Chapter 25: Careful Plans
Two months later, after many tears and disappointments, it was the end of April, which brought prom seasons closer.
Oz was getting his tour information ready for the summer for their Europe trip and Willow was psyched.
Anya and Xander were actually preparing a summer wedding so they were also excited about the future.
Buffy's future sat on a limb and didn't move. She was all set up for Oxford but other than that, she had no idea. When she had spoken to Spike the last few months, he was always in a rush. He was running from one meeting to another and while he always made sure to make time for her, sometimes their time was squished in between other commitments.
Buffy was a little nervous that even if she went to England, that by living in the dorms, she would never see Spike. She spent much of her time mopping around and feeling bad for herself. She would offer her excited friends smiles but inside she felt like dying.
With prom coming up, she did manage to buy a black silk dress with gold trim for the big day. She looked great in it but she had no effort to set up appointments to look any better. Luckily Anya and Willow included her in their appointments and plans.
By the time prom weekend had rolled around, Buffy had a graduation dinner to attend. Her mom was going but her dad was not. He had some important meeting to attend that night leaving Buffy to get dressed in a beautiful red dress that shimmered in the light with her mom only.
As they stepped out of the car, Buffy didn't have time to be sad her dad couldn't make it and that Spike hadn't made it in time for this. Spike was to arrive later in the morning tomorrow meaning he would miss the ceremony. She wasn't even sure he was coming. He had said so but hadn't made plans for her to meet him at the jetport yet.
Just as she was about to sigh, she was quickly surrounded by Anya, and Willow who were talking nonstop about the money they had earned for their future. She was number two in her class and with Willow as number 1 and Anya has number 3, the girls had been all given assistance for college.
Anya wasn't taking hers but Willow was going to Sunnydale U although she had been accepted into Oxford with Buffy. She wanted to be close to Oz. Anya just wanted to get into the business world.
With the girls constantly chattering around her as they entered the assigned meeting place, Joyce went to take her seat next to Spike's Aunt Jenny and Anya's grandparents. Joyce watched as the ceremony started and finished without a problem. Buffy then raced across the room holding her plaque and check with a grin, "I'm getting money to go to Oxford. Lots of money! I won't even need all those loans!"
Joyce smiled happily at her daughter as Buffy's face then fell as she remembered Spike wasn't there for her big day. Joyce put her arms around her daughter whispering, "Want to go home? I'll make you some hot chocolate."
Buffy smiled a little at her mom but shook her head, "I just want to walk."
Her mom nodded and gave her a tighter squeeze, "I'm so proud of you Buffy. You know that right? You have done well for yourself. Spike will be here for your prom, don't worry."
Buffy nodded and started to walk away. The only pause she did was to hand her mother the plaque and check before disappearing out into the night. Before she realized it, she found herself standing in front of the garden where Spike and her had always met before.
Buffy walked towards the bench they sat on and curled up tightly with her knees to her chin as she wrapped her arms around her legs. She rocked herself gently on the bench wishing Spike was here to comfort her. She knew one look from him and one smile would make the world a brighter place.
She hadn't seen him since Christmas and it was already May. She hummed a quiet tune to herself not even hearing the sound of footsteps coming towards her. Suddenly she felt Spike's presence as she stood up quickly wiping her eyes.
I got tired of waiting wondering if you were ever coming around
Buffy was suddenly angry, as she stood in front of Spike. Spike looked amazing but Buffy was hurt and disappointed, "You missed my big day. I earned a large scholarship and some grants and you weren't there. You missed my birthday, you missed my big day and I haven't been able to talk to you and even share my life. You're always so busy. I'm tired of waiting around for you to show up. I'm tired of wondering if you will be there when I get home. Something has got to give…."
