-1Chapter 7 went so much better! Here you go!

Chapter 7: BPOV

I just stared at Edward in shock. Did he really just ask me out? I was half tempted to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming... okay, I really did pinch myself and the results were a negative. I was indeed awake.

"I mean, you don't have to- I just thought that.." he back tracked quickly.

"Edward." I said. My voice was hoarse from my bouts of crying. "I would love to."

His beautiful face broke out into his million watt smile. If Tanya was going to torture me either way, I might as well embrace all I can.

"Great. Now, lets get you inside, its starting to really storm. The rain will wash away the eggs and stuff." he said pulling me to my feet.

"But what about my tires?"

"I'll get those fixed." Edward said simply.

"Edward you are not paying to have my tires replaced." I said sternly. His family had a strange inclination to pay for everything they could.

"Don't worry. Rosalie is a mechanic prodigy. We have spare tires so it won't cost a dime." he reassured me. "Although, I fully intended to pay for them if that weren't the case."

I merely shook my head in defeat and walked away from my truck. I never took Rosalie for the mechanical type. Edward and I made our way into the house, his hand, I noticed, never left mine. The warmth of his hand was oddly comforting. As we walked by the mirror in the hallway I caught a glimpse of my reflection.

"Ugh. I need to splash water on my face. Can you wait in the living room?" I asked Edward.

"Yeah." he said walking in the direction I had pointed.

I hurried upstairs to change out of my wet clothes. I quickly threw them off and replaced them with my favorite deep blue long sleeve button up and dark jeans. I ran into the bathroom, which by ran I meant tripping and stubbing my big toe, and splashed water on my face. The little make up I had worn to the mall was all but erased. I touched it up and fixed my wild hair. My heart was flying off the handle. I needed valium or something. Edward had asked me out! Take that Tanya Denali! My truck was not permanently damaged and the tires would be fixed. Everything that seemed to be falling apart an hour ago has now come together perfectly. With a smile on my face, I made my way back down stairs to Edward.

He was sitting on the couch looking at the frames on the wall. When I moved to sit on the couch he pulled me over to him so that I was cradled into his side, my arms wrapped around his torso.

"Hi." he said with his signature crooked grin plastered on his face.

"Hi." I said back.

We just sat there for a couple minutes. Edward was gently rubbing my upper arm with his good arm. The motion felt so relaxing that I almost fell asleep. After all, I did have a pretty exhausting day even though it was only around four.

"Bella?" Edward asked. Although my eyes were closed, I could feel him looking at me.

"Hmm?"

"Why did you tell me your PE uniform was lost when Tanya really destroyed it?"

I opened my eyes to see his face. His emerald green eyes were gentle and concerned. I thought about it for a moment before answering. I knew exactly why I never told him, but I wanted to phrase it right.

"You had… other things to worry about. Besides, I wanted to deal with Tanya on my own. I didn't think she was as spiteful as she is. Angela told me that it would pass, that its just a new girl thing. I figured that I could just ride it out and it would be over and done with. But with everything that's happened, I realize that it won't be that easy. Ruining my truck was just... cruel. My only fear is that Tanya won't stop. She clearly doesn't know when not to cross a line."

"I'm going to talk to my father about getting a restraining order. I want to see what I need to do to obtain one. If I can get one then Tanya will have to transfer schools and we won't have to deal with her anymore."

I could only hope that was a possibility. I pictured Edward walking up to Tanya with a court approved restraining order and the shocked look on her face when it's her that's getting run out of town!

"Just promise me one thing." he continued, drawing me from my happy day dream. "Tell me when Tanya so much as looks your way. Don't hide it from me. I want to protect you and I can't do that if I have no idea what's going on."

"Okay. I will. I just don't want you to do something you'll regret or something." I said.

For now, all I wanted to do was forget Tanya. I wanted to forget all the drama that has been occurring in my life since I've gotten to Forks. Edward and I was the only thing I wanted to focus on.

"So, where and when is this date of ours taking place?" I asked, further snuggling into Edward, changing the subject. I was cold from the rain and the fact that it was late September and utterly freezing outside.

