Wow!  What an awesome chapter!  I loved everything about it.

I was glad to hear that Jacob and Leah are a couple.  It gave me hope that Jacob would leave Edward and Bella alone, though I half expected him to interupt when they were making love.

Having Charlie almost find them when he came home, made me nervous for them.  I would hate for Edward to be shot on his first day as a human.  And I loved his vulnerability and panic at the thought.  I laughed at him hiding in the closet, and Bella having to close the door in his face.  Poor Edward!

I loved Edward's breakfast in bed, and his first human meal in close to a century.  I bet he will remember it forever.  I loved that he fed Bella as well as himself.  And I loved their walk in the woods until Jacob had to go and ruin it.  I suppose that Jake didn't stop to think about the fact that he couldn't smell vampire anymore -- or maybe he didn't care.  Or perhaps Jake did smell the rest of the Cullens when Edward came near.  Either way, he attacked before giving Edward a chance to explain, and that was just wrong.

I'm sorry that Edward and Bella crossed the boundry, and that Jacob was there.  But I have to say, I wanted something to happen that would make it necessary for Bella to have to be changed.  I want Edward and Bella to share forever together, and that's the only way they can.  Plus, I just couldn't stand the thought of Edward and Bella growing old, while the rest of the Cullens didn't.  That's just too sad.

I'm glad that Alice saw this happening, and I seriously hope that when she said, "Were too late", that she meant too late to keep this from happening, and not too late, because Bella is dead.  I believe it has to be the former, because otherwise there could be no happy ending.  I'm glad to know that Carlisle is with Alice, so that they can get both Edward and Bella out of there before Sam comes or anyone else from the pack.

My real concern is what is Carlisle going to do when Bella goes missing.  I'm eager to see how they deal with Charlie.  But I'll be honest; I hated the thought of Bella going to Jacksonville, and now that can't happen, so I'm very pleased.  I'm really not a sadistic person, but I do want Edward and Bella to have each other forever.  *g*

Thanks for another awesome chapter.  I loved the length, btw.  Go figure!  :)  And I can hardly wait to see how you have this play out.  Hopefully, you will be able to post again soon.  :)

Author's Response:

Hello there! I am so thrilled you loved this chapter!!

I love that YOU loved Edward's vulnerability and fear of Charlie now that he's human. It was fun to write :) His first human meal was important to me, and I really hoped I pulled it off. I wanted it to be fun and sweet, and I hope that's exactly what it was.

Ah, and Jake's attack... Let me tell you that you are the FIRST person to get WHY he did what he did. Jake is impulsive and never thinks before he does anything...so of course, that led to the ultimate mistake.

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! I am uploading the next chapter today, so you'll know what's happening soon!

Here's your teaser in the meantime :)

Rage and fear gripped my heart as I stood and raced to Bella's side. "What have you done?" I shouted at the wolf I knew to be Jacob.

Though he had no reason to fear me, a mere human, he whimpered as I approached and took off back into the cover of the trees as I fell to my knees at Bella's side, pulling her limp body into my arms.

The first tears I had shed since I was in the hospital dying of the Spanish Influenza, fell from my eyes and onto Bella's dirt-stained face.

"God, Bella, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize we had crossed the boundary. It should have been me. It should have been me," I sobbed, pressing my forehead against hers

Her eyes opened slowly before she clenched them shut against the blinding sun. She blinked a few times in an effort to look at me once more, and lifted her shaking hand slowly…too slowly.

Her voice was raspy and quiet as she spoke. "Edward…I…" It was too much. The gravity she was so desperately fighting against had won and her hand fell limp at her side, disrupting the dirt and leaves that were beneath it.

My cries grew louder, and I hadn't even realized that we had company until I heard Alice's voice behind me. "Oh no, Carlisle," she gasped. "We're too late."

I slowly raised my head and was looking into the face of my father, who was at my side in an instant looking over me and Bella with grave concern.

"Son, what happened?" he asked quickly as he scanned me for injuries.

What had happened here? I still wasn't quite sure I knew.

Carlisle took Bella's body from me and turned her over to check her back. The look in his eyes made it painfully obvious that the outlook did not look promising.

