I'm so sorry I know this chapter is over a week late I've had a lot of real life stuff going on this week, one of my work mates brothers died in war against terrorism and I had to attend a service in his honour, because of that I'd like to dedicate this chapter to all the army men and women who put there lives on the line daily to keep our country safe. I've never felt emotion like what i did this week knowing a guy a few years older than me lost his life in a instant is shocking. Those people out on the front line are the real heros.

As always all the people in this story belong to SM apart from Ellie I hope this was worth the wait Enjoy Kirsty x


Learning To Love Again

Chapter 7 Girls Just Want To Have Fun

Bella's point of view

What an amazing day. Driving away from Edward at the end of it was hard. I didn't want to leave. I wanted the day to go on forever. Ellie was amazing all day. She fell in love with Charlie and Renee so much that she asked Charlie to read her a bed time story. All of the Cullen's thought it was hilarious when Emmett got the hump. He was usually her story teller and felt put out that she didn't want him to do it. Edward had managed to put my number in his phone when we got a minute to ourselves in the kitchen. He kissed me again a few times too. I swear if his lips could stay on mine forever, I'd be the happiest girl alive. We sat close all the way through the evening. No one but Emmett commented on my change of clothes. Renee and Charlie were used to me falling over so they thought nothing of it. I text Angela to let her know Alice was joining us tomorrow and she was ecstatic. Edward told me that Alice didn't have many girl friends apart from Rose and he thanked me for inviting her. I told him he didn't have to thank me and that I wanted to get to know her better; she was special.

"Earth to Bella! Are you coming inside?" Charlie was stood next to the open car door.

"Sorry dad, I'm just really tired. It's been a long day."

"It's okay Bells. I know the feeling and you have to go shopping tomorrow." He grinned at the thought. I really hate shopping and both Angela and Alice were coming to mine for 9am; it was going to be a long day. I got out of the car and followed Charlie into the house. My phone started to beep as we walked in through the door. I took it out and Edward's name flashed up on the screen. He must have programmed it in when he was playing on one of my applications. I smiled involuntarily; it was the most natural thing.

"You know what? I think I'm going to go to bed." Charlie and Renee were both stood with their backs against the kitchen counter looking at me.

"Are you sure you don't want a drink Bella or are you eager to get upstairs and reply to Edward's text?"

"Mom!"

"So it his him. I knew it!" Renee winked at Charlie. "I told you."

"I'm going to bed. Goodnight, have a nice day at the lake tomorrow dad."

"Night Bells. Sleep well and enjoy shopping." I sprinted up the stairs and flung my bedroom door open. I slammed it shut behind me and pulled the covers back on my bed. I got under the duvet and snuggled into Edward's hoodie. I took my phone out of my pocket to read the text.

Do you really have to go shopping tomorrow? Can't you spend the day with me instead? I had an amazing day today. Edward xx

You know I have to go shopping. Alice and Ang will kill me if I back out, I'd rather spend the day with you though. I didn't want today to end. Bella xx

I put my phone beside my pillow. Would he still be awake? Would he reply? Did I say too much? I turned my lamp on to let some light into the room. I could still smell Edward on his hoodie. It wasn't as good as the real thing but it'd do for now until I got to see him again. My phone beeped again making me jump. I thought he'd be asleep.

Maybe we could take Ellie to the lake next weekend? Alice would kill me if I stopped you shopping tomorrow. It'd be worth it though, E xx

The lake next weekend sounds good. I'll get to see you before then though right? You know you'll miss me too much if you leave it that long ;) B xx

I put my phone back down and waited. I knew I was being forward but it felt right. My phone beeped again, quicker than I expected.

I'll make sure I see you before Saturday. You're in my life now. I'm not letting you go, get some sleep sweet girl. I'll text you in the morning sweet dreams E xxxx

Goodnight Edward thank you for a wonderful day xxxx

I shut my phone off and closed my eyes. My dreams were full of Edward and Ellie, the cottage and our families. I felt a sudden pressure on my arm I felt like I was drowning, losing sight of Edward in the process.

