DISCLAIMER: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight not me. I just love playing around with the characters we all know and love. :-)

Authors Notes:

***Back to Bella.

***Sorry again for all the delays. Life has been crazy for me this year. My son is still having medical issues which is causing lots of financial problems for his daddy and me. Needless to say we spend every moment we have working to pay his medical bills.

-NICU stay when 2 days old till 2 weeks

-Blood glucose issues

-Failure to thrive with weighing in the 1 percentile

-Constant weigh ins at the doctor

-2-3 different meds for his bad acid reflux

-Developmental experts checking him repeatedly.

-Next up in his testing is a geneticist and an ultrasound of his head.

-Any good vibes anyone sends our way we appreciate. :-)

***Fun easy chapter that will lead up to the next one which should have lots of excitement.

CHAPTER #15: Safe Approach

BPOV

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this..." I was doing my usual thing when I'm nervous, I was twitching and fighting the urge to do...anything. She didn't give any reply other then a roll of the eyes while continuing to flip through a magazine, clearly ignoring me. "Angela?"

"Yes Bella?" I narrowed my eyes at her easy going response and she narrowed her own right back before sighing. "I didn't talk you into anything. I simply asked you a question and you freaked out." I wished I could argue but she was actually right. We had been enjoying our precious few evenings together and she was making small talk when suddenly she brought up a list of 'now that you're going to be officially 21...' stuff when suddenly she mentioned something I had purposely forgotten.

"Isabella Swan?" A nurse called my name and immediately my legs seemed to fill with lead and for once I felt myself pale rather than flush. Angela stood up which encouraged me to do the same. I led the way to the nurse who smiled politely and led us to a scale, where I was weighed before we entered an empty exam room.

"Did you leave a urine sample already?" I had done it before even sitting in the waiting room simply because it gave me something to do. I nodded and she stated that she would let the doctor know. I sat down on the bed and cringed slightly at the amazingly loud sound of the crinkling paper. I knew I was overly nervous but I had NEVER done well with anything medical, whether it was doctors offices or hospitals. Something about the white, sterile environment gave me the chills. The nurse politely took my blood pressure while asking how I was feeling. I felt a little bad about my monosyllabic answers but I was to nervous to talk.

"Dr. Alec will be in shortly." The nurse dismissed herself quickly after asking a few simple questions. As soon as the door closed I breathed deeply in and out. Fear of doctor's offices was something impossible to explain to anyone who didn't share the phobia. On the surface it sounded ridiculous but then again any fear was largely unfounded when looked at by someone else.

"Breathe B." I released another large breath and Angela gave my thigh a gentle pat. I sighed before looking at her, willing myself to calm down. "I'm sorry you felt pressured by me about all this. I was really just asking."

I nodded while remembering the talk that led to my current predicament...

"Do you have a doctor picked out yet?"

"What doctor?"

"Gynecologist. Mine is great if you want her office number."

I remember staring at her blankly in response.

"Why would I need a gynecologist?"

She had looked at me in confusion. "You said you were going to start seeing a gynecologist once you hit 21, remember?"

"Ummmm."

Oh yes I remembered...now that she had reminded me at least. I knew that the general recommendation was to start seeing one by 18 years old but I had pushed it off due to my crippling terror at the idea of someone examining me...there, of all places. My mother had been very vocal about me not getting it done sooner as breast cancer was what had killed her mother, my grandmother. I couldn't deny that going was the responsible thing to do so I had told her I would start at 21... and now here I was, about to be 21, sitting in the exam room wishing for a way out of this.

Angela had brought it up so calmly which of course left me feeling, as always, inexperienced, naive, and more than a little terrified. "Is it going to hurt?" I felt like an idiot asking that but I couldn't help asking it since I was truly terrified about what it would feel like.

"Sweety..." Angela grabbed my hand gently and gave me a calm smile. As much as I appreciated the kind gesture I wasn't oblivious to the fact that she didn't give me an immediate 'no' or 'of course not'. That said all I really needed to know which was that this was going to hurt...

"Just tell me." My words were fiercer than I felt.

"The breast exam doesn't hurt at all." I nodded while giving her a pointed look. That wasn't the part I was worried about. "The vaginal exam goes really fast B. In and out. The doctor even talks you through it which is amazingly comforting."

"So it hurts."

"More uncomfortable than painful. The worst part for me is the swab they stick up there to get a sample." I felt myself pale slightly and she seemed to berate herself internally for telling me that. "It's long but very small Bella. She will just rub it inside for a quick second and because the swab is dry it's...noticeable."

