13. The Truth

I pulled my Volvo, hesitantly, into the spacious garage, afraid of what I might find. After all, Emmett had forewarned me that Rosalie was "on the warpath" and my instincts were telling me that she'd taken her anger out on my favorite car. As usual, my instincts were correct. However, it seemed that the wrath of Rosalie had been interrupted because there was minimal damage to the expensive car. If a few choice dents and a busted headlight were all that she'd managed to do, I could only imagine what was waiting for me inside.

Just as they were on the day of the van incident, my family was seated at the long mahogany table. Carlisle and Esme, Jasper and Alice, Emmett and Rosalie. For the first time in a long time I noticed the empty eighth chair. Would that chair ever hold someone for me? Bella's face, eyes blood red, flashed in my mind but I quickly swept away that thought. Alice would not be right about this.

I took my seat at the table, stealing another quick glance at the empty chair to my right. Maybe one day.

I took a minute to gather my family's thoughts but it seemed that only Rosalie was truly angry. The others were amazingly calm, with no help from Jasper. Esme was overjoyed, thinking how much happier I looked. If only she knew how happy I felt. Alice's thoughts were reflecting the same sentiment as our mother's and of course she couldn't wait until I allowed her to meet Bella. She was already planning a shopping trip.

Carlisle and Jasper wanted to know the hows and whys. Alice had stayed true to her word, as best as she could and not told them the details about Port Angeles. Emmett could care less. In his opinion, Bella knowing the truth was a relief as long I as I remained the brother I was months ago before the small fragile girl came to Forks.

Rosalie couldn't contain her anger. Seeing me, in my place at the table, the scent of the most fragrant girl I'd ever met still lingering on my jacket, enraged her to the point that she spoke before I could utter a word.

"Moron!" she yelled. "How could you do this to us…again?"

"Rose…" Carlisle warned. "This is not how we want to begin this conversation. Let's hear what happened from Edward."

I almost smirked at Rosalie. Almost. Gloating would not help the situation.

"Edward, dear," Esme spoke, her soft voice full of excitement. "How did this happen? How does Bella know the truth?"

"First of all," I started, glaring at Rosalie while I spoke," this wasn't exactly my fault. I did not reveal our secret. Bella had another source."

"Who?" Jasper asked, panic in his voice. If someone, other than the love of my existence knew our secret, there would be problems.

"Jacob Black. He's a Quileute."

Though Jasper was not with us when Carlisle and Ephraim Black made the treaty, he understood how crucial this new information was. We all did.

Esme looked at Carlisle. "The treaty has been broken. What does this mean?"

I immediately thought back to Bella's description of how she'd convinced Jacob to tell her the story. Poor Jacob Black. He had no idea of what he was doing.

"It doesn't have to mean anything," I answered. "Jacob most likely doesn't believe he's done anything wrong. He doesn't believe in the Quileute legends. He told Bella it was just a scary story. Bella drew her own conclusions."

"And her response…?" Carlisle wondered.

I shuddered as the memory of Bella's unforgettable words flooded my head.

It doesn't matter.

"She doesn't care!" Alice practically cheered. "She doesn't care that we're different. She loves him."

"You mean, she doesn't care that you're going to kill her?" Rosalie interjected sarcastically. "What a stupid girl."

"She's not stupid!" Alice jumped to Bella's defense before I could. "She's smart, and beautiful, and nice and we all are going to love her one day. I can see that," Alice rambled. "Even you, Rose."

Rosalie shook her head, her golden locks swinging back and forth viciously.

"Is this what we've become? Have we become so complacent that we do not remember the rules?"

Emmett placed his hand on her shoulder. She shook it off.

"I will not stand for this!" Rose continued. "We," she yelled, pointing her herself and Emmett, "have done nothing wrong, have broken no rules. No one here has with the exception of Edward. If we do not do something, we will all be considered accessories. I love you, dear brother, but I will not burn for this!"

Rosalie rose and pushed her chair back so hard it hit the dining room wall and splintered into a thousand pieces. Esme gazed sadly at her beloved chair. I vowed to buy her a new one the next day. Everyone else watched Rosalie storm out of the room. I listened carefully, ready to stop her if she went anywhere near my car. But she didn't. She headed to the thicket of trees behind the house. Running, nonetheless. Rosalie hardly ever ran. Running tended to mess up her hair.

"I should go…" Emmett said but Carlisle shook his head.

"No, son, let her have some space. We all knew that Rosalie would be affected by this more than anyone else. She'll come back when she's ready."

It pained Emmett to know that his love was upset and hurting and he was powerless to stop it. I was amazed that he held no resentment towards me.

"Edward," Esme spoke, "tell us about this girl you love."

I shook my head. "Later Esme, I promise."

"What are you going to do, Edward?" Jasper questioned.

"I don't know," my voice was barely a whisper. "I can't leave her, yet I know that's the right thing to do."

"What about us?"
"She won't tell," Alice's voice rang out. "We won't have to leave and no one will pay any more attention to us. We are safe." Alice's eyes were focused straight ahead and I could see what she saw. Our future, as a family, was secure. Only mine shifted, which was to be expected.

"That settles things," Carlisle said, confident in Alice's visions. "I have to get back to the hospital now."

I rose from my seat. "I'll be back."

"She's by the river," Alice said, looking ahead to see where I was going.

It didn't take me long to find my golden haired temperamental sister, sulking on a boulder sized rock, near the shimmering river. The sky was beginning to darken. I could hear Emmett lurking yards behind me, ready to spring into action if my discussion with Rosalie turned violent.

"Rose," I spoke softly, making sure that my voice stayed even. I thought Rosalie's overreaction was hilarious but I would not, could not show her that.

"What do you want Edward?"

I sat down next to her.

"I'm sorry that I've upset you," I said. "I'm sorry you're hurt."

I'm not hurt, she thought. She was not speaking out loud because; she too, could hear Emmett in the distance.

"Bella is a wonderful person, Rose. She'll never say a word to anyone about us. We're safe. Alice sees that."

"She does?"

"Yes. So please don't be angry with me. I will not put you or anyone in this family in danger."

She wanted to believe me. Her golden eyes said so. But she was still confused.

Why a human, Edward? Why would you choose a human over one of our kind? Why not Tanya?

"I don't know how it happened. But you chose Emmett when he was human."

That's different. That bear was going to kill him. I didn't know him as a human.

"But what if you did? What if you knew him before and he was the same Emmett that you love today, just human? Would you be able to stay away?"

Rosalie closed her eyes, imagining the scenario. No, she would not have been able to stay away. She would have loved him then as well. Only she remembered she knew in a instance that she wanted him forever. She was willing to do what I couldn't.

