Background ~ If you haven't read the first two in the series
('Evolution' and 'The Story Goes On') or you just have a really bad memory,
here's what's happened so far. Buffy turned 25 and found out she had been
relieved of her sacred duty and replaced by a new slayer. She moved to LA to
start a new life. Angel helped some gypsies and they anchored his soul. He and
Buffy got back together. Faith is out of prison and working for Angel. She and
Gunn are a couple and she is pregnant. Cordelia is married to a successful
Hollywood scriptwriter named John. Xander has twin sons and a girlfriend named
Natasha. Giles is married to a much younger woman. Willow and Oz are both dead
and their souls reunited on the ethereal plane. Wesley is still Wesley. And if
I've forgotten anything vital then sorry!
Disclaimer ~ I'll say it very slowly and clearly for the
benefit of the lawyers (who we all know are a bit dim – no offence!) – I
don't own any of them. Satisfied?
'Sunnydale, 2 miles' the familiar sign leapt out at
Buffy. She couldn't believe it had been nearly a year since she had been to the
town she had called her home for so long. She was glad to be going back, but
also nervous. It was strange, how quickly things changed, she no longer felt as
though she belonged in Sunnydale anymore. Everything looked the same and yet it
was unfamiliar. Even stranger was the reason she was making the return visit.
Xander was getting married. A part of her still couldn't quite believe it.
Marriage was such an adult, responsible thing to do. Something she couldn't
quite reconcile with the Xander she remembered making schoolboy jokes about
Principal Snyder or living in his parents' basement.
She knew Xander had changed. That he now was mature and
responsible. He had twin sons and a respectable job. He had been with the same
woman, Natasha, for three years and so it was only natural that they would take
the next step and get married. It didn't stop Buffy being amazed by it all,
though. She felt something she'd been feeling a lot recently – old. She looked
over at Angel in the driving seat next to her and smiled. If she felt old at 25
(26 in a couple of days, she thought involuntarily) then how must Angel
be feeling when he was…She squeezed her eyes closed trying to do the mental arithmetic.
Did he count his age going from the year he was born or from the year he was
turned? She gave up trying to work it out; it was all far too complicated.
She turned her mind to more trivial matters twisting
around in her seat to check if Cordelia and her husband John were still
following close behind. They were. Buffy gave a small wave in their direction,
which Cordelia returned lazily. John was too busy concentrating on the road and
not losing sight of Angel's black convertible. He had never been to Sunnydale
before, so was unsure of the route. He was looking forward to going there,
though, both for the opportunity to learn more about Cordy's life and friends
before she met him and the chance to experience the feeling of being above a
genuine Hellmouth. Buffy had laughed at him for this. She pointed out that it
was only demons that could feel the supernatural vibrations given out by the
Hellmouth and that the vast majority of Sunnydale's population had no idea of
the goings on beneath their feet. John had looked disappointed at this, but it
had barely served to dampen his enthusiasm about the whole trip.
Buffy had to admit to herself that she too was excited.
She hadn't seen Xander or Giles for ages and it would be nice to meet Natasha
again. She was also looking forward to going to the wedding. She had only been
to one such occasion before and that was when Giles got married, but because of
his age and the unconventionality of the match (his new wife was much younger
than him) it was a very small affair. Xander and Natasha's big day promised to
be a lot more elaborate and Buffy had enjoyed several Cordelia-chaperoned
shopping trips in order to find the perfect outfit for the event.
She had been surprised when the invitation had come
through the mail two months earlier and mildly annoyed that it specified 'Buffy
Summers and Guest'. She thought that after all these years Xander would have
been able to put aside his dislike of Angel and actually put the vampire's name
on the invitation. After all if Xander knew where she was living now then he
must have known about her and Angel's involvement. Buffy smiled to herself. She
often felt her thoughts were on a cycle. No matter what topic she started off thinking
about her mind always led her back to Angel. Not that it was a bad place to
be, she mused, quietly admiring his strong profile as he drove.
Angel had been reluctant to come at first. He had
reasoned that Xander didn't want him there, the two of them had never got along
very well, so he didn't want to cause unnecessary trouble. It was Xander's
wedding day, he had argued, so Xander should be allowed to decide who should be
in attendance. Besides, Angel had pointed out, it was a daylight ceremony so he
wouldn't be able to go to that either. And somebody needed to stay behind and
look after the business. Faith was in her eighth month of pregnancy, so
couldn't work and Gunn was preoccupied with looking after her. But Buffy had
remained steadfast. She was not going unless he came with her. They were a
couple now and that meant doing things like this together and if Xander had a
problem with it then that was his problem. Angel could still attend the
reception and the pre-wedding party that they were headed to this evening and
Wesley was staying behind in LA to look after things. Eventually she had worn
Angel down and he had agreed to come.
She felt the car slow to a stop and realised that they
had reached their destination, Sunnydale's only respectable motel, where they
would be staying and where Xander and Natasha were holding tonight's party. She
reached over and squeezed Angel's knee, knowing he was not looking forward to
this evening and wanting to reassure him. He turned and regarded her with those
soulful eyes of his that she felt could see straight into her heart. She
blushed under his scrutiny.
"Time to go in." She leant towards him and spoke in a
whisper.
He shifted his position as she had, closing the small gap
between them and then lowering his lips to hers. "Just another minute." He
murmured in an equally low voice and kissed her.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Cordelia had mixed feelings about returning to Sunnydale.
The town reminded her of a part of her life she'd rather forget. It wasn't that
she didn't have happy times there; she had lots. None of them involving
Hellmouth-related activity she recalled bitterly, but certainly she had enjoyed
herself in Sunnydale. Nevertheless, she still felt that her life hadn't begun
properly until she moved to LA. This is when she had realised who she really
was, had finally been able to set aside the act she had putting on to impress
and just be herself. The whole of her life in Sunnydale now felt just like one
big lie.
For
a start she had been rich, which according to the IRS her family certainly
wasn't supposed to be. So, that had been a lie. Then there were the airs and
graces she had put on in order to hang with the popular crowd. In fact she had
hated all those people whose friendship had seemed so important at the time.
They were just shallow and empty-headed. Not that Cordelia wasn't shallow, she
could do shallow with the best of them, it was just occasionally she wanted to
talk about something other than shoes. And she had lived in fear of losing her
popularity, which she now realised was not even worth having in the first
place, so she couldn't even spend time with the few people whose friendship she
really wanted – Buffy and her gang. She had felt compelled to insult and berate
them when all she had ever wanted was to be a part of their group.
