[Report This]Date: 22 Jun 2010 9:41 PM Title: The Aftermath
Another great chapter and thank you for updating so swiftly :)
I feel so bad for Bella and Edward. I can't help but thinking though that if Edward had allowed Bella to confess to him, he would have been aware of Mace's intentions and possibly could have avoided this clusterf**k of a situation. I can understand that he is terribly upset, but I still think he was too harsh with Bella. His actions contributed to what happened, and Bella is the victim here! She is the one that was tricked and taken essentially against her will. Edward is such a thoughtful caring gentleman, I hope that he can see past his own pain and give Bella is support and compassion. I'm so glad Bella told Mace off, and the slap (yay Bella!); she should have given him another. I hope she can remain strong. Edward needs to realize that pushing Bella away is only playing into Mace's agenda, leaving the door open for him. I would like to see the Alice/Mace talk went, it not in the story, maybe you could add it to the outtakes!
Author's Response:
Wow, I love your lengthy review! Thanks so much! I love to hear your thoughts about things going on :)
Date: 22 Jun 2010 3:16 PM Title: The Aftermath
I have fallen in love with this story.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like it! :)
Date: 22 Jun 2010 3:14 PM Title: The Aftermath
No matter how you slice it, what Mace did was wrong. It doesn't matter that he loves Bella. He should have manned up and taken the time to get to know her as himself. Real love doesn't do what he did. I read hid POV in the outtake. His lying and deception may seem justified to him but there is no way he can really think that it was okay to do that to her. If he really loved her, he wouldn't have wanted to hurt her no matter what.
Fantastic story. I really enjoy the updates. I cried reading this chapter for poor Bellas and even worse for Edward. Can't wait for the next chapter. Cheers!
Author's Response:
Aww, thank you! I'm so glad you love the story and I love hearing your thoughts! THank you so much!
[Report This]Date: 22 Jun 2010 12:45 PM Title: The Aftermath
Poor Edward! Wonderful chapter! I am so addicted to this story! I get so excited to see your updates!!!!!!
Author's Response:
Aww, thanks so much! I'm glad you love it!!
[Report This]Date: 22 Jun 2010 12:05 PM Title: The Aftermath
Mace is so hot! What he did was totally wrong but I think Bella would be better off with Mace. I think Edward is a little too boring...lol
Author's Response:
Aww, poor Edward! YOu think he's boring?? lol, he can't help it ;)
Thanks so much for your review! :)
[Report This]Date: 22 Jun 2010 11:43 AM Title: The Aftermath
poor edward!really i feel for him! i really do!he doesnt deserve that! at all!!but he should move on! get another girl!! so that bella can end up with mace?see easy!? lol!!! AWESOME!!!!UPDATE SOON!! pluz i love 30stm!and jared leto=sexyness all over!!!!! and i actually like 30stm version of bad romance waayyyy better than lady gagas. :0)
Author's Response:
LOL! Thank you so much for your review :) I'm so glad you like this!
Date: 22 Jun 2010 11:33 AM Title: The Aftermath
I am loving your story! I think Bella and Mace have more chemistry than her and Edward do too! Cant wait to see what happens next!
Author's Response:
Thank you so very much for your review! :)
[Report This]Date: 22 Jun 2010 8:14 AM Title: I'm Ready... Right?
luv this story - great plot- keep it coming. I read the outake, I think you should add Mace POV to this story.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! I may possibly have something more to say from MPOV, I'm not quite sure yet ;)
I'm so glad you love this story! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 22 Jun 2010 4:47 AM Title: I'm Ready... Right?
Oh. My. God! I can't believe Mace did that, well, I mean, I guess I can; but wow, that is so messed up. I'm surprised he was able to fool her for the entire evening though, pulling off the nervous, sweet-talking Edward to the T. So what Mace fought with Edward over disrespecting Bella, so does that mean the Lauren misunderstanding wasn't really such a misunderstanding? Or did Mace tell Edward about the nignt at the part? I will read the outtake now, but I hope you update soon. Love your story!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review :) I'm so glad you love the story!
