Friday, May 20, 2011

CBWR? Chapter 99

Author’s notes:
I always liked the story 101 Dalmatians, so this also works with my OCD. 
Yeah, this got too long.  Two more chapters to come, unless the next one gets too long, or…oh hell.  It’s still almost done.
"The state will hear from Mister Cullen."
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Chapter 99
“Relax.”
I scratched at the back of my head and tried not to yank at my hair too much.  I was practically sweating bullets, and wished I had skipped breakfast. 
“What if they don’t…”
“We’ve been over this,” Irina’s calming voice attempted to reassure me.  “This is your first parole hearing.  The chances of being granted parole is not great, so you have to be prepared for anything.  You’ve got good people on your side here, so just say what you need to say, and we’ll see what happens.”
I nodded.  I knew she was right, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to tear my hair out while I waited.  I didn't know what made me more nervous - the fact that the direction of my life could drastically change over the next couple of hours or because I would be in the same room with Bella.
Bella.
In person.
She was going to be here any minute, and seeing her in the flesh – not through the glass in the visitor’s cubicles – was just about as exciting as the idea of getting out. Since that day five years ago, I hadn’t been in the same room with her - not really, anyway.  Not somewhere where I could actually maybe touch her.  My heart pounded at the thought.  
I tried to remember what Irina told me yesterday.  I knew the chances of early parole weren't great, and I didn't want to get my hopes up.   As much as that was true, I was far more concerned about Bella.  I didn't want her to be disappointed when they said no.  She was going to see it as a huge set back, and I didn’t want to see the hurt and frustration in her eyes.  She had such high hopes, and I was far more terrified of her being crushed if parole was denied than the idea of another six months.
As if she could hear me thinking about her, Bella walked in the far side of the room along with the public attorney assigned to my case, my social worker - Nahuel Martinez, and Frank Banner – the head of the work program in the prison.  She was dressed in a modest kind of jumper dress and looking all kinds of beautiful.   Our eyes met for the briefest moment before the door on the opposite side of the room opened, and five people walked in, including the warden - two men, three women.
I swallowed hard, and tried to keep my focus towards those who were to decide my fate.  The woman in the center chair, who said her name was Emily Young, opened up the file folder in front of her and started to read.
"Parole hearing for inmate 2427289, Edward Cullen. Served six years, seven months of a ten to fifteen year sentence for second degree rape.  Five hundred twelve days earned for behavior, been involved in extensive counseling for the past five years..."
She went on a bit, and I tried to at least look like I was paying attention, when I was really shaking in my fucking boots.  I was beyond terrified.  I’d faced death dozens of times, but never felt like this before.  I didn’t feel this scared when I walked into this place.  I guess that kind of went to show how much I had learned.
Okay, so my hopes were up.
Fucking sue me.
"The state will hear from Mister Cullen."
As many times as Irina and I had talked about it, and as many times as I had practiced it in my head, I still wasn’t ready.  I stood up slowly and tried to wipe the sweat off my palms as I rose.
“I…um…I’m Edward Cullen…”  Okay, fucking brilliant start.  “Sorry…you know that…”
Shit – this was not starting well!
I tried a long slow breath to calm myself down so I could focus, and then I tried again.
“When I got here I was in a pretty bad place, and I had done something really…um…horrible.   I understood that when I plead guilty.  At the time, I didn’t really want to hurt anyone…I just didn’t understand.  Once I realized it, I knew I had to pay for what I had done.”
“I’ve spent my time here trying to figure myself out,” I continued.  “My counselor has been really awesome for that.  She’s helped me figure out how I got screwed up in the first place, and I’m really trying to make sure that I don’t get back in that place again.  I want to go out there and be a real person…um…with a wife and a house and maybe even a whole family some day.  I want to get a real, legitimate job and just do things they way you’re supposed to do them.”
I took one last, long, deep breath and looked at the parole board straight on.
“I don’t plan on ever being back here again.  I have a simply incredible woman who’s agreed to marry me despite what I’ve put her through, and I just want the chance to be the best husband I can be for her, the best person I can be for society, and the best man I can be…for myself.”
I mumbled something like thank you, and then quickly sat back down before I fell over.  I felt Irina’s hand on my arm trying to steady me and glanced up to her smile.  I guess I hadn’t done too badly.  She spoke next, talking about my progress in therapy and how far I had come since she first met me.
“The state will now hear from the victim, Isabella Swan.”
I turned to her and watched her stand slowly.  She glanced to me for a second, but then straightened her shoulders and stared into the faces before her. 
