25th October 2010

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! :) See how much I love you all? I got another chapter out in a week and finished it on my birthday! But I had to do it, my reviewers needed a thank you present. This has been my favorite chapter to write so far…hope you like it, I sure did :)

Song for this chapter: Adele-Make You Feel My Love. I love it and I think it fits well with the end of this chapter.

Chapter Nine

Edward Masen

I stared down at my hand in disbelief. It had taken her a whole god damn month to get in contact with me. But it was too late, I wasn't interested.

Ok, that was a lie. I was interested.

But if she really wanted to apologise, and mean it, she shouldn't have left it so long to make an effort. To be honest, she shouldn't have run at all. We both knew that we could have solved our problems if we just sat and talked about it. But no, that wasn't dramatic enough for her, she had to fucking run.

I realised I had a tight grip on the phone as it cradled in my hand, any tighter and it would break in half. I slammed it down, still feeling the anger running through me.

As much as she may deny it, I knew Bella. I knew exactly what she liked and disliked. I knew what made her tick. This meant I knew that when she left she hadn't done that shit maliciously or with the intention to hurt me. I was just more invested into the relationship and my emotions were stronger than she realised.

I loved Bella. I had admitted it to myself but no one else. My parents saw it and my friends saw it, constantly asking me if it was true. But I hadn't had a chance to admit it to Bella let alone someone who wasn't even involved in the relationship. Even though I knew it wouldn't happen, Bella should be the one to hear me say them three words the first ever time I would say them. But like I said, that wouldn't happen.

That was what made me so angry. It wasn't the fact that she left or had left it this long to call me, even though that hurt like hell too, what annoyed me to no end was that fact I still cared for her. Cared enough to class it as love. I hated myself for it. I was angry at myself more than at her. And I had a lot of anger for her at the moment.

I despised her for making me feel that way. I hated that she could evoke feelings within me that had been dormant until the day I met her. And even more, I didn't want to hide this feeling and shut them away under lock and key. I wanted to embrace them and thrive of them. But I wouldn't let myself be hurt like that again.

It would take a lot more than a simple apology to win me back. I wasn't just going to be someone for her to lay over. That wasn't fair to me. No, we would see how much she wanted my forgiveness. She would have to fight for it.

I wondered what spiked her apology. Was she feeling guilty? Did she feel she owed it to me? Was it really genuine? The amount of questions her call had brought up was just added to the already immense pile. I doubted any of them would be answered.

What would happen now? She had to make an effort. I knew that and I was pretty sure she knew that. But would that little bit of effort make her run, yet again?

So again, what would happen now? I would keep my emotions under control. I would bury them if I had to and we would see what the next step would be. We would see how much I really meant to her and how much she was willing to fight for what she wants, whatever it was that she wants. You never know with that girl.

So I guess it was safe to say; only time would tell.

5 o'clock, time to go home. Time to go back to my miserable existence. Before Bella I was content with my life, now it seemed so empty.

I walked through the hospital that was bustling with activity, ignoring the nurses who tried to flirt and be seductive.

I was tired and defeated and needed a hot shower. I had to walk past the front desk to get to the doors and inwardly groaned when I saw Tanya working the evening shift. I couldn't be dealing with her obvious flirting tonight. Not any night really. We had dated briefly in the past. It was the longest relationship I had been in and once she started to get too invested, I called it off. I wasn't looking for anything serious then. But that didn't mean her attempts at a relationship of any kind had stopped since.

I kept my head down low, only paying attention to my feet and the direction they were carrying me. I tried to walk out without getting her attention. I walked around the chairs and sat whenever she looked up. I was sad, I know, but she was a nightmare to get rid of once you start talking to her. I looked up and noticed she was distracted. I took my chance and jumped out of the seat and continued walking at a hurried pace. I kept making subtle glances in her direction not paying attention to where my feet were going.

I was almost at the door. Just a couple more feet but it meant I was right in front of the desk. I really hoped she wouldn't notice me. The doors were coming closer and closer. I took a quick look at Tanya and that was when it all went downhill.