"Bella, it's time to get up." I'm not ready to wake up yet so I fought the pressure with everything I had. I couldn't lose him.

"Bella Swan, if you don't open your eyes, I will throw a glass of cold water over you." Who was that? I opened my eyes slightly. It took me a moment to figure out Alice was stood beside my bed.

"Alice? What are you doing here, what time is it?"

"It's 7.45am Bella and I'm here to help you get ready." I covered my face with my duvet.

"Who let you in Alice?" I would make a mental note to punish them.

"Charlie let me in on his way out. He's lovely you know. I wish my dad was more like him, your phone went off by the way." I sat up in bed and searched for my phone. "Jeez Bella, someone important is it?" Alice smiled at me she knew exactly who it was. I finally found my phone still charging under my pillow. "I chose your outfit. I think blue's your colour so it's all over there. I'll see you down stairs in 10 minutes. If you're not there, I will be coming back for you." Alice skipped happily out of the room so I unlocked my phone to read Edwards message.

Morning beautiful. Enjoy your shopping day with the girls. Ellie says hi and sends big kisses E xx

Oh I'm sure I'll have a great day. Alice is here already. I wish I had her enthusiasm. Save me please? Tell Ellie I say hi Bxx

I put my phone back down on my bed and dressed in the outfit Alice had laid out. She had good taste. She'd picked out my favourite jeans and a top I forgot I had. I looked myself over in the mirror; this is going to be a long day. I picked up my phone again seeing Edward had replied. How did I not hear it go off? I must be still asleep.

Don't tempt me Bella. If you ask again, I will come over and steal you away for the day and I might not let you go at the end of it. Kidnapping the local police chief's daughter probably isn't a good idea but I'll take that chance if you really want me too E xx

I guess I'll have to endure it to keep you out of jail and Alice might kill you if she misses out on shopping B xx

I put my phone in my pocket and walked downstairs Alice was sat in the kitchen talking to Renee.

"Morning mom."

"Morning Bella. Alice was just telling me about her beautician business, she's going to do my nails."

"That's great mom, you deserve some pampering."

"She does and so do you Bella. I'm thinking of doing a pamper party. I'm going to invite Angela, Rose and Esme."

"Great." I tried to smile but I couldn't shopping was enough girly for one day in my opinion.

"Did you text Edward back once you found your phone?" Alice tilted her head at me waiting for an answer which I didn't give. I got a bowl and some cereal instead and sat opposite her at the table. "Well? Come on Bella, spill."

"Alice, you don't even know that it was him."

"Yes I do."

"What?"

"I know because you're blushing and your phone will probably go off again in the next few minutes." Just as she said it, a beep started from my pocket. "Told you."

"How did you know that? Wait Jasper's with him isn't he? I thought you might have had super powers or something but no, you're getting your info off Jasper!" Alice grinned in response.

"Answer him then."

"God Alice, you're so demanding."

I can deal with Alice; you don't have to worry about her. We're just about to drive down to the track. Are you sure you're okay with Alice going? I know what she can be like E xx

I'm fine Edward. Go have fun with your brother. Be careful though, no hospital visits. I'm sure Alice wants Jasper back in one piece B xx

"Done. You happy now?"

"Very! What did he say? Did he tell you Emmett's going with them now? Rose's dad can be quite hard to take so she's let him go out with the boys today, she's nice really." Alice took a sip of her drink and waited for me to respond.

"No he didn't, he was just making sure I was okay with going shopping today and that you weren't bullying me. He said he could get me out of it if I wanted." I smiled and winked at Alice; she huffed and took out her phone.

"Alice, what are you doing? Don't be mean to him. I was just joking."

"Sent. I'll teach that boy to try and mess with my shopping plans." I need to change the subject. I wonder what she said to him I hope it was nothing bad.

"So mom, what are you up to today?"

"I'm meeting Esme and Ellie at the diner for lunch. We thought we'd meet up as we were both being abandoned by our families today."

"That sounds nice. You should get out of the house more." I was going to continue but Alice's phone rang. She answered it with a grin on her face.

