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It Happened One Night by GoldenBuffy
 
Chapter Three: Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice
 
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It Happened One Night


By: Golden Buffy



Summary: Buffy told Willow that she's pregnant but she left one detail out, who is the baby's father.

Disclaimer: I wish I owned Buffy and Spike but I don't. They belong to Joss.

Author's Notes: Much hugs and kisses to Just_Sue and Ariel Dawn for their beta-ing skills. And thanks to all who reviewed so far. I was really nervous about starting a new fic, not sure how people would react to it. So even if it sounds all mushy, thanks for the support. The reviews are very encouraging and let me know what you think, and hey, it feeds the muse. He likes it too!


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Lovely banner by Spuffy_Noelle


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Chapter Three: Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice




“He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.”
Chinese Proverb

“Our lives improve only when we take chances - and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves.”
Walter Anderson





After a quick stop for some ice cream, the girls headed home. Willow tried to insist on walking Buffy home but the slayer refused, stating that too many nasties lurked in the shadows. Willow knew she couldn't win the argument and allowed Buffy to walk her home instead.

Buffy did a quick patrol but purposefully avoided Restfield Cemetery, home of a certain bleached vampire. The one whom she desperately wanted to avoid at all cost. She still didn't know if she was going to tell him or not, really, what would Spike what with a baby? Never mind, Buffy refused to let her mind go there. She seen Bram Stocker's Dracula, those Brides feeding off the poor little thing. Way cringe worthy.

Buffy decided right then and there, that Spike would never know. Well, never know that the baby was his.

'No demon's gonna snack on my baby,' Buffy thought, rubbing her stomach protectively.

Walking up the steps to her front porch, Buffy couldn't help the slight feeling of panic rise within her. She knew her mother would be all over her with a hundred questions about her health. Sighing, she unlocked the front door and walked inside.

Joyce was in the kitchen putting the last of the dishes away from the unloaded dishwasher. Hearing the front door close she called out, “Buffy is that you?”

“Yeah, mom,” Buffy replied, closing and locking the door behind her.

“I'm in here, sweetie,” Joyce called over her shoulder.

Buffy walked back towards her mother, the normally quick walk seemed to take forever. 'This is what it must feel like walking to one's doom.' She thought finally arriving at the kitchen doorway.

Joyce turned around to greet her daughter, but was stopped dead in her tracks by the look of exhaustion on Buffy's face. Joyce closed the distance between them, grabbing Buffy by the hand, she guided her daughter to the chair beside hers.

“You're still not feeling well? You look like someone beat the tar out of you. You weren't attacked by any demon were you?”

“No mom, just a long day. I'm really tired. I just want to go to my room and lay down,” Buffy said stifling a yawn.

Buffy pushed up from the table and started to head out of the kitchen but stopped, turning to find her mother's gaze still upon her. And for some reason the one thing that entered Buffy's head was a certain nursery rhyme.

'What are little girls made of?
Sugar and Spice,
And everything nice,
That's what little girls are made of.'


Was that how Joyce still thought of Buffy, as her little girl? Was she made of sugar and spice - and what about the nice? But how could she still think of her daughter in such a way? It wasn't as if Buffy was the poster child for all things good. From hiding the fact that she was the Chosen One after her little trip to phyco land, to unleashing Angelus on the general populace, to just being a let down in so many ways... Buffy knew it was no picnic being her mother. Oh and now unwed mother could be added to the list.

Buffy tried to hold back the tears that threatened to spill, but they refused to obey as they trickled down her bottom lashes onto her tanned skin.

Baffled, Joyce rose to her feet.

“Baby, what's wrong?” The elder Summers looked on, concern etched into her features.

One word played over and over in Buffy's confused mind, 'Mommy!'

Buffy couldn't talk around the lump in her throat as she flung herself into her mother's waiting arms. Joyce hugged her daughter, blanketing her with all her love even though she was quite confused at her daughter's actions. A mother never judges she just mothers.

They stood there until Buffy's sobs turned into small hiccups, and she wiped her tears away on the palms of her hands.

“Are you ready to talk to me Buffy?” Joyce posed the question rubbing the top of Buffy's head comfortingly.

“No, not yet... it's just... I have so much... I just can't. Not now, but I promise soon. I will soon. I'm just going to head up to bed now, okay?” Buffy finished sniffling, turning a watery gaze up towards her mother.

Nodding in agreement Joyce watched her daughter leave the kitchen to climb the stairs.

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Buffy got up extra early the next day, showered and dressed, and headed for campus. Once Buffy arrived she scanned the local phone book searching for a clinic. Finding one Buffy placed thirty five cents into the pay phone and dialed the number. After the phone rang three times a soft feminine voice answered the line.

“This is Sunnydale Woman's Clinic, I'm Sandra. How may I help you?”

Buffy quickly explained her situation to the secretary, emphasizing that she needed an appointment as soon as possible. Sandra scanned through the day planner on her computer screen. She informed Buffy that she could fit her in at two pm that day. Accepting the appointment with relief, the Slayer uttered “thank you” and “goodbye” before hanging up the phone.