I stared at him and tried to focus on the events that had brought us to where we were. "Um…I went to see Bella last night. Things were…good. She wanted to go for a walk, so we did. Then, we were joking around and I was chasing her…" I trailed off since this is where it all went hazy. "She was laughing and smiling as I grabbed her, and then…she shoved me before he…" I snarled at the memory of his huge form desecrating Bella's body, and continued, "attacked. Carlisle, it all happened so fast." I followed Carlisle's concerned gaze as he looked at Bella's injuries. "How bad is it?"

His eyes dropped from mine. "I'm afraid it's not good, son. She's lost a lot of blood and her heart beat is weak." He looked back up at me nervously. "I could—"

I could feel my rage bubbling as I jumped to my feet. "Don't you dare!" I shouted, shaking my head. "No! I won't let you change her! There has to be another way!"

 

xoxo,

AG1981

I'm glad they got back together.  Since he is no longer a vampire, shouldn't it be ok for him to go on their lands?  I hope they don't have to change Bella into a vampire to save her.  Please update soon.

Lisa

 

Author's Response:

Well, he is still a Cullen and JAke is still...well Jake. Impulsive and does things without thinking...

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! I am uploading the next chapter today, so you'll know what's happening soon!

Here's your teaser in the meantime :)

Rage and fear gripped my heart as I stood and raced to Bella's side. "What have you done?" I shouted at the wolf I knew to be Jacob.

Though he had no reason to fear me, a mere human, he whimpered as I approached and took off back into the cover of the trees as I fell to my knees at Bella's side, pulling her limp body into my arms.

The first tears I had shed since I was in the hospital dying of the Spanish Influenza, fell from my eyes and onto Bella's dirt-stained face.

"God, Bella, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize we had crossed the boundary. It should have been me. It should have been me," I sobbed, pressing my forehead against hers

Her eyes opened slowly before she clenched them shut against the blinding sun. She blinked a few times in an effort to look at me once more, and lifted her shaking hand slowly…too slowly.

Her voice was raspy and quiet as she spoke. "Edward…I…" It was too much. The gravity she was so desperately fighting against had won and her hand fell limp at her side, disrupting the dirt and leaves that were beneath it.

My cries grew louder, and I hadn't even realized that we had company until I heard Alice's voice behind me. "Oh no, Carlisle," she gasped. "We're too late."

I slowly raised my head and was looking into the face of my father, who was at my side in an instant looking over me and Bella with grave concern.

"Son, what happened?" he asked quickly as he scanned me for injuries.

What had happened here? I still wasn't quite sure I knew.

Carlisle took Bella's body from me and turned her over to check her back. The look in his eyes made it painfully obvious that the outlook did not look promising.

I stared at him and tried to focus on the events that had brought us to where we were. "Um…I went to see Bella last night. Things were…good. She wanted to go for a walk, so we did. Then, we were joking around and I was chasing her…" I trailed off since this is where it all went hazy. "She was laughing and smiling as I grabbed her, and then…she shoved me before he…" I snarled at the memory of his huge form desecrating Bella's body, and continued, "attacked. Carlisle, it all happened so fast." I followed Carlisle's concerned gaze as he looked at Bella's injuries. "How bad is it?"

His eyes dropped from mine. "I'm afraid it's not good, son. She's lost a lot of blood and her heart beat is weak." He looked back up at me nervously. "I could—"

I could feel my rage bubbling as I jumped to my feet. "Don't you dare!" I shouted, shaking my head. "No! I won't let you change her! There has to be another way!"

 

xoxo,

AG1981

Ok so they crossed the treaty line but doesn't Jake realize or smell for that matter that Edward is no longer a vampire? Shouldn't that have been enough to pull him up short before attacking?

Author's Response:

All will be answered as to why Jake did what he did in a later chapter, I promise!

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! I am uploading the next chapter today, so you'll know what's happening soon!

Here's your teaser in the meantime :)

Rage and fear gripped my heart as I stood and raced to Bella's side. "What have you done?" I shouted at the wolf I knew to be Jacob.

Though he had no reason to fear me, a mere human, he whimpered as I approached and took off back into the cover of the trees as I fell to my knees at Bella's side, pulling her limp body into my arms.

The first tears I had shed since I was in the hospital dying of the Spanish Influenza, fell from my eyes and onto Bella's dirt-stained face.

