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I couldn't bare to leave you there so I have another chapter for you

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Chapter 26

BPOV

I stayed a few extra days helping to plan the funeral. It was to be a simple affair, Rose, Alice, Seth and Jake were coming to Washington for the funeral and I would leave after with them. I took a deep breath as I stood under the black umbrella, no tears would be shed form me that day. The rain splattered across the casket as it was lowered into the ground and I dropped the blood red rose onto the lid as everyone turned from the grave and began to make their way back to the house. I whispered my last note of thanks to my Grandmother smiling as a flurry of wind swept my words away and carried them up to the heavens to be with her. Before too long I found myself in the back seat of Roses car not too far from the apartment. "You seem better Bella" Alice chirped with a grin.

"I feel better. Grandma and I had a bit of a chat the night she died" I took a deep breath, my lungs still wouldn't fill properly though. Rose smiled at me through the rear-view mirror

"How about we go out tonight? We'll have a celebratory drink in honour of Grandma Swan and then have some fun. You need some fun after everything" Rose suggested with a grin of her own. I nodded with small laugh as Alice squealed and bounced in her seat.

EPOV

I was a zombie, I didn't eat much, I didn't sleep much and I hardly left the apartment. Emmett wouldn't talk to me; Jasper spoke to me when he had to. By the second week I decided I had to get a way. I had to clear my head and figure out what I had to do. I needed Bella, I couldn't breath without her Seth had apparently been filling in for Bella lately and I had taken a two month break from work, although I had many colleagues calling me to complain about how the newest secretary, although was much more resilient than the temps was in fact cross-dressing. I had been in for the first few days trying to keep myself busy, but I couldn't function without her. I had been through eight temps in three days before I gave up and took some time off.

I called my parents one night and booked a plane ticket leaving at three am. I scribbled Jasper a note saying I had to get a way and was soon on the next flight out of Seattle.

I arrived in Chicago not long after and took a taxi to my parents. I let myself in the back door with the spare key because it was still early. I dropped my bag by the back door and sighed as I walked into the living room towards my baby grand piano. I had missed it dearly. I sat down on the stool, letting my fingers run lazily across the keys for a moment. I took a deep breath and let my fingers run, images played though my head and gradually the notes filtered out and meshed with the mood of the images, each one more morbid and surreal than the last. "Edward?" my mothers voice called from the bottom of the stairs. The moonlight illuminated the white of her silk robe and bounced off the base ball bat in her hand. I couldn't fight the smile, typical Esme.

"Yes mom" I replied stilling my fingers over the keys and dropping them into my lap. She dropped the bat and walked towards me

"Edward sweetheart what are you doing here?" she asked taking a seat next to me on the bench and hugging me into her chest as only a mother could

"Mom I hurt her" I breathed as she cooed into my hair rocked me gently. My father then descended the stairs "Esme?" he asked rubbing the sleep from his eyes

"I'm sorry dear, didn't mean to wake you" she called as Carlisle edged sleepily towards us

"Edward! Why didn't you call?" he asked

"shush dear he's upset" she scalded her husband. Carlisle ran his hand through his hair and headed towards the kitchen leaving the motherly nurturing to his wife.

"Coffee anyone?" he called as I began to tell them both of that had happened.

I stayed with my parents for a few days, most of the time using the piano as my emotional release. Everything that had happened since I met Bella flowed through my fingers and ran riot along the keys.

Carlisle slumped down on to the stool beside me a few days later "did you know your mother turned me down four times before she agreed to marry me?" he asked. I stopped playing and looked up at him in surprise, he nodded his head.

"why?" I asked simply as my mother rounded the corner into the room and came to stand behind my father placing her hands on his shoulders as he tilted his head back so she could lay a chaste kiss on his lips

"Because I wanted to be sure that your father really wanted me. That he wouldn't give up on me and was willing to fight to have me because he loved me enough to do so" she replied for him as my father grinned at her. Even after all the years they had been together they were still as much in love as they were on their wedding day.

