Author: Stacie
e-mail: RougeVixen8705@aol.com
********************************
(OMG, I'm sooo sorry I was expecting to have this out like two weeks ago. But, RL has been a bitch and my Mom has forced me to get a job, soo...writing time is minimal. I had a whole list of people to thank for feeback, but my Mom has been on this spring cleaning kick and I think she threw it away...sory. But, thanks to all who sent me it! You can now find my fic at another site, , so go there and check it out! Oh yeah, this part may be a little funky because I've had insomnia lately and you get the weirdest ideas when you're sleep deprived... Enjoy! )
**~*~*~*~**
Part 11-
Even in sleep, I was weary and restless. Unfamiliar images ran through my head over and over until I wanted to scream. In a nightmare, something was chasing me through a dark cave. The creature was a hideous thing; half of its face human and the other half pure demon. Wires stuck out of its body, a long stake ejecting from its wrist. My fear made me ignorant of my surroundings, of the rocks jutting out of the ground, and the small cliffs which dropped off a few feet. My foot caught against something and I went down, smacking my head on a protruding rock in my path. I could feel the warm slide of the blood down the side of my head, I really could. Which was what shocked me into consciousness and I jerked away at the hand dabbing something on my face. For one insane moment, I really thought I was in the cave with the monster, blood dripping off my face. I opened my eyes and inhaled sharply which made me start to cough. I recognized my surroundings, I was in the hotel. Though, the bed was unfamiliar as was the person seated next to me. The man had glass blue eyed and a friendly face. His hair was mouse brown, cheeks pale.
"Who're you?" I slurred in a slightly raspy, drugged voice.
He laughed heartily and I pouted at him, wondering what in the world was so funny.
"Sorry lass." He smiled, "But yer just such a sight."
"I'm glad I amuse you." I snapped, clearing my voice and rubbing my forehead.
I winced when my hand came into contact with gauze. I tapped lightly around my forehead. Right above my right eyebrow, the gauze covered the painful wound. I wondered what I did.I don't remember falling or anything. I sighed and slumped into the soft pillows. I blinked to clear my wandering mind and looked at the grinning man in front of me.
"Who *are* you?" I finally asked, my voice slightly confused.
He gave a little smirk and said, "Name's Doyle. Pleased t'finally meet ya." He introduced himself in a thick Irish accented, leaning back in his chair.
I eyed him carefully, "You? You're the guy Whistler said was going to help me?" I asked him skeptically, a small smirk gracing my face at the fact of this particularly strange man helping me. Weren't there any relatively normal people in the town?
"Yep. That'd be me." Was all he said.
"It's about time." A voice grumbled from the door.
I looked up to see Cordelia waltzing into the room. She brought in a bowl of soup and a glass of juice to me.
"We thought that you had slipped into a coma or something." She mumbled and kissed Doyle on the lips. She smiled at him and walked out.
"Wes wants to talk to you when you two are done." Cordelia said to me over her shoulder.
"Ah, my princess." Doyle smiled, obviously very in love with Cordelia.
I couldn't help but smile, they seemed to be right for each other, from what I just witnessed.
"So." I said, not sure what to say.
"How's yer head?" He asked me.
"Just peachy with all of the throbbing and pounding." I said nonchalantly.
"Here." He said and thrust some aspirin in my hands.
I swallowed and looked at him, "Why do I need your help?"
"Help isn't what ya need, darlin'. It's guidance. Besides, it's m'job." He said, and when I said nothing, went on, "Yer special, ya matter to this sorry world, and ye've gotta helluva destiny passed upon ya. Someone's gotta make sure you stay on the right path."
"You don't trust me?" I mock pouted.
"Ain't a matter of trust, darlin. It's the many shades of gray ya could find yerself trapped in." His voice was slightly cryptic and foreboding.
I found myself wondering just why I was so important and what he exactly knew about me.
I didn't know what to say to him and he got up and smiled knowingly.
