Nice piece of property. Great location. Definite possibilities, Maggie thought as she surveyed the building for rent. The realtor rambled on about “good lighting” and “perfect spot for a business”. Maggie mentally shut her out as she walked to the front of the shop and smiled. Directly across the street was the magic box, and indirectly……… William.

London-1880

The house was quite. The funeral was over and all her friends and family had left except the reverend. Everyone had been so saddened. Even Cecily Addams had been distraught; maybe there had been something between her and William. She hoped they had got a chance to talk at the party the night William was killed.

“I’m so very sorry, Anne. A mother shouldn’t have to bury her child,” the vicar said as he tried to comfort the frail woman.

“Thank you, Reverend. You have been a great help to me during this difficult time,” said Anne as she walked the vicar to the door.

“Are you sure you don’t need the misses to stay with you?” he asked.

“No. I’ll be quite all right. I just need to rest awhile.”

Reverend Wilkins opened the door and turned to the grieving mother, “William was a good man and will be missed by all.” He put his hat on and started out the door. “Now, do what the doctor said and get soon rest.”

“I will and thanks again,” she said as she closed the door.

Anne slowly walked into the library and slumped onto the settee. “What will I do without my William,” she sobbed.

Sunnydale-2003

“I’ll take it,” she replied as she turned to face the realtor.

Barb smiled with just he right amount of enthusiasm but inside she was about to pee in her pants. This property had been on the rental market for over a year and her boss had promised a huge bonus to the realtor who moved it.

“Come back to the office and we’ll get the ball rolling.”

Maggie picked up her purse and walked determinably to the door. The ball definitely needs to start rolling, she thought, after all she had waited 123 years for this moment.

***

“Looks like they’re showing the old café building again,” said Willow as she watched the realtor and an attractive brunette get in the car and drive away.

“Oh really,” said Giles, “It’s been awhile since anyone has been interested,” as he returned to stocking the shelves with serenity candles Anya had ordered.

Xander walked up and stood beside Willow.

“What do you think they’ll open over there?” he asked.

“I hope it’s a book-type store; or …or maybe an ice cream shop. That would be yummy…the ice cream part, not the book part. Not that books aren’t yummy goodness in that thinking, learny, kinda’ way,” Willow corrected.

“I hope it’s a donut shop. There is no bad what with the frying and the sugaring.” Xander could already envision many trips across the street for a sugar fix.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, you two. That place has been on the market for along time,” reminded Giles.

“More business in the area would mean more money,” added Anya excitedly. “Unless it’s another magic shop then competitive competition is not good. We’ll have to object strongly,” she determined.

“I rather doubt another magic shop will open here in Sunnydale, much less right across the street,” Giles pointed out.

“Well, whatever kind of store it will be, I hope sugar is involved,” said Xander as Willow nodded in agreement.

***

“Bloody Hell, slayer! If you’re gonna get me up in the middle of the day to help train the ‘bitty-buffies’, at least miss my nose will ya!” Spike said as he held his fingers under his bleeding nose. “I think you broke it …again!”

Buffy tried to look sorry as she handed him a cloth for his nose, but he looked so cute with his head back trying to look ‘put out’. Besides it would be better tomorrow anyway what with the vampire healing and all.

They were in the basement showing the SITs different fighting styles. Mats had been placed on the floor and the girls were sitting against the wall. Vi was taking notes.

“What do you mean again?” she replied innocently; knowing she had broken his nose…ribs…jaw several times over the last three years.

Spike rolled his eyes in exasperation, trying his best to look menacing. It was difficult with the ‘Scooby-Doo’ washcloth he was using to stop the blood flow.

“At least you could do when you get me up this early is bring me something to eat.” He complained. “Something sweet and tasty…” he added as he lowered his eyes suggestively down her body.

Uncomfortable under his gaze especially in front of the girls, Buffy turned away and spoke to Kennedy, “Have everyone take a break and then meet me outside in half an hour.”

“Okay,” replied Kennedy as she and the others headed up the stairs. They were getting used to the ‘looks’ between the slayer and the blonde vampire.

Turning back to Spike; Buffy said, “Too bad…out of luck. Besides there really isn’t a good bakery in town since the coffee shop closed.”

Spike walked over to his cot and sat down, still holding his nose. The bleeding had nearly stopped. “I wasn’t talking about pastries, luv.”

Buffy ignored his comment as she walked over and sat down next to him on the cot.

“Bleeding stop?” she asked, trying to appease him.

“Yeah… ya know it’s a shame to drink down a warm cuppa just to have ‘you’ make it spill back out.”

“Quit whining.”

“Am not.”

“Are too! Besides I’ll make it up to you.”

Spike’s interest was peaked. “Really, luv…and what do you have in mind?” he asked softly as he tilted his head and smiled slowly.

Noticing the look but trying her best not to be affected; she replied, “Not That!” She quickly stood and walked across the room to get some much-needed space between them.

Trying to lighten the mood she turned to him, “I’ll give you a treat.”

Spike raised his eyebrows in question. Buffy realized the double meaning and quickly added, “A…a… food treat……what would you like?……to eat……I mean food-wise?” she stammered. He was the only vampire she knew who had an appetite for regular food, and a big appetite for the ..other.

