A/N- Hii, so heres another new one from me. I honestly never planned on posting this story- its been on my computer completed for ages, but I finally decided to put it on. It hasnt taken any time from me writing AHR or Unstoppable because its been completed for ages. But yeah... if people don't like it then I don't mind- I'll just take it down.

Oh and just to let you know there are only three chapters, and have the tissues ready just in case! You won't need them in this chapter but you might for the next two if you stick around!

So heres a summary- Bella's a normal college student, living with her best friend, working to get by and certainly not expecting anything to change. Her life becomes a whirlwind when she meets Edward and they soon fall in love. He has a secret though- one thats set to take him away from her... he has leukeimia and not long to live. Will he tell her the truth and will their relationship work despite everything? All Human. Canon pairings.

Anyway hope you like this... please review if you do! :D

" I tasted, tasted love so sweet,
And all of it was lost on me.
Bought and sold like property,
Sugar on my tongue…

I kept falling over,
I kept looking backward
I went broke believing,
That the simple should be hard…

All we are we are,
All we are we are…
And every day is a start of 'something beautiful…' "

~ SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL ~

~ CHAPTER ONE ~

Present day

I was certain that I was dreaming right now… what I was experiencing wasn't one of those situations where you couldn't distinguish the difference between dreams and reality- where you would end up waking up and expecting to be in the same situation you were a moment ago.

No.

I knew that this was a dream because this was the exact same dream I'd had for approximately 240 days or so. When this dream started I actually believed that it was real for a while, but quickly ended up learning that it wasn't when I continued to wake up every morning, hopeful that I would open my eyes to something beautiful… something different to what I had now.

But still, even though I knew it wasn't real, it didn't mean that I couldn't appreciate it… every single night when I saw him in my dreams.

It goes as follows… 'The woods were growing darker by the second yet I continued walking, knowing where I was heading or what I was looking for. The pathway was clear despite the darkness, and I continued to follow it knowing where it would take me.

I could hear in the distance that the birds were singing, and the waves were crashing- I could almost smell the salt in the air confirming that thought. Them things alone were enough to encourage me onwards, because I knew I was almost there.

Finally my journey ended and I was at the cliffs edge- over looking the entire bay. I walked right to the edge, and sat on top of a rock admiring how I could seem to see for miles… the water just continued to stretch forwards, fading into the skyline which was now a brilliant royal blue.

Apart from the water there was no noise but then I suddenly heard something- it sounded like a branch snapping, which made me instantly aware.

"Hello?" I called, my voice echoing, "is anyone there?"

And then out of the silence, a soft voice called for me, "Bella, where are you?!"

I gasped. It was him- I would know his beautiful voice anywhere.

I stood from the rock and look towards the forest; "I'm here…" I breathed.

And then he stepped out of the trees… and he was perfect.

His hair was windblown, his clothes were rumpled, and yet he wore the most brilliant smile, his eyes lighting up as if the entire world was right in front of him. I uncharacteristically smiled and ran to him, not even stopping when I got close enough, but instead choosing to jump right into his outstretched arms.

He laughed elatedly and spun us around a couple of times before stopping and placing me back on my feet so he could stare into my eyes.

I stared back in wonder, "you're here…" I breathed.

"I'm here." He whispered between kisses to my cheek and forehead, "You know I would never leave you right?" he murmured, burying his face into my hair.

"I know… its just you've been gone so long," I whispered, clutching onto him tighter.

"I'll always come back though, beautiful. Remember? I'm here and I'll never leave you," he whispered, lifting me up protectively into his strong warm arms…

In my dream we stayed in eachother's arms as time passed around us in a hurry. We held on through the snow, the rain, the falling leaves and the bright sunshine, constantly whispering our devotion for eachother.

And because of this dream, I always looked forward to the night- because I knew what it would bring.

However, there was a time not so long ago where I wouldn't dream at all… a time when I didn't need too…

Two years ago…

13th September 2007

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me…

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELLA!"

"So how does it feel being 22, feel old yet?"

"… Rosie, the right thing to ask Bella is 'have you fallen over yet?'"

"Emmett… do you want her to punch you in the face?"

