Buffy lay on the couch, feeling lost and alone. She loved talking to Xander, but every time they hung up the phone, she felt more confused. Now, she also had to deal with this new threat. Last night, she had been scared. She got the chills just thinking about the voice. A voice isn't anything to be afraid of, but she has no clue what to be looking for. She just hoped that it wasn't scarier than what she pictured in her mind.
Xander had told Giles everything. Her Watcher was researching the new enemy now and promised to get back to her as soon as he knew anything. "Hurry up, Giles," Buffy grumbled. She hated not knowing what she was up against.
Buffy's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Just a minute!" she hollered, rolling off of the couch and standing up.
The knock came again. "I said I'm coming," the Slayer muttered. Reaching the door, she yanked it open before the offensive sound could be repeated.
The door opened to reveal Kym. The raven-haired beauty stood there, her eyes traveling from the top of Buffy's blond mane all the way down to her perfectly manicured toes. "No broken bones that I can see," she said, raising an eyebrow.
"What? No, I'm fine, I just…" Buffy replied, moving aside to let the girl in. "Ohmygod! We were supposed to go out last night!"
"Nice to see you remembered me," Kym commented dryly, entering the small apartment. "I've never been stood up before."
"I'm so sorry," Buffy told her friend as her mind raced to find an excuse.
"You could have called, at least," Kym whined, running her hand along the oak entertainment center.
"I know," Buffy said. "I got mugged."
Kym stopped and stared at her. Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you serious?"
Buffy hung her head. She hated the fact that she had to lie. Back home, her friends knew the truth about her and there were no secrets. But here, things were different. "Yeah," she mumbled.
Kym's attitude and demeanor did a complete 180. "Buffy," she cooed. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, they just startled me."
"They?" came the confused reply. "You were mugged by a gang or something?"
Buffy realized her mistake and quickly moved to fix it. "They? Did I say they?" Kym nodded. "It was actually just one guy. One big, scary guy."
"Did you call the cops?" Kym asked, concerned.
"No," Buffy replied. She could feel the heat from Kym's stare. "I didn't get a good look at the guy. Besides, they wouldn't have been any help. He was gone before I knew it."
"I guess you're right. You should've called the cops, though," Kym sighed. "I just feel bad now. I really thought you had stood me up."
"Don't feel bad. You didn't know."
"Yeah," Kym grew quiet. "I guess I didn't realize how nice it is just to have a friend."
Buffy could only nod. She understood where Kym was coming from. Being called had nearly ruined her social life. Buffy's friends had dropped her, leaving her alone and angry. Betrayal hurts. Especially when it comes from those you trust.
"I was really looking forward to going out," the brunette sighed. "I haven't been clubbing in ages."
Buffy smiled. "I know what you mean. I miss the scene here. But you know what? We could still go out. It's not like either one of us is leaving town."
"Oh definitely!" Kym laughed.
"Well, how about tonight?"
"No good," Kym commented with a wave of her hand. "My parents are making me spend the weekend with them back in Louisiana," she groaned. "In fact, my plane leaves in two hours."
"Okay, so one of us is leaving town. When do you get back?" the blond asked.
"Late Monday night."
Buffy pursed her lips, deep in thought. "Well, we could go out Tuesday night."
"I don't know," Kym thought over the suggestion. "Let me check my schedule." She placed her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes a bit. "Lucky you! Looks like I'm free."
"Do I need to be penciled in?" Buffy asked with a smirk.
"Nah, I think I can remember it," Kym smiled. "And I got my car back, so I'll pick you up."
"Great!" Buffy said before falling quiet.
Kym noticed Buffy's silence. "What's wrong?"
"Well, if you're not gonna be here," Buffy began.
"Yeah?" the dark-haired girl saw a small grin play at the other girl's lips. "What are you planning?"
"Moi?" Buffy batted her eyes in mock innocence. Then she dropped the pretense and spoke seriously. "Dad is on a business trip. Maybe I can go see Xander or something."
Kym's eyes flashed with understanding. "Have you asked your parents?"
"Well, no," Buffy started. "But…"
"How would you get there?" the brunette interrupted.
"My mom would have to…"
"Buffy," Kym sighed audibly. "I'm not trying to ruin your plans or anything, but let's be serious here." Buffy raised an eyebrow and Kym continued. "Do you really think it would be fair to have your mother drive down here to pick you up and then bring you back a few days later. That's a lot of miles for only a weekend."
