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Reviewer: captaincurly Signed [Report This]
Date: 08 Oct 2014 3:20 AM Title: Chapter 51 Epilogue

Great story! Thanks for sharing!



Author's Response:

Thank you!  Thanks for reading.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 20 Sep 2014 1:31 AM Title: Chapter 51 Epilogue

You never disappoint us.  I do love the way you weave a story. :-) Until we meet again... soon



Author's Response:

Thanks for sticking with me all the way through.  I love a reader who can let me lead them through the rough patches.

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 19 Sep 2014 9:18 PM Title: Chapter 51 Epilogue

 No, no my dear, thank you! Thanks for wrapping this up in a most satisfying manner, giving everyone left after the war a happy ending! Even Aro, who I wanted to kill several times through the course of this story! All these characters got in my head and I cared about what happened to them, so I guess you did good! I look forward to what you come up with next, maybe I'll love it as much as May December Divide!



Author's Response:

Thanks for being such a great supporter.  it's high praise, that the characters became real to you.  I work hard for realism, so it's possible to ignore we're dealing with vampires, werewolves, and hybrids--oh, and fiction.  I am a bit addicted to non-sad endings.  Stories like Thelma and Louise, and The Mist really bother me when they end like that.  I feel like I've been cheated a bit in caring for the characters.  

Aro is just one of those characters I loved and hated.  More than anything, he is a vampire.  He may sparkle, but he's not tame, and he's not an object of affection.  I kinda liked that about him.  

I'm still waiting for my Jasper story to catch me.  I see little sparks of something special, but I think the historical aspects are keeping me from jumping in all the way.  I'm sure I'll get there, since I've got a suspicion Jasper has a great story to tell.   

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed starstarstarstarstar [Report This]
Date: 19 Sep 2014 4:32 PM Title: Chapter 51 Epilogue

Wonderful HEA for our remaing family.  TY for writing and sharing.

ty



Author's Response:

Thank you so much for reading, and for all your support on the technical side.  (Love the pretty graphic!)    I wish more readers knew how just a tiny bit of encouragement can make a writer's day, and keep them motivated when they might otherwise give up.  Seeing my story featured meant a lot to me, since mine don't follow the popularity path.  I also appreciate all the work you do on the website.  This is a much friendlier place than ffnet.  Just having a clear guideline of the rating helped me a bunch.  Allowing more adult stories on the site means I don't have to walk such a fine line in how I write my details, and I can concentrate on just telling the story as it unfolds.  The readers here have been kind, even when they didn't agree with a turn the story took.  I don't mind criticism, but even that's rare, and I never received anything close to a flame or troll review.  

 

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 18 Sep 2014 7:30 PM Title: Chapter 50 Love Me Tender

Well that was beautiful. Thank you and again. I was not sure about reading this. I get the other stories about Bella and Emmett or the many Bella and Jasper, Bella /garrett etc.. I don't read Bella and Jacob. I am just not into wolves.  nope..

 

The first story you wrote with Edward coming back to her. I just locked into that and I made peace with Edward on a few levels for what he did.

 

You do it well.



Author's Response:

Thank you so much for the praise.  Writing romance is a weird choice for a jaded soul like me.  I don't do hearts and flowers very well, and I like when reality bites.  A lot of readers don't want to read something with grit and ugliness in it  They definitely don't want to see canon messed with.  I like to play around in the world of "what if."  Writing fan fiction when you want to be different and off the beaten path, is tough.  Trying not to subvert the original author's world too much is another balancing act.  In the end, I try to write stories I might like to read.  I'm always happy when others want to read them too.    

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 18 Sep 2014 3:27 PM Title: Chapter 50 Love Me Tender

Wonderful ceremony.  Bowling Balls???  Too funny.   Love that Rose was the trickster.



Author's Response:

Typical newlyweds are known for streamers and signs tied to the car, and old school was tin cans dragging the ground.  I just wondered what you'd get from a vampire with a sense of humor.  No way a chauffeur would  keep going with soething like that chained to the car.  Knowing Rosalie, she had something nefarious planned for when they stopped, but didn't get around to it.  (Why do I see her opening a door, and tossing in a monkey?)   

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 18 Sep 2014 12:49 AM Title: Chapter 50 Love Me Tender

A triple wedding was a great idea and the music and dancing afterwards was wonderful! Returning to the island was perfect! Just as Bella said, back to where they began. I will admit to a small pang, when Bella kissed the memory of Edward and tucked it in her heart, that was so touching a thought! Thank you for a wonderful love story, complete with touches of tragedy, horror, pain and joy!



Author's Response:

I didn't realize I'd missed so many review responses; I guess I was anxious to get on with the next project.  The triple wedding might have been a bit too much, but there's reason for it.  I read somewhere that after wars, there's a spike in weddings and childbirth.  Going back to the island was part reconnecting, and part putting the past to rest.  They both needed to make new memories there.  As to Bella's memory of Edward, I think it's appropriate, since they never fell out of love.  One is past, and one is present, and she doesn't have to let go of one to have the other.  

Thanks for sticking with this one, even though it meandered a bit, and I probably tied too much up in a bow.  

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 15 Sep 2014 8:15 PM Title: Chapter 49 Big Bad Wolf

Sadly many groups will use anything different to get rid of anyone that is "other".  Glad Jenna is going to give her a chance though.   The anniversary event (I don't want to say party) was a nice touch



Author's Response:

You've got the 200th review!  I wish I had a prize to send you.  

Janna is giving Leah a chance, and Carlisle is backing them so anything Leah loses won't hurt them.  Especially in my stories, I try not to get political and up on a religious platform when it comes to things like gay marriage, but I believe we should have equal rights for everyone, even those who do things in their bedrooms that my religion has a problem with.  When the majority try to restrict the rights of a minority, then I've got a problem with it.    

The memorial service was something they all really needed.  With perfect memories and recall, that date is never going to be just another day.   Nothing left but the epilogue.   

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 15 Sep 2014 6:47 PM Title: Chapter 49 Big Bad Wolf

I thought it was just one more thing in a string of grief that has plagued Leah. At least this time, she has someone of her own to love! The memorial was a lovely and healing thing for them to do. It saddened me to read you are nearly to the end of this story. I started it with trepidation, but have come to a much better attitude concerning it, kind of like the Cullens. See you next time.



Author's Response:

Leah has had a lot of things go wrong in her life.  I think it's pretty telling that in canon, everyone got a HEA except her.  In fact Nessie sort of stole away any potential she had with Jacob.  Falling for Janna does give her someone to love, and both women can overcome thier horrible pasts.  The memorial shows how far they've all come.  A year ago Bella couldn't have done it.  

The end is almost here.  But I do hope I left everyone in a better spot than when we started.  There's a big difference between the beginning and the end.   Some readers ditched the story right away, and some when it turned toward Carlisle.  I'm glad you trusted me to tell a good story.  That means a lot to me.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 15 Sep 2014 4:45 PM Title: Chapter 49 Big Bad Wolf

We all have to stop and think out side of Fan Fiction. In the Indian reservations they do hold different ideals than we do. I am not even sure if Women can hold office.  Ahh life and evolving rules.



Author's Response:

I did try to research the Indian and reservation part, but a lot of that is still being decided, even today.  Violent crime like rape and murder fall under federal jurisdiction, and it often doesn't get the attention, investigation, and resolution needed.  They do have to follow most laws of the state, but with little enforcement, I think they can get away with a lot more.  I think in this case, a lot could be done against her, without saying it's because she's gay.  

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 15 Sep 2014 1:14 AM Title: Chapter 48 Emergency Call

Rosalie is amazing!!! I really think it made all the difference having her stick up for Bella like she did against Nessie. I was fist bumping thin air as I read her laying into Nessie. I mean I understand she has a lot going on, but good grief I wanted to yell at her to grow up. Carlisle made me proud too. I liked how he jumped right in there and told her enough is enough. I was so proud of all of them. Even Nessie. Let me tell ya, I was ready to tear and feather her, but I kept reading and although she was acting like a child in need of a good butt whooping, she is still trying to deal with losing her dad, and even her mom, because Bella isn't the same. I really do think Nessie needed to hear what Bella sacrificed for her, not to make her feel bad, but to make her understand she was being unfair.
Ok, I am going to forgive you shredding my Colette dislike cause you made Leah imprint on Janna. I snorted...loudly...my hubby thought I hurt myself. The fact Leah imprinted on what she sees as the enemy was just so ironic. I hope they can work it out. I always felt she was justified in her bitterness. I mean she got dealt a crap hand, she was the walking PSA for why non-imprinted wolves should avoid relationships. No, my snort was reserved for the irony.
I like how you are wrapping everything up. This has been a crazy ride and I like seeing how it is all working out. (:

Author's Response:

Rosalie and Bella have become close.  Not only that, but she thinks of Nessie as her daughter, and she's not happy watching her behave like a brat.  Carlisle wanted to give her time, but what started out as a minor aversion was turning into a major issue.  She wasn't dealing with it, she was just expecting them to pretend around her.  Everything was wrapped up in losing Edward.  If she accepts Carlisle and Bella, it's like admitting that he's never coming back, and she wasn't ready to do that.  Rosalie just told her the truth.  

Leah got a raw deal, and my first fan fiction was one where i was driven to give her a happily ever after.  She's justified in her negative attitude, but it's always directed in the wrong direction.  Leah is a fun character, and I've written her several different ways in my stories.  But this one was really fun.  Seeing her imprint on a tiny little half-vampire, makes her more like Jacob than she realized; he too fell for one of Bella's daughters.  

It's almost over, (sniff) and then I'll have to figure what to post next, and finish my original novel.  

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 15 Sep 2014 12:44 AM Title: Chapter 47 New Family

I freaking love Charlie. He just takes a chilled out attitude even though you know he probably wants to freak out over everything. I like how you show just how much Bella does take after her father, especially with the way they love wholeheartedly.
I also have to say that Carlisle and Bella are just so darn sweet together. I liked their philosophy that if the old memories don't return they will just make new ones. Kind of made me swoon a bit.
I'm not even touching on Nessie yet. Something tells me she will be ticking me off soon, so I am gonna save how much I want to knock the stupid out of her for later.
Yeah, I still can't dislike Colette anymore.....do you know how bad that stinks?! No appreciation for my suffering. I kid.....I like how you explained everything regarding what happened to her. I found myself unable or even unwilling to dislike her.
Ok.....now I have 1 more to go. Of course then I saw your note about only a few more chapters to go.....that made me sad because I have really enjoyed this story. I'll probably just harass you to mess around with S.M.'s sandbox some more. (;

Author's Response:

Charlie is always fun to write.  I don't think I'd like him if I knew him: sports nut, fishing nut, quiet, helpless male, disciplinarian, who just doesn't relate to people.  But I love writing him.  Since to me he seems shallow on the surface, I like to think he's deep.  He probably drove Renee nuts, knowing he deeply loved her, but couldn't spend ten minutes talking to her, and never shared any of her passions.  I could really see him turing a blind eye to what he saw and knew relating to the Cullens.  If he knows, then he's got to do something about it.  He's the police chief, he can't just let a bunch of vampires live in his town, especially if he knows some of them are/were murderers.  

Carlisle and Bella, the relationship that shouldn't have been.  This is what I set out to write, and I was pretty sure it wouldn't work out unless they had to work for it.  If Edward or Esme was still alive, I don't think I could pull it off, not in canon.  Canon stories are the hardest, because it really is playing in SM's sandbox.  If I'm not going to be in her sandbox, I'd rather just write completely original fiction, and not try to do the OOC, AU, AH thing.  I don't mean to disparage writers who do that, but they're usuing the actors like dolls, and borrowing the Twilight audience.  Many of these writers are better than SM, and I don't begrudge them the following.  In all honesty, I just get tired of seeing the same names over and over again.  

I liked Colette from the beginning.  She's got some learning and growing to do when it comes to how real people act and feel.  She wasn't allowed to feel while she was with Joham.  She actually thought Eleazar was too good for her.  Joham ruined even his own children.  Her ability is what made him mate with her.  He imagined having others with her ability, but I think she got this from her mother.  

This story goes to chapter 51.  I've got the outtake on Aro, but it's liable to take me longer to finish it.  I've got several stories from SM's sandbox.  I'm trying to decide which to post nest.  I've got one on Jasper I'm working on, but I still don't know where it's leading--unusual for me.  I've got a wicked little story about Edward and Rosalie that happened before Emmett and Bella.  I've got an epic romance between Stefan and an original character that was fun to write.  And I've got one that earns the naughty rating right from the beginning....probably shouldn't post that one.   

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 14 Sep 2014 3:20 AM Title: Chapter 46 More Than Healing

If left up to Carlisle I doubt they would get anything done. It's good to see him so happy and it's good to see Bella so happy. I know eventually you are going to throw something at them again, but I am really enjoying their....well I can't really call it peaceful time, because it so isn't peaceful. I was laughing so hard I was shaking when I read the part with Rosalie and Felicia at the beginning....oh it was hysterical.
I liked Carlisle's plan for a private suite for him and Bella, they need and deserve it (or else invest in soundproofing).
I liked how everyone wanted to stick around, I was so happy about Janna, she deserves happiness. Gemma too - the poor woman has faced such nightmares, I am glad she will get to see her other children soon.
Now, I have a bone to pick with you. You need to quit making me like characters I have sworn to despise. Seriously.....let me dislike someone. Ok, so I loathe Cipriana, but who doesn't. Can't you just let me hold on to my dislike for Collette?! Seriously though, I did want to throttle her arse for being a delusional idiot. I felt Bella's annoyance at Colette just not getting it. What she feels for Carlisle isn't love, but respect. After hearing more of her story I finally have that better understanding of her that I was lacking earlier in the story. I truly hope she gives Elezar a chance (I saw that coming when she was healing him, glad I was right for once). I think they could heal each other because she needs healing just as badly. See? Grrr, you made me show empathy for her.....make it stop!!!!!!
All kidding aside, I did enjoy this chapter. I am gonna catch up on the last one in the morning after I have had my coffee and can function properly. (:

Author's Response:

Carlisle doesn't have any responsibilities pulling at him right now.  Usually he'd be off to the hospital, or dealing with something related to his career.  Maybe he's the only doctor who doesn't play golf?  In his mind, he's still a newlywed, and Bella has given him permission to be a little sex-crazed.  Rosalie and Felicia would be a scary pair.  They can't hide anything from that little girl; she's seen a lot more than she should have while she was in Volterra.  The way I think of this Carlisle is a bit aloof.  He wandered for a hundred years, he buried himself in his work, and after Esme died, he was ready to become a nomad.  He's a solitary being, with no real peers.  Edward was his closest friend, and now he doesn't have him.  Eleazar is a friend, but Carlisle can't forget that when they needed the Denali to fight Victoria, they turned their backs.  The reason was because the wolves killed Laurant, but Laurant would have killed Bella.  Now that Carlisle is in love with Bella, that's a stumbling block that's hard to get past.  If he wasn't the better man, he and Eleazar wouldn't still be friends.  The private suite is a nod to Carlisle's private nature.  He actually likes being seen as a sexual man, but he doesn't want to be teased about it.  

Everyone is finding a place in this family.  Esme was the one who set up the nuclear family structure, and Carlisle isn't likely to follow that plan.  Right now they've got a place to live and belong.  I think Alice wants to be more like family, especially where the yonger ones are concerned.  They're still new, but I'm sure eventually they'll form loving bonds like the Cullens before them.  

I'm a big fan of redeeming characters.  But I also like writing stories where it's not clear why someone is behaving badly.  Too many readers are looking for characters who start off one way, and remain predictable throughout the story.  I don't work that way.  I love characters to grow, change, make mistakes, learn from them, and surprise us.  For at least one, this story ended when Carlisle slapped Bella back on the island.  They couldn't see past this flaw, and they didn't trust me to show how this could still work out.  I love writing stories where it's not all clear from the beginning, and changes have to happen before the end rolls around.  Colette is one of those characters who had secrets that made her easy to dislike.  She was holding onto Carlisle with both hands, because she saw him as her salvation.  If Joham lived and she got Carlisle, she would have someone to share the burden of healing with her.  

