(Twilight theme by Stephanie Meyer)

When I arrived at the meadow it was clear that I was too late. Her scent was beginning to dissipate in the clearing. I walked to the center and saw an envelope with my name on it. It was her stationary and her smell enveloped me as I opened it.

Edward,

I knew you would show up. I am at your house right now meeting your folks with Quinn. Hope that you catch us before we leave.

Love,

I.M.S.

I rushed back to the house and their scent was thick in the air. I walked in a she was standing in the foyer with her back to me. She looked like a doll in a purple and white plaid gingham dress. She turned slightly and winked at me as Quinn spoke to Carlisle and Esme.

"Edward, why don't you join us in the living room?" Esme called full of excitement.

Alice smiled at me from the couch and Jasper nodded at me from the furthest seat from our guests. He was nervous having them inside the house, but he didn't want to embarrass Alice in front of her new friend.

We sat down and learned more about one another. After an hour or so the conversation turned into parents talking about their children and Alice and Bella excused themselves. I heard them go upstairs to Alice's bedroom. No doubt so Alice could show off her closet which was a small room in its own right.

"Bella is one of the most promising witches the elders have seen in a long time. She is learning to use her powers with such control that she has attracted a lot of attention. That is one of the main reasons I moved us to such a small town. It was difficult to keep an eye on her in the bigger cities especially with all the different supes in the area." Quinn went on bragging about Bella.

"What supes have you come across in your travels?"

"Many vampires, some shifters and I believe this girl was a faerie, but we never received confirmation. The shifters in this area are fine with us being so close, but our species have been close since we are more closely related. I understand the rivalry between vampires and shifters, but you seem to be maintaining a very cordial relationship with the Quileute wolves."

"Yes, well we do live our lives differently from the rest of our species and it helps maintain a relationship with them. How is it that I have not come across your kind before?"

"We have very small numbers and camouflage well with the human race. Most of our numbers stick to the old world. Our paths have crossed before actually Carlisle. I looked much younger at the time and we were living in Chicago. We met in the infirmary you tried to save my friend after a brutal beating, I was born John Quinn and my friend was –"

"Luigi Largo. He was attacked by the gang that held the northern part of the city. As I remember it they were hit by some sort of flu afterwards taking several lives."

"Yes, it was fortunate that illness did not spread further than that group."

"I remember you now. Your eyes were blue weren't they?"

"Yes, our eyes change when we receive full use of our powers. Bella had deep brown eyes until she was 15."

"Do you age gradually or have you halted at a certain point?" Esme asked.

"Physically I am eternally 24, when in reality I am 110. Bella will not age past 18 due to the early age she received her powers. Aging usually halts 3 years after receiving your ability; her mother looked about 25. Her father was about 23. My parents were about 25 as well."

"You use the past tense when you talk about your parents. Why is that?" I asked remembering the sad look in her eyes that afternoon in the parking lot.

"Both of us lost our parents in a small war shortly after her birth. In our species couples fight side by side. She doesn't remember her parents very well as she was only 8 when this happened. She was taken in by the elders until they sent her to live with me. I am mentoring her until she is responsible enough to be on her own."

"I am very sorry about your loss."

"Thank you."

"Do you entertain a lot of other vampires?"

"We rarely have guests in this area. As you may know vampires tend to stay to their own covens if not just to themselves."

"Yes, I have known quite a few vampires. Not all of them are as civilized as your family has proven itself to be. I just worry because another reason we moved here as I am sure Edward has told you was because of a vampire who had a relationship with Isabella. He is dangerous and I would like to keep her away from him until she is able to handle her powers with more control. Just last night she turned a local boy into a piglet for trying to kiss her. I am trying to curb these impulses she has."

I heard laughter coming from the corner where Jasper was sitting quietly. We flashed him a hard look and he just replied, "Sorry, but it was quite funny to see him walk to his car sopping wet."

"I am sure it was, but if he hadn't accidentally run into the salt water it could have been hours until he turned back into himself."

It was quiet for only a moment then Alice bounced down the stairs followed by Bella.

"Carlisle, Esme you have such a beautiful home."

"Thank you Bella, you are welcome to come and visit anytime you like." Esme beamed at her. Thoughts of Bella and I were dancing around her mind.