I can assure you that the Lauren incident was a misunderstanding on Edward's part. He doesn't know Mace had anything to do with it.
[Report This]Date: 22 Jun 2010 4:18 AM Title: I'm Ready... Right?
je vais aller lire ... à la course...
Author's Response:
Je ne comprends pas très bien ce que vous entendez par "la course", mais je vous remercie beaucoup pour votre commentaire! Je vous remercie de prendre le temps de me dire votre opinion! :)
[Report This]Date: 22 Jun 2010 3:51 AM Title: What a Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice to Deceive
génial
Author's Response:
Merci beaucoup, mon ami ;)
[Report This]Date: 22 Jun 2010 3:21 AM Title: Everywhere I Turn
wow! pauvre Bella qui est bien mélangée entre les deux
Author's Response:
Oui , les choses se délicate pour Bella , hein ? Merci beaucoup pour votre commentaire!
[Report This]Date: 21 Jun 2010 10:46 PM Title: I'm Ready... Right?
oh my gosh!!!!!! It was really Mase! Breaks my heart that she wanted to give that to Edward and Mase took it!!!!! Can't wait to read the outtake!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review :)
[Report This]Date: 21 Jun 2010 10:32 PM Title: I'm Ready... Right?
wow i read it the other one!and all i can say its WHOA!!WHOA!!WHOA!!!! but i want bella to end up with mace! i like him better than eddieboy! or at least make it a happy ending!
Author's Response:
Not many ppl like Mace better than Edward, hehe, so it makes me very happy that you like him so much! :)
Thank you for your review!!!
[Report This]Date: 21 Jun 2010 5:17 PM Title: What a Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice to Deceive
UPdate asap
Author's Response:
Thank you for your review!!!
[Report This]Date: 21 Jun 2010 3:54 AM Title: What a Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice to Deceive
He stopped her ungraciously from her confession. Forcing Bella to continue to shoulder her burden of guilt. Most ungentlemanly of Edward, I'm shocked. He must at least have an inkling of what happened, and wishes not to have his suspicions confirmed. Maybe he doesn't want the knowledge to blemish his perception of Bella, but he can't just bury his head in the sand! Especially since it was not just an isolated event, Mace is pursuing his girl. He needs to man up, avoidance only makes it easier for Mace to manipulate them. I have a bad feeling about this.
Author's Response:
:D Thank you so much for your review and your theories :) I love to hear them!
[Report This]Date: 21 Jun 2010 12:23 AM Title: Everywhere I Turn
Loved your autors note! I kind of like mase myself! LOL Even though I feel Bella should have told Edward right away! Looking forward to what Mase does next!
Author's Response:
Aww, I'm glad you like Mace too! I really love him, lol!!
Thanks for reveiwing!!
[Report This]Date: 20 Jun 2010 9:38 PM Title: What a Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice to Deceive
i like how catseye1769 its thinking!! i cant help but think that edward its really the evil twin and hes just faking it and mace its the good one like whes stalking her hes just looking out for her and stuff like that and the ones who made the perverted calls to bella was really edward !:0) that would b awesome if mace was the good one :0) cant wait to read more!!!
Author's Response:
Man, you guys are really theorizing aren't you?? I love it! I love that you put so much thought into what's going on!
Thank you so very much!!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 9:32 PM Title: What a Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice to Deceive
Oh goodness she is ready. Good for her however I have this sneaking feeling Edward knows more than he is letting on. ANd I also wonder if Mace is really the "bad" twin? I just feel that maybe Mace is the good one and Edward is the evil one. What? Edward can be evil. Keep up the awesome work.
Marguerite
Author's Response:
Wow, that's a very interesting theory! :D
Thanks so much for reveiwing!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 9:09 PM Title: Everywhere I Turn
Oh I cannot blame Bella for being attracted to Mace however sahe does need to tell Edward about what happened. I have this sinking feeling however that there are more surprises in store for her. I think there are many things she doesn't know yet. Keep up the awesome work and please update soon.
