Directionless Loser

Xander had decided that if he made it through high school intact that he would go on a road trip to see all fifty states. He didn't think about how he was going to get to Hawaii. He was just thrilled to get the Hell away from the Hellmouth for a while. Unfortunately his road trip was cut short when his engine fell out in Oxnard. So his trip was officially ended because he had to stick around and get a job to pay for his car to be fixed. He got a job at the Fabulous Ladies Club as a dishwasher. It was pretty easy work and every time the door he was forced to avert his eyes because of what he might see. The only place that was willing to hire him was a strip club for the ladies. One night one of the dancers got sick and the manager looked him up and down and asked him to remove his shirt. Xander took off his shirt and the manager eyed her approval. "Yes you'll do quite nicely. The ladies will love you." "Uh I'm just the guy that does the dishes." "Well honey tonight you're out there on the stage strutting your stuff. Besides don't you want a raise and not to mention the tips." Xander liked that idea although he was a bit skittish about the whole stripping thing decided to go for it since no one here knew him and he would keep his lips sealed about this. Anyway this would be a lot quicker than earning the money doing the dishes and without the dishpan hands. "Ok I'll do it what do I do?" She handed him a costume and he asked her, "Uh where's the rest of it?" "Sweetie that's the whole thing come on I know you want to do this and that outfit will look really good coming off you." Xander went to the back room where the dancers changed and put on his costume. It consisted of a black mask that he was kinda grateful for so he could avoid direct eye contact and some serious blushing issues. There was a leotard that was skin tight that sorta reminded him of that cat costume that Cordy wore one year for Halloween that had a big S on the chest and a long flowing cape. It was like he'd become one of the characters in the comics he avidly reads. He looked in the mirror and shuddered and stepped out onto the stage where the crowd went wild. The music started playing and he started gyrating and swinging to the music. The tights were rather itchy and he discovered that all he had to do was tug and clothes were coming off left and right so all that he was left in was a cape and a g string light on the string. He bounced around and danced around and noticed a pole but he decided not to go for it since he didn't want to injure little Xander if he should slip. Instead he slid around the pole and scunched up and down facing his audience almost like he was dry humping it or maybe it was dry humping him but the ladies loved it. He got bolder and removed the cape and the money started flying. Ladies started calling for him and whenever he got near they put dollar bills down his g string. By the end of his set he was not only sweaty but racking in some serious cash. From that point on Xander did a set each night and in between for some extra cash he did some dishes although he didn't really need to for his tips were amazing. He never thought that he'd be stripping but he was glad that the money was coming so he wasn't stuck there for months on end. In a few short weeks he was able to pay for his car but he decided to hang around a bit longer because he was supposed to be on a road trip but eventually he got really bored and just went home.

By Barbara Desmond

Bowl-A-Rama

Once again Xander was on the lookout for a job and saw a sign in Bowl-A-Rama so he went in and applied for the job. Xander just had to leave the house because Uncle Rory was staying at the house and had the bad habit of not only getting drunk and wandering around in his smelly, holey underwear and sometimes he did the full monty which was so many shades of wrong not to mention scarring to a person unless they are blind. Xander shuddered at that image along with the other things he wanted to repress like that time when Buffy scared away Larry leaving Xander feeling like a sissy man. "Oh memories in my mind that I so don't want to find please flee and hide far, far away. Ok here goes nothing. I can do this. This is bowling and I'm mad for the throwing and striking. So he opened the door and went inside. He went up to the counter to ask about the job and found himself face to face with Brad from elementary school. He was just one of the many kids who'd picked on him and made his life sheer hell but Will made it bearable since she was there every step of the way with him. He mentally started telling himself not to stutter and that Bard had probably bullied so many through the years that most likely he wouldn't remember him. Besides he'd come a long way from those days when it was suspected that Xander might be mildy retarded. "Can I help you?" Xander looked at the name tag and said, "Yes Brad I'm interested in the job that's open." "Wait a sec and I'll get you an application. Do I know you? You seem very familiar but I can't place you." "Uh I don't think so uh Brad. I guess I just have one of those faces. They do say whoever they are that everyone has a double walking around somewhere." "Yeah I've heard that too." He turned and walked to a cabinet in the corner and got an application. "Here you go. Hey the manager is due shortly so why don't you hang around and talk to him. I'll let you in on a little