**********
I didn't get much more than that out before the librarian, whom Faith introduced as Mr. Giles, practically threw me out. Jerk. All I wanted was a chance to talk to her for a minute, maybe even a lunch date since I still wasn't quite ready for more than that, but no of course not. He had to have his important meeting with Faith. What could be so important that it couldn't wait a few minutes. Although, all this irritation could stem from the fact that I was a bit jealous. I wanted the private meeting with her, and maybe a little bit more...
My thoughts drifted back quickly as soon as the bell rang and I remembered that this was my lunch period. School lunch or not, I wasn't one to turn down food. Time to head to the caf. Now if I can only find the place...
***
I made my way carefully through the crowds with my tray while looking around for anyone with red hair. I saw a few here and there, but no Willow. It took a bit of searching before I spotted her and two other boys clustered around a small table.
"Willow. Hey, does your offer still stand?" I started.
She looked surprised that I remembered and was still willing to come eat with them. "Um... yeah... sure."
I grabbed a seat and introduced myself to her friends.
"Hi. My name is Xander."
The tall, dark haired, lanky one took my hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Jesse."
But the other one simply nodded in greeting. "Oz."
***
Turns out Oz was the boyfriend. Never said much, but I suppose Willow more than made up for his silence. I guess there weren't going to be many long meaningful talks between the two of them, but maybe he just didn't like talking in front of me.
Jesse seemed to be a bit more outgoing. A lot like I used to be I guess. But I at least got along with him and could relate. He was also the one who invited me along with the rest to join them at some place called the Bronze. It seemed to be a night club of sorts, the only one around from the sound of it. Oz was also in a band that played there on occasion, but they weren't playing till tommorrow night. I figured I could at least stop by and see the place. Not like I had anything better to do...
Some guy chose this moment to walk up and inform us that gym happened to be cancelled due to a corpse found in the locker room.
"How did the guy die?" I asked.
"How should I know? I'm just passing the word." He said before walking away.
Shit. This better be a 'normal' death. "Listen guys, I gotta go to... the bathroom. I'll see you tonight, 'k."
A chorus of "bye's" followed me as I walked out of the cafeteria and headed to the gym locker room.
***
No one was there by the time I finally found the right spot. I was surprised when I found the door with a busted lock, but I figured it was from whoever left the body. Searching the area as quietly as possible, it didn't take me long to find the guy lying on the floor.
I always hate this part, I thought as I turned the head looking for marks. Two puncture marks, but no blood around the mouth. Well, one less thing to worry about. Damn, I thought I got away from this in LA. I can only hope that it is a small group. No loner vamp would be stupid enough to leave its kill out in the open like this unless there were others around. But then again, I have run into more than my fair share of idiot fangboys. Maybe I'll be lucky.
***
Classes wore on for the day, but were quickly over. I made my way to my new house and found mom still gone. No big surprise there. She most likely wouldn't even be home for dinner if she stays true to form, which the note on the fridge confirms. Well, at least she left money for food... and any cover charge there might be at the club tonight. I had already decided to head to the Bronze tonight during classes. After all, most kids would be there and vamps love fresh young bodies to munch on. I figured it would be the best spot to find them if they were still in town.
I headed upstairs to prepare my gear, and clothes, for the night. SHE at least showed me the necessity of the dressing right for slayage. The right clothes to draw them in while still hiding your weapons and providing at least a little protection from their claws. A leather jacket is key. You don't know how much you can hide in a jacket till you try. There are also the loose pants, for me at least, to help hide the calf sheaths for extra stakes while still being easily reached. A small water gun of holy water in my pocket, a couple of cross stakes (dual purpose for keeping them away and dustin' them), and a few extra regular stakes finish off the last of my gear.
With one exception.
The Gift.
A simple silver cross on a necklace with an inscription on the back: 'To protect you in the night'. It was the cross SHE gave me before the fight with Lothos. The night SHE died trying to kill that bastard.
I shook my head clearing those thoughts, before I placed it around my neck and headed out the door.
***