I did not rush, or made it come of out nowhere when Edward asked Bella out. He was thanking her and all this other stuff that led up to it. Thank you so much for those who agree, and please, if you're getting sick of this story, don't tell me. I finally get these two together after twenty-some chapters, and a reviewer tells me they're tired of it. (???) Okay, whatever. Oh, yes, the whole thing will be in Bella's point of view, sorry, Edward. And thank you for checking out my other story!!!! I have the first chapter up. :) And as for this story, over 900 reviews!

Welcome, Sweden and Norway!

Quotes from friends used in this chapter:

It has to do with kissing. –Daniel (my boyfriend :D)

Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Chapter 24: Newly Formed

B.P.O.V.

No matter how pleasant the feeling of being in Edward's arms under the warm shade of beauty from the dazzling meadow, time doesn't last forever. Darkness was dawning and it would be getting late soon. Too soon.

Time as I knew it was blazing by too fast. As if I'm standing still and all these events, all these precious moments of reality, were passing by me with the speed of unseen light. It didn't feel like November the first; yesterday couldn't have been Halloween, yet, it was. For some unknown reason, life and living had two different meanings now. Sure, everybody could live, but it took courage and durability to necessarily live it at its fullest. And that's what I've been skipping out on, dodging it so it'll never hit me with the ball of actuality – living.

But that was the past, accompanying every other detail that had occurred before this moment. You can't change the past – as Alice found out – and I've been fooling myself with cutting by believing so. All these years, all these chances of living, ruined, destroyed with my sad depression. I know better, thanks to my new friends – my new family. They're my present – with the time for being – and hopefully, for my unknown future. Because nobody knows the future with certainty on what's going to happen later on, not even Alice.

One hand occupied by the grown rose, and the other swept into Edward's secure grip, I felt safe – balanced – walking back to his car. Actually, everything seemed balanced. The grass was greener, the sky was brighter, the air was cooler and best of all, I felt protected; secure of myself and who I am. I was a hundred percent positive I had a goofy grin – sadly, the same one that appeared on my face before the use of a blade – plastered on my face, but who cares? The perfect guy asked me to be his girlfriend. In better words: Edward asked me to be his girlfriend. I was beyond cloud nine, and the whole world finally fell into a perception to where I understood it – the reason for living.

So many uncontrollable emotions coursed through me, the same way you feel on your first day of school. Confusion, excitement, wonder, happiness, curiosity, and insecurity – the whole nine yards. Sometimes I wish I could control them, and my unhelpful blush that betrays me so much, but I'm assuming that's just the effect of living. If that's so, then let it be.

This is what I've been waiting for. I finally found a piece of diamond in the crap that's been my life. My heart was beating thunderously in my chest, I was afraid Edward's might notice. When I peeked over to him, I saw him gazing at the green around us. He really is too perfect for me. Just as I thought that, he looked over at me. Edward smiled my grin and I felt the right side of my face burn. How can I only blush on one cheek? It's unbelievable! This kind of stuff only graces its presence with me. I quickly looked away, thanking the angel looking over me that Edward and I didn't have to be face-to-face. Imagine he saw one side of my face red and the other pale? Talk about a good reason for breaking up.

I won't even ponder on that subject. I need to enjoy this moment – this life – with what I have. Edward is mine, and I'm his; everything is the way I wished it would be.

Edward opened my door, smiling down at me. I noticed as he closed it shut, the sun was setting – bowing lower to the Earth – behind Edward, casting a halo figure around his head. He really is an angel.

My mind was still amazed by the sight of it when Edward entered the car. "So, even though it's early, it's been another one of those long days, huh? I bet you're tired from walking and going through it. Wanna go home?" He asked, tired dripping from his voice.

Not daring myself to look at his gorgeous face, I stayed staring at the rose he gave me. Even beautiful flowers need water. I nodded. "Yeah, I think heading home sounds good."

Edward started the engine and took off, but nothing without throwing a grin at me. What was he smiling about? Then it hit me: We were a couple – he's 20 and I'm 18 – living together.

Whoa, didn't see that strolling by.

My blush exposed my embarrassment. And Edward didn't go without noticing. He chuckled.

"Shut up," I muttered, faking annoyance.

Edward smiled. With one hand on the wheel, his other took mine. "Don't be embarrassed."

I lifted my chin high. "I'm not embarrassed."

"Then don't be scared."

My chin dropped. Was I scared? How could he have known when I didn't even know I was afraid? Edward might know me a little too well. And, for some reason, I was okay with that.