secret people haven't exactly been running in here to apply so the job is pretty much a done deal if you want it." "That would be great since I'm having some serious landlord issues.? I don't get why lord is in the title anyway. Well I better go fill this out. Thanks for the heads up and let me know when the manager gets back. I'll be at the snack bar." "No problem I'll send him over when he gets back." "Thanks for your help." Xander walked over to the snack bar and ordered a Coke and a bag of chips. There was only a five in his wallet so he was desperate for this job. He was not going to stoop so low as to scrub toilets with Sally Maid although he'd get the use of a company car which was a perk except for the whole humiliation factor if he was seen by actual people. He shuddered and erased that thought from his head. "Ok this looks pretty much like any other application." He filled it out and provided references which were bogus of course but Will and Buffy agreed to play the part of a former employer since he didn't want to risk actually putting down real ones that were called. He'd also risked putting his parents number down so he could pretend to be an employer but it was tricky with Uncle Rory around. Xander knew that it was unlikely that the references would be checked out and usually it was only the first one. He finished filling out the application and started looking around. The thought of working here wasn't the worst thing in the world and he'd get a discount so he could splurge and have his pals out for a night of bowling fun not to mention the fact that Will got turned on by rented shoes which was something that he just had to experience since the last time they tried bowling it turned out to be a disaster what with the life and death situation and the impaling and losing his girlfriend. Maybe going bowling wasn't such a good idea after all but it should be fine to work for and since he was desperate he stayed where he was. Freddie Iverson of all people came in the door and went up to the counter where he talked to Brad and came his way. "So you want to work here Harris isn't it?" "Yes that's me Xander Harris." "I have on question for you can you start tonight I need someone to close?" "What oh yeah sure but isn't there a training period?" "If you want you can stick around for a while and observe Brad. It's pretty simple. I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't really important." "Sure no problem. What do you have a deadline or something on some story?" "As a matter of fact I'm doing a review of some band at the Bronze." "Well good luck with that. So are your reviews as brutal as in High School comes to mind like the one where the Dingoes sounded like they had sausages strapped to their fingers." "Well it depends on the band but it can be brutal. I'm doing some freelancing for the Sunnydale Press and for pay." "Well that's great but I'll go to Brad to get Bowling 101 so I'll be all ready for my big closing night." "Sure later Harris." Xander walked over to Brad and said, "Well now I need a crash course in the ways of bowldom." "Well you know how to use the register right?" "After all once you've seen a register you've pretty much seen them all. I just need to be shown where the stuff is and all the procedures and whatnot." So Brad took him on the tour and showed him where the shoes were kept for those who rented a pair and what to do with the street shoes. "You fill this slip out and give a copy to the customer. Since this is your first day on the job you won't need to stop by the bank." He took him to a back room where there was an opened safe. "Just clear the register and put all the money in the safe. Tomorrow night you'll have someone with you to go through the whole procedure including a trip to the bank." "So this job comes with field trips." "Yes the joy of working in money I suppose. Take the receipts and put them in this box. So do you have any questions?" "No I think I've got it covered. I should be ok." "It shouldn't be too bad since Mondays are usually a slow night." "Ok well I'll be back later. See ya." Xander left in a somewhat good mood. "Hopefully this job will last a little longer than the last one. At least I don't have to wear a stupid uniform." He got into his car and stopped for some takeout before heading home. He was so glad that he had a way in without going through the living room and down the stairs. He ate his food and took a shower. When he came out he found Anya lying naked on his bed. "An I really have to get to work." "Xander it's been over twenty-four hours since we've had sex. We have to remedy that right now before I go back to the shop." "Always with the romance. Ah what the hell I could always take another shower." "Well you can give me pleasure and we can save water by showering together." About an hour later they were getting dressed. "Well I've got to get back to my money. Sometimes I wonder if Giles stashes away money when I'm not around." "An don't be silly. Remember what I told you." "Yes I do but I just love money so much." "Speaking of money I've gotta go I have a new job and I'm closing so I'll swing by your place if you want." "Yes and if you're up for it which I hope you are by the way we'll have a repeat performance." They kissed and went their seperate ways. Xander drove over to the bowling alley and went up to the counter. Brad was just getting ready to leave. "Well good luck. It's