"Actually, I was so wrapped up in what you'd say that I haven't actually figured that part out." he said taking the afghan Grandma Swan had made from the back of the couch and laying it over us. "But, how does spending the day with me tomorrow in Port Angeles? The weather is suppose to be nicer."

"I haven't been to Port Angeles yet so that sounds fantastic." I said as Edward's phone buzzed from an incoming text message.

"That was Rose. She and Emmett are going to stop by and fix your tires if that's all right." He said. "I figured you'd want to have them fixed before Charlie got home."

Charlie. Yikes! I didn't even think about what he would do if he saw my tires utterly destroyed. He'd probably launch a full scale investigation into it.

"Thank you, Edward. Charlie would be freaked if he found out." I said.

"Don't mention it. Oh, and Alice wanted to know if you still wanted to spend the night. She knows everything was a little stressful today, but do you want to?"

I thought about it. I did promise Alice I would sleep over and that meant I was able to spend more time Edward.

"I do believe that can work. Charlie will be out fishing anyway, so that'll work out perfectly."

"Will you tell him you'll be in Port Angeles with me?" Edward asked curiously.

"I suppose I will. Charlie's been a little hesitant to let me out. He barely let me go back to school. Its obviously not without reason. I was surprised he let me go to your house yesterday. I think he'll trust you. You did save my life after all."

I sent a quick text to Charlie telling him that I was heading back to the Cullen's tonight and that Edward and I planned on going to Port Angeles tomorrow. I knew he probably wouldn't read it until later anyway.

"I'm going to prepare Charlie some dinner so he won't completely starve." I said getting up with some effort. Edward was trying to coax me into staying on the couch with him. Believe me, it almost worked.

"Come on, Edward." I said in mock seriousness. "I have a hungry, culinary challenge father to cook for."

With that Edward got up in defeat and followed me to the kitchen. I walked around the small yellow kitchen getting out ingredients to make Charlie a small lasagna, his favorite. Edward watched, totally engrossed in what I was doing. It was rather funny, really. After putting it in the oven Edward helped me with cleaning the dishes. I was scrubbing out a plate that Charlie must've used to eat nachos on last night when I felt a stream of water hit me. He did not. I froze my scrubbing and slowly looked up at Edward. His eyes were too innocent, like a devious child. He was standing there with the detachable water hose in his big hands.

"Edward?" I asked sweetly.

"Yes?"

"Run." Was all I said before I lunged at him. Edward was quicker, darting into the living room. I chased after him with a wet dish towel in hand. Thunder gently rolled outside. The house was eerily quiet. Edward was no where to be found. He must be hiding.

"Edward?" I called. "Come out, come out wherever you are!"

I still got no response. He was really good at keeping quiet. I walked further into the living room and was suddenly trapped in a pair of strong arms and was being carried over to the couch.

"Here I am." He said before plopping me down onto the couch and tickling me.

"Edward!" I gasped in between squeals. "You're going to hurt your arm!"

"Am I forgiven?" he asked, still tickling the life out of me.

"Never!" I laughed. His capable hands continued to torture me. Somehow, not that I minded any, Edward wound up on top of me, pressing our warm bodies close together. Butterflies started to form in my stomach as Edward noticed our position. Our faces were inches away from each other. I could smell his intoxicating scent. His minty breath spread across my face as he moved his face towards mine. This time I knew he wouldn't back out.

A loud banging noise broke us from our haze. Edward rolled over in surprise and got dumped on the floor. The laugh that escaped me was completely involuntary. As Edward picked himself up from off the floor I went to answer the door. Rosalie and Emmett were standing on the front porch with suspicious looking smiles.

"Why so suspect?" I asked ushering them inside.

"Moi? You're suspect, Belly Bean!" Emmett accused. I swear that boy made no sense whatsoever.

"And why am I suspect?" I asked.

"Because we saw you almost defiling my little bro in there. The shades are opened. I figured I needed to put a stop to it before you two started full on attacking each other."

Color drained from my face. Emmett saw us? Wait… he stopped us? Gah! I wonder if Rosalie would mind me killing her boyfriend… hmm…

"Emmett, go bring the tire jack from the back of the jeep and the tires." Rosalie ordered, changing the subject.

