Thursday, December 3, 2009

Chapter 42

Bella’s POV


“I’ll have the Chicken Marsala and Caesar Salad,” I ordered.


“And to drink?” the waiter asked.


I opened my mouth to answer when Edward interrupted.


“We’ll have a bottle of your best wine,” he answered. He turned to me and smiled. “You don’t mind just for tonight, do you?”


I shook my head at him and smiled. He was always so thoughtful. So much has changed over the last month. My nightmares were becoming less frequent. When he first came back from the conference they were worse, due to the constant glares I received from Carlisle. After all this time though, I didn’t worry about Carlisle as much. Maybe he’d lost interest and wasn’t such a threat to me any longer. He didn’t stare at me with lust any longer, only anger.


I shuddered at the memory of that first family dinner on the day after their return from the conference. I never thought a person could really turn purple until then. I wish he just had a coronary on the spot and died. We could have all danced on his grave. He was so angry. We'd just put the meal on the table and were standing, waiting for the men to sit so we could serve them as per usual. I wasn't expecting Edward to cause a scene.


“Bella, be careful not to slip,” Esme warned quietly as the men came into the dining room.


I nodded my head in response. I reminded myself that this was a small thing in front of his father. I was, at least, still wearing my clothes. Edward's only comment when I got dressed this morning was he missed the access to my shoulders to kiss he had before. He was used to me showing more skin. Maybe we could find a middle ground on my clothing, things we both liked.


I gave Edward a weak smile as he came into the room. I hated pretending. I watched Carlisle sit, and then Emmett and Jasper gave Rose and Alice a kiss before sitting. I now understood the meaning behind their kiss. It was their silent reminder that they loved Alice and Rosalie. Edward came up to me and gave me a gentle kiss. When he stepped back he winked making me smile for real. He then shocked his entire family as he led me to the table and pulled my chair out for me to sit. I couldn't resist; I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him tight.


I laughed with joy that I would never pretend again. I knew he promised, but I honestly never thought he'd seat me at his father's table. I sat and beamed as Emmett and Jasper jumped up and seated Rose and Alice as well.


Carlisle glared at us. “I don't know what the hell has gotten into you boys, but it stops now. You women know your place. Now serve your men,” he demanded throwing his hand up in the air to indicate we should rise.


We each began to rise from our seats before Edward, Emmett and Jasper each put a hand on us to stop us.


“Rose, sit. You don't need to be on your feet and you've served me enough,” Emmett said.


“Same here,” Jasper told Alice as he leaned in to kiss her cheek.


Edward leaned over and kissed me. “You're a lady and I'm going to treat you like one.”


I opened my mouth to respond to him when Carlisle slammed his fist on the table. I realized


Esme was still standing looking at her family with pride shining in her eyes.


“Don't even think that's going to happen for you. You will serve me. Do you understand?” he demanded.


I saw the smile she had been wearing disappear.


“Of course, dear. I wouldn't have it any other way,” she whispered. She turned to get the pitcher of tea as she discreetly brushed away the tears that quickly gathered.


Edward stood and walked to her.


“Mother, sit down please,” he asked. “You're a lady too and deserve to be treated as such.”


He took the pitcher from her and set it on the table as he led her to her chair.


“I think you're quite capable of pouring your own damn glass of tea. Don't you?” he asked Carlisle.


Esme sat as Edward pushed in her chair for her. He turned back to Carlisle and shocked everyone further.


“That's how you treat a lady,” he said.


Carlisle threw his napkin on the table and stood. “I've lost my appetite. I'll be in my study.” He turned to Esme and pointed a finger at her. “I won't forget this.”


After he left there was a moment of awkward silence.


“Well, that just leaves more for me then.” Emmett announced. “Ow!”


Emmett was rubbing his side, pouting at Rose. We all laughed relieving the tension as we realized Rose had pinched Emmett’s side.


“You’re such a man sometimes, I swear it’s a wonder I love you so much,” Rose laughed.


We had a wonderful family dinner that night. Everyone laughed and joked around. It was a true family dinner without Carlisle there to dampen things. Now I received glares and calculated stares anytime I was in the room with him. Carlisle blamed me for the changes taking place in his family.


The men still ordered our food when we were out, but it was only after we told them what we wanted to eat. We no longer served them at family dinners. I never expected to be a catalyst for the entire family; I was only out to change Edward.


The only downside was Carlisle. Poor Esme was taking the brunt of his anger. Several mornings she didn’t look well and moved stiffly. She always smiled and assured us she was fine, but we knew better. He was punishing her for our behavior. We tried to go back to the way we acted before to save her. It’s the only time I’ve seen fire in Esme’s eyes.


“Esme, we’ve decided to go back to serving our husbands like before,” Alice was saying.


Rose was sitting on a barstool tossing the salad while I stacked the dishes to carry to the table.


“No, you won’t girls,” Esme shook her head. “I’m fine.”


Rose slammed the tongs down on the island. “You’re not fine! Look at you,” she insisted. “You can barely move in the mornings. You can’t tell us he’s not taking this out you.”


“Esme, I’m so sorry,” I murmured. “This is all my fault.”


“Don’t you dare apologize, Bella,” she admonished.


She put her arms around me and I felt her wince as I hugged her back. I quickly pulled back and looked at her. She tried to hide the pain in her eyes, but I caught it.


“Esme, what did he do to you?" I asked in shock.


Alice and Rosalie came around to stand with us.


“Esme?” they asked in unison.


She stepped away from us and turned back to the stove.


“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it,” she replied.


Rose walked up behind her and touched her back. Esme winced again and turned back to us.


Her eyes were like fire as she glared at us.


