Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

Author's Note: My story has turned 2 months old last June 6. I'm so happy because of all the good feedback and support I received from all of you. Last chapter I said that there will be more Bella and Edward interaction, so brace yourselves. Thank you to: daffy410, skittleysweet, vinvinong86, lababykarla, frequentlydaaaazled, Rock-Anne26, 07, twilightfangirl, Sarah-Pattinson, NessieCullen2005, Contezza, twilight4ever123, Twilight-Jacob-Lover, pixietwilighterforever, gummiebears, TwilightMommyof4girls, maashu, SamBee44, Sharon-Lov3s-You, Jess Loves Twilight, au017, gilmoregroupie, liv3609, Bonham Carter, Dianne E., conan07, kit-kateee, indiananshu, XDGa, Ms Y.Y, nusrat 85, Isabela is Online, tiggerlover1971, twlightlover88, Cullenluva715, theonethatisme, sagy, WereWolf1010, mysteryisgr8-girl, TwilightSunrise, nana cullen, MrCullensWifey, true-blued07, ginny'snumber1fan, romanceaholic, x TWILIGHT x OBSESSED x, Vamp4475, tsukinohikari-hime, LiveAndDontRegretIt, jolielf, iiLoOveeTwiiliight, ArinaCullen, Scream-Aim-Fire-BFMV, TheMagicalCarrot, hollisterchick, Grey Eyed Vampire, vampiregurl, Mineymai, bornagoof, Krismarie, KikiDeeNe, Vassillia, cris.f.a., sammy may cullen, april123, Emmett's Babe, , lordoftheringergottwilighted, , ., XvTWILIGHTvX, sprinter1, Blairoutloud1428, magicaltears, Tutor-girl-107, MyGoldenEyedBoy, tneb2009, Edwardshoney, .love., Spanky20, Jasper-Is-Hot, xrandumnessx, Jael Xaden, Mandi82, bubblyhoney, torikatt, KirstyClaire84, maximumchrisyt, mysterygirl531, TwilightCrazy33, Cullen lover 1127, Ana568, vrukalakos, PaulaElizabeth, donut patrol, maashu, Manelli Swan, stefaniementen, nature love 95, crazyvampiregurl, alicecullen96, laceyndom, 4kitty101, clumsylittlehuman, anybuff, teamTAYLOR-07, Look at the blue sky, Fading Roses, miss-labyrinth, oreosNcookiecrunch2, aliceandjasperlover4ever, Chantelly, musician13th, maddi-lennox and . I hope I got all your names in, if I missed someone but I wish I didn't you're free to poke me anytime, lol. My a/n is so long!!!

I've got comments coming from you guys that you think my writing has really improved *thank you..thank you*…I think I didn't though but rather I got myself a really good editor. Thank you to Rockishelle!

CHAPTER 34

Complexities

Written by: Selene11

Edited by: Rockishelle

I was surprised. He is going to buy a gift. Is it for me? No, that's impossible… He doesn't even know that it's my birthday... We entered his car and drove in silence. We stopped out the front of a jewelry store and went inside. The employees greeted us.

"I'm really having a hard time choosing what gift I should buy, Bella, so I decided to ask you."

"You don't have to give me a gift…" I began slowly when he interrupted. I'm not even sure if he heard what I had said.

"Today is Tanya's birthday. I wanted to give her something. You're a girl, so I though you could help me out." I smiled and nodded. Of course, it's for Tanya. What a coincidence - we celebrate our birthdays on the same date. Thrilling…

"Oh, I'll help you then. Do you have anything in mind?"

"I'm thinking of giving her a bracelet."

"Let's see then."

We went to the display cabinet showcasing the bracelets available. There were gold, silver, white gold and pearl bracelets. I scanned through the items and I saw a light pink bracelet made of pearls. It was simple, yet very beautiful and elegant.

"Edward, I think that I've already found the perfect gift for her."

"Where is it?" he asked eagerly. I pointed to the pearl bracelet and he asked if we could hold the item.

