Chapter 2

Buffy Summers was sitting at her desk and talking on the phone. She rolled her eyes as she listened to the person on the other line. "Xander, I don't know why you're complaining to me about this. I can't do anything; if you insist on taking a shower at my house then you should remember to lock the door. You're not the only one there." She listened a little bit more before she spoke again. "I'm sure walking in on you while you were in the bathroom was a very traumatizing experience for Spike also. I'll tell him that he needs to knock from now on, alright?" She said as she tried not to laugh. She heard some yelling in the background. "Okay, just put him on Xander." A few seconds went by when Buffy heard Spike come on the line. "You have to stop making a habit of walking in the bathroom without knocking, Spike. What if it was Willow?" Buffy laughed at something he said. "Spike, that comment really wasn't necessary. I don't need to hear your thoughts about Willow being naked. Get your mind out of the gutter. Right, I know that's not possible." Buffy looked up then when she saw a young girl standing in front of her. She motioned for her to sit down and that she would be with her in a second. "Spike, I have to go. We'll talk when I get home, okay?" She listened a little more and smiled. "I love you, too." She said before she hung up. She then turned her attention to the girl. "Sorry about that, what can I help you with?" She asked the girl who just shrugged.

"I'm not really sure, Ms. Summers. I was just told that I should talk to you and that you're pretty good." Buffy smiled at that.

"Well, I do what I can. What's your name?" She asked the girl.

"Alyssa Logan." She said and Buffy nodded.

"It's nice to meet you, but you can call me Buffy. Ms. Summers makes me feel old." Alyssa smiled at that. She already knew she would like this woman. She wanted to take the attention off of her for a moment.

"Was that your boyfriend on the phone?" Buffy wondered where that question came from.

"Yeah, he's wreaking havoc at my house right about now. What else is new?" Alyssa smiled again and Buffy continued. "We're here to talk about you though. Was there anything you needed to talk to me about?" Alyssa shrugged and Buffy could tell that she seemed to be shy. "I know you don't really know me, but I'm a pretty good listener. You can talk to me about anything and I promise that it will just be between us." Alyssa nodded and took a deep breath.

"Things have just been pretty hard lately. I got my first failing grade in my English class and dealing with everyone here is just too much. I feel like I don't fit in." Buffy nodded in understanding.

"Yeah, that's how I felt when I was at school. I felt like I didn't belong, but I made some pretty good friends and things didn't seem so bad after that." Alyssa looked upset for a moment.

"I don't really have any friends." She said quietly and Buffy felt for her.

"Well, it takes time. I'm sure you'll make some good friends and things will get easier." Alyssa nodded.

"I met your sister, she seemed pretty cool." Buffy smiled at her.

"Yeah, that she is. She would be a really good friend to have. You also have me whenever you need to talk. I'll always be here." Alyssa started to feel better as she got up.

"Thanks, Ms. Summers. I mean, Buffy. I should probably get back to class now." Buffy nodded as she watched the girl walk away. She really hoped things would get better for her.