Part Six

Buffy's body felt almost inconsequentially small in her arms. Resting her cheek against the silky golden locks, Faith held her a few more minutes before whispering, "I gotta go."

No response nor did Buffy budge.

Faith lay patiently, aware of the pliant breasts that pressed softly against her with each tiny sigh from her friend.

"Come on. It's gettin' late…your parents--"

Grumbling, the blonde finally lifted her head.

"About time." Faith grinned at her. "Lazy..but a real looker."

"Hey!"

Buffy pouted when the brunette chuckled and rose from the bed.

"Don't I get a kiss goodbye?"

"Nope. I need to hurry. I'll probably get an earful as it is."

Faith hopped on one foot, trying to keep her balance as she hastily put on her shoes.

Discouraged, Buffy fretfully asked, "When will I see you again?"

"Tonight. That is, if you want." Faith smirked. "Is it a date?" Buffy nodded enthusiastically.

"Okey-dokey then, babe." Faith exited with a silly salute, leaving the blond giggling as she climbed out the window.

Spotting Mr. Summers on the porch, Faith scurried up over the roof and shimmied down the trellis in back instead.

Hank walked further into the yard and looked. He distinctly heard a loud thud and some swearing.

Scampering from the house was his daughter's favorite neighbor. Mr. Summers watched curiously as the girl sprinted off.

……..

Buffy literally beamed as she entered the room. "Morning Daddy-O," she gleefully squeaked, turning to hug him.

Hank raised his eyebrows at his wife who glanced away uncomfortably.

"Isn't it a beautiful day?" The blonde took her chair at the breakfast table. "A cup of Joe, please."

"Buffy, what's gotten into you?"

"Whatever it is, I like it," Hank interjected, pulling his darling daughter onto his lap. "She's been so sad lately. This is like a breath of fresh air."

Exasperated, Mrs. Summers tossed down her dish towel and turned toward the stove.

"Hank, I wish Buffy would spend less time in the lab. I could use a hand around here." She scraped the eggs onto their plates. "Buffy will certainly need skills beyond math and science for when Harry and her finally settle down."

The teenager tensed up, lowering her eyes at the mention of Harry.

Easing his daughter off his lap, Hank turned toward his wife. "Let's wait until the young man proposes and our daughter says yes, shall we? I'm not so eager to marry my little girl off and neither should you."

"That's not the issue, Hank. Stop spoiling her! We have to teach Buffy life isn't so accommodating."

Hank angrily rose from the table. "We're not discussing this. Buffy's going to continue working with me, if you want help with menial tasks call your father. I'm sure he'll send a staff of servants."

Gently, he guided the teary-eyed blonde from the room.

"And just where do you two think you're going?!" Joyce yelled after them.

"The diner!"

A loud door slam followed her husband's furious shout.

Depressed, the fading beauty sat heavily in a chair. 'What had she done?' Covering her face, she began to cry.

"Hello?...Anyone home?" Harry slowly came around the corner. "Mrs. Summers!" Filled with worry, he rushed to older woman's side. "What happened?"

To be continued