A/N: I'm not Stephenie Meyer. I'm Hannah…. All of you who review are amazing, and probably most of you who don't, as well.
I wanted to fall into a self induced coma until Friday after my dad told Edward that it was okay for him to take me an unknown place, to me at least.
I was relieved that my Dad had taken such a liking to Edward. I was slightly worried that my dad would take everything Jacob had done out on every guy I ever wanted to date afterward.
I went to bed, and set my alarm for a little earlier than usual, since Edward was coming for breakfast again. I was hoping it would become a routine. We would have 30 minutes together every morning, with no interruptions.
I woke up the next morning feeling fully rested, which had happened almost every night since I found out that Edward didn't hate me.
I quickly got dressed, brushed my teeth, and put on light make up, which was my newest habit.
Around 7:20 I began making French toast, and bacon.
I had just finished taking the first piece off the griddle when there was a knock at the door, and Edward was peering in through the window, smiling at me.
I went over and opened it for him. "I see you got dressed this morning." He was giving me that killer smile that made my knees weak. "I do like your sheep pajamas though, I have to admit." He chuckled, and I scowled at him.
"I'm going to eat all of the French toast and send you home if you can't be polite about my sheep pajamas." I said jokingly, still glaring.
"We're having French toast? I love French toast!" He said like a little kid, with his mouth hanging open.
"And bacon, too." I mocked his face.
He helped me carry the dishes full of food over to the table.
"My lady." He said in a British accent as he pulled out my chair.
"Thank you, kind sir." I said giggling.
We began eating breakfast, which he complimented yet again.
"So Edward?" I tried to look cute.
"Yes, Bella?" He certainly did look cute.
"Where are you taking me tomorrow?" I demanded, and he laughed.
"You'll know tomorrow. Eat your breakfast." He said sternly, trying to hold back a smile that I wish he would release.
"Please Edward! I'm scared to go off some unknown place with a strange boy!" I joked.
"Your dad knows where you'll be, I'm sure you will be fine." He finally let that smile go.
I pouted, and ate the rest of my breakfast. After we fed Brutus, he grabbed my hand and we walked to his Volvo where he, of course, opened the door for me.
I remembered how Jacob used to open the door for me during the first part of our relationship, and how suddenly it changed. My heart dropped at the idea that Edward might be the same way. I never want him to change, he is so amazing, but I have seen people change before.
I began thinking about how scary Edward was when he was mad at Jacob. I know that he would never treat me badly, but I can't help but think how miserable I would be to find out that the Edward I could very well be falling in love with doesn't exist.
Then I began pondering the thought that I could actually be falling in love with Edward. I know he likes me, he told me that yesterday. I highly doubt that he's actually falling for me the same way I am for him.
"What are you thinking about?" He asked breaking me from my sad daydream.
"Nothing." I lied.
"Are you sure? If something is bothering you, then we can talk about it." He said with compassion and I realized that he could never be like Jake.
"Really, it's nothing. Just thinking." I smiled at him and he took my hand. He looked back toward the road, and sighed happily.
We pulled up to school, and I got out of the car before he had a chance to open my door for me. He frowned at me.
"Sorry. Next time I'll let you get it." I giggled.
"You promise?" he asked while taking my book-bag.
"Yes. I promise." I answered him. He dropped me off at my first period class.
"I'll see you in one hour." He said as he pointed to his bare wrist, without a watch.
"It's a date." I laughed and turned to go inside.
"So what's the deal with you and Cullen?" Mike asked me, not ashamed of his nosiness.
"He's nice, and he has never tried killing anyone, that's a plus." I retorted. I was still shocked that Mike of all people was spreading a rumor. He wasn't the type.
"How do you know? Of course he told you he didn't, it's not like he would admit it to you." I couldn't believe Mike was actually arguing with me about this.