"Just remember, the path to destiny is one with many forks in the road. Ya just gotta know which way to turn." And with that, he was gone and I was left laying there wondering what he really meant.
I slouched into the pillows and shut my eyes for a moment, trying to remember exactly what had happened. Renewed pain along with me remembering Angel's kiss made me open my eyes. I had freaked out on him and somehow gone unconscious. I sighed, thinking once again about insanity. Was I truly insane? A chill went through me at the thought of it. I sat up and pulled up my knees, balancing the bowl of soup in the middle. I ate it all, the comforting warmth making me feel better. I was almost done with my juice when Wes strolled in, smiling warmly at me.
"How are you, darling?" He asked me in that quiet way of his.
"I'll live." Was all I said.
He seemed a bit disturbed at me, but didn't voice any of it.
"I'm afraid I have some news." He said, his voice low and grave.
I immediately thought the worst, "What happened?"
"I have reason to believe that Quentin has appointed people here in Los Angeles to entwine themselves into your life and take you back to into Quentin's hold." Wes said, dropping the bombshell.
The breath seemed to get caught in my throat and the only thing I could do was gap at him.
"No." I said shaking my head.
Quentin was in London where we had left him. He was going to leave me alone, let me live a normal life, and stay out of my life! He had too.
"Anne, I'm sorry, but he is. And, now that I have confirmation, you're going to have to be extremely careful. You're going to have to be cautious of anyone who you may meet." Wes tried to say in a soothing voice.
"What about everyone in this hotel? Huh? Any one of these people could be out to give me. We should leave." I tried.
He gave me a sad smile and shook his head, "Every person in this hotel is guaranteed to keep your safe, you know that." He chided.
"But.it isn't safe for me anymore. Here in LA? With people after me? If Quentin takes me back." I broke off, looking down, terrible memories of what I had been put through swirling around in my mind.
"I know, I know you're scared. But, Quentin will not lay I hand on you, I swear to that." Wes sighed heavily for a moment, "And, knowing that, I have decided to leave and hand over your guardianship over to Angel."
I gaped at him again, "What?" I demanded, "Why? Why are you leaving?"
"I have too, Anne. I'm going to search for Quentin.and for Ginny." He replied, swallowing hard.
"Oh." I softly uttered, "Will you come back?" I asked in a low voice.
"Of course I will." He promised, "But, I'd like you to meet your new trainer, Watcher if you will." He said, standing up and striding to the door, bringing someone in.
It was that man I had seen around. Rupert Giles. He smiled at me and Wes went on.
"Rupert will train you, sharpen your abilities. Faith will train and patrol with you, as will Spike and Angel." He instructed.
I nodded slowly, my eyes drooping slightly. I felt exhausted.
They quickly left, Wes giving me a farewell kiss on the cheek. He turned to leave when I pulled him back and hugged him tightly. I pushed him away then, and turned my face to the closed window, not able to bear seeing him leave me.
"Goodbye." I heard him softly say from the door.
I didn't turn around.
I wasn't strong enough to watch my knight in shining armor leave me.
I squeezed my eyes shut and fell back asleep. When I awoke again, Wes was gone.
*
I was up and around the next day, but Angel wouldn't let me go to school. I was a bit pissed because of that. I was in a horrible mood and very bad tempered. And, my big mouth started another of our fights.
"Why do you get to boss me around? Huh? You're not my Father, and you're sure as hell not my guardian!" I screamed at him.
He sighed, his eyes angry slits, "Here's a thought, don't talk back, for once! You had a concussion, you're not going to school. I really don't want you in the hospital for fainting in the hall, excuse me if I'm worried about your well being!" He scoffed.
"Yeah, I had a concussion. And, who's fault was that?" I hissed, clenching my fists.
I don't know what was wrong with me. My hands felt itchy and were twitching for a fight. I hadn't been patrolling with Faith in days. My senses burned with the need to go slay something and it was driving me insane!
"It wasn't my fault." He muttered, looking guilty as hell.
