Change of Season

Change of Seasons, Chapter nine.

"It's so unfair!"

Dawn slams the bedroom door behind herself, and throws herself on the bed, a large frown on her face.

"I'm being treated like a child, and it's all Buffy's fault. Buffy, Buffy, Buffy. It's always about BUFFY! " Dawn punches the bed," just because Buffy is acting like a rebel without a clue, is that my fault? Is it! NO, it's NOT my fault. Just because Buffy gets detention for cutting class, did I like hold the gate for her so she could slip away? NO! But, do I get punished because Buffy acts like a spoiled, rotten brat? OH, you BET I do!"

Dawn takes Bear Simon, her huge stuffed bear that has a favored spot on her bed, and picks him up, shaking him.

"How do you like that, Buffy? Hmmm!" Dawn slaps the bear, and then slaps it again. "How's that feel, Buffy? You're ruining MY LIFE, Buffy! I wish I could tear your hair out, BUFFY!" She tosses her bear across the room, watching it hit the wall and bounce, landing face down on the floor. She rushes over to the bear.

"I'm Sorry, Bear Simon!" She picks up the bear, and covers it with kisses. "I just get so ANGRY at her sometimes," Dawn looks at the common wall her room shares at Buffy. "She messes up, and I get to pay for it!" She brushes Bear Simon off, and takes him back to the bed, putting him back in his place of honor. She flounces down on the bed, and broods.

All I wanted to do was go out on a date. With Xander. Dawn gets a dreamy look on her face. Xander, with the melty brown eyes, and the sweet smile that so makes my heart go pitty pat… he's sooo hot! Dawn frowns. But no! Because Ms. Buffy Summers is getting into trouble, mom's afraid if I date a senior, I'm so gonna start smoking and drinking and running around and… GOD, MOM! I'm NOT BUFFY! I'M NOT A MORON! A CLUE, MOM! I'm NOT Buffy!

Dawn sighs, and lays back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. What's wrong with her, anyway? Why is she acting like… a brat? I don't get it. Yeah, ok, not saying I was crazy about moving here, either. Of course, that was BX --- Before Xander. And yeah, it sucked saying goodbye to all my friends, and especially Tommy Jackson, just the studliest guy ever… well, again BX. Still, I dealt… why can't she? No, she's all pissed off because this year she won't be like Homecoming Queen and Prom Queen or Guacamole Princess or something. Geeze… get a clue, Buffy. Maybe if you hadn't been like such a dumb ass last year, and hung out with the loser crowd, disguised as the Cool Kids, maybe we would even have to be here!

Oh… but if we weren't here, then I never would've met Xander… Dawn sighs prettily. Never woulda looked into those deep, soft, soulful eyes. Never would've kissed those warm, soft lips… oh god, I'll never EVER get to kiss those warm soft lips, and it's all Buffy Anne Summers fault! Because mom thinks I'm going to act like Buffy. Darn it, mom, can't you see?

Dawn almost flies off the bed, and goes over to her vanity, leaning on the top and staring into the mirror.

"I'm not Buffy, mom! I'm not ANYTHING like Buffy, mom!" Dawn spreads out her chestnut colored hair. "Not blonde mom. And I've got blue eyes, not hazel! And, I'm smart, real smart! Not a 'tard like my older sister, mom!"

Dawn sits down in the chair. She sighs heavily, the weight of the world on her shoulders.

"Can't you see, mom? Don't you get it? I don't want to be like Buffy! I don't want to be anything like Buffy." She looks down, and grumbles. "I'm me, Dawn. So not Buffy!"

God, all they ever do is fight anymore. Fight, or not talk to each other. Then it's like freezer time around here. I hate this! I hate ALL of it!

Yeah, but what're you gonna do, Dawn? Who's going to listen to you? NO ONE!

Dawn spots her cell phone, lying casually where she left it on her desk. She gets up and goes to it, picking it up.

Maybe not no one, if I can only get ahold of him!

Dawn picks up the phone, and presses # 2 on the speed dial. She sits, tapping her fingers while the phone rings.

C'mon, c'mon be there! Answer, please answer. C'mon…

"Daddy?" Dawn says, when she gets a real live voice instead of voicemail. "It's me, Dawn. Yeah… I've been trying to call you for like… days… yes… I know, you're busy at work. But… I need to talk to you… yes, it's important… Yes, I swear. It's a matter of life or death….

Either I get my own life, or I swear, it'll be Buffy's death!

2

Joyce sits in the living room alone, watching television.

At least the set is on, and the volume is up. But she's not really paying attention to it.

Her stomach is rebelling against the leaden knot called dinner, her body reacting to another dinner eaten in the meat locker, aka the dining room these days. Meals aren't a time of getting together anymore; they're more an endurance trial. See if you can get through it without the yelling started.

And she's feeling a little guilty about her reaction to Dawn wanting to date Xander. My god, Joyce, she's 16, do you think she's going to be your little punkin belly forever? She's growing up, and Xander seems to be a nice boy.

Yeah, I've seen that before. With Buffy. The boy acts all polite and respectful around the parents, but as soon as he gets them alone…

Ok, Joyce. Remember, Dawn isn't Buffy. Dawn's got a level head on her … well, most of the time. And she's not a dummy… her grades prove that. She's a good girl, and she won't let anything bad happen…

But why does she have to date a senior, anyway? Why doesn't she date a boy HER age?

Sure, and you dated boys your age when you were her age, right? Sure you did.

Yeah, and look how well THAT turned out?

And god, do I need another Buffy on my hands? One teenage rebellious bitch queen from hell is enough…

Joyce! She's your daughter! Shame on you!

Yeah, and she's acting like the perfect slut. Who knows what she's up to?

God, I wish Hank were here sometimes. Only so he'd lay down the law. She listens to him. Maybe for once, she'd be angry with HIM instead of me!

Hank isn't here, Joyce. You are. You're the parent. You've got to make this right.

I hate being the adult. Why can't someone else be the adult for once?

Joyce sighs, and gets up. Picking up the remote, she zaps the TV and starts towards the stairs. I'll just go up and try to talk to her. See if we can't find a way to stop fighting about everything. We're not idiots. We can find a way… I know we can…

She just makes the stairs when the phone rings. Now what? She sighs, and goes over to answer the phone.

"Hi, baby," Faith says, her voice a little throaty. "Busy?"

"Faith!" Joyce is thrilled and a little nervous at the same time. "Aren't you working?"

"Not tonight. And I was sitting here… all alone… feeling so lonely…" You can almost hear the teasing smile in Faith's voice.

"Oh god, honey," Joyce whispers quietly, afraid to be overheard. "I want to be with you… but I can't. I've got to be here with my daughters…"

"I know, Joy," Faith says, "but that doesn't stop you from talking to me, does it?"

Joyce is well aware that more than talking is going to happen here, if she continues with this conversation. She sighs.

I should go upstairs… and talk with Buffy. We should work this out…

But her heart isn't in it, not really. She's not ready for another yell fest, nor is she looking forward to more stony silence… the other alternative.

And talking to Faith? So much nicer.

"No, I guess not…" Joyce gives in to her desire," but really, let me call you back on my cell phone. One of the girls might pick up this line accidentally."

"Ok," Faith pretends to pout a little, while a huge smile is covering her face. " Just don't be too long… I'm all cold and shivery, laying here in just my panties and t-shirt…"

Oh, god, Joyce groans internally, picturing Faith on her bed that way. She feels a little shiver of anticipation run up and down her spine. And a response from her center, which is getting very damp all of a sudden.

"I won't be long," Joyce says, throat dry all of a sudden.

She hangs up the phone, and heads for the stairs. As she climbs them, a little guilt hits her.

I should really talk to Buffy, Joyce thinks to herself, I know I should. But she probably won't talk to me anyway. She pauses to look at her daughter's closed bedroom door. Or, she'll start screaming at me again. I really just can't do that tonight.

We'll do this. Tomorrow. Yeah, we'll talk tomorrow.

3

Buffy sits up in her room, staring out the window.

Her books sit in a neat stack on her desk, unopened. She glances at them, and makes a face.

Why should I even bother with that crap? What's the point? So I can be good little Buffy or something? What a joke!

I mean, how fair is this anyway? Stuck in this stupid room, again! Busted because I snuck out and met Cordelia and her gang, had a little fun. Wow, that was so terrible, right? Not like I was hanging with the druggies or losers. I was with the cheerleaders. She wanted me to get back to that. I TOLD her I had to meet with them, or not a chance. But no. Then she gets mad when I try to do what she wants me to do. God, is she like a loon? What am I supposed to do?

I guess sit up here in this room and rot. That's all I'm gonna do, it seems. First grounded because she gets all pissy at ME for wanting to call dad. Then, she grounds me for this. God, I'll be 35 before I'm done being grounded.

Aw, who cares, anyway? Not like there's anything to do in this stupid town. The one cool contact I had, Cordelia? That's probably history. I mean, busted for going out? So, what now? Hang at the Bronze? Yeah, with the geeks and losers. Yeah, that's what I want. Bogus

This whole town, this whole life, bogus!

Buffy moves away from the window, and goes over to the desk, looking at the books.

"Nope, don't want to do that… nope…". She shakes her head. She wanders over to her radio, and turns it on. Hearing a song she likes, she turns it up. Yeah, finally something that isn't totally boring!

She starts to sing the lyrics to herself, and getting into it, starts dancing to the music.

She's just really starting to get into it when she hears a pounding on her door. Not turning down the music, she dances over, opening it to reveal Dawn standing there, staring at her.

"Hey, Dawnie, hi," Buffy smiles, and grabbing Dawn, pulls her in. "Wanna dance?"

She starts to dance in front of and around Dawn.

Dawn, frowning, goes over and shuts off Buffy's radio.

