Disclaimer. Everything Twilight related belongs to Stephenie Meyer. This story belongs to me.

A/N; Chapter is Beta'd by Fran. She is so awesome :)

B~E~L~L~A

A bone deep sigh of contentment came out of me as I was gently awakened by the first rays of the sun flickering across my face. My eyelids fluttered open and my mind was instantly flooded by memories.

Edward.

He had been all I had imagined and more. He was passionate and sensual. I loved how he simply manipulated me into whatever position he wanted. He had taken me in every sense if the word and I'd loved it every second of it.

After I had recovered from the shock of his hands on the most intimate parts of my body, I had enjoyed each and every moment that I had spent with him.

The highlight of the entire night had been the time that Edward spent buried deep inside me.

My whole body tingled at the memory, and a shiver fluttered down my spine in a decadent way.

I had guessed that he wouldn't want me to cling to him. I didn't want to frighten him away so I didn't ask any questions, nor did I plead with him for more of his time. I was determined to avoid everything that might chase him away. Even though I did want to beg for his time and attention, I knew that to do so would be the death of whatever it was we had together.

I didn't want to think of what would happen if my parents found out about my assignation with their houseguest and friend.

I shuddered at the thought.

I was determined to play it cool. I wished to be calm and mature, sexy and unforgettable. I wanted to bewitch Edward and keep him coming back for more.

I watched with bemused eyes as the first pale fingers of morning sunlight danced in lazy patterns across my wall and the canopy above my head. I ached all over and there was a worse ache between my thighs.

Clearly I wasn't used to such activities.

I smiled languidly as I stretched in my princess-style four-poster bed with its blue bedclothes and swathes of lace curtaining.

I loved the aching deep within me; it meant that I was no longer an innocent child.

Edward had made me a woman and I was eager for my next lesson.

But I was determined to make him come to me.

I would not ask or beg.

It was going to be a hot day, so I dressed in a pair of white shorts and a long, dark green lace cami vest. The colour reminded me of Edward's eyes when they were darkened with passion. I grinned at my own reflection at the thought of Edward's eyes. I loved that I now knew what they looked like when he was consumed by lust.

I added medium height pumps to my outfit, moving it to sophisticated instead of casual. I left my hair down as I usually did, with a small amount of makeup on my face. I was satisfied with how I looked.

I went downstairs for breakfast only to find Dad, silent and strained and my mother still absent. It wasn't abnormal for her not to come home, but this time it seemed to be bothering my father. I was curious and uncomfortable. My parents didn't usually show genuine, blatant emotions, seeing my dad so withdrawn seemed too raw and personal somehow.

After saying a subdued good morning and taking a helping of toast and poached egg to my usual place, I glanced at my dad to find his eyes fixed on me.

My guilty conscience made me want to dip my eyes before that inquiring gaze, but it wasn't how I would usually behave, so I smiled with what I hoped was innocent sincerity.

"You look lovely today, Bells, very grown up. What did you do differently?"

My dad's voice held a genuine interest, but I knew that he seldom made small talk which made awareness blossom inside me.

Something was up.

But I smiled and tilted my head to the side playfully, just as I usually would, trying to ignore the sense of foreboding that wracked me.

"Nothing different Dad, just getting older I guess. Where's Mother?" I asked switching subjects easily. I just couldn't contain my curiosity any longer.

I regretted the question as soon as I saw the tiredness darken his face. A frown creased his forehead as he chewed thoughtfully before answering me.

"Bella, we need to talk."

I swallowed hard as I was flooded with fear and uncertainty. My Dad was never one for heavy conversations and the fact that he wanted to talk to me wasn't a good sign.

"What is it, Dad?"

Charlie lifted his mug of steaming hot coffee to his lips as he regarded me solemnly. My heartbeat picked up momentum until I was almost hyperventilating. I tried to hide my fear and I thought that I had succeeded, because his face remained neutral and somewhat distant.

"Your mother has had to go away for a few days, on business, but that's not what I need to discuss with you." Dad paused and cleared his throat uncomfortably. "We have decided that you need to go away to school. Finishing school would do you the world of good and prepare you for your social debut in two seasons."

