AN: Once again, I do not own Twilight or it various characters. They all originated in the inventive mind of Stephenie Meyer.

On a personal note, is a beta an editor of stories, and if so how does one get a beta. I had a family member editing my work, but she says I'm to obsessed with these characters, so I'm looking form someone to proof read my work before I post it. Thanks.

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May Day - Bella

The first thing I noticed that morning was something bothering my ear and then my neck. My first thought was a bug of some type so I think I tried to brush it away with my hand, but then I felt a hard body against my back and realized Edward had returned to bed with me. I didn't think he was aware of the fact, but I always noticed when he left because there would be a slight shifting of the bed, but, more than that, I sensed a loss of comfort and security.

As he continued to kiss my neck, I felt pleasant surges coursing through my body, and they made me extremely aware of how close our bodies were. I enjoyed the closeness, so I rolled over, wrapped my arms around his neck, and moved my head against his shoulder by his neck and asked, "Are you trying to get me in trouble?"

In a velvety voice he replied, "What do you mean, exactly?"

"I mean this." Without realizing I was going to do it, I passionately kissed him on the lips. It was a kiss that would have caused me to blush if I had been fully awake, but I wasn't even sure if I really kissed him or if I dreamed it. Either way, the kissed caused other sensations in my body,

Edward finally broke the contact. "Isabella Marie, are you awake or is this how you act when sleeping."

I recognized the fact that Edward has asked me if I was doing something in my sleep, but I felt so at peace that I just snuggled closer and asked, "What did I do?"

"Bella, that kiss could have lead somewhere inappropriate for many reasons. Usually you have better control of your emotions."

It was how I dreamt of kissing him every night. I noticed he didn't sound upset, but it also meant I really did kiss him, if I was truly awake.

"Maybe," I began, still wondering about my sleep verses waking state, "I'm less controlled because I'm mostly asleep. I could be dreaming this, and if so, then there is no danger in my dreams. If this is really happening, then maybe you should wake me up before I do something extremely embarrassing. Am I still asleep?"

"Yes," he whispered in my ear. Then he added, "Bella, can you please wake up now."

"Is it time for school already?" Maybe this was really a dream. If so, I could cuddle closer to him without worry.

"No, not quit, but it is time for one of us to get up." I heard him chuckle.

"I'm comfortable. I feel safe and secure. Do I really need to get up?" Still debating whether this was a dream or not, I decided to kiss his neck since it was so close to my lips. "If you really say I must get up," I whispered between kisses, "then I guess I'd better wake up."

He whispered very softly, "I love you Isabella Marie."

"What did you say?" Now I had to wake up; I had to know if he really called me what I thought he called me.

"I said I love you," he chuckled but didn't answer my question.

"No, after that?" He could be so frustrating when he chose to be.

In a deep husky voice he repeated, "Isabella Marie."

"You listened," I was shocked. How could he do that to me? I specifically asked him not to listen. I was angry and hurt at the same time.

"No," he kissed the tip of my noise. "Alice heard."

"Everything?" Had Alice heard everything I told mom? I tried to push away from him but he wouldn't release me.

"No, only enough to know your mother was mad because she used both your names like Esme does when she gets upset with one of us. I figured it was mother thing. I guess I figured right. Was she very upset?"

"At first, but she understands a little now, but only a very little." I stopped trying to get away from him and paused to wonder what Esme called him, so I asked, "What does Esme call you when she is upset."

"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen."

I had to let that roll around on my tongue a little and finally decided I liked his name. I had always liked Edward, but Edward Anthony was even better. Edward Anthony and Isabella Marie. I like it, I thought.

"What are you thinking?"

"Edward Anthony and Isabella Marie," I replied softly. "They sound right together. I never thought I would like my name, but together they seem to fit." Then I had to ask, "And what are you thinking?"

I wasn't sure if he would answer, but I was very pleased when he did. "That I thought the same thing last night. The names do fit together well."

I suddenly felt a sharp pulling in my foot, and I couldn't straighten out my toes. "Edward, let me get up. My foot hurts." I knew I had to get up.

"Hurts how?" He was concerned and released me so I could sit up.

"I think my toes are cramping." As I sat up, I swung my legs off the bed. The movement caused another spasm of pain in my toes.

He quickly came around the bed, knelt down by my feet and began massaging my toes.

I was rather concerned so I asked, "Is this supposed to happen? Is it normal?"

