Bella was thankful that she had never gotten the opportunity to spend Valentine's Day with Edward. It was something she had hoped would never occur and thankfully Bella saved herself in time. Valentine's Day was on a Tuesday, but she had a feeling Alice and her would celebrate this weekend to spend as much time together as possible. Bella was curious since she never had a romantic Valentine's day before. Seeing how she loved Alice with all her heart, she knew it would be special.

It was Friday and Bella was on her way to her locker. She was annoyed to see Edward waiting beside it and would not give him the satisfaction of her words. Edward lingered on Bella as she got out her books and his nose twitched at his sister's scent on his Bella.

"Bella, we need to talk."

Bella ignored him and slammed her locker shut, glaring at him. How dare he ask that when the last time they saw each other he tried to assault her. Edward gritted his teeth and continued in a low voice,

"You belong to me, whatever you think you feel for Alice is wrong."

"Screw off Edward. I made it clear that I don't want you. Leave me alone." Bela forcibly told him.

Edward was taken aback. He thought that maybe Bella would have realized what she lost with him and would have wanted him back. Instead, she was more repulsed by him and fully committed to the sin that was being with Alice.

"Valentine's Day is coming..."

"Edward, we are over. I want nothing to do with you. Find someone else to be your fucking submissive slave." Bella spoke in a somewhat loud tone.

People were starting to stare at them and Edward knew this wasn't good. He sighed and tried to stroke Bella's face but she stepped away from him. Whatever Cynthia did, it ruined Bella, he thought angrily.

"I'm giving you a chance to correct this. Things will be harder on you if you don't get together with me." Edward warned.

Bella rolled her eyes and went to her class and sat next to Alice in the back. She cracked a small smile to Bella and gently took her hand. They hadn't come out at school yet so they were still being careful with how they showed their affections. Alice had seen Edward's confrontation with Bella and was proud Bella wasn't intimidated by him. She did worry at times for her girlfriend but Bella would never be hurt so long as she was there.

"Just as a warning, I see him leaving a note at your locker with a ring." Alice whispered to Bella.

Bella scoffed at that notion.

"Let me guess, the note says along the lines 'Be mine once more and love me, not her.'' Honestly he tried a lot more when he entrapped me."

Alice nodded and stroked Bella's hand with her thumb.

"Forget all about Dickward since I do have plans for us this weekend."

"Are we having a shopping marathon?" Bella asked with a slight cheeky smile.

Alice chuckled softly but shook her head.

"That's another weekend since I know you want to shed your old look and be more comfortable in your skin. We are going camping this weekend. Pitching a tent, roughing it in the wild, fishing, and cooking over fire rather than stove. Maybe gazing among the stars and cuddling together in the tent while we share ghost stories. " Alice said with smile

Bella's heart skipped a beat and smiled warmly. She had mentioned camping to Alice and the fact that it was going to be their first date as a couple really made her so happy.

"You remembered." she murmured softly.

"Of course I did. I know how much it means for you to try new things, and I want to try them with you. Especially since camping and kissing in the woods is a fantasy for you." Alice said with soft smile

Bella chuckles.

"Charlie will be intrigued with me needing his fishing pole and other camp stuff. Haven't been camping in years but this will be the best one yet"

"I am sure he won't mind. He might be surprised I want to camp with you since I'm such a dainty little sweetheart as you call me." Alice whispered.

Bella cheeks blushed faintly but it was enough to make Alice swoon over her human mate.

"Well you are a dainty little sweetheart, one I love more than anyone in the world."

They made small talk and Alice frowned when the bell rang.

"It still sucks. I need to keep my distance from you at lunch because of Edward. Saturday can't come sooner." Alice sighed.

"So Charlie will say yes when I ask him about it?" Bella asked.

"Yep, he will be surprised, sure, but he will be excited that you're going out. He does love me after all and loves when we spend time together." Alice tells her.

"Wonder if he will be like that when we tell him about us." Bella comments as she packs her books in her backpack.

"He might be a bit stunned but accepting. After all, he was never a fan of Edward and adores me. It's probably more of him understanding how you were with Edward if you liked girls."

