Author's note: Just to let you know, not every letter between Spike and
Buffy will be in this story. . . just the ones most pertinent to the
storyline! ;o)
10 July 1999
Dear Buffy,
I realize this is last minute, but I have some bad news, pet. I'm not going to be coming to the States for university. I hope you're not angry, but there's an explanation, I promise.
Something's happened to Dru. Dad and I have been noticing that she's been acting odd around us. Then, last week, I called her multiple times with no response. When her boss called me wondering why she didn't show up for her clients at the hairdresser's, I headed over to her flat to check on her. Her front door was unlocked, so I went in, and there she was lying in the middle of the living room floor, staring at the ceiling. She told me that the stars were sending her messages. That really scared me. I tried to talk with her, but the only way I could get her to do anything was to play along with her delusions. She got a bit more lucid at the doctor's office. He said she was having a psychotic break. She said it runs in her family; her dad had schizophrenia.
Anyway, to make a long story short, I can't come to the States like I planned because Dru needs taking care of. I mean, the doc put her on medication, but he said she needs a stress free environment to adjust. So, I agreed to stay on here a while and work for Dad, so I can take care of her.
Anyway, I hope you're not angry at me. I know you were planning on seeing me soon. At some point, I'll make it there for a visit. Maybe this fall!
Take care, love. Spike
* * *
July 17, 1999
Dearest Spike,
Oh my gosh, don't worry about a thing. I totally understand. That's pretty scary! Like you said, just take care of yourself and make sure your needs are taken care of as well. I know you love her, but you taught me that to be able to take care of someone else, you have to take care of yourself first. I've never known anyone with schizophrenia, so I can't fathom how stressful it's been! Wish I could be there for you. *sends hugs*
I'll miss you coming to university here. I was looking forward to showing you around good ole Sunnydale and taking you to L.A. I am definitely taking your rain check for a visit in the fall though. I'm marking you in my calendar! *wink*
Can you believe that we've been writing each other for almost a year now? It feels like I've known you forever! You always manage to impress me with your wisdom, and you don't give me a load of crap when I need to hear the truth. Thanks.
I've already registered for classes, and I'm still taking the journalism class we planned on taking together. From what I've heard, the professor's a trip! I'll probably have some juicy stories to tell.
My roommate assignment arrived today. I'm rooming with someone named Micki. I've never lived with anyone but my sister who's hard enough to share a bathroom with. I can't imagine what a stranger will be like. I wish I was rooming with Willow, but freshman get automatically assigned to whomever. Ugh. I suppose if it's too bad, I'll switch.
By the way, I broke up with Timothy for the last time. I know you're probably doing back flips halfway across the world. You're probably also wondering if I'll stick to my guns this time, but, I know it's the last time for *sure*. He's moving off to go to Duke, and I'm stuck here in Sunnydale. Plus, he told me the whole "I'm not sure if I can give enough to love you" speech again. 'Bout time he hit the road, huh? And don't worry about me, I'm fine with it. I'm not even sad, just sorta relieved.
Well, take care of you, and let me know if I can do anything! Tell your dad hello for me!
Love ya, Buffy
* * *
15 November 1999
Oh, pet.
Dru cheated on me. It's completely over, and I'm not sure what to do. Sorry to dump this on you while you're at the end of the semester there, but there's no one here to talk with about it. Seems I made Dru my whole world, so I have nothing left. I can't talk with Dad about it because he never liked Dru. And I can't make sense of it because I've been nothing but good to her. I can't focus; I can't sleep; I can't eat. Got any words of wisdom?
Love's bitch, Spike
* * *
November 22, 1999
Dear Spike,
Oh, sweetie, don't worry. You can always talk with me about anything. I'm so sorry about Dru. I wish I could make things better. Can you tell me what happened in more detail? Or do you feel like talking about it? Whatever, I'm here for you. Cheating is never justified, and I'm so angry at Dru for hurting you. I don't care if she's psychotic; you've said she's stable on her medication, so she can't use that excuse. Oh, I wish I could hug you and take you out for dinner or coffee right now. Stupid ocean.
On a brighter note, I'm passing all my classes with flying colors! I was a little worried about what college would be like, but it seems to be similar to high school with the studying and all. I thought chemistry would kick my butt, but luckily, Willow's in there with me, and she and I've been studying together.
