I opened my eyes the next morning and was instantly met with ass. Edward's ass. He was laying completely butt naked right next to me. Then I looked down and realized I was butt naked too. I squirmed a little bit and something squeaked below me.

"What the hell?" I sighed when I realized we were not in either of our bedrooms. We were in the living room. "Fucking beanbag," I mumbled

I lay back down and pulled a blanket over my body. My alarm went off ten minutes later and I groaned even though I was already awake.

Edward grumbled and slowly propped himself up on his knees.

"Shit," he said with a wince. He looked around the room, confused. "Why are we out here?"

"I think we had sex. On your beanbag."

"Why would you think that?" He asked.

"Because you're naked." I lifted up my blanket. "And I'm naked."

"I'm naked?" He glanced over his shoulder at his bare ass. "I thought it was a bit drafty."

"We have to get up. Alice and Jasper are getting married today." I rocked a few times, trying to get up off the floor. I finally made it up and pulled the blanket with me.

I turned on the shower and heard Edward shuffling around in his room so I figured he was up and awake. I dropped my blanket and stepped into the shower. A few moments later, Edward joined me.

"Communal shower?" I cocked my eyebrow.

"Just gotta wash the essentials. I'm going to be late." He grabbed the soap and furiously started rubbing it over his body.

"We're the girls!" I protested. "How long does it take you to get ready?"

"Baby, we have to look good too." He leaned down to kiss me. "I know it's all about the bride, but we refuse to look like bums."

"Where are you going so early?"

"Mani, pedi appointment at ten." He rinsed off and jumped out of the shower. I peeked out just in time to see his little butt run out of the bathroom, dripping all over the floor.

"Did you just say mani, pedi?"

"Nothing wrong with keeping the skin soft." He reappeared, pulling a shirt over his head and running his fingers through his hair. "I have to go." He leaned in and kissed me. "I'll see you later."

"Bye." I shook my head and snuck back inside to finish my shower.

When I was finished, I got dressed and dried my hair. Alice called twice to ask why I was late for our hair appointment and I told her I was on my way. It was only two blocks away.

As soon as I set foot in the hair salon I was forced down into a table and surrounded by girls who smelled like Jersey Shore and apparently couldn't chew their gum with their mouth closed.

They curled, poked, prodded, pinned and primped me until my hair was as hard as concrete. I raised my hand to touch it and instantly flinched back.

"It's perfect!" Alice clapped. "Perfect." Her hair was simple compared to mine, but she didn't have much to work with. Her short pixie cut was grown out to just between her ear and her jaw line. It was straight, barely flipped out at the ends. She opted for a birdcage veil and a vintage diamond pin for her headpiece.

"Perfect," I whispered to her with a smile. "You're beautiful." I reached out and took her hand. "You're going to be the most beautiful bride."

"You're right." She smiled. "Until you get married anyway."

"I doubt that's happening for awhile. Edward still has to get through med school."

"Don't worry. I have it all planned out." She smiled that devious smile that told me she wasn't lying. It fucking scared me.

When our hair was finished and hair sprayed to their liking, the Snooki wannabes released us from their grasp and we took a cab to the hall where the wedding was being held.

Alice and I were whisked to a back room where our dresses were waiting.

Even though I protested that it was her day, Alice begged me to let her do my makeup. I didn't argue too much though. I knew that kind of thing made her happy. While I was sitting there getting primped, my mind kept wandering to my situation with Edward.

"What's on your mind, honey?" Alice asked.

"Isn't that my line?" I smiled.

She shrugged. "It's Edward isn't it?"

"Partly."

"Are you following your heart?...Whatever the situation might be?"

"Yes," I said with confidence. There was never any doubt in that.

"Then that's all that matters." She smiled and finished with my makeup. I slipped into my deep purple dress before helping Alice with hers. Her mother showed up just in time to help me button up the back. By the time we'd slipped her shoes on and put her jewelry in place, her father was standing at the door telling us it was time.

It felt like it went too fast. Not just this morning, but my friendship with her. I knew her marriage didn't mean that was all over, but more and more I was feeling like time was just…slipping away. With everyone.

