Author's Note: The song from last chapter is an actual composition from A Nightmare Before Christmas. I prefer Evanescence's version from Revisited. Listen to it. It's entitled "Sally's Song" but for this fic, let's pretend it is actually "Bella's Song."

For this chapter, I recommend you listen to The Pogues, "I Love You 'Till the End," at a certain point. It just helps set the mood.

My apologies for the late update. House renovations and work have taken over my time so I wanted to thank my faithful readers! I put up an extra long chapter for you all. Keep those reviews coming!

Oh, and please excuse any mistakes. I didn't have time to edit this chapter much.

Departure

"What's wrong with you," Edward asked after I plopped down in my seat.

"Nothing," I lied. "I'm just late."

"Please don't lie to me. I tell you everything, so return the favor," he said, flashing his famous handsome grin.

"I just had a bad lunch," I offered. I wasn't quite sure what to tell him about the situation, and it wasn't much of a problem anymore. It had been a misunderstanding that had been resolved. Hopefully.

"Well, Alice has been begging you to join us at lunch. I'm sure you would have a much better time."

"Maybe I will."

"Really," he asked, surprised. "Good, it's about time."

"Oh, yeah. Rosalie and Jasper should be thrilled," I added sarcastically.

"They do not count," he said seriously. "I want you there. That is all that matters."

"You are absolutely right," I agreed whole heartedly.

Biology seemed to drone on longer than usual and even sneaking longing looks at Edward did not seem to help much. On occasion he would catch me staring. He would wink and I would blush deeply, looking away. If he only knew what he does to me.

Relief washed over me as the bell rang, signaling the end of class. I took my time gathering my books as Edward waited patiently by our table. Just as we were exciting the room, Jessica caught us at the door.

"Edward, may I have a word," she asked nervously. I stifled a chuckle seeing Edward wince. Unfortunately, what she asked sobered me up instantly.

"Wouldyougotothewinterformalwithme," she asked quickly, her words a jumbled mess. My mouth fell open as my heart wrenched painfully, dropping to my gut. I looked up at Edward as he exchanged glances between me and Jessica. I felt the wind get knocked out of me when he didn't immediately turn her down. My hair stood on end as a sheer panic overwhelmed my senses. Did he want to go with her? No, I couldn't let that happen!

A fit of jealousy bubbled just beneath the surface and before I could stop myself, I growled softly. "No, he will not attend the Winter Formal with you, and if you know what's best you would stay far away from him."

Turning on my heel, I grabbed Edward's arm, yanking him along towards the parking lot. As we excited the building, Alice and the rest of the gang were already waiting.

"I saw we were leaving early. Is everything okay," Alice asked anxiously, noticing my expression.

"I want to go," I grumbled, heading towards the Volvo.

"You forgot your books, Bella," she pointed out, worry etched in her features. "I'll go get them for you and then we will leave."

"I'll go on ahead and take Rose and Jasper in the Jeep. We'll meet you at the house," Emmett offered.

Edward jerked his head, acknowledging his plan as the other three drove away. His silence magnified the tension between us and from his posture I knew he was upset. My heart plummeted once more. Perhaps he wanted to go with Jessica and I had royally messed it up.

Brushing past me, he yanked open the passenger door. "Get in," he growled. I slide into the seat, flinching as he slammed the door shut forcefully. Finally he spoke as he sat down behind the wheel.

"Have I not proven myself to you? Don't you trust me," he sighed, gazing at me with a pained expression.

"Of course I trust you," I exclaimed.

"Then why did you feel the need to protect Jessica from me," he questioned.

I stared at him in frustration, wondering how he had gotten it so wrong. Was he completely blind? Did he not see the jealousy practically dripping onto the floor. He had absolutely no idea how much I loved him.

"I wasn't protecting her from you," I whispered. "I was protecting her from me."

We both jumped as Alice jumped in the car. "We can go now," she sang. "Oh, and this was in your locker," she said, tossing me the vibrant colored bag with snowmen. I frowned, examining a note written on the tag.

To: Bella, a woman as beautiful as her name.
Forgive me. Please accept my gift. - B

"Who is B," Edward asked, trying to get a better look.

"Nobody," I replied, crumbling the tag.

"What's in the bag, Bella," Alice asked curiously, leaning over the seat and snatching the CD before I could answer.

"Give it back, Alice," I grumbled, rolling down the window and tossing the bag the bag out. "I'm just going to throw it away. It's a blank CD."

"No, I don't think it's blank," she argued, examining the back. "Play it, Edward."