"Now? But its raining outside. You'll get all wet." I said. My truck could wait. Rosalie didn't come off as one who would brave a down pour just to fix tires.

"Ah, don't worry Belly Bean. Rose loves to get wet." Emmett said wiggling his eye brows suggestively.

"Emmett, that's seriously disgusting. Say one more thing about me getting wet and you wont get any for a whole week." Rose said in a pissed off tone. From the corner of her eye, she let out a wink in my direction. I guess she's used to Emmett's pervy comments by now. Edward chose now to show up in the hallway.

"Ahh, darling brother!" Emmett exclaimed.

"Emmett." Edward replied flatly. Clearly he wasn't so happy to see his brother. He must of heard Emmett's confession to interrupting our moment.

Shortly after arriving, Rosalie set to work on my truck and the tires were replaced in no time. Then timer sounded in the kitchen and I took the lasagna out of the oven and put it on the table to cool.

Rosalie and Emmett left after the job was done so that Rose could get cleaned up. After thanking them profusely we planned to meet up at the their house a little later. Edward stayed with me to help finish the dishes.

"Promise me you'll behave. No water throwing." I said with a smile on my face. I wish tomorrow would come already. I want to spend the day with Edward and go on our date. I want to kiss him! Grr! Damn you Emmett!

"What are you thinking about?" Edward asked drying a plate.

"Uh, nothing." I said quickly, ducking my head.

"Bella, your blush is giving you away." Edward said amused. He was enjoying this too much.

"I was thinking about killing Emmett." I said evasively.

"Whatever for?" he asked sarcastically. Edward knew perfectly well why I was plotting his brother's demise.

"You know why." I said continuing finishing the dishes. I know its stupid but for some reason I didn't want to say that I want to kiss him, desperately.

"Refresh my memory." he teased, looking into my eyes. His stupid, beautiful, unique eyes….

"Fine. You're evil. You know that?" I relented. "*I want to kill him for cutting us off earlier."

"That makes two of us."

We spent the next couple minutes planning the assassination of Emmett. The dishes were done and I put the lasagna safely away and wrote Charlie a note. I grabbed my jacket and Edward and I made our way to his Volvo. Like a gentleman, Edward opened the passenger door and waited until I was buckled in before making his way around to the driver's seat.

I have never been in Edward's Volvo but it was extremely nice. The interior was leather and the seats had heating pads. Music softly flowed from the speakers.

"I love Claire De Lune." I said in an attempt to make conversation.

"You know Debussy?" He asked in surprise.

"Yeah, my mom played in all the time when I was younger. She read somewhere that listening to classical music is suppose to stimulate a child's brain."

"That's interesting. My parent's did the same thing with me. I find classical music to be very relaxing. Aside from my family, no one but you know about my love of the piano or for classical music."

"Well, I'm very honored." I said smiling at him. The rest of the drive continued in comfortable silence. When we arrived at his house the rain had all but stopped. Before Edward could even park his car in the garage Alice was by the passenger door thrusting it open and crushing me into a hug.

"Oh! Bella you came back!" she exclaimed as she dragged me out from the car. "Tanya is a bitch with a seriously bad perm. We'll get her back. Ooooh! Do you want to the spa tomorrow and think of ways to avenge your truck?"

"Actually, Alice." Edward cut in, coming up beside me and grabbing my hand which sent my heart into a frenzy. "I'm taking Bella out on a date tomorrow."

Alice screamed in joy. Literally. Then proceeded to do the "happy dance" which consisted of back flips and cart wheels. I swear she could be a gymnast or a highly flexible monkey on crack...

"Sorry Bella." Jasper said coming into the garage and catching Alice mid lunge. "I shouldn't have gotten her another frappe. It sends her into a hyper craze."

"Ah, but that's why I love you Jazzy." she said kissing him soundly.

"Only because I buy you frappes that make you go around and attack unsuspecting people?" he asked pulling away.

"No! Well, I love you anyway…" she said.

"Good to know." Jasper chuckled and threw Alice over his shoulder and walked back into the house. I just stared at where Jasper was standing. The love between them was ridiculous, but in a good way. It was so… tangible.

"You'll have to excuse Alice. She's… unique." Edward said jokingly.

