Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, New Moon, or any of Stephenie Meyer's characters. Please don't sue me.

Okay, I'm pretty sure that Bella will choose to take Edward up on his marriage offer in Eclipse, so I'll leave any ideas I have for that for Ms. Meyers to write so that I do not poison her wondrous ideas with my sloppy own. Therefore, I'm not going to take that approach with this story.

Hey, ya'll, I'm back! It is summer and I am ready to write. Woot! Sorry it's taken so long. End-of-the-year projects to teaching Vacation Bible School to vacationing with my overeager parents, I haven't even gotten the chapter I wanted to get out for my other story. Suck. But here you go, chapter deux!

Chapter Two

Something was not right.

For one thing, Edward wasn't by my side when I awoke, much to my disappointment. Normally, he'd be sitting there in my chair, waiting for me to wake up. Today though, when I shot up, he was gone, not a note or anything.

Secondly, when I called his phone, it went straight to the answering machine. By now, I was having a slight panic attack, wondering frantically if he decided to leave me before I was changed. I tried Alice's phone then, and much to my relief, she picked up and assured me that Edward hadn't abandoned me. There was a slight sense of apprehension in her voice, though, and I didn't like it.

Third, he didn't pick me up for graduation, Alice did. He wasn't there among the sea of excited seniors, along with Emmett.. Only Rosalie and Esme were looking up at Jasper, Alice, and I on the stage.

Which brings me to now.

"Jasper Hale." The principal announced. The vampire loped across the stage, his grace and ease jealousy inducing, and took his diploma with a shake of the principal's hand. I wondered idly about how many diplomas he had received before.

Standing on my toes, I looked out at the crowd, straining to see over the mass of other students. My eyes landed on my soon-to-be mother and sister-in-law. They seemed calm enough, if you didn't know the Cullens well, but I could see Rosalie's lips moving soundlessly and quick, and Esme's hands writhing in her lap.

The small crowd of seniors slowly dwindled, and it wasn't long before I heard my name spoken into the microphone. The syllable of my last name echoed off of the gym walls and I stepped forward, focusing on my feet so as not to trip. Somehow, I succeeded in making it across the stage without stumbling, and only faltered as soon as I was out of sight and the next name was being called.

The rest of the ceremony went by slowly, and every few minutes, I'd crane my neck to see if the rest of the Cullens had arrived, but every time, the seats next to Rosalie were empty. When the principal made his final statements, I dashed off the stage, nearly tripping over the stairs, and made my way through the crowd and towards Esme.

"What's going on?" I asked as she pulled me into a stone hug. She smelled wonderful, and her cold, loving hands pushed back a rebellious lock of my hair.

"Nothing." She murmured, releasing me with a smile. I envied her brilliantly white teeth.

"I don't believe you." I dared to say. Jasper and Alice were at my side now. "Where are the other guys?"

I saw Esme toss a nervous glance towards Alice, and the girl piped up. "We'll tell you about it in the car."

I didn't want my question to go unanswered, but Charlie was quickly approaching, his arms open for a large hug, and a video recorder strapped to his hand. He enveloped me in a light, almost hesitant hug. "Congrats, Bells. You're all grown up now." He was in his work uniform, probably anxious to go, but wanting to stay for me.

I squeezed his shoulders tightly. "Not all grown up, Dad. I'll still call you in the middle of the night complaining about a bad dream." No I wouldn't. And even if I did, he wouldn't even recognize my voice.

But it seemed to be enough for him. He released me with a grin. "Well, your bags are in Alice's car. I've got to get to the post office and mail this," He tapped the recorder. "To Renee before my shift starts. Call me when you get settled in."

I smiled sadly, remembering how much arguing it took for him to allow me to stay with Edward and the Cullens. He had been furious about the motorcycles, screaming, throwing a fit, and blaming Edward for everything. He had finally given up when I reminded him that it was Jacob whose influence I was under when I bought them. As of now, they were safely hidden in the Cullens' car garage.

