Hey everyone!! I got 4 reviews from the last chapter. Thank you to those who reviewed and thanks to you who read it but didn't review!! Also thank you for the story alerts and adding this as one of your favortie stories!!! You really make writing worthwhile :) I'm warning you, though, that I am not updating again until I get AT LEAST 8 reviews. :) hehe that's twice as many as the last chapter lol! I'm doing a lot better with making time to type up the chapters now. My schedule is soo busy! I love you guys [[really I do, but not in a wierd way]] lol! Thanks again! Here's chapter eight.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Twilight or the characters. Wish I could have Edward though lol!

EPOV

I hoped that Bella was feeling alright this morning. I couldn't bear another day at school without her there. I wouldn't survive in Phoenix away from her, but I wouldn't allow her to leave Forks. She belongs here with her family and friends. I couldn't just let her pick up and leave. I'm not worth it anyways. She probably wouldn't want to come with me. I wanted that phone call to go away, but it stayed in my mind alongside Bella. My choices, side by side. Bella or Phoenix. Of course Bella was far more important to me than some stupid internship, but Carlisle was thrilled, and I wanted to make him proud. I didn't want to do anything that would seem petty to him. Throwing away my potential future for a girl would seem petty to him. Although he would not fight me on anything I chose, I knew what he thought I should do. I had researched everything on the internet about the company, and it was completely valid, and Carlisle had heard of it before, too. Esme wanted me to do what I thought was best, which was difficult to tell at the present moment. She was there alongside Carlisle and I as I spoke with him last night…

Flashback

When my dad came home around ten, I immediately confided in him.

"Hey dad. When I was over at the Swans' place, I got a phone call from the Internships of America…is this a hoax or what?"

"You got a call from them?? Son, that is so great! Where are they sending you? When are you leaving? No, it is not a hoax. I have heard only wonderful things about that organization. What kind of internship is it?"

"It's in aerospace and stuff like that. Dad, I don't know if I'm going to do it yet. Slow down, and I would have to go to Phoenix."

"Sorry, it's just so exciting! And that is a great place for permanence. We could visit you once a year. You could create a real life for yourself with that opportunity, son."

"But dad…we just moved here, and I would be leaving so much behind…"

"Oh, Edward. Your family will still be here. And so will Bella. She's just a girl. It's not like you've actually thought about marrying her or anything."

"Actually…" I had been thinking about that ever since I first met her.

"Oh. Wow. Sorry, son, but I think that throwing your future away for Bella Swan is hardly worth it She will always be here, Edward."

"I beg to differ. And what if I came back and she found someone else? That throws that theory out the window. I don't know what I'm going to do."

"Okay, son. It's your decision. I am proud of you either way. Although, this kind of opportunity only comes but once in a lifetime."

"I know dad, thanks." I also knew that being in love as I was only happened once in a lifetime. And that seemed far more worth any internship. I walked away and went to bed, my head swirling with these thoughts.

End flashback.

I finally arrived to school, and I found my Bella sitting on a bench. I smiled and she smiled back at me. Oh, how I loved her. I wondered if she felt the same for me. It seemed like it, when she smiled like that, and sometimes when I held her I could hear her sigh. When we kissed it seemed like she never wanted to stop, but I couldn't be sure if she felt the same. The school day went much smoother than yesterday, considering I was able to see Bella Swan. When I left the table at lunch, Alice was chatting with Bella about something, and I noticed that Bella looked a little doubtful about something. Ah well. It was probably just a girl thing.

After school, I heard my Linkin Park ringtone go off again. I answered it hesitantly and said, "Hello? This is Edward."

"Edward? This is Susan again. Have you made a decision yet? It's alright if you haven't. You have until November to figure it out. Just keep in mind how great of an opportunity this is for you." Tell me about it.

"Yeah, I think I'm going to need a bit more time to think about this. I would be leaving a lot behind. I don't really know what to do."

"Okay! No worries, Edward. We would really like you to be a part of this internship though. We have sent you some brochures in the mail to help you with your decision."

"Thank you. When will you call me back?"
"Probably in a few weeks. We like to stay updated on potentials."

"Okay. Talk to you then."