I knew then and there that this was my mother's doing. Anger tightened my stomach at her casual interference in my life. She hadn't even had the guts to tell me that she was sending me away in person.

I hated her.

I still hadn't replied and I could see my dad's worried expression as he watched me closely.

"Bella? Are you okay? It wouldn't be forever baby girl. I know we always said we wouldn't send you away to school, but this is for the best, for now."

I tried to reply, but the food I had been chewing had become lodged in my throat. My mind was whirling. The only thing that mattered to me now was Edward. I wouldn't be able to see him. I wouldn't be able to talk to him. He would find someone else. I felt my heart squeeze painfully as tears stung my eyes.

Dad got up from his chair and came towards me, worry in every line of his body. "Bells, it's not forever I swear. It's just that your mother thinks it's for the best right now - at this time in your life. I don't want to dump everything on you at once, but I think it might help you understand all this better if you know everything…" He hugged me to him, and I was surrounded by his love as his worried brown eyes, so much like my own, stared at me in confusion.

My Dad was my rock and my safe haven.

But even he couldn't fix this mess.

I was going to lose Edward before I had even begun to have him at all. I was shattered. I hadn't realized I was actually crying until I saw drops of moisture dribble off the end of my nose.

Dad rocked me in an effort to console me, pressing his mustached lips to my hair tenderly.

Of course, it didn't work, but it made my heart fill with love for him, just because he tried to make my hurt better, just as he had always done.

"Bella, there's more. Um, we're moving houses. That's why your mother thought that this was best... She thought that it would give you some stability while everything is up in the air...You know...ugh, Bells, you know your mother, when she gets a bug in her head, she wouldn't let it drop until I agreed, and..."

I stared at him in silent horror as I tried to digest this new and startling revelation. Why were we moving? We had lived here forever, for as long as I could remember this house had been home.

Why the sudden change?

I tried to speak, but I was choked by my own misery. "Why, Dad?" I croaked out at last. "Why all this change, what's happened?"

I saw his eyes cloud over as he shook his head in denial. "It's just change baby girl, no reason at all except that we decided we needed a new home in a new place."

"I don't want to change our home and I don't want to go off to school," I said with finality, hoping he would understand and grant me my wish just as he had countless times before. There wasn't much my father refused me.

I was not expecting the determined expression that darkened his face, making it harsh for the first time I could remember.

"You will do as you are told, Bella. I won't take any trouble from you. This is important, try to understand. It's for the best."

I swallowed the lump that was lodged in my throat and nodded slowly. I didn't want to upset him, but I also wanted to scream in frustration and desperation.

What was I going to do about Edward?

I pushed my untouched plate aside and took a sip of water from my glass. The liquid almost choked me. A few tears spilled down my cheeks unheeded and I heard my dad sigh sadly, as he leaned over and wiped them away.

"I'm sorry Bella. I know you hate this. But it won't be forever, you'll see."

I didn't reply.

I couldn't.

"Are you going to be okay, Bells? I have to go to work just now. Are you staying in today or are you going out with Rosalie or Alice?"

I wiped at my cheeks and pasted a fake smile on my lips. it was an automatic response learned from my mother.

"Yes, I think I'll call Rose now. It is summer break after all. I should do something."

My mind, however, was filled with plans of seeing Edward before he left our house.

His visit was almost over now, and I wasn't sure when he would be leaving. I half listened as my father spoke to our housekeeper, Mrs Potts.

"If a Mr Whitlock calls, please take a message and leave it on my desk. Confidentially, you understand." Dad's emphasis on the 'confidential' is what grabbed my attention, he sounded almost worried which was not like him at all.

"Yes Sir," Mrs Potts replied a she dipped a slight curtsy before going back to directing the maids.

I sat unmoved as dad righted his tie and buttoned his Armani suit jacket. He looked preoccupied and unlike himself.

My stomach fluttered with nervous butterflies. I hated the strangeness of all of this.

The uncertainty ate at me.

Getting up from the table, I went to the kitchen phone and dialed Rose's number. I hadn't spoken to her since school had broken up a nearly two weeks before.

"Hey," I said softly. Not quite sure why, but I felt the need for secrecy.

"Hey Bella, what's up?"

"Not much, I just need some girl talk time. Can you come over? "

"Is your mother home?"

