I literally LOLed and spat out my orange juice slightly when Jessica Stanley puked because of Stinky du Loc! As always, great job :)

Author's Response:

Hi there KristinHazzard!

OMG! Jessica would like you to know that the creepy guy with the greasy hair was totally gross. I mean sure his voice was hot and all. But the second she got a whiff of whatever serious BO issues the man had she called her Mommy. After she hurled. Which was so totally not cool. 

Blows kisses.

Thanks for the review. Jessica is waving at you. And clutching Pepto. 

Books

OK, so Edward was doing better there in the hospital talking to Bella (once everyone had brow beaten him into opening his mouth tht is).  Things were looking good, bright even.  Then there was the lunchtime incident. *face palm*  For someone who doesn't talk much, you'd espect him to think more before he opend his mouth. *snicker*

Maybe they can bond in the garden again.  Assuming she gets over her humiliation of being told she's too thin and needs to take her medicine...in front of everyone.  Control freak much, Eddie-boy?

Loved all the importals that have taken over Forks High.  They had to a doubled the enrollment.  No one is wondering why all of a sudden there are so many new students? *grin*

Author's Response:

Hi there Rogue!

Thanks so much for the review! I had a blast writing this chapter. I liked the idea of leaving the haughty snotty immortals kind of vague like this noisome crowd Edward doesn't even want to bother to get to know their names he's so irked. But I also liked the idea of him and Bella starting to show some emotional closeness - and then having him humiliate her accidentally while trying to be helpful. She knows he meant well. But still. And having that whole scene with Mrs. Corelli and him and Emmett was way too much fun. To me since Bella is shy she has felt humiliated before, but while the Cullens were gone and she kept getting sicker and thinner she got used to people staring at her and whispering in concern. That humiliated her on a regular basis. But being humiliated in front of these immortals that are looking at her literally like she's oh so not worthy but they are going to deign to chase her? Now THAT is irritating. I liked creating the idea that in the immortal world - at least the aristocracy part of it, they really don't "do" disabilities. Vampires can regenerate, so ones like Emmett that didn't quite turn right were killed. That is to me why Arria did not want her daughter ever exposed to the immortal world. She knew they would mock her. And I think I only made it about fifty immortals that added to the school because there was limited space. I know a school reaches capacity at some point and they tell new residents that they have to go to another. That's why I wrote in Carlisle and Marcus having portable classrooms brought in to aid Forks in taking the Quileute children into the school. It also made room for more immortals. Who knew?

And people are indeed wondering where so many people came from. The haughty snotty immortals aren't used to blending with mere humans and haven't really bothered to create convincing cover stories. Oops. That's why I had some get caught with badly forged papers. In my mind, I wanted to show that they might come from covens with pristine blood lines but hanging out with humans and following human rules and not snacking on people who irritate them? They are completely in Edward's world. He just hasn't figured that out yet. 

I'll post this on the thread later, but since you amused me so, you are getting your own personal teaser before everyone else gets it. It's a visual one. Gold star if you can figure out what it means.

Best,

Books

 

Loved the conversation with Aaron. Great twist! And the school scenes were wonderful. Gosh Edward needs a copy of "Men are from Mars". *shakes head* Amazing job, as always! Ellie

Author's Response:

Hi there Ellie!

Thanks for the review, hon. Edward certainly could use some tips on dealing with women. Too bad he's too stubborn to ask anyone with experience with women from this generation. He knows everything. Sort of. 

Best,

Books

haha, I love that Aro wanted the glittery card.  Too funny.  This is a great and fresh take on things, by the way.  I'm enjoying the humor.

Author's Response:

Hi there anglflip!

Thanks so much for the reviews! And the stars! I adore Aro in this story. He's so much fun. The backstory is starting soon. Edward will be gloomy in HOD 1 Expect him to lighten up and become snarky from then after. And there's loads more humor. Promise.

Best,

Books

Ah....Edward, you really need to get a grip. Another hysterical chapter....Can't wait for some major Edward and Bella. I want to know how she takes the whole married, mating deal. LOL!!!!

Author's Response:

Hi there Tracey J!

Thanks so much for the review! I'm delighted you are enjoying this section of the story. I am having a blast with it. 

Expect loads more Edward and Bella next chapter.

Best,

Books

It was definitely interesting to see the interaction between Jasper and Aaron and to get more information about their shared history.

It was good to see Edward leave his comfort zone and start to discuss things with Bella, even if the idea was not originally his (as we know he would prefer his stoic silence)...

