Forward.

BPOV

I woke up with what had to be the biggest smile in history. I get to go home today! There aren't words to describe how excited I am. I am well aware that things may not be very easy for me in the beginning. But with the help of my loving family, I know I'll be fine.

Speaking of said family...

"Hey, Bella!", Alice exclaimed, smiling brightly as she bounced over to hug me.

"Hey, Alice!" I replied as the rest of my family filed into the room. It felt so great to see them all together like this.

As everyone smiled and greeted me, I couldn't help but search for one particular person. I grinned widely when I finally found him.

Edward.

"Hi", I said softly as he came forward to embrace me.

"Hi yourself, love", he replied with a chuckle, "Are you ready to go home today?"

What kind of question was that?

"Of course , Edward, I can't wait to be free of this place."

That caused chuckles to sound out.

"Well, then, let's get moving", Edward said with a grin.

So, after what felt like forever and five days, I was finally released from the hospital, and on my way home.

EBEBEBEBEB

EPOV

I couldn't wipe the mile-wide grin off my face if I wanted to.

My angel was finally home; she was safe, sound, and settled as she sat with Esme, Rose, and Alice, discussing wedding details. She practically glowed as she laughed and joked whole-heartedly for the first time in what felt like forever and ten days.

Yet, I could still feel like there was something that she was hiding from me. I mean, ever since she had come home from the hospital, she had been all smiles. I just couldn't shake the feeling that she was a bit withdrawn. I could understand that considering her horrifying experience that night. It's just...why did she have to try to hide her fears. Her behavior may not be what other rape victims would call the 'norm', but I knew that she was still hurting. I could feel it.

Oh well, there's nothing that I can do but be there with her every step of the way.

"Edward are you okay?" my sweet angel asked, pulling me out of my musings.

"Yes, love, I'm fine, just thinking." I replied with a smile.

She stared at me for a moment before speaking.

"Do you think we could maybe visit our meadow today? I really miss it. I've been meaning to mention it for a couple of days, but... " she trailed off quietly.

What was really going on with my angel?

"Sure, love, anything you want." I replied with what I hoped to be a reassuring smile.

I was so elated when she returned it. I really hoped that whatever was wrong, whatever shadow was surrounding my Bella's light would be somewhat resolved during our trip to our meadow.

EBEBEBEBEB

BPOV

I had suspected that some was wrong with Edward days ago. He seemed bothered by something, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what. Not to mention that I noticed that it seemed to have to do with me. And that worried me.

I know that Edward said that I wasn't damaged goods, but was that just then? What about now? Was he finally angry with me about what happened? All of these questions plagued my mind. All of them haunted me.

Yet, if those things were true...why did he try to hide it? Why couldn't he just come out and tell me how he felt? More questions that I wanted answers to, but didn't seem to be getting any closer to getting the answers to.

Needless to say, I was very much scared and frustrated, not to mention a bit scarred from getting raped just a few weeks back. I was a mess. So, I've tried to focus on less depressing things...like my impending wedding. It was a nice distraction, and gave me something to do with all of my spare time. We both could use distractions right about now, it seemed. Which is what brought my suggestion to Edward about getting out and going to our meadow to mind. I hoped that we could talk and try to get some things out in the open from both sides. Other than that I just missed him and wanted him to hold me.

Things have been so weird that I almost feel like we're not on the same level anymore. I mean, we haven't spoken much, and we live in the same house for goodness sakes! I just feel like we need to sit down and just talk. It could be about anything at all. I wouldn't care as long as it was something.

This trip to the meadow was my golden opportunity to do just that. And I wasn't about to let it pass me by, not for anything.

EBEBEBEBEB

EPOV

Bella was unnaturally quiet on the drive to the meadow.

She looked nervous yet determined as we got closer and closer to our destination. Her expression made me all the more hopeful that whatever wall that was separating us would crumble soon. In the meantime, I could not stand this awkward silence any longer.

