A Honeymoon of Change

Written By:JustSomeIdeas
You can Read the Original Here:
All credit goes to the author

Forward:

A different take on the first part of Breaking Dawn. What happened if Bella never got pregnant? What if she was “changed” while on her island honeymoon? The following story is form Edward's point of view.

This story begins during Edward and Bella's honeymoon.

Edward and Bella have already made love for the first time. Now, three days after that encounter, Edward is still unable to forgive himself for the physical pain he believes he has caused his fragile Bella. Bella on the other hand wants nothing more than for him to believe her when she says that she felt no pain and to once again be together as husband and wife. Bella insists that it was one of the “happiest moments of her life.” That being Edward's wife, being with him, makes her complete. Edward is unwilling to listen.

The newly married couple has spent little time together over the last three days.

Chapter 1

Sitting on the overstuffed couch with my head in my hands I can hear Bella turning on the kitchen faucet. The pipes let out a slight moan before the water rushes out and splashes against the sink basin. There Bella stands slowly washing the dish she just used for dinner. Methodically, she moves the sponge in circles around the plate. My sensitive vampire ears pickup no other sound of movement. I casually look over my shoulder to see Bella staring out the wide kitchen window. Her face void of emotion. The dish cradled in her hand spotless. All the water has drained from the sponge she clutches, and yet Bella's dainty hand continues to orbit the plate. It is if she is in a trance. Now more than ever I wish I knew what she was thinking.

Here I sat silently, head in my hands, as Bella ate her dinner. And now I continue to sit, a statue of pain, a statue of agony. How could I have given in? How could I have been so careless? To cause her such pain, if only for my pleasure. How could I have done that to her? I professed to love her, to keep her safe and all I have done is hurt her. She keeps trying to tell me otherwise, but I know that she is just trying to protect me. God only knows why. Our making love was a mistake.

Before that night I would have sat across from my love while she ate. Laughing at the look she always gives me when I stare too long while she is chewing. Using those moments while her mouth is full to tease her. Sick as it may be, I always love watching her cheeks turn crimson with embarrassment. A visualization of the forbidden blood that flows in her very human body. I had always insisted on accompanying Bella while she ate. I never wanted her to feel alone. But Now, things have changed. How can I be in the same room as her? Such an angel. Me, a constant reminder of the mistake she made. The monster she married.

My throat begins to burn. My reminder, if the bruises covering her delicate body weren't enough, of the monster that I am. That I always will be. How will I be able to face her for the rest of her life? I feel so ashamed. My brain told it would be the wrong thing to do, but I foolishly listened to our combined hearts. What should I do? What can I do? The burn swells in my throat again and I know that I can't ignore it any longer. I need to hunt.

Chapter 2:

“I'm going out to hunt.” I quietly say as I reach for the door. Bella doesn't say anything. Still washing that plate. Still in her trance. Slowly I turn the handle, ready to take my leave. Walking through the door I feel the warm sand give slightly under the weight of my feet. For a moment I wish it was quicksand. That the earth before our honeymoon suite would give way and consume me entirely. Then Bella would be free of me. I would no longer be the cause of Bella's pain. But alas, I know this will not happen. Only wishful thinking.

I stop for a moment and breathe in the night. It is a typical, warm, tropical night. I can taste the salt that hangs in the air. I also can smell a flock of birds nesting to the east. The smell reminds me of my purpose. I am thirsty. While a small flock of birds will not quench my thirst I know it curb it. Again, I fill my lungs with the tropical air. It looks like the birds are the largest game on the menu tonight. Rather than taking off at my usual vampire speed I walk slowly towards the grove of palm trees. My prey lay sleeping, I have no fear of waking them. All the while I am thing of my precious Bella. She is my life. I must figure out a way to make us work. Maybe Carlisle will have an answer when we return home. In my distraction I almost trip over a large piece of beached driftwood. I can empathize with it. There it lay twisted and broken. Twisted and broken like my soul, if I had one. Taking solace in it's appearance I kneel down and sit on the weathered old branch.

I forget my hunger as I stare at the waves crashing on the beach. Like the beginning of a new day they keep coming. They remind me that in the end tomorrow will always come. We must, not I must find a way to right things. I promised my love that I would never leave her again. I know how much pain that action caused us both the first time. I silently make a vow to myself, while I will not leave, I will never hurt her again.

Just then I hear the sound of footsteps consciously nearing me. The wind picks up and I can smell the sweet perfume that is Bella. Her steps are light, almost unauditable against the warm white sand. The waves helping hide her aproach. If only I knew what she was thinking. I would know what to do next. Is she afraid of me? What could she be doing out here? Did she decide to go for a walk not expecting to find me on this branch? I strain my ears for a clue as to her next move. As to mine.

Chapter 3:

There Bella stood. Her features softly illuminated in the moonlight. She was like a vision. No, more than a vision, a goddess, standing before me. A goddess draped in deep blue lace. The ensemble was obviously something of my sister Alice's choosing. The outfit an attempt to entice me. As if Bella alone wasn't enough, as if she needed any help. The thought of Alice fluttering through a lingerer store in Paris looking for things that I might like filled my head. She would be commanding the sales staff in prefect french as they trip over themselves trying to accommodate this obviously important customer. Alice enjoying every second. Even though we are not related by blood, and she is Bella's best friend, the thought of my sister doing this disturbed my old fashioned sensibilities. I looked away from Bella to the white sand below, shaking my head from side to side in an attempt to dislodge the image from my mind.

Out of the corner of my eye I could see Bella fall to her knees. Before I could say a word, “you don't love me. You don't want me,” Bella cried. “How could you think...” My voice stopped short. Her red rimmed eyes looked up at me with astonishment. Maybe even a hint of vexation. “You can't even look at me.” She whispered. She sound tired, worn down. “What? I... oh no you thought?” I smiled. A smile she has always said she can't stay mad at. She had misconstrued my actions. My love thought I was looking away from her. Shaking my head at her. Rejecting her. Who could reject such a vision of perfection? I had just sworn to never hurt her again and of course I managed to do so in less than ten minuets.

In a flash I was on my knees. I quickly wrapped my arms around Bella's body. She was trembling and I could feel her warm tears on my cheek. “I love you, I love you, I love you.” I professed, but she didn't or wouldn't hear me. I knew that I had to act. I had to change this downward spiral of hurt and rejection we were sliding down. Actions speak louder than words. That old adage came to mind. Now I was going to test that statement. In that moment I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers.

I started kissing her gently, sweetly at first. “Oh Edward.” She moaned. There in the moonlight we continued to kiss. All the tension and worry of the last few days began to melt away. The passion in our hearts growing. Bella intertwined her hands in my hair, pulling me to her. Her grip on me was stronger than it had ever been. And I allowed it. In fact, it spurred me on. I wrapped one arm around Bella's slender torso. The other I used to explore her body. Oh, how I have missed the feel of her skin. What had only been three days felt like an eternity. My lips moved from that of my love's to her neck. I kissed her neck allowing my mouth to trace her collarbone under her soft skin. I could feel her pulse quicken. Bella's body arched even harder into mine filling any gaps that still existed between the two of us. I inhaled deeply. Her scent was intoxicating. Suddenly, the sweetness of her scent traveled down my throat igniting the fire of my thirst. I never wanted anything more in my life then I wanted Bella in that moment.

Chapter 4:

The smell, the closeness of our bodies, all of it was too much for me. My vampire urges took me over. They possessed me. I was no longer Edward Cullen, gentle, proper, vegetarian. I was Edward, thirsty vampire. Suddenly my mouth closed over the nape of Bella's neck. The feeble human skin was no match form my razor sharp teeth. Teeth doing what they were designed to do. What I was designed to do. Feed on the weak, on the human. Before I could realize what I was doing, my teeth penetrated Bella's tender skin. I could feel my mouth fill with her warm succulent blood. Blood more delectable than any other I have tasted in my almost one hundred years of existence. The feeding on her felt right. Reason escaped me. In my mind she was no longer Bella, just prey. I swallowed quickly. Eager to devour another mouthful. I couldn't get enough. My body seemed electrified by her essence. I continued to drink her sweet nectar.

Nourished and revitalized the craze of feeding began to subside slightly. Savoring the nectar, my consumption slowed. My feeding was more like sampling a fine wine now. I rolled the blood around in my mouth allowing it to coat all my taste buds. Enjoying the various subtleties therein. Unlike wine, I dare not waste a drop by spitting it out. This was more delectable and rare than any vintage ever created. I could not waste a drop. It was then that I realized what I was doing. This no longer being the passionate embrace of two lovers. This, Bella, by no means being prey. This is my love, my wife, my life. Bella's hands no longer held me to her. Instead they lay limp by her sides. Her body lifeless in my ridged arms.

“Bella!” I frantically screamed.

No answer. All the self control I had exhibited over the past couple years gone in one moment. I was a monster. Only a monster could destroy the way I just had. Wost of all, I had enjoyed it. Savoring every drop. I knew I had to do something. Carlisle had guided me through saving Bella when she was bitten by James in Arizona. I know what I have to do. I have to remove the venom from her body before it is too late. How had I blocked the taste from my memory? Such an amazing... “NO,” I screamed out loud trying to stop my thoughts.

“Control yourself.” I ordered.

After what had just happened, what I am thinking now, I know I don't posses the will power to save her. If anything I will only destroy her completely. My only choice, aid Bella in becoming one of us. A vampire.

Chapter 5

I can almost hear Carlisle's voice urging me to get Bella into the house. I half turned in the hopes of seeing him behind me. Unfortunately, he is nowhere to be found. Abruptly, I am griped by the fact that here on the island we are utterly alone. I am completely terrified. Like a boy afraid of the monsters under his bed, I needed my adopted father. Carlisle would know what to do. He knows what to do. If only I had stayed with him during the transformations of Esme, Rosalie, and Emmett. Then, I would be better prepared for this moment. I never stayed. Though I empathized with what they were going through, I could never bring myself to be in attendance for the transformation. I knew if I remained it would only bring back memories too painful for me to relive again. In an attempt to keep Carlisle from thinking me weak, I had always insisted that I didn't want to be in the way. That he could better care for our newest member of the family if I was away. Oh how I wish I had faced my fears and stayed. If not for myself, then for my love that lay cradled in my arms.

“Get Bella inside!” I hear again. This time Carlisle's voice is louder. More insistent. He is right. Or rather the allusion of him in my head is. Maybe my subconscious knows that I am not strong enough to do this on my own. That is why I keep hearing my mentor. Whatever the reason I am great full for the guidance. “Edward, you need to get Bella inside.” The voice commands again. And the voice is right, I can take better care of her once inside. Or at least I can attempt to make her more comfortable. In one quick movement I am on my feet holding Bella firmly against my hard cold chest. Her body is still warm. Technically still human. Still the Bella I know. I close my eyes in concentration, an attempt to permanently etch the sensation of our bodies pressed together into my memory. I take one last deep breath, I want to remember her unique scent too. “Edward.” Carlisle reminding me not to linger. With that, I open my eyes and take a step towards the house. As we near the door I can hear my cell phone buzzing on the kitchen counter. Funny that my vampire hearing hadn't noticed it on the beach. Though I guess I was otherwise distracted. The sound of the phone's vibration against the tile seems both angry and urgent. Only seconds after the buzzing stops it begins again. Alice must have seen what I had done. By now she has most likely told the family and one if not all are currently calling. I enter the house, ignoring the frantic vibration in a hurry to get Bella to our bed.

As I lay her down a small gasp of pain escapes from her lips. It occurs to me that this is the first sound she has made. Strange. I have been told that it is not uncommon for those going through the change to continuously wail in pain. We all have explained the feeling as being consumed by flames. Bella lets out another whimper. Even though my heart is already stone, it aches seeing my love in pain. I must do everything in my power to help her. To ease her pain. Like it was yesterday, I can remember the feeling of my own transformation. The feeling of flames consuming my body as it slowly turned to stone and ice. Here she lay shuttering in pain. “I love you.” I whisper. “I'm sorry. I never meant to do this to you. Hold on. It will all be over soon.”

Suddenly I realize that the buzzing has stopped. As much as it pains me, I leave Bella's side, dashing to retrieve the phone. I know that I must speak to Carlile. He will tell me what to do from here. Unfortunately, I am too late. The continuous calls from my family have worn down the battery. Why had I not just answered the phone when I first heard it ring? I had thought us alone before but now we truly are. Possibly stuck in our own private world for a year. Maybe more. For Bella will be in no state to travel. Certainly not by plane. Maybe if we are lucky she will be able to go without feeding long enough for an ocean voyage, but that could take the better part of a year. I head back upstairs to sit vigil next to Bella.

I begin thinking about what I should tell Bella. For she already knows so much about our kind. I try to think about the frame of mind she will be in. Hunger or rather thirst is the driving force all vampires are governed by their first year. The need to satisfy the urge is so strong that for many it is all consuming. For a lucky few the urge is more manageable. But for most, the first year is a loss. Three hundred and sixty five days encompassed by two actions feed and a paranoid drive to keep ones self alive. I remember my own newborn existence. I would categorize it as the darkest year of my life. Carlisle was always patient with me. He worked had to keep me from the human population. Encouraging me to partake in his “vegetarian” lifestyle. I desperately tried to head Carlisle's teachings, fight my urge to kill. Kill humans that is. Here on the island, far from any humans, I will be able to do the same for Bella. At least we have that going for us. Newborn vampires have notoriously veracious appetites. My only hope is that there is enough prey on the island to sustain the two of us. I had always wondered why Carlisle and Esme ventured here alone. Previously, I had believed it was to getaway from the “children,” most likely that was part of it, but having experienced this place I now know that this paradise could never sustain Emmett's appetite, let alone our entire clan.

Chapter 6:

I continue to sit, watching, waiting. It has been two and a half days since I lost all control and bit Bella, ending her human life. Every time she makes a sound, my body stiffens in the knowledge that this was all my doing. I am the cause of her agony. She looks so helpless laying curled up on the bed. If I could absorb her pain I would. Oh how is wish Jasper was here to send her soothing vibrations. Anything to lessen her hurt. I want nothing more than for her pain to end, but I also worry what that end will bring. Much of our human memory is gone after the change is complete. I worry about what she will remember, and consequently who those memories will make be. I worry about Bella not trusting me, not that I can blame her after what I did. I worry that she will be so angry that she will not except my help. I worry that my momentary lapse in judgment may lead to the destruction of us both. Whatever our fate, there is no going back now. Every time she winces, I verbally keep reminding us both that it will be over soon.

Dawn breaks across the sky. A new day. Or rather, for our kind, another sunrise in a continuous day. Pushing it's way through the sheer curtains, light begins to fill the room. Everything is a bright white. Not your typical setting for this real horror movie playing out. My body glistens in the new morning sun, so does Bella's. In the dark of the night, I had not noticed her features changing. I reach out for her, touching her left hand with mine. Our rings make a small click as they meet. No more do I feel the soft, warm, and inviting flesh that I had loved so. She is now cold like me. Her face more angular than before. Her once soft and supple body now hard as stone. While she is beautiful it is a different kind of beauty.

Softly Bella's porcelain eyes lids begin to flutter, like the wing of a butterfly on a warm summer day.

“Bella.” I say in my usual tone.

Bella winces at the sound of my voice withdrawing her hand from mine. What else could I have expected? She may not want to talk to me, but I know I have to help her. I must rectify what I have done.

“Bella.” I pause momentarily before adding “My love.”

Again she winces. Only this time she brings her hands to her head using them to cover her ears. Of course, I forgot how strange the heightened senses all vampires possess can be at first.

“Bella.” This time I whisper.

Her head turns in my direction. Slowly she attempts opening her eyes.

“Hold on.” I say remembering to whisper. “Let me find something to cover the windows.” In a flash I retreat into the bedroom across the hall returning with a comforter. I hang the heavy blanket as best I can over the windows. Light still manages to peak through the corners, but I am confident that the amount is negligible.

“Bella, try opening your eyes again my love.”

Bella's eyes begin to open. They are a deep crimson. A stark contrast to the white that had just surrounds us. She must be wild with thirst. Yet wild doesn't describe the look I see in her eyes. No, not wild. The look that I see is something altogether different. Bella's eyes are filled with fear. Cautious not to make any sudden moves, I watch as the emotion in her eyes change from fear to puzzlement.

“Bella.” I whisper again and she slowly tilts her head even closer to me.

“It's me, Edward.” I continued softly. “Are you okay? It's all over. Bella please... say something.”

“Edward?” Her voice is both hoarse and musical all that the same time. The new sound obviously bewilders her.

“Oh, Bella.” I gingerly exclaim as I take her hands into mine.

She is now siting. Our eyes meet holding each others gaze. Their is still love therein.

“The pain.” she mutters. Or what passes as muttering for a vampire.

“I know, I'm sorry. I will spend the rest of my life apologizing if that what it takes.” I profess.

“Edward, what happened?”

She is desperate for answers. I can't bring myself to say aloud what I did. I open my mouth, trying to force out an explanation. It is as if my voice has been stolen. I try again, still nothing. Then I hear her sing, “Am I? Am I one of you?”

“Yes Bella, I am so sorry, I never meant for this to happen." Deeply I inhale, "Yes. Yes you are a ... Vampire.”

Chapter 7

Bell seemed surprised she was actually a vampire. While, yes I was vehemently opposed to the idea, what did she think? Did she think I would let her die? Or maybe she thought I had saved her as I had before? I looked up, hoping her expression held the answer. She was no longer looking at me. She was examining her hand in wonder. I moved from her to the window.

“If you think you are ready I will remove the covering from the window so that you may have the full effect?”

“I think so.” She said. Only, the tone in her voice was more convincing than her words.

I began removing the thick bedspread. I started at the far corner in an attempt at easing the transition. Attempt is the operative word, for no sooner had I grabbed hold of the tapestry it came crashing down to the flood. The room was again filled with light. Our bodies aglow. A gasp of surprise came form Bella. I assumed it was the commotion or the unfamiliar sight of her own body sparkling in the sunlight that led to her utterance, but when I turned around I was astonished to see she had a sheet pulled over her. Tightly clutching it just under her neck. As much as I tried, I was unable to stifle my laughter. After all that had transpired the last few days she was worried about her, her modesty. Yes, she was still my Bella.

“Oh darling.” I managed to say between laughs.

Bella did not seem to find the situation humorous. A low growl began to emanate from her.

“Really Bella, it is quite funny if you think about it.” She apparently was not going to think about it. In fact the growl was beginning to grow louder.

“Bella, it's just after all that has happened the thing that you are most concerned with is being in a negligee in front of your husband. A negligee that you yourself put on.” This apparently was not the right thing to say. Bella was now in a low crouching position.

“Bella, I'm sorry. I in no way meant to offend you.” I forgot how touchy newborn vampires could be.

“You are a vision of beauty.” While this is true, I was hoping that her sense of vanity was also overactive. If so this may appease her.

Again I was wrong. Bella's anger had grown. In the blink of an eye she was soaring through the air. She landed on me hard. Not being able to read her mind I had had no idea that attack was coming. Bella continued to swing at me. It was like fighting Emmett. There was no planing behind her actions only brute force. I know I am incapable of overpowering a newborn, but maybe I can out wit one.

I try to get my arms around my angry wife. Maybe the combination of that and me telling her just how much she means to me will calm her. I position myself so that I am standing up straight. I use my added height to gain some leverage and I am able to wrap my army around Bella's upper torso.

I love you, I swear I wasn't laughing at you,” I breathlessly say.

“No, than who were you laughing at? Or were you laughing with me?”

“Ouch,” I exclaim as Bella swirly around pinning me between the wall and her firm body.

There must be another way to distract her from her rage. She is a newborn fixated on an act. It then dawns on me that she is a newborn, a newborn who has yet to drink.

“Bella my love...”

“Don't call me that,” she interrupt.

“Bella I just thought..”

“You just thought what?” Interrupting again.

“I thought that you might be hungry.”

All of a sudden, the attack stops. Bella is no longer couching. In stead she is reaching for her neck. The diversion worked.

“Bella, you mush be parched. Why don't we go outside and hunt.”

Chapter 8

I know a negligee is certainly not hunting attire, but after Bella's overreaction a moment ago I can not decide if it would be best to mention this to her or allow her to go out as she is. This decision to re-alert Bella to her state of undress weighs heavy on me. In fact, it is a harder one to make than when I decided to go to the Voltaire to ask them to help me die. It seems like what ever my decision, she may be angry with me. I hope reminding her to change is the right one.

Gently I clear my throat. “Um Bella... You may wish to change into something more conductive to hunting before we leave.” I brace myself for the possible scuffle to follow. Thankfully the scuffle never comes, rather Bella smiles sweetly at me.

“Thank you for reminding me. You never did let me go with you. What should I wear?” Her new voice is light and musical.

I can't help but think of Alice. This would be her dream. Bella actually welcoming some form of fashion advice. Albeit, the fashion is for hunting, yet I know it would make Alice happy. I have to remember to tell this story to my sister. She will be sorry she missed it. On second thought, maybe I shouldn't. For if Alice had her way, our entire clan would have matching hunting uniforms. They would all be vary fashionable, and updated regularly. How I hope this thought hasn't turned into a vision for her.

“Edward did you hear me?” A slightly impatient Bella says.

“Oh sorry dear, I was just thinking how much Alice would love to be here to dress you for your first hunt. Just wear something comfortable. Something you can move in.” I say.

Bella smiles at the mention of Alice's name then trots over to the closet. She studies the items hanging in front of her, eventually deciding on a light blue tank top and khaki shots. I too should change out of the clothing I have been wearing for several days. I reach into the dressed beside me and remove a green lightweight cotton shirt and khakis as well.

“Bella, I'm going to give you some privacy to change. I will be downstairs also changing. Just come down when you are ready.”

“Privacy? You're my husband right?”

“Yes...” I answer a little cautiously.

“Then why would you need to leave?”

It is all I can do to keep my emotions from showing on my face. These mood swings are going to take some getting use to. Hopefully, she wont be like this her entire first year. “No reason dear.” I say with a forced smile. “I want to check on something.” Ya, I like my sanity. “Please just meet me downstairs when you are done.” Before she can answer I am down the stairs.

Human Bella always was careful walking downstairs, not vampire Bella. Vampire Bella seems to float down them effortlessly. Almost like a well trained dancer. No, better. In a flash she is beside me.

“Shall we hunt?” I say.

“If it will stop this burning in my throat then the sooner the better. Wait, but how will I know what to do?”

I can't help but smile. Smile, not laugh. “Dear, just watch me and mimic what I do.”

Bella exits behind me. I stop for a moment and inhale deeply. “Do you smell that?” I ask.

“I think so. I smell something sweet and light.” Bella looks unsure, but she continues. “And there, past those trees, I think there is something not as sweet but it smells bigger if that is possible. Is it?”

“Yes, very impressive. Now remember, watch what I do. I will bring the prey back to you so that you may drink before you try for yourself. I'm sure that you must be very hungry.” I dash off in the direction of the lighter, sweeter smell. Most likely a large rodent of some sort. As I near the animal, yes a large rodent, I feel a sudden gust of wind and see a quick flash of light. I stop abruptly to see Bella has beaten me to the animal and is already feeding.

“I'm sorry,” she says, after she has drained the animal of it's blood, blood that is now dripping from the corner of her mouth. “I was just so thirsty. I don't know what came over me.”

Wow, her instincts are good I thought to myself. “That's okay. It is important you build your strength.” Though if she gets much stronger, I may be seriously injured if she gets upset again.

“Why don't we continue hunting.” I suggest. “Build up or strengths.”

Chapter 9

Our thirst satisfied, Bella and I made our way back to what may be our for home for some time.

“Does everything feel this different?” Bella inquired.

“I'm not quite sure what you are asking.” I replied.

“You know, everything. The sun is brighter, the sand warmer, and sounds, it's like everything is happening right next to me.”

“In all honesty, my pre vampire memory when it comes to my senses is a bit fuzzy. For instance, I remember my mother making a chocolate cake for my birthday, and yet no matter how hard I try I can not conger up the memory of it's taste.” My words were slow as I fixated on the memory. “If it is any constellation, I do remember my first few days as a newborn. I remember that the world seemed more, even with all the voices bouncing around in my head.”

“It does seem different to me.”

To my surprise, Bella reached out taking my hand in hers. Her cold hard fingers were different than the warm and soft human ones I had once held. Still I reveled in this show of affection. Oh how I urn to be close to my wife.

Bella stopped me, a little too forcefully, from entering the door. “You know,” she mused, I can't remember if you ever carried me over the threshold.”

“Well Mrs. Cullen, I did, but if you like I will gladly do it again.”

Bella wrapped her arms around my neck. I lifted her and carried her over the threshold. I took a few steps inside then leaned forward to put her down. Bella's arms remained locked around my neck.

I can't begin to express the immense joy I was feeling. Not only was Bella my wife, but she remembered that she is and she apparently still wants to be. I decided to risk it, the close proximity too tempting, I leaned in to kiss my wife. Bella's grip began to tighten around my neck once again as she kissed me back. She is kissing me back! Our hands move over each other's body. Her touch feels so different than before. Though different, the feel is exhilarating. I can only imagine how the differences feel to her. I don't want to stop. I want events to continue down the track they are going. Effortlessly, I lift Bella into my arms and carry her up the stairs.

Here we stand at the foot of the bed.

“Well Mrs. Cullen?”

“Yes Mr. Cullen?”

“I have fulfilled my duty as your new husband in caring you over the threshold. I have also attested to my desire with a kiss.”

“I believe Mr. Cullen, you could call that more than just a kiss.” She said with coy smile.

“I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Do you think there may be something else you might enjoy?” To my surprise, using her newborn strength, Bella pushed me on to the bed with such force that the bed frame let out a very loud crack.

“Are you okay?” Bella asked obviously worried. She started to lean over me to see if she had caused me any damage. I reached out pulling her body to mine and rolling on top of her. “Never Better.” I answered with a coy smile of my own.

“Well in that case Mr. Cullen, what do you say we...” Something inside me couldn't wait for her to finish, I began kissing my love again.

Things are so different now, and on so many levels. For one, we are now the same temperature. Our first night together, our only night together, I could distinctly feel the separation of our two forms. No matter how close we have held each other in the past, we couldn't seem to break through that separation. Now, our bodies intertwined feel like one. I am unable to tell where my body stops and Bella's begins. For another, I don't have to worry about holding back , I will now be able to love my wife with necklace abandon. Seeing as it is only two o'clock in the afternoon, I intend to fully make the most of our first night together as vampire husband and wife.

Chapter 10:

And thus is how are days continued. At first light I accompany Bella as she satisfies her monumental apatite. As for myself, I am only hunting every three days in fear of us decimating our food source before Bella is ready to leave our peaceful island. Something that is a constant worry for me. Once her apatite is fully satisfied, we enjoy the warm sunlight on our bodies as we walk back to our temporary home. A luxury not available to us back in Forks, or anywhere else with a human population for that matter. I can not remember the last time I spent so much time outdoors without worrying about being seen by others not of my kind. I find the experience utterly relaxing. Bella seems to have picked up on my relaxed nature and her newborn “angst” has also appeared to bend. It has become our little ritual for me to carry Bella over the threshold every time we reenter our abode. If I were a mer mortal I may have already tired of the action, but seeing as I am not, seeing as my back will always be strong, my arms never weak, I revel in the happiness it seems to bring my new bride. In a flash we are up the stairs and out of our close. Spending much of the daylight ours naked in each others arms.

The moments in between have been spent answering Bella's many questions. They run the gambit from personal things like who she was, is, and will be, to more mundane topics like those we covered in school. She appears determined not to forget her past. One day she lay fixated on an image in her head until she finally linked a name to it. When she asked “who is Charlie,” I explained that Charlie was or rather is her father. She was mortified at the fact that she had forgotten her own father. I explained that our previous memories are much like swiss cheese. Some wholes are bigger than others. The memories that are now these wholes are in many cases lost for good.

“Emmett's brain is full of these wholes,” I explained. This brought on a few chuckles.

“But how come I can remember all of you and not my own dad?” she asked.

“Honestly, I don't have the answer. Maybe it is your brains way of protecting you. Maybe you remember the vampires in your life because then you know which of us are safe, not a threat. I wish I had a better answer for you. For the time being you will have to settle for hypothesizes.”

“Edward, I just don't like not knowing.”

“I know darling, I know. Speaking of Charlie, you can't tell him what you have become, what do you want to tell him? If anything at all.”

“Edward, I think he will notice the changes.”

“Bella, I didn't mean that. What I meant was do you want him to know that you are 'alive,' so to speak?”

“What? I... I don't know. What do you think?”

“I in no way meant to bring this up prematurely, maybe it would be best if we table this discussion for Carliles.”

“Ok.” She answered a little glum.

I decided to change the subject, test what I hope to be a rather large whole.

“Bella?”