She doesn't think she can love anyone, and she doesn't expect Carlisle to love her.  She was hoping that she could give him something she thought he wanted--children.  Even though Joham died and she doesn't have to follow his plan, she still can't let go of the one thing that helped her through her time with him.  Carlisle was a dream.  He means an end to her suffering, and she imagines that if she fulfills Joham's plan, her children will be returned.  Eleazar saw her character, and without Carlisle around, he fell for her.  

 

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 14 Sep 2014 2:51 AM Title: Chapter 45 Out of the Ashes

I am ecstatic Alice and Jasper are going to be Felicia's parents. I like that you didn't throw her under Bella and Carlisle. I think this helps make them different than Esme and Carlisle...they played parents to all, but not Bella and Carlisle. I am probably not explaining myself right, but my point is.....I like it. I think Alice and Jasper have a lot to bring to the table. You know, your Alice is one of the few I actually like, even after all that went down. She doesn't flaunt her visions which already makes me like her, but the way she is with Felicia makes me love her. And Jasper, well he just seems made for this. They are what Felicia needs.
I liked seeing Rosalie again. I look forward to more of her now they are back....Garrett too.
I am so going to say this wrong, but here it goes anyway.....I love Esme, but it seems like she really held Carlisle back from being himself. I know they were deeply in love and all, much like Edward and Bella, but it just seems like the trauma she suffered as a human was too great and it carried over without ever getting resolved. Bella and Carlisle have the oddest pillow talk, then again, when you are as close to your spouse as they are it doesn't really matter. I just felt bad for him with his revelations about sex with Esme, and that made me feel weird because they were having some pretty hot sex (made me wonder how on earth my brain puts thoughts together actually).

Author's Response:

I thought it was a neat idea for Alice and Jasper to adopt Felicia.  What surprised me was how Alice just stepped into the role.  Bella had her hands full with Carlisle and his missing memories, and Felicia was the least of her concerns.  Bella started to mother Felicia, but once she got Carlisle back, he was her concern.  Alice just seems cut out for this little monster, and Jasper is getting a chance at being a father he never expected.  Carlisle needs a chance to be a young man in love, and Bella is giving him that chance.  Janna is theirs, but she's fully grown.  She needs their support, but not constant supervision.  After the kind of split Jasper and Alice went through, Felicia is a little bit of glue to keep them together.  Not that they need that, but taking care of her will be something they can do and share together.  If they're not united, this little snip will exploit it.    

Alice is my least favorite Cullen as she's written.  The visions, the shopping, the parties...ugh!  She's too much a plot device, and not enough reality.  I try to shift the focus away from what bugs me most.  In this story, the visions almost destroyed her.  I think Aro also used those visions as a way to pry her away from Jasper.  I see Alice as much more complicated than she was written.  Jasper too for that matter.  

Rosalie has evolved into a strong character here.  She has had to deal with how little her looks mattered stacked up against all her losses.  She's finally ready to live a more authentic life, instead of trying to reach some physical ideal.  Gerrett thought she was beautiful, even when she was scarred.  He sees her as a survivor.  

Esme is one of those characters who is hard to define.  I've seen a couple writers who do a good job with her, but usually she's no more interesting than the furniture.  She was also miscast with an older actress than her 26 year-old self.  I sort of think they both held each other back.  They tried too hard to be pillars of the community and parents.  Maybe it was so they didn't fall into the traps of being red-eyed vampires, or so they could live next door to werewolves.  Whatever the reason, I think they started believing their own press, and got stuck in a middle class rut.  

Love scenes used to be my favorite things to write.  But then I started trying to make it less descriptive, and more about what's happening between the ears than the legs.  It's a tough line to walk, especially with keeping characters true to themselves.  Throw in vampire stamina and strength, and it's almost too many balls to juggle, no pun intended.  Trying to make a love scene hot, while not the exact same thing every other writer has done, is a challenge.  

The idea of talking during or after sex, takes a level of intimacy, and honesty I hope these two have.     

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 14 Sep 2014 1:50 AM Title: Chapter 44 Leaving Volterra

I love Felicia. She might be a foul mouthed little bugger, but she is awesome all the same. I am so glad she is leaving Volterra for now.
So, hopefully Aro can keep his nose clean. His kids deserve better. I was surprised how much I like them, but I guess you really can't judge someone based on their parents. I would hate to be judged by mine. I hope we get more of them in the future.
I really really really love Carlisle. It's like a switched flipped and he is just uncontrollably happy. He is such a little tease (well he follows through so maybe not), but I like seeing him this way, just being carefree and in love. I also am relieved that Carlisle is getting his memories back. Felicia's jokes made me snort out loud...I already said it, but I love her too. Check, I think I loved most everyone this chapter. Well, the ending had me thinking, wow that's awkward. I feel bad for all involved because that who situation just got a lot more complicated. At least it isn't Bella and Carlisle this time. Whew. :)

Author's Response:

Felicia was a surprise to me.  I pictured this wild child, but I didn't know how much I'd like her.  She doesn't hold anything back, and in this group of refined people, that works like a breath of fresh air.  She's so smart, and she knows what her life looks like if she has to stay in Volterra.  

Aro's children are all pretty amazing.  Aro himself has a colorful past, and he's got a long way to go still.  

Carlisle has been in love three times, counting Bella, which is about once every hundrend and twenty-five years.  This is new to him, and he's really overwhelmed by all the emotions and feelings she unleashed in him.  With Esme he had that respectable parent role to fill, and Gabriella was heartbreak before they even hit their stride.  Bella is giving him a chance to be a young man in love, and he's new to it all.  Because they're married, he doesn't have to hold back, and she doesn't want him to.  

She's also just as crazy in love with him.  Edward tried so hard to protect her, and in some ways they had a parent/child relationship.  Carlisle treats her like an equal, especially after the big mess in the council, and his decision to split up.  Even without those memories, he knows he was wrong.  She's stepping into an adult role, learning she can handle challenges, and becoming a real partner.  This Bella would be out of place in high school.  

There's still a lot of mess to clean up back home.  The Cullens have been gone almost constantly for two years.    

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 14 Sep 2014 1:28 AM Title: Chapter 43 Cost of Living

So, Bella and Carlisle...how about that chemistry. They have it in spades. I love seeing Carlisle so uninhibited. I always hated how he was portrayed in the books and movies. No offense to the actor cause I love him in other stuff, but he just wasn't Carlisle. Your Carlisle still has the maturity that comes with being on earth for hundreds of years, but he still manages to act like a young guy....it's nice. And the vampire stamina....it would kill a mere mortal.
So, I felt a little for Cipriana, then she opened her mouth and I lost some of the sympathy. If ever someone should not be allowed to have children it would have been her. The trauma she suffered gives her a wee bit of my pity, but her attitude just makes me want to throttle her something fierce.
So, I am a wee bit behind. Every time a new update came through I wanted to cry because I couldn't get to it. I may have tried telling my kids my name was no longer mom....I can neither confirm nor deny.

Author's Response:

I was surprised they would have chemistry.  But then again, I get to play with them both, and write them like I want them.  I just assume that since his character was all buttoned up in canon, then he's got to have a lot suppressed, and need a release.  I sort of picture Carlisle as a very young Robert Redford.  I had to ditch the old man persona, since it really didn't work with his character.  Twenty-three is so young, and Fascinelli is too old for the character as written.  I like him too, but not as Carlisle.  Then again, Carlisle was barely a side character, and never really fleshed out.  I think that's why there's so much Twilight fan fiction out there.  Readers could see a lot of potential in these characters, but there was so much focus on Bella and Edward, we barely got a glimpse of anyone else.  It always cracks me up when readers get militant about how these minor characters are "supposed" to be, and tell writers they're doing it wrong.  I had one reader who was really upset that Carlisle slapped Bella.  I guess when the author says he's compassionate, that means in every circumstance, and no matter what he's gone through.  People are never so one-dimensional.  

Cipriana is one of those people... I think we all know someone like her, always looking out for herself.  She's the only one who matters in her story.  She had a lot of bad breaks, and life taught her she could only count on herself.  But she's gone so far the other direction, she loses any sympathy she had.  

I laughed at the idea of telling your kids you're no longer mom.  My mom used to say "I've changed my name to shit, and you're not allowed to say it!"  Mom is a verb.  I know kids can mom you to death, or to insanity.      

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 13 Sep 2014 9:40 PM Title: Chapter 48 Emergency Call

This one was sad and a little happy, both! Ness is just a girl wanting her daddy to not be gone forever, and Leah can't seem to catch a break! Just when I think this story couldn't take another sideroad, it does! Things are certainly looking up, despite a few setbacks. It does begin to look as if life might accidentally smooth out somewhat! I hope so and sure would be happy for them all if it did.



Author's Response:

I can remember how much my brother and I disliked our step-dad.  Dad died when I was eight, and my brother was six, and no one needed to take his place.  Funny, but I never called him Dad, even though he was there more years than my dad.  It's hard letting to of the expectations, even when you know he's not coming back.  In a child's mind, the "real" dad is bigger than life, and better than any replacement.  Ness feels like accepting Carlisle and her mom as a couple, means she not only loses Edward, but she loses her grandpa as well.  

I am guilty of taking too many side roads in my stories.  I like the detours and twists, but they can drag out into marathon reads.  If I had an editor, they'd probably hand me scissors and demand I cut.  From here, there's only two more chapters.   

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 13 Sep 2014 8:30 PM Title: Chapter 48 Emergency Call

Glad Rose finally called out Reneesme (have I mentioned that SM was a real goober for that name)

Janna and Leah huh?  interesting twist.  



Author's Response:

I looked up the name Renesmee, and it turns out SM isn't the only goober out there.  I was shocked to see that in '09 seventeen girls were given that name.  I was floored to see even more got that awful name in the past five years.  These poor children can form their own support group in a few years.  SM even said she'd never give a real child this name.  Almost makes the names, Moon Unit, Apple, Oprah, Scout, Rumor, Tallula Bell, Breeze, Rainbow, and Cricket sound like good choices.  

It's funny, but as much as I hate the whole imprinting thing, I've written it twice myself.  I guess it's a pretty fairy tale, to think there's some magical, mystical, perfect mate out there, and you'll recognize them on sight.  ....Yeah, I should probably be slapped for that.   

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 13 Sep 2014 12:13 PM Title: Chapter 48 Emergency Call

Well very good chapter.  Nessie finally lets go. I am glad Rose stepped in. That is the way it should be as she stood along side of Bella even when Nessie's father would have killed her to protect Bella.  Children never really understand the depths we to for them.  Oh Well.

 

Leah.. hardie har har she imprints on Bellas adopted daughter. Now she has to make nice. I am delighted.



Author's Response:

Carlisle was willing to give Ness time, but she wasn't getting better.  Rose had had enough.  She loved Nessie like her own daughter, and she wasn't about to stand by and watch her act like a brat.  I've noticed that people who don't have kids, expect a lot more out of them.  Rose and Bella have bonded in this story, and she's not going to stand by while Nessie is so disrespectful of those she loves.  I'm pretty sure kids never understand how much parents sacrifice for them...not until they have kids of their own.  I can't wait to hear my son sing a whole new song when it's his turn.  (Still a long way off.)

I was worried how you'd take the Leah/Janna thing.  My own views tend to sneak into my writing, and I've got a live and let live attitude when it comes to same sex couples.  I'm trying to write with Bella's voice, and she's a concerned mom.  Leah making nice is going to take some effort.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 11 Sep 2014 8:55 PM Title: Chapter 47 New Family

I hope Bella takes Carlisle's words to heart and bears with Ness until she can deal with her mother's new love! Sad to hear about Colette's babies, but happy she and Eleazar are together. All the new family members are finding their places in this family and settling in pretty well! I enjoyed Charlie and Bella talking over all this stuff, although it was surpising when he showed her those scars! I probably shouldn't be shocked, that's part of what she inherited from him, that deep connection to those she loves. Life will never be perfect, what is? But, it's getting heaps better!



Author's Response:

I'm always afraid I'm accidentally going to hit delete instead of respond, the way my eyes are sometimes blurring when I respond to these reviews.  Bella's trying to be calm with Ness, but she has to travel a bit of distance just to visit, and it would be much easier if they could go together.  Thinking of doing that for years is getting on her nerves.  Carlisle is right, and Ness just needs time.  But petterns like this can start for one reason, and keep going because that's just how it is now.  

Eleazar is exactly what Colette needs to get over all her losses and everything that Joham did to her.  Eleazar sees the good in her, plus he's just old enough to have a little good fatherly influence on her.  I loved how this family changed, but still stayed a family.  It's a risk in fan fiction to take out canon characters, and audacious to add in your own creations.  I like to think I got away with it, and these new aditions will knit together and bond.  

Charlie often gets left in the dust with all that happens to Bella.  In the series we got a glimpse of how Bella knew exactly what to say to make Charlie let her go--the same words his wife said when she left him and took their daughter.  Since we never got to see anyone else important in his life, I have to assume he had no one without them.  Renee isn't the type to hold on so tight to people, so I assume Bella gets her obsessive personality from Charlie.  I could imagine he'd try to kill himself, when his whole world walks out.  He's also so quiet, I imagine he runs deep.  Bella never really knew how much he loved her.  Instead of declarations, he bought her the truck.  He made a space hin his home and his life, and behaved as if she'd always been there.  For him, she has.  

Everyone is starting to realize life is still good.  There's been so much grief, tragedy, and loss up to this point, and yet they're resilient and coming back around to who they're meant to be.  At the beginning, no one could have known all this could work out.  It was tough, but they made it through.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 11 Sep 2014 5:16 PM Title: Chapter 47 New Family

Okay now Colette is Eleazar's fiance and no longer after Carlisle, that is better.  Time it will take time for Nessie.

 

I am glad I read this story, as always you never disappoint.



Author's Response:

Colette was in denial for a long time.  Angelo blocked some of her memories, but she still remembered how much leverage her father had against her.  She was afraid to tell anyone.  For as much as she was after Carlisle, she wasn't malicious and trying to trick him.  She just thought she had more to offer, and it would naturally happen.  She didn't believe in love, until it happened to her.  

Nessie has her reasons for hanging on to her bias.  

Thanks for the compliments.  I love when I can please discerning readers.  

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 11 Sep 2014 4:22 PM Title: Chapter 47 New Family

Glad C and B are getting to build something together.  LOL for Charlie's reaction.  Glad Elezar is there for Colette.   Nahuel is a very mature young man.



Author's Response:

More than a romance, i wanted this story to be about moving forward after tragedy.  For me, it wouldn't be a "HEA" if they didn't come full circle and move beyond the events that made their relationship possible.  It's not eactly picking up where they left off, it's moving forward and accepting the changes.  

I always have fun writing Charlie.  He's such a Dad, and often so clueless about what's happening around him.  I don't know of any daddy who wants to think of his little girl having sex, so they're almost wired to look the other way and pretend they don't see what they're seeing.  

I wasn't too much a fan of Eleazar, until they cast Christian Camargo.  I fell in love with him on Dexter, so it's easy to see him as a romantic lead.  Colette is going to need someone solid and grounded to help her deal with her losses, her actions, and her gift.  

Nahuel is hard for me to get a handle on.  Picturing him as a primitive South American native who was pulled into the modern world and a new culture.... I have nothing to compare him to.  He is familiar with sacrificial love, and I think that defines him.  His mother died, Huilen cared for him like a surrogate mother, and he was awed that Bella survived and loved her child.  Nothing in his life has been normal, yet he constantly strives for that kind of love.  

Thanks so mch for sticking with me.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 10 Sep 2014 12:26 AM Title: Chapter 46 More Than Healing

Well  I still have problems with his time with Collette. Sorry I just do.

 

Home and family..



Author's Response:

Carlisle doesn't even remember what happened between him and Colette.  But you don't have to excuse it; every reader is different.  I'm just here to tell the story, not justify it or change your mind.  

Now that they're home, they can figure out what their lives look like without all the drama.  Everything has changed, but the influence Carlisle has on his family works wonders.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 09 Sep 2014 11:30 PM Title: Chapter 46 More Than Healing

Makes a lot of sense for Eleazar and Collette to be a couple after all they have been through together. Poor girl has so much pain from her father's evil ways! There is supposed to be some redeeming factor in all of us, but I have serious doubts about Joham! I'm so happy that Carlisle and Bella are home, that Janna is happy and Felicia is settling in with Alice and Jasper! Even Gemma is starting to recover some!



