First of all, I'd like to say that the paring I love most is Angel & Buffy. That said... this story just kind of came at me with the thought that may be one of us :) in my imaginary world could be a posibility for a different life that Angel could have with someone else. As always... I don't own Joss's characters.
Set sometime during Angel taking over Wolfram & Hart. Angel O'Connor, the CEO of the LA offices, being his full name. Using Ilona Costa Bianchi, the CEO of the Roman offices of Wolfram & Hart, and introducing her niece... my own creation of a character... Isis Elizabeth Callahan, Head of Special Operations Division. Oh and I'm not Italian so excuse my poor use of their language, I just wanted to add it make it more real and fun.
Angel was dreaming… he was walking somewhere in the desert. It was dusk, and the only thing that could be seen was a star shinning bright that seemed to call at him. He followed its direction aimlessly; suddenly… it seemed to come straight at him, and then stopped right before him…
A female's voice came from the shining ball of energy floating, "Warrior…" it called to him.
"Who are you? What… are you? Where am I?" He asked confused.
"You're asking the wrong questions?" the voice said.
"Really… well then what are the right questions?"
"You know what they are…" the voice continued.
"Look… I'm not for riddles, if you have something to tell me then say it…"
"For now…" the voice began, "all you need to know is that you've lived many lifetimes. More than any being is allowed… therefore, this century… will bring the opportunity for change, for choices, for loves, or destiny; bringing the possibility for a second chance at life with a soul mate." The voice whispered.
"What exactly does that mean…?" he questioned with hope.
"Be ready…" and with that… the star disappeared into thin air.
He woke puzzled, but pushed it aside and began his daily routine for work.
Wolfram & Hart, Rome Branch
Phone Rings.
"Special Projects Division, Elizabeth Callahan speaking…" answered Liza professionally.
"Isis amore… It's Ilona..."
"Of course it is… you're the only one that still calls me that," she smiled "I go by Liza now… Anyway, I'm surprised to hear from you. Wait… do you have bad news? It seems to be the only time we get to talk now."
Ilona laughed, "True cara mia, but not the case this time I have good news, was wondering if you can come to my ufficio or would you prefer to catch lunch later if it's comodo."
"Actually… now's a good time, I need a break anyway, be in your office in ten?"
"Sounds grande, no need to knock, just entrare when you're here, va vene?"
"Sounds good, ciao…"
"Ciao Tesoro."
Elizabeth went to go get updates from her staff down the hall past huge glass doors. They were all gathered around a big oval table looking at the floor plans for tonight.
"Hey guys, how are we doing, are we set for tonight?" She'd walked into a great room where sound proof windows controlled the noise commotion everywhere, there were separate sections for projects of weapons being tested, magic experiments being run, plans for new jobs and contracts, new recruits being trained, and demons being interviewed; you could hardly concentrate on the floor with all the chattering.
Her assistant Alessandro came up to her, "Yes Ms. Callahan, we have structured all possible scenarios for any security breach of tonight's Gala."
"Good," she smiled "okay well I'll be in a meeting with Ms. Bianchi on the top floor, shouldn't be long, but shall you need me, you know where to find me, I have my phone."
Alessandro answered "No worries, we'll be here."
She turned to walk and he just stared dazed after her. She'd been working for Wolfram & Hart three years now and three years, he had been in love with her but hadn't had it in him to tell her. Working by her side was enough to him though, at least for now.
Elizabeth took the elevator to her aunt's office, as the elevator moved up to the top floor, a smile spread across her face. She remembered how Alessandro always so sweet gave her that meaningful look you give someone you desire, she'd been glad that he had never professed his feelings because she didn't want to break his heart. A man romantically in her life was something she did not want, her career being what is most important.
The elevator stopped and she walked towards Ilona's office. She waved and smiled politely to those walking by, she always felt uncomfortable on this floor, to her, it felt like people didn't necessarily genuinely like her since she was the boss's niece. She came to a stop in front of her door, turned the door handle slowly and walked in.
"Isis! tesoro…" said Ilona excitedly, she got up from her desk to greet her with a kiss on each cheek.
