Chapter Ten-Crushed
Author's Note: Again, I am sorry it has taken me so long to post another chapter. School has been really busy and the holiday season was completely crazy, but it's all in the past now so hopefully updating this story will be more regular. I want to finish up this story and move onto my other one, "Life's Little Surprises." This chapter is long but please bear with me. It had been so long since I updated and I felt I had a lot to put into the story. Anyway, thanks again for reading. Feel free to email me with feedback.
Lisa Anne
"Angel Theodore Harris," Principal Flutie announced at graduation. Angel strolled up to the podium and took his diploma from his principal. Classmates as well as attendants at the graduation cheered and applauded for the sports star as he walked off the stage and back to his seat.
After graduation, Mrs. Harris, Buffy and Xander went to find Angel to take pictures. They found Angel amongst a group of friends. The circle of friends had been together since kindergarten. That fall would be the first time the friends would be alone in school. Finally, Angel noticed his family and Buffy.
"Congratulations!" Mrs. Harris smiled as she hugged and kissed her son.
"Yeah bro, you're out of here for good. You're so lucky."
Angel nodded. "Yeah but I have another four long years ahead of me in a place where I know no one."
"Yes, but you're going to be in the big city. New York is so big and there is so much to do! You're so lucky you'll be living there," Buffy said finally moving closer to Angel. When Buffy and Angel returned from visiting Stacey's grave in LA, Angel had gone home to find a thick envelope from New York University. He had received early acceptances to his first choice school.
"It is a great place to visit," Xander added.
"You can come at anytime, both of you," Angel said as he gazed into Buffy's eyes. She smiled at him.
"All right you three, let me take a picture of you guys. I have to get home to let the caterers in the house." Mrs. Harris said. Buffy and Xander joined Angel. Mrs. Harris took several pictures of the three of them as well as pictures of her two sons standing alone. She also took one of Angel with his arms around Buffy's waist. Buffy then took a picture of the three members of the Harris family.
"All right Mom, that's enough. I'm sure there will be more picture opportunities at home. " Angel said as he held Buffy's hand. Mrs. Harris took that has a hint and found her way to her car. Xander and Buffy joined Angel in his car. Angel was about to take off when his best friend Doyle waved him over to his car.
"I'll be right back," Angel said closing Buffy's door.
Xander and Buffy watched Angel and Doyle talk for what seemed like hours before other friends joined the two of them.
"Mom is going to kill him. We were supposed to go right home after." Xander commented, as he grew more and more impatient.
"No she won't and you know it." Buffy added.
Xander nodded. "Your right. She is going through an empty nest syndrome even though he isn't gone yet and I'll still be home. He could probably kill someone and she'd over look it."
Buffy turned around in the seat and looked at Xander. She could tell he was hurt. "So things at home are-"
"Crazy." Xander said cutting Buffy off. "Everything is all about Angel. If he doesn't do a chore or forgets something, Mom is always like, 'don't worry about it dear, your brother didn't mean too. Maybe you should help him, he has a lot on his mind with moving and all.' I'm so sick of things! I just wish he would leave all ready." Xander sternly exclaimed as he stared out the window at his brother. "He doesn't even know what he is doing. His head is so high up in the clouds that he doesn't know what is happening around him."
Buffy was speechless. She didn't know hot to respond to Xander's anger. She could understand his pain. She could also sympathize with Mrs. Harris too. Her first born was going to school. Not only was he leaving home but he was also traveling three thousand miles across the country.
"Xand, I'm sorry, I didn't know things were that stressful at home. That really sucks."
Xander sighed. As he saw Angel wrapping up his conversations. He was hugging and shaking hands with people from his crowd. One by one the crowd dwindled down to just Angel and Doyle. They continued to talk for a few minutes. Finally, Angel began walking towards the car. "It's all right, just two and half more months until things are better."
"Sorry about that. I didn't realize we were talking for so long." Angel said as he began to drive away from his high school for the last time. "Doyle is gonna stop by later, after his party ends."
"Goody," Xander mumbled under his breath.
Angel continued to talk about his found memories of his friends from high school as he drove back to the Harris household. He pulled into the driveway and was greeted by his mother. As Xander expected, she wasn't angry or upset, just curious what kept the three so long. Angel explained to her that he was talking to his friends before excusing himself to go to his bedroom and change clothes.
About one hundred members of Angel's family came to his party. That didn't include family friends or his friends. Xander acted very bitter towards Angel. Whether on purpose or not, Angel didn't talk to Xander or Buffy for hours at the party. He was mingling with his family before his friends showed up.
"I don't want a party when I graduate," Xander began to explain to Buffy as they sat at a picnic table on the side of his house, away from the crowd. "It's too much over some dumb day when you get a piece of paper that gets you out of school just to join the real world. I really don't want to celebrate that."
"Plus you don't like your family," Buffy added.
Xander nodded. "You got me there. I don't like most of my family. They can just send the big checks."
Silence filled the two friends as they watched the party continue without them. Xander was the first to speak as he watched Angel from a distance with his friends. "I can't believe he hasn't talked to you since we got here."
"Xander, there are a lot of people here." Buffy answered.
"So that gives him the right to treat you like garbage?"
"He isn't treating me like garbage, he just hasn't talked to me for a while. He's busy. This is his day to say good buy to his friends and then to move on."
Xander shook his head in disagreement. "And you're not a friend?"
"I'm his girlfriend, it's different. He's saying bye to friends he has known his whole life. He'll have time for me later."
Xander again shook his head. "I think he is ignoring you. It's almost five and he hasn't noticed you yet, and you told him that your mother is picking you up then."
Buffy thought for a moment and almost agreed with Xander. Angel could have talked to Buffy for just a few minutes but he hadn't. He hadn't said anything since they got out of the car.
"Your lucky you're getting out of here. I wish I could." Xander said dazing into the sky.
"You could come home with me and watch a movie with me while I watch Dawn." Buffy offered.
Xander asked his mom and she agreed it would be all right if Xander left Angel's party. When Buffy's mom arrived she got out of the car and talked to Mrs. Harris for a while. She found Angel and congratulated him and gave him a card with some money in it.
"Are you leaving?" Angel asked Buffy.
"Yeah, I have to go. Remember I told you I had to watch Dawn tonight?"
Angel nodded. "I forgot all about that. I'm so sorry I didn't talk to you more or spend more time with you," Angel apologized as he held Buffy's tiny hands in his.
Buffy smiled. "It's all right, we'll spend some time together later. I have to go now though. Mom and Xander are-"
"Xander?" Angel questioned.
"Yeah, he is babysitting Dawn with me."
