Oh Noooo!!!!  How could you leave us hanging here?  I mean, I know you had to stop somewhere, but this was just awful!  If Edward pulls a 'New Moon' on Bella, I will be sick.  Of course, this would be *completely* her fault, but still.  How could she send Edward away like that?  It really broke my heart.  And just when Charlie is going to be out of town, and they would have time alone together to "try" and be intimate.  Did she push him too far?  How could she do that to the both of them?  I'm just sick that Bella sent Edward away.  Couldn't he hear her say "Wait"?  Or did he think it was for the best?

I could see Edward leaving when Bella told him to, and even staying home from school, but to have Alice and everyone stay home too, well that was hard.  At least, I hope that they just stayed home, and that they didn't pick up and leave.  The only thing I can really hope for is that Edward will give some serious thought as to what life would be like without Bella.  Of course, he thinks he's a monster, and doesn't deserve her, so despite how he might feel about it, it would be just like him to up and run.  I just have to hope he didn't.  And if he did, I have to hope that he didn't persuade the whole family to leave.  I'm going to have a lot of trouble waiting until the next chapter.  Darn it!  I was really looking forward to Edward and Bella having two nights alone together.

And what about Alice?  Did she not see this, or did she leave Bella alone, because it was Bella's decision to send Edward away?  I wonder now if the furture Alice saw where Bella was one of them is still the furture Alice sees, or if that future has changed because Bella told Edward to leave -- and he did.

I'm really sick about this.  In my heart, I have to trust that you will not have Edward stay gone, and that he will change his mind about changing Bella.  I don't know how they will get around the treaty, but they have to get around each other first, and then worry about the treaty.  I have to say that for a minute there, when Jacob was confronting Edward and Bella, I was afraid that Jacob was going to phase, and hurt Bella badly in the process, putting Edward in the position of having to change her right then.  While that isn't the way I'd like to see it happen, I do want Edward to change Bella, and if it happened that way, Jacob wouldn't be able to claim Edward broke the treaty since Jacob caused it himself.  So, I wouldn't have minded if that is what had happened.  But it didn't -- ah well.

I so didn't see Bella sending Edward away.  And for him to leave like that so quickly, and not show up for school, well I'm really worried that Bella has blown it.  The bad thing is that I can see Edward believing that this is for the best, and staying gone, and I *don't* want to see that happen.

Thanks for another great -- if heart breaking -- chapter.  I know quite well how RL can get in the way of reading, so I can see how it can get in the way of writing as well.  So, whenever you are able to post the next chapter, I will be here.  I just really hope it will be sooner rather than later.  Go figure!  :)

Author's Response:

Edward's really fast ;) He was gone as soon as she said she wanted him to leave. He didn't stick around. Jerk ;)

You will see more Alice in E's chapter next. I promise. There's a reason she stayed away from Bella and it was for her brother :) You'll see ;)

Even though you found this chapter heart-breaking, I am glad you enjoyed it! I just uploaded the next chapter, so hopefully it will be validated soon! In the meantime, here's your teaser:

The wind was blowing lightly and the air was moist in anticipation of tonight's oncoming thunder storm. I could smell the electricity in the air as I stepped out of my car, closing its door behind me.

I stood motionless and just stared up at the looming white house before me. It was ridiculous, but I was incredibly nervous. I was over one hundred years old and I was pretty sure if my body were capable of it, I would be perspiring out of sheer apprehension.

The windows in the house were all blackened, save for Bella's room. There was a dim light coming from what I assumed to be her bedside lamp and Charlie's cruiser was nowhere to be seen so I figured it was safe to say that he was at work.

With a deep breath, I steeled my resolve and propelled my body forward until I was standing outside the door. With one final sigh, I lifted a shaking finger to ring the bell. It seemed like an eternity while I waited for her to answer and I started to wonder if maybe she knew that it was me and she wasn't going to...in hopes that I would take the hint.

I took a sharp breath and held it as the door opened suddenly.

Her body was visible, but she was leaning out of the entrance way as she rifled through her jacket pocket. "That was quick, how much do I owe y—" Her bloodshot eyes met mine as she stood up straight, and I couldn't help but notice the dark circles that had taken up residence beneath them.

