A/N: I am terribly sorry that I haven't updated lately. I haven't been feeling well so it wasn't really ideal for me to update. Thank you all for the response and support I have gotten from this story. This chapter will get into Edward and Bella's blooming relationship and I hope I explained it well enough to understand where I am going with this.

** Ruby Diamonds, how could there be a happily ever after if she isn't? I hope you'll enjoy that part of the story when I get to it.

** This chapter is dedicated to sweetlovinchick2k1.

** Disclaimer: I do not own twilight. I am just playing around with Miss Meyer's Characters.


EPOV

I was waiting for Carlisle to come home from his shift at the hospital so I could discuss with him about the issues with Bella. For one, her blood. I couldn't smell it, unlike every other human and living thing I've ever encountered, and from the minds of my family, I could tell that they were thinking along the same lines as I was. We were very taken aback for a few moments because of it. I hope she didn't find us rude.

Then the second thing that was odd was the odd pull I felt toward her. If I didn't know better, I would say it felt as if my soul was being pulled toward her. I have never believed that vampires retain their souls after transformation. How could we? We are monsters. I don't know, I guess I might be over thinking it.

I was pacing around my room as I heard Carlisle's car on the driveway. I figured that it might be rude to bombard him outside before he had a chance to enter the house after working all day, so I ran down to the living room to wait for him. I guess I may just be impatient, but I really think he's purposefully moving slowly.

Finally, he opened the door and I just couldn't wait any longer. "Carlisle, can we talk?" He nodded with a knowing smile and led the way up to his study.

He sat in a chair by his desk and I sat in one directly in front of it.

I didn't quite know where to start so I started with the most obvious. "When Bella came to the house today, some odd things happened." He nodded for me to continue. "Well see, when we were in the same room as her, we couldn't smell her blood at all. Not even when she blushed could we smell it. When the blood comes so close to the surface like when blushing, it should be even more potent to us, but with her there was nothing."

I looked him directly in the eyes to make sure he didn't think I was crazy and he just smiled. Smiled! "You knew this all along didn't you Carlisle?"

His smile turned into a smirk which is very unlike Carlisle. He's usually so calm and mature. Smirking actually made him look his age for once. "Edward, didn't I tell you that you had nothing to worry about? Yes, I did suspect it but it was only confirmed when Esme spent the night with her the first night she was in the hospital. She couldn't smell Bella's blood and neither could Alice. I asked Alice and Esme to try and keep it from their minds because I doubted that you would believe it unless you saw it for yourself."

"Carlisle, I have never heard of anything like this happening before, why can't we smell her blood? Of course it's a good thing if she will be staying here, but it doesn't make any sense. She has it because we can hear her heart beat and we can see her blush, but not smelling it makes it unreal."

"I have a theory, and I contacted Eleazar from the Denali Coven to see what he thought about it. Eleazar has seen many unique gifts due to his time with the Volturi. That's why he thinks this is a type of shield. What have you heard from her mind? What do her instincts tell her about us? Most humans will have some subconscious alert in their minds. What about Bella?"

"That's another complication Carlisle. No matter how hard I try to zero in on her mind, it as if she is nowhere near me. She isn't blocking her mind like the family does because for one, she would have no reason to believe she would need to and two, it is just like an impenetrable wall that is blocking her mind from me. You have no idea how frustrating that is. I have never encountered someone, human nor vampire, who was immune to my gift Carlisle. But she is only human, how would she be able to?"

"Eleazar, as well as I, believes that her gift is a shield of sorts. Our theory is that she can shield herself from certain things. There are two main types of shields, physical and mental. We originally thought physical shield since we can't smell her blood. However, since you can't read her mind, I am wondering if it is a combination of both.

"I think that it may be a defense mechanism. She may not consciously know or understand what we are, but I think maybe something in her gift automatically has blocked off the scent of her blood in order to shield her from us. Of course since she's human, she doesn't realize that it is happening. I can only imagine how powerful she would be if she is ever turned since she her gift is this strong already as a human."

For some reason, Carlisle's mention of the possibility of Bella becoming one of us was very unsettling to me. It is probably just that I wouldn't wish this fate on anyone, let alone someone as pure as Bella. Wait. Where did that come from? I barely knew her. I really need to ask Carlisle about this as well.

"Also, Carlisle, you had mentioned that you, Alice, and Esme have all felt a sort of connection with Bella. What did you mean by that exactly? How did it feel?"

He gave me a questioning look but didn't ask my reasons. This is all very confusing to me right now. Perhaps he will have an explanation for the pull I felt towards Bella.

"Well, it felt like a small tug toward her direction. I first felt it when they brought her in through the emergency room doors. She lay on the stretcher very broken, but I felt a small pull toward her. At first it was just me telling myself to save her, but every time I am close to Bella, I feel this. It isn't uncomfortable, just barely noticeable actually. It's odd to say the least."

