Wow. The response to the last chapter was so incredible. Thank you to those of you who shared how fanfiction has helped you through all the shit that's been happening. This last year has been a hard one and my biggest lesson was how important it is to take care of your mental health.

Then

Bella studied herself in her bathroom mirror. She looked exactly as she did, the only difference being her eyes. They appeared large and bright. She'd just finished a long, hot shower, used to both remove the chill and ache from her body.

Edward had dropped her off an hour before that, and she had ignored her grandmother's curious gaze as she rushed up the stairs to her bedroom. She had stripped herself of her clothes and jumped in the shower.

And now, she was trying to decipher if there was any difference in her features - any tells that she'd had sex. Just her bright eyes which glowed with love. Her skin broke out in goosebumps as she remembered how his lips and hands felt on her body. He'd made her feel safe and loved.

Bella shook her head as she glanced down at the ring on her bathroom counter. He'd given her a ring - a symbol of his love for her and of what she meant to him. She'd have to give it back. She didn't deserve it.

"Never again," she whispered, pointing at her reflection. "You will end things and then stay away from Edward."

She was serious, despite not knowing if she was capable of staying away. She'd do her best, but it didn't mean he would stay away from her.

The following day, she waited for Edward at his locker before school. They still had about twenty minutes before first period began so she knew he'd arrive sometime soon. It was going to be the most challenging conversation she'd had - even more difficult than when she broke up with him the first time.

And look at where that got her. She'd had sex with him when she was supposed to be done with him.

When she spotted him down the hallway ten minutes later, her pulse quickened. Now that she had been with him, seen him, felt him, it made her want him more. She sighed. It was going to be much harder than she realized.

Edward smiled wide when he saw her, which did all sorts of things to her stomach. She'd wondered if she'd ever stop feeling giddy around him. Probably not.

He felt the same. All he wanted was her. So when he saw her, he strolled up to her and before she could say anything, he kissed her.

Warmth spread through her and the feel of his lips made her forget why she was there. He pulled back too quickly.

"Hello, Bella." His usual greeting. He adjusted his book bag that was hanging from one shoulder so it was in front of him. He unzipped the bag and handed her a small bag - another treat from the local bakery. His eyes were unguarded and bright - much like hers were the night before. She'd briefly wondered if maybe she was bewitched, too.

"Hello, Edward," she responded. Her eyes focused then on Jessica Stanley and Lauren Mallory across the hallway, who were staring at her wide-eyed and slack-jawed. They were surprised by the sudden public display of affection. She looked away from them and tried to hand back the bakery bag to Edward. "We need to talk."

Immediately, he recognized the change in her tone. He narrowed his eyes before leaning closer and lowering his voice. He ignored her hand that was trying to give him back the treat he bought her.

"Are you seriously doing this again after what happened between us?" His eyes still glowed, and his nearness made her dizzy. She stepped back and cleared her throat.

"Yes. We got carried away." She didn't sound convincing even to herself.

He chuckled darkly and turned from her, putting in his locker combination. He grabbed a few books out of there and threw them in his backpack. He turned back toward her.

"You're not a good liar, Bella," he smirked.

She felt her face heat.

"I'm not lying," she lied.

He stepped closer to her and brought his hand up to her face. His thumb brushed her cheek.

"Oh Bella," he whispered before brushing his lips against hers again. "You are, and I'll be using that to my advantage."

He pulled away, walked toward his class, leaving Bella panting at his locker.

"Damn it," she squeezed her eyes shut. She stormed off into the opposite direction he walked.

And he was right. She'd continue to try to break it off; he'd call her bluff with a kiss or sweet words. They'd make love again.

They'd have a real break when he was forced to move away with his parents at the end of the year.

But it would be far from the end for them.

I apologize for the short chapter - it probably should have just been latched on to the last one. I wanted to get something out this weekend but also really needed to end this chapter of Bella and Edward's lives. There's plenty more to come, so if you haven't already, go ahead and add this story to your alerts :)

Also this is exciting - my holiday fic, Just Another Work Holiday Party, was nominated at TwiFanfictionRecs . com. Go and check out all the stories that were nominated and vote for your favorite (hopefully mine ;) ).

-Bravery