Part Seven-
I awoke to the bright sun turning my eyelids a fiery orange. I squinted as I sluggishly rolled over to look at my small clock. It was just after noon. I pushed back my covers and yawned, shoving my thick hair out of the way as I padded to the bathroom. My appearance was horrible. I had dark circles under my eyes, clearly standing out on my porcelain pale face. My eyes were bloodshot and I had shadows of bruises all over me. There was dried blood in my hair and a rather large lump. I fingered it and let out a hiss. Painful. I did my business, undressed, and climbed into the shower. I turned the water on and the freezing water shocked me awake. Gradually it grew nice and hot. I let the water spray over me, letting it heal my tender skin and frazzled nerves. I remember the dreadful scene with Angel last night and had no desire to confront him again. He probably thought I was strange now. I felt silly, now that I thought about it. I had accused him of killing his parents by going on the strange flashes I'd been having. I was sure he had done no such thing. I mean, what self respecting man, and I'm assuming Angel is one, would kill their parents? He would have to be truly demonic and sadistic to even think of something like that. I lathered my hair shampoo and my body with soap. Soon I began to feel better and renewed. I stepped out of the shower and wrapped myself in one of the fluffy towels from the small closet. I still looked awful, but felt great. I threw on a pair of jeans and one of the tanks tops I had bought. I pulled my dripping hair into a messy bun and crept downstairs. I could hear the bustle and commotion downstairs and truly didn't want to face the lot of them. But, I needed food. My stomach demanded it. I found a side stairway and went down it silently. I ducked into the kitchen and was pretty sure no one saw me until I heard a voice say;
"Hey."
*
"Hey."
I jumped about a mile and whipped around to face the person. Faith sat at the table, her hair a mess and her face a shadow of bruises.
"Good morning." I said softly, so no one else would hear me and I wouldn't have to deal with them.
"Don't worry. No one will come in here. At least while I'm in here. I'm not a morning person." She said, sipping a steaming cup of coffee.
"Good." I breathed, "I really don't want o deal with anyone."
"I hear ya." She said, then offered me some kind of strange sandwich.
When I look at her strangely, she laughed and took a bite of hers.
"It's a croissantwich. Best of what McDonalds has in the morning." She boasted, taking another bite, a comical dreamy look entering her eyes.
I shook my head and took a bite of one. I tasted sausage, egg, and cheese. Mmm. I ate the whole thing and downed a glass of orange juice.
"Where ya going? You look like you're sneaking away to meet with a boy." Faith teased, leaning back in her chair.
"I am. I think." I said.
Faith looked at me funny, "Where are you going?" She asked, her voice layered with protectiveness.
"Out. To look around the town. I'd rather not be stuck here all day." I covered, not wanting to reveal that I was going to see some stranger named Whistler.
She eyes me then relented, "Fine. Be careful." She warned.
"Always am." I said, not really intending to say that. It just slipped out automatically.
She eyed me again then shook her head.
I waved slightly and slipped out of the room, climbing out of a near window. I couldn't go out the front door because everyone would see me them. I took out the note and reread it. Hemery High School. Now, where in the world was it? I just wandered around for a while before I came to a large building looming in the distance. It looked like a school.I think. I jogged across the street, and almost got killed. Really. Some person in the large truck squealed to a stop and yelled at me.
"Watch where ya going ya little bitch!"
I froze, fury pumping through my veins. I walked calmly over to the car and kicked the bumper, leaving a rather large dent. I laughed and the person went nuts.
"Do you know how much this costs? You better have insurance! I'ma hunt you down and kill you!"
I rolled my eyes resumed my jog to the school. Now, where was I supposed to meet this guy?
"Hey! Blondie, over here!" I heard a voice yell.
I looked over and saw an absorbedly dressed man waving me over. He wore a bright yellow trench coat and orange corduroys and a teeny hat.
"Oh my God." I murmured.
"You comin or what?" He demanded as I walked slowly over there.
"What are you wearing?" I asked him.
