Chapter 1:
September 21, 1998
Dear William,
Hi! I received your name in my English class. We are assigned to write letters
to someone in a foreign country. At first, I must admit that I thought the idea
silly. But, after talking with my mom about it, she suggested that I might make
a new friend. So, I’m writing now with an open mind, hopefully. Plus, I think
it’ll be fun to write a guy.
My name’s Buffy Summers. Hmmm. I don’t know what to tell you about myself, so I
guess the basics are always good. I’m about five foot three although I don’t
know where my height comes from because both my parents are taller than average.
I’m *not* telling you my weight. *wink* I have blond hair, which I may or may
not color, depending on whom you talk with at school, and I have green eyes. My
parents are divorced, and I live with my mom and little sister, Dawn, in
Sunnydale, California. I hope that’s not too much information for a first
letter. But I guess, for some reason, I feel safer talking about private stuff
in a letter when I don’t have to worry as much about your reaction.
Dawn’s pretty okay as far as sisters go, but she can be a pest sometimes. Like
last week, she stole my diary and read halfway through it before I caught her
with it. Ugh! I suppose you can understand if you have a sibling. Aside from
that, I’m pretty close to my sister; I mean, she and I got really close during
our parents’ divorce. She’s really pretty with long, dark hair and wide blue
eyes that make you want to protect her. She’s gonna have lots of guys to fend
off one day soon.
Mom runs an art gallery downtown, and she specializes in really old artifacts
and art pieces from ancient cultures. When I was a kid and we lived in L.A. with
my dad, I used to spend hours in the gallery, helping her catalogue pieces and
work on displays. You meet the strangest people in the art world, especially in
L.A.
Sunnydale’s okay. There’s not as much to do here, and because we don’t have as
much money as we used to, we don’t travel as much. And, I didn’t get to keep my
car. I had a cherry-red Dodge Neon, but my dad took it in the divorce. Plus, he
took my dog, too. But, that’s a whole other story. Sunnydale’s small enough that
I can walk pretty much everywhere although Mom usually drops me off at school,
so I don’t have to ride the bus, thank goodness!
Oh, and I have two best friends, Willow and Xander. Willow is my best girl
friend. She’s got red hair and a great personality. We spend the night with each
other a lot and go on double dates. Xander’s a sweetie. He’s tall with brown
hair and eyes. He hangs out with Willow and me quite a bit and bemoans his bad
luck with girls.
I’m a senior at Sunnydale High. . . that means twelfth grade, and I’m excited to
graduate this year (finally)! I’m not really involved in extracurricular
activities except I do belong to the journalism club. I kind of enjoy searching
out a good story and reporting it in the school newspaper. I won an award for
that last year. I’m not sure what I want to do in college, yet.
Well, that’s all I can think of for now! I hope to hear from you soon!
Take care,
Buffy
P.S. I can’t wait to hear lots about you! *smilies* Oh, and I enclosed a picture
of me! It’s my senior picture which I got done at the portrait studio in town.
* * *
30 September 1998
Dear Buffy,
Thanks for the letter and the picture! It was a nice surprise to receive such a
sweet letter in the mail. I had forgotten that my father signed me up with the
penpal company through the school.
I guess I can do the same as you. I’m 18 and about five foot ten with
blondish-brown hair that’s sort of wavy, which I hate because it gets all wonky
when it’s humid out (and it is a lot here). My eyes are blue. Like you, my dad’s
taller than me. I don’t remember my mum; she died when I was about two from
leukemia. (Talk about revealing too much in letters.) But I know she was shorter
than me. I’m sorry about your parents; that must have been rough.
I don’t go to public school, and I live in a small town just outside London. My
dad’s a tutor for several of the neighborhood kids, including me. It’s okay, but
I rather miss being around kids my own age. I used to go to a boarding school,
but it was shut down for being unsanitary (which is not as bad as it sounds). I
guess that I’m sort of in the equivalent of twelfth grade as well. Next year,
I’m supposed to go to college. My father wants me to study history in London,
but I want to go to the States for university.
Funny you mentioned writing because I’d like to be a writer as well except I
think I’d like to be an English professor. . . although similar to you, I like
to research the mystery, especially the mystery of a writer’s past, and I like
to write. . . creative bits, nothing too exciting really.