I nodded. "I'll try." And waved as he left with a smile. I could feel the tears jerking at my eyes, but I quickly forced them away, allowing myself to be led through the crowd of jubilant parents and friends by Esme.

My bags were, as Charlie had said, tucked safely in Alice's trunk. I took a seat in the front next to Alice while the remaining three sat in the back contentedly. "Now," I began, ready for my answer. "Where is everyone?"

I heard Esme hesitate from the backseat, but Alice spoke up, the speedometer slowly inching to eighty. "Victoria showed up at your place last night while you were sleeping." Uh-oh. The vampiress' blood red eyes filled the haunted memories of my mind. "I don't think she expected Edward to be there, but he obviously was and got her far enough away from you that she ran off."

"So- so he and the others are…" My voice didn't sound so brave anymore, and I could almost feel Rosalie rolling her eyes in the back seat.

"Disposing of her." Alice finished for me with surprising ease. I saw her hand clench and unclench on the steering wheel, and I pondered if she cared as much about me as Edward did.

Probably not.

The rest of the ride continued in silence, the weight of Alice's words pressing down on me. I noticed, with disappointment, that Edward's Volvo wasn't anywhere in sight.

"Are you ready to see your room?" Jasper asked, opening the trunk and pulling out my two bags with unnatural ease. Sometimes, his ability to make people relax came in handy.

"I guess I don't have much of a choice, do I?" I smiled, letting Alice drag me inside. Behind us, I noticed Rosalie link her arm with Esme's, leaning her head on the woman's shoulder.

Alice pulled me inside and up the stairs happily, moving to a room I hadn't noticed any of the other times I had been here. The door was closed, and Alice released me to stand in front of it. "Now, we know you'll probably move in with Edward whenever you guys get married, but we wanted to do something for you seeing as, well, we're killing you." She smiled, but I could hear the pain in her musical voice.

I nodded, and out of nowhere it seemed, Esme put her hand on my shoulder. Alice squealed and pushed open my door, and my jaw almost dropped.

It truly was gorgeous. I stepped into my room in awe, my head tilting in all directions to take it all in. The walls were a deep blue, reminding me of a shirt Edward loved, with swirls of silver seemingly dancing across them. The only furniture was a grey couch, a rocking chair much like mine in the far corner, and an armoire. The most beautiful thing, however, was the back wall. Like the rest of the back of the house, it was made of glass, and I could see the river, decorated with splatters from the rain, down below.

"It's amazing…" I breathed, shuffling over to the rocking chair and brushing my fingers over the detailed wood. "Thanks, you guys!" I looked up, making sure that Rosalie understood who my thanks was really pointed at. She had looked away, but I saw a smile tugging at the corners of her perfect mouth.

Suddenly, a door closed downstairs, and not a second later, Edward was dashing into my room at an inhuman speed, picking me up and swinging me playfully. "Bella!" He laughed at my shocked face. This happy side of him was extremely rare, and I didn't decide to ruin it by demanding he put me down. He squeezed me, his eyes becoming gentler. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the graduation."

I shrugged, knowing he understood how I panicked that morning. "It wasn't anything interesting."

Grinning, he slid me down. I saw Esme looking at him intently, and began to worry when he shook his head grimly. I could only wonder what he was telling her.

But his happy demeanor quickly returned and he began asking me about how I liked my room, each question answered with a "Yes, I love it." and a grateful smile.

"Are you hungry, Bella?" Carlisle asked from the doorway, where he stood with his arm around Esme's waist.

"Nope." I shook my head. He smiled knowingly and gave me a look that seemed to say, "Soon." I nodded, not sure to what, and turned back to Edward, who was opening one of my bags, which had been laid on the couch, and pulled out a few shirts, walking to the closet.

"Wait!" Alice danced over, putting a hand on the closet door. "We have another surprise for you."

I froze, suddenly aware of what she was implying. "Alice…"

She pulled open the door, revealing at least a half a closet filled with brand new clothes, the tags still attached. My jaw dropped, and I think even Edward was surprised. "Ta da!"

