LOL...glad you enjoyed it.  That was a fun chapter to write with blunt Tanya and all the rest.  Thanks for the review!

Thanks, I just tried to round it out a bit.

Glad to make you laugh :)

Noble:  Bella forgives Julian for his faults because she understands his pain...Bella was always so forgiving you know :)

Noble:  Probably not.  But I do hope to explore some other alternative storylines in twilight.  But thanks for showing interest.  That is so encouraging!

Oh, I know the drama has echos of B&E, I actually meant it that way so we see, hey, C&E had it tough too -- that's why they get to dole out the advice, etc.  The speak from experience!  Hey, I remembered your name from a review you gave on another story, so I checked out your profile here.  I hear you on the LU -- I got targeted by one of their minions -- ended up on some to-be-banned list for supposed plagarism -- but get this I got on the list because a woman she hates liked my story -- kind of a revenge thing!  So I guess they are not limited to just policing ratings on ffn -- I guess they are willing to pounce on anything they wish.  Thanks for reading this story!

Well that is an idea for a juicy one shot!  Oh, the chasteness we have left behind...

Thank you for the compliment, my betas make me this good!! Love my betas! I wrote this over a year ago and have recently dusted it off and got two friends to beta for me, so this story has taken on a whole new life! I am thrilled!

And the storyline...yeah...well...it's kind of a personal fantasy of mine, lol. So it really doesn't have much appeal to readers who don't like it when a beloved character is paired up with someone other than their original intended. But it's all good! :)

I love Emmett as a character and I love Kellan even more, so there WILL be some lemons!! hee hee

Thank you so much for your honesty and loyalty. I hope you write a review after the next update! :)

Thank you so much for your review! I really appreciate you taking the time to read my story! I update every Friday and post teasers on Mondays. In fact, there is delicious little teaser, along with a Pic Tease, up on the Parachute Blog as we speak. 

I added a separate story called "Parachute Outtakes" as a place to keep everything together! There's an outtake of the new car purchase and Jack's 8th birthday up right now! Check it out! Feel free to leave any suggestions for future outtakes in your reviews over there! As you can tell from this message, I respond to every single review because you guys rock my socks!

Also, as another head's up, Parachute's 1000th reviewer will get to choose the subject of one of the outtakes and maybe a little something else. It's the best way that I can think to to thank you guys for all of your love and support!

<3

Shel

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

Charlie cast his line out into the lake, watching Jack out of the corner of his eye. It was obvious that the boy had a lot on his mind. 

"Well, kid," Charlie started, "you look like you need someone to talk to. That's why we're out here. Nothing like the peace and tranquility of fishing to help clear your mind. I come out here a lot more now that you and your mom moved into your own place." 

Charlie noticed that Jack flinched a little when he mentioned Bella. Jack sighed and continued to gaze out over the water. 

"Will she?" he asked. Charlie raised an eyebrow.

"Will she what?"

"Will she still be my mom if we go to Chicago to meet my family?" 

When Jack turned towards him, Charlie's heart broke at how the boy's eyes were filled with sadness. He cleared the emotion out of his throat.

"Of course she will. Bella will love you and consider you her son until the day she dies. One thing you gotta learn about us Swan's, Jack, is that when we love, we love forever, just like the actual birds. You'll always be a part of our hearts." 

Charlie blinked back tears as Jack let his drip down his face.

"I don't want to leave you or mom, Pops. Please don't let them keep me!" he cried.

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

Thank you so much for your review! I really appreciate you taking the time to read my story! I update every Friday and post teasers on Mondays. In fact, there is delicious little teaser, along with a Pic Tease, up on the Parachute Blog as we speak.

I have taken to calling you, my readers, "Verucas". A good number of you are so demanding and impatient, even though I update every week! It makes me feel so damned loved and I give you this moniker in adoration! You truly give me chills and warm my heart at the same time with every review you leave me! As you can tell from this message, I respond to every single review that is left for me because you guys rock my socks!

Parachute's 1000th reviewer On FFnet was given the option to choose the subject of one of the outtakes and she deferred the choice to my judgement, so I will continue to listen to ideas and then maybe post a poll to see what you guys as a whole would like to see. The 500th reviewers on Twilighted and here will also be extended the same deal, since I want no one to feel left out!

Oh, and one more thing! An awesome Veruca named Phoebe started Parachute a thread on the Twilighted Forum! The link is up on the blog if you need it! In addition, thanks to many of you, Parachute was named as FanFic Addicts Fic of the Month! Super-freaking-yay!