Edward took the disc and popped it in his CD player. Embarrassed, I sunk down in my seat and focused on the passing trees. The ride was void of conversation as my voice filled the car. By the time we reached the house, two songs were complete and the third had just begun.

We sat in the drive in silence as the third song came to an end. "Woah," Alice breathed. "That was your voice, Bella!"

"Don't be silly, Al. That was not my voice," I denied, my lies sounding hollow even to my own ears.

"That was definitely you," she exclaimed. "You have a beautiful voice. I would know it anywhere. You used to sing to me, didn't you?"

"I did," I admitted quietly.

"See, I knew it was you," she laughed smugly. "So, that's what you have been doing during lunch. I was beginning to wonder if you had a secret lover or something, but now I know you just wanted to sing. Why didn't you tell us?"

"Because. It's just a way that I vent my frustrations and stress. I never meant for it to be anything more than writing, but then Mr. Marcy wanted to experiment and it was just to pass the time," I shrugged, not wanting to make a huge deal out of it.

"Mr. Marcy. The art teacher," Edward asked.

"Yes. You've taken his classes," I asked.

"No. I've just heard of him," he said, frowning.

"Well, now that you two have had your fun, I'm tossing it," I threatened, pressing the eject button.

"I want to listen to the rest," Edward insisted, snatching the disc before I could reach it.

"Absolutely not!"

"Why not?!"

"It's very personal. I didn't want you to hear this much but you two are extremely stubborn," I grumbled, crossing my arms.

"I promise I won't judge. Besides, from what I have heard already, you have nothing to be ashamed about. Your voice is exquisite," he breathed, turning his golden gaze on me.

I was done for as soon as his eyes met mine. "Fine," I said. "But if anyone harasses me for this, especially Emmett, I'm holding you personally responsible."

"Understood," he agreed, swooping over quickly and placing a light kiss on my cheek. His icy lips left a scorching tingle and I sat there stunned, my heart beating irregularly as he jumped out of the car. A quiet chuckle startled me from my daze.

"What was that," Alice giggled suggestively.

"He dazzled me," I sighed, frowning at how easy it was for him to get his way.

"He does that to you often," she wondered.

"Frequently," I admitted, my blush returning.

"Hmm. Very interesting," she laughed, exciting the car gracefully.

I followed, not so gracefully, behind her. As we walked into the house, a livid Rosalie swept past us.

"Rosie, darling," Emmett pleaded. "Just listen to me."

"It is the only way to put that little human in her place," she sneered.

"What will everyone think," Emmett countered.

Edward rolled his eyes, trying to hide his smirk as Alice danced over to Jasper in excitement.

"You've never had a December wedding before," Alice sighed dreamily. "I can see it now!"

Emmett groaned, clearly annoyed, flashing Alice a death glare. Rosalie caught the look which only infuriated her more. "Who cares what everyone thinks, Emmett?! They already think we're strange. I. Want. A. Wedding," she demanded.

"No," Emmett stated firmly, refusing to back down.

"Excuse me," Rosalie asked icily.

Emmett shifted slightly but remained strong. "I said, no."

Rosalie inhaled sharply clenching her fists. "I hate you Emmett McCarty," she hissed harshly, stalking up the stairs.

Emmett winced as the door to their room upstairs slammed shut. The air was thick with tension.

Alice gaped at Emmett in disbelief, her eyes slightly glazed over. "Emmett," she gasped. "What have you done," she cried, bolting up the stairs after Rosalie. We could hear her pleading with Rose to let her in. Esme joined Alice shortly after hearing the commotion.

Jasper shook his head, still baffled as to why Emmett refused Rosalie, and excused himself to go hunt, mumbling about crazy mixed up emotions on the way out.

Finally it was just the three of us. Edward rounded on Emmett. "What were you thinking? Rose wants to get married, again. Tell me something new! What's the difference this time?"

Emmett rolled his eyes, exhaling deeply. He gave Edward a pointed look.

"You're seriously going to risk a decade of Rosalie's wrath over your pride," Edward hissed in a hushed tone. "You do realize you're not the only one who has to live with her, right?!"

Emmett ignored him and turned to me, a gleam lighting up his eyes. "I need to speak with you," he demanded, gripping my arm and tugging me outside.

Edward was blocking his path instantly. "Relax. I just need to ask her for a favor," he explained, giving him a knowing look as he embellished with his thoughts.

Edward relented, stepping aside as he flashed me a reassuring smile. If Emmett wasn't griping my arm, I surely would have melted.

"Good luck getting her to go along with it," Edward laughed.

"She owes me," Emmett replied, dragging me along after him.

...

