Disclaimer: I do not own the wonderful characters that Stephenie Meyer has created. I also wanted to let everyone know that I only wrote the Bella Point of Views, and my dear friend, "OhWowKatherine" wrote the Edward Points of Views.
Comments would be wonderful!
Bella's POV:
I couldn't stop giggling...not even if I wanted to. Edward had taken me over to his house to experiment with Jasper's new Play station console.
"I just got this totally awesome, car flipping, running from the cops, racing game." He said with a huge smile on his face. The Cullen kids--as I knew them--loved speed. Anything with cars and speed was up their ally. "It would be totally awesome if I could go this wild on the highway." Jasper said, smiling at Alice, who was sitting next to him--shaking her head. "You did, Jasper. Don't you remember? Back in Germany?" Edward laughed and eyed his brother playfully. Jasper shook his head. "This game is different. I mean--you can flip, and bang up your car, but it won't even show a dent."
It was amazing how amused Jasper could get over a game. Edward looked at me and rolled his eyes; giving me that wonderful smile that reached to the corners of his eyes.
Alice leaned on Jasper's shoulder as he passed the two game controls to Edward and I. "This is supposed to be something that you humans are supposed to enjoy...I already know that we do! Tell me how you think it plays." I had to laugh at his expense.
Edward picked his stupid, shiny Volvo--or something that looked very close to it, and I picked a black porche. This was probably the only time I would ever have something that expense, and that fast. They just don't make games with my truck included. "This is probably the only time you'll ever see me get dangerously wild while driving." Edward said, smiling at me. "Are you ready?"
I nodded, getting up on my knees--and getting my fingers ready over the small buttons. "I am so ready!" He hit the start button and race began.
My blood was pounding--hopefully not too fast--but I was pumped. I knew that I couldn't beat him--if I did, it would be a miracle. Of coarse Edward ended up being in the lead, two minutes into the race. I had run into two trees and plenty of street signs, while he smoothly stayed on course--never getting off the road. It seemed a miracle when I finally caught up with him; His Volvo-looking-car was defiantly no match for my black porche--that didn't have one dent in it to show for all the trees I had run into.
"I'm in the lead!" I screamed, racing past him--I wanted to seriously stand up and jump up and down. As I crossed the finish line, I turned to look at him with a smile.
"That is never going to ever happen again--that is something I am sure of...," I sighed. "But I finally--FINALLY--found something you're not perfect at."
Edward laughed and pulled me into his arms, and kissed me gently on the lips. Winning in a car race didn't matter so much--not when he was kissing me gently like that...and not with that wonderful, loving look in his eye.
Nope--this was something that defiantly wasn't on the Play station box.
Edward's POV:
It was Jasper's idea to invite Bella over to the house today. He felt that he needed to repent for the paper cut incident that occurred before I fled to Italy. He thought that if he sat here and played a game with her, she would feel safer around him.
"I just got this totally awesome, car flipping, running from the cops, racing game," Jasper said with a huge smile on his face. It's no secret that we all love speed. When we can't be on the road, these games are the closest that we have. Sometimes I am so glad for technological advancement. "It would be totally awesome if I could go this wild on the highway," he said, smiling at Alice.
"You did, Jasper. Don't you remember? Back in Germany?" she said, shaking her head. I laughed, remembering the ride on the Audubon we took on our visit there.
Jasper shook his head, "This game is different. I mean--you can flip, and bang up your car, but it won't even show a dent."
I can't believe how wrapped up he can get in a game. I decided to no longer focus on my brother and instead turned my gaze to Bella. I rolled my eyes and flashed her a smile, just so I could hear her heart rate go up.
Jasper threw a controller at Bella and I. "This is supposed to be something that you humans are supposed to enjoy...I already know that we do! Tell me how you think it plays," Jasper told Bella.
I took my controller and flipped through the options of cars. I chose a car close to my own. Bella chose a Porsche. I never knew she liked those cars. I should buy her one as a graduation present…
"This is probably the only time you'll ever see me get dangerously wild while driving," I told her with a smile, knowing that she thought my regular driving was wild enough, "Are you ready?"
She sat on her knees and nodded, gripping the controller tightly. "I am so ready," she said. I could hear her blood pounding. Lucky for her I had learned to control myself.
The race had barely started and I had already taken the lead. Bella is just as clumsy in the virtual world as she is in the real one. I saw she was getting upset, so I slowed down enough for her to catch up to me.