"This is really pretty." The light from above illuminated the peach-colored bracelet, making it appear as if it glowed from within.

"I think she'll like that. It will complement her hair."

"I'll buy this then," Edward told the attendant behind the display. "Bella…" Edward turned to me with relief in his eyes. "Thank you so much for helping me out. I'm not very good with choosing jewelry." He made me feel awkward…

"Write her a short message." I tried to distract him so he wouldn't stare at me like that.

"I will. I'll just pay for this."

I roamed around the shop while waiting for Edward. I was looking at the rings when I saw this particular ring. The ring was different from all the other rings being sold in the shop. It was positioned at the furthest corner of the store. I actually thought it was a sculpture or an art work initially. The ring had a name – it was called "LOVE". I never thought rings could have names. I looked like it was made of white gold. A heart-shaped pink diamond was placed in the center. I was also able to glimpse the inside of the ring - something was engraved on it. I read it out loud.

"Thank you. I LOVE YOU."

"Is it pretty?" an elderly voice asked. I jumped and looked about in consternation.

An old man had approached me while I was engrossed in the ring.

"Yes, sir, it's very pretty," I answered. "I'm just curious, how come the ring has a name?"

"Years ago, there was a man who has been in love with a lady for the longest time. The lady always passed by this shop so the gentleman would always look out the window - watching for the lady's arrival. Finally the guy gathered his courage and approached the lady one day. From that day on they had been friends - he courted her and after some time the lady said yes. Later on the guy discovered that the lady loved another man. It was heart-breaking for him. He felt rage inside his heart, but the love for the girl over-powered his rage. He let go of the lady and told her to follow her heart. In 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 it says,

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

The man came across this verse and it inspired him to design the ring."

"Why didn't the guy give the lady the ring?" I asked.

"The ring is just a memory of an endless love. He never intended to give it. A great love is when she finds someone else and you can still approach her and tell her, I am happy for you. Really cool, right Ms. Swan?" the old man asked smilingly.

"Yes, it's really cool," I answered.

I kept staring at the ring, and suddenly it clicked.

"You're the guy. Am I right?"

"Yes," he answered. I heard Edward's voice calling me. He had finished paying for the bracelet.

"Thank you for a very inspiring and romantic story," I whispered to the elderly man with lines on his face. He was very wise.

"Thank you for listening to this old man's rambling, Ms. Swan."

I smiled at him one last time and walked away. I stopped and looked back at him.

"How did you know my name?"

"Why of course, I know you my dear. I've seen you on television. You're very beautiful I must say - both inside and out."

"Thank you, I hope to see you again."

"Likewise." He waved goodbye as I left the store.

I found Edward waiting outside and I crawled into his car, I had a lot to think about. Edward asked where I had gone - I told him that I had just roamed around the shop. He took me home, then he went to see Tanya. Emmett and Jasper were already asleep when I passed their rooms, they must have been very exhausted. I went to my room and wrote in my diary.

"Happy Birthday to me! I totally love this day. My friends and family made it so special. The party was a blast. I'm so touched by what my loved ones did. What made this day even more special was a man I met and his story. He was awesome. According to him a great love is when he finds someone else and you can still approach him and say that you're happy for him. I promise that someday I'll be able to say that to Edward. I will be happy for him. Soon."

*************************************************************************************

EDWARD'S POV

Today is Sunday. Last night I was with Tanya - it was her birthday. Bella helped me picked out a gift for her. We had dinner in a fancy restaurant and I hired someone to serenade her. She looked satisfied with what I did. Before the night came to an end I gave her the bracelet. I wrote a letter and it was inside the box. She accepted the gift, but she didn't even bother opening the letter. When she saw the bracelet, I heard her sigh.

"What do you think?" I asked.

"It looks… simple."

"Did you like it?"

"It's okay," she answered, forcing a smile.

"I'll help you put it on."

"NO! I mean, it won't match my outfit. Thank you anyway."

"Welcome." I felt like I was stumbling around - like I had two left feet. I felt awkward.

Tanya must have felt the same way.

"Let's go," she said without looking in my eyes. "I'm really tired. I just want to go home."