“Yes.”

“Do you remember a boy (for he is nothing more than a mere boy, okay maybe a ware boy, but a boy none the less,) named Jacob?” Her eyes looked off to one side. Searching hard for some memory to go with the name.

“I think I remember having a friend by that name when I was a kid. Ya, why would you bring up somebody from so... long ago?”

“No other memory, nothing more recent?”

“Why? Is he important?” Here voice somewhat worried, as if she forgot another important family member.

“No, if you don't remember him than it's not important.” I could not keep the smile off my face. The smile seems to be reassuring to Bella.

“I have another idea why don't we go out for a walk.”

I, in a pair of very European red swim shorts, and Bella in a retro medium blue bathing suit we decided to go for a swim. I reall can see why this place is so special to Esme. The water is so clear I can see the glowing effects of the setting sun radiating off of Bella's shimmering body. The sea is a rainbow of color. Pink, Orange, and Purple, can be seen all around. The volominous clouds being mirriored in the water. Never in all my life could I imagine the magic that I have experienced on this island, not to mention over the last year. I wade over to the shallower water where Bella stands. Water is still rolling off her body, an indication that she had only recently moved to the lower area. Our eyes lock, and without feeling myself move, the gap between us closes. We pressed our lips together and I can taste the sweetness of her lips despite the salty sea water. She wraps her lags around me and I carry her to the shore. Like Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the iconic seen in From Here to Eternity, we make love on the beach with the waves gently lapping over our feet and legs.

Chapter 11:

It occurred to me one morning as we were walking along the beach that I have no clue what day it is. Not just skipping a day or two, like when you write a check and the person behind the checkout counter tells you it is the 15th not the 11th, but how long have we been here? I know we had been here for four days before I changed Bella, but how long has it been since then. Weeks, months? I stopped in my tracks. I tried to think of how many sunrises we have seen, but they all seemed to blur together in a haze of warm color. With my cell phone dead we had no way of knowing where time stood. Bella appears to be doing better every day. She doesn't act like a typical newborn, in fact if I didn't know any better I would say she was at least ten months old, maybe even a year. No, it can't be. Have we been here that long? No. My thoughts were then interrupted by the gentle touch of my wife's hand on my shoulder.

“Edward?” Her voice soft, concerned.

“Bella, I am sorry. I did not mean to cause you concern. I was just trying to remember what day it is.”

“Oh.” She said her voice still soft. Her had slowly slid from my shoulder and was now resting by her side. “Why does that matter?” she continued.

“What it matters is we can't stay here forever.”

That was apparently the wrong thing to say. Bella's eyes began to darken as the anger rose within her.

“Are you tired of me already?” The words spat out of her mouth, dripping with venom. I reached for her hand only for her to pull it back further away from me.

“Can't stand to be alone with me anymore. You created me, turned me in to this.” She waved over her body with the hand I had tried to hold. “And now what? You can't wait to be rid of me.” I could hear the hurt in her voice.

“No Bella that is not it at all. You've got it all wrong. I...”

“Do I? Do I have it all wrong? Tell me what do I have wrong?”

“Well for starters.” Her accusations hurt. I was now yelling back. “I love you. Yes, I turned you into what you are now. I have apologized for that. If there had been a way for us to spend eternity together without me changing you, maybe I would have been stronger, but I wasn't. In no way do I wish to be rid of you, even with how you are acting now. I only realized that I had no clue how long we have been here, I'm being practical we can't stay here forever. Our families must be besides themselves with worry. While Alice has most likely had visions and know we are still alive it is not the same.” I took a deep breath. Yelling at Bella is not something I am accustom to. Immediately, I felt ashamed for doing so. Taking another deep breath I steadied my voice. “I am sorry for yelling at you. It is just that we need to find out how long you have been a vampire. We need to find a way to return home.”

Bella was no longer looking at me. She was looking down at her feet as she moved them nervously.

“Bella, do you understand what I am saying?” I reached out and took her hand. This time she didn't shrink back.

“I love you Isabella Cullen, do not ever forget that.”

Her eyes met mine. “I love you too. I was just afraid that you were unhappy with the person I have become. If you leave me, I will have nobody.”

I took my wife into my arms, gently stroking her hair. It was warm from the mid morning sun. The warmth enhance her sweet smell. I inhaled filling my lungs. “That will never happen.” The words poured from my heart and out my lips so lightly I was unsure if she had heard them. I looked down to see her smiling up at me. She lifted herself up on the tips of her toes and kissed me.

Silently we continued our walk along the beach, our arms wrapped around the others torso. Bella was the first to break the silence. “Edward?”

“Yes my love.”

“I think I saw an emergency radio in the closet while I was unpacking. You know, when we first arrived.” It was obvious that she didn't want to leave the safety of the island but in admitting what she had found she was also admitting that I was right. It was nearing time for us to leave.

“Now why had I not thought of that? Of course my father would be practical and have an emergency kit. What do you say we go see if the batteries still work?”

Sure enough, there is was. A black flashlight radio combination with a crank on the side.

“What do you say we give her a whirl and see day it is?” Bella's face was covered with worry. When she saw me looking at her she forced herself to smile. “Now Bella, you know this won't change a thing. I love you and look forward to spending the rest of eternity with you. The only difference between here or there is I will be occasionally sharing your attention with the other members of my family. I'm sorry, our family.” She smiled back at me and nodded for me to continue. I gripped the handle firmly and began turning it. The flashlight light up and a melody in Spanish sounded from the speakers. I continued cranking the radio. Knowing Carlisle the radio was probably already tuned to the local station. With anticipation, we both sat on the floor waiting for the song to finish. After a few minuets an announcer with a strong accent stated the name of the song we had just listened to. He then continued on about the weather and some local gossip. It was like he knew we were listening and was going to make us sweat it out. Finally, he announced that in two days some sort of annual fair would be occurring.

“What is he saying?” Bella had taken French in high school.

“He said that the festival was in two days,and announced the date. We have been her for almost five months.” I think we were both surprised at how much time had passed. I guess it's true what they say, "time passes when your're haveing fun."Chapter 12:

“Are you sure?”

“Sure of what?” I said as I kissed the top of Bella's head. We were enjoying a day in the sun. In fact, the last days we would spend basking in the sun's rays uninhibited. Our bodies aglow, we lay on the beach, the wave gently tickling our toes. Oh, how I could stay here forever, but the logical side of me tells me that can't be. I was hoping this would not come up again until after nightfall. Until we had to leave. All I want to do is enjoy this day, pretend that our eminent departure isn't so close.

“Don't play dumb with me Mr. Cullen. You know exactly what I am talking about.” Bella said rather matter of factley. She really is adorable when she gets frustrated like that. I leaned in a little closer, my right shoulder just barely touching hers.

“If the what you are referring to is that of us leaving this island, then yes, yes Bella, I know what you are referring to. Yet some how that does not change the situation. We have been over this time and time again, we need to leave. We need to return home.”

“We have all eternity to leave. All eternity to spend with your, oops... our family. What is another day, week, or even month?” She was now pleading with me. Pleading as if her life depended on it.

“And Bella my love, what's not to turn that month into two months, or three, or a year? We need to return to Forks. While I would love nothing more than to stay lost here with you for all eternity Forks is our home. I am sure that your father is worried about you. You may or may not remember, but he is a police officer. If Carlisle was unable to come up with a story as to why we have not returned home that he found believable then Charlie might be using his connections to find us. While he would never find us here, the family could be under suspicion. You know it's time.”

“But...” Bella's voice began to waver. “But, what if I... what if I'm not ready?” I sat up and pulled Bella onto my lap, cradling her in my arms. Not being able to read Bella's mind I would use the pace of her heart and her breathing to gauge her emotions, but since her transformation I have to try harder to read her. My sister Rosalie is the only other vampire I knew, well knew of, before her change. The change seemed to put her already overinflated opinions of herself into overdrive, but not my Bella. One things for sure, becoming a vampire didn't increase Bella's confidence in herself. She was worried about her own self control.

“Bella you are ready.” I insisted.

“No Edward I'm not. I haven't even seen a human, how do I know I won't kill the first one I see?”

“And how will you get over that here? Do you want me to sail on over to the closest island, kidnap one, then bring it back here so we can see how you will react before we set sail?” She almost seemed to be pondering the idea.

“No Bella, we must leave. We have been over this before. We will set sail once it is dark. All you have to do is let me know when you think you might be getting thirst and I will head for the first available piece of shoreline. We will only hunt in the wee hours of the morning when there are the fewest number of people out. I will stay with you at all times. I will try to set a course so that the boat can continue on it's own while the sun is out while we remain bellow deck away from anybody who may see us. I have long sleeves and gloves just in case I have be out in the sun to alter our course. It should take about a week for us to get home to Forks depending on the winds.” Bella was no longer looking at me, her eyes cast down to the sand. Cupping Bella's cheek in my hand I lifted her chin and our eyes met.

“Bella, I know that you are strong enough to do this. I have faith in you.” She began to interrupt me, I lay one finger over her succulent lips stopping them just as they began to open.

“Now darling. Why don't we forget all about tonight and just enjoy the next four hours or so that we have left. You really are beautiful. Especially in that bikini.” Saying the last part with a devilish grin. Using my hand that is still on her cheek I guided her face closer to mine, then I leaned forward myself and kissed my beautiful Bella.

---

Chapter 13:

The sky is ablaze in shades of orange and pink. Wispy, white, puffs, barely passable as clouds punctuated the shifts in color. It is like no sunset I have ever seen before. Truly a sight to behold. If I were a painter rather than a musician, I would be inspired to bring out my brushes here and now. Capture the image for all time. Without the ability I am registered to sit here for another minuet in an attempt to sear what may be the second most beautiful image into my mind. Maybe when we return home I will compose a song. Though I will be hard pressed to create a melody capable of doing nature's wonder justice.

Small foot steps approach me from behind. I turn to see the first most beautiful image approaching. How did I get so lucky? How could somebody so perfect in every way settle for being my wife.

“You know... we could stay.” Her words soft, barely audit able. Well at least to human ears. I instantly feel guilty for denying Bella what I know she desperately wants. Knowing, that our departure is for the best does not seem to curb the guilt I feel.

“Bella, we're, that is the boat, she's already packed.” Like this would stop her from wanting to stay.

“I know. You just looked so happy. I was hoping maybe you changed your mind.”

I reached up, taking her strong yet dainty hand into my own. I tug gently on her hand guiding her down next to me on the soft, white, sand. We sit on the warm sand, continuing to watch the sun make it's decent. Not once do we speak. Just enjoy the beauty of mother nature in the presence of each other. It isn't until the colors are engulfed by the darkness of night that we finally rise. Stars begin twinkling overhead signaling that it is time for us to go. We could easily make it to the boat before either one of us would be done snapping our fingers, instead we linger then laggardly made our way to what is to be our new home for the next week.

I lift Bella onto the deck, where she takes a seat toward the back of the boat. I scurry about the boat readying everything for our departure. With a few more adjustments of the sail the boat begins to pull away from the dock. The wind is stronger tonight than most. Almost as if mother nature agrees it is time for us to be on our way. I look to my wife. She is watching as the only home we have known as husband and wife fades in the distance. I am no longer capable of seeing the island, yet Bella continues to stare in it's direction.

“Bella.” I whisper.

“Shhh..” Also a whisper.

I stand over her in silence, waiting for her to make the next move.

“Sorry Edward. I just didn't want to miss the last glimpse of the island.”

“No need to apologize my love. You could still see it from here?”

“Yes.” She says shocked. “Couldn't you?”

“No. I lost sight of the island just before I said your name. I guess I need to get my eyes checked.” I chuckled a little at the last part, in an attempt to break the tension. To think, a vampire going in for an eye exam.

“The stars are really amazing out here. That's another thing I will miss when we get back to Forks.” I wish Bella would look at the positive side of all this.

“It is the smog and city lights that prevent the stars from shining as they do here. I can not wait to show you the stars in Alaska.”

“Alaska! I thought we were sailing to Forks?” Bella was now on her feet staring at me.

“Our current course is set for Forks. I did not mean to startle you. What I meant was that you will love the stars in Alaska when we visit. And no, I have not made any plans for us to visit Alaska, but one day.”

Bella's was off guard and I seized the opportunity to surprise her. In vampire speed I picked her up in my arms. I did not calculate that her reaction would be a defensive maneuver and quickly found myself flying in the air about to land head first into the ocean. In a matter of seconds, I found myself engulfed by the dark and salty water.

“Edward! Edward where are you?!?”

“I am right here love.” I said as I pocked my head up out of the water.

“I am so sorry. I didn't mean to...”

I cut Bella short. “No my darling. It is I who should be apologizing. I didn't mean to trigger a fight or flight response. I only thought I would be nice if I surprised you. Note taken, no more surprises.”

“I don't know what happened. I didn't even know what I was doing until I saw you hit the water.”

“Bella, do you mind if we table this discussion for a moment and would you help me back onto the boat?”

“Oh! Yes! I'm sorry. Here take my hand.”

If she wasn't a newborn vampire, nothing would be more humiliating than having your wife pull you out of the open ocean like a rag doll.

“Thank you for your assistance. If you don't mind, I an going to go below and change.”

“I could help you with that.” Bella had a smile in her voice. I raised one eye brow and smile back at her. This time we didn't linger. We were below the deck before we could even think about snapping our fingers.

Chapter 14:

“Edward?” Her voice was soft and low.

We were laying on the small bed below deck. Bella's head was resting on my chest as she traced small circles on my body. We both hadn't spoken for some time, just laying there enjoying each others company. The sun was beginning to set and it would not be long now before we will be able to go above deck and enjoy a little fresh air.

“Yes my love.” My voice not much louder than hers had been moments before.

“I think I may be getting a little thirsty.” She almost sounded embarrassed as she said the last word. As if admitting this was some sort of defeat. She knows how long it has taken me to be able to sustain from hunting for longer lengths of time. I guess like all children, she is in a hurry to “grow up,” so to speak.

“Of course. We have to be careful, can you make it a few more hours?”

“Yes.” This time she spoke with more confidence.

“Marvelous. Once the sun has made it's final decent, I will set a course that will bring us closer to the coast. I will keep my eye out for ports at that time. On second thought, maybe you should be the one to keep and eye out. Your eyesight is slightly better than mine.” I said with a little smile.

“Don't worry love. I will be with you the whole time.”

I wrapped my arms around Bella giving her a slight squeeze. Her apprehension about the possibility of being around people is obvious. I wish there was more that I could say to reasure her. She has made great strides and while she has her moments, most of the time I even forget that she is a newborn.

“But, but what if I smell something that I can't resist, and take off after it? I am faster than you.”

The fact that she is even asking these questions shows that she is not a typical newborn. That she still has regard for human life, unheard of. Oh, how I wish Bella saw here self the was she is, the way I see her. Maybe explaining this to her will help.

“Yes. If you decide to take off I will not be able to catch you. The thing you do not seem to realize is that while you may still be a newborn, in many ways you don't act like one. The fact that you still hold regard for human life is unheard of. I know you are scared, but most wouldn't even have the presence of mind to even have these thoughts. You are truly something special.”

She looked up at me. If we have the ability to cry, I think she would. I cupped her face with me hand and leaned in to kiss her. Our kiss was sweet and tender. Using all my resolve, I kept it at just that, a kiss.

“Bella, you will need your energy to hunt. The thirstier you are the harder it will be for you to resist if we come across any... humans.” Crestfallen, her face fell back onto my chest.

“Not to worry, my darling. All will be alright. It looks like the sun is almost set. What do you say we go above deck and look for a nice quiet port?”

I don't know how much time passed until we found that nice quiet port. From our boat, I scanned the shore line looking for signs of humans milling around. Sight and smell came up a blank. This appears to be a small fishing village. The type where everybody goes to bed not long after the sun sets and are up again just before the sunrises. I couldn't have planed for a better spot for Bella's first hunt off the island.

I directed our boat to the dock and tied it off. Bella appeared to be a Whiter shade of pale.

“Bella, we will take it nice and slow. The town is quiet, everybody appears to be sleeping.” I reached out and she out her hand in mine.

“I'm just scared I'll hurt somebody.”

“I know. We will stay together. Everything will be fine.”

“Everything will be fine.” She repeated, like a mantra giving her strength.

With that, we walked at human speed, just in case anybody did see us, along the edge of the water. Once we reached the edge of town, hand in hand, we darted into the countryside in search of something to quench Bella's thirst.

It only took a few seconds for us to come across a small farm. Several cows stood sleeping before us. While I knew that these animals were most likely precious and extremely valuable to the little farm I didn't want to tempt fate. As a rule, my family does not eat the property of others, especially because we have so much, but I considered these special circumstances. I wanted to get Bella back to the boat and be on our way as soon as possible. I knew that one of the large animals would be enough to quell Bella's hunger and I would be able to drink any blood that remained. I pointed to the oldest of the three animals. I knew she wouldn't taste as good as the other two, but her loss would be the least detrimental to the farm. Bella was at the cow's throat in a flash. It must have a slightly odd taste, for Bella winced as she began drinking. I kept watch as she drained the animal of almost all of it's blood. Once full, she backed away and motioned for me to finish her. There wasn't much left. It took very little time for me to finish.

Faster than any human eyes could see we were back to the edge of town. Quietly, we made our way back to the boat. Bella went below deck while I untied the rope from the dock. I glanced over my shoulder, the town was still. As we sailed through open waters I breathed a sigh of relief that nobody in the town would be the wiser of our visit.

Chapter 15:

“It's almost time.” I said with maybe a little too much excitement in my voice as far as Bella is concerned. The look I was being given indicated as much. We have been sailing for the better part of five days. With every sunset I can feel her disappointment about our eminent arrival home. I know this can't be easy on her, but the situation is not as destitute as she makes it out to be, she is letting herself be ruled by her insecurities. I have a feeling some things will never change. Even becoming a vampire could not give Bella confidence.

“Now Bella, don't pout.” Actually, I love the way she looks when she pouts. The only problem is that it is so hard to say no to here when she is pouting. The way she thrusts her bottom lip forward with a slight tremble. So supple, even now as it is as hard as stone. I know she does this on purpose, why else would the lip of a vampire quiver? Though this isn't something I intended to let on about. I would hate to never see that protruding bottom lip again. But I digress.

“Bella my love, I promise everything will be just fine. You have nothing to worry about.”

Suddenly Bella was on her feet. “Just fine! Nothing to worry about! Edward, these aren't things you can promise!” Her words sharp with anger, or is it fear.

“Darling, I may not have the ability to see the future like Alice, but I know you. I have faith in you. Not to mention you will not only have my support, but the support of our entire family. You are more controlled than anybody could imagine. Last night, when I directed you away from that human scent, you did not attack me or fight me, you let me lead you away. That is a very advanced thing to do. So yes, I do believe that everything will be just fine, that there is nothing to worry about.” I said this all with as much confidence as I was able to muster. any lack of conviction would only worry Bella.

“Believe and promise are two very different things.” Unfortunately, Bella's voice was still sharp.

“I know.” My voice slightly lower.

“Do you?” Here voice more questioning than heated.

“Yes.” With total conviction.

“I wish I was as confident about returning to Forks as you are.” The edge in her voice was beginning to falter.

“Well actually, we will not be returning to Forks exactly.” I could see the glimmer of hope in Bella's eyes as I said this. “I think it will be best if we return a little further north than Forks. There is a private dock that I have not seen in use in years. I believe that it is the dock for a vacation home that is rarely used. I know Alice will have a vision of our change in plans and know where to meet us. We have no way of knowing what explanation was given for our prolonged absence. In meeting Alice, if not the whole family, in a more secluded location we will know what to expect when we return to Forks. We would not want to blow the anybodies cover in returning without crutches if they said one of us had been hurt of anything of the such. It is not a rick we should take.”

“Okay.” Was all Bella could say. She sounded Like a small child who has just conceded to not having ice cream tonight.

I reached out to her and she came to sit on my lap. Her bottom lip began protruding ever so slightly. Before it could begin to quiver, I took hold of it with mine and begun kissing my beloved Bella. We stayed like this for quite some time enjoying the feeling of our lips together. Without disconcerting our mouths, Bella slid off of my lap guiding me off the bench and onto the deck of the boat. For a second I thought about how much I missed the sound of her heart's increased beats during moments like these. I could never share these thoughts with Bella. It was my doing and it is something I will always have to live with. Bella's hands began running up my back brought me back into the moment. With the stars shining bright above us, we made love until just before dawn.

A haze of light beginning to manifest to the east signaling the last night of our honeymoon, so to speak. Reaching across Bella, I grabbed our clothing. I took a moment to untagel our garments then hadded Bella her dress. She slipped the lightweight dress she had been wearing earlier over her head, then made her way bellow deck. I pulled on my shorts then walked around the boat making final preparation for what is to be our last day at sea. By sundown tomorrow I will be guiding the sail boat to a dock in Washington.

Chapter 16:

The topography has changed greatly. No longer is the view from our porthole windows that of palm trees and the sun drenched shores of California. Large conifers now shoot up not far from the coastline. The sky has also darkened drastically. A light drizzle is falling from the increasingly ominously looking clouds. Despite the drizzle I take Bella's hand, leading her outside. The cloud cover gives us the luxury of enjoying the view from above deck rather than underneath it. My maps put us along the coast of northern Oregon. A climate much related to that of our home in Forks, Washington. All this similarity make me excited. We are almost home.

I do not need to possess my bother Jasper's power to feel and alter emotions to feel the apprehension and fear radiating off of my wife. A minute ago, Bella walked silently over to the back of the boat. There she stands, obviously longing to be where we have been not where we intend to be. I walk over to her and wrap my arms around her frightened frame. If she was still human I would be concerned by the cold of her skin. But alas, she is now like me, forever cold. I will miss the warm and inviting feeling her skin once exuded. I an attempt at helping her, I whisper words of encouragement and confidence. Confidence not only in her but in our shared future. She is silent. She leans her head back against my chest, taking in a long deep breath. An obvious attempt to calm herself. At this moment I wish I had the abilities of my brother Jasper. For if I did I could fix the situation. I hate seeing my love so tortured. Especially when I know not only is it my fault, but that there is nothing I can do to rectify the situation.

I lean my head forward slightly to give Bella's head a small kiss. Maybe it would be best to give her some time to think.

“Bella my love. I am going to give you some time to be alone with your thoughts.”

She turns around to look at me. Her fears written all over her face. If vampires could cry I think she would be. I give her a crooked smile.

“No! Please don't leave me.” Her voice is strained.

“Alright.” I say pulling her back into my arms.

“I can stay for a little while longer than I must go check the sails. We are almost home.”

“I know. Do you really think things will be okay?”

“Yes. I don't need Alice's abilities to know our future.”

We stand in silence for a little while longer.

“Darling, I really must go and check on everything.”

I give her another kiss on the head as I remove my arms from around her.

The rain has begun to pickup, as has the wind. I yell over my shoulder to Bella suggesting she take cover downstairs. I see a flash of light as she moves at vampire speed bellow deck. The increase in wind out weighs the increase in rain. Suddenly, the boat lurches forward. If we continue at this pace we should be at our destination in two maybe three hours. I check everything one last time as I make my way to be with my wife.

Time seems to be passing faster than I would have thought. I begin to recognize various landmarks through the porthole.

“Bella we are getting close. I need to go up above so that I may guide us to our destination.” Bella just nods at my statement. I give her hand a little squeeze reassure her, and head up above. Even with the rain and wind the sailing is surprisingly smooth. I hear a creak on the stairs as Bella ascends, making her way to my side. I put one arm around her while I steer with the other.

“Not long now my love. Maybe fifteen minutes.” To my surprise she is smiling.

“So what brought on this change?”

“Oh don't get me wrong, I am still terrified, I am just trying to be brave.”

I can't help but chuckle at her statement. As we draw nearer, my vampire eyes can see something wildly bobbing around on the dock. For a moment I am panic stricken, thinking to myself, oh great this is the one time this family decides to use their vacation house. My fears are quickly gone as I realize the bobbing is not that of a small boat, but that of a small person on the dock. Only one person could bounce with that much exuberance, my pixie of a sister Alice.

“Look.” I say to Bella, pointing in the direction of my overly excited sister. Just then the bouncing becomes more of a dance. She is now twirling around like a Whiling Dervish. The smile on Bella's face is no longer forced but genuine. I guess we both have had the same assumption. If Alice is this happy then she has had a vision, everything will be alright. I guided the boat into the cove and lined it up to the dock. Disembarking, I grab the rope in an attempt to tie off the boat. I say that because before I am finished even making one loop around the metal bracket Alice was soaring over me and onto the boat. Looking over my shoulder I see Alice locking onto Bella in a firm embrace. To my surprise, Bella's arms remain at her side.

“Oh my gosh. I am so happy, excited, delirious even. Imagine all the things we can do now. We don't have to worry about you getting hurt anymore. Here I have a list.” All said at the fastest vampire speed I have ever come across. Alice then proceeds to pull a scroll out of her pocket. When she unrolled it it came to about three feet in length. She begins reading off the list.

“Shopping, Shopping on line (you know that the Internet connection is faster at 4:00am,) You can finally participate in base ball, anything girls vs. boys we now have even numbers, then there is”

“Alice!” I scream. In her excitement she does not hear me and continues to rattle off activities.

“ALICE!” I scream again, this time a little bit louder. She turns to me with an offended look on her face.

“Oh, you. You don't even talk to me right now. You keep Bella from me for like what, five months and now you come here and yell at me. I don't think so mister. In fact you can just hop back on that boat and sail away. My best friend and I will be just fine without you.”

“Alice, please. Look at Bella, you see she is a little...” Before I can finish my sentence I hear my brother, her husband, finish it for me.

“Scared.” His voice has a note of caution to it.

Just then Jasper sends waves of calm in our direction. The tension in Bella's body obviously lessens and her shoulders relax. I realize that I hadn't even seen Jasper on the dock. I was too busy watching Alice flutter about. I look to where he had been standing to see who else may be waiting for us. There stands Carlisle, shaking his head at the behavior of his children. Or maybe at me.

I leave Bella with my siblings and walk over to my father. My head is down. I am ready for the the speech. The speech for the disappointment I know he must feel. Disappointment for losing control. As I near him he reaches his arms out to me. We hug. A hug that ends with a pat on the back. I am the first one to speak.

“ Carlisle, I know how disappointed you must be in me. I am sorry that I failed you.” I would continue, but I see Carlisle raise his had, indicating me to stop.

“Edward, you have not disappointed me. I have always been proud of you and all that you do. We knew this was going to happen sooner or later. Either way you were going to change Bella.”

“But, I lost control. I attacked a human. I attacked Bella. It was not like we were at home and on a decided upon day. No, I lost control! I attacked!”

I can not begin to explain the depths of despair I feel for disappointing Carlisle. He is my mentor.

“Son, the only way I would be disappointed in you for for what you have done is if you hadn't changed Bella. If you did not posses the will power to stop yourself before it was too late. Before destroying her. That my boy is the only way I could have been disappointed in you.”

“But” I began to speak but Carlisle cut me short.

“In no way have you disappointed me. You are far too hard on yourself. Your self loathing is not good for you. Especially for somebody who can live forever. Not another word on the matter.” Carlisle's tone was stern, but not angry. I know he means what he says. I am truly lucky to have him not only as a friend and mentor, but as a father.

“Now what do you say we go and rescue your wife from my other children?” He says with a wink.

Chapter 17:

“Alice, Jasper, will you please go wait by the car? I would like very much to speak with Bella.” Carlisle said in his usual manner.

“But why does he get to stay?” Alice whined, all the while pointing at me.

“It's not fair. I want to know what happened too.” Not only is Alice whining, she is pouting too.

“Alice dear, you have had copious visions about Edward and Bella. You know more of their story than anybody other than them. I just need to go over a few details with them before we return home. There we will discuss their absence, together as a family. Now go to the car. Do I make myself clear?”

Jasper put his arm around his wife, leading her to Carlisle's black Mercedes, waiting just beyond the dock.

“Bella.” Carlisle's voice, smooth and caring. A pitch he uses often at the hospital when trying to sooth a patient.

“Bella, I would like to speak with you for a moment, if I may.”

Bell nodded her head up and down in response.

“Before you do Carlisle, may I ask what explination you have given for our prolonged absence?”

“If you do not mind I would like to speak with Bella for a few moments, then we will address your question.”

Knowing Carlisle has a reason for all he does I replied with a polite, “Of coures.”

They took a seat not far from where I am standing. Not sure what to do with myself, I stepped of the boat, sitting on the edge of the dock. My vampire ears could hear all they say, not to mention that I can still read Carlisle's thoughts from this distance, but I decided to at least give them the air of privacy.

