A/N: Sorry it's been so long since I updated. I do have a reason, but you probably would rather read the story instead. So, without further ado, I give you the next chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

You Don't Always Get What You Want

I had started on Edward's gift two weeks ago, and I was surprised I had lasted this long without anyone finding out about it. Of course, that didn't stop Edward and the others from being annoyed at me whenever I was working on it. But it had to be perfect when I gave it to him. I was currently hunched over the desk in my "room" at the Cullen house. It was almost done, but I still had to-

"Bella, you've got to come out of hiding," I heard Edward yell through the door. He was giving me the most grief on my strange behavior as of late.

"Yeah, just a minute," I replied, trying to get in a few last touch-ups.

"No Bella, not a minute. Now!"

"Hold on. I'm almost done," I screamed before I thought about what I was saying. Oh no! Words come back!

"Finished with what? Bella, what have you been working on in there?"

"Nothing," I answered a little too quickly.

"That's it! I'm coming in there whether you like it or not."

"No!" I shrieked just as the door burst open. I rushed quickly to hide the paper behind my back.

"Bella, what's that?" he asked curiously, his eyebrows furrowed.

"What's what?" I questioned, playing dumb.

"Whatever it is your holding behind your back."

"I don't know what you're talking about. You must be hallucinating. I bet it's from all those energy drinks you have all the time. I told you those weren't good for your health, but did you listen to me? Nope. Pay very close attention, Edward. Caffeine does not make you who you are. You-"

"Bella!" he yelled, stopping my rant. "What are you talking about? I don't even like energy drinks. You're the one who drinks them."

'Mission Distract Edward' has been accomplished.

"Oh you're right. Sorry about that. So, how about we go hang out with the family? After you," I said, gesturing toward the door.

"Not until you let me see what's behind your back," he replied smoothly. Scratch that. 'Mission Distract Edward': complete and utter failure. And I had thought I did so well.

"Nothing of consequence," I said casually. He raised an eyebrow at that.

"Come on Bella, just hand it over." He held out his hand.

"Fine," I sighed as I placed the picture in his hand.

It was a portrait I had hand-drawn of him at the piano. I had sketched it one day while he was playing, oblivious to me hiding in the corner. I had been finishing the details from memory for two weeks, but it was still not quite finished.

He smiled as he took, but his smiled faded as he looked down at the paper in his hand. Does he not like it? My heart sank at the thought.

"I'm not finished with it yet. I've been working on it the past few weeks, and I was trying to get it perfect, but I don't have all the details done," I mumbled, staring at my shoes. "I'm no Michelangelo, but I thought that since you used to like my drawings, you might like this. I…it was silly. I mean that was years ago-"

"Bella," he said suddenly, cutting me off. He seemed to be doing that a lot today. I looked up curiously, confused by his tone. He sounded…in awe?

"Bella," he started again. "This is the most wonderful thing you could have ever given me. It's…amazing. No, that doesn't even cover it." He paused thoughtfully for a moment. "You know, you really don't give yourself enough credit. You are incredibly talented, and you don't even see it. And just between you and me, I think you would've given Michelangelo a run for his money."

"So you really like it? Please don't lie to spare my feelings," I said.

"Bella, I love it. In fact, I think we should go frame it." He flashed me a smile before walking out the door. It took my brain a moment to get over the initial shock of his compliments before I understood his last statement.

"No!" I shrieked, running after him. Of course, me being me, I ended up running in to him. He steadied me and chuckled at my clumsiness, to which I scowled.

"What so important you felt the need to run me over?" he asked in feign sorrow.

"You can't frame that yet. I still haven't finished it," I answered while trying to grab it from him. He just held it up high above my head. Curse him for being so much taller than me.

"Well I happen to like it exactly the way it is, so tough luck," he said. I sighed and ceased my frantic jumping, knowing it was a lost cause.

"You always get what you want," I muttered under my breath, though I was sure he could hear it.

"You know it."

It had been two days since I had given Edward the portrait, which was now residing in it's new home on his nightstand in a beautiful black frame. He had been acting oddly secretive since then. I knew he was up to something, something I probably would not approve of, I just didn't know what yet.