"I guess I see your point. I just don't know how you do it. I can still smell her on you." Rosalie grimaced, her throat slightly burning.

"I have to. Until I have the strength to leave, I have to endure it." I felt silly showing weakness around Rosalie.

"You won't leave her," Rose stated. "She makes you happy. I can see that. And you won't change her, either. You're the only vampire in the world who would fall for a human and keep her alive." She grinned, her brilliant teeth gleaming. "You're so weird, Edward."

Rosalie hopped off the rock and peered into the trees.

"Emmett, you can come out now. I'm not going to rip him to pieces…this time."

Emmett stepped through the trees, grinning, hoping that all was really well.

"You guys cool now?"

"For now," Rose answered.

All was not completely forgiven. But it was enough for me. I rose too, ready to go back to the house. Only a few more hours before I could see Bella again, and I had to talk to Esme.

And Edward, Rose silently called, while she and Emmett walked in the opposite direction. I'm not sorry about your car. You're just lucky Carlisle came in when he did.

I sat on the boulder for a while longer, listening to the sounds of twilight. I could hear Rosalie and Emmett strolling through the woods...happy...in love. Hearing their joy made me think about Bella. Oh, how I loved her so much. It felt like loving her would kill me if I couldn't express it.

But how? How could I make it work? She was human. So fragile, so...breakable. She would do things that I never would. She would grow up, get older while I lived forever, trapped inside the body of a seventeen year old boy. Bella would want things that I could not give her. She would want to be married, have children. How could I subject her to my love when I could not even touch her without risking her life?

Edward?

Esme's soft mental voice called out to me. She was standing at the edge of the thicket, searching the forest for a glimpse of my pale skin standing out against the shadowy green.

"Over here, Esme," I answered back, "by the river."

Esme seemed to glide through the woods even though she was not walking fast at all. There was a time, shortly after her change, that she was thought of as a ghost. Humans would catch a glimpse of her and be spooked. Her pail skin, long brown hair, ethereal eyes would send them in the opposite direction, shaking in their boots. Later the ghost stories would begin to spread around the town. Esme has left spooky ghost "sightings" in at least three cities.

"Edward, what are you doing out here, all alone?" Esme asked, sitting down next to me.

"I wasn't alone. I was talking to Rosalie."

"That was hours ago," Esme said. "She and Emmett just got back from shopping. She seems okay now."

I shrugged. Rosalie was okay...for now. I didn't know if that would hold true if the situation with Bella continued to progress.

I also didn't realize how long I'd been sitting on the boulder until Esme reminded me. I looked up and it was pitch black in the forest, the only light was from the moon. I was a creature who never felt the physical effects of fatigue; however, sometimes I could feel my mind tire.

Edward, Esme thought, her eyes focused on the river, shimmering in the moonlight. I don't want to pry but you promised you'd tell me about her.

I nodded. I had promised but I still did not know if I was ready to reveal my feelings to anyone, including my mother.

"Tell me about Bella. You love her... really love her, don't you?"

I groaned. Love was not a strong enough word to describe what I felt for Isabella Swan.

"Esme, I can't explain it. I'm drawn to her in a way that cannot be good. But I can't help it anymore. Part of me needs to be near her, has to be. The sane part is telling me to go...far away from her. Keep Bella safe. But I can't go. And she deserves more."

Esme laughed softly. "She must be a very special girl to deserve more than your unconditional love."

"You don't understand," I sighed. No one would ever understand.

"I know this is hard, Edward," Esme spoke softly. "Being in love is hard for any man to understand. But she's the one for you, human or not. You will figure out a way to make it work." Esme placed her arm around me and squeezed me close to her bosom.

I had very faded memories of my mother. All my human memories were vague but I remembered how my mother used to hold me like that whenever I was feeling down. In Esme's arms I felt like a child again.

"Tell me about her. What is she like?"

I sighed again. "She's the most beautiful person I've ever met. She's like a delicate flower, or a fragile work of art. Something that you should only look at but never touch. She's completely selfless and brave...and insightful. You're going to love her, Esme."

"I already do." And I knew she did.

"She makes you smile. She's made you live again. I love her for that alone."

"I can't be alone with her," I muttered, finally revealing my worst fear. "The very thought frightens me to the core."

"Why not?" Esme asked, a confused scowl on her angelic face. "You won't hurt her."

"Not purposely," I uttered. "But she draws me in, I want to touch her and hold her in my arms." I paused and chuckled grimly. "But I might crush her."

"Oh Edward," Esme laughed. "Stop being silly. You have the most control around humans than any of us other than Carlisle. Besides, they're not as fragile as you think."

Unconvinced, I stared straight ahead. Bella only knew a few general things about me. She knows that I'm a disgusting self loathing vampire. She does not understand what that means. She refuses to believe how much danger she's in just by being in my presence. She doesn't know the entire story.

"But you know you love her," Esme stated as if she could read my mind. "Sometimes, that's enough."

Really? That couldn't be right.

"How did this happen, Edward?" Esme asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. This is the part that she longed to hear. The details of her oldest son falling in love for the first time.

I looked at Esme. The words to describe how it happened were lost to me. How could I explain? What did she want to know? I closed my eyes and listened for Esme's unspoken words. But she was quiet, waiting for me to speak.

I took a deep breath.

"I don't know exactly how it happened. After our first meeting, I hated her."

"Yes, I know," Esme whispered. "But you couldn't stay away."

"It was the accident. When that van almost crushed her....then at the hospital. If she had been hurt, I don't think I would have been able to handle it."

Esme nodded. "Then you met up with her in Port Angeles."

"No, that came later. First I went to her house." I felt so guilty about revealing that to Esme.

"You went to her house?"

I smiled guiltily. "Yes. I go almost every night. I like to watch her sleep."

Esme started to say something, to scold me, I'm sure but I kept talking.

"Bella talks in her sleep."

"What does she say?"

"A lot," I smiled. "The first night, when I was planning to leave, she said my name."

A strange emotional wave washed over me when I remembered her exact words.

Edward. Stay. Don't go. Please...don't go.

I didn't realize I'd whispered the words out loud until I looked at Esme. She was staring at me, dreamily, like she was hearing her favorite romance novel come true.

"That's beautiful," Esme breathed. "That's when you knew that you loved her?"

I nodded. "But now I don't know what to do?"

"Maybe it's not up to you to decide," Esme said quietly. "If she loves you, maybe she'll be the one to make that decision."

I wanted to do just that, to allow Bella to choose. But Bella never made the right choice...the safe choice. She seemed to be indifferent to the danger of being with me.

