~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Part: 11~
Giles sat in Buffy's office and explained the latest events discussed earlier in Willow's office, and upon hearing the news, the blonde slayer was literally bouncing in her seat.
"They really want me to head this place? I can't believe it! Oh, Giles, this is so exciting!"
"It is rather, isn't it." It was a statement. "I assure you, I myself am still trying to digest all this information."
"I mean wow!" she stopped and thought for a moment. "Do I get to have my portrait done too?"
"I don't see any reason not to have it done. It would look very attractive hanging in your office." He replied, but noticed Buffy's eyebrows draw together. "Is there a problem?"
"Well, it's just that I thought that it would hang where the other portrait is. You know, the one with you and Willow and Xander and Wes."
"Ahhh, I see. Actually, I had planned on making a copy of that one to take with us, and leaving the original where it is. It is only appropriate that the founding members portrait remains. Don't you think?"
"I suppose so." She replied.
"However, I see no reason why your portrait shouldn't hang along side it once you take over." He said as he patted her shoulder. "We shall endeavor to have someone commissioned to do it within the month."
"Okay. Did they ..?" but she let the question trail off.
"Did they what?"
"Did the sect really want Willow to head the counsel in England?"
"Indeed yes, it is quite true. Willow is whom they wanted."
"Well, that's just not right. The job should have been offered to you in the first place!" she retorted.
"Given my background, I fully understand the reasoning. At any rate, Willow is in full agreement with you. She told Wesley that she would quit if they didn't give me the position." He said with a smirk. "She has turned out to be a rather remarkable young woman, hasn't she? She seems to have come into her own over the last couple of years. I must say, I'm quite proud of her and her accomplishments. And it doesn't surprise me one wit that they wanted her for the head position. She's worked quite hard, and frankly, I think she deserves to be recognized for it." He said as he stood and turned towards the door.
"Yup, that's our Will. Always giving her all for the cause."
"Quite right." He looked at his watch. "I must be going. I have to defer with Wesley on your decision, then I must go over the reports you left on my desk. I will see you at dinner tonight." And with that he walked out the door, and closed it behind him to leave the young woman alone with her thoughts.
* * * * * * * *
"Andrew, this smells delicious."
"You really think so?"
"Yeah, I do."
"I-I heard someone say once that you loved cabbage rolls sooo .."
"Y-you did this for me? Oooh, that is so sweet! Thank you!"
"Think nothing of it, Miss Rosenberg." He said shyly giving a wave of dismissal with his hand. "The rumor of getting a castle in England, and the `big guns' wanting you to be the leader kinda got around. So I thought I'd make you something special to celebrate."
"It's gotten around already? Wow, I only just found out this afternoon."
"This isn't exactly a big place."
"I suppose you're right. But, uh, Andrew ..I turned the offer to head the counsel down."
"I know that too." He replied. "I just think it's neat that somebody noticed everything you did and wants to reward you. That's why I did this too. I mean, okay, cabbage rolls-big deal, you know? But I just wanted to do something for you, as a surprise. You really do deserve it."
"Andrew, I think what you did is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me." She said as she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you." She finished and walked towards a table, leaving the young man wide eyed, and looking around to see if anyone saw the display before going back around to the other side of the counter.
The red head sat down at an empty table and began eating as she thumbed through a rather large text on demon mythology.
"Hey, Wills!"
"Hey, Buff." She replied, looking up as blonde seated herself and looked at the food on her tray.
"Yeeesh! Cabbage rolls. I think I'll just stick to the soup Andrew made." She said as she blew on the spoon of vegetable soup before eating it. "You know, this is the first time he's ever made those things in over a year." She made a screwed up face as she looked at them. "I hate those things, and told him I don't want to see them on the menu again. What on earth ever gave him the idea to make them in the first place?"
"Uh, I did." Willow replied sheepishly.
"You asked him to make these?"
"Uh, no. He did that on his own. He, uh, heard somehow that I like them, and because of our news today he decided to make them for me to celebrate." She finished.
"Oh." The blonde replied. "Uh, that was kinda nice of him."
"Yeah, I thought so. He tries real hard, ya know? T-to fit in I mean."
"Uh huh. Anyway," said the blonde, changing the subject. "congratulations are in order from what Giles told me earlier."
"Thanks. But that was so not fair, them not giving Giles the job." Said the red head sadly. "I felt so bad for him when Wesley told me what the sect wanted.
"Well, you're right. Giles should have been the one they made the offer to, not you." Said Buffy, but halted the spoons travel to her lips when she realized what she said. "Uh, no offense, Will."
"It's okay, Buffy. It's true, and it's nothing I didn't already think in the first place. Giles shoulda been the chosen one."
"<giggle> Chosen one? <giggle, snort>" and both girls burst out laughing at Willow's phrasing.
"Okay, wrong choice of words." Willow said once she calmed down. "But essentially, that's what it works out to."
"I still can't believe they'd give Giles the position just because you said you'd quit."
"Mind boggling, isn't it? But I guess when all you've got are two experienced watchers and two watcher wannabe's, they'll take what they can get."
"So true. So, you wanna watch a movie tonight?"
"Awww, I can't. I've got to try and get some more book- duplicating done, then I need to go over the budget for this month so that I can give Wes the figures on it, so that he can give it to the sect and ."
"Hey, don't worry about it. We can always watch a movie another time."
"That would be great. Anyway, I've got to get back to the office and get some work done." Said the red head as she stood, but looked back down at her tray of unfinished food. "On second thought, I think I'll take this with me, and maybe get Andrew to throw on a few more." She giggled. "The cabbage rolls are just to good to pass up. See ya later, Buff." And she walked off to the counter.
"Yeah, whatever." She said as she watched Andrew pile some more food onto the red head's tray with a wide smile before she left.
Once Willow was gone, Andrew looked towards Buffy, scowled and stalked his way to her, stopping directly in front of her.
"You know something?" he said, voice quivering in both anger and fear. "It's like totally fine with me that you don't like something I make. But you have no right to belittle me in front of a line up of girls waiting for their dinner. Do that to me again, and I'll talk to Willow-or maybe even Giles about it. And just maybe I'll put cabbage rolls on the menu for an entire week." He said, and then added as an afterthought, "With no side dish!" with that said, he took off running back to the kitchen.
"Yeah, you do that. Asshole." She said under her breath as she seethed in anger, but quickly closed her mouth when she noticed Giles walking towards her table. "Hi, Giles."
"Hello, Buffy." He replied as he set his tray down and seated himself. "Mmm, this smells delicious." And he took a forkful and placed it in his mouth and rolled his eyes upward. "And it tastes even better. I'd almost forgotten how much I love cabbage rolls. I must remember to thank Andrew for making them, and ask if he could put them on the menu a little more often. I think a couple of times a month would be acceptable. Don't you, Buffy?"
"Oh yeah. That would be great."
~Part: 12~
Dear Angel
I know you're out of town on a case right now, but I'm soexcited about what's going on that I just had to write you about itanyway. Surprise! Wesley has been in cahoots with some secret agencyin England since Giles first called him about starting up thewatchers counsel again.
Don't be upset with him, okay? It's not his fault, he is awatcher after all- it's his job. At any rate, they want to help outwith the finances here, and are looking into getting a castle inEngland for us. They want the castle to be the parent headquarters.Isn't that great?
They did have one stipulation though .they wanted me tohead the counsel there. I told Wes to tell them that I'd quit ifGiles wasn't the one in charge. So, Giles is now in charge, as itshould be. Although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled tooriginally be the one chosen for it. lol
We aren't sure when all of this is going too happen, but Wessaid anywhere between 1and 2 years. So, I guess we'll see whathappens. I have to admit, I'm really excited about going back toEngland. I've kinda missed seeing the hills and flowers, and itwould be nice to see the ladies at the coven again. And really, thecold weather isn't so bad once you get used to it. But I am a littleworried about it too. I don't want to get into the specifics of ityet, not until I've had the chance to let all this sink in first.
