Buffy smiled over at Willow who was patiently waiting for her in the bookshop as she paid for the last of her things. She felt out of place here, but she was happy to see her friend in her element. Willow was happy here, she had finally been able to grieve her relationship with Oz and college was a fresh start for her. Buffy however was miserable, she had been all Summer. Everytime she thought of Oz her chest constricted and it took all her inner strength to hold back her tears. She was relieved that no one had asked her any questions about it, everyone had just assumed it was an Angel thing and she gladly let them. It was easier this way.
Willow was excited, college was her playground. Life centred around academia here, there was even a Wicca group on campus. She was attending it's first meeting of the semester tonight. She was hoping the group would be an opportunity to develop her magic further. Willow smiled over at Buffy who was paying for her books. Willow's smile faltered a little. She could see Buffy was still in pain, she had tried to help but Buffy was in pushing everyone away mode. She had initially assumed it was an Angel leaving thing like everyone else had, but about a month ago she had found out differently.
A month ago Willow had been rummaging through Buffy's desk looking for a scissors, when she had saw it. It was an envelope with Buffy's name and address on it, it was in Oz's handwriting. The air went out of the room, she had to know what was in it. Her hands trembled as she opened it, the letter itself was well worn and tear stained. Willow could feel her heart thudding in her chest as she glanced at the door, expected Buffy to storm in any moment. Satisfied she was alone she read it quickly, her stomach churned, hurt flared. How could Buffy not have told her that Oz had mailed her? That Oz had loved her? How long had this been going on? Her thoughts were reeling as she hurridly put the letter back in its place and found the scissors. She never told Buffy she knew. She still didn't know how to process the information that Oz and Buffy were in love. She felt kind of betrayed, but she knew she hadn't been.