Well they have been a bit naive about how hard it would be make this situation work. They needed to talk more to Bess about what she wants and how she sees her situation, but with money problem and the council there haven't been that much time.
From Bess point of view would working as a whore seem like a good idea. In a way it's what she's been doing in the dungeon and she's used to that. This situation will take time to deal with. First they have to find her, she could have gone to Troy if she know where he lives or mayby to Faith or just driving around. Anyway about the gem, in a Spike comic during Angel season 5 did they find out there where two rings in the treasure. I remember that Harmony sold the other one to buy a pair of boots.

Author's Response: Hi Magnus! Yes, I agree, Buffy and Spike were trying to make things 'normal' for her and she just felt like they were trying to mold her into something she couldn't be - or something she wasn't ready for. Hopefully she can come to terms with everything and accept what they were trying to do for what it was - love, not imprisionment. I've never read the comics, but someone mentioned that before (a long time ago when they found the first ring) about being another ring and Harmony finding it and selling it, so I'm going with the theory that there is another ring. Perhaps one of Marcus' minions found it in the crypt, stole it, but didn't realize what it was and it's just floating around somewhere waiting to be found - or bought on ebay (probably not on ebay, actually)... Thanks so much for the review! Always love hearing from you!! -p4s 2011.12.09

Buffy and Spike are trying so hard to make Bess “fit in” to her new found life and freedom that they forgot to ask her what she wants. In trying to mold Bess into what is expected of a “normal” teenager, they have over-whelmed Bess and pushed her into becoming secretive turning to sexual favors to rebel against their imposed rules. Obviously, making money the oldest and easiest way must be liberating for her giving her the hope of being independent as quick as possible so as to not be a burden as she believes she is. She is still in the dungeon in her own mind, using her survival skills of sexual favors to empower herself to get what she wants. Emotionally, she needs help, money may be tight (not for Bess at the moment) but she really needs counseling as a rape victim to help build up her esteem and sense of worth. Bess is unique, a turned slayer who is being treated as a child but has lived the experiences of an adult with the mentally of a juvenile. The money she is getting must be to “divorce” herself from the family that loves her and is sacrificing for her. Obviously, she doesn’t see Buffy and Spike as making sacrifices for her, but views them as tyrants who want to dictate her every choice and is missing her lost family. Even though she is an adult, she is hurting like a child pushing away from those that love her. In my own opinion, a spell to have Bess, Buffy and Spike journey through each other’s mind to experience all that they have experience and have in common through their suffering and trials and tribulations can be a good way to convince Bess that she is with her real mother and father and appreciate her “second chance” of what was taken from her. The sorrow, grief, hopelessness, joy, love and devotion is a trial by fire that they all have in common. Bess must love her new family like the phrase “you only hurt the ones who love you” - if her family didn’t really love her, they wouldn’t care about what she is doing. Your muse is evil!

Author's Response: Hi Vette!! I agree completely, she really needed counseling right from the start, I think Buffy and Spike just thought their love and trying to give her 'normality' would fix everything. Tara is child psychologist and, although far away, perhaps could help in some way or at least reccommend some things they should do or someone local they could talk to or take her to. I just don't think they thought of it. They always 'just deal' ... get over it, support each other and handle it, but she doesn't trust anyone enough to open up like that and she's feeling repressed by their rules. Also, by them imposing those rules, they're showing her how much they love her, which is just as frightening for her as anything she faced in the dungeon. Love = loss. Love = pain. Running is the only way to avoid the pain of being discarded again. Love your reviews! Very insightful! Thanks so much! -p4s 2011.12.09