I'm so loving this story, can't wait for more, and i can't wait for more Tom!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Author's Response:

Hi muz289,

So great to hear you're loving the story, how lovely! Yep, more Tom in the next chapter. Yay! :)

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

-SwimmingBee x

Yaay for happy make up sex!  Great chapter bee!  : )

t.

Author's Response:

Hi teddi,

Yay, make up sex is always nice, isn't it!? Especially after the last couple of angsty chapters. Phew!

Thanks as always for reading and reviewing. You're lovely!

-SwimmingBee x

January 4, 2011

 

Coflicted, conflicted, conflicted...that is the way that I find myself feeling regarding several matters in this chapter Bee.  First of all, I'd like to start out by telling you that this review was once again not written continuously but rather on two different  days.  This part was written today, January 4th, while the other sections were written January 2nd. I’ll go ahead and label them so as not to confuse you. I guess it would have been easier and less confusing to erase what I wrote on the 2nd and start anew today, but that feels disingenuous to me.  A review is suppose to be an honest reflection of a person’s feeling towards a particular body of work. It wouldn't be honest to erase something that I felt yesterday, just because I'm no longer feeling it today. Confused yet? LOL, anyway back to the review.

1)    My first conflicted thought had to do with Gemma's reaction to Roberts behavior during the last chapter.  The conflict lies in the fact that I can't ascertain whether or not I'm happy or bothered by her forgiving nature. On the one hand, I absolutely love the fact that she remembers how much he really does  loves her and is choosing to hold on to that rather than her anger and hurt from last chapters events.  On the other hand, even though I know how much he loves her, Robert still royally fucked up last chapter and the mean, immature part of my psyche really want to see her make him suffer for it. The thing also is the fact that we can't really call the events that occurred within this chapter her reaction to Roberts fuckery because Gemma and Robert haven't even really discussed it with one another yet. Calling this chapter her reaction, feels a bit premature to me.

2)    My 2nd conflict is in regards to Daniel and Sarah!  I can't even recall the amount of times that I expressed my desire to have the two of them end up together.  At one point, I would always whine and hint about it in almost every single review.  So why am I not going the happy dance about them finally hooking up in this chapter? Why am I not feeling happy, happy, joy, joy when this is what I wanted and asked for?  I really tried to make myself feel happy about it, but it wasn't honest.  Instead of happiness and relief at a possible happy ending for Daniel, I'm feeling dread and really wanting to glare at Sarah right about now!  I'm really perturbed by my own reaction.  I'm looking at myself and asking WTF is going on.  I absolutely adore Sarah and Daniel. That is the reason behind my wanting them to find happiness together.  I think that somewhere along the way, I've placed Daniel on an impossibly high pedestal where Gemma is the only one good enough for him.  It makes me feel sad to admit to this because I feel as if I'm being disloyal to Sarah.  While I absolutely adore Sarah, I can't help but judging her for having sexual relations with so many different guys. I know that it is unfair of me to judge her considering the fact that she isn't married, or in a committed relationship, thereby leaving her free to do as she wish.  She is young, single, and enjoying life. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  My personal hang ups and beliefs based on the way that I was raised are causing me to judge her negatively.  I'm the type of person that loves when the girl or woman in the story has only ever been sexually involved with her love interest in said story. Completely irrational and hypocritical of me since I don't hold the guy to the same stringent requirements.  I don't believe in premarital sex and think that I tend to project my views unto make believe characters...sad I know.  The weird thing is that I was raised Catholic, but am not religious at all, and I absolutely believe in God.  I also don't have a problem with individuals in a  committed relationship having sex outside the institution of marriage.  The thing that I object to the most is the casual sex aspect of things, and that; I believe to be my main issue in regards to Sarah.  Wasn't there a time when kissing somebody on the first date was thought to be risqué? I'm really terrible for women’s lib and my friends often joke that I was born during the wrong era.  Anyway, I digressed as always...Daniel didn't escape my ire entirely even though Sarah seems to be getting the brunt of it.  The Daniel from this chapter was a complete conundrum to me.  I didn't recognize the wise cracking, carefree, individual from this chapter and I really don't know how I feel about that.  There also seems to be a bit of a difference in the way that Daniel treated Gemma when they were dating, and the way in which he behaved with Sarah.  He was very respectable with Gemma.  He treated her the way a guy treats the woman he hopes to make his wife someday, sorta like the way that Robert treats Gemma, but without the incredible passion and chemistry.  I don't think that Daniel would’ve ever had sex with Gemma the same night that they met.  I guess one could argue the fact that we weren't witness to their meeting and really have zero basis to reach an informed opinion but still...  We also don't know what his reaction would have been had Gemma invited him back to her place and so on.  Bla, I'm taking up too much time on this one issue! Time to move onto the next one!

