Chapter Twenty
Author's note: thanks for all of the wonderful reviews!! I am really happy that there are people enjoying this piece! Courtney, I'm not telling you who Buffy ends up with.I want it to be a surprise! That's why I didn't specify the pairing. And Johanna, yeah there's a plan, I'm not going to say more about that but yeah, there is a plan for Riley!! Cute but boring boy, never liked him. Stay tuned and find out what it is! All right kids, enjoy the show! LA
"Anya, I don't know what I did before Riley. He is the greatest boyfriend I have ever had. He's sweet and nice and so caring! And the boy's cute! Did you see those bug eyes? I have never felt this way about anyone!" Buffy said after a date with Riley. They had been dating for over a month. Buffy was on cloud nine.
Anya, however, felt different. Riley struck her as being a bit odd. There was something about him that she couldn't figure out. He didn't show emotions that often and he was quit cold to Buffy's friends, especially Oz. She also wondered hwo they could be so close so quickly. After all, they had only been together for a little more than a month. "Yeah Buffy, that's great. I'm glad you're so happy," she smiled.
"You know, I bet Riley would hook you up with one of his frat brothers. We could like double date!"
"No, I'm all set but thanks for the offer." Anya was happy for her roommate but could not hear about Riley any more. When she heard his name or even saw him she got chills down her spine like someone had scratched a black board. "How is that math class you and Tara are in? Do you guys need help?" Anya asked changing the subject. Luckily the topic did not go back to Riley.
"Yes Oz, yes. I promise to be there."
"When is it?" Oz questioned his friend. Lately Buffy had blown him off for Riley. Oz still wasn't found of Riley. As matter of a fact he couldn't stand him and thought Buffy was selling herself short in the romance category.
"Nine-thirty on Saturday night. I know how important this date is to you. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Don't worry, I will be there."
"Promise?"
"Yes, of course, I promise and don't worry, you will be awesome!"
"All right, just making sure you remembered." I'll see you Saturday night."
"All right Oz, I'll see you then and don't be nervous, you'll be great! Bye." Buffy said as she hung up the phone with her oldest friend. Oz was very anxious about his gig on Saturday night. The talent scout had liked what he had seen at the previous concert and wanted to see the band perform a few more times before the band signed them.
Buffy then remembered that she and Riley had plans on Saturday night. She was sure that Riley wouldn't mind adjusting them. After all, it wasn't everyday that her best friend had a talent scout scoping out her best friend's band.
"Hey An," she said as her friend walked through the door. "How was class?"
"It was all right. How was yours?" Anya asked as she put her books on her desk and walked over to sit on her bed.
"It was great. Look at these," Buffy said smiling as she reached for a vase with pale pink roses, her favorite, sitting in it.
Anya wanted to smash the vase into the wall. She wasn't jealous of Riley at all. After the fight that he and Buffy had the previous night Anya was a little surprised to see that they had patched up so quickly. She had no idea what they were arguing about but she could hear them from outside the building. The fight was so intense that someone made a complaint to campus security and a security guard had to break them up. Anya watched from the window and saw just moments later her friend get into Riley's car as he sped off. Buffy didn't return to the dormitory until early morning. "They are nice." Anya managed to say.
"Aren't they gorgeous? Riley is the best boyfriend ever. I think we should fight more often."
"What? Why?"
"Yeah, I think we should. If we get into more blow outs than a get a gift," Buffy joked as she put the vase back on her desk. "I'll be right back; I have to go to the bathroom." Buffy said as she got up and closed her door.
Anya sat on her bed and began to do some work when there was a knock on the door. "It's unlocked," she said as the door began to open. "What happened? Did you forget you're-you're not Buffy!" she said to the male who had entered her room.
"Well neither are you. Do I have the right room?"
"Yeah you do, she'll be back in a few minutes. Does she know that you are here to visit, who ever you may be?"
"Oh, sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm-" the male was interrupted by Buffy's screeching.
"XANDER HARRIS!!! How, why, how'd you know where I lived?" Buffy asked as she hugged her friend.