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Sunnydale Woman's Clinic was on the other side of town. Buffy and Willow had to catch a public bus and walk two blocks to find the building. It was nestled in the business district, but far enough from the art gallery that Buffy didn't have to worry about any of her mother's friends spotting her.

The two girls entered the building and, finding the directory, they quickly found the location of the clinic. As they entered the elevator the duo were assaulted by horrible elevator music. Buffy frantically pushed the fourth floor button trying to make the large metal lift move as fast as it could go. The blond and redhead were the only ones riding the elevator, but neither spoke. Even though this was a clinic and not a hospital, Willow knew Buffy's hospital phobia wouldn't be helping right now.

Buffy twisted her fingers together, trying to take her mind off the situation. She was in a clinic, which boarder on being a hospital in her book. Here one could have minor surgery, a cast removed, facial work done - yup it was a hospital. And did she mention doctors in white lab coats?

A “ding” announced they had arrived at the fourth floor, the doors opening a bit too slowly for the Slayer as panic began to set in. Buffy was starting to lose confidence in herself and why she was here.

'I can do this, see no problem. Just let the doors open and step out into the hallway.'

Willow glanced over, taking in Buffy's ridged stance. “Hey, you can do this Buffy. Don't be scared,” she finished with a small grin.

Willow walked out of the elevator clutching Buffy's hand in hers. The two walked a little way down the hall until they came to a door, the name plate read “Sunnydale Woman's Clinic”. Buffy opened the door and a small chime announced their arrival.

Walking further into the office, Buffy looked around. It was a fairly large room with light purple walls and a small play area to the left for small children. The reception desk was directly in front of her. Along the three remaining walls chairs had been placed, and one woman sat waiting, very heavy with child.

She looked up from the magazine she was reading casting a quick smile at the girls before she returned to her reading. 'Probably wondering which one of us is the pregnant one here,' Buffy thought bitterly. Why was everyone so judgmental? 'Hormonal much Buffy, gee.'

Buffy walked over to the reception counter and signed in. The nurse grabbed the clip board and scanned over Buffy's name. Smiling, she signaled for the Slayer to stand there a moment as she went to retrieve some papers. Returning with smile securely in place, she slid the papers across the reception window.

“I need you to fill in these forms and return them once you're finished,” she instructed, handing a pen to Buffy as well. Picking them up, Buffy moved to Willow where she had taken a seat.

Buffy started on her paper work as Willow grabbed a magazine to read. The door opened once again the small chime announcing someone's entrance. Glancing up, Buffy noticed that it was a nicely dressed man holding a bottle of Dr. Pepper. Smiling, he walked over to the woman who smiled at her earlier. The woman accepted the drink, giving him a peck on the cheek. 'He was her husband, how sweet.' Buffy thought nibbling on her bottom lip.

Finished with papers in hand, Buffy returned to hand in the information. Suddenly, the door to the exam rooms opened and she watched as a couple came out, finished with their exam. Buffy couldn't help the wave of jealousy that washed over her; this was so unfair. Here she was, single, pregnant and accompanied by her best friend for her first pre-natal visit. While these women had caring, loving husbands with them. It was wrong on so many levels.

Holding back tears which had suddenly appeared Buffy sat back down with a plop.

“What's wrong?” Willow asked placing the magazine down in her lap.

“Nothing, Wills, I just want to get this over with, like now,” Buffy finished, leaning back into her chair.

The two didn't have to wait long before a nurse called Buffy over. They were ushered through the door and down a hallway to a vacant examination room. The nurse instructed Buffy to sit on the examining table where she took her temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate.

After taking the Slayer's weight the nurse handed her a small sterile cup and a paper exam gown.

“We need a specimen from you. So wipe with these, “she said handing Buffy some wet wipes, “then pee in the cup. When you're finished just place the container on the sink, and Dr. Park will be with you in a moment,” she added before leaving the room.

Giving a small smile to Willow, Buffy headed into the bathroom. Emerging five minutes later, Buffy placed the cup down on the sink then hopped back up on the table.

“How are you holding up?” Willow asked, moving towards her best friend.

Buffy sighed slightly swinging her feet back and forth under the table.

“As good as I'll ever be. I just want to get this over with, so I can get on with my life.” Buffy couldn't fight off the nervousness she felt in the pit of her stomach; she really wanted to crawl under her blanket with Mr. Gordo and never come out.

There was a quick tap at the door and Doctor Park entered. She was friendly looking and, sensing no demon vibes, Buffy decided to relax just a bit. After a quick confirmation with another pregnancy test, Doctor Park started her exam on the Slayer.

“I'm Doctor Park, Buffy. I want you to try and be as relaxed as you can for me okay?”

“I can try, but I can't promise you anything,” Buffy replied with a nervous chuckle.

The doctor smiled kindly, but it still did nothing for Buffy's nerves. “I'll need you to lie back for me, then scoot your bottom to the end of the table,” she directed, grabbing a paper cover to drape over Buffy's lap.