I had walked into a middle-aged, motherly woman who was carrying two coffees in her hand. She had been talking to the child who was walking beside her and didn't notice me. The coffee went straight to my shirt and I could feel the blistering heat burn my skin. I pulled the wet fabric away from my body hoping to get some cold air on my body.

"Oh my. I am so sorry. I should have been looking where I was going." She exclaimed.

"No worries, I wasn't paying attention either." I looked back at Tanya hoping the commotion hadn't grabbed her attention. Shit. She was looking in this direction.

"Let me help you with that," the woman said pointing to my shirt. She started searching through her bag for a napkin.

"It's fine, honestly. I'm in a rush actually. I'm sorry again." I started to dodge around her so I could walk through the doors. I needed to get out of here before Tanya recognized it was me.

"Edward? I didn't notice you there!" Too late, I thought. I closed my eyes dejectedly. Now I was stuck here.

"Hey Tanya. I didn't see you there." I said stiffly, turning towards her slowly. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't ignore her. That would be rude. I hated the fact I was raised as a gentleman.

"That's okay. How have you been? I haven't seen you in ages." She practically squealed. She got up off of her chair and skipped around the desk to embrace me. As uncomfortable as it was, I still patted her slightly on the back in return.

"I've been fine. Busy." I looked around for any sign off an escape and found none. There wasn't even a patient who could take her off my hands.

"Not too busy for me surely? I could never be too busy for you Edward," she attempted to sound sexy, she even threw in a wink for extra. I think I just chucked up in my mouth a little.

"Hmmm," I replied not really giving an answer as I continued to search for a way out.

"I knew it, but don't worry, I forgive you," I looked at her incredulously but she continued, "I know a way you can make it up to me though. All would be forgiven if you take me to dinner tomorrow evening? You can pick me up at eight."

I stared at her speechless. Had she just invited herself out on a date with me? Without me even asking?

Great Edward, now how are you going to get out of this?

At that moment my phone ringing capture my attention. I raised my head in a silent thank you to the God's and to who-ever was getting me out of this situation.

I quickly turned back to Tanya with hopefully a sincere apology on my face.

"I'm sorry Tanya, I have to take this. Speak to you soon," I rushed out of the doors without giving her an answer or waiting for a reply.

I looked at my phone and the name stopped me in my tracks, Bella. I tried to ignore the way my heart sped up and how all my blood rushed to my ears.

To say I was surprised would be an understatement. I didn't think she would make any more effort after I hung up with her the first time.

As I stood frozen in my steps, the phone stopped ringing. I had simply stared at it the whole time, not realising that it would eventually stop. I was stuck in limbo. Part of me felt sad that I hadn't answered it and heard her beautiful voice. The other part of me was happy that I missed it and only thought that she deserved it. But that didn't stop the surge of disappointment run through me.

I breathed a heavy sigh and started to make my way to my Volvo, about to place my phone back in my pocket. Before I had the chance, however, it beeped with an incoming text message.

I brought it slowly up, wondering what I would see next on the screen. This time her name didn't shock me into stillness.

I opened the message filled with curiosity of what she could possibly say to me to make up for what she had done.

Edward – I know you're mad at me and I understand why. But you should know that I plan on making every wrong thing up to you. The first step starts now. You will find a little something on your car…I didn't hurt it, I promise. Your first set of instructions will be there. I'm sorry. Bella xx.

My eyes shot to my car. From this distance I could see a silver square object placed between the wipers. I quickened my pace to get there. The closer I got the more the object resembled an envelope.

I plucked the envelope from its place once I reached the car; my brows were furrowed with concentration.

I opened it, unable to ignore what she was planning to do…whatever that was. Inside was a note written in her perfect messy script. I read through the note, my heart pounding a bit faster with each word.

Edward

You must be thinking 'what the hell is she up to?' and I promise everything will become clear in a bit. I know I have no right to ask but please do this one thing for me.

At the bottom of this note is an address. Put it into your GPS and go exactly where it tells you to. Once you get there, another set of instructions will be waiting for you to follow.

