Bella POV

I've never been in danger before. Unless you count rotten luck and being prone to tripping. Since I moved to Forks, I'd been in danger a few times. I certainly didn't regret the move, but I couldn't help but think about how things had changed.

For one, I was riding piggyback style on a vampire. That was different.

Traveling this way was a lot more enjoyable than hiking. Edward said it was faster and safer, and while safe was most important, I for one just enjoyed the speed.

It didn't take long for us to get back to the car. Esme drove as I rattled off my plan to her. Edward looked in approval and I saw a blur of color pass the car and jumped.

"That was Rosalie, dear." Esme patted my knee and I saw Edward through the rearview mirror. He knew the fear was starting to hit. I tried to keep my expression easy.

I didn't want him worrying more when I knew he was worried enough. I couldn't imagine the things he was seeing in his mind from James. I saw from the look in his eye it wasn't good.

When we reached the house, Edward slipped out of the car, likely to sweep my room to be sure we were good. I saw Rosalie pause in the yard to nod at me, before continuing her watch. I walked in the house with Esme, and took a breath.

"Dad?" I called out and got no answer.

"Are you sure he's home from La Push, Bella?"

For whatever reason the Cullen's had been hesitant when I told them Charlie might be in La Push, rather than at home. I didn't push the issue, since there were more important things happening. I checked my watch.

"He said he could be. His car is here, but Harry Clearwater might have picked him up."

"No he's here. He's coming in from the backyard." Esme said.

I was about to ask her how she knew that, but I shook my head. Super vamp senses.

Charlie came in with an armful of firewood and looked surprised at us. "Well hi there. Esme it's good to see you again." He put down the firewood and reached out a hand for Esme's.

"It's nice to see you as well Sheriff." Esme said in a forlorn voice.

"Is everything alright?" Charlie looked me over as if checking for breaks.

"My mother in laws health has taken a turn for the worse. She lives up in Seattle and we're all going there to be with her."

"I'm sorry to hear that Esme. How's Carlisle?"

"He's holding up. It's really important he gets there though. Edward and Alice are very close to her and I was wondering if Bella could come with us? I know she'll be a good comfort to them. Carlisle would be happy to write her a note if she misses classes on Monday."

And the Oscar goes to….

I don't see anything wrong with that, as long as it's ok with Bella." He turned away from Esme's performance, and I gulped as it was time for mine. "You sure you want to go? It might be tough."

"I want to be there for everyone. I can probably keep Edward and Alice from worrying easier than Rosalie, Emmett, and Jasper can." I knew he'd think the scarier looking Cullen's would be less sympathetic.

"Alright. I guess you better go get some stuff packed. Esme is there anything you need, anything else I could do?"

I left the two of them to the usual parental routine, and went up to my room. I stopped at the bathroom to grab some things from there and threw them on the bed. Edward passed me a bag and I began packing. I didn't realize my hands were shaking until he grabbed them.

"You're going to be ok. I promise." He said, and once again drew me closer than we usually dared. "So will Charlie."

"That's not all I'm worried about, and you know it." I shoved away from him and grabbed more things. "You think I don't see that look in your eyes?"

"What look?" he said with a shrug as he handed me my socks.

"The one that says you're waiting for the bullet to jump in front of."

He gave me the crooked grin I loved but glared at now. "Don't be silly, vampires don't shoot guns."

I continued glaring and he ignored it, taking my hands again and pulling me close until he swayed with me. "You are not trying to dance with me right now. Have you lost your mind?"

"Likely." He grinned again and tucked his chin on top of my hair.

I sighed as I let myself rest for a minute on his chest, still swaying without music; yet somehow I could feel the rhythm of my lullaby.

"This was not how today was supposed to go."

"I would assume not." I said against him and sighed again as he trailed his hands across my back. "Please be careful." I whispered, letting the fear leak through slightly.

"Don't worry about me." He rubbed a hand over my hair.

"You know, that's what pissed me off. You think just because you're more difficult to kill, I don't have to worry? Wrong. Just because I'm human doesn't mean I'm the only one vulnerable to danger you prick."

"You sure told me."

"Don't you give me that sarcastic look, I'm being serious. Let me go now." I tried to push away, but he held me in place.

"I'm going to have to let you go in a little while, stop trying to cut my time even further. Let me hold you a little longer."

"Not when you're being ridiculous."

"I'm not. I know how strong you are. I knew it before today. I know you can worry about me, I'm saying I don't want you to. You have enough to be scared of. I'd be scared of losing you even if you weren't human. That's what happens when you love someone."

"I was arguing here, and you just had to bring up the love card."

"Well our declarations were interrupted; I haven't gotten my fill of saying it."

"Me neither." I sighed and rested my head on his shoulder. "I do love you, but if this is going to work you can't treat me like I'm weak."

"I know you're not."

"Good. I have to finish packing now."

I looked up at him but neither of us pulled away. He looked at me a little differently than he usually did. There was less control and calm in his expression. I had also never seen him look more human. For that moment, I was looking at a seventeen year old boy. It wasn't clear that he'd seen and lived through far more than I had. What was clear was that he was in love, and I felt myself fall further.

I reached my hands up to cup his neck while his hands stroked down to my hips, and lifted me up on my toes.

I didn't stop to ask if this was ok, and he didn't hesitate. It was slower than I had imagined. He swept his lips over my brow first, and then down my cheek. My hands moved up into his hair ad his lips met mine.

Finally.

It all clicked into place. Everything I had never felt before. The intimacy, the heat, the comfort, it was all there.

I had thought our first kiss would be so difficult, yet there was nothing easier, and nothing that had meant more.

When we broke apart I stroked his chin and jaw as he laid his forehead on mine.

"I love you. " He said, and with a final hug, I returned to packing.

He left through the window and I gathered everything to go back down to Esme and Charlie.

I realized this would probably be my last moment of solitude for a bit and looked back at my room. I never imagined loving this place. Not just Forks, but this house. This room. I felt at home. I was home here. I had finally found my fit. Finally found a school I could float in and friends I could relax around. I was finally a part of a family. I finally had a normal relationship with a parent.

I finally found Edward.

I wasn't ready for a single one of those things to end. I refused to back away from any of it. I may be human, and I may not be as capable, but I wasn't going to lose this. I was going to fight for all I had found.