Chapter 1. Graduation Party

"Bella." Edward said, his voice making me smile. I turned around and there he was, waiting for me as usual. "Hey, Edward." I greeted. He kissed me softly on my cheek. His lips like a piece of ice on my skin. He looked down at me, holding my waist. Then, I remembered the same annoying sentence I had been saying for the past few weeks. He rolled his eyes, knowing what I was going to say next.

"I'm still counting!" I said cheerfully. "Only a week left of school!"

He chuckled, shaking his head. But I could tell he was just as excited. Homework and school never gave us a whole day to ourselves. Only on weekends did we get to spend time together. But now summer was here...there would be more time with him. Edward was mine. Just the thought of us spending more time with each other made me shake with happiness. "Summer vaycay, here we come!"

The next few days were...slow. We didn't learn much. Most of the time we were planning the graduation party or taking end term exams. I didn't get the point of being at school when we planned for some stupid dance or party thing. I asked many times if he would skip school with me for just one day, but he wouldn't let me miss graduation...or the party.

"It's just a party." I said.

"It's our...well, your graduation party. I could've graduated about five times by now...Please go. Don't forget, I'll be with you."

"Is it because you want to go?" I asked, poking him.

"No, its for you. I think you'll have fun."

Fun? Fun as in, dancing and falling flat on my face. Oh yeah, Edward, loads of fun. I did fairly well at the Prom with him. But he didn't give me a choice. Thought, I had to admit, I did have fun then. Well, somewhat.

"Please?" He asked, dragging his finger across my jaw line.

"On one condition." I said bitterly.

"Its just a party! Damn it, Bella, you're so stubborn."

"As always!" I smiled.

"What's the condition?" he sighed in frustration.

"Kiss me."

He rolled his eyes again. "I'll do that any day," he whispered into my ear. He leaned close to me, putting his hands on my neck, making that chill run up and down my spine. He kissed me. His lips lingered on mine for a while. He pulled away as Charlie walked into my room and was gone. "Bella?" He asked.

"Yeah Dad?"

"You've got a package."

"Really? From who?"

"Your mother."

"Oh, okay. Thanks." I took the package from him.

Charlie smiled and closed my door behind him.

"Edwar-"

Before I could even finish saying his name, he was there, sitting on my bed.

"It's from mom." I noted. He nodded as he helped me open it. He picked up the envelope and handed it to me.

Bella,

I thought of you when I saw this. I really have no idea why. I know you are graduating soon and you mentioned a party. It's not too formal, but it's not too casual either. You need to remember your graduation. I'll never forget mine. Have fun and I hope you like it.

Love,

Mom

"Oh my God…No way." I said, watching Edward pull out a dress from the box. He began to smirk.

"No...way." I said again. He held it up to me as I stood. I grabbed it from him, throwing it onto the bed.

"Bella..." he grumbled.

My mouth hung open. "Well," he said, "now you'll have to go."

"Crap."

"Oh C'mon!"

"I don't want to go!"

"But I already kissed you...you can't break the deal."

"I meant…a real kiss, Edward. No holding back."

He sighed, "Limits, Bella." Well, I guess he was right. I said I would go only on that one condition. And he had kissed me. I should've just said no in the first place. "...shoot..."

A grin spread across his face. "So, Bella." He asked in his velvet, heart melting voice, "Will you go to the dance with me?"

"Well, seeing as I don't have a choice now, then yes."

Folding his arms, he raised his eyebrows at me. "Oh, so you wouldn't go with me if you did have a choice?"

"Its not you...I the whole fact that there's dancing and the probability of me or someone else getting hurt is pretty high."

"Bella, that probability is high to you no matter where you go..." he smiled teasingly.

I stuck my tongue out at him. He laughed, mimicking my childish behavior.

"Bella, this is a nice dress." He said, holding it up to my figure again. "Go try it on." he said. It wasn't a suggestion though, it was an order. I had to obey. "Fine..." I mumbled.