"Your mom gave me your address and phone number. I was going to call but I figured I'd surprise you."
"I am so surprised!!" How was Europe? Wait! Xander, this is my roommate Anya, An, this is Xander. He is an awesome friend."
The two exchanged small talk for a few minutes. Buffy then looked at the clock. "Oh no, Xander, you have to leave."
"What? I've been gone for four months and you can't spend five minutes with me?" He asked hurt.
"No, I can't. You should have called first. I do have plans and a life. My life didn't stop because you were gone for four months. Really Xander, you have to leave now. We can catch up soon, really, I have planes and you have to go."
"Buffy, are you all right?" Anya asked. She knew how much Buffy loved and respected Xander and didn't understand why she was speaking to him the way she was.
"Yes, I AM FINE! I have plans and it appears that none of you care! I really wish you would have called! You have to go now! Go, go and visit Oz or something."
"I don't get what has happened to you. You have changed." Xander said growing angry.
"A lot can change in four months! Go NOW!" Buffy screamed as she opened the door for him.
"Could you at least tell me where Oz lives?" Xander asked.
Buffy huffed and puffed and was ready to flip out on Xander yet again when Anya stepped in. "I'll show you where he lives."
"Thank you Anya," he said as he opened the door. On the other side of the door was a blonde haired boy about to knock.
"And you are?" Riley asked.
"Leaving," he said as he and Anya rushed by Riley. Xander never looked back on Buffy.
"Was that Anya's boyfriend?" Riley asked, oblivious to the pictures of Xander that were in a frame on Buffy's dresser.
"No, that was Xander. He-"
"Your ex boyfriend Xander?" Riley shouted.
"Yes. He-"
"He was right here in your bedroom."
"I know."
"Right before I got here," Riley said angry
'I know, he surprised me. He just came back from Europe and-"
"And what? Is this some kind of joke that you are pulling on me?"
"No Riley, of course not. H really did surprise me. My mother gave him my address." Buffy explained nervously.
"Sure she did. You probably have known that he was heading over here."
Buffy had tears in her eyes and began to shake her head. "No Riley, I didn't know. I promise you, I didn't know."
Riley just looked at her with anger in his eyes. He was getting closer to her when the door opened.
"Hey Buffy," Tara knocked as she opened the door. "Oh, I-I'm sorry. I didn't-didn't know I was interrupting."
Riley backed off of Buffy was Tara began to close the door.
"Tara, what did you need?" Buffy asked as she got closer to the door, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Be out to my car in less than five minutes," Riley said as he stormed out of the room.
"You heard him, I only have a few minutes, and what did you need?"
"Buffy, is everything all right between you two?"
"OF course it is."
"Buffy, he looked like he was going to hit you."
Buffy froze in that moment and then gave Tara a disgusted face. "You really think I would allow myself to be manipulated by another person? Tara, I thought you knew me better. Now if you excuse me, I have to go." Buffy said as she locked her door. Tara watched Buffy disappear into the crowd of people in the hall.
The Harris house. Buffy hadn't been there in months. It seemed like another life time. She walked up the stairs and rang the bell. She didn't think anyone was home because she hadn't seen any cars parked in the driveway. She was about to leave when the door opened.
"Buffy, hi."
"Angel? What are you doing here?"
"I live here, remember?" He smiled as he joked around with her. "My grandmother isn't doing so well. She had a stroke and the doctors seem to think she doesn't have a whole lot of time left so I am doing all of my classes as independent studies this semester so I can help mom out. She is going to be a wreck when everything happens, so I wanted to be here for her. That's why Xander came home."
Buffy felt bad. She knew both Angel and Xander were close to their grandmother. She then felt really bad because Xander was probably going to tell her this the other night when she exploded at him.
"I'm sorry Angel."
Angel sighed. "It's sad but she is eight-four. Nothing gold can last," he said quoting his favorite poem by Robert Frost. He quickly changed the subject. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to apologize to Xander, I was a real bitch the other night and I wanted to say I'm sorry."
"Well, he is out food shopping now. Then he's going to run a few errands. You could come in if you wanted to."