"Edward! What can I do for you?" Oh god, what had she put. Was I driving a wedge between them already? I was only joking. "Yeah I'm with her now, uh huh no." I raised an eyebrow at Alice. She lifted a finger up to shush me before I could say anything. "Well you know what will happen if you do any more than text today. I will break your legs if you come between me and shopping and you know that." I could hear loud laughter on the over end of the phone. They were just mocking each other. Way to panic Bella. "Yep sure, I'll look after her. Okay, bye."

"Alice, what was all that about? What did you put in that text? If you don't text me, I'll ask him." I pulled out my phone to write out a message but it bleeped before I got the chance. Renee was watching us both in awe, probably shocked at how comfortable we are with each other.

Alice likes you a lot already. She's taken to you quicker than she did to Rose. Relax and let her take the lead today. She'll make sure you have fun. Are you sure you're okay? E xx

I'm fine, stop worrying. Go have fun and make sure you beat your brothers on the track. One of us has to win something today and with Alice and Ang, I have no chance B xx

"So Alice, who do you think will win down at the track? I'd pay to see Jasper or Edward beat Emmett." Alice laughed.

"You know them so well already Bella. Emmett will be mocking the boys all the way down there and he'll give it a good go but Jasper and Edward will both team up to beat him. It's so funny, you'll have to come watch next time they go. Emmett always ends in a bad mood at the end of it but it doesn't stop him being Emmett, you should have seen his face when Rose beat him. He won't let her go now."

Renee chuckled at Alice. "Boys will be boys. You two will soon learn how to get what you want out of them."

Alice smiled. "I'm way ahead of you Renee. Jasper is so good to me; he even takes me shopping when I'm in a bad mood. He's so thoughtful and Edward has never looked at any girl the way he looks at Bella and it's only been a week. When the Cullen boys know someone is right, that's it." I tried not to smile but it didn't work. He feels the same as I do, there's just one thing I have to ask.

"Alice what about Ellie's Mom? Is she likely to come back? I know I should probably ask him but I don't want to upset him in anyway." Alice shook her head and sighed sympathetically.

"She's out of the picture Bella and even if she did come back, he never looked at her the way he looks at you. You needn't worry about her; she burnt her bridges a long time ago." Renee rubbed Alice's arm in a thank you. I think that question may have been playing on her mind too. I heard a car pull up onto the drive and the engine shut off soon after.

"That'll be Ang; I'll go let her in." Angela was dressed in jeans and a pink t- shirt so it looked like Alice had dressed her too. She bounded out of the car towards me and threw her arms around my neck.

"Bella, I'm so happy to see you. How was yesterday what happened? Tell me everything."

"Easy Ang, I'll tell you everything once you've met Alice." That was one way to avoid the conversation.

"Okay cool, where is she?"

"Follow me." Ang followed close behind me all the way into the house. She was shocked when Alice embraced her in a hug when I introduced them. They hit it off straight away. Ang sat down next to me at the table.

"Bella you might want to check your phone. Jasper just text and said Edward keeps looking at his phone like a love sick puppy and huffing when there's no text." Alice wasn't subtle at all. I took my phone and there was a text on it; who needed a ringer when you have Alice.

I'll win for you Bella, Emmett won't be happy but I'll tell him you told me I had to beat him. That way, he won't sulk as much hopefully. What time are you setting off? E xx

Any time now. Ang just got here so no doubt Alice will have us out the door as soon as she can. Tell Jasper I said hi. I think Alice is getting info off him, she seems to know every time you text me before it even comes through its like she can mind read my phone :) B xx

Angela, Alice and Renee were staring at me when I looked up from my phone so I put it back in my pocket. "What?"

"Bella, you're such a tease. I want to know all about Edward by the end of the day. Me and Alice will make you talk whether you like it or not."

"Yeah what exactly happened in the woods when you went to the cottage Miss Swan?" Alice smiled at Ang; these two are going to be a nightmare.

"Are you two ready to leave or are you just going to sit here and interrogate me all day?"

