Oh snap, there was some hot and heavy action going on. Quite tasteful.. and I'm not just talking about the wine. You always get me heavy hearted whenever Bella talks about not being able to do things like everyone else can.. about not being so carefree. It's times like those I feel really close to the character you write. I don't think you ever fail to deliver an amazing chapter. I love how you always mention different types of wines in your chapter, it's exanding my knowledge. ;) By the way. I pimped out your story in one of the fanfiction communities I post on at livejournal. Hope you don't mind.

Author's Response:

Hi there!  Thanks for reading and reviewing and for your kind words.  Thanks for recing this story!  That means a lot to me.  I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.  It was a major step in their relationship and more importantly, for Bella to open herself up and let someone in.  Alot of people want everything to be normal with them, for them to fall into bed together as soon as possible, and while that's a lovely dream and works in some stories, its not the reality for these two.  Ah, wine...yes- can't resist adding it in...just too tempting!  Thanks so much again.  After the kind of day I've had, you've certainly made it better. XO Leslie

wow, i had a lump in my throat with this one!

Author's Response:

Hi there!  Thanks for reading and reviewing.  Lots more on the way.  Cheers

I'm just wondering how flexible is that swim leg?

Author's Response:

Not very.  Thanks for reading and reviewing!  Lots more on the way.

Don't hide - Edward's dickery is very amusing!! 8)  He is a huge wanker, ain't he???

I wondered how he would get his first look at Bella's prosthesis - and worried they'd be making out and he's be freaked out by it. While I'm sure it surprised Bella, at least the cat's out of the bag now, ya know?  He's gonna have some SERIOUS work ahead of him to crack her shell!

And I hate that line of his - I thought YOU of all people wouldn't judge - that puts a huge burden on "special" people to be perfect and sing "we are the world" every 10 seconds. Amputees, people who stutter, obese shut-ins are just as likely - an entitled - to be assholes and discriminate. (that sounds ridiculous, I know, but it's true.)  Why should they have to love everybody??

Human behavior is what it is - often stupid, often unkind, often biased. All you can do is try your best and be polite, and realize when you're being ignorant.   And for god's sake, don't gawk and ask rude questions!!

Edward needs a big clue....maybe Walmart. :)

Author's Response:

Hi there!  Yes-he is a huge wanker! You are correct - and thanks for picking up on his comment-I think you're the only one who did.  It's exactly what she didn't want to hear-she wants ultimately to be treated like a normal person.  Edward has got a really long way to go-he's got a ton of issues that you're only just starting to see.  He needs to work them out before he can cut the bravado and have a meaninful relationship with anyone.  Does Walmart sell clues?  LOL Cheers!

Wine has never been put to better use or enjoyment than how you described it. Definitely handing this chapter to hubby with a note attached saying, "My sweet fantasy. Please recreate with me!" (Some guys, who have no imagination, need explicit examples.)

Loved how deep Edward is into his emotions and caring for Bella. Nice that he wants to be protective and caveward, and showing Bella that learning about her limitations is all about loving her as a whole person. "It can be part of our journey" - sweet.

LOL - Bella left Edward asleep in bed in order to go run with Jake. Just another example that she's not allowing herself to believe in a relationship with Edward. Afraid of getting her heart hurt.

Can't wait to see what you write about Edward's intense painting after Bella goes to work after the shower. The canvas results should be intensive, bright, bold, captivating, perfection.

Author's Response:

Hi there!  Glad I could help with the Fantasy Recreation!  Thanks for reading and reviewing-I'm glad that you understood her leaving for the run-not sure if everyone understood that fully or not. She's fiercely independent and will always have a part of her that doubts what's happening with Edward.  Lots more on the way- more painting of course!  XO Leslie

Holy crap, didn't see that one coming!!! Well played. :)

I thought Bella was just sorta rude/snarky, but I'm completely with her - I would SO not go to a club and be set up! What the HELL is Emmett thinking?? Shit, club scene is a ridiculous place to set somebody up - first of all, everybody is often dressed to the nines, looking to hook up for the night, rub up on somebody pretty....shit, they often don't even let the non-perfectly-gorgeous people IN!  It's certainly NOT the place to say "hi, I'm Bella and I have a prosthesis."  I could KILL Emmett for that stupid stunt! He is setting Bella up for, at the very least, a LOT of embarrassment.  WTF, Emmett!  Gah. And Bella should just say no! (thanks, Nancy Reagan!)  I felt for her - blind dates are hell, even for the physically perfect. 

Bella is in a tricky spot with dating, anyway....it's like meeting someone on line. You want to meet them, but what do you say before hand? "yeah, my picture is old, and now I'm bald."  "It's a head shot, but I have a really really fat ass!"  "I am pretty, but am completely unstable."  You almost feel like you have to blurt stuff out before hand to give them an escape hatch and spare yourself the pain of seeing the shock on their face when they see your bald head/fatt ass/whatever.  Sigh.   And saying "looks don't matter" is pretty much bullshit - to most people, they DO matter - a lot - and you'll never get past the first date.   And to be confronted by the physical perfection of Edward Cullen?? Gah, she must have wanted to shove her cane up Emmett's ass and then shoot herself. Who could have enough confidence to survive meeting that much Pretty???

Wow, now I'm totally depressed.  Tell Bella I'll go to the animal shelter with her and we can pick out a few nice cats. And then hit the liquor store on the way home.

:(

Author's Response:

Hi there and Welcome!  You know, you're one of the few people to comment on Emmett and his complete lack of common sense.  While he means well, I'm with you on this one - a bar is definitely NOT the place to meet people.  You really undersatnd this story already!  Bella has had to deal with alot since the accident - insecurities and self doubt that goes above and beyond the normal worries about meeting people.  While she's built this wall up to protect herself, at the end of the day, she's vulnerable and really wants to find someone who will accept her for who she is...who can see past it - much like you've said, even though we say looks don't matter - that pretty much is bullshit and she's had to endure alot of bullshit in her life.

Hmmm-wine- there's more of that coming up! :)

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing.  I hope you continue to. 

Cheers!

makes me wish i liked wine

Author's Response:

Oh-you really must try - it's not at all like a typical wine-you'll enjoy it...just think...cool, wet, syrupy goodness...hmmmm *Mind slips into gutter*  Thanks for reading and reviewing!  Cheers!

wow. i just found this.......compelling, and I've read a lot of fic....

here i go, chapter 2

Author's Response:

Hi and Welcome!  I'm glad you are enjoying!  Looking forward to your thoughts and thanks for reading and reviewing!  XO

Freakin James.  Edward, Jake, or Em should do something about this.

Author's Response:

Thanks for reading and reviewing...yes...James - he's a bit of a creepy one, eh?

Aw, he is so perfect a total sweetheart. Cant wait for the next chapter!

Author's Response:

Hi there,  Thanks for reading and reviewing.  Lots more on the way.  XO

Kick James' ass.  Uhm.  A buldging hot Jake was a nice image.

Author's Response:

hmmm-Buldging Jake...yesssss....Thanks for reading and reviewing

She should have been afraid of James.  Why is he such a creeper?

Author's Response:

Yep--he's creepy...Thanks for reading and reviewing.

Better not be freaking James.  Where the hell is Mike?  Wasted Bella is not good.

Author's Response:

LOL-Aw-you have to get drunk ever once in a while!   XO