Two more reviews! Yipee! I am very thankful to you guys.

Is there anyone interested to be my Beta? I'm still looking for one. =)

Here's another chapter! Enjoy! All disclaimers apply.


Chapter 9: Horses

I turned my body on the other side. I yawned sleepily. I was trying to get as much sleep as I can to energize myself to the possible activities that Edward might drag me to.

Edward's estate was bigger than what I imagined. It was more of a mansion surrounded by a farm, vineyard and a ranch. A summerhouse can't even encapsulate how enormous this place is.

It was a four-hour ride away from our city. Elizabeth and I talked about random topics throughout the entire duration of the trip. Adding to that, Edward grinned sheepishly the entire time, gawping at me. I had to kick him to bring back his sense but it only made his grin bigger. I felt my cheeks burning out of embarrassment. I only hope that Elizabeth hasn't noticed. I think her not mentioning about it maybe a good sign perhaps.

The housekeepers welcomed our arrival. As soon as they shown me to my room, I laid down and passed out. I felt so exhausted. I'm not even sure why.

So in the end, I missed dinner whilst I'm still here on my bed, comfortable and warm.

Wait. Warm?

Suddenly, I flashed my eyes open. I jolted upwards that I had a massive head rush.

I groaned.

"Bella, what's wrong?" Edward shifted slightly, never unwrapping his arms around me.

"What are you doing here?" I panicked.

"I couldn't sleep, so I came here."

"What?" It's not that I don't like him beside me. I was just very shocked. I never liked being surprised.

"Sleep some more." He pulled me towards his chest, drawing me close enough to feel his relaxed breathing and even beating of his heart.

"Edward. What are we going to do if somebody sees us?" I struggled to get a good look at him. He looked so peaceful.

"I don't know, greet them good morning?"

"Very funny Edward Anthony Masen."

He buried his nose on my hair. "But still. I love you Isabella Marie Dwyen."

I felt my cheeks heat up again. "I love you too, man-who-suddenly-appeared-in-my-bed."

He chuckled. "Admit it."

"Admit what?"

"I've always been the man of your dreams."

"Wow Edward. You never struck me as an arrogant person."

"I'm not. You just told me last night."

"I did not."

"You did. You never stopped sleep-talking didn't you?" He hugged me tighter.

I was just about to retort when I heard a bell ringing.

"It's time for breakfast." He immediately got out of bed.

"I'll race you downstairs." Then he suddenly kissed me on the lips.

"What are you waiting for? Speechless?" Then he went out.

I hate to admit it but I was. It took me a couple of seconds before I finally understood what happened.

I buried my head on my pillow and just squirmed uncontrollably. "GAAAAAH."

What did I get myself into?

I went down after composing myself. He was dazzling me and he knew it. Well, I could play that game.

"Good morning Bella. Did you sleep well?" Elizabeth asked.

"Good morning Auntie. I did. Thank you for asking. Though, I apologize for not being able to attend dinner last night." I sat down on her left side, facing Edward. He smirked. I blushed. I'm not planning of losing this game.

"You're forgiven. I know that yesterday was exhausting for you. But for this weekend, I want you to enjoy your stay with us."

She passed the syrup for my pancakes to me. "I promise. I am fully recharged and ready to go!"

Elizabeth laughed. I know today was going to be a long day but I'm really looking forward to it.


"Come on Bella. You can do it."

I shook my head. With my surprisingly lack of balance, I won't be able to pull this off.

"I'd love to but I have to decline." His kept arm outstretched towards me, offering his hand to help me up.

"I promise that I'll keep you safe. So come on Bella, have a sense of adventure."

"No, thank you for your offer." I was not going to back out easily.

He smirked. "Chicken."

"I'm not part of the poultry family Edward. You seem to have forgotten."

"Chicken."

The corner of my lip twitched. "No."

"Bok-bok-bok-bukok" He made chickens sounds now. Great.

"Fine." I took his hand and pulled me up.

The horse waddled slightly making me tighten my grip around Edward's waist.

"You're actually enjoying this, aren't you?" I groaned.

"I believe I do. Is that a crime for me to yearn and enjoy your company, Love?"

I could perfectly envision him grinning. I rested my forehead on his back.

"Bella?"

I frowned. I was losing the argument again.

"If I fall from this horse and die, I'm going to haunt you every single day."

He turned his head to the side so he could take a peak at me. He scowled.

"I won't let anything bad to happen to you. I'd rather die than live without you."

Leave it to Edward to make a funny scenario into an opportunity of professing his love. But I have to admit, it's one of the reasons I love him. He can be awfully sweet at times. Okay, I shall correct my self, I meant ALL the time.

