Kindergarten Slayers

Rating: PG-R
Disclaimer: All of the materials borrowed from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel belong to Joss Whedon and to the entities and companies associated with their creation. I have borrowed them for creative and entertainment purposes only. No compensation has been or ever shall be received for the writing below. No copyright infringement is intended. Please don't sue
Distribution: The Kennedy Fanfic Archive: http://www.kennedyfanfic.com/fanfic/
From Willow's Window: http://www.elfie.org/~wolfkin/willowfan/index.html
If you are interested in posting my story on your site, please contact me first for permission.
Feedback: Yes, please. Any type you wanna send. Can't fix what I don't know is broken, right?
Spoilers: Show's been off the air since May of 2003. Can they still be considered spoilers?
Author's Notes: Canon through Chosen. From there, the story is a little different.
F/F romance: This story assumes a loving and sexual relationship between people of the same gender. If this offends or is illegal for you, then please leave. Come back when you are older, have an open mind, moved, or changed your laws.
Pairing: Willow/Kennedy, Buffy/Xander, Faith/Robin Wood

Summary: Aly and Annie start school, far too soon for Willow, but what's going on there? Are the girls in danger?

Kindergarten Slayers

Willow nods trying to believe the words- "It will-cause-it-it will." She feels the tears start to fall and looks away.

Kennedy touches her arm with her free hand, "Don't cry Red-I-" her strength wavering as she battles her own feelings.

Willow looks down at the girls who are talking with a woman a few feet from them. She wipes away tears, "Not gonna cry-" and then turns back to Kennedy. "We can do this right?"

"Right-we'll pick them up at 3:00-no big deal." She touches her face gently as the tears start again. "Please-"

"Right-" she composes herself- "Cause school's important- the learning and making friends and-what if they don't make friends and-" Kennedy smiles at the babble-Willow is confused. "You're smiling?"

"Can't help it-" she moves closer so only the redhead can hear. "I love it when you babble." She starts to kiss her neck but stops. She moves away-looking toward the girls. "They seem okay-"

Willow nods- she watches them talk to some other kids. The woman approaches them and looks at the baby in the stroller, "It'll be awhile before this one has a first day of school."

"It passes fast though-" her eyes go back to Annie and Aly.

The woman smiles, "They'll be fine."

"Yeah-not sure I will be though." She looks at Kennedy and then Alex.

The woman bends to look closer, "How old is he?" He reaches a hand toward the teacher.

"He'll be a month old tomorrow," answers Willow.

He takes her finger, "He's strong-"

"Yeah- he is." Kennedy smiles down at him and looks up at the redhead pride so evident on the young Slayer's face. "I'll be right back Will-I forgot something." She walks over to the twins.

"Hi-Mama-" says Annie.

"Hey-come here," she kneels in front of them as they do. " I want you to remember-"

"Don't talk about the monster stuff-" says Aly quietly.

"We know-and don't forget we're stronger-"finishes Annie. "Are you going home now?"

"Soon-will you be okay?" They nod. "Good-that'll make Mommy feel better. Give me a kiss," they kiss her and then run to Willow-

"Hey girls," smiles the redhead.

"Bye-Mommy," they say in unison as they hug her tightly. She kisses each child as Kennedy watches from across the room and smiles.

A few minutes later as the kids disappear into classrooms with teachers-Willow cries. Kennedy hugs her, "We should go."

"I know-but my feet they won't move."

"Sure they will they just need proper motivation-" she leans forward and whispers in her redhead's ear. Willow blushes instantly.

"We can't-six weeks remember?"

"Slayer healing-" Kennedy raises her eyebrows playfully.

Willow bites her bottom lip as she smiles at her Slayer. "So you think you can?"

"One way to find out."

Willow wraps her arm around Kennedy's as they each put a hand on the stroller. They push it toward the door.

A young woman in her twenties, with dark hair, wearing a three piece suit watches the couple leave. She looks toward the girls' room and takes a cell phone from her purse. She dials a number and waits for an answer as it rings. The voice on the other end answers, "Yes?"

"They're here-" silence as she listens to his instructions. "Shouldn't be a problem." More silence as his words are heard by only her. "I will-count on it." She turns off the phone and looks toward the door. She smiles and walks toward it.

Later at the house, Willow is sitting on the bed looking at a photo album of Annie and Aly's baby pictures. She closes it, sets it on the night stand, and looks up as she hears Kennedy open the door from the nursery. "Did you get him down?"

"Finally-" Willow walks to meet her and then wraps her in her arms. "So-you were looking at pictures weren't you?"

"Yeah-it just doesn't seem possible. How can they be five?"

Kennedy kisses her lips softly- "I don't know-but they're fine. They're having a great time-"

"How are you so sure?" asks the redhead.

"It's school and they're your daughters-when was the last time you didn't have fun at school?"

"Apocalypse- comes to mind-buildings falling down and then the big hole."

""Okay-but that wasn't normal school with the teaching and the learning."

"True-but what makes you think anything about those two will ever be normal?"

"The odds eventually have to be on our side."

"You'd think-"

"You think too much-" she smirks as she leans in and kisses her lips then nips playfully. "No more thinking-"

"Okay-" she let's Kennedy lead her to their bed.

At school Annie and Aly are doing a counting activity with the class. They seem to be having fun as Ms Rodgers and her aid Miss Jenny-the woman in the three piece suit-listen to their answers.

Willow and Kennedy are now wearing only their underwear as Kennedy moves slowly onto the redhead's lap. Willow leans in and kisses her shoulder- "Doing okay?" she asks concerned.

"Okay- don't stop-" she says as Willow's lips find her bare skin again. "Mmmm," moans the young Slayer. "Feels so good-" her redhead caresses her gently, teasingly, as she moves her hands up Kennedy's body she unhooks her bra then slides it from her and tosses it to the floor. Willow finds her wife's lips again as she lowers her to the bed. As she breaks the kiss she slowly moves her mouth down Kennedy's tanned, toned body leaving a trail of wet kisses. She places a kiss between her breasts and then stops-she looks up at the new mother- Kennedy's eyes open and they meet Willow's- "Please-"

"I don't want to hurt you-" she places a kiss on Kennedy's ribs just below her right breast, then her left as she continues down her body.

She is surprised as she feels strong hands stop her progress- her eyes meet Kennedy's again. "Please-" Kennedy's voice and eyes are so full of need.

"You'll stop me if-?" her sentence trails off as Kennedy puts a hand on her head and lowers her toward her breast. Looking into her eyes one more time she gives in and kisses the tip softly.

The young Slayer moans at the contact. "Goddess-" Willow smiles and does the same to the other side. Kennedy arches her body trying to cause more contact but the redhead teases her never giving her exactly what she wants-needs. "Tease-" breaths out the young Slayer.

"Patience-" is her only reply as she continues to caress her body. Her hands find the remaining article of clothing and together they remove it. "Patience," she says again as she slides her leg between them.

"Goddess-" repeats Kennedy at the contact to her center.

"You okay?" as she stops all movement unsure.

"Don't stop Red-I need you-" at her words of encouragement the redhead returns the gentle pressure and then licks her Slayer's breast. "Yes-awe-" Kennedy begins to rock gently against the pressure.