He raised one eyebrow in a questioning manner and I shifted uncomfortably in the chair. When I think about these new feelings, I feel as if I am bordering on insanity. None of this makes much sense to me. Why would I feel a pull toward a human who I have never met before?

I let out a soft sigh and I started to tell him about the pull. "The reason I ask about the connection is because I felt something seemingly similar to your experience with Bella but mine was somewhat more intense I suppose. When she came in the house and I saw her, I felt like I was being pulled toward her without even moving. It felt like something inside of me was connecting and tying itself to her. It's all very strange but it happened again when we all sat with her and got to know her. As she entered the room to sit with us a while after she arrived, it felt like I was being pulled to her all over again. I've never felt anything like that Carlisle. It was very intense to say the least." I hadn't realized that I was holding my breath until I took a deep, unnecessary, breath.

Carlisle seemed to be thinking deeply about this. Sure I have felt the connection between mates. Him with Esme, Emmett with Rosalie, and Alice with Jasper. I have read this connection through their minds. While they were very strong and deep connections, this was different. His thoughts betrayed no hint of recognition of what was going on, but he had a few theories but I was too lost in my own thoughts to really pry into his mind too much.

He turned his attention back to me and I could tell by his expression that he had finally realized what the connection might mean. He was blocking his thoughts from me. I didn't know if this would be good or bad but I knew Carlisle tended to lean toward dramatics whenever he could around me since it was a rare occurrence in this household to catch a mind reader off-guard.

He went to one of his massive bookshelves and seemed to know exactly which he wanted. He grabbed the book and brought it back to his desk. As he flipped through the pages, I could tell he was looking for something in particular but he didn't quite want me to know just yet. He smiled and turned the book toward me.

I looked down to the page that he had opened to for me. This specific page addressed the theory of soul mates. I glanced over the page and read it quickly. I looked up at Carlisle to see what he meant by sharing this information with me. He smiled and looked into my eyes.

"Son, as you know, we are beings who do not change easily. However, when something comes into our lives to change it drastically enough, then we are forever altered by it whether it is good or bad. Our nature does not allow this change easily so sometimes we don't quite understand it but once we do understand it, we realize it instantly for what it is.

"As you have seen with the rest of the family finding their mates, they have formed connections with one another that are unbreakable. The bond to ones mate is something quite remarkable. What makes some mates differ from the other is the issue of soul mates. Some of our kind only mate out of convenience but they lack the bond that ties their two bodies together. Others however find their soul mate and are forever tied to that person. I have heard that soul mates have an instant connection with one another. We have all felt it at first but what you are feeling seems to be more drastic than that and for that reason, I am not exactly definite for what this is that is happening but my theory is that you and Bella are connected now."

I was at a loss for words. That's a first for sure. What could he mean? Bella and I are falling in love?

"Carlisle, are you suggesting that Bella and I are meant to fall in love with each other? She's human. There is no way that it could work out that way. Humans and Vampires are not meant to be in love with one another."

"Edward, soul mates are not only lovers. They are anything that the other person needs. Perhaps a best friend, a confidante, a sibling, a parent or child, and yes of course lovers as well. What I mean is that a soul mate will be anything and everything to the other person. They will complete one another in the only way that they alone can do. I am not saying that you and Bella are meant to be mates, but this connection surely does seem to point to this theory. Please don't put too much thought into this. Let everything happen naturally son. Have some faith in it."

Soul mates. Bella and I are possible soul mates. This was a lot to take in even with my vampire mind. We can normally process massive amounts of information at one time but right now I feel like I can't even process one thing. I looked back to Carlisle and saw him watching the confusion that must be apparent on my face. I nodded, thanked Carlisle for his advice, and proceeded to my room to think for a while.

BPOV

I have had a very emotionally rough time lately, but I can't seem to fall asleep despite my obvious exhaustion. No matter how hard I try to think of other things, my mind always returns to thoughts of Edward. It felt so odd when I met him. I felt such a strange connection to him despite him being a stranger. I have no idea what it means, but I can't help thinking of how it felt when I met Edward.

Besides the pull that I felt, he is gorgeous. His slender body, the muscles that were just hiding under the surface, his features were so perfect and angular, his topaz eyes that were like the rest of the Cullens but his seemed to hold emotions under it that weren't meant to be seen, and finally his untidy bronze hair that was very natural and perfect at the same time. Over all, he is very attractive. Okay, so he's the most attractive guy I've ever seen.

I'm sure he must be one of those guys who all the girls fall head over heels for. I couldn't help but notice that when I looked into his eyes, I detected a hint of sadness. Our eyes only met for a brief few moments, but in that time I felt like I could see inside of him.

Then when we sat near each other, I am certain I felt a sensation close to electricity coming off of him. My body wanted to move closer to him on its own. Maybe I am going crazy. This is all just very confusing. There is no explanation that I can think of that doesn't diminish my state of sanity.