We pretty much walk everywhere here as well. Saves time, and there’s less
pollution. Plus, you get to enjoy being outside and seeing all that nature has
to offer. My dad’s a history lecturer, and he’s published quite a bit on Europe
in the 1800’s. I don’t know if you’ve heard of him. . . Rupert Giles. Anyway,
he’s taken a lot of trips around Europe to lecture on his work, and I’ve gone
with him. You’d love to see all the beautiful scenery and the food. . . ethnic
food is wonderful! You can practically view the history in living color if you
use your imagination. I guess in a way, I do enjoy history but not in the way my
father wants me to.
I don’t have siblings, sadly. But Dawn sounds like a wonderful sister. I wish I
had a sister. It must have been frustrating when she read your diary like that.
What did you do when you caught her?
Like you, I have two close friends. One is Dru, and the other is Angelus.
They’re both older than me. Dru’s real pretty with long dark hair and dark eyes,
and Angelus is tall with dark hair and eyes as well. They’re dating actually. We
go out a lot at night, especially when my dad’s out of town. We tend to hang out
at the local pubs and dance or occasionally smoke or have a beer. (I hope you
don’t think I’m a delinquent now and never write again.)
Congrats on the writing award and have a great senior year! Don’t worry about
not knowing what you want to do with your life; you still have a long time to
decide.
Well, I’m off to work. Thanks again for the letter.
Sincerely,
Spike (William)
Chapter 2:
November 3, 1998
Dear William,
Hi! Sorry that I haven’t written in so long, but I’ve been through a lot lately.
I probably shouldn’t bore you with all the details, so I’ll write about
something else.
Hmm. Have you ever been to the States? There’re such a variety of things to do
and see here. My favorite thing to do is go to the beach, especially during the
summer when I have no school to worry about. Sunbathing is a must when you live
in California. The only thing that sucks about it is getting sunburned. No
tanning beds needed here.
I also enjoy shopping; my mom, Dawn, and I went on an all day shopping trip last
weekend. I bought a couple of great new tops and a pair of shoes. Don’t worry; I
have a job. I work at the pet store downtown. Helps me buy things; I sometimes
feel guilty asking my mom to buy me things, especially since my dad never pays
child support like he’s supposed to. Where do you work?
Okay, I’m looking back over the last two paragraphs, and I’m realizing this has
to be the most boring letter ever, so I may as well just tell you what’s going
on. At least then, you’ll have something juicy to read.
My boyfriend, Timothy, broke up with me a couple of weeks ago. Why are guys such
jerks? Don’t answer that one. He said he didn’t think he loved me anymore. I
mean, he said he used to love me, but that he doesn’t love me now. He said he
wants to *know* for sure, wants to feel weak in the knees at the sight of the
girl he’s with. That’s confusing enough, but he doesn’t want me to tell anyone
we’re broken up. We’re in the journalism club together and have lots of classes
together. And he still calls to talk everyday and tells me he loves me. Maybe he
doesn’t love me anymore cause I haven’t slept with him. Is sex that important to
guys? What would you do? Don’t answer if you don’t feel comfortable answering.
I guess you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in England. Wouldn’t make much sense.
But, here we do. It’s supposed to be the anniversary of when the Pilgrims
feasted with the Indians (oops, Native Americans. . . Willow’d be upset with me
if I didn’t correct that). This year, Dawn and I get to stay with Mom, which I
always enjoy because she cooks a giant feast with turkey, dressing, and the
works. Then, we sit around feeling stuffed and playing board games. It really
means a lot to me.
I’m a little confused about why you’re being home-schooled. And don’t you get
done with school at 16? At least, that’s what someone told me. Sorry if I’m
being too nosy.
I’ve actually never heard of your dad. But I might ask my history teacher about
him. Maybe he’s heard of him. I’m all curious now. He must be really smart.
And oh, about Dawn and the diary heist. . . I just yelled at her and told her
never to touch my things again without permission. Of course, that’ll probably
last about a week or two. Then, she’ll be sneaking into my room to get into my
stuff again. It’s a thing we do. Sisters are goofy sometimes.
And no, I don’t think of you as a delinquent. I wish I had the guts to do stuff
like that. My mom would kill me if I went out drinking or if she caught me with
cigarettes. Your friends sound like fun.
