Chapter 80
Drusilla opened her eyes slightly as she began to stretch, languidly. “I like sleeping with you,” she said as she ended her stretch and curled up once more against Wesley. “Did you sleep well?”
“Not really,” said Wesley, honestly.
Drusilla felt more awake now and she leaned up on one elbow so that she could get a better look at him. Although the curtains of the hotel room remained drawn, it was clearly morning and the room was dimly lit. Wesley’s face was covered in stubble and she reached out to feel the texture of his morning beard. “I’m sorry,” she said, softly.
“It’s not your fault. You’ve got nothing to apologize for,” said Wes moving to get up.
“Wait!” said Drusilla, placing her hand on his shoulder to stop him. “I want to talk about it. I-”
“Drusilla, I made a mistake. I’m sorry. Last night, here in this bed, with you in my arms, holding you, kissing you, it made me want more. I’m glad that you stopped me and I’m disappointed in myself for being so bloody weak. I’m sorry if my trying to touch you scared you or, or made you uncomfortable.”
“You didn’t scare me. And, I’m not uncomfortable. I just didn’t want you to regret it. You had said that you wanted to take things slow,” said Drusilla.
“I know that I said I wanted to take it slow. That’s still true. Unfortunately I also want to pin you underneath me and shag you senseless,” explained Wesley.
“You do realize that those are two totally different things, don’t you?” asked Dru.
“Yup,” nodded Wesley. “The closer I am to you, the more I’m with you, the more ridiculous the ‘taking it slow’ thing sounds. I think, perhaps, we’ve successfully accomplished the ‘taking it slow’ thing.”
Drusilla smiled and leaned over to kiss him. Wesley quickly brought his hand up to her shoulder to stop her, “You don’t want to kiss me. My beard is all scratchy and I haven’t brushed-”
Drusilla brushed his hand aside and leaned over, pressing her lips to his in what started out as an almost chaste kiss. Before pulling away Drusilla took his bottom lip between her teeth and bit down, gently, while tugging on it. Wesley groaned and she quickly took advantage of his now partially opened mouth. Drusilla released his lip, her tongue darting across it licking the spot where she had nibbled. Wesley’s arms wrapped around Drusilla’s waist and pulled her on top of him.
“Mr. Pryce, you totally underestimate your kissing appeal,” teased Drusilla.
“Yeah?” asked Wesley. “Well, maybe it was all a part of my master plan. It appears I have you trapped Miss Bennett.”
“That you do, sir,” Drusilla whispered into his ear. “I am but your willing slave and you are my Lord. I am at your disposal, your servant, command me.”
Wesley rolled them over, pinning Drusilla beneath him. She could feel his erection straining against the fabric of his boxers. He stared intently into her eyes, searching for something. Then he pulled back slightly and said, “Don’t tease me, Dru. I want this. I want you. But, I don’t want this to be casual or clandestine.”
“Do you think that perhaps, some day, you might even love me?” asked Drusilla hopefully.
“I think I may already,” answered Wesley, tenderly, caressing the side of ther face.
“I-I need a little time. I’ve never done this before, a relationship. I have some things I need to do first. Some things to figure out, get closure on,” finished Drusilla.
Wesley nodded and rolled off of her, “Anything I can help with?”
“No,” said Drusilla as she climbed out of bed and headed to the bathroom, “I just want to do this right.”
“Can I see you tonight?” asked Wesley.
“Not tonight, I have plans with Andrew,” volunteered Drusilla from the doorway to the bathroom.
“Can you stay and have lunch with me?” asked Wesley realizing how much he was going to miss her.
“I’m meeting Buffy at the hospital for lunch. Why don’t we go over to the Espresso Pump, get us some coffee and muffins, and visit until I need to go meet Buffy? Besides, aren’t you supposed to go with William today to the meeting about the Imperiale Wedding?” reminded Dru.
“I had nearly forgotten. Yes, I have to be there at noon. You go shower first,” suggested Wes.
Drusilla nodded, winked, and then proceeded to close the bathroom door. Wesley leaned back and released a sigh. Drusilla opened the door back up and called out to him as she peered around the corner, the door shielding her body.
“Yes, pet? Need something?” answered Wesley.
“I just wanted to tell you not to worry. And- and that I might love you too,” she said, nervously.
Wesley smiled, “You make sure to let me know when you’ve decided for sure?”
“Yes. And you’ll do the same?” she asked.
“Absolutely,” he responded.
