Okay, okay, one more horribly cliffhangery chapter that will hopefully explain where I'm trying to go with all this. Again, thanks to all who read and reviewed, and I hope you continue enjoying the story.

This story is based on the amazing Twilight by Stephenie Meyer.

After John and Rachel left, I turned to Edward and demanded, "Surely, you can see that there is another solution to this problem."

"Bella…" Edward started.

I cut him off, "No, Edward. This time you need to listen to me. I can't keep doing this. Your determination to keep me human just keeps bringing danger to you and your family – first with James, then the Council, and now with Murdoch. And it's no guarantee that I won't die some horribly ordinary way anyway – hit by a bus or something."

"The girl definitely has a point there," Emmett observed dryly.

I shot him a quelling look, and he raised his hands in mock surrender. I turned my attention back to Edward. I took his two perfect, icy hands in mine, "This is the perfect time, Edward. Charlie will be gone for a week, and Murdoch shouldn't be here for another three days. By that time, if John is right, I should be virtually indestructible. I know all the reasons you have for being against this, but there isn't time to fight about it any more. We need to do this now."

I could see the indecision still firmly etched in Edward's beautiful features. I wanted to scream. How could he be so stubborn? Didn't he see that this was the only way?

Esme came to stand beside us, and placed her cold hand on top of ours. She said gently, "Edward, my sweet, lovely boy. You have been alone for so long, and although we worried for you, you seemed to be content, so that was enough for us. Then you met Bella. We all watched you struggle so much in your relationship with her. And we've tried to stay out of it because we knew this needed to be your decision. But Edward, love, true love, can never be a curse, only a gift." She turned to look at Carlisle, her love for him shining clearly in her face, "I'm thankful everyday to be with Carlisle, as is Alice and Jasper, and Emmett and Rosalie. As Bella will be, when she is finally with you forever."

During her speech, Alice and Jasper had silently come back into the room. Edward turned to look around at the faces of his family. They were all silent, supportive, and I squeezed Edward's hands, hoping that this time, their thoughts would be able to convince Edward once and for all.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Edward looked back into my eyes. His eyes were filled with love. My breath hitched, I knew I would be staring into those eyes for an eternity.

"Carlisle?" Edward asked softly.

"Of course," Carlisle agreed immediately, coming over to stand next to Esme. "But now we must let Bella go home to have some time to say good-bye to Charlie."

"You're sure, Bella?" Edward asked gently.

"I'm positive," I said firmly. Joy spread through every fiber of my being.

"I'll take her back home to get her things," Alice offered. "That should make it easier for Charlie."

Edward nodded his agreement. Then slowly, gently, he pressed his cold lips to mine. I struggled to contain the fire that instantly sprang to life at his touch, and kept my hands firmly locked on his so that I wouldn't embarrass myself in front of his whole family. Edward pulled back, and I could see the passion and the suppressed laughter in his eyes, as he knowingly sensed my predicament.

"I'll be waiting," he said, as he reluctantly let go of my hands.

I just nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I turned and walked toward Alice, who thankfully didn't say anything as we made our way to her car.

As we pulled into my driveway, Alice asked, "Do you want me to come in with you?"

I shook my head, "I think I'd like some time alone with Charlie. I can drive my truck back to the house."

Alice hesitated, "I don't think that's such a good idea, Bella. I can't see where those werewolves are, and that makes me nervous. If you want time alone with Charlie, I can just wait out here in the car."

"You heard Rachel and John – they'll probably wait for the full moon. Besides, John said they had been tracked to the Shenandoah Valley, and that's on the other side of the country. I should be safe for now. Besides, I really owe Charlie at least this much."

While Alice was still trying to decide if she should let me go, I gave her a quick peck on her cold cheek, got out of the car, and waved goodbye. She started her car and was gone an instant later.

I took a deep breath and opened the door to the house. Charlie was in the living room, his fishing gear spread out everywhere. He looked up, smiling guiltily as he saw me.

"Bells! I'm glad you're home," he said.

"What's up, Dad?" I asked, suddenly unsure of what to say. Charlie had been really good to me since I moved to Forks and I needed to let him know how much he meant to me.

"Billy invited me ice fishing in Alaska for the week," he said, pausing uncertainly, "would you like to come?"

I laughed at his unexpected request, "Me, ice fishing?"

Charlie grinned sheepishly, "I know it's not your thing, but you haven't had a vacation since you've been here, and I feel bad about that."

"Dad, I don't mind, honestly. I've grown accustomed to Forks, and I'll be fine here while you go on your trip."

"Well, I really would feel better if you weren't alone," he said. Then with a note of disbelief in his voice, added, "Billy suggested that you might like to stay with the Cullens."

"He did?" I asked quickly, afraid my voice might betray me.

"Yes. What do you think of the idea?" He asked, staring at me as if trying to read my thoughts.

"Well, if you're okay with it, I think it would be fine," I said cautiously.

He stared at me for awhile, as if trying to figure out what was going on. Before he had a chance to think about it any further, I asked, "So when will you be leaving?"

"Actually, Billy wanted to start as soon as possible. I'm sorry that it's such short notice – Do you think the Cullens will mind?"

"Of course not," I answered honestly. My answer must have satisfied him, as he turned back to look at his fishing things. I said, "I'll just go upstairs and pack a few things."

Impulsively, I went over to Charlie and hugged him. I felt him tense in surprise, before returning my embrace.

"I love you, Dad," I said sincerely, looking into his face.

He kissed the tip of my nose, "I love you too, Bells."

I smiled at him, then headed upstairs to get my things. I opened the door to my room and stepped in, switching on the light. I froze.

Standing in front of me was a hulk of a man, his sheer size filling my line of vision. Dressed in an impeccable Italian suit, he was the picture of European sophistication, if it wasn't for the cruelty evident in every line of his brutish features. In a flash, he was behind me, silently shutting and locking the door.

Then, grinning evilly with a set of entirely too large, shiny white teeth, he said in a genteel British accent, "Hello, Bella, it's so nice to finally meet you. My name is Cyrus Murdoch."