"I'm gonna choose to ignore that comment. Name's Whistler. Pleasure t'meet ya."
"I didn't tell you my name yet." I said.
"Oh, I know your name, Anne. I know a lot about you. I know you were with the Watcher's in London for a couple years and I know about your little adventure last night." He said, as we started to walk.
"You've been watching me?" I asked him.
"In a way. I see things. I'm a worker for the Powers." He said.
"The Powers what?" I asked him, beyond confused at this point.
"The Powers That Be, you know, the big guys upstairs. They know all, see all, and occasionally fill me in on some of that all. Y'know, they're fate, destiny, past, future, and chance all wrapped into one. Kind of like a burrito." He murmured.
We fell in step with each other, "So, what does this have to do with me?" I asked him.
He looked at me, his expression grave, "Everything, kid."
I just looked at him, not knowing what to say.
"Look, this world has been goin' down the crap-hole since 2000. Demons are getting more rowdy, they wanna make themselves known. The balance is uneven, has been for close to seven years now."
"Ok." I sighed, "Now how does this affect me?" I asked him.
"It's your job to stop all of this. You being here, you just gave this sorry world new hope, even if they don't know it. Basically, you restore the balance." He answered me.
"So, what do I do?" I asked him, not seeing the point in arguing.
"You fight, kid. Fight, live, just stay alive." He told me and I was sure that had some semblance, but I couldn't figure it out.
"Who do I fight?" I asked.
"The forces of evil, of course." He snickered.
"Of course. I don't know why I didn't see it." I muttered sarcastically.
He chuckled wryly, "You're a riot kid." Then he continued, "You know, you gotta fight demons. Vamps, Master vamps, uber-vamps. Morahs, Warlocks, Witches, Gods, Goddesses, the list could go on and on." He finished up.
I sat dumbfounded. I had thought that there were just vampires out there. But, now I am being told that there is very much more in this world than I could imagine. What am I supposed to make of this? We just walk around for awhile. We say nothing, I'm just trying to let this information sink in.
"Do I fight alone?" I ask him.
He looks at me, shaking his head, "Nah. Not anymore ya don't. Those people you and the Watcher are living with, they'll help. Just let 'em get over the shock of seeing ya." He advised.
Why would they be shocked at seeing me? When I voice that question he laughs and shakes his head slowly, "You'll find out soon enough."
I sigh in frustration. He's telling me nothing. I take notice of my surroundings and see we're in downtown LA and that it has begun to get dark out. We had been walking around for hours.
"Yeah, shocks ya when time moves quicker than ya thought it was. Time will do that." Whistler mused as we twisted around corners and crept into alleyways.
"Where are we going?" I asked him.
"I'm going to show you what this world is like when the sun goes down." He told me, leading me into a club.
The walls were dark and almost looked like someone ad spread oil on them to make them shine and gleam with evil. The music pulsed and sweaty bodies grinded and pressed up against one another. I could smell sweat, exhilaration, and blood. I looked into the corner and saw vampires biting people. But, the people didn't look frightened or panicked. The looked like they wanted it. Whistler led me through the mass of bodies-dead and alive- to a small maze of stairs. We went up and up and I was shocked at what I saw. I saw humans and vampires, together. The vampires were seducing their preys and enticing them. The scent of sex, blood, and money was heavy in the room, I almost gagged. Two female vampires looked at me and growled invitingly. I snapped my head away from them and gazed at Whistler.
"What in God's name are we doing in this.this place?" I demanded him, feeling so uncomfortable at the vampires who were gazing at me like I was water to a dehydrated man.or blood to a starving vampire.
"This is like a whorehouse.only for vampires. Humans come here to pay for sex and to have their blood drank." Whistler explained, looking a bit ill himself.
"Why in the world would they do that?" I asked, my eyes widening at this place. It was like a nudist colony for vampires. Ugh.
"It's kind of like how junkies crave a fix. Kind of like how sky divers crave the thrill of knowing they just might crash into the ground. It's all gotta do with the thrill. Fear is a thrill." Whistler tried to explain.