"Bella! You have to open your present from me!!"

The loud voices from my four friends almost convinced me to cover my ears or run for cover… it was far too early for anyone to be this cheerful in my opinion.

Even if it was supposed to be a special occasion…

"BELLA!!"

"Okay, okay I'm opening it!" I told my best friend Alice with a smile. She grinned smugly and handed over a pink package to me, I quietly thanked her and began opening it, aware of everyone's eyes on me.

Everyone in the room was quiet with anticipation… they all seemed far more excited about this then me. I really had tried my best to show enthusiasm for them - simply because I loved them for the effort they had made - but I just couldn't.

Turning the ripe old age of twenty-two while surrounded by my best friend and her boyfriend and her brother along with his girlfriend only reminded me of one small thing…

I opened the rest of the present to see a brand new cell phone.

"Oh my… Alice you really didn't have to…" I gasped, instantly worrying about how much she had spent.

She smiled and moved from her seat opposite to sit beside me, "Trust me I did, its about time you started acting like you live in the 21st century… I want to be able to text you anytime I need you instead of always getting your voicemail!"

I bit my lip, hesitating, "But it must have cost so much…"

"It didn't!" she insisted, "they felt like they owed me a discount after the amount of money I've spent at the store!"

"I don't know whether to believe that, but I guess I have no choice right?" I sighed looking up at her.

She smiled smugly, "Nope, not at all!"

"In that case I love it! Thank you Ally," I told her sincerely, giving her a hug.

I truly did love Alice… she had always been my best friend. We had both grown up in the same small town of Fork's our whole lives, and despite Alice's older brother Emmett being around a lot it was pretty much always us two- we were in the same year at school and always in eachother's classes. People used to joke that we were twins because of how much we stuck together… we even used to look alike, due our similar hair and eye colour. It was always that way until I got a growth spurt at the age of eleven and Alice decided she preferred her hair much shorter... but yeah, to me she was always the 'sister-I-never-had' and always will be.

So… it really was a no brainer three years ago when we both decided to come to Seattle to go to college together, which was coincidentally where Emmett was studying.

That was when Rosalie and Jasper came into all of our lives. They were twins and the same age as Emmett- in other words a year older then Alice and me.

I had grown to love them all, but couldn't help but feel like a fifth wheel sometimes. They always adjusted their plans to keep me company and it was making me feel guilty.

Sadly, as I sat surrounded by my friends, trying to celebrate my birthday I didn't expect anything to change.

And as I watched them all together I never even dreamed of imagining that I would find someone who would sweep me off my feet, and cause the most heartache, love and strong feelings I would ever feel.

But then again… just who would have expected what was about to happen to me?!

*~*~*

I still hadn't figured out who to work the phone when I arrived at the coffee shop for work later that day.

Yes work on my birthday… unlucky for some huh?

Actually, maybe that's over exaggerating to call it unlucky… truth be told I actually didn't mind my job at all- I only worked a few days a week, and that was just to support me through college. The work itself was never that difficult… unfortunately the shop wasn't as busy as it should be, which was unlucky for the kind managers Sam and Leah… but in this situation it was good for me.

I currently had no customers waiting to be served so I continued to play with the phone trying to figure out what all the applications meant- seriously... why do these things even have internet on them? … I swear they are designed to embarrass all of us technophobes.

I was figuring out how to store peoples phone numbers when it began ringing, I jumped in surprise at the loud noise and noticed a couple of customers looking at me. I quickly pressed the green button like Alice had instructed me to, and lifted it to my ear.

"Yeah, what?" I replied lazily, taking a seat and leaning my spare elbow on the counter.

"Is that anyway to speak to your only aunt Bella?" my aunt's soft voice greeted me.

"Kate!" I gasped in surprise, thrilled to hear from her. "I'm sorry I didn't expect it to be you ringing… speaking of 'how exactly did you get my number?"

"Alice sent it to me" – of course- "I knew you were working so thought it would be nice for you to speak to someone while you are." She replied.

I smiled, and began to change the subject- "Yes it is nice…." I trailed off as the door to the cafe swung open and someone walked in.

