Once In A

Blue Moon

Part I- Twilight

Last Time on Blue Moon: Edward returns. Mike asks Bella to dinner. Jessica invites Bella to Port Angeles.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Twilight saga or its affiliated characters. If I did, well, I wouldn't need to alter it would I?

Chapter Summary: Port Angeles. Shopping. Bella is attacked. Edward saves her.

Author's Note: Okay, I know this is weird, I never do my A/N's at the beginning, but I have a few shout outs to give.

I'd like to give special thanks to DeydreamBeliever- Thanks for everything, especially calling me on that type-o. AnnabelleLee13194- Don't worry, it ain't-a-gonna-happen, the "real" Bella is perfectly happy in the other world and doesn't want to come back :). Annie Get Your Board- Love the name, btw. And thanks for all the reviews, its really important to me that I know people are reading, because if I don't feel like anyone is interested, I loose interest. And, just so you know, EVERYTHING is a plot devise. Well, usually. I like to keep things interesting. Even when I map out what she's wearing (I don't know if anyone likes it, but I do), its part of the plot. Especially this chapter, so pay attention.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed and please read the Attention at the end of the story, I'm going to be posing a Challenge for everyone.

BTW- Did anyone figure out which sitcom they were watching?


7. Port Angeles


After riding in a car with Edward for the past few months, riding in the car with Jess felt like snail slow, but we made it to Port Angeles by four. I'd agreed to the girls' night out to try to distract myself from my worries, but I found that even Jessica's jabbering on and on about all of the guys and Mike couldn't tame them. I didn't really contribute anything to the conversation anyway because I did my best to ignore all the guys other than my vampire and brothers. No one talked about them. Ever.

After about twenty minutes, I actually realized that Jess and Angela were purposefully avoiding talking about Edward. They were trying to distract me and failing miserably. He was in all my thoughts.

Port Angeles was a beautiful little tourist trap, but quaint. It was bigger than Forks and more polished, but it still wasn't the 'big city' feel I was hoping for. It was like hoping for Manhattan and getting Albany instead. But, I decided to try to enjoy my time because soon I'd be back in our little town, in my little room, cuddled next to my super sexy boyfriend.

We went straight for the biggest department store, which was, ironically, the smallest department store I'd ever been in. The dance was billed as semi-formal and I explained to them that basically that meant the girls dressed formal, and the guys went in jeans. That was how it worked in Phoenix. In New York, it meant that it was a cocktail party and that tuxes weren't required, but nice suits were and the girls dressed in their finest.

"Did you go to the dances in Phoenix?" Jess asked curiously as we walked though the front doors.

"I made an appearance or two, but I'm not big on dancing." I told her honestly, not caring that I was answering all wrong. My mind was elsewhere.

"Why not?" Jessica demanded.

"I fall just walking around." I said distractedly, running my hand along a sturdy, but stylish waist-length jacket in the juniors section. "And no one wants a dance partner that just steps on their toes all the time." I picked up the jacket in the smallest size and pulled it off the hanger. I slid it on and the fabric itched on my skin. I buttoned it and looked at them. They shook their heads 'no' and I took it off and hung it back up. I didn't like it either.

We walked back to the dress section and I sat in the chairs outside the dressing room. I had decided almost immediately once stepping in the store that the shoes I'd picked for today was a bad idea, the store had just waxed and slick floors plus stiletto sandals didn't work for uncoordinated klutzes. I don't know what possessed me to wear them, but they were my favorite shopping shoes. And they looked great with the jeans.

I was wearing my dark, acid wash hip-hugger skinny jeans and a black, short-sleeved nearly sheer button up tunic that unfortunately only had four buttons starting at just below my clavicles to just above my naval. The shirt was fitted and I paired it with a solid, red bra underneath that shined just enough to hint that it was there. It showed off my stomach perfectly though. It was flat, with a slight muscle-ly tinge from the Tae Kwon Do self defense classes I took in New York and Phoenix.

I had my rain coat in Jessica's car, my purse slung over my shoulder, and Edward on my mind.

