I grab the crook of Faith's arm as she walks away from me and yank hard, spinning her around to face me. She looks at me oddly, "What babe?"

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" I growl, letting my anger get the best of me.

"I thought I was getting you a drink…"

"Did you know she was going to be here?"

"Um… who was going to be here?"

"Don't play dumb with me Faith," I know she did, that's why she reminded me. Otherwise, I'd usually have to drag her kicking and screaming to one of my parents' parties.

"I'm not, baby, I would never do such a thing," she grins. I look to the bar where the skank is.

"So, you're telling me you had no idea," she looks over to see who I'm staring at, "that Cordelia-fucking-Chase was going to be here?"

"Not a clue, honey," she beams. Ugh, dirty liar. "But now that she's back, don't you think we should, at least, go over and say 'hi?'"

"No," I hiss. I can't believe this. This night cannot get any worse. First my mother, now Cordelia… oh shit… maybe it can, she's spotted us and is making her way over here. I loop my arm through Faith's and step a little closer. Putting on my best fake smile, I ready myself for this exchange.

"Faith! How good to see you again," she smirks, "and Buffy," she says with a fake smile.

"Cordy, it's good to see you too," Faith replies, "when did you get back?"

"Oh, just a few days ago…" she starts getting all moony-eyed with my girlfriend. Slut.

In my most sickeningly sweet voice I ask, "Yes, how was your stay in… Siberia was it?"

"Scandinavia," she corrects, "and it was… well… it was cold."

"I'll bet," a genuine smile creeps onto my face, "I simply can't imagine not being able to wear a skirt for that long. How did you do it?"

"Oh Buffy, you are so funny," her voice drips with venom, "I suppose I have you to thank for my little vacation?" I just keep smiling and lean into Faith.

"Cordelia… darling, come over here, there's someone I'd like you to meet," her mother calls from inside.

"Coming mother," she says pleasantly. She turns to leave, but not before turning and whispering, "later, Faith."

"I can't believe—" I stop upon see my mother walk up behind Faith, "what a wonderful party this is. Wouldn't you agree Faith?"

"Huh?" she slowly turns around and sees my mother. "Oh, yeah babe, great party… it's fantastic. Um… excuse me." She makes a quick exit, leaving me alone with my mother. Wonderful… maybe now she'll ask me if I'm a little shorter as well…

"Honey, why did you come outside? The party's inside dear," she asks in a condescending tone.

"Faith and I just wanted to get some air," I lie.

"Oh."

"Mother?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Did you happen to invite Cordelia Chase?"

"Well, yes, I know you two don't get along that well, but I was hoping to put what's happened behind us all. Not just for her, but for her parents, as well."

I bite my tongue and nod.

"Besides, honey, after that whole videotape scandal… the girl could use a break."

"I could break her in two…" I mutter.

"What's that, hon?"

"I said… uh… I'm gonna go inside too," I brush past her quickly. Carefully scanning the main room for Faith, I see no sign of her. She better not be… wait a minute… I spot Cordelia entering the guest bathroom – alone. The guest bathroom, which looks a lot more like it should belong in a fancy restaurant than a home, is in a somewhat secluded part of the large room.

I wait a few minutes, then quietly follow her in. She has her back turned to me when I enter, so I take advantage. Grabbing her shoulder, I whirl her around to confront her.

"Listen you vapid whore, stay away from Faith or I'll—"

"You'll do what? Run and tell your mother? Or cry until Faith feels bad for you and gives you a pity fuck? Maybe you'll—"

That bitch! I backhand her fiercely across the face and she stumbles back.

"Shut up Cordelia," I snarl, pushing her hard against the wall, "you're just jealous because I'm actually with her and you're not."

"Poor deluded little Buffy," she says in a sing-song voice, "you just don't get it—"

"No, Cordelia, you don't get it," I give her another shove to prove I'm not kidding, "stay the fuck away from Faith or I'll fucking kill you!"

A toilet flushes behind us. Shit.

Cordelia snatches her purse and scurries out. I on the other hand, take a deep breath and look in the mirror. Straightening up my dress, I open up my purse and carefully check my makeup. The reflection that appears behind me in the mirror makes me drop my lipstick into the sink.

"That jealousy bit was wicked hot!"