Disclaimer: Gina, James, Kerri, Amelia, and anyone else you don't recognize are my original characters. Everything else belongs to Joss Whedon. -bows down-
Author's Note: I am terribly sorry for the long delay in updating. The month of August was really hectic for me, we had relatives visiting from out of the country, then I was on vacation for a week with my family. But now I'm back to the daily grind of school, and I should get back to updating more regularly. My apologies. This chapter is mostly a transition piece. Also, keep in mind that I don't know anything about Italian high schools, so just bear with me on that aspect. Many thanks to everyone who has continued to read, review, and support this story. You guys are the best. To everyone who reviewed the last chapter: Katie, SanityFair, Daybreak and destructo boy, freezyboncoolipants, maggie, and musicbrat-0901. This one's for you!
Enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 11: Friends and Enemies
Wednesday, September 9th, 2003
Connor awoke the next morning by the first hints of sunlight peeking in through the bedroom curtains. He instinctively rolled over, reaching out with his arm to wrap it around Dawn. When all his arm touched was bare sheets, he opened his eyes in confusion. Propping himself up and looking around, he saw that Dawn was nowhere to be found. He blinked through the haze in his mind associated with just waking up, and instantly remembered the events that had occurred in the club last night. He also remembered that today was Dawn's first day of school. Focusing on this latest predicament, he closed his eyes in frustration. Relax. Everything is going to be fine. Dawn probably won't even see Kerri today. And if she does, you don't even know if Kerri will know her.
He slowly got out of bed and pulled on some clothes, his head still spinning. He cursed the day that him and James had ever gone to the Tyman residence. That one stupid assignment had screwed up his entire life. He had moved on, he had truly almost forgotten about that stupid kiss, and then last night had brought everything back to the surface again. In that one moment on the dance floor, everything had spun even more out of control. This is my mess. I have to fix it. I have to make sure Kerri never speaks a word of what happened to anyone. But he didn't know how he could guarantee that. The first logical plan would be to offer Kerri hush money. But the Tymans were loaded. So that would never work. Connor groaned in frustration. Hush money? I didn't even do anything wrong. Maybe I should just tell Dawn. Its better for her to find out now from me than later in some other way. His mind made up, he took a deep breath and exited the bedroom. Dawn and Buffy were sitting at the kitchen counter eating breakfast. It's now or never. He slowly walked over to join them.
Dawn instantly brightened when she saw her lover approaching. "Hey, you're up!" She hopped off her stool and went over to give him a good morning kiss.
"Good morning baby. So, are you ready for the first day," he said, feeling a little shaky.
"I don't know. I'm so nervous. I mean, its bad enough going to high school in America. But these people won't even speak English! I don't know how I'm ever going to fit in," she worried. "I just wish you were coming with me. You know, its never too late for an education!"
Connor laughed. "I think I'll pass on that. And I know you'll make friends. Your Italian is really good. Just be yourself, and everyone will love you just like I do."
"Awww. You always know just what to say to make me feel better," she said happily. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him again.
When the kiss broke apart, Connor tried his best to summon all of his courage. "Um, baby, can I talk to you for a minute? In the bedroom?"
Dawn looked at him with slight surprise, then glanced back at Buffy. "Sure. Okay. I don't have to leave for a few minutes." She followed him into their room, and he shut the door behind them, taking a moment to close his eyes and think of the best way to say this. When he opened them Dawn was staring at him, looking a little frightened.
"Connor, what's wrong?" she said nervously. "You look...I don't even know."
He looked at her. He opened his mouth. Just say it. Tell her now. He formed the words in his mind, but no sound came out.
"I think I know what this is about," Dawn said quietly.
"You do?" he said in disbelief.
