Unfortunately, the moment had to end with Buffy leaving for school and
promising to return later to check on him. With a final kiss good-bye and
instructions that he should remain in bed, she left for school, hoping to
talk to Giles before the bell rang. Walking into school, she tried to
remember that things were a little different here. For example, she was a
good student. That in itself was a major change.
Quickly she made her way to the library and called out for Giles. She watched as her father figure emerged from his office.
"Good morning Buffy. I trust Angel is well this morning?"
"Yeah, he's feeling a lot better, but I told him to stay in bed and rest any way. Any thoughts or ideas on how all this happened? I mean, how do I wake up one morning in a different world?" Buffy was curious to find out how it all happened, but wasn't too anxious to change anything. She liked this world the way it was. There were just a few changes to be made, and then all would be well.
"No, I'm sorry. I haven't come up with anything yet. Why don't you head to class and stop by this afternoon. I'll keep researching and possibly find an explanation for you. Don't worry. If there is anything to be found, we'll discover it. Go to class." Giles watched his charge leave then returned to his search. He smiled while he scanned volumes and texts, looking for an answer and feeling useful again.
Buffy managed to make it through her morning classes without any complications or problems. Her teachers didn't seem to notice a difference in her and suprisingly she knew the answers when ever she was questioned. For once, Buffy enjoyed her classes. However, the joy was short lived as she ran into the boy that was supposedly her boyfriend. She had tried to avoid him all morning, but her luck had finally run out.
Scott scanned the halls for Buffy. He was anxious to see her. She never returned his phone calls last night and he was concerned. Finally he spotted her near her locker. He walked up behind her and placed his arms around her waist. "Hey beautiful. How come you never called me back last night?"
Buffy's body tensed slightly as he kissed her on the cheek. "Um, I was at Willow's all night. You know, studying and stuff. Sorry, I haven't even been home yet." Quickly she untangled herself from his embrace. "Uh, I have to run. Don't want to be late for class. Bye." Buffy didn't even bother to look back. She knew it was probably cruel to be so distant without an explanation to Scott, but what was she going to tell him. 'Oh sorry. I'm from a different time line where I'm not your girlfriend so please leave me alone.' Yeah, that would really work, not. Dismissing the thought from her mind, she hurried to the next class.
Scott watched in confusion as she fled. She didn't walk, she litterally fled and retreated from his touch and embrace. Suddenly he was baffled. What could he have done for Buffy to change so drastically towards him? Something was going on and he was determined to find out what. Making a note to speak to Willow and Xander, he left and headed to his own class.
The day was finally over. It seemed to last forever, although Buffy couldn't remember ever enjoying school more. Maybe this reality really was better in every way. Dodging Scott had been harder that she expected, especially at lunch. He seemed to corner her and began questioning her about her behavior. She tried to act nonchallant and evasive with her answers. She didn't quite have the heart to break up with him yet.
Walking into the library, her thoughts turned to her phone call earlier. In between classes, Buffy had managed to call Angel and check up on him. Just hearing his voice was calming and reassuring. He swore he felt better and was resting. She promised to stop by after school before heading home. Now she just needed Giles to give her an explanation and she could be off to see him.
Giles looked up as Buffy entered. A moment later, Xander and Willow also entered the library. He waited as the teenagers all took seats around the table. "Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I have not discovered anything. I can't find any hint of prophecy that could have lead to these events. For all I know Buffy, you could have wished yourself into this reality somehow. The best I can tell you is to go about your life for right now and I will continue researching. I advice you to try and not make too many changes to your life. It would be best not to draw attention to yourself until we know more. Also, be on your guard for a while."
"That's it. Okay, I can do that." Realizing that there was little she could do other than enjoy her good fortune, she promised to be on guard and headed off to Angel's. "I'll watch out. I'm going to leave then. I want to check in on Angel before I go home. I'll see you guys tomorrow. Night and thanks Giles."
Buffy ran from the library to Angel's apartment. She was so excited to see her now human boyfriend. Walking up to the door, she knocked before entering. "Angel, are you awake?" She entered and closed the door behind her. "Angel?"
"Hey. I missed you." Angel heard Buffy knock and went to let her in. See her already inside, he pulled her into a hug before finding her mouth and giving her a long and passionate kiss. Slowly, his tongue urged her mouth opened and began searching for hers. He was suddenly aware of so many things. He could feel his heart pounding and his body temperature rising. Kissing Buffy was an amazing experience, especially since he didn't have to worry about Angelus roaming free.
After what seemed like hours, Buffy pulled back slightly and tried to catch her breath. "Hello to you to. Um, I could get used to being greeted like that. I take it you're feeling better?"
