We had a meal a week later at her favourite Japanese restaurant and since then reconnected with each other. Texts became a norm with us and it was like old times. We would meet up and hang out. Sometimes, castmates from our old show would join us and we reminisce on old times.

By 2016, the show where I was a history teacher was in its last year and I was considering of taking a break before venturing on a new project. At this time, I was offered to star in a drama playing a husband whose wife suffers from short-term memory loss. It was inspired by the movie '50 First Dates' but with a slightly dramatic take. I was unsure because I really felt I needed a break. By this time, I haven't stopped working in 18 years. I wanted to spend time with my kids and was already planning to bring them on a holiday.

My agent was trying to convince me to take the part because there were a few actors eyeing the role but the producers wanted me however, I was still hesitant. Then, I heard that Buffy was offered the role of the wife and this was supposed to be her come back role after being away from TV for so long. I called her to ask if she was likely to take the role because honestly, I would love to work with her again. Having her on board would be the deal-maker.

Three months later, we began principal photography for our new show. I was excited to work with Buffy again and apparently, so was the rest of the world. Articles started popping up with headlines like 'Blaine and Lara reunited' or 'Blara-ship is still sailing' and we were getting requests for interviews. We haven't even started filming yet. The producers of the new show was ecstatic for the hype but told us to keep things hush hush.

One month after the photo shoot, we began shooting. It was just like old times, working with Buffy was so familiar and comfortable. Although we haven't worked together in a long time, we just seem to pick up where we left off. Our chemistry was just as sizzling as it was many years ago. The first season ended with high ratings and the network increased our salaries for the second season.

We decided to celebrate as a cast and went out for dinner. Buffy was late claiming that her daughter was unwell but just yesterday; she told me that Dawn was away on a 5-day school trip to Florida. I frowned but didn't say anything, deciding to ask her about it later.

Dinner was great and we bonded however, I noticed Buffy was unusually quiet. She wasn't very talkative to begin with but she didn't talk much, wasn't engaging in any of the conversations and was constantly drinking. When she asked for a third bottle of wine, none of the castmates batted their eyelashes but I knew Buffy and she doesn't drink this much.

"Hey, you okay?" I asked her quietly.

"Yeah."

"You're drinking an awful lot today."

"I can drink if I want to and besides, we're celebrating right?"

"Yeah but the last time we celebrated your show's 100th episode, you didn't drink 3 bottles of wine".

She smiled at the memory.

"That was a good time. Things were so good back then. William and I were getting serious and everything was good".

I frowned. She was drunk and was starting to slur. She reached out to pour another glass of wine but I took the bottle out of her reach.

"Hey! Give it back."

"That's enough wine for you tonight."

"Angel…"

"You're going to have a cup of hot coffee".

Two hours later, the dinner party was over and we all went our separate ways. I helped Buffy to her car. She seemed to have sobered up a little after the cup of coffee.

"Are you okay to drive? Should I call William to pick you up?"

"No, I'll be fine."

"Why don't I drive you home? You can send someone to pick up your car tomorrow," I offered.

"I really feel better after the coffee you ordered for me."

Her voice seemed so distant, like Buffy wasn't there.

"Buffy, is everything alright?"

"Of course. I'm just a little tired is all. Thanks for walking me to my car."

"Sure."

She leaned and kissed me on the cheek and I felt my heart skipped. When she hugged me and stayed there for a while, my hands instinctively wrapped around her small frame. She was always so easy to hold. I felt my heart beating faster.

What was wrong with me? This was my friend Buffy. This was my married friend, Buffy! I can't be having warm, fuzzy feelings for her.

I immediately let my hand drop to my side and moments later, Buffy pulled away. She cupped my face and smiled. I returned her smile and tried to calm my heart.

"You're truly an Angel, you know that?"

"I think my ex-wives may disagree with you on that."

"Well, it's their loss", she joked.

A moment later her smile vanished.

"You'll find her, Angel; someone who sees how beautiful you are, how good of a man you are."

"I don't think I want to have someone anymore. I think two divorces pretty much speaks a lot about me."

"I don't believe that. Two divorces just mean you haven't found Mrs. Right and that's okay. Some people find their soul mate much later in life."

"Soul mate? You believe in that?"

"Of course. You don't?"

"I mean, growing up you hear about all this but after being divorced twice, I don't think there is such a thing."