"Goodbye." I hung up the phone in confusion. I felt so incredibly pressured to the right thing. On the one hand, I had Bella. Everything I could ever want. But I know that Carlisle would say that Bella would always be here, and the internship comes but once in a blue moon. But the thing is… I would sacrifice anything for Bella. Even my future. And what if, while I'm gone, Bella finds someone else? She would be completely justified in that. I couldn't bear it if that happened, but I could handle turning down and internship that would take me away from everything I've ever wanted. I love Bella with everything that I am, and I don't think I could survive that long without her in my life. I already couldn't bear to be away from her for one moment. Right now, even, I was in pain without her by my side. Everything was just right with her around. I would never love anyone else in all my life. Oh well. I'll worry about it later. Bella's face seemed to make all unpleasant things flee from my mind. I decided to sneak up behind her, but Alice ruined my surprise.

BPOV

I woke up completely fine and healthy in the morning, so relieved I wasn't sick anymore. I could go to School and see Edward again! A thrill shot through me as I thought of his name. It hurt me to be away from him, and I had to keep busy so I didn't think about it too much. He drove me to school every day now, so I waited in my drive way until he pulled up. As soon as I saw his car, I ran up to it and he would roll down his window so that I could kiss him. I got in the passenger side and we held our hands intertwined on the ride to school. The next week went by in the same fashion. I never revealed my feelings for him, even if Alice did know. She dragged it out of me and told me to tell Edward, but I was afraid that he wouldn't feel the same way

"Tell him Bella! He loves you, believe me." Alice was serious. I wasn't used to it and it took me off guard. She looked at me sadly, but confident in her words. We were just finishing up lunch one day and Edward had left to throw his tray away.

"I can't Alice. I just can't." I shook my head and sighed as I glanced at Edward coming back to the table. I finished my lunch and walked off to biology with Edward. Alice glared at me, but didn't say anything else until after school. I was walking back to Edward's Volvo when Alice attacked me.

"Bella? What did you tell him?" She was bouncing up and down in excitement as we stood in the parking lot.

"Nothing, Alice. Look. I couldn't bear it if he didn't say it back. It would shatter my heart into pieces." She looked at me sadly and said, "You really love him, don't you?"

"With all my heart." "She smiled, but got a worried look on her face. Like she was trying to keep something important from me. She was distracted by something behind me.

"Hey Edward!" I froze, turned, and saw him standing behind me looking like a Greek god. He was just putting his cell phone away, looking troubled, but also happy at the same time.

"Hello," I said absentmindedly, not meeting his eyes. Every time I looked into them, I blurted out what was on my mind, and there was nothing I wanted to "blurt out" right now. I wanted to be in complete control if I ever told him how I felt. I looked at the ground and played with my hands, biting my lip. I wanted to see his face, but I couldn't tell him that I loved him. He probably didn't feel the same way. It had only been almost one month since we met. I knew that I would love Edward forever, no matter what happened between us. I noticed Edward and Alice whispering to each other for a moment, but I could not hear what they were discussing. Alice had an evil glare on her face.

"What are you thinking about?" My head began to jerk up at his voice, but I stopped it and looked down at the ground again.

"Nothing?" It came out like a question in my uncertainty. He lifted my chin up so we could see each other, and he locked his eyes into mine. I panicked. I had to keep my mouth shut.

"Uhm…let's go home I guess," I said nervously.

"You should probably go home with Emmett today since Rose, Alice, and I have other plans tonight." He looked saddened but didn't press it.

"Okay then. Bye Edward." I reached around his neck and kissed him forcefully, and he kissed back with just as much eagerness. We pulled away, and I walked off toward Emmett's jeep. I looked back at Edward, who was smiling at me. I tried to smile back, but it was half-hearted. How could someone so perfect as him love someone like me back? There was absolutely no possible way, and it made me sad.

"Hey Bells!"

"Hey Em. You're cheerful today."

"I don't have any reason not to be. I have the best sister and brother in the world, and Rose and I are madly in love."

"Aw thanks, Em! And I'm happy for you and Rose. Oh! Hey Jasper!"

"Hey Bella! What's the matter?" He was much more perceptive than Emmett.

"I'm fine. How are you and Alice?"

"Well…I told her I love her and she said it back! I'm really happy. But I don't believe that you are fine." I ignored that last comment.

"That's awesome, Jazz!" He looked at me sadly.

"How are you and Edward?" I did not want to answer this question. I was silent for a moment until Emmett said something that shocked me.