I felt a light squeeze on my hand, and looked at Edward. "I won't ever hurt you, I promise."

Without even processing it, I nodded, and my next words escaped without my recognition. "I know."

He leaned over to kiss my temple and went back to driving. My heart fluttered and melted at the same time.

I was in love with Edward Anthony Masen Cullen.

3 Weeks later…

November 17, Monday

I ran.

Ran faster than I had when I was taking gym. Lockers and too many students pasted by me in the hallway. Keeping my legs moving under me, and making sure none of the faculty members saw me, my head looked all around for a clock. The straps on my back pack slipped, so I used both hands to pull it up. Two minutes.

The door was closing, with more students entering. A boy – I believe his name is Eric – noticed my hurry and opened the door for me. Instead of thanking him properly, I nodded. But chances are he didn't see with my speed. Aren't I selfish?

Trying to loosen up since I was entering the office, my breaths came out in a rush.

"Dear, are you alright? You looked like you just ran a marathon!" Mrs. Cope commented. Well, I did sprint from the other side of school, I thought bitterly.

I nodded, still breathless and still walking past her desk. Fixing my hair and clothes – I got an even bigger wardrobe from Rosalie and Alice's old clothes, though I don't know how Alice's fit me – I finally caught my breath. Shaking off the intensity of my run, I opened the door.

Edward looked up from his lap top, raising an eyebrow. "You're in early."

I pretended to not know what he was talking about. (I stopped saying, "I'm going to pretend to act dumb," after Emmett said it shouldn't be hard for me. That's my Teddy Bear.) "I don't know what you're talking about."

As I put my bag on the couch, the bell rang, proving my point. Edward still didn't bite. "But you always get here after the bell."

I sat down and shrugged. "Teacher let us out early."

"I know Mr.P is easy going, but no way would he let you guys out before the bell. Unless…" Edward looked at me skeptically till his eyes filled with an idea, and a smile spread across his angelic face. "Not unless you ran here."

I fought back my blush. Haha, it worked. "Edward, seriously, why would I run from History all the way over to the office?"

Edward smiled the way he does when he feels cocky. "Because you wanted to see me."

I rolled my eyes. Stay down, blush. Stay down! "Oh, yes, Edward," I said sarcastically. "I would run across the universe just to get to you." And it was so true.

He raised an eyebrow, leaning back against his chair. "Would you?"

Blush, I love you, don't come out. "Would you?" It was weak, but I shot it back.

Edward nodded, smiling. "I would. Now, would you?"

My face heated up. I hate you, you blood-filled monster. "Fine, I ran here. Happy?" I crossed my arms over my chest, defeated.

Edward got up, closed the door, and kissed the top of my head. "Most definitely."

Keeping a relationship with a teacher in an office filled with faculty member was difficult, to say the least. Secrecy was hard when the entire female population (and some male) of Forks High were drooling over Edward, but I stayed strong. Of course I couldn't tell anybody, besides Omar and Sarah, but at least I could go home and spend time with him freely. On the other hand, school has been easier thanks to Edward.

I eat lunch at his office occasionally, while other times – as much as I hate it – I ate with the gang. No need to rise up suspicion, right? Jazmin has been less demanding due to the loss of her partner in crime, Karina. Sarah got out of the hospital last Friday. Omar picked her up and, so Sarah has told me, won't leave her side. But she isn't complaining. In fact, every now and then she begs me and Edward to go on a double date with them. Sarah and Edward get along fine, thanks to their humor and love of making fun of me. She really is one of my best friends, and I'm happy she made it out okay. Omar is one lucky guy, but he's whipped. If Sarah says jump, he'll already know how high. They're still in the adorable puppy, lovey dovey stage, but then again, so am I with Edward.

Edward smirked as he has at the edge of his desk. "What are you thinking about?"

"Sarah," I admitted.

"Does she still want to go on a double date?"

I nodded. "She spent all third period sending me notes on it."

"Well," Edward's smirk rose to a wicked smile. "Maybe that doesn't sound so bad."

"Really?" I asked, surprised. Edward was usually the one who refused.

We've gone on only three official dates; the rest we were accompanied with Em, Jasper, Rose, Alice, and at times, Carlisle and Esme. That's another thing: Carlisle and Esme. Esme is wonderful. So sweet, kind, caring, loving – my mother, basically. Carlisle….well, he smiles more and seems to approve of me. Though he stills calls me Isabella (shudders), he's really nice and fatherly to everyone. I really admire his relationship with Esme. I talked to her about it, well she talked to me, and she said we were both in the same situation; in love with men who have women after them at work.