“Yes, alright. Carlisle whips me in retaliation for the changes he’s seeing in his family. It’s not the

worst I’ve ever gotten from him. This is nothing by comparison. And you know what? It’s all worth it. Every single bruise is worth it to see my sons become men I can be proud of. I’ve waited years for this day.” She stopped to angrily wipe at her eyes. She took a deep breath and reached out to hold our hands. She gave us a watery smile before continuing. “Don’t you see? If you revert back to the way you were before then Carlisle wins again. He is doing this knowing you’ll break. Emmett, Jasper and Edward can’t protect me. They can only protect each of you. If you break because of me, then they will revert back as well.”


She put Rose’s hand over her baby along with hers. She felt the baby shift and smiled.

“Rose, you’re going to have a son. You can’t afford for Emmett to go back to the way he was before. You’re carrying the next generation of Cullens. This lifestyle has to stop with us. I want my grandchildren to be decent, caring individuals. So please, save my sons, save my grandchildren. That’s all I want.”


We continued to help her sons change, become more open. We were excited when Carlisle finally gave up hurting Esme to get to us. We thought we won. Little did we know we were living in the eye of the storm. We should have known Carlisle wouldn’t give up so easily. I should have known, but I’d grown complacent.


**


Our wine arrived and I waited while the waiter had Edward taste that the wine was to his liking. Edward assured him that the wine was acceptable. The waiter poured our glasses and left. I took a sip and smiled at Edward as I set my glass back down.


“The wine is very good,” I said.


Edward reached across the table for my hand which I placed in his.


“Thank you,” he said smiling. “I wanted tonight to be special and a coke just wouldn’t cut it. I have something for you.”


“You don’t have to give me anything. You’ve given me so much these past weeks,” I answered quietly. Edward treated me so sweet all the time now. He even started a new habit of bringing me a drink for the ride home from school in the afternoons. We laughed and talked more. We were learning more about each other everyday. Some subjects were still off limits for now, like college and our marriage, but I knew it was only a matter of time before I could broach those topics with him.


“I think you’ll disagree when you see what I have in my pocket.” He reached in and pulled out a key chain with two keys dangling from it. He held it up for me to see. “Do you know what this is?”

I stared at the keys for a moment before shrugging my shoulders. I didn’t understand what it was for.


“A key?” I asked.


He chuckled softly at me, “Yes, well actually, it’s two keys. Would you like to know what they go to?”


“Our house?” I asked, unsure where this was heading.


“Close, but not quite,” he answered. He held up the first one and I realized it went to a car as it had the lock buttons built into the base. “This goes to a certain maroon SUV parked in Jasper’s garage.”


My breath hitched and my hand flew to my mouth. I felt the tears immediately start welling in my eyes. He kept my car; it was here and he was giving it to me!


“Oh Edward, “ I began. He stopped me by holding up the other key.


“And this one,” he continued, “does go to a house. It goes to your house in Phoenix. I didn’t sell it.”


I sat there in stunned silence. I felt a drop of water on my hand and realized I was crying.. I swiftly wiped at my eyes as I reached to take the keys from him and stared down at them in wonder. I gently brushed my fingers over the house key as my mind flashed to a hundred happy memories of coming home from school or a friend’s house, to hearing my mom calling to me as I walked in. My mind then thought up new pictures of coming home to visit with Edward by my side or with Edward and our children by my side.


I was so lost in my dreams that I didn’t realize Edward was kneeling at my side. He was brushing my hair back gently from my face and smiling at my response to his gift. I looked at him through my tears. I clutched the keys to my chest, loving the feel of them digging into my palm.


“Edward,” I croaked, “You can’t know what this means to me. This is everything I could ever want. You’ve given me back a part of my parents to keep with me forever.” I cupped his cheek with my hand and leaned down to kiss him gently on the lips. “Thank you so much. I have something I want to tell you, too.”


I swallowed and beamed at him, “I’ve been waiting for the right moment to tell you this. I wanted it to be special and what you’ve given me tonight couldn’t be any more perfect if I tried. I want you to know-“ I paused to take a breath. Edward seemed to be holding his as well.


“Edward, I love you,” I whispered, staring into his eyes. I let every ounce of love I felt for him shine through my eyes as I gazed at him.


He laughed and stood, pulling me up and into his arms. He kissed me deeply in front of everyone in the restaurant before letting go of me. He knelt back down in front of me and took my left hand in his.


“Well that makes this so much easier,” he laughed. He pulled a ring out of his pocket and slid it on my finger. He kissed the ring and then the back of my hand before gazing back up to me expectantly. “I love you, Bella. Will you marry me Bella and make me the happiest man alive?”


I smiled brightly at him and nodded my head. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I love you.” I knew we still had things to work on, but I was confident we’d fix them together.


He stood and turned to everyone who was watching us. All the patrons were smiling at us. “She said ‘Yes’! he announced proudly.

109 comments:

  1. I have this terrible feeling Esme is going to die.

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  2. This chapter was really beautiful to see all of the changes that Edward has gone through. I like that he got both Emmett and Jasper to follow him. It is horrible that Carlisle took everything out on Esme. I really want something horrible to happen to Carlisle and have Esme find some happiness. He deserves the worst kind of death. Keep up the great work.

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  3. short, but amazing. it's so beautiful to see how much the men have changed.
    and esme is such a strong woman, because although she does submit to carlisle, she has the strength to do it for a purpose. can't wait for the next chapter!

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  4. Such a greath update. Thank you for that. I love to see all the changes going on in the house. I feel so bad for Esme. I have such a bad feeling about what Carlisle has planned. Great job loved it.

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  5. Yay I am so glad the boys are getting better! Carlisle must die, there is no other way around it. The boys should just take Esme and run.