"HEY!" Buffy comes over, "I was listening to that!"

"Yeah, and I was trying to study… but who can, with that noise?"

"Well, mom," Buffy answers irritably, "Not noise. Music. And I was listening."

Buffy turns the radio on, louder this time.

"Darn it Buffy! Just because you don't care about your grades, I do. I can't think with that blasting full volume." She turns off the radio again.

"Darn it , Buffy!" Buffy mocks her, " You can't even swear a little. But that's you, right Dawnie? The perfect little student, the perfect little daughter, the perfect little suck up!" She turns on the radio, cranking up the volume. "Get out, Miss Priss. I'll do what I want in here, at least." Turning her back on Dawn, she starts dancing again.

Dawn walks over to the radio, turns it off, and pulls the plug.

"What the heck is with you, Buffy?" She turns on her sister, red faced. "You didn't used to be a big jerk. You used to be almost cool. What the hell is your deal, anyway?"

"Maybe I just got smart, Dawn," Buffy says as she moves to plug the radio back in.

Dawn moves to block her, not letting her pass.

Buffy stands up, looking slightly up at her taller, heavier sister.

"Move it squirt," Buffy glowers at her. "Get outta my way."

"Not until you tell me what's going on with you, Buffy. Why're you acting like a moron?"

"God, get a clue," Buffy ducks around her sister, plugging in the radio. "Are you really that stupid, Dawn?" She turns on the radio again. Very loud.

Dawn, frustrated, grabs the radio, jerking on it to pull the plug from the wall.

"Stop it, Buffy! Stop acting like this, or I’m gonna toss this out the window!"

"You do, and you're going after it squirt… through the window," Buffy shoves her.

Dawn tosses the radio on the floor, hard. It bounces, slides across the floor and hits the wall.

"You asshole!" Buffy pushes her sister again, then goes after the radio. "If you broke it, I'm gonna break you." She shakes the radio by her ear, listening for anything rattling.

"You and who's army, shorty," Dawn gets her own barb in.

"Oh, I'm so hurt," Buffy says, miffed. "Shorty. Gee, did you think that up all by yourself? Or did your geeker boyfriend help you with that?"

"You shut up! You don't talk about Xander like that!" Dawn, losing her patience, comes over and slaps Buffy. "Xander's worth about a dozen of you, slutty!"

"What did you call me?" Buffy's voice becomes dangerously soft.

"You heard me, SLUTTY!" Dawn sneers at her.

Buffy drops the radio, and uncoiling like an over wound spring, tackles her sister, knocking her to the floor. Crawling up, she sits on Dawn, hand raised.

"Take that back, you little whining squirt. Take it BACK!"

"Yeah, well, I wasn't the one that spread my legs like bitch in heat for Dennis Potter, was I?" Dawn says defiantly," ' OH, Dennis, Oh Dennis, Oh…OW"

Buffy slaps her sister, hard.

"SHUT UP!"

"YOU HIT ME!"

"You aint seen nothing… OUCH!"

Dawn grabs Buffy's hair, pulling hard.

Buffy starts slapping her again and again. Dawn bucks underneath her, and rolls over, knocking Buffy off. She jumps on Buffy, straddling her. She starts slapping Buffy.

"Let's see how you like it!"

" WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN HERE!"

Both girls look at the doorway, where Joyce, red faced in her robe, is standing. They freeze.

Joyce strides over to Dawn, and tugs on her arm. "Get up, Dawn. Off your sister. NOW!"

Dawn makes a face at Buffy, then gets up, looking guilty and sullen.

Joyce goes to help Buffy, but Buffy waves her off, getting off the floor. She, like Dawn, stands sullen.

Joyce looks from one daughter to the other, her anger rising on each turn of her head.

"Ok, what exactly is going on here, anyway?" She looks at Dawn. " Well?"

"Nothing," Dawn mutters, throwing an evil look at her sister.

"Ok, you," She turns to Buffy, "What's going on?"

"Nothing."

Joyce shakes her head, sighing her frustration.

"So, nothing happened. You just decided to beat on each other for no reason?"

Silence.

"Fine, who started it then?" She looks from daughter to daughter.

"She did!" the two point at each other, saying it in unison.

"You're such a liar, Dawn. You started it!"

"Look who's talking, you …" Dawn decides to avoid the S word with mom here. "… you witch!" She turns to Joyce. "She started it!"

" I so did not!" Buffy turns to Joyce," she came in here, and threw my radio on the floor!"

"Because you wouldn't turn it down! God, I couldn't think with that thing blasting away!"

"Of Xander? Over there mooning over tall, dark and geeky?" Buffy sneers at her.

"Shut UP!" Dawn turns red. "You're nothing but a big old Butt Hole!"

"Oooo! I'm scared now, Dawnie," Buffy snickers, "What're you gonna do now? Cry?"

"STOP IT!" Joyce yells at them. "Both of you! I've had enough!" She turns to Dawn. "Go to your room."

"Mom!" Dawn protests.

"Go to your room now, young lady."

"So unfair," Dawn mumbles as she leaves, "Buffy messes up, and everyone else pays. Just so typical…" She leaves, slamming the door behind her.

"What's wrong with you?" Joyce turns back to Buffy when Dawn has left. "Why can't we just have one quiet night around here without you making trouble, Buffy?"

"So, of course, this is my fault, right?" Buffy mutters, flopping down on her bed. "Dawn had nothing to do with it."

"Don't worry, I'll be talking with Dawn, too. But this is about you, Buffy Anne Summers. We can't go a day around here without something going on. Why are you acting like this?" Joyce comes over, and sits next to Buffy. "What is it, Buffy?" She softens her tone. "What's making you so angry?"

Joyce sees a brief flicker in Buffy's eyes, and for a moment she thinks Buffy might actually open up to her. However, Buffy's lips tighten, and she moves away a little.

"Nothing," Buffy says, "Everything's peaches, can't you tell?"

"What were you and Dawn fighting about?"

"Nothing."

"Ok, Buffy. If that's the way you want to play it, fine. I hope you like your room, Buffy, because you're going to be seeing a lot of it. Until I decide differently, you're on restriction. You will go to school, and after, come home. You will be restricted to this room except to eat and use the bathroom. That includes weekends and holidays. No friends, no going out, nothing except school and this room. Clear?"

"That's not fair!" Buffy explodes, "I'm not doing it! I'm an adult…"

"Not until you're 18, and that’s a number of months off yet."

"Yeah, well, then I'm so gonna do what I want!"

"Not while you live in this house, Buffy. You live under this roof, you follow my rules."

"And if I don't?"

"There are alternatives, Buffy. Perhaps we'll need to arrange a private boarding school until you're out of school…"

"Boarding school? No WAY!"

"I'm tired of you disrupting this family, Buffy. We've tried to be patient, tried to understand you, tried to work it out. You're not cooperating at all."

"Daddy wouldn't let this happen! He won't let you do this!"

"You're father wanted to send you away at the end of last year, Buffy. I stopped him." Joyce's face becomes grim. "I thought if we got away from the bad influences, you'd be ok. I might've been wrong…"

"You're lying! He'd never do that!" Buffy goes towards her cell phone. "I'm going to call him, tell him."

"Please do. But you might not like what you hear."

Buffy rushes over and picks up her phone. She turns to Joyce, who is standing calmly looking at her. She's lying. I know it! Daddy wouldn't EVER send me away. She's lying!

What if she isn't, Buffy? What if she's telling the truth? Then what?

I'm calling, I'm so calling…

But she puts down the phone, and her face reflects her uncertainty and anger. She almost throws herself on the bed.

"Fine. I'm whatever. On restriction. Fine." She turns away from Joyce, staring at the wall.

" Buffy, I don't want to do this, "Joyce approaches her back. "Just talk to me, tell me what's going on. Please."

"Are you still here?" Buffy says over her shoulder, coldly. "Can't I have any privacy, even here?"

Joyce stares at her a moment, then shaking her head, turns to walk away.

"I know what's going on." Buffy says to her back.

"What?" Joyce stops dead in her tracks.

What is she talking about? There's no way she can know about Faith…

" Something's going on," Buffy bluffs. "You think I don't know, but I do."

"I haven't a clue as to what you're talking about, "Joyce also bluffs.

"You think I'm stupid, like Dawn. But I'm not. Those flowers, for instance…"

"They were from a client," Joyce says quickly, "I told you that before."

"Hmmm… sure they were, Joyce," Buffy looks over her shoulder for the first time. "Every client sends red roses as a gift. Right." Buffy smiles an unpleasant smile. "You might be able to fool the squirt, but not me. Something's going on, and I'm gonna find out what. And… gee, wouldn't daddy just be so interested in that?"

"Buffy, I'm sorry you're father is …less than perfect. I'm sorry I had to tell you about it. I know it hurts, honey. But, if you think that making up wild stories about me is going to make a difference, it won't. Tell you're dad whatever you think. I've got nothing to hide." Liar! Liar, liar, oh, and … liar!

Buffy is taken aback a little at Joyce's calm. But she doesn't give up the bluff.

"We'll just see, won't we?"

"Good night, Buffy," Joyce, without any further ceremony, leaves.

Buffy lays her head back down, angry and frustrated.

Cool move, Summers. Now you're grounded forever. And, you're little bluff didn't work, either. She didn't flinch.

Still, I know something's going on. Something's not right. She's not acting like herself… not like mom… something's really wrong with this picture… I just gotta find out what…

Yeah, and how're you gonna do that, anyway? You're grounded, remember?

Not like I haven't snuck out before, right? Maybe we'll just follow mom on one of these little ' client meetings' she's always having. Maybe we'll catch her doing something. Maybe we will.

She smiles an evil little smile. Yeah, then we'll see what's what around her. Things will change… or…

Buffy just smiles.