Currently, I was sitting in Alice's room. According to her, Edward wanted me to spend some quality time with Alice. In other words, she was babysitting me so he could sneak around to do whatever he's been doing without worrying about me finding out.

"So, do you think I should wear this shirt with this skirt, or this one with these jeans?" Alice asked.

"Alice, for the millionth time, I don't think Jasper is going to care about what you're wearing. You're going to a movie, so he's not even going to see you. What's the point in all of this?" I said, gesturing to the hundreds of clothes scattered across her floor.

She had spent the past few hours picking out her outfit for her date with Jasper, forcing me to help. Oh yeah, did I mention the date was next Saturday. Yep.

"Bella, you can never be too careful when it comes to fashion," she replied, not taking her eyes away from the mirror as she put a purple dress up to herself.

"How much is Edward paying you to distract me?" I asked suddenly. Her head whipped around faster than a bullet. Bingo!

"W-what are you talking about?" she stuttered. I raised a single eyebrow at her. She sighed before continuing.

"Fine. If you must know, he is not paying me at all. I don't mind spending time with you. But you are right about him asking me to distract you."

"Do you know what he's up to?" I asked eagerly.

"Yes," she answered simply. I waited, but she didn't elaborate any further.

"Are you going to tell me?"

"Nope," she said, smiling evilly at me.

"Please, Alice," I said, using my best puppy dog pout on her.

"Nope. Don't even tell me you are trying to pout. Please, I invented that. Sorry, Bells, but my lips are sealed," she stated. All right then. Time to try a new approach.

"Okay. You won't tell me. That's fine. I understand. It's a shame though. You know what would also be a shame? If all your shoes suddenly burst into flames. How odd would that be?"

I heard her sudden intake of breath. "You wouldn't!" she exclaimed, horror plastered all over her face.

"Alice, I would never do such a thing," I said sincerely as relief took over her features. "A lighter on the other hand, could do a lot of damage in that closet of yours." Her face was back to its previous state.

"Bella, please no. Not my shoes!"

"Then you know what you need to do." I waited as she deliberated.

"I wonder if there are any matches in the kitchen. I think I'll go check-"

"Wait! NO! Okay I'll tell you. He's planning on-" She was interrupted by a sudden rapping on the door.

"Come on!" I yelled in frustration. "I almost had her."

Suddenly, Edward's head stuck in the door.

"Who said you could come in?" I grumbled.

"Well hello to you too, sunshine. Alice, could I possibly steal Bella away from you?"

Alice nodded eagerly. "Sorry Bella. Um…we'll finish talking later?" I knew what she was getting at.

"Don't worry. Your closet's safe," I said while following Edward out the door. "It's not as if it was in danger in the first place," I added quietly to myself once we were in the hall.

"What was that all about?" Edward asked as we walked down the stairs.

"Wouldn't you like to know," I answered sourly.

"Careful there, Bella. If you get much happier, you just may burst from all the excitement," he teased. I scowled at him, but he only chuckled. I suddenly noticed we were outside once we came up to the Volvo.

"Where are we going?" I asked as I got in on the passenger side.

"Wouldn't you like to know," he mocked me, using my words from just a moment ago.

I sighed in frustration and focused on keeping myself from screaming.

"I'm sorry. Am I annoying you?" he asked, though he didn't sound sorry in the least.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, you are," I hissed. "Stupid, shiny Volvo owner," I added under my breath.

"Ouch, Bella. That hurts," he chuckled.

I blushed crimson, but played it cool, looking out the window. "Well, maybe if you weren't acting so secretive, I wouldn't be so mad."

"First of all, I'm not telling you. Secondly, I'm actually quite enjoying this," he said. Although I couldn't see him, I was sure he was flashing me that stupid, crooked grin of his.

"I'm glad my anger is so amusing," I grumbled. I turned to see his face.

"Bella, please don't be mad," he pleaded. This seemed very similar to the last time he was keeping things from me, when Alice had redone the guest room. I gasped as I realized what she could be doing.

"Bella, are you okay?" Edward asked suddenly, sounding worried.

"Alice isn't in on this, is she? You're not distracting me so she can sneak into my room and replace all my clothes with designer clothes, are you?"