It doesn't matter.

But it did matter. There has to be some way to make her see that.

"Edward," Esme spoke again, wanting my undivided attention.

"Yes?"

"You are making this too difficult. Our kind is attracted to and love humans often. This is not taboo. I was a human when Carlisle saved me. So were you, Emmett, and Rosalie. Love doesn't care about differences. You have two options and the choice has to be Bella's."

I grimaced, knowing what option Bella would foolishly choose if left to her own devices.

"I won't allow her to make any foolish decisions."

Esme laughed and patted my shoulder.

"You are such a man. So naïve."

She rose from the boulder and tousled my hair.

"I'm going inside and work on some designs. You go see Bella."

Esme smiled back at me for before taking off in a dash to the house. I slid off the boulder and ran in the opposite direction.

When I reached the edge of the forest that led to the Swan's backyard, I slowed to a crawl, taking in the sounds of the neighborhood.

It was past midnight and the entire neighborhood was dark and quiet. I crossed the yard and scaled the face of the house once again. Some days I used the key that Charlie kept hidden but tonight, as if she was expecting me, Bella had left her window open. I climbed, soundlessly, through the open window. Her room was dark but not for my eyes. I sat in her rocking chair in the corner and watched her.

Bella slept fitfully, tossing and turning. She mumbled incoherently, broken sentences that I couldn't figure out. I waited patiently to hear the one word I longed to hear. Way into the early hours of the morning, right before falling in a restful slumber Bella murmured....

"Edward."

It was what I'd waited to hear. I loved the breathless way my named rolled off her lips. I waited longer, to see if she would say it again but she didn't. Before dawn I heard Chief Swan stirring in his sleep. That was my cue to exit and make it back to my house to change and get prepared to spend the day at school, mostly with Bella.

It didn't take long for me to change my clothes. Alice frowned as she watched me toss my clothes into a heap on my bedroom floor.

"You know, Edward, I don't buy cheap clothes. That's an expensive Italian shirt you just tossed on the floor."

I smiled at my little sister's frustration. Alice believed that we all should share in her love for fashion. Rosalie and Esme did. Carlisle tolerated it. Jasper pretended and Emmett and I ignored it. Clothes were clothes.

"I take it we're riding with Rosalie...again?"

"Please?" I asked.

"It doesn't matter to me," Alice squeaked. "I like that you're spending more time with Bella. I'll be able to meet her soon."

"Yes, probably so," I smiled which seemed to make Alice happier. "Now get out of here so I can change."

Alice flitted down the hallway. Not paying attention, I grabbed a pair of jeans and a shirt. My wardrobe, compliments of Alice, was made up of clothes that no normal teenage boy in Forks, Washington would wear. Alice loved to dress me like a male model from the pages of Vogue. I wore whatever she bought because I had to. I had other interests than clothes.

I reached Bella's street a little earlier than I'd intended. Chief Swan's cruiser was still in the driveway. I sat in my car at the top of the street, listening to see what Bella and the stoical police chief talked about in the morning.

I caught the tail end of what I assumed to be a slightly intrusive conversation on the Chief's part.

"I'm not going to the dance, Dad." Bella sounded frustrated.

"Didn't anyone ask you?" Charlie's voice was more concerned. Obviously he saw his daughter in a different way than she saw herself. He expected boys to fawn over her. So did I and they did. Only Bella didn't notice them.

"It's a girl's choice," Bella replied, easily sidestepping that conversation.

A few minutes later Charlie came out of the house, a slight frown present. I could hear his thoughts. He was concerned, worried actually, about Bella dating or lack of. The poor man was torn between wanting his seemingly withdrawn daughter to like a boy and not wanting her to ever date. It seemed to be torture, having a daughter. Charlie worried that Bella might meet a boy she liked, because it was harder for a father to accept that another member of the male species may be interested in his daughter. But yet, Charlie didn't want his daughter to be a social outcast either. This was a side of Chief Swan I bet Carlisle would appreciate.

As soon as Charlie's cruiser was out of the driveway, I pulled into the driveway behind Bella's ancient truck. I tried to be as casual as possible, not wanting Bella to catch me staring as she shut the door behind her. She paused shyly before opening the car door. I smiled at her, but I could feel my throat starting to burn as her scent hit me. I took a deeper breath. If I'm going to be around her then I would have to get used to it.

"Good morning," I said, keeping my voice steady as the tingling/burning sensation in my throat got worse. "How are you today?"

I looked over her face. She hadn't slept well and it showed. Dark circles under her eyes were obvious against her nearly translucent skin.

"Good, thank you," Bella answered and fastened her seat belt.

I looked her over once again. My eyes lingered on her the bags under her eyes again.

"You look tired." And I didn't like it.

"I couldn't sleep," Bella confessed. Her heartbeat quickened and a slight blush colored her cheeks.

"Neither could I," I teased, trying desperately to ignore the blood that was pooling under her skin and keep the conversation light.

Bella laughed comfortably at my teasing.

"I guess that's right. I suppose I slept just a little bit more than you did."

"I wager you did."

"So what did you do last night?" Bella asked.

I shook my head and chuckled. She must have forgotten what I said before I left her yesterday.

"Not a chance. It's my day to ask questions."

Bella creased her forehead. "Oh, that's right. What do you want to know?"

Everything. I wanted to know every thing about her but it was too soon. I'd have to settle for the basics.

"What's your favorite color?"

Bella rolled her eyes. "It changes from day to day."

"What's your favorite color today?"

She glanced down at her brown turtleneck. "Probably brown."

"Brown?" I laughed. I was expecting pink or purple, or even blue.

"Sure. Brown is warm. I miss brown. Everything that's supposed to be brown – tree trunks, rocks, dirt – is all covered with squashy green stuff here," Bella complained.

I considered what she said. There was a time when I missed colors, any color. When we only ventured out at night, lurking in the shadows, through darks woods and forests to hunt where everything was black.

"You're right. Brown is warm."

Bella had swung her hair over her shoulder, as if she was creating a wall between us. I wanted to see her face so I reached towards her...hesitated...then swept her hair behind her shoulder, making sure to only touch her hair.

We rode the rest of the way to school in silence. I concentrated on not being affected by Bella's scent. I pulled into a parking space, knowing our time together was almost over, at least for the moment.

"What music is in your CD player right now?" I asked.

Her answered surprised me. I pulled out the same rock CD from my CD holder.

"Debussy to this?" I grinned when she took the CD. I wanted her to look at me but Bella stared at the CD case.

For the rest of the day, I asked all the questions I felt like. Movies she liked, places she'd traveled to and books. Bella had an eclectic taste in books.