Spike enjoyed her discomfort. He was glad they were at a place in their relationship where they could joke playfully even though he still wanted more. He knew Buffy liked him, accepted him… as a friend. After what he had done to her……well, he was just thankful for this much. If that was all it could be then, he would settle for that. Deciding to let her off the embarrassment-hook, he walked to the sink and started to wash the blood off his hand.

“Ya know what I would really like?” He looked over his shoulder and smiled, “besides ‘that’ of coarse……” he leered. “is some clotted cream and scones. My mum used to make them for me when I was little.” He stared off in space remembering.

Sometimes she forgot he had had a real life with a mother and memories. The look on his face as he remembered his youth made her wish he had lead a normal life without the dark vampire history. She noticed the faint smile on his lips fade into a sad grimace as he evidently remembered something painful. But, if he had led a normal human life, she would have never met him and she didn’t want to think about that. Not that he was important to her. Yeah right!

Determined to change his dark mood she teased, “Clotted cream-ooh yuck. Clotted just sounds wrong,” Buffy added with a look of disgust.

Spike shook his head as if to erase a bad memory and looked at her and grinned, “No pet, it’s really quite good. Ya spread it on a fresh hot scone with some strawberries or blueberries.”

Spike continued his description of his favorite dessert, and then realized he was hungry.

“Think I’ll run upstairs and have a mug. My tummy’s all gurgly” They both knew he meant blood.

“Even that sounds better than ‘clotted cream’,” smirked Buffy.

“Don’t knock what you don’t know, luv,” he said over his shoulder as he headed toward the stairs.

“I don’t want to know anything that’s clotted,” she mumbled under her breath following the hungry vampire up the stairs.

London-1880

Anne had sat on the settee for hours, crying, thinking of her lost son. So wrapped up in her grief she didn’t hear the front door open.

“Hello, Mother” he said softly.

Anne knew that voice instantly and jerked her head up to stare into the crystal blue eyes of her dead son.

“William? What are you doing here? I saw them bury you!” she gasped.

William slowly walked over to the settee and sat down next to his mother. He looked so different. He wasn’t wearing his glasses, his collar was loose and he didn’t have a proper jacket on. “Yes, mother they did but it’s alright now,” he said as he tried to comfort her. He reached over and gently took her hand.

Anne looked down at his slender fingers next to her own and noticed how cold and pale they were. She looked up and asked, “How is this possible?” Her voiced was a soft whisper.

William smiled, “I’ve been transformed.” Unable to stay seated he stood up and paced the floor. “Something marvelous has happened to me! I can feel power and strength like I’ve never known!”

“I don’t understand, William. What do you mean ‘transformed’?” asked his mother unable to comprehend what he was talking about.

He so desperately wanted her to understand and accept what had happen. “I met this woman……who changed me.”

“Changed you how?”

William sat down next to her and tried to explain, “This woman I met; Drucilla, offered me a new life. A new world. A world where I will be immortal, invincible and………free.”

“I still don’t understand. Free of what?” she asked with worry and concern.

“Free of societies’ rules. Free of constraints and criticism. Free of………life!” He spread his arms and looked upward trying to find the right words.

“How can you be free of life, William? What does this mean?”

He dropped his head and sighed. She would never understand. “Mother, I’m a creature of the night.” He raised his head and looked into her eyes, “I’m a vampire.”

With a look of horror on her face; Anne gasped, “There must be some mistake!” Unable to sit next to him, she rose quickly and walked to the fireplace, hoping the warmth would replace the chill in her heart. “Why William? Why have you done this?” she pleated.

“I’m still your son……” he said quietly, hoping she could still love him.

“My son is dead!” she replied softly, turning away.

A spark of anger began to surface. “I did ………this…… so I could be a man who would not be ridiculed and mocked! He then sighed and replied softly, “A man…… someone would love.”

Anne was unable to handle the truth about her son; “A man! You’re not a man!” she shouted as she turned from the fireplace to face her ‘son’. “How could you have been so foolish?”

William was stunned and upset to see the look of horror on his loving mother’s face. She had never raised her voice to him. A brief look of hurt was quickly replaced with the angry scowl of a vampire. His yellow eyes flashed as he stood and walked toward her.

Shocked and frightened, Anne recoiled and hissed, “You’re not my son……you’re a monster.”

William’s face smoothed out into his human form. He smiled sadly and looked at his mother for the last time as he said, “Yes……it appears your son ‘is’ dead.” He turned and walked out the door.

Anne crumpled to the floor and wept.

Sunnydale-2003

“GRAND OPENING-MAY 10” The sign was taped in the left hand corner of the front window of the café. Maggie really had to hustle to have the tea café opened as fast as she had. Rental papers were signed, and the kitchen appliances were ordered and installed. The dining area was decorated as an Old English parlor with lace curtains, cloth covered tables with bud vases waiting for tiny English roses and framed prints of flower gardens. Over-stuffed chairs with side tables were arranged near the window for more casual gatherings. This area reminded her of her own parlor from a long time ago. Many of the pieces she had picked up in England. She had worked very hard for this moment. She had planned for this for years……literally.

The knock on the front window startled her out of her thoughts. Standing at the door with a potted plant in his hands; smiling tentatively, was Rupert Giles. Let the games begin………she thought as she walked to the front door and opened it.

“Hello there,” she said cheerfully.

“Oh……Hello……I……I hope I’m not intruding,” Giles said as he shifted the plant from arm to arm; embarrassed and shy.

“Not at all, Mr………?”