I nodded and squeezed her hand which I hadn't let go of. "You'll stay right?"

"Of course. Anything you need." I nodded and gave her a very weak smile.

"Is there anything I should know?"

"Not really... I suppose just not to be shy." She gave me a pointed look that I ignored. "Ask questions. This is woman stuff and you shouldn't feel embarrassed about it. If you want I can step out during the question part in case you want to keep anything between you and her." I shook my head aggressively. I didn't want to be alone with this.

"What stuff did you ask about the first time you came to one of these?"

"Truthfully I was the same as you. I was terrified that it would hurt and needed reassurance. Be grateful that your doctor is at least a woman." She chuckled and I blushed remembering her telling me about her first 'woman' appointment. I wouldn't deny that her story was one of the reasons I pushed mine off.

"Anything else?"

"Well I was curious about what would happen if anything seemed 'unusual' with my exam but luckily everything seemed benign and the test results all came back negative."

I was about to ask more questions when there was a knock on the door. In walked my doctor who was a beautiful woman with blonde hair tied up in a tight bun. She seemed young, maybe late thirties, and had a very friendly look on her face. "Good afternoon." She walked into the room as soon as Angela waved her in. "Hello, I'm Dr. Alec." She reached forward and shook my hand. I grimaced slightly at how sweaty I was sure my palms were as I accepted her gesture. If she noticed she didn't say anything though and just kept her gentle smile. "You must be Isabella Swan."

"Just Bella."

"Well Bella..." She looked at my chart before her eyes met mine. She sat down on her rolling stool and watched me with singular focus. "What brings you in today?"

"Umm, I need to get my... exam... for the first time." I couldn't bring myself to even say the words.

"Alright, before we get to that I'd like to get to know you a bit, since you are a new patient." I nodded weakly. "Do you have a family history of breast or cervical issues?"

"Yes, my grandmother died of breast cancer."

"I'm sorry for your loss. Would you be able to tell me when she was diagnosed?"

"She was almost 60." My doctor made note of that.

"When did you start menstruating for the first time?"
"12, almost 13."

"Okay, have you had any problems or issues since you first started?"

"What do you mean?"

"Severe cramping, heavier than normal bleeding, unpredictable cycles?"

"Not really. I'm not the most regular and I did skip a couple periods when I was younger but my mom said stress and hormones can do that."

My doctor furrowed her brows and wrote that down as well. "Have you ever had a miscarriage or abortion?" My eyes widened and my jaw dropped slightly. They really asked that sort of thing? I immediately felt silly for the thought as anything involving cycles and pregnancies was something she should know.

"No."

"Are you currently sexually active?"

"No."

"Would you like an STD screening today?"

"Do I need one?" I glanced to Angela and she shrugged.

"It's a personal choice. Some people make themselves panic as they wait for the results to get back but some people feel worse if they don't. It you are changing sexual partners it can only help put your mind at ease."

"Oh...ummm. That's not necessary." She nodded but said nothing as she made more notes. I was expecting her to have a follow up response to that but she didn't and I was grateful for that small bit of privacy I was being allotted, considering the circumstances."

"Alright." My doctor stood up and smiled warmly again. "Okay I'm going to send my nurse in to draw some blood then you can get changed into one of our robes okay?" I nodded and she stepped out quietly.

Almost as soon as the doctor stepped out the nurse stepped in. She had a small tray with her and I saw all the tools necessary for a blood draw. I had NEVER done well with blood, in any capacity and knowing that I was about to bleed didn't sit well with me but I was determined to get through this without incident. The nurse kindly asked me to lay out my arm on the arm-rest and I complied. She wrapped up my arm and before I knew it she had poked through, gotten her sample, and was putting a small amount of gauze on the wound before wrapping it up. I honestly had barely felt it and was pleased by that. She obviously was very good at what she does.

As soon as she left, after giving me a robe and instructing me to leave the opening in the front, I was left to the realization that this was really happening. Angela grabbed each article of my clothing as I stripped it off. It was such a surreal feeling knowing that I was going to be naked for a complete stranger in a few minutes. Angela was right though, knowing it was a woman certainly helped.

"Are you sure you want me here for this part?"

"Did you not want to be here?"

"I don't mind at all. My mom came to my first one and it was nice having support but I know how independent you are as well."

"I want you here."

"Okay." I sat still as stone on the exam table until I felt her rub my arm reassuringly. "Ummm, B?"