"This is disgusting." I muttered.
"Hey, don't knock it till ya try it." A silky voice behind me said.
I turned around and saw myself face to face with a naked women.vampire. She pressed herself against me and kissed me. I tasted blood, salt, and ash. I gagged when she shoved her tongue in my mouth. I shoved her away and grabbed a stray piece of wood and pushed her up against the wall. I hated the feel of touching her naked flash.
"Ohh, you like it rough." She purred and my lips curled back in disgust.
I said nothing as I staked her. I felt physically sick as Whistler grabbed my arm and led my out of that place. I felt like vomiting, the taste of stale blood still lingering in my mouth.
"Oh God." I moaned.
"Yeah, this is just one of the many evils in the world, kid." Whistler said as he patted my back gently.
"What time is it?" I asked him.
"Around ten-ish." He answered.
I looked up at him disbelievingly, "We've been out all day."
"I told you. Time's a tricky thing." He said cryptically.
How am I supposed to get back to the hotel, I thought.
"Five blocks north, then two west." Whistler told me, reading my mind.
"Great." I said and began to leave.
"You need anything, just look me up. Doyle knows where I am." He said and with a tip of his hat he was gone.
I ran the whole way back to the hotel, hoping I could sneak back inside. I felt in desperate need of a shower. My mouth tasted of sour copper and my body felt tight and dirty. I came in view of the hotel and ran around to the back, praying that the side door was unlocked. I entered quietly and turned around to shut the door. When I faced back to the room, I saw Angel standing there, glaring furiously.
"What the hell have you been?" He growled at me.
I scoff and walk past him, thinking I shouldn't have to explain anything to him. I make it to the lobby when he rushes after me and grabs my arm, pulling me to him.
"Where were you?" He demands again, making everyone look up at us.
"I don't have to answer to you!" I yell and try to yank my arm out of his grasp.
His grip is too tight and he stops for a moment, looking at me with wide eyes.
"You were at the Vampire House." He whispers.
"What?" I ask him, trying to get out of his hold.
"You were with the vampire whores." He says, his voice low and dangerous.
"What of it?" I ask.
"Who the fuck took you there?" He yelled.
"No one!" I scream, pushing him away from me.
"You answer me!" He shouted.
"Now Peaches." Spike murmured trying to calm the enraged man.
"Stay out of this, Spike!" Angel growled.
"No, let them say something. Let them all tell me how disappointed and frustrated everyone is that I'm not some meek little mouse who will agree and do everything everyone says! Say it!" I screamed.
I don't know why I didn't just answer him. I didn't know why I had to make everything worse by screaming back.
"Where were you, Anne?" He asks me and I can tell he's trying to calm down.
"I don't have to tell you jack-squat." I retorted, my hands on my hips, "You don't own me. You can't tell me what to do! You don't even know me!" I yelled at him, silencing everyone in that damned room.
"While you are in *my* house, you *will* answer to me." Angel said slowly.
My mouth opened and my eyes narrowed.
*"You walk out of this house, don't even *think* about coming back!"*
"Then I'll leave." I said.
He was at loss of words, his mouth opening and closing.
"Little advice, mouth looks better closed." I sneered as I made my way upstairs.
"You can't leave." He finally sputtered.
"Why the bloody hell not? It's obvious that all of you don't want me here. So, I'll do you a favor and leave." I snapped.
"And, where would you go?"
Oh, he was getting cocky now, was he? Time to kick him off his little high horse.
"I could go back to London. At least they want me there.even if it is for atrocious reasons." I muttered.
"Yeah, until they kill you." Angel sneered.
I just stared at him, "It'd be better than all of this." I said softly and then pounded up the stairs, not wanting to face anything anymore.