“Giles, Rupert Giles. I own the magic shop across the street.” He turned to point to the shop and nearly dropped the plant. Maggie reached out to catch the plant, brushing his hand. They both startled at the jolt that sparked between them.

Unsure what to do, Giles handed her the plant, took off his glasses and began to polish them absentmindedly with his tie. “A welcome to the neighborhood plant……for your new business.”

“Do come in Mr. Giles and thank you.” Maggie stepped into the café with Giles following behind.

“Rupert. Please call me Rupert. After all we’re business neighbors it seems,” still a little unnerved.

“Rupert. I like that name. Thank you.” She carried the plant to the serving counter and turned back to Giles. Of course she knew who he was. She knew who all William’s friends were. She had been very through. “My name is Maggie. Would you like a ‘cuppa’?” she asked with a faint English accent.

“Cuppa? I haven’t had a real cuppa in years.” Noticing her accent he asked, “Are you English?”

“I used to live there………years ago,” she smiled.

Maggie carried the teapot to the sitting area and poured Giles a cup of tea. They spent the next twenty minutes talking about their homeland, completely ignoring the spark that had pasted between them.

“What made you decide to open a teashop’ here in Sunnydale?” he asked as he sipped his tea.

“Family,” she simply stated as she smiled over the rim of her cup.

“Oh, do you have relatives here in Sunnydale?” he asked as he replaced the china teacup in its saucer. “Maybe I know them.”

“Just someone I haven’t seen in a long time. I wanted to get settled first then contact him.”

Giles sensed there was some kind of family issue but didn’t want to pry. This lady rather intrigued him but he didn’t want to be rude; besides there was definitely something about her that he was drawn to.

“So, what brought a nice English fellow like you to Sunnydale?” she asked, wanting to change the subject away from her.

“My job; actually. I was a school librarian for years……before I……ah……quit and opened the Magic Shop.” Uncomfortable with the half-truths, he nervously adjusted his tie and then took another sip of tea. He certainly wasn’t going to share with her about working for the council and being assigned to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s watcher.

Giles looked down at his watch and realizing the time; he replied, “I don’t want to keep you. I really must be going.” He said as he stood up to leave. “Thanks so very much for the tea, it was delicious.” Giles patted his pockets absently as he looked around for something, then remembering his glasses were on his face. Embarrassed he added, “Well……yes…thanks again.”

“Oh, it was my pleasure and be sure to come by again……soon,” she replied as she walked him to the door.

They said their goodbyes again at the door and as Giles walked across the street, Maggie waved and smiled and said to herself, “Yes indeed ……it was ‘my’ pleasure.”

Everything was falling into place. She had waited a long time for this moment. Countless near misses. Always a step behind the evasive vampire; South America, Prague, New York, China and finally Sunnydale, California. He had rarely stayed in one place long enough. Vampires don’t leave a traditional traceable trail. She had to rely on stories and eyewitnesses for information. Vampires also didn’t leave many eyewitnesses it seemed. Maggie had learned a lot about the world with demons and vampires since that horrible night. If William could see his mother now………would he even know her?

London- 1880

Her son was gone and the pain was almost unbearable. To have a child die was horrible enough but to know that he had become a monster and that he was still ‘living’ was driving Anne insane. After he had left, she had taken to her bed for weeks with a fever and delirium. Her friends all whispered among themselves that the lost of her son would be too much for the frail gentle woman. They were shocked and dismayed with her talk of monsters and vampires. Shaking their heads in sadness, they thought it was a shame that she had lost her beloved son and now it appeared she was losing her mind.

After the first couple months had pasted Anne tried to return to a near normal existence. It was difficult with the grief so fresh but the last words she had spoken to her son haunted her. Her main focus had become to find him and tell him how much she loved him despite what he had become.

She began to read anything in print concerning vampires, life after death and the supernatural. Most of the articles were purely fiction but a few articles told of strange deaths caused by loss of blood with the only injury appearing to be small puncture wounds on the neck. She visited strange shops found in back alleys that ‘decent society’ never ventured. She was well aware of what her friends and family were saying behind her back, but found it difficult to care. She became obsessed with finding William. She vowed to find him if it took a life time……or more.

“I told you sugary goodness would be involved,” Willow gloated to the others. Smiling in self-satisfaction Willow pointed to the new café a few stores down the street.

“Yes, and we are all extra-glad you were right,” replied Xander as he walked beside her.

“Oh……Oh……Let’s go in and have a post-patrol snack!” Willow suggested enthusiastically turning to the others for agreement.

They had just returned from patrol and were heading back to the Magic Shop to join Giles.

“Yea, nothing completes a night of walking in graveyards like warm hot goodies,” agreed Xander as he turned and looked to Buffy. “How bout it ‘Buffster’, care for a hot bun?”

Buffy and Spike were walking a few feet behind the couple not joining in their conversation but rather enjoying the comfortable silence between them. Lost in her own thoughts Buffy was startled by Xander’s question. Her headshot up as she looked up to him, face red. “What…… what buns?……No Buns!” She ventured a quick glance sideways to Spike who had stopped walking and stood looking at her with his head tilted and a slight smirk on his lips.

“Something on your mind, pet?”

Looking guilty to her friends she asked? “What are you talking about Xander?”

“Buns and other sugared munchables, you know,” pointing to the bakery, “the new tea café.”

Buffy and Spike looked to where Xander was pointing.

“Okay with me. I could go for a sugar-fix right now,” said Buffy.

