Zenith Chapter Thirty-two - The Beginning

[majestamoniet]

As always a big, fat "thank you" goes out to my beta latetolove for working on this chapter with me. And I was very lucky to havepnai_87  and JakesSMI4L agree to pre-read this chapter. So thank you very much, ladies.

Nominations for the the third wave of The Underdogs is now open, so make sure to head over there and nominate your favorite J/B stories and authors.

Comments

[audreyii_fic]

Well, I'm just gonna sit here and hurt for awhile, if you don't mind.

Gotta ask -- was this always the plan? Or did it sneak up on you?

[majestamoniet]

*Embry offers band-aid for the hurt*

This was the game plan since the beginning. I've had parts of the last couple of chapters written for a while now.

[audreyii_fic]

Yeah, having gone back and scanned a little bit, I can see the breadcrumbs from the beginning. (Not plot-wise, just in mild moments of tone.)

Thanks, I'll take that band-aid. Though it would have been better if Embry offered a big glass of port. It's too early in the day to start drinking, right?

[majestamoniet]

Well, this is a pretty decent rule of thumb: If you can walk in straight line, it's a good time to start drinking. ;)

[trinklover]

*clears throat* so yeah, I read the previous chapter first (god, I was near-to-crying,) and before I read this one, I thought and thought ... and sighed. Then I thought, what now, but wait ... what if Bella would still have a piece of Jacob even though he's gone, which made me think of a baby, and I thought about Vanessa ... and I remembered the first child (sometimes I over-analyze things.) *still crying* Yes, I'm crying, and I can't believe he's gone, and that she's pregnant, and I'm shaking my head, but I still love you and this story, because it's beautiful but heartbreaking and gah! I'm stopping now, need to get more tissues.

[majestamoniet]

Oh, I'm so glad you caught up. I've missed you! *hugs*

You are such a perceptive reader. I've only had a couple people guess correctly about the baby. Ten points if you can tell if it's a girl or a boy. ;)

I'm sorry that you're crying, bb. :( But the epilogue will be sweeter.

[lezah_hctiw]

Oh, wow. This is one of my all time favorite fics and now, there's only one chapter left. How sad, but oh well, all things must come to an end.

I usually don't like pregnant!Bella but this one just made sense. I really don't hate Edward, and as much as I would love Jacob to be back (which, really, would be so legen-wait-for-it-dary), I wouldn't mind if Bella ended up with him... or with *coughEmbrycough*.

You're one of a kind, lady. Please don't stop being awesome! (Which I doubt you would) :)

[majestamoniet]

I know! I can't believe things are almost over. *sigh*

I don't usually like pregnant Bella this close to the cannon time-line either. I think she's too young. But nothing about this situation was meant to be ideal, so I think that's why it fits.

I'm sorry, but did you just give approval for Eward/Bella???? *snickers* I kid, I kid. Actually I decided to alter the epilogue I originally had outlined (which hinted more at a possible Embry/Bella), because I don't feel it fits with the story anymore. So let me knew what you think of the revamped conclusion when it comes out.

Thank you so much. Being awesome is a hard job but someone's gotta do it. ;)

[twiordie]

I'm literally stone right now. I still can't get over this. I'm bleary eyed here at work reading this. I can't cry b/c I'm at work and no one cries at work. I am happy that Bella is expecting Jacob's child, but still distraught over his loss.

I am confused at one part which stood out. I thought Sarah was his mom, who passed away, and his other sister's name was Rebecca? You mentioned she couldn't look at Sarah and Rachel...

[majestamoniet]

I'm sorry that you're at work and cannot get a good cry in. I'm still hurting after Jacob's loss, too. But I think it was very kind of Edward to relay Jacob's thoughts and feeling to Bella. Usually those type of things die with the loved one.

You are absolutely right about the name! Thank you for pointing it out. I'm shocked that none of us caught that. D:

Thanks so much for reading and commenting. :)

[twiordie]

No prob. I am happy Edward was able to tell Bella his last thoughts...but not happy that Edward is using this whole loss in hopes of Bella moving in with him and the Cullens. I feel like he's got something up his sleeve here

[majestamoniet]

I wouldn't be too suspicious of Edward. He'd one of those guys who thinks he knows best and he wants what's best for Bella. He knows that he can take care of her and the baby financially. He can protect them from the supernatural badies out to get her. And he's not aging, just like her. So from his perspective, her moving in with the Cullens would make a lot sense.

But Bella understands it would be the wrong choice for her and the baby. We all consider things we would never actually do, so I wouldn't fault her too much for that internal monologue. The fact that she's able to say "no" to Edward when there's no Jacob to fall back on is kind of a big deal for her.

I think you'll like the epilogue. :)

[lulu_honey]

Um ... what the HELL Adria?!?!

I'm stuck in a fic-stupor right now. As much as I know that having children early in life usually not the easiest scenario, I never really mind JakenBells baby!fics because they were completely robbed in canon and would make awesome parents. I've been thinking to myself for a while about babies in the Zenithverse and how their child would be a wolf if it's a boy and a witch if it's a girl so it's kinda cursed all-around.

Anyway, I'm super-duper excited for the epilogue, and ... okay I need to process this chapter before I say anymore. All I can say is that reading this chapter was like reading the last few chapters of Deathly Hallow and having a big "Oooooh" moment.

[majestamoniet]

I know! JakeBells babies would be beautiful in this story very, very gifted (waves mournfully at the plans for a sequel which will not come to be). I'm not normally down with Bella having children this early in life either, usually because authors don't deal with it as delicately and seriously as they probably should. But for me, it just...fit here. The baby had a purpose.

You did not just compare something I wrote to something JK wrote. *falls over dead in happiness* I'm so glad that this chapter left such a great impression on you. :D

Thank you, bb! I'm excited for the epilogue as well.

[lulu_honey]

Agreed. Purpose Baby is purposeful.

And yes I did just compare something you wrote to something JK wrote! You made everything snap into place at the end (btw Bella waking up and not remembering anything at first just broke my heart), and I know you've got a shoebox of extensive notes somewhere or something. I'm gonna have to sit down and reread the whole story once RL settle down a bit, just so I can piece everything together better.

I LOVED Leah's part in this chapter, she was so supportive and full of wisdom.

As for the epilogue, I really want to see Bella become independent and not rely on a man for awhile. She's going to be a new mom which is a huge step and requires so much energy and devotion, so I think she should just concentrate on loving herself and her child (I can't decide which gender I'm hoping for!).

[majestamoniet]

Haha. I do have a word doc titled "Zenith Notes" where there are scenes and such that never made it into the story and notes on all the witch qualities/history.

I really want to see Bella become independent and not rely on a man for awhile.

Yes! This is what I want to see, too! Bella not needing to be validated by a man. Taking care of herself in some capacity. So...I guess that means there's a good chance that will be a part of the epilogue. lol.