I had no idea what she was going to say, and out of all the words spilled forth from her mouth – talking about everything I had accomplished while I was here in prison, from helping to support her, getting my GED, to going to therapy – it was the last few sentences that would live with me forever.
“Edward Cullen today is not the same man who raped me all those years ago.  The person who raped me was nothing more than a scared little boy who had no idea how to relate to people or how to care about them.  He is a different person today, and one who I believe will continue to learn to grow and love in the years to come.  He had paid for his crime against me, and I have forgiven him.  He now deserves the chance to prove that he can be the loving, generous man who has always been locked away in his heart.”
She sat back down and held her hands clasped together in her lap, looking straight down at the table.  It was killing me to not be able to go to her – to hold her and tell her I was there for her.  I closed my eyes and tried to imagine myself doing it, hoping that if I thought about it hard enough it would eventually come true.
Banner talked next about how much I had done in the kitchens – improving the nutritional value of inmates’ meals without increasing their prices, and helping them to earn some sort of high grade for such shit from the state.  I barely heard any of it, because all I could hear was Bella’s voice echoing in my mind, and all I could see was her picture-perfect profile out of the corner of my eye.
The parole board looked back and forth at each other, leaned in and made some hushed comments, wrote things on papers to pass around, and eventually seemed to come to some sort of consensus.
Way too soon.
Emily Young looked up and me as she unfolded the paper in her hands. 
“Edward Cullen, in light of your heinous crime as well as the handful of infractions during your time here – one of which was serious – I am inclined to not consider you as a candidate for early parole.”
I felt every muscle in my body tighten up, and I couldn’t breathe.  I heard Bella’s slight intake of breath and saw her hand move to cover her mouth out of the corner of my eye.
“However,” Ms. Young continued, “considering the recommendation from your counselor, and the eloquent words of your victim, this parole board has decided to grant your request.”
“Yes!” I shouted, and I had to place my hands against the table to keep myself from falling over.  Bella was thanking God over and over again, and even Irina was beaming from ear to ear.  I would have just gotten up and gone over to Bella, who now had tears running down her face, but Ms Young banged her gavel heavily on the table, silencing us all.
“Mister Cullen,” she continued.  “There are several conditions of your parole, which will be provided to you in detail, but there are a few I want to go over with you now.  You will be required to visit with your assigned parole officer weekly for a two year period from your release.”
I nodded emphatically.  Two years, once a week visits – shit, once a day visits – I didn’t fucking care.
“You are not to leave this state.  You will be required to actively seek employment, and maintain that employment during this time as well.  You will continue your treatment with Ms. Denali, and you will also be placed on the national sexual offenders listing for this period of time.”
I took a deep breath.  I knew that was to come, and it was something I had talked about both with Bella and Irina.  It was going to make it very hard for Bella to get a full-time job as a school teacher when she had a husband on the list, and…and…
Wait…what did she say?
“Period of time?”  I heard myself repeat.
“Correct,” she said.  “For a period of two years.  As long as you meet all the conditions of your parole and keep to the restrictions of your parole, you will no longer be required to attend counseling, you may relocate out of state, and you will be removed from the listing at that time.”
“It’s not…not permanent?”
“I’ve reviewed your case extensively, Mister Cullen,” Ms. Young told me.  “The reason for the sex offenders listing is to provide the public with information to keep their families safe from repeat offenders.  Between the details of your exact crime and the notes from Irina Denali, I do not believe you are likely to be a repeat offender.  You aren’t going to prove me wrong, are you?”
“No!”  I tried to catch my breath.  “No, ma’am!”
“Good.”  She held the papers out in front of her and tapped them down on the desk until they were all even.  “Congratulations, Mister Cullen.  Release date set for one week from today.”
She picked up an ink stamp and slammed it down against the paper before pushing it off to the guy on her left, standing up, and leaving the room.
I just sat there in shock until I felt Bella’s fingers against my cheek.  I turned into her, wrapping my arms around her waist and placing my face into her stomach.  Her hands wrapped around my head, and her fingers stroked my hair.
“I love you,” I mumbled against the fabric of her dress.
“I love you too, Edward,” she replied.  “One week, and I’m going to be yours forever.
Sweeter words had never been spoken, right?
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Chapter end notes:
Just a few more things to wrap up with the next chapter, which should be the last “Real” chapter before the epi.
Stop by the forum and give a shout!

