that reminds me of the time I had several lovebites on my neck and like a dozy cow had no idea about it cos I wasnt really into mirrors at that time - and wore a T shirt all day!

Author's Response:

Ouch!!! I have to say, I love the idea of a love bite, but only where no one else can see it!! I had a couple when I was young, but I think it was the fad among the guys at that time - they all wanted to prove they could do it.

Surely it's about time you let Bella have some joy!!! S!till loving your story any way!

Author's Response:

Ok - just for you, I shall stop the angst and start spreading some joy. ;P

Um, kettle, black?!  Really, Edward gets all Emo over that when he has a woman on the side, too?  Seriously, Edward. Grow up a little.

Author's Response:

lol - poor Edward!!! He hasn't had a chance to explain anything yet!!! This mess needs sorting out - who shall we call? ;P

Poor Edward and Bella... Can't catch a break!

Author's Response:

I know - I have been awful. Right, that's enough angst - we need some good stuff, don't you think?

I've really enjoyed reading this story...you write well.  It's not too fast or too slow as far as letting the plot develop.  Keep up the great work!

Author's Response:

Thank you very much! I really appreciate you saying that. I don't like a lot of superfluous detail, but I do like to have the story move on. Some people have said that I don't put enough detail in though, so I suppose its a matter of taste.

oh crap!  yes - things MUST get better from here on!  : )  Love this!

t.

Author's Response:

Thanks. I really appreciate you taking the time to review. I think I have made people wait for quite long enough - hmmmm.... who are we going to call??? ;P

Oh my god, that has to be a mother`s worst nightmare. I was literally at the edge of my seat.

Amazing work.

Author's Response:

I know. My son never saw through on his threats to run away, but I did lose him in Woolworths one day and it was something I'll never forget. The feeling of panic was awful. Luckily, he had just disappeared to the toy aisle, but I was terrified someone had taken him. Trouble is, as they grow, there is always something else to worry you!

Poor Bella had to put up with James mauling her.  She gets into a fight with Charlie because she's late.  She isn't sleeping well at all.  Carlie wakes up and decides it is time mom gets up to make cookies.  Bella is just exhausted.  She wanted to sleep longer and rest.  Bella was just about to fall back to sleep when she heard a loud noise in the kitchen.  Bella's already crabby with not enough sleep and rest and coming in the kitchen to find flour and milk all over the floor.  Yuck!!  Definitely not the first thing you want to deal with in the morning.  She yelled at Carlie.  It's understandable.  It happens to all parents with their children.  I can't tell you how many times I have heard my 3 children tell me they hate me for one reason or another.  Bella sends Carlie upstairs to color for some quiet activities and finds her coloring her books, wow, currently those books are really Bella's only outlet for relaxation and interaction.  Again Bella get upset and yells at Carlie and sends her to her room.  Bella's books some have sentimental value because they were gifts from others.  She cried herself to sleep.  She slept for a couple of hours.  She cried for the wanting of Edward in her life, James and his unwanted behavior, her life with Carlie, her education dreams, and life choices.  Just everything came to a head and she needed a release in her tears.  Bella checked on Carlie when Edward called to tell her goodnight.  She couldn't find her in the house anywhere.  Edward told her he was on his way there.  He'd be there soon.  She called her dad and he came over.  He had notified the other officers in the police department.  Jake came with some of his buddies from La Push.  Everyone was looking for Carlie.  Charlie, Bella, and Edward were very worried.  When Edward arrived the first thing he did was wrap Bella into his arms.  He was there to support her through this.  Bella blamed herself for Carlie running away.  It was just a bad day for her.  Carlie got caught in the crossfire.  Carlie is a very headstrong individual and when she wants to do something she wants it now.  I'm not sure if Carlie was trying to destroy her mom's books or in her mind she was making them pretty for her mom.  The one thing Bella didn't hear was Edward called her "LOVE" when he said he was on his way.  Edward does care for her.  Bella is just too insecure.  Sam finds Carlie and brings her home.  Talk about relief when they come back.  But once the relief wears off then you get angry again for them running off.  My children used to hide in the middle of the round clothing racks while we were shopping.  I remember my oldest was hiding and wouldn't respond to her name being called.  I was frightened and sick with worry someone took her.  I was with my mom and we were both besides ourselves.  Finally we heard a soft giggling and were able to locate her.  As I said the relief followed by anger. I remember when I personally was 6 or 7 and had a huge fight with my mother.  I was leaving.  I wanted to take some clothes and my mom said no the clothes are for her little girl that lived at home.  The only thing she would let me have was my metal lunch box.  I got to the front door and thoughts of losing contact with my grandmother (my mom's mom) was the reason I didn't get past the front door.  So it happens with children all the time too.  Carlie was just trying to get some attention.  Bella was just too stressed and tired to deal with an active little one.  At least Carlie is home safe and Bella has Edward and her dad to be with her.  Wonder if Edward will stay the night and leave early the following day for work.  Might me interesting.  He held her earlier and kissed into her hair.  Called her love and raced to Forks probably breaking all speed limits.  He came for Bella and also for Carlie.  He was worried about both of his girls.

