AN: Stephenie Meyer is the owner of these characters and I thank her for allowing me to use them.

This will only be from Bella's PoV, because New Moon is out and I want to finish this quickly. I have only three chapters left after this one. Thanks for reading and reviewing.

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19 Vacation – Bella

Mom's flight was scheduled to arrive Saturday afternoon, and I had planned to drive to Seattle in my truck, but Edward wanted me to drive his Volvo. I fought the issue until he mentioned the idea to Charlie. Charlie happily agreed with Edward that it would be better if I didn't take my truck. They were both afraid that it might suffer some mechanical difficulty during such a long drive, and besides, it wouldn't go much over 50 mph. I ended up admitting defeat; I decided I couldn't fight them both.

I did warn Edward that I couldn't promise to return his car in exactly the same condition as he lent it to me. I reminded him of my reputation for accidents; he just smiled and said if I broke it, Rosalie could fix it. I hoped he was right.

I left home early Saturday morning; Charlie said it would take about four hours to reach Seattle and part of that depended on the ferry and whether or not it was running on schedule and what the water conditions were like. Mostly it was an uneventful trip. I arrived just in time to be the last car onto the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry, and even the trip across Puget Sounds was mostly uneventful. I was grateful that I didn't suffer from motion sickness because the water had been slightly rough, and I did spot a few people hanging over the rails; I avoided these people. My only mishap occurred when I was walking back to Edward's car; I tripped over a slightly raised board and scrapped the palms of my hands and my knees when I fell. Fortunately, it wasn't serious enough to need medical attention, and the best part was no one witnessed my ungraceful commission of the incident.

The rest of the trip was sunny and uneventful; even finding the airport proved easy. It didn't hurt that I was competent when it came to reading a map. Charlie accurately predicted the time it would take to reach Seattle. I left Forks at eight in the morning and arrived at the Seattle airport a little after noon. Renee's flight was due in at one, so I had a little time to tour the airport gift shops. It would have been prudent of me to bring a book or two as diversion while I waited for mom's plane to land because every time I looked in a shop window, I saw something that reminded me of Edward.

Eventually I found a shop where I purchased a magazine, and then I found a place to sit and read while I waited. Mom's plane landed on time; I was thankful for that, and as soon as she saw me, she rushed over and hugged me.

Mom talked all the way to the hotel asking a myriad of questions some I could answer and others I couldn't. Of course, her first question, after how was I doing, was where I got the car. I explained to her about Edward's offer, and Charlie's encouragement that I take up Edward's offer and how both of them worried that my truck might suffer some mechanical difficulty while I was away. I did have to admit it was a pleasure driving Edward's car; first because his smell lingered through out it, and second because it drove quieter and smoother than my truck. Don't get me wrong I loved my truck but for long distance driving, I would pick Edward's Volvo every time.

Mom had our first few days all planned. She wanted us to be tourists for her first two full days in Seattle, but we spent Saturday settling into our room and then she grilled me on my life in Forks.

She began with simple questions like what did I think of the town, the people, and the weather. For the first two I told her I liked them very well, and on the weather, I said I was adjusting. Then she asked me about my friends; who were they, what were they like, and what did we do. I told her about Jessica, Angela, Mike, Eric, and Tyler and how I met them, but besides being in school with them, we didn't do much together outside of school. Then I talked about Alice and Jasper and how they helped me study for my trig exam, especially that Jasper was very supportive even on the day of the test, but I didn't explain in details how. I shared with her about all of the Cullen family, the things we did together, and the time I spent at their house.

Then she asked me how things were going with Edward. She specifically wanted to know, but didn't ask outright, if I still felt the same way about him as I did right after prom. She was referring to the email and phone call I made to tell her that I was in love with Edward. I knew she would eventually turn the topic in that direction; she was my mom and she was concerned about me. Besides, we both knew I'd never been in love before, so for both of us this was a first. My first romantic involvement and her first time dealing with my romantic encounter. I decided the truth was easier but I would carefully edit what I would share. I told her all about the prom and that Edward danced with me most of the night. She was amazed since she knew I didn't dance, but I told her Edward put my feet on top of his and then danced me around the room. I felt very animated and excited as I talked about Edward. I told her how considerate he was, how careful he was of my safety especially after the accident, and how kind and loving he was toward me. I must have gushed on for an hour about Edward's sparkling merits as a friend and boyfriend.