The remainder of the morning went by quickly. After showering Wesley and Drusilla drove over to the Espresso Pump. They sat at a table for two drinking coffee and wiling away the morning. By 11:45 he had dropped Drusilla off at the hospital and he was on his way to his appointment.
“Thanks for meeting me for lunch,” said Drusilla as Buffy walked into the cafeteria.
“No problem! William made us lunch, how about we do this outside by the fountain? I’m afraid I only have about a half an hour though,” said Buffy.
“Sounds good,” said Drusilla as she followed Buffy through the hospital out the entrance that had the fountain in front of it. “There is something important that I have to talk to you about. Something private.”
Buffy sat down on a bench and opened up the sack that she had been carrying. She pulled one container out and handed it to Dru. “One Crawford special Chinese chicken salad for you.” She placed the second container on her lap, “And one for me.” After distributing water bottles and cutlery Buffy looked at Drusilla and said, “I can’t promise to hide things from William. If there’s something I think he should know I’m going to tell him. I don’t want to be in a position where I’m stuck deceiving him.”
“I won’t ask you to do that. I’m not asking you to do that,” clarified Drusilla. “It’s just that some things are private, not easy to talk to a brother about. If you feel you need to let him know, you can.”
Buffy nodded, “Ok, shoot,”
“I think that I’ve made a terrible mistake and I don’t know how to get out of it,” said Drusilla, softly, staring into her salad.
“What kind of a mistake?” asked Buffy putting her hand on Drusilla’s forearm. “Whatever it is, we can talk it through, figure it out.”
“I slept with someone and now I wish that I hadn’t. You see? Now there’s Wesley and, well, I think that I may be falling in love with him,” said Drusilla as she closed the lid on her salad. “Oh, I’m not even hungry. My stomachs all tied up in knots. I think he may be falling in love with me too. What on earth am I going to do?”
Buffy smiled, “Drusilla, I’m sure that Wes has had lovers before. What you’ve done before, what he’s done before, you need to put in the past. Focus on the now and the future. I know that Riley was only a few months ago, but it might as well have been a lifetime ago.”
“I’m not talking about Riley, I’m talking about Parker,” said Drusilla just as Buffy tilted the water bottle to her lips to take a sip.
Buffy chocked, spraying water all over the place. Drusilla instinctively patted her on the back, “Oh, sorry, bad timing.”
Buffy caught her breath and looked at Drusilla as if in shock. Drusilla tilted her head to the side and then brought her hand up in front of Buffy’s face, snapping her fingers twice, “Hello? Buffy?”
“You slept with Parker?” asked Buffy incredulously.
“Stupid, I know,” said Dru, nodding, her face filled with regret.
“Why? When? Why?” asked Buffy.
“I was lonely, and a bit scared. We started up right after meeting at Anya’s. Buffy, he seemed so handsome and smart. Not to mention rich and successful. He seemed like the kind of man that I’ve dreamt about my entire life. Only, he lacked the, well the kindness,” finished Drusilla, embarrassed.
“I don’t quite know what to say,” said Buffy.
“Tell me how to get out of this with Parker. I don’t want Parker. I want Wesley,” said Drusilla, her eyes now glistening with tears. “I don’t even like Parker.”
“Have you slept with Wesley?” asked Buffy.
“No,” said Drusilla, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “But I want to. We’re taking it slow. And, I thought that was a good thing because I didn’t want to jump into another mistake. But, now, it’s not such a good thing because…because…”
“Because you’re sure he’s what you want?” suggested Buffy.
Drusilla nodded and licked her lips nervously. “How do I end it with Parker?”
“Just tell him it’s over,” said Buffy. “Just be honest. Explain that you’ve met someone else and that you need to end it with him. Be firm and be clear. I’ll go with you if you want.”
“No, I can do it. It’s my mess. I’ll clean it up. Thanks, Buffy,” said Drusilla leaning over to drop her salad container back in the bag. “Sorry about not being hungry.”
“It’s okay. I understand. As soon as you clear the air you’ll feel better,” she assured Dru.
“I’ll call you tomorrow and tell you how it went,” said Drusilla.
“Ok. Call me sooner if you need anything,” said Buffy giving her a hug. “And Dru? I don’t think I need to tell William. If it goes bad, if Parker gives you a hard time I’ll just slap him around myself,” finished Buffy with a sweet smile.
“Really?” said Drusilla, holding her hand over her heart. “You’d do that for me?”
“Well, for you, and to keep William out of jail,” said Buffy laughing. “Seriously, I’ll tell him if things get out of hand. But, for now it sounds like you’ve got things under control.”