I reached my room and slammed the door shut, locking it. I felt so upset. My head was beginning to pound, my mouth still tasted of old blood, my skin felt icky, and my wrists were beginning to throb. I sat on the bed and peered at them. They were so small, like a little kid's wrist. I could see the whitened scar of where I had cut them. One was jagged and the other was rough, raised skin. The dull ache transfixed me. In a moment of weakness I had changed my skin, my body. It didn't really matter, it just bothered me. I fingered the raised skin absently and thought of my childish, rebellious behavior. I sighed, stood up, and went in the shower to attempt to wash the disgust off of my skin. I turned the water up to a scalding hot temperature and grabbed a loofah. I lathered it with body wash and scrubbed all over. I closed my eyes and scrubbed hard, hoping the filth I felt would go away. I didn't feel any cleaner. I just pain burning pain. I opened my eyes and was horrified to see blood swirling down the drain. I looked at the loofah and saw little bits of skin clinging to the fibers, the whole thing streaked with blood. I gasped and stumbled out of the showed, falling to the floor with a painful thump. I stared transfixed at the fallen loofah and the swirling blood. What had I done to myself? Now I'm convinced I'm insane, no buts about it. What kind of person would do this to themselves? A crazy person, that's who. Me. I felt tears prick my eyes.I hate this. I grabbed a robe that was hanging at and dabbed my face with it. I turned to the mirror and looked at myself. My cheeks were red and puffy, my eyes tired. I could see raw wounds on my arms and felt them on my back. I could feel the warm, sticky blood sliding down and I could smell the scent of bitter copper. I pulled the robe on and walked stiffly out of the room, freezing when I sensed someone in with me. I flicked on the light and Angel sat in the corner, his legs crossed, and his eyes dark.
"How did you get in here?" I asked him tiredly, standing awkwardly straight.
"I have a master key to all of the rooms." He answered me, looking at me.
A strange look came over his face, "You're bleeding." He said, concern etching his face.
"How do you know?" I ask.
"I can see it." He simply stated.
I looked down and saw blood running down my leg.
"I.uh, must have cut myself when I ran into the shower door." I lied, wishing he would leave.
"Can I. Let me see." He said getting up and walking to me.
He pulled down the back of my robe and let out a small gasp. He fingered the broken skin lightly and I winced.
"You didn't cut it.your skin looks.scrapped off." He whispered.
I shrugged out of his feather-light grasp and pulled my robe back up, walking toward my French door. I looked out into the star-filled sky.
"What happened?" He asked me, coming up behind me.
"I felt.dirty. That place, the vampire whore-house." I whisper as I shuddered.
Angel placed his hands lightly on my shoulder and breathed my scent in.
"Why did you go there?" He asked me.
I shrugged, "Not like I planned on it. I had to meet with someone. They took me around this godforsaken town showed me how evil things could be." I answered softly.
"Who?"
"Whistler."
Angel chuckled softly, "Damn him. Don't know why I didn't see it."
"You know him?" I asked.
"A long time ago. He showed me my purpose."
"He seems to specialize in that." I murmured.
Angel moved away from me and went to putter around in my bathroom. I shivered and he came back.
"Lay on the bed and pull down your robe." He commanded softly.
I did it without question, if he tried anything funny I'd kill him. He straddled me, keeping his weight on his knees and off of me. He opened something and I could smell the scent of aloe and something medicinal. He placed his cool hands on my back and rubbed some lotion of that stung at first but quickly felt soothing.
"I'm sorry." He whispered, "For yelling at you."
"I'm sorry for acting like a brat." I muttered.
He chuckled and slowly got off of me, "It should heal pretty fast." He said.
I got up, clutching my robe. I nodded slowly, feeling awkward. He went towards the door and I watched him leave. He opened the door and was about to leave when he turned toward me and said softly, "Don't leave. Just stay here." And I could hear his unspoken, 'With me.' But, I was sure it was my imagination. I focused back on him and started to nod, but he was gone and my door was closed. I guess we were ok now. But, tomorrow, in the day, we'd probably fight and scream at each other and say things we would later regret but I was sure at night we would come to a truce and he would be kind and tender, in the night. But, whatever happens in the night.stays in the night. That much I know.