Marguerite
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 8:49 PM Title: Karma is a Cruel Mistress
Oh the guilt is killing her. I can see why it would. I think she should come clean and tell Edward everything before Mace does. that will be even worse. And you do not need help I like the sexy dark look and wicked grin too. Maybe you should put up a couple of pics on your profile. Keep up the awesoem work.
Marguerite
Author's Response:
Ooh, pics is a good idea!! HEHE!
Thank you so much for your review!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 8:35 PM Title: Why Me?
WTF???? Oh holy shit!! There's 2 of them. Well damn I want one then. I bet she will be shocked out of her boots. I know I would be. Oh now you have to update this fantastic story so I can find out more, Keep up the awesome work.
Marguerite
Author's Response:
THank you so much for your reviews! I appreciate every single one of them!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 8:23 PM Title: Firsts
Oh the fun they have had under their tree. Go Bella. They seem so right for each other. I can't wait to read about the dark part of this story. Keep up the awesome work and update soon.
Marguerite
Author's Response:
Thanks so much!! :)
Date: 20 Jun 2010 8:04 PM Title: It's Just Like Lunch...With More Food
Oh man was this ever sweet. I really want a date like that one. Why weren't there guys like that in my college classes? Life isn't fair. I can't wait to read the dark part. Keep up the awesome work.
Marguerite
Author's Response:
Yes, if only there were more Edward's out there, huh? hehehe!
Thanks so much!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 7:54 PM Title: Can You Say Awk-ward?
Oh yowza they have a date. Good for them. And I loved the way he handeled the skank patrol. MAde me laugh. Keep up the awesome work.
Marguerite
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 7:40 PM Title: Bored and Lonely Weekend
HUm so Edward doesn't remember the party. That is very interesting. Maybe he has a split personality. Could be. Keep up the awesome work and please update soon.
Marguerite
Author's Response:
Thank you so very much!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 7:26 PM Title: After School Specials Don't Prepare You For This
Now this is getting very interesting. Who was she talking to because sure didn't sound like Edward. Oh be careful Bella. Keep up the great work.
Marguerite
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 7:04 PM Title: What's in a Brain?
Oh he does sound very sweet. However I am wondering about the "dark" part you mentioned. I am very intrigued. Keep up the great work.
Marguerite
Author's Response:
Thanks for reviewing!!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 6:27 PM Title: A New Leaf
Oh now why was he reacting that way? Hum it gets curiouser and curiouser. PLease update soon. Awesome story that has me hooked already.
Marguerite
Author's Response:
THanks so much!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 4:24 PM Title: Everywhere I Turn
I would definitely be turned on!!but damn i wouldnt be able to choose!hopefully U keep a happy ending!:0)
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for reviewing!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 9:29 AM Title: Everywhere I Turn
i love mace great story
Author's Response:
Yay, I'm glad you love Mace, cause I do too lol :)
Thanks so much for reviewing!!
[Report This]Date: 20 Jun 2010 5:37 AM Title: Everywhere I Turn
Yeah, Mace is pretty twisted, but I can't blame Bella because in a sick way it is hot. However, he only gets to her because he looks and sounds like Edward, only he does and says the naughty dirty things she never knew she wanted Edward to do. Which she definitely cannot tell Edward about, she would make him feel totally inadequate. But come on, she has to tell Edward what happened before she gets sucked in by Mace. She will completely crush Edward :(
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review :)
Date: 20 Jun 2010 4:33 AM Title: Karma is a Cruel Mistress
*gasp* OMG!
This story is so good.
Author's Response:
WOW! Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like it! :D
Date: 20 Jun 2010 4:10 AM Title: Why Me?
Why wouldn't Edward tell her he had a twin? An evil twin at that, he knew she thought he was Edward! Asshole!
Author's Response:
Aww, I'm sorry you think Edward is an asshole, lol. He has his reasons ;)
Thanks so much for reviewing!!
Date: 20 Jun 2010 2:33 AM Title: Firsts
"Of course. I think I would die if I couldn't kiss you." He says the sweetest frikkin things!