"Yeah?"

"She will probably still have some questions for you, afterwards."

"About what?"

She looked like she was about to answer but my doctor came in the room before she had the chance. I took a deep breath before giving my doctor as sincere of a smile as I could. She talked calmly with me about how I was feeling and how my general day/life was going as she listened to my lungs and asked me about any prior physicals I've received in the past. Sooner than I wished it was time for the exam. She had me lay down on my back and I complied...

…...

Just as Angela had said the whole exam actually took no time at all. There was some heavy discomfort bordering on pain when the spectrum was inserted but I was pretty sure that was due to my nerves more-so than anything else. As soon as the tool was removed I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders and not just from the dread of this appointment but also the concern of having pushed it off. It really hadn't been as bad as I'd built it up in my mind and my doctor had been kind and reassuring the whole time.

After I sat back up and fought the urge to wince at the feeling and moisture between my legs I felt, my doctor grabbed the chart and stood up but made no effort to leave the room. "So far everything looks great. You may have some cramping and minor bleeding for the next day or so but that's normal okay." I nodded and she let me know that they would call me with the results in a few days.

Just as she was about to ask me more questions my phone started ringing. I smiled in apology and Angela handed me my phone out of my purse since it was out of my reach considering my state of undress. For some strange reason I answered rather then denying the call with one of those 'select a reason' texts.

"Hello." I hadn't even looked at the caller ID before I answered.

"Hello beautiful." Of course I blushed and immediately felt very aware of where I was and my mostly naked state. I glanced up and Angela was smirking but trying to hide it. She could always tell when Edward called because he had the special ability to turn me red immediately.

"Hey Edward. Can I call you back? I'm at a doctor's appointment."

"Of course."

"Bye."

"I'll talk to you in a bit." I put the phone away and muttered an apology which my doctor stated wasn't necessary. Angela stepped out to use the restroom and call her boss leaving just me and the doctor. A few awkward moments passed before I steeled myself to ask the questions I really wanted to ask. Did she sense my hesitance or was it in my head? There was an ulterior...well not motive but reason I scheduled this appointment finally. I wasn't so naive that I didn't know one of the biggest reasons for seeing a 'woman's doctor'.

"Did you have any other questions for me?" Even though she was asking it seemed like she already knew the answer.

"Yeah. I was wondering if you could recommend any birth control?"

…...

About an hour and a half later I had left the hospital parking lot after dropping off Angela, who had taken a long lunch to go to my appointment with me, and was now walking out of the pharmacy with my new birth-control prescription. Needing a distraction from the item hiding in the prescription bag I was holding I decided to return Edward's call.

I had parked along the street and walked a bit of a ways to the pharmacy near my apartment. The call had gotten to the second ring and I stood about 30 feet away from my car, keys in hand when I heard the roaring engine of an approaching car. I stopped moving and looked up in the direction the sound was coming from. Down a little ways was a large black truck driving out of control, speeding and swerving down the street heading in my direction. I froze as I watched, absently noticing that I was safe from harm because I was across a small concrete partition that also had large trees as cover. All I could do was watch in seeming slow motion as the truck continued in my direction, the swerving getting worse before clipping my car, HARD, along the driver side while somehow avoiding the 5 other cars parked along the same section of road.

It was strange how the mind could freeze one moment and then kick into overdrive the next. I swear I felt myself just blinking as the truck disappeared as quickly as it had come. As my brain caught up to what had happened I ran to my car to assess the damage. The entire side had been dented so badly I was sure both doors wouldn't open and the hood certainly wouldn't. The front tire was also destroyed and bent at a strange angle. I unlocked the door to test my theory on whether or not it would open only to find out I was correct. I had no idea how much this would cost to fix but since I had a $1000 deductible I knew I would most likely be paying at least that. My hands went to my head as I fought the urge to scream.

"Bella!" I realized my phone was still in my hand and I hadn't hung up.

"Edward?"

"Thank God. I heard something loud on your end and you wouldn't answer me when I called out. Are you okay?"

"Someone just hit my car and drove off." Why would someone do that? Accidents happen and by running they are risking arrest not to mention making my life much harder then they already had.

"FUCK. Are you okay? Are you injured? Do you need me to call an ambulance? The police?" I wasn't sure I had heard Edward sound so freaked out before and I was positive he'd never sworn in front of me before, although I was sure some of the muffled noises I'd heard the day Tanya forgot Lizzie were a tad bit colorful.

