I don't own Twilight but the A/N at the bottom of this chapter is mine. No comparison huh?

Irritable Grizzzly owns me. She fixed this whole damn thing.

If Becky didn't beta this, you all would send hate mail to my HS English teachers, curse them for passing ME, flame them for giving ME a school wide English award & throw stink bombs at them for placing ME in AP English! Those idiots!

The legal stuff to follow, I made every single bit of it up. I'm sure this is not how it happens.

::whispers:: "just pretend with me!"


~*X*~

Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.


~Maurice Sette
r

~*X*~

Please stay seated until the ride comes to a full stop. Do not unbuckle your safety harness until told to do so. This ride is still in motion and the end is not in sight...yet. HOLD ON & stay with me folks........

The dictionary says a sentence is a unit of one or more words, bearing minimal syntactic relation to the words that precede or follow it, often preceded and followed in speech by pauses, and typically expressing an independent statement, question, request, command, etc.

What Edward just said to me was a basic sentence, one with a verb and a noun. A statement.

As I watched the hours morph by on the digital clock, Edward's steady breathing on my chest, my eyes filled with tears and my mind raced. I thought of other simple sentences with six little words, ones that struck so much emotion within me as this one had:

"Bella Swan, will you marry me."

"I'm sorry Bella, I love her."

"Mrs. Newton, your baby is ...gone."

"Congratulations and welcome to our firm."

And now, "Bella, I think I love you," ranked up there at the top.

Oh my God!

Did he mean it? I mean like r-e-a-l-l-y mean it? He's clearly drunk and no doubt he's in mourning, so what am I supposed to think? Should I invest anything into a boozed up man's tearful confession?

My life had become such a tangled web of mixed emotions. Just like right now, how freaking amazing would it be if Edward really did love me, among the realms of true amour when a man and a woman declare such feelings and spend the rest of their days making each other happy?

But on the opposite end of that joy, there was fear and confusion and hesitation, even anger. I already revealed to Edward my opinion of love, he knows that I think it's a deceitful well from which we draw and draw and can never quench our thirst.

I almost wanted to wake him up and ask him, "What is love anyway?" I think I really don't know anymore. I mean I know I love my parents, but that was a given. I think I love Ethan, because I want the best for him, I care about him and his well being, but that still was a different kind of love.

Do I love Edward? I think I do, but in that way? I didn't know if I was capable. I thought I loved Mike, and I was prepared to spend the rest of my life with him, endure the bad while we sought out the good. But when it came down to what feeling I had for him, it wasn't enough. Was it even…love? Looking back I don't think it was because how can you harbor love and hate for the same person simultaneously? Or was love really capable of being so fleeting?

But Edward saying he loved me, like LOVES me-LOVES me, that was just...impossible... absurd... hopeless.

Impossible like finding a needle in a haystack, or having faith as small as a mustard seed that can move mountains. Almost possible.

Absurd like waiting on a pumpkin to become a carriage, or a frog to become a prince, totally logical in the hearts of innocent little girls everywhere, but in reality it's not going to happen.

Hopeless like stumbling upon oysters with pearls, or chancing upon diamonds buried in hardened magma, definitely out there, but I'll never be fortunate enough to find them.

But Edward loving me was also so...so magical, like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, or wishing on falling stars cutting through the night sky, or the glass slipper actually fitting...me.

So that left me lying here, on the verge of tears wondering what in the hell I was supposed to feel. All of these emotions set off a chain reaction, one causing the next. These chains were dragging me down, almost to the point that I was running out of energy to go on. I didn't know how much more I could take, and what scared me more than anything was that I didn't know if I could do this.

What was that old saying? "It's better to love and lost than never to have loved at all." I would like to argue that point because if I'd never loved before, I wouldn't cower from the what-ifs, I wouldn't tremble from the hurt, I wouldn't hide from the passion, and I sure as hell wouldn't think twice about loving Edward with all my being.

But the past promise of love was the flame that had charred my heart. It was now unknown if I would ever be capable of returning that sentiment to another, and time had never promised to be on my side.

My mind on full-tilt, my feelings on alert, I drifted in and out of sleep and watched the dawn peek in from behind the blinds and reflect off the gorgeous man who was now lying beside me. He looked so at peace in his slumber, no sadness, no worry. A dark scruff present on his sharp jaw line that I really just wanted to touch. To feel...him.

Edward, Edward, Edward, what have you done to me?

