Disclaimer: I don't own anything Twilight, (yup that's never going to change).

28. My big teddy bear.

Epov:

"OK are you sure you're ready for your first lesson?" Bella asked looking at me with those big brown eyes. Right now, they were filled with amusement. She was making fun of me.

"I'm sure Bella. It can't be that hard… can it?"

She smiled and there was a twinkle in her eye. "That is what all you newbie's think, so for the last time are you sure? You can always call a friend". I glared at her and heard Jacob chuckle from where he was standing behind us.

"Isabella Marie Swan, stop making fun of me and teach me already".

She laughed and I could hear Jacob still snickering behind me. "Ok, ok, ok don't go all psycho on me. First of all you mount the bike". She held onto the handlebars of her precious Suzuki and waited patiently for me to get onto the bike.

It has been two weeks since the incident and it was the first time Bella was out of Forks. She was basically trapped in her house. She just went to school and back to her house. Maybe it was my imagination but she didn't seem to be out with other people much. Accept for me, Emmett, Jasper, Rosalie and Alice she didn't mingle with any of her other friends. The previous weekend she visited me at my house but that was it.

When I woke up this morning and the sun was shining, I got this inspiration that Bella was finally going to teach me to ride a bike. I called Jacob and he was totally my back up for luring Bella out of the house and to the back roads of La-Push. Her first session with Jane was scheduled for tomorrow and I wanted to put her at ease with being out and about. Right now, I was the one way out of ease with my surroundings. Jacob brought his bike along and said he would help rush me to the hospital if something should happen.

"Bella. Who taught you how to ride a motorbike?" I asked, eyeing the monster she seemed to be taming with ease.

"Jacob did about two years ago. I only fell once…. I think." She added the last part as she thought back to her first lesson.

I swallowed heavily. "That makes me feel a whole lot better." I said sarcastically still deciding if I should actually go through with this.

"It was no big deal Edward, you just get back on. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Bella said as if to coax me onto the metal monster.

I looked up. "Or just makes you the stupidest person on earth." I said with a croaky voice, my mouth was all dried out.

"Oh come on Edward, she just bumped her head a little. Ten stitches later and she were good to go".

Bella glared at Jacob. "You're not helping Jake, why don't you do something supportive and don't speak at all". She looked back at me and tilting her head side ways, she nodded to the seat of the bike, indicating for me to get on. I sighed.

I should get my head examined, I thought to myself as I mounted the bike.

The side of the bike pressed against my thighs and I could physically feel the power the bike possessed. "See it's not so scary after all." Bella said as if talking to a little kid. I glared at her from under my eyebrows and then winked at her.

"Ok, so what do you know about the bike handles?" She asked me and I saw Jacob walking forward slowly, he must be interested in what is going to happen next.

I glanced down at the handlebars. "The right handle is your throttle and the front brake is the lever just above it. The left handle can't turn but the leaver above it is your clutch".

This much I knew. Well the motorcycle magazine I read this morning knew but Bella didn't have to know that.

"Good, so where are your gears?"

I looked down to my left foot and nudged the little leaver above the footrest.

Bella nodded again. "Jacob disconnected the back brake so you don't have to worry about that".

I frowned. "Why is it disconnected? It's supposed to be attached to something mechanical. You can't just disconnect stuff, what if I need it?" I said and it sounded more like jabber than actual words.

"Relax Edward. You don't actually need it. Plus if I wanted to untangle you from a tree I would leave it connected but I love my bike too much to let you crash it in your first try".

I pulled a surprised face and looked offended. "That hurt you know, placing a mere machine above the well being of your boyfriend. What can it do that I can't?" I asked winking at her.

"Well for starters it doesn't talk back. Ok moving on, pull in the clutch and make sure the bike is in neutral." I did as she asked and pulled in the leaver. I pushed down on the leaver with my right foot a couple of times and then once back up.

The bike is most definitely in neutral.

I glanced up at her and smiled, she chuckled softly. "Nice Edward, next time just check on the silver circle next to the clutch. See it's numbered from one to five and then there is an n before the one". I looked down and saw a small arrow pointing to n on the silver object Bella was indicating to.

Now I feel like the stupidest person on earth.

"So it is in neutral, now what?" I asked ignoring the chuckling from Jacob and Bella.

"Now you switch it on, keep the clutch pulled in and turn the key". I did as Bella asked and heard the engine roar to life just like a mad bull at the rodeo. I felt the engine vibrate as it waited patiently to be released from its shackles. "Good Edward, now put on your helmet and gloves". I stared at her. "You are not riding without them Edward, safety first".

