I'm not bothered by Emmett and Bella's activity.  It is what is is.  No one was hurt.  I thought the service for Charlie was beautiful.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much. I'm glad you found the funeral to be beautiful and can look past Em/B!  No one was hurt and no one will be.  *wink*

Wow, another beautifully written and highly emotional chapter.

Author's Response:

Thank you!  This story surely isn't short on emotion...believe me, I feel every word.  Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Wow, I am so disappointed in Emmett right now, taking advantage of Bella's grief!  He knows she has feelings for someone else, it was obvious to him or he wouldn't have asked her after the fact, and he knew how tired and upset she was, and if she had been in her right mind she wouldn't have allowed that to happen.   I really don't like him right now!

That was kinda terrible to read, but as long as it doesn't happen again I can carry on!

Author's Response:

I'm so sorry it was terrible.  I can make this promise: it will not happen again.  I don't feel Emmett neccessarily took advantage of Bella - they both kind of used each other; he had a need to make her feel better and she had a need to feel something. Grief is a strange thing and you act in ways you don't expect.  In order to tell this story with honesty and how it comes through to me, I had to include this small part.  Thanks for reading and offering you review, I appreciate it!

I figured you would be a little leary of possible reviews you might get from this chapter, but honestly, even though I am not writing your story, I figured that Bella would need comfort in a sexual way, and who better then Emmett because of their history.  LOL, also better then with Jacob (shudder).  Edward and Bella aren't there yet in their relationship and so comforting Bella (sexual) would have just been more difficult then perfect (does that make sense). From personal experience, I know when my Dad died and when my husband's mother died sexual needing was a big part during that very difficult time. 

I loved the chapter and now anticipate Bella and Edward finding their life together without the obstacle of Charlie as Charlie has now going to a better place.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. I have been upset, to say the least, by some of the reactions I have had.  Don't get me wrong, I expected it, but the story comes through to me and I write it how I see it.  This happened a long time ago in my head.  And the sexual needing thing?  So very true.  It seems weird that you would crave such a thing after a loss, but it's real. I lost my father and my husband was there for me.  He lost his mother and I was there for him.  Most of all I appreciate your understanding.  A part of me almost decided to leave it out, but then I wouldn't have been true to the story and I have always intended to write this with honesty even if it went against the "popular vote."  Ultimately this story is about Charlie and Bella and Bella and Edward. 

Thanks again.

Jules

Hey, hun. I'm sorry for being late. I was on vacation and couldn't get internet access most of the time... and when I finally did - work called. Ugh. :) But I got in at 3:00 a.m. today, and the first thing I did was read the new chapter. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep my eyes open long enough to write a review. So, without further adieu... 

It was really sweet of you to write out to GoSpikey, by the way. GoSpikey, if you read this, my prayers are with you! 

I couldn't help but notice that when Emmett said to Bella that it would be best to leave the room, she didn't react as well as she did when Edward did. It was like Edward knew Bella better than Emmett - even though Emmett was married to her, and maybe even still has feelings for her. That so proves that Edward and Bella are made for each other. 

Alice is a sweetheart. Adorable, truly. "Let's not do the apology thing. Today there are no rules." She is so open to help her best friend out. I want a friend like that one day. Bella so deserves it. 

Emmett - I want to get defensive for Edward, but Emmett is such a sweetheart, too, that I am confused as to which side I should take. Well... maybe it's pretty obvious I'm leaning toward Edward, but hey! :)

I miss Charlie. And poor man - having to write out your own obituary? He was a strong, persistent man and a great father for doing that. Bella would have been crushed if she had to do all of that.

I don't know if I'll ever truly understand what you went through writing this chapter or the last, and I commend you for it. For this. :)

Love you lots and I'll see you soon. I'm going to visit family next week, so I'll probably miss the update again. *grumbles*

xoxo,

edward-prefers-brunettes

 

Author's Response:

EPB - I love you!  Please do not apologize for "reading late" - I posted late, true?  I'm glad you mentioned that about Emmett because he really is a good guy...ultimately though?  This is an E/B story in the end.  

I am lucky to have an "Alice" - she's actually my sister and best friend.  If I didn't have her going through what we did I would have been much more lost.  We didn't live close by, so our visits were much like the ones between Alice/Bella.

I hope you understand what happens in the next chapter - I will anxiously await your opinion.  Thank you for sticking with me and for your unending support.

xoxo

Jules

I'm very happy that I found this wonderful story!

Everytime I read a new chapter, I just smile all day. I love this story. Even though it's incredibly sad... I nearly cried when Charlie died!

You can express your feelings so well and I thank you so much for sharing this with us. I can feel that this means a lot to you!

love, Raffa

Author's Response:

I am so happy that you found it, too!  I'm glad that my story makes you smile even though it's sad.  It does mean very much to me and is a labor of love.  Thank you so much for reading and reviewing xoxoxo Jules

I felt like I was in a daze for the first part of the chapter - that I could feel Bella sense of loss and despair, but also her struggle to even find direction in her day. The compounding sense of reality when she went back to the house she'd shared with Charlie - knowing that he'd never step foot in it again.

So sweet of Billy, Emmett & Alice to support her in the way that they did - like they instinctively understood what kind of support Bella needed at any one time, and just gave her it unconditionally.

And Edward...our adorable, sweet Edward who is feeling the loss of Charlie as much as anyone would. It's only amplified by his own feelings for Bella and knowing how much pain she is experiencing and trying to process.

Author's Response:

A writer can only wish that their readers experience the same or similar emotions to their own, thank you for making it clear that you did. 

I thank you for your patience with me in letting this story unfold and reach it's peak at its own pace.  I appreciate every thought you have expressed here and am so grateful to have you as a reader.

 

Reading about Charlie had me crying for 3 chapters....it reminds me so much of when my family members have died. I'm glad that Bella has her support system, and I hope that she and Edward can have a real relationship soon. Looking forward to the next chapter

Author's Response:

None of us are alone in the loss of a loved one, this story (and my wonderful reviewers/readers) has demonstrated that to me.  Confirmation of where things are headed with Edward and Bella are coming soon.   Thanks for hanging in there with me.

I actually cried.. Fully and completely! That was such a heart breaking but beautiful chapter. Thank you for sharing it with all of us! I am anticipating the next chapter very much. I hope that Emmett won't try anything funny to wedge himself inbetween Bella and Edward. If he does I will seriously have to hurt him!

10 Rating as always!!!

Author's Response:

Thank you so much!

A word on Emmett: he doesn't really know the situation between Edward and Bella so I don't think he's intentionally trying to put a wedge between them.  That being said, they have a very closely-knitted history (he and Bella) it's only natural for him to feel instinctually protective, right?  That being said, Bella knows what and who she wants, NO MATTER WHAT. 

 

Thanks again for reading, reviewing and for the humbling rating!

wow. such an emotional chapter. Wonderfully written.

Author's Response:

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

thank you for sharing this story, especially if it is so personal to you.  My own father has thankfully made  a comeback from a major concussion and brain bleed.  The drs were wonderful.  I read this story of yours to prepare for the inevitable...he is 83.  

Your way of writing conveys a quality I don't see in fanfiction much anymore.  Thank you again for taking the time to do this.

I love this story, and I am so sorry for your loss. I have gone through 2 boxes of tissues since the beginning of this story! I can't wait for the next chapter.

Author's Response:

Thank you so very much.  I really appreciate you taking the time out to read and review my fic.  It means the world.