"Your right, we should leave. We can interrogate you some more in the car can't we, Ang?"

"Damn right we can. You didn't tell me anything about any woods."

I looked at Renee for support and she just shook her head and smiled. Great, thanks for your support mom. We all said goodbye to Renee as I begged her with my eyes. She knew I was dreading it but she just tapped me on the butt and gave me a 'get on with it' look. Alice moved her seat back so Angela could get in the back of her Porsche. I could see why she wanted to drive now, who wouldn't want to drive a car like this. I got in the passenger side and put my seatbelt on. Alice turned the radio on and up and pulled out of the drive. Great at least that means no talking for a while at least. She sped through town making me feel a little car sick. I never drive this fast because my Chevy can't take going any faster than 60mph. I took out my phone to try and take my mind of Alice's speed. Edward hadn't replied, Alice must have seen the disappointment in my face because she turned the radio down and looked at me.

"Eyes on the road Alice."

"Chill out Bella, I'm a great driver. I promised Edward I'd keep you safe and I will. Don't look so disappointed, they're probably at the track by now so his phone will be out of use. He won't text and drive especially not when he's racing his brothers." She was right; he'd text me back as soon as he could. I'd rather him be safe than text me anyway.

"So Bella..." Angela leaned forward in her seat and I turned to face her. "Did you kiss him yet?" Alice smiled at Angela's question, there was no way she knew the answer to this she wanted to know just as much as Ang did.

"Did I kiss who yet Ang?" There's no way I'm telling them without teasing first. They were ganging up on me and it wasn't nice.

"Bella come on, give me something. I'm your best friend." Angela pouted and fluttered her eye lashes.

"I might have." Alice and Angela squealed I laughed at their enthusiasm.

"Oh my god that means yes. Where and when, who initiated it?" Ang moved even closer to me in her excitement.

"He did the first time."

"The first time? You kissed him more than once?" Alice turned to us both looking as proud as punch.

"I knew it! I should text Jasper when we stop and tell him to stop interrogating Edward. I didn't think you'd tell so easily, I had to have a backup plan."

"Oh no if I have to put up with this, so does he. Why should he get away with it? I want to know what Jasper says though."

"Bella I love you. We'll make a Cullen of you yet, I knew yesterday we'd get on well. I told Edward."

Alice smiled and turned the radio back up. 'Girls just wanna have fun' was playing so she turned it up full blast and we all started singing along. Ang started dancing in the back seat; she's so funny; she can bust a move. As the song came to an end, Alice turned the radio down to a more acceptable level. I sunk back into my seat. This wasn't so bad after all. The drive was long but bearable. When we finally got to Seattle, Alice parked up in the mall car park. We all got out and walked towards the shops. Alice was a woman on a mission as she stalked towards the elevator. I practically had to run to keep up. Angela was busy tapping into her phone, probably letting Ben know she was okay and safe. I need to meet this guy to make sure he's good enough for her. No one would treat my friend badly. I took out my phone and checked it, it was still empty, no messages. Alice shot me a smile. I knew what she's thinking, stop worrying Bella, he's busy. When we got into the mall, Alice's face lit up.

"Where shall we start? I think the best course of action would be to start from one side and work are way back and then do the same on the other floors." Both I and Ang nodded at Alice. I'm happy to let them two take the lead. I knew nothing about malls or shops so my input was irrelevant anyway.

"Bella are you okay?" Ang linked my arm Alice was bouncing on the spot.

"I'm cool Ang lets shop!"

Alice grabbed my other arm and we walked past a few stores before she dragged us into a boutique. She browsed the rails and held a few things up. She pulled a face at each item. I nearly laughed but she was so serious I was scared she might bite my head off. Alice's phone started to ring I wonder if the boys have finished, no it's still too early. "Hi Rose, yeah, no, okay, see you soon, bye."

Alice hung up the phone and carried on moving through the rails. "What kind of thing are you after Angela?"

"I don't know …. Something pretty but smart. Seth's sister is beautiful so I'm going to look like a wash out next to her anyway." Ang shrugged a smile tugged at her lips but it didn't reach her eyes.