Well, take care,
Buffy
P.S. Could you send a picture? My friends are curious about what you look like!
* * *
14 November 1998
Hi, pet,
Things have been crazy here as well, so no worries about not writing sooner. My
dad and I just got back from Germany this past weekend. He was on one of his
lecture tours, and he wanted me to come, which I didn’t mind. Who would pass up
German beer?
My dad’s bloody brilliant (excuse my language)! He’s the smartest man I know. I
can ask him pretty much anything, and he knows the answer or where to look it
up. I’ll be interested in knowing if your teacher knows who he is.
By the way, Dad knows I’m writing you, so he’s sending along a copy of his
latest published article. Don’t feel obligated to read it and don’t feel dumb if
you don’t understand what he’s writing. Half the time, I’m clueless about what
he’s written. His lectures are the opposite of the way he writes though. Maybe
I’ll audiotape one of his next engagements for you to hear.
I’ve never been to the States although I’d love to visit one day. Maybe I could
talk Dad into doing a lecture in California, and we could meet at some point.
Maybe you could take me on one of your shopping expeditions.
As far as school goes, that’s rather complicated. Our school system’s a bit
different than yours. If I was going to regular school, I might or might not
finish Secondary School (that’s like high school for you) at 16. In some places,
you can go to Secondary School until age 18. If you only stay until age 16, you
have to take these big exams after which you either get a job or go to what’s
called Sixthform college until age 18. In college, you work on what’s called
A-levels. A-levels are what universities look at for their acceptance
requirements. Right now, I’m just doing the extra two years of school, and Dad’s
teaching me. Then, I’ll go to university. Hope that answers your questions.
An interesting tidbit, Dru and Angelus broke up a few weeks ago. Angelus sort of
cheated on her. Seems the bint has taken interest in me now, which has broken up
our little circle. Trust me, I don’t mind at all. She’s really pretty and smart
and was just heartbroken over Angelus. But, I think, she’s doing much better
after a few dates with me. I even took her to Germany with me. She loved all the
sights. I’m not sure if I’m in love yet, but it might be heading that direction.
We’ll see.
As far as Timothy goes, the bloke’s an idiot. Don’t listen to him. Talk to
people about what’s going on. It’s not healthy for you to keep it all inside and
pretend like it’s not happening. If you do that, it’s guaranteed to eventually
come out in some other way. He sounds like a right selfish ass and seems to be
looking out only for himself and his feelings. If I were there, I’d punch him in
the face and give him a right talking to. Take care of yourself the way he seems
to be doing with regard to himself, and do what you need to do to make you feel
better. I’ll ask you one thing: does talking with him everyday and hearing him
say things he doesn’t really mean helping you in the long run?
And trust me, pet, if he were the right guy for you, he’d wait for the sex bit
if you weren’t ready. I mean sex is nice. . .actually, it can be more than nice,
but it’s not the be-all, end-all of a relationship. I mean, Dru and I have been
sleeping together, but that’s not the reason I find her so entrancing. She’s
just brilliant. Did I tell you she’s older than me? She and Angelus are both 25.
Dru teaches me things that I never even dreamed were possible.
Anyway, I’ve enclosed a picture. It’s the latest I have. No laughing now.
Regards,
Spike
P.S. Please call me Spike. William just sounds so formal.
Chapter 3:
10 July 1999
Dear Buffy,
I realize this is last minute, but I have some bad news, pet. I’m not going to
be coming to the States for university. I hope you’re not angry, but there’s an
explanation, I promise.
Something’s happened to Dru. Dad and I have been noticing that she’s been acting
odd around us. Then, last week, I called her multiple times with no response.
When her boss called me wondering why she didn’t show up for her clients at the
hairdresser’s, I headed over to her flat to check on her. Her front door was
unlocked, so I went in, and there she was lying in the middle of the living room
floor, staring at the ceiling. She told me that the stars were sending her
messages. That really scared me. I tried to talk with her, but the only way I
could get her to do anything was to play along with her delusions. She got a bit
more lucid at the doctor’s office. He said she was having a psychotic break. She
said it runs in her family; her dad had schizophrenia.
Anyway, to make a long story short, I can’t come to the States like I planned
because Dru needs taking care of. I mean, the doc put her on medication, but he
said she needs a stress free environment to adjust. So, I agreed to stay on here
a while and work for Dad, so I can take care of her.
