Author: Emba
Disclaimer: Can I own like...two characters? Preferably Buffy and Angel? I'll take anyone! Even...Andrew...no, not Andrew but anyone else! Like Cordelia...maybe I can kill her off for good. Sound good, Joss? Oh right, I forgot you went insane like...five years ago.
Authors Note: This is the big chapter! The monster of all chapters! The greatest chapter alive---well, I wouldn't go that far... but it'll be a pretty good chapter. Do not be fooled by the beginning of the chapter...it does get better...then confusion will happen and many happenings. Hopefully, all of you will enjoy this chapter and I will get showered with praise....and if you were wondering, yes that was a hint.
Authors Note 2: Okay, just stay calm through all of Buffy and Scotts date...*PLEASE* just do not click out of the story. The actions in the date were meant to confuse Buffy and create angst. And it will. Just read this whole chapter and by the end of it you'll be happy. Trust me.
*
Days have gone by and tomorrow is my birthday!! Tomorrow I will be eighteen. Yay me!
Moving on...I ate lunch with Scott today, because he asked me to sit outside with him. Me, being the kindest person alive (imagine me snorting at that thought) accepted and sat with him. I found out that Scott has quite a few friends....when, I originally thought he was friendless. While we ate, several people came up to him. Such as, Spike. Who is Spike, you ask? Spike is the bad ass of the school. And he's British! I think it's so cool to hear him talk. Sometimes, I'll just get in his way so he'll say, "Move, luv." It's so cool! I wish I could have an accent. *Any* accent.
Anyways, as it turns out they have been friends...forever. Now there are two people I never though would be matched together as friends. Spike, the bad boy, and Scott, the nervous guy, friends for life.
My date with Scott is tonight. At the coffee shop. I never liked coffee. Sure, it smells good and that's great but I think I have bad memories of coffee...for instance, Angel stealing some from his mother's pot of coffee, just to see what it tasted like, and then him tripping and spilling it all over me. That's what I call a bad experience. We were eight at the time. I still tease Angel about that to this day.
As I was saying before, our second date is tonight. I can't say I'm ecstatic. Or happy. Or content. I'm...alright. Maybe I should just tell Scott I have feelings for someone else and I can't see him anymore. Because, if I really think about it, I'm fooling myself. I can never feel anything for Scott like I do for Angel...right? I mean, I've been in love with Angel for who knows how long, and I practically just met Scott. This is so confusing. On one hand, I'll never feel anything for Scott that even compares to Angel, and one the other Angel doesn't have the same feelings for me and Scott seems to be...smitten with me. I wish I could just tell Angel *right* now and he would return my feelings. And then Doyle would sing Irish songs in the back round as fireworks go off and Willow and Xander dance around Angel and I as we kiss. Sounds pretty simple... Right...
Oh well, it's never going to happen and I bet when I'm thirty and Angel and I are still best friends, I'll still be in love with him. And he'll still think of me as a sister. Do I sound bitter?
Good, 'cuz I am.
*Really* bitter.
*
I was already for my date and was about to leave when the phone rang. And of course, mom is gone because of "work". Ya know, sometimes I think she's dating someone secretly....or perhaps she's a secret agent.... Well, maybe not the second one but seriously, if you think about it she really could be a secret agent. One: she's never home. Two: she's *always* at work. And three: she's very good at carving a turkey. Which sometimes, leads me to believe she's *deadly* with a knife if she can carve a turkey that quickly. One Thanksgiving, she actually---
Oh crap! The phone! My digression is becoming disease-like.
"Hello?" I answer, trying not to let the irritation seep in to my voice. "Buffy?" The other line says, and I realize its Angel.
"Yeah, Angel, what's up?"
Hesitation from the other end of the phone line. "Um... I need to talk to you."
Strange. "I can't talk; I'm on my way out. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"
"Sure, yeah...alright. Tomorrow at about...7. Be at my house." He has a time and a place set up...interesting.
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then." He says goodbye and I hang up.
And again, I say....Strange.
*
"So... tomorrow's your birthday." Scott says, smiling. I smile back as happily as I can. The date's going pretty well. Really. I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would.
"Yup. Tomorrow is my birthday. The big 1-8."
"What would you like for you birthday? Anything in particular?" He asks.
"Actually, yes. I would like a huge box of *unfattening* chocolates that really taste fattening, for Collin Farrell to drive up to my house and take me away to a remote island, and I also want a permanent tan." I quip. He stares at me in his confused way. "I was joking, Scott... well, not *joking* as in...joking...but it'd be great if that ever happened." He laughed and took a sip of his coffee.