My attention immediately diverted from my phone conversation to the gorgeous man who was now walking towards the counter where I was standing.

"So any plans with your friends?" Kate asked me cheerfully.

At that moment the mystery mans green eyes lifted up to meet my own, and I found myself speechless- "Erm… not many…" I stuttered, finding myself unable to concentrate on what I was saying.

Angela approached the counter and asked the man what he wanted to drink, causing his eyes to leave my own momentarily, which gave me the chance to gain my normal thoughts back.

"Why not?" Kate asked in confusion.

He looked up at me again, and I found that I had to turn away from him for a moment so I could finish up this conversation quick without sounding like a dumbstruck idiot.

I took a moment to think about my response, "Kate it's only my 22nd birthday… nothing special. I'm guessing they'll all drag me out for a couple of drinks or Alice will take me shopping or something." I told her, cringing at the thought of the last part.

"Okay that sounds like fun… listen darling I have to go, but I'll call you later, what time do you finish?" she asked me.

"Two," I replied automatically.

I finished the phone call with Kate and then got back to work, I felt bad for not really focusing on the conversation with her – she had been the closest thing I had to a mother for the past few years after all – but I couldn't help it. I had never been like this before… sure I had seen my fair share of attractive men, but I had never found myself speechless like this. It was just something about those green eyes…

"Bella, could you take these to table two please?" Angela asked me quietly; completely unaware of the thoughts she had just interrupted me from.

I finally got back into focus, smiling at my best work friend, taking the tray from her and to the table she said. It was then that I noticed that he was sitting at a table in the far corner- he was looking down at his coffee, and seemed completely lost in thought about something.

I decided to just focus on my job- starting with the customers who had just entered that were waiting to be served. There was no point in me falling apart just because some insanely gorgeous guy was just twenty-foot away from me…

Calm down, Bella.

And so, I set to work, secretly hoping that time would pass quickly… my birthday would be nearer to being over that way. As I worked I noted to myself that I hadn't gotten a phone call from Charlie yet… even though we didn't speak anymore he would always at least leave a message, always saying the same the three words…

'Happy birthday, Bells.'

I really miss my dad… but that's just another story for another time isn't it? Besides it's pretty much in the past…

Still, I couldn't help but stare at my phone, wondering if Alice had given him my cell number- knowing her she probably would have – which means that I could get the message any time right now.

I tried to get to my voicemail to check if I had any, but found that even more confusing- I somehow ended up mixing up the settings… heck I didn't even understand what I had done!

Just as I was about to smash the stupid phone to pieces, a soft voice spoke from beside me- "That phones not going to bite you, you know."

I jumped at the unexpected words, not even knowing that anyone was there. I whirled round to see that he was there, in the same position as before, standing on the other side of the counter… the mystery man from earlier.

And he… he was talking to me.

I wasn't expecting this, and desperately tried to act calm, even though deep down my heart was racing. "You can't be sure," I murmured, my voice shaking only slightly- "…technology's not exactly been my 'best friend' in the past."

To my surprise he laughed, "I would hate to know who your enemy was then," he muttered, before leaning over the counter slightly. "… What was it you were trying to do?" he asked curiously.

"Check my voicemail," I blushed.

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, "do you want some help?" he asked kindly.

My eyes widened slightly, "S-Sure…" I replied, still completely surprised that this was happening.

I know that if Alice or Rosalie were here that they would be cursing me for the way I was acting… but the reality of the situation was that they weren't here, they didn't know that this was happening…

It was just me... and him.

I handed the phone over to him and he smiled at me before frowning when he glanced at the screen, clearly confused as to how I got it in such a mess. He began pressing some of the buttons and fiddling with it.

It wasn't even thirty seconds later that he finished. "Here you go," he whispered, lifting it and placing it to my ear. I blushed as I felt his warm skin gently brush my jaw, and shakily took hold of the phone, while keeping it against my ear. It rung once and then there was someone telling me that I had no new messages.

I should have expected that.

I looked back at him to see that he was frowning, "Were you expecting something important?" he asked quietly.

"Erm… no…" I lied, before smiling sincerely at him- "Thank you for that though… I'm sure the phone would have been in pieces by now if you hadn't come along."