107 comments:

  1.  Your words recalled by him that that one night in paris would be their only night together are still haunting me.

    Please let them be together and HEA . . . lemons would be nice, too after all the angst~

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  2. Ah, now I can go to sleep happy. :)

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  3. Fabulous chapter! I can't wait for more ;)

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  4.  <3333333333333
    That was so sweet. I was afraid you're going to pull a Shawshank parole hearing on us with this, and was glad to see you didn't. LOL

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  5. Ooh! He's free - free! and in two years, no listing!
    So happy for him, and Bella. Boy, those 6 years flew by fast, seems like they were in Paris only a few days ago!
    So sorry to see this come to an end - but thanx for all you've written!
    (BTW, if this posts more than once, please delete extras! I ALWAYS have trouble posting comments to this story!) 
     

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  6. wow you actually made something go their way?  yeah the bigger question is what is he going to do now that he is out?  i hope it keeps going their way... i can't believe we are at the end!!! 

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  7. Dear Shay,

    Well, back to bawling my eyes out again!  This was such a wonderful chapter.  Look how far your formerly-Doofus has come!  I cannot really call him that any longer, as he has redeemed himself in everyone's eyes, including his own!  I am so, so happy for them!  I seriously didn't think this would come out OK......so we get two (2) more chappies?  Yippee!!! 

    Thank you so much for this incredible story, and the journey you lead us on.  I will never forget this....tops my all-time favorite list!

    with gratitude,
    xoxoSus

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  8. Yey!!!  is it totally insane to be so happy for a fictional character?




    some time i feel like i am a little girl playing Barby with my friends.

    but this time is Edward and not Ken.


    thanks or the update shay.  =D

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  9. I hope Alice and Rose, and the whole crew come to the wedding. That would make for one wild reception.

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  10. *Sigh of relief.*

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  11. Wow, I totally wasn't worried about things getting effed up from here until I read that first review about their night in paris being the only one. Now she's got me all paranoid!

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  12. What a gratifying chapter.  Ideally, this is what is supposed to happen as a result of incarceration.  The inmate rehabilitates himself & society gives him/her a second chance.  Unfortunately, RL doesn't always work that way but we can keep the faith & hope.

    You have written a number of memorable Edwards but IMHO this one is your most compelling - as demonstrated by the passionate response that you get to each & every update.  He is by far my favorite.  

    I know you have a couple more chapters left to go but congrats & thank you for allowing us to come along for the ride.

    Our boy is Doofusward no more....

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  13.  OMG SO SO GOOD!

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  14.  It has been a long day waiting for this chapter, not as long as the time in jail has been for Bella and Edward. But every tough thing gets an amazing reward, they are getting theirs. He is getting out in one week!!!! And then after two years they can really start a new life with a clean slate where ever they want to!!!! That was really unexpected, appreciated and wonderful!!! He has done good and right and he had people right there next to him to show support and talk on his behalf. He is a changed man who has paid for what he did and who deservers, finally, his chance at happiness!!!
    And still this is bitter-sweet, the story is now almost over!!! I want to cry, both of joy and sadness. 

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  15. im screaming like a lady in church thank you jesus!!!!!!

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  16. Awwww, our Doofus it's finally getting out. We should make him a welcome back party.

    Loved the chapter!

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  17.  Yay! I'm relieved he won't be on that list forever. Now just give us that Swiss bank account, and we'll be happy campers here!

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  18. YaY for Edward and Bella!!!
     

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  19. you've gone and made me all weepy--- again. And he got to put his hands on Bella. That was most likely more precious to him than being granted parole. .. is there anyway, Alice, Rose, Emmett secured his finances all those years ago into a safehold somewhere? Even though Alice always just wants to shoot his ass...  was just wondering since all his accounts just--disappeared. 

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  20. Thanks for the chapter and for having Doofy only be on the RSE list for a couple of years.  Please don't kill him off before his name is good again, eh? 

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  21.  aw...sweetness.  little sobs, happy sobs!!!!
    you scared me for a minute, bit I figured you would say he was granted release.  thank  God!
    you're the best ever.

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  22. YES!!!! YES YES YES YYYYEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

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  23. OH. THANK. GOD! One for this chapter FINALLY showing up (I was starting to go through withdrawls. Cursing random obscenities, stomping around the house, and heart palpitations. Yeah, it wasn't pretty.) and two because it put us on track for our HEA. We knew Edward had it in him, and now we get to see him in action. So happy he doesn't have to stay on "the list". I had actually wondered about that since his was an unusual set of circumstances. I am so in love with this story and Savage is the awesomest writer. Thanks so much for being my enabler. ;)

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  24. After reading this chapter I can go to sleep peacefully.
    Edward deserved a second chance and I am very happy that he was given the opportunity.