But I just can't help but smile. "I know. That's why I love you."

"You are comparing a tiny tree to a rainforest Love."

"You'll never know."

He sneered. "Hee-yah!"

The horse started to gallop to the great out-doors.

We went a couple of rounds around the vicinity before Edward finally decided that he'd teach me how to ride on my own.

"Are you sure this is safe?" I was very nervous that my palms became sweaty already.

"Love. We have ridden Stargazer for a couple of hours now. Don't you trust her?"

He patted the horse lightly.

"I do but I don't trust myself." My heart was pounding so hard that if my ribs didn't exist, it would've flown right out.

"Silly Bella. I'm here."

I sighed. "Okay. I'm ready."

He chuckled. "Kick her lightly to make her go. Pull the rope if you want to stop. To change direction, lightly steer the rope and she'll know what to do."

Before kicking Stargazer, I heaved heavily. Again, what am I getting myself into?

After a bit of bruises and almost falling off the horse (good thing Edward managed to calm the horse and I in time), Edward and I went off to a bit further from the vicinity.

He brought me to the river. It was wonderful to look at. The water was calm and there was a slope going downwards if we're planning to go for the river.

We tied our horses to the huge tree-trunk. I took out my small pocket-watch to see the time. I gasped in shock. It was already four in the afternoon.

"Bella, do you know how to skip a stone?"

"No, why?" I gestured towards him.

Then he skipped a stone. What a show-off! I grunted.

"So, are you showing me that you're absolutely perfect with everything?" I asked sarcastically.

He chuckled. "Maybe I was just trying to get on your good side."

"Or maybe you're getting on the wrong side as well." I retorted.

He took a stone before positioning himself beside me. I felt his hand tighten around my waist. I was already blushing madly.

"I want to teach you how, to be honest." He whispered on my ear.

He took my hand, placed a stone on it then curled my hand into a fist lightly.

I was hyperventilating already. It's so embarrassing that I can't think properly anymore nor look at him.

He lightly angled my arm. "Are you ready?"

His warm breath tingled on my earlobe. I just nodded. My voice might come out as a squeak if I did. I'm saving myself from further embarrassment.

He swung my arm.

"Plop."

The stone sunk straight into the water.

It was a matter of seconds before I realized what was happening. Edward was already on the grass, laughing his heart out.

"Ah. You think that's funny. I'll show you what's funny!" I went to his side and began tickling him. He was laughing so hard that tears started to appear in his eyes.

"Stop… Bella… I… didn't… mean… to…"

Then he grabbed my waist and rolled us over.

I saw him grin mischievously.

"I was just joking Edward." I was already thinking how to tackle him but I realized I didn't stand a chance. Bullocks.

I closed my eyes, prepared for the ticklish sensation that I was going to feel when I felt something warm touching my lips. On cue, I wrapped my arms toward him that my hand was resting on his neck.

I couldn't stand it. I have to tell him.

I subtly stopped out kissing. "Edward?"

"Yes?"

"I won't be going to boarding school anymore."

"What?" His eyes widened with shock. He rolled beside me so that he was cradling me.

"Why?" His voice was softer now.

"My family's going through a tough time. I have to stay with my parents more often now, to keep everything from going out of proportion."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I just found out."

"We're not going to see each other from a long time. England and Chicago? I want to stay with you here but it will be difficult to adjust especially that my father is currently in duty but-"

I had to cut him off. I didn't want his future to be compromised because of me. "That's why we're spending the most of our time now."

"I'll be leaving this Monday, are you aware of that?"

"Yes. I have faith in you." My voice cracked. I have never been away for Edward for so long. Together, we were whole but apart? I had to admit, I felt empty.

He chuckled. "Bella. It will be always you that I see but I am fearful that one way or the other you might change your mind… I'm not the best guy out there Bella but I won't blame you if you don't choose me. You are my life now Bella. I'd be miserable without you but if you'll be happy without me, I might as well sacrifice."

I smiled. I traced circles in his chest. "Edward. You're thinking too much. But by hearing you say that assures me that my fears are like yours as well."

"You fear that I might find another man?" He gasped.

I bonked his head. "You're crazy Edward!"

He laughed. "I'm always crazy for you."

It started to drizzle, by the time we got up, the rain was pouring hard.

Drenched, we danced beside the river like lunatics in love.


I made a deal with myself, if I reach 20 reviews then I'll update! HAHA! I need to hear your views because I'm having doubts whether I should continue my story or not.

So what are you waiting for? Please REVIEW!

Loveyou guys! =D