Chapter 2:

The summer after the "incident" Edward and I couldn't have been closer. I can remember all the times that we lay in his meadow, breathing in the summer air. I would be in his arms, with my head against his chest. I also recall the moments when we would sit in silence, perfectly content with each other and then the times when he would lay with me at night and tell me stories about his past.

It seemed like so long ago, when I was satisfied with just being with Edward, before I realized that I might need something new, something normal. Edward had given me everything and now I was about to go on a date with some guy I met in gym. It just didn't seem right and yet, wasn't this what I wanted?

I faced the mirror in my room, attempting to untangle the mess that was my hair. It hadn't ever taken me this long to get ready for a date with Edward because I knew Edward would like me no matter what I wore or how I looked. This was different; this was completely new to me.

I gave up on combing my hair and pulled in back into a ponytail. I checked the mirror again. I had chosen to wear a black camisole with a pair of faded jeans, nothing fancy but it did the job. I decided to forgo any make-up and made my way downstairs. Charlie stood at the landing, probably to make sure I didn't trip.

"Hi Bells," my dad greeted as I made it down the last step.

"Hey."

"So, you're going on a date with…"

"Jeremy Dales," I said impatiently.

"Right." A long silence filled the room as we stared at each other. Finally Charlie winced, "What happed to Edward?"

I cringed, "Nothing, we've just decided to take a little break."

"Oh?"

More silence.

It seemed like an eternity before the doorbell rang, saving me from more awkward conversation.

"Hey Bella, you look great," said Jeremy as I answered the front door.

My face grew red, "Thanks."

Then, as we walked out the door, I murmured a quick goodbye to Charlie, and Jeremy and I were on our way.

The Mexican restaurant was nice. The Mayan decorations looked authentic, not like the souvenir style décor in the chain restaurants. Other couples sat at candlelit tables deep in conversation. Our table was a by a window, overlooking a garden with carefully tended flowers and a path that wandered through to the gravel parking lot in the distance.

As we waited for our orders, I learned that Jeremy has 2 younger siblings, Melody is 6 and Jack is 8 years old. I also learned that he works at a bookstore near Forks, and is hoping to make it into a top university.

"So, what do you want to be?" I inquired.

He smiled, "A doctor, or something like that. I would like to be able to help people, you know?"

"Yeah, I'm sure you would be great at it."

He laughed, "So, what about you. What's your life story?"

"There isn't much to tell."

"I don't believe that for a second. There's something about you, Bella."

He was now gazing at me intently, then he leaned across the table and put his lips against mine for a mere second before pulling back.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself," he explained with a slight smile playing on his lips.

I finally knew what I had been missing; the warmth of Jeremy's lips had surprised me. I was so used to Edward's stone cold ones. But when Jeremy kissed me, something wasn't there. When Edward kissed me I felt like I was flying, when Jeremy did though, there wasn't any spark.

I put this in the back of my mind though and smiled at him. "I forgive you."

I jumped out of bed, raced for my closet and threw on the first thing that resembled clothing. I was running late for school because, as usual, I had no sense to listen to my alarm clock and worst of all; Edward hadn't been there to wake me up. This also meant that he wouldn't be here to pick me up, so then I wouldn't get to the school in time because I'm not willing to break every speed limit like Edward does.

I snatched a bagel on the way out the door and raced straight for my red truck, trying not to slip on the wet leaves that littered the path. Suddenly someone grabbed my arm. I screamed in surprise and turned around to face my attacker. But, to my surprise, only Edward stood there across from his silver Volvo. I couldn't believe I had missed seeing him and his car.

He gave me a strange smile, "Aren't you going to ride in with me?"

I pursed my lips and crossed my arms, "I guess."

He laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing…nothing at all."

I turned and as gracefully as I could, with a full backpack, I slid into the seat.

"I'm only riding with you so I can get to school on time."

"Alright," he said still grinning.

"I don't even understand why you're here, I mean you weren't with me last night," I said with as much venom as I could muster.

"Well, I'm driving you to school because I don't trust you driving that pickup truck around. And I wasn't there last night because…well, it just didn't seem right after you kissed Jeremy."

"Well, I just thought….Wait, how did you know he kissed me?"

His face suddenly became serious, then he just looked guilty, "I'm sorry Bella…I just wanted to make sure you were safe," he said softly.

"So you followed me?" I was furious. How could he do this?

I fumed all the way to the school and jumped out of the Volvo as soon as we parked.

"I am really sorry Bella" I heard Edward murmur again as I walked away.

Now that I think about it, I don't think I was mad at Edward at all. I was furious at myself. I hadn't considered the consequences. I hadn't truly considered….Edward. How would I have felt if I was the one who had seen Edward kissing someone else? And how much worse it would be if I could also hear what she was thinking! Sure, Jeremy was funny, and talented, and cute…and normal. And this is what I want, I argued with myself. Or is this what I though I needed. And now that I realized that I could have a 'normal' relationship, I also suddenly understood that in order to have that, I would be losing the love of my life.

Authors Note: Thank you to all the people who reviewed my 1st chapter. I will try and get the 3rd chapter up ASAP! Thanks!