Remember, this is the last chapter.
Epilogue along with the first chapter of The Runaways will be posted soon.

Hell, no one's going to read what I put here.
*waves*
See you at the bottom!


BPOV

"I love you." His hot breath blew into my face as his kisses became more urgent. Our tongues began a delicious battle, and our breathing became more rapid.

I ran my hands up and down his firm, rippled chest, and I could feel his defined muscles through his shirt. I moved my lips from his, down his jawline, to his neck. I began sucking there, and said the first words that came to my mind. "I want you." I whispered into his skin.

His loud moan filled the room, sending all kinds of shivers throughout my body.

I told myself over and over not to be nervous. This was Edward. He would never do anything to hurt me or make me uncomfortable, and I trusted him with my heart and soul.

I brought my arms up, wrapping them tightly around his neck as his hands held on to my ass, holding me up for a better kissing access as I wrapped my legs around his waist.

Our bags and luggage were all completely forgotten as he continued kissing me, carrying me over to the large bed. Even bigger than Alice's. There was canopy netting surrounding it, and the pillows were big, white and fluffy.

He lowered me down onto the bed so that I was surrounded by the extremely fluffy pillows. He was hovering over the top of me, his arms on each side of my head. He dipped his face down, bringing his lips back to mine, providing me with deep, passionate kisses.

One of his hands began tenderly running through my hair while the other continued to support his weight. Keeping my lips locked with his, I began tugging at his T-shirt impatiently.

He let out a low chuckle into my mouth, and pulled away momentarily. He remained kneeling over me as he quickly pulled his shirt off over his head. Not being able to help myself, I moaned at the sight of his bare chest. I had seen it before, but had yet to get used to the perfection of him.

I immediately pulled him back down to me as our lips found each other again – like magnets. Then, everything suddenly began to slow down. His kisses became more gentle and lingering, and his breathing became more slow.

Above the fabric, his hands began to softly rub slow circles around on my stomach. I had one of my hands rested on his broad shoulder while the other tangled into his tousled bronze hair.

As gentle as ever, his hands slid up to cup my breasts. His thumbs began doing the same thing they had been doing on my stomach; rubbing soft, slow circles around the peaks. I let my eyes flutter shut, appreciating the sensations his hands were now creating.

"Edward." His name came out in a whispered moan, dancing off of my tongue.

He ducked his face down once again, planting soft kisses on every inch of my face. When his lips found mine, his hands began applying pressure – gently squeezing and pushing my breasts together.

I kissed him back, continuing to let the foreign feelings sweep over my body. Without thinking, I arched my hips up and grinded them into his. The back and forth motion I was creating caused him to let out a choked moan, and I felt him as he shivered above me in anticipation.

"Fuck." I heard him mutter, his hands suddenly becoming more urgent on me. I continued pushing my body up to his, closing the unbearable space between us.

He pulled away a few inches, his brilliantly green eyes meeting mine. They were hooded, eager, and adoring. He held my gaze as his hands began trailing down my body, hooking around the trimming of my skirt.

He raised an eyebrow, questioning me. Before even thinking twice about it, I quickly nodded.

His eyes stayed locked with mine as I felt the denim fabric from the skirt slide down. The way his hands trailed down my legs and over my skin was causing a lot of wetness to form down there. By the time the skirt was gone, I was in desperate need of a change of panties.

I wasn't sure if my body was doing the right things, or the wrong things. I gulped loudly, trying to relax myself. "It's okay," I heard him whisper quietly, "I won't hurt you." I believed his words as they calmed me, causing a wave of security to sweep over me.

Finally, his eyes slowly moved from mine and trailed down my body. I let mine fall shut, able to feel his gaze on me as I became more aroused by the second.

I heard him moan quietly once again, and opened my eyes back up when I heard the sound of a zipper. He was now removing his own jeans, revealing the pair of plaid boxers he had on.

His arm wrapped under my back, as he suddenly rolled me onto his broad chest, keeping me on top of him. The curtains were closed, and there was only a small lamp on, causing an intimate glow to fill the room.

