This will be the start of a many chaptered sub-story of the weekend in the Cullen home. Though this chapter does not really follow my idea of "practicing", I hope it is still okay. I promise there will be a lot more practice that occurs in the next few chapters. Though I considered doing this as a seperate story, I think it fits nicely in the timeframe of this story.


"Alice called while you out doing the shopping," Charlie informed me as I placed his dinner in front of him and sat on the other side of the table. I tried not to sound bitter as I replied; as much as I wanted the wedding to be perfect for Edward, this whole wedding planning business was a thorn in my side.

"Oh. Do I need to call her back after dinner?" I asked, hoping the answer would be no. After an exhausting day of covering every single detail about what food I would like at the wedding, I had had just about enough thinking about the upcoming ceremony. So much for 'you won't have to do a thing'. I knew her heart was in the right place, but I honestly had no problem with her sorting out everything; she didn't need my opinion or approval for every minor detail.

"She said I could pass on the message to you," Charlie replied in the adoring tone he always used when referring to Alice. I waited for him to swallow his mouthful of steak so he could continue. His tone was almost hinting when he did answer, as if I should have already known what her message would be.

"Alice said she told someone about the rest of the family going camping again? She said you had offered to stay with her while they were gone for the weekend?" I dropped my fork onto the plate. No way had Alice even mentioned this to me. Of course I had known some of the Cullen's were planning to go hunting, but I didn't see why I would have to stay with the rest of them anyway. With Victoria and the newborns behind us, I hadn't felt the need to hide or be protected 24/7 anymore. I tried to cover up my angry expression and play along. Following what Alice said was normally best.

"Oh yeah," I muttered, "Alice did say something about that. When did she want me?" I prayed it wouldn't be soon; assuming Edward was going hunting, I at least wanted to say goodbye to him first. Well, after telling him off for letting Alice kidnap me. Again.

"After dinner, I think. The others are leaving tonight and she didn't want to be alone for long. Can't say I blame her. Sweet little girl like her left, in a big house all night by herself." I didn't bother telling him just how wrong he had judged sweet little Alice. She may be small, but she is hugely annoying at times.

"Okay...I guess I better go get ready then," I said glumly, trudging up the stairs to pack. Edward wasn't in my room like he normally was after dinner. My heart started racing. Had he already left? I threw my door open, having to catch it just before it slammed into my dresser. My heart skidded to a stop, before picking up double time when I saw Edward lounging across my bed, reading my dilapidated old copy of Wuthering Heights again. He barely gave me time to recover my breath before placing the book on my bedside table and flashing me the crooked smile that didn't help my already spastic heartbeat.

I ran as fast yet as carefully as I could, throwing myself into his lap and waiting arms. I had never been good with goodbyes, no matter how temporary they may be, but I felt the need to say something before he left. Something that would allow me to hold back the abandonment nightmares and depression until after he had left. I tried to lighten to mood, not fooling him with my attempt at humour.

"Would you care to explain why Alice is kidnapping me again?" I accused him playfully, though my words were serious. After all, what would Edward feel the need to protect me from so desperately with the newborns and Victoria gone forever? "I thought I gave only you permission to hold me hostage," I added, twisting my arms around his body, showing how little I would object if it were him stealing me away. Edward flashed his dazzling smile again, his eyes waiting for me to catch on.

"Exactly," Edward grinned, his expression patient. I stared up at him in confusion until I finally caught on. My face immediately lit up, and I could feel the smile twist along my face, my eyes gleaming.

"Alice isn't kidnapping me?" I asked excitedly, implying exactly who would be kidnapping me if Alice wasn't. Edward nodded, carefully judging my reaction.

"The boys went hunting a few days ago, and Esme thought that we should have some more time alone- taking a break from all the wedding planning- so she arranged for Alice and Rosalie to go hunting with her up north for a few nights. Since neither of them will be back for a few days, we should have the house to ourselves this weekend," Edward said quickly, like he often did when he was nervous. He mistook my silence for disagreement.

"If that's okay with you, of course," he added on quickly. As if I would ever miss a moment with Edward. The memories of the last time we had the house alone flowed back into my head, making me smile. I heard Edward breathe a sigh of relief when he saw my acceptance of the plan. It was almost too good to be true. The whole weekend, completely alone with Edward, no Charlie listening in, no intrusive vampire hearing, just the two of us.

"I guess I should start packing now," I laughed, jumping up from his arms and grabbing my overnight bag from the closet. I quickly threw in the essentials, grabbing my toiletry bag and clean underwear. I packed a few pairs of old sweat pants and tops, as well as a few nicer things; even though Alice wouldn't be there, I had come to notice that Edward quite liked some of the clothing she had chosen. I turned towards my pyjama draw, but before I could open it, Edward had his hands cuffed around my wrists, pulling me back towards the bed.

"Just because we won't be here, doesn't mean the rules don't change," Edward said slyly, his voice teasing, "I believe that it will be me who gets to choose what you wear to bed, right?" He asked. His eyes dazzling me speechless. I could barely nod. Edward took that as a yes, turning back to my drawers, flicking through them. I groaned, turning around so I couldn't see him. Edward lifted me from the bed moments later, slinging my bag around my shoulder. It felt just as light as it had before Edward had added my pyjamas. That was a bad sign, but I didn't dwell on the thought for too long.

"Go say goodbye to Charlie. I'll wait for you in your truck," Edward whispered, pushing me gently towards the door. He seemed almost as eager for this weekend as I did. I carefully climbed down the stairs, waving goodbye to Charlie. He wished that I had a good time, telling me I could call home if anything unexpected happens. I rolled my eyes, knowing exactly what Charlie was referring to. Considering we were going to be married soon, I thought Charlie might want to start getting used to the idea that Edward and I will be spending a lot of time with each other.

Edward waited in the driver's seat of my truck, holding his hand out for the key. As much as Edward's driving completely terrified me, I couldn't deny that he was a better driver than me. Besides, it was extremely hard to concentrate on the road feeling Edward's gaze on me the whole journey.

As soon as we pulled up outside the Cullen's home Edward cut the ignition and was at my door in the same second. I barely had time to breathe before he scooped me up into his arms, cradling me to his chest. I used his shirt to pull my face closer to his, grabbing his chin so I could pull his lips to mine. Somehow, Edward managed to kiss me back, not breaking the kiss as he entered the house. I briefly heard the door close behind us, but I didn't care, much too focused on Edward's lips moving against mine, the way his hands held me to his body slightly less innocent than I was used to.

"Would you like to practice now or later?" Edward asked as soon as he released me so I could breathe. His voice was seductive-whether intentional or not- and of course, I nodded, throwing myself at his lips again. Edward chuckled, kissing me back, shooting up the stairs much faster than any human could, pausing outside of his bedroom.


Because the next few chapters will be filled with Edward and Bella practicing and alone for a whole weekend, I am still waiting for a bit of inspiration. Though I promise you won't have to wait too long, it might be a few days before I update again. Whenever an idea for this story comes to my head, I just sit down and write, though sometimes it takes a little bit longer for that idea to come. Thank you all for your amazing reviews and patience, and I hope you can be patient a few days while I sort out a plan for Edward and Bella's weekend.