At kindergarten, it is now nap time. Annie and Aly are staring up at the ceiling bored. Annie whispers, "Wonder if they'll let us draw?"

Mrs. Rodgers shhhhhs them and they get quiet not wanting to misbehave.

'This is boring,' thinks Aly.

'It sure is,' thinks Annie.

"You heard me?" questions the young girl out loud. Miss Jenny looks their direction and Annie just nods. 'How?' thinks Aly.

'I don't know-' is Annie's silent answer, 'But it's cool.'

'Really cool,' agrees her sister. 'I can't wait to tell Mommy.' They both smile, then close their eyes. But in their minds the conversation rages on.

Back at the house Kennedy is on the bed her eyes tightly closed as she arches against Willow's tongue as it sends her over the edge again. She spasms out of control as the redhead moves up her body places kisses in her wake. The Slayer begins to come back slowly, her breathing hard and ragged. "Red-amazing-" the redhead smiles and places a kiss on her wife's lips. Kennedy moans as she tastes herself there. "I love you."

"I love you-you should rest."

"But you haven't-" she kisses her again as she caresses her body with one hand.

"Rest-we can-later," she blushes slightly and smiles.

"But I made a promise-remember?"

"Something about needing lots of kite string-I remember." Kennedy kisses her lips as she moves on top of the redhead. As the kiss deepens they hear Alex cry from the other room. Kennedy breaks the kiss but then leans in again. "Check on him."

"He's okay-see-quiet already. Now come here-" she kisses her again.

In the nursery Alex is lying in his bed. Above is head there is a floating stuffed animal then an other and another until there are six. They hover above him in a circle like a mobile with one major difference, no strings. When he raises his hand they spin faster, the little boy coos and then giggles as he entertains himself.

Firsts

"I see-look at their faces. They loved it."

"Come on-" they walk toward the girls.

"Mommy guess what?" says Aly-

"You had fun?" says the redhead.

"Yeah-it was easy, but guess what we can do?"

"Draw-" offers Kennedy.

"And write-" adds Willow.

"Yeah but we can talk to each other-" the parents look confused.

"In our heads-"

"Talk-without saying things out loud?" asks their mommy.

"Right-" Kennedy coughs trying to get their attention. "At nap time-"

"Hi-Ms Rodgers." Says Kennedy-Annie doesn't finish the sentence.

"Hi-I wanted the two of you to know that they did very well today-smart children."

The parents smile, "We think so," says Kennedy.

"We've worked with them and we've read to them since before they were born." Willow adds with obvious pride.

"See you tomorrow girls." She walks away.

Willow and Kennedy look at each other, Willow asks, "Do you think she heard?"

"No-but let's finish this conversation at home." They take the hands of the girls and walk away.

At home the girls are sitting on the couch. Willow and Kennedy are sitting on the coffee table in front of them. Alex is in the playpen across the room. "Could you hear anyone else?"

"We didn't try Mommy," says Annie.

"Try-" is Kennedy's one word response. In her mind she thinks- 'Can you hear me?'

"Yes Mama-" they answer out loud.

'Me too?' is Willow's silent question.

'You too,' thinks Aly.

Willow and Kennedy look at each other then smile. The smile fades from the redhead's face as she seems nervous. "Why is it bad?" asks Annie.

Her mother answers aloud, "It's not bad Sweetie it's just you shouldn't listen. What people are thinking-that's private."

The girls look unsure, Kennedy moves to the couch and tries a different approach. "When you go to a movie-do you want to know how it ends before it's over?"

"No-" the girls echo.

"It spoils it," says Annie. They think about what their parents have said. "I get it."

"Me too-"

"So you can talk to each other," says Kennedy.

"And you can talk to Mama and me, but always ask before you listen in."

"Okay?"

"Okay-can we play now?"

"Sure," smiles Willow. They run towards the playroom. "So-that's new."

Kennedy nods her eyes open wide in surprise and she finds her voice, "So is that-look Willow."

The redhead turns and sees a toy floating toward Alex. "Wait-how, he's just a little boy-no prophecy-how?"

"Magic made him-"

"We made him-"

"With help-the son of a powerful witch and a Slayer." Willow walks across the room as the toy begins to spin and he adds another. The baby coos and laughs-Kennedy smiles from the couch.

The witch leans over and picks up her son, "How did you do that-huh?-Tell mommy."

He just smiles up at her. She feels arms encircle her- "What would you have done if he answered?"

She turns in Kennedy's arms, "That is so not funny." She looks at her sternly and the young mother smiles. "Why aren't you freaked?"

"I don't know-I guess I'm getting use to this super power thing."

Willow slowly smiles, "It is kinda cool."

"Yeah-" she kisses the redhead and then the little boy.

That night Willow and Kennedy are lying in each others arms. Willow's head rests on her Slayer's shoulder. "What are you thinking?-" asks Kennedy as she presses her lips to Willow's temple.

"So much power-so young."

"And it worries you?"

"Yes, it worries me-I mean look what it did to me. I tried to end the world-"

"Big Bad Willow is history-"

"I know."

"You'll teach them what they need to keep it from happening to them."

"I'll try-but what if their power grows faster then I can teach them?"

"They know right from wrong Red-we've taught them that."

"So did I but-" her voice trails away.

Kennedy turns so that their eyes meet, "That was different-" She presses a kiss to her lips, "Listen to me, they'll make poor choices, that's part of growing up, but they'll be okay."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Just like I knew they'd love it today-I feel it here." She touches her heart. "So don't worry."

Willow's hand rests on Kennedy's; "They're only five and Alex- it's too much. They shouldn't have to deal-" she stops as Kennedy kisses her lips.

She pulls back and her eyes meet Willow's- "Shhhh- trust me?"

"I do-"

"Then relax just let life happen and we'll handle it when it comes-okay?"

She considers her Slayer's words and smiles, "Okay-" she leans in and kisses her softly.

Two weeks later Annie and Aly are at school. They are playing on the jungle gym-climbing and swinging from bar to bar. The teacher watches amazed. "Look at that," she says to Jenny. The other woman nods, watching them.

Later when school is over Annie and Aly are talking to two children. They see Willow and run to her after saying good bye to their friends. "Where's Mama," asks Aly.

"She's home with Alex-he was still sleeping." They start to walk away. "How was school today?"

"Fun-it's always fun," says Aly. Willow smiles but it fades as she hears Ms Rodgers call her name.

She stops and the teacher walks toward them. "Do you have a minute?"

Willow answers nervously, "Is there a problem?" She looks at the girls and in her mind questions them. 'Did something happen I should know about?'

Both girls answer back, 'No, Mommy.'

"Problem?-Oh no-I just wanted to-" she stops then starts again. "Could we meet, to talk?"

"Ah-sure, would tomorrow after school be okay?"

"That would be great-"

"Okay then-tomorrow." Willow leaves with her girls a little rattled.

At home the redhead is in babble mode as she tells Kennedy what happened. The young Slayer smiles, "She probably just wants to tell us how smart they are."

"We know how smart they are-" she forces a smile. "That could be it-"

"Okay now?" She puts her arms around her.

"Okay-sorry I've been all spazy lately."

