A/N: I do not own Twilight, New Moon, or Eclipse Stephenie Meyer does. (I have used a few quotes from the special edition of New Moon.) I own pretty much nothing except for Tristan.

This chapter is for all of you who want Bella to be with Tristan. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 19

Flash Back:

"Oh, dear heavens not again. Edward PLEASE." I sounded so pleading. "Please I love you, your love is all I will ever need. Don't make me beg."

"Bella, it is for the best. You need to have a chance at a life and if me leaving will give you that, then that is what I am going to do." Edward sounded cold, but I could see love in his eyes.

Tears were streaking down my face now I was begging now. "Edward I need you. You are my life. I am nothing without you."

"Never, Ever say that again. It is not true. You are a beautiful intelligent person. I am just holding you back from your full potential. Bella, that is exactly why I need to go. You need to be complete in yourself before someone else completes you. That is why I need to go; I want you to have a healthy life. I know we are meant to be, but it is not the right time. You have only had one year of college; there is so many other experiences that you would miss out on. I love you, but I have to let you go. I'm sorry Bella, I love you."

"No Edward NO!" I started to pound furiously onto his chest. "You do not make decisions about my life. You do not get to decide what is best for me without even talking to me about it. You are not leaving! YOU PROMISED! I was ranting and continued pounding on his chest while tears poured out of my eyes.

Edward grabbed my elbows and pulled me into a tight embrace. His calming affect soothed my rant. He kissed the top of my head I looked up and he kissed me with more passion than we have ever shared. As he pulled a way only inches from my lips he whispered, "I'm sorry my love, please forgive me. Live your life."

Then without another word he was gone. I broke down as I fell to my knees. "No, Edward, no. Please, no." I just kept repeating that over and over. My head was swirling I drifted into darkness.

After my world came crashing down on me, again, I thought my life was over. Alice stayed with me along with the rest of the Cullens. They are my family now. When Edward left me he left them too. Tristan came over a lot. If it weren't for him and Alice, and the rest of the Cullens for that matter, I would've fallen back into the black whole that was my heart.

It has been almost a year since Edward left.

I finally started getting back on my feet. I was spending more time with my family. I was taking a lot of different classes at school, I was finding myself. I learned that I really enjoyed writing. I also found that I love art. I've gone to several museums; we even took a trip to New York so that we could go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spreading my wings a little felt good and refreshing.

The family and Tristan, who has become my best friend, really helped with my newfound freedom. For the first time in my life I did not feel obligated to anyone I did not feel like I have to take care of anyone. Not that I ever had to take care of Edward, but I am just now starting to realize that I was wearing blinders, my whole life was consumed by Edward. That is what I chose, I loved him, I love him, a part of me will probably always love him, but he is never coming back.

I was living my life with help of my family. Our weekends alternated between movie night and game night. Emmett and Tristan would get the most competitive on game night. They would get so into it the rest of us would sit back and laugh at their bickering. I felt whole within myself again.

Tristan came over after my classes on Friday for another marathon session of 80's movies and junk food.

"Hey Tristan, what's up man? When are we going to have a rematch of our connect four game?" Emmett gave Tristan a high five as he walked in.

"I'm not sure if I want to play with someone who cheats." Tristan smirked at Emmett.

"I do not cheat!" Emmett squealed. He always gets defensive when someone accuses him of cheating.

We all laughed and before Tristan could reply I pulled him away, this could go on for a while.

"Come on Tristan let's go! We're watching "Sixteen Candles" first." I told him excitedly as I dragged him to the TV room.

He groaned. "No, not that one you always want to watch that one first on 80's movie night."

"What can I say, it's my favorite." I shrugged reaching for the DVD. Right when I was about to grab it I felt a strong hand on mine. I looked up and I saw Tristan's blue eyes staring intently at me. He was smirking at me. I looked down and he had "Indiana Jones" in his hand.

"Noo, I groaned. Not another action movie." He just laughed at me.

"Ah come on Bella." He wined, trying to dazzle me the way Edward used to. There was a time in my life when I would've just given in, or if I was trying to be mean I would force what I wanted on him, but I tried a different approach.

