Many thanks as always to my dear friends for pre-reading and betaing this one.

I don't own the characters, but I like to play with them.

Sorry for the long wait, but I just finished this today.


Next time I talked with Edward after the great news of Victoria being gone forever, was that night. Though, he couldn't stay for long with me.

Apparently, Fluff had birthed five little kittens and they helped her, providing milk to the little ones.

Poor cat.

And poor Edward.

Esme was helping, but she said that they were his responsibility considering he brought Smoky in to begin with. So he had to feed some of the kittens every few hours.

He confessed that he was so happy when he had classes.

After that conversation we hadn't seen each other on the Internet for over a month. I got really busy with the end of my college and the madness involving my thesis, exams, splitting myself between my jobs, few hours of sleep. I was a walking zombie.

We did talk on the phone, though.

At some point, he started mentioning Penelope—the one who informed them of the possibility of being humans. He was mentioning her, a lot.

It's a lie to say it didn't bug me.

I had yet to properly meet her, but I didn't care much.

The end of college had put a definite stall on our relationship. Not like we talked much about what I truly wanted, but never being able to catch him online, or to talk on the phone for more than ten minutes made me extra antsy. I wanted to have that conversation and get it out of the way.

Even if it came down to just answering simply to "Why?" That was all I wanted. A simple answer of a sound reason of why Edward decided to leave and why once he became human, he didn't seek me out. We'd never know how I'd have reacted.

If I come to think, of what he told me, he was turned during the summer after they left.

That summer.

Fuck.

If he had come back, I'd have never done all the stupid things I'd done. I'd have never actually experienced all that shit—never lived to the maximum, but still.

I knuckled my forehead, leaning against the counter while waiting for the coffee maker to prepare my magic liquid.

It was the big day—my thesis presentation day. I was a mass of nerves, hadn't slept much and everything was a jumble in my head.

"Morning, roommate!" Jake greeted me cheerfully.

I grunted in response, pouring coffee in my mug. "Don't talk to me yet," I mumbled.

"Well, drink that already. I've got an idea of what you can get Cullen. You know how you kept bugging that his birthday is coming…"

I raised an eyebrow at him.

Wow.

Since when was Jake helpful, especially when it came to Edward?

"Unless it's something totally stupid, I'm all ears."

"You know him pretty well, right?" he asked.

"I'd like to think that." I nodded, sipping from my hot coffee.

"How about a movie he likes? Or just a CD? Or make him a mixed CD?"

"Wow, Jake! That's a great idea!" I squealed and rushed to him, hugging my friend tightly. "Thanks." I planted a sound kiss on his cheek.

He beamed at me. "Good to know I can help. You know, Bella, now that he's human I'll be civil and all that shit."

I grinned, squeezing him tightly. "I appreciate it. I don't want to lose you when…well, when we start our relationship."

"About that." He detangled from me. "Is he coming down here? Are you going there?"

"We haven't discussed. Jake, actually, I haven't talked with Edward in over three days what with my hectic schedule."

"Aw, sucks."

"Yeah." I nodded. "I have to go now."

"There's something else I need to tell you," he said quietly, looking nervous.

"Can't it wait until after I finish with my thesis and college…for good?"

"I guess it can. I don't want to distract you."

I patted his arm then went to get ready to go.

By the time I reached my college, I was sweating and shaking. Maybe I should have accepted Jake's offer to accompany me.

It was too late now.

While I waited for my turn to present my piece of work, or so I hoped it was, my phone buzzed in my purse.

Who can it be now?

I'd talked with both my parents and promised to call them once it was over.

Then I saw the ID caller. Edward.

"Hi!" I answered with a huge smile on my face.

"Hello, Bella. I hope I'm not too late in wishing you good luck with the presentation?"

"No, you're not. I'm waiting for my turn. They're around G, now so uh, a long wait until S." I giggled. "How did you do?"

"Straight A. We will talk about how we're going to do this…tomorrow."

"Yeah, we really need to have a talk," I confirmed. "Listen, I don't want to cut it off but I'm really nervous and I'd like to look over my speech once again."

"Don't worry. I know you're smart. You'll do just fine," he encouraged me.

"I hope so, Edward. We'll talk later."

"Yes. Bye, Bella."

"Bye," I whispered and hung up.

Needless to say I couldn't concentrate on my speech as I kept thinking of our important conversation that was to take place soon.

During my presentation, I had a clear mind and I did wonderful. Later in the evening they were going to post the grades so I decided to hang around because there were only two other after me. Maybe they'd move fast and get my grade fast.

Jake sent me a text message that he had to stay with Vanessa at the bookstore because she was alone. I guessed he finally got the guts to act on his feelings. But he warned me again that someone was dropping by—what he tried to tell me in the morning.

I idly wondered if Edward could be the surprise visitor since Jake seemed to like him suddenly.

Once the grades were posted and I saw my A, I had a new spring in my walk on the way home. Deep down, sure it was Edward the guest, I stopped by the store to buy a few drinks and snacks.

All my high induced by the great grade and the idea of Edward visiting evaporated when I saw the person on our building's steps.

No. This can't be happening.

"Bee!" Brady exclaimed. "I was starting to wonder if I got the wrong building."

"Uh, hi." I stared at him with wide eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"Not happy to see an old friend?" He slung his arm over my shoulders. "How's it going, babe?"

I pushed his hand away, walking to the building's door and unlocking it. "Don't call me that." I lead the way up the stairs to our floor, still shocked that he was here.