"No," he said relieved. "This one is just me. Now will you please just relax?"

I sighed and leaned back into the seat as he visibly relaxed as well.

"You always get what you want," I mumbled.

"You know it," he said, smiling again.

We had been wandering in the woods for about an hour, and I had no clue where we were.

"So, basically, your idea of surprising me is getting me lost in the woods? This isn't where you murder me, is it?" I asked sarcastically.

"Ha ha ha. You're a comic genius. Where are you performing, hmm? I simply must have tickets to you next show," he answered dryly. "I know where I'm going. Trust me," he added sincerely.

About fifteen minutes later, I saw a light ahead in the dark gloom of the trees.

"See, what did I tell you?" Edward said smugly. I ignored him and ran ahead toward the light.

When I finally burst through the last fringe of trees, I found myself in a gorgeous meadow. It was perfectly circular and pretty small, but it was perfect. There were blue wildflowers spread out among the grass, and a single, tall oak stood alone in the middle.

I looked around to see Edward standing at my side, looking only at me.

"What do you think?" he questioned nervously. I didn't answer. Instead I threw my arms around his neck and pulled him into the biggest hug I could manage.

"So much enthusiasm," he laughed, though my hair muffled his voice. "Are you sure you're not related to Alice?" he said as I pulled away. Playfully shoved his arm and turned back to the meadow.

Just then, the sun came out, lighting the perfect scene in a bright glow. I walked over to the oak tree and sat beneath it as Edward followed suit.

"How did you find this place?" I asked.

"After we first moved, I went out hiking to get away from Alice. You see, we had to decorate al the new rooms, and let's just say, you did not want to be around Alice for that. Anyway, I was hiking through the woods and stumbled upon this." I laughed at what he said about Alice, and he soon joined in.

Once I had clamed down, I laid back in the grass, gazing at the sky. I felt him shift beside me and assumed he had done the same. The clouds were once again blocking the sun.

"Look," I said, pointing at a cloud in the sky. " I think it looks like a duck."

Edward laughed, and I jumped, startled by how close his voice was. I turned my head to seem him just inches away from me. He turned to look at me as well, our faces now centimeters apart.

"So do you really like it?" he asked, his breath fanning out and stunning me. I nodded, not trusting my voice, and smiled to reassure him. I turned my gaze back to the heavens before speaking.

"I love it here. I know it sounds all corny, but it feels like home. I've missed the sun," I sighed wistfully just as the clouds shifted, bringing the sunlight back.

Slowly, as if unsure about himself, Edward took my hand in his. I closed my eyes, a small smile forming on my lips.

We lay there for hours, occasionally talking, but we were silent most of the time. I tried to soak up as much sunlight as possible before the dreary rain would return.

Finally, as the sun was setting, I heard him sigh and stand up. I glanced up at him.

"It's getting late. I have to get you back to Charlie or he'll kill me," he said, answering my unspoken question. I crossed my arms and pouted. This afternoon was too perfect, and I did not want to leave just yet.

"Bella, we'll come back. Okay?" he promised while offering me his hand.

I groaned, but nodded as I took his hand. He pulled me up swiftly. I pulled my hand away as soon as I was steady on my feet, not trusting myself with what I would do if I left my hand in his. I noticed an emotion flash across his face, but it was gone before I could identify it. We made our way out of the forest and back to the car.

We were almost home when Edward's phone rang. He pulled it out and opened it.

"Yes, Alice?" I suddenly heard Alice's voice screaming through the phone, but I couldn't understand what she was saying.

"We're fine, Alice. Calm down." Her voice was quieter this time but still muffled. Why was she worried? She knew where we were.

"Really? Okay. We'll be there soon."

"No, Alice, you are not picking out my clothes," he sighed. I started giggling as I imagined Alice dressing him up like she would a doll.

"Because, Alice, I'm almost an adult. I am perfectly capable of dressing myself," he reasoned with her.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I was laughing out loud at this point, which earned a playful glare from Edward.

"Good."

"Yes we'll be there soon. In fact, we're pulling into the driveway at this very moment." I looked around and noticed that we were indeed in the Cullen's driveway.

"Alright. Bye, Alice," he said as he shut the phone.