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  25. Yeahh, he deserves to get out early, he really has worked hard.  Now if he can just avoid getting shanked or raped in the next week it should all be good....right? 

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  26. That is awesome.  So happy for them.  He did the crime, and paid the time...and now they can be together...yay!!! 
    So hoping Alice and crew have decided to move on with their lives as well!  We aren't going to find Alice waiting in a dark alley are we??  And what about all his money?  Did they really take it ALL???

    I can't see Eddie working at McD's after all that.  Job hunting could be a challenge (especially in this economy...lol) 

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  27. Great news!  Now. the hard part begins - will he be able to accept a lower middle class life? No more Mr. Big Bucks? 

    Kinda surprised that Renee didn't show up, protesting vehemently all that E put her through. I suck at FF predictions! 

    B could get a job at a community college or university. No one will care what her hub does. Hell, they might even invite him in as a guest lecturer.

    xx

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  28. Savage - you're tugging at my heart strings! 

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  29. Bawling again. Bella's speech did me in. *wipes tears/blows nose*. Ok now I can continue.....yay Edward's getting out! Whoo hoo! He has grown sooo much. Can't wait to see how he manages out of prison. Mwah!

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  30. I'm so happy at the way this turned out. I can't wait to see the last two chapters.

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  31. Beautiful and intense chapter... as always really enjoyed reading it... twice. I noticed that Edward talked about how he has changed, what he has learned about himself, that he knows he did a horrible thing that he needed to be punished for, stated his goals for the future... being a productive member of society and a better person and loving husband which was well worded and impactful but he never said he regretted what he did, or that he was sorry for the people he has hurt especially Bella. That is a huge thing for him to leave out, I think. I guess he was nervous and thought it was understood, I guess. I thought when it appeared his parole was going to be denied that this would be the reason why... that he never stated any feelings of remorse for his actions. Bella and Irina certainly know he feels it and perhaps it was stated in Irina's report, but I'm surprised that he didn't say it and that they who sat in judgement of him did not call him out on it. Having said that though he said a lot of things like knowing he deserved to be punished for his haneous actions and his well thought out plans for the future probably did go over well. You know I always wonder when people talk about how sorry they are for hurting the victim if they are just saying that because they think they have to and whether the panel of judges knows when they are being handed up BS. I guess their BS detecters are pretty good, eh?  Anyways, very moving chapter and you know you have managed to stick to 100 chapters of the main story and then the Epilogue after that... kind of an outtake. So congrats.  I really love this story so much. I think I will have to read it again. I can't let go of Eddie and Bella just yet. When I read Twilight and the rest of the Saga I had to read it three times before I could finally let it go... Then I found Fan Fiction/Twilighted and the rest is history. LOL! Looking forward to the next chapter with sadness, trepidation and resolution. I sure hope nothing happens to Edward in his final week. Oh boy.... 

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  32. Yay! He got early parole and can be with Bella in one week. Can't wait for tomorrows installment. I've been checking all day long for an update, came home from a graduation ceremony and thank you very much. Loved his words to the panel and also Bella's statement to them. So glad he won't be on the list for more than 2 years.

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  33. "the eloquent words of your victim,"??? 

    lol Bella's speech sounded like she scribbled it down on a receipt from the bottom of her purse while she was waiting for the hearing to start. haha Was that intentionally half assed or am I the only one that felt that way? She's almost 30 now and all she could come up with was 'he was a scared little boy'? 

    Maybe I'm still blaming her for landing him in jail in the first place. I'm one of those 'its not a crime unless you get caught' type of people. Yes, I know I'm going to hell... So she's just continued to drive me crazy over the last few chapters. I'm having a really hard time getting over the time lapse, all those wasted years. I know they are easy to over look when reading a story but I just cant reconcile them in my mind. 

    I still think Bella's frighteningly immature; which is odd because I thought she was very strong up until Edward went to jail. It think it was the whole, parents were able to keep her from sending letters thing. I'm 20, only a few years older than she was at that age, and I just can't imagine allowing my parents to keep me from doing anything I was truly set on, as legal adult. 

    It's not really that I don't think Edward deserved to do the time, its just that Bella landed him there on accident. Oops, I put you in jail, but its only 8 years, right? Oops you got prison raped but at least I can forgive you now, right? I would respect her more If she intentionally sent him to jail than if it was just her carelessness that got him there and her inability to be proactive in his defense that sealed the deal. "Oh they called me a hostile witness and I thought that was bad!" Instead of doing a little research and realizing that it doesn't mater what they put her up there, expecting her to say, she can tell them whatever she wants once she's on the stand. 