I hadn't realized the affect it would have on mom until she took my hands and said, "You really do love him." It wasn't a question, but a statement.

"Yes mom, I do. I would give him my life if he asked for it."

"Bella, I've never seen you like this before. You've never made any attachment this strong ever in your life. I'm happy for you and scared."

"Why?" Why would my mother be scared for me?

"What happens if Edward isn't as attached to you? What if he finds someone else, or decides he doesn't want to commit to a lasting relationship?"

"He promised me forever. He does love me just as much as I love him. I really want you to get to know him better. You'll like him."

Mom smiled, "I think I said the same thing to you about Phil when I started going out with him, and you did discover you liked him."

"Yeah, he was nice, and he did grow on me. So, about Edward. . ."

"Yes, I would like the opportunity to get to know him better." Her smile broadened. "When is he coming to Seattle?"

I looked startled. "How did you know?"

"I'm not stupid Bella. Once you started talking about Edward, I could hear the longing in your voice. You're already missing him and it hasn't even been a full day. I figured you probably invited him here so we could become better acquainted. We didn't have much time in Phoenix while you were in the hospital."

"Then it's okay if he comes?"

"Honey, I'd like to know Edward better especially now. If he's to be an important part of your future, then I'd better take some time to ask him some very important questions."

I let out a small groan. "Don't overwhelm him, and please don't tell him any embarrassing stories about me as child. I have enough embarrassing moments now as it is."

"I will be a model of decorum." She held up one hand. "I promise."

I had forgotten how easily mom could make me laugh. I was pleased that she wasn't opposed to meeting and talking to Edward, but I still needed to let her know Alice would be coming also.

"One more thing mom, Edward isn't coming alone."

She looked a little surprise.

"He's bringing his sister with him."

"Alice?"

I was surprised she remembered her name. "Yes, when Alice heard we were going shopping, she glowed with delight. I thought it would be okay if she came along; I'm not sure if Edward will go shopping with us or not, but Alice loves to shop."

"The more the merrier." She gave me a serious look. "I really don't mind Bella. They're your friends, and I want to get to know them better."

I was relieved she accepted my plans for having Edward and Alice around for a few days, and she was right, I was already missing Edward. I knew tonight would be hard. He didn't stay with me every night, now that the cast was finally off, but if I had a bad night, he always seemed to be with me in the morning. Occasionally, although they were becoming less frequent, I would still have nightmares about the dance studio and being hunted. On those nights, I would always wake up and find Edward near by. Either Alice had informed him ahead of time, or he was watching from outside the house on those nights he didn't stay with me. I wasn't sure which it was, but I was always grateful of his presence.

Mom and I ordered in pizza for dinner, and then we talked and watched television for the rest of the evening. Around ten, I said good night and went to my room. I was glad she didn't request to share a room with me. I liked having my own space, and I was hoping while Edward was in Seattle, he'd spend his nights with me. It wasn't a big fancy room, but it was comfortable. I also found the room extremely lonely. I hadn't realized how much I missed Edward until I laid down to sleep. I ended up humming my lullaby just to help me feel like he was near by, but it was early morning before I finally fell asleep.

Mom arranged Sunday as museum day. She had a list of all the local museums that we could visit, so during breakfast, we went through her list with my map in hand and we planned the day's itinerary. She did notice I hadn't slept well, but I just blamed it on an unfamiliar bed.

We spent an enjoyable day touring a variety of museums; art, natural history, and one on flight, but my favorite was the 'Experience Music Project.' All the way through, all I could think about was how much Edward would like this place. It had hands-on exhibits, audio guides, and live music.