Then finally back to school with so many immortals with varied intentions, but they seem to have been dealt with quite easily.

And lastly, Edward!  Wow, he really did get it here and what a behavior plan for him.  The whole talking to Bella thing it would seem would not bother him as much, but he needs as much almost-pressed-against the flesh time he can get.  I am definitely looking forward to more on all of this, especially with Maria lurking and scheming somewhere!  :)

Author's Response:

Hi there fanficreader83!

I'm so glad you enjoyed that first scene! Thanks so much for the feedback. I do get worried from time to time when I pull plot threads together on things that people might just sit there and think, yeah, yeah, what about Edward and Bella? And I needed the audience to understand just what Genevieve has been ranting about all along with the pleas for help about the red-eyed people. Oh Edward, I still love that line about how he and Bella got along perfectly fine when she was asleep, he most definitely is out of his comfort zone. And his family has done all the prodding they can without making him go bonkers given that he is so temperamental lately. So I'm having loads of fun with him. 

And the immortal invasion has only just begun. Mwa-hah-hah - in terms of Forks high school. They've gotten through lunch so far. I had way too much fun with Edward and Mrs. Corelli. Glad you enjoyed his behavioral management plan. I plan on having more fiendish fun with it. And Maria, she's been pouting, claiming she has needs. 

Best,

Books

"Oh, man Aaron must be pissed." To the best of my knowledge no vampire had ever urinated, but I was not going to correct her on such a vulgar point.
- I literally choked on my Diet Coke reading that.

Leah changed the subject, "Your sister says she's a shrink."
"I'm sorry?"
"A head-shrinker."
"My sister does not belong to a cannibal head-shrinking tribe from Ecuador last time I checked. And really, it is a little known fact that they stopped shrinking heads in the 1970s."
- and one would think I would have figured out by now that drinking Diet Coke while reading this story is not such a wise idea...My nose is on fire here.

So, not real sure what is up with the whole Jasper & Aaron bonding moment so I will reserve my thoughts... for now. I know that I do not trust Aaron & I am hoping upon hope that my trust is Jasper is not misplaced. I am extremely uncomfortable with Aarons "gift". Just Sayin'. While I am expressing my distrust ... Arria. 'nuff said.

So very much happened during this chapter that I would need to soak it all in, read it again & then comment b/c that's just how I roll...but I seem to be so busy that I fail to follow through with my good intentions. You know how that is right? I mean the whole RL life being busy as hell thing.
I love the "bonding moment" with Leah. He really did well with that especially when you consider that he is not a fan of talking. At. All. I love that Esme & Charlie are stepping in to help them out without trying to make them feel like charity cases. I think that would have the opposite effect than intended. I love sweet Seth.

I am concerned about Edward's physical health just as his family is. This newborn cocktail thing is killing him & not so slowly I might add. I found myself holding my breath through the whole CPR episode. However I must admit the venom scarred & swollen lips were a nice "mood lightener" for that particular situation.

As far as the return to school...I am wondering...are Bella and Alice is actual danger or is this just a way of fielding off unwanted admirers. I mean I know Maria & her minions are out there but part of me thinks that isn't the main reason for all of this. I mean Bella is not the only one they are all there for. Well okay, of course there is a certain amount of danger since the place is being overrun my vamps of all shapes, sizes & backgrounds so...I suppose these were just thoughts, rhetorical questions if your will. I will wait it out naturally to figure things out.

Ya know, reading this I find that there are feelings that remind me of "Lost" moments. I am like "What? What did I just read?" and find that I go back & reread the recommended or mentioned chapters from the beginning A/N review to make better sense do I have that "Ooooh Yeeeaaah" moment.

As I mention every time...excellent chapter!

Author's Response:

Hi there Rgwmnks!

I'm squeeing like a fangirl reading your review. :) Thanks so much for letting me know what you think about the chapter. It really is helpful that you give me specific examples of what stood out to you. I wanted to show in this chapter several situations in which forgiveness was a central theme. You have Aaron that Jasper most definitely wronged when he killed and turned him. You have Jasper that Aaron most definitely wronged when he killed their family. And you have Leah and Seth. And you have Edward and Leah - he knew she wanted to break him and Bella up. And you have Bella and Edward and Bella and Leah, and Bella and the rest of the freaking world. Kidding. Not. Bella has a lot of people who need her forgiveness. Edward is chilled that she has not responded to Renee in any way, shape, and or form for over eight months. So I am interested in this arc of the story in showing several situations where you see differing shades of forgiveness and reconciliation. I don't know that even Aaron knows what his gift is to be honest, so I can understand why you are uncomfortable. And remember that Jasper can read emotions. Deception is not one of them, but I think Jasper has been around enough liars and he knows Aaron well enough that if Aaron was lying, Jasper would have a clue. Don't you? And then there is the fact that Edward was reading Aaron's mind, and did not get any kind of hint that Aaron meant Jasper ill. 