"So Mike, holder of all knowledge, how do you know that he did? Did you hear it from Jessica, or maybe it was Lauren. The two girls who spread more rumors around here than anyone else? So maybe next time you have a thought, and you just have to tell somebody, you should write it in a diary. I'm not going to listen to you talk badly about people I care about." I huffed. I was so sick of everyone assuming that Edward was a bad guy.
"Wow Bella. That's quite a mouthful for someone who used to be so nice." He said with little confidence, and I was sure that I wasn't going to have to listen to him talk about Edward anymore.
The bell rang, and I rushed outside as quickly as I could. Sure enough, Edward was standing there waiting for me.
"Let's go." I said, still angry about my confrontation with Mike.
"What's the matter?" He asked while taking my bag.
"Nothing, let's just go." I don't know why Mike had gotten me so upset, but I just wanted to go home and cry.
"Bella stop!" He held my shoulders in place. "Tell me what's wrong." He demanded. I hated that he worried about me so much, but it was sweet at the same time.
"Edward it's nothing. Mike won't get off the whole thinking you killed someone. I'm just sick of hearing it all." I told him truthfully, hoping that he wouldn't be offended.
"At least if he and Tyler think I killed someone, then they won't flirt with you anymore, right?" his joke instantly made me feel better.
"I suppose there's a little silver lining there." I gave him a weak smile.
He wrapped his arms around me lightly. "If he keeps bothering you, let me talk to him though." He whispered in my ear.
"Okay." I was at a loss for words since his hot breath was on my cheek, I could have turned my head just a few inches and kissed him.
"I'll see you after class." He whispered again. He let go of our embrace, and I went into class, missing the contact.
The rest of the day went like this. He would pick me up from each class, and walk me to the next. I liked knowing that as soon as I walked out, he would be there.
Pretty soon he was driving me home. "Do you want to hang out again today?" He asked me.
"I can't. Alice is coming over to take me shopping. I'm sorry." I truly was. I would pick an afternoon with Edward over shopping any day, but I wanted to look good tomorrow.
"Well if you're shopping for our date, make sure you buy something that will keep you warm." He smiled. He could see right through me.
"Will do." I blushed. I didn't want to admit to him how excited I was about our date tomorrow, even though I was sure he was excited as well.
We were already at my house after what seemed about five seconds, and he walked me to my door. "I'll see you tomorrow. Have fun shopping, Bella." Unlike Jacob, I loved the way he said my name. He made it sound exotic wrapping every letter in his creamy voice.
"I'll miss you." I admitted sheepishly, with a grin.
"I'll miss you too. Text me when you get home if you want." Of course I wanted to.
"I will. See you later." I sighed as I trudged into the house.
I went upstairs and got my wallet, even though I knew Alice would insist on paying for me. Ten minutes later she was honking her horn outside my house, and I went to meet her.
"I feel like we haven't done this in forever!" She practically sang. I hadn't realized how much I missed her until that moment, and suddenly I was excited about our trip.
We arrived at the mall. "So what time are you leaving with Jasper tomorrow?" I asked her.
"He's going to come over around six. I'm so excited! That's going to be so crazy if you end up with Edward, and I end up with Jasper, we'll be even more like sisters than we already are!" She shouted, getting way ahead of herself.
"Well. I'm going with Edward to wherever he's taking me right after school. I won't even have time to get ready." I frowned.
"Boys are so stupid sometimes! Doesn't he know that you need time to do your make up, and hair, and get dressed, and 'positive reinforcement'" She still wouldn't let that one go.
"Be quiet Alice!" I smacked her arm playfully. "It just so happens to work wonders." I joked.
We walked around a few stores. I got a dark blue sweater, since he said to keep warm. Alice got about five or six bags of random things insisting that she didn't know which one she wanted to wear yet.
We went to a jewelry store, where I got a silver necklace, and basic earrings. I didn't want anything too fancy. I was almost sure our date was going to be outside, since I was told to wear a jacket and he kept talking about the weather being nice.
We decided to go to an Italian restaurant so we could catch up, and gush about our new crushes.