"No, I do not want to watch "Indiana Jones" AGAIN. I won't force you to watch "Sixteen Candles" so why don't we compromise?

He looked at me curiously. "This is new, I think I like it." He smiled.

"Well why don't we watch the "Back to the Future" Trilogy and after that if we are still awake we can play rock paper scissors to see who chooses the next movie okay."

He smiled, "deal."

I felt so warm. He has been so great. I know that there was a time that he really wanted to be with me, but we have become really good friends. I know that ever since Edward left he had given me the space I needed. I was able to help myself heal my heart. There is no way that I could ever have had a real relationship until my heart was mended. I think that my heart has finally started to heal.

On the table in front of us was a spread of all sorts of junk food; pizza, m&m's, starbursts, popcorn, soda, chips, and ice cream. As the first movie started we stuffed our faces, laughing and making funny comments about the movie.

It felt so good to be free and laugh and be myself. By the time the third movie was half way over I was losing my battle with my eyelids. Tristan pulled the covers over me. As I drifted off to sleep I thought I heard him whisper, "Good Night, sweet Bella."

The next morning I woke up and was surprised to see the mess from the night before had already been cleaned. I noticed a pair of piercing blue eyes set against tan skin staring at me. I could tell that my face flushed.

"Morning sleepy head." Tristan said with a chuckle.

"What time is it?" I was still trying to wake up.

"Almost nine o'clock. I do not think that you have ever slept in this late before." Tristan said with a smile in his voice.

I shrugged, "So what's on the agenda for today?"

Before he could even respond Alice came bouncing into the room more excited than usual.

"I just saw it and it's going to be wonderful!" Alice was so excited, but I have no idea what she is talking about.

"What are you talking about Alice?" I asked with real interest.

"Well, spring break is coming up and Carlisle has planned a vacation for all of us. Tristan you're going to come to. I saw it already, it's going to be so much fun!"

"Where are we going on this really exciting vacation?" I asked.

"Well, you know that we own several houses all over the world, well we happen to own an island in the south pacific. I haven't been to the beach in ages, I am so excited and you know what this means?"

"I'm afraid to ask." I said dryly, knowing the inevitable.

"SHOPPING! There are so many things we need to get, swim suits being the most important!" Alice was really excited now.

I heard Tristan laughing; he knows how torturous these shopping excursions are for me.

I shot him a dirty look, "Just for that mister, you are coming and carrying the bags."

His laughter stopped immediately. "Do I have to?"

"Yes you do. That is what is on the agenda for today, so get ready." I was stern, if I was going to be dragged into this, than so is he.

"Oh and by the way Tristan, you are driving." I said with a smile. I don't know that much about cars, but I love his. I make excuses every time we have to go anywhere, just so I can ride in his car. Not that I would have to make excuses, he would take me anywhere I wanted, I know he would. And this time it is to the mall for shopping. Shopping isn't really as bad as it used to be; I actually have fun with Alice and Rosalie now.

Tristan's POV

I do not know how I always get stuck going with the girls on their shopping trips. Emmett and Jasper always laugh at me saying I whipped, but Bella and I are just friends. I love her so much, I would be more than happy to be with her, but she needs space. She has become so strong and independent. I would hate to ruin our friendship. Ever since last year when Edward left I have backed off perusing her, I know she needs a friend right now more than anything. I would do anything for her.

Today I was driving for her. I was taking her, Alice, and Rosalie to the mall. They are shopping for swimming suits so I do not mind at all, if I get to see Bella in a swimming suit. Hey, I said I was not perusing her it does not mean that I cannot enjoy the view.

At the mall Alice was like a mad woman. She dragged us into the swimwear store. She handed Bella a stack of suits and I noticed Bella cringe slightly as she drug her feet into the dressing room.

When Bella stepped out of the dressing room my breath caught in my throat. She is so gorgeous. The dark colors of her suit contrasted with her skin; there was a hint of belly button showing below the bottom of her top. She looked up and I noticed I was staring. She blushed like she usually does when I stare. I cannot help myself; she is the most beautiful creature that I have ever seen in my life. I am the luckiest man on earth to be able to be her friend, to be able to make her smile.

