Chapter 4
Buffy's mom had a rule about going out on school nights, homework had to be completed first, back by midnight. Xander had suggested the four of them go to a local nightclub called "the Bronze." Buffy suggested to her mother that she go check it out, make sure it was appropriate for Dawn. Buffy also wanted a night away from her sister. The Bronze seemed okay, not violent, she had to wear a stamp so they knew not to serve her alcohol. They played good music, Willow said the owner gor some real talent to play here. The owner, Lorne, was a bit eccentric. Lorne always dressed up in an elaborate green costume when he came here. But he seemed nice enough and there was no cover charge. Around 10pm Buffy decided to walk home. It had been a big day and she figured she should get some rest. As Buffy walked home she began smoking a ciggarette. Her mother didn't approve of her smoking and this was her only chance to do so without a lecture or so she thought. As Buffy waited at a crosswalk she saw a young man standing next to her. He seemed to have come from nowhere, more likely Buffy hadn't noticed him. This young man seemed only a few years older than Buffy, and went by the name Angel.
Angel: That's not really good for your health.
Buffy: Sorry. I can put it out if it bothers you.
Angel: Thanks, really more your health I'm concerned about.
Buffy: Thanks but I already have a mother.
Angel: Let's just say I've been around a bit longer than you, learned from my mistakes.
Buffy: Good luck with that. I should probably get home, my mom's expecting me. I'm Buffy.
Angel: Angel. Take care.
As this man walked away Buffy felt a bit off. Angel seemed good-looking, in an annoying sort of way. But a guy his age striking up a conversation with a highschool girl was likely trouble. Then Buffy saw something on the ground, perhaps Angel had dropped it. He seemed to already be gone. Buffy wasn't particularly religious, but she recognized this. It was a crucifex, or cross, the kind to wear around your neck. If she ever saw Angel again she'd return it to him, until then Buffy decided to keep it for safe-keeping.