Chapter 4
"So, Willow. I have one last business question before we begin the becoming- friends part." For the last hour, Buffy had been asking about Riley's murder and how the police would solve it; Willow had been answering most of the inquiries, but she could not give away confidential info.
"Shoot."
"I wat to hire a private investigator. I mean I know the police are doing everything they can, but I'd feel more... secure with someone working on this 'case' and nothing else."
"Understandable. A lot of people feel that way, believe me. The Sunnydale Police Department is not offended."
"Ok, good. Now back to my question: is there anyone you would recommend? Someone who's very good, not too expensive, and not too...pushy about my life?"
"Sure! I know the perfect guy. One of my good friends actually. But I'd recommend him as a professional too, not just a friend. His name is Liam Connor, although we call him Angel. His office is over on Oak Street and I happen to know for a fact that he is not busy right now."
"Great! Thanks! Ok, now it's time for (dramatic pause)" Willow giggled when Buffy said that. "the Personal Questions Game. That's right folks, it's time to make yourself a very new friend." After that, they spent a few more hours getting to know each other. It was an unusually cool November night, and Buffy built a fire to keep them warm as they shared their past...well, everything. That is, until Willow asked a very personal question that Buffy didn't want to answer.
"So, Buff, what up with your parents. I mean I noticed that they have different last names. And also, you look nothing like your dad. So, are they your real parents or what??"
Buffy's facial expression completely changed. It went from good-natured and open, to closed and emotionless. Willow immediately noticed this and tried to fix the mistake she had unknowingly made.
"I'm so sorry, Buffy! I mean, I should have realized that you wouldn't want to talk about it, I'm so stupid. I noticed that you avoided family questions during the investigation and I should've kept my mouth shut. Instead I barged ahead with a senseless question. It was so dumb of me. And to add the dumbness, now I'm babbling."
Buffy had to smile when she heard her friend say that.
"I forgive you, Will. I wasn't your fault. You really didn't know that it would upset me. it's just that I don't regularly share my past. In fact, not one of my friends except Xander knows about my family history. Don't worry about it. But I am really tired, so I think we should cease or chatting for now."
"Yeah, I should probably get going."
"No! Of course not! I mean, I planned on having you stay. Ya know, like a mini-sleepover. I haven't had one of those since I was like 18."
"Well, ok. I was actually hoping that you'd say that." Sheepishly Willow added, "I mean I kinda brought my pajamas in my car and everything."
"Great!" Buffy replied. "Go get everything, then we'll have some late-night popcorn, then it's off to dreamland."
And giggling and talking, that's exactly what they did.
"So, Willow. I have one last business question before we begin the becoming- friends part." For the last hour, Buffy had been asking about Riley's murder and how the police would solve it; Willow had been answering most of the inquiries, but she could not give away confidential info.
"Shoot."
"I wat to hire a private investigator. I mean I know the police are doing everything they can, but I'd feel more... secure with someone working on this 'case' and nothing else."
"Understandable. A lot of people feel that way, believe me. The Sunnydale Police Department is not offended."
"Ok, good. Now back to my question: is there anyone you would recommend? Someone who's very good, not too expensive, and not too...pushy about my life?"
"Sure! I know the perfect guy. One of my good friends actually. But I'd recommend him as a professional too, not just a friend. His name is Liam Connor, although we call him Angel. His office is over on Oak Street and I happen to know for a fact that he is not busy right now."
"Great! Thanks! Ok, now it's time for (dramatic pause)" Willow giggled when Buffy said that. "the Personal Questions Game. That's right folks, it's time to make yourself a very new friend." After that, they spent a few more hours getting to know each other. It was an unusually cool November night, and Buffy built a fire to keep them warm as they shared their past...well, everything. That is, until Willow asked a very personal question that Buffy didn't want to answer.
"So, Buff, what up with your parents. I mean I noticed that they have different last names. And also, you look nothing like your dad. So, are they your real parents or what??"
Buffy's facial expression completely changed. It went from good-natured and open, to closed and emotionless. Willow immediately noticed this and tried to fix the mistake she had unknowingly made.
"I'm so sorry, Buffy! I mean, I should have realized that you wouldn't want to talk about it, I'm so stupid. I noticed that you avoided family questions during the investigation and I should've kept my mouth shut. Instead I barged ahead with a senseless question. It was so dumb of me. And to add the dumbness, now I'm babbling."
Buffy had to smile when she heard her friend say that.
"I forgive you, Will. I wasn't your fault. You really didn't know that it would upset me. it's just that I don't regularly share my past. In fact, not one of my friends except Xander knows about my family history. Don't worry about it. But I am really tired, so I think we should cease or chatting for now."
"Yeah, I should probably get going."
"No! Of course not! I mean, I planned on having you stay. Ya know, like a mini-sleepover. I haven't had one of those since I was like 18."
"Well, ok. I was actually hoping that you'd say that." Sheepishly Willow added, "I mean I kinda brought my pajamas in my car and everything."
"Great!" Buffy replied. "Go get everything, then we'll have some late-night popcorn, then it's off to dreamland."
And giggling and talking, that's exactly what they did.
