Sigh...this story just does me in - I have such conflict in my heart when I read it, because I alternately want to smile with joy at his progress and cry out in despair at his pain.  Your characters are just so REAL...it's amazing.  I really do hope Edward is one day able to give Esme that hug.

Argh, I want it to be tomorrow night! 

Edward should DEFINITELY go to Phoenix to support Bella. Definitely! It will give him a chance to do something for her for a change!

And he seems to be getting it, she loves him... how long until he gets that his need to be with her is because he loves her right back?

I love every chapter more than the last its just such a well written story

Edward has come such a long way. I can't wait until he hugs Esme. Thanks as always you rock. :) Nancy

I found you here, finaly! Just red through your Loner-Thread and its really cool how interested people are. Some have the same thougts like me and some make me really laugh! Chap is awesome as ever, i'm really exited if he really asks her to stay over...
Germany greets ;-)
Karin

Poor Edward automatically assuming the worst!

He has such a long way to go in trusting people again, although he has bravely taken some small steps in the right direction already.

Bella is so good for him, she just instinctually understands what he needs. If only he would let himself enjoy it fully without trying to surpress his hope and feelings.

Can't wait for what will happen if Bella spends the night with Edward. I can totally see him having a panic attack for full body contact and then surrendering himself to just feeling and enjoying!

Love your story so much!

Great chapter!

I loved everything about it!

Looking forward to your next chapter!

im so happy hes opening up a bit more! he deserves to be happy and loved! and im sure that the cullens can give it to him, and bella! how will their evening go? and her trip to phoenix? maybe edward could go with her?

Two teenagers, without parental supervision at home, normally I would think things would get hot! But with Edward it's difficult to imagine things would go beyond kissing. We can always hope! Lol.

Great chapter by the way.

*grins in happiness* I know that was only a little bit just a speck of hope starting to form in him at the end there but i can't help it makes me happy. Even if it's going to be another 3 chapters before he hears Bella's voice in his head again telling him the opposite of what he believes I'm happy with this just one moment because it shows he's starting to believe their words. Whether it's just in this moment or another in the next chapter or so on and so forth it's progress. It's healing it's recoery for Edward and I love it!! :D

I understand the need for Edward not wanting Alice and Emmett to know...but I really with they did. I know they understand that he was hurt and I agree with Edward on this, I think Alice has a suspicion what happened but I know they won't be finding out for awhile. I don't want an answer to that lol I'd rather be surprised if I'm wrong.

I liked this chapter it made me smile :) Yay for Edward!!!

As always, great chapter.

YEA! Bella is so ggod for him! I hope he lets Esme hug him! It hurts my heart so much to think that he thinks he is so unworthy!

This is an excellent story! You have an extraordinary talent and you use it well.