We're sitting across from each other in this little coffee shop. It's so cute! It's like one you would find have almost no people in it. But, it's an adorable shop. With little sampler boxes with the little chocolate chip cookies in them. I must've had eighteen of them....hence my wish of unfattening chocolates that taste fattening. And who *doesn't* wish Collin Farrell to rescue them from their boring life? I had a whole day dream about that in Math class... What happened was, I was sitting there in class, innocently tapping my pencil on the paper (did I mention I look hotter than I ever had in my life in this day dream?) and I'm praying that someone will save me from this class when--BAM! Collin Farrell bursts through the door in the most amazing outfit, with flowers, and keys to his convertible in hand. He stands beside me and gets down on one knee and says, "Buffy.... will you marry me?" Of course, I say yes, and we run out of the school in to his car and move to an exotic island. I think that was my best day dream ever. Is it sad that I day dream about that stuff? Yes. But, wasn't it GREAT? I think I have a thing for Irish guys... Go figure.
Just then I noticed Scott was in the middle of talking. God, I have such a low attention span.
"...And then his dad said he couldn't go, so they didn't and nobody knew why. Isn't that strange?" Scott says, finishing his story about...something that I have no idea about.
I try to cover. "Oh yeah...really, *really* strange. I mean...I'm shocked. It's that strange." I smile nervously. I'm not all that good at lying...if you haven't already noticed.
"So....what do you want for your birthday that I can actually *get* you? I don't really know Collin Farrell that well....Once I did but we had a fight and now he trash talks me to the press, it's a whole big thing." Wow! Scott deadpanned! I laugh loudly. I can't help it; sometimes I'm a loud laugher.
"Really? Well, what about that chocolate thing? I mean, you can invent it right? All nonfattening chocolate tastes bad in my opinion."
Scott smiles slowly. "I'll work on it." Oh my gosh! Scott is flirting! This is the first time he's really...ever flirted with me. And I have to admit....he's pretty good at it. Really. There should be a headline in the newspaper tomorrow: Shy Guy Turns Flirt And Shocks Local Girl. Or something close to that.
"Seriously... what do you want for your birthday?" It makes me think he really didn't buy anything for my birthday until the day *before* it. But, it's sweet anyway...well, at least he's *buying* me a gift.
I think for a moment. "Hmm...a CD maybe. Or a movie! For you know, those nights when you just don't feel like doing anything. I like lots of things...and some of them are *way* too expensive...even if Bill Gates attempted to buy me something, I would exceed his budget." Scotts chuckles before saying, "Maybe you should marry Donald Trump...unless he's already married."
"There's a thought." I say. We both pause... and look at each other. Okay... I was afraid this was going to happen. This moment where he looks like he wants to kiss me. I don't think I can do that. Scott is great...really, great. But, I still am in love with Angel. And Angel's never going to notice me that way and nothing will happen. Right? I think I've finally lost hope. In some ways I have...in others I can't help but believe one day Angel will turn around and just tell me he loves me. Or give me a rose and kiss me or something really romantic. Maybe I should just take a chance. With another guy.
And we both lean in and...kiss. It was a cute kiss. Not one of those mind blowing ones (a kiss I have yet to experience) but, it was a pleasant one. It wasn't gross...but it wasn't fantastic. It was just... a kiss. Basically. But, I do like Scott.
*
As I walk home from our date, I look around at Sunnydale. It's about eleven o'clock at night and I'm walking the streets and yet, I'm not afraid. Someone might say I'm not afraid because I know karate or something, but nope...no karate or anything physical except kicking or hitting. It's because Sunnydale had probably all of three mugging in the last five years. And if someone came up to me and took my purse or something, I'd notice their face or voice right away because in Sunnydale, everyone knows *everyone*. Maybe that's why our population declined years ago...because the criminals decided Sunnydale was a waste of time.
I reach my house and go inside and suddenly realize that tomorrow is my birthday. Well...okay, not just '*suddenly* realize' but... I think I'm finally starting to believe that I'm growing up. Ya know? Like I'm kind of moving on from Angel and just being more responsible (hence the dog that is not sick or dead).
I must get to sleep so I am ready for a million phone calls from Willow, all talking about how cool it is that I'm eighteen. It's nice to know I have some things I can count on.
*
This morning I woke up and the house was dead silent. Every birthday of mine my mom bakes a cake or makes me breakfast and serves it to me in bed. Today, there was nothing. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised...because my mother often has to work over time on Saturdays...but...still!! It's my birthday!! 18th to be exact.
Maybe I'll go downstairs and there'll be a cake waiting for me...or some pancakes and a note and balloons. My hope has suddenly been restored.
I walk downstairs and find nothing special. Not in the kitchen, not in the living room, not anywhere!! There's not even a note! You'd think there'd be a note. Like, 'Happy Birthday, honey. I'll be home from work soon. Enjoy your day.'. But, nooooo. I get zip. Notta. Zilch. And this is from my own mother!
I can't believe I'm feeling depressed on my own birthday. My birthdays are usually joyful and happy, with lots of presents. Maybe I can still count on my friends to remember.
So, I'm going to sit by the phone and watch some TV and hope for Willow to call at 11:30 AM sharp.
*
Okay... I can't believe this. Either I've watch Sixteen Candle's way too much and am being delusional or my mom *and* my friends have totally forgot about my birthday!! It's 3:00 PM!! I've been sitting here all day, in my pajama's, by the phone, watching 'Saved By The Bell' re-runs. Why can't I go to the same high school they go to? There's like...five people in the whole school. Maybe *then* all of them will remember when it's my freaking birthday!!!
