Chapter 2 – Perfect

BPOV

The next morning, I woke up in Edward's arms. His chest moved slowly against my back and I felt his steady breath on my neck. Carefully moving his arm, I slipped out of bed and went downstairs. My legs were a little stiff, but it wasn't bad. In the kitchen, I began to make Edward breakfast, smiling the whole time. Last night was so amazing. I felt like I would bust. After setting his breakfast on a large plate, I carried it upstairs. He was still sound asleep. I sat the plate on my nightstand and kissed his forehead.

He woke up and pulled me into his arms. Underneath the covers, Edward had no clothes on. I felt every part of him through my nightgown. Edward held me tightly against his body as he kissed my hair. "Thanks for breakfast," he whispered into my hair. I looked up to him and kissed his neck. Edward kissed along my cheek to my lips. He wanted me again and I gave in. The two of us ignored the fact that his food was getting cold.

My eyes opened and saw it was after 12 in the afternoon. My head was resting on Edward's chest and he was playing with my hair. I smiled and sat up, "When did you eat?" He chuckled lightly, "While you were talking in your sleep." I grimaced; I forgot that I did. "Oh boy. What did I say?" He smiled and kissed my lips, "My name and that you loved me." Edward pulled at my shoulders, adjusting me to lay on the pillow with him, "I can't believe that I fell in love with you. Me; the basketball star falling for the bookworm."

I scowled deeply at him, "And me, falling in love with a jock." We laughed at our causal high school terms, "I am going to go and take a shower." I sat, but Edward grabbed my wrist, "I'll help." The steam from the shower clouded the room. The warm water soaked through his and my hair. Water drifted down our faces as we kissed. He leaned me against the slick tile wall, keeping my body pinned beneath his. I really hope Charlie would take another trip soon.

Edward and I spent the rest of the day together, lounging in the living room and watching movies. He taught me some card games and I was already beating him. "Beginner's luck," he snorted as I beat him at another game of Uno. I smiled, "Of course you would say that. You're such a sore loser." He looked at me, "Fine, now it's time for some strip poker." I smiled coyly, "I may have to start losing on purpose." Edward stayed for the night again. His green eyes peered into mine, "I can't leave my lucky charm alone."

On Sunday, Edward spent the day with Damien, so that they would have stories to tell his mother. I pouted childishly as he was leaving. He leaned down to kiss me, "When's dinner?" I giggled while his lips drifted down my neck, "6, as always. I would say invite Damien, but I don't want rumors to start about me." He agreed, "Besides, I really don't want to share your cookies with him. They're all mine." I pushed at his chest, "Out!"

At school, everyone was a buzz with upcoming basketball games. The team was getting ready for the playoffs. Edward drummed his fingers nervously. I took them into my hand. He just wanted the game over. "Don't worry, Edward. You are going to win the game. Stop stressing yourself out." He stroked my cheek, "I love you and thank you for having so much faith in me." We were on the shore of First Beach, sitting on a tree bench. Edward pulled me closer to his side as we watched the waves.

"Hey Bella. Hey Edward," someone called from behind. I turned and to see Jacob Black coming towards us. Jacob was my childhood friend and Edward didn't like it. "Hey Jake," I greeted. Edward didn't like Jacob much. He thought Jacob had a crush on me. I stood and hugged him, "Oh no, why did you cut your hair?" I looked up and saw his hair was cropped short. He smiled, "It's easier." Edward stood up behind me, "Hey Jacob. How have you been?" Edward asked, while taking my waist.

Jacob smiled wryly, "Good. Just running around with my friends. How about you? Think you guys have a chance in the playoffs?" Jacob knew Edward didn't care much for him, but he knew how to lighten Edward up; talk about sports. He was such as guy. Edward sniffed, "Good. We're really confident and I am too, as long as I have my lucky charm with me," Edward breathed against my cheek and hugged my waist. I smiled at him, "Yea, right."

I reached out and touched Jacob's arm, "By the way, my dad has been asking about you lately. Why don't you …." Under my fingertips, Jacob's skin was very hot. My eyebrows pulled together as I felt the heat, "Jake, are you sick? Your skin is so hot." Jacob looked like he was blushing, "No. I'm fine. I was just running and my temperature hasn't dropped yet." I nodded once, "Alright." I didn't believe that. Maybe he didn't want to tell the truth around Edward. Edward kept his arm around me while I spoke to Jacob.