Listening to the sounds in the distance, I tried to quiet my mind. Occasionally I heard parts of their dialog. Mostly it was Bella talking. Explaining what had transpired of the last five months. From time to time, her words seemed to catch in her throat. Especially when speaking about things of a more intimate and personal nature. Each time this happened, Carlisle stopped her, asking another question. I know how embarrassed my wife gets and I am grateful that it is my considerate father asking the questions and not some other, less tactful members of my family who shall remain nameless. Emmett. A number of times Carlisle's thoughts were shocked at how advanced her self controlled Bella is. He directed these to me. I nodded my head in answer to each of his questioning thoughts. He wasn't ready to fully bring me in to the conversation, yet still wants my input. Many conversations worked this way with the various members of my family. They always want me to read their minds when it is convenient for them. Finally, Carlisle called for me to join them.

As I walk to them I am hit by a sudden stream of thoughts. They are that of my sister, Alice. Her thoughts are urgent and fast.

“You better wrap this up soon. Like I said, I have lots of time to make up with my bestfriend and we still have to talk to the rest of the family before we can. Come on boy. Tic, tic, tic, times a wasting. “

At that moment I spun around giving my sister a dirty look. For one with an eternity to live, how can she be so impatient?

Reaching my wife and father on the boat I took my seat next to Bella.

“Now Edward for your question. We decided to wait a couple of weeks before telling Charlie anything. Alice had a vision of you changing Bella, but because she no way of knowing how the change was going to effect Bella's personality the futures of both of you remained hazy for the three days it took for the change to run it's course. Alice had several conflicting visions in that first week.”

I raised one eyebrow, curios as to what these visions were and how they could effect our future so drastically.

“What those visions were is not important. What is important is that after that first week Alice's visions were consistent. It was at that time that we decided to tell Charlie, as-well-as anybody else who asked the story we concocted. We told everybody that while on your honeymoon you ran into an old colleague of mine. He was working at a hospital/ clinic about twenty miles from where the two of you were honeymooning. The story continued, that you Edward had accompanied me on some volunteer work I had done with him over the summer, several years back. You being a aspiring physician worked along side me in the clinic. Helping any way you could. My old friend became very impressed with your knowledge and willingness to help, so when he say you again he invited you and your wife to the join him for lunch at the clinic the following day. You both were so taken with the work being done that you decided right then and there to offer any assistance you could provide. We told people that after that first day, the two of you decided to take a year off of school to volunteer at the clinic.”

We both stared wide eyed at Carlisle. That was some elaborate story.

“And Charlie believed this?” I asked.

“Charlie was mad that I let the two of you prolong your education. I explained how this would be a feather in your cap for getting into medical school, not to mention what an experience this is for Bella. I also told him that phone service is dicey at best where you are and that you called me so that I could call Charlie and make the proper arrangements with your school. I told him that I had spoken with the school and they were going to count this experience towards your credits. That was the part that finally convinced Charlie.”

I have got to hand it to Carlisle, he is quite imaginative when he needs to be. And this does make for a good cover. It gives Bella an entire year to hide from the human population of Forks. Also, all physical difference in Bella can be explained by time. Her now perfect vampire features can be attributed to being older, shedding that baby look as they say. We will realistically only know the people of Forks for four years longer, tops. Then we will be off starting anew.

“Maybe we should be getting home. I think the natives are getting restless.” Carlisle said in a joking tone. Looking at the Mercedes I could see Alice hanging half out of the car as Jasper tried to restrain her.

“Okay Alice.” I called to her.

“We will be on our way.”

Alice stopped strugling against Jasper, sitting up with a wide grin spread across her face.

“No need to rush on my account. We can all leave when ever you're ready.” She said coyly.

“Thank you Alice. I think we have keep the others waiting long enough. While you may be the definition of patience, I'm not sure if the others will be so understanding.”

At that, Carlisle erupted with laughter. “Enough you two. Alice, I am on my way. Bella and Edward will sail the remaining twenty miles home and we will all meet again at home.”

Bella and I watched as the black Mercedes faded into the distance. I readied all the necessary gear. Bella joined me at the wheel. I can feel the corners of her face upturned in a smile against my chest. “Happy my love?”

“Yes.” Looking at her beautiful face, I can tell she means it.

“See, I told you everything would be alright.”

Epilogue

It has been a decade since Edward transformed Bella into a vampire, changing their lives forever.

Not long after Bella and Edward returned to forks and had decided a new place to live, they were visited by members of the Volturi. The ancient guard were disappointed to see that Bella was now indeed a vampire. Aro, Marcus, and Caius had hoped to surprise the Cullens and find them harboring a still human Bella. They intended to use the fact that she was still human to their advantage. Such an act of defiance would leave the Volturi no other choice than to destroy the Cullen coven. Of course, if a select few with desired powers begged for mercy, and joined their guard, then they would be willing to spare them. Only some would have to be destroyed. They would say, not out of malice, of course, but to set an example. Seeing as Bella was very much a vampire, the Volturi had no other choice than to return home to Italy. While the Cullen clan had and has never had any desire to over take the Volturi, they still view their existence as a threat. Adding Bella to their ranks, only make the threat that much stronger in their minds.

Bella became part of the continuous loop that is high school, collage, repeat. Only now the Cullens were introduced as Carlisle, Esme, and their six adopted children. All of who happened to be couples themselves. Actually, people always discovered that they were couples later. The "children" were not introduced that way. The story of the childrens' origins changed so that Bella and Alice were biological siblings, upon Alice's insistence. Rosalie and Jasper remained as siblings and biological relations of Esme's. Emmet and Edward being so drasticly different in appearance were said to have been adopted individually. Not that any of this really matters. Like always, the clan kept to themselves and didn't care what the rest of the world, the rest of the human world that is, thought of them.

Each person had a different reaction to Bella's change. Alice was ecstatic that her best friend and reluctant shopping partner could be at her disposal twenty four hours a day. Well, that is when Bella wasn't with Edward. Jasper, was happy that his wife was happy. Only, his new sister's impressive self control made him feel inadequate. Jasper to his credit used these feelings to his advantage to strengthen his on willpower. Always looking at the bright side, Emmet was thrilled that he could now unleash all his pranks and tomfoolery without hurting Bella. Though he did miss making her blush. Rosalie, was less enthusiastic than her husband, Emmet. Rose was mad at Edward for changing his wife. When she discovered that Bella held no ill will toward Edward for doing so, she was even angrier with her new sister for being so nonchalant about the change. After much prodding from Esme, Rosalie finally warmed up to Bella. Esme herself was happy to have another daughter. Especially one who was still just eighteen and needed the guidance of a mother. Esme was also glad to see her eldest son so happy, after so many years of loneness. Carlisle loved Bella for all the reasons his wife did, only he was also intrigued at the possibility of adding to his study of vampire kind. Bella was the first newborn vampire that he knew who knew about their kind before her transformation. To Carlisle, this was truly something worthy of study. Lastly, Edward. Edward knew that no matter what his wife said, he would forever feel guilt for changing her. He also knew that their love is eternal. That without her change, she would die before their love would. Without this change, a love so strong could never live up to it's fullest potential.

The End

misdirected

Written By:chasinglights
You can read the original here:
All Credit goes to the original Author:

He didn’t love her. She didn’t love him. Their arrangement had been the same for months. There was nothing romantic about it. Passion deliberately directed at the wrong person. It was always the same. She would start it. She’d turn up at his house, he could never resist. He would give her exactly what she wanted. But he knew that it wasn’t him she was thinking of. It wasn’t his name she sighed.

Occasionally, afterwards, she would open her eyes. Look up at him in surprise, as if she expected him to be Sam. She wouldn’t stay the night. She got up, got dressed, and it wasn’t mentioned. They never talked about it. They both pretended it wasn’t going on, until the next time it happened.

He knew things had changed when he stopped imagining Bella. He was careful, he never let Leah see it. The normal process, he would close his eyes, whisper someone else’s name, and he was never caught. He wanted her now. Not Bella.

One night, he went to her house. That night was the first night that he needed it. He was frantic. He ran there in human form. He didn’t want to phase because he knew he would think about it. When he got to the door he let himself in. He didn’t think anyone else was in. Not that that would have stopped them. He would’ve dragged her into the forest if necessary, the mood he was in.

He opened her bedroom door, and leaned against the frame. She was lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling. But she knew he was there. She didn’t sit up, but she looked over at him. “You’re here”. He didn’t bother to answer. He climbed on top of her, pinned her down. There was no time to waste. He kissed up her neck, along her jaw, hungrily. She gasped, clawing at his neck and shoulders, pulling him down more, wrapping her legs around his waist. He was moving his fingers up her thighs. He heard her gasp again, moan something, he thought he’d misheard. He looked at her and her eyes had widened in shock. He could see that he hadn’t.

She’d said his name.

I'm the winner of cards I can't play

Written by: walking with a ghost
You can read the original here:
All Credit goes to the original author

I'm the winner of cards I can't play

The mermaid kissed his high, smooth forehead, and stroked back his wet hair;

he seemed to her like the marble statue in her little garden, and she kissed him

again, and wished that he might live.– The Little Mermaid

At five years old, Bella had mastered the role of “Mummy.” She had spent all her waking hours, so it seemed, across the road playing in her neighbour’s new pink Wendy house.

She had learned to cook invisible meals and change empty dolls’ nappies, diligently. She took great pride in her position, taking care of each doll or stuffed animal with tender care and devotion.

At one point, however, an argument had broken out over the necessity of fake plastic peas, when baking a birthday cake for Sir Hugkins (her “most favoritest” teddy bear). Bella, being a pragmatist, even at that young age, had insisted that the mud cake should be made as realistically as possible, and that her Mummy had never gone near canned peas when baking her birthday cakes.

Sarah, her best friend at the time, had not cared and had thrown the plastic can of peas at Sir Hugkins in protest. Naturally, this resulted in the most bitter of disputes, ending with two crying five year olds.

When her mother had come to drag her home that night, Bella had cried in her arms and whined; “Honey, it's just a game,” Her mother had insisted. This had not done a thing to solve her daughter’s prominent pout; in fact, she huffed in protest and muttered, “You don't get it.”

In a way, five-year-old Bella was right. Her mother, flighty and carefree, would never understand her serious little girl, or her role as caregiver.

As she grew, Bella had moved from Forks to Arizona, then back to Forks. The locations changed, the weather changed too, but her role never did.

She picked up dry cleaning, found missing remotes, made sure the spring cleaning got done, and that milk was always in the refrigerator.

First, it was Renee, then Charlie.

It came naturally to her, too, it was just who she was, so when Edward Cullen had blown into her life she had been somewhat unsettled to find that role evaporated.

Sometimes she wondered, if she would ever feel that sense of purpose again, she had no real identity without it. It was usually then that her mind would drift to daydreams of what could have been – college, marriage, babies... sweet little children with dimples and her deep brown eyes. She couldn't escape the pang of guilt that came with them. Edward was her world now, it would be wrong to expect more.

So she ignored the tears that formed when he whispered a sweet tale of a world with no vampires, just Edward and Bella.

Because that feeling of completeness when he held her in her sleep, it was everything.

Check Yes Bella

Written By: topaz and diamonds
You can read the Original Here:
All Credit goes to the Original Author
Check yes Juliet
Are you with me?
Rain is pouring down on the sidewalk
I won't go until you come outside.

Check yes Juliet
Kill the limbo
I'll keep tossing rocks at your window
There's no turning back for us tonight

I had just woken up from a nightmare. In my nightmare, I was being chased by a man with a gun and somehow, despite my clumsiness, I managed to always stay ahead of him. Once he realized that he had no chance in catching me, he told me to stop or he would hurt Edward. No matter how much I tried, though, I couldn't stop. I just kept screaming "No Edward! Not Edward!"

Eventually, I had woken up screaming for him.

I was in a very dismal mood. With Edward far away at his house and the rain pouring down like a siege from the heavens, I knew there was no way to get to him.

Usually, Edward stayed over. Charlie didn't know and I wasn't planning on telling him anytime soon. Charlie didn't exactly approve of Edward. He set strict rules about time I spent with him and how close we could be and silly things like that. Edward would help me with my homework, leave so Charlie would think he was gone, then climb up the decorative ladder in the back by my window. I would always be anxious and wound up until I saw his bronze hair and bright green eyes peep over the sill. It was breaking all of Charlie's rules, but we didn't care. It just made it more exciting. We would usually do this every night, but Edward had had to go home tonight because of the rain.

Curse the rain.

Suddenly, I heard a tap at the window. I ignored it, thinking it was just the rain. But then it came again, and again. I knew it wasn't the rain now.

I crept over to the window and peered out. I couldn't see a thing through the thick rain.

All of a sudden, a rock came flying towards the window. It had appeared out of nowhere.

I threw the window open, not even caring that I would get soaked, and started searching the rain for any sign of life.

"Hello?" I called cautiously.

"Bella? Bella? Are you up there?" I heard a familiar voice call over the rain.

"Edward?"

"Come on Bella! Let's go to the meadow! Right now!" he called to me in his very enticing voice.

"Edward, it's the middle of the night and it's pouring! What are you thinking?! You'll catch pneumonia!"

"Please? We only live once. Live this moment with me."

"Edward... I don't know."

"Are you with me? Please say yes! I'll just keep throwing rocks at your window! I won't go until you come outside!"

"Edward, I don't know if I can. What will Charlie think and Angela and all my other friends. I love you but..."

Lace up your shoes
Eh oh eh oh
Here's how we do

Run, baby, run
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart if you give them the chance
Don't sell your heart
Don't say we're not meant to be
Run, baby, run
Forever we'll be
You and me

Check yes Juliet
I'll be waiting
Wishing, wanting
Yours for the taking
Just sneak out and don't tell a soul goodbye

"Don't let Charlie or anyone else get in between us and our love. Put on your shoes and lets just run. Don't say we're not meant to be. Forever, we'll be together," he replied to my weak objections.

"Fine! You have me there. I'll be out in a minute,"I said, finally giving in.

"I'll be waiting. Just sneak out the window and don't tell anyone your going. And Bella?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm yours forever and I love you. You know that right?"

"Yes. Thank you, Edward. Now stay there and I'll be back in a sec!" I said as I crept to my closet.

Check yes Juliet
Here's the countdown
3, 2, 1 now fall in my arms now
Now they can change the locks
Don't let them change your mind

I pulled on my old, beaten up tennis shoes and a light jacket. Creeping back to the window, I started thinking about Charlie again. He would definitely be mad about this and I was afraid this might be the last straw with me and Edward. He might forbid us to be together. That would be the end of the world to me if that happened.

"Edward, do you think Charlie would forbid us to see each other if we got caught?" I called out the window. The rain was still thundering down on the sidewalk. I knew Charlie wouldn't be able to hear me over it.

"He wouldn't be able to keep us apart, love. He can lock you out of your house, yell, scream, and threaten, but nothing will separate us. Don't let the threat of him change your mind." he called back. Instantly, I knew it was true. We were in love and nothing could stop us.

"Ok, next comes the hard part. The ladder is too slippery for you, my little danger magnet. You'll have to jump and I'll catch you," he said.

"Are you sure?"

"It's the safest way. Just jump on the count of three."

I very reluctantly made my way to the sill and sat down. The rain had gotten lighter, and I could see Edward below me. He had his arms out ready to catch me when I jumped."

"Ready?" I called down.

"Ready." he called back. "3, 2, 1 jump!"

And I jumped.

The air rushed past me as I fell. I had never exactly been afraid of heights, but I don't think I would ever have willingly jumped from my window into anyone else's arms but Edward's.

"Oomph!" I exclaimed as I hit Edward's arms. He was soft and his arms had absorbed most of the impact, but it had taken me by surprise.

Run, baby, run
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart
If you give them the chance
Don't sell your heart
Don't say we're not meant to be
Run, baby, run
Forever we'll be
You and me

"Come on, love. Lets run to our meadow. We'll go together. You and me. We're not going to look back. It's just you and me tonight. They'd tear us apart if we let them know we were doing this. Let's go," he said as soon as he had set me down.

I couldn't object.

We're flying through the night
We're flying through the night
Way up high
The view from here is getting better with
You by my side

We started running, flying actually, through the woods behind my house. Edward kept me from falling on my face and ruining this moment.

When we finally came to a stop, we were on a hill close by the meadow. The hill was high enough that we could see the meadow and many miles around us. It was so beautiful.

The sun was just starting to rise and the rain had finally stopped. The sunrise was right over our meadow. It lit the whole world up with it's amazing pinks, reds, and oranges.

We just sat enjoying the sunrise in comfortable silence until Edward finally broke it.

"It's so beautiful. But you know what's even more beautiful?"

I shook my head, not having a clue where this was going.

"You," he said simply.

And with that, he kissed me.

Another Heart Calls

Written by: Kristina Edwards
You can read the original post here:
All Credit goes to the Original Author

Bella struggled through the evening, and looked at the clock for what seemed every twenty seconds. “Alice why did you put me through this?” she groaned in her head.

The man sitting across from her continued talking, just like the rest. He probably expected to get some reward for being insanely boring, just like the rest. Soon, Alice would pay for this. And not through another shopping trip. To Bella’s surprise, the night ended quickly, where she asked to be dropped off at her apartment. The man seemed reluctant, but let her go. Bella got out of the car before he could ask for a second date.

Once inside, Bella slipped her death traps off, along with her dress. There was no work tomorrow, and taking a trip to the nearest book store seemed like the perfect way to occupy her time. But before Bella could even move another finger, her phone rang. “Hello?” Bella asked sleepily.

“So how was it?” a smooth high-pitched voice asked. “Terrible. Next time you’re setting me up, do better.” Bella growled, not in the mood for a two hour date analysis by Alice.

“Fine, I’m just trying to help you out you know. It’s not my fault you can’t find someone as wonderful as Jasper.” Alice said dreamily, obviously referring to her boyfriend of two years.

Bella rolled her eyes. “Whatever Alice, I gotta go.” She sighed, hanging up her phone. Bella jumped into bed, completely ready to forget about the past few nights. Filled with the same guys, same dates, over and over. “Something new, just give me something new.” Bella pleaded into her pillow before slowly drifting off.

Bella ran into the bookstore, getting out of the rain. It was perfect reading weather. She made her way to the back of the store, where all her classics were kept. Jane Austen was practically calling her name. Despite her soaked hair, and raincoat still on, someone stopped her quickly.

“Excuse me…” but he was cut off as soon as Bella looked at him. His stare lingered on her for a moment before he stumbled on. Bella wasn’t even paying attention, his intense eyes caught her. Everything about him was perfect. The way his emerald eyes reflected in the light, millions of emotions playing in them. His bronze hair with a tint of red. He turned to look at her, making Bella open her mouth slightly.

“Um…sorry…what was that again?” Bella snapped herself out of the stare. He spoke again, glancing at her every few moments. “I’m looking for a book for my brother and I was wondering if you worked here?” he asked slowly. Bella shook her head quickly.

“Sorry no. But I come here a lot, what are you looking for exactly?” she asked. “He’s into hunting and that kind of stuff. I really have no idea what to get him…” he chuckled slightly, glancing around nervously.

“Well, there are some recreational books over there.” Bella pointed to the left side of the store, beginning to head in that direction. He followed close behind her, not being able to help his staring. Bella stopped at a few of the hunting books.

“What exactly does he hunt?” she asked, looking up at him. The man stared at the books, “Um…I really have no idea. Hunting isn’t my forte.” He said reaching for a random book. ‘Hunting for Dummies.’ Bella smiled at him.

“This will fit him perfectly.” He said pointing to the word ‘dummies.’ Bella laughed lightly and looked at the book again. “Well glad I could help.” She said, turning to leave. “No, um wait!” The man said, making Bella pivot around to look at him. His appearance seemed even more breathtaking every time she looked at him.

“I..uh…didn’t get your name?” he asked. “Oh, Bella Swan.” She said, holding out her hand. He shook it, a smile spreading across his face. “Edward Cullen. Um…I was wondering if you wanted to join me for some coffee?” he asked confidently. Bella’s face brightened. “I would love to Edward.” She replied.

“Well I have a few more errands to do. Would you mind meeting me somewhere later?” Edward asked looking at his watch. Bella couldn’t help but notice how expensive it looked. In fact, everything about him looked expensive.

“That’d be fine. How about that coffee place next door?” Bella asked, pointing to the right side of the store. Bella loved going there, usually she would grab a book here then settle down next door with a latte or something.

“That sounds wonderful. How about I meet you there at four?” he asked. “Great. I’ll see you then Edward!” Bella said, turning to leave. He nodded and then headed to the front of the store. Bella returned to the section she was in, completely unable to concentrate. Did that really just happen to her? Plain old Bella who always got idiotic guys for dates, just got the most incredibly handsome, and obviously kind Edward Cullen for a date? Bella’s mind was running in circles, making it impossible to concentrate.

She took out her phone, dialing the first number that came to mind. Alice picked up right away. “May I help you?” Alice asked cheerfully. “Um yeah…prepare me for the first date I’m looking forward to in a long time.” She said. Alice squealed.

“Your place. Right now. Move it.” Alice said, hanging up. Alice actually did a good job when it came to making her acceptable. Just as long as she didn’t make her change her outfit, Bella would be fine. It was after all, just a coffee date.

With the most magnificent man Bella had ever met. That thought made her anxious.

At 3:45 pm, Bella was literally freaking out. Alice gave her one last glance before declaring her date-ready.

Alice had agreed that the outfit changing would make it seem that Bella had spent hours upon hours getting ready for a simple coffee date, so Alice gave her a small about of eyeliner, a light eye shadow, and some pink lip gloss. Not the usual Alice look, but it made Bella happy.

“Thank you Alice.” Bella smiled, reaching for the door. “Good luck!” Alice said hanging out on Bella’s couch. That seemed to be a habit of Alice’s. When Bella went out on certain dates, Alice raided Bella’s giant collection of movies and waited for her to get home so she could go over the date. However if there was any possible chance Bella like the guy and decided to bring him home, Bella would secretly text her to say, get out. A weird little system they had worked up.

Umbrella in hand, Bella walked through the rain, hoping not to get her jeans too wet. It was exactly four when she arrived. To her surprise, Edward was already there. He motioned for her to join him. Bella walked over, sitting down.

“Hello.” He said in a smooth voice. “Hi.” She greeted, setting her jacket behind her chair. “If I knew you were going to walk, I would have given you a ride.” He said, observing how she was a little damp.

“Its fine, I only live a few blocks away. And my truck doesn’t run too well in the rain.” She said, frowning at the idea of driving her wretched vehicle. Edward nodded, glancing outside. “Wow, it’s really raining.” He commented.

“Yeah…” Bella looked outside as well. Ugh, the weather? That was the best they could do? “You want anything to drink?” he asked, turning his attention back to her. “Um, a latte would be fine.” She said, smiling at him.

He nodded, getting up and returning with two lattes. “So you go to that bookstore a lot?” he said, glancing at the wall that was next to the bookstore. “Yes, it’s closest to my apartment. I usually go there on rainy days because I can’t find much else to do.” She said.

“Oh, I go to a bookstore that one of my brother owns. I get a discount.” He smiled. “But when I went there this morning, I couldn’t find anything in there. So I looked around.” He continued. Bella nodded, suddenly remembering something.

“What did you say your last name was?” she asked. “Cullen.” He answered taking a sip of his latte. “Cullen…” Bella repeated. “What’s your brothers name?” she asked. “I have two brothers. Emmett and Jasper.” He said, smiling at her. Maybe she knew one of her brothers. Or she was one of Emmett’s many ex-girlfriends. That thought made him upset at the possibility.

“Jasper is your brother!” she said elated. “Yes, how do you know him?” he asked, relieved she didn’t know him through Emmett. Nothing good would come from that. “My best friend is dating him right now.” She said, still smiling.

“Alice?” he asked, remembering the small pixie-like girl he had met a few times. “Yes! It’s such a strange coincidence.” She said, looking down. “Strange, but in a good way.” He said. “Of course.” She answered, looking up at him again. Was it just her? Or was it that every time she looked at him, he became more breathtaking?

The date continued as Bella and Edward talked. They covered many topics they both enjoyed such as music, literature, and basically what they did for a living. To Bella’s happiness, he was even close to her age. Edward was 23 as she was 22. Bella glanced at her cell phone and gasped.

Had they really been talking that long? “Whoa, it’s 7:40!” she said. Edward chuckled a little.

“Do you need to get going?” he asked, a little disspointed. “No, I just didn’t realize we’d been talking that long…” she said, looking up at him.

“Hmm, would you like to join me for dinner perhaps?” he asked. Bella grinned. “Sure, that’d be wonderful.” She said, getting up to leave. He followed her, and showing her to his car. A Volvo of course.

Edward took her to an Italian restaurant, that wasn’t too expensive to his dismay. He enjoyed spending money on people he liked. And he certainly liked Bella.

Dinner went pretty much the same, still talking and discussing people they knew. At the end of the night, Edward drove her home and walked her to her apartment.

“I really enjoyed spending this evening with you.” He said hugging her. “Thank you. I really enjoyed it too!” she replied, kissing his cheek.

With that, Bella bid him good bye and retreated up to her apartment. Alice was waiting for her. “So how was it?” she asked. “Incredible. We lost track of time talking Alice! That hasn’t happened…ever!” Bella smiled, sitting next to her.

“Oh and he’s Jaspers brother too.” Bella told her, making Alice scream. “You’d think I would have noticed that…well Jasper never talks about his family and I’ve only met them a few times. I guess Edward just didn’t make himself very known when I was there…” Alice trailed off.

“Yeah, it was amazing though. Edward is…I can’t even describe him. We exchanged phone numbers, so I’m hoping he’ll call soon…” Bella said, taking out her phone with Edwards number in it.

“Well I’m happy for you, I’d stay for the usual date analysis, but I’m tired of sitting on your couch, and I have a certain Jasper Cullen to yell at for not telling me more about his family.” Alice said, hopping off the couch and leaving before Bella could even say good bye. She shook her head at her crazy friend.

Bella walked into the theater. Being an assistant manager kept her busy, but satisfied. It was nice that she not only could see shows for free, but she got paid for keeping everyone in line and making sure the shows ran smoothly.

Bella walked into her office, greeting her secretary. As soon as Bella sat down, her phone rang. The caller ID flashed, “Edward Cullen.” Bella shrieked, picking her phone up immediately.

“Hello?” she said, trying to hide her excitement. “Hello Miss Bella.” Edward purred into the phone. Did he always sound that seductive? “How are you?” Bella asked not being able to think of anything else.

“I’m doing okay, work is getting a little busy, but I’m free for today. I was wondering if you’d like to join me for lunch?” he asked. “I’d love to, my lunch break is at eleven.” She said, wondering how he got off of Hospital shifts so often.

“Great, I’ll pick you up okay?” he said. Bella agreed and hung up, now very excited. They had discussed where she worked anyway, noting all the plays they had both seen.

Bella hurried out of the theater, spotting the Volvo, and the God leaning against it. “Hey!” he said, opening the door for her.

“Hi!” she said sliding in. He ran around to the drivers side getting in. “Where do you want to go?” he asked, starting the car. “I don’t know, pizza sounds good.” She said, thinking about a craving.

“Pizza it is then.” He smiled, taking off. He stopped a pizzeria. A very expensive looking pizzeria. This man was amazing. He opened the door for her, grinning at her the whole time. Bella walked inside with him and they quickly got a table.

Edward asked her how her day had gone, wanting every detail about what she did. It was more interesting than what he did anyway, reading a book he’d probably read over twenty times. He needed to go to bookstores more often. When they finally did get their food, they had decided on sharing a medium garlic chicken pizza.

Something new neither had tried. Bella took a bite and was immediately satisfied. Maybe this was her new favorite restaurant. Edward smiled at her. “You like it? I’ve come here a few times with my brothers. Of course Emmett usually orders a pizza for himself.” Edward shook his head, remembering how Emmett would even finish before them.

“What’s your family like?” Bella asked, still eating. “I don’t really know how to explain my family. We’re different, but traditional at the same time.

My father is a doctor like myself. My mother stays at home most of the time, and my brothers and I live away from home. But we do frequently visit.” He shrugged.

That didn’t even cover half of what his family was like. “Do you work with your dad?” Bella asked. “He works at a hospital closer to my parents house, although I did work there when I first started out. What about your family?” he asked, picking up a piece of pizza.

“My parents divorced when I was really young…” Bella started. Wait, what was she saying? That was one way to explain her family, it made them sound depressed and angry. “But it all works out. My mother remarried and lives in Florida. My dad is a police chief in Forks, Washington. I like visiting my dad a lot so I chose to live in Seattle after I graduated college. I lived in Phoenix most of my life, and the change of weather was kind of nice.” Bella shrugged.

“Oh, sounds like you’ve planned everything out then huh?” Edward smiled, glad she was opening up like this to him. It probably wasn’t easy for her to talk about this so easily to anyone. Bella nodded, and both remained quiet for a while. Bella looked at her cell phone finally and looked up at him.