I promise that if you still hate me after this then I will leave you alone or do whatever you want of me. But I am asking for one last chance to make it up to you.

I hope you decide to do this. If not then I understand. I'm sorry and I miss you,

Bella x

I ran through my options in my head. I came down to two options. Either I could go on this hunt and do as she says or I could completely ignore it and go home to my sad life.

Both options had complete opposite results. If I went to her then I could get some answers to all of this mess. I could see her one last time. If I took the other option, then I would be left wondering 'what if'. I could miss my chance at that once in a life time love or I could be setting myself up for heartache.

Either way, I knew that I needed answers. If I didn't get them then I could never move on, with or without Bella. With that thought in mind, I climbed into my car and punched in the address at the bottom of the note.

I pulled out of the parking lot and started following the voice of the GPS to the unknown destination. Different scenarios ran through my mind as I drove, each one wondering what she was up to.

I drove following the insanely annoying voice for about 20 minutes before it told me to turn left. I continued straight before I was told I had reached my destination. I looked up to see myself outside Bella Italia, the first place we had met.

"What are you doing Bella?" I mumbled to myself before putting the car in park and stepping out. I made my way to the entrance and went straight to the hostess podium.

"Hi, my names Edward Masen. Is there any chance you have an envelope for me?" I asked the hostess. She gave me a bright smile and I knew I had the right place.

"As a matter of a fact, I do." she started looking through the hole placed in front of her. After a couple of seconds of bouncing on my feet impatiently, she pulled out another silver envelope with my name written on the front.

"Thank you," I said as I reached for it. Before having the chance to grab it however, she pulled it back.

"Ah ah ah," she sang, "not so fast. I have a set of instructions that you need to fulfil before I give you this. I need you to tell me exactly what you ordered here when you came with Miss Swan. Including dessert."

"Seriously?" I sighed. "That was months ago." I whined. When she didn't budge, I gave up and thought back. "Ok, give me a second."

If she had asked me what Bella was wearing or the perfume she had on then I could tell you in a second. Actually, if she had asked anything about Bella then I would have known straight away.

I thought back to when we ordered laughing as the memory of Bella's admirer came to mind. It wasn't often that I could do out for a meal and my girlfriend gets hit on rather than myself by another girl.

I remembered that Bella was flustered. She hadn't had a chance to look at the menu and before I could ask for some more time, she simply chose the first item on the list.

"Bella had mushroom ravioli." I told the hostess. She nodded in agreement and waited for the rest of my answer.

Now, what I had chosen was simple. Whenever I came to Bella Italia, I would either have the mushroom ravioli or the lasagne. I definitely remember not getting the same as Bella as I secretly hoped we could share. That was in my wildest dreams back then. So that mean I must have had the lasagne.

I told the hostess and her smile grew even larger.

"And for dessert?" she asked.

This was the tricky one even though I remembered how delicious it was. Now this, Bella and I did share. It was something lemony. Bella had admitted her funny fetish with lemon and I had easily given in and ordered the only lemon dessert on the menu.

"Can I see a menu?" I asked, praying that she would allow me a quick look.

"No," I sagged in disappointment. I was completely stumped for the dessert. "But…" I looked at her again, "If you plan on ordering from us then you will need to see a menu to decide what you want." She smiled a secret smile at me.

"Well, it is almost dinner time," I said, playing along. She handed me a menu and I quickly looked through it, jumping straight to the deserts.

"TARTE LEMONE!" I shouted in relief. I grinned sheepishly and apologised.

"Very good, Mr Masen. Here is your envelope. Now, can I take you order?"

I chuckled and quickly placed an order so I kept to my side of the deal. After it was rushed through, I was on my way back to my car.

When I got in, I opened the second note.

Edward

Well I must say, Mr Masen that you have an excellent memory.

It seems that as you are reading this that it means you have decided to come on this little adventure. I hope it will be worth your while.

I am trying my best to make sure it is. When I say I am sorry I mean it and I am doing what I can to show you.

That first night we met, I went in to get a pretend boyfriend for a wedding. However, what I came out with was so much more.

