So, first, incredible job at giving us glimpes of Edward's past.  Just the hints are devastating and tragic.  I appreciate that you aren't being graphic.  I also think that Edward would try to avoid any graphic memories when possible.

Again, Bella was brilliant.  When she reminded him about what happened to her arm and asked if it was her fault --- PERFECT!  I worry about what will happen when Edward starts to change his thinking regarding his past.  He has believed it was his fault for so long that it will be difficult for him to believe the truth.

I just loved this and can't wait for more!

Author's Response: More will be up soon. Thanks for leaving a review!

So sweet. Thank you for writing this story. Congratulations on over 1k reviews!!!

Author's Response: Aw, thanks! :)

I'm so glad that Edward is letting Bella in! (If only just a little..) HE really deserves kindness and it doesn't look like he's got much! xx

Author's Response: Maybe not so far, but that was before Bella entered his life. :) Thanks for your review!

The image of him turning his cheek into her hand is just heartbreaking...like he's an abused dog who still craves human attention. :(((  And he's been denied any positive touching his whole life...how hard it must be for him to yearn for the thing that frightens him the most.   I'm so glad that he has Bella now!  Although it would freak him out, I just want to hug him and stroke his hair for about 23 hours straight.  :(  sniffle sniffle...

Author's Response: I have to admit I was tearing up when I wrote that part. :) Like you say, good thing he has Bella. Thanks for your review!

It just breaks my heart that he feels this way about himself. I am so glad he did not run away from Bella and he is giving himself a chance although he does not realize what he is doing. This chapter is epic. I truly believe they made a breakthroough. Even if it was small. The factthat he is interupting his sad thoughts with Bella's truthful words of encouragment means a lot. I cant wait for the next update.

Author's Response: You may be right about the breakthrough. More coming soon. Thank you for reviewing!

I love your Edward, loved this chapter. Update soon. Just wonderful!

Author's Response: Thank you, and I will. :)

Oh, my God, you really outdid yourself with this one! Holy crow, I cried from start to finish, Nilla. I won't lie, it was devestating to read about Edwards abuse. The part about James panting in his ear and crushing him was too much to bear and made me nauseous. But you wrote it so well and didn't go on and on with the visuals; what you wrote was enough to imagine the horror he went through and is still going through. Abuse has long lasting effects and ingrained patterns. 99 % of victims feel they were to blame, because as you said so elloquently, if Edward allowed himself to feel the 'victim', the injustice and unfairness of what James did would kill him. Beautifully written. I couldn't have said it better.It breaks my heart how Edward feels like he is on tenterhooks, waiting for Bella to take her friendship and dare I say, love, away from him. Him grasping her hand was lovely, as were the thoughts he conveyed, but when he pleaded her to keep touching his face, I thought I'd pass out! You make his pain so real and I just wanted to tell you how amazing your writing is becoming with each chapter. Thank you for this gem and I wait with baited breath for the next chapter. Have a great week

Jo 

Author's Response: Wow, I can't tell you how happy it makes me to hear that you feel so strongly for my story. Thank you so much!

what a brilliant chapter. I'm sure we all love your Edward even more than ever.

Author's Response: Thank you! :)

This story is progressing so well. I can't wait until the next chapter. I hope you update soon.

Author's Response: I will. Thank you!

Poor Edward. I feel like I say that a lot but it's true. He wants to be happy but he doesn't think he deserves it and it's so sad. Luckily, Bella seems to be getting through that thick skull of his and what's even better is that he's letting her. For now at least.

I keep expecting James to show up or something and rock Edward's already fragile foundation. He needs to confront that demon eventually but I'm scared of what would happen if he had to do it before he's ready - especially if he has to do it face to face.

Looking forward to the next update!

Thanks!

~SP

 

Author's Response: I'll post the next chapter tomorrow. Thank you for reviewing!

Lovely update.

Author's Response: Thanks!

This chapter brought tears to my eyes. The progress they made was beautiful, and at the same time Edward's refusal to believe that she will stay in his life and that what happened to him wasn't his faut is so heartbreaking. So many abuse victims carry the weight of thei guilt for years. I really hope he lets go of his soon.

Author's Response: He'll need a lot of time to learn to deal with his past. Thank you very much for your review.

Wow...this story is just so sad, but hopeful at the same time.  I always have tissues when I read this.  You are a gifted writer to be able to make your readers feel so much. 

Author's Response: Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to me.