A/N: First of all I would like to say I am so sorry for taking so long to update! Also, I seem to be having issues with formatting on here! Grrr! I will work on that!
Responses (by the way, I always put them in the order that I got them):
Faith: I know, sad. --sniff-- And I'm glad you think I am doing so well. Means a lot. As far as more Spike… you will just have to see! --grins--
thislillullaby: I am soooo happy that you feel that way about my story! About the atmosphere and feeling like you are there, wow. That is pretty much the one thing you could have said to give me a serious self-esteem boost! Thank you so much!
"me": good name by the way. lol! And Spike will fix it, all in due time.
lilmisscookiemonster: I so look forward to your reviews; they always make me smile, every time I read them! Thanks! I'm sorry to make you cry! I guess it's kind of a good thing, but still! Here, take a tissue --hands you a box-- enjoy!!
"hey": once again, good name, lol! So glad you like it, let me know what you think about this chapter okay?
Jobe: Yes, Spike will… eventually, make everything better. Have no fear!
Spikespet2002: Yeah, I'm kinda changing the whole plot around… no Dawn, no Glory. But I am just slowly revealing what is going on for her from how you would see it. From the outside view I guess. I don't really want to get into her head yet. I hope that makes sense. Everything should fall into place soon.
Also, as far as the formatting issues go, I'm trying to make thoughts in italics, recorded messages or loud-speakers in italics and quotes, and notes in bold... Let's hope it works this time!
Mini-disclaimer: I used a few lines similar to the show about the loans and stuff. I'm sorry I just don't speak financial.
Without further delay!! ------
Chapter 3
Blink. Blink. Blink.
Buffy stared at the little red light flashing on the answering machine.
Blink. Blink. Blink.
She headed for the fridge. She stopped two feet from her destination.
A note.
"Damn." She muttered.
Hey Buffy!
Tara and I went out to study; we might be out all night. Don't wait up! I should be back tomorrow sometime. Bye!
Willow.
She crumpled the note and tossed it in the trash. She yanked open the fridge door and removed her favorite yogurt. She had sat down at the counter and opened her yogurt when she realized she hadn't gotten a spoon. She got a spoon and punched the button on the answering machine before settling herself down to eat her snack.
"Hello Miss. Summers. My name is Robert Brackenbury from Sunnydale Financial. I am calling in regards to your request for a loan. I am afraid that under the circumstances we cannot help you. The only collateral you have is your house and it was never fully leveraged. Your house has been losing equity over the years, commonplace for Sunnydale properties. Refinancing is not a possibility at this time, because you do not have an income, no job. I am sorry. Good luck Miss. Summers. Have a good evening."
The machine clicked and the red light faded out. Buffy set her spoon down next to her untouched yogurt, walked over to the machine and tapped the 'erase' button. She stood, staring at the little box for a moment before turning and going up the stairs to her room.
Not bothering to remove her clothes or turn down the covers, she crawled into bed, lying down in the center. She tried to sleep, but at the moment her eyes refused to stop looking at a small spot of, something, on her ceiling. Her mind replaying the message from Mr. Robert Brackenbury. Over and over an over and over…
"Isn't it exciting Buffy?" Willow clapped happily.
Willow and Buffy were walking around campus, with Willow animatedly talking about Xander's engagement to Anya. They had told everyone at the Magic Box that morning.
"It's great Will." Buffy smiled at her friend.
"Two weeks!! That's so soon! And you! You are the Maid of Honor!" Willow now had a skip in her step.
"And you are the Best Lady."
"I know! I'm so excited! And New York! They are going to the Big Apple for their Honeymoon! I mean, of course Anya wanted to go to The Bahamas or something. Where did she say?"
"Cancun."
"Right. But as soon as Xander pointed out the cost, she was so happy with New York. She's so weird. And in TWO weeks!" Willow was turning purple. When was the last time she took a breath?
"Willow?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you breathing?"
--Gasp--
"Wow, kinda forgot to breathe for a minute. I'm just so--"
"Excited?" Buffy smiled at her friend again.
"Yeah. Hey look, there's my building. I'll see you later Buffy!" Willow waved and skipped off to her next class.
"See ya." Buffy whispered. She looked around for the building she was in search of. Once she found it, she slowly walked towards it, her head bowed, pondering what she was going to do.
The lady behind the front desk seemed nice enough. Curly, short brown hair; silver-rimmed glasses; and a teal dress suit. The plaque on the desk read: Mrs. Adele Macy.
"Mrs. Macy?" Buffy kept her voice calm and collected.
"Yes? How may I help you today?" The woman gave her a bright smile.
"I-I-I came to drop my classes. You see, my mother just died and--" Buffy stopped when she noticed the woman's face tighten. She turned away and pulled a drawer open, she flipped through some folders before she found what she was looking for.
"Fill these out and give them to me when you are finished." Her voice was icy. She thrust a stack of papers in Buffy's face and abruptly turned and continued scribbling on the papers before her.
Okay, seemed nice. Doesn't seem so nice now.
Fifteen minutes later, Buffy finally finished filling out the papers that would make it possible for her to leave school.
"Mrs. Macy?" Buffy asked, only slightly hostile.
"Are you finished?" She refused to even look at Buffy!
"Yes."
"Leave them on the desk. We will call you if we need any further information. I hope you have a nice day."
Like hell you do.
Buffy dropped the papers on the desk and walked out the door, barely managing to not break it off its hinges.
"Now boarding, Flight 102 to New York."
"That's us! You ready Ahn?" Xander stood, picking up his carry-on.
"No. I still don't see why we had to take a plane. I'm sure Willow could just zap up there." Anya stayed sitting.
"Ahn, we talked about this. Willow can't do that. Don't worry! The plane will be fine. Come on." Xander leaned over to help his wife up.
"If we die Xander Harris, I will haunt you for all of eternity." Anya reluctantly stood and handed her carry-on over to Xander.
"Okay then!" Xander grinned nervously before turning to hugs his friends good-bye.
"Bye Xander! Have fun! Send post-cards! Lots! Everyday!" Willow leapt on Xander, embracing him in a warm hug.
"You got it Will!"
"Bye Xand, have fun." Buffy gently hugged her friend.
"Bye Buff. Don't have too much fun while I'm gone."
"Don't worry. I won't." Buffy stood back and looked away from the group. No one noticing how true her words sounded.
"Bye Xander. Have a wonderful time." Tara smiled shyly.
Xander not wanting to scare the witch, patted her shoulder and nodded.
"Let's go Anya!" Xander took Anya by her elbow and directed her to the line boarding the aircraft. Anya, for once, was completely silent.
The three women watched the plane leave. Two of them happy for their friends on board. The other, was waiting to leave.
A/N: I know, I know. No mention of Spike whatsoever. But he will be in the next chapter a lot. So, don't worry! I am writing the next chapter right now, so it should be up by… --looks at clock, 1:05 am-- this afternoon. So let me know what you think about this chapter okay? Thanks!!