"You won't look like a wash out when I've finished with you believe me. No matter how pretty this girl is, you'll rival her easily." Alice beamed at her statement she was determined I'll give her that. I sat down on a chair whilst they looked around I took out my phone and typed a message to Edward.

Shop one Alice is on a mission hope you're having fun and winning B xx

Alice was moving around the store at lightning speed. She smiled at me and held up a blue dress. "Try this on." she held it out to me.

"Alice, I don't need a dress. Angela does but I don't."

"Wrong you'll need a dress for Emmett and Rose's surprise engagement party. We're throwing it when they get home from Paris." I looked at the price tag, I couldn't afford this.

"Edward might not want me there and I can't afford this." Alice raised an eyebrow at me.

"Bella Swan don't be so stupid. Of course he'll want you there. I already spoke to him about it I think he wanted to ask you before I told you though so I might be in trouble and don't worry about the price, just try it on."

"Okay I'll try it on." I walked into the changing room and got undressed. I usually avoided public changing. I'm paranoid about my scar. People always ask questions when they see it. I'm going to have to tell Edward about it so I may as well get used to the idea of people staring. I pulled the dress on and zipped it up I opened the changing room door and walked out Alice's face lit up when she saw me.

"Bella, it's perfect! Edward would die if he saw you in that. I need to take a picture."

"Really Alice?"

"Yes Bella, don't ruin my fun! Ang are you nearly ready? Pose Bella." I smiled and posed as best I could. "So cute."

"Let me see" Alice held out her phone to me the picture was half decent. I smiled and Alice started tapping buttons on her phone. "Alice what are you doing?"

"Giving Edward a heart attack!"

"No Alice, don't send that."

"Too late. Ang hurry up woman". Angela stepped out of her changing room in a pink dress she looked amazing.

"Ang you look amazing."

"So do you Bella, you look stunning. It's been too long since I've seen you in a dress."

"Twirl ladies." Alice was snapping pictures "Now pose together. Lovely."

"Take one with mine Alice. I want to send it to Seth." Angela handed her phone to Alice and I moved out of the way so she could pose. Seth was going to freak.

"Bella, you're phones bleeping." Alice looked in the direction of my bag and I rushed back into my changing room. "Easy now Bella have you ever heard of hard to get?" I dug around my bag and finally found my phone.

Bella you look stunning in that dress. I think Alice is trying to kill me! Are you having fun? I'm loving the photos! You and Angela pose like pro's. I miss you E xx

"Alice how many photos have you sent him?"Alice laughed she was having her photo taken she had a short black dress on her legs looked amazing. Why don't I have legs like that?

I miss you too. This is only the first shop so I expect you'll get a lot more photos. Don't check your texts whilst you're driving, I don't want you to crash because of over excitement B xx

"I think he likes the pictures Bella. Jasper said his jaw hit the floor when he got them."

"Make sure you send Jasper a picture of you in that dress, you'll knock his socks off."

"Already done it." I laughed; of course she's already sent him one. She wouldn't leave her boy out. I closed the door to my changing room carefully taking the dress off and putting it back on the hanger. Once I was back in my jeans, I walked out Angela was changed and waiting Alice was laughing in her changing room. Jasper must have really like those pictures. She came out a few seconds later with a massive grin on her face. She took both of the dresses of us and walked over to the sales assistant, she whispered in her ear the lady smiled at her and nodded. I wonder what that was about.

"Come on you two, we have a lot more shops to go into." I followed Alice back through the store into the mall. Ang linked my arm again. What would I do without her? She knows everything about me and still cared so much. "Stop dawdling you two, come on." Alice walked past a few more stores before settling on another small boutique. "Come on ladies, this one looks promising." I grabbed my phone Edward had replied again.

If I didn't want to steal you away before I definitely do now do. You look amazing Miss Swan. You think Alice would notice if you disappeared? E xx

I think she'd send out a search party as much as I want to see you Alice is scary when she shops. How's your day going? Are you beating Emmett? I wish you were here B xx

"Bella, try this on," Alice shoved a dress at me. This one was purple and low cut.

