New Beginnings

I woke up to the sound of my Mom's voice coming from downstairs.

How did I get back home? I thought to myself before all of the memories came flashing back. Edward told me that he loved me!

I quickly got out of bed and half ran downstairs. "Mom?"

"Bella! Honey. We were so worried. Dr. Johnson just left. He said that you're fine. I didn't know your fainting spells started up again?"

"I'm sorry mom. I didn't even think to say anything."

"Bella, you should have told me. Thank God Edward called Mr. Cunningham for help. He told me that you fainted twice already at school? That hasn't happened in years."

Since dad died, I know. I thought to myself.

"I'm sorry mom. I was fine at school. I promise. I think it was just the stress of starting afresh and not being with you guys."

Mom didn't look convinced. "Then what was it that caused it today? Did going to the lake bring back too many painful memories?"

"No, mom. " I quickly told her. Looking around for Edward.

Did he go back home?

"Then what was it, Bella?" My mom pressed. I knew that she was worried but my mind was racing.

"Mom, I promise I'll explain everything. I just need to find Edward. Do you know where he went?"

"Yeah, he walked down the street to the shop for some pain medicine in case you needed them when you woke up. I don't think he was in any condition to drive. He looked really worried."

"I'll be right back mom." I told her, as I laced up my Converse. I needed to see Edward.

"Bella, wait! You should be resting!" I heard mom call out, but I was already down the driveway. I knew that I shouldn't be running, but I couldn't explain it. I felt a mixture of joy, excitement, nervousness and love. So much love in my heart.

I ran for a few minutes before I noticed Edward walking up the street. He seemed lost in his thoughts, and I noticed the small paper bag in his hand.

How did I get so lucky that this kind, beautiful person loved me?

"Edward!" I couldn't stop myself from calling out. I knew I probably looked like a maniac to anyone who saw me right now, but I didn't care. I needed him to know how I felt.

"Bells?" He looked at me as if I grew two heads. "What are you doing here? You should be resting!"

I stopped in front of him, trying to catch my breath. "Edward… I...I love… you… too." I barely got out between breaths.

It really wasn't a good idea to run all the way here.

"What?" I heard him ask.

I took in a deep breath and said it again. "I said I love you." I smiled weakly. "I'm sorry about before. Back when my dad died, I started having fainting spells. They sort of came back recently. I probably should have told you the first time it happened in front of you."

"Oh, Bells" Edward said before pulling me in for a hug. This time, I didn't stop myself from hugging him back. I wanted him to know how much I did love him. My head rested on his chest and I listened to his heartbeat.

"I love you too." He said into my hair and kissed the top of my head. "I always have, Bells."

"Then why didn't you tell me? " I asked quietly, inhaling his scent.

"I tried, but I guess I was afraid."

"Why would you be afraid?" I asked him.

He let me go and looked into my eyes. God, I loved this boy.

"I didn't think you felt the same way."

"I think I've always loved you Edward." I told him, shyly.

He shot me my favorite crooked smile. "Well, I wish I knew that the first time I saw you again. It would have saved me the heartache." He chuckled, pulling me in for another hug and kissing the top of my head again. I felt safe in his arms.

"I think we should head back now. I'm sure your mom is upset that you left." Edward said, letting me go, but holding my hand securely in his.

"Yeah, I sort of ran out on her." I told him.

He laughed out loud. "What am I gonna do with you Bells?"

"Stay with me forever, I hope." I said quietly. I kept looking ahead, trying not to meet his eyes, but I meant what I said.

"Bells?" Edward stopped and turned me to face him.

"You won't have to worry about that. Trust me." He assured me, warmly.

"I don't?"

"No. You have my heart. Until you decide that you don't want it anymore." He assured me before he kissed me.

His kiss surprised me, and he seemed to notice because he looked at me, as though he was asking my permission to kiss me again. I nodded and he kissed me again. This time, kissing my forehead, my eyes, my cheeks and my lips again. I didn't realize I was holding my breath until I released it.

He placed his forehead against mine.

"I've wanted to do that since I was a teenager." He said, kissing me quickly again.

I smiled up at him. "I probably would have slapped you back then."

He laughed out loud at that while we walked back home, hand in hand. "Really?"

"Probably. I liked you alot, but I don't think I would've been ready to kiss you. At least not like that." I laughed and he kissed my hand.

"Well, get used to it. Because I'll be kissing you a whole lot from now on."

I felt the blush creep up my cheeks, but I didn't feel embarrassed this time.