4

Joyce, after having a long talk with her younger daughter, enters her bedroom, feeling washed out. She lays down on the bed, and sighs heavily.

God, just what I need! Buffy being suspicious. Now she's going to be watching my every move.

She looks the cell phone. It's still open, having put it down just after dialing Faith.

Maybe I shouldn't call her. I mean, if Buffy's going to be playing detective, I don't need to hand her ammunition, right?

Ok, now you're paranoid, Joyce. Buffy's in her room. She can't hear you in here, and she can't overhear your conversation on the cell phone.

Joyce dials Faith's number, waiting for her to pick up.

"Hello?"

" Hi, Faith. It's me."

"Joyce! Oh my god! I thought something happened to you! Are you all right?"

" Yes, I'm fine. Just, my darling daughters decided to play WWF wrestling, and I had to break them up."

"Oh, man!" Faith sounds sympathetic. "Did they hurt each other? Are they ok? Are you ok?"

"Yeah, everybody's fine. Just, I'm the mean old mom from hell, because I grounded the both of them."

"Well, hey, what did they expect, you know?" Faith comforts her, "I mean, fighting and all?"

"Yeah."

Faith catches the tone. "Hey, you really did the right thing, you know?"

"I know, "Joyce agrees, reluctantly, "just sometimes I wish that I'd had boys…" Joyce sighs. "They've got to be easier."

"I'll let ya talk to my mom. I'm sure she'd agree with you…" Faith's tone gets a little bitter.

"Oh, honey, I don't mean you."

"No, sorry. Just, I know where you're coming from, but I kinda get where they're coming from, too. I mean, all of this has to be rough on them…"

"It's rough on me too, Faith," Joyce sounds a little angry, "think I like punishing my daughters?"

"No, of course not," Faith tries to pull her foot out of her mouth, "sorry, sometimes the mouth takes off before my brain kicks in…"

"God, listen to me!" Joyce berates herself, "you didn't do anything, and I'm just being touchy. I know you're just trying to help. You just don't understand what it's like raising a couple of teenage girls…"

"Yeah, you're right, I don't," Faith has an odd tone in her voice. "Sorry again."

"God, I didn't mean … I'm really screwing up tonight. Maybe I should just go before I make you hate me too…"

"No! I'm sorry. I'm giving advice on stuff I don't have a clue about. That's just me, interfering again."

Joyce feels like crap. God, can I just get a break here? Why am I messing everything up?

"Look, really, maybe I should just go. I'm too wound up and cranky to be good company tonight, Faith."

"Joyce, please talk to me. Ok? I'm sorry, I won't like stick my nose in; I'm just here to listen…"

"Faith, I know. I love you for that, but really, tonight I'm … I just can't. I'll talk to you tomorrow, ok?"

"Yeah, ok, Joyce…"

"Ok, sleep well, honey. I love you."

"I love you too."

Joyce hangs up. Putting the phone on the nightstand, she turns off the light. She tries to snuggle into the sheets, hoping to sleep and shut out the day. But she can't get comfortable, and winds up staring at the ceiling.

She was just trying to help. Why did I cut her off?

She can't understand. I know she means well, and I wish she could. But until she has daughters of her own, she just won't get it.

And… how is that going to happen? Considering? Nice move, Joyce. Nice.

Joyce rolls over, and pulls the covers over her head. Despite her best efforts, she feels tears stinging her eyes.

I hate this. I hurt Buffy, Dawn and Faith tonight. Perfect, just perfect. I'm so useless.

I wish I could just run away and never look back.

I'm such a moron.

Faith closes her phone, and sighs.

Good going, Faith. You're the expert on anything… how? God, can't you just keep your mouth shut? Once?

Still, I wish she'd trust me enough to lean on me, just a little. Doesn't she get it? I'm here for the long haul. I want to be there for her, if she'd only let me.

Yeah, that's going to happen. Right.

She's never going to let me in.

Never.

5

Breakfast the next morning was a tense affair. There was a definite chill in the air, having nothing to do with the weather.

After muttering a rather curt greeting, Dawn headed for the kitchen and grabbed a bowl, pouring cereal and milk into it. She walked into the dining room and sat down, stirring the cereal around in the bowl.

Buffy didn't even bother with that ceremony this morning. She took one look into the dining room, said "Forget this" and started for the front door.

"Buffy, you have to eat some breakfast," Joyce called out to her.

"I'll grab something on the way," Buffy said as she was going out the door. "I'm late…"

"Don't you want a ride?"

By that time, the front door had slammed, and she was gone.

"Well, that was rude…"

"I gotta go too," Dawn stands up, grabbing her bowl and heading for the kitchen.

"Dawn? Don't you want a ride to school?"

"I really rather walk, mom," Dawn walks to the front door.

"But…"

"Bye mom," Dawn is out the door before Joyce can say anything more.

Joyce stares briefly at the closed door, then looks down at her own breakfast. She suddenly feels a little sick. Picking up her plate, she heads for the kitchen.

Well, it's official. I'm the world's worst mom.

And, Faith is probably angry with me, too.

This is going to be a heck of a day.

"Nice one, Buffy!"

Dawn finally catches up to her older sister at the steps leading into Sunnydale high. She looks a little out of breath, and a whole lot angry.

"What? You like my blouse?" Buffy mocks her gently. "Not too slutty?"

"Don't play dumb, Buffy. You know what I'm talking about!"

"Actually, brat, not a clue," Buffy dismisses her with a shrug, starting up the steps.

Dawn grabs her arm.

"Why'd you tell mom I started that fight?"

"Well, you did, didn't you?" Buffy gives her a withering look.

"I did ! That's so wrong! I only came in your stupid room because you were playing your music so loud it was impossible to think, never mind study."

"Oh yeah, I forgot. You're perfect. You never get mad and throw a tantrum and run to your room, cranking up the tunes to like, mind numbing? Gimme a break, Dawn!" She smirks at her sister. "At least I never came in your room and tried to break your stereo!"

"You only did it because you were like already in trouble, and wanted me to get in trouble, too!" Dawn blurts out, "you're such a bitch, just cuz you screwed up, you don't want anyone else happy, either!"

"Oh, please! Get over yourself, Dawn. Like I care what you do?" Buffy makes an annoyed face. "You think you're so cool, but you're a geek, just like your friends. I wouldn't waste my time on you, except you keep getting in my face. Go away," Buffy turns her back, starting up the stairs.

"No!" Dawn runs up the stairs, blocking Buffy. "This isn't over!"

"This is so over, Dawn," Buffy pushes her aside. "And a tip? I didn’t tell mom anything. She played you, Dawn. She knew you'd cave if she said I said you started it, and well, guess you did huh? So, guess you gotta be pissed at yourself now, moron."

Buffy enters the building, leaving Dawn to stew on the steps.

A little back, Cordelia has been watching the whole thing, and smiles. Well, well. Looks like there's trouble in Summersland, huh? Guess sister unity just took a header. Now, isn't that interesting?

Cordelia starts up the steps, and stops the fuming Dawn.

"Hey, Skipper. Looks like you and Barbie are on the outs," She leans in a little closer. "Guess you better watch your back, girl. Doesn't look like big sis gonna do it anymore."

"Shut up, Hodelia. Nobody asked you!" Dawn snarls at her.

"Well, looks like Skipper is all pissy. Too bad, baby. I'm so gonna enjoy making your life miserable." Laughing, Cordelia walks away.

Dawn stands on the step, fists balled up, flush creeping up her neck.

"Hey, Dawnster! What's up?" Xander, flanked by Willow, comes up to the youngest Summers. "What did the wicked witch of Sunnydale High want?"

Dawn, face blotchy, eyes brimming with tears, looks at him like he's not there. " Nothing!" She almost cries out, then turning, runs up the stairs and through the entrance.

"What did I say?" Xander, looking puzzled, turns to Willow.

Willow shrugs helplessly.

"I dunno, Xan. But maybe you should go after her?"

Xander, though a senior, is still somewhat confused about the female animal. What makes him unique? He admits being confused. He hesitates, not sure what to do.

"Go, Xander," Willow gently pushes him along. "Despite the weirdness, I'm thinking she really needs you right now."

Xander, knowing better than to go against Willow's instincts hurries off, following Dawn into the school.

Willow watches him go, a little smile playing on her face.

Poor Xan. He's so in for it. I don't know the details, but I got the general idea. And he's … so sweet, but sometimes a little clueless. I hope he doesn't mess it up too badly.

Willow adjusts her shoulder bag, and enters the school.

Xander finds Dawn leaning against the lockers, kicking them idly with her heel. She's staring down at the floor.

"Dawn?" He asks, before approaching. "Are you ok? Did I mess up or something? Are you upset with me?" He stands a couple of feet away, in case she comes out swinging.

Dawn looks up at him, and tries very hard to smile. But she can't quite do it, and her lip begins to quiver.

"Not mad at you," She says softly, almost inaudibly.

"Dawn, what is it?" Xander gets closer, "can I help?" He reaches out, and puts a hand on her shoulder. "I mean, I'll admit, not so good with the girl stuff, or relationship stuff, or … well, any of the emotional stuffs, but I can listen…"

"Oh, Xander!" Dawn cries, suddenly wrapping her arms around him and burying her face in his chest. "It's just so screwed up. Everything is so screwed UP!" She says into his chest.

She starts to cry, not caring what anyone thinks or says.

Xander, somewhat confused, and oddly pleased, that Dawn finds some comfort in his arms, slowly brings them around her. He pats her on the back, gingerly.

"There, there," He says, looking more lost than she does. "It's going to be ok. I promise."

"It's going to be fine."

6

"Ok, this is just ridiculous!" Joyce exclaims, frustrated.