Anyway, I should stop writing; I have a lot of work to do. Takecare of yourself, and hope to hear/read from you soon.
I miss you a lot.
Love Willow
* * * * * * * *
Willow clicked the send button on the screen and watched the e- mail disappear as the Internet sent the letter off to its final destination. With a sigh, Willow shut down her computer and headed out of the office to the cafeteria in the hopes of having a cup of coffee.
The red head walked into the room and noticed Giles sitting at a table by himself, eyes scanning through a book while sipping tea.
"Hey, Willow! What are you doing here at this time?" Asked the young man as he looked at his watch.
"Hi, Andrew. I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd come here and bug ya. You wouldn't, by any chance, happen to have any coffee made, would ya?"
"Actually, no, I don't. Sorry, not with the cafeteria being closed for the night. But I could brew a fresh pot for you if you like."
"No, I don't want you to go to any trouble."
"It's no trouble, really. I'm just about finished preparing the menu for tomorrow anyway."
"It's only for one cup, it's not really worth brewing an entire pot. I see that Giles is drinking tea?" she said, and gave a slight nod in Giles's direction. "You wouldn't still have any hot water on?"
"Sure do, I always keep hot water going. Mr. Giles likes to come in after all the girls go to bed, then he sits down and reads a book."
"He reads here? Why here and not in his office or his room?"
"Don't know, but it's really not any of my business to ask."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right. Oh, and a tea would be just fine with me." She said with a friendly smile.
"Coming right up. You go sit with Mr. Giles and I'll bring it over for you."
"Okay, thanks." She replied.
"Anything for you." he said as she turned and made her way to Giles table.
"Hey stranger. Come here often? Or should I say, `is this seat taken'?" she said with a giggle, and he looked up with an amused expression.
"Never where you are concerned." He chuckled. "Please, sit." He indicated a chair.
"Thanks." She said as she sat and pushed the book in his hands up so she could read the cover. "Hmmm, Romantic Poets of Old. Gee, Giles, got someone in mind?"
"Heh, no, Willow, I don't. But I do rather fancy a good poem. I find reading them to be relaxing after a stressful day ..much like today I might add."
"Yeah, I guess it was quite an eye-opener of a day, wasn't it."
"It was at that."
"I'm still stunned, Giles. I mean, a castle! And in England no less."
"I must admit that I, too, was somewhat taken aback by the news today."
"How do you feel about the idea of going back to England? We haven't really talked about any of it since today when Wes told us about it."
"Willow, I think you already know my views on the subject. It is my home, after all. Most importantly, I think the question is-how do you feel about it?"
"Me?" she sighed before answering. "I'm not really sure. I'm kind of excited about the thought of seeing the ladies of the coven again. And England was really beautiful, I do miss being there, but back then I always knew that I'd be coming back."
"And what else?"
"Truthfully, Giles?" he nodded. "I'm a little afraid too."
"Oh? What of?" he asked as Andrew came over.
"Here's your tea just like you asked for. Nice and hot too. Oh, and I know that you sometimes like honey in your tea, so I brought you some just in case." He said as he placed the steaming cup and a small bowl filled with honey on the table.
"That was very thoughtful of you, Andrew. You read my mind! I am actually in the mood for a little honey in my tea. Thank you"
"Your welcome." He said with a blush. "I'm gonna turn in now that I've finished the menu. I left the hot water on the burner in case you guys would like some more."
"I assure you, the gesture is very much appreciated, Andrew. I will, of course, be sure to turn it off before I leave. Thank you."
"Your welcome, Mr. Giles. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." They both replied, and watched as the young man left for the rest of the night.
"It appears to me, that you may have an admirer." Giles said as he looked in the direction of the door.
"You know, more than anything I think he just respects me. I mean, I don't talk down to him or treat him badly like the others do. And, if you notice, he's the same with you too. Lets face it, the others look at him as the dweeby little guy who cooks their meals for them and that's it."
"Yes, that is a shame. I find he is a rather nice young man who is only too willing to be helpful. Though sometimes he does have a tendency to prattle on."
"Yeah, but that's just mostly when he's nervous, and hey, I can relate." She replied.
"At any rate, back to our original conversation. You were saying that you are also afraid of going to England?"
"Aren't you?" she asked.
"In what way exactly?"
"Come on, Giles. We're going all the way to England, and there is a secret society in the government that will be controlling the money and .."
"And?"
"And, how long do you think it will be before they start sticking they're noses in, and eventually trying to take over N.O.W.?" she spooned a little honey to her cup and began to stir. "Doesn't that worry you, even a little?" and she lay the spoon down on the saucer and took a sip.
"Yes, I would be lying if I said that thought hadn't occurred to me as well."
"The thing is, how on earth could we keep that from happening? This `is' the government. You can't just stop something that big."
"Honestly, Willow, I have no idea."
"Not much comfort there, Giles."
"I realize that, but it is the truth. And, quite frankly, I see no other alternative but to either decline the offer or accept it. And since we have already opted to and accepted it ."
"I know." She said and took another sip, then looked to the book in his hands. "So, poetry really helps you relax huh?"
"Yes, quite."
"Well, how about reading one out loud to me?"
"Alright." He said with a smile. "Any preferences?"
"Mm hmm. Poe."
"Poe?"
"Yup, good old Edger. `A Dream Within a Dream', I love that one."
"Well then, Poe it is." He said as he began leafing through the pages until he found it, and he began to recite:
"Take this kiss upon my browAnd, in parting from you nowThus much let me avowYou are not wrong, who deemThat my days have been a dream"
He stopped reading after the last sentence and looked to Willow.
"Is there, by any chance, some sort of a hidden meaning in this for you?" he said with a soft chuckle.
"None that I'm consciously aware of, Giles. But unconsciously, who knows?" she smiled as he looked back to the page and continued on. Unbeknownst to both, a figure stood outside the door listening before turning to leave the two alone.
~Part: 13~
A few weeks later
The red head sat in the lounge with a file spread out on her lap when she heard a light tapping at the door.
"Am I bugging you? Cause if I am, I could always come back. You look busy, I'll come back later." And the young man turned to leave.
"No, hey, Andrew! It's okay, really. Come on in."
"Are you sure?"
"It's fine. Come in, sit down." She said, and Andrew obeyed. "What can I do for you?"
"Uh, y-you said before that I could do other things if I wanted to."
"Yup, I did, I remember."
"Well, I was wondering, could I uh ?"
"Could you what?"
"Could I be a watcher? Just like you and Mr. Giles? I mean, I'll understand if you said no."
"Andrew, I'm not going to say no, but I am going to ask you something."
"Okay, what?"
"Are you sure this is what you want to do? It won't be easy you know."
"Can I ask you a question?" he asked warily.
"I don't see why not. Ask away."
"Why did you become a watcher? What made you decide to do this?"
"Well, first off, Giles needed me. I didn't say yes right away mind you, but I did give it some considerable thought first. And second, it was a chance to do something that was important and needed to be done. Third, it was the right decision for me." She paused. "Andrew, if you're seriously thinking about this, make sure you keep something in mind. Okay?"
"Okay, I will. What is it?"
"If you become a watcher, every decision you make doesn't effect just you-it effects you're slayer, and in some cases, the entire world. Being a watcher is an important job, an enormous job, and it's a stressful one. It's not something to be taken lightly. I'm going to tell you something Giles told me a while back. Being a watcher means taking responsibility. You are going to make decisions that will be hard, ones that you may hate yourself for making, but they will be necessary."
"I think I can handle that."
"Maybe, but can you handle the idea that you're slayer will die?" Willow quieted as she watched the young man's eyes widen at the thought. "Didn't think of that, did you?"
"No." he replied.
