Chapter 7

2002

Buffy sat on her couch while reading through some of Spike's poetry. It was God awful but comforting at the same time. Some of the poems were really depressing but others were cheesy and full of love. They all brought a smile to Buffy's face.

The phone rang and Buffy ignored it while Dawn picked up. "Hello…oh my God, is it really you…how are you…oh…that sucks…yeah, yeah, she's right here!" Dawn lifted the phone from her ear and called Buffy over. "Buffy, phone."

"Take a message," Buffy said absentmindedly.

"It's Spike!" she said.

Buffy looked up with her eyes wide. She tossed the notebook aside and raced to reach the phone. "William?" she asked.

"Yeah, Pet, it's me."

"Oh my God, is it really you?"

"Funny, that's the same thing your sis said."

"William, I, I, I don't know what to say."

"Funny thing is me too. All I've been thinking about is getting a chance to talk to you and now I have no idea what to say."

"How much time to you have to talk?" she asked.

"Five minutes. I'd say 'bout four by now."

There was silence for a few seconds. "God, we are we wasting this precious time!" They both laughed. Then there was silence again. "William," she finally said, "I don't want to the conversation to turn all bad and stuff—"

"Then don't," Spike said.

"But there are some things we need to talk about."

"I know," Spike admitted, "And we'll talk. Just, not today."

"Will we get another chance? How long will I have to wait to hear you talk again?"

"A week," Spike admitted, "But please, let's not do this today. I know what I've done. I know you probably hate me."

"No, William, I could never hate you."

"That's good. That's what I need to hear. I don't know if I can get through this, Pet. I need your strength and your luv. I need to know that you'll be here for me, if only in spirit."

Buffy was silent.

"Pet?"

"I'm sorry Spike."

"No, I get it. You'll always love me, but you can't forgive me."

"It's not even that. It's just there's a lot we need to talk about. I'm not the girlfriend who's just going to sit around while her boyfriend's jail."

"Technically I'm in an institution," Spike corrected.

"This is no time for jokes, William. I'll be there for you, but in our next phone call we're going to have to talk. Not just all this lovey-dovey stuff. We need to have a serious talk."

"We will. But we only have a few minutes left. So tell me, how have you been holding up?"

"I want to give you hope so I won't answer that honestly. I'm perfect fine, though I do miss you. I'm confident I'll see you soon that that's what's keeping me together."

"And the real story is?"

"I poured a cup of java on Liam."

"That's my girl!"

They laughed again. "I got to go Buffy."

"So soon, but we just started talking."

"I know. But it was enough. It'll get me through this week."

"I'll wait by the phone."

"Please don't. Next Sunday at oneish is when I'll call."

"Alright, I love you."

"You too, Luv." Then there was a click.

Buffy looked over at Dawn who had been watching the whole phone call. "So?" Dawn asked.

Buffy stared at Dawn blankly. "I have absolutely no idea."


A/N: Review please! :D