Sweetie! How good it is go get another chapter update! And sad at the same time, because we're nearing it, aren't we?

I think I was subconsciously aware that he was in his final days but consciously it wasn't registering.

Shoot... We are. *pre-sniffs*

Lots of Edward hugs on the horizon? Is that what we're supposed to be looking out for? The bright side of things? It's not helping much at this moment.

Charlie's birthday gift from Edward... Dude, a star? It's like Bella thought, it's as much a gift for him as it is for her. She can look the star up and always think of him. Well, that kind of means they need to keep on living in a place where they can see a star... Can you, in Seattle?

I packaged up four -two for Edward and one each for his parents- and handed over the container.

Lol, I was thinking 6 of them, 4 for Edward, and one for each of his parents. *grin* But yes, Bella should keep one for her and Charlie, too.

I'm still wondering what Edward will think of Bella's career choice. A good one for her, but I wonder what he's going to do about their relationship. See her only in the weekend? Drive up there?

Oh boy. This was a good chapter. I'm kind of thinking the bad ones, about all of them, will follow next, right? Oh boy...

While I'm ready to see where Bella and Edward are heading to, I mean, who isn't (:-P), it'll mean death for Charlie. *sniff*

See you next week.

Spikey

Author's Response:

There is A LOT coming - some to be expected and some totally unexpected.  Future hugs from Edward are guaranteed but will they be friendly or something more?  I'm not telling.

The star gift is a based very closely on RL experience and I knew for a long time that was what Edward planned to give Charlie.

It's a good thing Edward has fast metabolism with everything that Bella's feeding him, right?

I appreciate your scrutinizing eye and the attention you pay to detail - you are asking all of the right questions and you have many of the right answers already.

thanks for your always thorough review!  They brighten my dimmest of days!

 

I loved this chapter... there were many moments towards the end when I was getting choked up.  Loved the gift from Edward.. how did you think of it?  

 

looking forward to the next update... is Bella going to tell Edward about the cullinary school soon?

Author's Response:

My mom, sister and I gave my dad a star as a gift.  Although Charlie isn't an exact reflection of my dad, there is much of my dad in Charlie - including the star theory.  So that is where the idea came from.  I always knew Edward was going to be the one to give it, that's how I saw it in my head.

Bella, is not going to tell anyone about culinary school for now - she wants it to be sacred between her and Charlie.

I loved this chapter! I'm glad that everyone had a good day all around. =)

Looking forward to your next chapter!

 

Author's Response:

Thanks for always reading/reviewing/rating!  It means so, so much.  I'm happy you enjoyed this chapter, tough times lie ahead...

Lovely, Thanks

Author's Response:

Thank you!

More tears, but a lovely chapter as always.  This story is so touching, I always wait anxiously for updates.  Thank you.  You are an excellent writer.

 

Author's Response:

And thank you for your heartfelt review and for reading it in the first place!  I am humbled!

I don't know how you manage to make every chapter more emotional and beautiful than the one before, but somehow you do.  By the 23rd chapter, I should have figured out that I need to get a tissue before I sit down to read.

Author's Response:

You know, I don't know either!  I just write from the heart and try to put the emotions I feel on the page.  I don't aim to top myself with each subsequent chapter but am flattered that you feel I do.  Keep the tissues handy..you're going to need them.

Thanks for continually reading and reviewing my story.

Seriously? You have me crying over a great party.  What about later. You will have to start giving Kleenex warnings.

Author's Response:

I should just say bring the kleenex along for the next few chapters.  I promise to give advance warning as well!  Thank you for reading, reviewing and feeling my story!

Awww....what a wonderful birthday for Charlie to survive to see and to share with his beloved family & friends. The presents were lovely, especially the gifts from Billy and of course, the ones from Bella & Edward.

I fear you're giving us some light hearted smiles now because it's only going to be downhill from here with Charlie's declining health :(

Author's Response:

I'm so happy you liked the birthday and the gifts - they were all real gifts in RL just not given at the same event.  Charlie is declining, this is true.  I hope you hang tight with me and keep reading.  I appreciate every read and review you offer.

 

How very sad, but a great revelation that Edward comes almost daily with the bonus seeing Bella!

Author's Response:

It's certainly a job perk.  Edward is caring for Bella in addition to caring for Charlie - he wants to help see her through this.

When I was a teenager I watched someone I cared for very deeply waste away from ALS.  She was a teacher..  A mentor..  When she couldn't live alone anymore she moved in with her daughter and son in law.  They would hire me to come babysit their kid since I could take care of both the baby and their mother.

So..  I totally get what you're writing here.  And I think you've done a terrific job so far in this first chapter.

Oh jeez, Emmett calls Bella to see if she'll come along. You're the ex, not the current beau... So she thought he'd always be there if she wanted him back, huh? Does that mean he was perhaps thinking that some day they would be together again? After growing up separately, or sth?

Edward doesn't want to take time off because it's a day without her, poor lad. He pushes her to think of more, to even put her mind off him, and look forward to a future, even if it's away, but he'll only keep on thinking about her, or what? As I said, poor boy.

Charlie, Charlie, Charlie... *sniff*

That massage is going to do her good. Now, either Edward should be on the bed next to her, also getting one, or he should give her one. She can also return the favour! :P

See ya soon. Enjoy Eclipse?

Spikey

Author's Response:

I will enjoy Eclipse!  Not at midnight but the following day.  My friend bought the tix.  S

Emmett & Bella have a strong bond, even if they are in constant contact.  He has an urge to protect her from pain but it's getting mixed up with unresolved feelings from their previous relationship.  Bella, of course, knows exactly WHO she wants.

There is a song that dominates my mind when it comes to Edward's feelings for Bella; If it Kills Me (Casanova version) by Jason Mraz.  It's more about the lyrics than the song itself.  What he's fighting is the urge to act at the most inopportune of times. He knows that the aftermath of grief is difficult to navigate and he doesn't want to complicate that situation.

Thanks, as always, for your reviews!  I LOVE THEM!

I waited until I read all of what you have written so far, and all I can say is.... WOW.... you have a gift for showing human emotion through words... My dad was diagnosed with non-hodgkin's lymphoma last year.. Luckily he is in remission right now... But for awhile things were really bad... I am thankful to God that I still have him.. So I can relate to her story and the termoil that she is facing... When the doctor told me the prognosis I felt like I was having a complete out of body experience, the doctor thought I was going to pass out right there in the room. Thankfully I didn't! LOL.. Anyway... 

All I can really say is I love your story, you have a wonderful way with the written word and I look forward to reading more! I hope you have the time and energy to post as soon as possible!!!

Author's Response:

First off, I would like to say I'm happy to hear your dad is in remission.  It's so hard to have an ill parent - no matter their age.

Thank you for reading/reviewing/rating with such thoughtfulness. I feel emotion while writing this story but you never know as a writer if that's really going to translate through to the reader; I appreciate your comments on that.  I generally update every Friday, but sometimes the actual day depends on validation.  Fortunately my VB rocks and is usually right on top of it.

Thanks again for your review - I'm happy to have you along for this journey.