"Bell, let's get going. I want to get to Port Angeles before it's too late." Edward would never rush me unless he really wanted us to go. I've explained to him that Jacob was only a friend, but he didn't care. To him, he didn't want another guy crushing on me with him around. I smiled, "Ok." My eyes looked to Jacob, "We're going to the movies. I'll talk to you later." Jacob nodded, "Alright, see you guys later. And good luck at the game, Edward." Edward smiled, "Thanks. See ya."

Edward drove to Port Angeles in silence. I stared at him for a long moment, "Edward, what's the matter? You've been so quiet since we left the beach." He sighed deeply and it was almost a growl, "That kid is pissin' me off." I smiled at his jealousy, "Edward, he's a friend and that's it. Besides, I love you and there's nothing he can do about that." I took off my seatbelt and began kissing his cheek. His hard expression melted away as he chuckled, "Bell, you better stop or we'll never make it to the movies." I shrugged, "It's worth it." The car slowed to a stop and Edward wrapped his arms around me. His lips were on mine. "You are such a temptress, but let's go to the movies," he said against my lips.

It was the day of the big game and everyone was excited. Ms. Elizabeth took the day off to come and cheer Edward on with me. Edward was a bit jumpy when I found him before the game. My fingers twined through his, "Don't worry. You're an amazing player," I explained. He nodded slowly, while gritting his teeth, "Yea. After this, I still can't breathe. We have finals and everything." My hand took his face, "Hey, none of that. Focus on your game and we'll celebrate when you win." Edward was always nervous before his games. This was my pep-talk for him.

He hugged me, "Thanks Bell. You really are my lucky charm." I kissed him and smiled. I loved kissing Edward more than anything in the world. Behind Edward, there was Alice Cullen. She was the most reclusive student in the school. Her brother, Emmett Cullen and foster siblings, Rosalie & Jasper Hale graduated last year. She was all alone in the school. Sometimes I spoke to her. It felt safer without her siblings. Emmett seemed like the type who liked to fight. Rosalie kind of seemed like a snob and Jasper always looked like he was in pain.

"Hey, Alice," I called to her. She looked to me and smiled, "Hi Bella. Hi Edward." Alice came over to us; she moved so gracefully, "Edward, are you nervous?" He smiled confidently, "No way. I'm winning this game for Bella." Alice giggled, "That's so sweet. I know you will do great. I'll see you two later." Alice pranced away and I watched after her, "I like her." Alice was more graceful than a ballerina. Edward chuckled once, "I do too. She's really nice, unlike her siblings. Oh well, I better get inside." The locker room was just down the hall, "Good luck, tiger."

At the game, I sat with Angela, her boyfriend Eric and Ms. Elizabeth. The score got close as the game progressed. I jumped to my feet as Edward was knocked on his back. His mother stood with me, as did half the crowd. Sweat pooled down Edward's forehead and shoulders. He looked straight at me. I nodded once and smiled. He was back on his feet and got the ball. Ms. Elizabeth patted my arm as she worried about her only son.

After a long game, Edward made the winning shot. Everyone jumped out onto the court and raised Edward onto their shoulders. Eric, Angela, Ms. Elizabeth and I stayed in the bleachers and waited for Edward. The cheerleaders' chants filled the air along with roaring applause and cheers. Ms. Elizabeth and I walked down the bleachers slowly as Edward was making his way through the crowds.

"I am so proud of him," his mother gushed. I hugged her shoulders, "I am too. I knew he could do it." Ms. Elizabeth and I waited by the exit, when Edward finally looked in our direction. He ran over to us and we hugged him. Edward looked just like his father, with some of his mother's features; they had the same green eyes and bronze hair. He finally reached us, holding the game ball. "Edward, you did amazing," Ms. Elizabeth said as she hugged him tightly. "Thanks, Mom."

She looked at me, "I'll see you at home. Don't be too late." She left us alone. We waited for his mother to be out of sight. "That's my superstar," I praised. He circled his arms around me and pressed his lips to mine, "I just needed my lucky charm," he whispered against my mouth. "Shut up," I whispered back. Damien caught up with us as we turned to leave the gym, "Edward, we're going to First Beach. You comin'?" He looked at me, "We'll catch up."

