Thanks to Rachel for all her help.

Spoilers: Becoming part 2 and everything before it.
Summary: My, admittedly, pitiful attempt to deal with the events of B2.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of them. They all belong to Joss Whedon,
Mutant Enemy, the WB.... Please don't sue.

PART ONE

Sunnydale High School Library
August 18, 1998

"I heard from her."

Her words shattered the silence. Willow stood just inside the door to the library, the words falling from her mouth as she stepped through the doors. She swallowed, glad Oz was behind her, supporting her. They all stared at her, stunned, not speaking. No one daring to disturb the hush that had fallen over the library three months ago. Willow stood there, unable to say anymore, Oz stood closely behind her, supporting her. Xander and Cordelia watched her expectantly, waiting for her next words. Giles slowly closed the book he was looking at, laying his hands on top of it, he spoke softly.

"Where is she? Is she coming back?"

His voice was panicked yet hopeful. It had more emotion than anything he had said since she left. Willow looked at Giles, his tired face and haunted eyes. He hadn't fared well since Buffy had disappeared. Maybe he felt the guilt over their failure more than the rest of them. They hadn't realized how high the price she paid was. Not until it became too high for her to pay. Willow continued staring at them, unable to voice the words. Not understanding how she could tell them that it was worse than they had feared.

"It was postmarked from LA. A week ago." Her voice shook slightly and she tensed, trying to block the image of the letter imprinted on her mind.

Oz grabbed her shoulders, rubbing them, silently giving her strength. She didn't want to tell them the rest. She wanted to find Buffy and take her away, to hide until Buffy was Buffy again. She walked further into the library, her face pale. Standing in front of Giles she tried to find her voice, tried to find the words to say.

"Postmarked?" Xander questioned her, "She didn't tell you where she was?"

Willow stood there, wanting to let them have these last moments of hope.  Even the worst times, when they had toyed with the idea that Buffy had run away with Angel and hadn't cared enough to tell them. Even Xander would have to admit that would have been better. Let them have one more moment that they could believe she was healing somewhere and would
return stronger than before. It would be gone soon. When she told them. When she spoke.

"It only had one line. It just repeated over and over. Pages of it."

"What?" A chorus of voices, all surprised, questioning.

"I sent him to hell, that's all she wrote, I sent him to hell." Willow looked at them, her worry and sadness covering her face.

"Angel." Xander's voice still oozed hatred.

Willow turned to him, her voice clear and sure, " Get over it Xander. Angel's gone. It took Buffy losing everything to do it. Including her mind. Do you still hate him that much that you think it was worth the price? "" She stopped, took a deep breath to calm herself, her thoughts full of anger at Xander’s inability to see anything clearly were Angel was concerned. Looking to Giles she slowly spoke, " Do you understand the difference Giles, that Angel wasn't Angel?"

"I know Willow. I always knew, even when I couldn't see it past the hate that clouded my heart. The Angel Buffy loved was as innocent as any of us. I should have told her I understood. She was so alone."  Giles collapsed into a chair and his eyes filled with tears. He continued, " I knew the guilt was getting to heavy. I wanted her to suffer though. For Jenny. And it wasn't her fault. It wasn't even Angel's fault. I should have known killing Angel, even the demon Angel was too much."

"What if the curse worked?" Cordelia spoke for the first time.

Willow turned to her, shocked, " She never would have killed him then. Never."

"She didn't kill him." Giles spoke, sitting straighter in his chair,  "She sent him to hell. Of course, this makes sense."

"Huh? Difference being?" Xander 's voice was still rimmed in hate.

"I should have thought of this, Buffy. I pray he wasn't restored. But it would explain her ...um...well...breakdown." Giles stood and wandered aimlessly around the library.

Xander watched him wander, waiting for Giles to elaborate, when the explanation didn't come quickly enough, "Okay, not understanding. More?"

"The demon, Angel's blood to awaken the demon, Angel's blood to close the vortex. Willow, if the spell worked after Angel removed the sword..." Giles trailed off, not wanting to finish the thought.

Willow stared at him, her face ashen, finishing his sentence for him,  "Then she would have to sacrifice Angel to save the world."

They all stood there for an eternity as the enormity of Buffy's loss registered. Willow swallowed, trying desperately to calm the thoughts that were racing through her head.