*
It is almost seven o'clock at night and no one has called except two telemarketers, who really pissed me off. I mean I was expecting someone to called and wish me a happy birthday and it ended up to be a telemarketer!! Ugh, my birthday sucks.
Oh crap! I forgot I'm supposed to go to Angel house in about 10 minutes! Maybe he will remember my birthday. Hopefully.
*
I'm dressed and ready to go. I know I have to look *really* good just to make myself feel better because I really feel like crap. So, I straightened my hair and wore my cutest outfit and everything.
I walk over and there's only like...two lights on in the whole house. The O'Connor's house is like my home away from my home so they won't mind if I just went right in so I am and--
"SURPRISE!!" Oh holy God!! It's a surprise party!!
There are like... a million people stuffed inside Angel's house. Most of them I probably have never talked to my whole life...but, who cares!! People actually remembered my birthday! There's this big banner on the wall and food and people and I'm so excited!
Willow runs up to me and squeals loudly. "Hi!! Happy birthday!!! You are eighteen. Eighteen. I can't believe it!!" She crushed me to her in a hug. I never thought Willow was so strong!
"Thanks, Will. I thought everyone forgot about me."
Willow smile turned brighter. "That was the plan! But, see, look at all these people! Angel and Xander are somewhere in the crowd. And guess who's here?!" She turned to reveal someone I haven't seen in years.
"Faith!" I gasped and ran to my old friend. She smiled and hugged me. "Hey, B. Happy 18th. Eighteen is one more step closer to twenty one when you can legally drink." She smirked.
"I like how this woman thinks." Doyle said, overhearing our conversation. He winked at me and said, "Happy Birthday." Then he followed Cordelia--- wait, CORDELIA? Why the hell is she here?!
Willow followed my eyes and when I looked at her in shock she only shook her head. "I know. We're all wondering why she's here. And we also want to know where all these people came from..." She shrugged and walked away.
I turned back to Faith and smiled. "So, how's New York?" Faith moved away in ninth grade to New York City. Her parents moved there because of a new job, and she had to leave us behind. Faith and Willow were my best friends throughout grade school. Although Faith's personality was a bit different from mine and Willow's, she was a very important part of our little friendship circle.
"New York is good. Way different than here of course and there are *so* many guys, B. I have this huge selection of guys. It's so much better than here." She pauses. "Speaking of guys... Are you still in love with Angel?"
I nod slowly. She always tried to push me to go out with other guys... It was always a little bit annoying but I know she was only trying to help. "B... You seriously gotta get over him!"
"I'm dating someone else, though. Scott Hope, do you remember him?" Faith pondered a moment and then nodded. "I think so. Was he kinda short? And had dark hair? Kinda cute? A loner?"
"Yup. That's him. We've gone on two dates so far. I'm not sure if he's here or not."
Faith suddenly smiled evily. "Get anywhere with him?"
I shook my head in mock disappointment. "Is that all you think about?" She nodded and we both laughed. My birthday is starting to rock.
*
There are a million people packed in to Angel's house. People I don't even know. But, I look pretty popular! Which is a plus, I guess. I still haven't seen Angel. He must be caught in the huge mob. And I am still wondering why Cordelia is here.
"Buffy! Happy birthday!" I turn around and find Scott, smiling at me with a present in hand. "Oooh, present. What is it?"
He hands it to me. "Open it."
I take off the wrapping and open the box carefully. I can't believe what I found. It was a box of chocolates, a picture of Collin Farrell and bronzer. "Remember that talk we had at the coffee shop? Well, I do, and I thought it'd be a good idea." He pauses. "But, don't worry, that's not all of the present! The rest is at home, it's a present of privacy.... Not that's it like...weird or anything. I just thought--"
"I know what you mean, Scott." I smile at him. I don't think I've found him any more adorable than at this very moment. He actually *remembered* our conversation the other day. How cute!
"Do you like it?" He asks, meekly.
"Yes, I do." I reassure him. He nods and says, "I have to go, I have work in ten minutes." Scott works? Hmm...
"Okay, well, we'll talk Monday?"
"Sure, Monday. Bye! And again, happy birthday." I smile back at him. "Thanks."
As soon as Scott leaves, Willow hurries up to me. "What'd he say? What'd he give you? Why'd he leave?" She says in a hurry.
"Breath, Will. Scott gave me this." I show her the present. "It's an inside joke kind of thing," I say before she questions the present. "He's leaving because he has work and he said 'Happy birthday'."
Willow sighed, happily. "Aw. That is so sweet. I wish I had a boyfriend."
"I saw that Oz guy checking you out the other day at the Bronze. Maybe you should talk to him." Willow really does need a guy.
She shakes her head franticly. "No. No. No talking. None at all. I'll get nervous. Sweaty palms are *never* attractive and you *cannot* make me!!"