"God, Bella, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize we had crossed the boundary. It should have been me. It should have been me," I sobbed, pressing my forehead against hers

Her eyes opened slowly before she clenched them shut against the blinding sun. She blinked a few times in an effort to look at me once more, and lifted her shaking hand slowly…too slowly.

Her voice was raspy and quiet as she spoke. "Edward…I…" It was too much. The gravity she was so desperately fighting against had won and her hand fell limp at her side, disrupting the dirt and leaves that were beneath it.

My cries grew louder, and I hadn't even realized that we had company until I heard Alice's voice behind me. "Oh no, Carlisle," she gasped. "We're too late."

I slowly raised my head and was looking into the face of my father, who was at my side in an instant looking over me and Bella with grave concern.

"Son, what happened?" he asked quickly as he scanned me for injuries.

What had happened here? I still wasn't quite sure I knew.

Carlisle took Bella's body from me and turned her over to check her back. The look in his eyes made it painfully obvious that the outlook did not look promising.

I stared at him and tried to focus on the events that had brought us to where we were. "Um…I went to see Bella last night. Things were…good. She wanted to go for a walk, so we did. Then, we were joking around and I was chasing her…" I trailed off since this is where it all went hazy. "She was laughing and smiling as I grabbed her, and then…she shoved me before he…" I snarled at the memory of his huge form desecrating Bella's body, and continued, "attacked. Carlisle, it all happened so fast." I followed Carlisle's concerned gaze as he looked at Bella's injuries. "How bad is it?"

His eyes dropped from mine. "I'm afraid it's not good, son. She's lost a lot of blood and her heart beat is weak." He looked back up at me nervously. "I could—"

I could feel my rage bubbling as I jumped to my feet. "Don't you dare!" I shouted, shaking my head. "No! I won't let you change her! There has to be another way!"

 

xoxo,

AG1981

Why do these things keep happening.  I mean couldn't Jake hear his heartbear for goodness sake.  I mean damn.  Ican't wait to find out what happens.

Author's Response:

We'll learn why Jake did what he did...I promise.

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! I am uploading the next chapter today, so you'll know what's happening soon!

Here's your teaser in the meantime :)

Rage and fear gripped my heart as I stood and raced to Bella's side. "What have you done?" I shouted at the wolf I knew to be Jacob.

Though he had no reason to fear me, a mere human, he whimpered as I approached and took off back into the cover of the trees as I fell to my knees at Bella's side, pulling her limp body into my arms.

The first tears I had shed since I was in the hospital dying of the Spanish Influenza, fell from my eyes and onto Bella's dirt-stained face.

"God, Bella, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize we had crossed the boundary. It should have been me. It should have been me," I sobbed, pressing my forehead against hers

Her eyes opened slowly before she clenched them shut against the blinding sun. She blinked a few times in an effort to look at me once more, and lifted her shaking hand slowly…too slowly.

Her voice was raspy and quiet as she spoke. "Edward…I…" It was too much. The gravity she was so desperately fighting against had won and her hand fell limp at her side, disrupting the dirt and leaves that were beneath it.

My cries grew louder, and I hadn't even realized that we had company until I heard Alice's voice behind me. "Oh no, Carlisle," she gasped. "We're too late."

I slowly raised my head and was looking into the face of my father, who was at my side in an instant looking over me and Bella with grave concern.

"Son, what happened?" he asked quickly as he scanned me for injuries.

What had happened here? I still wasn't quite sure I knew.

Carlisle took Bella's body from me and turned her over to check her back. The look in his eyes made it painfully obvious that the outlook did not look promising.

I stared at him and tried to focus on the events that had brought us to where we were. "Um…I went to see Bella last night. Things were…good. She wanted to go for a walk, so we did. Then, we were joking around and I was chasing her…" I trailed off since this is where it all went hazy. "She was laughing and smiling as I grabbed her, and then…she shoved me before he…" I snarled at the memory of his huge form desecrating Bella's body, and continued, "attacked. Carlisle, it all happened so fast." I followed Carlisle's concerned gaze as he looked at Bella's injuries. "How bad is it?"

His eyes dropped from mine. "I'm afraid it's not good, son. She's lost a lot of blood and her heart beat is weak." He looked back up at me nervously. "I could—"

I could feel my rage bubbling as I jumped to my feet. "Don't you dare!" I shouted, shaking my head. "No! I won't let you change her! There has to be another way!"