He walked her over to the couch and pulled her onto his lap, hesitant to loose contact with her for even a moment. "Yes. I feel great. Jenny came by. We talked for a while. She explained a few things to me. My fever is gone completely and I almost feel back to 100% again." It was hard to contain his smile as he pressed his face against her neck and kissed her shoulders and neck. He still remembered all his crimes, but for some reason the guilt that always haunted him was gone. He still felt horrible, but he was able to differentiate between himself and the demon now. It made a world of difference in his attitude and behavior.
Buffy seemed to turn to putty and his skillful hands and mouth. She turned around and straddled his lap, facing him and catching his mouth in a sensuous kiss. "That's great." She meant to say more, but her mouth was preoccupied with his. She was lost in his mouth and the feel on his hands as the needed her breasts softly through her shirt. After a few moments, it wasn't enough. Buffy needed to feel his skin under hers. She slowly began to unbutton his shirt. Placing her hands on his scultpured chest, she pushed the shirt off his shoulders and down his arms. She was lost in his arms until they both had to pull away for a much needed breath. "Oh god, I hate to say this, but I can't stay."
Angel was astonished. That was the last thing he was expecting her to say. "Why? What's going on?"
Buffy smiled and laughed at his sudden concern. "Don't worry silly, nothing's wrong. But in case you forgot, I haven't been home since early yesterday morning. I kind of need to let mom know I'm still alive. I wonder if anything is different at home?" Other than Angel, most of the changes in this world would be simple to fix or set back to her normal. However, she never wanted to change Angel's new human status. That was the best news yet. "You know, I'm really enjoying this world. You're human. There is no major need for a slayer. I don't get into all kinds of trouble and I even do well in school. Other than a boyfriend I have yet to ditch, things couldn't get better!"
Angel kept Buffy within his arms, unwilling to let her go. "I know. It almost seems to good to be true." Pulling her close, he placed his lips on hers and started another breath taking kiss. "Although I'm definatley going to have to get used to breathing again." Angel was panting heavily after their kiss, but it was a small price to pay. "I know you can't stay, but how about we make some plans for that real date we never got. Maybe spend the day together Saturday. You can show me what this town looks like during the day and maybe dinner and dancing to follow. What do you say?"
Buffy smiled widely. "You have yourself a date. This is going to be so much fun. You and me on a real date with no hell mouth interferance. It will be an absolute first!" She was giddy with excitement and expectation. Her first real date with Angel and there was nothing to stand in their way.
"It will be perfect, just wait. So, go home, see you mom, dump the old boyfriend, and make sure your schedule is cleared for Saturday. You are mine for the entire day, okay?" He picked her up and walked over to the door with her legs still wrapped around him. Placing her on the ground, he leaned in for one more sweet kiss. "You better go before I never let you leave."
Buffy couldn't help but laugh at his mischivious smile and the glint in his eyes. She had never seen him so relaxed and playful before. It was even more devistatingly handsome when he smiled, if that was even possible. "Okay, I can't wait. I'll talk to you later. I love you."
With one last kiss, he let her go. "I love you. Call me later." He watched paciently as she disappeared from his view. After closing the door, he walked over to the desk and pulled out his phone book. Today was Thursday. He only had two days to create the perfect evening for his first real date with Buffy. With a broad smile on his face, he began searching for the perfect place to take her to dinner.
Note: * denotes thought
Buffy walked home with her head in the clouds. She could still smell a tinge Angel's cologne on her shirt. For the first time in so long, she felt like a normal girl and was amazingly happy. Actually, she never remembered being this happy before, except for possible the first time she and Angel ever made love. *Oh wow. It'll be my first time with him again. I wonder if its still going to be my first time. I have to find a way to figure out what kind of life this me lead. Maybe Willow would know.* As she approached her house, she noticed a strange car in the driveway. As she moved closer, she realized it was her dad's car. *I wonder what he's doing here?*
As she walked up the steps, the front door to the house opened. Her father stood there looking extremely upset. Actually, Buffy had never seen him looking so angry before. Taking a second glance, she noticed her mother standing further in the house. There was a frown on her face and was looking every where but at Buffy.
Hank Summers was beyond mad. He had been mad the night before when his daughter never came home and had the nerve to let a friend call for her. He was enraged by the time he arrived home from work and she still had not come home. As the clock approached five, he waited by the door and finally he saw her walking down the street. Her carefree expression and nonchalant attitude did nothing to alieve his rage. He opened the door and grabbed her arm as she entered the house. Quickly he pulled her into the living room and sat her down on the couch.