She nodded, taking his hand. "You feel bad about last night. Because you...you know, didn't want to. But I'm okay with it, really. Okay, maybe I was a little hurt at first, because it wasn't like you. But I've been thinking about it, and I think I understand." She took a breath. "It's been a few months now since we've been sleeping together. And I remember how in the first few weeks, when we didn't have the opportunity to be together that often, when we did it was...special. And now that we're doing it...all the time, maybe its losing some of that for you. I mean, I used to read Buffy's Cosmos all the time, and I know that sometimes guys get...bored, but I know there's things we can do, we can try new...things, or we can-"
"No, no, it's not that at all baby," he said, cracking a small smile at what she had just said. "Are you saying you think that I'm bored with our sex life?"
"Yeah?" she said meekly.
He couldn't help but laugh. "Dawn, I promise you, everything you do, everything we do, is perfect."
She relaxed a little, looking sheepish. "Oh. Okay. Well you just excuse my little rant there..."
"Don't worry about it. But actually, last night is what I wanted to talk to you about. I was just tired, and I feel really bad about it now because it looks like I was right that it probably gave you the wrong idea. But I promise you, I love you. More than ever. And I will never, ever get bored with you." The words were out before he even fully realized what he was saying. Dammit. I can't do it. I can't tell her.
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "I love you too Connor."
He kissed the top of her head. "I know."
They were interrupted by a tentative knocking at the door. "Dawn? It's time to go," Buffy said from the other side.
Dawn pulled back and looked up at him. "I guess its time. How do I look?" She spun around, showing off her classic yet polished ensemble consisting of dark jeans, black boots, and a royal blue top.
"Beautiful." He opened the bedroom door, escorting her back to the living room. "Have a great day."
"I'll try." Dawn picked up her black messenger bag. "Well, I should get going." She gave her sister a quick hug.
"Good luck Dawnie. Have a good first day," Buffy told her. Dawn squeezed Connor's hand one more time before leaving the apartment.
Buffy sighed, looking at Connor. "I'm so proud of her. Going to her senior year in a foreign country...I never could have done it."
"She's amazing," Connor said truthfully.
"Is everything okay with you two?" Buffy asked, clearly referring to the little private chat they had just had.
He nodded quickly. "Yeah. Just a little...misunderstanding. Everything's great."
She smiled. "Good. You know, I didn't want to admit it for a long time. But you're probably the best thing that's ever happened to her. I've never seen her this happy. And I know that it's all because of you."
He stood there, feeling more guilty than he had in his entire life. "Um, yeah. I try." He made a show of glancing at the clock. "I should go get ready for work."
Buffy nodded. "Yeah. Go ahead." She turned back towards the kitchen, heading to clean up from breakfast. Connor trudged slowly into the bedroom, feeling horrible. When he was almost there, he turned around suddenly.
"I really do love her, you know."
Buffy spun around, giving him a slightly strange look. "I know you do."
He started to say something else but decided against it. "Yeah. I just wanted to make sure you did." He turned around and entered the bedroom, closing the door and leaning back against it. He had never felt this rotten in his life. It was like that one little kiss with Kerri had taken on its own life, and was slowly eating him away from the inside out. I don't know how I'm going to fix this, he admitted helplessly. I don't know how I'm ever going to fix this.
A half an hour later Dawn walked slowly into her first class of the day, not feeling very confident. Her new school was bigger than she had expected, and everyone was speaking Italian. Well, she had expected that, this being Italy and all, but expecting it and actually living it were two very different concepts. She found herself immediately wishing she was back at Sunnydale High. Hellmouth or no Hellmouth, at least the people were American.
She quickly walked to an empty seat on the far side of the classroom, sitting down and unpacking a fresh notebook and pen. She pulled her new pocket-sized English-Italian dictionary and hid it underneath her notebook. Glancing around at the other students, she noticed that most of them didn't even appear to have seen her come in. They were all too busy with their conversations. Dawn struggled to understand the fast-paced dialogue, managing to pick out a few words here and there but failing overall. What was I thinking? I can't do this. She sighed quietly. I wish Connor were here.
"Le signore di mattina buoni ed I gentiluomini. Sono Sig.ra Valenti. Per favore di togliere I suoi quaderni e le sue penne." A short, middle-aged Italian woman in a sharp pinstriped suit smiled at the class. "Comincerò portando la presenza. Per favore di dire qui quando il suo nome è chiamato."
