Chapter Seven

I am so glad it’s Friday. What? Were you expecting me to say TGIF? I don’t talk like that. I try to avoid those types of language stereotypes. Especially the ones we teenagers are prone to. The three biggest ones that everyone is guilty of saying every once in a while is: like, due, and totally. The next biggest one is whatever. That one I do use sometimes. I try not to but saying that is better then saying what I really want to sometimes.

“Earth to Buffy,” I hear Xander say. I look over and both he and Willow are staring at me. I guess one of them asked me a question. I haven’t been paying attention to their conversation for the last five minutes or so. I’ve been too busy thinking about Faith. The way her eyes lit up and sparkled when we were talking last night is something I won’t forget. It’s like she was starved for someone who has the same interests.

“I’m sorry,” I tell them and put my sandwich down. It’s not like I’m hungry. At least not for food. They’re both looking at me like they want me to explain why I zoned out on them. I have to lie obviously. I can’t just tell them I’ve been thinking about Faith’s eyes for the last seven minutes. “It’s just…Giles still hasn’t figured out why those vamps are turning little girls. Maybe if he can figure out why they’re being turned I can stop it from happening. And there haven’t been any reports of missing kids or anything so far.”

“But that’s a good thing, right? No missing kids means no dead kids. I really don’t see the problem with that, Buff.” Sometimes Xander just doesn’t get it. He’s right. It is a good thing, but there’s more to it then that. Hopefully I’ll be able to explain it. Otherwise I might get frustrated. It’s just one of those days. Great, now I sound like Fred Durst.

“That is a good thing Xander, but if the vamps aren’t out turning people like they normally do then what are they doing? I highly doubt they’re sitting in their nest and playing boggle all day. I think they’re planning something, something big.” I sigh a very frustrated sigh and shift in my seat. The dream I had last night has been haunting me all day, and it’s really hard to sit still.

“Maybe you’re just getting restless,” Willow says and I give her a strange look. “From what you said it sounds like it’s been really quiet slaying wise. Maybe if you spar with Faith a little more often it’ll take the edge off.” Oh I know what’ll take the edge off. I just can’t do it because not only does Faith have a boyfriend but she’s straight. You don’t stay with a guy for four years if you’re not straight.

“She told Giles she can only come in on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I don’t know why but that’s what she said so obviously she isn’t interested.” I know that’s not true. I asked Faith about it last night and she told me that Tanner doesn’t have to be at work until six on Tuesdays and Thursdays so he watches Sam while she comes to the school and spars. I can’t tell them that though. I promised Faith I wouldn’t.

“What could she be so busy with?” Taking care of a three-year-old. But Willow obviously doesn’t know that. “She’s new in town, it’s not like she has to work or anything. She never said anything about having a job.” Then Willow gets this weird look on her face and I know she’s going to say something mean. “Maybe she’s a stripper. That would make a lot of sense.” I know why Willow doesn’t like Faith, but she really needs to fuck off.

“What is with you?” You can bet your ass I sound really pissed off. Just because Xander has a think for Faith it doesn’t mean she can be a bitch to her. “Faith hasn’t done anything to you. Just because a lot of people think she’s hot it doesn’t mean she’s a big slut bomb. And even if she was a stripper it wouldn’t matter. At least she would be earning her money legally instead of stealing it.” Both of them are looking at me like I’ve grown a second head, but I don’t care.

“Take it easy Buff. Willow didn’t mean anything by it.” Oh yes she did. She hates Faith and I highly doubt that’s going to change. “But you have to admit it’s a little weird. Faith’s only been here for two almost three weeks and already she’s too busy to train. What is she doing that’s so important?” She’s taking care of her kid! I want to scream that at the top of my lungs but I can’t. The fact that I can’t is starting to frustrate me.

“I don’t know Xander.” I hate having to lie to them. “But we shouldn’t judge her. When she’s ready to tell us what she does all day then she’ll tell us.” I really need to learn to keep my emotions in check. It probably couldn’t be any more obvious that I like Faith right now. Well, it could. I could get a sharpie and write ‘I heart Faith’ across my forehead. Only instead of the word heart I would draw one. Ok, I think we need to change the subject.

“I can’t go to the Bronze with you guys tomorrow. My mom is still mad about me ditching those two classes. Maybe next weekend we can do something.” They look a little put off and I don’t blame them. I mean, I did just yell at Willow and now I’m saying I can’t go to the Bronze. They probably think I’m making it up because I’m still mad. And I am still mad, but that’s not why I don’t want t go to the Bronze. I’m not going because Faith, Sam and Tanner are coming over for dinner.