An attractive hostess seated us. She had long auburn hair, and blue eyes. I thought to myself briefly about how Edward could easily be with someone of her caliber, yet he chooses me.
"So. Has Edward cracked and told you where he's taking you yet?" Alice asked me as she looked over the menu.
"No! Neither will my Dad, but they both say I'll enjoy it." I said, frustrated. "How about you. Are you excited about your date with Jasper?" I asked, knowing full well that I had just given Alice permission to squeal and gush and squeak.
"Yes! We're going to see a scary movie, that way I can lean into him and make him put his arm around me. Then we're going to eat here, actually." She said motioning her small hand around the restaurant. "He's so sweet Bella! He is just such a gentleman." She smiled.
"I know. Edward is the same way. He doesn't even let me carry my books. His parents must have raised them well." I said. I was scared to meet Edward's parents, if that should ever come up.
"They must have." She agreed, paying more attention to the menu now.
She ordered chicken Parmesan, and I ordered mushroom ravioli.
We spent the next hour talking about Edward, Jasper, and unfortunately Jacob.
She also apologized for Emmett for his small altercation with Edward yesterday.
Around 8 o'clock we decided that it would be a good idea to head back to Forks. We talked all the way home, not even bothering to turn on the radio.
"It would be so cool if you and Edward, and me and Jasper could double date sometime!" She exclaimed. I really had missed Alice, and I knew Edward would agree with that. It did sound fun. I was happy for her that she found Jasper, and I knew she was happy for me too.
"Let's get passed our dates by ourselves first." I giggled, and she joined in.
"I do get a little bit ahead of myself sometimes." She smiled.
We got to my house, and she dropped me off after hugging me goodbye.
I told my dad I was back, and went upstairs to get ready for bed. The earlier I slept the sooner tomorrow would come, and the sooner I would finally know where Edward was taking me.
The plan sounded like a good idea until I realized that I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking of all the possibilities, and I was hoping he wasn't planning to take me to La Push beach.
That was a sure fire way to get into a fight with Jacob and pals.
It took a while, but eventually morning did roll around. I clicked on my phone.
You never txt me! Haha.
Edward
Oops. I had forgotten all about that.
Sorry. I got back too late.
Bella
I began picking out my clothes. When my phone vibrated again.
I cant drive u to school today, is that ok?
Edward
I was disappointed. I loved it when he drove me to school. I hoped he wasn't not driving me because I forgot to text message him.
Yeah. I think I can manage taking myself 1 day.
I got ready slowly, and ate cereal for breakfast, since I was going it alone this morning.
I hopped in my truck, which roared to life. I got to school and parked next to Edward, who was waiting in his car. For me, I would assume.
I tapped on his window, and he smiled up at me. He got out of his car, and took my bag from my hands.
"I don't think I'm ever going to get used to you carrying my things." I told him with a smile instead of thanking him for the billionth time.
"That's okay. So are you excited about today?" He asked, absolutely beaming.
"Of course I am! I do want to know where we're going, though." I was still hoping he would shed some light.
"You will in good time my Bella." Did he really just call me that? My heart began beating erratically.
He walked me to first period, and Mike Newton glared at him. Edward just smile at him, and waved.
"Let me know if he bothers you today." He whispered to me, and handed me my books. '
Mike didn't say a word to me. I was relieved. Today went much like Yesterday. Edward would pick me up from class, and take me to the next one.
Until it was time for biology.
"I'm going to leave early. Do you suppose you can handle biology alone today?" He asked me. Why was he leaving early? I began to panic, hoping he wouldn't cancel our date plans.
"Are you feeling okay? Do we have to reschedule?" I decided to bring it up before he had the chance.
"I feel great. Don't worry. We're still on for Tonight. I have some things I need to do before our date. I'll pick you up at four." He stated, with a smile that knocked the wind out of me.
"I wish you weren't leaving." I frowned. I hadn't meant to say that out loud.
