Episode 3 - Fathers and Daughters
ACT ONE
INT. GILES' APARTMENT - DAY
Christopher is sitting on a couch, completely relaxed.
Buffy is sitting on a chair opposite him. She looks
nervous and uncomfortable. An awkward beat.
Giles enters from the kitchen, carrying cup of tea and
a bottle of beer. He hands the bottle to Christopher.
GILES
I'm afraid this is the only thing I
have. Not much of a beer man
myself..
CHRISTOPHER
(toasting with the bottle)
When in Rome..
He takes a swig. Giles sits down.
CHRISTOPHER
(to Buffy)
Before we start, The Council wishes
me to send you their condolences for
your loss.
GILES
Very hearftelt, Yes.
CHRISTOPHER
We understand that with the loss of
your mother, certain financial
issues have arisen. To that end, The
Council is willing to step in and
pay you a monthly gratuity for as
long as you remain the slayer. It
won't be much, but it will be enough
to maintain you and your sister.
BUFFY
I wouldn't have to sell the house?
CHRISTOPHER
No.
Buffy looks at Giles, relief on her face. Christopher
notices the exchange.
GILES
And, what exactly do you expect from
her in return?
CHRISTOPHER
Nothing. She is, after all, working
for the Council. We need her focused
on her duties.
GILES
And you are here because..?
CHRISTOPHER
Hard as it is to believe Rupert, but
they sent me here to learn from you.
They seem to be grooming me to be
the next watcher in line and they
thought it would be prudent for me
to gain some practical experience.
(looking at Buffy)
To observe the famous slayer from
Sunnydale and her infamous watcher
at work.
BUFFY
So, you're not here to..
CHRISTOPHER
No. I wouldn't dream of breaking up
such an effective partnership.
Besides, I know I have much yet to
learn from Rupert.
(to Buffy)
Did you know that he was my mentor,
back when he and I were in England,
before he became your Watcher?
BUFFY
(loosening up)
In England? Giles isn't exactly Mr
Disclosure when it comes to his
personal history. But I'd betcha
that he was the same old Giles back
in merry England.
(to Giles)
I mean, you couldn't get any more
English if you tried, could ya
Giles?
Christopher laughs.
CHRISTOPHER
Well, I wouldn't bet on that. People
change. It's the nature of things.
He and Giles share a look, not exactly hostile but not
warm either. Giles goes to the kitchen
ANGLE : GILES
in the kitchen, putting his cup away. There is a look
of concern on his face.
BUFFY (O.S.)
So, aren't you kinda young to be a
watcher?
INT. ROCKET CAFE - DAY
Willow and Tara are sitting at a table, having
breakfast. Tara is lost in thought, not eating. Willow
looks at Tara with concern.
WILLOW
Not hungry? It's your favourite. I
snuck it in special from that place
down the street.
TARA
It's delicious.
(taking a bite)
It's really sweet of you.
WILLOW
You don't have to finish it, I mean,
if you don't have an appetite.
TARA
Sweetie, it's okay. It's the bestest
birthday breakfast ever.
Consoling smile from Willow. Tara takes a few more
bites but it's obvious she has a lot on her mind.
WILLOW
Thinking about your Dad?
TARA
I just wonder why he's here?
WILLOW
Maybe he just wants to, you know,
spend some time with you on your
birthday. Maybe that's all it is.
TARA
Or maybe he wants something from me.
He wouldn't come all the way down
here if he didn't want something.
WILLOW
Well, maybe you shouldn't see him
then, I mean, after the way he has
treated you. I could go tell him
that you didn't want to.
TARA
I couldn't do that. I mean, he's
still my Dad. I should at least hear
him out.
Willow nods slightly, understanding.
TARA
(wistful)
Things weren't always so bad at
home, you know?. My Mom used to tell
me how happy she and my dad were,
when they first met, when they had
me. It's just that, I don't remember
any of it.
Willow takes Tara's hand.
TARA
I've only ever seen him angry.. or
dissapointed.
A silent beat as Tara stares into the distance.
TARA
(snapping out of it)
But maybe you're right. Maybe he
just wants to come over on my
birthday to tell me everything's
okay, that he's sorry, that he
understands. It could happen, right?
Willow gives Tara a comforting smile, not answering.
Tara takes one more bite, looks down at her empty
plate and then back up to Willow.
TARA
See. All done.
EXT. SUNNYDALE CAMPUS - DAY
Hidden in trees, we see the old woman and the two
creatures spying on Willow and Tara at the cafe.
OLD WOMAN
What a pretty pair. Pretty pair. But
too strong. Together, too strong.
(to the creatures)
Too strong for you two, yes. Keep
you safe.
She looks back at Willow and Tara
OLD WOMAN
If I still had my powers. My powers
which they took from me. Dirty
witches. Filthy Witches.
(to the creatures)
But no matter. Mother will find a
way. Always a way.
EXT. GILES' CAR - DAY
Giles is driving Buffy to the Magic Box.
BUFFY
God! That's a relief. No more money
worries for Buffy.
GILES
Yes, that was generous of them.
BUFFY
I mean, finally! Something positive
coming out of my association with
the Council.
Giles gives Buffy a little look.
BUFFY
(catching the look)
I mean, besides meeting you, of
course. I totally praise the day
they decided to send you over the
Big Blue to become my Watcher. I
should send them a card to thank
them. Does Hallmark make a card for
that?