"Bella, love..." . Damn, I couldn't even think of a decent conversation starter.

"Yes, what is it?" she asked.

"Nothing, pretty girl" I replied with a weak smile. I was grateful to see that she seemed content to let it drop...for now.

EBEBEBEBEB

When we arrived at the meadow, I could tell we were both a bit anxious about what might happen. I figured that we might as well start talking about our issues now to try to get past it...hopefully. So, with a sigh, I led Bella to the middle of the meadow, and we sat facing each other, with both of us sitting Indian-style. I watched Bella take a deep breath.

Here we go.

"So...I think we need to talk about a few things," she began tentatively.

"Yeah, I think you're right. So, where do we begin?" I asked.

Another deep breath.

"Well, I just really wanted to talk about how things have been since I was discharged from the hospital. I mean I just feel like things are off between us, and I can't help but think that I'm to blame, and that you're angry with me bec-

And that's where I had to stop her.

"Wait, wait, hold on a second. Bella why would I have a reason to be angry with you? Nothing that happened was your fault. I thought we had that understanding at the hospital. But I guess not." I sighed. I think I was finally beginning to understand. But I needed to hear it from her.

I turned my attention back to Bella only to see her with her head hung low. I slowly reached out with my finger to lift her chin to make her look me in the eyes. The expression of sadness on her face broke my heart. We really needed to talk.

"Love, won't you tell me what is wrong? I feel as if you have been hiding from me. You seem so happy , but I can't let go of the idea that you are having harder time than you have been letting on. Now, of course you don't have to tell me, but I want you to know that I worry...and that I'm always here. I know that these last few weeks could not have been easy for you, and that you may just want to avoid everything. But if you ever feel like it's too much, too painful, or you just want me to hold you and reassure you, then never hesitate to come to me. I just want you to be safe and happy."

After my little rant I was expecting a lot of things. What I wasn't expecting though was for her to tackle me in a fierce hug. As we sat, with her straddling my hips, and our arms wrapped around each other, she began to speak.

"Thank you so much Edward. I was so scared that you had changed your mind about me. I know now that it was silly to have those thoughts, but the fear of you not wanting me anymore has been eating me alive for days now. I'm sorry for worrying you, I was just afraid."

I squeezed my arm around her even tighter. She had been having a hard time. Just not concerning the situation that I had thought. Still...there was one last thing.

"Love, you don't have to be sorry about anything. I understand. And let me tell you something. It will be a cold day in hell before the day comes when I don't want you. Understand? Baby, I love you. Nothing can change that. Okay?

"Okay," she said while nodding.

All of a sudden, a wide smile graced her beautiful face.

"What is it?" I asked.

"You called me 'Baby', that's all." She said, blushing.

"Oh, I guess I did. Do you not like it?"

"Quite the opposite, actually," she replied, quietly.

Well, that's interesting to know. I'll definitely keep that in mind.

"Well, good, I'm glad you like it. And I'm glad that we finally have some things out in the open. But remember what I said, I'm here, and I love you."

Bella, again, surprised me by wrapping her arms and legs around me tighter, and pulling me closer for a slow, deep kiss. I could tell that she was feeling uplifted after our talk. And so was I. I knew that we had a bit more work to do when it came to her insecurities, but we'll take it one step at a time if she needs it. If she wanted to not go so slow that would be fine too. I just know that it will always be what she needs.

EBEBEBEBEB

BPOV

I couldn't believe that I had been worried for nothing. I mean, don't get me wrong, I still have a ways to go, but I know that I'll be fine with my Edward at my side.

It wouldn't be entirely easy, but with the help of my soon-to-be husband , and our family, I know that I will be able to move on.

With their help, and my will, I will truly be able to move forward.

A/N I am sooooo sorry that I have taken so long. It's just that I really didn't have the time, plus I had serious writers block. But I'm back, and will try to update as soon as possible. R and R.

RenesmeeCarlie