Brady—the only person that managed to pull me out of my funk right before college started.

Brady—the one I became to hate once I realized what I'd done on that two weeks of vacation. I still couldn't believe what had happened that summer. It was like someone else took over my body.

I wasn't like that—which meant Brady didn't really know the real me. Though, once I went to Seattle, Jake made sure to tell him everything about me and to warn him to stay away. Thankfully, Brady already had in plan to go to Los Angeles.

"Not happy to see me?" he asked, opening the door of my apartment, and holding it for me.

I dropped the keys back in my purse and footed the door shut. "I'm shocked to see you here."

"Jake told me a while ago he lives with you and gave to address, telling me to visit whenever I get sick of my celebrity status."

"Yeah, right. You mighty actor." I rolled my eyes, walking to the fridge and transferring my purchasing from the bag to the shelves. "So Jake invited you?"

Damn. I really wished it was Edward coming over.

After all, my stupid idea to be apart backfired at me. I missed him like crazy.

And because he was Edward, he went with it, doing whatever I said. That proved he truly loved me. I really didn't need all these months to regain his trust and just talk.

I was such an idiot.

"Did you hear me?" Brady asked, waving a hand in front of my eyes.

"Huh. No."

"I said that I decided to surprise you two. You're distracted, Bee. Thinking of the fun we had last we've been together?" He smirked, leaning closer.

"Wasn't I clear enough? That can't happen. Ever again. It was a huge mistake, Brady."

"I know, I know. Wishful thinking on my part." He shrugged. "You mind if I smoke?"

I grabbed a small bowl from the cupboard. "Kill yourself."

"Coming from you is funny."

"If you need a reminder...that couple weeks had many firsts for me—from smoking pot to getting shit drunk and uh, you know...having sex...skinny dipping in the ocean in the middle of the night. Ugh!" I palmed my face. "If you need me I'm in my room getting changed out of these clothes. I'll lock the door," I added over my shoulder.

"I'm the kind of person that comes through the window if the door is locked."

I snorted, remembering how easy it was to be with her—just like with Jake. The only difference was that I made a huge mistake and gave into Brady's temptation. I really didn't want to think of that.

After a few hours, I got used to being around him again. At least, he understood that there could never be anything between us. Since then, we got along nicely.

We were currently in my room, listening to Jim Morrison—what brought us together so many years ago, singing along and laughing when I heard the front door opening and closing then voices in the hallway.

"Super. He's brought his girlfriend over," I muttered, rolling around on the bed and burrowing my head under the pillow.

Brady upped the volume, continuing uninterested his bad karaoke of Hello, I Love You. I kicked him with my foot, making him shut up as I tried to strain my hearing to make sure it was indeed Jake who came.

Just then the door of my room opened and I raised my head from under the pillow, my hair falling in my eyes.

Whatever he wanted to say died on his lips, then from around the corner appeared Edward. We stared at each other for a long minute before my brain kicked in—Edward was here!

I made an acrobatic sault over my laptop and Brady's legs then rushed into Edward's arms. He dropped his bag and caught me, hugging me tightly.

"Bella," he murmured, holding me close.

"You're here!" I breathed stupidly, staring up into his green eyes, my hands wrapped into his shirt. He was real.

Edward smiled softly, ducking his head and pecking my cheek. "Well, I didn't get to tell you...but lots happened. I finished college too—one year earlier. Esme made sure there was no cat left in the house, she was unusually irritable until about a month ago when she sat us down and told us the news."

I looked at him worried. "Is she sick or something?"

"Just pregnant." He scowled. "Anyway, I waited to finish with my exams and everything to be able to come to you. That is...if you take me. Can I stay here?"

"Don't be silly! But...what happened? Did Carlisle and Esme kick you out?" I couldn't conceive something like that.

"I missed you, Bella."

"So he's the ex-vampire?" Brady interrupted our moment. "The one that made you act all rebellious only to regret it all."

"Shut up!" I hissed, looking panicked at Edward, then I turned to Jake pleading him with my eyes to take Brady from my room.

"I've got a new Wii game. Wanna try it?" Jake asked.

"You know it, man!" Brady jumped out of the bed. He stopped next to us and held his hand to Edward.

I was filled with shame in that moment, more than ever. I was planning on telling Edward at the appropriate time that with a lapse of judgment I had sex one time...but now he was face to face with the one I'd done all kinds of forbidden things.

"Brady."

Edward glanced at me surprised then shook Brady's hand. "Edward, but you seem to know me."

Brady chuckled. "Anyone who knows Bee, knows you, too. Show me to the games!" He clapped Jake on the back and left my room. "Leave the music on," he added to me.

"Sure, but I'll close the door. You know...privacy." I slammed the door shut and turned to look at Edward anxiously.

"Uh, so that was..." I pointed awkwardly to the door.

He walked closer and hugged me again, kissing my head. "You'll tell me later. Let me feel you close. I missed you more than you think, Bella."

"I'm so sorry I kept us apart. I've been an idiot."

"Shh. No talking. Can I kiss you?" He rested his forehead on mine.

"You don't have to ask permission, Edward."

That seemed to be everything he needed to hear—his lips captured mine and after a swipe of his tongue, I opened my mouth moaning loudly as I wrapped my fingers in his hair.


I promise now that Brady's just her past...which we will need to explore. I'm not promising the next chapter will next week, but look out of the Pre- Post- story. I'll post new chapters there since it's mostly written. ;)