Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, or any of its characters. That honour belongs solely to Stephenie Meyer, lucky gal!

A/N: So this is my first fic posted here, and I hope you all enjoy it! This was not originally a Twilight fic, I wrote it for something else, but am tweaking it for Twilight. I would love some reviews, and any constructive criticism is appreciated! As a note, I started this story long ago, and my writing has changed for the better. I have ten completed chapters, and they will be posted regularly! Enjoy!

CHAPTER 1

*Oh God, I really needed this vacation* Edward thought, as he stepped off the train onto the platform. He stretched his legs and his back; being on a train for 18 hours definitely makes you stiff. Running a hand through his tousled bronze locks, he looked around him and noticed only a few people had gotten off the train. "Wow, I guess I really did come to the middle of nowhere," Edward muttered to himself, heading into the tiny train station. *Literally* Edward smiled as he looked at a map of where he was. No official towns close by; he was simply in Northern Ontario, forest land. Turning from the map and grabbing his suitcase, Edward headed out to the front of the tiny, old fashioned building to see if he could locate his ride. Pushing the heavy glass door Edward emerged on a faded wooden porch and his jaw dropped at the sight in front of him. Stretching out in front of him, as far as he could see was green. The trees seemed to go on forever, swallowing up the railroad tracks that cut in between them. The only thing that seemed out of place was the dirt road that ran in front of the station. Looking to the left, Edward saw a Jeep parked a little way past the station, with a middle-aged man leaning against the door, a friendly expression on his tanned face. He stepped off the porch, brushing some dust off of his dark jeans. The man from the Jeep strode forward.

"Mr. Cullen?" At Edward's nod, the man extended his hand and firmly shook Edward's. "Hey! I'm Scott; I'll be taking you up to the chalet! Let me grab your bag!" Scott leaned down and hoisted Edward's black suitcase and loaded it into the Jeep.

"Thanks," was all Edward had time to say before Scott was climbing into the driver's seat. He shook his head and smiled and climbed into the passenger's side, fastening his seatbelt.

"So Edward, what brings you all the way out to North River, and all by yourself too?" Scott asked as he put the Jeep into drive and started down the bumpy dirt road.

"Just needed a break from LA," Edward shrugged his shoulders. "I guess I wanted to go somewhere where there isn't…anybody," he let out a short, rough laugh.

"Well, this is the right spot then. Aside from you, we only have three other guests right now; a couple and their daughter. Sound like what you're looking for?" Scott turned his blonde head and glanced at Edward, before turning his attention back to the rough road.

"Sounds great," Edward murmured, staring out the window, idly gazing at the various scenes the vast forest had to offer.

Forty-five minutes later, Scott turned the vehicle into a small lane off of the road, and pulled into the parking lot of the gorgeous, chalet-style resort. Edward jumped out of the Jeep, glad to have a moment away from the over-cheerful Scott. Not that Scott was a bad guy; he had just chattered the entire drive to the chalet, oblivious to Edward's obvious grouchiness.

"Right up here Mr. Cullen," Scott said, annoyingly flashing that broad smile again. Edward bit back a comment and immediately felt guilty. So, instead, Edward smiled and followed obediently, up the wooden steps and into the log-constructed building. It looked like your typical cabin on first glance, but Edward noticed some of the details, such as the highly polished floors, the state-of-the-art entertainment system off at the far end of the room. The computer set up at the reception desk also added a modern touch.

There was a friendly-faced woman standing behind the desk, grinning broadly at Edward as he approached. Scott went behind the desk and put his arm around the short blonde's shoulders. "Edward, I'd like you to meet my wife Melinda! Melinda, honey, this is Edward Cullen," Scott smiled as Edward reached across the desk and shook Melinda's work-weathered hand.

"Nice to meet you," he smiled at her.

"Oh the pleasure's mine dear! Welcome to North River! Now, I'll just have Scott take your suitcase up to your room, and I'll get you some hot chocolate and a snack. You must be tired after the long ride today!" Melinda waved Scott up the stairs and took Edward by the arm and led him into the dining room. "Now you just sit here and I'll bring you some cookies! I made some rocky road ones today!" Melinda bustled into the kitchen, leaving Edward by himself.

