Disclaimer: The Twilight saga belongs to the genius that is Stephenie Meyer. I do not own any of the characters... although I truly wish I owned some part of the dazzling Edward (sigh)

Thanks so much for the reviews! It really means a lot and definitely motivates me to keep writing.

This chapter is the longest thus far, and I found it was one of the more difficult ones to write. I hope it came out well and that you enjoy it.

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Edward's POV

I twiddled my thumbs nervously as I sat with Charlie in the living room watching the game. He sat there completely oblivious to me. Bella had been dragged away by Alice for a massive shopping session. In my few interactions with the tiny girl, I quickly learned she was like a little ball of energy, which meant I wouldn't be seeing Bella anytime soon.

Since my release from the hospital four days ago, I had visited my family a few times. Each time, I always sensed there was something off about them. I couldn't exactly place my finger on what it was just yet. They carried themselves with such grace that I almost felt like the black sheep of the family. In fact, even when it came to appearances, there was an underlying similarity among them that I didn't seem to share. I was told early on that we had all been adopted by Carlisle and Esme, but there was still something eerily similar between the rest of the clan that made me feel out of place... their perfectly pale skin... their penetrating eyes... their undeniable poise.

Despite how much I felt I didn't quite fit in with them, I had been hoping to spend some time with them today to save me from having to be alone with Charlie. Unfortunately, they had mentioned something about needing to reschedule because of some sort of hunting trip. So now here I am with Charlie, and no Bella.

Bella. Just the mere thought of her brought a smile to my face. She hadn't brought up the near-kiss from the other day. I guess we were in a silent agreement to act as though it never happened. I think we were probably the only engaged couple in the world that would act awkwardly about a kiss that didn't even take place.

I wonder if this is how I usually was when it came to things about Bella. Did I constantly think about her during every waking moment before the accident? Had the sight of her always made my stomach do somersaults? Did her smile always manage to turn my world upside down?

My thoughts were interrupted by a grunt from Charlie who didn't seem pleased with how the game was progressing. It suddenly dawned on me that I should take this opportunity to ask him a few questions. Everyone from Bella to my family were always so hesitant when it came to talking about stuff regarding my past. It was actually becoming quite frustrating. Before I gave it any further thought, I turned towards Charlie.

"Mr. Swan?"

He tore his eyes away from the television and looked at me as if he had forgotten I had been there the entire time.

"Hmm what... umm Charlie's fine."

I debated whether it was a good idea to possibly open Pandora's box, but I figured I wanted to know sooner rather than later.

"Right. Sorry. Charlie... you don't like me very much do you?"

I had asked the question just as he was in mid-gulp of his drink causing him to suddenly convulse into a fit of coughs. He managed to catch his breath and lowered the volume on the television.

"What makes you say that?"

"Call it a gut instinct, sir. Is it because we're getting married so young?" I inquired not knowing where my sudden courage was coming from.

I could see the hesitation in his eyes as he debated how much he should tell me.

"Well that's part of it I guess."

I grew intrigued by his response and wanted him to continue. I figured there was no turning back now. I might as well pursue with my questioning.

"Part of it? So I assume you weren't much of a fan of me before the engagement either then?"

He got up and began to head out of the room.

"Edward, I don't think we should talk about this right now."

"Wait... please. I need to know. I'm tired of people tiptoeing around the details when they are around me as if they have some huge secret. When the fact of the matter is, it isn't a secret... it's my life," I pleaded.

Charlie studied me carefully. The desperation must have been evident in my eyes because by the end of my little spiel he had made his way back into his seat. He sat quietly for a second as if mulling over his thoughts before continuing.

"Edward, I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't have any reservations about you marrying my daughter."

"Is it me? Something I did? Said?"

Charlie looked around nervously. He placed his elbows onto his knees and leaned forward to rest his head on his hands.

"I don't know if I'm the best person to talk to you about this," he said solemnly.

"Mr. Swan... I mean Charlie. I just want honest answers."

"Well you see Edward... initially, I didn't have much of a problem with you. It wasn't until..." he paused.

His eyes pretty much revealed the internal struggle he was facing. I guess he was weighing his options as to how delicately he should treat me considering my condition. I couldn't let him back out now. I prodded further.

"Until what?"

My curiosity was definitely piqued. I finally felt like I was beginning to get some answers about who I was.

"Until you left," he stated.

I straightened immediately at the revelation.

"What do you mean left? Like moved away?"

My mind was suddenly flooded with several possibilities. Charlie released a deep breath that I hadn't realized he had been holding. I could tell he was having a hard time reliving the incident.

"No. You just left. You broke Bella's heart and just left her in the woods without even so much as a look back. She spent months grieving for you. I had never seen her so... empty... lost."

His agitation grew as he spoke. I had clearly opened up some old wounds. A feeling of guilt began to grow in the pit of my stomach.

"I'm sorry," I muttered.

How could I do that Bella? What was I thinking? My self-loathing thoughts were interrupted by Charlie.