He laughed quietly, "It's no problem… I couldn't let something like that go to waste. I happen to be a lover of modern technology," he told me, a slight smirk on his face.

I rolled my eyes playfully, "Ugh, you too?"

He grinned, "Yep," he replied, before pausing, seeming to examine me... like he was trying to figure out if he knew me from anywhere. "Do you live local?" he eventually asked.

"Yeah… I live near the local college," I replied.

"Do you go there?" he asked again.

I smiled slightly at his expression- he looked so focused on everything I was saying… "Yeah… I'm in my final year," I told him.

His eyes widened in surprise, "Seriously? I graduated a year ago… its weird that I haven't seen you around before." He mused, seeming almost sad as he spoke.

Sad? No… I must be imagining that part.

Although, I was genuinely surprised too, and disappointed that I had to wait until now to meet him. "It is…" I murmured sadly, before finding an opportunity to ask him some questions- "So what do you do now?" I asked him.

At my question he seemed deep in thought, "I used to have a job at the newspaper, but had to quit recently," he frowned slightly.

I also frowned at the sight of seeing him upset, "How come…?" I asked curiously.

He shook his head, his expression still slightly sad. "It's… nothing. Personal reasons," he shrugged, before looking back up at me, the sweet smile back in place- "So… do I get the pleasure of knowing your name?"

I smiled back at him, "If I get yours in return," I teased in response.

He laughed quietly, "Okay…" he murmured, "I'm Edward Cullen… you?"

"Bella Swan," I replied in the same tone as him.

He grinned, "Well…" he replied, lifting my hand which was placed on the counter up to his lips to kiss it, "… its very nice to meet you, Bella."

I blushed at the sweet action, almost certain that what he was doing would be considered as flirting with me. I also knew that I was acting on impulse right now… this certainly wasn't the time for my shyness to take over, to make me want to cower away. It would be such a waste to turn away from this… besides the more I spoke to him, the easier it was. I felt that I didn't care so much… I just wanted to talk to him, to find out everything that I could in the time I had.

I noticed then that he was still looking at me, a smile on his face due to my expression. He squeezed my hand, which was still in his, and then leant towards me again.

"Oh and Bella…?" he whispered softly, "Happy birthday by the way."

*~*~*

After that day I honestly thought I would never see him again… I sometimes wondered if he was just a dream- someone that I had managed to conjure up in my mind.

But I knew that wasn't the case… I wasn't creative enough to make up someone like him. And so I carried on as normal- I got my message from Charlie at 11pm that same day, and then spent the next day shopping with Alice despite my hesitation. And then went on with college, trying to focus on my classes and not on daydreaming about him.

I kept telling myself to forget about it all… I truly believed I would never see those green eyes staring at me in such a tender way. And that I would never hear that soft, velvet voice speaking only to me…

And that thought was devastating. I ended up becoming even more depressed then before all of this happened… I knew that Alice suspected something was going on, but surprisingly she never said anything.

But then… just five days after my birthday… he came back.

He spent an hour sitting at the counter talking to me in between customers, the conversation ranging from what we studied at college, to childhood pets (or rather, the lack of in my case,) and what countries we would like to visit.

And then he kept coming back- every single day that I was working. And we would repeat the routine.

He quickly became a good friend, but I knew that we were definitely heading towards more then that… I was definitely attracted to him- the attraction was only intensified by our playful, flirty banter that we made everytime we talked. He kept taking me by surprise too… he would hold my hand whenever he could, rubbing his thumb over my palm and wrist, and would even occasionally kiss my cheek or forehead. And every time he did that I could literally feel my heart stutter and the heat rush to my cheeks… I was certain that he knew of the affect he had on me. He would always smile softly and then continue talking gently to me, the smile still clear in his voice.

He made me happy whenever he was around… and for once I felt like there was something truly good to go to work for, like it was actually worth getting up in the morning now. I was also excited for where we were heading… I knew that he was single and I actually anticipated the day that would he ask if I wanted to meet up outside of the café for a date.

But then… everything changed.