I was distracted by thoughts of being turned into a bat for trying to bite her. After the wine last night I did not crave her blood, but I still wanted to bite her . . .

Jasper cleared his throat and I looked away from Bella.

"Edward, would you show me your room? Alice says you have an amazing music library."

"Sure, would you excuse me?" I excused myself from the living room and I walked over to Bella took her hand and led her up the stairs to my room. I hesitated before opening my bedroom door.

"Don't look so nervous Edward, if you want I will show you my room later."

I smiled unaware of my expression and I opened the door for her. I watched her face as she appraised my room. She eyed my bookshelves and my journals. She looked around the rest of my room.

"You've never had a girlfriend have you?"

"What makes you say that?"

"No bed, if you had a girlfriend I assume you would want a bed."

"You're right. I have never had a girlfriend before."

"Even when you were human?"

"Nope not even then."

"What about you?"

"No girlfriends, but hey college is coming up you never know."

I gave her a look and she answered me.

"I dated a few boys, but none of the relationships warranted time in my bed."

She didn't look at me when she said this she was flipping though my music. She took the scarf that she was using as a headband off and tied it as a blindfold over my eyes.

"Pick an album out and I will put it on for us to listen to."

She spun me as if that would disorient me. I knew exactly which one I would pick. I pulled the vinyl copy and handed it to her. After a couple seconds I heard the needle lower onto the perfect track.

Those fingers in my hair
that sly come hither stare
that strips my conscience bare
its witchcraft

I grabbed her hand and wrapped my other arm around her waist. We began a simple circular motion.
And I've got no defense for it
The heat is too intense for it
What good would common sense for it do

She let me lead her and it was like she was as light as air.

cause its witchcraft, wicked witchcraft
And although, I know, it's strictly taboo
When you arouse the need in me
My heart says yes indeed in me
Proceed with what your leading me to

I twirled her and she spun back to me. Her strawberry scent was intoxicating. I inhaled her scent and felt her relax against me.

Its such an ancient pitch
But one I wouldn't switch
cause there's no nicer witch than you

She pulled my blindfold off and was smiling with me.

"You dance very well." I complimented her as the song faded to a close.

"Thank you. It is part of my training. For over ten years I have had dance lessons and combat techniques daily."

"Grace on the battlefield?"

"Exactly, although it would really be utterly useless against someone as graceful as you."

"Well, you would just have to bat your eyelashes at me and I would be powerless to stop you."

"Good to know." She said and I loosened my arms from around her. She stayed close to me and she kept my hand in hers. "Well thank you for the dance and showing me around your lovely room. I will return the favor next time you are over."

"Do you have to leave so soon?"

"Yes, Quinn and I have a sparring session. I should get going. Will you be in class tomorrow?"

"Yes, Alice predicts the weather will be overcast as usual so you will see us tomorrow."

"Great." She loosened her grip on my hand, but I kept hers in mine as I walked her down the hall. She just smiled at me and followed my lead. I was never the affectionate type, but this girl made it feel right. Before we got to the staircase I acted on an impulse and stopped her in the hallway.

"Bella, I really like you and I want to spend some time getting to know you."

"Edward, I like you too, but I need time to figure things out here." She got on her tip toes and whispered into my ear ,"I have a weekend trip planned to simplify my life a bit. If you are patient you and I can get to know each other soon."

Her lips were so close to mine as she pulled away from my ear, but I was worried about being turned into a bat so I didn't try. She skipped down the stairs and Quinn stood ready to go. They said their goodbyes and I went to my room to sulk. I expected Alice to come to my room, but she went with Bella and Quinn for the evening.
. . . . .

About 3 hours later Alice bounced into my room in dirty work out clothes. I couldn't help but laugh at my sister who was usually very clean and dressed in the detail perfect outfits. "What happened to you?"

"Bella can pack quite a punch."

"You allowed her to strike you?"

"Allowed? No."

"Alice, you are a vampire. How could a girl who weighs, what . . . a buck ten; knock you down?"

She glared at me and replayed their sparring session in her head.

Alice was moving at human speed for the first face off and quickly learned that was a mistake. Bella had her on her back in less than a second.

The second attempt she used vampire speed and it took a couple tries, but she still connected one of her kicks. When she made contact a purple light flashed I am guessing it is energy.