Kennedy smiles and kisses her softly on the lips, "I'm not complaining, it just usually means more snuggling."

"I like to snuggle-"

"So do I-" she kisses her again.

The next day Willow and Kennedy sit in Ms Rodgers' office. The redhead is actually calm-it is the young Slayer who seems to be worried now. Willow sees the concern and squeezes her hand, "Hey-worrying is my job-stop."

"What if did something-like -"

"Like what?"

"Maybe they figured out they 'talk' to each other."

"How?"

"Fine-relaxing," she takes a deep breath and the door opens. They look toward it to see the teacher.

"Thanks for coming in-you're probably wondering why I wanted to talk?"

Kennedy speaks, "Actually-yes, did they do something?"

"They can do everything-read, write, add-"

Willow smiles as she sees her Slayer relax and smile also, "That's good right?" Asks Kennedy.

"Absolutely-I wanted to talk to you about advancing them."

"Advancing them?" Willow is surprised.

"Yes, the third grade class is very small and Mrs.-"

"Third grade?" repeats the redhead.

"Third?-Can we talk about it and get back to you?" Kennedy takes charge.

"Of course-and talk to the girls."

"Yeah-right, sure," Kennedy can't stop the smile.

"So that's it?" questions the witch. The teacher nods- "Great-thanks." She stands and Kennedy follows her lead. "We'll let you know."

At home later Buffy and Xander are with the kids as the young couple arrive. Xander looks up from the floor where he is playing with Alex. "So, the meeting go okay?"

"They want to move them to the third grade," says Kennedy as she sits beside him.

Buffy smiles, "That doesn't surprise me," says Buffy from the couch.

Willow sits beside her. Tentatively she speaks, "I'm not sure it's a good idea."

Kennedy looks up at her unsure, "Why not?-If they can do the work, why waste time?"

"I guess-"

"No," the young Slayer stands and walks over to her. She sits across from her on the coffee table. "Tell me why Will-"

Her eyes meet Kennedy's, "It's more not normal-I want something in their lives to be normal." Her eyes are pleading and Kennedy understands.

Buffy walks over to Xander and takes his hand, "We should go."

He nods and stands, "We'll see you later."

"What do you to think?" asks Kennedy.

"They're your kids," smiles the Slayer, "This is your decision."

"But we want your opinion," adds Kennedy.

Xander answers, "My opinion?- Ask Annie and Aly." Buffy nods her agreement and they leave.

"So, we let five year olds decide what's best?" Asks Willow unsure.

"No-but we need to listen to them."

"Makes sense-now or after dinner?"

"Now-" says Kennedy as she stands and takes Willow's hand.

In the playroom Annie and Aly are lying in the floor coloring. Kennedy and Willow are on each side of them while Alex plays on the mat. "So, what do you think?" asks Kennedy.

Annie is the first to answer as she continues to color, "I like kindergarten."

Willow smiles and touches her daughter's hand, "What do you like Annie?"

Her eyes meet her mommy's. As she talks the excitement is obvious, "The stories and coloring things."

Aly adds, "And the naps are fun." Willow looks unsure at Kennedy and they look at the child. "We talk in our heads-" the adults smile.

"Do they have naps in third grade?" Annie questions.

"I don't think so," answers her mama.

"But there would still be stories and coloring," says the redhead.

"Would we have a different teacher?" Willow nods to her middle child, "But I like Ms Rodgers."

"We know-" Kennedy says.

"And Katie and Jacob," says Annie.

Willow smiles at her Slayer, "Thirty huh?"

"Who's Jacob?" is the young Slayer's next question.

"Her boyfriend," says Aly as she smirks at her sister.

"He is not-" retaliates the older girl as she glares at Aly.

Willow can't help but smile as she hears the girls argue in their heads.

'You are so gonna get it-' says Annie.

'What are you gonna do?' asks Aly.

'I'll tell them you like Katie,' Annie smiles.

Willow can not stop the giggle that escapes and Kennedy looks at her unsure. "I'll tell you later."

Annie tries to distract them, "They are twins too-like us."

"Really?" smiles Kennedy. "Two sets of twins in the same class."

"Well girls, what's the verdict on kindergarten?"

"I want to stay Mommy," says Aly.

"Me too-" agrees her sister.

"Even if you could learn more in third grade?" asks Kennedy.

"You and Mommy can teach us-" reasons Annie.

"Okay-" says the redhead, "Let Mama and me talk."

The girls nod and color as Kennedy's eyes meet Willow's. "Let's fix dinner first."

"What do you say we go out-we haven't had Italian in awhile?"

"That's a plan-just let me feed Alex and we'll go." Willow nods as she leans forward and kisses her.

Willow is lying on a blanket on the balcony looking up at the stars. Kennedy walks out and sits down beside her with the monitor. "Finally got him to sleep," she says as she sits the monitor on the floor and lays her head on Willow's shoulder.

"Did you check on the girls?" She asks as she puts her arms around her Slayer.

"They're asleep or pretending to be-" they both smile. The lay in silence until Kennedy speaks. "Kindergarten or third grade?" She turns in Willow's arms to face her.

"Kindergarten-they're happy Kennedy. Let's let them be happy."

"There isn't a Jacob in third grade-"

"Sure there is and he's three years older." Kennedy looks at her redhead unsure. "When she's thirteen, he'll be sixteen-with a car."

"Hell no-okay, kindergarten's good." Willow smiles and kisses her forehead. "No car dates-not until-" Willow kisses her lips to quiet her.

As she pulls away she smiles, "No car dates until they're at least sixteen."

Relaxing a little Kennedy snuggles closer, "Will, earlier, when we were talking to them, why did you laugh?"

She smiles at the thought, "Annie may have a boyfriend, but Aly-" Kennedy interrupts.

"Don't tell me she has one too?"

"Not exactly-" smiles the redhead.

"Then what?"

"Remember when you were five?"

"Do I?- Scarlet-" she smiles at the memories. Then she realizes the implications, "Katie?" Her eyes meet Willow's and the witch just smiles.

Life Choices

Willow sits on a bench in the park waiting for the playgroup to break up. She is holding Alex as he sleeps peacefully. She looks down at him and then towards Annie and Aly-they are playing in a sandbox with Katie and Jacob. The four children are building a beautiful sandcastle.

A woman walks toward her and looks down at Alex- "I don't know how you manage three so young." Willow looks up at her confused. "I'm sorry-I'm Gail Evans-Jake and Katie's mom."

"Hi-" smiles Willow. "It's nice to meet you."

"May I?" she motions to the seat.

"Of course." Mrs. Evans sits down. "We wonder how sometimes too. We're lucky-they're really good. Alex has slept through the night for weeks and he doesn't cry."

"Jake and Katie-they cried-those first few months were-" she shakes her head.

"I remember. I didn't think we'd ever get them on the same schedule."

"We? You mean your husband actually helped?"

Kennedy walks over before Willow has a chance to respond. Kennedy takes her hand and the redhead smiles- "Hey-"

"Hey-"answers Willow. "Kennedy-this is Katie and Jacob's mom."

"Hi-" smiles Kennedy.