Author's Response:
Thank you :)
I love him so much!! LOL! I am glad you do too ;)
Date: 19 Jun 2010 9:44 PM Title: Everywhere I Turn
Oh my goodness! So Mace had an accomplice that night at the Halloween Party. Not looking good for our dear Bella. Really looking forward to seeing how this story pans out. Although bad boys can be sexy, I sure hope Edward doesn't get the short end of the stick. Cheers!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review!! I appreciate it so much!
Date: 19 Jun 2010 8:52 PM Title: Everywhere I Turn
I feel bad about the situation Bella is in, but Mace seems a little on the kinky side ... I kinda like a little kink! Altho Edward will always be my darling! Love the angst!
Author's Response:
I'm a sucker for Mace, myself lol!!! :)
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: 19 Jun 2010 10:06 AM Title: It's Just Like Lunch...With More Food
He's smart. He's sweet. He's ridiculously sexy. "You look wonderful, Bella. Really," he said, smiling. His smile quickly morphed into a wicked grin and he added, "However, I must apologize." He twisted just enough so that his magnificent bum was within my sight and he nodded towards it. Before I could even ask what that was about he continued with, "I'm fresh out of 'sexy' pants." and he's funny too! He's too perfect. Can't wait to find out what's "wrong" with him?
Author's Response:
hehehe! Im so glad you love him! I DO TOO!!! :D
Date: 19 Jun 2010 9:30 AM Title: Can You Say Awk-ward?
They are just too cute!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
Date: 19 Jun 2010 9:08 AM Title: Bored and Lonely Weekend
Aww! And not celebrating her at all, that's just sad.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
Date: 19 Jun 2010 8:35 AM Title: After School Specials Don't Prepare You For This
Okay, is Edward totally just playing her? Does he have a split personality? Does he have an identical twin? Poor Bella, but honestly not as bad as I thought. I thought for sure she was going to find him in a. um. compromising position. Anyways, still intrigued!
Author's Response:
Thank you!
Date: 19 Jun 2010 8:08 AM Title: What's in a Brain?
How sweet!
Hmm, this party... I have a bad feeling about this.
Author's Response:
Thank you very much for taking the time to review every chapter! I really appreciate it!
Date: 19 Jun 2010 7:42 AM Title: A New Leaf
"What just happened?" My thoughts exactly. Confused, but definitely intrigued.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review! I really appreciate it!
[Report This]Date: 18 Jun 2010 11:00 PM Title: Karma is a Cruel Mistress
wow!
Je lis avec le traducteur google. Je parle français. Désolé, mes commentaires sont en français. J'aime beaucoup votre histoire et j'ai hâte de lire la suite.
Montréal, Québec
19h00
Author's Response:
J'aime que vous commentaire en français! J'adore le français, mais mon français n'est défaut d'être loin de lui pendant 16 ans. :( Merci beaucoup pour la lecture! Je suis tellement content que vous l'aimez! :)
[Report This]Date: 18 Jun 2010 10:02 PM Title: Firsts
wow!
Author's Response:
Merci beaucoup!
[Report This]Date: 18 Jun 2010 9:00 PM Title: It's Just Like Lunch...With More Food
J'adore!
Author's Response:
Merci vous si fort!
[Report This]Date: 18 Jun 2010 8:40 PM Title: Can You Say Awk-ward?
génial
Author's Response:
Je vous remercie! Vous êtes si doux!
[Report This]Date: 18 Jun 2010 8:25 PM Title: Bored and Lonely Weekend
wow
Author's Response:
:)
Merci!
[Report This]Date: 18 Jun 2010 8:05 PM Title: After School Specials Don't Prepare You For This
Edward, a-t-il un jumeau!!!
Author's Response:
Vous êtes très perspicace! :)
Merci pour la lecture!
[Report This]Date: 18 Jun 2010 7:40 PM Title: What's in a Brain?
génial
Author's Response:
Merci beaucoup, une fois de plus
[Report This]Date: 18 Jun 2010 12:24 PM Title: Karma is a Cruel Mistress
OH I loved it!!!!! A Twin! Shocked Edward didn't see the hickey! Can't wait to see what happens with Mase!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review! I'm so pleased that you love it!! :)
Date: 18 Jun 2010 2:20 AM Title: Why Me?
