Bella will do fine driving...hopefully

 That part was very cute. I enjoyed reading it. I'm glad at the way Bella is progressing and her relationship with the family is developing. I wish another relationship would develop too though... ;) 

Update again soon!

Sigh.  I'm so glad this was updated! 

I loved this chapter to bits.  Emmett intimidating Mike Newton - especially the indirect way he started - was so in character and so lovable and win.  It really makes me appreciate his relationship with Bella even more, especially in light of the other 'typical' big brother things he does this chapter, like teasing her about her aversion to picture day and not letting her in on the video game shortcuts.

And, can I just say again, your Alice is so wonderful.  She is so cannon, but with so much life breathed into her, and you always know just where to draw the line so that her "trademark" character traits don't become cartoonish or irritating.  Her scenes with Bella are always such a treat.  (Let's not forget Jasper closing up a few of the loopholes she was trying to work!  *squees*)  I also love how you're developing the Rosalie/Bella dynamic, and the small scene with them where Rose tells Bella to buck up without being cruel or insensitive.  Vintage Rosalie, but somehow even better.

As always, Carlisle, Esme and Edward are memorable regardless of how lengthy or brief their scenes.  I can't wait to see Carlisle giving Belle driving lessons - what a dad activity!  Great chapter, and can't wait for more.

-Rachael

Author's Response:

I try to stay in canon as possible.  It drives me nuts for things to be exagerated (Alice's shopping, Rosalie's attitude, etc) if it isn't meant to be funny.  As you saw, Alice still found a way around Jasper's clarification of her promise. :)  I'm thinking the driving lessons will be an out take that I'll work on, but will eventually post.  Glad you enjoyed, and thanks!

 

What a nice chapter.  I enjoyed seeing both the highlighted "growth" moments, as well as your more subtle ones.  I love that Bella runs to Esme after school.  Jasper's comment about her being "home" last chapter was exquisite.  Rosilie's point-of-view lecture to Bella was one of my favorites, in this chapter.  If it was not so tragic, I'd have chickled at her appologising to her "parents" about breaking the glass.  I also enjoy how you have shown growth in the Cullen's, in the background of Bella's highlighted progress.

This happy chapter is probably one of my favs of this story.  Keep up the great work.

Author's Response:

The little things count just as much as the big things. :)  Rosalie and Esme are wonderfully situated to provide Bella with not only support but to show her that it is possible to overcome such a past and be a strong person.  Glad you enjoyed, and thanks for reviewing!

I just love this story...I am suprised that Edward got her a Wii. I Love that Emmett is so protective of her.

Author's Response:

There are reasons behind Edward's gift, I promise.  Glad you're enjoying big brother Emmett. :)

squeal what an awesome birthday!  I so enjoyed this chapter!  Alices visions a little fuzzy HUH?  LOL  so looking forward to the next chapter!

Post again soon

Author's Response:

Glad you enjoyed!  I hope to be back to my weekly updates following the next chapter.

I love this! One of the best written fan-fics i've seen in awhile! please continue to update!

Author's Response:

Aww...thanks!  I'm hoping after the next chapter I'll be back to my usual once a week updates. 

omg!!!!!!!!! Update! And lets see some bella/edward!Yay!

Awww, so many small steps, I love to see how much more comfortable she is, even when she still mantains a certain distance with some of them. Great chapter and thank you for the book rec :)

Author's Response:

Glad you enjoyed, and don't blame me when you get addicted to those books. :)

I was just thinking of this story today wondering when you were going to update. Another solid chapter. I love how she's progressing. I wonder, why she frowned when Edward told her he'd show her some tips?

Author's Response:

She frowned because she realized Emmett had been holding out. :)  No wonder she could never beat him. The next chapter might be a little delayed as well, but after that I hope to be back to my weekly updates.  Thanks!

Do we get to see Bella learn to drive? That would be fun. I love how she is getting more comfortable around the Cullens. I hope for more soon.

-Me

Author's Response:

It will probably be an out take, given that I've already started chapter 14, so who knows when I'll get it out, but I'll try to work on it.  Thanks!

I was so excited to see an update on this story! It's definitely in my top five favorite stories right now and it was a really nice chapter. Kinda seemed a little filler-like, but then again with this story there really has to be time given for Bella to get stronger and more relaxed. I have a feeling that the story can't really get swinging until Bella opens up more and it definitely wouldn't seem realistic for her to just get over all of a sudden. Still though, I can't deny that I'm yearning for some more Bella/Edward interaction. Absolutely loved the Emmett scene with Mike...I think I've said before that anytime Emmett demands a scene it is fine with me. A story just doesn't seem complete without Emmett in it, lol. And Alice...that sneaky perky pesky pixie :)  you gotta love her! It was nice to see Bella get angry for once about the picture thing and I really loved when Rose rescued her and then her advice to her at the locker. You're doing a great job of making Rose likeable but still keeping her kinda in character. And I think she really has a way of getting through to Bella. I'm really excited to read more and see how Bella's driving lessons go.....that should be fun, especially if Emmett decided to help, lol!

Author's Response:

Probably a little filler-like, but I've things to set up...including a little prank on Carlisle. :)  Alice did warn him they would be up to hijinks...

*groan* Don't give Emmett any ideas about trying to teach Bella to drive!  Alice has already tried to fight for the job and Jasper had to...distract her.

The driving lessons might have to be an outtake.  Chapter 14 jumped into my head and there's no room for lessons here, sorry.  Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Great chapter...made me smile ;).  Loving this one more and more with each installment!

Author's Response:

Glad you enjoyed!