    I guess maybe Edward's emotional immaturity would make it easy for him to overlook all her silly mistakes and actions that have ruined his life after he did so much to set what he did right. Can we honestly say that sitting in a jail cell showed more remorse than risking his life and all his connections to take out a powerful human trafficing ring? 

    I know everyone's excited about a HEA but sometimes I just don't see the appeal. 

    Great story though. Very interesting all the way through. Thanks for sharing. 

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  34. Their "wedding night" in  Paris was awesome wasn't it?  I remember the thoughts Edward had that night... the night of Bella's birthday, and they freaked me out too but they were "if this is our only time we are ever together like this" - making love, NOT their only night together. So don't worry, they made love again that night as I recall. He was just being paranoid that's all. 

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  35. TY  Savage ..... PERFECT... It's great how you have managed to take us through the years....xo looking forward to tomorrow.. xoxox

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  36. Hallejulah!  Free at last.  The early chapters we got to caring for our doofus, really loving him, pulling for him & Bella.  So when you threw him in the clink for rape, well it turned the story to a downer.  I miss the dialog and the lemons and the fun.  Perhaps we can return to those days....... 

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  37. You certainly built up the suspense there, dear Shay! Till the very end rhere, I wasn't sure which way the board's decision would go. (You have fast forwarded the story in other places, for all I knew you'd deny his first request!) Whew!

    Both Edward and Bella's words were so heartfelt - you could really sense the emotion, hope and honesty behind them. That moment, when Bella reached Edward and he wrapped his arms around her waist was so sweet - I felt like you could really sense his relief and happiness around just being able to touch her. *sigh* I certainly not holding you

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  38. ....whoops! Darn NookColor and its hyper sensitive touch screen! I hit send before I finished!

    As I was saying: I'm not holding you to a number here! Write their story as you see fit, dear author!

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  39. Oh, thank GOODNESS!  I am so proud of Edward in this story. 

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  40. I'm so freaking happy for them. They've been through alot I can imagine going though all of that and still keep on going and they did. Thanks for the great writing.

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  41. Oh i am going to be so sad when  this is over yet another couple i would like to read about forever 

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  42. It's like Edward has done a complete 360. It's a whole new Edward. He is a stronger man now. And we love him even more for it. 

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  43. Okay, I'm opening that bottle of champagne I have in my fridge right now. It's time to fucking celebrate.

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  44.  Dios, realmente se ve el cambio que ha tenido Edward, se merece esta oportunidad, y Bella me parece muy inmadura e insegura todavía a pesar de todo lo que ha pasado  ya hasta terminó la U, ha pasado un montón de tiempo y ella se comporta como cuando él la compró, no sé esperaba una Bella más preparada y realmente salió con eso de que era un niño inmaduro??????  realmente ??????

      no puedo creer que se va a terminar esta historia, he sufrido, reído, llorado, me he lamentado, dios me ha hecho pasar por tantos estados de ánimo.Savage es necesario que te envíe una muy grande felicitación, escribes muy bien, es primera vez que te envío un review y es por que no se si podrás traducir y leer lo que te escribo, he leído todas tus historias, pero ésta me ha mantenido enganchada, amo a todos tus Edward`s sobre todo "Judging Books" es tan tierno,- pero el de ésta historia me fascina tan grosero y crudo- lo amo con todo mi corazón, bueno no te entretengo mas te mando un abrazo desde Venezuela

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  45. LOVED the chap, but his standard closing question made me nervous. Not writing more bc the kids will wake me in a few hours. WHY am I reading?! :)

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  46. He gets early parole, and he is only on the list for two years.  Sounds like a double win to me!!!! 

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  47. Hi, unless you plan a twist of fate and somebody come and kills Edward and/or Bella when they are on the verge of happiness (DON'T, I'LL COME AND HAUNT YOU - PLUS IT WILL MAKE THOSE READERS WHO COULD NOT FORGIVE EDWARD NO MATTER WHAT, ONLY  TOO SMUG), I am not enthusiastic about the last chapters. Dramatically speaking, the story should have ended with the suicide attempt and Bella coming to the rescue. An epi should just have said briefly the things that have happened in the last two chapters.
    Camilla

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  48. awwwwww ... *wipes the tears away* im so happy
    omg FINALLY .. it was perfect thank u .. he's so strong now .. he's a new Edward and Bella was right .. b4 he was just a scared little boy who didn't know how to communicate or care for anyone ..
    he paid for what he did and Bella forgave him .. they'r both over it now .. it's time they begin living their life and having their HEA .. sigh

    i wud hunt u down too if u get Alice to kill him right out of prison .. i wud seriously hate u for ruining it for me .. it's such a beautiful story and deserves a beautiful ending 

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  49. Awe... He really has grown a lot.