“Oh I need to get back to work…” she said. “Great, I’ll get the check.” He said, motioning for a waiter to bring him the bill. “You don’t need to pay for it.” Bella said, getting out her purse.

“Yes I do.” He argued. “You paid for the last date.” She reminded him, taking out her wallet. “Bella please, let me pay?” he begged, pouting slightly. Bella laughed, and grinned at him.

“Nope. It’s my turn.” She said, pulling out a credit card and handing it to the waiter. Edward slouched back in his seat. “That’s not fair.” He said. “Oh it’s plenty fair.” She said, leaning forward.

“I get to pay next date.” He said still pouting a little. “Fine…” Bella rolled her eyes, that got him to stop pouting he leaned forward like she was. “You mean I get another date?” he asked eagerly.

“Of course you do! I like you a lot Edward, and you can have as many dates as you like.” She smiled as the waiter brought the receipt for her to sign. Bella got her card back and put it away. “I like you a lot too.” He said getting up and holding up her coat for her. Bella put her arms through it and turned to look at him. They left together, getting in the car quickly. The rain was starting again.

When Edward pulled up in front of the theater, he pulled out an umbrella and walked her to the door. “Bye.” She smiled, hugging him. “Bye.” He said, pulling her closer. She looked up at him, and he leaned down to meet her lips. The kiss was quick, but left both of them in the best mood either of them had in a very long time.

Bella POV

When getting back to work, I found it very difficult to concentrate. Who knew one man could turn my world around after two dates?

By the end of the day however, I found myself exhausted and thoughts of the upcoming shows preparations clogged my mind. At home, I was too tired to even grab something to eat. I flipped on the news barely even paying attention.

My eyes closed and I practically drifted off, if it wasn’t for my cursed phone starting to vibrate. “Hello?” I asked a little sleepily, not bothering with the caller id.

“Hi! Is this Bella?” A very loud voice asked. It practically started a migraine right there. “Um yes, who is this?” I asked, praying this wasn’t anything that had to do with business.

“Emmett, Edwards brother. You see, I’ve stolen his phone and he’s making a very poor attempt at getting it back. Aren’t ya Eddie?” Emmett said in a teasing voice. I could hear a lot of fighting going on in the background.

“Emmett! Give me my phone back!” I heard someone shouting. Probably Edward. I stifled a laugh. “You should probably give Edward his phone back before he kills himself.” I said, remembering how Edward mentioned Emmett’s size. How he could give Edward a black eye in two seconds.

“Nah, this is too much fun. So I here you’re dating my little brother?” Emmett boomed on the other end of the phone. “Is that what he said?” I asked curiously.

“Ooh, Eddie, haven’t I taught you better? Don’t brag about dating someone if you haven’t clarified it with them!” Emmett sounded like he was laughing his head off at his brother.

I didn’t pay attention to Emmett after that. My face had turned a very bright red. Edward had ‘bragged’ that he was dating me. Not only was I flattered he assumed we were dating, but he was actually bragging about it!

When my attention was turned back to the phone, Emmett had been replaced by Edward. “I am so sorry!” he said quickly. I heard a door slam in the background.

“It’s okay, it didn’t sound like there was much you could do…” I trailed off a little, still bright red probably. “I really hope he didn’t annoy you at a bad time.” Edward sounded sincere. More like sincere and humiliated.

“He didn’t annoy me Edward. And I’m not doing much right now. I got done with work and I was just relaxing after today.” I said, stretching a little, as if it would emphasize my point.

“Oh well, then I’ll leave you to relax.” Edward said about to hang up the phone. I stopped him, “No wait! I want to ask you something!” “Anything.” He promised.

“Were you really bragging?” I asked, probably turning redder by the second. Edward chuckled a little. “I guess…I wouldn’t say bragging. But definitely expressing how happy I am that you’ve gone out on a few dates with me.” I could almost hear him smiling.

“Okay.” Was my genius answer. “Have you said anything to anyone?” he asked, obviously curious to know. “Yes I told Alice…after our first date. I haven’t talked to her yet today…” I said. I stopped, that probably sounded like I was someone who kissed-and-told. Which in a way, I was going to be. It wasn’t like I could hide any of this from Alice!

Edward laughed, as if he could sense my embarrassment from my mistake. “Don’t worry, she’s with Jasper right now. We’re actually celebrating Emmett’s birthday over at my place. Jasper was intent on spending tonight with Alice anyways so they’re over right now.” He said quietly. I heard the door slam again.

“EDWARD CULLEN YOU GIVE ME THAT PHONE NOW!” I heard another familiar voice shouting. “Can’t I talk to someone for five minutes without getting interrupted?” Edward growled, probably to himself.

“No you can’t. Now let me talk to my best friend before I beat you for it.” Alice said to him cheerfully.

Edward obviously handed over the phone without a fight. “Hello Bella. I’ve heard all about your little adventure today…” Alice snickered on the phone.

I groaned. This meant Alice knew all about my kiss, and all about Edward. How did I get myself into these things. “And you Bella, are in big trouble for not calling me directly afterwards and telling me.” Alice scolded.

I laughed lightly, “You know me Alice, I don’t kiss and tell.” It was the truth, and no matter how many times Alice tried to change that, I would never spill.

“Fine…Edward looks like he’s going to die if I don’t give the phone back soon, so before he shoots himself I’ll let him say goodbye. Get some sleep, you’ve got a big day tomorrow!” Alice said, the phone going silent for a moment.

What was she talking about? I didn’t have to work tomorrow and I had no plans. What did she mean by ‘big day?’ Edward came back on the phone.

“Sorry…” he muttered, upset. “Not your fault, I know how demanding she can be.” I laughed, attempting at making him feel better.

It worked, he started laughing. “Do you know what she meant by ‘big day?’’ I asked, wondering if he knew. Edward groaned.

“Well, Emmett, his girlfriend Rosalie, Jasper, Alice and I were going to go out clubbing tomorrow night and I was going to invite you if you wanted to go.” Edward said.

“That sounds nice! Other than the fact Alice is probably going to come over and tackle me with beauty products, I’d love to go.” I said, frowning at the idea of all the makeup that would be forced upon me.

“Great, sorry that Alice is going to bug you. I’m sure there’s some way to…” I stopped him. “There’s no possible way to stop Alice. Trust me, I’ve tried.” I said rolling my eyes a little.

He laughed, “Well then I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Yes you will. Goodbye!” I smiled. “Goodbye.” He said, then hung up. I shut my eyes after that, falling asleep on the couch with only thoughts of Edward.

I woke up the next morning with a headache. And tears streaming down my face. Why did I have to keep having that dream? It made everything worse. I should have known it would happen with my luck. Every time that something good happens to me, I’m reminded of why my life sucks so much. I got up off the couch and walked into the kitchen, grabbing some pain medicine from my cabinet. I took three hoping it would kill my headache fast.

After a long shower and some coffee, I sat down to watch the news. Was it just me, or was it that every time I turned on the news, the world got more depressing? All the world seemed to contain now were idiotic criminals, politicians who never took the blame, and the occasional kind-hearted person who accomplished a good deed. The news only emphasized the worst.

I decided to take a walk after that. Something I usually did to clear my head of terrible dreams. But it didn’t really work. I walked through the park, my mood only dampening. All I saw was couples and more couples. And they all looked happy, that’s what made it worse. I kept remembering when he would make me happy and then take my happiness away. I prayed that didn’t happen to anyone here, but it was too hard to look at them. The pain kept coming back.

Before I knew it, I was on the street leading back to my apartment, tears running down my face again. And then it got worse, I kept seeing his face. “Go away…” I murmured to myself as I ascended the stairs. “Just go away…” I whispered, trying to wipe my tears away. When I reached my apartment door, I rushed inside, locking the door. My back slid down the door, finally sitting on the floor. “Go away…” I said a third time, bringing my knees to my chest. I got up off the floor, and almost tiptoed to my bedroom. As if I was hiding from someone. Which, in a way, I was.

I opened my eyes to someone pounding on my door. I glanced at the clock. It was 4:35 pm. Crap. Alice was here. I checked myself in the mirror, no doubt I’d been crying in my sleep. I didn’t bother splashing cold water on my face, it wouldn’t hide anything from Alice. I opened the door, Alice’s cheery face meeting my shadowed and depressed one. Her smile soon faded. “Bella…” she whispered, walking in and throwing her tiny arms around me. “Another one of those days?” she asked, leading me to the couch. The tears started pouring again as I sat down. “I…I’m sorry!” I choked a little.

“Sh…there’s no reason for you to be sorry…” Alice said quietly. I shook my head. There was a reason for me to be sorry. There was a reason why he should be here and not me. Alice sat with me while I cried, like she had many times before. There were occasional days like this, where I couldn’t stop myself and the pain just replayed itself through my head. “Bella, you don’t think he’d want you crying right now would he? He’d want you to be getting ready to go have fun.” Alice said, attempting to cheer me up.

“H…he…sh…should…b…be the one….” I stuttered, not even finishing my sentence. I burst out crying again. “Maybe we should just have a girls night in huh?” Alice said, pursing her lips together. I shook my head. “I…I just w…won’t go. You should go…” I murmured through my crying.

“No Bella. I’m staying with you. I’ll go call Edward…” she said, getting up from the couch. I couldn’t do this to Edward. I had to go, no matter how much pain I was experiencing. “Alice…” I warned, getting up and finding her. I grabbed the phone from her. “I’ll go. I don’t want Edward to think I’m canceling on him. I’ve done that before.” I said, wiping the last of my tears away. “That’s my girl.” Alice smiled, patting me on the back. She disappeared for a moment and returned with two different outfits. “Now, dark blue or aqua?” she giggled. Ah, classic Alice.

Spending time with Alice turned out to be exactly when I needed. We laughed and talked about Jasper, Edward, and even Emmett. Alice described the whole family practically and any funny or interesting aspects of the previous night. I almost wished I had been there. We walked out to Alice’s car, a yellow Porsche. Ms. I love anything expensive. And she had the money to get it too. Which is why Alice dragged me on so many shopping sprees. I had no idea how Jasper put up with her…

“We’re meeting them outside the club.” Alice said, pulling out of the parking ramp. “Are you going to be okay?” Alice asked after a few moments of silence. “I’ll be fine. I just…lost it this morning. But I promise I’ll be okay.” I said, not exactly sure if that was true. Alice bought it though and continued driving. When we reached a parking ramp near the club, I got out quickly, thankful Alice had put me in flats. I was wearing a dark blue halter and some black skinny jeans. For once Alice agreed on comfort, most likely out of pity for my episode this morning and afternoon. We walked across the street and towards the corner. I assumed that’s where we were meeting everyone.

Everyone was there. Jasper embraced Alice, giving her a quick kiss before smiling at me. I smiled back at him and looked at the rather large man that was with us. A very pretty blond was at his side. “Where’s Edward?” I asked, turning to Jasper. “He isn’t here yet, he should be soon.” Jasper shrugged. “Oh so this is Bella!” the large man laughed. I smiled at him. “You must be Emmett.” I smiled at him. “Great, Eddies passed on some sort of information that’s made me look bad.” He frowned. “No, I just remember your voice from on the phone…” I laughed. Emmett started laughing too. “Well it’s nice to meet you Bella!” he smiled. I looked at the blond. “I’m Rosalie.” She said in a friendly voice, holding out her hand. I shook it and smiled at her. “Bella.” I said.

We waited for a few more minutes until Edward finally showed up. He smiled brightly at me and embraced me. “Hi.” He breathed, pulling back a little. I smiled up at him. “Hi.” I couldn’t help it, I started staring. His eyes held me for about five minutes probably before Alice started tugging on our arms. “Let’s go.” She said, rolling her eyes at us. I blushed a little. As we walked towards the club, Edward hooked his arm around me. “Are you okay?” he whispered, staring at me with concern. “I’m fine…why do you ask?” I looked up at him. Edward shrugged. “You just look a little sad…” he said, rubbing my arm.

“I’m fine.” I said again, looking away. We quickly got admitted to the club, being greeted by loud music and a lot of dancers. That reminded me. If Edward didn’t ask me to, Alice would force me onto the dance floor. At least I was wearing flats. Who knows what catastrophes I’d cause on the dance floor in heels. We found a table and sat down. “What do you want to drink?” Edward asked smoothly. “I’m fine for now, alcohol can get to me pretty fast.” I said, remembering a few incidents I’d had at clubs before. Alice started laughing at me, probably remembering the one time I was so drunk I was flirting with Jasper who happened to be with us.

I felt myself turn a little pink as Edward left with the other guys who were getting drinks. “Bella don’t feel bad, I can’t blame you.” Alice giggled. I glared at her. We waited for a few minutes, chatting. Rosalie seemed like a very nice person, and obviously knew Alice well. When the guys returned, Edward sat next to me. He glanced at Alice, and Alice glanced at him. They both looked at me. “What?” I asked, they turned back to look at each other, as if they were having a silent conversation. “Hello?” I waved my hands in front of their faces. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Edward asked, turning to look at me. I glared at Alice again. “What? I just told him…” I cut her off. “Alice!” I shrieked, now extremely embarrassed. Did she tell him the whole story? Alice wouldn’t…

Alice finished after I shrieked, “I just told him you were a little upset today. I texted him while we were waiting.” She said, answering my second question. Edward looked at me concerned. I was one third relieved, another third flattered he was so concerned and another third upset he was worrying over another one of my episodes. It’s not like they hadn’t happened before.

A new song started playing, and I immediately groaned. It was Alice’s favorite song. She squealed and grabbed Jaspers and I hand. I grabbed Edward before she could drag me any further. Edward looked confused, but pleased at the same time. Alice left me with Edward once we’d reached the dance floor. “Do you dance?” he asked seductively, beginning to move himself. “Yes, but usually people get injured.” I stuttered a little. He laughed a little and grabbed by hands. “I won’t let that happen.” He smiled, turning me around.

Overall, dancing wasn’t too bad when you were dancing with Edward. He was incredibly amazing and even made me look acceptable on the dance floor. When both of us were too exhausted to move anymore, we went back to the table and he offered to get me a drink. I agreed and he returned with some sort of fruity concoction. The drink was refreshing enough to make me want to dance again. So we danced some more.

We repeated the cycle a few times until it looked like everyone was about to crash. “What time is it?” I asked, downing another drink. Jasper looked at his watch. “Almost midnight, tired?” he laughed. We were all tired. It’s what we got for getting to the club so early. But it was better if I didn’t stay out too late, work was calling for me tomorrow morning. Edward smiled and grabbed my hand. “I’ll take you home.” He said, pulling me away. I said a quick good bye to everyone, suddenly disappointed I didn’t exactly get a chance to talk to anyone but Edward.

Edward led me to his car, and I noticed he had parked in the same ramp as Alice did. “Are you sober enough to drive?” I asked, remembering we both had been drinking. “Ah, Bella. If you remember, you were the one drinking more than I. I’m fine.” He smiled, opening my door. I slid in, a little dizzy. He got to the drivers side and pulled out of the parking ramp. I rested my head against the seat, another headache was beginning to erupt.

“Bella are you okay?” Edward asked, speeding up a little. “Mmhm.” I murmured, “Just a little headache…it’s what I get for drinking.” I faked a laugh. Edwards tone of voice was only filled with concern. “I’ll get you home.” He promised, holding my hand.

When the car stopped, I was half asleep. Edward got out of the car and opened my door. I slid out a little wobbly. Edward looked like he was trying not to laugh at me. But before I could say anything, he scooped me up in his arms and was carrying me to the building. “Key?” he asked, while I searched my pockets still dizzy. I handed it to him and he walked into the building, still carrying me. What would the neighbors think? “208” I murmured him my room number. He smiled and walked upstairs, finally finding my apartment. He set me on the floor. “Need me to come in with you?” he asked, supporting my weight. I must have been really out of it…

“Sure.” I agreed, snatching the key from him and fiddling with the lock. “Bella…let me.” He said quietly, opening the door with ease. Edward helped me inside and put me on the couch. “Where you do you keep your pain meds?” he asked, moving to my kitchen. What was I thinking? Letting Edward into my apartment? This seemed wrong…and I knew why it seemed wrong. Probably because it was. I felt a few tears slide down my cheeks when he came back, obviously having found all of my medicine. He put the pills on the table and sat down, wrapping his arms around me. “Bella…” he murmured, rocking me back and forth a little. My tears stopped and I pulled away. Edward was making this worse.

“You should go…” I said, standing up. “Are you sure?” he asked, holding me steady. Why did I have to be dizzy? I nodded and he made me sit down. “I’ll call you tomorrow okay?” he said, tilting my chin up. I nodded, pulling away from him a little. He kissed the top of my head and left.

I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much in my life.

The next morning, things seemed to turn up. It wasn’t raining, and my migraine had disappeared. And no thoughts of men clogged my head. I was going to be solely focused on work today. Besides, the next big show was opening up. And I was looking forward to it. So after a stop at the coffee shop and a large mocha, I was completely ready to take on my day. I paraded into the theatre, my confidence reloaded. Maybe I was having daily mood swings or something, but I felt incredible today. Hopefully nothing would ruin it.

After my exhausting day, I was stuck. I had finished almost everything that had to be done in order for next week. Which left me reporting to my boss, the main manager. “Hello?” I asked, walking into the room. Mr. Clearwater sat at his desk, shuffling through papers. “Hello Ms. Swan.” He said, not taking his eyes up from his work. “I…um, finished the preparations you gave me.” I said, placing the stack of files on his desk. Mr. Clearwater looked up at me and smiled. “Well done Ms. Swan. I believe that entitles you to an entire week off.” He laughed. “But please be here for opening night.” I stood there a little shocked. An entire week? My whole life practically revolved around this place. What was I going to do with myself for a week?

“We’ll see you next week.” Mr. Clearwater said, returning to his files. I almost tripped walking out of the room. I never took time off, and I hated doing that as well. Maybe confidence didn’t suit me very well if it meant I was getting an entire week off because of it.

I went home, contemplating what I was going to do. There was nothing I really could do. I had such a routine based life that everything was pretty much taken care of in my apartment. And now I had all this free time. I refused to tell Alice for the moment, she’d probably freak out, and take a week off herself. When I thought about it, my vacation was almost a week and a half! Today was Wednesday, and opening night was next Friday. I could not stand a week and a half with Alice. No human is capable of that.

Don’t forget, I love Alice dearly, but you’d belong in an insane asylum after a week and a half of constant shopping.

Maybe a vacation was something I needed. I did have a ton of extra money that I really hadn’t put to any use. I could get away for a while and visit someplace warm. No, something would go terribly wrong and I’d end up in the hospital or something. What was I going to do.

I got out of the car and walked up to the building. What I saw, shocked me. Edward was standing by the door, and was now walking towards me. “What are you doing here?” I asked quietly. He almost blushed, “Well, you weren’t answering my calls and I wanted to make sure you were alright.” I was honestly touched by this, yet I didn’t know if I could stop myself from feeling guilty if he came up to my apartment. So I smiled at him and nodded. No words coming out of my mouth.

“Obviously you are in one piece, so, I think I’ll go.” He said awkwardly, probably confused by my nodding. “Um…wait!” I said, grabbing his hand. Edward pivoted around a little to fast, and made me fall over. Two arms locked around me, bringing me up again. It wasn’t until I noticed no pain in my head that I realized how close we were. “Sorry.” He murmured, not letting go. I didn’t mind the closeness, in a way it was extremely comforting. I enjoyed the idea of him never letting go.

“It’s okay.” I said, words finally escaping. My mistake was staring into his eyes. They looked like a darker green at night. I couldn’t help but get lost in them. Edward moved his head forward, resting his forehead against mine. He groaned for a minute and pulled away. I noticed he pulled something out of his pocket, his phone no doubt. Edward answered it, putting it to his ear. “No I won’t come with you. No I don’t. Stop calling me that! Emmett!” he groaned a little.

“What is it?” I asked, still incredibly close to his face. “Emmett just won this vacation for six in France.” He groaned. “And he’s trying to drag me along with him.” Edward shrugged. He returned to the phone. “Yes I am with Bella. EMMETT!” he screamed practically dropping me. Edward hooked his arm around my waist before I could fall. “Emmett wants to talk to you.” Edward gave me his phone. He scowled. I took it carefully, afraid to break the expensive tech device. “Hello?” I said putting the phone to my ear. “Hey Belly!” he laughed. Crap. Another nickname. How many of those will I have to suffer through. “What?” I choked. “Belly Jelly and Eddie! Hmm…good enough.” He said. I shook my head. “Emmett I swear, you call me that EVER again and I’m going to…” I began but Emmett cut me off. Edward looked like he would tear Emmett’s head off if he could. “Well Miss Belly, Rosie, Alice, Jasper, Eddie and I are going on a little trip to France. How’d you like to come with?” he asked smoothly. “We’re leaving in two days and we’ll be back by next Thursday.” He continued.

“Oh and Alice is already packing for you, I suggest you head up to you apartment before she stuffs your entire closet into a suitcase.” He added, now snickering. I screamed and began dragging Edward up to my apartment. I groaned when I noticed the door was open. My words of advice, never give an annoying little pixie the key to your apartment. It only causes trouble.

“ALICE I’M NOT GOING!” I screamed, running to my room. I should have known it. Jasper, Emmett and Alice all were crowding my room. Edward was behind me, obviously too interested to see my entire collection of clothes sprawled around my room. I hung up Edwards phone and handed it back to him. “Bella! Glad you’re here, I bought you a few things to take with and I want you to try them on…” Alice said, pointing to a mountain of bags in the corner. I groaned. “Alice I’m not going…” I said, walking towards her. “Yes you are. I already called your boss to see if you could get some time off and he said you had the next week and a half or so off. And you need a vacation anyway.” Alice chimed. Curse the theatre for giving me a week and a half off.

“But…I don’t speak any French!” I complained, ignoring all three brothers. They were all sitting on my bed, observing my quarrel with Alice. “That’s alright mademoiselle.” Jasper laughed from the bed. I glared at him. Of course he knew French. “I know French too. We can translate for you if you really need it.” Alice added, continuing to shuffle through my clothes. She came to my lingerie dresser and I pulled her hands away. “Not while they’re here.” I nodded my head towards the boys. Alice giggled. “Fine.” She laughed, beginning to pick through the pile of clothes on the floor.

I glanced towards Edward, my last defense. He said he wasn’t going. “I’m not going if Edward isn’t.” I said. “Well good then. Eddies tagging along anyway.” Emmett boomed. Edward scowled at Emmett and then looked at me. “I get dragged into them and no matter how much fight I put up, I have to do whatever it is. I hate being the youngest sibling.” He glared at his brother again. Emmett laughed at him. Edward looked at me again. “Sorry.” He shrugged. Edward didn’t seem too upset over my refusal to go. Knowing me, I’d get dragged into it as well. Looks like Edward and I were on the same page. “We should get going. I’m hungry.” Emmett said, getting up and patting his stomach. “I’ll make you something…” I said, trying to walk out of my room. Edward stopped me. “Trust me, you won’t be able to feed an Emmett size hunger. We were going to go somewhere as a ‘brother night’ anyway.” He smiled at me. I merely nodded, entranced by his eyes again. “Okay Belly Jelly, let Eddie feed me.” Emmett pouted, snatching Edward away. He let go once he’d dragged Edward to the door.

Edward ran over to me for one last thing. “I’ll see you in France mon ange.” He whispered, suddenly leaving. That perfect-sneaky-loveable-man put a slight smile on my face. But I wanted to frown. He spoke French too.

The next two days passed as a blur. Apparently we were all taking different planes. Well, the brothers had something, “secret” planned for us and so I was going with Alice and Rosalie. Which could actually be fun. Alice decided to take over packing for me, and booking my flight with her. No doubt she got first class. That was okay though, gave me an excuse to put some money to use. I looked in my suitcase about half an hour before leaving, just to make sure everything was in there. And I couldn’t help but notice a lot of new items in there. I also spotted a lot of skimpy pieces of clothing. But I didn’t have much time to look before Alice came bounding into the room. She told me I couldn’t look, and I now understood why.

Before I knew it, we were on the plane. I had a window seat in first class, next to Alice who was bouncing in her seat. Rosalie was on her other side. “Hey Bella!” Rosalie whispered over Alice who was sleeping for once. I looked over at Rosalie and smiled at her. “Yeah?” “Can I tell you something?” she asked, a grin on her face. I leaned towards her and nodded. “Well first I wanted to thank you. Edwards never been quite so…happy. I’ve known him for a while, and I’ve never seen him this excited about someone.” I smiled at her more. How could I make Edward the happiest he’s ever been? But I felt a little bad. Edward really is my first boyfriend since him. Dating again is hurting a little.

“Just know that Edward cares about you a lot. Even though I guess he hasn’t known you a long time.” In a way, that made a lot of sense. I was beginning to like Rosalie. “Do you know what the surprise is?” I asked her, raising an eyebrow. She smirked. “If I did, I’d probably be on the other plane beating Emmett up. Who knows what they’re planning.” She laughed lightly. That made me worried however. Rosalie noticed my worried expression. “Don’t worry about it though. It’s probably harmless.” She laughed. I nodded and returned to my seat, drifting off a little. I woke up to someone tugging on my arm. “Alice!” I groaned, but she pulled harder. “WE’RE HERE BELLA!” she almost yelled. I got up quickly.

To my surprise, we got to the hotel very fast and checked in. Obviously Alice knew what she was doing. “Jasper texted me on the plane. He said we should check in to our rooms and freshen up.” She smiled. Alice dragged me to her room. There were three rooms all six of us had to share. That put me in a dilemma. Knowing Alice, she’d hog Jasper in her room. Emmett and Rosalie would probably take a room. So that left me and Edward? Thank goodness there were two different beds in the rooms.

Alice dressed me in a long sleeved, light blue dress as seeing it was late fall. Apparently Jasper told her what to wear too. It wasn’t an evening gown or anything, but it wasn’t like we were going on a picnic either. “Jasper said there would be separate cars waiting for us.” Alice said cautiously, descending the stairs. I felt way too caked over with makeup. It looked good, but it was too much. My shoes were thankfully flats so I could walk down the stairs normally.

We exited the building, and sure enough, there were three different cars waiting for us. The men waiting by them said our names and we got into the appropriate cars. “Can you tell me where we are going?” I asked, leaning towards the front of the car a little. The man looked at me confused. “No anglais.” He said. It was obviously a cognate. He didn’t speak English. I let out a frustrated sigh and leaned back in my seat. This was incredibly frustrating. I barely knew this group of friends, besides Alice and all of a sudden, I’m in France with them.

The car stopped soon and I got out quickly and looked around. The driver handed me a note. Wait at the fountain. I read and looked around, I spotted a rather large fountain at the center of the area I was at. “Merci beaucoup.” I said to the man, beginning to walk to my destination. There were crowds of people there, how was I supposed to find Edward? I stood next to the fountain, simply people watching. I couldn’t understand a thing they were saying and it made my head hurt. To help, I sang the English alphabet in my head. Before I knew it, I was humming the alphabet as well. If I started dancing, I’d probably start being grateful I wouldn’t see any of these people again.

“Bonjour mademoiselle.” A voice said as I felt a tap on my shoulder. The voice sounded amused. I turned around and was face to face with Edward. Before I could say anything he began dragging me away. “Edward where are we going?” I asked a little frantically. If anything, I despised surprises. “Be patient mon ange.” He said smoothly. French didn’t sound so bad when it came from his mouth. I groaned anyway, and followed him closely. He kept his pace up until we turned a corner. Then he started strolling. At a simple pace that I could keep up with. “Enjoying France?” he smiled, turning his attention to me. He took my hand and made my heart jump. “Sure…I haven’t had much to see though.” I said quietly, looking away. “Well I’m glad you could come, you’ll have plenty to see.” He assured me.

I nodded and continued to walk in silence. Soon enough we approached a very large building. “What is this place?” I asked as he began ascending the steps. “Art Museum.” He said simply. I followed him up the steps and walked inside the giant arch way. “I…thought you might like to see this place.” He said shyly, walking in the door. I merely nodded as the sight hit me. There was so much art in there I almost burst. Sculptures and giant paintings greeted us.

“Thank you.” I murmured, still looking around. When I was caught by the most beautiful face in the room. “Bella?” he asked, moving slightly closer. “Yeah?” I answered, more entranced by his face than anything around me. “I know that we haven’t known each other very long…but I really feel like I have a…connection with you. I know that probably sounds weird, but it’s just how I feel and…” I cut his rambling off with a kiss. As if I was telling him I felt the same way. The kiss was the longest and most passionate we had ever had. And it felt more magical than anything I ever had before. I pulled away and he smiled radiantly.

