I'm sure you'll love this chapter. That's all I've got to say, really :)

Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty - they merely move it from their faces to their hearts.
- Martin Buxbaum

Friday dragged particularly slowly. If it wasn't for the second hand of the clock that had slowed to half its normal pace, or the way Edward stayed inside his sulking self, it was my new addiction to time. It passed. No matter how much I wanted it to slow, it didn't. Nothing I did could slow it, or Edward. It passed, no matter what species you were, or how much you tried to defy it. Anti-aging products wouldn't stop my inevitable age; exercise and a balanced diet eating wouldn't keep me healthy forever.

So Friday, with the annoyingly slow ticking clock, was the catalyst to my frustrated thoughts. Despite still being slightly behind in class, I didn't hear a word my teachers said, instead focusing on what would happen if Edward decided he didn't want me forever. Would Alice? She seemed to be on my side. Carlisle? He was extremely controlled and caring towards me. But then I reminded myself I would not be a responsibility. If Edward didn't want me to live forever with him, I wouldn't. I would not have him regret the decision forever because I'd forced him to change his mind.

But then... but then my heart sped when Edward smiled at me. You couldn't force a smile like that, even someone as talented as Edward. The way his lips curved up even when he tried to stop it because of the stares that followed us around. It wasn't possible to hide the way his eyes lit up when he saw me, glistening and reflecting his love back to me.

It was this – this knowledge that somewhere, somehow Edward still loved me, still wanted me - that I knew I had to keep trying.

"I'll pick you up at seven?" Edward said, breaking through my thoughts as we headed towards our parked cars.

"Seven?"

"For our date."

"Oh, right, yeah," I mumbled. I'd not forgotten about it… it had merely slipped a little further back into my memory after having thought about time for the majority of the day.

"Do you still want to go?" he said, snaking his hand out to rub circles on the back of mine, feather light touches that made my body tingle.

"Of course!"

"Can you wear the dress that we bought last week?"

"Okay…" I replied slowly, wondering where we were going that'd need such a dress. "I'll see you later, then."

He leaned down to place a kiss on my cheek, but I pulled him around so our lips mashed together. For several moments, we stayed locked in each other before Edward pulled away, told me he loved me, and set off in his car that was parked beside my truck.

Once I was home, I cooked dinner for Charlie and placed it in the oven to remain warm until he could re-heat it when he returned from work. I showered quickly, drying my hair and straightening it, too. By the time I'd finished, I had time to do some of my school work and then I decided to change. I ate some of what I'd put aside for Charlie, thinking that Edward might not have worked food into our evening, and I'd hate to be hungry and ruin his plans.

At quarter to seven, I was sitting in the living room, watching the news on the TV. Charlie trudged in, slamming his gun and coat to the side and eyeing my strangely from the door.

"Where are you going?" he said curiously. His eyes were narrow with confusion.

"Out with Edward."

"Oh, are you now?" Charlie crossed his arms as he walked over to me.

"Yes. I am," I replied shortly. "School work is done. Your dinner is in the oven. I cleaned the bathroom after I'd showered. I'll be back around…?"

"Nine."

"Well, I don't actually know where he's taking me yet."

"Ten."

"It might be Port Angeles. That hardly gives us time to get there."

"Eleven, Bella, and that's as late as I'm going."

"Deal," I agreed with a smile. I shuffled in my seat as Charlie came to sit by me.

"You forgiven him yet?" he asked, his voice a mixture of sharp and soft. Odd, it seemed, but I think Charlie was stuck in the middle between wanting me to be happy and wanting to continue hating Edward. Unfortunately for him, it was difficult to succeed at doing both.

I bit my lip and nodded slowly.

"Knew you had," he mumbled quietly.

"How could you tell?"

"He seems a little less on edge. You seem more comfortable around him. You aren't angry any more."

"You've been watching then." I almost snorted. "Are you still angry?"

Charlie seemed to think for a moment. His eyes closed as he delved deep into thought and he coughed a little when he re-opened them. "Not so much. Maybe a bit, but it's not about me."

"I guess not."

Behind us, there was a light tap at the door. Charlie jumped up, and I shuffled forwards in my dress, slipping on my flats that I'd chosen to wear with the dress. It was a much safer option than the only pair of heels that lay forgotten at the back of my wardrobe.

"Eleven, Bells," Charlie reminded, calling from the kitchen as I opened the door and squeezed through the tiny gap that I'd created.

Edward was standing there, smiling crookedly, in a suit and tie. My jaw dropped at the sheer beauty of him, so elegant and handsome before me, ready to escort me on a date. It was mind blowing to know he'd dressed that way for me. Beauty would be something I'd gain if I ever became vampire; another reason for me to want it. Maybe I could be equal with Edward on appearances too.