“Yes,” said Dru as she spotted Andrew pull into the parking lot with Warren and Jonathon in the back seat. “I’ve got it all under control.”
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Chapter 81
“Ok,” said Drusilla as she closed the car door and leaned back in through the passenger’s window, “you boys come back in thirty minutes.”
“Let’s synchronize our watches, I’ve got 1:15 PM,” said Jonathon.
“I’ve got 1:17 PM,” said Andrew. “What time do you have, Dru?”
“It doesn’t matter. Whatever time you have…add thirty minutes to it! Sheesh!” she said. Drusilla waved them off, and then turned to walk up drive and knock on Parker’s door.
“To what do I owe this pleasure?” asked Parker, as he wrapped his arm around Drusilla’s waist and pulled her inside.
“I missed you, sort of,” she said with a shrug of her shoulder.
“Sort of?” he repeated. “Well, here I am! Is there any specific part of me that you’ve missed? I know there’s parts of me that have missed you. Take this part right here for instance,” he said as he grasped her hand and placed it over the bulge that was forming in his trousers.
Right on time the doorbell rang. “Don’t answer it,” whispered Drusilla as she stepped a bit closer to him, her warm breath tickling his ear.
Someone then pounded on the door, “Open up doc, I know you’re in there.”
“Shit!” said Parker. “Ignore it.”
“Oh, no!” said Drusilla. “I don’t want you getting in trouble again.” She stepped back and opened the door. “Well, hello Mr. Diggs. Nice to see you again.”
“Drusilla,” he said as he casually wiped his finger across the side of his nose and walked into Parker’s house.
“How’s Lorraine? Doing well I hope?” said Drusilla, politely.
“She’s doing okay. It’s rough, you know?” said Diggs.
“Who the hell is Lorraine?” growled Parker.
“Lorraine is his lady, they’re expecting in March, just like Buffy and Spike,” said Drusilla with a smile.
“What do you want, Diggs? I thought we were even,” said Parker sweeping Drusilla behind him in a protective gesture.
“Oh no, we’re miles from even. You’re our doc now. While you’ve been recovering, no one has checked on my boys. That’s what we’re going to do now. Then we’re going to go see my Nana. She has arthritis, complains all the time about pain in her hip,” said Diggs.
“Diggs, I’m a surgeon, I’m not going to treat your Nana’s arthritis,” Parker asserted.
“I’m ain’t askin’, doc. I’m tellin’. I’ll have you back in a few hours all… unbruised. Alright with you Dru? Can you entertain yourself for a bit?” asked Diggs as he again opened the front door.
“Sure! Star Wars starts in just a few minutes on the WB. I’ve never seen it you know. I’ll just sit tight and await your return,” finished Dru, as she blew a kiss in Parker’s direction.
Fifteen minutes later she heard the knock on the door, two short knocks followed by a long one. “It’s showtime,” said Drusilla on her way to the door. As Andrew, Warren and Jonathon entered one by one the wiped their finger across the side of their nose. “That’s really not necessary,” said Drusilla.
“We know,” said Andrew, “but, it’s cool.”
“Hey! Star Wars is on,” interrupted Jonathon as he made his way over to the sofa and sat down in front of the television.
“No!” said Drusilla as she pulled on Jonathon, “you are working in the office. Let me show you where it is. Warren, you come too, the bedroom right across from the office. You need to remove the current fire alarm and replace it with the this one.”
“But I get it back when you’re done, right?” confirmed Warren.
“Yes, yes!” agreed Drusilla as she led Jonathon and Warren through to the back of the house where they would be working.
Five minutes later Drusilla returned and sat on the sofa next to Andrew. “What am I supposed to be doing?” he asked.
“You’re watching the movie with me! Hey, want some soda and popcorn?” chirped Drusilla.
“Neat! Sure!” said Andrew nodding eagerly as he reclined on the sofa, his eyes glued to the big screen.
“Relax now, tonight you’ll need to be on your toes capturing the feed. We’ll start editing tomorrow. I can trust you with this, right Andrew?” asked Drusilla.
“You can trust me, Dru. I won’t show it to anyone. When we finish the work we’ll delete all of the extra clips,” Andrew assured her.
“No copies!” Drusilla stressed.
“No copies,” Andrew agreed.
“Okay! Popcorn and Coke coming up,” she confirmed as she walked off towards the kitchen softly humming.
