Yay! Everyone made up...sorta. LOL I'm glad they're finally talking even if it's not about everything they should be talking about. Awesome update!

Author's Response: Thanks! Yes, I think you've hit the nail on the head. They've sort of made up.

So happy to hear that you're feeling better! Antibiotics to the rescue!

This was a fantastic informational chapter. I feel like we learned so much - the wide-reaching arms of the Volturi, Edward's involvement with Volturi affiliates, a peek into Edward's growing feelings for Bella...

I'm glad that Edward didn't find a connection between Jacob & the Volturi. (so far) But I kinda feel like Edward's firing of Jacob may have gotten Jake looking for a new job... and maybe this new job is with a Voluri associate. So, while he was NOT a threat in the past, Edward's actions resulted in him BECOMING a threat.

I loved that Edward's Tanya confession was the result of him assuming the worst about Bella... silly Edward.

What was so amusing at Rose&Em's house?

I love the way the E&B talk to each other. It's always question after question - neither one wanting to give in first. It's very entertaining to read.

I probably s/ have just said this over in the forum... it got a little long... sorry:-)

Author's Response:

Hey, if you're going to say that much about my story, I don't really care if you say it here or there. I just appreciate that you say it.

We'll have to see what happens with Jacob.

And I'm glad you enjoyed Edward's confession.

At Rose & Em's house, Bella was being funny, and they were laughing. Bella had a good time with the girls.

The give and take questions for Bella and Edward were a major source of work for me in this chapter to get them to sound natural. Glad you thought they worked.

Thanks so much for reviewing. :) 

OME!!!!!!! This chapter was worth the wait! It was soooo good!!!! I loved it! I hope Bella doesn't push Edward away or that Edward pushes bella away... :)

Author's Response: We'll just have to wait and see. Thanks for reviewing :)

sooo glad you updated!! :) Update again soon!!

Author's Response: thanks :)

I love this story line.  It's so original!  Terriffic chapter, too!

Author's Response: Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.

i read your story in one whole sitting! i'm totally engrossed. can't wait to see how edward and bella would further their relationship!

Author's Response: Wow. The story is getting long-- it must have been a long sitting! Glad to hear you're enjoying it. Thanks for reviewing :)

AHHHHH!!! total cock tease. I hope there is a little more sexiness soon between Bella and Edward. He needs to make good on his promise. 

Author's Response:

Thanks for reviewing :)

We'll just have to wait and see what happens next chapter. 

Ahh!  What is she doing???  Don't stop!!  :)

Author's Response: Thanks for reviewing :)

You are a master!   ihated Edward at the begining of this chapter and now I want him to love her!  how do you do it?  Can't wait for more!

Author's Response: It's all POV. We really didn't have a good grasp of Edward's motivations, and everyone (including Bella) assumed the worst about him. Glad you enjoyed the chapter :)

sigh.  lovely.

Author's Response: thank you.

I am sorry that you have been feeling poorly, but I am glad you are some better. I was so excited when I saw that you had updated. This story is one of my favorites.
I am glad that Edward finally went home and faced Bella, and I am glad that Bella wasn't there. Edward needed to see that Bella has other people she can talk to and interact with, and he needed to feel a little disappointment when she wasn't there. Bella really has no one, outside of Edward and his family, and he has not been there for her recently.
The small bits of intimacy between them have been building up, and I can't wait for it all to come to a head. Maybe now that they have somewhat resolved the issues of Edward/Taunya and Bella/Jacob they can get to know each other better and at least be friendly.
Alice slightly irriates me still. I totally understand her being put out with Bella. Her loyalty lies with her brother and she did catch Bella "cheating" on him with the gardner. I don't know what it is about her that bothers me. I can't pinpoint it, but maybe after she has the baby my feelings will change toward her.
I have a strong suspicion that things are about to get hairy with the Volturi, especially since Emmett is going to be away on his vacation. Edward will have to step up to the plate and protect Bella. Protective Edward is hot Edward, so I wouldn't mind that happening.
Anyway, I loved the chapter and I love the story. Your writing only gets stronger and stronger with each chapter. The plot is so original and I really like the pace at which you have developed everything.
Take care and feel better. Update soon if you can.

Author's Response:

Edward and Bella had to talk to each other at some point, and I know it was a relief for me to give them some positive interaction after a long drought. Edward is starting to see Bella as more of a whole person, i think. 

Nobody seems to like both Rosalie and Alice, which I find interesting. Everyone seems to identify with one or the other, although a few people seem to hate all of the characters at this point.

We are not yet to the point where everything comes to a head-- remember this is a long story and we're not half done yet. We don't even know the trial date yet. 

Thanks so much for your thoughtful review. :) 

Wow! I feel like I have been waiting for that kiss as long as Bella has. I can breath now that they kissed. Edward so wants her. She is playing him so well. It was well worth the wait. I am soooo glad you are feeling better. Great writing. Thank you. :) 

Author's Response:

Funny, you're not the only person who felt like the wait was forever... it was only about a month... though I guess that would definitely feel like forever to Bella.

Glad you liked the chapter!