Chapter 2

Elizabeth went shopping that afternoon with Willow and Buffy for something to wear to the Bronze that night.

"Oh, what about this one?" Willow asked holding up a small red leather dress.

"Sure, it would be ok if I was a hooker," Elizabeth said sarcastically.

Buffy laughed as she looked at some of the skirts and pants. They weren't really shopping. They were having a girl's day out. Willow and Buffy found that Elizabeth quickly grown to a best friend. She seemed to fit in with them plus Buffy and she could talk about slaying and Willow and she could talk about witch craft. She was just one of the scoobies.

Buffy was caring a bag that contained some make-up and a new pair of shoes for Elizabeth.

"I figured you could wear my leather skirt and my red top," Buffy said pulling out a pair of black leather pants.

"Buffy, I want to go beyond red here," Elizabeth moaned. "Plus, people would start thinking I was coping Spike's style."

"Has anyone noticed he's been extra crabby lately," Buffy complained. "I wonder how many times I have to beat the guy up before his soul actually kicks in."

"I heard him screaming last night," Elizabeth said absently.

"What?" Buffy asked surprised.

"He was talking to the voices inside of his head last night," Elizabeth explained. "He would talk to the voices then scream. Eventually Giles got up and gagged him. I felt bad for Spike. The soul is literally driving him crazy. Of course Spike being Spike deiced to play a joke on me this morning. He was in my face when I woke up, scaring me half to death."

"How close was he?" Willow asked walking over holding up a nice pink V-neck tank top.

Elizabeth nodded and Willow smiled.

"His eyes were barely even focused," Elizabeth answered. "I almost threw my stake into his shoulder just to hear him scream in pain. I swear he is a pain in the ass."

"Yet you two have this sexual tension between that is so thick it could be cut with a stake knife," Willow said trying to find Elizabeth a skirt.

"What are you talking about?" Elizabeth asked. "I hate the guy so much I almost threw him in the day light this morning."

"Why didn't you?" Buffy asked holding up a pair of green leather pants that made Elizabeth burst out laughing.

"Because Giles wouldn't let me," Elizabeth answered looking at the dresses.

"Why?" Buffy asked.

"He says Spike is a helpful to finding the commando guys," Elizabeth said looking at a black dress.

"I have no idea what to wear!"

Elizabeth threw up her hands and stared frustrated at all the clothes on the rack.

"Calm down, Beth," Buffy said. "We'll find you something to wear that will knock his socks off and make Spike very jealous."

"According to Giles, Spike is going too," Elizabeth informed with her lips perked up.

"What!" Buffy and Willow said in unison.

"Giles wants a quiet night," Elizabeth answered. "I told him all right. I may have just got here but I all ready have respect for the man. I mean he is my watcher."

"Well I'm glad you're being nice to Giles," Buffy said with a worried look on her face. "But that's just pure torture to have all of us hang out with Spike the entire night."

"Well I actually found Spike a crypt of his own," Elizabeth said heading for the cheap jewelry.

"Really?" Buffy asked with a sweet smile on her face.

"Yeah," Elizabeth answered. "I found it when I was running. It comes with electricity, plumbing, and fully furnished. All he has to do is move in tonight."

"That's utterly, awesome," Buffy said with a bigger smile on her face. "We don't have to deal with Spike unless we have to! This would be hardly ever."

"It's a joyous day for all of us," Elizabeth joked.

Once the girls were done shopping, Buffy took Elizabeth to her dorm room and had her get ready there. She wanted to work on her hair.

"I think we should put it up with a clip," Buffy suggested after she finished Elizabeth's make-up.

"You're acting like it was the prom or something," Elizabeth complained. "It's a group hangage at the Bronze. Plus you act like I never dated before."

"Have you?" Buffy asked.

"Of course I have!" Elizabeth answered. "I mean this body and my fantastic looks. What guy, besides Angel, would refuse me?"

Buffy laughed and just started twisting Elizabeth's hair. She put it up in a clip. She brushed the remaining hair and smiled.

"You're Cinderella and I have made a model out of you," Buffy joked. 

Elizabeth shook her head and stood up. She walked over to the mirror and checked her self out.

"Not bad," Elizabeth said impressed. "Now I have to go back to Giles's to pick up my purse and bleach blonde from hell."  Buffy chuckled.

"So do you like your outfit?" Buffy asked.

Elizabeth did a twirl to check her self out. She wore a dark red leather skirt and a low cut V-neck spaghetti strapped top.