Buffy nodded and followed Angel into his house. Nothing changed in the Harris house. Every thing was exactly how Buffy remembered it. She felt bad for not visiting Mrs. Harris while her sons were away. She mad a mental not to do that more often.
"Can I get you something to drink? Soda, water, coffee?" Angel asked.
"No thanks, I am all set." Buffy said as Angel sat down. "So how is Kate doing?"
Angel shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, we broke up a few months ago. She cheated on me and that was the end. I can forgive a lot of things but not lying and cheating. Xander said you are dating someone."
Buffy smiled. "Yeah, Riley. He is great." Buffy said as she began to brag about Riley.
"Wow, he sounds like things that fairy tales are made out of," Angel said sipping his water.
"Yeah, he acts like prince charming too. He is such a great guy."
Angel stared at his water as he continued to talk to Buffy. "Does he treat you all right?"
Buffy was furious. What had Xander made up and told Angel? "Yes, he is a great guy who treats me very well. Why do people have to question our relationship? Did Xander say anything to you about Riley? He has not right and no reason to say one word about my relationship with Riley. I'm going to kill him if he is going around lying and -"
"WOW! Slow down! I was only asking as an overprotective friend. It was a rhetorical question. Wow! Take it easy!" Angel said. He felt uncomfortable with Buffy's rampage.
"Sorry," she said sheepishly as she bit her bottom lip. "A lot of people seem to have their own opinions of what is happening with Riley and me and I am kind of getting sick of defending our relationship. Sorry I bit your head off."
Angel smiled. "It's all right." He looked from his glass and into Buffy's eyes. "I just wanted to make sure you are happy."
Buffy returned Angel's smile. "I'm very happy Angel."
"Hey bro, care to help me bring in the groceries?" Xander yelled from the screen porch.
"I'll help you guys," Buffy said as she followed Angel to Xander's car.
Buffy and Xander did not exchange words. They carried the bags of food in side by side but did not speak.
"I think I am going to shower. Buffy, it was nice seeing you again."
"Bye Angel." She said as she watched Angel leave the kitchen. She began to unpack the bags and talk to Xander. "Listen, I am sorry about the other day. I shouldn't have freaked out on you like that. I just have so many things going through my head and-and it's no excuse, I'm sorry Xander."
Xander stepped away from the fridge and closed its door. "I just wanted to surprise you, and talk to you to see how you have been. I've missed our chats and talks."
"I know, I've missed our friendship too, no one can make me laugh like you do," she smiled. "Xander, I am in college now and I have a different life than high school. I am busy and I was on my way out with Riley and-"
"The blond haired creep?"
"He's not a creep."
Anya had shared a few things with Xander on the way to Oz's dorm but Xander didn't want to say anything. Oz even had a few words for Buffy's beau but Xander didn't want to interfere.
"I should have called too but I never had to do that before."
"I know, but things have changed. We're growing up. We're adults."
"Adults? That's kind of scary."
Buffy smiled. She was glad that Xander forgave her. She spent hours at the Harris house. She even stayed and helped Angel and Xander make dinner for their mother.
At nine o'clock she headed back to school. She parked her car and walked up to her room and turned the knob. Anya was sitting at her desk typing a paper.
"Hey Anya, what's up?" Buffy asked as she placed her keys on her desk.
"I'm all right. Do you have your cell phone?" She asked.
"No, the battery was dead so I kept it here to charge. Why, what happened?"
"Riley has been trying to get in touch with you," she explained as the phone rang. "That's probably him; he's been calling every hour on the hour.
Buffy walked over and answered the phone. "Hello?"
"Where the hell have you been? I have been calling your cell phone for hours. Your damn voicemail box is full because I left so many messages, don't you ever check it? I have called your room all day. Did Anya give you any of my messages?" Riley yelled. Buffy could tell he was on his cell phone which meant he was probably in his car on his way to the dorm.
"Yes, I got your messages. I went and apologized to Xander for being so mean to him the other day."
"You were at your damn ex boyfriend's house all day? That makes me feel so much better." Riley continued to yell over the phone.