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  6. This was awesome, but like mistresselektra said, I have a very bad feeling about Esme.

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  7. Oh! What a happy update. I'm sure the proverbial shit will hit the fan soon, but for now...I'll just be happy that they're happy.

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  8. I don't know about everybody else but I'm worried, things are going too well, I'm betting Carlisle is going to catch Bella alone soon...

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  9. I loved a little happiness and good changes for our couple :) I have the WORST feeling about Carlisle right now...

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  10. Ooh, I am worried about that "eye of the storm" comment! And we can't forget Carlisle's plans from the last chapter... Eek!

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  11. I'm so proud to see the changes everyone has gone through. This chapter was simply adorable. Also, I'm nervous to see what Carlisle has planned. He just deserves the worst punishment imaginable.

    Wonderful job! You're an amazing writer. :)

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  12. amazing chapter! Im worried about Carlisle though...i dont think hes done yet...hes not going to let everything he build go down the tubes without a fight...

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  13. OMG!!! That is one of the sweetest chapters Ive read!!! He is finally defending Bella from all the abuses that they receive from Carlisle. Rosalie is about to have the baby!!! YEY!!! And I feel that at some point, Esme will die or something!! She is too good to die!!

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  14. This chapter was amazing. I love that Bella, and in turn Edward, have been the catalysts for a family insurrection against Carlisle. Poor Esme though, my heart still breaks for her. I wonder if we will find out what's in her garden before long.

    I'm back to having that sort of sick and queasy feeling in my stomach now too. Not because of Edward and how he treats Bella - because, well, swoon at the changes there :-) - but because I'm now waiting for the cousin and uncle to arrive and to see what Carlisle is going to do when they get there.

    That being said, I don't think it's a coincidence that Bella got her car and house. I wonder if, when the shit hits the fan, she'll flee. Drive back to Phoenix to get away from Carlisle - Edward will of course trust her to wait for him...right?

    Anyway I digress. I loved that Bella finally felt she could actually say ILY and that she seemed happy when Edward popped the question. I think it's safe to say Bella didn't know it was coming and I lov that she said yes without hesitation. I assume that she said yes because she wanted to rather than because she felt she had to.

    *ponders* I wonder how this will reflect their physical relationship now. This is what Bella was waiting for, will she still hold back until she tells Edward about Carlisle...? Or will she grant him that trust, only to have to go back to pretending when his extended family arrives...? Hmmm, either way - I can't wait for the next update.

    Thanks for the fabulous chapter, great job as always. I hope Thanksgiving with your family was wonderful and not too stressful.

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  15. Unfortunately Esme is right. If the girls changed back then Carlisel wins.

    SO happy eddie didnt sell her house. Hmmm I wonder if Carlisle will though before she turns 18. I mean he still controls her assets. Glad she told him the ILY.

    The eye of the storm is right. Marcus/dimitri still need to come.

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  16. uh oh i have a feeling that Carlisle has not given up.... he's gonna try shit again with Bella... and i'm very fearful for Esme....=( if there's major drama in the next chapter imma need a tissue warning...

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  17. OMG I LOVED IT!!!! it was perfect! please don't keep us waiting long!!! i know something Evil is around the corner but i can't wait to see Bella and Edward get passed it!

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  18. I really liked this chapter it was short and sweet. I just have a bad feeling that things are going to get bad before it gets better...

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  19. I love that he's given her the keys to the car and house in Phoenix. I love that the boys are standing up to their father. I love that Bella said ILY and agreed, willingly, to marry him.

    However, I hate that Esme had to suffer for what the boys did. I hate the thought of Demetri coming soon. I hate the feeling I have that this was short because the next part of the story is when he arrives and all hell breaks loose.

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  20. she told him she loved him...aww this was an awesome chapter but yes I cant help but wonder when Carlisle is going to ruin everything...cant wait to read the next chapter
    Happy writing!!

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  21. Aww she loves him...finally, I just hope the boys continues to be strong

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  22. Ok, Alaskans are coming soon aren't they?! omg, I like the progress, but the shortness and the positivity seem to be pointing all towards a very big problem. I didn't think of it before, but now that somebody's said so, I really do fear for Esme. Does she know that Carlisle's always wanted Renee more than her?

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  23. Carlisle as much as i hate to say it must die. Or perhaps be sent to a place where he is beaten and forced to service men.... like a sex club in San Francisco or something where he is forced to be a sex slave, where id tie him up and...
    I digress i was thinking of hot bitch Carlisle and not scum of the earth Carlisle for a moment...
    I love this chapter i hope Edward kills Carlisle when he finds her trying to hurt Bella. She is still his 'daughter' and it will be hard if he decides to send her with the Alaskan Coven... crap

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  24. OMG, this is so good! Which means it's about to get soooooooo bad!

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  25. I'm scared and nervous and I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, too. I just KNOW that something terrible is going to happen in the next chapter or two, and I just want the boys and their wives to be happy and Esme to get away from Carlisle. Esme can't die - we don't know what the secret of her garden is yet! And even when we do find out the secret, I hope that there is a slow poison there they can use on Carlisle that will strip him of his manhood and make his bits shrivel up and fall off. I can't even think of a punishment strong enough to atone for the evil he has perpetuated on his sons and their wives.

    After all those hints you dropped in the last chapter, I'm nervous every time you post that there is an update. I'm afraid to find out what Carlisle has done or is going to do. I hope and pray that there will be a way for the boys to free themselves of his influence totally and make him pay for his crimes.

    You are a really fantastic writer to make us all feel so strongly about people we have never even met.