I sat up on him, my legs straddling his hips. My hands found the hem of my shirt as I began to pull it over my head. Suddenly, Edward's hands were on mine, replacing them. He wanted to do that part.

Once the shirt was gone, I felt his eyes appraise me once again. Silently in my head, I thanked Alice for her ability at finding matching lingerie. At first, I was afraid to even put the lace on, for fear of embarrassing myself. Now, I was glad I did. Because when Edward's eyes looked up at me through his long lashes, they were glowing.

"So. Fucking. Beautiful," His words had made me feel like I could fly.

He sat us both up on the bed as my legs remained wrapped tightly around his waist. As we kissed, he held onto me tightly, rubbing his warm hands up and down my back in a soothing way. I knew he was making sure I was comfortable with all of this.

I loved him for it. Beyond sanity.

Because by taking things slowly, he was proving to me that he really did care about our relationship. Of course I knew he always did though. I placed a hand on his soft cheek, gazing into his eyes and letting him know that he wasn't a monster like he sometimes thought.

His tender hands continued to rub my back as we made out, when finally, they stopped and rested over my bra clasps. Once again, he gave me that questioning look. By answering his question, I smiled, biting my lip and nodding.

I honestly had no idea on how to be seductive, so I hoped that playing it as the shy, insecure girl would be just as big of a turn on. I wish I had experience. I wish I could do things for Edward that other women probably had.

Then, I quickly changed my mind. Because having Edward Cullen as my first time, was probably the best thing that has and will ever happen to me. Hands down.

As soon as it was unhooked, keeping our eyes connected, he slid it from my arms and tossed it on the floor.

Once again, he constricted his arms around my torso and pulled me into a loving embrace. The moment our bare chests touched, each of us gasped out loud at the incredible sensation. I couldn't help myself; roughly, I took my lips and crushed them to his, really letting loose and moaning deeply into his mouth.

He moaned back, and I could feel his arousal beneath me. I shoved my hips down on him. He rested his forehead on my shoulder, lightly biting into the skin of my neck while grunting. I brought his lips back to mine and began kissing him again.

I knew how effective my words had been before, so I decided to try them out again. "I want you, Edward." I sighed into his open mouth. "I want you, I want you, I want you."

"Fuck," He breathed loudly, his voice raspy. "I want you too, Bells. I love you." His words came out way too sexy, causing me to get way too excited.

I smiled against his lips, running my hands up and down his tight muscles once again. "Me too." I whispered again.

Edward moved his hands to my bare chest, moving them straight to my breasts. After a few minutes of playful fondling, he slowly swept his thumbs over my fully erect nipples, sweeping the beads down.

The moment he did, a instant shiver coursed through my body, causing a load moan to escape my lips. It was a good feeling – one that made me want more.

I brought my mouth to his ear, blowing a small, hot breath into it. I felt him shiver as well, as his hands continued to work. I had only done this once before, but I remembered him liking it when I had tried it; I gently began nibbling at his ear, and I was right. He immediately stiffened, his grip suddenly becoming tighter.

I couldn't help but to smile to myself as I continued my light sucking. I knew he was trying so hard to be good for me. What he didn't know was that he didn't need to try. He was always good in his own way, despite what anyone said. He was brilliant, and beautiful, and had the kindest soul I'd ever known.

His hands on my bare chest was causing the ache between my legs to grow deeper. I could now feel the dampness seeping through my lace panties. All that was left were our bottoms. I wasn't sure if I was suppose to take mine off first, or if he was suppose to take his off first. I mean, how the hell was I suppose to know? I was too embarrassed to ask, so I continued letting him lead me.

The pain in my hand was completely unnoticeable, and both of us ignored it all together. I silently took a moment to thank Carlisle for letting me take it out of the brace. I was new to this, but still, I was fairly sure a cast would have made this pretty damn awkward. I didn't do awkward well.

I weaved the fingers from both hands into his hair, still amazed by how it felt. The tips of my fingers began massaging his scalp lightly, rewarding him for how he was already making me feel. I couldn't even wrap my head around the possibilities of how it would feel when we finally did connect. The thought alone was overwhelming.