I drove her home and she got out of my car. She didn't say anything, not even goodbye. She went straight to her house. Tanya is really different. She's not like Bella. Bella appreciates every little thing. She smiles genuinely and says thank you from the bottom of her heart.

I got out of bed and took a bath. I've been spending too much time with Tanya. I didn't even have time left for my friends, or even for Bella. Bella said that I love Tanya and I'm just confused because I've been spending way too much time with her. She seemed okay. She's not even affected when I'm with Tanya. She's as happy as the way she was before we had met. Emmett, Jasper and Jacob are always with her.

As for me, I don't know. Maybe I'm also happy with Tanya, but there is still something missing... It just doesn't feel right.

"I'm going crazy." I must be going crazy, I'm talking to myself.

I gave myself a mental shake and ventured downstairs to have breakfast. Bella was still asleep so it was just me, Emmett and Jasper. I greeted them and they did the same.

"So dude, what did you give her?" Emmett asked as soon as I had taken a seat at the dining table.

"Tanya?"

"No! Not her. I'm talking about Bella," he said.

"Yeah Edward, you asked her out yesterday. Did you guys have dinner? What was your gift?"

"We didn't have dinner, and why would I give Bella a gift?"

"C'mon dude. It's just us, you don't need to be shy," Emmett chuckled.

"Spill it Edward," Jasper added.

"I don't understand," I said truthfully. What were they on about?

"Okay, it was Bella's birthday yesterday, right?" Emmett explained.

"You knew it, that's why you asked her out," Jasper continued. "We just want to know what gift you gave her."

"It was her birthday yesterday?"

"Yeah… you already know that… right?" Emmett looked confused.

I finally understood, and I was not happy.

"So that's why you said you were out partying yesterday! Nobody even bothered to tell me that it was Bella's birthday!" I shouted. Why did I suddenly felt annoyed, irritated and angry all at the same time?

"Uh oh… I think I'll go visit Alice now," Jasper said.

"I'm going too," Emmett also stood up quickly. "See you later Edward."

The guys escaped my wrath and I was left sitting at the dining table by myself. I didn't eat, I just sat there. Bella greeted me with freshly washed hair. She was still combing through it with her hands as she sat down with her bowl of cereal.

"Good morning, Edward. How come you're not eating?"

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked. I prevented myself from shouting - I'm so freakin' angry and I don't know why.

"Tell you what?" she answered, stirring unthinkingly.

"Why didn't you tell me that you were celebrating YOUR BIRTHDAY yesterday?"

She dropped her spoon and looked at me.

"Who told you?" she asked.

"That's not the point! We were together yesterday. I was buying Tanya a gift. You had so many chances to tell me that it is was your birthday too!" I shouted. I just had to let it out.

"Edward it's not a big deal," Bella replied, stirring the contents of her bowl again. "Just eat your breakfast."

"What do you mean - it's not a big deal?!"

"I'm fine! I celebrated my birthday with my family and my friends. I was happy. I'm contented, Edward, and even if I did tell you it wouldn't have made a difference."

"What?" This girl's mind worked in weird tangents. None of it made sense.

"You would still have celebrated Tanya's birthday with her! IT WOULD NOT HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE! So there was no big deal. I was happy. You were happy. I guess Tanya was also happy. There's no problem!"

I got out of my chair and I grabbed her wrist. I pulled her to a standing position.

"Let go of me, Edward!" Bella complained, pulling at her hand. "It hurts!"

I didn't listen to her and I dragged her upstairs to my room. I locked the door and pinned her to the wall. She was panting heavily and looked accusingly into my eyes.

"Let go of me," she commanded. I didn't let go.

"Now I understand. Of course you're happy - Jacob was there."

"Oh please Edward, we're through with this talk." She was glancing around the room frantically, as if she wanted to escape.

"That's why you wanted me to spend more time with Tanya - so you could spend more time with that guy. Brilliant Bella! Bravo!!!" I applauded her angrily.

