Gypsy Girl

Pairing: OC/Spike

Summary: When a travelling Gypsy from the Kalderash clan settles on the Sunnydale, she'll be no exception to the challenges of life on the Hellmouth. Alexandreina will survive though, she always does, but will she get a chance to live?

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CHAPTER THREE


Alexandrina inhaled the steam from her cup of coffee as she snuggled back into the beanbag in her loft. A little stack of Oreo cookies sat on the table while she read a few ancient scripts. Despite having only attempted to attend a regular school once when she was about 7 years old, Alexandreina was far from stupid. She had been home schooled most of her life though. Well... if you could even call it 'home schooling'.

But she'd been beyond what was 'normal' for her age anyway.

Most Kalderash children were.

Aside from a natural infliction to be intelligent, her people's tradition is to begin education earlier than regular people would. Parents are encouraged to begin teaching them things from as soon as they utter their first words. Tradition says if you speak to a baby as if it were an adult, it will mature to constantly possess such verbal grace.

It's not bullshit.

Even though it sounds like bullshit sometimes.

By the age of 5 she had a larger vocabulary than a regular 4th grader would. By the age of 7 she could read and spell without much issue at all. By the age of 8 she could speak English, Latin, and Romani dialect. Her grandmother had built and taught the foundation skills for required to learn anything she wanted to learn. After her grandmothers death the education had been left up to Alexandreina herself with weekly advice from her aunt Callytha. With nothing more to do than learn and study - both her abilities and worldly knowledge, Alexandreina had spent her time doing just that.

And more... but she couldn't think about those things.

Not right now.

Alexandreina swallowed the lump in her throat and sipped her scolding coffee. The burning liquid provided the needed distraction from such thoughts and allowed her to return to her reading.

"...the occurrence of a Hellmou- shit" she cut herself off when she heard the shrill buzzing of her phone. Rolling her eyes, she rushed down the latter and to the desk where the phone sat before she missed the call. "Hello?" she answered, a breath escaping as she only just made it to the phone in time.

"Alexandreina" a familiar voice greeted

Alexandreina furrowed her brow as she tried to put a face to the voice. It hit her like lightening and a welcomed smile lit up her face as she recognised the caller as her older cousin.

"Janna" she greeted, "What can I do for you?"

"Why do you assume I want you to do something for me?" Janna asked, her soft voice sounding hesitant now, as if she was worried she would cause offence.

Pretence was worth very little to Alexandreina.

She rolled her eyes as she spoke, "Because I know you don't do social calls unless it's a holiday" she couldn't keep the dryness out of her voice as she answered factually. "So? What is it that you need, Janna?"

She was curious.

Alexandreina couldn't image what Janna would want form her, but she knew it was something.

Janna was the completely opposite of herself personality wise. The older woman was more sensitive, shy, respectful, civil, kind and more meek than Alexandreina could ever be. Though Janna was a lot smarter, more tech savvy and much more receptive to the 'normal American' lifestyle. Janna hadn't embraced her intuition or abilities as Alexandreina had done.

They were opposites.

But they got along well enough.

When they were kids and their families used to meet the rest of the Kalderash clan for their annual stay during December and January, they used to see each other. Alexandreina had enjoyed the challenge in their discussions over differing perspectives on their Clan and abilities.

It had always been a good time.

Janna is 10 years older than her but had stopped coming to the annual travels a few years ago. As far as she was aware Janna had gotten a job as a teacher after going to collage and was looking to settle down someplace. The last time they had spoken was when Janna called last year after the death of their distant uncle.

So, Alexandreina didn't have a clue what her cousin would want now.

"I'm moving to Sunnydale... I heard you were there on the Hellmouth and thought it would be perfect for me to join you" Janna announced hesitantly.

Alexandreina was suspicious.

She might not have spoken to Janna for a while now but she knew the woman enough to pick up on the lie.

"Why would you want that?" Alexandreina demanded, foregoing any niceties now that she was being lied to. She didn't do well with games like that and much preferred the blunt and brutal truth.

"Alexandreina, please, I-I'm trying to do the right thing" Janna pleaded but still seemed to be refusing to explain her off request.