There was a curtain drawn separating us as we waited from the crowd. I was a little nervous, knowing that everyone was going to be watching me as I walked down the aisle. I didn't even want to think about my own wedding. That was sure to be a fucking fiasco.

The music started playing and everyone's voices muffled to a low murmur as the curtain drew back. I was instantly met with a hundred pairs of eyes and I smiled nervously.

"You're up, B," Alice chirped from behind me. I told my feet to move and they finally did. I looked down the aisle, hoping to see Edward. There was big topiary in my way and I was not happy about it. I was about ready to fling my bouquet down there and knock it over. I didn't get the point of a topiary anyway. And where the hell did that name even come from?

By the time I was done contemplating the origin of the decorations, I'd reached the end. I saw him as soon as I stepped past the plant and my knees nearly buckled. For a moment, I saw us at our wedding. Almost like I was the bride in the white dress and he was waiting for me at the altar. It all seemed so real that it took my breath away.

He smirked at me as I took in his all black suit and took my place across from him. I bit down on my lip as he appraised my appearance. I barely noticed everyone standing up as Alice walked down the aisle, but I forced my eyes away from his because I didn't want to miss this moment. I wanted to see the exact second when Jasper saw her. And damn I'm glad I did.

I watched his dimples pop up suddenly as soon as he saw her. He rocked back and forth on his heels, almost like he was holding himself back from sprinting down the aisle to get her. He shook his head, not in a negative way. More like he couldn't believe that this was his life. So grateful. So appreciative. So full of love that I had to wipe a tear away from my cheek.

As soon as she reached him, I turned back towards Edward. He was standing with his hands locked behind his back. The minister started talking, but I was so completely lost in him that I didn't hear their vows. I didn't hear the "Dearly Beloved" or one word about "Kissing the bride." Edward smiled and mouthed "I love you" a moment before the crowd erupted in applause. My head snapped back towards the bride and groom and I couldn't help but smile as they kissed for the first time as a married couple.

I reached for Edward as soon as Alice and Jasper started down the aisle. He closed his hand around mine and pulled me close as we followed them out of the crowd. Once the four of us were alone, we all hugged and said our congratulations. A photographer was there to take a few pictures, but luckily I didn't feel like I was a showcase at the prom again. I was thankful that Alice wasn't the Bridezilla some people thought she would be. Sure she had her moments, but at the very heart of her wedding, she just wanted to celebrate love. It wasn't flashy or showy. Just pure and simple. And that's what this was.

After we took our pictures, we headed into the dining hall where the guests were having cocktail hour. We socialized like a good wedding party, but I still really hadn't a chance to talk to Edward. Just the two of us.

I tried to steal him away before dinner, but it was impossible. Everyone wanted to speak to him on med school, which he'd suddenly become really secretive about. He always glanced my way before he'd speak and even then it was vague.

Dancing started right after the cake was cut and he finally whisked me away on the dance floor.

"I can finally breathe," I mumbled, resting my head on his shoulder. He laughed and kissed the top of my head as we started moving further and further away from the crowd on the dance floor. He pulled me behind a curtain and kissed me. Hard.

"I've been aching to do that since I saw you walking down the aisle…" He mumbled.

"Good." I smiled against his lips and wrapped my arms around his waist. "You look so handsome."

"It must have been the mani, pedi." He ran his perfectly soft fingers along my jaw.

"Must have been."

We must have been gone for way too long because the next thing I knew I heard chants for both of us. I peeked my head out from the curtain and realized it must have been time for speeches.

I hadn't really prepared anything. I figured even if I had, I would just stumble through it so it wouldn't have been worth it anyway. It went okay regardless. Just a couple of "ums" and stutters, but I managed to get out my congratulations and best wishes.

As the night wore on, I started getting anxious about tomorrow. I mean I knew he wasn't leaving me. Well he was, but I was following him. I guess I was just more anxious about his reaction. He was going to be happy, right?

Due to the fact that most of the wedding guests were older, the party ended fairly early, but I didn't mind. They had retirement home curfews to get back to and I had a hot boyfriend I had to go sex up.