"I'm in the lead!" she yelled in excitement. When she crossed the finish line, she looked at me with a grin that took up her whole face. Then she sighed, and said, "That is never going to ever happen again--that is something I am sure of...but I finally--FINALLY--found something you're not perfect at."
If she only knew. I laughed and pulled her towards me. I kissed her ever so gently on the lips. It drove her mad when I did that. She always wanted more. That is the one good thing I have to say about being the perfect predator. She always wanted more.
I looked into her eyes. She had no clue how addicted to her I was.
Bella's POV:
Edward and I only played one last game—of coarse he ended up beating me—but my efforts were rewarded with another breathless kiss. He gave in a little more—until he had to pull away. I knew when it was too much for Edward; he would end our kisses quickly…always making me want more.
Did he know that?
Jasper came back, wanting to try another game—challenging Emmett to a race from the cops. Alice looked at me with apologetic eyes and smiled; I could only smile back at the boy's silliness.
Edward grabbed my hand and led me back into his room—onto his sofa, where we were alone. As much as I loved being surrounded by the Cullens, I loved this time with him alone the best. We sat there silently for a moment—contented perhaps. I know I was content, with his arms wrapped around me.
I looked at Edward and wondered where his mind was. Did he ever think of Victoria? Did he know my fear—my fear for him, and his family, for Charlie—and even for myself? Was he thinking about what happened back in Italy? What Alice promised to the other vampires? I wondered for a moment what he had thought of the incident that had happened only a few weeks back—with Jacob and the motorcycles; when I had last seen Jacob.
…Stupid motorcycles.
I felt Edward's hand pull through my hair gently; his amber eyes bearing into mine curiously. "What are you thinking?" He asked softly. I knew it frustrated Edward not being able to read my mind, but he could easily read my emotions.
I looked at him for a moment and shrugged. "Nothing really in particular." I lied.
I didn't want Edward to know I was reliving the last time I had seen Jacob—the pain that I had seen on his face when I walked away with Edward.
I always felt horrible for leaving the way I did—though my choices were quite limited then.
I didn't want to know sadness here in Edward's room—in his arms. I never wanted to lose him again; I knew I couldn't live through another separation from him again. I loved him…
I knew this now completely—without any doubt.
Could he see that when I looked at him?
"Have you thought anymore on our possible agreement?" He asked, glancing down at our clasped hands. It loved the feeling of his hand holding mine. I wanted to ignore his question—but I knew I couldn't brush Edward off that easily.
"No." I whispered, shaking my head. I was still afraid—I didn't want marriage to ruin my relationship with Edward. It had killed Charlie and my mom; Charlie never got over my mom—and I knew that if something ever like that happened between Edward and I—I would be just like Charlie.
He didn't reply, and didn't show any emotion on his face.
The silence was almost stifling, and I finally had had enough.
"Edward?"
"Yes?" He asked, glancing down at me with thoughtful eyes. I wondered what he was thinking now.
"I love you." I whispered—wanting him to know that I was telling the truth.
He smiled his smile—I felt a wave of relief fill me. At least Edward wasn't thinking of leaving me—was he?
"I love you too, Bella."
I knew Edward would never know—or perhaps understand—how much I needed him, and loved him, and refused—no matter what—refused to live without him. I wouldn't let Jacob Black, the other vampires, or even Victoria come between us…
I would fight for us—I would give up my human life for him, though I knew he would never allow it.
Edward's POV:
After winning the last round, Bella wanted to play another. I really wasn't in the mood, so I didn't even bother slowing down for her. I just wanted the game to be over with. She didn't look too upset with me, though. I gave her another kiss, as a consolation prize, and I let it last a little longer. Her heart skipped a beat. That's always good for the ego.
At some point, Emmett had walked in and Jasper challenged him to a game. The room was getting crowded, and since I wasn't planning on playing anymore, I took Bella's hand and led her to my room. I must admit, I am a bit possessive of her.
We sat on my couch. My arms wrapped around her and our legs intertwined. I longed to know what she was thinking. The one person who's thoughts I can't read is the one person I actually care to know what they are thinking. Lucky for me, her emotions are so easy to read.
When I asked her about what thoughts were going through her head at the timed, she replied, "Nothing really, in particular," I could tell she was lying. I'm glad my powers don't work on her, though. If they did, she would be dead by now. The Volturi would have killed her, but since she held some value, they didn't. I'm almost glad that Aro is such an imbecile.
I let my mind wander as we sat in silence, enjoying each other's company. I started to remember that immature, volatile werewolf, Jacob Black. He's going to cause some trouble, I can see it already, and I'm not even the one with the premonitions. I was perfectly aware what the "key points" of the treaty before he had the urge to remind me.