Cordelia
remembered all this sadly, which surprised even herself. It was not like her to
dwell on the less positive aspects of life. Too many years of dealing with evil
and death had taught her to look on the bright side of things; the alternative
was simply to sink into a deep pit of despair. And bitter experience had taught
Cordy to avoid pits of every shape and form. She looked around the streets of
Sunnydale trying to dredge up happy memories. They passed the country club
where she had been crowned queen of their Spring Ball. There was the Bronze (or
what used to be the Bronze anyway, it was now a trendy coffee house, which
Cordelia resolved she must visit during their trip), she been to lots of
parties there. Then there on the corner was the movie theatre where she and
Xander had spent countless hours in the back row, not watching the movie.
She
smiled fondly. Xander. It would be good to see him again. If only to find out
if he was still as much of an ass as he was in high school. And she was also
insanely curious about the woman he was marrying. Not that she was at all
jealous. After all she was married to an incredibly gorgeous, talented, not to
mention rich, Hollywood scriptwriter, remember? She just attributed this
terrific interest in Xander's future wife down to her natural nosiness. Plus,
there was the fact that she needed some gossip to report back to Faith and
Wesley.
They
pulled into the car park of the motel and parked alongside Angel's car.
Cordelia leapt out of the sixth month old Mercedes her husband was currently
driving, eager to go inside to the party. She rolled her eyes. Buffy and Angel
were sucking face in the front seat of his convertible.
"Don't
you two ever come up for air?" She moaned.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Xander surveyed the guests at the party. They all seemed
to be having a good time he was pleased to note. But, hey, I always throw
the best parties, Xander thought to himself, then struggled to remember a
single occasion when he had played the host. But all that was about to change,
he knew. He still couldn't believe he was getting married. Marriage was
something old people did. He wasn't old, was he? His life resembled that of an
adult – kids, house, car, responsible job, soon to be wife currently trying to
keep his parents away from the bar – but he still didn't feel all that grown
up. He supposed he never really would. Nobody ever did. They just pretended
they did. Started discussing politics and actually reading the whole newspaper
not just looking at the cartoons and the sports section then began dressing in
cardigans and nice comfortable slippers (Xander was determined he wouldn't let
things get that far, even Giles hadn't sunk that low).
But however immature Xander felt he knew one thing. He
loved Natasha with all of his heart and that was why he was determined to marry
her, no matter how terrifying the prospect was. He watched his fiancée cross
the room towards him and grinned broadly at the sight. She was so beautiful.
She had shoulder length, curly auburn hair and bright green eyes that sparkled
with good humour. She was petite and slender and moved with a dancer's grace
and poise. Xander didn't know why she loved him back and was afraid to even ask
for fear of spoiling things.
He
woke up every morning feeling privileged just to be in her presence. Then one
weekend she went to visit her parents. Xander woke up to find the other side of
the bed empty and panic overtook him. He knew right at that moment that he
didn't want to spend another night of his life without her and the single
second she had got back he had asked her to marry him. She had accepted
immediately and it was only at the engagement party the realisation of what he had
done hit Xander. He had had to sit down abruptly during the speech his future
father-in-law was giving to congratulate them both.
The
next few months had been a whirlwind of guest lists and invitations and dress
fittings and function-bookings and present buying and rehearsal dinners. They
had decided to have the wedding in Sunnydale for the benefit of Xander's
parents. Relationships in that sector were still a little fraught and they felt
the gesture might bring the family closer together. There had been so much
planning to do that Xander had barely had a chance to think twice about his
proposal again. In some ways he was glad of it. He worried that if he thought
too long about what he was doing his petty fears might get the better of him
and he'd do something incredibly stupid. Xander lived in fear of his own
stupidity messing up his relationship with Natasha. After all, it had happened
before.
As
if on cue, Cordelia walked through the door, hanging graciously off the arm of
her far too picture perfect husband. She was still as stunningly beautiful as
she had ever been, Xander registered. He suddenly realised how much he
regretted losing contact with Cordelia over the years. She may have been
shallow and annoying but she was always entertaining and he had missed their
regular trading of insults. He felt the warm, soft presence of Natasha at his
elbow and turned to kiss the top of her forehead. However much he wished things
had worked out differently with Cordy, that at least they had remained friends,
life still carried on. People changed and feelings changed. And more often than
not, things turned out for the better.
Buffy
and Angel followed in behind Cordelia and John. They were holding hands
affectionately. Speaking of things turning out for the better, Xander
thought. He had known Buffy would bring Deadboy. In fact, he had to admit to
himself, he was almost glad that she had. He had missed Angel's name off the
invitation in a fit of adolescent pettiness. He since regretted the decision,
realising that he had been trying to resurrect a past resentment that he no
longer felt. His previous ill will towards Angel had stemmed from his jealousy
over Angel's relationship with Buffy. He no longer had any romantic feelings
towards Buffy, thus there was no reason for him to continue his dislike of
Angel. Similarly, he had nothing more to fear from Angelus, because Angel's
soul was now bound. And if Buffy, whom Angel had hurt the most during his
soulless period, could forgive him then so should Xander be able to.
Now
this was all very well in theory, but when presented with the vampire in the
flesh (or as close to flesh as a 250 year old mythical being could get), Xander
had to use all his self-control not fall back into old habits and sneer at
Angel, completing the welcome with some condescending remark. Instead he
greeted Cordelia and John politely, then went over to kiss Buffy on the cheek
and shake Angel's hand.
"Good
to see you again." Xander addressed the vampire, struggling to make the
sentiment sound genuine.
"Likewise."
Angel replied, his usual deadpan delivery masking whatever feeling might be
behind the words.
"Everybody,
this is my fiancée, Natasha." Xander made the introductions.
Buffy,
who had met Natasha before, was first to step forward. She hugged the other
woman. "It's great to see you again." She said.
"You
must be Angel." Natasha turned to him. They shook hands. "Wow, cold hands!"
Natasha exclaimed.
Angel
looked embarrassed. "I have a circulation problem." He tried to explain.
"Yeah,
in that you have none." Xander quipped, winning himself several vicious glares.
"It's OK." Xander clarified. "Tasha knows. I had to tell her about all this
stuff, before she agreed to have our wedding here. Just so if our reception is
crashed by a bunch of Hellhounds, she appreciates why." He made an oblique
reference to the chaos that nearly befell their senior prom in high school.
