Intense confrontation between Carlisle and Edward! I can totally see both of their sides of the argument, but I believe that Carlisle and Esme should have told Edward that James was released, maybe in the therapist's office. Abuse survivors need to get control back, and knowledge is power.

It's great that Edward can comfort Bella too, to help her with her headaches. It balances things out a bit.

<< “Look...” Edward kept his eyes on the remains of his tuna sandwich. “If you don’t want to, that’s fine, I mean, I understand if you’ve already made plans for tonight. But...” He hesitated. “If you’re not busy or anything, you could always...” Glancing briefly at me, he then quickly looked away again and mumbled, “come over to our house for dinner.” >>

This was precious.

Misunderstanding, party of two. I'm glad they talked it out.

I cannot imagine Edward being able to tolerate the scrutiny of Chief Swan!
 

<< Deep down, I knew things were going too fast; Bella was tearing down my walls, and I was scared of what she would find. I was losing control, and it fucking terrified me.

Over the last couple of days, Bella had become the one positive thing in my sad excuse for a life, and all of the sudden, I couldn’t bear the thought of going back to the way things had been before. How could I, when I had learned that I was capable of feeling something other than anger and self loathing? Only up until now, I hadn’t realized the feeling was hope >>

I love your insight into his character.

<< I had already accepted that years ago, when I was first hit by the painful realization that my mother wouldn’t tell James to remove his hand from the back of my head and stop pressing my face against the hard, wooden floor, even as I was dry-heaving and gasping for air, screaming on the inside and wishing for the pain to Just. Fucking. Stop. >>

This was chilling.

<< I had to believe it was because of me; that if I had only been good and behaved, then none of it would have happened.

Otherwise, the unfairness of it all would without doubt destroy me completely >>

The psychology of this is dead on. A child cannot make sense of a parent, who's supposed to be good and loving, actually being bad. The child believes HE must be bad; it's the only way to make sense of things. Because if the parent is bad, who's going to take care of the child? It's terrifying.

That was incredibly tender, when she stroked his face.

Finally! I really liked that it was Rosalie to make the first move to get back with Emmett, it clearly showed she cared for him, and in doing so she also apologised to Edward for her behaviour..I also appreciate very much that Edward heard her out and is trying to help her and his brother because he sees how much they suffer away from each other!

Can't wait for the next chapter, please update soon!! ;D

great chapter thanks tracy

Wonderful chapter!  Loved how he reached out to Emmett.  Thanks for the update.

i love that edward is making an effort to be a peacemaker and be friends with everyone! i love that he turned down rosealie! she needed to be brought down a peg or eight!

Awwwww.... Rose has finally decided to be nice...... and Edward helping out big bro.....Edward seems to moving forward but I have a feeling that once the therapy begins that it will get worse before it gets better...... until next time!!!!!!!!!

i can see why rosalie hated him from the beginning,,,and not just because she asked him out,,,she asked him out at first and he was a dick from the beginning,.,of course she will be defensive and be nasty right back i would....it isnt like she knew his situation...i think its too easy to paint rose as the villian all the time...i am glad to see edward wasnt painted so perfect in this conversation......bella seems a little too protective sometimes,,,not smothering but she needs to let hinm stand on his own two feet sometimes or he will need her to much,,,

loved this chapter!!! can't wait for the next!!!

Aww... Edward the relationship mediator.  Who'd of ever thought it?  It was actually quite smart of Rose to apologize to Edward directly.  I doubt she and Emmett would have got back together otherwise.  Emmett needed Edward to forgive her so he could forgive her.  Wonder if Emmett knows she had asked Edward out before he and Rose got together... probably not.

Love it! Great development in all relationships.

Really good. Still lovin it!