Giles spoke quietly, "I thought she may have been recovering from killing him or even that he had been restored and she ran away with him but I never even imagined that ..."

"She did both." Willow was sure of this; it was the only thing that made sense. Her voice laced with guilt, pulse racing. "I failed. I wasn't quick enough. I gave her Angel only to make her kill him."

Giles grabbed Willow and staring into her face he said, "No. Never Willow. You tried to save her from killing him. You tried to give her back her love. Once the sword was pulled there was only one choice for her. She had to save the world, no matter the cost to herself. And she did it."

Willow looked at him, the tears welling up in her eyes, "But Giles, if I had been quicker he wouldn't have pulled the sword." The tears fell freely now, her guilt at what she had made Buffy do filling her mind.

"And if I hadn't been tricked Angel wouldn't have known how to wake the demon." Giles dropped his head, his voice sad, "I failed her."

"Giles, you were being tortured, hypnotized. " Willow smiled sadly at him through her tears, "In no way was this your fault. Giles, Xander told her I was trying. She probably tried so hard to stall him. Trying to give me time. If anyone failed her, failed Angel, it was me. She knew he was coming back and as soon as he pulled the sword she knew it was too late."

"She didn't." Xander spoke quietly. His voice sullen, shoulders slumped as he sat.

"She didn't what?" Giles questioned him.

"She didn't know. I didn't tell her. I told her Willow said to kick his ass."

They all were quiet for a moment as the meaning of Xander's words sunk in. Willow stared at him. Thoughts of catching Xander and Cordelia kissing, remembering how horrible she had felt after he had put the love spell on everyone. Who was this person who had once been her best friend. She looked at him for a moment, trying to recall the Xander she had fallen in love with so long ago. She finally spoke.

"What?" She spoke softly, her voice begging him to take his words back, " How could you? "

"He was a demon. He deserved to die." Xander's tone was sharp. He didn't regret what he had done...yet.

"And Buffy deserved to have to kill him? Xander you selfish bastard. You stole her choice. " Willow's face was red and her eyes were filled with malice, "You sentenced her to kill him. To kill the man she loves. How could you? She would have tried to stall him, instead of attacking straight out. Damn you Xander. You coward. Why didn't you tell us this months ago. We could have realized sooner that she might be in real trouble. I will never forgive this Xander."

Oz grabbed Willow and hung on to her, soothing her in soft tones, " It doesn't matter Willow. Xander doesn't matter now. We have to find Buffy. We have to help her now."

Nodding Willow unfolded herself from Oz's arms. Walking over to stand in front of Xander she stared at him, disappointment warring with hatred in her eyes. He had betrayed her for the last time. Betrayed all of them for the last time. She had risked her life to try and bring Angel back and he had decided that it didn't matter. Buffy had to kill the man she had loved and he decided that it didn't matter. Nothing mattered to him except that Angel died.

"She'll never forgive you Xander. You will never have her." Her voice was laced with bitterness, her eyes cold. Turning to Cordelia she spoke, "I'm sorry Cordelia, but he did it because he wants her for himself.  Nothing more noble than that." Practically spitting the words out in her anger, she looked back to Xander, her words still directed at Cordelia. "He was jealous of Angel and the love Buffy had for him. He wasn't trying to help her, or do the right thing. He wanted Angel gone so his path to Buffy could be clear. Nothing more than that. You risked her life. All our lives to make sure that Angel died." She stopped staring at him, breathing heavily then her anger getting the better of her she stood directly over him, her voice filled with rage, " ISN'T THAT RIGHT XANDER? "

"No...I...Willow." Xander tripped over his words, broken in the face of Willow's rage. His devastation etched on his face. He realized now what he had lost.

Willow ignored his words. She turned to Giles and spoke, "So. We go to LA and get Buffy."

"Yes...um...right. Okay everyone go home and pack. I will make the travel arrangements. We'll meet at my house in an hour." Giles voice sounded stunned, both by Xander's actions and the depth of Willow's anger.

"Not Xander." Willow spoke quietly, her voice still angry. "We have to help Buffy deal with Angel's death, she doesn't need to deal with his betrayal also."

With that she turned and left the library, Oz following her. They saw her collapse with grief outside the door. Oz held her while she cried. Then they left, Oz supporting her as she walked away.