My mother disliked Rosalie because she came from a very average family and not from a wealthy one such as ours. Because if this, Rose tended to avoid my mother like the plague and I couldn't say I blamed her.

I would avoid my mother, too, if I could.

"No, she's away for a few days. Will you come?"

"Sure. Um, I...my car is in the shop at the moment so could you have me picked up?" Rose asked hesitantly. I knew that she hated asking me for favors.

I would have loved to help Rosalie's family as much as I could but my mother said they were gold diggers. So I wasn't allowed to show them any kindness. Even though I knew, none of the Hales would have accepted charity.

Rosalie had been my best friend since we were three and her attendance at Hallenbury Academy for girls was a happy accident. Her family couldn't afford the tuition, but because Rose was an above average student she had won a surprise bursary to attend the same school I had been going to attend.

We had been so happy not to be parted. A vivacious girl we both liked, Alice Brandon, eventually joined our duo.

While Rosalie was the very epitome of 'blond bombshell', Alice was tiny and dark haired. Her porcelain skin matched mine and her dark blue eyes set off her short, haphazardly cut, pitch-black hair.

Rose was curvy and athletic in build, whereas I was just as curvy without the athleticism. Alice was the slender one. Her body would have passed for that of a twelve-year-old but she pulled it off by being chic and trendy with her clothes.

Rose and I often stole her ideas for outfits and more than one gown I chosen had been pre-approved by Ali.

They were my best friends and I couldn't imagine school without them. But now, I wouldn't have them to fall back on any longer when I went to the new 'finishing school'.

"Yes, no problem Rose, I'll send the car. Give it half an hour. Is that okay?"

"Okay Bella, I'll see you soon. Thanks.

"No problem. See you soon." I said.

...

I went through to the living room to wait for Rose after I had asked the driver, Thomas, to fetch her.

I was deep in thought, standing at the window, twirling a lock of hair just as I always did when I was preoccupied.

Warm, powerful hands slid onto my hips, just as a muscular body enveloped me from behind.

I smiled widely as I leaned into the embrace. His scent teased my nostrils erotically.

My wish had been granted.

Edward had come to me.

I felt my stomach do several flips as his hands caressed sensuously across my lower stomach, upwards towards my straining breasts. I shivered, the sensation of his large hands touching me awoke a deep ache between my legs which begged to be taken care of. I looked down, and the breath hitched in my throat at the sight of his large tanned hands and wrists encased in white cotton and gold cufflinks.

Edward was back in his usual attire and I found it very attractive.

Edward in a suit was to die for.

I felt his breath tickle the back of my neck as he pressed his aroused flesh into my ass.

A moan nearly escaped me, but I managed to hold it in.

"Good morning."

I shivered again at the sound of his smooth, velvet voice in my ear.

"Good morning, Edward," I replied my voice somewhat strangled even to my ears.

"Did you sleep well, Bella?"

"I did."

"So did I. Better than I have in years." He murmured.

The sound of the door opening had me jumping in fright and Edward gliding away smoothly. His composure was amazing. Not one thing betrayed him as he went to the water tray, his suit fitting his broad shoulders and perfectly muscled body to immaculate perfection; his hair in its usual disarray.

I couldn't deny that I ogled his handsomeness a bit too long as I stayed put at the window, the perfect picture of innocence for whoever had entered.

"Bella!" Rose's voice startled me as she ran toward me and swept me into a hug.

"Hi Rose," I said as I hugged her back, my eyes meeting Edward's over her shoulder. His face was expressionless, but an amused light twinkled in his eyes.

Rosalie realised that we were not alone and turned swiftly to face Edward. Her expression comically shocked as she stood staring, her mouth hanging slightly opened.

"Hello." Edward said to my friend, a smile playing around the edges of that sinful mouth. "And you are?"

"Rosalie. Um, hi ..."

"Edward. The pleasure is all mine, Rosalie. It's nice to meet one of Bella's friends. Well, I must be going. I've already said goodbye to your father. See you soon, Bella."

Edward turned to the door and strode with the sinuous grace of a jungle cat towards the door.

I couldn't just let him leave!

"Edward, let me see you out." I said quickly trying to appear as though I was being a proper hostess.