The lobby was empty, everyone gone. Or they were avoiding us.
"Who came into MY room, Angel? Who kissed ME? You, that's who. If you wouldn't have just stayed away, I would have been fine!" I sneered, pushing the memory of his hands in my hair.
"It will never happen again." He snapped.
"Good!" I yelled, "Not that I'd ever want to relive that again!" I scoffed lying through my teeth.
What was *wrong* with me?!
Something charged through both of us. His eyes changed, grew darker and passionate. I stared at him my hands twitching and chills going through me.
I blinked and he had me backed against the wall and him, trapped. One hand trailed through me hair and the other gripped my waist. My breath caught as he looked down at me.
He was tall, I thought dimly, would he kiss me?
"Really?" He smirked in a sultry voice, "Because you sure do look like you want to relive it.
Damn him!
He was just toying with me. With that angry thought, I pushed him away hard and watched him stumble away. His hand flew at me and I blocked it easily. It went on like this for awhile. Left swing, right hook, block, block, kick up, fall to the ground. He had grabbed my leg as I kicked as twisted it, almost painfully. I had cried out and turned my body to avoid a him breaking it. But, I was prepared to crash to the ground. I did, painfully. But, I was on my feet in an instant.
"C'mon, schoolgirl." He mocked and a sudden flash hit me.
*"Dream on, schoolgirl. You're boyfriend's dead."*
I gasped and his fist connected with my right cheek. I was shaken. In that flash, I had felt raw emotion. Pain, anger, and the sinking feeling of hopelessness. Angel was coming at me again, I realized hazily and stepped out of the way. I mechanically blocked every move he made. Raw anger built up out of nowhere and I swung around, kicking him square in the chest. My eyes blazed as I stepped over him. I grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and threw him against the way, using all my strength just to keep him upwards. Realizing what was happening, I stepped away, suddenly out of breath. I lifted shaky hands to my face and sat on a step.
"What happened? Anne, where did you go?" Angel asked, concern evident.
I laughed unsteadily and tried to brush it off, "Sorry. I just got caught up, you know?"
"Anne." He said sharply and I had to meet his gaze, "What's wrong?"
A chill went through me and I stood up, "I can't. Nothing. I'm fine." I said, walking over to the closet and pulled my pullover coat on me.
"I just. I have to go. I'll be back later." I said, waving him off and grabbing my keys and wallet from the desk and bolting.
Angel didn't follow me.
I was both relieved and disappointed.
The weather was overcast and the temperature had dropped to the low forties, at least. I shoved m hands in my pockets and walked away from the looming hotel. Looking at my watch, I saw it was around noon. I walking more into the city and came across a small Chinese restaurant. The smell enticing me, I decided to stroll in.
"Welcome to Boon Ki, may I take your order?" an Asian girl who looked about my age and bored as me.
"Yeah. I'll have two egg rolls and the almond chicken lunch." I said, fishing out some money.
"Anything to drink?" the girl asked.
"Um, a Diet Pepsi, please."
"$9.63, please."
I gave her a ten and waited at a corner booth for my food. The lights were dim and the chair was comfy. I sipped my drink and heard someone slip into the chair next to me.
"Anne, hey." A familiar voice greeted me.
I looked up and saw it was my art teacher, Mr. Finnegan, sitting there.
"Hey.Mr. Finnegan." I said slowly.
"Please, call me Rye." He laughed, "We're not in school, no need to be formal."
"Oh. Ok, then.Rye." I muttered.
"So, what are you doing here?" He asked me.
I leaned against my backrest, "I could ask you the same thing."
He chuckled, "Don't ask, don't tell."
"You learn quickly." I smirked and smiled as they brought over my food.
I took a huge bite of the egg roll, smiling dreamily at the taste.
"You come here often?" Rye asked, leaning forward.
I just looked at him strangely for a moment as a feeling of familiarity goes through me. He seems to look nervous at my close scrutiny. His light brown bangs fall across his forehead, flashing across his blue eyes. What he said kind of hit me slowly, he was hitting on me.