"Janna" Alexandreina said, frowning as she spoke, "I'm not agreeing to anything unless I know what it's about. If trouble is coming then shouldn't I be made aware of it? "

"Mom had a vision about you, about the Hellmouth" Janna admitted with a heavy sigh.

Alexandreina was silent for a moment as she processed the words. She was confused on why she hadn't felt any change, but she would consult the cards again for a deeper reading that might reveal something. However, while she was simply thinking, Janna took the silence as prompt to continue explaining. Alexandreina didn't bother interrupting since she wanted to know more. Especially if it got Janna of all people to want to live near someone who embraces their traditional lifestyle in a way Janna refuses to do.

"Mom isn't sure what the vision means yet. That's why she contacted me - because I've been doing all that new online cult practices that the clan hasn't quite caught up with yet" Janna explained softly. "There are no answers yet to what any of it means, and I didn't get enough detail to guess. All I know is that it's big and you'll need help from someone who has resources"

Alexandreina supposed that reasoning made sense...

But she wanted to know what it was that could warrant her needing help from the likes of Janna?

Janna didn't have much power, she was more into the history and language studies rather than anything else. Janna probably hadn't even done something so simple as to consult the Tarot cards in years. If the spirits and ancestors were even willing to allow Janna to do so after turning her back on them for so long.

She sighed.

She didn't have much choice.

If there was a vision that created such a urgency and feeling of importance then she would comply. At least until she knows what's going on that is, and then she'll decide for herself.

Maybe that's why they sent Janna?

Because whatever was to come was a choice or action Alexandreina wouldn't actually take.

"Fine. But I'm not moving into one of those houses with you, Janna" she warned her older cousin seriously. Having Janna around would be nice for a short while. But as soon as Janna started complaining or pointing out how much she misses her little studio apartment, it won't be so much fun.

"Good" Janna chuckled playfully. "I'll get my own place to live. See you soon"

Alexandreina hung up.

She put down the phone and turned to the nearest Tarot cards she could find. A newer set painted with reds and golds sat on the shelf beside a slew of crystals, candles and other magical items. Alexandreina shuffled the Tarot cards as she focused on calming herself down and letting her intuition guide her. Without any hesitation, she split the cards and placed the one she felt drawn to face down on the table.

The Judgment.

'The Judgment card can be either positive or negative, though more commonly refers to good things. It can mean one might receive good karma or greatly benefit from a decision being made. The card can symbolise getting what you deserve or a blessing of sorts'

Interesting...

Alexandreina wasn't entirely sure what to make of the card, but her intuition led her to believe it would mean good things. Using her intuition and abilities allowed her slightly more insight into the meaning of the card.

And suddenly she knew that she was to be blessed with a gift.

Alexandreina furrowed her brows and re-shuffled the Tarot cards before packing them away. She loved consulting the cards but more often than not the little clues and guidance's didn't end up making sense until after the fact. She supposed this was going to be one of those times as well. Although it only made her more curious as to the reason for Janna's move to the Hellmouth.


Alexandreina took a drag from the cigarette she held loosely between two fingers. Her focus on her nails that she was painting a deep burgundy shade. Her long stiletto shaped nails were sharp but unbearable points.

How she loved little enchantments...

Alexandreina smiled.

She enjoyed a nice manicure and often painted her nails various colours.

This was no different this afternoon as she enjoyed the self care routine. Alexandreina held her olive toned hand at a distance, inspecting the pain job she had done. Once she decided they were perfect she dunked them into half frozen water and then fanned them in the air. Her cigarette still burning as it rested in the ash tray beside her.

A chill went down her spine.

She froze.

Someone was moving past her runic wards...

Alexandreina stood and went to reach for one of many hidden weapons. She was about to go out and confront the intruder when she realised who it was.

Janna.

Alexandreina scoffed and put the weapon back just as a knock sounded on the door of the drivers cabin. She opened the door from the main area of her home and slid into the drivers cabin. Easily spitting her older cousin through the tinted windows as she unlocked the door.