"Alice I can't carry this off. I don't have the boobs for it."

"Trust me Bella." Angela already had three dresses in her hand. "Go Bella; don't make me physically undress you because I will." I huffed and followed Angela into the changing room, this one was similar to the last I went into a cubicle and locked the door behind me. "Bella, which room are you in? I have another dress."

"I'm in the end one Alice" I stuck my hand over the door and she draped another dress over it. I undressed and pulled the purple dress on. "Ang, when you're done will you zip me up?"

"I'm outside your door Bells, open it." I opened the door and Angela zipped me up quickly which was a relief. We posed for pictures again before dressing and leaving the store. Alice didn't like these dresses as much as the first ones so we kept going shop to shop. Alice took photos of each dress, she was in her element. After the millionth shop, I was starting to stress; it's after lunch time and we haven't eaten. I've tried on more dresses in the last few hours than I have in my whole life. Edward hadn't text back and everything was starting to grate on me.

"Are you girls ready for lunch? I know a little restaurant about five minutes away from here." Alice winked at Angela and she laughed.

"Sounds good to me Alice. What do you think Bella?"

"As long as I get to sit and eat, I'm happy."

"I have one more stop to make. You two go back to the car and I'll meet you there in five minutes." Alice handed me her keys. I linked Angela's arm and walked towards the lift to the car park.

"Are you okay Bella, you've seemed a bit distant for the past hour." Angela was too perceptive sometimes.

"How is it possible that I miss him? I've known him a week Ang and I can't get him off my mind. He doesn't text me for an hour and I'm miserable. What's wrong with me, it shouldn't happen this fast."

"Bella, when it happens you just know and boy, do you deserve it. If Edward makes you feel this, good then I'm glad you found him. Alice said he feels the same way, just go with it, and don't listen to your head for once in your life. Follow your heart."

"Thanks Ang, I'm going to have to tell him everything though. What if he runs for the hills?"

"He won't. He has baggage too, he'll understand. You just have to trust him." I opened the Porsche and we got in.

"Where has Alice gone?"

"She'll be back"

"What are you two plotting?"

"Nothing, just relax Bella." Alice came towards the car with four massive bags in her hands. She opened the driver's side door and slipped them besides Angela.

"You ready to eat?"

"Yep, more than ready. I've been into way too many shops today."

"We still have one more to go Bella. That one I was telling you about." Great, another shop. I smiled. I wasn't going to get grumpy; I'll do that when I get home. Alice drove out of the car park quickly. She drove out of town a little so I closed my eyes. I wanted to escape to my happy place; it was different now though because it contained two people that meant the world to me. I heard Alice pull the handbrake up and I opened my eyes. She smiled over at me, rolling her eyes in the process. "We're here. This place is amazing." I got out of the car and followed Alice into the restaurant.

"Can I help you ladies?" Alice smiled at the waiter and I shifted towards him.

"We're meeting some people here; they have a reservation under the name Cullen." My head involuntary shot up. Alice grinned and the waiter led us to our table.

"Your guests aren't here yet, can I get you something to drink whilst you wait?"

"I'll have a coke please." I'm gasping, I feel like I haven't had a drink in days. Alice and Angela ordered their drinks too and we all sat back even Alice looked shopped out.

"So Alice, what's going on?" I knew she'd been plotting. She kept disappearing to make secret calls to Jasper.

"Well Miss Swan, I thought you might want to see your boy but I didn't want you to find out what I was planning so I got Emmett to confiscate Edward's phone. That's why you haven't had any texts in this last hour or so. Jasper's driving all three of them here now. Edward's pissed but I'm sure he'll be happy when he sees you."

"Alice, why didn't you tell me?"

"It was supposed to be a surprise Bella"

"Has he got his phone back now?"

"Nope, not until he gets here." Alice looked so smug. Angela laughed at her expression.

