Buffy stretched in the bed as she woke up the next morning. The sun was filtering through the pale blue curtains and Buffy smiled. She couldn't accept her fate. Here she was, laying in a beautiful room, not worrying about anything. It was a new feeling and she didn't want to enjoy it too much, in case the bubble popped and she was left with just a dream.

She lazily stood up and made her way out of the room. She looked across the hall at a closed door. She couldn't help the curiosity as she went over and opened the door slowly. The room was smaller, but still nice. The curtains were closed tightly along with a few blankets draped over the window, just in case.

She could see Spike's form in the bed. Blankets kicked off, he lay in the middle of the bed sprawled out on his back, clothed in the same jeans he had worn the whole trip. She absently made a note that they would have to buy him some new clothes.

Of course she wasn't really thinking of clothes right now. She was thinking of the bare-chested vampire that lay in the bed across from her. Such carved muscles, such pale smooth skin. He was beautiful. Like a statue. She sighed and shut the door.

What was with her? Last night she had wanted Spike to kiss her, and now she was making comments about how incredibly sexy he was. She gave it over to the fact that so much was happening so quickly she was confused. Yes, confused was the right word.

She made her way downstairs to see if there was any food. She found there was nothing. She moaned. She was really hungry. What was she going to do all day? Spike wasn't going to be waking up anytime soon.

She crinkled her nose. She was going to be very lonely. She walked back upstairs and into the master bedroom. She wanted to explore. She opened the closet. Nothing. Wow she was going to have some work to do today. She changed back into her old clothes, brushing out her hair as best as she could.

She found Giles' suitcase and opened it up. Inside were his clothes and toiletries, which she was happy for because she needed some toothpaste. She unzipped a pocket. There was an envelope inside. She opened it up carefully, sitting cross-legged on the floor.

It was a letter and five hundred dollars.

'Giles,

I hope that all goes well for Buffy and you. She deserves this break as much as anyone I know. I will send money every month for food and whatever else you will need. I checked into it and I can have the money deposited straight to the Roseland Bank that way no contact need be made between us to keep Buffy's whereabouts a secret.

As we discussed I'm already taking care of the bills. The money will be taken straight from my account. Please don't worry about me running out of money. I am perfectly capable of taking care of this. I owe this to you. And Buffy.

I imagine you have already told Buffy about the arrangement. I hope she isn't mad. You should understand as well as I do why I couldn't see her. Once again I hope everything works out. If you should need me you know where to call.

Angel'

Buffy sighed as she set down the letter. She wondered what Angel would think if he knew she was here with Spike, not Giles. Spike. Something funny was happening inside her. When she read Angel's words, when she saw his strong script, it didn't hurt as much as it used to hurt every time someone mentioned him or she heard from him.

Perhaps she was finally getting over him? God it had taken her long enough, and the ordeal still wasn't over. She knew that she would always love Angel, but it just wasn't like it used to be. Was it even safe to admit? Did she want to admit it? Was she really over Angel once and for all?