I do not own The Twilight Saga and its characters!

In this story, the odds are stacked against Edward and Bella. They must prove to each other and to themselves that their love is real and true by fighting for it.

This story is based on the lyrics of the famous song "Love Story."

Remember: This chapter is in the present time.

Enjoy!

LOVE STORY: CHAPTER 1

I stood alone at the very intersection of the pristine beach and the glistening ocean, silently watching. There is warm water serenely lapping at my bare feet. The moonlight is shining upon me - making me seem paler than my usual pallid color; upon the blue-gray ocean and upon the two figures in the water who were seemingly dancing out of beat to a muted song. The peaceful night is only broken by the sound of the constant lapping waves of the vast ocean and the occasional splashes, shouts and laughter made by the plays of my two heaven-sent angels.

As I gaze peacefully at the miracle that I still couldn't believe actually happened to me, I felt truly at peace. I felt that life and fate has been good to me; that it has rewarded me. I felt and believed that at this point, in this moment of my solitary musings, my life is as perfect as it can be. I knew that I couldn't ask for more because I have everything I ever wanted in my life. I even have more than what I asked and expected. I am content, in its true aspect. And I am at my happiest.

The insurgence of these thoughts brought me back in time – a few long years ago. The musings and internal meditation of my soul brought me back to that time when I was both the most happy and at the same time, the most wretched, hopeless and dejected that I have ever been.

I have always tried to block those particular painful memories and unpleasant thoughts from my mind. They always left a bad taste in my mouth. It always puts into my mind the things, the people and the experiences I could've lost forever. It reminded me of how close I really was to losing one of the best things that has ever happened in my life back then. And somehow, those memories and those bitter feelings always make me want to ball up and cry – as if I were still living in that part of my life; as if I was renewing that situation.

Isabella Marie Swan – Cullen. As a particularly quiet and average girl, I have always been unfortunately weak. I have always let people get their way. I seem to have been hay wired to always say yes; I can't seem to deny people what they ask and what they want. I have always kept myself in the background of all things, never wanting to be the ultimate center of the people's attention. I have always lived in the shadows, but that's where I have always wanted to be – then and even now. I found contentment in being alone most of the time. I only had my books to occupy my spacious time and to entertain my perfectly dull and dreary days. Not totally accepted in the everyday stereotypes of the people around me, I have found contentment and acceptance within myself – this is me and this is who I want to be.

I am not always by myself, though. I have my friends. Some were the true friends who have always been with me through thick and thin while some were the occasional people who only sought passing company. But I was never really able to open up myself to even the closest friends and family in my life – only one. I never let myself be too exposed to their eyes. I kept them distanced from the more sensitive and private parts of my life which I do not want them to know. I have always kept my guard up. Without it, I felt exposed and strangely vulnerable.

My life changed drastically when I met the one person who would be my ultimate undoing. He changed everything I resolutely believed in and stood for. He brought the first tint of color to my black-and-white life. He was the one to teach me to let go of all my inhibitions and just let everything flow. He was the very first to know everything about me; all the things I have kept locked up and unsaid. He burrowed into the deepest workings of my being and without knowing it, I allowed him to be the person who would be the one to open my locked up and untouched heart. He brought my dying heart and spirit to life. He gave me the reason to always keep the smile plastered on my face. He became my protector and partner. He gave me my life back – something I did not know I was losing already before he came to me. He is my savior and my one true love, forever.

Edward Anthony Cullen gave me the ultimate reason to be happy. He gave me himself and so much more. And he did not even expect anything in return. He gave me the things I needed: care, happiness, protection and most importantly, he gave me his love.

I let my eyes close and I feel the temperate breeze of the ocean winds blow my dress around my body. I allow my body to gradually unwind and I permit the memories to come flooding back into my mind. Right now, I have no more reservations. I will not let the past ruin the perfection of the present. Besides, I know and I resolutely believe that I will never again feel the dejection and pain I once felt.

I went back to the time when I was young, reserved and still embarrassingly awkward.