"Oh." Angel managed to say. "I guess I haven't really spent a lot of time with him either. I'll make it up to you guys. I mean, I still have two and a half months before I go to school."
Buffy kissed Angel. "I know you will baby. I'm not worried. Go have fun with your friends."
Angel returned her kiss. "I'll call you tomorrow."
Buffy nodded as she hugged Angel one last time. "I'll be waiting. Have fun." She let go of Angel and walked towards the car.
"Sorry Buf, he isn't here," Xander said aggravated. He was very angry with his brother for hurting his friend the way he was.
"Is he around at all any more? We had plans last night. He didn't show up. He isn't showing up for any of our dates any more. I haven't talked to him in two and half weeks. He emailed me a few nights ago and that's it. Is he all right?"
"Yeah, he's just acting like macho-jerk lately. I wish I could say something more than that."
Buffy sighed before she pouted. "I guess just tell him I called. We're still on for tonight, right?" Buffy asked. She, Xander and Willow were supposed to go to the mall in Xander's new car. School had been out for almost a month. Xander got his license three days after school ended. His mother had just bought a new Sabb so she gave her older model to Xander, like she had done with Angel.
"Yes were are. See, there is one Harris that you can count on."
Buffy smiled. Xander was a good friend to her and she cherished their friendship. "Thanks. I'll see you tonight."
Two hours later the telephone rang in the Giles' household.
"Hello," Rupert answered. "Yes, she's in the family room, let me get her for you, hold on." Rupert took the cordless telephone with him to the family room where Buffy and Dawn where watching a movie together. "Buffy, phone."
Buffy pulled herself off of the floor and took the phone form her stepfather's hand before thanking him and running upstairs to her room. "Hello?"
"I am so glad to finally talk to you! I've missed you so much!" Angel said cheerfully on the other end.
Buffy was very happy to hear his voice after what seemed so long but she was so angry with him for going that long without talking to her. "Hi- I mean me too-I mean where have you been?" Buffy said, finally putting together the words she wanted to say.
"I know it's been a few days," Angel paused before correcting himself, "all right, it's been a lot of days since I have talked to you but I have been busy. I have been working and then hanging out with my friends. You know how Larry is joining the Army? He left a few days ago for some military base in the south. Anyway, I was wrong and I should have called you but it's been late when I finally get a chance to call. I'm sorry. Let me make it up to you Sunday. You and I can do whatever you want to. I promise, no breaking these plans."
Buffy was silent. She wanted to say yes but she couldn't say anything. She was angry.
"I know you're mad, you're not saying anything. Buffy, I am very sorry. It won't happen again, promise. Plus, maybe we can plan a good time for you to visit me in NYC."
Buffy finally spoke up and agreed to give Angel another chance. "Buffy, you won't be sorry, I promise."
"Rupert, you'll just have to go for the both of us. I can't leave Dawn, she's really sick," Joyce said to her husband on Friday evening. She and Rupert were in the kitchen drinking tea and eating homemade cookies before bed.
"Joyce, darling, I can't attend a wedding by myself. That's weird, and honestly no fun." Rupert explained as he sipped his tea. "We'll call Claire or Ken and let them know we are unable to make it."
"Rupert, the wedding is on Sunday, that's a day away, we can't back out of it now. That's not right."
"Hiya," Buffy said as she entered the kitchen. She opened the fridge and grabbed the orange juice and poured herself a large glass. "What isn't right?"
"Your mother wants to make me go to her friend's wedding by myself on Sunday."
Buffy nodded her head. "That isn't right. That's weird and no fun," Buffy said echoing the same comment her stepfather had said moments before she had. Both Joyce and Rupert chuckled at this coincidence.
"Why don't you want to go Mom?"
"Because Dawn is sick. I can't send her over to her friend's house with the flu and chicken pox, and you have plans with Angel." Joyce explained rationally.
"I'll stay home and watch her. It makes more since than you canceling your plans. Angel and I will reschedule for another night." Buffy said with a smile. On the inside she was disappointed. It had been almost a month since she and Angel did anything together but she felt this was right to do.
"If you're sure," Joyce questioned.
Buffy finished her glass of juice and smiled. "Yes, I'm sure."
"I know it isn't much but if your mother doesn't mind you can invite Angel over here. I know it isn't as fun as you whatever you had planned but he is more than welcomed to spend time with you here." Rupert suggested.
Joyce nodded. "I think that is a great idea. Dawn will probably be sleeping all day anyway. Your father and I will put our TV and VCR in Dawn's room so the only thing you'll have to bring her is her dinner and some juice."
Rupert stood up and placed his now empty teacup in the sink. "How does that sound to you?"
"It sounds great," She smiled.
"And I will have my cell phone on if you need anything." Joyce told Buffy as she and Rupert were getting ready to leave for the wedding.
"I'll have my phone on too."
"Call us if anything happens or comes up." Joyce added.
"We'll be back kind of late, probably around eleven o'clock-" Rupert began to tell Buffy before his wife interrupted him.
"Or even midnight."
"It's all right, I have everything under control. You two go and have fun. I will be fine and Dawn will be fine." She told her parents as she walked them to the door.
"All right honey. Have fun. Bye," Joyce said as she hugged her daughter.
"Buffy, make sure Angel leaves at a decent hour, like by nine or ten?" Rupert added as he too gave Buffy a hug.
"Don't worry, he actually has to get up tomorrow morning. He has to work. You two have fun. Good bye!" Buffy reassured her parents as they left. She stood on by the front door and waved goo bye to them.
Buffy climbed the stairs and knocked on her sister's door. "Are you awake?"
"Yes," Dawn coughed.
"Do you need anything?"
"Well, I need my medicine, it's downstairs. And I could use for more ginger ale. I don't want it cold though, just at room temperature." Dawn said weakly.
"Two pills and a warm can of soda. I can handle that. I can even put a straw in it. I'll be right back." Buffy said as she went down stairs to retrieve the few things her sister wanted. She climbed up the stairs and noticed the time. Angel was due to be there in just two hours. She thought that had plenty of time to shower and get ready before his arrival.
"Here you go Dawnie, do you want anything else?"
Dawn tried to sit up but laid back down. "The lotion on the floor. I'm so itchy." Dawn thanked Buffy as she handed her the bottle. After piling the lotion on, Dawn then took her medicine, which usually knocked her out for several hours. "Thanks Buffy. I know you gave up a date to stay with me today."
Buffy patted her sister's head. "It's all right, I wanted to do this. Just yell if you need me. I hope you feel better."