The woman looks at their hands and then nervously back at their faces. "Hi-" about that time the group breaks up and kids run toward their parents. Willow can tell that the woman is uncomfortable but is unable to talk with her as all four kids run to them.

Annie hugs Kennedy, surprised to see her. "When did you get here Mama?"

"Just a few minutes ago-how was your day?"

"Great, come look at the castle we built."

"Nice to meet you," says the young Slayer as Annie pulls her away.

Katie stands by her mother as Jacob speaks, "You want to see what we built?"

"Ah-we need to go-daddy's waiting." The boy looks away sadly.

Willow tries to cheer him up- "Maybe tomorrow we could come back and you could build another one?"

"We're busy tomorrow," says his mother.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed," says the redhead.

"Goodbye-" says the woman as she leaves with her kids.

Aly looks up at Willow and asks concerned, "What's wrong Mommy?"

"It's nothing sweetie. Let's look at the castle." She takes Aly's hand and they walk toward the others. Her mind races with questions and fears. When they get to Kennedy and Annie she takes Kennedy's hand.

Kennedy senses her mood shift and in her mind she speaks, 'Willow-what's wrong?'

Her mind is racing- 'Mrs. Evans-not so open minded.'

'Did she say something?' Kennedy's silent voice questions.

'No-' comes the unspoken reply- 'She just freaked.' Kennedy hugs the redhead tightly as the kids have their own silent conversation.

Aly 'speaks' to Annie, 'Something's not right.'

'I feel it too-' answers Annie.

Across the park just out of sight stands Miss Jenny she watches them and then leaves.

Later at home Willow fixes dinner. Kennedy is checking on the girls as they do homework. "What are you working on?" asks the young mother.

"We have to write a spooky story for Halloween," says Annie.

"But since we can't talk about monsters, it's kind of hard," continues Aly.

Kennedy smiles as she sits with them at the table. "For a story you can talk about monsters, just not real ones."

"So we can talk about monsters like Frankenstein?"

"Or make up monsters of your own," she says.

"Cool-" they say in unison as they tear out the papers and start again.

Kennedy stands and walks over to Willow. She puts her arms around her waist and kisses her neck. "Hey-you okay?"

"Not really-what if she tells her kids not to play with Annie and Aly?"

"She wouldn't-"

"You didn't see her face." Willow turns to look into Kennedy's eyes.

"I guess it could happen-"

"It's not fair-to punish them." She looks toward the girls who are now looking at them. Willow nervously looks back to her Slayer. In her mind she speaks, 'We'll finish this later.'

"Okay-" answers the young Slayer out loud.

There is a knock at the door and Willow goes toward it. She smiles when she sees Xander. "Hey-Will." He smiles a nervous smile.

"I thought you had a big date tonight with Buffy?"

"I do-I just, you got a minute?"

"For you-always." He walks in and the twins run to him and hug him. He hugs them and they squirm away as he tickles them. They laugh and run back to the table. "Is here okay or you want to go on the balcony?"

"Here's good-" He nervously looks around and sees Kennedy smile. She walks toward them. "Why are you smiling?"

"You're awfully nervous-"

Willow smiles too, "You're going to ask her- aren't you?"

Xander smiles, "I was and now I'm not sure. Is it too soon?"

Willow takes his hand and his eyes meet hers, "You love her-she loves you-don't waste time."

"She's right, so go-ask." Smiles the young Slayer as she takes Willow's hand.

"Okay-" he walks toward the door. He opens it and stops, "Thanks-"

"No problem-" answers his life long friend. He goes out the door closing it behind him. Willow pulls Kennedy into a hug and kisses her lips softly.

They get a little lost in the kiss as they hear a voice from the other room, "Something's burning-"

"No-" she runs to the stove.

At Buffy's after dinner and a movie, Xander is standing at the door kissing her. She pulls out of the kiss and looks into his face. "Want to come in?"

"Yeah-" he smiles. They go into the room and Buffy turns on the lights. She is surprised to see lighted candles and flowers around the room. Buffy is speechless, "You like it?"

"I love it-" she kisses him. "When-who?"

"After we left and Dawn."

"It's amazing Xander-"

"So are you," he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box. He holds it to her and with shaking hands she takes it. She looks at his face as she slowly opens it and tears fall as she sees the ring. "Buffy Summers-would you marry me?"

She fights tears and nods, "Yeah-absolutely.-God-yes."

He smiles and kisses her softly. "I love you Buffy."

"I love you too Xander." They kiss again.

On Monday at school things aren't good for the girls. Jacob and Katie are both avoiding them. Finally Annie asks Katie, "Why won't you play with us?"

"We can't-"answers the child.

"Why not?" asks Annie confused. "Are you mad at us?"

"No-" she says she seems about to cry.

Aly and Jacob walk over to them, "What's wrong?" asks Jacob.

"Why can't you play with us?"

"Mommy said-" Annie is even more confused. Ms Rodgers walks over to them. The kids look up at her.

"Nap time."

"I don't want to nap-"snaps the tiny Slayer. She hears Aly in her head.

'Annie-don't get in trouble. We'll talk to Mommy after school she'll fix it.'

The angry child appears to calm as she looks at Ms Rodgers, "I'm sorry." She looks down.

The teacher raises her chin to meet her eyes, "Are you okay?" Annie nods. Jacob and Katie are already on the other side of the room on their blankets. "Let's get you settled in."

They follow the teacher to their spots and sit down. Annie looks at Aly- 'Why won't their mommy let them play?'

'I don't know-' Annie looks toward the boy-then back at Aly.

'You can't Mommy not to listen to other people's heads'

'I have to know-'

'You'll get in trouble-'

'I don't care-' Again Annie looks at the boy she tries to concentrate focus on his thoughts but in a room full of people it is hard. She can't tell one from another. She looks at Aly with fear in her eyes.

'What's wrong?'

Annie shakes her head not answering her sister. She stands and walks to Ms Rodgers- "I want my mommy."

"Are you sick sweetie?"

"I want my mommy," repeats the child.

Worried the teacher stands, "Let's call her."

Willow sits on the balcony with Annie on her lap. The child has been home for almost two hours but will still not tell her mom what is wrong. "Whatever it is you can tell me-" says the redhead as she turns the child so their eyes meet. "What happened?"

Tears start to fall from the little girl's eyes, "Jacob and Katie-they can't play with us." Willow's eyes close as she pulls the child closer. "Why won't their mommy let them?"

Willow looks into her child's sad and confused eyes and battles the anger inside her. "That's a hard one to explain baby-"

"Did we do something wrong?"

"No-no it's not your fault. It's not anything you did- okay?"

Annie nods, "Mommy I did something bad-"

"No-"

"I tried to listen to Jacob's head-"

"That was bad-but-"

"It was too busy-everyone was thinking at the same time."

Willow nods and smiles, "Yeah-it's hard at first."

"But I heard someone-they said they'd get them soon."

"Get who?"

"I don't know-but it felt weird. Kind of scary-in here." She points to her stomach.

"You don't know who was thinking it?" Annie shakes her head. "I wouldn't worry about that."

"What about Jacob?"

"Why don't you and I get ice cream then pick up your sister-when Mama gets back from training, we'll talk." The little girl nods. "Want to help me get Alex ready?"

