Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

This story has been adopted. The original was written and discontinued by Amiiix3. I was graciously given permission to continue the story as I saw fit. Thank you Amiiix3 for your trust.

"I love you, too," Edward whispered, his eyes soft. Icy fingers trailed my cheek and tilted my chin, guiding my lips to his.

Two days dissolved quickly. I seemed to be moving through them in a dreamlike state. My mind was always focused on Edward and I felt like he was quickly becoming more a part of me than I had anticipated. It seemed that everyone in the family was suspicious, and they had good reason to be. For long hours of the day Edward and I would sit in the forest on the edges of the market with the excuse of learning to control our thirsts.

We did attempt to become stronger against the scent of human blood, but much of this time was spent kissing beneath the snow-covered trees and occasionally talking about literature, a favorite subject of mine when I was human.

On the third day– the day Edward told me our problems with Tanya would be resolved– she came at me like a whirlwind.

I had been in my room, having just returned from a long night of running with Edward. He was such a fast runner, and I would never admit it to him, but sometimes I caught myself stealing some of his strength and speeding ahead of him, just so I could cheer him up later with a long, deep kiss.

We had circled the forest multiple times before drinking from the few animals that ventured out into the Alaskan cold.

"Go get dressed, today is the day." Edward had walked me to my room and stood just past the threshold, too kind to step in without my permission.

"The day?"

"Remember our first kiss?" Edward asked, his eyes brightening.

"How could I forget?" I thought back to the first, awkward moment when our lips had touched. I shook my head, breaking myself from the thoughts.

"But what does that have to– oh."

"You remember now?" I nodded, recalling Edward flaunting one of his many secrets, this one about Tanya.

"But we don't need to worry about her for much longer," Edward said, completely certain.

I frowned. "How do you know?"

"You'll find out later. All you have to do is get through the rest of this week."

"You're finally going to tell me?" I bounced on my toes, the excitement of yet another secret energizing me. Lately, revealing secrets had been immensely satisfying– for both of us.

He pat me on the head, eliciting an indignant growl, and pushed me inside the room, his hand pressing lightly on the small of my back. Even when he withdrew his fingers, I could feel where he had touched me, as if his fingerprints had been molded into my skin.

"Go get ready," he insisted, beginning to pull the door shut behind me.

I blocked it with my foot. "I'll do that, thank you very much." And I slammed it in his shocked face.

The first thing I did was flop on my untouched bed. The comforters rippled around me for a moment, then fell back into place, like a pebble displacing water. I giggled at the simile in my head, wondering what the best way to describe Edward and I would be. Perhaps he was the tempting prey and I was the predator who could not control my bloodlust. Or he could be a golden jewel pressed into a plain, silver band– that would be me, of course—

And then something slammed into me, sending me flying across the bed and onto the floor on the other side. If it had hit me any harder, I would have gone soaring through the wall.

"Wha—?" I lifted my head, disoriented for a moment. Realizing I was slumped upside down, I flipped myself over, only to feel a sharp pain slice my cheek. My head was forced to the side and collided with the wall behind me. A hole formed, tiny pieces of plaster crumbling, falling into my hair and coating my forehead with dust. I could feel the next slap coming and jumped out of the way just before it hit me.

"Tanya!" I screeched, as her fist crashed into the spot where my head had been only moments before. The dent formed in the wall by my skull opened completely and Tanya's fist disappeared inside. She yanked it back out with a grunt, turning to find me on the other side of the room. I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at her, daring her to step closer.

She remained still, breathing deeply. Slowly, the wild look in her eyes disappeared and then she stood before me, her shoulders slumped, her right hand curled into a loose fist covered with white powder.

"What's wrong with you?" I whispered, unable to keep the accusation from my voice. One moment I was elated over Edward and the next I was being attacked without reason.

Tanya closed her golden eyes, shaking her head slowly. Her limp hair was tied into a ponytail, an attempt at making it look clean, but it was obviously unwashed. As I peered at her more closely, I could see she was wearing the same clothes she had been wearing since the night I had heard her and Edward talking– the misunderstanding.