With thoughts of the time I have been away from that hell some would call my home, I can feel sleep creeping up on me. Finally I can escape the world for a little while, even if it is only to a fantasy land of make believe. Unfortunately, it's more hellish than fantasy and Phil plays the leading role in each nightmare that comes from my mind.

I wonder if I will ever get over those issues. My life has been nothing short of a living hell but it worries me that I might be damaged because of it. I really hope not. No matter what happens in life, I want to find happiness, even if it is only in the simplest of things. I wish I could open my eyes to a new me, but unfortunately that's not how life works.

**************************************
Nothing surrounded me but darkness. There was no indication as to where I was because I could see nothing anywhere around me. Each way I turn, I am met with a black so black that it makes your soul quake in fear. That ominous presence that you feel but you can't quite tell if it's really there or not. I however do feel it, that I'm sure of.

There is only one thing, well person, who makes me feel this way. I turned quickly just in time to see Phil emerge from the darkness. For some reason, I could see only his eyes and his face. The rest of him was covered in the darkness that I so easily associate with him. His eyes are no longer the eyes of a tormentor, but those of a murderer. Realization strikes me as I figure that it is me that he has come to get rid of. I am not afraid of death because around him, I welcome it. He has hurt me for too long. I am tired of his games.

I hear a rustling sound and I feel a breeze that quickly passes by me. A streak of white catches my eye but it fails to catch Phil's eye. For some reason, I feel oddly comforted by this new presence. I can't figure out why, but I know that I am safe. A slight chuckle right behind Phil's ear makes him jump. Ha! He shrieked like a little girl who is afraid of the boogeyman. It is the simple things like this that give me peace of mind around this monster.

Before Phil can turn around, the white streak comes out into a dim light so that both of us can see who has come to my aid. My breath catches as Edward's eyes meet mine. His eyes are full of promise and security that I couldn't imagine fearing him despite the darkness in his eyes. He zones in Phil and grabs him by the shirt.

With one swift movement, Edward tosses Phil against some hard surface. I hear a sickening crack that I could tell was Phil's neck breaking. Edward quickly moves to me, faster than a human should be able to, and pulls me into his arms. He clutches me to my chest as he tells me that I am safe. I felt so much love come from his embrace that it brought tears to my eyes.

A single tear escaped my eye as I said, "Thank you Edward…"


EPOV

"Thank You Edward…"

I had been listening to Bella's heartbeat as she slept. I could hear it all the way from my room just as easily as if I was sitting right next to her. There was something very peaceful as I listened to the rhythmic beat of her humanity. It was so pure and so innocent.

It startled me when I heard Bella whisper her thanks to me. I am certain she is asleep. Wow, Bella must talk in her sleep. Was she dreaming of me? Why would s dream of me? Did she feel some of the same connection I did? That is the only reason I could fathom that I would make an appearance in her dreams.

I quietly and quickly moved across the hall to her door. I opened it very slowly so I wouldn't have the chance of disturbing her sleep. I would hate to wake her up. She would probably scream her head off if she woke up to me in her room watching her sleep. I hadn't even planned to come into the room until I heard her speak my name.

When I was in her room, I closed the door just as silently. She was still asleep, but as I got closer to her sleeping form, I could see that she had been crying in her sleep. Was it a nightmare? Why would she thank me in a nightmare? I really do wish I could see inside of her mind, but I guess I can't. I surely can't just ask her what her dream was about either. I hate not knowing things like this.

I decided to stay in her room for a little while. I knew that it was highly inappropriate to be in her room without her knowledge but I couldn't make my body move. She is a really intriguing girl. I've never met anyone like her before. In my whole existence, I had never had my attention taken by a girl before. Bella was a woman though in my eyes. She has faced so much more than most people have to face and all this in her short seventeen years. I always thought that I had a rough life because of my vampire instincts and bloodlust, but that means nothing next to the hurt Bella has faced.

As I looked down again onto her sleeping form, I couldn't help but compare her to an angel. She looked innocent and untouched by life. In this time, all the worries and fears seemed to evaporate from her, leaving nothing but peace in its place. It was as I looked at her that I made my decision. I would do whatever I needed to in order to protect Bella. I would never let anyone hurt her ever again.

"Bella, I will protect you, I promise" I whispered to her.

I knew she was sleeping and therefore couldn't hear me, but she sighed and turned toward me with a small smile on her lips. I couldn't help but return the smile. I leaned down and carefully kissed her forehead and left her to finish her sleep. I didn't want to wake her so I went back to my room.

Unfortunately, my family was with their respective partners and I not only had to hear them vocally but mentally as well. I cringed as I tried to block them out of my mind with little success. I decided to take a run to clear my head and do some hunting to pass the night.

As I ran, my mind kept recalling the whole day since Bella arrived at the house. To think I was so against her coming. Of course, Carlisle knew what he was doing, he always does. In these few hours that I have known Bella, I felt an odd connection to her.