Buffy was extremely confused and slightly scared by her father's behavior. She had never seen him so angry before. She was still wondering what he was doing in Sunnydale when he started yelling at her and she dimissed the thoughts for now, deciding it was in her best interests to pay attention.
"Where the hell have you been? You know the rules! You are to come home right after school each day unless I give you express permission otherwise. Where were you?" Hank sceamed. His face was bright red as he laid into his daughter. He refused to let her disobey his rules in anyway. "Answer me!"
"Dad, I'm sorry. I talked to Mr. Giles for a little bit about an assignment and then went to see a friend for a few minutes. I didn't realize you would be this upset." Buffy was franticly trying to piece together her father's behavior in this reality. Taking a small glance at the walls, she noticed all the pictures contained the three of them. *They never got divorced. That's the difference in this world.* She tried to hide her smile knowing it was completely inappropriate for her father's lecture. "I'm so sorry dad. I didn't mean to worry you. It will never happen again." She quickly tried to appease him.
Hank was further disturbed from her answers. She had willingly disobeyed the rules. He had to stop this now before things spun out of control. "Go to your room. I'll be up later to discuss this. For now, you have no phone or stereo privledges. You are to go upstairs and begin your homework until you are called for. Is that understood?"
"Yes dad." Buffy quickly stood up, grabbed her backpack and ran up the stairs. As she entered her room, she realized it looked no different that before, with the exception that pictures that once contained just her mother and herself, now had her father present as well. Everything was in its rightful place. Sitting down at her desk, she pulled out her books and began to wonder why her father was so angry. Sure, she didn't come home like expected, but he had never been this strict before. Could things be that different, she wondered. Curiousity overcame her and she walked over to her closet. She always hide her daries in the bottom on the closet. *Hopefully, it would be the same in this world and maybe they will give me some clue as to what happened.* Luck was with her and she found her diaries just were she thought. Quickly she began to search for the one that had any entries around the time her parents had divorced and moved to Sunnydale. She hoped to find some answers before her father came up to speak with her.
Hank shook his head and took another sip of his scotch. "What has gotten into that girl? Can you believe her? I don't understand. I thought we finally had things settled in this house." He poured himself another scotch and quickly drank the contents.
"Hank, she is just a teenager. She really didn't do anything wrong. Why don't you just ground her for a week and you'll see that things will go back to normal. I'm sure she didn't mean to disobey you. Why don't you just take a seat and I'll finish making dinner." Joyce Summers tried to calm her husband down before he spoke to their daughter. She hated to see him so angry. She didn't know what had happened. Things had been going so well lately. Buffy's behavior had been perfect, her grades exemplary, and even Hank's business was going well.
Hank smashed the glass against the wall. "Is that what you think I should do, huh? Leaniency is what caused us to move here in the first place. Do you want a repeat of Hemery all over again? This is how it started last time. A lie here and there. Then she stopped coming home at nights. Next thing you know, we'll be picking her up at the police station and trying to keep her out of jail. That is totally unacceptable. We will not have a repeat of events from two years ago. This little rebellion of hers ends tonight." Hank stormed out of the room and into his study where he slammed the door behind him.
Joyce shook her head and prayed that her husband would calm down before talking to Buffy. Then she grabbed a dust pan and proceded to clean up the broken glass before returning to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner. At five thirty exactly, she heard Hank emerge from the study and head up to Buffy's room. All she could do was pray he would remain calm.
As soon as dinner time approached, Hank went upstairs to retreive Buffy. He figured he would speak to her at dinner first before discussing her punishment. Maybe he was over reacting. He would watch her behavior at dinner and decide what to do later. Quietly he opened the door, not bothering to knock before entering. He sight before him, shocked him. "Buffy, what are you doing?"
"Daddy, I was just looking for something in my diary."
"If I remember correctly, I sent you up here to do homework, not write in that foolish book. Its dinner time, let's go now!" Hank was not pleased. She had disobeyed him again and blatently. Maybe it was time she remembered who made the rules in the house and exactly what they were.
Buffy quickly made her way downstair to the dinning room. Her mother already had the table set and the food out. *Wow. Formal dining. Guess things are kind of different here.* Her diaries were not the wealth of information she hoped for. Instead the entries were few and far between around the time that her family had supposedly moved to Sunnydale. She hoped she would pick up on any changes quickly.
As dinner progressed, Hank carefully watched Buffy's behavior. He started lightly questioning her about school and friends. So far nothing had been out of the normal for her. "What about Scott? How is he doing?"
