The candle light flickered as the music began to play. A step forward and their hands only slightly touched before stepping back to their current position and watch as another couple then takes the lead. They never left eye contact as their bodies moved along the dance floor, the music guiding their every step. Each moment they came into close contact their minds wandered into oblivion, as if they were the only two in the room.

It was not but two days ago that he offered her his hand in marriage, something she never thought would be possible; especially from what she’s seen and where she’s from. But even now as the two continue to dance together at this celebration meant for their engagement; she couldn’t help but think if what she chose was right.

What’ve I done?

Those words echoed repeatedly through her mind, a wondering echo of confusing thought. It was something she had forgotten, something she has held onto so tightly for so long now to only let it slip through her figures within days. There was one mission she had, the one mission that’s kept her going, kept her strong, kept her from forgetting whom she was and where she must be; the one thing she’s held onto so dearly – to get back to Angel.

The thought itself grasped a hold of her very soul and squeezed tightly as her body began to feel numb, began to feel the torture, deep emotional heartache she’s fought off for so long now. She had to let some go. Tears began to glisten in her eyes, she was ready to break. She had not only given up on the mission or Angel but she had given up on herself. She couldn’t understand why or how she could give up so soon, after all that’s happened, all she’s been through, all she’s lost.

A single tear escaped from her eye and rolled down the side her cheek.

Without a thought or an invitation Liam pulled her into his arms, wrapping himself around her, hoping to chase away the sorrow that has suddenly befallen his love.

“Cordelia - if I have said or done something to upset you…”

His voice trailed off over the possibility that she maybe regretting her answer to be with him and leave instead.

Her mind continued to wonder completely lost in thought as she continued to let Liam hold her close. What mistakes she has made; she has left the man she loved alone to fight his own battle, watched the one night she’s wished for so long to be given back - only to shatter in front of her with Angel’s death. Not to mention having to witness your closest friend and possible real first love die yet again in front of you. It was all so much and she still continued to fight – until now.

“I’m not good enough.” She thought aloud, “He’s suffered so much… he deserves better.”

Liam only listened to the words Cordelia spoke.

“He deserves better… you deserve better.”

He kissed the top of her head and spoke from the heart.

“Let me be the judge of that.”

Liam forced her to look at him. He couldn’t understand why the sudden change has taken over his Cordelia, or why she was speaking in third person at some points, all he knew was he needed her to see just how much he’s willing to change for her, and be there for her. Seeing the line where her tear fell, he gently brushed it off her cheek with his thumb before continuing on.

“Don’t give up on me yet.”

As if it were Angel himself asking, a small glisten of hope awoken inside Cordelia. His words meant the world to her, and finally helped her realize something important. Something she owed Angel, for everything he has done, for the world, her friends, and herself – this was something she was able to give him in return.

“Liam is this, what you want? Is this the life you wish to have?”

She needed to know how he really felt. Deep down her mind was made up, if she couldn’t be with the Angel from her time, to help him receive his reward that he deserves so much; then the life she’s given now was something she was going to advantage of.

“A life with you is all I need.”

“Liam?” She stared deep into his eyes making sure she had his attention. “Are you happy?”

He could see that what was ever troubling her early on had something to do with his happiness, if only she knew just how much she meant to him.

“Cordelia I’ve never been happier in all my life than I am right now with you.”

A simple sigh was all she could give as one more tear escaped from her eyes before she closed away her emotions once more, preparing herself for the decision she’s about to make.

“You deserve better Liam,” She forced the words out as she saw flashes of all the suffering moments Angel has gone through, “your future was full of so much pain and darkness. I wanted nothing more than to help you out of it.”

Even now as those words she told Angel so long ago repeated through her mind she felt her heart ache as if she let him down. “I saw the light at the end of the tunnel - that someday I might become human.” “It's gonna be a long while - until you work your way out - but I know you well enough to know you will. And I'll be with you until you do." She meant it, the promise. It might not be what they both thought or hoped, but she was going to make sure Angel got his dream; even if it meant Angel would never be.

“You’ve already started.”

Smiling over his choice of words she gently cupped his face, she knew there was no way of getting back, maybe this was the powers plan all along, maybe this was Angel’s shanshu and the reason she was brought here was a gift – a way of keeping her promise of being there until he made it through.

Maybe.

The music ended and Cordelia was brought back to reality. The group clapped in thanks for the beautiful music played throughout the night for them all to enjoy. Liam and Cordelia walked hand in hand away from the dance floor to talk amongst each other about whatever they may think of.

“Liam.” His mother stopped them both before they continued onto some empty chairs ahead. “We’re about to head home now. I wasn’t sure if you two were staying longer or…”

“I’m actually feeling a bit tired.” Cordelia mentioned.

“I’ll get your coat.” Liam offered only to be stopped once again by his mother.

“Before us all head out, I was hoping you could find your sister and bring her to the wagon. She’s probably fallen asleep somewhere. You know Kathy.”

“I’ll help you look.” Cordelia offered.

“Thank you. Both Father and I will be waiting at the wagon.”

Mother headed out to the wagon with father accompanying her, as both Cordelia and Liam went in search for Kathy. They both remembered seeing Kathy playing with some children around the house during the dances; Liam suggested to look upstairs, but Cordelia remembered her going towards the back and offered the idea of them both splitting up to cover more ground.

After agreeing to the idea, Liam headed upstairs as Cordelia went out in back to search for Kathy noticing the back door to be slightly opened.

“Kathy? Kathy?”

Pushing the door open more, Cordelia walked out of the building, while scanning the dark corners of the alley in back.

“Kathy?” After no reply she decided to head back in, only to stop from a faint ruffle sound she heard from the dark end of the alley.

A cold chill ran up the back of her spine as she stood close to the frame of the door. A feeling of danger is what she felt, something she has experienced several times before back in Sunnydale and LA.

“Vampire.” The word was nothing more than a faint whisper from her lips as instinct suddenly took over.

She backed away trying her best to feel for a sharp object to use for defense, a wooden piece would be best, but she was willing to take what she could get. Luckily she gripped onto a piece of wood from behind.

A sudden thud came from ahead, like the sound of a heavy duffle back falling to the ground.

“mmm, delicious.” The voice echoed from the dark.

Cordelia’s eyes widened when she heard the creature speak, she knew that voice anywhere, and her fear only grew more so as her hand tighten its grip onto the wooden piece. She was ready to face the monster before her, the monster she knew only as –

Startling Cordelia out of her thoughts the door flew open shielding them from the monster lurking in the shadows. Without a second to think Cordelia rushed back in shoving whoever it was that opened the door while she then bolted it from behind.

“Cordelia what’s wrong?”

It was Liam carrying a sleepy Kathy in his arms.

“Nothing I was just startled. We better go; your parents are waiting for us in front.” She said walking with Liam out towards the wagon in front.

It’s one thing to expect surprises around every corner of this journey she has taken. For one, you’re prepared to die, only to find you’ve been spared and offered a second chance; with a few stops and surprises along the way. Now you’ve decided to change your life completely, and the lives around you; finally excepting what’s to become of you. These are all of which Cordelia has encountered and finally settled for, but what she just witnessed tonight was something she never thought she’d have to face.

“Darla.”