A few miles out, he finally slowed his pace. "This should be far enough," Emmett said aloud, mostly to himself. "Here's the deal. You sing and play the guitar," he began.

"Barely," I cut him off. "I can barely play the guitar, and I don't sing."

"I heard you. Don't deny it. I knew before anyone else," Emmett claimed, looking smug. "I left my charcoal in Mr. Marcy's room last week and when I went to retrieve it at lunch, guess who I saw belting out a few notes," he asked.

I gulped, ducking my head in embarrassment. "That's right," he continued. "Now, don't be shy. I wouldn't ask you if I thought you sucked. That is a compliment by the way," he interjected seriously. "But, I do need your help. Desperately. Believe me, I'd do it myself but I can't play guitar without demolishing the strings. Rosie is obsessed with this one song and I had intended on it being part of my next proposal."

"Wait," I interrupted. "I thought you told her, no?"

"I did. I wanted to be the one who proposed. Every single time I would plan to, she'd always bet me to it and demand that we get hitched. But this time I wanted to make it special for her because she is my everything," he said lovingly. "Please, Bella. Help me make this special for her," he begged, batting his huge puppy dog eyes.

"Ugh," I relented. "Fine, but I do not want to hear another word about that stupid paisley shirt. Got it?"

He frowned, thinking and then stuck his massive hand out to shake on it.

"Thank you so much," he grinned widely.

"So, when are we doing this," I asked.

"Tonight."

"Tonight," I choked, coughing.

"Yeah, the sooner the better," he insisted. "My Rosie is a spitfire and she is one hot mama right now. If I let her stay mad the others will rebel against me. Besides, she said she wanted a December wedding. That doesn't leave us much time."

"You certainly got that right," Alice agreed, skipping through the trees with a guitar in hand. "I thought you would be needing this," she said, handing me the instrument.

"I don't even know what song," I explained, eying the guitar warily.

"I brought this too," Alice chirped, pulling out a small black rectangle. "It's Rosalie's iPod. I don't think she'll miss it for a few hours. She's a bit preoccupied right now," she explained, glaring at Emmett. "Now, I have to get back and console Rose."

"Alice," Emmett called anxiously. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Aw, come on Alice," Emmett whined. "You're not going to tell me if my plan will work?!"

"Consider it payback," she laughed, retreating through the trees.

"Payback for what," he wailed. Alice's laughter faded as she disappeared through the foliage, never answering Emmett.

"Crazy pixie," he grumbled.

"Hey! That crazy pixie happens to be my best friend," I defended. "Plus, she just helped you," I pointed out, glance at the guitar and iPod.

"True," he mumbled, pouting. "Alright, let's get started."

...

For several hours I sat, trying to pick out the tune and play it on the guitar. Emmett was actually very helpful, making sure to point out the right chords when he knew them. He admitted it was similar to the banjo he used to play before his change. I was about to pass out from exhaustion when Emmett finally declared it close enough to perfect.

On the walk back, Emmett twisted his hands nervously.

"Scared," I asked, snickering.

"Yes," he admitted sheepishly.

"She'll love it and you'll do fine. It's me I'm worried about," I explained. "It will be a miracle if I don't ruin it for you."

"I have faith in you," he said seriously. I nodded, silently praying that I wouldn't mess this up for them.

Back at the house, no one was in the living room when we arrived. I took a seat on the edge of Edward's piano bench arranging the guitar on my lap, waiting for Emmett's signal.

He inhaled deeply and yelled. "Rosalie! Get your scrawny butt down here and face me. Don't be such a coward."

The house was eerily silent, broken shortly by a stream of profanities coming from upstairs. The door cracked as she ripped it open off its hinges and came barreling down the stairs.

"Emmet McCarty! How dare you - "

I took that as my cue to begin. My fingers trembled slightly as she turned her furious glare on me. The first chords came out shaky but I quickly recovered when her expression melted into one of confusion. She snapped her gaze back to Emmett as he began to sing, imitating the artist's nasally vocals almost perfectly.

"I just want to see you when you're all alone. I just want to catch you if I can. I just want to be there when the morning light explodes. On your face, it radiates, I can't escape," he flashed a pleading glance in my direction.

"I love you 'till the end," I sang with him. He sighed in relief, thankful I didn't leave him hanging.

Rosalie had one hand clasped over her mouth, her eyes shining. I smiled as Emmett grasped her free hand and continued singing.

"I just want to tell you nothing you don't want to hear. All I want is for you to say, Oh, why don't you just take me where I've never been before. I know you want to hear me catch my breath," he breathed, gaining more confidence with Rosalie's smile.

