I really love you for the conversation between Edward and Esme. Seriously, bringing up the trust thing really made this chapter outstanding. Thank you for that bit of illumination. The conversation between Edward and Tanya was also riveting. I have indeed wondered about what kind of conversation those two would have after Bella'd change. I liked how Tanya chastised Edward for comparing his mere 90 years to her 1500 years of loneliness. Put him in his place as she should have. It does show Tanya in a different light when you think about it.

I really like what you did with this chapter. There were several scenes I liked but those two were my top favorite. Thanks for the update!

Author's Response:

Thank you so much!

Though I hadn't really intended to do so, trust became the sort of recurring theme throughout this chapter, even though it is entitled "Secrets". I think the philosophy I was operating under is that everybody has secrets, and if you truly care for someone, you will choose to trust them regardless of what they may or may not be hiding. As Edward decides at the end of this chapter, you have to trust that they will tell you in their own time. That's what I tried to convey in Esme's advice to Edward. She seems like a very wise woman, and it's obvious that she thinks of all the 'younger' Cullens as her children, so I wanted them to have a little 'mother-son' talk.

Tanya's thoughts were very interesting to write, as well. I actually think I found a little bit of myself in her, and I wanted to, as you said, put her in a different light.

You do such a beautiful job with Edward's voice!  I've been following your story over on twilight archives and would only check over there to see if you had updated, so glad you are posting it here now!  I love all the details you put in with the other characters, I feel as if I am truly getting the other side of the story-can't wait for the next chapter!

Author's Response:

Thank you very much!

My dear friend and fan icroderiguez is the one who told me that I should post this story here, and I owe her. :)

It's a lot of fun to add more depth to the lesser recognized characters. I especially enjoyed writing the conversation with Tanya and the playful bantering between Kate and Garrett. And I'll be giving it my best effort to have another chapter finished by the end of the month, so hang in there!

I love this story, and I also love jessiechreesie's story "Atlas Shrugged" and I am so glad that you guys used this song. =] Great stories too, and also, I loved this chapter <3

Author's Response:

Thank you so much!

Yes, that story is an incredibly beautiful AU of the events in "Eclipse", and now I have Debussy's Reverie on my iPod as inspiration music.

I love the introductions that you do, I forgot to mention that in my last review of the previous chapter. They are totally original. Like in this one, it makes so much sense Edward would be thinking about hell, he always feared about his soul and taking away Bella's, it's a nice way to get into the chapter. Nice to add what the spanish and slovak words mean.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much!

A lot of Edward's insecurities were addressed in this chapter, and it morphed into a very spiritual experience. Thus far, this is my favorite chapter.

And the translations: it always drives me crazy when books use certain words without telling you what they mean. I wanted to save everyone a trip to Google. ;P

Fantastic work!  I love the explanation of translations.  I continued to be impressed with your work.  You are a fantastic writer with a surperb grasp of the character that I believe Edward to be.

You amaze me.

Author's Response:

Thank you very much!

I'm amazed, and so grateful, for the response this story is getting - both here and on two other sites. It's mind-blowing. I owe thanks to all of you, the reviewers. :)

Great work!  You really portrayed Edwards conflict in protecting his family, while revealing his new intensified concept of family.

Author's Response:

Thank you!

I really liked the part about them playing chess, very believable and funny. It just fit into the story well. 

Author's Response:

That chess match is actually a part I added after the chapter was finished. I needed to put another slice of time between Carlisle's departure and the arrival of the Volturi's wedding gift, so it worked out that I could finish writing about the chess game. And now, it's become one of my favorite moments in the chapter.

I think this one is the best so far. I love the meadow scene, and the talk about the stars. I love how you brought in the words he said in the meadow prior. It's great.

Author's Response:

Thank you very much!

It seemed natural that they would go to the meadow, and I personally love stargazing, so it was nice to add that into the chapter.

Loved Charlotte's views on how Bella has changed Edward, loved the steamy new love scene, and loved Bella's reaction to her Ferrari once she drove it.  Jacob's reaction and consequent challenge was even better, though.  I snickered throughout that whole scene.  I love how Edward can't keep his hands off her, even or maybe especially during these dire circumstances.  A newlywed's gotta do what a newlywed's gotta do... *giggle*

Author's Response:

Charlotte is a relatively unknown character, and it was fun to play around with her a bit. And the entire scene with Bella's 'after' car was a blast. I wanted to try and tackle that missing moment in this story, and I was so glad that I was able to do it.

I also think that Edward held himself back as far as intimacy with Bella while she was still human, and now that he's able to express his feelings without fear, he is constantly showing his affection. Plus, as you pointed out, they ARE newlyweds.

This is hands down, my favorite chapter so far.  I literally cried when I read Edward's breakdown, it absolutely killed me.  In the series, the only time we ever know that Edward really lost it was when Bella was broken and bleeding after James attacked her; he chokes up occasionally, but never weeps tearlessly like he did then ... at least not until now.  Bella comforted him like we all knew she would.  That scene was so powerful that it blew me away.  Thank you for writing it.

The other hugely wonderful thing about this chapter was Eleazar pointing out and defining Bella's gift.  Edward's surprise at hearing that she was a sheild was palpable through your interpretation, and I loved reading it.  Beautiful, gorgeous chapter!  Perfect!

Author's Response:

This chapter is my favorite so far, as well. The emotions ingrained within it are so intense.

The Denalis are a lot of fun to write, too, especially since Edward can hear their thoughts.

I know you gave a warning for angst in this chapter, but I ate it up like a starving woman - I love this stuff.  I like how you show Edward clinging to his wife and daughter as the realization that they are all about to die really hits home, that was so poignantly beautiful.  Can't say enough nice things about this chapter.

Author's Response:

Angst is a little emotionally draining for me to write, but also exciting at the same time, because it challenges me to dig deeper into Edward's psyche. I'm glad that you enjoyed it.

Great, great scene of tenderness when Edward hums Renesmee to sleep while Charlie watches - loved it!  Also, got a kick out of watching Bella beat Emmett and destroy the boulder just for the fun of it through Edward's eyes - every time he looks at her, he's filled with so much love, and you describe that perfectly.

Author's Response:

I really liked that part, too. :) It seemed like a nice touch, since he would sing Bella to sleep, and I wanted to add some more moments that showed Edward as a 'daddy'. And the arm-wrestling match was a blast; Emmett is so much fun to write.

Adored the love-making of course, even though it wasn't really a full lemon like an "M" rated fiction might have, it was still lovely.  I loved the addition of Edward apologizing for his actions as they left the island, of him telling her he had never been so frightened in his life than then.  It was a nice touch and went well and believably with the rest of the chapter.  I also enjoyed the fact that he made note of the fact that he didn't have to hold back anything from her physically, that he could actually express the love and desire he's felt for her all along.  I like the apology Alice gave Edward for glimpsing their night together, too.  I've always enjoyed the little interactions between Edward and his favorite sister.

One of my favorite chaps.

Author's Response:

I didn't want to get too 'lemon-y' because I don't want to push away some readers who might be too young or don't care for stories with a more mature rating. Besides, I like to write from a more emotional standpoint rather than getting overly descriptive, if you know what I mean. Not that I don't appreciate a good lemon, but my personal preference is for those stories that aren't too graphic.

Overall, this chapter is one of my favorites, too. I was really pleased with how the entire cottage scene unfolded, and the parts at the beginning with Alice were fun, as well.