"Thanks Buffy. See ya." Dawn told her sister as she rolled over and went to sleep.
Buffy then took a long shower. She put on her robe and wrapped her hair in a towel after her shower and walked to her room. She pulled out a sleeveless pinkish-purple shirt to wear with a pair of jeans.
Buffy dressed quickly. She was about to blow dry her hair when she heard a knock on the door. She ran down the stairs and answered the door.
"This is a pleasant surprise. You're early," Buffy smiled up at Angel who had a picnic basket with him.
"I finished making lunch kind of early so I thought I'd head over here and surprise you."
"And poof, you're here." She smiled again before standing on her tip toes to kiss him. "What did you make?"
"Garden salad with grilled chicken and tomato sandwiches. For desert I bought pound cake, strawberries and whipped cream." Angel said proudly. He told Buffy he would make up for the time they didn't spend together and he was proud of himself for trying.
"It sounds great, let's go to the kitchen and eat, I'm hungry!"
"No, not the kitchen, here, follow me," Angel told her. She followed him into the family room. He took the picnic basket from her. He lifted the top and grabbed the blanket he packed and spread it on the floor. They sat and enjoyed the food Angel made.
After they lunch, they remained on the blanket as they watched Moulin Rouge. Angel wasn't too excited about the movie but he knew it was one of Buffy's favorites. He and Buffy cuddled on the floor.
Buffy knew Angel wanted to watch the movie because he knew she liked it so much. In the middle of the movie she turned and faced Angel and kissed him.
"What was that for?" He asked with a smile.
"For being you. I love you."
"I love you too," Angel said also smiling and returning her kiss.
The couple continued kissing. They rolled around on the floor until Angel laid on top of Buffy. He pulled away from kissing Buffy and began to tickle her. She let out a huge laugh.
"I've missed you," Angel told her as he tickled her again.
Buffy finally pulled away from Angel and smiled again. "I've missed you too. I like it when you're with me. I'm going to miss you when you go away in a few weeks."
Angel pulled Buffy close to him and played with her hair. "I don't want to think of that, at least not today. We'll worry about that later." Angel said as he kissed Buffy again. Angel again wound up lying on top of Buffy. Her hands wondered up and down Angel's back. His hands wondered up and down Buffy's sides. He traced her body with his hands. Buffy's hands found their way under Angel's now untucked shirt. She began to rub his bare back. Meanwhile, Angel's hands did the same to Buffy.
The kissing became more and more intense. Buffy was trying to pull Angel's shirt off of him.
"Wait, Buf, are you sure you want to do this?" Angel asked in between kisses.
"Yes," Buffy told him returning the kisses. "Angel, I do want this, more than I've wanted anything else in my life."
Angel then kissed Buffy passionately. That afternoon they ignored everything. They ignored the knock at door and the movie. Buffy didn't know if Dawn had been trying to get her attention and she didn't care. She and Angel shared a part of themselves with each other that no one else had touched before.
"Wow," Buffy whispered when they finished.
"That was amazing," Angel said with his arms wrapped around Buffy.
"I have never experienced anything like that before. It was so intense but it felt so nice."
"Yes, it did." Angel said as he let go of Buffy. He started to pick up his clothes to get dressed. After putting his jeans on he looked at Buffy who remained wrapped up in the blanket. He smiled. "You're beautiful."
She laughed. "Right, sweaty smelly me is beautiful."
Angel picked up Buffy's clothing and laid next to her on the floor. "Everything about you is beautiful. That's just one of the reasons why I love you."
Buffy beamed as she held Angel in her arms. She stroked his bare arm. "Really? I was going to say the same about you."
Their moment was interrupted.
"Buffy? Are you awake?" Dawn yelled from upstairs. Buffy knew it hurt Dawn to yell so she quickly yelled back. "Dawnie. I'll be up in a second." Buffy began to get dressed and then kissed Angel. "I'll be right back." Angel watched Buffy run up the stairs and heard her talking to her ill sister. He felt bad. He knew what he had to do within the coming weeks and he felt bad, none the less; it still had to be done.
When August rolled around, it seemed warmer than usual. Buffy and her friends spent almost everyday at the beach or the mall. The evenings ended with ice cream or sorbet. The week before Angel left for New York he tried spending as much time with Buffy as he could. On their last day together he brought her to their spot on the beach. The spot where their romance began to blossom during that bond fire. They sat side by side and held hands. "Hey Buf, I want to talk to you about something," Angel said as he turned to face her.
"Sure, talk." Buffy smiled as she took off her sunglasses.
"You know I'm leaving in a few days."
She pouted. "I don't want to talk about that now."
Angel grew a little more serious. "I think we have to."
Buffy was alarmed. Angel sounded serious. "Angel? Are you all right?"
Angel then took his sunglasses off. "Buffy, please listen to me. I love you, you know that," he began to explain as he reached out to smooth her blonde hair. She nodded as she stared into his chocolate brown eyes. "There is something I have to do before I leave and I think it's the hardest thing I have ever had to do."
Buffy had goose bumps down her spine. She feared what was coming. "What do you have to do?"
Silence filled them for a moment. Angel felt tears make their way to his eyes. He let go of Buffy and looked at her as the tears traveled from his eyes and down his cheeks. He looked out into the water. He watched the waves moving onto the shore before crashing.
Buffy saw Angel's expression and grew worried. "Angel, are you all right?" She asked as she grabbed his hand. "Angel?" She asked again now with tears in her eyes. "Angel, I'm worried."
Angel coughed and moved his hand away from Buffy's. Silence filled the air for a few more moments before Angel finally spoke up. "Buffy, things are going to be different in a few days. I'm going to be on the other side of the country while you're still here."
"I didn't expect things to stay the same. Things are going to be different for everyone. Xander isn't going to fight with you for the bathroom and the school's football team is going to suck and-" Buffy was cut off by Angel.
"Buffy, things are going to be different for us. I mean, we're not going to see each other until Columbus Day in October, and that's only going to be for four days. It's not like we're going to be able to see each other everyday."
"I realize that but we can still talk to each other and email each other. Things will be hard on us but we'll get through this." She smiled.
Angel shook his head. "Buffy, I-no, that isn't fair. I don't want things to be unfair for you."
"I learned a long time ago that things aren't always fair. It's life, it's just how things are."
"Buffy-" he was interrupted by her.
"Angel, we'll make it through this, I know we will. We may fall down a few times but we will make it through this. Like you said, we'll see each other in a like a month and half." Buffy assured him as she rubbed his arm.
Angel grew more and more sad. Buffy had no idea what he was trying to say. "Buffy, what I'm trying to say is I think we should um, I think we should go our separate ways."
