I know! I posted late! *hides behind Emmett* don't hate me ! It was Christmas and all my family was home so I didn't get much writing time. This chapter gave me some definite problems and writers block, so if it sucks, I'm sorry!

This story is going to start moving pretty darn fast now, so stick with me!

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Disclaimer: Me: *pokes head out of hotel door* "I still don't own Twilight or Edward or Jacob. I only own my plot line and characters."

Jacob: "Good girl. Now close the door and come back inside."

Me: *slams door*



Cross My Heart

I paced nervously around the kitchen, waiting to hear the garage door open and Nathan walk in. I had absolutely no clue how I was going to tell him, none. I hoped the words would just sort of, flow, when I started to talk.

Twenty minutes later and Nathan walked in, arms laden with Chinese take-out. He quickly deposited the bags on the counter and turned with a small smile to me. I ran up and hugged him tight to myself. He quickly wrapped his arms around my waist and squeezed back with equal pressure. He kissed my hair and summarized his words from the other day,

"I'll love you no matter what. Forever." he grabbed my hand and led me over to the sofa. I angled myself so I was sitting sideways on the couch looking at him, he copied my position.

"Okay," I took a deep breath, "there is something very, very important I need to tell you." I paused and gauged Nathans reaction. His eyes held apprehension and fear, but nevertheless, he grabbed my hand and squeezed. I had no idea how he was going to take this, another deep breath later and I continued on,

"There's something I've been keeping secret for your own safety, and well, before now, didn't see the relevance in you knowing. It's about the Cullen's." I looked down at our intertwined hands and held Nathans for dear life, I didn't know what I'd do if he left me. He was my world. Nathans quiet voice interrupted my internal struggle.

"Please continue, Bella." Nathans voice held nothing but love and patience. I once again wondered how on earth I was so lucky as to get the perfect human man.

"The Cullen's are...different. Do you believe in, the supernatural?" I looked up at Nathan and he looked very confused and far away.

"Nathan?" I prodded.

"Yes, I suppose I do. Please Bella, please just tell me what's going on. I don't think I can handle much more of this suspense I've had since I left your work."

"The Cullen's are, vampires." I said it quickly, wanting the truth out now. His hand went limp in mine. I quickly looked up, worried. Nathans jaw was slack, the colour completely drained from his face.

"Vampires? As in, drinking blood, as in, you dated a vampire?" His voice raised in pitch slightly at the end of his sentence.

"Yes." I answered timidly. Nathan gulped audibly and looked baffled.

"Were you safe around them? Bella, how on earth did you survive in a relationship with a vampire? Bella, why on earth did you date a vampire?" All in all, Nathan was taking this quite well. He continued on,

"BELLA! The Cullen's are back now! They are vampires! In your class! Blood drinking vampires! Bella!" It was then that I realized I had neglected to mention a very important detail to Nathan. A very big detail, that would have probably helped Nathan take this news better.

"Nathan, wait! Just slow down for a moment! The Cullen's are vegetarians!" Nathan seemed to choke on his tongue for a moment.

"Vegetarians?" he asked incredulously.

"They only drink animal blood, not human. So they call themselves vegetarians. They aren't a threat that way, they would never hurt me...physically." Nathan seemed to have relaxed quite a bit finding out they didn't drink human blood; and seemed to have remembered how difficult it was for me to talk about all of this. He leaned forward and hugged me tight to his chest, and I curled up instinctively, wanting everything to go back to the way it was a few short weeks ago.

"Can you, can you explain how. I mean, how-" I cut Nathan off, knowing what he was going to say, and how difficult it was to articulate.

"I knew there was something different about Edward right off the bat..."


Edward Point of View:

I paced nervously around the living room waiting for another vision from Alice. All of my family was gathered on the various pieces of furniture, watching my small, pixie-like sister with wide eyes. Alice hadn't been able to see Bella for so long, and just a few moments ago, Alice saw again.

It was a simple, short vision. A vision of Bella on the couch in her house with Nathan, talking about me. Then it all faded to black. I was filled with hope that Alice would be able to start seeing Bella as much as she had before. Suddenly Alice swayed where she sat on the carpet between Jasper's legs. Her eyes got wide and glassy and I instantly tuned into her mind.

It was Bella and Nathan sitting on the couch, Bella curled up in Nathans lap. I growled lowly at that image. Nathan was stroking Bella's back with light, loving caresses, and I had to grip my fists together to keep from punching something. Nathan was whispering something unheard into Bella's ear and Bella smiled up at him through her tears. It saddened me to think that the conversation about me, ended with my Bella crying. Things started to get fuzzy and just when I thought the vision was going to end, Nathan sat up a little straighter and spoke,

"So Alice wants to plan our wedding? Do I have that right? The vampire who only drinks animal blood, who used to be your best friend, wants to plan our wedding after you dated her brother? Is that right?" he smirked down at Bella and kissed her nose tenderly. Bella giggled and nodded her head.

"They all just want me to be happy, and, I really miss them." Bella ducked her head at that admission and I felt my heart swell.

"Well, if you're fine with it, and they really are safe to be around, then... I'm fine with it too. You should call them, see if they want to come over tonight to talk. I'd like to meet them." as Nathan finished his sentence the scene drifted away into darkness.

I surfaced from Alice's vision feeling more alive than I had in seven years. Bella was going to give us all another chance, and I wouldn't mess it up this time.