"How old are you?" I blurted out, my cheeks flaming with crimsoned blush.
He smirked at me and answered, "29, why? Too old?"
I eyed his slowly. He was.cute, in a way. A familiar cute. Not tall, dark, and breathtakingly handsome like Angel, but town-boyish cute.
"Well, considering you're over a decade older than me." I let the sentence trail off.
This was becoming too personal, too fast. I boxed my food and looked at my watch, it was after one.
"I should go." I motioned to the door.
Rye sat back, his gaze almost panicked, "No, don't. I'd like to get to know you."
I sat back slowly, and thought, what could it hurt?
"What do you want to know?" I asked him.
"Who do you live with.your parents? Any siblings?" He shot at me.
I tried to think of an answer that would freak him out, like it did Jesse, Rain, and Aurelia. I mentally laughed at the thought of saying Faith was my sister, or Spike being my brother.
"I live with some friends, legally. I'm not like a run-away or something." I babbled, oh god, I wish I could just shut up. I took a deep breath, "I used to live in London, but after my parents died, my guardian, Wes, took me here to live some of his old friends. It's where I am now." I lied.
"Oh." Was all he said.
"Look, I've really got to go." I said, standing up after an uncomfortable silence.
He nodded and stood up. He embraced me slowly, I stood frozen like a deer caught in headlights.
"This was fun." He murmured into my ear, "We should do this again sometime."
All I could do in my shock was nod dumbly. He pulled away and kissed my cheek, his lips grazing the corner of my mouth as he pulled away.
"Bye Anne."
I just waved slowly as he walked out, giving me a smile over his shoulder. My cheeks burned with blood, my hands getting all twitchy again. I exhaled harshly and grabbed the remnants of my food, leaving the little eatery.
What had just happened?
TBC
Ohh will something happen betwen the mysterious Rye and Anne? Or will Angel open up to her? Will Quentin find her? Will Anne learn more about her strange past? You'll just have to stay tuned, lol!
********************************
(OMG, I'm sooo sorry I was expecting to have this out like two weeks ago. But, RL has been a bitch and my Mom has forced me to get a job, soo...writing time is minimal. I had a whole list of people to thank for feeback, but my Mom has been on this spring cleaning kick and I think she threw it away...sory. But, thanks to all who sent me it! You can now find my fic at another site, , so go there and check it out! Oh yeah, this part may be a little funky because I've had insomnia lately and you get the weirdest ideas when you're sleep deprived... Enjoy! )
**~*~*~*~**
Part 11-
Even in sleep, I was weary and restless. Unfamiliar images ran through my head over and over until I wanted to scream. In a nightmare, something was chasing me through a dark cave. The creature was a hideous thing; half of its face human and the other half pure demon. Wires stuck out of its body, a long stake ejecting from its wrist. My fear made me ignorant of my surroundings, of the rocks jutting out of the ground, and the small cliffs which dropped off a few feet. My foot caught against something and I went down, smacking my head on a protruding rock in my path. I could feel the warm slide of the blood down the side of my head, I really could. Which was what shocked me into consciousness and I jerked away at the hand dabbing something on my face. For one insane moment, I really thought I was in the cave with the monster, blood dripping off my face. I opened my eyes and inhaled sharply which made me start to cough. I recognized my surroundings, I was in the hotel. Though, the bed was unfamiliar as was the person seated next to me. The man had glass blue eyed and a friendly face. His hair was mouse brown, cheeks pale.
"Who're you?" I slurred in a slightly raspy, drugged voice.
He laughed heartily and I pouted at him, wondering what in the world was so funny.
"Sorry lass." He smiled, "But yer just such a sight."
"I'm glad I amuse you." I snapped, clearing my voice and rubbing my forehead.
I winced when my hand came into contact with gauze. I tapped lightly around my forehead. Right above my right eyebrow, the gauze covered the painful wound. I wondered what I did.I don't remember falling or anything. I sighed and slumped into the soft pillows. I blinked to clear my wandering mind and looked at the grinning man in front of me.