"I love you 'till the end."

Edward flew into the room, taking his seat next to me on the bench and started to play, adding a bit of piano to the mix. I watched as his long, intricate fingers stroked the keys effortlessly. I noticed he wasn't even looking down. His eyes were on me and like always, I got lost in his gaze.

Edward nudged me out of my daze so I could finish helping Emmett sing the chorus, but I was no longer concerned with them. The words, 'I love you 'till the end,' took on a whole new meaning as I was singing. This was for him. I was confessing my love. I was telling him that I would love him every day of forever.

For a brief moment, I swore I could see the same amount of love and devotion in Edward's eyes but as quickly as it came, the song ended and the spell was broken when he jumped up to congratulate the couple. Damn my overactive imagination, I thought bitterly.

I sighed deeply, disappointed. Strumming the chords of the guitar, I mulled over the fact that I was being blatantly obvious with my affections for Edward. He would have to be completely blind not to see it and let's face it, vampires have perfect vision. That's what was upsetting me the most. Knowing that he must know, he just didn't want me more than a friend.

As long as he is happy, I am happy, I chanted in my head over and over again.

Alice sat down beside me, rubbing her scarred palm. "My spidy-sense tells me you're upset," she whispered worriedly.

"It's nothing," I shrugged, attempting a smile.

"No, it's not nothing, it's something. I will get it out of you eventually," she winked playfully. I attempted another smile but failed miserably. She frowned. "You need to understand something, Bella. You are my family and if you need something, even if it's just a shoulder to cry on, I want you to come to me. I will always be here for you."

"Thanks, Al," I sniffed, a lone tear escaping down my cheek. I turned my face away, trying to hide my emotion but she had already seen it.

She smiled wistfully, wiping the salty moisture gently. "I wish you would talk to me now," she sighed.

"I'm just not ready yet," I admitted, shuffling my feet.

"Okay, well, when you are ready, I'm here," she promised, wrapping me up in her tiny arms.

"Bella," Rosalie greeted warily as she approached. "Thank you for helping Em."

"It was my pleasure, Rosalie," I offered genuinely.

She gave me a half smile and turned to leave, hesitating slightly. Alice chuckled quietly as Rosalie whirled back around. "Alice is going to be my maid of honor," she announced."But I need another bridesmaid."

I stared blankly at Rosalie wondering silently what a bride's maid was. It sounded possessive. As I was unfamiliar with the traditional wedding customs I automatically assumed it meant that the bride-to-be, in this case, Rosalie, would be alloted a maid or two until she was married. Immediately, I was turned off to the idea. It would make Rosalie my Alpha. I shuddered at the thought.

"Well," Rosalie asked.

"Well what," I hedged.

"You didn't really ask her anything, Rosie," Emmett explained, draping his arm loving over her shoulders.

Rosalie sighed loudly, her eye twitched. "Bella, would you care to be my other bridesmaid," she asked through clenched teeth.

"Um, I don't think that would be such a good idea," I said honestly.

Rosalie froze, her face contorted in fury. "Why the hell not," she roared.

"I wouldn't make a good... maid. I'm not a very good cleaner. I'm sure there is someone else who's much more equipped than I could ever be."

Her mouth fell open, the rest of the clan held similar expressions. Emmett was the first to break the awkward silence with his bellowing laughter. "Are you serious," he sputtered.

"What do you mean," I asked angrily, not liking that he was laughing at me.

"Bella," Alice tried. "A bridesmaid is just an accessory to a wedding. You help plan and on the wedding day you wear a beautiful dress and stand behind the bride, as a witness. That, of course, is just my cliff notes version. We'll have plenty of time to give you the in depth explanation as we shop," she informed me.

"Wait, you really have no idea about this whole wedding deal," Emmett asked, baffled.

"I'm not an idiot, Emmett," I growled. "I know of the wedding custom, but only the basics like the white dress and vows. I just have never heard of bridesmaids before. Marriage was never popular among the pack. Actually, I think my parents were the only ones who participated in that custom and being as I had not been born yet, I've had no experience in that area."

Carlisle seemed intrigued. "What are your customs when it comes to love and relationships," he asked excitedly.

"Wolves mate for life. It's an instant bond formed between the two mates that is irresistible and impossible to deny. We call it imprinting. Once it happens you would do anything for your other half, even if it meant dying," I explained. "There are no ceremonies or dresses, just love."

"But, how would the rest of the pack know if you imprinted or that you belong to each other," Esme asked curiously.

I blushed crimson. "Usually, after imprinting, a passionate affair takes place and the two mates would have successfully marked each other with permanent lovebites."