been pretty slow but you'll have a few stragglers here and there and I think it's Bowling League night." "Sounds like this will be funapalooza." Brad walked out the door. Xander took his place behind the counter and waited for someone wanting shoes to come his way. He found a chair and decided to sit down. Finally after he'd been on the job for an hour and a half someone came his way. "Hi what size can I get ya?" The guy replied, "I need a 7 and a 12." "Okay I'll get those for you. The girl that was with the guy looked a little like Ampata which brought up bitter sweet memories what with the kissing and the life sucking. He grabbed the shoes and filled out the slips and gave them to the guy when he paid. "Have fun bowling you two." "Yeah thanks," he said as he grabbed the shoes, the receipt, and his change. "Well so far so good." The rest of the evening went without any bumps in the road so Xander was hopeful that this latest job would last longer. He was hoping to talk to his parents into letting him put a lock on the doors since it was his place even if it was a dark and gloomy basement but he thought that thedisco ball hanging from the ceiling brightened the place up. When it was time to close he put the closed sign up and made sure there were no last minute stragglers hanging around. At the snack bar the girl there gave him a wave and left. Xander locked the door behind her. He checked to make sure all the shoes were accounted for and in the right place which they were since it had been pretty dead which Xander was fine with since it was only his first day. He opened the register and put it in the bag. He grabbed the slips and closed the register. He put the receipts in the box that Bard had shown him. He took the money and put it in the safe and shut the door which locked itself once the door was closed. Xander went out the back door locking it behind him and went to his car. He drove over to Anya's even though he was beat. Anya came to the door in a sexy reg negligee. "Wow!" "Let's get to it I had a good night tonight." "An honey I'm really tired and I'm thinking little Xand isn't up for anything right now. Let's just cuddle tonight and in the morning I'm sure I'll be recharged." "Ok since I'm in such a good mood." The second Xander got in bed he fell asleep to Anya talking about money once again her favorite subject. When Xander woke up he found a note on the pillow that said Anya had gone out to get some coffee and sweet goodness. Xander got up and took a shower. He had brought some clothes over so he didn't have to put the old ones on. He grabbed a pair of jeans and a tshirt and got dressed. Once again he ended up with socks that weren't all matchy. Anya came in with donuts and coffee. "Perfect timing did I ever tell you about this theory I have about socks?" "No but go ahead I need to practice listening and you'd be the best person to practice it on." "I just feel so special hon." "Well you are do go on tell me your theory." "Well it's about socks. You know how they go in the dryer all in pairs but they come out with socks missing. I think there is a gremlin or something that steals socks so we end up having to buy new socks or wearing ones that aren't all matchy." "Well gremlins do exist but I don't think they're after socks but that's a nice theory. There could very well be something that collects socks but it's probably not gremlins. Maybe fairies since they can be strange creatures." "It was just a thought it's not like I plan to research it so I can solve the mystery of the missing socks. Well I gotta check out the work sitch." Xander kissed Anya and walked to the door. "Wait aren't we going to have sex? After all you did promise me." Xander walked back to her and said, "Later I promise I have a little surprise in store for you along with sweaty sex afterwards." "Well ok then so I'll see you later." Xander left and went into panic mode. "Oh great now I got to think of something to avoid getting in a silly argument. She just doesn't get the whole having other things on the mind. Ok enough talking I need Will. She'll know what to do what with her being a girl and all." Xander drove over to the college and found a parking space and went to Willow's room. He went up to her room and knocked on the door and Buffy answered. "Am I interrupting?" When Xander stepped in Riley was just putting on his shirt. "Hi Xander I was just leaving duty calls." He kissed Buffy and left. "So Xander what's up?" "I need some girlie advice. I want a surprise for Anya since I stuck my foot in my mouth and promised her a surprise. She doesn't quite understand when we don't well you know every single time we see one another." "How about a picnic on Kingman's Bluff. That's a nice spot just get a blanket and basket full of goodies and voila instant romance." "Thanks Buf you wouldn't happen to have a picnic would ya" "As a matter of fact I have that basket I used for Halloween." She went to the closet and found the basket and handed it to Xander. "Hey why are you here anyway didn't you get your own room this semester?" "Yes but it's being painted so Will let me hang here and with mom being sick I just wanted some alone time." "Sure I totally understand. How is she by the way?" "She seems better I guess." "Thank's you're a life saver." "Oh Xand can you do me a favor I was thinking about moving back home to help with mom and to save money so could you help with the moving?" "Sure