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  26. Mic, I just did a happy dance. No, really, I did. Edward standing up to Carlisle, along with Jasper and Emmett, and then the I love you and proposal - so so good. Now Bella needs to tell Edward about his creepy ass father. Oh, and someone needs to take him out. I'm a peace loving woman, but seriously - Carlisle needs to be gone. Whipping Esme? Hell no. I'm REALLY scared for her!
    ~ Vicki

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  27. Wow... I was kind of expecting a heavy chapter, but that was so nice!! Yay for happy times.

    I'm really not looking forward to Carlisle. Not at all. That sick bastard has something bad planned, and I have a nasty feeling it doesn't end well for Esme :( But that's just me.

    Thanks for your update <3

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  28. This is consistently the most disgusting story in Twilight fanfic. I do not understand how people can read this and think it is a quality story. I do not support censorship, and would never tell anyone what s/he can/can't read, but this is so reprehensible, so vile in its glorification of abuse.

    Women writing for women should be ashamed of this story, not celebrating it. And women that are in this type of situation need to get professional help and to the police, not be preached to that they should fall in love with their abusers.

    Vile. And the people who support this fic are vile.

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  29. It's happy, but I fear that it may be too much happy at once and that it can't possibly last... :/

    I'm very proud of Edward and the boys for standing up to Carlisle and being the men Esme tried to raise them to be. :)

    It was so incredibly sweet for Edward to keep Bella's car and house for her and it really does show how much he has changed if he is trusting her with her own set of keys for her own car. :D

    I am so incredibly worried about what Carlisle will do and I think that since Bella has told Edward she loves him she needs to tell him about Carlisle ASAP.

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  30. Great chapter. I thought something really bad was going to happen. I feel so sorry for Esme. Will Demetri be in the story now? I know all hell is going to break loose now. I love how all the guys let the girls sit with them at dinner and how Edward treated Esme. Very sweet. Update soon please.

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  31. I never understand why people who think that a story is "vile" continue to read it.

    obviously- you (yes, you elmo12882) are reading this story. And commenting how "it is the most disgusting story" It is really easy to fix this dilemma. There is a little X on the top right hand corner of your screen. Do us all a favor and click it.


    So blah blah blah.. you don't like it. Stop reading it. People like you make me so mad! It's the same as the people who used to listen to Howard Stern and then complain. You either fall into one of two groups-
    1. You secretly love reading stuff like this, and then get ashamed and therefore to make yourself feel better, you flame it.
    or.
    2. You are an idiot for reading it if you know you don't like it.

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  32. And.. I really liked this chapter- but like alot of people above, I am afraid for Esme's life!

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  33. This makes me happy! :D

    Although I am really worried about Esme.

    And about that thing Carlisle was doing last chapter...

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  34. http://www.rainn.org/get-help

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  35. And is that supposed to explain to anyone why you are reading this story and flaming it?
    Don't like- Don't read.

    No one is forcing you to read this.

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  36. That was beautiful...so beautiful that you can tell it's gonna get bad...bad like 2nd chapter bad....damn...im afraid...no body better not rape bella...hurt rosalie and the baby...do anything bad to alice and kill esme...but they should def kill carlisle...with his nasty ass!

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  37. I actually don't read. I initially read a few chapters and then stopped because it was so disgusting.

    But I do think that women should be aware that there are resources for them if they're in an abusive relationship. Encouraging falling in love with your abuser/rapist is sending the wrong message.

    Seriously, if you are in an abusive relationship, get help. RAINN has many excellent resources and is there to help.

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  38. i'm not going to lie. if carlisle rapes bella like he originally talked about, i might physically vomit. i won't be able to handle it.

    i have a bad feeling about esme and carlisle. i feel like the secret of her garden is going to be discovered soon.

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  39. I totally agree with your last paragraph. But sorry- I rolled my eyes at your first sentence.

    You obviously follow this story- or you wouldn't know that it just got updated.

    My mother always said- if you have nothing NICE to say- then don't say anything at all.

    You should have said your piece about people who are in abusive relationships getting help- not calling the readers vile.

    No one will take you seriously if you attack there choices. And reading this is a choice. And it is women celebrating women- by choosing to read their stories and have posting positive comments.

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  40. I honestly will not breath easy until she tells him about Carlisle's threat. Seriously I think about it at least once a week, it is driving me insane with worry.

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  41. Poor Esme -- my heart just breaks for her. :(
    And my heart is quivering in dread thinking about what Carlisle has in store for Edward and Bella. Eye of the storm, indeed...

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  42. Yes, heaven forbid there be actual criticism of a very controversial (and yes, I stand by my description of it as vile) work.

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  43. I loved seeing all the changes the boys are making. I love that they stood up to Carlisle. I am saddened that Esme took the brunt of the punishment, though it was inevitable.

    I am happy that Edward's and Bella's relationship is now on somewhat level ground.

    I am however still holding on to the sick feeling that everything is going to change shortly. We all know Felix and Marcus are coming and that places them all in danger. I fear for Rosalie's baby and Rosalie, Bella, Edward and Esme. I am afraid of Alice being abused again or reverting back to her wounded self.

    However, seeing the changes in the boys, I hold out much hope for their futures.

    To elmo12882 -- I have to say, you shouldn't read this story. The fact that you have no clue what is going on in this story now and still have the nerve to spew your insensitivity at us all, is ridiculous. This story is not glorifying abuse. Get off the pedestal you have put yourself up on sweetheart. I understand that you may never have been abused and don't know what an abused/battered woman goes through. You may think it is easy to get help, but I can assure you it is not. What is reprehensible is this "the people who support this fic are vile". You stand up there on your little soapbox and call us women reading this vile. I hope you never have to live even a tenth of what this story broaches. I would never wish that on anyone. What I would suggest is that you get the much needed help in learning a bit of compassion/empathy/sympathy for your fellow sister.

