Thank you very much for a wonderful story.  I am looking forward to your sequel "Outside the Bubble".  I love your take on Robert Pattinson and Gemma.

Please hurry up with the next instalment.

 

Author's Response:

Hi Intsu,

Thanks so much for reading and for your lovely review! It's so great to hear you enjoyed the story. :)

I'm still writing Outside The Bubble, but it should be up within a few months. I like to have the majority of the story written before I post it on Twilighted, but keep an eye out!

Thanks again,

-SwimmingBee x

Dear Bee:

First, thank you so much for this story, I have followed faithfully from the beginning and I loved every part of it... ok I didn't love the angst parts but hey, that's life right? You are a great writer!

Second, I am so excited and happy that you are writing a sequel and will be checking back regularly to see when it posts. 

Thank you again for the fantastic story!

Marissa

Author's Response:

Hey Marissa,

Thank you so much for reading and for your lovely comments! It's so great to hear you enjoyed the story. The angsty parts certainly weren't much fun, but they were still important. And as you said, that's life! Sometimes life throws us something awful when we least expect it. But even more importantly, Rob and Gemma worked through it and came out much stronger than before.

Glad you're looking forward to the sequel! It's coming along nicely and should be up within the next few months. :)

Thanks again!

-SwimmingBee x

Dear Bee,

It surely was an amazing journey and story. I appreciate your thanks, but I should be thanking you for bringing hours of pleasure into my life, reading this fantastically written and realistically told love story.

There was only one way this story could end - you know I said it before that he loves her, and will not do it again. I am not saying that their future will not be difficult (and I can't wait to read about it), but he realises what he almost lost for ever and he loves her way too much to risk that.

Good luck with your future projects and hopefully we will continue to chat on Twitter. Can't wait to read more.

 

Yorkshirelass

Author's Response:

Hey Yorkshirelass,

Aww, I'm so glad you enjoyed the story! You've been so much fun along the way - here, on the forums and on Twitter. I truly appreciate all your support and chats along the way. You've been spot on with your comments all along, and I love that you always understood exactly what was going on with Rob and Gemma. You're right - there really was only one way for this story to end! I always promised a happy ending... Rob definitely realises what he almost lost and would never put either of them in that situation again. They're happy and committed to each other, and ready to tackle the future. :)

Thank you so much for everything! We'll definitely continue to chat on Twitter!

-SwimmingBee x

I loved the ending and I think it was a fantasic way to finsh off the story! I'm so glad you are writing a sequal and from what you have already hinted about  whats going to be in it, I can't wait to read it :D xx

Author's Response:

Hey jenniep,

Thanks so much for reading and for your lovely comments! It's great to hear you enjoyed the story. I had lots of fun writing it! :)

The sequel should be up on Twilighted in the next few months, so keep an eye out! Thanks again!

-SwimmingBee x

cannot wait for the sequal so glad u decided to write one :) do u have it posted somwhere else or will we just have to wait till its up here?

Author's Response:

Hi twilightmom96,

Thanks so much! I'm excited for the sequel too. I've only written a couple of chapters so far, but it will just be posted here on Twilighted, so keep an eye out. :)

Thanks again for reading and for your support along the way!

-SwimmingBee x

i so hope I am the first to review this!!! i have followed your story right from the very beginning and have never reviewed until now. WHAT A PERFECT ENDING TO SUCH A PERFECT STORY!! the way you write is so emotive and wonderful i got completely wrapped up in the middle of Rob and Gemma. you've given me a little escape from reality whilst i've been going through some rough patches and I just wanted to thank you so much!. can't wait for your next story (if there is one!)

xxf

Author's Response:

Hi Frankie,

Wow, what a lovely review! Thanks so much! :)

Yep, you were definitely the first person to review the final chapter. I'm glad you decided to leave a review after reading from the beginning - it really means a lot to hear from readers. It's so great to hear you enjoyed the story. It was a lot of fun to write and I'm a bit sad it's over, but it's been such an amazing ride. And yes, there is a new story - two, in fact! I wrote about them in the final chapter notes... a Days Like This sequel and another Edward/Bella fic too! Check out the chapter notes to see the banners and a few more details!