I’m really nervous about it. From what Faith said Tanner is really hot. I don’t know if I can handle that. Seeing them together is going to be hard enough. It’s just…if Tanner is so great then why would Faith choose me over him? And I know that kind of thinking is insane, but I can’t help it. I think I really am falling for Faith, and I barely know her.

I want to get her know her more, but at the same time I don’t. I’m afraid that if I get to know her even more then I’ll be in full blown love with her. Not just like her, not just crushing on her, but head over heels, standing outside her bedroom window with a boom box over my head in love with her. I know that love is supposed to be this great thing that makes you happy, and silly, and act a little crazy. But she doesn’t love me, and even if she did she has a boyfriend and a baby.

Well, actually the thought of the baby doesn’t freak me out. Sam is so cute, and well behaved. And I know I sound like I’m describing a dog or something, but it’s true. Sure after dinner she started getting a little fussy and whiney, but that’s because she wasn’t feeling too good. The medicine was starting to wear off. Faith started stressing out and it only made things worst. My mom ended up rocking Sam to sleep while Faith and I sat on the couch.

Anyway, the point I was trying to make is the thought of dating a girl with a kid doesn’t freak me out at all. I think it would be kind of fun. I’m not ready to be a mom, and helping Faith take care of Sam would take a lot of getting used to but it would definitely be worth it. And I can picture us lying bed together just cuddling and talking. Me using Faith as a pillow while we talk abut nothing in particular. And then Sam would run into the room because of a nightmare and snuggle up to both of us and fall asleep in our arms.

“Buffy are you feeling alright?” I hear Willow ask. I forgot they were there. I have got to stop thinking about Faith. It’s starting to get obsessive. “You keep zoning out on us. Is there anything you need to talk about?” Oh just the fact that I’m having sexual thoughts about a girl I barely know, I just fantasized about living together and raising her child, and I think I’m going insane. But instead I reply with:

“No, I’m fine. I think I’m catching what Faith is coming down with.” They give each other a look and I know they don’t believe me. And, ok, I am lying to them but that’s not the point. The point is I have a lot of stuff floating around my head and I don’t need them adding to my stress. I really don’t need this right now. “I hope I don’t get it too bad. Last time I got sick I had to go the hospital.” I would get up and leave but I don’t have anywhere else to go.

“Yeah that would be bad,” Willow says and I take a bite of my sandwich. I’m not hungry but at least this way I don’t have to talk. I would rather be by myself right now because there’s a lot of stuff I need to think about. But I can’t just get up and leave. I guess I have to wait until after school until I can be alone so I can think. “Oh look Buffy. Scott Hope is heading this way.” Please no.

I look over and yep Willow was right. Scott is a nice, cute guy who I know is interested in me. We have chemistry together and I’ve heard him talking to his friend who’s name I can’t remember. They weren’t talking loud, but with my slayer hearing I picked up a good portion of the conversation. He wants me, there’s no doubting that. He wants to date me, wants to sleep with me, and wants me to have his kids. Although we won’t have children until we’re married and in our late twenties. At least that’s what he said.

“Hi Buffy,” he says with a very charming smile. I smile back but I’m just trying to be polite. Don’t get me wrong I like Scoot, I think he’s funny, and really cute but I’m not interested in him in a romantic way. I’m sure one day he’ll make someone very happy. He’s obviously a commitment kinda guy, but I doubt that someone is going to be me.

“Hey Scott. What are you up to on this find Friday afternoon?” Wow, I really just said that, didn’t I? I may not like the guy but I don’t want to look like a dork. He doesn’t seem to mind though. He smiles and shifts from one foot to the other.

“Oh not much. Just walking around, taking time to notice the little things that make this school great. So far I haven’t found anything.” I laugh a little and he takes a step forward. “Then I saw you so I thought I’d mosey on over and say hi.” I’m about to say something but Willow bests me to it.

“Xander didn’t we tell Mr. Anderson we’d be in class a little early today?” Oh God no. They’re going to just leave me here. Before Xander can say anything Willow grabs onto his arm and starts walking away, practically dragging him behind her. “We’ll see you later Buffy. Don’t forget to study for that English test on Monday.” She yells that as she’s walking away. Now it’s just Scott and me. I love Willow in a sisterly way, but sometimes I don’t like her.

“Have a seat,” I tell him and scoot over on the bench so there’s more room. I’m practically falling off the edge but I don’t care. I don’t want to sit close to him because I don’t want him getting the wrong impression. I’m sure he already thinks I’m interested because of the little smiles and the fact that I asked him to sit down with me, but I’m not. I could be but right now is confusing enough without having a boyfriend to think about.

“I didn’t mean to run your friends off. I just wanted to talk to you.” I go to say something but he keeps talking. I can tell by his body language that he’s getting nervous. I really hope he doesn’t ask me out. “I’ve been asking around a little bit, and the word around the water cooler is that you’re single.”