"I'm okay, I promise. I wasn't in the car. I was walking to it when I saw a truck swerving before slamming into the side. I can't even open the door." I walked over to the other side of the car to open my glove compartment so I could get my insurance information.

"Where are you at? Are you alone? Are you safe?" I couldn't resist smiling at his concern despite the situation I was in.

I told him where I was while assuring him that it was a safe area and he didn't need to worry. He seemed to ignore all of my efforts though. "I'm not far Beautiful. Give me about 20 minutes and I'll be there."

"That's sweet Edward but I promise I'm fine." Truthfully I loved the idea of him coming to me like my own personal white knight but I felt bad knowing how much he has on his plate right now. He was having constant meetings with his attorney with regards to Tanya and the last thing he needed was further burdens.

"Bella..." His voice was firm but managed to be calming as well. "...baby you have no way to get home now. It doesn't sound like your car is exactly drive-able. You have to notify the police and your insurance as well as deal with the car itself. Let me at least take care of YOU okay?"

I really did try not to swoon at his words, especially his newest endearment for me but it was an impossible feat. "Okay."

"Okay." He confirmed my acquiescence with some humor in his tone. "I'll be there soon sweetheart."

"Bye." As soon as I let him go I called the police who said they would send someone to assess the damage and write a report. Hopefully there were cameras nearby and this could be fixed. Next I called my insurance company who weren't much help. They didn't tell me anything I didn't already know to do such as get pictures and a police report. I was starting to take the needed pictures when I heard my name being called from behind me. I turned just in time to notice Edward before he picked me up, pulled me close and without a word kissed me deeply. His right hand was cradling my face right below my jaw and his left was wrapped around my waist tightly.

I let myself get lost in him for a few moments as my body hummed anywhere he was touching me. The heat was enough to make me forget everything for a few precious seconds, everything except him anyway. His thumb gently stroked my face as he deepened the kiss further. He added pressure to my chin just enough to cause my mouth to open a bit. I actually felt his slight smirk as he accomplished his goal of getting my mouth to open for him. I found myself smiling a bit as well before letting loose a slight giggle. He chuckled and slowed down our R rated public display till we were sharing a couple small but still deep kisses before finally looking at the other. Edward was still holding me up slightly so I was closer to his height and he smiled at me while using his hand to brush my hair behind my neck. "Hi."

I couldn't help it when I laughed loudly while sporting a huge smile at this amazing man. "Hi Edward. How's your day going?" He laughed with me while shaking his head. We hadn't actually had a chance to really talk today due to the early hour and my appointment. I'd actually had to take the day off work so I could even go as there weren't a lot of openings.

"Not nearly as exciting as your day it seems." He pulled back from me but kept contact by naturally fitting his right hand into my left before stepping to the side a bit to look at the damage to my car. "Jesus... How fast was the guy going?"

"Fast enough that I barely had time to blink after the collision before his car was just gone.

"Did you get a description of the vehicle? Make, model, license plate? Even a few digits can help." I smiled at his inner lawyer showing.

"Am I talking to Edward or Mr. Cullen, attorney at law?"

"Both." He gave me determined expression and I fought smiling at his Alpha ways.

"It was a huge black truck with tinted windows, newer. I'm sorry I'm not a man and I don't speak car and driver so I didn't recognize the make." He narrowed his eyes at my playful teasing to which I just smiled innocently.

He pulled me close again and kissed me sweetly on the forehead. "Plenty of women know cars Bella. Rosalie probably knows more about cars then any 30 men twice her age. Speaking of..." He released me before he pulled out his phone and started making a call.

"Rose I need a favor." I was about to ask what he was up to but the cops got there and I was forced to give them my full attention. For some reason there were three police cars and 5 officers in total which seemed a bit much but I suppose it was a slow crime day. I explained that I had just come from the pharmacy when I heard the truck. I gave them a description including that the license plate had started with an A.

Two of the officers went to the pharmacy to check if they had any cameras in the parking lot, though I doubt any angle would have caught much of the truck regardless. Two more of the officers went down the street to assess if any other property had been damaged, after I explained how fast it had all happened. That left just one cop remaining. He was very friendly and immediately asked if I was okay and if I had a way home since my car would need to be towed. I gestured to Edward, who was standing a bit away from us, leaning on his car while still on the phone.

"Edward is taking me."

The officer glanced at him and frowned slightly. I followed his line of sight and saw Edward putting his phone in his pocket before walking toward us. "Did... he witness this accident?"