"You look beautiful," he breathed into my ear as he pecked my cheek gently, although hitting the spot nearer my ear instead. Taking my hand, he led me to the car. He opened my door and I slid inside carefully. Seconds later, he joined me in the car and the engine roared to life as we sped down the road.

"How come you didn't come over after school?" I asked. Outside the car, it was slowly darkening to night with the dusky twilight clouding around us.

"I was busy," he answered vaguely. I turned to look at him with raised eyebrows. He returned my expectant glare with a non committal shrug; I knew I wasn't going to get anything else out of him, so I left it with a heavy sigh. Why put energy into arguing with him about this when I had much more pressing issues on my mind?

"Where are we going?"

"Your curfew is eleven," he stated.

I looked at him again, confused. "Yeah. Is that enough time?"

"Plenty." He grinned, making himself seem all the more handsome in his happiness.

Suddenly, the car stopped. Edward looked at me and then out of the window before getting out of the car. I simply glared at where we'd parked; amongst trees in a small lay-by that was covered over by large, leafy branches.

"Why are we here?"

Edward was instantly by my side. The goosebumps that appeared on my skin was clear enough evidence that Edward was next to me. Bending down quickly, he scooped me up in his arms, wedding style, and carried on forwards. My heart was racing.

"Edward!" I squealed, trying to swat at his arms so he'd put me down but all he did was chuckle musically, grinning down at me and shaking his head so those bronze strands of hair danced and fell with each tiny movement.

"Ssh!" He placed a kiss on my lips to stop me from moaning, which I happily accepted as a suitable silencing method.

Carrying me further into the forest, I relaxed, letting my legs flop over his arms and my head lull into the crook of his arm. He ran quickly, so I kept my eyes fixed on his face, only vaguely acknowledging the blurry green backdrop that was the canopy of trees.

Eventually, he came to a stop.

"Bella?" he breathed quietly. "Close your eyes."

I did as he asked, closing my eyes carefully, scared he'd disappear if my eyes drifted shut. When he was sure that they were closed, I felt the movement. I desperately wanted to open them up again, but I felt Edward's breath on my face. I knew he was watching for any flicker.

He stopped moving, slowly placed me on the floor, steadying me and holding me until I was able to balance myself. My eyes remained closed, but I could feel the tickling grass on my ankle.

"Okay, open your eyes."

Despite the dark sky, with twinkling stars amongst the vast black, I saw light. We were in our meadow. The sound of water could be heard in the distance, music of its own with each trickle over a jagged rock. The trees that surrounded us were beautifully decorated in sparkling fairy lights. Like always, there were bunches of colourful flowers amongst the green grass. Not only that, but candles were placed around us, small tea lights that flickered in sync with the breeze of the trees.

"How did y-" I couldn't finish. It was just all too overwhelmingly beautiful - what with the atmosphere that the night time had created, the sense of being alone together, just Edward and I, with the decorations he'd provided.

"Sit with me," Edward suggested, taking my shaking hand and leading me to the blanket in the middle of it all. I sat down in my dress and just stared in awe at the surroundings. When it was stripped bare of all decorations, it was beautiful. The extras only added to it's natural charm.

"How did y-" This time Edward cut me off.

"Alice helped. They're solar powered lights."

"Why did y-"

"Bella, please be quiet." Edward smiled, leaning in. With one hand, he gently pushed my shoulder so I lay on my back against the soft blanket, looking up at him as he put his arms either side of me, holding himself above me. "You're so beautiful," he breathed.

We kissed, electrically and passionate, in a moulding of lips. I gasped for breath as I wrapped my arms around his neck, trying to hold him to me. If only Edward would just let down his barrier... I was silently begging for forever. I never wanted to let go.

"Bella," he breathed again, raspy, as he sat up. Slowly, I sat up too, shuffling towards him so I could lean into him. "No, no. I want you to look at me, please."

Confused, I turned towards him so our eyes could meet. They were so lusciously golden and beautiful, I almost drowned in them. They were a window into the Edward I loved so much; they held so much intensity, honesty and passion. He brought his hand up to trace the line of my lips before speaking.

"I've been doing a lot of thinking recently. I've been discussing it with Carlisle sometimes, too, but mainly I've been thinking and watching you."

I opened my mouth to speak – watching me? – but he silenced me by placing his finger against my lips.

"Please, let me talk. You said yesterday that 'actions speak louder than words'. You're right, in some ways. You also said that you're scared I'll leave again because I've never given you reason to believe you'll stay." It was almost word for word. "Bella, I want to be with you. So much; you are worth everything to me, more than my own life. That is why I don't want to take yours from you."