You were the first person who I had ever considered starting any sort of relationship with, friendship or otherwise, since my breakup. There was something about you that night that ignited feelings inside of me that I could never explain. In a way, I didn't want to. It was refreshing to feel spontaneity for a change in my life. And it was all down to you.

I promise not to drag you along forever, in our relationship as well as this hunt. The next set of instructions is at the address at the bottom.

I'm sorry and I miss you,

Bella x

As much as I wanted to deny it, I felt the same way. She made me feel like a brand new person when we were together. I wasn't the boy who had lost his family as a child and I wasn't the person who had overdosed when they were only 15. I was someone worthy of Bella's love.

I started the ignition and entered the next address. Pulling out of the space, I was once again on my way.

Only a short journey later, I was parked outside a video store. My mind was confused with ideas of what I could be doing here and what was specific about our relationship.

But I ignored the feeling and made my way into the store. It was quiet inside so I was able to go straight to the pimply faced boy behind the counter.

"Hey, you wouldn't happen to have a silver envelope behind there for me would you?" I asked and nodded my head pointedly behind the counter.

"Your Swan's boy?" I smiled at his wording. Even if it wasn't true at the moment, I would always be hers.

"Yeah, that's me." He nodded and pulled the envelope from under the till. I took hold of it, said a quick thank you and turned to walk out of the shop again.

"Wait, man. There is something you need to find before you leave." I looked at him in confusion. I had come to realise that nothing was simple about this goose chase.

I opened the envelope and pulled out yet another piece of card with her writing on it.

Edward

I know I've sent you on a crazy adventure but I hope it will be worth it. If not then I give you full permission to either bite my head off or bore me to tears.

Do you remember the last night we spent together at my apartment before we went to the island? That night we cuddled up on the sofa and watched a movie. That night was the first night my lips touched your own.

I couldn't believe you were willing to watch the film I choose. Then and there I knew that you would mean more to me than a simple date.

Do you remember what we watched together that night? Find it and you will find a clue to you last destination.

I'm sorry and I miss you,

Bella x

Of course I remember it, silly girl. I remember everything from that night.

I ran towards the romance section of the store. I browsed through the DVD's finding The Notebook, the one DVD that had made her so happy that night, even with the tears running down her beautiful face. I couldn't deny it myself, the movie was alright…for a chick flick.

"Aha!" I said as I found it. I pulled it from its position and found another silver envelope attached to it. I opened the envelope and found a note as well as a smaller envelope behind it. First I read the note.

Edward

One more letter to go. That smaller envelope is the end. But don't open it yet.

Before you do, I want to say one more time how sorry I am. I'm not only sorry for running, even though that was the worst thing I could do.

I'm also sorry for not giving myself to you completely, not physically but emotionally. There was a part of me that hung back and shielded myself from you. It wasn't intentional, it just was. Maybe it was because I was scared of heartbreak, or my want for independence or simply my stubbornness to enter a relationship with more than one person. Any of those could have pushed me away and kept that wall firmly stood between us.

Over the years since my breakup, I have changed. Quite frankly, I'm not so keen on this person who I have changed into. This is why I am going to do my best to take my bad parts and exchange them for the good. Even if you are not there by my side for it, I know in my heart that it is for you. You are the one that makes me want to change and be a better person. You are the one who makes me want to be worthy of your love.

Guess what the biggest change will be…the running. You were right when you said that was all I ever did. Whenever something got evenly remotely hard or went another way to what I wanted, I would run from it so I wouldn't have to deal with it. But I've learnt from this experience that running causes more harm than good. If I hadn't have run, I wouldn't have hurt you. We could have been happy right now instead of me having to beg and work for your forgiveness. It isn't worth it. The risk of losing you costs too much. The past month has proved that to me.

This may all sound like excuses to you but I hope you see the sincerity in it all. That is my apology. I am sorry for everything and anything I have done to hurt you or us in any way.

The next and final step is for you to open the smaller envelope and make a decision.

I have my hopes on one of them but do what you feel it right for you, not me.

