I'M BACK .

And I'm very sorry for this taking so long. I've been very busy. haha IheartTwilight knows all about itand you can thank her for me updating. So i know this chapter is short but i'll update again tonight. k? So go read and review. I don't own it.

Chapter Seven

Bella turned to face Edward, shock written all over her features. In her right hand the phone hung forgotten. Bella continued to stare at Edward, who was starting to fear that she would faint. Either that or hyperventilate.

The room's silence was broken, suddenly, by a shriek being emitted from the phone. Bella raised it warily to her ear. "Mom" she choked out. "I'm gonna have to call you later." Then she hung up and walked slowly into Edwards wait arms.

"What are we going to do?" she asked, tears streaking her face. "Don't worry about it my love. It will all work out." Then he added fiercely "I promise." She just nodded against his chest, trusting him completely.

They spent the rest of the afternoon on Edward's big leather couch, listening to Debussy, and talking about a whole host of things. After awhile Bella turned to Edward, a large sweet smile on her lips. "Edward," she said. "I think this is the perfect time to turn me." Then she closed her eyes and waited for the storm to come.

"Oh really Bella." Came Edward's deadly clam voice. "And why is that?"

Nervously, Bella looked into his eyes, which had darkened a few shades. "Because I have nothing to live for except you. Because Charlie-" her voice broke, "Charlie is dead. Because my mom has Phil and she wants to take me away. And because I love you with everything I have."

Edward's eyes went black as he stood up. "Damn it Bella." His voice was harsh. "I will not take your humanity. I refuse to condemn you to a life of darkness."

Bella looked away, not wanting Edward to see her tears. I need to sound firm, she told herself. But her breath rattled as she spoke "Maybe I should have died with Charlie." With that she stood and walked to her new room.

Pain crossed Edward's handsome features as he stared out his window into the sheeting rain. This was the hardest decision he'd ever had to make in all his long years.

The next morning Bella woke up with puffy eyes again. She was exhausted, body, mind, and soul. And it was her soul that seemed to hurt the worst.

When she finally dragged herself out of bed, she noticed a modest black dress hanging off the door handle of the closet. That's when it hit her - tomorrow was Charlie's funeral. That meant tonight was the wake.

The wake was not something to be enjoyed. Bella being the only living relative and the late chief's daughter, she was forced to talk to every "guest". But all Bella really wanted to do was sit in a corner and be numb.

The wake dragged on. Full of "it will be alright" 's and "I'm so sorry" 's. Bella only vaguely remembered her speech. It involved the words "great farther" and "devoted officer."

Finally it was over. When the last person left the funeral parlor, Bella collapsed into a chair. She was tired right down to her bones and she had a similar day tomorrow.

She felt long cool fingers rubbing her temples. Smiling she closed her eyes and enjoyed the claming effect. "Thank you Edward, I really need this."

"Edward? Who's Edward?"