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Title: Normality this is still part of the prologue
Author: Magrat
Ratings: R for use of language.
Spoilers: All of season 7 but especially Normal Again and Family for this part.
Feedback: Yes please
Disclaimer: Not mine I would have treated them better.
Thank you to my beta Beth for putting up with my increasingly insane ideas and helping me to sort them out; what would I do without you?

Normality prologue b


Tara and Dawn walked back from Joyces house; they had never seen their neighbor so excited, even last year when Buffy seemed to be well, there had been no suggestion that she would be coming home. They were looking forward to finally meeting her.

They reached the front door of the house and Tara turned her key in the door, she cocked her head when the alarm didnt go off. Dawn, we set the alarm before we left, didnt we?

Yeah, said Dawn catching the anxiety in Taras voice.

Tara pulled the gun she always had on her. Dawn, do you have your cell phone?

Uh-um, yeah said Dawn still shocked to see the pistol in her sisters hand; despite knowing she carried it.

Good, go back to Joyces and call Jitty, tell her to get here as fast as she can, whispered Tara her voice low and urgent.

Tara

Dawn, go now, do as youre told, said Tara in a whispered hiss.

Dawn reluctantly ran from her sister, pulling her cell phone out and dialing the number she had been ordered to.

*************

Tara crept through her house, her heart pounding, the gun wavering in her hand. She heard a small noise from the kitchen and quietly headed towards it. She could feel the cold sweat pouring down her neck. She threw open the kitchen door and tried to put on some attitude. P-put your h-hands where I can see themOh for gods sake Will what are you doing in my fridge?

Is that how you greet all your friends? Jesus, Tara you almost gave me a heart attack, said the young bleach-blonde English man, dressed all in black, his long leather coat reaching to the floor.

Taras knees sagged slightly with relief. William, you freak, what are you doing in my house?

Eating apple pie, said Will, pulling a plate from the fridge.

But why are you here, doesnt your uncle feed you and anyway I thought you had a date? asked Tara

I did, but, he stood me up for a night at the gym, shame he really had the tightest pair of buns

Tara raised her hands in mock surrender. No more please,

Will gave Tara a calculating look. Why are you walking about with a gun in your hand and wheres Dawn?

Tara looked panicked and pulled out her cell phone. Dawn, hey, its okay, it was only Will, could you apologize to Joyce and come home? Ill see you in few Sweetie.

You still havent answered my question, why the gun, whats going on love? Asked the young man.

I d-dont want

Hey, I know its bad if you start to stutter, cmon Tara tell me, Im supposed to be your best friend, said Will.

Donnie sent some threatening letters

Ill kill the bastard, said Will, his blue eyes hardening into cold sapphires. Have you told Jitty?

I d-d-d I d-didnt want to worry her

Isnt it her job? he objected and then stopped talking as he heard Dawn enter the house. Hey, shortie.

Dont call me that, Im almost as tall as you, said Dawn but with a smile.

They all looked round as they heard the sound of brakes screeching outside. Oh god, I forgot to call Jitty back, said Tara and then looking at Will. She is going to be so pissed with you.

Whats new? muttered Will. But Sweetie, I may have to drop you in it too.

You dare

He blew her a kiss as the doorbell rang.

Tara opened the door to a small Indian woman in her mid thirties, dressed in a cream linen trouser suit, with a crisp white silk shirt. Her shiny black hair was cut short, pixie style, into her face. Okay so no ones dead, whats happened?

N-nothing

Jitty walked into the house. Hey Dawnie, hows my favorite chess partner, still leading with your knight?

Dawn hugged the woman who she towered over for a couple of seconds.

Dawn, I dont mean to be rude, but I think I need to talk to your sister for a few moments.

Dawn shrugged and made for the stairs. Okay, I have some homework to do anyway. Youll say goodbye before you leave, right?