"Here are your drinks ladies." The waiter put the drinks down on the table and walked away. I took a swig of my drink and looked back at Alice. She was tapping into her mobile phone. Bitch, all I want is to be able to send one text. She smiled and put her phone away.

"They're here." I looked at the door. Jasper and Emmett walked in but I couldn't see Edward. He walked in a moment later and he didn't look happy. His expression changed completely when the waiter said something to them. He scanned the restaurant until his eyes found mine. He smiled and it was my new favourite thing. The waiter led the boys over to us. Edward punched both Jasper and Emmett in the arm and said something I couldn't quite work out. He shuffled into the booth next to me and took my hand under the table sending an electric current up my arm.

"Did you know about this?" He moved a strand of hair out of my face and brushed my cheek causing me to blush.

"Nope I didn't have a clue. I just thought you were busy playing with your boy's toys." I smiled and Emmett cleared his throat behind Edward. I didn't realise we had gone into our own bubble. "Who won?" Edward smiled and looked at Emmett who started to pout.

"Me of course, you asked me to beat him so I did." Edward was proud of himself, I could tell just by his expression.

"You cheated but I got you back. Taking your phone off you was hilarious. You acted like a spoilt brat that had his favourite toy taken away."

"Emmett you shouldn't be such a sore loser. I heard about Rose kicking your ass on the track. Being beaten by a girl has got to hurt." Everyone at the table started to giggle. Edward squeezed my hand a little and looked pleased I was standing up for him.

"Who told you?"

"I won't reveal my sources but I know she beat you real good." He stalked the table with his eyes. He didn't know who had told me but he didn't like it. "Now I suggest you give Edward back his phone before I announce to the whole restaurant that you were beaten by a girl." I emphasized the word 'girl' just to get my point across a little more. He slammed Edward's phone on the table and looked at me as if he wanted to kill me. I couldn't help the laugh that escaped my lips.

"Bella Swan, you are ruthless. We'll make a Cullen of you yet. Rose is going to love hearing about this!" He softened his killer look and smiled. Everyone started having their own little conversations so I turned my focus back to Edward and he was grinning from ear to ear.

"How's Ellie? Is she having fun with our mom's?"

"She's fine; she demanded that they take her up to the lake to see her friend Charlie so they ended up getting a picnic from the diner. Mom thought it was hilarious."

"Charlie's going to love having someone new to talk to about fish."

"I think Ellie has adopted your mom and dad. They're really good with her." The waiter interrupted our conversation when he came back to take our order. Emmett ordered three different main meals. I couldn't help gaping at him; how was he not huge? Angela was happily sat talking to Alice, Jasper and Emmett. She was so easy to get along with that I didn't have to worry about losing myself in Edward. We talked all the way through lunch. Everyone was going to go back to the Cullen's for the afternoon including Angela. We were going to watch films and wait for Charlie and Carlisle to get back from the lake. Alice whispered something in Angela's ear and she nodded happily. We settled up the bill and Alice handed Edward her car keys.

"You guys can take my car. Angela and I are going to drive home with Emmett and Jasper." Edward grinned at Alice, obviously happy we'd get some proper alone time. Ang looked at me and nodded. I knew what she was referring to and she was right, I should tell him right away to get it out in the open. I smiled back at her and she mouthed 'I love you' at me so I returned the gesture. Edward held my hand all the way to the car and opened my door for me. I got in and he shut the door after me; he was such a gentleman. He pushed Alice's seat back so he was comfortable and he pulled away from the curb.

"Edward, I need to talk to you about something. Something that I've not told many people about. It happened a long time ago but I want to be straight with you because you and Ellie mean a lot to me. I know it sounds weird but every time you touch me, it's like an electric current runs through my body. I feel connected to you and I want you to know everything."

"I feel it too Bella but you're scaring me. Is everything okay? Have I done something wrong?"

"You've done nothing wrong. I just want you to know so we have no secrets. Start as we mean to go on."

"Okay, there's a park up here. Shall I pull in so we can talk?"

"Please just promise me you won't get angry okay? It happened so long ago, it's not worth it."

"I promise." I took Edward's hand and he drove towards the park. This is it.