 

xoxo,

AG1981

Great job, thank you for writing.

Author's Response:

And thank you for reading and taking the time to review!! I appreciate it!

Sorry I didn't get a chance to tease before the update was posted...I've been busy with work. I'll try to be more on the ball next time ;)

xoxo,

AG1981

In the summary of this story, you wrote "While out hunting after a particularly ugly disagreement, Edward changes--more than just his mind on what he had done. With a new life ahead of him, he is determined to make Bella as happy as she deserves."  When I first read this, I wondered if he would become human,  I forgot about it until this chapter, though, and honestly, I don't know how I feel about it.  I *love* vamprire Edward, and the idea of him and Bella being able to spend all of eternity together.  Plus, how would this effect the rest of the family that I love so much?  So I have to give this some thought, before I can come to terms with it.

But then you also wrote, "However, fate steps in uninvited, and deals an ugly hand.  Will time work with Edward or against him in his attempt to make things right?"  Which makes me wonder if something drastic happens to Bella that makes it necessary for her to be changed, which leaves the dilemma in reverse -- Human Edward, Vampire Bella.  As long as Carlisle would change Edward back into a vampire again, this is the way I think I would like to see this play out.  However whatever brings Edward to a HEA will work for me.  I just hate to see the rest of the family stay the same, and Edward and Bella grow old and leave them some day.

Thanks for another awesome chapter!  I can hardly wait to see what happens after this.  Whatever it is, I don't want to see Edward leave Bella again.  And I would really like to see Edward and Bella end up happilly together *forever*  Go figure!  :)

 

Author's Response:

I don't think ANYONE remembered the summary...so the fact that you have looked back at it and have found the connections as well as the allusions to the future of our two characters...good on ya!!

Will it make you feel better to know that their HEA will NOT be in a "natural" way???? Does that set you at ease for this turn of events?? Sure, I won't tell you how or when or whatever, but know it happens, okay? ;)

Thanks for reading and reviewing! Here's your teaser for the chapter I am uploading tonight!

"Edward?" I asked in disbelief. I had to be seeing things. He was leaving. No, he left.

He slowly turned to me with a weak smile. "Hey," he said in a small, quivering voice. It was unsettling, and unnatural, to hear his voice that way.

Even though I saw him with crystal clear clarity, I still couldn't believe he was standing right there in front of me. I blinked several times, rubbing my eyes occasionally until I finally believed what I was seeing. Feelings of conflict gripped me as I was both happy and angry to see him there. I just couldn't understand why he kept doing this to me. Did he not realize just how torturous this truly was? "What…what are you doing here? I thought you were leaving town?" I asked, pulling my arms tightly around my body again.

"Um, can we talk?" he asked weakly, his eyes dropping to his feet as he nervously toed the porch.

I found myself more than angry at hearing those words again. I glared up at him. "After our last talk, I think I'd rather be mauled by rabid dogs. But thanks." I replied in a venom-laced tone, reaching for the door to close it.

Edward took a step forward, reaching for me. "Bella, I—"

I took a step back and threatened to close the door in his face as I interrupted him. "Just...stop right there. I can't do this again. You can't keep changing your mind and expect me to come crawling back each time," I told him forcefully with my hand firmly on the door knob.

Edward reached out for me, but I pulled away—against what my heart told me to do. "No. Bella, you don't understand. I've…changed."

His words caused a dry laugh to roll out of my mouth and I scoffed, rolling my eyes at the same time. "Yeah, right. All in the course of twelve hours, you've had a complete change of heart."

Edward chuckled and I failed to see the humour in my own words…or even my tone. He quickly closed the gap between us, taking my hands in his and I jumped at the contact before looking down at our connection.

When my eyes landed on his bandage I gasped. "Oh my God," I picked up the injured hand gently and eyed it more carefully as I realized just how…off it seemed. "What happened?" He didn't say anything for a moment, and when I raised my eyes to his, I was instantly drawn into a sea of green. I stared for a moment and I could feel my jaw drop, forming a perfect "o" shape.

Figuring I must have been seeing things, I quickly—but carefully—released his hand and raised both of mine to Edward's face. I brushed the soft hair back and leaned forward to look deep into his eyes. "Your eyes," I breathed softly. "Edward?"