I check out the living room and see that the subject of our discussion is coming toward us. I smirk knowingly and begin to back away. "Okay, Will. Whatever you say."
I walk away but not before I catch Willow turn hastily and run smack in to Oz. Now she *has* to talk to him.
I walked away, although I do want to hear what they are going to talk about, I decided it would be best if I found someone else to talk to. Or something to eat. Food is of the good, and I'm really hungry.
So, I walked on over to the kitchen and pushed the swinging door open to find the most horrifying thing ever. EVER.
Cordelia making out........
With Doyle. DOYLE.
And suddenly, everything came together. No wonder Cordelia came to my party with her cronies. She wanted to see Doyle! And that's why she was staring at him and oh, this is so weird!!!
I hurry out of the kitchen before I collapse from the grossness of the matter. Thinking about Cordelia making out with *anyone* gives me the creeps.
I think I lost my appetite. *
The party was going great. I was mingling and being charismatic (which is almost definitely out of character) and then suddenly, it was like one of those teen movies where there's a party at someone's house and the whole *grade* is invited and they all go crazy.
Okay, you may think this is a typical high school party with beer and all that other stuff. But, Sunnydale is squeaky CLEAN. Like... I have not been to a party with alcohol yet (except that New Years Ever party where we all had *one* glass of champagne). But, tonight it's different. It's like my birthday somehow brought the wildness out in them. Maybe it's just because I am so cool....Okay, maybe not. But, it's still weird. Imagine a bunch of people making out all over. Yeah, that's what it's like. And the others that aren't, are grinding to music or eating tons of food. Scary.
I *still* haven't seen Angel yet. All night. It's almost twelve, and I still have not seen him. I bet he's probably in his room being a loner.
With that thought in mind, I went up the stairs and somehow made it through all the people hanging out up there and snuck in to Angel's room. And there he was. Sitting there, listening to his head phones.
I sat on his bed, making arm movements to see if he noticed I was there. He eventually looked up and ripped off his head phones. "Buffy. Happy Birthday." He smiled. But, this wasn't an Angel smile...this was a huge grin, that made me really happy just looking at it. He never smiled like that ever to me in his whole entire life.
"Thanks." I laid down next to him in his bed, which is something we've always done on our birthdays. We would lay and talk.
"So, what's it like to be eighteen?" He asked. I shrugged. "Not really different. Just...the same. Although, this morning I thought it would suck."
"Why?"
"Because of the whole elaborate plan to make me *think* everyone forgot my birthday, but really you were fooling me." I answered. I knew Angel was smirking without even looking at him. "Your idea?"
"My idea." He confirmed it. I sat up. "Ya know, it's not always great to do that to people!" He sat up too. As I was ranting, I look at him, but it looked like he could care less about what I was saying...he was just staring at me strangely. So I ranted some more. "I'm seriously emotional, and you know how I always think everybody's going to forget my birthday and you still--"
I was cut off from yelling because Angel kissed me.
ANGEL KISSED ME!!!!!!!
Angel, my long time crush who I thought would never ever love me the way I love him, kissed *me*. I was not the one who kissed him, he kissed *me*. Not that I'm complaining.
Oh wow. So this is what it feels like to be kissing Angel... I knew he'd be a great kisser!
At first, I was completely surprised at his action, that I had not responded...but, now......
He started out softly kissing me, but because we are both teenagers and I am in *love* with him it starts to become more passionate and then, I wrap my arms around his neck and he pulls me closer and then it hits me--- *Why* is Angel kissing me?
I (sadly) pull away and stare at him. "Angel...why--"
"Okay," Angel began, and got up from the bed. He started to pace. "You're probably wondering why I kissed you. Well, lately I've been having thoughts. Not bad thoughts. Good thoughts. At least that's what I think now. Before I thought I was going insane."
"What?? Angel what are you talking--" Cut off again...
"I think I'm in love with you. This feeling didn't *just* happen, I just... I don't know when it happened. It was like...all of a sudden I could see you. I've known you my entire life and it's like I've never seen you before. Your beautiful, funny, nice and perfect for me and I'm *just realizing this. I *can't* believe it." He stops pacing and stops in front of my, comes to my eye level and grabs my hands. "I love you."
I'm completely in awe. How did this happen? When did this happen? I am totally speachless. What am I going to do next? What about Scott? He's been so cute and I'm starting to like him more and now....this.
I don't know what's going to happen.
TBC *
I'm so sorry for the delay! Things have been incredibly hectic lately. School is starting which means field hockey is as well so I had field hockey for the past two weeks and haven't gotten much of a chance to write. Here's a huge thank you to: short one, Kendra3, Rbritsmom73, Tariq, random toe, GoodCharlottesGurl, chris, shahid and static-disturbed. If I missed anyone, I'm sorry!! Okay, now go review!! I really hoped you liked this chapter. I know it's sort of a cliff hanger, but I'm still not sure what I'm going to do next so, I'll take any suggestions you have in to consideration! PLEASE REVIEW!! I'll update as soon as possible. Sorry if this chapter is way too spaced out or not spaced out enough. My computer is messed up.