“New tea shop uh. When did that open?” asked Spike.

“’Bout a week ago.” Willow replied as she turned to walk down the sidewalk.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” complained Spike. “I ‘am’ British ya know!”

“Thought you knew. What with the big-bad vampire smelling ability. Thought you could ‘smell’ the pastries,” wisecracked Xander.

“Well, I haven’t got out much since I got back. You know- basement to closet to cave to basement, again,” sneered Spike.

Trying to keep the piece between the two guys, Willow turned and added, “Okay……enough with the testosterone-teasing.” She looked uneasily at the two, “Hey, my treat!”

Xander shot a dirty look at the vampire and turned around and resumed walking. “Not my fault, Captain Peroxide can’t get his own place,” he mumbled under his breath.

Spikes easily heard but choose to ignore Xander’s comment. They opened the door to the café and entered. The aroma of fresh pastries filled the air. All four inhaled deeply and sighed. Looking for a place to sit, they spotted Giles at a table near the back.

“Hey, G-man. What’s happening?” Xander asked loudly from across the room. They walked to the table and started to sit down.

Startled; nearly spilling his tea, Giles looked up at the gang. Composing himself Giles said dryly, “I asked you repeatedly not to call me that.”

Xander ignored him and pulled out a chair. The others each took a chair and picked up a menu that was on the table.

“So, what’cha doing here, Giles?” asked Buffy.

Taking off his glasses and wiping them on his napkin, Giles looked uncomfortable. “I……uh……just thought I would pop in and get a cup of tea while I waited for you all to get back from patrol.”

“I hear the owner is a real babe.” said Willow smiling as she reached over and pulled off a bite of Giles pastry.

“She’s a rather nice lady,” Looking embarrassed, Giles added, “The tea here is excellent. Maggie imports it directly from England.”

Buffy raises her eyebrows and teased, “Maggie?”

“Well, uh…… Ms. Caldwell that is……….”

Before Giles could finish, Spike interrupted, “Caldwell you say?” He looked intrigued.

Looking at Spike, Giles replied, “Yes, Maggie Caldwell, the new owner.”

“Do you know her, Spike?” asked Buffy

Looking at Buffy he shook his head, “No, don’t know her, just the name is familiar is all.”

Before he could explain, Maggie came in from the kitchen. Looking in their direction, she stumbled and nearly dropped the china teapot she was carrying. Her sudden movement got the attention of the gang as they all turned to look at her. Maggie looked into the crystal blue eyes of her son and felt faint.

London- 1882

Anne looked at the piece of paper in her hand. The address was 48 Heatherdale Court. Looking at the address plate on the door she placed the note in her reticule and hesitantly knocked on the door. A dour elderly lady opened it.

“What can I do for you?” she asked rudely.

Anne was so scared she thought she was going to faint. She took a deep shaky breath and replied, “I came to see a Mrs. Milner. I have an appointment,” she added.

The elderly woman eyed her suspiciously for a moment then stepped back to let Anne enter. The entry was small and sparkly furnished. She showed her to the living room and instructed her to sit, “The madam will be with you in a moment.” She turned and quietly left the room.

Shortly, a distinguished older lady dressed in black from head to toe entered the room. “Mrs. Caldwell?”

Anne stool and greeted the other woman, “Yes. Thank you so much for agreeing to meet with me.”

Mrs. Milner smiled, “My pleasure. Please sit down. Would you like some tea?”

“No…no thank you. I was told you could help me.”

Mrs. Milner looked at the lady sitting across from her. Although she was attractive the lines of grief and sadness were etched on her face. She recognized this look.

“Yes, I think I can help you.”

A sigh of relief escaped Anne lips and she smiled for the first time in years. “I need help………finding my son,” she cautiously explained. “He…uh…is lost.”

The other woman returned the smile knowingly, “Lost is certainly one way to put it.” Seeing Anne’s look of surprise she continued, “I have experience with a great many thing, some believable, some not so believable. What you want help with is the unbelievable. True?”

“Yes. It is so hard to explain.”

“Explain that your son was turned into a vampire?”

Anne gasped, “How could you know this?”

Mrs. Milner smiled and replied, “Like I said I have a great deal of experience. I know what is going on in this town. I also know about your son, William.”

“Please. Please, tell me what you know.” Anne was on the edge of her seat pleating with the strange woman.

“London has always had its share of the unexplained. Vampires are only part of this. I have information because I too had a loved one……’killed’ and like you I searched desperately, but not for her, for her killer.”

“What happen?”

“My daughter was killed by a vampire ten years ago. We found her body in our own courtyard. I was devastated with grief. My husband, God rest his soul, tried to comfort me. I told him the only comfort for me was to find my daughter’s killer. Edward had some dealing with…let’s just say, the shadier side of business. He contacted them and asked for their help.”

“What did he find out?” Anne asked softly.

“He found out that Libby was killed by a vampire named Angelus and that he was known for his brutality.”

“But, William………his body, I mean he……”

“Yes, William existed after he was killed because his sire; the one that killed him, choose to allow him to live.” Seeing Anne’s confused expression she continued, “He is still dead but possessed by the vampire monster.”

Anne looked down to her clasped hands as tears slowly fell down her face. Mrs. Milner reached across and placed her hand on Anne’s. “I’m sorry.” She paused, “He is lost to you.”

Anne raised her head and looked determinedly to the other woman, “No! Never! I will find him. I must find him. I’ve got to tell him……I’m sorry.”