GILES
Yes, thank you Buffy. A little
effusive but I appreciate the
sentiment.
BUFFY
I'm just happy that we get to keep
the house, at least for the time
being. I mean, it's so big and so
impractical for two tiny Summers
girls but, I think Dawn really
wanted to stay there.
GILES
Well, I'm genuinely happy for both
of you.
Buffy smiles.
BUFFY
So, tell me more about Chris? You
knew him?
GILES
(a little reluctant)
Yes, a long time ago.
BUFFY
Well, spill! Were you guys friends
or something?
GILES
We were. As he told you, I was his
mentor back in England but things
were very different then.
BUFFY
So, you're not friends now? I mean..
GILES
Buffy, I do not wish to dwell on
this topic any further. I hope you
can respect people's privacy. There
are certain things that people do
not wish to share with strangers.
BUFFY
(hurt)
Oh.. sorry.
GILES
Buffy, I didn't mean.. I wasn't
talking about you and me. I just
meant that there are things about
Christopher, about his past, that
I'm sure he wishes to keep to
himself.
BUFFY
I understand. I'm putting my little
Buffy prodding stick away.
A beat. Giles continues driving.
BUFFY
But.. he's a good guy right? I mean,
he's on our side?
GILES
Well, we haven't seen each other for
years but yes, I believe so.
BUFFY
Can we trust him?
Giles does not answer. Buffy looks back at the road.
EXT. CAMPUS LAWN - DAY
Very green and filled with students, sitting on the
grass, playing, the usual stuff.
ANGLE : MR MACLAY
We see Mr. Maclay wandering around, looking very out
of place. He is searching for someone.
ANGLE : WILLOW AND TARA
who are sitting on the lawn, under a tree. Willow sees
Mr Maclay and tugs Tara on the arm, pointing him out.
They both stand up nervously, Tara approaching her
Dad.
TARA
Dad. Over here.
Mr Maclay sees Tara and heads over. Tara walks forward
to meet him. Willow follows but hangs back a little.
MR. MACLAY
There's my girl.
He goes to give Tara a hug but Tara pulls away,
looking down. Mr Maclay drops his arms back down. He
notices Willow.
MR. MACLAY
(to Willow)
You again. I don't believe we've
been formally introduced.
TARA
Dad. This is W-Willow.
Willow nods an acknowledgement but her body language
is a little negative; arms crossed, somewhat wary.
MR. MACLAY
So, you two are friends? I mean..
TARA
Dad. What are you doing here?
MR. MACLAY
It's your birthday Tara. Can't a
father come visit his daughter on
her twenty-first birthday?
TARA
But why? Why do you want to see me?
Are you t-trying to take me back
again?
MR. MACLAY
No Tara... Your place is at home
with your family but I know that
nothing I say or do will change your
mind. I know that I can't bring you
back.
TARA
Then why?
MR. MACLAY
I'm heading out East to see your
Aunt. Sunnydale was on my way so I
thought I'd stop by to see you, to
wish you a happy birthday.
Tara stares at her Dad, not quite believing his words.
MR. MACLAY
(off Tara's look)
I know that you're still angry at
me, for the lies..
TARA
Dad, you made me feel ugly and
worthless. I c-can't just forgive
you like that.
MR. MACLAY
I'm not asking for your forgiveness.
There were reasons.. It's not why
I'm here. Tara, I need for you to
understand..
TARA
What?
Mr Maclay looks at Tara but can't get the words out.
MR. MACLAY
Nothing. Listen, I've been
travelling all day and I'm a little
tired. Maybe we shouldn't do this
right now. I'll be in town for a
couple of days. We'll talk again?
TARA
Yes Sir.
Mr Maclay walks up to Tara and puts his hands on
Tara's arms. An awkward gesture.
MR. MACLAY
Enjoy your birthday Tara.
Mr Maclay exits. Tara looks on. Willow walks up to
Tara.
WILLOW
Are you okay?
TARA
I'm not sure. I still don't know why
he's here. I mean, if he's not
planning to take me back..
WILLOW
Maybe he just wants a chance to make
things right. Maybe, he finally sees
what a strong, beautiful and loving
daughter he has and he wants to show
you just how proud he is of you.
TARA
He's proud of me?
WILLOW
I'm sure he is. Just as proud as I
will always be of you.
They hold hands, smiling.
TARA
(lovingly)
How come she's with me?
WILLOW
Because she said Yes.
Another beat. Willow suddenly looks at her watch.
WILLOW
Oh! I'm late for class. Are you sure
you're okay? Cos, I could skip it.
TARA
(smiling)
I'm fine. Go.
WILLOW
Okay.
The campus lawn is now streaming with people going to
and from class. Tara pulls Willow closer to her and
whispers into her ear.
TARA
Love you.
WILLOW
(whispering back, smiling)
with an exclamation point.
They smile. Willow exits. Tara starts heading back to
her dorm room.
EXT. SUNNYDALE CAMPUS - DAY
We follow Tara as she turns a corner. Suddenly, a hand
reaches out and grabs Tara's arm.
CLOSE ON : OLD WOMAN
with her grey eyes, an evil smile, looking at Tara.
BLACKOUT
END OF ACT ONE
CONTINUE TO ACT TWO