Buffy let go of Angel's arm and sat up and shouted, "What?!"
"I think it's for the best. It isn't fair to either one of us to have this long distance relationship. I think it would be easier if we broke up."
Buffy stared at him for a few minutes with her mouth open. She was shocked. Angel never said this to anyone before. He had felt this way since he received his acceptance letter months ago. He loved Buffy and thought this would be the best thing to do. It wasn't fair to have such a strain in their relationship while they were so young.
His heart ached as he saw Buffy's reaction. She didn't cry like he expected. She was angry. "Can you say something?"
"What do you want me to say? 'That's all right Angel. I feel great Angel.' I feel like shit Angel. How can you say this after the amazing summer we've had together?"
"Amazing summer?" Angel questioned. "I treated you like crap in the beginning."
"Yeah you did, in the beginning. The past month and a half has been amazing. We've done so many things. We went to that amusement park and on picnics and to the beach and we made love over and over again. How can you say it wasn't amazing?"
Angel was speechless. There were more good parts than bad parts of the summer. He saw the hurt in Buffy's face and wanted to hold her. After the news he gave to Buffy she wouldn't want him to touch her, rightfully so. He didn't make a move to try and hold her.
"Is that it? Was that your big thing you had to do before you left?" Buffy asked him as she stared at his face.
All Angel could do was nod. He knew he had hurt Buffy.
"Good, now that you have that out of your system, could you please take me home?"
Again, Angle nodded as he followed Buffy to his car. The ride to her house was silent. Angel hadn't fully stopped the car when she opened the door to get out. She unfastened her seat belt and simply said, "Goodbye," as she ran into her house. Thankfully no one was home. She ran up the stairs to her bedroom and slammed the door. She dived onto her made bed face down and cried her heart out.
Meanwhile, Angel pulled into his driveway. Xander was on his way out. He and Cordelia were going to the movies and he was late picking her up. "Hey Angel, can you back out of the driveway, I'm leaving."
Before Angel got back into his car he walked over to Xander and knocked on the car window. Xander rolled the window down to see what his brother wanted. "When you get back I'd call Buffy to check on her."
Xander was a little shocked. He got out of the car and went towards his brother. "What happened?" He yelled in the driveway before Angel had a chance to get back into his car.
"I broke up with her." Angel told his brother while facing the ground. He knew Xander would be mad. After all, Angel had hurt one of his best friends.
"Thanks for the info. I'll check on her after the movie." Xander said as he slammed his car door. He wondered why his brother was such a jerk as he sped off.
Oz, Willow, Xander and Cordelia took Buffy out for dinner on Angel's last night. She knew why everyone was being so nice to her but she didn't care. She wanted to be around her friends. She was touched that they all cared for her the way they did. Even Cordy cared about Buffy.
Xander drove Buffy home after dinner. "I'm sorry he is such a jerk," was all Xander could say.
Buffy smiled. It had been four days since her break up with Angel and she was cooling off. Looking at the situation from an adult standpoint, she understood why Angel broke up with her. She didn't want to look at as an adult.
Buffy looked down at her folded hands on her lap and forced a smile on her face. "It isn't your fault."
"I know, but he is my brother so I'm related to him so I'm guilty by association," Xander joked.
A real smile found it's way to Buffy's face. "Thank you for everything."
Xander pulled into Buffy's driveway. He parked the car and walked her up to the front door. He gave her a hug. "I won't be around tomorrow."
She nodded. "I know, he's going tomorrow."
Xander stared at one of his best friends. He didn't know what to say to try and make her feel better. "Maybe we can catch a movie or go to the beach or something."
Buffy knew what he was trying to do but it wasn't working. "You don't have to do anything else. I will be all right. I just need some time, that's all."
A smile formed on Xander's face. "I know you'll be all right, you're a strong girl. I just want you to feel better soon."
Buffy hugged her friend. She appreciated and understood where he was coming from. "I will, quit worrying about me. It's getting late you better get going. I know you have to get up early to bring Angel to the airport."
Xander stared at his friend one last time. He knew she was right and that he had better get going.
Buffy closed the door and went into the living room. She was happy that her mother and stepfather had gone to bed and Dawn was over her friend's house. She didn't feel like talking any more. She sat on the couch for a minute reading a new magazine that had come in the mail when there was a knock at her door. She wondered what Xander could possibly be coming back to say.
When she looked out the door window she was a little surprised to find Angel looking back at her. She took a deep breath and answered the door.
"Hi," she managed to say.
"Hi," he answered back. "I didn't wake you, did I?"
She shook her head. "No, I actually just got home. What are you doing here? I thought you'd be a sleep or getting ready to leave tomorrow."
"I am all ready to leave. I'm all packed and most of my things were shipped last week. I figured I could get some sleep on the plane. It's a long flight, I'll have time to sleep." Angel explained.
Silence filled the two of them before Buffy finally spoke up. "Why are you here?"
Angel sighed. "I felt bad with how things ended. I wanted to make sure you were all right. Xander said you have been really upset."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Of course I've been upset. How did you think I'd feel?" Buffy paused. She saw Angel trying to speak and she interjected before he had the chance. "Listen Angel, I understand you had to do what you had to do. I respect that. Yes I am hurt, it'll take time for me to get back to myself, but I am all right."
Angel looked at her like he'd never see her again. "Are you sure?"
Buffy nodded. "Yes, I will be fine. I just wish that you would have given us a chance with you going away before you ended things."
Angel nodded in agreement. His heart was too broken. His heart also reassured him that he did the right thing. He didn't like or want to leave Buffy but he had to. "All right, I guess I'll be going then. I just wanted to make sure you are okay. Bye Buffy."
Buffy watched Angel walk away. She almost felt bad for him. "Angel." She shouted as she ran towards him.
"Yes."
She stood right next to him and smiled. "Good luck in New York."
Angel returned her smile. "Yeah, thanks."
Buffy turned and started walking towards her porch. "Buffy?" Angel shouted.
Buffy turned and looked at him. "If you ever need anything I promise I'll be there for you." He told her as he walked closer to her. He was standing right next to her when he looked into her eyes. "I still care about you."
Buffy sighed and offered a smile. "I know Angel."
Angel offered a quick hug to her. Buffy smiled. She was glad they talked rationally before he left. She walked away and towards the porch. "Good bye Angel," she said as she turned to him. She closed the door before he had a chance to replay back. She watched him through the family room window. He sat in his car, wiped his eyes and drove away.
Buffy sighed as she walked up the stairs and then into her bedroom. That was the first night since her break up with Angel she slept peacefully.
