Disclaimer:

I do not own the Twilight characters. They belong to Stephanie Meyer.

Chapter Twenty One

BPOV

Just as I was getting ready to tell Edward, to tell him that I loved him, but my phone chose to ring at that moment.

I jumped up, realizing what I was about to do. Shaking my head to get out of my trance, I picked up my phone and answered.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Hey, it's me." Jonathan answered.

"What's up?" I asked.

"I just wanted to thank you for coming with me tonight."

"The pleasure was mine. I had a lot of fun."

"Yeah. You danced with a lot of guys." Jonathan commented.

"Including you." I reminded him.

"I saw you dancing with that Edward guy. Do you like him?" Jonathan asked.

I would have blushed if I could. Edward could hear every little thing Jonathan was telling me.

"I don't know. I just met the guy." I said, laughing.

"Yeah, and I just met Helen." Jonathan said.

"Wait—does that mean?" I asked him, excited.

"I asked her out, and she said yes!" Jonathan said.

"Congrats, Jonathan! I always thought you two would make a good couple. And you did look pretty cozy at the dance today."

"I'm really happy. But I know it's late, and you need your sleep. I'll talk to you soon." Jonathan said.

"Bye Jonathan." I said, smiling.

I sighed and faced Edward. There was a look on his face, almost like he was struggling to contain something within himself. I wondered at what it could be.

EPOV

Bella had just gotten off the phone with Jonathan. I was very upset with that boy at the present moment. Though the conversation provided me with insight as to Bella's feelings on the boy, it stopped her from saying something.

Before the phone interrupted us, I could see something in Bella's eyes. Like she was ready. Ready to take me back, I hoped. I didn't deserve her, but I wanted her. She was so perfect.

I noticed how she still wore the necklace I gave her, even though it was more formal than what she currently wore.

I knew that Bella was pretty much ready to tell me how she felt. Positive or negative, I couldn't bear the suspense. But I just wanted the chance to remind her how much I loved her, and how I could never leave her again. That leaving her was the biggest mistake of my exsistence.

Instead I stared into her eyes. Looking for some hope, the trust in me that used to shine there.

"Bella." I said. I could say her name over and over, but each time a new thrill ran through my body.

"Edward, I'm sorry." she said, looking down, her side bangs covering her eye.

I reached over and brushed her hair out of her face, trying to touch her the least amount possible, though my hand itched to form itself around her face.

"We don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to." I said.

"No, I think we should." she said, embarrassed.

"Okay." I said, waiting patiently as she got her thoughts together.

"I've tried, Edward. I really have. I've been trying to think things out. See if being with you is the best thing for me. But I'm still afraid. There is a part of me—a big part—that doesn't feel good enough for you. I don't know if I can get over that. If I can stop thinking that you will disappear." Bella said.

"Bella, I could never leave you. I need you. I want you. You're the only girl I have ever loved. There was nobody before you, nobody after you. Just you. You're all I see. You're all I think about. I hate myself for ever leaving you. I hate that now—the best time for us to be together—you can't trust me. I make myself sick. It's my fault you don't trust me, and are going through all of this. It's my fault you were miserable. But I love you. Bella, please know that I love you. And I don't deserve you. You're too good for me. But I can never stop loving you, and I don't want you. Please Bella! Know that I love you!" I said desperately.

Bella sat in silence. Contemplating what I told her. A mix of emotions crossed her face, moving too fast for even me to keep up.

After 10 minutes of silence, Bella spoke.

"I love you too." she whispered.

Her words sunk in. I was happier than I had ever been before. But before I could even think out what I would do next, my arms were moving, as if by themselves.

They reached out and grabbed Bella—gently. They put her on my lap, and cradled her to my chest. I was sure she could hear my heavy breathing. I then realized that I was dry sobbing, but in happiness. I used my hand to lift Bella's face. I looked into her eyes. I saw that love and trust shone in them.

My own eyes were filled with love and happiness. I couldn't take it anymore. I pressed my lips against hers and kissed her.

Author's Note: The story is coming to a close. Maybe a few more chapters. I know this one is short.