"No, he wasn't there for most of the afternoon. His brother and I were-"
"So you were around his older brother all day? What the hell Buffy? You and I are supposed to be together."
Good thing he didn't realize that Angel and Xander were brothers or else there would be a lot more yelling coming from Riley's mouth. "Riley, it wasn't like that at all. We-"
Riley cut her off. "I am down the street from you. I want to see you now. Wait outside for me I will be there in a minute," he shouted.
Buffy hung up the phone and gathered her stuff again.
"Are you leaving?" Anya asked before Buffy had a chance to tell her that she was leaving."
"Yeah, Riley misses me and wants to spend some time with me. I'll be really quiet when I come in. I can't wait to see him. I miss him too," Buffy smiled as she walked out of her safe heaven and into hell.
At two thirty five in the morning Buffy finally made it back to Fisher Hall. She couldn't believe how long it took her to walk from the off campus frat house to campus. She was glad to finally put that night behind her.
She quietly opened the door and grabbed her stuff to take a shower. She wanted to hurry and finish her shower and go to bed but she was in pain. Her feet had blisters all over them from walking in her platforms. She should have worn the sneakers instead but these shoes were Riley's favorites so naturally she had to wear them.
Finally, she shut off the water and grabbed her towel. Again, she was in a lot of pain so she dried her arms and legs very carefully. She was in pain but she was relieved that the bleeding had stopped. Buffy then got dressed and walked back into her room. She put her clothes down on her chair by her desk. She shut off the desk light that Anya left on for her. Buffy unmade her bed and carefully crawled into it. After minutes of trying to find a comfortable position, Buffy began to cry softly. She was relived that Anya had slept through yet another night of coming home late with bruises all over her body. Buffy was thankful that she was struck where no one could see the bruises and the cuts, so she wouldn't have to answer any questions on how she got them.
Meanwhile, Anya laid down in her bed, wide awake. She was as quiet as a mouse so she wouldn't alarm Buffy. She knew what had happened to Buffy and she was concerned but didn't know what to do. Buffy would never admit to what Anya was thinking.
Author's note: thanks for all of the wonderful reviews!! I am really happy that there are people enjoying this piece! Courtney, I'm not telling you who Buffy ends up with.I want it to be a surprise! That's why I didn't specify the pairing. And Johanna, yeah there's a plan, I'm not going to say more about that but yeah, there is a plan for Riley!! Cute but boring boy, never liked him. Stay tuned and find out what it is! All right kids, enjoy the show! LA
"Anya, I don't know what I did before Riley. He is the greatest boyfriend I have ever had. He's sweet and nice and so caring! And the boy's cute! Did you see those bug eyes? I have never felt this way about anyone!" Buffy said after a date with Riley. They had been dating for over a month. Buffy was on cloud nine.
Anya, however, felt different. Riley struck her as being a bit odd. There was something about him that she couldn't figure out. He didn't show emotions that often and he was quit cold to Buffy's friends, especially Oz. She also wondered hwo they could be so close so quickly. After all, they had only been together for a little more than a month. "Yeah Buffy, that's great. I'm glad you're so happy," she smiled.
"You know, I bet Riley would hook you up with one of his frat brothers. We could like double date!"
"No, I'm all set but thanks for the offer." Anya was happy for her roommate but could not hear about Riley any more. When she heard his name or even saw him she got chills down her spine like someone had scratched a black board. "How is that math class you and Tara are in? Do you guys need help?" Anya asked changing the subject. Luckily the topic did not go back to Riley.
"Yes Oz, yes. I promise to be there."
"When is it?" Oz questioned his friend. Lately Buffy had blown him off for Riley. Oz still wasn't found of Riley. As matter of a fact he couldn't stand him and thought Buffy was selling herself short in the romance category.
"Nine-thirty on Saturday night. I know how important this date is to you. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Don't worry, I will be there."
"Promise?"
"Yes, of course, I promise and don't worry, you will be awesome!"
"All right, just making sure you remembered." I'll see you Saturday night."
