nice nod to Muse here! 

Author's Response:

Thanks. I'm thrilled you found my story and are giving it a chance. I hope that you continue to enjoy it along the way, and I appreciate the review. =)

~Lisa

Lisa, it's so wonderful to see you back. I really enjoyed this chapter. Especially the Cullen/Pack meeting. Never really thought much about how Sam would take the lead in that situation, but loved his reserved diplomacy. Can't wait to see how Edward hearing Bella's thoughts plays out and how Charlie's meeting on the reservation goes.

Angie

Author's Response:

Hey Angie: I'm so glad that you enjoyed the chapter. I don't know why I didn't expect people to react so much to Sam's presence in this chapter, but it's been a nice surprise. I guess it's easy to forget that we haven't seen Sam in the story before now, and that this is the first time that Carlisle and Sam have met. I will admit that this version of Sam is less likely to put up with Jacob's "tantrums" than the book version. ;) Edward hearing Bella's thoughts is definitely going to be fun to watch unfold, and Charlie....well I just hope this doesn't ruin his friendship with Billy. *gasp* Thanks for sticking by my story during its long absence, and for continiung to read and review. I appreciate it so much. =)

~Lisa

I have to say I have cried, and laughed so much in this chapter, it is absolutely wonderful!! Thank you for sharing!!

Author's Response:

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it. =)

~Lisa

What an intense chapter. I don't even know where to begin my review.

Darn Jasper for preventing Edward from turning Bella (I'm kidding, sort of). In the end, we all know that's what she wants, so he should avoid the Christmas rush, so to speak, pun realized and all that. I know, I know, they don't want to obviously break the treaty, what with Victoria hanging about. They also want to give Bella the chance to say goodbye to Charlie and do it all on their own terms. However, this realization that God exists might make Edward hesitate even more - unless he realizes that God loves all his creations, and they can all be saved and forgiven.

Jacob thinks he loves Bella. He really doesn't love her in a mature, deep love, though. He loves her in the 'I really want that new XBox 360 live for Christmas' kind of love. He's upset that he doesn't get it, and wants it even more, and hates the neighbor kid who got one. Newsflash, Jacob: you didn't imprint on her. If you think you love her, it's better to let her go, because you'll really hurt her if she commits to you and you imprint on someone else. Open your eyes and take a look at Leah, you big dope.

I'm proud of Sam and Carlisle. It's easy to forget that this is the first time they've met. It had to be weird for both sides.

Charlie, you're a good man. You are hurting and wanting to lash out, but you thought things through and realized that lashing out at Edward would do no good. You charged Edward with staying with Bella, and gave him the trust and respect he needed.

I hope that Charlie doesn't come down too hard on the Quilleutes. I'm sure they've been working on their story. Hopefully he buys it. Although if it were me, I'd want to see the mangled carcass of the one who had hurt my baby. Maybe so I could shoot it, roll it over, and shoot it again.

Author's Response:

Haha, well Jasper knew that Edward would hate himself for turning her in a panic like that instead of being a decision they made together. I think the realization for Edward that God exists will actually help him gain further peace about turning her. If he believes God heard his prayer and Bella recovers - then it would go to reason that God doesn't hate his existence...or would it? ;) You nailed Jacob. That's exactly what his love for Bella is like. I'm sure he'll continue to feel this way until something/someone gives him a reason to focus on someone else to fill that spot in his heart he feels Bella owns. Sam and Carlisle aren't the "head" of the families/packs for no reason. It is easy to forget that in this story - they've never met before now. Paul and Emmett *shakes head* it was just unavoidable. ;) Charlie. Oh poor Charlie. The scene between him and Edward was the most difficult for me to write. The emotional overload that both of them were feeling was a bit overwhelming at times. I was glad that Charlie recognized how deeply Edward does love Bella. It makes things easier for them to move forward from here. I think Charlie will be understandably upset at the reservation and I'm only hoping that it doesn't damage his relationship with Billy.

Oh Susan, you're all caught up now. I've loved your reviews all the way through. They've made me smile as you've taken me back through some of my favorite moments, and laugh at your insight at other moments. Everyone interprets the story in their own way and it's always fun to get a peek into how someone else is seeing it. Thank you for that. I appreciate all of the effort you've put into your reviews and look forward to seeing more in the future. =)

~Lisa

It gave me the heebie jeebies when Bella was home alone, waiting for Charlie. I just knew, from the title, that something not so great was going to happen. Anyway, I'm so relieved that Charlie and Bella were able to enjoy a quiet Christmas Eve together. They really have a sweet relationship.

I really didn't predict the sex! Wow! Bella really knows how to break through Edward's monster - and I think she even loves it. It certainly loves her. I wonder how Laurent knew that Bella had given herself to Edward. I know he could smell Edward on her, but then again, even oral sex would have left a scent, and Edward didn't ejaculate on her. I really must learn more about vampire mating physiology and science.

Laurent, you really deserved to die. What an asshole, taunting Bella and threatening rape. I'm glad the pack found you.

Jacob, Edward hasn't broken any treaties, and your jealousy won't get you anywhere, you juvenile pup. I recognize that you're doing the best you can, and you think you know better than Bella, but really, STFU.