Author's Response:

Eleazar is a good influence on her.  He can see her strength and her selflessness, even when she can't.  Some of Colette's feelings about Joham are cultural.  She's from the Congo, where fathers have a lot of influence on the lives of their children.  Joham is a perfect example of absolute power corrupting absolutely.  Everyone is home, and they're finally getting to learn how to behave as part of the Cullen family, and not Joham's children or Volturi.  It makes a difference that Carlisle is providing them with a home, not just a place to live.  This is a family, and they all need to discover how they fit in.    

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 09 Sep 2014 5:33 PM Title: Chapter 46 More Than Healing

Hopefully Collete can grow out of her spoiled brat phase and be not only a great healer, but a good person too.



Author's Response:

Colette had a few illusions about her father that kept her from growing up.  Fortunately she's now got the Cullens to show her a better way and lead her inot adulthood.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 08 Sep 2014 1:35 PM Title: Chapter 45 Out of the Ashes

I was not sure about him and her. She is really giving him a new life as much as he gave her.  I read and smile.

 

 



Author's Response:

Thanks for sticking with me.  I'm a big believer that people are not perfect, and they make mistakes--lots of them.  As long as there's a willingness to change, learn, and do better, I'm always in favor of second, (and third, and fourth) chances.  These two have lost so much, and they both had to grieve and heal in their own way.  And if it was a sure thing, then there would be no story.  There's still a little ways to go, if the SQL error doesn't get me first.  

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 08 Sep 2014 2:44 AM Title: Chapter 45 Out of the Ashes

Glad Felisha is going to be with A&J.  Jasper and the woodshed.  ROFL



Author's Response:

I may not subscribe to Jasper as a Southern gentleman, but there are some things about the south that are constant.  I'm pretty sure Jasper himself was familiar with the woodshed; those genteel manners don't happen without strict discipline.  Jasper isn't going to stand for Felicia disrespecting his wife.  Felicia is more afraid of being sent back.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 07 Sep 2014 10:09 PM Title: Chapter 45 Out of the Ashes

The perfect solution for Felicia, to be parented by Jasper and Alice! They will make wonderful parents, too! I'm almost as  happy as Carlisle and Bella , for them all to be home. It was a touching moment when Janna told them how she felt about them giving her and the others a home and family. Things are going swimmingly, so far.



Author's Response:

Felicia being adopted by Jasper and Alice came as a surprise to me too.  With Alice's energy, I'm sure the little snip has met her match.  I was also worried about Bella and Carlisle getting so caught up in parenting that they lost out on each other.  Janna is a complicated character in many ways.  She was Volterra's third hybrid, and the only one really acknowledged.  She had two parents who cared about her, and the run of the city.  Then Joham changed her whole world:  used and abused her, humiliated and tried to kill her, threatened her, and got her parents killed.  Just when she was resigned to murder/suicide, she's confronted with Bella, who won't let her go.  Then she almost dies and loses much of her physical capability.  This girl's life changes so fast it can give you whiplash.  This family still has a lot of work, but the foundation is solid.  

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 06 Sep 2014 6:47 PM Title: Chapter 44 Leaving Volterra

Glad they are finally going home.  Hopefully Aro doesn't try anything with the CUllens gone.  Felisha is goinna take alot of work.  Poor Gemma



Author's Response:

They've mostly been gone for two years, and there's a lot of work to do on the home front.  Aro's little girl may have been sheltered, but she understands the job ahead of her.  The more she becomes familiar with the people around her, the more she'll learn their secrets.  I don't think she's going to be as lenient with Aro as it seems.  The oood thing about Felicia is, she's still young enough to teach and learn.  Gemma is a good mirror for all that was wrong in Volterra under Joham.    

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 04 Sep 2014 11:18 PM Title: Chapter 44 Leaving Volterra

Poor little, brave Gemma! It made my eyes tear up to read what had been done to that poor child! Joham can never pay enough for his sins, if he were resurrected and executed a million times! All I can say, is welcome home, Bella and Carlisle, you have your work cut out for you!



Author's Response:

Thanks again for reading.  I think this chapter got lost with the SQL error.  Gemma has been through hell.  Her father invented the thermite disks that incinerated so many who were lost.  He didn't want to work for a madman, so Gemma was Joham's leverage.  He didn't even know she was still alive.  Joham was rotten to the core.  He saw everything he did as waging a war against all those who wanted to disrupt his life.  Cauis would have execute him, but he turne the tables on him instead. It's funny, but because so many fell in love with him because of his talent, he himself didn't trust love.  For him, love was a weapon to use against his enemies.    

Bella and Carlisle are home, and now they've got to start moving forward again.   

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 03 Sep 2014 3:51 AM Title: Chapter 43 Cost of Living

SHould have let Bella  or somebody kill her, esp since she didn't keep her word about feeding, she won't keep it about money and quiet.  Granted she went through hell, but to talk of subjecting another girl/female too it as well?    Hopefully Aurora puts a stop to that crap as well.



Author's Response:

The deal they made, stretches the payments out over five years, so she almost has to stick tot he agreement if she wants to get paid.  If she makes a fuss after they leave, she's got to deal with international law, and she kills the goose with the golden eggs.  After five years, Felicia will be a lot more mature, and Cipriana won't find it so easy to get sympathy for someone "stealing" her daughter.  Carlisle isn't going to let anyone kill her; that's where he draws the line.  He won't even let them execute Aro, even after all he's done.  Aurora has a lot of work ahead of her, but she's real familiar with what's wrong.  If she wasn't exposed to it herself, she's read about it through her brother and sister.    

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 02 Sep 2014 11:43 PM Title: Chapter 43 Cost of Living

 

 Man what a chapter.



Author's Response:

There's a lot of things that need to happen.  Volterra is going to pull them under and suck them dry if they don't get away soon.  Every time they cut one tie, another one forms.  It's almost to the point where Bella wants to take them all home with her.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 02 Sep 2014 11:25 PM Title: Chapter 43 Cost of Living

Cipriana made me want throw up, and then, beat the hell out of her! I sympathize with Bella one hundred percent! Well, at least they are getting Felicia away from her horrible excuse for a mother! I know what she went through was awful, and I kind of don't blame her for her bitterness, but it's not her child's fault! I can hardly wait for them to get out of Volterra!



Author's Response:

Cipriana is broken and can't be fixed.  Even if Felicia's father manages to get over losing his mate, he's one of the older vampires, and likely doesn't remember how to be around children or nurture someone.  Cipriana is exactly what the people in her life created her to be--a blood-sucking monster.  Everyone in her life has betrayed and used her, so now she only cares about number one.  There was a moment when she felt compassion, and wanted to do the right thing for Felicia, but it passed when self-interest asserted itself.  Felicia does have an old memory of being loved and cared for, but it wasn't Cipriana.    

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 02 Sep 2014 1:19 AM Title: Chapter 42 Madness

hmmm Wonder if Aurora is going let him go or not.   I'd hope not.   He still has a lot of hatred in him.



Author's Response:

Aurora loves her papa.  She's got a plan, since she's going to have to do what's best for Volterra.  

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 01 Sep 2014 5:05 PM Title: Chapter 42 Madness

Ok, I have gone almost full the full range of emotions regarding Aro. I have been fascinated. I have been creeped the check out. There was full out anger. Now though, I actually feel for him. Not pity, but I just sincerely feel bad for him. I mean he tried, he really truly tried. Is he still a murderer....oh heck yeah. But he tried to resist Joham. He tried keeping his family safe. To witness what he did....anyone would snap. He suffered along with everyone else. I don't think anyone truly understands that, well I guess Bella does now. I just wanted to cry for him. It doesn't take away all he has done, but in my eyes it makes him a little less of a monster.
I am glad Bella told Aro about his son and grandson. She didn't have to, especially after everything he did to her and Carlisle, but she did. She showed compassion and I was proud of her.
Seeing Carlisle on the cusp of all out feral was a nice. I'm weird, I know. Every once in a while people just deserve to let it all out....Carlisle was overdue. Aro knew what buttons to push and he pushed them. I still felt for Aro though....so that was definitely a good job for you....making me feel beyond my anger. :)

Author's Response:

Aro is one of the most complicated characters I've written.  He may be Meyer's creation, but I've had so much fun making him more than just a caricature to oppose the Cullens.  When I started writing his history, he had so much more depth.  What everyone sees on the surface, barely scratches what's going on in his mind.  He's not sympathetic; he's still a conniving little blood-sucker, and he's technically a serial killer.  But he has tried to salvage some scruples through it all.  Over and over again, he's had dreams that were snatched out of his hands.  He's longed to find someone who would love him.  He has that with Aurora, and he's just discovered he had it with his son, Angelo.  He tried to save his family from Joham, and he managed to keep Aurora out of his grasp.  She's exactly what Joham hoped Nessie could be--a telepath.  

Bella is thoroughly disgusted with Aro, and she wants to hang onto her anger a little while longer.  Her memory of those events isn't going to fade, but maybe when enough good memories occupy her mind, she'll be able to forgive him.  He's got to prove he's worthy of it.  As much as she mistrusts him, she knows he's a key player in the lives of his children.  She knows he loves his children, and without him they'll be at the mercy of whoever controls Volterra.  Maybe in a few years it won't matter, but even when they're physically mature, they still have a lot to learn, and they're not ready to be on their own.  

Carlisle losing it seemed right to me.  He's got a lot to be upset with Aro about, and that old leech worked hard to push his buttons.  I never liked Carlisle in canon.  Good, compassionate, pacifictic, and gentle, are such one-sided characteristics, there just had to be more to him.  Rising above and taking the high road is a choice, and it's not always easy.  This is still a man who has suffered loses, and still grieves, so his buttons are a lot more sensitive.  Just like when he slapped Bella in the beach house when she wanted him to kill her, Aro reminding him of Gabriella's death pushed him over the edge.  It's that casual disregard for life that gets him.  Even if Gabriella was everything Aro said she was, it didn't give him the right to play God and have her destroyed.  That's Carlisle's hot button.      

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 01 Sep 2014 3:57 PM Title: Chapter 41 New Beginning

I laughed when I read the swing story. We used to do that too - it was so much fun. Of course I would cringe if my kids did it.
Well, I can see why Aro is slipping now. To have memories removed like that is bound to have some sort of negative effect, even if it takes a while.
I think Aurora is a good choice to lead. Yes, she is Aro's daughter, but I think she would be fair. How he will react I am guessing I will find out next chapter.
Poor Bella and Carlisle, every single time they try to reconnect something or someone interrupts. There was big progress though with him admitting he loves her and both vowing to never let go.
Felicia is a trip. I loved that Carlisle was quick to get the vampire to sign his rights away...nice move. Felicia, for all her denials seems to like the attention. Going from being neglected to having people who care and follow through on their promises....that is going to help her tremendously.

Author's Response:

We'd use two swings, and twist them together.  Our playground was asphalt, and most of us had skinned up knees from the playground.  We did all kinds of crazy things.  I think knee socks were popular, because they hid the scabs.  My daughter is the one who had a carpet of wood chips.  She got in trouble for hanging upside-down on the chin-up bar.  I told her we used to sit on them, hook our arms underneath, and spin.  She doesn't believe me, but we got away with all kinds of dangerous stuff back in the day.  

Aro is a messed up piece of work.  I've had a lot of fun fleshing him out in my outtake.  He's not exactly sympathetic, but he's at least interesting.  

Aurora should be able to get the hybrids on her side, and the old vamps will respect her because she's Aro's little girl.  She's also got that mind reading thing, so people won't be able to snow her for long.  

Bella and Carlisle need to get away from there.  They want to reconnect, but Volterra is pulling them and stealing their time.  It's the same thing Carlisle has been dealing with for two years, but it's different now that he has something else he'd rather be doing.  

Felicia came as a surprise when I wrote her.  Since Cipriana was new, it was reasonable that she'd have a hybrid child running around.  I just didn't picture her to be the mothering type.  Felicia is a good example of what many of the hybrids have been through.  They've had to raise themselves, and even though Alice had the training facility turned into a school, it's impssible to force them to go, when they know how to disappear.  I think Aurora will have a better handle on that issue in the future.  Felicia came out with this powerful little voice, and she demanded to be heard.   

Reviewer: carebear31374 Signed [Report This]
Date: 01 Sep 2014 4:21 AM Title: Chapter 42 Madness

Well, much as I would like Aro to be a good boy I am not sure he truely has it in him to sustain it long term.....fingers crossed.

Really loving this story :)



Author's Response:

Aro tries, but he just doesn't understand what it means to be good.  He's so far from human, he can barely remember.  Thanks again for the kind words.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 01 Sep 2014 1:40 AM Title: Chapter 42 Madness

Yes Bella for once walk away and take care of your family.  Carlisle is still messed up.



Author's Response:

Bella wants to get back to Carlisle.  She's done all she can for Aro and now it's up to Aurora to deal with him.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 01 Sep 2014 12:51 AM Title: Chapter 42 Madness

There's finally something amusing in Volterra, and damned if it isn't Aro! Maybe he's Jekyll and Hyde, with the giggling over learning he's a grandfather! Aurora must think he's slightly bent, if not totally mad! I'm sure glad Bella went back in and talked to Aro again. It almost made me sympathise with his as he confessed his sins to her! Between her, Carlisle and Jasper, I'll bet they can't wait to get out of this crazy place! Guess they just have to pack up their children and go! I wonder what Ness is going to think about Janna and Felicia?



Author's Response:

Aro is more complicated than anyone knows.  He loves his kids, but Joham convinced him Angelo was dead, then Angelo stole all the memories associated with him and the other first hybrids.  To find out he has this son, he's alive, and he's got a child of his own, it's a lot to take in.  Even with the memories gone, they still colored the way he treated his other children.  He's overly possessive, but having difficulty bonding with them.  To find out he's a grandfather, must feel a bit like Abraham and Sarah, becoming parents in their old age.  For Aro, this news is the first real reason he has to step out of the past.  

The Cullens can't wait to get back home.  They've got some messes of their own to sort out, and some healing to do after all they've been through.  Leaving Volterra in Aurora's hands is for everyone's benefit.     

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 31 Aug 2014 2:54 AM Title: Chapter 40 Volterra's First Hybrids

I am glad to see Carlisle progressing with healing and getting his memories back, well, seeing the memories from Bella's side anyway.
You certainly do make your story lively. I mean wow...I wasn't expecting Colette's dad...just wow. It is all so twisted and crazy. I kind of like that I can still be surprised. I am surprised the hybrids aren't all bat crazy. I mean that is messed up. Understatement of the year, but good grief. I can definitely see why Gemma's memory is gone and Colette I assume is ignorant too....knowing what happened and where they came from would destroy them and no one deserves that.
It seems the ones that died in the war are the lucky ones. I mean they do not have to face the horrors or deal with helping anyone heal.....if that even makes sense (I am a wee bit sleepy so I stop making sense).

Author's Response:

Carlisle's right, and it's our memories that make us who we are.  Without his memories of his and Bella's courtship, he doesn't know what it should look like.  He has her memories, and he knows it all really happened, but he doesn't feel it.  It kind of reminds me of "Fifty First Dates."  

I did mention when Bella first met Colette that she was Joham's daughter.  At the time, I think it went unnoticed because Joham was little more than a name then, and no one knew how terrible he really was.  Colette doesn't remember how bad Joham treated her.  Angelo took some of those memories from her.  The hybrids have all got horrible memories, but I like to think they're still resilient like children.  Colette's a bit older, since she was created before Joham came to Volterra.  She also remembers a loving grandmother. 

Gemma went through a lot at Volterra.  Any of those who were kept under the city got a double dose of Joham's evil.  Joham never would have thought he was evil.  He believed he was winning a war that would have come to him, if he hadn't gone to Volterra.  He had no love for the Volturi, and the hybrids they created were just tools.  What he dod to Colette was necessary to further his goals.  