Bella Point of View:

I had just finished telling the long story of Edward and I to Nathan. My chest throbbed uncomfortably and my heart was beating sporadically. The Edward Cullen file in my brain was usually kept air-tight and shoved to the dark, dusty, neglected corner. But tonight, it was under thousands of spotlights. All the memories hit me like a burning whip. Not only stinging upon impact, but leaving a trail of searing flesh in it's wake. Marks only visible to me.

Memories of meadows, stolen kisses, ice-cold touches, crooked smiles, playful eyes, and sweet lullabies swirled around my head like Edward's sweet scent.

A voice was whispering sweet-nothings in my ear and for a split second I thought I was back in Forks, in Edward's arms. Then my brain registered the warmth in the arms holding me, and I snapped back to the present. I instantly felt guilty for thinking Nathan was Edward, and even more guilty as I realized I was crying over Edward yet again. Nathan started stroking my back in gentle motions filled with so much love I choked on my sobs. He started to whisper to me about our wedding, and how beautiful he knew I would look in my white dress. He whispered about our future together and the beautiful family he knew we would have. A little girl the spitting image of Nathan, and a little boy an exact replica of me. I looked up at him bleary-eyed through my tears and smiled. He beamed back at me and sat up a little straighter,

"So Alice wants to plan our wedding? Do I have that right? The vampire who only drinks animal blood, who used to be your best friend, wants to plan our wedding after you dated her brother? Is that right?" he smirked down at me and I nodded my head and giggled. I couldn't deny how absurd that statement sounded. Nathan leaned down to kiss the tip of my nose and I involuntarily sighed, he was so perfect.

"They all just want me to be happy, and, I really miss them." I admitted to Nathan and ducked my head into his chest, burying my face in his scent. Nathan stroked my hair softly and spoke with conviction,

"Well, if you're fine with it, and they really are safe to be around, then... I'm fine with it too. You should call them, see if they want to come over tonight to talk. I'd like to meet them." I looked up to Nathan astounded,

"Really?" I couldn't keep the excitement out of my voice at the prospect of becoming friend's with all of the Cullen's again. Nathan grinned at my enthusiasm and held my cell phone out to me.

"Call them, love." He kissed my cheek and I stood up ready to call Alice. I suddenly remembered I didn't have her number anymore, or any of the Cullen's numbers for that fact. I was about to call out to Nathan to tell him the meeting may have to wait, when the doorbell rang. I smirked, knowing who it would be.

Sneaky little pixie.

I bounded down the staircase at top speed, and once again thanked whatever forces had made me graceful as I aged. I heard Nathans infectious chuckle running behind me and smiled. I stopped just short of the massive foyer and straightened my outfit, Nathan squeezed my shoulders and smiled at me. We walked towards the doorway together, hand in hand and saw all the Cullen's through the glass windows, Alice bouncing up and down at lightning pace. I swung open the doors and Alice all but tackled me into a tight hug. I stepped back and started introductions once all the Cullen's were in the foyer.

"Nathan, this is Alice and her boyfriend, Jasper." I pointed towards them both and Alice danced her way over to Nathan and hugged him, he chuckled at her enthusiasm. Jasper politely shook Nathans hand.

"Rosalie and her boyfriend, Emmett." Rosalie smiled warmly at me before smiling at Nathan, while Emmett walked up to me and picked me up in a big bear hug.

"I've missed you Bella!" he exclaimed as he sat me back on my feet, he turned his huge frame over to Nathan and gave him a man hug.

"Esme and her husband, Carlisle." They both came up and hugged me before greeting Nathan.

"And, Edward." Edward smiled a little and waved from his spot a few feet away.

"Well, enough standing in the entrance way, come in!" I called over my shoulder as I started walking up the stairs lacing my fingers with Nathans.

"Bella! Your home is gorgeous!" Rosalie complimented, I smiled and thanked her. Just then, the doorbell rang again.

"I've got it Bella." Edward called from the bottom of the staircase, where he was last to go up. I turned around to see who it was, Edward opened the door and it was the neighbor's fifteen year old daughter Taylor. She was a sweet girl, and reminded me a lot of myself when I was her age. Long brown hair, pale complexion, quite shy, and blushes a lot.

Taylor's mouth dropped open as soon as she saw Edward holding open the door, and I couldn't blame her. He was gorgeous. Taylor tried to speak but no words were coming out and she couldn't stop staring at Edward. I decided I'd save her from Edward's dazzling stare so I called to her,

"Taylor! Sweetie, what can I do for you?" Taylor blushed deep scarlet and looked down at her feet before looking back up at me, her eyes flickering to Edward's form.

"I think she wants this." Edward said holding up a purple jacket and smiling at Taylor. Taylor smiled back and nodded, blushing again. She took the jacket from Edward's hands and blushed deeper.

"Sorry, I left it here when my parents and I were over a few weeks ago. I just noticed it was missing." she spoke timidly. She blushed yet again and smiled apologetically towards Nathan and I.

"It's not a problem dear. Say hi to your parents for us." Nathan spoke to Taylor and waved goodbye with a smile. Taylor cast one last glance at Edward before turning around and running back to her house.

"Neighbor's daughter, she's a nice girl." Nathan stated to the Cullen's before turning back around to lead them upstairs again. I looked back at Edward quickly and saw him smirking to himself at Taylor's thoughts as he shut the door with a quiet click. I smiled too, seeing his smirk and started walking up the stairs. This could work out, and maybe we could all be friends again. With a spark of hope ignited in me, I squeezed Nathans hand and led the Cullen's into the kitchen, and back into my life as well.


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