I'm glad you enjoyed his chat with Leah. I wanted to show her having to deal with the simple practicalities of having a family member die - like dealing with the mail, and keeping the house clean and figuring out what to do with their things. And to me, Leah's way of coping is that if she does not change anything in the house, then it'll be like Mom and Dad will come through the door any minute. Right? I also wanted to show that he might be a goofball, but Chief Swan is most definitely pissed off about Harry's death - and he doesn't know Sue was murdered so he's grieving her fluke accident. And there's no way he's going to let Leah and Seth suffer. And he's worried about his daughter. So Charlie Swan has never been under more pressure in his life than he is right now. Fiancee was kidnapped for months and seriously wounded, best friend and wife both died, he's now responsible for one seriously pissed off Leah, Seth, and Bella, AND Jacob. 

I had to have his lips turn blue. It reminded me of the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie. :) And let me make this clear, Marcus family a thousand years ago were hunted like animals. All his brothers and sisters and their children were killed. Because of that legend that great power would spring from his line. Remember the scene with the Gorgon getting attacked? She could not save her children that were killed in front of her eyes as her brother dragged her to safety. And she most definitely has been raging for a century or nine over that injustice. So yes, Mary Alice and Bella as well as all of his other children are most definitely in danger. And Bella is the frailest one of them all. She still would not survive a transition. So he can't bite her to protect her with immortality. Hope that helped. :)

Best,

Books

How can you be made of such awesome? I am running out of adequate words to describe the love I have for this story. Thank you for all the happy.

 

~Mia

Author's Response:

Aw but you spoil me so with your killer combination of wisecracks and insightful comments that always, always make me think and want to up my game and write a better chapter. :)

It goes both ways, Mia. :)

Hugs,

Books

This is a preread review. I have been thinking about you all week. I have a new job,yay, and one of the codes that I stare at day in and day out is HOD. Gives me a secret little giggle feel every time it pops up, because I think of this story. At first it took me a time or two of seeing it before I realised what my brain was subconsciously associating it with.

Well, wish me luck, I'm off to devour your story now and when I get back tonight.

~Mia

Author's Response:

Hi there Mia!

Ah thanks hon! We must have had a Vulcan mind meld moment because there was a section of the chapter that is about to go up that I was thinking, "Mia would not like it written that way....so I changed it." Hope all is going well in RL and I look forward to hearing you thoughts on the just posted chapter.

Best,

Books

Well, I really like this story, just so you know.  Given the nature of your writing style, I can concievably compare it to Dean Koontz.  He's one of my favorites and your style reminds me of him.  I am anxiously awaiting your next update, as i do want to see this resolved.  I realize that you said that there would not be a 'quick solution', but after 57 extrememly lengthy chapters, I venture to say that you're in no danger of that outcome.  As I said, I really like this story, but am anxious for resolution.  I love your work and hope you continue soon.

Author's Response:

Hi there nocturnal_rendevous!

Thanks so much for your kind words! I have read one book by Dean Koontz (the Odd Thomas series) and enjoyed him - and am honored by the comparison. :) If you go and re-read the first section of the story both Edward and Bella are a mess. Neither are communicating with the other and both are still showing that they aren't quite healed - hence the conflict, betting, and secret keeping. That's what this section of the story is aiming towards. So that's what I mean by "quick solutions". I was bothered by how instantly Bella was cured of every ailment in New Moon - Edward too, and did not want to do that in this story. I wanted to show that actions have consequences, and how Bella and Edward have to rebuilt trust. If you look at the first part of the story, I think you could argue they aren't quite where they need to be in terms of trust (See the conversation Carlisle has with Edward in Lies, Dreams, and Schemes). Carlisle has opened Bella's eyes and she's going to get them opened more in the chapter that is about to post. I think you will enjoy the next few chapters. :) *evil grin*

Best,

Books

I love every chapter.  I am so impatient for the next chapters to come, I look everyday for new updates, and everytime, I met with the picture of douglas and then I am completely blissed out for the next 24 hours.