you just let me know when and I'll be there." "Thanks Xand." "Thank you I hope this helps smooth things over." "Well I am the chosen one so I know of what I speak." "Well I gotta go check in at home and see if Rory's gone." "Well good luck with the picnic. Oh are you gonna be at the Bronze tonight?" "It depends on whether I work tonight." "So a new job huh?" "Yeah you're looking at the gainfull employed man of Bowl-O-Rama." "Oh the excitement of balls and pins flying." "Hey no mocking." "Well I guess it beats dollars in the g-string." "Hey!" "Sorry but it was there and I just had to say it." "Well if all goes well I'll be Bronzeing it tonight." "Later Xander." "Yeah bye." Xander walked to the car with basket in hand and thought about what food to get. He decided to head over to the bowling alley to find out his hours. He went inside and found Brad at the counter. "Hey Brad." "So you're back ready for more." "It wasn't too bad but I'm hoping that I'm not always closing." "Don't worry about that since Freddie is usually the one that closes up. I have your schedule right here." Xander looked at it and was relieved to see that he was working mostly days so he was free to spend time with his girl. "I take it that you have a girlfriend jugding by that look of relief on your face." "Yes I do. It's hard to fit her in if we're always missing each other. But I thought the days were your regular hours." "They are but I'll be transferring to UCLA because my scholarship finally came through." "Well congratulations." "Thanks. It'll be nice to get away from Sunnydale. So you'll be taking my hours which have been great since I'm able to study while things are slow." Well I've gotta go I'm planning a surprise for my girl. So I'll see you tomorrow." Xander stopped for some donuts and next went to get some sandwiches. He put the food into the basket and swung by a drugstore to pick up some stuff. "Ok now all I got to do is get my girl." He looked in his trunk and found a blanket from the last time he'd been at the beach. He pulled up outside the magic shop and went inside. Anya was helping a customer so he went over to the table and sat down until she was done. Anya loved the picnic and since it was a secluded area she was able to get her many orgasms since Xander was a viking in the sack or in this case on the sand. As they were laying under the stars Xander's phone rang. "Damn the inventor of those things. Don't answer it." "An it could be important." He pulled it out and flipped it open. "Hello." "Hey Xander sorry about bothering you but I really need you to come in like now." "But my schedule is for days." "I know but the night guy Eddie is in the hospital and since you're the new guy well you know how it is." "Yeah sure Freddie I'll be there in about twenty minutes." He hung up and put his phone back in his jacket pocket. "What's in twenty minutes?" "Sorry An but I've got to fill in for the night guy." "Why?" "Well I'm the new guy and he's in the hospital." "How rude of him to do this to me." He is totally ruining my night." "An the guy is in the hospital." "Well is he dying at least?" "I don't know. Look An you know I need this job especially if I want to ever get out of the basement. Xander make money. Xander able to move out. Get new place make Anya happy." "Ok go make money. You can drop me off at my place." They packed up their stuff and left. After dropping off Anya he went to the bowling alley where an ambulance was just taking off with sirens flashing obviously on the way to the hospital. Xander got out of the car and saw Freddie looking at the ambulance that was screaming into the night. "Freddie what's going on?" "You know the snack bar girl Tina well she was attacked tonight. She was found badly beaten in the restroom." "Hey what about Eddie?" "Some thing two days ago." Xander just felt a shiver go through him and not in a good way. "So are there anymore people that got beaten?" "Well yes but no one knows why or who is doing this? Oh we decided to close for the night well the police did to see if they could find any clues." "Yeah and we all know what a fine job our police do," Xander said sarcastically. "Well I guess I'll go then." "Yeah sorry about dragging you out here." "No problem." Xander got into the car and went to see Buffy at her house since she was spending the night there. He knocked on the door and Willow answered the door licking chocolate off her fingers. "Want some Smores?" "Ooh! No later is Buffy home?" "Oh she's in her room." They went upstairs and found Buffy in her closet. "Good you're here I think something strang is going on at the bowling alley." Buff pulled out two skirts and showed them to Willow first raising one then the other. Willow pointed to the one on the left since it was a perfect match to her new peasant top. "Ok bowling alley big trouble need Slayer now." "Ok don't get your panties in a twist." "Hey I don't wear panties I wear manly boxers. Anyway I think this is a little more important than picking out an outfit." "I have a date with Riley so spill already. Well..." At this point there was a knock on the door and since Will was the closest she opend the door and Riley walked in. "Excuse me but potential sitch of the dire here." "Oh are you talking about the beatings at the bowling alley." "Oh great I came over to tell you and Captain Commando steals my thunder." "Xander isn't that your new job?" "It certain is and at this