For context on how this chapter made me feel go listen to "By My Side" by The Paper Kites (it made me cry tears of joy).

A few days later, Rosalie found that she couldn't stop watching her sister.

It wasn't like she was doing it on purpose. She just couldn't help it. It was like whenever Bella was close, her golden eyes always found her. A living breathing magnet that always seemed to pull her close.

Bella stared out towards the snow-capped mountains as she sat by the window, a book on her lap left on the same page since she'd taken a seat. She knew this because it was the same book Bella had been trying to read since last night in the living room, on that very page.

Rosalie had found her little sister in Jasper's office which resembled a library more than anything. It seemed to grant Bella great comfort and the girl often found herself stowing away for hours at a time, surrounded by books. It was her place of safety, of comfort without the need to be surrounded by those who did the same.

Sometimes it was good to be alone. To have no one but yourself to bare the weight of the world. To listen to the thoughts that rained down upon you and not fight them, simply...let them be. Coexist in blissful silence.

The blonde vampire leaned against the door frame, taking her in. Over the years, Bella had grown a lot faster than she would have expected. And now that she was almost a teenager, Bella had slowly started to mature quite a bit too. Rosalie smiled as she took in Bella's outfit, something which has steadily become her own choice of clothing and not Alice's, much to the latter's dismay. She'd opted to wear a pair of baggy jeans that reminded Rosalie of the 90s, one of her brother's baggy sweatshirts that she'd claimed as her own, and a pair of striped colorful socks. Her long hair was healthy and shining under the afternoon sun as she leaned back and closed her eyes, seeming to enjoy the warmth. She hadn't taken to wearing makeup yet, but her curiosity was bound to take over eventually.

It was frightening in all honesty—watching someone she cares so deeply for—grow older while she and the others remain the same. A burden she bore all the time...

The seizure Bella experienced a few days ago had changed all of their perception on time, on Bella's mortality. How very short and fragile her life was. A notion Rosalie always recognized, however it made everything more real.

Her smile wilted as the unwanted thought of burdening Bella with the life of immortality sprung into her mind.

If it were up to Rosalie, she'd tell her sister now to never consider such a curse. But then...what would be left of all of them once Bella grew old? Once she was gone? Nothing more than ashes and a memory of a girl they'd adored, and would continue to adore forever.

That seemed like a curse in and of itself. Even the thought of living without Bella was heartbreaking. A shatteringly lonely, obscured world none of them wanted a part of, Rosalie was sure of it. It was bad enough thinking about such a thing and it suddenly made her want to cry.

"You're staring again," Bella murmured, breaking through the sorrowful thoughts circling around Rosalie's head.

Rosalie swallowed the lump in her throat as she pushed off the doorframe and walked in, regaining her composure within seconds before Bella could notice.

"How'd you know I was here?" She folded her arms across her chest, arching a quizzical brow.

"I always know when one of you is watching me. It feels like two holes are burning into my skull. In a loving way," Bella remarked, grinning in a way that reminded Rosalie so much of Edward it was almost annoying. In an endearing sort of way, merely because it was Bella.

As soon as the thought passed in her mind, Edward's voice reached her from downstairs, "Rude."

Rosalie smiled as she sat beside the girl, taking Bella's legs and resting them over her lap. Bella relaxed beside her, "What's up?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?"

Bella frowned before finally closing her book and sighing. She looked back out the window for a long while before finally murmuring, "I'm messed up, aren't I? Something's wrong with me," Rosalie was quiet, knowing this was Bella's chance to open up and if she wasn't allowed to do it now, then she never would. That was just how Bella worked. Ever the selfless kid, always trying to protect others regardless if it came at a cost to her own wellbeing. "I'm probably going to have another seizure. I know it and there isn't a thing I can do to stop it, is there?"

Rosalie placed her hand over Bella's knee, "If you have another one is that going to stop you from living your life?"

Bella looked at Rosalie with tears in her brown eyes. There she was, the vulnerably open girl that is always at an odds with herself.

"I...I don't know? What if it does mean that? I read up on it after we got back from the hospital."

"Of course you did," Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"I won't be able to drive or overexert myself, I won't be allowed to get stressed or anything," Bella shook her head, this time wiping away the tears that rolled down her cheeks harshly. "I can't do anything a normal person can do without having one."

Rosalie reached out and cupped Bella's cheek, startling her until she looked her straight in those golden eyes. The serious way Rosalie regarded her made Bella's heart skip with uncertainty. The blonde could almost hear her worrying thoughts, 'Is she mad at me? Going to tell me I'm crazy?'

