A/N: Thanks for all your reviews! I noticed in a few that some of you were recommended here by friends and applause for that. Thank you for trusting them and thank those who recommend. That's almost better than a review for me because it means you love and trust this story enough to put yourself on the line and tell people about it and that's amazing.

Secondly a few of you have asked if this story is almost over. And to put it simply HELL NO. This is going to be my longest story yet, I've put a lot of planning into it (while allowing for things "on a whim" too, because hey it's me, and that always happens). I don't have a set number of chapters right now, because like I said I tend to add things last minute between planned chapters, but we are not even halfway done yet. Lots more Guardward to come!

Lastly, I have set up a formspring account. If you don't know what this is, it's basically a site that allows you to ask me any question that you'd like. If you've ever wondered what my absolute favorite band is, or how I get inspiration for my stories, or what I do for writer's block, or my favorite Edward from my stories, what size shoe I wear, what my favorite pizza topping is…yada yada yada…whatever you want. Ask me on there and I'll answer as long as it's a plausible question. The review system doesn't provide the best environment for that so if you've ever wanted to ask me something about me or my fanfiction, go for it there. I'll post the link in my profile.

Bella

"Do you really have to go?" I asked as I hugged my mother. I never in a million years thought I'd ever say that to her after everything we went to. But she has been such an overwhelming force in my life for the past few weeks and I was devastated she was leaving soon.

"Yeah sweetie. I've got to go back to work and start my new life. And you're starting school tomorrow." She smiled and kissed my cheek. "I can't believe my girl is a senior in high school." She picked up her bags and started towards the taxi waiting in the driveway. With a quick wave she was gone.

I sighed and turned around, walking back into the house.

"Bella?" Charlie called. He'd been in his office all day and I couldn't figure out why.

"Yeah."

"Can you come in here please?"

I shuffled to his office and was surprised to see Edward there. I gulped anxiously, wondering if my Mom had said anything to Charlie about us. She promised me she wouldn't. She knew how important Edward was to me and there was no way Charlie would allow it to continue if he knew.

"Hi," I said.

"Hello," Edward said, his eyes staring straight ahead. He seemed a little tense, but I obviously couldn't ask him about it now.

"How are you doin kid?" Charlie said, bouncing up and down in his chair.

"I'm fine."

"Uh…I just wanted to let you know that Phil was transported to the prison this morning. So…yeah."

I nodded and looked around the room. There was this thick tension between Charlie and Edward and I was dying to know what it was.

"So you've got the back to school carnival tonight?" Charlie asked before shifting his eyes to Edward.

"Yep." I intentionally popped my "p" at the end, almost embarrassed by the awkwardness in this small space. It was suffocating. I was never claustrophobic but being in my dad's office with him and Edward and this crazy elephant in the room, whatever it was, made me have a slight panic attack.

"Do you mind if I go?" Edward asked, his voice void of any enthusiasm. I was a little surprised he would ask me something like that in front of Charlie.

"Umm…" I stammered.

"Yeah Edward. You should go," Charlie nodded.

"What is going on here?" I said, slamming my hands down on the arms of the chair.

"Nothing at all," Charlie piped. "I just think with everything going on Edward should be able to have some…fun," he coughed. "Ya know?"

I glanced between them and decided they were never going to tell me what was going on.

"Fine," I stood up and left the room. I went upstairs to start getting ready. The carnival started in an hour and I didn't want to be late.

"You don't want me to go," Edward suddenly said from behind me. I hadn't even heard him come in.

"It's not that," I sighed, turning around to face him. "I just don't want to force you to go, or my father force you to go to watch after me." I hated making him feel like a babysitter, but I actually was a little happy he was coming.

"But I like watching over you Bella…" He smirked, finally lightening his expression from earlier. He sauntered over to where I was standing in front of my mirror. I was just finishing putting the cover up over the bruises on my neck. They were finally starting to go away, but I still felt a little self conscious out in public.

Edward brushed my hair aside and bent down to my neck, placing soft kisses over the barely visible purple-yellow spots. I arched my neck backwards as he continued up my jaw and finally to my lips.

"If you keep this up we'll never make it to the carnival…" I smiled against his lips.

