Chapter 9
“So son, what are your plans?” Rupert asked.
“Plans? With Buffy? Find her.”
“And after?”
Spike paused before answering. “I want to be in the baby’s life. I don’t know how to be a father, but I could learn.”
“No man knows how to be a father. It is just something that you do. What about Elizabeth?” Rupert asked. “She is going to have a difficult road ahead of her.”
“I can help her out.” Frustration was woven in Spike’s voice.
“With money yes. Do you think she would take it?”
“I don’t think she can be bought if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Not at all son. If that were the case she would be here right now. What I mean is that she will be basically be alone in all this. Even with your money, she won’t have anything to fall back on. Elizabeth seems to be a woman who will always choose her child first. As it should be. Raising a child is difficult. Any plans for college will cease. She probably won’t be able to date. And then think about yourself. Without a strong family tie, it will be easier for you to start a life of your own.”
“I would never leave my child! Is that what you think of me?” Spike became so angry his hands shook. The idea of losing his child terrified him. For his father to think that he might leave Buffy alone with his child disgusted him.
“No, William, but she probably does. Tell me, was there a promise of a call the next day? Did you even try and contact her after sleeping with her?” Rupert tried in ernest to remain calm.
“Da, I just.. it was only one night.”
“Yes, that is exactly right. And now you can give her money, if she will even take it. But Elizabeth doesn’t feel she can rely on you for something more important. Emotional stability.”
“If you are quite finished Rupert, you have a phone call.” Neither man had noticed Joyce enter the garden room. Rupert picked up the cordless.
“Mr Giles, it’s Faith. I have her location.” Rupert grabbed a pen and a pad from his coat pocket. He scribbled the address on the paper.
“Thank you Faith. Go ahead and continue to watch her. William should be in LA in about two hours.” He clicked off the phone and tore the paper form the pad. “This is where she is staying. I suggest you go to Los Angeles now, but please think about what we spoke about.” Rupert searched his son’s eyes. After finding what he wanted, he handed the paper to Spike.
“Rupert! Was that about Buffy? How did you find out? You!” Joyce began to chuckle. “You had already hired an investigator! When did you do it?”
“A week ago. I still stand by my words. We should let her come home when she is ready.” Rupert tried to hide a smirk as his wife sat with a wide smile on her face.
Spike made it to LA in an hour and a half and took twenty more minutes to find the house. He drove around the neighborhood for another thirty minutes. ‘It’s not nerves, I am not nervous.’ Finally he parked a few houses down the street and made his way to the three story building. The door was opened a few moments after he knocked. “Whatever you want she doesn’t care.” Spike stared in shock at the brunette that would have been small except for her bulging stomach.
“Did Buffy say that?” Spike didn’t know what to do. He just wanted to fix everything for her.
“You must be Spike. I can’t believe a nice girl like her would go for a guy named Spike. She should have known better.”
“Anya! What are you doing? Let him in.” Spike glanced past Anya to a woman standing in the hallway. She didn’t appear to be pregnant. ‘But Buffy didn’t look it either.’
“Sorry Tara.” Anya looked anything but sorry. “I’ll go get Buffy.” She waddled past Tara.
“Thanks,” Spike was unsure what to say. ‘Man I bet every woman in this place hates men.’
“Don’t worry about it, not everyone here hates men.” Spike looked up in shock. He saw Tara’s shy grin and returned it.
“Spike! What are you doing here? How did you find me?” Spike’s eyes glazed over as he saw Buffy for the first time in a month. ‘Cor, she is beautiful.’
“Spike are you listing to me?”
“Huh, oh yes of course.” Spike managed to appear sheepish.
“No he wasn’t! They never do! Men! With their penises and leaving!”
Spike and Buffy looked down the hall to Anya. Both blondes were speachless.
“Anya. Why don’t we discuss men not listening and other stuff in my office.” Tara motioned for Anya to move.
“OK. Fine but when he breaks her heart and leaves again its not my fault!”
“Come on, let’s go someplace.” Buffy grabbed his hand and led him out the door.
“Oh Buffy.” Buffy turned around to find Tara standing where Anya had been. “Don’t worry about our session this afternoon.” Buffy smiled at Tara before nodding as she pulled Spike out of the building.
The two walked in silence, both waiting for the other to begin. Spike cleared his throat as he realized they were still holding hands. “So have you been here long?”
“That is a very lame question.” They both smiled. “Yes, and I can stay here till after the baby is born. Most of the places want to ship you out at the first contraction. It’s ok. Tara is great, and Anya means well.” Buffy led Spike to a park near her work. After finding a bench the couple sat down.
“So how are you and the baby?” ‘God I am lame!’
“Fine, we’re both fine.” As they lapsed into a very awkward silence, Buffy began to fidget with the hem of her shirt.
“So, ahh, do you need anything?” ‘Monetary or emotional? ’cause I can do both, I think.’
“No, the house pretty much takes care of everything, doctor bills and food and stuff. Oh and I have a job now.” Spike saw excitement in her eyes.
“Yea, what is it?”
“I am a waitress,” she said proudly. Spike did not like that. ‘She should be at home with her feet up and a remote.’ Wisely he did not voice his opinion. “It’s not the best job, I know. But I have no work experience. And I am pregnant.”
She began to tell him about the job, but Spike was lost in his own thoughts. ‘It was the best she could because she is four months pregnant with my child. All of this. She should be in college with Willow. I bet they were going to room together. All she should be worried about is a pych test and who to say yes to for a friday night date at the Bronze. Da’s right. I did this to her.’
“Marry me.” ‘Oh God did I just ask that?’