"Are you alright?" I asked, suddenly feeling as though I were betraying someone, but who was there to betray? I was simply asking Tanya a question. Yet, the cells of my body told me to hate her, to fight back and give her a good punch. I was betraying my natural instinct– fight, revenge, defense.

She was suddenly furious. Her onyx eyes snapped open and light brows scrunched over them fiercely. "Don't speak to me!"

"Then get out of my room!" I retorted.

"Get out of my house– this is my coven!"

"This is my family." I whispered, even as I knew I had nothing to back me up. This was Tanya's home after all, and I had barged into it without warning, disrupting her life.

"Out." She growled low in her throat. I nodded, my shoulders falling, the elation of the past few days suddenly having disappeared. In seconds I had all my clothing and toiletries carefully placed in my black bag.

"Time to go, I suppose," I sighed, half to myself, before realizing a very smug Tanya was holding the door open for me, a gleaming smile on her face. I forced myself to return the grin, every bit as smug as she was.

"Goodbye." I even managed to wave, even as my stomach fell, and fell, and fell… everything changed so quickly.

"And don't try to get Edward," she glowered at the name, "to vouch for you."

"It hadn't crossed my mind." And truthfully it had not. From the very first moment Tanya told me to leave, I knew I could not ask Edward to help me. That would be unfair; this was Tanya's home and these were her rules.

"Ready Bella?" Edward asked, appearing through the front door as I stepped into the foyer. He saw the slump of my shoulders and the defeated look in my eye.

I tried to force a smile, but it was pathetic.

"What's wrong, Bella?" His arm was suddenly around my waist, pulling me against him, and his other hand cupped my cheek. I melted into the embrace, resting my head against his chest, feeling his muscles tighten beneath my fingers.

"Tanya wants me to leave," I mumbled.

He pulled away, his eyes scrutinizing my face. "You're kidding, right?" I shook my head. A grin began to tug at the corners of his lips. He only hid it for a second, before pressing me against the banister at the bottom of the stairs and kissing me deeply.

I was the first to pull away this time, my head spinning with confusion and euphoria. "What are you so happy about? What if someone sees?" I forced a good amount of space between us and crossed my arms, gripping the sides of my shirt to keep myself from attacking him.

"This is perfect. We don't have to leave now, we can just leave."

"What? That's the same thing!" Edward was not making any sense.

"Bella, Bella, Bella, that was the surprise!"

"Surprise?"

"We had to wait until the end of the week so that Esme could secretly pack up all our clothes– that's why she was doing laundry so much. And Carlisle had to ease out of his job, because he had to give notice and they had to find a replacement… so much silly stuff that's now over!" He was speaking quickly, leaning towards me. His fingers stroked my arm feverishly, and he finished his explanation with a little jump, one that brought him ever closer.

I stared at him for a long time, watching as the excitement in his eyes dimmed to a normal level. Apparently they had been planning to leave.

"And you didn't tell me? You put me through the torture of having to think I would spend my entire life hiding from her and them with you and you didn't bother telling me we were-" He silenced me with a long, slow kiss. Someone whooped.

I gasped and slipped away from him, folding myself into the corner. Perhaps they would think Edward was kissing air and go away.

"You don't have to hide anything from us, Bella. We're hurt!" Irina smirked, Kate clapping delicately beside her. I could not quiet the relieved sigh that escaped me.

Edward stepped away from me, a sheepish grin on his face. "I'll meet you in the car while you say goodbye."

"Goodbye?" I asked. It was hard to grasp the fact that we were leaving. First Tanya, then Edward…

"Goodbye!" Kate reached forward and tugged me into her arms, embracing me with an iron grip. "You've given me hope, Bella. I'm going to go out and find a man for myself now!" She laughed, only half sarcastic.

"I'm with Kate," Irina started, hugging me tightly. "And I think we'll find a man for Tanya too. She's been so cranky lately– it's time we fix that."

