Twilight

1. COLLEGE

The wind blew against my face, a harsh sting that bit against my nose, ears and eyelids. I exhaled heavily. Frustrated with myself, I started to walk faster; the wind now biting at my legs through the flimsy material of my old jeans. Edward had said that I was a magnet for danger - what good would it do to be walking alone at night, unprotected? Not that Forks was a dangerous city; in fact, it might do this secluded place some good if there was a little danger now and then.

Forcing my eyes shut, my mind drifted to last night.

"Bella, college would be the last, and probably the best, human memory that you'll have. Why would you want to pass that up?" Edward said softly, calmly as always.

"You were changed before you could experience college...how would you know?" I said quietly and carefully, not intending to hurt his feelings. I knew that the subject of his changing touchy.

Edward let out a wary sigh. He hesitated. "I know, but every normal human you meet says college was the best time of their life,"

"You promised me after graduation," I probed, hoping he would feel guilty and give in.

Immediately I took back what I hoped, realizing that I would never want to hurt Edward. An image of what Jane did to him in Italy came to mind, and I cringed.

He sighed for the second time that night. I curled my fingers more securely over his hand, an unconcious gesture.

Another burst of cold wind blew my thoughts back into reality. I realized I was halfway down the Cullen's long, winding driveway. The wall of green greeted me from either side of the drive, and I could just barely see the clearing that was the Cullen's front lawn. I knew what was waiting for me at the huge mansion that was their home. College buzz. Of course, he would go with me wherever I went, which was slightly comforting. The University of Southern Alaska was up for grabs, and was within reach of my microscopic college fund. However, a few months ago, when Edward was forcing me to apply to colleges, Dartmouth was among them. A few weeks ago, I got an acceptance letter back. I was in shock. Of course, the tuition was not in my budget, but it was in Edward's. I refused to let him pay for anything. Even for holidays and birthdays, I only reluctantly took his gifts, which he says he never buys with money.

Just as I was walking up the brick path to the front door, a faint, yellow light flipped on. Shit. I didn't want him to know I was there until I knocked on the door. Edward would be furious that I walked the five miles to get to his house - but I had to. He wouldn't have come over tonight. He always says that I need at least a day to myself - he doesn't realize that a day to myself would be useless, as it would be spent wishing I was with him.

"Bella," I heard him hiss. "What are you doing here?" even in annoyance, his voice resembled an angels: he spoke each word with perfect diction. Every time I saw him, it was like it was the first time. I was amazed everyday at how beautiful he was...and amazed at what I, an average human, looked like next to him. Each time I thought this, I felt ashamed and guilty, as Edward always said that "beautiful" was a complete and utter understatement to describe me.

"I came to see you," I said back, loudly; ignoring his obvious hope to keep things quiet. He put a finger to his perfectly carved lips, lips that looked as if they were carved of marble, a masterpiece...

I neared the two steps that he was standing on. "I missed you," he said softly, all anger lost in his voice.

His hard, icy arms embraced me, pulling me into his chest. I sighed in content at the familiarity. I looked up into his butterscotch orbs as his face neared mine, his eyes boring into mine for what seemed like a minutes. He brought his face closer to mine; his lips, cold as ice, brushed against mine. Seconds past, and his lips starting to move with mine. I could taste his sweet breath, and I sighed into the kiss. His hands moved from the small of my back to the back of my head, curling around my hair, bringing my face closer to his, making the kiss deeper. I could hear the low rumble of a growl deep in his chest, his lips slightly parting. I couldn't help my whimpering as he abruptly ended the kiss; pulling away from me. "Bella," he murmured, his voice husky.

I sighed. "I see you haven't changed your mind,"

"It's for your own good...I wouldn't be able to control myself, Bella, it's..." he stopped his own sentence, his eyes meeting mine. "I'm sorry,"

"It's...fine," I hesitated. "Is Alice home?"

"No...they're all out hunting," he said reluctantly, his face unreadable; his eyes watching mine.

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "Oh? And why didn't you join them?" I asked.

"Wasn't hungry," he said immediately, turning for the door. In a flash, the door was wide open. "Come in, come in, m'lady," he urged.

Once inside, I took in the beautiful house once more. I had only been inside the Cullen's home a few times. The warm colors, the piano, the huge glass wall, and the shiny hardwood floors; it was all so inviting.