"It can happen, but usually not because of the break. More because the muscles in your legs haven't had much exercise, and it might have been caused by you rolling over in bed to cuddle next to me."

I felt a blush rising up into my cheeks. All I could think was, Did I do something inappropriate? Then I noticed he was smiling. "You did that intentionally." I accused him.

"Did what?" He smiled innocently, but I knew he wasn't.

"Made that comment. You wanted me to blush."

"I love your blush."

"Why?" It embarrassed me to blush and yet he likes to see it. I couldn't understand why he liked seeing me embarrassed.

"It's so human."

"But it's embarrassing, and it angers me that I embarrass so easily."

"Why?"

I had to think for moment before finding a reply. Edward gave me that look as if he was expecting me to edit my answer, but I wasn't editing. Instead, I was trying to understand why I felt the way I did. "I think it is because I feel humiliated. When you make me blush, I sometimes wonder if you're trying to humiliate me, and if that's not the reason, then there must be more than just the fact that I turn red." I gazed at him in expectation of an answer.

"I would never desire to humiliate you, and I never realized you felt that way." He stopped rubbing my foot and looked up in shock. "Bella, I don't like to see you blush because you're humiliated. I like your blush because it brings color into you pale skin and it heightens your aroma. I think you look more beautiful when you blush."

"Oh." I felt myself blush even more, but could think of no other reply. It was odd to hear anyone except my parents tell me I was pretty, let alone beautiful, and especially coming from someone as beautiful as Edward was.

"Come on," he stood up and reached for my hands. "I have something for you." He helped me stand up, walked over to my dresser, pick up a gorgeous red flower, and place it in my hands.

"Oh, Edward. It's lovely." It smelt heavenly. "It's an orchid isn't it?" Those were expensive.

"Yes. Alice said it should sit on you dresser in a bowl of water, so she bought you a bowl."

I hobbled over to the dresser to look at the water-filled bowl. "It's beautiful. It's crystal isn't it?" Mom once told me if it rang when you pinged it with your finger, it was crystal so I pinged it. It was crystal. Why did he insist on buying such expensive gifts?

"Alice almost never buys anything that will depreciate over time, and I've learned never to argue with Alice when she's shopping."

I wasn't sure whether to believe him.

"I'm not lying, Bella. Alice is very serious about shopping, and she brooks no arguments from anybody. Even Carlisle has learned not to argue with her about her purchases. So are you going to put it in the bowl? It's too pretty to let it whither."

I asked myself why he would lie. It seemed self-defeating to lie about something like this. I looked down at the flower; it was so beautiful and delicate. It reminded me of Edward's beauty so I carefully placed the flower in the bowl. I knew it would last, but I hoped it wasn't a reflection of Edward's love for me – beautiful for a time before it wilted and died.

"What are you thinking?"

I couldn't tell him that. I knew I promised to tell him everything I thought, but I didn't want him to know I was still afraid his love for me was only temporary. So I came up with another thought before looking at him. "Why is Alice buying me a gift and such an expensive one at that?"

"Well, she wasn't really. She bought it for me to give to you, so really she bought it for me because I would have just let the flower whither and die on you dresser."

Really, I thought. Why would Alice do that?

"Bella, I'm new at this. I'm not use to buying presents for my girlfriend. Alice was just trying to help. In fact, Alice always tries to help."

I couldn't understand why Alice would take the trouble to help Edward do something for me. I liked Alice. But what was I to her? She had done so much since the incident with James; I continued to wonder why Alice was being so nice to me. Was it because of Edward, or because she really liked me?

"What's bothering you Bella?"

"I'm not sure. I just feel overwhelmed. The flower, the crystal bowl, the prom dress and shoes, they're all too much. You and your family shouldn't be spending money on me. Not to mention what I cost your family because of Phoenix and the trip there and back. Edward, I can't pay you back. I'll never have that kind of money." Okay, so I didn't tell him the exact truth, but it also bothered me that he and his family spent money on me.

Edward embraced me and kissed my forehead. "Bella, you've already paid me back. The fact that you love me is more than enough for me. For Esme, the fact that you accept us, and you're willing to be around us is something she'll always cherish because no human has ever treated any of us the way you treat us. It's almost like being normal rather than something monstrous and unnatural." His eyes captured mine and I couldn't escape them. "Bella, nobody expects you to 'pay us back.' A thank you would be nice, but nothing else is necessary."

