Chapter 14 ~ Mind Over Matter

[LoveMeSomeEdward]

1. What were your first thoughts about Edward's age and human history? Were you creeped out at all that he was so very much older than she was?
It doesn't matter that Edward is much much older because technically he's still 17 just has more experience in the world. All that matters is they are soul mates and they found each other in the end. It was destiny for Edward to become a vampire so he could live long enough to meet his true love...

2. Edward tells Bella very little about the process of becoming a vampire. Why do you think he chose to keep this from her when he is being so very open about everything else?

I agree with everyone else he didn't want to frighten her and I after hearing Alice say Bella would become one of them if he even described it she might think he was over reacting and want to turn into a vampire anyway and Edward would never want to do that.

3. We learn that many vampires are gifted with supernatural traits. Stephenie has told us that vampires are drawn to special humans, and therefore when those humans become vampires, their special qualities are enhanced. If that is the case, I simply must ask the question everyone one of us has asked at some point. If Bella were to become a vampire, what would her trait be? And is it possible for her to not have any special trait at all?
I'm sure everyone has read BD. Her power is cool.

4. Edward lets it out that he's been watching Bella as she sleeps. Again, did this creep you out or make you fall even harder for Edward?
No way watching her sleep is no way stalker style or creepy, its the only time he can hear her when she hasn't got her guard up, it must really frustrate him not to here her thoughts so i guess sleep talking is close enough.

5. Edward says two possibly conflicting things in this chapter. First, he explains that in the last few days, he has put mind over matter and has been able to control his thirst for her - that the temptation isn't as strong. He later says that he doesn't think it would ever be possible for them to have an intimate relationship because it would be too difficult for him to control himself. Do you think he's being honest with himself, or do you think he's just trying to protect Bella again?
He really wants to but he doesn't want any harm to come to her. Even though he could actually do it he doesn't want to risk that on her life.

6. Along those same lines, we learn that both Edward and Bella have never had a real relationship with another person before this. Many people have debated the issue of Edward's virginity, and that has been put to rest by Stephenie herself. Did you think that maybe Edward had been intimate before, he just hadn’t had a real serious relationship with anyone he loved, or did you get it right from the start that he was just as innocent as Bella was in this matter?
Bella and Edward were at the same level which is what made them such a great couple. He probably had other lady friends but none of them he had that special connection with which is why after a while he just gave up until little miss Bella Swan came...

[debussygirl]

1. What were your first thoughts about Edward's age and human history? Were you creeped out at all that he was so very much older than she was? No, because he looks young. And I wasn't surprised much, it had been hinted he was old.

2. Edward tells Bella very little about the process of becoming a vampire. Why do you think he chose to keep this from her when he is being so very open about everything else? So she wouldn't try to become a vampire.

3. We learn that many vampires are gifted with supernatural traits. Stephenie has told us that vampires are drawn to special humans, and therefore when those humans become vampires, their special qualities are enhanced. If that is the case, I simply must ask the question everyone one of us has asked at some point. If Bella were to become a vampire, what would her trait be? And is it possible for her to not have any special trait at all?
BD's already come out so I'll skip this one.
4. Edward lets it out that he's been watching Bella as she sleeps. Again, did this creep you out or make you fall even harder for Edward? No, because I couldn't imagine him like watching her shower or something like that, it was sweet protection.

5. Edward says two possibly conflicting things in this chapter. First, he explains that in the last few days, he has put mind over matter and has been able to control his thirst for her - that the temptation isn't as strong. He later says that he doesn't think it would ever be possible for them to have an intimate relationship because it would be too difficult for him to control himself. Do you think he's being honest with himself, or do you think he's just trying to protect Bella again? Honest, he said the temptation wasn't as strong, not that it was gone.

6. Along those same lines, we learn that both Edward and Bella have never had a real relationship with another person before this. Many people have debated the issue of Edward's virginity, and that has been put to rest by Stephenie herself. Did you think that maybe Edward had been intimate before, he just hadn’t had a real serious relationship with anyone he loved, or did you get it right from the start that he was just as innocent as Bella was in this matter? I thought he was innocent, because it did seem genuinely new to him, plus as a 17 year old in the early 1900's he probably wasn't into that stuff.

[natterss707]

1. What were your first thoughts about Edward's age and human history? Were you creeped out at all that he was so very much older than she was?
Surprisingly not at all. I like everything about him and I don't really think age matters especially because he's immortal and looks 17 all of the time.