The blond frowned. She hadn't really thought this through. To be honest, it was only wishful thinking. "I guess you're right."
Kym looked at her petite friend. "You miss him, don't you?"
Buffy nodded. "Yeah, I really do." She thought for a moment. "It's hard to explain, really."
"Buffy, you're not the first person who has had to deal with a long-distance relationship," Kym pointed out.
Buffy sighed. "I know, but we haven't been apart since I drowned. I feel sorta empty when he's not there, kinda like a part of me is missing. The longer we're apart, the further away he seems."
"I wish I could say I understand, but I don't," Kym admitted. "None of my relationships ever came close to what it seems you have."
"I'm probably not explaining it very well, either. I don't really know how, though. It confused me, too."
"Yeah," Kym nodded. She glanced at her watch. "Ugh! I gotta jet. I have to be at the airport in half an hour." The brunette rushed toward the front door. "I'll call you when I get back!"
"Okay," Buffy replied as the door closed once more. She glanced around the dark room. Buffy walked over to the window and pulled open the heavy curtains. The room was immediately bathed in bright sunlight. Buffy closed her eyes and leaned against the heated glass. The warm pane caressed her cheek and Buffy felt content.
Baking in the sun's glow, Buffy thought of the past few months. She could still remember certain occurrences from her dream. She could still recall with perfect clarity the pain her relationship with Angel had caused. Everyone had suffered. When given a second chance, why would she choose pain? Buffy never explained her actions to Angel, she just walked away. She could still feel his eyes on her back as she left the Master's lair. It gave her a small sense of satisfaction. Buffy couldn't say for sure, but she believed deep in her heart that Angel would have left her if she had chosen him. Buffy didn't have a Romeo and Juliet complex, so she left him behind and moved on with her life. Moved on to something better.
Buffy sighed and pulled back, away from the window. The sunlight beckoned to her, teasing her with a carefree attitude. The Slayer yawned and stretched. She was so tired, it felt like she hadn't slept at all last night. Although she wanted to go outside and enjoy the day, she decided it was probably best if she took a nap. Buffy knew she needed to be alert when she went patrolling that night.
"So, sleep it is," Buffy muttered as she made her way down the dark hall toward her bedroom.
The tired girl entered the room and climbed into the inviting bed. She snuggled deep under the covers and shot one last look at the clock on her bedside table. 2:15. Buffy thought as she drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
The shrill sound of the phone pierced the still air. Buffy rolled over and knocked the phone from its resting place. She leaned off the bed and picked up the receiver.
"'lo," the blond grumbled, her voice thick with sleep.
"Buffy?"
"Xander?" Buffy asked, her mind muddled from being woke up.
"Yes, Xander," the boy sounded confused. "Are you okay?"
"I was just sleeping," Buffy grumbled. She was cranky and was trying, unsuccessfully, to hide it.
"Oh-kay," Xander drawled. He could tell his girlfriend was unhappy, but he couldn't do anything for her now. "You do know it's 9:30, don't you?"
"What?" Buffy asked, her voice echoing her disbelief. She glanced at the red numbers of her alarm clock. "You've gotta be kidding me! I slept all afternoon?"
"Wow, Buff," Xander responded. "You really took the whole 'sleep the day away' thing quite literally. You miss me that much, huh?"
"Shut up," she replied, sitting up. Buffy stretched and felt a slight burn as her muscles lengthened. I must've slept pretty hard
"Are you alright?" her boyfriend asked, his voice laced with concern. "You're not coming down with anything, are you?"
Buffy sighed. "No, I was just tired. I must've needed to sleep more than I thought I did."
"Will you be okay to patrol? Because if not…"
"Look, I said I was fine!" Buffy snapped in irritation. Xander became quiet and Buffy instantly felt guilty. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I guess I just wasn't completely ready to wake up yet. Besides I miss you so much right now. I'm pretty lonely."
Xander smiled. He could never stay mad at Buffy for long. "You miss me now? Well what about later?"
The blond could tell Xander was teasing her. "Nah, I figure I'll meet Mr. Perfect tomorrow so I'll just miss you today, er, tonight."
"Hey!" Xander exclaimed. "You see Mr. Perfect, you just turn around and walk the other direction!"
"Oh yeah," Buffy challenged. "You gonna make me."
"Yup," Xander confirmed. "I'll kick him from here all the way to next Tuesday if he goes anywhere near my girl."
"And just how do you plan to do that?" Buffy asked.