One day he didn't come in, and then didn't for the next few days following that… I awaited his return, assuming he was just sick or something like that.

And then, he came back. But he was different… cold even; he wasn't the Edward I knew. Gone were the smiles and light conversation, and instead with it came a miserable, lifeless expression… and no conversation anymore.

He basically ignored me and then went to sit back at the table in the far corner, staring down at his coffee as if he hated it… as if he hated everything around him.

… As if he hated me.

I held back the tears until I was around the back, completely hidden out of sight... it was only then that I allowed them to fall, stinging my cold cheeks.

He didn't want to know me anymore.

I should of known that it was going to happen, but I had gotten my hopes up somehow. I actually ended up believing that someone as incredible as him might actually consider being with someone as plain and boring as me. And that hope only made the pain feel even worse… because I had seen what life could be like if I had someone who cared for me in that way.

I had been blind… completely wrong.

At that point I didn't know the real reason behind Edward's coldness- if I had then I certainly would have reacted differently to all of this. But back in that moment I just thought that it was because he had seen how normal I was and didn't feel interested anymore.

How wrong I was…

*~*~*

"No it's my fault but I want to have it all with you.
Yeah, yeah again,
You…

I don't recommend it; it could be a bad habit,
I don't love the way you make me feel.
Just like I know you better then do,
That's the trick you play on me.

You taste so sweet and I can't wait to meet with you…
Again… you…"

*~*~*

A week passed and it was now early October- the eighth to be exact, and it was coincidentally one of my favourite months. I wrapped my coat tighter around me as I walked the through the busy Seattle streets heading to the café.

As I walked, I flicked through my songs on my I-pod and smiled when Fallout by Sofi Bonde came on. How appropriate the lyrics felt lately…

I listened to the song and leant against the counter, Edward was here again… he had been here everyday this week. And despite the pain I felt seeing him act the way he did to me I couldn't help but watch him as he always sat alone. I couldn't believe the contrast to the Edward I had gotten to know and the one I was seeing now.

Aside from the personality side, there was also how a substancial difference in the way he looked… it was upsetting. For starters he always seemed to look tired, and had purple shadows under his eyes. The green in them just didn't seem to hold their sparkle as they used to have.

I began to realise that there must have been a reason for his sudden coldness towards me- because it had affected him in every possible way. He wasn't just being cold to me, but to everything and everyone around him.

And I also began to get annoyed… how dare he suddenly cut me out without a word! … Even if he had gotten bored of me, he could have at least given me a hint instead of just acting so suddenly.

It was in that single moment that I vowed that I would find out more about him… and what was making him so sad.

Now all I had to do was gain the confidence to try.

*~*~*

It was a Friday afternoon that I finally decided that today would be the day… I wouldn't back out of this, not until I had the truth or some sort of explanation.

I knew I wouldn't rest until I did, so I finished my shift, grabbed my coat and waited… my patience paid off in the end as Edward eventually left his regular seat and walked out of the café, not looking up at anyone as he passed.

He was completely unaware that I was following him, and it wasn't until we got out on to the streets that I finally alerted him of my presence.

"Hey, Edward!" I called, causing him to stop and glance over his shoulder. I ran up to him, mustering the best glare I could in the situation- "what's with the silent treatment huh? Did I do something wrong?" I asked him, blinking some of the water from my eyes caused by the rain that was now beginning to fall.

He looked away from me, "Not now, Bella…" he sighed, his expression still cold.

"No, I want an explanation now!" I snapped, "why do you think its okay to act like a best friend one minute and then my enemy the next? I mean honestly… what in the world have I done wrong?" I asked, throwing my hands in the air out of frustration.

He looked down at me again, emotion suddenly showing across his face again. "Bella, you've done nothing wrong," he murmured, his expression sincere, "I just… I think it would be best if we weren't friends," he told me.

"Why?" I asked, still not backing down on any of this.

He shook his head, closing his eyes, "You don't want a friend like me," he murmured, his voice and expression sad.

Now that I was surprised about, I expected him to say the opposite- that he didn't want a friend like me. I was also shocked… had I ever given any indication that I didn't want to know him? I was certain that I hadn't.

