A/N: I just wanted to thank all of you wonderful readers out there who've been reviewing and putting this story on alert and favorites your support means the world to me!

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As I turned into my driveway and stopped; I sighed and looked over at my coat on the seat next to me. My eyes narrowed at it; I was practically jealous of the stupid thing for being able to comfort Bella and touch her so completely. It was something so basic, but I couldn't do it, or at least I was afraid to do it.

From the other seat I could smell that her essence had permeated the material of it and suddenly this simple item was my favorite piece of clothing. My hands trembled in anticipation of what I was going to do. I held the jacket up to my face and inhaled slowly.

My body shuddered violently, letting go of the restraint I'd held onto all night. Her scent was electrifying, igniting my senses and causing my throat to burst into flame. I tasted venom and my eyes hardened under fluttering lids before I pulled the fabric away. I leaned back as I closed my eyes and ran my hands through my hair.

The sensations running through me were so primal they frightened me. How did I stand it tonight, alone with her in the car for so long? Somehow I didn't hurt her. Maybe I could possibly enjoy her marvelous scent without actually harming her. Her blood would always appeal to me, but she herself—her whole being, was so much more than just appealing to me.

Shaking off my thoughts I walked inside, hoping I would get to play tonight.

Esme and Carlisle were cuddled on the couch, watching Arsenic and Old Lace. Cary Grant was Esme's favorite. Carlisle never said it out loud but he was a little jealous.

"Hello," I waved quickly as I passed them in the living room.

Living room. The irony was not lost on me and I chuckled as I walked to the piano.

Lifting the bench, I pulled out one of my favorite pieces, Beethoven's Sonata no.9; it was quite beautiful. I did not actually need the sheet music but it was a comforting habit I'd formed from my childhood lessons. Sitting at the bench I took a deep unnecessary breath as I tried to tune out the rest of the house. I lightly fingered the smooth keys and started. I was about two minutes in when slowly I realized the notes had begun to change.

The melody that followed began with a sorrowful edge before it expanded out around me in the most glorious way, becoming delicate and almost painfully sweet at points. The notes felt as if they were emanating from somewhere else entirely as they found release through my fingertips. I played and played for an immeasurable amount of time, lost in my fervent creation. My one and only thought was of Bella; all I saw in my mind's eye was her angelic face.

Finally, I stopped. My body slumped limply at the piano, my fingers still pressed upon the keys long after the sound was gone. I was exhausted from my effort, a feeling I hadn't experienced in nearly a century.

I didn't even hear Esme in the room until she spoke aloud.

"Edward, that was beautiful." Her voice was overcome with emotion.

I've never heard you play like that before.

My eyes lifted to hers and I patted the bench next to me. She sat as I encircled her with my arm.

"It's for Bella." That was all I could say; it was that simple. I wasn't sure what I was saying exactly, but it felt right. Something had clicked into place for me, I just couldn't quantify it.

Esme looked at me, her expression torn.

"Oh Edward…I can't believe I didn't see it sooner. I knew something was different with you, but I didn't suspect—." Her voice short stopped as her thoughts turned guilty.

I'm a horrible mother, I didn't support you when you tried to defend her. I wanted you to do something, anything; so she wouldn't tempt you. I was so selfish. I can't forgive myself, especially now after this…

"Mom, stop," I smiled and rubbed her back, "its ok. You couldn't have known; you just wanted to keep us together. I didn't know I would ever feel this." I smiled again at that, a bit bigger then before, still not completely sure of what I felt or why. She looked at me for a moment, before reaching up with her small hands to touch my cheeks.

I love you, son. I want you to be happy, but please be cautious.

"I love you too. I will."

She got up and walked out, leaving me alone in the room. I got up with a sigh. I had a request to make and I knew it wouldn't go over well. But I had to do it now; it was only a matter of moments before Alice would know anyway.

"Rose, Alice, Jasper, Emmett… come to my room for a minute, please." I spoke softly as I walked up the steps.

