Helpless

[astraeia]

It pisses me off when there's nothing I can do to help a friend in trouble. I mean, I'm the one who went into the freaking past last summer because my friends needed me to... and the very person who got us back from there is the one who's in trouble now. Taffy. She never asked for anything for doing that favor for us. Not even thanks. And some

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[_heather_v]

It's been quite a drive back from San Francisco. The little trip turned out to be rather restful, despite not doing so well at the interview. I'm tired, but I'm worried that now that I'm in Sunnydale again the bad dreams will return. As I drive through town I spot the sign for Willy's, and think I might just want a couple drinks to ensure a good night's sleep.

I park, and peek in first to make sure neither Stef nor Jordan are there before entering and making my way to a small table at the back. Just a couple of quick drinks, by myself, and then I'll go home and hope the booze keeps the dreams at bay.

[astraeia]

Well. Look who just walked in. I wonder if we have any rat poison in the back? Hmm, no, Astra, that would be completely unprofessional. Must be professional.

I paint a smile on my face and walk over to her table. "What can I get you?"

[_heather_v]

I look up when the waitress comes to the table. My usual is a rum and Coke, but I think tonight I better forego the caffeine. "I think I'd like a screwdriver, thanks," I say, with a slight smile. I'll just have to hope I actually get to drink it tonight, instead of it ending up all over my dress like last time.

[astraeia]

I turn and go back behind the bar to mix it, just busting to say something to her. I feel like a declawed cat sometimes, and it's not that I usually mind, but once in a while, when I get mad enough about something, I really wish I could get my ass-kicking inner bitch on. I grit my teeth and take the drink back to her. "Here you go."

[astraeia]

I'm heading back to the bar to get the Wicked Witch of the West's drink when I see I have a new customer. She looks a bit familiar, somehow, but I don't think I've seen her before. "Hi," I say, ducking behind the bar. "What would you like?"

I begin mixing Heather's next screwdriver.

[astraeia]

That gets my attention. I put the glass down and track the redhead's gaze. She's staring straight at Heather, and the look in her eyes gives me those good, vengeancy chills. "You're a friend of Stef and Taffy's?" I ask.

I quickly pour her a Jack and coke.

[_heather_v]

I glance up, wondering what happened to my second drink, and see the waitress talking to some woman at the bar. Who seems to be staring at me, even though I've never seen her before in my life. What the hell is her problem? She looks like some sort of pathetic waif, possibly not old enough to drink legally, isn't even wearing shoes, and yet the waitress is serving her before coming back with my drink?

Well, lady, you have at least one disgruntled customer, now.

[astraeia]

I bring the drink over to Heather's table and set it down with a slight thud, then pick up her empty. "There ya go," I say. I feel very antsy and high-strung right now, and I know it's because of the vibes I'm picking up from the girl at the bar.

[_heather_v]

I glare at her when the orange juice sloshes over the rim of the glass a little, but at least it missed my clothes. I wipe my hand on a napkin and say coolly, "I think that will do it for me tonight." I push the twenty at her again, hoping she'll get the hint and ring me up. She better not be expecting much of a tip.

I nod toward the girl at the bar. "She looks a little young, doesn't she?" I ask, my tone icy.

[astraeia]

"Believe me," I say, frost in my own tone; any minute penguins are going to come waddling out from the back room. "She's plenty old enough. And I'd say that's not your concern." I snatch up the twenty and reach into my apron pocket for change, then slap six dollars down onto the table.