I walked in the bathroom and stared at myself with the dress in front of me. It was a light shade of blue. Which Edward always said the color looked good on my skin tone. I smiled, wondering if it was worth putting up a fight with him. I threw off my clothes and pulled the dress over my head. It looked...okay. Almost sleeveless with a low-cut top. It was nice. I had a necklace that would match and earrings too. I looked down at the bottom of the dress. It wasn't too long. Score! A lower percent chance of tripping. I looked down at my feet. My feet...they were bare. My only other dress shoes were black, which wouldn't match. And I hated shopping for dress shoes.

I walked out. Spinning around, making the dress twirl. He smiled and before I knew it, he was holding my hands and dancing. "AH!" I shrieked. He caught me as I stumbled into him. "What did you do?" He asked, smirking.

I tripped on my own two feet. Oh, how romantic. He looked down at my toes. "Well, you're not wearing any shoes." he said. Like I hadn't known. "Nope." I said, wiggling my toes freely.

He walked up to the box, pulling out a pair of dress shoes. "She's good." I commented at my mom. I put them on. She knows me so well, and thank god for that. They weren't too high. There was a heel, but it wasn't like those shoes I would end up killing myself in. The toe part was open and it was the perfect match. Edward's crooked smile grew. "You're beautiful, Bella." He said, "Always." I grinned up at him. He pulled me close to him, my hands in his. We began to dance once more. He moved faster, but still graceful. It felt like floating, and actually, I practically was. He lifted me up and my feet hung inches from the floor. He spun us around and threw me up higher without an effort. Landing gently in his arms, I kissed him on the cheek. I wrapped my arms around him neck as he swayed from side to side. "I love you, Edward." I whispered.

"I love you, Isabella."

The day before Graduation was chaotic. Everyone was excited. I forced myself to act giddy to appease Edward, though he knew I was faking. The party was tomorrow after the ceremony and we decorated the entire gym. I didn't get why he wouldn't let me skip school. He even said it was healthy every now and then. Our exams were finished by the beginning of the week, so there was nothing important for us to do.

"Edward...Please? Can we go?"

"No...your mom said it was something you should remember."

"You mean decorating the gym is a memory I should always cherish?"

"Sure. You won't go to this school anymore. Make a memory of it."

"I'll only remember it...because this is where I met you." I said, holding his smooth, ice hands. I squeezed it, but I doubt he felt it.

"Me too." he sighed.

He kissed me on the cheek and walked me to help around the gym. "Bella!" Jess squealed.

"Hey Jess, what's up?"

"Aren't you excited? Bella, tomorrow is our last day! We get to finally graduate!"

"Yeah, its cool." I said forcing a smile.

"Wanna help with the balloons?"

"I don-"

"Of course, we'll both help." Edward interrupted. I glared at him. "Yes, we'll help." I replied, still staring at him.

We sat there, on the floor blowing up balloons. Filling them up with helium, tying them, and bowed a string onto it. Fun...so much fun. Edward had about 50 balloons already blown...while I had about 8. He smirked at me. "You're slow." he teased. I rolled my eyes. He reached for more balloons and blew them up by the time I got one finished. His pile of them were gone. "Pass me a few more, please." he said, pointing over at my pile of deflated balloons. I handed him some and he shook his head. He reached over, grabbing a huge hand full, making my pile half of what it was. "Thanks..." I said, sounding tired. "Don't worry. School's out in a few minutes." He said, grabbing the rest of my pile and blowing them up within a few seconds. "I really need to stop keeping you up late." he laughed as I sat falling asleep in an Indian style position. "C'mon." He said, lifting me.

"Are you okay?" he asked, as I slumped in his arms. He turned me to face him, it was hard to focus on his face.

"Yeah...just a headache."

"Take something when you get home." He said quietly.

"It should go away..." I said.

"You look pale." He said.

"I have fair skin smart one."

"No, I mean...you look sick."

"Oh, well, I'm also kinda hungry. I'll eat at home."

"I'll make sure of it." He said.

He drove me as I fell asleep in the passengers seat. "I'll bring your truck by later." He said as we reached home. "What?" I said, feeling groggy from the five minute nap. "Oh, okay. Are you coming in?"