His fingers traced down my side and rested on my hip, grabbing firm hold and pulling me towards him. But he let go just as quickly and plopped down on my bed. I swear he loved teasing me like that. He did it just for fun.

"Why do you always do that?" I sighed.

"Do what?" He looked up and me and smirked. I could never control myself when he did that. It was almost this sly-cocky grin that was half innocent, half devilish sex God ready to devour you in an instant. It did crazy things to me, and made me want to do extremely crazy things to him but he'd never let me. He was his own cockblocker and I couldn't understand why.

"Nevermind," I whispered, turning back around and giving myself one more look in the mirror. I ran my fingers over my throat and smiled. "They're almost gone now. The makeup pretty much covers them up."

"You think that's something to be proud of Bella? You shouldn't have them in the first place." His expression hardened a little as he watched me.

He bitched me out, practically ripped me a new one, once he was sure that I was okay after the "incident" with Phil. Said it was stupid. Dumb. Ignorant. Childish. Dangerous. And I just sat there and took it because I knew he was right and just had to get it out of his system. I was well aware that it was all those things but I still don't regret it.

"Ready to go Debbie Downer?" I spun around and smiled.

"Yes Sarcastic Sally."

He jumped off the bed and we started downstairs. Charlie had already left for work so I didn't even flinch when Edward took my hand as we walked out the front door. Edward opened up my car door for me before making his way around to the driver's seat, taking my hand again once we were both inside.

After some minor arguing, he let me control the radio station. I figured if that was the biggest thing we got in a fight about tonight then it'd be an accomplishment. I think we almost liked pushing each other's buttons just to get a reaction. But I guess at the end of the day we still went to bed happy to be with each other. Isn't that the point of it all?

I rolled down my window and let the cool air of the night wash over me. It was going to be a perfect night for the carnival, as long as the rain held off. I didn't look forward to much when it came to school events, but for some reason I really loved this. It was a thing the student council put on every year the night before school started again for the year. It never went too late of course, it was a school night, but that's what the after party was for.

The parking lot was already pretty full once we got there; we had to park way in the back. We decided it was best to lay low with our relationship tonight, in public at least. I mean sure, most if not everyone at school knew by now after what happened at Emmett's party, but it was still too risky. I'm sure a few of my dad's guys were working security and the last thing I needed was them running and telling him I was playing tonsil hockey with the bodyguard against the back of the Ferris Wheel.

"Bella! Edward!" Alice waved. She started jumping up and down with excitement. "How does it look?" She gestured grandly to the football practice field that had been converted into a makeshift carnival with games, lights, rides, cotton candy, elephant ears and lots of creepy carnies galore.

"It looks great," I said.

"Did you do all this Alice?" Edward asked, looking around the scene.

"Of course. You're looking at the Student Body President right now."

"And a fabulous body it is." Jasper winked and walked up behind Alice, placing a kiss on her neck and handing her a stick of cotton candy.

"I love you," she smiled and reached up on her tiptoes to place a piece in his mouth.

"I love you," he smiled and muttered with a mouthful of cotton candy.

I glanced towards Edward, almost sensing his eyes on me. They were of course, looking at me with a slight edge of sadness and I knew why. He wanted us to be able to say that and I still haven't been able to. He put his hands in his pockets and cleared his throat, diverting his eyes away from mine.

"Come on," I nodded to him. "Win me a stuffed animal or something." We headed for the first game station, leaving Jasper and Alice behind us. We stepped up to the only open spot and Edward gave the carnie a few bucks. There was a stack of bottles across from us resting on a tall pedestal. The carnie handed Edward a baseball, instructing him that he had to knock down all six bottles to win a prize.

Edward bit down on his lip, concentrating hard on the small stack before he whipped the ball. He hit the right side of the stack, causing all but two to come tumbling down. The carnie set it back up and handed him another ball.

"Last try son," he said.

Edward threw it once again, this time letting out a grunt as he released. I was so mesmerized by him I didn't even see if he hit them or not.

"Sorry," the carnie said.

"Damnit," Edward whispered, obviously frustrated.

"It's okay," I discreetly ran my hand down his arm. "Those things are impossible to win anyway. I think they're rigged."

As I turned around someone shoved a very cute pink teddy bear in my face. "It's not impossible."

