BPOV

When I spoke to Charlie about school, he was pleased that I wasn't going to be in school anymore.

"You know how ironic it sounds that you're happy your teenage daughter and her boyfriend are not going to be in school anymore?" I made sure irony was clear to Charlie.

"Wait, Edward's going to be taking the GED with you?" The surprise was evident in his voice

"Yes, I've spoken to my father and he understands," Edward cooly responded.

"I know you two want to spend your time together, but this seems a little extreme," Charlie admitted. In a normal scenario, I would have agreed, but there was truly nothing normal about Edward and I.

It was a phone call to Carlisle that eased his worries.

It was arranged for Edward and myself to take the GED that same week in Forks. The morning of the exam Edward picked me up and took me to the school. The test was very early in the morning, so people would see us, but I didn't want to complain because I was pretty positive that the Cullens had pulled many strings to get the test done as conveniently as possible.

"So, is this arrangement a Cullen perk or a cancer perk?" I asked as we were driving to the high school where the test was being administered.

"What makes you say that?" Edward said, trying to hide his smile.

"It's all a little too convenient. I don't even think Forks administers the GED. I'm pretty sure you have to go to Port Angeles, and that they're letting you take it with me. No questions asked." I shot Edward a knowing look.

"Well, I guess we'll never know," he shrugged his shoulders and laughed. He kissed the hand that he held as we pulled into the lot. I had been correct, there were students still walking around the front of the building.

"Hey, relax," Edward said in a soothing tone, I'm sure he could hear my heart racing. "It'll be fine. Wait, are you worried about the exam or that we're here?" He smirked.

I scrunched my nose, and bit my lip, "Both, definitely both," I said not hiding my sarcastic tone. I didn't like the idea of having people stare at me again. It went against my nature to be so intensely watched.

"Of course, you are," he laughed, every time I heard it I loved it more. "Well I can help you on the exam, though I doubt you'll need it. And as for the people, I'll fend them off as best I can," he said slyly and then winked. He and I both knew he could fend them off, but it was much harder for him to control his temper with everyone. I took a deep breath. Edward was once again on my side of the car, faster than what should have been possible, to help me out.

It was getting much easier to deal with the oxygen tank and cannula, but my pre-existing balance issues still hindered me. He took my hand, and handed me the backpack. It started as one person seeing us then slowly it seemed like everyone was watching us. I squeezed Edward's hand to ground myself. Edward was wearing his guarded expression and his body language was tense.

"Mike is about to come over and try to talk to you," Edward muttered.

"Ok," I said dubiously, remembering how our last encounter did not go very well. And sure enough Mike was approaching us. His eyes were focused on me, but his gaze kept flickering to Edward. He was wearing the same grin as normal.

"So," Mike said, finally reaching us. "You're alive," he was doing a poor Frankenstein impression that fell flat.

"Yeah, last time I checked," I chuckled awkwardly.

"So, you just get to come and go as you please now? That's a bonus, I guess," Mike said, his voice was filled with humor, and I knew he meant no harm, but I was taken aback by his words. A snarl was building in the back of Edward's throat, Mike's words weren't well received, I couldn't even imagine what his thoughts were like. Edward let go of my hand and grabbed me by the waist, pulling me closer to him.

"Relax," I mumbled to Edward. "It's fine." He took a deep breath, but his expression did not lighten.

"Umm...no, not exactly Mike. We are testing out," I explained.

"What, the both of you? Why?- umm… I mean I get why you would, I guess, but why Cullen?" This was amusing to me because it was more than likely that he didn't know, that everything he 'knew' was probably a product of the rumor mill.

"His name is Edward, and it's really none of your concern, Mike," I said as politely as I could.

"Do Chief Swan and Dr. Cullen know about this?" From the look on Mike's face, he thought he had caught us in some deceptive scheme.

"Yes, they know, but it doesn't change that this doesn't involve you, Mike." My patience was wearing thin, and I was tiring from all the standing.

Edward turned his head to me. "We should go, we don't want to be late," he said gently.

Never letting me go, I said a goodbye to Mike, and we walked away.

As we walked Edward started chuckling.

"What?" I asked curiously.

"Newton feels lead on," he explained.