"You're worrying yourself more by thinking about all the bad things that could happen. It's normal, but remember, there's nothing certain yet. Cross that bridge when you get to it or you'll always live with that fear, Bella. Life is too short to worry about everything that is out of your control. I would know."

"The vampire thing, right."

Rosalie laughed, pulling Bella into her arms and holding her until the girl finally wrapped her arms around her sister, "I know you're scared. I'm scared for you too. But let's make the most of the good days we have together, okay?"

"I guess you're right..." Bella sniffled.

"Of course I am," that earned her another watery laugh from the human she'd come to love so much.

Fiercely and unconditionally.

Bella's biological family may have never protected her this way, but Rosalie was damned sure to do it now. Even if it meant protecting Bella from herself.

"So," she mused after a long while, deciding it was time to steer the conversation elsewhere. Smiling suggestively when Bella leaned back and arched a brow in question, Rosalie had to ask. "Flynn, huh?"

"Please, not you too," Her embarrassed groan was loud enough to rock the whole house which only made Rosalie chuckle. Bella grabbed her book and stalked away with a flaming red face. She called out to Jasper as he walked by, the picture of innocence on his face before she said through gritted teeth, "You gossiping empath!"

Jasper's eyes widened in mock shock, "I beg your pardon–"

"Pardon your butt! I'm going to my room."

The Hale twins looked to one another before Rosalie sighed out loud, stretching her arms above her head before occupying Bella's seat. That earned her an annoyed look from Jasper, "Puberty is going to be fun for you, brother of mine."

"Oh Bella, I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am that you agreed to come out with us," Mrs. Thompson, Flynn's nature-loving whimsical mother said from the driver's seat. They'd been on the road for the better part of a half hour as she drove them to the mall. "It's good that your parents let me kidnap you for a couple of hours! Flynn was positively giddy all morning!"

Unlike Flynn, who'd been born and raised in Sitka before they moved to Anchorage, Mrs. Thompson was a true southerner. Her chipper disposition and chatty personality making it impossible not to notice the southern accent in her voice. It always brought a smile to Bella's face as it reminded her of Jasper. With wild curls in her blonde hair and bohemian styled clothing, Bella found herself wondering how Flynn wasn't at all extroverted like his mother.

"Mom..." Flynn groaned, pulling his forest green beanie over his eyes.

Bella tried her best to suppress the blush on her own cheeks as she said, "Thank you for inviting me. I'm glad I could come along, Mrs. Thompson. I was looking forward to hanging out with Flynn. Glad to hear he was too."

"Don't encourage her," her best friend muttered.

Bella gave his shoulder a push, "It's fun."

"Torturing me is fun?"

"It sure it!" Mrs. Thompson and Bella answered in unison.

Once they were at the mall, Flynn made it a point to stay out of the all girl's clothing store, knowing that his mother would take her sweet time looking for more knitted sweaters, scarves and hats she didn't need. That and she'd constantly find things for him to try too.

By the time Mrs. Thompson reached the third store, Bella had politely declined the offer to go inside.

"Oh, how silly of me! Flynn, why don't you and Bella go get something to eat while you wait for me? I won't be too long."

"Sure you won't," Flynn rolled his eyes teasingly at his mother, earning a ruffling of his shaggy hair. He laughed as he took the cash from his mother before turning to Bella.

He stopped in his tracks as soon as his eyes spotted her.

Leaning against the railing, Bella appeared lost in thought as she stared at the shoppers below. All milling about or rushing by to get to the next store to complete their shopping. Her eyes, he noticed, appeared to be devoid of all emotion. Saddened.

Sighing softly, Flynn strode over to her and swung his arm around her shoulders. She startled, looking up at him as he flashed her a grin, "So are we doing Chinese, pizza, or burgers?"

"Oh, uh..." she appeared to battle with her thoughts as he led them to the food court before finally saying, "Pizza?"

"Sounds good to me. But are you sure you should eat pizza on the diet you're on?"

Bella stopped in her tracks. She sighed, "Who told you?"

"Who do you think?" He arched a brow, "Why do you think your brother pulled me aside before we left?"

Bella rolled her eyes, "Why are all my brothers so gossipy? They're like a couple of old ladies."

"In their defense, I wanted to know. I gotta take care of my best friend when she's with me," Flynn's chuckle was light, "That and I'd rather know than have Emmett punch my face in."

Bella started, "He said that—"

"Hi, Flynn!" A familiar voice reached the two friends, interrupting whatever Flynn was about to say. He looked over his shoulder at the same time Bella spotted the tall blonde girl approaching them. Their classmate, Ashley Perry, skipped her way over to them, shopping bags in hand and a bright smile. "Oh, Bella, you're here too. I didn't see you there."