"Even that is something you need to think about. Look, Andrew. Giles and Buffy are great examples of a slayer living a long life if they work together. Not just them, she also had me and Xander to help, and a few others as well. But even at that, Buffy still died, twice, and Giles was torn apart inside-we all were. If I hadn't done that spell to bring her back, she'd still be dead. Do you think you could handle something like that?" she finished.
"I-I didn't think of that, like you said."
"Of course you didn't. You see Buffy teaching the girls how to fight, hell; you see her walking around and talking, eating and laughing. It doesn't occur to you that she was even dead but she was." She sighed. "I want you to go and give it some more thought, okay? And if after that, you still decide that you want to do it, then I'll talk to Giles about it."
"How long can I have to think about it?"
"Take as long as you need." And she patted him on the shoulder. "But think about it carefully. This isn't something you just jump into."
"I will. Thanks, Willow."
"Your welcome. See you at dinner tonight." She said, and he nodded and left. Deciding to put the folder away, she got up and went to her office and placed it in the filing cabinet before taking a seat at her desk.
She checked her computer for messages, but disappointment set in when she found none and shut the computer off. As she sat there, she let her eyes roam around the room until they settled on a blue binder sitting on her desk.
"I know this isn't mine." She said as she slid it a little closer and opened the cover, only to see a note that read: Please Read. Willow's eyebrows drew together as she removed the note and scanned the first page. "Wow."
That night
"Hey, Giles."
"Ahhh, Willow. I wasn't sure you were coming tonight."
"Nah. You can't get rid of me that easily. Besides, I love our poetry nights and wouldn't miss it for the world." She laughed. "Actually, I got caught up with something and didn't notice the time." She said as he nodded.
"There are times when I understand that only too well."
"Well, I have some interesting news for you."
"Oh? And what would that be?" Giles asked.
"Andrew came to me today. He asked me about being a watcher."
"He wanted to know why you became one?"
"In a way, yes. But what he was asking was that he wanted to know if he could `be' a watcher." Giles eyes widened in surprise. "Yup, it's true."
"Whatever gave him that idea?"
"Us, I think."
"I'm sorry, I'm not following you." Giles replied.
"I think it's a slight case of hero worship. He said he wanted to be a watcher just like you and me."
"You and I." He corrected. "I hope you tried to talk him out of it, and, of course, talked to him about the hardships that go along with being a watcher."
"So little faith, Giles." She giggled. "And yes, I did talk to him about it. Actually, I told him everything you told me, but I didn't try to talk him out of it. That's not my place to do something like that, and he does have a right to choose what he wants to do with his life. But anyway, after our conversation he's going to think about it for a while."
"I see. What do you think about this newest development?"
"I'm not sure really. It's not that I don't think he can do it, but I'm not sure if he could handle it if his slayer, well, doesn't make it. You know?"
"Yes, I see you're point." Giles nodded in agreement.
"Anyway, I told him that if he still decides to do this, that I would talk to you about it."
"I suppose when the time comes, the best I can do is to try and dissuade him. If not .." He let the sentence trail off and smiled. "Care for some tea?"
"I'd love a cup." She said as Giles got up and went to the counter. "I thought tonight that I would read a poem to you for a change. Is that okay?"
"That would be fine." He said as he came back and placed the steaming cup on the table in front of her and sat. "What did you have in mind?"
"This." She said as she pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket. "Close your eyes while I read it, then tell me what you think."
"Odd request, but I see no reason not to." He said, and closed his eyes.
"It's called `Whispering Winds'." She said, and began.
"In a field of flowers, I stand alone There is no one that I can see But a chill creeps into my bones As the wind whispers through the trees
I do not move from this place The sun holds no warmth for me I turn, hoping to glimpse his face As the wind whispers through the trees
But to look for him was a mistake For when I turned, I did not see I did not see his smiling face As the wind whispers through the trees
But I can feel his loving presence Though him I cannot see I am surrounded by his essence And still the wind whispers through the trees
And as I stand, beside his stone I feel invisible arms around me His warmth shelters me from the cold >From the wind that whispers through the trees"
Willow finished reading and waited for Giles response, but the wait wasn't a long one as he opened his eyes and looked at her.
"That was lovely, Willow. Rather bittersweet." He looked to the paper in her hand. "Did you write this?"
"No, Giles, I didn't. Believe it or not, I found a binder filled with poems like this on my desk when I went to my office this afternoon."
"To whom does this binder belong to?"
"I have no idea. When I opened the cover there was a note that simply said: Please Read. That's it, no name, no nuthin." She folded the paper once again and placed it in her pocket. "You think that was good, you should read some of the others that I read."
"Indeed? I should like to peruse through it once you have finished."
"I-I'd rather find out who it belongs to first, if that's okay. Whoever it was gave it to me, and I don't know how this person would feel about me letting others read it. I just-I shouldn't have, but I wanted you to hear one of them."
"How do you plan to go about finding this person?"
"I don't know yet, but I'll figure something out." She replied. "Giles?"
"Yes, Willow?"
"I've been wondering. Why did you start coming here at night to read?"
"Well, after living in that cramped little house with no privacy, I wanted the chance to sit and relax in a large area free of teenage girls. I found it to be rather habit forming after that. Silly I suppose."
"Not really, and I can see you're point." She said with a nod. "Now, how about you read me a poem?"
"As you wish. Anything particular in mind?"
"Well, Christmas is coming. How about something festive?"
"I think I can do that for you. Now, lets see what we have here." He said as he scanned through the pages.
~Part: 14~
Robin Wood's voice rang out loud and clear as he neared the end of his teaching for the day.
"Now, I want chapters thirteen, fourteen and fifteen read by tomorrow. There will be a quiz on it, so I'm expecting you to read and know this." He glanced at his watch. "Okay, gather you're things together. And as a side note, someone forgot something in Miss Rosenberg's office a few days ago. If you would be so kind as to pick it up, she would appreciate it. Class dismissed." He said, and all the girls calmly started filing out the door. "Carol."
"Yes, Mr. Wood?"
"Would you mind staying behind for a moment?"
"Yes sir." She replied as the two watched the rest of the girls leave.
"Carol, I just wanted to say that you're doing a great job here." He said as he sat in his chair and opened her work file. "I'm very impressed with how far you've come along."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet." He said, holding up a hand. "I said I'm impressed, that's all. You still need to work a little harder. You're grades are up, but not up enough. You're math skills are still lacking and you need to really work on that to bring the mark up."
"I know."
"Now this isn't to cut you down, I want you to know that. In fact, I'm happy with the overall progress that you've made since you came here five months ago. I see how hard you're working, so I also see the opportunity to bring you're grades up from a D to a B. Think you can do that?"
"I'll try harder, sir. I promise."
"Excellent! That's what I wanted to hear. You've done a good job so far, now go and relax before dinner."
"Thank you, Mr. Wood." And with that the young woman left and walked alone down the hallway, stopping before Willow's door. As she raised her hand to knock, she hesitated before finally allowing her hand to make contact with the wooden surface. She heard the greeting and stepped through the door to see a friendly smile greeting her from the red head.
"Hi, Carol. What can I do for you today?"
"Uh, Miss Rosenberg, Mr. Wood said that you wanted somebody to pick up something they left here?" she finished, and noted the slightly stunned expression on Willow's face. "It's a blue binder. Did you read it like I asked?" she asked nervously, eyes darting around.
"That was yours?"
"Uh huh." She replied as she stood there, not knowing what to do next. Willow gave a slight shake of her head before speaking up.
"I'm sorry, please, close the door and take a seat." And she gestured to the chair in front of her desk as the young woman shut the door then seated herself. Willow opened a drawer and removed the binder she had discovered four days ago, and placed it on her desk for the girl to see.
"Did you read it?"
"Uh, yeah, I did. You wrote these? All of them?" Willow asked, and the young woman nodded.
"What did you think?"
"I thought they were wonderful! Some of them even brought a tear to my eye. I didn't know you wrote poetry."
