Sunday, January 23, 2011
RLC Fic Rec – River Dam
This week I read a fic that had been living on my list of things to be read for quite a while. There wasn’t much to the synopsis for this story (see below), therefore I will admit what really made me want to read it was the banner. The Edward and Bella pictured in the Polaroid looked stiff and old fashioned for some reason. Or like they were Amish maybe? I don’t know, but I always loved seeing the artwork on update alerts, so I bookmarked the fic since it was still WIP and kept going. I finally picked it up, and holy frigging cow was it worth the wait. I present to you River Dam by jennyfly and jandco.
Author’s synopsis: Edward bides his time in Forks counting the days til he can leave the sleepy town forever. But fate halts his departure, and he must learn to see Forks as a home instead of a prison.
I feel like I should be taking a huge breath when I start to talk about this fic (obviously, I was very moved by it). First of all, this is a high school fic. It is complete and it has a happy ending. That said, there is a fuck-ton of angst. It’s a great story, but man, was I waiting for these two to catch a break in their relationship and just be happy after the shit hit the fan. What I mean is, Edward and Bella are in high school. They hang out, make each other laugh and eventually Edward asks Bella out because, besides the fact he likes her, he wants in her pants. He’s a good kid, studies hard, has a good family, but he hates living in Forks. All he’s done since he was a child was save his pennies and plan his escape outta there. And now he’s a senior in high school, he’s ridiculously in love with his girlfriend, Bella, and is on the verge of graduating high school and moving away to university.
Cue wrench in plans…
Edward knocks up Bella. Remember me mentioning how he wants in her pants? He got in. Repeatedly. And though they were both smart about what they were doing, accidents happen. I swear I felt myself hold my breath when I was reading this scene. The way it was written was perfectly set up and so realistic. This whole story is that way too. Edward and Bella are described as average teens, good looking, studious but nothing out of the ordinary. And this was refreshing after reading so many times about how out of the ordinary both our beloved characters are. They aren’t rich – not even the Cullens. Carlisle happens to work his ass off at a concrete mill owned by the Newtons of all people. Once Bella and Edward start having sex, Edward isn’t a glorified sex god. In fact, he may have blown his load a bit too early a time or two, in scenes that were sweet, despite it all. I loved it.
So can you imagine what happens when Edward and Bella realize they made a baby? They’re devastated, as are the Cullens and Charlie. Edward gives up all his plans and dreams to pay for his mistakes and do his best by Bella. Most of the story chronicles how these two make it through her pregnancy and the baby’s birth. Things are realistically tough, T.O.U.G.H., but they make it.
The lemons are sprinkled throughout and so are my tears, cus God knows I cried tons with this story. I hope you all enjoy a little angst like me and are willing to give this one a shot. It’s worth it. This story can be found at a great little site called adifferentforest.com. If you haven’t visited it already, it’s a very author exclusive website with some great convo threads. I think in order to post your stories there you need to be invited in, but anyone can join to be a member. THIS is the direct link to the story.
I also wanted to give you some heads up on stuff I know/have heard is fucking great.
Son of a Preacher Man (omagad, the angst is the greatest here! Love it when Edward pines away for Bella when she is with someone else!) It’s complete and an E/B, hea fic.
My Viking (Vikingward FTW! or so I hear, I haven’t read this one yet)
We Were Here (Cheerleader Bella, supposed to be great, but another I’ve yet to read.)
Check out Branching Inward by Life in the Snow on Twilighted and Full Disclosure by Betty Smith also on Twilighted.Both excellent and under reviewed.
Awesome, thanks!
I’ve never read a fanfic before, because I was afraid if I ever did, I would read every one of them and become obsessed like I already am about Twilight and Rob and Kristen. This one sounded great though, so I gave in. It was great. I read in all today, because I couldn’t bear to get away from it. Thanks for telling us about it. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks so much! Ive been looking for a new, complete story to read and havent heard of this one or this website….so thanks!
Yes! I’ve read this one so many times already i’ve lost count lol. This story is so realistic it feels as though i’m reading about someone i know. It breaks my heart but puts it back together again and i’m left with more hope than i began with. I absolutely love this story so i’m glad you are recommending it