I think I mentioned Edward to mom a few times during the tour because she finally said, "And when is Edward coming?"

"Tuesday," I replied automatically.

By Sunday evening, I was happy to sit down and not move. We ordered Chinese this time because I was too tired to go anywhere else. I think even mom was glad places around Seattle offered delivery.

Monday's plans include a driving tour that mom ordered reservations for. We traveled in an air-conditioned coach and toured not only Seattle but also the Puget Sound area. We crossed the bay on ferries twice, but were able to get out of the coach and go up to the observation deck so we could watch the scenery.

As much as I missed Edward, I did enjoy the tour. I mentioned the second part to mom, but I think she guessed the first part because sometimes I would see something and mention how Edward would like it. Every time I mentioned his name, a peculiar look crossed mom's face. I couldn't tell if it was a good or bad look. I wanted to ask her about it but was afraid to because she might say I was obsessing about him too much. No matter what she would've said, I did know one thing for sure; I ached inside from missing him.

When we returned to the hotel, I asked mom if she would mind if I went to my room to lie down for a little while.

She replied, "Sure honey. Take about an hour and then I'll knock on your door and we'll go out for dinner."

"Thanks mom," I was surprised she didn't ask me what was wrong or if I wanted her to check up on me. I had a feeling she was keeping something from me because just before we parted at my door, she smiled and kissed me on the cheek before she went to her room. I watched her retreating back wondering what that had been all about, but I was glad to have a little time to myself. As I entered my room, I noticed a hint of a familiar fragrance. All I could think was I missed Edward so much that I was hallucinating.

As I stepped further into the room, I saw Edward lying on my bed. Without thinking, I ran and leaped toward him. Fortunately, he caught me before I fell on top of him.

He smiled as he caught me and pulled me to his chest. "Bella, what were you thinking? You could have hurt yourself."

I smiled guiltily and replied, "I wasn't thinking, I was reacting. How did you get in here? Why are you here?"

Edward chuckled. "One question at a time. Answer one; the desk clerk was kind enough to let me in. Answer two; you're mother called this morning and asked if I would be willing to come a day early. She said something about you pining away. Don't you want me here?"

"My mother called you?" That piece of information shocked me. I had to think about it for a moment, and then I remembered yesterday at the music museum and how often I mentioned Edwards's name.

"Yes, Bella, she really did. She said you were almost in tears yesterday and she realized how you felt about being away from me. She said something about Phil also, but she must have said it away from the phone because it was so soft that even I didn't really hear all of it."

I laid my head against his chest. "I do want you here, but I'm surprised my mother noticed any of that. I did talk about you when we were at the 'Experience Music Project,' but it never occurred to me that she would call you." I quickly look up into his eyes. "How did she get your phone number?"

"She called Charlie and got it from him. So, did you miss me?" His crooked smile slide slowly across his lips.

"Tremendously," I said just before I kissed him softly on the lips. "Did you miss me a little?"

"No," he said seriously, "I missed you a lot. I was almost ready to suggest to Alice we leave today, but your mom preempted my suggestion. I happily informed her Alice and I could drive into town today."

"Does she know you're here in my room?"

"How do you suppose I got the desk clerk to let me in?"

"Wow, does she trust me that much?"

"She mentioned that she had the room right next to you, and that she believed I'd act like a gentleman. Then she said the walls weren't very thick and she'd be listening."

I laughed. "That sounds like my mom. Well, at least I don't have to hide the fact that you're in my room, but I don't think Charlie would like it much."

"So don't tell him." Edward then rolled so we were both on our sides, and I was resting on the bed with his arms wrapped around me. "It's a good thing I'm a gentleman, or we might have a problem here." Then he kissed my neck.

Edward and I shared one hour of just holding each other and talking softly. I knew the hour was up when I heard a knock on the door. Edward was up in an instant to open it. Alice and mom were both waiting outside, and it was decided we would all go out to supper together. Edward drove his Volvo, and I saw his hands moving along the steering wheel, it looked as if he were caressing it. I wished he'd start to caress me like that but with mom and Alice in the back seat, it could become embarrassing.