There is a pile of art catalogues on her desk, and a couple open in front of her. She's feeling somewhat annoyed.

She's working with a decorator who's refurbishing a mansion in the Sunnydale Heights area. He's looking for a series of pieces, all tied to a particular style he's doing the mansion in. So far, finding what he wants has been less than successful.

If he weren't such a fussbudget, there are a number of pieces that work. But he wants them to be 'just so', and it's not happening. God, this is a lot harder than I thought it'd be when I agreed to do this. He's simply going to have to adjust his expectations a little.

Sighing, she closes the art catalogue. Nice excuse, Joyce, but you know it's also because of last night. Never mind you got like 30 minutes of sleep, and your eyelids feel like sand encrusted lead this morning. Or that you can't keep your mind on things. But you've GOT to concentrate. This is your business, Joyce. If you don't start giving it more attention…

She hears something plop onto her desk, and she looks up.

On the desk, leaning on the art catalogue is a rose. A red, long stem rose.

"What in heaven?" She picks up the rose, and brings it up to her face to look at.

She hears another plop. Another rose has appeared on her desk.

She cocks her head, and reaches for the second rose. Just as she's pulling back her hand, another rose comes flying through the air, and lands on her desk.

"What's going on?"

Another rose joins it, then another and another. She looks up in time to see a number of roses heading for her desk. She stands up, not sure if to laugh or be afraid.

Then a familiar face, attached to a familiar body, appears in her doorway, leaning against the doorjamb.

"Faith! What're you doing?" Joyce tries to sound stern, but starts giggling when Faith throws the last of the roses on her desk, grinning broadly. "What is all this?"

"Heya, cutie," Faith almost swaggers in, stopping at Joyce's desk. She picks up the roses loosely in both hands and lets them fall back on the desk. "After last night, I thought you could use a little cheering up. So I gotcha some roses. Like em?" She grins mischievously.

"They're uh…" Joyce stands there, feeling a little foolish, and grinning. How does she do that? " They're lovely. But, most people bring them in a vase, or a box, or something..."

"Yeah, but what fun is that? I mean, I thought this was a whole lot more fun, ya know?" She gestures over the desk, and the chaos of roses on it.

Joyce feels a little consternation mixed with a whole lot of pleasure. She shakes her head, but can't help the big grin on her face.

"Yeah, now that's what I like to see. My woman smiling." Faith grins. She comes over, and gives Joyce a small soft kiss on the lips. "So, how are ya, babe?"

Joyce feels the familiar tingles running through her. She is shameless. Full of her self, and shameless. Cocky, full of herself, and shameless. God, I love her!

"Better now," Joyce says, heart doing a fast tattoo in her chest. "Now that you're here."

"Yeah," Faith winks at her, "I got that effect on women. It's a gift."

"My, aren't WE full of ourselves today?"

"Hmmm, well I got a reason, ya know. I charmed the pants off that Dean of the art school at UC Sunnydale…." She reaches in her pocket, and pulls out a letter, "… and I got this today." She hands the letter to Joyce.

Joyce opens the envelope, and pulls out the letter. She begins to read it.

" Dear Ms. Lehane," Joyce looks up, "That'd be you…" She read some more, and then gets to the important part, "… we're happy to inform you that application for admission to the college of Art at UC Sunnydale has been accepted, and …" Joyce looks up, smiling broadly. " Oh my god! You got in! That’s wonderful, Faith!" She impulsively grabs Faith and kisses her. It's a long, and rather wet, kiss.

"Hmm… really got to get more of these admission letters, if this is your reward." Faith chuckles when the kiss breaks.

"I knew you could do it, Faith! I knew it. I know you're talented, and if you applied yourself, you'd get in. I'm so proud of you!" Joyce gushes a little.

Faith cups Joyce's face with her palm. "You always did, didn't you? You believe in me," Faith turns serious. "I mean, the other people I knew, thought it was just like… nothing, but you…"

"I always knew you were special, Faith," Joyce goes quiet, and also serious, "you kind of scared me a little, at first, but even then, I knew you were special. That you could do anything you wanted to do, if you put your mind to it."

Faith pulls her in for a kiss. It's long and warm, with lots of passion behind it. Both women are a wee bit breathless when it ends.

" I want to celebrate, ok? I mean, you and me, together, on a date?" Faith looks at Joyce, hopefully. " there's this new place, the Jazz Spot, over on Adams. It's supposed to be swank and all… thought maybe…"

Joyce hesitates, thinking about what Buffy said last night. What if she finds out? Then it'll be a total mess. But, seeing the look on Faith's face, she melts.

"I really want to Faith, but … well…I dunno…"

"Aw, c'mon, Joyce, it'd be great, don't you think?" She sees the hesitation in Joyce's eyes. "Is this … is it about the girls?"

"Yeah, kind of," Joyce admits. "I sort of have them both on restriction, and well, not sure it's a good idea to leave them alone…"

"Joyce, look. I'm no expert here, believe me I know that," She tries to forestall protests, "but maybe it would be good for all of you if you…well, face it Joyce, you need a night off from them, and maybe if you show you trust them, they'll respond? I dunno… just a guess… you're the expert here…"

This is stupid! Buffy's nearly 18, and Dawn is 16. I can't watch over them every minute of every day. And Faith is right. I need some time where I'm not mom. At least a few hours.

"Ok," Joyce agrees, "but this isn't going to be like the last date, is it? I like hamburgers, but really, kinda felt weird sitting in the car, eating them… then making out like a couple of teenagers after…"

"Hey, they were supposed to be the best burgers in town. How'd I know they'd have no tables to eat the burgers at? Anyway, this is a club. It's supposed to be top notch. Cool jazz, good food, hot woman… how can you resist?"

Joyce looks at the sexy hot woman before her, and sighs to herself. That's my problem. I can't resist.

"Go close the door, Faith," Joyce says, her voice suddenly a little husky.

Faith looks at her, and smirks. "Someone's a little…"

" A lot. Now, close the door!" Joyce barks at her.

"Oooo… she's so butch," Faith chuckles, as she walks to the door, closing and locking it. She also lowers the blinds. She turns around, and chucks off her coat. "I like it."

Joyce walks over, and slips her arms around Faith, pulling her into a warm hug. Her hands wander down to Faith's firm ass, and she squeezes it, eliciting a soft sigh. She leans in and whispers in her ear.

"You better."

7

Buffy sits alone at lunch, munching on an apple.

She's not really enjoying it, despite being hungry. Everything is kind of tasteless right now.

Well, out with the losers. This is turning out really great, she sighs, putting down the apple on her tray. God, can it get worse? Now I belong like nowhere.

I shouldn't have given Dawn such a hard time this morning, but damn, she just assumed I squealed on her. So typical. Really pissed me off. But she was probably pissed off too. Still she shouldn't have just figured I narked on her.

Well, swell. I'm two for two. Mom hates me, and now Dawn can't stand me. God, was her shoulder covered with ice when I tried to talk to her or what?

Why'd she have to get so pissy last night, anyway? All I was doing was listening to my radio. Not like I had a lot of choices, you know? I'm trying here, really. And what do I get? More punishment.

It's just not fair. It totally sucks. Not my fault that Mom can't make her marriage work. Why is she taking it out on me? Damn it, this really, truly sucks!

She picks up her apple, and bites into it. She makes a face.

This apple sucks, too.

She picks it up, and taking aim, tries to make it into the trash. She misses.

Damn!

She gets up to retrieve it, but is stopped by a familiar voice.

"Missed."

She turns and sees Cordelia grinning at her.

"Yeah, well, wasn't trying out for the basketball team, anyway," Buffy mutters, dropping the apple in the trash. "So, what's up?"

"Nothing really. Just didn't see you inside," She nods towards the cafeteria, "figured you might be out here."

"Yeah, well, not a lot of room in there. Kinda everywhere is taken up by one group or the other." She shrugs. "So I decided to dine al fresco."

"You could've sat with us, me and my crew."

"Yeah, maybe. Except what's her face… the blonde? She's always giving me looks like she'd be really happy if I fell over dead. Didn't feel like that."

"Yeah, I saw your fight with your sister this morning."

"Aw, that's nothing. That's just Dawn," Buffy waves her hand. "Who cares what she thinks?"

"I bet she can be a real pain in the ass," Cordelia says, solicitously.

"Only all the time. Comes with having a sister, I guess."

"Wouldn't know. Don't have one. Only child."

"Really? Must be cool. Sometimes wish I were an only child. Like, now."

"It's cool, yeah. But the parentals get weird ideas about you, have all these expectations."

"Tell me about it," Buffy complains.

"Oh-oh, trouble in Casa Summers?" Cordelia asks.

" Oh yeah. God, my mom is such a…" Buffy trails off. "Anyway, I mean like last night. All I was doing was playing my radio, and Dawn gets all upset and comes in and starts giving me a load. So, we get to arguing, and my mom comes in and damn, if she doesn’t add to my grounding. I didn't do anything! Dawn tossed my radio across the room, and I get grounded. Is that fair?"

"Doesn't sound like it, " Cordelia says, sounding sympathetic. "Parents so suck."

"Oh yeah, no argument here."

"Hey, look. I got something that'll cheer you up," Cordelia smiles. "Big party. At the Alpha Mu Fraternity this weekend. It's gonna be totally the place to be. I'm going, wanna come along?"

Man, figures. Great party, and I'm stuck being grounded.

"Can't, I'm grounded, remember?"

"Oh, c'mon. It's gonna be great. College guys, beer, dancing, it's gonna be a hoot. You gotta come."

"I want to, believe me. But I got busted when I snuck out the other night to meet you guys, and I know mom's gonna be watching me like a hawk." Buffy frowns. "If she catches me again, I'll be grounded til I'm 30."

