BPOV:

Never will I doubt Alice ever again!

I couldn't believe Edward was actually taking me to his meadow. I had never seen it but I had read about it. It was his own private place that no one else knew of. The first time I read of this place, I read every single detail about it, but never once touched the words. I read about Edward going there to be alone and I felt strangely guilty. It was his personal place and I felt like I was intruding, so I always read about the others when he went there – unless the others were being private too, then I would just put the book away.

It seemed impossible to describe the honor it was for Edward to bring me to his meadow. It sounded silly but it wasn't. This was the one place he could be alone, the one place he had to himself, the one place no one but him knew of – and he was sharing it with me. I couldn't understand why, but I cared less and less as the wind blew through my hair.

''We're here.'' Edward whispered as he came to a stop. My head was spinning and I kept my eyes shut. ''Bella?'' His voice sounded concerned.

''Help.'' I mumbled.

Edward removed my legs from him and set them down to the ground, carefully. He removed my arms next but kept a hold on my hands. I knew he was waiting for me to open my eyes. I took a step instead and ended up stumbling into Edward. He put one arm around my waist and one hand on my arm. I fisted my hands in his shirt, breathing in his scent which didn't help my already dizzy state. Edward waited patiently for my head to clear. It helped to rest my head on his chest for support. I hated myself for practically killing the mood with my sudden dizziness.

I tilted my head up and opened my eyes slowly, meeting Edward's topaz ones. My breath hitched and my mind screamed for me to step away from him, telling me I was too close to him. But I couldn't – nor did I want to. His eyes were so captivating.

''Are you okay?'' He asked in a soft and worried voice.

''I'm fine.'' I answered.

''I'm sorry. I should have warned you.'' He sighed.

''And said what?'' I asked. ''Bella, I've never had a piggyback by a vampire while I was a human, but you'll experience a slight dizziness.'' I said in a deep voice, failing with my attempt at trying to imitate a man's voice. I did however receive laughter from Edward so I knew I had made my point.

''I see your point.'' He chuckled. He moved to place one hand on each of my shoulders, before he turned me around. I gasped as I took in the sight laid out before me.

It was amazing.

A lovely little meadow was hidden in the depths of Forks, surrendered by a ton of trees. There were wildflowers in colors as violet, yellow and a delicate and soft white. The grass was a bright green. It looked slightly moist and temptingly soft. As I listened more closely I could hear a bubbling sound – a stream. The sun was shining high in the sky – God, I hadn't seen that for so long. I could feel the warmth on my face and I couldn't help but smile. This place was absolutely beautiful and I completely understood why Edward chose to come here.

My feet unconsciously walked through the grass as I looked around, awestruck. I felt Edward's hands slip from my shoulders and when I realized he wasn't following me, I turned around.

''Something wrong?'' I asked, seeing him practically shrink into the shadows the trees around him created.

''No at all.'' He answered. I frowned. ''Have you ever seen us in the sun?'' He asked. I shrugged as I took off my jacket – I had given Edward's back after I got my own – and laid it on the grass.

''I've read about it but-'' I stopped myself from finishing the sentence. My eyes widened as I looked up at the sky, avoiding looking directly at the sun. I looked back at him. ''Y-y-you…you mean…you're…you're g-g-going to show me?'' I stuttered.

''Only if you want me to.'' He replied.

''I do.'' I said, sitting down on the jacket and watching him. He seemed to hesitate. ''Please.'' I whispered.

He slipped off his jacket and swung it over a tree branch. I blushed as I saw him unbuttoning his shirt. He wasn't looking at me but at the buttons. I stared at his perfect, pale chest. My blush deepened with each button he opened and I felt as if everything was moving in slow-motion. My dreams had made no justice to his bare chest. He was far more perfect than I could ever have imagined. My body was trembling and I was fighting the urge to jump up and run over to him, running my hands all over him. I knew that wouldn't go very well though.

I was slightly disappointed that he didn't hang his shirt with his jacket, but kept it on instead. He looked up at the sky and then locked his dazzling eyes with mine. I tried not to ogle his abs and tried to keep my eyes on his face. I knew I was still blushing, since my cheeks felt as if they were burning. I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat, as Edward stepped into the meadow, slowly. I held my breath as he walked further in. A gasp fell from my mouth as the sun came in contact with his bare skin.