The wind picked up around us as he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling my body to his. Our lips pressed firmly together, and for that one moment, everything was forgotten. I gave into him, my body melting to his as our mouths moved passionately together. Then I remembered his earlier words, and I placed my hands against his chest and pushed, resisting his advance.

"No," I mumbled against his lips with a sob. "I can't."

xoxo,

AG1981

I have really been enjoying this story so far! You write very well :).  This chapter came completely out of the blue and I was not expecting it at all, which is awesome, I love being kept on my toes.  I look forward to reading more very soon!

Well that was a hell of a twist.  Can't wait to see what happens next.  Oh and by the way have you read a fic called Waking Up  it is about Edward feeding on a strange creature and waking up totally human.  If you haven't read it you really should. 

Author's Response:

I am so glad you enjoyed the twist!

And, no! I have not read that fic! Just when I thought I had an original thought :P I will definitely check it out, thanks!!

Thanks for reading and reviewing! Here's your teaser for the chapter I am uploading tonight!

"Edward?" I asked in disbelief. I had to be seeing things. He was leaving. No, he left.

He slowly turned to me with a weak smile. "Hey," he said in a small, quivering voice. It was unsettling, and unnatural, to hear his voice that way.

Even though I saw him with crystal clear clarity, I still couldn't believe he was standing right there in front of me. I blinked several times, rubbing my eyes occasionally until I finally believed what I was seeing. Feelings of conflict gripped me as I was both happy and angry to see him there. I just couldn't understand why he kept doing this to me. Did he not realize just how torturous this truly was? "What…what are you doing here? I thought you were leaving town?" I asked, pulling my arms tightly around my body again.

"Um, can we talk?" he asked weakly, his eyes dropping to his feet as he nervously toed the porch.

I found myself more than angry at hearing those words again. I glared up at him. "After our last talk, I think I'd rather be mauled by rabid dogs. But thanks." I replied in a venom-laced tone, reaching for the door to close it.

Edward took a step forward, reaching for me. "Bella, I—"

I took a step back and threatened to close the door in his face as I interrupted him. "Just...stop right there. I can't do this again. You can't keep changing your mind and expect me to come crawling back each time," I told him forcefully with my hand firmly on the door knob.

Edward reached out for me, but I pulled away—against what my heart told me to do. "No. Bella, you don't understand. I've…changed."

His words caused a dry laugh to roll out of my mouth and I scoffed, rolling my eyes at the same time. "Yeah, right. All in the course of twelve hours, you've had a complete change of heart."

Edward chuckled and I failed to see the humour in my own words…or even my tone. He quickly closed the gap between us, taking my hands in his and I jumped at the contact before looking down at our connection.

When my eyes landed on his bandage I gasped. "Oh my God," I picked up the injured hand gently and eyed it more carefully as I realized just how…off it seemed. "What happened?" He didn't say anything for a moment, and when I raised my eyes to his, I was instantly drawn into a sea of green. I stared for a moment and I could feel my jaw drop, forming a perfect "o" shape.

Figuring I must have been seeing things, I quickly—but carefully—released his hand and raised both of mine to Edward's face. I brushed the soft hair back and leaned forward to look deep into his eyes. "Your eyes," I breathed softly. "Edward?"

The wind picked up around us as he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling my body to his. Our lips pressed firmly together, and for that one moment, everything was forgotten. I gave into him, my body melting to his as our mouths moved passionately together. Then I remembered his earlier words, and I placed my hands against his chest and pushed, resisting his advance.

"No," I mumbled against his lips with a sob. "I can't."

xoxo,

AG1981

Ah...poor Bella.

As I said in my last review, I was expecting Edward to run now more than at any other point in the story.  But, even believing it was coming didn't make it easier to take.  I was also right about expecting tears to fall in this chapter.  It really did break my heart when he left.  The one thing I was glad about, though, is that Bella stood up to him, telling him that if he left it was all for him, because she knew what she wanted.  And I was glad that she told him she loved him -- even though it was a whisper, I know he heard it.  Plus, I'm also glad that, even though he told Bella goodbye, he didn't lie to her like he did in the books.  That would have been awful.