"Zia Ilo…" Liza said equally excited and returned her affection "…feels like forever and we work in the same building." They laughed.
"I know, I know, the senior partners are always keeping me busy," Ilona gestured her to a seat as she took the one across from her , "allora, before we get down to why you're here, let's talk business… the plans for tonight's Gala, everything ready?"
"Of course…"smiled Liza triumphantly, "I went to go double check on that before I came to see you." She always felt the need to please her aunt so she'd be proud of her.
"Fantastico… I love that you're always on top of everything and I'm not just saying that because you're my niece." She added with a wink.
"Grazie…" she smiled shyly.
"By the way are you going to the Gala tonight?"
"I don't know aunt Ilo, you know I'm not much for the events, and Alessandro can manage without me."
Ilona gave her the disapproval look, but moved on. "Well… onto why asked you to come see me…" her expression turning serious, "I know that since the loss of your parents you have wanted to move away, but for some reason or another it hasn't been possible…"
Liza looked down at the remembrance of those sad memories of her parent's death, and then looked back up for her aunt's point. "…and from time to time you ask me if there are any job openings elsewhere, as if trying to find a reason to help push you out from Rome."
She continued to stare and listened intently, "well… there's been a job opening and if you're interested… the job's yours, the Wolfram & Hart branch of LA is looking to hire a Head of Special Projects and they need this person to start immediately." Ilona finished contently.
Liza gaped wide eyed "Really? Los Angeles?" she said shocked.
"That's right, what do you think? I know its short notice and usually I would say, sleep on it, but I was hoping to announce your promotion at the Gala tonight. Not to mention they want you to start Monday." Ilona went on, "So…"
"Wow that soon, but today's Friday!"
"I know…but I just heard and the only reason the position is being held open for your answer, is because the CEO from LA offered it to me personally remembering that I'd asked if he could hire someone for me."
"Yes… I'll do it." Liza said in a rush.
"Great… I'll call Angel and tell him you'll be on a plane first thing Sunday, and you'll need to be at the Gala tonight." Ilona said pleased.
"Angel? Angel O'Connor? Oh…okay…but…isn't he…"
"Yes Angel vampire with a soul Angel, he will be your boss and no, no doubts now go finish up in your office and I'll see you tonight 8 o'clock sharp. I'll send the limo to pick you up."
"But my work, my staff, my…"
"Don't worry, we'll probably leave Alessandro in charge since he's been your right hand and I'll have our services pack your apartment stuff and office files. They'll be there before you arrive, trust me." Ilona got up and gave Liza a tight hug.
"Wow…" sighed Liza.
"You're going to do grande, now go because I have a bunch of calls to make to be ready for tonight and your move."
Liza left the office in a daze, she wasn't sure that the entire fact that she had just agreed to move half way across the world had hit her. But in her mind, this much was true, she was as alone here as she would be there. The difference, she was going to be able to stop going around every corner without everything reminding her of her mother and father. She sighed and headed back for her office, she needed to start organizing what she was going to take and make sure she left things organized for Alessandro to take over.
Wolfram & Hart's Annual Gala Event
The limo pulled up to the curve by the main entrance, she hated attending events were media was involved for publicity, all this to promote the company being viewed as good and charitable business.
The door opened and a man in a tux approached the door and a white gloved hand was put in front of her to help her out of the limo. She placed her hand in his as she stepped out. She was wearing a strapless, pale-gold, long dress, made out of silk material that hugged every curve of her body. It loosened in a mermaid train at the knees; she wore gold, laced sandal shoes that could only be seen when she walked. Her reddish brown hair fell in waves of curls on her shoulders, and she was accessorized minimally with a family heirloom necklace and ring.
Suddenly she heard a man's voice ask, "May I be your escort tonight Ms. Callahan?"
Caught by surprise as she recognized the man's voice she hesitated, "Um... sure... I mean... yes, grazie Alessandro." She began to figure it's the last night she may spend with him at work so what could be the harm.