Thanks again for reading and for your lovely comments. :)

-SwimmingBee x

Aw, love how he's so honest and doesn't take anything for granted with her.

I can't wait for the next chapter, crossing my fingers for a happy ending, yet I don't want this story to be over. I really hope you'll write another story (or maybe a sequel, that would be fantastic!). I'm going to read it either way, because you have such a beautiful way with words!

Author's Response:

Hi cilie,

Thanks so much for a lovely review! :)

Rob really poured his heart out to Gemma in this chapter, didn't he? It really was a big, important talk that they'd needed to have for a long time. We'll see what Gemma decides to do in the next chapter!

I'm a bit sad this story is coming to an end too! It's been so much fun to write and Rob and Gemma have really come such a long way. Make sure you read the chapter notes at the end of the final chapter for details about my next story! :)

Thanks again,

-SwimmingBee x

Very glad to finally get some answers! 

To a point, I can understand why Rob did what he did. I don't agree with his actions but, I understand.  He was protecting her...went about it the wrong way...but his intentions were good nontheless. 

Sort of on the fence about them having sex so soon.  They both have to be hurting and I'm not sure sex is the appropriate use to bandaid their hurt but, I guess I just have to trust you on this.  

It kind of breaks my heart every time Rob tells Gemma that he loves her.  I can't imagine how hard/painful it would be to say that and not get a reply.  Just makes me kind of sad for Rob

Sam

Author's Response:

Hey Sam,

Phew, we finally got to hear from Rob in this chapter! Yes, he really was trying to protect her, even though he went about it totally wrong. He knows that now too. But as you said, his intentions were good! Aww.

As for them sleeping together again, it was really about them comforting each other more than anything else. Yes, they're both hurting and they miss each other a lot, but really, they just needed to be together again to take away some of that hurt, at least for a night. It doesn't mean she's ready to forgive him or get back together with him... It's simply what they both needed.

Sorry for making your heart break, gah! I know these past few chapters have been really tough but trust me, as I said earlier, things do start to improve. There's 46 chapters altogether in this story, and you're nearly there! Hooray! Thanks so much for sticking with Rob and Gemma through the angst. I really do appreciate it! :)

-SwimmingBee x

So, I think that Gemma go so mad at Tom because, everything he was telling her was exactly what she has been thinking.  I honestly think Gemma is in the wrong in regards to how she reacted to Tom.  How is it fair for her to think or have thought exactly what he said and be mad at him for it?  Again, I have to keep reminding myself that Gemma is hurting.  But, at the same time, being hurt and/or hurting is no excuse for being rude to people who care about you...just my opinion.

OH GOD! WHAT!? Aaron. Really?!  I would love to block that whole scene from my mind.... just going to bypass that whole event.  Not one of Gemma's finer decisions in life but, as long as it doesn't repeat, I think it will be okay. And good did come from it, she finally is able to admit that she still loves him. 

Uh. Oh God..the text about Reese...:tear: I don't know if my heart can handle that again.  Such a simple and short text but, it had me a blubbering mess.  

And she replied!! She finally allowing herself to...feel again.  I loved Rob's reply. It was perfect and sweet and non pushy and just...amazing! 

I find it really interesting that, in my case at least, Rob is clearly in the wrong for cheating on Gemma but, the way the story is written, I find myself not angry with Rob, like I should be but, angry with Gemma for not allowing him in her life.  It's just really interesting that the person I should want to kill and strangle, I have extreme sympathy for...just a thought.  

Sam

 

Author's Response:

Hey Sam,

Ooh, Tom's phonecall. Lots of readers were mad with Tom about that, and some were mad with Gemma. Others could see it from both of their point of view. Tom was really just trying to help, but perhaps he overstepped the line a little by bringing up Rob. And on the other hand, Gemma was just sad and hurt, but perhaps was a bit too blunt with Tom. Which one of them was right? Who knows? But that's exactly what I like about reading people's opinions. I wrote this story deliberately so that it wasn't all just good versus evil. There are shades of grey, just like there is in real life, and it's up to us to decide what we believe.

