Angel glanced at the clock, a frown on his handsome face. "I wonder
where they are?" He knew how long the drive from Sunnydale took. Spike
and Willow should have arrive about an hour before. He hoped nothing had
happened.
 

"Maybe they aren't coming" Cordelia said, hope in her voice.
 

"What's wrong?" Angel asked, glancing at the girl. She had been nervous
the last few days. Since she had heard that the book was being delivered
by Spike and Willow. "I know you and Willow used to not get along but
that was over a year ago."
 

"Not get along?" Cordelia said, staring at him in amazement. "I was a
complete bitch to her. For twelve years! I assaulted her verbally every
chance I got. I took away even the smallest shred of dignity she had.
Hell, I even went after Xander because I knew she loved him. I was a
horrid hag."
 

"Well, you weren't very nice" Angel agreed with a smile, "But you were
kids."
 

"No. She hates me. She should hate me. I made her adolescent a
nightmare."
 

"Delia, you really need to quit watching Oprah" Angel said, sighing.
"You did not make her life a nightmare. Willow is the sweetest person I
know. There is no way she still hates you for something you did when you
were children."
 

"You don't get it!" Cordelia said. "I stole her birthday" she said
quietly.
 

"What?" Angel asked, confused.
 

"We were born on the same day. In school, I didn't want to share with
anyone. I sort of pushed her away so that no one even remembered. She
spent her birthday in my shadow. Until we were in junior high when it
wasn't that important. See? I am a bitch."
 

"Were" Angel corrected, moving to stand behind her. He began to massage
her neck, surprised by how tense she was. "You've matured a lot over the
last year, Delia. Willow won't even recognize the person you are now.
Don't worry so much."
 

Cordelia leaned back, enjoying the feel of her lover's hands. Her lover.
The thought brought a smile to her face. Her Angel. She shook her head
softly, "She still hates me. I know it. That's why they're late. She
doesn't want to face me. Maybe I should leave."
 

"You aren't going anywhere Delia. If I have to face Spike, you can
handle facing Willow. You say that you two share birthdays?" he
remembered suddenly.
 

"Yes" Cordelia said, her voice pitiful as she remembered the horrible
things she had done over the years to Willow.
 

"Aren't you turning twenty in two days?" Angel reminded her.
 

"Yeah" Cordelia said. Suddenly, she smiled. "I can make it up to her!
She'll be here for our birthday! Thank you Angel. What would I do
without you?"
 

"Probably get more sleep" he said lazily, a smile on his face at the
excitement he saw in her eyes. "If you want to keep it a surprise, you'd
better quiet down. I can feel Spike."
 

"They're here?" Cordelia said, standing up. She straightened her skirt
and fluffed her hair. Angel watched her primp with a curious look. Why
was she making herself attractive? It was just Spike and Willow. He got
a thoughtful look in his eyes before he heard the knock on the door.
He'd think about it later. They were here. Time to face Spike.
 

Next