"Why don't I just show you when I get there?"
"Show me when you…" the Slayer's voice trailed off as she realized what he said. "Does that mean?"
"Baby! I'm coming home," the boy cried.
Buffy squealed in excitement. "When? How? When?"
"Whoa, slow down!" Xander laughed. "To answer your questions…Tomorrow…Giles…Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Buffy's voice grew quiet. "Really?"
Xander struggled to contain his own excitement. "Yes, really."
"Why's Giles coming?" Buffy asked. She knew her Watcher hated LA. He wouldn't come unless he had a good reason.
"I don't know," Xander admitted. "Honestly, I don't really care. I get to see you and that's all I need to know."
Buffy took that in. "And you don't know why he's coming?"
"Does it really matter?"
"No, I guess it doesn't." Buffy was wide awake now. "So you'll be here tomorrow?"
"Yup. We should get there late tomorrow night. We have to do the first round of patrol and then I'm on my way," Xander explained.
"Who's covering patrol while you're gone?" Buffy asked.
"Angel's got it covered."
"And how long will you be here?" Buffy felt happier than she had in a long time. Her boyfriend was coming to see her.
"Forever if I have anything to say about it," Xander promised. "Is your dad's offer of the couch still open?"
"Just watch him try to argue with me," Buffy smiled.
"Oh, hey. I gotta run," Xander broke in. "Giles and Wills are here for patrol."
"Okay," Buffy couldn't hide her disappointment. "I guess I should patrol myself."
"I'll see you tomorrow?"
Buffy smiled at his reminder. "I'll be waiting impatiently."
"Night Buff," Xander said.
"Night," Buffy replied, moving to hang the receiver up. "Oh, Xand?"
"Hmmmm?"
"Be careful," she warned.
"Always am. You too."
Buffy sighed as she hung up the phone. She was excited about seeing Xander but there was also an overwhelming sense of dread. Not about seeing her boyfriend, but the general feeling that something bad was about to happen. The blond closed her eyes and sensed something nearby. Its very presence permeated the air, the evil so thick it was almost tangible. She could feel it but she didn't have the slightest idea where to start looking for it.
The Slayer stood up and prepared for patrol. Once ready, she said a silent prayer for her safety and the safety of her loved ones. Tightening her grip on the stake resting in the bag slung over her shoulder, Buffy pulled open the door and just hoped she was prepared enough to face the evil that awaited her.
Xander had told Giles everything. Her Watcher was researching the new enemy now and promised to get back to her as soon as he knew anything. "Hurry up, Giles," Buffy grumbled. She hated not knowing what she was up against.
Buffy's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Just a minute!" she hollered, rolling off of the couch and standing up.
The knock came again. "I said I'm coming," the Slayer muttered. Reaching the door, she yanked it open before the offensive sound could be repeated.
The door opened to reveal Kym. The raven-haired beauty stood there, her eyes traveling from the top of Buffy's blond mane all the way down to her perfectly manicured toes. "No broken bones that I can see," she said, raising an eyebrow.
"What? No, I'm fine, I just…" Buffy replied, moving aside to let the girl in. "Ohmygod! We were supposed to go out last night!"
"Nice to see you remembered me," Kym commented dryly, entering the small apartment. "I've never been stood up before."
"I'm so sorry," Buffy told her friend as her mind raced to find an excuse.
"You could have called, at least," Kym whined, running her hand along the oak entertainment center.
"I know," Buffy said. "I got mugged."
Kym stopped and stared at her. Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you serious?"
Buffy hung her head. She hated the fact that she had to lie. Back home, her friends knew the truth about her and there were no secrets. But here, things were different. "Yeah," she mumbled.
Kym's attitude and demeanor did a complete 180. "Buffy," she cooed. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, they just startled me."
"They?" came the confused reply. "You were mugged by a gang or something?"
Buffy realized her mistake and quickly moved to fix it. "They? Did I say they?" Kym nodded. "It was actually just one guy. One big, scary guy."
"Did you call the cops?" Kym asked, concerned.
"No," Buffy replied. She could feel the heat from Kym's stare. "I didn't get a good look at the guy. Besides, they wouldn't have been any help. He was gone before I knew it."
"I guess you're right. You should've called the cops, though," Kym sighed. "I just feel bad now. I really thought you had stood me up."
"Don't feel bad. You didn't know."
"Yeah," Kym grew quiet. "I guess I didn't realize how nice it is just to have a friend."