Half the school was at the cliffs at First Beach, chatting lively around the bonfire. Some of the La Push kids joined us, having seen the game themselves. Jacob was there and Edward was happy. As he put it, he didn't want to share his lucky charm. Edward and I forgot anyone else was there as we leaned against a tree, molding our lips to each other. My leg bent against his. I never told anyone I lost my virginity. If Jessica found out, then the whole school would know. I didn't need that in my life.

My arms were tight around Edward's neck as he leaned me against the tree. I breathed wildly as his lips went down to my neck. His body was responding to mine and I felt him pressing into me. "Edward, we should stop." Hands drifted under my shirt, making me jump. The air was cold and it dropped the temperature of Edward's skin. His thumb brushed over my thin bra, "I know we should, but I want to thank you for being there with me tonight." I bit down hard on my lip, "That was you, not me." Edward leaned down to kiss me again.

His hands undid the button of my jeans. I jumped again, "Edward!" He ignored me, pushing his frame against mine. My fingers pressed into his arm as I felt him drift himself against me. My body melted against his, feeling the full length of him. My body yearned to be with his. My eyes closed as he kissed me again. "You want to do it in the forest?" Edward smiled his crooked smile, "When in Forks?" My teeth chattered quietly as Edward pulled himself away from me, "I should get you home. And remember, we're going to Port Angeles this weekend."

My eyes narrowed at him, while trying to ignore the growing urges within me. "I don't forget going out with you," I said teasingly. He kissed me again and it didn't help. My heart was beating in my ears. Urges were tearing away at me; I had to be with him. We stared into each other's eyes. Edward pulled my hand, walking us further into the forest. The ground was dark from the thick canopy and setting sun. We walked further away from the cliffs, leaving everyone behind. When neither of us could hear the sounds of the other, Edward and I joined with one another.

At Port Angeles, Edward paid for my movie ticket. He took my hand as we walked into the theater, "Where do you want to go after the movie?" "Wherever you want." Edward cast his eyes down at me, "If you say so." After the movie, we had a quiet dinner at La Bella. "Table for two?" he asked the hostess. Her eyes danced for a moment, "Right this way." I knew that look on any girl; she was impressed with Edward's looks. It was annoying when we went out to eat and the waitress would try to flirt with him. He never responded, but it still got on my nerves.

After several failed attempts of trying to get his attention, the waitress came back with our check, "Well I hope you and your sister," she glanced at me, "enjoy your evening." My eyes widened, "Sister?" I asked in disbelief. I jumped to my feet, "I'm going to give her a piece of my mind!" Edward got up quickly, laughing and holding my shoulders, "Bell, sit down!" He pushed me back into my seat, "Why did you let her stupid comment get to you?"

My shoulders slumped, "Because that was just disrespectful." Edward shook his head and placed the money on the table. I stood up slowly this time and pulled on my jacket. The waitress really got to me, but it only made Edward laugh. He stood in front of me, zipping up my jacket for me. He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. My arms circled around him, holding myself to him. He paused for a moment, "Would anyone kiss their sister this way?" I smiled as he kissed me again. "Let's go home, lucky charm." Edward took my hand and guided me out of the restaurant. Behind us, there was a dull thud. I looked back to see the waitress at our table and she looked upset. I never questioned him, but I knew he saw her and kissed me on purpose. I swear some times, Edward reads my mind.

After the drive back to Forks, Edward's car stopped in from of my house. "Are you going to come in?" I asked. "Can't," he said, sounding down, "Mom and I have to go to Portland. We'll be back the day after tomorrow. I'll call you when I get back," Edward had a lock of my hair and was playing with it between his fingers. I sighed deeply, "Do you really have to go?" He laughed once, "Yes. It's family business. Don't worry, I'll be back so quickly, you won't have time to miss me."

I scoffed loudly, "Wanna bet?" I slumped into my seat, folding my arms. He chuckled and leaned closer to kiss the corner of my mouth, "You look so cute when you pout." He kissed me again and third time, until I started to smile. His fingers were tangled in my hair, pulling me closer to him. Our mouths were against each other then. This kiss was intense. Edward didn't want to let me go and I didn't want him to. I hated being apart from him. Don't worry, I told myself, he'll be back soon. Just not soon enough. He finally released me, "I love you." I grazed the tip of his nose with mine, "I love you too and I'll be waiting."