3)    The third and last conflicted thought had to do with Robert’s lack of contact during the day.  He really charmed me with the scared little boy routine and I just don't know how to feel about him waiting so long before calling her. I'm pissed he didn't immediately show up on his hands and knees, but really do understand him feeling afraid of her reaction and wanting to give her some time to think.  He should have at least sent her a text message stating his recognition of his appalling  behavior and thus was giving her a bit of space from him.  The non contact only served to add to her troubles instead of ameliorating them.  Robert had me awing and squealing every time he called her baby, LOL.  I can't believe Robert actually thought Gemma to be fickle enough to leave him over one misdeed.  He needs to start trusting her love for him a little bit more than he currently does.  I  was also conflicted regarding the Bonnie explanation.  He was too fixated upon her for it to have been nothing. I'm not at all hinting or alluding that he engaged in inappropriate behavior and/or acts  with Bonnie, but that there is more to this than we currently know... Maybe even more than Robert is aware of.  Also, if Bonnie was there for Samuel, why was she antagonizing Gemma and being an outright bitch?  Is she simply the type of woman that wants all eyes on her, even those that of a man sitting with his girlfriend, or does she have a crush on Robert and is only using Samuel to get to him?  Something just feels “off” in regards to her.

 

January 2, 2011

I really don't know where to start! First of all, excellent chapter! I really enjoyed reading it.  Do you know that I found myself LMAO entirely way too much while reading this chapter? It really caught me off guard because I was expecting a heavy duty morose filled chapter.  You sneakily took the wind right out from underneath me!  How the heck did you do that? LOL.

You really are some kind of a genius with the written word Bee...you portrayed Gemma's frustrations with Roberts lack of contact so perfectly that you had ME casting furtive glances at MY telephone from time to time as well, so freaking funny.  Her thought process throughout the day was absolutely perfect. At that moment, Gemma could’ve been me, you, or any other one of my friends. That is the brilliance of your writing...you created a character that is wonderfully NORMAL and real.  A character easily identifiable.  Gemma may be 24 years old, but I can really relate to her, which is why I love reading about her so much.  I've been the girl staring at the telephone almost willing it to ring, and so determined not to be the one to make the first call. Heck, a few times before, I may have even been guilty of staring at the telephone all the while chanting  "ring, ring."  I'm very proud of Gemma for not giving in and calling Robert. After his epic fuckup from last chapter, he really needed to be the one to  make the first move towards reconciliation.
I think that Marcus's reaction to Roberts behavior diffused my anger towards Robert. Yes, Marcus was upset, but he didn't add fuel to the fire. His reaction was that of a parent to the naughty behavior of his child. He acknowledged the bad behavior, was sympathetic towards Gemma, pissed off at Robert, but then made me feel as if it wasn't as big of a deal as I made it out to be.  I hope I'm not making too much of a mess explaining this.   Out of everyone that tried to comfort Gemma, Marcus did the best job of talking me down if you will.  Ally was an absolute sweetheart though. Loved her getting into bed with Gemma in order to keep her from crying herself to  sleep.  I also loved the way Gemma tried to protect Sarah and Robert’s relationship by not revealing too much of his fuckedupness (New word, just made up, LOL)

 

January 4, 2011

Favorite Lines

"Because I was an absolute prick to you last night. And because I spoiled our night. And because you had to come to that awful bar and sit there listening to Sam and I act like wankers the whole night."

 

"I'm sorry, Gem," he said quietly, and my heart nearly broke in two right there and then. "I'm so sorry. You deserve so much better than how I treated you last night and I totally understand if you don't want to see me anymore."

 

"Please come over, Gemma," he said again, and I closed my eyes at hearing him say my full name. His serious name for me. "I need to see you. Please."

"I'm in my pajamas," I smiled. 

"Come in your pajamas, I don't care. I just want you here. Tonight. Please?"

"Or I could come to you?" he said. "If that's easier, I'll come to you. I don't mind. I'll get a cab. I just need to see you." 

I could almost see his smile through the phone. "Okay. Good. I can't wait to see you, baby. Will you stay with me tonight?" 