I stared at the helmet she was holding out to me. "How am I supposed to hear you through that?" I asked taking it from her and stared at my reflection in the helmets visor.

"You'll hear me just fine, now put it on." I pulled a face at her and did as she asked. Next, she handed me the gloves. Once my attire was fastened properly, I placed my hands back on the handlebars.

"OK your clutch is your lifeline. If something happens, pull your clutch and pull the brake slowly. Remember to do it slowly because if you do it to fast you'll go flying over the handle bars". I heard her say perfectly, the helmet did not damper the sound at all. I nodded to indicate that I understood what she was saying.

"Now put the bike in first gear". I pulled in the clutch and nudged the gear leaver one down. I glanced at the silver indicator and checked it to see if it really was in first. The arrow pointed to the one. "Now release the clutch slowly and at the same time turn the throttle slowly. As you drive, listen to your engine and shift gears, as you need to. Remember Edward a bike is not a car, you will need to shift through the gears a lot faster". I nodded again and she indicated for Jacob to come closer.

She fastened her helmet and climbed onto the back of Jacob's bike. She gave me a thumb's up sign to indicate that I can drive now. I closed my eyes sending up a quick prayer before I slowly released the clutch and the bike started moving forward slowly. I started turning the throttle slowly and was so relieved that I didn't stall the bike that I forgot to keep turning the throttle slowly. The bike shot forward as I turned it way to fast and in my fright I slammed on the brake without pulling in the clutch causing the bike to stall. Jacob stopped next to me and I could hear as they laughed through their helmets. I ignored them and shifted the bike into neutral, I started it again and this time remembered everything Bella told me.

Three hours later and I could drive a bike, granted I only drove at forty miles and hour and the highest gear I drove in was third, all that mattered was that I could ride a bike all on my own. "So what did you think of that? Am I a Valentino Rossi in the making or what?" I asked as I took of my helmet and gloves.

"Sure the slowest one on the planet but you're alive and that is all I could ask for." Bella said as she hugged me and gave me a quick kiss.

"Ok, well, see you guys later. I have to go. I have a date tonight." Jacob said and I smiled at him as Bella waved to him as he drove off.

"Who is his date?" I asked as I pulled Bella closer for another hug.

"Don't know, some girl on the reservation. We'll probably meet her later". Bella said resting her head against my chest. I leaned down and breathed in her strawberry scent. As if to burn her strawberry scented hair into my memory so to never forget just how good she smelled, I thought to myself as I kissed her head softly.

"We should probably get back". Bella said and dropped her arms from my side.

"Yeah. Who's driving us home?" I asked as we geared up.

"I am, I want to be home sometime, oh, say before Easter next year and I think it's time for the pro to show you how it's done". Bella said and put on her helmet. I chuckled as she climbed onto her bike. I climbed on behind her and slid my arms around her waist. Sitting like this she could drive us anywhere, I won't even notice the scenery.

Twenty minutes later and we stopped in front of my house. Carlisle opened the door and waited patiently on the front steps for us to reach him. "Hey Carlisle, you can relax I didn't crash or fall over or anything. Everyone and everything is in one piece". I said as we reached the bottom of the steps.

Carlisle smiled widely. "I wasn't worried. Hello Bella, it's nice to see you as always". He said as he gave her a quick hug and peck on the cheek. I rolled my eyes. Yeah he didn't worry at all. The glances he kept giving me as if checking for any sign of injury is so like him.

I followed him and Bella into the house and closed the door. I could hear Esme busy in the kitchen making lunch. "So Bella, how did it really go?" Carlisle asked as we made our way to the living room.

"He was a bit shaky in the beginning but after that he seemed to get the hang of it. But, I don't think you have to think about adding a bike to your already filled garage soon. He still has a few things to learn". Carlisle laughed softly as he and Bella sat down on the couch.

Esme walked in with a plate filled with sandwiches. "Bella, honey, it's so nice to see you". She said and placed the plate on the coffee table and went over to give Bella a hug and kiss. Bella already had both Carlisle and Esme in the palm of her hand. The weird thing is, she didn't even know what effect she had on them.

Everyone helped themselves to sandwiches and we talked over this and that until late in the afternoon. "We should probably get going Bella, it's getting late." I said interrupting a small conversation between Esme and Bella.

She glanced at her wristwatch. "You're right, thank you so much for lunch Esme. When you get those carpet samples I'd love to help you choose the right one". Bella said getting up.