Ut oh --- he does have an evil twin! I knew it!
Author's Response:
*giggle*
THanks so much for your review!!
Date: 17 Jun 2010 6:50 PM Title: Why Me?
Wha.. what? Wait a minute, Edward has a twin!? Wow ;)
Author's Response:
:D Thank you for reading and reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 17 Jun 2010 6:41 PM Title: Why Me?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS STORY! That was hot! And can't wait to see what is going to happen next!
Author's Response:
Wow! Thank you soooooo much! I am so very glad you love it! THat makes me so happy! :D
Date: 17 Jun 2010 6:38 PM Title: Why Me?
OMG UPDATE!!!!!
Author's Response:
THank you so much! I'm so glad you are liking this :D
[Report This]Date: 17 Jun 2010 12:55 AM Title: A New Leaf
début prometteur
Author's Response:
Merci!
Date: 17 Jun 2010 12:14 AM Title: Firsts
I sense trouble may be lurking around the corner..... I love this story! I am intrigued when we may see Edwards dark side? He's like an angel!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review! I am so happy that you like it!
THanks for reading!
[Report This]Date: 16 Jun 2010 10:52 PM Title: Firsts
Loved it!
Author's Response:
Thank you so very much for reading and reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 16 Jun 2010 9:37 PM Title: It's Just Like Lunch...With More Food
Hurry up anther entry soon please
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review! I really appreciate it!
Date: 15 Jun 2010 4:21 PM Title: It's Just Like Lunch...With More Food
i am really enjoying this story update soon
Author's Response:
Aww, thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying it!
Thanks so much for reviewing!!
Date: 15 Jun 2010 2:19 PM Title: It's Just Like Lunch...With More Food
awwwww that was soo sweet!!:0) plz update!!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it! :)
THanks for reading!
Date: 15 Jun 2010 1:40 PM Title: It's Just Like Lunch...With More Food
Wonderful first date! Very nice....can't wait for more!
Author's Response:
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed their first date :D
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: 15 Jun 2010 1:28 PM Title: Bored and Lonely Weekend
Awww ....sweet Edward is back! They are so cute together!
Author's Response:
:) Thank you so much for your review!
Date: 15 Jun 2010 1:21 PM Title: After School Specials Don't Prepare You For This
Wow - does Edward have a twin or a personality disorder? I am so glued to your story!
Author's Response:
Wow, thank you! I'm tickled that you are glued to my story :D
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: 15 Jun 2010 1:06 PM Title: A New Leaf
Edward is giving Bella whiplash already from the mood swings & they just met? Sounds like him... Love it all!
Author's Response:
Hehe, thank you for your review! I love that you said it sounds just like him! lol!!
Thanks so much for reading!
[Report This]Date: 15 Jun 2010 12:48 PM Title: It's Just Like Lunch...With More Food
Loved their date!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review! :) I'm glad you liked the date *grin*
Date: 15 Jun 2010 11:10 AM Title: It's Just Like Lunch...With More Food
Such a sweet and wonderful first date. :-)
Author's Response:
Thank you for your review :) I'm glad you thought the date was sweet ;)
Thanks for reading!
Date: 15 Jun 2010 12:31 AM Title: Can You Say Awk-ward?
Awe Geekella and Nerdward are so freaking cute! You just gotta love them! Can't wait for your next chapter! Loving it!
Sarah
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! I happen to love geeks, lol, so I had to write some :) I have put so much of my geekiness into these two that it's quite pathetic! LOL!!
Thanks for reviewing!!
Date: 14 Jun 2010 11:20 PM Title: After School Specials Don't Prepare You For This
Ok, so here are my theroies. Either Edward has a twin or Edward has multiple personalities? I dunno...on to the next chapter! Loving it so far!