Xander and Cordelia sat quietly. Cordelia's hand running over Xander's. Giles spoke then, "Willow's right. You stay here. Not for Buffy, but for Willow."

Giles turned to leave the library. He hesitated at the door, then turned back; "I understand what you did Xander. I have felt the temptation to replace someone else's choice with what I believed to be right. It's a risky choice and usually never ends well. I forgive you it. Willow may also forgive you in time. Buffy probably won't. Do you understand that?"

Giles turned and walked away, wishing he could help him. Hopefully Cordelia would stay with him. Buffy was more important now. He could only pray that Willow, Oz and himself would be enough.

Xander crumpled after Giles left. His head fell to the desk and he sobbed. Cordelia stood behind him, leaning over him. Her arms held him as he cried.

Willow stopped outside the school. Trying to take her mind off of Xander's betrayal she thought of Buffy's mother and how worried she was. They had finally convinced her that everything Buffy had told her was true. Which would be okay if Buffy were around but made it even worse now. Buffy's mother felt so guilty over failing her daughter. Willow decided not to give her any false hope. Once they found Buffy...then she would call her. Her mind made up she grabbed Oz's hand and they headed to her house.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
PART TWO

Sunnydale High School Library
August 18, 1998

Xander and Cordelia were still sitting quietly in the library. Not a word had passed between them for the four hours since the others had left. Xander was waiting for Cordelia to ask the question. To accuse him of wanting Buffy. She never asked. He fell in love with her over those hours. When he had lost everything and she stood beside him. He felt the need to explain to her why he had done it. As if he could. "Cordelia, I was afraid. I did it because I thought if I told her she would falter
and we would all die. I lost faith in her, because of Angel. I hate him yes, but not enough to trick her into killing him."

"I know. It's okay. We'll get through this." Smiling shyly she ran her hands through his hair.

"But how? Willow hates me, Buffy will too. If she ever is sane again.  God, Cordy, did I cause this? Was it the shock of getting Angel back that snapped her. If she had been prepared would it have helped?" He held his head in his hands, wondering why he had ever thought they would understand his choice.

"Xander, no. Don't do this. You can't know...ever." She looked at him, her face determined. "I think that whatever you did, the pain of killing Angel, of giving up her last hope for him was too much for her. And to kill him when he had his soul. I can't imagine what that was like." Her voice growing soft as she finished speaking, picturing the horror Buffy must have felt.

"Kill him, she never said she killed him." Xander voice was questioning, searching for a train of thought. He was quiet for a few minutes then spoke with growing excitement, 'She sent him to hell. Cordelia, she sent him to hell!"

Cordelia looked at him, her face puzzled, "So?"

"So, if he didn't turn to dust then maybe we can get him back. If we can get him back then he can save her." Xander jumped up from his chair. "Research, we've got to do lots of research."

She stared at him, confused. "Can you even bring someone back from hell?"

"I don't know. I never used to even believe in hell. But, I think just about everything is possible. I mean, vampires exist." Xander's voice was hopeful, his eyes alive again.

Swallowing Cordelia answered him slowly. "Good point. Let's get to work."

They spent the night looking through book after book, finding nothing yet refusing to give up. Cordelia even booted up the library computer and searched all the sites Willow had bookmarked. Determined to find some way to bring Angel back, so that Buffy wouldn’t have to live with the guilt. And so that maybe they would be able to forgive him.

They finally fell asleep on the floor in the library just as dawn was breaking. They slept exhausted as the day passed, waking just as the sun was setting. Xander got up quickly, cursing himself for wasting a whole day he started looking through Giles books again. Cordelia stared at him, her worry for him shining in her eyes.  "Xander, shouldn't we take a break. You haven't eaten since yesterday. Or showered."

"Cordy, I can't. You can go. I understand. But this may be Buffy's only hope. She won't be able to forgive herself knowing he's in hell. His voice was anxious, "Or to forgive me."

"It's okay. I'll help. Let's get to work. But maybe we could order a pizza?" She picked up the book on top of the pile and opened it.

"Cordelia." Xander stopped looking at his book and stared at her, "I love you."

She stared back at him, surprise and happiness showing in her eyes, "I love you too."

"It wasn't about wanting Buffy." He had to say the words. They had been choking him since Willow first said them.

"I know. But thanks for saying it." Smiling at him she returned to the books.