"I just needed to remind your bloodsucking friends of a few key points in the treaty they agreed to. The treaty is the only thing stopping me from ripping his throat out right this minute," he had said. I told him that we haven't forgotten, Bella asked why and Jacob said, "The treaty is quite specific. If any of the bite a human, the truce is over. Bite, not kill."
I decided that since I was thinking of the subject, and that we were alone, now would be the perfect time to bring up the proposal. "Have you thought anymore on our possible agreement?" I asked, glancing down at our clasped hands. Usually whenever I brought it up, Bella changed the subject. I wasn't going to let that happen this time.
"No," she barely whispered, as she shook her head. This girl. She is so quick to give up her mortality to be with me, but she won't marry me. She needs to get her priorities in order. "Edward?" she asked .
"Yes?" I asked, glancing down at her. Did she finally have an answer? Now I definitely wanted to know her thoughts.
"I love you," she said simply.
All I could do was smile, "I love you too, Bella." More than you'll ever know.
Edward's POV:
I stood up and stretched. I wasn't about to let this opportunity slip away. We were alone, and I wanted an answer. I looked at her. She said I dazzled her, and if I was going to get an answer, I would have to actually attempt to be dazzling. "Humor me, Bella. Why won't you marry me?" I asked in an overly sweet voice.
She hesitated and sighed. "Edward, I told you. Charlie and Renee were in love—and then they got married, and look what happened. My father has never really gotten over her," she said.
"So you're afraid of divorce?" I asked. I was wondering if she had finally realized how dangerous I was.
As I pondered she whispered, "I'm afraid of losing you." That was the reason that she hadn't given me an answer. She was afraid of losing me. She was afraid that I was going to leave her again. I thought I had made it clear that leaving her was the biggest mistake that I had ever made.
I sat back down beside her, and coaxed her, "Bella, you're not ever going to lose me again."
"Edward, you can't promise that."
"Yes I can. Bella, I don't want to bite you…I don't want to see you lose all your human features that I love. But if it's what you want—if this gets you to marry me… Bella, I'll do it," I said. I thought that I would be able to avoid changing her, but it had become apparent to me that she was going to win. She had started to cry, and then she turned away. I sighed, "Bella, don't look away."
"If I look at you, Edward—I'll cry," she said.
I couldn't help but let out a little chuckle as I wrapped her into my arms. "Marry me, Bella," I whispered into her ear. It wasn't a question anymore.
"What would we tell Charlie?"
"The truth. I asked you to marry me…and you…well, if we tell Charlie, you would have to have accepted my offer," I answered, sensing that I had won.
A few moments of silence passed, "Edward…" Bella started, "I'll marry you…because I want to be with you, not just because I want you to change me."
I was ecstatic. I pulled her into a long, passionate kiss. When it ended, Bella was gasping for air, and if it was a necessity for me to breath, I would probably be doing the same. "Bella… I love you. I'm happy you agreed," it seemed like such a simple thing to say after such a profound moment.
"Now Charlie…"
Again, I could only laugh. "You're worried about your father—but not about marrying me?"
"Oh—I'm worried about both, but I trust you, Edward."
I smiled, and said, "5, 4, 3, 2, 1 …"
"What are you counting down to?" Bella asked confused. At that exact same instant, Alice and Esme had entered the room. "Congratulations!" they said in unison.
Bella flushed, "Have you guys been eaves-dropping the whole time?" she asked.
"Technically, no…" Esme said.
Alice finished the statement for her, "It's not our fault that vampires have good ears!"
Bella's POV:
I couldn't help but laugh. To see Alice and Esme's happy faces—and then back to see Edward's. I don't think I had ever seen his face more happier than this…
"So, can we start officially making the wedding plans now, Edward?" Alice asked, winking at me and laughing.
"You started already?" I gasped. I couldn't believe how welcome I had become to this family—how much they wanted me to be apart of their family—apart of Edward's life.
"I couldn't help myself." Alice said with a wide smile. "And Esme put me up to the idea." Esme shook her head. "Oh no. Don't get me involved here." She said, shaking her hands in denial.
Edward laughed and kissed my cheek. "They just want to see us happy, Bella. Can you blame them?" I shook my head and sighed. "I guess not."
He smiled and grabbed my hand. "I suppose I should do this the right way."
