Aw! Someone knows their technology.  What do you think?

It is a funny thing what can happen when two souls agree the best way is the straight way.  I think there could have been no way in heaven, earth, or hell that Edward would have gotten Charlie to roll so easily without this conversation.  Even better is that this connection now affords them a relationship upto themselves...not based on anyone else.  This will offer unique opportunities for us to see more of them in the future.  Especially, Charlie.  This conversation seems to be a bit of a catalyst for him.  You'll see!

Thanks for writing!

I love this chapter.  I cry and I cringe.  I shake and I scream.  I think the idea Carlisle has about Edwards fears is really interesting...it take the whole idea of integration into light as being part of his troubles.  It is so pedestrian to just say he is emo because he was made too early.  Yeah, but he had a 100 years to get over that...and well, he is too self absorbed for that to be the only thing at stake.  Emo chicken-ward indeed!

Certainly not a great place for a bride...to think her groom's boundary crossings are only to shut her up.  YIKES< right?  Well, as You will see...there is hope for the old boy yet.  Once he learns to ride this bicycle...he will do a good job of it!

Sometimes, if someone tells me they have a registry, I will look it up and purposely NOT buy anything on it!  I hate them!  And that invitation thing?  Don't get me started! I was lucky and put my foot down about who I was going to invite, but my poor sisters paid for that...eveyrone who didn't get invited to mine were so insulted they could not help but be invited to the other weddings to follow!

Bella deserves every hissy fit she can get, but you are right, she is growing up nicely and learning to be diplomatic without being a wimp.  My theory is that the more real time she spends with the Cullens, not jumping off cliffs of agnst or fighting other mythical creature drama, the more she is able to see them as individuals, and not just as the cookie cutter images we hear about: the pixie, the jock, the soldier, the beauty.  They are not on such a high pedestal anymore because she is seeing new sides of them...familiarity breeds contempt, right?  But on the otherhand, they too are seeing other sides of her personality.  YEAh!

I would send Bella and Carlisle cross country if I could listen in on their conversations and take notes.  And yeah, Bella is learning how to work that boy, hah?  She's ready for marriage, no problem!  Know what he needs, get what she needs.  AInt' marriage grand? 

There is absolutely NOT going to be any child named Renesmee here...I can't spell it and it's stupid, too.  But read that sentence very, very carefully.

I blush, I bite my lip at you, and I thank you.

No kidding, right!  I'd let that black AMEX wear out if I was in their charge!

I am in the same situation with a little melncholy for their relationships.  Although I have four sisters and few life-long friends, we never discussed anything close to this...  Until recently, we'd never even touched on first sexual encounters!  WE are all in our forties and had consumed copious amounts of alcohol! 

I think, however, Bella has learned more of the lessons than she might consciously realize....

As I said in a prior review, you are highly intuitive and obviously read very carefully.  I hope that I never lose your interest and continue to be worthy of your attention!  You are fantastic!  My story feels so loved in your eyes to be seen in all it's glory.

It is very easy for readers to get sucked (Dr. Freud needed in emergency!) into the sexy bits and entirely miss the important stuff!  For example nobody has mentioned Renee's turn around!  But you are right, it is chockful, so maybe as it sinks in...new questions will appear!...I don't mean you... but I am sure now that I've said it...

Alice the cleaner...a gas, right?  I think I first heard that in one of the Mafia movie...Godfather, Goodfellas...

Charlie misses the vampire whispering because he doesn't know it's there as a possibility...and all he gets is a lull in the conversation.  I am sure they are so fast the lull is hardly noticable to us...and he hasn't spent much time arround the 'kids' to see any patterns.  Bella absolutely knows becuase she is very intutive but also because she is in the context and knows them well enough to guess how they think.

You have so many thiings to say about the Ancestry section...I will address them separately

First, we share the observation about the strangeness of Billy and Charlie's friendship?  How could they possibly be best friends?  Charlie also refers to Harry Clearwater in the same affectionate way.  There has to be a connection.  Why would he share his limited time with Bella every summer...with the La Push folks?  It makes no sense given his personality that he would have come up with making friends there.