I don't know if I love Edward or if it's just a crush. I thought I loved him, but looking at other couples like Rose and Emmett, Jasper and Alice, Carlisle and Esme, even Sarah and Omar, I'm not too sure. And Edward hasn't said he loves me yet. We haven't even kissed!

My personal God nodded, "I was thinking we could go to Fred Loya's house. He always has that big light show every year with music from the Trans Siberian Orchestra – they even give out hot chocolate and cookies after. It could be fun." He shrugged nonchalantly.

I blinked, still in shock. "Yeah, I've been there once. It was the year police arrested Andrea for trying to breaking into that huge building." I shook my head. "I still can't believe they have two big houses – it practically takes up the whole block!"

I remembered that year. I was fifteen, my second year in the gang, and the girls wanted to crash it. Fred Loya is this huge insurance guy who's filthy rich. Every Christmas he has people decorate his house (houses) so that the lights go with the music from the Trans Siberian Orchestra. They're this orchestra slash rock band. I hear their shows are like a light show, a rock concert with classical music, but they have electric violins, keyboards, and electric guitars. It's totally badass, but I wouldn't know. Anyway, Andrea tried to break in, but they caught her when the alarm went off. Every year since then, the police have cleared the street and cops surrounded the area. But the way the house is decorated…I remember it leaving me breathless. The lights, the music, it was amazing.

"Yeah," I nodded; smiling and feeling the excitement build up in me. "Yeah, we should go."

Edward grinned. "Great, let Sarah and Omar know later on."

I smiled back. "I will."

There was a long silence echoing off of each wall. I tried to distract myself by messing with my nails. Rose gave me a manicure the other day, and I-

"Bella," Edward called sternly.

I tried not to look at him. "Yes?"

He sighed. "Bella, we talked about this. Just because-" His voice lowered to a whisper. "We're going out-" Edward's voice rose to normality. "Doesn't mean we're still not in session. You haven't done much talking this period as you used to."

I uncrossed my arms. "But Edward, you already know me better than I know myself."

Edward reviewed me with a worried look before he got up. "I guess you're right. Did you take your pills today?" he asked, plopping down next to me.

"Mmm-hmm,"

I bit my lip to stop from smiling. It was no use, I was grinning like crazy. Edward draped his arm over my shoulder and scooted closer so that the sides of our bodies were touching.

"So," Edward said casually, his breath sweeping over my face. "What do we do now?"

I bit my tongue, my face turning a light red. "Well,"

"Yes?" He asked, an amused look taking over his glorious face.

"We could try something…" I suggested shyly.

Edward's face inched lower to mine. "Like?" He whispered quietly.

My heart was beating too fast and I felt my palms sweating. I swallowed a lump down my throat and tried making the room stand still. "Umm," My mind blanked.

"Well, I have something in mind, if that's alright," Edward said after I tried to remember my previous thoughts. "But it has to do with kissing,"

I nodded my head, but it hit Edward's chin, which was a close proximity to my head. I swallowed back my squeal. "Of course."

I could hear Edward's steady breathing. Does that mean he can hear my panting, or my heart pounding? I hope not. Edward's scent carried me as his face came near. I saw his eyes were closed, showing me how truly long his eyelashes were, and he was leaning in. Terrified, I followed his led.

Closing my eyes and turning my head to a side – hey, I've never done this before – I moved closer to the sweet smell. Okay, cam down, Bella. Not too fast…

"Edward- I, oh!"

Edward and I jumped, pushing each other off. I felt myself landing on the floor, but I didn't pay attention since my face was burning up. I saw Edward was at the edge of the couch, looking up at the door with wild eyes. But then, he smiled and his shoulders relaxed. "Oh, hey, Em,"

My head snapped up. A relived smile broke across my face. "Emmett," I breathed.

Edward helped me up as Emmett said, "Uh, yeah, I knocked, but nobody answered, so I thought-"

"It's fine, just close the door behind you," Edward asked kindly.

Emmett did as told. "So, Drug Addict," Em sat on Edward's desk while Edward and I sat back on the couch. "Busy lately?" He winked.

I narrowed my eyes as Edward pulled me closer to him. "Actually, I have."

Emmett grinned, "Well, just as long you wash the couch afterward."

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

"Bella, Edward, dinner's ready!" Esme called from the first floor.