"Oh man! You guys—here it is—the proposal!" Alice called out into the hallway. Edward pulled me up in front of him, and he slowly got down on his knee. I couldn't believe that Edward was doing this—in front of everyone.
Didn't he at least feel a bit awkward?
"Isabella Swan…would you do the honor of marrying me?" He asked, looking at me from under his eye lashes, and pulling a small ring from his pocket. I wanted to cry—I wanted to fall—I wanted to laugh. I didn't even know which one I wanted to do first.
I couldn't stop shaking, and I couldn't find my voice.
Was I finally in shock?
After all these months—of all the crazy things I've been through with him… He finally put me into shock.
"Is she okay?" Emmett asked, glancing inside the room from the door.
"Bella?" Edward's face had a hint of amusement on it. I saw from the corner of my eye, Carlisle flash a camera at us. This was becoming a spectacle.
I could only nod. If I couldn't speak—I'd use body language.
"Y…yes Edward." I managed, and watched as he slipped the small ring onto my finger.
"That was my mother's ring." He whispered, looking at me as he stood up—deep into my eyes. I understood the important—the symbolism of what it meant between us.
I couldn't believe that I could call myself Edward's fiancée.
"Edward?" I whispered, glancing at him. He wrapped his arm around my waist—understanding instantly that I was about to fall.
"What about Charlie?"
Edward laughed. "I ask you to marry me, and you ask, 'what about Charlie'!"
He sat me down, and brushed my hair back behind my ears. "Bella, we'll tell him together. If I have to wait until we graduate, then I'll wait."
"But you have nothing but time to wait, Edward. I don't…"
"We'll play it by ear." He whispered, kissing my neck and sighing. "Everything will work out."
And I could do nothing but believe him.
Edward's POV:
Alice and Esme were so predictable. Bella entered a fit of laughter. God, how I loved her laugh. The two of them looked at me. Then I truly realized what had just happened. Bella had agreed to marry me. A smile spread across my face, as Bella turned to look at me--as my fiancée turned to look at me.
"So, can we start officially making the wedding plans now, Edward?" Alice asked, wit a laugh. She only said it out loud for Bella's benefit.
Bella let out a gasp, "You started already?" she asked. They had started a long time ago. The moment that Alice saw our wedding day in the future she had started planning. I kept telling her that the future wasn't set in stone, and she said that this was one thing that was going to happen whether I wanted it to or not. You'd think that Bella was getting married to Alice.
"I couldn't help myself." Alice said, smiling, "And Esme put me up to the idea." Esme, of course, put her hands up and shook her head in denial. She didn't want Bella to think that we were talking about her behind her back. "Oh no. Don't get me involved here," she said.
"They just want to see us happy, Bella. Can you blame them?" I reassured her, giving her kiss on the cheek. "I guess not," was her response.
"I suppose I should do this the right way," I said, and before I knew it, I was holding Bella's hand as I was on bended knee. Bella's cheeks flushed. Just another human feature that I loved about her. Just another human feature that will soon go away…
Alice called for Carlisle, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett, "Oh man! You guys—here it is—the proposal!"
I suppose that for normal people, proposing in front of about half a dozen people might be a bit awkward, and humiliating. I was not normal, and my family had been waiting years for this moment. I held her hand, "Isabella Swan…would you do the honor of marrying me?" I pulled a ring out of my pocket, and I look up at her with my most sincere eyes.
"Is she okay?" Emmett asked. I don't think that he remembered that Rosalie was in a bit of a state of shock when he had proposed to her.
I looked back up at her, "Bella?" I asked. I heard a click and saw a flash in my peripheral vision. It was probably Esme taking pictures for the wedding album. I didn't check to see if it was her or not. At the moment that was the last thing on my to-do list.
"Y…yes Edward," she stammered, barely getting the words out. I took the ring, and slid it onto her wedding finger. "That was my mother's ring," I told her. She understood instantly what I was trying to say, but couldn't verbalize.
Bella whispered my name, "Edward?" She was about to fall, or at least looked like it. I snaked my arm around her waist. "What about Charlie?" she asked.
"I ask you to marry me, and you ask, 'What about Charlie?'" I put her down onto my couch, and pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. I can't believe her timing. She really needs to get her priorities in order. I could understand her worry, though. Charlie wasn't too fond at me after I left her earlier this school year. "Bella, we'll tell him together. If I have to wait until we graduate, then I'll wait," I promised.
"But you have nothing but time to wait, Edward. I don't…" she said. Bella was, of course, referring to the fact that I was immortal and forever seventeen, and she grew older with every passing second.