He walked toward me, all paleness and perfection. Charlie knew what I wanted to do, and he wasn't happy. But I needed time and space. Edward is the only thing ever on my mind. And my time as a human is short, because our wedding is in four months. So I need to do this now.

"Edward."

He said nothing. Instead, he ran a cool hand along my jaw and through my hair. I closed my eyes to the touch, relishing it. And all too soon it was over. He smiled at me, and took my mouth instead. Again, the kiss was more cautious that I'd like. If he'd known that it would be the last for some time, the edge would have been there, ferocity and longing. But my mind was safe from him, and he knew nothing. I was glad that Charlie was still at the station, because his mind was sure to be screaming.

"Bella."

" I need to tell you something."

He smiled, suspecting nothing, and sat on the porch, pulling me into his lap. I just needed to clear my head, was that so wrong? I won't always be a weak and dependent human, I know, but my mind is so clouded with him that I need to walk away for awhile.

"Edward, I'm leaving."

"What?"

"I'm going to travel for awhile. I don't know where. And I have to do this, to go by myself."

"Bella, what about the wedding?"

"I can plan it through letters to you, and Alice will want to take care of everything anyway."

"Is there still going to be a wedding, Bella?"

"Edward, I still want to marry you. I just need to think for awhile, to be on my own. I've realized that you're right- I need human experiences. I need to travel, by myself, and see the world while my eyes are still untrained and imperfect. I have to do it."

"What did I do?"

And now I was near tears. "Edward, you didn't do anything! But you're perfect, and I know it. I want to be with you, but I have to do this by myself. When I'm with you, you're all I can think about, and when you're gone, you are all I want to think about. But I need to try this on my own. How can I let you change me when I'm so unsure of myself. You are the only certain thing. But I doubt myself."

"Let me come with you. Bella, you attract trouble. Why not let me come with you and protect you? We don't have to stay together, if you prefer. But let me be near you to keep you safe."

"Edward, I can't do that. And I don't want you to follow me when I go. I won't take one of your siblings. This is something I need to do by myself."

"I won't let you. I need you here."

So I'd have to hurt him, then. "Edward, you left me once. I survived. I wasn't whole, but I survived, and that's more than I expected. I have to leave now. I never had a choice about you leaving, and you don't either. I'm not asking permission, Edward. But I'll give you more than you gave me- I'm coming back. I'll be back before the wedding. I'll only be gone three months."

If he had tears, he'd be crying. "Bella! Please, don't do this…"

"I have to, Edward. I love you with all that I have in me. And I'll be back. I won't think of anyone but you while I'm gone, and I'll be missing you."

"Then don't go!"

" I need to."

"Please." But he saw the answer in my eyes. " Then do one thing for me. I won't ask you not to go, but do this one thing. Take my phone with you. I want to talk to you, or text message you, but I need to know that you're okay."

"Okay. But, Edward, you can't follow me, or track me. You just have to let me do what I have to. Please."

If you could see heartbreak on someone's face, it would have been etched into his. "Only three months?"

"I'll be back three months from today. My plane leaves in two hours."

"Can I bring you to the airport?"

"Edward, that isn't a good idea. Charlie-"

"Please, Bella." He smoldered at me. " I drive faster than your father, let me take you."

"Okay. Let me get my bags."

But he disappeared and was back with them within moments.

"Please, Bella-"

"Edward, I love you, but I have to go."

In silence, he grabbed my hand and we walked toward the Volvo.