She blinked a few times in quick succession as if she was seeing things before I noticed her eyes glisten slightly as a buildup of tears threatened to spill over. "Edward?" she whispered in disbelief.

I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She was dressed in a pair of flannel pants and a tank top, her brown hair wet from the shower she had taken very recently. She seemed exhausted, and she appeared even more pale than usual.

With my right arm, I grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to me quickly. A flash of lightning lit up the sky and the booming thunder could be heard as her body crashed solidly into mine. She released the money in her hand and the coins clinked loudly against the front stoop as the bills blew off into the night.

Of course, she didn't soften into my embrace right away as I held her tightly to me, breathing her in completely. Her hair, her neck…everything. Her body shook softly in my arms as her sobs finally broke free and her tears fell onto my shoulder. With her body now moulding into mine, she wrapped her arms around my neck and buried her face in my shoulder as she cried.

"I'm so sorry!" she cried hysterically between sobs as her lips kissed my neck and she tried to strengthen her grip on me. I swept us both through the door, kicking it closed behind us as my lips sought out hers.

Another flash of lighting brightened up the darkened entrance way as our lips were finally one. Bella's body began to vibrate as my hands firmly gripped her waist.

"I was such an idiot," she mumbled against my mouth. "I didn't mean any of it. I take it all back. I need you in my life...no matter what. I'll let it go, whatever you want…just…" she took a deep, shaky breath and parted our lips, keeping her eyes closed tightly. "Can you ever forgive me?"

I leaned my forehead against hers and smoothed her hair back off of her face. Pulling her swollen bottom lip between her teeth, she opened her eyes slowly and looked up into mine. I could feel her forehead crease with worry against my own as her chin quivered.

"Please," she whispered, a lone tear falling down her cheek. Her voice cracked as she spoke and my un-beating heart strained as I cradled her face.

I smiled at her. "Bella, it is I who should be begging you for forgiveness. Not the other way around."

"But I…"

Pulling her body to mine, I embraced her tightly as I shushed her before placing my lips to hers again in a tender kiss. Her arms wound up around my neck as she twisted her fingers into the hair at the nape of my neck.

I began to kiss her jaw and trailed down her neck. "I love you so much," I whispered against the warm flesh of her neck.

Every inch of my body tingled as Bella pressed her body into mine. I brought my face back up to hers and met her eyes. There was no questioning my next move. It felt right.

I was going to live in the moment.

xoxo,

AG1981

Hey, when are you updating, its been ages!

I forgot to review before, so teaser?

Author's Response:

It HAS been ages and for that, i apologize! RL tends to get in the way in the summertime and my writing takes the backseat :(

Thanks for reading and reviewing! The next chapter is in the queue, but I think my VB is on holidays...in the meantime: Here's your teaser!

There was no way out of this. I just had to convince him why I needed to be with him forever. "Edward, I—"

He cut me off before I could get the rest of my sentence out. His eyes were full of rage as he stood from the swing and faced me. "No! End of discussion. It's not going to happen! I will not change you." He was set in his decision; it looked like Alice would be changing me after all.

I was about to plead my case again, even though he had heard it all before, when a loud snarl ripped from the trees straight ahead. I looked just in time to see Jake running full speed toward us. He was pissed.

Edward turned to face the oncoming threat and shielded me with his body. A low growl could be heard rumbling in his chest as a warning for Jake to stay back.

I grabbed Edward's arm and tried to push my way past him. It was like trying to move a thousand pound statue by myself, though, as his body didn't budge an inch. "Jake? What are you doing here?" I asked around Edward's hulking shape.

Jake stayed on the grass below the porch and glared up at me. "Did I hear the leech right? You want…" He gagged before he could continue, "to be one of…them?"

Clearly there was something in the air that made the men in this town feel the need to eavesdrop on every little thing that I chose to talk about. "Jake, it's none of your business."

"The hell it's not, Bella! I won't let you do that to yourself…to Charlie." His jaw was clenched as he spoke to me. His angry eyes fell upon Edward.

The growling that was coming from Edward ceased. "You have nothing to worry about, Jacob. I have refused her."

"As long as she's with you, all I seem to be able to do is worry." His words came out tight through his clenched teeth. His hands balled into his fists as his body began to tremble slightly. The rain soaked his body, causing steam to roll off his bare chest.

