I did not have to re-read the prologue. It has stayed with me. I have been waiting for that scene, and for the explanation.

You do a lovely job of conveying how broken these two are. When you write about Edward's physical pain, it makes my back hurt. Your description of Bella's trip to Santa Cruz with her parents was crushing. Reading this story involves immersing yourself in pain of every sort. I wonder if, now that things are out in the open, their relationship can be a tiny bit easier?

Love.  Love the angst and conflicted feelings, love that Bella is on to the fact that there's something there beneath the surface...  So good.  Can't wait to see the fallout from the earthquake.

i can't wait...

This story consumes me like no other. It leaves me breathless, trembling, and so, so moved. It is, put too modestly, beautiful.

“Her eyes darted to my hand, clinging to a pole to keep my back in check, and her pale fingers wrapped around mine, and not by accident this time. I looked at them and almost started to fucking cry. I wanted to cry for all the agony in my broken body, for the ghosts in my broken head and all the tension I didn't know how to scream or drink away but that suddenly flowed out of me, liquid and moving and passing past with the relief of her tiny hand on mine.”

Edward’s agony is tormenting to even myself, a simple reader. The want and need to ease is pain, comfort his tortured soul, and soothe his aching heart is a glorious emotion to experience in reading this magnificent story.

I am thrilled that B&E are finally progressing, albeit slowly and timidly. But beneath all of that fear, all of that hesitation, and all of that apprehension, smolders a desperation that is violent, fierce, and revitalizing. For it is the desperation, itself, that gives our beloved B&E the courage to experience love, lust, and consummation.

I pray that you update soon as this earthquake has managed to stir dread and terror in the hearts of these beautiful souls. And in mine as well.

Godspeed.

I truly enjoy this story. You have created the most screwed-up Edward I have ever read. I am so ready to discover what is going on with him. And the teaser at the end of this chapter tells me that he is not the only one with a messed up past. Let's find out why Bella is afraid of earthquakes, shall we? I really love your use of language. It's always a treat to read your chapters.

Ah, Bella.  You know just how to wrap a guy around your finger!  The emotional roller coaster these two are on is breath taking!  And Bella has no idea of the baggage that Edward is carrying, yet she is willing to shoulder it anyway!  I can't wait to see how Edward handles the next sighting of Bella!

You've rescued him. You've rescued me. I smile again as I am no longer in revolt to this.

At the end of the last chapter, I was beyond furious and horrified with Bella and her shunning of our beloved Edward. I couldn't fathom how, in any possible way, she could have crushed him the way she did in her dismissal of him. Up until that moment, it had been my absolute favorite chapter yet. It was intense, romantic, and passionate. Just beautiful. 

Then Bella shot it all to hell.

But...

I am thrilled that this new chapter managed to quell the fury I felt towards Bella. THANK GOD Edward reacted as he did after her mentioning of a 'date' with another. He could have so easily bolted and begun a new cycle of awkwardness and distance, but instead he rose to the challenge and tempted our Bella once again with his delicious hunger. 

Edward's pov is by far the most tempting and seductive of the two. He is so tortured, so pained, so lonely, that one can only be relieved with Bella's tender caress and sweet whisperings in his ear. 

Thank you for this chapter. Such relief was in great need. Relieved.

Ah Bella, do you have a split personality?  You want him so much, he comes to your apartment and spills his guts.  He kisses you.  He wants to see you again.  And you show him the door?  What are you thinking, chica?  Good luck with that date-it won't be with the one you want!

Ahhh!  Nooooo!  *impatient*

you are a most heinious(sp?) person

awww so wasnt ready for it to end- you have me hooked now, cant wait for the next update!

Edward. Is. An. Idiot.