Awesome chapter!!

What time span did this chapter cover?  Wasn't she to be having therapy sessions during this?  Not cool that Edward was avoiding her.....I think I know why. *grins* Looking forward to ch 23!!

Author's Response:

It's really only been a weeks.  The therapy issue, among many others, will come up next chapter.  Yes, it's not cool that Edward has been distancing himself from Bella, but he has his reasons...

Thank you so much for the review and your continued support of this story!

I am behind in my reviewing and trying to get a load done tonight.  I just wanted to let you know that I am with you for the long-haul my dear.  There is something very engaging about your story and I really feel for your characters.  I must admit that I am relieved that this won't be a teen Bella/man Edward story - sometimes I find those ones hard to understand.  Your Edward is a man of honour though, so I'm not worried.   What an evil cliffie you have left us on though!  :-(  Hope your schedule allows you to update soon and put us out of our misery! x

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for the review and for your support of this story.  Yes, Edward is very much a gentleman, who is tortured by the inappropriate feelings he has for Bella.  He will remain a man of honor in this story because that is the way I like him most! Thank you again and I hope you continue to enjoy the story!

I'm still with ya!  Can't wait to see how it turns out!

Author's Response:

Thank you! :)

I don't feel that Ed is preying on her. I just think he feels this connection to her. I also don't mind the age difference at all. I think it's fun to read maybe be my husband and I are so close in age it's fun to read something different.

Keep up the story I WILL NOT stop reading. Thank you

Aimee

Author's Response:

Thanks Aimee!  When I first met my husband I thought he was years older than me - he seemed so mature and responsible.  It turned out that we were the same age.  I thought I was getting an older man!  

I'm glad that you are enjoying the story.  Thank you!

omg i love your story! :D i legit read like probably 10 chapters just tonite and i can't stop reading, im addicted! i can't wait to see what is going to happen with edward and bella, i have a feeling he really likes her but he doesn't approve of the age difference but is drawn to her and she loves him too. soo touching and a really heartfelt story. please keep the updates coming and keep up the amazing writing! <3

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for the review!  It makes me feel so wonderful to know that you are so invested in the story!  Your words motivate me!  A new chapter should be up soon!

I'm still here reading and liking what I read. I have to admit when I first started reading the story I too didn't care for the age difference at this point in her life. But I do look forward to what they can have once she has matured. Jasper too is much older than Alice, correct?

Ok and the whole Mike thing scares the crap out of me. I hope Charlie can protect her from him and all evils while she is in high school and living with him.

Author's Response:

Just to clarify, Jasper is only a little over a year older than Alice, having graduated from high school the year before.  I don't think this is too unusual.  I'm glad that you are giving the story a chance and that you've stuck with me!  I think it will be worth it in the long run.  These two are soul mates who just need to find each other at the right time!  I so appreciate your review and especially your honesty!

Damn them distractions.  But isn't Edward really cute.  Can't wait for more.

Author's Response:

If only we all had such divine distractions!  Thank you for the review!

I also think the wait is worth it. I am not worried about where you are going with this and think you are doing a wonderful job! Can't wait for more :)

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for your review and for your support of the story!

With you? I'm way more than "with you", my friend. I am completely addicted to this story...have been from the very first paragraph. I'm a little shocked that someone actually told you they could no longer read it because they felt Edward was being lecherous. Far from it! Clearly, there's a connection there, but Edward is NOT trying to seduce or manipluate her in any way. I am absolutely absorbed by the concept of forbidden love. It's what drew me to the series to begin with, after all. Consequently, it's also why I like Alice/Bella stories, but that's a conversation for another day. ;-)

What you've done here is explored an entirely new facet of that concept. Is it the very first "Bella and an older Edward" story? Certainly not. Especially considering his rather advanced age in canon. But this isn't some sexual fantasy played out...not some cheap attempt at "hot for teacher" smut.

Bella's always been an old soul, so it made sense that she was able to connect emotionally with a century old vampire. So in the all-human universe, it really works that she's doing the same thing. Connecting emotionally with an older man. Because our Bella being with someone her age? A teenager? Yeah, doesn't work.

So I'm thrilled that you're writing this, and I'm even more thrilled that you're clearly so devoted to doing it justice. Because it is absolute gold, sweetie. And while I wasn't sure how this would ever work out (until you revealed things would be skipping ahead a few years at some point soon), I never lost faith that somehow...it would.

Thanks for the evil cliffhanger, by the way!!!

Author's Response:

Thank you so much Roonie!  I am so touched by your words and your experience of the story!  It is wonderful to know that all of the emotions I've been trying to convey, the ideas I wanted to express are actually resonating with you!  I too am absorbed by the idea of forbidden love - the whole Romeo and Juliet syndrome.  I think we all would like to believe that love can transcend or conquer any obstacle.

I do appreciate the support and the words of encouragement and I sincerely apologize for the cliffie - they always seem like a natural way to end the chapter and also to give you a little hint of what you'll see in the next installment.

Gah!  I'm dying to know what happened!!

Author's Response:

So sorry to keep you waiting!  The next chapter is with my beta and should post soon!  Thank you for the review!

i get what edward was trying to tell bella!!! that she can trust him and that she can trust her dad to be there for her and protect her!!! OMG what edward's presence causes!! poor bella will need a trip to the hospital!!!

Author's Response:

Thank you for the review!  I appreciate it!

I knew her getting on that bike would mean trouble!

I must admit that I was one of those people who thought the age difference rather weird, but I like the way you make it clear that they have a bond already, yet don't (and wont) act on it, since she's so young. My faith in you is strong haha

Author's Response:

Thank you for having faith in me!  I could never make Edward into a child predator.  This is a story about how true love, even when it is inappropriate, can't be denied.  It transcends time.  Bella and Edward will carry their love with them in their hearts until they are reunited in the future and can be together in all the ways a woman and man can be.