At lunch we sat at our table and more questions flowed. I was fascinated with Bella's voice, the brief flashes of pink on her cheeks. Whenever she blushed, I wanted to know why.

"What's your favorite gem?" I asked, simply because I noticed that Bella never wore jewelry.

"Topaz, she answered quickly, and then her cheeks burned bright red.

"Why topaz?" Bella didn't answer.

Instead she stared down at the table, refusing to meet my eyes. But her heart rate increased and her blush deepened.

Bella was embarrassed.

"Why are you blushing?" I smiled and gazed at her lovely face. She wouldn't look up. As if she knew that a single glance in my direction, which I was hoping for, would reveal all her secrets. I hadn't forgotten. Bella didn't like to be dazzled.

"Tell me," I finally demanded.

"It's the color of your eyes today," Bella reluctantly answered, sighing in defeat. She fiddled with a strand of hair.

"I supposed if you asked me in two weeks, I'd say onyx."

Her answer floored me. There was a chance that Bella was just as obsessed with me as I with her. Revealing this would only make the situation worse.

"What kinds of flowers do you prefer?" I asked quickly.

Bella sighed. I didn't have to read her thoughts to know that she was relieved that I hadn't asked her to elaborate.

Lunch ended too quickly and we were back in Biology class, watching day two of Lorenzo's Oil. I asked Bella more questions until Mr. Banner dragged the A/V unit into the room.

To my ears, it sounded like nervous chatter until Mr. Banner turned out the lights and the room went dark again. I slid my chair slightly farther from her but it didn't help.

The same electric spark from the first day was back and just as strong. In the darkness I felt the urge again to touch her hand, to hold it in mine. I resisted, knowing that I'd want more.

Bella leaned forward on the table, resting her chin upon her folded arms. She tried to act as if she was engrossed in the movie but I didn't have to be a mind reader to know that she wasn't.

Oh, how I wished I could hear what she thinking. Her thoughts, feelings, emotions were welcome. Did she think she was in danger? Obviously...frustratingly... not because she never hesitated to be alone with me.

Unlike Bella, I could not resist looking at her. Her wrinkled brow, her dark hair...was fascinating to me.

Mr. Banner turned the lights on. I hadn't noticed that hour had passed. It felt like only minutes. Bella glanced at me then, a shy smile on her face. I stood up and waited for her to gather her things. She stumbled a little and I resisted placing my hand on her arm to steady her.

We walked towards the gym. Bella shifted nervously. The sight of us together drew stares as we walked silently. We stopped at the gym doors. For the first time since lunch Bella looked right at me.

"Well..." her voice trailed off.

"See you after class," I spoke softly. I lifted my hand and gently stroked her warm skin- from temple to jaw- with the back of my hand.

Her cheek warmed at my gentle touch and my hand tingled. My entire body burned from the touch.

I wanted to see what Bella was up to in Gym class but I could hardly pay attention. Mike was concentrating on winning all of the badminton games single handedly. He wasn't speaking to Bella either. That I was glad for, but he was concentrating so because he was determined not to think about Bella. It was working.

Emmett apparently needed my attention. I'd obviously missed out on something while I was by the river and then at Bella's.

"Esme, Rosalie, and Alice are going to Seattle to shop later," Emmett informed me. "What do you want to do since it's gonna be just us guys?"

Mrs. Goff stared at us and shook her head.

Anyway, Emmett spoke to me another way. What do you want to do? Jasper and I were thinking of going hunting. You in?

I shook my head no. I'd already planned on hunting with Alice the next day. Hunting two days in a row was unnecessary. I wasn't even thirsty. Going with Alice was a necessary precaution for my Saturday trip with Bella.

Come on man, Emmett groaned. You haven't done anything with us since you met that girl.

He was right. I hadn't thought about all the time I'd been spending away from my family. Jasper, Emmett, and I were really close. Being with Bella wouldn't jeopardize our relationship –I hoped – but I shouldn't neglect the other ones I loved too.

So far, Alice was the only one who knew about my plans on Saturday. I didn't tell the others because I didn't know how they would react. Well, I knew how one of them would and I had no patience for Rosalie, especially since I needed to focus all of my attention on not harming the human I planning to spend the day with.

"I'm hunting with Alice tomorrow," I said, my voice so low only Emmett could hear.

And Saturday? Emmett asked. Alice said it's going to be sunny all weekend. We could do something then.

"I have plans already," I guiltily admitted. Emmett looked at me in surprise.

Plans? Who do you have plans with?

Before the question was fully thought, Emmett's thoughts shifted when he answered his own question.

Bella? You're spending the day with a human? How?

"I don't know but I am."

Emmett laughed out loud. Mrs. Goff and the rest of class turned to look at him. He was not embarrassed.

Chief Swan's daughter! You're spending the day with the chief of police's daughter! Wait until I tell Jasper!

I cringed. I didn't see the humor in the situation. But I knew my brothers. They'd be placing bets on the outcome by the time the sun set.

You'd better be careful...real careful, Emmett warned as if I didn't already know that. The more she knows, the more danger that puts us in...and the more Rose is going to hate you.

Thankfully the bell rang and Emmett and I parted ways. He went to meet Rosalie, Jasper, and Alice while I waited by the gymnasium doors for Bella.

Her eyes lit up and her bashful smile widened when she saw me waiting. I was going to speak but my words caught in my throat momentarily.

Was it possible that Bella was just as excited to see me as I was at seeing her?

I smiled back, reached for her books and we began walking towards my car. Carrying her books kept my hands occupied just as driving did. Even though I wanted to feel her warm skin underneath my cold fingertips, I resisted. I had to resist...a lot...when I was with Bella. It was somewhat uncomfortable but worth every minute if it meant I could spend those minutes with her.

Bella sat in the passenger seat, looked up at the sky and sighed.

"Are you sure it's going to be nice this weekend?"

"I'm positive. You miss Phoenix, don't you?"

The desert was a place that I'd only ready about. It was useless for a vampire coven to ever be in the desert.

"Yes," Bella answered longingly while I drove. "I love Phoenix. It's so...pretty. Always bright, always sunny...." her voice trailed off as she reminisced about home.

"Tell me more," I urged, enjoying the beautiful ring of her voice, the enthusiasm as she spoke of flowers and sunsets as I drove to her house. I parked behind her rustic truck again and listened while she described her favorite things.

The sky, darkened because of the storm, finally erupted and the rain plummeted around us. Bella was unusually talkative – more comfortable. I listened intently as she did her best to answer my endless questions. She described how much she liked the scent of creosote, how she missed the high pitched sound of the cicadas in July. She spoke a lot with her hands. I watched her fingers and hands gently caress the air as she tried to do the impossible and explain why she thought the desert was so beautiful or how much she loved the little cluttered house that she and Renee shared.