"Okay," I said, turning on my heel. "Really,why didn't you go with them?"

Edward chuckled. "What? Are you disappointed that I didn't?" He raised his eyebrows now. Though his were perfectly sculpted.

I snorted. "Hardly,"

"Seriously, I wasn't hungry...I actually went hunting last night," he said, taking a seat on the huge, comfortable looking couch. He eyed the seat next to him. Of course, I sat next to him. His arms immediately engulfed me, pulling me onto his lap. He cupped my face in his hands, and I was forced to look at him. His eyes, playful, met mine.

"So why exactly did you come to see me?" he asked humorously.

I blushed, looking down, breaking the strong gaze. "I missed you," I said with more confidence in my voice than I expected.

"But today is Bella day," he said. I couldn't help but laugh to myself at how childish "Bella day" sounded.

"Bella day is useless to me, you know that," I said, my voice thick with annoyance, as if I was scolding a child for the seventeenth time that day.

He sighed. "I wish it wasn't...normal humans need some time to themselves," his eyes seemed distant.

"And since when was I considered normal?" I teased. "Besides, I won't be human for long."

His eyes narrowed. His eyes scorched beneath his eyelashes, burning into mine. "You know I don't like that idea, Bella..." he breathed.

"Ugh," I said, rearranging myself on his lap. "I don't want to talk about it right now."

He chuckled. At least he thought my frustration was amusing.

"What did you plan on doing with me at two in the morning?" he asked, humor in his voice.

I tried to suppress a smile. "A lot of things," I said, blushing up at him. A flicker of emotions played on his face. Confusion, realization and then dissaproval.

"Bella," he started.

"I know, I know..." I sighed.

We had made a promise. We wouldn't make love until after we got married. I tried not to flinch at the word. It only seemed fair that he give me what I want in turn for what he wanted. I felt bad, though. It wasn't as if marriage was hell, it was supposed to be a very happy event. I wasn't lying to myself, though. I couldn't picture myself with anybody but Edward. The only thought that made me cringe was getting married so early.I was only 18, Edward was 17...and he had been for a long time. We both knew his real age, though. I still couldn't believe that I was engaged.

"Besidesthat?" he broke my concentration.

"Whatever you want, I guess," I said quitely. "have any ideas?"

"Hmm," he looked deep in thought. "Baseball is out of the question, right?" He smirked. I slapped his arm.

"That would be a bad idea...no family or thunderstorms to play with," I laughed.

"Speaking of no family," he said introduction-ally. "we're alone. Imagine the horizons."

"I would be dreaming if you changed your mind about our promise," I said, immediately blushed at my own words. I couldn't believe how desperate I sounded; and dare I say it, slutty.

His hands brushed against my cheek. "Not exactly,"

My mind raced to a thousand questions after the words escaped his lips.

He noticed my deep concentration, chuckled, and hitched my legs against his hips; standing up.

My mind clicked. We were going for a ride.

It was as if we were flying as he raced up the stairs, until he abruptly stopped. My eyes took a few seconds to adjust, finally revealing his dark room. The leather couch, the new golden bed, millions of CDs, and the glass wall came into view.

"I'm not tired, Edward!" I complained.

He raised his eyebrows. "Who said you were sleeping?"

My heart fluttered. "What, then? I breathed.

He chuckled. "Would you like to dance?"

I rolled my eyes. "You might as well ask me for my death wish."

He smiled. "Come on, you might like it,"

"I've tried it before, and I can tell you whole heartedly that I do not like it," I said stubbornly.

"What if it's classical?" he proposed.

I crossed my arms. "Only if you make me."

"Okay, then," he smiled. He took a step toward me, taking both my hands with his.

I scowled. He smiled.

"It'll be fine," he whispered.

I noticed then that my lullaby was playing in the background. A smile played on my lips, and I suddenly wasn't as reluctant to the idea of dancing.

We started swaying to the music, our feet barely moving from one place.

After a few minutes, Edward said, "It's not so bad, is it?"

"No," I whispered; though I would never tell him that I actually enjoyed it. I layed my head on his shoulder, and I could practically see the huge smile he must've had on his face, one that I shared with him.