The slow kissing began again, and I was begging him with my hips to take off my panties. Surely his need wasn't much different than mine, right? After grinding my hips down on his for a good few minutes straight, his hands finally began lowering. I almost wanted to sing.

They became gentle, and light as feathers. Once again, we switched positions so that I was on the bottom. My head was sinking into the white pillows, and I felt completely unashamed as I was about to become completely naked in front of him.

I knew he could see my scars – I was doing my best not to think about that at all, and I knew that he probably was as well. We didn't need any reminders of the past. It was the present now, and all of those terrible events could be forgotten.

My chest rose up and down on the soft comforter as I watched his eyes trail down to where his hands were. Only for a moment though. He hooked his thumbs around the lace on the sides, and looked back up at me through his scorching green eyes. "Can I get rid of these?" He asked, his voice even huskier than before. Husky, yet still completely calm and patient. I didn't know how he managed. I was practically dying of anticipation at the moment.

All I could do was nod and smile sweetly at him.

Just like for every other clothing item he had disregarded from me, he remained keeping his eyes locked with mine. The gentleman Edward was doing this to make me comfortable. I wanted to kiss him until I couldn't anymore. That's exactly what I was planning on this weekend, actually.

Before I knew it, I felt his fingers began to slide down the lacy material slowly – inch by inch. His green eyes were piercing, and completely vanished all of the nerve I had been having before. They were the eyes where you couldn't not be comfortable while looking into.

When I was completely exposed in front of him, I felt oddly relieved. Now he had truly seen all of me. Both inside and out. Vulnerability never seemed to sweep over me as his eyes finally left mine.

I could feel his stare bore through every part of my body – every nerve, every cell. It's like everything inside of me was suddenly ignited with this intense, glowing flame. Making known places I had never even knew I had.

His eyes trailed back up my body, and once they reached mine, they shut. A few moments went by of silence where he was completely still; his eyes shut, his breaths being the only thing causing his body to move.

Then, I saw it. Something so heartbreaking, the minute I saw it, my heart literally squeezed. A small, wet tear oozed out of his shut eye, falling down his cheek, and dripping onto my bare stomach.

I wasn't going to let him cry – not now. Not ever. I knew he was crying because of me. Now that he could see every inch of flesh, I knew it was much worse for him. Because now, the evidence was truly present and real, and a reminder once again, of the past.

I reached up without hesitation, cupping a hand on his cheek. "Sh," I whispered tenderly, waiting for his eyes to open up and meet mine.

When they did, they were sparkling with unshed tears. We exchanged a silent conversation with our eyes, explaining everything words couldn't. I broke the silence. "I love you." I reminded him in barely a whisper.

As I said those words – the words being the whole reason of my existence – something inside of him must have snapped.

Because in that second, his lips were on me. The first place they landed was my shoulder. For no longer than a month ago, in the same spot his lips were now, I was burned by a man from hell. Edward's soft, pure lips erased all of the bitterness I held for that particular scar. To me, it was no longer a "C" for Charlie, but a "C" for Cullen.

Inside, that's what I really was. Who I really was. Everything inside me knew it to be true.

After he finished tenderly kissing my burn scar, he moved to numerous other ones on my body, along with other cuts and fading bruises. His lips were like the elixir I had been needing all along.

The moment they made contact with memories of pain I had to suffer, those memories vanished. The pain vanished. He replaced them with a memory of himself – secretly, the best gift he had ever given me.

Because even if one day, we ever faded apart, I'd still have a part of him. I'd still have the memories of how Edward Anthony Masen Cullen had ended up saving my life. My soul.

He was very thorough with his healing. Not one single mark went unnoticed, and eventually, his lips found their way back to mine.

He lowered his body down so that it was completely rested on mine, though not squishing me. He was still holding up a majority of his weight with his arms on each side of me. I kissed him with all of the passion I was capable of, letting my hands roam through every inch of him I could get. His hair, his face, his chest.

Not being hesitant anymore, I eventually moved them down to the elastic waist-band of his boxers. Without even needing to be ask, he followed my silent instructions by lifting his waist up slightly in the air.

I heard his loud intake of breath as he was suddenly exposed into the air-conditioned room. I too shivered, though not because of the cold.