I listened to her voice and watched her as she giggled about how cluttered and disorganized her room was. Bella's sweet giggle reverberarated through my car and for an instance I completely forgot my next question. A brief silence ensued.

"Are you finished?" Bella asked. She sounded relieved.

"Not even close," I replied. I looked at the sky, "but your father will be home soon."

"Charlie!" From the sound of Bella's voice she'd completely forgotten about her father. "How late is it?"

"It's twilight," I murmured, gazing out the windshield. Twilight, the most depressing time of the day for my kind...or at least for me and my family. I felt Bella's curious eyes on me. I turned towards her.

"It's the safest time of the day for us – the easiest time. But also the saddest, in a way...predictable, don't you think?"

Bella shook her head, her chestnut hair falling over her shoulders, causing the burning sensation again.

"I like the night. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars." Bella frowned. "Not that you see them here much."

I laughed. I couldn't help it. Bella seemed so innocent, yet so... perceptive.

"Charlie will be here in few minutes. So, unless you want to tell him that you'll be with me Saturday..." I said lightheartedly. Although I desperately wanted her to alert the Chief as to whom she'd be spending her time with...just in case.

"Thanks but no thanks," Bella replied, gathering her books. "So, is it my turn tomorrow then?"

"Certainly not!" I teased. "I told you I wasn't done, didn't I?"

"What more is there?"

"You'll find out tomorrow." I reached across her small frame to open the door. I could hear her heart start to race. I grinned. It amazed me how excited Bella seemed to get whenever I was near her.

An uneasy feeling came over me as I caught the scent of trouble in the air. My hand froze on the car handle.

"Not good," I muttered, more to myself than anything.

"What is it?" Bella asked, alarmed. I caught a glimpse of my face – jaw clenched, eyes disturbed – in her eyes and forced myself to relax.

"Another complication."

I flung the door open and moved swiftly away from her. It would not be good to be caught in any type of compromising position with Bella.

The flash of headlights caught Bella's attention as a dark car pulled up to the curb just a few feet away from my car.

"Charlie's around the corner," I warned, staring at the car's occupants.

Billy and Jacob Black sat in the car, staring back at me. Billy wore an expression of pure disgust and distrust.

What the hell is he doing here? Billy thought.

Whose car is that? Why is Bella with him? Why isn't she driving her truck? Is that her boyfriend?

I was confused. How could Jacob not know who I was?

I stared back at Billy and Jacob. Carlisle would have detested the look on my face. He would have recognized it immediately. I wore the same expression eighty years ago when I left him and Esme for a short time. It was a look of pure defiance.

The Quileutes had to no reason to be upset. I had not broken their treaty. I had not hunted on their lands. I had not bitten a human, although I had the urge to bite one of them. The look in Billy Black's eyes told another story. Maybe he knew that Jacob – his own flesh and blood – had already broken the treaty when he told Bella about us. Maybe Billy knew there was nothing stopping me if I chose to kill them all. But I wasn't the monster they perceived me to be. That monster had died in Bella's bedroom the night she pleaded with me – in her sleep – not to go.

I revved my engine as soon as Bella was safely out of the car and sped off towards my home.

Carlisle's Mercedes was gone when I pulled into the garage but I could hear him, Jasper, and Emmett in the living room watching a football game.

"Hey, it's the daredevil!" Jasper called out and I knew that Emmett had spilled the beans.

"That's not funny," I said, taking a seat on the floor next to the sofa.

"Yes it is," Emmett laughed. "After Saturday, you won't be able to tease Jasper about his self control anymore."

"That's right, big bro," Jasper co-signed. "Your almost perfect record is going to be tarnished. You're going to have to start all over."

"Boys, leave Edward alone," Carlisle scolded. He wasn't keen on the idea either but I could see that he trusted me not to hurt Bella.

"I'm sure he knows what he's doing."

Carlisle had never been so wrong. I had no idea what I was about to do. All I knew was that I'd started down this course and there was no turning back. Bella would not forgive me and there was no way I'd hurt her feelings like that.

The next morning was the same as the previous. I met Bella at her house. She climbed into the car with me, this time without hesitation. She looked well rested and excited.

"How'd you sleep?" I asked. I'd chosen to stay home with my family. I wasn't going to grant them another night of teasing – even the girls had joined in.

"Fine. How was your night?"

"Pleasant." Not exactly but it wasn't bad. It would have been better if I'd been with her.

"Can I ask what you did?"

I grinned and shook my head. "No. Today is still mine."

Today I wanted to know about her mother and their relationship. I wanted to know if Bella was more like Chief Swan or her mother Renee. I was interested in her life before she came to Forks. I even had to ask about her previous boyfriends.

We were at lunch when that particular question came up. I was surprised when Bella, so shyly informed me that she'd never had a boyfriend. Her cheeks flushed bright red and she looked down at the table as she spoke.

"So you never met anyone you wanted?"

How could that be? Surely, I could not be the only one she found interesting. Was it possible that I – a creature damned to walk the earth for eternity – could be her first boyfriend? The idea was insane.

"Not in Phoenix."

Her answer stopped my next question. I knew what she meant even though it was too soon to tell her that although I'd traveled the world, I'd never met one girl, human or otherwise, that appealed to me.

"I should have let you drive yourself today," I said instead.

"Why?" Bella demanded, as if the notion offended her.

"I'm leaving with Alice after lunch," I answered.

"Oh." Bella looked disappointed and I felt horrible.

"That's okay," she said. "It's not that far of a walk."

I frowned. Obviously she didn't understand how much I cared for her. Even so, she should have known I would not allow her to walk home alone.

"I'm not going to make you walk home. We'll go get your truck and leave it here for you."

"I don't have my key with me." She sighed again. "I really don't mind walking."

"Your truck will be here and the key will be in the ignition – unless you're afraid someone might steal it." I laughed at the notion of someone – anyone – stealing such an old and slow vehicle.

"All right," Bella agreed. "So where are you going?"

"Hunting," I answered grimly. "If I'm going to be alone with you tomorrow, I'm going to take whatever precautions I can." It wouldn't help…I already knew that.

"You can always cancel, you know."

Bella looked down again, refusing to meet my eyes…refusing to be dazzled into doing what I wanted her to do.

"No," she whispered. "I can't."

"Perhaps you're right," I agreed. She could not cancel just as I could not.

"What time will I see you tomorrow?" Bella asked me, her eyes bleak as if she hated that fact that I had to go.