"It's only three hours, Bella. You'll be fine." He chuckled. How could he be so sure, anyway?
"Okay fine. I'll see you at four." I forced a smile, I was truly disappointed that he was leaving me for fend for myself. I relied on him more than he realized.
He gave me a quick hug, and walked away. I sighed before taking a step into the classroom.
To my surprise I wasn't attacked much by Tyler or Lauren. They asked me where my 'boyfriend' was, and shot me dirty looks, but nothing I couldn't handle.
My last two classes dragged on, and I climbed into my truck. I was glad that I was going to have a half hour to put on just a little make up, and fix my hair.
I got home, and Edward's Volvo wasn't in his driveway. I gulped and tried to brush it off. He said he had something to do, right? But shouldn't he be done already?
I walked into the house with a sense of impending doom hanging over my head. I put on my new coat, sprayed a squirt of perfume on me, and put on some eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss.
It was 4:05 and I was pacing frantically when finally he knocked on the door.
I opened it and he stood there with something behind his back.
"What? No flowers?" I asked him playfully. I was sure that's what he was holding.
"Nope. No flowers." He smiled, and I grew confused. "Go sit at the table and close your eyes. No peeking!" He instructed. I complied, I just wanted to know what he got me.
I heard some bumps, and it just sounded like he was setting the table. After about 45 seconds he said "Okay. You can open your eyes."
I did, and sitting on the table was a little goldfish in a pink tank that had the name "Squishy" placed on the top.
"Edward! This is so cool! You left school early to go to the pet store?" I asked, while throwing myself to hug him.
"Among other places." He chuckled and hugged me back. "Do you like it?" He asked, seeming unsure for some reason.
"I love it! It's much more original than flowers." I giggled. He let go of me and took my hand.
"You look beautiful, by the way." He whispered, making me blush profusely.
"Thank you." I managed to squeak out.
"Are you ready to go?" He asked with a smile. And was I ever.
"Yes! I have been thinking of a million places it could be." I giggled.
"Oh yeah? And of those, which is your favorite?" He asked as he held the car door open for me.
"I don't really have a favorite, just a least favorite." I said, hoping that he wasn't taking me to the beach.
"And that is…" He looked at me, truly curious.
"I don't want to tell you because if you do take me there, then you'll feel bad." I told him honestly. I didn't want this to be about Jacob. I wanted it to be about us.
"Please tell me." He looked at me, and I had to give in. I wasn't nearly as good at keeping secrets as Edward was.
"Well. I was just kind of hoping you weren't planning on taking me to La Push. Jacob and all of his friends are always on that beach, and I don't want anything to ruin this." I told him, as he waited anxiously.
"I'm not taking you there. This place is much, much better." He smiled, and started the engine.
I smiled too as anticipation crept up in my system. He was driving away from society and toward the woods.
He eventually parked outside of a trail. "Where are we?" I asked. I was kind of disappointed that taking me to the woods was the surprise. They surrounded my house. It's nothing I haven't seen before. At the same time, any place with Edward would be good.
"We're aren't anywhere yet." He smiled brightly and grabbed a small ice chest and a few blankets out of the trunk of his shiny car.
"Don't get me wrong Edward, I love hiking, but if you haven't noticed I have terrible balance." I told him, getting worried that I would fall on my already bruised face and embarrass myself.
He came over to me and pressed me to the car leaning in so his face was just inches from me. My breathing stopped.
"Have I ever let you fall before?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Well…no, but…." He shushed me by gently placing a finger on my lips.
"I'm not going to start today." He whispered leaning closer. "Let's go." He said grabbing my hand and leading me into the woods. We got off the trail…
"Edward, are you sure you know where you're going?" I knew the woods were easy to get lost in.
"Would you stop worrying." He chuckled. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you. You're not going to fall, or get lost, or eaten by a bear. I know what I'm doing. Just trust me, please?" The way he looked at me made me dizzy.
