AN: I need some ideas on where to take the rest of the story. I have a basic outline, but maybe all of you out there are may creative then I am. Please read and review and give me your thoughts and input. My goal this chapter is to have at least 10 more reviews and lots of ideas. Does anyone think I should bring Jacob back into the story line. Let me know.. As always I do not own twilight or any of the characters...

A New Life

I looked to the sky and watched the purple, pink, and red hues dance across the horizon and then glanced over and watched the light filter down through the trees and land on his face. Sunshine and diamonds, the combination made my head spin and my eyes glanced down to my hand and the beautiful ring that he had given me as a token of his love. I twisted my hand, the diamond caught the sunshine glittering and shimmering in its light. The thought made me giddy as I giggled and looked toward him once again.

Edward picked me up laughing and set me gently on the seat of the car, put the belt on, and kissed me lightly before he closed the door and walked to the other side. He could have been to the other side in mere moments, but he walked slowly, smiling that crooked grin. I think he deliberately exaggerated each step he took for my own personal pleasure and his enjoyment from my reaction.

He knew that he could dazzle me and that I would melt in his arms and indulge in the sweetness of his scent, and yet I think he derived as much pleasure from my reactions as I did from watching him. Just as he reached reached the other side of the car, he stopped short and shook his head. He stood there pinching the bridge of his nose, eyes closed tight. My eyes widened in surprise and I wondered what he heard or who was near that would make him worry.

He looked at me and it was clear that he had no intention of telling me anything, which was not unusual but extremely irritating and I was mad; no I was more than mad I was livid. I mean after everything we had been through I thought we were past any evasiveness and yet I knew he was not going to tell me what or why he was worried; he never did when it concerned my safety, at least until he had some sort of plan in place to insure it.

The door opened soundlessly. I continued to look up at him, but he avoided my stare and slid into the seat without a word. The car purred to life and we pulled away from our oasis and headed toward reality and possible danger.

"Do you ever plan on telling me what is wrong or what you are worried about? Because if you don't tell me what is going on soon I am just going to think the worst" I snapped.

I felt like a two year old throwing a fit, but really how much do you think one person can take and how many times do I have to be left in the dark like I am too fragile to handle whatever is wrong.

"Ugh, Edward say something! Do you honestly think I cannot handle whatever this is? You really need to stop trying to protect me from everything."

My voice continued to increase in volume until I was yelling, which was something that I had never, up to this point, done.

"Edward Anthony Masen, you better open that mouth of yours and tell me what is going on right now!" I exclaimed and then burst into tears that soon became uncontrollable sobs.

I felt the car slow and come to a stop as my body continued shaking. I felt his arms wrap around my waist as he slid me into his lap. His breathing was erratic. He took deep breaths as he pulled me closer still.

Why couldn't I be normal. Why when I was angry did I have to cry. I couldn't just get mad; I had to cry and seem like an emotional idiot.

"Bella, he murmured, it is going to be alright. Everything is going to be fine... I.. I promise... I would never let anything happen to you... not now, not ever."

Edward stated this with such conviction, such love, such devotion that it only made me more irritated. I hiccuped and my words came in short bursts "Then.. tell me.. what.. is going... on."

I took a deep breath and continued a little more smoothly this time, as my body and my cries subsided "Because when you leave me in the dark and don't trust... that... that I can handle things it reminds me of the days before..." my body shuddered "that led up to the darkest time of my entire existance..."

I looked up at him and saw his tortured expression, but still I continued.. Knowing that he must know, that he must completely understand that he could never keep things from me again..

"I just cannot deal... deal with.. the image of you walking away, of leaving, even if it was to keep me safe..."

I grabbed his shirt and looked into his butterscotch eyes that were filled with regret and pain. I knew that he understood and the tears continued to flow silently down my cheeks. Edward lifted his hand and gently wiped my face and then took my face tenderly in his hands.

He whispered "I will never leave. No one will ever be able to tear me from your side again... I am so sorry... I did not know that not telling you made you feel so insecure." His voice was rushed, emphatic, and full of sorrow.

"I don't feel insecure Edward. I feel just the opposite. I feel so sure of your love now that it makes me worried that you might be willing to do.. well.. anything, just to keep me safe."

"I'm your wife, Edward. I have a right to know. I not only have a right to know, but you have a responsibility to tell me..." I stated softly looking deep into his golden orbs, hoping that he would finally grasp what I was saying.

With my face still securely cupped in his hands I took a deep breath and waited patiently for his response.

He seemed to contemplate my words and held his finger up to let me know that he was intending on replying to my request. His hands dropped from my face and he pulled me toward his chest and buried his head in my hair breathing in my scent and sighing. I rolled my eyes and continued to wait in silence.

"If you are trying to distract me, its not going to work."

"I know, I just wanted a moment to relax and compose myself. I think that you could at least indulge me on that." He stated as he pulled back from me to judge my response with his eyebrows raised.

"I believe I have already allowed you enough time." I mumbled quietly knowing full well that he would hear every syllable I had uttered.

"Bella, that was Alice on the phone... I.. uh.., she had some news and we need to get back as quickly as we can." The words came out rushed. I knew that I had not given her all the information. She would definitely be waiting for me to finish. I looked at the ceiling, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. How was I going to say the next words.