Author's Response:

Your reviews kill me! I hope you look back on the comments you have made to see how spot on you have been about some of them. Sometimes I wondered if you'd sneaked a look at the story behind my back!!! I ran away once - I have incorporated my experience as Alice's later in the story. My son didn't ever carry out his threats to leave home (until he was 18 anyway) but he went missing in a shop once and I was so frightened. It was around the time that Jamie Bulger was abducted and killed and I was imagining all sorts of terrible things. I eventually found him in the toy section.

I also remember my mum smacking me after I nearly got hit by a car. It was because she was frightened, but I was so upset that she would do such a thing after I had had a terrible near miss.

Thanks for your epic review :D

Kudos for writing strife in the parent/child dynamics.  We all know Bella's a good mom and Edward or any other character better not give Bella any grief over this.  I hope the next chapter is coming soon.  Can't wait til Edward and Bella get on the same page.

Author's Response:

Thank you. I'm afraid I have had many experiences of having bad days with my son when he was growing up. The trouble is, you can't ring in sick or take a day off just when you feel like it. Parenting is tough!

As for B&E, a little more patience I'm afraid.

Great chapter.

Author's Response:

Thanks - I appreciate that.

Being a mother is the hardest job in the world. No one knows the guilt we feel constantly.  Excellent chapter.

Author's Response:

You have it exactly right! When we mess up (and everyone does) we beat ourselves up so much. You just have to hope the good days far outweigh the bad ones. Thanks for reviewing.

yes we all agree you are putting the r back in romance      I love  every thing about your writing  and your story from the banner which is so perfect for the story to your plot I know I have said this before but I loook every day for an update     its been wonderful the love you have for this story  it is so evident the care you take with every sentence you write    I am hoping for happy soon but its so much fun reading to get to there 

OH man, poor Bella. I think every mother has had a day that a meltdown was inevitable. Luckily my son hasn't ever done anything to may precious possessions but he has been overly naughty or needy on a day when I didn't feel like being a mom. It sucks that Carlie threw 'I want to live with daddy' at her right away. B+E need to nip that in the bud right away or darling little Carlie will be ruling the roost and that's not cool. Gosh, I just want to give Bella a big hug but it seems Edward could drop everything and be there for her and Carlie when they needed him. Huge bonus. I hope Bella continues to go to school even though asshole James is still there. She needs to stand up straight and put her shoulders back, acting confident and powerful then go tell James what an ass he is and a swift kick to his nuts would be a great conversation starter too.

Great chapter. Too short though. Update quickly. I can't wait to see how Edward comforts his two fav girls.

Author's Response:

lol - love the swift kick idea!!! I am a great believer in parents acting as a single unit when it comes to children - however, my ex didn't agree, which caused all sorts of problems. Bella and Edward will definately be singing off the same hymn sheet in this story! I do feel for Bella - I have really put her through the mill haven't I? (Beats self up for being so mean!)