Part 2
The walk back from the park was quiet, as both people were lost in their own private hells. Angel opened the front door to his house, surprising Cordelia with its size. Angel led Cordelia into the living room of his new home. She looked around, glad to find it so much cheerier than she had become used to from the vampire. (He's actually decorated with something other than black. I like.)
"Would you like something to drink?" Angel asked as he and Cordelia went into the living room. "Soda? Tea?"
"Some tea would be nice, Angel. Thanks."
Angel went into the kitchen to start the water boiling for the tea. As he waited, he took the opportunity to finally let some of the emotions he had been feeling out. Angel didn't want to do that in front of Cordelia, since he knew how she was feeling and didn't want to burden her with his own heartache. Angel could feel his demon fighting for control and it was all Angel could do not to let him out.
(How could she do this? She made me believe her when she said that she loved me. What kind of fool am I?) Angel berated himself for allowing himself the luxury of falling in love with Buffy. (I should have known better. I mean, I finally get some good news but then something worse comes along.) So caught up in his anger, Angel never heard Cordelia come up behind him until she tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around, not even realizing that he was in his game face until he saw Coderlia back away. Angel took a couple of unneeded deep breaths to calm himself down.
"I'm sorry Delia," he apologized to the frightened girl. "I didn't hear you come in." Angel finally managed to put his demon back in it cage and return to his human features.
"I called your name, but you must not have heard me," Cordelia said softly. "I was worried about you."
"I don't want you to worry about me Cor," Angel told her. "You shouldn't have to concern yourself with how I feel, not with everything that you must be going through."
Cordelia walked over to Angel and hugged his chest tightly. "That's why I need to worry about you. Otherwise, I think I may end up going crazy thinking about tonight. Besides, if I know you as well as I think, you're worrying about me already," she said.
Angel didn't even bother disagreeing with her. He wrapped his arms around Cordelia and rested his chin on top of her head. (How can she be so supportive of me? She must feel like she's dying inside.) Angel and Willow stood in his kitchen, not moving or talking, until the silence was broken by the tea kettle whistling. They parted and Angel made Cordelia her tea and led her into a room off the kitchen.
"Angel, this is gorgeous," Cordelia said as she looked around the room taking in her surroundings. The room had no solid walls except the one attaching it to the house. The other three sides and ceiling were all windows. Angel led Cordelia over to one of couches in the middle of the room and had her sit down. Willow looked up and saw all the stars in the sky. "I can't believe this room. It's almost like being outside."
Angel smiled, glad that she had liked the room. It was one of the reasons that he had bought the house. "Thanks. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. I thought that maybe Buffy..." Angel broke off his sentence as soon as he realized what he was going to say. (I thought that Buffy and I would be able to make this room our special place. Especially after what I had found out on this trip.) Cordelia grabbed Angel's hand, knowing what was going on his mind.
"I know Angel," she whispered. "I know. I don't want you to feel that you can't talk to me about what you are feeling. I think that's the only way that we may be able to get through this."
Angel smiled at the girl beside him, amazed at the strength in her voice. (How can she be that strong, when I know she is dying inside) Angel then realized that she was doing for him, exactly the same thing that he was doing for her. Being there for the other.
"So, what did you find out in Ireland?" she inquired. "Anything interesting?" Cordelia saw Angel tense up as she asked the question. (What did he find out that could affect him so much? Giles didn't mention anything that dangerous coming up.) "Angel?"
Angel could hear the concern in Cordelia's voice and decided to tell her what he had discovered. "There's nothing wrong. Giles was right in assuming that the prophecy was not going to take place for another hundred years." Cordelia could tell that there was something else about the trip and waited for Angel to tell her. "I did receive some good news though, other than that."
"What was it," she asked softly, gently grabbing his hand again.
"It's about the curse Ms. Calendar performed before," he replied. "It turns out that my soul is permanent. No happiness clause."
