Ducky & Xander

Xander and Ducky arrived late to Mae's Ugly Sweater party. He was a little worried about leaving Joey, home alone with Dakota. Joey was so bummed out. Xander hated to bring it up to Ducky, since Ducky thought Xander worried too much about Joey.

So Xander kept mum, trying not to think about the look on Joey's face when Corina left with that guy Howie. Hopefully, Joey would snap out of it. He said he'd wrap Christmas gifts, but Xander seriously doubted this.

He'd left with Joey vegging on the couch with a bowl of popcorn. Hopefully, Dakota would watch after him. Really, Xander didn't want to be here.

"Why are you worried about him?" Ducky watched the party with Xander. They were both drinking diet drinks.

"I'm not really worried about him." Xander decided. "I feel bad, leaving Dakota there, with him."

"You, don't even trust him." Ducky shook his head, they would be home within the hour.

"But-what if we're not- what if.." Xander suddenly felt he shouldn't be here, as if something really bad was going to happen.

Ducky sighed as if Xander needed to let this go.

Mae came by with a tray of goodies. Ducky took his time, deciding. Meanwhile, she introduced Xander to some pregnant girl named Minnie. Finally, Xander found Sheena with her boyfriend.

Actually, he suddenly felt better about the holidays. Why would they even worry about Joey?

Ducky picked something, on a cracker. He was still looking at it, unsure he wanted to bite into it. Mae went on to some others who were standing around, not really dancing to the classic Frank Sinatra Christmas music.

People were talking quietly. That's when Xander heard the tray hit the floor. Appetizers flew everywhere. He turned to see Mae holding her lower stomach. She was in horrifoc pain.

Xander went to her. Ducky jumped into action, but Minnie got there first. It was as if she knew what was happening.