Many times had I read about how they skin changed in sunlight. How it glittered – sparkled, if you will – like crystal. But actually seeing it was so much more different. It was as if his skin was covered by little diamonds. I couldn't stop staring at him. He was absolutely magnificent. I knew I was ogling him, so I forced my eyes from his chest to his eyes. He hadn't stopped his movements and was just three feet from where I sat. He was looking at my face, probably guarding my reaction. I cleared my throat in embarrassment. I tried to come up with something to say but was literally speechless.

''You seem shocked.'' He murmured – he sounded teasing but his eyes and his expression was serious.

''I…'' I let out an embarrassed laugh. ''I am.'' I whispered.

''Are you scared?'' He asked, kneeling right in front of me.

I moved my legs under me so I could get some extra height. Unable to stop myself, I lifted one hand hesitantly and moved it to Edward's chest. He seemed to lean slightly back but didn't stop me. I moved my hand on his chest, just above the place his still heart was.

''Scared of a sparkling vampire? Please.'' I rolled my eyes and giggled. He placed his hand on mine. I looked up to meet his eyes and saw him frowning. ''You're beautiful.'' I whispered, cupping his face. He shook his head and glared at the ground.

''Beautiful.'' He said the word with anger and disgust. ''Bella, I'm a monster. A bloodsucking beast.'' He growled. I shook my head.

''No.'' I whispered. ''No, I don't believe that. You're not a monster or a beast. You're kind, sweet and caring.'' I said, firmly. ''Don't talk badly about yourself. Just…please don't.'' I sighed.

''Kind, sweet and caring…'' He let out a chuckle. ''Are you sure you aren't talking about yourself?'' He smiled. I slid both my hands down from his cheeks, back to his chest.

''Edward, I…'' I started but then cut myself off with a shake of my head.

I couldn't tell him.

Not that.

''What? What is it?'' He asked, laying his left hand on my right cheek. I shook my head once more. ''Bella.'' He groaned. ''I hate not being able to read your mind. It frustrates me to no end.'' He told.

''You don't want to read my mind. We'll be much more comfortable around each other if you don't know what I'm thinking.'' I said.

''Why? What are you hiding?'' He asked, frustrated.

''Nothing too big.''

I pulled back from him and unbuttoned my cardigan. I took it off and laid it beside me. I moved once more so I was laying on the jacket, my eyes closed and the sun shining on my face.

''God, I've missed the sun…the warmth and heat…'' I murmured, stretching my arms out before folding them on my stomach.

''I know. That's why I chose this place. The sun comes out here quite often.'' He said. I opened my eyes and searched for him. I was quite surprised when I saw him laying his jacket on the ground, then lie down on it himself in the blink of an eye.

God, vampire speed must be great…

''Thank you.'' I smiled.

''You're very much welcome.'' He smiled back. ''But you aren't getting away from my question. What are you thinking?'' He asked, making me blush. ''Ah, so it is something big.'' He smirked.

''You can't make me tell you.'' I grumbled.

''Don't be so sure of that.'' He said, confidently.

Once again, in the blink of an eye he was hovering over me, causing me to gasp. His dark eyes stared into my plain ones and I felt my heart beating rapidly in my chest. He stroked my cheek with the back of his hand and my eyes closed at the sensation. His hand disappeared and I felt Edward's breath blowing over the skin he had just touched. My eyes shot open and I saw he had moved his face closer to mine. I heard him sniff my throat, his nose rubbing the skin, lightly. I knew that I should feel scared but I didn't.

He moved his face back and I saw his eyes were coal black. He lifted his hand and ran his right index finger down my throat, then moved to feel my pulse. He moved his finger and laid a kiss on the skin before moving back and staring directly into my eyes. Once again his eyes had captivated me.

''Bella.'' He whispered.

''Y-y-yes?'' I stammered.

''Tell me what you're thinking.'' He whispered, softly. His lips hovered just an inch above mine. They were so close…so tempting…

''I love you.'' I blurted out. I gasped when I realized my mistake and my hands flew to my mouth. Why couldn't I ever keep my mouth shut? ''J-just forget I said that.'' I gulped and tried getting out from under Edward, but it seemed almost as if he wouldn't let me. I avoided looking at him and started babbling excuses. ''I shouldn't have said that. I know it was stupid. I know you could never feel the same way.'' I sighed. ''Why did you have to be so dazzling?'' I added in a groan.