Anyway, I hope you’re not angry at me. I know you were planning on seeing me
soon. At some point, I’ll make it there for a visit. Maybe this fall!
Take care, love.
Spike
* * *
July 17, 1999
Dearest Spike,
Oh my gosh, don’t worry about a thing. I totally understand. That’s pretty
scary! Like you said, just take care of yourself and make sure your needs are
taken care of as well. I know you love her, but you taught me that to be able to
take care of someone else, you have to take care of yourself first. I’ve never
known anyone with schizophrenia, so I can’t fathom how stressful it’s been! Wish
I could be there for you. *sends hugs*
I’ll miss you coming to university here. I was looking forward to showing you
around good ole Sunnydale and taking you to L.A. I am definitely taking your
rain check for a visit in the fall though. I’m marking you in my calendar!
*wink*
Can you believe that we’ve been writing each other for almost a year now? It
feels like I’ve known you forever! You always manage to impress me with your
wisdom, and you don’t give me a load of crap when I need to hear the truth.
Thanks.
I’ve already registered for classes, and I’m still taking the journalism class
we planned on taking together. From what I’ve heard, the professor’s a trip!
I’ll probably have some juicy stories to tell.
My roommate assignment arrived today. I’m rooming with someone named Micki. I’ve
never lived with anyone but my sister who’s hard enough to share a bathroom
with. I can’t imagine what a stranger will be like. I wish I was rooming with
Willow, but freshman get automatically assigned to whomever. Ugh. I suppose if
it’s too bad, I’ll switch.
By the way, I broke up with Timothy for the last time. I know you’re probably
doing back flips halfway across the world. You’re probably also wondering if
I’ll stick to my guns this time, but, I know it’s the last time for *sure*. He’s
moving off to go to Duke, and I’m stuck here in Sunnydale. Plus, he told me the
whole “I’m not sure if I can give enough to love you” speech again. ‘Bout time
he hit the road, huh? And don’t worry about me, I’m fine with it. I’m not even
sad, just sorta relieved.
Well, take care of you, and let me know if I can do anything! Tell your dad
hello for me!
Love ya,
Buffy
* * *
15 November 1999
Oh, pet.
Dru cheated on me. It’s completely over, and I’m not sure what to do. Sorry to
dump this on you while you’re at the end of the semester there, but there’s no
one here to talk with about it. Seems I made Dru my whole world, so I have
nothing left. I can’t talk with Dad about it because he never liked Dru. And I
can’t make sense of it because I’ve been nothing but good to her. I can’t focus;
I can’t sleep; I can’t eat. Got any words of wisdom?
Love’s bitch,
Spike
* * *
November 22, 1999
Dear Spike,
Oh, sweetie, don’t worry. You can always talk with me about anything. I’m so
sorry about Dru. I wish I could make things better. Can you tell me what
happened in more detail? Or do you feel like talking about it? Whatever, I’m
here for you. Cheating is never justified, and I’m so angry at Dru for hurting
you. I don’t care if she’s psychotic; you’ve said she’s stable on her
medication, so she can’t use that excuse. Oh, I wish I could hug you and take
you out for dinner or coffee right now. Stupid ocean.
On a brighter note, I’m passing all my classes with flying colors! I was a
little worried about what college would be like, but it seems to be similar to
high school with the studying and all. I thought chemistry would kick my butt,
but luckily, Willow’s in there with me, and she and I’ve been studying together.
Thankfully, Willow and I will be roommates next semester. Missy, you recall my
current roommate, has still been wearing all my clothes and going to bed at nine
at night! She fusses at me if I complain. It’s college people: you’re not living
at home with a sister you can steal clothes from, and *most* people stay up a
little past nine. Come on, make the most of your freedom! Grrrr. She’s so
annoying. But, Willow and me! Next semester! Happiness abounds! *smilies* We
going to rent a little apartment near campus! And we’ll be able to get a pet!
Yippee!
Ohhhh, and I’m only telling you this because Mom would *kill* me, but I got
drunk for the first time. Talk about a nightmare! I was a frat party with date
of the moment, and he kept bringing me these fruity drinks. I had no idea how
much alcohol was in them until the dizziness hit me! My date tried to get me to
go home with him scarily enough. He would have succeeded because I was in no
state to protest, but luckily, my new friend from my lit class, Aimee, was there
to drive me home and tell my date to get the hell away from me. I don’t believe
I’ve ever puked so much in my life. Remind me to never touch alcohol again!