Once again, I'm sorry and I miss you,

Bella x

I swallowed hard. I could feel the lump in my throat and the tears in my eyes. But I wouldn't let them fall. Instead I made my way out to the car before I opened the final envelope. If I was going to cry like some pussy, there was no way I would do it in front of an audience, much less a dude.

I opened it slowly; suddenly nervous about what the last note would say. As I pulled the note out, there was also a photo attached. I ignored it first so I could read the note.

Edward

So this is it…the end of our journey. But only if you want it to be.

I have said all that I can say about what I did. You know my thoughts. The fact that I felt betrayed hadn't even come to my thoughts when thinking about winning you back. Because it didn't matter anymore. It is in the past.

I hope you feel the same.

Along with this final note, I have enclosed a photograph. It says on it what I felt I couldn't say while we were on the island. But that doesn't make the words any less true.

When you finish reading this, take a look and make your decision. If you agree then come to the address below. However, if you don't, then you can ignore it and tear it up, do whatever you please to do. I won't be your concern anymore. I will allow you to move on and live your life peacefully with no unresolved issues lying on your shoulders.

So I guess there is only one thing left to say, Edward.

Am I forgiven?

I'm sorry and I miss you…always.

Bella x

I picked up the photo and felt the tears return and the breath to catch in my throat. In the photo was Bella's torso. You couldn't see her face or her legs, just from the top of her thighs to her neck. She was wearing a simple pink t-shirt. What caused my reaction; however, were the words that were written on it. Two simple words that I knew could change my life.

'Be Mine.'

It was the t-shirt she had worn to the airport the day we left for the island. At the time I thought nothing of it, but seeing it on her now made me choke with the emotions that flooded me. They were the words I had waited to hear.

I put my head back against the head rest of the driver's seat and closed my eyes. This whole journey had been a whirlwind of emotions. I hadn't even noticed it until this point. What started off in anger, then transformed to enjoyment to sadness. And then left me feeling immense heartache and love.

I couldn't deny the feelings any longer. I had wanted to be angry at her, I had wanted to scream and shout and ask what I had done wrong. But I couldn't. As much as I wanted to ignore it, I knew I couldn't. I loved her. And I probably always would.

I was surprised I had made it this long without her in my life. But I wouldn't go any longer than I had to. She wanted me. My heart wanted her. All of her, even the bad parts. They were the things that made Bella who she was today. With my newfound thought, I put my car into drive and sped out of there.

One glance at the instructions and I knew where I had to go, where I had to be, where I was needed.

I sped my way to Bella's apartment. I was pretty sure I broke about 50 laws on my way. I chuckled to myself thinking what Charlie would think.

When I arrived at her building, I didn't waste any time in barging through the double doors and making my way to the elevator. I pressed the button to her floor and waited, counting down each floor as we went past. I was nervous and excited, unable to keep still for two seconds. I was either bouncing on my feet or pacing in the limited space I was given.

After what seemed a lifetime but was probably just two minutes, the elevator dinged announcing I had reached my floor. I briskly walked my way to her door but stopped when in front of it.

Attached to the door, at eye-level, was another note. However, this one wasn't placed in an envelope and had a key attached.

Edward

Just to let you know how serious I am.

Bella x

A smile graced my faced as I read her words. This, as well as the rest of the day, had shown that she was committed to this relationship. And if I was honest with myself, I would be a fool to pass this opportunity.

I inserted the key into its hole slowly. I turned it once left, waiting for the audible click anxiously.

Click

I pushed the door open slowly, not hearing anything inside. Once I could see through the gap, I was met with darkness. Once the door was fully open, however, I was sighted with two rows of candlelight.

I stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind me quietly. I could hear some light music in the background, too quiet for me to know what it was. I knew where it was coming from, the same place that the candlelight would lead me to.

I slowly and quietly made my way through the maze of light until I was standing at a door, which was slightly ajar. I pushed it.

As soon as my eyes were drawn to her form, my heart started beating erratically, even more than it was before. My breath hitched in my throat at the beauty of her. My memories had not done her justice.