''Bella, look at me.'' He laid his hand on my cheek, trying to turn me to look at him. But I refused.

''So you can dazzle me into admitting more embarrassing things? Like how I dream about you every night and my heart broke when you ignored me for those three weeks?'' I asked, tears filling my eyes. I let out a groan and I wanted to hit myself. ''Ugh! When do I learn to shut up?''

''Bella, look at me.'' Edward repeated – but this time it wasn't a request, it was a demand. He forced me to turn my head but he kept his hold gentle. I closed my eyes, refusing to meet his. ''Bella. Look. At. Me.'' His voice was firm. I opened my eyes slowly.

''I shouldn't have said anything.'' I murmured.

''Shhh.'' He placed a finger on my lips. ''How can you love me?'' He whispered – it was clearly a rhetorical question. ''A beautiful angel. Someone with such a wonderful soul, a caring heart and a kind mind. Of all the people in this world you choose to love me?'' His voice was disbelieving. ''Me!'' He started laughing and I worried for his sanity. ''Oh, Bella.'' He said, softly.

Then his lips were on mine and I was in heaven. My eyes closed as his marble lips moved with mine. I hummed in pleasure and let my hands wander up and down his bare chest. He let out a groan and rolled us over so I was lying on top of him. He leaned himself up on one elbow and fisted his hand in my hair, holding me to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, holding him as close to me as possible.

How could such cold and hard lips feel so heavenly? It was almost sinful how wonderful it felt.

I straddled his torso just to get closer to him. I smiled against his lips in triumph when he didn't push me away, like he had the last time I had done this. Then again, last time he had been the one to be on top. The thought made me blush. I opened my eyes to make sure Edward didn't make any sudden movements that would end our kiss – then again, if he did, it would be far too quick for me to see.

''Edward.'' I moaned. My hormones took over and I pressed against his lower half and felt a bulge – what was in his pocket?

''No!'' He growled, disappearing from underneath me. I gasped and looked around me, trying to find him, but he was gone.

''Edward? Edward?!'' I shouted. I heard no answer. ''Edward!'' I screamed, getting frantic. Where had he gone?

EPOV:

''Edward.'' She moaned. The sound was the sweetest music. I wanted to hear it over and over again. She pressed her lower half against me and I held back a moan of my own. My mind turned incoherent, something that had never happened to me before.

Her body…God, that body! And…her blood…pumping…temptation…so sweet…so close…one bite…take her…no one around…

''No!'' I growled at the monster's words. I tore myself away from Bella and ran into the woods. I could smell her everywhere on me.

''Edward? Edward?!'' I heard her shout.

I fisted my hands in the nearest tree, turning pieces of it to dust. The tree fell down from being weakened. I fell on my knees and pounded my hands down on the ground. Not hard enough for the earth to shake – though, I had the strength to cause that – but hard enough to form prints in the dirt. I tried breathing in the forest's scent, but the only thing I could smell was strawberries and freesias – Bella's scent. I let my instincts take over, let the monster come out, as I stood straight and ran through the woods.

BPOV:

Silent tears slipped down from my cheeks as I curled Edward's jacket to me, curled up myself. I held my legs to my chest and rested my chin on my knees where some of the jacket's fabric was laid out. I knew I had done something, but I didn't know what. But I still hated myself for it. I had scared him away once more. Was this what I was supposed to thank Alice for? Chasing Edward away? Was that what I was going to be grateful for?

I hated myself even more for trying to blame Alice. It wasn't her fault. She hadn't done anything.

A strange feeling had been coursing through me and I had identified what it was. Rejection. It seemed almost silly but I couldn't help it. This was the second time I had kissed Edward, and also the second time he had run away from me. The only difference was that this time I had confessed my love for him. He knew how I felt but I had no idea how he felt.

A sob tore through me. I had tried to hold them back. Tried to stay silent. I had also tried to keep the tears back. But when I realized that Edward very possibly wasn't going to come back, they spilled over. I didn't know what to do. Whether to try and find my own way back, wait for some animal to maul me or hope that Alice would come and get me.