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  50. 101 is better than 100.  :-)  Still wish there were more, though! 

    I was a bit worried there for a moment when it sounded like they were rejecting him, but thank goodness they didn't.  And is the sex offenders list really on a case by case basis like that?  I guess I always assumed it was automatic...but it makes sense that it isn't.  They can all see that Edward won't be a repeat offender.  I am so, SO glad that he won't be on the list permanently, because that would have been something following them for the rest of their lives, making things difficult.  Thank you for not putting them through that, Savage! 

    So, one more chapter and then the epilogue...am I allowed to cry now? 

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  51.  I formally request a part 2 of this story. Oh shucks you will prob wrap everything and explain their whole dang life in the remaining chapters. Not fair. I want more. Ha.

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  52.  omg i'm so happy and relieved and excited and bawling...it's so frickin excellent! it's so sad that they've been through so much and all they want is to be together always and be happy. edward has truly changed so much and i do hope that what they do from now on will just be for them and no-one else. i love that they're so in love and soon they can put it all behind them and get on with their lives and having and enjoying each other!!yay!

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  53. I am happy to read about the parole. Edward and Bella can get their lives back now. It was very interesting for me to follow the story after Edward went to jail. The things, which I appreciate most in this part of the story, are the devastating way life turned out to be for Bella and her family, Edward's heartbreaking dilemma and fear about writing to Bella, Irina's crucial help and support, and the way Bella and Edward worked together to cope with their problems after their reunion. This difficult story was resolved in a believable way. It is one of the stories, which has affected me most. Thank you for writing it!

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  54. Oh lordy! I'm quietly relieved but terrified that a Last minute death/ assassination/ change of mind or terminal illness will occur.... Please give these two a HEA, flowers, hearts, butterflies and a home full of green eyed babies! I think they've earned it! Lol! Great chapter x

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  55.  You are absolutely right, and if this was an actual novel, it would have ended about there.  But, being FF...there has to be at least one more lemon. ;)

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  56. Oh...a parole board who looks at the facts...I wish all of them worked that way!

    I WAS holding my breath! 

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  57. OMG...I was like holding my breath waiting for the verdict!  UGH!  I love Edward!  He is in such a better place now.  :) 

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  58.  OMG!  I just threw my phone up in air.  THE IPHONE IS NOT CONFETTI! But there should be an app for that.  YAY! Go Edward.

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  59. Brilliant chapter, loved it.  And, in truth, despite Irina telling him that he shouldn't get his hopes up at a first parole hearing, it seemed to me that the parole board had to recognise that Edward was a truly rehabilitated man in every sense of the word, and the fact that his "victim" had not only forgiven him but wants to marry him had to be the persuading factor in granting early parole.  I don't know about America, but here in the UK it is also a fact that sex offenders can be given a limited period on the list in similar circumstances - there is, after all, a big difference between a predatory paedophile molesting pre-teen girls and a man who gets a blowjob from a 17 year old girl, followed by completely consensual sex within the context of marriage.

    It seems to me that Edward could probably now get a job as a vegetarian cook - if America is anything like the UK, there are loads of such restaurants popping up all over the place now, and he would get a great reference from Mr Banner.

    I was wondering whether Edward ever got a response from Renee or whether she and Bella have been reconciled.  Perhaps she will just turn up out of the blue at their wedding - I know it must be almost impossible for her to forgive Edward, as she must, at the very least, blame him for Charlie's death, but if Bella can forgive him and find something in him to love, then for her beloved daughter's sake I hope she can find it in her heart to at least support Bella's choice, even if she can't bring herself to like Edward. 

    I'm so pleased we're getting an extra chapter, as I really wanted to see how these two fare in life away from the circumstances which brought them together and without Edward's issues and lifestyle causing conflict.  They have a great chance at happiness, although I don't doubt there will be troubles ahead for them, especially whilst Edward remains on the sex offenders list, but they got through 8 years of him in prison, never able to touch or be intimate in any way, so I think they have every chance of overcoming any obstacles thrown at them once they are together.

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  60. Im so happy for them! 
     

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  61. Arghhhh you teased me!  I thought this was gonna be a long one!   Why do I have a sneaking suspicion that something is going to happen!  

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  62. I cried. Literally.

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  63.  This is what I like to see - good, honest criticism, taken in that spirit!