rate it may be the winner for shortest time worked there." Buff looked at Xander and askee, "So what do you know?" "Well since I've started working there two people have been beaten and Freddie is the manager." "Freddie as in the brutal reviews guy from High School?" asked Willow. "The one and the same. So anyway there was another attack tonight so get all stealthy since this might not be your run of the mill beatings. I think something is up since I'm all tingely and not in good way." "Well guys go outside and I'll put something on that's stealthy." The two guys wents outside and Buffy grabbed a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. "Will wanna come?" Willow who was eating a Smores said yes and changed too. "Ok boys let's go." Since Xander had his car they took his car. Riley had been a little twitchy about Buffy's friends finding out about his secret but finally realized that he had nothing to worry about because they had kept Buffy's secret but that didn't matter anymore since the Initiative was gone. While they were in the car Riley filled them in on what he knew. They pulled up to the back of the buidling. Buffy got out and looked around and saw a police car driving away. "Ok the cops are gone so let's take a looksie inside." "Sure no problem I got the key," said Xander jiggling it in the air. Riley had been reaching for his master key that he had kept from the old days when he saw Xander's key. He opened the doorand walked inside. "She was found in the bathroom." It's this way." Buffy turned to Willow and said, "Feel like doing some hacking?" "You know I'm so the net girl. Xand where is a computer?" "There's one in that room behind the counter." Xander led Buffy and Riley to the womens bathroom and found the light still on. Blood splattered the floor like it was a design. "Yikes I hope she's alive. So Riley why hasn't there been a stop to this? Haven't survivors been able to help in any way?" "No they all claim not to remember a thing. The first victim was a Freddie Iverson." "Really and it was here?" "What do you know him or something?" "Yeah he's the manager." "Ok I got beat up and I stay at the place and yet more get beaten up and I get promoted to manager so why do I stay?" Riley said, "It could be demonic. There is this clan of demons that attack every five years. They don't always kill but it's early yet since it's only been the three so far." Willow had found some interesting stuff on the computer so she went over to the others who were sitting at the snack bar talking. "Hey guys. This whole thing of people getting beaten has been going of for the past two weeks. There was something else but I haven't been able to hack into it but I'll keep trying." Turning to Xander she said, "Do you think anyone would notice if I had a drink?" "Ooh Willow you're quite the outlaw. I doubt anyone will notice as far as I know there isn't anyone going around keeping track of how much soda there is to the last drop." "Ok then. So does anyone else care to join me in some petty larceny?" Everyone but Xander said no so he went with her and they both helped themselves to a Coke. Willow walked back to the computer and starting tapping around. Finally after what seemed an eternity she found what she was looking for and after bursting into geeker joy she pulled herself together and went to join the others. "I take it from that squeal that you found something." "Darn tooting Xander. It turns out that the owner is in some serious trouble since he stole a transdimensional device so the beatings will continue and get worse unless it's returned." "Got any idea where he hid it Will?" asked Buffy. "Well I remember reading about this spell that will reveal things that have been hidden by magicks." "So I guess we'll need to get Giles. Will do you have any idea where it could be hidden like here at the bowling alley maybe." "Well I looked up his address since he'd probably hide it there and the ones after him are targeting his business to get it back." They left and went to see Giles. Buffy knocked on the door and Giles answered. "Oh Buffy is everything all right?" He let them all in and went to boil water for some tea. Buffy told him what what giong on and Willow found the book with the spell in it. She took the book and started going through it. By the time Buffy filled Giles in Willow had found the spell. "Here it is. Revealing what is unseen and hidden by magicks. It's in a weird language but..." Giles took the book from her. "Yes I'm familiar with this spell." It was similar to a spell he'd used before just before he became Buffy's Watcher. "So do we need to go over to this chap's house to do the spell or should we try the bowling alley first?" Giles went to pour himself a cup of tea. "We think the house is probably where it is." "Yes I agree but the bowling alley would be worth checking out since anyone would presume it was the last place to look. I suggest we go there first and go from there." "What does this dimensional thingie do?" aske Xander. "Well it's an object of great power and allows the user to travel through dimensions. You can even alter realities but this chap hasn't figured out that yet. It's quite dangerous so we must retreive it." As usual while Giles was talking he started cleaning his glasses. Giles took the book and drove over in his car with Willow and the others went with Xander. They parked in the back and went in the same way as