Disclaimer: Can I own like...two characters? Preferably Buffy and Angel? I'll take anyone! Even...Andrew...no, not Andrew but anyone else! Like Cordelia...maybe I can kill her off for good. Sound good, Joss? Oh right, I forgot you went insane like...five years ago.
Authors Note: This is the big chapter! The monster of all chapters! The greatest chapter alive---well, I wouldn't go that far... but it'll be a pretty good chapter. Do not be fooled by the beginning of the chapter...it does get better...then confusion will happen and many happenings. Hopefully, all of you will enjoy this chapter and I will get showered with praise....and if you were wondering, yes that was a hint.
Authors Note 2: Okay, just stay calm through all of Buffy and Scotts date...*PLEASE* just do not click out of the story. The actions in the date were meant to confuse Buffy and create angst. And it will. Just read this whole chapter and by the end of it you'll be happy. Trust me.
*
Days have gone by and tomorrow is my birthday!! Tomorrow I will be eighteen. Yay me!
Moving on...I ate lunch with Scott today, because he asked me to sit outside with him. Me, being the kindest person alive (imagine me snorting at that thought) accepted and sat with him. I found out that Scott has quite a few friends....when, I originally thought he was friendless. While we ate, several people came up to him. Such as, Spike. Who is Spike, you ask? Spike is the bad ass of the school. And he's British! I think it's so cool to hear him talk. Sometimes, I'll just get in his way so he'll say, "Move, luv." It's so cool! I wish I could have an accent. *Any* accent.
Anyways, as it turns out they have been friends...forever. Now there are two people I never though would be matched together as friends. Spike, the bad boy, and Scott, the nervous guy, friends for life.
My date with Scott is tonight. At the coffee shop. I never liked coffee. Sure, it smells good and that's great but I think I have bad memories of coffee...for instance, Angel stealing some from his mother's pot of coffee, just to see what it tasted like, and then him tripping and spilling it all over me. That's what I call a bad experience. We were eight at the time. I still tease Angel about that to this day.
As I was saying before, our second date is tonight. I can't say I'm ecstatic. Or happy. Or content. I'm...alright. Maybe I should just tell Scott I have feelings for someone else and I can't see him anymore. Because, if I really think about it, I'm fooling myself. I can never feel anything for Scott like I do for Angel...right? I mean, I've been in love with Angel for who knows how long, and I practically just met Scott. This is so confusing. On one hand, I'll never feel anything for Scott that even compares to Angel, and one the other Angel doesn't have the same feelings for me and Scott seems to be...smitten with me. I wish I could just tell Angel *right* now and he would return my feelings. And then Doyle would sing Irish songs in the back round as fireworks go off and Willow and Xander dance around Angel and I as we kiss. Sounds pretty simple... Right...
Oh well, it's never going to happen and I bet when I'm thirty and Angel and I are still best friends, I'll still be in love with him. And he'll still think of me as a sister. Do I sound bitter?
Good, 'cuz I am.
*Really* bitter.
*
I was already for my date and was about to leave when the phone rang. And of course, mom is gone because of "work". Ya know, sometimes I think she's dating someone secretly....or perhaps she's a secret agent.... Well, maybe not the second one but seriously, if you think about it she really could be a secret agent. One: she's never home. Two: she's *always* at work. And three: she's very good at carving a turkey. Which sometimes, leads me to believe she's *deadly* with a knife if she can carve a turkey that quickly. One Thanksgiving, she actually---
Oh crap! The phone! My digression is becoming disease-like.
"Hello?" I answer, trying not to let the irritation seep in to my voice. "Buffy?" The other line says, and I realize its Angel.
"Yeah, Angel, what's up?"
Hesitation from the other end of the phone line. "Um... I need to talk to you."
Strange. "I can't talk; I'm on my way out. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"
"Sure, yeah...alright. Tomorrow at about...7. Be at my house." He has a time and a place set up...interesting.
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then." He says goodbye and I hang up.
And again, I say....Strange.
*
"So... tomorrow's your birthday." Scott says, smiling. I smile back as happily as I can. The date's going pretty well. Really. I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would.
"Yup. Tomorrow is my birthday. The big 1-8."
"What would you like for you birthday? Anything in particular?" He asks.
"Actually, yes. I would like a huge box of *unfattening* chocolates that really taste fattening, for Collin Farrell to drive up to my house and take me away to a remote island, and I also want a permanent tan." I quip. He stares at me in his confused way. "I was joking, Scott... well, not *joking* as in...joking...but it'd be great if that ever happened." He laughed and took a sip of his coffee.