When we got back home, I was so happy that it didn't even bother me that mom summoned me to my room to rest. Edward graciously apologised on my behalf, before Phil practically dragged him outside to help with the gazebo. As much as I I tried, I couldn't fall back asleep. Memories of Edward's kisses kept me up. I never imagined that's how it would feel to be kissed, but I knew it wasn't that way for everyone. Edward's kisses were special. They were for my lips only.

"Bella, honey?" Mom tiptoed into my room. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel a lot better, mom. I don't think I need to rest anymore. Where's Edward?" I asked eagerly.

My mom smirked. "Is there something you want to tell me?"

"Why?" I answered nonchalantly.

"Because, Edward comes in the house periodically asking if you're up yet. And you, my daughter, raced out the house just to go see him."

I couldn't hide the goofy smile on my face. "He told me that he loved me." I whispered, so that Phil wouldn't hear.

"He did?" Mom almost screamed.

"Mom, would you keep it down?"

"Sorry, honey. Wow. Now, I see why you went to look for him. I assume you wanted to tell him the same?"

"I did.

"And?"

"And… I guess we're sort of a couple now."

"Oh, Bella that's wonderful."

"Yeah, it kind of is. I'm so happy mom."

"Edward sure looks happy too." Mom laughed. Phil came into the kitchen and asked if Edward got some good news that we didn't know about. I have to fill him in."

I laughed."Can I go see him now?"

"Sure honey, just take it easy."

I found Edward downstairs drinking a bottle of water. I couldn't help but stare at him in awe.

I can't believe he loves me.

He was all that I ever wanted in a guy. And he loves me!

I walked to him and hugged him. I couldn't help it. I heard him chuckle, but he placed his water bottle down and wrapped his arms around me.

"Hey beautiful."

"Hi." I smiled.

"I missed you. How did you sleep?"

"I didn't. I was up the entire time. But, mom refused to let me out of that room."

He laughed. "She's concerned."

"I know. I missed you."

He kissed the top of my head like he did before.

"Edward! You done in there?" Phil called out from the backyard.

"Sorry Bells, I'm trying to make a good impression here." He chuckled before he kissed me on the lips quickly. "I'll see you soon."

I decided to help mom out in the kitchen as she made eggplant parmesan for dinner. Phil's favorite.

By the time Edward and Phil got back in the house, they both looked exhausted. Phil rushed upstairs to clean up before he ate his beloved eggplant parm, and Edward joined me in the kitchen.

"Do you want something cold to drink?" I asked him.

"Yes, please. Anything. Phil didn't lie when he said he'd put me to work."

I laughed. "Yeah, he's been working really hard on that gazebo. He's building it for mom."

Edward chugged the water I gave him and I poured him another glass. "Thanks Bells."

I smiled. "You could have asked Phil for a break, you know. He's used to doing hard labour like that."

"I didn't mind it. I liked spending time with him. He really loves you and your mom."

"Yeah, we love him too."

"So?" He asked me, my favorite crooked smile making an appearance.

"So?"

"Did you tell your mom about us?"

I felt the blush creep up again. "Of course." I told him, quietly.

"Good. Because I called Alice when you were upstairs. She's freaking out, of course."

I smacked him on the shoulder. "You should have waited! Now, she's not gonna let me live this down." I said, groaning into my hands.

Edward's laugh made it harder to stay upset with him. "I'm sorry Bells. She called asking how things were going since she didn't hear from any of us. It sort of slipped out."

"Slipped out, huh?" I asked him, sarcasm dripping from my voice.

He laughed out loud this time. "Okay, I just wanted her to know. I want everyone to know Bells. Can you blame me?"

I softened and planted a kiss on his cheek. "I guess not. You're forgiven."

All throughout dinner, Edward kept my left hand securely fastened with his. It was difficult eating but I didn't care. I was so happy that we were finally together.

"Bella, I assume you'll be driving back to school with Edward?" Mom awoke me from my thoughts, as always.

"Uhh, if that's okay?" I asked him, and he chuckled.

"I'd have it no other way. If that's okay with you, Phil?" Edward asked, respectfully. He squeezed my hand as he did.

"Sure. Just drive carefully, and take care of our girl." Phil told him.

Looking around at the dinner table, I couldn't help but feel happy. I was happy that mom found Phil. I didn't think she'd ever smile again after dad died. I was happy that they were welcoming another bundle of joy into the family and I was happy that they seemed to love Edward just as much as I did.

"I surely will" was Edward's response to Phil, before they both got back to devouring their dinners.