Again, I went to speak but he stopped me from talking with a shake of his head. Those golden eyes that were so full of beauty pleaded with me to let him speak.

"My proposal is still there, Bella. Marry me; that way we'll always be with each other."

"Edward, I…"

"I know," he said shortly, closing his eyes. I reached out to hold his hand, tracing the smooth skin of his fingers with my thumb. "You don't think marriage lasts forever, I know. Bella, this is so difficult for me."

"I can't see how. If I'm something you really want, I can't see how," I breathed. I felt tears well in my eyes.

"I know you don't. I've tried explaining to you, that I want better things for you. The transformation is beyond painful, Bella. You'll never experience such physical pain like it. Let me finish, please. You will have to leave behind friends and family. I don't want to take your humanity from you. But I've proved I don't know anything. I want you, more than anything in the world. Your happiness is of the greatest importance to me, Bella."

"You have to want it, too."

"I do. Selfishly, I want you forever, Bella, but it's getting there. There are so many hurdles to overcome."

"We've already jumped over so many," I said weakly, a tear making its way down my cheek. I felt its heat against my cold skin where the cool evening was settling.

"I don't want to lose you again, Bella. It'd be too hard for me. I know, I actually realise now that it'd be too hard for you, too. Hearing you talk yesterday, seeing you at your worst through Dr. Geller, it was a wake up call. I have to act. I have to prove to you how much I love you, want you, need you, otherwise I'm going to end up loosing you, Bella, and I'm too selfish to let that happen."

I gulped back the lump in my throat and wiped away the stray tears with the back of my hand. Edward was staring at me intensely, his eyes wide and observant as I sniffled. What was he saying? Had he finally listened to me?

"I'll compromise with you, Bella," he whispered breathily.

Slowly, he got up, twisting his body so he came to rest on one knee. I gasped audibly, realising what he was going to do. It had never been so real before now. Sure, he'd proposed but he'd not been on one knee, nor had he had a ring. It was just casual words thrown around in a way to cement and assure me that he was being truthful.

It was then I saw the black box that he pulled out of his pocket, opening it up to reveal a beautiful ring. It was oval in shape, glistening with beautiful diamonds with a thin gold band.

"Isabella Swan, marry me. Marry me, and I'll give you forever. If you marry me first, Bella, I'll give you what you're asking for."

My throat was dry. It felt as if the words I wanted to say had got stuck on their way out, despite how much I tried to force them. When I went to speak, no sound came out because of the hoarseness of my throat. It was so real. Edward had finally succumbed.

"I…I…" I couldn't speak. I stared at Edward, glancing from his knee to the ring, to his waiting eyes and hopeful smile. "Not… no."

"No?" Edward repeated. In one word, he'd managed to portray such ache and hurt, it seemed as if he was falling apart at the seams. That hopeful smile disappeared to be replaced by a suffering grimace.

Desperately, I shook my head. "No, I will. I will marry you," I said, letting him sigh relieved before pulling me in for a deep kiss. I couldn't bring my lips to make contact with his, though. I pulled back from him, looking at him squarely in the eyes. "But…" His face sunk. "Not first. I'll marry you afterwards, when I'm like you."

I brought my hand up to trace his cheek bone, delicately stroking the lines of his face.

"Why?" he croaked.

"So you can't leave me at the alter." I grinned wickedly. "So I marry you as an equal, not as a responsibility. So I can see you with vampire eyes as I say 'I do'."

"I could never leave you at the alter, Bella, ever. I… I want to get married first. If we do this in the right order, maybe you can keep some of your soul."

"Edward…" I pressed my lips to his. "That's not just what I want," I mumbled quietly. "I want you, physically." My hands fell to his chest, gripping his shirt and trying to feel the muscles there. I crawled further into his lap, straddling him as best as my restrictive dress allowed. "I want to make love to you."

I brought my lips to his desperately, holding onto his hair tightly in an attempt to keep him to me.

"It's… dangerous, Bella," Edward breathed regretfully.

"Exactly." I smiled, having made my point. "I want to enjoy my honeymoon completely, the way newlyweds are supposed to. We can't if I'm still human. You have to change me first."

Edward was silent. I pulled back so I could watch his face, see his eyes scan over me possessively as he took in the weight of my words. My hands traced his arms, rubbing them up and down slowly, trying to be as tempting as I could, and I wiggled in his lap.

"Okay."

One word. That was all it took, one word, for my head to spin crazily, possiblities spilling into my mind in every kind of form; sounds, images, memories and visions of what I imagined the future to hold. My breathing seemed to hitch in shock, my body tremble with excitement when the realism of it all settled on me. I lunged forwards, wrapping my arms around his body and simply holding onto him, breathing heavily as adrenaline pumped around my body.

"Okay?" I asked back.