"But even if I fought for her Bella would never love me now. Not after the way I hurt her" I placed my fingers back against the keys but didn't play

"How do you know?" my father asked

"Because I do"

"So you speak for Bella now do you?" my mother added

"I hurt her, and I'd never forgive myself for it so I don't' expect her to" I replied pressing down on a chord

"Well then you don't really love her" my mother said firmly. I pulled my fingers from the keys to turn and face her

"I love her so much it hurts" I said just as defensive

"Well if you truly loved her like you say you do you wouldn't let her just walk out of your life as easily as your doing would you?" my mother asked with a grin. My father chuckled as my jaw slacked

"I mean she fort and she tried and you hurt her, are going to throw everything back in her face and hurt her even more or are you going to fight your damned hardest to win her heart and prove your love to her?" my fathers grin widened as I still had no snappy come back. I couldn't deny the logic of either of them

"Edward no matter that was said or done if you love her enough it will fix itself" I nodded smiling slightly as my fingers flowed more peacefully than they had since I arrived across the keys; a plan formulating in my head.

The next day I thanked my parents before getting the first flight out of Chicago and back to Seattle. I had to see Bella. I touched down in the airport and swiftly pulled my cell out of my pocket and dialled Emmetts number he picked up on the first ring. I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder "Em it's me please don't hang up" there was a sigh

"I'm not gonna hang up on you Edward" he said flatly

"I need to see Bella" I stated and waited for a reply, I could hear him speaking with a group of people in the background and I assumed the whole gang was there

"Come home and we'll talk. Look, you're still my buddy so I'll help you. But Edward so help me god if you hurt her again I WILL pummel you" I grinned

"Thanks man, I owe you" I hung up and grabbed a taxi home.

I pushed open the door and dropped my bag inside my room as I waltzed into the living room to confront my friends. I opened my mouth to speak but Jasper cut in "before you speak we have to know from your mouth: Do you love her?"

"More than you'll ever know" I replied. Emmett sighed in relief and Jasper ginned at me with an exasperated sigh. "Bellas coming home today. She spent the last few days at her parents because her Grandmother died. I spoke to Alice earlier apparently she had an epiphany whist talking with her grandmother the night before she died and it's been decided that everyone is going to meet at Serenade at seven for a celebratory drink and then Bellas eared herself a night of fun with all the shit that she's had to go through. So you better bring you're A game tonight Cullen" I thanked them both and we continued to talk amongst ourselves as I explained what was going on in my mushed up brain and they agreed to try and help me in my quest to win Bellas heart.

By six thirty I was dressed in dark grey low riding jeans and a black shirt with red threading. The sleeves rolled up to my elbows and the top few buttons left open. I ran my hand nervously though my hair as we called a taxi and all piled in. My heart was racing, my palms were sweating and the adrenaline pumping through my veins made me want to pee myself. To say the least, I was shitting myself.

BPOV
Alice talked excitedly on the phone as I jumped in the shower and her and Rose raided my wardrobe. As I stepped out Alice gave me a measured look in my towel and sat me down on my bed with a deep breath "Edwards back" she said firmly, hearing his name sent a ripple though my chest. I nodded sharply

"And he's coming to Serenade with us all tonight" my chest tightened and I tried desperately to fill my lungs. I would not chicken out, I needed him. I still loved Edward. Thinking his name for the first time sent a pulse of adrenaline shooting through my veins

"Well I guess it's a good thing I have you guys to dress me then" I said with a nervous smile. Both of them took one look at each other before diving on top of me and squeezing me till I was sure they were going to break ribs. I watched highly amused as they danced around the room pulling out various outfits and holding them to my body.

Half an hour later I was ready to go, I stood in front of the floor length mirror of my wardrobe and surveyed my outfit. Alice had picked out a very low cut, very tight black off the shoulder top. The bodice was that of a corset and the addition of the bra and pantie set I had on underneath only added to the cleavage it created. The material was black with red lace that tied tightly into a bow at the top in the front. To go along with the top Alice had slipped me into a layered black skirt that came to about mid thigh and showed off the length of my legs. Rose had added black leather four inch peep toes, a red clutch and done my hair into loose curls that framed my face. I grinned; this was the Bella I remembered. Rose had opted for a tight, light blue, off the shoulder, outrageously short dress that was completely Rosalie and Alice went for a pair of denim shorts and tight, low cut, cap sleeved top, it was cute yet flirtatious.

