Author's Note: I sort of pushed through my writer's block. I think this Chapter is better than 25, so I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thanks for all the reviews and as always they are appreciated, and I thank you all for continuing to read my story. Will be back with an update soon.

026. Only In My Memories

I jumped off of Jasper and ran into Lucas's arms. I was so happy to see him. He hugged me back hard.

"Are you okay?" he asked me urgently.

"Yes, I'm sorry that I broke my promise - " I said, my words all jumbled up.

"It's okay, you silly girl, as long as you're okay," he said reassuringly, running his fingers through my hair.

Over his shoulder I couldn't help but look at Edward. He looked distracted, and I hoped that he didn't see me staring. I saw Carlisle and Esme's silent exchange with him, and Edward disappearing shortly after that into the dark.

Lucas was holding my hand now, he seemed afraid to let me go. I titled my hand onto his shoulder and he squeezed my hand. There was another couple however, one that seemed to flood the room with emotion - more love than anyone could ever think possible.

Alice and Jasper were locked into a silent embrace. I could see tears glistening on both their cheeks and I felt embarrassed for unintentionally intruding on such a private moment.

"I hope that they have their happy ending," Lucas murmured quietly into my ear.

"Me too," I said distractedly.

"What's wrong? You sound distracted…" Lucas trailed off.

There was no hiding my emotions from Lucas.

"Nothing - I just, saw Edward leave, and I'm worried…"

Lucas tensed ever so slightly and pursed his lips. But it all happened so fast that I couldn't be sure if it had really happened. Lucas released my hand and turned to face me. He placed my face between his hands, and looked into my eyes.

"Go and find him. But please - please, don't hurt yourself. I can't lose you again."

Did he have to be so understanding? What have I ever done to deserve such a loving and wonderful boyfriend? I felt my stomach clench - knowing how much my leaving would hurt Edward. And as much as I tried, I knew I couldn't not go. I looked back into Lucas's eyes, hoping that he could see the reassurance in my eyes. I wanted him to know that I would come back to him.

"I love you Bella," Lucas said softly as I turned away from him and walked out the door.

The night air surrounded me as I ran towards the meadow - our meadow. It had been awhile since I had been here and one look reminded me how much I loved it here.

I laid in the middle of the meadow with my face to the stars. I closed my eyes and let the night take me away.

Bella ran into my arms and I picked her up and swung her around. I placed her down gently and she tilted her head upwards. Her eyes were so beautiful. I could get so lost in her eyes. They were always full of kindness and concern - they were the windows to her soul.

"I want to make cookies," I whispered playfully into her ear.

"What?" Shock colored her every word.

"You heard me - chocolate chip cookies would be preferred."

"You want cookies?!" Bella repeated incredulously.

"Yep," I said cheerfully.

She peered into my eyes with disbelief.

"You're kidding, you don't eat…" she said slowly.

"Sort of. I don't eat - true, but you do, and you've been moaning about cookies for the past week so I figured I would accompany you in baking some."

She hugged me unexpectedly, and I knew that if I could blush - I would've.

"Thank you, you're the sweetest person I know," she said, her voice muffled by my shirt.

"Come on, let's go and get this over with," I said solemnly as I draped my arm over her. She hugged me close with her arm around my waist and rested her head on my shoulder.

"Does it have to be chocolate?"

A soft crackle in the night brought me back. I was disappointed that my memory was cut short, but a slight breeze changed my mind. The air in the meadow was sweet. The only smell that ever captivated me held me now, as it did so long ago - Bella.

I stared into the darkness, seeing Edward's pale face stark white in the middle of the meadow. Our meadow.

"Why are you here?"

"I saw you leave - I was just wondering if you're okay," I stuttered. Why was I doing this? I was the one that pushed him away - I was just making things worse.

"I'm fine," he answered brusquely.

"Oh, okay," I said softly and turned around and started to walk away. Within seconds I felt a pair of cold arms wrap around me. I felt my body tense up - an involuntary response. But as fast as that happened I relaxed into his arms. It had been so long - and just being in his arms felt so right.

"Edward," I whispered.

"Bella - my beautiful Bella," he whispered back, agony piercing his every word.

I turned to look at him - really look at him. He had changed so much over the years. He looked so weary.

"We can't do this. I can't do this to Lucas," I said quietly, pulling away from him.

I faced him and I said slowly, "Lucas trusted me enough to let me follow you, I can't betray that trust."

Edward closed his face off and his fists clenched to his side. He nodded briefly before apologizing.

"I'm sorry, just having you so close, is really testing my self control."

I smiled slightly, "No more human blood."

"Yes," he smiled wryly.

"I think perhaps we should head back - Jasper has a lot of things to say."

"Alright. Just one more moment? It's peaceful with you here."

"Edward…" I said cautiously.

"Don't worry, it's just your presence. I'm glad you're fine."

"Thank you."

"Okay," Edward said taking a deep breath, "I'm ready, let's go home."