I didn't tell him last night about the dream, or the night before. I could tell he was worried; I was acting differently and protested being out of his arms for a prolonged amount of time. I knew that I was talking in my sleep; I kept having variations on that same nightmare. Sometimes Renesmee couldn't see me and Bella could, or both, but Edward never did. I suppose that's why I clung to him. I didn't want to loose him. I knew I wouldn't, but…

"Bella!" I looked up and saw Jess and Angela in front of me, both wearing dresses. Jess was in an ice blue completely sleeveless dress that hit her at mid-thigh. Angela had on a full length red dress with a black sheen and spaghetti straps.

"I'm sorry guys. What?" I asked apologetically.

"What do you think?" Jess asked giving a spin.

I shrugged. "I like them." I said trying to smile at them. Jess gave me a huge grin and rushed back into the changing rooms. Angela sat next to me.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

I shrugged and became interested in my nails. "Fine." I whispered.

"Worried? About Edward?" She questioned quietly.

I hung my head back and shrugged. "I hardly know. I've just been thinking about a lot of things lately and I keep having this nightmare. Like I'll loose him, but not just him—everything. Don't tell Jess, I don't want to ruin her happy-day."

Angela smiled at me sadly. "You love him, don't you?" She asked.

I looked at her. "Very much."

"Does he love you?"

I gave her a small, brief smile. "Yes." I glanced at the dressing room. Jessica was still in there.

"Then why be worried?"

I shrugged. "I think I'm scared that I'm not right for him. That I'm not what he needs." I let out a breath. "I'm not used to questioning myself, because I always know what I want, but I'm—I don't know. I don't like being like this. I want to stop worrying about the future and be happy with the now." She gave my hand a squeeze.

"I know what you mean. But, I don't think you have anything to worry about. We've all seen how Edward's been since he got here, and no one has seen him so happy. He loves you, Bella. More than anything and I don't think that you should worry about it. Why do you think Lauren hates you? She has had a crush on Edward since he first came to town and now he's with you." Lauren, what a cow.

Jessica came back in and effectively ended our conversation. She had the dress in her hand and Angela went back to change into her street clothes.

We all went to the shoe department then to the jewelry. Both of the girls found stuff they liked, but I was still thinking about Edward. I missed him. I tried to concentrate on shopping, which was always a good distraction for me, but it wasn't helping.

We planned to go to dinner at a little Italian restaurant on the boardwalk, but the dress shopping hadn't taken as long as we'd expected. Jess and Angela were going to take their clothes back to the car and then walk down to the bay. I told them I would meet them at the restaurant in an hour—I told them I wanted to look for something for Edward. They asked if I wanted company, but I told them to go have fun. I just wanted to walk around, get some air and see if I could find anything I wanted to get. I hoped, in vain, that they're would be a Tiffany's or something around here.


I found a small bookstore matching the descript Bella gave in the book, and asked the kind old woman inside if she knew where I could find a jewelry store. She said that there was a Kay up a few blocks to the left. It would work. I thanked her and surprised her by purchasing a copy of Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris. What can I say? I'm addicted to vampires.

I started my march, meandering through the streets filling up with end-of-day traffic, and hoped I wasn't getting myself lost. To tell the truth, I was still distracted. I had the small, purple, plastic bag on my wrist and swung it precariously. I was trying so hard not to think about him and more on what Angela had said…I tried to think about what Edward and I would be doing on Saturday. Would he finally show me what he looks like in the sun? Would he take me to the meadow? Or would we stay home and cuddle? I looked up and saw someone's shiny, silver Volvo parked along the street. I smiled to myself. Edward would think that my musings were ridiculous. He would tell me that I'm worrying over nothing, tell me he loved me, and hold me close. He'd kiss me and say that he would never leave me. I'd tell him that that was ridiculous but kiss him right back, getting my hands tangled in his bronze locks and getting so close that we'd have to pull apart and joke about how little control we both had.

I walked towards the south, seeing some glass-fronted shops that looked promising. They lied. Just repair shops and vacant space. I couldn't find that damn jewelry store, but I didn't want to go find Jess and Angela, both of them looking at me curiously, worried. This was supposed to be a fun day and my depression was just spitting on it. I took out my headband and shook out my hair, running my fingers through it a few times and putting the headband back in place.

