When Will I Know by deb24601

You don't get over Edward Cullen. Even when he was never really yours. A story about wanting, needing and, eventually, knowing. AH. Inspired by Jan 2012 Witfit prompts.

So I found this fic whilst partaking in a little random fic diving. I that from time to time and often come up with nothing but this rough diamond has something to offer. 

Bella meets and falls for Edward when her boyfriend, Mike introduces them. She feels an instant attraction but unfortunately believes that Edward is unreachable to her and as such continues dating Mike. 

Edward's feels this attraction to Bella, despite the fact she is unlike any of the girls he normally hooks up with. As well as that, he lives a carefree, almost nomadic lifestyle and can't see himself tying himself down to a relationship. As well as that, he's slept with 2 of Mike's past girlfriends so Bella seems to be more trouble than she's worth.

I think about our parents and sweet Mike and our friends and my job at the bank. I see security and acceptance. "Well, he hasn't asked... yet," I hedge. "It's what people do," I say.

"Fuck that," Edward says. His voice is hard.

"Excuse me?"

Edward sighs and throws his arm over his eyes. "You get one life, Bella. One chance. I'm not living it based on my parents' expectations or out-dated social customs. It's good enough for some people, I guess - but not for me. I think you want more too. You talk about places you want to go, things you want to see, yet you're buying into this tiny world. Think for yourself. What do you want?"

I'm shocked speechless for a moment. I've never heard Edward talk like this. It's too much to think about all at once. "I... I... I don't know," I stammer. I don't know what's happening.

Eventually Edward does realise he is in love with Bella and makes it his mission to steal Bella away, despite the fact Bella is due to marry Mike in a few weeks.

You can read this within a few hours and whilst it's a little light on plot development and some of the actions of the characters are questionable, it's still quite a harmless, low angst read.

Read it Here: When Will I Know

Appease by Rochelle Allison

NEW FICTIONISTA WORKSHOP WITFITS: APRIL 2012 - JUNE 2012. started with Brighter. Now on Appease.

Rochelle Allison is one of my most favourite fanfic writers. I'd also bet money that she is one of the most beloved writers in the fandom, consistently producing engaging, romantic and realistic fics time again.

If you haven't discovered the beauty of her witfits or fics then you seriously need to remedy it. Appease is the second story for the April - June witfit period and it's wonderful.

Starting at chapter 35 we are introduced to Bella as she is being interviewed by Tanya for the position of Nanny for her young children with Edward. Bella gets the job and moves into the Masen household for the summer period whilst she's on holiday from NYU. 

The small twist comes into play as you find out that her two young charges have two half siblings, Alice and Edward jr. There is an instant attraction between Edward jr and Bella but Edward is a preppy nightmare who has gone through his romantic life charming the pants of the women he wants. To Bella though, his lame come ons fall flat and are received with revulsion. Nevertheless she can't help being attracted to Edward because despite these shortcomings he is a caring, sensitive brother and does have his genuine moments.

So what will these two do? Because it's not as simple as choosing to be together. Bella is wary of starting a relationship with her boss' elder son. She also finds out that Mrs Tanya Masen made a pass at Edward jr years ago, which could jeopardise her position. Additionally Bella's a little wary of Edward jr who seems to have been on the same path as his detached father.

The beauty of this fic is the way Rochelle Allison can write such relatable, honest characters. The 2 young children Alistair and Irina are tenacious and so sweet, you can clearly see why everyone wants to protect them. Edward, Alice and even Esme are flawed but all have immense hearts.

She nods, laughing lowly. "I know, I know. The thing is, I raised him. He thinks he has to be like his father, his father whom he actually resents. He thinks that because they share blood, they have to share personality traits..." Shaking her head, she looks straight at me. "I've been fighting for him for a long time."

"What do you mean?"

"He's been going through this phase for awhile now, and while it probably sounds naïve to you, I can assure you that it is just a phase. He's always been appealing to girls, and when he hit puberty...his father sort of played it up for him. Made it look like it was the way to go." She wrinkles her nose in disgust. "I always allowed him and Alice to spend as much time with their father as they wanted, because I didn't want our failed marriage to sever their relationships. Sometimes I wonder if it was the right choice. Alice drifted away on her own, but Edward...seemed to think they had things in common. Is as if Edward wants to be different but he's resigned himself to being the same."

"Do they have things in common?"

"Of course. They're both handsome, charismatic, ambitious men. Except Edward's father uses these things irresponsibly whereas my son has more of a conscience. He's not nearly as ruthless." She smiles. "And he has a bigger heart."

It's not ridiculous drama or bizarre plot twists, it's falling in love and loving the life you lead. And that is why Rochelle Allison is one of the best of the bests.

Read it Here: Appease