2. Edward tells Bella very little about the process of becoming a vampire. Why do you think he chose to keep this from her when he is being so very open about everything else?
It's a painful and kind of blurry experience I guess and most of all he doesn't want that for her.

3. We learn that many vampires are gifted with supernatural traits. Stephenie has told us that vampires are drawn to special humans, and therefore when those humans become vampires, their special qualities are enhanced. If that is the case, I simply must ask the question everyone one of us has asked at some point. If Bella were to become a vampire, what would her trait be? And is it possible for her to not have any special trait at all?

Well, I know her trait cause I've read breaking dawn but as I was reading I got really curious and I thought she just might be very strong.

4. Edward lets it out that he's been watching Bella as she sleeps. Again, did this creep you out or make you fall even harder for Edward?
It's different for him. He's not really doing it for the creepy reasons that other people would.

5. Edward says two possibly conflicting things in this chapter. First, he explains that in the last few days, he has put mind over matter and has been able to control his thirst for her - that the temptation isn't as strong. He later says that he doesn't think it would ever be possible for them to have an intimate relationship because it would be too difficult for him to control himself. Do you think he's being honest with himself, or do you think he's just trying to protect Bella again?
I really think he could control himself, but he's not so sure.

6. Along those same lines, we learn that both Edward and Bella have never had a real relationship with another person before this. Many people have debated the issue of Edward's virginity, and that has been put to rest by Stephenie herself. Did you think that maybe Edward had been intimate before, he just hadn't had a real serious relationship with anyone he loved, or did you get it right from the start that he was just as innocent as Bella was in this matter?
At first I thought he would have at least some experience but knowing what I know now I believe that he was just as innocent, simply because he wasn't interested.

[biteme21]

1. What were your first thoughts about Edward's age and human history? Were you creeped out at all that he was so very much older than she was?
I wasnt creeped out by Edwards age because part of becoming old is having your mind and body deteriorate which didnt happen to Edward because he is frozen at 17.

2. Edward tells Bella very little about the process of becoming a vampire. Why do you think he chose to keep this from her when he is being so very open about everything else?
He chose to keep this a secret from her because he knew that she would be intruiged by the idea of becoming a vampire and would get the idea in her head that its possible for her to become one.

3. We learn that many vampires are gifted with supernatural traits. Stephenie has told us that vampires are drawn to special humans, and therefore when those humans become vampires, their special qualities are enhanced. If that is the case, I simply must ask the question everyone one of us has asked at some point. If Bella were to become a vampire, what would her trait be? And is it possible for her to not have any special trait at all?
i cant really answer this cause its been answered in Breaking Dawn.

4. Edward lets it out that he's been watching Bella as she sleeps. Again, did this creep you out or make you fall even harder for Edward?
Ah, oddly enough it didnt creep me out that he watched her sleep. I dont know if it was the fact that hes Edward Cullen or that when he watched her he didnt do it for "creepy" reasons, he did it to learn more about her and as he did it he became more used to her scent as well.

5. Edward says two possibly conflicting things in this chapter. First, he explains that in the last few days, he has put mind over matter and has been able to control his thirst for her - that the temptation isn't as strong. He later says that he doesn't think it would ever be possible for them to have an intimate relationship because it would be too difficult for him to control himself. Do you think he's being honest with himself, or do you think he's just trying to protect Bella again?
I think its both. He doesnt want to be honest with himself because he cant admit to himself that he can have an intimate relashionship with her because it would make them closer to each other and make it harder for him to leave her. But also hes just trying to protect her because he doesnt think he has ENOUGH self control to keep from killing Bella in such an intimate situation.

6. Along those same lines, we learn that both Edward and Bella have never had a real relationship with another person before this. Many people have debated the issue of Edward's virginity, and that has been put to rest by Stephenie herself. Did you think that maybe Edward had been intimate before, he just hadnt had a real serious relationship with anyone he loved, or did you get it right from the start that he was just as innocent as Bella was in this matter?
I dont really know if i believe if Edwards a virgin or if he just hasnt been in love with anyone before. Hes been alive 107 years and he says hes never had sex, even though we know that Tanya is beautiful and has made it clear to Edward she wants him. Im not sure, but he did tell Bella that he was a virgin and i doubt he would lie to Bella about something as serious as that. I think its most likely that Edward is just as innocent as Bella and has never had a sexual relashionship with anyone.

