Close Encounters
It was time to walk into the evil that was high school. Buffy had gotten no sleep that night because of her nervousness about her first day at a new school. She was worried and scared. This was not what she needed. Emma had already told her that she wasn't welcome, just not in so many words.
And Riley was a senior, so he wouldn't have much to do with a sophomore.
Oh, well. It was time to face her doom. Buffy looked at the outfit she had chosen for her first day of school. It screamed L.A. Everyone would know who she was just by looking at her, but she figured they would know her anyway. After all, how often did a new face show up in this little town? She may as well make an impression on the people in this town.
Buffy walked down the stairs to find Riley in the kitchen. When he saw her, the milk came spilling out of his mouth. Ha, Buffy thought to herself, that got a reaction.
"Buffy, are you going to school dressed like that?" Riley couldn't believe what she was wearing, not that he didn't like it. However, no one else would. Huxley wasn't ready for Buffy Summers and somehow Riley knew Buffy wasn't ready for Huxley. He hoped that the students would at least be civil to her. No one in this town liked outsiders, but he hoped for Buffy's sake that they would make an exception.
"Yes, are we ready to go?" Buffy knew that she was walking into trouble but she didn't know any other way to be.
Riley had the feeling she might need help, so he promised himself that he would watch her back. "Let's go. Allison and Emma already left with Mom." Riley could see that Buffy was already hurt by his sisters' actions. Hopefully, that would be the worst of it today.
Buffy walked down the halls of Huxley High to her first class. Riley had been supportive, telling her to have a good day. Something told her that she wouldn't have a good day at all. Buffy opened the door of room 212 to find a classroom full of kids that scared her. Give her a demon any day, rather than a room full of her peers.
Everyone got real quiet in the room, while Buffy talked to the teacher. Some just stared at her outfit, while others made some nasty comments, smirking.
Great, Buffy thought to herself, I walked into hell.
Buffy introduced herself as "Buffy Summers", and a smartass in the class said, "Buffy, what kind of name is that?"
Buffy put up her defenses, smiled, and said "Mine, so don't mess with it." She stared down the kid who had just offended her. With that done, she took a seat and the teacher began to teach.
After the class got out, a young woman came up to Buffy. She seemed friendly, but when she spoke Buffy knew not to cross her. "Just because you come from L.A. doesn't mean you own this town. Don't mess with me or you just might get burned, Buffy."
She made sure to emphasis Buffy's name. Buffy watched her walk away. Man, she was going to hate it here in Huxley.
As Buffy walked down the hall, she got nothing but stares, snickers, and blunt comments being yelled at her. She really didn't need this. She was the Slayer, and she was suppose to battle evil demons, not high school teenagers.
The day went on with nothing but torment. She had a class with Emma, but she barely acknowledged Buffy's existence. There had been numerous comments about her outfit. Throughout it all, Buffy hadn't even frowned and she sure wasn't going to cry in front of these people. But the worst was yet to come. It was lunchtime.
Buffy noticed that no one had even looked at her the entire time she was in the cafeteria. Riley was nowhere to be seen. She wished he was there, at least he would have smiled at her.
The same young woman that had come up to Buffy earlier approached her again. "Hey, Buffy, I just wanted to say welcome to Huxley." As she spoke, the girl poured grape juice into Buffy's lap.
Buffy was in shock so she sat, listening as everyone in the cafeteria had a good laugh. Buffy could feel the tears coming, but she forced them back fiercely, unwilling to show any weakness.
"Cordy, that wasn't very nice. Apologize to Buffy." Riley had come up behind the pretty brunette.
The entire cafeteria got quiet. Riley was well-respected here because he had helped lead the town to two football championships.
Cordy just looked up at Riley and said " Sorry." She walked away without another glance. Riley knew that Buffy was losing control over the tears he could see glistening in her eyes, so he gently took a hold of Buffy's hand and led her out of the cafeteria.