I love you guys something fierce and I hope this next chapter lives up to your expectations of the first Cullen meeting!

XoXo

Shel

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

Esme's gaze went back and forth between Bella and Jack. She could clearly see the love that wound between the two of them and a million questions started to swirl around her.

"How?" she asked, as tears started to trickle from her verdant eyes. "What happened? How did you find him? How long have you known we were his family?"  Both she and Carlisle looked at Bella expectantly.

"It's very long story," Bella chuckled, humorlessly. "Let me start at the beginning."

Bella started to tell the Cullen her tale, starting with finding Jack in the alley and taking him to the police station. She didn't get very far. They were interrupted with the sound of the front door opening and a loud voice calling out of the foyer.

"Mom! We're here!"

Bella felt something tighten in her stomach as she prepared to come face to face with Jack's father. Her nerves were at an all-time high and she briefly wondered if Dr. Cullen could prescribe her something to help prevent an ulcer from forming.

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

Thank you so much for your review! For those of you who are new to the story, I update every Friday and post teasers on Mondays. The latest teases are up on the Blog (http://kitsushel.blogspot.com/) as we speak, along with some new pictures from this upcoming chapter! We're up to 428 reviews here, so I wanted to remind everyone that the 500th reviewer here will get to pick the subject of one of the Outtakes, just like the 1000th on FFnet and the 500th on Twilighted did. Thank you again for all of your love and support!

XoXo

Shel

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

"Wait, you're staying in his house instead of the hotel? Bella, is that really safe? I mean, I know you want to make everyone happy, but you've gotta think about your own safely, seriously!" Alice chastised.

"Calm down, woman. It's his parents house, which is enormous and beautiful. I figured it would be fine, since I was calling you and Dad to let you know where I would be. Just in case you needed somewhere to start looking for the body."

"Bella, do not joke about this! I am going on record as saying that I completely disagree with this decision."

"Duly noted, Alice."

Thank you so much for reviewing! The Monday teasers are up on the Blog. (kitsushel.blogspot.com)

I'm sorry that I didn't get around to finishing up the EPOV, but between the holidays and an annoying family, it got pushed to the side. Never fear, it'll still go up!

♥ Shel ♥

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

Jack rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I know you, Mom. There's something that you're not telling me."

She bit her lip slightly. "Victoria was there as well. James shot her and she died."

The boy's jaw dropped in shock. "She- She's dead? Like, she can never hurt me again or take me away?"

Bella blinked in surprise. She wasn't sure of what his reaction would be, but that certainly wasn't it.

"Yes, baby. She can't ever hurt you again," she responded quietly.

Jack bit his bottom lip and nodded resolutely. "I mean, I guess it sucks that she's dead, but does it make me a bad person being kinda happy about it?"

{OMG! Would you believe, that out of over 400 total reviews for this chapter on all 3 sites it's posted on, you're first person to respond like this? You'll find more about his reasons for his actions in the next chapter, but let's just say that I totally would have had your same reaction, lol!}

Thank you so much for your review! The Monday teases are up on the Blog (kitsushel.blogspot.com) as we speak! PLease come join us for the Twitter #readalong on Friday at 8:00 pm, CST! Directions are up on the Blog! Don't hesitate because you've never done one before, neither have I, but I'm going to be there! I'll be happy to answer any questions or if anyone needs anything clarified! 

Love you guys! See you all on Friday with Chapter 15!

XoXo

Shel

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

Bella sat down next to Edward on one of the front porch swings. She turned and leaned her back against the side, pulling her right leg up and underneath of her. He turned his head slightly and smirked at her.

"How does it feel to be an old man?" she asked, trying to hide her smile.

He smiled widely and shook his head. "I'm not old."

Bella laughed and shook her head. She noticed that his smile fell as he stared off into the sunset. She nudged him with her foot and he turned to give her a small, sad smile.

"In my mind, I feel like I'm still 22," he sighed. "I haven't really celebrated a birthday in almost five years."    

Thank you so much for your review! The Monday teases are up on the Blog (http://kitsushel.blogspot.com) as we speak, so check them out if you'd like! The next Outtake, titled: Save Me San Francisco, is looking to be up Wednesday at this point. I though it'd be up sooner, but I got sidetracked, lol.

Listen, I love you guys, which is why I take the time to reply to everyone who reviews and post the teasers and pics to the Blog. It's why I do silly little things, like posting polls and questions via Facebook and Twitter. I want you guys to feel like you are a part of the story. I hope I'm succeeding!