I waited a few moments before asking, "Is William your soul mate?"

She stared at me and smiled.

"Good night, Angel" and got into her car.

She started her engine, looked at me one last time before driving out of the parking lot.

It was Wednesday morning and I got up later than usual. We were given a couple of months break before shooting for the second season started. I was planning to stay at home and unwind. Maybe watch Netflix to catch up on a few shows. I opened my door and picked up my morning paper, turned on the TV and started to brew my coffee. I was intently reading my paper when I heard Buffy's name on TV.

"William Lane has moved out of the home shared with TV star, Buffy Summers. Our sources tells us that it is over between the two after William was caught cheating on her with Dru Bates. The couple met on a movie set and dated for 3 years before tying the knot. They have two children aged 11 and 6. At this time, the couple's rep could not be contacted for further comment. Stay tuned for updates", the reporter said.

What? William cheating on Buffy with Dru Bates? Is he insane? Dru Bates was immensely popular in the 90s with 2 hit movies and a TV show but anyone who has been in the industry long enough knew that she was bad news. Professionally, she was known to throw tantrums and stormed off set when things didn't go her way and she lives by the motto; whatever she wants, she gets. And by the looks of it, she got what she wanted again.

It all fell into place. Why she was distracted on Monday when we had the dinner. Why she was drinking so much. She was drowning her sorrows. I had to talk to her. I immediately called her but there was no answer. I proceeded to call our friends but they also didn't know where she was.

I wasted no time and got in my car and drove around the streets of LA. I drove by her neighbourhood but there were photographers and reporters surrounding her home. I quickly drove away, not wanting to be seen. Her missing Lexus from the driveway meant she was not home. I stopped by the roadside and tried calling her again. Still no answer.

I realised that it was a school day and school was going to be out in 30 minutes. I tried my luck and drove to Connor's school. I arrived with ten minutes to spare and nothing seems out of the ordinary but after years of being in this industry, my trained eyes noted that there were at least 3 photographers lurking near the premise. One was hiding behind a tree, another was in his car near the school's entrance and the last one was sneaking near a property next to the school.

Buffy's Lexus was nowhere to be seen. I frowned, a little puzzled. Her kids have a nanny that picks them up but whenever she has the time or when her break coincides with the time her kids' school ends, she picks them up personally. I didn't know why but I felt that Buffy was here.

Usually celebrities, me included, send their children to private schools or schools with tight security for safety reasons. Their schoolmates will usually be kids of other celebrities and because of the demographics, their teachers and staff are experienced in handling photographers and the media frenzy. As a celebrity parent, it gives you comfort that your kids are in good hands when they're in school.

Buffy however, sees nothing wrong sending them to a regular school like every other American parent. The school her kids went to was a good school but that meant that she was the only celebrity parent of this school so when you see photographers lurking, you know it's because of her.

Shortly after, the school bell rang and I felt a tug in me. Like a weird warm feeling came and suddenly, I felt her. I knew where she was. I got out of my car and started walking towards the gate and from the distance, I saw her, with shades, her hair tied in a ponytail. She was looking around, wary of her surroundings.

"Mommy!" was the next thing I heard and all worries seemed to have melted away from her visage, replaced with a smile only for her son as Connor jumped into her arms. I smiled at the sight but it quickly vanished when two photographers suddenly lunge towards them and started snapping pictures.

Buffy immediately pulled Connor and tucked him behind her, holding her hand up and looking down, shielding her face away. She kept Connor behind her and tried to walk away from the photographers but when the third one came out suddenly, Buffy was overwhelmed and Connor was scared. By now, there was a crowd surrounding them.

Without hesitation, I immediately raced to the scene and stood in between, shielding them with my body. Buffy looked up at me surprised, "Angel", she said and my heart skipped again.

After a moment, I carried Connor in my right arm, wrapped my left around her shoulders and tucked her at my side. Connor wrapped his small arms around me and buried his face in my shoulder. I could feel him crying. Buffy held onto me and I felt her fear.

I weaved through the photographers but when one of them tugged Buffy's arm, I lost it. I grabbed his wrist and shoved his hand away.

"Touch her again and you'll regret it", I growled.

I held Buffy's hand tightly, pulled her away and briskly walked towards my car. When we drove off, I checked the mirrors, trying to make sure that we were not followed. I was thankful that laws were now more stringent on these reporters and photographers. They knew that if they followed, we could press charges.