We're sitting across from each other in this little coffee shop. It's so cute! It's like one you would find have almost no people in it. But, it's an adorable shop. With little sampler boxes with the little chocolate chip cookies in them. I must've had eighteen of them....hence my wish of unfattening chocolates that taste fattening. And who *doesn't* wish Collin Farrell to rescue them from their boring life? I had a whole day dream about that in Math class... What happened was, I was sitting there in class, innocently tapping my pencil on the paper (did I mention I look hotter than I ever had in my life in this day dream?) and I'm praying that someone will save me from this class when--BAM! Collin Farrell bursts through the door in the most amazing outfit, with flowers, and keys to his convertible in hand. He stands beside me and gets down on one knee and says, "Buffy.... will you marry me?" Of course, I say yes, and we run out of the school in to his car and move to an exotic island. I think that was my best day dream ever. Is it sad that I day dream about that stuff? Yes. But, wasn't it GREAT? I think I have a thing for Irish guys... Go figure.
Just then I noticed Scott was in the middle of talking. God, I have such a low attention span.
"...And then his dad said he couldn't go, so they didn't and nobody knew why. Isn't that strange?" Scott says, finishing his story about...something that I have no idea about.
I try to cover. "Oh yeah...really, *really* strange. I mean...I'm shocked. It's that strange." I smile nervously. I'm not all that good at lying...if you haven't already noticed.
"So....what do you want for your birthday that I can actually *get* you? I don't really know Collin Farrell that well....Once I did but we had a fight and now he trash talks me to the press, it's a whole big thing." Wow! Scott deadpanned! I laugh loudly. I can't help it; sometimes I'm a loud laugher.
"Really? Well, what about that chocolate thing? I mean, you can invent it right? All nonfattening chocolate tastes bad in my opinion."
Scott smiles slowly. "I'll work on it." Oh my gosh! Scott is flirting! This is the first time he's really...ever flirted with me. And I have to admit....he's pretty good at it. Really. There should be a headline in the newspaper tomorrow: Shy Guy Turns Flirt And Shocks Local Girl. Or something close to that.
"Seriously... what do you want for your birthday?" It makes me think he really didn't buy anything for my birthday until the day *before* it. But, it's sweet anyway...well, at least he's *buying* me a gift.
I think for a moment. "Hmm...a CD maybe. Or a movie! For you know, those nights when you just don't feel like doing anything. I like lots of things...and some of them are *way* too expensive...even if Bill Gates attempted to buy me something, I would exceed his budget." Scotts chuckles before saying, "Maybe you should marry Donald Trump...unless he's already married."
"There's a thought." I say. We both pause... and look at each other. Okay... I was afraid this was going to happen. This moment where he looks like he wants to kiss me. I don't think I can do that. Scott is great...really, great. But, I still am in love with Angel. And Angel's never going to notice me that way and nothing will happen. Right? I think I've finally lost hope. In some ways I have...in others I can't help but believe one day Angel will turn around and just tell me he loves me. Or give me a rose and kiss me or something really romantic. Maybe I should just take a chance. With another guy.
And we both lean in and...kiss. It was a cute kiss. Not one of those mind blowing ones (a kiss I have yet to experience) but, it was a pleasant one. It wasn't gross...but it wasn't fantastic. It was just... a kiss. Basically. But, I do like Scott.
*
As I walk home from our date, I look around at Sunnydale. It's about eleven o'clock at night and I'm walking the streets and yet, I'm not afraid. Someone might say I'm not afraid because I know karate or something, but nope...no karate or anything physical except kicking or hitting. It's because Sunnydale had probably all of three mugging in the last five years. And if someone came up to me and took my purse or something, I'd notice their face or voice right away because in Sunnydale, everyone knows *everyone*. Maybe that's why our population declined years ago...because the criminals decided Sunnydale was a waste of time.
I reach my house and go inside and suddenly realize that tomorrow is my birthday. Well...okay, not just '*suddenly* realize' but... I think I'm finally starting to believe that I'm growing up. Ya know? Like I'm kind of moving on from Angel and just being more responsible (hence the dog that is not sick or dead).
I must get to sleep so I am ready for a million phone calls from Willow, all talking about how cool it is that I'm eighteen. It's nice to know I have some things I can count on.
*
This morning I woke up and the house was dead silent. Every birthday of mine my mom bakes a cake or makes me breakfast and serves it to me in bed. Today, there was nothing. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised...because my mother often has to work over time on Saturdays...but...still!! It's my birthday!! 18th to be exact.
Maybe I'll go downstairs and there'll be a cake waiting for me...or some pancakes and a note and balloons. My hope has suddenly been restored.
I walk downstairs and find nothing special. Not in the kitchen, not in the living room, not anywhere!! There's not even a note! You'd think there'd be a note. Like, 'Happy Birthday, honey. I'll be home from work soon. Enjoy your day.'. But, nooooo. I get zip. Notta. Zilch. And this is from my own mother!
I can't believe I'm feeling depressed on my own birthday. My birthdays are usually joyful and happy, with lots of presents. Maybe I can still count on my friends to remember.
So, I'm going to sit by the phone and watch some TV and hope for Willow to call at 11:30 AM sharp.
*
Okay... I can't believe this. Either I've watch Sixteen Candle's way too much and am being delusional or my mom *and* my friends have totally forgot about my birthday!! It's 3:00 PM!! I've been sitting here all day, in my pajama's, by the phone, watching 'Saved By The Bell' re-runs. Why can't I go to the same high school they go to? There's like...five people in the whole school. Maybe *then* all of them will remember when it's my freaking birthday!!!
