FF: Milestones (Sequel to Unexpected Consequences)

[Verbatim]

Hi Lisa,



I just wanted to commend you on the turn this story has taken, as a parent, I can see exactly what you mean about a "big Bad" much scarier than any vampire. I do believe that there is nothing more frightening than someone threatening to take away the custody of your child. And the laws in many countries, especially Australia, are very grey, there are no definite answers. And I know that no custody agreement in Australia is ever permanent, you maybe awarded custody one day to have it taken away the next. The family law system is not just backwards it is out dated, so I was not surprised in the least when you decided to take this path with your story, it has amazed me for a long time that although the Courts say that they are there to serve the "best" interests of the child, they still consider that a loving same sex relationship falls outside the boundaries of what is considered acceptable.



However, given that I have read all your previous stories, I know that Willow and Tara will be triumphant in the end, it is just a pity that reality won't follow the same path.



Thanks

Verbatim

Edited by: Verbatim at: 9/17/02 7:58:21 am

[Puff]

EffieBlue That's some story congratulations on winning back then it takes courage to stand up for yourself sometimes. And your daughter sounds very cool, I'm sorry though that some people just don't (and never will) get it.



Lisa I really like how you have Shelia and Ira as a kind of big bad. Even though Willow and Tara were on the show as a couple they never really faced any homophobia and issues in terms of their lifestyle. And there are SO many for almost every gay person to face. So thanks for dealing with an important topic with both sensitivity and creativity.

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[Grimlock72]

Sick country... really... move over to the Netherlands (or Belgium, same laws to some degree I think).



So even if two gays/lesbians raise a kid for say 10 years, the kid can still be send to the grandmother of the natural-mother if she dies ?? And that is of course, best for the kid...suuuure. Just keep telling yourself that.



As for feeling for Sheila, I wouldn't mind if she got kicked out of Willow's life permanently. She's the worst example of a parent in entire California I'll guess, bordering on neglect.





I'm not so sure she actually loves Willow, she's way to focussed on results (imagine me saying that, odd...). Anyway, she basicly pushed Willow to archive good school results and thats what she sees as 'parenting'. Actually she might take Brianna even if Willow is still around, she just wants to have Brianna (and Megan).



Sheila still does not accept that her daughter actually IS gay, something which Ira at least seems to acknowledge (not to say he's happy with it). Sheila cheerfully ignores it. That has little to do with love anymore, it's projecting your ideal of what you want your child to be. Surpise, suprise... Willow doesn't fit that ideal... and guess who doesn't want to deal with that ?



Sheila likely thinks she's *rescue-ing* Brianna from bad parents. Then the problem becomes 'who defines whats a good parent' ? In my (kinda subjective perhaps) view Sheila hardly qualifies as parent. (based on the questions Tara asked her and Ira). Heck, if you don't even remember that your daughter broke a finger (which is traumatic I would dare say) when she was seven... why HAVE kids in the first place ?? Hmm, then there would be no Willow...which would be bad..still...



If they would screen hetero-couples as throughly as gay/lesbian couples there would be a lot less child troubles IMO.



Oh I would *love* to have the Sheila Rosenberg vs. Tara Maclay courtcase over here, they (Sheila and evil lawyers) would be kicked outta court soooo fast, it would be fun.



evil grin here



Seems your charachter-writing for Sheila is well done heh, otherwise I wouldn't get so worked-up Now if it only weren't based in real-world-US-stupidity, ah well.





Sometimes rules/laws over in the US make me wonder the lawmakers' sanity. Whatever happened to common-sense ?



Hell.. it just sounds so STUPID and makes no sense.. <<- short version



P.S. Is there still a comment thread for 'Unexpected Consequences' ??



Grimmy

"Willow’s magic got out of control, and your response was to fight her with even more magic.Do you make a habit of putting out fires with gasoline?" Tara to Giles -- Mission Statement (ch9.5) by Bagheera

[Lisa of Nine]

Hi everyone,

thank you so much for all the feedback. I love that this story is

inspiring discussions about real-life issues. I also like that

people can see that Sheila isn't completely evil. ;-)



It really helps when you let me know which sections work best.

Thank you for taking the time to do that. Now, without delay...

here is the new chapter.

Enjoy!

Lisa

www.quiknet.com/~lcountry...nes09.html

[blameburner]

Oh God! That was just great. I can sooooo picture Shiela going gaga over Tara's "lineage." And this...

Quote:

---

She couldn’t have a proper tirade while she was flat on her back.

---

...just totally cracked me up. It so fits Willow. You had me snorting with laughter - not something I admit to just anyone. Thanks!