“Wait, there’s a water cooler at Sunnydale High?” He’s looking at me like I’ve gone retarded or something. I hate it when people look at me like that. It usually means I’ve put my foot in my mouth or something. Most of the time they’re right but I’ll never admit that out loud.

“We don’t that I know of. It’s just an expression.” I totally knew that. He probably thinks I’m an idiot now. That’s just great. What, why do I care? It’s not like I want to date him. “Anyway, someone did tell me that you just got out of a pretty serious relationship, so I was just wondering if you would like to be friends with a potential for something more?” I can’t believe this.

“The person who told you that, did she have red hair, green eyes, about my height, and has a knack for studying.” He gives me a very guilty look and nods his head yes. Aww, he looks so cute right now. Dammit, focus. “Scott, you seem like a really great guy, but I’m not so sure if I’m ready for a potential for something more. It isn’t just wounds that need to heal. I have some other things going on too.” He pulls a little slip of paper out of the pocket on his shirt.

“Ok, I understand that, and I’m not trying to be stubborn.” Really? ‘Cause it seems like it. “But just in case your wounds heal, and you suddenly have nothing to do then give me a call.” He hands me that paper and I take it. “I’ll see you around.” He gets up and walks away and I don’t say anything. This is the first time I’ve ever talked to him outside of class and he gave me his number. He’s bold I’ll give him that.

So what am I supposed to do? Ok there’s option one. Option one is throwing the number in the trash, and telling Scott that thing just won’t work out because I’m too preoccupied with other things. In that situation I sound like a selfish bitch. It’ll be harsh, there’s no denying that, but it could be for the best.

Option two is giving up on this ridiculous idea that Faith is going to dump her boyfriend of four years and date a girl she’s known for almost three weeks who has nothing to offer. I still live with my mom, I don’t have a job, and I can’t drive. Oh yeah, I sound like a real winner. This is obviously the saner of the two options but I’m having a very hard time deciding.

Wait a second. Why am I only giving myself two options? These are my options. If I want the option of saying ‘screw this’ and running away to New York then I’ll keep that door open. So here it goes. I’m going to give myself a third option. I’m going to keep the number and maybe go out on a date or two with Scott, and if absolutely nothing happens with Faith then I’ll let go of that fantasy. Now if I could only figure out how I’m going to get Willow back for giving Scott the inside scoop on me then today would be perfect.

Chapter Eight

Do you remember that time I made lunch for the gang when I was still expelled from school? Right, well I have a little confession to make. That lunch was mostly just assembly work. I didn’t have to cook anything. The truth is I’m not very good at cooking. Now slicing and dicing I can totally do. I’m a master at the prep work, but it’s the not burning things that I have a problem with.

So today when my mom asked me to help with the dinner tonight I was a little nervous but I said yes. How else can you learn how to cook unless someone shows you how? Tonight my mom is one of my personal favorites. Lasagna with a side of garlic bread, and a baked potato. I know that sounds a little weird, but it’s what I like. She put me in charge of the potatoes, and everything was going fine. I heated up the oven to the right temperature, and I wrapped the potatoes in tin foil like my mom told me to.

What she forgot to mention is when baking a potato you’re supposed to take a fork and stab it a couple of times. I guess she just assumed that only an idiot wouldn’t know that because they went in puncture free and it didn’t take long for them to explode. How was I supposed to know that would happen? Nobody’s ever told me these things. I guess it doesn’t matter now. We cooked the lasagna before the potatoes so that’s safe but unfortunately the bread didn’t make it.

“Buffy it’s alright. We’ll just have a salad to go with the lasagna. Everything will be just fine. How are you going to learn unless you make mistakes?” I guess she’s right, but that isn’t really helping. I’ve been sitting at the center island for the last ten minutes pouting. I wanted dinner tonight to be perfect because Faith and Tanner and Sam are coming over. Faith and I patrolled last night and she said that Sam still isn’t feeling well but she’s ok enough to come over as long as they don’t stay too late.

Faith and I are both really nervous about tonight. Tonight we’re going to tell my mom about the vampire situation, and about the Council. Hopefully she’ll say it’s ok for them to move in. I really want them here where it’s safe, and where vampires need an invitation to get in. And ok it does have a little to do with the fact that I like her. If we’re living in the same house then I’ll be able to get to know her a lot better.

“I just feel so stupid. I can save the world from evil, and do a double back flip but I can’t heat up a potato.” I sigh in frustration and put my head down on the counter. It’s cool and my head doesn’t hurt as bad anymore. My mom puts her hand on my shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze. I know she’s just trying to make me feel better, but it’s not helping. I actually feel a tiny bit worst.