<3 Shel

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

Bella laughed brightly during their back and forth banter, but noticed Emmett's stiff posture out of the corner of her eye. She bit her lip and decided that there was no time like the present to find out just what his problem was. She looked up into Edward's face and smiled.

"Do you think you could go check on Jack, to make sure he remembers his helmet and pads? He has a tendency to forget things when he gets excited."

Edward nodded and grinned before turning and heading up the stairs. When he was out of sight, she whirled to face Emmett and put her hands on her hips.

"What is your problem?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," he replied in a voice as blank as his face. She narrowed her eyes and took a step forward, so she wouldn't have to raise her voice.

"Yes, yes you do. I want to know what problem you have with me, that makes you feel the need to glower at the back of my head whenever you don't think I'm looking. Pretty soon Edward or Jack are going to notice, too, and I'll be damned if I let that happen. Both of them have already been hurt too much without adding you to the pile."

Thank you so much for your review! The Monday teases are up on the Blog (kitsushel.blogspot.com) as we speak, so check them out if you'd like!

Just a silly little note, I play TwiFicTrivia on Twitter every Tuesday at 9 pm EST. It is a ton of fun and very cool. Check it out if you get the chance! 

 <3 Shel

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

Esme's eyes turned hard and her lips formed a frown.

"Well, then, I guess there's nothing left to say, is there?" She said in a cold voice.

"Esme, please. I'm not trying to hurt you," Bella replied softly. She had expected this reaction, but it still stung.

"It's a little too late for that now, Bella." Esme stood from her spot behind her desk and silently left the room.

Thank you so much for your review! The next chapter should be up sometime tomorrow (well, later today, lol). It's a bit shorter than normal, but on the plus side, you'll be getting a full chapter again on Friday. Oh, and have you checked out the Blog teasers yet? There is doozy of a one up there this week! Plus the one for Chapter 22 will go up Wednesday night. (kitsushel.blogspot.com)

Thanks for all of the love and support!

=)

Shel

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

Now that she had fallen in adoration with the Cullen clan, she couldn't imagine leaving them. But on the same token, she couldn't imagine leaving her own family and friends behind. The questions whirled around like a tornado, forcing her to blink back tears at their sudden force. She felt a nudge and turned to Esme, who was smiling at her.

"Hey, no frowning," she half-whispered. "Try to enjoy the day, sweetie."

Bella shook her head and smiled sadly. "I'm sorry, Esme. Too many thoughts running around in my head. I don't know what I'm doing."

Esme laughed lightly. "Oh, sweetheart! None of us know what we're doing. Life's a dance that we learn as we go. Everything will work out for the best, you'll see."

"How can you be so sure, Esme? I can't see how this will end happily."

Bella sniffed and looked down at her plate.

"How can I not, Bella? Fate stepped in and brought you to love and keep Jack safe. Fate brought you and Jack back to us. I can't help but be hopeful for the future, especially knowing that my grandson is alive and safe and loved."

Thank you so much for your review! The next chapter should be up in just a few hours from now! (Midnight, EST) I hope you enjoyed the surprise update, it'll be the last double posting for awhile. I've got other O/S and Outtakes that need my love as well! 

The Fandom for Preemies fundraising has been doing spectacular! Almost $2,ooo have been raised for the March of Dimes! To those of you who contributed, you have my thanks and gratitude! 

♥ Shel ♥

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

"I was scared. When I saw her, I was so scared. I- I've been having nightmares about her. That she takes me away from you and Dad. That she hurts one of you or she hurts me. I don't want to see her ever again. Please, Mom, please. Don't let her take me."

Bella's heart completely shattered as the listened to the distress in Jack's voice. In that moment, she could have committed murder and not thought twice about it. Victoria Preston deserved to be be sitting at the gates of Hades right now, waiting to have her soul judged. Bella kissed the top of Jack's head and rubbed his back.

"Ssh, baby. It's okay to be scared, but no one will let her hurt you. There's no force on Earth that will take you from us. Now that he has you back, your dad will move mountains to make sure you're safe, and you know that I would fight like hell for you. There's a very long line of people willing to stand between you and Victoria."

Thank you so much for reviewing! The Monday teasers are up on the Blog now. (kitsushel.blogspot.com) Don't shoot me, okay?