Buffy hesitated before answering. *Here goes nothing.* "Actually, I don't know how much longer I'm going to be seeing Scott. Things just aren't working out."
Joyce looked up from her dinner and spoke for the first time. "Have you talked to Scott about this? I'm sure you can work out whatever differences you are having?" Joyce was hoping to convince Buffy to change her mind. Scott had been hand-picked by Hank as Buffy's boyfriend. The idea that Buffy was going to break up with him was not going to make Hank happy. "You and Scott make a wonderful couple."
"I know, but I'm not in love with him. He's nice, but he's not what I want. I don't think talking about it is going to help. I was planning on speaking to him tomorrow during lunch. Oh, is it okay if I spend the day with a friend on Saturday?" Buffy hoped to change the subject and divert attention from her relationship with Scott.
Hank tossed his napkin on the table. This news was the final straw. "You will do no such thing. You will continue to see Scott and that is final. As for Saturday, unless you have plans with Scott or having a tutoring session with you teacher, you are not leaving this house. Is that understood?"
"But dad, I don't want to be with Scott. I don't love him."
Hank was shocked that his daughter had the nerve to talk back to him. He stood up from his chair and slapped her across the face. "You will continue to see Scott and that is final. Up to your room now!"
Buffy was shocked. Her father hit her. Her father had never hit her before in her entire life. She didn't understand what was going on. With her hand still covering her face, she quickly left that table and sought out the santuary of her room. Dazed and confused, she sat on her bed and tried to understand what was happening. She didn't have long before her father stormed into her room. She immediately stood up and began to apologize. "I'm sorry."
Hank grabbed her and pushed her against the wall. A hand rested on her neck with her head to the side. Her back was facing him and he could see the fear in her eyes. "How dare you talk back to me! First you don't come home. You have nerve to get one of your friends to call for you. Then you don't come home on time. Now you're contradicting me. I think its time you learned your place in this house again."
Buffy tensed with fear. She had never heard such a vicious tone from her father nor had she felt this much fear since facing Angelus. She could hear him release his belt from his waist. Fearing what following, she tried to release his grip. His hand tightened around her throat and his entire body pressed hers into the wall. She felt him back away slightly and tried again to free herself, but found she was quickly over powered by her father. He started raining blows across her back, butt, and thighs, constantly yelling at his and demeaning her.
Hank felt her struggle and became further enraged. He couldn't believe she had the audacity to try and run from him now. It was obvious that she had forgotten her past lessons. He began to bring the belt down across her back without mercy. He put the full power of his rage and anger across each blow.
Hit after hit came down on her and he showed no signs of slowing or tiring. The pain was quickly becoming unbearable for Buffy. She felt the tears freely run down her face. She noticed that any sound she made only fueled his anger. Biting her lips, she tried to silence the cries and desperately wanted to escape. She lost count of the number of times he hit her. Her back started to feel numb and her legs were giving out. As she slumped down to her knees, she begged for him to stop. Her actions only caused him to change the means of her punishment. After half an hour, the blows began to slow. Believing that the worst was over, she tried to gain control of her breathing and the pain, but she quickly realized how wrong she was. The torture was just starting.
Joyce heard the cries coming from upstairs. She wished there was a way to protect her daughter, but she tried to tell herself that this was for Buffy's own good. She needed to be disaplined and had to understand the consequences for disobeying the rules. When the dinner dishes were done, and the house emaculate, she looked at the time. It had been over an hour and Hank had yet to leave Buffy's room. Joyce was worried, extremely worried. Leaving the kitchen, she decided to check on them. She needed to know Buffy was okay, even if it meant turning Hank's temper on her. As she reached the top of the stairs, Hank emerged from Buffy's bedroom.
Hank gave her one final kick before leaving her lying on the floor. Fixing his clothes, he oped her door and left the room. Upon seeing Joyce standing at the stairs, he began barking out orders. "You are to leave her alone until I tell you. You are not to go into her room for anything. She is not getting meals or phone calls until I say otherwise. Is that understood?"
Angel woke with a start. Something was wrong. He had been taking a nap, waiting for Buffy to call when the feeling of fear and pain overcame him. He took a quick look around the apartment. Everything was in order. He tried to figure out where the feelings came from, but he couldn't pin point it. Angel wanted to phone Buffy and make sure she was fine, but was worried abouat her mother answering the phone. In their world, Joyce hated him. He couldn't imagine Joyce feeling any differently. He also didn't want to put Buffy on the spot and explain his sudden existance in her life. Dismissing the feelings as a simple nightmare, he fixed himself a snack and watched a little television. After 11 pm, he assumed Buffy had simply forgotten to call and it was too late to call the Summer's house now. He resolved to talk to her tomorrow and went to bed.