“I’m sure it took practice before you could do a double back flip, right?” I nod my head yes and she starts to rub my shoulders. Now that’s more like it. “Well, consider this your practice, and now you know that you have to poke holes in them.” I hate it when she makes valid points. I sigh and sit up straight. She stops rubbing my shoulders and goes over to the fridge. She gets out the salad mix and put it in a big bowl.

“Why don’t you go get the door while I put this stuff on the table?” she says when the doorbell rings. I hop off the stool and walk towards the living room. The quickest way to the living room is to walk through the dining room. So that’s what I do. What I see on the table makes my blood boil a little bit. My mom must’ve found them this morning and washed them because sitting on the table is my Kermit the Frog plate, my Foozie spoon, my Rowlf the Dog fork, my Animal knife, and my Miss Piggy cup. I will not get mad, I will not get mad, I will not get mad.

The doorbell rings again and I roll my eyes. What, they don’t have any patience? I walk into the foyer and I take a deep breath. Ok, I can do this. I can make it through this night without getting jealous and saying something really mean. Faith is your friend and saying something mean will hurt her eve if she doesn’t show it. What I’ve noticed about Faith is she bottles up her emotions and takes them out on the vamps and demons we run into on patrol.

I open the door and the first thing I see is Faith. She’s wearing a really nice black shirt and it looks brand new. It doesn’t have a picture or writing on it and for Faith that’s rare. At least I think it is. She’s wearing dark blue, hip hugging jeans and they look new too. I look over to the left and I see a guy standing next to her. If I had to guess I’d say he’s five ten, maybe five eleven. He has sandy blonde hair, light brown eyes, and a really nice smile.

“Hey. You guys are right on time,” I say with a polite smile. I step back and let them in the house. The guy I’m assuming is Tanner is holding Sam and she has a big smile on her face, and her arm is wrapped around the back of his neck. I remember what it felt like to be held by my dad like that. Sam’s a very lucky little girl, even if she doesn’t know it. I look over at Faith as I close the door and she has a small smile on her face.

“Buffy this is Tanner. Tanner this is Buffy,” she says and she looks a little nervous. Tanner shifts Sam to his other side and shakes my hand. Hmm, that’s a little odd. Most people don’t do that anymore. His mom must’ve raised him to be a gentleman. And here I thought chivalry was dead. After the hand shake things get very quiet and awkward. Now what are we supposed to do?

“Where’s your bathroom? I need to wash Sammy up for dinner,” Tanner asks. He has a nice voice. I can’t really describe it but I’m willing to admit that it’s nice. Faith really wasn’t exaggerating like I was hoping. Tanner is just a piece of eye candy he’s a bowl full. I really hope I can make it through tonight.

“It’s up the stairs, second door on the right.” He nods his head and walks up the stairs. He has a nice butt too. Is there anything about this guy that isn’t perfect? ‘Cause this totally isn’t fair. “So when you said that Tanner is a bowl full of eye candy you weren’t kidding.” Faith chuckles and then sighs. It’s definitely one of those ‘I have a very hot boyfriend’ type of sighs.

“Nope, I really wasn’t. He washes up nice, doesn’t he? Most of the time he’s in his Metallica t-shirt and ripped jeans, and he usually has oil marks on his face. He works on the truck a lot. I’m so used to the smell of motor oil that it’s kind of a turn on, but seeing him in slacks isn’t a bad sight at all.” I nod my head a little and try to smile but it doesn’t come. I will not get jealous tonight. I will not get jealous.

“Hi Faith,” I hear my mom say as she walks in the room. She gives Faith a little hug that doesn’t last very long. My mom opens her mouth to say something, probably to ask about Sam and Tanner, but before she can the two come down the stairs. Sam has a little frown on her face, and my eyebrows furrow a little. I wonder what that’s all about? I stay quiet while Faith makes the introductions.

“Joyce this is my boyfriend Tanner. Tanner this is Buffy’s mom Joyce.” Yeah, ‘cause I don’t think he would’ve figured that one out on his own. Ok, getting mad at Faith isn’t the answer. You wanted to meet him remember? Besides if they’re going to live here then I need to get used to the fact that this very gorgeous guy is with Faith. He shakes my mom’s hand and I ‘m sure she’s just as surprised as I was.

“Mommy, hold me,” Sam says in a whiney voice and holds her arms out for Faith. She was happy a minute ago. What happened upstairs? Faith gets a weird look on her face like this isn’t normal, and takes her daughter into her arms. “Daddy’s being mean.” I look over at Tanner with raise eyebrows and he smiles a little bit. Before anyone can as he starts explaining.