When they were out of hearing distance, the tears came. Riley just took her to a quiet place where no one would find them. She just laid her head on his chest and cried. Riley held her, not really sure what to do.
Buffy slowly calmed down. "So are you like Mr. Football superhero here in Huxley?"
Riley wasn't surprised by anything that came out of her mouth anymore. She had him figured out, but he couldn't say that he had her figured out. "How did you know?"
"Well, from the looks of it, Miss Cordy is the Queen Bee, and no one puts *them* in their place unless they happen to be the King Bee." She was very smart but maybe that's what happened to you when you grow up in L.A. Riley looked into Buffy's eyes, seeing pain and disillusionment, but he didn't think it was all because of today. Riley wondered what could have happened in her short, privileged life to upset this fair-haired beauty.
"You're forgiven, Riley Finn." Riley knew that she was talking about the chores on the farm. "I just can't stay mad at the man who rescued me."
No one had ever called him a man. He liked how those words made him feel. This was definitely something he could get used to. He was also about to take advantage of her weakened state.
"Buffy, I don't want to pry, but I have been wondering what made your mother send you to Huxley?"
Buffy looked at Riley, knowing that she couldn't tell him. She was alone in this world. No watcher had come, but she just couldn't.
Riley was too pure to know about the things that went bump in the night. She told him the truth, knowing he would misinterpret her words.
"I found out that demons are real, and it's all been down-hill from there. The final straw was when I burnt down the gym. I got kicked out of my other high school. Lost all my friends, and someone close to me got killed. You name it , I probably did it."
Riley could never have guessed that Buffy was capable of all that. I guess she had a lots of personal demons. Now, he knew why she looked so lost.
"Isn't it like social suicide to hang out with me?"
Riley thought about it for a minute. "To tell you the truth, I don't think I care. I get to be with you, and I don't see that as bad. In fact, I think I really like it."
Riley had gotten close to her. Very close. She could feel his breath on her neck. Buffy could barely think. All she wanted to do was kiss Riley.
Riley could feel his heartbeat faster and faster. Riley looked at Buffy. He just couldn't take advantage of her, his mind was telling him, but his body wasn't listening. He slowly leaned down to touch his lips with hers, but the bell rang.
"I…I guess we better go."
Riley didn't move. He didn't want to go to class. He wanted to stay with her and learn about her, and kissing wouldn't be a bad addition.
"Yea. I guess we better."
Neither of them moved for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Buffy slowly moved away, knowing that if she didn't leave now there was no way she'd be able to leave at all.
"I better go show Cordy that I don't break easily." Buffy felt fragile, but she could survive Hurricane Cordy as long as Riley was around. "Thank you."
"No problem. What about your clothes?"
Buffy looked down at the grape juice stains on her favorite white shirt. "I think I look wonderful. What do you think?"
"I think you look beautiful." Buffy could feel her cheeks get red. Riley knew he hit a nerve when he saw her blush. "No one has ever said that to me."
"I guess I'll just have to tell you everyday." Riley was going to be amazing to her even if it was going to kill his popularity. Some things were just more important than being popular. Riley had always known that, but had never had to put it to the test until Buffy came along. She had been here for four days, and already he would give up his world to be with her.
Riley put his hands under her chin and lifted her face up so he could look into her eyes. "You are beautiful."
Then he walked away leaving her alone.
After having close encounters of the Riley kind, nothing could ruin Buffy's day.
By: Nicole
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Up to season four , but it’s an alternative universe so spoilers aren’t big at all.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Joss, Mutant Enemy, and the WB own everything.
Distribution: Finnatics, of course. Anyone else, just ask and I’ll say yes: ).......mary ellen can review it
Summary: This is part of a new series where Buffy went to Huxley, Iowa instead of Sunnydale. It is an alternative Universe, and I think you just might like it.
Feedback: please. It would make me sooooo happy
Dedication: to people who give me feedback...i love you guys...and you know who you are:)