Chapter 1
The world around her crumbled away with all rational thought ceasing to exist as Buffy gazed into his eyes. The eyes that were now pinning her in place with their aching familiarity. The unspoken emotions and desperation clearly on display. His heart naked for her perusal, just like it had always been. William was alive.
But there was something else too. Something she’d never seen in him before. The bestial power holding him captive simmered beneath the surface of his now sallow skin, pulling his muscles taut, ready to move at the slightest hint of... what exactly?
Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms. Pain was good. Familiar. It helped her stay grounded and kept her from crossing the distance that could as well have been miles for the hollowness it imprinted upon her soul. 'Can’t touch him. Not mine anymore. Not William anymore either.'
They stood there, the night shrouding their regret and sorrow as the street lamp illuminated them through the thick blackness of the late hour. His voice rumbled through the silence, startling her.
“Hello, luv. Long time no see, eh?”
********
2 years earlier
Buffy stretched out on her bed, headphones in her ears as she stared unmoving at the ceiling above her. She’d never noticed the crack before. The black tiny crack seemed to get bigger the longer she stared at it. It was just her imagination, she knew that. Still, for a moment, Buffy imagined it would open up and swallow her whole. A portal to a world where things would be different, where someone would actually care about her feelings and thoughts.
Maybe if she just managed not to blink…
A dull crash came from downstairs, followed by loud voices. Turning up the volume of the music, she squeezed her eyes shut. Ever since she first met Ted, she knew her life would change forever. At first, Buffy was just angry at her mother for finding a substitute so soon after the divorce with Dad. For being able to move on so quickly, when Buffy still couldn’t help but feel occasional pangs of not having him in her life, no matter how lacking her father was. But then it got worse. Ted constantly threatened her, even hit her when she mouthed off. Which was pretty much all the time.
Her mother told her she was being irrational and selfish. Ted was a prefect gentleman, of course. He’d never hurt Joyce or Buffy the way Hank had. It was all a load of crap. Or so Buffy had told her. Her mother had slapped her. It was just that once, and Joyce had been horrified, apologizing profusely. But the damaged had already been done. Buffy could still feel the sting of her mother’s betrayal on her cheek. The one person that was supposed to love her unconditionally had chosen her boyfriend over her own blood.
The voices from downstairs became louder. Then there was silence. Someone stomped up the stairs and the door to her bedroom flung open. Buffy sat up, glaring at the intruder. It was Ted, bearing that fake disturbing smile. Except, this time he looked like he was really satisfied. Like the time he had persuaded her mother to remove the lock from her door. Buffy turned off the music and removed the headphones from her ears. Joyce was standing behind Ted with a nervous expression.
“What do you want?” Buffy snapped, determined not to show him how worried she was. He could take away her privacy and turn her mother into his obedient little slave, but she’d be dead before he’d ever make her submit to him.
“We have great news to tell you, don’t we, sweetheart?” He glanced at Joyce over his shoulder then grinned at Buffy.
“What news?” Buffy was almost too afraid to ask.
“Your grades getting any better?” At her blank expression he just nodded and smiled in satisfaction. “Just as I thought. Well, you obviously learn nothing at that school of yours. The teachers are so lenient with you children these days. It’s a disgrace. So, Joyce and I decided it would be best if you transferred somewhere else,” Ted said.
“What? Are you kidding me? Are you just going to take me out of the only place where I actually have some friends?”
“See? That’s what I’m talking about. The disrespect. I think we made the right choice. But you haven’t heard the best thing about it.” Ted rubbed his hands together as he maliciously smiled at her and Buffy’s stomach dropped at his next words. “You’re going to a boarding school. In England. Or some island close to it. Whatever. I should tell you though… I’ve heard they’re very strict with trouble makers like you.”
Buffy stared at him incredulously and then turned to her mother. “Mom! You can’t do this to me. Please, don’t do this! How can you agree with something like that? Don’t you love me anymore?” She no longer cared if she let Ted see her weak as tears slid down her cheeks. She had to make her mother understand. She had to…
“I- I think it is for the best, honey. Just give it a chance. Maybe you’ll even like it. Learn how to be independent. It’s just for a year,” Joyce said.
