Chapter 16: Truth

"I just want to… try something…" Edward smiled as he inched closer to my face.

What did he mean? Then, I realized what he meant. I looked down and blushed… was he really…?

Edward held my chin and gently pulled it up for me to face him. I looked into his liquid topaz eyes, mesmerized. I felt his other hand brush the hair on my face and tuck it behind my ear, exposing my tomato red cheeks. And all the while, his face moved closer to mine –his scent and breath filled my nose, desensitizing me. I remained still as his cold lips met mine.

I forgot everything –my past, my memories, even my own name. The only thing that made sense was this –Edward and me together, only because we loved each other. The shell around my heart shattered to a million pieces. I was whole again –living, even. My heart could beat, my lungs could breathe –I was human. But when Edward pulled me closer to him, I kept completely still –my heart stopping and my lungs out of breath. I began to feel lightheaded; I was running out of air.

Then he pulled away, and I fell limply into his arms.

"Bella?" he asked urgently.

"Edward…" I breathed for the first time in a long time, "I love you…" From now on, I would be absolutely honest with him.

He pressed his lips against my ear and whispered, "I love you too, Bella." He carried me in his arms. He opened my door and gently laid me onto the seat. He put the seatbelt on me and then went to his seat. He began to drive.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"I'm just a bit dizzy…" I told him, "Just give it a few minutes…" My heart was beating like crazy –and I was sure that he could hear it.

I was right –after two minutes, I was back to normal. And when I say normal –I really mean normal. The rest of the trip remained silent –but it only lasted another minute before we arrived at my house again.

I was still a little out of it –so Edward helped me to the front door. When we got in, we went to the kitchen. On the fridge, there was a note:

Dear Bella,

I had to leave. Sorry I couldn't say goodbye first. Love you, don't forget to write. Bye

Love,

Aunt Cathy

I would definitely miss her.

"This isn't the first time I've been in your house," Edward said suddenly.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I always come here, but when you're asleep."

"You watch me sleep…?" I asked, worried.

"You're interesting when you sleep, you talk."

"NO!" I gasped, horrified.

"Are you upset?"

"That depends!"

"On?"

"On what you heard!" I slapped my forehead with my palm. This couldn't be happening. I turned around so I wouldn't be facing him.

I felt his stone cold arms wrap around my waist, "Don't be upset. You miss your aunt, and you sometimes recite the lyrics of yours songs in your sleep. You once screamed, 'Help me,' and, 'No, please.' But I didn't understand any of that…"

"And?" I asked.

"You said my name."

"A lot?"

"… Define, 'a lot.'"

"Oh no…" I hid my face in my hands, sure that it was red.

"Don't be ashamed," he comforted, "If I could dream at all, it would be about you."

"What else did I say?" I pressed.

"You said you loved me," he said, a smile in his voice.

"But you already know that," I smiled.

"It was nice to hear all the same."

Our time alone together ended when I heard a car pull up on our driveway… Uncle Charlie.

"Looks like it's time to come clean. Too late to get rid of the evidence…" I sighed.

"Maybe not," he said, "I'll be back later."

Edward released me and walked out of the kitchen. I followed him as he walked out of the house and to his car. He met my uncle on the way. I stood frozen on the porch.

"Good afternoon, sir," he said before he got in his car and drove away. Uncle Charlie walked up to me,

"Why was Edward Cullen in my house?"

"I asked him to come over," I smiled, "I needed some help with my Biology homework."

Uncle Charlie smiled –I suppose anything that made me happy was in his good graces. So we went back into the house, as the day went passively. Time just didn't seem to go fast enough for me. Edward said he would be back, but I didn't exactly know when that was, so it seemed even more like a dream. Something that I wished was true with all my heart…

* * *

"Good night, Uncle Charlie," I said before leaving for the stairs and retreating to my bedroom. After brushing my teeth and heading off to bed, I stopped. Something was a little off…

I didn't remember opening the window. I went and looked outside… I never noticed how beautiful the stars were at night… Then, out of some feeling of suspicion, I looked at the tree –attempting to see if anyone was in it. Nothing… I had a strange feeling of anticipation, as if I was subconsciously waiting for something…

"Are you looking for something?"

I jumped, despite knowing exactly who it was. I turned to see Edward lying on my bed.

"Edward!" I smiled, "You came!" I ran to my bed and sat on the edge.