"If
me being here is a problem for you I can leave." Angel addressed Natasha. "I
know some people - well most people, actually - aren't comfortable with what I
am." He added awkwardly.
"No
you can stay." Natasha reassured him hurriedly. "I don't mind. I guess I'm just
going to have to get used to these things." She turned to Buffy. "Xander told
me about you being the slayer as well." She paused. "Just as long as you don't
do anything…supernatural…in front of the guests, then I'm OK with it." She
looked nervous.
Buffy
smiled at her. "We'll behave, we promise."
Natasha
turned her attention to the other couple that had just arrived. "And I'm
guessing you're Cordelia." She received a nod of acquisition from the brunette.
"You're exactly as Xander described you." She drew Cordelia into a hug.
"Congratulations."
Cordelia said, quietly enough for only the other woman to hear. "Xander's a
great guy. You'll be very happy together."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Angel wrapped his arms around Buffy's slender waist,
wanting to keep her close to him for support and reassurance. He had become
much better at dealing with social situations since Cordelia had insisted on
dragging him along to so many, but being expected to socialise with a room full
of strangers still made him nervous. For nearly 150 years humans had just
existed for his sustenance and to play roles in his twisted little mind games.
Then when he got his soul back he couldn't even look at a human without seeing
in their face echoes of his previous victims, so he had avoided all contact
with people and come to resent them for all the love and joy in their lives
that he could never have.
Meeting Buffy had changed his perspective entirely. She
was the first human he had met in over 200 years that spoke to his soul not the
demon inside him. When he looked at her he saw her heart, not just the blood
that pumped through it. Now he had many more friends, none of whom he could
ever dream of regarding as a prospective meal, but sadly the same was not
always true for strangers. Angel may have vowed never to bite a single person
ever again, but his demonic side still screamed at him to do so. And what
people didn't understand was that his vampire's senses made him aware of every
heartbeat. And when he stood in a crowded room he could feel the pounding of
each person present's pulse. The scent of blood was overpowering, as was the
desire to remove himself from the temptation as quickly and completely as
possible.
But Angel understood that if he wanted to lead a life in
anyway resembling that of a human's - in other words, if he wanted love and
friendship and all those other little things that connected him with humanity –
then he would have to learn to deal with situations like this. Each one he
coped through made him stronger and gave him more power to resist his own
demonic urges. However, knowing all this didn't make the party any easier for
him to deal with and neither did it make the experience any less unpleasant.
So, he clung tightly to Buffy, her mere presence being enough to lift the
weight of at least some of the guilt and darkness pressing down on his soul.
He had already got over one hurdle of the evening –
meeting with Xander again after so many years. Angel was grateful for the
younger man's graciousness, he had been expecting hostility and awkwardness. However,
Xander had surprised him. The former class clown had matured substantially.
Xander might have still disliked Angel but at least he had grown enough as a
person to keep this feeling to himself, instead of making it blinding obvious.
Angel was determined to make an effort to keep things civil between them. He
grudgingly acknowledged that the previous animosity between him and Xander had
not all been on the younger man's side. Angel was as much to blame for their
poor relationship as Xander was.
Angel
was over two centuries old; he should have been mature enough to be able to
deal with an adolescent boy's jealousy and insecurity. Instead he had let
Xander's constant berating of both him and his and Buffy's relationship get to
him. The truth was that Xander had made Angel feel inadequate. Xander's harsh
words had voiced Angel's own private fears. He was a vampire, there was no way
he was good enough for Buffy. She deserved much better than a cruel and evil
monster like him. Instead of dealing with those fears, however, he had blamed
Xander for highlighting them. He had thrown his closeness with Buffy in
Xander's face, knowing the boy had a crush on the slayer. Then he had made
things worse by sinking to Xander's level and trading petty insults with him. This
time would be different, though, Angel vowed. He was determined to make his
amends with Xander, for Buffy's sake, if nothing else.
"…we're
very proud of course. Xander is such a lovely young man. Him and Natasha make a
lovely couple, don't you think?"
Angel
tuned back into his surroundings and realised that Natasha's mother was
expecting a reply to her question. He reluctantly opened his mouth to speak,
not having a clue what would come out of it, but fortunately Buffy had got
there first and to his relief was already answering the other woman.
"Oh,
yes. I'm sure they'll be very happy together." Buffy said politely and Angel
marvelled at her patience. He had stopped paying attention to the conversation
ten minutes ago, but then he never had been one for small talk.
"May
I ask, how do you two know Xander?"
Angel
caught a calculating edge to the woman's voice and began to take more of an
interest.
"Oh,
we went to high school together." Buffy answered for herself, deliberately
omitting any mention of Angel.
"So,
did you and he used to date?"
Angel
raised his eyebrows and tried not to look amused. So, that's what she's up
to, he thought. The woman was seeking out any possible competition for her
daughter in Xander's affections. Though why she couldn't just go up to all the
female guests and ask them 'Do you have designs on my future son-in-law?' he
didn't know.
"Me
and Xander? Hardly." Buffy sounded incredulous, then realised she had overdone
the effect as a frown crossed the older woman's face. "You see, I was already
dating Angel then." She tried to explain.
"Oh,
so you're childhood sweethearts!" Came the enthusiastic reply. "That is so
cute!" She called across the room. "Bill, honey, come meet Buffy and Angel.
They've been together since high school!"
Angel
tightened his grip on Buffy's waist and rested his chin on the top of her head.
Only two more hours to go then we can be out of here, he thought
steadfastly.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Oh my God! Giles!" Cordelia's shriek attracted the attention
of nearly all the guests on her side of the room. She enveloped the former
watcher in an enthusiastic hug. "I thought you were dead, or something."
"It's nice to see you again too, Cordelia." Giles
muttered, extraditing himself from her embrace.
"This is my husband, John Carmichael. He's a Hollywood
scriptwriter." She announced proudly. "You might have seen some of his films."
"I don't really go to the movies much." Giles tried to be
diplomatic, as he never heard of the man before.
"Oh, I forgot." Cordy replied dismissively. "You're old
and boring." She turned to her husband. "John, this is Giles. He used to be
Buffy's watcher."
The two men shook hands. "I thought Wesley was Buffy's
watcher." John asked.