"Its okay. I'll get used to it." I said walking into the house. Edward followed a second afterwards, a smile stuck to his face. I guess he likes the thought of me staying around as much as I do.

"Lets take an actual tour of the house." Edward suggested once we put down our jackets and took off our shoes. His house was huge. It had three floors excluding the attic and basement. I was here yesterday, but never really took it all in. The back window was made of pure glass and displayed the back yard. The kitchen was reflected back to me. A fire was light in the fire place on the far side, opposite of the fridge. The Cullens' must be the only family to have a fireplace in their kitchen. I then learned that they had fireplaces in the dining room, living room, all the bedrooms, and Carlisle's study. The dining room could fit twenty people easy. The table was long and dark, made of mahogany and was custom made by Ethan Allen. I learned fast that Esme was a fan of Ethan Allen.

Her living room and entry way walls were a cozy light color. The room adjacent to the living room had a platform with a grand piano on it. The piano, Edward told me, was a Christmas gift for him one year. I laughed in disbelief. Who gives pianos as gifts?

We made our way up the flights of stairs, which was, by the way, a grand staircase, Edward pointed out each of the doors, Alice and Rosalie's rooms were on the left and Emmett and Jasper's was on the right. Even though they never stayed in their respective bedrooms, Edward explained, Carlisle and Esme still gave them their own room in the event of a fight or the like. His parent's room was on the furthest side down the hall between Esme's studio.

Edward's room was on the third floor, the only bedroom up there. His room had a balcony that over looked the yard and a river that I just now noticed.

"You have a river in you back yard." I stated.

"Yeah. it's the Sol Duc river. Its great to swim in during the summer and ice skating in the winter."

Even though I was in his room less than twenty four hours ago, I never took noticed of his belongings. That was mostly due to the fact that I was ogling his amazing body. Edward's bedroom very much reflected that of his personality. He had a ginormous king size bed that was in the dead center of the room. The bed itself was very masculine. The frame was made of wrought iron and was canopied. Edward's comforter was a crisp golden color that matched the rug quiet nicely.

On the far wall, across from the bed was a fire place and a black leather sofa. His forty seven inch HD television was above the mantle and had on some movie. Rows and rows of CD cases lined one side of the fireplace and the other was filled with a big book case filled with varying genres.

"I see you love your music." I noted. Edward was just watching me as I took in his room.

"That I do." he replied from his position of leaning against the door way. I must admit, with the sleeves to his button down roll up to his forearms and the crooked smile he wore on his face, Edward looked incredibly sexy.

"You're doing it again, Bella." Edward said in mock exasperation.

"What?" I asked bewildered.

"Staring at me like you are about to attack me."

"We'll excuse me if you are too good looking for your own good." I flirted. "So what if I want to attack you."

"I refuse to be a rape victim." I froze and the image of James towering over me came to my mind. The constant nightmares came flooding back to me in full force. The joking air immediately left the atmosphere and left a bitter uncomfortable one behind. The smile that was on Edward's angelic face left the second he registered what he had said.

"Shit! Bella, I didn't mean to bring up bad memories. Fuck, I'm an idiot." he said moving closer to me as he ran his hand through his hair in a nervous habit.

I tried to brush off the image of James and replace it with a nicer one. One of Edward. It took a moment, but it worked.

"No, I'm okay." I said wrapping my arms around him. I desperately needed the comfort I felt only when in his arms. Edward's sturdy arms locked around my waist, pulling me into a warm hug.

"I really didn't mean to say that. God, I'm such a douche sometimes. I swear, Bella, I wasn't thinking." he rambled. I reached up and put a hand over his mouth to silence him.

"Edward." I said looking into his eyes. "Its okay. You don't have to edit what you say around me. If you say… rape I'll be fine. He can't rule my life forever. I can't allow what almost happened to control me."

I knew this was partly bull because he did control my life. At least somewhat. James was always in my dreams, always haunting me. Saying rape never bothered me. I know perfectly well what almost happened to me.

Edward took my hand from his mouth and brought it to his lips in a gentle kiss.

"You just seems so calm about everything. I'm waiting for something to happen and you loose control." he confessed.