Maybe Carlisle was also right about the soul mates theory. Even if Bella and I couldn't have a romantic relationship, with her being human and me afraid to hurt her, we could still be something at least. I will always do what I can to protect her.

After I drained and disposed of two deer, I decided to head back to the house.

I wonder what Bella would think if she knew what we really were. I have no idea how we are going to keep this from her, but it was Carlisle's decision and he said he was prepared for this. I haven't the slightest clue as to what he means, but I do trust him. He is my father in all ways but biological. I owe my life, or whatever this is, to him. If it weren't for him, I would be dead and I wouldn't have met Bella. Can it really be that she is already so apart of my mind that I can't stop thinking about her?

Once the day starts, I am going to try to talk to her again. She is fascinating to me and I would love to get to know her better. Maybe one day in the future, if she accepts what we are, maybe she'll also be able to accept me with all my faults. Now that I know that I have no bloodlust towards her, I don't have to be so wary. Maybe I could make this work out after all. I hope so because I am starting to think that Carlisle is definitely right about his theory.


I entered my room shortly before six in the morning. I quickly showered and changed so I could head downstairs to wait for Bella to come out from her room. I'm sure she feels out of place here. She seems to be shy but it's a very cute quality about her. She seems to blush very easily.

Bella's heartbeat began to speed up and I could tell she was waking up. After a few minutes, I heard her go to her bathroom and start a shower. After ten minutes, she opened her door and I heard her heading to the kitchen. It sounded like she was trying to be very quiet so she wouldn't wake anyone up. Little does she know that we don't sleep, but I suppose this quiet is what it would appear to a human to mean.

She was now in the kitchen and I decided to join her as she got some breakfast. I of course wouldn't eat it with her, but I could keep her company. I walked quietly into the kitchen and saw her reaching into the top cupboard for some cereal but she seemed to be just a little too short to reach it.

I went up behind her and grabbed it for her. I must have startled her because she gasped as she turned and saw me. I couldn't help the grin that spread onto my face at her "deer caught in the headlights" look.

I could hear her heart beat rapidly so I assume I really did scare her. This isn't good. I frowned a little. "Sorry Bella, I didn't mean to startle you. I really had no intention of it."

After a few moments, she blinked and shook her head slightly as if to regain her thoughts. She gave me a shy smile.

"No Edward, there is no need to apologize. I was just caught off-guard, that's all. Thank you for helping. I had always thought I was average height for a girl, but apparently I am a few inches too short to reach some things." I couldn't help but chuckle at this. She seems to have an easy-going, calm, attitude, and that suits her very well. She is polite and courteous to others but she also has her own unique charm.

"Where is the rest of your family?" She asked quickly as if she wanted to really say something else but changed her mind at the last moment.

"Oh, Carlisle has gone to his morning shift at the hospital, Esme had to run a few errands in town, and Emmett, Rosalie, Alice, and Jasper seem to not be up yet." Okay, so I didn't exactly lie. They weren't technically "up" yet; they were still in their beds as I could tell by their thoughts.

I always thought it was bad enough to have to endure only Carlisle and Esme's activities, but now I have three pairs of minds that tend to get wrapped up into their respective partners.

I tried to focus my attention on Bella to get my siblings thoughts out of my head. It seemed to help since her mind was silent to me. The silence that I found around her mind was a welcomed comfort.

She had finished making a bowl of cereal and sat at the table to eat her breakfast. She caught me staring at her and she looked at me shyly as if afraid of how to proceed. "Umm, would you like to join me for breakfast?"

"I'm not really a breakfast person but I could join you while you eat if you'd like" I gave a smile to show that I really meant what I was saying. She looked at me and blushed. Her blush was very lovely.

"I'm sure it would be incredibly boring for you, but if you wish, I'd love to have you join me." I was stunned at her words for a moment before I regained my composure.

The way her voice spoke was elegant and enchanting. She was very polite, even in simple conversation. Not exactly something you would find these days. Articulation and the English language seem to have slowly decayed over the generations. This is not the first time that this girl has surprised me and I'm sure it won't be the last.

Bella took her bowl to the sink and washed it out and put it in the dishwasher. Her independence actually shocked me a little. She could have easily asked if I could take it for her so it would be easy for her, but she took care of everything by herself.

I have no idea how she can be so independent on crutches like that with her injuries but I'm sure this is nothing compared to her real independence. I am sure that if she wanted something, she wouldn't allow anything to stop her. I admire her even more for this. She doesn't depend on others and takes care of herself.

I wish I could take care of her though. It would make me happy to but I have a feeling that she wouldn't take easily to that. Maybe after we get to know each other better, she might open up to me and allow me in.

I was still leaning against the wall of the kitchen when I heard Alice speak to me silently.