"Can I feed him?"

"Sure-" she kisses her forehead and they both stand.

Kennedy and Willow stand on the balcony. The redhead is enraged- "How can that woman be so-"

Kennedy interrupts trying to calm her down, "People are afraid of what they don't understand-they do crazy things."

"You're defending her?"

"No!-No-I'm not. I'm just saying she's scared."

"She's a bigoted-"

"Red-" she looks toward the door.

"What's bigoted?" asks Aly- Kennedy looks toward Willow waiting for her to explain.

"It means someone who doesn't-they aren't open-minded." The child still seems unsure.

"They treat people badly because they don't know any better." answers Kennedy as she looks at her redhead.

"Go get your sister-" says the young Slayer, the child nods and leaves.

"She hurt my kids-" says Willow on the verge of tears.

"She thinks she's protecting hers," says Kennedy.

"Any idea how we explain this to them?"

"Maybe-but the anger Red, they don't need to see it."

"I know-you're right. Can't stop hate with hate-I get that."

"You haven't faced much hate-I mean most people handled your sexuality okay-but-" she stops her words as the twins appear in the doorway. She smiles at their girls and sits on the lounge chair. "Come here-" she pats the space beside her and the kids sit down. She puts an arm around each one as Willow sits in the chair across from them. "Bad day today huh?"

"Really bad-"says Annie.

"We can't play with Katie and Jacob," says Aly. "Why did their mommy tell them that?"

" I think she's a little confused about some things," answers the young Slayer honestly.

"She doesn't understand-" Willow stops and looks at Kennedy. "She thinks that we shouldn't love each other-"

"Why?" Asks Annie even more confused.

"Because we're two mommies-not a mommy and a daddy like Uncle Xander and Buffy."

"That's just dumb-" states Aly a little angry.

Kennedy tries to stop the smile that threatens to spread across her face, "No-it's not dumb-it's just wrong but she doesn't know that."

"Why not?"

"No one ever taught her," explains Kennedy.

"Can you?" asks Aly.

"Maybe-after she's had some time-till then try not to be mad okay?"

"Okay-" say the girls in unison.

"Want to talk about anything else?" asks Willow.

"Can we practice reading other peoples thoughts when it's really busy?"

Willow smiles, "Saturday-all day if you want."

"Thanks Mommy."

"You're welcome sweetie. Why don't you get your jammies on and we'll be in to tuck you in a few minutes."

"Will you read a story?"

"You pick out a book," says Kennedy. The girls kiss her and Willow, then leave.

Willow moves onto the chair beside her Slayer and kisses her softly on the lips. "Do you know what a wonderful mama you are?" She kisses her again.

"So are you-" she touches her face. "Thought you didn't want them listening in on other people?"

"I don't -but they're gonna try and they should know how to filter the thoughts."

"True- let's read them a story."

"Then come back out here?" Asks the redhead with a raised eyebrow.

"Think that could be arranged. Might have to feed Alex first." They walk inside their bedroom and on through to the nursery. Alex is sleeping as the magical mobile plays above him.

"I wish he could tell us how he does that while he sleeps," smiles the witch.

"Someday-come on let's get the girls to bed." Hand-in-hand they walk to the next room.

Later that night Willow and Kennedy are snuggled together under a blanket on the balcony. Kennedy kisses her wife and moans, caught off guard as the redhead's lips move to the bare skin of her shoulder. Kennedy smiles as she bites her bottom lip- "Sure you're ready again?"

"Always ready-" their lips meet in a series of soft quick kisses as Willow's hands caress the young Slayer's body. She traces the strong muscles of her back with gentle hands then turns them so that the young woman is now beneath her.

The redhead's lips move down her dark toned body and Kennedy moans- "Damn-" her breathing starts to get faster. Willow looks up and smiles, she runs her lips and then her tongue between the young Slayer's breast. "Tease-" gasps the woman as Willow moves back up her body.

Their eyes meet and the green eyed witch smiles at her Slayer, "Tell me what you want-"

"You-you."

"Yeah-like this?" She kisses her lips playfully and then pulls away.

"Please-"

"Or maybe this?" She kisses her neck as her hand slides down the young woman's body.

"Please-baby-"

"This?" She slides her fingers between her wet folds.

"Yes!" she screams as she arches against the touch. Willow smiles as she stops teasing.

Hours later the witch is sleeping in their bed. Kennedy is nursing Alex, humming to him softly as they rock. "Mama loves you." She kisses his head softly.

Kennedy crawls back in bed trying not to disturb the redhead. She doesn't realize she is awake- "He sleeping?"

"They all are-thought you were too?"

"Was then I had a dream-"

"Bad dreams?"

"Not really just-earlier you said everyone dealt with my coming out okay-that mean things weren't that good for you?"

"Don't want to talk about it right now-"

"Okay-but when you do-I'm here."

"I know-" Kennedy snuggles against her as the redhead spoons herself close. "It was a long tome ago Red-don't worry I'm okay-just a few ghosts every now and then. Kennedy turns in her arms, "Sleep."

"You too." She presses a chaste kiss to her lips.

A week later Willow waits for the girls after school. She sees Mrs. Evans and starts toward her but stops deciding that this is not the time or place for a confrontation. The kids walk out each to their mother and the sadness is flooring. Mrs. Evans looks at Willow then the girls-she turns and walks away with her kids.

Another week passes and the sadness continues. One day at school Mrs. Rodgers comes out before the kids-she walks to Mrs. Evans and then to Willow and Kennedy. They follow the teacher to her office. "This isn't really my business-"

"No it isn't," states Jacob and Katie's mom.

"I just wanted to let you know that whatever the problem is it's affecting everything they do-"

"We know-" says Kennedy- "We've talked to them tried to explain. They just can't understand."

"You might want to consider a different school."

"Change schools after this long?-That wouldn't be good for them."

Willow, who has tried to keep her cool, finally loses it, "Nothing that's happened over the last few weeks has been good for them-"

Kennedy touches her arm- "Willow-"

"No-Kennedy, no-I can't let this go." She turns to face the woman-her anger close to the surface but still in check. "How can you do this- they're five years old? They don't understand why they can't be friends-" she fights to keep tears at bay.

Mrs. Evans looks at their laced fingers, "I don't want them exposed to-" she stops as the door opens and Miss Jenny enters noticeable shaken.

"We-there's been accident."

"Aly-" Willow stands and runs out the door. Kennedy follows her-they reach the street to find the girl lying there unmoving- "Alyson-" Willow checks for a pulse.

"What happened?" asks Ms Rodgers.

"Katie walked out in front of a car-she ran from across the yard and knocked her out of the way. The car tried to stop-"

Mrs. Evans hears the words of the woman. She walks toward her daughter and hugs her. She let's go and walks toward Willow and Kennedy- Willow looks up at her- "This is your fault-"

"No Willow-" She struggles as Kennedy pulls her to her body and holds her. She breaks down and tears fall freely. An ambulance pulls up to them.

Seeing "Red"

"Back up please-" says the first EMT.

Kennedy moves Willow slightly- "No-" cries the redhead. "She's my daughter-"

"Yes, ma'am but please-"

"Will- sweetie they need to work-" Kennedy looks into her sad eyes. "Let them do their job-" The redhead nods. That's when it happens-that's when she hears the soft voice.

