Damage

Buffy was walking on cloud nine the next day at school. Joyce was amazed at her daughter’s amazing recovery time. She had been positively glowing when she had got home from work the previously night. Buffy said all that rest she got must have done the trick because she felt fabulous.

Buffy was off in dreamland thinking about Spike and their encounter that she didn’t notice Riley coming towards her.
“Buffy!” he said, taking her in his arms to embrace her.
“Riley…hey” she managed to get out, pulling away from him.
“I see you’re feeling better. You look great” he made an attempt to kiss her lips but she turned her face a bit and he got her cheek instead.
“Yes, I am but let’s be on the safe side. Don’t want to get you sick” she covered.
“Sure….so…you wanna come over tonight? We can order pizza and watch videos. Hey, we can invite the gang too.” Riley asked her excitedly.
“I thought you didn’t like taking friends home” Buffy replied.
“Well, Dad keeps telling me it’s O.K. and that when I bring people home, he will make sure my mom doesn’t go all…well you know…he said I need to stop being embarrassed about it and stuff” Riley explained to her.
“Your dad is pretty smart” Buffy said with a smile.
“Yeah, he’s the greatest” Riley replied.
Don’t I know, Buffy thought.

“So, invite your friends and you guys can meet me in the parking lot after school. We can drive over to my place” Riley told her.
“Uhhh…I have to go to the doctor first before I come over. I’ll tell the guys though and they can still coverover and I’ll have my mom drop me off when I’m done.” Buffy said.
“Doctor? I thought you were better? Why are you going to the doctor?” Riley asked her.
“Uhhh…just a follow up...no biggie. See you later then.” She said and walked away, not allowing him the opportunity to try and kiss her again.
I get to see him again, she thought with a smile as she walked to her next class. The him in question not being Riley.

After school, Willow, Xander and Oz met up with Riley. Willow rode with Oz in his van while Xander and Riley drove their own cars. They all parked in Riley’s driveway.
“Wow, nice house, Riley” Willow commented.
“Yeah, very impressive” Oz said with no expression which was usual for him.
“I saw it the other day when I picked Buffy up.” Xander said.
“Oh, yeah…the day I fell asleep because Buffy took so long in the bathroom” Riley joked.
Willow fidgeted.
“When you gotta go, you gotta go” Xander joked back.
“Alright. Enough discussing Buffy’s bathroom habits.” Willow spoke up.

The four teens entered the house and Riley led them all back to the living room.
“Wowzer, check out the tube!” Xander yelled.
“Make yourselves at home. There are sodas in the mini fridge by the bar. Gonna tell my dad we’re here and order some pizza” Riley said leaving the room.
“DAD! We’re here! Gonna order the pizza so I need some money!” Riley shouted out down the hall.
Spike’s study door was thrown open, “Bloody hell! What did I tell you about yelling like that? You couldn’t walk a few more doors down and knock to get me like a normal person? You almost gave me a bloody heart attack, son”

The three other teens listened intently to Spike and Riley’s conversation coming from the hall. They had never met Riley’s dad and his accent was interesting. Willow was even more curious seeing as she knew about him and Buffy. So, this was the mysterious Mr. Finn she thought as he came into view when he and Riley walked in the room. Well, Buffy has good taste, Willow thought. He is a hottie.

“Hey guys, my dad. Dad, this is the gang. Xander, Oz, Willow” Riley made the introductions.
“Buffy had to go to the doctor…something about a follow up since she’s been sick so she’ll be here in a bit but then you’ve already met her” Riley informed his dad.
Willow choked and spit out the soda she had beenpingping when Riley made the comment about Buffy going to the doctor because she knew the real reason she was going and she also knew that Mr. Finn knew as well.

Spike flashed her a warning look. “Red, nice to meet you.” He nodded to her.
Willow blushed red enough to match her hair. Guess his nickname for her suited her well.
“Hhiiii Mr. Fffinn. Youuu Tttoo” she managed to get out.
Oz walked over and stuck his hand out and Spike shook it. “Sir” Oz said and nodded.
Xander jumped up and tried to mimic Oz’s coolness but fell short.
“Whelp, hello” Spike said to him.
“What’s a whelp?” Xander said.
“Never mind, Xander” Willow told him.