Edward, why don't you take Bella into the living room? We all will be down in a few minutes and I think she might feel a little better if she doesn't think everyone is staring at her.

"Okay" I whispered too low for human ears to hear me but I knew that very well that Alice could hear me.

"Bella, why don't we go into the living room? I think the others should be down in a few minutes and I am sure they'd like to hang out with you for a while." I almost laughed at her slightly frightened expression but she nodded and I led her into the living room and we both sat down on the same couch as we had yesterday.

I still felt the pull towards her but I also felt something else that I had felt yesterday as well. It almost seemed like electricity passing between us. My body wanted to move closer to her, but I had to stop myself because she didn't know me at all and I didn't want to make her uncomfortable.

Alice then bounced into the room with her mind blocked and I should have known that she'd have something planned. I just hope she doesn't freak Bella out.

BPOV

I had felt very comfortable near Edward. I felt safe just like I had in my dream last night. I know that dreams are not reality, but it was the same feeling of safety and security.

I wanted to get closer to him but I stopped myself before I could make a fool out of myself. He didn't know me and even if he did, why would he want to be close to me? I am sure these feelings towards him are simply one sided. There is no way that someone like him could ever fall for someone like me.

Alice bounced gracefully into the room and gave me a hug and asked how I was. Deciding to stay away from my feelings for Edward, I simply replied that I was "fine". This of course didn't appease her and I knew she could tell through my lies by now, but I didn't really feel comfortable getting into this discussion with anyone right now or anytime soon.

I can't just let people in like that or they will end up hurting me. I hate that I feel this way, but living through my life, I have learned that you have to be able to protect yourself heart, if anything, at all costs.

For me, that meant that I needed to not open too must to people. I have had enough heartbreak so far and I would hate to go through that again. I'm not saying I am cold or anything but I definitely do know how to protect my heart.

Behind her came Jasper and he offered me a smile and I couldn't help but return it. He always had this calming presence about him.

He sat in the chair next to the couch that Edward and I were currently on and Alice happily sat in his lap. She pecked his cheek and I couldn't help but feel extremely happy that she and he were happy together. They both deserve a good and happy life.

Alice is my first real friend and has treated me with nothing but kindness and love and I am sure that Jasper must be very similar to her. He looked at me briefly with a somewhat shocked look on his face but quickly looked back to Alice and smiled at her. It was almost like he could sense my happiness which made him happy.

Emmett and Rosalie came in next and sat together on the loveseat. They snuggled together and it was a cute site which made me smile again until Rosalie looked in my direction and glared at me. I'm not sure how but Edward must had seen this and snapped his head up and glared at her which made her look once more in my direction then decided to watch the TV which I hadn't noticed was even on.

I set my eyes on the TV and tried my best to understand why Rosalie would have such an extreme distaste for me. Perhaps she didn't appreciate my presence in her house and her life. I would never tell her this, but she is very scary with some of her looks that she has given me.

EPOV

What is her problem? She shouldn't even be here and how dare she feel she has the right to look at me. I hope she gets the idea and leaves!

My head snapped up to meet Rosalie's glare which she now had focused on Bella. It was Rosalie's signature death glare and of course it must have frightened Bella.

I hissed low enough that Bella couldn't hear but Rosalie sure could. She in turn glared at me, glanced back at Bella, and then threw her attention onto the television.

Alice had turned the channel to MTV. I looked at her with a raised eyebrow, wondering why she would turn it on this channel. She tried to hide her smile and turned back to the screen. She was blocking her mind still so I knew for sure that she was hiding something. I decided to play along and focused on the screen like the rest seemed to be.

A new video started to play and first on the screen was "Fall Out Boy Presents…." "A Little Less Sixteen Candles"

I don't tend to really pay much attention to the songs on MTV so I wasn't surprised that I didn't know this one. It started out with a couple in a car and then some sort of monsters attack them. They get saved and the hero jumps off a cliff as if he could fly.

I cocked my head towards Alice but she pretended like she couldn't see me which I know wasn't true.

I set my sights back to the TV and realized that this was a music video about vampires. What the…. "Alice!" I hissed too low for Bella to hear again. "What on earth do you think you are doing??" She just looked at me and winked.

Come on Edward. Trust me, please.

So this must had been what she was blocking from me. I turned timidly towards Bella but not enough that she would notice. I wish I could read her mind to see if she really thought anything of truth in the myths. Not many humans do but I still don't see Alice's point in this. It was very stupid of her to even think about this. What if Bella did get suspicious of us?

As if she could read my mind, Bella snorted. Most would think it's unladylike to do so, but she made it cute. Temporarily forgetting what was going on, I turned to her and smiled. "What's funny?"

She looked up at me for a brief moment and then turned back towards the screen. I was about to wonder if she was just too shy to speak up with five people in the room besides herself but then she answered my question.

"This" She waved a hand at the screen. I knew what I would find funny about these ridiculous myths, but what would she find funny about it? "The way that myths portray Vampires, it's completely ridiculous." She began.