Edward took us to a nice Italian restaurant but he and Alice excused themselves from eating by saying they had eaten earlier right after arriving in Seattle. Dinner was delicious and Edward nonchalantly picked up the check. When mom protested, he told her Carlisle had given him some extra money specifically for paying for meals. He said Carlisle exact words were, "You'll not impose yourself on Bella and her mother. You pay for any meal you eat with them; it's what a gentleman does in such circumstances." Then Edward added that he learned a long time ago not to argue with Carlisle.

Tuesday was spent sightseeing per Edward's guidance. He showed us places most tourists didn't know existed. Many of his locations were actually outside of Seattle and a few required short hikes. Edward made sure he held my arm any time we had to do some hiking. He told my mom that he refused to ruin her vacation by having to take me to the emergency room. About the time he said that, I took a nosedive after tripping over a tree root, but he caught me in time. We all laughed about the incident, and mom assured Edward that she was accustomed to required emergency room visits. She informed him that the doctors at the local hospital in Phoenix had all known me on sight and had been on a first name basis with me for more than ten years. I should've warned mom that discussing my childhood accidents also fell under the category of embarrassing childhood memories.

Once again, Edward paid for lunch and dinner. At lunch, he and I shared our meal, that way he made it look like he was eating and would hand it to me under the table and I ate it. I don't think mom even noticed because Alice kept up an animated conversation with her. We followed the same routine at dinner. Edward ordered a steak for two, and what I didn't eat Edward found another way of disposing of it. What Alice did with her food, I wasn't sure.

Nighttime was the best. After we all said good night, I took my time in the bathroom and by the time I emerged, I found Edward already on my bed. I had told him I would leave the window ajar so he could get in. I slept well that night and didn't have any nightmares. He left early enough in the morning to return in time to pick mom and me up for breakfast.

Wednesday was our scheduled shopping day, and Edward even consented to tag along. I did request one specific store to visit. I had originally planned to visit the bookstore the Saturday of the spring dance, but had postponed it to spend the day with Edward in the meadow. We shared our first kiss that day. I wouldn't have given that day up for anything, but now I finally had a chance to visit a good bookstore and I wasn't about to miss that treat.

Mom enjoyed shopping as much as Alice did; the only difference was the stores they chose. Mom frequented J.C. Penney and Macys while Alice preferred Kenneth Cole NY and Chico's. Mom just stared at me as Alice picked out some gorgeous but expensive clothes.

"The Cullen family has money, like the families of a lot of the kids I went to school with in Phoenix, but her family doesn't flaunt it," I whispered softly to mom while Alice was engrossed in tops a few aisles over. I knew Alice probably heard me, but I had to explain to mom so she wouldn't worry that Alice was spending more than she had.

"You know Bella, if there were such things as magical beings, I know just which one Alice would be." Mom's comment came out of thin air and totally shocked me.

I found myself briefly speechless, and then I managed a weak, "Oh!" My voiced registered my surprise. "And which one do you see her as?" I finally asked.

"Alice would be an elf. She's so graceful when she moves. Her every movement is like a choreographed dance, and her bell like musical laugh is infectious. Yes, she is definitely elf-like. Very ethereal." Mom confided.

"That's interesting mom." However, mom was right; a person could compare Alice more to an elf than a vampire, especially if one followed the stereotypical description of a vampire. I remembered once thinking Alice had an elf-like face.

"Well, don't tell her I said that. I wouldn't want to offend her." Mom whispered.

"I doubt you'd offend her. I think she would be flattered by your comparison."

"Still, don't tell her what I said, okay?"

"Sure mom." How could I tell her that Alice had already overheard what she said? If she thought Alice was elf-like, I wondered if she had any thoughts about Edward. "And does Edward remind you of any mythical creatures?"

"Not that I can put my finger on, but Dr. Cullen, well he reminds me of a picture I once saw of a Greek god."

I chuckled into my hand as I thought of the picture I saw of Carlisle in his office with the three other vampires from Italy.