 

I stood and stared at him. I knew my jaw was hanging open and my eyes were open wide. I couldn't help it. Daniel with the dimples was in my kitchen. He was in my kitchen, making waffles at nine o'clock on a Sunday morning, wearing nothing but his boxer shorts. 
I shook my head. "What are you doing here? Why are you in my kitchen?" 

 

I helped him make the waffles, and we talked. I couldn't believe he had actually spent the night with Sarah. I desperately wanted gossip. I was amazed he would spend the night with anybody on the first night. I don't know why. I always thought he was too polite. Too good. But maybe he was just that way with me.

 

"Right," he said. "Right. And you left him and came home to share a bed with Ally?" 
"Yes," I said pointedly. "But I didn't leave him forever. I don't think. Ally just came around to comfort me." 
He looked amused. "I bet she did." 
I rolled my eyes. Who was this guy and what did he do with well-behaved, polite Daniel? 

 

Till next time, Kari

 

P.S. Is Ally returning home after her visit with Marcus? 

P.P.S. I’ve been meaning to tell you….you could never disappoint me with this story.  No matter what.  You make me “feel” and that’s a good thing.

 

Author's Response:

Hey Kari,

Wow, I love your reviews! I really do. Just the fact that you wrote your review over two days blows me away. So many thoughts about my little chapter! Hehee. Just so you know, one day if you just want to write a review that says, "Good chapter, thanks!" Then that would be great too! I hope you don't feel like you have to write epic reviews each chapter. I love that you do, but you don't have to! I hope that makes sense.

So I'm going to answer an easy question first... Yes, Ally is returning home to LA after she visits Marcus in London. She's going for two weeks. She teaches at the same school as Gemma, so she's got work to come back to, eventually. Lucky for summer vacation though!

Okay, that really was easy, wasn't it? On to your conflicted thoughts now!

Sorry you're feeling conflicted! But in a way, it's okay. Because Gemma was very conflicted in this chapter too. Well, up until the end, anyway. I'm even conflicted about this chapter... And as the author, it's tricky to know how much to say. I could give my opinion about it all, but in the end, I really want the readers to make up their own mind. Some people think Gemma should have called Rob earlier. Others thought she forgave him far too easily, and some felt sorry for Rob. Everyone has their own ideas, and I like that! But back to your thoughts...

Number 1 - Staying cross with Rob really isn't Gemma's strong point, is it? Even if her anger is warranted, which in this case it was. I think she did have a reaction to his fuckery, which in a way was more mature than ways we've seen in the past from her. She took a step back, spent some time alone, and thought about what she wanted to do. She didn't fly off the handle and freak out, she forced herself to stay calm and think. True, they haven't really spoken about it yet, but she knows what she wants to talk to him about and she's going over there to do just that. Knowing her as we do though, she might get somewhat distracted, but we'll see! :)

Number 2 - Oooh, Daniel! I know, I know! You always used to hint that you wanted Daniel and Sarah together, and I found it so hard not to blurt out, "They really do get together!" Eeek! That's what I mean about finding it tricky to work out how much to tell. I've written the whole story now, except for the final two chapters, so it's difficult not to give anything away! Anyway, I'm sorry you're not doing the happy dance about them. I think that's the thing about them - they seem like an unconventional couple, because Sarah always wanted a "bad boy" and Daniel is far too nice. But in a funny way, they work. I totally understand your thoughts on pre-marital sex and completely respect that. Will it help if I say that Daniel is going to be around for a while? I'm happy to give that little secret away, because I think you already know how much I love Daniel with the dimples. I couldn't bring myself to let him out of my story. Hehee.

So yes, they slept together. Sarah is similar to Gemma in some ways, but completely different in others. Gemma wouldn't sleep with a man she just met - even if that man was Robert Pattinson, as we found out! But Sarah is Sarah, and she has her own way of doing things, which isn't totally uncommon for lots of 24 year olds. But as for Daniel? No, he wouldn't have slept with Gemma on the first night they met, because they didn't work! They were both far too sweet and nobody was ever going to make the first move. Yes, there was a lot of respect there, but possibly not much else. Daniel and Sarah, on the other hand, have something completely different. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing. At this point, they're still getting to know each other, but Sarah is actually quite giddy over him. She's never giddy about anyone! So there's something nice there. Anyway, we'll see! You changed your mind about Ally and Marcus... Maybe Sarah and Daniel might be next! Aww.