Just like he had with me, I kept my eyes locked with his the whole time. Though admittedly, I was a little intimidated to look down. I had never actually seen one before. Of course, without even needing to look at his I knew it'd be big. He was Edward Cullen. How could it not be?

His eyes soon became urging, and I knew that he wanted me to look. Not to show off or anything, but to make the both of us more comfortable, and truly break down that last and final wall.

Bracing myself, I looked down. I really hope he didn't hear me gasp, but I couldn't help it. I refrained from dropping my jaw. I had always expected a guy's dick to be gross-looking, and nasty. I could never understand the appeal when I over-heard girls talking about blow jobs and stuff. I now understood.

I really understood.

Or maybe it was just because it belonged to Edward. How could anything belonging to Edward not be beautiful? Exactly. I couldn't help but smile when I looked back up at him. Of course, as soon as he saw my small grin, a smirk spread across my face. He somehow knew that'd be my reaction.

After the smirk faded, the adoration returned to his eyes. He scooted himself back, kneeling over the top of my shins. "I'm going to kiss you, Bella." He told me, his voice completely calm.

I gulped and nodded, unsure of where he was going with this.

He lowered his head a little, his eyes lids closing ever so slightly. A slow, crooked smile spread across his lips as he raised an eyebrow. "Not on the lips."

His words shot straight to my core, causing the ache to become unbearable. Once again, I gulped and quickly nodded, wanting nothing more than just that.

Adjusting himself so that his chest was hovering over my shins, he moved his hands to my knees. Slowly, his hands began rubbing up and down them, reaching only to about mid-thigh. After a few moments of relaxing me, his hands carefully spread my legs apart, widening his access.

I leaned my head back on the pillows, shutting my eyes. He didn't move at first, and I felt his stare on me. Impatient, I opened my eyes back up and looked at him. He had an intense look on his face, one full of concentration mixed with lust. "If I do anything to make you uncomfortable, you have to tell me." Restraining myself from rolling my eyes, I nodded, once again shutting my eyes.

"Promise?"

"Promise." I responded eagerly. He smirked at me – I grimaced at him.

But then the love returned to his eyes, smoldering with emerald passion, filled with all kinds of pretty. I watched as he ducked his head lower, slowly moving to where I wanted him.

Finally, as light and gentle as a butterfly, his lips pressed to my center. Only for a moment though. As soon as his lips touched me there, my hips writhed in the direction of his mouth, immediately wanting more of the amazing sensations coursing through my body. I had never felt anything so. . .fucking fantastic. Yeah, that was it. Because only his expletives could explain how good his oral felt on me.

I released a load moan, digging my fists into the sheets as he did it once more. Once again, as light and quick as the last. He was driving me crazy right now, and I think he knew it.

I kept my eyes clenched shut as my heartbeat and breathing increased. He blew a hot, sweet breath over my entrance, causing me to writhe and moan loudly once again. This time, I couldn't help but say his name. "Edward." I breathed, feeling something in me ignite.

As it seemed, he was just as anxious as I was. After one more teasing breath, he placed lips on my most sensitive spot, holding them there this time. Tingles were shooting throughout my body as squirmed anxiously for more. All I wanted was for him to continue – at this point, he could do anything.

He pulled his lips back, and I heard his deep, husky breaths. After a few seconds, suddenly his tongue was on me. All of me. He did one, long lick over me, twirling his tongue once he got to my most sensitive spot.

I bawled my fists into the covers, clenching them as tightly as I could, and even hurting my hand a little in the process. Whatever he was doing to me now, it was causing something inside me to build up. He continued making his passes – always dancing his tongue at my sweet spot, causing that thing to build up more and more.

The licking stopped and instead, he gently placed his lips on the source of all the tingling. I gasped loudly, letting out another moan. I knew that whatever inside of me was close to bursting; I was now aching for release.

Then, I felt his warm tongue slide inside of me. My hips buckled up to his face, somehow needing more. I had never felt these things before; never dreamed they would ever happen to me.