"Oh, c'mon, she won't catch you again. You can get out. I do it all the time."

"Sorry," Buffy shrugs.

"Whatever," Cordelia's tone gets a little cold. "I thought you were cool. You seemed smart. Guess I was wrong, huh? Oh well, your loss. I mean, I was really thinking of maybe letting get on the cheerleading squad… but now…" She shrugs. "Really don't need losers on it."

"I'm not a loser. I'm just grounded."

"Yeah, well, prove it. Come to the party."

"I told you, I can't." Buffy moans.

"Well, guess that makes you a loser," Cordelia gets up. "Really don't need to be seen hanging with losers." There's the hook, hon. Just swallow the bait like a nice little fish.

"Wait, wait." Buffy gets up, stopping her. Damn it! I'm tired of mom ruining my life. So gonna go. Screw this goody goody stuff. "When's the party?"

"Saturday night. We're gonna meet at the Bronze, then go from there. So, ya gonna show? Or …?" Cordelia trails off.

"I'll be there."

"See? That wasn't so hard," Cordelia lays her arm over Buffy's shoulder. She leans it. "Trust me, it's so gonna be worth it." She drops her arm, and gives Buffy a quick pat on the rear. "Seeya later, Summers." She starts off.

"Hey, about the cheerleaders?"

"After the party babe. Let's see how that goes, then I'll let ya know."

Cordelia walks off, grinning like the cat that just ate the cream.

So easy. Now, we just gotta get her really nice and sloshed, and baby she's mine. Bet she's all sweet and tasty. Mmmm … getting wet thinking about it. Might have to give Harm a call later.

Chuckling, she walks down the hall.

Buffy stands there, watching her go. Ok, what was the butt pat for? Aw, forget it. Gotta figure what I'm gonna wear to the party. College party! Cool! So gonna go. Mom can't stop me from having some fun. So tired of all her rules and…

"Hey, Buffy," Willow walks up alongside her. "What did Cordelia want?"

"Huh? Oh nothing," Buffy lies. Yeah, I'm so gonna tell you, right?

"You two seem to be getting kinda friendly," Willow's tone is doubtful.

"Yeah, Buffy," Xander walks up with Dawn." You kinda want to be careful there."

"Hey, it's nothing, ok?" Buffy gets a little defensive. "Just, if I want to do anything around here besides be a loser, gotta keep her friendly, ok?"

"Ok, ok," Xander puts up his hands. "Just trying to warn you."

"She's bad news, Buffy," Willow adds. "You can't trust her."

"She wants something from you. Once she gets it, she'll turn on you real fast," Xander agrees.

" Gee, thanks mom and dad, but I know what I'm doing, ok?"

"Knock it off, Buffy," Dawn says, "They're just trying to clue you in."

"Yeah, well, thanks. But I already got a mom and dad. Don't need another set." She glances at her watch. "Gotta motor, or I'll be late to class. Seeya"

Without another word, she takes off towards the classrooms.

"What's her deal?" Xander says, watching her go. "what's with the 'tude?"

Dawn shrugs. "It's Buffy. Who can figure her?"

"Well, she better be careful," Willow warns, "Cordelia is totally evil. She'll use her, and then dump her. Probably humiliate her too. She's…" Willow makes a face.

"Sounds like you have Cordelia issues," Dawn teases her.

"Yeah, well, if you're alive and go to this school, you've got Cordelia issues," Xander backs up Willow.

"Uhhh … Xander?" Willow says, as the three start towards class. "How can you not be alive and go to this school?"

"Huh?" Xander says, "you know what I mean!"

"Sure, Xan," Willow grins. She reaches up, mussing his hair. "That's my friend. Cute, not too bright."

Dawn and Willow share a laugh. Xander turns a nice shade of red as the trio head for class.

8

"Hurry up, girls. Dinner's ready."

Joyce calls for the girls as he moves around setting plates down for them. She's dressed in a black cocktail dress, covered by an apron.

Buffy and Dawn troop into the dining room, neither looking particularly happy. They each move a plate so they don't have to sit next to each other. Joyce notes this, and a frown appears on her face.

They're still angry at each other. This doesn't make sense. Sure, they fight a lot. Sisters do that. But usually they make up pretty quickly.

"What's going on, mom?" Dawn asks, sitting down. "Why're you all dressed up?"

"Yeah, mom," Buffy adds, "gotta date?"

"It's nothing like that, Buffy," Joyce, despite her resolve, feels her lips tighten. "I have a client I'm taking to dinner this evening. It could mean a lot for the gallery."

"Oh yeah," Buffy gives her mom the once over, "gotta advertise the biz." She looks down at her plate, smirking.

Joyce closes her eyes briefly, counting to 10. Then to 10 again.

Dawn, feeling the tension building, tries to avert it. "So, mom, where were you going again?"

"There's a new club in town called the Jazz Spot. The client wanted to go there. I felt this would be more appropriate for a club atmosphere."

Buffy doesn't say a word. However, a somewhat rude snort is made from her direction.

"Was there something you wanted to say, Buffy?"

"Me?" She looks up, eyes wide. "Nope." She looks back down at her plate.

"Buffy…" Dawn sighs, shaking her head.

"What, squirt? I didn't say anything."

"Well, I want to say something. To both of you," Joyce decides to head this off before it gets out of hand.

Both girls look at her.

"Look, I'm aware that things have been a little strained here over the last couple of months, and I want to try to see if we can't find a way to alleviate it," She turns to Buffy. "I know this has been particularly hard on you, honey. And I'm sorry, but it was necessary. Still, I want to see if there isn't a way we can work this out, make things easier around here?"

"Sure. We could move back to L.A." Buffy looks at her mom.

"Buffy, you know that's not going to happen. You know why."

Buffy again doesn't say a word, just returns to her supper.

Joyce turns to Dawn.

"Any ideas, Dawn? Anything we can do to make things better?"

"Yeah. Can we trade in Buffy for a new sister?" She looks at Buffy out of the corner of her eye.

"Shut up, squirt," Buffy grumbles.

"Ok, that's enough. I want you two to let this go, and make up. You're both too old to be acting like 10 year olds."

Buffy and Dawn stare ahead of themselves, not looking at each other.

"Come on you two," Joyce prompts them, "you're sisters, and that's not changing while you're alive, so make up."

Both roll their eyes and sigh as if this were the most onerous task that had ever been asked of them.

"I'm sorry," Dawn mumbles. That I didn't break your radio over your head!

"Yeah, me too," Buffy mutters, not looking at her sister, "I'm sorry." That you were ever born!

Oh, that was heartfelt. Joyce looks at her two daughters. God, how'd they ever get so stubborn? Must be from Henry.

"All right, see? That wasn't so hard," Joyce tries to put a good face on it, which falls rather flat. "Anyway, I know things have been hard on your both, and there's been some tension around here. I'd really like to work that out. So, I'm going to make you a deal, ok?"

Both look at her without comment.

"I have to go out. I'm going to leave you alone, but I'm trusting you to be on your best behavior. I want the dishes done, the living room straightened up, for you both to do your studying," this last directed more at Buffy than Dawn," and then go to bed. If you do that, without fighting with each other, then we'll talk about rescinding your groundings."

"Really?" Dawn smiles for the first time tonight.

"Really?" Buffy's tone is somewhat more cynical. Yeah, in what universe is that going to happen?

"Yes, really," Joyce stands up. "Look, I know this move, me having to spend so much time at the business , and your dad being gone all week has been hard on you two. Things have been difficult, but I think we can work it out, make it better. I'm willing to try. How about you?"

Buffy pauses, thinking. Scam. Totally. She's up to something. Still, it'd be nice not to be in Summer's prison for awhile. Sure, that's going to happen. Well, it won't if you have that 'tude. Just go along with, and what really can you lose?

"Yeah, ok, sure," Buffy says.

"I'll try," Dawn chimes in, trying to trump Buffy. No restriction means I can date Xander. Sweet.

"Ok, good," Joyce smiles, wanting to believe this might work. "Now, I've got to go. The number to the club is on the refrigerator, and you have my cell number, in case. You two will be ok alone, right?"

"Sure, mom. Go do your business dinner thing," Buffy says, waving her hand. "Me and Dawnie will be just cool, right squirt?"

Dawn looks at her sister. God, for once, Buffy, don't mess this up!

"Yeah, we'll be great, mom."

Why oh why don't I believe them? Joyce sighs. Stop it, Joyce, give them a chance!

" Ok, girls. I'm leaving. I should be home before midnight. It's a school night, so don't be up too late."

"Bye, mom," Buffy says, turning back to her meal.

"Bye mom."

Joyce walks to the front door, taking her coat out of the closet. She looks back at the girls, who are eating peacefully.

God, please, nothing else, ok? Just let me have this one?

She walks out the front door, closing it softly behind her.

9

Faith stands by the entrance of The Jazz Spot, waiting for Joyce to arrive.

Breaking into her stash of tip money, she'd bought herself a new outfit. Black chinos and blazer, and a lavender blouse. Around her neck was a symbol of her catholic upbringing; a small crucifix on a thin gold chain. She'd polished her boots to a high gleam, and a small shoulder clutch completed the outfit.

She really wants this date to be special. After what happened in Salem, after the last little 'date' which wound up with them eating in Joyce's car and then making out like hormonal teenagers… ok, that wasn't sooo bad… she wanted this to be special. More an 'official' first date here in Sunnydale.

She has an ulterior motive. She wants Joyce to start feeling more comfortable about being seen with her. She doesn't want to press it; she knows Joyce is still gun shy about being together with her. On the other hand, she doesn't want to be 'the other woman' either. She wants something real with Joyce, someday hoping to overcome this game of hide and seek and coming out into the light with her.