"No one knows, and I'd like to keep it that way. If that's okay with you?"
"Well, I did read one of them to Mr. Giles, but only one."
"Oh, I guess I should have put that on the note too. It was for both of you to read."
"Really? Well, this is good news. Mr. Giles wanted to read your work after I read him the one poem, but I wanted to get permission to do that first." Willow stopped and thought for a moment. "Why us? Why did you bring it to us?"
"One night I couldn't sleep, so I went to the cafeteria to get a drink. When I got there, I heard Mr. Giles reading poetry, and when he finished I heard you comment on it. I didn't mean to eavesdrop or anything."
"No, that's okay. I understand." She replied. "So you don't mind if we keep it a little longer?"
"No, go ahead. Just don't tell the other girls about it. Please?"
"You're secret is safe with us, don't worry. Look, Mr. Giles and I meet every night in the cafeteria to read poetry and talk-which you already know, cause you were there; sort of. If you like, you can join us tonight."
"Really?" she asked excitedly. "But I don't want to intrude. Not if it's you're time to relax."
"We don't mind. Really. Besides, it will allow Giles a chance to personally ask you about your works." Willow said as a knock sounded at the door. "Yes?"
"Alright, I'll be there. Thank you."
"You're welcome. See you later then."
"Hey, Willster!" Exclaimed Xander as he stuck his head through the door. "Oh, sorry, Wills. I didn't realize you were busy."
"Actually, Carol and I are finished here. Come on in." she turned to Carol. "Don't worry, I'll make sure nothing happens to them."
"Okay, thanks Miss Rosenberg."
"You're welcome." And the young woman left the two alone. "So, what's up, Xand?"
"Wow!" Xander said, staring at the closed door. "You know, I remember when she first got here. Man, was she ever a ."
"I know what she was, Xander." Willow cut him off.
"I just can't get over the change in her. Are you sure you didn't work you're magic on her?"
"Just that once as an example. But I've got to admit, it seems too have done the trick. Anyway, you wanted to talk to me about something?"
"Not really. Just came to bug ya. I haven't seen much of you these last couple of weeks, and wondered what you were up to. Sooo, how have you been?"
"I'm fine, Xander. I've been spending a lot of time trying to get Wesley's books duplicated so that we have copies, plus trying to remember and document everything we've ever come across. It's been taking up a lot of time. I hardly have time for anything, I mean, I even forget to eat until Andrew show's up with food for me."
"He does that?"
"Yeah, almost everyday anymore."
"You're looking a little stressed out. Is everything alright? Have you heard from dead boy lately?"
"You know something, I haven't. I mean, the last time I talked to him he said he was on a case and wasn't sure when he'd be back and all. But it's been a couple of months now, and I still haven't heard from him."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it. He loves you, and as soon as he can, he'll call."
"I know, your right, Xand. I guess I'm just being a worry wart."
"You are, but that's one of the things I love about'cha." He said as he leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Oh, Giles told me about Andrew."
"Uh huh?"
"Are you sure about him? I can't really picture him as a watcher."
"You know something? Everyone is so busy putting the poor guy down, that they don't bother to see his potential. He's a good person with a big heart, and I see no reason not to give him a chance."
"Okay okay." Xander threw his arms up in mock surrender. "I just- I can't see it. Ya know?"
"I know, but at least wait and see what he can do before you pass judgment on him. Okay? If you actually took the time to get to know him, you'd find out that he's not really so bad."
"Alright, point taken." He said. "You coming to dinner tonight?"
"Yeah." She replied, looking at her watch. "Now that you mention it, I am a little hungry. And it would be nice to eat somewhere other than in my office."
"Well then, lets go. If we hurry, we'll get to be the first in line." He said and both laughed.
"Let's go. Goddess knows we wouldn't want you're stomach to wait in line like everyone else." And the two left, along with the binder in her hand.
"You bringing you're work with ya?" Xander asked, pointing to the binder.
"Nope, it's just a little something for Giles to look at."
~Part: 15~
Xander and Willow made their way to the counter where Andrew was busy making sure everything was ready before the hungry teenagers arrived when he looked up.
"Willow, you made it!"
"Hey, Andrew. Looks like you won't have to bring me dinner tonight." She said as she looked around. "I'd almost forgotten what the cafeteria looked like." She joked.
"During the day anyway, and with lights." Replied Andrew, and he and Willow laughed.
"Yeah, you got me there."
"Uh, I have a question." Said Xander, looking confusedly between the two. "Huh?"
"Oh, nothing." She said, waving a hand in the air. "Just a small, private joke between me and Andrew here. Right.?"
"That's right." He beamed.
"So who helped with today's meals?"
"Jenna did. She was great and we get along good too! I really like having her help back here, although I'm pretty sure she doesn't like kitchen duty. None of the girls do." He said a little sadly.
"Not too many teenage girls do. But hey, I like to cook. Maybe one of these days I'll take a day off and come behind the counter to be you're `helper du jour'. I'll warn you now though-I like to cook, but I'm not very good at it."
"Really? That would be awesome! A-and don't you worry about the cooking part, cause I can help you with that. I'm a really good cook- which you already know cause you gave me this job."
"I'd love it. Maybe a day next week? You could teach me how to make those cabbage rolls you did. They were fantastic-I'd love to learn first hand how you did them." She said and watched as an evil grin spread across his face.
"I'd like that. Yes, I'd like that very much." He said, rubbing his hands together.
"Hey, Andy. You okay?" asked Xander, and saw the young man shake his head slightly and look at him.
"Yeah, I'm just fine. Got lost in thought there for a second. Hey, let me take you're trays and fix them up for you." He said as the two handed them over and watched the young man fill them. "Here you go. And if you have a favorite table you should grab it now. I hear the girls coming up the hall."
"Thanks Andrew."
"Don't mention it, Wills <ahem>, I mean, Willow." He said, and she smiled as she and Xander turned and went to a table.
"I think someone's got a crush on you." He sing-songed as they set the food down.
"No he doesn't. We're just friends." She said, and rolled her eyes. "Anyway, to be totally obvious about changing the subject here. How have things been with you? We haven't exactly had much of a chance to talk lately, let alone see each other."
"Same old same old. I saw Wes today, and he wanted to talk to all of us again." He said warily. "He figured we could all talk over dinner, that's really why I came to get you."
"Oh great, another talk. I don't know about you, but this whole secret society thing has me a little spooked."
"Well, you're not alone in you're thinking. I'm worried about it too. I mean hey, if they decide that they want to take over everything we put together .how can we stop them? It's the government, for crying out loud."
"That's exactly the same thing I asked Giles."
"And what did he say?" Xander queried.
"He said-he said he didn't know what to do about it either." She finished as Xander looked at her a little more closely. "What?"
"Will, you've got circles under you're eyes. Are you sure you're alright? Is this sect thing bothering you that much?"
"Yeah, sort of. I mean that's part of it. There's the whole sect thing, then there's not hearing from Angel, then there's trying to duplicate all the books, and documenting other demons and things from memory-that's a lot of information to try to remember; and other related stuff too. If it weren't for Giles and I taking time to sit and read poetry together at night, I think I'd be insane by now."
"I should have guessed. If you two were going to find something `fun' to do together, it would be with books. Don't you ever get tired of reading books?"
"Never. It's true what they say-that reading can take you to another world-escape."
"Well, whatever pushes you're buttons, I suppose." He replied and she slapped his arm softly and smiled. "Oh, hey. There's Giles and Wes now." And Willow turned to see the two men walking to the table. "Hi guys."
"Hello, Xander. Willow." And Giles set his tray down across from Xander as Wesley sat opposite Willow.
"Good evening." Said Wes to both. "I trust you had a good day?"
"Yup. Oh, Giles, that reminds me. This is for you." Said the red head as she slid the blue binder to him. "You have permission to `peruse' it." she snickered, and watched the older man's eyes light up and nodded. "It's okay, and I've invited the author so we can get her perspective on them personally."