They were in my room before I was.

Alice was grinning. Emmett and Rose looked annoyed; from his thoughts I noticed I had interrupted a private moment for them…I didn't need to know anymore than that. Jasper just looked calm; he was the most level-headed of them all.

"Rose, can you drive everyone in the Beemer tomorrow?"

"Why?" Her frown was suspicious now.

"I'm picking Bella up for school."

There was a second of flabbergasted silence before they reacted. Alice's hands interlocked under her chin excitedly as she jumped in place. Emmett and Rose looked angry.

What the hell does he think he's doing?

Geez bro, I told you to forget her and leave this alone!

Jasper's mouth was hanging open.

How can he do that? Even he doesn't have perfect control. I can't even imagine how…

"She's a human Edward, or have you forgotten. Come on, how long can you possibly keep your identity a secret?" Rose was glaring at me.

About that…

Alice was the only one who would've seen my conversation with Bella tonight; it was only a matter of time…

"She knows."

All of us spun towards Alice. She stood, unsmiling but calm.

If it were possible for a vampire to blanch; I would've. Maybe she knew it was for the best, but her logic completely escaped me at this moment.

"WHAT! Are you crazy, Edward!How could you do this to us?" Rosalie screamed. Suddenly I felt a whooshing pass by my head and then a crash against the wall. Turning, I saw it was one of my CD's, now in pieces. When I turned back, Emmett had his arms around her as she fought against him.

"I will kill you myself! How could you? She's a human! She'll tell everyone. Edward, she'll tell…" I stood mutely as her struggles lessened, due to Jasper's help. I could not clearly defend myself; I had broken a sacred rule.

"What is going on up here?" Carlisle and Esme were now in the doorway.

There was silence for a moment.

"Edward told Bella about us." Alice responded.

I hissed in frustration; for such a little person she had big mouth.

Carlisle's face was grave. Esme covered her mouth in shock.

Edward, why would you tell her? That isn't safe for anyone. Carlisle frowned.

"I didn't exactly tell her. She actually guessed…and I didn't deny it."

"Bullcrap! You expect us to believe it was just a wild guess?" Emmett rounded on me, grabbing my arms. I growled loudly as I tried to shake him off.

"Stop it, just stop it!" Carlisle shouted; everyone froze.

"Children please. Edward, while I don't agree with what happened, I have to believe that you trust her."

"I do." I answered resolutely.

"Well, it is what it is then. We will all just have to deal with this situation the best we can." He spoke with finality on the subject.

"You can't be serious! You know Emmett and I will not support this." Rosalie turned back to me. "Edward, I'd really love to see little Bella Swan's face when you forget your strength one day and break her arm, or better yet, when she scrapes her knee and you can't stop yourself from draining her dry—I'm sure she'll be so understanding." She spat, rolling her eyes.

I had expected as much from Rosalie but I still winced at the sinister tone of her words as her and Emmett walked out. I knew Emmett was upset with me but she was livid, probably for good. That was definitely going to be a problem.

"It's ok Edward, you have to do what you feel is right. You care so much for her, don't let that go to waste." Alice gently touched my shoulder.

"You know Alice, you could've spoken with me first," bitterness colored my words.

"Edward, this had to happen at some point. I figured it would be like ripping off a bandage; better if it's quick with a sting instead of slow and torturous. Besides, they'll come around in time. This is a bit overwhelming for us all."

Although I hated it, she was right; you couldn't bet against Alice—it never worked out well.

"You know Alice, with Bella; it's more than just caring that I feel…" I trailed off. Jasper and Alice both stood wide-eyed at that. He spoke first.

"Listen, I believe you—I can't not; after feeling what I did coming from you downstairs. All I have to say is be careful; I don't think I could live with you if you ever hurt this girl." I knew his words came from a loving place and couldn't be truer.