Quickly she made her way to the library and called out for Giles. She watched as her father figure emerged from his office.
"Good morning Buffy. I trust Angel is well this morning?"
"Yeah, he's feeling a lot better, but I told him to stay in bed and rest any way. Any thoughts or ideas on how all this happened? I mean, how do I wake up one morning in a different world?" Buffy was curious to find out how it all happened, but wasn't too anxious to change anything. She liked this world the way it was. There were just a few changes to be made, and then all would be well.
"No, I'm sorry. I haven't come up with anything yet. Why don't you head to class and stop by this afternoon. I'll keep researching and possibly find an explanation for you. Don't worry. If there is anything to be found, we'll discover it. Go to class." Giles watched his charge leave then returned to his search. He smiled while he scanned volumes and texts, looking for an answer and feeling useful again.
Buffy managed to make it through her morning classes without any complications or problems. Her teachers didn't seem to notice a difference in her and suprisingly she knew the answers when ever she was questioned. For once, Buffy enjoyed her classes. However, the joy was short lived as she ran into the boy that was supposedly her boyfriend. She had tried to avoid him all morning, but her luck had finally run out.
Scott scanned the halls for Buffy. He was anxious to see her. She never returned his phone calls last night and he was concerned. Finally he spotted her near her locker. He walked up behind her and placed his arms around her waist. "Hey beautiful. How come you never called me back last night?"
Buffy's body tensed slightly as he kissed her on the cheek. "Um, I was at Willow's all night. You know, studying and stuff. Sorry, I haven't even been home yet." Quickly she untangled herself from his embrace. "Uh, I have to run. Don't want to be late for class. Bye." Buffy didn't even bother to look back. She knew it was probably cruel to be so distant without an explanation to Scott, but what was she going to tell him. 'Oh sorry. I'm from a different time line where I'm not your girlfriend so please leave me alone.' Yeah, that would really work, not. Dismissing the thought from her mind, she hurried to the next class.
Scott watched in confusion as she fled. She didn't walk, she litterally fled and retreated from his touch and embrace. Suddenly he was baffled. What could he have done for Buffy to change so drastically towards him? Something was going on and he was determined to find out what. Making a note to speak to Willow and Xander, he left and headed to his own class.
The day was finally over. It seemed to last forever, although Buffy couldn't remember ever enjoying school more. Maybe this reality really was better in every way. Dodging Scott had been harder that she expected, especially at lunch. He seemed to corner her and began questioning her about her behavior. She tried to act nonchallant and evasive with her answers. She didn't quite have the heart to break up with him yet.
Walking into the library, her thoughts turned to her phone call earlier. In between classes, Buffy had managed to call Angel and check up on him. Just hearing his voice was calming and reassuring. He swore he felt better and was resting. She promised to stop by after school before heading home. Now she just needed Giles to give her an explanation and she could be off to see him.
Giles looked up as Buffy entered. A moment later, Xander and Willow also entered the library. He waited as the teenagers all took seats around the table. "Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I have not discovered anything. I can't find any hint of prophecy that could have lead to these events. For all I know Buffy, you could have wished yourself into this reality somehow. The best I can tell you is to go about your life for right now and I will continue researching. I advice you to try and not make too many changes to your life. It would be best not to draw attention to yourself until we know more. Also, be on your guard for a while."
"That's it. Okay, I can do that." Realizing that there was little she could do other than enjoy her good fortune, she promised to be on guard and headed off to Angel's. "I'll watch out. I'm going to leave then. I want to check in on Angel before I go home. I'll see you guys tomorrow. Night and thanks Giles."
Buffy ran from the library to Angel's apartment. She was so excited to see her now human boyfriend. Walking up to the door, she knocked before entering. "Angel, are you awake?" She entered and closed the door behind her. "Angel?"
"Hey. I missed you." Angel heard Buffy knock and went to let her in. See her already inside, he pulled her into a hug before finding her mouth and giving her a long and passionate kiss. Slowly, his tongue urged her mouth opened and began searching for hers. He was suddenly aware of so many things. He could feel his heart pounding and his body temperature rising. Kissing Buffy was an amazing experience, especially since he didn't have to worry about Angelus roaming free.
After what seemed like hours, Buffy pulled back slightly and tried to catch her breath. "Hello to you to. Um, I could get used to being greeted like that. I take it you're feeling better?"