Don't get greedy, girl. Don't push it. Just make it nice for her. Let her feel comfy being with you. Being out with you. God, this is hard. I love her sooo much. I want to tell everyone she's my woman… Geeze, go country much, Faith? Get a guitar and gun rack and pickup, and you can start writing the songs. Geeze, chill. It's just a date…

"Hey, you," A soft voice interrupts her thoughts, and she looks up to see Joyce smiling at her. " Thought for sure I was going to have to start jumping around to catch your attention."

"Sorry, Joyce, just wrapped up in my thoughts…" Faith feels a little heat in her neck, wondering how long Joyce was standing there, watching her. God, that's embarrassing. Not even noticing.

"Well, I have to say you cleaned up nicely," Joyce says approvingly of Faith's outfit. She lays a hand on Faith's arm. "You look very nice."

"So do you," Faith says, admiring the way Joyce looks in her dress.

"Well, I wanted to look good for my girl."

Faith feels a little thrill go through her. She can't hear that enough. My girl!

Looking around, Faith slips her hand behind Joyce's neck, and pulls her into a brief warm kiss. Faith can smell Joyce's perfume mixed with her own natural odor. She feels a little light headed.

Joyce smiles as the kiss breaks, arching a brow.

"Did I say you could do that?" She asked coquettishly.

"No. Did you want me to take it back?" Faith looks at her, her eyes sparkling under the reflected lights of the evening.

"You better not," Joyce grins, then slips her arm through Faith's. "So, what's a girl gotta do to be taken inside?"

Smiling, Faith leads her into the club.

Hank Summers pulled his car into the driveway, and parked.

He didn't jump out of the car immediately, instead choosing to look out the window at the house in front of him.

Home sweet home, he thought, yet doesn't seem very much like home anymore. Never has been much of one for me.

He wonders for a moment if things could've been different. If maybe he'd really tried harder, things would've been better. Maybe I should've made a real go of it. Tried to make this family work. Maybe found a way to be here more than…

Forget it, Hank. You didn't. You didn't try. Time for trying was before this all happened… and you couldn't care less, could you? You had it all, the wife, the family, the cute little mistress… you thought it'd go on forever.

Then Joyce grew a pair, and decided to dump you, and you just couldn't have that, could you? Especially when it meant getting fired. Well, you fixed that good, didn't you?

He looks at the house, seeing the lights in the windows. He doesn't feel any warmth, however. Only a chill. A coldness starting at his heart, and radiating out from there. He opens the car door, and grabbing the packages on the seat, gets out.

Let's just get this done, he sighs, walking towards the house.

Faith and Joyce, led by the hostess make their way to small booth in the back.

At the front is a stage, light by lights. Currently there is no band or combo playing; the fusion jazz was provided by recording over the sound system.

The club itself is dark, lit only by the discreetly placed blue gelled spotlight. The tables and booths each had candles, also shaded in blue.

The hostess weaves her way knowledgably to the back booth, avoiding collisions in the near darkness. She stops and waves at the booth.

"Here we go ladies. There will be a server around shortly to take your orders. Hope you enjoy the Jazz Spot."

Joyce sits, and then Faith follows , sitting close to her. The hostess hands them menus.

"Is there going to be a live band tonight?" Faith asks, looking at the stage.

"Actually, Thursdays are dark. The bands usually play weekends."

"Ah, thanks," Faith says, sounding a little disappointed.

"Will there be anything else?"

"No, we're fine, thanks."

Nodding, the hostess disappears into the gloom.

"Sorry, Joyce," Faith shrugs, "thought there'd be live music tonight."

"Don't be silly," Joyce smiles, straining a little to look at the menu," This is nice."

Faith grunts, a little disappointed. She opens the menu.

"Cozy," Joyce adds, pulling the menu closer.

"It's damned dark. I can barely make out the menu." Faith chuckles, shaking her head. "I thought this would be a little classier than the last place…"

"Faith, it's fine," Joyce turns to her, smiling. "I'm with you, that’s all that matters." She reaches out, taking Faith's hand and squeezing it reassuringly. "I can see you, that's all that matters."

Faith feels a warm flush suffuse her body. She smiles at Joyce.

"Good evening, my name's Shelly. I'll be your server this evening."

The waitress seems to appear out of nowhere.

"Can I get either of you a drink?"

"I'll have a white wine spritzer," Joyce says, smiling at the waitress. " Faith?"

"What's on tap?" Faith asks Shelly.

" Michelob, Bud, Heineken, and Black Forrest."

Faith pauses for a moment.

"Do you have Sam Adam's Black Lager?"

"No, only the Pale Ale or Boston Lager"

Faith sighs, and orders the Pale Ale.

"I'll need to see some ID, please," Shelly looks at her.

"I'm 21."

"I can't serve you without it, sorry."

Sighing, Faith opens her clutch, pulling out her wallet. Digging through it, she pulls out her Massachusetts license. She hands it to Shelly.

Shelly's brow furrows. "Don't you have California ID?"

"I just moved here recently. I haven't had time to get a new license."

Shelly looks at the license carefully, then, satisfied, hands it back.

"Are you ladies ready to order?" She indicates the menus.

"We'll order when you return with the drinks," Faith interjects, then turns to Joyce. " That ok?"

"Yes, fine. I haven't made up my mind yet…"

"Very good. I'll be back shortly."

Faith takes her ID, and starts to return it to her purse. She shakes her head, and sighs.

"Something wrong?"

"Just thought I'd be done being carded. Makes me feel like a kid." Faith chuckles, putting her license back in her wallet.

"Don't worry, Faith. Enjoy it while it lasts. Soon enough you'll be like the rest of us old ladies who never get carded." Joyce's tone is mildly mocking.

"What old ladies? I don't see any old ladies at this table," Faith slides over closer to Joyce. She leans in. " Just a sexy hot woman I can barely keep my hands off of." She leans in, and kisses Joyce on the neck.

"Faith!" Joyce hisses, but gets all tingly and quivery. "Behave!"

"Can't help myself," Faith mumbles, her lips on Joyce's neck. Her hand seems to land on Joyce's knee, and starts a slow slide northward.

"Faith!" Joyce flushes, getting much more tingly now, "what're you doing?"

"Hmmm… kissing you?" She licks Joyce's neck, causing Joyce to shiver. Her hand moves farther up Joyce's thigh.

"Your hand," Joyce breathes, getting a little warm. Too warm.

" Right here," Faith holds up her free hand, waggling it.

"Not that hand," Joyce growls playfully. She's already become rather stimulated by Faith's advances.

"Oh, you mean this one," She squeezes Joyce's thigh high up.

"Yes… stop it," Joyce chides her, " The waitress will be back any second …"

"Hmmmm…" Faith sits up, but leaves her hand on Joyce's thigh.

"You're hand, young lady!"

"How can she see anything?" Faith smirks, moving her leg closer to Joyce's. "Unless you let her know?" She rubs her leg against Joyce's.

" Here we go, ladies," Shelly places their drinks on the table. "Are you ready to order?"

"Oh yeah, I'm starving," Faith smiles at Shelly. "I'll have the Sirloin, medium rare, baked potato, butter and chives, and the baby carrots."

"What can I get for you?" She turns to Joyce, smiling.

Joyce by this time is blessing the darkness, which hopefully is covering her flush, which she is almost convinced is glowing by now. Faith's fingers have been getting frisky, and she's having a hard time concentrating on food.

"Ummm… what do you suggest?"

"Well, the Crab legs are very nice. Fresh, moist and tender. They come with a nice, spicy garnish." Shelly suggests.

She's a little puzzled when Faith chuckles, and she hears a light groan from Joyce.

"Oh, maybe you'd prefer meat?" She asks, " The Chicken Marseille is very nice, and has a very nice cream sauce."

"Maybe I'll just have the steak, also. Rice pilaf, asparagus."

Why didn't she just say that in the first place? Shelly wonders as she scribbles the order on her pad. And what was so funny?

"Will there be anything else?" She recovers her smile.

"No, that'll be fine for now."

Shelly leaves, heading towards the kitchen.

Joyce quickly stops Faith's hand by clamping her thighs tightly.

"Faith, stop it! You're being evil now!" Joyce complains, feeling more than a little flustered.

"Really? So who's got whose hand caught between her thighs, hmmm?" Faith asks innocently.

Joyce's thighs spring apart, freeing Faith's hand.

"I swear, Faith McKerrigan, if you weren't so…" Joyce sounds exasperated. Yet, somehow she can't get the girlishly pleased note out of her voice.

"What?" Faith says softly, leaning in and nibbling on Joyce's ear. Her hand moves up to Joyce's underwear, and she gently strokes her sweet V.

"Oh, goodness," Joyce sighs, feeling a little helpless and very turned on.

Faith chuckles as her fingers slip under Joyce's panties, gently stroking Joyce's now wet slit. Her fingertip slides easily over the damp folds.

"Someone's very, very wet," Faith breathes into Joyce's ear. She lips her fingers into Joyce's vulva.

"Why do you think that might be?" Joyce pants heavily. She's pretty much given up any hope that Faith is going to behave, and just hopes she can keep from embarrassing herself.

"I dunno…" Faith grins, sensing Joyce's surrender. Her finger slips inside Joyce.

Joyce gasps softly, feeling her whole body begin to flush with blood and heat. Her juices begin to flow freely.

Faith slips her arm around Joyce's shoulder, covering Joyce's mouth with her own as she enters into a passionate kiss with Joyce.

Tongues dance merrily between the women, punctuated by moans as Faith find's Joyce's clit with her finger, and begins to stroke it.

"Faith, you gotta stop… I'm going to… oh goodness… I'm going to cum if you don't stop," Joyce says into Faith's mouth between moans.

