BPOV

It was hard to stay away from Edward. Everyday I wanted to talk to him and touch him. But I restrained myself.

But after six weeks, I found myself unable to stay away from him.

I was running when I came across Edward's home. It was nighttime, and I couldn't sleep. Though I can, it's usually hard to fall asleep, and I'm a light sleeper. The house was pretty big, a nice size. He was mumbling in his sleep, so I decided to go see what he was talking about.

I snuck into his room through the open window. It was blue and silver, very luxurious and masculine.

"Bella." He whispered. I froze. Did he know that I was here?

Then he rolled over and mumbled my name once more.

He was dreaming about me. Oh my gosh!

That was the second I realized I could no longer stay away from him.

So the next day, I talked to him, even sitting at a private table with him at lunch. He was a curious little creature, asking questions galore.

I went hunting on Friday with Emmett. The weekend was very sunny.

After spying on Edward through the trees at school, I heard that he and his friends were going to Port Angeles. I knew he'd be fine.

I was reading on Tuesday when Alice told me to go to Port Angeles. I ran to my Ferrari and drove at 120 miles per hour, panicked. What if something was wrong with Edward?

I used my super-hearing to find him. A man and woman were trying to kidnap him to get revenge on his father. The man had a gun pointed at Edward's head, so when I arrived, I used my super-speed to run over to his head. I broke the wrist with the gun in it before going to defend my mate.

I took him to dinner while his friends watched a movie. We talked. In the car on the way back, he revealed that he thought I was a Vampire, and I confirmed it. He had a right to know, anyways. I answered all of his questions, which were pretty basic. Diet, and myths.

Today I'm going to pick Edward up for school. Rosalie was going to drive herself and our siblings to school in her red 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Convertible.

When I arrived, I got out and learned on the passenger door. Edward didn't notice me until he came outside, dressed casual as always.

"Want a ride to school?" I asked.

"Yeah, thanks."

I used my super-speed to get over to my side of the car. Once we were both strapped in, I started driving away.

"Which do you like better: sunrise or sunset?"

I sighed. "Sunrise. The beginning of a new day."

"Which do you like better: giving or receiving gifts?"

"Giving. I'm not a big fan of gifts."

We were at school now. I parked next to Rosalie's convertible.

"Who's car is that?" Edward asked.

"Rose's. She likes flashy cars, too. Ostentatious, isn't it?"

"If she's got that, why does she ride with you?"

"Like I said, it's ostentatious. We try to blend in."

She laughed as I opened the car door. "No offense, but you're totally failing there."

I rolled my eyes.

"Why did Rosalie drive today if it's more conspicuous?"

"My fault—as usual, Rosalie would say. Haven't you noticed, Edward? I'm

breaking all the rules now."

I met him at the front of the car, staying very close to my side as we walked onto campus.

"Why do you even have cars like that?" he wondered aloud. "If you're looking for privacy, there are plenty of used Hondas available."

"It's an indulgence," I admitted with a little half-smile. "We all like to

drive fast."

"Of course," he muttered.

I laughed.

When we got inside, Jessica attempted a death glare at me but failed before walking Edward to their first class of the day.

I headed over to English, which was my first class of the day.

That's when I heard Edward and Mike talking in Government.

"Dang, son," Mike said. "Who knew you had that kind of game?"

"I have no game."

"Please. Bella Cullen. C'mon. How did you

swing that?"

"I didn't do anything."

"How long has this been happening? Is it some kind of secret? Like, she doesn't want her family to know? Is that why you pretended you were going to the movie with us?"

"I wasn't pretending anything. I had no idea she was in Port Angeles last night. She was the last person I expected to see."

"Have you ever been out with her before last night?"

"Never."

"Huh. Just a total coincidence?"

"I guess."

"Because, you know, it's not a secret that you've been, like, obsessed with her since you got here."

"It's not?"