"This is wonderful news! I find now that I am eagerly looking forward to tonight."
"Is there something going on that I should know about?" Wes asked.
"No." all three said in unison as Andrew came over.
"Here, Willow. I forgot to get you some coffee." He said as he set it down. "Two sugar and one cream." He smiled nervously and waited.
"Thanks, Andrew." Said the red head, but Andrew didn't leave. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Uh, can I talk to you for a sec? Privately?"
"Sure." And she looked to her companions. "Excuse me." She said, and Giles and Wes stood as she got up and left the table.
"What did you stand for?" Xander asked as they seated themselves.
"It's considered good manners to stand when a woman either comes to or leaves a table." Wes said.
"Oooooh."
* * * * * * *
"What can I help with?"
"Uh, I wanted to ask someone out-on a date, but I'm not sure how to do it ..or if she'll even say yes."
"Oh? And just who would this lucky lady happen to be?" Willow asked warily.
* * * * * * *
"I don't know about you, but that looks like a pretty intense conversation going on over there." Said Xander to the men seated with him.
"It does, doesn't it? Though it really is none of our business."
"C'mon, Wes. Aren't you the least bit curious?"
"Certainly not!" he admonished, but glanced over to the couple across the way. "Oh! Here she comes. Everyone, eat you're meal." He said and shoved a forkful of salad into his mouth as Giles rolled his eyes. Willow came back to the table and sat with a smirk on her face as all three men stood, then reseated themselves.
"Something funny?" asked Xander.
"Andrew wants to ask someone out on a date, that's all."
"Well, I think Andrew is a lucky man if you were to say yes." Said Wesley.
"Wha????"
"After all, you are a truly wonderful person. It's quite understandable why the young man has feelings for you."
"You too?! What is it with everyone thinking Andrew has a crush on me?"
"It's quite obvious from the way he ." But Willow cut Wesley off before he could finish.
"Obvious in the way that he was asking me about how to ask Jenna out on a date?" she looked around the table. "We are friends. Is that slow enough for all of you to understand? Sheesh!" she finished and all nodded and sat eating silently. When no one said anything, she spoke up. "Wes. There's something you wanted to talk to us about?"
"Oh yes. Quite right." He wiped his mouth with a napkin before continuing. "I've been in touch with the `Secret Society' again and," the three others groaned and Willow pushed her food away, but he ignored them. "As I said, I have been in touch with them, and they would like to send some extra money." He said as Willow's eyes narrowed.
"Why?"
"For Christmas. They understand that the girls-with all the training and schooling, they don't exactly have time to go about and make money for themselves. So the sect is sending money for them to buy each other presents for Christmas, as well as a little extra spending money."
"Really? Wow. That's really nice of them to think of that. I'm sure the girls will be happy to hear this."
"Indeed. They have also made an appointment for you, Xander. Here is the name and address you will need." He said as he handed the young man a slip of paper. Xander took it and read it out loud.
"Dr. James Anderson. Surgeon." He looked at Wesley. "What do I need surgery for?"
"Dr. Anderson specializes in eye surgery. While he can't restore you're vision, he can, however, have you fitted for a glass eye. And there is no need to concern yourself with the financial aspect of it. It will be done, compliments of the sect."
"Xander, that's terrific!" exclaimed Willow.
"And there is one last thing. Cardiff Castle will be ours to move into in February."
~Part: 16~
Giles entered the cafeteria and was surprised to see Willow already there, sitting at a table waiting for him. He let a smile escape as he studied her. She hadn't noticed his arrival due to the fact that she was already reading a book he'd lent to her a couple of weeks earlier.
"Hello, Mr. Giles."
"Good evening, Andrew. I take it that you are almost finished for the night?"
"Yes sir, I am. And once again you're here, just like clockwork." He said with a grin. "I've just finished making you're tea for you." He said as he handed Giles the cup and saucer.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. It kinda surprised me that Willow showed up this early." He gave a nod to indicate the red head. "She usually comes in about half an hour after you get here. Although, she did manage to get a cup of coffee before I shut the maker down." He shrugged. "Well, anyway, the hot water is on the burner for you, as always."
"Have a goodnight, Andrew, and thank you."
"No prob. Night, Mr. Giles." The young man said, and left the room. With the blue binder in hand, the older gentleman made his way to the table and seated himself.
"Good evening, Willow."
"Hey, Giles. I didn't even notice you come in." she said as she looked up. "So, did you get the chance to look over the poems yet?" she pointed to the binder.
"As a matter of fact, I did. But I'm afraid that I hadn't the chance to read them all."
"So what did you think?"
"They were wonderful. Tell me, who is this author?"
"Nuh uh. It's a surprise. Besides, you'll get to see who it is for yourself in about half an hour anyway. And I'm dying to see the look on you're face when you find out." She giggled.
"Yes, I suppose you are correct." He looked at her a little more closely. "My dear, are you not feeling well?"
"I'm fine, really. Do I really look that bad?" she asked. "Cause Xander asked me the same thing earlier today."
"Well, `bad' isn't the word I would choose, but you do look a little haggard, if I may say so." He said. "Is there something bothering you?"
"Just a lot on my mind, that's all."
"Oh? You do know that, no matter what the problems, you can come to me?"
"I know that, Giles. It just seems like I'm always talking about it. And no matter how much I talk, it doesn't really change anything. The problems are still there." She said, and Giles stood up and moved to a chair beside Willow, and placed a comforting arm around her.
"Come on, out with it. Talking may not change anything, but it helps to let it out and share it with someone." He said softly, and she rested her head against his shoulder.
"Well, you already know that this whole `sect' business is really bugging the hell out of me."
"I do. And what else?"
"Not that Xander getting a glass eye and the girls getting Christmas money is a bad thing .but it's another example of them butting in. Okay," she relented. "butting in, in a good way-but still butting in nonetheless. You know what I mean?"
"Yes, I quite understand. I, too, feel the same about it." he waited a moment. "What else?"
"Besides all the work taking up my time-the duplicating thing, I mean."
"Yes, that is a rather time consuming and daunting task at best."
"Plus I," she sighed. "I know he's on an important case and all, but I haven't heard from Angel in almost two months. Frankly, I'm a little worried about him."
"I assure you, Angel is quite capable of taking care of himself, and has done so for quite some time. Not to mention that if anything had of happened to him, Angel's co-workers would be sure to contact you. And since you haven't heard from them .." he let the sentence trail off.
"I know, you're right."
"Of course I am." He chuckled, causing her do the same. "There is something else, is there not?"
"Yeah, there is. But I'm not sure what to do about it-or what really caused it." she said sadly and he gave her shoulder a slight squeeze.
"It's about you and Buffy." He said flatly.
"How did you know?"
"My dear, give me some credit. I may wear glasses, but I do have eyes, and not only can I see, but I can feel the tension between the two of you."
"What's happening with us? We used to be such good friends, the best of friends."
"I assure you, I have no idea. But it may be wise for the two of you to sit down together and discuss this matter before it worsens and deteriorates. It just may be as simple as that to solve you're current predicament."
"I'm almost afraid to talk to her. I know that my relationship with Angel is part of the problem, but I'm not sure I want to know what else is bothering her. What if it's something that I can't do anything about?"
"In my experience, it is better to know what is causing the problem with the possibility of fixing it, rather than to know nothing and watch the problem grow steadily worse."
"And what if you're wrong and it doesn't fix anything-just makes it worse."
"Sadly enough, then at least the charade is over, and you can move on." He said, and kissed the top of her head. "You're menorah, I have not seen it out this year."
"I don't have one anymore. Sinking hellmouth and all."
"Ah, yes. I see."
"It doesn't matter anyway. I'm not celebrating Hanukah this year."
"Oh? And why is that?"
"Giles, I'm the only one here who's Jewish. Everyone else will be doing the whole Christmas thing, so I figured I'd just go with the flow."