"I love the outfit," Elizabeth said with a smile. "I definitely wanted to look somewhat slutty today."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Buffy laughed. "Now let's get out of here. You don't have too long."

The girls got started on their way to Giles's place but were stopped by Romeo himself.

"Hey girls," Riley greeted. "Buffy, I didn't know you were friends with Elizabeth."

"Oh yeah," Buffy smiled. "We're kind of bonding."

Riley's soft blue eyes drifted towards Elizabeth. He scanned her as his eyes became intense.

"Wow, Elizabeth you look incredible," Riley complimented. "I hope it isn't all for me."

"Actually I would have shown up in sweats but Buffy made me dress up," Elizabeth joked.

Buffy laughed as Riley stared at her confused. Elizabeth hit Riley as side of the arm.

"I'm kidding," Elizabeth said with a playful smile.

"Sorry, I was just imagining how hot you would look in sweats," Riley teased. Buffy rolled her eyes. Elizabeth smiled.

"Well you sure are a charmer," Elizabeth said as her sea green eyes twinkled.

"Since we met up, you want to just go together?" Riley asked.

"Sounds fine to me," Elizabeth answered. "Buffy, would you tell everyone I'll meet them there?"

"Of course," Buffy answered. "I'll also pick up your purse for you."

"Thanks, Buffy. I owe you," Elizabeth thanked.

She took Riley's arm and then started down the path unaware that Buffy was watching them leave.

"You never told me where you were from," Elizabeth said trying to make conversation.

"I'm from Iowa," Riley answered. "I'm just your simple small town Farm boy."

"Really?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yeah," Riley answered. "I love going home for holidays. It's always fun and it's beautiful during the Christmas season. You're always promised a white Christmas."

"I always dreamed of having that kind of life," Elizabeth said wistfully.

"Didn't you have a good home life?" Riley asked as his features saddened.

"Well I lost my mother in car accident when I was five and my dad died when I was 18," Elizabeth explained. "My father was always moving so I never had roots before. I kind of long to know what it is like to live in the same place and the same house that was passed down from generation to generation."

"I'm going home for Christmas in a couple weeks. Do you want to come with me?" Riley asked.

"No, I wouldn't impose," Elizabeth answered. "Plus, we just met how could you ask me to go to your home town. I mean you don't even know if I'm a bitch or… I could be serial killer all you know."

Riley laughed and let go of her arm. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. She wrapped her arm around his waist and she rested her head on his shoulder.

Spike sat at one of the tables in the back of the club. He was nursing a beer. Giles, by force, had went with them and sat next to him. Buffy was off dancing with Angel.

Willow sat across of them watching Oz's band, Dingoes Ate My Baby, play. She had a huge smile on her face. Ever since they found a cure for Oz. they had been closer then ever. They were happy now that Oz wasn't a werewolf anymore. It made things more fun.

"Hey guys," Elizabeth said holding Riley's hand.

"Hey," Willow greeted happily. "Hi Riley."

"Hi Willow," Riley greeted.

Spike stared at Elizabeth. She looked absolutely gorgeous. Of course he thought she was gorgeous when he saw her the other night but tonight she was radiant.

"Giles, this is Riley," Elizabeth introduced. "Riley, this is my surrogate father, Giles."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Riley said extending to his hand. Giles smiled and shook his hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Riley," Giles smiled.

"Riley, this is my annoying and pain in my ass acquaintance, Spike," Elizabeth introduced. "Don't even bother saying hi to him because I see a couple on the dance floor we should join." Elizabeth pulled Riley away to the dance floor.

"She says it as if it's a bad thing," Spike said annoyed.

He should have known with the new boy toy in her life that she would give him the brush off. She was defiantly the uptight bitch slayer. Yet he watched her dance and smile with Buffy and Angel. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealously.

"That's because it is a bad thing," Willow said looking over at Spike.

She saw him staring intently on something. She followed his gaze and smiled. Just as she thought, he definitely had a thing for her but just admired from afar. She shook her head then started clapping when the band finished their set and the DJ came on and stared the latest hits.

Oz rushed over to Willow and she jumped off the stool. They embraced and she kissed him lightly on the lips. Spike made a gagging noise and Giles hit him aside of the head.

"Giles, we're going to join Buffy and them," Willow informed. "But we could stay with you…"

"Please, go have fun," Giles said shoeing them off. Willow and Oz rushed over to the little group of couples.