Author's Note: Again, I am sorry it has taken me so long to post another chapter. School has been really busy and the holiday season was completely crazy, but it's all in the past now so hopefully updating this story will be more regular. I want to finish up this story and move onto my other one, "Life's Little Surprises." This chapter is long but please bear with me. It had been so long since I updated and I felt I had a lot to put into the story. Anyway, thanks again for reading. Feel free to email me with feedback.
Lisa Anne
"Angel Theodore Harris," Principal Flutie announced at graduation. Angel strolled up to the podium and took his diploma from his principal. Classmates as well as attendants at the graduation cheered and applauded for the sports star as he walked off the stage and back to his seat.
After graduation, Mrs. Harris, Buffy and Xander went to find Angel to take pictures. They found Angel amongst a group of friends. The circle of friends had been together since kindergarten. That fall would be the first time the friends would be alone in school. Finally, Angel noticed his family and Buffy.
"Congratulations!" Mrs. Harris smiled as she hugged and kissed her son.
"Yeah bro, you're out of here for good. You're so lucky."
Angel nodded. "Yeah but I have another four long years ahead of me in a place where I know no one."
"Yes, but you're going to be in the big city. New York is so big and there is so much to do! You're so lucky you'll be living there," Buffy said finally moving closer to Angel. When Buffy and Angel returned from visiting Stacey's grave in LA, Angel had gone home to find a thick envelope from New York University. He had received early acceptances to his first choice school.
"It is a great place to visit," Xander added.
"You can come at anytime, both of you," Angel said as he gazed into Buffy's eyes. She smiled at him.
"All right you three, let me take a picture of you guys. I have to get home to let the caterers in the house." Mrs. Harris said. Buffy and Xander joined Angel. Mrs. Harris took several pictures of the three of them as well as pictures of her two sons standing alone. She also took one of Angel with his arms around Buffy's waist. Buffy then took a picture of the three members of the Harris family.
"All right Mom, that's enough. I'm sure there will be more picture opportunities at home. " Angel said as he held Buffy's hand. Mrs. Harris took that has a hint and found her way to her car. Xander and Buffy joined Angel in his car. Angel was about to take off when his best friend Doyle waved him over to his car.
"I'll be right back," Angel said closing Buffy's door.
Xander and Buffy watched Angel and Doyle talk for what seemed like hours before other friends joined the two of them.
"Mom is going to kill him. We were supposed to go right home after." Xander commented, as he grew more and more impatient.
"No she won't and you know it." Buffy added.
Xander nodded. "Your right. She is going through an empty nest syndrome even though he isn't gone yet and I'll still be home. He could probably kill someone and she'd over look it."
Buffy turned around in the seat and looked at Xander. She could tell he was hurt. "So things at home are-"
"Crazy." Xander said cutting Buffy off. "Everything is all about Angel. If he doesn't do a chore or forgets something, Mom is always like, 'don't worry about it dear, your brother didn't mean too. Maybe you should help him, he has a lot on his mind with moving and all.' I'm so sick of things! I just wish he would leave all ready." Xander sternly exclaimed as he stared out the window at his brother. "He doesn't even know what he is doing. His head is so high up in the clouds that he doesn't know what is happening around him."
Buffy was speechless. She didn't know hot to respond to Xander's anger. She could understand his pain. She could also sympathize with Mrs. Harris too. Her first born was going to school. Not only was he leaving home but he was also traveling three thousand miles across the country.
"Xand, I'm sorry, I didn't know things were that stressful at home. That really sucks."
Xander sighed. As he saw Angel wrapping up his conversations. He was hugging and shaking hands with people from his crowd. One by one the crowd dwindled down to just Angel and Doyle. They continued to talk for a few minutes. Finally, Angel began walking towards the car. "It's all right, just two and half more months until things are better."
"Sorry about that. I didn't realize we were talking for so long." Angel said as he began to drive away from his high school for the last time. "Doyle is gonna stop by later, after his party ends."
"Goody," Xander mumbled under his breath.
Angel continued to talk about his found memories of his friends from high school as he drove back to the Harris household. He pulled into the driveway and was greeted by his mother. As Xander expected, she wasn't angry or upset, just curious what kept the three so long. Angel explained to her that he was talking to his friends before excusing himself to go to his bedroom and change clothes.
About one hundred members of Angel's family came to his party. That didn't include family friends or his friends. Xander acted very bitter towards Angel. Whether on purpose or not, Angel didn't talk to Xander or Buffy for hours at the party. He was mingling with his family before his friends showed up.
"I don't want a party when I graduate," Xander began to explain to Buffy as they sat at a picnic table on the side of his house, away from the crowd. "It's too much over some dumb day when you get a piece of paper that gets you out of school just to join the real world. I really don't want to celebrate that."
"Plus you don't like your family," Buffy added.
Xander nodded. "You got me there. I don't like most of my family. They can just send the big checks."
Silence filled the two friends as they watched the party continue without them. Xander was the first to speak as he watched Angel from a distance with his friends. "I can't believe he hasn't talked to you since we got here."
"Xander, there are a lot of people here." Buffy answered.
"So that gives him the right to treat you like garbage?"
"He isn't treating me like garbage, he just hasn't talked to me for a while. He's busy. This is his day to say good buy to his friends and then to move on."
Xander shook his head in disagreement. "And you're not a friend?"
"I'm his girlfriend, it's different. He's saying bye to friends he has known his whole life. He'll have time for me later."
Xander again shook his head. "I think he is ignoring you. It's almost five and he hasn't noticed you yet, and you told him that your mother is picking you up then."
Buffy thought for a moment and almost agreed with Xander. Angel could have talked to Buffy for just a few minutes but he hadn't. He hadn't said anything since they got out of the car.
"Your lucky you're getting out of here. I wish I could." Xander said dazing into the sky.
"You could come home with me and watch a movie with me while I watch Dawn." Buffy offered.
Xander asked his mom and she agreed it would be all right if Xander left Angel's party. When Buffy's mom arrived she got out of the car and talked to Mrs. Harris for a while. She found Angel and congratulated him and gave him a card with some money in it.
"Are you leaving?" Angel asked Buffy.
"Yeah, I have to go. Remember I told you I had to watch Dawn tonight?"
Angel nodded. "I forgot all about that. I'm so sorry I didn't talk to you more or spend more time with you," Angel apologized as he held Buffy's tiny hands in his.
Buffy smiled. "It's all right, we'll spend some time together later. I have to go now though. Mom and Xander are-"
"Xander?" Angel questioned.
"Yeah, he is babysitting Dawn with me."