Years ago, I played D&D, and there's a spell magic users can cast, called charm person.  There was always debate on what a charmed person would do.  Usually it was simple stuff, like allow the group to pass unopposed, or maybe unlock a cell where they're being kept.  Then there were greater versions of this spell, that would allow the spellcaster to completely control the charmed person.  They could even suggest their 'friend' kill themselves, and there was a good chance they would.  What Joham has starts off as a weak version of the lesser spell, and like Aurora's gift, it grows stronger the longer he's around someone.  Even Joham wasn't sure where his power began and normal will stopped.  It made it impossible for him to find a mate, but he had lots of willing partners.  In many cases, the charmed one both loves and hates him, depending on what he's asking of them.  He doesn't even realize when he's asking too much of them.  He was a bit obsessed with the ruling triumvirate, and wanted to put himself in the top spot.  Volterra was like the White House, or Buckingham Palace to him, and he wanted legitimate reasons to be there.  Linking himself to the leaders through their children was his plan.  Sick and twisted.     

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 31 Aug 2014 2:43 AM Title: Chapter 39 Mangled Memories

I felt my heart break for Bella and Carlisle. I mean I know it is going to work out because you aren't that cruel, but wow they need to catch a break.
I am proud of Bella though. She could've just said to check with this and just walked away. The fact that she didn't counts for a lot....it shows how she has grown. She did good. Sometimes you just have to hold on tight and just say bring it. She is going to get Carlisle back.
Aro.....wow, just wow. It's like he has taken a vacation from reality. I think Aurora explained it great. I do feel a smidge of sympathy for Aro. I mean between the war, the aftermath, his gift, and everything else happening....well I am amazed he didn't snap sooner. I mean he has truly lost everything. He still has his kids, but he isn't really equipped to help them. Bella could and she refused him. He lost Alice (because you know she won't ever touch him again). All those visions just gone. And to him it all comes back to Carlisle....just wow. His slip into crazy was simple and complex all at the same time. I still want to play mix and match with parts though. (;

Author's Response:

The memory loss just seemed reasonable.  I mean if they can be beheaded and still mend, there had to be some kind of trade-off.  I can blame a little of this on a previous reader.  She mused, if he can't remember, then they've got to fall in love all over again, and it could add to that wonderful sexual tension and anticipation.  I'd already planned the missing memories, but she gave me the fun side to play with.  Bella isn't going to give up on him.  One thing she has even in canon, is her tenacity when it comes to the one she loves.  

It bugs me how Aro took center stage at this point in the story.  Part of me wanted to kick him to the curb and close that curtain, but he wouldn't let me.  He has a story that needs to be finished, and he's not going quietly.  He's lost everything that mattered to him, and he still hasn't learned to deal with what's left.  I think there's also a lot of guilt over how Volterra has fallen.  There's a great temptation to let the Cullens put an end to him.  I probably didn't explain it well enough why they don't.  He is the living memory of the past.  He has so many memories stored in his mind, killing him is like burning down a library of rare books.  He's also a strong figurehead, and the old vampires still look to him for guidance.  If he was gone, they'd probably disappear themselves.  

Aro and Carlisle are not likely to ever be friends again.  Even if he didn't see ghosts of Joham in Carlisle, they've both come to see just how different they really are.  Carlisle isn't going to forget how many times Aro messed with his love or his family.  Carlisle doesn't want him dead, but he sees him as a junkyard dog that can never be trusted.  

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 31 Aug 2014 2:27 AM Title: Chapter 38 Search and Rescue

Bella certainly is collecting kids in Volterra isn't she?! She is like a vampire Angelina (my lack of sleep is showing isn't it).
Cipriana is a hot mess. If ever there was a person that should not have been turned it is that one.
I felt so bad for Bella and Carlisle...what Aro did to both of them is horrible and it just proves he isn't firing on all cylinders right now. I am hoping the memories will come back....shhh....don't tell me. I just felt so bad for them, they can't catch a break.
So, this review is shorter than normal. That's cause all my good intentions went out the window this week when my kids went off the reservation and took the train to crazy town....sigh....I am going to stay on top of it next time....I hope.
I still wanna rip Aro and Cipriana into tiny pieces and maybe play mix and match with their parts.

Author's Response:

If they don't get back home soon, Bella's liable to have a whole bus full of orphans.  I don't read enough tabloids to know whether i admire Angelina, or doubt her.  I love the idea of adopting kids from other countries, especially those with no one and no hope.  If she's being a real mom, I love that.  But if it's just nanny's and press....nah.  

Cipriana is a mess.  She gets to tell her side later.

Bella and Carlisle have been through so much.  Things like this either tear couples apart, or bond them together.  Bella almost allowed it to come between them, then she realized she could never let go.  

With kids, anything can happen.  I've been on that train to crazytown a time or two....hundred.  There's this myth, that as soon as they're toddling they'll be easier...as soon as they're potty trained...as soon as they're in preschool....as soon as they're in that next stage of development, things will get easier.  No.  It never gets easier.  Just as soon as you start to get a handle on one stage, the next one slaps you sideways, and you start from the bottom of the learning curve.  Mine are 18 and 22, and I look back at the 'terrible two's' with longing.  I miss those easy elementary school years, and I even miss the pre-teens.  Like the book says:  "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always.  As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."  Crazytown's not so bad, they've got good french fries, and you don't have to make the beds.  

Hmmm....a Cipri-aro puzzle.  He might like having ta-tas to play with, and she'd probably appreciate a johnson.       

Reviewer: carebear31374 Signed [Report This]
Date: 30 Aug 2014 9:59 PM Title: Chapter 41 New Beginning

Love this story it just keeps getting better and better :)



Author's Response:

Thank you so much!  At least joining a story so far along, you get to read at your own pace, and don't have to wait for updates.  Now it'll be slower, but at least I can assure you the story's finished.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 30 Aug 2014 5:28 PM Title: Chapter 41 New Beginning

Well they are a needy bunch.



Author's Response:

At this point, Volterra is a sucking pit of need.  The more they fix, the more they find broken.  Some things are going to take a lot longer to resolve than they want to spend.  Carlisle may not remember this visit, but he's clear that they need to get back home and take care of their own problems.  

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 30 Aug 2014 6:09 AM Title: Chapter 41 New Beginning

Aurora sounds like a good choice.   Granted his son tampered with his Aro's mind, he still wanted the old ways which sucked to begin with.  Poor Felisha.   Her sperm donor is a piece of work.



Author's Response:

Aurora has a lot of challenges ahead, but she's got a lot in her favor too.  Aro is still a few huskies short of a sled team, but his mind's been scrambled without his knowledge.  He has a long way to go to come into the modern world.  Felicia has more guts and spirit than both her parents--it must have skippe a generation.  In a way, Joham forced the vampires to sire their children, giving them a compulsion they couldn't refuse.  He often suggested his 'friends' forget all about such unpleasantness.  He wanted them to be sperm donors, but didn't want them asking about their kids.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 29 Aug 2014 10:53 PM Title: Chapter 41 New Beginning

This must be similar to supernatural bi-polar! Aro wants to kill him and values Carlisle's counsel all at the same time! I think this remote council idea of Alice's is going to work out great, especially with Aurora holding down the fort in Volterra! It will be so much better for all of them to go home. Not that there won't be problems there, too, but it's home, away from all the craziness of trying to fix Volterra! Maybe then Bella and Carlisle might find some time to themselves!



Author's Response:

Carlisle is old enough Aro considers him one of his peers.  He has always hoped the Cullens would join the Volturi, and he'd have access to their formidable powers.  He just doesn't understand how different Carlisle is from him.  He respects his wisdom, but he sees things from the other side.  Setting the council up online, and letting the members be anywhere in the world, is a major change.  It's a big step away from tradition and the ancient way of doing things.  Aurora will have the respect of the hybrids, but she's also got a link to the old vampires, through Aro.  Then there's that mind reading thing, which will only get stronger with time.  

Home has been a dream for too long.  They all need to get back, so they can remember what it is to be family.  Their family has changed, and they need to form new bonds and boundaries.   

Reviewer: carebear31374 Signed [Report This]
Date: 29 Aug 2014 3:14 PM Title: Chapter 1 Life After Forever

Hahaha!!!!! I not long found your story and was too busy devouring each chapter to review ;) but will from now on xx



Author's Response:

I don't mean to guilt anyone into reviewing, I was just excited to see a new name.  I try not to play the numbers game.  I've seen garbage with hundreds or thousands of reviews, and I've seen great writing with barely a handful.  it's often a popularity contest, and I'd rather spend my time writing, than shaking hands and kissing babies.  But thanks again for the kind words.

Reviewer: carebear31374 Signed [Report This]
Date: 27 Aug 2014 9:39 PM Title: Chapter 40 Volterra's First Hybrids

Really enjoying your story. Looking forward to reading more :)



Author's Response:

Wow!  New reviewer name!  Thanks for the note, and for reading.  Sometimes I feel like I've only got four readers; now I can feel like there are five.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 27 Aug 2014 7:01 PM Title: Chapter 40 Volterra's First Hybrids

Quite a chapter! It was so cool that Aurora could help Bella and Carlisle with her wonderful gift, transferring those important memories from Bella to her "amnesiac" husband! It ought to help them a lot. Amazing that Alice saw Felicia becoming ruler of Volterra someday! She wouldn't be my first candidate at this time, but I know people can change.  Alice's revelations about those first hybrids was shocking, especially what Joham did to them! Makes me wish for a special place in Hell for that monster! Change is never easy, but seems to be coming to Volterra and the vampire world, no matter how painfully!  I still see the Cullens having a good influence, despite what Aro thinks. Hopefully there will be some sort of detente between him and them! You mentioned that you thought I was close to quitting this story a few chapters ago, because of what happened after that disastrous duel. Au contraire, my dear! I'm a stubborn old broad, and will always hang in until the bitter end, just so you know! I have faith in you finding a (relatively) happy ending for this bunch! See you next time!



Author's Response:

Aurora has a phenomenal power; it's what kept her out of Joham's reach.  She could read Aro, and Aro would coach her on how to act like she was brain damaged.  Carlisle knows what's happened through Bella's eyes, but he still doesn't know how to handle it.  Felicia has a lot of growing up to do, and maybe Volterra will never be ready for her, but it should be interesting.  The things Joham did to the first hybrids was terrible.  In letting their father's see them destroyed, he took control of Volterra, and made it clear no one should keep secrets from him.  Aro was actually rebelling against Joham, by keeping Aurora's gift a secret.  Love was Joham's enemy, and no matter how hard he fought it, it still won in the end.  

The Cullen's have had a greater influence than they believed.  Most of the hybrids are on their side, and the humans as well.  Even some of the vampires are in their corner, but most are oblivious to what's going on.  

Thank heavens for stubborn old broads!  Thanks for having faith that I'll find a satisfactorily happy ending.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 27 Aug 2014 4:45 PM Title: Chapter 40 Volterra's First Hybrids

I am so glad this is fiction.  Colette is Joham's daughter ugh.



Author's Response:

It was mentioned when Bella met her, that Colette was Joham's daughter.  Bella has tried hard not to hold that against her.  

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 27 Aug 2014 2:33 PM Title: Chapter 40 Volterra's First Hybrids

wowsers Alice is telling a whopper of a story.   Aro has so freakin much to answer for.



Author's Response:

There's a lot that Aro has forgotten.  The group managed to save themselves and get away from Volterra before Joham managed to kill them.  Tamara figured "my enemies enemy is my friend," and they hid out with the Romanians until the war.  They had no idea what waited for them if they went back to Volterra.

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 25 Aug 2014 11:06 PM Title: Chapter 39 Mangled Memories

If Aro went to his secret room and found the bed broken and evidence of Carlisle and Bella's passionate encounter, no wonder he thinks they were rubbing his nose in their relationship! Carlisle missing the memories of the past several months is so sad! I feel for Bella, losing her love once more, just in a different way! At least this time she has a possibility of regaining what they had together! I wonder if they can ever convince Aro they aren't like Joham?



Author's Response:

Aro and Carlisle both have memory issues, but for different reasons.  Aro thought that if Carlisle was separated long enough, he'd forget Bella, and maybe even the war.  He thought Bella would come around and give in to physical exitement, and he'd have her as a mate, stolen away from Carlisle.  The private room was the last straw for him.  He's seeing Carlisle and Bella, but he's feeling and reacting to them as two other people.  He's got a few

Bella's not going to give up easilty.  Carlisle too isn't ready to quit.  He likes the idea of being with Bella, but he needs to feel it before he can really commit.    

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 25 Aug 2014 4:42 PM Title: Chapter 39 Mangled Memories

Sorry  Aro needs to go.  He's nutso and too much so to trust free ever again.   Just the fact that he thinks bond slaves and rape are A-OK is enough for me.



Author's Response:

Aro is messed up, and it goes back a few years.  There's a reason behind everything, but trusting him is a mistake, even when he's got it together.  He does come from a time when women really had no rights, and rape was only a crime because it was stealing another man's property.  He really hasn't changed much over the centuries.  I'd bet the last few years, and dealing with his own daughters, has changed him the most in his life.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 25 Aug 2014 1:51 PM Title: Chapter 39 Mangled Memories

Now we know about the little room.  Okay clean it up and give it back. Next he is going mad.  Physcois in a vampire? Well we only thought Victoria could be that way. Seems Aro has flipped in his noggin. Carlisle has lost memory and everyone else is trying to just live and move forward. Bella gets these wonderful men who keep stepping back on her.



Author's Response:

Aro has some seriouis isues bouncing around in his head.  That awkward moment before the duel, when they were in the hallway and they looked at each other, was right after he discovered his room was 'desecrated'.  It was then he decided he would give them an outcome they didn't expect.  He's a few animal crackers shy of a zoo right now.  But it's not exactly his fault.  there are some other players involved.

Carlisle's doing pretty good considering it feels like he went to sleep single, and woke up married.  He's trying, but so much happened to knit them together, and he doesn't have that.  If I woke up on my honeymoon, and didn't remember falling in love with my husband, or getting married, I'd probably be a lot more confused and panicked.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 23 Aug 2014 11:51 PM Title: Chapter 38 Search and Rescue

oh my I hope he still finds love for her in his heart. Maybe eventually.



Author's Response:

I think he's doing well, considering he just woke up to a "guess what," of immense proportions.  Even when they wre on the island, he was ready to move on before she was.  He's still ready, but he doesn't remember going through everything.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 23 Aug 2014 9:41 PM Title: Chapter 38 Search and Rescue

That big sigh of relief you hear should almost knock you over! Thank heaven they found Carlisle and rejoined him, so to speak! It's really not too surprising that his memory has been affected, losing your head would be apt to cause that! That is quite the story Bella is asking him to believe. Hopefully his memories are fully recovered sometime. I wonder what you have in store for Aro, as payback for his evil? See you next time! p.s. Looks like the family is growing, with the addition of Felicia, and I'm glad Bella is looking out for her, poor, unwanted little hybrid!



Author's Response:

I was really worried about you for a bit.  If I would have had a week or two between updates, I think I might have lost you.  I can only imagine the kind of mail joss Whedon or George R.R. Martin must get.  I like plot twists, but not at the expense of making readers afraid to invest in the story and the characters.  This time I can blame some of it on my husband, for suggesting how bad and depraved it could get.  

It's almost cheating that they can heal from losing their heads; that'll even kill a Highlander.  So the memory loss seemed an appropriate trade-off.  I just wonder how it would feel to wake up, and find out a lot of things you don't remember happened, and you've got a new spouse.  I think he's being really good about it.  

I'm still dealing with Aro in his outtake.  There's a lot going on with him that doesn't coincide with Bella's story.  One thing I like to do, probably too much, is show both sides of a story.  For example, she may be a dirty, mouthy, vicious little brat, but when you know where she comes from it's easier to understand how she got that way.  Some people may be irredeemable, but I like to be able to see what made them the way they are.  Aro may not be sympathetic, but he's not just evil for evil's sake.  Joham was the worst of the worst, but from his perspective, he wasn't bothering anyone when Caius came to judge and eliminate him.  Instead he took the fight to them, and won his war without a single loss on his side.   

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 23 Aug 2014 5:50 PM Title: Chapter 38 Search and Rescue

Glad they found Carlisle and got Felisha to act more like a kid. SOooo glad she helped.    I'm with Bella.  A whole hell of a lot needs to change.  Poor kids.



Author's Response:

Felicia was one of those surprises I didn't plan for the story.  Imagining some little brat, running wild through the tunnels of Volterra gave me a laugh.  Making her smart, with the mouth of a sailor, made her the perfect challenge for the group of perfect people.  She was so different, I fell inlove with the little twerp.  