"I did say I would come back, didn't I?" he smiled back.

"I'm so glad you're here," I said. I couldn't help myself –I was just so happy whenever he was around. He motioned for me to come beside him, and I did.

"I have a question," he said.

"Yeah?"

"Why do you always wear sweaters and pants?"

"Is there anything wrong with that?" I asked, stalling. I needed to think of something.

"No, I was just wondering."

"I like long sleeves and pants. They're comfy," I replied. It wasn't a lie –I really did feel comfortable in them. I just didn't tell him the underlying reason.

I rested my head in his chest as he wrapped his arms around me. Not realizing how tired I was, I fell asleep in his cold arms.

* * *

"AH!" I screamed helplessly as I woke up. I felt the tears run down my face.

"Bella?" Edward's voice sounded close in the darkness. I couldn't answer –all I could do was sob softly. I felt his arms around me, pulling my face into his icy, hard chest. "Shh, Bella, Shh," he whispered. I whimpered –my dreams seemed too much like reality –even if it was madness.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I-I had a bad dream…" I told him miserably. I felt like a helpless child. Edward didn't deserve that. He shouldn't be condemned to such idiocy with a human like me.

"It was just a dream," he soothed, "Try and go back to sleep."

"I-I don't know if I can…" I said sadly. I didn't know what to expect.

Edward pressed his cold lips against my ear, humming a simple melody with his angelic voice. Strangely, it calmed me. Soon, I fell asleep.

* * *

I woke up, knowing that it was morning. I recalled everything about last night, not sure if it was a dream or not. But my outburst would surely lead to trouble. But it didn't matter. I would tell him today, tell him everything. I just needed to find the right timing…

"Your hair looks like a haystack, but I like it."

I sat up, almost too abruptly. Edward was sitting in the rocking chair in the corner of my room… Wait, since when did I have a rocking chair? I guess since I was actually alive now, I noticed things I never did before.

"Edward!" I threw off my blanket and ran to him, "You stayed!" I jumped into his lap.

He laughed, "Of course."

Then I remembered something important. "Wait, Uncle Charlie!" I gasped.

"He's already left."

"Oh," I sighed, "That's a relief."

We walked out of my room and went down the stairwell.

"So, what's on the agenda for today?" I asked.

"First thing's first," he replied, "Breakfast."

I threw my hands over my throat, shock crossing my face. Edward's face became shocked, too. Was he surprised that I reacted so quickly? I was going to die, and now that I was alive, I would definitely mind. Goodbye Uncle Charlie, Aunt Cathy…

"I didn't mean it like that," his expression became apologetic.

"Sorry…" I relaxed my position, "I shouldn't have even thought of that…"

"Shall I rephrase?" he smiled, "Breakfast for the human."

"That's… better…" I blushed, looking down. After everything, I still thought… Insanity.

We went into the kitchen. I fixed myself a bowl of cereal. I was sure that Uncle Charlie wouldn't mind that I took some of his Frosted Flakes –he would be thrilled that I took a break from my diet of granola bars.

"That doesn't look very appetizing," Edward remarked.

"Yeah…" I agreed, "I'm not used to eating cereal…" But it was surprisingly good. Looks can be deceiving. "So, what do you want to do today?" I asked. From now on –as long as he wasn't bored with me –it would be his choice.

"Hmm…" he deliberated for a moment, "Would you like to meet my family?"

I dropped my spoon, small drops of milk splashing into my face, in effect. His family? As in, a family of vampires? He did say that they had an argument about me… What if they didn't approve? What if they didn't like me? What if they hated me down to their deepest core for stealing away a member of their family? My stomach churned.

No. It would be his choice.

"Sure," I smiled as I finished my breakfast, "Let me just get dressed."

I ran upstairs and into my room. I rummaged through my closet until I found the outfit that Aunt Cathy intended me to wear yesterday. It was funny –she bought it so I could keep my secret, but now, it would just help me reveal my secret.

I wore a green, sleeveless dress that reached below my knees and a purple button-down sweater. I put on my white knee-high socks and black shoes. I brushed my long brown hair as I let it rest across my shoulders. I looked in the mirror.

"There. I look decent," I sighed. Thank you, Aunt Cathy.

I went back down the stairs. I suddenly felt a pair of cold arms around my waist. Edward steadied me.