I took a step to the side to get around Edward, and he grabbed my wrist to stop me. Yanking my arm from his loose grasp, I kept walking until I stood face to face with Jake. His body began to shake more violently, and he took a few steps away from me.

"Bella," Edward said, his voice was low and came across as a warning for me to be careful. I only nodded and held my right hand back toward Edward as I stepped forward to Jake, who, in turn, took another step back. "Bella." Edward's tone was more forceful when he called my name this time and before I knew it, he was at my side holding me around my waist.

That one move seemed to set Jake off. He lunged forward and pushed Edward, causing me to stumble back in the process. Edward caught me by the arm before I could fall to the ground, and then he turned on Jake. Feral snarls echoed in the yard as they bared their teeth at each other. Jake's shuddering seemed to intensify and he seemed to be getting bigger.

Not thinking, I ran between the two of them before things got out of control. I held my hands out—as if that would even stop them. "Stop!" I shouted. "Just...stop." I was so exhausted being in the middle of their rivalry. I hadn't even seen Jake in months and he shows up now?

Backing off first, Jake looked at me with remorse-filled eyes before glaring at Edward. He pointed his finger at him and tightened his jaw again. "Just…don't forget."

xoxo,

AG1981

I held my breath through a lot of this chapter.  I *love* reading from Edward's POV, but some times I want to kick him.  (Of course, I would just break my foot!  *g*)  He came *very* close to losing Bella in this chapter, and it would have been so his fault.  When he said "Yes" to Bella when she asked if the thought of her becoming a vampire disgusted him, I knew what he meant, because I know Edward, but I also know what a kick to the gut that must have felt to Bella.  He was very lucky that she let him stay -- especially with just saying he was sorry.  I knew that before she slept, she would ask him to explain.  And he's lucky that he was still there for her to ask.  He was so right when he thought at the end of the chapter that the conversation wasn't over.  At some point, he's going to have to realize that for them to be together, he's going to have to change her.  I sort of thought that he would at least think about that at the beginning of the chapter when he was thinking about how hard it was to be with her -- but impossible for him not to.  He's going to have to realize that they can't have a life together if he doesn't change her.  And I *really* want them to have a life together.

When Charlie came home, I thought I would have heart failure.  I'm afraid I would have, if I had been Bella.  However, I'm so glad that all that happened.  It made Edward realize that he and Bella actually might be able to be able to make love -- at least he's willing to try, and that's big.  Now if he would just use that same logic when it comes to changing Bella, all would be good.  :)

Thanks for another awesome chapter.  I liked it so much, I'm going to go back and read it again.  :)  I hope it won't be too long before you are able to post the next one.  I'm eager to see what happens when they 'talk'.  :)

Author's Response:

LOL! i think everyone wants to kick this Edward...a lot, actually. He did come close to losing her, and if I'm being honest, it won't be his last fuck up. But it's Edward. he's kind of slow when it comes to relationships.

Charlie coming home was fun for me to write! Especially after the whole "him catching Bella and Jake" thing! LOL!

I am going to upload the next chapter sometime today! So hopefully you won't be waiting too long!

Thanks for reading and for another fantastic review! Here's your teaser!

There was no way out of this. I just had to convince him why I needed to be with him forever. "Edward, I—"

He cut me off before I could get the rest of my sentence out. His eyes were full of rage as he stood from the swing and faced me. "No! End of discussion. It's not going to happen! I will not change you." He was set in his decision; it looked like Alice would be changing me after all.

I was about to plead my case again, even though he had heard it all before, when a loud snarl ripped from the trees straight ahead. I looked just in time to see Jake running full speed toward us. He was pissed.

Edward turned to face the oncoming threat and shielded me with his body. A low growl could be heard rumbling in his chest as a warning for Jake to stay back.

I grabbed Edward's arm and tried to push my way past him. It was like trying to move a thousand pound statue by myself, though, as his body didn't budge an inch. "Jake? What are you doing here?" I asked around Edward's hulking shape.

Jake stayed on the grass below the porch and glared up at me. "Did I hear the leech right? You want…" He gagged before he could continue, "to be one of…them?"

Clearly there was something in the air that made the men in this town feel the need to eavesdrop on every little thing that I chose to talk about. "Jake, it's none of your business."