I felt I could lose myself in his gaze; there was so much to see in his ocher eyes. His love, his desire, and his trust – I felt guilty about not being completely honest with him. I just loved him so much that my heart ached. I needed to thank him, not only for the flower and bowl but also for everything, so I gently kissed his lips and said softly and sincerely, "Thank you Edward."

Edward surprised me by sweeping me up into his arms and kissing me with such passion that it astounded me. Then he sat me down in the rocking chair. "If this keeps up, we'll be late for school. Wait here; I'll wrap your cast so you can get ready."

Edward found the plastic, wrapped the cast, and said I had one hour before he'd return with the Volvo.

Edward gave me one hour to get ready and I decided that this morning I would be outside waiting before he arrived. I did everything as quickly as possible, but I couldn't speed up the trip downstairs. To compensate for the time lost, I decided I'd skip breakfast, and as a result, I was at the front of the door waiting for him when he arrived. I was so proud of myself.

We arrived at school in plenty of time because of Edward's driving, and I saw Emmett waiting for us in the parking lot.

As soon as we were out of the car and walking toward the school, he joined us.

"I need help." He pleaded.

"What kind of help?" Edward inquired.

"You can't help Edward. I need Bella's help." He smiled at me. "Rose is mad and it's all Edward's fault," and he glared at Edward.

"What did I do?" Edward requested.

I could see Edward was searching Emmett's mind for the answer.

Emmett looked directly at me. "Edward already knows he peeked. Anyway, Rose is mad at me because Edward got you flowers and I didn't get her anything. Now, I can't get her flowers because she'll just think I'm trying to placate her, which would probably be true. So, I need to do something else for her and I thought maybe you could help me with an idea."

Why was he asking me? Rosalie disliked me, how could I know what would make her happy. I felt inadequate to answer so I avert my gaze away from Emmett and saw Alice watching us. "Why didn't you ask Alice?"

Edward chuckled at my question.

"It's not allowed. Anytime there's a fight in the family, Alice is off limits for help because of what she can do. We can ask anyone else for help, but not Alice. Alice can only tell us if an idea will work or not; that's the family rule."

"Oh." Now what was I going to do. I decided I needed to put myself in Rosalie's place. If I were her, what would I like? Edward once told me she liked to be the center of attention and she liked flashy things. Well, a car was out, even though she liked to tinker with them. What else had Edward told me about Rosalie? I tried to recall the few conversations when she was mentioned, and then it dawned on me.

I smiled at Emmett and said, "Edward mention that there might be a wedding soon. Have you proposed to Rosalie lately?"

"No." Emmett looked confused.

"Well, are you going to marry Rosalie anytime soon?"

"Actually, we had talked about this summer, but what does that have to do with the problem I have now?"

"Well, you could propose to her at lunch." I suggested.

"Hey, that could work." Emmett brightened up and looked toward Alice who just smiled back.

Then I had another thought. "Have you purchased an engagement ring yet?"

"No, maybe I should." He looked over at Alice and quickly asked her. Alice's reply must have been what Emmett wanted to hear. "Bella, you're fantastic."

To my surprise, Emmett kissed me. All I could think was I hoped Rosalie wasn't anywhere near to see him kissing me.

Edward wasn't pleased for he let out a low growl.

Emmett just looked at Edward and said, "Well, if you'd make her my little sister, then I could do this."

I was totally unprepared for Emmett's next kiss right on my lips. I was so embarrassed; I felt the blood instantly rushing up to my face. What could I say? So I weakly replied, "Thanks, Emmett." I instantly wanted to take it back because I was afraid he would think I was thanking him for the kiss. Emmett's kiss would never match Edwards's; there was no comparison.

"Can I borrow Edward for the morning?"

I just stared at him. Why was he asking me? Even Edward's face reflected surprise.

"Well, I can't take Rosalie's car, and I don't think you'll let me drive yours," he explained.

Well, if he really wanted my permission, I'd give it. "Sure, but have him back by lunch." I turned with a smile, and kissed Edward on the lips. "I'll see you at lunch, and help him find a really nice ring," I added. I really hoped this worked.

Edward smiled back and said, "I will."

I noticed Edward looking at Alice, and his lips were quickly moving. I only caught bits of what he said, like 'take care' and 'don't happen,' which I interpreted as 'don't let Bella hurt herself.' I figured Alice answered him non-verbally.

Edward kissed my lips before saying. "I will see you at lunch." He gave a low chuckle and added, "Please stay out of trouble."

Then Emmett and Edward walked to the car and left.

