Buffy stuck her head into her closet so her mother couldn’t see her cringe. “Uh, actually, I thought I’d go out…er, meet some kids. From school.”

“Oh okay. I’m so glad you’re making friends. Have fun then.” Buffy smiled. She changed and set out on the city street, nowhere in particular to go. She couldn’t tell her mom that other than her brief encounter with the human cannonball and the geek squad, she had spent the entire day alone.

She turned a corner and ran smack into someone coming in the other direction, dropping her purse and spilling its contents. She couldn’t believe it when she saw the person slowly getting up. “Not again.”

“Hey – Buffy right?” It was Alex.

“Yep, that’s me, human speedbump.” She heard a laugh and noticed Ash standing behind Alex. Buffy knelt to pick up her things. Alex and Ash went to help, and Alex picked up a wooden stake.

“Is this yours?” she asked.

Buffy took the stake from her. “Uh yeah. Self defense. It’s the latest thing in Los Angeles.”

Ash and Alex looked at her strangely. The boy stepped forward. “Things sure must be different out there.”

Buffy laughed to herself. “I sure hope so.”

“We’re going to Steel if you want to come,” said Alex brightly.

“What’s that?”

“It’s a club near here. That’s where most kids go at night. Bad food, but good music.” Buffy smiled and nodded. She let them lead the way.

They came to a building that looked like an old warehouse, with a sign made out of metallic pipe forming the word “Steel”. Ash nodded towards the sign. “I’m sure it’s not what you’re used to in LA, but…”

Buffy stopped him mid sentence. “I’m sure it’s great.” She smiled, and Ash returned it.

Alex led the way inside. The club was very minimal, industrial like its name. A long bar stood at one end, and in various nooks were plush sofas and chairs with teenagers of all shapes and sizes lounging on them. Music blared from giant speakers, and a mass of bodies were moving to it on the dancefloor. The three found a vacant area and took their seats. “I could use a soda,” Buffy said rising from her chair. Ash jumped up.