At the end of the day, we had probably seen only one quarter of the museum. The place was so big, and everything I saw, I wanted to come back to. Edward seemed just as fascinated as I did. But at the end of the day, around six o’clock, he told me we had to go back to the hotel. When we did get there, Rosalie, Emmett, Alice and Jasper were all waiting. Alice came running up to me and tore me away from Edward. “Where did he take you?” she asked frantically. “An…art…museum.” I said through her practically shaking me. Alice pulled away. “An art museum? Really?” she turned to Edward. I slapped Alice’s arm gently. “I enjoyed it!” I said in defense. “But that’s not really lively now is it? Can’t you just look at all the pieces online. Now shopping is something you do in Paris.” Alice said. “Alice…” Jasper warned, he must have noticed how fumed I was.

I was blissfully happy with the fact we went to an art museum. Art had so much French culture displayed, and it almost told you more about the city than the city itself. Edward linked an arm around my waist. “We should get ready for dinner.” He smiled. Alice squealed. “Bella I have the perfect dress! You too Rose!” she leaped from Jasper and grabbed Rosalie and I. I almost tripped running after Alice. Well more like she dragged me up the stairs.

Alice took us into her room and she tore open the suitcases inside. She pulled out a dark green and white dress for me. It was very formal looking. “Where are we going for dinner?” I asked cautiously. “They won’t tell us.” Rosalie answered, observing her maroon gown that had a long slit in the leg. Alice told us to go put on our dresses, and we did as told. I didn’t want to make Alice upset or anything as seeing she seemed anxious over where we were going. Alice didn’t like being surprised almost as much as I did.

I walked into the bathroom and looked in the long mirror in the corner. It didn’t look half bad. The dark green had two thick straps occupying my shoulders and flowed down around me. There was a white sash a little above my stomach that tied around in the back. Alice had handed me low rise white heels. That made my walking issue a little easier.

After about an hour of hair and makeup, Alice had deemed us all acceptable for a formal type of French dinner. We met all three boys down stairs. Edward smiled at me and kissed my cheek. “You look lovely.” He said, twirling me around a little. “You do too.” I smiled.

We walked through the hotel, and I only assumed there was a restaurant next door that we were going to. And because we were guests, we got seats quickly. I took one glance at the menu and I groaned. It was all in French. “Do you think they have an English version of the menu?” I asked, looking at everyone. Edward laughed next to me. “I’ll translate for you.” He said, looking at my menu.

I eventually decided on some chicken dish. I had no idea what was in it though as seeing the descriptions weren’t very clear, and I didn’t want to push Edward to tell me everything on the menu. So when our meals came, I automatically gasped and sent Emmett into a fit of laughter. Two words. Chicken. Snails. I was terrified and Edward blushed a little. “I’m sorry…we can get you something else.” He offered. “No it’s fine. Besides, I have someone to prove to that I do try new things!” I glared at Alice for a moment. We had an argument a while back when I was with him. Apparently I enjoyed my stable life too much and needed change. Thus where Alice argued with me. So I spooned out a bit of snail and ate it. It didn’t taste too bad and I wasn’t completely disgusted. Emmett’s laughter died and he muttered something about, “It’s no fun when she actually likes them.”

Due to my confidence, everyone ended up trying it. And we all agreed my meal was the best. Take that Alice.

The meal passed slowly, but was filled with laughter and talk amongst ourselves. Turns out, having three brothers together with their girlfriends is the most entertaining thing I’ve ever seen. But then we got to a slightly uncomfortable topic. “I call Rosie’s room!” Emmett almost shouted. Each of us girls had pretty much claimed our own room, and that left the boys. “Alice’s room.” Jasper laughed. I blushed a bright red. “Bella?” Edward murmured. I turned and looked at him. “I’ll go sleep with Emmett and Rose if you want.” He smiled sincerely, but I could almost see disappointment in his eyes. “No it’s fine.” I said, smiling back. I actually did want Edward to room with me. It’s not like we were going to be…doing anything. And it would give me a chance to maybe know him a little better.

Edwards smile brightened, as did his eyes. “Great. We should probably get going.” He said, looking at his watch. We left and retreated to our rooms, grabbing our suitcases out of the wrong rooms and putting them in the correct ones. I set mine down and looked down at my dress. I felt too formal all of a sudden. “That dress does look amazing on you.” Edward said. I looked up, noticing him sitting on one of the beds. I had almost forgotten he was there. “Thank you.” I blushed, playing with the white sash. “But I suppose it is late…we should get ready for bed.” He said. I nodded and walked towards my suitcase. “Mind if I steal the bathroom for a while?” I asked quietly. “Be my guest.” He laughed, watching me. My blush deepened as I retreated to the bathroom.

It felt wrong to be doing this, sharing a room with Edward. But at the same time, it felt right. Half of me was saying, “No, don’t do this. It’s selfish and it’s fair to him.” And my other half was saying, “Get over it. Move on. It’s what he wanted remember?”

Those thoughts placed tears in my eyes, so I stepped in the shower after my dress was off. I let the hot water wash those feelings away. As I stepped out of the shower I threw on a silk nightgown, courtesy of Alice, and left the room. Edward had changed while I was in the bathroom, sitting on the bed in shorts and a t-shirt. He was reading a book, so I tried not to bug him. I crawled onto the other bed and let my head fall on the pillow. I was on my side, facing Edward. It was nice to be able to stare at him and fake that I was trying to sleep. Maybe Edward knew I was watching him, because he had a big smile on his face. “Good book?” I asked, faking a yawn.

“Sure.” He said, closing it. “What about you? Having fun staring?” he chuckled. My blush returned and I smiled. “Actually yes.” I admitted. Edward lay down himself and turned to look at me. “Are you okay?” he asked. I forgot, my face was probably still all red and puffy from crying. “Fine, just tired I guess. It’s been a long day.” I shrugged. “Not true. If you were actually tired, you’d be sleeping by now. It’s about midnight.” He said matter-of-factly. He had me there. “I’m fine Edward, don’t worry so much.” I said, trying to pass it off. But he just couldn’t give up.

Edward got out of bed and sat on the edge of mine. “What’s wrong.” He said a little more demanding. “Nothing is wrong Edward! Let it go.” I replied, a little more frustrated. I could not tell him what was wrong. It would make everything worse if I told him. He’d probably either ditch me, or pity-date me. And I was not ruining my chances. “Bella…” he groaned, laying down next to me. I turned away so I was facing the other side of the room. He just laid next to me so I had to face him. “Tell me please. If you think I’m going to judge you, you’re wrong.” He said. Oh how wrong he was.

“No Edward. Go to bed.” I said quietly. The sudden tension came. I knew why. It’s because I was laying next to some guy I barely knew. Promise number one, broken.

“Bella…” he whined a little, wrapping his arms around me. Why did he have to make this worse! “Edward please…just go to bed.” I covered my face as I felt a tear slide. He heard it in my voice anyways. “Bella.” He breathed, pulling me closer to him. “You…don’t…know…how…hard this is.” I stuttered through my tears a little. “Bella I’m here. You can tell me.” He said, his voice cracking a little. Edward was hurt that I was crying now.

“Please stop crying.” He kissed the top of my head, I buried my face in his shirt. “I can’t. This is wrong.” I whispered through cascades of tears. “What’s wrong? The fact we’re…together?” he asked quietly. I didn’t answer for a while. “Yes.” I finally said, pulling away a little. “Do you not want to be together?” he asked, pulling away from me. “Yes.” I said, wiping my face as if it would help. “Then why is it wrong?” he challenged. Stupid traditional values.

“It’s not fair.” I said, looking away from him. I sat up and he did the same. I could feel Edwards stare. “Not fair to who?” he asked. “Him.” I emphasized. “Him? Are you telling me that…” he started but I cut him off. “I’m not cheating on anyone. I would never do that. Only, I feel like I am.” I said, closing my eyes a little. “Bella I don’t get this. What are you trying to tell me?” he asked, I could almost picture his perfect face.

His brow furrowed and his eyes alight with curiosity. He was probably frowning too. “I don’t want you to judge me.” I said quietly, I can’t believe I was going to do this. “I won’t. That’s a promise.” He said. I sighed, and began telling him my sad story that almost makes me kill myself every time I think about it.

Aiden hooked his arm around my waist, smiling his classic smile that made my heart melt. “What’s wrong darling?” he asked, his accent sending butterflies through my stomach. “I’d like to know where exactly we are going.” I laughed, kissing him quickly. “You know it’s a surprise.” He narrowed his eyes and lessened his smile. I pouted at him and he grinned. “You’ll like it, I promise. You trust me don’t you?” he asked, gazing at me.

“I think so…” I said cautiously. “Bella…” he pouted. He had a better pout than I did. No fair. “I trust you. I’d just like to know where we’re going.” I shrugged, looking away. Aiden took my chin and made me look at him. “Have some faith.” He said, kissing my lips fully. Alice would probably kill him for that later.

The car stopped and Aiden opened the door, taking my hand and pulling me out. “Happy birthday.” He said, his voice ringing in my ears. There we stood in front of my favorite theatre, with my favorite show that had been impossible to get tickets to. Romeo and Juliet. “Thank you!” I shrieked, tossing my arms around him and kissing him passionately. He laughed and pulled away, taking my arm.

I was practically bouncing in my seat as the show began. However, Aiden kept me calm. He kept me from embarrassing myself all the time. Thanks to him, I hadn’t needed to go to the emergency room from the very moment I met him.

As the show began, Aiden would lean over and whisper the lines in my ear. It made it even more special. Officially the best birthday I had ever had. I made it through the show, entranced by every romantic and fight scene. The show replayed over and over in my head.

When we were finished, Aiden escorted me out, then pulled me to the side in the hallway. My back was pushed against the wall. “Will you promise me something?” he asked, his lips tracing my jaw. Thank goodness the hallway was empty. “Anything.” I smiled, reaching up and running one hand through his black hair. “Don’t hurt yourself when I’m gone.” He said, smiling against my skin. What did he mean by that? “You’re leaving?” I asked, pulling his face up to look at me. He was smiling. It was odd. “I will never leave you if I have a say in it. But just incase, promise me.” He said, his tone growing serious, but his smile never fading. “I promise.” I said, still confused. With that, Aiden took my arm and we left. When we reached my apartment, he took me to the elevator and up to my apartment. “Are you staying?” I asked, unlocking the door. “I have work tomorrow, I should probably stay at my house.” He said, walking inside with me anyway. “Bella?” he asked quietly, turning me around to face him. “I love you.” He said. Aiden said it in a way that I hadn’t heard before. There was passion, honesty, and regret? “I love you too.” I said, trying to decode his strange behavior

“I should go.” He said, placing a full kiss on my lips. He lingered there hesitantly, then before I could say anything else, he disappeared.

I went to bed, forgetting all about Aidens weird behavior. But my bed felt empty without him, as usual. I hummed a short song before I heard my phone ring. Who was calling me at 2 a.m.? I got up anyway and answered it, not looking at the caller id. “Hello?” I said sleepily. “B…Bella?” someone stuttered on the other end of the phone. I recognized the voice. “What’s wrong Robert?” I asked Aidens younger brother. “Um…you need to come over to Aiden’s apartment, now.” He said, I heard him sniffling. “Robert? What’s going on?” I asked. “He’s missing Bells. He’s gone.”

I got to Aidens apartment in a blur. I ran upstairs and found Aidens family. His mother was crying and Robert was simply staring at a piece of paper. “Robert this better not be…” he cut me off by thrusting the piece of paper at me and muttering, “He’s gone.” Robert seemed angry now. I read the letter.

Dear Friends and Family,

I know this is slightly abrupt, but I find myself leaving. I will not reveal my location, just know that I may be gone forever within a day.

Much love,

Aiden

P.S. Bella, I love you more than the moon or the stars. Happy Birthday.

Tears formed in my eyes. “No.” I choked, putting the letter down. Aiden couldn’t be gone forever! What was the whole story behind this? “He’s left everything here, including his phone. He’s gone.” Robert said quietly. I looked around Aidens apartment. I walked into the kitchen, imagining him there, attempting to cook something that I would take pride in making edible. I almost ran to his bedroom, imagining him following his routine. But he just wasn’t there. My Aiden, was gone forever.

“We called the police, but we’ve never been able to find him. He’s gone. And I made a promise not hurt myself, and it hurts to do this. I’m sorry Edward, I am ready to start dating again. It is what he wanted, but I feel like I’m betraying him. Because some part of me hopes, that someday my phone will ring and it will be him. But it’s never happened, and all I do is sit around hoping for nothing.” I said, the tears silently pouring. “I’ve tried blaming myself, and I still do. Even though I know it isn’t my fault. But I end up blaming myself. Aiden was so special, and I can’t get over the fact he’s gone.” I murmured.

Edward sat there quietly, not touching me. I knew this would happen. I knew he would somehow feel differently about me. “I knew Aiden had some sort of past, but he never told me about it. We only focused on our future. I was so used to looking for the future, it hurts too much to look back.” I said. “I’m sorry.” I choked a little, the tears still pouring. I couldn’t bring myself to look at Edwards face. He wouldn’t want me now. He’d think I’m insane or something. The crazy girl who couldn’t get over her dead boyfriend.

But instead, he took my hand. More of a friendly gesture. “Bella…” he started, I still refused to look at him. “I will wait for you if you need time. I feel so strongly for you already, I’m not able to go back. I will give you what you need. And if that means we need to wait, I’m perfectly fine with that.” He said. “No Edward. I want you now, I will want you forever. But it hurts. That’s the only problem, it just hurts to be like this with someone again.” I said quietly. Edward kissed the top of my head. “I understand. If you still want to do this…we can work through things. I don’t want to lose you Bella, even though we’ve only known each other for a short time. I don’t want to lose you.” He said, stroking my hair. I looked up at him then.

Edwards face was neutral. But his face screamed every emotion running through him. The two I could pick out, were love and sadness. This was almost good. It was good because he wasn’t running away from be, but telling me that he wanted to be with me, and he would do whatever it takes to make sure I was safe and happy. Aiden would like him.

I smiled at Edward and kissed him lightly. “Thank you.” I whispered, feeling suddenly much more comfortable. Probably at the confident thought that Aiden would approve of this. If Aiden couldn’t be there, I know he’d want someone who could do what he could. Not that I wanted someone to replace him, just help me cope with life.

The next morning I woke up next to Edward. I hadn’t forgotten how Edward had accepted me for my past with Aiden. But my attention was directed towards a banging on the door that had Edward stirring in his sleep. I ran to the door. “What?” I almost shouted as the door opened. It was Rosalie and Alice. “Hello beautiful.” Alice kissed my cheek and walked inside, followed by an apologetic looking Rosalie. I probably did look like a mess what with my hair all over the place and all the crying I had done last night.

“EDWARD WAKE UP!” Alice yelled, jumping on our bed. Edward groaned and threw a pillow at Alice. These guys were so mature. “WAKE UP NOW!” Alice continued jumping. “No.” he said, feeling around the bed. “Bella?” he was suddenly awake. I laughed as I saw his hair. It was more messed up than usual. “What?” I asked, Rosalie was giggling next to me. “Oh.” He said, then threw his head on the pillow again. “Can you throw the pixie out and come back to bed please?” he asked muffled through the pillow. “No going back to bed!” Alice pouted, landing on her knees on the bed. “Edward get up.” I laughed, walking over to the other bed and sat down. Rosalie copied me. Edward groaned and sat up again. “Get out.” He glared at Alice. Alice glared back. “Alice, let them get ready.” Rosalie said, snatching Alice and leaving. “Don’t take too long.” Rosalie called, dragging a pouting Alice out of the room.

“Thank God.” Edward said, getting up. “You’re hair is messy.” I laughed, it truly did look like a mess of hair was just thrown onto his head. “I could say the same for you.” He smiled. I stuck my tongue out, being the mature person I am. We took our turns in the bathroom and soon enough, met the others in the lobby.

“Another surprise!” I groaned. We were at our second to last day of vacation in Paris. Tomorrow was Wednesday, and we were heading back home. If anything, Edward and I had become extremely close. We talked every night now and fell asleep in each others arms. And for once, it felt right. I was really beginning to trust Edward, and maybe even growing to love him. But I couldn’t think about that. We were taking our time with our relationship. It didn’t need to move any faster than it was.

So here I was, being dragged out of the hotel for the billionth time this past week or so, by Edward. Thankfully, I was in a zipped sweatshirt and jeans, but I had a surprise waiting for me. “Where are we going?” I groaned. “Bella it’s kind of obvious.” He chuckled. The sun was setting, and the sight couldn’t have been more beautiful. I stopped for a second to look at the sun setting. But Edward pulled me with him still. “Not yet.” He said. That whetted my curiosity. Soon enough, we approached a very tall structure.

I really was the worlds biggest idiot. “Oh.” Was all I said, gazing up at the Eiffel Tower. Edward chuckled and pushed me towards the elevator to go up.

When we were at the top, we faced the sunset and simply watched. In a way, it was perfect. Everything seemed exactly right, and nothing was missing. I enjoyed the feeling while it lasted. “Bella?” Edward smiled, pulling me right next to him so I was looking in his emerald pools that were called eyes. “Mmhmm?” I smiled. “I love you.” He whispered.

My eyes widened. Did he really just say that? What was I supposed to do? I had no idea if I felt that way, I was too busy basking in my perfect feeling of perfect. Edward noticed my hesitance. “I know you might not feel that way, and I’ve fallen for you really quickly, but it’s true. I just wanted you to know that.” He said quickly. I smiled at him, and then leaped in for the kiss. When I pulled away, “I love you.” Then more kissing.

The weird thing is, I meant it.

“No, no, no!” I shouted at one of the stage movers. “That goes on the left side of the stage!” I hissed. Wasn’t the stage director supposed to be here? This was definitely NOT the assistant managers job. Thus, I was getting very stressed and cranky. Cranky Bella is not a very nice Bella. “You! Don’t put that there!” If I had any idea how stressful it was to organize Romeo and Juliet, I never would have taken this job. But it would be worth it. At least that’s what I kept telling myself. It was my last memory of Aiden, and anything Romeo or Juliet, happened to put a smile on my face, because it was the last truly happy memory I have of him. Edward understood this of course, because he’s mister magic with all his understandings of what goes on in my crowded head of thoughts.

Since we had arrived back yesterday, it was all work for me. I haven’t had a break from thinking about this show since I stepped off the plane. My phone had been ringing nonstop, mostly business calls. And after staying up until two am yesterday working on show preparations last night at the theater, I was exhausted. Plus, I had a long flight yesterday and then had to work my butt off. So here I am, running on three hours of sleep, I’m cranky, and can’t get the damn stage coordinators to do their job right. I am surprised I am not in tears.

My phone rang again and I groaned. What was it now? An actor was sick? The maestro’s mother had passed away and couldn’t come to direct the orchestra?

I picked it up, not even looking at the caller id, a new habit of mine. Usually because I’m too exhausted to bother to see who’s calling me. “Hello?” I tried to put on the best business tone I could. “Hello.” Edward said on the other end of the line. I had no idea what to say. “You need some sleep. How many hours did you get last night?” he asked. This man knew me too well. “Three.” I answered nondescript. “Bella.” Edward scolded. “I can’t help it. Romeo and Juliet won’t let me sleep until the curtain opens.” I snapped back. Not meaning to get angry, but I was extremely tired. “Well when it does you’re going home and sleeping for a good two days.” Edward said, humor in his voice. I didn’t return it. I was distracted with the man setting two swords down in the wrong place. “Hey! NOT THERE!” I almost screamed. “You’re busy. I’ll let you go. Get some sleep. Love you. Bye.” Edward said quickly then hung up the phone. I must of scared him.

When I got home, I literally fell on the couch and didn’t get up until my phone woke me up at six…in the morning. “What?” I groaned slightly dramatic. I wanted more sleep, good thing I had a comfy couch. “We’re getting you ready for the premiere at 3:30 this afternoon okay?” Alice said. I was outraged. “YOU WOKE ME UP TO TELL ME WHEN YOU WERE GOING TO MAKE ME OVER!!!!” I screamed into the phone. But I gave up, sleep was calling for me, so my screaming came out more as dramatic talking.

“That and Edwards going to be at your door in about two minutes. Wanted to make sure you looked presentable for that.” She said, giggling. I sat up immediately. “Why is he coming over?” I asked. “I don’t know. Ask him.” I hung up the phone. I ran into my bedroom, sudden energy taking over. I threw on some new clothes, casual comfy clothes, but at least they were clean. And I brushed my teeth before I heard a knock on the door. I ran to answer it.

Sure enough, there stood the amazing man I got to call my boyfriend. “What did I tell you about sleeping?” he asked, walking in the door. “I…um…uh…well…I was.” I said, stuttering the whole time “Did I wake you up?” he sounded concerned now. “Nah, that was Alice warning me that you were coming over.” I eyed something in his hand. “What’s that?” I asked, pointing to it. A smile flickered across his face. “Breakfast.” He said, handing it to me. “And why did you need to bring me breakfast so early in the morning?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. He shrugged. “I have to get to work in about an hour, and I wanted to make sure you got it.” Edward said quietly.

I laughed lightly. “You didn’t need to bring me breakfast.” I said, putting in on my coffee table and sitting down on the couch. He sat next to me. “Yes I did. I wanted to make sure you at least had something to eat today. That’s why you’re going to eat while I’m here. So you actually eat it.” He said, grabbing the white box and giving it to me. “Edward, I really don’t have time…” I started. “No. I don’t want to hear it. Eat. I know that you aren’t going to be eating much else today, so eat.” He ordered. “Edward…” I tried complaining, but he opened the box and shoved a pastry in my mouth. “Eat.” He ordered again.

Why was Edward so amazing? He brought me breakfast so I actually had food in me and didn’t pass out today or something. There were multiple pastries in the box, and he ordered me to eat them all. So I did, and they tasted pretty good. I don’t think I ate much yesterday either. When I was done, I was finally full. “Thank you.” I smiled, kissing his cheek. He carefully pulled me in for an actual kiss. One that met his standards.

Ever since I’d told him about Aiden, he’d always been more careful about my sensitivity to physical contact, or anything he said that would set me off. And it made me love him even more. So there I was, loving someone who I wasn’t sure was alive or not. And I was falling in love with Edward. I needed to get my head in place.

My day was pretty hectic, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as yesterday surprisingly. Maybe it was because I wasn’t so upset or cranky today. When I got back, Alice was waiting for me. Her beauty salon had taken over my apartment. My dress, a sparkly dark purple dress was put over my head. And to my despise, heels. If I died tonight, I would make sure to haunt Alice.

Anyway, when I was at the theatre, my little group of Emmett, Rosalie, Jasper, Alice, and Edward had all shown up. However, I didn’t have much time to talk to them, I think I only got to wave at them and then go help an actor fix his hat. Why I was doing these things I had no idea. But the show really was amazing. It made me just as excited as when I had seen it with Aiden. I even remembered his voice when the parts came when he would be whispering the lines to me.

It was the happiest I’d felt since that night.

After the show, I didn’t have anything to do thankfully. I could have gone home if I wanted to. So I was walking backstage, and through one of the hallways to the offices to get my coat when I heard a quiet voice behind me. “Bella?”

I turned around and gasped. I backed up against the wall as he moved closer. “Bella.” He breathed, stepping more into the light. I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t breathe. He reached out and touched my cheek. What was he doing here? Wasn’t he supposed to be six feet under or something!

“Wh…what are you…d…doing here?” I choked. “Do you not want me to be?” he sounded disappointed. “Stay.” I said, now reaching out and grabbing his shoulders. “Don’t leave.” I choked again, a tear sliding down my cheek. Why did I have to be crying so much. If this was dream, I didn’t want it to end. He was finally back, I had him here.

“I won’t leave, never again my Bella.” He whispered, pulling me closer and burying his face in my hair. He smelled the same but he looked a little different. He was still my Aiden. And he was where he belonged.

“Bella where are you?” I heard a voice call down the hallway. Aiden looked up and smiled. “Alice!” he laughed, releasing me to hug one of his long lost friends. Alice squealed louder than she usually does. “AAAAIIIDDDEEEENNN!!!!!” she yelled, tossing her arms around him. I laughed. It was classic Alice and Aiden bonding. Aiden released her and went back to me. He wrapped his arms around me again, and I felt complete.

Aiden kissed the top of my head as Alice disappeared. I was suddenly reminded of the one person waiting for me in the lobby. “No.” I choked, burying my face in Aidens shirt. I belonged to two different people all of a sudden. I was in love with two different people.

“Oh Aiden!” I choked, tears running down my cheeks. “Bella what’s wrong?” he asked frantically, his British accent ringing. It only reminded me further and made me cry more. He wiped my tears away, just like he used to. “Bella don’t cry darling. Don’t cry. I’m back! You see? I’m not leaving my Bella.” He said, trying to get me to stop. His words only hurt more. Sooner or later I was going to have to decide.

New love? Or lost love?

I heard Alice come back around the corner. “Erm Bella?” she asked, aware of my tears. “You need to get yourself together and go in the lobby. As for you…” she pointed at Aiden. “You need to get out of here.” She said. “Why?” Aiden asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. He knew something was up. My crying had stopped as guilt took over me. “Later…Aiden. I’ll explain it later.” I said, pulling away from him. Aiden tried to stop me but I ran away, in heels, before he could catch me. I successfully made it to the lobby again. I spotted everyone in the corner, mostly talking. However, Edward had an insanely dark look on his face. One that almost made me turn and run back to Alice and Aiden.

Instead, I slowly walked over and glanced at Edward. “It was a lovely show.” He said gravely. I could tell he was trying to be happy, but Alice had told him. He’d have no other reason to be this dark unless Alice had told him. I understood why Edward was so mad, but I couldn’t get over my happiness right now.

Edward took me out to his car, “Where are we going?” I asked after getting in. The others had obviously noticed something was up, and Aiden and Alice had disappeared. “My apartment. Please tell me you’ll stay there.” He said, more like a demand. “Edward…I need to go home.” I said calmly. Well, as calmly as I could manage. I was so filled with guilt that nothing could stop my voice shaking. “Then I’m staying there.” He said darkly. “Edward…” I started. “Why did he have to come back?” Edward narrowed his eyes that were still fixated on the road. “Why are you so mad about it?” I asked, now a little angry. “Because he’s going to take you away. And I’m too selfish to let you go.” Edward said quickly. He didn’t want to admit that.

“Edward…” I whispered, my voice softer. “That might not happen.” I said. It was the truth, it depended on how I felt once I realized who the right choice was. Or at least what my head told me to do compared to my heart.

“Really? Or are you just saying that so I don’t lose my temper.” It was already too late for that. I could tell how agitated he was. “Give me a while to talk to him.” I said.

“Bella, you’re my girlfriend. You expect me to feel okay with you just going about ‘talking’ to your ex-boyfriend who left you and you thought was dead?” Well when he put it that way it sounded terrible.

“Edward just trust me okay? I’m not going to pull anything. I just have a lot to talk about with him. Please?” I pouted a little. “I want to meet him first.” Was all Edward answered.

Once we were at my apartment, I recognized Alice’s car. We walked up to my door in silence, and I opened the door in silence. “Bella?” I heard Aidens voice running to the door. He saw me, then Edward. “Bella?” his voice squeaked a little. I blushed out of guilty embarrassment. Edward was glaring at Aiden, and he had a protective arm around me. A gesture that almost screamed, “Back off.”

We stood there awkwardly until Alice cut in. “Aiden this is Edward. Edward, Aiden.” She calmly introduced them. Edward didn’t remove his arm, he merely nodded at Aiden. “Is there something I should know?” Aiden asked slowly, his gaze focused on Edward. He looked scared.

“Only if you promise not to kill me.” I choked. The guilt was overwhelming. “Bella don’t talk like that.” Aiden said, moving closer to me. Edwards automatic reaction was to tighten his grip on me. I pried Edwards fingers from my waist. “Stop it.” I said, pushing Edward away a little. Edward backed off but still stayed close. I walked closer to Aiden. “While you were gone…I gave up. But Edward helped me start moving on…and…” I couldn’t finish it. The guilty tears streamed down my face. Aiden pulled me into his arms, and tried wiping my tears away. Some habits never die.

“Bella I’m not mad. I understand if you moved on…” he said quietly. “That’s the problem! I’m in love with both of you!” I murmured angrily. I was upset with myself. Either way I was going to hurt one incredibly amazing man. “Maybe if I explain what’s been going on for the past few years it will help.” Aiden offered, getting straight to the point. I nodded and he moved me to the couch. Edward sat on my other side.

However, Aiden didn’t get a chance to start explaining. I heard my stereo blasting from my bedroom. “Alice what the heck?” I asked, running into my room. She was standing covering her ears and trying to turn the volume down. I suddenly recognized the song. “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” I whispered to myself. I felt a pair of arms wrap around me. “Well, September is over. And I’m back. You can wake up now.” Aiden pressed his lips into my neck. I heard a growl from behind him. “Take your hands off of her.” Edward growled. “You know what, she was my girlfriend until something happened that I tried to protect her from. And what have you done? Simply stand in as a replacement boyfriend?” That set me off.