"Janna, it's good to see you, cousin" Alexandreina greeted

Janna smiled and nodded, stepping into the drivers cabin and pulling her into a hug. "It's good to see you too. And, uh, I go by Jenny Calendar now, but you can still call me Janna if you want" Janna stated warmly

Alexandreina just shrugged.

She wasn't the hug type of person... but she made an exception this time for Janna.

Just this once.

"Come in" Alexandreina gestured for Janna to walk through to the main part of the bus. Staying behind to make sure the bus door was locked again. She followed her older cousin into the main area and smiled at Janna's shocked expression. It seemed that this was not what Janna had expected her to be living in.

But she was proud of her home.

She had worked hard to make a place she could call home.

A nice home, for once in her life. A place she could be proud to live in. A place she was comfortable and safe in. And that's exactly what Alexandreina had done, even though it took a while to achieve.

But she's happy with it.

Really happy.

"You like the place?" Alexandreina asked, a smirk on her lips as she looked at her older cousin.

"Yeah" Janna nodded. "Wow. This was not what I was expecting..."

"What were you expecting?" Alexandreina asked dryly though she was admittedly curious to hear Janna's answer.

Janna shrugged, "Not this. I either thought it was going to be a dump or really traditional. No offence of course"

"None taken" she shrugged easily

She wasn't offended by much anyway, and Janna knew that. She had seen and done and been through too much to be offended by something so little. Even then, Alexandreina had never been the emotional type of person. She was much more closed off and guarded than the others her age had been.

"Did you find yourself a place to stay in town yet?" Alexandreina asked.

Janna had called a few days ago to announce her arrival to Sunnydale. Managing to surprise Alexandreina at how quickly her cousin got her things in order. Janna had already secured a job as the local high schools 'computer lab' teacher. Having started work immediately despite not having been in town long. Last time they spoke Janna had been in a hotel room with her belongings still boxed up and ready to be moved into a 'proper home' according to Janna.

Alexandreina swept an arm out to the couch, gesturing for her cousin to take a seat.

Janna did.

Alexandreina walked over to where she had previously been seated and stubbed out her cigarette. She rinsed out the ash tray into the sink and looked expectantly at her cousin.

"Uh, I've found a little apparent nearby the school" Janna confirmed.

"Mmhm" She hummed as she listened

"It's perfect for now. Considering I don't know how long I'll be in town, that is" Janna easily continued speaking without prompt. "The job is a lot like my last one. Only Sunnydale High doesn't seem to be caught up to the times just yet."

Alexandreina rose a brow at that.

Janna rolled her eyes and sighed. "Yeah, yeah, I know 'there's nothing wrong with not wanting technology'" Janna muttered dejectedly

"Times are changing though" Alexandreina conceded a little grudgingly. "Even I know that. It's still beneficial to know these things, even if you don't use them much"

Janna looked surprised by the admission.

"Exactly!" Janna sounded delighted by the surprising opinion.

Alexandreina smirked.

She grabbed two mugs from the cupboard and began making them both a herbal tea. The blend was a traditional Romani one that they had grown up drinking. Janna smiled widely when Alexandreina passed her a cup, clearly Janna hadn't bothered learning the recipe herself.

"Thanks" Janna nodded and sipped the drink with a soft reminiscent smile.

But Alexandreina wasn't looking for a trip down memory lane... so she changed the topic before Janna could start thinking too hard.

"You like the new job then?" She asked, showing interest in something she wouldn't normally.

Janna nodded, "Yeah. I do. It's only been a week but I already like the place. Well... except for the- the frustrating technophobic librarian, that is" Janna huffed in exasperation. Looking very much like this librarian had gotten under her skin.

"Is he hot?" She wondered

Absentmindedly Janna began nodding before she seemingly caught herself and froze.

"Sounds quite frustrating" Alexandreina playfully mocked with a chuckle of amusement.

Janna rolled her eye.

"I don't think he likes me though" Janna sighed, dropping the pretence. "I've kinda put myself all in his business. Basically took over his library and created all this extra work for him while also insulting him about not liking computers"

Well...

That could be a problem.

"Maybe you have to figure out a way to make it up to him then?" She suggested to her older cousin.

Janna sighed and shook her head, "I don't think love is in the cards for me right now..."