"I feel like someone ran me down with a car, and then got out to give me a really great pair of shoes." - sassyeggsglobal

[FlyingPoppy]

oooh just what I needed to cheer me up this morning! It was so sweet of Brianna to defend Megan like that, she's becoming a very brave little girl and obviously she's been trained well.

I'm glad the girls are finally gonna get some alone time. Poor Tara having to put up with Sheila, first belittling her, then pounding her with questions about her heritage! It would be more than I couyld stand, but I think she's gonna get her reward soon!



Poppy

heaven can wait, until tomorrow, give us this day, just let me borrow some time, so we can say goodbye...

[mollyig]

Sheila finding out a lot she didn't know about Willow and Tara. Of course if she had taken the time to have an interest in them, she would have known before now. Its taken Bri and Megan to cause her to learn more about her own daughter. I can't help thinking that "better late than never" is not quite good enough, and doesn't excuse the years of disinterest.



Although I do admit that I found it funny that she was annoyed over not being invited to the wedding, and proud of her grandchildren being royalty!



Can I just say I was really pleased that you wrote that there are no more troubles in Ireland. Made me give a wistful smile!



I love how Brent is so protective of them all, but especially of Tara. Volunteering to spend the day with Sheila so our girls can have some time together. I think she deserves sainthood for that!

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[Lola19]

Yeay Lisa, another fab chapter!

Im glad they're finally getting some time to themselves. And Im glad Sheila's no longer hell bent on taking the girls away, that just wouldnt be good! Really really enjoying this Lisa! Unexpected consequences, i was hooked on and now im most definately hooked on this too!

Love and hugs

Louise xxx

[Urn of Osiris]

OH GOD! That was fantastic.



I LOVE that Bri kicked into protect mode. I'm expecting a great bond between the sisters. Two firey red heads growing up with magic. I can't wait.



The revelation that Tara is "royalty" just made me crack up. Just like Sheila to turn on a dime. Making it all about herself. I'm wondering if Ira ever had a spine.



The exhaustion of having a newborn. Ohhh I remember it well. I think I need a nap now.



Excellent update as always!!! Thanks Again.

Urn of Osiris
_________________**

WILLOW: Because social phenomena don't have unproblematic objective existences. They have to be interpreted and given meanings by those who encounter them.
MIKE: Nicely put. So, Ruby, does that mean there are countless realities?
Voice your opinion about Tara http://www.petitiononline.com/Tara/petition.html

[Rocktoddy]

Hey Lisa!

I just had to reply someday... Your fic's were the first ones I'd ever read when I started to get hooked on W/T luve. Ah, those were the days... I remember getting no sleep at all because I just couldn't get enough of that 'unbruised juice'... hehe.

And then to think that after all this time I never fed back... How rude of me!

Anyway, this story ROCKS so much! (Me no likes angst, but me need it, if me gets some good ol' lovin' later...) Your latest chapter was sooo funny!

Quote:

---

"Tara wondered how long it would be before Sheila asked to attend the coronation when Tara ascended to the British throne.

---

*snicker*

Oh Lisa... what are you doing to me?



Rocktoddy

"You can tell that Buffy is good and Willow is evil because Willow's lipstick is all caked and gross, while Buffy's is dewy and fresh. -Sep, recap Two to Go"

[karenk]

"Royalty" . Genetic manipulation . I never thought that was how the girls were gonna explain things... . Sorry, can't help it, I'm still cracking up... okay, gotta go read it again.



Love it, Lisa!

[WebWarlock]

Great update.



Imagine that a non-agnsty, cliffhngerless Lisa episode.

God, why am I so afraid now!



Shelia was good. Doting on Tara, trying not to piss off the highly trained killers that guard her daughters and grand-daughters, that makes so much sense.



You know what I liked. Willow was in control of her temper. No magics flying around and it was Tara that thought of the Lethe spell. Granted she dismissed it as fast. I would imagine that Willow can't even bare the site of 'lethe's bramble' now other than for conception, it represents her lowest failures too much.



Tara as celtic royality! I so love that. I am reading "Lady of Avalon" now as well, I could see an ancestor of Tara's there in Avalon. I don't think the real explaination would go over as well.



I was glad to see Breda back as well and that you refered to her as Dawn's best friend. That was just for me wasn't it Lisa!

(I am using Bre and Dawn in in my "Buffy" game set in 2022).



I am still not expecting everything to be hugs and puppies with Shelia, but things are looking up.



Glad you mentioned that Willow and Tara had some arguements as well. That is what real couples do, esp about in-laws.



Rabbi Goldman sounds like a good guy.



Great update.



If you already read it, stop back by. The buttons to send emails are back and working!



Warlock

-----

Web Warlock

The Other Side, home of Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

"It is great to be known, but it's even better to be known as strange." - Takeshi Kaga.