Similarly, lots of readers were furious with Rob when he first cheated on Gemma, and wanted her to tear him to shreds. As the story went on though, they slowly started to forgive him, just as Gemma does. I think you're feeling the same thing, and that's absolutely fine. Like I said, it's all about the shades of grey...

Aaron, gah! You're right, it really wasn't one of Gemma's finest decisions. But somehow or other, it helped. Kissing Aaron was that last final break she needed to help her realize she missed Rob. Also, she finally found closure in her relationship with Aaron. So really, maybe it wasn't that bad after all. 

Thanks again for reading and reviewing as you go. It really means a lot!

-SwimmingBee x

::Deep Breath:: 

Okay, I have heard that your story is almost over which means that it's okay for me to read the rest of your story.  Since I have absolutly NO tolerency for angst, I'll try to fast forward thru the angst if you will. So here goes....

This chapter is really interesting to me.  While I hate (sorry) :( the direction this story is going, I do like how you have articulated the emotions Gemma is feeling.  You can tell that she is lost and hurting but you can also tell that she is angry.  

Gemma kind of confusses me at the moment.  She says to herself that she doesn't want anything to do with him and that she doesn't want to think of him, even deletes his phone number, but, she is relieved when her mom want to talk about Rob?  Just confussing but, I suppose Gemma as a whole is confused with everything.  

Ugh! The scene with Rob's phone call....just kill me now!  That just made my heart completly hurt for Rob.  She hung up on him?! What the hell... he is her friend perhaps not at the moment but, she still cares about him and all Gemma does is tell him to call his driver...doesn't stay on the phone to make sure he is going to be okay? A little heartless but, she is hurting....must remember that...

::big breath:: 

I made it thru...might die of heart pain...but I'm trying...

Sam

Author's Response:

Hey Sam,

Yay! I'm so happy to see you back! I'm glad you decided to give the story another try. It's lovely to hear from you again, thanks so much! :)

Fast forwarding through the angst is probably a good idea because I know it's not your thing... But on the other hand, reading it all in one big hit is pretty tough! Everyone else at least had a few days to recover before the next chapter was up. Eek!

I'm glad you could appreciate the emotions Gemma is feeling, despite all the angst. You're right, she is definitely confused at this point in the story and really doesn't know what she wants. Going home to her parents helped a little bit, I think. She needed some time away from it all, but talking about it with her mom helped as well.

Rob's phone call was tough, for sure. They were really both hurting, which is what makes it so difficult. Really, Gemma did what she needed to do to help Rob, but that was it. He was really, really drunk and it wasn't the time for big, in-depth apologies and discussions, and she knew that. Whether she was heartless is certainly debatable... She was really just trying to get through the conversation in one piece. He had broken her heart and shattered it beyond belief, remember, and she was still really angry and hurt at this point. She was barely holding it together. And practically speaking, I guess she had to get off the phone so he could actually call Luke to come pick him up! Ahh, anyway. 

Thanks again for reading and reviewing! Onto the next one! :)