"Well let's see then!" Alexandreina suggested easily. She reached over to the table, grabbing one of many sets of Tarot cards and gave Janna an expectant look. "If ever in doubt, consult the cards" She mockingly lectured

Janna rolled her eyes

The lack of protest given by her cousin told Alexandreina all she needed to know.

She had a feeling she knew what the cards would say.

Alexandreina shuffled the Tarot cards with an obvious ease that came from experience. The way her hands moved so fluidly spoke to her abilities. She looked to her cousin, "You need to split the deck, Janna-"

Janna chuckled, "I do remember how to do this, y'know"

"I wasn't sure you did" she replied, unable to resist the small dig at her cousins choices.

Janna sighed but ignored the comment.

Reaching forward Janna split the deck and place the card she felt drawn to onto the table. Janna looked a little nervous and didn't flip the card, instead removing her hand from the table in hesitation. Alexandreina wasn't having that though. So she quick flipped the card to reveal the message before Janna could utter a protest.

The Lovers.

Alexandreina smirked smugly.

She rose a brow at her cousin, playfully condescending as she asked, "Need me to interpret that for you?"

Janna gave her a look at the jab, but it was weak at best as a smile threatened to appear on Janna's face. Clearly Janna was relieved and excited about the prospects of a relationship with this librarian man.

"Tell me about him" Alexandreina pried

Janna shrugged, "He's a little older than me. Maybe 30. But still attractive. He's traditional. Smart. He's a great teacher and patient with the kids. And-" Janna hesitated

Alexandreina rose an expectant brow as she motioned for Janna to continue.

Janna sighed, "I think he's also a watcher..."

"Shit" She muttered a few quiet curses. Of fucking course Janna would date a fucking Watcher of all people. She wasn't sure why she was so surprised by that.

That was very Janna-like.

Everything had to be done the hard way with Janna.

"He's so sweet though. Even when we're arguing" Janna muttered. "But I've noticed things the past few days. Like the books he keeps in his office, personal books. I even stumbled upon a stake sitting on his desk. He's awfully close with 3 of my students... but not in a creepy way. More like a fatherly, friendship, guardian type of way. He looks out for them"

"So the Slayer is one of your students then?" Alexandreina assumed.

It made sense.

'The Chosen One' could technically be of any age when they're called. But mostly history had shown they're usually young and always a female. Slayers come from all different types of backgrounds but she hadn't heard of many continuing to attend school after their calling. Usually the Watchers Council just organise a fake scholarship to some boarding school and whisk the girl away.

It's rather unethical.

In Alexandreina's opinion, of course.

But those Watchers don't seem to care about ethics. After all, the organisation was founded on blood. The men of the Watchers Council had been more racist, sexist and greedy than any government had been. Those men had viewed the Slayer as a little girl they could use like a puppet. They thrived off of controlling the Slayers like a weapon. They set the rules and anyone who goes against them was killed.

Facts be damned.

Ethics be damned too.

Because whenever a Slayer arose that the men didn't like... well, as they say, when one Slayer dies another shall be called.

Shame nothing much has changed.

Not even now.

It made Alexandreina wondered about this current Slayer and Watcher pair. She had never heard of a Slayer with friends. The Slayer was supposed to be isolated during her short life. Always left to carry the burden alone so that no person issues could ever distract her from her goals. The Watchers were supposed to be strictly distant discipliners giving orders like a Sargent in an Army.

If the Watchers Council ever found out about this...

Alexandreina hummed in thought.

This would be interesting to see then, she supposed. It even made her wonder if this would be one of the few Slayers to escape the curse of the Chosen Ones Death Wish. With friends, family, school and a healthy apportion system she didn't see why not.

It would be worth monitoring the situation, Alexandreina decided.

If only to sate her curiosity.

She looked back at Janna and shrugged. "From what I've heard this man isn't like usual Watchers" she told her cousin. "You're a good judge of character"

Janna smiled and clasped Alexandreina's hand kindly.

A gesture of thanks.

Alexandreina was a little surprised that her option mattered so much to her cousin. But she didn't question it.

It felt nice.

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