Time to Unwind

Buffy sat on a library chair, head in her hands. She felt as if everything would just fall apart there and then if she let it.

'Are you feeling better?', Willow asked in concern.

Buffy looked up miserably. After the attack in the toilets, she had lost all self-control, running around screaming that Harmony had been murdered. Of course, she had been quickly ushered towards Snyder's office, where he delighted in calling the police in front of her, to report 'a deranged student' in his presence. An hour with the police and Snyder was pure hell, as they asked her to relive her ordeal over and over, waiting unsubtly to trip her and trick her into confusing her narrative. Luckily, Buffy had managed to tell her story straight, and the police had left with a statement and a disapproving look. Snyder had seemed delighted with the turn of events. Buffy shivered thinking of the sadist plans concocted in his head...

So there she sat, alone with Giles and Willow, trying to clear her head of bloody bodies and raspy voices.

'If you would just allow me to drive you home...', Giles said.

But Buffy shook her head, not relishing the prospect of reliving the previous night's drama. 'Listen, I'm fine here. I just need a little time to think.'

Willow and Giles gave each other a look that infuriated her. Before she could tell them she thought so, Xander burst into the library, panting.

'School's out', he breathed deeply. 'The janitor found Snyder...in his office...dead. The cops are telling all students to leave the building'.

'Cripes', gulped Willow. 'Maybe we should check this out.'

'You guys go ahead', Buffy sighed, feeling tension in her head again. 'I'm going to grab some of Giles' aspirin, and I'll meet you right out.'

They all looked at her uncertainly. 'I'm the Slayer', she said, rolling her eyes. 'I'm not some high heeled bimbo. I can take care of myself for five minutes'.

'We won't be long', Giles said at last. With that, the three left Buffy alone in the library.

Now that she was completely alone, Buffy felt unsure again. What if the killer was waiting down here for her, noting he vulnerable state? With more urgency, Buffy got up and rooted Giles' desk for his aspirin. His fingers curled around the cold plastic container, when she heard the library doors swing open.

She took a step back when she saw Angel in the doorway.

'Angel', she mumbled, 'uh, how are you still here?'

'I was hiding out in the school basement, ' he answered, walking towards her. 'Heard that the school's been cancelled, and I thought maybe someone could tell me what's going on...'

'Another student and Snyder have been murdered', she answered, averting his gaze as she swallowed some pills.

Angel moved closer and took her by the shoulders. 'I mean with you', he said firmly.

Buffy's eyes welled with tears, and she finally looked at him squarely.

'Angel...I'm sorry...about...'

'Its alright, you were scared,' Angel comforted, as she collapsed against his chest.

'No it's not alright', she sniffed, 'I shouldn't have taken it out on you, just because of what happened before. It's just, sometimes...and I should never listen to what Xander says-'

Angel pulled away, a cold look in his eyes. 'Xander'

'No, he didn't tell me to do anything, it was my over-active imagination running wild again. Comes with the Slayer package'

Angel stared at her, wearing an ambiguous expression.

'Don't worry,' he said finally. 'I'm going to look out for you. That psycho will be lucky to be on your radar'.

'Thanks', smiled Buffy warmly. 'But I can hold my own'

'I better get going', he said, 'and hide in the basement till sundown.'

'Right, and I better leave this place. Its seriously freaking me out'

'I'll see you tonight'

'But I might not-'

'I know', he broke in, 'but wherever you are, I'll know'

With that, he left the library, his coat billowing behind him like a black cape.

Outside Sunnydale High, Buffy finally found Willow, Xander and Oz.

'Buffy!', Willow cried, hugging her supportively.

'So school's out, huh?', Buffy asked, squinting her eyes to look at the excited students body.

'And this calls for a P-A-R-T-Y!' shouted Xander, as they started to walk to the car park.

'Xander', frowned Willow. 'That's really insensitive. How can you think of partying at a time like this?'

'Easy', Xander said. 'The 'rents are out of town, meaning I have the house to myself.'

'Cool', aid Oz. 'A good shindig would be mood easing'

''But-', Willow said anxiously, gesturing discretely at Buffy.

'Will', said Buffy, rolling her eyes, 'actually, a chance to let loose would be great. Plus, safety equals numbers, right?'

'I guess...', said Willow uncertainly.

'That settles it', said Xander. Everyone, prepare for the social scene of the century, and come at seven tonight!'

'Great', Buffy smiled, feeling happier than she had all day.

What could possibly go wrong at Xander's place?