I knew I was lost now.

All I saw were warehouses and old factories. This was so not where I needed to be. Why did I go off alone? I knew I needed to find an exit, something to get back to the main street. I decided to turn east at the next corner, and then loop around after a few blocks. That had to work. Why was I so stupid? I searched through my purse, trying to find my cell phone, but couldn't. I must've left it in my jacket! But, I did find the pepper spray that I found in a duffle-bag under my bed at home. I kept it in my hand as I walked the dark streets. When did the sun go away?

A group of four men turned around the corner I was heading for, dressed too casually to be heading home from the office, but they were too grimy to be tourists. I knew who they were. I knew and I was scared instantly. I knew what they had wanted from Bella and I was dressed evermore the target. Damn it, I should've been smarter than this! They were joking loudly among themselves, laughing and punching each other. They're laughs stopped when they saw me. I walked past them as fast as I could.

"Hey, there!" one of them called as they passed, but I kept walking, eyes forward, head high. I pretended not to notice them. They were getting into a hunting position. I kept walking, slowly moving faster, my high heels clanking on the pavement. I momentarily thought of taking them off and running, but remembered from self-defense that high heels are perfect weapons. Especially in a high kick. "Hey, wait!"

I kept walking, praying that they didn't come. I was trying to think. I knew that Edward had to be around. I could call out to him, but they'd hear me. Exposure risk was too high. I ran my hand along a few of the buildings I passed. He'd catch my scent, I knew he would. Every street I passed, I left a marker. I didn't realize that they were coming behind me, circling me like lions do a gazelle.

I ran my hand along a building and felt a sharp pain to my hand. I lifted it in front of my face, in the dim light from a street lamp about 50 yards away. A small, triangular piece of glass was stinking in my palm and I was bleeding out. I pulled it out, never once stopping my task. I left a trail of blood behind me as I turned another corner. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw two of them following behind me slowly. My hand was hurting, but I had nothing to stop the bleeding. It was a small cut, but deep. I pressed my hand to my jeans and began running.

I saw a figure in front of me, a shadow and I kept running. I knew it wasn't Edward. I'd feel it if it was. Down a street to my left was another shadow, and behind me the two men were catching up. I was cornered. I stopped and unlocked my canister of pepper spray. I tried to analyze the situation. I ran the opposite direction from what Bella did. She had headed back north and I stayed south. There was no traffic, no cars, nothing but old buildings and my soon-to-be attackers. There were four of them, one of me. I knew my vampire was somewhere around here, but he doesn't know I'm in danger…yet. They wanted something of mine and I wasn't giving it to them.

The shadows began to converge slowly, predatory-like. Here was the gazelle. They were all significantly larger than me, well above my 5'4" 102 lbs frame. I was strong, but no matter what, a man will always have more power, as unfair as that was, and there were four of them. To top that off, I knew that I was too clumsy to keep running without putting at least two of them out of commission.

My jeans were wet from the blood, but I'd stopped the bleeding. I couldn't feel it dripping anymore. I was concentrating too hard to even feel faint from the sickly copper smell that surrounded me. They were closer now. At least 20 feet. I felt the muscles in my legs itch. They were ready. I looked around me. The street was empty except for the five of us. No cars could be heard from the streets surrounding us. No noise from the town. I felt cold. He wouldn't make it on time.

I chastised myself again for being so stupid and forgetting about these jerks from the book. Now, I wished I'd brought my copies to remind me of what was coming. Stupid, stupid. "There you are!" The booming voice of the stocky, dark-haired man shattered the intense quiet and made me jump a little. He wasn't talking to me; he was talking the men behind me.

"Yeah," a voice called loudly from one of them. "We just took a little detour." I didn't move. I waited. My hand clutched the pepper spray. You'd think, being a Police Chief's daughter, I'd have more of this stuff. But then again, Bella hadn't had this on her when they attacked her. I was just smart and carried it with me always.

The thickest man walked slowly down the street and had a twisted smirk on his face. "Stay away from me," I said in my most dangerous voice. He laughed.