He walked her over to the couch and pulled her onto his lap, hesitant to loose contact with her for even a moment. "Yes. I feel great. Jenny came by. We talked for a while. She explained a few things to me. My fever is gone completely and I almost feel back to 100% again." It was hard to contain his smile as he pressed his face against her neck and kissed her shoulders and neck. He still remembered all his crimes, but for some reason the guilt that always haunted him was gone. He still felt horrible, but he was able to differentiate between himself and the demon now. It made a world of difference in his attitude and behavior.
Buffy seemed to turn to putty and his skillful hands and mouth. She turned around and straddled his lap, facing him and catching his mouth in a sensuous kiss. "That's great." She meant to say more, but her mouth was preoccupied with his. She was lost in his mouth and the feel on his hands as the needed her breasts softly through her shirt. After a few moments, it wasn't enough. Buffy needed to feel his skin under hers. She slowly began to unbutton his shirt. Placing her hands on his scultpured chest, she pushed the shirt off his shoulders and down his arms. She was lost in his arms until they both had to pull away for a much needed breath. "Oh god, I hate to say this, but I can't stay."
Angel was astonished. That was the last thing he was expecting her to say. "Why? What's going on?"
Buffy smiled and laughed at his sudden concern. "Don't worry silly, nothing's wrong. But in case you forgot, I haven't been home since early yesterday morning. I kind of need to let mom know I'm still alive. I wonder if anything is different at home?" Other than Angel, most of the changes in this world would be simple to fix or set back to her normal. However, she never wanted to change Angel's new human status. That was the best news yet. "You know, I'm really enjoying this world. You're human. There is no major need for a slayer. I don't get into all kinds of trouble and I even do well in school. Other than a boyfriend I have yet to ditch, things couldn't get better!"
Angel kept Buffy within his arms, unwilling to let her go. "I know. It almost seems to good to be true." Pulling her close, he placed his lips on hers and started another breath taking kiss. "Although I'm definatley going to have to get used to breathing again." Angel was panting heavily after their kiss, but it was a small price to pay. "I know you can't stay, but how about we make some plans for that real date we never got. Maybe spend the day together Saturday. You can show me what this town looks like during the day and maybe dinner and dancing to follow. What do you say?"
Buffy smiled widely. "You have yourself a date. This is going to be so much fun. You and me on a real date with no hell mouth interferance. It will be an absolute first!" She was giddy with excitement and expectation. Her first real date with Angel and there was nothing to stand in their way.
"It will be perfect, just wait. So, go home, see you mom, dump the old boyfriend, and make sure your schedule is cleared for Saturday. You are mine for the entire day, okay?" He picked her up and walked over to the door with her legs still wrapped around him. Placing her on the ground, he leaned in for one more sweet kiss. "You better go before I never let you leave."
Buffy couldn't help but laugh at his mischivious smile and the glint in his eyes. She had never seen him so relaxed and playful before. It was even more devistatingly handsome when he smiled, if that was even possible. "Okay, I can't wait. I'll talk to you later. I love you."
With one last kiss, he let her go. "I love you. Call me later." He watched paciently as she disappeared from his view. After closing the door, he walked over to the desk and pulled out his phone book. Today was Thursday. He only had two days to create the perfect evening for his first real date with Buffy. With a broad smile on his face, he began searching for the perfect place to take her to dinner.
Note: * denotes thought
Buffy walked home with her head in the clouds. She could still smell a tinge Angel's cologne on her shirt. For the first time in so long, she felt like a normal girl and was amazingly happy. Actually, she never remembered being this happy before, except for possible the first time she and Angel ever made love. *Oh wow. It'll be my first time with him again. I wonder if its still going to be my first time. I have to find a way to figure out what kind of life this me lead. Maybe Willow would know.* As she approached her house, she noticed a strange car in the driveway. As she moved closer, she realized it was her dad's car. *I wonder what he's doing here?*
As she walked up the steps, the front door to the house opened. Her father stood there looking extremely upset. Actually, Buffy had never seen him looking so angry before. Taking a second glance, she noticed her mother standing further in the house. There was a frown on her face and was looking every where but at Buffy.
Hank Summers was beyond mad. He had been mad the night before when his daughter never came home and had the nerve to let a friend call for her. He was enraged by the time he arrived home from work and she still had not come home. As the clock approached five, he waited by the door and finally he saw her walking down the street. Her carefree expression and nonchalant attitude did nothing to alieve his rage. He opened the door and grabbed her arm as she entered the house. Quickly he pulled her into the living room and sat her down on the couch.