Number 3... Rob and his lack of contact. Sigh, Rob! Remember how you worked out last chapter that he was freaking out, perhaps because he's still a bit screwed up? I think his lack of contact was more to do with that, than it was actually wanting to give Gemma some space. He had honestly convinced himself that Gemma would be furious with him and might not want to see him anymore, and so probably was a bit scared to call her! He's got way too much stuff flying through his head at the moment and just needs his Gemma to calm him down again. But again, I like how you were charmed by him and loved that he called her 'baby', and another reviewer hated it and thought he was playing her. Hmm!

As for Bonnie, there's a little bit more talk about her in the next chapter, but that's it really. Is there more to it than what Rob said? Well... who knows what's going on inside his busy mind at the moment? (Well, I do, but I'm keeping my lips zipped on that one!) Nothing happened with Bonnie though, I promise. It'll be okay!! :)

Hehee, I'm glad you laughed a lot during the chapter! You made me giggle by saying you kept checking your phone while Gemma was waiting for Rob to call. I think we've all been there at some point, right? At least she didn't call him though, as you pointed out. It really was up to him to call and apologize this time. And thankfully, he did! Whew.

Aww, I'm glad you liked Marcus' chat with Gemma. He's such a cool, calm and collected dude in my story. Hehee. Definitely the calming influence of the group, anyway. And he managed to calm you down too, which is nice. Ally was lovely too though, and Sarah? Well... even though Gemma tried to shield Sarah from Rob's fuckedupness (great word!), we know it really didn't work. She'll get to have her own words with Rob eventually, don't worry! Oooh, look out Rob!

Lots of nice favorite lines again... Mostly from a begging, desperate-to-see-Gemma again Rob. Aww. You know if we could have seen him, he would have been down on his knees, pleading with her to come over. Sigh!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and lovely comments, Kari. Your reviews are truly special and mean a lot to me. Thank you!

There's a little teaser on the forum for the next chapter, too, if you fancy checking it out. Rob-smitten Gemma!

-SwimmingBee x

I was wrong..this is my favorite chapter;)

Author's Response:

Hey kanikane,

Yep, this is the hot tub / swimming pool / couch cuddles chapter! Aww, I like it too. :)

I always submit the next chapter right away, just to let you know. It's really in the hands of my validation beta now! Usually it takes around a week to be validated - sometimes more, sometimes less. Hopefully the next chapter won't be too far away now. Thanks again for reading!

-SwimmingBee x

While I'm anxiously waiting the next chapter, I'm re-reading the story from the beginning.  I've tried to get into other stories on this stie...but can't find any others I like.  Can't wait to hear what happends with Gemma and Rob, they are so good together. I hope they can find a way to make it work. Your writting is so real....thanks so much!

Author's Response:

Aww, kanikane! I love that you decided to re-read the story from the beginning!

Your comments are so lovely, thank you. I always promised a happy ending with Gemma and Rob, don't worry! There are definitely some bumps along the way, but they adore each other... They'll be okay, one way or another! :)

Thanks for reading... again!

-SwimmingBee x

Just started reading your story beginning to end... love it! Hope you update soon!

Author's Response:

Wow, thanks so much michellerella!

So great to hear you're enjoying the story. There's plenty more Rob and Gemma to come! The next chapter shouldn't be too far away.

Thanks again! :)

-SwimmingBee x

She forgave him too soon but He's Rob how can she not??? lol

Author's Response:

Hi Cullenbabe1231,

Hehee, you're totally right. Staying cross with Rob is definitely not Gemma's strongest point, is it!? We'll see how the rest of their night goes in the next chapter.

Thanks so much for reading!

-SwimmingBee x

Awww I'm so happy he finally called and that he knows he's been a total and utter prat.  Time to talk and get things straight now.

You know, I love it how Daniel with the Dimples, lol, always seems to turn up when Rob is being a dick and Gem needs a friend, lol.  I'm glad that her friends were able to give her some perspective on the nights events and that she didn't cave in and call Rob.

Daniel and Sarah, will he be a keeper for her, I hope so, I'm soppy like that and I want to see her all loved up with Dimpley Daniel.

Looking forward to the next chapter.  Happy New Year Bee!

Jane x

Author's Response:

Hi Jane,

Happy New Year to you too! Hooray! :)

Ooh yes, Rob definitely knew he was a prat. He has a habit of punishing himself when he knows he screwed up. We'll see how they deal with it all in the next chapter. They've certainly got lots of talking to do!