"I'll have to. I need to make sure you eat." He smiled but sounded stern. I smiled. We walked in and he made himself at home. I headed over to the fridge. "We need to go shopping..." I said to myself. Edward heard. "What do you need?" he asked standing up.

"Edward, I can take care of it later."

"Seriously."

"No. Its really okay."

"Please?"

"Fine. We need…bread, sandwich meat, and…milk."

"Be back." he said already out the door. I used up the last piece of bread making a sandwich. We only had peanut butter. It seemed dry; it stuck to the roof of my mouth, making it hard to swallow. I gagged. I got a glass of water and scarfed it down. I felt a little better. But, why was I so tired? He didn't keep me up too late. And I had slept just fine throughout the night. Plus, blowing up balloons wasn't like I was doing much. Well, it doesn't matter. Within 10 minutes, Edward came back, groceries and all.

"Thank you so much." I said, taking the bags and putting up the food.

"Anytime." he said. "Did you eat?"

"Yeah, just a peanut butter sandwich and a glass water."

"You have food now. Are you still hungry?"

"No...just sleepy."

"I'll put the rest of the stuff away. You go rest."

There was no point in arguing. "Yes mother." I said quietly, but I knew he could hear me anyway. He laughed.

He was up in my room as soon as I got there. "I win." He smiled. I tried to smile back, but hit the pillow instead. "Why am I so tired?" I whined into my sheets.

"I'm sorry I kept you up late." He said.

"You didn't. Not last night." He looked at me.

"Don't you dare get sick. Tomorrow is your graduation. Plus, I can't go to the party myself."

"I'm not sick." I snapped.

He touched my forehead. "You're hot."

"Why, thank you." I laughed.

"Bella, please, be serious. You feel like your burning up!" He said, feeling my face.

"You're always cold. I'll ask my dad to check me. Okay? I'm fine. Just really tired."

"Okay..." He rested on the bed next to me. I rested against his cool body, his arms around me. "Would you really go to the party if I was sick?" I asked in a whisper.

"Of course not! I'd never leave you. If you were sick, I'd take care of you."

"You always take care of me." I sighed.

"There's only one reason for that."

"What?"

"I love you."

"I know."

"Then why did you ask?"

"Its always nice to hear you say it." I said, kissing him. "I'll always love you." he said.

The door downstairs opened. My dad was home. "Bella?" He said.

"Don't move." Edward said. "Rest. I'll tell him you're not feeling well."

"I feel FINE!" I protested. "I told you...I'm just tired."

"Bells?" My dad called again.

"Fine...I'll see you tonight?"

"Your wish is my command." he said, walking out of the bedroom.

"Hey, Charlie." I heard him say.

"Evening, Edward." Charlie didn't seem surprised. "Is Be-"

"Bella is resting in her room. She's felt tired all day."

"Oh okay. Thank you, Edward." Charlie said, relieved.

"I'll be on my way." I heard Edward say, opening the door to leave.

"Alright. Tell Carlisle I said hi."

"Will do. Good bye, sir." Edward closed the door.

Charlie came into my room a few moments later. "Hey, Dad."

"You feeling alright, Bells?"

"Yup, just tired. Edward did say I felt hot to him...could you take my temperature?" I asked.

He reached and touched my forehead as Edward had. "Honey, you're cold!" He said in shock.

"Cold?" I felt just fine. How could Edward get cold and hot mixed? Maybe I was sick.

"How do you feel? Do you need anything?" he asked, pulling the covers up on me.

"I feel tired, that's all."

"Well, whatever you have, make sure you get better. I need to see my daughter at graduation tomorrow."

"Dad, I'm not sick. I don't have anything. Can I please sleep?"

"Sorry...yes, sleep."

"Bye dad. Thanks."

"Night, Bella."

I listened to music for a few hours. Edward wasn't back yet, but I knew he wanted me resting. He would defiantly keep me up.

I started to drift asleep until I felt a cool body rest next to mine. "Edward!" I smiled, my eyes lids half open.