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  44. Awwww, I loved it! It was definitely my favorite so far. But now I'm scared about what Carlisle has planned because everything is too perfect. I really don't want him to hurt Bella again. I hope Edward gets to her before Carlisle or anyone else get close enough to hurt her. Love the progress in all the boys, especially Edward.

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  45. How is criticizing this fic NOT supporting my "fellow sister"?

    I'm sorry, but the fact remains that this fic is encouraging an abused MINOR falling in love with her ABUSER. I will not support that, and I honestly can't believe that anyone would. So then, why is this story so popular? If this was written by a 40 year old man instead of a 40 year old woman, you all would be outraged. You would all be on your soapboxes about how horrendous it is that some dirty old man wrote this horrible rapefic about a 17 year old girl (and I would note that Bella was originally 15 in this story before it was edited). Also, doesn't the fact that the author wrote this for her teenage daughter concern you?

    I just feel like there are an awful lot of red flags in this fic that get completely ignore in the ridiculous hype. So I stand by my assertion. This fic is vile. And so are the people that continue to support it. Because in any other circumstance you all wouldn't support it, either. But because it's Edward and Bella and it's written by a mother, it's okay.

    But you know what? It really isn't okay. And as far as being abused/battered, why do you think I'm on my "pedestal"? I know exactly how hard it is to get out, to seek help, to change your life. And that is why this fic is so horrifying to me. It encourages staying with your abuser, because it's okay, he might change, and he really does love you, even if he's hitting you or raping you or letting his father anally rape you. Because, you know, it's okay. He loves you.

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  46. Thank you for continuing this story. It is very special and I love to see how these young men are changing and growing. And now Edward is leading them by example, after they have helped him to understand the situation and the lies.

    But I am so worried that the storm of Carlisle is about to hit like a hurricane!

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  47. It's the calm before the storm!!!

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  48. Want to read more!! So worried about Carlise's plans... even Phoenix isn't safe with Embry there! Love this Chapter! Update again soon pretty please!

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  49. nawwww that was soooooo cuteeeeeeee
    edwards so adorable now
    he toatlly is in love with bella and thas so cute (:
    LOVED THIS CHAPTER ONE OF THE BEST EVER!!!
    UPDATE SOON!!!

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  50. I have waited so long for this, it was so worth it but I really fear for 1) Esme and 2) Bella and Edward. I don't eve know what to think anymore, usually I quietly confer with myself about the possibilities of the bext chapters, but right now I have no idea.
    I'm scared! Haha, this is so good, I cannot wait for the next chapter.

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  51. this is such ana amazing chapter!!!

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  52. obvious a great chapter!
    i have never been dissappointed... your writing and creativity is just so incredible

    i loved that all the boys are doing good now
    and i loved the dinner!!!!!
    but alas, like basically, if not, everyone else's comments... im so wary about whats coming from carlisle's end

    oh, and i agree... carlisle should die
    then they should all move to pheonix...

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  53. Another great chapter, Mic! And it contained the moment I was really waiting for:

    "'I think you're quite capable of pouring your own damn glass of tea. Don't you?' he asked Carlisle."

    Edward FINALLY stood up to Carlisle! That was a sight to behold.

    Esme's whipping made me gasp. Carlisle deserves to be dragged over broken glass then dropped in a vat of rubbing alcohol daily for the next decade. For starters. Evil b@stard.

    Bella's comment about becoming complacent has me biting my nails.

    Of course the other moment I was waiting for was also lovely to see - Bella finally telling Edward that she loves him. He's come such a long way with her help.

    Keep up the great work!!

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  54. As wonderful as it is to see Edward and the others act as they should I have an erie feeling that it's going to get way worse before it's completely better.

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  55. I absolutely love Edward in this chapter. When he stood up for Esme..*tears*

    my eyes actually watered when Esme said what Carlisle did to her...she should divorce him..Renee did it??

    It's the calm before the storm...Carlisle did promise that Felix will be coming?

    Isn't she still 17...therefore she can't moving out on her own? Idk what month this is..but i hope she turns 18 before they come...

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  56. thts such a cute chap:D:D m so happy...

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  57. Yay, I like Edward and Bella together, just so cute couple. I'm afraid for Esme though....

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  58. She finally told him she loves him :) Great chapter :) Loved it :)

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  59. This was the best chapter so far but i know there is major heart fail coming and it scares me. I so need to know what happens I need to know that they are all going to be ok, except for Carlisle I want him dead.

    I was thinking about Esme's garden and I reckon hidden under her garden is evidence of all the things Carlisle has done over the years.

    keep up the excellent work and please tell me you are going to post again soon.

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  60. ok everyone i think everybody needs to remember this is a story not a first hand account of someones life. I think everybody reading is intelligent enough to know that this kind of thing is wrong and in no way are we glorifying it. I think this story shows how a wonderful strong woman can triumph over adversity and how that wonderful strong woman can help a family break a cycle of abuse that has probably being going on for generations.

    i mean really if this is teaching girls to fall in love with her abuser then twilight is teaching girls to run out and fall in love with the first vampire they find.

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  61. great chapte
    I LOVE YOUR WRITING!!

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  62. elmo12882- You say that criticizing this chapter is supporting women- and then you say you can not support this chapter. I take much offense that you call the readers vile. Please go away. You are being a downer.

    You say you didn't read the story- yet then go on and say that Bella was 15 in the story BEFORE it was edited. Again, being dishonest- and therefore discrediting yourself. How is anyone going to take you seriously if you lie?


    The people who are reading and commenting on this like it. Get over it.

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  63. I absolutely LOVED this chapter...so worth everything to get to this point.