Anne hung her head again and sobbed. It broke her heart to see the younger woman’s sorrow. Making up her mind she stood and walked to her desk and wrote a name on a piece of paper. She returned to Anne and handed her the paper, “I don’t know if this will help you but you could try this………person.”

With a look of hope Anne took the paper and smiled.

“It won’t be easy and it very possibility could be dangerous,” she cautioned. “Be careful!”

Anne rose to leave. “Thank you so much for your help. I can’t wait to see William again.”

After Anne left, Mrs. Milner shook her head sadly. I hope I have done the right thing, she thought.

Time stood still for a brief moment. Maggie was unaware she was holding her breath until she had to gasp for the next one. William. William was here. He looked so different with his dyed blonde hair and his black on black clothing. Of coarse he would look different. The last time she had seen him, after all had been 123 years ago. But as she looked longer she realized the eyes were the same, as crystal blue as ever. So full of feelings he tried to keep to himself. Right now they expressed concern and curiosity. Shaking herself mentally she put a smile on her face and headed toward their table.

“Well, Giles I see you have company,” she remarked as she set the teapot on the table.

Giles stood and brought another chair to the table. “Yes. These are my ……friends I was telling you about.”

Maggie took the seat Giles offered and sat down. She smiled at each person as she tried not to stare at William.

“It’s very nice to meet all of you. Giles has indeed told me so much about you; I feel as if I already know you,” she said as her heart pounded double-time.

As Giles made the introductions, Spike studied the shopkeeper. He was aware of how fast her heart was beating and he could sense how nervous she was. Meeting Giles friends could cause it but he suspected it was more than that. There was something pleasant about her in spite of her agitation. She kept glancing his way briefly and smiling. When he returned her smile, she blushed and smiled wider. Buffy was not immune to the smile-fest going on between the two.

“So, Mrs. Caldwell, what brought you to Sunnydale?” asked Buffy trying to get her attention away from Spike.

“Oh, please call me Maggie. I hope we can become friends,” she answered as she ventured another glance toward Spike. “I had some personal business to attend to,” she stated then turned back to the others.

Spike leaned on the table toward Maggie and asked, “Can’t quite place the accent, North London?”

Maggie’s smile widen as she replied, “Yes, I used to own a home near Westbourne Green.” She looked closely for a spark of recognition on his face.

Spike tilted his head and smirked, “I once knew a bloke who lived there. A real blighter……a stupid git.” Noticing her surprised expression he amended, “It was a long time ago…probably moved on by now.”

Maggie knew he was referring to himself as he was back then. Her heart wanted so much to tell him; No. Not stupid, just wrong. Without thinking she reached across the table and laid her hand over his. He sat up straight at the contact and looked down at her hand. He could feel something, recognition or something familiar. He shook his head slightly and looked up as she removed her hand and smiled. He returned her smile but a slight frown crossed his brow.

“I’m sure he wasn’t as bad as you say.” Trying to change the awkward moment, Maggie turned to Giles and said,”I’m having a special opening party for the local businesses Thursday, and I would love for you to come.” She turned and looked at the others, “All of you are welcome.”

“Thanks Mrs.……I mean Maggie. Count me in,” replied Xander.

“Me too,” added Willow.

Buffy kept quite as she sipped her tea. She wasn’t sure she liked the new shopkeeper, and she wasn’t sure why.

They sat at the table for a while longer; as the last of the customers left, chatting about the neighborhood and Sunnydale in general when Xander spoke up, “It’s a good idea not to walk outside alone after dark Maggie, Sunny-D isn’t always a safe place for a night-time stroll.”

“I’ve lived worst places than this Xander and I find I can take care of myself quite well.”

“Xander’s right. You can’t be too careful… here,” added Giles.

Before she could respond Spike spoke up, “If you ever need somebody to walk you home…just let me know.”

Buffy nearly choked on her tea. “What?”

Spike looked at her innocently but didn’t comment.

Xander mumbled under his breath, “That’s like the fox walking the chicken home.” Willow swatted his arm in warning.

Wanting to change the subject, Giles stood and gathered his jacket. He thanked Maggie for the tea and placed money on the table. She walked them to the door and they said their goodnights. As Spike left she stopped him with a hand on his arm, “Thank you for you chivalrous offer, I might just take you up on that.”

He glanced down at her hand then returned his gaze to her as he tilted his head and smiled, “At your service, Madame.” He then turned and followed the others; including a scowling Buffy, across the street to the Magic Shop.

***

The bell over the door had barely stopped ringing by the time Buffy had stormed through the store and gone into the practice room. All the others sensed her mood and chose to remain in the outer room. All but Spike who hesitated briefly then slowly followed her. By the time he entered the room, Buffy had already pulled off her sweatshirt and was standing in front of the punching bag dressing in sweats and a sleeveless undershirt, adjusting her sparing gloves. When she saw Spike enter, she immediately gave a roundhouse kick to the bag and began furiously punching the bag in graceful, angry moves.

Spike studied her for a moment. God, how he loved to watch her in action. It was like watching a skilled dancer completely lose in the dance. He remembered how they used to ‘dance’. He would get her angry just to experience her moves and have her touch him, even if it was with her fist. Then later it was with her body, but in a way, still in anger.

Mentally shaking himself to the present, he softly asked,”Buf?”

No answer, as she continued with the pounding, ignoring him completely.

