I just realised you're the writer of Beautiful Mistakes! Yes, I am a huge procrastinator and thus have the time to read many fics in a short amount of time...
I loved this story, moreso than Beautiful Mistakes (and I loved that). This story has made me cry so much. I loved Nicole's character, she was definitely not one-dimensioned, and her evolution was great. I didn't hate Derek so much as other readers I think... I really liked how you ended the story. Their relationship was doomed from the beginning to end that way, and I really like the epilogue. Seeing Nikki be successful, have her dreams come true, and seeing a ray of hope for her and Derek, now that they don't have any responsibilities apart from them... I honestly did enjoy the story quite much. I must say I'm a fan of your female characters, they have faults but they learn how to be strong and fight for what they want. Thank you for writing real stories, no clichés, no fantasies (though the fairytale epilogue in Beautiful Mistakes was so sweet). Just stories like real life, where the main characters don't always have to end up together, and that's okay. Your writing is very good, too.
And just, before I finish. Rape, people? Seriously? I kept getting so angry every time I read your author's notes! People need to lear that, first off, for it to be rape it has to be the victim who considers it as such! Nicole admitted it to being a drunken mistake, and sure, Derek took advantage of an inhebriated girl - but seriously, hasn't anyone had sex while drunk and then regretted it in the morning? Nicole never said she felt raped. Therefore, there was no raping! It's as simple as that.
Ugh. Sorry, but it just really got on my nerves each time I read you defending your story.
Anyway. THANK YOU for making me feel so much just by reading. I'm off to check out your profile now :)

Hi. I just started reading this. Very powerful first chapter. I've loved it. You even made me cry, which is a first so early in a story, so thank you for that. I'll go back to reading now.

This is beautiful. Really beautiful. I'm really not a crier when it comes to stories - if I do cry, it's usually because someone has died - but when I read what Cassidy said about Derek's favourite book being Wuthering Heights, I literally burst into tears. I went into this story fully expecting it to be as predictable as the rest - that Derek and Nikki would end up together and get married and have babies and live happily ever after. Though chapter 14, of course, broke my heart, I love, love, love it. This is so much more realistic than I would have first expected , and although there is the potential for Derek and Nikki to reconcile as adults, I adore that you wrote a female character who actually respects herself - that, as I'm sure you're aware, is very hard to come by. I know you must have been concerned that you're readers would have disliked anything that wasn't a fairytale ending, so thank you for having the nerve to do this. Phew, that was practically and essay but it was worth it - well done, this really is a wonderful story.

*Crying*

I love Alex. He may be a womanizing, trailer-dwelling, drunk but he was there for his daughter when she needed him. Thank you. For creating him. Normally I hate those kinda immoral characters but I can't help but shed a tear for this particular misunderstood father. I swallowed the rest of the drama fairly easily but I just turned to a puddle during his interactions with Nikki. It got me right THERE, you know?

Also, Cassidy's a gem. I'm glad she didn't turn out anything like her mother. Screw dat biotch.

I find it funny that I focus more on the side characters than the main ones. Hmph. Well, I'm glad that they turned out better than the previous generation. Again, thank you for writing this. I certainly was hooked for the entire evening.

Hmm. Just started reading. Ch1 is pretty long and dark. If you're ever considering re-editing tho, I think your 4-yr old Nikki may be thinking too many introspective thoughts for her age. Enjoying the way you write tho. :)

he still should have told her. No matter what happened, he still lied. She's a bit immature but mature enough to realize what the situation was, lying to her only made things worse.

I literally smiled and cried so many times. You are an exceptional author and I'm glad you've published this!

A sequel?! YES! Can't wait to read it!

thanks for not taking these off.

This is one of those stories that you hate and love at the same time. You love it because it is so well written and has a beautiful yet tragically compelling storyline. And while you hate it because you know had Nikki not lied about sleeping with Andy then Derek wouldn't have slept with Katie and gotten her pregnant and you're just so sad that they don't end up together, but because of the situation you still root for Nikki to break up with Derek and leave. You don't hope that she stays with him in a half-ass relationship, but you still really wish they could've worked out and there lies the tragic beauty. It's just so conflicting. The ending of the story is satisfying given the circumstances, you wouldn't want it to end differentially and you are so proud of Nikki doing something with her life, but you sit there and ask yourself the "What if's?' What if Katie hadn't got pregnant? What if Katie hadn't been a bitch and been chill about Nikki and Derek dating? What if Nikki had stayed with Derek? What if Nikki goes back to Derek after all these years? And you know things could've possibly worked out for them in their perfect world. I don't cry very much when it comes to books or movies so if you can make me cry it's a good book. And you my friend made me bawl my eyes out for a solid 5 minutes after reading the story. Kudos to you. This story is fantastic and a must read for anyone who enjoys a good Romeo and Juliet tragedy. :)

Much Love

sir...

you know how to cause joy, happiness, pain, love. and you can definately give me the heart-wrenching, soul stealing happy-ending-gone-wrong that I crave for so much. I mean, early on this story seemed to be the perfect one. they would be together no matter what. but the last few chapters started to make me doubt it. it fed my hear-breaking appetite, and it made me crave for more. it made me wonder if there ever was a perfect life for both of them, together or separate.

I'm rambling again. my tears are spilling onto the keyboard, and my heart feels...weak, yet strong. who knew I could find a story that denies two of the main characters their true love? and to think I stumbled upon this story while looking for er...some sex-filled romances? I shall never forget this story, it shall always linger within the depths of my heart as one of the most saddest and yet happiest story

1000000000,10. I can't WAIT to see how the sequel ends up.

So happy there's gonna be a sequel to because of you

YEEESSSSS !
A sequel would be awesome. I always wanted Nicole and Derek to have a chance at being together.

SEQUEL SEQUEL SEQUEL SEQUEL YAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY Is it going to be posted here on FP?

Beautiful, sad story! :)