Attendance. Okay. I can manage that. Dawn tried to relax a little as she began the roll call.
"Luigi Albertti?
"Qui!"
"Maria Antonio?"
"Qui!"
Dawn zoned out a little as the rest of the names were called, studying her schedule for the day. At least she had a short day, only 6 classes.
"Amelia Montgomery?"
"Qui!"
Dawn looked up upon hearing the very American sounding name, searching for the girl who had replied. Her eyes fell upon an average looking girl with dirty blonde hair and small, delicate glasses. She was sitting back in her seat looking very cool and collected. But in the sea of dark haired, dark skinned Italians, she stood out about as much as Dawn assumed she did herself. Is she American? She wondered excitedly. She was so busy being excited at the possibility of finding someone who spoke her own language that she almost didn't hear her name being called.
"Dawn Summers? Dawn Summers?"
"Qui!" She replied quickly, snapping out of it.
The teacher finished the roll call and put it away. She picked up a piece of chalk and was about to begin class when a late arrival hurried in the door. Mrs. Valenti turned to examine the new student with a hint of annoyance in her expression.
"I'm so sorry! I got a little lost," the girl explained.
Mrs. Valenti raised an eyebrow. "This is an Italian school. We speak Italian."
"Oh! Of course. Chiedo scusa per è tardi. Mi chiamo Kerri. Kerri Tyman."
The teacher adjusted the attendance list before scanning the room. She pointed at the only available desk in the back of the room. Kerri smiled sweetly at the teacher before sauntering slowly to her seat. As the lean brunette passed Dawn's desk, Dawn frowned. She's definitely an American. That girl looks so familiar. Where do I know her from? She noticed that the Italian boys had definitely noticed this foreign arrival, and Kerri was very aware of that fact, flashing a sly smile in their direction as she sat down at her desk.
Mrs. Valenti began to write notes down on the chalkboard, and Dawn copied them absentmindedly, trying to place Kerri in her mind. I haven't met that many people my age since I've been here...where have I seen her before? During a pause in the class she casually turned around to get a better look at Kerri, who epitomized the perfect student, sitting quietly at her desk copying the notes while tucking strand of her perfectly straightened brown hair behind her ear. While studying her Dawn's mind flashed back to an image from the hazy club last night. She's that girl from the club, the one who bumped into me on the dance floor! Wondering why she even remembered the girl from such a brief, trivial incident, she remembered the odd look she had given Connor. That was weird. Attempting to shrug it off, Dawn turned her attention back to her notes.
As soon as the final bell rang and everyone got to their feet, Dawn quickly stuffed her things into her messenger bag and hurried through the crowd, hoping to catch up to Amelia. Pushing past a few of her classmates, she spotted the girl headed down the hallway, and rushed to catch up. "Amelia?" she called out.
Amelia spun around in surprise, looking to see who had called her name. When she saw Dawn she immediately brightened. "Oh, hi!" Their eyes met for a moment.
"You're American!" they both blurted out at once. After a short awkward pause they burst out laughing.
"Oh my gosh, you know, I knew there was something different about you back in there. I just wasn't sure. You're beautiful enough to pass for an Italian girl," Amelia said with a blush.
Dawn laughed. "Well, thanks. As soon as I heard your name, I knew you had to be American." She paused, realizing she hadn't introduced herself. "I'm Dawn. Dawn Summers."
"Amelia Montgomery. But I guess you already know that!" The two girls laughed again.
"So Dawn, are you new here? Where do you come from in America?" Amelia asked, stepping to the side of the hallway out of the path of traffic.
"I'm from California. I just moved here a few months ago. How about you? Have you been here long? Where did you come from?" she asked excitedly.
"Other side of the continent. New York. And about 3 years ago, right before my freshman year. My dad is Italian," she explained. "So wow, you're really new! How are you doing with the language? It must be a huge relief to find someone who speaks English!"
Dawn laughed. "It totally is. And I'm doing okay I guess. I just hope I'll be able to keep up with my classes." She reached in her bag and retrieved the dictionary, holding it up sheepishly. "But, I have a secret weapon."