Hey, I just had an idea!!! You need to come visit before Christmas! It’ll get
you away from England and the whole Dru situation, and you can see what the
States are like at Christmas time! And I won’t have any studies, so I’ll have
plenty of time to spend with you! Don’t say no cause I won’t take no for an
answer!
I’m so worried about you. Please take care of yourself. And don’t beat yourself
up. You didn’t do anything wrong. Cheating was *her* choice. I refuse to say
you’ll meet someone else someday because that sounds so trite. But I’m sending
tender caring your way!
Well, I’m off to study for finals! Write soon and let me know how you are!
Love,
Buffy
* * *
1 December 1999
Dear Buffy,
Hi! Just a brief note to let you know that I’ll be flying in on December 13.
I’ve enclosed a copy of my flight schedule! I can’t wait to finally meet you in
person!
Take care,
Spike
tbc. . .
A/N: What happens during the visit? What will Spike and Buffy think of one
another? Find out in the aftermath of letters!
Part 4:
21 December 1999
Dear pet,
I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful time I had on my first trip to the
States. I even enjoyed the little trip to the shopping mall when you made me try
on more clothes and colors than I've ever tried on in my life; I thought we'd
never get out of there with the mad rush of holiday shoppers! However, out of
all our adventures, the best part was meeting you in person for the first time.
You are truly a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you for your hospitality
and for helping me distract myself from the situation at home. I hope you don't
mind that I picked you up a little token as a symbol of our relationship while
you were buying a soda at the mall. Hopefully, you'll think of me whenever you
wear it. Perhaps one day soon we can be more than just friends? Shall I visit
again soon, love, or maybe you could come to England?
Write soon! Happy Christmas!
Yours, Spike
* * *
December 26, 1999
Spike,
I'm very glad you came to visit. I hope you had a great Christmas, too!
This year, Dawn and I celebrated Christmas at our dad's house in Los Angeles.
His 20-year-old girlfriend whom he's been dating two years was there, too. She's
barely old enough to be my big sister, and she's completely clueless about Dawn
and me. Dad was all right, making sure to include us in activities like the
Christmas party they threw together. But, Kristi, she's the girlfriend,
essentially ignored us the entire visit.
Oh, and get this, she picked out our presents for us from Dad. She bought Dawn
and me these expensive matching dresses and BOWS. I haven't worn a bow since
elementary school! Dad was at least sympathetic and let us return the clothes on
the sly. Let's just say that I got enough money from the gift return to keep me
in mochas for the rest of this school year and next (and you know how I like my
mochas)!
I felt a bit sorry for Mom who spent Christmas at her parents' house. Dawn and I
are planning on celebrating Christmas with Mom on New Years Day! It'll be sorta
like two holidays for the price of one. I'm looking forward to it! We always
cook up a big pot of black-eyed peas and sausage for good luck in the new year
and eat cabbage (blech!). The green is supposed to guarantee money in the new
year! I think I could do without that part of the meal, especially because it
never seems to work anyway. On the other hand, if we didn't eat it, we could end
up broke! Hmmm. Anyway, I'm looking forward to being with Mom.
I'm sort of not sure how to respond to your last letter. I had an awesome time
while you were here! I truly did. Meeting you for the first time was pretty
cool. My friends were definitely in awe of your accent, especially Aimee.
*laughs* But, I have to admit that what you said about being more than friends
really scared me. There are several reasons for this, which aren't worth going
into. The most important thing to me is that I don't lose your friendship.
*sigh* I'm rather worried that when you read this, you won't want to write me
anymore.
Take care, Buffy
P.S. I love the necklace! The cross is beautiful! I'm wearing it right now as
I'm writing this! Thank you so much!
* * *
2 January 2000
Dear Buffy,
Oh, pet. My head is going to explode. I drank a bit too much last night, and now
I have the hangover from hell. Be glad you don't drink much. Sometimes I wonder
if it's worth the price in the morning.