"Alice, you didn't" I murmured, stepping forward to brush a hand over the sleeve of what appeared to be a cream cashmere sweater.

She grinned evilly in return. "Oh, but I did." She picked up a bright red dress, holding it out for me to see. "This'd look so cute." I could see Edward's eyes widen at the low neckline, and the others just laughed, walking on to the rest of their day.

"Maybe on a Malibu Barbie! You know I couldn't pull off that color!" I looked at it in disbelief, not even wanting to wonder how much all the clothes had cost.

"You will be." was all she said, and the dress was placed back on the rack. She moved lithely out of the room, smiling softly.

Edward pulled me into his arms, putting the shirts on my bag before sliding them both to the ground, and sat down. I gladly poured myself into his lap. We sat like that for a while, just basking in each other's company, before I spoke up. "Is Victoria dead?"

He stiffened, if possible. The edges of his lips twitched downwards angrily. "No." I could almost feel a snarl gathering itself in his chest, but he relinquished it by wrapping his arms around my waist. "But we got her far enough away, and Emmett on the look-out enough that you'll be safe while you're…" He paused, his lips pressed together. "Vulnerable."

As if on cue, I heard Jasper's voice floating up to my room. "Come on, Edward! We're leaving!"

I looked at Edward, alarmed. "We're going somewhere?"

He sighed, tucking his arms under my legs and standing, placing me on the couch alone. "I'm going to eat. We can't risk any of us being around here while we're hungry."

"Oh." My face fell. "But you'll be back before…"

"Of course." He grinned gently. "But get your sleep until then. You'll be glad you did." He placed a kiss on my forehead before shoving his hands in his jeans pockets and making his way out of my room. I was upset to see him go, but I did what I was told and curled into a small ball on the couch, falling asleep almost instantly.

He was there when I awoke, stroking my hair gently. I stretched and smiled up at him, noting that his eyes were a warm butterscotch color again. "That was quick." I murmured, shaking out of my sleep.

He grinned. "We didn't go far, and I ate a little after the whole thing with Victoria. I knew you wanted me back soon."

I nodded, yawning and pulling myself up into his lap. "Yep." We were quiet for a while until I spoke up again. "So… three days…"

"Mmm-hmmm."

"Gonna hurt like heck."

"Mmm-hmmm."

"I'll probably be writhing and screaming in pain."

"Mmm-hmmm."

I sat up and sighed. "Bring it on."

He shook his head, laughing. "Bella, I swear; you have no sense." Standing up, he picked me up bridal style.

"I know." I replied as he carried me out into the hallway and set me on my feet. "Hopefully, I'll develop some one of these days." He laughed again, snaking his arm around my waist as we made our way down the stairs. We stopped halfway down.

Carlisle was standing at the foot of the staircase, looking up at me solemnly. Edward's arm subconsciously held me tighter. Both he and I noticed the way he was staring at me, and I saw Esme by Edward's piano, wringing her hands nervously. "Bella," he began, but I swallowed hard and nodded, and he started up the stairs. Esme took a step forward, but didn't move after that.

My heart was suddenly pounding wildly, as if it knew its untimely end was approaching. Edward's arm tightened around my waist even more-I wondered if on animal instinct-when Carlisle put a gentle hand under my elbow.

He led me up the stairs and down the hall to a room I recognized as Alice and Jasper's. I saw a bed in the back of the room, wondered what it was for, and then blushed when the answer finally came to me.

My ears may have been tricking me, but I thought I heard an extremely quiet whimper from Edward when his father pulled me out of his grasp and led me to the bed, sitting me down and kneeling in front of me. "Bella." He said, his voice gravely serious. "Is this really what you want? Do you want to give everything up, go through three days of excruciating pain, and risk your life every minute just to be with us?" He said "us," but I knew who he meant.