"I'm dealing with what happened and I'm hardly calm about everything. I get scared when I'm alone and I hate loud noises now. Charlie shut the door the other day and it reminded me of a gun shot. I avoid knifes if I can because they remind me of him."

"James is put away now Bella. We have nothing to be afraid of. I will help you through anything you need, okay. I'm here for you."

Touched by his beautiful words tears formed in my eyes. Edward's hands moved to cup my face. I knew what I wanted right now. He was my protector, my guardian angel. I slowly wrapped my arms around his neck and brought his tall frame down to meet my smaller one. No one would interrupt us now. This was it.

Our lips met in a sweet, delicate kiss. Edward's lips were soft and tender against my own. Kissing him was nothing like I imagined. It was better. My body felt alive with feeling. A warm, fuzzy feeling buried itself deep into my stomach and spread through out all of me.

Edward's hands moved to my hair, pulling my face closer to his. His tongue gently probed my mouth, asking for entry which I granted without a second thought. Our tongues came together in a slow, sinuous dance. The apocalypse could be happening right outside and I wouldn't have noticed. Edward was all that consumed my thoughts. Any image of James or any thought was bleached from my mind. Sadly, our need to breath caught up with us and our kiss slowed until it was nothing more than whispers of kisses.

"Wow." I breathed out. Our bodies were so tight together that I could feel his chest moving up and down with every inhale and exhale.

"Yeah." he said trying to regain his breathing as well. "I've been dying to do that."

"I can't wait for our date tomorrow." I wish there was a way to speed up time. That way Edward and I could spend the day together.

"Me either." he said pulling me back into a gentle kiss. We wound up kissing for almost half an hour. Alice shouted down the hall telling us to come down stairs and that Carlisle was home. We reluctantly moved apart and made ourselves presentable.

Downstairs Edward's family was in the living room, including his mother and father. I was feeling light, like nothing could every get me down.

"Ah, Bella, its so nice to see you." Carlisle said from the love seat he was sharing with Esme. All of the Cullens had smirks on their faces, like they knew I just spent the last thirty minutes making out with their son/brother.

"So, what have you two been up to?" Emmett asked waggling his eyebrows yet again.

"Showing Bella my room. I gave her a tour of the house." Edward said casually.

"You have a beautiful home." I said, mostly addressing Esme.

"Thank you, Bella." She responded.

We stood there as a silence took over the room. Everyone was looking around at each other, waiting for someone to say something. Edward moved to sit down on the single space left on the couch next to us. I felt slightly abandoned that is, until Edward grabbed my waist and pulled me onto his lap. I was rather surprised, but didn't mind any. Blushing slightly, I settled into his lap. Alice, who looked like she calmed down considerably since I saw her, looked like she won a never ending shopping spree.

"So, is there something you two would like to tell us?" Emmett asked lightly.

"Nope." Edward said winking at me. What was Edward and I? Are we dating? Was he my boyfriend? Should I ask him? I finally decided to see how tomorrow went and then go from there.

"Well, dinner will be ready shortly." Esme said getting up from the love seat and disappearing into the kitchen. Carlisle followed her out.

"So, Bella, don't forget that we're having a girls night tonight." Alice reminded me. My mood dampened slightly at the thought of not being able to spend more time with Edward, but I do have tomorrow.

"Yup." I said nodding my head. Esme called us to dinner and I got up off of Edward's lap. He quickly grabbed my hand and gave it a light squeeze and led me to the dining room. We ate dinner, an amazing meatloaf with mashed potatoes and corn.

Conversation flowed smoothly and without any focus on Edward and I. We all talked about Emmett's scholarship and where everyone was planning on going. Emmett had a full ride to Washington State on football and Rosalie was planning to go for nursing. Alice for fashion and Jasper for history. Edward, I already knew, was going for medicine. As for me, I want to major in literature, maybe become a writer.

After dinner and a phone call to Charlie, I followed Alice and Rosalie upstairs to Alice's room. Her room was very feminine, covered head to toe pink. Alice's bed was princess canopied and had white gossamer. The second Alice closed her door the questions started.

"What the hell was that downstairs?" Alice demanded. "Are you and Edward dating?"