Spike still stared at Elizabeth from a far. His mind drifting to imagining what it would be like if he was with her instead of the farm boy.

The following weeks, Elizabeth and Riley spent almost all their time together. The group often got together and had a couple nights. Elizabeth did go with Riley to Iowa and found her self having a great time. She was so eager to tell Buffy and Willow about it when she got back that she practically ran to her dorm. 

"It was such a beautiful Christmas day," Elizabeth said glowing holding up a diamond bracelet. "Riley said the bracelet was our one month anniversary present."

"He certainly is a sweetheart," Buffy said looking at the bracelet.

"Did he get you anything else?" Willow asked eagerly jumping down on her bed.

Elizabeth set down her bag and sat next to Buffy on her bed. She pulled out a cute little picture frame that had 'cute couple' on it. Their picture was inside.

"That's sweet," Buffy cooed. "Wow, Riley really went out of his way for Christmas."

"Actually, I got that from his mother," Elizabeth corrected. "That was the picture taken when Riley and I had just got there. You can see how cold I am. His family was super nice. They all went out and bought me something for Christmas. I felt horrible because I only bought something for Riley and I brought some food for the family, by the way, Buffy tell your mom thanks for me."

"I will do that," Buffy smiled.

"Ok, enough about my trip," Elizabeth smiled. "How was everyone else's Christmas?"

"It was great having everyone I love surround me on Christmas," Buffy gloated. "Angel spent it with us and Giles came over for Christmas dinner. Angel and I even went over to Spike's and brought him some gifts and Christmas blood."

"Speaking of Spike," Elizabeth reached down and pulled out a wrapped gift. "I bought him something when his mom took me last minute Christmas shopping at their Wal-Mart."

"Oh he will be really surprised," Willow said. "He's been kind of gloomy man ever since you left for Iowa with Riley."

"So do you think you're falling for him?" Buffy asked.

Elizabeth blushed and smiled widely.

"I'm trying not to because I'll probably end up with heart ache but I'm falling face first," Elizabeth answered.

"I think he's crazy about you," Willow glowed.

"Ok Willow spill, what did Oz get you for Christmas?" Elizabeth asked.

"A diamond ring," Willow answered.

"No," Elizabeth said as she jumped of the bed and grabbed Willow's hand. On her ring finger was a diamond ring.

"Oh, Wills it's beautiful," Buffy complimented. "Are you sure you guys are ready for marriage?"

"Well we're going to wait until we finish collage," Willow answered. "Then once I'm finished and I have a job. I will be Mrs. Daniel Osborn."

The girls embraced and they all giggled as they all fell to the ground.

"I'm kind of glad there is some extra help to keep the demons down," Elizabeth said sitting back down on her bed.

"Yeah, I'm glad I'm not the only one that is a slayer anymore," Buffy agreed.

Elizabeth sighed sadly.

"I'm going to have to tell Riley sooner or later about me being the slayer," Elizabeth said sadly. "I definitely don't want to lose him."

"Don't say anything yet until you're sure he is the one," Buffy advised. "We don't want him to end up dead."

"Agreed," Elizabeth agreed. "I don't need the mess. I'm just happy that you and Angel patrol when I have a date with Riley."

"We're all ready have the system down pat," Buffy explained. "Plus, you two are the new couple. We know that you two want to spend…"

Buffy's face turned green and then she raced out the room to the dorm's bathroom.

Elizabeth and Willow exchanged worried looks and raced after her. They ran into the bathroom and waited for Buffy to come out of the stall. When she did emerge she was pale. Elizabeth rushed over and helped Buffy to the sink.

"Are you feeling ok, Buffy?" Elizabeth asked.

"I'm fine, Beth," Buffy assured.

"No, she isn't," Willow disagreed. "She has been throwing up for the past two weeks."

"Buffy, you need to see a doctor," Elizabeth said concerned. "Why don't you take the next two nights off? I'll take Spike and we'll do patrolling."

"No, Beth," Buffy protested. "You have a date with Riley tonight."

"He'll understand," Elizabeth assured Buffy.

She pulled out her cell phone and called Riley. She told him she couldn't make it that night or tomorrow because she was going to fill in for Buffy at work. He understood and said that he had papers to grade. They said their goodbyes.

Everything was set. Elizabeth was going to patrol that night with Spike while Buffy got better. She wasn't looking forward to spending the next two nights with Spike but it was her job and she unfortunately had to do it.