Mom looked at me and asked, "Bella, please don't tell him that. It would be too embarrassing."

"It's okay mom," I said holding in my laugh as best as possible. "I won't repeat this conversation to anyone," but I imagined that Alice would when she got home. At least mom wouldn't know about it, so she wouldn't be embarrassed by the knowledge.

Just as mom described, Alice skipped over to us in her unusually graceful steps. She was holding up two tops. One a sapphire blue and the other an emerald green.

"So what do you think?" She asked with her musical laugh.

"They're absolutely gorgeous." Mom replied.

"Which one do you prefer the most?"

"The blue," I said.

"The green," mom answered at the same time.

Alice laughed again. "Good, that will work." Then she skipped off to pick up her selections and whisked them to the check out counter.

Mom and Alice headed to J. C. Penney next, while Edward, who had been to the music store, was meeting me at Barnes and Noble. I spent one whole hour searching through books and finding a few choice novels to read. I was extremely delighted in my choices and Edward just watched as I skillfully and thoughtfully made my choices. In fact, a few times, I saw him just staring at me and I decided I would have to ask him about that later.

We met up with Alice and mom and then headed back to the hotel with our purchases. Mom decided we needed to rest for a few hours and asked Edward and Alice if they would meet us later for dinner. Edward informed mom that he had reservations for 7 pm at a nice restaurant and Alice handed mom a bag saying she bought us something to wear for dinner.

Mom was about to argue, but Alice just looked in her eyes and melodiously replied, "Please accept this as a gift from one friend to another."

I saw the dazzled reaction on mom's face and smiled; I knew Alice had won the argument before mom really had a chance to start.

I spent a little time in mom's room sorting through our purchases and then looking in the bag at what Alice had purchased for us. Inside were the blue and green tops she had shown us earlier and two simple but elegant black skirts. Mom took the green and I took the blue, probably as Alice had planned. Mom was amazed that Alice had even chosen the correct sizes without either one of us trying them on.

I was still curious about mom's elf comment earlier. "So, what made you make the remark about Alice reminding you of an elf?"

"Well, as I watched her shopping, I noticed how gracefully she moved about, as though she were floating rather than walking, and she is such a petite little thing that I was reminded of a story I once read to my children at school about an elf. She reminded me of a picture in the book. Are all her brothers and sisters like her?"

"You mean elf-like?"

"Yes, and graceful."

"Not elf-like. Emmett, her oldest brother is much bigger." I chuckled as I pictured him.

"Bigger? What do you mean bigger?"

"His build is bigger, and he's taller than his brothers, but he's still gorgeous looking. In fact, all three of her brothers are gorgeous, but Emmett, well, let's just say I could imagine Emmett wrestling a bear when he and his brothers are out camping." I wasn't about to add 'and sinking his teeth into said bear to drain it of all its blood.' That would be a little too much information for mom.

I decided some time ago that it was best never to tell mom or Charlie about the Cullen's true difference to the rest of us.

"Jasper is about Edward's height and not as . . ." I wanted to say scary as Emmett, but that didn't seem the right term to use with mom. "Well, as overwhelming as Emmett in stature. In fact, of the three, Jasper is the most studious, and he is quieter than his brothers, but just as good looking. Then there is Rosalie; Edward's other sister. She would make an excellent model. She has the looks, carriage, and demeanor to be a drop-dead gorgeous fashion model."

"It seems like everyone in the Cullen family is beautiful."

"Yes, you could say that. Even Esme is beautiful, but she is also the most endearing, very sympathetic and caring. Just the sort of mom needed for such a big family."

"It sounds like you know them all fairly well."

"I'm trying. They are Edward's family, and Alice is my best friend, so I do spend time with them, and I sat with his brothers and sisters during lunch at school. So yes, I have gotten to know them fairly well. Besides, Emmett likes to treat me like his little sister, and I never had a big brother before; it's kind of nice to be treated like that."