-SwimmingBee x

I don't know exactly where to begin with this one, Bee. To say that I'm ecstatic with this chapter would be an extreme understatement. Perfection is the only word that comes to mind. It makes me feel inadequate, and unworthy to review this chapter. No words of mine will ever do your brilliance in this chapter justice. This is the 2nd chapter to make me want to express my feelings by way of Dance. For only this one moment in time, I wish that I could borrow your talent with the written word in order to express just how much this chapter touched me. I'm feeling completely overwhelmed and out of my element. I want this review to do justice to the chapter and I just know that it won't even come close. Anyway, let me make my first confession. The title of the chapter was perfect, but it really scared me a bit. Remember last chapter review how I said that I would give almost anything to see Robert and Gemma wrapped up in their little bubble of intimacy once again?  Well, the title of the chapter had me thinking that, the bubble was forever lost to them.  I was overjoyed to realize this wasn’t the case at all.  As a matter of fact, in my opinion; this was the most “bubblicious” chapter ever.  The words “bubble of intimacy” where created for the sole purpose of describing this chapter.  Their “bubble” didn’t disappear or ceased to be…it simply molded itself around them, in a way to allow for the inclusion of deep, life altering discussion.  This is why I frowned at Gemma, when she made their previous engrossment and absorption with on one another sound detrimental.  She made it seem as if being enclosed within their bubble was the cause of their failure to discuss their future relationship, and that’s completely fallacious.  Before I continue any further upon my high horse, I really should mention the fact that I too, blamed their problems on the metamorphic bubble at one point in time.   It is only now that I’m realizing the error of that train of thought.  Robert and Gemma could be hosting a party for over a hundred people and they would still find themselves wrapped up in their bubble, where only the two of them existed…life outside of the bubble, shouldn’t be different from life inside of the bubble.  Their love for one another will always pull them together.  It is, as you said, inevitable.  LOL, I bet you are sick and tired of the freaking bubble by now :)  I guess the point that I’m trying to make is that, Robert and Gemma being consumed by one another isn’t a bad thing, as long as they realize that their bubble is amorphous…it will change to adept to anything that either one of them may wish to include within it.  Does that make any sense?  I sure hope so.  The predominate thought running through my mind at the end of the chapter was, life outside of the bubble, looks remarkable a lot like what life within it, ought to be.

Do you have any idea how wondrous your opening scene was?  Robert and Gemma sharing one pillow after making love, facing each other and gazing into one another’s eyes….that scene is pure poetry.  My mind is being bombarded with images of Gemma burying her fingers in his hair, and tenderly stroking his face…tracing his lips, pressing their foreheads against one another, gently kissing his lips, closing her eyes and being wrapped up in the knowledge of his arms feeling like home.  The way you write Robert and Gemma in this chapter is magical.  They are everything that is sensual, beautiful, innocent, damaged and human.  It is official, Bee.  This scene and this chapter have managed to tie chapter sixteen in my heart.  Just writing about it, is bringing tears to my eyes.  Setting this chapter immediately after the last, immediately after they made love was stroke of genius on your part.  That one little action was everything.  I don’t know how to properly convey what I would like to say.  The scene wouldn’t have been as beautiful and intimate had it taken place in the morning, after awakening from slumber.  I don’t know what it was, but something about it, completely pulled me into the moment with them.  I felt overwhelmed by the entire experience.  I completely understand Gemma’s need to escape for a few minutes, because I felt the same need.  It was everything that I have ever hoped for Robert and Gemma to have…it left me breathless, in an intense emotional storm.  Robert’s vulnerability throughout the entire chapter is exquisite.  I think this might have been one of Robert’s greatest shining moments.  For the first time, I felt as if I was meeting the real Robert Pattinson.  The Robert Pattinson that got lost being someone else.  I don’t mean to be cheesy, but reading the scene with him baring his soul to Gemma was a major deal for me.  I could almost see him breaking away from the shackles imprisoning his mind in the darkness of believing himself to be inferior and unworthy.  He took the initiative and introduced Gemma to the flawed man inside.  Doing so didn’t lessen his appeal or made him any less intense.  It made him real, and human.  I always believed that Gemma was the key to Robert’s salvation, and that he only needed a bit of her grace to remind him to find his own.  This chapter was a clear illustration of that belief.