I didn't recognize the boy at first, but something about his blonde hair and his cocky smile was familiar.

"Oh come on Bella, you really don't remember me?"

"James?" I asked, instantly recognizing the sound of his voice. He looked so different since I'd last seen him. Granted it was right after I first moved here, but he was almost a completely different person now. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm the new guy at Forks High School I guess."

"Did you parents decide to finally move back here?"

"Uh…no. They kind of kicked me out of the house and Aro was nice enough to take me in." He scratched his head and laughed

"Oh, sorry."

"I'm not." I felt a little self-conscious as his eyes raked down my body. I tugged at my sweater, covering up my chest. "You look good."

"Thanks," I said softly, a little annoyed. I suddenly felt Edward directly behind me, waves of anger rolling off him. James's eyes drifted to him and he smiled.

"Hello."

"Edward Cullen," he stuck his hand out to James. "I'm Bella's bodyguard."

"James."

"James is Aro's nephew," I said slowly.

A moment of awkward silence passed before Edward spoke again.

"Ready for that ride on the Ferris Wheel Bella?"

"Yeah. See you later James," I waved slightly as we left.

"You definitely will," he yelled.

"Edward I hate the Ferris Wheel," I whispered.

"Why?"

"You really trust that piece of crap when you're a hundred feet in the air?"

He laughed under his breath and shook his head. "Okay we'll avoid the Ferris Wheel."

As soon as we turned the corner I threw the teddy bear into the nearest trash bin.

"Why'd you do that?" Edward asked.

"Cause I only wanted it if it was from you." I smiled and nodded towards the bumper cars.

"You driving one of those?" He laughed. "This'll be a piece of cake."

I shoved him and laughed as we stood in line. Edward handed the carnie a few dollars and I ran to pick my car. I had to get the number 13, it was like some unwritten rule. When I was little my dad paid some kid five bucks to give it up.

I sat down and buckled myself in while my eyes searched for Edward. I finally found him in the corner, strapped into a bright red car. He narrowed his eyes at me and pointed with a sinister smile on his face. I grinned and flicked him off just as they turned the cars on.

I spun around and started right for him, but was abruptly hit by a little kid who let out the most annoying laugh I'd ever heard. Sounded like a seagull on drugs. I momentarily abandoned my hunt for Edward and turned it to the squealer.

"You little fucker…" I whispered, turning towards him with pure rage in my eyes.

He screamed, his face filling with panic as I rammed into him.

"Ha! See how you like it!" I started laughing hysterically as he drove away but was cut off by someone else bumping into me.

"Picking on little kids are we?" Edward said a moment before he made his mistake. I couldn't hide my smile as I chased after him. I followed him the rest of the time, adamant to get him at least once. Seagull boy steered clear the rest of the night and everyone else was too involved in their own battles. And then I saw my opening. He was trapped in a corner, nowhere to go.

I smiled and gunned it right for him. He saw me coming and sighed, crossing his arms, knowing there was no way to avoid it. A few feet before I reached him I felt the jerk of the cars shutting off. I frowned as I sputtered a little further, barely tapping his car. He probably didn't even feel it. He looked down at the space where our cars met and doubled over in hysterical laughter.

"What was that? A love tap?" He asked.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You know I don't like that word."

"Well I don't care what you call it Bella that was weak." He unstrapped himself and got out of the car, waiting for me at the exit. "It's okay baby, some people just can't drive," he whispered as I reached him.

"I can drive!" I yelled.

We shared an elephant ear and spent the next hour or so standing around with Alice and Jasper. It seemed like Jasper and Edward had become really good friends. I guess it was a good thing, since Alice and I were always together. And we were always with them. It was only to be expected.

"They're gonna start closing stuff down soon. Are you ready to head to Jessica's?" Alice asked. It was almost ten and the place was starting to clear out.

"Yep." I started towards the car, but Edward grabbed my arm.

"Actually I'll be right back. Can you just stay with Alice and Jasper for a second?"

"Yeah sure," I said, a bit confused as to where he was going.

Alice watched as Edward walked away. "Earmuffs Jazz."

Jasper smiled and put his hands over his ears.

"Have you guys done it yet?" She said to me.

Jasper laughed and started to walk away. Apparently his earmuffs didn't work so well.

