.A/N: I am relieved; no one sent a negative review, PHEW!! Well, I work really hard, and thank God it's not in vain. I am very grateful for you guys and I would never be able to repay you for the boast you gave me and the happiness you made me feel. Thank you. Enjoy!!

Chapter 13: James

"Don't worry" Edward reassured Bella with a smile on his face, but it didn't work she knew that he was up to something that eventually will make her worry.

"Tell me, what do you have in mind?" Bella urged, he didn't look like he wanted to tell her but he knew if he kept it a secret she would figure out in another way that will put her in trouble (We're talking about Bella here!!).

"Nothing at all. Alice will just keep an eye on him for me. When he is near us she'll tell me" He said simply, Bella glared at him.

"Then? What will happen when you know he's near?" She asked suspiciously. He hesitated then said,

"I'll kill him and come back" He said it in a very casual way as if he said I'll take him for a walk and come back. Bella stared at him wide eyed in shock.

"Edward Cullen, You'll do no such thing" She threatened with her index finger in front of his face. He chuckled.

"Sorry ma'm, but I can't obey that order." He teased.

"That was an official order, Edward" Carlisle laughed, "Using a full name too" They both laughed and Bella was starting to get angry.

"You think I'm joking?" Bella snapped, but Edward's smile didn't fade.

"Of course, you are. I have to fight him eventually, don't I?" He said casually but the mocking didn't leave his eyes.

"No you don't have too. We could just avoid him and maybe he'll get bored and stop" She knew she sounded childish but she was afraid that Edward might get hurt or even worse she could lose him. All the Cullens laughed except for Esme. She seemed to understand why Bella was afraid. So quickly that she missed the movement Esme was by her side with one hand rubbing her back.

"Don't worry honey. Edward will be fine" She said sweetly. That didn't make Bella feel better, he wasn't paying attention he was acting like he was going face an ant. Bella's insides contracted at the possibility that he might not get back and broke into tears. Edward's face was paler than usual and quickly turned to her.

"Oh no, Bella, love, please don't cry" He said lifting her head to look at her face, he looked extremely appalled, "It will be fine"

"What if you d...didn't come back?" She sobbed.

"I will" he promised wiping her tears.

"That's not something you could promise me" She sobbed harder, "I won't be able to take it, I can't lose you again" pain spread on his face when he heard this.

"It will be ok, Bella" He said stroking her face, "Even if I didn't..."

"No!" She shouted before he could finish, "I won't be able to take it Edward. You don't know how it's been like for me when you left the first time" She regretted what she said once she did. The pain was clear on Edward's face. He winced as he tried to hide it, "I'm sorry" she whispered covering her mouth in a childish way. He smiled halfheartedly and wiped her tears again.

"It's ok, it's not your fault. I did this" He said quietly. She managed to stop crying and sat on her knees beside him on the floor. She hugged him tightly.

"I love you, I have the right to be scared for you"She whispered in his ear.

"I love you too, and I have the right to protect you" He whispered back

"I know" She sighed in defeat.

"Edward" Alice cried to him. Edward's arm stiffened.

"What did you see?" Carlisle asked quickly.