August 10, 2541

Mark's POV

I can't believe it's the first day of school! My dad was all concerned about me driving to school, but I couldn't show up as a junior on the bus or having my dad drive me, especially since I have a driver's license. Anyway, it paid-off, because Cindy Blythe flirted with me in Algebra II and we have a date Friday. Of course Eric Barnes got upset, since he's been trying to date Cindy for three years. He actually mentioned that my mother had abandoned me at birth right in front of Cindy, but she just looked sympathetic. My mother left when I was only a few months old. I don't remember her, but my dad gave me a picture of her when I was eight. It's been me and Dad for as long as I can remember.

August 10, 2541

Spike's POV

I have to find him. I promised Hope that when I found my way out of the Temporal Fold I would find Mark. Another Promise to Another Lady, but I have never intentional failed to keep a promise to a Slayer. Good I've already caught his scent. Why is he at Willy's Place? That's the last place the boy should be.

August 10, 2541

Mark's POV

Eric came after me after school. It was stupid he pulled a knife and before I really knew what happened he had a knife in his stomach. He's in critical condition at the hospital. I almost killed someone. The worst part was Cindy happened to come into the alleyway a few seconds later. I have never seen someone so upset and fearful. The one girl I ever liked and she will never see me as anything but a monster after this. Well tequila should help.

August 10, 2541

Spike's POV

Strange how this bar never changes, I do a quick glance around to see if I recognize any familiar faces. None, but I can sense Mark is the sixteen year old brunette at the bar working on his fifth tequila shot. I'd forgotten he had Buffy's eyes and her reaction to alcohol. I smile remembering how she used to make the strangest face when she drank. As I start to walk up to him to begin a conversation. He clumsily slides off his barstool and heads to the back alley. Well I guess that's a better place for us to talk anyway. Then I sense that three vampires are outside and I hear Mark scream, so much for conversation.

August 10, 2541

Mark's POV

These three guys jumped me after I left the bar. I guess they're friends of Eric come to take revenge. Then their faces get all weird and one starts tearing my neck. The last thing I remember is a voice that sounds so familiar yet I can't place it. I look up to see a blonde man and I pass out.