Everyone is finally beginning to understand that Volterra is nevver going to be the same again.  

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 21 Aug 2014 9:51 PM Title: Chapter 37 Nothing Left

That was bloody brilliant. That was my first thought. There wasn't enough of my mind left to be blown, but the little left was amazed. Bella....well she quite frankly kicks ass. What she did was horrible and beautiful all at the same time. I mean I know Aro was making her suffer and she shut it down, but that was masterfully done. She took away her quite mind and forced Aro to see everything. Even better is the fact he has perfect vampire memory so there is no way he can forget. That is karma and it kicked his condescending butt.
Bella was just amazing. Her fury was awe inspiring. Hello hath no fury indeed. I liked that she was finally pushed to be a vampire. Not that she wasn't before, but she is fierce now. I am glad she did what she did and I am glad for any suffering Aro had because of what he saw. He is a bully and that's it. I almost died when Bella bit Cipriana. Again...good for her. (I sound vicious and all kinds of mean today..geesh).
I feel bad for his kids, but they don't need to be around him. I hope for everyone's sake Carlisle is put back together soon because he is the only one who can get through to Bella at this point.
Don't apologize for where you took the story.....that was such a wrench in everything. I literally sat there going wtf for a few minutes. Life isn't always unicorns and rainbows. Aro was never going to go quietly into a new era. Was it shocking? Uh, yeah. Am I glad nothing worse has happened yet? Definitely. Twists like that just make we want to see how you are going to fix it even more. That said, my favorite line was when Bella asked Alice didn't you see that coming? I laughed so hard. Yeah, inappropriate but my mind was still mushy.

Author's Response:

Thanks for the grins and giggles.  Bella is finally starting to believe Carlisle, and realize she's tougher than she thinks.  She used the only weapon she had, and she didn't stop until he was running for reinforcements.  I was planning to have someone rescue her, but I was delighted when she learned to rescue herself.  He won't be able to forget how deeply she loves Carlisle.  Even if Carlisle dies, he only gets her corpse.  She doesn't have any reason to play nice now.  She didn't care about her clothes when she attacked Aro, or that Jasper might see her naked.  Her focus is on one thing only.  Attacking Cipriana was one of those Karma things, and biting her finger to get her ring was a bit of payback.  

Aro's kids still have a part to play.  They're hybrids too, so they don't want to see Volterra go back to the way it was.  

I think this turn of events almost needed a warning label.  I've read stories where I just wanted to toss the book when something horrible happens.  I've also read stories where I just freaking love a good surprise.  It depends on how it's done, whether it fits, and whether I trust the writer.  I finished my last book of Game of Thrones, and wanted to toss it.  I like the series, in spite of the character deaths.  But the last attack (trying not to give spoilers) left me in shock.  I think I know where he's going with it, but I feel a little betrayed by George, especially when it could take him years to write the next book in the series.  

Apologies or not, I wouldn't change it.  I know there are people who quit reading a romance, after the wedding.  They won't make that mistake with this one.  I'm still the evil writer who killed off so many characters right from the beginning.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 21 Aug 2014 7:26 PM Title: Chapter 37 Nothing Left

Thank you for the tiny flame of hope in Bella! I have crossed fingers and toes, that they find the rest of Carlisle and put him back together! Aro must be the vampire equivalent of insane to think he could have anything with Bella! It looks like he has no thought or care for anyone but himself and what he wants or needs. He is the total opposite of Carlisle in every way. Your description of what went on in Aro's chambers was one of the most chilling thin gs I've ever read! The shift of Bella's shield to weapon-like mode was fascinating! What a relief to know that the Cullen family has so many supporters in Volterra. They are a good example of casting your bread upon the waters! Aro should have remembered and believed that you get back in this world what you put out there!



Author's Response:

We didn't come this far just to go back to the island.  Aro is a few fries short of a happy meal.  There's a reason behind his actions, but it doesn't matter to Bella.  

What happened in Aro's room was one of my favorite pieces of writing.  It was supposed to be chilling.  I fought to skirt the edges of describing something so vile, so it wouldn't be a trigger for survivors.  Thanks for getting it.  Bella herself loses touch with reality here when she sees what's happened to Carlisle.  Bella pulled him inside her shield, like she did with Edward.  She never thought she could share such an intimacy with Aro, but this was her way of poisoning that well forever.  Just like when he read Jasper's mind and saw how much Alice loved him, he can never forget how much Bella loved Edward, and how much she loves Carlisle.  She proved her mind wasn't as quiet as Aro believed.  Even if she never said a word, she could show him how much she despised what he was doing.  

The Cullens could take Volterra at this point.  There's really no one to stop them.  They have supporters among the humans, hybrids, and even the vampires.  Bella just wants Carlisle, and she'll do whatever it takes to get him back.    

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 21 Aug 2014 2:29 PM Title: Chapter 37 Nothing Left

Go Hydrids.  I was wondering how long til they rebelled.   Wow  Felicia is a real piece of work.  Hope they punish her sperm and egg donors



Author's Response:

The non-vamps are a power here.  They don't want to go back to the old ways, and they stood up for Carlisle and Bella.  Felicia was a surprise to me.  I didn't know the little gutter rat was hiding out in the tunnels, and I didn't know she'd betray her own mother--if you can call her that.  Cipriana already has a finger to heal; she doesn't want to tangle with Bella.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 21 Aug 2014 2:24 PM Title: Chapter 37 Nothing Left

Hey like I told you last chapter. I am with you. You are taking us on a journey. Don't apologize and don't tell me it will be okay. Just keep on writing. LOL



Author's Response:

Thanks.  I worry that these chapters should come with a warning.  I once made a mistake, and assured readers that I wouldn't kill off characters or leave them with a sad ending.  Taking those possiblities off the table is like putting training wheels on a motorcycle.  If there's no real risk, no one is going to bite their nails when characters are in peril.  The only real assurance I should offer, is: It's fiction.    

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 20 Aug 2014 11:21 PM Title: Chapter 36 Duel

My. Mind. Is. Completely. Blown.
You have severely diminished my ability to think. This is why I love you....I so did not see this coming. I mean at all. I am just sitting here going what the Hades just happened. Aro is a sick twisted piece of crap. I wanted to say worse....I want to say worse....and in my head I am screaming words and phrases that would have sailors blushing for weeks.
I want to tear Aro to pieces right now and light him on fire myself. I mean I know what he wants to gain, but at the same time it's like...what does he really expect to gain.
Holy crap!!!!! Poor Carlisle.....poor Bella. Well I am fully alert now. I mean at the beginning I just felt he was a bit of a coward for using his second. Smart too by doing that. But when he agreed to fighting Carlisle...well....then I wondered if that wasn't the one he wanted to fight to begin with. And a bondage claim.....good grief...again...Mind. Blown.
I'm gonna go cry now. (:

Author's Response:

What does it say about me, that I read these shocked reviews, and giggle like a nut?  I love being able to shock readers.  I really love reading stories where the writer pulls off some major surprise.  "I am your father, Luke."  I don't like watching trailers for that reason; I love the surprise twists.  

This one was made especially hard by my husband, who asked the innocent question: "Why would they let him heal?"  He blew my plan right out of the water.  No healed Carlisle coming to Bella's rescue.  What happens is so much better, in my opinion.  Aro is sick and twisted, no doubt.  He knows how to win and how to get what he wants.  But he hasn't yet realized how much stronger Bella is.  

It was a calculated risk, having Reese fight in his place.  If he wins, he can say Jasper wasn't enough of a challenge, and if he loses, he gets to step in and finish it.  He gets to sit on the dais and keep his hands clean, and be seen as the leader.  He really doesn't care about the duel, what he's concerned with, is gauging the crowd, and making sure his image is protected.  At this point, he doesn't even care about leaving the future open, where he and Alice can be together.  He really has chosen Bella to focus on.  She's a powerful shield, she's still single as far as he knows, she would raise his kids, she would bridge the gap between the past and present, she has ties to the rest of the supernatural world, she's enticing physically, and he can't read her mind.  

His fight with Carlisle was the real deal.  He would have skewered him right away if it wouldn't have made him look bad.  Carlisle's defensive tactics won the crowd over, and that drove Aro the hardest.  Carlisle made a mistake in getting close enough to talk.  He keeps expecting people to behave the way he does, and he didn't expect Aro to attack him during a negotiation.  

Aro might have used blackmail to get what he wanted from Bella, but the bondage claim was so much more rotten, and killed a lot of birds with one stone.  He took out the new power structure along with all of her rescuers.   

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 20 Aug 2014 10:56 PM Title: Chapter 35 Interruptions

I figured out why I can kind of relate to Bella. I am a second wife myself. In the beginning you kind of worry you won't compare because there is history. My husband once said the same words to me that Carlisle said this chapter to Bella. It is downright spooky how I sometimes see my buddy's past reflected in Carlisle's. There is enough different to know it isn't him, but it makes me smile nonetheless when I read something so spot on.
I like that they communicate as well as they do. I seriously love how they can be serious and the crack each other up with their playfulness. It is a refreshing break from the drama. I was grinning like a nut. Thankfully I read when no one is watching or people would worry about me.
The revelations about the hybrids threw me a little too. Well, threw me a lot. I like how even when you introduce new information you tie it into things we already know. Like with the mind altering possibility that happened with Gemmma. I am so intrigued to discover more.
Jasper Jasper Jasper. I really hope he kicks Aro's arse. Aro is too confident and he really could stand to be knocked down a peg....or 20. Interesting that Arianna gave away a little information to Janna. I guess partly because on some level she feels like she owes them....maybe....or could it be she wants to see daddy's bad attitude cut down a bit?! I can't wait to see how this plays out. I mean even if Aro wins he loses....I can't imagine Alice wanting him any longer....at least I hope she learned better.

Author's Response:

Carlisle is old enough he know's what's most important.  Bella worries about being compared to Esme, because she knew her.  Carlisle doesn't even bother with comparisons, he just knows who he loves, and the rest doesn't matter.  

I read a story by another author, one she later reworked and published, and I loved the way her characters talked to each other.  It showed me how much better stories are, when romantic interersts just talk.  No need for the silent treatment, shyness, insecurity, or misunderstanding to keep them from communicating; talking is just sexier.  Teasing and playing are so much a part of being close, i don't know how not to write it.  When two people can relax enough to play around in bed, it's a whole different kind of intimacy.  It's warm, loving, and accepting in a way you don't see with just the sex.  

There's so much that happened those ten years in Volterra, it may never all be discovered.  Absolute power corrupts absolutely.  

Everyone wants to see Jasper kick aro's behind.  Arianna didn't realize it might be a secret that Aro was using a spear.  Sometimes they're just kids, and kids talk.  Aro has so many plans upon plans, and everything has to be measured for the best possible outcome.  

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 20 Aug 2014 9:54 PM Title: Chapter 34 Secret Rendezvous

I know Sabrina maybe seems horrible for walking away, but I kind of think it's better she walked away before Janna got further invested. I imagine Janna will be just fine.
You know what almost did kill me? Edward's letter to Bella. Holy Batman! That letter was so emotional it actually made me cry. It was beautiful and sad...and just....yeah. I'm not embarrassed to admit I cried. I don't think I could have been that brave. I can talk the talk, but..that was just tough. And telling her it was ok to move on....you seriously killed me there. All tears and sadness aside though, Bella made me proud. Every chapter she grows and learns and heals. It is nice to watch.
Carlisle...can he get any better? Adorable isn't the word I really want, but it works for now. His enthusiasm to marry Bella right then and there and the way he did it was absolutely perfect. I think it meant more, at least my reading of it did. It was a ceremony for just the 2 of them....like it should be and I loved it.
So the honeymoon. Well honeymoon suite. Oh there is so much I could say there. I liked seeing Carlisle really let go like that. I mean the man broke a bed. His joke about that....totally made me crack up blaming in the age of the bed. His comments at the end though, totally made my heart melt. I so frolicking heart Carlisle.
So, I am 3 chapters behind. I feel like such a slacker. School started again here and wow it has been nuts already. My kids do virtual school, so it is really interactive for my daughter. On the upside, I am learning so much I had forgotten. My goal is to get caught up reading tonight....I hope....

Author's Response:

Janna and Sabrina were still pretty new as couples go.  She's just a human girl, and she was already worried about being with someone supernatural.  

Edward's letter got to almost everyone.  I still read it and tear up.  Knowing what was coming was hard for him to handle, and he really wanted to deny it.  But he couldn't just pretend he was leaving them behind.  I've seen letters to loved ones written by people who know they're dying, and they kill me.  Randy Pausch's Last Lecture was a great inspiration for Edward's letter.  

Bella is blossoming.  I really like the way Carlisle keeps telling her she can handle things.  He doesn't try to protect her, but supports her and encourages her.  When she thinks she can't go further, and deal with one more thing, he shows her she can.  

I still haven't got a real image of Carlisle in my mind.  I know he's not Fascinelli, unless it's a young version.  But he's definitely in my mind's eye, and he's probably too good to be real.  The wedding ceremony between the two of them, sounds like something he would like.  He's seen Alice and Rosalie go through wedding after wedding, until it probably meant little to him.  They can't really do it legally, so the faith aspect matters most to him.  It's the commitment, not the ceremony.  

The honeymoon night was more up Bella's alley.  It's very different from her first with Edward.  She needed it to be different.  I loved that they both got what they wanted here.  She gives him permission to be himself, and he takes her as she is.  I always worry about writing "lemons," especially with a mature audience.  Cliche's and euphemisms bother me, and I'm not good at fade to black.  I just close my eyes when I write the naughty bits.

You're caught up now.  I get how school can throw a wrench into your schedule.  My baby girl started college classes this week.  If I was a salmon, I'd be looking for a place to give up the ghost.  Virtual school sounds like ... a lot of work!  I think I had a nephew who did that, and it takes being just as regimented as regular school.  I'm really surprised at how much you can learn online, even if you're not taking classes.  I think MIT offers a program where you can get an education just like a student.  It's online and it's free, but there's no degree.  My daughter found a good calculus program that helped her get through the class.  I myself would be lost without all the tools at my fingertips, like google, grammar girl, and an online thesaurus.   

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 20 Aug 2014 5:53 AM Title: Chapter 36 Duel

Wow  all those people are going to let Aro just take back over?  Are they insane?   What a coward sending someone in to fight first.    You are KILLING ME HERE.

I used to love watching KungFu on TV (gawd I'm old).



Author's Response:

Aro is the evil they know.  A lot of them are afraid of him, and they'll nod and agree, just to keep him from noticing them.  Caius was the one who sent out forces against anyone who stood against them in Forks.  Aro has reasons for everything he does.  He didn't want to fight Jasper, because he thought he might kill him--and lose any chance to ever claim Alice.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 20 Aug 2014 5:12 AM Title: Chapter 36 Duel

wow this is disappointing. Don't tell me it will be alright. I will read no matter what you write. Well don't write poly, slash or BDSM. I won't read that. I was hoping Bella would kill ARO out right.



Author's Response:

Hmm... poly, slash, or BDSM?  I've got a couple original stories with some twisted BDSM-ish moments, but they're more products of dysfunction rather than something the characters enjoy.  I've also written a poly, slash Twilight story that I don't know if I'll ever post.  I just wanted to see if I could write it, since I think part of writing should be a challenge.  It started out as an experiment, but it turned out surprisingly good.  The whole subject bumps up against religion, and what's considered a sin, and what's accepted in society today.  So, it may never leave my computer.  

Bella's shield is like a mental smack upside the head, and can't kill.    

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 19 Aug 2014 8:10 PM Title: Chapter 36 Duel

I don't think you could have put everyone in a worse situation if you had tried! Haven't they all been through enough hell already? Aro is never going to let them out from under his thumb, and it just about makes me sick to think of him forcing Bella to do anything he wants! I bet you're going to catch a lot of grief for twisting things up this way! Looking forward to some miraculous escape from this awful, awful trap they are in! Please?



Author's Response:

When I read this one, I wanted so much to reassure you, and push out the next few chapters.  I've actually got my husband to take the blame for part of this, since I was ready to resolve everything quick.  Carlisle would heal, and come to rescue Bella and put Aro in his place.  Hubs asked, "Why would they let him heal?"  My devious mind took it from there.  