"Ahem." They both looked over to see a young woman standing in the doorway and separated from each other. "I guess I'm a little early."
"Hey, Carol! Come on over." Said Willow as she turned to see the stunned expression on Giles's face. "Yup, that's the same look I had." She snickered as Carol came to the table and sat.
"You? You wrote these?"
"Yes sir, I did." She said, looking uncomfortable.
"I must commend you on you're work, though I haven't had the chance to read all of them as yet. Please tell me what you were thinking when you wrote ."
"Sorry, Giles. Me first." She laughed. "Carol, I'm curious about one of you're poems. What was you're inspiration for `Whispering Winds'?"
"Uh, well. I wrote that a few weeks after my father died."
"Oh, I'm so sorry."
"As am I." Giles said.
"No, it's okay. My father died about three years ago, and I used to go to his grave and just sit. One day I was watching the leaves rustling from a breeze, and, in a way, I felt not quite so alone. In my poem, even though my dad was gone, he was there-holding me. I wrote the poem as a way to remember him."
"It was a truly lovely piece. That was the poem Willow had read to me after finding you're binder."
"I have to admit, that one is my favorite." Willow said with a smile. "It was so sad, but uplifting at the end."
"Yes, it was. Please, could you tell me of you're thoughts while writing "
~Part: 17~
True to they're word, money was sent and dispersed equally by Wesley to each of the girls to buy what they wanted and for whom. It also accounted for the smell of pine that filtered through the halls of the building on the main floor.
As a surprise for everyone, Andrew had taken Jenna along with him and purchased several trees for all the girls to decorate. The three trees sat in the corners of the front lobby, and soon after Xander fastened them safely to the walls, the teenagers quickly made their way to the trees and began decorating.
A few hours later, the lobby was-as well as the trees, decorated, transforming the lobby and giving it a welcomingly festive sight for all to admire. Though Willow, Giles and Buffy had to snicker as they took in the sight before them; it looked as though an entire store had been bought out.
"I'm betting the shopping centre will be looking forward to seeing our group again every year from now on." Buffy chuckled.
"Of that I have no doubt. I must say, they did a rather fine job of it."
"Yeah, they did. Even Xander had a blast joining the girls in all the chaos." Said Willow.
"Yes. It was quite enjoyable watching Xander participate in the activities. And none of the young ladies seemed to mind."
"That's because they had as much fun as he did." And the two laughed at Buffy's comment.
"I thought it was kind of sweet that they let him put the stars on the tops."
"Yes, it was very generous of them."
"Well, anyway, I've gotta get back and finish up some things before my class starts."
"Class is starting late today, is it not?" Giles said as he looked at his watch.
"Yeah, I know. I told the girls that they could take a couple hours and find a place to wrap the gifts they bought."
"That was quite generous of you, Buffy."
"Well, it is almost Christmas and I think they deserve a little slack. Anyway, see you guys at dinner tonight." And with that, the blonde slayer was off. When the two knew they were alone, Giles turned to the red head.
"You and Buffy haven't talked."
"No, Giles, we haven't. Every time I approach her I chicken out."
"This is not something that you can keep putting off, Willow."
"I know, I know. It's just, what if it totally ruins our friendship instead?"
"That will, inevitably, be the outcome if you continue with things the way they are. Do nothing, and things will eventually build and fester, until there is no friendship to fix. Even Xander notices the difference between you two as of late."
"He does? He's never said anything to me about it."
"He does not believe it is his place to say anything." He said and Willow heaved a sigh.
"Alright, I'll talk to her. But I won't do it till after Christmas. I don't want to spoil Christmas for the girls if this ends up turning into a big brouhaha."
"Yes, quite." He replied. "And now to another matter at hand ..was it finished?"
"Yup, and safely tucked away in my desk." She said, and watched a look of relief pass over the man's face.
"I was afraid it wouldn't be finished in time."
"Have no fear, Giles. Wave a few extra bills in someone's face, and they're more than happy to put a rush on it. The job is done, so you can relax now."
"That is good to hear." He smiled. "So what are you're plans for today?"
"Actually, I'm going out with Carol."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. She wants to buy a present for someone, but wanted my help in picking it out."
"Well, I must say, that is rather kind of you to do so. She really seems to have turned herself around and I constantly find myself amazed at the difference in her from when she first arrived."
"She really has. Carol's actually a nice girl if she gives you the chance to get to know her. And I do like spending time with her. She's been telling me about her life growing up and everything, and she's had it pretty hard, Giles. That's why she was so difficult at first, she was too afraid to make friends or let herself care about anyone."
"Well, she has befriended you, so that alone show's she has exemplary taste in people." He said, and Willow nudged him with her shoulder.
"Flatterer."
"Nothing of the sort-it is the truth, after all."
"Whatever." She snickered. "At any rate, Carol's started opening up a little with the others-at least enough to make some friends. She won't get too personal with them right yet, but it's a start."
"That is good to hear. Given enough time, perhaps that will change as well."
"I think so too. She has even asked me to tutor her in her math with the hopes that this will bring her mark up. Robin said her grades have improved, but are still pretty low and could use the extra help."
"That is an excellent idea."
"Thanks. I'll be tutoring her a couple days a week for about two hours."
"Hi, Mr. Giles. Miss Rosenberg." And the two turned around to see Carol approaching them.
"Hello, Carol. Willow and I were just talking about you."
"Oh? Nuthin bad, I hope."
"Oh, no, nothing like that. Willow was just telling me that you asked her to tutor you in math. I'm overjoyed to hear that you took such initiative to bring you're marks up." He said, giving her shoulder a pat.
"Thanks, sir."
"Well, if you ladies will excuse me, I have other matters that need tending to." He gave a nod and left the women on their own.
"Do you think he suspects anything?"
"No, nothing. Now lets get going. I know it's the perfect thing to get him."
"Are you sure about this, Miss Rosenberg?"
"You know, we're not exactly being all official-y here. You can call me Willow."
"Okay, Willow."
"That's better. Now, trust me on the gift thing. Okay?"
"Oh, I hope he doesn't hate it."
"He'll love it, I promise. Now, lets get going."
~Part: 18~
Willow and Carol had the time of their lives while out on the town shopping for Giles's present. It didn't take long to find what they were looking for, and didn't mind paying a little extra to have the storekeeper wrap it for them.
Once the gift was purchased and wrapped, both girls decided to go for a bite to eat and walk around the city while it was still daylight. It was nice to do something ordinary for a change, and they did as much in the way of ordinary as possible.
Bundled up warmly, neither cared about the cold and continued on window-shopping until they decided it was time to get back. Willow hailed a taxicab and both girls laughed and joked all the way back to the school. Once there, Willow paid the driver and gave a large tip to the man, who was only too happy to accept.
"Thank you miss." He said excitedly.
"Your welcome, and Merry Christmas."
"And the same to you." He said with a smile. "You take care now."
"I will. Have a good night." She replied, and the two turned and walked up the stairs to the door. "Do you have someplace to keep it?" she asked Carol, indicating the gift.
"I was going to put it under one of the trees in the lobby." Then she stopped and thought for a moment. "Now that I think about it, could I keep it with you? If the others see that I got him anything, then they might think that I'm a suck-up or something."
"Sure, not a problem, and if you like, I'll take it on Christmas Eve and put it in his office. This way no one knows but the three of us. Sound like a plan?"
"Yeah, I like it. Thank you."
"Think nothing of it." Willow replied taking the bag. "Go on and get your coat put away. Everybody should be just about ready to head to the cafeteria for dinner."
"Okay. I'll see you later." She said and turned to leave, but stopped herself. "Willow."
"Yes, Carol?"
"I just wanted to say that I had a really good time today, and that you're a lot of fun to hang out with."
"I had a lot of fun with you today too. Now hurry up. I've already made you miss school today, I'm not making you miss dinner too." The red head laughed, and the girl smiled and left her alone.