She stood with her back to the window, in front of the fireplace. It was the only source of light in the room which caused her face to be shadowed and glow.

At my movement, her eyes shot to mine. They were filled with such emotion that seeing it paused me in my steps. I saw everything I had wanted to see that day on the island. I saw passion, adoration and love. Love.

Both of us stood there staring into each other's eyes, not saying a word. I wasn't sure how long passed that we were in silence apart from the soft music in the background.

I could make you happy make your dreams come true

Nothing that I wouldn't do

Go to the ends of the earth for you

To make you feel my love

The lyrics to the song were pretty perfect. There was nothing in this world that I wouldn't do for Bella. I was a fool for thinking I could stay angry at her and move on to something that would definitely be smaller and less impressionable.

I couldn't live without her in my life, I didn't want to. I knew that without a doubt that I would spend the rest of my days loving her and being by her side whenever she wanted me. I would make her feel my love…every day of forever.

"You came," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

"Of course I did," I replied just as quietly.

I saw her eyes glisten with the tears that wanted to be shed. But I knew my girl; she wouldn't allow them to fall…not yet at least.

"I thought perhaps you decided to take the other option. I thought I had hurt you too much." She said her voice strained with emotion and the effort not to cry.

"It ran through my mind. But then I knew that even though you hurt me, living without you hurt even more." I wanted to go to her and pull her into my arms, to protect her from anything and everything that could harm her. But I didn't know where we stood yet.

She nodded and looked down before facing me again, "I know the feeling. Was that why you came back?"

"It was part of it, a huge part. But then I realized, there is something bigger out there that could never keep me away from you without it hurting." I told softly.

She stared me back straight in the eye, "What's that?" she asked.

I smiled as I started to make my way to her. Our locked gazes never wavered and neither did the buzz that flowed between us. When I reached her, I raised my arm and tucked a flyaway piece of hair behind her ear.

"The fact that I love you." I whispered. She gasped and the tears she had tried so hard to stop falling ran down her cheeks.

"You love me?" her voice was almost inaudible, but I still heard it.

I nodded slowly, "More than anything. I love when your cheeks heat up with that beautiful blush whenever I pay you a compliment. I love it when you give a little snort when you laugh hard." I chuckled as she brought her hand up to cover a sob. "I love how you give a little sigh after you say my name in your sleep. I love that you are a fighter, you may get down but you are never out. I love the smile that seems to melt my heart. But most of all, I love how just one glance from you can make my heart beat again fully since my parents died and that you will always be there for someone, no questions asked. I love your big heart." I finished cupping her cheeks and caressing it with the pad of my thumbs.

She started to sob a little at my words so I pulled her close to me. Her head in my chest while my free hand ran through her hair, soothing it.

I couldn't explain what it felt like to have her in my arms again. It was life she belonged there. She fit perfectly, exactly like my missing puzzle piece. But with her there, I knew it was where she belonged and that I would have a hard time letting go if I had to. And if I did, I would never let go fully. She would always be in my heart; I just hope I was in hers.

She lifted her head from my shirt giggling a little, "So does that mean you want me back?"

I rolled my eyes and chuckled, "Out of all of that speech that is all you got? Seriously, a guy plucks up the courage to confess his undying love and she just-"

My words were cut off by Bella. As soon as her lips met mine, I lost all train of thought and held her close to me, lifting her body from the ground. I was transported back to our first real kiss when almost the exact thing had happened, except the first time it was me who initiated the kiss.

I knew right then and there that things would work out. We may have some difficult times ahead but I had faith that we could beat each barrier and jump every hurdle. Weaker couples than ours had done it before. If they could do it then we certainly could. We both just needed to be willing.

"By the way," Bella said, pulling away from my lips, "I love you too."

Yep, things were looking up.

Thanks to all who reviewed, I loved each and everyone of them. Last chapter was the most reviews so far so I got a bit excited Let me know what you all thought about Bella's plan for forgiveness, there were some high expectations and I hope I lived up to them. Reviewers get teasers as always

All outfits for this story are posted on my profile including Alice's wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses.

Hope you enjoyed it, see you soon