“She saw a toy pig in one of the bedrooms on our way to the bathroom and she wanted to play with it. She absolutely hates the word no.” She better keep her little paws off Mr. Gordo. She can use my Muppet dining set but Mr. Gordo is where I draw the line. My dad got me Mr. Gordo when I was nine. So I may seem selfish but she can’t touch him.

“Who really likes to be told no?” Mom says with a little smile. Then she claps her hands together and looks back and forth between Faith and Tanner. “Dinner is ready and on the table. You two have perfect timing.” We go into the dining room and we take our seats. Sam squeals when Faith puts her down and she sees the Muppets dining set. At least she likes them. And if using those makes her that happy she can use them whenever she wants. Well, at least at dinner time she can.

“Daddy look it’s a doggy fork,” she says and holds it up for Tanner to see. Jeez, what’s gotten into her? Is this really the same kid? Because the other night she barely said two words, and she cried when we looked at her. “And a bear spoon.” She puts the fork down and picks up the spoon so Tanner can see. He smiles a little and Sam gets a huge smile on her face.

“Well you’re very talkative tonight, Sam,” my mom says as she scoops up a piece of lasagna with the spatula and puts it on her plate. She passes the dish to her right and sits down. “Be careful, it’s hot.” She warns Faith. Faith gets a little smile on her face and glances over at Sam, and then looks back at my mom.

“She couldn’t wait to get here tonight so her daddy could meet Buffy and Mrs. Summers.” She looks over at Sam again and then puts a piece of lasagna on her plate, and passes it to her Tanner. “She’s really shy when she first meets someone, and when she’s with me but she loves impressing her dad. Most of the time when she’s with him I might as well not exist.” She has a smile on her face and she doesn’t sound mad or jealous or whatever. She sounds proud.

“Buffy was the same way when she was that age. I remember I would come home from work and if I got there before Hank the first words out of her mouth were ‘hi Mom, where’s dad?’” She laughs a little and so do Faith and Tanner. Sam laughs too but I think that’s because everyone else is laughing. Ok, I so need to change the subject. I don’t know to what but it needs to be changed.

“Daddy what’s that?” Sam asks when Tanner puts a small piece of lasagna on her plate. She sounds really grossed out and her nose is scrunched up. She looks really cute right now. Tanner puts a very large piece on his plate and stabs some onto his fork and looks at Sam. Her eyes are on him now and she isn’t even blinking.

“It’s lasagna,” he says and she raises an eyebrow. Holy shit. So that’s genetic? And here I thought Faith does it just to annoy me. “It’s really good.” He puts the bite of food into his mouth and slides it off the fork with his lips. As soon as the fork is gone and the noodles, meat and cheese are on his tongue his eyes go wide and he starts coughing a little. “It’s hot.” He sounds like he’s in a little bit of pain, and I’m smiling on the inside.

“You ok, babe?” Faith asks and rubs Tanner’s back with her right hand. Her left hand is on his shoulder. I will not get jealous, I will not get jealous, I will not get jealous. “Drink some water.” She hands him his glass of water and he takes a little sip, and the coughing calms down. “Joyce said it was hot. You should’ve blown on it.” She gives him a dimple filled smile, and runs her hand down his arm as she turns back to her own plate.

I give Tanner a polite smile when he passes the casserole dish to me. I want to hate him because he’s with Faith but he’s making it hard. So far he’s been nothing but nice, and polite. Everyone is quiet while we make up our salads. Even Sam gets some. I’ve never seen a little kid eat a salad before. What was that one episode of Tiny Toon Adventures, real kids don’t eat broccoli? Well in this case it’s real kids don’t eat salad.

“So Tanner,” my mom says and takes a sip of wine. Uh-oh. I know that tone of voice. She’s going to interrogate him. This should be good. I cover up a smile by taking a very large drink of water. “You and Faith have been together for four years, is that correct?” Tanner swallows the bite of food, and wipes his mouth off with his napkin.

“It’ll be four years in November.” He even remembers their anniversary! No guys remember that. He gets a playful smile on his face and glances over at Faith. “Ever since she got her slayer strength I’ve been too afraid to forget the important dates.” Faith smiles but reaches over and pushes him on the shoulder. He pushes her back and they’re both laughing now. I can’t help but roll my eyes at their cuteness. Do they have to flaunt it?

“Are you working at all?” She’s keeping her tone light and making it seem like it’s friendly curiosity but I know that look in her eyes. It’s the same look she gets when I introduce her to one of my boyfriends. I’ve dated a few people before Angel, and I introduced them to my mom. Don’t look so surprised. Anyway, I take another bite of my yummy lasagna and wait to hear what Tanner has to say.