I glanced fearfully at the vampire in question. His lips were pressed into a stiff frown, and his marble arms were crossed in front of his chest. He was trying to pull off the Don't-you-dare-say-yes look because he didn't want me to give up my life. Right now, though, his eyes were giving away everything. I was sure that if he could've cried he would have been. Something told me that "You're giving up everything" wasn't his only reason.

He didn't want me to scream.

"I- I… yes." I looked at the floorboards, feeling the tears pooling in my eyes, and hoped to death that Edward didn't see them. Tough luck. He was at my side in a moment, pulling me into a strong embrace, despite Carlisle's soft and gentle protests. Before releasing me again, he pressed a firm kiss to my temple.

Carlisle put a supportive hand on Edwards shoulder as he took his place at the foot of the bed and sighed. He took a step towards me and kneeled, taking my hand in both of his. I wondered what he was doing for a moment before he flipped it over to expose my pale wrist. The tears broke the barrier of my eyelids as he lowered his mouth to the exposed flesh, and a sob racked my shoulders.

It was surprisingly easy at first. The first pain was just a quick prick, like a shot. I looked on, confused, as Carlisle pressed a firm thumb to the wound. "Brace yourself." He said. "It'll start off light, but then it'll hit you." I nodded, trying my best not to tell him that there was already an ache spreading up my arm. The few seconds after that must've been the longest I'd ever felt.

Suddenly, it felt like there was a fire raging in my wrist. I hissed, clutching the offended appendage to my chest. I could feel the pulse there, beating madly against my skin. With each throb, the fire crept up my arm more. The sharp pains along my wrist felt like someone was taking a knife and twisting it into my nerves.

The fire spread to my chest, and my body finally sent relief, plunging me into a world of black. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe. It was as if there were two smoldering pieces of coal pressing down on my lungs. I could hear two voices screaming, and I somehow knew one was mine. The other, however, was completely unfamiliar to me.

My body thrashed out on its own, as if it was possessed. In the dark world, I could feel myself writhing, and my arms were being restrained by two cold hands. I made an effort of trying to find the source of the coldness. It was soothing to my flaming body, and searching for it made my mind focus on something other than the stabbing pain.

There were low murmurs buzzing around my head, and once I listened intently enough, I found that they were pieces I had heard before. There was one particular voice I was reaching towards, one that I could just barely hear over the screaming and murmuring. It was velvet, silky, irresistible.

Another stab to my chest brought me back to the world of light and color, and I shrieked to go back. The murmuring was gone, and I could only hear one voice screaming. But the pain was immensely worse. My face was sticky with tears I hadn't known had been spilling, and the fire raging through my upper body was burning through any shred of control I had left.

As the pain enveloped me, I repetitively slipped in and out of the world of black. It seemed that the throbbing was dying off, and that a different fire was feasting on my body. This one was like my skin was being held to a series of knives. They were cutting into parts, an especially powerful sting on my right hand.

Before long, I was inexplicably tired. My body ached to just give in and sleep, but the pain refused to let me slip into unconsciousness. I somehow had enough energy to lash out, but as soon as I would, the cold hands would restrain me again, calming the fire if only for a moment.

I don't know how long it was before the intense pain faded into a dull ache. It was comfortable compared to the fire that had eaten at my body for what seemed like forever. The screaming had stopped, and I was able to hear my heavy breathing in the still quiet.

The cold hands however, were gone. At times, I'd recover enough energy to move, spreading my arms out on the soft surface under me in search of them, but they never touched me again. There was a continual tugging at my chest, not a pain, but the feeling one gets before they cry. No tears ever came, though, and it was an annoying feeling.

It was a long time until I couldn't feel any pain, but the exhaustion knocked me out for another while. It soon got to the point where I just laid there, allowing myself to be hypnotized by the sound of my breathing.

And then I remembered. "Edward!" I shot up, finding myself in Alice and Jasper's room again. It was empty this time, though, and it was as if a tornado had run through. My hands were unconsciously clenching the bedspread, and I picked my right up curiously, relaxing the other. I examined it intently. My scar was gone. I fingered the spot between my thumb and forefinger where the cold scar should have been, but my pale skin was flawless.