"Oh Angel, that's wonderful," she said and then saw the look in his eyes and realized what he had truly planned with the house.(Oh God, he was going to make this a home for him and Buffy) Cordelia's heart ached for the vampire. She wrapped her arms around Angel, holding him tightly to her. "And then this happened. Oh Angel I'm so sorry." (As much as it hurts, I'm glad we found out. Buffy doesn't deserve someone like Angel. Or the happiness that he could have given her.) Angel returned Cordelia's hug as tears streaked his face. Cordelia maneuvered her body into Angel's lap, offering him the comfort that he needed and taking the comfort that he offered. Neither person spoke, not knowing what to say.
The two of them sat there alternately crying and comforting the other until they fell asleep in each other's arms, only waking before the sun rose. Angel carried Cordelia to one of the guest bedrooms. Her breath was soft against his chest as he cradled her to him. He laid her on the bed, gently pulling the covers over her. He heard her mumble something under her breath and he leaned in to hear what she said.
"Angel, stay."
"Why?" he asked.
"Because I don't want to be alone," she said, opening her eyes. He could see the uncertainty in them and it broke his heart. "And I don't think you want to really be alone either."
"I don't," Angel said as he tucked Cordelia in. He then went over and shut the heavy curtains to block out the sun before returning to the bed. Cordelia lifted the covers and waited for Angel to join her. As soon as he did, she nestled into his chest again, seeking his comfort once more. (We'll get through this little one and I will make them pay for what they have done to you. I promise.)
"Goodnight little one."
"Goodnight Angel."
Willow awoke from her sleep disoriented. She couldn't remember where she was, then it hit her. (Buffy and Xander) She looked over at Angel, who was still sleeping by her and she could see the tension that radiated from him, even in his slumber. She just wanted to reach over and run her hand over his cheek calm him. Maybe light some aromatherapy candles and have some hot chocolate. Then she remembered that he was a male, and a vampire at that, and wasn't sure if her gesture would be appreciated by him. (Oh Angel. I'm so sorry. You didn't deserve this, not after everything that you have gone through.) As if sensing her thoughts, Angel opened his eyes and smiled up at the woman sharing the bed.
"Hey," he said, sleepily.
"Hey there yourself," Cordelia replied. "Sleep okay," she asked, already sure of the answer.
"About as well as you." Cordelia snorted at that answer, knowing that her sleep was constantly disrupted by the scene at Buffy's house the night before.
"Yeah, that's kinda what I thought." Cordelia stood up and stretched her limbs. Angel watched her, wondering what was going on in her head. She saw him staring and walked over to his side of the bed, sitting next to him. "What are you going to do now?"
"I think I'm going to perform the act of brooding that you say that I have perfected," he joked absently as he rested his hand on Cordelia's. She slapped his arm with her other hand.
"Yeah, well, feel like giving me a few pointers on that. Think I may need some lessons." Angel didn't like the concept of Cordelia feeling the need to brood. Although he knew she had good reason to do so, he didn't want her to become a younger version of himself. "No, Delia, I want you to cry and grieve and then move on. You are so young. Much too young to sit and mope around the house all day long."
"Well, if you can, why can't I?" she questioned. Angel couldn't think of a good reason that Cordelia would accept. She saw the resignation in his face and felt bad. "Look, I'll make you a deal. I promise not to brood if you do the same."
"Deal."(Anything to make sure that Cordelia would shut herself off from the world. Or from me.) It was with this thought that he remembered her saying that her parents weren't at home. "Cor, how long are your folks going to be out of town?"
Cordelia sighed, "At least two weeks, maybe more." Angel was shocked. (Two weeks. It's the holidays and they aren't even going to be there with her. How could any parent be that uncaring?)
"Delia, would you like to stay here while they're away?" Cordelia was shocked at Angel's offer. She knew how much he liked his privacy and she was touched by his generosity and caring. Tears started to form and she fought to keep them from falling.
"I would like that Angel. Are you sure that you won't mind having me underfoot?" Angel smiled and gave the young hacker a hug.
"You could never be underfoot. And yes, I'm sure. There is more than enough room and, remember, you said that we would have to help each other get through this," he finished, knowing that she had been right. (We will get through this, Delia. We have to.) Suddenly he heard a loud growl and saw Cordelia turn bright red. He chuckled when he realized what it was. "Hungry, little one?" he laughed. Cordelia looked like she wanted to crawl under the nearest rock.
