New Lives: Chapter 5
by angelgirl81
New Lives
by: angelgirl81

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

Back in California, William was having his own experiences. Giles had given him some money so that he could actually live while looking for a job. He got the teaching position at Cal State Fullerton; he was teaching a few different kinds of English classes, including one about poetry. Right after getting the job, he managed to purchase a car; he needed some way to get around. Just as he was settling in, he got a call from Angel; he and Buffy were getting married. He sent his regards, but said that he wasn’t going to be able to make it. He had just started his job, and didn’t think it would be wise to take time off this soon. He promised that he would visit during winter break. Work was just one reason; the feelings he had for Buffy were still too fresh. He knew that these feelings would fade, but Buffy would always hold a place in his heart.

The month passed quickly. Soon, it was time for Angel and Buffy’s wedding. They had the ceremony in the backyard of the villa, next to the pool. They had Willow, being the ultimate incarnation of Magik that she was, perform the hand-fasting. Wesley, Fred, Cordelia, and Doyle all showed up for the blessed event. Each of them bestowed their blessing on the couple, and returned to the Higher Plane just before the beginning of the reception. They partied until the sun came up, and then took a brief nap. Angel and Buffy left to go on their honeymoon; Ireland for a week. The rest of the group would stay at the villa, and keep everything running while they were gone. “Okay you guys, have fun,” Faith said, and gave them a very naughty look. Everyone laughed, and Angel and Buffy got into the cab, and left for the airport.

Their week in Ireland was unforgettable. Angel showed her around, taking time to show Buffy where he was born and grew up. Somehow, he even managed to find the alley where Darla had turned him. They enjoyed their honeymoon, and were sad to have to return to Rome, to go back to work. “As long as you and I are together, I don’t care where we are or what we are doing,” Angel said. Buffy smiled, and thought the same thing; her life was now perfect.

Life was going pretty good for William, too. He had become one of the favorite English professors. People were on a waiting list just to get into one of his classes. He was one of the more unique teachers. He would stand on his desk and recite poetry whenever it struck his fancy. He always got the highest student evaluations of all the professors on the entire campus. However, he still felt empty inside; that something was missing.

It was a brisk day in November, and William was headed to one of his classes in the Humanities building. He was headed for the elevator, paying attention to the stack of poems in his hand, rather than where he was going, and suddenly found himself lying on the floor, coffee on his pants, and papers lying all around him. As he was trying to sort his papers out, he heard a voice next to him say, “Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. I was in such a rush to get to my class that I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” “Oh no, it’s all my fault,” William said, turning to the voice. He turned around, and stopped. He was face-to-face with one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. She was tall, about 5'10 , with dark auburn hair that tumbled in dark waves to her waist. But William couldn’t stop staring at her eyes. Her eyes were a dark golden color, with a ring of bright green around the outside. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m Becky, Becky Phillips. I teach Abnormal Psychology, and Human Sexuality.” “I’m William Wyndam-Pryce. I teach English,” William said, picking up the rest of his papers. “Ah, so you’re the famous Will,” Becky said with a smile. They had managed to get all their stuff organized, and were now getting on the elevator.

“Ah, so you’ve heard of me,” William said with a smile. Becky laughed, and then suddenly got a strange look on her face. “What? Do I have something on my face?” William asked. “No, on your pants,” Becky said. “What?” “My coffee is all over your pants. I will totally buy you a new pair,” Becky said. “No, it’s okay. Besides, my kids never knowwhat I’ll do next. This will just help to keep them on their toes. I’ll have them write a short story about what they think happened,” William said with a smile. The elevator stopped on the fifth floor, and William started to get off. “This is my stop. But, I will certainly try to run into you later. Not literally though,” William said. Becky smiled as the elevator doors closed, blocking William’s face from her view.

As William walked to his class, he couldn’t stop thinking about the teacher in the elevator. She was definitely intriguing, to say the least. He walked into the classroom, and found all his students sitting at their desks, waiting for class to begin. “Sorry I’m late, guys. I had a small accident on my way to the elevator. I ran into one of the Psych professors, and she spilled her coffee on me. So, I want you guys to write me a short story about what you think our exchange sounded like,” William said, and watched as all his students’ faces lit up. He knew they enjoyed it when he made them think on their feet. Class flew by, and Will collected the stories at the end of class, and promised to have them back in a week. He also had to promise to tell the real story of what happened between him and Becky.

As he walked to his car, he thought about Becky. He never believed in love at first sight, until now. This chance encounter with a Psychology professor had left him thoroughly in love. He arrived at his apartment, and found his answering machine light flashing. He presses the play button, and was pleased to hear Buffy and Angel’s voice come through the speaker. “Hey William, how are you doing? We all miss you very much. Some news for you; Xander and Faith are getting married. I know, we were all as surprised as I’m sure you are right now. I guess their little encounter our junior year had more of an impact than any of us thought. Oh, don’t worry about Faith going back to prison. Giles, with all of his insider friends, has managed to pull some strings, and get Faith let out, for good behavior. They even let her report to Giles, which should be pretty easy since we all live in the same house. I hope that you are having fun teaching college English. We hope to talk to you soon. Love ya,” and with that, the message ended.

William sank down into the arm chair nearest him, and thought about what he just heard. Xander and Faith. That was never a couple he thought would ever exist. As far as he knew, Faith and Robin Wood were a thing; but William knew that Robin had moved back here. Robin had never really been accepted in the Scooby Gang, so as soon as everything had been set up in Rome, he had left. Faith and Robin had broken up on good terms though, so they still talked. William was happy that Xander and Faith were getting some well-deserved happiness in their lives. They had both experienced loss; Xander lost Anya, and Faith had lost everything. William made a note to call them, and give them his best wishes. He sat down, and graded paper for the rest of the night, a certain Psychology teacher invading his thoughts.


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