WIP of the Week: 4/2/12

Resurrection by TwilightMomofTwo

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5443190/1

Review by IcarusToSun

Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Angst
Characters: Edward & Bella

Summary: Without Bella's love, I can merely exist. Now that I've lost her, I am bound to wander this earth, alone and unchanging for eternity. - Edward, attempting to be noble, leaves again after the Night of Tears. Will Bella crumble or run after him? Eclipse/AU.

Some might disagree, but I find it a challenge spotting a good, engrossing AU these days. Part of it could be because I have been reading Twific for so long now, I’ve reached that point where it’s hard for me to come across a story, read the first few chapters, and not feel “been there, done that”.

So, imagine my delight to find a gem like Resurrection by TwilightMomofTwo. It plays on the intriguing “What if” scenario that many of us have speculated on but never been quite satisfied with: What if Edward reacted differently after the fateful night of tears when Bella officially breaks things off with Jake.

The few lines from the letter Edward writes in the opening chapter give the reader a good overview of what lies ahead:

“Dearest Bella, 

I deeply apologize for breaking my promise to never leave again, but it is unbearable to know that I am the cause of so much pain. Your tears last night broke my long-dead heart, knowing I was the reason you cried so desperately. 

But through them and in them, I have found the strength to do what should have done so long ago. I cannot let you give up your happiness for me. 

I cannot justify claiming you for myself when giving up Jacob brings you so much anguish...” (ch 1) 

In the early chapters we get a clear glimpse of the pain and anguish that lay hidden within Edward’s heart. The author does a brilliant job showcasing the deep scars Bella had inflicted on him with sheer ambivalence and disregard.

“She had wounded me by going back to him each time he had hurt her with his words or his deeds, forgiving him for it all, without taking my feelings into consideration. I was so angry underneath it all, but I had kept the fury at bay, playing the game she wanted me to play. Accepting him as her friend, and letting him drive a stake through my frozen heart. 

A stake that she'd held in her small hands while he'd hammered it home.

 … 

She had wounded me each and every time she refused one of my gifts, small and insignificant as they were, seeing how grand gestures were definitely not allowed. 

She had wounded me deeply when she'd refused to wear my mother's ring after accepting my proposal. If one could call it that – it had certainly felt more like a contract, like a covenant, a bargain we had struck to each obtain what we desired most, and it felt cheapened by the way it had come about.” (ch 2) 

Perhaps the part that articulates Edward’s decision to break his promise to Bella yet again is this:

“I couldn't stop the thoughts. They swirled around my mind, burned in the pit of my stomach, and ravaged through every cell in my body. I looked down at her face, her eyes screwed shut, streaks of tears lining her cheeks and my insides went cold. That had to be it. 

The message was clear – I pick you, Edward, but it's killing me.” (Ch 2) 

I will not share more of what happens as the consequence of Edward’s decision. But I strongly suggest that you read and find out. However, I will say this: TwilightMomofTwo is a brilliant author. In addition to having a strong grasp of grammar (the pristine clear text is just an added bonus), she has a certain way of infiltrating Edward’s mindset. Her choice of words and phrasing of expressions, transport you straight to Edward’s head, where you get to “feel” what he feels and “see” what he sees.

I can’t ask more from an AU. I have had the privilege to be reading this story almost from the very beginning. I invite you to join me on this journey. It will be a delightful one.