I have started reading your book from the beginning again, so that I can get my daily dosage.  Thanks so much for this wonderful story, cant wait for the next chapter.

Twaddles

 

Author's Response:

Hi there Twaddles!

Thanks so much for the review! I'm bowled over by your kind words. :) I have been having so much fun with this story and I'm working especially hard on this section. If you follow me on Twitter at Bookishqua (I'll follow you back), I tweet whenever I post spoilers and update the chapters. There are several spoilers - and plenty of Douglas pictures galore - posted on the story's thread on the AU Forum. Your homework assignment to keep you occupied until I post the next chapter - which is with my betas - is to read the following:

-Re-read the break-up scene. Each and every word is going to come back to haunt Edward. And I'd definitely re-read Jasper's visions that he received from Genevieve about his family. 

You made my night. Seriously. Douglas is waving at you!

Books

*high pitched voice* Oh. My. God!! *dancing and screaming and jumping around* You used it! :) You have no idea how happy I am to see a tiny, tiny contribution of mine (though I didnt invent the saying. Shhhhhh! I won't tell if you don't) making its way into your awesome story! I am fangirling big time here.

Ok, ok, calm down, deep breaths... Time to read and review. I can do it... Oh! My God!!! :)

The blind man opens his eyes a bit more with every chapter. And isn't reality hitting him hard. Although while he is responsible for most of his troubles - as much as it pains me to write the words: CCE is/can be an idiot - You can't be too mad at him because he genuinely thought he was doing something good. More fool him.

Sooooooo, THE talk. With Carlisle AND Marcus. Pure gold! Not to mention true evil hehehe Someone has been reading too many fairytales or watched chick flicks on the DL "I saw her eyes from across the room, and...". Eddie, Eddie, Eddie... (Yes, let's annoy him some, it's so much fun!). Another dose of reality was badly needed there. UtopiaLand does not exist.

Oh ok, that was a rather short "talk" LOL Then again, you could not very well have a conversation where Carlisle and Marcus would go: " You see Edward, when a daddy and a mummy vampire love each other very much...". They spinned the conversation quickly though those men. One second it's the "Now you are a man" talk, the next it's "So, Bella's life and the recent events". I found it funny (not haha but rather interesting) how they are placing themselves as judge and jury in a way, especially while talking about the decisions people made for her and how she has been deceived and lied to. And let's note how CCE leaves himself out of the lying bunch but is quick to bring up Genevieve's name. Not to mention how "Childish Edward" is coming out to play as well. So complex that boy. Euh man. Euh vampire...

Oh, and let's not forget "Pervy Dreamer Edward".

Arria asking for an explanation?And being thankful for something?! Not really surprised about Rosalie though. We have seen her caring side surface in the past.

That first dream of Bella at home was a bit unsettling. Totally get how she might not want any reminder whatsoever of those who have come into her life only to betray her (that's the way she sees it anyway), but the blade?? Although come to think of it as i write this, it is not THAT surprising. She probably wanted to protect Charlie at all cost, the way she already had done for her friend in the past. And she knew they were not dealing with a human.

And calling her a liar in dream 2? Seriously, CCE. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Does he suffer from short term memory loss on top of everything else?

Oh, to be woken by the angelic voice of SSE chanting Latin prayers (could we make it Kings of Leon, Placebo or Jeff Buckley though? Just a wild thought...) Have I ever mentioned I'm so very fond of him? :p Yep, I'm sure this comes as a huge surprise. I bet he is even cuter when he is irritated. To life the veil on that innocent soul *sigh* I'm sure what is laying underneath is very interesting. Ok, going off track now. Back to business.

Paula - unwillingly - keeps great company. That demon is something else. Charming, photogenic (thanks for the picture!), amiable, ... words fail me LOL  This fight against one "being" is a lot more arduous than the previous one against an army of thousands. Guess it all comes down to will and determination.

At least CCE got some comfort after the effort. A few hours of pressed-against-Bella sleep. But then of course comes the wake up call. Hello, Mr Persistent Demon! It's great to help CCE maintain his multi-tasking skills though. Monitoring Paula and the shield, talking to Marcus, keeping an eye on his little Grandmaster, playing chess, ... He is full of wonders.

One thing confuses me in this part of the chapter. After Paula sends CCE the memories of the attack, CCE sends a text to Jasper. Wasn't he supposed to be in the room alongside Emmett?