"The hell it's not, Bella! I won't let you do that to yourself…to Charlie." His jaw was clenched as he spoke to me. His angry eyes fell upon Edward.

The growling that was coming from Edward ceased. "You have nothing to worry about, Jacob. I have refused her."

"As long as she's with you, all I seem to be able to do is worry." His words came out tight through his clenched teeth. His hands balled into his fists as his body began to tremble slightly. The rain soaked his body, causing steam to roll off his bare chest.

I took a step to the side to get around Edward, and he grabbed my wrist to stop me. Yanking my arm from his loose grasp, I kept walking until I stood face to face with Jake. His body began to shake more violently, and he took a few steps away from me.

"Bella," Edward said, his voice was low and came across as a warning for me to be careful. I only nodded and held my right hand back toward Edward as I stepped forward to Jake, who, in turn, took another step back. "Bella." Edward's tone was more forceful when he called my name this time and before I knew it, he was at my side holding me around my waist.

That one move seemed to set Jake off. He lunged forward and pushed Edward, causing me to stumble back in the process. Edward caught me by the arm before I could fall to the ground, and then he turned on Jake. Feral snarls echoed in the yard as they bared their teeth at each other. Jake's shuddering seemed to intensify and he seemed to be getting bigger.

Not thinking, I ran between the two of them before things got out of control. I held my hands out—as if that would even stop them. "Stop!" I shouted. "Just...stop." I was so exhausted being in the middle of their rivalry. I hadn't even seen Jake in months and he shows up now?

Backing off first, Jake looked at me with remorse-filled eyes before glaring at Edward. He pointed his finger at him and tightened his jaw again. "Just…don't forget."

xoxo,

AG1981

This story is amazing!! I love the way how you have made it the same, but different! Thank you for sharing this story. Please update soon.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much! I am thrilled you are enjoying the direction I have taken things and I hope you continue to!

Thanks for reading and the wonderful review!

Here's your teaser:

There was no way out of this. I just had to convince him why I needed to be with him forever. "Edward, I—"

He cut me off before I could get the rest of my sentence out. His eyes were full of rage as he stood from the swing and faced me. "No! End of discussion. It's not going to happen! I will not change you." He was set in his decision; it looked like Alice would be changing me after all.

I was about to plead my case again, even though he had heard it all before, when a loud snarl ripped from the trees straight ahead. I looked just in time to see Jake running full speed toward us. He was pissed.

Edward turned to face the oncoming threat and shielded me with his body. A low growl could be heard rumbling in his chest as a warning for Jake to stay back.

I grabbed Edward's arm and tried to push my way past him. It was like trying to move a thousand pound statue by myself, though, as his body didn't budge an inch. "Jake? What are you doing here?" I asked around Edward's hulking shape.

Jake stayed on the grass below the porch and glared up at me. "Did I hear the leech right? You want…" He gagged before he could continue, "to be one of…them?"

Clearly there was something in the air that made the men in this town feel the need to eavesdrop on every little thing that I chose to talk about. "Jake, it's none of your business."

"The hell it's not, Bella! I won't let you do that to yourself…to Charlie." His jaw was clenched as he spoke to me. His angry eyes fell upon Edward.

The growling that was coming from Edward ceased. "You have nothing to worry about, Jacob. I have refused her."

"As long as she's with you, all I seem to be able to do is worry." His words came out tight through his clenched teeth. His hands balled into his fists as his body began to tremble slightly. The rain soaked his body, causing steam to roll off his bare chest.

I took a step to the side to get around Edward, and he grabbed my wrist to stop me. Yanking my arm from his loose grasp, I kept walking until I stood face to face with Jake. His body began to shake more violently, and he took a few steps away from me.

"Bella," Edward said, his voice was low and came across as a warning for me to be careful. I only nodded and held my right hand back toward Edward as I stepped forward to Jake, who, in turn, took another step back. "Bella." Edward's tone was more forceful when he called my name this time and before I knew it, he was at my side holding me around my waist.

That one move seemed to set Jake off. He lunged forward and pushed Edward, causing me to stumble back in the process. Edward caught me by the arm before I could fall to the ground, and then he turned on Jake. Feral snarls echoed in the yard as they bared their teeth at each other. Jake's shuddering seemed to intensify and he seemed to be getting bigger.

