Chapter Three

"So the Crusades was a bunch of pissed off European Christians that fought the Muslims to regain the Holy Land, which is Jerusalem?"

"Yes," Willow said excitedly.

"But why Jerusalem? Isn't Christianity and Jewish two different religions?" Buffy asked confused.

"The city has been a site for religion and praise since the fourth millennium BC. First it was the Hebrews but the Babylonians took it in 586 BC. Then it returned to Hebrew rule in the sixth century by Cyrus the Great. Then, in the mid fifth century-"

"Willow, my test is on just the Crusades. When I need the entire history of Jerusalem, I'll be sure to turn to you as well," Buffy interrupted.

"Sorry."

"It's okay. I would expect my Jewish friend to know all about her Jewish history."

"That I do," Willow said with a smile. Her peripheral vision caught a glimpse of Spike. His head was down and he looked miserable as he was writing information down.

Buffy noticed Willow's observation. "Willow, please don't be thinking what I think you're thinking."

"It's just… he needs to know the same things and it's boring studying by yourself."

"It's boring to study, period. Will, I don't enjoy the already too many hours I have to spend with him." Willow looked down, sorry she even suggested it. Buffy's heartstrings were being pulled. Damn you conscience. "Okay, he can study with us."

"He doesn't have to."

"No, you're right. It sucks studying alone."

"I don't need a pity invite," Spike said. Buffy and Willow turned their gaze to him. "I have ears ya know."

"Eaves dropper."

"Maybe if you were capable of speaking in a whisper, I wouldn't have heard your conversation."

"I was whispering," Buffy snidely stated.

"Like you were telling a secret to a deaf person."

"Have I mentioned how much I hate you?"

Spike placed his left hand on his chest. "It's tearing me up inside."

Then the door to the library opened. It was Angel Conners. Top quarterback of the Sunnydale Razorbacks. He had spiked up, light brown hair and gorgeous brown eyes. He was wearing black pants and a long sleeved black shirt.

"Angel Conners!" Buffy whispered in excitement.

"You should talk to him."

"What'll I do?"

"Moving your mouth and forming words is a good start."

"Right." Buffy straightened her shirt and slipped out of her chair. She walked behind the desk he was waiting at and greeted him. "Hello."

"Hi. I was wondering if you have Alice in Wonderland."

"Alice in Wonderland?" Buffy asked with a curious smile.

"Yeah, it's my little sister's favorite book and she's in town this weekend. I was thinking I'd read it to her."

That is so cute! "Let me check for you." Buffy smiled and walked over to the bookshelves. On her way by the table she grabbed Willow's shirt. She took the hint and followed her.

"Would Alice in Wonderland be under…any of these?" Buffy asked, unsure of what "these" was.

"I don't think they have Alice in Wonderland. They tend to carry textbooks and other books for actual class."

"So what do I say? I'm sorry we suck and don't have your book," Buffy said sarcastically.

"I would leave out the 'we suck' part."

"All right." Buffy quickly ran her fingers through her hair and walked calmly back to the desk. "I'm sorry but we don't have it."

"That's all right. I'll just read her Dr.Seuss. Even though she's 14 and probably out grew him," he said with a laugh.

"I'm sure she'd like it better than not spending time with you at all."

"I hope so." He smirked. Then, he gave her that look he did in her dream before their non-kiss. "You're Buffy right?"

"Yeah."

"I've seen you at the football games. You're a cheerleader."

"I like being peppy." Once the words left her mouth she felt like a complete moron. I like being peppy?! What's wrong with you?!

"You're good at it."

Her bad thoughts crumbled and she started beaming. "Thank you."

Spike sidled over and intruded. "Excuse me, but do you happen to have the book… oh, I can't remember. It's about this girl who's engaged but hits on another man."

Buffy gritted her teeth. "I think you're referring to Bite Me by Go Away."

"No, that's not it." Spike waited awhile, letting Buffy's aggression grow. "Oh, I remember. Cold Hearted Bitch: A Biography of a High School Girl."

Buffy pursed her lips. What a jerk!

"Uh, I'll just… go back to class." Angel made his way to the door.

"Angel, wait!" He stopped and faced her. "Do you wanna hang out some time and get coffee? Or tea? Or some sort of beverage?"

"Yeah. That'd be fun."

"Great," Buffy said. Her face was hurting from smiling so much, but she didn't care. Angel waved goodbye before he headed out. "He said yes!" Buffy directed her comment to Willow. "And you're an asshole." Directed to Spike.

"And you're peppy," Spike said, mimicking a cheerleader. "Could you have used a worse explanation for why you joined the cult hyped up on amphetamines?"

"Would it be illegal to kill him?" Buffy was being coming too frustrated with Spike.

"In this country," Willow replied, packing up her books.

"Land of the free my-" The bell interrupted the rest of her sentence.

"Bye Dad!" Spike quickly gathered his things and ran out the door.

"Spike!" Giles yelled, trying to get his son's attention. Spike was long gone.

Buffy placed her book in her bag and slung it over her shoulder. "Any messages you want me to relay Giles?"

"Yes. Could you please make sure he stops here before leaving."

"No prob."

"Thank you Buffy."

"Yup. Good luck with your books." Buffy pushed open the door and Willow followed her.