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  64.  Interesting point to ponder..."Can we honestly say that sitting in a jail cell showed more remorse than risking his life and all his connections to take out a powerful human trafficing ring?'

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  65. Thank you. I like how this story is going. I find it rewarding to read about a persons rehabilitation.

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  66. So Doofus is getting out now! He and Bella can maybe try and build a life together? They really love each other a lot and they both have been thru hell! Thanks for sharing their story! I have enjoyed each chapter and will be sad to see it end!.....karen

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  67. I think that when Bella said that Edward was just a scared little boy, she meant that he had not evolved at all since his childhood - he was isolated, indifferent, not thinking, not knowing how to make anybody stay with him.Though Bella's parents didn't let Bella send letters, she sent them each month, but she didn't know how to address them properly, and Edward received them much later.It was believable and in character for Bella to call her parents. She was very concerned about them, she felt that she had to do this for them. She chose to ignored the risk and paid for this with years of guilt and depression, as we see from her letter. I suppose that if Bella testified, it could make things worse for Edward. She would be made to tell how she was raped, and even the fact that she would defend Edward could be interpreted against him - she could be considered brain-washed or a victim of Stockholm Syndrome."Can we honestly say that sitting in a jail cell showed more remorse than risking his life and all his connections to take out a powerful human trafficking ring?" - he was accused of rape and he realized that he had actually done this to the woman he loved.  He couldn't deny what he had done in front of Bella, he needed to show her that he understood what he had done to her and his way of doing this was to admit his crime and be punished. He wanted her to get justice, this was what he thought he deserved. They suffered a lot because of his decision, but if he didn't do this, he would always feel like a cheater, would feel guilty both for his crime and for escaping from justice, and he would never feel worthy of Bella. 

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  68.  Here's my take on it as I READ the story, not as I write it - if you know what I mean.  When Edward took out Aro's organization, he did it for vengeance for Bella, yes - but he also had nothing to lose.  He didn't really consider the risk to his life, because he was completely apathetic about life itself.

    Now, when he plead guilty, he was giving up a potential life that he wanted - one where I could have moved his company to Seattle, lied about how he and Bella met and maybe managed to get her parents to accept him eventually.  When he plead guilty, he lost everything.  It's not the act of sitting in the jail cell that is his penance, it's what he missed out on while he was there.

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  69. Oh Savage your computer commands my heart! I live for every update you send and now soon I will only have UC, but this once little snacklette of a chapter story that irked me in many ways at the beginning...started to command my heart and then it took over and now it consumes it!!You have me just where you want me and now it has two more chapter until THE END!! YOU WICKED WICKED  WOMAN! But I would have it no other way as you have kept me on the rollarcoaster of emotions and feed my concience questions when all I wanted was Edward and Bella to figure out their shit and be together... well so did you...but in a way that you feed my mind new thoughts I would have never had without you writing this story the way you did! Thanks for cracking my shell and knowing how to put it back together again without really knowing you were doing it..I didn't know it either until these last five or so chapters and as you know..its not easy putting an egg shell back together..so thanks for this tantilizing story that healed more than your main character...you done good!! Writing and reading is so damn theraputic..no I don't have to go to theraphy now...haha..yahooo!! These characters are amazing..you bring such life to them..never a dull moment! I ain't gonna lie..might have to stalk your hinney for more!!!! YOUR AWESOME!

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  70. thank you god aka Savage for let him out of jail. will you tell us what happened to all his money, hope those F* did take it all the should do some jail time too, hope you have a nice weekend with your family look foward to your next story:)

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  71.  Gosh...6 long years. I cannot believe it and Bella is still there. I cannot wait until he is out ! How much he has changed...matured....a new man. A man that can give her everything !

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  72.  No, he said something along the lines of "had I known then that it would be our only night together, i wouldn;t have tole her.  even then"  referring to telling her he loved her!

    That's what keeps scaring me!

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  73. Not sure about every state. But I thought it was lifetime and that it also meant if they had kids some day he couldn't even attend school functions.
     

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  74. See Savage's answer to Camilla10's comment :). 

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  75. awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, *tears of joy*
    I'm happy in sooooooooooooooo many ways i cant evn express!!!! 