"Not that I dislike it here, but I thought you were taking me home," I said, confused.

"Alice said that she called Charlie and asked if you could stay over. Again. And he, of course, said yes. Again," he said, looking a little annoyed.

"I'm kind of getting the feeling that you don't want me here," I mumbled.

"No! No, it's not that. I just feel bad that Charlie hasn't really gotten to spend a whole lot of time with you since you moved here. That and Alice takes the liberty of controlling every aspect of your life since you met her," he said looking guilty.

"First of all, Charlie is fine. He's generally a lonely person anyway. I think he's just happy that I'm even here in Forks. He doesn't care if I'm not with him 24/7. And second, Alice will be Alice. Let her have her fun," I told him. He looked up at me and smiled.

"Oh, and Alice also said that we are going out tonight. Dancing," he explained while smiling mischievously.

"NO! I will not!" I protested.

"Please, Bella. Like you said, let Alice have her fun," he said, using his best pout on me. I eventually gave in.

"Fine," I huffed. "You always get what you want."

I heard him mumble something to himself, a forlorn.

"What was that?" I asked, concerned about his sudden change in mood. He looked up at me, and I saw the sadness in his eyes before he could hide it.

"Nothing," he spoke, overly cheerful. "Now let's get in there before Alice comes and drags us by our toenails." He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.

"Okay," I replied, not wanting to push the subject.

As we were walking up the path to the house, I remembered something.

"Hey, why was Alice worried earlier? You know, when you were on the phone with her? I thought she knew where we were," I asked.

"Well she knew I was taking you to the meadow, but nobody really knows where that is except for me. And now you, of course," he answered swiftly.

He opened the front door where Alice was jumping up and down excitedly, anxious to dress me up no doubt. Before he could step through the threshold, however, I stopped and grabbed his arm. He looked down at me curiously.

"I'm the only person you ever showed the meadow to?" I was shocked. Surely he would have brought Alice or one of his friends.

"Of course. I wouldn't want to show anyone other than you," he replied honestly, giving me a true smile this time.

Before I could stop myself, before I even knew what I was doing, I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you," I whispered in his ear. I could feel my face heat up with the force of a thousand suns.

I turned on my heel, walked through the door, grabbed a flabbergasted Alice, and pulled her up the stairs without a single glance back at the now probably very shocked Edward. Alice stumbled along beside me as we made our way to her room.

"Bella you…an-and he…and…huh?" she stuttered as I closed her door. I walked over to the bed and sat down.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Alice," I mumbled innocently. I was looking at the floor, which had suddenly become very interesting. Would you look at that! Pink and black rugs. It's not everyday you find rugs that are more than one color.

"Don't give me that Isabella Swan. Spill," she hissed. I sighed.

"There's nothing going on Alice," I said. "No matter how much I wish there was," I muttered to myself.

"What?! You just said you wish there was!" Crap. I've really got to get better at talking to myself.

"Look, Alice, I really don't want to talk about it. How about I let you get me ready with no complaints, and you forget this ever happened?" I made her an offer I knew she couldn't refuse. I saw her struggle for a minute, and then she nodded.

"Deal. Now come on," she sighed. I stood up, and almost immediately fell back down. I gripped the edge of her nightstand for support.

"Bella?" I heard Alice, but it sounded like she was a million miles away. My head was spinning.

"I…I'm not feeling so good," I confessed.

"Don't even try that, Bella. We made a deal, and you are going through with it." Now her voice sounded as if she were yelling inches from my ear. I felt sick, and I knew from experience it was only a matter of time before I passed out.

"No, Alice, I'm not…not faking. Please…I-" I broke off not having enough energy to finish.

"Bella!" Alice screamed, her voice terrified. I faintly heard rushing footsteps and the door bursting open as my knees gave out from beneath me.

"Bella!" yelled a new voice, one so familiar, so angelic. Two pale hands shot out to catch me.

I looked up and saw two emerald eyes boring into my own. Edward, my mind finally recognized.

"Bella," he whispered, or maybe he yelled. I couldn't really tell at this point.

"Stay with me, Bella," the musical voice pleaded, and that was the last thing I heard as my eyes closed and my mind drifted into darkness.