I attended a party thrown by some friends at a local pub. Being the only one
there dateless, my friends kept buying me beer. I turned down half of them or
gave them away, but then, guess who showed up? Yep, you're right. Bloody Dru
showed up with the wanker she cheated on me with. She put on quite a show,
rubbing all over him and sitting at my table. Needless to say, I left the table
pretty quickly. After that, I didn't turn down any of the drinks. I think one of
the guys drove me home after I passed out. I've never done that before. . .
passed out. Quite frightening to have a chunk of your memory gone.
Woke up at noon or so to the doorbell pounding in my skull. Guess who was on my
doorstep? Yep. Dru again. This time, she pushed past me into the house and sat
on my sofa in the living area. She was crying. She asked how I was doing, what
I'd been up to. When I asked her why she was crying, she wouldn't tell me. Then,
she launched herself at me, trying to snog me! I pushed her away and asked what
the bloody hell she was doing! She said that Thomas (the wanker) broke up with
her last night. I told her that I wasn't her table scraps and sent her out the
door.
I don't know, pet. Part of me wanted to take her in my arms again, to comfort
her anyway possible. But, the other part of me wouldn't let me. I suppose it's
for the best although I feel the urge to call her right now and check on her.
About what you wrote in the last letter about us, I'm not sure I understand,
pet. Why are you scared to be with me? I won't press you, but as your friend,
I'd like to know the reasons. Don't worry about hurting my feelings. I can
handle the truth. It's just that I feel I can be totally honest with you. I want
you to feel the same way. I don't want my little bungle to destroy our
friendship. Being able to be absolutely frank with you is one of the best
aspects of our relationship. I want you to be able to be just as honest with me.
Communication is important in any relationship. And the way I see it, if we can
communicate openly with one another, we get practice at being open with another
person. . . with the person we end up with someday. Know what I mean?
I am so glad that you liked your present. I was a bit worried if you would, but
I showed it to your friend, Aimee, and she said you'd probably like it. Hope
your Christmas/New Year was wonderful!
Well, I better go. My head is going to split in half unless I lay down soon.
Take care, Spike
* * *
January 18, 2000
Hi, Spike!
This is gonna be short cause I have to get ready for classes next week, but I
wanted to write you back before I got snowed in with schoolwork. Book buying and
tuition fees suck! Ugh!
First, the easy part to address: Dru. I know you still care an awful lot about
her. . . still love her. But wasn't it you who asked me something similar to
this: would taking her in your arms do you more harm than good in the long run
even if it comforted her and made you feel good in the short run? I'm sorry that
she's still bugging you. I wish I could help. She's pretty self-righteous,
barging in on you like that.
Second, I do agree with you about communication, and your friendship means a lot
to me. I don't ever want to lose it, so I'll do my best to be honest. Gosh, this
is hard. Reasons I don't think we'd work as a couple. Well, please don't be
angry, but your heavy drinking frightens me, and I don't date smokers. I know
that may be petty *cringes*, but those are my standards. And I would never ask
you to change those things. However, I don't think those are the main reasons.
Really, the main thing is your continuing relationship with Dru. You still have
obvious feelings for her. I mean, who wouldn't after they've been with someone
and truly love him or her? I know that it took me a long time to recover from
what Timothy did to me. . . to deal with my fears and doubts. In fact, I'm still
dealing, which is another strike against you and me. You need time to heal, and
I don't like knowing I'm going into something as a rebound girl. And I wouldn't
want you to be the rebound guy in my life. It's not that I wouldn't trust you if
we did get together because, Spike, I do trust you. A lot.
The final thing, I guess, is the distance between us. . . not emotionally but
physically. England is so far away! I mean, you haven't mentioned coming back to
the States for school, and I guess that's a decision you shouldn't have to make
right away.
Well, that's all I can think of to help you understand my reasoning. I'll write
about my Christmas/New Year this weekend! Right now, Willow wants me to go
grocery shopping with her, so we can stock the cabinets with study food! Yum!
Triscuits, ice cream, and hot chocolate are a must when cramming for tests!
Hugs, Buffy
TBC. . . next up, 2001. . . sorry for the delay in this series! I got stuck on
where to go next, and I got caught up in other stories, but by demand, I'm
continuing it! *hugs* Thanks for the reviews! And don't give up! B/S have a ways
to go to form a lasting relationship.
Take care, Sandy
http://www.secretloft.com/ed/