"That would be a yes, and I'm pretty sure that you don't have anything to eat here. Well, not that a human can eat," she said, laughing with him. Angel shook his head. "That's okay. I can get something when I go home."
"I thought you said you would stay here?" Angel asked, confused. Angel laughed as she stood up, allowing Angel to finally get out of the bed.
"I am, but I don't plan on just wearing this for the time that I am here. Might get kinda skanky if you know what I mean." Angel laughed at that.
"Yeah, I can see your point. So you're just going to go and get some clothes," Cordelia nodded. "Did you want some money so you can pick up some food too. If you're going to stay here, I think that requires real food." Cordelia giggled as she grabbed Angel's arm.
"Nope, not going shopping yet," Angel glanced down at the brunette and saw the glimmer in her eyes. (That's what I want to see Delia. Don't let them take that spark of life away from you.) "Gonna make you go with me tonight." Angel groaned at the prospect of going to the supermarket.
"Do I have to," he whined, before smiling.
"Yes you have to," she replied. The two of them reached the front door and Cordelia gave Angel a light hug and kiss. "I promise to be back before sunset." Angel watched as Cordelia left, glad that he had her friendship. He smiled when he thought of her spending the next two weeks with him, even with the circumstances that led to him asking her. It had been a long time since he had anyone stay with him. He didn't even count the time that he was Angelus and staying with Spike and Drusilla. That was different. This time, it was a friend that was staying and he decided that he would make this holiday as special for Cordelia as he could.
Cordelia entered her home and automatically looked at her answering machine. She saw that there were three messages. She decided that she would check them as she fixed herself some breakfast. (Or is it more like lunch?) She hit the machine as she put a pop tart in the toaster. The first message was from her mother.
"Cordelia, it's you mother," (Duh.) "I just wanted to call to make sure that things were okay. Also to tell you that your father and I have decided to stay in Milan a little longer than we had originally planned. (Big surprise there mom.) Here's the number of where'll be staying if you need anything. It's 212-555-6874. We're in room 968. Hope you have a good holiday." *BEEP*. (love you too mom.) Cordelia though bitterly. She wished that they would spend some time with her. Cordelia got ready for the next message and froze when she heard the voice on the tape.
"Hey, Cordy, it me. (Buffy!) Oz called and said that he saw you and Angel on your way over to my house, but you never showed up. (Oh we showed up but you were to busy screwing my boyfriend to notice.) I just wanted to see what happened. (Yeah right.) "Ummmm, I was wondering. I tried calling the mansion, but the phone had been disconnected, and then I tried to stop by it, but Angel's stuff was all gone. You wouldn't happen to know where he is?" (I know exactly where he is Buffy and that's as far away as possible from you.) There was a pause before Buffy continued with her message. "Of course, you wouldn't. I mean, why would Angel tell you where he was living and not me, right? Well, I'll talk to you later Cordy.' *BEEP* (You won't be talking to me anytime soon, bitch. Not after everything that I saw.) She waited for the last message.
"Hey hun, it's me." (Oh great, first Buffy, now Xander. Can this day get any better?) "Oz told me that you were headed over to Buffy's last night, but when I talked to her earlier, she said she hadn't seen you." (Oh, talking, is that what they call it nowadays?) "I just wanted to see if you wanted to get together before I have to go to LA. I've missed being with you." (Yeah, right. I believe that one. Bet you have a bridge in Brooklyn you want me to buy too.)"Give me a call or I'll see you at the library. I love you." *BEEP*
Cordelia slammed the button on the answering machine. (Three calls. I got three stinking phone calls and not one of them said anything that I wanted to hear. Just my luck.) Cordelia was upset with her parents for not spending the holidays with her. She was angry that Buffy not only called her, acting as if nothing was wrong, but also because she couldn't find Angel. And then there was Xander.
"Oz called and said that he saw you and Angel"
"Ozr told me you were headed to Buffy's."
(Why would Oz have called Buffy to let her know I was on my way with Angel? And why in the world would he talk to Xander? They aren't really what you would call friends.) Cordelia put that information in the back of her mind as she went upstairs to get the things that she figured she would need for her stay at Angel's, which apparently may be longer than just the two weeks. She wondered if he would mind her staying longer and thought that he might enjoy the company. Just as she was leaving, Cordelia heard the phone ring. She was tempted to ignore it, but thought it might be an emergency. Cordelia was relieved to hear Oz on the other end of the line.