His tongue began doing wonderful things; darting in and back out again, twisting and twirling. The tingling feeling was growing stronger by the second, and I think Edward knew that as well. Muscles in my lower abdomen were starting to clench, and something inside of me was about to snap.

One last time, he pulled his tongue out, softly placing it on my sweetest, most sensitive spot, blowing a cool breath of air and whispering, "Come for me, Bells." That was all it took.

For the first time ever, I, Isabella Swan, came.

The violent wave crashed over me, causing all of my muscles to clench. The feeling coursed through my body, rippling every inch with an insane pleasure I never knew existed. My eyes were tightly shut as Edward's name repeatedly left my lips. My hands found his hair and fisted through it, tugging and pulling as the incredible sensation continued to over take me. Time seemed to stop completely as I rode my high.

Never in my life had I felt something so amazing. As my body became completely still, bliss washed over me and I couldn't stop the large smile from spreading across my face.

Edward moved above me, adjusting his position so that his face was only inches from mine. I finally opened my eyes back up, meeting his glorious ones. I beamed at him, completely content to stare at his face all day. I would have, but we did have other activities to fulfill.

His breathing, much more steady than mine, suddenly picked up. His eyes became completely serious as he held my gaze. "It's going to hurt." He whispered after a few moments.

"I know." I responded, completely aware. I knew all of this, but I had been trying to push it to the back of my mind. After all, what was my pain compared to the experience I had been waiting for forever?

"Believe me," He breathed, his green eyes piercing. "If there were anyway I could do this without hurting you, I would."

I almost wanted to snort at him, but held it in. Why was he bringing this up now? If I were being honest, which I was, nothing could have possibly brought my mood down in that instant. Except him dying, of course, but I couldn't even consider that possibility.

"I think I'll be able to handle it," I responded, a little flustered, "I've probably had worse." I reminded him, trying to keep my tone light. He gave me a disapproving look, but quickly shook it off. I shrugged my shoulders. Truth is, I was good with pain. I kept that to myself though, knowing how upset it would make him.

"You have to tell me if I'm hurting you," He demanded softly. I nodded once again, biting my lip. "I'm serious, Bella. Telling me and not telling me are completely different things." Duh. I wondered why he was talking so much. Maybe he was just as nervous as me. The thought was oddly comforting.

Without speaking, he once again changed our position. Gently rolling onto his back and grabbing my waist, pulling me on top of him.

The look he gave me was patient – letting me know that we could go at whatever pace I wanted to. Not really knowing where to start, I brought my lips tenderly down to his once more, hoping he would lead.

Wrapping one hand into my hair, never breaking the kiss, he reached his other over to the table next to the bed, grabbing the condom he had placed there before. With one hand, the other remaining in my curls, he slid the latex onto his whole length in a short amount of time. I was no expert, but I was fairly certain that putting on a condom with one hand that quick was impressive.

I knew it was all in experience, though I tried not to think about that, reminding myself that at the time, he hadn't had a choice. Of course not. In the back of my mind, I also reminded myself that for a part of the time he did have a choice. Though the thought tugged at me for a little bit, I pushed it away. I knew that now, as he had said so many times before, I was his.

And he was mine.

That fact was enough to completely build up my courage, and vanish all nerves from my body. In that moment, I knew that nothing could stop us now. No more walls were between us, and it was time.

I slid myself down his body a few inches, raising my chest from his slightly. I also pulled away from his lips, still only a small space between both our faces. Our eyes met, and never in my life I had I seen anything so beautiful. So brilliant. The way he looked at me. . .It made me feel like a queen.

"I love you." He mouthed to me, his words touching into the deepest parts of my soul.

The wetness from my very obvious arousal was almost dripping now, and I knew he was as ready as I was. I raised my hips, placing them over his fully erect cock, the tip just resting at my entrance. I now understood why he had me on top – he was letting me take it slow, inch by inch.

There were two ways you could get into a pool; Slowly and hesitantly, testing the water with your toes. Or, diving straight in, taking whatever risks came along.

All of my life, I had eased my way into things, always hesitant with everything I did. I was ready for a change; I didn't want to be that girl anymore. So that's what I did. Without any hesitation at all, I lowered myself onto him, pushing him inside of me in one, quick motion.