"Well sorry doesn't cut for me! You weren't here to see how miserable she was. However, for some inexplicable reason, sorry was apparently good enough for Bella because she took you back almost immediately," he said angrily.

I mulled over this piece of information. Why would she forgive me?

"So you see Edward... I'm worried you're going to pull that stunt again. I'm worried that you'll get up and leave again, and I'm terrified there won't be enough of Bella left to recover from that."

I nodded in agreement.

"I understand your doubts about me. In fact, I'm starting to have doubts about me also," I quietly said.

I felt the room begin to close him. The emotions became too overwhelming.

"I need some space to think. I need to go walk for a bit."

I rushed out of my seat as a feeling of nausea invaded my senses. Maybe I'm not the heroic and loving fiance in this fairy-tale... maybe I'm the bad guy in all of this.

"Edward wait."

Charlie moved towards me, but I immediately stepped away from his grasp. I needed to figure out things alone.

"I'm sorry for everything... I really am."

With those words, I sprinted out through the front door.

--

Bella's POV

"Alice was sure making up for lost time," I muttered as I lugged the first round of bags out of my truck and through the front door.

I had been worried about leaving Edward alone with Charlie. However, Alice insisted that she doubted my dad would take the opportunity to murder Edward.

"Edward! Charlie! I'm home," I called out.

Charlie slowly walked into the living room to greet me.

"Hey sweetie. Hope shopping was fun."

I immediately noted something different about his mood.

"I guess. Where's Edward?" I asked as I looked around not seeing any sign of him.

He shifted nervously and noticeably gulped.

"About Edward..."

I suddenly grew worried at his suspicious behavior.

"Charlie, what did you do?" I cautiously asked.

"Now Bella I want you to keep in mind that he was the one that wanted to know..."

I grew frustrated at Charlie's attempts to stall. I knew I shouldn't have left them alone together. It was a disaster waiting to happen.

"Wanted to know what? Where is he Charlie?" I questioned as my patience began to wear thin.

"He wanted to know why I disliked him. I told him it was because I was scared that he would leave you again. I guess I got so worked up about remembering how miserable you had been that I didn't exactly hold back my resentment while telling him."

"Charlie what were you thinking?" I shouted.

"I know Bella, and I'm sorry. I could've done a better job of phrasing things. And well, he got upset and ran out of the house."

I pinched the bridge of my nose hoping to alleviate some of the migraine that was beginning to form.

"How long ago was that Charlie?" I angrily asked.

"About three hours ago."

"Three hours?! You do realize he has amnesia right? He doesn't know his way around!"

At that moment, I could hear the raindrops begin to fall onto the roof of the house.

"Perfect... now he's out there alone in the rain."

I stomped towards the door and snatched an umbrella on the way out. I heard Charlie grab his jacket before following me to the door.

"I'll come with you Bella."

"I think you've done enough," I spat back.

The engine roared to life as I sped out of the driveway. It had been 45 minutes before I finally caught sight of a figure walking through the woods. I quickly slammed on the brakes causing the truck to skid to a stop. I grabbed the umbrella from the seat and rushed out of the truck.

"Edward!" I shouted.

The drenched figure stopped and turned towards me. I felt my heart break at the sight of his anguished eyes.

"Bella?" he called back.

I could tell he was completely soaked from walking in the rain for nearly an hour.

"Edward get in the truck. You shouldn't be out here in this weather, especially in your condition. You've been out of the hospital for less than a week," I reasoned with him.

I saw his slight hesitation before he made his way towards me and truck. I was silently grateful that it didn't much to convince him. He got into the truck in silence. I put the heat on as high as possible. Edward was visibly shivering, and I could faintly hear his teeth chattering.

"Take off your shirt," I said abruptly.

"What?"

"Your shirt. Take it off. Alice sent along some clothes for you. You're going to get sick if you leave that wet shirt on," I told him.

I reached for the back seat and pulled out a long sleeved shirt of his as if to prove to him I wasn't lying. He sighed before reaching towards his shirt to unbutton it. He struggled a bit because of his cast, which gave me the opportunity to admire his chest as he slowly made his way down the shirt. I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks at the sight of his defined abs. I did, however, wince at seeing his bruises and injuries from the accident. A big part of me wanted to just take him into my arms and have him rely on my body's heat as opposed to a piece of clothing.

I shoved those desires away as I handed him the dry shirt. I debated whether to help him put it on, but I figured it would be best to keep some space between us at the moment. I heard his breath hitch, and I assumed he was still very much sore from the accident. He finally got the shirt on and stared ahead through the windshield as his wet hair was matted against his forehead.

"Are you okay?" I asked, finally breaking the silence.

He continued to stare blankly ahead as we sat in the parked truck.

"Why'd you take me back?" he uttered.

"Edward, it's complicated to explain."

He turned to me as his eyes locked with mine. I felt my breath catch at the intensity of his green steeled look. I could make out the strong definition in his jaw as I saw it clench.

"Then un-complicate it Bella."