    Love all the transformations!

    Can't wait to see what happens next.

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  64. Dear elmo12882,
    I am new to this story and this is the first time I am posting a comment.

    I really think you are misunderstanding the bigger message here. The reason the story has to be so raw is to ensure there is absolutely no doubt in the readers mind of just how terrible these women’s lives are. The author could have just stated that the women were abused and left the bad things to our imagination. But to be honest I would have never been able to imagine living such horror.

    And just in case you didn’t understand, the boys here were abused as well. Certainly not the physical abuse that the women went through but abuse nevertheless. What else would you call giving your young and impressionable children a distorted sense of reality, separating them from their mother and ensuring they will never know another woman’s love? Yes, they will be cared for and “served” by their slaves but loved? No, Carlisle took steps to make sure that love didn’t happen for his sons.

    Don’t forget that compassion and empathy are learned behaviors. It can be somewhat challenging to be selfless even when you are not pushed to be otherwise. It is much harder to rise above the selfishness when you are taught that such vile behavior is a virtue. If you read beginning chapters in EPOV, he clearly believes that providing a good home is the only way to show love for his wife. He’s been taught that his wife will show her love by serving and submitting. He really just doesn’t know better. When Bella comes into his life, she slowly teaches him how to really love. He starts to question and resent the values that were instilled in him and becomes a better man for it.

    The idea is that even in the worst of times, we can triumph and overcome. Women can and will overcome the horrible circumstances they were placed in and use their strength to help men overcome their upbringing. I hope that one day you, elmo, will come to realize that Bella, Alice and Rosalie are not in love with their abusers but rather with the man they are helping them become.

    I suspect you read this story for the same reason as the rest of us: your heart bleeds for these people and you too hope for the HEA. So let’s give the author some piece and time to get as to that point and not leave hurtful comments just yet, OK?

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  65. awwww edward! ok os as happy as this moment is my forshadowmeter is off the charts for the evil that is carlisle and demetri and with the happy. things always get worse before they get better. i get tense just thinking abt possibilities and im not even a good writer so what you have planned may be even worse. just gah!!!!! as much as the fear is gripping me im looking forward to seeing where this story goes. As my homegirl(kinda) Madea would say its time to bake Carlisle a special pie! muahahahahahahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

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  66. First off love the chapter, love the updates. you are a very talented writer. I have been reading since this was posted on ffnet and I must say this is one of the best written fan fictions I have ever read.

    Second this story is not a lead by example story, its simple for entertainment, its fiction, there is even a disclaimer saying that this sort of thing is not supported by the author so get over it. Are you going to flame The Lovely Bones movie when it comes out, it's about a young teen being raped and murdered, and guess what I read the book and enjoyed it, that doesn't make me "vile" it makes me a fan of good fiction literature.

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  67. Awww...he really is changing and I love how they are finally standing up to Carlisle as a group. I am nervous about what he will do to retalliate...will he try to take all three girls away or punish them in some way, or will Bella become the ultimate example? I am always looking forward to more. Thanks for the update!

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  68. @mistresselektra

    Aww man now thats gonna nag me now too.

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  69. Love it! I am so glad I found this story again! I can't wait to read more!

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  70. I loved this chapter, I'm really worried about Esme though.. How much more can she take?? I wonder when Carlisle will have his chance to get to Bella, and when he does.. I hope she fights him.. really fights him. I hope that Edward and his brother come in and catch him.. and finish the job.. maybe bury him in the garden....

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  71. Vile my ass. This story is amazing. Yes, it does have some sick points to it, but so what? If you don't like it, don't read it! Even if you don't like the story, you cannot deny that it is amazingly written! You are an incredible author. I love every update! This chapter was the sweetest thing in the whole story! I can't wait for them to go back to Pheonix! I really want Edward to see more aspects of her old life. Like her Softball team and ehr aunt and uncle. I loved the keeping the SUV thing by the way. I'm really curious though. How did you come up with this? It's incredibly creative and original. It's like nothing I think anyone has ever read. Will they ever get away from Carlisle?

    I hope so. This is the best story in fanfiction history! Twilight or not. You rock. And we all know it. Even Little Miss Judemental up there.

    Love it! I hope I can amount up to your genuinely talented handiwork!

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  72. After reading this chapter, I thank you again for continuing on with this.
    Woah! I was impressed by Edward's attitude at dinner what changes have occurred in him and I guess it helps his brothers express themselves a little more freely in showing their feelings and I was glad for that.
    Esme.. what's to be said about her, to me she's the bravest person in this. And her bravery is paying off just look at her garden florish. I agree with her, aside from the punishment being inflicted by that asshole she wants the point to get across to the girls not to look at her injuries and be scared off of their quest to make the love of their lives better men and her grandchildren upstanding human beings, I pray it'll work in the end.
    I'm nervously waiting for Carlisle's back up plan to arrive and see what trouble it'll cause.
    How will Edward react? Will this challenge send him right back to being Carlisle's toy?!
    God! I hope not.. I praying they'll get stronger and stronger and bond more together against Carlisle.
    Finally Edward reveal his gifts to Bella, that was so sweet of him, again it shows the change in him. Knowing the the cousin's coming, I think it's best Bella gets even closer to Edward as close as possible for this'll rip 'em apart. I'm glad she love for him and officially said yes...
    After this chapter, I fear what'll happen to Esme...

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  73. Wonderful chapter!!! I love how they have all changed so much, well almost everyone. Stupid Carlisle,when is he going to die?

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  74. the story isn't really about the abuse. It's about hope and how people can change. Obviously some commenters just like to spew their self-righteous garbage. It is a CHOICE to read this. If you don't like it don't read it.