“Aiden don’t say that. He was not a replacement boyfriend. You left and I tried to move on. Edward understood me and I fell for him. Don’t say that.” I snapped. Edward took me away from Aiden and put his hands on my shoulders. “You left her to protect her? Well if you mean protect by ruin her life then sure. You protected her real well.” He growled. “Edward!” I shrieked, turning around to look at him. “If he left to protect me from something, he probably had a good reason for it…”

“STOP IT!” Alice yelled. All three of us looked at her. “Before this turns into a really bad fight, we’re all tired. We should all go to bed. So Edward, get out of here. I’m staying with Bella, and Aiden, you should leave too.” She said, now that she had our attention. Alice made sense and I pulled away from Edward to stand next to her. “Aiden do you have a place to stay?” I asked sincerely. If he didn’t have anywhere else, I wouldn’t make him stay outside. “He’s not staying with you Bella.” Edward said automatically.

“I’ll get a room or something. Don’t worry. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Aiden said, glaring at Edward. I smiled at Aiden and bid them both good bye. Edward kissed my cheek, soon followed by Aiden. And before I knew it, they were gone.

“Alice…NO!” I screamed as the pixie threw a pillow at me. We had just woken up, and I had completely forgotten about Edward and Aiden. So there I was, having an immature pillow fight with my best friend.

But my phone rang. Why does the phone ringing always ruin my fun? I picked it up quickly, “Hello?” I asked, slightly out of breath.

“Are you okay?” Edward said on the other end. “Fine…Alice and I just…um…never mind.” I said as Alice and I started laughing hysterically.

“Bella…” Edward complained. “What?” I asked, confused as to why he was complaining. “Please tell me you aren’t going to go talk to him today.” I could almost see him pouting.

Then the door buzzed. Alice let someone up. And within two seconds, Aiden was there. “Um…yes?” I was a little distracted at Aidens presence. “I’ll…call you back okay?” I said into the phone, then hung up.

“Bella.” Aiden greeted me, kissing my cheek. “Hi.” I said quietly. “Bella, I know Edward will kill me for leaving you alone. But I have to go.” Alice called, a bright smile on her face. It was true, Edward was probably going to have a big fit over it. But he could suffer, because at that moment, I needed Aiden.

As soon as the door was closed, I pulled Aiden down to me. Now there were a few things wrong with this. One, I had a boyfriend. Two, we were in my bedroom and this could escalate to something I would regret. And three, I felt like the old Bella was taking over. The one that clung to people so much, she broke when they left.

However I didn’t care. So for the next hour or so, I belonged to Aiden.

I heard a violent knock on the door and I leaped up, happy Aiden and I hadn’t gotten carried away. I opened it and was met by a fuming Edward, followed by a guilty looking Alice. “I can’t believe you left him alone with her.” Edward growled, taking my hand and looking me in the eyes. “You talked. As long as you only talked I will not be angry.” Edward said, I heard venom in his voice. Aiden appeared then. “Talk...sure.” he laughed, receiving an even worse glare from Edward. “Bella? Did you hook up?” he asked, turning his gaze on me.

I couldn’t lie to him. I’d hate myself if I did that. “Um…uh….I’m sorry!” I felt tears erupting. Edward pushed me away a little and tried to attack Aiden. “Stop it!” I screamed, grabbing him. It didn’t do much good, but he stopped. “I…Edward let me explain.” I said, trying to get him to look at me. But he was only concerned with hurting Aiden. “I’m not mad at you Bella. I’m mad at him for not being six feet under by now!” Edward roared. I jumped back, a little scared by his tone. Edward took it as an opportunity. He leaped at Aiden and threw a punch at him.

“Eddie!” someone boomed from the doorway. Jasper and Emmett ran in the room and threw Edward off of Aiden. Rosalie followed in behind them.

“What were you thinking Eddie?” Emmett scowled, hitting his brother on the head. Edward was trying to struggle against his brothers. He calmed down for a moment, “Bella. We need to talk. Now.” Edward said relatively settle. I nodded. And Emmett and Jasper hesitantly put Edward down. He grabbed my hand forcefully and dragged me out of the room. I heard one comment from either Jasper or Emmett, “You’re screwed.”

I got in Edwards car quietly, trying to hold back the tears that wanted to pour down my face. I couldn’t believe Edward would get so worked up over this. “I’m going to let you explain.” Edward said, an edge to his voice. As if he wanted nothing more than to yell at me.

“I…Aiden came over. And I don’t know what happened. I put myself in my old shoes. I was the old Bella, and the old Bella was crazy about Aiden.” I said as my terrible explanation. “And who is the new Bella crazy about?” Edward asked, glaring at the road in front of him. We were basically just driving around. “Aiden and Edward.” I said quietly. It was true. I was crazy about both of them. But mostly Edward. Aiden seemed to have changed in some way, and I didn’t know him yet.

We pulled up to a building, a very expensive looking building. Edward got out of the car and I followed. “Where are we?” I murmured. “My apartment.” He said opening a door after we went through many hallways. I nodded and followed him inside.

It was expensive. I was afraid to even breathe. Edward sat down on a black leather couch and stared out the window. It gave a perfect view of the city.

I sat next to him and looked down at my hands. “I get it Bella. You still love him. But you have to choose.” Edward said, choking a bit on the last statement. “And I know, we haven’t been dating for a long time at all. But I can only tell you I’d be the right choice. I know what I’m capable of, and that is giving you a happy life. I love you, a lot.” He said, not taking his eyes off the window. I reached out and took his hand. “I love you too. But I don’t know who Aiden is anymore. He might of changed, he might not have. I need to know where he’s been, why he left, and if he’s changed to the point where he isn’t the Aiden I love.” I said quietly. “I just need time.” I added.

“If time is what you need, I’ll be here when you need me. But you come to me, because I can’t handle being around him. I’m waiting for you.” Edward murmured. That touched me. He was waiting for me. Maybe Edward wasn’t such a bad choice, but I needed Aiden at the same time. I would get to the bottom of all of this Aiden stuff.

I left Edwards apartment and walked home. He offered to give me a ride, but I refused. I needed time to think anyway.

I did stop at a CD store. When I walked in, I grabbed a random pair of headphones and put them on. Of course, “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” I listened for a while.

Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
Wake me up when September ends

How true that really was. He left a few years ago, and the summers passed. I cried my eyes out of innocence. And now he’s back, after September. I picked out one last significant verse.

As my memory rests
But never forgets what I lost
Wake me up when September ends

Why did this song have to be so true! I took the headphones off and practically ran out of the store. I felt my tears running down my face again.

When I got home, Aiden was the only one there. He got up as soon and I walked in the door and opened his mouth to say something but I stopped him. “I need time to myself.” I choked slightly. “Bella…please. Just let me explain this and then I’ll leave you alone.” So I sat down and let Aiden tell his story.

Aiden POV

I didn’t want to leave Bella. She was my pride and joy, and I wanted nothing more than to give her what she deserved. And leaving her when I knew she was so dependent on me was definitely what an angel like Bella deserved. If I wasn’t being forced to leave the love of my life, I would have purposed. That ring has been lingering in my pocket too long and I eventually just made it into a ring so that way the next time I saw her (which I made sure would happen), I could beg her to take me back and seal the deal.

Of course, I was not expecting to come back and find her with a new boyfriend. He seemed too vicious for my Bella. He was too overprotective even, and I thought I guarded her too much.

But it was what Bella had chosen, and all those thoughts of begging and pleading with her had vanished. For some insane reason, she seemed content and happy. But coming back only screwed things up for her. I was now making her choose. Maybe it would be better if I was six feet under by now.

If you’re wondering how this all started, it was with my best friend in the entire world, Jacob Black. He was an entertaining guy, and fun to be around. But he made a few bad choices and got his girlfriend killed because of it. Then I got into this insane situation and they were going after my Bella if I didn’t do what they said. So I left, with little to no explanation of where I was.

Jacob and I have been friends for our entire lives. I think we were friends when we were inside our mothers. However, we were born into completely different worlds. Jacob was a sports freak, always switching what teams he supported and such. And I was interested in studying. So when we were about three years old, Jacob and I kept in touch when my parents decided to live in England. Our mothers were friends so they thought it was cute when we called each other and talked about some little kid show everyday. Anyway, I picked up the British accent and soon returned to America when I was eighteen.

Jacob and I got into a lot of trouble then. Which I got out of, but fell into anyway. Jacob disappeared for a while. I didn’t hear from him and neither did his family. This was around the time I started dating Bella, and when I thought less and less of my best friend. When one day, about a week before I left my angel, I got a call from Jacob.

He told me he’d borrowed money from some man in New York City. Jacob was unable to pay it and was now doing dirty work for the guy. Dirty work as in, chasing after people when they didn’t pay this guy back. Jacob had refused to run after his girlfriends brother (who was somehow connected) and the man sent some other guy to kill his girlfriend. So now they were going to kill Jacob if he didn’t get help. And I being the friend I was, agreed.

I’m sure you can fill in the rest. Now I sit here having sinned so many times where I feel guilty with every breath I take. Jacob is still in New York, no longer needing me. He’s considered killing himself because of this. Somehow, I got out of it. I convinced the man causing this to just let me go home. Maybe he decided my guilt was enough punishment for not doing anything. And I’ve decided there is no way I deserve my Bella.

She doesn’t need someone who’s sinned so many times that it’s like poisoning her every time he touches her. We were perfect together, but now she just doesn’t deserve this.

I’d explained it as best I could to her, leaving out any gory details. Bella grabbed the chain on my neck with the ring. Crap, I hadn’t told her about that. “What is this?” she asked, eyeing the ring. “Nothing.” I said quietly, trying to pull away. Bella crawled into my lap anyway. Why couldn’t she just understand that something as good and pure as her cannot be sitting in the lap of some thing that’s hurt innocent people?

“Bella please get off.” I choked, as much as I hated to say those words. “Aiden you aren’t getting rid of me that easily. I know you’re guilty, but I understand it.” She said. How could she be so confident in that? “Bella, you don’t. I’m not proud of what I’ve done, and you shouldn’t be either.” I said as she picked the ring up and played with it.

“Aiden I’m not proud of you at all. I’m disappointed that you had to do that. But you did it because you care about this Jacob guy. I understand that. So stop being guilty. Because none of this is affecting my decision right now. You’re still the old Aiden.” She said. “But you aren’t the same Bella.” I whispered, instantly regretting those words.

“What are you talking about?” her eyes narrowed as she stared at my face. “The old Bella wouldn’t have moved on.” I said quietly. I was upset about it, even though I had no right. Man, I was screwing this up. “I did wait Aiden. I waited a few years to move on until Edward somehow came into my life and accepted how broken I was. I haven’t felt this complete in the two or so years you’ve been gone.” She snapped at me. “I’m sorry.” I ended the argument before it started.

Bella passed it off and played with the ring again. “Are you going to tell me what the ring is for?” she whispered softly, not looking in my eyes. “I’ll give you one hint.” I almost laughed, grabbing her left hand and placing the ring over the tip of her ring finger.

A euphoric smile spread across Bella’s face. “Are you serious?” she said excitedly, pushing it all the way onto her finger. I couldn’t help the grin that came on my face. I’d waited so long to see that ring on her finger, to see her smiling like that. It made me melt, and almost forget about everything I’d done. Like it was in the past and the only Bella knew was an innocent Aiden who’d never committed a crime in his life. “Will you marry me.” I murmured, resting my forehead against hers. Bella’s smile disappeared suddenly. Her face was blank, and no matter how many times I tried, and no matter how close I looked, there was nothing there written on her expressions.

“Bella?” I murmured, staring into here eyes. She was staring at her hand. “I…I…don’t know Aiden.” She said slowly. “Edward.” Was all she choked out. I understood that. She needed to decide.

I pushed her off of me. “Bella. You need time to think. Call Alice when you’re ready to talk to me.” And I sped out of her apartment faster than I’ve ever ran before.

Edward POV

“No no no.” I said to Emmett on the phone. “He didn’t.” I almost shouted. I put my hand on my face as if to block out all the angry thoughts running through my head. “Yep, she came to Rose’s apartment and started crying her eyes out.” Emmett said.

I was going to murder Aiden. I was going to make sure I picked him apart piece by piece and then burn him until the only thing left was his ashes that I’d probably try chemically disintegrating.

“Why didn’t she call me?” I growled into the phone. “Dude, you told her not to until she was ready with her decision didn’t you?” Emmett probably had that stupid ‘I’m right for once and you’re wrong’ look written on his face. I wanted to smack it off.

“That doesn’t count. She needs me. Now. I’m coming over.” I said, hanging up and not giving Emmett a chance to stop me. I got to my car in a blur and arrived at Rosalie’s apartment in a blur. Everything was blurry. The only clear thing I could see was Bella. I wasn’t mad anymore, I just needed to make sure she was okay. I needed to know she was happy, and this Aiden idiot wasn’t helping with that situation. I sprinted upstairs and ran inside, happy the door was unlocked. “Bella?” I called, I heard sniffles from the living room and I ran in. Emmett was leaning against the wall, carefully watching her, and Rosalie was holding Bella on the couch as she cried.

I couldn’t watch it, but I walked over to Rose and pushed her off Bella. Bella looked up at me and made some sort of effort to stop crying. I chuckled at her and pulled her into my arms. I didn’t care why she was crying, I didn’t care if all she needed to do was cry. But I had to make it stop. I couldn’t stand it knowing she was upset, especially if it was because I was making her make a decision. Rosalie and Emmett had left the room, leaving me saying things I had know idea I would say.

“Bella please, you don’t have to choose. We can always resort to polygamy and you can have two husbands if that helps. Just be happy Bella, I’ll take you to France again and you can live there and we can eat chicken and snails all day. You don’t have to choose Bella.” I kept saying random things.

While my face was resting on the top of her head, I realized she was laughing now. “Edward Cullen what is wrong with you?” she laughed. Mood swings much?

I stuttered with my mouth open, completely unsure of what to say. “Just…be…happy?” I said, my rant coming to a close. Bella was sitting there, laughing at me.

I frowned at her. “Stop laughing. I’ll leave.” Her laughing disappeared as soon as it had arrived. “Sorry.” She smirked. I looked away from her, knowing what exactly I had to say. “What are you going to tell him?” I asked, afraid of the answer. Please Bella, just forget about that idiot. I will never leave you, I can’t leave you. Don’t leave me. Thoughts rang through my head.

Bella touched my cheek and made me look at her. “If you think I’m stupid enough to say yes to someone who left me for about three years and then came back and expects me to marry him…well…maybe I should choose him.” She said, humor behind her words.

I knew what that meant. “So…you’re choosing me.” “For now. Aiden’s changed, but he’s going to think I don’t love him anymore for the wrong reasons. So we’ll have to work on that…” she said. I grinned, this was exactly what I wanted. More time to convince her I loved her more and I always would. I grabbed Bella’s chin and kissed her softly, making sure every ounce of my happiness was drowned in her.

“DUDE I’M THE ONLY ONE WHO MAKES OUT ON ROSIES COUCH!!!!!” Emmett boomed suddenly. I turned around to see a frowning Emmett and a giggling Rosalie behind him. “Emmett relax. We’ll just have to show them how it’s done.” Rosalie grabbed my brother suddenly and started ravishing him. “Eww.” I murmured. Bella took my hand and got up. “We’ll just leave then…” she said, almost running to the door.

I don’t think they heard us.

“Bella. Get in my car now.” I ordered, pointing to my car that happened to be next to her dingy old truck. “No. We’re going to my apartment.” Bella pouted. “But would if he’s there?” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Then we’ll kick him out.” She argued.

Why were we having this argument? “The only reason we’d be going to your place is to get all your stuff so you can move in with me.” I told her, smirking. “Oh so just because I’m choosing you we have to live together?” she frowned. This was too easy, Bella refused to lose this argument. “Fine Bella. I’ll just go home and you can be with him.” I smiled, walking over to my car. “WAIT!” she shrieked, running over to the passenger side of my car. I laughed and got in the car.

Bella didn’t realize I was completely kidding until we were right outside my apartment. “You play dirty.” She pouted. “No my Bella. I’m actually quite a clean person. I just don’t play fair.” I laughed. I couldn’t help it, she was too adorable when she was mad about ridiculous situations. Bella grumbled all the way up to my apartment. We went inside and she looked out the window. It was getting dark out. “Is that why you wanted to go back to your apartment?” I asked, suddenly putting two and two together.

She probably thought I wanted to get into her pants. But Bella shook her head and continued staring out the large sky view. I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. I always felt better when she was with me, like I was protecting the one thing I had to keep safe. Apparently I was doing a good job of it because she leaned against me, reaching up to run a hand through my hair.

“I’m sorry you’ve been put through so much.” I murmured to her, kissing her neck. “It’s not your fault. It’s not anyone’s fault. It’s just how it happened.” She said quietly.

“Bella?” I whispered against her neck. I don’t know why exactly I asked her this, but I did anyway.

“If it had been me asking for your hand…would you have said yes?”

Bella POV

I stood there slightly in shock. Did he really just ask me that? “Um…I don’t know.” I murmured, a blush creeping up onto my cheeks. Edward merely sighed, suddenly throwing me over his back. “PUT ME DOWN!” I screamed. “Nope. You’re staying here for the night.” He told me, walking into his bedroom. Edward threw me down then crawled on top of me.

“Edward…” I warned, I seriously had enough drama today, and I wasn’t going to end it with Edward all over me.

“Shh, Bella just go to sleep.” He whispered, kissing my neck. “I can’t go to sleep if you’re doing that!” I murmured, although I had no reason to be using a quiet voice.

“Doing what?” he said against my neck. I could picture him clearly, smiling and flashing his glowing white teeth.

“That!” I hissed, trying to push him off. But Edward wouldn’t have it. He simply grabbed my hands playfully and placed them above my head, and held them there.

“My dear Bella, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He smiled, complete humor in his voice. I tried struggling against grip.

“Edward stop.” I said simply. Apparently, something in my voice made him react. Before I knew it, Edward had flipped us around so I was laying across his chest. “Sorry.” He murmured, wrapping me in his arms.

I think I fell asleep sometime after that, but I can’t be sure. All I know is that I woke up to an empty bed that was full of Edwards scent. I was too lazy to open my eyes and I felt around to try and find Edward. However, I found the end of the bed and fell off, hitting my head on the nightstand. “Good morning to you too.” I growled at the night stand.

I got up and lazily walked through Edwards apartment and found him in the kitchen making something that smelled incredibly amazing. “Food…” I moaned.

Edward laughed and turned around, he laughed harder. “I know I slept in the same room as you in France but you’ve never looked this…ridiculous.” He smirked, placing a plate on the table. I shrugged. “Get used to it. When I have bad days, this is the result.” I snapped at him, my head still sore from the fall. “Get up on the wrong side of the bed?” he asked as I sat down and stuffed some eggs into my mouth. They tasted absolutely amazing.

I moaned in response. “You even cook.” I smiled as I wiped my mouth. Edward sat down across from me and touched my cheek.

“The Food Network taught me a few things. Usually I just go with cereal and call it a day.” He murmured, observing me. I felt a blush flood my cheeks as I ate.

“Well then the Food Network did a good job.” I looked down at myself then and suddenly realized I was in my clothes from yesterday. “Not good.” I murmured.

Edward smiled. “You can borrow a t-shirt or something. Or I’ll just drop you off at home and you can change.” He said, getting up and washing my almost clean plate.

“What will the neighbors think?” I said sarcastically. Edward chuckled and returned to the table and picked me up from the chair. “Who cares?” he murmured in my ear, sending a chill up my spine.

When we did get back to my apartment, I was relieved. Aiden was gone. And so was all his marriage ideas.

Edward had taken a shower while I was asleep, which left me to take mine. I happily ran to my bathroom as I ordered Edward to stay in the living room and watch the news or something.

I took a long shower, needing the alone time, and the time to wash away all my unhappy memories of the past few days. All of the drama was taking a toll on me. And work wasn’t for another two weeks. As seeing the show had gone so well that they didn’t need me around while it was going on every night.

I sighed and stepped out of the shower, throwing on some clean clothes. I walked back into the living room to find Edward gone. “Edward?” I called, looking around the corner. He seemed to be missing.

“Edward?” I called again, turning around and running right into someone. I toppled backwards, but two very strong arms caught me. “Don’t do that!” I hit Edwards arm. He merely laughed at me and massaged my shoulders. Edward picked me up and tossed me on the couch. “What is it with you and making me angry?” I snapped at him.

“Ah…love don’t be mad. You don’t see how adorable you are when you’re mad.” He smiled crookedly at me. My anger vanished.

Edward leaned down and brushed his lips against mine. “I love you.” He hummed into my ear. What was he doing? Trying to lure me to bed again? If so, it might have worked if my phone hadn’t started ringing. Why did my phone interrupt everything.

I snatched it out of my pocket and brought it up to my ear. “Hello?” I asked shakily, completely aware Edward was attempting to distract me. He ran his lips along my jaw, placing gentle kisses there. “Bells! Hey, you know Thanksgiving is coming up! I was wondering where you were going to go this year…” my father said at the other end of the phone.

I immediately tried pushing Edward out of the way. I did not need him distracting me while I talked to my father who thought I was still four years old and played with dolls.

However, Edward chuckled at me and picked me up, bringing me to the couch and continued to kiss me. “Dad I already told you I would go to Forks this year. It means less traveling for me.” I tried to keep my voice steady, but Edward was putting up a fight. He kissed my free ear and began nibbling on my ear lobe. I couldn’t suppress the moan that escaped.

“Um…you okay Bells?” my dad asked. Edward heard it, he began chuckling. “Yeah dad I’m fine. Could you hold on for a second?” I asked, not waiting for his answer I took the phone away and covered it with my hand. “Stop it Edward! I’m not going to let my father know my boyfriend can’t keep his hands to himself. He’s the chief police officer and I know for a fact he won’t refrain from using a gun on you!” I scolded him.

Edward smiled victoriously, but backed away, playing with my hair. As I put the phone back to my ear, I heard a very upset dad. And that’s when I realized my yelling had been slightly loud and that I was covering the wrong side of the phone.

“You’re boyfriend!” my dad shrieked at the other end. I glared at Edward. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE CAN’T KEEP HIS HANDS TO HIMSELF!!!!” my dad roared.

Edwards eyes went wide, like he was remembering something. “Forks…” he murmured. “Bella! My parents live in Forks!” he started cheering like five year old girl. I groaned. “He’s coming with me anyway dad…” I groaned into the phone. My dad sounded like he was going to have a heart attack. “I’ll see you at Thanksgiving…” I growled, hanging up the phone. I was in no mood to let my dad ruin Edward for me.

“Bella we can go to Forks together!” Edward smiled, taking my hand. I was glaring at him, and he soon caught on. “What?” he stopped, a frown taking over his perfect face. “Oh don’t give me that look mon ange…” he started, “You’re father isn’t going to kill me.” Edward stated, kissing my nose. I still glared at him, earning a sigh from Edward.

“Bella, I remember your dad. Once he knows I’m Carlisle’s son, he’ll stop freaking out on you.” Edward smiled. That eased me a little. But only a little.

“Fine.” I said, leaning back in the couch. Edward leaned on me, his face inches from mine. “So what do you want to do today?” he whispered huskily.

It amazed me how he could go right from bouncing in his seat to trying to lure me to bed. “Edward…” I groaned, kissing his temple.

“Bella…” he smiled, my name rolling off his lips.

“Did I ever tell you I believe in sex after marriage.” I said, staring into his eyes. Edward immediately got off of me. “You mean…Aiden?” he stuttered. I shook my head. “Never.”

A smile spread over Edwards lips. “Good. That makes two of us.” He laughed. My mouth dropped open.

Edward has never had sex. A perfect man like him could probably land ten girls in the same night for crying out loud! Edward merely smiled at me and blushed. Wait, did I actually just see that?

Edward Cullen actually blushed. “Don’t look at me like that.” He murmured, pushing my chin up. I had an evil smile on my face. “So do we share the same beliefs, or were you really trying to lure me to bed?” I asked, moving on top of him.

Edward’s blush didn’t disappear. “Same beliefs.” He muttered. “So why were you trying…” Edward cut me off. “To see if you actually did believe in that. I wasn’t going to plain out ask you.” He said. I almost sighed. He was such a gentleman. A very sneaky gentleman.

“So really, you’ve never had sex?” I laughed. Edward had turned about fifty shades of red by that point, and I was enjoying it to the fullest. I had discovered his weakness.

“Hmm…is that Alice at the door. Maybe I’ll go get it…” Edward said, trying to push me off. But I held him down. This was far too much fun. Besides, I would know if Alice was at the door.

“Hold it. All I want is a yes or no answer.” I said innocently. “I wanted a yes or no answer when I asked you if it was me asking you to marry me, if you would say yes. But I didn’t get that now did I?” Edward snapped. Was it just me, or was he hotter when he was angry and blushing?

“Fine, I would have said no because I’ve only known you for a short amount of time. Now give me my answer.” I said, pouting at him.

Edwards face went blank. “You would have said no?” he asked quietly. I groaned. “For good reasons! One day…” I stopped to kiss his pout. “One day I will marry you. But really Edward, we’ve fallen in love so fast. I want time.” I said. Edward wrapped his arms around my waist.

“But…if we know we’re spending forever together…” Edwards sadness was written all over his face. I sighed and sat up, bringing him with me.

“My parents got married when they were eighteen. They didn’t know each other very long and look at how that turned out. They had me and then split up. I just don’t want that to happen to me.” I said quietly, looking away from him. Edward took my chin and stared into my eyes. I got lost again.

“But they were eighteen. We’re in our early twenties.” He said. “Doesn’t make a difference.” I murmured, pushing his hand away.

Edward was quiet for a while. “So if I pulled out a ring right now…you would say no?” he muttered. My eyes went wide. “Please don’t tell me…” I turned to look at him.

“I was going to ask you opening night. However, someone else interrupted my plans.” Edward glared at the floor, obviously upset.

I moved over and sat in his lap. “Edward just give us time. I’m not doing this because I don’t love you or because I plan on leaving you anytime soon. Trust me, you’re stuck with me for life. But just give me some more time being your girlfriend.” I said quietly, kissing his neck.

Edward looked at me then. “Do you want to see that.” His hand went to his pocket. I smacked my forehead. “No. Let it be a surprise.” I growled the word.

It was one surprise I could live with, and it obviously satisfied Edward. “You mean Ms. I-can’t-stand-surprises-just-tell-me-where-we’re-going, is asking me to surprise her? Ooh, this must be a touchy subject.” Edward laughed. A blush flooded my cheeks.

Edward chuckled and kissed my cheek. “So no work for two weeks huh?” he smiled. “It’s Sunday.” My voice rang. I had two weeks off to do nothing. So that gave me…fourteen days off. I was going back two Mondays from now. Great.

“You never answered my question.” Edward said. I looked up at him and frowned. “What are we doing today?” he smirked. I shrugged in response.

Edward rolled his eyes and grabbed my mouth. This time I knew he wasn’t going to push me too far, so I gave in. It felt good letting my guard down around him. And he obviously could tell I did, as seeing he too full advantage of it.

Edward moved me under him and attacked my mouth. I swiped his bottom lip with my tongue, and he quickly granted my wish of entrance.

I’m not sure how long we sat there making out, but time was lost as I heard a knock at the door.

I groaned and pushed Edward off of me. His hair looked even more disheveled than usual, causing me to laugh. I opened the door and frowned.

“May I help you?” I asked, the tall woman smiling at me. “Yes, my name is Tanya, I’m looking for Edward…is he here by any chance?” she asked. I felt a very strong wave of jealousy take over me. I looked like a piece of trash compared to her.

She had strawberry blonde hair, tall, pale skin. Basically fit the image of a “perfect” person. “Um…yeah…uh…hang on.” I said unintelligently. I turned around and called Edwards name, and he appeared almost instantly. “Edward!” Tanya smiled, and threw her arms around my boyfriend!

Edward patted her back and pushed her off. “Tanya. Nice to see you. Might I introduce my girlfriend Bella?” he said politely, with an inch of venom in his voice. Tanya backed up a few feet and glanced at me. “Oh.” She said smoothly. “Nice to meet you Bella.” She said.

I stood there awkwardly. “Edward I was wondering if I could talk to you…for a while in private.” Tanya continued her eyes flashing to me for a short moment.

Edward looked at me hesitantly. “Of course. I was going to be leaving anyway.” Edward said, his voice shaky. What the heck was going on?

Edward took my hand and ran back inside the apartment to grab his keys. “I’ll be back tonight. Do not worry your pretty little head off. I’m taking you to dinner to explain this. I love you.” With that, Edward was gone. I was left alone in my apartment.

