This was a very painful but beautiful story. You are an amazing writer, thank you for sharing.

I want more lol

Can’t believe it ended like this

This was a very well written, thought provoking, emotional journey for those involved...first, I can't help but "hate" Rose..no matter that she was just a young girl, she was obviously a selfish, self-centered, cruel girl to do what she did...no matter what Emmet may believe, by that age(18, I imagine) she has proven herself to be what she is. People don't change drastically from this age usually pretty set in their true character. Edward was ofc blaming himself more, as he should, but Rose was just as bad if not worse seducing a drunk, frustrated virgin no matter whether he had a gf. Sorry, but I hope Emmet will learn his lesson in the near future for betraying his own brother for a girl who deserves no happiness, since I expect she thought nothing of what she did to bella and Edward and their families by extension(except Emmet, apparently) Edward was definitely naive compared to Rose when it came to physical temptation. 6 yrs may be a long time but not sure this moving on w/the same person who betrayed you esp having the other part(Rose) being so visibly part of the family is a good thing...perhaps I'm too vindictive, selfish or just unforgiving...but this is something that shaped both bella and Edward...not sure how bella can fully forgive Edward for such a betrayal esp. since life sometimes gets tougher w/time and w/any stress that may derail even a solid couple w/o a history of betrayal such a this.

I really like this story

To play devil's advocate here. it bothers me that no one called this what it is. If roles were reversed, and it was Bella drunk at a party being taken advantage of, we'd call it rape. Not even date rape, because they never dated. Why do we assume that boys can't also be raped?

Edward's remorse, guilt and shame mirror those of a victim. He blames himself. He didn't protest loud enough. He didn't stop her in time. He shouldn't have drank so much. Doesn't sound like the remorse of a willing participant at all

Rosalie has much more to answer for than being the catalyst that ended a teenage romance. She took what she wanted from a vulnerable, impaired person, knowing that if they were able to respond coherently (sober), his answer would be NO. No means no. Even when the boy says it.

Based on that interpretation, there is no way Emmett would ever date the woman who raped his baby brother. Not sure what the statute of limitations is in Washington state but...

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Ok tossing in a minimal age difference. I’m here for it. Great chapter!

I wonder where this rabbit hole will lead. Great chapter!

6 years later I still re-read this every once in a while :) it just “hits different” as kids say these days lol

Finally getting around to read this.

Not justifying whatever Edward is about to do to Bella but 2 years, really. Did they at least do other things that did not involved actual intercourse to get each other off. Based on how uncomfortable Bella was (in previous chapters) about even being touched beyond the "safe" zone makes me wonder if they went beyond kissing. Yeah would like to understand why Bella couldn't go any further. I have to give Edward some credit for waiting all this time and its a shame that he was seduced and tempted. He could have easily broke up with her and get it somewhere else but that sex obviously wasn't the reason he was with Bella.

:)

I hear Carlisle’s point, and of course as Edward’s dad it’s his job to help him move forward, and of course he also wants him to feel better. BUT, I feel totally pissed at him on Bella’s behalf, and I think even a little on Edward’s, for the ‘maybe this happened because’... line. As though somehow it’s not something Edward DID.
I actually also really get how Edward allowed it to happen without really intentionally allowing it to happen. But...he still needs to take responsibility, not be told ‘sometimes these things happen for a reason.’
It wasn’t entirely his choice. In fact, if a girl lost her virginity that way we’d be saying she was taken advantage of and probably talking about date rape. There was nothing like enthusiastic consent given there.
But, while I would be in trouble for even thinking this if the same thing happened to Bella, I’m going to say this have is an opportunity for Edward to realise that while he didn’t make an active choice to say yes to Rosalie, he had a whole lot of opportunities to say no to veto is things he didn’t want. He didn’t take them. He has to take responsibility for that. It didn’t just ‘happen’ for some cosmic reason to force him to move on.
Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox now.

Those last two sentences brought tears.

It’s sweet to read true beginnings from his POV. And I think because I already know what’s coming for them, I’m dreading it less, and can appreciate the sweetness more this time.

I’m kinda looking forward to E’s POV but also sad to end Bella’s.