It was then that my ears picked up the sound of music playing. I pushed the blanket I had been tangled in aside, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. Looking down confusedly, I saw that I was wearing a t-shirt, several sizes too large, instead of the long skirt and satin shirt I had been wearing when I arrived. I wondered who had changed me and when.

I stood experimentally, and noticed with awe how fluidly the motion had been completed. Gasping softly, I looked down at my body, moving my hands over each curve. It was mine, that much I was sure of, but there was a new-found elegance about my body that I couldn't quite place.

Taking a shaky step towards the door, I stopped when I noticed a long silk robe displayed on a nearby chair. I reached for it, pulling it around my body and gracefully pushing my arms through the sleeves. Smoothing a hand over the dark blue silk, I tied the robe closed.

When I opened the door, the music got louder. I took a step out of the room, and I noticed that the pounding of my nervous heart was painfully missing. Taking a deep breath, not that it helped much, I took another step out into the hallway. And then another. And then another.

I made my way to the top of the stairs, clutching the railing as I slid down a couple steps. The ease at which the motions came was a bit frightening; I wasn't used to this type of fluidity. The living room was suddenly splayed out in front of me. The entire family, minus Emmett, Esme, and Carlisle was there. Rosalie and Jasper were sitting on the cream colored couch, Alice was standing by the piano, a violin tucked under her chin, and Edward was sitting at the piano, his back to me.

As I moved down the staircase, I saw his fingers splaying across the keys, notes blending flawlessly with Alice's violin. I stopped on the third stair from the bottom, mesmerized by the music bouncing off of the walls. It was absolutely beautiful, each crescendo folding seamlessly into a subito piano.

My observing was suddenly interrupted by a gasp. My head turned to see Rosalie and Jasper looking up at me, an expression of pure surprise playing across their features. At their reaction, Alice looked up at me and stopped. The soft smile on my face gradually fell as I felt their eyes boring into me.

Edward's playing slowed to a stop, and he looked at his sister. I knew, somehow, that he read her mind, and he spun around to see me. I froze. The image of awe upon his face was strange, as if it didn't belong there. "Oh my god…" he murmured, his eyes moving up and down my body.

I stood frozen, waiting for him to say something. He stood slowly, as if he was moving through molasses. Suddenly, he laughed and ran to me, picking me up and swinging me through the air. A relieved smile spread across my lips, and I laughed along with him. He set me down, embracing me tightly. It felt so right to be back in his arms again.

I buried my face in his chest and was surprised to find that it didn't feel like stone anymore. Breathing in his scent deeply, I smiled as I heard Jasper calling for Esme and Carlisle. I pulled away, putting my hands on his shoulders and looking up at his dark golden eyes.

"You look amazing!" Alice squealed from behind me. I was sure that if I could blush, I would.

"Thank you." I replied, barely recognizing my own voice. It was lilting and musical, much like Esme's or Alice's.

The doctor and his wife entered the doorway. Alice squeaked excitedly for them to see, and Edward turned me so they could see, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Carlisle, something's wrong." Edward teased in the most serious tone he could muster. "Bella's been replaced by some unbelievably gorgeous woman, and I'm afraid I can't resist her."

Carlisle smiled. "Poor Bella will be so heartbroken."

Esme walked over to me looking me over happily. "You look so beautiful, darling." She said warmly, placing her hands on my arms. I felt that tugging at my chest again.

Alice tugged on my hand, but Edward held me tight. She sighed and put a hand on her hip. "Edward, she needs to get dressed."

"No she doesn't." he insisted. "She looks stunning as she is." He loosened his grip on my waist though, and Alice pulled me out.

She dragged me up the stairs and down the hall, stopping when she reached her open door. "Dang…" she muttered. "You tore it apart!"