I awoke to the bright sun turning my eyelids a fiery orange. I squinted as I sluggishly rolled over to look at my small clock. It was just after noon. I pushed back my covers and yawned, shoving my thick hair out of the way as I padded to the bathroom. My appearance was horrible. I had dark circles under my eyes, clearly standing out on my porcelain pale face. My eyes were bloodshot and I had shadows of bruises all over me. There was dried blood in my hair and a rather large lump. I fingered it and let out a hiss. Painful. I did my business, undressed, and climbed into the shower. I turned the water on and the freezing water shocked me awake. Gradually it grew nice and hot. I let the water spray over me, letting it heal my tender skin and frazzled nerves. I remember the dreadful scene with Angel last night and had no desire to confront him again. He probably thought I was strange now. I felt silly, now that I thought about it. I had accused him of killing his parents by going on the strange flashes I'd been having. I was sure he had done no such thing. I mean, what self respecting man, and I'm assuming Angel is one, would kill their parents? He would have to be truly demonic and sadistic to even think of something like that. I lathered my hair shampoo and my body with soap. Soon I began to feel better and renewed. I stepped out of the shower and wrapped myself in one of the fluffy towels from the small closet. I still looked awful, but felt great. I threw on a pair of jeans and one of the tanks tops I had bought. I pulled my dripping hair into a messy bun and crept downstairs. I could hear the bustle and commotion downstairs and truly didn't want to face the lot of them. But, I needed food. My stomach demanded it. I found a side stairway and went down it silently. I ducked into the kitchen and was pretty sure no one saw me until I heard a voice say;
"Hey."
*
"Hey."
I jumped about a mile and whipped around to face the person. Faith sat at the table, her hair a mess and her face a shadow of bruises.
"Good morning." I said softly, so no one else would hear me and I wouldn't have to deal with them.
"Don't worry. No one will come in here. At least while I'm in here. I'm not a morning person." She said, sipping a steaming cup of coffee.
"Good." I breathed, "I really don't want o deal with anyone."
"I hear ya." She said, then offered me some kind of strange sandwich.
When I look at her strangely, she laughed and took a bite of hers.
"It's a croissantwich. Best of what McDonalds has in the morning." She boasted, taking another bite, a comical dreamy look entering her eyes.
I shook my head and took a bite of one. I tasted sausage, egg, and cheese. Mmm. I ate the whole thing and downed a glass of orange juice.
"Where ya going? You look like you're sneaking away to meet with a boy." Faith teased, leaning back in her chair.
"I am. I think." I said.
Faith looked at me funny, "Where are you going?" She asked, her voice layered with protectiveness.
"Out. To look around the town. I'd rather not be stuck here all day." I covered, not wanting to reveal that I was going to see some stranger named Whistler.
She eyes me then relented, "Fine. Be careful." She warned.
"Always am." I said, not really intending to say that. It just slipped out automatically.
She eyed me again then shook her head.
I waved slightly and slipped out of the room, climbing out of a near window. I couldn't go out the front door because everyone would see me them. I took out the note and reread it. Hemery High School. Now, where in the world was it? I just wandered around for a while before I came to a large building looming in the distance. It looked like a school.I think. I jogged across the street, and almost got killed. Really. Some person in the large truck squealed to a stop and yelled at me.
"Watch where ya going ya little bitch!"
I froze, fury pumping through my veins. I walked calmly over to the car and kicked the bumper, leaving a rather large dent. I laughed and the person went nuts.
"Do you know how much this costs? You better have insurance! I'ma hunt you down and kill you!"
I rolled my eyes resumed my jog to the school. Now, where was I supposed to meet this guy?
"Hey! Blondie, over here!" I heard a voice yell.
I looked over and saw an absorbedly dressed man waving me over. He wore a bright yellow trench coat and orange corduroys and a teeny hat.
"Oh my God." I murmured.
"You comin or what?" He demanded as I walked slowly over there.
"What are you wearing?" I asked him.