[OnePerCentClub]

1. What were your first thoughts about Edward's age and human history? Were you creeped out at all that he was so very much older than she was?That it must be a awful to live all those years and not be able to rest. Sad that he had to die from that disease and so young. Nice that he had lived in a time when politeness and manners were very important. That he had used all that time to do something useful with his existence. Yes and no. Yes, because I thought what is a man that old doing with a 17 year-old girl? And then no because I thought that he was still a young boy who wanted to love someone, share his life and be loved.

2. Edward tells Bella very little about the process of becoming a vampire. Why do you think he chose to keep this from her when he is being so very open about everything else?
Because it's not a pleasant topic. It's something he won't want to share with Bella because it's also painful.

3. We learn that many vampires are gifted with supernatural traits. Stephenie has told us that vampires are drawn to special humans, and therefore when those humans become vampires, their special qualities are enhanced. If that is the case, I simply must ask the question everyone one of us has asked at some point. If Bella were to become a vampire, what would her trait be? And is it possible for her to not have any special trait at all?
I think she can be a shield and protect herself from other vampires who might want to hurt her, since she has a very close mind.

4. Edward lets it out that he's been watching Bella as she sleeps. Again, did this creep you out or make you fall even harder for Edward?
It didn't creep me out. He had been waiting for Bella for so long that he probably couldn't believe it. He was in awe, excited for this change in his long life.

5. Edward says two possibly conflicting things in this chapter. First, he explains that in the last few days, he has put mind over matter and has been able to control his thirst for her - that the temptation isn't as strong. He later says that he doesn't think it would ever be possible for them to have an intimate relationship because it would be too difficult for him to control himself. Do you think he's being honest with himself, or do you think he's just trying to protect Bella again?
I think he's trying to protect Bella. The intimate relationship is possible and inevitable. He doesn't want to kill her.

6. Along those same lines, we learn that both Edward and Bella have never had a real relationship with another person before this. Many people have debated the issue of Edward's virginity, and that has been put to rest by Stephenie herself. Did you think that maybe Edward had been intimate before, he just hadn't had a real serious relationship with anyone he loved, or did you get it right from the start that he was just as innocent as Bella was in this matter?
I didn't think he was a virgin since it's in a man's nature to lose control. However, Edward had lived in a time when virginity was an important issue and it is completely believable. And it was understandable that he didn't want to get involved with anyone he didn't love, because loving someone was important for him, was the real thing, was hope in the kind of life he had. So, yes, then I believed he was as innocent as Bella.

[golden x sunshine]

1. What were your first thoughts about Edward's age and human history? Were you creeped out at all that he was so very much older than she was?
-no, not really. hes a vampire ! it would be weird if he wasnt a lot older then her.

2. Edward tells Bella very little about the process of becoming a vampire. Why do you think he chose to keep this from her when he is being so very open about everything else?
-edward didnt want to put any ideas into bella's head. and i also think he didnt want to scare her with the whole process of it.

3. We learn that many vampires are gifted with supernatural traits. Stephenie has told us that vampires are drawn to special humans, and therefore when those humans become vampires, their special qualities are enhanced. If that is the case, I simply must ask the question everyone one of us has asked at some point. If Bella were to become a vampire, what would her trait be? And is it possible for her to not have any special trait at all?
-well i've already read breaking dawn, so i know bellas talent. if i hadnt read it thought, i probably wouldve guessed that her talent was to block things out mental.

4. Edward lets it out that he's been watching Bella as she sleeps. Again, did this creep you out or make you fall even harder for Edward?
-again, if it was anyone else i definetly wouldve been creeped out. but edward is just so charming and sweet it totally made me fall for him harder (:

5. Edward says two possibly conflicting things in this chapter. First, he explains that in the last few days, he has put mind over matter and has been able to control his thirst for her - that the temptation isn't as strong. He later says that he doesn't think it would ever be possible for them to have an intimate relationship because it would be too difficult for him to control himself. Do you think he's being honest with himself, or do you think he's just trying to protect Bella again?
-i think its both. hes trying to be honest with himself and protect here at the same time. althought its not really what edward wants, not being able to have an intimate relationship with bella.

6. Along those same lines, we learn that both Edward and Bella have never had a real relationship with another person before this. Many people have debated the issue of Edward's virginity, and that has been put to rest by Stephenie herself. Did you think that maybe Edward had been intimate before, he just hadnt had a real serious relationship with anyone he loved, or did you get it right from the start that he was just as innocent as Bella was in this matter?
-i assumed edward was a virgin before this was confirmed just based on the time period edward was born in, and the fact that he is a gentlemen and doesnt appreciate easy.