Bella and Edward combined powers to rid Paula of the evil creature. Somehow I have Frankie Goes To Hollywood "The Power Of Love" playing in my head. How peculiar and ironic! Remember that line "keep the vampires from your door"? LOL It worked though. Mr Monster has departed - for now. Then the next morning CCE tries his hand at Sade's "Smooth Operator". Yeah... he's got some work ahead of him to get there.

Leah added like a brat with that letter. Teenagers!! ;)

Is it really that surprising that Bella isn't talking? I don't think so. I bet she is saying plenty in that mind of hers. Words are sometimes silent.

Aaaw! CCE is acting all grown up for Christmas and sharing Bella. Think he'll try to make it count for Lent as well? ;) I mean, he sacrificed alone time with his bride, after all. lol

He doesn't get a nice present for the birth of the Savior though. Bad demon, the return. Never, ever able to get a break. And targetting his Bottlecap. That's just mean. And wrong. Thank God he has Fam-enemies close at hand to help. Good riddance. And how awesome was SSE contribution?? (yeah, ok, ok, his contribution was slim. But still...)

Wjat's a submarine sandwich by the way?

Charlie's an OK guy. Got to dig around a bit, but with guidance he is a good dad.

I know you probably won't answer now (is that an evil grin I spy??) but could Bella's nightmares have something to do with some more secrets she is still hiding at this point?

Emmett and Rose are certainly interesting parents. I bet whole chapters could be devoted to them and parenthood. The Ice Queen melting before the kiddies. Not that she'd ever admit it. E.V.E.R. And Emmett could bring out great one liners with regarding to feeding, growing, bathing, changing the little ones ;)

Marcus is everywhere and all over things isn't he? Should Forks change its name to MarcusLand? Sounds like an amusement park... or is it?

Nice bit of interaction between Leah and Edward at the Clearwaters'. They are both holding on so hard to their mutual hatred, or at the very least annoyance. I would personally call them frienemies. Obviously they would both tear off my tongue for voicing that opinion. Frienenmies, frienemies, frienemies!!! They're very much alike about many things, both want Bella's happiness, both wanting the best and willing what it takes for those they care about... Play nice, kids!

You wrote beautifully the part with bella's letter and CCE's reaction to it. Very emotional, and not soppy at all. It sounded very much like a suicide note, though she wouldnt technically take her own life. One can easily imagine what punishment it s for Edward coming across those words. Bless Douglas and Grace by the way.

Another cliffie to close the chapter?? Evil woman! hehehe that is why we love you and this story so.

That Aaron is as black as that demon that plagued Paula I'm sure.

By the way, is it me or is my dear SSE showing a snarkier side these days? He's certainly a bit less restrained lately. Jugurtha though appears more level headed, the voice of reason. Not so much the little rebel demon from the start.

Have I mentioned I love your story? And the author behind it? ;)

Author's Response:

Hi there summerC79!

Words fail me. Seriously. Um. Wow. :) Thanks so much for giving me such amazing feedback on this chapter. When I heard you use that phrase I just knew that I had to find a way to work it into the story. It made so much sense. This whole chapter has been about Edward doing things that he might not have wanted to do in the hopes of showing his devotion to Bella. I wanted to show with the talk that Edward is clueless about the vampire mate bond process. I also wanted to show that it's not the same for everyone. And in my mind, Marcus and Vivinna are the only other example that they know of regarding a vampire forming a bond with a mortal. And it literally killed Vivinna. No pressure. Nope. I also wanted to show the irony of Carlisle and Esme being so happy while at the same time, her trying to grieve over the death of her son and deal with the fallout from trying to take her life. I did not want to show that when people form a mate bond they are so ecstatically happy that all their other problems fade away. 

I liked the irony in the dream that she gave away her Grandparents' beloved chess set, but she kept the knife that Liam let her. Practical, that one. In her mind, she did not want to be the "stupid human" and with the Cullens vanishing without a word that just reinforced that they all were toying with her the entire time. Yes, she now knows that they really had a good reason for why they were gone, but really, she has more pressing matters on her mind. 