Thankfully, Willow and I will be roommates next semester. Missy, you recall my current roommate, has still been wearing all my clothes and going to bed at nine at night! She fusses at me if I complain. It's college people: you're not living at home with a sister you can steal clothes from, and *most* people stay up a little past nine. Come on, make the most of your freedom! Grrrr. She's so annoying. But, Willow and me! Next semester! Happiness abounds! *smilies* We going to rent a little apartment near campus! And we'll be able to get a pet! Yippee!
Ohhhh, and I'm only telling you this because Mom would *kill* me, but I got drunk for the first time. Talk about a nightmare! I was a frat party with date of the moment, and he kept bringing me these fruity drinks. I had no idea how much alcohol was in them until the dizziness hit me! My date tried to get me to go home with him scarily enough. He would have succeeded because I was in no state to protest, but luckily, my new friend from my lit class, Aimee, was there to drive me home and tell my date to get the hell away from me. I don't believe I've ever puked so much in my life. Remind me to never touch alcohol again!
Hey, I just had an idea!!! You need to come visit before Christmas! It'll get you away from England and the whole Dru situation, and you can see what the States are like at Christmas time! And I won't have any studies, so I'll have plenty of time to spend with you! Don't say no cause I won't take no for an answer!
I'm so worried about you. Please take care of yourself. And don't beat yourself up. You didn't do anything wrong. Cheating was *her* choice. I refuse to say you'll meet someone else someday because that sounds so trite. But I'm sending tender caring your way!
Well, I'm off to study for finals! Write soon and let me know how you are!
Love, Buffy
* * *
1 December 1999
Dear Buffy,
Hi! Just a brief note to let you know that I'll be flying in on December 13. I've enclosed a copy of my flight schedule! I can't wait to finally meet you in person!
Take care, Spike
TBC. . . What happens during the visit? What will Spike and Buffy think of one another? Find out in the aftermath of letters!
Thanks for the awesome reviews! You guys are the greatest! :o) Notably, this fic is intended to be a little lighter than my last series. . . Hope that's okay!
Take care, Sandy Eternal Devotion: http://darkprophecies.net/eternaldevotion
10 July 1999
Dear Buffy,
I realize this is last minute, but I have some bad news, pet. I'm not going to be coming to the States for university. I hope you're not angry, but there's an explanation, I promise.
Something's happened to Dru. Dad and I have been noticing that she's been acting odd around us. Then, last week, I called her multiple times with no response. When her boss called me wondering why she didn't show up for her clients at the hairdresser's, I headed over to her flat to check on her. Her front door was unlocked, so I went in, and there she was lying in the middle of the living room floor, staring at the ceiling. She told me that the stars were sending her messages. That really scared me. I tried to talk with her, but the only way I could get her to do anything was to play along with her delusions. She got a bit more lucid at the doctor's office. He said she was having a psychotic break. She said it runs in her family; her dad had schizophrenia.
Anyway, to make a long story short, I can't come to the States like I planned because Dru needs taking care of. I mean, the doc put her on medication, but he said she needs a stress free environment to adjust. So, I agreed to stay on here a while and work for Dad, so I can take care of her.
Anyway, I hope you're not angry at me. I know you were planning on seeing me soon. At some point, I'll make it there for a visit. Maybe this fall!
Take care, love. Spike
* * *
July 17, 1999
Dearest Spike,
Oh my gosh, don't worry about a thing. I totally understand. That's pretty scary! Like you said, just take care of yourself and make sure your needs are taken care of as well. I know you love her, but you taught me that to be able to take care of someone else, you have to take care of yourself first. I've never known anyone with schizophrenia, so I can't fathom how stressful it's been! Wish I could be there for you. *sends hugs*
I'll miss you coming to university here. I was looking forward to showing you around good ole Sunnydale and taking you to L.A. I am definitely taking your rain check for a visit in the fall though. I'm marking you in my calendar! *wink*
Can you believe that we've been writing each other for almost a year now? It feels like I've known you forever! You always manage to impress me with your wisdom, and you don't give me a load of crap when I need to hear the truth. Thanks.
I've already registered for classes, and I'm still taking the journalism class we planned on taking together. From what I've heard, the professor's a trip! I'll probably have some juicy stories to tell.