*
It is almost seven o'clock at night and no one has called except two telemarketers, who really pissed me off. I mean I was expecting someone to called and wish me a happy birthday and it ended up to be a telemarketer!! Ugh, my birthday sucks.
Oh crap! I forgot I'm supposed to go to Angel house in about 10 minutes! Maybe he will remember my birthday. Hopefully.
*
I'm dressed and ready to go. I know I have to look *really* good just to make myself feel better because I really feel like crap. So, I straightened my hair and wore my cutest outfit and everything.
I walk over and there's only like...two lights on in the whole house. The O'Connor's house is like my home away from my home so they won't mind if I just went right in so I am and--
"SURPRISE!!" Oh holy God!! It's a surprise party!!
There are like... a million people stuffed inside Angel's house. Most of them I probably have never talked to my whole life...but, who cares!! People actually remembered my birthday! There's this big banner on the wall and food and people and I'm so excited!
Willow runs up to me and squeals loudly. "Hi!! Happy birthday!!! You are eighteen. Eighteen. I can't believe it!!" She crushed me to her in a hug. I never thought Willow was so strong!
"Thanks, Will. I thought everyone forgot about me."
Willow smile turned brighter. "That was the plan! But, see, look at all these people! Angel and Xander are somewhere in the crowd. And guess who's here?!" She turned to reveal someone I haven't seen in years.
"Faith!" I gasped and ran to my old friend. She smiled and hugged me. "Hey, B. Happy 18th. Eighteen is one more step closer to twenty one when you can legally drink." She smirked.
"I like how this woman thinks." Doyle said, overhearing our conversation. He winked at me and said, "Happy Birthday." Then he followed Cordelia--- wait, CORDELIA? Why the hell is she here?!
Willow followed my eyes and when I looked at her in shock she only shook her head. "I know. We're all wondering why she's here. And we also want to know where all these people came from..." She shrugged and walked away.
I turned back to Faith and smiled. "So, how's New York?" Faith moved away in ninth grade to New York City. Her parents moved there because of a new job, and she had to leave us behind. Faith and Willow were my best friends throughout grade school. Although Faith's personality was a bit different from mine and Willow's, she was a very important part of our little friendship circle.
"New York is good. Way different than here of course and there are *so* many guys, B. I have this huge selection of guys. It's so much better than here." She pauses. "Speaking of guys... Are you still in love with Angel?"
I nod slowly. She always tried to push me to go out with other guys... It was always a little bit annoying but I know she was only trying to help. "B... You seriously gotta get over him!"
"I'm dating someone else, though. Scott Hope, do you remember him?" Faith pondered a moment and then nodded. "I think so. Was he kinda short? And had dark hair? Kinda cute? A loner?"
"Yup. That's him. We've gone on two dates so far. I'm not sure if he's here or not."
Faith suddenly smiled evily. "Get anywhere with him?"
I shook my head in mock disappointment. "Is that all you think about?" She nodded and we both laughed. My birthday is starting to rock.
*
There are a million people packed in to Angel's house. People I don't even know. But, I look pretty popular! Which is a plus, I guess. I still haven't seen Angel. He must be caught in the huge mob. And I am still wondering why Cordelia is here.
"Buffy! Happy birthday!" I turn around and find Scott, smiling at me with a present in hand. "Oooh, present. What is it?"
He hands it to me. "Open it."
I take off the wrapping and open the box carefully. I can't believe what I found. It was a box of chocolates, a picture of Collin Farrell and bronzer. "Remember that talk we had at the coffee shop? Well, I do, and I thought it'd be a good idea." He pauses. "But, don't worry, that's not all of the present! The rest is at home, it's a present of privacy.... Not that's it like...weird or anything. I just thought--"
"I know what you mean, Scott." I smile at him. I don't think I've found him any more adorable than at this very moment. He actually *remembered* our conversation the other day. How cute!
"Do you like it?" He asks, meekly.
"Yes, I do." I reassure him. He nods and says, "I have to go, I have work in ten minutes." Scott works? Hmm...
"Okay, well, we'll talk Monday?"
"Sure, Monday. Bye! And again, happy birthday." I smile back at him. "Thanks."
As soon as Scott leaves, Willow hurries up to me. "What'd he say? What'd he give you? Why'd he leave?" She says in a hurry.
"Breath, Will. Scott gave me this." I show her the present. "It's an inside joke kind of thing," I say before she questions the present. "He's leaving because he has work and he said 'Happy birthday'."
Willow sighed, happily. "Aw. That is so sweet. I wish I had a boyfriend."
"I saw that Oz guy checking you out the other day at the Bronze. Maybe you should talk to him." Willow really does need a guy.
She shakes her head franticly. "No. No. No talking. None at all. I'll get nervous. Sweaty palms are *never* attractive and you *cannot* make me!!"
I check out the living room and see that the subject of our discussion is coming toward us. I smirk knowingly and begin to back away. "Okay, Will. Whatever you say."