I was the first to tear my eyes away.

"You had your reasons," I said lamely.

I could tell by his body language that he wasn't at all satisfied by my answer.

"Bella," he softly said.

His captivating tone caught my attention as I turned to meet his eyes again. This time there wasn't as much tension apparent on his face. It was a much more apologetic expression. He reached out to grab my cheek with his uninjured hand.

"I can't imagine any legitimate reason for leaving you."

As I began to lean into his touch, he quickly removed his hand from my face.

"Which is why none of this makes sense, Bella. It sounds like I've caused you a tremendous amount of pain. Yet, you still took me back and wanted me to be a part of your life... a part of the rest of your life. Why?"

I cringed at how disgusted he sounded with himself. It reminded me of when he would talk about how he considered himself to be a monster that possessed no soul. I grabbed his hand and placed it over my heart.

"Edward, you're the only person that can make my heart stop and race at the same time. When you start remembering, you'll realize that you and I aren't exactly your average couple, but that's what's so great about us. I decided a long time ago that a tomorrow isn't worth experiencing if I don't have you with me to share it."

As I spoke, I felt myself inch towards him. By the end of it, I had placed my hand behind his neck to carress the hair there. He closed his eyes at the sensation. Before I could stop myself, I closed the gap between us. He was initially taken by surprise and seemed as though he was about to try and talk me out of it.

As his lips slightly parted during his attempt to say something, I took the opportunity to slip my tongue into his mouth. He moaned at the intrusion and began to reciprocate with his own tongue. I felt a new wave of emotions wash over me as I experienced this new type of kissing with Edward.

I felt my body gravitate towards his as I somehow managed to climb over the divider and get into a position comfortable enough to straddle him as he sat in the passenger's seat. My knees gently rested on either side of his hips as I was careful not to hurt him. His right hand tightly gripped my hip as he used the forearm on his injured left hand to hug me closer to him.

I instinctively rolled my hips into him causing yet another moan from him. I frantically grabbed at his perfectly bronze-colored hair causing my tongue to delve deeper into his mouth. He tore away his lips from mine, which made me quietly whimper at the absence of his lips from my own. I felt him place gentle kisses on my collarbone as he took in my scent.

"Bella," he whispered into my skin.

I reached my hand up to the truck's roof as an attempt to steady myself. I felt Edward make his way up my neck until he reached just below my ear. His tongue swirled around the area causing my mind to go into an absolutely frenzy. I needed to taste him again as I removed my hand from the roof to redirect his lips towards mine. I gently nibbled his lower lip between my teeth before he gently ran his tongue along my lips.

We were forced to separate from the lack of oxygen. I nestled my head onto his chest and listened to the unfamiliar sound of his racing heartbeat.

"You're out of breath" I said as I tried to recover my own breathing.

I felt him chuckle at my observation.

"Can you blame me? I'm sure this isn't the first time you've left me gasping for air."

"If you only knew," I silently thought.

I pulled away from the comfort of his chest to look him in the eyes. I then gazed down and traced his swollen lips with my finger. His warm breath tickled my fingertips. The windows were fogging up from the heat... our heat.

His emerald gems studied me carefully. I never wanted to leave this moment. I would be completely content with staying in my truck forever with him holding me like this. However, I knew that was too naïve of me. I decided it was best to face reality.

"Edward about what Charlie said..." I began.

His eyes narrowed as his mouth hardened into a frown. He turned to look out the passenger window. I turned his head and forced him to look at me.

"There's more to the story... he's only aware of what's at the surface. The explanations will eventually come. It's just a lot to spring up on you. You'll eventually remember and know, but for right now, it's important that you know one thing... I love you."

I placed a chaste kiss on his lips. I felt the tension slowly leave his body. He leaned forward and rested his forehead on mine.

"It hurts to not remember you. I want to have back every memory I ever had of you... so I could relive them in my mind every moment of the day. However, looking on the bright side of things, I'm getting to fall in love with you all over again. I get to experience you as if everything happening right now was happening for the first time."

If he only knew how much of him I was also experiencing for the first time.

"But I do have a question," he said.

I felt my body stiffen wondering what he would bring up.

"What you said before... before the kiss. About a tomorrow not being the same without me," he paused.

I began to wonder where he was going with this. I nodded for him to go on.

"I hope you didn't use a rough draft of your wedding vows just to get a kiss out of me," he teased while showing his perfect crooked smile.

I laughed at his comment before smacking him gently on the shoulder. I rested my head back onto his chest. I knew things were going to get complicated when he started to remember things, and the questions were only going to get harder. However, for right now, I just wanted to sit with him in peace listening to his heartbeat and the rain fall on the truck's roof.

--

What did you guys think? Success? Disaster? Was the Charlie scene realistic enough?

I must say that I always felt makeout scenes were difficult to write. I am usually like "Well what would I do?", "Would I really put my hand there?" etc lol. Hopefully it came out decently.

Don't worry... the drama and the memories are just around the river bend haha. Please review... it makes my heart happy!