I glanced at Rose and saw a telltale smirk on her lips. I frowned at her before smiling smoothly at Edward, who gestured for me to go ahead of him.

We walked in silence to the front door, but I could feel his eyes on me with every step I took, they seared my flesh with desire.

I opened the door and met Edward's intense stare.

"I'll see you soon, Bella." He said as he walked past me.

"I won't be here." I blurted out far more desperately than I should.

One of his brows rose quizzically. "Where will you be?"

"My parents are sending me away for the last two years of school," I said softly.

Edward appeared unconcerned at my explanation. "I will find you. Don't doubt it." He said as he turned to leave. Sliding on Ray Bans, he grinned at me quickly before walking towards his waiting car.

I watched him go, a thickness tightening my throat. "Goodbye." I whispered.

I felt forlorn as I watched his car pull away from the curb and smoothly round the bend.

He was gone.

At least he had said that he would find me. That was some consolation.

A soft hand on my shoulder made me jump. Rose's expression was filled with curiosity.

"Who, may I ask, is Edward?" She drawled.

I couldn't contain a small smile from showing as I shut the heavy door and turned to my best friend.

"He is my dad's friend."

"God! How long have you had Mr. tall and handsome staying here?"

I laughed as I beckoned her to follow me back to the living room.

"He has been here a week."

"I would have drooled on every available surface! Fuck, he is so handsome. Wow."

I grinned at her as we got back to the living room. "Yes he is quite something isn't he."

"That's the understatement of the decade, babe. That man is positively beautiful and he wears a suit, Bella."

I didn't reply, only smiling at Rose mysteriously. "Bella, did you..? Did he..? I'd don't believe it! Tell me everything right now!"

I grabbed Rose's hand and dragged her up the stairs to my room, we giggled all the while like the schoolgirls we were.

Once there, I shut the door tightly and I told her everything. Shock, envy and horror on her lovely face said it all. "How old is Edward, Bella? I mean he's got to be close to your dad's age, right?"

"I guess so. I don't care how old he is, Rose. It was so amazing...He is amazing...but now it's over and I don't know what to do."

"Maybe it's for the best, babe. If your parents found out...fuck...they'd ship your ass off to some deserted island until you're twenty-one." Rose came over to where I sat cross-legged on my bed and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. To everyone else, even Alice to a certain extent, Rosalie was a bitch.

She and I had a bond that was unbreakable. I was more at ease with Rose than with any other being on the planet.

We sat like that for several minutes, as I fought back the tears I could feel stinging at my eyes. I finally broke the ice with something I knew she'd love to know.

"Rose, he has tattoos. A lot of tattoos all over his shoulders and back. They're so hot."

Rose looked bemused as she mock-fainted beside me on the bed. "Tattoos and a suit?! It isn't fair! Why can't I meet someone like him?"

"Because your parents would know right away; they actually care what you do." I said somewhat bitterly. Rose stared up at me sadly, her large blue, doe eyes a little grim.

"Bella, you know you parents care, too. They're just different. .."

I held up my hand in protest. "Rose, don't defend them, please, you know I love my dad, but Mother and I have never really seen eye to eye. She's like a mother crocodile; I read once that they sometimes eat their babies. Sometimes I see her look at me and there isn't any love in her eyes, just dislike … almost jealousy. It sounds crazy, but I think she hates me."

Rosalie's eyes misted as she rolled over and sat next to me, side by side, our positions identical.

"I don't think she dislikes you, Bella. How can she? You're her daughter."

"Sometimes I feel like I'm not." I said bumping shoulders with my best friend playfully. "Let's change the subject and talk about my fuck hot lover instead."

"Is still can't believe you had sex. I meant were talking about you here, Bella! I thought you might die a virgin..."

I slapped at her and shoved her onto her back as she rolled over, laughing hard. After our laughter had faded, a comfortable silence descended.

"Have you...had sex, Rose?" I asked, thoughtful.

"Yeah. It wasn't so great though."

I sat up again, shocked.

"Who?"

"Some boy named Jasper. I didn't even know his last name. But he was hot in a weird way." She grinned at me upside down, her blond hair making a puddle around her head.