I don’t know what emotions flooded me. But this seemed completely unfair. Some gorgeous woman appeared at my door and took away the most perfect man I had ever held in my arms. And he just willingly took off!

I sat on my couch and couldn’t stop a few tears as worst case scenarios flooded my head.

My phone rang after an hour, and I randomly picked it up, miserably muttering a “Hello?”

“Hey Bella! It’s Emmett, Rose ditched me to go shopping for her moms birthday and I have these tickets for an afternoon concert.” He said. I felt bad for him. “What kind of concert?” I muttered. “Whoa, Bella. You okay?” Emmett suddenly realized my miserable tone. “No.” I answered.

Emmett was quiet for a moment. “Where’s Edward?” he asked quietly. “With some blond girl that showed up at my door.” I said angrily. Emmett cursed on the other end of the phone.

“Go put on something warm and I’ll pick you up in ten minutes.” Emmett said, hanging up the phone.

This added to my thoughts. Edward had a past with this Tanya. That much I knew.

And before I knew it, Emmett was at my door, all bundled up, making him look even bigger than he was.

“Let’s go my sis-ta!” he said excitedly. “What concert are we going to?” my mood somehow influenced my his enthusiasm. “I don’t know. Some rock concert. Rose and I were planning something to do last week, but she decided to ditch me last minute. And Alice would probably be crushed in the crowd.” Emmett laughed.

I let out a laugh myself, I could only picture Alice getting run over easily by a mob of people, and Jasper frantically trying to save her.

For some reason, I laughed at the thought.

“So…some blond chick?” he asked as we got in the car. Way to ruin my improving mood Emmett!

I nodded as he started the car.

“Any more description?” he asked. I glared at him. “Tall. Strawberry blond. Beautiful. Happy?” I growled. “Bella don’t get pissed. It was probably Tanya.” He almost spit the name.

I nodded. “See you left that out didn’t ya?” he laughed. I glared again. “And why is Tanya significant?” I asked, looking out the window of his gigantic jeep.

“Edwards longest and only relationship. She was pure evil. He broke up with her two years ago, hasn’t gone on a date since. Well…I guess she was the only person he ever went out with.” Emmett said. “She’s evil?” I asked.

Emmett nodded. “She took advantage of Edward way too much. She got him into a lot of trouble too sometimes. Jasper and I finally knocked enough sense into him to break up with her.” Emmett explained. I nodded. “Why is she back?” I asked.

“Probably to use him again. That was the only reason she was with him anyways. And because he wouldn’t get in bed with her, she cheated on him constantly. But he would always overlook it and try to find some sort of good in that bundle of evil.” Emmett explained.

I nodded. “Will he leave me?” I asked, hurt coating my voice. Emmett laughed. “If he does, I’ll kill him. You’re the best thing to happen to him…ever! But no…I don’t think he will. He loves you too much. And if you hurt my little bro, well I might just keep you myself. He deserves it for staying with that witch since high school.” Emmett grinned. I couldn’t help but grin back at him

Emmett made complete sense when he wanted to, and he was like the older brother I never had. “Thank Emmett. You’ve help a lot.” I smiled.

Emmett laughed, “No problem my sista.” He said.

The concert wasn’t so bad when you were with Emmett. He had gotten it completely wrong. It was a country concert with some unknown band and singer. And it hurt my ears. However, Emmett made so much fun of it, it was impossible not to stay and listen to him.

However, we eventually left and got something to eat. We got pizza, and it was an incredibly nice change from the cold outdoors. Emmett was a great guy, and I could get used to spending time around him.

But the hour hit five and I realized Edward would probably be waiting at my apartment to take me out to dinner. And to explain a few things. Although I had a good idea of what was going on now.

I got home and thanked Emmett about fifty times for cheering me, then changed into some more suitable clothes.

I waited for about half an hour. Then checked my phone to see if I had any missed calls.

I didn’t so I waited some more. I think I waited so long I forgot I was waiting.

The last time I checked the clock, it was about eleven. And I finally knew, Edward wasn’t coming.

Bella POV

At the current moment I hated Edward. Well, maybe not hate, but I was definitely mad at him. And it wasn’t just because he blew me off. No, he just had to leave me for that Tanya.

I almost growled at the name.

I woke up around eleven the next morning on my couch. Stupid Mondays. I got up, took my shower, and took some time for myself. I started getting pissed off again. He wasn’t even calling me by two in the afternoon!

I got up off my couch and decided to stop pouting at my phone. Before I knew it, I was at the one place my train of thought was leading to. Edwards apartment.

I almost groaned as I parked. What was I doing here? I for sure seemed like some crazy stalker girlfriend now. But I was pissed off and I wanted, no, demanded answers.

So I buzzed him from below, and heard a quick, “Come on up.” I carefully walked inside and found his apartment, softly knocking on the door. In a way, it was the calm before the storm.

He opened the door quickly, and I noticed something as I walked in. He was frantically putting clothes on. “Crap, I’m late.” Edward was muttering, putting his usual attire on. “Late for what?” I asked, my tone sharp.

Edward pivoted around and his eyes went wide. “Bella…” he stopped, dropping his tie on the floor.

He advanced towards me, but I put a hand up. Despite the fact I wanted nothing more than to throw my arms around him and spend hours upon hours on his couch with him.

Great, I was transforming into a hormonal teenager again.

Edward looked at me carefully, but backed away. “I’m so sorry I didn’t…” I stopped him. “Why?” I asked. That was all I wanted to know anyway. There was no chance I would win this fight if he started apologizing to no end.

Edward buried his face in his hands and breathed deeply. “Bella I don’t have time for this.” He murmured, resuming his dressing.

“Oh, you don’t have time to explain anything to me, but you have time to leave me to talk to Tanya.” I emphasized the name.

Someone walked around the corner. And it was all I needed to see. I resisted the urge to slap Edward and run away. But I just did the second part. I got in my truck, and sped away to who knows where. Before I knew it, I was at the edge of Seattle.

Tears gently ran down my face as I turned my phone off. I didn’t need anyone calling and finding me like this.

Why did he have to do that? What had I really done to deserve such a heart break?

Oh right, maybe it had something to do with Aiden.

Okay world, I learned my lesson! Are you happy? Of course the world wasn’t happy, the world was never happy. So I leaned on my steering wheel and just let the tears pour out. I hated my life at the moment. And then I looked at the pictures I kept on my dashboard. One caught my memory.

“No no no!” I cried. Angela put an arm around me. “Bella, it isn’t going to kill you!” she laughed, getting out of the car. Thank goodness Angela was such a good friend, taking me to the dance with her and Ben.

“Angela, seriously, why couldn’t I just stay home?” I asked, pouting. “Listen Bella, every guy is going to be cracking their necks when they see you. So stop pouting and hurry up!” I glared at Ben who was laughing behind me.

Prom. Eww. Never make me say that word again. I hate dancing, I hate being here. I. Hate. It.

So I stood in the corner, waiting for it to pass over. Somehow, I had convinced my beloved friends to let me get a not so attention-grabbing dress. So I didn’t stand out.

But then I saw a familiar face, one I was actually glad to see. “Jacob!” I shrieked. He came over and hugged me, like he always did.

“Bella…is at prom?” he asked sarcastically. I swatted his arm, even though it did me more damage than him. “Blame them!” I pointed to Angela and Jessica swaying in the middle of the dance floor. Jacob laughed and grabbed me as a slow song came on.

“May I have this dance?” he asked smoothly. “Jacob…” I groaned.

He merely laughed and hoisted me up, so my feet weren’t even touching the ground. He twirled me around in a circle effortlessly, and much like I was five. “Thanks Jake…” I growled as he put me down.

Jacob smirked and flicked my nose. “Wanna get a picture?” he asked, grabbing my hand.

So I did, and I promised myself I would keep it. My memory of the boy who made Isabella Swan dance.

My breathing stopped for a moment. Jacob. Jacob. Jacob.

JACOB!

Aiden. Jacob. Aiden. Jacob. The two names mixed together. Maybe it was another Jacob, but the last I had heard, my Jacob disappeared. “No.” I murmured, my smile faded from my reminiscing.

I marched into my apartment and dialed the familiar number. Even if I hadn’t dialed it in over five years. “Hello?” an old raspy voice said at the other end of the phone.

“Hey Billy! It’s Bella. Um…by any chance is Jacob there?” I asked quietly. “Erm, no Bella. He hasn’t came back since he finished high school.” I almost started crying at the pain in his voice. “Oh.” I murmured.

From that point on, Billy caught me up on how things were going in Forks and La Push. A way to “prepare” me for the people…and weather. Apparently they had been getting some early winter storms. But Billy wished me a safe trip, and hoped I might stop by when I got to Forks. That depended.

My suspicions were almost confirmed, maybe I would call Aiden just to make sure.

Around midnight, I heard a faint knocking on the door. Who was bugging me this late? I wasn’t really trying to sleep, more like laying down and thinking about my old friends who had gone off to who knows where.

So I got up, and smoothed my hair out as if it would help, and answered the door. The person there almost made me jump.

“Bella!” he smiled, all too familiar. I stuttered slightly. “Jake…?”

He wrapped his monster arms around me and almost broke me in half. “Wh…what are you doing here?” I asked as he set me down, and walked in. I scoffed at him and he merely laughed. “Visiting.” He smirked. “At midnight?” I asked, closing the door.

“Sure.” He said, plopping down on my couch. “Jake…why are you here?” I asked. “On a ‘mission.’” He wouldn’t wipe his dumb grin off his face.

“So I’ve heard.” I said, tapping my foot as I stood in front of him. “Aiden?” he asked.

I merely nodded. “Don’t get me wrong Bella. I was happy you were with Aiden. But I’ve just gotten you and him in a lot of trouble and…well…he sent me to do something I really don’t want to do.” Jake murmured.

“What’s that?” I asked, confused. Jacob stayed silent for a few minutes, then reached into his pocket, and pulled out a very sharp knife. “Jacob no.” I said quietly.

I knew what was going to happen. I was going to die because of money. Not something I had in mind.

I could see the pain in Jacobs eyes. “I don’t want to Bella…” he murmured, a tear running down his face. “Then don’t” I murmured. But Jacob ran towards me anyways.

I was pinned beneath him, and there was nothing I could do. What had I really done to the world to get this?

“Bella…I don’t want to.” He said again, his weight crushing me. I couldn’t stop the few tears that escaped.

“I’m sorry Jacob.” I murmured.

My world went black.

Edward POV

Five minutes. Five minutes and I could rush to Bella and beg for her forgiveness. I hadn’t slept with Tanya, she knew me better than that. But did Tanya just have to come out dressed like that.

She was only doing it because I told her she looked hot in my clothes when we were in our senior year. But in front of Bella? Tanya knew better than that. In fact, she knew too well, that Bella would freak out. Maybe even break up with me. But I wouldn’t let that happen.

So after my shift ended at 11:45, I rushed to Bella’s apartment. And for some weird reason, the door was open…which was oddly strange. I walked inside and found Bella’s apartment door.

Before I knocked, I listened, and what I heard made me break down the door. I ran in to find some idiot on top of my Bella. “Get off!” I yelled, running to him and forcing him off of her. I gasped as I saw a trail of blood run down her neck. It was a tiny cut, but she passed out anyways. Note to self: Bella + Blood = not good.

I fought off the large man, although it was merely impossible, but I somehow got him on the ground, in enough pain to make him not fight back.

Bella POV

I woke up dizzily. And not a good dizzy either. I groaned as soon as I realized I was still alive. Wasn’t I supposed to be dead? All I remember is seeing blood…wait, that explained it. I pass out at the mention of blood.

So I sat up and looked around. Anger raged through me as I realized where I was. Stupid Edward. Just had to come to my rescue and stick me in his apartment. Mondays really did suck, and Tuesdays were getting on my bad side as well. I groaned and got out, still a little dizzy.

As soon as I entered the hallway, I knew what he was doing. Cooking. I walked in and glared at him as I leaned on the entryway. Edward turned around and smiled at me. I continued glaring. “What? Can’t I at least have a thank you?” he asked innocently.

I narrowed my eyes if it were even possible by that point. “Bella. I know you’re mad but…” I held up my hand, and he stopped.

“You should have let me die.” I said quietly. With that, I regretted my words. Edward dropped everything and picked me up in his arms and dragged me to his stupid couch. Everything about Edward was stupid. More like I was stupid. But I wasn’t going to admit that now was I?

He sat down next to me and pointed a stupid finger in my face. “If I ever hear you say that again, I’m sticking you in a recovery center for a year.” He threatened. I pushed his finger away.

“Well then I guess it’s a good thing you won’t be hearing from me anymore now is it?” I snapped.

My words were totally false. I would probably drop down on my knees and beg him to stay with me forever. I’d beg him to put me in some suicidal recovery place if it meant I could stay with him. But I said them out of anger. And when I was angry, I wasn’t always truthful.

Edwards face dropped. “You never gave me a chance to explain.” He murmured. My anger went up ten levels.

“Yes I did. Sunday night and yesterday. Obviously you had other plans with Tanya Sunday night, so please forgive me for intruding.” I glared.

“You know how I said you’re adorable when you’re angry?” he asked, averting his eyes and staring at a stray lock of hair.

I grabbed his face with both my hands. “Don’t change the subject. This is you’re last chance or I’m walking out the door right now.” I said, my tone sharp. Again, this was another lie. But it still worked. Maybe I wasn’t actually that bad at lying.

Edward sighed and didn’t take his eyes off my hair. “Tanya was my girlfriend in high school, but I broke up with her a few years ago.” He started. “I’ve heard this part.” I glared.

Edwards face darkened. “Who told you?” he asked, his tone growing on me. “I want my explanation first.” I snapped, pulling back from him. Edward nodded, but his dark look didn’t disappear.

“She came back on Sunday to ask for me back. She didn’t have a place to stay, and I offered her my spare bedroom. However, I woke up to find her in my bed, dressed in my clothes. I didn’t plan it. And that’s the truth. Now who told you?” he demanded.

I stopped him. “It doesn’t matter who told me. I’m leaving.” I said, getting up. Edward pulled me right back down to him though, and on his lap. I glared at him some more, and struggled. However, he had enough muscle to hold me in place without any effort.

“Bella, I love you and I always will. Tanya is just some regrettable part of my past that unfortunately is there. Whether you want to accept that or not is up to you.” He said, glaring right back at me.

“I accept you have a past Edward, whether you can keep that past out of your pants or not…” Edward stopped me.

“Do you really think I’m idiotic enough to let Tanya rape me in my sleep? Bella, I would never let that happen, I told her to leave in the morning. She’s gone. And she isn’t coming back.” He said.

I stayed still on his lap. I couldn’t leave, I wouldn’t leave. But part of me was telling me to not give in. To just run, and leave the troubles behind. “You can’t run away Bella.” Edward murmured. “Stop running away from your problems.” He said.

I shook my head, choking back a few tears. “I know you’re hurt. I know you have a past as well. That’s why we need each other Bella.” Edward said, stroking my hair.

“How do I know you won’t leave?” I asked. That’s when I knew it. Some lady getting to Edward wasn’t my problem. It was when he decided to leave me, whether it was for someone else or not, that would break me. Aiden did that, and I was completely closing myself off because of it. I was building myself up, so I wouldn’t fall when one brick went away.

Edward took my hand. “I will never leave you Isabella Swan. Never.” He promised, kissing my hand.

For some crazy reason, I believed him. “Never.” I repeated, grabbing his mouth with mine.

Ah….Happy Endings.

Bella POV

I rubbed my eyes slowly. Getting up was becoming too much of a hassle, especially if you’ve been sleeping in Edwards apartment for one straight week, and actually waking up with him next to you.

Edward and I had still held onto our beliefs, and received a lot of scolding from Emmett, but that was directed towards Edward more than I. And to my luck, we were meeting up with everyone today. Tuesdays had officially been made, “Love Edward Day,” declared by the perfect man I loved himself.

He seemed to think that if there was such a day, the world would be perfect on Tuesdays. Our friends had other plans that night.

So after hours upon hours of Edward convincing me to get out of his very comfortable bed so he could go to work for a few hours (he was getting out early so he could spend time with our friends), he gave up and let me sleep by myself for the fifteenth time in the past week.

Maybe being off work wasn’t so bad…

After five minutes of Edward gone at work, I gave up trying to sleep. The bed and ultimate comfort level just wasn’t the same without him there.

Edward had given me a key to his apartment, somehow crazy enough to trust me not to lose it. I loved him so much.

I decided to go back to my apartment to get ready. Unfortunately, Edward wouldn’t let me go there alone and had kept me locked up for the past week. But as of yesterday, he said I could leave his apartment. Normally, people would find this over-protective. But I knew Edward was just some lovable man who wanted to keep those close to him safe. So I played along.

As I walked back to my apartment, I thought over where exactly I was.

I was with the man I was starting to love more than I ever loved Aiden, whom had sent his best friend (and my old best friend) to kill me. Jacob was in jail. I had earned some new friends after my closed off life of working as much as possible. And my father was out to kill Edward.

I suppose other than Aiden still out there trying to get rid of me, and my father so “anxious” to meet Edward, the other events in my life were making up for it.

Then something else hit me. Would Edward make me meet his family? If he didn’t, Emmett for sure would. And I’d rather have the devil drag me to hell than be introduced to Edwards parents by Emmett.

I slowly walked up to my apartment, thankful someone had come by and cleaned up the blood. It seemed as if nothing had happened to my apartment, other than me leaving it alone for a week.

It was just me and my home. Even if Edward did purpose something different for that.

Flashback

“Puh-lease Bella!!” Edward pouted ridiculously, literally getting on his knees. I looked away from him. It was a Monday night and Edward was pathetically begging me to move in with him.

“Edward get up. I’m not moving in with you!” I told him, avoiding his eyes. I would give in if I looked there. And Edward knew it too, so he kept trying to get me to look at him by acting amazingly adorable.

“But Bella! I can’t protect you if you’re living there!” he whined like a child. “Edward I’ll be perfectly safe. I’m not moving out of my apartment.” I told him for the billionth time that night. He wouldn’t give up, and he kept throwing the same reasons at me.

“You said you wanted time to get married. I’m giving you that. Can’t you at least live with me so I can make sure you live to see the day I purpose to you?” he asked. That was a new one.

I hesitantly looked at him, “Is that what this is about? Are you trying to speed up time or something?” I asked, my eyes narrowing. He looked down sadly, and I just about gave in and purposed to him myself.

“Maybe a little.” His pout was clearly defined. I grabbed his chin and stared into the most beautiful and emotional eyes I had ever seen. “I love you Edward. Moving in with you isn’t going to change the fact I want time.” I said quietly.

Edward got frustrated. “But how much time Bella?” he growled, sadness still hidden in his voice. I pulled away a little. “I don’t know Edward. As much time as it takes.” I said, looking away.

“Time to get over Aiden or what? Seriously Bella, you left him and he tried to kill you! I would never do that even if I had purposed to you and you refused!” he groaned.

“Maybe it has something to do with Aiden, but I also don’t want to rush into a marriage.” I said. “Who says we would be rushing? Can’t you just accept so I know for sure that one day you will marry me?” he asked, the pout becoming more defined again.

I groaned. “I will marry you one day Edward! I’ve told you that millions of times!” “But I want it done the right way, I want the proof on your finger!” he said sadly, picking up my hand and rubbing the bottom of my ring finger.

“Want, want, want. Be patient young one.” I said in a very poor “monk” accent.

Edward glared at me. “Lets go to bed.” I smiled, crawling under the covers.

He slid in next to me and started murmuring. “Why can’t it always be like this?” he said to himself (I think) while he stroked my hair.

I never answered, I just snuggled closer into his side and thought, “It will be.”

End Flashback

“Bella!!!” Emmett yelled from across the street. I crossed the street carefully, aware Edward was standing next to Emmett and everyone else, looking like he was going to bite his head off. He wrapped me in his arms as soon as I was all the way over there.

“Edward…we know you’re extremely protective of Bella, but she learned how to cross the street when she was six.” Alice sarcastically told him, hugging Jasper. Edward scowled at her, causing me to laugh.

We were going out to dinner one last time before Alice and Rose went off to their families for the holidays. It was terrible for the guys and I, well, everyone. I couldn’t bear to lose my two girlfriends and be stuck in Emmett’s giant jeep for a few hours with the Cullen boys.

Edward assured me that I wouldn’t be the only female around once we got to Forks. That his mother Esme would keep me company. That’s when worst case scenarios ran through my head. Such as his parents would hate me, or Charlie would rip his head off, etc.

It was like a horror movie designed just for me in my head.

So after about fifty billion goodbyes, my two best friends took off, leaving me with an exhausted Jasper who could really care less we were leaving at eleven that night, Emmett who was promising to make as many sex jokes as possible as I slept, and last but not least, my over-protective and fidgety Edward.

I grabbed my bag and threw it in the backseat. I was very thankful that Jasper was riding in the front with Emmett.

“Okay you two, no getting busy on my backseat!” Emmett laughed, starting the jeep. Thanksgiving was this Thursday, and we would be there by tomorrow morning. I’d probably be tired and cranky, but I didn’t care, I had an Edward pillow for the entire trip.

Edward growled at Emmett and smacked the back of his head as he growled something no child’s ears should be allowed to hear.

I fell asleep about an hour into the ride, with Edward humming in my ear. At least I got to keep him the whole night.

Waking up was an entirely different story. I woke up against some huge thing that had it’s arm around me. It took about two seconds for me to realize who it was. “EMMETT!!!” I screamed, trying to struggle. It was beginning to get light out.

He laughed and pulled my head towards him. “Morning Bella!” he cheered. “Wh…why?” I stuttered, looking around for my Edward. He was driving.

“Sorry love, we were taking turns and Emmett got stuck in the backseat.” He apologized, his face turning a little red.

I could never be angry when faced with the “Edward blush.”

“Would you like to resume your canoodling with me Bella?” Emmett asked oddly, puckering his lips. “GET OFF ME!” I screamed. Emmett laughed and continued to tease me. Edward slowed down. “Emmett if you don’t stop, I’m coming back there and kicking you out.” Edward threatened darkly. Emmett took his arm off me and crossed his arms over his chest. “Fun ruin-er.” He glowered.

I laughed at Emmett for a while as he pouted. “We’re here.” Edward murmured, his smirk taking over his face. I looked outside. This was not Charlie’s house. Edward noticed my confusion. I knew exactly what he was doing. “I’m not staying with you Edward!” I whined, jumping out of the jeep and into his arms when he got out of the drivers side. “But Bella…” he started.

“It’s one thing to be over-protective, but nothing is wrong with me being at my dads house.” I glared at him. “At least meet my parents?” he asked, his own pout protruding.

“At six in the morning?” I murmured, staring up at the magnificent and beautiful house. It was like nothing I’d ever seen, like it could only exist in fairytales.

Edward turned my attention back to him. “They’re morning people. And you look fine.” He smiled as I tried to straighten out my hair. I probably looked terrible.

Edward grabbed my hand and started leading me towards the house as Emmett and Jasper grabbed the luggage.

“Are you sure…?” I asked as he started leading me up the steps. “Positive.” His amazing smile flooded his face. I closed my eyes as he simply walked into the house. I was met by amazing smells, and a view so amazing, I think my heart stopped beating.

I’m surprised it didn’t. Everything was bright and clean. Not to mention perfect. A large piano centered towards the corner as matching furniture decorated the living room. I gasped as I saw how the back wall was covered in glass. “Mom! Dad!” Edward called, actually leaving my side.

I tried reaching for his arm but he had already disappeared, and was scared when Emmett came in behind me carrying suitcases. “Impressive huh?” he wiggled his eyebrows, causing me to giggle. “Very.” I answered, looking around again.

“Mommy!” Emmett shrieked as Edward returned with two people. I was unable to look at them however because one very heavy suitcase was dropped on my foot.

“OW!” I shrieked, pulling my foot up immediately. Edward was right next to me suddenly, muttering and trying to grab my foot so he could look at it.

The pain disappeared quicker than it came. “Emmett Cullen! How disrespectful!” an elegant voice scolded, and I heard a sharp smack. I looked up and was met by two very attractive looking people.

Edwards mother had flowing caramel hair, her appearance was more stunning that five twenty-one year old models put together. The man next to her was a blonde and very mature, yet attractive man. I almost left Edwards side to gaze at him. Edward obviously noticed my blush, and who I was looking at and placed an arm around me quickly. That made me laugh, he was jealous of his dad.

“Oh Bella! It’s so nice to meet you!” Esme took me away from Edward and wrapping me in a tight embrace. “It’s nice to meet you too Mrs. Cullen.” I said, slightly patting her back. “No need to be so formal dear. Esme.” She said, pulling away and looking at me. She handed me back to Edward and nodded at him. Wonderful, she approved.

To be honest, I hated it when mothers looked at you and “approved.” Sure it was better than her disapproving, but it still annoyed me that they were analyzing me in some way.

I shook Edwards fathers hand next and smiled at him. He smiled back and introduced himself as Carlisle. I couldn’t help but beam, and Edward wrapped me right back up in his arms. “Let’s take your stuff upstairs…” he murmured, grabbing my suitcase. “Edward I told you I was staying with my dad. He’s going to be hurt if I don’t stay with him.” I said, watching his parents leave. “Bella…” he groaned. “We aren’t having this conversation.” He said, beginning to drag me up the stairs.

I complained the entire way up. Not to annoy him so early in the morning, but I really wanted to see my dad. I didn’t notice it when he shut a door and I realized I was in his room. I turned around and began arguing again.

Edward walked towards me, the suitcases resting on the floor, and captured my mouth with his as I kept talking. He pulled away, “You really just need to shut up sometimes.” He murmured against my lips. I glared at him, but he continued to kiss me.

When he finally pulled away for the last time, I looked around. His room was almost more amazing than his entire apartment. The room was white, but decorated with a king size bed, and red and gold carpeting. Not to mention the wall of CD’s.

“Wow.” I smiled, admiring the sight. Edward picked me up and placed me on his bed. Remember, Edward plus a bed plus me equals nothing good. So of course, he started to kiss my neck, distracting me as I enjoyed his window view. I groaned, it was my turn to shut him up.

“Stop it. I can’t stay here.” I said, and was met by the saddest but most beautiful pair of green eyes. “At least rest up. Then you can go to your dads house in the afternoon.” He pleaded. It sounded good enough to me. Charlie could wait a few more hours.

However, we did anything but rest up. He attacked me with his lips for at least another hour until Esme told us to come downstairs to eat something. I was talking (well he was talking and I was admiring) Carlisle as we ate the most delicious food that had ever gone down my throat.

In reaction to this, Edward put his arm around me and tried directing my attention away from him. Esme didn’t seem to care I was so infatuated. There was one reason I was doing this, make Edward jealous. I had to release those feelings of envy I had against Tanya somehow…

After breakfast, Jasper gave me some grand tour of the house while Emmett and Edward argued. They were arguing about giving me a tour. Emmett said he was more interesting and Edward simply placed his claim on me as his girlfriend. Jasper and I got so sick of it that he decided to show me around.

And before I knew it, the afternoon was there. Esme insisted we that we have lunch first, and I was really beginning to like Edwards parents, and I think they liked me for a first impression.

Edward had me in a black Mercedes, something his dad owned, as he drove me. He repeatedly glared at the suitcase in the backseat, and I stayed quiet. “Are you coming inside?” I asked as we pulled up to the house. “Do you want me to?” he asked, getting out and grabbing my suitcase. “It’s better he shoots you now than later.” I said sarcastically, leading the way up to the house. I knocked on the door (for no real reason) and Charlie quickly opened the door. “Bella!” he smiled, pulling me into an awkward hug.

I felt Charlie go stiff. “Is this your boyfriend?” he pulled away, and glared at Edward. I nodded, and felt suddenly worried. “Edward Cullen.” Edward held out his hand politely, Charlie shook it thankfully.

Maybe staying at Edwards house wasn’t such a bad idea.

Bella POV

I twiddled my thumb as we sat in the living room. Edward and I were on the couch and Charlie was in his chair. We were drowning in awkward silence. Edward seemed nervous for once. Like he was at a loss for words.

At least I found another weakness. Note to self, Edward is uncomfortable with sex and talking to your father.

Edward was practically a statue. His face was filled with worry, and Charlie wouldn’t stop glaring at him. I wanted to run from the room. “Erm…so….” I started, an attempt to break the silence that was overwhelming me. However, my father cut me off.

“Can’t keep your hands to yourself huh?” he directed to Edward. I stopped Edward from answering. “Dad! That was my fault, I was over exaggerating!” I scolded.

My father didn’t even glance at me, he remained silent and glared at Edward who was looking at his watch. Oh no, he was leaving.

“Well um…my parents want to spend some time with my brothers and I so I should be going…” he murmured. That raised my suspicion. It was almost nine at night and they were “spending quality family time” together? I kissed him quickly as he left, darting away from Charlie.