"Hey Cordy, how's you doing?"
"I'm doing okay, Oz," Willow lied, although she wasn't sure why. (Probably because of Buffy and Xander) Something in the back of her mind told her not to tell Oz what she had seen. (But why. He's been you're best friend since forever?) "What's up?"
"I was just calling to see if you were okay. Buffy and Xander said that they hadn't heard from you and I could have sworn that I saw you and Angel heading over towards Buffy's last night," Oz said.
"Yeah, well, we changed out minds right before we got to Buffy's," Cordelia replied shortly, having finally figured out what was wrong. She tried hard to keep her anger out of her voice, not sure if it worked. "We ended up going back to his house and talking about his trip."
Oz was quiet for minute. Cordelia didn't think he was going to say anything, but then he finally did. "Oh, okay. I guess that makes sense, in a way that doesn't. So, we'll see you at the library tonight, right?" (Clueless as usual, Oz. Never could tell when I was upset could you?)
"Ummm, I don't think so," Cordelia said, her voice having a clipped tone to it. "I'm just gonna hang around the house tonight and think about a few things."
"Like what?"
"Just life things," Cordelia replied, suddenly feeling the need to get off the phone before she said something that she might regret later. (Okay, maybe regret would be the wrong word.). "Look, Oz, I gotta get going."
"Oh, okay. So, do you want me to tell everyone you said hi?"
"Yeah, whatever," Cordelia said, quickly hanging up the phone. She didn't know whether Oz could tell something was bothering her and, at that moment, she didn't care.
(He knew. That lousy son of a bitch knew about them and he didn't tell me. What kind of a friend is he?) Cordelia unplugged the message machine, knowing that there wouldn't be any calls that she wanted to take coming to that phone. She would call and give her parents Angel's number just so they could get in touch with her if needed. Cordelia grabbed her suitcase and laptop and left the house, knowing that the next two weeks were possible going to be the hardest weeks in her life.
The walk back from the park was quiet, as both people were lost in their own private hells. Angel opened the front door to his house, surprising Cordelia with its size. Angel led Cordelia into the living room of his new home. She looked around, glad to find it so much cheerier than she had become used to from the vampire. (He's actually decorated with something other than black. I like.)
"Would you like something to drink?" Angel asked as he and Cordelia went into the living room. "Soda? Tea?"
"Some tea would be nice, Angel. Thanks."
Angel went into the kitchen to start the water boiling for the tea. As he waited, he took the opportunity to finally let some of the emotions he had been feeling out. Angel didn't want to do that in front of Cordelia, since he knew how she was feeling and didn't want to burden her with his own heartache. Angel could feel his demon fighting for control and it was all Angel could do not to let him out.
(How could she do this? She made me believe her when she said that she loved me. What kind of fool am I?) Angel berated himself for allowing himself the luxury of falling in love with Buffy. (I should have known better. I mean, I finally get some good news but then something worse comes along.) So caught up in his anger, Angel never heard Cordelia come up behind him until she tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around, not even realizing that he was in his game face until he saw Coderlia back away. Angel took a couple of unneeded deep breaths to calm himself down.
"I'm sorry Delia," he apologized to the frightened girl. "I didn't hear you come in." Angel finally managed to put his demon back in it cage and return to his human features.
"I called your name, but you must not have heard me," Cordelia said softly. "I was worried about you."
"I don't want you to worry about me Cor," Angel told her. "You shouldn't have to concern yourself with how I feel, not with everything that you must be going through."
Cordelia walked over to Angel and hugged his chest tightly. "That's why I need to worry about you. Otherwise, I think I may end up going crazy thinking about tonight. Besides, if I know you as well as I think, you're worrying about me already," she said.
Angel didn't even bother disagreeing with her. He wrapped his arms around Cordelia and rested his chin on top of her head. (How can she be so supportive of me? She must feel like she's dying inside.) Angel and Willow stood in his kitchen, not moving or talking, until the silence was broken by the tea kettle whistling. They parted and Angel made Cordelia her tea and led her into a room off the kitchen.