“So...Dad...the money?” Riley said.
“Oh...yeah. Right.” Spike took his wallet out of his back pocket and pulled out a few twenties and handed them to Riley.
“Order me some of those spicy wings too will you? I’m feeling a bit peckish myself.” Spike told him.
“What’s peckish?” Xander asked.
“Never mind, Xander” Willow said again.
“Geez…I’m just trying to understand his funny talk. Sorry, I’m not versed in the Queen’s English.” Xander whispered a little too loudly to Willow and everyone else heard.
“It means hungry” Riley said.
Spike rolled his eyes at Xander. This nit wit is actually a friend of Buffy’s he thought.
“Come get me when the food gets here and nobody touches my wings” Spike pointedly looked at Xander.
Xander swallowed the lump of fear in his throat. Maybe it’s not Riley’s mom that’s crazy. It’s his dad that is, he thought.

Buffy sat in the waiting room with Joyce at the doctors. When they called her name, Joyce attempted to follow Buffy back.
“Mom, I kinda want to do this myself. O.K.?” Buffy said.
“Ohh…Uhh Sure, honey. Sorry. Wasn’t thinking. I’m so used to going back with my girls when we go to the doctor. I keep forgetting my girl is a woman now. Hence why we’re here” Joyce said a bit flustered.
“Thanks Mom” Buffy followed the nurse back ad Joyce took a seat again.

The nurse checked her blood pressure and weighed her then had her change into a flimsy paper gown and told her the doctor would be in shortly. About ten minutes later Dr. Burkle and the nurse came back in and they did the standard exam.

“O.K. Buffy, now I just have a few questions to ask you” Doctor Burkle said.
“ght”ght” Buffy replied.
“When was the date of your last period?” Dr. Burkle asked.
“Uhhh...about 4 weeks ago…I should be due to start anytime” Buffy answered.
“Have you ever been on birth control before?” Dr. Burkle continued.
“No” Buffy answered.
“Is there any chance you might be currently pregnant?” Dr. Burkle said.
“Ummmm….” Buffy blushed.
“Buffy? You need to be honest. It’s important.” Dr. Burkle smiled kindly.
“I’ve had sex a few times without protection, yes but it’s only been a week since I first started having sex.” Buffy responded.

“O.K. well I can’t put you on birth control pills until I know whether you’re already pregnant or not and you still could be even if it’s only been a week. All it takes is one time, Buffy. We can do a urine test today which is almost always accurate and you’ll know in a few minutes, however it being so soon since the possible conception it might give a false reading so it’s best that I also draw some blood that gets sent to the lab and that takes 2-3 days for the results but that is 100% accurate.

“Dr. Burkle? If I am….pregnant…do you have to tell my mother? I don’t want her to know…not just yet…IF I am.” Buffy asked.
“You’re 17 rightr. Br. Burkle looked down at her chart.
“Yes but I turn 18 next month, January” Buffy informed her.
“Your pregnancy results are confidential, however if you are and you decided to terminate the pregnancy, you would need your parent’s permission or have to petition the courts for permission up until the date of your birthday which it being so close, I don’t see it as a problem.” Dr. Burkle informed her.
“O.K. Thank you. Let’s take the test then” Buffy said.
“Go ahead and get dressed and my nurse will give you a urine collector to take to the bathroom.” Dr. Burkle left the room.

After Buffy had dressed and then peed in the cup and had her blood drawn, she sat alone in the exam room. About fifteen minutes later, the door opened and Dr. Burkle came back in. Buffy took one look at her face and knew the results.

“Buffy…dear, the test was positive” Dr. Burkle informed her. She sighed a bit thinking of all the young girls that came through her office in the same situation. She only hoped Buffy had support behind her. Many of the other girls didn’t. Joyce Summers seemed nice enough but when things like this happen, even the best parents behaviors change drastically towards their pregnant daughter.

Buffy’s face was ashen. She had a feeling she was but she was in denial. It all felt so surreal.
“Oh God” she cupped her face in her hands.
“Buffy, it’s O.K. Buffy, now we won’t know for absolute sure until we get the blood test back so let’s calm down. The urine test says it can tell as early as a week but I want to be absolutely sure since we’re cutting it so close. Now, Buffy, if you are then is the father going to be in the picture?” Dr. Burkle asked.
“Ummm…yes…but…Oh god!” Buffy said.
“Will he support you during the pregnancy?” Dr. Burkle asked.
“I…I think so…I don’t know…” Buffy looked scared.
“I will personally call you when I get the results and then if it is positive, we’ll schedule you your first pre-natal visit for when you’re about 6 weeks along. I would like you to bring the father then if he is willing to participate so I can go over everything with him too.” Dr. Burkle explained to Buffy, naturally assuming that the father was a teenager like Buffy and would need to be educated.

