A.N.: Hey Twilight lovers! I'm back with chapter 2, once again without Twilight at hand, so pleasealert me of any mistakes and that will be greatly appreciated. : ) I'm so grateful people liked the first chapter, even with my butchering of the birthdays.(eek!) I thank you for your encoaragement to continue -it made me feel so happy! Keep it coming-lol : )

Desclaimer: Once again, all characters, events, places, and other fictional devices belong to Mrs. Stephenie Meyer, the creator of our slice of heaven -Twilight!


"Good morning," whispered a soft voice in Bella's ear. "I'd like to let you sleep longer, but I'm sure you want to make it to school on time today," he added with a chuckle, brushing aside stray hair on her forehead and then proceeding to kiss it gently.

"Edward," she named his touch with a small laugh as she reached for him, wrapping her arms firmly around his granite body. Slowly, he moved his lips from her brow to her cheekbone and then down to her mouth, kissing her softly in each place as he went. Bella could feel her heart dancing inside her, and held on to him tighter, completely engulfed in ardor.

"Mmm," he moaned as he effortlessly lifted her from below him and set her on his lap gently. Bella simply held on tighter, not yet wanting to let him go. Edward shook his head playfully. "School, Bella," he insisted. "You'll be late."

"What's school," Bella thoughtlessly asked, still quite mesmerized by Edward's angelic beauty and refinement. Edward tilted his head in disbelief, thoroughly befuddled by her answer.

"School, Bella. School. We learn there everyday," he explained, trying hard not to laugh. It only took a moment for her eyes to widen suddenly in understanding.

"Oh –school! School, school, school," she sighed, clearly embarrassed. Edward laughed at the silly blush that had unwillingly formed on her face. It was one of the things he loved about her –her complex simplicity - the way any and every part of Bella's day could be horribly average to some, and yet so enticing to Edward because of her straightforward behavior, simple everyday rituals, and her obvious discrepancy with the human race. Maybe that was why he could not hear her thoughts, because she did not -could not -truly belong, no matter how accepted she already was in the world. Because she was not supposed to belong, he thought. Whether it be Forks, Arizona, or Alaska. She was special. She was different. And to Edward, it was unnerving.

"Edward," she called, worried. "What's wrong," she asked, for Edward was holding her so tight now and slightly trembling. No, he decided, releasing his possessive grip on her slightly. It was not a good enough reason to not belong. There is no good enough reason for what his mind had already ruled against, for what his heart yearned for. Nothing worth the insane agony he would put her through.

If ever Edward found he was hurting her in any way he would leave, which would be harder than words could possibly articulate. He would then most probably abandon his schoolwork at Forks for fear of succumbing to his need, and go off to study medicine again in a feeble attempt to escape his undeniable obsession named Bella, and live in his self-afflicted hell for the rest of his long eternity. Unbearable as this may sound, it would have to be done, for Edward knew he could never forgive himself for hurting her, no matter what the circumstances. Even if the only place she honestly belonged was with him.

"I'm sorry," he said, knowing that she would not comprehend its true meaning. With a soft smile, he stroked her long chocolate colored hair gently, sending shivers down her back as he did so. He smiled. It seemed his slightest touch had this effect on her, sometimes causing slight cases of dizziness with an after effect of her falling gracelessly into his arms, which was completely acceptable to both parties, of course.

"Edward, there is absolutely nothing to be sorry about," she assured, "Whatever is bothering you, please don't let it." And with a kind smile, she added, "You have done absolutely nothing to hurt me…ever." He smiled back at her, wondering how she always said what he wanted to hear.

They stayed, smiling at each other like that for several minutes, completely unaware of their surroundings and any trivial matters or other impediments, such as getting to school on time - a fine effort on Edward's part that was now long forgotten. It was only with the eight soft chimes of Charlie's old grandfather clock, newly purchased from the Black family, that awoke the pair from their exclusive paradise.

"And so I've made you late again," Edward sighed pathetically. Bella shrugged indifferently.

"We can always try again on Monday," Bella concluded. "Mr. Smith has really taken a liking to me, anyway." Edward just stared at her, shaking his head slightly.

"How is it that you always say exactly what I crave to hear?" Bella blushed furiously at his words. He smiled, planting a swift kiss on her lips and catching strands of her hair between his fingers. "Well, I suppose you need some human moments now before I drive you to school." She smiled, confirming that fact by lifting herself off Edward and walking slowly toward the entrance to the bathroom. She stopped halfway there, and turned back to him with a mischievous look in her eyes.

"Maybe, I don't have to go to school. You know, just this once." Edward shook his head, and chuckled.

"And miss out on all your friends wishing you a happy birthday?" She gave him a blank stare.

"Oh my gosh! It's my birthday, isn't it," she asked after a few seconds, in complete shock. She had been eighteen for eight straight hours now, and hadn't even noticed.

"Yes, it is," Edward verified, amused. "And since it is much past due -Happy Birthday, Bella, and many more to come," he finished, taking her hand swiftly and kissing it. She smiled and blushed, acknowledging the all too familiar spasm of her heart every time they touched.

"Thank you."

"You're very welcome."

"Oh, school," she cried, remembering the time once again. Edward laughed, watching her fly towards the bathroom with clothes in her hand. He glanced at his watch and sighed. 8:15. It was as Bella said, there would always be Monday.


A.N.: Ok, so how was it? Better, worse, or totally messed up? review! Woo! Twilight!

P.S.: Oh, and by the way -I made school start at eight because I didn't remember what time it actually started in Twilight and I couldn't look it up because my friend still has my book. If anyone knows, I'll change it, like I did the birthdays : ) Thank you! Oh, and REVIEW, please! Edward and Bella forever! Yay : )

Foxiego