"Angel, this is gorgeous," Cordelia said as she looked around the room taking in her surroundings. The room had no solid walls except the one attaching it to the house. The other three sides and ceiling were all windows. Angel led Cordelia over to one of couches in the middle of the room and had her sit down. Willow looked up and saw all the stars in the sky. "I can't believe this room. It's almost like being outside."
Angel smiled, glad that she had liked the room. It was one of the reasons that he had bought the house. "Thanks. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. I thought that maybe Buffy..." Angel broke off his sentence as soon as he realized what he was going to say. (I thought that Buffy and I would be able to make this room our special place. Especially after what I had found out on this trip.) Cordelia grabbed Angel's hand, knowing what was going on his mind.
"I know Angel," she whispered. "I know. I don't want you to feel that you can't talk to me about what you are feeling. I think that's the only way that we may be able to get through this."
Angel smiled at the girl beside him, amazed at the strength in her voice. (How can she be that strong, when I know she is dying inside) Angel then realized that she was doing for him, exactly the same thing that he was doing for her. Being there for the other.
"So, what did you find out in Ireland?" she inquired. "Anything interesting?" Cordelia saw Angel tense up as she asked the question. (What did he find out that could affect him so much? Giles didn't mention anything that dangerous coming up.) "Angel?"
Angel could hear the concern in Cordelia's voice and decided to tell her what he had discovered. "There's nothing wrong. Giles was right in assuming that the prophecy was not going to take place for another hundred years." Cordelia could tell that there was something else about the trip and waited for Angel to tell her. "I did receive some good news though, other than that."
"What was it," she asked softly, gently grabbing his hand again.
"It's about the curse Ms. Calendar performed before," he replied. "It turns out that my soul is permanent. No happiness clause."
"Oh Angel, that's wonderful," she said and then saw the look in his eyes and realized what he had truly planned with the house.(Oh God, he was going to make this a home for him and Buffy) Cordelia's heart ached for the vampire. She wrapped her arms around Angel, holding him tightly to her. "And then this happened. Oh Angel I'm so sorry." (As much as it hurts, I'm glad we found out. Buffy doesn't deserve someone like Angel. Or the happiness that he could have given her.) Angel returned Cordelia's hug as tears streaked his face. Cordelia maneuvered her body into Angel's lap, offering him the comfort that he needed and taking the comfort that he offered. Neither person spoke, not knowing what to say.
The two of them sat there alternately crying and comforting the other until they fell asleep in each other's arms, only waking before the sun rose. Angel carried Cordelia to one of the guest bedrooms. Her breath was soft against his chest as he cradled her to him. He laid her on the bed, gently pulling the covers over her. He heard her mumble something under her breath and he leaned in to hear what she said.
"Angel, stay."
"Why?" he asked.
"Because I don't want to be alone," she said, opening her eyes. He could see the uncertainty in them and it broke his heart. "And I don't think you want to really be alone either."
"I don't," Angel said as he tucked Cordelia in. He then went over and shut the heavy curtains to block out the sun before returning to the bed. Cordelia lifted the covers and waited for Angel to join her. As soon as he did, she nestled into his chest again, seeking his comfort once more. (We'll get through this little one and I will make them pay for what they have done to you. I promise.)
"Goodnight little one."
"Goodnight Angel."
Willow awoke from her sleep disoriented. She couldn't remember where she was, then it hit her. (Buffy and Xander) She looked over at Angel, who was still sleeping by her and she could see the tension that radiated from him, even in his slumber. She just wanted to reach over and run her hand over his cheek calm him. Maybe light some aromatherapy candles and have some hot chocolate. Then she remembered that he was a male, and a vampire at that, and wasn't sure if her gesture would be appreciated by him. (Oh Angel. I'm so sorry. You didn't deserve this, not after everything that you have gone through.) As if sensing her thoughts, Angel opened his eyes and smiled up at the woman sharing the bed.
"Hey," he said, sleepily.
"Hey there yourself," Cordelia replied. "Sleep okay," she asked, already sure of the answer.
"About as well as you." Cordelia snorted at that answer, knowing that her sleep was constantly disrupted by the scene at Buffy's house the night before.