I glanced up at the sky through my teary eyes and saw that the sun had moved. For how long had I been sitting here alone? Minutes or hours? I didn't have a watch, so I didn't know. I knew I was starting to get cold, since I was only wearing a white top and my arms were bare, but I just couldn't get myself to care. I saw movements in the tree but ignored them. It was either a bear or Alice – I wasn't sure which I preferred.

''I'm sorry.'' A velvet voice whispered. I gasped and my eyes searched the meadow. I spotted Edward by some trees. I jumped up, but before I could run over to him, he was standing right in front of me with butterscotch eyes that burned with pain. ''Bella. I'm so sorry. I lost control. I know it's no excuse, but I-'' He started but I cut him off.

''Oh, Edward! I thought you weren't coming back.'' I sobbed, wrapping my arms around him. I pulled away, biting my lip and looking at him with an unsure expression. He cupped my face and wiped my tears away with his thumps, kissing my forehead.

''I love you.'' He whispered against my skin. He pulled his face back and I looked at him with a mix of surprise and slight disbelief. ''It's a poor excuse for my actions. But it's true.'' He whispered.

''You love me?'' I questioned, quietly.

''Yes. I love you, Isabella.'' He said, wrapping his arms around me. I wrapped my arms around his waist, his jacket still in my hands as I nuzzled my face against his bare chest – I was glad to see he hadn't buttoned up his shirt, just yet.

''Then why did you leave me?'' I asked in a whisper.

''You're a dangerous creature, you know that?'' He murmured. I frowned, confused. ''Ever since I met you I've been thirsting for your blood. The monster in me has pleaded for me to kill you, drain you.'' He paused, gauging my reaction. I simply tightened my arms around him. ''I have lived for a long time but I have never met a scent as tempting as yours. So many times I could so easily have killed you…and never once were you frightened. Not once!'' He sounded both disbelieving and slightly angry. I wasn't sure whether I should apologize or stay quiet. I chose the latter and waited for him to finish. ''You were far more complicated than I had expected – not to mention far more interesting and fascinating. I had a need to know everything about you and on the way…I fell for you. How could I not? And I fell so easily. I doubt I even tried to fight it – though, if my family asks then I fought it as hard as I could.'' He chuckled. I couldn't help but smile at the sound.

''That didn't answer my question.'' I murmured.

''With what I've just told you, how do you think it felt to have you so close? So willing and vulnerable? My throat burned for your blood. I had to leave, had to hunt, before I could come back. I needed something to lessen the burning if I wanted to be near you.'' He told.

''I'm sorry.'' I said.

''You're sorry?'' He questioned.

''I wish I could do something to lessen your thirst so you could be close to me without a problem.'' I whispered.

''Me too.'' He whispered. ''But it's getting easier. I'm getting use to your scent – it doesn't make it less tempting, though. Only more bearable. But that won't stop be from being close to you.'' He said, tightening his arms around me. I smiled at his words and his gesture.

''If…'' I started but didn't finish. I blushed and hid my face in his chest. He tipped my chin up with his index finger, forcing me to look at him as I had feared he would.

''If what?'' He asked, curiously.

''It's stupid.'' I murmured. ''Doesn't matter.'' I added in a mumble.

''I think it does.'' He said. ''You mentioned something about me…dazzling you?'' He questioned, smirking. ''Bella, are you going to tell me willingly or will I have to test these dazzling abilities you seem to believe I have?'' He asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I let out a sigh.

''I was just wondering…whether you would stay or leave…if…if we…if we kissed again.'' I managed to get out.

I looked down, waiting for him to say we couldn't and scold me for mentioning it, but he didn't. I looked up to see him looking deep in thought. He eventually looked at me.

''I suppose…a little kiss wouldn't hurt.'' He smiled, softly. ''But this time you have to behave. Alright?'' He asked, his voice soft as well. I nodded eagerly, which caused him to chuckle.

''But then you have to stay. Alright?'' I retorted, teasingly. He chuckled once more as he nodded.