I loved that Alice visited Bella, but was sorry that she left before Bella could really talk to her.  Please tell me that Alice and the rest of the family are not leaving too.  That would be horrible!  I think Alice could really help Bella not to fall apart as badly as she did in the books.  I want Alice to be there for Bella -- there's really no one else for her to talk to.  Plus we all know what happened to Bella when everyone left her.  I hope it's not that bad for her in this story, but I expect it to be bad.

And *Please* tell me Bella's not going back to Jacob.  I know she stressed that in this chapter, but I hated it when he stayed the night, and when he said he would be back later.  Of course, Edward might think a werewolf was worse for Bella than he is, but I doubt it, and I don't want him to come back that way -- well, let's just say I'd rather he not come back because of Jacob, but in reality, anything that gets him back with Bella will work for me.

And, no, I'm not jumping ship, but it's because of your promise of a HEA for Edward and Bella -- and I want to see how you get them back together.  And, of course, I want them to be together *forever*, so somehow Edward has to get his head around that.

Thanks for another great chapter.  I'm looking forward to the next chapter.  I hope to see interaction between Alice and Bella, and for Alice to give her some hope.  And I am interested in seeing how Charlie takes it that Bella said she wasn't okay.  I hope he won't get even more angry with Edward.  Thanks again for this terrific chapter.  I can hardly wait until the next one.  :)

Author's Response:

Yes it was important for Bella to tell him that she knew what she wanted and that this was all on Edward. I tried to create a strong Bella, and not one that would mirror NM BElla. I think NM Bella was due to the fact that she didn't really hav anyone in Forks when she met Edward because she was new, KWIM? This Bella grew up here and it was her turf. She has friends and a background here.

Hmm, I's love to answer all your questions, but you'll just have to read the next chapters for answers :P

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! Here's a little teaser to the next update (which is in the queue now):

After saying our farewells, I headed off into the woods to hunt. I couldn't believe I had gone so long since my last kill. Now that I was aware of it, though, the full effects of my five day abstinence were really starting to hit me. I felt weak and sluggish. I needed to feed right away.

The question that plagued me most was why had I let it go on for so long?

Bella.

I had been so consumed by my guilt over hurting her that nothing else registered in my brain. I was simply going through the motions of the every day, and it hadn't even occurred to me that I was essentially starving myself. A slight tremor rocked through my body and I knew I would need a large kill to gain my full strength back, but at the same time I had absolutely no will, let alone the strength, to tackle a bear.

Suddenly, the foliage rustled to my right and a rapid heartbeat could be heard as the creature rushed past me. My eyes darted toward the moving shrubs as I waited for the animal to make its next move. Slowly rotating my body, I prepared to strike. I could tell from the smell that it wasn't a large animal, but blood was blood and this might just give me enough strength to hunt bigger game.

I heard the low crinkling of dead leaves being crushed underfoot behind the large bushes as I crouched down low. Letting my instincts take over, I blurred toward the moving plant life and tackled my prey. It wasn't until my teeth were buried in the soft, furry flesh of the animal's jugular that I realized it was a rabbit. I couldn't stop myself from feeding, though. The blood was warm and I had gone so long without…but it wasn't just that. There was something about this blood that made me feel different.

With the mid-day sun beating down on me in the small clearing, I couldn't seem to get enough as I dropped the carcass to the ground at my knees and searched the vicinity for another.

I need more, I thought to myself.

Rising to my feet and surveying the area, I heard movement four miles away. I moved quickly. I was approximately three seconds into my sprint before I fell to my knees gasping… No, not just gasping…I was gasping for air. My hands clutched at the dirt and dead leaves beneath them as my body pulled in one excruciating breath after another.

Rustling leaves caught my attention again, and I began to salivate. Regaining control of my…breathing, I stood and rushed forward. I made it three agonizingly slow steps before I vaguely saw the ground getting closer to my face. My body convulsed against the cold ground before the blackness enveloped me and pulled me under.

xoxo,

AG1981

You know...maybe you should let Bella find a better man and make Edward be tortured for the rest of his life.  He deserves.  Honestly, I don't Edward really loves Bella as much as he claims if he believes pushing her away is best for her.  So stupid.  In fact, I am not a team Jacob fan, but at this point, I think Jacob might be better for her.  Bastard.

Author's Response:

LMAO! I'll tell you, I heard a LOT of that after that chapter!