"All right Oz, I'll see you then and don't be nervous, you'll be great! Bye." Buffy said as she hung up the phone with her oldest friend. Oz was very anxious about his gig on Saturday night. The talent scout had liked what he had seen at the previous concert and wanted to see the band perform a few more times before the band signed them.
Buffy then remembered that she and Riley had plans on Saturday night. She was sure that Riley wouldn't mind adjusting them. After all, it wasn't everyday that her best friend had a talent scout scoping out her best friend's band.
"Hey An," she said as her friend walked through the door. "How was class?"
"It was all right. How was yours?" Anya asked as she put her books on her desk and walked over to sit on her bed.
"It was great. Look at these," Buffy said smiling as she reached for a vase with pale pink roses, her favorite, sitting in it.
Anya wanted to smash the vase into the wall. She wasn't jealous of Riley at all. After the fight that he and Buffy had the previous night Anya was a little surprised to see that they had patched up so quickly. She had no idea what they were arguing about but she could hear them from outside the building. The fight was so intense that someone made a complaint to campus security and a security guard had to break them up. Anya watched from the window and saw just moments later her friend get into Riley's car as he sped off. Buffy didn't return to the dormitory until early morning. "They are nice." Anya managed to say.
"Aren't they gorgeous? Riley is the best boyfriend ever. I think we should fight more often."
"What? Why?"
"Yeah, I think we should. If we get into more blow outs than a get a gift," Buffy joked as she put the vase back on her desk. "I'll be right back; I have to go to the bathroom." Buffy said as she got up and closed her door.
Anya sat on her bed and began to do some work when there was a knock on the door. "It's unlocked," she said as the door began to open. "What happened? Did you forget you're-you're not Buffy!" she said to the male who had entered her room.
"Well neither are you. Do I have the right room?"
"Yeah you do, she'll be back in a few minutes. Does she know that you are here to visit, who ever you may be?"
"Oh, sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm-" the male was interrupted by Buffy's screeching.
"XANDER HARRIS!!! How, why, how'd you know where I lived?" Buffy asked as she hugged her friend.
"Your mom gave me your address and phone number. I was going to call but I figured I'd surprise you."
"I am so surprised!!" How was Europe? Wait! Xander, this is my roommate Anya, An, this is Xander. He is an awesome friend."
The two exchanged small talk for a few minutes. Buffy then looked at the clock. "Oh no, Xander, you have to leave."
"What? I've been gone for four months and you can't spend five minutes with me?" He asked hurt.
"No, I can't. You should have called first. I do have plans and a life. My life didn't stop because you were gone for four months. Really Xander, you have to leave now. We can catch up soon, really, I have planes and you have to go."
"Buffy, are you all right?" Anya asked. She knew how much Buffy loved and respected Xander and didn't understand why she was speaking to him the way she was.
"Yes, I AM FINE! I have plans and it appears that none of you care! I really wish you would have called! You have to go now! Go, go and visit Oz or something."
"I don't get what has happened to you. You have changed." Xander said growing angry.
"A lot can change in four months! Go NOW!" Buffy screamed as she opened the door for him.
"Could you at least tell me where Oz lives?" Xander asked.
Buffy huffed and puffed and was ready to flip out on Xander yet again when Anya stepped in. "I'll show you where he lives."
"Thank you Anya," he said as he opened the door. On the other side of the door was a blonde haired boy about to knock.
"And you are?" Riley asked.
"Leaving," he said as he and Anya rushed by Riley. Xander never looked back on Buffy.
"Was that Anya's boyfriend?" Riley asked, oblivious to the pictures of Xander that were in a frame on Buffy's dresser.
"No, that was Xander. He-"
"Your ex boyfriend Xander?" Riley shouted.
"Yes. He-"
"He was right here in your bedroom."
"I know."
"Right before I got here," Riley said angry
'I know, he surprised me. He just came back from Europe and-"
"And what? Is this some kind of joke that you are pulling on me?"
"No Riley, of course not. H really did surprise me. My mother gave him my address." Buffy explained nervously.
"Sure she did. You probably have known that he was heading over here."
Buffy had tears in her eyes and began to shake her head. "No Riley, I didn't know. I promise you, I didn't know."