"Of course sweetie, come visit soon". Esme said giving her a hug goodbye. Carlisle hugged her to and also reminded her to visit again soon.

"I'll be home later." I said waving at them as Bella and I left hand in hand. My car was still at her house and her mother was going to insist that I stay for dinner in anyway. It become somewhat of a ritual that if I was at the Swans house that I would stay for dinner. Partly it was my fault for staying until dinnertime and partly it was Bella's mothers fault for not taking no for an answer.

"You would swear I never come to visit you at all, the way those two hugged and kissed me today". Bella said as we reached her bike.

"You're like a daughter to them Bella and they love you like one too. Esme's whole face lights up when you're around and Carlisle thinks of you as his long lost daughter. If they weren't my parents I would have become jealous because they could hug and kiss you and I couldn't".

She smiled and I noticed a soft twinkle in her eyes. "Oh really maybe we should fix that". Her arms circled around my neck as she leaned up for a kiss. A few wonderful minutes later and we finally drove of to her house. The first thing I noticed when we arrived was Rose's BMW standing in the drive. So that meant without a doubt that Jasper and Emmett was also here, great there goes my hope for a nice quiet evening.

I climbed of the bike and removed my helmet as I waited for Bella to join me. "Do you think they know we are here or can we get on that bike of yours and drive into the sunset with no one the wiser?"

She chuckled and took my hand. "As good as that sounds Charlie would probably know that we're back. He knows every little sound my bike makes". Bella said as we made our way to the house. "Plus he has a gun and if we drove off, your back will be the big target he will be aiming at".

I chuckled as we reached the front door. "Point taken". I said and was about to open the door, when it was yanked open. Alice stood before us.

"Bells it's about time, come on we only have about an hour left". Alice said bouncing up and down excitedly, she grabbed Bella's hands and dragged her inside. I frowned as I followed them.

"Alice wait, what is going on? We are not late for anything. Let me go evil little sister".

I stared as Alice tried to tow Bella up the stairs but Bella had grabbed the railing and was standing her ground. "Oh for heavens sake Bella don't be a little child and come with your big sister". I began to smile. Alice was far from a BIG sister. Right now, she looked like a small child trying to pull a giant up the stairs. If it wasn't so mind boggling as to what was actually going on, I might have been laughing at the little scene in front of me.

"Rose she is being difficult, can you come and help me please." Alice shouted over her shoulder as she was turning a light shade of pink from all the tugging. Rose appeared suddenly behind her and I stared as she made her way downstairs.

She was wearing a black dress and her long blonde hair was hanging in soft curls down her back. Bella was dragged two steps upwards as she stared at Rose and forgot all about fighting Alice. Alice being the evil little pixie she was took her opportunity and pulled Bella a few steps upwards before Bella grabbed on to the railing again.

"Rose what is going on and what are you wearing?" I heard chuckling behind me but didn't even bother in looking behind me to see who it was.

"Come now Bella don't make such a fuss". Rose said and began pushing her from behind. Now Bella was outnumbered and at a loss for words. The three girls were shoving, pushing, and pulling all the way up the stairs where they finally disappeared behind Alice's room door.

I decided I should probably go rescue her but I barely gave one-step towards the stairs when I was suddenly grabbed from behind. "Oh no, you don't. Be a good boy Edward and work with us rather than against us and you might like what we planned for tonight". Emmett said suddenly in my ear and dragged me into the living room.

Jasper closed the door and I froze when I saw what he was wearing. He was dressed in a black suite with a grey shirt and black tie. I turned around and stared at Emmett. He was wearing black pants with a white coat, black shirt and white tie. He did a great impression of James Bond.

"What the hell is going on here?" I asked still staring from the one to the other in astonishment.

"Language Edward, now we planned a special night for Bella. Since she never got to go to prom, we decided to hold our own prom for her. Now be nice and put on this suite". Renee said as she handed Jasper a suite and a pair of shoes. I stared at her in amazement. She was wearing a white dress that fastened behind her neck. At the bottom, the one side stopped at her knee and the other halfway down her calf. The dress was topped of with white sandal high heels.

"Bella will be done in the shower shortly, wait five minutes and then go take a shower. Be dressed and presentable in the next hour". She sounded allot like Charlie the way she was barking out orders, I have barely nodded before she walked out the door closing it again.

"Great isn't it…. it was all my idea". Emmett said excitedly clapping me on the back and grabbing me around the neck playfully."

I smiled at him. "Yeah bro good work. This is exactly what she needs before tomorrow." Jasper nodded in agreement and I took the suite by him heading for the door.