I wonder what the consequences will be to Bella having some Quilleute blood. Could her genetic make-up make her change especially difficult or impossible? Remember how vampire venom is really poison to a wolf? Will it be the same for a human (mostly) girl? 

About Bella's blood...Charlie is not evasive when he talks about the lineage...he is really not in possession of all the information. It is interesting for you to think that any blood relation to the wolves could impact her changing...very interesting indeed...

Also, would Charlie have transformed into a wolf had he been an adolescent when the Cullens arrived? I'm guessing that Charlie has to have just a smigeon of Quilleute blood, since he and Bella are so famously pale? Also, Bella smells wonderful to the Cullens, so ... oh, I don't know.

Now,...transformation genes are limited to those who maintain the pure blood lines.  At best, Charlie's relationship to the heirarchy of the tribe could be remote...otherwise, he would be in on it all.  Certainly, if he had had a threat to undergo the change as an adolescent, they would have kept him on res when he was orphaned.  ALSO remember that once you are not in proximity of the lands (on res) the power fades and you begin to age and return to 'normal' when  you stop shifting regularly.   As far as being in line to join the pack when the Cullen's arrived...there is no way....because the treaty was signed in 1936 (canon).  If Bella is 19 in 2003 (canon) and Charlie was married as a young man fresh out of school (20?) that means that he was born...married in 1984, born in 1964, and was approximatly 39 at the time of Eclipse.  There is no way, if he possessed the gene, that he would begin to transform.

As far as the genetic implications...genes are funny things, highly unpredictable.  I have three children with three differnt body types, hair, eye color, personality...  If I didn't see them making their entrance into the world, I'd wonder...  So, it is an interesting question you pose.  If Billy has not shared all of the information about Charlie's family, we really don't know enough to speculate about what might happen.

Whoot!  I have to get a beverage...!

Once again you are spot on my friend?  Are you sure you aren't psychic yourself?

I am so glad to hear you speak of the Bella Carlisle interactions in the terms you have chosen.  I often think  of the Hepburn/Tracy romantic comedy genre...or Liz Taylor and Tracy in the Original Father of the Bride.  Yes, witty banter, a hint of tease, entirely affectionate, but speaking also of admiration, respect, and true love.  I believe that Carlisle not only sees the glorious ways Bella has changed the son he has agnsted (a word) over for a century...he cannot help but project how life will change with her in their family forever.  In her, as we have seen evolving, he has kindled in himself parts of his personality, his humanity, that have lain dormant for who knows how long.  He cannot help but see the change in the others.  The dedication ceremony in the Meadow is the real deal.  And in this short period of time, Bella has proven herself every bit true to her promise and he cannot help but rejoice.  He jokes many times about 'if only I were available..." but of course that is part of the game.  He gets to pretend he is young and virile, silly boy to think he isnt'!, and she knows how to feed his ego.  Deep down, I think Bella might represent 'the perfect woman' but not in the sense that Esme is somehow lacking.

Your take on the wolf blanket is exactly where I was going...it is not a pelt, skin, so much as hair spun into yarn...so the question is:  where did they get all the hair from?  In my imagination it is possible that the hair was mixed into a blend with wool.  It is likely that sheep would fair well in the climate in Washington though I have not investigated that. I didn't konw about the dog hair spinning, but I find that facinating and so obvious I wonder how I can be so obtuse.  Certainly there must be multiple someones contributing as donors, otherwise there'd be a really bald wolf running around.  I have some interesting ideas for you to ponder.  All the guys wind up with crazy long hair as they are early in the process...and they all for really short buzz.  But in the notion of this sacred task, being a protector, would not that hair, a sign of their transition, be sacred as well.  I am sure Jacob's locks were not sitting on the floor of the La Push barber shop!  Also, if the Elders are keeping something from Charlie about his origins, perhaps there are more than the wolfpack who would make contributions...