"Yeah, that's kinda what I thought." Cordelia stood up and stretched her limbs. Angel watched her, wondering what was going on in her head. She saw him staring and walked over to his side of the bed, sitting next to him. "What are you going to do now?"
"I think I'm going to perform the act of brooding that you say that I have perfected," he joked absently as he rested his hand on Cordelia's. She slapped his arm with her other hand.
"Yeah, well, feel like giving me a few pointers on that. Think I may need some lessons." Angel didn't like the concept of Cordelia feeling the need to brood. Although he knew she had good reason to do so, he didn't want her to become a younger version of himself. "No, Delia, I want you to cry and grieve and then move on. You are so young. Much too young to sit and mope around the house all day long."
"Well, if you can, why can't I?" she questioned. Angel couldn't think of a good reason that Cordelia would accept. She saw the resignation in his face and felt bad. "Look, I'll make you a deal. I promise not to brood if you do the same."
"Deal."(Anything to make sure that Cordelia would shut herself off from the world. Or from me.) It was with this thought that he remembered her saying that her parents weren't at home. "Cor, how long are your folks going to be out of town?"
Cordelia sighed, "At least two weeks, maybe more." Angel was shocked. (Two weeks. It's the holidays and they aren't even going to be there with her. How could any parent be that uncaring?)
"Delia, would you like to stay here while they're away?" Cordelia was shocked at Angel's offer. She knew how much he liked his privacy and she was touched by his generosity and caring. Tears started to form and she fought to keep them from falling.
"I would like that Angel. Are you sure that you won't mind having me underfoot?" Angel smiled and gave the young hacker a hug.
"You could never be underfoot. And yes, I'm sure. There is more than enough room and, remember, you said that we would have to help each other get through this," he finished, knowing that she had been right. (We will get through this, Delia. We have to.) Suddenly he heard a loud growl and saw Cordelia turn bright red. He chuckled when he realized what it was. "Hungry, little one?" he laughed. Cordelia looked like she wanted to crawl under the nearest rock.
"That would be a yes, and I'm pretty sure that you don't have anything to eat here. Well, not that a human can eat," she said, laughing with him. Angel shook his head. "That's okay. I can get something when I go home."
"I thought you said you would stay here?" Angel asked, confused. Angel laughed as she stood up, allowing Angel to finally get out of the bed.
"I am, but I don't plan on just wearing this for the time that I am here. Might get kinda skanky if you know what I mean." Angel laughed at that.
"Yeah, I can see your point. So you're just going to go and get some clothes," Cordelia nodded. "Did you want some money so you can pick up some food too. If you're going to stay here, I think that requires real food." Cordelia giggled as she grabbed Angel's arm.
"Nope, not going shopping yet," Angel glanced down at the brunette and saw the glimmer in her eyes. (That's what I want to see Delia. Don't let them take that spark of life away from you.) "Gonna make you go with me tonight." Angel groaned at the prospect of going to the supermarket.
"Do I have to," he whined, before smiling.
"Yes you have to," she replied. The two of them reached the front door and Cordelia gave Angel a light hug and kiss. "I promise to be back before sunset." Angel watched as Cordelia left, glad that he had her friendship. He smiled when he thought of her spending the next two weeks with him, even with the circumstances that led to him asking her. It had been a long time since he had anyone stay with him. He didn't even count the time that he was Angelus and staying with Spike and Drusilla. That was different. This time, it was a friend that was staying and he decided that he would make this holiday as special for Cordelia as he could.
Cordelia entered her home and automatically looked at her answering machine. She saw that there were three messages. She decided that she would check them as she fixed herself some breakfast. (Or is it more like lunch?) She hit the machine as she put a pop tart in the toaster. The first message was from her mother.
"Cordelia, it's you mother," (Duh.) "I just wanted to call to make sure that things were okay. Also to tell you that your father and I have decided to stay in Milan a little longer than we had originally planned. (Big surprise there mom.) Here's the number of where'll be staying if you need anything. It's 212-555-6874. We're in room 968. Hope you have a good holiday." *BEEP*. (love you too mom.) Cordelia though bitterly. She wished that they would spend some time with her. Cordelia got ready for the next message and froze when she heard the voice on the tape.