"She punched a hole in the wall, if that's what you call cranky," I said doubtfully.

Irina nodded, thoughtful. "Yes, that's Tanya. We used to think she should be a redhead, with that feistiness."

"I resent that," Kate huffed. Irina and I frowned, turning to her.

"You're not a redhead, Kate," I stated.

She rolled her eyes. "I know that. I've been with a ton of redheaded men, though, and they were all pretty laid back– none of that 'fiery temper' stuff."

"The women are the ones you have to watch out for. They're like pariahs." Irina shuddered.

I could not control my laughter, allowing it to bubble over like champagne and receiving bemused looks from the she-vampires. "I think you meant 'piranhas'."

Kate giggled into her palm while Irina seethed. "Whatever," she muttered.

"Bella?" Esme's voice drifted through the open door.

Kate's face fell. "I guess this is goodbye."

"Goodbye," I sighed, clasping their hands tightly and then letting my fingers loosen and slip away. "I'll send you letters!"

"We'll send you pictures of men!" Kate, always the joker. I shook my head, chuckling to myself as I stepped outside. The wind immediately whipped my hair about, like the writhing snakes on Medusa's head. Edward's familiar fingers brushed the strands from my face and something hard snapped my hair into place. "A clip," he explained, grinning.

I laughed. "So now you're a hairdresser, too? Is there anything you're not good at?"

"I'll let you know," he promised, leading me to the end of the drive where Esme and Carlisle stood together.

"Now Bella," Esme began, approaching me immediately and nearly pushing Edward out of the way. "I brought a winter coat for you, for when we get near the cities and you need some kind of protection so you don't get cold."

"Thank you, Es—"

"I'm just carrying one bag for Carlisle, Edward, and I," she plowed on, "because we can always buy more clothing later, but feel free to take your own clothes."

"Alright, Esm—"

"I want to make sure you're fine with this," she continued in one breath. "We're going to Rochester, New York, and we're starting a new life there, Bella. It's all beginning again: Carlisle is getting a job as a doctor, you and Edward will have to go to school, and I'll play the charade of a housewife."

"Okay-Esme-I'm-completely-fine-thank-you!" I rushed in one breath, getting it out before she had a chance to cut me off again.

She beamed, enveloping me in a motherly embrace. "I'm so glad, Bella."

She paused thoughtfully. "We'll have to give you a part in this play, too." I cocked my head confusedly. Play? "Carlisle and I are married, of course– as we are in reality. Edward is pretending to be my son. You…" She tapped her chin, pursing her lips.

The honey eyes focused on my face again, glimmering thoughtfully. "We'll think of it later, then."

"Time to leave?" Carlisle asked, smiling; his teeth gleamed, reflecting the scarce light.

Esme strolled towards him and they stood together, as though joined by the hip, the way they always seemed to be. "Time to leave," she echoed.

"Time to leave," Edward sighed. My brow furrowed, eyes darting between them. Was I supposed to go next?

"Time to leave…?" It came out as a question. Edward snickered at my expression and leaned down to peck me on the cheek. I looked immediately to Esme and Carlisle, afraid they had seen. They were watching us with strange expressions– warm, blissful ones.

Esme's caramel hair danced in the wind, a smile quirked her florid lips. "Thank You," she mouthed, as though I had done her a great favor by seducing her makeshift son.

I broke our gaze, turning instead to Edward and tussling his soft, bronze locks, creating even more disarray. "We'll finally get to spend time alone." I winked, watching with satisfaction as a breathtaking, crooked grin appeared on his handsome face. I longed to kiss those tempting lips, but decided it would be a good idea to keep the public displays to a minimum.

"Let's get going, darling," I teased, remembering from one of our discussions that he disliked pet names.

"I'll get you going," I thought I heard him mutter, but it was lost in the wind. Our journey consisted of Carlisle, a map, and many defenseless animals. I might have been tempted to go back to the Denali Coven and beg for re-entrance, but having Edward at my side made the boring journey slightly more…interesting.