"I did that?" I asked, unbelieving. Blankets were thrown around, a lamp was lying on the floor, and a shelf on the bookcase had been knocked down, spilling books across the carpet.

"Not technically." She shook her head and continued walking to my room. "Carlisle and Edward did that while trying to restrain you." She said, ducking inside the room I still couldn't bring myself to claim. She kept talking as she walked over to my closet and opened it up, pulling things out for me. "I'm actually surprised it took that much. They're stronger, but you kept weaseling out of their grasp somehow. Weird. Here." She handed me a couple hangers of different clothes. "Try these on. I had to go by your other clothes, so I don't know how well they fit."

I nodded, taking the hangers from her. After trying on several pieces and refusing a mini-skirt she had handed to me, I had a decent outfit that both she and I agreed on. I had agreed to wear the tight-fitting, navy sweater as long as I could wear a pair of comfortable jeans.

Of course after that, she had to fix my hair, as it was a mess, despite the undeniable new way it almost behaved. Alice quickly ran a brush through it, ridding of the few tangles, and curled it into loose locks. When I had assured her it wouldn't work, she just raised an eyebrow, removed the curlers, and looked on smugly when it came out in perfect ringlets.

When she deemed me finished, she told me to follow her and wait at the top of the stairs. I did as I was told and laughed when she called me down as if I was a princess. "Presenting," she began, stretching out the word. "The beautiful… talented… irresistible Bella Swan!"

It was The Walk Down the Stairs I'd never had. As I took them step by step, I thought back to the night before when I was clumsy and disoriented, and let my pride swell a little when Edward's face dropped into that look of awe again. I laughed at Alice's dramatic proclamation, holding a hand up in a beauty queen wave. A round of applause arose from the small crowd, and I took a few theatrical curtsies.

"Now," Edward began, pulling me in his arms again. "If you don't mind, I'm going to indulge myself in this stunning beauty." And he pulled me up the stairs. I hadn't noticed Emmett was in the room until I heard him calling up the stairs, "Don't do anything we would disapprove of!" Edward teasingly whined down the stairs before pulling me into his room and shutting the door.

"So," I began. "I'm a stunning beauty?" He fell onto the couch, pulling me down into his lap.

He snorted. "If there were stronger words, I'd use them." He pushed my hair aside and pressed his lips to my shoulder. They were soft, strangely, and not as cold as I remembered, but that, I told myself, was probably just because my temperature itself had changed.

Brushing his lips across the sensitive skin of my neck, he crooned the lullaby he had written for me so long ago. I smiled softly, turning around in his lap so I could see his face. "God, Bella," His eyes raked over my features. "You just look so…" He sighed, shaking his head. "Gorgeous."

"Really?" I asked, grinning slyly. He nodded, making a low whistling sound. "Prove it."

He happily obliged. The kiss began much the same as usual- Edward was as careful as ever, testing the water I suppose, and I once again noticed my frantic heartbeat painfully missing. And then something seemed to change. Suddenly, his lips became much more urgent, passionate. His hands twisted in my no longer neat curls, holding my face securely to his. My own fingers found themselves weaving through his hair on their own; I was too busy focused on the task in front of me.

"See?" I breathed before his lips had a chance to connect back to mine. "Wasn't it worth it to be able to do this?"

He was suddenly quiet, and I almost thought that he was ignoring me before he replied huskily, "Nothing is worth hearing you scream in pain like that." He placed a hand on my back, pulling me nearer. "Having to watch that first day was probably more painful for me than you." Claiming my mouth again, he pulled me as close as possible, so that I could feel the rise and fall of his chest against mine.

Suddenly, I had to break away as I shuddered. "Bella?" he asked worriedly.

I opened my eyes, noticing his golden orbs looking at my swollen lips with an expression I could only place as pride. I couldn't help but smile at the male ego. But then my smile fell as the more-mental-than-physical shudder shook me again. "Edward," I breathed, and then hesitated for a moment. "I think I'm thirsty."

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