Author's Response:

Good morning Susan! Bella's home alone time gave me the heebie jeebies as well, but when Charlie got home I became all wrapped up in their quiet Christmas together. It hurts my heart to think of all those Christmases that Charlie sat alone without her. Wanting her there, but knowing she was happier in Phoenix. What parents do for their children. *sigh*

I didn't know the sex was going to happen either. At least not until it actually did. That threw me for a loop as I didn't know if Edward would have enough control. I mean, this new intimacy is just that - new. I was so afraid it'd be a disaster. Laurent didn't "really" know that Bella had actually had sex with Edward. He could smell Edward's scent on Bella and was just guessing. It was Bella's reaction that changed his guess to a confirmation and then gave him the idea to try it out for himself. Sick bastard.

Jacob is being a butthead, but then again - most 16 year old boys are if they can't have the girl that they won't. He won't get far with his temper tantrums though. Carlisle is being gracious and patient - for now.

~Lisa

I love your story Please Keep writing. I know what it is like to have to balance writing with work and life in general. Your story is original and exciting I love it and your extreemly tallented

Author's Response:

Thank you so much. I'm definitely going to continue writing. I'm honored by your compliments and plan to submit original work for publication when I wrap this story. =)

~Lisa

I love the Cullens' way of getting a tree. I'm glad Bella cut Edward off mid angst. She also had a great quip for Rosalie.

 

Author's Response:

Bella and Rosalie are starting to find some common ground. They've don't have to be best friends to coexist in this family. I think the Cullens way of getting a tree would be lots of fun...to watch. I'd be standing next to Esme on the ground. ;)

~Lisa

So, how many licks DID it take? Edward would know! I'm so proud of our Edward. I'm proud that he gave them both the pleasure. And I'm glad he's thinking about forever.

Author's Response:

Hahahaha - well, if we're talking Tootise Pops then Edward wouldn't know because he won't eat candy. If we're talking about a different center...then Edward's too much of a gentleman to tell. ;)  I'm thrilled you liked this chapter. It was a hot one to write. *fans self*

~Lisa

Bella, you brave vixen. I'm so proud of you, honey.

Author's Response:

=) I was rather surprised by Bella's boldness in this chapter. You know he is going to need to fix that rocking chair though. ;)

~Lisa

Progress. I love progress.

I love the special bond that's developing between Jasper and Bella. I love how Edward sees her with his family. I love how Bella gives the Cullens such acceptance.

Author's Response:

Slowly but surely things are falling into place. It's hard to change habits so quickly, but Bella's making progress, the Cullens are making progress. A therapist would so pleased. ;)

~Lisa

They're all surviving Edward's and Alice's return, and I'm glad. I know Edward is hurt by the thoughts of the other students, but Alice's advice was apt.

I'm glad the Bella revealed her talent to Edward, and I'm glad they had a loving, open discussion about the topic. They're turning a corner.

Author's Response:

Hahaha - the way I read that first sentence cracked me up. Because the way Edward feels about some of the students thoughts makes them lucky they ARE surviving. ;) But you're right, Alice's advice is apt and Edward needs to rein it in. Bella and Edward have turned a corner here. She's finally realizing that Edward didn't make all the mistakes in their relationship. She made plenty as well. And now they can move forward together. =)

~Lisa

I never thought I would see a Twilight ff include the word "dead head"!!  Oh, Lisa welcome back.  I cannot believe what has been going on in your life.  You have started your own company?  That is amazing and so much work-but you must be happier?  Can you tell me what you do?  I was hoping you had one of those dreams where you could write a series of books and become a best selling author!  Nice meeting between the wolves and the vamps-much more believable with the animosity.  I really thought he was going to bite her at the end.  Loved the part with Charlie-brought tears to my eyes (being a parent).  And I loved how he came to the realization that Edward, along with all the Cullens really love Bella.  The beauty of the omniscient POV.  I am following you on twitter so send me a follow request(I am protecting my tweets) and we can chat-but I'm not much of a tweeter, more a lurker!  And because of dead head I now have "Boys of Summer" in my head!!

Author's Response:

Hi Jill! You're the first person to comment on the "dead head" of the family remark. Now, you and I both know Jacob didn't mean that as a Grateful Dead reference but just rather that the Cullens are technically walking dead. Still, I couldn't resist putting it in. I'm glad you liked it. Yep, started my own consulting company. I work with small business to either teach them how to handle all of their interoffice work like accounting, order tracking, contracts, taxes, etc. OR they contract me to do it for them. Because I'm a consultant they don't have to worry about the overhead of payroll, benefits, etc. It's a win-win for both of us but it's slow going right now. I'm still at the meet and greet phase. I hate that but its a necessary evil. ;) Thanks for asking.

The wolves and vamp meeting was intense. Sam might be level headed, but he's about the only one in that pack that is. And then on the vamp side you have Emmett who just can't keep him mouth shut no matter what. Jeez. Haha. I don't see things being smooth sailing for this bunch anytime soon; especially Paul and Emmett. Charlie and Edward's scene was the most difficult to write. As a parent myself, it's impossible to imagine seeing one of my own children in that scenario. And then to turn and trust Edward to keep her safe as went out to find her attacker? Wrecked me. Absolutely wrecked me. It was such a huge moment and yet was spoken so quietly and without a big to do.

Thanks for sticking with the story during my absence, and for always reading and reviewing. Your comments make me smile and I never fail to appreciate it all. =) Now you've got it stuck in my head too. "Saw a dead head sticker on a cadillac...."

~Lisa