However, it's beyond too late as Joyce feels her body shivering as an orgasm rips through her body. It takes her whole will not to let out a scream. As it is, she lays back in the booth, leaning heavily against Faith.

Faith laughs softly, holding Joyce close as she feels her hand drenched in Joyce's love honey. She gently withdraws her hand, and bringing it up, licks it clean in front of Joyce, making Joyce shiver in desire, and a little lust.

"God, what you do to me!" Joyce's voice is husky and low. "I gotta go clean up now. You're very bad, you know that? Very, very bad."

Faith smiles, licking her lips of Joyce's musky sweet taste.

"Maybe. But I'm thinking you love it."

God, yes! Joyce thinks as she slips out of the booth, but damned if I'll tell you.

"Want me to come with?" Faith asks, all innocence." I could help you clean up…"

"Oh, no, I think you've done quite enough, thank you!" I can just imagine how you'd help! Oh, no… don't EVEN go there, Joyce! "I'll be back."

She scurries away before Faith can even get another word in.

Faith watches her disappear toward the ladies room, smiling big time. She sniffs her fingers, licking them to get another taste.

Well, maybe after dinner. Maybe for dessert…heh.

Joyce enters the bathroom, and almost back out when she sees Taylor standing by the mirrors, adjusting her makeup.

Oh, great! What's she doing here! God, do I smell like sex? God, maybe if I can just get past her…

"Joyce!" Taylor, seeing Joyce in the mirror, turns around, smiling. "What're you doing here!"

Before Joyce can duck out or around the young woman, Taylor has her in a hug.

"Ummm… here with a client," Joyce says, breaking the hug. " They wanted to come here, so … here I am!" She swallows hard. "What're you doing here?"

"Oh, well, Billy wanted to come. He's into Jazz, and all. Me, not so much. He's a little disappointed there won't be a live band tonight." She smiles a little dreamily, "Anyway, it's nice and romantic…" She notices for the first time Joyce's slightly flustered demeanor. "So, a client, huh?" She leans in conspiratorially. "Is he like, cute?"

Joyce, already a little disconcerted running into Taylor here. This is great. If she finds out who I'm with…

"Taylor! It's just a client. This is business."

"Mmmm… still, it's a nice place, and very romantic, and you're very attractive, Joyce…"

"I'm married, Taylor…"

"That doesn't mean you're blind is it? Is he hot? Like that Dutch guy that came over last month. He was sooo hot!" Taylor blushes.

"Is this the same shy girl that was so thrilled by Billy's proposal say… less than a week ago?"

"I'm still thrilled. But just because I'm going to marry Billy doesn't mean I have to be blind deaf and not notice hot guys, right? So, is he hot?"

"Taylor, I really don't think it's inappropriate to discuss a client's … ummm… hotness… don’t you?" She pats Taylor on the arm, getting up. "And I'm married, so I have to be blind, deaf and unaware of such things."

Joyce heads for the stalls, hoping Taylor will be gone by the time she gets out.

However, Taylor follows her, and stops her before she enters.

"Taylor, please, I really have to …" Joyce nods at the stall.

"Ah , ok… can I wait? I need to talk to you…"

"Taylor, can it wait til tomorrow? I really need to get back to the client."

"Oh… sure, ok… I'll talk to you tomorrow then," Taylor smiles, turning back toward the mirrors.

Joyce feels bad, because she feels some genuine affection for the younger woman. But she needs to take care of her little problem, and then get back to Faith. She's been gone awhile as is, and talking to Taylor might keep her here longer.

Still, as she retreats to the stall , she has second thoughts. C'mon Joyce, it must be important if she wants to talk to you rather than get back to her date. What would five minutes hurt?

"Taylor, are you still out there?" She calls from the stall, readjusting her underwear.

Silence.

Exiting the stall, she confirms that she's alone. She walks over to the mirror, to check her own makeup.

I wonder what it was she wanted to talk about? She feels a little guilt, but then dismisses it. Must not have been too important, or she would've waited regardless, right? I'll talk to her first thing tomorrow. I'm sure it's nothing big.

Still, a little pall has been thrown over her mood, and she leaves the bathroom feeling a bit more sober than when she entered it.

"Well, mom said she would!"

Dawn and Buffy are in the front room, straightening up a little. It's obvious the two are at it again; you can tell by the somewhat angry looks they throw each other as each as they go about their tasks.

"And you bought that?" Buffy shakes her head as if she can't believe what she's hearing.

"What're you saying, Buffy? Mom's lying?"

"Not like she hasn't in the past. Not that far past. Like, last night, with you?"

Dawn mutters something as she picks up some magazines off the sofa and puts them on the coffee table.

"Didn't catch that, squirt. Wanna repeat it?" Buffy says.

"I said… that's what you say." Dawn says louder. "For all I know, you did say I started the fight."

"You're calling me a liar?" Buffy feels her neck flush red.

"Well…" Dawn says in a sing song voice, "If the Gucci fits …"

Dawn ducks just in time as a well aimed magazine goes flying by her head, hitting the wall behind the sofa.

"Hey!" Dawn frowns at her sister, and then looks over the back of the couch. "Now I gotta crawl back there and … where are you going?"

"To my room. I'm done here," Buffy heads towards the stairs.

"We're not done cleaning up yet."

"I'm done."

"But we still gotta clear the table and do the dishes," Dawn complains, "You're supposed to help me!"

Buffy shrugs," you seem to know it all, Dawnie. I'm sure you'll figure it out." She turns and starts up the stairs.

Dawn runs over, going up after her. "No way. You're not sticking me with all the work again, Buffy. You've gotta do your share. You're washing, I'm drying!"

"Yeah? Who's gonna make me?"

"I'm gonna make you," Dawn says, grabbing her arm.

"Let go of me squirt," Buffy shakes off her arm. "I mean, you really expect me to bust my butt helping you after calling me a liar?"

"I didn't call you a liar."

"You all but said it, Dawn. Forget it. You're on your own!"

"Like that's new?" Dawn growls at her.

"What're you talking about?"

"You're getting might cozy with a certain snarky cheerleader who'll go unnamed but it rhymes with Fordelia."

"Since when does it matter who my friends are, Bratticus?" Buffy stares at her. "Maybe I don't want to hang with those losers you call friends, you know?"

"Willow and Xander aren't LOSERS!" Dawn yells at her.

"Yeah, sure, you keep on thinking that, Dawn. And around graduation you'll be a member in good standing of the A/V club."

"Yeah, well, Buffy, at least I won't be sleeping with everything in a jock strap like you will if you keep hanging around with Cordelia!"

Dawn cups her mouth, eyes wide. Oh god, did I just say that? Damn.

"What did you say, Dawn?" Buffy turns around, glaring at her. Her eyes are narrowed. "Did you just imply I was a slut?"

"No, no… Buffy, I meant Cordelia is… oh… damn…"

"Listen, squirt." Buffy descends the stairs, grabbing Dawn's blouse. "Just because Cordelia is popular, doesn't make her a slut. I was popular too, or are you saying I was a slut?"

Dawn, looking frightened, shakes her head.

"Just because that geek of a boyfriend of yours wouldn't know where to put it even IF he got the chance, doesn't give him the right to talk trash about my friends…"

"So, she is your friend?" Dawn suddenly grows angry. "Great. Did you know your friend threatened me today?"

"You're so full of it…"

"I'm not! Before school, after you were such a bitch…"

"Now you're calling me a bitch too?"

"No, but you were before…"

"What's next, Dawn? Gonna call me a Ho, too?"

"What's going on here?"

Both girls freeze mid word. They turn around in unison and look down the stairs to see Hank Summers standing at the foot, looking up at them.

"Daddy?" Buffy says, looking puzzled. It's only Thursday, he's not supposed to be home today!

" Daddy!" Dawn exclaims, running down the stairs. "You made it! You came!"

Dawn almost knocks Hank over, throwing herself in his arms. Hank laughs, and then, like when she was a child, lifts her and gives her a twirl.

"Well of course, when my little Punkin belly calls, saying there's trouble at home, I gotta come, you know!"

"But you told me you were busy, you couldn't make it! Not til this weekend, anyway…"

"Dawn called you?" Buffy, a little suspicious, comes down the stairs.

"Don't I get a hug?" Hank deflects the question.

Buffy trots down the stairs, giving her dad a long, hard hug. He looks down at her when the hug ends.

"Everything ok, buff-puff?"

"Sure, dad. Everything's peaches," Buffy is still suspicious. "Dawn called you?"

"Yes, she did. She said you and your mother were fighting," he turns to his younger daughter," made it sound pretty serious, too. Right Dawn?"

"What exactly did Dawn tell you, dad?" Buffy is looking at her sister, who's not looking at her.

"Just you and your mom were going at it hammer and tongs, and that I needed to come home to separate you." He looks around the house. "Where is your mother, anyway? I didn't see her car in the driveway."

"She's out…" Buffy says.

"Out?"

"With a client," Dawn adds, looking at Buffy. "She needed to talk business with a client."

Hank has the feeling something isn't being said here.

"Is that right, Buffy?" He turns to his eldest daughter. "She's out with a client?"

"That's what she said," Buffy smirks, heading down the stairs. "I think we need to talk, dad." She goes into the living room.

"What's going on Dawn?" Hank looks at Dawn, who's still on the stair. "Do you know what she's talking about?"

Dawn shrugs, and follows Hank, who looks somewhat confused, into the living room.

"Is something wrong with your food, Joyce?"

Faith has noticed that Joyce has grown somewhat quiet during dinner. As a matter of fact, she's been quiet since she returned from the restroom.

"No, it's fine," Joyce says, quietly eating her dinner. She seems somewhat distracted.

"Ok, Joyce, what is it?" Faith puts down her fork, looking at her. "What's bugging you?"

