**********
Willow put her books away. She had been studying
since she’d gotten off the phone with Cordelia and
Angel. She was getting really excited about going
to see Cordelia and Angel. Especially Angel.
<Whoa, Willow, stop that. He’s just a friend. >
She turned quickly when she heard the door opening.
She was almost stunned when she saw Buffy come in.
“Buffy? What are you doing here?” Willow asked,
mildly confused at her friend’s appearance in their dorm room.
“Earth to Willow, I mean, I do live here you know,”
Buffy replied, looking at her friend with confusion.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just,
you’ve been here for maybe 5 hours in the last 3
weeks. You can’t blame me for being a little
surprised to see you here. Especially at bedtime.”
“Come on Will, that’s unfair. I’ve spent more time here than
that.”
“You think whatever you want, Buffy, but I’m not
exaggerating on that one. Anyways, I’m going to bed. See
you later.”
“Actually Will, could I ask a little tiny favour?”
“Make it quick, I’m really tired. I’ve been studying most of
the day.”
“Well, that’s kinda what it’s about. Could you help
me study? I’ve kinda been falling behind in classes.”
Willow looked at her in disbelief. “I haven’t seen
you in a week and a half. We haven’t really talked
to each other in a month. And now you have the guts
to ask me to help you study? Buffy, I don’t think
so. You missed classes to be with Riley. Maybe he
can help you study.” Willow got into her bed, and turned off
her light.
********** Eventually, Willow had given
in and helped Buffy
with her exams. She had waited until the first one
was over, though. She wanted Buffy to stew in her
own juices for a while, thinking that maybe her
behavior meant she was going to fail all her exams.
When the finished their last exam, Buffy and Willow
threw their arms around each other and did a little dance for joy.
“Thank goodness they’re finally over!” Buffy cried
as they entered their dorm room.
“Absolutely!” Willow agreed. The phone rang, and Buffy reached
for it.
“Hello!” she sang out sunnily.
“You’re not Willow,” the voice replied, surprised and a little confused.
“No, this is Buffy. Who’s this?”
“It’s Cordelia. Can I talk to Willow please?”
“Cordelia? Why are you calling? What’s up?”
“I want to talk to Willow.” When Willow heard
Cordelia’s name, she reached for the phone.
“Alright, here she is,” Buffy replied. “Weirdness. It’s Cordy.”
“Hey Cor, what’s up? I’m done my last exam now.”
“Just calling to make sure you’re on your way.”
“Wow, control freak much, Cordy? Don’t you trust me to get to
LA on my own?”
“Is your bag packed?” she asked in response.
“Yes. I just have to throw this in…okay, done.”
“Good. Are your shoes on?” “Yes, my shoes
are on.”
“Then you’re on your way out the door?” Cordelia asked hopefully.
“Jeez, anyone would think you were anxious to get me
to LA or something,” Willow joked.
“Come on, Will. You’re like, my best friend. Of
course I can’t wait to get you here.”
“I’m kidding, I’m excited too. I can’t wait to see
you two again. Okay, so I’m just going to say
goodbye to Buffy, and then I promise I’m on my way to the train.”
“Super! I’ll see you soon, Will. Angel’s going to meet
you at the train.”
“Great. Bye Cordy.”
“Bye Will. Safe journey.”
Buffy was staring at Willow in shock. “What was that all about?”
“I’m going to LA to spend Spring Break with Cordelia
and Angel,” Willow responded calmly, picking up her
bags and moving them to the door.
“But Will, we always spend Spring Break together.
Just you, me and Xander. How can you break our tradition like
this?”
“Well, I figured when I hadn’t seen you in a week
and a half that all plans were off. So when Cordy
and Angel invited me to LA, I said yes. So I’m
heading off to my train now. It leaves in…” Willow
checked her watch, “thirty minutes, so I’d better
get going. Bye Buffy.” Willow gave the other girl
a hug. Buffy’s face still held a look of shock.
“Have a great Spring Break, Buffy. I’ll see you when I get back.”
“Okay. Call when you get there, okay? I want to make sure you’re safe.”
“Sure. Bye.” And with that, Willow left.