We alternated hunting to remain inconspicuous; Carlisle and Esme went one day, then a few days later Edward and I would go. These few hours out of the watchful eyes of Esme– no matter how understanding, approving, or non judgemental– were pure bliss.

"I have a surprise for you," Edward told me one day. We were in one of the many dense forests of Forks, Washington, passing through on our way to New York. It was funny to have just recently left New York for a new life, only to find that new life back in New York.

"What is it?" I asked, unable to keep the unadulterated excitement from my voice. After days of unvarying travel, I was easily pleased.

"Come with me." His fingers intertwined with mine and he began tugging me along a faded path.

"But Edward…" I struggled effortlessly, truly curious but feeling guilty. "What about Esme and Carlisle?"

I was suddenly in his arms, one of his alabaster hands tucked behind my knees and the other cradled beneath my neck. "If you struggle, I'll have to carry you."

"Too late," I scoffed, writhing in his grip. "I have a power, you know." I made the mistake of meeting his eyes, and the fury in mine melted as his smoldering topaz irises met my own, the gold ever brighter against the dark pupil. I felt my tense muscles relax as he leaned forward, always holding my gaze, and brushing his lips against mine.

I stretched my neck, wanting to deepen the kiss, but Edward pulled away, grinning triumphantly. "And apparently I have a power, as well!"

I narrowed my eyes as he began to run, and he skidded to a sudden stop, his eyes widening. His expression was one of intense concentration as he focused on running. He moved no faster than an average human and I could see, with glee, his frustration building, his arms tiring under my weight. I attempted to muffle my laughter by turning my face to the side of his neck, all the while breathing in his hypnotic scent, but he caught on.

"Bella," he growled.

I met his eyes, biting my lip coyly. "I'm sorry… who has the power?" He muttered something indecipherable. "What was that?" I cocked my head, jutting my lower lip in an obnoxious pout.

"You've got the power." Edward scowled.

I grinned gloatingly. "That's right, Edward. I've got the power."

"I can read minds," he whined, finally placing me on the ground. I released my hold on his strength, allowing it to seep back into him. He looked relieved.

"I'm sure you can darling, but in this setting," I waved at the green, spring forest around us and, more importantly, at the lack of people, "I always win."

He sighed and forced a smile. "I feel so helpless around you. You're supposed to be the damsel in distress, not me."

I burst out laughing at the thought of Edward in a flimsy gown sitting atop a door less tower guarded by a dragon, waving a white scarf and hoping his prince would come. His look of annoyance grew more pronounced now, his rosy, bottom lip falling into an irresistible pout.

Suddenly I stepped closer to him, our bodies so near each other, they seemed to be trapped in a magnetic attraction, but with a clear border between. The mood changed as I watched him lick his lips.

Edward erased the border. His arms circled my waist, pressing me to him, and his lips sought out my own, caressing them. I let one hand remain trapped between our bodies, clutching the material of his shirt like a life-vest, while my other hand trailed over the back of his neck, feeling the goosebumps form with every kiss.

He leaned against a tree and hooked his fingers through the loops of my shorts, pulling me as close as I could get in the conditions, his lips never leaving my own. I ran my tongue over his bottom lip, tracing the familiar curve, the perfect smoothness, and moaning as his mouth opened to me and our tongues teased each other. Instantaneously, he had spun us around, the tree's rough bark scraped my back as he pressed his body against mine, almost harshly, but with passion.

"Bella…? Edward…?" Esme's soft call broke us apart. We leaned our foreheads against together, panting for unnecessary breaths, our bodies curved toward each other.

"We… should go," I managed.

"Yes… we should," Edward breathed. His lips were inching toward mine again, and I could feel my eyes beginning to shut, watching the haze darken his; but another call from Esme, this time closer, snapped us apart.

"Coming!" I called back, as Edward stumbled away from me, his feet crunching leaves. "We'll have to finish that later," I whispered as I passed him by, my voice lower than usual.

Edward blinked rapidly before tripping after me. "I'll have to show you that special place another time." And I would not see The Meadow until many years later.