My Faith in you was fading
She paused wiping her eyes as she whispered words that broke Spike's heart, "Do you even love me anymore? Do you even care? I used to know that for sure. I had such strong faith that we would work and now…I can't believe that easily. It's fading and fading fast…"
She paused as she was engulfed in Spike's loving arms, "Of course I love you Buffy. I had a lot to do. I had to buy us a house, arrange for us both to have a place in my business. I am a student and a business owner plus a boyfriend. Granted right now a bad bloody boyfriend but still a boyfriend nonetheless. I love you Buffy, I'll always love you."
When I met you on the outskirts of town, and I said
Buffy wiped her eyes as she stared into his blue eyes with her sad green ones, "I didn't know you'd be here. I thought you'd be here tomorrow. I was walking and found myself in our spot just on the edge of town in the garden where we always met. I came here to be close to you. I haven't felt close to you in a while…"
Romeo save me I've been feeling so alone
I keep waiting for you but you never come
Spike hugged her tightly whispering, "I'm sorry…"
Buffy continued though cutting him off, "I've been feeling so alone and like no one cares. My friends all have boyfriends and girlfriends leaving me out. I know we decided we'd do long distance but we have a month left and even probably longer than that until I can move into my dorm in the fall. Doors don't open for that until September and there's no guarantee I could see you even then because you're just so busy. My birthday really hurt. I kept waiting for you to come…but you never came. I was alone and upset on my birthday and you weren't there…"
Is this in my head? I don't know what to think
Buffy broke down into sobs as she pounded hard on his chest. Spike didn't stop her allowing her to get her anger out, "Is this real? Are you really here? Are you going to skip graduation like you did my birthday? Is life just too busy for you to make this work? Is this fantasy world all in my head? Do you still want the same things I do? I don't even know what to think anymore. People say you love me and want me but you've been so busy."
Spike kissed her soundly as he whispered, "I've been busy for you. It's not easy to build a life together in a foreign country. There was so much to prep and do…."
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring
He then shocked Buffy as she broke contact with her as he knelt to the ground. He looked up at her with tears in his eyes as he whispered, "I love you Buffy Summers and want you to be mine."
He pulled a black box out of his pocket holding it out to her as he opened it.
And said, marry me Juilet
He whispered the words Buffy never imagined would come from him, "Marry me Buffy. I love you so much I couldn't imagine my life without you…"
You'll never have to be alone
"This way you will never have to be alone again. You can finish high school in a month and then we can get married and move to England together right away. I have a house, money and a job along with part of a college education.."
Buffy shook her head not saying no but in shock, "But how we will make it work? What will happen to us? Will we be separated? Will my parents have a fit? Can we really do this?"
I love you and that's all I really know
Spike was honest as he tried to answer Buffy's questions, "I don't know how this will work. I just know I want to spend forever with you because I love you. Somehow this love will conquer all. I promise it will baby. Love has to bloody well conquer all."
I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress
Buffy smiled big as Spike told her the next set of news, "I already talked to your parents. Her mum gave her blessing right off but your step-dad had some issues. We talked tonight about a lot. I finally was able to tell him about Dru and Angel, my brother since they were married last month. I was able to tell your father about how Dru had cheated on me by sleeping with my brother and then had left Sunnydale already pregnant to try to be closer to him. I told him how Dru rejected my offer for marriage only wanting her precious Angel. I told him how much I love you and how I will always love you. Your father then gave me his blessings so guess what Buffy?"
Buffy grinned as she looked down at Spike, "Go pick out your wedding dress and choose your bridesmaids and all that fancy stuff. Pick the place you want your wedding because we are getting married baby!"
He stood up circling his arms around her waist as he smothered her with kisses until it hit him.
It's a love story, baby just say yes
Spike looked at Buffy suddenly worried, "You never said yes. It's a love story baby so you've got to say yes."
Buffy gave him a passionate kiss as she practically cheered hugging him close, "Oh Spike yes I'll marry you. I've been longing for this moment all my life. I love you William Pratt and will be yours forever. It is a love story, our love story."
Both stood in the garden even as the rain started to fall twirling around in circles losing themselves in kisses as they started the rest of their lives together.