[Black Rose]

1. What were your first thoughts about Edward's age and human history? Were you creeped out at all that he was so very much older than she was?

It was very interesting to learn about where he came from and what happened to him before Carlisle found him. And the whole age thing didn't effect me at all. He still looks seventeen and you can't tell that he's almost a hundred years old unless one of the Cullen's told you.

2. Edward tells Bella very little about the process of becoming a vampire. Why do you think he chose to keep this from her when he is being so very open about everything else?

Because he 1) he doesn't want her getting any ideas and 2) because he doesn't want to scare her with the details.

3. We learn that many vampires are gifted with supernatural traits. Stephenie has told us that vampires are drawn to special humans, and therefore when those humans become vampires, their special qualities are enhanced. If that is the case, I simply must ask the question everyone one of us has asked at some point. If Bella were to become a vampire, what would her trait be? And is it possible for her to not have any special trait at all?

Well, I've already read Breaking Dawn but I figured out her gift before I read it. Of course it was some kind of mental shield because Edward's and Jane's powers didn't work on her.

4. Edward lets it out that he's been watching Bella as she sleeps. Again, did this creep you out or make you fall even harder for Edward?

It was kinda sweet and creepy at the same time. But, this isn't a normal couple so I couldn't really judge. But, still, it was kinda stalkerish.

5. Edward says two possibly conflicting things in this chapter. First, he explains that in the last few days, he has put mind over matter and has been able to control his thirst for her - that the temptation isn't as strong. He later says that he doesn't think it would ever be possible for them to have an intimate relationship because it would be too difficult for him to control himself. Do you think he's being honest with himself, or do you think he's just trying to protect Bella again?

I think that he is so worried about hurting Bella that he doesn't want to take any risks. Perhaps he does not have anough control. Perhaps he does. But it doesn't really matter now because he won't take the risk.

6. Along those same lines, we learn that both Edward and Bella have never had a real relationship with another person before this. Many people have debated the issue of Edward's virginity, and that has been put to rest by Stephenie herself. Did you think that maybe Edward had been intimate before, he just hadn’t had a real serious relationship with anyone he loved, or did you get it right from the start that he was just as innocent as Bella was in this matter?

Oh, I knew all along of his innocence.

[LoveYouMadly]

1. What were your first thoughts about Edward's age and human history? Were you creeped out at all that he was so very much older than she was?
I read all four books at once and had skimmed through them before deciding that I definitely needed to read them so I can't remember my initial response. But now, after having read them several times, I am still undecided about the wierdness factor. On one hand he's decades older than her and it's really, really creepy. On the other hand, Edward often mentions their (vampires') rarely changing temperments mentally so I suppose that he is very much still a wise, educated 17-year old boy and not really a wise, educated creepy old man.

2. Edward tells Bella very little about the process of becoming a vampire. Why do you think he chose to keep this from her when he is being so very open about everything else?
I think Edward chose to keep it to himself because it is a touchy subject for him, especially after seeing Alice's vision (see Midnight Sun). Not only is Bella becoming a vampire one of the worst possible things he can imagine it is also one of the best; he would be able to keep Bella forever and never hurt her. He's still undecided about it so he doesn't want to give Bella any ideas . . . not that that stops her.

3. We learn that many vampires are gifted with supernatural traits. Stephenie has told us that vampires are drawn to special humans, and therefore when those humans become vampires, their special qualities are enhanced. If that is the case, I simply must ask the question everyone one of us has asked at some point. If Bella were to become a vampire, what would her trait be? And is it possible for her to not have any special trait at all?
I can't remember my initial response but if you've read Breaking Dawn you know the answer.

4. Edward lets it out that he's been watching Bella as she sleeps. Again, did this creep you out or make you fall even harder for Edward?
I realize that I should have been way creeped out but I was exultant! It made me more happy than it should have - really, he was breaking into her house and watching her . . . Nope, still happy.

5. Edward says two possibly conflicting things in this chapter. First, he explains that in the last few days, he has put mind over matter and has been able to control his thirst for her - that the temptation isn't as strong. He later says that he doesn't think it would ever be possible for them to have an intimate relationship because it would be too difficult for him to control himself. Do you think he's being honest with himself, or do you think he's just trying to protect Bella again?
I don't think that Edward is contridicting himself - he really is being honest. At this point he is fairly certain of the present moment but still unsure of how his long term relationship with Bella will turn out, if it will even exist at all. He knows he can control the temptation now but doesn't know to what degree his determination will be stronger than his thirst. That is to say, how intimate is too intimate? Edward doesn't know.