"No I didn't. Bella was on the phone with me when it happened." Edward loosely wrapped his arm around my waist and I smiled at the gesture. I was still on edge from the events of the day and his presence was soothing. I gave the officer my license, registration, and car insurance information and he said he would go write up the report.

My shoulders sagged deeply with the weight of the day. "Bella..." Edwards hand brought my face up to his level. "Are you okay?"

"Just exhausted and it's only..." I glanced at my phone. "...noon. It feels a lot later." You would think I'd be getting used to how much Edward touched me but it caused butterfly's every single time and of course I had to fight off a near constant blush.

"How about I take you out to lunch after the cops are done?"

"I'd love that but I still have to call a tow and deal with the insurance company." I scrunched my nose in aggravation. Edward apparently found the mannerism adorable as he leaned in and kissed my nose quickly and chuckled.

"The tow is taken care of. I called my sister in law and her garage is sending a trailer to grab your car and store it."

"You didn't have to do that Edward."

"I wanted to Beautiful." His hands started stroking my hair on either side of my head and his eyes followed the movement. He seemed to really enjoy my hair though I wasn't sure why. Tanya had beautiful strawberry blonde hair and I just had generic brown yet I often caught him watching it and touching it. "My brother and her own a custom body-shop. She did the paint job on my car." He gestured to his Maybach and it's beautiful dark blue color that I couldn't decide to quantify as midnight, charcoal, or steel. Regardless of name though it was flawless. If she worked on 6-figure cars like his what on earth is her work worth?

"That's really nice of her Edward, but I don't think I can afford a place..." He was rolling his eyes before I could finish the sentence.

"Bella she's housing it for free. Like I said she has extra room right now. Plus I know Rose, she'll assess the damage personally and she'll fix it up fast after the insurance is dealt with."

"Edward..." My voice was small but still displeased. I didn't want to be a burden.

"Yes Beautiful?" He smirked wickedly. So not fair...

"I'll probably just get it to Forks and have Jacob work on it. He doesn't have a body shop but he can at least make it run.

"Bella, you told me Forks is hours away. It would be an expensive job to tow it and I sincerely doubt you can drive it there in it's current state." It seemed he had barely been listening to my words but after he spoke it was like what I'd said finally registered. "Who's Jacob?"

"Ummm. Family friend."

"Friend?"

"His dad and my dad are best friends so we grew up together. He's practically family." Edward just starred at me a moment before smiling slightly. He leaned in to me and kissed my ear.

"Do you tend to make a habit of dating family, gorgeous?"

Uhhhhh? I didn't know what to say but I felt my eyes widen, probably confirming his suspicions instantly. "Is it that obvious?"

"Well when I asked who he was you displayed about 10 different tells, letting me know how uncomfortable you were. That usually means an ex."

"Not...10."

"Sweetheart never play poker." I smacked his arm and he laughed. "I would annihilate you on the witness stand." He lowered his voice while speaking close to my head. "I could get all your secrets. You better hope that never happens."

"Shut up."

"Feisty..." He kissed my temple and I smiled at his teasing. If his goal had been to make me feel better he'd more then succeeded. Here I was dealing with an UN-driveable car yet I was laughing and as happy as can be.

The officer brought me back all my information as well as the police report. The other officers came back and there was a video of the parking lot but it was digital and they would have to check back at their precinct. Edward asked the officers lots of questions which they politely answered though they seemed a bit unnerved about it. Edward let it be known that he was a lawyer and would look into the situation with the driver. After he said that the cops informed us that there had been a 'disturbance' a few blocks away and that they suspected that this car was linked. Edward asked to be kept updated and when they began to politely decline he informed them that he was MY attorney and needed the information for legal purposes.

…...

"Edward you shouldn't lie to the police." We had just sat down in his car after waving off the tow truck.

"It wasn't a lie... per-say. More an exaggeration of details"

"Is that lawyer talk for lying?"

"The world is full of greys, few things are black and white."

"Hmmmm." He started up the engine but turned to me with a big smile.

"Besides I AM a lawyer so what I said was the truth."

"But you aren't MY lawyer." I enunciated the my part and he leaned in and spoke in my ear.

"Are you saying I'm not yours Ms. Swan?"

"Behave Mr. Cullen."

"You would hate it if I did." He winked and I blushed. Then he pulled out and headed towards a restaurant.

He asked what I wanted and I picked Italian since pasta and soup sounded perfect on a chilly day. He found the closest place and we went inside. At Edward's insistence we ordered the food to go and waited in a small seating area by the bar.