“I work at the grocery store. I’m a stock boy.” Ok, so I guess he’s telling the truth since that’s what Faith said too. “It only pays minimum wage, but I’ve been working a lot of double shifts the last week and a half, and the Council is paying for our room.” He’s getting defensive, which is understandable, but so not the way to go. My mom isn’t going to call him out on it or anything but for future reference he needs to learn to chill out.

“Mom, Faith and I sorta wanted to talk to you about something. Well, actually I did, Faith is just sort of going with it.” I’ve been spending way too much time with Willow. “There’s this group of vampires that’s new in town.” I might as well get this over with. I glance over at Faith and I can tell she’s thinking the same thing. “And I know with Sunnydale being a hellmouth that isn’t surprising but these ones are really bad. Right now it just isn’t safe at a motel. Since motels are a communal business vampires don’t need an invitation to enter the rooms.”

“You’ve been staying at a motel?” my mom asks Faith. Her eyebrows are furrowed but her tone wasn’t harsh so I’d say she’s boarder line mad. “I thought you had an apartment. Buffy why didn’t you tell me they were staying at in motel?” How can she be angry at me right now? This so isn’t fair.

“Faith didn’t want me to tell you. Don’t get mad, ok? But we talked about it a little already and we both think it would be safer if Faith, and Sam, and Tanner move in here for a while. At least until we take care of this vampire cult.” My mom gets a look on her face like I’ve gone completely insane.

“Of course they can move in. We have two spare bedrooms we’re using for storage. It’ll take a day or two to clean them out, but I’m sure we can get Willow and Xander to help out.” Faith and I make eye contact and she looks like she’s about to panic. I know why and I give her a look that says ‘calm down, I’ll handle it’ but I don’t think my message is getting across.

“They can’t help, Mom. The Council doesn’t know that Faith has a daughter. Nobody in Sunnydale but us knows, and it has to stay that way for now. If the Council finds out they’ll take her away.” My mom pales a little in the face and she stops moving. She looks completely shocked and I have no idea what to do next. I didn’t practice this part. I only had time to practice the telling her part. I didn’t get around to the possible reactions.

“Joyce,” Tanner says and puts down his fork. His voice is soft but full of seriousness. It’s almost like he’s demanding her attention, but not in a mean way. I thought Faith said he was shy? Shy people don’t sound like that. “It was a huge shock to me too. But you can’t tell anyone. If the Council finds out horrible things will happen.” Yeah, Faith will go psycho and start killing the Council members. And I’ll be right behind her in case she misses any. “You’re a parent, and I bet there’s nothing you wouldn’t do to protect your daughter. I’m asking you as a parent to help me protect mine.” Not only is he gorgeous he’s great at giving speeches. He’s perfect.

“Buffy and I will clean out the room this weekend. You three can move in on Monday. I’m sorry, excuse me.” She gets up and walks into the kitchen. She’s had to deal with so much since I told her about me being a slayer. I really don’t think she can handle anymore information. I look over at Faith and she has this look of pride on her face. Her hand is on top of Tanner’s on the table and their fingers are laced together. I’m too worried about my mom to be jealous.

“I think we should go now, and let you two talk,” Faith says and stands up. I don’t want her to go but I don’t feel like arguing. I nod my head and stand up too. Tanner picks up Sam and we make our way towards the front door. “Tell your mom dinner was great. I haven’t had lasagna that good in a long time.” I smile a little bit and stop in the foyer. I look into her eyes and I can’t really tell what she’s feeling. There’s too many conflicting emotions.

“I’ll tell her that. Drive safe, ok? You never know what might jump out in front of your car.” I really just said that, and there’s nothing I can do to change it. Faith is being totally sweet and I was cold just now. Drive safe? What kind of shit is that? I think it’s because they’re holding hands, and standing really close together. They love each other and there’s nothing I can do about it.

They leave and I’m just standing here staring at the front door. Tanner is perfect. He seems really smart, and he’s hot, he obviously a good dad because Sam’s world revolves around him. There’s no way in hell I’m going to be able to compete with that. And I’m not even sure I want to. Let’s say I do decide to win over Faith. Hypothetically I tell her how I fell, and I show her how I feel, and she chooses me over Tanner. I wouldn’t just be winning Faith like some prize. I’d be breaking up a family. I’d be no better then the slut my dad left my mom for.

I can’t do that. I’m not going to be ‘the other woman’. I’m not going to be the slut that breaks up a happy family. I have to just let go of this fantasy of Faith and I being a couple. I need to move on, and right now. I got upstairs to my bedroom and dig around in my backpack until I find what I’m looking for. I pick up my phone and unfold the little piece of paper. I very slowly dial all the numbers and hold the phone up to my ear.

