Flashlights when we're falling into the night

Ducky thought Xander might be physically ill. He had called the police department hours ago.

First, it was about his so-called uncle. Xander found a fright in the online public records. There was a warrant out for his arrest. Of course, it was petty stuff, mainly drugs.

Then as night wore on, into the next day and Joey didn't show up..Xander could hardly get ready for work. He didn't get much studying, either. After awhile, he read books to Dakota as they waited to hear something. Joey wasn't picking up on his phone.

Ducky called the problem in. They didn't know if he was with Sid or not.

"Well, you're not going to work." Neither was he. Suddenly, it felt they were putting their life on hold.

Had it all ended tragic? Or was Joey out there somewhere, happy as an idiot on the back of some biker's bike?

Ducky made breakfast and they did get Dakota off to school. Xander took a nap on the couch.

He knew Xander was expecting the worst.

Something was so dreadful in the air, but the sun came out and the chill wore off. It was definitely spring.

About two in the afternoon, a knock came to the door. Of course, Xander jumped to get it. Ducky only yawned.

There was a dark haired girl, and she was with Joey.

Ducky drew a frown. This couldn't be good.

"I don't know if you remember me." She started in how she used to work with Joey at the library. Finally, she said she was Henry's adopted sister.

"Yeah,.. yeah.." Xander looked relieved to know the connection. He was friends with Henry and Josie, and he remembered her from some dinner last year.

Everyone settled in the livingroom. Joey was being awful quiet.

Ducky wondered if she was just another girlfriend of Joey's or what. Of course, if Vada hadn't been there..it might have been a yelling match.