I walk away but not before I catch Willow turn hastily and run smack in to Oz. Now she *has* to talk to him.
I walked away, although I do want to hear what they are going to talk about, I decided it would be best if I found someone else to talk to. Or something to eat. Food is of the good, and I'm really hungry.
So, I walked on over to the kitchen and pushed the swinging door open to find the most horrifying thing ever. EVER.
Cordelia making out........
With Doyle. DOYLE.
And suddenly, everything came together. No wonder Cordelia came to my party with her cronies. She wanted to see Doyle! And that's why she was staring at him and oh, this is so weird!!!
I hurry out of the kitchen before I collapse from the grossness of the matter. Thinking about Cordelia making out with *anyone* gives me the creeps.
I think I lost my appetite. *
The party was going great. I was mingling and being charismatic (which is almost definitely out of character) and then suddenly, it was like one of those teen movies where there's a party at someone's house and the whole *grade* is invited and they all go crazy.
Okay, you may think this is a typical high school party with beer and all that other stuff. But, Sunnydale is squeaky CLEAN. Like... I have not been to a party with alcohol yet (except that New Years Ever party where we all had *one* glass of champagne). But, tonight it's different. It's like my birthday somehow brought the wildness out in them. Maybe it's just because I am so cool....Okay, maybe not. But, it's still weird. Imagine a bunch of people making out all over. Yeah, that's what it's like. And the others that aren't, are grinding to music or eating tons of food. Scary.
I *still* haven't seen Angel yet. All night. It's almost twelve, and I still have not seen him. I bet he's probably in his room being a loner.
With that thought in mind, I went up the stairs and somehow made it through all the people hanging out up there and snuck in to Angel's room. And there he was. Sitting there, listening to his head phones.
I sat on his bed, making arm movements to see if he noticed I was there. He eventually looked up and ripped off his head phones. "Buffy. Happy Birthday." He smiled. But, this wasn't an Angel smile...this was a huge grin, that made me really happy just looking at it. He never smiled like that ever to me in his whole entire life.
"Thanks." I laid down next to him in his bed, which is something we've always done on our birthdays. We would lay and talk.
"So, what's it like to be eighteen?" He asked. I shrugged. "Not really different. Just...the same. Although, this morning I thought it would suck."
"Why?"
"Because of the whole elaborate plan to make me *think* everyone forgot my birthday, but really you were fooling me." I answered. I knew Angel was smirking without even looking at him. "Your idea?"
"My idea." He confirmed it. I sat up. "Ya know, it's not always great to do that to people!" He sat up too. As I was ranting, I look at him, but it looked like he could care less about what I was saying...he was just staring at me strangely. So I ranted some more. "I'm seriously emotional, and you know how I always think everybody's going to forget my birthday and you still--"
I was cut off from yelling because Angel kissed me.
ANGEL KISSED ME!!!!!!!
Angel, my long time crush who I thought would never ever love me the way I love him, kissed *me*. I was not the one who kissed him, he kissed *me*. Not that I'm complaining.
Oh wow. So this is what it feels like to be kissing Angel... I knew he'd be a great kisser!
At first, I was completely surprised at his action, that I had not responded...but, now......
He started out softly kissing me, but because we are both teenagers and I am in *love* with him it starts to become more passionate and then, I wrap my arms around his neck and he pulls me closer and then it hits me--- *Why* is Angel kissing me?
I (sadly) pull away and stare at him. "Angel...why--"
"Okay," Angel began, and got up from the bed. He started to pace. "You're probably wondering why I kissed you. Well, lately I've been having thoughts. Not bad thoughts. Good thoughts. At least that's what I think now. Before I thought I was going insane."
"What?? Angel what are you talking--" Cut off again...
"I think I'm in love with you. This feeling didn't *just* happen, I just... I don't know when it happened. It was like...all of a sudden I could see you. I've known you my entire life and it's like I've never seen you before. Your beautiful, funny, nice and perfect for me and I'm *just realizing this. I *can't* believe it." He stops pacing and stops in front of my, comes to my eye level and grabs my hands. "I love you."
I'm completely in awe. How did this happen? When did this happen? I am totally speachless. What am I going to do next? What about Scott? He's been so cute and I'm starting to like him more and now....this.
I don't know what's going to happen.
TBC *
I'm so sorry for the delay! Things have been incredibly hectic lately. School is starting which means field hockey is as well so I had field hockey for the past two weeks and haven't gotten much of a chance to write. Here's a huge thank you to: short one, Kendra3, Rbritsmom73, Tariq, random toe, GoodCharlottesGurl, chris, shahid and static-disturbed. If I missed anyone, I'm sorry!! Okay, now go review!! I really hoped you liked this chapter. I know it's sort of a cliff hanger, but I'm still not sure what I'm going to do next so, I'll take any suggestions you have in to consideration! PLEASE REVIEW!! I'll update as soon as possible. Sorry if this chapter is way too spaced out or not spaced out enough. My computer is messed up.