“It’s not like you’re giving me a choice,” Buffy said, her words hissing past her clenched teeth as she trembled with anger and grief. “Get out of my room.”
She watched Ted nod at her with mock understanding. Buffy was unable to even glance at her mother. The door closed and she collapsed on the bed, her sobs muffled by a pillow.
They said there was no place like home. She didn’t have hers anymore.
*******
Rain pelted down on Buffy as she stood in front of a big iron gate. It loomed over her, the entrance to her prison. Goosebumps rose on her skin. She was getting soaked to the bone, her umbrella broken and useless from the wind that was now causing her hair to whip around her face. Buffy was cold and miserable, but still she couldn’t pass the gate. If she did, it would be over.
Maybe if she took off... Felt the rain wash away her sorrow as she just ran and never stopped. But she knew better. The pain of her mother’s betrayal would chase her wherever she went, for as long as she needed to breathe. Buffy had never felt as alone as she did right now. On this secluded island called Isles of Scilly, in the country that didn’t feel like home.
The taxi driver had unloaded her stuff and left after she gave him money, smiling as he drove off. She could still remember the lack of expression on her mother’s face as she left her at the airport. Buffy didn’t understand how her mom could change from that loving woman into a disinterested obedient wife.
“What are you standing out there for? You’re going to get sick. You are Buffy Summers, I presume?” called a female voice. Buffy looked up and nodded, noticing that the gate had been pushed open and a woman was now standing a few feet away from her. It was hard to see her face through the rain, but she didn’t look older than thirty. She was wearing glasses and had her brown hair pulled into a bun. The woman in question raised her eyebrow. “Well? Grab the luggage and follow me.”
Buffy dragged her suitcase behind her as she followed the woman, struggling with the heavy luggage up the couple of steps and through the double door of the school. It looked ancient from the outside and the vines snaking down the brick walls almost made it look pretty. The moment Buffy crossed the threshold, though, she felt the weight of her situation settle heavily upon her heart.
The atmosphere of the place made her shiver. The oppressive silence breathed at her from every corner and crevice of the large atrium. The sound of her steps echoed loudly off the polished wooden floor up to the high ceiling. Even her breath sounded harsh in the vast emptiness.
“This school has a long history as you’ve probably noticed,” spoke the woman, tearing Buffy out of her musings. “It was built in the late nineteenth century. We were forced to make reparations but it is mostly in its original shape. All the students are currently in classes so I’m afraid you’re going to have to take your belongings into your room by yourself.”
The woman stopped and turned to her. “Your room is on the second floor. Here is your key with the number on it. As soon as you’re presentable, come downstairs and ask for Lisa at the reception. I’ll take you to meet the headmistress.”
Buffy watched her turn on her heel and disappear behind the corner. Staring at the winding staircase, Buffy heaved a sigh and repressed the urge to scream or cry. She grabbed the suitcase instead and proceeded to drag it up the stairs. She already hated this place with a passion.
********
Buffy resisted the urge to squirm in her seat as the woman sitting behind a large mahogany desk glared at her. The headmistress. She stood up, quickly running a hand down her gray pencil skirt before she tugged on the white shirt, buttoned up to her neck. Her graying hair was pulled up into a severe bun with not a single hair out of place. Buffy’s head ached just from the sight of it.
”Welcome to our school, Miss Summers. My name is Sallie Bennett and I’m the headmistress. You’re probably wondering why you’re here in my office.”
“Actually, I’m used to it. But I’m sure I haven’t had the time to get in any trouble yet.” Buffy shrugged and crossed her arms across her chest.
The headmistress heaved an annoyed sigh at having to deal with yet another teenager, her thin lips pulled taut in a sneer. She picked up a cane and flexed it in her grip as she continued talking. “Hmm, yes. But I’m sure you will, according to your files from the Hemery High. You’re here so we prevent that from happening. There will be no skipping classes, neglecting your homework, talking back or smoking and almost setting the school building on fire.”
“That was not me!”
“I don’t care, Miss Summers. Take this as a good advice. We’re used to dealing with wayward children like you. Whatever way we see fit.” The headmistress stroked the cane in her hands and Buffy’s eyes widened.