"Nothing," Joyce puts on a smile. "Everything's fine. You should finish your dinner, Faith."

"Joyce, not your daughter, ok?" Faith moves closer to her. "You've been quiet since you returned from the bathroom. What's up? Did something happen?"

"No!" Joyce insists. Then sighs. "It's Taylor, my assistant."

"Taylor? Did she call? Is something wrong at the gallery?"

"No, Faith, she's here, with her boyfriend."

"Oh. Here, here. You saw her on the way to the restroom, then?"

"Something like that, "Joyce nods, not wanting to get into it. "I told her I was here with a client. She assumed a male client, and I didn't disabuse her of that notion." Joyce peers out into the darkened room, trying to spot Taylor. "She and her date are out there somewhere, and well, frankly, if she sees me with you, it might be hard to explain…"

Faith sits very still, feeling slightly insulted, and slightly dirty.

But it's cool to go to bed with me, right?

Stop it, Faith! She's in a difficult position here. You know she has to be discreet about this. She has a lot to lose here!

Right, and I don't have anything to lose, right? Never mind I left Boston and my so called life to be here, with her. I followed her across the country, and this is it? To hide in dark places, hoping not to be caught? That's what I get?

Calm DOWN! Think of her, and her situation, ok? You love her, right?

Right?

Yes, yes! Ok, ok, ok!

"Faith, are you ok?"

Faith turns, and sees the worry and concern in Joyce's face, and her heart melts. She loves you, dope. Just show a little maturity and patience!

"Yeah, I'm fine. So… ummm… maybe it's best we leave separately? Want to go first? I'll hang back, pay the bill, and then join you outside?"

"That sounds good. See you outside," Joyce says, starting to get up out of the booth. Then she stops, slips back in the booth, and takes Faith's hand. "I really love you, Faith. I'm so sorry about this; I know it's not fair. But I promise, someday, it won't be like this." She leans in and kisses Faith's cheek, then gets up and is gone.

Faith watches her disappear into the gloom, and digs in her purse to pay the bill.

Yeah, someday.

Faith emerges from the club, feeling the cool night air hit her face. She breathes in deeply; after the club's closeness, it feels good.

She looks right and left, and sees Joyce standing a little ways down the street, looking across at the small town square park. She moves to join her, struck by how small and alone Joyce looks, how lost. She feels an overwhelming desire to take her in her arms, and protect her. Make it all right for her.

Instead she comes up next to Joyce, and slips her arm through hers.

"So, now what, sexy? Your place, or mine?" Faith says in a mock sultry voice.

Joyce turns to her, smiling. It's a slightly sad smile.

"Actually, honey, I think we need to talk." She nods towards the bench in the little square across the street. " Join me?"

Faith nods, and they make their way across the street, arm in arm.

'We need to talk.' Oh, that's never, ever good. Damn!

Faith feels a leaden knot settle in her stomach where her steak was sitting relatively comfortably before. Her mouth starts to feel dry.

They sit, and for awhile, nothing is said. They only hold hands. Then Joyce turns to Faith, squeezing her hand reassuringly.

"You know how I feel about you, right?"

"Yeah, though of course, I don't mind hearing it again." Faith tries to keep it light, all the time her stomach is turning over slowly.

"I love you, silly. I love you a lot. More than I ever loved Hank."

Yeah, well, considering? That isn't all that comforting, Joy.

"I love you too, Joyce. You know that."

"I know, Faith. You've more than proved that to me. That's what makes this so hard."

Oh god! No! She's breaking up with me! She's going to dump me, again!

"Uhhh… Joyce…"

"Just let me finish," Joyce turns to her. "I love you so much, I can't see my life without you in it. I really can't, because the light, the color, the good stuff? All that you give me. I want someday Faith, to walk hand and hand with you down Main street, proud for anyone to know you're my lover, you're my partner, you're my everything. I want that so bad I can taste it. It hurts having to do… this… this hiding in the shadows, because I love you so much, and I'm so proud of you and happy with you."

Faith bites her lip to hold back her tears. Her happy, joyous tears.

"Right now, however, honey, I do have to be discreet. I'm sorry about back there, but things are still strange with Hank, and I can't afford for him to catch us together. I might lose everything then; he could still take my daughters away from me. So, I need to be careful, and I need you to be careful."

"I'm being careful, really, Joyce," Faith says, voice low. She's afraid to trust her voice too much.

"I know. But those flowers you sent to my home? And your showing up at the gallery? I love it believe me I do. But it's that kind of thing that could get back to Hank, and then…" She shakes her head. "I know this isn't easy for you, but I promise, someday things will be different…"

Faith looks at Joyce. Looks at her face, her eyes, as if trying to burn it all into her memory. She suddenly gets a chilling thought.

But what if it's never different? What if that someday never comes? What then? Will we be here, doing the same thing, a year from now? 5 years from now?

She pats Joyce affectionately on the knee, then rises.

"Where are you going, Faith?" Joyce asks, "I thought we'd …well, go for dessert…" She puts on a playful, sexy voice. "Don't you want dessert?"

Faith smiles at her warmly.

"You know what a sweet tooth I got, Joyce," Faith sighs, "But I'm thinking I'm gonna have to skip dessert tonight. I need to do some thinking, baby. About things, about what I want. Can't do that with you nibbling on me."

Joyce cocks her head, and her expression changes to a worried look.

"Faith. Did I say something wrong?"

"No baby. You're right. We gotta be discreet…" Faith kneels in front of her, putting her hands on Joyce's knees." Look, baby. I love you. I'm hopin' that’s kinda obvious since I followed you across the country to be with you. I know you got a lot to lose, and you gotta be careful, and … well, honey, I gave up some stuff to be here. I was makin' something of my life. Slowly, sure, but I was. I gave up being in Boston, being with my friends, and what family still is speaking to me, to be here with you. I gotta do some thinking about what I'm looking for here, with you. You know? Cuz, I wanna be with you. I want that more than anything . I'd be the happiest girl in the world, if I could walk down Main street hand in hand with you. But I gotta know it's gonna happen, Joy. I gotta know it's gonna be real, and that you're gonna work for it to be sooner rather than later, you know? I need to think, and so do you. I don't have to be number one in your life; that's your daughters and I respect that. But I gotta be number two. I gotta be."

"You are, Faith. You are."

"I'm gonna do what it takes to be with you. You just gotta be sure that's what you want. Once you do, baby, it's gonna fall into place," She leans over, and kisses Joyce lightly and briefly on the lips. "I'm patient, baby. I'll wait for a long time, but not forever."

"Faith!"

"I gotta go honey. I'll call ya tomorrow. Maybe we can meet for lunch… away from the gallery."

"Faith, wait. Please, I…"

But Faith is already crossing the street, making her way back to the restaurant and her bike.

Get UP! Go after her! Tell her everything is going to be ok, that you'll work it out, and that soon things will be better…

Will they? Really? Because right now, Joyce, things look…

Joyce sighs, watching Faith's retreating form. She sits there, wondering what exactly went wrong tonight.

Wondering if it'll ever go right, be right?

Wondering if the night didn't just get a little bit darker?

She gets up, walking towards her own car. As she walks along, an old song by a rockabilly band known as CCR comes to mind.

Well, I'm here to tell you now each and ev'ry mother's son
You better learn it fast; you better learn it young,
'Cause, "Someday" Never Comes."

Joyce pulls into the driveway of the Revello Drive house, and at first the anomaly doesn't hit her. Her mind is still on the restaurant, and the talk after.

Am I being fair to her? She's young, she should have a life, and love, and all the good stuff. Am I being selfish, holding her back? She could be so much, do so much.

If you really love her, Joyce, you'll think about her. Not you, not what you want, but what she wants. What she needs.

I just don't know. God, it's all so confusing. I just don't know anything.

She feels the tears begin to threaten again, just as they have been threatening all through her drive. She looks out the windshield at the car parked in the driveway, and then it hits her.

That's Hank's car! What's it doing here? He's not supposed to be home tonight!

A cold, icy feeling grips her stomach. Oh, god! It's the girls! One of the girls got hurt! But, why didn't they call me? I have my cell…

She looks through her purse, frantically, and for a moment, can't find the cell phone. Where is it? Did I lose it? Oh god, what if one of them tried to get me and couldn't?

Then she finds it, and finds it's on. She checks, but there are no messages.

Ok, this is just getting strange now. No messages, no frantic calls. It's not one of the girls. So, why IS Hank here?

She glances over at the house, noting the lights are out.

Asleep. Everyone is probably in bed. She checks her watch. Past midnight, no wonder! Well, I guess the mystery of Hank waits until the morning, then.

Exiting her car, she makes her way up the walk, her mind still troubled by tonight.

God, I'm so glad Taylor didn't see me with Faith tonight. If she had, and it somehow slipped to Hank, it'd be a disaster. We've got to be more careful.

Yeah, and you might just careful Faith right out of your life!

God, doesn't this ever get easy?

She slips her key into the lock, and turning it, lets herself in.

She stands briefly in the foyer, listening. All she hears are the sounds normal to the house at night.

Thank god. I really wasn't up for another round of Hank. Tomorrow will be way soon enough.

She makes her way to the stairs, and is just starting up when a light goes on in the living room.

Hank is sitting there, in the chair, looking towards her.

"Joyce, it's after midnight. Where've you been?"

"Hank? What're you doing here? It's Thursday. You're never here on a Thursday."

"This is my house too, Joyce. I really don't have to explain myself to you. You didn't answer my question. Where've you been?"

"Didn’t the girls tell you? I was with a client. Sorry, but it ran late."

"Yeah, it did. Very late, " Hank's voice is cold and distant. "And about that 'client'? I think we need to talk."

Crap!

Joyce turns and walks down the stairs, entering the living room.

To be continued.