"I'm sorry for the work disruption."

"Don't be. I'd much rather be with you." I smiled at him and he kissed me softly.

"You're to good to me."

"Am I?" GOD his wicked smile... I felt paralyzed by it every-time, in a wonderful way. It had me wondering what he was thinking.

"Yes. How's a girl to resist your charms?"

"If you're even trying then clearly I'm not working hard enough." How was I expected to respond to that.

…...

We grabbed the food and were getting into the car when Edward surprised me with his next words. "Did you want to come over to my house?"

"What?" I honestly hadn't expected that.

He chuckled and leaned over to kiss my cheek before speaking softly while looking me right in the eye. "Come over."

"Okay." I could never resist that smile in combination with his firm velvety voice. He pulled out of the restaurant and began the drive to his house which he explained was a bit of a drive. We sat mostly in a comfortable silence while I processed the day. It had been one of the most uncomfortable starts of the day possible, followed by a horrible late morning, and now... I didn't even know how to classify my feelings. Happiness, excitement, nervousness, and many other emotions all tied together.

"What are you thinking about so intently over there?"

I looked at him and he glanced in my direction before returning his eyes to the road. "Nothing." I said that WAY to fast. He's right, I WOULD be a terrible poker player...

"Uh-huh... sure I believe you." His smile was the only effort he put into hiding his sarcasm.

"What are we going to do... at your house?" Did that sound nearly as awkward out loud as it did in my head? Never one to disappoint me, Edward glanced at me with a supremely devilish smile.

"What do you want to do Beautiful?"

"Paint?" I smirked as he rolled his eyes at me.

"How about we start with eating?"

"Yum." He laughed.

The last ten minutes or so of the trip was spent with me laughing uncontrollably as Edward regaled me with hilarious stories involving his siblings.

"Well here we are." I looked away from him as he pulled up to a beautiful and absolutely huge house. I knew my eyes bugged out slightly but how could they not. I didn't know much about real estate but I did know that Seattle was one of the most expensive cities in the US. How much was this place? It had 2 2-car garages alone.

"WOW." He pulled up to the garage and pushed a button to open the garage. He pulled in and I immediately noticed another car parked on the opposite side of the garage. It was a large SUV but I didn't have a chance to notice much else before Edward was out of the car and opening my door for me. He offered his hand to help me up before grabbing our food from the back seat and walking us inside.

"WOW." We had barely walked into the house and I was already speechless again.

"I heard you the first time." He laughed as I took in everything.

"This place is amazing." I wasn't just saying it because the place was 'nice'. I was saying it because I had no other words to describe his house. It was huge, bright, gorgeous, spacious, and I'd only seen a little of it thus far.

"Thanks. I can't take all the credit though." He stepped back and clicked the button on the wall to close the garage before leading the way past the laundry room, and hallway to the kitchen and dining room. I wish I had saved my overly exuberant WOW's for these rooms now that I saw them. Unlike everything being a lighter tone as I was used to seeing in modern homes, Edward seemed to prefer darker options. The walls were traditional white but there was plenty of color in the space from the darker wood furniture to lots of art pieces featuring forests, canyons, water, caves and every other nature-scape. I was drawn to one large photograph piece that actually looked a lot like Forks, judging by the colors and trees. The greens, greys, and blues in it reminded me of home.

"You like that one huh?" I hadn't even realized that I'd walked right up to where it was placed on the far end of the room.

"It's beautiful. Do you know where it was taken?"

"I'm not sure. I bought it at an art gallery after Lizzie fell in love with it."

"She did?"

"Oh yeah. Unsurprisingly she picked out most of these." I smiled at him as he gestured to all the paintings and photos all around us. "Like I said, I can't take all the credit." He walked us over to the kitchen where he gestured for me to sit down while he grabbed drinks from the fridge. When he asked what I wanted I shrugged and told him I'd drink whatever he was. He got each of us a water and soda before sitting down next to me.

"Who picked out the furniture?" I couldn't exactly picture Edward doing a lot of shopping but I also doubted that Lizzie would have been able to pick out pieces that fit the space and natural décor so well.

"My mother. Lizzie picked out the art and therefore the 'theme' of the house first and my mother tasked herself with finding 'accompanying' pieces." He used finger quotes and I laughed at his mock enthusiasm.

"Your mother has great taste. Must be where Lizzie gets it."

"She's a full package. She gets her kindness from my father and sister, her sense of humor from my brother, her math skills from her mother, her creativity from my mother..."