He cupped my face in his hands and leaned down to lay a quick peck on my lips. I pouted, not quite satisfied. He shook his head, smiling, almost as if to say I was being silly. However, he complied with my silent protest. He gave me another quick peck, only lingering a second more than with the other. I glared at him and his smile only widened – was he testing me, checking if I would behave as I had promised? He started laying feather light kisses along my jawline, just as quickly as his little pecks, causing a new theory to appear in my mind.

He was torturing me with pure, delicious, short pleasure.

Was he tempting me like my blood was tempting him? Giving me the urge to jump him, but making me promise I wouldn't? Now that was just mean – if it was true.

''Stop it.'' I huffed, scowling at him.

''Stop what?'' He asked, frowning in confusion.

''If you aren't going to kiss me right, then just take me back to the house.'' I said, still scowling.

''By right, you mean kissing you until my control snaps and I'll be forced to leave again?'' He questioned. I opened my mouth to reply, to tell him my definition of a right kiss, but ended up just closing it again. He continued. ''I can see you want more than just a peck. So do I.'' He said. I gave him a disbelieving look. ''I do. But I can't. I'd rather not test my limits anymore for today.'' He said.

''Today?'' I questioned in an embarrassingly squeaky voice. His reply was his dazzling crooked grin.

''Not today.'' He whispered by my ear in a slightly husky voice, causing a shiver to run down my spine.

''Not today.'' I repeated in a breath. Another shiver coursed through me, but this time it was because of the cold and I ran my hands up and down my arms, trying to create some warmth.

''You're cold.'' Edward said. It wasn't a question, just a statement. He quickly grabbed my jacket and slipped my arms through it. ''Do you want me to take you back home?'' He asked, quietly.

''No. Not yet.'' I shook my head.

EPOV:

We stayed and talked of nothing in particular. It was like our usual little talks about favorites and opinions of different matters and subjects. Sometimes we stayed quiet and Bella would run her hands up and down my chest, staring at how the sun made it glitter. Whenever she did this I would just stare at her in return. At all times I had one arm behind my head and the other around Bella, who was snuggled up to my left side.

I didn't even notice time passing until Bella gasped, her eyes focused up on the sky. I followed her gaze and saw that the stars had come out. I was about to suggest we went home – I was sure it was getting very cold and soon enough she would be freezing – but then got lost in how her eyes sparkled almost like the stars, but just far more beautiful. She sat up and gazed at the sky with longing, and I wondered if it was more than the sun she had been missing.

''They don't come out where you live, do they?'' I whispered in her ear, sitting up as well. She shook her head and leaned back against me.

''They're so beautiful. Renée and I would spend hours upon hours watching them at night. It was the one thing we did together. We were so different from each other.'' She told. ''But…when Phil became a part of her life…well, we just…stopped. I was left with the stars, alone. Most of my time I was alone. But I got used to it. However, I still felt…'' She trailed off, her eyes narrowing as she tried to find the right word.

''Abandoned?'' I asked. A sad smile crossed her lips.

''Yeah.'' She nodded. ''I don't blame Renée. She couldn't help falling in love. And I understand it.'' She frowned. ''I sort of did the same.'' She murmured. I frowned at that.

''You…you fell in love with someone?'' I asked.

''Yes.'' She smiled, her eyes returning to the stars.

''Oh. Who?'' I asked, still frowning. She laughed and turned to look at me, still smiling.

''You, silly.'' She said.

''Oh. Right.'' I smiled back. ''But…how did you do the same? You didn't abandon anyone.'' I said.

''Ever since I found the book I became obsessed with it. I forgot about my friends and my dad. And look at where I am now.'' She gestured around the meadow with her hands. ''In a meadow, watching the stairs with the vampire I love.'' She smiled. ''I'm not stupid, Edward. It's been four weeks now. I can figure out I'm not going home.'' She sighed, tears filling her eyes.

''Bella-''

''No. Edward, don't try and give me false hope. Just…let it be. It's sad. But it's okay. As long as you are here with me, it's okay.'' She wrapped her arms around my neck and I hugged her, gently.

''I'll always be here.'' I whispered, pulling back slightly and laying a lingering kiss on her red lips. I only pulled away because of the sound emitting from her stomach. I let out a chuckle. ''We have to get back. It's cold, you're hungry and we have school tomorrow.'' I said.

''You just had to decide to love me after I go back to school.'' She groaned. I chuckled in response.