Now unto Robert and Gemma’s actual discussion.  I must admit to being a bit surprised by some of the things revealed.  A lot of it, I was already aware of.  For example, I already knew that Robert hoped to have children with Gemma in the future.  This was the primary reason behind my assertion that their intentions and desire to engage in a long term relationship with one another was patently clear.  The expressed desire to want a certain person as the mother of your children implies that you intent to engage in a long term relationship with said person, yes?  This is why Robert’s betrayal was so difficult for me to accept…because in my mind, their future with one another was already set.  Before I get ahead any further, I would really like to give kudos to Gemma for speaking up, and asking for clarification and details on some of the things that Robert expressed to wanting with her.  She was serious in regards to their discussion and didn’t want to leave any room for misinterpretation and assumptions.  I loved that Robert was able to discuss his problems with people like his father and Thomas.  It couldn’t have been easy to admit his fears and failures to his father.  This was a very important step in his campaign of change and self discovery.  Love can really do move mountains…his love for Gemma guided him towards seeking council for the ailments plaguing his mind.  This doesn’t mean that the battle is won or that he is cured of his feelings of unworthiness.  There’s still a lot of work yet to be done. However, I was further encouraged by Robert’s revelations that his father helped him realize the error of making unilateral decisions pertaining to Gemma’s life, without her input.  It does seem like a “duh, how could you not have realized that, stupid” moment, but sometimes the clearest things are the hardest to see.  For me, It is enough that he is starting to come to back to his senses. His assertion that he wasn’t fucked up brought tears to my eyes.  Does this mean that I have to stop referring to him as being fucked up?  Seriously though, he really impressed with the amount of growth he seemed to have undergone.  He was very clear and concise in his explanations and desire to make amends for the past.  He was also incredibly articulate when it came to outlining his extreme desire to get their relationship back on track.  He really wants a future with her and it completely committed to their relationship.  I understand Gemma’s hesitance though…he really hurt her and I was very happy to see him admit to it.  I clapped when he uttered the words, “I know I hurt you terribly and you might not get over that” he has said the same things in many different derivative, but this time felt a lot more real, Robert saying those words at this place in time was the final missing piece towards him gaining absolute forgiveness from me.  It wasn’t hearing him admit to wanting to purchase a home for them to reside in together, to wanting to Marry her someday, and hopefully have babies with her.  It was simply acknowledging and expressing his regret for the hurt which he caused.  Don’t get me wrong…I absolutely adored the other things.  I squealed like an idiot when he said the words “If you decide this is what you want - that I'm who you want - then there's no turning back for me, Gemma. I love you so much and I want you. Just you. Always." Those words just sealed everything up for me.  This chapter makes all of the heartache of the pass completely worth it. 

Gemma’s reaction and responses to Robert’s admissions was perfect!  She was joyful, shocked, bewildered, overwhelmed, and painfully honest as always.  Was that really Gemma Taylor asking for further elucidation on things like the paparazzi, their place of residence as well as her career?  WOW, Robert isn’t the only one who has come a long way.  I’m so impressed with her, Bee.  My favorite line of hers has got to be when she mentioned having to decide whether or not she was willing to take on everything that comes with being RPattz’s girlfriend.  It was a lovely way of differentiating between her every day Robert and Robert Pattinson the celebrity.  Using the words RPattz brought to mind all of the craziness that comes along with being in Robert’s life.  You have done such of a brilliant job of leaving that aspect of his life out of the story, that we often forget that he isn’t just a regular guy.  I was really expecting Robert to panic when Gemma brought up the dreaded paparazzi, but he didn’t.  Instead, he was quick to reassure her that he would always be there for her…that they were in it together.  Gemma’s relief and joy at his calm and collected attitude was palpable.  When I think of all the things that she has to endure…it’s overwhelming for me to see her get to the point where everything she wants is finally within her reach.  I’m absolutely convinced that Gemma believes in everything that Robert admitted to wanting with her.  She knows that he adores her and wants to marry her, and yet she is still unable to allow herself to say those three little words back to him.  I’m wracking my brain trying to figure out what else she could possibly need in order to fully embrace a future with him, but I keep coming up empty.  What will get her there?  Time is the only answer that I have. I was a bit shocked that Gemma was surprised by Robert wanting to marry her and make the mother of his children.  I may have been pissed at him, but his desire for a future with her was always completely clear to me.  With everything that happened this chapter, I kinda forgot the trust issue…just because Robert is now saying all of the right things does not mean that Gemma is automatically going to trust him once again.  Once broken, trust is almost impossible to gain back.  Could that be the final hurdle she has yet to conquer?  "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"I need you so badly. I want to be the only man for you, baby. I want to be the only one who gets to see you like this, forever. Please tell me you want me this much, too. Please."