[Grimaldi]

great update Poor Tara, first Shelia doesn't accept her as a part of Willow's life and now that she accepts her, Tara can't get rid of her. Poor Brent too for having to spend the day with Shelia, wonder how long it will take before she wants to throttle her

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!

2nd place??? That's just a fancy term for loser!

"You feel her she's crawling nearer" Seven Witches

[MissQuirky]

Great update!! I'm glad they finally came out w/ the truth to Ira & Sheila! Sheila accepts Tara now, which is really good but I still don't like her! But all the badness and cruelty is over w/, hopefully!



I really feel 4 Brent, 4 having to spend the whole day w/ Sheila, I know I would go crazy! But its 4 a good cause letting Tara and Willow have some alone time! Which is much needed w/ all the mess thats been goin on!



Can't wait 4 more!!

~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

[barnabasvamp]

Wonderful update!!!

Well worth the wait. Looking foreward to "mommy day"

"In front of total strangers won't you kiss me, Flowers for no reason but you miss me

OOH, I wanna be in love"

Melissa Etheridge-Skin

[peggy of sunnydale]

i have to say looking foward to mommy day myself i love this story so much glad sheila accepted tara finnaly and willow being mad at her that was pricelles ,that was a long time coming sorry but sheila asked for it ,even if she tought she was protecting brianna and megan cant wait for the next update





thank you

[nika]

Another superb installment. I just loved Sheila's reaction *LOl*

poor Tara getting so frustated she was actually thinking it was better when Sheila hated her. The royalty bit was very clever and thank goodness they're getting some alone time. I hope they remeber to lock all their doors, double bolt jut in case.

[Grimlock72]

ooooww.. kick Sheila out allready! I'll freely admit I just don't like Sheila so I'm kinda biased.



- She has still not apologized from attempting to kidnap Brianna and shows NO remorse over it all.

- She only realizes it was wrong in that it could have gotten herself killed or injured.

- She no longer dispises Tara 'cos she thinks Tara is royalty and she wants to be all high-and-mighty.

- She's mainly concerned about her own image.



She got off waaaaay to easy.



Ira is kinda dumb aint he ?

Quote:

---

He knew his wife had acted impulsively when she tried to take Brianna from the sanctuary, but he couldn’t figure out why Ceri and the others had reacted with physical force.

---

Heck, *I* would have reacted with physical force on an attempted kidnapping. And the 'impulsively' part there sounds to forgiving, willingly blind I'll bet.



And why does Ira keep insisting there "must be more going on" when all the guard did was protecting a child from being kidnapped ?? It's perfectly normal to prevent such an event I would say, it's the kidnapping that isn't normal.



About the "Brianna loves you" part, which Tara says to Sheila. I would think thats kinda history now. I sincerely doubt Brianna will forget any of this soon.



I did like Brianna wanting to defend Megan if needed. Good girl. Though thinking about what the poor girl went through 'cos of Sheila still makes me angry.



For some reason I can visualize the intruding/overbearing-mother/pushy Sheila very well. I don't like her one bit. ('too little to late' comes to mind)



All the way back in chapter 1 (which I just happened to read again ): adorable how Brianna goes to do all four Brigit blessings to get Tara back sooner .



Poor Tara needs lotsa undivided Willow-attention, having to deal with Sheila all the time. That's just plain mean, she's way to nice to tell Sheila to back off on her own behalf (Tara seems to only defend other people but hardly ever herself).



P.S. "Copyright July 2002" ??



P.P.S. Minor edit: "Are freaking insane?" , insert 'you' somewhere





Grimmy

"Why w-w-would anyone leave Willow?" It was a concept Tara just could not grasp. -- I Dream of Thee by Jomarch

Edited by: Grimlock72 at: 9/19/02 1:16:16 pm

[sparrow]

Why do I still have a wonky feeling Sheila still has something planned. The fact that she and Ira are still hanging around gives me the wiggens. Can't wait to hear about mommies day.

And, yet, I just can't seem to care


TRUST NO ONE

[JewWitch18]

ooh, ohhh, mommy day!



I loved the spin you put on this lisa-- but I think at least half the stress our girls (esp. tara) are under now is the weight of the huge heap of LIES that just keep increasing! poor tara, I really do feel for her; you do a great job with brent, showing how she's the mother neither of our girls ever had, and now's the best grandma bri and megan could ever have hoped for. brianna is also coming into her own nicely-- liked the way you showed her being fearful and clingy when worrying for herself, but going into "defend" mode when percieving a threat to her little sister. I would like to see more of bri and megan, and maybe dawn and bre, too? AFTER mommy day, of course! ...it's great to see brianna interacting with as many different people as possible, because it not only brings us into her own world, but shows us an incredibly intimate and beautiful window into willow and tara's world as parents. the way they wigged at the thought of megan having a garden adventure without them! oy.



more, please?