"That's private Alice." I crossed my arms.

"You haven't…" Her eyes sparkled. "Cause if you had you would have no problem telling me….Or would you?" She kinked an eyebrow.

"Things are different with him." I stared at the spot Edward had disappeared into, wishing he would come back.

I expected some snarky remark, but her tone softened as she pulled me into a hug. "Good." She hugged me tighter. "But I don't know how you resist because that boy walking towards us right now is fine."

I smiled before I even saw him.

"Where'd you go?" I asked.

"Nowhere. Let's go." He placed his hand on the small of my back and led me out towards the car.

Edward

Just when I thought I could finally relax a little, that damn picture brought me back to reality. Charlie had pulled me into his office this morning and slid it across his desk. It was an invitation to the carnival tonight, in the shape of a carousel. Everything looked perfectly normal, except for the picture of Bella taped onto it. There was a huge "X" across her face.

"From the same person?" I said, handing the picture back to him.

"Yes." He tapped his pen on his desk. "Edward I don't know what to do. We're still at a standstill with the last letter. I was almost half hoping…" His voice drifted off.

"That it was Phil."

He nodded, obviously sharing my thoughts.

"I don't want to keep her in a bubble," he sighed. "But we can't just ignore this. I can't let her go to that carnival tonight."

My shoulders fell. She's been talking about going to that damn carnival all week. She would be devastated.

"Sir, if you're okay with it I can go with her," I said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'll protect her. I promise." I nodded, hoping he'd see that I really meant it.

"Alright."

And that's how I found myself here in my car driving to Jessica's house. Bella's hand rested lightly on my knee as I pulled into her house. I didn't really want to go here. In fact, I absolutely loathed that girl. I wasn't sure why, but I got really protective when it came to people who were a bad influence on Bella. And since her brother seems to be the provider for Bella's extracurricular activities, she was guilty by association.

"Please try to limit yourself tonight love."

She laughed without responding and got out of the car. This was going to be a long night. We weaved our way through the mass of people and I took a seat in the corner, watching her from a distance. She grabbed herself a beer and started talking with Jessica, sending me a smile every now and then. I laughed as she took a shot, excited to see her try and make it through school tomorrow hung-over. I crossed my arms and glanced around the room, stopping when I noticed Jake in the other corner talking to that punk from earlier. I could already tell James would be a problem if I allowed it to get that far. It wouldn't get that far. I didn't miss his eyes lingering over Bella and it took all I had not to pummel his ass. And how he beat that damn game is beyond me.

I shook my head at Jake, moving him down a step on my shit list for even associating with that piece of shit.

"Hi!" Bella said, flopping down into my lap.

"Hi yourself. How are you doing?"

"Great." She smiled, obviously a little buzzed. "I have a present for you."

"You do?"

"Yep. Open up."

"I told you I'm not drinking tonight. I have to drive us home."

"It's not a drink, relax." She sighed.

I opened my mouth and she placed a lime in my mouth.

"Isn't dis wat got us here in da first pace?" I tried to say with the wedge in my mouth.

"Shush!" She said, bending over and running her tongue over my neck. She sprinkled some salt on it and grabbed a tequila bottle from behind her. She leaned over and sucked on my neck, my eyes rolling back in my head as her tongue smoothed my skin. She took a swig out of the bottle, not bothering to measure out the shot. She leaned down and took the lime from my mouth. She spit it out after a moment a pressed her lips roughly to mine.

"Bella," I said. "We're supposed to cool it in public tonight remember?"

She stood up and stumbled a little bit. She grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the front door. "Come with me." She winked at Alice on the way out.

She walked me out to the car and nodded at it. "Unlock please."

I did as she said and grabbed the front door handle, assuming she was ready to go.

"No," she grabbed me and pulled me towards her. "Backseat."

I sighed and opened the door for her. She grabbed me and pushed me down before crawling on top of me.

"You wouldn't kiss me in there, so kiss me in here." She leaned over slowly and pressed her lips to mine. I tried to fight it the first few moments, but I was never immune to her kiss. I felt my lips starting to move against hers with little effort.

"I want you so bad," she murmured, reaching for the hem of my shirt. I allowed her to pull it off, only taking my lips away from hers for the slightest moment. She pulled her face away from mine and traced her lips down the middle of my chest, her hands on my sides.

