Just wanted to say that I miss this story a lot. I hope that it's not unpleasant things from RL that keep you from updating. Come back soon!!

Author's Response: Nothing too unpleasant. I'm an accountant and January is always horrible at work due to trying to close out year end. Hopefully, things will be slowing down soon so I can get back to more regular updates.

wow i like this story i'm hope you write again and finish this story !!! write again please !

Wonderful chapter as always. Really hoping to see an update soon.

I read the V.C. Andrew's books years ago. The series consisted of 5-6 books? (I can't remember) however the series was very dark. I know your story is loosely based on the FITA series and BTVS. You have done a wonderful job of creating a story that is unique and intriguing in it's own special way. Please continue the great job you are doing. I'm just anxious to see what's going to happen next. Update soooooon!!!!!!!

wow i like this story continue !!!! that very interesting !!! continue to be writting this story !!

Hey jennybean, just coming by to let ya know that I'm already suffering from your non-update withdrawal... *sniff sniff* *sob sob* I'll be looking forward to your next update!

Regards,
Jen

I've never read the book, so I'm totally clueless about how closely you're following it, but I've come across some comments by Spuffy shippers talking about FITW.

And I quote:"Dude. I haven't read it yet (discussing your fic), strangely not because of any issues with the blending of V.C. Andrews and Joss, but well, because I really, really hate Chris and it kind of hurts my heart to think of AU!Spike in his shoes. Cause clearly Spike should be Bart (they even both die by being burnt to a crisp right after the declarations of love!), Giles should be Paul, and Angel, Chris. This really should be a B/A story. Or a Dawson/Joey one."

Also: "Someone convince me, seriously, that Cathy would actually be with Chris if every other guy in the book hadn't died? She thought he earned her, and she settled. Which, hmmm...now I'm thinking Xander should be Chris. So Xander=Chris, Angel=Paul, and Spike=Bart. Yes, that works much better. "

I don't know these comments kind of have me wondering a little bit. Are you going to be writing the "Bart" role into the stroy? Is that going to be Buffy's real true love? LOL. Overthinking it, I know.

Author's Response: First off, I had no idea people were actually discussing this fic - I think that's kind of cool. Secondly, the people discussing have obviously read the book way more recently than I have. I will say it again - I haven't read the book in over 15 years so a lot of what they are talking about I don't even remember (like Bart being burnt in a fire, I had no clue - I actually had to ask someone else who the heck Bart was b/c I couldn't even remember that). I think because of my lack of memory regarding the details of the book my story is much different. Although the general premise is the same, I'm trying to write my characters somewhat in line with the actual show. And the sequel will really be nothing like Petals in The Wind. I stand by my "Loosely Based" description in the author's note. If you dissect the characters of the book like these people are doing, I'm sure you can put different characters from the show as other people in the story - maybe even in a better fit to the way VC Andrews wrote it. But that's not my intention - this is a Spuffy story all the way. Hope that makes you feel better. Thanks for the review!

Well, this plot is thickening. Time to delve into the past of their mother. Perhaps Ethan powerful though he is, has a few more demons in his closet. Can't wait to find out what they are. Great chapter. Please, update soon.

Who could Robert be? I can't wait for the next chapter to find out!

Can't wait to find out who Robert is! Great chapter!

great chapter can't wait for the next update hope it soon Ethan grabbing elizabeth scared me to death almost ....it was so well written I could actually picture myself in the room...

Oooooh, I think I smell a RAT. Is Dru manipulating everyone to suit her dastardly whims??.... is William not really their brother? I've read the Book Flowers in the Attic and the sequels-I'm SO glad you aren't going canon because they're creepy. You manage to take the squick out of the incest and that's a terrible difficult thing to do. Brava!!

Author's Response: Thank you so much. I'm glad I've taken away some of the squick factor. I tried to make it so that you could sort of understand how they ended up in this relationship rather than just making it gratuitous.