When a woman leaves an abusive relationship, it's a day she'll never forget. The sense of freedom is overwhelming and empowering. It's also the most difficult time as well, because you're leaving everything you're used to, even if it's somethign horrible like abuse.  So, speaking for personal experience, I can relate to Esme on so many levels.  Great job.

Author's Response:

Thank you!  And yes, I've heard that from survivors over and over -- just the sense of FREEDOM that one experiences, like dropping a huge weight.  I was glad I was able to convey that for Esme and have it seem authentic to somebody who's been there. :-)

Not yet indeed, but it will be!

Excellent deeper look into Esme... love it!

Author's Response:

Thank you!  And yes ... not yet, but soon.

Very interesting anaologies to use.

I am glad that Bella and Esme were able to talk.  I think they might be able to help each other.  And I think it will do Esme the world of good just having gotten some of her feelings over her past out.

And Rose sounds, well just like Rose.  I'm glad Bella pointed out to Esme that sometimes Rose's methods are effective.

Well done, another fantastic chapter.

Author's Response:

Thanks!  And I love writing Rose because she's just so ... blunt and grounded.  Although I think having her around constantly might be wearing.  For me, a lot of the fun of this story is that it's not just about Bela (and Edward), it's also about Rose and Esme (and to a lesser degree, Alice).  These three women especially are facing transitional changes in their lives.

I really like your grown up Bella. She's really come into her own, and that she can counsel Esme proves how much she's matured. Her conversation with Esme also shows that she's able to look back and realize what some of the flaws were in her teenage relationship with Edward, which is another big thing for her, I think.

As always, looking forward to the next update!

Author's Response:

Thank you!  And yes, she's now actually older than Esme was, so it puts them more on a level.  That helps. :-D

Ooh!  Interesting point raised by the clients - will the adrenaline make them extra tasty tempting for the vampires, especially Jasper if he happens by?

Author's Response:

I think it probably would, although the adrenaline would probably not be a constant. :-)

Yay!  The shelter is OPEN!

Author's Response:

*waves pom-poms*

:-D

There definitely was a shift of balance in this chapter; I was thinking it even before you pointed it out.  I also really liked that you had an explanation/realization as to why Alice thought it should just be Bella to go in there - that enhanced the subtlety of the story while still allowing for your New Moon nod.   

Author's Response:

Thanks!  And I'm glad the reason for Alice's withdrawal worked. :-)

*claps* Bravo! I just finished reading this 'fic through start to finish (ok, with a few interruptions here and there), and I am blown away.

I was initially thrown-off because the first few chapters felt so... un-Twilight-y, but the more I read, the more I realized that that was the beauty of it! I'm not one for bashing SM (hey, no matter what we don't like, she DID give us the story to begin with), but the one thing about the canon series that I've always been bothered by is how Bella's humanity gets left behind once she meets Edward. Oh, sure she's "breakable," but that's about it. Your 'fic keeps everyone in character, but it brings back that beautiful, messy humanity. 

Plus, I admire you for painting Edward in a less-than-perfect light. His flaws make him so much more endearing than his alleged perfection. 

And you gave the whole family purpose!! 

Kudos to you, author. You have my attention (speaking of which, could we possibly expect an update in the next week?). 

~Austyn

Author's Response:

Thank you!  It's that humanity that I'm aiming for, that I think is what Bella brings to the table that's so valuable.  She reconnects them to themselves.

And I expect that I might very well have an update by week's end. :-)

Oh, Esme. *hugs*  I'm glad she's not having such a hard time of it now that everything is settling a bit and Carlisle will be coming home soon.  I loved her talk with Edward and how you're digging into a relationship that generally gets overlooked in canon as well as fanon.  I think in some ways she is right about what's going on with Bella and Edward, although it's clouded and intensified by all her maternal feelings.  However fair or unfair the whole situation is to Edward, though, he's fully aware of the possibilities and is willing to accept whatever happens, and Bella's made no secret of where she's at and what she's willing to give. 

I'm glad that the shelter is moving along so quickly - already a woman and three children! - and I hope there aren't any huge mishaps in the near future.  I'll be waiting [im]patiently for an update.

-Rachael

Author's Response:

Yeah, exactly.  Bella has been very upfront with Edward, so he knows where he stands with her. But there's also the whole "Alice is encouraging me" which has him sticking it out where he might not, otherwise!

Wonderfully written. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Author's Response:

Thanks!

That was absolutely beautiful. I love this character so much more now...and I've developed infinitely more respect for him than I have for most other Edwards in fic. Lovely job...I know the next chapter is already posted, and it's quite good, but I had to let you know how remarkable and gracefully done this one was.

Author's Response:

Wow.  Thank you!  I find Edward fascinating in his imperfections; that's what makes him the most human. :-)

Good

I was NERVOUS bout the mysterious person. Can't wait to see what happens from here.

Author's Response:

You were supposed to be momentarily worried. ;>