the fact that he felt different to her than usual. More powerful and confident. "Xander what's wrong?" Buffy asked as she lowered him onto a stool. He looked up into Buffy's eyes and couldn't help the tears that ran down his face. Her eyes held the same fire that they had before Joyce's death and her own.

Buffy allowed herself to be pulled into a three way hug as Xander pulled her and Willow into his arms. They were all alarmed when he began to sob.

Xander hadn't thought he would be affected this way, but the sight of his girls so happy and full of life broke apart the shell he had kept over his emotions. He desperately wanted Giles. "Call Giles please? Have him come here I'll explain every thing." Xander told them as he fought to get control of himself.

He had not intended to tell any of them about the spell, but they were his life and he knew that he couldn't keep the truth from them. Still shaken, but beginning to get control of himself he sent out a mental call to Doyle. Their minds were now linked.

*Doyle, bring Spike, Andrew and Jonathon here to Buffy's. Have you called Angel?*

*Yeh, don't think he believed me though, actually on the phone with Mr. Broody now.* Doyle answered. He was concerned by what he was feeling from Xander.

*Tell him to come tonight and tell him to come to Buffy's. Make sure he brings the whole Fang Gang with him.* Xander told the seer.

Doyle agreed and the two broke contact. Xander wondered if he should bring the others in or if this was enough. He still had to find Oz and keep the soldiers from leaving town.