Of course, said Jitty and then waited until the teenager had gone before turning with a more serious face to Tara. Spill, what the hell is going on, your sister phones me to say you have gone into the house with a gun in your hand. Do you know how dangerous that is? Why didnt you phone the police? I was about to phone them myself, when Joyce reached me and said that apparently everything was okay.

I

She thought it was that bastard, brother of hers, said Will walking in from the kitchen.

Jitty kept her eyes on Tara and snapped out at her. And you thought this, why?

Hes b-been s-sending me letters again, said Tara her chin down not meeting Jittys eyes.

And you never mentioned it to me or brought the letters to me, why? Asked the smaller woman bristling with barely concealed anger.

I d-didnt want to b-bother you, said Tara.

Jitty put her hand on Taras arm and guided her through to the living room and sat her on the couch. Jitty sat on the edge of the chair opposite, holding onto to Taras hand. You never bother me Tara, except when you keep things from me. You know what happened the last time he turned up and I dont want to have Dawn and I visiting you in the hospital again.

I wont let him lay a finger on me again or go near Dawn, Id kill him first, said Tara through gritted teeth.

No, said Jitty. I gave you the gun to make sure you are protected, if you carry on with that attitude Ill make sure your license is revoked, do you understand me? Think of Dawn, your Mom wanted you to look after her; its not worth throwing away everything youve achieved on that bastard. Ill deal with him. Its my job. Do you still have the letters?

Tara nodded.

Okay, can you find them for me and Ill have a word with his and your Dads attorney, remind them about the restraining order we have on him. Tara when anything happens like this you must tell me. I know you are independent, but Im not just your attorney, Im your friend too.

I know, Im sorry. I justwanted to prove I could handle things, said Tara.

Oh Honey, handle things? All the things youve done since you were 18, look after your sister, get your degree, hold down a job and run a house. Youve done amazing but remember you have people you can turn to, even him, said Jitty motioning towards Will.

Hey, said the young Englishman. And she told me before you.

Whatever, can you get those letters for me? Asked Jitty.

Sure there in my room, said Tara. Ill go get them.

Jitty waited until Tara had left. Will, can you crash here, say for a few weeks, just tell Tara youve had a fight with your uncle or something. I dont want her left on her own and you pass for a man, welltechnically.

Hey, didnt they teach you manners at law school, said Will bristling slightly and then relenting. Yeah, Ill stay, the grubs better here anyway.

Tara came in letters in hand. Im sorry, for making you come over.

Dont worry kiddo, said Jitty. You saved me from listening to my Mom going on about my brothers wedding all night. You and Dawn are still coming and saving me from a million relatives I dont know?

Tara smiled and nodded. We wouldnt miss it for the world.

Dont I get an invite? Asked Will pouting.

No, but I dont suppose that will stop you from turning up, just try not to seduce the best man, said Jitty with just a hint of threat. Im just going to go say goodbye to Dawn and then head home. Are we still on for Friday night?

Yeah, said Tara. Ill get the pizzas.

And make sure you get some decent films this time, said Will.

Jitty gave him a dirty look and then gave Tara hug. Ill see you Friday. Ill phone you when Ive spoken to their attorney. She headed up the stairs to Dawn.

***********

Willow sat curled up on the sofa, ice cream in hand watching TV in a comfortable silence with Xander. They had been friends for so long that they could just sit and chill out.

They both jumped as the front door of their apartment was slammed shut and Fred stormed into the room flinging her books into the corner of the room.

Willow looked at Xander raising her eyebrows. So the tutoring sessions with the Dowlings havent improved then.

I quit, said Fred dolefully. I told their Mom where she could stick her jobs before I murdered her brats. She flopped down on the sofa by Willow and took the ice cream from her. Im gonna have to put my name back down with the University to get another tutoring job.

Take your time, said Xander. We can cover your share of the rent for a while, right Will?

No problem, said Willow giving Fred a reassuring smile.

You guys are so sweet, said Fred smiling. But Ive saved some money up, so Im good for now.

TBC