"Shhh...sleep."

"Hey, remember how you said I felt hot to you?" I kept my eyes closed as I spoke.

"Yeah."

"Charlie said I felt...cold to him."

"What?" He reached for my cheek. "You do feel cold..."

"You can tell? Even with you're body temperature?"

"Yes, kinda, but...you defiantly don't feel hot..." Edward looked worried. "Do you still have a headache?"

"Yeah...but its small."

"I can get you-"

"Edward, I'm fine. Really." I could tell I was tired. My words to me weren't understandable.

"Fine then. Now, go to sleep. I'll be right here." He said, holding me in his arms. I opened my eyes and looked at him for as long as I could.

I smiled. I remembered the time in the hospital, where they gave me the pain medication. I felt that drowsy. Once I remembered the reason I was in the E.R…I stopped thinking about it. I kept looking at Edwards face until my eyelids blocked the view. I felt his hand holding mine. I was soon asleep...and I began to dream…

I wandered through the forest. It was night. Edward promised to meet me there. I heard his footsteps up ahead. "Edward?" I called. "Over here Bella." he responded. He walked close to me and hugged me tightly. Above the trees the full moon shined. It was beautiful. "Why are we here?" I asked in amazement. "It was nice out tonight. I wanted you to see." I nodded. It was lovely. "I love you." He said. I opened my mouth to say it back. My voice cracked and I suddenly collapsed in his arms. "Bella?" My eyes were closed. Pain rushed throughout my body. My hand burned, the fire was back. My head felt like it was splitting open. I couldn't scream. "Bella?!" He asked franticly. My ribs felt like they were constricting my lungs. I couldn't breathe or talk. "BELLA?" Edward cried picking me up. I couldn't move. What was wrong? He looked at my hand. It was bleeding. I went cold, my skin almost glowing in the light. Edward stood in horror. I was changing.

The pain in my hand surged up my arm, into my chest and the rest of me. My voice was terrified as I finally screamed. "EDWARD!"

"Bella?" he called.

"NO!" I thrashed.

"Bella, its me." he said again.

"I can't- ...no…"

"Bella, wake up!" He shook me. I bolted up right, screaming again.

"Edward!" My eyes were wide open, tears pouring down my face. My head spun with memories as I realized it was a dream.

"Bella, Bella. Its okay!" He said calmly. He held me as I was shaking in his arms. "It was a dream...just a dream."

"Edward..." I sobbed.

"I'm here. Calm down." He took my hands.

"Ah!" I pulled my hand away. It hurt.

"Bella?" He took my hand gently to look. The scar looked as it usually did. He traced his fingers across the curved scar. The skin in the area was cooler than the rest of my hand, but at the moment, it burned.

"What happened?" He ask.

I was still shaking. "M-my hand-d..." I stopped. "Ja-James..."

"Bella, you need to calm down." he said, holding me tighter in him arms. I breathed deeply, and the shaking stopped. "Now, tell me what happened." He ordered. I told him my whole dream. He listened carefully to every detail. He became stiff once I said I was changing. "You were turning...?" he asked. I nodded slowly. "You know I would never let that happen." He said sternly. I didn't get why, but I didn't want to argue about the subject...not tonight.

I felt calm now. I've always had dreams like that. Becoming a vampire. It never shook or bothered me. Why did it tonight? That was my wish, to be with Edward forever. Yet, it scared me. I thought about it for a moment. I didn't care. I wouldn't change my mind...I refused.

"How are you feeling?" He asked. He touched my face. "You feel normal. Not hot or cold."

"Okay..." I nodded.

"Headache?"

"Nope." My head was fine.

"Good. I'm glad."

"Me too. Wait- Where's Charlie?" My yelling should have woke him up.

"He left pretty early to get some fishing done before graduation."

"Oh, okay." I was relived. I wouldn't be able to explain my dream to him. Plus, the screaming would give him a heart attack.

"We don't have to be at the school for another two hours or so. Try and get some more sleep."

"I'm not tired anymore." I wasn't even drowsy. I was wide awake.

