Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight


A Breather

(Edward's POV AGE 16)

"Edward, where are we going?" Bella asked me for the one billionth time. I chuckled as I dragged her hand, leading her down the path in the forest that lead to our meadow. I had blindfolded her so she wouldn't see the surprise I was about to give her. "You're not going to murder me, right?"

"Funny," I remarked dryly, causing Bella to chuckle.

It's been a couple of days since I had been released. Up until then I had been resting up at home with my family and Bella. It's been nice, peaceful. I haven't been back to school since the accident but am planning to go back this Monday. I was practically healed except for the broken arm and the sprained ankle, but my dad said it was fine to walk around, just not a lot. I was basically just walking around now with a boot cast.

As for the accident itself, Charlie was still looking into it. The police force is working hard in trying to figure out who was behind the hit-and-run that left Dr. and Mrs. Cullen's family so shaken. To be honest, being a small town like Forks a hit-and-run in general left a lot of people upset since nothing terrible ever really happens in Forks.

From what we've gathered from Charlie, the witness that helped us out at the crash was only able to get a few digits of the license, which does help. However, according to Emmett, who's been helping out at the Police Station part time, said that they got a tip from a bartender who believes one of his customers was the cause.

The anonymity of the accident's perpetrator has also caused us a lot of stress, especially Bella. Then again, this whole ordeal has been extremely stressful for Bella and I, and it's why I wanted to do something really special for her. She deserved it.

"Seriously, are we almost there?" She asked nervously.

"Almost there," I promised as we approached the edge of the meadow. "In fact, you can look now."

I then gently took off Bella's blindfold to reveal what I had done, with Alice, Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie's help.

"Oh my," Bella whispered, covering a hand over her mouth. In front of us was a picnic blanket set up with a dinner for just the two of us. There were strings of fairy lights scattered around as well, making the whole place feel magical. Since I couldn't do a lot of the cooking with a broken hand, apparently Jasper and Emmett got that covered while Alice and Rosalie did the aesthetics.

"Edward, you shouldn't have," Bella said, looking at me with wide eyes. "You're injured! I would have just been happy enough to just had a simple date with you in your kitchen or something..."

I rolled my eyes at her before going to kiss her lips gently. She was always so selfless. "I wanted to dot his for you," I told her as we pulled apart. I made sure to grasp her hands in mine as we talked. "Plus, I had the others help so it wasn't really much trouble. They were more than willing to help because they knew how important this is for both of us...Plus, this is my way of making it up to you for all that's happened."

"But, you don't have to make up for anything, Edward," Bella responded softly.

"Bella, please,' I said, shaking my head. With everything that has happened this is my way of just some time for ourselves. So, come on, let's have some fun."

"Oh, alright," Bella said, chuckling as she reached up to peck my cheek. "Just because I love you."

"Good," I replied, grinning widely as we go to sit down on the blanket. I opened the basket to find an assortment of sandwiches, fruit, and some brownies for desert. I did find a bottle of champagne with a post it attached to it with just a winky face drawn on it.

"Emmett?" Bella questioned, looking down at the bottle.

"I think so," I replied, causing her to laugh.

With that, we began our meal and just enjoyed ourselves as a couple for the first time. In all technicality, this was our first official date. I'm glad it could be something special we could savor together.

"You nervous about going back?" Bella asked me as we proceeded with our lunch.

"I guess," I confessed. "Not looking forward to seeing Tanya, but now the whole school will know about my beautiful girlfriend."

"Funny," Bella said lightly, causing me to shoot her a goofy grin. "In that case, I'm excited to show off my amazing boyfriend who makes me romantic picnic dinners in the woods."

"Only the best for my best," I remarked, causing Bella to laugh.

"I am nervous about seeing Tanya though," Bella mentioned quietly. "As angry as I am with her...I wish she doesn't think the accident was her fault."

"Oh?" I inquired, studying Bella carefully.

My girlfriend shrugged. "I mean...She shouldn't think that. I hope she doesn't think that..."

"Bella, she wanted to hurt you," I pointed out.

"I know, but still," Bella trailed off, biting her lip. "I don't know, maybe she'll realize it's time to grow up, but also...I don't want her to feel awful for something that truly wasn't her fault."

I nodded gently. "You're super selfless, you know that, right?"

Bella blushed at this. "I don't know, I just don't want her to grieve..."

"You're sweet," I whispered, kissing her cheek. Bella smiled at this as she went to go back to eating her sandwich.

There was one more thing I had to do today. I also had a gift for Bella. Something really important. It was a gift I was hoping she'd accept, but knowing my lovely girlfriend she'll try to refuse it. I know how much she hates people spending money on her, but I wanted to give this to her.

"Bella?"

"Hmmm," she hummed. Right now she had her eyes closed and was taking in the moment as she lay on the picnic blanket. I bit my lip as I took the box out of my pocket.

"I want to give you something," I told her carefully.

"What?" Bella asked curiously, turning around to face me. Her brown eyes looked at me inquisitively.

Gently, I take out the small black box and place it in her hands as if it were a bomb ready to go off. I watch as she gasps and her eyes budge out like a cartoon character.

"Edward!" she cried out. "Isn't a little too early for that!? Charlie and Emmett will kill you!"

"It's not an engagement ring," I said, chuckling. "It's a ring but...Just, open it up and you'll see."

Bella nodded slowly as she opened the box to reveal the ring itself. It was silver band that had a small, heart shaped diamond on it. Engraved on the band read Forever Love.

"Edward," Bella breathed, looking at me with tears in her eyes. "It's so beautiful. You shouldn't have..."

"It's a promise ring," I explained. "It's just a way to show you I'm going to love you forever."

"This is too much," Bella whispered.

"It was a promise ring Carlisle gave to Esme," I confessed, my cheeks turning pink. "I wanted to get you something special and Esme gave it to me to give to you...She says she sees a lot of her and my dad in us. They both agree."

"Oh my," Bella said. Her brown eyes were shinning with love as I placed the ring on her finger.

"It's there to show people we're a solid pair and no one is going to spilt us apart, ever," I said proudly to Bella. I watch as he face breaks out into a big beautiful smile.

"Well, thank you," she replied, cupping my cheek. "I love it. I love you."

"I love you too," I said before we went to lay on the picnic blanket and enjoy the meadow like we used to as children. And as the sun set and the stars started to shine bright here in Forks, I continued to lay there with Bella. My good arm wrapped around her body while she laid her head against my chest, her ring shining brightly against the moonlight.

"We should probably go home soon," I mentioned, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, but five more minutes," Bella mumbled, causing me to laugh.

"Alright, five more minutes," I agreed, holding her close to me as we laid underneath the stars. The peacefulness of the night and my girl in my arms only making me smile wide.