"That depends….it's a Saturday, don't you want to sleep in?"

"No," she answered quickly. I tried not to grin at her perceived excitement.

"The same time as usual, then," I decided. "Will Charlie be there?"

"No, he's fishing tomorrow."

How convenient.

"And if you don't come home, what will he think?" I asked sharply…angrily. How could she be so reckless?

"I have no idea," was Bella's cool reply. She was angry too, which I immediately recognized. I was used to Bella being angry with me.

"He knows I've been meaning to do the laundry. Maybe he'll think I fell in the washer."

I scowled at her. Bella tried to match the intense angry expression in my eyes. But I was winning. She had no right to be angry with me. I just wanted her to be cautious.

"What are you hunting tonight?" Bella asked me. She did not seem the least bit concerned that she was basically asking me what I was having for dinner.

"Whatever we find in the park. We aren't going far."

"Why are you going with Alice?" Bella asked.

How could I explain my choice? I frowned, trying to figure out the words.

"Alice is the most…supportive."

Bella hesitated. "And the others? What are they?"

"Incredulous, for the most part."

Bella stole a glance at the table where my brothers and sisters sat, staring off in different directions. I could tell they were talking and could hear what they were saying. To Bella, it looked like they were sitting in silence.

"They don't like me," Bella guessed.

Wrong. They didn't even know her.

"That's not it. They don't understand why I can't leave you alone."

The grimace on Bella's face surprised me.

"Neither do I, for that matter."

I shook my head slowly, looking at the ceiling before I met her chocolate eyes again. How could she still not know or understand my feelings for her.

"I told you – you don't see yourself clearly at all. You're not like anyone I've ever known. You fascinate me."

She didn't believe me. She thought I was teasing. I was getting better at reading her facial expressions.

"Having the advantages I do, I have a better than average grasp of human nature. People are predictable. But you…you never do what I expect. You always take me by surprise."

Bella looked away uncomfortable, her eyes straying back to my family as I continued to explain.

"That part is easy enough to explain. But there's more…and it's not so easy to put into words."

Bella wasn't listening. Instead she'd caught the glare from Rosalie, my dear sister who I was going to physically hurt if she didn't stop glaring at Bella like she wanted to kill her…not feed…kill. I angrily hissed at Rose and she turned her head. Bella looked at me, confusion and fear widened her eyes.

"I'm sorry about that. She's just worried. You see…it's dangerous for more than just me, if, after spending so much time with you so publicly…" I couldn't finish my sentence. I couldn't say the words that I was thinking.

"If?" Bella prompted.

"If this ends…badly." I groaned silently and dropped my head in my hands. I felt miserable. Bella's hand reached out to comfort me. She stopped herself which was good. I don't think my family, especially Rosalie, would have reacted well if she had touched me.

"And you have to leave now?"

I raised my head. I didn't want to leave but I had to.

"Yes." Then I grinned. "It's probably for the best. We still have fifteen minutes of that wretched movie left to endure in Biology. I don't think I could take anymore."

Bella jumped, startled. I looked up. Alice, with her spiky hair and designer clothes that she claimed was fashionable – too fashionable for Forks – was standing behind me. I'd heard her approach. Bella had not.

Finally! Alice's mental voice rang out like a bell.

Wow, she's much prettier up close.

"Alice," I greeted her.

"Edward." She couldn't keep the excitement out of her voice.

"Alice, Bella – Bella, Alice," I introduced them.

"Hello Bella," Alice gushed. "It's nice to finally meet you."

I heard the emphasis on 'finally' and flashed a look at my sister.

"Hi Alice," Bella murmured shyly.

"Are you ready?" Alice asked me.

No! But the time had come. "Nearly," I answered instead. "I'll meet you at the car."

Alice walked away, thinking how badly she wanted to stay and talk to Bella.

"Should I say 'have fun' or is that the wrong sentiment?" Bella asked, taking her eyes off Alice.

"No, 'have fun' works as well as anything."

"Have fun then." She tried to sound as if she meant it. She did not fool me.

"I'll try." I smiled again. "And you try to be safe please."

Even though I was only going to be gone a matter of hours, Bella Swan attracted danger like a moth to a flame.

"Safe in Forks – what a challenge." Bella tried to be sarcastic.

"For you, it is a challenge. Promise."

"I promise to try to be safe," Bella recited as she was talking to an adult…in a way she was.

"I'll do the laundry tonight – that ought to be fraught with peril."

"Don't fall in," I joked.

"I'll do my best."

Even though it was at her expense, it was fun joking with Bella. More fun than I'd ever imagined.

I stood up, not wanting to leave her side. Bella rose too.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"It seems like a long time to you, doesn't it?" I asked.

Bella nodded. She looked a little sad.

"I'll be there in the morning," I promised. I reached across the table to touch her face. I didn't care who saw or what Rosalie was thinking. I turned away quickly, the back of my hand stinging painlessly. I felt Bella's – and everyone else's – eyes on my back as I walked out of the cafeteria.

Alice was waiting inside the car. She knew how to pick a lock better than anyone I've ever seen.

"Your car is making me thirsty," she said when I got in. "Let's go…quickly."

I drove to our house and parked the Volvo in the garage. We had no use for a car on a hunting trip. Before we hit the park, our first stop was the Swan residence to retrieve Bella's truck. I knew where Charlie kept the spare key and opened the door. Alice looked at me suspiciously and followed me into the house.

"You probably shouldn't act so familiar here," she warned.

I ignored her and fished the truck key out of Bella's jeans in the hamper as Alice explored the small house.

"I'll meet you at the park," Alice told me. "I'm not riding in that thing again."

She took off into the forest. I drove the slow moving truck back to the high school and parked in the same spot I'd parked my car that morning, away from Rosalie's BMW. I wanted Bella to avoid any confrontation with my pig headed and outspoken sister until absolutely necessary.

The lot was empty, which was to be expected. I found a piece of scrap paper and left Bella a quick note and the key in the ignition as promised. When I was sure no one was looking I took off running into the forest. Alice was waiting.

Hunting with Alice was just the distraction I needed. I'd forgotten how much fun we have together. Like Esme, Alice wanted to hear every detail of my relationship with Bella. I felt extremely comfortable with my little sister, who in many ways was more experienced in the ways of love. She and Jasper, Carlisle and Esme, and even Rosalie and Emmett had the type of love that I one day wished to have with Bella, even though it was wrong.

By the time Alice and I returned to our house, I felt much better. Alice and Rosalie immediately went to Alice's computer to work on the design project for Rosalie's wardrobe...a never ending task that they'd started months ago.