"Okay."

"You're agreeing?"

"I'm agreeing. If that's what it takes to make you happy, how can I really refuse? I can't lose you. Not again."

"When? The sooner, the better. I need… I can't get any older, Edward."

"Bella, there really isn't any rush-"

"But there is. I'm getting older, why you're just seventeen. I age, every day. I can't wait, Edward." I pushed myself up to lean closer to him, kissing him and then bringing my lips to his neck. In our position, my neck was exposed to him. His chin was lightly resting on the place where my pulse could be felt. All he'd have to do was bare his teeth and bite…

"Bella, please." He pushed me back quickly, taking deep breaths as soon as I wasn't as close to him. It seemed I'd had an affect on him... "Think sensibly. What about school and friends? What about Charlie?"

My heart dropped. He was the only thing that made this decision hard. Not hard enough not to see it through, but hard enough for my throat to close with the grief and loss I'd feel when I finally had to say goodbye.

"Charlie," I whispered, the croak was evident in my voice.

"Are you sure, Bella? We don't have to."

"I'm positive. It'll just be… difficult."

"I understand."

"So, when then? If not now, when?"

"Three years? Give me three years of your humanity, so you're sure of what you want. The change is irreversible."

"It's too long. I'm already sure."

"Two years?" He seemed to be pleading with me but two years was too long. It was long enough for him to leave again, to leave me behind with no way of catching him back up again.

"Too long. I want it now." I feared I was sounding like a spoilt brat but now wasn't the time to worry about such things.

"That isn't possible, Bella."

"Then when's the soonest we can do?"

"A year?"

I looked at Edward's eyes. They'd already given so much up for my happiness. I had to remember, as I saw his ache, that he'd forgotten my happiness not long ago. When I relived the pain I'd been through, the torment and agony that I'd felt during those months, I couldn't hold back.

"Graduation," I blurted out quickly. In that one word, everything seemed to fall into place. Like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, like the way my hands fit with Edwards, the solution was evident to me. "Graduation," I repeated. "We can say… we can say we're going to a University far away. Like, studying in England, or Europe. So, you change me, and everyone thinks we're just studying, but I'm not. I'm a newborn. So then," I continued hurriedly, my voice rippling with excitement. "Then we live together. I make excuses with Charlie, saying I can't afford travel. I heal, I become like you where blood doesn't tempt me. I come back, see Charlie and let him know I'm okay. Maybe he could even be at the wedding?"

I stopped talking to look at Edward, excitement pouring from every cell of my body. Edward's face was lit with the same enthusiasm that I'd coated him in, shared with him. Only his face was soon melted of the happiness.

"Bella, it could take years before you become controlled. It wouldn't be safe for Charlie to see you. Nor would it be suitable for you to see him afterwards; you would look the same, even after years of supposed aging."

It seemed it hurt Edward as much to tell me the news as much as it took me to hear it. So, if I said goodbye to Charlie and gave the excuse of studying, that'd be it? That'd be goodbye, forever? What about Renée? I hadn't seen her for so long, anyway.

"I'll never see him again?"

"I don't know, Bella. It's difficult to say. But it'd be unlikely, too unlikely, too unfair on him."

"We could tell him. I could tell him what you are, what I'll become. He'll understand. He said it himself, he just wants me to be happy!" I tried to argue, but I knew the secret was too great.

"It'd be dangerous."

"It hasn't been for me. Only you thought it was dangerous."

"Bella, the most vital rule for vampires is to keep the secret. Knowing would create danger for Charlie."

"But I know."

"Not exactly by choice, more your persistence, but it was inevitable either way. I couldn't stay away."

I took a deep breath, thinking about how awful the words that were about to come out of my mouth would sound. Not that I could keep them in, they needed to be said. Edward needed to know exactly what I was thinking.

"Edward… Charlie's going to get old. When I'm forty, he'll be sixty four. You never know, he might get ill, get into an accident. You know he drinks and eats his way through his life. What should I do? Do I wait until he dies? A child should outlive their parents; I expect to. I'll have to say goodbye one day, Edward, so why not now? Why not now, so I can be young forever and live with you for eternity? Isn't that awful to think that way?" I paused, but not wanting him to answer, scared he'd agree with me. "I'll never be ready to let go of him; who is? But I know who I can't live without."

"I love you so much, Bella," he breathed, pressing his lips against mine.

"I love you, too," I whispered into his mouth. Slowly, I pulled back to looking into his eyes. "Graduation?" I asked, wanting him to promise, needing him to agree with what we've finally came to.

After a moment of intense gazing, I saw him smile. It was that smile that sealed the rest of my future; it didn't lie, and neither did the eyes that held the truths of the world.

With one word, it was final: "Graduation."

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xxx