"W-Why would you think that?" I stuttered, "Edward I really care about you, why do you-"

He cut me off, "Because… I'm not good for you Bella," he whispered quietly.

"What are you talking about… of course you are… you're... you!" I gasped, waving my hands at him. "You make me smile and laugh… you're…"

"Not who you think I am," he cut me off again.

I was growing desperate- now I knew part of his reasoning I desperately didn't want to lose him. "Please…" I whispered, "please don't shut me out."

As I begged his expression suddenly became heartbreaking, as if he was finally realising how much he had upset me. "Oh Bella…" he murmured, reaching down to brush some hair out of my face. "I really didn't mean to hurt you like this… god, I hate hurting you." He whispered, running his hands gently over my cheeks.

"Then stop… please just talk to me again… just…" I begged.

He shook his head, as if agonised- "It's not that I don't want to know you Bella, I really care about you too…"

"Then why are you cutting me out?" I interrupted him.

He sighed, cupping my face tighter in his hands. "I don't know," he eventually whispered, before sighing- "I mean I do… I just can't tell you yet," he groaned in frustration.

I reached up to touch one of his hands that were still on my cheek. "I can accept that really," I promised him, just desperate for this to work out. "… And whatever it is that's caused you to act like this… I don't care." I told him sincerely, "I just want you in my life somehow…"

"I do too," he murmured, his eyes suddenly widening as if he had realised something important. "Oh Bella, I'm so sorry," he gasped, before taking me by surprise and pulling me into a tight hug.

Despite my shock, I held him tightly in response, completely elated by what had happened… and by the fact that he really cared about me. I still didn't know what had really caused to cause all of this… but for now that didn't matter.

But I knew that I would find out the truth no matter what… even if it was the last thing that I did.

*~*~*

Edward invited me over to his apartment a couple of days later; it was something that surprised me, though I did make sure to not take it too seriously… I had gotten my hopes up about a date before and that fell flat. And I was certain that this time around it was going to be the same sort of thing.

When I got there I was amazed by it… clearly Edward was from a wealthy family, because the size and style of it… it seemed like the sort of place that a celebrity would live, not a just graduated college student.

I turned around to tell him how amazed I was to see a sad, almost longing expression on his face as he looked at me.

"Are you okay?" I asked worriedly, walking up to him.

He looked at me surprised, "Y-Yeah fine, sorry about that," he murmured, smiling at me- the previous expression completely gone from his face.

"Okay…" I murmured, not completely believing him but deciding to drop the subject anyway. "So what do you want to do?" I asked, hoping to distract him.

He thought for a moment and then reached out and took my hand in his, "Tell me about yourself… please," he begged me quietly.

I didn't know what was going through his mind, but knew there was no way I could say no to a question like that. I would do anything for him… anything to make him happy.

And so, we spent the afternoon next to eachother on the couch, with me telling him everything about myself, truly anything he asked… I would tell. I found myself so able to open up to him… I even told him things that no one else knew, not Alice or any of my other friends.

But as the questions he asked became even more personal, I finally decided that enough was enough- I wanted, no needed to find out more about him. "What are your parents like?" I asked him curiously.

He smiled softly as he leaned over and ran his fingers through my hair, "they're two of the kindest people I know," he admitted.

"Really?" I whispered softly, smiling at him.

He nodded, "I've always been close to them, especially with being an only child and all…" he paused for a moment, "I looked up to them as a child, and still do… my father Carlisle's a doctor and I always admired him for that."

I nodded, "So you keep in close contact with them?" I asked him.

"Yeah, I do," he replied quietly, glancing out of the window, seemingly deep in thought.

I sighed, resting my head on his shoulder, "that must be really nice," I whispered quietly.

"Hmm, it is," he replied softly, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "What are yours like?"

I sighed, berating myself for not realising that asking him a question about his parents would end up directed back at me. I hadn't really thought about what had happened in a long time…

"I wouldn't really know," I murmured, leaning away from him slightly. "… I haven't seen either of them in years."

"How come?" he asked, rubbing my back softly.

I sighed, preparing how I was going to word the story. I hoped that being honest with Edward would lead to him being honest back with me… so I could find out what was upsetting him so much.