My roommate assignment arrived today. I'm rooming with someone named Micki. I've never lived with anyone but my sister who's hard enough to share a bathroom with. I can't imagine what a stranger will be like. I wish I was rooming with Willow, but freshman get automatically assigned to whomever. Ugh. I suppose if it's too bad, I'll switch.
By the way, I broke up with Timothy for the last time. I know you're probably doing back flips halfway across the world. You're probably also wondering if I'll stick to my guns this time, but, I know it's the last time for *sure*. He's moving off to go to Duke, and I'm stuck here in Sunnydale. Plus, he told me the whole "I'm not sure if I can give enough to love you" speech again. 'Bout time he hit the road, huh? And don't worry about me, I'm fine with it. I'm not even sad, just sorta relieved.
Well, take care of you, and let me know if I can do anything! Tell your dad hello for me!
Love ya, Buffy
* * *
15 November 1999
Oh, pet.
Dru cheated on me. It's completely over, and I'm not sure what to do. Sorry to dump this on you while you're at the end of the semester there, but there's no one here to talk with about it. Seems I made Dru my whole world, so I have nothing left. I can't talk with Dad about it because he never liked Dru. And I can't make sense of it because I've been nothing but good to her. I can't focus; I can't sleep; I can't eat. Got any words of wisdom?
Love's bitch, Spike
* * *
November 22, 1999
Dear Spike,
Oh, sweetie, don't worry. You can always talk with me about anything. I'm so sorry about Dru. I wish I could make things better. Can you tell me what happened in more detail? Or do you feel like talking about it? Whatever, I'm here for you. Cheating is never justified, and I'm so angry at Dru for hurting you. I don't care if she's psychotic; you've said she's stable on her medication, so she can't use that excuse. Oh, I wish I could hug you and take you out for dinner or coffee right now. Stupid ocean.
On a brighter note, I'm passing all my classes with flying colors! I was a little worried about what college would be like, but it seems to be similar to high school with the studying and all. I thought chemistry would kick my butt, but luckily, Willow's in there with me, and she and I've been studying together.
Thankfully, Willow and I will be roommates next semester. Missy, you recall my current roommate, has still been wearing all my clothes and going to bed at nine at night! She fusses at me if I complain. It's college people: you're not living at home with a sister you can steal clothes from, and *most* people stay up a little past nine. Come on, make the most of your freedom! Grrrr. She's so annoying. But, Willow and me! Next semester! Happiness abounds! *smilies* We going to rent a little apartment near campus! And we'll be able to get a pet! Yippee!
Ohhhh, and I'm only telling you this because Mom would *kill* me, but I got drunk for the first time. Talk about a nightmare! I was a frat party with date of the moment, and he kept bringing me these fruity drinks. I had no idea how much alcohol was in them until the dizziness hit me! My date tried to get me to go home with him scarily enough. He would have succeeded because I was in no state to protest, but luckily, my new friend from my lit class, Aimee, was there to drive me home and tell my date to get the hell away from me. I don't believe I've ever puked so much in my life. Remind me to never touch alcohol again!
Hey, I just had an idea!!! You need to come visit before Christmas! It'll get you away from England and the whole Dru situation, and you can see what the States are like at Christmas time! And I won't have any studies, so I'll have plenty of time to spend with you! Don't say no cause I won't take no for an answer!
I'm so worried about you. Please take care of yourself. And don't beat yourself up. You didn't do anything wrong. Cheating was *her* choice. I refuse to say you'll meet someone else someday because that sounds so trite. But I'm sending tender caring your way!
Well, I'm off to study for finals! Write soon and let me know how you are!
Love, Buffy
* * *
1 December 1999
Dear Buffy,
Hi! Just a brief note to let you know that I'll be flying in on December 13. I've enclosed a copy of my flight schedule! I can't wait to finally meet you in person!
Take care, Spike
TBC. . . What happens during the visit? What will Spike and Buffy think of one another? Find out in the aftermath of letters!
Thanks for the awesome reviews! You guys are the greatest! :o) Notably, this fic is intended to be a little lighter than my last series. . . Hope that's okay!
Take care, Sandy Eternal Devotion: http://darkprophecies.net/eternaldevotion