"Don't be like that, sugar," he called, and the men laughed all around me. Maybe they weren't lions, they were hyenas. And so the lion fell in love with the lamb, Edward's voice entered my head.

"What a stupid lamb." I whispered so low that they couldn't hear it. What a sick, masochistic lion. I was strong. I could fight them. I took a stance, feet apart, fists up. I was ready.

"Ah, she's gonna fight us." One of them shouted.

"Damn straight." I growled. They ran towards me. I shifted on the ball of my foot and kicked the thickest one in the head. He fell back. They stopped momentarily, staring at what just happened. I returned to position.

"You little bitch!" The dark haired one yelled running towards me. I raised my pepper spray and held down the button, emptying the can in his eyes. A third one wrapped his arm around my throat and I brought my head back and felt his nose crack. He backed away and I connected my heel with his balls. The fourth one and pepper spray boy surrounded me. His eyes were red and he couldn't see, but he was angry. The fourth threw me against a wall. I braced my self and didn't let my head connect.

He was about to attack again when the screech of tires and bright headlights zoomed towards us. I let out a breath of relief. Edward. He stopped the car and got out. It was Edward. "Get in," He growled furiously. I pushed past my attackers, stepping on the fat one's hand with the stiletto causing him to howl in pain and jumped into the car. I buckled my seat belt.

Edward hadn't moved.

"Edward!" I yelled. "Get in the car!" He didn't move. "Edward, please!" Slowly, he moved back and sat in the car. He drove fast out of there, not looking at anything. His eyes were black. I remembered my injury and shifted my purse onto my lap. I pulled out the miniature First Aide kit I carried and opened it. I took the small bottle of hand sanitizer and squeezed it. I rubbed my hands together until it was dissolved, concentrating it on the wound. Then I grabbed a band aide and put it on. "Are you okay?" I asked softly, returning the kit to my purse and putting the bag in the floor, as well as my bag from the bookstore that had somehow managed to stay on my wrist.

"No." He was livid. I put my uninjured hand on his. He didn't pull away. He twisted his wrist and intertwined our fingers. He didn't return my squeeze. We breezed past several street signs and were headed back towards the department store. "Did they cut you?" He asked, his voice shaking.

"No, I cut myself. There was glass on a building." I told him.

He looked at me. "You left me a trail." He stated it, not questioning.

"Yes. That's how I cut myself." He turned back to the road.

"You knew you were in danger?" That was a question.

"Yes." I told him. "I did."

He squeezed my hand gently. "Distract me. Please." He begged.

I didn't know what to say. "Jessica had a great date with Mike. Oh, and apparently, Lauren is jealous that you love me so much."

He gave me a look. "She is?" He asked.

"Yeah. Apparently she's got a thing for you. That's why the insults and glares. Right now she's telling people I have an eating disorder." He brought my hand up to his cool lips and pressed them together gently.

"Are you alright?" He questioned, his voice wasn't shaking anymore. He was worried.

"I'm fine." And I was. I was with him. All was good with the world. Well, except I think I got asshole on my shoes. I unbuckled my seat belt and leaned over the armrest. I kissed him on the cheek gently.

"What's that for?" He asked, looking at me. We passed another stop sign.

"I'm distracting." I whispered in his ear. He chuckled; it wasn't entirely amused, but getting there. I kissed him again. Then I remembered Jess and Angela. I sat back down. "Jess and Angela will be worried." I told him. "I was supposed to meet them." He nodded and drove towards the bay. He didn't slow down.


When we reached the boardwalk, he parallel-parked perfectly in one try and got out. He walked over and opened the door. The cold air hit my torso and I shuddered. He took off the black sports coat he was wearing and draped it around my shoulders. I slid my arms into it, I was dwarfed in it. He slid the right arm up to find my hand and took it in his. Jess and Angela were waiting by the car. I walked in their direction with Edward. They had worried expressions. "Hey, guys!" I called. They looked at us in surprise. Angela replaced her worried look with a knowing one. Jess was grinning ear to ear.

"Where have you been?" Jessica said suspiciously.

I smiled guiltily. "I got lost."

"And Edward?" Angela gave him a smile.

"I found her." He gave his crooked smile to both of them. "Would it be alright if I joined you?"