Everyone but Alice froze at her statement. Did she know about vampires already? If she did, did she know about us? I couldn't read her mind so I would have to talk it out of her. "What do you mean?" I tried to sound amused instead of shocked like I felt.

"Well for one, most of the myths don't really make much sense to me. First of all sleeping in coffins? Come on, that is just kind of stupid. Then Holy water? I know there is an absurd idea of people thinking vampires are evil demons and religiously you fight evil with good hence the holy water, but in all reality, it's just water that is blessed by a human. You could technically go online and get a license and bless it yourself. I don't get how it's really supposed to be all that effective towards killing them.

"Plus, the idea that someone can become evil without choice is completely ridiculous. It's our decisions that frame our character and our heart, not who or what we are. Then there is the whole stake through the heart thing. If a person is transformed from a human into a vampire, wouldn't it make more sense that they would increase in strength instead of actually becoming weaker than humans? Yes human could die from something through the heart as well but they don't just disappear into dust.

"Then there is the whole issue of transformation. I don't see how a body could change so drastically from a human into a vampire instantaneously. Wouldn't it need to go through some changes instead of just essentially changing into a new species automatically? Finally, the whole strength thing again. I don't see how a human would be able to kill something that is supposed to be more dangerous than them; certainly not with a stake or a sword."

We were all stunned, except Alice of course. She must have seen this coming. Bella looked up to me and misinterpreted my silence for something else and began to blush. She was shy because we all looked like someone just kicked our puppy. Well we don't have a puppy of course but that's how the saying goes.

I gave out a laugh because she actually had some really good points. I wonder where she came up with all these ideas. It is apparent that she has spent some time thinking about this but I am not sure if she suspects anything. How could she? I think she is just perceptive and imaginative.

"Okay, that sounded better in my head" She began to mumble under her breath which was apparently not meant for us to hear.

"Bella, I'm sorry, I was just taken a back because I had never really considered all of the points you made. I guess I just never paid that much attention but you do make a lot of sense." I gave her a crooked grin and she smiled back at me.

When her eyes met mine, I forgot about everyone else in the room and I was entranced in her eyes. Her deep chocolate brown eyes were so warm and it seemed as if she held a lifetime of pain in them but also something else, hope. Did she feel hopeful when she looked at me? I know I did when I looked at her. It seemed like hours that we just were trapped in one another's gaze until I heard someone clear their throat.

Eddie, is looking really the best you got? You look like a love-sick teenager, dude. Of course Emmett would be the one to ruin a perfectly good moment with something stupid like that.

Bella looked down at her hands and again blushed. She looked back up at me and I smiled at her. Her return smile was so beautiful.

Edward, do you realize what you two are feeling right now? I looked at Jasper with questioning eyes.

Bro. You both are pouring affection to one another. It's a very intense amount. It's not like how girls typically feel toward you because of your vampire qualities but hers is actual affection. I too believe Carlisle was right about the soul mate thing. You two seem very connected even after only a short time together.

Ah, so they had been listening. I guess I should have expected as much since they could hear everything so well. I just didn't particularly care for the idea that everyone knew about our relationship when we don't even have one as of yet.

She knows too much already! What if the Volturi find out? All this trouble is not worth it for a human. I still don't see why Carlisle insisted on this and I don't see how Edward has changed his mind. Are they completely insane?! Rosalie was glaring at Bella again.

At first Bella didn't notice until she saw the direction I was looking in and decided to see what had caught my eye. When Bella looked toward Rosalie, Rosalie glared a worse death glare than before at Bella. I didn't need Jasper's gift to realize that this freaked Bella out.

"Umm... I think I am going to head to my room for a while to rest. It has been great hanging out with you all." Bella sounded sad as she said this but she hid it well.

Rosalie really needs to watch herself before I end up ripping her apart. Of course that would anger Emmett, but I really couldn't care less. Bella doesn't deserve Rosalie's wrath. Bella has done nothing to her.

I waited until I heard Bella close her door until I turned on Rosalie.

"What the hell Rosalie? What was that for? She has done nothing to you! You have no right to treat her like that." I growled at her loud enough for her to hear but low enough so Bella couldn't.

Rosalie looked at me with a murderous glare but it didn't faze my anger in the least. "You have got to be kidding Edward. You of all people were against her coming here but now you seem to have turned into a complete love sick fool! What is she to me? Why should I risk my life as well as my family's in order to house a pathetic human? She has no right to be here and she shouldn't be. She needs to go back to wherever she came from!"

That was it! She had no idea what she was talking about. Of course Carlisle has only told Bella's story to me alone but Rosalie still had no right to be hostile without reason. Bella is a good person and Rosalie just can't accept that.