I must have drifted off to sleep again, because hours later I woke up and Ethan was on the floor playing with a puzzle. Edward was still in the bed with me. He was awake and obviously just had a shower. He was atop the covers, no shirt, oh man, button fly jeans - top button undone. The gray band of his boxers or briefs or what-the-hell-ever they were riding just a little higher on his torso than his jeans. He was barefoot and his legs were crossed. I let my eyes wander back up his frame, closing them briefly when they reached his happy trail and... his stomach... and his chest, so I wouldn't stare -- well not too much anyway.

His arms were folded behind his head and his hair was still wet, oddly lying flatter than I had ever seen it. That was the first time I'd ever witnessed Edward post-shower and he looked delectable.

But then I froze when I saw the anxiety on his brow, the anguish in his eyes, the sorrow on his lips. I saw a little boy who just lost his mother, heartbroken and grief-stricken.

I turned on my side to rest on my arm and face him. "Edward are you okay?"

He shook his head before turning to lie on his side to mirror me. I was reminded of my breakdown in the pool house many moons ago and now how the roles had reversed. "Bella, I'm sorry for last night, I..." Edward closed his eyes as he talked. A rush of panic spread through me. Which part was he apologizing for? He didn't mention those half-dozen words and neither did I.

Ignorance is bliss.

"I should have never drunk so much last night. This is all just so ...hard. Thank you for helping me out and being here. Damn! I just thought... I thought I was more prepared than this!" His voice rose above his normal tone.

"Edward, I owed you one or two." I smiled at him. "I don't know if you're aware, but your mother asked me to help you get through this...time. I promised her I would, but the thing is, she didn't have to ask, I would have done it anyway." I finally gave in and placed my hand on his cheek.

He sighed and covered my hand with his own.

As always seems to happen around Edward, I forgot who I was, who he was, and what we were. I just seemed to gravitate toward him, and it sometimes proved to be too difficult to hold back. Without even knowing it I was scooting closer to him on the bed, his eyes still emitting so much sorrow that I was drowning in it.

Our eyes were locked on each other and I just felt this need to comfort him. I reached for him and turned over onto my back, my head resting on the headboard. We ended up in the same position we were in last night, except this time his arms were wrapped around my waist, this time he wasn't drunk, and this time he didn't speak those six little magical words.

I felt him take in a deep breath as I leaned forward and kissed the top of his head. "Edward, once this very smart, wonderful man whom I care for very much told me something that I think I should pass on to you. He said everything is going to be okay and this too shall pass.I can't even pretend to know what you're going through. It's not going to be easy, but…with each passing day the sun will shine a little brighter and soon all this - it won't hurt so much."

"I know," he whispered, "but I already miss her."

How should I respond to that?

I don't know any other way than to just hold him tighter, be his friend, and remind him to be thankful that roses have thorns and cactus have blooms, and life around us - even when we don't want it to...it goes on.

~*X*~

Hours after Carlisle, Emmett, and Edward had left to go to the burial site right outside of Forks, I heard the familiar sound of the garage door opening and I knew they were back. Ethan and I had hung out in the sun room. It held some kind of allure for me. I found it peaceful and calming. He played by himself and I let my thoughts wander through the late winter-time spectacle in the forest before me.

My mind often drifted toward the Cullen men, Edward especially. Only time would tell how they handled Esme's passing. I felt like I was walking on egg shells around them, upsetting someone was the last thing I wanted to do, with my words or my actions. I was so deep in thought that when Edward appeared in the door and said my name, it startled me.

"Sorry to scare you. Can we just go...home now? I'm sure there will be people coming by and I'm not really in the mood for company."

"Of course, stay here with Ethan while I go pack our stuff."

An hour later Edward, Ethan and I were in the Volvo heading back to Seattle. Edward insisted that I drive. I thought he was probably tired. That was, until I noticed the six-pack he'd placed in a small cooler in the back seat.

I kept quiet. I didn't know what to say. I mean, I know that this has to be hard for him. And that drinking, whether it was a little or a lot, helped numb the pain somewhat, but I didn't know if I wanted myself or Ethan subjected to it anymore than we had to. So I kept my mouth shut, my grip on the steering wheel tighter than normal, my teeth constantly gnawing on the inside of my cheek, and my feelings were - hurt. I guess I had convinced myself that my and Ethan's mere presence would be enough for Edward to lean on. We would be the lifeline to pull him through, and even though his wounds were rather raw after only losing Esme days ago, where does one draw the line?