He smiled pleased with himself as they headed up the stairs to the main entrance together.
The photographers were snapping shots of everyone arriving and those that walked by, they called out…
"Ms Callahan…"
"Ms. Callahan…"
"Here…"
"Here… this way…"
"Could you pose this way…"
"Face this side, Ms. Callahan, Ms. Callahan...!" She turned, posed, and smiled; just as her aunt always told her she must do when coming to these kinds of events, but then again… her aunt loved the attention.
They finally reached the door and were greeted by the elegant ambience that this Gala brought every year. She was just beginning to take in all the beauty of it when her aunt interrupted.
"Tesoro Isis…" she waved from a distance approaching.
She waved back, "Zia Ilo… please! … At least call me Liza in front of everyone else…"
Ilo laughed, "Scusa mi… old habits die hard, who's your… oh dear is that you Alessandro?" She stared at the man accompanying her.
"Why… yes Ms. Bianchi, do I look that different from my work attire?" he joked.
"No… no… it's just, you look amazing…" she flirted.
"Grazie Ms. Bianchi, at least someone noticed…" he stared at Elizabeth.
"Oh… Alessandro, I'm sorry I'm not much to pay attention… I mean… I hadn't… you look…" she blushed.
"It's ok Ms. Callahan, I was just teasing…" they all laughed. "But I do have to say that you look stunning…"
Elizabeth took a look at her gown, "Grazie Alessandro…"
"We have good genes…" chimed Ilona smiling.
"Well can I get you some drinks ladies?" Alessandro offered.
"Champagne for the both of us, grazie Alessandro" Ilona answered.
"Scussi moi…" he vowed to them to excuse himself.
Once out of ear shot, Ilona inquired, "What have you given to that boy that you have him hypnotized?"
Liza smiled shyly, "Nothing aunt Ilo, but he has always been very caring of me, I don't think that I've let him on but…"
Ilona noticed Alessandro getting back with drinks, "We'll have to talk boys later; we have to make the rounds anyway, there are some people I want you to meet."
"Signore…" he handed them the drinks, they smiled their thanks. "To a grande successful Gala. Salute!" He raised his glass.
Ilo and Liza raised their glass to his, "Salute!"
"Salute!" They drank their champagne.
"Alessandro, if you don't mind I'm going to have to steal my niece away for business…"
"Of course not… gotta make the rounds I assume?"
"You know events are business…" she answered and led Liza away into the crowd.
Great, thought Liza, just her favorite thing… to socialize with a bunch of strange people that pretended to be good when they weren't. They walked around greeting people, making small talk, having conversation about work and meetings, and then suddenly she spotted two gentlemen staring at her whispering to each other. One was tall, lean, but muscular, dark skinned toned with a gorgeous smile. The other one was medium sized, not built but not skinny, attractive, with beautiful green colored eyes.
Ilona noticed, "Ah… fantastico they're here…"
"They who?" Liza questioned.
"Angel couldn't come to escort you back to LA himself, so he sent two of his most trusted and personal friends to accompany you…"
"Escort me? I don't need…"
"You didn't think I was just going to let you travel alone, did you?" She waved them to come over.
"Aren't you…"
"I won't be able to, but I will visit as soon as I can… to view your new home and office it will be amazing…" the gentlemen were approaching smiling at them.
"Mr. Gunn, Mr. Wyndam-Pryce, this is Ms. Elizabeth Callahan, my niece."
Liza smiled politely and extended her hand in greeting, while giving them a kiss on the cheek, "Pleasure to meet you gentlemen, you can call me Liza or Elizabeth, Ms. Callahan among friends sounds too proper."
Gunn and Wesley stared bedazzled by this young, beautiful woman before them, "Gunn… call me Gunn, mister makes me feel old, and the pleasure is all mine." He shook her hand and retuned the greeting.
"Ours…" Wesley added shaking her hand as well, "and please call me Wesley." Liza smiled politely.
"They didn't tell us the new Head of Special Projects was this beautiful…" Gunn admired her. She blushed at the compliment.