before. Giles decided to try the area where the lanes were. He stood before one and chanted the incantation. "Vongani tretor vinetor polluso revealus ostus!" Nothing happened so he moved over to the next and tried again. When he reached the second to last lane there was a crackling sound and sparks fired in the air and this silvery pole suspended above the lane. Giles reached for it and took hold of it. "Yes this is it all right." "Wow that is cool. I could totally hide my dirty landry away. Ok I'm shutting up now." Xander pulled up a chair and sat down. "So Giles what do we do with this thing now?" "Well I suppose we give it back to the owners." "Are they the good guys?" At that point there was a burst of light and crackles shot through the air and a portal opened. Two hooded figures came out and one of them pointed to the device in Giles' hand. "Oh right this would be your right? If I'm not mistake you would be the Guardians right?" "Yes you are correct. We thank you for finding our device now hand it over. We have no wish to hurt you people. We only want back what is ours." Giles walked over to the two and gave it to them. "Now I suggest you all leave while we finish what we came to do." "Come one let's go." Giles walked out and the others followed. When they were outside there was a bright flash of light and the building disappeared. "Well there goes another job down the drain or down the ground. Think I'll get paid for the hours I worked?" Willow patted him on the sholder and they all headed back to the cars and went home. Xander was thinking how he'd have to look for another job in the morning. He went to bed and fell asleep the second his head hit the pillow even though his parents were arguing about something yet again.

By Barbara Desmond

Toys R US

Xander went to the toy store to check out the new video games and saw that they were hiring. He figured it couldn't be any worse than his last job where the building got blown up by some other dimensional whatevers. On the plus side it was likely that he'd get a discount and of course he'd get to play the games in the store before anyone else got them. "Yes this is the ticket. I'll wow them and soon I'll have a fun job where a kid can be a kid." He walked inside and went up to the customer service counter to get an application. "Hi I see you're hiring." "Yeah did you want an application?" "Absolutely. So this must be a fun place to work huh?" "It has its moments sure but it can be hellish at times when there are a bunch of screaming kids around." The guy at the counter had a name tag that said, "Hello my name is Tom" gave Xander the application. "Thank you. Do you happen to have a pen I could borrow?" Tom looked around and found a pen that he gave to Xander. He filled out the application at the counter and asked if the manager was around. "That would be me." "Ok Tom so what kind of position is this?" "It'll be stocking the shelves mostly but when it gets crowded you might be called to the front to wait on customers. You know how to operate a register right?" "Of course I do. So what kind of hours are we talking about here?" "You'll get at least twenty hours a week. Also a flexible person is needed to fill in when a person calls in sick. So would that work out for you?" "It sounds good to me. I was wondering if there is an employee discount?" "Yes you get a 20% discount. Now are you pretty familiar with the store?" "Oh yes I am." "Well could you start this afternoon?" "Just give me a time and I'll be here." "Well I was thinking now because Harry called in sixk so I need someone until six." "Uh sure I could do that." "Great. Follow me we'll take care of the paper work right now since it's pretty dead in here." Xander followed Tom into the back where he was shown the break room which had a couple of vending machines and in one corner there was a fridge. "I sense a hint of relief. Yeah I know you had no idea you'd be working here so quickly. You can grab some lunch here or you can go to the hot dog vendor outside. You'll get a half hour for lunch and since there's a fridge over there you can bring it in if you'd like. Also we send someone out to pick up food if you're interested in that." "I think I'll have a hot dog today." "I'll get the paper work and you just get your lunch and while you're there could you pick me up one too with relish, mustard, and ketchup?" He pulled out a five and gave it to Xander. "Ok I'll be back in a few." Outside the vendor was already cooking hot dogs. He placed his order and paid for them and went inside. "Thanks," said Tom when Xander handed him his hot dog. Xander had some change so he bought a soda. They ate and talked about video games. "Ok now it's the fun part the filling out of the forms." "Yes it is such a thrill. You'd think that in this time of computers they'd lose these forms." "Ok what's next?" "Well you're in luck because you'll be unpacking the new video games." "Cool this is turning out to be a great job." "Just follow me." He led Xander into the storeroom which was wall to wall stuff. "Whoa now that's a lot of toys." He led him over to the boxes. "You'll be unpacking these. John will take them out with the forklift. So if we're running low on certain items just come back here to restock the shelves." "Sure no prob. So should I go to the video games section which is right next to the action figures. I have a nephew so I know this," said Xander in an attempt to hide