OMG! Can you say the best Robert Pattinson line ever!  Bee….really, this seriously is my favorite line of Robert’s in this entire story.  You already know what my previous favorite was, "Jesus Christ. So you went from my apartment, where you'd been in bed with me, straight to a picnic on the beach with Daniel. You told me you'd call him, Gemma. You lied to me. I'm fucking falling in love with you, and you're having picnics on the beach with other guys and lying to me."  Okay, Okay, so I would like to rethink that decision for a bit.  Let’s just say that those two lines are tied for the best Robert Pattinson lines ever contest.  The intensity and raw emotion conveyed in that sentence had me reeling.  His need for her was red hot, and he made her understand his desire to be the only man for her.  I just about lost it, when he begged her to tell him that she felt the same way, and wanted him with the same intensity.  That was one of the sexiest things that I’ve EVER read!  I mean, that line was better than the action that followed and said action was hot as sin.  I do have a bone to pick with you though….I understand that Gemma was caught up in the moment, but couldn’t her response to such hotness been more than “I want you, too.”  Why didn’t she offer to have his babies? Okay, so maybe that would be a tad much.  The things that come out of Robert’s mouth in the heat of passion should come with a warning label….liable to cause extreme wetness in your pretty pair of Victoria’s Secret undies.  I was a goner when he began to talk about missing her little body.  It made my mind conjure up images of her being completely enveloped by him. There is just something infinitely sensual about being little and feminine enclosed in the arms of a big and strong male.  LOL, I’m terrible for woman’s lib, I really am.  I just remembered something that I wanted to mention...There is a line from Robert, in my favorites that I absolute love, but am having second thoughts over.  This is the line I’m referring to, "So it's your call, Gem," he continued. "You know what I want. I'm leaving this completely up to you. If you want to continue to take things as they come and go slow, then that's totally fine. If what I've said just now has freaked you out and you want to run for the hills, then go for it. I'll be devastated, but it's your choice." While being very romantic and understanding, the fact that he could withstand her “running for the hills” didn’t sit well with me at all.  I know he said that he would be devastated, but he would still let her go.  That gave me a bit of momentary pause.  I want to hear that he can’t fathom ever letting her go and that he would follow her into the depths of hell if necessary.  I know that sounds a tad stalkerish and psychotic, but his response, made me question; the depth of his love for her.  Or is it the other way around? Is his willingness to let her walk away a testament of his love for her?  Bla, I’m going to bed, Bee :)

Favorite Lines

"I need you so badly. I want to be the only man for you, baby. I want to be the only one who gets to see you like this, forever. Please tell me you want me this much, too. Please."

"I missed your little body, Gem. And I'm going to kiss you everywhere."

"I know that sounds ridiculously cheesy and maybe I'm saying totally the wrong thing here because I don't want to freak you out or force you into anything, but that connection that always pulls us back together?" I nodded, and he swallowed hard, running the tips of his fingers gently over my cheek. "It's love, Gem."

"But we'd be in it together, baby. I'd be there, too. We'd get through it together."

"All that being said, Gem, that's just me. That's what I want. You might not want any of that. We're not even officially together at the moment. I know I hurt you terribly and you might not get over that. I know that."

"Wow," he said, taking in all my questions. "So the first one first. Where would we live? I have no idea, Gem. Not here. Too much has happened here and I'd want us to start somewhere new. Somewhere just for us. So, I don't know. We'd go house-hunting."

"So it's your call, Gem," he continued. "You know what I want. I'm leaving this completely up to you. If you want to continue to take things as they come and go slow, then that's totally fine. If what I've said just now has freaked you out and you want to run for the hills, then go for it. I'll be devastated, but it's your choice."

"Okay, you talked about living together, but where would we live? Here, or somewhere else? And would I continue teaching, or would it be too difficult? And lastly, would the paparazzi scare the crap out of me?"

"It's fantastic that you've worked out exactly what you want to do. I'm so happy for you, seriously. And you're completely right that I need to make that decision. I need to decide whether I want to take on everything that comes with being RPattz's girlfriend."

"Maybe all three, baby. Maybe I'm just a Gemma man."

"Or maybe you're a pussy man,"

"But if you're not ready to take things further, then that's okay, too. I get it, Gem. I really do. I'm not saying I don't want things to get back to normal between us, because of course I do. But at this point I'm still amazed that I get to even see you, let alone make love to you and lie in bed and cuddle you."