'Mommy?'

The words burn her mind and she looks at Kennedy- "Did you hear her?"

"No-"

"Listen-"

Again the words- 'What happened?-' the voice is trying to stay calm.

'It's okay baby-the men will help you.'

'My arm hurts-'

"Check her arm-" the EMT looks at the woman but doesn't argue. He examines the arms-he nods at the redhead as he gets a splint from the case.

'Why can't I see you?'

Kennedy speaks- 'You're hurt- your body needs to get better so it's resting.'

'Okay Mama-'

They put her onto a stretcher. The EMT speaks, "Which one of you wants to ride with us?"

"You go-I'll be right behind you." She hugs the witch and kisses her softly-then leans her forehead against Willow's. "She'll be okay." The redhead seems uncertain, Kennedy speaks in Willow's mind, 'Slayer healing-it won't be that bad.' Willow nods as tears fall. They load the child and Willow climbs in behind her. Kennedy jogs to the teacher and Annie.

"Mama?"

"She'll be okay-come on-" she takes her hand and they start to the car- "Damn it-"

"What?" comes an unfamiliar voice.

"We walked-the car's not here."

"I'll take you-" she turns toward the voice. She is surprised to see Mrs. Evans. The young Slayer nods and they follow her and her kids to the car.

At the hospital Willow is standing outside the examining room door. She tries to look through the small window but can't see anything. She tries to focus her energy and hear the child's inner voice but it is quiet. She turns as she feels a hand on her shoulder and sees Xander. She takes a step toward him and leans against his chest. As his arms encircle her she cries. "Xander-how?" is her muffled question.

"Kennedy called us-any word?"

She raises her head from his chest and shakes it slowly as she tries to pull herself together. "But she's a Slayer right?" She looks in Buffy's direction.

"Right-" says the Chosen One as she forces a smile. "And being a Slayer with the healing is of the good."

Willow nods and looks at Alex in Buffy's arms. She reaches for him and cuddles him close. The witch's lips press softly against his head. "Hey-baby boy-how's Mommy's boy?" He smiles a little and she smiles to but it fades as fast as it appeared.

He starts to fuss and Buffy looks at the redhead. "Will-why don't you let me take him home?" She hands him back and nods. Buffy kisses Xander and hugs Willow. "Call me?"

"As soon as we hear anything." She leaves with the child. Xander wraps his best friend in his arms.

Kennedy jogs in a few seconds later with Annie by her side. Willow sees her and starts her way but stops as her eyes leave her Slayer and glare at the woman who is with her. "No-you-you can't be here."

The young Slayer tries to defuse the situation, "Red-she brought me-no car remember?"

"Get her out of here!" yells the redhead. "You-" she starts toward her and Kennedy grabs her. "She can't be here-I won't let her be here." She leans against the wall and slides slowly down it as she falls apart again only worse. "This is her fault-she did this."

"Baby-" Kennedy is scared unsure of what to do-but finally sits beside her and pulls her into her lap. "Shhhh" She looks at Xander then at Annie who is now crying. "Xander?"

The man nods his understanding and picks up the little girl. He kisses her forehead and forces a smile. He walks with her toward Mrs. Evans, "Let's give them a little space." The woman nods and they leave without speaking.

Kennedy is rocking Willow- "Red look at me-" she turns Willow's eyes up to meet hers. "You gotta be strong-"

Willow shakes her head, "I'm not strong-"

"You are-you can do this, you have to do this for Aly and for Annie. They need to know we can get through this no matter what."

"I can't lose her Kennedy-" the tears fall.

"We won't-okay?"

"Okay-" she nods. "I'll try."

"Okay-" she helps Willow stand and then stands beside her. The door opens and the doctor walks out. "How is she," aks Kennedy her hand joined with Willow's.

"It's much better than we initially thought."

"That's good right?"

"Yes-there's a slight fracture of her left arm." They nod and he continues, "And she has a concussion-but she okay. There's bruises and cuts but nothing that won't be gone in few weeks-"

Kennedy smiles and thinks, 'Or days-' hearing her Willow smiles.

"She's really gonna be okay," says the mother.

"She's a lucky little girl."

"Can we take her home now?" asks Kennedy.

"We'd like to keep her overnight-just to keep an eye on her. They are settling her into a room someone will be out in a few minutes."

"Just a precaution though-the keeping her?" asks the redhead again nervous.

"Yes-I just don't want any surprises."

"Neither do we," says the young Slayer. "Thank you." He nods and walks away.

Willow lets out a sigh and looks her Slayer in the eyes, "She's okay."

"Yeah-" tears fill the young woman's eyes for the first time. As she cries Willow wraps her arms around her. "I've never been more scared."

"It's okay to be scared," says the redhead.

"Maybe- but I don't like the way it feels. I felt helpless-"

"Me too-"they kiss softly.

"We should tell Xander-and call Buffy." Willow nods and hand-in-hand they walk toward the waiting room. A few hundred feet away Kennedy stops her. "You know Mrs. Evans may still be there-right?"

"I know-I promise no wiggin' out."

"Okay-" they start to walk again. Again they stop this time just short of the door. "Red?" Kennedy turns so that they are again eye to eye, "Willow-" she stops-

"I know I need to apologize," says the witch and the young Slayer nods. "But I don't know if I can-not yet."

"Try?" asks her love. Willow nods and leans in, their lips meet softly. "Good enough." She takes her hand and they walk inside the room. Annie runs to them and Kennedy picks her up and hugs her. "She's okay-broken arm and banged up a little-"

"But okay," adds the redhead.

"Can we see her?" asks the little girl in her mama's arms.

"Soon," answers her mama. "Soon."

"I'll call Buffy-" Willow nods as he hugs her and leaves.

"I'm glad she's okay-" says Mrs. Evans. "I should go tell the kids they were upset." She turns to leave.

Willow speaks quietly, "About before-" the woman turns to face her, "What I said-I shouldn't have. It wasn't-your fault I mean." Mrs. Evans nods and leaves.

Miss Jenny is on the phone in her apartment she is talking as she paces, "No-you heard me correctly-"

The man replies, "She's alive?- What happened?"

"I don't know-she should be dead but -I don't know."

"Now what?"

"I'll get them-it just may take a little longer than I thought."

"See that it doesn't take too much longer."

"Okay-" she hangs up the phone and runs her fingers through her hair.

The Calm Before the Storm

Willow turns toward the girls and smiles when she sees the cast. "It looks like Elmer-" she says.

"You really think so?" asks Aly.

"Same colors-" The twins both smile. The redhead looks toward Kennedy and their son. She fights tears realizing how lucky they were. Aly would be fine, with the Slayer healing the cast would be gone in a couple of weeks. She walks across to the bed and brushes the brownish red hair from the child's eyes and smiles, "Would you like a story?"

Aly's eyes meet hers and the little girl looks sadly at her mother. "We don't have a book-"

"But we do-Aunt Buffy brought it-"the redhead sits on the edge of the bed as Annie moves closer to her sister. Willow leans beside them.

"What's it called Mommy?" Asks Annie.