Dru placed the popcorn in the microwave and while it popped, she wondered over to the kitchen table, and sat down. Open in front of her was a copy of the latest version of the Physisicans’ Desk Reference in addition there were several other books about medications. The PDR was open to a section on prenatal vitamins, the section that contained true to size photographs of each of the pills. Parker had attached several post-it notes to the page. Written on the post-its were the names of other medications and the pages that they could be found on. Drusilla heard the microwave beep and ignored it. She spent a few minutes flipping back and forth feeling more and more agitated.
“Commercial time,” said Andrew, “where’s the popcorn?”
“Look at this,” said Dru, standing up and walking over to the microwave to get the popcorn. “What do you think he’s up to?”
Andrew spent a few minutes studying the same pages that Drusilla had looked at, and then he looked up and said, “Well it looks like he’s compiling a list of medications that look similar to various prenatal vitamins.”
“Andrew, why would someone want to do that?” asked Dru.
“To swap them out?” responded Andrew, hesitantly. “But that could be really dangerous, really bad-”
“Really evil,” finished Dru.
“Does Buffy take prenatal vitamins?” asked Andrew.
“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out,” said Dru vehemently as she handed him the bag of popcorn and a soda. “Let’s go watch the rest of the show.”
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Chapter 82
Parker came home to an empty house. Drusilla had left a note that said that she was gone for a walk, but that she would be back. It was already 6:00 PM. Parker scribbled on the bottom of the note that we was going to run to the store and would return shortly.
It was almost 7:30 when he returned. He found Drusilla, sitting in his hot tub, drinking a glass of red wine. “Hello, handsome! I feel like I’ve been waiting for you all day!” said Drusilla
“I thought you might be hungry. I went to forage for food. I picked up some fresh ravioli from Il Fornio’s and a bottle of red, but I see you’ve already pulled something out of the wine cellar.
“Go and get yourself a glass and come join me!” suggested Drusilla.
Parker disappeared and Drusilla quickly drank down her entire glass of wine. She was horribly nervous and hoped that the wine would relax her. Drusilla took a calming breath and assured herself, “You can do this,” as she refilled her glass.
Parker came out wearing only his robe and carrying an empty glass. He set the glass down on the edge of the hot tub, shed the robe, and hopped in, sitting on the high step. “I’ll sit here with you for a bit, but I don’t think getting in is a good idea. I’m already tired and still not quite 100%. I think I’d rather save my strength for other activities,” he said.
“Of course,” said Drusilla, as she stood up and walked over towards him. As she stood, the water from the hot tub cascaded off her body. She tilted the glass to her lips just as Parker reached out and pulled her towards him. “Oh!” she gasped as a splash of the cabernet escaped her glass and landed on her collarbone.
Parker watched, in rapt fascination as the small amount of wine pooled above her collarbone, then crested over. A tiny rivulet of red wine snaked its way over her left breast, a drop hanging on Drusilla’s nipple. Parker pulled her up and drank from her. He laved her breast with his tongue, meticulously, getting every last drop.
“You taste wonderful!” he groaned. “I have to admit, I’ve missed you.”
“It’s not me,” said Drusilla, “it’s the wine.”
“No,” said Parker, after taking a sip of the wine. “It’s the wine on you.”
Parker moved so that he was seated just on the edge of the hot tub and he pulled her along with him. He took the glass from her and demanded, “Lean back, I want to confirm my theory.”
Drusilla leaned back, both hands splayed out behind her on the deck to support herself. Her feet still submerged in the hot water as they dangled over the edge of the tub. Parker climbed out and reached over, sliding his arm under her knees. He lifted her legs out of the water and swung them onto the deck. Drusilla looked at him with a raised eyebrow as he placed a hand on her chest and pushed her down. “Lie down,” he commanded as he picked up her glass of wine and poured it over her lips, neck, breasts, stomach, and between her legs.
Drusilla gasped as the wine splashed over her body. Since her skin was so hot, the wine felt cool and soothing. The breeze wafting over her skin and the heat of Parker’s tongue provided several contrasting sensations. As he devoured her she did her best to stay focused on other things. She started to concentrate on the classes that she had been debating between. Then she moved on to once again examining her plan for any loopholes. She felt Parker’s hand start to dip between her legs. She knew she wasn’t ready. She quickly grabbed his wrist, “The deck is uncomfortable. Let’s move to the bed. I brought you a present. It’s on the nightstand. I want to try something new.”
“Something new?” asked Parker. “Like what?”
“Well, I know that you’ve been feeling a little, I don’t know…weak lately. I thought we could play a game. I could be you’re hostage and you could be totally…and completely…in control,” Drusilla finished as she stood up, grabbed the bottle of wine taking a sip directly out of it, and strolled off to the bedroom.
