Two hours later the police walked into Buffy's room. Cordelia, Angel and Willow were still with her. Oz had to leave for his band practise, Xander had wanted to stay but his family were coming round for a dinner. Angel didn't know why he was still there. He wasn't even friends with Buffy, but he didn't feel like he could leave. Buffy's mom was out of town on an art-buying trip and the hospital had rung her but had only just got hold of it. She had to get a plane back so she wouldn't be home at least until the following day. The police asked the three to leave but Buffy asked that they could stay. Even Angel.

Buffy: Pete's been hitting me for a few weeks now. It was never much, just a slap, and only when he'd had a bad day. But that still didn't mean he was allowed to do that to me. So I decided to break up with him. I went round about one, but before I could do it, he suggested we go for some ice cream. I thought it'd be for the best, public place…anyway I told him I thought we should break up and he…he dragged me into the alley. He hit me and kicked me…he told me nobody broke up with him

Police officer: Did he rape you?

Buffy: No, he didn't

Police officer: Do you know when he left you?

Buffy: I'm not sure, I passed out soon after. We got to the ice cream stand at about quarter past one and I must have told him about half past, because I remember thinking I was late meeting my friends. I was supposed to be at Cordy's house for half past one. I didn't go to Pete's til one because I wanted an excuse to leave early if he got abusive. I don't know how long he was hitting me for, it felt like at least half an hour

Police officer: What time did you find Miss Summers?

Angel: About quarter to three I think

The questions went on for another half an hour or so, the police asking Buffy questions about her sexual relationship with Pete as well, causing Angel to look away, embarrassed. He didn't particularly want to know whether she'd been sleeping with Pete or not, though he wasn't surprised when she said she hadn't.

It was a few days before Buffy was allowed out of the hospital. She had three cracked ribs, slight internal bleeding, a broken collarbone and a fractured ankle. She was ordered to stay at home for three weeks before going back to school. Pete had disappeared, his parents had no idea where he'd gone, and his description was on the television, urging anyone who'd seen him to get in touch with the police. Willow and Cordelia brought her work home every day, but one day, a week after the accident, neither of them could make it, so instead Angel offered.

Buffy looked on in surprise when Angel walked into her living room and placed her work on the table.

Angel: Erm Willow and Cordelia couldn't make it so I brought your work round

Buffy: Thanks

Angel: It's no problem

He smiled at her and she pushed herself into a sitting position on the sofa.

Angel: Are you feeling better?

Buffy: Yeah, I'm not as sore now, I think my ribs are healing

Angel: That's good

Buffy: You wanna stay and watch some TV?

He hesitated, tempted by the offer, then shook his head slightly.

Angel: I can't, sorry. But thanks for the offer. I hope you feel better soon

He placed a warm hand on her shoulder briefly, shot her a dazzling smile, said goodbye to Joyce, then left. Buffy slumped back on the sofa, a hand over her face and groaned slightly.

Buffy: Oh boy