"Rosalie, YOU of all people should be the last to judge Bella! Carlisle only told you that she was a patient of his; did you ever wonder how she became one? Did you ever stop and use that little vain mind of yours to wonder why Carlisle would be so adamant about bringing her here? Did you ever think that maybe it was the only way to protect her from a fate very similar to yours? There would have been one small difference though; she wouldn't have been given a second chance. She would have been dead at the hands of her step-father who abused her for years in every torturous way possible.

"So YOU most of all should not judge Bella and not treat her like a piece of trash because she is one of the strongest person I know to endure all of that and still be able to have the heart that she does." My voice had become ice cold and I sounded like a true vampire at the moment.

Everyone was completely silent, even their thoughts. They hadn't been told the story either and apparently Alice hadn't seen Carlisle's discussion with me before Bella came.

I glared at Rosalie once more and turned to go to my room. Nobody dared to follow me so I made it to my room and shut the door.

I began to pace. Why did Rosalie have to be so difficult? Of course she was protective of her family and our secret but she shouldn't be so quick to judge people. Unfortunately, her shallowness doesn't help with that issue either.

I sighed and ran my hand through my hair.

Bella looked so upset at how Rosalie was glaring at her. To be honest, I was very surprised that Bella was just upset and not afraid from Rosalie. Any human should have been scared out of their wits but then again Bella is very unique.

I began to pace. What should I do? Should I go and see how Bella is doing or should I wait for her to come out on her own? I don't want to invade her privacy.

I continued to pace until I heard Jasper at my door. Edward, may I come in for a moment?

I sighed and went to open the door for him to allow him to come in. He came in and turned to face me. He had a horribly pained look on his face and it startled me.

"Jasper, what's wrong?" He shook his head as if to clear it and ran his fingers through his hair. Apparently he got that habit from me.

Edward, I think that Rosalie triggered something with Bella. At first Bella was completely fine. I was even shocked that she had so much happiness toward Alice and my relationship. I hadn't met a human who was actually as happy for others as Bella seems to be. She was even happy toward Emmett and Rosalie until Rosalie decided to go all psycho on her.

When Bella excused herself, she was startled at first and as she went to her room, she became hurt and depressed. I don't know why but she's in so much emotional pain right now but she's not letting it out. She has all this pent up emotional baggage that she can't seem to get rid of and it keeps adding like a weight. Right now she is in more pain inside than I have ever seen anyone. I'm actually worried about her. We all need to let our emotions out or else it will end up ruining us.

He looked at me once more before he started to pace himself. Apparently Bella's emotions were really getting to him. His mind was close to jumbled.

I don't know what I can do. I tried to send calming waves, but she just blocked them somehow. I am assuming that she's just too out of it right now to be affected. I thought I would let you know what's going on. I'm sorry for how Rosalie acted. Bella didn't deserve any of Rosalie's attitude.

He kept this conversation going through his mind so that others wouldn't be intruding on Bella's emotions which I was thankful for. I don't want her to feel violated like that.

With that I thanked him and he left. I have to go comfort Bella and help her any way I can. She won't go through anything alone anymore.

BPOV

Rosalie had given me a murderous death glare that really got to me for some reason. I guess it reminded me of Phil's glares but only worse.

I am sure it appeared rude when I excused myself to my room. I just couldn't take it and I didn't want to break down in front of five strangers. Most of all I didn't want Edward to see me like that. I guess the reason Rosalie got to me is because it made me realize that I don't belong here no matter how much I or anyone else would like to think I do.

I laid down on the bed. I turned to grab my MP3 player to help calm down. I put the headphones in and turned it up as loud as it would go. It helps me block out my thoughts. I sighed and closed my eyes as the first song came on.

EPOV

As I was approaching Bella's door, I could hear that she had music playing low. With my sensitive hearing on my side I am guessing she was using headphones so nobody would hear it. I didn't know how to proceed. Should I knock or just open her door? I was about to knock when I listened closer to her song. It tugged my heart because her life must have led her to feel this way.

I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me
And I walk alone

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one
And I walk alone

I felt wrong to just open into her life like I was about to but it actually hurt to know that she was hurting. I sat down in front of her door to give her a little time to herself and just listened to what was going on in her room.

It hurt even more when I heard Bella whisper a verse from the song she was listening to.

"My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone..."

That bastard must have hurt her more than she lets on. Yes, she is shy but she looks happy around us, with the exception of Rosalie of course. Now I realize that Bella is good at hiding her pain from others. Not only was she hurt physically, but her step-father tore her to pieces inside.

I got up and decided it was time to see Bella. I couldn't take it anymore that she was hurting so badly inside but most of all she was handling it by herself.

I quietly opened the door. She was facing toward the window with her back toward me so she couldn't tell that I had entered her room. I wasn't sure of how to proceed so I decided to just see her directly.

I walked around her bed until I could see her face. Her eyes were closed and she still hadn't sensed me. I decided to sit down on her bed so that she wouldn't have a heart attack if she opened her eyes and saw me just staring down at her. No, that wouldn't be good at all.