We spoke very little on the drive home. Ethan jabbered and we, or mainly I, responded to him as much as I could. Edward was distant, to say the least, and I wished he would offer up something, anything. I should have asked Esme what would be the best way to help him heal instead of going at this blindly. I felt so inadequate.

When we pulled up to Edward's place I already knew what I was going to do. When we walked in through the front door, I went straight back to Ethan's room and began to pack him an overnight bag.

"What are you doing?"

Oh! Now he decides to speak, leaning up on the door frame with his tie all loose and white button up shirt un-tucked and disheveled, looking all yummy even though he's an emotional mess.

Well at least it's not me this time.

Uh, wait, that's not true, I'm an emotional mess ALL of the time.

"Edward, I think you need some time alone, to um, deal with everything you're feeling right now." His shoulders slumped a bit and I forced myself to look away and continued to pack. "Just a day or so, or how ever long you need. I'll take Ethan with me and you...do whatever you need to do." My voice was hesitant. There had never been this kind of tension between us before.

"Bella...please." Even though my back was to him I was aware. I was conscious that he was on the move, I was mindful of the change in his tone of voice, and then I was very receptive to the fact that he was now standing right behind me with his hands on my waist. I quickly straightened my posture and I tried to get my feet to move, to step away, I really did, but they didn't heed my warning.

His hands haltingly slid forward around my waist and wrapped me up. His chest flush with my back, his lips to my ear, his intoxicated breath swirling around my neck, I closed my eyes to beg for my brassiness to come back.

Where is my damn spunk when I need it?

"Please don't go." Edward begged. Ethan came running by at just the point I was about to cave.

"I think it's best." I finally got my freaking legs to listen to me and I took a small step out of his grasp and turned to look in his eyes. "Trust me, I won't be far. I just…you need some time to grieve Edward. Crawl in the bed, get underneath the covers and let the tears come, let them water your soul. Let it out. Then after you do that, I'll be here."

He turned away from my gaze and looked at Ethan.

"He doesn't need to be around you...drinking and in this...this condition. Okay?" This time I approached him from the back as I raised my fingers up to run through the back of his hair. The feeling of the smooth silk gave me chills. "Let me help you."

He turned to me again and the pain, the affliction, the heartache he exuded was enough to bring tears to my eyes. "You're too good to me."

I scoffed, "You don't know what you're saying." The idea was nonsense to me.

"I mean it," and just like that our bodies were somehow inseparable again. I don't know if he came to me, or the other way around. As far as I knew it was just our magnetism drawing us together. His hands were on my face, mine on his sides. Tears were slowly creeping down his cheeks and mine were threatening to spill over. "You. Are. Too. Good. To. Me." Six more tiny words... His thumb was caressing my cheek, once more his touch teetered on being the straw that broke the swan's resolve.

DEAR GOD how I wanted to kiss him. I wanted to throw his sexy ass down on the floor and love him until he forgot about his pain. These instances when time stood still around us, when nothing else seemed to matter but us, when I wanted nothing more than for there to be an US, I know I'm about to have the biggest fall. I'll surely lose my way. I could feel it now, after I left I would long for his touch, I would miss his presence, and I would crave his warmth.

My loneliness has only become amplified.

I have to do something about this. Soon.

~*X*~

I took Ethan with me. Edward was silent, already slipping into his own purgatory of mourning and despair.

My loft was the farthest thing from child-proof but somehow we would get by.

~*X*~

It took less than twenty four hours before Edward showed up knocking on my door. I could tell he hadn't slept much, but he had finally shaved and his eyes, they sparkled momentarily when I opened the door.

"Hey."

"Hey, come on in."

Edward looked around. "What's wrong? Have you been crying?"

"It's nothing," I grinned as I wiped the tears from my eyes. "Come look." I took his hand and lead him to the couch. Ethan was sitting on his knees holding a toy in one hand and his sippy cup in the other. He jumped up and squealed at Edward while hugging his neck and crawling all over him.

"I don't understand, what is it Bella?" The look on Edward's face was priceless, I had totally thrown him for a loop.

"Ethan tell Bub what we've been doing."

Ethan jumped up, hunched his shoulders over, and jutted out his bottom teeth like a bulldog. He stomped around and proceeded to 'grrrrr' at Edward before he fell on the floor laughing at himself. Edward smiled, shrugged his shoulders and shook his head at me.

"Ethan tell Bub who you are." Ethan jumped up and ran over to stand at Edward's knees. "East," he giggled before he went back into pretend mode.