My very first instinct was to cry out in pain. He was just so. . .well, big. He wasn't completely in, but I wasn't sure if I could handle anymore. The feeling was discomfort, along with a lot of pain. I was completely still for a few moments, and so was Edward.

After getting used to the feeling, it no longer hurt as much. Sure, it was still painful, but now bearable. I realized, after another few moments, that it was more surprise than anything else. It was different, I decided. Kind of like putting in a tampon for the first time; weird.

Edward, still completely unmoving beneath me, let out a sigh of relief as soon as he saw my small smile. I lowered myself down on him even more, slower this time, still getting used to the sensations coursing through me. I also wanted all of him inside of me. I wanted us truly connected. He reached up, stroking my cheek with the back of his hand as his face softened.

This was probably boring him – I was probably the worst lay ever. I mean, come on, he was scared to death to move because he was afraid of hurting me. Those were definite brownie points for him, but, that's not what I wanted right now.

Plus, he had already given me one orgasm. I needed to give him something in return. Swallowing hardly, I pushed back the pain, clenching my eyes shut in concentration and slowly pulling him out of me. Not all of the way though. Once he was almost completely out of me, I pushed my hips back down, having him go even deeper this time.

A loud, "Bella." Rolled off of his tongue, encouraging me.

After I created a steady pattern, in and out, I began feeling more comfortable. The pain was soon turning into pleasure, causing me to need more. Edward, robotic before, was now unafraid to get into it.

He placed his hands on each of my hips, pushing me down on him, harder than before. I moaned too, not afraid to let loose anymore. I began realizing what he liked, grinding my hips around and squirming on top of him as we continued our motion. Small beads of sweat were beginning to form in his messy hair as I decided to pick up the pace just a little.

I ducked my face down to his, giving him breathless kisses all over his open mouth. Each time, I'd push down deeper than the last, causing him to hit spots I never even dreamed I had. I moved my mouth to his neck, lightly nibbling on it. His head fell back into the pillows, and he shut his eyes.

"Fuck, Bella," He muttered breathlessly, his voice throaty and sexy. "I'm gonna come."

As he said that, I was pretty sure I would again too. Once again, I felt my muscles began to tighten, and my hair was beginning to fall over my face like curtains as I concentrated on what I was doing.

The only sounds in the room were our heavy, panting breaths, along with the occasional moans. I knew that Edward's release was only seconds away; his grip on my hips became tighter – his thrusts became more urgent. As he slid in and out of me, I began building up for my second orgasm as well. My eyelids fluttered half-open, my eyes staying locked with Edward's face.

Suddenly, every muscle in his body clenched, and he shook beneath me. After a few moments of complete ecstasy, he became limp below me. "Bella." He sighed, his eyes still closed. It triggered my release.

My second orgasm was nothing like my first. It was equally, if not more amazing, more powering. And most importantly, more meaningful. I rocked and shook violently above him as the wave of pleasure over took me once again, my hands gripping his shoulders tightly. Once I came down, he pulled himself out of me, and I rested my head on his glistening chest.

"I love you," I whispered, repeating the words over and over breathlessly.

He gently stroked my back as both arms constricted around me. "I love you too, Bells." He whispered, his voice dripping with every ounce of honesty in him. "I love you too."

One Month Later.

The wind whipped at our faces as winter remained present. The cold was evident, and sadly unavoidable. It was Forks, Washington; What could you expect? If it was cold or wet, you'd find it here.

Maybe that was the reason I loved it so much. I knew that my normal feelings towards it should be hatred and bitterness – all of the painful memories that had happened in this small town. I don't know why, but I just couldn't find it in me not to like it here. It had a certain. . .charm. A rare beauty only decipherable if you really looked for it.

In some ways, here was the end. In most other ways, it was the beginning. The beginning of life for me. A new start – a fresh start.

I walked along side of Edward, my hands covered by my mittens as one clung on tightly to Edward's. We could have driven; it was over a two mile walk. Yet, it didn't seem right to walk. I couldn't even explain it to Edward, but as always, he followed my lead without question.