I love writers who allow rotten things to happen to their characters.  I really love to read a shocking twist.  It makes everything so much more real, to know everyone isn't guaranteed to come out unscathed.  But too much of that, and the readers lose faith in the writer, and they don't connect with the characters.  In fan fiction, it's even more of a problem, because the characters belong to someone else, and readers don't want anything to happen to their beloved favorites.  

Posting every two days, means I don't have to leave anyone holding their breath for too long.  I'm too much a sucker for happy endings, to let everything fall apart completely.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 17 Aug 2014 9:07 PM Title: Chapter 35 Interruptions

I'll be rooting for Jasper, of course, and watching for Aro to fight dirty! Janna is making some progress and Arianna is mking a difference. Alice is finding so much information for the hybrid database, though I shouldn't be surprised, she is the most organized woman around! I wonder how long Bella and Carlisle can keep their marriage a secret? Good chapter!



Author's Response:

Jasper is the better man in this conflict.  One thing he knows, is how to fight.  Janna and Arianna have become friends, even though they hated each other.  Sort of like Bella and Alice when they mended fences.  

The hybrid database is one of those things Bella did by accident, that's really helping the hybrids.  To finally have roots and family is a valuable gift for them.  Their fathers may be old relics, but their mothers had backgrounds.  I'd imagine even having a photo of their mothers would be helpful.  

In Volterra, it's almost impossible to keep anything a secret for long.  It's like living in a small town, but with mind readers.  

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 17 Aug 2014 7:33 PM Title: Chapter 35 Interruptions

Awww for Carlisle And b.    Ugh are needs to die or at least be removed from power position.   Too dangerous esp with the info that they were creating hybrids before nahuel. 



Author's Response:

Finally!  It took over thirty chapters to get here, but we made it!  

Aro is fulfilling his abiltiy to cause trouble.  I know there's a lot of "I told you so" going on here.  He's a lot more dangerous than Bella or Carlisle realize.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 17 Aug 2014 5:19 PM Title: Chapter 35 Interruptions

why keep the marriage secret?  Well anyway. I hope Jasper wins against Aro.  No matter what his past was. Roman times were ....bad



Author's Response:

Why keep the marriage a secret?  Good question!  I think it's because they both want to avoid family confrontations.  Bella still worries about Ness, and they both worry about how hurt everyone will be to have missed it.  I'm not sure if Italy is one of the countries where there are typically two weddings, one legal and the other ceremonial and religous, but Carlisle's thinking along those lines.  There's also the appeal of having a bond that's private between them.  

Jasper's a better fighter than Aro, but Aro is more conniving.   

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 16 Aug 2014 8:22 PM Title: Chapter 34 Secret Rendezvous

Wonder why Alice waited so long to give her the letter.



Author's Response:

At first, Alice held back the letter, because Bella wasn't in any condition to read it.  She was worried she might destroy herself if faced with the knowledge that Edward went willingly to his death without her.  Then she was in Volterra, and it didn't seem to be the kind of thing to send through the mail.  When Nessie had Sarah, it would have been a good time, but by then Alice was dealing with her own demons, and resenting and blaming Bella was taking hold.  When Masen was born, Bella didn't come home, and when they went to Volterra, there was their fight and all their drama.  This is the first lull they've had, and Alice's intuition told her it was time.  

Thanks for all the work you're doing on the site.  For the most part, I like the changes you've made.  The pairings in place of character choices makes me wonder how to label a story that's not a romance, or one that has a surprise pairing.  I tend to muddle through that section when I add a new story anyway.  For me, pairing is so far down the list of lures, it barely registers.  But I understand you're trying to please the majority of readers.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 16 Aug 2014 1:41 PM Title: Chapter 34 Secret Rendezvous

Through a horrible thing something blossoms and life starts to have beauty again.

 

I thank you, I was not sure about this but here we are and very sure..



Author's Response:

It took a while to get there, and there's still a lot to sort through.  

One of the things I'm seeing, especially in fan fiction, is that it's hard to tell a rounded story.  Recently on another site, I encountered someone reading this story, who was blasting me in chapter five, because my characters were "out of character" and I had "plot holes" in the story.  What she called holes and OOC was a little thing called plotting and story pacing.  By chapter five she felt the whole story should be revealed to her.  She read on to chapter 23, leaving me acidic reviews on all the character flaws and problems she saw with my story.  I assume she quit reading then, because the reviews stopped.  Either that or she couldn't find anything to hate.  

Not that I care about this one reader; I don't strive to please everyone.  But it's a perfect example of how hard it is to present a fresh idea, and walk readers through something they can't immediately pigeon-hole.  Some readers have arteriosclerosis of the mind, and they insist any story that doesn't conform to their narrow view is flawed.  

The reason I say all this, is because the readers here have been very open to what I've written.  I don't mind if readers can't see a Bella/Carlisle pairing.  What matters is that they keep their minds open, and allow me to show them it could work.  I like flaws and realistic characters, and it takes time to work through issues and damage.  The reader who quits in chapter 23, doesn't get to see a beautiful relationship unfold.  Readers like you have the patience it takes to read a whole story, and I greatly appreciate it.      

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 15 Aug 2014 9:49 PM Title: Chapter 34 Secret Rendezvous

Amazing chapter! First, Edward's letter had me in tears, he loved her so much and only wanted her happiness! What's not inspirational about a love like that? Then the simple, touching ceremony to bind Bella and Carlisle to each other got to me! The capper was Carlisle's revelation after that amazing consummation of their vows, about his feelings of total love and acceptance! Really mindblowing! A thought, about your nasty anonymous reviewer on another site? I have no idea why someone would do that to you and your story, but I promise, if it wasn't for weird people, we might never have any fun! I think laughing at them is the only sane thing to do! See you soon!



Author's Response:

This chapter tickles me too.  It's such a slow dance to get here, and then it seems like they look around and nothing is standing in their way but time.  Carlisle knows what's most important for a marriage, and it's not all those things that "bridezillas" knock themselves out over.  

Alice had been waiting for the right time to give Bella Edward's letter.  Maybe right after the war would have been best, but I don't think so.  Bella was so shut down, learning all that he knew would have been too much.  She probably would have destroyed herself like some of the others did.  Edward thought Bella and Alice would have stayed close, and he had no idea about what was happening in Volterra.

I think Bella sees Carlisle different than Esme did.  Listening to his history, and learning that he'd loved before, left an impression on her of a more passionate man behind the mask of a respectable doctor and their family patriarch.  Add to that their make-out sessions where he often verged on losing control, and she encouraged him to go there.  Feeling completely accepted is new to Carlisle, because the expectations of Bella's generation are different from Esme's.  

As to my anonymous reviewer, I think they've given up.  I just shrug and laugh.  Once I had an anonymous reviewer who really hated something I did in a story.  They claimed I'd ruined a "perfect, glorious..." love story with mine.  Since it was anonymous, I couldn't credit them when I used their exact words IN the story, as part of Edward's description of Bella.  He had her on such a high pedestal, it was why he felt he had to leave her to save her.  I don't believe in perfect relationships or perfect people..   

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 15 Aug 2014 12:13 AM Title: Chapter 33 Slow Healing

Glad Nessie is coming around. Lol for bursting Aros bubble a bit.



Author's Response:

Nessie still has some issues, and Aro has multitudes of them.  Sometimes it's like two steps forward, three steps back.  

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 14 Aug 2014 12:06 PM Title: Chapter 33 Slow Healing

So, that crow I just ate tasted nasty. You couldn't make Jake act all holier than thou....you had to make him...nice and understanding. That was mean. Nessie is going to try to be supportive. I think that is a good start. It has to be hard for her, especially learning her dad wasn't always a perfect man. Of course it is probably a good idea to not let her know how her Jake once loved Bella. They could be an episode of Jerry Springer if they wanted - it is sad my mind went there right off the bat, but seriously the episode would be so good.
I like how Bella handled the conversation with Nessie. I like that she wouldn't choose who she loves more - that shows how Bella has grown because once upon a time she would have answered...just like she did between Edward and Jake. Her answers and reactions show how she has matured.
I am glad to see Janna improving. Carlisle's tough love was the right call. It is hard for a parent not to coddle and he was able to go into his doctor zone and make her work on getting better. Carlisle truly is just a good man. He isn't perfect but he is good and that means something.
So, can't wait to see how Nessie reacts to Janna. I hope she will be wise enough to understand she isn't being replaced, but I am not overly confident in that. I feel bad saying it, but Nessie is a selfish being. I don't think it is malicious, I think it comes from her life. She didn't suffer like the other hybrids. Yes, she lost her father and some members of her family, but she didn't suffer nearly as much or in the way the other hybrids have suffered. That was the thought I had going while reading. I don't think she is a nasty person, I just think she is incredibly naive about how lucky she is. I am not sure how aware of everything she is, so that is just my snap impression.....
I was happy to see Ari apologize. Both Janna and Ari have every right to be bitter but they both seem to want to move past it all.
Aro....oh what can I say about him?! His reaction was amusing to say the least. Hopefully everything he saw through Janna's memories causes him to back off now, but I will reserve judgement on that for now. I am looking forward to the "discussion" between Carlisle and Aro though...they have a lot to clear the air over.

Author's Response:

I'd never make anyone eat crow.  It's fiction, and it's easy to see the same thing from two different angles.  I actually like Jake.  He suffered from teenage inexperience in the books, but I thought he was the most realistic character of them all.  I liked him better in New Moon, when he was such a good (though reckless) friend to Bella.  Later when he kept trying to be more, it was a little irritating.  But at least he was all in, and since Edward was the one to leave and break her heart, I could appreciate that kind of committment.  Carlisle saved Jakes life, so he's a little soft where he's concerned.  Twelve years ago, he might have reacted differently, but the losses in the war were heavy on all sides, and he's looking at what's more important for the survivors.  He also loves his wife and family, and Bella is history, so there's no competition there like before.  

Nessie has a few illusions that everyone's left her with, and that's coloring her views a bit.  She doesn't really know how close Bella and Jake were, since Jake's and Bella's memories of that time have faded.  The Cullens remember, but they also know Bella was always in love with Edward.  This could really be a Jerry Springer episode all around.  

Bella has come to the point that she wouldn't be able to choose between Edward and Carlisle.  To do that, she had to fully acknowledge that Edward is dead and not coming back.  Nessie isn't there yet.  No one could force Bella to get over her mourning, and Nessie has some healing she has to get through on her own.  They've got a little of that denial in common.  

Janna has a long way to go.  I sort of pictured the physical therapy like the old Karate Kid -- "wax on, wax off" until she was frustrated and ready to give up.  Then later she could see what she was really working for.  Carlisle's a great doctor, and he's not used to anyone questioning his judgment.  He knows what Janna is dealing with, and he was ready for her to fight him over the physical therapy.  Losing her abilities is a little like a death, and she reacted to it.  

Nessie reacting to Janna didn't happen in this story.  But I'm thinking that might have been an oversight.  I'll take a second look at it when I get there, and maybe see what happens.  There were so many characters to follow by the end, it might have slipped my mind.  With both of them living adult lives, I don't see much issue.  Then again Janna might see Ness as living the charmed life, while she bore the consequences of being Volterra's hybrid.  Hmmm....

Nessie's a little selfish, but I think it's because she was sheltered until the war.  She had the Cullens wrapped around her fingers, and Jake at her beck and call.  She's very naive, since she only knows a little of the drama that happened before she was born.  It's not exactly something you'd tell a child, though I'm sure Jake has shared a few tales.  I see her with a lot of Bella's characteristics, like when she showed up to be part of their war defenses.  She's stubborn and knows how to get her own way.  Edward also spoiled her a little.  I think she's got some unrealistic ideas, and doesn't understand what Carlisle and Bella mean to each other.  She understands imprinting, but not the kind of love between the others.  

Ari and Janna have so much in common, but none of it is good.  Ari has finally come to realize that Janna wasn't his willing accomplice.  Seeing her as a victim, makes what she did all the more horrible.  Over and over, I see these hybrids fighting to get past the pain.  I'm not sure why that is, but maybe it's got something to do with the resilience of youth.  They've had to fight from the moment of their birth, first just to survive, then to get their needs met.  A little bit of light and happiness goes a long wiay with them.  

Aro is having a lot of issues himself.  Losing Bella and Alce took more of a toll than anyone realizes.  He's backsliding, and the expectation that someone has to share their memories with him is a good example.   Still lots of fun ahead, and thanks again for reading and reviewing.   

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 14 Aug 2014 11:28 AM Title: Chapter 32 Notifications

I have always wondered how Charlie could be an effective police chief when he couldn't even see all the supernatural around him. I mean good grief man. Charlie's reaction wasn't surprising. I had figured that was what his reaction would be.
Renee was absolutely hysterical. I loved her. She was what she should have been in the books. Renee's reaction is more what I expected from Charlie, but I guess denial is easier for him. I like that Renee is happy for Bella, and supportive...they need that.
Nessie....well...kind of saw that coming. From the child perspective I can understand. Edward is her dad and Carlisle is her grandfather....those are the roles they play. Now her mom is in love with her grandfather....yeah, that would probably turn most people into a hot raving mess. That said, they aren't human and these were just roles. Not sure how they will be able to get Nessie to see this. Considering how well Nessie took the news I can only imagine Jacob's reaction. I have never really liked him...so I am not holding out much hope.
I am glad Bella realizes she can survive without Carlisle....She just doesn't want to....that is an important distinction. I like the stronger characters. I like them so much better.

Author's Response:

I think Charlie has a bit of Lois Lane syndrome.  Just like she couldn't tell Clark Kent was Superman, even though she was an award winning reporter, Charlie doesn't know what's going on in the supernatural world, right under his nose.  In another story I wrote, a lot of the plot hinged on normal humans, just being unwilling to see what was right before their eyes.  If I had a man in my living room on Christmas Eve, wearing a red, fur-lined suit, I wouldn't think Santa Clause, I'd think burglar.  If I saw a real alien spacecraft hovering over my backyard, I'd think a helecopter was flying too low.  We're conditioned to find rational reasons for out of the ordinary things.  I like how Carlisle puts it here, that they really do know something's different and dangerous about them, but they suppress those feelings.  The thing that I questioned about Charlie, was how he didn't realize Bella had a boy in her room every night.  That's a dad's job to know.  Maybe his radar wasn't installed properly.  

Renee in my eyes has always been flighty, unreliable, and a little child-like.  But she's also intuitive, passionate, and loving.  She doesn't see Carlisle's age, or everything that's wrong with their relationship, she just sees someone who makes her happy.  The conventions of marriage might bother her, but now that Bella's older, she's fine with letting her decide for herself.  

Nessie still has some grief issues to deal with.  She wants to be happy for them, but she still misses her daddy and grandma.  Just like a little kid, she thinks if they get married, it means it's final, and they're really gone.  Strangely, I didn't see Jacob having a problem with it.  He's actually his real age of nearly thirty, so he's got some maturity to see what's important.  He also has the whole drama with Billy and Embry to show him what's wrong with trying to keep secrets and make the family look perfect to those on the outside.  He missed out on having Embry as his brother.  

I try to write the characters a bit stronger, especially Bella.  It's a fine line to walk, to keep them canon, and allow some good changes.  Carlisle keeps encouraging Bella, trying to show her she can be strong, and handle what life throws at her.  He's not Edward, coming to her rescue all the time.        

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 14 Aug 2014 7:46 AM Title: Chapter 33 Slow Healing

So glad that Janna is rehabbing as well as she is and very glad Nessie has decided to be more adult about her mother's relationship with Carlisle. Except for the part about being nauseous over them wanting to marry, of course! That confrontation with Arianna and Aro went a lot better than I thought it might, also. By the way, I really wasn't picking on Charlie about Seahawks tickets, it just made me smile because he loves his Hawks and his Mariners! I had one last thought, is the trauma to Janna's brain the reason for her loss of her power, and if so will the loss be permenant?



Author's Response:

The idea of a hybrid who could be injured and need surgery and recovery was a tough one to write.  That whole "vampire tough" thing  is one of the hardest things to keep in a story.  At least Janna has better healing than humans.  Nessie's trying, but she's still got some grief issues to deal with herself.  Aro is slipping into some of his old habits, in expecting to touch people to read their memories.  Janna gave him more than he bargained for, and it probably hurts even worse, because she knows what Arianna suffered.  