the fact that he was actually the one that the video games were for. "Sure just start stocking them on the shelves." Xander walked over and John brought the box over and placed it on the floor and drove off. On top of the box was a box cutter to open the box. Inside Xander found tons of video games and a thrill coursed through him. It was one of his little secrets the fact that he had a passion for video games. His deepest darkest secrets were kept by Anya who knew him so well. This was turning out to be the best job ever. Xander searched through the box to find out about the newest games. It was sheer bliss because there were displays where you could try out the games before you buy them which Xander had taken advantage of many times before especially when he didn't have the money to pay for them. Xander went over and took the old video game out and put in a new one and started to play. "I should really test each of these new games to make sure they are of the highest quality. It's my job to make sure this thing works." He started playing totally forgetting about the games he was supposed to stock. He became so engrossed in the game that he lost track of time. When he finally came up for air he noticed that three hours had passed. "Yikes! I better get to work fast." He ran to the box and started putting the games on the shelves. He got through the box rather fast and saw that the shelves weren't very full. "That's weird I thought there were more than this. Oh well I guess I'm done here." Tom walked over to Xander and asked, "How's it going?" "It's going since I seem to be done." "Hmm so where did all those games go?" "Well I unpacked what was in the box." Noticing that the emergency exit door was open he turned to Xander and said, "Why is this door open?" "I don't know. It was open when I got here. It is kinda stuffy and the breeze does feel nice." "Ok then but keep this door closed from now on." "Sure no problem the door stays closed. So what do you want me to do know?" "You said you're pretty familiar with the store rigth?" "Well it's not like I could give a tour or antyhing." "Why don't you get yourself acquainted and let me know if you have any questions. I'll be in the back filling out some orders." Xandr walked up and down the aisles looking at all the toys. "This shouldn't be too hard in fact this might be the funnest job ever." Rows and rows of toys and he went down each of them including the stuffed animals with bunnies and other animals which made him think of Anya. He didn't understand why Anya was so wigged about by bunnies and never brought it up. Sometimes like now he justed stopped and thought about how strange it was that he was dating an ex demon. "Well that's life on the Hellmouth." "Excuse me but do you work here?" Xander turned around and found himself faced with a little old lady that was the epitome of grannydom complete with the little bun on the top of her head. "Yes I do mam. How may I help you?" "My what a nice young man you are. I was looking for some video games for my grandson." "Well it just so happens that you are talking to the right guy. Just follow me the games are this way. So how old is he?" "He's thirteen and I have no idea what to get him." Xander picked out some games and handed them to her. "Here you go I'm sure your grandson will enjoy these." "Thank you young man you've been a great help." She went to the register to pay for the games. Tom came up to Xander and said, "You really impressed that one. She often comes in here but she rarely buys anything." "I guess I've got the magic touch." "I suppose you do. So did you get a chance to walk all the way through the store?" "Well I was with the stuffed animals when Granny asked for help." "Go on and finish walking through the store so you know where everything is. For the first week or so just walk around and help peeople." "What about the register?" "We'll get to that later just familiarize yourself with the store so you can help people find that certain toy." Xander walked around and once again found the door open by the video games. "Hmm that's strange I know the door was shut before. He closed the door again and found that all the video games were gone. "That's weird I think I'll mention this to Tom." He found Tom at the coutner and walked up to him. "Tom there is something strange going on." "What is it?" "Well I happened to go by the video games again and the door was open again and there weren't any games left. "Damn it I hate when this happens." "Uh what exactly is happening here?" "We've had this problem before but I thought it was over." "What problem?" "Thieves sneaking in the door. Now that I think about it all this started today when you started working here. I'm afriad that I'm gonna have to fire you." "Why?" "It's just the way it has to be." "But Granny she bought stuff." "Yes she did but hundreds of dollars of video games are missing possibly thousands since I don't have an exact count of how many are missing." "Man this just sucks." Xander walked out of the store and went to his car. He stopped to get something to eat and he found a bunch of video games in the back seat of his car. "Well I guess the day wasn't a total waste although I have no clue where these came from. Like they say don't look a gift horse in the mouth." "It's done just as you wished." A phone rang and it was Tom calling from Toys R US begging Doug to take his job back.

By Barbara Desmond