"I don't know exactly."

"Well, you need to dish, hon." Rose said. "'cause I can tell you one thing. You both came downstairs with shit eat grins on your faces."

"Okay, well, we kinda kissed in his room earlier…. For thirty minutes." I confessed.

Alice jumped up and down and Rosalie just snickered. "Ah, young love."

"Young love? Rose you're only a couple months older than me and we're not in love." I said…. Well not yet anyway.

"But you are new to the concept of a boyfriend right? You only dated that one guy and lets be serious, that was puppy love. Anyway, we want details pronto."

So, I proceeded to spend the next two hours dissecting Edward's and my kiss. Given the fact that Edward put me on his lap in front of his whole family, the girls were completely convinced that he wanted a relationship with me. They were crazy excited because Edward never really had any girlfriend before, just some random cheerleader make out at a party or something, which didn't please me much.

Alice had also taken it upon herself to pick out my outfit for my date tomorrow. I must admit, she knows what she's doing. Since its cold outside in almost October weather, Alice chose a forest green long sleeved shirt with a brown knit cardigan, which was very cute. I would also wear dark blue jeans and a pair of tan uggs.

After a night of talking of boys and Rose and Alice doing a wardrobe make over for me we all crashed on Alice's princess bed. Which, according to her, she never used. Jasper's bed, she claimed, was far more comfortable. I easily fell asleep on the bed.

James had me tight against the table. His crotch digging into my butt, His rough, calloused hands pulled at my hair yanking it to the side.

"Hello Princess." he spat angrily into my ear. "I see you brought your friend again."

He jerked my head up so I could see Edward walking up to where James had me pinned on my stomach.

"No! Edward! Don't!" I begged him. Edward was completely ignoring everything I said and walked right up to James and just stood there blankly.

"How about I have little Eddie here watch as I fuck you? Would you like that? I bet you are all into exhibitionism."

James moved the knife he had in his hand along the back of my shirt. "Edward! Help!" I pleaded, with tears coming down my cheeks, wetting the table.

"I'm sorry Bella. You're damaged goods. I can't have that." With that he turned and walked back out the way he'd come in.

"Please! Edward! Don't leave me! Please!"

"Bella!" I heard him yell. But his back was to me! Why wasn't he turning around?

"Bella! You're dreaming!"

My eyes snapped open and I was met with a pair of worried green eyes. Edward! I immediately threw my arms around him in a tight embrace. I saw Rosalie and Alice standing beside Alice's bed looking at me with concern. Alice, in her pink silk pj's, actually had tears in her eyes.

"I'm sorry! I had a nightmare." I said trying to wipe the remaining tears from my dream. "I'm fine."

"Bella." Edward began. "You're not fine. You were screaming in your sleep. Rosalie ran upstairs and got me. You weren't waking up."

"I'm so sorry I woke you guys up normally I don't scream so loud."

"This happens a lot?" he inquired. Crap.

"I just get nightmares about what happened. I wake up yelling or usually just fall off my bed."

"Do you want to go to my room and talk about it?" Edward asked. He was really concerned and must have guessed my hesitancy to discuss James in front of his sisters. I just nodded my head and Edward took my hand.

"Thanks for getting me Rose. You guys should go back to sleep though. I'll take Bella."

They both quietly said goodnight as we left. Did my screams scare them that much? I hope they didn't think I was a total spaz or something. When in Edward's room he led me to the bed and went to get a cold water for me out of a mini fridge I had no idea he had.

"Do you want to tell me about it?" he asked bring me into his arms. I just cuddled into his side. He was wearing sleep pants and a wrinkled gray t shirt.

I took a swig of the cold water, letting it trickle down my throat before starting.

"I guess I was slightly exaggerating my coping with what happened. I was serious when I said talk of rape doesn't bother me, but have nightmares every night. Its always of James. Most of the time you're there, trying to save me. All the times you have been dead or James kills you right in front of me. You always try and save me but…" I trailed off. Not wanting to recall my most recent dream.

"But?" He prompted, rubbing soothing circles into my back.

"This time you walked away. Call me damaged goods." The circles he was doing ceased when I said that.