"Hi Ashley," Bella said in a tone that told Flynn she was anything but impressed by the comment. Somehow, the most popular girl in school always managed to remember Flynn's name, and for some reason she never acknowledged Bella. Up until now that is.

This irritated Flynn greatly and so suddenly, he wasn't sure why. Only that he didn't like anyone making Bella feel like she was less than important.

Because to Flynn she was the most important person in his life. Apart from his mother of course.

Ashley stopped as she approached them. Looking only to Flynn as she asked, "Shopping for the dance that's coming up next week?"

Ah, the school dance. That was still a thing.

Flynn said rather clumsily, "Just walking around. Mom's the one doing the shopping."

"Well you better get something to wear soon silly! Can't go around wearing flannels and jeans your whole life!"

"There's nothing wrong with what he wears," Bella said, finally making Ashley look to the girl who appeared as if she were seconds away from lecturing the blonde on her manners. For a moment, Flynn swore he could see Rosalie's ferocity shining in her eyes. Bella's older sister was definitely scarier that any of her brothers combined, though her twin brother was up there.

Sometimes Flynn wondered if Bella's siblings liked him or merely put up with him since they were friends. But as he grew closer with Emmett and the rest of his brothers, he found that might not be the case. He actually really liked being around the Cullens. It'll be sad to see them all go off to college next year...

Flynn's heart tumbled over itself at Bella's words though. A grin threatening to spread across his lips as he realized she'd defended him and his less than impressive way of dressing. Not that he really cared, but it was the thought that counted.

"So you guys are going together then?" Ashley asked, this time staring at Flynn's arm which was till somehow draped over Bella's shoulders.

"No," the two friends said at the same time. Cheeks burning pink as they separated in their embarrassment.

Flynn continued, "We're not going to the dance, right Bella?"

Bella stared up at him, seeming somewhat lost in whatever she saw in his eyes before averting her gaze. There were too many emotions flitting through that gaze for him to discern. Confusion and...anger? Or was it disappointment?

"Right," She finally said.

Ashley giggled as she walked around them, "If you change your mind, let me know. I'd like to get a chance to dance with you! Bye bye!"

They watched the girl skip away, her twin golden braids bouncing around her crisp white puffer jacket as she went off to rejoin her friends.

"Wow, she's...energetic." He huffed out loud, but Bella wasn't even looking at Ashley. She was already stalking away towards the food court.

Bella felt so silly.

Why was she so bothered by Ashley's words? There just wasn't any logical explanation as to why she was feeling this way. Annoyed but confused, and a little sick to her stomach.

If you change your mind, let me know. I'd like to get a chance to dance with you!

Bella found herself repeating the girl's words over and over again, nearly the entirety of the ride back to her house, and barely listening to Flynn as he talked about trying out for the hockey team once they went onto high school. Something, Bella was sure he'd be great at considering he's always loved being on the ice and playing sports. Not that she could say that to him now considering she was silently worrying herself to death.

Something she shouldn't be doing at all given what Carlisle and her doctor had stressed so much about.

A hand landed on her shoulder, and she blinked.

"You okay?" Flynn asked, worry now replacing his laid back demeanor. "You haven't said much. Did you hear me?"

Bella cleared her throat but her words sounded monotone even to her own ears, "Yeah, I think it's a great idea. Hockey..."

Flynn lowered his hand, "Right..."

When Mrs. Thompson stopped on the way to Bella's house to fuel up the car, Flynn only pushed for more when his mother went into the gas station to pay and buy a gallon of milk she'd only just remembered they were out of back home.

Flynn turned to face her fully while Bella remained staring ahead, playing the ignorance card as best she could.

"What's wrong? Spill it," He said, pulling his beanie off his head and revealing his thick auburn locks that looked messy now. The strands framed his glasses, making it hard to ignore the clearly confused look in his brown eyes.

Bella didn't even know how to explain that she was confused too.

"What?"

"You're upset. I want to know what about."

Bella frowned and shrugged, "I'm not."

"That's bull. Come on, Bells. Tell me what's wrong. We were fine all day, and ever since the food court you've been quiet. Did I do something to upset you? I'm confused."

Before she knew what she was saying, Bella blurted out, "Do you want to go to the dance with Ashely?"

"What–" Flynn's lips parted as his eyes widened. His cheeks were quickly invaded by pink hues as Bella's entire face was as bright as a tomato, her lips rolled together into a tight line. They were a comical sight, she was sure, but at the moment it all felt too serious for her to find anything funny about her outburst.

They really were bad at this whole honesty thing. They couldn't even get a word in without blushing. It was so embarrassing.

Flynn's hand closed and opened on his lap multiple times. He reached out for her for a second before dropping it again. She watched as Flynn scratched the back of his head, briefly averting his gaze, "...Would it bother you if I did?"