He dropped his head into his hands and sighed. All he wanted was to escape to his room and get in a good night's sleep. But he couldn't let himself be rude; these kind people hadn't done anything to him. He'd just have to be patient. Sitting up as Melinda came back into the room, Edward gratefully accepted a steaming mug of hot chocolate and two cookies. Taking an appreciative sip, he immediately felt warmed and slightly more contented.

"Thank you Melinda, that's delicious," Edward spoke truthfully, and the matronly woman beamed with pleasure.

"Just let me know when you're ready to go up to your room dear, and we'll build you a fire!" Melinda hurried out of the dining room, and Edward saw her begin lighting a fire in the enormous fireplace in the sitting room. When he was finished with his drink and his cookies, Edward returned to the reception desk, where Scott found him and led him to his room.

Once he was by himself, and was warmed by the roaring fire Scott had started, Edward got himself ready for bed. His exhaustion suddenly hit him like a hammer and he could barely keep his eyes open. Crawling underneath the covers, he turned out the bedside lamp and wished that for once, he would get a decent, dreamless sleep.

Edward jolted awake the next morning in a panic. *Shit!! I'm late!* Untangling himself from the blankets, he glanced at the clock on the bedside table. Edward was alarmed to see that it was eleven a.m.! Scrambling out of the warm, comfortable bed, he pulled his jeans on and was just zipping up his rumpled hoodie when he glanced around the room and realized that he was not at his house in LA. Letting out a long, frustrated sigh, Edward flopped back onto the bed.

*First day off in months and I can't even wake up without freaking out* Edward thought sourly. He lay on the bed for awhile, thinking about work and family, and all the reasons he felt he had to get away. Close to noon hour, Edward sat up and resolved that he was going to be pleasant and enjoy his vacation, not just use it to think miserable thoughts. Standing up, Edward unzipped his hoodie and headed into the bathroom where he took a long, hot shower, which helped calm him, and he came out in a significantly better mood.

Once he was changed into clean clothes, Edward headed down the stairs to the dining room to see about getting some lunch.

"Good afternoon sleepyhead!" Melinda gave Edward a big smile as he passed the check-in desk.

In his better mood, Edward found that her perkiness didn't irritate him nearly as much as it had the day before. "Hi Melinda," he gave her a broad smile that reached his green eyes, crinkling them at the corners.

"Did you have a good sleep? If you don't mind me saying, you looked exhausted yesterday," Melinda looked at Edward with such a motherly look, that he found himself liking this kind woman even more.

"I did, thank you," Edward answered, suddenly taking in Melinda's dishevelled appearance. She appeared to have flour all over her, and her blonde hair was tied back in a short, messy ponytail. "I'm sorry, am I keeping you?"

Melinda laughed, her blue eyes twinkling. "Just making bread, I haven't got the hang of doing it without making a mess yet." Melinda ushered Edward into the dining room and told him she would go make him a sandwich on some of her fresh bread.

Eating lunch by himself, Edward found it hard to keep up his new, cheery attitude, and decided it was from being cooped up indoors for so many months. Once he was finished his sandwich, Edward went up to his room to grab his vest, and ventured outside into the chilly November air. Spying a marked hiking trail leading into the dark forest, he thought he might indulge in a relaxing walk, until he saw the sign. DO NOT HIKE ALONE. BEAR DANGER.

"Bears…that's great, just great." Edward turned around, frustrated at now being cooped up AGAIN on his vacation of all things. As he turned, he ran into someone. "I'm so sorry…" Edward started to say, readjusting his sunglasses that had nearly fallen off his face in the collision.

"Forget it. I mean, I WAS going to ask if you needed someone to walk with, but if you're going to attack me, forget it," The girl he'd run into tossed her long brown hair, but then winked. "I'm Bella, the Outdoor Activities Manager." She shook hands with Edward. "So you want to go for a hike or not?" She walked on ahead of him, tossing a water bottle to him as she passed.

"Um…yeah," Edward replied, unsure as to what the hell had just happened.