I do not own Twilight.

For the hundredth time, my mom paces in front of my car, chewing on her nails. "Are you sure you don't want me to bring you? I don't mind making a double trip, baby."

I roll my eyes and shut the trunk. You'd think I was going across the country. I pull on her hand to get her to stop biting. She's going to bite off the tips of her fingers if she doesn't stop. "Mom, it's only five hours. I'll be fine."

"Well, make sure you pack water. Oh! And snacks." She reaches into her back pocket and pulls out a few folded twenties. "And here's some extra money for gas. Oh, and if—"

"Mom!" I fold her fingers around the money. I'm not going to take half of what she made this summer for gas. "I'll be fine. I'll text you when I get to Portland, okay?"

She chews on her lip and for a minute I see myself in her. "Okay." She blows out a breath. "Tell Edward I say hi. Are you sure you wouldn't rather him come up here? You can have just as much fun—"

"Mom, I want to see where he's staying, and Esme, and meet Peter. I want to go to Portland." Just the thought of seeing Edward in five hours has my heart pounding. I want to scream with excitement. I'm glad my mom's anxieties aren't drowning out my anticipation.

She nods and crosses her arms tightly. "Okay, baby."

Charlie walks out to the car then and I'm glad for his presence. At least my mom will hold back a bit now, but I can't help but to notice Charlie looks a little anxious as well. He clears his throat, holds out his hand. "Here," he says gruffly.

I stare at the white envelope in his outstretched hand. "What is this?" If this is more money…

"Letter from Mr. Cullen."

I gawk and start to push the envelope I had started to take back to his hand. "He won't want—" I start, shaking my head quickly, but Charlie interrupts.

"He asked me personally to give this to Edward. Please, just give it to him, okay?"

He lets go of his end and I stare at the possibly damaging letter in my hand.

"And don't read it for yourself."

I roll my eyes and say, "I'm not going to," even though I'm definitely tempted, if only just to protect Edward but I know it's an invasion of privacy. What if he doesn't want me to know what is in the letter? I shake my head and shove the damned envelope into the bag over my shoulder. Maybe if I pretend it doesn't exist…it won't. "Okay, I have to go. I'll see you in a week."

"Call me every day!" my mom cries as I get into the driver's side. Charlie sends her a subtle warning. "Okay, okay," she amends. "Text me once in a while, just so I'll know you're okay?"

Exasperated, I nod quickly, if only just to appease her.

"Like that kid would let anything happen to her," Charlie grumbles and I catch him mid-eyeroll. I grin. "Have a good trip, Bells. Call us if you need anything, okay?"

I nod again. "Thanks. Love you both."

They both wave as I pull out of the driveway and I can already see Charlie consoling my mother as I drive down the street. It's like I'm moving off to college again.

I only stop once at rest stop outside of Portland when my bladder feels like it could very well explode. It's colder here than Forks. The air feels different, too. Less heavy. I take a breath and smile, pulling out my phone to let Edward—and then my mother—know how close I am.

Edward's waiting outside of the house when I park on the street. I barely even get the keys from the ignition when I push open the door, running up to him. He's already covered half the distance as I parked so it doesn't take very long before I'm in his arms, holding onto him like I haven't seen him in years.

He smells just how I remembered and feels even better. I tangle my fingers into his hair and, after we've finished kissing in his front yard, tell him that his hair has gotten longer. He laughs and holds me tighter.

"I missed you," he whispers into my ear.

"I can tell," I laugh. "I love you."

He pulls back and kisses me again. Slowly, passionately and I have to pull away before I get too lost in him.

I look at the house. It's small, but has a subtle beauty to it. It's well-kept with two floors and a wrap-around deck. I smile up at Edward because this is the first real house he's ever lived in; one that isn't attached to a working garage. The shrubbery and flowers in the front definitely have Esme's touch.

"It's beautiful," I say.

He smiles and kisses me. "You're beautiful," he retorts.

I grin back at him. "Give me a tour."

He grabs my hand and I follow him up the small walk and into the house. It's equally as nice inside. There's no reminiscence of his past house. The walls are covered in art; there's a fully stocked bookshelf by a fireplace. Even the rugs across the hardwoods look expensive and oriental.

"Where's your mom?" I ask, watching Edward as he pours me a glass of water.

"Her and Peter went out to the store." He rolls his eyes as he hands me the cup. "She's dead-set on making you a Portland dinner."

"What's a Portland dinner?" I ask.

He shrugs and I laugh. He's watching me carefully, like he can't believe I'm actually here and I can see the subtle glint to his bright green eyes. God, I've missed him. I put the glass down. "Show me your room."

He raises an eyebrow and I watch as his eyes dance. He smirks and then grabs me, lifting me so I can wrap my legs around his waist. We're kissing again before he even makes it out of the kitchen. When we pass the couch, I toss the bag I had been holding to the cushion.

The last glimpse I get as he carries me upstairs is the letter sticking out of my bag.