"Bella you know that I would never-"

"I know" I said cutting him off. And I did. "Edward I know you would never say that to me. I imagine my brain conjured that up because I was wonder what I was to you and my mind displayed my that in my dream as a fear. I know… James… can't hurt me. I know its all a dream, but the pain is so real. I know I'm dreaming but I can't stop dreaming. It happens every time I close my eyes."

We were silent for a little and I wondered if Edward fell asleep. "I will protect you, Bella. No matter what. And as for what we are, I'd like you to be my girlfriend. But, that's just me. I don't know how you feel about that."

"I really like the sound of that. And I want you, Edward Cullen, to be my boyfriend."

"Well, I do believe both parties agree, so we have officially labeled ourselves. Lets just ignore the fact that we haven't even gone out on a first date."

I just smiled and moved closer to him. We talked a little about mundane things and about our date tomorrow… or should I say today. Edward has an amazing ability to chase all my fear away. Before I knew it, I was falling asleep in his arms.

…...

I woke up to the sun pouring in through the glass wall. I was lying across Edward's chest, my one arm thrown across his torso. Edward was awake, his breath wasn't deep and slow and his hand was drawing patterns on the back of my shirt. I smiled in triumph. I had slept through the rest of the night James free.

"Morning Sunshine." Edward greeted me by gently pecking my lips.

"Ick. I may have morning breath." I said sleepily.

"That's no excuse for me not to kiss my girlfriend." I have a feeling that Edward will be using that title for a long while.

"Well, if I want my boyfriend to ever kiss me again, I think I'll brush my teeth." I said moving to get off of him.

"How did you sleep?" he asked.

"Nightmare free. I think you are my lucky charm." I said stretching.

He met me at the edge of the bed and we walked down to the kitchen. Alice was there eating a massive pile of pancakes.

"Bella. Are you okay?" she asked getting up and giving me a hug.

"I'm so sorry Alice. I'm really fine. I just had a horrible nightmare. I never meant to scare you guys. I always talk in my sleep, but nightmares are worse."

"I just didn't know what to do. I woke up because you were thrashing around and then you began crying and pleading and shouting Edward's name. I had no idea what to do. I woke Rosalie up to get Edward and you just kept crying and pleading. Say 'don't leave' and mumbling. I was shaking you… I just… "

"Alice, Its really okay." I was beyond touched that she was so concerned with my well being.

"I know. I just- we are all here if you ever need anyone to talk to."

"Thank you Alice. That means so much to me." I decided to turn the conversation into a lighter one. Besides, I had a feeling that my nightmares would not be making anymore appearances.

"So, Alice, have I introduced you to my boyfriend?" I asked. That kind of took her a moment.

"You're boyf- Oh!" Alice then grabbed both Edward and I into a hug.

"Well I'm off!" she said twirling back around and grabbing her plate of pancakes. "I've got a wedding to plan!" she joked… well at least I hope she was.

"Where is everybody?" I asked, noticing the lack of Cullens in the house.

"Carlisle was called in and Esme is doing volunteer work. Rosalie and Emmett went to IHOP and Jasper is probably getting his motorcycle ready to ride. Its very rare that we get a nice sunny day." Edward explained.

We ate a light breakfast and got ready to leave. After showering, blow drying my hair, brushing my teeth, applying some light makeup and putting on my Alice approved clothes I met Edward down stairs.

"Is my girlfriend ready?" he asked wrapping his arms around me and giving me a kiss. I moved my lips against his eagerly.

"Alright. We better stop if we ever plan to leave." I said after just standing in the foyer kissing for five minutes.

"yeah…" Edward grumbled and led me to the Volvo where he dutiful opened my door.

The hour ride that it took to get to Port Angeles took about thirty minutes with Edward's driving. He sped through the highway going over nearly a hundred miles an hour. Edward seemed to have total and complete control on the vehicle. Our hands, twined together, rest in the center consol together.

We talked about everything under the sun, our favorite movies and books. What we want to do with our lives.

"I want to go into pediatrics." he said when I asked. "I had a cousin who had leukemia. Emma never made it passed six. She is my main inspiration but so is Carlisle. The way he describes the feeling he gets after saving someone's life is indescribable. I want to feel that."