"I'm gonna choose to ignore that comment. Name's Whistler. Pleasure t'meet ya."
"I didn't tell you my name yet." I said.
"Oh, I know your name, Anne. I know a lot about you. I know you were with the Watcher's in London for a couple years and I know about your little adventure last night." He said, as we started to walk.
"You've been watching me?" I asked him.
"In a way. I see things. I'm a worker for the Powers." He said.
"The Powers what?" I asked him, beyond confused at this point.
"The Powers That Be, you know, the big guys upstairs. They know all, see all, and occasionally fill me in on some of that all. Y'know, they're fate, destiny, past, future, and chance all wrapped into one. Kind of like a burrito." He murmured.
We fell in step with each other, "So, what does this have to do with me?" I asked him.
He looked at me, his expression grave, "Everything, kid."
I just looked at him, not knowing what to say.
"Look, this world has been goin' down the crap-hole since 2000. Demons are getting more rowdy, they wanna make themselves known. The balance is uneven, has been for close to seven years now."
"Ok." I sighed, "Now how does this affect me?" I asked him.
"It's your job to stop all of this. You being here, you just gave this sorry world new hope, even if they don't know it. Basically, you restore the balance." He answered me.
"So, what do I do?" I asked him, not seeing the point in arguing.
"You fight, kid. Fight, live, just stay alive." He told me and I was sure that had some semblance, but I couldn't figure it out.
"Who do I fight?" I asked.
"The forces of evil, of course." He snickered.
"Of course. I don't know why I didn't see it." I muttered sarcastically.
He chuckled wryly, "You're a riot kid." Then he continued, "You know, you gotta fight demons. Vamps, Master vamps, uber-vamps. Morahs, Warlocks, Witches, Gods, Goddesses, the list could go on and on." He finished up.
I sat dumbfounded. I had thought that there were just vampires out there. But, now I am being told that there is very much more in this world than I could imagine. What am I supposed to make of this? We just walk around for awhile. We say nothing, I'm just trying to let this information sink in.
"Do I fight alone?" I ask him.
He looks at me, shaking his head, "Nah. Not anymore ya don't. Those people you and the Watcher are living with, they'll help. Just let 'em get over the shock of seeing ya." He advised.
Why would they be shocked at seeing me? When I voice that question he laughs and shakes his head slowly, "You'll find out soon enough."
I sigh in frustration. He's telling me nothing. I take notice of my surroundings and see we're in downtown LA and that it has begun to get dark out. We had been walking around for hours.
"Yeah, shocks ya when time moves quicker than ya thought it was. Time will do that." Whistler mused as we twisted around corners and crept into alleyways.
"Where are we going?" I asked him.
"I'm going to show you what this world is like when the sun goes down." He told me, leading me into a club.
The walls were dark and almost looked like someone ad spread oil on them to make them shine and gleam with evil. The music pulsed and sweaty bodies grinded and pressed up against one another. I could smell sweat, exhilaration, and blood. I looked into the corner and saw vampires biting people. But, the people didn't look frightened or panicked. The looked like they wanted it. Whistler led me through the mass of bodies-dead and alive- to a small maze of stairs. We went up and up and I was shocked at what I saw. I saw humans and vampires, together. The vampires were seducing their preys and enticing them. The scent of sex, blood, and money was heavy in the room, I almost gagged. Two female vampires looked at me and growled invitingly. I snapped my head away from them and gazed at Whistler.
"What in God's name are we doing in this.this place?" I demanded him, feeling so uncomfortable at the vampires who were gazing at me like I was water to a dehydrated man.or blood to a starving vampire.
"This is like a whorehouse.only for vampires. Humans come here to pay for sex and to have their blood drank." Whistler explained, looking a bit ill himself.
"Why in the world would they do that?" I asked, my eyes widening at this place. It was like a nudist colony for vampires. Ugh.
"It's kind of like how junkies crave a fix. Kind of like how sky divers crave the thrill of knowing they just might crash into the ground. It's all gotta do with the thrill. Fear is a thrill." Whistler tried to explain.