"Oh." Angel managed to say. "I guess I haven't really spent a lot of time with him either. I'll make it up to you guys. I mean, I still have two and a half months before I go to school."
Buffy kissed Angel. "I know you will baby. I'm not worried. Go have fun with your friends."
Angel returned her kiss. "I'll call you tomorrow."
Buffy nodded as she hugged Angel one last time. "I'll be waiting. Have fun." She let go of Angel and walked towards the car.
"Sorry Buf, he isn't here," Xander said aggravated. He was very angry with his brother for hurting his friend the way he was.
"Is he around at all any more? We had plans last night. He didn't show up. He isn't showing up for any of our dates any more. I haven't talked to him in two and half weeks. He emailed me a few nights ago and that's it. Is he all right?"
"Yeah, he's just acting like macho-jerk lately. I wish I could say something more than that."
Buffy sighed before she pouted. "I guess just tell him I called. We're still on for tonight, right?" Buffy asked. She, Xander and Willow were supposed to go to the mall in Xander's new car. School had been out for almost a month. Xander got his license three days after school ended. His mother had just bought a new Sabb so she gave her older model to Xander, like she had done with Angel.
"Yes were are. See, there is one Harris that you can count on."
Buffy smiled. Xander was a good friend to her and she cherished their friendship. "Thanks. I'll see you tonight."
Two hours later the telephone rang in the Giles' household.
"Hello," Rupert answered. "Yes, she's in the family room, let me get her for you, hold on." Rupert took the cordless telephone with him to the family room where Buffy and Dawn where watching a movie together. "Buffy, phone."
Buffy pulled herself off of the floor and took the phone form her stepfather's hand before thanking him and running upstairs to her room. "Hello?"
"I am so glad to finally talk to you! I've missed you so much!" Angel said cheerfully on the other end.
Buffy was very happy to hear his voice after what seemed so long but she was so angry with him for going that long without talking to her. "Hi- I mean me too-I mean where have you been?" Buffy said, finally putting together the words she wanted to say.
"I know it's been a few days," Angel paused before correcting himself, "all right, it's been a lot of days since I have talked to you but I have been busy. I have been working and then hanging out with my friends. You know how Larry is joining the Army? He left a few days ago for some military base in the south. Anyway, I was wrong and I should have called you but it's been late when I finally get a chance to call. I'm sorry. Let me make it up to you Sunday. You and I can do whatever you want to. I promise, no breaking these plans."
Buffy was silent. She wanted to say yes but she couldn't say anything. She was angry.
"I know you're mad, you're not saying anything. Buffy, I am very sorry. It won't happen again, promise. Plus, maybe we can plan a good time for you to visit me in NYC."
Buffy finally spoke up and agreed to give Angel another chance. "Buffy, you won't be sorry, I promise."
"Rupert, you'll just have to go for the both of us. I can't leave Dawn, she's really sick," Joyce said to her husband on Friday evening. She and Rupert were in the kitchen drinking tea and eating homemade cookies before bed.
"Joyce, darling, I can't attend a wedding by myself. That's weird, and honestly no fun." Rupert explained as he sipped his tea. "We'll call Claire or Ken and let them know we are unable to make it."
"Rupert, the wedding is on Sunday, that's a day away, we can't back out of it now. That's not right."
"Hiya," Buffy said as she entered the kitchen. She opened the fridge and grabbed the orange juice and poured herself a large glass. "What isn't right?"
"Your mother wants to make me go to her friend's wedding by myself on Sunday."
Buffy nodded her head. "That isn't right. That's weird and no fun," Buffy said echoing the same comment her stepfather had said moments before she had. Both Joyce and Rupert chuckled at this coincidence.
"Why don't you want to go Mom?"
"Because Dawn is sick. I can't send her over to her friend's house with the flu and chicken pox, and you have plans with Angel." Joyce explained rationally.
"I'll stay home and watch her. It makes more since than you canceling your plans. Angel and I will reschedule for another night." Buffy said with a smile. On the inside she was disappointed. It had been almost a month since she and Angel did anything together but she felt this was right to do.
"If you're sure," Joyce questioned.
Buffy finished her glass of juice and smiled. "Yes, I'm sure."
"I know it isn't much but if your mother doesn't mind you can invite Angel over here. I know it isn't as fun as you whatever you had planned but he is more than welcomed to spend time with you here." Rupert suggested.
Joyce nodded. "I think that is a great idea. Dawn will probably be sleeping all day anyway. Your father and I will put our TV and VCR in Dawn's room so the only thing you'll have to bring her is her dinner and some juice."
Rupert stood up and placed his now empty teacup in the sink. "How does that sound to you?"
"It sounds great," She smiled.
"And I will have my cell phone on if you need anything." Joyce told Buffy as she and Rupert were getting ready to leave for the wedding.
"I'll have my phone on too."
"Call us if anything happens or comes up." Joyce added.
"We'll be back kind of late, probably around eleven o'clock-" Rupert began to tell Buffy before his wife interrupted him.
"Or even midnight."
"It's all right, I have everything under control. You two go and have fun. I will be fine and Dawn will be fine." She told her parents as she walked them to the door.
"All right honey. Have fun. Bye," Joyce said as she hugged her daughter.
"Buffy, make sure Angel leaves at a decent hour, like by nine or ten?" Rupert added as he too gave Buffy a hug.
"Don't worry, he actually has to get up tomorrow morning. He has to work. You two have fun. Good bye!" Buffy reassured her parents as they left. She stood on by the front door and waved goo bye to them.
Buffy climbed the stairs and knocked on her sister's door. "Are you awake?"
"Yes," Dawn coughed.
"Do you need anything?"
"Well, I need my medicine, it's downstairs. And I could use for more ginger ale. I don't want it cold though, just at room temperature." Dawn said weakly.
"Two pills and a warm can of soda. I can handle that. I can even put a straw in it. I'll be right back." Buffy said as she went down stairs to retrieve the few things her sister wanted. She climbed up the stairs and noticed the time. Angel was due to be there in just two hours. She thought that had plenty of time to shower and get ready before his arrival.
"Here you go Dawnie, do you want anything else?"
Dawn tried to sit up but laid back down. "The lotion on the floor. I'm so itchy." Dawn thanked Buffy as she handed her the bottle. After piling the lotion on, Dawn then took her medicine, which usually knocked her out for several hours. "Thanks Buffy. I know you gave up a date to stay with me today."
Buffy patted her sister's head. "It's all right, I wanted to do this. Just yell if you need me. I hope you feel better."
"Thanks Buffy. See ya." Dawn told her sister as she rolled over and went to sleep.