Buffy was extremely confused and slightly scared by her father's behavior. She had never seen him so angry before. She was still wondering what he was doing in Sunnydale when he started yelling at her and she dimissed the thoughts for now, deciding it was in her best interests to pay attention.
"Where the hell have you been? You know the rules! You are to come home right after school each day unless I give you express permission otherwise. Where were you?" Hank sceamed. His face was bright red as he laid into his daughter. He refused to let her disobey his rules in anyway. "Answer me!"
"Dad, I'm sorry. I talked to Mr. Giles for a little bit about an assignment and then went to see a friend for a few minutes. I didn't realize you would be this upset." Buffy was franticly trying to piece together her father's behavior in this reality. Taking a small glance at the walls, she noticed all the pictures contained the three of them. *They never got divorced. That's the difference in this world.* She tried to hide her smile knowing it was completely inappropriate for her father's lecture. "I'm so sorry dad. I didn't mean to worry you. It will never happen again." She quickly tried to appease him.
Hank was further disturbed from her answers. She had willingly disobeyed the rules. He had to stop this now before things spun out of control. "Go to your room. I'll be up later to discuss this. For now, you have no phone or stereo privledges. You are to go upstairs and begin your homework until you are called for. Is that understood?"
"Yes dad." Buffy quickly stood up, grabbed her backpack and ran up the stairs. As she entered her room, she realized it looked no different that before, with the exception that pictures that once contained just her mother and herself, now had her father present as well. Everything was in its rightful place. Sitting down at her desk, she pulled out her books and began to wonder why her father was so angry. Sure, she didn't come home like expected, but he had never been this strict before. Could things be that different, she wondered. Curiousity overcame her and she walked over to her closet. She always hide her daries in the bottom on the closet. *Hopefully, it would be the same in this world and maybe they will give me some clue as to what happened.* Luck was with her and she found her diaries just were she thought. Quickly she began to search for the one that had any entries around the time her parents had divorced and moved to Sunnydale. She hoped to find some answers before her father came up to speak with her.
Hank shook his head and took another sip of his scotch. "What has gotten into that girl? Can you believe her? I don't understand. I thought we finally had things settled in this house." He poured himself another scotch and quickly drank the contents.
"Hank, she is just a teenager. She really didn't do anything wrong. Why don't you just ground her for a week and you'll see that things will go back to normal. I'm sure she didn't mean to disobey you. Why don't you just take a seat and I'll finish making dinner." Joyce Summers tried to calm her husband down before he spoke to their daughter. She hated to see him so angry. She didn't know what had happened. Things had been going so well lately. Buffy's behavior had been perfect, her grades exemplary, and even Hank's business was going well.
Hank smashed the glass against the wall. "Is that what you think I should do, huh? Leaniency is what caused us to move here in the first place. Do you want a repeat of Hemery all over again? This is how it started last time. A lie here and there. Then she stopped coming home at nights. Next thing you know, we'll be picking her up at the police station and trying to keep her out of jail. That is totally unacceptable. We will not have a repeat of events from two years ago. This little rebellion of hers ends tonight." Hank stormed out of the room and into his study where he slammed the door behind him.
Joyce shook her head and prayed that her husband would calm down before talking to Buffy. Then she grabbed a dust pan and proceded to clean up the broken glass before returning to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner. At five thirty exactly, she heard Hank emerge from the study and head up to Buffy's room. All she could do was pray he would remain calm.
As soon as dinner time approached, Hank went upstairs to retreive Buffy. He figured he would speak to her at dinner first before discussing her punishment. Maybe he was over reacting. He would watch her behavior at dinner and decide what to do later. Quietly he opened the door, not bothering to knock before entering. He sight before him, shocked him. "Buffy, what are you doing?"
"Daddy, I was just looking for something in my diary."
"If I remember correctly, I sent you up here to do homework, not write in that foolish book. Its dinner time, let's go now!" Hank was not pleased. She had disobeyed him again and blatently. Maybe it was time she remembered who made the rules in the house and exactly what they were.
Buffy quickly made her way downstair to the dinning room. Her mother already had the table set and the food out. *Wow. Formal dining. Guess things are kind of different here.* Her diaries were not the wealth of information she hoped for. Instead the entries were few and far between around the time that her family had supposedly moved to Sunnydale. She hoped she would pick up on any changes quickly.
As dinner progressed, Hank carefully watched Buffy's behavior. He started lightly questioning her about school and friends. So far nothing had been out of the normal for her. "What about Scott? How is he doing?"
Buffy hesitated before answering. *Here goes nothing.* "Actually, I don't know how much longer I'm going to be seeing Scott. Things just aren't working out."