"Edward, Ethan and I just got finished watching Beauty and the Beast. He's acting like the Beast."

"Oh," Edward sounded out before nodding.

"And you know what? He thinks her name is Bella, like mine. He runs up to the TV and yells, 'LaLa' and then runs back to me and does the same thing. He's getting to be so smart."

"Yeah, I know, but I still don't understand why you're crying?"

"It's silly. I just haven't seen this movie in so long. It struck a little close to home."

"How so?"

I took a seat beside Edward on the couch. He leaned back, opening his arms across the couch and crossed his legs. I couldn't help but admire his good looks. I wondered if there would ever be a time I don't think he's the most gorgeous thing I'd have ever seen.

"Have you ever watched the movie?"

He shook his head.

"Well, we're going to watch it together in a minute then, but see, the Beast, he prefers his solitude because of this curse that has been placed upon him. He's all ruthless and angry. And then there is this rose," I swallowed really hard because roses are synonyms for so many things in my life, "it's magical and beautiful, and it holds the key to his future. If he finds his true love before the rose wilts and loses its pedals, the spell will be broken." I almost laughed at how ironic it was. Edward still looked confused.

"The thing is, the Beast is so caught up in the darkness of his curse, when the opportunity for love is practically thrown at his feet, he almost lets her slip away. But without realizing it, he falls in love with her. Belle's wants and needs become more important to him than the only thing he thought he needed, his freedom. His quest became not how to break the spell, but being able to see Belle happy, giving her what he thought she wanted, and in doing that - the sacrifice of self - he found the grandeur of true love. She was what he needed all along."

I recognized I sounded silly.

Edward confusion broke out into a crooked grin. "You are such a girl."

I swatted at him for making fun of me and he grabbed my wrists. He pulled me to him and my smile faded. "I missed you two." His grin slipped away and the sadness made another appearance in his eyes, his forehead, his face.

"Do you feel better?" I asked.

He released my wrists and pulled me to rest in his arms.

"I do, but the quiet, I don't like it so much. It was too... consuming."

He began to run his fingers through the ends of my hair and I closed my eyes.

"I'm sorry. It has the opposite effect on me. In my troubled times, I prefer the silence. I think when I am around others there is a certain facade I hide behind. But when I'm alone, I don't hold back, I can freely feel... whatever."

"You don't always have to hold back."

"I know."

"Bella.."

"Yes Edward?"

"I'm scared this ache won't ever go away. I don't want to be sad forever. I want to be able to think about her and smile, not feel empty inside."

"But you have to understand that this is one of those hurts that can only be healed with time. How about every time you feel blue, counter act that with a positive thought. Like a happy memory of your mother or something funny Ethan says. Just give it time."

"How did you get to be so smart?" He kissed the top of my head and hugged me tighter.

"I keep good company." I traced over the dark hair on his bare arms. "How about some supper?"

"I'd like that."

Edward joined me in the kitchen helping fix lasagna and Ethan sat on the floor driving his Match box cars. As the night wore on, I saw Edward smile a little more and I knew that his mood was already improving. It would be those noiseless times, when the mind was allowed to wander aimlessly, that would be hardest for him. I vowed to be there as much as I could. I would help turn his nightmares of grief into memories of delight and he wouldn't be unhappy forever.

We watched Beauty and the Beast after dinner and Edward wouldn't admit it but I think he actually liked the movie. He began to call me Belle so I returned the favor and named him Beast, though I felt like the roles were reversed. I was the Beast with the curse and the one who could break the evil spell that had been cast. Do I release him to follow his own wants? Or do I hold him captive? Or do I just allow fate to have control in steering the direction of my life?

Edward pulled me to my feet when the ballroom scene began. We danced to Mrs. Potts singing and drifted effortlessly around the tiny open floor of my loft. Edward could lead me in such a way that I felt as though I was floating. Ethan had fallen asleep on the make shift pallet on the floor and the early evening had turned to late night.

I didn't even have to ponder if I should ask him or not. There was no choice really. "Edward would you like to stay tonight? It's already so late."

"Are you sure?" he asked as our movements slowed.

"Yes, I don't want you to leave."

That was the first night Edward Cullen spent the night at my place. It was very innocent even after I invited him to sleep with me in my bed. I didn't have a fancy guest room like his and I knew from experience you're better off sleeping on the floor rather than my ragged couch, but a prince deserved the best you could offer.