6. Along those same lines, we learn that both Edward and Bella have never had a real relationship with another person before this. Many people have debated the issue of Edward's virginity, and that has been put to rest by Stephenie herself. Did you think that maybe Edward had been intimate before, he just hadn't had a real serious relationship with anyone he loved, or did you get it right from the start that he was just as innocent as Bella was in this matter?
He sounded genuinely honest so I did believe him (but got a little scared in Eclipse with the mention of Edward and "a bunch of female vampires"). It was kind of wierd though. A hundred years? Really?

[alice_is_my_homegirl]

1. What were your first thoughts about Edward's age and human history? Were you creeped out at all that he was so very much older than she was?I didn't care. I wasn't.

2. Edward tells Bella very little about the process of becoming a vampire. Why do you think he chose to keep this from her when he is being so very open about everything else?He doesn't want her to know how to become a vampire.

3. We learn that many vampires are gifted with supernatural traits. Stephenie has told us that vampires are drawn to special humans, and therefore when those humans become vampires, their special qualities are enhanced. If that is the case, I simply must ask the question everyone one of us has asked at some point. If Bella were to become a vampire, what would her trait be? And is it possible for her to not have any special trait at all?Her's would be something with the mind, since Edward can't read her mind.

4. Edward lets it out that he's been watching Bella as she sleeps. Again, did this creep you out or make you fall even harder for Edward?EVEN HARDER!!!!!!

5. Edward says two possibly conflicting things in this chapter. First, he explains that in the last few days, he has put mind over matter and has been able to control his thirst for her - that the temptation isn't as strong. He later says that he doesn't think it would ever be possible for them to have an intimate relationship because it would be too difficult for him to control himself. Do you think he's being honest with himself, or do you think he's just trying to protect Bella again?Honest.

6. Along those same lines, we learn that both Edward and Bella have never had a real relationship with another person before this. Many people have debated the issue of Edward's virginity, and that has been put to rest by Stephenie herself. Did you think that maybe Edward had been intimate before, he just hadn’t had a real serious relationship with anyone he loved, or did you get it right from the start that he was just as innocent as Bella was in this matter?Innocent.

[ThisStoryOfLove]

1. What were your first thoughts about Edward's age and human history? Were you creeped out at all that he was so very much older than she was?
I was not creeped out at all by his age, it seemed appropriate.

2. Edward tells Bella very little about the process of becoming a vampire. Why do you think he chose to keep this from her when he is being so very open about everything else?
He knows that Alice saw Bella becoming a vampire. Maybe he didn't want her to know how someone becomes a vampire as that she wouldn't get the idea in her head that she could become a vampire so easily (he does not want her to lose her soul).

3. We learn that many vampires are gifted with supernatural traits. Stephenie has told us that vampires are drawn to special humans, and therefore when those humans become vampires, their special qualities are enhanced. If that is the case, I simply must ask the question everyone one of us has asked at some point. If Bella were to become a vampire, what would her trait be? And is it possible for her to not have any special trait at all?
Before I read Breaking Dawn I assumed that it would have something to do with the fact that Edward couldn't hear her thoughts; I just wasn't sure how her "talent" would play out.

4. Edward lets it out that he's been watching Bella as she sleeps. Again, did this creep you out or make you fall even harder for Edward?
It did not creep me out; we can tell that he is not doing it to be "stalkerish."

5. Edward says two possibly conflicting things in this chapter. First, he explains that in the last few days, he has put mind over matter and has been able to control his thirst for her - that the temptation isn't as strong. He later says that he doesn't think it would ever be possible for them to have an intimate relationship because it would be too difficult for him to control himself. Do you think he's being honest with himself, or do you think he's just trying to protect Bella again?
I think that he honestly believes that they can never be intimate because he could lose control too easily. I think that he doubts his own self control.

6. Along those same lines, we learn that both Edward and Bella have never had a real relationship with another person before this. Many people have debated the issue of Edward's virginity, and that has been put to rest by Stephenie herself. Did you think that maybe Edward had been intimate before, he just hadn’t had a real serious relationship with anyone he loved, or did you get it right from the start that he was just as innocent as Bella was in this matter?
Because of the time period that Edward was human in and because of his personality I felt that he had not been intimate before Bella.