"Who *are* you?" I finally asked, my voice slightly confused.
He gave a little smirk and said, "Name's Doyle. Pleased t'finally meet ya." He introduced himself in a thick Irish accented, leaning back in his chair.
I eyed him carefully, "You? You're the guy Whistler said was going to help me?" I asked him skeptically, a small smirk gracing my face at the fact of this particularly strange man helping me. Weren't there any relatively normal people in the town?
"Yep. That'd be me." Was all he said.
"It's about time." A voice grumbled from the door.
I looked up to see Cordelia waltzing into the room. She brought in a bowl of soup and a glass of juice to me.
"We thought that you had slipped into a coma or something." She mumbled and kissed Doyle on the lips. She smiled at him and walked out.
"Wes wants to talk to you when you two are done." Cordelia said to me over her shoulder.
"Ah, my princess." Doyle smiled, obviously very in love with Cordelia.
I couldn't help but smile, they seemed to be right for each other, from what I just witnessed.
"So." I said, not sure what to say.
"How's yer head?" He asked me.
"Just peachy with all of the throbbing and pounding." I said nonchalantly.
"Here." He said and thrust some aspirin in my hands.
I swallowed and looked at him, "Why do I need your help?"
"Help isn't what ya need, darlin'. It's guidance. Besides, it's m'job." He said, and when I said nothing, went on, "Yer special, ya matter to this sorry world, and ye've gotta helluva destiny passed upon ya. Someone's gotta make sure you stay on the right path."
"You don't trust me?" I mock pouted.
"Ain't a matter of trust, darlin. It's the many shades of gray ya could find yerself trapped in." His voice was slightly cryptic and foreboding.
I found myself wondering just why I was so important and what he exactly knew about me.
I didn't know what to say to him and he got up and smiled knowingly.
"Just remember, the path to destiny is one with many forks in the road. Ya just gotta know which way to turn." And with that, he was gone and I was left laying there wondering what he really meant.
I slouched into the pillows and shut my eyes for a moment, trying to remember exactly what had happened. Renewed pain along with me remembering Angel's kiss made me open my eyes. I had freaked out on him and somehow gone unconscious. I sighed, thinking once again about insanity. Was I truly insane? A chill went through me at the thought of it. I sat up and pulled up my knees, balancing the bowl of soup in the middle. I ate it all, the comforting warmth making me feel better. I was almost done with my juice when Wes strolled in, smiling warmly at me.
"How are you, darling?" He asked me in that quiet way of his.
"I'll live." Was all I said.
He seemed a bit disturbed at me, but didn't voice any of it.
"I'm afraid I have some news." He said, his voice low and grave.
I immediately thought the worst, "What happened?"
"I have reason to believe that Quentin has appointed people here in Los Angeles to entwine themselves into your life and take you back to into Quentin's hold." Wes said, dropping the bombshell.
The breath seemed to get caught in my throat and the only thing I could do was gap at him.
"No." I said shaking my head.
Quentin was in London where we had left him. He was going to leave me alone, let me live a normal life, and stay out of my life! He had too.
"Anne, I'm sorry, but he is. And, now that I have confirmation, you're going to have to be extremely careful. You're going to have to be cautious of anyone who you may meet." Wes tried to say in a soothing voice.
"What about everyone in this hotel? Huh? Any one of these people could be out to give me. We should leave." I tried.
He gave me a sad smile and shook his head, "Every person in this hotel is guaranteed to keep your safe, you know that." He chided.
"But.it isn't safe for me anymore. Here in LA? With people after me? If Quentin takes me back." I broke off, looking down, terrible memories of what I had been put through swirling around in my mind.
"I know, I know you're scared. But, Quentin will not lay I hand on you, I swear to that." Wes sighed heavily for a moment, "And, knowing that, I have decided to leave and hand over your guardianship over to Angel."