She had been right. She always was. It was my guilt and my selfishness that had not fulfilled her wishes this past week. Only now I realized how much danger I put her in when I did things based on my self-centered needs. It was I who justified everything I did by my own belief that I was a monster.

Then there was her, the most unselfish creature alive, giving me a chance and loving me as I believed no-one ever would. Making me feel whole again, making me remember who I was, making me regain humanity, compassion, love... unconditional love. I lowered my eyes to her level. I am sure she could see the despair in my eyes. She knew me well. She knew that it was guilt that kept me second guessing our existance together.

"It's the Volturi... They will be here within the month." I looked at her and her eyes widened and then narrowed as she glared at me.

"That is what this is all about... Are you kidding me. Edward, I told you they would be here soon. Why are you worring about something that is a non-issue. We know what they want... They want me to either die or become a part of your family. They are just checking. We knew they would. I never thought it would be twenty years." I shook my head and inwardly groaned I don't know why he always forgot how perceptive I was. Afterall everyone else in this world swallowed their lies and their facade, but not I and here was just another example of his inability to see what was clearly so obvious...

"Aro is far too curious for that... How could you not realize that? Edward... I know this means I will be saying goodbye. I have known that for sometime now. Waiting any longer only makes it harder for me. When we get back, we are going through with the plans we discussed earlier today. There will be no delays. Do you understand that? Do you comprehend what I am saying? If we keep our end of the bargain... If you keep your promise to me, there is nothing to fear." I asserted.

"Bella...?" he questioned as he looked into my eyes.

"Yes Edward, what is it now?" I sighed. Sometimes he could be so exasperating.

"Alice has one final request before we do anything at all... I... I told her it was up to you, but she often gets her way so please be nice." his words came out slowly, hesitantly, softly. I knew it must be important to both of them if he was broaching the subject now.

"What is it that she wants Edward?"

"Alice wants to take you shopping one last time."

I rolled my eyes.

"She does not see it happening in the future for at least a couple of years and she really wants to spend some time with you before everything changes. She told me it was a girl thing, though how she would have any idea of that I do not know." He said with a chuckle.

I sighed, leaned my body against his chest and smiled. How very much like Alice that in the face of danger she wants to dress me up and play barbie... or she has something to tell me that she can't say in front of Edward. I would play her charade. It made me giggle to think of that. I knew we were truly sisters and I was glad for that.

"Edward?"

"Mmm?"

"I will go shopping with Alice." I stated begrudingly, completely for his benefit alone with complete knowledge and surity that Alice had something important to tell me alone.

I then took him completely by surprise when I reached up, grabbed his hair, and put all the passion I could into the last kiss we would have before we made our way back home."

I guess it was more passion than Edward could handle because the next thing I knew we were in the middle of a meadow breathing erratically, meeting each other on every level and with every unspoken need.

His hands traced every inch of my body gently. When he was through with that his mouth traced every aspect of my body sending shivers up and down my back, burning with icy hotness as I began to caress him until the passion exploded in both of us. We were whole, complete, with an unbreakable bond from now until the end of never.

I could lay here in the middle of this place and never move. The last week has been the happiest of my mortal existance and now I knew it was time to make my way into a new life, a new life without the benefit of and with the sweet bitter realization that my entire existance would be a sad memory for those I was leaving behind. I brushed those thoughts aside and whispered softly in his ear that it was time for us to go.

"Edward, my love?"

"Mmm hmm?"

"Are you ready?"

"No, not really." He said lazily while playing with my hair."

"Bella?"

"Yes Edward?"

"Just stay with me." He whispered

"There is nothing in the world I want more than to stay here with you forever, but we have placed to go and things to do." I lifted my head from his chest and pressed my lips softly to his one last time."

The return kiss I received was just as passionate and with an edge to it that brought me back to the kiss, the last kiss before he left me and I pulled away startled.

"What are you thinking Edward?"

"I'm scared Bella... I feel like I'm always on the brink of losing you forever."

"Have a little faith Edward. This too shall pass and our lives will continue today, tomorrow, and forever with you by my side."

I had to admit that I was scared too. I do not think there was ever a time where Edward openly admitted his fear of losing me and it had me truly worried. I had to push these thoughts out of my head and reassure him that things were going to work out... They had to work out. I had not gone through all that could possibly be expected of one person for things to not work out.

It was with this that I made my resolve that we needed to get things over with as soon as possible and face whatever supposed or real danger was ahead so we could move forward and start living. I would run no more. I would stand for any more obsticles to be placed in my path. There were no more stubbling blocks that would deter me from my goal of remaining with him for the rest of time.

I reached down and put my hands in his, "Lets go and find out what the plans are for our future." He smiled his crooked grin which made me smile and laugh inwardly.

"Bella, you give me such hope, such faith..." His words drifted and I placed my finger on his mouth.

"Shh, we will be fine and nothing more needs to be said.. Action is the only thing that will keep us together so lets get going." I laughed.

The meadow filled with his laughter and I knew that I could face anything. He picked me up and we ran through the forest on our way back to the place where we began.