I groaned. I didn't want to get up; I was so comfortable in Edward's arms. We were lying down on his old bed, 'preparing' for dinner.

Edward groaned again, and got up. We were just about to kiss, but I guess fate hates us. "Let's go, Bells." He grabbed my hand and helped me down the bed. It was huge.

Walking down the stairs, hand in hand, I managed to trip only once. By the time we reached the last step, I felt proud.

Esme was setting the table while Carlisle added something to the pasta. "Bella dear, you can sit wherever you wish," She smiled, wiping her hands on a dish towel.

I smiled back. "Thank you. Are you sure you don't need any help?"

Carlisle placed a bowl with salad at the center of the table. "Its fine, Isabella," He smiled at me. "You can sit down and relax."

I was about to protest, but Edward placed a hand on my back and led me to the nearest chair. I thanked him after he pushed me in, and he took a seat next to me. After Esme placed a couple more dishes onto the table, Carlisle pushed her in as well, and then took a seat next to her.

"So, Bella," Esme began as Carlisle placed some food on her plate. I was about to reach for the mashed potatoes, but Edward got the bowl and used the large spoon to place some on my plate for me. "How is school going?"

I smiled at Edward, who grinned back, and looked at Esme. "Fine, thanks," Edward got a spoon and poured gravy over my mashed potatoes, just how I liked it.

Esme grinned as she watched Edward. Carlisle stopped working on Esme's plate and served himself some of the pasta. "I hear you're working very hard. Edward hasn't stopped talked about your grades. Or should I say bragging?"

I gave a stern look at Edward, who shrugged as he got salad, and said, "School is good, but I really owe it to Emmett. He helps me so much with it, and Jasper has a great memory when it comes to History."

"And Edward?" Carlisle teased, eying his son.

I grinned. "Edward's around if I need help setting up my books." I winked at Edward. He glared at me and switched our plates – so I had his empty and he had mine. "Then again, he's really good with…uh," Edward rolled his eyes and gave me back my own plate.

Esme smiled. "Aww, well you two are so perfect for each other. You know, when Carlisle and I were younger," Her voice dripped with excitement as she reminisced her past. Her face glowed with joy, and her hands clapped together. "We were the-"

"Esme, please," Carlisle interrupted, placing a hand on her thin shoulder. "I'm sure Isabella and Edward don't want to know about our hippie love."

Edward and I smiled, watching his parents mess around with each other.

Esme rolled her eyes. "You just don't want your son to know about that protest you went to. Remember? The one where you had to run around the campus naked? Lucky for you, and the reporters, your hair was so long, it covered most of-"

"Sweety! I think you're scaring Isabella," Carlisle suggested eagerly.

Edward boomed a laugh. "Dad, I thought you were against the whole hippie era?"

Carlisle glared. "Edward, you're grounded."

Edward's smile didn't falter. "And long hair, huh?" He turned to Esme. "How long was it again, Mom?"

Esme smiled at her son, then back at Carlisle. "Alright you two, settle down and eat."

Right when each of us reached for our silverware, the door burst open. "Did I hear the word, eat?" Emmett walked in with Rosalie, who was smiling and rolling her eyes.

"Emmett, Rosalie, what a wonderful surprise." Esme stood up, giving them each a hug and kiss.

"Hey, Carlisle," Emmett patted his shoulder and sat down next to Edward.

"Hi," Rose gave Carlisle a peck on the cheek.

"Now Emmett, I told you to knock before," Esme scolded, grabbing plates for both of them.

"The last time I knocked, no body heard me." He dramatically turned to me and Edward. I blushed…for the hundredth time.

"I told him," Rosalie defended, sitting in between Em and Esme's chair. "But then he heard you say the 'e' word, and there was no stopping him. Do you mind I we stay and eat?" She asked, her beautiful face encased with worry.

Carlisle smiled playfully. "I guess we don't have a choice, do we now?"

Emmett grinned. "Nope."

While Rose and Emmett served themselves food, Esme, Edward, Carlisle and I started eating. "So, Emmett, I hear you and Jasper are helping out on a…big…Dear, what on Earth are you doing?" Esme asked.

Emmett gathered up his mashed potatoes, forming a mountain-like figure. All of us stopped eating and looked at him in time to watch what he was doing. Emmett pressed down the top of his 'mountain' with the back of his spoon, and used the other to pour gravy into it. It looked like a volcano that erupted.

