Bella certainly isn't 'that' girl they all knew that's for sure. I thought their meeting was interesting. But I felt badly for them since Bella was a little aloof but seriously connected to Carlisle which is different. Wonder how they will all take their close relationship? Missing Edward, seven chapters in and no Edward?

Such an interesting premise to have Carlisle so intrigued by Bella's company. Their shared painting and shopping for the house seems so out of character for both of them that it's interesting to see that side to these characters. It's taking a lot for me to understand why Esme isn't with Carlisle, as he pointed out they are never apart and she's his life, well why is he so lighthearted around Bella doing chores he'd never do before. I mean if I was Esme I'd be a little ticked actually. Carlisle is enjoying letting human Bella decorate her home without him even telling his wife about her presence. Why wouldn't he at least discuss this with Esme? Anyway, it was a fun read but I don't know how all their close relationship will foster her and Edward at some point.

This was the best chapter yet. I really felt Carlisle as the father figure here and not one in awe of simply spending time with the new Bella. Carlisle's retelling of Edward's pain made me tear up. I could picture the three vampires finding Edward in that run down apartment slipping away and so very broken. I imagine what Edward found when he returned to Bella after that was he saw her regaining her life with Jake perhaps etc. Bella saying she would have taken him back then but not now because she's truly moved on and healed. Well good for her. It ought to be interesting to see E/B reunite as Bella is truly a different woman right now and I look forward seeing how Edward reacts to her.

Oh my a new threat?! I enjoyed this chapter because I didn't know what to expect. First I'm still a little off balance with this Carlisle in so much as he seems more Edward like in his attraction to Bella. He got all sorts of excited about the outing with her, got all human dressed up for it and it surprised me he'd be so excited about something he surely had had more experience with involving past history. I mean the vampire has lived over 300 years and visited and lived in many exotic places. So it was refreshing to see him delighted to spend time in an Oregon park with Bella. Where are the others btw? I do hope that when Edward shows up we see the same kind of excitement from him than we are seeing with Carlisle. I sorta want to see him end up with Bella now and that's so wrong because Carlisle is still the father figure to me and here he's like an equal to one of the young ones. Can't wait to see how this all pans out.

I do like this Bella but it's hard to see this more independent woman with Edward. I guess it's because I have 'seen' this Edward yet. All I see is a very different Carlisle, one who seems to have something going on with Bella here which confuses me if this is going to be B/E and not B/C. Where's Esme? Why is Carlisle so smitten with Bella? It's like he's a vampire going through a midlife crisis or something that he finds Bella and her new life so stimulating. Maybe I'm reading more into this and will just have to wait for Edward's return.

Meh. The first half of the story was great. You seemed to use the time B and E were apart to let B mature in a way she needed to in canon but took it to far. From the chapter she was changed she seemed to be overwhelmingly selfish and unlikable to the point her character was almost irredeemable. E became a soppy neurotic mess of a man and quite unattractive. In trying to keep this constructive I would suggest more balance and compromise needed to be found in their relationship in order for it to seem realistic - especially in a long term sense. That’s not to say they shouldn’t make mistakes, but these then get worked through to reach the compromise.

See Jasper and Alice make decisions together.

Edward is a push over, you’ve flipped the power dynamics between them too far.

I think it's bittersweet that the Cullens got their wish, Bella has gone on and living a happy, healthy life and seemingly better off for Edward leaving her. I think it's wrong though that Carlisle keeps from her the truth that Edward is struggling even today. She's an adult now, clearly strong and independent so I think she deserves the truth.

God, Bella is so unlikeable. I know she had been through a tough time but it’s no wonder Edward questioned her love because she is acting so selfishly. I don’t think many human relationships would thrive if one party just said my own wants are the most important and you need to fit into that - oh and btw I’m motivated by thrill seeking so essentially that’s more important than you too. But... if you want to follow me around like a puppy then fine. But only if my boss says it’s ok. Seriously!? Sucks to be Edward.

So far this story seems refreshingly 'different'. I can't imagine where you'll take Bella the police officer meeting up with Carlisle in another state but I'm in to find out. She certainly isn't the shy, timid girl we are used to. I wonder if her experience with the Cullens have left her cold and indifferent. I hope we see her as she seems, mature and hopefully multidimensional. I also hope there will be a new kind of romance too. Nice start.

Sounds good to me . This idea is new to me so, I’m excited.

Thank you for this great read. It was quite a different take on things. Thanks for sharing!

Knit

One chapter in and I’m intrigued! When I read the description of the story, I was sure Bella was coming into the hospital with an injury. Nice surprise!

She seems to be doing a good job wrapping her mind around the seismic change that’s happened to her. ‘I had to live it to the fullest I could; otherwise, I was wasting what I had been given in return for their loss.’
And ‘I had the forever I had once begged him for, and that was incredible compared to what the alternative had been.’
Sometimes this Bella seems disconnected from canon Bella. Of course she’s five years older, and between those two ages is a world of change. But with that last sentiment, at least she is connecting with her memories of the time before.

I also like that she was made uneasy by Rosalie's pointing out what their life would be liked if she remained human.

Snicker: ‘…I was doing the right thing stopping to hunt this beast. I was being sensible, a good newborn. The fact it meant our meeting with the Denali coven would be a little delayed was just a coincidence.’

I like that you cast Tanya as the leader of the coven. So many writers (including SM) give Eleazar the lead, just due to that Y chromosome I’m guessing. Tanya has so many years on him.

That’s for sure: ‘I couldn't spend eternity avoiding mentions of my human life.’

Irina doesn’t waste much time: “caused Laurent’s death”! I’m glad Tanya had the grace to apologize for him. Bella's got a point, though - why would the Denali clan have tried to protect Bella after the Cullens had deserted her? As I recall, in Eclipse they declined to help against Victoria's newborn army.

"Great," Emmett said bitterly. "A one-sided conversation. I love when he does this."
It’s not like Edward (and Alice) haven’t been asked not to do this 500 times a year. Or day.

Hmm, from Eleazar: "I have not felt a potential as strong as yours since I met Jane and Alec." Not the best company to be in – hopefully she’ll turn out better!

Good girl, setting her own boundaries: ‘I didn't want to be rude to Carlisle's old friend, but I didn't want to be a performing animal, either. This was about meeting each other and getting to know them; I wasn't here to test myself and my 'shield'.’

Eleazar: "Did you tell her nothing, Edward?"
That made me smile – for canon Edward that was par for the course. Bella’s had enough of that:
‘I fixed my eyes on Edward and said, "Tell me everything."’

Thank you for sparing us a recap of the Volturi and their talents. One of the things I liked least about BD was the parade of vampire superheros.