"Lovebites," Edward asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"Here," I explained, tilting my head to the side, pointing to the crook of my neck. "Lovers are known to bite one another on the neck, leaving a permanent scar. Marking their territory so to speak."

"Where's yours," Emmett asked.

I laughed. "I don't have one... yet," I said, my eyes flickering over to Edward's. My heart immediately halted as I caught his furious glare.

"Excuse me," he mumbled, retreating up the stairs.

"What's gotten into him," Emmett muttered.

"Who cares," Rosalie spat, turning to me once again. "You in?"

I stared off into space, wishing Edward hadn't been so disgusted with my customs. I certainly wouldn't mind wearing a white dress for him, if that's what he really wanted. Sometimes love is cruel.

"I'm in."

...

I turned over, pulling the covers over my head as I tried to block out the music emitting through the walls. Edward had been playing my CD and listened to all but one song. Now, he currently had the second to last one on repeat. The same song Mr. Marcy thought had been about him, when in reality he wasn't even close. It was about Edward and it pained me to hear it, over and over again. It was as if he knew and was enjoying the fact that it was making me suffer.

An hour passed by slowly and the same song was still on repeat. My tears had thoroughly soaked the pillows and I could no longer contain the sobs. I flung my covers aside, rushing into the hall towards Edwards room.

I didn't knock, just opened his door slowly, sliding in. My eyes were trained on my feet,avoiding his gaze. "Stop it, please. Turn it off," I begged, a fresh wave of tears distorted my vision.

When the music continued playing I tore my gaze up. Edward's eyes were tortured and sad.

"Please," I whispered.

In one fluid motion he turned off his stereo and was in front of me instantly. His tantalizing scent washed over me and I had to resist the urge to wrap my arms around him and inhale. But, I didn't have to fight long because he did it for me. His arms pulled me in, enveloping me. His embrace was heavenly and I immediately relaxed, but my tears only fell harder.

I flung my arms around his waist, burying my face in his chest. "Shh, Bella. You're alright. I've got you. I'm here," he comforted, still holding me tightly with one arm around my waist and the other twisting in my hair, tugging me closer to him.

Picking me up, he gently placed me down on his black, leather sofa. Effortlessly, he carefully moved the couch so that the moon's rays would shine down on me. The bright rays that washed over me, along with Edward's sweet whispers of comfort and closeness helped me calm down instantly.

"Thank you," I hiccuped through my tears.

Edward nodded, becoming silent. His lips pursed in concern.

"You should tell him how you feel," he said thoughtfully.

"Tell who how I feel about what," I asked, confused.

"Your... mate," he spoke slowly, drawing out the word.

"It's not that simple," I tried to explain.

"You said, it's a bond between the two. I imagine that you wouldn't imprint unless it was definitely certain that it was meant to be, right," he countered.

"I'm not sure it works quite like that all the time."

"All I'm saying is that you should tell him," he insisted, wrapping me in another hug, pulling me against his chest as he lay behind me. I squirmed from his grasp, flipping over so I was facing him.

"What if he doesn't love me the same," I questioned, the traitor tears returning.

"Well then he's an imbecile," Edward spat harshly, wiping my eyes gently.

"Perhaps I will tell him," I whispered, staring longingly into Edward's eyes.

"You should," he replied, glancing away from me, his frown becoming more prominent. "Black would want to know."

I gasped. "Black, as in Jacob Black?!"

"Yes," he growled.

"He's not - "

"No, Bella," he persisted, cutting me off. "It's okay. You don't have to be scared. I know for a fact that he adores you. You shouldn't deny your feelings anymore. I hate seeing you upset."

"But - "

"No buts. Sleep on it. I'm sure you will see the situation differently in the morning. Just close your eyes," he whispered in my ear, pulling me closer in his embrace. He started humming an unfamiliar tune. My eyes fluttered shut and sleep finally consumed me.

...

I woke with a start as dawn was just breaking. An odd, dull ache was welling in the pit of my stomach, making the acid churn and bubble. My heart clenched suddenly as the stale air filled my lungs. Edward.

Jumping up, I ran through the hall and down the stairs, following Rosalie's furious voice.

"He is your best man," she hissed. "He cannot miss our wedding!"

"He's gone," a frantic Esme asked. "Why, and for how long?"

"I only saw him leaving. He's with the Denali clan at the moment," Alice answered, her voice trembled with sadness.

I burst through the door, slipping slightly on the hardwood flooring. "He's gone," I gasped, struggling to catch my breath. Panic seized me, my eyes darting to each of their faces. "Edward's gone?!"

He left me...