They worked in silence for over three hours. Then Xander stopped, put down the book and looked at her. "I think I found it."

"Oh...."

Hours later they were still working feverishly. Trying to find out all they could about the spell. Luckily, for them, it was in German. Willow had a translation site bookmarked on her computer so they used that. It still took them most of the evening to translate it, but when they finished it Xander realized they had it. Cordelia, on the other hand, wasn't so sure. "Xander, this sounds fairly risky. I mean you actually have to go to hell." She reread the spell, making sure she was right.

"But I can bring Angel back with me."

"If you find him, or don't go insane. You do realize this is HELL we are talking about. Historically it is not a very nice place." Her face was pale.

"I have to do this Cordelia. For Buffy."

"Xander you don't have to sacrifice your life because you didn't tell her. She would tell you that. "

"I won't get trapped. I'm in, I get Angel, I'm out."

"Xander, nothing is ever that simple. Do you want me to end up like Buffy? All crazy cause my boyfriend's in hell?"

"Cordelia. Please. This is serious."

"I'm serious. And this binding to another person to keep yourself attached to this world. I mean there is only two of us. What if something goes wrong. I won't be able to do anything."

"It will be okay. I trust you to bring me back. You can do it."

"Fine. Maybe I can. But we still need help. Xander, this is not a two person job. We are not doing this until Giles returns. We have more than enough problems with people striking out on their own."

"How about we wait two days? If they aren't back by then I'm going."

"Deal. Now can we go get something to eat and get changed? I'm feeling distinctly less than clean."

Leaving the library they held hands. Feeling hope for the future once again. Deciding without words that the next two days were for them. They would pretend to be two normal teenagers in love. Pushing all thoughts of Buffy's problems, that Xander was planning to go to hell, and of Willow's hatred and condemnation aside. They would take long walks and go to dinner and maybe even see a movie. Stepping outside the library they heard the phone ring. They stared at each other and slowly turned and walked back into the room.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
PART THREE

Motel in Los Angeles
August 18, 1998


They had met one hour after leaving the library. Giles had rented a mini-van for there trip. Climbing in they headed off to save their friend. They didn't talk much. To caught up in their private fears. Willow finally had to speak, "What if we can't help her?" It was the worst fear she had. That they would find her and still not be able to save her. Willow silently cursed Xander again. Now that her anger had cooled she realized that his choice probably didn't change anything. But the fact that he made that choice altered forever her perception of who he was. She had lost one best friend on this day. They had to be able to save Buffy. Two hours later they hit the city limits. Los Angeles. It was late so they checked into a motel. Planning to wait for morning before going searching for Buffy. Willow had brought her laptop so she could search LA's police reports and hospital admissions. Hoping she wouldn't find her listed in them, hurt or in trouble. But just in case she searched. There was no sign of her. They would have to look on foot.

Early the next morning they were out and searching. Giles took off to look for Buffy in the van while Willow and Oz headed out on foot. Searching alley's and run-down buildings. She couldn't be staying in a motel, she had no money. Her father hadn't heard from her so she wasn't there. They searched all day, but ended up back at the motel at suppertime empty hearted. Not even a trace of her, they had shown pictures around but no one recognized her. Picking at their fast food meals they planned the next days search. Then sat there quietly dejected until Oz spoke: "Didn't Buffy used to slay here?"

"Yes" Giles answered him, " Why?"

"Well, did she ever say where the highest number of vampires were. Cause I see her as still slaying even if she's not thinking anymore."

"Oz, of course. Giles, she would be slaying. She wouldn't be able not to. Do you know where she used to patrol?"

"Yes. Yes. Right. Let's go. I think I can find it."

They headed out to visit the graveyard, making a few quick stops to buy some crosses and a couple pieces of wood. Oz turned out to be a very quick study in the art of stake making. They felt so hopeful as they drove towards the cemetery. Maybe Buffy would be with them tonight. They wandered around the graveyard, not seeing even a hint of another human or even non human for hours. They stuck to the shadows in the graveyard, not wanting to run into anyone other than Buffy. They heard her scream long before they saw her. They ran quickly in the direction of the scream, fearing for her life. She was fighting three vampires. Her technique was flawless, her moves graceful and fluid. It should have been a picture of a textbook slaying. But it was wrong, she was wrong. Her hair hung limply like it hadn't been washed since she left Sunnydale. Her clothes were torn and filthy. Her face was blank, no emotion, she just kicked, punched, staked. Her expression never changed, but the most frightening thing was the sound of her scream. It wasn't a loud scream, but it streamed from her mouth continually, seeming as if it was actually tearing her soul as she fought. They watched. Waited. Prayed.