Willow walked to her office and entered, and as she turned the light on, her eyes were drawn to something sitting on her desk.
"What on earth?" She said as she set the bag on a chair and walked over to the menorah sitting there by her desk lamp. She removed the note attached and read.
Dear Miss Rosenberg
I wanted to get you something to say thanks for all you're help, andMr. Giles and Mr. Harris were kind enough to help me with it. I hopeyou like it. Happy Hanukah.
Carol
Willow's eyes began to water as she ran her hand along the menorah, when she suddenly realized that she didn't have any matches. Uttering a small chant, flames appeared on six of the candles, causing the red head to smile.
* * * * * * *
Willow entered the cafeteria and spotted Giles and Xander waiting in line for their food, and immediately ran over and wrapped her arms around Xander. After kissing him on the cheek, she did the same with Giles before pulling away.
"I guess we don't need to ask if you found Carol's gift." Said the brunette.
"Indeed."
"I'll have to thank her when she comes in. That was so sweet of her-and of you guys to think of it."
"She just wanted to thank you for all you did for her. Ya know?"
"And since our discussion, Xander and I thought that this would be an appropriate gift."
"I love it, I really do. Thank you both."
"Think nothing of it, my dear. It may have been our idea, but the gift was from Carol."
"Here you go, Mr. Giles." Said Andrew.
"Thank you, Andrew." Replied the older man as he took the proffered tray of food.
"Oh, hey! There's Carol now. I'm going to go thank her, and then I'll join you guys at the table." Said the red head, and she was off before the two men had a chance to respond.
"Carol, long time no see." And both girls chuckled. "I just wanted to say thanks-for the menorah, I mean." She said, causing the young woman to blush.
"Do you like it? I wasn't sure what to get you."
"I love it. And it was really thoughtful of you to do something like that. But you know, you didn't have to get me anything."
"I know, I wanted to." Said Carol as Buffy walked towards them.
"Hey, Wills. Carol, I need to talk to you for a second."
"Hey, Buff."
"Sure, Miss Summers."
"You weren't in my class today, and I would like to know why."
"Oh hey, Buff. I ." But the blonde cut her off.
"Hold on, Wills." And she turned back to Carol. "You didn't answer me. I want to know what you were doing that was so important that you couldn't be in class. I don't tolerate skipping, and if this happens again, I will talk to Mr. Giles about having you removed from this school. You are here to work; if you can't do that, then you can't be here."
"I'm sorry, but I was .."
"I don't want to hear excuses, I want to know where you were!"
"Buffy."
"Excuse me, Willow. But this is between me and one of my students."
"Well, then it concerns me too."
"Oh? And how's that?"
"Because I'm the reason she wasn't in class."
"Huh?"
"That's right. She was out with me today. She wanted my help in buying a gift for a member of the faculty. So, if you're going to get mad at someone, it should be me."
"Oh, uh." She stammered as she looked between the two. "I'm uh, sorry Carol. I didn't realize."
"It's okay, Miss Summers, I understand."
"No, I shouldn't have come down so hard on you. It's just that I- well I thought you were skipping and .." she let the sentence trail off. "I'm sorry, next time I won't fly off the handle quite so fast. Although, there had better not be a next time." She said jokingly while wagging a finger and giggled.
"Sorry, Buffy. It's my fault. I should have let you know first before we went shopping."
"You said it was a gift for a member of the faculty?"
"Uh huh."
"Well, no harm done. And Carol? It was really nice of you to want to buy something for one of us." She quickly held a hand up. "Don't worry, I'm not asking who it's for. Now, you go on and get you're dinner."
"Thanks, Miss Summers." And the young woman moved to a place in line.
"I guess I shoulda told you, huh."
"Nah. Don't worry about it, Wills. It was just a misunderstanding, that's all. Water under the bridge. Now, let's get something to eat, I'm starved!"
~Part: 19~
Christmas was upon them and the excitement filled the air as all the girls sat around the trees waiting in anticipation. The rule was that no one could open a single gift until everyone was in the room.
And everyone was there; everyone, that is, but Giles. While all kept an eye on the clock hanging on the wall, Buffy was leaned up against the wall still in her bathrobe with a bored expression on her face.
Willow and Xander sat on one of many loveseats, with his head resting against the back. The red head ended up smacking him on the arm when the brunette's snores became loud enough for all to hear.
"Huh? What?" he asked sleepily.
"You were snoring."
"I was not."
"You were so."
"Was not. I don't snore."
"Yes you do."
"I do not."
"Yes, you do."
"I do not!" he said loudly.
"Yes you do!" the entire room yelled back at him, causing his eyes to widen and a sheepish grin spread across his face.
"Oh, heh, sorry." He said and looked around. "Hey, why haven't we gotten this show on the road?"
"Cause, we're still waiting for Giles to get here." Replied the red head.
"Well I'm kinda for the idea of starting without him." He said, and mumbles of agreement flowed through the room.
"We aren't starting anything until Giles gets here." And Willow made sure she was loud enough for all the girls to hear.
"Terribly sorry. Please excuse my tardiness." Came the British accent as Giles entered the room. Buffy and Xander's mouths went slack, while Willow smiled and Carol beamed at the sight before them.
"Giles? You're wearing a tweed suit! I didn't even know you still had one." Buffy exclaimed.
"Actually, I didn't." he replied looking down at his clothes. "This was a gift from a dear friend." And he looked to Carol and smiled with affection.
"Who from?"
"I'm sorry, Buffy. But the bearer would rather remain anonymous." He looked around the room. "I believe it is time. Please, everyone. Let the festivities begin." With that said, the girls all clambered around the trees, grabbing presents and calling out the names of who they belonged to.
"Looking good there, G-man."
"Thank you, Xander." He looked to Willow. "You're idea, I presume?"
"You presume right." She smiled. "Did you see the look on her face? She was so proud that you chose to wear it today."
"How could I do otherwise? And, I must admit, I have missed wearing the traditional tweed suit."
"You're not gonna make it mandatory or anything, are you?" asked Xander warily.
"I'm not sure. Hmmm, but now that you mention it, that is a thought. Isn't it?" said the older man with a mischievous glint in his eyes. The brunette got up and made his way to the girls, while giving Giles a sidelong glance.
"I'm Santa!!!" he yelled happily as he grabbed a present and called out a name. The owner of the gift ran to him and took it as he bent down and grabbed another.
Giles sat down on the arm of the loveseat and crossed his arms and smiled as he watched the excitement in the room. Willow looked at the older man and a feeling of joy washed over her. This is the first time in a long time that Giles actually looked happy and content.
Buffy came over and plunked herself down beside Willow with a yawn.
"Still tired, Buff?"
"Uh huh. I think when this part is over, I'm gonna go get a couple more hours sleep."
"You'll miss breakfast. Andrew will be making pancakes and French toast, bacon and hash browns."
"That's okay. I'll just make up for the missed meal at lunch." Said the blonde just before Xander's voice rang out.
"Okay girls. This is the last one, but there's no name on it." and he looked to Patty knowingly as she came over to retrieve the package. As she made her way to the loveseat, all the girls eagerly followed along behind her.
"All of us girls got together," she said, as she looked at the gift in her hands, unable to meet the eyes of the three on the loveseat. "and did this. We know its nothing much, but we wanted to show our appreciation for everything you've done for us." And she held out the package, which Buffy took with a smile.
"That is so sweet of all of you." She said.
"Uh, Miss Summers? I-it's for Miss Rosenberg." Said Patty, causing Buffy to blush.
"Ooops, sorry. Here Wills." And she handed Willow the gift. The red head took it and looked to all the girls.
"Wow. I don't know what to say. You, none of you had to get me anything."
"We know." Said Carol.
"It's just that you've always listened to us when, you know, we had a problem. You never talked down to us; in fact, you always talked to us like we were equals." Said Patty.