Parker felt a strange mixture of anger and arousal. He had felt weak lately, damn it. Somehow in the past few weeks his confidence had slipped. It started that night, the night Buffy came to the hospital with him. Parker realized how stupid he must have looked, sitting on that patient. Then he flashed on Imperiale’s party and the way Buffy looked in that beautiful red dress. The way she smelled, the way her leg felt as he caressed her skin. Next came the image of her in the bath, touching herself. He imagined for a moment that she was thinking of him. Suddenly, without invitation, came the memory of she and Crawford going at it like rabbits. “Naughty girl,” he thought, as he stood up and walked towards the bedroom. In his mind he replaced the image of William with himself. He pictured himself riding Buffy from behind, buried up to the hilt. Pushing in deeper and deeper, until she screamed. And then, fucking her just a little harder, just a little bit…more.
As Parker walked into the bedroom he was greeted by the pleasurable site of Drusilla, lying nude, stretched out on the red sheets of his bed. The bedding had been pulled off and was in a pile on the floor. Drusilla was wearing a blindfold and she had handcuffed herself to the headboard. “Is that you? Parker?” she asked, her voice sounding hesitant.
Parker smiled and walked up to the bed, there was a fresh container of lubricant on the nightstand and he poured some over his cock. “Shhh. You’ll speak when spoken to, bitch. Or I’ll have to punish you,” he said as he grabbed her ankles and pulled her down further, stretching her arms out.
“Is that nice and uncomfortable?” asked Parker.
“Y-yes,” answered Drusilla, then after waiting a moment she tilted her head up and to the side, speaking into her shoulder she added, “Hurt me, please?”
Parker flipped her over and climbing on top of her entered her slowly from behind, “You know I wouldn’t really like to hurt you. Don’t you Drusilla? You like it rough? I can do rough. But you let me know if you need me to stop. I won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with,” he said as he pulled out and poured more lubricant on. “Gotta admit, the thoughts of your screams….such an aphrodisiac.”
Drusilla closed her eyes and did the best she could to conjure up memories of Wes and how it had felt to wake up in his arms. It was the same trick that she had used before…years ago…when she was being assaulted. Just go someplace else, be someplace else. She imagined the two of them together; her waking up safely in his arms as he showered tender kissed over her face and whispered words of love.
“Drusilla? Drusilla?” Parker called out to her as she pulled her blindfold off.
He had already unlocked the handcuffs and placed them adjacent to the key and lubricant on the nightstand. “Sorry if I got a bit carried away there. I didn’t even notice if you came. Do you still need taken care of? Don’t want you leaving all unsatisfied…you might start looking for someone else to get you off,” he said reaching between her legs. “That just wouldn’t do. I want you all to myself. You are to be at my beckoned call, whenever and wherever I please.”
Drusilla attempted to push his hands away but he was being persistent she reached out and slapped him across the face as she yelled, “Stop it! Stop it!”
Parker on reflex brought his arm back and backhanded her, striking the side of her face, “Oh, God! Drusilla? Look, I’m sorry,” he said as she scrambled to the opposite side of the bed and rolled into a fetal position. Are you ok? Let me get some ice.”
Parker left the bedroom and Drusilla quickly picked up her clothes, opened the sliding glass door that led from his bedroom onto the back deck and exited the room, closing the door behind her and walking a few steps into the darkness. Drusilla counted slowly to ten and re-entered the room. Dropping her clothes where they had been. Drusilla looked up at the fire alarm and gestured, dragging her finger across her throat.
“Cut,” said Andrew, wiping the beads of sweat that had gathered on his forehead. “God, you are one, crazy girl, Drusilla Bennett,” he said as he picked up the can of Red Bull that was sitting next to his keyboard and drank it down. He powered down the hard-drive, turned off the monitor and left the computer lab to go pick her up.
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Chapter 83
It was Sunday morning. Buffy and William walked hand and hand up the stairs of St. Patrick’s Church. As William pulled the large wooden entry door open, Buffy slipped inside. He followed her in and then stood still for a moment, allowing his eyes time to adjust. It was only 7:00 AM and the lights had yet to be turned on. The entryway to the church was small and dark. Just ahead William could see another set of doors and Buffy was standing just inside the doorway.
“Are you sure this is where we are supposed to be?” whispered William.
“Yes, come on. Father Clavin said we should meet him in here. Mass doesn’t start until 9:00, but he planned on practicing the Homily before. He said anytime between 7:00 and 8:30.