We giggled as we piled into the back of Jakes car when he pulled up outside the apartment block. Both him and Seth grinned before engaging in the usual hilarity of our flowing convocations. The energy in the night was electric and I fed off it as we pulled up in front of Serenade and I shakily stepped out of the car. Alice took hold of one hand as Rose took hold of the other and together they pulled me into the comfortable darkness of the club. The bar was lit up like a Christmas tree and we followed it like a beacon through the crowded dance floor dodging stray hands until we stepped into the clearing that separated the dance floor from the bar. And there he was, no more the serious, harsh, closed up Edward that had been moulded by Tanya. But my Edward, the fun loving, care free, laughing, smiling, perfect Edward. He turned on his bar stool and his jaw dropped open as his eyes scanned over me. I stood strong, the rest of the world vanished as he hopped off his bar stool and strode purposefully towards me.

He stopped a foot away from me, his eyes not making the contact with mine that I craved "I'm sorry" he said with a sad voice "I'll never forgive myself for hurting you and I understand if you don't forgive me. I just, I'm so sorry for hurting you Bella" I forced a smile and opened my mouth to speak when Emmett yelled to me. I quickly stepped round Edward and walked towards Emmett, the fault lines along my chest were bubbling and my whole body ached as I moved away from him. Emmett handed me a drink and I quickly downed it, letting the cool liquid slide down my throat and burn all the way into my chest.

We ordered another round and all eyes turned to me as I raised my glass "To Grandma Swan, we'll miss you" I said simply, glasses clicked and everyone quickly threw back their shots before I ordered my third drink. The alcohol was starting to set in and I was glad of its numbing powers as three blonds surrounded Edward, their hands trailing down his body as they whispered dirty things into his ear. My jaw clenched as I grabbed Roses hand and pulled her along with Alice onto the dance floor. By the end of the first song a new pair of hands was touching me on every beat. I pushed away the sweaty palms and slapped at the stubby fingers that got too close for my liking. I downed another drink as more woman surrounded Edward and more men threw themselves at me.

One man in particular kept up his games through out the night. I pushed his hands away from my chest and turned for the um-teenth time to tell him to back off. The six foot five man towered over me as he drunkenly slurred and tipped forward to try and grab me again. I pushed him back with more force "I said back off" I called more forcefully

"Come on darlin' you know I love 'em fistey" he slurred bending and pressing himself against me again. I struggled against his grip until his drunkenness caused him to trip and let me go. I glanced across the floor to see if I could catch the eye of someone to save me. Edward pushed yet another woman's hands off his chest as she backed him into a corner. I sighed and decided I'd had enough. I pushed my way through the crowd and took a deep breath as I stepped into the cool night air.

I started to stumble towards the road when I felt someone grab my shoulder and spin me around before pinning me to the wall of the club. I could feel it shake behind me from the base. "where you going darlin'?" the same man form inside breathed, the smell of stale beer and cigarettes filled my nostrils and I gagged. I flinched as the man was pulled from me.

Edward stood with his back to me in a possessive stance as the man reeled and charged towards him. Edward quickly blocked his fist and his own met with the mans face "Edward!" I called, he didn't need to get into a fight. The man caught Edward off guard and landed two quick hits, one to Edwards lip and the other to his chest. Edward recovered quickly and threw himself at the man "Edward stop it!" I yelled in vain. He landed one hard blow to the mans jaw and he fell with a thud to the floor.

Edward turned to me quickly "Bella you okay?" he asked his voice full of concern, his eyes meeting min for the first time in so long.

I couldn't respond, I was too lost in the depth of his green orbs. I quickly shook my head and looked around, the man was still on the floor. I gently took Edwards jaw in my hand noting the fat lip and the way he winced. I sighed and hailed a taxi. Edward and I climbed in and I gave the driver Edwards address before pulling out my phone and sending Alice a text to say Edward and I had headed home. I had a reply in seconds saying 'good luck'. The ride home was silent and I quickly paid the taxi driver as Edward opened the front door. It had been months since I had been in his apartment. Everywhere I looked I could see us laughing together, him holding me, kissing the top of my head. I bit the inside of my cheek to distract myself.