This was going too far. Too fast. I didn't want it to be like this, but I knew it would be hell to pull away from her now. I gave in a little and pushed my hand under her shirt, working my way and feeling along the bottom of her bra. I slipped my finger underneath and ran it around her sides and to her back, fighting the urge to unhook it.

"Do it," she said, resting her fingers on the button of my jeans. I hesitated as she undid it, clenching my teeth together. I was almost there. Almost ready to give in. And then I froze when she started undoing the zipper.

"No Bella."

"Why? I'm on the pill it's okay." She tried to unzip it again. I removed my hand from her shirt and placed it over hers, stopping her from going any further.

"That's not why."

She stopped and sat up. "Why won't you sleep with me?" She said so softly I barely heard her. "You said you…cared about me right?" Her voice cracked a little.

"Bella please." I sat up and took her face in my hands. "You know I care about you, but do you really want our first time to be in the back of a car?"

"Well then can't we go home?" She cried.

"Bella," I said calmly. "Listen to me. I. Love. You. And I want to be with you…like that. I just want it to be right okay?"

"And when is that going to be?"

I sighed and leaned down to kiss her.

"First of all…it'd be nice if you were eighteen so Charlie couldn't arrest me for it."

"He wouldn't…."

"He would." I rested my hands on her knees and waited. "And I want you to say it."

"Say what?"

"You know what."

"Oh come on!" She yelled. "There you go again with that stupid….stupid love shit! Isn't it enough that I care about you more than I've ever cared about anyone before in my entire life? How do you know I won't just say it to get what I want?"

"Because I know how much that word means to you. And I know how hard it is for you to tell someone that. And when you can, it'll be right. Okay?"

She sighed and glared at me.

"Will you at least feel me up or something, I'm dying over here."

I laughed and crawled towards her, pushing her back onto the seat. I leaned forward and kissed her neck, allowing my hand to roam freely down her chest. She whimpered as I slipped my hand underneath again and pushed her bra up.

"Is that good?"

"Mmmhmm," she mumbled.

I pulled away and waited for her to open her eyes. "Will you go somewhere with me?'

"I'd go anywhere with you," she said, looking directly into my eyes.

I smiled and sat up, pulling her with me. She crawled into the front seat and I followed, turning the car on and starting down the driveway.

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise." I took her hand and brought it to my lips, softly kissing her skin.

She was a little confused when we pulled up to the fairground. Everything was dark and to be honest it looked a little creepy.

"What are we doing here?" She asked as we got out of the car.

"Just…wait for it." I took her hand and led her forward. "Hit it Larry!" I yelled.

The once darkened Ferris Wheel suddenly lit up in a ball of light.

"Holy crap!" Bella gasped, grabbing onto my arm. "What is this?"

"Well Bella it's a Ferris Wheel. What you do is you sit in these little seats here and they take you up and around?"

She turned around and crossed her arms. "Edward you know how I feel about these things?"

"I know, but I thought maybe we could conquer at least one obstacle tonight…" I eyed the Ferris Wheel behind her.

"How'd you do this?"

"Paid Larry $50 bucks to stay behind and do this."

Larry gave us a wave as I opened the bar to the seat. Bella glared at me one last time and sat down. I sat down beside her and secured the bar across our lap.

Bella sighed nervously and grabbed onto it tightly.

"Relax sweetheart." I kissed her cheek. "Let's go Larry!"

She shrieked as we jolted forward. Her knuckles were white as she clung to the bar, grasping so tight that I could swear she was going to break it in half.

"Bella," I whispered. "Come on. Look at me."

She turned her eyes to mine and I saw the sheer panic in them.

"I love you," I smiled. Her eyes softened and I felt her relax a little beside me. I kept my eyes fixed on hers the entire way around.

"Again?" Larry asked as we reached the bottom.

"Wait…we already went around?" Bella looked around, completely shocked that we were back on the ground.

"I think once was enough." I laughed. "Thanks Larry." I started to undo the lock but Bella's hands stopped me.

"No." She smiled. "Let's go again."

A/N: Leave me a review or I'll send a crazy carnie after ya! muah ha ha : )