“Buffy?” he repeated louder trying to keep impatience out of his voice.

She stopped and adjusted her glove, still not answering.

“What’s wrong, pet?” He tilted his head and leaned in slightly, mentally urging her to answer.

“What’s wrong?” she snapped, hazel eyes flashing as she looked up. “Nothing…why should ‘anything’ be wrong!” She tore her gloves off and threw them on the bench and started pacing, “Why should anything be wrong? I’ve got an apocalypse to stop, the First evil to defeat and …………” She stopped, sighed angrily, then returned to the punching bag and started a new round.

He watched her for a moment longer trying to figure out what had set this rampage off.

“And what, pet,……… tell me,” he urged.

Buffy stopped, took her hands and placed them on the bag, then leaned her head against the canvas.

“I don’t like her” she answered softly.

“Like who?” clearly baffled.

Looking at him like he had two heads, she snarled, “Maggie of coarse!”

“Maggie?…………The tea shop owner?” he asked with a frown of confusion. “Why don’t you like her? She seems like a nice enough lady.”

“Nice to ‘you’!” she huffed.

“Oh…I get it,” he replied as he nodded his head slightly. She was acting like she was jealous but that was impossible. He could never hope that she cared enough to be jealous.

Buffy knew how it sounded and also knew how Spike was looking at her. This would never do.

“I think she’s aligned with the First!” she stated ineffectually.

That certainly wasn’t what he expected. “The First? Are you off your nut?” he asked, voice raised.

She didn’t answer, she just turned her back and walked over to the parallel bars.

Trying to reason with her, he lowered his voice and said, “Buffy she seems like a very nice woman and she certainly isn’t the first.”

“I know she’s not the first, you idiot,” glared Buffy. She then looked down at her feet uneasily and mumbled to herself, “cause she was ‘all corporal’ on you.”

Spike heard the mumbled words and smiled. He slowly

walked over to her and tentatively raised his hand to touch her cheek. She pulled away slightly, avoiding his eyes. He sighed and withdrew his hand and stepped back. No point in going down that road, it always led to a dead end. No point in getting his feeling stomped on……again.

Changing the moment he said, “You know; pet, maybe you’ve lived on the ‘hellmouth’ too long. You’re going all suspicious-like.”

“Well……you’re just……naive!” she snapped.

“Naïve!” he couldn’t believe she had called him that. “Naïve! I’ve seen more than you’ll ever see in your lifetime…… lit’el girl!”

“Maybe it’s not me that’s been here too long!” she snapped, bracing her hands on her hips.

“Maybe I’ll just leave then!” he returned, anger building.

“Fine!”

“Fine!”

They glared at each other until Spike snarled and stormed out the back door. Buffy watched him leave then slumped against the bars as tears filled her eyes and slowly spilled down her face.

Once in the alley he stopped and made himself take a deep unneeded breath. That girl sure could push his buttons. Still angry, he shook his head, reached into his leather duster and pulled out a cigarette. He lit it and let out a slow calming breath of smoke. He really should go back in and apologize but he also knew it would be no use. Besides he really hadn’t done anything wrong. Buffy was crazy to think Maggie was working with the First, but then again there was something strange about her. He could sense she was hiding something.

Making up his mind he flicked the cigarette on the ground and headed toward the tea shop.

Across the street, Maggie had dimmed the lights and placed the ‘CLOSED’ sign on the door. Everyone else had left for the night and she was straightening the dining area before going home. She was still shaky from seeing William again. Everything in her had wanted to hold him and tell him who she was but that wasn’t how it was suppose to happen. It was out of her control, now.

London-1882

The wind blew her long hooded cape around her skirts as she walked across the bridge. The moon was partially hidden behind rain-filled clouds as she entered the make-shift campsite. Anne was terrified. Her heart was beating so hard the blood roared in her ears and she felt nauseated. Every part of her screamed to turn and run, but the thought of finding William keep her walking forward.

Mrs. Milner had given her the name of a gypsy woman who had helped when her daughter had been killed. The old gypsy woman had moved around a lot as gypsies tend to do and Anne had tried several times to locate her. It had not been easy or cheap.

Several eyes watched her as she entered the campsite but no one approached her. She stood and looked around for a moment trying to decide what to do. A light touch on her shoulder brought her spinning around to face a man standing behind her. He eyed her with suspicion as he frowned.

“What do you want?” he asked with a thick Romanian accent.

Anne’s hand pressed to her chest and she stifled a scream. As her breathing slowed she replied nervously, “I was told I could find Madame Roysky here.”

He hesitated as he studied the small genteel lady in front of him. He leaned close to her and snarled,“You have no business here!”

Trying hard not to cower in front of the gypsy, Anne straightened her spine and shoulders and replied in the strongest voice she could. “I’m not leaving till I see Madame Roysky.” She swallowed and added,”I have money.”

The gypsy leaned back to reappraise the lady. It took courage for her to come here and demand an audience with the old witch. He seemed to make up his mind and nodded slightly, “Follow me!”

He escorted her to a paneled wagon with designs and strange symbols painted on the sides. Three steps led up to a curtained entry. He extended his hand, bowed slightly and smiled as he left her to enter alone.