--jenny

[Amymlc]

Hey Lisa!

I just wanted to say that I was having a REALLY bad day. I had two exams today, and one of them I totally forgot about and didn't study. My two year old hamster died a horrible death this afternoon and I spent two hours on the phone trying to find a vet that would either treat her or put her down, but by the time I found one, she died ten minutes later Anyway...that's how my day has been, but I come home see a post from you and now I'm in a better mood! You made my day! I love that Sheila and Ira now accept Tara as part of the family, but I still think she's a horrible woman! Anyway, great update as usual.



Amy

They were right, I'm a homo--But I'm a Cheerleader

[fairydust]

Very awesome update lisa *thumbs up*

I loved how shiela's reaction was a complete 180...lol... but, i still dislike her

cant wait for the next part

*****Faye*****
Shameless self promotion....visit my website, dont have too much on there, but I think It's worth a look
http://www.geocities.com/photofairy2004/index.html
Also, if anyone wants to add me to MSN messenger, my email is buffyslayer_4@hotmail.com
PLEASE>I HAVE NO FRIENDS!!!!!LOL

[sheila wt]

Uff! Glad to have a lighter chapter... I have this tendency to wait for the worse where Lisa's stories are concerned... She always surprise us with those giant cliffhangers and all.



The "Queen Mother" thing almost made me fall of the chair! Wonderful update, as always.



It's so funny to see my name being mentioned so many times in this thread... with so many "nice" words attached to it...



Get that Sheila out of our girls' way, will you? Please?

Sheila

...................................................................


“Come and put the ‘hot’ in my tub.” Tara winked as she whispered. ("Bookmarks & Broomsticks" by The Rainbow Writers)

[Lonewolf22]

Lisa of Nine: Great update, I'm really glad that Willow's parents finally accept Tara, and its kinda funny the whole story about Tara being royalty was really cool. And I can just imagine Sheila's face when she heard about the way Brianna and Megan were conceived, very cool too.



I LOVED how Brianna came to her little sister's defence, part of me wanted to see that happen, see Brianna break Sheila's kneecap, but just a small part of me.



Also very cool how Brent wanted to take care of Brianna and Megan so that Willow and Tara could have some alone time. They really need it, and I really hope that Sheila and Ira leave so that Tara can relax again. I can't wait to read more.



Lonewolf

[Murasaki S]

Love this story and your W/T universe. Brianna stepping in front of her sister to protect her was a great touch. Glad Willow's parents found out Tara's the children's mother just as much as Willow is.

Thanks for writing this.

[Lisa of Nine]

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the posts. I am always amazed by the replies.



A few quick things...



Yes, in my future, there is true peace in Ireland. I've met a few people from Ireland, and they had all been truly wonderful people. With this caliber of people, how can peace not be in the future? Besides, it's time for peace, darn it. I added that line so I could send out that good thought. (suddenly hearing "give...peace...a chance...")



Sheila: Yes, she sure did a 180. ;-) The prospect of royal standing will do that to her. I'd venture to say... she will cause much more trouble now that she approves of Tara. I doubt we've seen the last of Sheila's butting in skills. ;-)



Brianna: well, so far you've seen only her good side. Look for a few more realistic 5 year old things soon!



Mommytime... sigh... Yeah, they need it.



last spoiler... look for a few familiar faces soon!



Gotta run, the horses want dinner!

Lisa

Edited by: Lisa of Nine at: 9/20/02 5:43:07 pm

[noho]

For someone who never gave a damn about Willow, Sheila Rosenberg sure has become an overbearing meddlesome busybody. Something's fishy.

***************

"You should have been there?" Tara’s temper was barely in check. "No, you should have been there when Willow was growing up and needed a mother."


Milestones - Lisa Countryman

[Sweetjane]

i'm truely loving your willow and tara universe , with the peaceful nations and all (suddenly bursts into song "heal the world , make it a better place.....")



and theres a dance to go along with it. i wear tap shoes.

"....we got high on travel and we got drunk on alcohol , and on love , the strongest poison and medicine of all" - Joni Mitchell

[Puff]

hey Lisa just a tiny reply to say how much I love this fic, I was only allowed to read one update the other day so I had a chance to read this. Anyway it was really great and took my mind off my headache. Hope RL is kicking your butt too much and that you are well

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[tarawillow66]

Royalty?! lol how funny. And sheila,the Queen Mother.lol

i love Brent so much, she's so sweet. spending a day with a demon just to let willow and tara have a day alone. she really loves them.

well that was a great update. i can't wait for amother one.

much love

megan