"You did have a rather solitary childhood. I'm sorry you never had a brother or a sister. Maybe you would be different if you had a brother or sister, more sociable. Instead, you always seemed to isolate yourself from others and spent a lot of time alone. That worried me; I felt like I should've encouraged you to develop more friendships, but even when I tried to arrange for you to meet someone your own age, you shied away from the relationship."

"I don't think it would have mattered, mom. I liked being by myself. I always had time to think and read. Until I met Edward and his family, I never felt like I wanted to make close friends with anyone. I preferred to be alone. Even when Charlie tried to encourage a friendship between Billy's two girls and me, it didn't work. We were just too different."

"You always did seem different from other children your age; always more grown up, more mature than they were. It didn't bother me until I realized you didn't socialize with your peers very often, but then I realized that you were happy even without a great deal of peer involvement so I decided not to interfere. Was I right not to?"

"Yes mom, you were. I was happy. I liked being by myself. It gave me time to do things I enjoyed, like reading and taking care of you and the house. I never felt like I wanted more in my life, and besides, I always felt uncomfortable around people my own age. I never knew what to talk to them about because their conversations were so juvenile. It's not like that with Edward and his family though. I feel comfortable around them and more at ease. I can tell Edward just about anything; I find him extremely easy to talk to."

"You really are serious about him." It was more of a statement than a question.

"I did tell you how I felt right after the prom. Do you remember?"

"Yes, and I was worried at first that you didn't really understand how you felt. I can see I was wrong. It shows in your face when you're with him and when you talk about him."

"I can't even imagine my life without Edward. I've given him my whole heart." I couldn't tell her I wanted to give him my life, as in bite me and let me become immortal, because she would never understand that.

"What else have you given him?" She focused her eyes intently on me.

Was she asking me what I think she was asking me? "What do you mean by 'what else'?"

"Well, I remember how teenage boys were, and I don't think they have changed much since I was a teenager. They seem to have two major thoughts at this age, sports and sex."

"Mom!" Why do parents always bring sex into the conversation when boyfriends are involved?

"Bella, I'm concerned about you and your well-being. You've told me how much you love Edward, and it seems you've pretty much given your life over to him. It is only natural for me to worry about you, especially now that you have a boyfriend. As a mom, I'd like to know has he asked you to have sex with him."

I could see she wasn't going to drop the subject. I guess now was the best time to address this topic. "Mom, Edward has three main interests. First, he likes to collect cars, second he enjoys music, and third he does everything in his power to keep me safe and protected. That means he even protects me from himself. Plus, Edward is not a typical teenager." How could I tell her that there was nothing typical about Edward? "So to answer your questions, he hasn't asked me to do that."

"And if he does ask you, what will you do?" I could see the worry on her face.

I smiled slightly but blushed very deeply and answered in almost a whisper, "I'd probably say yes." I knew it was wrong to say but I couldn't help it. "Look mom, I don't think you need to worry about that for some time. Edward is not going to ask me that, and even if I asked him," and I blushed again, "His answer would be no."

She seemed unbelieving. How could any daughter tell her mother that if her boyfriend had sex with her, he'd probably kill her unintentionally?

"Mom, Edward is rather old fashioned about some things, and I think that is one of them. So, breathe and relax; the topic is one that is not likely to come up for some time between us, and besides, do you think I would be dumb enough to do something like that under Charlie's roof? He'd have Edward in jail in the blink of an eye if he thought that was going on. Remember, he is the chief of police." I hugged mom to reassure her there was nothing to worry about on that subject.

"I just can't help worrying Bella."

"Look, if you don't believe me, you can also ask Edward the same thing over dinner tonight." I doubted she would, but maybe it was his turn to be harassed by all the sex talks. I doubted Carlisle or Esme had these talks with him, so why should I be the only one to suffer.

"Bella, that's not a subject for the dinner table." From the shocked expression on her face, I knew she wouldn't ask him.

"I'm going to lie down for awhile, if that's okay. I'll see you later." I kissed mom on the cheek before picking up my bags and walking out the door.