"Oh, he was. Wesley was appointed after they fired
Giles." Cordelia responded. "I'm sure I told you that story."
"Well, John doesn't want to hear it again, I'm sure."
Giles interjected quickly, getting sacked from the council had not been his
finest moment and he didn't want to get into a big discussion about it now.
"So, how have you been Cordelia?"
"Great! I'm still working for Angel. I kind of have to,
you know, what with the skull splitting visions I still get." She grimaced. "I
mean, if I'm going to be in excruciating pain on at least a weekly basis, then
I may as well get paid for it, right? Not that we need the money." She added
quickly. "Especially not the pittance Angel pays. Hey! Have you caught up with
him and Buffy yet?"
"Yes," Giles nodded. "They're quite the couple, aren't
they?"
"You can say that again." Natasha spoke, as she and
Xander joined the conversation. "They're like wild cats."
"Yeah, I can see that, honey, what with all their fur and
stuff." Xander joked.
Natasha rolled her eyes at him. "No, what I mean is,
they're so gentle and relaxed with each other." The group all turned to study
Angel and Buffy across the room. Angel reached over to straighten Buffy's hair
and she batted his hand away playfully. He assumed a mock hurt expression and
she laughed, leaning up to kiss him lightly. "But, behind the seemingly
innocent exterior, they're both dangerous. They're predators. It just reminds
me of seeing the lions at the zoo. They just look like big cuddly cats but do
anything to endanger their mate, then they'll tear you to pieces."
There was silence as the group processed the truth behind
her words.
"You'll have to excuse my darling fiancée." Xander
laughed awkwardly. "She has some funny ideas sometimes. She's a writer."
John's ears pricked up at this. "Really? What kind of
writing do you do?" He asked Natasha.
"Children's books." She blushed. "I haven't had anything
published. It's just a hobby of mine."
With that John and Natasha began discussing the ins and
outs of getting a novel published and the others soon lost interest.
"She's right you know." Cordelia commented. "About Buffy
and Angel. It's like they're mated for life, or something." She shivered.
"Freaky."
"Yes, it is rather incredible." Giles agreed. "When were
together when Buffy was in high school, I just thought it would be a
short-lived thing. Some exciting forbidden love affair. Just another of Buffy's
ways of rebelling against convention and authority. But, I think they've proved
their feelings run a bit deeper than that."
"They're really in it for the long haul." Cordelia
confirmed.
"Except the haul is going to be considerably longer for
Angel than for Buffy." Xander had to point out the negative side as usual.
"Hmm, yes." Giles thought about this. "How do you think
Angel's going to cope when she's gone?"
"He won't." Cordelia said with frightening certainty.
Giles and Xander looked at her questioningly. "Do you really think he'll last
one day without her?" She clarified. "He kill himself as soon as she dies.
After all, it isn't all too difficult for a vampire to achieve. He just needs
the sun." She smiled sadly. "There's no such thing as a happy ending, is
there?"
Xander took her hand and returned the smile. "At least we
still get to have happy middles."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After
the party Buffy and Angel decided to take a walk around the town. As they lived
out most of their existence at night, it was still early to them and there was
plenty of time for a trip down memory lane before bed. They strolled hand in
hand through the deserted streets, mostly in silence, concentrating on their
own private recollections. But here and there Buffy would smile then stop and
recount a particular story that a certain place reminded her of. Some of these
tales Angel remembered well enough, others he had heard Buffy speak about from
college and later. Some were entirely new to him – a painful reminder of the
seven years they had been apart from one another.
When
they reached the high school, which had long since been rebuilt after Buffy
blew it up, she just stopped and stared. All the memories came flooding back.
Feeling lost and lonely when she first arrived there. Meeting Willow and Xander
and making two of the best friends she could ever hope to have. Falling in love
with Angel. Dying at the master's hand. Partying at the Bronze. Fight, after
fight, after fight. Angel giving her the Claddagh ring. Their fated night
together. Angelus. Ms Calendar. Kendra's death. Sending Angel to Hell. Running
away. The Christmas Angel tried to kill himself. Giles' betrayal of her on her
eighteenth birthday. Faith turning evil. Graduation. The Mayor's ascension.
Angel leaving.
Her
mind began to spin and her thoughts became darker and darker. Oz leaving
Sunnydale. Maggie Walsh of the Initiative trying to kill her. Faith awakening
from her coma. Fighting Adam. Her mother getting sick. Riley's betrayal of her.
Glory. Her mother's funeral. Anya being turned back into a demon. Xander
running out of town. The years of loneliness, of slaying alone, without the
support of friends or lovers. Hearing of Willow's death. Then later of Oz's.
She
broke down and began to cry, as suddenly the assault of memories on her
conscious was too much to bear. Angel took her into his arms and she sobbed
quietly against his chest. Her tears having a cathartic effect as she finally
let go of the past. In moving to LA she had been running away from her history,
now she was facing it and acknowledging that it couldn't hurt her anymore. She
had a new life now and a new future. Glad as she was to be leaving the bad
memories behind it saddened her to also be leaving the happy ones. And it was
those she cried for now. She wept for the laughter she had shared with her
friends, for the love and loyalty she had found in them and for the good times
they had had together that could now never be repeated. Finally, her tears dried
and she smiled up at Angel.
"How
about a walk in the cemetery?" Buffy suggested. "For old times sake."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She ran and ran. Feet pounding on the concrete path,
every footfall jarring her body, her lungs burning. She was exhausted and felt
on the point of collapse. Her head spun and blood from a cut to her temple
dripped into her eyes and threatened to obscure her vision. She wanted more
than anything to stop and rest but she knew if she stopped now then she would
never run another step ever again.
There had been five or six of them, all armed with
weapons other than their fangs. Too many to fight alone, so she had chosen the
only other possible option. To run. But they had given chase. They seemed to
find it amusing. The proverbial pursuit of their prey. She supposed the hunt
just made the kill even sweeter. To stop now meant death, so she kept on
running.
She
led them towards the cemetery. This was familiar ground to her and it was
likely to be deserted at this time of night, so it reduced the risk of any
bystanders getting involved. She was just thinking this when she saw a couple
in the near distance. They were leaning against a gravestone, kissing. She
groaned internally, she had led the vampires straight to them. Her watcher
would kill her, she thought before remembering. Tears pricked her eyes and she
found new reserves of strength. She was not going to let them murder anyone
else. She pondered her options. The couple had noticed her now – let's face
it its hard to miss a teenage girl hotfooting it through a graveyard at one
o'clock in the morning, she thought. She would just have to run past them
and hope that the vampires kept following her and did not try to move on to
some easier prey.