After dinner, the sun was about to set and my mom and Phil made their way out to the half done gazebo. I convinced Edward to stay for a while and we sat out front on the porch swing. This time, I didn't try to leave any space between us and snuggled next to him. My head fit perfectly under his chin and he wrapped his arms around me.

"Tell me something."

"Something like what?" I asked him.

"Things that I missed in the six years we were apart. I want to know everything."

I smiled against his chest and inhaled his scent. His shirt smelled like the fresh laundry detergent my mom always used.

"Umm, there's not much to tell. Most of it will probably be boring."

"It doesn't matter. I want to know." He told me, kissing the top of my head. He did that a lot and I didn't mind it one bit.

I told him about how things were when I left camp. How much I talked about him and how annoyed my mom got after a while. I told him about how difficult it was for me to deal with my dad's death. There were a lot of things I left out when I confided in him at camp. I told him about highschool and how uneventful it was. Nothing that I said seemed exciting to me, but ke kept asking more questions about growing up in my hometown.

"Bells?" He finally asked, after a few moments of silence. I was enjoying it since I had been talking for what felt like hours.

"Yeah?" I asked him.

"Would you mind if I go and visit your dad's grave? Phil told me that it's not that far from here."

I looked up at him this time, and he stared right at me. His eyes were soft.

"Really?"

"Yeah. You loved him so much. I just want to go and pay my respects. If that's okay with you and Renee'?"

I didn't realize I was crying until I felt the wetness on my cheeks. "Of course, it's okay. I'd like that a lot."

He took my face in his hands and wiped my tears. "Good" He said before he kissed me again.

"Do you want to go tomorrow? We can stop by before we head back to campus. I'll take some flowers up there too." I told him.

"Yeah, I was hoping you said that. I got a pack of Gummy bears from the store earlier. I thought it would be nice to leave a pack there too."

I gasped quietly. "How did you know about that?" I asked, looking up at him again.

He smiled. "Aaron."

"Aaron?"

"He chuckled. "You sound surprised. After I got over myself, I realized that he's actually a nice guy."

"He told you about our tradition? How my dad and I would get Gummy bears every Saturday?

"Yeah. Well, he actually cornered me in the store to ask how you were doing. Mr, Cunningham was the one who called your mom while I was sort of panicking after you fainted."

"Oh."

"Yeah, I told him you were okay and he recommended that I bring some Gummy bears back for you. He told me about your dad."

"That was nice of him." I smiled.

"Yeah, I have to admit. I was a bit jealous when your mom told me you had a crush on him." He told me, lifting my chin to look at him again.

I gave him a reassuring smile. "You had nothing to worry about."

"I wish I knew that then." He chuckled. "But, Aaron straightened that out for me today."

"He did?"

"Yup. He told me that he could see how much you liked me and if I did anything to hurt you, he'd take care of it. He was pretty intimidating."

I couldn't help but laugh. "That sounds alot like him."

"Yeah. He told me to tell you he'd see you when you got back into town. I have to admit, I didn't want to." He chuckled. "I still didn't believe him when he said you liked me, but all that changed this evening." He kissed my temple and drew me closer to him. "I'm glad I decided to come here Bells."

"I am too." And I really was.

Mom sent Edward and I off early the next morning. I told her that we were going to visit dad's grave at the cemetery and of course, her response was tears. She told me that she and Phil had visited after they found out she was pregnant. That made me cry and by the time we drove away, I was an emotional mess. I told Mom and Phil that I loved them and they hugged me until it was difficult to breathe. I chuckled silently when they hugged Edward just as tight. He didn't seem to mind, though.

"I'm gonna miss it here." Edward smiled as we drove down the street from my house. Mom and Phil, who were waving at us from the street, were no longer in eye shot.

"Yeah, I always feel that way when I leave, but I'm happy you're with me."

He smiled my favorite crooked smile and my heart leapt. "You're gonna have to stop smiling at me like that Edward."

He looked over at me, confusion apparent on his face, when we stopped at a stop sign. "How come?"

"Because my heart can't take it." To this, he laughed out loud. "Well, you've got to get used to it. You'll be seeing this smile a lot from now on." He said before he smiled at me again.

When we pulled up at the cemetery, memories of my dad's funeral came pouring in. I remembered the sympathetic looks everyone gave me and my mom. I remembered trying my best to support mom's weight as she leaned on me and cried. I remembered my dad's best friend telling jokes about their fishing trips growing up. The tears in his eyes made me emotional, so I spent most of the service staring down at the shiny black shoes my mom made me wear. I was desperate for the day to be over.

"Bells? You ready?"

"Uhh, yeah. Sorry. I was lost in my thoughts." I told him as I stepped out of the car.

