Hi to all of you who returned! There were a few people who weren't a fan of the way this story is heading but for the most part you guys seem to have understood what Edward thought before he met Bella! But, like it or loathe it - I don't begrudge anyone telling me the truth - we can't all like the same things can we?

Anyway, the last update before the mad rush to the cinema begins!

Chapter 21 - Ba-motherfucking-humbug!

BPOV

Fucking Christmas sucks balls.

The mistletoe, the gifts, and the Christmas spirit everyone else seemed to have in abundance. But not me, oh no. Ba-motherfucking-humbug to anything remotely Christmas related.

It was the last day before the school broke for the holidays and I was determined to piss as many students off as I could by completing an academically sound lesson. But, as I wasn't a total bitch, I added a nice little twist.

The first class of the day strolled in expecting an easy hour ahead of them.

Ha-ha suckers!

"So, as you are well aware, we have been talking about the lead characters in some of the novels we are studying, and how they are perceived by the reader." I heard the groans chorus around the room and laughed. "Come on, I'm trying to make a good impression here, guys. It's not like I was going to let you get away with doing nothing for the entire hour."

I moved around to sit on my desk. I knew they'd appreciate it better once I explained. "As I was saying. How we, the readers, interpret a characters action or mood can be entirely different to how the author intended. So, using that I want each of you to sell yourself. If you were a fictional character how would others perceive you and on the flip side of that, how would you want to be perceived?"

The class fell silent and I saw a few happy faces looking back at me. Of course the usual suspects would be volunteering in a flash. Desperate to be the center of attention as always, but today I wanted to give others the opportunity.

"I'll give you a few minutes to think about it and then I'll pick who gets to go first." I clapped my hands and let them work in silence. I gave them a good five minutes and then asked them to listen up. "Right, times up. Connor, why don't you go first?"

Connor Wilson was a jock through and through. Captain of the football team, boyfriend of the most popular girl in school and admittedly he was a handsome guy. But in his work I could see there was something else to him and I wanted to give him the chance to put that across.

"First of all tell us how you think your character is perceived by those around you," I encouraged.

Connor stood up and cleared his throat nervously. "Well, I suppose people would see me as your typical all-American guy. They probably expect me to be a joker, a player and probably a bit of an over confident ass."

"And how would you like to be seen?" I pressed.

"Well, I guess I am most of that... but I want to be taken seriously too. I want to be more than just the jock. When I go to college I hope I can walk away with something useful –"

A knock at the door interrupted us and I saw Principal Green hovering at the door. I nodded and he entered the classroom. His face was flushed and he looked extremely nervous.

"I'm sorry to disturb your class, Miss Swan. But we have a visitor at the school and he would like to sit in on your lesson. I have explained you are very new to our team and he may be best sitting in on another class, but he was insistent. Do you object to that?"

Fucking fantastic. Just what I need, a spectator.

"Sure that's fine. Show him in," I answered but instead the Principal closed the door.

"Before he joins you, I cannot tell you how important it is that we make a good first impression. To have a guest of this stature here in Forks is staggering and I want to leave him with only positive memories. Be polite, listen to Miss Swan, and please ensure you address him correctly." I saw beads of sweat pouring down the old guy's face and he was fidgeting with the button on his crumpled jacket.

Who the fucking hell was this guy?

"Of course we will – right everyone?" I reassured him and the class murmured a weak agreement which didn't sound too convincing if I'm honest.

"Very well. I'll bring him in then."

I craned my neck to see who this stupid-ass guest was.

"Okay, class please give HRH Prince Edward our warmest welcome."

My heart flipped and my stomach lurched so badly I was almost sick. I felt my eyes prick with tears as a torrent of memories flooded my mind. I looked down quickly to the floor to hide them as I tried to keep a hold on my emotions.

No fucking way. It couldn't be – could it? It was probably the pompous ass Father making sure I wasn't intending to return to England any time soon. Yes, that was it - his Father. Not my Edward. Not my Edward.

Please let it be my Edward...

"Good morning everyone. It's an absolute pleasure to be here."

That voice, his voice. It sounded more perfect than I dared to remember. The soft, warm, English accent with his typically perfect pronunciation of every damn syllable.

Fuck – I'm high. The bastard at the drive-thru slipped me drugs in my fucking coffee this morning. That's why I can hear him, smell him...

My heart was literally racing and drumming against my chest and I chanced a look up. Hoping that I wasn't losing my fucking mind.