She
glanced back over her shoulder to see how far ahead of her pursuers she was.
The sight worried her; they were only about 20 yards behind her now. Suddenly
her foot hit a bump in the paving that she had been too busy looking behind to
see. She felt herself flying through the air then landing with a jolt on the
hard ground. The rough concrete grazed her cheek and she struggled to force air
back into her lungs, as the impact of the fall had taken most of her breath
away. The earth reverberated with the sound of approaching footfalls and she
lay still, waiting for the vampire attack that would surely kill her. But it
never came.
She
twisted around to see what was happening. The couple she had seen earlier had
now separated and were facing off against the group of vampires, their bodies
identically tensed in a defensive stance. Their faces were both completely
calm, neither showed a hint of fear and she noticed something very familiar
about the woman. The thing that surprised her most, however, was the vampires'
reaction to the couple's show of defiance. The gang of vamps had stopped in
their tracks and were beginning to retreat. Even though they out numbered their
opponents two-to-one (and that was including herself in the equation, the young
slayer registered) it was they who were afraid of engaging in battle.
"Leave
now and we'll let you." The woman commanded in an eerily calm voice. "Cause us
or the girl anymore trouble and you're all dust."
The
vampires didn't need telling twice. They ran off in the direction they had
come, glad to be escaping with their unlives intact.
The
woman rushed over, helping the slayer to her feet. "Are you alright?" The woman
asked.
She
nodded and was just about to thank her rescuers when she noticed something
strange about the man, who had not spoken yet. An aura of power radiated from
him and he had the most intense eyes. She knew instantly that he was the
vampire. Fear overtook her again and she shook the woman's hand off her arm
then proceeded to run for her life for the second time that evening.
"Cassandra!
Wait!" The woman called after her and she wondered how the stranger had known
her name. The only explanation she could think of was that the couple were
after her themselves. She tried to increase her pace but exhaustion and pain
from her earlier fall, meant she could not run all that fast. The woman soon
caught up with her and grabbed hold of her arm. Her grip was strong and
effectively stopped Cassandra in her tracks.
"It's
OK, we want to help you." The woman insisted. "Don't you remember me? I'm Buffy.
I used to be the slayer here."
Cassandra
gazed into the woman's eyes, which looked slightly red-rimmed, she noticed
irrelevantly, and realised why she looked so familiar. She was the former slayer,
they had met before when Cassandra had first been called to Sunnydale and Buffy
had wanted to help show her the ropes. Cassandra had flatly refused her offer
and regretted it now, as judging from the vampires' reactions this evening
Buffy was obviously very good at her job. That doesn't change the fact she
was kissing a vampire, though, Cassandra reminded herself.
"I
remember you." She said with hostility. "Now please let me go."
Buffy
released the girl's arm. "What was all that about? Why were so many of them
after you?" She asked.
"Why
should I tell you anything?" Cassandra answered impetuously.
Buffy
sighed, she recognised the same attitude from her youth. "Because we can help
you."
"Who,
you and the vampire?" Came the sarcastic reply.
"Angel's
on our side." Buffy said gently. "He may be a vampire but he has a soul. Please
don't be afraid, he won't hurt you."
Cassandra
eyed the couple suspiciously. Buffy was the former slayer, she reasoned, and
they had just saved her life. Plus, she needed all the help she could get right
now. "How do I know I can trust you?" She asked.
The
vampire answered. "You don't." He said simply. "And we can't help you if you
won't let us. Now you're free to go but we'll follow you home, make sure you
get there safely. Tomorrow ask your watcher about us. He'll confirm everything
we've told you is true."
"I
can't." Tears sprung to the young slayer's eyes. "I can't ask my watcher,
because he's dead. That same group of vampires killed him."
Buffy
put a reassuring arm around Cassandra. Her first watcher had also been killed
and she remembered all to well what a distressing experience was. "Tell us what
happened."
"There's
a new Master in town." Cassandra gulped the information out between sobs. "He's
trying to reopen the Hellmouth."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The whole gang were gathered together in Giles' living
room. Buffy felt strange, displaced. It was almost like old times, but not. For
a start it was a different mixture of people, there were the obvious additions of
John, Natasha and Cassandra, but it was also odd to see Cordelia and Angel at
Giles' when she associated them both so much with LA. She also felt keenly the
absence of certain friends, namely Willow and Oz, she also even missed Anya a
little, she was amused to realise. There was one positive difference, however,
Giles' new wife had provided snacks for the occasion, which the group had
fallen upon like vultures.
Buffy had arranged the meeting immediately upon hearing about
the new Master in Sunnydale. It was clear that Cassandra could not cope with
the threat alone, especially with her watcher dead, so it was time to mobilise
the troops. She frowned at her use of the analogy, a legacy from her time with
Riley she supposed. Cassandra had taken the day off school to be there, which
initially Giles had been very opposed to, until he had been reminded that her
time was being spent constructively preventing an apocalypse. Now the
non-veterans of Hellmouth activity were nervously exchanging small talk, before
the real discussion began.
"So, I'm finally getting an insight into how Xander
misspent his youth." Natasha joked. "And there I was thinking he was just your
average delinquent."
"Nothing average about growing up in Sunnydale." Cordelia
answered only half in jest.
"I guess this going to be an action packed trip, after
all." John tried not to sound too excited.
"Yeah, and here was I thinking that we could be in an out
of here. No slayage involved. Should have known better, right?" Buffy sounded
depressed.
"And I guess my bachelor party's pretty much cancelled
now." Xander tried to lighten the mood. "I wonder if strippers give refunds?"
Natasha just glared at him.
Giles stumbled into the room, struggling with the weight
of several large books. He deposited them on the coffee table, eliciting a loud
'thump' and a large cloud of dust. He removed his glasses and started to clean
them. "Now we should start. Cassandra…" Everyone turned to look at the young
girl and she hugged her knees to her chest shyly. "What do you know about the
new Master?"
"Not much." She replied in a small voice. "I brought my
watcher's diary if that will help." She handed over a slim volume to Giles who
took it gratefully. "I know the Master calls himself Zeus and that he's very
powerful. He seems to have all the vampires in town working for him. They've
started hunting in packs now and co-ordinating their efforts. It makes them
much more difficult to fight." She stopped, feeling self-conscious as she
realised all the people in the room were hanging on her every word.