I felt his hand take my own. "You okay?"

I let out a breath. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"I'm here." He assured me, squeezing my hand and kissing it quickly before we walked the stony path to my dad's grave.

When we reached his headstone, Edward placed the flowers that my mom and I picked from her garden and the pack of Gummy bears gently on it. I could tell that he was whispering something, but I couldn't make out the words.

He walked back to me and squeezed my hand again.

"Can I have a minute?" I asked him.

"Sure Bells. I'll be right here."

I walked over to my dad's grave and sat down. The last time I was here was the week before I left for college. I smiled as I read the inscription on his stone, "Beloved husband, caring father, and master fisherman". I laughed quietly as I read it, remembering how he insisted that we write it on his tombstone in his last days. We all knew that he wasn't a master fisherman. He barely caught anything whenever he fished. It was meant to be an inside joke between me, him and mom. He always mentioned it during the days he spent taking chemo. Even then, he was always smiling, although we all knew that he was in pain.

I spoke quietly, holding back tears. "I miss you so much dad. It's still hard to believe sometimes that you're not here. I went up to the lake yesterday with Edward. We're sort of together now and I'm so happy." The tears broke free this time. "I wish you could have met him, dad. You would have liked him so much. I wish you were here, but I know you're in a better place now. I know you're watching over me. I love you daddy."

I was crying silently now, but I felt at peace. I felt like my dad was reminding me that he would always be with me.

"Bells?"

"Yeah?"

"You good?"

I sighed, stood up and wiped my tears. "Yeah, I'm better now."

He walked over to me and took my face in his hands.

"Are you sure?" He looked into my eyes, and I could tell that he was concerned.

"I'm sure," I assured him before I kissed him. It was the first time I initiated a kiss since we told each other how we felt. When I opened my eyes, his eyes were filled with shock and amusement.

"I can get used to that." He chuckled, before I took his face in my hands this time. I traced the lines of his face with my fingers and he stood very still, still looking at me as I did. I had to tiptoe because of the height difference, but I kissed his eyelids, his cheeks, his forehead, his lips and ended with his nose. I sighed and breathed deeply. "I love you Edward Cullen."

He kissed my nose this time. "I love you too Isabella Marie Swann." He said before he hugged me and kissed my temple.

"I know." I smirked.

He laughed. "Good."

"So, what were you whispering to my dad out there?" I asked him when we were driving outside of town.

He smiled to himself. "That's between me and him."

"Really Edward?"

He laughed this time. "Yes, really. I promise I'll tell you one day."

"Yeah, right." I teased.

"I mean it." He told me again, taking my hand in his.

"Okay." I believed him,with all my heart.

By the time we arrived on campus, it was late evening and Alice had been blowing up both of our phones. She insisted the clan meet up at the Cafe' for dinner. Edward and I told her that we were both exhausted but she wasn't hearing it.

"Sorry Bells. I don't think we can get out of this one." He told me apologetically, when he dropped me off at my dorm. "She said they're already there waiting on us."

I laughed and yawned at the same time. "It's okay. Let me at least wash my face before we head there."

He kissed my cheek. "Okay, I'll meet you out front in ten minutes? I want to take my bag back to my dorm."

"Okay."

As soon as I stepped into the dorm, I smiled. Alice's clothes covered her bed and her suitcase laid open on the floor. All I could see were different shades of pink. I didn't realize until now how much I actually missed her.

After placing my bag next to my bed, I splashed some cold water on my face and stood in the mirror. My eyes looked tired, but I knew Alice wouldn't hear the end of it if I didn't show up. I felt sorry for Edward who had to drive the entire way back. I insisted that we took turns but he refused. I could see the exhaustion in his eyes when we made it back.

After I washed up, I walked outside my dorm to wait on Edward, and smiled when I looked around. There were a few familiar faces, students that I saw regularly in the Cafe' and a few that I had classes with, but most of them were strangers. As I took in everything before me though, I didn't feel the unhappiness that I did when I first got here. Instead, I felt excited for the days to come. I had friends here who cared about me, and a boyfriend that loved me.

I would make these next four years count. I thought to myself.

"Bells?" I heard Edward call out. He looked tired, but his smile reached his eyes when he took my hand in his. "Are you ready for this?" He laughed.

"Yup."

The walk to the Cafe' was quick and I could hear Emmett's voice as soon as we opened the door. The smell of baked goods caressed my nostrils and my stomach growled. Edward must have heard because he laughed. "I'll get us something to eat Bells. Chicken sandwich for you?" He asked, laughter in his eyes.