"Alice, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I was just confused. No one is usually able to get past my ability. She sparred with Quinn and it looked like dancing. Aside from all the times he was able to land kicks or punches. "

Alice showed me some blood on her shirt. "Thank goodness she heals quickly. Tomorrow you won't even know she had been fighting."

"Why did you go anyway?"

"I wanted to see her in action. Quinn said it was a good idea since she has only had him to practice with for a while. Why? Are you jealous?"

I rolled my eyes, "Bye Alice"

"Fine, I need a shower anyway." She bounced off towards her room.

The next few weeks passed by quickly. In school people actually said hello when the Cullen kids walked down the halls. Quinn allowed Bella to loosen up a bit at school and she seemed happier.

The end of the year play auditions came and went and she snagged the lead in two of the three short scenes that made up the show. We saw less and less of her after school due to practices and her daily lessons with Quinn. Alice volunteered to help with costumes and sets and I don't think Forks High is ready for what Alice is capable of.

What I was looking forward to was Spring break. We are going hunting in northern California. There is a bear population that needs some thinning and Emmett is always hungry for angry grizzly. They are the only challenge we get in this part of the world. Alice and Rosalie were supposed to come with us, but they decided to hunt last weekend and are going on a girl's trip with Bella.

Its Friday before spring break I am picking up Alice from rehearsal.

I walked into the auditorium and Bella was talking with the rest of the cast with Alice right beside her.

"Edward! Perfect timing; I was just telling Bella and the rest of the guys about those drama workshops we attended in Alaska."

You will thank me Edward. Just play along.

"Tyler is not aware of how to pull off a stage kiss. I suggest you and Bella demonstrate. A real kiss is too awkward on top of stage fright and jitters."

I looked over at Bella and she seemed relaxed. I wonder how good her photogenic memory actually is. I searched my memory for a scene and when I picked it I gave her a small smirk then unleashed my best Romeo on her.

If I profane with my unworthiest hand

This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this:

My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand

To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.

I starred at Bella waiting to see if she would go along with this scene. It would afford me more than one kiss if I was successful. Then she spoke as the mask of Juliet took over her sweet face.

Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much,

Which mannerly devotion shows in this;

For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch,

And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.

We continued this banter as we walked to center stage in character and the eyes of everyone in the room were fixed on us. I stepped closer to her and I could hear her heart beating faster.

. . .

Then move not, while my prayer's effect I take.

I took her face in my hand and slid my thumb over her lips. She closed her eyes and I felt her lips kiss my thumb as I pretended to kiss her lips.

Thus from my lips, by yours my sin is purged.

Then have my lips the sin they have took.

Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again.

We repeated the kiss and her eyelids fluttered as she opened them afterwards.

You kiss by the book . . .

"End Scene!" Alice yelled.

Bella smiled and took my hand for a dramatic bow towards our captivated audience. Alice turned drama professor as I listened to Bella's heartbeat return to her normal speed.

"See Tyler a tilt of the head hides the fact that it is your thumb you are actually smooching instead of Bella. To the audience it looks like a passion filled kiss."

"I am just glad we are not doing Shakespeare. I don't think I would have gotten the part if Edward had auditioned." Tyler said sounding intimidated by our scene.

"I have terrible stage fright so don't worry your part is safe Tyler." I said trying to avert the attention from myself.

The girls said their goodbyes and we walked to the parking lot.

"Oh, I should grab my notebook before we leave I will meet you two at the cars." Alice said jogging back towards the auditorium.

"I am impressed with your instant Shakespearian recall."

She gave my arm a love tap and mockingly yelled at me, "Thanks for the warning! You are lucky I read that scene for drama last year."

"So where are you taking my sisters this week?"

"Los Angeles for some girl time and shopping."

"Is this the trip you were telling me about . . . to simplify your life?"

"Yes, but don't worry your sisters will be far away from it. I promise."

"Are you doing something dangerous?"

"Edward, I will tell you all about it when we get back."

"On our date?"

"Yes, on our date."

(A/N: Yes I added some fluffy goodness, but I am always a sucker for all the flirting and trivial facts that lead up to a first date or first kiss for that matter. It always makes for a better relationship, or maybe that is just me? Since this story is all EPOV I am thinking about skipping through the spring break week, unless you guys think that it would be important to see what he is up to without Bella. Please let me know!)