Joyce looked up from her dinner and spoke for the first time. "Have you talked to Scott about this? I'm sure you can work out whatever differences you are having?" Joyce was hoping to convince Buffy to change her mind. Scott had been hand-picked by Hank as Buffy's boyfriend. The idea that Buffy was going to break up with him was not going to make Hank happy. "You and Scott make a wonderful couple."
"I know, but I'm not in love with him. He's nice, but he's not what I want. I don't think talking about it is going to help. I was planning on speaking to him tomorrow during lunch. Oh, is it okay if I spend the day with a friend on Saturday?" Buffy hoped to change the subject and divert attention from her relationship with Scott.
Hank tossed his napkin on the table. This news was the final straw. "You will do no such thing. You will continue to see Scott and that is final. As for Saturday, unless you have plans with Scott or having a tutoring session with you teacher, you are not leaving this house. Is that understood?"
"But dad, I don't want to be with Scott. I don't love him."
Hank was shocked that his daughter had the nerve to talk back to him. He stood up from his chair and slapped her across the face. "You will continue to see Scott and that is final. Up to your room now!"
Buffy was shocked. Her father hit her. Her father had never hit her before in her entire life. She didn't understand what was going on. With her hand still covering her face, she quickly left that table and sought out the santuary of her room. Dazed and confused, she sat on her bed and tried to understand what was happening. She didn't have long before her father stormed into her room. She immediately stood up and began to apologize. "I'm sorry."
Hank grabbed her and pushed her against the wall. A hand rested on her neck with her head to the side. Her back was facing him and he could see the fear in her eyes. "How dare you talk back to me! First you don't come home. You have nerve to get one of your friends to call for you. Then you don't come home on time. Now you're contradicting me. I think its time you learned your place in this house again."
Buffy tensed with fear. She had never heard such a vicious tone from her father nor had she felt this much fear since facing Angelus. She could hear him release his belt from his waist. Fearing what following, she tried to release his grip. His hand tightened around her throat and his entire body pressed hers into the wall. She felt him back away slightly and tried again to free herself, but found she was quickly over powered by her father. He started raining blows across her back, butt, and thighs, constantly yelling at his and demeaning her.
Hank felt her struggle and became further enraged. He couldn't believe she had the audacity to try and run from him now. It was obvious that she had forgotten her past lessons. He began to bring the belt down across her back without mercy. He put the full power of his rage and anger across each blow.
Hit after hit came down on her and he showed no signs of slowing or tiring. The pain was quickly becoming unbearable for Buffy. She felt the tears freely run down her face. She noticed that any sound she made only fueled his anger. Biting her lips, she tried to silence the cries and desperately wanted to escape. She lost count of the number of times he hit her. Her back started to feel numb and her legs were giving out. As she slumped down to her knees, she begged for him to stop. Her actions only caused him to change the means of her punishment. After half an hour, the blows began to slow. Believing that the worst was over, she tried to gain control of her breathing and the pain, but she quickly realized how wrong she was. The torture was just starting.
Joyce heard the cries coming from upstairs. She wished there was a way to protect her daughter, but she tried to tell herself that this was for Buffy's own good. She needed to be disaplined and had to understand the consequences for disobeying the rules. When the dinner dishes were done, and the house emaculate, she looked at the time. It had been over an hour and Hank had yet to leave Buffy's room. Joyce was worried, extremely worried. Leaving the kitchen, she decided to check on them. She needed to know Buffy was okay, even if it meant turning Hank's temper on her. As she reached the top of the stairs, Hank emerged from Buffy's bedroom.
Hank gave her one final kick before leaving her lying on the floor. Fixing his clothes, he oped her door and left the room. Upon seeing Joyce standing at the stairs, he began barking out orders. "You are to leave her alone until I tell you. You are not to go into her room for anything. She is not getting meals or phone calls until I say otherwise. Is that understood?"
Angel woke with a start. Something was wrong. He had been taking a nap, waiting for Buffy to call when the feeling of fear and pain overcame him. He took a quick look around the apartment. Everything was in order. He tried to figure out where the feelings came from, but he couldn't pin point it. Angel wanted to phone Buffy and make sure she was fine, but was worried abouat her mother answering the phone. In their world, Joyce hated him. He couldn't imagine Joyce feeling any differently. He also didn't want to put Buffy on the spot and explain his sudden existance in her life. Dismissing the feelings as a simple nightmare, he fixed himself a snack and watched a little television. After 11 pm, he assumed Buffy had simply forgotten to call and it was too late to call the Summer's house now. He resolved to talk to her tomorrow and went to bed.