"Oh," I felt bad, I didn't think I did anything to lead him on.

"I know what you're thinking, but you didn't do anything, he's delusional." He leaned down and kissed my forehead.

The testing took fairly long, but they gave me breaks in between each section. Again, I wasn't sure if this was a cancer or Cullen perk. Edward didn't have to help me, and once we were done, we walked to his car hand in hand.

Edward was spending every waking moment with me, very rarely leaving my side. He had become a fixture in mine and Charlie's life.

It only took 2 days for the results of the exam to be given to us. Once again I wasn't sure if this was a cancer or Cullen perk. We had both passed the GED. Edward doing slightly better than myself, of course.

"Do you feel up to going to our meadow today?" Edward asked when I had awoken.

"Yeah, that sounds nice." It was going to be a nice day out anyway, and Charlie wasn't home.

"Okay, get dressed. I'll scrounge up some breakfast for you."

I nodded.

After my few 'human moments', I went downstairs dragging the backpack behind me. I internally cringed every time the backpack bumped into anything.I ate some food, not enough to satisfy Edward and left a note for Charlie in case he came back telling him we would be at the Cullen's house.

"Are you sure you're up for it?" Edward asked as we walked to my car.

"Yes," I sighed. "I'm sure."

"Sorry, I just want to make sure you're okay," Edward explained.

"Come on," I nudged my head to the car, and he opened the passenger door. Edward helped me with the oxygen tank, and in the blink of an eye he was in the driver's seat. He looked excited for something.

"What?" I asked cautiously.

"Nothing."

"I don't believe you, but okay," I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Just going to my favorite place with my favorite person," he said with a crooked smile.

I nodded in disbelief, "And I'm your favorite person?"

He smiled, "Unequivocally."

I bit my lip, blushing. "You're mine too."

It didn't take long before we reached the trail. We drove in comfortable silence for the majority of the ride there with Edward holding my hand. He helped me out of the car.

"Come on, climb on." He gestured to his back, while grabbing my backpack.

I made sure to keep my eyes closed, and when they reopened we were in the middle of the meadow.

"Congratulations, by the way, you're a high school graduate," Edward said sweetly, sitting down next to me.

"Sort of," I laughed.

"I got you something," he admitted.

"Edward…" I didn't want him to spend money on me. It just brought even more unbalance to our relationship.

"I didn't spend anything. And it was my mother's. I want you to have it," he explained.

"Okay…"

He grabbed a bracelet out of his pocket. There was a single crystal heart charm. I tried not to think about the cost because he said it was his mother's.

"It's beautiful." I watched as it glistened in the sun. "Thank you."

"See that wasn't so bad," Edward laughed. "It's a little symbolic too, you'll always carry my unbeating heart with you."

I felt the guilt start to creep in, but I pushed it away not wanting to spoil the moment.

"Thank you."

I pulled him to me, and kissed him. It wasn't long before my hands were in his hair, and his around my waist. I felt breathless. Edward started to pull away.

"You really love to test my control," he chuckled.

"I thought you said it didn't bother you anymore." I immediately felt bad, I didn't want to taunt Edward's restraint.

"That wasn't the desire I was referring to," he whispered in my ear.

"Oh." My heart was racing, and my face was getting hotter. I knew Edward could hear it, and besides the sly smile on his face, he didn't say anything.

"Here let me put in on you," Edward suggested.

"Yeah…" I was still a little dazed from his earlier confession. He gently put the bracelet, and then he placed a kiss on my wrist over my pulse point. We stayed for several hours. I always felt so comfortable around Edward, I didn't let myself get close to most people, but with Edward it didn't feel like a choice.

"Want to go back to my house? I'm pretty sure Esme have will cooked something for you," he chuckled.

I laughed. Edward seemed so much lighter these days, it was nice to see.

"Is there a point to arguing?" I laughed as I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. "Or did you already tell Esme we would be going over there?"

"You know me so well."

Edward stood up quickly, and gently pulled me up. He grabbed the bag, and we were back by the car quickly.

"I'll never get used to that," I said leaning on Edward. After a minute, we were back in the car, driving to Edward's house.

"By the way, Alice wanted me to remind you about prom. She wants you at our house to get ready."