Anne nervously moistened her lips, lifted the hem of her skirt and walked up the steps. Pulling the curtain back she was met by a small gypsy woman whose eyes twinkled in a face that was so wrinkled it was impossible to determine her age. She had on a multicolored dress with coins sown along the neckline and along the edge of her scarf that partly covered her curly white hair. She withdrew the pipe she had been smoking and smiled, “I have been waiting for you, my dear.”

Anne stumbled into the wagon and took a seat next to Madame Roysky.

“How could you have been waiting for me, you don’t even know me?”

“I know many things child. Things that have pasted and things that are meant to be.”

Confused, Anne could only sit and stare. The old gypsy chuckled and replied, “You have come to find your son…”

“What do you know of my son?” she asked softly.

“I know he has become a ‘monster’, a creature of the night. He is lost to you,” she replied as she watched the younger woman’s reaction.

Anne sat there, face pale with unshed tears she refused to let fall. Looking directly into the old woman’s eyes she said,”He will never be lost to me. He is my heart……he is my son.” A single tear escaped and spilled down her face.

The gypsy witch watched her silently then nodded to herself. “I will help you but it won’t be an easy path. Your love must be strong.”

Anne raised her tear-streaked face and looked straight into the old gypsy’s gaze, “There is nothing I would not do for my son.”

The gypsy sat and studied Anne. The smoke from her pipe wafted up into her squinted eyes. She could tell that Anne was a strong and determined woman; but would she be strong enough. It was too late for her own child but maybe not too late for this woman and her son.

Minutes pasted before the old woman spoke. Anne sat on her stool too afraid to say anything but resolved to find William, no matter the cost.

Finally the gypsy removed the pipe and leaned forward and nodded slightly as if to make up her mind. Her voice was slow and raspy with age and a thick Romanian accent. “I will help you reunite with your son. I can not change what he has become but I have the means to change you.”

Anne recoiled in fear. “You will make me a vampire?” she gasped.

“No, that is not my intention. What I can do is dangerous and has not been tried before to my knowledge.”

Anne’s heart was pounding as she took a deep breath and replied, “I will do anything.”

***

Buffy’s crying jag was over as she bent over the sink to wash the evidence of tears and mascara away. She looked up to dry her face and studied her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were somewhat puffy and red but the cold water had helped. Why had she said those things to Spike? How could she have told him that he had been here too long? She knew that she wanted him around and that she would be lost if he ever left. When the First had him trapped in the cave she almost went crazy worrying that she would never see him again and then when he was around she didn’t let him get close.

“I am such a dope!” she said aloud, annoyed with herself.

“I never thought so,” replied Giles as he stool leaning in the doorway, hands in his pockets.

Buffy turned suddenly, startled by his voice.

“I haven’t always agreed with your decisions but you were never a dope.”

Buffy dropped her head and sighed, “Well, I’ve made some doozyies.”

She finished drying her face and walked over to the bench and sat down as Giles joined her. He studied her face and could tell she had been crying and given the fact that Spike was gone, left little doubt what had happen.

“You two have another fight?”

“How could you tell,” she scoffed.

Giles turned and took her hand and said, “Buffy there are very few things that I know of that would make you cry and unfortunately Spike is one of them.”

Buffy smiled slightly, knowing Giles understood. “He just makes me so mad. He has someone all ‘touchy feely’ all over him and he doesn’t even get it.”

“Who’s……’touchy-feely’ on Spike?”

Buffy stammered, “Maggie of course! Duh!”

“Maggie was……touching Spike?”

“You mean you didn’t notice?” She couldn’t believe Giles had not seen the feel-fest going on across the table.

Giles removed his glasses and cleaned them absentmindly, “You think Maggie is attracted to Spike?”

“Well, I don’t know if attracted is the right word but she sure was interested.”

Giles sat there without responding. Buffy glanced up and saw the look on his face. “You like her, don’t you?”

Embarrassed, Giles stuttered, “No…no…I just think that what with Spike being a vampire and all; even with a soul, that Maggie………” he sighed. “Yes, I think I rather do like her.”

Buffy reached over and placed her arm around Giles’ shoulder. “My little watcher’s in love. How cute,” she teased.

“This is no teasing matter for either of us, if indeed Spike and Maggie are……attracted to one another.”

“Maybe I’m wrong and my imagination is going all wonky these days.”

“We can only hope,” Giles said dejectedly.

Chapter Six

Spike stood outside the shop and watched Maggie as she moved from table to table straightening the dining area. The shop was closed, lights turned down. He watched her face and could tell she worked out of habit, her thoughts were elsewhere. There was something strangely familiar about this woman. Did he know her from his past? She would have been younger, obviously, but he still could have met her before.

He knocked lightly on the glass to get her attention. Startled she turned and seeing Spike, she smiled. She walked over and unlocked the door.

“Hello there, Willi---Uh..will you come in, Spike?” She had been thinking of him and almost called him by his real name.

“Didn’t mean to frighten you, just thought I would stop by and see if you wanted me to walk you home, you being new to the area and all.” He nodded his head in the direction of the alley, “All kind of beasties out.”

“Sure, that would be grand. Come on in. I’m not quite finished.” She stepped aside and let him enter. “I just made a fresh batch of scones. I don’t suppose I could interest you in one?”

He tilted his head, raised his eyebrows and asked, “Don’t suppose you have anything to go on ‘um?”

She smiled, “Would clotted cream and strawberries do?”

A smile spread across his face as he sat down at the table. “I haven’t had a decent scone n’cream in ages, not since I was in England years ago.”

“Oh really, how long ago?” she asked.