Poor Bella...I too was a tummy Bride!

Glad you enjoyed!  Rehearsal Dinner coming up very soon...maybe by Friday and then you know what is next.....................................

Oh, my...that Charlie!  Even if Bella could turn her back on his for his own protection, do you think he would stand for that?  Would Charlie not chase her to the end of the earth...as Emmett said...to basque in the mystery that is Isabella Swan now Isabella Cullen?  Somehow, after this big moment of revelation, I doubt he would live with himself if he made the same mistake twice.

On the flip side, if I were Bella, I don't know that I could turn my back on him no matter HOW good it would be for him, so I guess that makes ME a selfish bastard, too.

Could there be a moment more important, one that requires more confidence, and has the potential to ease the fears of many...Poor pixie psychic! When Alice is blind, Alice is crazy with fear.  We see that all over the place in saga. Blind and afraid is just like being locked up in a padded cell with a sadistic vampire.

Some readers screamed that  the family expressing their concerns was a sign they'd lost faith in Edward.  The truth is far from laying inadequacy at his bedroom door!  Their paranoia comes from the idea of an accident that would throw any positive vision out the window.  Bella asks if Alice's vision has chaned and she says it hasn't... She sees it working out fine, but she is afraid that it won't because something beyond her control could cause an accident and it is too late by the time she gets the message.  But when the family came seeking reassurance that her vision is solid, our little pixie is in an exitential crisis. 

Alice's hesistation is just our girl having a human moment...of self confidence lost in the face of the unknown.  WHy is that so hard to accept?  First off, we don't offen see her lose that polished confidence.  Mistakes in the past from visions have put Bella's life in peril...mostly from unforeseen circumstances and last minute decisions.  Could it be possible that her 'solid' vision would be suspect to accident?  Of course, it could.  The problem is the family isn't willing to take the risk, even if Bella and Edward have made peace with it.  The family has no vested interest in the calendar of their consumation, only of her survivability of it.

Everyone accepts Alice's vision of Bella the vampire.  Nobody wants to take the risk of an accident causing transformation on her wedding night.  Yet, that is not the worst case scenario!  An unvisionable accident could take her life before transformation could be complete and it is that tragedy putting the fear in their hearts.  If she gets changed a little early, no harm, no foul.  They could decide to keep their mouths shut, but if she dies a mortal death in Edward's arms...the pantry will be stocked with seven flavors of vampire immolation pie.

I too am eager to get to the juicy bits...because we haven't had one in a while...but just like Edward, I believe anticipation and imagination are the spice of lovemaking.  Maybe we can make it through since there is only one chapter before we hear the clock strike 6, but it is a much anticipated one in which we will discover just how complicated a mother/daughter relationship can be for two women such as Renee and Bella.  Regarding the power of a woman's midlife crisis...I can see both points you make as logical arguements to understand Renee's folly.

If she be pregnant, reconciling a span of 19 years is virtually impossible.  I have a sister who is 19 years younger than I am...born to my parents the year I went to college...the first of my family to ever do so.  More a factor of genes than choice, as my grandmother and great grandmother had a child in their 40's, it was still an earth shattering event...a good one, but shattering the old for something entirely new. There is little we share in common as we are more like separate generations than sisters. If pregnancy is the answer, generation gap would certainly be a problem...but would it be enough to justify her actions against Bella?

I think there are many ways to express this emptiness of a woman's midlife challenges...selfishness and denial are certainly at the top of the list. And if there were two words in the English language best suited to Renee...I can think of none other.

Thanks for writing!

I am so glad you feel that way, friend!!  This chapter kicked me from VA to WA and back again!  I guess Edward and Bella arent' the only ones facing performance anxiety!

Since you mention it...  here is a little additional information on the traditions, rites, and signs found in this chapter.

I can understand how this processional is unusual and unexpected to many , but it is absolutely traditional... just depends on your tradition!