I gaped at him again, "What?" I demanded, "Why? Why are you leaving?"
"I have too, Anne. I'm going to search for Quentin.and for Ginny." He replied, swallowing hard.
"Oh." I softly uttered, "Will you come back?" I asked in a low voice.
"Of course I will." He promised, "But, I'd like you to meet your new trainer, Watcher if you will." He said, standing up and striding to the door, bringing someone in.
It was that man I had seen around. Rupert Giles. He smiled at me and Wes went on.
"Rupert will train you, sharpen your abilities. Faith will train and patrol with you, as will Spike and Angel." He instructed.
I nodded slowly, my eyes drooping slightly. I felt exhausted.
They quickly left, Wes giving me a farewell kiss on the cheek. He turned to leave when I pulled him back and hugged him tightly. I pushed him away then, and turned my face to the closed window, not able to bear seeing him leave me.
"Goodbye." I heard him softly say from the door.
I didn't turn around.
I wasn't strong enough to watch my knight in shining armor leave me.
I squeezed my eyes shut and fell back asleep. When I awoke again, Wes was gone.
*
I was up and around the next day, but Angel wouldn't let me go to school. I was a bit pissed because of that. I was in a horrible mood and very bad tempered. And, my big mouth started another of our fights.
"Why do you get to boss me around? Huh? You're not my Father, and you're sure as hell not my guardian!" I screamed at him.
He sighed, his eyes angry slits, "Here's a thought, don't talk back, for once! You had a concussion, you're not going to school. I really don't want you in the hospital for fainting in the hall, excuse me if I'm worried about your well being!" He scoffed.
"Yeah, I had a concussion. And, who's fault was that?" I hissed, clenching my fists.
I don't know what was wrong with me. My hands felt itchy and were twitching for a fight. I hadn't been patrolling with Faith in days. My senses burned with the need to go slay something and it was driving me insane!
"It wasn't my fault." He muttered, looking guilty as hell.
The lobby was empty, everyone gone. Or they were avoiding us.
"Who came into MY room, Angel? Who kissed ME? You, that's who. If you wouldn't have just stayed away, I would have been fine!" I sneered, pushing the memory of his hands in my hair.
"It will never happen again." He snapped.
"Good!" I yelled, "Not that I'd ever want to relive that again!" I scoffed lying through my teeth.
What was *wrong* with me?!
Something charged through both of us. His eyes changed, grew darker and passionate. I stared at him my hands twitching and chills going through me.
I blinked and he had me backed against the wall and him, trapped. One hand trailed through me hair and the other gripped my waist. My breath caught as he looked down at me.
He was tall, I thought dimly, would he kiss me?
"Really?" He smirked in a sultry voice, "Because you sure do look like you want to relive it.
Damn him!
He was just toying with me. With that angry thought, I pushed him away hard and watched him stumble away. His hand flew at me and I blocked it easily. It went on like this for awhile. Left swing, right hook, block, block, kick up, fall to the ground. He had grabbed my leg as I kicked as twisted it, almost painfully. I had cried out and turned my body to avoid a him breaking it. But, I was prepared to crash to the ground. I did, painfully. But, I was on my feet in an instant.
"C'mon, schoolgirl." He mocked and a sudden flash hit me.
*"Dream on, schoolgirl. You're boyfriend's dead."*
I gasped and his fist connected with my right cheek. I was shaken. In that flash, I had felt raw emotion. Pain, anger, and the sinking feeling of hopelessness. Angel was coming at me again, I realized hazily and stepped out of the way. I mechanically blocked every move he made. Raw anger built up out of nowhere and I swung around, kicking him square in the chest. My eyes blazed as I stepped over him. I grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and threw him against the way, using all my strength just to keep him upwards. Realizing what was happening, I stepped away, suddenly out of breath. I lifted shaky hands to my face and sat on a step.
"What happened? Anne, where did you go?" Angel asked, concern evident.
I laughed unsteadily and tried to brush it off, "Sorry. I just got caught up, you know?"