I blushed. "Yes, and a glazed donut please. Oh, with a large iced green tea. Sweetened."

He laughed. "Your wish is my command, my love." My heart leapt again.

I didn't even have to walk any further before I heard Alice's voice. "Bella!" She squealed before she practically jumped into my arms. "I missed you!"

"I missed you too Alice!" I barely got out as she squeezed me tighter.

"Slugger!" Emmet shouted. "It's good to see you again. Thanks for looking after Edward this weekend." He smirked.

Rosalie smacked him on the shoulder. "Oh hush". She smiled at me. "It's good to have you back."

"I'm happy to be back." When I sat down, Jasper smiled at me too. "Hey Bella. Long time no see."

"Good to see you Jasper."

He smiled and Alice stared directly at me. It seemed like everyone was staring at me now.

I felt my palms sweat. "What is it?" I asked, even though I knew what they wanted to know already.

"So? Aren't you going to tell us?"

"Tell you what?"

Emmett smirked when he looked behind me. I knew that it was Edward because all the eyes that were once directed at me, were looking above my head.

I jumped when Edward kissed me on the cheek and placed my food in front of me. "Here you go, my love." He said nonchalantly, and took the chair next to mine.

Alice made a sound that made Emmett burst out laughing. They all started laughing at this point and I couldn't help but join in.

"I see that Edward finally mustered up the courage to tell you how he felt?" Rosalie teased.

I laughed weakly, my face stained with embarrassment. "I guess so."

Edward laughed. "Would you guys stop it please. Let my girlfriend eat her food in peace."

"Fine!" Alice giggled. She looked ridiculously happy. "But, I'll be expecting a full report from Bella as soon as she's up for it. No excuses."

I groaned and they all laughed again. Edward took my hand in his and squeezed it.

Dinner at the Cafe' was filled with laughter, as usual. Emmett told us about his holiday at home and how his dad made him help out at their local soup kitchen. He made it seem like he hated it, but we could all tell that he enjoyed the experience. Alice and Rosalie filled us in about their time at a local spa and Jasper quietly told us that he and his family went camping.

"Edward?" Alice asked him, as Rosalie told the rest of the group about a reaction that she had to some face mask.

"Yeah Alice?"

"Did grandpa call you?"

As soon as she asked, I felt Edward's body tense next to me.

"No, why?"

Alice sighed. "I thought he would have called you. He's coming to see us next week. Mom and dad too."

"Really?"

"Yeah, there's some meeting that they're having with the board, so of course, he wants us all to be together."

"Oh, okay." Was Edward's response. I had a feeling there was more that he wanted to say, and I think Alice did too, but she dropped the subject.

""Bells?" I heard Edward whisper after a few moments.

"Yeah?"

"Ready to go? If I stay here any longer, I'll fall asleep on this table."

I laughed. "Yeah, I'm pretty tired too."

"Alice?" Edward interrupted the ongoing conversation about faulty facial masks. Emmett and Jasper seemed relieved for the interruption. "We're about to head out."

"But it's still early!" Alice told him, disappointment apparent on her face.

"Sorry sis, but we've been driving all day. I'm beat and Bells is too."

I shook my head in agreement. My bed was calling my name. "Yeah Alice, I am pretty tired. But we'll catch up later. I promise."

This seemed to reassure her. "Okay then. See you guys." She waved and everyone else waved, before we stepped out into the cool night air.

"Glad that's over." Edward laughed, as he placed his arm around my neck. I placed my arm around his waist as we walked back to the dorms.

"Yeah. I had fun though."

"I did too. But I like having you all to myself." He laughed and kissed my temple.

"Same here" I said, hugging him tighter.

"There goes our bench." He stopped, pointing at the spot that I loved since I first arrived on campus.

I smirked. "Our bench?"

"Yeah. Well, technically. It was the first place we had a conversation since we were 13. Well, a semi-conversation. You shut me out both times."

"I'm sorry."

He kissed my temple again. "It's okay Bells. I understand now."

An idea suddenly popped in my head. "Do you have a penny?"

"Huh?"

"A penny? Do you have one?"

"Yeah, I do. Why?" He asked, but I was already pulling him behind me as we walked over to the fountain in front of our bench.

"I want to do something." I told him as he took out his wallet and placed a penny in my hand.

I made a silent wish and threw the penny in the fountain. I felt him take my hand in his and we both stared at the fountain.

"What was that about?" He asked me.

"I just wanted to make a wish."

"For?"

"New beginnings." I told him, smiling, before he kissed me again.