"Grazie…" she answered, "and thank you both, for the trouble of coming all the way out here to accompany me but it wasn't necessary."
"Of course it was…" Ilona answered.
Wesley added, "It was no trouble at all, we can't let a young woman travel alone on such a trip."
"Exactly…" added Gunn.
"As I said, thank you…" she grinned again in appreciation.
Ilona grabbed at Wesley's arm and began to lead them to the podium, "Announcements will begin soon…"
Gunn took the opportunity to be close to Elizabeth, "Liza… shall we join them?"
She looked around for Alessandro remembering that she had kind of agreed for him to be her escort, but thought it would probably be rude to refuse his manners, "We shall…" she took his arm as well.
Ilona took the stage to greet the crowd, "Welcome Signore e signori… to Rome's Wolfram & Hart's Annual Gala!" Everyone cheered and applauded. "To those who are already of our acquaintances, it's nice to see you, and to those who are new to the law firm, welcome. I'd like to begin our announcements by thanking Wolfram & Hart for giving us such a great event every year to make this fundraiser possible."
Cheers & Applause
"We also have two very special guests joining us that I would like to thank and that is Mr. Wyndam-Pryce and Mr. Gunn from our LA Branch, thank you for coming all the way out here it's an honor."
Claps were heard all around.
"And… also, we have an important promotion to announce, my niece, Ms. Elizabeth Callahan will be joining their team at LA's Wolfram & Hart Branch." They all clapped and began to congratulate her. "Congratulations darling…" she smiled at Liza, "Now let's enjoy the party…"
Alessandro spotted Liza being congratulated and headed towards her, he had had to step away and deal with some security issues and when he got back people were hugging her, congratulating her, and he didn't understand why. He noticed two gentlemen with her standing around like bodyguards and felt a surge of jealousy fill him.
He reached her, "Ms. Callahan, did I miss something?"
She smiled nervously, "Um… well… Ms. Bianchi just announced my promotion to LA's Wolfram & Hart Branch…"
"Yes we are quite thrilled for her to join our team…" Wesley added, "I'm Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, by the way, Head of the Mystical Research Division, pleasure to meet you." He extended his hand to Alessandro.
"Oh gosh… how rude of me… Alessandro is my assistant, Alessandro, Mr. Wyndam-Pryce and Mr. Gunn Head of the Legal Division." She introduced them.
He shook both of the men's hands, "Pleasure gentlemen…" he turned back to Liza, "uh well… congratulations on the big promotion." He gave her a hug and a kiss on each cheek.
"Grazie Alessandro…" She didn't know why but she felt really uncomfortable, it probably had to do with the fact that you could tell Alessandro was clearly surprised and bothered.
"I've gotta head back and deal some things that came up…" he said finding a reason to leave.
"Is something wrong, do I need to…?" Liza began concerned.
He interrupted her, "No… no… not at all, small things that I can take care of. Enjoy the party Ms. Callahan… you've earned it. Gentlemen…" he nodded his goodbye and walked away. He was so upset, tonight had been the night he had decided that he'd tell her how he felt, and now… she was leaving, and not just a couple of blocks or miles away, but across the world, and it broke his heart into little pieces. He couldn't bear the thought of continuing to escort her knowing she was leaving Rome and steeping out of his life forever.
Liza felt a shot of guilt pass through her, she knew he was upset. She'd been able to tell since the moment she placed her hand in his to get out of the vehicle, that he radiated a certain amount of expectation, like today was or might mean something.
"Everything okay?" asked Gunn.
"Oh… I apologize; just have a lot on my mind with the trip, the move, new job…" she answered.
"Of course, it's a lot to take… May I freshen up your drink?" Wesley asked.
"Si, grazie… I mean, yes… thank you…" she smiled, "Gonna have to learn to let go of that little Italian in me." They all giggled.
The rest of the night she spent it in the company of Gunn & Wesley, they made the rounds and got to business chat with other people. She was amazed at how much of a good time she was able to have with the both of them, she had thought that she may have had to excuse herself early to leave the boredom of the Gala, but ended up being one of the last ones to leave.