"Bella..." he sighed. "Well, are you hungry then?"

"No."

"You haven't eaten since...since three o'clock."

"Well, I'm not in the mood to eat." I sat up in my bed. "I'm thirsty though..." I added.

He walked my down the stairs and I opened the fridge. Charlie had already drank half of the juice. I just took water, but it didn't satisfy me. I got out the milk. Still didn't help. "What am I craving?" I said to myself. Edward just watched me roam around the kitchen. Most of my cravings ended up being chocolate. I mixed the cocoa powder in my milk and drank. I laughed. "I feel like I'm having a sugar rush." I giggled.

Edward just stared at me. "Bella, are you okay?"

"Yup." I grinned.

"Have you been spending too much time with Alice?"

"No...I only see her at school. We haven't actually spent time together since...two weeks ago."

"Well, you're happy this morning." He laughed at me. "I'm just glad you're feeling better."

I did feel better. I felt like...like running. Dancing! Skipping...just doing something active. I probably would, if I knew I wouldn't end up breaking something. Was I going hysterical?

"Edward."

"Yes?"

"Take me running."

"What!?"

"Please?"

"Bella, you hate it. You nearly pass out on me every time."

"I know." I kept smiling.

"Are you serious?" He raised his eye brow.

"Yes. I don't know why. The dream...I dunno, I just feel...full of energy! That...or there's lots of sugar in that chocolate mix." My words weren't coming out right. And I just couldn't stop smiling.

"What ever you say..." he said, still laughing too.

We walked outside. The weather was nice. He lifted me on his back as I inhaled the damp air. "Are you sure about this?" he smiled, but looked concerned. I only nodded. "Alright. Remember, close your eyes." Before I could say anything, we were off. The wind rushed past me, stinging my face. Everything passed us in a blur. I couldn't breath, but it seemed different this time. It was thrilling. I raised my hands up and smiled. Edward looked up at me strangely. "Having fun?" He said clearly. I couldn't respond and just held on to him tighter. I rested my head on his shoulders, my arms wrapped around his chest. "Slow down." I said softly, starting to feel dizzy. He did, and pulled me from his back and cradled me. "You okay?"

I laughed weakly. "That was brilliant."

"You look like you're gonna-"

"Just too much excitement." I didn't let him finish. He kissed me and said, "So, I'm guessing we're not running back?"

"Wait." I curled up in a ball in his arms. My face buried in his chest as he still held me. "I won't look." I said through his shirt.

He shrugged. "Tell me if you need to stop." He said, already starting to run again.

I didn't look. All I felt was the wind rushing past me. It reminded me of how many times I hid in my seat on a rollercoaster. He gripped me tighter as he ran faster. But, before I knew it, my ride was soon over and he placed me back on my ground in front of the house. It seemed longer, but when I looked at the clock, we had only been gone for ten minutes. "Thanks." I said, collapsing on the sofa. "Whoa, I'm tired."

"I told you, you should've slept longer. We still have a while before we need to get ready...take a nap." he said sitting next to me. I shifted my position and put my head on his lap. I closed my eyes as he stroked my hair. "Thanks again." I said, looking up at him. He smiled and nodded. "Anytime."

"...Bella...?" called a soothing voice. I knew it was time to wake up. I opened my eyes and Edward was there, along with Alice. "Morning, Bella!" She said, as cheerful as usual.

"Hey Alice." My voice sounded scratchy and I noticed my head was throbbing again.

"Are you okay?" She asked, looking at Edward. He looked worried again. He touched my forehead again. "You feel...cold again."

"What?" Alice touched my face too. "Bella! You are cold."

"I feel fine. But my headache is back." I said, looking into Edwards conserned eyes. "Don't worry, I'll take an Aspirin."