Willow understood then how bad this was. How far gone Buffy was. And for the first time she understood the kind of guilt Buffy lived with every day. The horror of making one mistake that cost so much. If she had never cursed Angel again, Buffy wouldn't have killed the man she loved. She would have killed the demon who wore his face. As much as she wanted to blame Xander, it was really her fault. She was the one who performed the curse. She did this to Buffy. Giles grabbed her hand then as if he knew her thoughts. He whispered to her, "Guilt won't help her Willow." He was right. They had to concentrate on Buffy, on helping her deal with her guilt. Everything else could wait. They watched as Buffy dispatched the last vampire and sunk to the ground, empty. They watched her cry, not knowing how to approach her. She spoke then, to herself, to Angel, "Three more Angel. We got three more. No Buffy, Angel is in hell.  Remember you sent him there. Sorry, I'm so sorry."

Giles looked at Willow. She stood there crying. Buffy's pain was so raw, so undiluted by the months that had past. She seemed so small collapsed on a fresh grave. Oz stepped forward, wanting to go get her. Willow stopped him, "Let me go first." She walked over to Buffy slowly, standing over her waiting for Buffy to look up. After a few minutes with no response she whispered her name, "Buffy." Buffy looked up slowly at that. She stared blankly into Willow's face and then slowly recognition dawned. She reached her arms up to Willow, and Willow hugged her sinking to the ground with her. Both of them sobbing. Buffy kept repeating over and over, "He didn't know Willow, He didn't know."   Willow just rocked her, telling her wordlessly that everything would be okay now. Giles came over then, disengaging Buffy from Willow he picked her up. She was totally limp then. She let him carry her to the van. Oz held Willow's hand as they walked behind them. They found her. What would happen next seemed even more frightening now. They took her back to the hotel. Willow helped her shower then giving her a pair of her pajama's tucked her into bed. And sat up watching her.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PART FOUR

Sunnydale High School Library
August 19, 1998

Xander picked up the phone on the seventh ring. Silently praying that they had found her he cautiously said hello. A range of emotions played across his face as he listened to the caller. Worry, relief and guilt played out in his eyes. Covering the phone he mouthed to Cordelia that they had found Buffy. He listened to the caller for a few minutes more and then hung up. He just stood there, not speaking until Cordelia motioned for him to talk.

"Giles. They found her. In a graveyard, slaying. They took her to the motel. She's sleeping now. Giles said she was so filthy, she didn't seem like herself at all. But that once they got her to stop screaming and took her to the motel she seemed more herself. Giles feels hopeful that seeing them will bring the world in focus to her once more."

"Well, that's good. Right? I mean Buffy will be fine. She can deal with this."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. She will be okay. Everything will be fine. Just give it some time."

"No. No time. We have to do the spell now. Before they get back."

"What? Why? They can help us. We shouldn't mess with this on our own."

"What if it doesn't work? Buffy comes back, we tell her we found a way to rescue Angel from hell but we fail. Even more torture for her. We can't risk it."

"Xander, we can't risk =doing= it. It's to dangerous."

"I'll say it's dangerous." A new voice entered the conversation. Xander and Cordelia spun around, Cordelia grabbing a cross from the table. A small man stood there wearing a hat.

"And you are?" Cordelia was at her very haughtiest.

"Whistler. I'm here to help."

"No thanks. We're fine." Turning his back on the newcomer Xander picked up a book from the table.

"Really? You've done this spell before? Opened a door to Hell and gone through it? Brought someone back? Do you do it often?"

"How?" Spinning back around Xander stared at the man. "How do you know what we're planning?"

"I figured someone would be doing it eventually. I thought it would be Buffy who would figure it out. But, well I guess sending Angel into hell was harder on her than we expected it to be."

"WHO, or should I say, WHAT are you? Who is we?" Xander had moved so he was standing directly in front of Whistler, shielding Cordelia from him with his body.

"I'm a demon. But not a bad one. I guess you could say I was Angel's mentor. I trained him so he could help the slayer."