As to "picking on" Charlie last chapter, I didn't see it that way at all.  I sometimes over-analyze my stories and characters, and want to explain every little nuance and characteristic, as if they were real people.  Even if you were picking on him, or anything else for that matter, please feel free.  Nobody in my story is perfect, and it's fine if they grate on nerves or display a little off-key trait.  I've got someone reading this story on another site, and she's left me eleven reviews on 24 chapters.  Each of them is anonymous, so I can't respond, and she hasn't had a single nice thing to say yet.  So much hatred and animosity makes me wonder why the heck she didn't stop reading.  I'm usually flattered when someone reads and reviews my stories, even if they've got negatives to say.  But that one feels like they've got an ax to grind.  I can't please everyone, and I know better than to try.  

Oh, the trauma was the reason Janna lost her power. She didn't realize it was gone until she was trying to control Carlisle and make him take her back to her room.  She still had it after her suicide attempt, but the head injury was too much.      

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 13 Aug 2014 12:35 PM Title: Chapter 33 Slow Healing

Good chapter. Janna is moving forward and so is everyone else. Nessie will get there.



Author's Response:

Thanks again for reading.  There are lots of little things coming together now.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 12 Aug 2014 1:31 AM Title: Chapter 32 Notifications

I love this chapter in a different way.  This is family, complex not perfect. Argumentative at times but the underlying is love.  I have been there in some ways. Not like this still married to their daddy for 48 years.  Just everything is not fan fiction perfect. We all have flaws and insecuritites. Ness lost her daddy and her grandmother.  Those losses leave her sad too.  Carlisle is right though you can not live your life for them.  They grow up make their own families and then they see you when it is convenient for them.



Author's Response:

Yes!  You get it!  This one was all about family, and bringing their relationship fully into the light of those who matter most.  I was hoping to make it real, from Charlie's belief Carlisle was his age, to Renee just wanting Bella to be happy--finally.  Nessie is exactly as I'd imagine a thirteen year-old girl would be when discovering her mom's new relationship is going to be an embarrassment to her, and mess up her happy life.  None of them are perfect, but they do love each other.  I love "not fan fiction perfect."  Seriously, I'm in the midst of writing an original novel, and perfect doesn't touch it.  I see too many good relationships messed up by the quest for perfection.  Ness is going to take some time, because she really has lost her daddy, her grandma, her uncle and brother-in-law.  Living among the Quileutes she hears all the negatives about Carlisle and his family, so she's conscious of how their relationship will affect her personally.  

Congratulations on 48 years!!  That's a great accomplishment, especially in a world where so many marriages end in divorce.  That's a gift you've given your children, and if they're like mine, they don't even realize how precious and rare that is.  I'm on the verge of having an empty nest, and I'm not sure how I'm going to handle that "see you when it is convenient for them" change.  I'm thinking of getting a dog.  (grin)     

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 11 Aug 2014 1:24 PM Title: Chapter 32 Notifications

Well 2 out of three took it ok.



Author's Response:

Two out of threee ain't bad; I love that song!  It's a bit harder to convince Ness, when they're still in Italy.  I think Nessie was hoping her mother was having a fling with a hot Italian.  Falling in love with Carlisle will force her to change her family dynamic.  

By the way, if you were responsible for my story being featured, thankk you very much!  I didn't pick up any new reviewers, but I think it did bring in some about a hundred new readers.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 11 Aug 2014 7:41 AM Title: Chapter 32 Notifications

Sadly, those phone calls went about as I expected. Renee will never have a problem with weird, kind of like her daughter that way. Charlie just took a bit longer and needed to be bribed. Ness, on the other hand is exactly what Bella called her, daddy's little girl. She is going to take a lot longer to accept this situation, if she ever does! I hope Carlisle does have a long conversation with Nessie, and reminds her of a few things about her mother, her father and her grandmother who he loved so much! Don't know if it will change her mind, but she definitely needs to hear it!



Author's Response:

To be fair, Charlie didn't really need to be bribed to accept it  What those tickets did was show him that Carlisle wasn't taking her away from her family, and prove that he knew Charlie and respected that Bella had some value.  The tickets were a symbol, of "I'll do whatever it takes to make this work."  Her mom just wants her to be happy, especially after her long mourning over Edward.  

Nessie is still a little girl in some ways, and a woman in others.  The little girl is having a big problem with how her mom wants to move on.  The woman gets it, but it hits real close to her own loss.  My earlier readers split on Nessie's reaction, almost right down generational lines.  Younger readers had more trouble with her begrudging her mother's happiness, and older readers could understand and be more patient with her.  Carlisle has that kind of patience, and Bella wants to blame herself.   

Reviewer: TheLadyKT Signed [Report This]
Date: 10 Aug 2014 9:00 PM Title: Chapter 31 Family Connections

lol  wonder how Charlie will take the news.  lol.   Aro is going to be an issue to Jasper, Alice, Carlisle and Bella I think.   sigh.



Author's Response:

Carlisle is a pacifist, and Charlie carries a gun for a living.  I don't envy the poor guy.  I can already hear the shouts of "I told you so!" where Aro's concerned.  He does have a tendency to be a nasty pain in the neck.  

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 10 Aug 2014 2:05 AM Title: Chapter 31 Family Connections

I freaking love Jasper. I love how he teases Bella and tells her she is being an idiot without being cruel. I chuckled at that. I really really love their bond. And then there is Carlisle. I just want to bottle that man up and keep him for myself. I mean seriously....I just freaking love him....and him wanting to go have a little chat with Aro....so very hot as all get out. He might seem all calm and cool, but his attitude this chapter just screams don't mess with me and mine. Cue stupid grin on my face when reading that. Carlisle is quite persistent....I like that he isn't willing to back down....and boy oh boy does he get frisky....I love that Janna called them out....the banter was great. I feel so bad for Janna though, poor girl can't catch a break. I am glad she will have Bella and Carlisle to help her recovery. She needs them and I think she will make a good addition to the family. She deserves something good.
Ok, it was really hard to play off my squeal of happiness when Bella said she would marry Carlisle and then when he gave her his proposal. I don't think even a nun could resist that man. And then he calls Charlie....oh my....It is getting ready to get entertaining....I love it.
I'm just going to quit trying to choose a favorite chapter...you are killing me. I did love the playful, goofy Carlisle. He was just all kinds of awesome this chapter.

Author's Response:

It tickles me to no end when readers 'get it' and understand what I'm trying to say.  I sort of imagine that the Jasper in the books was a lot more restrained with Bella.  She was forbidden fruit to him, plus she was very much a teenager, and he's much older.  With Edward's protectiveness, I can easily see him keeping his distance, even while they shared family and sometimes a house.   But now he's unleased, and he's embracing his family like never before.  He's fully stepping into the role of being part of the Cullen family, from embracing Carlisle like a brother, son, and friend, to treating Bella like his beloved sister.  That teasing he shared with Bella, is kind of like he might have behaved with Emmett or Edward.  They're close enough now, they can even say the hard things to each other.  

I love writing Carlisle, because there's so little about him in the books, and I can create him as I see him.  He's so multi-faceted, and yet he's very much the same as he was when he was human.  He still wants a simple life, with love and family.   But he's almost four hundred years old, and he's got history, and heartbreak, and compassion to spare.  He's been around, but he's only been in love two other times, and Bella is all he can think about now.  Seeing him a little jealous, proves he's not as self-assured and polished as he might seem on the surface.  I wanted to show that he's not perfect beneath the family leader facade.  He still makes mistakes, but he's willing to fix them and learn from them.  

He sees Aro as more of an equal than anyone else, even though Aro's so much older.  They have history together, and he's not intimidated by him.  He wants to talk to him, and set him straight on his family.  Aro's crossed the line a few too many times, and Carlisle isn't going to put up with it.  

Janna wants to be a part of a loving family.  It's the reason she wanted to kill Bella--she thought she was the one responsible for her mother's death.  Her early memories are of a mother and father who loved her, and she's seeing that in Bella and Carlisle.  Janna's gift might be making people puppets, but her real talent, is seeing and hearing things when no one realizes she's listening.  She's the fly on the wall, so of course she would hear them fooling around when they didn't expect it.  With Bella and Carlisle helping her, she's got the support system she's always wanted.  

Bella wasn't ready to say she'd marry him, but watching him with Janna, seeing him work so hard to help someone he barely knew--for her, that did it.  That made her realzie she wanted to be part of his family, not just share his bed.  The call to Charlie just had to happen.  He's too old-fashioned not to follow tradition.  I'm a sucker for playful, goofy men.  He's got some mistakes to make up for, so I like that he's extra sweet now.  He's all in now; no more second guesses and running away.  

 

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 10 Aug 2014 1:10 AM Title: Chapter 30 Passions

I really liked the Jasper and Bella bits this chapter. I like their bond and how they interact with one another. It was nice to see how he was able to put things in perspective for Bella, even if she still had the meltdown at the end. With her thoughts on marriage and then the belief she isn't as good as Esme, yeah, I could see why she freaked out.
So....Carlisle had his own little confession too....nicely done. You did that in such a way that I couldn't even be mad at him. In the same respect, now they know how they feel about one another.
I really like how Carlisle is stepping in there for Bella and Janna.....that's why I think they work so well. They just compliment each other. Can't wait to go read to find out if Bella is going to accept Carlisle's proposal. Yeah....gonna go do that.....now....

Author's Response:

The exchange between Jasper and Bella felt a little magical to me when I wrote it.  In the series, we didn't get to see enough of Jasper, beyond being a predator and a military leader.  I really like getting deeper into his psyche, and showing his depth.  The way Jasper is in this story, he would probably have made a good partner for Bella, if Alice was gone.  But he's also a really good friend to her, especially when Alice can't be there.  As much as Bella loves Carlisle, taking the place of his wife is tough.  She's had more than ten years of seeing him with Esme.  She fell in love with Carlisle, the man, but marrying him changes the whole dynamic of their family.  

Maybe Carlisle kissing Colette seems like cheating, or like he's not loyal to Bella.  But he'd told her it was over, and he was trying to prove he wasn't in love with her.  Instead it proved he was.  If Colette had pinged the meter, it would prove what he had with Bella was only physical.  He also had to tell Colette that he wasn't interested in her, and he loved Bella.  

Carlisle is familiar with the way Bella is adopting Janna.  It's a lot like what Esme did with all the kids.  Carlisle might have brought them home, but she was the one who made them family.  He really understands the way she's bonded with Janna; he felt it with Edward.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 09 Aug 2014 2:31 PM Title: Chapter 31 Family Connections

Big strides here. Poor Jasper there seems to be no hope for his pain. Like he said is love is bigger so they have to just get through it. I guess this would be the down side of being a vampire and living so long with perfect memory. You remember everything good and bad. 

 

Back to last chapter I get what you are saying about religous beliefs in writing. It will come through at times it is who you are but you get in the characters shoes and you have to be their voice. I am so glad I just read, I am such an opinionate old broad. LOL

 

Thank you again for your stories.



Author's Response:

Jasper is a survivor at heart, and he and Alice have some work ahead of them.  I like that he's not ready to give up, and he still loves her.  Bella touched a nerve, but he's always going to recall Alice as the troubled waif he found when they met.  She's not that little girl anymore, and he needs to see that the affair isn't all on Aro.  Alice could have slapped him down hard when he made his move, and she didn't.  If he doesn't hold her accountable, she'll still feel the guilt and it'll get worse instead of better.

I've had to confront some issues of my own when I started writing.  I have a tendency to write adult stories with intimate details.  It's really hard to reconcile such stories with my Christian faith.  But I tend to write of real love and lasting relationships, and overcoming difficulties, which I think works, Sometimes I confront some of the hypocrisy of Christianity, but I always try to keep my stories and characters real and believable.  Real people have sex, make mistakes, swear, drink, fight, hurt one another, and don't honor God.  I can write this with honesty and reality.  What I think matters, is showing that mistakes have consequences, Real love forgives and keeps trying.  Hope endures.  And sometimes I can show that God is good, in a way that those who don't believe won't roll their eyes.  

Maybe I would cringe if my church friends read my stories.  But I've run across a few who would read them if I asked.  Christians don't necessarily have to be prudes.  One senior lady grinned like crazy when she admitted to reading the Fifty Shades series.  I think when you get to be a senior, you should do exactly what you want, without apologizing.  My hat's off to the opinionated old broads of the world.      

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 09 Aug 2014 10:16 AM Title: Chapter 31 Family Connections

Carlisle is the ultimate healer, so caring and wise, no wonder Janna wants to be his and Bella's daughter! It seems to work kind of that way on Bella herself! Loved the back and forth between her and Jasper, too! The best way to divert Collette would be for her to fall for Eleazar, sort of killing two birds with one stone. He needs someone to lift his deep sorrow, as well as heal his body, and she needs to be needed.



Author's Response:

The hospital is Carlisle's territory, it's only right that he'd propose to her there.  Janna got to see Bella's feelings for him before he came back, and now she can see how good they are together.  She wants to be part of that kind of family.  As much as I dislike Caius, I think she might have seen some of that dynamic between him and Athenodora, at least before Joham came.  

I don't know why, but in this story Bella and Jasper have a great rapport.  Jasper is the only one who understands her deep, emothional grief and loss.  He's seen enough vampire war in his lifetime, having it happen to his family affected him deeply.  He sees a little more beneath the surface of her actions.  

Eleazar and Colette would kill two birds with one stone, but she's working so hard right now to heal him, because she thinks it'll please Carlisle.  This girl was with Joham longer than any other in the story, since she was born before he went to Volterra.  Her damage is probably worse than his burns.     

Reviewer: theladykt Signed [Report This]
Date: 07 Aug 2014 4:45 PM Title: Chapter 30 Passions

Glad they were both honest with each other about what happened.   I like Jaspers explanation, but I kinda agree with B too.   Marriages end in divorce too easily and often.



Author's Response:

I love stories where the characters are honest with each other about tough subjects.  Marriage is still scary to her, because she's seen more bad than good from it.  

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 07 Aug 2014 9:39 AM Title: Chapter 30 Passions

Oh dear! I'm kind of surprised that Bella would have these doubts about marrying Carlise. Maybe she really is afraid of tempting Fate, or perhaps she's guilty over loving Esme's husband?. She better think it over  and decide, because I don't think Carlisle is going to change his views any time soon! It was very nice to hear Jasper's thoughts on marriage and faith, too!



Author's Response:

Edward was able to talk Bella into marrying him, and they had a good marriage.  But when he died, she lost faith in marriage.  Part of her grief, is tied up in superstition that the universe is out to get her, and punish her for daring to be happy.  She's also guilty to be taking Esme's place.  There's a little bit of the belief, that if she marries Carlisle, her life has completely changed.  Carlisle isn't going to change his mind.  

Of all the people to sound off in favor of marriage and faith, Jasper would be the last I'd expect to hear.  But considering his history, I think there's a lot more to his change of heart, than Alice.  God often finds us at the end of our rope.  Jasper had to have at least a little bit of faith to hang on until he met Alice.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 07 Aug 2014 8:52 AM Title: Chapter 30 Passions

Really? I mean I know she kissed Aro twice but the hole time she did that thinking Carlisle had left her. He left her.  Then he goes on and has a little make out session with Colette, because he needed to see. 

 

All I can say here is this is fan fiction but in real life a personal relationship with God is what makes life worth living.  It grounds me. I have that feeling I know where I am going no matter what.

Carlisle says he loves her, but I question it. He threw her away too easy and ran after someone else. Now he comes back and says he wants to marry her.  I don't know about him honestly.  Bella is always messed up with marriage.  She used to have more faith in souls though.  After all the loss they have sustained I get how you can wonder where God was.  He just does not promise you will never have loss. He just says he will be there with you.

 

 



Author's Response:

Wow.  

To be fair, Colette was pretty insistent.  Carlisle has a lot to learn about women, and he really doesn't have much experience.  He was on the way to falling fast and hard for Bella, when she backslid into her anger over Edward's death.  He took it personally, and his reasoning was flawed.  He's more confused than he realized, and he's not behaving like the older adult leader of the family.  He's acting like a 23 year-old man who didn't think he could really be in love so fast.  To be honest, kiissing Colette was probably healthy.  He and Bella shared a lot of kisses, and he wanted to make sure what he was feeling wasn't just a result of their physical needs.  It would suck to find out too late, that what they feel doesn't go any deeper than physical attraction.  It was Jasper kissing her that made her realize she loved Carlisle.  He has a similar conviction.    