I walked into my room, I heard Edward chuckling. It didn't surprise me he was waiting for me; in fact, I had been hoping to find him waiting. I put my bags on the floor, hung up the top and skirt Alice had purchased, and turned on the television.

"What's that for?" Edward asked.

"The television will mask our voices a little, and in case mom says she thought she heard voices in my room, I can just tell her she must have heard the television." I walked over to the bed and laid down on my stomach next to him.

"Rather devious aren't you."

"Only since I met you, before then I had nothing to hide."

"Nor had any sex talks I imagine."

"So you heard that." I blushed again.

"Do you think she'll ask me about my sex life at dinner?"

"I doubt it." I looked over at him and smiled. "But I might, just to see what you'll say in front of my mom."

"You wouldn't."

"My, aren't we serious. Would it bother you if she asked?"

"Not really. I don't have anything to hide."

"What if she asked if you thought about it? What would you say?" I looked over at him.

He looked into my eyes. "Is she asking or are you?"

I wondered if I should risk asking him, and then decided I might as well because my curiosity was peaked, and along with the curiosity came the blush because of what I was thinking. "I'm asking. Have you ever thought about me in that way?" I asked breathlessly.

"Bella, I once told you that it's not only your blood that I desire, and that's true. I'm learning to resist you in two ways."

"Which one is stronger?" I asked shyly. Did I really want to know? If it was my blood, then did that mean he loved my blood more than my body?

"Bella, do you really need to ask?" He smiled with a hint of lust in his eyes.

His eyes answered my question even if he didn't verbally express it, and for the umpteenth time I blushed.

Edward wrapped his arm around my waist. "I still love it when you blush." Then he rolled me so my back pressed against his chest, he moved my hair away from my neck and whispered sweetly into my ear. "We'll be the perfect romantic couple at dinner tonight for your mom. We'll be just like Romeo and Juliet." Then he kissed my neck.

I liked Shakespeare's play, but it always made me cry. "No," I replied. "I don't want to be Juliet to your Romeo."

"Why?" He murmured back as he nuzzled my neck.

"Because they both die in the end; no there has to be a better couple with a better end."

"How about Orpheus and Eurydice, they were together forever." His kissed my ear after whispering into it.

"I don't want to be Eurydice to your Orpheus, and I definitely don't want you to be Orpheus because he was ripped apart by a group of revengeful women, and don't suggest Hamlet and Ophelia either. Although I could become Ophelia if you ever left me."

"Why Ophelia?"

"Because when Hamlet told her he no longer loved her, she became a basket case. I'd feel lost just like her if you ever left me."

"I don't believe that. You're a strong person and very determined. You would bounce back and get on with your life."

"You think that if it makes you happy." I retorted.

Edward quickly flipped me over so I was facing him. "You would never harm yourself." He said sternly.

"You can't be sure of that. If you rejected me like Hamlet rejected her, I would be crushed." Didn't he realize how much I would hurt? It would be as if he had ripped out my heart.

"Bella," Edward looked deeply into my eyes dazzling me and causing my heart to flutter. "I'll never reject you."

"Then why are you comparing us to tragic romantic couples. These couples all met untimely ends." I felt a quickening of my heart rate as he continued to stare at me.

Edward chuckled, "Bella, stop being so melodramatic. We'll never end that way. I won't let it."

"Sure, you say that now, but you're the one who won't change me, and one day this will all end because, unlike you, I won't be around forever. Maybe that's what you want because you know you'll get tired of me." My insecurity was cropping up again, there were times when I just couldn't convince myself that Edward really loved me and would continue to love me. Was it because he wouldn't commit to forever?

"Bella, I'll never get tired of you, I'll always love you, and I won't harm you." He kissed me gently on the lips, and I stopped breathing as I drank in the taste of his lips. He pulled his lips away and whispered, "Breathe Bella."