Giles turned to Angel. "Have you heard of a vampire that
goes by the name of Zeus?" He asked.
Angel shook his head. He was puzzled, as a master vampire
himself he thought he would have known all the candidates for a new master in
Sunnydale. To reach that level of power the vampire must be quite old, so the
chances were Angel had met him sometime during his spell as Angelus. But the
name Zeus held no significance for him, apart from its obvious association with
Greek mythology. He voiced some of his thoughts out loud. "This vampire must
have a pretty high opinion of himself to assume the title 'Zeus'." He remarked.
The rest of the room, less well informed of ancient myths
and legends looked puzzled, so Giles elaborated. "Zeus was the most powerful of
all the Greek Gods. He was their ruler and all of the other's were subordinate
to him."
"So the guy's got an inflated ego." Xander said
dismissively. "A quick poke in the heart with a stake by Buffy will soon take
care of that."
"The religious connotations are also interesting." Giles
mused. "This vampire obviously thinks himself to be above humans or in some way
purer than them, perhaps because of his lack of a soul. He believes he should
be worshipped."
"Maybe, maybe not." Angel countered. "Vampires tend to
have a fascination with all types of religion. They fear God, so naming
themselves after religious icons is their way of snubbing Him."
"Uh, you should know Angel." Cordelia pointed out.
"OK, guys can we stop with the name game and just
concentrate on finding and killing this thing." Buffy interjected.
"An excellent plan, which I would like to give my full
support to." Announced Xander.
"Right then Giles, work your magic with the dusty old
books. Then we can take out this Zeus guy and I can get on with enjoying my few
days away from work." Buffy concluded the matter.
Several hours and three more platefuls of snacks later,
they were none the wiser as to the whereabouts of the new master or how to kill
him. Giles had studied Cassandra's watcher's diary intently and they had tried
mapping all the places where there had been vamp attacks in recent weeks, to
see if they could spot a pattern suggestive of where the Master had his lair.
But they had noticed nothing significant. They had gone through all of Giles'
books and had not found a single reference to a vampire named Zeus. John and
Natasha had become increasingly bored – demon hunting was obviously not as exciting
as they had imagined it to be – and Cassandra was beginning to wish she had
gone to school instead.
Cordelia threw down the book she had been trawling
through. "I officially give up!" She announced. "It's like this guy doesn't
exist."
Angel narrowed his eyes, as he considered Cordelia's
remark. She often managed to hit on answer inadvertently. "You may be right
there, Cordelia." He said thoughtfully.
Cassandra's anger flared. "You think I made this up! You
calling me a liar?"
"No." Angel tried to pacify her. "You're telling the
truth, there's a new Master in town, it's just his name that bothers me. I
should have heard of him. The key definitely lies in the name."
"I thought we were going to drop the psychoanalysis and
concentrate on the much more practical plan of seeking and destroying." Xander
quipped then mentally kicked himself. He was supposed to be giving Angel a
break not a hard time. It was just easy to slip back into old habits, he
reasoned.
"Well, as we're not having much success with that, why
don't we give Angel's theory some mileage?" Buffy said coldly and Xander felt
even worse about his remark.
"Right then, what do we know about Zeus?" Giles attempted
to diffuse some of the tension in the room.
"He was the head honcho of the Greek Gods?" Cordelia
suggested.
"Yes, though I don't think the Greeks used that exact
term." Giles replied. "What else?"
"He lived on top of Mount Olympus." Natasha put forward,
trying to be helpful.
"That's it!" Cassandra cried.
"Did I get it? Really?" Natasha sounded surprised.
The group all turned their attention to Cassandra who
explained. "There's a new sports stadium on the edge of town. Called 'The
Olympus'. I think it was built over the top of some caves. That must be where
he has his lair. And I chased a vampire back there a couple of weeks ago. He
was only a fledgling, so I didn't think it important at the time."
"So, the name is significant. This guy's idea of a
joke." Buffy remarked.
"Now we know where he is, we have to work out what to do
next." Angel pointed out.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A plan decided upon, they set out at dusk. Cassandra had
made the appropriate excuses to her parents, something about studying for a
test all evening and Xander had reluctantly agreed to forego his intended
bachelor party. John and Natasha stayed behind at Giles' as they were
unaccustomed to battles. Cordelia and Xander were armed with crossbows and they
would take out any vamps that managed to escape the lair. Giles brought the necessary
supplies to stop the ritual that opened the Hellmouth. Angel carried an axe and
wore a determined expression on his face. Both the slayers had their stakes.
They piled into two cars to travel across town. Buffy and Cassandra riding with
Angel, Cordelia and Xander travelling with Giles.
Cassandra picked up on Buffy's tense and nervous
demeanour. She was bothered by this. Last night in the cemetery the older
slayer had been so calm and relaxed. Everything Cassandra had heard about Buffy
suggested that she was highly accomplished and experienced at slaying, so she
must have fought in many battles like this one and probably some a lot worse.
Why then did she seem to be so worried? When she had a chance to speak to Buffy
alone, she asked her about it. Cassandra felt an instinctive bond with the
other slayer and trusted her already, even if she was still a little unsure
about Buffy's relationship with the vampire.
Buffy smiled sadly upon hearing Cassandra's question. She
didn't want to unduly worry the young girl, but thought Cassandra still
deserved the truth. "When I was about your age," she began to explain. "I had
to fight the last Master of Sunnydale. He killed me."
Cassandra gasped, then looked confused. "But how…?"
"My heart just stopped for a while." Buffy elaborated.
"Xander managed to restart it with CPR. It was still pretty frightening,
though. I was actually dead for a time. Major wiggins."
"What?" Cassandra puzzled over Buffy's use of slang, but
she just waved away the younger girl's question.
"You don't have to worry." Buffy reassured Cassandra. "My
death was prophesised. You should be OK. We'll get you through the battle."
"You and Angel?" Cassandra asked nervously.
"Yeah," Buffy answered. "He's a pretty useful guy to have
around in a fight."
"You two are an item, right?"
Buffy nodded. "You can't choose who you fall in love
with." She touched the other slayer's shoulder. "Remember that - it'll save you
a lot of heartache in the long run."
Angel strolled over. "Ready?"
Buffy kissed him briefly on the lips then nodded.