"Anne." He said sharply and I had to meet his gaze, "What's wrong?"
A chill went through me and I stood up, "I can't. Nothing. I'm fine." I said, walking over to the closet and pulled my pullover coat on me.
"I just. I have to go. I'll be back later." I said, waving him off and grabbing my keys and wallet from the desk and bolting.
Angel didn't follow me.
I was both relieved and disappointed.
The weather was overcast and the temperature had dropped to the low forties, at least. I shoved m hands in my pockets and walked away from the looming hotel. Looking at my watch, I saw it was around noon. I walking more into the city and came across a small Chinese restaurant. The smell enticing me, I decided to stroll in.
"Welcome to Boon Ki, may I take your order?" an Asian girl who looked about my age and bored as me.
"Yeah. I'll have two egg rolls and the almond chicken lunch." I said, fishing out some money.
"Anything to drink?" the girl asked.
"Um, a Diet Pepsi, please."
"$9.63, please."
I gave her a ten and waited at a corner booth for my food. The lights were dim and the chair was comfy. I sipped my drink and heard someone slip into the chair next to me.
"Anne, hey." A familiar voice greeted me.
I looked up and saw it was my art teacher, Mr. Finnegan, sitting there.
"Hey.Mr. Finnegan." I said slowly.
"Please, call me Rye." He laughed, "We're not in school, no need to be formal."
"Oh. Ok, then.Rye." I muttered.
"So, what are you doing here?" He asked me.
I leaned against my backrest, "I could ask you the same thing."
He chuckled, "Don't ask, don't tell."
"You learn quickly." I smirked and smiled as they brought over my food.
I took a huge bite of the egg roll, smiling dreamily at the taste.
"You come here often?" Rye asked, leaning forward.
I just looked at him strangely for a moment as a feeling of familiarity goes through me. He seems to look nervous at my close scrutiny. His light brown bangs fall across his forehead, flashing across his blue eyes. What he said kind of hit me slowly, he was hitting on me.
"How old are you?" I blurted out, my cheeks flaming with crimsoned blush.
He smirked at me and answered, "29, why? Too old?"
I eyed his slowly. He was.cute, in a way. A familiar cute. Not tall, dark, and breathtakingly handsome like Angel, but town-boyish cute.
"Well, considering you're over a decade older than me." I let the sentence trail off.
This was becoming too personal, too fast. I boxed my food and looked at my watch, it was after one.
"I should go." I motioned to the door.
Rye sat back, his gaze almost panicked, "No, don't. I'd like to get to know you."
I sat back slowly, and thought, what could it hurt?
"What do you want to know?" I asked him.
"Who do you live with.your parents? Any siblings?" He shot at me.
I tried to think of an answer that would freak him out, like it did Jesse, Rain, and Aurelia. I mentally laughed at the thought of saying Faith was my sister, or Spike being my brother.
"I live with some friends, legally. I'm not like a run-away or something." I babbled, oh god, I wish I could just shut up. I took a deep breath, "I used to live in London, but after my parents died, my guardian, Wes, took me here to live some of his old friends. It's where I am now." I lied.
"Oh." Was all he said.
"Look, I've really got to go." I said, standing up after an uncomfortable silence.
He nodded and stood up. He embraced me slowly, I stood frozen like a deer caught in headlights.
"This was fun." He murmured into my ear, "We should do this again sometime."
All I could do in my shock was nod dumbly. He pulled away and kissed my cheek, his lips grazing the corner of my mouth as he pulled away.
"Bye Anne."
I just waved slowly as he walked out, giving me a smile over his shoulder. My cheeks burned with blood, my hands getting all twitchy again. I exhaled harshly and grabbed the remnants of my food, leaving the little eatery.
What had just happened?
TBC
Ohh will something happen betwen the mysterious Rye and Anne? Or will Angel open up to her? Will Quentin find her? Will Anne learn more about her strange past? You'll just have to stay tuned, lol!