"You know, Bella, you ought to tell him." Oh no. If Emmett could figure it out… well I really hoped it wasn't so obvious to Edward.

"Tell him what?" I was trying to act innocent.

"That you love him." I stared at him in amazement.

"But…what if he doesn't-?"

"He does." Jasper spoke this time.

"He looks at you the way I look at Alice. He loves you, trust me."

"How could he love me? He's so…and I'm so…" I sighed, defeated. I got in the car, wishing to just end this conversation. Luckily, I got no reply to this last comment.

I was miserable on the way home, thinking about my night without Edward. That weird slight pain was there inside of me again. Emmett sighed, but dropped the subject as we pulled into the driveway. All the lights were off in the house. That was odd.

"Shouldn't Charlie be home by now?" Emmett shrugged and led Jasper and I into the living room. All of a sudden, people came out from behind walls and the couches and yelled "SURPRISE!" I jumped in fear, as they were all staring at me. I was utterly confused. They all looked at me expectantly. I glanced around at Renee, Charlie, Alice, Edward, Rosalie, Carlisle, and Esme who were all smiling excitedly at me.

"What? I can't believe this. Why are you all staring at me?" Edward looked sad, and he said, "Bella- it's your birthday…" Oh. Oh no. This was party for me turning seventeen? You had to be kidding me.

Sorry…I forgot I guess. I didn't really pay attention to the date. Thanks, guys. You can get back to your plans now, Edward." I was frustrated that he made me believe I wouldn't see him tonight. If today was my birthday, then it must have been September 13th. Strange how I didn't notice it all day. I had only known this family for about a month, and already they were a huge part of my life.

"I don't have other plans, Bella. You're surprise party was my other plan for tonight. That was an alibi to keep this a secret."

"Oh. Well, you could have told me." I was well aware of everyone standing around us, and I did not want to have this conversation in front of them.

"Let's go outside to the front." Edward followed me immediately and we sat on the bench on my front porch. I head scrambling inside but ignored it.

"Are you mad at me Bella?" What? How could he think that? I felt awful that he believed that.

"No! Of course not! I'm not really a surprise person, and my birthday took me off guard. I don't like attention, but it made me upset that I might get to see you until tomorrow, and then you showed up at my house! So, no, I'm not mad." He stared at me with a shocked expression.
"What?" He seemed surprised in the direction this conversation had gone. It had to happen sometime.

"Well- I don't like not being with you. When you're gone, it's like a part of me is missing, and I don't like it." I flushed scarlet, and he took my hand in his.

"I know, Bella, I know. Trust me. The same thing happens to me when I'm not with you."

"What? Really?" Oops. I didn't mean to say that out loud. I felt happier and more confident now, but I didn't know how to begin.

"Yeah, he sighed, debating whether or not to tell me something. As I looked in his eyes I could feel his intensity boring into me, and I couldn't keep my feelings in much longer. All of these emotions were rising to the surface. I looked straight into those mesmerizing green eyes and said, "Edward. I uhm…well...I love you." I blushed, but I felt better now that he knew my true feelings. I smiled and Edward had an intense look on his face. He took my face in both of his hands and said, "I love you, too." He kissed me earnestly, longing for this moment, and I kissed him back just as forcefully. We stood up and I locked my arms around his neck, and moved my hands all around his hair while he slid his hands slowly down to my waist, but no further. I pulled him closer to me when, suddenly, he pulled away with the biggest smile I had ever seen him wear. My heart stuttered and restarted as we made our way back into the room. I felt the heat emanating from my red face, but everyone just resumed what they were doing. Alice spotted us, turned on some music, and shouted, "Open your presents Bella!" She was way too enthusiastic.

"I don't want presents from you guys. Really, you shouldn't have gotten me anything." Edward stood behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. He bent down and whispered, "We wanted to, Bella." We walked over to the couch and sat down, intertwining our hands.

"Ooh! Bella, you are going to LOVE this!"

"Okay Alice…" I was worried now. I took the box and opened up the present. Edward put his arm around me as we sat on the couch. Nothing could put my happiness into words as I sat next to him tonight. He loved me. Truly, loved me. Although I did notice him glance uneasily at Alice, but I figured if it was important he'd tell me. I took the top off of the box and gasped at what was inside.

(A/N): I know i left you at a cliffhanger... sorry! Remember, I won't update again until I get 8 reviews!!

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~edwardcullenlover07~