"You mean Angel being here wasn't a coincidence?" Cordelia questioned him.

"No. Not exactly. Buffy found out so late about her destiny. She wasn't trained like other slayers were. We sent Angel in to level out the playing field. While she got caught up." Whistler wandered around the room while he spoke. "Who exactly did you think Angel was getting all his inside information from...vampires?"

"Actually, yes." Xander seemed somewhat stunned by the news that Angel had a purpose.

"No, we were his source. We were trying to help him keep Buffy alive long enough for her to come into her own. Which she has."

"So, Angel was her guardian Angel." Cordelia spoke with only the faintest hint of sarcasm.

"Technically, yes. So, why do you want to get him out?"

Xander and Cordelia looked at each other for a moment then Cordelia spoke.

"Cause Xander didn't tell Buffy Willow was trying to re-curse Angel and now Angel's in hell, Buffy's crazy and Xander feels bad."

"Gee, thanks Cordy." Xander spit out but didn't contradict her words.

Whistler stared at Xander for a moment, shook his head and picked up the book containing the spell. Looking it over for a few minutes, then speaking.

"That's rough. You were working good odds though. Tough luck you got the worst possible outcome."

"Huh?"

"Well, Angel dies before the curse, no one knows or cares. Or Angel is re-cursed before he awakens Acathla. No vortex into hell and everyone is more forgiving. It all worked out and so on. Unluckily for you, Buffy had to send Angel to hell after he got his soul. I'm not sure that telling her would have changed the outcome but I can pretty much guarantee she won't see it that way. So, now you look like the betrayer."

"I did it because I was afraid she wouldn't kill him, if she thought there was any way her Angel could return."

"Well, looks like you were wrong. Ouch. She is going to be pretty ticked at you. I don't blame you for wanting to go to hell."

"How do you know that's what happened anyway?" Cordelia spoke up, trying to defend her boyfriend.

"I've been talking to Angel."

"Oh. You've been to hell. Great, here's a thought, why don't you just bring him back then?"

"Can't. Rules. A human has to rescue him."

"And that is me." Xander's face had hardened, he was determined to make this okay for Buffy. "So, how can you help?"

"Don't you need someone to be bound to? A link to this dimension? That would be me. I may not look strong, but keep in mind I'm a demon. I'll make sure you don't get stuck. Things have gotten messed up enough without you being trapped in hell."

"Things? Messed up? What is going on? Some sort of Demon plan for the future?"

"Cordelia." Xander's voice was warning her to be quiet.

"No, it's okay. Let me just say this. There is more at stake than just getting Angel out of hell. We need him."

"Why?"

"Look, why don't you two just go home and get some rest. We'll meet tomorrow here. No, wait, we'll meet at Angel's apartment. Tomorrow at 6:00 pm. I'll have everything ready."

"Fine," Xander responded, "But, this goes against my better judgement."

"I'd say that's a promising sign then."

"Great. Another sarcastic demon. What's with you guys?"

"Not that I'm not mesmerized by your witty observations on demon nature, but you had better prepare. Hell is =not= a pretty place and it's going to be hard to convince Angel to come back with you. He's sunk so far into recrimination and self-torture. He thinks he deserves to rot in hell."

"Doesn't he?" The words slipped out before Xander could hold them back.

"No. He doesn't." Whistler spoke in clipped tones. "Look Xander, let me spell this out to you. In simple terms you may be able to understand. Angel lost his soul when he was made a vampire. Then he got it back when he was cursed the first time. He lost it again when, well you know when. Now he has it back again. Are you noticing a pattern? Angel doesn't kill ever. The demon kills, Angel doesn't. Do you get it? Did Angel ever kill anyone before he lost his soul this time? Huh? No, he didn't. In fact, time and time again he risked his existence to save you guys. He wouldn't hurt Buffy or any of you for any reason. You'd better think this through tonight. See if you can figure out the difference between Angel and the demon that wears his face. You head into hell thinking Angel deserves his fate, well, then we'll be lucky if we even get you out."

Turning quickly, Whistler disappeared through the door. Cordelia and Xander stood there for a moment, silently letting Whistler's words wash over them. Xander reached out and grabbed her hand. Together they left the library. Heading home to prepare for the day ahead.

CONTINUE