I groaned, "Of course she does. How are we even going to prom, when neither of us even go to school anymore? Who's to say they won't remove us?" I couldn't imagine anything worse than being the cause of a scene at prom. "What if-," Edward cut me off my rambling with a kiss.

"We have our ways. And I don't think anyone would remove you. Besides, I would like to see someone try to remove us, I am a vampire. Remember?"

"I would not like to see that," I shuddered.

"You are absurd," Edward laughed. "You more scared of prom than being constantly surrounded by vampires or the even the fact that you're-". He paused before he said it.

"Dying," I finished for him. "It's not a dirty word, Edward."

"It certainly feels like it," He said curtly.

There was nothing I could say, so I grabbed his hand and sat in the silence. We reached Edward's house and Esme was there, and like I predicted she was in the kitchen with another meal prepared for me. I ate more than normal, once again mostly to not offend Esme.

"Thank you, Esme. It was delicious," I said. I was about to help clean up when Edward beat me to it.

"You could at least let me help," I whispered sternly.

"Please, neither Edward nor I mind," Esme responded for him, her voice gentle.

"Thank you again."

"Everyone is about to walk in," Edward informed me, and just as quick everyone was in the kitchen. Rosalie narrowed her eyes at me, and left without a word.

"Just ignore her, I do," Edward said dismissively.

"Bella!" Alice stepped forward hugging me, this time with less force. "I can't wait for Saturday."

"Yeah, so exciting," I said half-heartedly. Edward, Emmett, and Jasper snickered at my reluctance.

"Don't worry about anything. Edward is dropping you off here, and I have your dress and everything. It'll be so much fun." Alice's tone was pure excitement.

"Don't overwhelm her, Alice," Edward warned. "Reign it in, please."

"Alright, but-," she paused for a second, she looked like she was seeing something and then turned to Edward, she was smiling so brightly that I wasn't sure what had just happened.

"Really?" Alice squealed.

"Not now, Alice," Edward growled. I knew he had seen whatever Alice saw. She looked back at me excitedly.

"Sorry, I just am really excited for prom," Alice said, trying to dial down her excitement.

"Nice save," Edward scoffed and rolled his eyes.

Emmett, Jasper, Esme, and I all wore the same confusion in our expressions.

"What just happened?" I asked, slightly wary of whatever had gotten Alice so excited.

Everyone shrugged their shoulders, even Edward like he hadn't seen or heard her thoughts. Everyone's eyes fell to him.

"Come on, Bella. I should take you home," Edward abruptly said before I or anyone else could question him.

"Oh, okay," I was still very confused. I turned back to everyone. "Well it was nice to see everyone, and thanks again Esme. I guess I'll see you all on Saturday." I waved, before Edward led me out of the house.

Once we were in the car, I asked, "What just happened?"

"Nothing, you know how Alice is."

"Sure, but I know you saw what got her so excited," I narrowed my eyes at him.

He shrugged, "She's really excited for prom, what can I say?"

He leaned in to kiss me. He knew that this was his attempt at distracting me, and most of the time it worked. I kissed him for a second before I remembered he was driving.

"Edward, keep your eyes on the road," I urged.

"It's fine, don't worry."

After a minute, I realized, "You did that to distract me."

"No, I just love you." His tone was sincere, but he was wearing a mischievous smile.

"I don't believe you, that you weren't trying to distract me, I mean. But I love you too," I smiled.

When we got back to my house, I continued my routine. I made Charlie dinner, and at dinner time I ate a few bites with him. He didn't seem as bothered by my lack of eating. Edward had told him about Esme cooking for me. Charlie was pleased to know that Esme had joined their 'Bella needs to eat' brigade.

We then watched TV in the living room, tonight Edward joined us. Charlie and Edward talked about some sports team that I knew nothing about, and then he 'left'. I retired upstairs, taking a few human minutes, and then went into my room.

Edward was up against my headboard again looking lost in his thoughts.

"What are you thinking about?" I asked, grabbing my journal from the desk.

"You," He smiled.

"What about me?" I questioned.

"Nothing in particular." He started playing with my hair, which made my heart race. "Nothing and everything, does that make sense?"

"Surprisingly, yes."

I got some writing done before falling asleep at Edward's humming.