Chapter 2
Buffy made it to her home in a daze. She shut the door behind her. Afterward, she crumpled to the floor, leaning against it for support. Her body shook violently.
There was no on left. Everyone had gone. Angel, Riley, her mother, Giles, and now Spike. Her friends didn't understand, he had.
Sobs ran through her. She buried her face in her hands.
Footsteps approached her. "Buffy? What's wrong?"
Buffy raised her head. She seemed lost. "He's gone, Dawnie," she whispered.
Dawn was confused. "Who? Giles?"
Buffy shook her head. "No. Spike. He's . . . gone."
Startlement overcame Dawn. "Spike? What happened?" She knelt beside her sister.
Buffy swallowed. "He died," she muttered.
Dawn moved slightly away. "No, it's not true!"
Buffy closed her eyes. "I saw him turn to dust."
Dawn fell into Buffy's arms. She hugged her tightly, crying also.
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Buffy entered the magic shop. She made her way over to the Scooby gang. What was left of it, anyway. Which, was only Xander, Willow, and Anya. She found that she couldn't even gather the strength to care.
Xander looked over at her. "What's up, Buffy?"
Buffy surveyed them all. They were sitting at the round table, staring at her with concern.
"Spike's dead. A demon staked him." Her voice was steady and unfeeling.
Shock fell over the group. They didn't say anything, not even Xander.
Buffy couldn't take it. She was going to break down again. "I. . . I have to go," she frantically exclaimed.
"You came to tell us this and then leave?" Xander asked.
She turned. Anger showed on her face. "You must be glad he's gone. You always wanted this to happen!"
"I may not have liked him, but I . . ." Xander began.
Tears formed in her eyes. "I know you hated him. He meant nothing to you. He meant something to me, though!"
Xander's mouth hung open. He was in total surprise at how Buffy was acting.
Buffy wiped her eyes. She swiftly left.