"What does she get from you?"

"Well obviously her charm, good-looks, winning personality,..."

"And her modesty of course." I spoke sarcastically and he leaned in to kiss me quickly.

"Obviously." He whispered that into my ear making me shiver. He certainly wasn't lying about his skills. If Lizzie does inherit even half her father's charm I actually feel bad for the boys she'll encounter. Ahhh the things she'll be able to get from them with minimal effort.

We finished our food quickly as we both seemed pretty hungry. Afterwards he grabbed my drink as well as his before leading the way to his living room. He sat the drinks on the table and just when I went to sit on the couch that I thought he was about to sit down on he quickly excused himself and left the room. I stood awkwardly in this gorgeous room as I waited for him to get back. He didn't take long but when he returned he held his hand out casually and I wordlessly reached to him just in time for him to drop something in my hand. I glanced down and noticed what the item was, car keys.

"Edward?"

"Yeah?" He clearly didn't notice the shock in my voice as he casually sat down on the couch and glanced up at me with a calm expression.

"Ummm?" I held up the keys and he shrugged... yes he shrugged.

"You need a car for a little while." I looked down and starred at the key chain for a couple silent moments, actually feeling myself pale as I did. I looked back at him and he was watching me with a small smile. My mouth opened but I didn't know what to say.

"Belllla." he dragged out my name as he rolled his eyes and stood back up. He pulled me into his arms. I still held the keys in my one hand while the other naturally went to hold his upper arm. "Sweetheart it's just a car."

"Edward this is to much."

"Why?"

"Because it is."

"Amazing argument Ms. Swan." He smirked and I huffed.

"Please I can't accept." I held the key back out to him but he ignored it entirely and instead kept his eyes on me.

"Why not?"

I lowered my head but he didn't let it stay that way and instead softly lifted my chin up to look at him. "I don't have anyway of paying you back."
He spoke softly and in his usual velvety tone. "Bella, it's just a loan."

"Still..."

"Why won't you let me help you?"

"Edward don't word it like that."

"Like what?" I didn't know what to say to that and instead just took a couple deep breaths. "You need a car for a little while and I have two, it's not a problem for me at all."

"What if I damage it?"

"That's what insurance is for sweetheart."

"What if I get it dirty?"

"I'll get it washed."

"What if it breaks?"

"I'll replace it." He was getting increasingly more amused as I rambled.

"What if..." He cut me off by kissing me. Like the traitor my body is it immediately responded to the contact. He wrapped his arms around my waist, his hands tight against my lower back, and pulled me tight to him. My arms automatically wrapped around his neck holding myself to him. The kiss, which was meant to distract me briefly, immediately turned quite heated. He shifted one hand up my side slowly and I could feel the heat all along my body where his trail had been. His hand closed around the back of my neck and held my head tight to him. The firm authority behind the way he held me had me letting out a small mewing sound that seemed to excite him thoroughly as he immediately pulled me to him with force. The action sent heat all through me and caused my heart to actually skip a beat. I didn't think that a guy could actually do that to a girl yet here I was.

He pulled back but not far. His eyes were dark as he watched me and breathed deeply. His hand softly brushed my hair behind my ear before smoothing it a couple times then resting his hand on the nape of my neck. "Bella, take the keys."

God this man. As usual I didn't know how to describe his tone. Was he asking, ordering, suggesting strongly? I couldn't tell but I knew I loved it. "Okay." It came out small and I would have been embarrassed by that if not for the big smile he gave in response.

"That's my girl."

"But I'm only using it for a couple days until I get everything sorted with my insurance company..." I spoke quickly, trying to assure him and myself that I wasn't going to take advantage of his generosity.

"Bella..."

"...and I'll get it detailed after I'm done with it..."

"Bella..."

"...I shouldn't need it for more than 2 days I think and I'll use it minimally."

"Bella..." His voice grew huskier and my uncomfortably timid eyes met his. "...shut up." I honestly wasn't expecting that and my mouth opened to respond but he quickly kissed me softly and but ended it before it could deepen again. He had a wicked grin on his face when he pulled away.

"Thank-you." I suddenly realized I hadn't actually thanked him for his offer, and wanted to rectify that.

"Anything for you sweetheart."

After that Edward pulled me to the couch where we cuddled close and started talking about anything and everything. Our conversation seemed to focus on our parents. It sounded like I would love his mom. He described her as a small Irishwoman that no one dared to cross which made me laugh. He also told me that she was the strongest person he knew. I talked about my erratic mother and how she was the most randomly entertaining person I knew. He asked for details and I described how she can go for a walk and suddenly come home with 2 stray dogs that she's now obsessed with fostering.

