Okay, first of all- I need to either stop reading at work or give you my schedule so you can post when I'm not working because I'm sure when one of my cops walks in and finds me staring at my laptop grinning and crying and bouncing in my seat all the while happily muttering phrases such as "crooked smile" and "Bella sleeptalking" or "Don't leave, Edward!", they are going to realize how insane I am and I'll lose my job, lol. J/K. Although I do have to admit to doing all that and squealing happily too. Your story does strange, but wonderful things to my mind, lol.
I loved Bella waking up to a happy Edward, but find myself once again extremely curious about what she said in her sleep, if it was just his name or if it was more than that. But he smiled a crooked smile and I was thrilled by that no matter what brought it about! And when Bella told him he could leave if he wanted, my heart was breaking for her.
Now I know that Carlisle only has the best of intentions, but I can't help but be furious with him and even more so with Rosalie for wanting to keep Bella away from Edward. But that's just me because I think nothing should separate Bella from her vampire, lol. I do love his true compassion and care for Edward and I especially loved that he used memories of Bella to keep Edward calm. It's so sweet that just seeing Bella in Carlisle's memories helped Edward get through feeding time.
And don't think I didn't notice how much better Edward is doing around Alice, even though he's nowhere near as comfortable around any of them as he is Bella. And I loved, loved, loved the little bit of Jasper we got here. As much as I heart Edward, Jasper will remain my personal favorite vamp, hehe.
I was once again squealing in happiness when they went outside and especially when Edward called her beautiful. OMG! Yeah, it's still making me squee! And when he promised he wouldn't run....awwww!!!! I continue to adore the blossoming relationship between them. This is absolutely one of the best love stories that I've ever read and it's not even really slated to be a mushy, melt-your-heart type of love story, and yet it does melt my heart!
Then you leave us with that little WTF! moment at the end there. I admit, you totally got me! I never expected that Edward hadn't been kept hostage by vampires, that he'd never even seen a vampire before the Cullens. OMG! OMG! and OMG! WTF! My jaw literally dropped at that moment and I immediately had a whole new round of questions barrage my mind, like how humans could restrain a vampire in captivity and what that says about his connection with Bella. I'd always kinda thought he was more trusting to Bella because she was human and he'd been mistreated by vamps, but now that theory of mine has been blowed out of the water. Then again maybe the Cullens being vampires was part of what spiked his fear around them. See what I mean about the whole new set of questions and theories now.
I can honestly say I get more excited about seeing an update for this story than for any other story on here or on FF. I so fucking love this story! :D
Oh and I'm super ecstatically excited that there will be EPOV outtakes at some point! You definitely have a good point about it adding to the suspense and the overall tone of the story not having his POV in the story, even though I still wonder what's going through his head all the time, it's definitely fun to be taking the journey with Bella.
And (this is the last thing I promise) :D I noticed a few other reviews still complaining about the slow pacing of the story. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of course, but I think this story wouldn't be as wonderful as it is without the slow pacing. If things fell into place quicker, it just wouldn't be the same. And it's kind of nice having all the small victories to get excited over. I'm not even entirely convinced myself that this story is slowly paced. I mean there are tons of significant things that happen every chapter! Whatever you call it, I think your pacing is perfectly done!
Author's Response: So I just wrote this entire epic response but it got eaten. DAMMIT. SIGH.
Anyway, to restart and try to put back what I had said, it started with gushing and fangirling all over you for your awesome reviews. They means so much to me and I absolutely love reading them and look forward to seeing them and.. gah, I fail for not responding for almost 2 weeks, I'm so sorry for that. I'm having a really hard time keeping up with review responses. ANYWAY, here it is:
So many people are curious about what she said in her sleep! It's amazing, and one of those things that I really didn't expect many people to care, but they all do! I'm not even sure if it'll be said within this story, but if not, maybe I'll outtake it. So many people want to know, lol! I'll have to tell it eventually, it's just a matter of when :)
Don't give Carlisle too hard of a time. He actually hasn't spent any time with Edward, and this chap was their first real bonding issue.. and Ithe fact that he walked away smiling I think says something. I think he's coming around, albeit slowly, but he's finally giving Edward a chance, and his trust/feelings seem to be growing in Edward. Plus, the whole feeding bit was basically him being resigned to the fact that Bella was going to be around him and that if anything, he wants to be cautious. I think Carlisle's a good guy and his heart's in the right place, so don't be too hard on him! LOL. Rosalie, on the other hand........ :P
I'm happy that you noticed Edward and Alice being better around one another. He certainly didn't flip shit when she sat on the bed, I think it's a really important step for him :)
And Jasper! GAH! Honestly, he's not my favorite vamps.. but he's up there. Edward will always be my favorite vamp, HOWEVER, Jasper is without a doubt my favorite POV to write x) Love writing JPOV :) Love trying to get into his head and figure out how his empath abilities affect his everyday life, love the implications of feeling all the emotions around you. It doesn't seem like a lot of writers enjoy this side, and dissecting his ability, but gah, I love it.
As for their relationship developing -- I'm finding it's very tricky to find the balance between their relationship and his recovery! Since the two plot lines are existing parallel to one another, it's extremely difficult to go inside his head and figure out how he would react to everything, and then also figure out how proactive he would be, and how he would actually be feeling. I'm rambling, but yeah, the balance is a rough one to find :P
I had to leave the WTF! moment because... everyone and their dog has told me I suck at keeping secrets x) So I felt it was absolutely necessary, LOL! :) just to say I DONT SUCK AT KEEPING SECRETS! :) haha.
I'm SUPER excited to write EPOV outtakes! I expect it'll be very fun, pretty angsty, maybe a little heartbreaking, and really really REALLY interesting. So yes, I can't wait for some EPOV, but I'm glad you see why I can't just add EPOV into the story. It'd take something away from what it is.
The pacing thing I've actually come to terms with because looking at what's happened and in what time frame, his recovery is about as fast as it can possibly be. Even taking into account that he's a vamp, it's going crazy quick. So I sort of refuse to push the pace faster than acceptable, and it's a slow moving story naturally, since it's a recovery story.. Yeah, I'm glad you enjoy the pace :)
Thanks so much for your epic reviews bb, I love them!