The Cullen's and Charlie each brought ethnic, religious, or spiritual traditions to share in the ceremony to create a ritual that 'covered all the bases' as Alice said in the chapter, "The Cullen House of Wedded Bliss". On a more serious note, it brought the many families together as one. She mentioned that Rose's Jewish heritage lent the the idea for the covered pillars with the cascading flowers, the chuppah. This processional was also her tradition.

This parade-like procession comes from the Jewish cannon that the wedding creates a bond between families by creating a new family. It is for this reason that the symbolic union of these families is shown in the BIG walk down the aisle. If there were grandparents, they'd be thrown in there, too. Also explains why Phil and Renee are in there, as well. With their marriage they have created a new family unit as evidenced by the pregnancy. The family center of life in a Jewish tradition is expressed in the symbol of the processional. Edward and Bella will create a new unit from three families, The Cullen's, Dwyer's, and Swan's, like a new branch, but still tied to the origin.

Yes, it is not the 'here comes the bride' version that is my Catholic tradition, but I think it expresses the moment excellently.

There is another lovely rite that is buried pretty subtly in the text, but it is worth mentioning because it is so lovely. It is called, 'the circling of souls.'

When Edward and Bella kiss, he takes her into his embrace, and spins her around in his arms. It is a nod to the practice where the bride and the mothers will circle the groom seven times just as the ceremony begins. This is not cannon, but is a rite that has been used for many ages and it holds a variety of meanings. The bride sees the groom is now the center of her universe. It is a superstition of the power of seven to protect against evil spirits bend on harming the groom. It is a territorial marking of the man as her own. Scripture references that the union, bride encompasses the groom and thus protects him. The general concensus is that the circling breaks the bond between groom and mother/family and allows the spiritual union with bride to create a new family unit. Mystically, the seven turns bring the bride into the man's soul and bonds the seven layers of their souls to each other in an eternal embrace. The breaking of the emotional wall brings intimacy, just as Joshua broke the walls of Jerico after seven rounds. There are seven days to Creation. Take your pick.

In a modern bride view, this is a little (okay, a lot) paternalistic in some ways, but as a sign even my feminist spirit finds value...with modification. In circling each other in the kiss, if only once, not seven passes, there is enough equality to give the practice, although remote from the original, power and value as a sign of union, protection, and strength.

Also aside, the carrying of torches or lamps in the procession is also in the Jewish tradition.

Notice that torches and circling were present in the initiation ceremony in 'June 19: The Meadow.'

If you are interested in these and other wedding processional traditions, here are two websites to check out.

http://www.bnaimitzvahguide.com/jewish. ... Procession

This site offers an authoratative compliation with indepth coverage that is fascinating and informative

http://weddings.about.com/popular.htm

This one contrasts the christian and jewish traditional elements of procession on the downlow and easy.


I told you there was a host of ritual and sign... Kinda makes a catholic girl wanna a do-over after 22 years!

Thanks for writing...and giving me a new topic for the Ascension AU FORUM. CHECK IT OUT for the backstory of our vampire priest!

http://twilighted.net/forum/viewtopic.p ... n&start=20

Having trouble navigating forums here...so if you are too, don't do Twilighted, and are interested in the backstory of our new character, Pere Fabian St. Michel, let me know!

I think he has not burned his bridges.  THe turn around in his attitude to concern for Jacob is an indicator that although he feels hurt, all is not lost in his heart.  Billy and Charlie will be friends again.  But on what terms?  That is yet to be determined, but I smell fish fry in the future.

With all the skirting around, unknowns of what his childhood experience of the tribe stories might have been, and the intuitive leaps of creative associations he demonstrates that border on gift, I think it is reasonable that given any tidbit of information about the secret, Charlie is going to figure something is up.

The question is: to what purpose would Charlie be allowed inside the circle?  At what cost?

Thanks for writing!

Chapter seventeen...that's all I"m saying ;)