I sat Edward in a chair by the table and without looking at him I turned to rummage through the cupboards in search of the first aid box.

I could feel his eyes burning holes into the back of me and finally I reached up and snagged the box before turning back to him. I was still too distracted to talk so I perched myself on the edge of the table in front of his chair and sat the box beside me. I felt a gentle finger being placed under my chin and Edward tilted my face to look at him. My eyes traced over his too perfect features, from his angular defined cheek bones to his full luscious lips and the smooth slope of his nose. I didn't realise that I had raised my hand to his face, gently cupping his cheek to avoid putting pressure on the growing bruise there. Edwards piercing green eyes finally closed, releasing me from their capture as he leaned his head into my hand, placing his own hand over mine. I sighed and slipped my hand away from his face and getting up.

I stepped towards the freezer and pulled it open to retrieve a bag of frozen peas and wrapped it in a dish cloth. I placed myself back in front of Edward, and placed the coolness against his cheek and he winced recoiling from the bag. I placed the bag carefully back in place and took his wrist, to make his hand hold the bag in place as I ripped open an antiseptic wipe. I took a deep breath and decided I had to break the tension in the room.

"You shouldn't have hit him Edward" I whispered

"What and let him man handle you?" he asked frustrated

"I was fine. You getting yourself hurt however is not helpful"

"You were not fine Bella. I know you, I know your not fine" I had been avoiding eye contact with him and gently dabbing at the blood on his split lip until he said the last part.

"And by fighting him you made yourself just as bad"

"He was going to hurt you" he said firmly, putting down the bag of peas next to me.

"There were a million girls around you who were all getting harassed by guys, why not try and save them?" I rose from where I was sitting, the frustration and anger at myself finally letting loose.

"Because I wasn't interested in them"

"But why Edward?"

"Why? Because maybe I was trying to protect you"

"Why start a fight?" I wasn't listening properly to him anymore

"Because I care about you"

"What if he had a knife? Or a gun? What if you got hurt all over again and it was all my fault!?" I was yelling loudly although he was only about a foot away from me.

"Because I wouldn't have cared! Because I would do anything to make you safe! Because I would do anything to take back the things I said and make you believe that I'm sorry and never meant to hurt you!"

"What does it matter if it's me!?"

"IT MATTERS BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!"

"What does-" I stopped dead, staring at him with my mouth slack and wide open. "What did you say?" my voice was so quite I wondered for a moment if he heard me.

"Isabella Marie Swan. I am completely, irrevocably, uncontrollably, unyieldingly and unequivocally in love with you" Edward stood, chest heaving, fists balled at his sides and the most intense look of passion and angst I had ever seen before in his raging, bright green eyes. I couldn't breath. The man I loved, the man I never thought I would be worthy of just told me that he loves me. He actually loves me. After everything that happened, after everything that was said and done I felt the last strings of any hope I had of keeping myself together snap. I couldn't feel the tears slide down my face.

Edward took me firmly by the forearms with both hands and his jaw softened

"Say something Bella" but my body was frozen, my brain was doing overtime and I couldn't even work out how to breathe.

"Tell me you don't love me" he breathed his face inches from mine, his eyes frantically searching mine for some form of response. "say it and I'll walk out that door. You won't ever have to see me again. Say it Bella, if can you honestly tell me you feel nothing for me" but still my brain was in melt down. He stepped back from me, releasing his grip on my arms and a big tear bubbled over in his eyes and slid down his cheek. This wasn't the I-just-watched-my-puppy-get-hit-by-a-car look. This was worse, so much worse. But still my body wouldn't respond. Edward sighed in defeat and turned his back to me.

The man I love took one step away from me and my body would do nothing but allow me to shriek in pain in my head. Every step he took was like a shot a close range.

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OH NOES!

Will Bella react in time to stop Edward from leaving?

Will Edward have enough money for a taxi if he does walk away?

Will Emmett ever stop teasing them both after what happens in the next chapter?

Find out, next time on Giving up is not an option

Stay tuned

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Revieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeews make me happy

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