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! Here's a little teaser to the next update (which is in the queue now):

After saying our farewells, I headed off into the woods to hunt. I couldn't believe I had gone so long since my last kill. Now that I was aware of it, though, the full effects of my five day abstinence were really starting to hit me. I felt weak and sluggish. I needed to feed right away.

The question that plagued me most was why had I let it go on for so long?

Bella.

I had been so consumed by my guilt over hurting her that nothing else registered in my brain. I was simply going through the motions of the every day, and it hadn't even occurred to me that I was essentially starving myself. A slight tremor rocked through my body and I knew I would need a large kill to gain my full strength back, but at the same time I had absolutely no will, let alone the strength, to tackle a bear.

Suddenly, the foliage rustled to my right and a rapid heartbeat could be heard as the creature rushed past me. My eyes darted toward the moving shrubs as I waited for the animal to make its next move. Slowly rotating my body, I prepared to strike. I could tell from the smell that it wasn't a large animal, but blood was blood and this might just give me enough strength to hunt bigger game.

I heard the low crinkling of dead leaves being crushed underfoot behind the large bushes as I crouched down low. Letting my instincts take over, I blurred toward the moving plant life and tackled my prey. It wasn't until my teeth were buried in the soft, furry flesh of the animal's jugular that I realized it was a rabbit. I couldn't stop myself from feeding, though. The blood was warm and I had gone so long without…but it wasn't just that. There was something about this blood that made me feel different.

With the mid-day sun beating down on me in the small clearing, I couldn't seem to get enough as I dropped the carcass to the ground at my knees and searched the vicinity for another.

I need more, I thought to myself.

Rising to my feet and surveying the area, I heard movement four miles away. I moved quickly. I was approximately three seconds into my sprint before I fell to my knees gasping… No, not just gasping…I was gasping for air. My hands clutched at the dirt and dead leaves beneath them as my body pulled in one excruciating breath after another.

Rustling leaves caught my attention again, and I began to salivate. Regaining control of my…breathing, I stood and rushed forward. I made it three agonizingly slow steps before I vaguely saw the ground getting closer to my face. My body convulsed against the cold ground before the blackness enveloped me and pulled me under.

xoxo,

AG1981

I saw it coming, knew it was going to happen...but when it did I was still devastated. I did love it when Bella told Edward that if he left it was all for him, because she knew what she wanted. I really like how your Bella has a spine, without being bitchy about it.

Author's Response:

THANK YOU! Making Bella strong was something I felt I needed to do. Also, expect her to be upset by his leaving...but strong enough to not go crazy (like NM Bella).

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! Here's a little teaser to the next update (which is in the queue now):

After saying our farewells, I headed off into the woods to hunt. I couldn't believe I had gone so long since my last kill. Now that I was aware of it, though, the full effects of my five day abstinence were really starting to hit me. I felt weak and sluggish. I needed to feed right away.

The question that plagued me most was why had I let it go on for so long?

Bella.

I had been so consumed by my guilt over hurting her that nothing else registered in my brain. I was simply going through the motions of the every day, and it hadn't even occurred to me that I was essentially starving myself. A slight tremor rocked through my body and I knew I would need a large kill to gain my full strength back, but at the same time I had absolutely no will, let alone the strength, to tackle a bear.

Suddenly, the foliage rustled to my right and a rapid heartbeat could be heard as the creature rushed past me. My eyes darted toward the moving shrubs as I waited for the animal to make its next move. Slowly rotating my body, I prepared to strike. I could tell from the smell that it wasn't a large animal, but blood was blood and this might just give me enough strength to hunt bigger game.

I heard the low crinkling of dead leaves being crushed underfoot behind the large bushes as I crouched down low. Letting my instincts take over, I blurred toward the moving plant life and tackled my prey. It wasn't until my teeth were buried in the soft, furry flesh of the animal's jugular that I realized it was a rabbit. I couldn't stop myself from feeding, though. The blood was warm and I had gone so long without…but it wasn't just that. There was something about this blood that made me feel different.

With the mid-day sun beating down on me in the small clearing, I couldn't seem to get enough as I dropped the carcass to the ground at my knees and searched the vicinity for another.

I need more, I thought to myself.

Rising to my feet and surveying the area, I heard movement four miles away. I moved quickly. I was approximately three seconds into my sprint before I fell to my knees gasping… No, not just gasping…I was gasping for air. My hands clutched at the dirt and dead leaves beneath them as my body pulled in one excruciating breath after another.