Jess couldn't breath. I knew the problem. He was working his charm. I squeezed his fingers. "Um, actually, Bella, we already ate. Why don't you and Edward have dinner together and we can talk tomorrow at school?" Angela suggested. "That is, if Edward doesn't mind taking you home?" She hinted.

Subtle, Ange. "Of course I don't mind." He said.

"Then see you both tomorrow. Come on, Jess." Angela pushed away and Edward led the way to the restaurant.

I wasn't hungry, but I didn't want to go home yet. He held the door open for me and I entered, removing the coat. He slid his arm around my waist and held me close to him.

The restaurant wasn't crowded—it was the off-season in Port Angeles, apparently. The hostess was checking Edward out, giving him a suggestive smile that was pissing me off in the first three seconds. Hello, I'm like right here. She was at least 5 inches taller than me and had horribly fake blonde hair. "A table for two?" He had his allure on and I knew he didn't mean to. I rested my head on his arm as her eyes flickered to me. She gave me a significant glare without being blatant about it. She wasn't as dumb as she looked. She led us to a table big enough for four in the center of the most crowded area of the dining room.

I looked at her with a 'are you kidding me?' look.

"Perhaps something more private?" he insisted quietly. Wow, Bella had been wrong; he didn't slip her a tip. She just did it.

"Sure." She blushed. I was already in one fight tonight; I knew I could take this bitch. I was surprised that I was actually considering it. She turned and led us around a partition to a small ring of booths—all of them empty. "How's this?"

"Perfect." He flashed a beautiful smile at me and I nodded smiling lovingly back. I reached up and kissed him softly on the lips. Yes, that's right. He's mine. I looked at her and she flushed. She hadn't expected that.

"Um"—she shook her head, blinking—"your server will be right out." She walked away and out the partition.

We sat down across from each other but held our hands together over the table. "Having fun?" He asked, his crooked smile on his face, his eyes had returned to that beautiful gold color and were shining at me.

"Whatever do you mean?" I said giving him my best mischievously-trying-to-play-innocent smile.

"Embarrassing the hostess." He whispered.

"Well, I was trying to let her know that you're mine." I told him. "She would've taken your dazzling seriously."

"Dazzling?"

"Yep. You do that a lot."

He smiled. "I dazzle people?" He asked.

"You know you do."

He leaned over the table and brought his lips to my ear. "Do I dazzle you?" He whispered.

"Constantly." I whispered back. He leaned back a little and smiled at me. I smiled back. He kissed me gently.

"I don't think I'm the only one." Before I could ask him what he meant, our server arrived and he returned to his seat. Her face expectant, the hostess had told her about Edward. She was flirting too, with a flip of her black hair and a smile just for him. She ignored me.

"Hello. My name is Amber, and I'll be your server tonight. What can I get you to drink?" She was only speaking to him. But he was watching me.

"Sweet tea." I told her, not removing my eyes from his.

"Two teas." He didn't even glance at her. Out of my periphery, I watched her walk away.

"What did you mean?" I asked. "You're not the only one?"

He smiled. "You dazzle me." I smiled at him, blushing. He reached his hand up and brushed my cheeks. "I love that I can do that."

"Make me blush?" I asked confused.

"So few people can. You don't let anything affect you." He smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"I didn't mean with what happened." I gave him a confused look. "About us."

I looked at the menu in front of me. Hmm, ravioli, linguini, lasagna… "Bella." He said in an authoritative voice. I wasn't avoiding it. I looked at him. "I heard what you and Angela were talking about. Tell me."

I shrugged. "I'm being ridiculous. I know that." I told him.

"Yes, you are." He agreed. "I love you, Bella. More than anything and you are exactly what I need. What I want. You're never going to loose me." I told you he would say that.

I reached over and squeezed his hand. "I know that. I'm trying not to worry. I'll get over it."

"Is that why we've had a few near…accidents?" He asked, looking as though if he could blush he would.

I shrugged. "That and I think that you're incredibly sexy and I can't take my hands off of you." I said nonchalantly. He chuckled.