With a deep breath Buffy did as instructed, and finding Willow by her side the Slayer took the witch's hand in hers. Doctor Park informed Buffy of every thing she did, and soon the exam was over. Buffy scooted back up into a sitting position.

“Well, Buffy from the look of things,” the doctor said, removing a small plastic wheel from her coat pocket, “you're about six weeks along. Everything looks and feels fine,” she finished with a smile.

Willow did a quick calculation in her head followed by an “Oh goddess.”

Well, that sealed it. Buffy was quite sure she could hear the faint shatter of her dreams. Buffy knew, deep down she knew, but she couldn't help trying for that final swipe at normal. The house with the white picket fence, three point five kids, and the nice normal husband. But now that vision, that ideal, was completely gone, swept under the carpet and adding to the wiggyness of her life.

After dressing Buffy went back to the waiting area were she found Willow flipping through a parenting magazine, tapping her foot to a tune only she could hear.

Making an appointment for the following month, Buffy was instructed to start taking pre-natal vitamins, and try to eat small, light meals throughout the day to cut down on the nausea.

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The ride back home was quiet, Buffy was waiting for Willow's questions but they never came. The witch must have been truly upset.

Willow was upset, but she was also confused. Oh, Buffy was pregnant, but hello... so not Riley's. Buffy was six weeks along, Riley had been gone longer than that. So Buffy had a secret Beau, who just happened to get her pregnant, and she was scared to tell him. 'But why hadn't she told me about her new man?' Willow thought, a small frown creasing her forehead.

The sun was starting to set as they turned onto a side street leading to 1630 Revello Drive. Swallowing the lump that formed in her throat, Willow pressed forward.

“Buffy, we're best friends right?” She looked at the petite blond beside her for confirmation of that fact. “Well, as best friends I thought we shared everything, but I'm guessing some things are best kept to oneself. I mean, you never told me you found someone new, and here I though you were crying over Riley. And then that brings me to him. How could you Buffy, how could you let me think it was his baby. Did you know?” Willow finished her rant placing her hands on her slender hips, silently sending a plea that Buffy wouldn't openly lie to her.

“First, yes, no, no, and no but with a possible wishful thinking.” Buffy smiled weakly, weaving her fingers together. God, she felt like such a jerk.

'Just great Buffy. Turn away the only one who knows about the baby and supports you.'

“It wasn't that I wanted to lead you astray, Wills, its... its just way complicated and I didn't think you'd understand,” Buffy finished, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

“Okay, well here I am, Willow all with the listening. So if the baby isn't Riley's, do you plan on sharing who the father?” Willow asked, hesitation in her voice.

Buffy continued to walk wrapping her arms around her chest. Willow stood there watching Buffy's retreating form then quickly jogged to catch up with the slayer. The two walked for some moments in silence as Buffy gathered her thoughts.

“Well... you have to promise, Wills, that you wont go all wiggy on me,” Buffy said, her eyes pleading for her friend's agreement.

'What could be more wiggy than Buffy expecting?' Willow wrinkled her brow in contemplation.

“No wigging, I promise,” Willow agreed, watching Buffy closely.

“Okay, good. Well see, you know that whole thing with my mom and being sick, when she had to stay over night at the hospital? Well, I was all bummed Buffy and I decided to be all mopey out back. So Spike sorta dropped by - why I have no idea. He's like some itch you scratch and scratch... but he never goes away. But that's so beside the point,” Buffy trailed off.

Willow stopped in mid stride, turning to face her friend.

“Buffy, what are you saying? Oh my, are you saying you and Spike, and the panting and the grabbing... and ... oh... OH!” Willow's eyes grew wide as saucers at the revelation and, she almost forgot to breathe for a moment.

'Okay, way more wiggy than Buffy just being pregnant!'

“Yeah, I know,” Buffy gave with a slight chuckle.

“Well that's something you don't hear every day. 'Hi, I'm pregnant by a vampire',” Willow giggled.

“Yup, he came, he saw, he conquered,” Willow added. Buffy got a puzzled look to her face.

“Wait, maybe it should be he saw, he conquered, he came,” Buffy remarked.

The two laughed but sobered quickly.

“Wonder how it even happen?” Willow wondered, wrinkling her brow.

“I have no idea, Wills. I mean hello, cold dead seed. It's supposed to be DEAD, not on stealth mode secretly impregnating unsuspecting ova.”

“Are you going to tell him?” Willow questioned looking at the ground as they walked.

“NO! I mean I thought about it and think it's better he doesn't know... ever,” Buffy replied with caution lacing her voice.

“But Buffy it's going to be kinda hard to hide it from him forever. You are going to keep it... aren't you?”

“I pretty much made up my mind on that part, so yeah. But I have so much to think about. I mean hey, slayer here, how am I supposed to slay with a baby. And who knows what kind of baby this will be, being half vampire. I just... I don't know,” the blonde ended with a frown.

Willow engulfed Buffy in a tight protective hug.

“Everything will be okay Buffy. I'm here no matter what.”

Buffy hugged Willow back nodding her head in agreement. But would things really be puppies and rainbows?

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I know some of you are wondering were is Spike. Well he's on his way, next chapter I promise.
 
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