"This is disgusting." I muttered.
"Hey, don't knock it till ya try it." A silky voice behind me said.
I turned around and saw myself face to face with a naked women.vampire. She pressed herself against me and kissed me. I tasted blood, salt, and ash. I gagged when she shoved her tongue in my mouth. I shoved her away and grabbed a stray piece of wood and pushed her up against the wall. I hated the feel of touching her naked flash.
"Ohh, you like it rough." She purred and my lips curled back in disgust.
I said nothing as I staked her. I felt physically sick as Whistler grabbed my arm and led my out of that place. I felt like vomiting, the taste of stale blood still lingering in my mouth.
"Oh God." I moaned.
"Yeah, this is just one of the many evils in the world, kid." Whistler said as he patted my back gently.
"What time is it?" I asked him.
"Around ten-ish." He answered.
I looked up at him disbelievingly, "We've been out all day."
"I told you. Time's a tricky thing." He said cryptically.
How am I supposed to get back to the hotel, I thought.
"Five blocks north, then two west." Whistler told me, reading my mind.
"Great." I said and began to leave.
"You need anything, just look me up. Doyle knows where I am." He said and with a tip of his hat he was gone.
I ran the whole way back to the hotel, hoping I could sneak back inside. I felt in desperate need of a shower. My mouth tasted of sour copper and my body felt tight and dirty. I came in view of the hotel and ran around to the back, praying that the side door was unlocked. I entered quietly and turned around to shut the door. When I faced back to the room, I saw Angel standing there, glaring furiously.
"What the hell have you been?" He growled at me.
I scoff and walk past him, thinking I shouldn't have to explain anything to him. I make it to the lobby when he rushes after me and grabs my arm, pulling me to him.
"Where were you?" He demands again, making everyone look up at us.
"I don't have to answer to you!" I yell and try to yank my arm out of his grasp.
His grip is too tight and he stops for a moment, looking at me with wide eyes.
"You were at the Vampire House." He whispers.
"What?" I ask him, trying to get out of his hold.
"You were with the vampire whores." He says, his voice low and dangerous.
"What of it?" I ask.
"Who the fuck took you there?" He yelled.
"No one!" I scream, pushing him away from me.
"You answer me!" He shouted.
"Now Peaches." Spike murmured trying to calm the enraged man.
"Stay out of this, Spike!" Angel growled.
"No, let them say something. Let them all tell me how disappointed and frustrated everyone is that I'm not some meek little mouse who will agree and do everything everyone says! Say it!" I screamed.
I don't know why I didn't just answer him. I didn't know why I had to make everything worse by screaming back.
"Where were you, Anne?" He asks me and I can tell he's trying to calm down.
"I don't have to tell you jack-squat." I retorted, my hands on my hips, "You don't own me. You can't tell me what to do! You don't even know me!" I yelled at him, silencing everyone in that damned room.
"While you are in *my* house, you *will* answer to me." Angel said slowly.
My mouth opened and my eyes narrowed.
*"You walk out of this house, don't even *think* about coming back!"*
"Then I'll leave." I said.
He was at loss of words, his mouth opening and closing.
"Little advice, mouth looks better closed." I sneered as I made my way upstairs.
"You can't leave." He finally sputtered.
"Why the bloody hell not? It's obvious that all of you don't want me here. So, I'll do you a favor and leave." I snapped.
"And, where would you go?"
Oh, he was getting cocky now, was he? Time to kick him off his little high horse.
"I could go back to London. At least they want me there.even if it is for atrocious reasons." I muttered.
"Yeah, until they kill you." Angel sneered.
I just stared at him, "It'd be better than all of this." I said softly and then pounded up the stairs, not wanting to face anything anymore.