"Your favorite."

Aly smiles, "She brought Elmer?"

"She did." Willow shows the book to the child. Aly snuggles against her and Annie does the same on the opposite side.

Kennedy who is now watching them smiles, happy that her family is together and safe. Alex finishes and she fixes her clothes. She then puts the baby on her shoulder to burp him.

Willow starts to read, "There was once a herd of elephants. Elephants young, elephants old, elephants,...

As the story continues Kennedy moves to the other side of Annie and sits with them on the bed. Alex is cooing softly and soon the redhead's soothing voice has him sleeping in his mama's arms. Aly has cuddled up into Willow's lap so she can see the pictures. Annie is leaning against her mama's shoulder listening. The young Slayer brushes her baby Slayer's arm-careful not to hurt it.

As the story ends Aly, who is starting to get a little uncomfortable, asks her mommy, "Will you read it again?"

"Later okay?" She looks at her watch. "You should try to sleep for a while."

Her eyes meet Willow's, "Please Mommy?"

The redhead folds, unable to tell the injured child no, "One more time, but then you sleep. We have a surprise later and you need your rest."

"Okay-one more time and then I'll try to sleep." Willow smiles at her wording. Aly crawls onto her mommy's lap and rests her cheek against hers.

Annie, now bored, climbs down from the bed. Kennedy watches and smiles at Willow- "Where you going Annie?" The little Slayer shrugs. "Want to take a walk?"

"To the snack room?" she smiles.

Kennedy looks at Willow who smiles, "We won't be long-and I'll bring you back a mocha."

"Okay-we'll be here," says the redhead. Kennedy gets up with Alex. "Leave him here-he's sleeping." Kennedy nods and arranges the pillows around him. She leans in to kiss Aly on the cheek then her witch. She leaves with Annie. "Ready for the story?" She kisses Aly on the head.

"Mommy?"

"What is it sweetie?"

"Do I have to stay here?"

"Just till morning-"

"But I don't want to."

"I know-" she looks her daughter in the eyes, "But I'll be here too."

"You will-all night?"

"Yeap-" she kisses her forehead as she holds her tighter. "We can sleep right here together-okay?" She hopes that her words can ease the fears of the little girl.

"Okay-" says Aly.

"Okay-story now?" she smiles at her youngest daughter.

Aly smiles, "There was once a herd of elephants-"

"You gonna read it to me?" asks the redhead.

"Elephants young, elephants old-" continues her child.

In the snack room Annie and Kennedy are sitting at the table. Annie seems a bit distant; her food sets in front of her untouched. "Something not right?"

"It was scary Mama-the car didn't slow down."

Kennedy stands and walks around to Annie, She picks her up and then sits down with the five-year-old on her lap. "You saw what happened?"

"Not everything, but I heard Miss Jenny tell Katie to go across-"

"Why?-her mommy wasn't in her car?"

"The ball went out in the road-she threw it too hard."

"Then what happened?"

"Katie screamed really loud and Aly ran out to help her."

"What did Miss Jenny do?"

"She tried to stop her but Aly wouldn't stop. Then the car-"

"Okay-that's enough for now." Annie starts to cry, "It's over-everyone's fine-shhhh-" She holds the child tighter as she turns in her arms. "Aly's okay-shhhh."

Later in the room a more composed Annie is watching television-her favorite cartoons are on. Aly and Alex are still sleeping. Kennedy is sitting in the oversized chair with Willow on her lap, she holds her tightly.

"How are you holding up?" asks the young Slayer.

"Actually good. You?"

"Me too- do you want me to stay with you tonight? I know hospitals aren't your favorite place."

"I'll manage-you need to get Alex home and Annie-she needs somewhere not here."

"What about school tomorrow?-Should we send her?"

"Maybe we should let her decide."

"Maybe-" says Kennedy as she laces her fingers with her love. "I'll miss you." She says flirting shamelessly.

"I'll miss you too, but it's just one night."

"Nights are really long without you," says the brunette.

"I remember." Their lips meet softly and as they pull apart they hear a knock on the door. Willow smiles and squeezes Kennedy's hand. She stands and walks across the room. She opens the door and smiles at Mrs. Evans and her twins. "Hey-"

"Thank you for calling."

Willow nods, "Come on in-she's sleeping but I'll wake her up in a few minutes." She closes the door and they walk across the room. "Look who's here."

Annie looks up and sees the kids. "Jake-Katie!" She goes over to them.

Aly starts to wake up, the loudness of Annie's words getting through to her. She opens her eyes and sees the twins. She starts to get up but stays put when she hears, "Alyson! -don't-" she knows her mommy's tone means business. The kids go over to her and Willow follows. She picks up Alex as she lets the kids climb onto the bed with Aly.

Katie touches the cast- "It looks like Elmer from that story."

Aly smiles, "You can still sign it if you want." Annie hands them all pens from the bedside table. The four five year olds talk and play quietly.

Willow is now standing beside Kennedy with Alex in her arms. Mrs. Evans sits in the chair beside them. "I owe you both an apology," she says.

Willow nods, "It's okay."

Kennedy adds, "We understand." She laces her fingers with her redhead's.

"Still doesn't make it right," says Gail Evans.

"No-" is the one word response of the young Slayer.

"I overreacted-made assumptions."

"Let's just start over-" volunteers Willow, as she looks from the adults to the kids and them back, "For them-"

"I'd like that," says Gail. She watches the kids together. "They get along so well."

"They really do-" smiles Kennedy.

Alex starts to fuss in the redhead's arms as he nuzzles against her. Willow looks at her Slayer, "Think he's hungry."

Kennedy reaches for him and smiles as Willow puts him in her arms, "Can you give me his blanket out of the diaper bag?"

"Sure-" she walks across the room and gets the blanket as Kennedy tries to settle him down. She walks back to her Slayer and hands her the blanket. Her eyes meet Kennedy's, "You want us to-" she looks toward the door and back at her love. "They could watch television in the lounge."

"It might be better," says the young mother a little embarrassed, "They may have questions."

Gail nods, "Yeah, questions I don't want to answer at least not today." She walks to the bed to talk to the children while Willow disappears out the door, when she returns she has a wheelchair. Kennedy smiles and shakes her head, then turns her attention back to Alex.

Aly looks at the wheelchair, "I broke my arm Mommy not my leg-"

"I know," smiles Willow, "Just get in and the others can push you."

"Really?" say three kids in unison. Willow nods as the kids run to be the first to push her. Reluctantly Aly gets in the wheelchair as Gail and Willow supervise the drive to the lounge.

Out in the hallway Willow helps them steer a little. She thinks, 'You drive like Buffy'

Silently Annie replies, 'Nobody is that bad.'

The three of them laugh. Finally they are safely settled in front of the television with coloring books and games. They play and talk quietly as Willow and Gail watch.

"The girls don't seem jealous of the baby."

"We're lucky-they're great with him. They love to help with diapers and baths."

"I assumed-I mean he looks like you-"

Willow smiles, "Yeah-it happens a lot, his hair I think-it has more red in it than the girls."

"So you were able to find a donor who had some of your characteristics?"

"Yeah-I guess you could say that," smiles the redhead.

