Yay update!!... if anyone still reads this. lol. Sorry. College has been hectic. Survived first semester though, now Christmas break for the next month. BTW hope everyone had a happy holiday. Plan on dedicated this month towards writing.

Chapter 25

I stood on the front porch of our house as I watched Charlie help my sisters load their bags into the car. It was their final day in Forks before heading back to school on the East Coast and the Saturday before school started again. It had been a week since the stolen car incident.

When we had arrived home, even with the Volvo in one piece, I was still worried that Edward would be a little upset with me. As always though, Alice had been right.

"Please Bella," I remember her saying. "Edward could never be mad at you."

Edward showed no signs of anger when I handed him the keys to the Volvo. However, it did not go unnoticed that when he was welcoming me home, the inspection of the car that was taking place at the same time.

I smiled at this memory and the rest of them from this past week. I had spent a majority of this week with Rachel and Mel. It was nice to be able to spend time with my sisters. I was really going to miss them when they left.

"Bella," Rachel called from the driveway. "Aren't you going to come say goodbye to your favorite sister?"

"You mean second favorite," Mel poked her side.

I joined my family next to Charlie's police car. It was loaded down with all of Mel and Rachel's bags.

"I am going to miss you two," I said giving Mel a hug.

"We will be sure to email at least twice a week," Mel promised.

"And video chat at least once a week," Rachel added, excited about her new Christmas gift.

Renée was on the verge of tears, but managed to choke out, "It's a shame that we won't be able to see you again until May."

"I know mom," Mel said hugging her again.

"Renee it won't be too long until you see the girls again," Charlie patted her back.

"Yeah mom, Bella's graduation is right around the corner," Joe reminded her.

This did not seem to be the right thing to say in this situation. Renee had now completely broken down in the tears she was trying to hold back.

"Great. And then I lose the only daughter I had left."

"She will be back at the end of the summer," Charlie had snaked his arm around my mom's waist as he helped her into the car, "Joe get a box of tissues from inside. Something tells me we are going to need them."

"Yeah and then she leaves for college," Renee muttered from the front seat.

I had already made plans to spend my summer across country with Rachel and Mel. I would be leaving three days after graduation and staying until the beginning of August. Renee was not a big fan of this plan, but she eventually agreed to it.

It was the only thing in this coming year that I was planning on. I was starting to get nervous as the time for early acceptance letters to be arriving was almost here. The letters that would decide where I would be attending school in the fall, but there was only one school I was hoping to hear from.

Dartmouth. It was still my number one choice.

I had learned that it was also one of Edward's top choices as well. He never exactly told me his first choice only that his top choice depended on what the scenery would look like. This had left me confused. It was such a weird response to give.

"Bella don't leave while we are gone," Renee yelled from her window as they were pulling out of the driveway.

"I will have to leave the house tonight, but I will be back. I promise," I called to her, doubting she had heard me though.

Tonight I had a date with Edward. We have not had any alone time since Christmas. We have constantly been with our families since then. The Swans had spent New Year's Eve at the Cullen's residence.

It was going to be nice to have some one on one time with Edward tonight. I had missed our time together by ourselves. I also had some business to discuss with him.

I have yet to tell Edward of my decision to go across the country and away from him for the summer. Not that he would be opposed the idea, but I just did not know how he was going to react. At first I did not want to ruin our evening with this topic, but I needed to tell him before I chickened out again.

Many possible scenarios popped into my head as I was getting ready for our date. As I put on a pair of jeans I wondered if Edward would like the space before we left for college. Would he be upset that I did not want to spend summer with him before we both left for college?

I paired the jeans with a blue turtleneck sweater and slipped on my black boots.

Edward and I had talked about the future. We knew each other's ambitions and goals. We even discussed the things that scared us the most about the future. What was never mentioned? The future of our relationship was never spoken of. We both just took it day by day; never planning farther than a week in advance.

I was just finishing curling my hair when the doorbell rang. I grabbed my scarf and green moleskin jacket and hurried down the stairs to open the door.

"Good evening Bella," Edward smiled and offered me his arm. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes. Definitely," I accepted his arm and closed the door behind me.

He opened the door for me and closed it before walking around the car to get in. Automatically Edward's hand had reached for mine on the seat when we started driving.

The drive had started off with our usual comfortable silence. Every now and then Edward would squeeze my hand and I would squeeze back. Everything felt perfect. I did not want to ruin it by bringing up any possibly upsetting news. Not now.

There was however, an important question I wanted to ask.

"Where are we going," I asked as we were leaving Forks.

"You'll see. Not much further," I could hear the smile in his voice.

Not satisfied by that response I pushed for more info. "Do I get a hint at least?"

"So impatient," his musical laugh filled the car; easily my favorite sound in the world. Have I mentioned that? "We are going somewhere in which we can truly be alone."

Now I already had an idea of where we were going and it was confirmed moments later when we pulled to the side of the road. We were in front of the patch of forest that held a small meadow in it; our meadow.

"You don't think it's a little dark to be walking in the woods at night," I asked.

To answer my question Edward pulled out flashlights from the glove compartment as well as several extra batteries.

"Well look at you," I teased, "I have my own boy scout."

"Eagle scout," Edward corrected.

We got out of the car and Edward went to the trunk for a backpack.

"I have prepared a meal fit for a king," he patted the bag.

