DISCLAIMER: I own nothing.

A/N: This is my first story for the Twilight fandom and came to me on a whim, during a very boring class.

----

I walked as fast as I could, being careful not to trip over any roots or crunch too hard into the leaves beneath my feet. Surrounding me was forest, everywhere I looked, all I saw was green. I knew that they would have noticed I was gone by now. I had to hurry, otherwise they'd be sure to catch up to me. As scared as I was, I knew that they would not hurt me.

So why was I running? Even I was not exactly sure.

My hair was beginning to fall out of the elaborate up-do that Alice had coaxed it into. I tore at the curls, shaking them down onto my bare shoulders. I took a moment to stare down at the dress I was wearing. It was an angelic confection of pure white tulle, with a beaded bodice and huge elegantly skirt, worthy of a princess out of an ancient fairy tale. I'd kicked off the heels I'd been wearing long ago and was now regretting it. Running in stockings was definitely taking a toll on my feet.

After ten minutes of off and on running and walking, I paused to catch my breath. Leaning against an oak tree, I took a deep breath in. It was now beginning to rain. Just what I needed. Typical Forks, it just had to make things worse.

I pushed myself deeper into the tree, trying to shield myself from the shower.

I gasped; spotting what I was sure was a glimpse of rust red fur, which stood out brilliantly against the foliage.

"Bella."

I nearly screamed, feeling someone clap a hand over my mouth to stifle my cry.

The hand was warm. I breathed in the familiar scent. It was Jacob.

"Bella," he said again, pulling his hand away.

"Jacob! What are you doing here?"

"I should ask you the same question. Nice dress." He sniggered when he spoke.

"Leave me alone." I snarled, stepping out into the rain.

"Where are you going?"

I felt tears begin to fall, although I had no idea why. "Jacob, please." I begged him.

"You didn't marry the bloodsucker?"

"What do you think?" I asked, gesturing at my appearance, but not really meaning him to answer.

Jacob and I walked in silence all the way to Charlie's.

"Were you missing these?" Jacob asked when we arrived, just a few feet from the door. He was holding out my heels and the ring Edward had given me, both of which I'd dropped very early on.

I snatched them and ran up to the house, leaving him behind.

When I finally got inside, Charlie was, thankfully, asleep on the couch which allowed me to sneak swiftly up to my room undetected.

As soon as I shut my door, I threw off the dress and tossed the heels and ring to the ground. I showered quickly and when I came out, something was off. The dress was lying neatly on my bed, the ring beside it and the heels placed directly under it in a nice pair.

"Where were you planning to go?"

I jumped. I hadn't expected to hear his voice. Not this soon.

I could feel him coming closer. His breath tickled my neck as he wrapped his arms around my waist, pressing his transcendent body into mine. "Isabella Swan…"

I pulled away and turned to face him. "Edward, I'm sorry."

"Don't-" he began.

I interrupted, struggling to remember. "Edward, I'm sorry." I said again. "I can't do this. Be with you, I mean…you're- we're too different." I bit my lip, trying my hardest not to cry.

His beautiful face showed no sign of how he was feeling and when he spoke, his angelic voice remained inhumanly calm. "I understand."

No. This was not supposed to happen. He wasn't supposed to 'understand'. He was supposed to get angry and yell, yet he remained as calm as ever. He needed a push? I'd give him one.

"I'm - you're just - you were right, you're too dangerous. And- I can't just stay this age forever. I need to be able to move on and I-" I paused and took a deep breath.

Edward just looked at me, his topaz eyes, I could see, were searching for some sort of an explanation. I knew him too well; I could tell he wanted something more.

"I'm in love with Jacob." I admitted, hardly daring to believe that the words had been able to escape so cleanly. I bit my lip to keep from crying as I continued. "I can't marry you. I'm in love with him."

Edward sighed and took a step over to me. "Bella," he reached out gracefully and touched my cheek with a cold hand. "I would never make you do something that you did not want to. I want you to be happy, and if this is how you truly feel…" his voice trailed off as he let his hand drop.

"It is." I said forcefully.

"-then I won't stop you. But know this Bella, I will always love you. I will always be there for you- no matter who your heart desires. My heart will always belong to you. Always."

I blinked and he was gone.

A/N: It's not over…or is it? You decide! Constructive criticism only please.