I should have been cold, for more than one reason. I wasn't though. And not just because I had Edward's constant love radiating to me. It was because of the joy I felt in my heart, even if where we were going should have brought sadness. It didn't; Every cell in me was a live wire with not an ounce of regret for my actions.

I had never visited my mother's grave before. Charlie hadn't allowed me at the funeral, claiming I was too young to understand. As a child, he would never take me – of course not. When I got older, and was able to come here on my own, I wasn't able to. At the time, I was too scared and alone to do much of anything.

The thought sent a slight shiver through my body, warning me that this may be too much. I ignored it. Something inside of me was telling me that now was a good time, and that now was right.

There was a light layer of snow on the ground – just enough to make everything beautiful. I glanced at the sky, looking like there was more snow on the way. The clouds gave off an eerie, gray tint to the color around us, but we pressed forward.

Not a word was said, because none needed to be. Edward simply came here because I asked him. He knew that this was something I needed to do, and knew that supporting me would be the only thing he needed to do today. He was so good at it, I was confident that not a tear would be shed.

As we continued down the side walk, closing in on the cemetery, I knew that this was truly the last part of the puzzle; the last piece. After this, I'd finally be put together. After this, I'd be whole.

Only just over a month ago had it been the first time Edward and I made love. That weekend filled me with the most amazing memories and experiences I could have ever wished to have. We hadn't had sex since then, but that was only because of how busy we'd been lately. Catching up on work, adjusting schedules. Just busy.

Busy or not, I was getting more anxious by the day to try it again. I knew Edward was just trying to be the gentleman, like he always did, but I really wished he'd end up having some laps in control and corner me into the wall again. I really, really had liked that.

Without completely humiliating myself, I had been trying to plot on ways to tell him that for the past week. I wasn't exactly shamelessly throwing myself at him, though it had gotten close a couple of times. I just really wanted it. Wanted him. Again. And again, and again.

As we got closer, I wondered if Renee could hear my thoughts. Blushing to myself, I realized she probably could. Hey mom, how've you been? Is heaven nice? Dad's in jail. Oh, and by the way, your sweet, innocent daughter is no longer a virgin. The thought almost brought a chuckle from my mouth, but I held it in.

Because the moment we walked through the squeaky gates of the cemetery, the atmosphere immediately changed. My heart felt like it weighed a million pounds, and Edward might as well have been invisible. Gulping, I shook off the strange feelings washing over me, holding even tighter to Edward's hand. He gave it a light squeeze.

Edward's quiet question broke the silent air. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Without a second of hesitation, I nodded. "Okay," He muttered to himself, letting go of my hand and wrapping an arm tightly around my waist instead. He was preparing to hold me together. I didn't want to tell him that it wasn't necessary. I was fine. In fact, I had never been better in my life.

Though I had never seen my mother's grave before, it was a fairly small cemetery, and wasn't that hard to fine. No longer following a path, our footsteps crunched on the light, crisp ground.

The tombstone was small – nothing overly fancy, just simple. It was perfect. Simply beautiful were the adjectives that came to my mind when I first saw it. From what I remembered of her, it was so. . .fitting.

She had never liked things overly complicated, always sticking with the basics. Yet, at the same time, she had this inner beauty; one that even when I was young, I strived for. At times, she could be hard to handle – crazy and erotic, but she was always responsible with me. She would always take care of me when I was hurt, read me stories before I went to bed.

Since now, I really hadn't realized how much I missed her. What I'd been missing out on all of these years.

I had Esme now though, I reminded myself. Esme, so fierce and protective of her loved ones; I couldn't have ever asked for a better replacement. I trusted Edward's mom with my life, because she had so much courage in her, and pureness. Thinking about her vanished all of the previous sadness.

We came to a stop a few feet in front of the grave, and all around me, everything grew silent. All I could hear was the sound of my steady heart, beating loudly through my chest.

I stared at the bold letters, engraved onto the stone:

Renee Isabella Swan
1970 – 2000
"You are free, my love. You are home."

Having a part of her name was an honor to me, and I knew I'd always be proud of it. My eyes focused once more on the quote below the dates, re-reading it once more. You are free, my love. You are home. What did it mean? Who had it engraved?