The waitress returned and sat the tea and a basket of breadsticks in the center of the table, I reached for mine. She stood with her back to me and asked, "Are you ready to order?" She wasn't talking to me, again.

"Bella?" He asked, looking at me.

I looked at her. "I'll have a Caesar salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette dressing as well as the Caesar, thank you." I said.

"And you?" She turned her back on me again and looked at Edward. He was smiling at me.

"Nothing for me, thank you."

"Let me know if you change your mind." He held out his hand on the table and I took it. She walked away, ignored. He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it.

I took a sip of my tea and shivered. "Put on the jacket." He ordered with a smirk. I nodded and slid it on. I thought it was unnecessary, but I humored him. He was wearing a white cashmere sweater and black slacks, looking like a runway model and he was all mine. I loved that, how could I doubt it? I knew in that moment that he was. We were meant to be, nothing could keep us apart. It was destiny.

I was meant to be with him. From my name, to how I was raised, to reading the books and to now, it was all a part of the design. I was where I belonged. And at that moment, all my fear washed away. "What?" He asked curiously.

I smiled at him. "I love you."

He smiled back and I moved over in my seat, making a gap, telling him to sit with me. He got the hint and got up. He sat next to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. I closed my eyes and inhaled his delicious scent. He kissed the top of my head. "I was so worried about you. When I found out you weren't with them any more, I tried to find you. I saw what direction you went in Jessica's mind, but I couldn't find you until I found your trail. Then I smelt the blood. I thought that I was too late." I held him closer. He pulled me up with a finger under my chin. He was grinning. "Then I saw how you fought them off. I was so relieved," his grin disappeared.

"Don't think about it." I knew he was thinking about what they were thinking. "They were animals. And I'm fine."

He nodded, but I knew it would take some time. "I know." He chuckled again.

"What?"

"Are we going to have another incident tonight?" He was still chuckling. I smiled at him. Way to distract yourself, babe.

"We could." I smirked suggestively. "If you want."

He rolled his eyes and stopped his chuckle. His smile was still there though. "I think we should be a bit more careful." He said.

"I'm trying, but its kind of fun." I blushed. "I'll behave, for the most part, but its hard when my boyfriend is so hot…so to speak." I added, thinking that he's actually cold. He chuckled and kissed me.

The waitress cleared her throat loudly. I hadn't even noticed she was there. We parted and looked at her. She smiled warmly at Edward but glared at me. She put my salad down in front of him and he shifted it towards me. "Did you change your mind?" she asked. "Isn't there anything I can get you?" I caught her meaning.

"He has everything he needs." I blurted out. He looked at me with a cross between a warning look and a smile. Weird look. I smiled at him.

"No, thank you, but some more tea would be nice." He gestured to the empty cups I hadn't noticed I'd gone through in front of us.

"Sure." She glared at me in what was supposed to be intimidating but I just smiled. It was cute how she thought I cared.

"That was rude." He said after she left us alone, mimicking the tone I'd given him the first day we met.

"Maybe, but she's been rude to me. I don't like what she's thinking." He smiled at me and kissed me.

"Well, you were right."

"I was? About what?"

He looked me in the eye with a love in his eyes. "About two things. I do have everything I need. And I am yours."

Edward was mine.

I was his.

And I wasn't worried anymore about not belonging.

I loved him more than anything in the world.

Everything was going to be alright.


Attention: Well, what did you think? I love Edward. Isn't he great?

I promised you all a Challenge and here it is.

I was thinking that Edward and Bella are so much in love, so much more so than he was with Isabella, that he should have a special nickname for her.

Everyone calls her 'Bella', but Edward likes to reassure her that he loves her as her, right? Not as Bella Swan but as Annabelle Swanson? Well, I pose this for you all, a nickname for Bella. The rules are that it has to be from her original name. Remember that her first and middle name is Annabelle Elizabeth. You can use a nickname from either one. It's just something that Edward calls her when they are completely alone to show his affection.

They can be submitted through the review. Winner will be announced within the next chapter or two.

Next Time On Blue Moon: Bella and Edward discuss Saturday's (the past one and the coming one) events and the dream.

Can't wait to see everyone's suggestions. Please REVIEW!!!