"I love you so fucking much, Gemma Kate," he said, and I ran my hands over his back, needing to feel him. "I love hearing you moan and swear and giggle like that. God, I just love all your little sounds, baby. Feeling you and hearing you let go like that turns me on like nothing else."

"I want you, Gemma," he said, repeating his words from earlier. Again, he sounded so confident. There wasn't a hint of nervousness in his voice as his eyes studied mine. "I want everything that comes with that. I want to take you to London to meet my family. I want to go back to your home in Connecticut like we always talked about. I want to see where you grew up."

He ran his fingers over my cheek and continued. "But really, I want the typical things, Gem. I want to live with you. One day, I want to marry you and have babies with you." I smiled at that, and he kissed me quickly before continuing. "I want it all."

We kissed slowly for a long time before sleep finally overcame us, just as the sun was starting to come up. There were no other words needed.
Our love was enough.

Till next time, Kari

P.S Even with all that I have said…I still feel as if there is a lot I’ve yet to say.

Author's Response:

Hey Kari,

Okay, now I'm sending you evil glares!! You should never feel inadequate and unworthy of writing a review, because your reviews are AMAZING! Seriously, you continually blow me away with your perceptions and your deep thinking and your way of articulating how each chapter makes you feel. I love that you want to express your feelings for the chapter through dance, with a capital D. That's awesome! You should totally do it. Make a whole Dance performance entitled "Days Like This", including songs from Van Morrison, Katy Perry, Usher and Kelly Clarkson. Hehee! Okay, now I'm just being silly, but seriously... Kari, you're fabulous!

Ahh, the title of the chapter! "Outside The Bubble." Hmm, it holds a special significance actually, and you'll see why soon. Sorry it made you worry, but what you said is exactly right - just because they might be slightly outside the bubble doesn't mean the intimacy is gone. In fact, this chapter might have been the most intimate we've ever seen them. A lot of readers said they almost felt like they were intruding on Rob and Gemma's private time, and in a way, I felt the same as I wrote this chapter! I kind of just wanted to leave them be and have their alone time. Hehee. So by "outside the bubble", I really just mean a little bit out of their comfort zone. They're thinking about the next step - how to take their relationship into the world, and still make it work. They avoided the topic for a long time, but they were finally ready for that big, important discussion. "Life-altering" is a great way to describe it. And it proved to be not so scary after all!

So yes, as you said, life outside the bubble looks a lot like life inside the bubble. Phew! Because they still have each other, no matter what happens. If Gemma decides to commit to a future with Rob, then yes, life will be different in one way. It will be a totally different life than what she knows now, because of the things they spoke about. Paparazzi, fans, living away from each other... not to mention moving in together and maybe one day getting married and having babies. That's a big, huge life change right there, if she decides to go down that path. But as Rob said, he's be there too. They'd be in it together. And that's why the bubble will still remain!

Wow, this chapter was right up there with Chapter 16 for you! That made me do a little happy dance, I must admit. I know how much you loved Chapter 16, so to hear you say that... wow! What a compliment, thank you! There was definitely an intensity there between Rob and Gemma, right from the start. The whole night before they made love again was so full of tension and an overwhelming need for each other, that I think they were both so blissfully happy and relaxed at the start of this chapter. Everyone else was asleep and it was just the two of them again, lying in the dark and being as close as they ever were. It was really the perfect scenario for their big talk. They've always spoken openly and honestly when they were cuddled up next to each other in bed, so there was really no better place for it. :)

So yes, Rob really did lay everything out and bare his soul for Gemma during their talk. Vulnerable is a perfect way to describe him - he really didn't know what she was thinking and he didn't expect her to reciprocate, but he just had to tell her how he felt. In regards to their actual discussion, you're right - Rob had mentioned briefly once before that he wanted Gemma to have his babies, but it wasn't quite so serious and well-thought out back then. Now though, they're both much more confident than they used to be. They've come such a long way throughout the story, both as a couple and individually. Rob wasn't scared to tell Gemma exactly what he wanted, and Gemma wasn't scared to ask him questions to clarify things. As you said, things aren't perfect and there's still a way to go... but at least they're talking about it, openly and honestly. And your favorite part - yes, he spoke about his regret over how much he hurt her, too. He doesn't expect her to forgive him, but he hopes one day she will.