Not thinking, I ran between the two of them before things got out of control. I held my hands out—as if that would even stop them. "Stop!" I shouted. "Just...stop." I was so exhausted being in the middle of their rivalry. I hadn't even seen Jake in months and he shows up now?

Backing off first, Jake looked at me with remorse-filled eyes before glaring at Edward. He pointed his finger at him and tightened his jaw again. "Just…don't forget."

xoxo,

AG1981

Again, Jake is soo friggin' stupid.

Author's Response:

LMAO! Team Furry! LOVE IT!

I am so glad you enjoyed the story thus far! I hope you continue to do so! I'm not team dog either...so no worries on where this story is headed ;)

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

xoxo,

AG1981

I'm reviewing cause I want a sneak ;)

and because now Edward and Bella are together I like it more :D

Author's Response:

LMAO! Yes, everyone loves it now that they are together!

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! Here's your teaser:

I knelt in front of her and cradled her face, using more strength than I wanted to in order to force her eyes to mine. Her nose and the rims of her eyes were red and puffy from crying. "You think I'm uncomfortable touching you?" I tried to read her eyes since I couldn't get inside her mind. "Do you even know what it is that you do to me? I wish I could take things further with you…but I can't."

She sighed. "I know." Her voice was now quiet as she averted her eyes from mine. "I just thought with how well things were going that maybe—"

"I love you, Bella. I can't take the risk. I'm so sorry." I was, and it killed me to hurt her this way, but I knew her emotional wounds would heal far easier than the physical ones I would likely leave.

Something flashed in her eyes just then, and she wrapped her hands around my wrists. "What if I was one of you?"

Had I really just heard her correctly? "What?" My voice came out harsh…angry.

She drew her bottom lip between her teeth and took a deep breath. "I just mean…what if you changed me?"

My eyes widened and I didn't think before the words came tumbling from my mouth. "Have you gone completely insane, Bella? I'm serious, have you lost your mind?" I couldn't believe we were even having this discussion.

Her body went rigid as I stood in front of her and paced the room. Her lip trembled as I continued on my tirade. "Of course I'm not going to change you. Where would you even get such a ridiculous idea?"

Suddenly, her facial expression changed to one of hurt and slight fear to one of anger. "What exactly is so ridiculous about it?" She stood up and placed herself in my path. "The fact that I would be immortal? What, you can't you stomach the idea of being with me for all eternity? Does me becoming a vampire disgust you that much?"

I knew as soon as I answered that I had misspoke. "Yes."

xoxo,

AG1981

Great job!

Author's Response:

YAY! So glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks for reading and reviewing! Here's your teaser!

I knelt in front of her and cradled her face, using more strength than I wanted to in order to force her eyes to mine. Her nose and the rims of her eyes were red and puffy from crying. "You think I'm uncomfortable touching you?" I tried to read her eyes since I couldn't get inside her mind. "Do you even know what it is that you do to me? I wish I could take things further with you…but I can't."

She sighed. "I know." Her voice was now quiet as she averted her eyes from mine. "I just thought with how well things were going that maybe—"

"I love you, Bella. I can't take the risk. I'm so sorry." I was, and it killed me to hurt her this way, but I knew her emotional wounds would heal far easier than the physical ones I would likely leave.

Something flashed in her eyes just then, and she wrapped her hands around my wrists. "What if I was one of you?"

Had I really just heard her correctly? "What?" My voice came out harsh…angry.

She drew her bottom lip between her teeth and took a deep breath. "I just mean…what if you changed me?"

My eyes widened and I didn't think before the words came tumbling from my mouth. "Have you gone completely insane, Bella? I'm serious, have you lost your mind?" I couldn't believe we were even having this discussion.

Her body went rigid as I stood in front of her and paced the room. Her lip trembled as I continued on my tirade. "Of course I'm not going to change you. Where would you even get such a ridiculous idea?"

Suddenly, her facial expression changed to one of hurt and slight fear to one of anger. "What exactly is so ridiculous about it?" She stood up and placed herself in my path. "The fact that I would be immortal? What, you can't you stomach the idea of being with me for all eternity? Does me becoming a vampire disgust you that much?"

I knew as soon as I answered that I had misspoke. "Yes."

xoxo,

AG1981

I always saw J in the books as not fun, but demanding and a bit cynical, I like how write him.