Riley just looked at her with anger in his eyes. He was getting closer to her when the door opened.
"Hey Buffy," Tara knocked as she opened the door. "Oh, I-I'm sorry. I didn't-didn't know I was interrupting."
Riley backed off of Buffy was Tara began to close the door.
"Tara, what did you need?" Buffy asked as she got closer to the door, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Be out to my car in less than five minutes," Riley said as he stormed out of the room.
"You heard him, I only have a few minutes, and what did you need?"
"Buffy, is everything all right between you two?"
"OF course it is."
"Buffy, he looked like he was going to hit you."
Buffy froze in that moment and then gave Tara a disgusted face. "You really think I would allow myself to be manipulated by another person? Tara, I thought you knew me better. Now if you excuse me, I have to go." Buffy said as she locked her door. Tara watched Buffy disappear into the crowd of people in the hall.
The Harris house. Buffy hadn't been there in months. It seemed like another life time. She walked up the stairs and rang the bell. She didn't think anyone was home because she hadn't seen any cars parked in the driveway. She was about to leave when the door opened.
"Buffy, hi."
"Angel? What are you doing here?"
"I live here, remember?" He smiled as he joked around with her. "My grandmother isn't doing so well. She had a stroke and the doctors seem to think she doesn't have a whole lot of time left so I am doing all of my classes as independent studies this semester so I can help mom out. She is going to be a wreck when everything happens, so I wanted to be here for her. That's why Xander came home."
Buffy felt bad. She knew both Angel and Xander were close to their grandmother. She then felt really bad because Xander was probably going to tell her this the other night when she exploded at him.
"I'm sorry Angel."
Angel sighed. "It's sad but she is eight-four. Nothing gold can last," he said quoting his favorite poem by Robert Frost. He quickly changed the subject. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to apologize to Xander, I was a real bitch the other night and I wanted to say I'm sorry."
"Well, he is out food shopping now. Then he's going to run a few errands. You could come in if you wanted to."
Buffy nodded and followed Angel into his house. Nothing changed in the Harris house. Every thing was exactly how Buffy remembered it. She felt bad for not visiting Mrs. Harris while her sons were away. She mad a mental not to do that more often.
"Can I get you something to drink? Soda, water, coffee?" Angel asked.
"No thanks, I am all set." Buffy said as Angel sat down. "So how is Kate doing?"
Angel shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, we broke up a few months ago. She cheated on me and that was the end. I can forgive a lot of things but not lying and cheating. Xander said you are dating someone."
Buffy smiled. "Yeah, Riley. He is great." Buffy said as she began to brag about Riley.
"Wow, he sounds like things that fairy tales are made out of," Angel said sipping his water.
"Yeah, he acts like prince charming too. He is such a great guy."
Angel stared at his water as he continued to talk to Buffy. "Does he treat you all right?"
Buffy was furious. What had Xander made up and told Angel? "Yes, he is a great guy who treats me very well. Why do people have to question our relationship? Did Xander say anything to you about Riley? He has not right and no reason to say one word about my relationship with Riley. I'm going to kill him if he is going around lying and -"
"WOW! Slow down! I was only asking as an overprotective friend. It was a rhetorical question. Wow! Take it easy!" Angel said. He felt uncomfortable with Buffy's rampage.
"Sorry," she said sheepishly as she bit her bottom lip. "A lot of people seem to have their own opinions of what is happening with Riley and me and I am kind of getting sick of defending our relationship. Sorry I bit your head off."
Angel smiled. "It's all right." He looked from his glass and into Buffy's eyes. "I just wanted to make sure you are happy."
Buffy returned Angel's smile. "I'm very happy Angel."
"Hey bro, care to help me bring in the groceries?" Xander yelled from the screen porch.
"I'll help you guys," Buffy said as she followed Angel to Xander's car.
Buffy and Xander did not exchange words. They carried the bags of food in side by side but did not speak.
"I think I am going to shower. Buffy, it was nice seeing you again."