Buffy held out her hand and William again interlaced his fingers through hers. They walked, quietly into the small sanctuary. There was a center red carpeted aisle leading down to the Alter, a row of approximately 40 wooden pews was along either side. The only light was that which flowed into the church from the stained glass windows. William paused for a moment and looked around. The smell of incense permeated the air. There were four stained glass windows on either side, each depicting one of the eight Beatitudes.
Standing on the Alter in front of them was the man William presumed was Father Clavin. His back was to them as he lit a candle, made the sign of the cross, and bowed his head in prayer. He was dressed in black slacks and a black shirt. Buffy led William down the aisle to one of the front pews. She paused before sliding into the bench and genuflected, bending at her knee, touching one knee to the floor and bowing her head. As she slid onto the bench she noticed William was still standing there, not quite knowing how to proceed. Buffy gestured to the floor and William quickly replicated her actions, and then slid into the bench along side of her.
A minute or two passed before Father Clavin turned around and smiled benevolently upon them. He was heavy set, clearly in his sixties, his skin was freckled and his red hair contained a fair amount of gray. “Buffy!” said Father Clavin as he stepped down from the Alter, walked over, and slipped into the pew in front of them, “and you must be William.”
“That would be me, sir,” said William extending his hand.
Father Clavin shook William’s hand eagerly. “So, you two think you’re ready to enter into the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony?”
“Yes, sir,” said William, “we’re quite certain.”
“Buffy?” asked the Priest.
“Yes, Father, absolutely certain,” she confirmed.
“And you want to get married in the Church?” he asked her.
“Yes, I know I’ve been away for a while…but, I want to come back,” she trailed off, feeling suddenly self-conscious.
“Why?” he asked, simply.
“I feel like spirituality was a missing component from my first marriage, an important missing component. William and I both want religion to play an important role in our home, in our family,” Buffy finished.
You’re planning to adopt?” asked Father Clavin.
“No Father,” answered Buffy, breaking off eye contact. “I’m pregnant”
“Buffy!” exclaimed the Priest, reflexively making the sign of the cross. “Last time we talked you said-”
“I know, Father,” said Buffy, “but none-the-less, it’s true. I’m due to deliver in March.”
“Are you Catholic?” Father Clavin asked William.
“No, sir. But, I’ve already made a commitment to Buffy that we could get married in this Church, raise our children as Catholic,” he explained.
“How soon are you wanting to do this?” asked the Priest.
“Very,” answered Buffy. “We plan on keeping it very simple and very small. We thought the sooner the better.”
“Like tonight!” said William eagerly as he brought Buffy’s hand up to his lips for a kiss. “I’m free after 7:00 PM, is that good for you Father?”
The Priest chuckled at the young man’s eagerness, “Well, you need to get the license and the two of you need to complete the Pre-Cana Program. For the most part we hold workshops, but there isn’t anything scheduled for a few months. Due to the circumstances I’d be willing to do individual instruction. Buffy, why don’t you give the rectory a call on Monday morning? We’ll schedule sessions.”
“Fine, but we’re spending Monday-Friday in Napa. That’s where William is currently working. We’re here for a bit Monday morning and will be flying in Friday evenings,” said Buffy.
“Maybe we can meet Monday’s and Friday’s here, then set something up over the phone for Wednesday’s? I imagine we could be through the required instruction in two weeks, three at the most,” said Father Clavin.
“What sort of instruction are we talking about, exactly?” asked William.
“It’s more of a process of exploration, really, to encourage honest discussion and a frank assessment of your strengths and opportunities for growth as individuals and as a couple. We’ll spend time taking a look at your beliefs and future goals with regards to family living, communication, finances, sexuality, the Sacrament of Matrimony, and your roles in the Church and society,” explained Father Clavin.
William looked at Buffy and asked, “Three weeks from yesterday?”
Buffy nodded eagerly, “Three weeks from yesterday! Father? Can we do it?”
“Three weeks from yesterday, that’s August, 16th. 8:00 PM?” suggested Father Clavin with a wink. Buffy and William smiled at each other, and then nodded. “Now, be off with you. I’ve got a homily to finish.”
Buffy and William left the church and proceeded to the parking lot. They had chosen to drive separately and go their individual ways after this morning’s early meeting. William had a day of sailing planned with Conner, Xander, and Wesley. Buffy on the other hand was heading to work. “I have to admit, I feel a bit guilty, not giving you a proper wedding,” confessed William.
“And what would that be, exactly?” asked Buffy, placing her hands on his hips.
“You know…the kinds of weddings I’ve helped other folks plan,” said William with a smirk. “A wedding that involves lots of expensive and time-consuming planning. What if we start a new rage and I find myself out of a job?”