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  75. i hadn't thought seriously about esme's fate until i saw msskeletra's comment... i think she's right, but i hope not! i also think that carlisle is going to catch bella... crap... but i still can't wait for the next chapter! it's just got me hooked! XD

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  76. i cried when i read what esme does for her family. she really is my favorite character in this story and i hope all ends well for her...And i would love to read another chapter from her point of view.
    Thanks a lot for this amazing story!

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  77. You make me smile at the end of this chapter. It's so sweet.
    Although, it's still very hard for Esme.
    I vote for Carlisle's death, he is highly guilt.

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  78. Thank you so much! I'm so happy about the way Edward changed his mind! I hope everything is going to be fine. Edward and Bella will move into THEIR house, have a nice wedding and maybe a little child? But there's Charlsile and I think, he has something evil in mind :-(

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  79. Great chapter. I love how both Edward and Bella were the catalyst for such drastic changes in the family. Carlisle is still an evil piece of shit but I'm glad he decided to stop hurting his wife when it did nothing to change back the wives. He needs to die horrifyingly slow and in extruciating pain. I can't wait for his demise but I know we haven't seen the last of his demented world view.

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  80. such a great chapter! i agree, calm before the storm :/

    esme is such a strong woman for bearing the brunt of his abuse so the others may remain unscathed (for now).

    god i want carlilse dead soon!

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  81. The ending was so sweet. This whole thing was just to ground breaking in them all breaking the habits. But Carlisle... what to do about him. Can't they just poison his food then bury him under something. Just say he left his family never to be seen again. They would all be so much more happy. But Carlisle still has this plan in his head from the last chapter. That will certainly not bode well for anyone. But Bella and Edward are just so cute! I can't wait to read about Rose's baby. Okay I can't wait for your next chapter!
    ~Jesso

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  82. Yay! They're getting married.
    Go die Carlisle.
    Poor Esme.
    Woot woot for the boys finally growing a pair in regards to their father.
    Update soon.

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  83. Wow. That was awesome! This story has come a very long way and I can't wait to read what happens next! I don't think you can ever disappoint me with your writing!

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  84. I loved this chapter. It was so much more lighthearted than the others, but I do believe this is the calm before the storm. I have a feeling I know what Esme is hiding in her garden. I think it is another copy of Renee's original will, or something Renee wanted Bella to have just in case. I am glad Edward, Jasper and Emmett are standing up to Carlisle, but sad that he is taking it out on Esme. I have a very bad feeling something will happen to her, which really sucks. She deserves her own HEA. What will happen when the Alaskan's show up? I am getting a little worried. I am also glad Edward gave Bella the keys to her parents house in Phoenix and the keys to her SUV. This gives her an escape, in case things get bad, which I have a feeling they will very soon. Thanks for the update, can't wait to find out what lurks around the next corner!

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  85. you know that i love this story!!! it just gets better and better with each chapter

    peace love & music

    riley cullen

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  86. That was wonderful. It is great to see the guys standing up to their father but I hate Esme is paying for it. I wish Esme would leave and go live with Emmett or Jasper. I'm worried she won't make it until ExB leave. Edward has grown so much and I hope other readers do realize that the boys were brain washed and abused mentally and yea they did horrible things but they are changing and trying to be the men they know would make Esme proud. I wish Esme could run away to Bella's house now that she has keys to a car and the house Esme could use. I'm so worried for Bella, Esme and Edward. As long as they are in that house anything can happen.

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  87. it is a beutiful chapter , although I wish Esme could be happier .
    You are a great writter : )
    thanks for not giving up

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  88. I'm so glad the boys finally stood up to Carlisle. Although I'm sad that Esme has to take the brunt of it - but she will if she can see her sons escaping from his clutches. I just know he's going to do something awful to them though

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  89. Just wanted to say this story is really good, sad but good. Thank you for writing it. I am so glad life is good right now but the storm is coming and I can't wait to see what happens. Thank you again

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  90. the calm before the storm brrr I'm afraid of the upcoming chapter

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  91. Olga NYC, you hit the nail on the head, thank you!

    Mic, don't be disheartened. Even though you are fully transparent in your warning that this fic is NOT for everyone, some people still read it and then choose to take offense. That is not your fault.

    The abuse that happens is indeed sickening. But it is your portrayal of it that paints the picture, and allows us to truly see what Bella and the others are put through. And, as Olga pointed out, it is not just the girls who are abused.

    I in NO WAY see this as a story condoning abuse and telling women who are being abused to stay and fall in love with their abusers. Bella fell in love with the man she saw underneath Carlisle's Edward. CARLISLE is the monster, not the author.

    I am sincerely worried about Esme. And I hate to think that Demetri & Marcus are on their way... now that Bella has finally vocalized her ILY, will she have the nerve to talk to Edward about Carlisle? I'm afraid not, as she is discounting him in her head, thinking that he no longer lusts after her - or, given that we're not sure of the exact time line, she won't have the chance due to the arrival of D&M...

    I hate that Carlisle still has guardianship over Bella, Edward doesn't have that legal control which he needs... how close are we to Bella's birthday? *sigh* it worries me to no end!

    Edward telling Carlisle to pour his own damn drink was just EPIC WIN. Esme paying for her family's happiness is just tragic. Yet, I completely understand what she means. She has gone through YEARS of this hell, just to see her sons overcome everything their evil bastard of a father has brainwashed them into. For her, it is a small price to pay... and she was right, Carlisle would win if they went back to the way it was before...

    Keep writing Mic, I'm so glad to see you continue this. You do indeed PWN me, and between your Carlisle and TSO's James, I seriously worry about my homicidal tendencies... Thank you for sharing this with us, even though you are criticized and hated by some.