We went to sleep both lying on our backs but woke up in each others' arms. As soon as the dawn tickled my closed lids, I felt two arms embracing me and I was blanketed by a warmth that could save a person from frostbite. I didn't want to move out of his hold, ever.

~*X*~

Our frequent sleepovers continued. Not every night, but enough. Always innocent. Always chaste and always left me wanting more. I knew I was the one who had laid down the boundaries of friendship, but what my heart longed for and my mind knew better than to give into, were two totally different things.

~*X*~

As I walked through the pharmacy picking up a few personal items, my Blackberry buzzed. I'd inadvertently stopped in the Holiday isle and being surrounded by hearts and teddy bears for Valentine's Day made me a little squeamish. I shivered and moved on as I glanced at the caller ID and quickly answered it. "Yes, Angela?"

"I just signed for a package for you, Ms. Swan." She tried to sound all professional, but then gave into her giddiness. "Do you want me to open it?"

"Go ahead, I'll be back in the office in ten."

~*X*~

I couldn't wait to get to Edward's place. The news I received today was what we'd been waiting for. This process was almost complete.

I practically ran in the door and tackled him with hug.

"What is it?"

I held up the manila folder. "Ethan's release from Russia. He can now become an American citizen if he is properly adopted. The Russian Social Service ran an announcement for thirty one days for an objection to your adoption. There was none."

His smile lit up the colossal apartment, "Are you serious? Now what?"

"Well, we have a court date to finalize this, February thirteenth. I turned the paperwork in today to the courthouse, and we're just waiting on a judge to sign the papers. You don't even have to attend court with me. I'll just go and wait for the judgment. Then it's done." Hearing those words tripped a panic alarm somewhere inside me, but I held it at bay. Being done with Edward's case meant changes were in store for us, possibly good or bad. I wasn't ready.

"I've got to call Carlisle. He has this trip planned for us as soon as the adoption is final. We're going on an Alaskan Cruise to celebrate. How about you go with us Bella?" I could practically feel the joy rolling off Edward.

"Oh no! I wouldn't impose on your family trip. Anyway, you guys need the bonding time."

"You wouldn't be imposing. Please go."

"Edward, I can't. I'll have loose ends to tie up once we're done and I have a job remember? I can't just go jetting off at the drop of a hat. I'm sorry. Go! Have fun! Bond!"

I didn't have the heart to tell him the real reason I couldn't go. After his case wrapped up, I would need all the space I could get, especially if things went sour. I couldn't go around expecting things to be as they were now. I would need some major Bella time to get my act together.

~*X*~

"Edward..."

He picked up on the first ring. "Bella?"

"Congratulations!"

He must have either dropped his cell or threw it because the noise was so loud on his end I had to pull my cell away from my ear.

"You're serious right? It's...final?" What I wouldn't give to see the smile on his face right now. Edward was officially a father.

"Yes, it is."

"Are you on your way here?"

"I have to go back to the office and file a few papers and then I'll be there." I was so proud of him. Somewhere in all this, it didn't seem that important to me that I won, not in regard to my career. It mattered that I had made Edward happy. I granted him the one request he wanted more than any other, and that placed me on top of the world.

"Hey Bella, Emmett's calling in, I have to go. We're going to have some friends over tonight to celebrate. Please hurry," I heard him pull the phone away from his mouth. "Yeah Dad, hang on."

"Sure, get to it. I'll see you soon."

"Okay...bye."

~*X*~

When I returned to my office, I smiled. I was really elated to have succeeded. But as soon as my coworkers were gone, their congrats finished, and my door closed why did I feel so... defeated? And why these damn tears? Nothing had changed... yet. Edward and I were still friends. He hadn't told me to hit the road or that he never wanted to see me again. So why did I feel like it was over when nothing had really began? I hated that a familiar panic had already begun to churn inside me.

I dried my tears and thought of Esme. She would be pleased today that she had a grandson. But what would she think of me? She would probably encourage me to stop being such a coward and go on and have fun. "Live a little. Enjoy the roses Bella. Don't pass them by!" I would hate to disappoint her, but I was scared right now. I refused to even look in the direction of the flower garden, for what awaited me there may just be the thing that breaks me in two.

~*X*~

I took my time going to Edward's. He probably didn't even notice I wasn't there.

Oh how wrong I was! It was comparable to a surprise party with everyone jumping around upon my arrival. Good gracious! All the people! I didn't know many of them, other than our small crowd and Carlisle. Everyone was so happy and hugging all over each other.