Based on the expression on Bella's face, he'd said the wrong thing because all the blood drained from her face.

Bella looked away, "That's up to you isn't it? If you like her, then why not? I'm sure you two would have a great time together."

When Flynn's mother finally returned and began chatting about the ridiculously overpriced gallon of milk she'd paid for, it was a wonder how the woman didn't realize that both Bella and Flynn had grown silent as they sat side by side. Both looking out their windows and incredibly aware of how close their hands were to touching.

Once they pulled up to the gravel pathway that led up to the front steps of the porch, Bella quickly thanked Mrs. Thompson before practically shoving her way out of the SUV. She stumbled and felt so utterly clumsy as she made her way around the car that she didn't have the courage to turn around to–

"Bella!" The sound of the car door closing behind Flynn made her pause halfway up the steps. She turned slowly, brows raised in question as he ran over.

"Did I forget something–"

"Come with me," He blurted out this time, sounding a little out of breath as he stopped at the bottom of the steps. Flynn clarified, "To the dance I mean. I want you to come with me to the dance. But only if you want to and not because I'm asking you."

The chilled wind blew past them, caressing their burning cheeks and ruffling their hair as Bella realized what he was asking her. For a second, there was no sound around her. Only the erratic rhythm of her heart pounding against her chest. She gingerly wrapped her arms around herself, "If this is because of what I said..."

"No! It's not, and it's not about Ashley either," Flynn took a step towards her. Walking up the steps until he was only one below her. It was enough to put them on even ground, staring right into each other's eyes, "I want to go with you. Even if you can't dance and I'm awkward and too tall, I don't care. I want to be with you and no one else, Bella. It's either you or no one." Flynn looked like he was about to burst into flames, his face nearly the same color as his hair. His eyes...hopeful and scared.

A sentiment she seemed to share at the moment.

She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

What her entire family must be hearing right now from inside the house...

Flynn really wanted to go with her to the dance. He meant what he said. He always meant what he said, ever since they were kids. Unlike her, her best friend was honest to a fault and could never lie to save his life.

That's what she liked about him.

Biting her lip, she whispered timidly, "Okay..."

He blinked, "Okay? You mean–"

"Yeah, I'll go with you, Flynn. I want to go to the dance with you too, even if we'll be clumsy and awkward together."

They laughed then, feeling incredibly silly and yet not caring at all. This giddy feeling that filled Bella's chest was new and it felt like little butterflies were fluttering about in her stomach. Gone was the bitter feeling that had taken up all of her emotions in the car.

"Okay then, great. I'll see you tomorrow?" Flynn's grin was wide and honest, his freckles standing out against the cold afternoon air as his blush remained strong.

"Yeah," she waved him off and heard Mrs. Thompson squealing in the car when Flynn ran his fingers through his hair bashfully before getting in.

He waved at her from the passenger side, ignoring his mother's giddiness and the two big thumbs up she sent in Bella's direction before they were off. Bella found herself fighting off a giggle, shaking her head to herself.

She must have been listening this whole time...

Releasing a breath and unable to hide her smile, the first genuine smile she felt in weeks, Bella turned and ran up the steps. Only to stop short when she spotted all three of her brothers standing in the entry way.

"Did I hear that correctly? Did that little twerp just ask my little Bells to a dance?" Emmett cocked his head to the side, sounding like a talking doll that was about to explode. "The world must be ending. Eddie hold me."

"Get off me," Edward scoffed, shoving the largest member of their family away before he crushed him with yet another suffocating hug.

Flustered and too happy to put into words, Bella shrugged. She was so utterly unable to hide the goofy smile on her lips she was surprised Alice wasn't taking a picture to frame on the wall.

As if on cue, the pixie was bounding down the stairs and swept Bella up in her arms, "Oh Bella, I'm so happy for you! See? I told you it was a good idea to go to the mall for a change!"

Alice spun her sister around like a doll, ignoring Emmett's grumbling as he said something to a brooding Edward who had evidently accepted his fate by being pulled into a bear hug. The mind reader rolled his eyes but was clearly enjoying this.

"You knew?" She asked Alice, glancing up to catch Jasper's eyes as he crossed his arms and grinned with the shake of his head. He must have known too, after Bella left for the mall, otherwise she wasn't too sure how happy he would have been. But he seemed happy now, so that was all that mattered.

"Since last week! He just needed the courage to ask! Now come on, we have to start looking for a dress for you!"

Just like that, Alice dragged her little sister upstairs to plan away for the dance of a lifetime. This time, Bella didn't complain. Not one bit.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I had fun writing it x