Edward wasn't gone for more than a minute. I was becoming attached to the idea that he would always be around – near enough to touch. Knowing he would be gone until lunch left an empty feeling inside of me. Without realizing it, Alice must have walked over to me because I felt her arm around my shoulder gently turning me around to face the school. "Come on," she began, "I'll walk you to class."

I felt like a little child on the first day of school whose mom had just left them standing alone with a group of strangers. "Thanks Alice." At least there was one person around who I felt comfortable being around.

All through English, I toyed with the thought about being surrounded by strangers. I knew everyone in my class and was on speaking terms with most of them, but I felt no real connection to any of them, at least not like the connection I felt toward Edward and his family except Rosalie of course. It was odd, when I first came to Forks, I'd never imaged I'd feel like I would fit in anywhere, but with the Cullen's I felt like I belonged. For the first time in my life, I didn't feel like an outsider, and I discovered I liked the feeling of belonging.

As I prepared to exit the English classroom, I found myself surrounded by Mike and Eric. They were both vying for my attention. Actually, it was rather embarrassing.

"Bella," Mike began. "You looked really pretty at the dance. That dress was something else."

I bet it was, I thought. I knew how I looked in it, and I felt all the boys' eyes on me as if I was a piece of merchandise up at auction and all of them wanted to bid on me. It was a beautiful dress, but I felt underdressed in it because of all the stares. Since I couldn't say any of what I was thinking, I just answered, "Thanks."

"Yah, Bella, you really looked nice," Eric piped in.

Once again, I just said, "Thanks," but I was thinking, Edward, where are you when I need you to get me out of here. As if in answer to my plea, I walked out the classroom door to find Alice and Jasper waiting for me. I wondered if this had something to do with what Edwards had said to Alice before he left.

"If you don't mind, I'd like a word with my little sis," Jasper told Mike and Eric.

I felt relieved and grateful. I looked up at Jasper with a smile. "Thanks.'

He replied, "Your welcome. Come on, Alice and I will escort you to your next class. Maybe that'll help keep away your admires."

I laughed. "It's Alice's fault." I smiled over at Alice.

"How so?" she inquired.

"The dress you put me in. It revealed a little too much to the onlookers."

"Bella, it was perfect, and Edward loved it." Jasper offered, "He especially loved it because it was on you. If it had been Alice or Rosalie wearing it, he probably wouldn't have noticed it. Besides, you weren't the only one being ogled by the male population at the dance. I noticed Alice and Rosalie had their share of stares." Jasper smiled at Alice and then turned back to me. "Let's not tell Edward about Mike and Eric's comments. He'd be offended that they said pretty and nice."

"Why? I thought he liked the dress on me."

"He did," Alice replied, "but it's the adjectives 'nice' and 'pretty' he would object to. Bella, to describe you they should have used words like 'beautiful,' 'gorgeous,' or 'ravishing.' Anything else is really an insult to you."

I was astonished at her comment. I knew I looked nice because of Alice's handiwork, but ravishing that was a term I would have used for only Alice and Rosalie.

As we arrived at my next class, Jasper put his hand on my shoulder and said, "We'll be waiting for you after class is over."

"Thanks." I went into the class thinking how much I appreciated both of them. They made me feel like part of the family. I also appreciated being saved from Mike and Eric's prattle. They were nice boys, but I found nothing in either of them that would attract me to them in anyway but friendship, and sometimes they could say things that even jeopardize that type of relationship.

For the rest of the morning, I had an escort to every class. It was becoming obvious to the school that I had become part of the Cullen party. I'd overheard a few whispers by other students remarking on the new addition that the Cullen's had allowed into their tight little circle. It gave me a warm feeling inside to know I actually belonged somewhere. No longer did I feel like an outsider. Alice and Jasper's willingness to keep an eye on me while Edward was absent was very encouraging and comforting; it made me feel like a part of their family. As Spanish class was ending, I began to wonder if I would find Alice and Jasper waiting outside the door or Edward. I was hoping it would be Edward at the door, not that I didn't enjoy Alice and Jasper's company, but I was really missing Edward. I wanted to see him and touch him. Wow, I knew I had it bad, but his was the one face I was longing to see.

After the bell rang, I hobbled out the door. As I did, Edward slipped his arm around my waist. "I told you I'd be back in time for lunch."

I smiled at him. "I didn't doubt it," which wasn't completely true, "but why have Alice and Jasper been so conspicuously protective?" Not that I didn't appreciate their gestures, because I did, but I wonder if there was some other reason which nobody wanted to mention.