Alice was bounding around with her fancy camera again.

Edward welcomed me not long after I walked through the door. He lifted me up and spun me around, all the while saying, "Thank you, thank you, thank you." He sat me down, grabbed my cheeks with both hands and placed a big ol' fat kiss on my lips. Sadly, there was nothing sensual about it. It was just his excited display of affection.

I quickly found Rose and joined her for some wine. She was whining about Emmett leaving tomorrow and being gone for six days. "But Rose, he's gonna be with his dad, and brother and...Ethan. How can you be upset about that?"

"I'm not really." She took a big swig of her drink. "I just wish I could go." I didn't reveal to her that I had been invited, what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her.

As the night continued on, the cognizance of our situation began to weigh heavier and heavier on my shoulders. It was becoming harder to smile and interact.

I didn't even know half of all the people who were here and it made me feel like a stranger. Edward was busy being a wonderful host and I couldn't steal Ethan away from the spotlight if my name was James Bond.

Alice informed me that most of his visitors were former colleagues from PIH and some of his old college friends as well.

No lie, I found a little hiding place along the back wall where I could peer out the window at the Seattle skyline instead of the festivities around me. I was being a selfish, stupid, little girl. I didn't want to be here. Even though this was a time of celebration, this meant something more for me. It was over. I felt like the unknown had swallowed me up and I was lost. It was too late to guard my heart, I had fallen in love with Edward Cullen.

So many weeks ago, he said the words that should have made me the happiest woman on earth, but instead I was cowering in a corner, frightened of the reality of how he really felt. Nothing had been said to confirm this, no words had been etched in stone, and I may have even dreamed it. I had set myself up for heartbreak. The one thing I swore to never feel again had become so present in my heart that I was surprised it was still beating at all. Edward was not mine and Ethan...

About the same time I was practically having a panic attack, Edward's door swung open and three woman virtually glided into the room. The air around me filled with a buzz as the whole apartment seemed to fall into a hush. Two of the women were older, but the one up front, she was beautiful, even more so than Rose. Long strawberry blond hair, a black skin tight dress with the tallest stilettos I had ever witnessed. Her lips bright red and she looked to be about my age. But what froze my blood inside my veins was the way Edward's face lit up when he saw her. The way he lifted her in his arms, the same way he did me, but her embrace seemed to last forever. He didn't kiss her once, but twice. She was holding him so tight. He was spinning her slower than he did me. I closed my eyes, because if I saw much more I might faint.

Green doesn't look so good on me.

I finally heard her speak. "I've missed you so much Edward!" Even her voice was exquisite.

"I've missed you too Tanya! Where in the world have you been?"

I turned away and couldn't hear her response.

But then....

"I want to introduce you to someone." Edward boasted.

"I wanna see this little angel," She cooed.

I physically felt ill, like I was about to throw up, so I quickly made my way to the bathroom.

Taking deep breaths didn't help, and neither did splashing cold water on my face. My head was spinning and my vision blurred through my tears. I couldn't control my breathing and my heart was beating way too fast. My skin felt prickly and as if it was two hundred degrees and my whole body felt tired and achy. It even hurt to move and somewhere deep inside my soul, I felt empty. Lost. Broken.

Again.

I had to get out of there.

This was too much.

I found Rose and told her I felt sick and I had to leave. She offered to take me home. I refused.

I did not say to goodbye to Edward. Or Ethan. Or anyone else.

I escaped.

My heart said I had already lost them.

My mind said they were never really mine.

~*X*~

Everything is alright in the end. If it's not alright, then it's not the end
~Nadia

~*X*~


I want to say I am sorry that I don't respond to every review. I wish I could. But know that I read them over & over. In my times of self doubt they give me inspiration, so keep them coming. To those of you who rec this fic, you make me smile. The ones that fav/alert, I save your name in a file on my ancient desktop and I love that the list grows & grows.

I would be more than happy to discuss anything about this story, character development or personality traits, etc, if you have questions. I can justify everything that has happened so far. PM me, go to the Twi thread (link on profile) or tweet me: Mrs_Robward

Sorry I didn't update H&HG: EPOV, I intended to but RL got in the way, I am working on it. Soon. Gah..I love Edward. ~Stacy

Matthew 17:20, He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." ~NIV translation

~*x*~

'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
~Alfred Lord Tennyson

~*x*~

Lyrics to "Beauty & The Beast"

Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly

Just a little change
Small, to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast

Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong

Certain as the sun
Rising in the East
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast