1. Packing

Bella

College.

Who knew Edward would've convinced me.

Or at least give me no other options.

Ever since I had received that acceptance letter to Dartmouth, that's all he's been talking about…or will talk about. He refuses any topic involving me becoming immortal.

I breathe a deep sigh as I twirl my exquisite engagement ring around my finger watching Edward and Charlie pack up the Volvo to travel to Hanover, New Hampshire. The minute Edward said he would pack up the car; Charlie suddenly had the urge to stop watching the Mariners for once.

I laugh a little. Charlie's always trying to one up Edward these days. But I know it was because he wants to remind me that Edward isn't the only man in my life who loves me. And I know that. He never fully got over the shock of the engagement. These last few days in Forks he's made it very clear: no elopement. I never thought Charlie would be the sentimental type, but he wants to walk me down the aisle.

I highly doubt Alice would even let me think about it anyways. It would kill her not to be able to set up our wedding.

I shudder a bit. Wedding. Marriage. I guess I never got over the shock of the engagement either.

I look up and see Edward carry a box swiftly and casually into the trunk, as if it was a box full of pillows. He sets it down without a sound and looks up at me. His eyes sparkle and his mouth forms a smile that always makes me melt. Charlie's right behind him, his forehead beading with sweat, his breathing heavy as he brings out a box to the car.

Poor Charlie. Edward's already carrying out another box as Charlie turns around to go back into the house, panting. I better stop him before he collapses.

"Charlie, please." He looks behind him. "You're going to give yourself a heart attack if you keep this up." He waves me off.

"Nah. I'm…in…top…shape…Bella." Yeah, right.

Edward steps out again, this time carrying two of the heaviest boxes I packed with complete ease. "No need to Charlie." Edward stacks them gently on top of the rest. "That's the last of it." He gives me another dazzling smile.

I feel dizzy.

Is it possible to feel as incredibly, crazily, and immensely in love with someone as much as the very first day? With Edward and I, it feels as if that phase will never pass. My eyes travel from his golden eyes to his chiseled jaw line to his slightly defined shoulders. Down to his hard chest and strong arms. I never get used to looking at him. He's utter perfection, Greek god-like perfection. My heart races. He starts to walk towards me. My breathing intensifies. I want to take him right now, start kissing his cool lips and touch his hard muscles.

He gives me a quizzical look. I bite my lip. This is going to be one hell of a 3,100-mile trip. Thank god he can get there in half the time it usually takes. I doubt I'll last long in that confined space.

He stands in front of me and wraps his arms around my waist. "You really need to stop biting your lip like that. Is your scent not enough temptation for me?" He bends his head down and touches those perfect lips to mine. A few seconds is all I get. But I want so much more.

I blush and look back at him. I love that I'm so appealing to him, bloodlust or not. It makes me feel incredible.

Edward lets out a laugh.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Charlie. If I had kissed you in the manner I really crave to, I think he would've ran in and gotten his gun."

I roll my eyes and laugh. That's Charlie.

"He'll miss you. More than I think you know." His eyes stare into mine as he lifts his hand to stroke my cheek, ever so lightly. The touch makes me shiver.

"I know." I look down and fiddle with my ring again, hesitant to say goodbye to Charlie. "I will too. I think we've grown on each other for the past year and a half." I press my body closer to Edward, my head resting on his chest feeling his cool skin beneath his sweater. He strokes my hair and kisses my forehead.

"We better get going." He looks at me, then up to Charlie and walks over to his Volvo.

I hate goodbyes.

I shove my hands into my jean pockets and trudge over to where Charlie's standing. His hands shoved into his jean pockets as well, rocking on the balls of his feet.

"Well." He starts.

"Bye Charlie."

"Goodbye Bells."

We look at each other for a minute then I embrace his loving arms in a big bear hug. I can feel the tears welling up. I'm so going to miss Charlie.

"Be safe Bella. I'm going to miss you so much." His hand cups my head against his chest as I hold him closer, savoring every last second.

"I will Charlie. I'm going to miss you a lot, too." We break away slightly and I can see his eyes have a glassy look to them. I can feel a tear run down my cheek. I smile, "now you're going to have to learn how to cook." We laugh.

"I guess I do. Call me when you're in Chicago, okay? And tell Edward not to drive too fast." A chuckle escapes me. Yeah, right.

"Okay, Chief." He laughs. "I'll call you." I start walking back to the Volvo.

"You should be getting the rest of your boxes in a few days," Charlie calls back to me. I nod back to him and wave as I get into the passenger seat next to Edward.

Edward looks in his rear-view mirror and smirks. "If only he knew how fast I really drive." He looks at me and gives me an extremely devilish smile.

"Be careful. He's got connections in some states."

"Bella, you forgot." He points to his head. "Built in radar detector, remember?"

I laugh out loud, remembering that first ride in this car. "This is true."

I look out the window and wave out the window back one more time to Charlie. I'll definitely miss him and Forks. The rain and cold was actually growing on me. The town, the people, and the scenic surroundings would always hold a special place in my heart. It's where I've spent the last year and a half of my life growing, living, and loving. Without Forks, my life would be incomplete. I look over to Edward who's suddenly gazing into my eyes.

I blush and smile. He places his hand into mine and gently squeezes it.

"Let's go."

I'm ready for the next chapter in my life.