Edward was crazy to leave her, but I understand why, he loved her as much as I love her. I just do not think that I would be strong enough to leave her if I was in his position. I honestly do not know what I would have done. All I know is that I am here with her now, I hope that one day she will give me a chance to make her happy like she once was.

Bella POV

Alice shoved me into the dressing room to try on some swimming suits. I found one that I really liked, it's a black tankini with light blue flowers embroidered on the side and on the boy short bottoms that came with it. When I stepped out of the dressing room I was feeling subconscious about being in a swimming suit. I looked up and saw that Tristan was starring at me. I felt a blush rise on my cheeks like it usually does when he stares at me. I am not sure why he stares, but I see love, longing, and friendship in his eyes. I find comfort in him.

As soon as I found a few suits that I really liked Alice insisted on getting them. Then I realized that she had forced Tristan into a dressing room. He was stepping out wearing white board shorts that had light blue stripes going down the sides. He was still wearing his shirt when Alice forced him to take it off.

"Tristan, we need to get the full affect in order to make an educated decision, now take off your shirt." Alice commanded.

Tristan did as he was told. When he slipped of his shirt, my breath caught in my throat. He is gorgeous. His tan skin contrasted nicely with his board shorts, his abdomen is rippled with muscles. His entire torso is rippled with muscles for that matter. He is not too big, but perfect. He smiled and his white teeth glimmered against his chocolate skin while his eyes sparkled. I did not think that two perfect beings could exist. I thought Edward was the only man who could look so perfect, I was wrong. Tristan is as perfect as it gets.

Wait! What was I thinking? He doesn't look at me like that. I don't want to ruin our friendship. I care about him so much. He would never think about me in that way, I had better not torture myself like this. I am just glad that we are friends he makes me so happy.

After our shopping trip, Tristan helped to bring in all the bags, not that Alice or Rosalie needed help, he was just a gentleman.

The next couple weeks went by in a blur. I was so busy getting my schoolwork done and getting ready for spring break, I barely had a moment to relax. It's fine, because I am going to get plenty of relaxation during spring break. I can't wait!

When it was finally time to go I could hardly contain myself. I worked really hard getting my papers and assignments done so that I wouldn't have to worry about anything this week. Tristan let us use his private jet; well he was coming too, so we were all using it.

When the plane touched down I could see the clear blue sea. I saw something big swimming off shore and made a mental note not to go into the water, at least not too far.

We were all loaded into a nice SUV and headed towards the Cullen's private beach house. They owned the entire island, how would that be? We pulled up to the house it is beautiful. Beautiful white with coral blue shutters there was even grass surrounding the house, it made quite a lovely yard. There is a path that leads to the beach. The water is so beautiful, it is so clean that I could see the bottom and small fish swimming around.

We put all of our things in our rooms, Tristan's is right next to mine on the second floor. I am glad Emmett and Rosalie's room is on the first floor on the opposite side of the house so we won't have to listen to them.

As soon as we got everything unpacked, Esme pulled Tristan and me into the kitchen to show us the fully stocked pantry and fridge. She also mentioned that they had some blood for them in there just in case they needed it, bit that they would because everyone fed before we left and we would only be away for a week. I wonder, do they drink fish blood? Would it be the same?

After Tristan and I got a snack we trekked out to the beach, everyone else was already out there. By the time we got there they already had all the beach blankets and umbrella's up. I sat down on the edge of one of the beach towels, took off my sandals and put my feet in the sand. It was really hot so I buried my feet, which cooled them off a little. I sat there basking in the sunlight when Alice came running up to me.

"Bella! Why do you still have your clothes on? Didn't you bring those swim suits you got?"

"Oh, yeah, I have one on under my shirt and shorts, I just forgot. I sat down and was enjoying the warmth and forgot."

"Okay, I am just making sure. When you're ready do you want to come over and watch us play Frisbee football? Its girls verse the boys and should be a really fun game.