I eyed her in wonder. "Why didn't you tell me? I thought we told each other everything?"

"It was a little ashamed I guess. I had a few too many to drink and it wasn't the best experience." She shrugged.

"Did you like him, though?"

A soft smile touched her generous lips and a dreamy expression filled her eyes. "Yeah, I did. He was wonderful actually, and that's why I was so shocked that the sex sucked. Maybe it was just because we were drunk and it was my first time...I don't know."

"Yes maybe that's it. It hurts, doesn't it?"

I chuckled at her disgust, "Yes it does in the beginning, but after that it's amazing."

Rose snorted in disgust, "Well it didn't get better for me, I think the whole thing lasted like ten minutes, tops, and it sucked the whole time. You just had a great experience because your lover is older and wiser!"

I laughed at her jealousy. "Have you seen this Jasper again?"

"No, I wish I had."

"Well, maybe you will see him again one day."

Rose shrugged and changed the subject.

"So, shall we do facials, paint our nails and eat ice cream out of the tub?" Rose suggested a mischievous smirk firmly in place.

I grinned at her, feeling so grateful that she was here, for now.

The rest of the day passed without anything out of the ordinary happening. We ate tons of ice cream and primped ourselves laughing all the while.

At around six the doorbell rang. I waited for the maid to get it, but five seconds later it rang again. I sighed in sheer laziness as I got off the couch and padded barefoot towards the door.

I wasn't really up to accept visitors, my face freshly scrubbed, hair up in a towel and wads of cotton wool between my toes.

I shrugged internally.

Who cared?

It was probably just one of my parents' business friends.

The door swung open and I stared, manners momentarily forgotten, at the handsome man waiting there. He was blond, his slate-grey eyes devoid of expression and his face was breathtaking. He wore a suit, but that wasn't unusual in my parents' line of work.

He was almost as handsome as Edward, and that was saying something.

"Hi." He greeted me with a half-smile, his eyes taking in every inch of my face, curiosity evident in every line of him. "I'm here to see Charles Swan?"

"He's not in right now. Can I take a message?" I asked.

"Not really, he's not expecting me at all. I need to see Charles. Do you know when he'll be back?"

I shook my head causing my towel to fall off. I smiled apologetically as I replied. "We never know when Dad will come back. Sorry."

"Are you Charles Swan's daughter?"

"Yes."

"It figures. Just tell your father that Carlisle Whitlock was here to see him. It's urgent, so please don't forget."

I nodded and went to shut the door but Carlisle stopped me. "What is your name?"

"Bella," I answered hesitantly. His tone seemed urgent somehow, which was strange.

He nodded, even as his eyes continued their scrutiny. It's wasn't offensive so I didn't feel uncomfortable. "It was nice to meet you, Bella. Please pass on the message to your father."

"I will."

He nodded and turned to leave.

I shut the door and went back to Rose feeling oddly disturbed by the encounter.

Who was it?" She asked as she continued to file her already immaculate manicure.

"I don't know him. He must be a friend of my dad's. "

I forgot about the encounter as the night wore on and pushed it out of my mind altogether as we did all the 'girl' things we could think of.

We fell asleep talking about boys...well, men, in my case.

I slept well, but for the first time in ages I dreamt.

It was the same dream I'd had as a child. I hadn't had it for years, but now it came back with a vengeance; each detail bold and clear as daylight.

Hands gripping me too tightly … darkness. Fear - my own - and a terrible sadness. A car parked on a dark road, driving fast. A man's voice whispered in my ear. "Don't worry Bella. Shhhh, everything will be okay."

I always awoke from that dream feeling as though something was missing, feeling forlorn and lost.

I felt like I was forgetting something and yet I had no idea what it could be.

I sat up with a start and stared around my familiar room; it was early morning. I waited for mypounding heart to slow down as I breathed in deeply.

I determinedly pushed my worries out of my mind and filled it with thoughts of Edward.

I wanted to see him again.

I wondered when he'd 'find' me.

I wondered if he would even remember me. I hoped that he would.

Rose stirred, her lovely face innocent in slumber.

I rolled over and went back to sleep.

This time my dream was of dark green eyes, rough hands and messy hair.

A/N; reviews are love :)