Bella sighed since she never understood how she could have been lulled and trapped so easily. No more she thought, she had someone she truly loved and was embracing who she was. She wasn't even scared about coming out but just wanted Alice to be comfortable as well. Bella at this point didn't care who she lost as a friend or acquaintance at school. She had or will have the people who mattered on her side and that's all.

"The road to self-acceptance is different for everyone. Spending time with you as a friend first made accepting who I am easier. Our connection might not have been so strong if we weren't such strong friends first. Edward and I never had that and we never will. You're someone I look forward to spending time with."

Alice smiled.

"I'll get the letter and ring off your locker. I can sell the ring to get us money for supplies this weekend. Have a wonderful day Bella."

As Alice walked to her next class, Bella carefully checked out Alice's ass as she left. The excitement and lust Bella felt confirmed to her that she's a lesbian and Alice was her beautiful girlfriend, one she would have the pleasure of spending a weekend with.

-Saturday-

Bella gets dressed in a red plaid shirt that is loose yet shows off body, blue jeans, and boots. She also puts on a sweater and coat for the cold since it was February in Forks, one of the chilliest months. Despite Alice being a vampire, there was oddly warmth to her and Bella would still cuddle with her when she could. She made sure to be packed for the camping trip, including a warm wool blanket and Alice's presents. Bella had been working hard at her job at the sporting goods store Mike's dad owned in order to get Alice some special gifts. Charlie stopped by Bella's room and he cracked a slight smile.

"You know...I thought you breaking up with Edward would have led you to sulking and being held out in your room."

"Trust me dad, Edward wasn't a great guy. Alice and I are going to have a nice weekend together for some girl time."

"Just you two?" he asked curiously.

Bella was taken aback by that since she hadn't told Charlie she was dating Alice.

"Um yeah. Angela and Jessica want to spend time with their boyfriends. Besides, they don't like camping like Alice and I do." Bella spoke softly.

Charlie didn't seem bothered and he trusted Alice with Bella's life more than he did Edward. However, Charlie was a bit curious on just how much of a role Alice was in Bella's life. It was almost like there was more to the friendship but Charlie didn't let that bother him.

"Good to know. If it does start to snow though Bella, please return home. I don't want you getting sick, you hear me."

Bella nodded and finished packing. She hugged Charlie good bye and waited for Alice to pull up. She didn't wait long as Alice pulled up into the driveway. Alice got out of the car and hugged Bella tightly. Bella returned the hug and pulled away to gaze over Alice's outfit. She wore a navy blue long sleeve and warm white puffy sweater vest, some tight jeans and hiking boots. Bella looked back to see if they were alone before kissing Alice's lips softly. Alice giggled and kissed back, stroking Bella's back tenderly .

"Happy almost Valentine's Day Alice."

" Happy almost Valentine's Day Bella. I am glad we can finally spend time together just us without worrying about you know who" Alice smirked.

Bella nods as she puts her stuff into Alice's car. One everything was packed in, she got into the passenger side seat and buckled up. Alice got into the driver's side and looked softly into Bella's eyes.

She takes Alice's hand and kisses it softly while she drives.

"Did you have a good sleep?" Alice asked

"Depends on what you mean by 'good'" Bella grins.

" No nightmares. Just good or naughty dreams, whatever floats your boat." Alice smirked.

"Yes, though I feel bad Julian and Cynthia have to take shifts watching my window when you don't visit."

Edward hadn't come over once thankfully but the couple still worried about Edward coming by to sway Bella back to him. Alice being there was helpful to everyone but Alice also wanted Bella to have time for herself to sleep. She wouldn't be like Edward and be controlling and enforce that she needed to be together 24/7. However, with that Bella needed protection. Julian and Cynthia didn't mind and understood why they needed to watch.

"I know, same here Bella. I don't want to make my sister and her mate be your bodyguards, but until we're sure Edward won't try shit anymore, they will do it for your well being" Alice said softly.

"Wish I could just settle this now, but we need to plan out everything first before I fully commit to being a vampire. Right now, I just want you."

Alice smiled softly. If she could blush she would. Bella wanted an eternity with her, which overjoyed Alice to her very core.