Emmett and Jasper had discovered something new that peaked their competitive natures...Nintendo Wii. I liked playing with them most times. And it was one game they'd actually play with me. I didn't have much of an advantage on the Wii as I did in real life. We enjoyed playing tennis, baseball, and golf. Sometimes Rosalie and Alice joined in. Today, Jasper and Emmett were playing baseball. Esme was very grateful for the Wii. It provided a necessary distraction for her boys on the days we were stuck inside or couldn't play sports the way we liked to.

I greeted everyone and stole to my room. I sat on my couch and began something I had not done in months; write in one of my many journals. Writing about Bella – my feelings for her – was therapeutic.

Hours passed and still I wrote. The sun had already set by the time Alice and I had returned home. Emmett and Jasper had long finished their game. Carlisle had returned home from the hospital and still I wrote.

When the sun finally began to rise, trying to break its way through a thin cottony layer of clouds, I heard a soft knock on my door. Without waiting for an answer, Rosalie peeked her head in.

"Can I come in?" Rosalie usually spoke to me out loud. She hated the fact that I could hear her every thought.

"Yes, come in."

Rosalie glided into the bedroom and sat on the sofa next to me.

"Writing again?"

"Yes. I needed to get some things out of my head."

Rosalie nodded and stared out the glass window that made up one of my walls.

"So, today's the big day, huh?"

I stared confused, at my golden-haired sister. I usually didn't get to see the softer side of Rosalie. She reserved that for Emmett, Alice and Esme.

"Rose..." I started. "What's wrong?"

"Alice says you're not going to hurt...the girl. She's the only one who thinks so."

"Is that so?"

Rosalie turned her head sharply towards me.

"I know we talked but Edward...what are you doing? What are you thinking?"

"I don't know for sure. But I'll be sure that whatever I do has no affect on our family, namely you."

This isn't about me! Rosalie wanted to yell out loud but she did not want everyone to hear.

Despite everything, you are my brother. I don't want to see you miserable for eternity if you...make a mistake with the girl today.

"Rose, I'm almost positive I can do this," I smiled. "And I appreciate your concern."

"Please Edward, be extremely careful," her voice broke off as she grinned mischievously.

"How much did you bet?" I asked. "And what did you bet?"

"I'm not telling you."

"Tell me or I'll mess up your hair," I teased and reached to tousle Rosalie's curls.

She giggled and moved out of my way quickly. It was nice to see her smile.

Alice soon joined us, carrying a shopping bag.

"What's up?"

"I was just wishing our dear brother good luck today," Rosalie grinned playfully at Alice.

"What is going on here?" I questioned. "What are the two of you up to? What's in the bag, Alice?"

Alice rolled her eyes. "What do you think? Clothes of course."

"That's right," Rosalie stated. "It's your first date. You have to look good."

I had been so engrossed in my writing that I had not paid attention to Rosalie and Alice's conversation about a makeover. Now I wished I had been listening harder.

"I don't need new clothes," I protested. "I have plenty of clothes!"

"Edward," Alice groaned. "This is your first date with Bella. You have to look amazing."

"Port Angeles does not count. You looked atrocious," Alice added.

"She's right, Edward," Rosalie spoke while taking the clothes out of the bag and lying them on the sofa. "So please be cooperative."

I groaned at the long tan sweater, white sleeveless shirt and jeans that Rosalie laid out. I sniffed the air and wrinkled my nose. I hate the smell of brand new clothes.

"We thought you should be casual since you'll be hiking. If she has any fashion sense, Bella will love you in this," Alice said, pointing at the clothes.

"Hurry and change so we can work on that hair," Rosalie ordered. She ushered Alice out of the bedroom, muttering something about me never having heard of a comb before.

I changed quickly then endured a frustrating half hour of Alice and Rosalie and a strange smelling hair substance that burned my nose. When they were done my hair looked exactly the same, like I'd rolled out of bed...if I had a bed.

Only the girls thought differently.

"Wow Edward," Rosalie whistled. "You clean up well."

"Are you two done playing dress up? Can I go now?"

"Hold on," Alice sighed. She gave me a once over and then smiled brightly. Obviously – hopefully – she was satisfied with my appearance.

"You may go."

Free at last, I took off down the stairs, barely hearing my family's snickers. Within minutes I was at Bella's doorstep. I knocked quietly, barely able to conceal my anxiety.

I heard Bella's footsteps on the stairs, then they hastened as she walked towards the door. She fumbled with the dead bolt and I chuckled to myself. Bella was nervous too.

The front door swung open. Bella's face was flushed, her breath short with excitement. Relief or calm washed over her face when she gazed at me. She looked amazing. I felt better at once when I was near her.

"Good morning," I chuckled.

Bella stopped smiling. "What's wrong?" she asked, apprehensively.

"We match." Bella was wearing a tan sweater, white shirt, and blue jeans. I laughed because I was 100% sure that Alice had seen this and shopped accordingly.

Shaking her head, Bella locked the door while I waited by her truck. I still found it a hard to believe that I'd agreed to let her drive.

"We made a deal," Bella said smugly, reading the tortured expression on my face correctly.

"Where to?" she asked once we were in the truck.

"Put your seatbelt on," I advised. "I'm nervous already."

Bella shot me her best dirty look but obliged.

"Where to?"

"Take the one-oh-one north," I directed her. Being alone in the truck with Bella wasn't as difficult as I'd expected, even after not being near her for over twelve hours. I inhaled deeply, breathing in sharp bursts of her tantalizing scent, and tried...unsuccessfully...to ignore the burning in my throat as well as the rest of my body. On more than a few occasions Bella caught me staring at her.

But there was nothing else interesting to look at as we crawled up the road in her sluggish truck.

"Were you planning to make it out of Forks before nightfall?" I had to tease her. She had no idea how much riding at this slow pace pained me.

"This truck is old enough to be your car's grandfather – have some respect."

Soon, well as soon as could be expected, we were outside the city limits. Bella looked at me, her expression showed that she was wondering which way to go.

"Turn right on the one-ten." She did. I was getting good at this.

"Now we drive until the pavement ends," I instructed.

"And what's there, at the pavement's end?" Bella asked anxiously.

I hesitated to say. Knowing how clumsy Bella tended to be, she might not like my idea.

"A trail."

"We're hiking?" Bella glanced down at her feet. I knew I'd made her anxious.

"Is that a problem?"

"No," she answered slowly...worriedly.

"Don't worry," I tried to sound assuring. "It's only five miles or so, and we're in no hurry."

She didn't respond. In fact it was quite a few minutes before Bella said anything. I tried to read her facial expressions but it was useless. Her face was blank as she concentrated on driving.