And so I closed my eyes, "I loved my parents, I knew that we weren't the picture perfect family… but it didn't matter," I began explaining, "But when I turned fifteen it all changed. My mom fell ill and got diagnosed with cancer… breast cancer." I paused, remembering everything so clearly in my head… how she began to fade away in front of me, the pain she went through. I felt Edward hold me to him tighter and his lips press against my hair.

And that was all the encouragement I needed, so I continued- "She died when I was seventeen, during the summer between my junior and senior year. My dad Charlie and I didn't really cope well… actually that's an understatement. For a while it's like we barely survived… especially my dad." I paused again to wipe away the tears only for Edward to do it for me, his thumbs gently brushing my cheeks.

"I spent my whole senior year taking care of him, making sure he wouldn't go down the same route as my mom, but it got really hard. We began arguing all the time… especially when I told him that I wanted to go to college after all, because it was what Renee wanted for me. He seemed to think that it was my way of forgetting her… he hated that I was leaving him too. I actually felt so guilty for it… but something told me to come here anyway. I thought he would get better… only…" I trailed off.

"Only what Bella?" Edward whispered holding me to him, "Its okay," he soothed me.

I shook my head; "It's not though… I haven't seen him since I left that September over three years ago, we haven't spoken in over a year… things just got worse, and soon I couldn't find it in me to call him… it just hurt so much to hear the pain in his voice." I shuddered as I remembered it all.

"It's funny… I never thought when I was younger that I would miss him this much you know? Its almost as bad as when my mom died… but I don't see us ever solving this… its too far gone now." I sighed, finishing my story.

"It's never too late," Edward whispered, kissing my hair. "You're so brave you know… for everything you went through and for being so strong now, it's amazing." He whispered sweetly.

I shook my head against his chest; "It's hardly amazing…" I trailed off.

"It is," he argued back.

It was silent for a while and then we eventually went back into light conversation, though it seemed like Edward was deep in thought again. I considered asking him for the truth right then but then decided against it… I knew that we'd had enough sadness for today.

So I began telling him about some of my clumsier moments, and the horrors of shopping with Alice, which definitely worked on making him happier.

"So she actually dragged you by the hair?!" he laughed as I recalled the events following my birthday.

I laughed along with him, "Yeah… I swear that girl is insane when it comes to shopping, but me? I hate it," I told him with a smile.

He shook his head; "I've never met a girl who hates shopping before," he murmured.

"Until now," I cut in.

"Yeah… until now," he paused, taking a deep breath as he lifted a hand to my cheek again. His expression and voice were thoughtful as he spoke- "it seems so unfair, why did I have to wait so long to meet someone like you?"

I smiled at him though my heart was racing- when did our newly returned friendship get so intense again?

I knew I had to reassure him that I was thinking similar thoughts to his. "Well you know me now," I eventually murmured, staring into his eyes as I spoke. "And I'm not going anywhere… I'll never leave you."

*~*~*

And things continued to progress from there- he came to the café to visit me everyday, and then most afternoons following that we would end up at his apartment or having lunch somewhere. We spent all the time talking, getting to know eachother, and it was for lack of a better term… perfect.

And as the weeks passed I forgot about Edward's secret… because it didn't seem like there was one at all. He was the happiest I had ever known him as, and even though he still looked pale and tired I assumed that he was okay.

Today was the last day in October, we had now spent three weeks in our routine until Edward told me that today he wanted to take me somewhere different.

I knew that what happened today would be the turning point in our relationship… I would finally find out how he really felt about me. Because even though I had always told myself to be careful, and not to fall in love too easily… it had happened without me even realising it.

I loved Edward… and today I was going to tell him.

Alice and Rosalie realising that something was different with me lately and guessed it was down to a guy. I had no choice but to explain and even though I didn't tell them all the details about Edward and me I did give the general idea. Needless to say they were both very excited and encouraged me to just go for it, I 'only have one life and need to live' was what I think they had said.

And so… I was taking their advice. After all I had spent so long alone, thinking that I would never find anyone so now that I actually did… I had to take a risk and find out how he felt.