We walked home from the hall since it wasn't too far from our apartment. Well, he carried me because my feet were hurting like a bitch. So he walked. I rode.

He seemed really carefree. I was hoping it was the wine or the spirit of tonight, because something was off about his behavior if you really thought about it. As far as he knew, this was our last night together for a long time. He was moving across the country tomorrow. And he thought I was staying here. Shouldn't he be just a little upset? Just a little.

When we got home, we had to navigate through the maze of boxes that used to be our apartment. All the little things were packed up and the movers were coming to get the big furniture tomorrow. I'd already paid for a few months of storage and figured we would just play it by ear after that.

Edward stripped off his suit and hung it up on the back of the door as I shimmied out of my dress. I turned back to look over my shoulder and give him my "I want sex" face. It turned to complete and utter shock. He was asleep. Already passed out on my bed.

"Edward," I said. I crossed my arms over my chest. "Edward!"

He rolled over and curled up into the fetal position. I felt the tears threaten behind my eyes as I watched him drift into a deeper sleep. I didn't know why I was so upset. He was just tired. And it wasn't like we were really going to be living on opposite sides of the country. But shouldn't he be upset, Bella? He's acting like tomorrow is nothing to him. Does he not care that, as far as he knows, he's moving away from you? Does he even care at all?

I didn't understand his reaction. I didn't understand why he wasn't nervous or all up in my business. And the more I thought about it, the angrier I got. This was fucking ridiculous.

I wasn't tired at all. I think my limitless rage was some type of caffeine substitute because I was wired.

I sat down next to him and pulled my knees up to my chest as I watched the minutes tick by. One after the other, inching closer to his flight.

He finally woke up two hours before he had to be at the airport. He rolled over with a big smile on his face until he saw mine.

"What's wrong?" He asked, popping up.

"What's wrong?" I cocked my eyebrow. "Are you serious? What's wrong?" I stood up and started pacing around the room. "What's wrong is that you're leaving today. And I'm staying here." Not really true. "And you seem happy as a fucking clam."

"Bella, don't be ridiculous…" He started.

"No, no, no…" I said, shaking my head. "I'm not being ridiculous. I'm being…normal. And you…" I pointed at him. "You're not normal. You're not being normal right now." I felt a little bit like a rambling Chihuahua and had a feeling my rage buzz was starting to backfire. I was going to vomit. "This is not normal!"

"You don't understand," he laughed a little under his breath.

"You think…this is funny?"

"Actually, I do."

My jaw went slack. "Have a nice flight, asshole."

I spun around and darted out into the hallway and towards the front door. He didn't even chase after me.

I needed a minute to collect my thoughts and maybe get some real caffeine before I talked to him again. I knew I'd be back before he was planning on leaving for the airport, but I thought that last bit added a little bit of dramatic affect.

I walked around the block a few times and stopped in the corner shop for a coffee. I ambled through a few clothing shops for an hour to pass the time. While I climbed the steps back up to the apartment, I tried to think of what to say to him. Maybe I should just tell him the truth. It wouldn't make me any less pissed at him for how he was acting, but maybe it would help clear the air.

I pushed open the door the apartment, feeling a little sad about the fight we'd just had. In my crazy state, I didn't even let him speak. Even though I was mad at him, I should have let him say his peace, even if it was complete bullshit.

"Edward?" I called out, sighing as I started down the hallway. He was probably up and getting dressed. He had to leave in about twenty minutes. "Honey, I'm sorry." I ran my fingers through my hair. "I'm just stressed and I don't really understand…" I stopped when I reached my bedroom. It was empty.

"Edward?" I walked over to the bathroom. His room. The kitchen. All empty. I went back to my room and started to panic. Where was he?

I spotted the note on my nightstand and my heart dropped.

I'm sorry. I love you.

-E

I looked around the room. His suitcase was gone. He left. He left early.

The paper fell from my hands and I started sobbing. I was such a bitch. And he left.

The next thing I knew I was running out of the apartment and down the stairs. I caught a taxi and made my way to the airport. I didn't care that my flight was tomorrow. I had to fix this.

I approached the woman at the desk and slammed my credit card down.