I lost all comprehension of where I was. For a few fleeting seconds I was back in England and looking at the face I'd never expected to see in person again. Even before I saw his eyes, I could feel him looking at me. His intense and burning gaze which made me feel like I was the only woman on the face of this motherfucking planet.

"Miss Swan, I believe?" Edward smiled as he spoke.

"Um, yes. Please take a seat, Your Highness," I mumbled and indicated to a vacant chair in the middle of the room.

"Thank you," he said and took a seat. "So what are you studying today?"

I didn't trust my mind to string a sentence together without mumbling incoherent bull shit or making some kind of lewd comment about how I needed to see him naked to believe any of this was actually happening. So I asked one of the students to tell him.

As the girl explained I saw his eyes flicker back and forth to me, and that crooked smile formed on his face.

My God I think I loved him more now than ever before.

"That sounds interesting. Please continue as if I wasn't here."

I let as many students go as I could and Edward applauded each one. There were only a few minutes to go before the end of the lesson when it was suggested that Edward have a go himself.

"Would that be okay? I don't want to intrude." He looked to me and I did my best to smile.

I don't think I had said more than four words since he walked into the room. I was in turmoil. Why was he here? What did he want? Would I get some more time with him? Would I want that? Could I get over him again?

Fuck that shit. I wasn't over him now, so I was hardly going to say no to spending any amount of time with the man who I was pining for so badly.

"I think the perception of my character by others is quite obvious. I am defined purely by my family and by the image they uphold. I don't think anyone sees any particular individual but instead we are all cast with the same brush. Stiff, upper class and completely out of touch with the real world. And you know what? Everyone is spot on."

I heard the students whisper and they were transfixed almost as much as I was. Even when the bell sounded, not one person made an attempt to move.

"And, how would you want to be perceived?" I asked before I had even realized I spoke.

Edward shifted slightly in his chair and caught my gaze again. Keeping his eyes on me he sighed deeply. "As someone brave enough to fight for what and who they wanted. Someone who had the courage to stand up to more dominant people and not allow his life to be controlled by others who never truly understood him. I would also want to be able to tell the one person who was more important than anyone else, that it was because of her I was finally able to do all of that."

The girls in the room all swooned in the chairs and the boys looked on like he was giving them the best lines they'd ever heard.

"And will you? Will you tell her?" one girl whispered and Edward shrugged.

"Well, I have been given an unexpected opportunity to do so. I just hope I'm not too late."

I felt more fucking tears begin to collect in my eyes and I had no idea what the fuck I was supposed to say. I had forgotten all about Principal Green who was standing by the door with a look of disbelief on his face. I hoped that he was still in shock because a member of the Royal Family was in his school, and not because he saw how I reacted to Edward's presence in the room.

"Well, class you all heard the bell. Move on quick as you can now." He ushered the students from the room and then held out his hand to Edward.

"This had been a huge honour Your Highness, and I'm sure Miss Swan agrees. Would you care to see any other classes? I would be more than happy to accommodate any request you have."

"No, thank you. I have a few more places to pay a visit to. But, I appreciate your kind welcome." Edward shook his hand and then turned to me. "It has been a pleasure, Miss Swan."

"Likewise," I replied and then snorted at my pathetic comeback.

I watched as they left the room together and then I sank to my knees. He's here, he's here.

Um, no – wrong tense. He was here and now he's gone again.

What the fuck was I supposed to do now? Somehow, running through the halls of the school screaming for him to stop didn't seem like such a good idea. But there was no way I could just let him fucking leave.

So, I tried to have a go at nonchalant and casual, and tried to make my way through the crowds of people who were swarming to get a look at the hot Prince who was roaming the halls of Forks High School.

I could just make out the top of his head, and saw immediately that Emmett was with him. I quickly realized I wasn't going to get close, without drawing attention to myself, so admitting defeat I trudged sadly back to my class.

Now what? Has he gone? Will I see him again?

As I tidied up the chairs I saw a note on the table Edward had been sitting and I snatched it up.

Bella,

Sorry to take you by surprise showing up here as I did. I have so much I need to explain, but I didn't think your place of employment was a suitable place. The truth is I simply couldn't wait until this evening to see you.

I have your address and I hope you won't be unhappy if I stop by later.

Yours,

E.

What was going on? I was seriously about to lose my mind. I had a thousand questions in my head and I had answers to none of them. This evening? Fuck, that was hours away.

The entire school was talking of nothing else but Prince Edward. The students in my class were accosted everywhere they went by those desperate to find out more about what Edward said and did.

