Chapter 2 By: Becky/ Cathy

Bella's POV

I awoke with a start and sat bolt up right in my bed. It was only a dream Bella, get a grip! I told myself. Even still, that did not help to calm my nerves or fears about the upcoming battle, nor did Edward's constant reassurance that everything would be absolutely fine.

I reached over in the darkness to touch him. "Edward?" Instead of finding him laying in my bed, I found a piece of paper. I turned on my lamp to read.

Bella my love,

I hope you don't find this before I've returned, but just in case...I've gone hunting with Carlisle and Jasper. I won't be gone long. Until then...please look after my heart, I've left it with you.

Forever,
Edward

I sighed and laid back against the pillows. Looking over at the bedside clock, 3:40am. I still could not shake this overwhelming fear that these next few days may very well be the last moments I have with Edward...and Alice, all of the Cullens. MY FAMILY. The thought of losing any of them was too much to bare. Tears welled up in my eyes and slowly began streaming down my face as I thought about the last time I believed I had lost Edward forever. I could not and would not live through that kind of pain again.

I jumped as Edward climbed back through the window causing me to break out of the mental nightmare I was reliving.

"Bella love, what's wrong? Why are you crying? He laid down next to me pulling me into his arms holding me tight against his chest.

"I'm fine Edward, I was having a bad dream about the fight then you weren't here when I woke up. I just got scared thinking about losing you...again."

He kissed the top of my head and wrapped his arms tighter around me. "Bella." he murmered lifting my face up to look at him. "You can never fully understands the depths of hate I have for myself for putting you through that kind of pain. I will never be able to forgive myself for it. I will not let you go through that again. It's my job to make sure that from here on out no matter what happens, that you are the happiest woman alive."

I leaned forward and kissed him. "Edward, please?"

He had a confused expression on his face. "Please what love?"

"Don't change me, take me to Darthmouth, buy me a new car, hell buy me the Taj Mahal! Just please don't fight, give me whatever you want just DON'T FIGHT, or else....let me fight with you. As long as I'm by your side for whatever we face, then I can survive."

He pressed his forhead against mine. "How can you do this to me? Everything I've wanted to give you for so long and this is what you ask for in return. I have to do this Bella, I have to protect you and do whatever I'm capable of to protect my family as well. There is nothing that is going to change my mind about that. As for you being there with me...NO."

I could clearly see that I wasn't going to make him budge an inch on this. I had to come up with a gameplan of my own. If Edward wouldn't be rational and compromise, then neither would I. GAME ON.