Part 11
Meg and Buffy sat in silence at an outside table at the Espresso Pump while they waited for Giles to return with their drinks. After what seemed like an endless silence, the watcher returned and placed the beverages down on the table.
"Ghastly stuff, this espresso. Why we couldn't find a tea room is beyond me?"
"Giles, if you are going to live in America, you could at least make an effort to fit in," said Buffy. "OK, let's get down to business, what did you want to talk to me about."
"I was undecided as to how I should approach you about this," said Meg. "The Council gave me very definitive orders about how to proceed, but after meeting you, and talking with Ripper, I'm going to ignore the Council and do it my way."
Buffy shot Meg a look mixed with humor and interest. Apparently, Giles had explained her lack of love for the Council to Meg.
"I know money is of grave concern for you right now, and the Council in their supreme idiocy refuses to pay you a salary. To them, slaying is a sacred duty, not a job. However, they instructed me to approach you about renting a room in your house for my lodgings. All of this was supposed to be done with supreme secrecy. I was never supposed to let any of you know why I was here, but personally, I think that is foolishness. Now, what I propose is this, using the money the council has provided, we renovate your basement into a bedroom and office for me. I will pay for the renovations, and I will also pay rent every month. Would $1000.00 a month be sufficient?"
"Professor Farrell, that's more than enough, in fact, it's probably too much," began Buffy.
"Nonsense. I examined the apartments for rent section of the local paper and for 2 rooms, use of the laundry facilities, and shall we include meals, that is a sufficient amount."
"Wow, that is incredibly generous offer," began Buffy. "But, I'll have to check with social services and see if it's ok for me to take in a border with Dawn living at home."
"Buffy, the Council members are pompous and overbearing at times, but they are not without resources. I have documentation showing that I am a cousin of your mother's, and therefore family. Social services will have no problem with my staying at your home. I also want to commend you for having the foresight to take that into consideration."
"Wow, you just have everything under control, don't you Professor Farrell," said Buffy harshly. "But I'd be pretty foolish to turn down your offer, in fact, there is no way I can turn down your offer at all, is there?"
"Buffy, that kind of talk is uncalled for," said Giles. "Mary Margret is here to help."
"No Giles, Buffy has every right to express her concern," said Meg. She turned towards the girl, "Buffy, I told you I wasn't going to follow the Council's demands. You may have the money every month regardless of where I live. I should also tell you that the council's law firm here in the states has sent letters to your father requesting support for you and Dawn, or face being sued. He has complied, so money is no longer an issue for you. Regardless, I am here to do a job, and you will not keep me from it."
"I- I'm sorry. That was uncalled for, and I apologize. It's just that sometimes, everyone else seems so in control, and my life is just spinning off in all directions. I lashed out at you and I shouldn't have," Buffy said contritely.
"Well," said Giles, "Now you have the financial means to get back in control. It's time for you to sit down and figure out what you are doing with your life."
"Well, before I make any life altering decisions, we should head back to the Magic Box and clue the others in on what's going on," suggested Buffy.
"Buffy's right, Ripper. I also need to find a place to meet with each person separately. Is there any place where I can do that?" asked Meg.
"Um, how about the training room. It's not the most comfortable, but it is private," said Buffy.
"I'm sure it will be fine. Thank you for suggesting it," said Meg as the three began their return to the Magic Box.