Buffy then took a long shower. She put on her robe and wrapped her hair in a towel after her shower and walked to her room. She pulled out a sleeveless pinkish-purple shirt to wear with a pair of jeans.
Buffy dressed quickly. She was about to blow dry her hair when she heard a knock on the door. She ran down the stairs and answered the door.
"This is a pleasant surprise. You're early," Buffy smiled up at Angel who had a picnic basket with him.
"I finished making lunch kind of early so I thought I'd head over here and surprise you."
"And poof, you're here." She smiled again before standing on her tip toes to kiss him. "What did you make?"
"Garden salad with grilled chicken and tomato sandwiches. For desert I bought pound cake, strawberries and whipped cream." Angel said proudly. He told Buffy he would make up for the time they didn't spend together and he was proud of himself for trying.
"It sounds great, let's go to the kitchen and eat, I'm hungry!"
"No, not the kitchen, here, follow me," Angel told her. She followed him into the family room. He took the picnic basket from her. He lifted the top and grabbed the blanket he packed and spread it on the floor. They sat and enjoyed the food Angel made.
After they lunch, they remained on the blanket as they watched Moulin Rouge. Angel wasn't too excited about the movie but he knew it was one of Buffy's favorites. He and Buffy cuddled on the floor.
Buffy knew Angel wanted to watch the movie because he knew she liked it so much. In the middle of the movie she turned and faced Angel and kissed him.
"What was that for?" He asked with a smile.
"For being you. I love you."
"I love you too," Angel said also smiling and returning her kiss.
The couple continued kissing. They rolled around on the floor until Angel laid on top of Buffy. He pulled away from kissing Buffy and began to tickle her. She let out a huge laugh.
"I've missed you," Angel told her as he tickled her again.
Buffy finally pulled away from Angel and smiled again. "I've missed you too. I like it when you're with me. I'm going to miss you when you go away in a few weeks."
Angel pulled Buffy close to him and played with her hair. "I don't want to think of that, at least not today. We'll worry about that later." Angel said as he kissed Buffy again. Angel again wound up lying on top of Buffy. Her hands wondered up and down Angel's back. His hands wondered up and down Buffy's sides. He traced her body with his hands. Buffy's hands found their way under Angel's now untucked shirt. She began to rub his bare back. Meanwhile, Angel's hands did the same to Buffy.
The kissing became more and more intense. Buffy was trying to pull Angel's shirt off of him.
"Wait, Buf, are you sure you want to do this?" Angel asked in between kisses.
"Yes," Buffy told him returning the kisses. "Angel, I do want this, more than I've wanted anything else in my life."
Angel then kissed Buffy passionately. That afternoon they ignored everything. They ignored the knock at door and the movie. Buffy didn't know if Dawn had been trying to get her attention and she didn't care. She and Angel shared a part of themselves with each other that no one else had touched before.
"Wow," Buffy whispered when they finished.
"That was amazing," Angel said with his arms wrapped around Buffy.
"I have never experienced anything like that before. It was so intense but it felt so nice."
"Yes, it did." Angel said as he let go of Buffy. He started to pick up his clothes to get dressed. After putting his jeans on he looked at Buffy who remained wrapped up in the blanket. He smiled. "You're beautiful."
She laughed. "Right, sweaty smelly me is beautiful."
Angel picked up Buffy's clothing and laid next to her on the floor. "Everything about you is beautiful. That's just one of the reasons why I love you."
Buffy beamed as she held Angel in her arms. She stroked his bare arm. "Really? I was going to say the same about you."
Their moment was interrupted.
"Buffy? Are you awake?" Dawn yelled from upstairs. Buffy knew it hurt Dawn to yell so she quickly yelled back. "Dawnie. I'll be up in a second." Buffy began to get dressed and then kissed Angel. "I'll be right back." Angel watched Buffy run up the stairs and heard her talking to her ill sister. He felt bad. He knew what he had to do within the coming weeks and he felt bad, none the less; it still had to be done.
When August rolled around, it seemed warmer than usual. Buffy and her friends spent almost everyday at the beach or the mall. The evenings ended with ice cream or sorbet. The week before Angel left for New York he tried spending as much time with Buffy as he could. On their last day together he brought her to their spot on the beach. The spot where their romance began to blossom during that bond fire. They sat side by side and held hands. "Hey Buf, I want to talk to you about something," Angel said as he turned to face her.
"Sure, talk." Buffy smiled as she took off her sunglasses.
"You know I'm leaving in a few days."
She pouted. "I don't want to talk about that now."
Angel grew a little more serious. "I think we have to."
Buffy was alarmed. Angel sounded serious. "Angel? Are you all right?"
Angel then took his sunglasses off. "Buffy, please listen to me. I love you, you know that," he began to explain as he reached out to smooth her blonde hair. She nodded as she stared into his chocolate brown eyes. "There is something I have to do before I leave and I think it's the hardest thing I have ever had to do."
Buffy had goose bumps down her spine. She feared what was coming. "What do you have to do?"
Silence filled them for a moment. Angel felt tears make their way to his eyes. He let go of Buffy and looked at her as the tears traveled from his eyes and down his cheeks. He looked out into the water. He watched the waves moving onto the shore before crashing.
Buffy saw Angel's expression and grew worried. "Angel, are you all right?" She asked as she grabbed his hand. "Angel?" She asked again now with tears in her eyes. "Angel, I'm worried."
Angel coughed and moved his hand away from Buffy's. Silence filled the air for a few more moments before Angel finally spoke up. "Buffy, things are going to be different in a few days. I'm going to be on the other side of the country while you're still here."
"I didn't expect things to stay the same. Things are going to be different for everyone. Xander isn't going to fight with you for the bathroom and the school's football team is going to suck and-" Buffy was cut off by Angel.
"Buffy, things are going to be different for us. I mean, we're not going to see each other until Columbus Day in October, and that's only going to be for four days. It's not like we're going to be able to see each other everyday."
"I realize that but we can still talk to each other and email each other. Things will be hard on us but we'll get through this." She smiled.
Angel shook his head. "Buffy, I-no, that isn't fair. I don't want things to be unfair for you."
"I learned a long time ago that things aren't always fair. It's life, it's just how things are."
"Buffy-" he was interrupted by her.
"Angel, we'll make it through this, I know we will. We may fall down a few times but we will make it through this. Like you said, we'll see each other in a like a month and half." Buffy assured him as she rubbed his arm.
Angel grew more and more sad. Buffy had no idea what he was trying to say. "Buffy, what I'm trying to say is I think we should um, I think we should go our separate ways."
