Oh dear poor Bufy, she's not having a very easy time o it at the moment.

The ending of this chapter and phase of your story is so sad - poignant with her memories of her own childhood and what happens with her parents -  Maybe this accident will make all these people start to be honest with themselves, make them realize that everyone is wanting something and trying to make Buffy fit those wants - Things are extremely difficult for Buffy without all the guilt trip people are putting on her - she has enough of her own.

While I fully understand Xander's individual choice and decision - the more I read your story, the more angry I become with how he handled this from the start -  Don't know if that was your intent, but seeing how so many men think it is their right to make choices for their spouse and family life without giving them equal rights and respect for how things will effect their life as well.  He just told her how things were going to be - he never really gave her a choice or discussed with her what she wanted. 

Trouble with how Xander is thinking about this is that eventually their will be a huge blow up of everything - people resent being made to feel guilty or resent an being manipulated or forced to do things that would have this kind of huge impact on their lives. 

lol, your story is hitting all my women's issues nerve endings -

I definitely liked this chapter.  It was painful when Spike just walked out of the room without looking back..  I really hope there is a positive happiness in their future.  I'm also really curious to see what comes of Buffy's accident at the end of the chapter.  Thanks so much for the update.