As much as I tried to conduct a lesson it was impossible. The students wouldn't shut the fuck up about him. There was no way I could get through five more classes and talk about anything that made any sense whatsoever. So, I threw my lesson plans in the trash and decided we could watch an academic movie instead.

So, I wheeled in the old fashioned television and VCR and told the class to enjoy a really bad version of Wuthering Heights.

I spent the time... Ah fuck – need I even explain? I spent the next few hours thinking of Edward – period.

Never had a day felt so long in my entire life. Knowing he was here, somewhere in the shitty little town I called home was driving me up the motherfucking wall. It seemed like an eternity, but eventually the day passed and as I wished my last class all the best for Christmas and New Year I started to panic. Do I go home and wait for him to drop by?

Oh fuckety fuck fuck fuck! My parents would be home and Edward was 'dropping by'. The room began to spin and I put my head between my knees and took deep breaths.

"Bella, are you okay?"

I looked up and saw one of the other teachers, Eric Yorkie, stood at the back of the class. He was eyeing me carefully. Not sure if I was sick or just a crazy woman trying to sniff her own crotch.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Just had a bit of a head rush." I gathered up my things and walked towards the door.

"Good," he said quietly and then added, "Some of the staff are heading into Port Angeles for dinner and drinks – would you like to come? I've been trying to build up the nerve to ask you out since your first day."

No fucking way buddy!

"Um, no thank you. I have plans this evening, Eric. But I appreciate the offer. Maybe some other time?" I replied and left the poor guy standing in my classroom alone.

I scanned the car park for him, but there was nothing. I almost crashed three times as I drove home in the hope he was visiting other places in Forks. But I saw nothing.

I parked my truck in the drive and let myself into the house. My parents were fooling around on the couch like teenagers and I clamped my hand over my eyes. "Aw, come on you two. At least have the fucking decency to do that shit in your bedroom. It's gonna leave me scarred for the rest of my life."

They blatantly ignored me and continued giggling and fucking groping. I wanted to sit and wait by the door like a real fucking loser, but I was not listening to that shit. So I stomped upstairs grumpily and decided to take a shower. And boy it was a good thing I did. It was safe to say I had let myself go in the weeks since leaving England. I swear to God there was more hair on my legs than on Elton John's toupee.

I kept one ear on the door as I dried and dressed and yet when I actually heard a knock I couldn't move a muscle. My parents were grumbling at the interruption and it was my Dad who told my Mom to straighten her clothes out while he answered the door.

The silence that followed told me exactly who was there and I suddenly regained control of my body and raced down the stairs in time to hear Edward's voice.

"Good evening, Chief Swan."

My father didn't say a word and when my Mother moved to stand beside him, she squealed and brought her hands to her mouth.

"I'm sorry to intrude on you like this but..." Edward began after my Dad said nothing at all.

"It's not an intrusion, Your Highness. I'm sorry... I was just... well damn I was not expecting to see you... there... I mean here..." my Dad mumbled nervously and I waited at the foot of the stairs because I hadn't a clue what to do. "Can I ask... why you're... well paying a visit to my house? Um, Your Highness."

"Actually, I think it's probably for the best if I formally introduce myself." Edward stepped closer and extended his arm.

"I don't think that necessary, Your Highness. I think most of the town would know who you are," my Father said coolly.

But Edward wasn't giving up. "Well, Chief Swan, I think I might surprise you. You see my name is actually Edward Cullen."

My Mother swung her head around to me, her eyes almost bugging out of their sockets. My own breath caught in my chest and I bit down hard on my lip. Needing to hear more, I stepped forward to listen.

"You see, as of yesterday I am no longer Prince Edward, HRH, or anything at all to do with the rest of my family."

Holy. Motherfucking. Shit!

Edward looked over my Dad's shoulder and tried to gauge my reaction. I was shell-shocked – I was absolutely reeling. He got his wish – he was now Edward Cullen. He was a regular guy... and he was here on my doorstep.

"Ohhh...kaaay... I don't quite know what to say to that. I take it you aren't planning to visit every household in the US to inform them of that fact?" Dad asked.

"No, Sir. It won't be officially released to the public until after the New Year," Edward answered without taking his eyes from mine.

"Mm hm. Now I'm worried." He followed Edward's gaze and sighed as he saw me standing there with tears rolling down my face. "Call me crazy, but I can't help feeling this is something to do with you, Bella. Would you like to explain, Mr. Cullen"

Edward broke out into a huge smile and nodded. "It's actually quite simple, Chief Swan. I'm here because I'm in love with your daughter."