I took the medicine and headed up stairs to get ready. My head spun but I knew today was important for not only me but my family and, of course, Edward. I got ready faster than I would have expected, since I was still half asleep. I must have been really excited, but I didn't feel it. I grabbed the dress Renee gave me but I didn't put it on. I would end up tearing it or staining it before I got to the school. Besides, we would be wearing our graduation uniforms over it. I guessed I'd change before the party. I slipped on a light blue blouse and white skirt that matched the shoes. I put on the shoes my mother gave me…and then prayed I didn't kill myself or anyone in them. I brushed my hair and parted it off to the side. I walked back down and asked if we were ready to go. Edward turned around in surprise. "Bella?" He asked. "Whoa, that was fast." Alice giggled. They both knew how slow I was in the mornings...most of the time. "Well, we all seem to be ready!" Alice said, already out the door. Edward chuckled as he swooped me up with the dress and tucked me in the car. "We should take one car. Parents will need parking spaces." Edward said. He was so thoughtful.

"Wow…" I said, realizing I was thinking aloud.

"What?" Edward questioned.

"I'm graduating…!" I half laughed. He sighed and rolled his eyes. "It just hit you, huh?" he sighed with a grin. I nodded slowly. Alice hugged me from behind. "You excited?" She asked. She defiantly was…but not for herself, but me.

"Yeah…" I sighed. I looked at the dress in my arms. I was going to make this special. For Edward.

We reached school. He looked at me as I felt the mixed emotions swarm inside me. This was my last day here. I felt relieved and disappointed at the same time. I smiled and walked confidently up to the school. Edward held me around my waist as we walked inside. He went a different way to get his uniform while I got mine. I pulled my size off the rack and threw it on over me. I was finally feeling the excitement.

We all gathered outside, behind the audience. The Principle made a speech and honoring all of us who were graduating.

It took forever.

They called everyone in alphabetical order by our last names. They were on the C's when I heard them call Alice up. I waved at her and smiled. Esme and Carlisle were in the stands clapping and grinning at their 'daughter'. Edward soon came up after, along with the rest of the Cullen family that was graduating. They were finally into the R's when I actually started paying attention. I jumped up when I heard them in the S's. Finally, I was called up.

"Isabella Marie Swan."

My dad jumped up out of the stands and cheered. I walked up the stage and shook hands with everyone. The Cullens stood and clapped too. Everyone seemed happy. I felt happy! A tear appeared as I was congratulated by the principle. I smiled as I walked off the stage with my diploma. I took a seat in the rows of chairs in front of audience. The rest of the ceremony seemed to go by faster. As soon as the principle said his final word, all of us graduates threw ourselves up. Hats flew everywhere, people cried and laughed, and families gathered with their kids. Edward was next as soon as I was up out of my chair.

"Congrats, Bella." He kissed me.

"Thanks."

"You're dads looking for you…we should meet him." He said, pulling me up to the stands.

"Bells!" Charlie shouted as he spotted me. "I'm so proud of you!" He said, embracing me in a hug tighter than Edward has ever done. "Thanks…dad." I choked.

"Congratulations Edward!" He said shaking hands with Edward.

"Thank you, sir."

"Bella, you are going to the party right?" Charlie said. Obviously, Edward had said something to him. I eyed him. Edward just smiled.

"Yes, my dress is in the car." I sighed.

"You guys go have fun. I have to get back to work." My dad said, sounded disappointed. Then, he gave me another huge hug.

"Love you Bells." He said, looking as if he could cry.

"Love you too, Dad."

I heard my name again, "Bella!"

I turned to see my mom. "Mom! I didn't know you were coming!"

"Honey, how could you think I would miss this?!" She kissed me all over my face. "Oh, baby…" She sighed, my face in her hands, "Charlie, look at her. Our Bella is grown up!"

My mother, Renee, walked up to Charlie. She embraced him and kissed him on the cheek. "We're so proud of you…" She began to sob. Charlie just nodded.

I never saw them to comfortable around each other before…My day felt so complete.

I kissed my dad before he left, and hugged my mom for another twenty minutes before I had to leave. Edward and I walked around talking to friends and family. I talked to Esme as she squeezed me. Alice kissed me on the cheek, Carlisle shook hands with me, Emmett (I think) broke a few ribs, and Jasper just grinned up at me.