Cassandra also gave her assent and they headed towards the cave mouth and their
confrontation with the Master.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Angel stumbled out of the cave. The battle had been long
and brutal. He had recognised the new Master, a particularly evil and twisted
old vampire Angel had once encountered in Rome. The Master had also known him
and had invited Angelus to join his side. Angel had instead made his intentions
to do exactly the opposite very clear by slaying several of the Masters
minions. After this the fight had begun in earnest. Cassandra had protected
Giles whilst the former watcher performed his spell to prevent the ritual to
open the Hellmouth being completed. Angel had been impressed by the strength
and skill of the young slayer. She was a worthy replacement for Buffy, he had
concluded. With the correct guidance Cassandra had the potential to become very
successful at her calling.
With the Hellmouth being taken care of Angel and Buffy
had turned their attentions to the Master. Angel had dealt with the many
vampires there to protect their leader, whilst Buffy had fought the Master
herself. Angel had sensed this was Buffy's fight. Even though she had defeated
the previous Master who had been responsible for drowning her Angel knew that
the experience of dying still bothered her. He hoped that by killing the new
Master she could finally lay those old, painful memories to rest. She had been
successful in her fight and the Master was soon dust. However, some of his
minions still survived and their attacks upon the warriors were becoming
increasingly brutal and desperate. Angel, distracted by staking a vampire that
was about to sink its fangs into Cassandra, received a sword wound to his chest.
Seconds away from being decapitated by a vampire's sword, he was instead saved
by Xander firing a crossbow bolt into the offending vampire's heart. Xander had
then come over and helped Angel up, ushering him out of the cave and to safety.
A couple of minutes later the rest of the gang followed
out into the night air. Buffy rushed over and fell into his arms, each of them
needing reassurance that the other was all right. After checking Angel's wound
wasn't too serious Buffy turned to Cassandra and hugged the younger girl,
congratulating her on the way she handled herself in the fight. Even Cordelia
and Xander embraced, glad they had both come through the battle safely. Before
they set off on the journey back to Giles' Angel caught Xander's attention.
"I wanted to thank you for saving my life back there." He
told the younger man.
Xander looked embarrassed. "Hey, man, no problem."
"Yeah well, thanks all the same. You were pretty handy
with that crossbow."
"Lots of practice, you know." Xander grinned.
The two men shook hands. Angel was pleased. He still had
a long way to go with Xander before they could call themselves friends, but at
least relations between them were now civil. Xander was a good man; he just had
a tendency to wear his heart on his sleeve. He had continued to be an excellent
friend to Buffy, even though it was painfully clear that he wanted so much more
from her, and Angel respected that. He also respected Xander and new deep down
that the boy respected him in return. They would never be best buddies, but as
long as they could be alone in a room together without World War Three breaking
out then that was good enough for Angel. He nodded to Xander and left to join
Buffy in the car.
Angel noticed with some trepidation that Cordelia was
sitting in the driving seat of his classic convertible. He was about to object
when he considered the alternatives. He was in too much pain from his injury to
drive safely and Buffy, even though she had finally got her license three years
ago, had never really mastered the art of driving. He reluctantly handed over
the keys to a thrilled Cordelia and, exhausted, climbed in the backseat next to
Buffy. The two lovers leant against one another, sharing their unspoken relief
that the night was finally over.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Xander awoke to find himself on Giles' hard living room
floor. You'd think the guy could have least splashed out for carpeting,
he thought sleepily. He felt a soft stirring at his side and turned his head to
see Natasha sleeping peacefully next to him. He remembered his vow never to
wake a single morning without her and silently renewed it. He slipped out from
underneath the blanket that was covering them both, taking extra care not to
disturb his fiancée. He stretched then surveyed the rest of the room.
They had arrived back at Giles' just before sunrise to
find Natasha, John and Giles' wife Marie waiting nervously for their return.
Once the tale of the battle had been recounted and it was determined that all
the fighters got through it safely, everyone had simply crashed on Giles'
floor, too tired to bother going anywhere else to sleep. Cassandra was asleep
on the sofa and Buffy and Angel were cocooned together in the opposite corner
of the room. Cordelia and John had managed to lay claim to Giles' spare room
and Xander was still wondering how that had happened. After all it was him and
Natasha that were supposed to be getting married the next day.
His mind ticked over slowly. His thought processes were
always laboured in the mornings. The next day, he mused. If yesterday
they were getting married tomorrow then tomorrow was now today and –
"Arrghhhhh!!" Xander let out a panicked cry.
Angel was first to react, then Buffy, their heightened
reflexes dragging them immediately out of sleep.
"What's wrong?" Buffy asked anxiously.
"Honey?" Natasha's voice called out drowsily.
"I hate to worry you all but it's eleven o' clock in the
morning." Xander announced.
"So?" Angel asked.
"So, Natasha and I are supposed to be getting married in
three hours time!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It had been a close call but they had made it. After
Xander's announcement the whole household had erupted in panic, with the
notable exception of Angel who wasn't going to the wedding and who couldn't
panic even if he tried. Even Cassandra was rushing around. She had been granted
an honorary invitation to the ceremony and had to hurry home to find something
to wear. Natasha left first. She had already missed her appointment at the
hairdressers, so Cordelia went with her to sort out her hair and make-up.
Buffy, once breakfasted, joined them. The men were less bothered by the
lateness of the hour. All except Xander who kept having intermittent panic attacks.
John went with him to pick up the tuxedo he had hired for the day and by half
past one in the afternoon a smartly dressed and considerably calmer Xander had
arrived at the park where the wedding was to be held.
It was a beautiful occasion. Natasha looked stunning in
her elegant, ivory silk gown. She had declined to wear the traditional veil,
preferring simply to place a few flowers in her hair. The couple's twin sons
also took part in the ceremony. They were dressed identically in little tuxes
of their own and toddled up the aisle after their mother, escorted by their
grandparents. Natasha and Xander had written their own vows, which they read
out to one another. As they spoke of the love they shared that would never die
Buffy felt tears come to her eyes. She was so proud of Xander for the success
he had made of his life and so glad he had found Natasha to share it with. She
looked over at Cordelia and noticed the other woman was crying too. Buffy
clasped hold of Cordy's hand and took a moment to wonder how amazing it was
that even in all the evil and violence of the world love could still blossom.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Buffy stood nursing a glass of champagne by the bar at
the reception. The sun had just set, so Angel would be arriving soon, but for
now she missed his presence keenly. Natasha and Xander's affirmation of love
that afternoon had made her think of her own relationship with Angel. She
believed that they were truly soul mates and when they were apart she felt as
though a piece of her was missing. She looked around the room. The band was
playing and all the couples had taken the floor for a slow dance. She watched
Xander and Natasha swaying in each other's arms. Natasha had her head on his
shoulder and Xander was whispering into her ear. She looked up into his eyes
and laughed softly. They kissed.