"I trust you." I mumbled as we trudged just a little further.
We eventually stopped at the most beautiful meadow I had ever seen with a creek rushing on the far side, giving it a nice ambiance.
"Wow. Edward, I don't know what to say." I said, slightly breathless. "I can't believe I get this and a goldfish all in the same day. You are something else." I nudged him with a huge smile on my face.
"I hope it was worth the wait. Are you hungry?" He asked as he spread out one of the blankets on the ground for us to sit on.
"I am actually." I said as we sat down together on the blanket and he took my hand in his.
He opened up the ice chest, which had some soda, two sandwiches, and grapes in it.
"It's no French toast, but I think it'll do." He smiled. I couldn't believe he did all this.
"I think it's perfect." I gushed, smiling up at him.
We made small talk as we ate. When we were finished he leaned my back onto his chest and laid us down, covering us with a blanket.
"Thank you Edward. This is so amazing. I can't believe you left school early just to set this up. I think I owe you breakfast for at least three weeks." I said playfully, but hoping he would accept.
"I might take you up on that. I'm glad you like it." He said while rubbing gently on my arm that was still sore.
"Does it still hurt?" He asked, sounding suddenly sad.
"Not really." I lied. I got on my side and faced him. He wrapped his arms around me, and I buried my face in his chest to avoid him seeing my blush.
He smelled amazing. It was intoxicating. Everything about Edward was perfect.
"I'm really glad you let me take you out here today. I was worried that you were going to say you weren't ready to date again." He admitted slightly embarrassed much to my surprise.
I looked up at him. "I wouldn't have gone if it was anyone else." I told him honestly and smiled.
He put his hand on my cheek and let his fingers trace my features for a moment.
"You are so beautiful, Bella. Every guy at school has got to be jealous of me right now." He whispered as he leaned in closer placing a small kiss on the tip of my nose.
I wrapped my arms around his neck to pull us closer together and gazed into his eyes for a moment. Here goes nothing.
He leaned in closer to me placing three small kisses on my lips. They felt like they were on fire, and I scooted even closer to him.
He moved his small kisses to my jawbone, and kissed up to my lips again. This time he kissed me with more passion.
I ran my fingers through his soft hair as his tongue gently traced my lips, begging them to let him go further.
I opened my mouth slightly and my heart beat like a humming bird as I felt his hot breath slide past my lips.
His tongue found mine, and gently rubbed it with his.
This was nothing like the kisses I had experienced with Jake. Edward was so gentle, but passionate.
His hands moved to my hips, as he kissed me deeper. After a few moments he removed his tongue and began gently sucking on my bottom lip.
His hands moved back up to my cheek as his kisses returned to the soft ones he had placed on me at first.
I was dizzy but I didn't want him to stop. I gazed into his eyes, which eventually opened, as he smiled.
"Wow." Was all he could say. At least he could speak, which was more than I could say for myself.
He placed one last kiss on my forehead. We spent the next few minutes just staring at each other and placing small kisses on each other.
"We should get going before it gets too dark." He said, sounding as reluctant to move as I felt.
"I guess." I pouted unintentionally, which made him chuckle.
He wrapped up the blankets, and packed up the ice chest. He took my hand and led me back to the Volvo.
He drove the whole way back to my house with my hand in his. Not speaking a word, but it was comfortable. My heart was still thudding from our kiss.
Too soon we arrived at my house. He walked me to the door.
"Thanks for going out with me tonight. It was….amazing." He smiled as he remembered. I was glad he felt the same way about it as I did.
"Thank you for taking me. That was the most beautiful place I've ever seen." I was still gushing about the meadow.
"I'll have to take you back sometime." He said, still smiling.
"I hope so." I smiled too, as he leaned in for our last kiss of the night.
A/N: A little Steam, yeah? I'm sorry it's so late. I'm exhausted! I didn't start writing until like 3 California time. So I know it's super late everywhere else. Sorry. I hope you liked it! Review?