“I’m going to bed.” I said quietly as soon as the door closed. That had gone horrible, and the last thing I needed was Charlie interrogating me about Edward. Luckily, I ran up the stairs fast enough.

I climbed into my old bed, now in some warm night clothes. I tried erasing the thoughts of what had just happened from my memory. I tried thinking of Edward.

Epic Fail.

Jacob grabbed my throat, pushing me up against the wall. “Aiden wants you to die Bella.” He hissed, pressing the knife to my throat.

“Why?” I murmured, afraid they’d be my last words. “You don’t deserve to live.” Jacob murmured back, he was fading. The knife was gone, as was Jacob.

“Bella why did you turn me away?” Aiden asked from behind me.

I realized I was in a different setting. It was the lobby of the theatre. Why was I there? Edward was next to Aiden.

“Why did you turn me down?” he asked, both pairs of eyes glared at me. “Bella choose.” They said in unison.

“I…I can’t!” I cried, trying to turn and run away, but my feet were almost welded to the floor. “I CAN’T!” I cried again, trying to break free.

Aiden and Edward moved forward. They didn’t say anything, they just moved closer, until they were gone.

And I was left in the darkness.

I woke up, gasping. “Bella, Bella, shh.” A soothing voice, murmured, their arms around me. I immediately tried to scream. It was like a horror movie that wasn’t a nightmare. Someone was covering my mouth, probably trying to kill me. It was dark and cold. Wait…it was cold? I thought the heat was kept on at night…

Crap, the window was open. Then the two arms pulled me close to a muscular chest. “Shh…” the voice said again, as they uncovered my mouth that had been trying to hide my almost screams.

“Edward!” I let out a small sigh. I collapsed in his arms, not even caring how he had gotten there. I had to erase the dream from my head.

He stroked my hair and whispered nonsense to me as I shut my eyes again. I was too afraid to go back to sleep however. The nightmare might come back.

“Go to sleep Bella.” He told me, kissing my head and throwing an extra blanket around me. He cradled me in his arms. “I can’t. I don’t want to…have a nightmare.” I felt like I was five. Afraid of nightmares again.

“I won’t let them get you Bella. As long as I’m here, the nightmares will leave you alone.” He said against my hair, rocking me gently. I felt the sleep overtaking me and finally gave up. I found myself in darkness once again. Only it was a light darkness, because I had Edward with me. My sleep was peaceful with him there.

I woke up around five in the morning to someone moving away from me. I shivered at the loss of body heat. “I’m sorry Bella…I have to go.” Edward murmured, kissing me quickly. “Mmm…” I moaned, reaching my weak arms out to empty space. He chuckled and covered me up again. “Don’t go.” I murmured with my eyes closed. “I’ll see you later today.” He told me. Before I could say anything else, I heard my window snap shut.

Was there something this man couldn’t do?

“Bella my sista!” Emmett laughed as I walked into the house with Edward. He had picked me up once Charlie had left for work.

“Emmett.” I greeted him, plopping down next to him on the couch. I was tired for some reason, maybe nightmares just wore me out. Edward sat next to me and wrapped an arm around me.

“I miss Rosie.” Emmett pouted, watching the news. I almost laughed. But I shrugged Edwards arm off. “Well I’m no where near the standards of Rosalie, but I’ll fill in for a few minutes.” I said, leaning on Emmett for a while.

“Hmm…my sister filling in for Rosie? I don’t know Bella…it sounds kinda sick when you think about it…but okay!” he laughed, wrapping a giant arm around me. I laughed at Edwards face. His jaw was open, and his arms were extended towards me, like he was trying to bring me back.

“Edward, you can’t hog my replacement Rosie!” Emmett shouted at him, tightening his grip on me. “Her name is Bella. And she’s my girlfriend.” Edward glared at him. Oh no, it was starting again. The brother fighting.

“You know, she offered. So back off.” Emmett glared back. “You back off! She is no replacement for your girlfriend. If you need her so badly, go get her!” Edward grabbed my arm and tugged. Ow.

The fighting only got worse. Until Jasper came in the room. He told me to duck, which I did, and he banged his brothers heads together. They were both slightly dizzy, and let me go completely. “Thank you.” I said to Jasper who smiled and left the room.

What would we do without Jasper?

Emmett and Edwards fighting over me didn’t stop. I immediately regretted even mentioning Rosalie’s name when Emmett constantly pestered Edward. Finally, Edward just picked me up and threw me in his room, locking it. At least it was nice with him inside of it.

With Thanksgiving the next day, Edward had insisted that Charlie and I come to his house for dinner. But I told him no. Over and over again. I was finally going to have a chance to make Thanksgiving my way (my mother always hogged the kitchen on Thanksgiving) and I wasn’t going to give that chance up.

Edward had of course pouted and begged me to change my mind. It was becoming extremely difficult to tell him no.

Edward had his arms wrapped around me when I told him I had to leave. It was practically eight pm, and he had been hogging me all day. “Don’t leave.” He murmured, resting his head on top of mine. “I have to. I’ll see you on Friday.” I said quietly, trying to escape his grip. However, Edward was making it a point he didn’t want me to leave. He wasn’t going to let me go until he was willing.

“Edward please…” I pouted, trying to pull away. “I have to live without seeing you for one whole day?” he pouted right back at me.

I sighed. “Maybe this will be a good thing. I think you’re becoming way too attached. It won’t kill you to leave me for one day.” I said, distracting him enough to stand up and get off his bed. “But Bella!” he whined. He knew I was right.

I kissed him quickly, and he got up to take me home.

Once I had pried Edward from me at the door, I greeted Charlie who appeared to not have cared where I was. Or he did and was hiding it. Thank you Charlie for not making me explain my day at the Cullen’s.

I walked up to my room and plugged my ipod into a small set of portable speakers I brought with. It was on shuffle, and “Mr. Hurricane” by Beast started playing. While I was changing, I started moving myself a little. Until I was full out dancing around my room.

When the song ended, I stopped and started laughing at myself. I hadn’t done something like that for a long time. Maybe reliving being a teenager wouldn’t be so bad every now and then.

I finished getting ready for bed and climbed underneath the blankets. It was a nice feeling suddenly. I knew that my boyfriend was amazing, and life was just plain awesome.

Minus the fact my phone started ringing. “Hello?” I asked pleasantly, yet sleepily.

“Bella! Open your window now!” I heard a struggling voice. I looked at the caller id. He was obsessive.

I walked over and stuck my head out. “Go home Edward.” I said, while his face popped up with a smile. His smile turned into a frown and reached an arm up to stop me from closing it. “Bella.” He pouted.

Okay, I wasn’t that mean to shove the window down in his face, so I let him get all the way in.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. “Going to bed.” He faked a yawn and collapsed in my bed. I threw my head back and groaned. “Charlie will catch you.” I said, trying to shove him out of my bed. “He didn’t last time.” Edward smirked.

“Edward stop stalking me!” I glared. I never thought I’d say it…ever. But I was getting sick of Edward. Like I was on an over-dosage.

“I’m not stalking you Bella!” he glared. “Just go home.” I murmured, laying down and staring at him. “You don’t want me here?” he asked. Before I opened my mouth he continued. “You aren’t worried that Charlie will come in here…you just don’t want me here?” he asked. I think that my feelings were clicking together in his head.

It wasn’t that I didn’t want him. Trust me, I needed him to even keep my heart beating. But I’d been attached to him for the past week, and I needed some space.

I didn’t say anything. It was enough for him to get up and walk towards the window. “I’m sorry.” He muttered, leaping outside. I felt instantly bad. I hurt his feelings.

I closed my window and lay face down on my bed. Guilt had ruined my perfect mood.

I woke up staring at the ceiling. I felt like I hadn’t gotten a drop of sleep last night. I decided to get up and act like everything was perfect. Downside was, everything was terrible. I took a shower, greeted Charlie and started on dinner.

Cooking thankfully distracted me all day, and I had a pleasant dinner with Charlie. It was nice to finally talk to him again. Like we had for practically every summer. Charlie didn’t bother asking about Edward at all, which I silently thanked him for.

By the end of the night, I was doing anything possible to distract myself. Edward was mad at me, and he was probably dwelling on it. I considered calling him to apologize. Although I had a feeling he’d hang up on me. But at least I would try.

I walked upstairs slowly and dialed the familiar number. It rang a few times and was met by Emmett oddly enough. “Hey Bella…” he sounded sad. “Can I talk to him?” I asked, sitting on my bed.

“Sure…let me find him…” Emmett said. I heard him walking through the house. There wasn’t much noise going on in the background. I thought that was kind of strange. “He’s been moody all day.” Emmett said, still looking. “I feel terrible.” I murmured.

“He feels worse. Please tell me you weren’t calling to break up with him. He’d kill himself.” Emmett said, I heard him opening a few doors. “No, I’m apologizing.” I said, trying to think of what I would say to Edward.

I heard a loud crash on the other end of the phone. “EMMETT GET OUT OF MY ROOM!” Edward yelled. I heard it loud and clear. “Edward you’re a….” I heard the line go dead as Emmett’s voice was cut off.

Bella POV

I put my phone down and fell asleep. I considered many things at that point, running away, killing myself, moving on, forgetting about life. However, I knew what it was like running away from my problems, and I would regret it if I did that now.

Around nine am the next morning, my phone went off. Emmett was calling me. “Hello?” I asked, as I finished getting ready for the day. “Bella…um…do you mind if Jazz and I come over?” he asked slowly. “Sure why?” I asked, remembering Charlie was gone. Friday.

“We need to talk.” He said quietly. Emmett hung up after that and I ran downstairs to greet them when they got there. Not ten minutes later, Emmett and Jasper were at the door, both with extremely sad faces on. “What?” I asked immediately as they came in.

“Remember when we were talking on the phone?” Emmett asked, referring to when Edward had yelled. “What happened?” I asked, sitting on the couch. Emmett sat next to me, and Jasper looked out the window.

“He walked into Edwards room and almost killed him.” Jasper said, interrupting Emmett.

“What did he do?” I asked, wanting the point of the conversation. Emmett looked away. “Remember Tanya?” he didn’t wait for me to continue. “Her parents are friends with our parents, and they came by for dinner yesterday. When I went upstairs to get Edward, I found them…” Emmett trailed off. I had a pretty good idea of what happened. Jasper finished for Emmett, “They were hooking up.” He said.

I felt about a million emotions run through me. Guilt, sadness, and anger were the main few.

I looked away from Emmett and Jasper. “Bella…I swear, I’ll go beat him up…” I stopped Emmett.

Maybe I did deserve this. I had turned Edward away and he cheated, Aiden is trying to kill me…maybe I should just give up. When I was involved with work so much, none of this happened. I never had to feel so many emotions. It was just me, doing what I loved.

Maybe I would just go back to that, and forget about Edward and Aiden, and everyone on the planet.

That was probably the best thought I had all day.

Somehow, I managed to get Alice to get me from Forks, she wanted to see Charlie anyway. So I rode back to Seattle with her, blocking all thoughts of my emotions away. Alice noticed, having gotten all the information from Jasper.

I could tell she was disappointed, she was happy when I was out of my world that revolved around work. But that world was where I needed to be.

We stayed quiet in the car.

“Thanks.” I said, getting out of her car at my building. Alice helped me get my stuff out of the back end of her car. “Bella?” she asked, turning to look at me.

“Don’t go back. You don’t have to go back to your work obsession. There are other people out there.” She said taking my hand. “Alice…” I groaned, picking up my bag.

“There is no one else. Even if there was, I don’t want to get hurt.” I said, leaving it at that.

I just couldn’t do it. I could not face the world of social lives ever again. I knew where I was meant to be, and that was working. I just wasn’t cut out to be a social butterfly that let the smallest remarks pass over her head.

So I was leaving that life behind forever.

Working actually did turn out to be the perfect distraction when I went back that Monday.

Every night, I would go home and curl up with a book, and my life felt normal again.

I knew I wasn’t waiting for Aiden to come back this time. My hope was gone, and that left me complete for some weird reason. It felt better to not have to rely on anyone but myself.

By Saturday, I hated free time. So I sat at home, reading my fourth book that week. My phone beeped.

We need to talk

-E

Text message from Edward. Great. I didn’t text back, I just put my book to my face and concentrated. Beep again.

Bella stop ignoring me. We need to talk now. I know you aren’t busy.

-E

Why couldn’t he leave me alone? Wasn’t him cheating enough to say we were over. I thought that was a signal he never wanted to talk to me again! It was coming back. I tried pushing the social life away. My phone beeped.

I know you’re in your apartment. Let me up.

-E

Great. Now he was stalking me. I texted him back this time.

Go home. Now.

-B

He replied almost instantly.

Bella, we need to talk. Please let me up.

-E

I groaned as my bell rang. I would tell him to leave, and never talk to me again. That was obviously what he wanted wasn’t it?

He came up in a matter of minutes, and I opened the door, not letting him get in.

“Go away. You don’t want to talk to me.” I glared, trying to close the door. He stopped me. “Bella, please just let me talk.” He said, his eyes trying to capture mine.

I backed away from the door. “Two minutes. I’m busy.” I said, lying through my teeth. “I can see that.” He muttered to himself.

I glared as he walked inside. “Start…now.” I said, looking at the clock. He rolled his eyes, but started talking.

“I know you don’t want to talk to me at all right now. I know you’re mad at me, but I’m extremely sorry. I don’t know what happened, but Emmett came in at the exact wrong time. Tanya had walked into my room while I was in there, and she…you know…attacked me.” I rolled my eyes. “Stop lying.” I said. I didn’t want hear this. It was only excuses, and false excuses.

“Bella I’m telling the truth. I love you.” I stopped him. “Do not say that! If you loved me you wouldn’t have been hooking up with her. If you loved me, you would have understood that all I needed was some space. I never said I didn’t want to be with you, I just felt I was around you too much! Don’t ever say you love me!” I said with edge to my voice.

“Bella…I knew that, I just reacted badly. The way you were saying it made me feel like…you didn’t want me. I realized that later…I’m sorry.” Edward said quietly.

“So you cheated on me?” I asked, pain in my voice. This made no sense. He realized that I wanted space, and then cheated on me because of it?

“I didn’t cheat on you!” venom was in his voice. “Emmett just walked in at the wrong time, and she came onto me!” Edward yelled. I had never heard him yell at me before. I wanted to hide in my world again, I wanted him to leave me alone.

“But you let it happen!” I murmured, feeling a tear slide down my cheek. Leave it to me to cry. I was too scared to yell back.

“I stopped it as soon as Emmett walked in!” he yelled still, oblivious to my tears. “Then why did you tell him to get out?” I looked away, it hurt too much to see him yelling.

“Because I could handle it myself!” he snapped, his yelling dying out. “If you could handle it, why did it happen in the first place?” I asked. For sure, Edward could have stopped her at any given time, but he didn’t. “Bella, I didn’t expect it! It just happened! And he saw it at the wrong time, so it looked like it had gone on for longer than it did!” Edward growled.

“Oh and how long did it last? Half an hour?” I wiped away a tear. I could tell his self control was slipping. He’d probably kill me.

However, he was controlling himself, he crossed his arms over his chest and looked down. “She jumped on me, I landed on the bed at the exact moment Emmett walked in. I kicked her off and yelled at Emmett so I could tell her to get out.” He said, the anger in his voice growing.

“If I asked her, what would she say?” I asked. “She’d lie Bella! Her entire life is made up of lies! She lied to me! She lies to everyone!” he said, still trying to hold himself back.

I believed him though. I had no choice but to believe him. I nodded. “Are you mad at me still?” he looked up, hope filling his eyes. I was done with hope however. “I’m not mad.” I said, looking away from him. Edward took it as an invitation anyways. He walked towards me, about to take me into his arms. I wanted nothing more than to just fall into them, and be lost in the sea that was Edward.

But I stopped that feeling. “I can’t do it anymore Edward.” I stopped him. Edward let his arms drop to the side. “I can’t…deal with this anymore.” I said, wiping a fresh tear from my eye.

“Bella…don’t say that. It was just a misunderstanding…” he said quietly, trying to wrap me in his arms again. “Edward no. I’m tired of getting hurt.” I choked.

“I’m not hurting you.” He murmured, his hands on my shoulders. It only made me cry harder.

“No you’re not. But the drama that comes with you is hurting me.” I wiped away my tears. Edward pushed my hands away, and began wiping my face. “I’ll make it stop. I’ll make sure nothing hurts you Bella.” He said quietly. I tried looking away from him.

I had promised myself I wouldn’t do this. My small world was so much safer from pain than his world was. When he came into my world, the sun got brighter, and everything seemed so much better. I didn’t need to worry about anything, but our pasts collided and caused so much more destruction. I wanted it to stop.

I needed it to stop.

“I can’t do it Edward. It causes too much pain.” I murmured. He wouldn’t let it go though. “I’m not leaving you. I can’t.” With that, he pulled me into his arms. And now matter how much I struggled, I couldn’t break away from him. It only proved his point further.

He wasn’t going to leave. He was going to be a permanent reminder of my pain and happiness. There was no way to get rid of him. I was now president of “life with Edward club.”

I gave up and fell limp into his arms. I didn’t know what I was doing, but the fact I could rely on him, and he promised to make the pain go away, made my hope come back to life.

He picked me and brought me to my bedroom, laying me down gently. “I won’t let anything hurt you.” He promised, holding me in his arms the entire night, as I cried.

Bella POV

Edward made me stay home the next day. He said I owed him at least one day of attention. I couldn’t deny him that. It was Sunday. However, we didn’t spend the day talking. More like cuddled on the couch, lost in our own thoughts.

“I hate Tanya.” He said suddenly as I buried my face in his chest. I didn’t say anything. He’d told me this rant about fifty times already today. “She’s brought nothing but trouble into my life, and now she’s ruining the one perfect thing I have.”

“You have a perfect family.” I reminded him of the truth. “But my family wasn’t complete without you.” He said quietly, more lost in his own thoughts again.

I didn’t really think about anything, just enjoyed being with him like this. We didn’t exactly need to say anything to each other. If it needed to be said, it was spoken silently. “What happens now?” I murmured to him when I looked at the clock. It was about four thirty pm.

“We move on. Bella…will you please consider moving in?” he asked. I nodded. If I had learned anything, it was to just give into Edwards ridiculous requests. “Really?” he asked, excitement in his voice.

“Yes.” I answered, making him calm down again. I could tell him mood had lightened up again.

Just as Edward opened his mouth to probably rant about me moving in with him, I heard a soft knock at the door. Edward closed his mouth and frowned. He didn’t like being interrupted like this.

I didn’t bother making myself look presentable. I opened the door and immediately closed it once I saw who it was. He knocked harder and Edward was at the door almost immediately. “Go in your room Bella.” He murmured, knowing exactly who was at the door. I shook my head and tugged on his arm. “Just don’t talk to him.” I said, fear filling me.

Edward pulled me closer to him. “I’m just going to tell him to leave us alone. Go in your room.” He said quietly, placing a gentle kiss on my lips. “Listen to music or something, I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He told me, turning me around and pushing me towards my room.

“Edward don’t do it!” I snapped at him, my voice hushed. He smiled at me and waved his hand, telling me to go away.

He knocked harder on the door. “Bella let me in now!” his demanding voice echoed into my living room. I almost ran into my room at that point, turning on some sweet, soft song that filled my ears.

I thought of Edward as I crawled under the blankets. My thoughts went to me living with him, how every night, we’d come home, and spend time together.

And then we could crawl into our bed, and fall asleep in each others arms. We’d even wake up together, every day. The thoughts were extremely pleasant, and kept my mind off of what could even possibly be going on outside of my room.

In the middle of some fantasy about our future living together, I heard the door open. I looked up and almost fell off my bed. “Let him go!” I sat up, glaring at Aiden.

“I thought it might be worse for him to die rather than you.” He said, his voice ringing throughout the room.

This couldn’t be over. “Let him go Aiden!” I repeated, frantically searching for some way to fix this. My phone was in the living room.

“I want you to watch him die!” Aiden spat, anger pouring through his voice.

“Aiden stop…just let him go.” I begged, Edward keeping his eyes on me. He just stared at me, no emotion crossing his face. Aiden was roughly bigger than Edward, and could easily hurt him.

“What will you do for me?” a sick smile crossed Aidens face. I couldn’t believe he was doing this to me. My Aiden, the one who I had spent so much time with, was trying to hurt me in the worst way possible.

“Anything, just don’t kill him.” I said. Edward started struggling against Aiden, causing Aiden to push the knife more into his neck. “Bella…don’t.” Edward growled, trying to get Aiden off of him.

“Anything?” Aiden repeated. I nodded slowly, my hands trembling. “Let him go.” I said, reaching out towards Edward.

“If I let him go, you come with me.” Aiden said clearly. I nodded, not caring about what I had just agreed to. I just wanted Edward safe.

Aiden released Edward, but not in the way I expected. He quickly jammed his head against the wall, knocking Edward out.

“No!” I screamed, as Aiden grabbed my wrist and dragged me out of the room.

Edward POV

It’s been exactly six months since Bella’s disappeared. I’ve been looking frantically, and every night I can’t sleep. I need her with me. Emmett and Jasper have tried getting me to move on, but they both know how special Bella is to me. Alice and Rosalie even seem to be depressed about it. But I know it’s hit me the hardest.

I worry about the simplest things, to the worst case scenarios. That she’s being abused, to the fact she’s not getting enough food. I need her with me to keep my sanity. Unfortunately that was lost a while ago. I’ve been staying at my parents house, frantically taking every moment to look for her. However, no matter how much I search, she’s gone.

So today, Emmett, Jasper, Alice and Rosalie are taking me out for some clubbing. I don’t want to go without her. All I can think about is her being there with me.

“Edward please just act happy!” Alice pouted next to me as we walked in the club.

I ignored her and glared at my surroundings as I usually did. Nothing had changed in the club. Other than the fact Bella wasn’t there with me. I almost started crying when I realized she wasn’t sitting next to me when we got a table.

I hated tables for five.

For the majority of the night, I sat at the table and thought about her. It was how I always spent my night. The other part of the night was me turning away girls. None were even comparable to Bella.

The name hurt to think about, but she was always on my mind. I continued glaring for some time until I looked towards the back right corner of the club.

My heart fluttered with hope. My eyes landed on Jacob Black. He was my new lead. I got up immediately and made my way towards him. He knew I was there, he’d been watching me.

“Hello Edward.” He smiled at me, his arms crossed over his chest. “Jacob.” I greeted with venom in my voice. “Where are they?” I hissed. “No need to be rude. I’m afraid I don’t know who you’re talking about.” He smiled at me, playing dumb.

I grabbed his shirt and dragged him to the back of the club, making sure no one was around. I shoved him against the wall, hard.

“Where is she?” I growled, somehow holding him down. “Six feet under.” He smiled. “Liar. Where is she?” I pushed on him. “What are you willing to do to get her back?” he asked. “Alive?” I countered. “Alive.” Jacob agreed.

“Anything.” I answered. It was true, I would do anything to get my Bella back. I needed her. And I would die trying to get her back to me.

“Follow me.” He said, easily pushing me off him so I fell against the other wall. I stumbled, but regained my balance. I followed him carefully around the back of the club.

“Get in the car.” He ordered, pointing to the passenger side as he got in the drivers side. This was dangerous, and stupid on my part. But my mind was focused on Bella. The thought of her being with me again drove my insanity further.

I got in, and he took off quickly. I couldn’t see where we were going until we stopped. It was some old looking apartment building. I got out when Jacob did and followed him inside. We walked up a few flights of stairs to the third floor and he opened the first door we saw.

I followed him inside. This better not be a mistake.

What I saw however, horrified me. Aiden was there, by himself. I heard someone moving around in the kitchen.

“Edward?” Aiden questioned loudly. I heard something drop in the kitchen, then the running of feet. “STAY IN THERE!” Aiden yelled at the person. The person obeyed and retreated. I couldn’t see them. “I want Bella back. Now.” I said slowly.

“And what are you willing to do for her?” he smiled.

“Anything.” I responded. I at least wanted to see her. Aiden smiled slightly. “Good. Bella come out here.” He said softly. I heard the footsteps in the kitchen again, only this time, they came into the living room.

“Edward.” She breathed. Before I knew it, Bella’s arms were around me. It was her. A smile spread across my face as I held her. It wasn’t until I pulled away, what I realized her physical condition was in.

She was in clothes she normally wore, long sleeves with jeans. However, they didn’t hide the numerous bruises all over her body. “Bella.” I breathed, pulling her closer again.

However, Jacob tore her away from me, causing her to scream. “Let her go.” I said, reaching towards her.

“If I let her go, you have to do me a favor.” Aiden said over Bella’s shrieks. “Anything.” I said. “Edward don’t do it!” Bella yelled over me.

“I don’t need it now, but I’ll be sure to let you know soon. If you refuse later on, Bella belongs to me again.” Aiden said simply. I nodded. “Deal. Jacob…” he motioned for Bella to drop to the floor. Which she did.

I picked her up immediately, and almost ran out of the building. My focus was getting Bella away from them. She needed to be safe. I ran with her crying in my arms until we reached some sort of gas station that hadn’t been far away. I walked inside and asked the clerk, “Do you have a car?” He nodded, and glanced at Bella. “Is she okay?” he asked. That was such a stupid question. Did she look okay?

“I need your car.” I told him. The clerk pointed outside, where a bus waited. “You came at the right time.” I rolled my eyes and walked outside, glad the bus was mostly empty.

I set Bella in my lap as the bus took off. She cried still in my arms, and I tried to keep her calm. “You’re safe.” I murmured. “But you aren’t.” she told me. I wondered what that meant.

Bella POV

“Shh…Bella.” Edward told me. I had moved in two days ago, and the nightmares wouldn’t disappear. The tears poured out of my eyes still. “Bella, please stop crying.” He begged. Once, I had even made him cry. He blamed himself for this completely. But I knew it was my fault.

“I…I’m…s…sorry!” I stuttered, grabbing onto his neck. Edward rocked me in his lap as he sat up. “Don’t be sorry Bella…I’m so sorry…that never should have happened.” He murmured. I felt his tears on my face. “Edward don’t cry.” I murmured, wiping away my tears.

That was the weird thing, whenever he cried, or was upset, my unhappiness disappeared until his did.

“I’m sorry. I’ll be right back.” He told me, through his tears. Edward pushed me off his lap, laid me down, and covered me with the covers. He disappeared into the bathroom, probably to mope.

I shut my eyes and passed it off. If I went in there, things would only get worse.

The next few months were quiet, as I had hoped, but I knew Aiden was going to steal Edward soon. I prayed that it wouldn’t happen. That maybe Aiden would forget, but he even told me, “I’m not letting you two get away.” I hated hearing that voice in my head, so I shook it off.

Edward had finally stopped talking about how everything was his fault. In fact, we didn’t talk about it ever. And every one else seemed to ignore the fact I was back. Well not “ignore,” but they didn’t question where I had been.

So now I was with Rose and Alice who were preparing me for this “big” date with Edward. I didn’t get how it was “big” though. It wasn’t our anniversary, or our birthdays, nor was it Valentines day. In fact, it was the middle of May.

Edward picked me up from Alice’s apartment, and beamed when he saw me. At least I was getting reactions out of him again. My bruises had disappeared completely about a week ago.

Edward took me to some sort of fancy restaurant. And as usual, we had a fight about who paid for what. He insisted it was his turn, when I knew for a fact, that last time he paid the whole bill.

But I lost the fight when he looked at me and said, “Don’t ruin this for me.” With his giant emerald eyes taking their full force on me. But what was I ruining?

Edward didn’t take us home after that, he instead stopped in front of the bookstore. “Why are we here?” I asked, getting out. “You’ll see.” He smiled, taking my hand and walking inside.

It was empty, there wasn’t even a person at the check out area. “Edward…why are we here?” I asked again. Edward smiled even wider. This couldn’t be good, he only smiled like that when he was hiding something from me.

Edward led me to the left side of the store, and to the exact place I had been looking at books when I met him.

I smiled slightly, reaching out and touching my favorite Jane Austen Books. “Why are we here?” I asked turning to look at him. But he wasn’t there.

I looked down and gasped. He was on one knee, holding my hand.

“Isabella Marie Swan, I love you with all my heart, and want to spend every moment of my life with you. I promise to love you forever, and keep you safe forever. Will you marry me?” he asked, confidently.

I’d given myself enough time. “Yes.” I choked as he stood up. Edward pressed his lips against mine and pulled me closer to him. “I love you.” I whispered against his lips, feeling the tears pour down my face.

“FINALLY!!!!” I heard Alice’s squeaky voice behind me. Rose, Alice, Emmett and Jasper came out of no where, hugging both of us. I blushed a bright red and looked at Edward. He looked amazing, more so than usual.

Edward pulled me back into his arms and led me out of the store. “Let’s go home.” He smiled, opening the door for me.