“I don’t want that kind of a wedding. Do you?” she asked.
“I just want you, pet. How it happens? I don’t give a fig about that,” he replied honestly.
“So, in the church, a ton of candles, a few friends, no ushers, no bridesmaids-” she started.
“But we need music, and a special wedding night, and you need a proper dress and a bouquet-” William added.
“But something simple,” said Buffy, “I don’t have long.”
“You just tell me what it should look like. I’ll arrange it,” suggested William.
“I can’t let you do that! That would be bad luck. Oh no, mister! You hear nothing about the dress until the big day. You make yourself busy with the candles, the music, and the wedding night. Let me worry about the dress and bouquet,” said Buffy as she kissed him on the lips and opened her car door and climbed inside.
“Three weeks,” said William leaning in through the car window and kissing her again, soundly on the mouth. “Three weeks until you’re my wife...”
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Chapter 84
“Hey, Wes! How’s it hanging?” asked Faith as she opened the door to let Wes in.
“It’s ah, hanging just fine, Faith. I’m here to pick up Dru. I know I’m a bit late,” he answered.
“Drusilla needs to cancel, she tried to call your cell and there was no answer,” Faith responded.
“I went sailing this afternoon and left my cell in the car by mistake. Is everything all right?” he asked, concerned.
Faith shrugged her shoulders, “Let’s just say she’s not feeling up to it.”
Wes tilted his head to the side, “What’s going on Faith?”
“You’ll have to ask Drusilla, but not tonight. She doesn’t want to see anyone tonight,” said Faith, pointedly. “I’ll tell her you stopped by.”
“I’ll tell her myself,” said Wesley feeling uneasy.
“Come on, Wes. Be a good boy and just run along,” said Faith with a plastic smile on her face.
“I’m not leaving until I see her. Now, you can tell me which room is hers, or you can stand back while I search the place. Either way, you’re not going to stop me,” he responded, much more calmly than he felt.
“Third door on the left,” said Faith, defeated, “down that hall.”
Wesley moved determinedly down the hallway. He stopped in front of the door, knocked twice, and then opened it. Drusilla sat on her bed facing away from him, gazing out at the window. “Drusilla? Sweetheart? Is everything alright?”
Drusilla was exhausted. She and Andrew had stayed up all night selecting clips and completing a rough script so that he could continue to work on editing. When she returned mid morning Faith greeted her and she had to spend considerable time convincing the feisty brunette that everything was under control. “Just one more week,” Drusilla said to herself. “One more week and it will all be over.”
“Drusilla?” Wesley repeated.
“Wesley,” said Drusilla, sadly. “I can’t go out with you tonight. I’ll see you next weekend. Alright?”
“No, it’s not alright. I want an explanation,” he said, stepping into the room and closed the door.
Drusilla turned, angling her body further away from him. A chill ran down Wesley’s spine and he walked swiftly over to her, grasping one of her shoulders, “Look at me!” he commanded.
Drusilla turned her head and his stomach clenched. She had a small cut on her cheekbone and the area there and around her eye looked tender and bruised. “You’re hurt!” he gasped.
“I’ll be fine. I’ve had worse, much worse,” said Drusilla.
“Who did this to you?” he asked sitting on the bed alongside of her.
“I fell,” she responded mechanically.
“I don’t believe you. Don’t lie to me Drusilla. I-I love you. I’ll protect you,” said Wes.
“You won’t love me anymore,” said Drusilla, quietly.
“Have faith in me, Dru. I have faith in you,” he responded.
Drusilla closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “There was someone I met, when I very first arrived. I was frightened and lonely. I…I slept with him, Wesley,” Drusilla started.
Wesley instantly broke off eye contact and visibly winced. “I’m sorry,” she continued. “It was before I know how I felt about you. It meant nothing. When I had lunch with Buffy, I told her everything. I told her about him, about you. How stupid I had been. She was wonderful.
I knew what I had to do. So, yesterday afternoon I had Andrew drop me off so that I could end it. And, I did. He’ll never touch me again,” finished Drusilla.
“He did this?” Wesley asked, his jaw clenched so tight that it was ticking.
Drusilla nodded, “Can you forgive me? I’m afraid I’ve made a mess of things.”
“There’s nothing to forgive you for,” he said, placing an arm protectively around her and pulling her close. “What happened before doesn’t matter. But, Drusilla?”
“Yes, Wesley?” she asked, looking up at him wide-eyed.
“Don’t let him near you again. If he hurts you again I’ll have to-” he was cut off as Drusilla placed her fingertips over his mouth.