" I know and you have me for always" Alice said, and gently took Bella's hand and interlaced their fingers.

They made it to the campgrounds and found a place that was isolated from everyone else. Alice made bringing the equipment easy and Bella was relieved that she didn't have to struggle with that. Bella started to pitch the tent and was doing very well until she got up tying things together.

"Need some help Bella?" Alice asked, coming over.

Bella liked that Alice was letting her do things on her own, which Edward never did. She respected Bella but it was clear this last part was a bit of trouble. However, she didn't want to impose unless Bella asked.

"A little yes. Just attach and tie things together so it's strong. Thanks."

Alice looked over and saw what Bella meant. She proceeds to attach the parts and put the finishing touches on the tent. Finally a lovely beige tent with red borders stood firm and sturdy.

" You did well for most part Bella. This tent looks really cozy" Alice smiled proudly

"Yes it is, it will be a cozy place for us to sleep for the weekend...well for me to sleep and you to get out of the elements."

Alice giggled but nodded. Bella needed to sleep and Alice did miss sleeping somewhat since she could never have the dreams Bella had for her. But Alice could protect Bella as she slept, which strengthened her mate bond.

"Now are we hunting for dinner or fishing?" Alice asked with a bit of sass.

Bella chuckled and kissed her lips, gazing at her gold eyes. She knew Alice had hunted the night before to prepare for the camping so she was fed and calm.

"Well you are fed, but I need to rough it for my food. Can't rely on snacks for the whole weekend can I?" she chuckled.

Alice chuckles back.

"I will help if you like?" Alice said pulling Bella close holding her waist

"If I am struggling then yes, but I want to try for myself first. I should remember what Charlie taught me."

They went to the lake and Bella casted her fishing pole. Fishing was all about patience and no sudden movements. She glanced over to Alice who was clearly checking out her ass, chuckling.

"You look good, Bella," Alice smirked.

Bella shook a bit of her ass to tease Alice and loved the attention she got from her girlfriend. She glanced over to Alice and smiled softly.

"Thanks, you do too Alice."

"So what's the season's fish?" Alice asked.

"I think trout, which is pretty nice if what I taste from Charlie is good. It will be nice if I catch a big one or two."

Alice moved to slink her arms arounds Bella's waist as Bella waited for a fish. Bella's scent was truly alluring to Alice and Bella loved Alice's soft yet firm embrace. The pole started to dip in the water and Bella used her strength to pull the trout out of the water. The fishing line was shaking like mad but Bella was strong and was able to reel in the fish. It was a very hefty fish and Bella smiled. Alice looked very impressed and trailed a finger up Bella's arm.

"For a human you are pretty strong Bella. Where does your strength and spirit come from?" Alice asked with a chuckle.

"I honestly don't know. I've just been the independent type before...you know. But I guess maybe I don't give myself credit" Bella shrugged.

"Well you really should give yourself all the credit. You're truly a strong woman, one I'm proud to say is mine." Alice purred.

Bella smiled and pecked Alice's lips.

"Well hang around while I get myself another fish or two. You are my good luck charm Ali."

Alice smiled softly and tiptoed to kiss the back of Bella's neck. Bella reeled in some more fish and put them in the cooler she packed. Alice prepared a fire while Bella used Julian's present to descale and cut the fish. Bella loved cooking for herself and this only ignited more of her passion as she seasoned the fish and cooked it on an open fire. Alice rested her head on Bella's shoulder.

"This smells amazing Bella." Alice murmured in Bella's ear.

"Wish you could eat with me though, but I really love that we are here together. I could never see myself doing this alone."

"Camping is more fun with others, especially a loved one. I would like a bite even though it won't give me any nourishment. I do miss the taste of human food sometimes." Alice asked, giving Bella a soft gaze.

Bella finishes her cooking and gives a fork with a bite for Alice while she eats. Bella was starving as most of her first fish was already gone. Alice enjoyed the small sample before she needed to hack it back up since she couldn't digest it. By all accounts, it did had flavor and Bella did cook it properly. They took in the fire and were cuddled up close. Once Bella finished up her dinner and looked to see it was getting dark.