"You've offered to help each one of us with homework when we needed the extra. Hell, you even hang out and watch movies with us." Added Erin, and all the girls nodded and mumbled agreement.
"This is just our way of saying thanks. You're more than just a figure head in this place ..you're like one of the girls."
"Please, Miss Rosenberg, open it." Patty said, and Willow looked down at the gift and began removing the wrapping. Once the wrapping was discarded, she opened the box and carefully took out what was inside with a gasp.
It was a gold willow tree that sat atop a base, and at the end of each branch sat the head of a locket with a picture in each one.
"It's a friendship tree. We asked Mr. Harris to take pictures of all of us, and then we put each one in a locket. I-if you look, you'll see your picture sitting on the trunk of the tree. Mr. Harris was kind enough to give one since we didn't have one of you. And with ours hanging all around you, you will always be surrounded by you're friends." Said Patty as she watched the red heads eyes fill with tears. "Please, read what's on the base."
"As a watcher, you see with your eyes. As a friend, you see with your heart." Willow finished reading aloud, and looked up to see Giles face. The older man smiled and softly patted her back as she looked back to the girls.
"Do you like it?" asked Erin.
"It's beautiful. I can't tell you how much this means to me." She sniffed. "I don't know what to say, except, thank you." And Giles handed her a handkerchief as the tears fell.
"There's one more thing." Said Carol. "I don't know how it works, or if I even get a choice, but if I do, then I choose you."
"Choose me? For what?"
"I want you to be my watcher, Miss Rosenberg."
~Part: 20~
Christmas had turned out to be a wonderful day for all as Giles and Willow pulled Carol to the side while everyone else left the lobby to go back to the rooms and get dressed.
"We still have some unfinished business to take care of. This, my dear, is for you." Said Giles as he handed Carol a small gift. She looked between the two before finally taking it and tearing the wrapping paper off.
"We hope you like it, and that you don't mind the fact that we did it." said Willow as Carol eyed the hardcover book sitting in her hands.
"It's a poetry book." She said with a smile.
"Not just any `poetry book'." Said Giles. "It is you're poetry. Willow and I took you're works to a publisher and had him print a copy. You are now the proud owner of a one of a kind book. There are no other copies but this one."
"You did this for me?"
"Merry Christmas, Carol." Said Willow as she watched the young woman hold the book to her chest, lip trembling and desperately trying to hold back the tears.
"I can't believe it. No one has ever done anything so nice for me before."
"Think nothing of it. Now run along and change, young lady. We wouldn't want you to be late for breakfast, now would we." The older man said as the young woman nodded, turned, and headed down the hall to her room.
"Can you believe today? And the day has only just started. I can't wait to see what the rest of it will be like!" She said as she watched Carol leave. "The suit, it looks really good on you." He smiled down at her. "You look so happy today too. I don't think I've ever really seen you look as happy as you do now. Okay, except for the day I told you that I'd become a watcher."
"I must admit, it has been rather exciting, and I found myself quite caught up in all the merriment of the mornings activities."
"I still can't believe the gift they gave me." She said in awe as she looked at the tree in her hands. "And Carol, she wants me to be her watcher. I so didn't see that one coming."
"Well, it is of no surprise to me. The girls think quite a lot of you, as do I, and you are attentive when they need you to be. You have done a remarkable job with them in the short time that we've been here." He said, and watched as a wistful look came to Willow's face. He placed a comforting arm around her and asked, "What is it?"
"In two months, we'll be leaving here and going to England. I just-I didn't think it would be so soon."
"Indeed. And in two months, you will have a slayer of you're own." She looked up at him and he nodded. "Bear in mind, that having a slayer comes with a great responsibility."
"I understand that, Giles. But, do you really think I'm ready for something like this? So soon, I mean, and it's such a big step."
"I do. You know what the job entails. You've known from all you're years of watching me with Buffy. I do not doubt you're abilities, and," he said, caressing her cheek. "you shouldn't doubt them either."
"Things have changed so much. I keep thinking back to when all this first started, when I first found out about ."
"It is not good to dwell upon the matters of times past, Willow. What was-was, what is-is, and what will be-will be. Look to the future, for the past is something to learn from, and the future is what you make of it."
"It's all about choices."
"Indeed, it is. You will find that everything is about choices. The choices you make today will, ultimately, affect and shape tomorrow. All you can do is choose wisely, and, to the best of you're ability. I trust you-and so does Carol, which is why she chose you in the first place."
"Gee, you're holding me in such high esteem."
"And why not? I have every confidence in you."
"Such praise, Giles. I can only hope that I'm able to live up to you're expectations."
"And you will excel, just as you do with everything you put you're mind too."
"I'll make you proud of me, Giles." She said with sincerity.
"I am already proud of you." And with that, he kissed her cheek. "Now then, I say we put you're gift in you're room and head for breakfast with the faintest of hopes for being the first in line."
"Need a cup of tea that badly, do ya?" she snickered.
"My dear Willow. The day just wouldn't be the same without it." he said as he gave her shoulders a squeeze before they walked off.
* * * * * * *
"Willow, Mr. Giles, you made it! And just in time too, I can hear the girls coming up the hallway." Andrew said, and then turned his head in the direction of the door just in time to see Xander skidding to a halt.
"Aha! I got here before they did." He said with a goofy grin. "No waiting in line for me!" he said while rubbing his hands together and looking at Giles and Willow conspiratorially.
"Here's you're tea, Mr. Giles. Did you want something to eat?"
"Actually, Andrew, I wouldn't mind an oatmeal/raisin muffin." He replied, looking sideways at Xander and shaking his head.
"Sure thing." Replied the young man, and he grabbed a muffin and placed it on a small plate with some butter and a knife. "There you go."
"Thank you."
"Oh, hey! What's for dinner tonight?" asked the red head.
"Well, I asked around and its almost an even split as to who likes turkey or ham, so I'm doing both. With all the trimmings, of course. Jenna's helping me with it." he finished with a blush.
"You and Jenna seem to be getting along pretty good."
"Yeah, we are. I-I asked her yesterday if she would like to go out with me." He said, still not looking up.
"And?" pushed the red head.
"She said yes."
"Well that's great! I think congratulations are in order."
"Thanks, Willow." He said and turned around to pour some coffee into a cup. "Did you want anything to go with you're coffee?" and he added sugar and milk to the dark brew.
"Nope. Think I'm gonna save my appetite for dinner." And she took the coffee offered and turned to Xander. "I just wanted to say thanks for helping the girls out with my tree. That was really sweet of you."
"Hey," he replied. "It's no big. Besides, it was fun knowing about it, and you having no clue it was even going on."
"Xander? Anything in particular that you're interested in this morning?"
"Andy, my man! Must you really ask?"
"Okay, I know. Everything."
"You got it." said the brunette.
"It'll take me a couple to get you're tray ready. Is that okay with you?"
"No problem, I can wait."
"Giles and I are going to grab a table. Join us when you get you're food."
"Will do." Replied Xander, and the two left to take they're seats at the usual table. The amount of chatter increased as all the girls walked into the cafeteria, happily talking and laughing about the morning's events. Within moments Xander joined them and started stuffing his face, causing his companions to watch in amazement.
"Xander, do slow down." Giles admonished. "At that rate you'll wind up choking." He said, but as if on cue, the young man started coughing and sputtering.
Willow reached over and started smacking him hard on the back, and Giles stood, ready to do the Heimlich when Xander spit the food out and stared just above Willow's head.
"Xander?" Willow asked, and then looked to Giles. Her brows furrowed as she noticed the shocked look on the older man's face, equaling the look on Xander's, and that he, too, was looking at a point just above her. "What's the matter with you two?"
"Hey, Will. Long time no see." At the sound of the familiar voice, Willow gasped and slowly turned around. "Not even gonna say `hi' to an old friend?"
"Kennedy?"