Edward really wanted to be a superhero I thought.

When we made it to Port Angeles it was shortly after noon. Edward parked the Volvo on the side of main street. The sun was shining and warming up the day slightly. A gentle breeze rocked the boats in the bay back and forth.

The first place Edward took me to was a bookstore. It was a good size book store, but not main stream like a Barnes and Noble. I pointed out books l had read and adored. They were mostly classics or English literature. Much to my protest, Edward bought me a couple books. He just stared into my eyes and dazzle the hell out of me until I relented. Grr! Stupid gorgeous eyes!

After the book store we took a stroll on the boardwalk. Edward bought me a silver bracelet from a vendor and we took those silly photo booth pictures. I would forever treasure those pictures. One was of Edward and I just smiling. The next Edward had tickled me so I was laughing. The one after that he was kissing my cheek. The last one was of us kissing full on.

It was amazing the high I got just by being in Edward's presence. This day spent with Edward was the best day I've had in a while. Jacob never really took me out anywhere, let alone spoil me rotten.

We had a late lunch at La Bella Italia, Edward's favorite local restaurant. How ironic that my name was in the title. I had mushroom ravioli and Edward had chicken parmesan. The fact that the ridiculously flirtatious waiter was all over Edward did not pass my attention. I now Edward is god-like sexy, but I couldn't help feel a twinge of possessiveness.

"Are you sure that there isn't anything I can get you?" the whore bag asked Edward when we were done. I just glared daggers at the bitch's name tag. Fuck you Staci! He's taken. jeez, Bella, pee on him why don't you?

"I very sure. My girlfriend and I are full. We have other things to do." he replied kindly. I knew the emphasis on girlfriend was not lost on her yet, that didn't prevent her from writing her name and number on the receipt.

"Actually." Edward said when he spotted her number. "We don't need a receipt. Thank you."

He put his arm around my shoulder and kiss the side of my head. Ha! Take that Staci! We left and made our way back to the car. It was about four and I still had things I had to do at home. Edward stopped short at a shop and ran in for a minute, telling me to wait by the car and returned with a bouquet of flowers.

"For my beautiful girlfriend." He said giving me a kiss and opening my door.

The ride back to Forks was a little slower. We wanted to savor the time we had left of this day. I really dreaded going back to school especially without Edward. Tanya would more or less torment me again, wouldn't she? What will she do, now that Edward and I are dating?

"What are you thinking about?" Edward asked looking over at me.

"How much I don't want to go to school tomorrow but I have to. I wish today would never end. That I could just spend the day with you tomorrow."

Edward reached out and kissed my hand that was in his.

"You don't have to worry about that because I'm going back to school tomorrow." He said simply.

"No you're not. Edward, you need to heal. You should be at home away from all the stupid stuff that goes on in school."

"Bella, I won't stay home for another week only to leave you to face Tanya and her band of bimbos. Besides, I already cleared it with Carlisle. My arm is healing nicely. So long as I clean it properly and exert too much force with it, I'll be fine."

I'm not going to lie. Having Edward with me to endure Tanya was a certainly more comforting than facing her alone. But, I didn't want him to get hurt on my account. Tanya was going to freak when she found out about Edward and I. What would she do now? She sabotaged my truck just because Edward talked to me.

When we reached my house Edward pulled out my bags and purchases from the other night and today. Charlie wasn't home yet so I let Edward in and I put my bags by the stairs.

"So, I'll pick you up bright and early tomorrow morning?" he asked heading to the door. You think I'd be thrilled, but my mind was instantly drawn to what Tanya would do. Rationally, I knew she would try to get to me either way, regardless of who drove me to school.

"Absolutely." I confirmed giving him a kiss goodbye.

"Great! I'll text you when I'm outside. He turned to leave and I locked the dead bolt behind him. After eating some left over lasagna with Charlie, doing some laundry and sending an email to mom, I went to bed. Surprisingly, I fell into a nightmare free slumber for the first time in a week.

So this chapter is long ass. I know! But anywho, I really enjoyed this one and the chapters to come. The faster I get forty or more reviews, the quicker I update! I know I'm a pain, but reviews are addicting! Peace!