"Bye Angel." She said as she watched Angel leave the kitchen. She began to unpack the bags and talk to Xander. "Listen, I am sorry about the other day. I shouldn't have freaked out on you like that. I just have so many things going through my head and-and it's no excuse, I'm sorry Xander."
Xander stepped away from the fridge and closed its door. "I just wanted to surprise you, and talk to you to see how you have been. I've missed our chats and talks."
"I know, I've missed our friendship too, no one can make me laugh like you do," she smiled. "Xander, I am in college now and I have a different life than high school. I am busy and I was on my way out with Riley and-"
"The blond haired creep?"
"He's not a creep."
Anya had shared a few things with Xander on the way to Oz's dorm but Xander didn't want to say anything. Oz even had a few words for Buffy's beau but Xander didn't want to interfere.
"I should have called too but I never had to do that before."
"I know, but things have changed. We're growing up. We're adults."
"Adults? That's kind of scary."
Buffy smiled. She was glad that Xander forgave her. She spent hours at the Harris house. She even stayed and helped Angel and Xander make dinner for their mother.
At nine o'clock she headed back to school. She parked her car and walked up to her room and turned the knob. Anya was sitting at her desk typing a paper.
"Hey Anya, what's up?" Buffy asked as she placed her keys on her desk.
"I'm all right. Do you have your cell phone?" She asked.
"No, the battery was dead so I kept it here to charge. Why, what happened?"
"Riley has been trying to get in touch with you," she explained as the phone rang. "That's probably him; he's been calling every hour on the hour.
Buffy walked over and answered the phone. "Hello?"
"Where the hell have you been? I have been calling your cell phone for hours. Your damn voicemail box is full because I left so many messages, don't you ever check it? I have called your room all day. Did Anya give you any of my messages?" Riley yelled. Buffy could tell he was on his cell phone which meant he was probably in his car on his way to the dorm.
"Yes, I got your messages. I went and apologized to Xander for being so mean to him the other day."
"You were at your damn ex boyfriend's house all day? That makes me feel so much better." Riley continued to yell over the phone.
"No, he wasn't there for most of the afternoon. His brother and I were-"
"So you were around his older brother all day? What the hell Buffy? You and I are supposed to be together."
Good thing he didn't realize that Angel and Xander were brothers or else there would be a lot more yelling coming from Riley's mouth. "Riley, it wasn't like that at all. We-"
Riley cut her off. "I am down the street from you. I want to see you now. Wait outside for me I will be there in a minute," he shouted.
Buffy hung up the phone and gathered her stuff again.
"Are you leaving?" Anya asked before Buffy had a chance to tell her that she was leaving."
"Yeah, Riley misses me and wants to spend some time with me. I'll be really quiet when I come in. I can't wait to see him. I miss him too," Buffy smiled as she walked out of her safe heaven and into hell.
At two thirty five in the morning Buffy finally made it back to Fisher Hall. She couldn't believe how long it took her to walk from the off campus frat house to campus. She was glad to finally put that night behind her.
She quietly opened the door and grabbed her stuff to take a shower. She wanted to hurry and finish her shower and go to bed but she was in pain. Her feet had blisters all over them from walking in her platforms. She should have worn the sneakers instead but these shoes were Riley's favorites so naturally she had to wear them.
Finally, she shut off the water and grabbed her towel. Again, she was in a lot of pain so she dried her arms and legs very carefully. She was in pain but she was relieved that the bleeding had stopped. Buffy then got dressed and walked back into her room. She put her clothes down on her chair by her desk. She shut off the desk light that Anya left on for her. Buffy unmade her bed and carefully crawled into it. After minutes of trying to find a comfortable position, Buffy began to cry softly. She was relived that Anya had slept through yet another night of coming home late with bruises all over her body. Buffy was thankful that she was struck where no one could see the bruises and the cuts, so she wouldn't have to answer any questions on how she got them.
Meanwhile, Anya laid down in her bed, wide awake. She was as quiet as a mouse so she wouldn't alarm Buffy. She knew what had happened to Buffy and she was concerned but didn't know what to do. Buffy would never admit to what Anya was thinking.