"Hey, Cordy, it me. (Buffy!) Oz called and said that he saw you and Angel on your way over to my house, but you never showed up. (Oh we showed up but you were to busy screwing my boyfriend to notice.) I just wanted to see what happened. (Yeah right.) "Ummmm, I was wondering. I tried calling the mansion, but the phone had been disconnected, and then I tried to stop by it, but Angel's stuff was all gone. You wouldn't happen to know where he is?" (I know exactly where he is Buffy and that's as far away as possible from you.) There was a pause before Buffy continued with her message. "Of course, you wouldn't. I mean, why would Angel tell you where he was living and not me, right? Well, I'll talk to you later Cordy.' *BEEP* (You won't be talking to me anytime soon, bitch. Not after everything that I saw.) She waited for the last message.
"Hey hun, it's me." (Oh great, first Buffy, now Xander. Can this day get any better?) "Oz told me that you were headed over to Buffy's last night, but when I talked to her earlier, she said she hadn't seen you." (Oh, talking, is that what they call it nowadays?) "I just wanted to see if you wanted to get together before I have to go to LA. I've missed being with you." (Yeah, right. I believe that one. Bet you have a bridge in Brooklyn you want me to buy too.)"Give me a call or I'll see you at the library. I love you." *BEEP*
Cordelia slammed the button on the answering machine. (Three calls. I got three stinking phone calls and not one of them said anything that I wanted to hear. Just my luck.) Cordelia was upset with her parents for not spending the holidays with her. She was angry that Buffy not only called her, acting as if nothing was wrong, but also because she couldn't find Angel. And then there was Xander.
"Oz called and said that he saw you and Angel"
"Ozr told me you were headed to Buffy's."
(Why would Oz have called Buffy to let her know I was on my way with Angel? And why in the world would he talk to Xander? They aren't really what you would call friends.) Cordelia put that information in the back of her mind as she went upstairs to get the things that she figured she would need for her stay at Angel's, which apparently may be longer than just the two weeks. She wondered if he would mind her staying longer and thought that he might enjoy the company. Just as she was leaving, Cordelia heard the phone ring. She was tempted to ignore it, but thought it might be an emergency. Cordelia was relieved to hear Oz on the other end of the line.
"Hey Cordy, how's you doing?"
"I'm doing okay, Oz," Willow lied, although she wasn't sure why. (Probably because of Buffy and Xander) Something in the back of her mind told her not to tell Oz what she had seen. (But why. He's been you're best friend since forever?) "What's up?"
"I was just calling to see if you were okay. Buffy and Xander said that they hadn't heard from you and I could have sworn that I saw you and Angel heading over towards Buffy's last night," Oz said.
"Yeah, well, we changed out minds right before we got to Buffy's," Cordelia replied shortly, having finally figured out what was wrong. She tried hard to keep her anger out of her voice, not sure if it worked. "We ended up going back to his house and talking about his trip."
Oz was quiet for minute. Cordelia didn't think he was going to say anything, but then he finally did. "Oh, okay. I guess that makes sense, in a way that doesn't. So, we'll see you at the library tonight, right?" (Clueless as usual, Oz. Never could tell when I was upset could you?)
"Ummm, I don't think so," Cordelia said, her voice having a clipped tone to it. "I'm just gonna hang around the house tonight and think about a few things."
"Like what?"
"Just life things," Cordelia replied, suddenly feeling the need to get off the phone before she said something that she might regret later. (Okay, maybe regret would be the wrong word.). "Look, Oz, I gotta get going."
"Oh, okay. So, do you want me to tell everyone you said hi?"
"Yeah, whatever," Cordelia said, quickly hanging up the phone. She didn't know whether Oz could tell something was bothering her and, at that moment, she didn't care.
(He knew. That lousy son of a bitch knew about them and he didn't tell me. What kind of a friend is he?) Cordelia unplugged the message machine, knowing that there wouldn't be any calls that she wanted to take coming to that phone. She would call and give her parents Angel's number just so they could get in touch with her if needed. Cordelia grabbed her suitcase and laptop and left the house, knowing that the next two weeks were possible going to be the hardest weeks in her life.