“Well, that’s it. You can go now. Call me if you need anything, Buffy.” Dr. Burkle smiled at her trying to show her some comfort and support.
“O.K. Thank you Dr. Burkle.” Buffy said.
“You’re welcome Buffy.” Dr. Burkle walked her out.

“All set?” Joyce said eyeing her daughter.
“Yep…got them in my purse” Buffy lied.
“Good. Let’s go” Joyce said.
Joyce and Buffy were silent on the drive over to Riley’s until they pulled up to his house.
“Now remember, they take several weeks to take effect. Did they give you any condoms for in the meantime?” Joyce asked rather awkwardly.
“Umm...no...They must’ve forgotten” Buffy replied.
“Here” Joyce rummaged in her purse and pulled out a box of Trojans.
“MOM!” Buffy turned bright red.
“I just wanted to cover all bases. Put them in your purse” Joyce instructed her. “Now, have fun with your friends. I’ll see you tonight” Joyce gave her a kiss and Buffy got out of the car.

Joyce pulled away and Buffy walked up to the door. She had been so excited to see him earlier but now she was scared to death. Would he hate her? How could she tell him? What should she do? Question after question ran through her mind. As she was standing there contemplating on ringing the doorbell or running away, a pizza delivery car pulled up and a delivery guy got out carrying several pizza boxes.

“Hey, you live here?” he asked her as he walked up.
“No...I just got here…was getting ready to ring the bell” Buffy answered.
The delivery guy pressed the doorbell and smiled at her, “There, we can wait together” he flirted with her.

Spike was coming out of the kitchen after fetching himself something to drink when the doorbell rang. He was closer than Riley and the rest of the kids so he sauntered over to answer it. He opened it up to reveal the delivery guy chatting up his Buffy. Buffy didn’t seem to be responding much to the other guy, in fact she seemed somewhat sullen but that didn’t stop a current of jealousy from passing through Spike as this wanker flirted up his girl.

“Buffy! Come inside.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her in and away from Romeo.
“You, wait here while I get your money” he said angrily as he pointed to the pizza guy then slammed the door back in his face.
“Uhh…sure” he said rather fearful thinking maybe this was the hot chicks dad. She said she didn’t live here though…oh well, he thought as he waited.

“What were you doing with him?” Spike questioned her.
“Who? The pizza guy? Nothing. I just got here the same time he did…..you’re hurting my arm…Spike” Buffy answered him.
Spike looked down to see his hand gripped around her arm and immediately let go, “Sorry, luv. Didn’t mean to.”

“Need the money, Dad? Oh, hey Buffy! You’re here” Riley came walking up the hall to where they stood.
“I’m here” Buffy replied.
Riley handed Spike the money back and Spike opened the door and shoved it into the pizza guys hand while taking the boxes from him. “Now get the hell out of here” he said menacingly.
“No problem!” the kid ran to his car muttering, “Crazy ass jerk” under his breath.

“Geez, Dad. Way to scare off the pizza boy” Riley said.
“He was a stupid git” Spike muttered.
“Here, let me help you” Riley went to take some of the boxes out of Spike’s hands and inadvertently knocked into Buffy. Her purse fell out of her hands and all the contents spilled out.

“Oh gosh, Buffy. Sorry!” Riley sat the food down on toyeroyer table next to the coat rack as did Spike so they could both help her pick up all her scattered items.
Buffy watched in mortification as both Spike and Riley’s eyes were drawn to the big box of Trojan condoms.
“Let me. I can get it myself” Buffy said in embarrassment.
It was too late though; Riley had already picked up the box and handed it to her. He had a goofy grin on his face. Apparently he was under the impression that Buffy got them because she was ready to have sex with him. She hurriedly shoved the box back into her purse.

Riley looked at his Dad and then opened his mouth and inserted his foot, “Well, Dad at least you know we’re being safe. I know you don’t want to be a grandpa yet”.
Spike’s tensed and his jaw twitched at the way Riley insinuated that he and Buffy were already having sex. Buffy felt anger rise in her as well at Riley’s comment hoping Spike didn’t actually think she had slept with Riley during that week too. Then she looked at Spike and felt sorrow overtake her. If he doesn’t want to be a grandpa, he probably doesn’t want to be a father either, at least the second time around. She scrambled to get the rest of her stuff and shoved it all into her purse.