"Just let go of me," she ordered as she tried to escape my grasp. I was stronger than her so she wasn't successful. I didn't think. I didn't care what would happen. I just did what I wanted to do. I let go of her wrists and I held her waist then I forcefully kissed her. She kept fighting. She kept pushing me, but I held on to her tightly, forcing her closer to the wall. Afterwards I felt that she was also kissing me back. I loosen my hold on her waist and then she suddenly pushed me really hard. I almost lost my balance.

Tears were escaping her eyes and then she slapped me. It hurt. I've been slapped many times during filming, but those are nothing compared to her slap. I was shocked by what she did.

"You don't know what I'm going through! You don't know anything!" she shouted in between sobs. "Jacob is out of the question. I'm trying really hard to be okay, so just leave me alone! I also have the right to be happy! It's not always about you!" She walked purposefully towards the door, but I caught up with her.

"Bella, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I was just angry and… I don't know why…" I tried explaining.

"Let's just forget about this. I don't want to talk about it. I'm going to my room." She looked through me.

She banged the door. I can't believe what I just did. What's happening to me? I made her cry again. I hurt her again.

We had lunch together, but she didn't even look at me. After eating she left straight to her room.

I also went to my room and lay on my bed. I never did anything right. She's right, I don't understand anything. I can't even sort out my feelings. What a loser. I was about to snooze when my bedroom door burst open.

"Olá,Edward!!! Did you miss us?" my father asked. My mom hugged me tightly and kissed me on my cheek.

"You guys are here again?"

"You sound like you don't want us to be here," my mom said, sounding hurt, as she fixed my hair.

"No, it's not like that…" Before I completed my sentence my dad rushed outside my room and shouted Bella's name. I got up and followed him. Why did they have to come back now?! Bella and I are not okay. My dad went inside Bella's room and hugged her. My mom did the same. Bella looked surprised, but she immediately recovered and began welcoming my parents.

"Welcome back, Carlisle and Esme," she said.

"We missed you so much dear," my mom said.

"Is everything okay between you and our son?" my dad asked as he sat down on Bella's bed. Bella and I shared a glance. Then she awkwardly smiled.

"We're okay."

"That's really good to hear. Oh yeah, maybe you're both wondering why Esme and I are here. We are here to help you guys plan Edward's upcoming birthday."

"My birthday?" I'd forgotten about it.

"Yes dear," my mom exclaimed. "We only have a week and 3 days before your birthday. This will be extra special because Bella will be with us."

"Mom, Dad I don't want anything grand."

"Yeah we know - you just want to have a sweet evening with Bella, but you can have that after the party. We have to invite all our friends, our relatives, our business partners," my dad insisted.

"So, I want you two down in the living room to start talking about your birthday," my mom instructed. They went out of Bella's bedroom and we were left alone, bewildered.

"Sorry," I mumbled.

"Stop saying sorry," Bella said. "It will be best if we go down. I want to help your parents plan your birthday."

We went down and the planning started. My parents have an organizer already with them. Bella sat beside me. As per usual, my parents wanted my birthday to be talk of the town. I kept sighing and Bella just looked at me and laughed. It seemed like she had already forgiven me. I don't even know why we were there - my parents are deciding everything on their own. They will listen to Bella a bit but they completely ignore me. I unconsciously held Bella's waist and rested my head on her shoulder. I noticed that nobody was talking so I looked up. My parents and even the organizer were staring at us. I immediately sat up straight and I pulled my hand away from Bella's waist.

"Isn't that sweet?" my mom wooed as my dad imitated what I had just done. Bella just laughed at them and I snorted. Oh my, the complexities of life.

Author's note: What can you say???? I like to hear from you. Who watched A Walk to Remember? I did! I fell in love with the story. Love it so much, the Bible verse was used in that movie and I also incorporated the verse here in the story. Hope you liked it. *yawns* I'm really sleepy but I just had to post this chapter and the next one. Yeah you read it right, I'm giving away two chapters! Please submit a review for each chapter. Please…please…please. I also want to thank the person who added this story to her/his (but probably a her) community. See you guys next chapter!