Buffy could only nod. She understood where Kym was coming from. Being called had nearly ruined her social life. Buffy's friends had dropped her, leaving her alone and angry. Betrayal hurts. Especially when it comes from those you trust.
"I was really looking forward to going out," the brunette sighed. "I haven't been clubbing in ages."
Buffy smiled. "I know what you mean. I miss the scene here. But you know what? We could still go out. It's not like either one of us is leaving town."
"Oh definitely!" Kym laughed.
"Well, how about tonight?"
"No good," Kym commented with a wave of her hand. "My parents are making me spend the weekend with them back in Louisiana," she groaned. "In fact, my plane leaves in two hours."
"Okay, so one of us is leaving town. When do you get back?" the blond asked.
"Late Monday night."
Buffy pursed her lips, deep in thought. "Well, we could go out Tuesday night."
"I don't know," Kym thought over the suggestion. "Let me check my schedule." She placed her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes a bit. "Lucky you! Looks like I'm free."
"Do I need to be penciled in?" Buffy asked with a smirk.
"Nah, I think I can remember it," Kym smiled. "And I got my car back, so I'll pick you up."
"Great!" Buffy said before falling quiet.
Kym noticed Buffy's silence. "What's wrong?"
"Well, if you're not gonna be here," Buffy began.
"Yeah?" the dark-haired girl saw a small grin play at the other girl's lips. "What are you planning?"
"Moi?" Buffy batted her eyes in mock innocence. Then she dropped the pretense and spoke seriously. "Dad is on a business trip. Maybe I can go see Xander or something."
Kym's eyes flashed with understanding. "Have you asked your parents?"
"Well, no," Buffy started. "But…"
"How would you get there?" the brunette interrupted.
"My mom would have to…"
"Buffy," Kym sighed audibly. "I'm not trying to ruin your plans or anything, but let's be serious here." Buffy raised an eyebrow and Kym continued. "Do you really think it would be fair to have your mother drive down here to pick you up and then bring you back a few days later. That's a lot of miles for only a weekend."
The blond frowned. She hadn't really thought this through. To be honest, it was only wishful thinking. "I guess you're right."
Kym looked at her petite friend. "You miss him, don't you?"
Buffy nodded. "Yeah, I really do." She thought for a moment. "It's hard to explain, really."
"Buffy, you're not the first person who has had to deal with a long-distance relationship," Kym pointed out.
Buffy sighed. "I know, but we haven't been apart since I drowned. I feel sorta empty when he's not there, kinda like a part of me is missing. The longer we're apart, the further away he seems."
"I wish I could say I understand, but I don't," Kym admitted. "None of my relationships ever came close to what it seems you have."
"I'm probably not explaining it very well, either. I don't really know how, though. It confused me, too."
"Yeah," Kym nodded. She glanced at her watch. "Ugh! I gotta jet. I have to be at the airport in half an hour." The brunette rushed toward the front door. "I'll call you when I get back!"
"Okay," Buffy replied as the door closed once more. She glanced around the dark room. Buffy walked over to the window and pulled open the heavy curtains. The room was immediately bathed in bright sunlight. Buffy closed her eyes and leaned against the heated glass. The warm pane caressed her cheek and Buffy felt content.
Baking in the sun's glow, Buffy thought of the past few months. She could still remember certain occurrences from her dream. She could still recall with perfect clarity the pain her relationship with Angel had caused. Everyone had suffered. When given a second chance, why would she choose pain? Buffy never explained her actions to Angel, she just walked away. She could still feel his eyes on her back as she left the Master's lair. It gave her a small sense of satisfaction. Buffy couldn't say for sure, but she believed deep in her heart that Angel would have left her if she had chosen him. Buffy didn't have a Romeo and Juliet complex, so she left him behind and moved on with her life. Moved on to something better.
Buffy sighed and pulled back, away from the window. The sunlight beckoned to her, teasing her with a carefree attitude. The Slayer yawned and stretched. She was so tired, it felt like she hadn't slept at all last night. Although she wanted to go outside and enjoy the day, she decided it was probably best if she took a nap. Buffy knew she needed to be alert when she went patrolling that night.
"So, sleep it is," Buffy muttered as she made her way down the dark hall toward her bedroom.
The tired girl entered the room and climbed into the inviting bed. She snuggled deep under the covers and shot one last look at the clock on her bedside table. 2:15. Buffy thought as she drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
The shrill sound of the phone pierced the still air. Buffy rolled over and knocked the phone from its resting place. She leaned off the bed and picked up the receiver.