"Yeah, I'll be there in just a little bit." I'm so relaxed it's hard to care about Alice's enthusiasm, nut I knew I would give in and go watch their game. It would probably be really good.

I took off my shirt, for some reason I still felt a little self-conscience about taking off my shorts. I noticed that Tristan was still there on one of the blankets sitting near me. He was looking at me.

"What? Do I have something crawling on me?" I asked him as I looked franticly around my shoulders.

He just laughed and shook his head. He could be so weird sometimes, but you gotta love him. He is such a good friend I really care about him-wow. He was taking off his shirt. I've seen him with no shirt on before, I know what he has, but with the sun shining down on his caramel skin, Wow, he's gorgeous, His chiseled chest and abs look so amazing,

"Earth to Bella. Earth to Bella." Tristan was waving his hand up and down in front of my face,

I snapped out of me trans, oh I hope wasn't drooling. He just laughed. I'm sure my face is bright red now, which made him laugh even more.

"Come on Bella, let's go watch the game." Tristan said through his laughter. He picked me up with my protests and carried me over his shoulder.

"Put me down! Let me walk!" He just laughed at my protests.

"You did not say 'please'." He joked.

"Please! Put me down!" Immediately he put me down right in front of him and steadied me so that I wouldn't fall. Then he did something so unexpected. He pulled me close to him. My heart sped up as he wrapped his arms around me and whispered into my ear.

"I would have put you down anyway. I would do anything for you. I love you."

I looked up at him; his blue eyes sparkled down at me. I became lost in his eyes. He smiled and drew me into him. When his lips touched mine I though that I would explode. I didn't think that anyone could make me feel this way again. His soft lips were strong yet tender. The kiss was sweet but said everything that we did not.

When we pulled away I asked, "What was that for?"

"I love you Bella. I have loved you since our first conversation in the food court. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met, inside and out. I do not think anyone could be as amazing as you."

I was speechless. I thought he liked me back then, but got over it. Is really saying what I think he is saying? When I didn't respond right away he continued.

"I know that part of your heart still belongs to him." He knew better than to say his name. "But I want to try to show love, happiness, and joy. I want to make you happy. I know that you are happy, but I see something missing in your eyes. I will never leave you. Even if you do not feel the same way, I will always be here for you. I will be your friend. I will always love you. I know that he made promises to you and broke them. I will not promise, I will show you. I love you and will always be here for you."

Wow. I can't believe this is happening and in one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been. Our first kiss on the beach of a tropical island its perfect. A small smile played on my lips as I remembered the kiss. I wanted to do it again, so I did. I reached for him and kissed him. He eagerly returned the kiss. This felt right. I thought that after all that we have been through together that this would feel weird, but it doesn't. It feels so right.

When we pulled away, I surprised myself when I said, "I love you too. You're my best friend. You make me so happy." Tears of joy started streaming down my face. I truly never thought any man would ever make me feel so safe and loved as he did at that moment.

He smiled his dazzling smile and took my hands in his, "I will always be your friend, and your love for as long as you will have me. I will gladly stay by your side through anything that life will throw at us. I love you Bella, with all of my heart, mind, body and soul."

With that he kissed me passionately and I kissed him back to seal the words that we had just spoken. When we pulled away he smiled and grabbed my hand as we strolled down the beach to meet the rest of the family. I knew they would be happy for us, we were all family and I knew that they thought of Tristan of family. I don't think that I could be any happier than I am at the moment; nothing was going to tear us apart.

A/N: Okay, so this is the end for now. I have some story lines in mind to continue this. I am thinking a full story of "Choose your own Adventure" sort of thing. I will only write it if people will want to read it, so let me know.

If I do write a sequel it would be to this storyline. Edward could come back, Tristan and Bella could have children, and/or Volturi might make another appearance. I'm not really sure, just let me know what you think. Thanks!

A special thanks to all of those who reviewed and commented, I really appreciate it.

I am thinking of writing another story called, "The Girl Next Door" I'm not sure. Let me know what you think. Thanks!