"And the girls-was it the same-" she stops. "I'm sorry-too many personal questions."

"It's okay-the same except, I had them."

"Really?" Willow nods. "Really, see if my husband would have the next one I wouldn't mind another baby."

"There are some perks," smiles Willow. This time Gail nods.

The next morning Kennedy stands outside the classroom with Annie not wanting to interrupt the conversation going on between Ms Rodgers and Miss Jenny, "Why was Katie in the street?"

"She wanted to go to her car-I tried to stop her."

Kennedy looks at Annie, Annie shakes her head. 'She threw the ball over Katie's head.'

'You're sure?' Annie nods. Kennedy knocks on the side of the door and the women look at them. "I know we're a little early-"

"That's okay," assures the teacher. "How's Aly?"

"She's doing well-a broken arm but it could have been a lot worse." She looks toward Miss Jenny. The woman looks away uncomfortable. "She gets to come home today."

"Great news-I'll let the other students know." She looks at Annie- "Or you can tell them-are you staying?"

Kennedy answers for her, "She was going to, but I think she should be home with us today."

Annie looks at her mama unsure. 'Mama?'

'I'll explain in the car.'

"Then we'll except them both back tomorrow?" asks Miss Jenny.

"Or the day after." She takes Annie's hand and they leave.

As they reach the car Annie gets in the back seat and fastens her seatbelt. Kennedy gets in the front and turns to her little Slayer. "One more time-what did you see?"

"Katie and Jake were waiting for their mommy. They were by themselves cause they couldn't play with us and the other kids had gone."

"Then what?"

"Jake got a ball from Miss Jenny-"

"What were you doing?"

"Wishing I could play-just watching."

"And your sister?"

"She was standing by the door-waiting for you and Mommy to come back out. She said when you did we'd get to play with Katie and Jake again," says Annie.

Kennedy couldn't help but smile at her young daughter's faith in her parents. She truly thought they could fix everything. "So how did the ball get in the street?"

"Katie threw it crooked and it got past Jake. He ran after it but Miss Jenny got it. When she throw it, it went way over her head."

"That's when she told her to go get it?"

Annie nods, "Why did she lie to Ms Rodgers?"

"I'm not sure-"

"Katie ran to get the ball and when she saw the car so close she screamed and Aly ran after her but Miss Jenny grabbed her-Aly got away and she pushed Katie across the road-clear to the sidewalk.-Then-" she looks down.

"Then the car hit Aly-" Annie nods. "What did Miss Jenny do?"

"She looked at Katie-she looked mad-then she went inside."

Kennedy touches Annie's hand- "And we came out and the doctor's made Aly all better, so don't worry." Annie nods. The young Slayer turns in her seat and fastens her seatbelt, as she starts the car her mind is racing with thoughts. The most distressing is why Miss Jenny's accounts didn't match Annie's. She knew her daughter-knew she was telling the truth. Why had the woman lied? So much had to be figured out before the kids returned to school.

At the house Buffy and Xander are sitting on the couch with Alex. He is playing patty cake with the baby while Buffy watches smiling. He senses her eyes on him and he looks up at her. She smiles at him. "What's going on in that pretty head of yours," asks Xander?

"Just-you're so good with him-and the girls too."

He smiles and kisses her lips softly, "Think we can have our own someday?"

"I think yeah-"

"Yeah?" She nods and leans in to meet his lips again. Before the kiss can escalate she pulls away. "Soon?"

"Maybe-" he smiles, surprised by her answer. Before he can respond the door opens and they look toward it. Buffy is confused to see Annie with Kennedy as they walk inside. "Thought you were taking her to school?"

"Change of plan-I'll explain when I get back I need to pick up Willow and Aly."

"Something wrong?"

"Maybe-"

"Miss Jenny lied-" says Annie as she sits on Buffy's lap.

Buffy looks unsure, "I just don't want to take any chances," says the young Slayer.

"We'll be here when you get back-we could make a welcome home banner-" says the blonde Slayer.

"And cookies?" asks Annie.

Kennedy smiles, "That would be great-" she turns and goes out the door.

A couple of hours later there is a colorful "Welcome Home" banner hanging on the wall and two plates of fresh baked cookies on the table. Xander gets ice cream from the refrigerator and then bowls. He puts them beside the cookies.

When they hear the keys in the door they hide. As Kennedy, Willow, and Aly come inside they yell in unison, "Surprise!"

Aly smiles at the banner and runs to hug Xander and Buffy. Excitedly, Annie adds, "We made cookies and there's ice cream."

"Cool-" says Aly. The kids go to the kitchen and the adults follow.

After partying and cleaning up Willow sends the girls in their room for a nap and the grown ups sit down in the living room. The redhead is sitting in the oversized chair, Kennedy is sitting on the arm of it. Buffy and Xander are on the couch.

Willow is the first to speak, "Do you think the accident wasn't an accident? Is someone after them again?"

"I'm not sure-I mean the car almost hit Katie not Aly- she got hurt trying to help her."

"Maybe they wanted to see if Aly or Annie could save her."

"Or maybe," adds Buffy, "It's Katie they were after."

Willow looks unsure, "Why would someone want to hurt a five-year-old?-It's not something demons normally do."

"Not demons-but people do it all the time," says Xander.

"What do we know about the Evans' Red?" asks Kennedy.

"Ah-not much, Gail seems okay-the kids are well behaved. Just normal kids," concludes the redhead.

"Mr. Evans?" Asks Buffy.

"We've never meet him-"says Willow.

"What's he do?" asks Xander.

"I never asked," says the witch. "Maybe I should have."

"Let's talk to the girls, they may know," Kennedy volunteers.

Buffy nods, "So what do we do until they wake up?"

"They're not asleep." She smiles and her mind sends a question their way. 'Are you girls?'

A nervous reply follows, 'No Mommy.'

'Come in here,' she tells them and seconds later they appear in the doorway. "Do you know what Jake and Katie's daddy does-where he works?"

Annie looks at Aly and they look at their parents, Annie speaks. "We promised we wouldn't tell."

"It's a secret," supplies Aly as she crawls onto Willow's lap.

Annie stands in front of Kennedy and looks her in the eyes, "He works-"

Aly interrupts, "Annie?"

"We should tell them you heard them before-Jake and Katie could get hurt-you tell secrets if someone could get hurt."

"Yes you do," reassures Kennedy as she puts a hand on Annie's cheek. "Always-"

"He has a gun-and a big black car with funny license plates."

"A government car?" asks Xander. Aly nods, "He works for the government?" Again the child nods.

"He tries to trick bad people so they will go to jail. That's what Jake told us," says Annie.

Buffy looks at Willow then Kennedy, "So-no demons just real bad guys."

"Looks that way," says the young Slayer.

Xander asks, "Can we handle real bad guys?"

"Better question," says Willow, "Should we? Maybe we should just go to the police."

"And tell them what?" asks Kennedy. "That the helper in our kids' kindergarten class tried to kill a little girl?" As soon as the words leave her mouth Kennedy regrets them. She looks at her frightened children. She picks up Annie and Willow tightens her hold on Aly. "We won't let anything bad happen-promise. Okay?" The scared twins nod trusting the words of their mama.

Go on to Part 2

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