This is a submarine sandwich:

In my mind, Americans have turkey, lamb, duck, or some type of formal meal at Christmas, they do not have food that we associate with lunch time, or eating at sporting events. I wanted to "show" just how brave Bella was by having her take a knife to Arria. I also wanted Edward to get an idea of just what she had been through while he was gone. And I liked the idea of fleshing out Arria and Bella's as well as Bella's and Charlie's relationship in one scene. Glad you liked the demon. I came across that image in my research and it completely creeped me out. So I had to use it. In regards to Paula she was in the hospital for a little while and then they released her to live in the guest cottage essentially still in the hospital just out of most human eyes. Charlie is living with her in the guest cottage, and she's surrounded 24/7 by immortals that are watching to see what she does. So Jasper and Emmett go from the hospital to the guest cottage to talk with her. I had him text Jasper because in my mind, he's doing so much multitasking that trying to "send" his thoughts to Jasper takes so much effort that he just chose the phone as the means of communicating with him. 

I had the demon come back because I wanted to show that even the Telecles and Carnathai clans are not all powerful. They can't always win. I also wanted to give yet another reason why Bella has to be guarded. She's now got a target on her back thanks to that demon. In regards to her nightmares, you never know with Bella. She's been through an awful lot in a short amount of time to have nightmares about and talking to Edward about them would imply that she trusts him, which she most definitely does not. The nice thing about Marcus' gift is that to me he's the immortal equivalent of the Internet. He's there all the time in the minds of those who are loyal to him. So Edward can call mentally on him at any time. But Marcus can't pry around in Edward's mind - although he can in that of other people. 

I thought it would be a hoot to take the thoughts of book Bella and have a character saying them out loud - which is how Leah came to be. Talking about how hot Sam was every other word to the point where people are rolling their eyes. I also saw her as someone who had a lot of growing up to do, who was immature, self-centered, but still loved her family. And she's lost both her parents in the past few months and has been unable to stop it. She hates being a wolf. She's grieving over her cousins and the baby. It sucks to be Leah. I wanted to "show" her doing a little bit of growing up but also "show" just how deep her grief ran. She left the house as it was the day her Mother died, except for the food. She couldn't bear to make a change. I saw Edward's behavior towards her as part calculated (If I help her, then I get access to all those memories that could help me) but also because part of him realizes that it is the right thing to do - echoing how Carlisle helped him when his own human parents died. 

I've left the question of did she or did she not try to take her life up to the audience to decide. She went to meet Victoria knowing that she probably was going to die, and wrote the note in a hurry. I liked the idea of making Edward have to re-write it. I also wanted to emphasize in the chapter - and I did it with the note and with the "talk" that Marcus and Carlisle had that Bella no longer desires to be an immortal. And that has to hurt Edward on every level. 

SSE is getting a bit more aggressive, yes. He's angry that our dear little one has been so hurt. And he feels that it is in their best interest if Main Edward listens to him from time to time. He also would get irritating if he constantly pointed out to Edward what a jerk he was, so he's trying to tone that down a bit. Not much. But still. :)

You seriously made my day. 

Thanks so much!

Books

I knew I should just trust where are you going. I guess I forgot about the sedatives. Man, that stupid Renee...what a hobag :-). So, I know she's no Douglas, but I wanted to share a pic of my puppy with you. She actually sits on her ass in this recliner we have for her. She stares out the window and whisper barks like an old woman at everyone who goes by on foot or bike. this is her annoyed face when I've taken too many pics of her. It's all I've got to give you to make you laugh today...

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3494915&id=519443066

Author's Response:

a there Jenejes!

Hon, this is my first fanfic. And it's been a learning experience, and I know as a writer I had a lot more learning to do. I think it's more than okay for you to doubt me, or anyone else, when you are reading a story. By asking questions about things that don't make sense to you, it helps me as a writer figure out if the message that I wanted to send was interpreted in the way I had hoped that it would. And this was a difficult chapter to write. I put time passing in there on purpose in order to show that Bella is recovering, but also to "show" just how much pain she is experiencing. In my mind, people who are that depressed really aren't capable of making major decisions, much less minor ones. So to me, Bella is doped up to the gills with anti-anxiety medication which makes her muzzy-headed, and anti-depressants, and Carlisle is lambasting her with massive amounts of his power to keep her calm so that she'll stay in the same room with Edward and both of them will heal. As for Renee? To me she's a mixed bag. She was smart enough to figure out that something wasn't right with Genevieve and Liam and since Charlie was too oblivious to do anything about it, she took her kid and ran. Far. And she did her best to keep Bella away from Forks as much as she could get away with - not that it worked. But still. For a dingbat, she had moments of intelligence. But Bella hasn't talked to her since the accident, and Charlie and she rarely talk. So she has no idea what Bella has been going through. And she's still a self-involved dingbat. Your puppy is adorable! I love how they sit by the window and watch people and animals pass by. I call it doggie television. :)

Best,

Books