When I sat down, she could obviously feel the shift of pressure and she opened her eyes. She looked at me with wide eyes and proceeded to turn off her music and sit up in her bed. She looked sad, but she tried to hide it from me.

"Bella, are you okay?" Okay, that was possibly the stupidest thing I could have asked. She looked out her window at the forest. After a moment, she sighed and looked back at me.

"I'm fine" I could tell she wasn't and I wanted her to know that she didn't have to hide from me.

"Bella, I'm sorry for how Rosalie acted. She is very protective of her family and she hates change. She had no right to act towards you the way she did."

She gave me a smile but it didn't reach her eyes. I could tell it was forced.

"It's fine Edward. I shouldn't have gotten upset about it. It wasn't her really, I'm sure she's a great person once one gets to know her."

I didn't know if Bella really meant that or not, but I know Rosalie heard it and her mind showed that she felt guilty for how she acted towards Bella. I'm glad because she should feel guilty and get out of her own little selfish world.

"What upset you? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I won't push but I want you to know that I'm always here if you want to talk. You're not alone anymore."

She looked a little shocked at that. Apparently nobody had ever been there for her. She has been alone for so long.

She looked into my eyes and after a moment I could tell that hers had filled with tears. I didn't know what to do so I did what came naturally. I put my arms around her. After a moment she leaned into me. She began to cry and as much as I hated to see her cry, I knew that she needed to get it out. I held her until her shaking and tears subsided. It felt so right to hold her even despite the circumstances. She didn't seem to be bothered by my coldness or my stone of a body even though I am sure she that she noticed it.

She wiped her eyes and looked up at me somewhat ashamed of herself. I had to assure that there was nothing wrong with letting her emotions out so I did what came naturally again. I kissed her forehead and smiled down at her.

My natural instincts are really going to get me in trouble one day. I need to not do this to Bella. She deserves so much better than me. To say that I was a little worried about her reaction to the kiss would be a definite understatement.

Again she surprised me by smiling up at me. Maybe she does feel the same way about me. I can't deny her what she wants and if that is me, then she will have whatever she wants from me. It's amazing that she would have such a hold over me after only a day. She's a remarkable person and I would be more than honored if her heart held me because mine already holds her.

"Thank you Edward." She said in a small voice as she looked out the window.

"For what?" I asked genuinely confused.

"For being here for me. If I am being honest, you are the first person to see me like this. Nobody has ever cared enough to even to worry about me. So, thank you"

"Bella, you are more than welcome but you never need to thank me. I was being serious when I told you that you aren't alone anymore. If you will allow me, I will always be here for you however you wish me to be."

I smiled at her and she smiled back. Her smile turned into yawn and I figured she must be really tired because she didn't sleep well last night.

"Maybe you should rest some and later we could do something if you'd like." I smiled at the idea of spending more time with her. I went to stand up and Bella bit her lip like she wanted to say something but she was afraid to.

"What's wrong?" I asked her. I wish she felt comfortable enough to tell me what's on her mind but hopefully in time she will.

She sighed and looked up at me "Umm… Edward, will you stay?"

She wanted me to stay? I couldn't help but feel happy at this. "Of course. All you need to ever do is ask."

I laid down on the bed and she curled up to me. I held her and I couldn't believe how nice and how right this felt.

I don't know how she felt so comfortable being near a vampire, but I am glad that I could provide some sort of comfort for her. I stayed there and held her for hours while she slept. She didn't have any trouble sleeping this time and it seemed as if she felt comfort in my presence even if it is in her dreams.

Son, Eleazar will be coming to visit tomorrow. Carlisle's thoughts broke me out of my own thoughts.

He is curious about Bella since I had spoken to him about her uniqueness. Kate will be accompanying him. The rest have prior engagements so they can't make it this time. They should be arriving tomorrow evening so I just wanted to tell you beforehand.

"Thank you Carlisle. I'll let Bella know that we will be having company tomorrow so it won't put her on the spot."

Son, the others told me how you reacted towards Rosalie and I am glad that you stood up for Bella. She needs someone right now and you are the best person for this. She seems to already trust you which is remarkable considering I don't know how she could ever trust anyone after what she's been through. Just make sure you take care of her.

"Thank you Carlisle." With that he left to his study for the rest of the night.

As I watched Bella sleep, I couldn't help but again picture her as an Angel. I will do anything I can to make sure that she has the best life possible no matter how she chooses it to be.

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I hope you liked this chapter. I wanted to show the connection between Edward and Bella because I have always thought that their love was fated for them no matter the circumstances.

Next chapter will have Eleazar and Kate in it and there will be a new twist.

The song that was about vampires is by Fall Out Boy and is called "A Little Less Sixteen Candles… A Little More Touch Me". I love the effects they use so you should check it out.

Please let me know what you think so far by pushing that little green button :)