He looked up at her and answered evasively, “A few.” He didn’t want to tell her it had been over fifty years ago when he and Dru passed through England on the way to Paris.

Maggie brought a plate of hot scones and a crock of clotted cream to the table, along with a pot of Earl Gray tea. The aroma of the hot biscuits made Spike’s mouth water.

“Ya know my mum used to make the best scones.”

Her heart felt like it was beating overtime. “Does she still cook them for you?”

Spike hear her heart rate increase, but he couldn’t imagine why. A shadow passed over his face as he sadly said, “My mum’s been gone for years now.”

Maggie thought, ‘he was sad about the thought of me being dead…maybe I can still reach him’.

“I’m sorry about your mother.”

“It’s alright. Been a long time.”

She picked up the plate of scones and said, “This is an old family recipe passed down by my grandmother. I hope you like them.”

Spike took one and spread the cream over the top and placed some chopped sweet strawberries on top. He placed almost the whole scone in his mouth, smearing cream in the corners of his mouth. “Mumm…is…mgood,” he mumbled with his mouth full as he reached for another one.

Maggie sat and watched him eat as she drank her tea. How many times had she watched her William ‘devour’ his favorite dessert?

Realizing his bad manners he slowed down and wiped his mouth on a napkin.

“These taste just like my mum’s. She used to put…”

“Vanilla,” they both said at the same time.

He cocked his head and grinned, “Yeah, secret ingredient.”

They both laughed as he reached for another one.

Across the street, the gang waited as Giles locked the door to the Magic Shop.

“Looks like ‘Spikey’ has a new friend,” joked Xander.

They all turned to see what he was talking about. They saw Spike and Maggie sitting together in the darkened shop, laughing and looking like they were having a fun time.

“Isn’t she like way old for him?” asked Willow.

“She’s not old,” huffed Giles. “She’s the same age as I am.”

“Like she said ‘old’.” Seeing the frown on Giles’ face, Buffy quickly added, “At least she’s too old for Spike.”

“You have to remember that he’s over one hundred and twenty years old. If anything, ‘he’s’ too old for her,” reminded Giles, uneasy.

Deciding not to bother the couple, they turned and walked the other way. Giles and Buffy both took one last look over their shoulders, each not liking what they saw.

Spike looked down at the empty plate, “Guess I made a pig of myself, didn’t I?”

“I loved to watch you…someone eat. That’s why I bake.” Uncomfortable with her near-slip, she changed the subject. “Let me put these dishes up and we’ll be on our way.”

They walked in silence; each lost in their own thoughts, when a large, ugly vampire stepped in their path, brow creased in ridges and yellow eyes glaring.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” Spike asked as he cautiously pushed Maggie behind him.

“I’m thirsty…thought I would have a ‘couple’ before bed,” sneered the vampire.

Maggie hung back as Spike stepped forward. “Fraid’ the bar is closed,” he said in a low threatening voice.

In the next second Spike reached forward and grabbed the vampire by the shirt. He threw him against a tree where he slumped to the ground. Dazed the vamp staggered to his feet preparing to fight. Crouched low his gaze saw Maggie to his left. Deciding she was easier prey he turned slightly to advance on her.

“Don’t even think of it, mate,” Spike said as he ran and tackled the startled vampire. They wrestled across the ground as each aggressor briefly gained the advantage. Rolling to a stand Spike looked around for a weapon. The other vampire was less experienced but was larger than Spike. He crouched, hands on his knees, panting. “I know who you are. You’re not so tough…Spike!”

“Heard of me have you?”

“Yeah, I heard of you! Heard you’ve gone all soft!” he said as he rose to his feet, ready for another round.

“I’ll show you soft!” Spike said as he snapped a tree branch off and changed into game-face. He roared as he charged toward the surprised vampire.

Maggie had remained standing off to the side when she saw Spike’s face change into his vampire vestige; she remembered the first time she had seen William change. Without thinking, she shouted, “William, be careful!”

Spike had the other vampire by the throat. He hesitated when he heard his name, glanced at Maggie then plunged the wood branch into the other’s heart. As the dust settled on the ground, Spike turned and looked at Maggie. His face smoothed into human features as he cocked his head and scowled. What the hell is going on, he thought. He slowly walked toward her and stopped inches away. Maggie held her breathe, afraid of what he would do. With a cool, steel voice he asked, “What did you call me?”

Maggie knew she couldn’t take it back. This wasn’t how it was suppose to be. She let out the breathe she had been holding, in one loud sigh, she said, “I know it’s rather confusing, but I just can’t tell you.”

“Oh really?” he hissed as he leaned in, inches away from her face. “I think you better start explaining; luv,” he said with no warmth at all, “how you know me and why you weren’t surprised that I’m a vampire.”

Maggie swallowed nervously, suddenly more afraid of the man he was now than the son she knew. “I’m sorry, I…I just can’t tell you. This isn’t how it’s supposed to work!”

He leaned away confused, “How’s ‘what’ suppose to work?”

With resolve Maggie said, “We do need to talk. Let’s go to my apartment and I’ll tell you what I can.”

Spike studied the small woman standing in front of him. She certainly didn’t look dangerous and there was something about her, something familiar. “’Alright; pet. Let’s go have a little chat.”

They walked in silence to her apartment. Maggie tried to sort out what she could say to him that would make him understand. She knew the gypsy’s spell limited what she could tell him.