“Shhh, don’t give it a second thought. Just.-” she started to say as she began nibbling on his left ear, “make…” she added a lick up the side of his neck, “me forget about him,” she concluded as she slowly brought her lips down to meet his.
Wesley stopped her. “Who is it?” he asked.
“Why?” she said with alarm.
“I deserve to know. I don’t want to bloody guess,” he said.
“Parker Abrams, a doctor at the hospital. But, don’t do anything stupid Wesley. We have a future here, don’t do anything to ruin it,” said Drusilla panicked.
“No,” agreed Wes.
“Maybe I should go with you after all,” suggested Drusilla as she placed her hand on his chest and began to unbutton his shirt.
Wesley placed his hand on top of hers. “Stop. When I make love to you, it will be to create a beginning for us. Not, to erase the memory of something you had with someone else.”
Wesley watched as tears quietly rolled out of the sides of Drusilla’s eyes and down her cheeks, “I’m sorry,” she said softly.
“Me too,” said Wesley. “I just can’t…I’m just not made that way, Dru.”
Drusilla nodded, “It’s over then? Between us?”
“Over?” asked Wesley. “No. I just need a bit of time. You told me you had lovers. I’ve had lovers. We just need to put it in the past. Hell, we haven’t even started yet, you and I! Next Saturday night, you save for me. Shall we try 7:00 PM again? Only next time I will be on time. Promise.”
“Then what?” asked Drusilla.
“Then we’ll see where we can take each other. I’m betting it’s someplace great!” he said quietly as he kissed her on the forehead and left her, alone in her room.
Drusilla walked over to her window and watched as he drove away, “I love you, Wes,” she murmured as she placed her hand on the glass. “I love you.”
It took Wes just slightly over an hour to locate him. One hour, twelve minutes and fifty-three seconds, to be exact, but who was counting? Wesley sat outside his house. It was around 8:30. He grabbed his utility belt and made his way around to the back of the house. He jumped the fence after confirming that there was no security around the perimeter. There were no curtains on the windows along the back. He could clearly see a man, sitting at a computer, steadily drinking bourbon, in what looked like an office. Wesley crouched on the ground and waited…watched.
Two hours later the man got up, stretched, and moved to the bedroom. He stripped off his clothes, tossed them into a hamper in the closet, and proceeded through to the bathroom. This was his chance. Wesley waited a moment to ensure that he was in the shower. Then he pulled on a pair of gloves and tried the door. It was locked. Wesley smiled as he extracted a glasscutter from his utility belt. After placing the suction mechanism next to the handle, he swung the laser cutter in a full arc, completing a circle. After removing the circular piece of glass, Wesley reached inside and unlocked the door. It slid open with ease. Wesley would hear the shower running behind the closed door. He quickly turned off all of the lights and waited.
It was a full twenty minutes before he heard the water turn off and the shower door open. Moments later the bathroom door opened and Parker stepped into the bedroom. Wesley swiftly reached behind him, firmly grasping the back of his neck, and flattening him up again the bedroom wall.
“Doctor ‘I have to hit girls to feel all manly’ I presume?” said Wesley in his crisp British accent.
“Let me guess,” said Parker, dryly. “Bond. James Bond.”
“No, you ass. I am Wesley Wyndam-Pryce. And this?” he said pulling the hammer back on his brand new gun so as to unmistakably engage the bullet in it’s chamber, “is my nice, new Glock 19.”
The cockiness quickly vanished. Parker suddenly sobered and became aware of the seriousness of the situation. “What do you want?”
“I came to deliver a message,” said Wesley, pressing the barrel of the gun into Parker’s skull. He could feel Parker starting to tremble. He felt his knees start to buckle and he moved in closer to support him against the wall. “If you should ever strike Drusilla Bennett again? I will be forced to kill you. As a matter of fact, if you so much as cause a hair to be displaced on the head of Drusilla Bennett and I will be forced to kill you. You know? Let me take that just one step further….If you ever even take it upon your sick, pathetic self to gaze upon the lovely Drusilla Bennett…do you know what will happen?”
“You’ll kill me?” said Parker hesitantly.
“Good! You’re not quite as stupid as you look. Although it’s been rather pleasurable, I admit, I hope that we will not be speaking again in the future. If I find I have to come here again…what do you think that will mean?” asked Wesley.
“That you’ve come to kill me?” squealed Parker.
“Quick study! I like that in a bloke. You might just live yet, Parker! Pity!” said Wesley as her brought the gun down on the back of Parker’s head with enough force to knock him out.