"Rosalie heard Emmett kissed you. She's not happy." Edward commented as he led me to the cafeteria.

Inwardly I groan. Wasn't it bad enough she didn't like me on a regular basis. "But there wasn't anything in it. I mean, it was all very brotherly. Of course, you did growl at him." I couldn't help but laugh when I remembered the look on his face.

"Yes I did, but then you turned a beet red and I knew the kiss meant nothing to you. Here, a little something for you for May Day." He showed me a beautiful wrist corsage decorated with red flowers.

"Edward, you already gave me an orchid." I looked at him and smiled. "Are you trying to spoil me? And what's May Day?"

"I'm not trying to spoil you; I'm just showing you how much I love you, and May Day is a celebration of spring, so I decided I'd give you flowers."

The flowers were a deep red. He took my hand to place the corsage on my wrist.

"Not that one," I said as I pulled away my hand. I didn't want it on my scarred hand; I was very conscious of that scare and didn't want to bring attention to it in any way, so I extended my other hand, "This one," I offered.

He looked at me questioningly.

"I don't want anyone noticing the scar," I added quietly.

"Oh." He smiled and gently placed the corsage on my offered wrist.

"Thank you, they are lovely, but you have to stop."

"Why?"

"I feel funny having you spend money on me. I'm not use to this kind of attention." I was only just becoming accustomed to having a boyfriend.

"Bella, would you take my pleasure away. It pleases me to give you things, and none of it has cost very much."

I didn't want to take any pleasure away from him, but why did his pleasure come at so high a price. "Come on Edward, what did the orchid cost? I know their expensive, and the crystal bowl. It's too much. Promise me you won't buy me anything else expensive." I gazed up into his eyes.

"Bella, I don't know if I can do that. What if I see something I know you'll just love? What if it whispers, 'buy me for Bella'?"

I glared at him for that ridiculous comment.

"Okay, how about I promise to try, but if I slip you'll forgive me." A crooked smile spread across his face.

I looked deep into his eyes to see if he was trying to dazzle me into submission, but I didn't feel like I was being dazzled this time; instead, I saw love sparkling in his eyes. "Okay, but only if you promise to really try, and if I decide it's too expensive, you agree to take it back."

He paused a moment before replying. "Okay, it's a deal. Now, let's not be late for the big proposal."

"Are you sure I should be there? If Rosalie is that upset, maybe I should sit somewhere else today."

"No, this is a family event and I want you there as part of the family."

I couldn't help but blush at his comment.

With his eyes fixed on mine, he tipped my chin up and kissed me lightly on the lips. "Let go," and then he propelled me to the cafeteria.

As we entered, I saw Emmett and Rosalie in the midst of a heated debate, but I wasn't able to hear their conversation.

As we drew closer, I heard Rosalie saying, "Why does Edward need her permission to do anything. He's a big boy; he can do as he pleases." Her tone implies she was upset.

Edward interrupted, "Because I said he had to ask her permission, and if I choose not to leave Bella alone with no help while her leg's in a cast, then that too is my business. Emmett's right, it was a friendly kiss, or he wouldn't be here right now. If I don't object, than neither should you."

Edward helped me into the chair next to Alice and then sat next to me.

"Well I do. I don't want other females going around kissing my husband." She sneered under her breath.

"Rose, she didn't kiss me; I kissed her, and besides, it's no different than me kissing Alice. It was just a sisterly kiss." Emmett added.

Rosalie lashed out and said, "But Alice is family; Bella isn't."

I felt as if I had been slapped in the face. I had to leave before burst into tears in front of them. I got up and hobbled toward the exit. I wished I could make a graceful exit like Alice, but knew I was doomed to an ungraceful one.

As I got outside, I heard soft footfalls behind me, too light to be Edward I knew.

"Bella," Alice said softly, "Don't take her comment personally. Rosalie is being irrational. She always is when she feels threatened."

"Threatened by who?" I inquired, tears streaming down my check.

"You of course." Alice reached out and wiped the tears from my face.

"Me?" I was totally shocked. How could anyone so gorgeous feel threatened by someone like me? "Compared to Rosalie, I'm insignificant. How could she ever think I'd be a threat to her?"

"Bella, Rosalie may be beautiful, but she still feels threatened by you. It's hard to explain, but her first fear was that you would reveal what we were, and now, well, maybe one day she'll feel open enough to share that with you. Until then, just realize that Rosalie doesn't feel very secure in your presence." Alice smiled trying to reassure me.

