i really like this chapter because i think Buffy's really trying to do what is best for all of them, and taking some time away from each other to clear their heads is the best thing to do.. she sees that in able for her to start the healing process she needs to be alone, find herself and some kind of peace within herself before trying to move on.

but.. i can also understand where Spike's coming from. he knows he messed up, and he's trying to do the right thing, but he also thinks that whatever Buffy's doing is just to hurt him, like whatever Buffy does is a punishment that he thinks he doesn't deserve because in his mind he feels he did the right thing in not telling her...

i just hope that they use the time apart to figure out what they need and what's gonna happen in their lives.

Author's Response: Thank you! Can I say..I love you? lol

I think that buffy made the good decision
For her ,spike ang lindsay It doesn't matter Or the life will lead(drive) them They will always be relatives before be friend or lover and it is the most important lindsay

Your story is very realistic and I like it, because even though I like a fluffy story once in a while, I prefer realism. And I don't know about other people, but if someone hurts me badly, I won't truly forgive him only because he apologized. It is a simple defense mechanism. If we get hurt, may it be physically or mentally, be become cautious and suspicious of the person who hurt us. Spike may be truly sorry, but I understand why Buffy can't even begin to work through their issues considering the mental state she is in right now. Too much happened too fast.
The advise, Lorne gave her is exactly the kind of advise an actual counsellor would give in such a situation. The tension between those two is way too high and the only solution is to separate the two forces, because otherwise they'd cause even more damage. Spike keeps on pushing while Buffy tries to pull away. It just does not work that way. Not to mention that some distance usually helps to put things into perspective. Both of them need to sort out their respective situation first, before they can sort out their relationship or lack of or whatever.
I think you do a beautiful job describing the utter mess human relationships can become.
:-)

Author's Response: Thank you very much :) Can I say I love you? lol. Yes, Spike is sorry, you're right, and yes, you are right, Buffy can't even deal with it right now. It's like all of it just came to head all over again for her and she's thrown. Don't you just love Lorne? :) He is fun and exhausting to write.

gosh, this is so sad! i'm all teary now. :(

Yep, Spike took it exactly like I thought he would. But I think he was still mature about it, just hurt.

Do I think putting Lindsay in daycare is a good thing? I actually do. For the obvious reasons anyone would put a child in daycare, but also Spike has just confirmed that Lindsay is feeling the affects of the tension.

Unfortunately, I also think Lorne is right in the Spike and Buffy need some time apart. He loves her, she doesen't know if she loves him and she is way too raw from all these emotional wounds, which Angel put there, but Spike did rub a lil salt in, but the thing is she will never get past it with him around.

I can only imagine the woman you love tell you you should find someone else. He is hurting too...and he was right, she shouldn't say sorry unless she means it, and at this point, she is still willing to hurt him as much as she can, although she thinks she trying to make it better.

He should get a lawyer to put up some papars about Lindsay, guaranteeing his rights has her father. but that is just me.

Wonder how they will move on and maybe come back together. Although it seems grim.

Author's Response: She is trying now, however, to not hurt him anymore. Buffy realizes that it's gotta stop, the 'madness' so to speak has to end and so now, yes, she is trying to do right by her AND him. Thank you :)

Putting Lindsey in daycare to keep her from being exposed to the tension was excellent advice. Lorne was very insightful, and Buffy has a way to go before she's going to trust Spike again.

Wow, great chapter. I was really excited to see an update to this story, I love it! As I've said before I really enjoy all of your stories and think you are very talented. Can't wait to read more of this.

Good chapter, it's always refreshing to hear the perspective of an outsider . I also think he's right, Spike and Buffy are in this perpetual state of limbo and all that anger is still there. I think they do need to distance themselves and I hope Spike is understanding about putting Lindsay in daycare.

I do also hope that Spike tries to move on as well, cause that seems to be the path Buffy is making at this point and it'd be foolish to just sit and wait for her to come around. He also deserves some "me" time as well and he should take it.

You know when I first read about the whole therapy thing I thought that Buffy would come to the conclusion that she needs to distance herself from Spike. All it took was one session too. Hopefully Spike will at least try and move on and just focus on being a good father to Lindsey. Spike needs to stop being so obsessive and Buffy needs to realize that the world does not revolve around her.

That chapter hurt my heart so much and there wasn't even any interaction between Buffy and Spike. It just seems so hopeless, I just can't see how they can ever get together. I just can't stop the tears from coming.

Well that was a new respective.I like you bringing Lorn into the spin.He sure gave Buffy alot to look at.A third party is of the good.

keep up the good work