"Oh, I'm so happy for you! I've been waiting for so long to see you find a girl, I was seriously considering some sort of professional help. Oh, but Bella couldn't be sweeter. When are you going to tell her, or did you? Did I miss that somehow? Does she feel the same? How could she not? She'd be crazy not too. Oh dear, I hope she doesn't turn out to be crazy. Wait! Does she like to shop—?"

"Alice honey," Jasper cut in on her rant, "let's give Edward some downtime here, it's been quite stressful for all of us." He looked at me knowingly.

Edward, please consider this carefully; you know I just want you to be happy, but please be safe. Just remember that.

"Goodnight Edward!" Alice giggled as Jasper swiftly scooped her up and walked out.

Sitting on the couch I fought to recognize what I felt, to make sense of the emotions swimming through me. What I had insinuated to my family I didn't even know. All I knew is that I wanted nothing more than to go to her tonight; I missed her presence. I had dropped Bella home over three hours ago, surely she'd be asleep now.

So I went.

Feeling a strange excitement, I scaled the wall again to her window, climbing into it silently. My eyes quickly found her, sleeping peacefully. It didn't matter how many times I saw her, the sight always stunned me. I stood for many minutes, relishing in her beauty. My mind was in upheaval; how could this perfect creature accept me? Her words tonight seemed unreal, like a dream. I had convinced myself that as soon as she knew, she would fear me, hate me. But she didn't.

Why? How?

I couldn't wrap my head around the concept. I couldn't understand how she made me feel; it was so much stronger than before. Now I felt the tightening in my gut when I knew I would see her or the staggering pain in my chest when she smiled at me, let alone touched me. When she was away from me, there was an aching that never dulled.

Slowly, I moved to edge of her bed, my eyes gazing at her face now. I knelt on the floor, taking a strand of her soft hair between my fingers. I reveled in the small connection; my eyes never left Bella's face. Without warning, I felt an intense conviction settle over me; the sheer power of it rocked me to my core. It was all so suddenly obvious; all of this time I'd been alone I only thought I was fulfilled, never wanting for anything, despite the relationships around me. Now that I saw the truth, it made all the turmoil with my family wholly worthwhile.

I couldn't be without her any longer or I couldn't be at all: she was the blood that filled my empty veins, the beat for my silent heart. She was my comfort, my warmth, my breath, my taste—my life in every sense of the word.

I loved her.

I knew immediately what I felt now would never waver; it was concrete. The love I felt for her was pure, superceding everything, including me. I would kill for her. Die, again, for her. It was as good as written in stone upon my heart.

I slid lower to the floor; my head resting on the edge of her bed. I was feeling light-headed and my breathing was labored; I'd never felt so human. My emotions were so new, so raw. I felt naked and exposed, like I was being turned inside out.

What followed next was a crippling fear, exacerbating my already shallow breathing. What if she didn't feel the same? Alice had even asked that—did she feel the same?

Oh God… how could I endure all of this, if it was unrequited? Surely I would wither away to nothing. Just the thought of it made me feel as if I was drowning. Emotions boiled inside me, rolling over my heart in waves. I shook my head as I thought of all the books I'd read, all the films and plays I'd seen about love that I thought I'd understood. I laughed darkly to myself; knowing now I had had no concept of what it was to truly love someone. It was entirely different to actually experience such a thing. Words paled in comparison to such intensity.

"Too green..."

My head snapped up off the bed as Bella's voice cut through the empty space between us. She rolled slightly towards me, her hair sliding across her eyes. Not thinking, I reached out slowly. My hand trembled slightly as I tenderly lifted the fallen locks of hair that hid her from me, placing them back behind her shoulder.

Bella shifted again slightly, "Edward…"

I nearly sobbed as she spoke my name; it felt like a promise for my expectant heart.

I began to hum the song I wrote for her and I could've sworn she smiled. Finally, after hours next to her, I got up to leave, knowing it would be dawn soon and I would be back to take her to school, if she would have me…