I still felt out of place. Earlier in the day, I had felt so much like a part of the family, but with Rosalie's rejection, I once again felt like I didn't belong anywhere. I so much wanted to be a part of Edward's family. I wanted them all to except me, but I knew that was no longer a possibility.

Alice must have seen the doubt in my face. "Look, no matter what Rosalie says or feels, you are a member of my family. With the exception of Rosalie, all of us feel that way, even Emmett. He continually talks about you like a little sister. Edward has brought you into the family, and one day he will make it permanent." Alice looked around, and lowered her voice to a whisper. "Edward forbade me to discuss this, but I still see you as one of us; an equal. Edward is fighting it now, but it hasn't changed the vision." She smiled, put her finger to her lips, and added, "Don't tell Edward I said that."

"Thanks Alice. I once told Edward I wouldn't bet against you. I really hope you're right. More than anything, it is what I want."

"Come on. Let's dry your tears and rejoin the family. Emmett won't propose until we return and Rosalie apologizes for what she said." After helping me dry my tears, she took my arm and lead me back inside.

I watched the family as we approached. Jasper and Emmett smiled at both of us, Rosalie fixed her gaze on the table, and Edward looked questioningly at Alice and then got up and helped me back into my chair before sitting down next to me again.

Rosalie raised her chin a little, looked at me, and said, "I'm sorry Bella. It wasn't your fault." I peaked over and noticed Edward glaring at her. Rosalie continued, "I realize it was Edward's fault Emmett kissed you."

I think my mouth dropped open; I was so stunned by her comment.

"What?" Emmett and Edward said in unison.

Rosalie just looked around at the shock on everyone's face. I knew Edward was upset, so I took a hold of his hand under the table.

Rosalie retorted, "Why are you staring at me? I apologized. I admitted it was Emmett's fault not Bella's."

Emmett laid his hand on Rosalie's and replied, "No, Rose, you didn't. You said it was Edward's fault."

Rosalie looked at Edward and he nodded.

"It must have been a Freudian slip. Sorry," she replied quietly.

Edward's eyes fixed on Rosalie and he seemed to be concentrating. It dawned on me that he was reading her thoughts I could only wonder what thoughts he found. Edward then looked at Emmett.

Finally, Emmett told Rosalie, "Well, you did apologize."

Rosalie smiled at him.

I saw Emmett look at Edward, and Edward nodded his head slightly. I figure Emmett had asked him something, and that was Edward's reply.

Emmett then turned to Rosalie. "Rose, we've talked about our plans for this summer, and I have decided I'd like to make this official." He got up from the chair, then went down on one knee, took Rosalie's hand and asked, "Will you marry me, again?" Into her hand, he placed a red velvet box.

Rosalie very quietly replied, "Yes." Then she opened the box and pulled out her ring. Emmett took it from her and placed it on her finger. I notice the cafeteria was quiet. I wondered what thoughts were rushing through the minds of the other students present.

I heard Edward give a soft laugh before he said, "The bells about to ring."

Edward helped me up and we walked hand in hand to class. On the way, he leaned over and said, "Ostentatious."

I wasn't sure what he meant. I just gave him a blank stare.

"The ring, it's ostentatious, just like her car."

"Oh." I softly replied. I was still thinking about what Alice had told me, and examining my feelings about not quite belonging in the family yet. Until Edward agreed to change me, or let Carlisle change me, I didn't think I'd ever completely feel like one of the family. I'd continue to be someone on the outside looking in and longing to be a part of Edwards's family.

I must have been too quiet for Edward asked, "Are you okay?"

I didn't want him to worry, so I replied, "Yes, I'm fine. Alice and I had a nice talk." I remembered that I had promised him I would tell him everything I was thinking, so, to be honest with him, I added, "I'll be okay; I just have to get use to the fact that Rosalie will never like me or accept me."

"Does it matter that much to you?" His tone held concern.

"Yes, it does." Once again, I didn't want to lie to Edward. I wanted to build our relationship on honesty. "If I'm ever to really feel like one of your family, then I need to know that everyone accepts me as a member. That'll never happen with Rosalie, and I've tried so hard to be nice to her but it hasn't worked. I'm doomed to be an outsider." I hadn't meant it to, but my voice betrayed me and broke.

"Come on, we're ditching class." He took my arm and led me away from school and toward the parking lot. I had no idea where we were going.

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