"Your parents will be here shortly I still have to do a few last minute tweaks on the sound system in the back yard so see you later." Jasper said behind me and headed for the kitchen.

As I walked passed Alice's room, I could hear Bella complaining about something and I smiled as I entered the bathroom. I took a quick shower. I just turned of the water when there was a knock on my door. "Edward its Carlisle, I brought you some necessities". I tied the towel across my abdomen and opened the door.

Carlisle stood in front of me in an entirely white suite, a light baby blue shirt and white tie. I glanced at the bag he was holding out to me. "Hurry up, it's almost time." He winked at me and walked back down the stairs. I closed the door and opened the bag. It was filled with my toiletries, clean boxers and a pair of black socks. I smiled, thanks Esme. For the first time I looked at the suite, I was supposed to wear. It was the normal black suite, white shirt and black tie. I dressed quickly and just combed my hair with my fingers before heading down stairs.

"Good Edward you're just on time, the girls will be down in about five minutes". Renee said as Esme walked towards me. She was wearing a baby blue dress that balled out at her waist. Long white sleeved gloves, the ones that stopped behind your elbows.

"Here, I thought that since this was a prom…well sort of. You must have a corsage, it will make Bella's night just that more special". I smiled at her as she handed me the small plastic box.

"Thank you Esme, just for interest sake what would you have done if Bella and I stayed any longer at our house?" I asked as Emmett and Jasper joined us at the bottom of the stairs.

"Kick you out of course". She said winking at me and went to stand next to Carlisle as he Renee and Charlie joined the group.

"Man why didn't I think of getting a corsage?" Emmett asked as he saw what I was holding.

"Because, you're a mindless teddy bear". Jasper teased him. Charlie came to stand next to me holding a camera. He was wearing black pants but no jacket, white shirt but his top two buttons where undone and his black tie was loosely around his neck. Emmett wanted to reply to Jasper when Alice's door opened and all heads turned to look up the stairs.

Rose appeared first looking even more beautiful than she did before. Emmett walked to the end of the steps and when she finally reached him, he gave her a kiss as Charlie snapped away with the camera. They walked away to the living room.

I looked back up the stairs as Alice appeared. She was wearing a grey dress and looked like a fairy rather than the evil pixie from an hour ago. Her hair was still in total disarray, but it bounced feather light around her head as she came down the stairs. It seemed so perfect in everyway. Jasper walked to the end of the stairs and Charlie kept on shooting away with the camera.

I looked up the stairs for the last time waiting in anticipation for Bella. I felt butterfly's in my stomach for the first time in my life and I swear my knees where shaking, as if I was a nervous groom waiting for his bride too walk down the isle. Then every thought in my head disappeared when Bella appeared at the top of the steps.

She was wearing a navy blue dress, with signs of white here and there. It came all the way down to her ankles where I spotted silver high heels. Her hair was done in an up-style, her mahogany hair was curled and in the middle of her head, I spotted a silver crown. It was small but definitely noticeable. My throat was dry and still no coherent thought ran through my head. Bella had almost reached the bottom step when I remembered that I was supposed to meet her there. I shot forward and when she reached me, I held out my hand for hers.

"You look….breathtakingly….wow." Was all I could get out and quickly slipped the silver corsage over her hand and onto her arm.

"Charlie pictures." I heard Renee say and heard as the camera was clicked frantically.

I didn't care what happened around me as I just continued to stare at the angel in front of me. "I could say the same thing about you." Bella said and smiled at me.

"I don't hold a candle against you. Shall we?" I asked holding my arm for her.

"Yes we shall." I smiled as she placed her arm through mine and led her towards the kitchen to start what possibly was the best night of my life.

A/n ok so this isn't the end. Well, not yet anyway. What can I tell you today? Well would you believe me if I told you that I never planned to have a home prom night? My muse must be working over time because the creativity just flowed today and all of a sudden, I was writing a private prom. Ok now I just wanted to say that the shifting gears of the bike one down for first and up for the rest is how bike gears work in South Africa. So I wrote it accordingly to that. I know Bella seems ok after the whole incident but maybe that is just what I want you to think (insert evil little laugh here).

Thanks for all the great reviews; I appreciate it a lot. A special shout out to all the regular reviewers I really take your views and comments to heart. Thanks for adding the story to your favorites and alerts lists.

A special thanks to my wonderful beta, Princess Briar Rose, for polishing this chapter to perfection and all your support. Be sure to check out the story she's busy writing "Bella Cullen" it's really good, there is a link on my profile for her story.

Thanks for reading.