--- 15 mins later ---

Manda and Spike were in a conversation.

"What? Are you jealous of her or something?" Spike asked Manda.

"No its jsut well that, shes younger than dawn and i didnt want her getting the wrong idea" Manda said trying to play it off

"Manda, she's a beautiful kid and everything who deserves the best she can get in life, as does the lil bit. But why are you throwing yourself at this? It'll eventually fade out. Even though she might not ever talk to me again but she'll HAVE to talk to you." Spike said.

"I dont know, i dont know why i do some of the things i do" Manda said

"Maybe it's just fated."

"I dunno, i guess maybe i was a little out of line the other night, Im sorry." Manda said

"Why be apologizing to me?" Spike said to her.

"Try talking to her. It might help." Spike said.

Manda sighed, "Fine."

"Good luck." Spike said.

Manda let out another sigh "Thanks" She turned around and headed for the door

"Well I gotta get back to work." Xander said walking away waving goodbye.

"Bye Xander." Julie said finishing her salad and soda.

Manda walked over to where Dawn and Julie were.

"Hey guys, um Julie can i talk to you for a minute?" Manda asked

"I guess.." Julie said look at Manda.

Dawn got up,"I've got to get to class.."

Dawn left the two alone.

"Listen, I'm sorry about the whole Spike thing, you came to me for advice and i totally screwed everything up. I hope that we can still be friends" Manda said

"I guess so.."

"So, how are you doing?" Manda asked

"I'm ok.. Xander has temporary custody of me right now.." Julie said softly.

"Thats great, if it will help ill send in a report." Manda asked

"Well.. Im just gonna let Xander handle it.."She said looking at the grass.

"oh ok, well then. I wanna give you something. It helped me through a lot of stuff" Manda said handing Julie a small hankerchief. Wrapped inside it was a silver cross, hanging from a black leather chord.

"Manda.. I.. I can't.." She said looking at the cross.

"come on, giving the lack dawn and you have for getting in trouble, it will help keep the vampies away. Ill feel better knowing you were safe" Manda said

She sighed and finally accepted, putting the cross on. She hugged Manda, thanking her.

"Well i have to be going, i hope things work out for you Julie, and my doors always open. not just here at school either" she said.

"Thanks.." Julie said as Manda got up and left.