Beautiful chapter, just like the entire story. It's hard waiting on updates. This is prob my fav Bella, and while I really had no sympathy for Edward for a while (I've dealt with puhlenty of drug users in my time) I really like how he's overcome things and how they're now taking things slow.

Sounds like Edward and Bella are really good friends.  Nothing to complain about that.  That's great.  I enjoyed the chapter more than I have in a while.  Progess, happiness, friends, all good. 

I didn't think his parents were functioning.  But sometimes we all want to think the best of our parents.

I LLLOOOOVVEED this chapter!  I want to give you a hug for this chapter!  This chapter was so uplifting and their snow day together was magical!  I love these two and I'm so glad to see Carlisle and Esme in their lives...  What a wonderful way to bring them into this story.  I don't even want to think about only two more chapters left, because I'll start crying!  I'm just gonna stay in my happy place with this chapter!  You are amazing!  I can't tell you enough times.  Simply amazing!

I love the easy friendship they've developed!!

Ugh....... (Sorry, every other story I've reviewed lately seems to start with "awe".)

Anyway..... I know you have to walk before you can run but dammit! I'm ready for them to run to each other and sail off into the sunset! I know, I know... this isn't that kind of story. Edward still has a lot of 'healing' to do. Recovery is a long process and he hurt Bella a lot. And from earlier in the story, I recall Jasper saying how long it was before he actually started dating Alice. They too had to walk before they could run! *sigh*

Hi sweets,

I about fell off the couch when I saw you song for the chap last night. Re:Stacks is one of my favorite songs ever written. It fits perfectly. :)

This is one of my fav chapters so far. I love how you express their friendship, careful yet still fun & playful. The teasing between them makes me giddy. It's so different than their relationship of the past. Not to make their former connection less meaningful, because I think it meant a lot and really shaped who they are. It gives me a huge smile to see it from epov and hear what he's thinking and how much he's grown.

The insight into Carlise & Esme was so interesting. I don't recall knowing about Carlisle's past struggles. I'm so glad Edward has reconnected with them and that he includes Bella. Part of me is hoping she goes back to Chicago with him.

The ending scene in the car with them hugging brought tears to my eyes. So tender and honest.

Thank you for the update, dearie. It's bittersweet to know we only have chapters left.

Have a great day!

xxoo
annie

Gosh what a struggle for them both.  This story always gives me heartache for B&E, can't wait for their hea!

I love the interaction between the two in this chapter.

I love the friendship they have built. I love the way they have easy laughs together and can talk about deep, difficult subjects as well. I love that they have matured enough to handle the same situation differently (Wanting to stay, but knowing someone needs to get up early). I love that they can work on puzzles together for hours. I love that Bella was able to give Edward comfort when he was vulnerable and he was able to truly accept it. I love that they are not waiting around for something that may never happen. I love that they want each other, but they are wise enough to know that it's not the right time.

I'm not sure if I believe in Disney style 'happily ever afters', but I like what these two have--even if it's just a strong, solid friendship.

Thanks for writing.

 

At last these two are becoming the friends they always should have been, allowing the love they feel for one another to grow and mature organically, instead of being the urgent, needy addiction on Edward's part, leaving Bella as the passive enabler.  Now they can come together as equals, recognising and understanding the love and need they have for one another, without it unbalancing or crippling them.  Edward has learned to trust again (if, indeed, he ever did) and maybe he finally feels worthy of Bella's love.  I am so sad there are only two chapters left - I'm both excited to see the conclusion but dreading it in equal measure, as this is still one of my absolute favourite stories.  Oh, BTW, I'm a bit puzzled that Bella called him "Cullen" in this chapter as I thought his name was Masen - was this just a slip of the fingers on the keyboard ... a little jizztyping?! 

Author's Response:

Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit! Thank you thank you thank you for bringing that to my attention.

I'm so glad to see them back as friends but still wish it was more.  They both are drawn to each other and need each other.  maybe Bella will go to Chicago with Edward?  I'll be sad to see this one end - I want them to get their HEA!

Another great chapter. They are beginning. I hope for more. I hope this trip back to his childhood friend proves to be a catharsis for him, to help him move on with his life and put all the painful memories behind him.