My Mom gasped and Dad groaned. "Jesus, Bella. You were supposed to go there and sight see. Not bring down the goddamn British Monarchy."

"Charlie, perhaps it's best if we leave them to talk in private," my Mom whispered but Dad shook his head.

"No, no. I want to hear what the boy has to say for himself."

"Dad," I hissed, speaking actual words for the first time since Edward arrived. "He's not a 'boy', he's twenty-six. Stop acting all Police Chief on the guy."

"I'm relieved to hear you speak, Bella. I was worried there for a second," Edward said and began to fidget with the lapel on his jacket.

"Well, it's been a pretty strange day," I replied and walked closer to the doorway.

Dad was still standing between us and he seemed in no hurry to move out of the way. "So, you are in love with my daughter? How the hell did that happen?"

"The restaurant I worked for also catered big events, Dad. I told you that, remember?" I sighed. "Come on, please stop this. I'm not a little girl any more. You don't need to check out every guy I meet."

"Charlie, at least invite the poor man inside. It's freezing outside." My Mom tugged on Dad's arm and forced him out of the way. "Come on inside, Your... um... Edward."

"Thank you." Edward stepped into the house and immediately reached out to take my hand. He moved as close as he could to me and kissed my forehead. "It almost killed me in that classroom not being able to touch you."

"We'll have less of the canoodling, thank you very much!" my Dad shouted and I growled. "This is still my house, that is still my daughter, and you are still a guest here."

"I'm sorry, of course," Edward said and dropped my hand. He followed my parents into the room and took a seat in the only available chair.

No one spoke at first. My Dad was giving Edward the death glare. My Mom looked like she was about to faint, and Edward couldn't seem to stop looking at me.

"I have to ask this, but I don't know if I actually want to know the answer." My Dad rubbed his forehead before asking, "Did you do all of the name changing and abdication stuff purely to come here with Bella?"

Edward thought about that for a moment and then shook his head. "Not entirely, no. I was miserable before I met Bella. I always hated my life and what I would eventually become. I just... I... I... Sir, your daughter changed my life. I never felt as happy or complete as I did when I was with her. And these past seven weeks without her... well I was utterly lost. Had it not been for my Aunt and one other person in particular, I would be about to make the biggest mistake of my life. I know showing up here like this was presumptuous. But, the truth is I honestly don't think I could live without her."

And cue more fucking tears. Jesus Christ, this man was good with words. Mom was sniffling away and even my Dad softened for a few seconds. Edward ran his hands through his hair and then clasped them together on his lap.

"Bella, you are being strangely quiet. What do you have to say to that?" Dad asked as he shifted to look at me.

"Before you answer," Edward held up his hands and then stood. "I need to tell you that I have absolutely nothing. By agreeing to all of this, I walked away from everything I had. I have no job, no car, no home, and just a few thousand dollars to see me through the next few months. I will probably have to hide away for a long time until the hysteria subsides. Even then, I have no idea what I'll do with my life. I have nothing whatsoever to offer you, Bella. Not a thing."

The enormity of what was happening hit me like a battering ram. Edward had sacrificed everything and the first person he came to was me. Bella Swan, daughter of a Police Chief and crazy-ass hippy. He had flown across the world to bum-fuck nowhere to declare his love for a foul-mouthed, sometimes insane rookie school teacher.

"So you have absolutely nothing?" Charlie clarified.

Did that even fucking matter?

"Not a thing," Edward said.

"That's not entirely true." I smiled and walked closer to him. "You've got me."

See - I told you to have a little faith ;) Two more chapters plus the epi left for these guys. I do have a teaser for the next chapter if you want it? Just give me a shout.

Thanks to Prettyflour for a great job as always and also, I own absolutely nothing. It all belongs to Stephanie Meyer.

Okay, sharing time :) As some of you know, I was planning to do the epi for this (chap 24) and that would be that. But, when I started writing, it ran so out of control I had to stop and think. I could either condense it and just skim over the things I wanted to write about... or I could expand it a little more, say into A Life With The Royal Staff? It won't be as long as this story (probably, maybe) but it will give me more time to explain about E's life after the move to the States. So, if you're interested in continuing with these two, add me to author alert or keep checking back here once ANWTRS is complete :)

Thanks for reading - I really appreciate it :) See you on Sunday!