Note: I think I'm going to change "Note:" to "Authour's Chapterly Random Waffle". It seems more suitable. Anyway, I'm back and ready to write! Review, and I'll love you forever.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Bella's POV

Relief washed over me like cool water. It seemed as if an immense weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I sighed. Carlisle gave me a professional nod, followed by a kind smile. If I had had to go to any other man for a pregnancy test, even Charlie, it would have been tortuously embarrassing. But it was very difficult to feel awkward around Carlisle. I had been surprised that he had a pregnancy test with him on a camping holiday, and even more surprised when he smiled at me in genuine kindness when I told him of my… predicament. I had expected some sort of disapproval, or maybe even anger, but he had only seemed pleased, and not at all surprised. But I had sensed a strange sort of tension in his eyes at the beginning, and he gazed to the tent door with concern in his eyes, as if looking out and beyond it.

But whatever it was, I didn't mind. I was just happy that he wasn't mad at me. And also, I had a much more important reason to be relieved…

I wasn't pregnant!

Babies are nice, lovely even, but I am so not ready for one. I have my whole life, after all.

"Edward!" I called, jogging over to him. He was sitting by the lake, underneath a tree, idly brushing a blade of grass over his fingers. He turned, and was up in a flash, whizzing over to me and grabbing me up in his arms. He leaned in, his prefect features so close to mine that it would only take a few inches of movement for me to kiss him. How did I ever end up with someone so amazingly good-looking?

"Yes?" he said softly, holding my tightly to him. The low purring tone to his voice sent shivers of pleasure down my spine.

"I'm not pregnant," I said quietly, giving him a small relieved smile.

A second late I crashed to the ground, the impact jarring every bone in my body. I looked up in utter shock. Edward had dropped me! He stared straight ahead, anxiety and disbelief etched onto his face. He didn't even seem to notice that I was on the floor at his feet.

"You…you're not?!" he gasped.

"N-no…" I replied hesitantly. Was he that upset? I thought he'd be as relieved as I was!

"But then…but then…" Edward stuttered, rubbing his hand to his forehead. His eyes searched the landscape wildly. I hated the familiar feeling of confusion and dread that was now coursing through me.

"I'm not pregnant and I don't want to be!" I continued, "And in future we'd better use protection!" I was annoyed now, as well as hurt. What was happening? Why did everything always have to go wrong?

"NO!" Edward bellowed, whirling around and striding a few steps away. "We have to…you have to…otherwise…"

"Otherwise what?!" I said in bewilderment. "What's going on?"

"You don't understand!" Edward bellowed. He was almost frantic now. "I just want to protect you, please see that! I just… I want the best life for you! I want- oh! No, Bella! Please don't cry!" I had started to weep, sitting there awkwardly on the ground. Edward dropped to his knees and clutched me to him. He grasped me tightly, pulling every inch of our kneeling bodies together. I cried into his shoulder, clutching the fabric of his shirt in my hands.

"Why don't you t-tell me anything?" I sobbed "I don't understand! A-all these weird things h-happen and you don't tell me what's g-going on!"

"Oh Bella," Edward murmured, calm now. He turned and sat with his back against the tree, curling me on top of him. I pressed my shaking self against him, furiously trying to wipe tears away from my eyes. "Do you trust me?" Edward asked softly, stroking my hair. I nodded tearfully. "Good. Just trust me Bella, alright? I love you more than you love yourself! Trust me." He could have been saying anything; the sound of his soothing low voice was enough to comfort me. I snuggled closer to him.

The past few days had been so tiring, both emotionally and physically. I wondered if this is how it would always be with Edward and the Cullens. I desperately just wanted to let go, to trust Edward. But how could I, when just a few minutes ago he had dropped me painfully onto the ground with now warning or explanation? Read my mind, I thought, willing Edward to hear what I was thinking. Read my mind and see how desperate I am to trust you.

Edward bent down and kissed me. I don't know if it was because he actually read my mind, or if it was just a coincidence. But as soon as our lips touched, I momentarily forgot everything else. Even with all the painful times and confusion, it was worth being with Edward just for times like this. I deepened the kiss, and Edward raised a hand to my tear-stained cheeks. Whatever was coming, whatever lay ahead, I loved Edward far to much to ever let him go and find someone easier. Behind us, I heard the sound of a twig crack, but I didn't care who or what was there. Let every animal in the whole forest come and see how much I loved this vampire boy, and let the consequences be damned.