"'lo," the blond grumbled, her voice thick with sleep.
"Buffy?"
"Xander?" Buffy asked, her mind muddled from being woke up.
"Yes, Xander," the boy sounded confused. "Are you okay?"
"I was just sleeping," Buffy grumbled. She was cranky and was trying, unsuccessfully, to hide it.
"Oh-kay," Xander drawled. He could tell his girlfriend was unhappy, but he couldn't do anything for her now. "You do know it's 9:30, don't you?"
"What?" Buffy asked, her voice echoing her disbelief. She glanced at the red numbers of her alarm clock. "You've gotta be kidding me! I slept all afternoon?"
"Wow, Buff," Xander responded. "You really took the whole 'sleep the day away' thing quite literally. You miss me that much, huh?"
"Shut up," she replied, sitting up. Buffy stretched and felt a slight burn as her muscles lengthened. I must've slept pretty hard
"Are you alright?" her boyfriend asked, his voice laced with concern. "You're not coming down with anything, are you?"
Buffy sighed. "No, I was just tired. I must've needed to sleep more than I thought I did."
"Will you be okay to patrol? Because if not…"
"Look, I said I was fine!" Buffy snapped in irritation. Xander became quiet and Buffy instantly felt guilty. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I guess I just wasn't completely ready to wake up yet. Besides I miss you so much right now. I'm pretty lonely."
Xander smiled. He could never stay mad at Buffy for long. "You miss me now? Well what about later?"
The blond could tell Xander was teasing her. "Nah, I figure I'll meet Mr. Perfect tomorrow so I'll just miss you today, er, tonight."
"Hey!" Xander exclaimed. "You see Mr. Perfect, you just turn around and walk the other direction!"
"Oh yeah," Buffy challenged. "You gonna make me."
"Yup," Xander confirmed. "I'll kick him from here all the way to next Tuesday if he goes anywhere near my girl."
"And just how do you plan to do that?" Buffy asked.
"Why don't I just show you when I get there?"
"Show me when you…" the Slayer's voice trailed off as she realized what he said. "Does that mean?"
"Baby! I'm coming home," the boy cried.
Buffy squealed in excitement. "When? How? When?"
"Whoa, slow down!" Xander laughed. "To answer your questions…Tomorrow…Giles…Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Buffy's voice grew quiet. "Really?"
Xander struggled to contain his own excitement. "Yes, really."
"Why's Giles coming?" Buffy asked. She knew her Watcher hated LA. He wouldn't come unless he had a good reason.
"I don't know," Xander admitted. "Honestly, I don't really care. I get to see you and that's all I need to know."
Buffy took that in. "And you don't know why he's coming?"
"Does it really matter?"
"No, I guess it doesn't." Buffy was wide awake now. "So you'll be here tomorrow?"
"Yup. We should get there late tomorrow night. We have to do the first round of patrol and then I'm on my way," Xander explained.
"Who's covering patrol while you're gone?" Buffy asked.
"Angel's got it covered."
"And how long will you be here?" Buffy felt happier than she had in a long time. Her boyfriend was coming to see her.
"Forever if I have anything to say about it," Xander promised. "Is your dad's offer of the couch still open?"
"Just watch him try to argue with me," Buffy smiled.
"Oh, hey. I gotta run," Xander broke in. "Giles and Wills are here for patrol."
"Okay," Buffy couldn't hide her disappointment. "I guess I should patrol myself."
"I'll see you tomorrow?"
Buffy smiled at his reminder. "I'll be waiting impatiently."
"Night Buff," Xander said.
"Night," Buffy replied, moving to hang the receiver up. "Oh, Xand?"
"Hmmmm?"
"Be careful," she warned.
"Always am. You too."
Buffy sighed as she hung up the phone. She was excited about seeing Xander but there was also an overwhelming sense of dread. Not about seeing her boyfriend, but the general feeling that something bad was about to happen. The blond closed her eyes and sensed something nearby. Its very presence permeated the air, the evil so thick it was almost tangible. She could feel it but she didn't have the slightest idea where to start looking for it.
The Slayer stood up and prepared for patrol. Once ready, she said a silent prayer for her safety and the safety of her loved ones. Tightening her grip on the stake resting in the bag slung over her shoulder, Buffy pulled open the door and just hoped she was prepared enough to face the evil that awaited her.