I've been working on an Emmett Outtake for Parachute to be used in the 30 Days of Emmett, a series of One Shots, Outtakes and Drabbles featuring Emmett, which is hosted by AccioBourbon, Hmonster4 and Theheartoflife. It's already started off with a bang! Our Outtake will appear there on 12/3 and post to Parachute's Outtakes a few days later. Enormous kudos to these ladies for showing Em some love! =)

♥ Shel ♥

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

Charlie squeezed Bella and she melted against her father's side in comfort. When his flight to Seattle was called, Charlie leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.

"I'll see you in a few weeks, baby girl. Everything will work out fine, you'll see," he told her quietly.

"Thanks, Daddy," she whispered in his ear. Charlie grinned and reached out to shake Edward's hand.

"Edward, it was good to meet you, son. Take care of my family, you hear?"

Edward smiled sincerely. "With my life, Chief."

The two men exchanged a look and Charlie nodded, before looking at Jack and holding open his arms. The boy hugged his grandfather tightly.

"I'll see you soon, Pops! Tell Seth and Nana and Leah that I miss them!"

"I will, kiddo. I promise," Charlie responded, blinking away tears.

Thank you so much for reviewing! Over 1000 for this chapter alone between here and FFnet! You guys amaze me! The Monday teasers are up on the Blog. (kitsushel.blogspot.com)

Parachute is up for three Walk of Fame Awards: Angst Goddess, Queen of Hearts and Story of the Year. It's up against some major big ones like University of Edward Masen, Master of the Universe and Emancipation Proclamation, so I don't hold any expectation other than getting squashed like a bug. I am also up for three writing awards as well: Rising Starlet, Hopelessly Devoted and Musical Maestro.

I would adore winning the Hopelessly Devoted award. It's for the one writer that you know you can always count on. I think I've proven to you guys over and over that I'm "hopelessly devoted" to you, with the weekly updates and review replies to each and every reviewer. If you head over there and end up feeling that another author up for the award deserves it more, please follow your heart and vote for them. I just ask you to please keep me in consideration. ^_^

That being said, here are your promised teasers! The first from the next chapter of Parachute and the second from Victoria POV that I've written for the Fandom Against Domestic Violence fundraiser. =)

♥ Shel ♥

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

Parachute ~ Chapter 36 Teaser:

Bella stood, drenched head to toe, in the middle of her front lawn. Hot tears streamed down her face as the chilly rain pelted her skin. Her mouth was open slightly in shock, as she gazed down with wide eyes at the man she loved more than life itself. Edward's hopeful, joyous face grinned up at her from his stance on one knee. The ring held in his hand was a single brilliant diamond that was simple, yet elegant.

"Isabella Swan, I have been captivated by you since the moment I first laid eyes on you. That love only grew and expanded as I got to know you and saw first hand what a wonderful mother you are to our son. Forever could never be long enough for me, to feel like I've had long enough with you. Marry me?"

She covered her mouth and let out a sob, before throwing her arms around him and shouting, "Yes!"

They fell together, a mass a limbs and lips, their hearts beating both beating wildly. He pulled away slightly and pushed a lock of rain-saturated hair from her face.

"Let's go inside, please. I don't want you to catch a cold."

When they stood, his eyes were drawn to her white shirt, now completely plastered against her bare breasts, her nipples hard and straining against the fabric. His hand reached out to brush against her breast, causing her to become self conscious and cross her arms across her chest. She laughed lightly and nodded her head towards the house.

"Come on, let's get dry."

Edward let out a loud guffaw. "I'd rather keep you wet, love."

His hands wrapped around her waist and he pulled her back to his chest as they tumbled into the house. Sopping wet clothes soon littered the foyer floor and hands roamed greedily.

"Where is our bedroom?" he asked huskily, sweeping her into his arms.

O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O_o_O

Victoria POV Outtake ~ "In the End" teaser:

I won't ever be remembered for my common sense. I know most of you hate me and I'm fine with that. I deserve it. I was a bad, bad girl. For those of you who don't know my story, I'll start at the beginning.

My mother married my father for his money and power. When she'd finally had enough, she left and took half of his net worth, including me. He never seemed to mind. He sent an obscenely large support check once a month, but it always felt like a buy-off. Once he re-married and began a family with his new wife, our interactions were even fewer. Who knows how I would have turned out if he had made more of an effort? He's just as much to blame for my upbringing as my mother is. He knew how she was, yet he still didn't lift a finger to keep me.

don't worry it'll be alright eventually. :)

Haha Smugs takes a little getting used to be he's actually quite charming and quite taken by Bella :)  Glad you like her!

lol, well said!! ThankS!

I know, right???

Working on the next chapter right now...