… Now I just hoped that he felt the same.

*~*~*

Edward held my glove-covered hand tightly in his own as he pulled me gently through the trees, leading us towards this hidden destination he had for us.

He kept talking softly, his voice tender- "I've never shown this place to anyone… this is where I always come to think, or to just be by myself."

"But now you're sharing it with me?" I asked him quietly.

He looked back at me with a soft smile on his face, "Yeah, theres no one else I would want to share it with after all," he replied, squeezing my hand gently.

I smiled to myself, secretly feeling more optimistic then before. We continued to walk further into the forest and I gradually became afraid that we would get lose where we were… until I noticed that we were following a flattened, marked out trail.

I sighed in relief, squeezing Edward's hand- really, I should have known that he wouldn't get us lost, he knew exactly where we were going. But I couldn't help but be a little nervous… it was in my nature.

It was currently the middle of the day but the forest was so thick that not much light made it through, but as the birds sung up in the trees and I clutched onto Edward tighter I knew that there was nowhere I would rather be.

He in return, pulled me closer to his side to whisper in my ear. "Do you hear that?" he murmured, "… the waves? Can you smell the salt in the air?"

I closed my eyes and allowed my senses to take over and he was right of course, I grinned even wider and picked up my pace now having a good idea of where we are heading.

"Yeah… I can," I whispered.

We continued to pick up the pace until before my eyes the forest began to get lighter and then a flash of blue caught my eye. Edward pulled me gently through the rest of the trees for me to finally reveal that we were on a cliff's edge, overlooking an incredible, vast stretch of ocean.

Everything around me was a brilliant blue… the sky, the water… it was beautiful. I closed my eyes, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the wind whip around my face.

I felt Edward step up behind me. "What do you think?" he whispered in my ear.

I turned to face him, an excited smile on my face. "I think its incredible… thank you," I told him gently. "Thank you for sharing this with me."

He smiled at me, brushing several strands of hair out of my face. "You're welcome," he murmured, before that thoughtful expression returned to his face.

He suddenly looked past me, his attention on the beautiful water behind us. "I never planned for this to happen…" he whispered, "I've spent so long living alone with no one in my life but my parents and that's always seemed like enough for me. But you know what? It's not…" he paused for a moment, reaching to grab my hand.

"… Because ever since I met you I finally feel like my life has meaning, and even though I've tried to fight it, hell I even made the mistake of trying to cut you out of my life at one point! But I can't hold it back anymore, I bought you here today to tell you something…" he paused again, looking into my eyes before taking the leap of faith.

Was he going to say what I thought…?

He smiled sweetly at me; "I love you, Bella… I'm sorry that I'm not better for you and can't tell you the truth yet, but its honestly how I feel," he placed his hand on my cheek. "I'm so in love with you."

Oh… wow.

I was speechless, but knew I had say something… anything. "I-I never thought I would hear you say that," I whispered, tears beginning to run down my cheeks. I had been anticipating this moment for so long, "I love you too, Edward. So, so much…"

I was cut off by his lips suddenly crashing into mine, I was completely frozen from shock for a moment before responding eagerly, still not believing that this was actually happening.

If this is a dream… please don't ever wake me up.

I lifted my arms and wrapped them around his neck while his went to my waist holding me against him. The kiss was soft and sweet but then turned into something more as he deepened it.

Oh right… definitely not a dream.

"I love you," he whispered against my lips.

I laughed out of sheer joy, as he began kissing down my cheek to my jaw. "I love you too," I replied.

He lifted me up into his arms, spinning us round a couple of times before we resumed the kiss, smiling the entire time. We both repeatedly whispered how we loved each other, seeming like we couldn't actually believe this was happening.

I know that I couldn't… this day had gone even better then I could have hoped, it was perfect- finally I had someone who loved me. And he just happened to be the most amazing, beautiful, kind man I had ever known.

I was the happiest I had ever been, and Edward was too… but little did I know just how much his secret was about to affect him and me too.

And it was set to tear us apart, in the most devastating, heartbreaking way…

To be continued..

Let me know what you think! Next chapter will be up really soon if people like it!

Thanks for reading! Emma.x