"Now what about a queen," I challenged.

"Of course. And dessert," he smiled as he challenged me right back.

I could not help but smile at him. "You win."

Under the light of the setting sun I was able to admire the striking features of his face and how tame his hair was for once. I wanted nothing more than to mess that up right now.

I took steps towards him until he was the one pushed against the Volvo.

"I don't believe I've properly greeted you tonight," I whispered before I pushed my lips almost violently against his. The sudden need to be close to him had suddenly reached an overwhelming point. I moved my hands to his hair as if I was trying to keep him with me forever.

Edward had responded with the same force. His arms locked around my waist holding me against him. I could feel his tongue begging for entrance which I granted, fully enjoying our new closeness.

When we finally pulled apart Edward stared into my eyes for a full minute before speaking. "I've missed you. As corny as that sounds since-"

I nodded my head, "Me too."

After another immeasurable moment Edward released me from his arms and grabbed my hand.

"Shall we?"

The walk to the meadow did not take any longer than it usually did. I had hoped it would feel shorter, but at least it was not longer.

Edward had pulled the backpack off his shoulders and unzipped it. Underneath the containers of food there were two big blankets. Edward laid one down on the ground. He then sat down on it and patted the seat next to him.

I walked over and sat down next to him on the blanket.

"So Chef Cullen, what did you prepare for us this evening?"

"You will love it," he smiled. Then proceeded to pull lid off the container to reveal Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches cut diagonally down the middle.

I found myself in a fit of giggling, "Oh my gosh I love it!"

A couple of weeks ago Alice and I had been having a conversation about her dream wedding. Edward had been in the room as she went into detail of everything she wanted right down to the baked salmon she wanted served at her reception. I told her I would have been happy with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

At this she rolled her eyes. "Bella there is no way I'm allowing peanut butter and jelly anything to be served at a wedding I plan."

We sat and enjoyed the sandwiches and to be honest they were the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that I have ever had. It was probably because Edward made them. Everything he does seem to turn out perfectly.

"So your sisters went home today," Edward asked as we finished up our sandwiches.

"Yep," I answered. This seemed like a good way to bring up my summer plans. "I won't see them again until Graduation."

He put his arm around my shoulders, "God I cannot believe how fast this year is passing."

"Pretty soon summer will be here."

"I know and soon we will be leaving for school, wherever that may be," Edward offered. This took my by surprise. Neither of us ever mentioned the future. It was almost as if he was trying to change the subject.

"Any plans for the summer," I asked, bringing the conversation back under my control.

"Erm.. well I'm not sure," he strained and mirrored the question. "What are your plans for this summer?"

There was something that Edward is keeping from me. I was not sure what, but before I could show any concern for that I had to tell him about my plans.

"Well," I took a deep breath in. "I am actually planning on staying with my sisters for most of the summer."

Silence followed. I looked at Edward who was looking at the stars that were becoming visible. I thought that maybe he had not heard me or worse, that he did not care.

Then he finally spoke. "That's on the other side of the country. When would you be leaving?"

"A few days after graduation," I replied quietly.

"And back?"

"First week of August."

Silence.

"Edward?"

"Hmm. Sorry. I was just thinking for a moment."

"Thinking about what?"

"Us," he said turning to me. He grabbed my hand together in his. "What will happen to us?"

"Yeah, I've been thinking a lot about that too," I told him honestly. "Who knows where the other will end up for school next year and then me leaving for practically the whole summer? I guess I was too selfish to-"

Edward put his hand up. "Do not go beating yourself up about that. At least you had the guts to tell me."

"What do you mean?"

"Well I was accepted into the summer internship program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for clinical experience. They will be able to help me pay for school there next fall. "

"Wow that's amazing Edward, Congratulations," I said, pride ringing in my voice. I threw my arms around his shoulders.

He hugged me back. "Thank you. You are not mad?"

"Are you kidding? Of course not I could not be happier for you. Sure I'm a little upset you kept this from me all evening, but I think I'll get over it. This is just- Wait."

"What?"

"Next fall? Does this mean you got accepted into Dartmouth?"

Edward looked me in the eyes and nodded his head slowly. I just continued to stare at him having an internal panic attack. Edward had already heard from Dartmouth. Had they already sent out the acceptance letters? Was mine coming next along with the rest of the reject letters?

"Bella? Love," I felt Edward pull me into his arms. It was not until he had done this that I realized that I had been shaking. Panic attack was no longer internal.

"Shh... calm down," I felt him whispering while rubbing my shoulders.

When I had finally calmed down I was able to speak.

"Edward when did your acceptance letter come from Dartmouth? Do you think they might have skip-"

"Is that what this is about? I am sorry Bella I probably should have mentioned this before. I learned of my acceptance over the phone. Carlisle knows someone there who had let the information slip when he called yesterday evening. I happened to be in the room at the time."

"Oh," was all I could say feeling silly.

"Do not worry. You will get in," Edward reassured me keeping an arm around my shoulder while he reached in the backpack for something else.

He pulled out a bag of peanut M&M's.

"Dessert?"

After my moment of hysteria, I could not help but laugh.

"Dessert fit for a queen," I said taking one from his hand.

I popped it into my mouth and tilted my head into Edward's shoulder.

Ok so let me know if I got a little rusty at this. Review

Love,

Jane

:)