EPOV

Mom and I drove to Portland to tend to some family business. Now that I was eighteen, I was entitled to receive the rest of my inheritance from my father and I had to decide who my beneficiaries were. I argued with mom that I had time to figure out the last part, but she wanted out of the way. With the sudden death of my father, she wasn't leaving things to chance.

My car was part of my inheritance, but Mom decided I could get it earlier. My father, Edward Anthony Masen Sr. was a smart man. He made many investments that were successful and lucrative. When he died, he left everything for me and my mother in trust funds. I never knew how much my trust fund was and I never wanted to know. "Mom, this isn't necessary. I have time to figure that out," I explained on the way, trying to sway her. She only smiled, "Edward, your father was taken from us so suddenly. I know it seems silly to an eighteen year old. You feel like you'll live forever. This is just a precaution. Please, Edward. It will give me a peace of mind."

She looked at me with her green eyes, the same as mine. I shook my head; there was no point to argue. My mother was stubborn and hard-headed; just like me. I always thought I was right, something she said in got from Dad. As we reached the attorney's office, I knew who I wanted to leave my possessions to; Bella. Mom may not like it, but its what I want.

From my father, he left me $750,000. Our local attorney, Mr. Andrews went through the forms sent over from the Chicago office. His pen scrawled over some forms writing down our wishes. I cleared my throat, ensuring my voice wasn't shaky, "Alright, in case something happens to my mother, want everything to go to Isabella Marie Swan." My mother looked at me in shock. Her hand fell onto the arm rest of her seat, "Edward, you sure you want to do that?" I nodded, "Besides you, she's all I have."

My mother didn't completely approve, but she didn't quarrel with me. If things change between me and Bella, I could change the stipulations of the will. Mom sighed quietly, "If that is what you want, to leave it to your girlfriend." She said the last word with an attitude; I didn't like it. "I am leaving everything to Edward," Mom told Mr. Andrews. She refused to look at me as she spoke. Thinking about some of things, another thought came to me, "I want to lock away $200,000 for when I am done with high school."

Mom and I looked at each, "It's to pay for school." She nodded in agreement, "That's smart." Mr. Andrews wrote everything out, "Very good. The forms will be created and placed into your file." Mom stood up and shook Mr. Andrews's hand, "Thank you for your help." She and I left the office and had dinner together. I felt better knowing that I would be able to have something to provide for Bella. She was someone I was going to hold onto in my life.

"Mom, I want to ask you something?" She looked at me from her menu, "Yes, dear?" I sighed, "How would you feel if I gave Bella Grandmother's ring?" She gasped and the menu fell into her lap, "Edward, you always said you'd give that ring to the girl you wanted to spend the rest of your life with." I nodded once, remembering that promise very well, "I know. And I feel that that's going to be Bella." Her shoulders dropped and her head fell to the side. I could only laugh at her expression, "Mom, I've told her I love her and she loves me too." Mom began to smile, "My son is in love. Edward, don't get me wrong. I love Bella, but you're still young. See what else is out there."

I shook my head, "Mom, she and I are going to college together. And I don't want anyone else. Please, Mom. This is what I want. I love being with her and she's gotten me to focus on my schoolwork. Face it, she's a miracle worker." My mom laughed and I joined her. Before Bella, I was on the verge of flunking out of school. If it weren't for my couches pressuring my teachers, I would have.

"You're just like your father," Mom said, "when you've found someone; you stay with them, no matter what anyone says. You love them unconditionally." She shook her head, "Ok, when we get home, I'll give you the ring." During dinner, we discussed my plans for college and what I could do once I graduated. The first thing I wanted to do after college was marry Bella, but I didn't mention that.

After dinner, Mom and I checked into a hotel. Neither of us was up to driving back to Forks tonight. The first thing I did once I was in my room was call Bella. It was almost 11pm when I picked up the phone. I hoped Charlie wouldn't answer. "Hello," she answered with sleep in her voice. "Hey Bell." She sighed, "Hi Edward. How's Portland?" I chuckled, "It would have been better if you were here. And not just because I have this room to myself."