"So, I have to wonder how you turned that around. Do you have a genie in a lamp? Did you find some blackmail on her? Or did you trade your soul to the devil or something?"

"Whatever, man."

"Exactly how much did you get in the bargain? Bet it was a pretty wild night, eh?"

Edward answered calmly. "It was an early night. Home by eight."

"Are you serious?"

"It was just dinner and a ride home, Mike."

"What about this morning, though? You were still with her."

"Still? No! What—you thought she was with me all night?"

"She wasn't?"

"No."

"But you were in her car—"

"She picked me up for school this morning."

"Why?"

"I have no idea. She offered me a ride. I wasn't going to say no."

"And that's it? Really? Please tell me you at least made out with her—anything."

"It's not like that."

"That is, hands down, the most disappointing story I've ever heard in my entire life. I take back everything I said about your game. Obviously, it's just some pity thing."

"Yeah, probably."

"Maybe I should try to look more pathetic. If that's what Bella is into."

"Go for it."

"It won't take her long to get bored with you, I bet."

"Yeah," Edward said. "I'm sure you're right." I will never, ever get bored of you.

"You know what, though?" Mike said under his breath. "I think I'd rather be with a normal girl."

"That's probably for the best," Edward muttered in a hard voice. "Keep your

expectations low."

I rolled my eyes. Mr. Masen came in then, starting class.

Jessica walked Edward to lunch. I walked swiftly to their side, gently ripping Edward away. I smirked at her jealous and mad face.

"Thank you. Jess was driving me crazy."

I laughed.

I followed him to get his lunch. He got a pepperoni pizza, some chocolate milk, and a green apple. Then we went to sit down at our table.

"I'm curious. What would you do if someone dared you to eat food?"

"You're always curious." I made a face, then daintily tore the tip off a piece of pizza, popped it in my mouth, and started chewing. It was disgusting, and tasted like dirt. I almost spit it back out.

After a second, I swallowed, then gave Edward a superior look.

"If someone dared you to eat dirt, you could, couldn't you?" I asked.

He grinned at me. "I did once…...on a dare. It wasn't so bad."

"Somehow, I'm not surprised. Here." I shoved the rest of the pizza to him.

He took a bite.

"Where is your ideal place to live?" I asked.

"In Chicago."

"Have you ever been in love? Who was your first crush? What was your first kiss like?"

"I've gone on a few dates upon my friend's insistence, but I've never kissed anyone, or been kissed."

"Really, Mr. Popular?" I asked.

"Yeah. You're the first serious one."

I giggled before asking a question I was curious about. "Do I show up in your dreams or fantasies?"

He blushed for once. "To be completely honest? Yes. Pretty much every night."

"I haven't slept in days. Just because I can sleep doesn't mean it's easy to. What is your ideal date?"

"As long as I'm with you, I'm fine."

"This Saturday, since you're not going on a date, I was wondering if I could take you somewhere. It will be warm out, of course."

"Sounds great." He agreed.

"If we were going to role play, who would you want me to dress up as?"

He grinned. "Supergirl, because you're always saving my life."

I laughed and stood up. "Let's get to class, shall we?"

"Yes."

We walked side by side. I almost gasped when he took my hand into his warm, soft one. I was surprised by how hard and callous it was.

We reached biology, taking our seats. Today we were watching a movie.

Once the lights were out, I felt a weird electricity between us, and we weren't even touching. I wondered if Edward could feel it. It wasn't comfortable, but it didn't hurt.

After the long hour was over, I walked Edward to study hall. I have gym. When we arrived at the media center, he stroked my cheek, making me close my eyes, tilt my head into his hand and purr like a kitten.

He chuckled and removed his hand. I turned around sharply and walked to class. I changed out of my black off-the-shoulder crop top, black pants, dark olive green coat, and brown boots, exchanging it for my gym uniform. It was just a navy blue shirt that said "Forks" in gold, with a golden spartan underneath. I put on my gold athletic shorts and my black tennis shoes before starting gym.