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  92. Okay, I am officially worried.

    It was a beautiful chapter but something bad is going to happen. To much good has happened to Bella...Carlisle is going to screw it up! DAMN HIM

    I cant wait for an update!

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  93. ........:D!!!!!!!!

    LOL YAAAYYYYYYYYYY SHE FINALLY SAID SHE LOVED HIM <3

    gah stupid carlisle will screw everything up.....joy...BUT CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT UPDATE!!!!

    lovelovelove it<3<3
    hope u update soon :)

    Andy

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  94. elmo12882: I understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however, I think it was completely unnecessary to call those of us who actually understand what is going on in this story and continue to read it vile. I grew up in an abusive home and I know how hard it is to get help. This story is so much more than abuse and I am sorry if you do not see that. If you think this story is so reprehensible, do not read it and do not post comments. The author has warnings posted that clearly state if you are easily offended, do not read. I admit there are some things in this story that are very hard to read, but I can look past all that and see this for the story it is. It is not about abuse, or falling in love with your abuser, but about survival and helping others see where they are wrong. Again, if you do not agree with what is written in this story, please do not read it or post rude comments to those of us who actually do enjoy and understand the story.

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  95. “Rose, you’re going to have a son. You can’t afford for Emmett to go back to the way he was before. You’re carrying the next generation of Cullens. This lifestyle has to stop with us. I want my grandchildren to be decent, caring individuals. So please, save my sons, save my grandchildren. That’s all I want.” Oh Esme! I just ache for her. I know she's happy that her sons have stood up to Carlisle and that things are changing for Rose, Alice and Bella. But Esme has had such an awful life with Carlisle. I am with Bella, I wish he would have stroked out there at the table...sigh!

    Oh and I loved Edward standing up to Carlisle at the table and Jasper and Emmett following. Then taking Esme and seating her. I am so happy that Edward has consciously made changes to his life.

    The dinner was so sweet and giving Bella the keys to her SUV and to the house in Phoenix. He is giving her her freedom. So in turn Bella can give Edward her love. Oh and then he proposed...loved it when he stood up and said "She said Yes!"

    But we still have Carlisle to tend to. I am worried that Bella is letting her guard up and she still hasn't told Edward about his fathers threats. When will the visitors be arriving? I am so worried for Bella and Edward. What will Carlisle think of the proposal and Bella's acceptance? He still has guardianship over her. Sigh!

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  96. I have been following your story since fanfiction, it´s just an awesome plot. I´m so anxious to know what´s next.

    I have a feeling about Esme´s garden. I´ve been thinkin that the clue it´s in there. I don´t know, maybe just maybe, Esme have something in there that can help her to escape from Carlisle´s claws, just that she´s not using it because of her children. Or maybe have something that can use against Carlisle to protect her belove ones. Time just can tell.

    Congratulations so far.

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  97. This chapter was amazing! I didn't realize it was posted until today. Haha! I'm so glad that they are happy and in love now. :) This may sound kind of morbid, but I want Carlisle to get whatever he's going to do to them over with. Rip the band-aid off so we can get to happy times. :/

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  98. I'm so overwhelmed with feeling for Esme. She is such a strong woman and to insist that the girls should stay on their current path is unbelievably selfless. It's impossible for these three men not to become the sons that Esme can be proud of. They each have a piece of her in them. And thank God for that.

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  99. My only hope is that Bella to tell Edward about Carlisle. I just wish they could just run away together and elope in a State where it's legal to marry at age 17. Someone needs to off Carlisle. What other powerful ally could turn on Carlisle? Aro? Esme and all her sons should find a way to stop Carlisle. I have faith in Esme that she can establsh some control here. She just needs reassurance and as long as she has support from her family.

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  100. OMG I am so happy I found this story again!!!! YAY!!

    On to my comment. Wow I love the changes in Edward Emmett and Jasper! Poor Esme I want to cry. I agree with another comment I have a really bad feeling that Esme is going to die as well :(

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  101. I seriously hate Carlisle so much and can't wait til the day he gets his payback...its such bullshit with his behavior to Esme, tho I'm still nervous b/c i just know he has something really bad up his sleeve :( But YAY the boys are truly becoming men, and Edward who apparently was the worst seems to be making strides to become the best! I love it as well as them getting engaged!!!! Ahh, and he kept her car and house, i really think they gave each other the best gifts to each other ever :)

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  102. Simply put . . . I cannot wait for more! Thank you for continuing to write this. I'm waiting on pins and needles for updates and hope that you overlook any negative comments from readers. SO glad Bella finally confessed her love to Edward and that HE stood up for his mother. Again, I cannot wait for more!

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  103. I hope she tells him about Carlisle before its too late and he has already done something to her.

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  104. I really look forward to how Carlisle is dealt with and by the way you have inspired me to start my own story. lol Its nothing to this magnitude, but i have so many of my own ideas now! Thank you and I can't wait for more chapters

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  105. Awesome chapter. They are so in love. Carlisle is going to ruin it all, isn't he? I know this is the calm before the storm. I just hope Edward stands up to him like he's been doing and doesn't let him violate Bella.

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  106. short chapter, but very sweet :) (I'm so afraid for what's coming, I just read 40-43 and I figure either next chapter or starting soon after is when sh*t will hit the fan, I'm soo nervous for them all! (oh, and I hope they kill Carlisle, and bury him in the garden) ;)

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  107. Oh gosh, I read the first comment and I hadn't thought of it before, but maybe she will die... Oh, I dearly hope not! If Carlisle kills her in front of his children, they will most definitely get back at him too, though, I think. lyeshaLove, why would they bury him in the garden? Do you think that is the secret to the garden? I don't think so....

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