I went back in my mind, all those years ago, trying to remember anything about the mention of anything about her grave. I couldn't remember anyone other than me who was close to her. . .

Unless. . .But it couldn't be. Definitely not. I couldn't believe the idea even crossed my mind. But what if it was possible? Sometimes, things in this world were unexplainable, but there was one thing I knew for sure. Everything happens for a reason.

I was okay with that, and would accept it without any internal arguing. There was no point in waiting around for answers I was never going to get.

Reasons like why Charlie abused me all of those years, why he killed my mother, why he drank so much. I knew there was a reason. And while that reason remained unknown, and probably always would be a mystery, I knew that the quote below my mother's name was not a coincidence. Pondering no further, I accepted that, letting out the breath that I had been holding.

Edward's arm remained securely around me, as he stood silently besides me. Just where I needed him.

Edward and I were two crazy-in love teenagers; We've always been that. Only, there's always been something standing in our way – obstacles we've had to overcome, or painful things we've had to face. Now, finally, we could be what we were always meant to be. No more obstacles, no more nothing.

Just Edward and I.

I glanced up at him, meeting his eyes with mine. They were calm, and reserved. Whenever I would look into Edward's green eyes, there would always be sadness somewhere in them. Sometimes, more deep than others. Now, for once, there was none. Just pure contentment, and a small smile of assurance that everything would be okay. I believed it – there was not a doubt in my being.

Healing would be a long process, but in time, I'd learn to move on and live. It was all me now. Edward would help – I knew that – but this was something I needed to fix. I would fix myself. I would become who I've always wanted to be. Someone.

I didn't cry, just like I knew I wouldn't. My body was completely vacant of sadness, and there were no more tears in me. Instead, I felt awake. Like I was opening my eyes and seeing things for the first time. Everything was clear, brilliant, and beautiful. My beginning. I softly shut my eyes.

The moments went by as this new feeling swept through me, coursing in my veins. When I finally resurfaced, I was a different person. Different, and yet still the same.

I was still Bella Swan, nothing-out-of-the-ordinary girl from the small town of Forks, Washington, and would always be that. I would have the same thoughts, the same wants. But now, I could really appreciate life.

It's like Edward had once said – You had to go to hell and back to truly appreciate what you had. I never thought it'd be possible, but much good came out of a lot of bad.

Charlie brought me to Edward; to the Cullen's. Even though I owed him nothing, deep down, I would always be thanking him for bringing us together. Charlie knew as well as I did that they were the better family for me. Even after all he had done to me, he had to have known that much. Edward, saving my life numerous times, knew it too. He held a blind-rage of resentment for my father, but not even he could be bitter about that.

It was for the better, I told myself. Crazy or not, all of this stuff happened for a reason. I knew that when I was older and had kids of my own, I'd be telling them my story.

Though it was one not easy to tell, it had to be known. Reality and fate were two completely different things, both cruel and unfair at times, but the lesson here was to move on. Holding hatred for things unchangeable was a pointless waste. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way – keeping things to myself that should have been told years ago. I learned my lesson, and now it was time to move on.

I pulled away from Edward's gentle grip, taking a step forward and kneeling before my mother's grave. My hand reached out, slowly tracing the letters engraved into the granite. I memorized the picture for later in my head, unsure of when I'd be back again to visit.

Taking a deep breath, I stood up and walked over to Edward. I gave him a small smile. "Are you ready to go home?" I asked, taking his hand as he held it out for me.

"Wherever you go," He responded quietly, "Know that I'll be there too. Always." Bending his face down, he lightly touched his lips to mine. Even after he pulled away, the sweetness of the kiss continued to linger on my lips.

We exited through the rusty gates, hand in hand. Without glancing back once, I left my eight years of burden behind in the cemetery.


I've made a video dedicated to this story.
The link's on my profile

This chapter's song is Beautiful Love – The Afters

Remember, look out for the epilogue soon.

A/N: Send me everything. Send me your reviews, send me your PMs, send me your love. Everything. Send all you've got. I love you.