Rustling leaves caught my attention again, and I began to salivate. Regaining control of my…breathing, I stood and rushed forward. I made it three agonizingly slow steps before I vaguely saw the ground getting closer to my face. My body convulsed against the cold ground before the blackness enveloped me and pulled me under.

xoxo,

AG1981

Great job!

Author's Response:

thanks so much for reading and reviewing! I am uploading the next chapter into the queue as soon as I am done responding to reviews! In the meantime, here's your teaser:

After a quick, and rather chilly, shower to try and awaken me, I dried off and finished getting ready for my day. I found a black long-sleeved shirt and a pair of ripped jeans and pulled them on. I picked up my shoes and bag and hauled them slowly down the stairs before meeting Charlie for breakfast.

"Morning, Bells," he greeted me with a smile and the raise of his mug.

"Morning. Coffee?" I asked, both wondering if there was some for me and if he'd like a warm up. He nodded toward the pot as I made my way over there. I pulled out a coffee mug and filled it before taking the almost empty pot over to re-fill Charlie's. I took my usual seat across from him, pulling my legs up to my chest as I drank my coffee black.

"You should eat something, kiddo. I'll make you something if you want. I pour a mean bowl of Cheerios," he joked.

I snickered and shook my head. "Thanks. I'll just pop some toast in the toaster before I head to school. I just…need a minute."

He smiled at me and sighed before drinking the last of his coffee. "Alright. I'm off to work. Try and have a good day today, okay? Call if you need anything, you hear?"

"Yeah. Thanks, Dad." He got up from his chair and crossed the small dining area and kissed me atop the head before leaving the kitchen.

I sat there for a few minutes sipping at my coffee, waiting for the caffeine to kick me into high gear. As I placed my empty cup in the sink, I noticed the time on the microwave and realized I was going to be late if I didn't leave now. I rushed to the door and slipped my shoes on quickly before grabbing my bag. With the door locked behind me, I stumbled down the stairs and climbed into my truck.

Fortunately, when I pulled into the parking lot I was actually a couple of minutes early. It took me a minute, but as I crossed the lot I noticed that Edward's car was missing from its usual spot. I took a quick look around to see if maybe he parked elsewhere, but my search came up empty.

My chest tightened as I remembered my dream, and wondered if maybe I had pushed him too far by going behind his back to Alice. I felt sick as I ran across the slick pavement and through the double doors to the school. I made it to my locker and tried to focus on gathering the right books, but everything was blurring together as the panic rose.

I tried to tell myself that maybe he was just late. Or maybe he chose to skip a few classes this morning. Yeah, he'll be here for lunch,I told myself. I felt a little lighter as I repeated that over and over to myself and I was able to finally concentrate on my morning classes.

He didn't show, however, and this just propelled me back into a full-fledged panic attack. I sat with Jessica at lunch and she tried to cheer me up, but it was no use. My eyes kept travelling to our empty table, or to where his brothers and sisters sat as though everything was right in the world.

Alice looked over at me and smiled, but her smile seemed forced and…sympathetic. I tried to shake it off, but it haunted me. I was just about to stand up and make my way over there when the bell rang. As soon as Jessica and I parted ways, I could feel the anxiety creep its way back in. I walked slowly to biology, panicking the entire way to the classroom. A small part of me clung to the idea that he would still make it for class.

Mr. Banner started the video and I stared at the closed door, hoping and praying that Edward would pull it open and saunter in at any minute. I bit my lower lip relentlessly, each second more excruciating than the last, until the lights flickered on and the bell rang. I blinked rapidly, trying to force my eyes to adjust to the fluorescent lighting in the classroom as everyone bustled around me, gathering their things.

Having learned absolutely nothing from the video I stared blankly at for the hour, I stood from my seat and went blindly about the rest of my school day. My mind was constantly going back to Edward's mysterious absence in biology and what it could possibly mean.

When I arrived in English, I found Jess sitting in her seat waiting for me. Her smile faded from her face as soon as she saw the distress in my eyes.

"B, what's wrong?" she asked quietly, leaning across the aisle.

I shook my head as my focus blurred. "He wasn't there," I answered monotonously.

xoxo,

AG1981