    Here we hav a guy who seen so much shit growin up in his life that he makes a whole heap of bad decisions and ended up in a whole heap of unforgivable mess as a result. In the process, he hates, he lashes out, he berates, he disregards evry1 and evryting around him but he also learns to understand, respect, express, reach out, care, assume responsibility and love others but most importantly himself!!!!!. He's grown sooo much since meetin Bella an alot more during his jail time!!!!!! His biggest accomplishment 2 me wud hav 2 b realizin his mistakes, coming to terms wit his actions and pleading guilty on his own.This shows that he understood that there was a price 2 pay not only for wat he had done 2 Bella but all the shit he's done his entire life and as such, he was able 2 get the help he needed and heal from his infractions.

    I'm so glad for his turnaround.......he's gonna get out n be all he can be for his Bella!!!!!!! this chapt made me cry cuz it made me reflect on the entire story!!!!! Really da best!!!!!! Thnx for evryting @savage7289:disqus *no wait, it isnt done yet* One more chapt to go........DONT STOP.....GET IT GET IT!!!!!!!  hahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

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  76.  Oh, a confetti app - why the heck not, with or without noise too! - dang I wish I was clever enough to put that out there!

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  77. YES! *JUMPS UP AND DOWN* Edward is going to get out. I love it. I can't wait for the next update. 

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  78. I obviously understand what she was insinuating when she called him a scared little boy, I'm just saying her speech seemed painfully rudimentary. We know the story, so we can jump to the right conclusions. But to use such a plain and vague speech when it was a major element to getting him out of prison, I thought it was sorely lacking. 

    I also never said that it was out of character for Bella to call her parents, I was just saying that it was a careless and thoughtless move that ended up losing Edward the most important years of his life.

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  79. wondering how he will survive outside prison. it's hard for a convict to get a real legitimate job

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  80.  *crying and happy dancing*

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  81. wow! and he gets to go home to his woman! awesome! 

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  82.  This makes the whole wedding argument moot ^_^ I'm glad he'll be out soon. 

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  83. Very nice!! :D

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  84.  Wow can they really remove people like that off the list???  Very interesting....

    So Edward is getting out!  I hope nothig goes wrong for that week and I can't wait to see how it goes once he is :)

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  85. I've been a wreck the last few chapters, sobbing like a baby and such. I'm so glad Edward was granted early parole and now he and Bella can start their life together. 

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  86. YEAY, he's been paroled. ^_^

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  87.  Awww, I could have teared up a bit reading this. Of course than might have been the fact there are so few chapters left, but I don't think so. The boy has definitely grown on me.

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  88. Oh, what happy times, finally! I shouted “Yes!” myself, when Emily said he
    was granted parole.


    Isabella’s speech was beautiful; especially the part where she said that a
    loving man has always lived in Edward's heart.


    The best part of his parole conditions is that he will not be on that list
    but for two years.


    And I also love 101 Dalmatians! I'm so glad there will be two more chapters,
    instead of one.....
     

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  89. Sigh!...(wipes tear from eye and waves a fond farewell to doofusward) Our little boy is all grown up!

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  90. I LOVE what you have done here! Looks like things are definitely coming together,

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  91. I've been meaning to say this for a while. I feel a bit confused about the tone of this story. The banner and short chapter lengths are suggestive of a lighter, fluffier story, while the subject matter itself is anything but. At the beginning, I had thought that this story was indeed intended to be humorous due to Edward's rather comical ignorance about sex trafficking, but with this kind of subject matter you obviously have to be careful about the message you're sending. I'm just not entirely sure that it's realistic that Bella is so quick to forgive the man who raped her and essentially ruined her life, indirectly causing the death of her father and directly causing the kidnapping of her mother.
    Well, either way, whether this story is intended to be serious or not, I've enjoyed the ride. You're a great writer (watch your typos, though!) and I look forward to more of your work.

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  92. Thank you so much for writing!!

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  93. *incoherent*

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  94. So Doofus is getting out now! He and Bella can maybe try and build a life together? They really love each other a lot and they both have been thru hell! Thanks for sharing their story! I have enjoyed each chapter and will be sad to see it end!.....karen

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  95. Oh lordy! I'm quietly relieved but terrified that a Last minute death/ assassination/ change of mind or terminal illness will occur.... Please give these two a HEA, flowers, hearts, butterflies and a home full of green eyed babies! I think they've earned it! Lol! Great chapter x

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  96. LOVED the chap, but his standard closing question made me nervous. Not writing more bc the kids will wake me in a few hours. WHY am I reading?! :)

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  97. ....whoops! Darn NookColor and its hyper sensitive touch screen! I hit send before I finished!

    As I was saying: I'm not holding you to a number here! Write their story as you see fit, dear author!

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  98. im screaming like a lady in church thank you jesus!!!!!!

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  99. Fabulous chapter! I can't wait for more ;)

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