“Hi, is Scott there?...Hey, it’s Buffy. I was thinking about what you said today, and I thought I’d give you a call……Well, I’m busy this weekend but maybe next weekend we can do something. I have to check with my mom first……Yeah, mine can be just as bad.”

Chapter Nine

Great, who’s at the door? I’m not expecting anyone, and I don’t think my mom is expecting a package or anything. She had to leave about half an hour ago. The person who’s supposed to cover for her on weekends called in sick so my mom had to go to the gallery. Which means I’m cleaning out the spare bedrooms by myself. At least I was cleaning. Now I have to stop and go downstairs and find out who the mystery guest is. I hope it isn’t Giles with bad news. My day is horrible enough as it is.

I’m about halfway down the stairs when the doorbell rings again. Jeez, patient much? Would it kill them to wait a few seconds? It’s not like this is the year 4513. I can’t just vaporize and reappear downstairs. And how bad ass would that be? I’d never be late again. Unless my alarm clock didn’t go off and it takes me a little longer to get ready. Then I would be late. With everything being instant I wouldn’t even have the excuse ‘my mom’s car broke down’. Stupid year 4513. Why am I even thinking about this?

I open the door and to my surprise I see Faith. She’s by herself and she looks really tense. Her shoulders look rock hard, and the look in her eyes is not a good one. She’s wearing a black zip up hoodie with a purple skull on one side. Why is she wearing that? It’s like eighty degrees outside. A little red flag is going up in my mind but I ignore it.

“I thought I’d stop by and with the rooms since they’re for me and mine.” Her voice sounds really horse and scratchy. I wonder why it’s like that? It’s almost like she was yelling or something. Why does she look so irritated now? “Can I come in or what?” Oh, that’s probably why. I open the door wider and step to the side.

“Sorry, come on in,” I tell her as she walks passed me. I close the door and lock it. I know I’m a slayer but my mom gets mad if I don’t. “I was just about to take a break from the cleaning to get something to eat. Do you want anything?” She shakes her head no but she walks into the kitchen anyway. Ummm, ok. I needed to go in there anyway, obviously.

When I walk into the kitchen Faith is sitting at the center island. She’s picking at her cuticles and her shoulders are slumped. It’s almost like she looks defeated. Ok, what the fuck happened? I’ve never seen Faith look like that before. I didn’t even know Faith could look like that. The little red flag from before is back, and now it won’t be ignored.

“Is your mom here? I didn’t see the car outside,” she says before I can ask her what’s wrong. I hate it when people do that. Why would Faith be asking about my mom? Now things are just getting creepy. It isn’t a bad thing that she’s asking about my mom. But the asking, and the sweater in eighty degree weather, and the voice maybe add up to something bad. And I want to know what.

“No, she isn’t. The person who takes the weekends called in sick so my mom had to go to work. She’s picking up Chinese on the way home, and I think she said something about picking up a bed but she was rushing and I didn’t understand the last part.” I open the fridge and pull out everything I need to make a ham sandwich. I glance over at Faith and she looks a little upset. “Is there anything you need to talk about? ‘Cause I’m a pretty good listener if you wanna talk.”

“I’m fine,” she says and keeps picking at her cuticles. Trust me, she doesn’t sound convincing. “I was just wondering where your mom is.” We’re quiet as I make my sandwich. I feel rude that I’m only making one but she said she didn’t want anything. Ok, this silken is getting pretty awkward. I really don’t think my silence breaker should be ‘I think I’m in love with you, please take me now’. Color me crazy but I don’t think that’s the best way to go.

“It’s gonna be nice having our own room,” she says. Or we can go with that. I give her a ‘huh?’ type of look and she gets a little smile on her face. “You saw the room, B. There’s only one bed. We bought Sam one of those little kid beds but almost every night she comes crawling into mine so her daddy can save her from the nightmares. She might be like that here for a while because it’s a new house and everything, but I think she’ll be glad to finally have her own space.”

“I know that this is totally none of my business but I’m curious.” I can’t believe I’m about o ask this. “If you don’t’ have your own room how do you and Tanner…you know, after you go slaying?” I wasn’t willing to admit this to any of my friends but Faith’s little H and H theory definitely exists. Ever since I became a slayer I’ve gotten to know my right hand very well. Anyway, she gets this little cocky smirk on her face and finally stops picking at her cuticles.

“Most of the time we take a shower together. I wake him up when I get back and we go at it until the hot water runs out.” She gets this look on her face that is making me want to hug her. She looks so sad and I have no idea why. “He used to be so good. I thought he was like a god or something. But ever since I became a slayer it just isn’t enough. I came five times last night and I still wanted more.” I really didn’t need to know that, but at least she’s opening up a little bit.