Everyone soon departed, heading inside the school. "Everyone is getting ready for the party…shall we go inside?" he asked.

"My dress is in your car."

"Right. I'll get it." He said. In a flash he was next to me again with my dress in his hands.

"I'll wait for you by the gym…you go change." He said, walking me inside to a bathroom.

I changed. I checked myself in the mirror and smiled. I actually like the dress. And the new shoes I got from Renee didn't cause me to fall. Today was going by perfectly. I quickly touched up my make-up and walked out and headed towards the gym. Edward heard me before I spotted him. He smiled down at me as I leaned up against his chest. "You're beautiful…" He whispered.

"Thanks. You look good yourself." I could see he had changed as well. He showed his bright teeth. "Shall we?" he asked, opening the doors to the gym. I could hear the music blasting as he held the doors open. I smiled and held his hand. We walked inside together. It sure didn't look like the gym anymore. There was a dance floor, streamers hung everywhere, people were dancing and having a great time. Edward pulled me close to him and I knew want he wanted.

It was time…to party!

He took my hands and placed one of his on my waist. He started out slowly, finding the beat of the music. The floating sensation was back as he moved faster but still gracefully. "Thank you." I sighed with a smiled.

"For what?"

"Making me go. I'm having fun." He raised an eye brow, and then laughed quietly. "Well, you're welcome."

He spun me around and caught me back in his arms. I laughed as I leaned into his chest. "What's funny?"

"I didn't fall!" I giggled as he shook his head. "I'm doing well today!"

He slid his leg behind mine and pulled me under. Before I could fall, I was up in his arms. "Cheater!" I cried. "This time it wasn't my fault at least!"

We danced until the song was over. I was feeling tired again, but I promised myself I wouldn't ruin this. "Are you hungry?" Edward asked, bringing me up to the trays of food and drinks.

"I'll just have a drink." I said. He poured me punch and I sipped it slowly. "Are you really having fun?" He asked.

I nodded. "Yes! Of course."

"Okay. Are you sure you're not hungry? You only had something to drink this morning."

"I'm fine, Edward." But I could feel a headache coming. Maybe I should eat…

"Bella! Having fun?" I heard the sing song voice approach; Alice danced over to us, smiling.

"Yes, I am. I hope you're enjoying yourself."

"Oh, I am." Her smiled broadened.

"Okay, good. Excuse me, I have to use the restroom." Edward nodded and let me pass. Alice followed.

"Edward is happy." She commented.

"That's what I've been striving for." I grinned. Alice gave me a look. "Hey, I'm having fun! I'm not just doing to make him happy."

"Hurry so we can get back our there." Alice said as I walked into the bathroom. Alice was defiantly having a blast. I didn't have to go, so I leaned up against the sink and stared into the mirror. I looked pale, sickly. The headache was worse now and I wondered if I should just go home. Alice came in a few minutes later, asking if I was alright.

"Bella, you've been in here for a while…you okay?"

"Yeah…My headache is back."

"Here, I'll run and get something for you. You go out to Edward."

I did. Alice must have told him before she left, because he looked worried again. "Bella, we can leave if you want."

"I'm fine…" I said, though it felt like I was spinning.

"Bella..." He growled.

"I'm just a little dizzy…" I said feeling my knees weaken.

Everything then hit me so fast.

Alice came back. A look of worry and shock on her face. "Edward! We need Carlisle!" She said quickly. I started sinking in Edwards arms. I was lightheaded and everything started to go black.

"NOW!" She said. Edward picked me up and ran out the door. Alice followed behind. "What?" I asked softly.

They ignored me. Alice looked at Edward. "What's going on, Alice?!" Edward ordered.

"Bella…She's-"

Edward stopped, grabbing Alice, staring her directly in the eyes. "Don't hide your thoughts! What WRONG, Alice!" It was silent for a moment, until I heard him hollering. "No…!" He roared. "How?!"

"I don't know Edward. Carlisle can explain." I could feel them running again.

"What's going to happen? Tell me!" He cried.

"Edward! I don't know! I'm trying!"