"Oh, those things are the best. I was glued to mine for my first year here. Hold onto that, I promise it will come in handy." Amelia said with a laugh. She glanced over her shoulder. "Hey, I'd love to talk more, but if we don't get going we're going to be late."
"Oh, yeah, you're right. Will I see you again today?" Dawn asked hopefully.
"I don't know. Do you have your schedule?" Dawn handed it over quickly, and Amelia compared it against her own. "Yes! We have lunch together, and two afternoon classes."
Dawn beamed. "Great! I can't wait. There's so much I want to ask you!"
"Same here! Hey, have a good morning Dawn. I'll look for you in lunch!"
"Bye Amelia!" The two parted ways. Dawn grinned the whole way to her next class. Amelia had been even nicer than she'd expected. Kind of one of those people you hit it off with instantly. She couldn't wait to talk to her more, and hopefully get some tips for surviving high school in a foreign country.
Dawn entered the cafeteria at lunchtime, quickly scanning the crowds for Amelia. Her head was starting to throb from concentrating so hard to understand what everyone was saying, and she couldn't wait to just sit down, eat her salad, and speak English.
"Dawn! Over here!" She turned around in relief when she heard Amelia calling her. Her new friend was sitting there at a table near the edge of the cafeteria, waving her over. Hurrying over gratefully, she sat down next to her.
"So, you've survived your first morning," Amelia said with a grin, noticing the haggard expression on Dawn's face.
"Barely," she replied wryly. "I know what you're going to say: you'll get used to it."
"Yeah, well its true! Did you know any Italian before you came here?" Amelia inquired.
Dawn shook her head. "None. What about you?"
"A little. I took one year of it in middle school before I moved, and my dad taught me a little before we made the trip. His parents lived here in Rome," she explained.
"Oh, wow. Is that why you came here?" Dawn asked.
"Kind of. My mom died when I was in 8th grade, and my dad and I kind of needed to get away from everything, you know. So he really wanted to come here. His parents were long gone, but he had been here to visit them before I was born, and always wanted to go back. So here I am," she said quietly.
Dawn looked at her in sympathy. "I'm sorry about your mom. I know how hard that is. My mom died when I was 14. My dad had walked out on her when I was only like, 10, so its just been me and my sister."
"I'm sorry too. But at least you have someone. How old is your sister?"
"Twenty two. Her name's Buffy. She can be a pain in the butt, but I don't know what I'd do without her," Dawn admitted.
"Wow. So why did you guys move to Italy?" Amelia asked, taking a bite out of her sandwich.
"That's kind of a long story...basically the town we lived in back in California kind of...caved in. Massive earthquake," Dawn said quickly. "But anyways we wanted to pick up and start totally fresh. So we just kind of picked Rome. So the three of us got on a plane not knowing any Italian whatsoever, and the rest is history."
Amelia's eyes widened. "Wow. That's some story...wait, did you say the three of us? Who came besides you and your sister?"
Dawn smiled. "My boyfriend, Connor. I met him during our last year in Sunnydale. He's my sister's ex's son...and that's another really long story. But anyways we fell in love, and he came with us when we moved."
"That's so romantic," Amelia said softly. "Does he like, live with you guys?"
Dawn couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah. Everyone thinks that's so weird. The seventeen year old with the live-in boyfriend."
Amelia laughed as well. "Well I admit it isn't exactly a situation you hear of every day. Your sister actually lets him live with you guys?"
"Yeah. But trust me, it wasn't easy. It took a lot of prodding to get her to go along with it. But she's cool with it now."
"Is Connor your age? Is he going to school too?" Amelia asked.
Dawn thought a moment about how to answer that. "Um, he's eighteen. But he works. For a moving company in Rome. He's really good at it," she said proudly, eating some of her salad.
"That's great. What about Buffy, does she work?"
"Yeah, she's working in a café right now. But back home she worked at my high school for a while as a counselor." Dawn silently decided not to mention her sister's stint at the Doublemeat Palace.