Elizabeth pushed opened the door to the crypt and saw Spike stretched out on the couch sound asleep. He had a blanket on him as the television played some old sitcom.

She reached down and slowly took the remote from Spike's hand. She turned off the television. She studied his features.

For the first time ever she noticed the masculinity in his face. He had strong cheek bones and his lips were full and a color of soft pink. She still remembered his deep penetrating eyes. Her breath caught in her throat as she examined his body. His body was muscular. They were obvious when the tight black shirt. His arms had that muscle bulge.

She felt her self getting hot just looking at him. It was alarming. He was the first guy that got her hot just looking at him. She bit her bottom lip wanting… she stopped her thought and decided this had to end now. She pushed him off the couch and felt a twinge of regret.

"Bloody Hell!" Spike scorned. "What did you do that for?"

"It's time for patrol," Elizabeth answered stiffly.

Spike studied her. He could sense the difference in her. Her heart was beating faster then it usually did.

"Something wrong pet?" Spike asked in a softer tone.

"I'm just worried about Buffy," Elizabeth answered. "Now can we please go?"

"Let me get my coat and a stake," Spike said walking over to a tomb.

Elizabeth tossed him a stake and he caught it.

"Easy, pet," Spike warned. "You might have dusted me."

"The world would be a travesty with your demise, Spike," Elizabeth said sarcastically.

She tried to put irritation into it but her heart wasn't in it. There was some kind of truth behind it. She mentally slapped herself. She hated him. He got on her nerves. How could she even think about him? She just needed to remind herself that she had a wonderful guy in her life.

She remembered the gift in her bag and pulled it out as Spike put on his coat.

"Here," Elizabeth said stickled the gift out. "This was a last minute idea but I figured I couldn't leave anyone out."

"Is this a charity case?" Spike asked harshly taking the gift.

"No," Elizabeth answered. "I bought it for you. I couldn't figure out what to buy for you here. I figured a new place would help me clear my mind and it did."

Spike unwrapped the gift and was surprised to see a small leather bound notebook. It looked more then a hundred years old. He ran his fingers over it.

"Thank you," Spike thanked softly staring at it.

"I know you hate your past and you want no memory of it but…" Elizabeth sighed and twisted her hands together.

"This isn't my old notebook," Spike informed.

"I know that, nitwit," Elizabeth said straightening up. "You lived in London. I was in Iowa for crying old loud. I don't think it would have gotten that far from the country."

"Then why did you buy it?" Spike asked putting the notebook on the couch.

"I bought it so you could write poetry again," Elizabeth answered. "I figured with your obsession with Buffy, you could let some of it out by writing it out."

"Oh you're a therapist now are you," Spike shot back.

Elizabeth threw up her hands and fought the urge to scream. She groaned and glared at Spike.

"Jeez, interrogate me by trying to do some thing," Elizabeth said with her temper rising. "Do you even know the meaning of thank you?"

"I said it, didn't I?"

"Barely loud enough for me to hear."

Elizabeth grabbed her bag and swung it on her shoulder. She whipped around and stalked out of the crypt.

Spike sighed sadly. He stared down at the notebook and ran his fingers over it. He cursed slightly and grabbed his things. He ran after Elizabeth.

Buffy sat on the examine table and side. The doctor had called them in to the office. She knew it wasn't good.

She looked over at Angel. He gave her a reassuring smile and ran his fingers through her blonde locks. She couldn't help but let a small smile creep on her face.

Angel definitely was her rock right now. He was here to stay and she relied on him now for her strong times and her weak moments.

Doctor Sullivan walked into the room. He was in his late fifties with salt and pepper hair. He was a close six foot. Buffy started wondering if all men in Sunnydale were broad. 

"Good afternoon, Ms. Summers," Dr. Sullivan greeted. "Are we feeling better?"

"Actually no," Buffy answered. "I'm still throwing up. I still can't keep anything down."

"Try eating saltine crackers," Dr. Sullivan suggested. "They'll settle your stomach to the point you could eat anything."

"So, is everything all right?" Angel asked concerned.

He, unconsciously, put his hand on Buffy's back.

"Everything is fine," Doctor Sullivan answered.

"Then why did you call us in your office?" Buffy asked.

"Well, Ms. Summers, I thought I give you good news from face to face," Doctor Sullivan answered.

"What do you mean good news?" Buffy asked cautiously.

"Congratulations, you're pregnant," Doctor Sullivan announced.

Buffy's eyes went wide and she looked over at Angel before she fainted.