“Why are you wearing a jacket when it’s, like, eighty outside?” She sighs a very large sigh and unzips the hoodie. She’s wearing a white shirt underneath. She has got to be burning up. The air conditioner is on and it’s almost too hot in here for me. Anyway, she takes the jacket off and her arms are covered with bruises. Um, ok. What the hell? I’m trying really hard not to get mad, but I really want to kill whatever did that to her.

“I went patrolling last night. Ran into a couple pretty strong vamps, but I’m still walkin. Can’t say the same for them. Oh well, at least she killed them. I don’t like the thought of Faith patrolling by herself. I know that she’s a slayer too, and before she came to Sunnydale she patrolled by herself but I want to make sure she’s ok. Plus patrolling with Faith is always really fun.

We don’t talk about much while I eat. Faith scarfs down half a bag of chips and two sodas though, which is good. Her watching me eat would’ve been very awkward. I can tell by the look in her eyes and by her body language that she’s feeling a little better. I’m glad that I can help. I know she wanted to talk to my mom about something but I’m not going to bother her about it.

“So, let’s get this party started,” she says as we walk into the room that she and Tanner are going to be staying in. My bedroom is right next to theirs, and I’m not looking forward to it. I’ve seen how Faith gets after slaying, and she was just saying how much she’s looking forward to having her own room with Tanner. They might not right away, but eventually they are going to have sex, and I’m not looking forward to hearing it. I have slayer hearing so even if they try to be quiet I’m sure I’ll hear a lot of it.

“I’m almost done packing everything. After that all we need to do is vacuum, and dust. The other room isn’t as bad as this one.” I thought it would be easier to leave the better one for later. Don’t ask me why but I thought it would be easier because I honestly don’t know why. I think the real question here is why am I thinking about this now? Faith and I have the house to ourselves. I’m not going to try anything. I’m just saying that we can talk about anything, and really get to know each other.

“I brought that CD,” she says and reaches into her jacket pocket. She pulls out two CDs, and hands the top one to me. Before I can thank her she keeps talking. “And I brought this one. It’s wicked bitchin. I don’t know if you’ll like it but ya might.” She hands it to me and on the cover is a girl with blonde frizzy hair, and she looks sad. That’s kind of how I feel right now. When did I get so emo?

“Thanks. I’ll listen to them tonight.” I put them down on one of the boxes and we get to work. I’m trying really hard to think of something to say but I can’t think of anything. Talking about those CDs will make it look like I’m just talking to kill the silence, and I don’t want her to think that. I really don’t want to talk about Tanner, and I don’t know how much she’ll tell me about Sam. The silence right now isn’t awkward, and I really don’t want that to change.

“Let me help you with that,” I hear her say. I don’t know why my mom thought it would be cool to put shelves up in here. It wouldn’t be so bad but my mom, like Faith, is taller then me, and I’m having trouble reaching the little statue on the very top one. I feel Faith’s breasts press against my back and her arm brushes against mine as she reaches up and grabs the statue.

Time stands still, and my heart rate triples. Her skin is so soft, at least the skin on her arm is really soft. I’m sure the rest of her is the same way. I can feel the little puffs of her breath on the back of my neck, and it makes a shiver run down my spine. I feel my face and neck get really hot and I know I’m flushed. I also feel some wetness start to grow in a place much farther south.

“Here,” she says and her voice is turning me on even more. I watch as she slowly brings her arm down with the statue in hand. I feel her move away from me and I slowly turn around. She didn’t move far though, and my nose is almost touching hers. Every time she inhales her breasts brush against mine. Her face is flushes and her pupils are dilated. She looks so fucking hot right now. It would be so easy to lean forward and kiss her.

“Buffy, I….” she starts to say but then she trails off. Her breath tickles my lips and I can’t help but lick them. I try as hard as I can not to blink as I stare into those dark chocolate orbs. I lean forward about a centimeter but I’m not even sure I moved at all. “Buffy I…we….” I’ve never heard Faith trip over her words like this. I slowly lift my hand up and gently move some of her hair away from her face and softly tuck it behind her ear. I can’t believe I’m about to kiss Faith.

At least I was about to kiss her until the doorbell rang two seconds ago. Faith jumps back like she was burned, and that little moment we had going is ruined. She doesn’t say anything as she walks across the room and starts packing again. Her breathing is a little labored so I know she felt that too. It doesn’t matter that the moment only lasted about forty-five seconds, we definitely had some kind of connection. It’s too bad we’ll never see where it would’ve gone. I’m glad it was ruined. Faith has a family, and kissing her might’ve ruined that. And like I said, I don’t want to be responsible for that. Now if I can only say that and mean it.

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