"Don't be ridiculous," his lips were to my ear, "You are utterly indecent. Nothing should ever look so tempting –it's unfair."

"I can go change," I offered.

"Don't be absurd," he smiled.

We walked to the driveway and –no surprise –his shiny silver Volvo was there. It would be a good idea for him to drive. I didn't know where he lived, after all.

"Are you alright?" Edward asked.

"Huh?" I turned to face him.

"Last night, you woke up from a nightmare…"

"Oh yeah…" I looked down, "Thanks… Umm, sorry…"

"It's fine."

"Umm… Edward…?" I called.

"Yes?"

"What is your family like?" I asked.

"You have nothing to worry about," he smiled, "They all have gained a lot of self-control. Especially Carlisle."

"That's not what I'm worried about," I told him, "I mean, you said you had an argument…"

He laughed once without humor, "You're going to a house full of vampires and you're worried about if they'll like you or not." I looked down. "They'll love you," he reassured.

"I sure hope so…" I said.

Then the car stopped. My heart stopped. We were already there? A large mansion-like home in the middle of the forest… It just made me more anxious. Edward opened my door and helped me to the front porch.

"Edward, I'm nervous," I admitted, looking up at him.

"Don't be," he pressed his lips gently on mine. And with that, he opened the door. We went inside.

There was a grand piano on an elevated part of the floor, a TV, a couch, staircase, glass wall... It wasn't too bad. It seemed… normal. Until I noticed the two people standing in front of us. One I knew –Carlisle –the other was a beautiful woman who looked in her twenties.

"Welcome back, Edward," she smiled.

"This is Bella," he introduced, "Carlisle, I'm sure you've met her before."

"Yes, it's very nice to see you again, Bella," Carlisle smiled.

"My name is Esme," the woman shook my hand, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"You, too," I said. This made me feel a little better.

I looked at the piano again. I wondered which member of the family played… Was it Edward? I immediately thought of my song. Esme noticed my unfocused eyes.

"Do you play?" she asked.

"Umm… a little bit… I'm more of a guitar player, though."

"Did Edward tell you that he plays?"

"No, he didn't," I shot a glance at him.

"Edward, you should play her something," Esme turned her attention to him.

"Oh no," he shook his head, "I don't want to show off."

"Nonsense," she gently pushed him to the piano.

"Alright," he smiled widely, "But only if Bella agrees to play one of her own songs, too."

"No," I blushed, "I'm terrible."

Then Alice and Jasper came from upstairs and approached us. Jasper stayed a safe distance away from me.

"Hi, Bella!" Alice greeted as she kissed my cheek. I stiffened. What was that supposed to mean?

"Hi, Alice," I greeted back nervously. I could hear Edward snarling behind me.

"Umm… Hi, Jasper," I looked at him. He just looked away. Alice whispered in my ear,

"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me –all of us. He's going to take it very well." I stared at her with wide eyes, horrified. She knew.

"Bella," Edward called. I turned to face him. He motioned for me to sit beside him, and I did. "Ladies first," he offered.

"Oh, fine," I blushed. I decided to just make a song on the spot. Something that was meant for our situation… I searched through my own memories for a tune that I never used. (For story purposes, I'm going to use Decode by Paramore)

I nervously pressed on the keys as the lyrics came to life on its own.

The truth is hiding in your eyes
And it's hanging on your tongue
Just boiling in my blood
But you think that I can't see
What kind of man that you are

I hesitated on the next line.

If you're a man at all…

I stopped. It came out a little angrier than I'd intended it to be.

Edward laughed, "That's very appropriate."

"I told you I was terrible…" I looked down.

"You're so good!" Alice chirped.

"Beautiful voice," Esme remarked.

"OK, now it's your turn," I looked at Edward as I removed my hands from the keyboard.

Then he began.

I felt my eyes widen. I heard a few chuckles from his audience. I couldn't believe that such a difficult piece was being played with just one hand.

"This is something I made for Esme and Carlisle," Edward said.

"It's great…" I said, still staring. Soon as Edward finished his piece, he played a different tune. Something more mellow… I recognized the tune from last night when he put me to sleep.

"You inspired this one," he said, "It's a lullaby."

"It's beautiful…" I noticed that we were alone in the room now.

I thoughtlessly leaned me head against his shoulder. Emotions that I hadn't felt in such a long time washed over me. I loved him –it was obvious. But I've never felt such intense emotion. My heartbeat thudded even louder.