Buffy smiled to
herself. The happiness that radiated from the couple was catching. She sipped
at her champagne and silently declared her return to Sunnydale a resounding
success. Admittedly, she could have done without the unscheduled detour to
avert the apocalypse, but what did you expect from the only town in the
northern hemisphere that boasted its own Hellmouth? At least she had gotten the
chance to get to know the new slayer, and from what she had seen of Cassandra
Buffy really liked her. The young girl had spirit and determination. She would
make a great success of herself. The death of her watcher had been a setback,
clearly, but Buffy had suggested that Cassandra ask Giles to take over the
role. She sensed that since she had moved to LA Giles had been missing her
company and the role he played in her slaying. He would jump at the chance to
help Cassandra and as far as Buffy was concerned there was no better person the
new slayer could find to do the job.
Buffy sighed. It'll be nice to go home tomorrow,
she thought. Then she wondered when she had started thinking of LA as home. For
so many years Sunnydale had been where she felt she belonged, where she was
needed. Maybe that was the difference, she decided. Now she knew that she
wasn't needed in Sunnydale, that the town would be safe in the capable hands of
Cassandra, she could finally let go of the place. Tomorrow she would leave and
she wouldn't look back.
She felt strong arms sneak around her waist from behind. Angel.
He had managed to creep up on her again. She twisted round in his embrace and
caught his lips in a long slow kiss.
"How did it go?" He asked when they had broken off the
kiss.
"Great." Buffy replied softly. "It was really beautiful."
"They look happy." Angel motioned his head towards the
couple still on the dance floor.
"They are." Buffy leant her head against Angel's chest
and closed her eyes, thinking for a moment. Then she looked up at him and
planted a crooked half smile on her face. "Maybe we should get married." She
suggested in a tone light enough to pass of as a joke, should Angel hate the
idea.
He leant down and kissed her lightly on the lips. "It
would be nice." He told her and Buffy's heart leapt. "But, we can't exactly
legally get married, because I don't think they issue marriage licenses to
people who've been dead over 200 years."
"Oh." Buffy had forgotten about this technicality.
Angel traced his finger along her jaw line. "Don't be
disappointed." He smiled shyly. "In my heart and my mind you're as much my wife
as you could ever be if we had a thousand pieces of paper declaring it."
Tears began to prick at Buffy's eyes for the second time
that day. She held Angel's gaze and smiled. "And I suppose we have the matching
rings already." She took Angel's hand in hers and brought it to her lips,
kissing the Claddagh he wore there, in the same way she had done the night she
first discovered the significance of the ring.
"I love you." She whispered.
"Do you really?" Angel asked her with a smile.
"I do."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The end of the evening neared and Xander and Natasha were
preparing to leave for their Honeymoon. A week in New York, with Natasha's parents
looking after the kids. The couple were just bidding goodbye to their guests.
Cordelia's eye caught Xander's across the room. He walked over to her and
clasped her hands in his, before drawing her into a hug. When they broke apart
Cordelia realised she was crying. She wiped the tears away, embarrassed.
"You OK?" Xander asked.
"Fine. I always cry at weddings." She made a joke of it,
indicating Xander should drop the subject. "Congratulations." She smiled.
"Natasha's wonderful. You'll be very happy together."
"You really like her?" Xander sounded anxious. Even after
all these years Cordelia's opinion still mattered to him.
"Yes." Cordy said firmly. "She's funny, warm, intelligent
and she loves you a lot. I can't think why though."
"It's 'cause I'm irresistible that's why."
Cordelia just laughed.
"John's a great guy too." Xander offered.
"I know." There followed a silence between them.
"I missed you." Xander told her quietly.
"I missed you too." Cordelia admitted. "Don't let's lose
touch again."
"It's a promise." He squeezed her hand.
"You know I still have much better fashion sense than
her." She told him as he walked away. He grinned back.
Cordy leant against the wall. However happy she was with
John - and she was, really, she reminded herself - Xander would always hold a
special place in her heart. He had been her first proper love (Well, the
first guy I didn't just date because he was cute and his father owned a Ferrari,
she amended) and first loves never died, right? You just had to look at how
nuts Buffy was over Angel to see that.
She watched Angel and Buffy walk over to Xander to say
their congratulations and goodbyes. Buffy hugged Xander and kissed him warmly
on the cheek. Angel shook hands with him. Those two seem to be getting on
much better, she thought. Her vision blurred and she closed her eyes on the
scene. Too much champagne, she decided. She was starting to get a
headache from it already. It was the bubbles; they went straight to her head.
She blinked a couple of times and her vision cleared, but everything seemed so
far away. And the sound had become distorted, slower somehow – voices deepened
and merged together and the band played out of tune.
She stumbled forwards, suddenly recognising the symptoms
preceding one of her visions. Then the vision itself was upon her. Pain flashed
light lightning through her head then spread down her body to her stomach.
Images danced before her eyes. Blood. A familiar face twisted in agony. She
heard screams and was unsure as to whether they belonged to the vision or were
her own. She vaguely registered a hand gripping her elbow in support, then the
vision passed and she collapsed into the nearest pair of open arms.
When the pain had receded enough to allow her to open her
eyes she looked up into the concerned face of Angel. Her lips struggled to form
the words. "F-Faith." She managed to gasp out. "She's…in…trouble. The baby."
Some of the haze of pain cleared from her mind and she could think more
clearly. "We have to get back to LA!"
THE END – To be continued…
A/N ~ Yeah, I know I'm a
cruel, sadistic bitch to leave it there, but what can I say? I'm evil. I do
want to reform, though, so I'll try and get the next part to you as soon as
possible. Forgive me? J As always any comments or suggestions are
gratefully received. I appreciate all your reviews and try to listen to what
you say in them. And if you're really enthusiastic you can email me at Laura@dmitchell92.fsnet.co.uk
and that way I'll try to get back to you. Thanks for reading!