She giggled, "Yea, that's not the reason. Were you able to do what you needed?" She yawned over the phone, "Yes, Bell. I just called to say good night. You should get back to sleep. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon." She sighed, "That's too far away, but I will try to make it. I love you." I loved hearing her say that, "I love you too, Bell. Good night." "Good night." I hung up the phone and went to take my shower. I laid in bed, thinking about how much I wanted to get back to Forks. I wanted to see Bella.

I thought about the ring and the expression on her face when I would give it to her. Bella would be beyond surprised. A few more hours and I'll see her again. The bed felt cold and empty without her next to me. I thought about her arm over my body and the thought helped me fall asleep.

It was raining really hard on the drive home. "Edward, slow down. We'll be back soon enough," my mom cautioned me. Not soon enough for me. I know I just saw Bella yesterday, but I hated being away from her for more than a day. My body cried to hold her. To calm my nerves, I thought about the letter in my suitcase. I wrote it to Bella expressing every emotion I had for her and that I wanted to give her my grandmother's ring.

The rain was lightening, so my mom and I rolled down our windows. Music drifted out the window, while Mom and I talked. She enjoyed Portland and hoped to come back soon. "Well, your birthday is coming up? Maybe Charlie and Bella could come with us." My mom smiled at me, "That would be nice. Chief Swan needs to get out of town more often." We were driving along the river, when something smashed into the passenger side of the car. I slammed the brakes and the car skidded. I fought with the steering wheel, trying to maintain control of the car.

A thick tree slammed into my door and I groaned from the impact. "Mom…. Mom, are you alright?" I breathed. The stinging pain in my arm was bad, but I had to see that Mom was okay. She didn't answer me. I looked over to her and she was unconscious. I ripped off my seat belt and checked her, ignoring my own pain. She was still breathing, just knocked out. I sighed and looked around to see what hit the car. Outside of my mom's window were three people or at least, I thought they were people? They were too still, especially for people who just witnessed an accident. I tried to get my mom upright when something took off her door.

I tried to grip my mother's body but something smashed the windshield. Shattered glass fell around us and cut cutting me. The woman with wild red hair and the man with long black hair stood on the hood of the car. The second man with dark blond hair pulled my mother from the car. I reached for her, when I was pulled from the smash vehicle. The two strangers pinned me to the hood and I could feel shards of glass cut into my back. They kneeled over me, smiling. Their eyes were red and their skin was pale. The woman lifted my bleeding wrist to her mouth.

She was stronger than I was as I tried to pull away my wrist. The man shifted my head and exposed my neck. The hold was too tight. There was a deep slashing in my neck and my wrist. I screamed, until the strangers clamped down on my throat. I couldn't breathe while feeling this pain.

My teeth gritted from the pain. I forced my eyes to open and I saw the other man. He bent over my mother's chest. I wanted to yell for help, but I was barely holding on. Is this how I was going to die?

Suddenly the two that were holding me snapped their heads up. The other one with my mother took her body and threw it into the river. My eyes widened as I saw her fall into the deep water. My fingers clinched into a fist, wanting to hurt that one. His bright red eyes looked at me and I froze. "Let's get out of here. I hear someone coming, fast," the blond man said.

The others looked down at me. The female straightened and leaped off the car. The black haired man released me and they were gone. My vision was tricking me as I watched them disappear into the trees. They moved like three blurs. The pain of their bites faded into intense burning at my wrist and neck. The burning felt like it was moving through my body. I screamed out loud.

"Emmett, don't bother with them. Edward's still alive. They didn't kill him." My eyes were hazy as I was moved. The voices of the ones near me were familiar; Emmett Cullen and Jasper Hale standing. Emmett sounded like he was snarling, "Let's get him to Carlisle. He'll know what to do." Air flew past us, but I couldn't feel it. The burning grew into blazing fires within my veins. The pain was beyond anything.

"Oh no. Not Edward Masen. Bella's going to be devastated." I recognized the voice, "Alice?" I asked through the pain. She came into my sight, but her face wasn't clear because of the cloud in my eyes, "I'm sorry, Edward." Why was she sorry? What was happening?

"What happened?" there was another voice. Someone touched my head, "Edward, it will be fine. The pain will last for a while, but it'll get better. Do not worry, we will help you." What was going on? Why was I here? I just wanted to see Bella. No matter this pain, it would have been better if she were with me.