“I’m pretty sure that’s illegal. If my mother heard--”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Plus, your mother doesn’t care. She signed the papers after all. She’s given this institution full authority over your education.”
'And so much more,' the headmistress thought with delight.
Buffy’s heart hammered in her chest. “What? She wouldn’t do that.”
“I’m afraid she did.”
Smiling in satisfaction, Miss Bennett sat behind her desk and reaching into the bottom drawer she drew out a couple of papers. Buffy watched warily as the headmistress pushed it towards her.
“What is it?” Buffy asked, already knowing the answer.
“The proof that you’re wrong. To save you the reading, it basically says that you can’t leave until the year is up. And all the decisions regarding your… education… are in the hands of the school’s authority, which is me. You’re in my hands now.”
Buffy stared down at the papers, unable to tear her eyes away from her mother’s signature. What did it even mean that she couldn’t leave? How did they plan on keeping her from doing exactly that if she wanted to? She had a bad feeling about this.
“Any questions?” The headmistress didn’t even wait for an answer as she started straightening the pencils on her desk so the tips formed a line. “Right then. See yourself out before I lose my patience.”
Buffy stood up and walked out the door. There was something about that woman that creeped her out. It wasn’t just that she was crazy and obviously hated people; it was something intangible. Something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
Rounding the corner, Buffy was so absorbed in her thoughts she didn’t notice the person struggling to balance a big pile of books. The collision almost made her lose her footing. There was a loud clutter as the books fell to the floor.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you… here, let me help you,” Buffy said, dropping to her knees to help the person she almost ran over pick up the books. She raised her head and froze. The boy quickly ducked his head when he noticed she’d found him staring at her. It was long enough for her to get captivated by the most amazing eyes she’d ever gazed into. The sudden impulse to run her fingers through his curls made her blush.
“I-it’s alright. You’re not h-hurt, are you?”
Was he asking her something? Why couldn’t she focus?
'Damn it, Buffy, don’t sit here staring at him like some kind of freak. Answer him!'
“Umm… no. I’m okay. This is me… being okay and without a scratch.” She groaned inwardly. They should invent medicine to prevent babbling. “My name is Buffy.” Her cheeks were burning and she could feel the heat radiating off them. This was so not like her. She never blushed in front of a guy. But those eyes… so intense, so full of hidden emotions and secrets.
“I’m… William. William Pratt.”
“Nice to meet you, William.”
The destiny stared her in the face, represented by the one person capable of both destroying her and putting her back together.
She didn’t even know.
TBC
squawks
05/18/17 04:16 am
pj! I remember wishing one of your stories would be finished seriously about a decade ago. Amazing. I just tried an old password I used to use and amazingly got in too. Memories!
pj
03/20/17 01:20 am
10 yrs later, i finally rem my username and password. Pari, you rock. Hope you are well.
Rabbit_moon1
12/23/16 01:12 pm
I donate every month. Please donate to keep this site up!
AudryDaluz1
10/06/16 08:34 am
Great post.
Chrissel
08/31/16 03:45 pm
And anyone else who loves this site, it's worth mentioning there's a nifty little "Donate" option just below the shout box here! ;)
Chrissel
08/31/16 03:43 pm
Just wanted to take a moment to thank Pari and all the mods for maintaining such a great site!
05/18/17 04:16 am
pj! I remember wishing one of your stories would be finished seriously about a decade ago. Amazing. I just tried an old password I used to use and amazingly got in too. Memories!
pj
03/20/17 01:20 am
10 yrs later, i finally rem my username and password. Pari, you rock. Hope you are well.
Rabbit_moon1
12/23/16 01:12 pm
I donate every month. Please donate to keep this site up!
AudryDaluz1
10/06/16 08:34 am
Great post.
Chrissel
08/31/16 03:45 pm
And anyone else who loves this site, it's worth mentioning there's a nifty little "Donate" option just below the shout box here! ;)
Chrissel
08/31/16 03:43 pm
Just wanted to take a moment to thank Pari and all the mods for maintaining such a great site!