I reached my room and slammed the door shut, locking it. I felt so upset. My head was beginning to pound, my mouth still tasted of old blood, my skin felt icky, and my wrists were beginning to throb. I sat on the bed and peered at them. They were so small, like a little kid's wrist. I could see the whitened scar of where I had cut them. One was jagged and the other was rough, raised skin. The dull ache transfixed me. In a moment of weakness I had changed my skin, my body. It didn't really matter, it just bothered me. I fingered the raised skin absently and thought of my childish, rebellious behavior. I sighed, stood up, and went in the shower to attempt to wash the disgust off of my skin. I turned the water up to a scalding hot temperature and grabbed a loofah. I lathered it with body wash and scrubbed all over. I closed my eyes and scrubbed hard, hoping the filth I felt would go away. I didn't feel any cleaner. I just pain burning pain. I opened my eyes and was horrified to see blood swirling down the drain. I looked at the loofah and saw little bits of skin clinging to the fibers, the whole thing streaked with blood. I gasped and stumbled out of the showed, falling to the floor with a painful thump. I stared transfixed at the fallen loofah and the swirling blood. What had I done to myself? Now I'm convinced I'm insane, no buts about it. What kind of person would do this to themselves? A crazy person, that's who. Me. I felt tears prick my eyes.I hate this. I grabbed a robe that was hanging at and dabbed my face with it. I turned to the mirror and looked at myself. My cheeks were red and puffy, my eyes tired. I could see raw wounds on my arms and felt them on my back. I could feel the warm, sticky blood sliding down and I could smell the scent of bitter copper. I pulled the robe on and walked stiffly out of the room, freezing when I sensed someone in with me. I flicked on the light and Angel sat in the corner, his legs crossed, and his eyes dark.
"How did you get in here?" I asked him tiredly, standing awkwardly straight.
"I have a master key to all of the rooms." He answered me, looking at me.
A strange look came over his face, "You're bleeding." He said, concern etching his face.
"How do you know?" I ask.
"I can see it." He simply stated.
I looked down and saw blood running down my leg.
"I.uh, must have cut myself when I ran into the shower door." I lied, wishing he would leave.
"Can I. Let me see." He said getting up and walking to me.
He pulled down the back of my robe and let out a small gasp. He fingered the broken skin lightly and I winced.
"You didn't cut it.your skin looks.scrapped off." He whispered.
I shrugged out of his feather-light grasp and pulled my robe back up, walking toward my French door. I looked out into the star-filled sky.
"What happened?" He asked me, coming up behind me.
"I felt.dirty. That place, the vampire whore-house." I whisper as I shuddered.
Angel placed his hands lightly on my shoulder and breathed my scent in.
"Why did you go there?" He asked me.
I shrugged, "Not like I planned on it. I had to meet with someone. They took me around this godforsaken town showed me how evil things could be." I answered softly.
"Who?"
"Whistler."
Angel chuckled softly, "Damn him. Don't know why I didn't see it."
"You know him?" I asked.
"A long time ago. He showed me my purpose."
"He seems to specialize in that." I murmured.
Angel moved away from me and went to putter around in my bathroom. I shivered and he came back.
"Lay on the bed and pull down your robe." He commanded softly.
I did it without question, if he tried anything funny I'd kill him. He straddled me, keeping his weight on his knees and off of me. He opened something and I could smell the scent of aloe and something medicinal. He placed his cool hands on my back and rubbed some lotion of that stung at first but quickly felt soothing.
"I'm sorry." He whispered, "For yelling at you."
"I'm sorry for acting like a brat." I muttered.
He chuckled and slowly got off of me, "It should heal pretty fast." He said.
I got up, clutching my robe. I nodded slowly, feeling awkward. He went towards the door and I watched him leave. He opened the door and was about to leave when he turned toward me and said softly, "Don't leave. Just stay here." And I could hear his unspoken, 'With me.' But, I was sure it was my imagination. I focused back on him and started to nod, but he was gone and my door was closed. I guess we were ok now. But, tomorrow, in the day, we'd probably fight and scream at each other and say things we would later regret but I was sure at night we would come to a truce and he would be kind and tender, in the night. But, whatever happens in the night.stays in the night. That much I know.