"Never a dull moment huh?" I laughed hard at his question after I told him some of her various stunts over the years.

"Nope, I would never describe her as boring."

"What about your dad?"

"He's actually the complete opposite of my mom. He loves the small town life. He's quiet and rarely says more than a few words at a time. His favorite hobby is fishing because, and I'm quoting him here, he loves the quiet." I rolled my eyes thinking of all the times I'd gone fishing with him just to spend time with my dad. I never cared for it but loved being with him enough to endure it.

"How does that work for their marriage?"

"Amazingly well. He keeps her hair-brained nature grounded and she forces him to live a little."

He laughed loudly at my description of my parents. "My dad compliments my mom as well. She's firm, whereas he's relaxed. She's stubborn, he accommodates. My mother is powerful but my father is soulful. He's not as obvious with his emotions but he feels deeply."

"He sounds like my dad." We both laughed.

After awhile our conversation trailed off until we were just sitting together in a comfortable silence. Edward was laying against the side of his sofa and I was laying flat with my back against his side. He had his arm around my stomach and my hands were rested on his arm. The television was on but the sound was so low I could barely hear it. We were just enjoying each-others company. I wasn't sure I'd ever been with someone that I could just BE with. There was always a need to fill the awkward silence with conversation or activity. With Edward I didn't feel that need though because nothing felt awkward. I felt safe and completely content with him, especially in his arms.

My mind was wondering through everything that happened today and I was thinking about the good and bad. Bad... my exam, my car... the good, Edward. I hadn't planned on really seeing him until next week because of Angela monopolizing my birthday and then my parents coming to visit Sunday so I can celebrate with them as well. I guess the good that came from everything was that at least I got some time with my... with Edward. I suddenly realized that we hadn't actually referred to one-another by the title of boyfriend or girlfriend... at least not with one another. Did that mean something? Was it to soon to label us?

"What are you thinking about over there?" I looked up at him which was a bit difficult because we had shifted down the couch a bit more as we'd been sitting here.

"Nothing really."

He lifted me effortlessly so that he could lay down flat before pulling me on top of him. God he was strong. I wasn't huge or anything but he lifted me like I weighed nothing. He smiled as his finger traced my brow. "Really? The wrinkle in between your eyes suggests otherwise." I blushed as he pulled me down closer and kissed me softly. "What's going through that pretty head?"

"Just thinking about how long of a day it's been." It wasn't a complete lie as I was thinking about that. I just certainly wasn't going to bring up the whole 'what are we to eachother?' conversation because I didn't want to add any tension. I just wanted to enjoy our rare opportunity to be alone together.

He seemed to buy my stall as he laughed. "Only 2 out of three possibilities though since bad things normally happen in three's so I guess your day could still get worse." I started laughing before my mind registered that he said I was one shy, not 2. Just as my mind caught up to that he spoke again.

"I almost forgot with all the excitement with your car... How was your doctor's appointment?" His eyes were kind as he watched me. Meanwhile I was staring at him like a deer in the headlights.

UHHHHH. Well third bad/uncomfortable event of the day... here we go...

END NOTES (Don't read until after you've already read the chapter as there may be spoilers):

-REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW. Please and thank-you

-Ever had one of those days where everything happens at once? Lol. Poor Bella has had a hard day.

-I really appreciate all my loyal readers that have stuck with me and my story(s). I know my updates are very few now with a new baby and demanding job so Thank-you everyone. You all rock. ;-)

-I know seeing a gynecologist for the first time at 20-21 is a bit later than what could be considered 'normal' but I actually know lots of women that didn't start until in their mid 20's. Probably not the smartest choice but who can fault anyone wanting to put the pap-smear test on hold? I remember mine and to this day I hate the swab part the most.

-I hope the appointment came off realistic for everyone. I used a lot of my own first experiences with this although I was younger and brought my mom not a friend. Bella's character is obviously an inexperienced girl but not foolish and she wants her bases covered.

-I started seeing an OBGYN early due to breast cancer running in my family. My maternal grandmother got it but fortunately she survived. :-)

-I went with the pill when I was younger too but eventually had to stop taking it as it started causing terrifying episodes of shortness of breath (My family does HORRIBLE with hormone based birth control). If anyone wants to share their early experiences with various birth control methods let me know.

-EPOV next. It will be a good one.