Author's Response:

Aw! thanks so much...I hope you continued to read on and didn't start to hate him, but understood why he changed so much...

Also, there is a Jake POV chapter much later in the story that I am hoping will change a lot of people's views on him (lots of haters because of how bossy he was getting). There is a reason he was this way.

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! I hope you continued to read and enjoyed!!

xoxo,

AG1981

Well Jake sure acted like a jealous jerk didn't he?  Edward is going to have to learn how to be around her if he doesn't want to heart her.  Can;t wait to see how it goes,

Author's Response:

Yes, Jake really did act like a jealous jerk! However, I guess one can't REALLY blame him.

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

xoxo,

AG1981

After reading a few of your other stories I went on to your profile and found this one too - and absolutely love it.

Then I get to this chapter and you included part of a Dawson's Creek speech and that just floored me... that is my favourite show of all time and it just made this story so much better for me!

I saw on twitter that you have updated this on FF.net and I may just have to go over to keep reading there, I don't think I can wait LOL.

Author's Response: LMAO! I was waiting for a "DC" fan to catch it! I altered the speech a smidge, but that particular scene between P&J about their gravitational pull...the whole love triangle part of that awesome episode, actually...just fit so well. So I fiddled with it a teensy bit and had to add it. I am guilty! Lol! Glad you caughtit ;) Ok, if you go to FFn, wait a litle bit. I'm doing a SLIGHT re-write of the last 3 chapters that are there... (14-17) so I'd rather you get the new info, and not the old confusing info...cool? Thanks! Thanks so much for R & R!! xoxo, AG1981

Loved it! Man i just love Edward. So sweet and gentle with Bella and there when she needs him.  I just love your story!  Please update soon! 

Author's Response:

I love that you loved it!! Thanks so much!!

Thanks for reading and reviewing!!

xoxo,

AG1981

Damn this is really messed up.  I can't believe that Jake lost it like that.  In canon he is normally so careful around Bella.  Wow I can't wait to read more.

Author's Response:

THis is true...but if you think about it Canon-Jake never really HAD Bella and then lost her. So, take what he felt for her, then what he flet when losing her and then finding out that she was in love with the one thing he hated more than anything else...and KISSED him while she was still "Jake's"...I'm thinking it would be accurate to how he would have reacted...

 

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!

xoxo,

AG1981

Okay, now I'm glad Bella knows about Edward.  Because she is not yet in love with Edward, and had no reason to accept him for what he is, I kind of expected her reaction in the meadow.  (I *loved* that Edward took her to the meadow to talk, btw!)  Even so, it broke my heart that she ran from him.  However, when she called him and said they needed to talk, I felt much better.  In this version of reality, I think her first reaction was really reasonable.  Still, I was glad to find out out that, while she might not be in love with Edward yet, Bella feels a connection, and I'm so glad that she wants him to stay.

When Jake burst into the diner and saw Bella with Edward, I half expected Jake to phase right then and there.  I'm still afraid of his anger, and hated that Bella left the diner with him.  Since Bella had told him that she probably wouldn't be seeing Edward outside of class, I imagine that Jake took that as a promise -- because he wanted to take it that way -- and he's going to be furious that he found Edward and Bella together -- even though it was something as simple as having coffee, so I'm still afraid that Jake could be angry enough to phaze in front of Bella, and she could get really hurtl  I hope that doesn't hapen, but it's definitely possible that it could.  While I believe that Jacob would not want to hurt Bella, he can't control his emotions as a young werewolf, and I don't want to see him phase in front of her.

Thanks for another truly great chapter.  I'm more than eager to read the next one.  Go figure!  Thanks again!  :)

Author's Response:

YAY! I'm so glad you loved how I incorporated the meadow in my story...it's one of the things I always try to put into each of my fics. and I'm even more happy that you appreciated her true reaction (truthfully, I hated that she was SOOOO accepting in the book, I mean, not even a LITTLE bit of fear that the dude you're scammin' on wants to drink your blood??)

 

And Jake...what can I say, he's looking more and more possessive... And I love that you pick up on his coming close to losing control when faced with Bella's defiance to "obey" him :P

Thanks for R & R!

xoxo,

AG1981