As for Gemma's reactions... She was really just listening, thinking and taking it all in. We've always known she takes a while to process things before she makes up her mind, and especially something as big and important as this. Her "Rob" and "RPattz" are two very different people, really. This story has always been more about Rob, the person, because that's all Gemma's really known. But the "RPattz" side of his life is important too, even if they haven't really dealt with it. Like what we mentioned before - the paparazzi, the fans, etc... They're a very real part of Rob's life and something Gemma would have to learn to deal with as well. I think you're right though - she definitely believes everything he said, and so she should! He really did pour his heart out to her. And honestly, I think she does trust him. Really, she's only waiting because she wants to think things through some more. That's all! Nothing sinister or nasty... It's just about time, as you said.

"I need you so badly. I want to be the only man for you, baby. I want to be the only one who gets to see you like this, forever. Please tell me you want me this much, too. Please."

Oooh, you have a new favorite Robert Pattinson line ever! Wow! Well, almost. It's a tie. But that's so exciting! I'm glad you loved that line so much. Intensity and raw emotion is a great way to sum it up. Really, that was Rob putting everything else to the side and pleading for her, pure and simple. As you said, his need for her was red hot but it wasn't just a physical need. In that moment, he was desperate for her, in every way possible, and really just needed her to feel the same way about him. It was Rob, being completely vulnerable and honest in the heat of passion. So Gemma didn't quite reciprocate verbally how he may have wanted, but do you know what? I think he knew anyway. They know each other well enough by now to know each other's moans and how their bodies are reacting... Plus, she was still recovering from a pretty incredible orgasm and he had just entered her as well. She was probably feeling a bit overcome by it all! Whew!

Then there's this line - " If what I've said just now has freaked you out and you want to run for the hills, then go for it. I'll be devastated, but it's your choice." I can see why you wouldn't like it very much... Probably the "go for it" part sounds a bit laid-back and relaxed, like he wouldn't care less. But of course he would. He knows he can't function without her anymore. He loves her more than anything else and can't live without her. Really, that was just Rob not wanting to push her into anything. If she really decided to leave, he probably would let her... but it would destroy him. But as you pointed out in your review, he knows how much he hurt her and he knows she might never forgive him for that. So really, it's a testament of his love that he'll let her walk away if she needs to. So... we'll see in the next chapter what she'll choose! 

So many favorite lines, wow! Again, I'm so glad you liked this chapter because it really was an important one. You still have more to say? Hehee, feel free to keep writing if you want to! You should know by now how much I love your reviews. Only one more to come! Waaah, what will I do then!? 

Thank you so much Kari, for another truly fantastic review and for all your support throughout this story. You're wonderful and I couldn't imagine it without you now! :)

-SwimmingBee x

Hey Bee,

wow..this chapter is epic!

Honestly, I'm lost at words. Your fiction Rob is the sweetest guy ever. His words to Gemma.. it nearly made me cry. Happy tears of course! ;)

Can't believe the next chapter is the last one. I'm sad about it but I know that all good things come to an end.
I have a feeling the next story won't be about Rob and Gemma but I still hope you'll write some outtakes about their future. Maybe a "wedding" chapter?^^ That would be so amazing;)

Can't wait to read the LAST chapter! :)

xoxo,

 

drea :)

 

Author's Response:

Hey drea,

Epic is a great way to sum up this chapter! It really was a big, important one for both Rob and Gemma. They've come such a long way throughout the story, and we've been waiting for this conversation between them for so long. Whew. :)

Rob really was very sweet in this chapter, wasn't he? Aww, you had happy tears like Gemma did. Hehee!

I can't quite believe the next chapter is the last one either. It's been such a fabulous journey writing this story, and sharing it with lovely readers like you! Stay tuned for the chapter notes at the end of the final chapter for more details about my next story... Hmm, and that's all I'll say about that right now! ;) 

Thanks so much for another great review and for your continued support!

-SwimmingBee x