In real life, I value my relationship with God.  I've found that writing my beliefs through my character's lips doesn't work.  I'm not sure Bella had faith in souls, or was she just humoring Edward.  Here I'm wondering if Meyer's Mormon beliefs didn't sneak into the story.  I've found that it's best to take a light touch with religious matters in stories.  I'm probably heavier than many, but I try real hard not to step on toes.  

I think Bella wants to believe, but she wasn't really brought up that way.  Maybe she's a CEO Christian?  Many religions believe in souls, so I"m sure that part resonates with her.  If Edward led her to belief, his death has shaken it.  I think Jasper had some good things to say about faith, as well as marriage.   

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 05 Aug 2014 5:45 PM Title: Chapter 29 Hospital

good chapter.  Those children that were abused, that is so sad. I know it is fiction that is why I can read it. If it is a news article I will not read them when they are talking about a child that was abused. I don't want to put that filth in my mind.  I won't listen or read them. I know it happens and if I saw a child in trouble my life would be forfit for that child.  Enough said.

I am glad Carlisle is there and Jasper too.



Author's Response:

There's so much horror that happened in this story, but yeah, I'm thankful it's not real.  I'm drawn to real human interest stories of pain and loss.  But if there's no resolution, no healing, no help or concern, then it tears me up, and either makes me cry or get angry.  

Bella's got a good support system here.  Still lots of healing to do.   

Reviewer: theladykt Signed [Report This]
Date: 05 Aug 2014 3:47 PM Title: Chapter 29 Hospital

Does anyone really believe Aro is going to keep his word about leaving Jasper alone?   This is as much his fault, and Alice's, as Jaspers.   Things do need to change or they are going to slip back worse than Joham's time.   A lot of counselling is needed for the girls especially



Author's Response:

Aro crosses his heart and hopes to die....oh wait, he's already dead.  Technically, Bella didn't make the deal.  Maybe she knows better.  No one in this situation is blameless, except maybe the kids.  With so much need in Volterra, it's easy to see how two years slipped away before they made it back home.  It would be easy to devote their lives to fixing what's wrong, but eventually they're going to want to go back home and try to be normal again.  

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 05 Aug 2014 3:15 PM Title: Chapter 29 Hospital

Holy freaking cow Batman! I'm breaking my own little wait and let it sit before I review, but goodness you packed a lot in here. I am going to end up forgetting to comment about something, but I couldn't wait. I ran the emotional gamut this go around. I was so happy for Bella's epiphany. She deserves to be happy. I think that has to be the hardest thing, realizing it is ok to be happy again. Letting go doesn't mean forgetting and it doesn't lessen their love and that was an important lesson to learn. I feel like now she can move forward with Carlisle, now she gets it.
I wanted to kick Aro's butt for being such a little prick, but I think Bella handled him perfectly. And when she declared Dora dead but Janna Cullen alive, well I might have gave an inner cheer or 5. Bless poor Alice. I imagine e she hated keeping the visions from Bella, but she did the right thing. I am glad Bella snapped out of the anger. I am over the moon excited Carlisle was there (I had a stupid grin on my face) and his words about saving their girl....my heart just about exploded with happiness.
I truly hope Janna survives this. I don't think you have finished with her quite yet, so I remain hopeful. Bella has a way with bonding, I can only imagine what other kids she will "adopt".
I was proud of how she handled the bleeding child, that was impressive. It also goes to show choosing Carlisle is where she belongs. And then Jasper.....I love myself some Jasper and I was so happy Alice sent him to help Bella while Carlisle was saving their daughter. You really worked over my emotions with this one and you made me a liar....this is my new favorite chapter. (:

Author's Response:

(giggling)  This is one of the reasons I love to write.  Bella couldn't say the words, "Edward's dead," before.  She was ready to go on, but now she's discovered that she can let him go, and still hold him dear.  It's another one of those steps she had to take toward healing.  

Aro is such a wonderful weasel!  He still doesn't get it.  He's still mourning, but not for a lost love, but for what used to be.  He really did lose a lot, from wife, friends, coven, his "collection," and his power and position.  He's also lost his wealth, his standing among vampires, the heirarchy, and his dignity.  He keeps trying to hold on to what was, and reclaim what he had.  Everything he lost was all he knew, and he doesn't know how to move forward.  

Aro is more conscious of the significance of Bella claiming Janna, since she is Caius' daughter.  Caius would have killed Renesmee, and now that he's dead, Bella claims his daughter.  

Alice has so much going through her mind.  She keeps most of her visions a secret, so she doesn't influence the outcome.  There's also privacy to consider.  I think while Edward was alive, she revealed more of her visions, because he had the power to read them.  Now she's trying to hold it all in, and without Jasper by her side, she's still struggling.  

Bella has come a long way since her teenage years.  The bleeding child was a good indicator of how strong her resistance is.  I think it helped to have so many great examples around her, as well as resisting the hybrids.  

There's still a lot more story to tell, and more over-worked emotions.  Thank you so much for your kind and enthusiastic reviews.   

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 05 Aug 2014 2:42 PM Title: Chapter 28 Janna Dora

Ugh...I got behind. Sometimes I think I over think. I read the chapter, sit on it awhile, then go back and review. I blame my slight ocd tendencies for my oddness. Sometimes I worry I may repeat myself in my reviews, but you really do weave an amazingly complex tale. I mean it just blows me away. I mean the things these poor children were put through just kills me. These kids have every right to be mad and horrible, yet they aren't. There is anger and they act out, but at the same time they are still good. I think most people wouldn't be able to function. I find I admire them for what they are becoming. I imagine there are some that aren't great people, but the ones you are showing, I admire them.
Janna has truly come a long way. Bella has helped too. I like that she gave Janna all the information about her family. She makes that extra effort, not many would. I especially liked her idea about finding information for the hybrid children. I just really like your Bella. Yeah, she has her own issues, but you make her likeable, you give her personality, no matter if it is flawed or not.
I swear I sound like such a fan girl, but I just love watching the story unfold. I mean these poor vampires and hybrids suffered such pain, but for the most part they overcome it. I seriously doubt S.M. could have done this with the story, which is sad because this is compelling. I actually root for the characters.
I loved how this chapter ended, with Bella fully realizing she loved Janna and would do anything to help her, that is a mother. I love their new relationship dynamic. I was so proud of her jumping in and telling the doctor he would fix it. I was fist pumping.

Author's Response:

Oops, looks like falling behind is contagious.  Slight OCD... let's just call that detail oriented.  I don't mind repeating; I know I have that issue myself, and I'm trying to tell a story.  When I edit, I catch myself using the same words or phrases, or even retelling something I already wrote.  Previously, Rosalie had her face healed twice; it took me three editing passes to finally catch it.  When I posted it before, I had a running list of mistakes I'd made, like catching the sun through the window, when previously the room had no windows.  

The hybrids were put through so much.  I look at what some of the kids in concentration camps went through, and it's scary that fiction is sometimes too close to reality.  Even today, child soldiers are sometimes forced to kill their own families.  My imagination learns too much from the news.  There are many of the hybrids who are horrible, but we haven't seen them yet.  Janna and Aro's children did have the benefit of having at least one parent.  It wasn't much, but it did help some.  The Cullens are responsible for improving their lives and giving them a fighting chance.  They turned their training academy into a real school, they forced the fathers to take responsibility for them.  They're trying to stop some of the worst behaviors.  They're trying to get them educated, and into jobs, careers, and productive lives.  

I have trouble keeping Bella in canon.  I don't like her as she's written, and if I keep her the same, I want to kill her off.  I try to find a balance between keeping some of her annoying traits, while giving them reasons, and showing how she overcame some of them.  In the books she seemed too self-centered to me, as well as obsessed with youth and beauty.  (her youth, Edward's beauty)  She's still got some of that, but there's always someone or something ready to smack her down if it gets too inflated.  Arianna gives her a strong reminder that having youth and beauty isn't much when you compare it to all she's suffered.  It's also easier to write her as a thirty year-old, rather than a teen.  Armando burst her bubble when he was repulsed by the idea of dating someone that old.  

I wasn't sure where the story was going when I started out.  I sort of wanted to pair Bella with my favorite vampire, and see if I could get away with it.  The war was another experiment, since everyone says you can't kill off the original characters and bring in your own.  Heh!  Once the story got rolling, and it was overflwing with angst, I realized I'd off myself if I had to read too many grief-filled chapters.  I like tearjerkers, but too much turns into a pity party, and becomes annoying.  One baby step at a time, this became a story of recovery, forgiveness, renewal, and perseverance.  I didn't expect that.  I typically write by the seat of my pants, with some idea of where I'm going.  It stands to reason there are twists and turns; I can get lost even with GPS.  

Bella is very much this girl's mother now.  I liked the idea of Bella having a little vampire intimidation.  The doctor is Volterani, so he knows what she is, and he's seen her increasingly more involved with Janna.  He wasn't going to mess with her.    

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 05 Aug 2014 9:22 AM Title: Chapter 29 Hospital

The Cullens are such a good influence on the inhabitants of Volterra, and are making a real difference in the new order there. It begins to look as if Jasper will get home in one piece and Alice will get the council squared away, eventually. Life is getting better for them all, slowly, but surely.

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 03 Aug 2014 9:12 PM Title: Chapter 28 Janna Dora

The medical help Janna Dora needs is undoubtedly Carlisle! This poor abused child has become so important to Bella and she will do anything to save her. There are good tings in store for her, if they can just keep her alive! The loophole Janna came up with to save Jasper from death was simply brilliant and I'm sure she could help in so many cases of the laws!



Author's Response:

I thought it was amusing that Dora came and overstayed her welcome.  Once Bella decided she was important, I couldn't just writer her out.  Once Bella came out of her obsessive mourning, she could finally see others have pain like she's never dreamed.  Janna's as bright as they come, but she's also more fragile than most of the hybrids.  

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 03 Aug 2014 3:29 PM Title: Chapter 28 Janna Dora

THis story has to be hard to write. So much death and destruction. Joham was mad.  These children may never heal. Sad

 



Author's Response:

Joham was probably too much over the top as I wrote him.  But then again, he can't tell his side, and everyone can blame him for all the ills of the universe.  He probably deserves it, since you're right, and the hybrids might never heal.  

This story should have been hard to write, but it wasn't.  There's a joy that comes from knowing it's fiction, and everything and everyone is a creation of imagination.  I'm one of those weirdos who loves sad songs, and having a good cry over a sad story or movie.  I can tap into those deep feelings of sadness, loss, loneliness, and suffering, and write about it.  But it's easy to write it, knowing it's fiction, and I'm ultimately the one in control.  It's probably harder to read, because you can't fully trust the writer, especially one who has already given you a war and countless deaths.  On the flip side, my heart breaks when I hear, see, or read stories of real human tragedy.  In a story, I can fix it and write a happy ending; in reality I'm often helpless, and what I can do is usually inadequate.  Just yesterday, I saw a woman sitting outside a store, holding her daughter--who was about six, and a sign begging for help with food or a place to stay.  When I handed her a little money, she looked up at me with the saddest eyes.  In fiction I could fix this, but I can't in reality, and I can't forget her.  

Reviewer: theladykt Signed [Report This]
Date: 03 Aug 2014 9:57 AM Title: Chapter 28 Janna Dora

Sorry but with all Dora's saying, which I believe, Aro needs to be taken out before he makes things worse again.  



Author's Response:

Aro didn't know a lot of what went on in Joham's Volterra.  He knew he had his daughter, but not what she was going through.  Yeah, he's still got the potential to make things worse.  It would be great if they just did what made sense.  In the books, I wanted them to take a stand and fight James, not run from him.  

Reviewer: JessJess76 Signed [Report This]
Date: 03 Aug 2014 12:52 AM Title: Chapter 27 Changing Roles

You know what I really like about your story, no matter what, you always manage to somehow surprise me. I figured Bella and Dora would make some kind of peace with on another, but I never thought it would be the way you spun it. That was a pleasant surprise. I really like the relationship between the two.
I laugh every time I get the next chapter because you always answer all my thoughts or questions.
I really really really loved all the Bella/Carlisle interactions this chapter. It made me so happy to see. I admit I am a little nervous for when Bella tells Carlisle what happened with Aro. I know they have come so far and nothing really happened....but yeah, I just want that whole mess resolved.
I really loved this chapter, it was one of my favorites.

Author's Response:

In this story, I embraced the twists.  Sometimes it surprised me with how it turned.  Dora was supposed to be a plot device, try to kill Bella, then go on her merry way.  Someone forgot to tell her the plan.  Right now Dora has no one, and Bella came at the right time, and fits that empty spot.  She could do the same with Aro's children, but she sort of has to take Aro in the bargain.  One thing Bella never did with Dora, was misrepresent herself.  She never lied to her, and she let her know she didn't want to be her master or see her dead.  She wasn't afraid to tell her when she was being a brat, and she made reasonable demands of her.  When she tells her she's pretty, she reminds her of her mother; the only one who complimented her.  

It's funny, but sometimes in answering questions, I learn new things about the story or characters.  Sometimes I find that I didn't write it as clearly as I thought, and give it a tweak.  I've had some really good ideas come from questions, because readers see things with new eyes.  It's a pity Meyer didn't have the benefit of chapter by chapter pre-readers.  Then again, if she did, there wouldn't be so many loose threads, unfleshed-out characters, and plot holes for us to play with.  

In this story, Bella and Carlisle eventually won over the readers, even those who were squicked out by the idea in the beginning.  For those who were reluctant, I knew I had to go slow, and keep it realistic.  I've read my share of stories where Bella is paired with someone new, and right away they're tossed in bed, like it's a natural thing.  Twilight is a story about Bella and Edward, and anything else must be done delicately.  I want to make sure to pay proper homage to what went before, and tell a mature story.  

I'm glad you loved the chapter; I hope the rest work just as well.   

Reviewer: k1942 Signed [Report This]
Date: 01 Aug 2014 11:32 PM Title: Chapter 27 Changing Roles

Am I, perhaps, one of your four reviewers? That would be cool! The "palace" intrigue in Volterra is fascinating, and I was amazed that Janna Dora is so informed of all the politics! She should be a great help to Bella in manuevering through the minefield, so to speak! Hope Carlisle gets back to Italy soon, as I'm looking forward eagerly, to reading their reunion! One last thought, how sad that Bella is the first to tell Janna Dora the truth about her very existence! No wonder the girl thinks of Bella in a maternal role!



Author's Response:

You're one of the four reliable reader/reviewers.  Janna Dora knows many, but not all the secrets.  Even Aro wasn't privy to some of Joham's worst deeds.  She does know the law, as you can imagine someone raised by Caius would.  Carlisle will be back soon; he can't stay away.  

Janna Dora was sheltered from a lot of the truth about her birth.  I imagine it was hard for her 'mother' to realize how fast she was growing up, and she just never got around to telling her; she was still young chronologically, when Joham came to Volterra, and everything changed.  I'd imagine her mother planned to tell her everything when she was a bit more mature, but she never had the chance.  Plus there's some guilt in her birth mother's death, so she put it off longer.  Since Dora knew so much of what happened in Volterra, she knew about the hybrid mothers; she just never wanted to believe it happened to her mother as well.  

Almost universally, the hybrids are physically mature, before they're emotionally mature, or have gained much wisdom and experience.  It's especially true in Volterra, where the hybrids were separated from their families, and treated and taught as soldiers.  They're often bright, talented, and intelligent, but still tend to behave as children, throwing tantrums, believing false teaching, feeling peer pressure, needing approval, seeking connections, and swinging wildly between strong emotions.  It's easy for Bella to fall into the maternal role, since she's raised Nessie.   

Reviewer: MaryMary Signed [Report This]
Date: 01 Aug 2014 4:08 PM Title: Chapter 27 Changing Roles

You rock. kiddo.. You rock!

 

Good chapter I hope Carlisle does not make a big deal of Aro kissing Bella and visa versa.  He has to understand how it looked to her when he was mean to her then left with Collette.



Author's Response:

Thanks.

Carlisle and Bella have some things to talk about.  I keep updating quick, so I don't give in to the temptation to leave spoilers.  

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