“I have to go” she said and made a bee line for the door.
“Buffy, wait!” both Finn men said in unison.
“I…I…” Buffy’s shoulders slumped and she started to cry.
It took everything Spike had to control his impulses to go take her in his arms. Instead he watched his son do just that.
“Hey, Buffy. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. Please stay sweetheart” Riley hugged her and she returned his hug, just needing some type of comfort at that exact moment.

Buffy caught Spike’s eyes and he gave her a murderous look then turned and stomped away. Riley turned and watched him leave, “Hey Dad, you forgot your wings”
“I’m not hungry anymore” Spike gritted out before going into his study.
“Don’t mind him, Buffy. He’s being a cranky butt tonight for some reason. Must be having writer’s block again. He gets that way when he can’t write” Riley explained.
“Oh” was all Buffy could say.
“Come on; let’s take this into the living room. The gangs all here and we’re starved. Especially Xander. If I have to hear how hungry he is one more time, I’m gonna clock him one” Riley teased.

After an hour of pretending like nothing was wrong, Buffy was exhausted. All she wanted to do was go find Spike and have him hold her and tell her it would all be O.K. but she couldn’t. Instead she had to play act being high school sweethearts with Riley. She felt sick. Riley kept touching her, trying to have body contact.

Spike had come out of his study and watched the kids unnoticed from outside the door. He watched Riley lean into Buffy and kiss her on the lips and he saw red. He stomped back to his study and slammed the door. He began pacing back and forth. He should have known he would never be able to handle seeing them together. He loved his son for Christ sakes but he was quickly falling in love with Buffy too. He couldn’t choose someone over his son but he couldn’t stand seeing his son with his girl. All these conflicting emotions were tearing him up inside. He started throwing things around his office, ripping papers and books, smashing a couple vases. He even punched a hole in the wall. He finally flopped down on the sofa he had in there and hung his head.

The teens started to hear crashing noises coming from down the hall.
“Umm….what’s that?” Xander said.
“Be right back” Riley said and rushed out of the room thinking his mom was out doing something nutty again but instead he followed the noises to his father’s study. He opened the door without knocking and saw his dad sitting on the sofa, head in hands. He looked around the room and it looked like a tornado had swept through it.
“Dad? What happened? Are you O.K.?” Riley asked.
“I want to be left alone.” Spike said very sternly.
Riley knew when his dad meant business. “Yes Sir.” He said and closed the door.

Riley went back to his guests. “Umm…I think it’s best if you guys leave now. Dad’s not feeling so well. Sorry” Riley blushed in embarrassment.
Oz, Willow and Xander all shared awkward goodbyes and see you laters with Riley and then started to leave.
“You coming, Buffster?” Xander asked.
Buffy still sat on the sofa looking like she was in a daze.
“Buffy!” Willow yelled.
“What? Oh…yeah…sorry…” Buffy stood to leave with her friends.

“I’m sorry guys” Riley apologized as he walked them to the door.
Riley pulled Buffy back a bit from her friends as they walked out the front door, “Tomorrow’s Saturday…let’s do something…I can pick you up at…say…11 and we can go have lunch or whatever, spend the day together” Riley told her.
Buffy not even really listening to him just nodded numbly.
“Great. See you then” he leaned in and kissed her.

She walked to Xander’s car and got in. She had to find someway to talk to Spike alone without Riley finding out. They got about half way to her house when she asked Xander to pull over and let her out. She wanted to walk the rest of the way home.
“Are you sure, Buffy?” Xander said, wondering what the deal was.
“Yeah, just feel like walking. Some quiet time by myself is all.” Buffy gave him a small smile trying to reassure him that she was O.K.
“Alright then but be careful. I’ll see you later” Xander said as she got out of the car.
“Bye Xan” Buffy said.

She watched him pull away and drive off. She waited until she knew he couldn’t see her anymore and then turned around to double back to Riley’s. She needed to make sure Spike was alright. She also needed to break the news to him. If he was going to shuck her off, better she knew it now sooner than later.
“Come on baby, let’s go find Daddy” she patted her tummy, her female intuition telling her what the blood test was going to come back as.

Continued in Chapter 10- The OOPS Factor

A/N: Please check out the Prologue page to see the poem that LUCKYCHARM_13 wrote for Damage. Thanks Mel! SMOOCHES