"That's nice. So where are you guys living?" Amelia said curiously.
"We have an apartment in kind of the middle of town. It's about five minutes from here. How about you?" Dawn asked.
"Oh, I'm about five minutes away too-but in the other direction. We live more towards the outside of the city. We have a nice little house. My father and I are happy there," she said.
"Do you get to spend a lot of time with your dad?" Dawn asked quietly.
Amelia shrugged. "Not a lot, but enough. He's usually home for dinner. But his job keeps him very busy. He's an architect. It's a good job to have in our situation because that kind of thing is the same in any language. But he's a great father."
"That's good," Dawn said. "It's nice that you have that." There was a brief pause in the conversation with the only sound being the crinkling of their now empty paper lunch bags.
"So, what do you think of the school so far?" Amelia asked finally.
Dawn smiled. "It's okay, I guess. It's...different than American high school. Just in little ways. But I'm getting used to it."
"Yeah, there's just that one little way of how everyone speaks Italian instead of English," Amelia joked. They both laughed. "Well Dawn, I'm really glad I met you today. You know, there's another American girl in our homeroom, the one that came in late. But she didn't seem nearly as friendly as you."
Dawn frowned a little, remembering Kerri. "Yeah, I noticed. But her 'friendliness' with the Italian boys probably makes up for it," she said dryly.
Amelia raised an eyebrow. "Do you know her or something?"
Dawn shook her head. "No, not really. But I've seen her before. Last night actually, my boyfriend and I were at a club with some friends and she bumped into me on the dance floor. I just got kind of a weird vibe from her. I don't really know how to explain it, but I feel like I should keep my distance from her."
"Well, you should always go with your instinct, or your first impression. It's usually dead on," Amelia stated. Dawn nodded in agreement. Just then the bell rang for lunch to end, and they both stood up.
"I think you're in my next class. We can walk there together," Amelia said happily. Dawn smiled back. They walked to the cafeteria door, moving slowly in the herd of kids. When they were almost at the door Dawn turned to Amelia, ready to say something, when suddenly she walked straight into something in front of her. She stepped back and started to apologize when she looked up and saw that she had walked straight into Kerri Tyman. She narrowed her eyes slightly, but continued with the apology.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going," she said matter-of-factly.
Kerri gave her a once over look, seeming like she was trying to remember something. Suddenly her eyes appeared to light up, as if something had finally clicked into place. "Oh! I know exactly who you are." A wide grin spread across her face, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I'm Kerri. Kerri Tyman. You're another fellow American!"
"Yeah, guess so. I'm Dawn." She decided not to bother giving her last name as they continued out of the cafeteria.
Kerri flashed her that stunning grin again, the one that Dawn was sure had brought more than a few boys to their knees. "Well Dawnie, I have a feeling we're going to be seeing a lot of each other. Can I call you Dawnie?"
Dawn flashed her an annoyed look. "I prefer Dawn."
Kerri just nodded, the same grin still on her face. It was starting to make Dawn feel uncomfortable. "I'll remember that Dawnie. Well I've gotta run! Ciao!" And then she was gone, moving swiftly through the crowd, her long brown hair bouncing behind her.
Amelia gave Dawn a strange look. "I think you were right about her. That was just...weird."
"Yeah," Dawn replied absentmindedly. She stood there trying to figure out what had just happened. The whole encounter had been beyond bizarre. That look and smile Kerri had given her had left her very unsettled...and what had she meant by 'I know exactly who you are?'
"Dawn, don't let her bother you. She's just being superior and bitchy," Amelia insisted.
Dawn nodded slowly. "Yeah, you can move wherever you want but there'll always be the 'popular' girls that spend their lives putting everyone else down."
"Exactly. So, here we are, this is our class." Amelia entered a classroom and Dawn followed, still deep in thought. She knew that Amelia was right and that she should just forget about the whole incident, but in the back of her mind she had a nagging feeling that she had not seen the last of Kerri Tyman.
TBC!
PLEASE review! They make me so happy, and encourage me to write faster!