Daniel with the dimples and Sarah, woo! They seem like a bit of an odd couple on the surface, because she wanted a bad boy and he's far too lovely, but somehow they seem to work. He'll definitely be around for a little while, yep. (Because I love him too much to let him disappear out of my story, hehee!)

Gemma gets lots of great advice from her friends, you're right. She's a worrier, so sometimes she just needs someone else to step in and offer some good, practical advice - whether it be Sarah, Ally or Daniel!

Thanks so much for another lovely review. The next chapter shouldn't be too far away, I hope!

-SwimmingBee x

I think forgiving Rob was as inevitable as sunrise! But maybe she needs to give him a taste of what it feels like to be ignored, see how he likes it.

As for the future... not even going to think about it with story, enjoying the present too much!

Author's Response:

Hey joss859,

I think you're very right - Gemma forgiving Rob was always going to happen. She can't seem to stay mad at him for long, even when it's warranted. I like your idea of giving him a taste of what it feels like to be ignored... but on the other hand, it's Gemma. She'd probably manage to ignore him for an hour before she gave in and called him! Eeek!

So great to hear you're still enjoying the story. Thanks so much!

-SwimmingBee x

 

Talk about a tense build up!  My heart was in my mouth by the time he actually called!  He was so scared bless him and giving her space.  It's good that he did really because it gave Gemma time to process it all and over think it a bit and then pull it all back in.

I really loved that Marcus wanted to talk to Gem on the phone, what a good bloke he is, I think Ally is going to have a fun trip to London!

Daniel with the Dimples and our Sar eh?  Well we knew they would be well suited and fate stepped in.  I bet he was in hog heaven being sat on a bed with three gorgeous women eating waffles and cream, lucky lad! lol

I wonder what *the talk* between Rob and Gemma will bring?!?! Hmmmm :D

Great stuff Miss Bee!

~Newydd x

Author's Response:

Hi Newydd,

What a lovely review, thank you! :)

Ooh yes, Rob was scared and giving her some space, also known as torturing himself! He has a habit of that. But as you said, it gave Gemma time to process what she actually wanted to do about the whole situation. She's definitely an overthinker, but in this case? I'd say it was fairly warranted. There's some pretty big stuff going on in their relationship at the moment which they really need to sit down and talk about.

Aww, Marcus is a good bloke! Very cool, calm and collected but not afraid to put his thoughts out there, either. Look out Rob! ;)

Daniel with the dimples and Sarah, woo! They seem like kind of an odd couple of the surface - she always wanted a 'bad boy' and he was even too sweet for Gemma - but somehow, they work. We'll be seeing quite a bit more about Daniel with the dimples. Heee. In other words, I like him too much to let him go. ;)

We'll see in the next chapter what Rob and Gemma's talk will bring... Hmm!

Thanks so much for your wonderful review!

-SwimmingBee x

Loved it! Happy New Year!

Author's Response:

Whoops, got your review twice! Thanks again!

-SwimmingBee x

I have been checking this story every day to see if there was a new chapter!
I just had to know what would happen.
This chapter was great. Can't wait for the next!

Sorry if the English is bad. I am Dutch.

Author's Response:

Hi Carly1989,

Aww, thanks so much! It's great to hear you enjoyed the chapter. And your English is wonderful! :) 

The next chapter shouldn't be too far away now. Fingers crossed for a speedy validation!

-SwimmingBee x

Thank god. I'm so glad Rob called her to apologise. I was getting worried there for a moment. Lucky Gemma didn't call him though. It was definitely something he needed to call her about this time. I think it was a good thing that she had some "alone time" to think things through and work out exactly what she wanted to say to him. Sure she thinks too much at times but don't we all when it comes to boys?

Daniel with the dimples and Sarah? I didn't see that coming but I like it. Is he going to be a regular figure in their lives now? Interesting to see how that will go down with Rob.

Thankyou for another great chapter SB. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Author's Response:

Hi RobAussieFan,

Ooh, sorry for worrying you for a while there! I agree - I think it was a good thing that Gemma didn't call him. She really needed her thinking time, and as you said, it was definitely up to him to call and apologise. She does think too much sometimes, even though she tries not to, but you're right! Most girls tend to think too much when it comes to boys we like! Hehee.

Hmm, Daniel with the dimples will be around for a while to come, yep! He and Sarah are an unlikely couple, but somehow, they work well together. We'll just have to wait and see how Rob handles it... ;)

Thanks for another wonderful review! You're lovely!

-SwimmingBee x