He put the gravy bowl down and was about to eat, but noticed us staring at him. "Oh! Well, you see, there's this company that make parts for planes, and this lady got drunk during her lunch hour. So when she came back, she was all dozed up and tripped over a piece of machinery and is suing the company. We're working with the company to, you know, say it's not fair since she got drunk and…Why are you all looking at me like that?"

"Emmett, first," Edward shook his head, closing his eyes. "And second, why did you do that with your food?"

Emmett shrugged. "I don't know. Why is that lady suing the company when she was drunk? People do crazy things." He finished off by getting a mouthful of food and eating it.

"Emmett," Esme warned.

Emmett's head automatically snapped up. "Oh, sorry, Esme," He chewed quickly and swallowed. "I forgot my manners. Do any of you want some?" He raised his dish and offered us.

"Uh, no,"

"No, thank you."

"Eww,"

"Idiot,"

Emmett glared at Rosalie, only kidding, after she called him and idiot. He stuck his tongue out at her and looked at me. "Want some, Drug Addict?"

I shook my head. "No, no thank you,"

Emmett shrugged and dumped a big piece of pasta onto his plate. After dinner, I asked Esme if she needed help washing the dishes.

She smiled sweetly. "Sweety, we have a dishwasher. But it was so kind of you to offer."

I looked down, messing with my locket, and blushed. "Oh,"

Edward got up from his chair and stood behind mine, wrapping his arms over me. "Indeed, very kind of you," he whispered in my right ear, kissed my temple, and took my plate to the counter.

I bit my lip happily, tucking my long bangs behind my ears. "Do you need help with anything else?"

Carlisle stood up, a nice smile glowing off of his face. "Isabella, its fine. Please, go wait in the living room. You two kids can join her as well." He nodded to Emmett and Rose.

Rosalie gave her plate to Emmett, giving him a quick kiss on the lips, and walked up to me. "C'mon, Bella, we need to talk girl stuff." She grabbed my hand, leading me to the Cullen's huge living area.

"What are they going to do?" I heard Edward ask my Teddy Bear.

"Talk about bra's, periods, and how ungrateful we are as boyfriends." Emmett grumbled.

"…Oh," I bet Edward was blushing right now.

I giggled as Rose and I sat on a soft, beige couch. "You heard that, too?" She asked, amusement tickling her features.

I nodded. "Poor Edward sounded tortured."

Rosalie snorted. "Probably worried your gonna talk about how ungrateful he is."

Though a smile didn't leave my face, my eyebrows puckered. "What do you mean? Edward knows Emmett's kidding."

Rosalie shrugged, grinning like mad. "I don't know; you are his first girlfriend."

My eyes widened. "What!"

"Everything alright?" Esme asked, walking in.

Rose laughed. "Bella just found out she's Edward's first."

I blushed, causing Esme and Rose to giggle. "Not that first, Bella."

"Ha-ha," I muttered.

"What's so funny?" Edward asked, coming in with Carlisle and Emmett behind him.

"Just letting Bella know she's your first…girlfriend." Rosalie held out the last part till the end, earning a pink blush from Edward.

As everyone laughed, besides Edward and I, he came up to me. "Let's go, before they start cracking jokes."

"Aww, Son, I'm sure Isabella doesn't mind making fun of you." Carlisle teased, his eyes twinkling.

"Actually…" I smiled.

Edward pulled my hand and rushed us to the second floor. I giggled as he closed the door behind us. There was a piano – no surprise – and Edward and I sat on the bench by it. He began playing my lullaby, but he messed up twice before reaching the middle part.

"What's wrong, Edward? Didn't want me to find out you've never had a girlfriend?" I teased, laying my head on his broad shoulder.

Edward slowly looked down at me, a gentle grin on his face. He kissed my forehead, murmuring into my hair, "I guess I was just waiting for the right one."

End of Chapter

Some of you guys were worried the story is over. Not even close. Nothing has happened yet. (Laughs evilly) Kidding! Thanks for reaching over 900 reviews. You guys are the best and the next chapter is Thanksgiving! Well, in the story. Most of you are out of the U.S., so I really hope you enjoy the next chappy. :) Expect more fluff from Edward and Bella. Then, Christmas! And the Fred Loya guy is an insurance person (sorry, I'm lazy right now) in my town. His house is awesome! I saw it the other day. (You know what's funny? The day after I put Bella and Edward together, was the day my crush asked me out. Hehe, I should've had them together sooner.) Well, gotta go, talking to Daniel.

Love, Mayface!