We laid a while longer on the bed not talking, but Edward caressed my back and occasionally kissed my neck. After awhile he got up, much to my regret, and said it was time for both of us to dress for dinner. Alice stopped at my room and requested to do my hair and makeup for me, and I reluctantly agreed. I would have said no completely, but I knew after her handiwork I would look great, and I felt I wanted to watch Edward's mouth drop open when he saw me. The top and skirt Alice purchased was actually a gorgeous outfit, and the blue of the top complemented my complexion rather than washed it out.

Mom was impressed when she saw what Alice was able to achieve; Edward, as I had hoped, stared at me open mouthed. I felt very pleased with Alice's handiwork.

Edward took us to the restaurant at the top of the needle. Mom was impressed that Edward was even able to get reservations. Even though I knew Edward and Alice didn't eat, they made the food disappear and mom never noticed anything out of the ordinary. She didn't ask Edward about his sex life, but she did ask him questions about his family and his parents. She even asked him about his real parents. Edward, for the most part, answered as truthfully as possible.

Mom did ask Edward some pointed questions about our relationship. "So, Edward, how did you and my daughter meet?"

"We had biology class together. I saw her for the first time at lunch, but didn't get a good look at her until she sat next to me in biology. It was a life-changing experience." He smiled over at me. "I'll never forget it."

I had a feeling he was talking about the fact that he discovered that my blood tempted him more than anyone else's.

"Bella also mentioned that you're very protective of her." I could tell mom was trying to pry as much information from Edward as possible.

"That's absolutely true, and it is not an easy task. Have you seen her hands?" Edward reached over, took both my hands and turned them palms up. "She didn't have these when she left Forks so I imagine they are fairly recent. I'm guessing she also skinned her knees, but she has been covering them up lately." He looked at me for confirmation; it was one of his piercing looks and I just melted in response.

"Yes." I whispered weakly, and Edward let go of one hand but held onto the other one under the table.

Alice chuckled.

"It's not any easy job Mrs. Dwyer."

Mom interrupted, "Renee, call me Renee please."

"Okay, Renee. As I was saying, it is not an easy job keeping your daughter protected; she has a tendency to attract danger, but I love her so much I don't ever want to see any harm come to her, and I personally never want to be the cause of any harm."

"Well, I'm very glad to hear that Edward. I want only the best for my daughter, and I hope I never have to see her being hurt by someone she loves."

I looked over at Edward and smiled, and he squeezed my hand. I would have kissed him just then if we hadn't been a public place, and my mom hadn't been watching. I decided I could save that for later. It could be my midnight snack, I thought.

As I was readying myself for bed that evening, I reflected back on how well the evening had turned out. I saw mom was becoming more comfortable around Edward, and he impressed her with his good manners. He even held open her car door and held her chair for her at dinner.

Once more, I spent the night with Edward's arms wrapped around me. I remembered to ask him about his expression in the bookstore. He commented on the fact that I had a very determined intense look as I search for books. He loved that I took book buying so seriously. Before I fell asleep, I also had my midnight snack. In fact, I had a couple, before Edward finally said it was bedtime for the human and then began humming my lullaby. I knew it would be the last night we'd be together before I returned home to Forks on Saturday.

I cried a little as I said good-bye to Edward on Thursday; he whispered "only two days" and I whispered back "but two long nights." Then, in front of my mom, he kissed me good-bye.

Thursday and Friday mom and I spent browsing in the local shops, watched a movie and spent a lot of time talking. She did tell me how impressed she was by Edward and she could see that he really did love me. She also talked about Phil, their house in Florida, and some of the new friends she had made. The two days were full, but without Edward, they went by slowly.

I really loved my mom and was glad to have time with her, but I was even happier when Saturday finally arrived and I knew I would be heading back to Forks after seeing mom off at the airport. The drive home was completely uneventful, and I arrived at the Cullen house late in the afternoon. I even managed to return Edward's car without any dings, dents, or scratches.

As soon as I saw Edward, I ran and threw myself into his arms. He laughed and twirled me around; he was just as happy to see me, as I was to see him. I felt my life was perfect, except for the fact that I was human and he was a vampire; a situation that I hoped he would one day change.