This is a great story.  The way you write both Bella and Edward is so superb - all the awkwardness, hesitancy, inner conflict - the stammering sentences as they try to converse - it's wonderful!  I'm anxious to read more about their developing friendship (and maybe more than friends later on??). Please update again soon!

I like this awkward Edward of yours! The dialogues seem really natural, yet unexpected.

Can't wait for an update!

I absolutely love this.  You've definitely captured the tortorous/sweet ups/downs of awkward moments and elations when you first meet someone.

I'm curious about the sobriety/can't date Bella thing.  Why is that?  Is it b/c a break-up could cause him to drink again?  Is it just a matter of needing emotional stability?  I"m not so sure that they'll really be able to keep themselves from falling...

 

Author's Response:

Common AA wisdom tells a person to wait until he or she has a year of sobriety under his or her belt before engaging in romantic/sexual relationships. It's not a hard and fast rule (at least not in my experience), more of a guideline, and exists for a variety of reasons (one of which might be what you've suggested above).

And thanks for your response. =)

Yeah... this chapter? Exquisite.

I like how the conversation was a little less awkward. I like how I find myself growing a little frustrated with Bella and her reactions to Edward's words of appreciation ("I like your smile", "I like you"). I'm relieved at how you're potraying her - you're keeping true to the basics of the actual character but leaving out all the things that make her so annoying in the books. I like how you're building their relationship. This story is just perfection.

My favorite thing about this chapter:  "I like the muted edge of arrogance that rests just below the surface of his shyness, and I like the self-conscious cadence of his voice when he says things he doesn't seem to want to say." That's just beautiful :)

I know the dialogue chapters are taxing but they are just great!

I was having a bad day today and your update on this cheered me right up.

Thanks!

~Jen

Wow -- there was alot of dialogue. :)  Great job!!

I just loved their "date".  It was sweet and awkward -- just like a first date should be.  There is a level of comfort with them but the awkwardness comes from their feelings for each other.

I loved that they shared more about themselves and their feelings.  It is a slow build with them.

Can't wait for more!!

 

I love the pace of this story and the realism of his progress.  His reticence is in such contrast to the person he was when he was using.  I wonder how long it has been since he has truly been himself and how long it will take for him to regain that.  I can see how disappointing it must be for Bella to want something with him knowing that he really isn't ready to cope with a relationship yet and that she is going to be moving on herself soon anyway.

 

Thank youfor anothe great update.

WOW. THIS STORY LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BE A GRITTY ONE...IT BREAKS MY HEART TO SEE HOW ROCK BOTTOM PEOPLE CAN GET; I'VE NEVER HAD A SUBSTANCE ADDICTION BUT I FEEL FOR THOSE WHO HAVE. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HOW IT PROGRESSES

I just feel so bad for Edward!! He makes ME anxious!! I can't wait to see them move forward a bit... :)

xx

I absolutely love this story. I love how awkward Edward is, it's very endearing. Keep writing!

I think I love even more in love with each chapter.

This is really good! The issues that they need to work out though are huge. I can see that it wil take time. It will be fun to see how it all works out.

Not the F word! I guess considering all that Edward has been through that friends is a good start.

great chapter....