I couldn't feel anything. I thought we were in the car, but I couldn't be sure. Everything today was going so perfectly…

"Do you see anything?" Edward asked a little more calmly, though I could still hear the hysteria in his voice.

"No…one minute she's one of us…the next…she just fine!"

I opened my mouth. "W-what?"

"Don't worry, Bella." Was all he said. Alice gently pulled me out of the car and rushed inside. Carlisle and Esme were waiting. "What's happening to her?!" Alice said. I had started shaking.

"She might be going into shock." Carlisle said. "Bella, can you hear me."

"Yes…" I managed to say. I didn't get what was happening.

"Does anything hurt?" He asked. I raised my hand, showing my scar. "How bad."

"Fire…" was all I whispered. My headache was worse too.

"She mentioned a headache." Edward said, his voice sounded scared, watching the pained expression on my face. "Bella?!" Edward suddenly cried. I had stopped breathing.

"I…can't…breathe!" I said. The pain in the lungs was in my entire chest. Alice looked horrified as he held my other hand.

"Edwa…Edwar…" I couldn't even say his name. The pain turned into numbness. I felt nothing, except for something cold spread through me.

"I'm here." I heard his voice.

"Take her to your room, Edward." Carlisle said. "Rest her on the couch."

I didn't even feel him pick me up. He laid me in his room. I didn't feel that either.

"Bella?" Alice said, her voice was shaky. Carlisle was by my side taking my temperature. "She's hot."

"But she was cold earlier." Alice said.

"Damn it! What the hell is wrong with her?!" Edward roared.

He rushed to my side as I started coughing. "She's breathing again! Bella?" Carlisle asked.

"Yeah?" I could barely speak.

"How are you feeling now?"

"It hurts…everything hurts." He took my hand, examining the scar. It was burning again.

"AHHHH!" I screamed. I looked frantically for Edward. He stood there, not knowing what to do.

Carlisle let go of my hand and backed away. "Edward."

Edward turned to face Carlisle. "She's changing…"

Edward stood there, looking at me. If he could cry right now, he would. Alice clenched her fits. "I couldn't see…"

"Alice, now is not the time. You can't see everything."

Alice put her face in her hands.

"How?" Edward asked, his voice was furious. "James was the only one who bit her. We stopped it."

"There might have been a small trace of venom left. The tiniest bit that you didn't get."

Edward's eyes were filled with agony, not responding to Carlisle's assumption.

"The venom could have just been going throughout her system…Its finally starting to reach her heart."

Edward shook his head. "Edward, this is what I want!" I tried to say clearly.

"I don't! You're human, Bella! Why do you want to be a monster?! Huh?"

"Well, I don't have a choice now…" That was the wrong thing to say…

He did nothing, though. We started at each other. "Don't look at me like that…" I cried.

His face softened, but his fists still were clutched.

"Carlisle…!" The pain was back in my hand, but the fire spread through my body. Everything was going black again.

"Carlisle…do something." Edward pleaded.

"I think…if we change her now…she might not make it. If she slowly goes through with this…she'll be in pains for days…maybe even weeks. We could change her and the process will go by faster and the pain will be more intense. The only thing I'm afraid of is her not being strong enough."

Then, I heard Esme's voice. "Bella…" I felt her hand grasp mine. The pain started to subside again, but my vision didn't clear up much.

Edward slid himself under me and I rested on his lap. "Can I talk to her? Alone?"

Everyone left without a word. "I'm sorry." I said.

"It's not your fault." He said firmly.

"It's not yours either." My voice was raspy.

He shook his head. "I didn't keep my promise to keep you safe."

"I am safe." He brushed his hands through my hair. "You're cold again."

"I can't see…" I said, suddenly realizing I couldn't focus on Edward anymore. "It hurts again."

He took my hand, the scarred one. He brushed it gently, making me wince. "I'm sorry."

I didn't respond. My whole body was numb and my voice had gone. I heard him talking. Carlisle, Alice, Esme…and Edward. All there voices were there. But I was blind and feeling had left me completely. I felt nothing…but the darkness enclosed around me.