Gym is hard for a Vampire, but I've mastered how to run, jump, and play games at a human pace. It took a lot of practice, but now I'm a pro.

After some tennis, Mike walked over to me.

"Hey, Bella. I have a question."

"Go ahead."

"Why did you choose Masen? I mean, he's not even half as cool or as athletic as me. Nor as good-looking. I'm a better choice."

"Here's my rebuttal. In Chicago, he was Captain of the basketball team, quarterback of the football team, and the fastest on the track. He's the most beautiful boy I've seen, with eyes like emeralds and a rare hair color. He's special and stands out. He actually wants to get to me and cares for me. He doesn't care for my money or looks. Shall I go on?"

"I get the idea." He snapped, walking to the locker room to go change. I did the same.

Edward was waiting by my car. I smiled at him and climbed in. Once we were both in and strapped in, I started driving.

"So, Mike Newton asked me why I chose you." He paled. "So I defended you."

"What did he say about me?"

"That he's better looking, more athletic and a better choice. I told him that you're special, different, have God-like looks, and told him how athletic you are."

"Thank you."

I shrugged. "You're my mate. It's my job to protect you in any way possible."

We were in front of Edward's house now. I could hear his mom inside, cooking a snack for him.

"What's a mate?" He asked.

"It's a vampire term. A mate is a Vampire's romantic partner. We only get one. For us, it's hard to be away from our mate for too long. It's like agony, because we miss them so much. We're very protective of them, prepared to do anything to keep them safe, alive and happy. Ever wonder why I'm so protective of you? You're human, and not as safe or as vulnerable as a Vampire."

"So I'm your mate?"

"Bingo!"

He chuckled. "So, say I do die, you don't get another mate?"

"Not that I'm aware of. Which is why I've been protecting you. Ignoring you for six weeks was agony." I sighed. "You should go inside. I'll pick you up tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay. Thank you." He got out and went inside.

"Mom! I'm home!" I heard him cry. I sighed and drove home.

When I got home, Rosalie was pist. Her arms were crossed, and she looked plain old scary. She stood on the backless wooden stairs.

"He knows." She spat. "When did he find out?"

"Monday, but I confirmed it yesterday."

"Why didn't you lie?"

I shrugged. "He deserves to know. He is my mate, after all."

Emmett appeared behind Rose. "As happy as I am for you, what are you going to do? He's a human in a world of vampires."

"And don't forget about the Volturi." Rose hissed.

I rolled my eyes.

"Are you going to change him?" Emmett asked.

I shrugged. "If he wants me to. If he chooses for me to change him, it'll be when he turns 18. I want him to be an adult and be out of high school first."

"Not a bad plan. And if he doesn't want to be?" Em asked.

I shrugged. "I'll let him stay human."

"He can't stay human! It's too dangerous. Either the Volturi will find out, or another vampire will try to kill him. Just…...be careful." She flipped her long, blond hair back and started walking away.

I sighed and went to find Alice.

"You explained mates to Edward?" She asked.

"Yes. But I need some physic advice." She raised an eyebrow. "I want to take Edward to my meadow to show him what I really am, and explain some things."

"But……"

"I'm worried I might hurt or kill him. What do you see?"

"It's quite blurry. All I know is that you take him to the meadow. I am 80% confident that you won't kill him."

"80 percent?!" I screeched. "That's not good enough."

"If you truly love him, Bella, you won't harm him." She kissed my cheek and left the room.

I sighed and went over to my room. My room is lavender and silver, with a big king bed, a desk, shelves full of books, knick knacks and CDs, a window wall overlooking the back of the house, a few plants, a private bathroom, and a huge walk-in-closet. Esme and I designed it together.

I threw myself onto my big, king bed, and just thought.

AN: Good news! I have finished writing book one! So I will try to upload the rest of the chapters today.