"Want to do presents today or tomorrow. I'm fine with either, but I thought to ask you since I care for you." Bella asked

"Today works, plus I really want you to see what I got you" Alice said. She felt like an excited child but she just loved how Bella made her. Bella noticed Alice's excitement and laughed softly, kissing Alice's cheek.

"Same, although it seemed like no matter what I would give you; it wouldn't be enough for all your support and how you've made me so better; but I did try." Bella murmured softly. Alice and Bella swapped gifts. Bella opened the bigger one first to see it was a nice survival kit, complete with a swiss army knife, new canteen, and nice leather gloves. "

"W-Whoa… Alice, this is amazing, thank you."

"I figured, if we will be doing this once in a while, or even if you do this just with your dad you will enjoy it." Alice said with a sweet smile.

"Thanks, I do love it...wait you got me something else too?" she looks at the smaller box curiously.

"This is something personal from me. I thought of you when I saw it and It can symbolize the start of our future together?" Alice said.

She opened the back and revealed a beautiful heart necklace, with flowers in the middle. Bella embraces Alice and looks over the necklace.

"I love this so much Alice, thank you. It does suit us and our bright and blossoming future."

She smiled softly and kissed Alice softly yet tenderly. Alice kissed Bella with passion, her tongue trailing over Bella's lower lip. She gently moved the kit off Bella's lap so she could sit on it. Her legs wrapped around Bella's waist and ran her fingers in Bella's hair as they kissed. No one was around to watch and both women were giving into their passionate love. Bella chuckled softly as Alice started to kiss down Bella's neck.

"Careful or you won't get your gifts darling. Alice smiled as she stopped. She was surprised by Bella's affection, pleasantly so. Alice gets off of Bella's lap and sits besides her once more. Bella pecks her lips and gives Alice her two gifts. Alice opened the first one and it was a snow globe with two hearts with two dangling rubies, at the base was the inscription, Today, Tomorrow, Always. Alice was in awe of the beautiful snow globe and shook it to have the 'snow' fall gently.

`"Bella… it's so lovely.. Sorry that word doesn't even do it justice. I love it, it's wonderful" Alice said with a smile.

Alice looked it over and saw on the bottom it had a turning knob. She turned it a few times and a lovely melody came from the globe .Bella rested her head on her shoulder as the music played.

"I saved up a lot of my paychecks from my job to get for you. I wanted it to say how I feel about you."

"You most certainly succeed. I really love this Bella, thank you so much" Alice said stroking Bella's check

"Don't thank me just yet. You're not the only one who wanted to get their girl jewelry."

Bella motions to the other box and Alice opens it to show a very dainty black lace Victorian style choker with a dangling onyx tear pendant. Alice put the snow globe down gently to the side. She picked up the choker and felt it. The stone was smooth and the lacy fabric felt soft and elegant. Bella was very mindful of her style and she would love wearing this around her neck.

"I love it Bella it's really lovely and unique, thank you so much" Alice said

"No thank you...for showing me what love truly is and how it's supposed to feel." Bella's eyes were soft and she stroked Alice's cheek. Alice smiled and placed her small hand on Ballas.

" I hope to show it to you everyday, Bella, in more than one way " Alice smirked and kissed Bella's lips pulling her close.

Bella smiled and reciprocated the kiss. The draw for Alice and her love for Alice truly made Bella so happy. They pulled away and spent the rest of their night cuddling by the fire and looking up at the stars. Alice interlaced her hand in Bella's and adored the fact they were finally able to love one another. She had seen small glimpses of their future and they always were happy together.

"Bella?"

"Yes Alice?"

She motioned Bella to look into her golden eyes and stroked Bella's cheek softly. Bella's heart raced and fluttered and Alice could hear every musical and whimsical heartbeat.

"I'm sorry I didn't pursue you sooner...If I would have really explored your future with Edward...I should have seen the pain you've experienced..."

Bella stopped her and pecked her tender lips.

"Things happen for a reason. I'm not condoning Edward's shitty decisions, but maybe I needed to go through hell just to finally experience heaven. My love for you is stronger than one else's. You tell me not to look back and embrace my future. I'm embracing it and my love for you. I love you Alice."

"And I love you too Bella."