Sarah
Author's Response:
Thank you very much for your review! I am so glad you love it so far! :)
Date: 14 Jun 2010 2:32 AM Title: Bored and Lonely Weekend
ok so when are you going to explain about wierd edward from the party update soon please
Author's Response:
It won't be long ;)
Thanks so much for your review!
[Report This]Date: 13 Jun 2010 8:21 PM Title: Bored and Lonely Weekend
Loved it!
Author's Response:
Thank you!!
[Report This]Date: 13 Jun 2010 8:11 PM Title: After School Specials Don't Prepare You For This
Very interesting story! Can't wait to find out what is up with Edward...Multiple personalities... A twin??????
Author's Response:
Thank you very much for your review :) I'm glad you like it so far!
Date: 13 Jun 2010 2:06 PM Title: After School Specials Don't Prepare You For This
ok so does he have a twin out there or something. update soon please
Author's Response:
Thank you for reading and reviewing!!
Date: 13 Jun 2010 1:08 PM Title: After School Specials Don't Prepare You For This
imteresting?! either twin or double personality!!?
Author's Response:
:) I love to hear everyone's theories! Thanks so much!
Date: 13 Jun 2010 1:56 AM Title: After School Specials Don't Prepare You For This
Oh, so now the question that begs to be asked is does Edward have a twin or does Edward have a second personality? Can't wait to find out!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review! I really appreciate it :)
Date: 12 Jun 2010 3:53 AM Title: What's in a Brain?
love it plz update ssoon! :0)
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review! I normally give a teaser, but I will be updating in a couple hours, so it's kinda redundant, lol! But thanks so much for reading and reviewing!! :)
Date: 10 Jun 2010 9:45 PM Title: A New Leaf
great first chapter
Author's Response:
Wow thank you! I'm glad you like it!
Thanks for reviewing!
Here's a teaser for ch 2:
I took a moment to gawk at Edward. Yes, I was thoroughly gawking. I wasn't about to deny that. The reason for this was that Edward was wearing a pair of gunmetal Burberry glasses and looked sexy as all get out. He was wearing another button-down, much like he had before, but this time in navy blue, which oddly enough made his green eyes even more alluring. And he topped off his outfit with black denim acid wash button-fly jeans. Had I mentioned how gorgeous this man was?
Edward looked over, noticing me staring – gaping actually – and half grinned at me. He took a deep breath and spoke softly, "Good morning, Bella. How are you today?" He was fidgeting again and wouldn't make eye contact.
Date: 10 Jun 2010 8:50 PM Title: A New Leaf
UPDATE!!!i wonder wuts wrong with eddie!!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review! :)
Here's your teaser for ch 2:
I took a moment to gawk at Edward. Yes, I was thoroughly gawking. I wasn't about to deny that. The reason for this was that Edward was wearing a pair of gunmetal Burberry glasses and looked sexy as all get out. He was wearing another button-down, much like he had before, but this time in navy blue, which oddly enough made his green eyes even more alluring. And he topped off his outfit with black denim acid wash button-fly jeans. Had I mentioned how gorgeous this man was?
Edward looked over, noticing me staring – gaping actually – and half grinned at me. He took a deep breath and spoke softly, "Good morning, Bella. How are you today?" He was fidgeting again and wouldn't make eye contact.
Date: 10 Jun 2010 7:21 PM Title: A New Leaf
hmm i wonder what edwards problem is..please update soon
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review!
I will be updating within the next couple of days :)
Here's you a teaser for chapter 2 ;)
I took a moment to gawk at Edward. Yes, I was thoroughly gawking. I wasn't about to deny that. The reason for this was that Edward was wearing a pair of gunmetal Burberry glasses and looked sexy as all get out. He was wearing another button-down, much like he had before, but this time in navy blue, which oddly enough made his green eyes even more alluring. And he topped off his outfit with black denim acid wash button-fly jeans. Had I mentioned how gorgeous this man was?
Edward looked over, noticing me staring – gaping actually – and half grinned at me. He took a deep breath and spoke softly, "Good morning, Bella. How are you today?" He was fidgeting again and wouldn't make eye contact.