Then the song stopped all too soon.

"Would you like to see the rest of the house?" he offered.

"Sure," I said as he led me up the stairs. "So, which one is your room?" He opened a door, which I assumed was his. I went in.

There was a large shelf filled with CDs, a stereo system, and a black couch. There must have been thousands of CDs in there.

"How do you arrange your collection?" I asked.

"By year, and then by preference." I sat down on the couch, and he sat down beside me. Now seemed like the perfect time.

"Edward…?"

"Hmm?"

"I need to… show you something…"

"Yes?" he waited.

I stood up and walked to the wall. How would I start? I took in a deep breath and faced him. He had a curious look on his face, eyes filled with questions. I became nervous, my heart beating like a drum to a fast song.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I've been lying to you, Edward…" I began as I started to unbutton my purple sweater. I did it as slowly as possible, one button at a time. "What I'm about to show you… is the real reason…" I began with the second button, "Why I always wear sweaters and pants, why I stopped writing…" I undid the third, "Why I have nightmares…" Then the fourth, "Why I've been so depressed…" I paused when I finished the last one, "And the reason why I came to Forks…"

I allowed the sweater slide down my arms until it reached the ground. I felt his penetrating gaze burn through my skin. Telling him my secret seemed painful, but I had to. I looked down as his eyes –I'm sure –were looking at all the scars and cuts…

"What… happened…?"

"… My parents," I winced. The memory was as painful as always. "It started about four years ago… At first, they seemed nice… But there was withdrawal of affection. They became more violent…" I felt tears burning my eyes. "My compound fracture… was a metal bat to the leg… My legs have scars, too…"

"But these cuts weren't because of them…" my voice broke as I showed him my wrists. This was the hardest part. "I wanted the pain to stop… I didn't want to live anymore…" I felt my knees tremble, and then they were on the floor. "They were arrested… But I still remember everything as if it were just yesterday…"

There I was, sitting miserably on the floor. I could see my own face from Edward's point of view… pathetic. And all I could do was hide my face in my hands and sob. I was worse than pathetic.

"Shh, Bella," his voice sounded closer, "It's OK." I felt his arms wrap around me. I hugged him. I needed him. "I promise I won't ever hurt you."

"I'm sorry for lying to you," I cried, "You've been so honest with me and…"

"Bella," he caught my face in his hands, "It's alright. You don't need to be sorry about anything." He wiped my tears with his thumbs. "As long as you need me, for as long as it's best for you, I'll be here for you."

"Thank you…" I whispered.

Then his lips were on mine. It was difficult for me to remain still –my arms wanted to wrap around his neck. I balled my hands into fists –I wasn't going to make it any more difficult for him. Once again, I was out of air. He pulled away.

"You always stay so still when I kiss you," Edward noticed.

"It's difficult enough for you to resist my scent," I explained, "I'm afraid that if I do anything, it might make it harder for you."

"So are you scared?"

"I don't think you're that scary," I told him. He let go of me, throwing me out of balance. My hands were on the floor, supporting my weight as I sat on the floor.

Edward was on the other side of the room. "You really shouldn't have said that," he smiled widely, baring his teeth. He crouched down, as if he were a predator, about to attack his prey. I heard him growl –just like a mountain lion would.

Then I was airborne, my face a meter away from the ceiling. Suddenly Edward appeared and he launched himself towards me, the two of us landing onto the couch. I tried to right myself, but he wouldn't have that. With his arms around me –like a steel cage –he wrestled me down. But he was in complete control. Then I felt his lips at the hollow base of my neck.

"You were saying?" he asked.

"You're a very terrifying monster," I breathed. The corners of his mouth curve up –he was victorious. I guess it was my fault –I dared him to show me something scary. My gaze met his, and I couldn't look away. I was dazzled.

Then I heard the door open.

"Alice? Jasper?" he looked up.

"Hey, Edward," Alice said, "It sounded like you were having a party, so we came to see if you would share." I stiffened.

Edward's grip on me tightened, "I'm sorry. I'm not willing to share."

"Very funny," Jasper said, "We came because Alice saw a thunderstorm coming tonight."

"So, wanna' play ball with us tonight?" Alice offered.

"Of course," he smiled.

"We're playing baseball?" I asked.

Edward looked down at me, "You'll be watching."