"What are you thinking?"

"Just wondering where we're going." She didn't sound confident...deliberately not telling me everything.

I smiled. Bella is a horrible liar.

"It's a place I like to go when the weather is nice." We both glanced out the window at the thinning clouds.

"Charlie said it would be warm today."

"And did you tell Charlie what you were up to?"

"Nope," Bella stated nonchalantly.

A sudden fury rose in me and I calmed myself. Of course she wouldn't have told her father. Most teenage girls would not dream of telling their father they were spending time alone with a boy. They would tell their friends though.

"But Jessica thinks we're going to Seattle together?" I guessed.

"No. I told her you cancelled on me. Which is true," Bella added slowly.

"No one knows you're with me?" I couldn't keep the anger out of my voice.

"That depends," she answered. "I assume you told Alice."

"That's very helpful," I snapped but she pretended not to hear, keeping her eyes on the road.

"Are you so depressed by Forks that it's made you suicidal?" I demanded to know. What was wrong with this girl? Had she no sense of self-preservation?

Bella pouted and glared at me for an instance.

"You said it might cause trouble for you...us being together publicly."

"So you're worried about the trouble it might cause me – if you don't come home?"

Bella nodded.

Edward, you are so awful, I admonished myself. Have her turn around right now! I uttered the words under my breath. But I could not say the words that would make Bella turn the truck around and go back to Forks. Even though I knew going back was the best plan...the safe plan...I wanted this time with her. I wanted Bella to see me for exactly I am, not the remarkable hero she made me out to be.

My mind raced back and forth on making the right decision. I knew that if Alice was watching –most likely she was – my indecision was driving her crazy. Then the decision was no longer mine to make.

We'd come to the end of the road...literally. It constricted to a thin foot trail with a small wooden marker. Bella parked on the narrow shoulder and stepped out of the truck. It was warm now and I watched as she pulled of her sweater and tied it around her waist. I did the same with mine even though I could have just left it in the truck. I didn't need it anyway. However, I did unbutton the shirt I was wearing, completely baring my arms and chest so that Bella would get the full affect of what I am.

I stared into the unbroken forest as I heard Bella approach. I glanced at her over my shoulder. The closer she came, the more I wanted her to get back in her decrepit old truck, and go back to Forks.

The closer she came the more I wanted her to follow me.

I was torn. In the end my selfishness won the argument.

"This way." I started walking towards the dark forest.

"The trail?" Panic was clear in Bella's soft voice as she hurried to catch up to me.

"I said there was a trail at the end of the road, not that we were taking it." I couldn't conceal the annoyance in my voice. Annoyed with myself for not being stronger and keeping myself away from this innocent girl.

"No trail?"

"I won't let you get lost."

I turned around to assure her that I would let no harm come to her but the expression on her face stopped the words from forming.

Bella looked terrified, like she had finally realized what she was doing. I had been expecting a similar reaction but not this soon. We weren't even in the woods yet and already she was afraid.

I should have been thankful...felt relieved that she had finally come to her senses...but I didn't. That feeling evaded me.

"Do you want to go home?" I asked, masking the hurt I felt.

"No." Bella stepped forward until she was by my side.

"What's wrong?"

The tortured expression reappeared. Damn! Why couldn't I just hear her?

"I'm not a good hiker," Bella answered. She seemed slightly...embarrassed. "You'll have to be very patient."

Patience was not one of my virtues so I could not contain my smile. She was not afraid of me. She was not repulsed by my bare stone chest and arms. She was afraid of hiking.

"I can be patient – if I make a great effort."

I looked at Bella, softening my eyes, purposely trying to make her comfortable again. She smiled weakly, still afraid. This was not a good idea. I had to do something. I could not allow her to follow me into the woods, feeling as scared as she was. Some other time. Bella was not ready.

"I'll take you home," I promised.

"If you want me to hack five miles through the jungle before sundown, you'd better start leading the way," Bella stated acidly.

I was confused, a feeling that I did not feel often. And it was unsettling.

What was this? Was she not afraid?

Bella stood staring impatiently at me. I did not understand what it was that she wanted. Finally I gave up and led the way into the forest.

Walking through the woods was just as hard for me as it was for Bella. My instinct was to run but I could not. Hiking thought the damp ferns and webs of moss with Bella was an exercise in patience.

Mostly the path was straight. Occasionally it took us over fallen trees or boulders and I'd have to help Bella maneuver over them. I did not want her falling down. Each time I touched her, I could hear her heart thud erratically. I limited these moments. It would not be good for Bella to have a heart attack in the middle of the forest.

We hiked in silence. Whenever we reached a smooth area I'd break the silence and ask a question. After all, it was still my turn. Bella did not hesitate to tell me about the birthdays she'd spent with her friends and her mother. She told me about her grade school teachers, even her childhood pets.

I laughed out loud when Bella, her face grave and serious, explained that after killing three fish in a row, she had pretty much given up on the idea of having a pet.

The hike seemed endless; walking so slow was a true testament of how much I wanted to be with this girl. The forest spread out around us like a green maze. After several hours, the forest began to waken, and lighten, as the sun finally broke through clouds.

"Are we there yet?" Bella asked, a playful scowl on her face.

"Nearly. Do you see the brightness ahead?"

Bella looked around and then glared at me. "Um...should I?"

For a brief moment I'd forgotten who I was with. "Maybe it's a bit soon for your eyes."

"Time to visit the optometrist," Bella uttered. I smirked.

We walked another hundred yards. It was then that Bella's eyes lit up with relief. She could see the lightening in the trees now. I fell back as she picked up her pace.

I watched Bella, from the edge of the meadow, still shadowed from the sunlight. The meadow, my quiet place, paled in comparison to Bella's beauty, however it was still an unbelievable place, like something from a fairy tale.

The meadow was small, perfectly round, and filled with wildflowers of all colors. A small stream nearby filled the meadow with the sound of it babbling music. The sun was directly overhead, filling the small circle with buttery sunshine. Bella was entranced by the beauty of it all. I watched as she explored the meadow, the soft grass, the swaying flowers, and the warm air. Suddenly, she stopped and turned as she had just realized that I was no longer near her. She took a step towards me but I held up my hand.

I was about to do something that I had never done before. I was breaking a rule by showing Bella my true self. The moment I stepped out of the shadow of the trees both of our lives would be changed...forever. There was no turning back after this.

I took a deep breath. It was now or never. I could not let the terror of Bella's possible disgust stop me from doing this. She had to know. I owed it to her. With slow deliberate steps, I stepped from the shadows into the bright sun.