Buffy let go of Angel's arm and sat up and shouted, "What?!"
"I think it's for the best. It isn't fair to either one of us to have this long distance relationship. I think it would be easier if we broke up."
Buffy stared at him for a few minutes with her mouth open. She was shocked. Angel never said this to anyone before. He had felt this way since he received his acceptance letter months ago. He loved Buffy and thought this would be the best thing to do. It wasn't fair to have such a strain in their relationship while they were so young.
His heart ached as he saw Buffy's reaction. She didn't cry like he expected. She was angry. "Can you say something?"
"What do you want me to say? 'That's all right Angel. I feel great Angel.' I feel like shit Angel. How can you say this after the amazing summer we've had together?"
"Amazing summer?" Angel questioned. "I treated you like crap in the beginning."
"Yeah you did, in the beginning. The past month and a half has been amazing. We've done so many things. We went to that amusement park and on picnics and to the beach and we made love over and over again. How can you say it wasn't amazing?"
Angel was speechless. There were more good parts than bad parts of the summer. He saw the hurt in Buffy's face and wanted to hold her. After the news he gave to Buffy she wouldn't want him to touch her, rightfully so. He didn't make a move to try and hold her.
"Is that it? Was that your big thing you had to do before you left?" Buffy asked him as she stared at his face.
All Angel could do was nod. He knew he had hurt Buffy.
"Good, now that you have that out of your system, could you please take me home?"
Again, Angle nodded as he followed Buffy to his car. The ride to her house was silent. Angel hadn't fully stopped the car when she opened the door to get out. She unfastened her seat belt and simply said, "Goodbye," as she ran into her house. Thankfully no one was home. She ran up the stairs to her bedroom and slammed the door. She dived onto her made bed face down and cried her heart out.
Meanwhile, Angel pulled into his driveway. Xander was on his way out. He and Cordelia were going to the movies and he was late picking her up. "Hey Angel, can you back out of the driveway, I'm leaving."
Before Angel got back into his car he walked over to Xander and knocked on the car window. Xander rolled the window down to see what his brother wanted. "When you get back I'd call Buffy to check on her."
Xander was a little shocked. He got out of the car and went towards his brother. "What happened?" He yelled in the driveway before Angel had a chance to get back into his car.
"I broke up with her." Angel told his brother while facing the ground. He knew Xander would be mad. After all, Angel had hurt one of his best friends.
"Thanks for the info. I'll check on her after the movie." Xander said as he slammed his car door. He wondered why his brother was such a jerk as he sped off.
Oz, Willow, Xander and Cordelia took Buffy out for dinner on Angel's last night. She knew why everyone was being so nice to her but she didn't care. She wanted to be around her friends. She was touched that they all cared for her the way they did. Even Cordy cared about Buffy.
Xander drove Buffy home after dinner. "I'm sorry he is such a jerk," was all Xander could say.
Buffy smiled. It had been four days since her break up with Angel and she was cooling off. Looking at the situation from an adult standpoint, she understood why Angel broke up with her. She didn't want to look at as an adult.
Buffy looked down at her folded hands on her lap and forced a smile on her face. "It isn't your fault."
"I know, but he is my brother so I'm related to him so I'm guilty by association," Xander joked.
A real smile found it's way to Buffy's face. "Thank you for everything."
Xander pulled into Buffy's driveway. He parked the car and walked her up to the front door. He gave her a hug. "I won't be around tomorrow."
She nodded. "I know, he's going tomorrow."
Xander stared at one of his best friends. He didn't know what to say to try and make her feel better. "Maybe we can catch a movie or go to the beach or something."
Buffy knew what he was trying to do but it wasn't working. "You don't have to do anything else. I will be all right. I just need some time, that's all."
A smile formed on Xander's face. "I know you'll be all right, you're a strong girl. I just want you to feel better soon."
Buffy hugged her friend. She appreciated and understood where he was coming from. "I will, quit worrying about me. It's getting late you better get going. I know you have to get up early to bring Angel to the airport."
Xander stared at his friend one last time. He knew she was right and that he had better get going.
Buffy closed the door and went into the living room. She was happy that her mother and stepfather had gone to bed and Dawn was over her friend's house. She didn't feel like talking any more. She sat on the couch for a minute reading a new magazine that had come in the mail when there was a knock at her door. She wondered what Xander could possibly be coming back to say.
When she looked out the door window she was a little surprised to find Angel looking back at her. She took a deep breath and answered the door.
"Hi," she managed to say.
"Hi," he answered back. "I didn't wake you, did I?"
She shook her head. "No, I actually just got home. What are you doing here? I thought you'd be a sleep or getting ready to leave tomorrow."
"I am all ready to leave. I'm all packed and most of my things were shipped last week. I figured I could get some sleep on the plane. It's a long flight, I'll have time to sleep." Angel explained.
Silence filled the two of them before Buffy finally spoke up. "Why are you here?"
Angel sighed. "I felt bad with how things ended. I wanted to make sure you were all right. Xander said you have been really upset."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Of course I've been upset. How did you think I'd feel?" Buffy paused. She saw Angel trying to speak and she interjected before he had the chance. "Listen Angel, I understand you had to do what you had to do. I respect that. Yes I am hurt, it'll take time for me to get back to myself, but I am all right."
Angel looked at her like he'd never see her again. "Are you sure?"
Buffy nodded. "Yes, I will be fine. I just wish that you would have given us a chance with you going away before you ended things."
Angel nodded in agreement. His heart was too broken. His heart also reassured him that he did the right thing. He didn't like or want to leave Buffy but he had to. "All right, I guess I'll be going then. I just wanted to make sure you are okay. Bye Buffy."
Buffy watched Angel walk away. She almost felt bad for him. "Angel." She shouted as she ran towards him.
"Yes."
She stood right next to him and smiled. "Good luck in New York."
Angel returned her smile. "Yeah, thanks."
Buffy turned and started walking towards her porch. "Buffy?" Angel shouted.
Buffy turned and looked at him. "If you ever need anything I promise I'll be there for you." He told her as he walked closer to her. He was standing right next to her when he looked into her eyes. "I still care about you."
Buffy sighed and offered a smile. "I know Angel."
Angel offered a quick hug to her. Buffy smiled. She was glad they talked rationally before he left. She walked away and towards the porch. "Good bye Angel," she said as she turned to him. She closed the door before he had a chance to replay back. She watched him through the family room window. He sat in his car, wiped his eyes and drove away.
Buffy sighed as she walked up the stairs and then into her bedroom. That was the first night since her break up with Angel she slept peacefully.