"I need a ticket on the next flight to Boston," I said.

She scowled and typed away at her computer. "The next flight with an available seat leaves in an hour and a half."

"That's fine, book it."

She processed my ticket, asked if I had any baggage and told me where my gate was. I passed quickly through security, mostly because I didn't have anything on me.

I boarded the flight, sitting next to an old lady who hogged the armrest. The entire time I was waiting for the plane to take off, I tried to think of what to say to him. Not only did I have to recover for that horrendous freak out this morning, but I had to explain what I'd done. Why I was moving for him. Why I was willing to sacrifice.

"Nervous about the flight?" The old woman asked.

"No. Not at all." It was the flight. It was what was waiting for me at the landing.

"Want to talk about it?"

I shrugged. "Okay."

For the remainder of the flight, I told Doris our story starting at the very beginning. By the time we landed, the seats in front and back of us were chiming in with their two cents. When I left the airplane, I felt like I'd sat in for a segment of Hot Topics on The View.

I decided I should probably call him before I left the airport since I had no fucking idea where he was or where his new apartment was. I cringed as I dialed his phone number and waited for him to pick up.

"Hello?" He answered.

"Hey," I whispered, feeling a little embarrassed. "Where are you?"

"At the apartment."

"Well where is it? I'm here."

There was a long pause. "You're where?"

"I'm here. Where's the apartment?"

"You don't know where your apartment is?"

I sighed. "I know where my apartment is. Where are you?"

"At the apartment. I already told you."

"Edward Cullen! I did not fly all the way to Boston to fuck around! Tell me where your apartment is!"

Another long pause. "You're in Boston?"

"Yes."

"Bella…" He sighed. He seemed agitated. Oh crap, I pissed him off.

"I wanted to surprise you."

"I'm not in Boston."

I couldn't breathe. "You're what?"

"I'm not in Boston."

"Well where are you?"

"I'm at. The. Apartment."

"In Washington?" I cocked my head to the side.

"In Washington."

"Well….shit." I looked around at all the people passing by me and scrunched my nose. "Whoops."

"I think whoops would be appropriate. What the hell were you thinking?"

"I was following you, baby. I didn't want to live anywhere without you so I told Eleazer I wasn't taking the bookshop. He got someone else to run it."

"No he didn't."

"He didn't?"

"No. Because I know you well enough to know how your brain works. I called him the day we had that fight…told him what you were planning. Although I thought I'd have a bit of a buffer before you actually bought a plane ticket."

"You knew? This whole time?"

"Of course." I could only imagine the smug smile on his face. "But wait. That still doesn't explain why you're there and I'm here...and why do I still have the bookshop?"

"I was waiting to tell you. And I was going to before I got so rudely interrupted this morning." He cleared his throat. "I got into state."

"What?" I breathed.

"It was a late admission and I didn't even know until last week that I'd been accepted. I didn't want to tell you if it wasn't going to happen because I couldn't stand to see the disappointment in your face."

He was going to state. We could be together. I was sobbing. The security guard was watching me like I was a complete psycho. He leaned over and mumbled something into his radio.

"I can't believe you did that…" I said, a blissful smile spreading across my face.

"I can't believe you got on a fucking plane to chase after me."

"It's a little romantic." I sniffled.

"Just a little." He sighed. "Well will you get back here so I can touch you and tell you how amazing you are? I go to get you your favorite ice cream and come back to find you've fled the city. Get your ass back here."

I smiled and did the calculations in my head, thinking we needed a mini-vacation.

"I've got a better idea." I turned back towards the ticket counter. "Meet me halfway?"

He laughed. "Always," he whispered.

A/N: PSA! This was the last regular chapter. There will be an epi.

So I've been looking forward to writing this one for a long time. Because I think its super romantic to just jump on a plane because you have to see someone...even if its a whoops. ; )

I never planned to go into major detail with the wedding and I hope everyone was okay with that. I just figured there's weddings in almost every fic and it's been done. *shrugs*

We finally get to see what was going on with Edward! He had a plan to counteract Bella's plan! Silly boy.

Thank you a million times for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. I'll see you soon in the epi :)