I own nothing!!

Chapter 11

Bpov

It had been a few weeks since I moved in with Edward and his family. Thankfully there had not been anymore contact from Jacob but I wasn't holding my breath. I think Edward had noticed my paranoia though. Where ever we went I was always looking over my shoulder. I don't think he thinks too much about it, he just jokes saying I was really married with kids or that I was secretly on the run from the cops. I knew I had to step up my game and not be so obvious in my paranoia.

I was currently walking out of my English Lit class towards the metro station. Edwards's class didn't finish for another half hour so I was making my way to work like I did before I met him.

I fumbled my way down the steps, bought a ticket and found the correct platform. While I was waiting I decided to start reading the new book set for class. Leaning against a pillar I dug into my messenger bag and pulled out the book. After only reading for a few minutes I had the distinct feeling of being watched, I honestly tried to ignore the hairs on the back of my neck standing up but curiosity got the better of me and I glanced up from my book into the eyes of a dark haired man a little older than me with a phone to his ear, mumbling into the device. As soon as he caught my gaze he looked away causing my intuition to spark. Now I know I was probably overreacting but as I said before, I was very paranoid lately. Thankfully the train arrived a few minutes later; I shoved my book back into my bag and fought my way through the hoard of people onto the train.

I watched thru the passenger side window as the city flew by. Edward had just picked me up from work and we were now making our way home. Home. It had been a long time since I had actually called a place that. It felt right.

I felt a hand on mine and looked over at Edward who was smiling his beautiful crooked smile.

"Wakey, wakey." He chuckled.

"Huh?" I asked oh so eloquently.

He laughed again. "I was asking you a question but you were in your own little world."

I smiled sheepishly. "Sorry."

"Its fine baby, I was just asking if you were free tomorrow?"

Normally I would be working at the club tomorrow but after moving in with Edward he convinced me to quit at least one of my jobs and wasn't very subtle in his hoping I would choose apple which I was more than happy to do.

"Yep, I'm as free as a bird." I told him smiling.

He grinned widely. "Good, because the six of us are going out tomorrow night." He told me.

I quirked an eyebrow with a grin. "Oh really? And where might we be going?" I inquired.

"Well that is for me to know and for you to wait and see." He said as we pulled into the parking garage of our building.

"Babe, you ready?" Edward called from our bedroom as I finished brushing my teeth.

"Yep let me just grab my coat." I told him as I walked out of the bathroom and straight into a hug.

"Ummmm." He hummed as he nuzzled my neck. "You look gorgeous." He kissed below my ear. "And you smell utterly fucking edible." He finished by nibbling on my lobe causing my eye lids to flutter and my skin to heat up.

"Hmmm, as much as I'd like to lock ourselves in here for the rest of the night, your demon sister will be knocking on that door any minute and I have no doubt that she will use Emmett to break the door down if we don't answer." I told him seriously as he groaned. He knew I was right, Alice gets what Alice wants.

We still hadn't done much in the bedroom department and it wasn't because I didn't want to but that I was scared. As much as I loved and trusted Edward it was still a big step, not to mention the fact that I would be naked which would mean Edward would see all of my scars. Talk about killing the mood. Thankfully most of my bruises had faded over the past few weeks and there was only one real bad one left on my shoulder blade. So far all we have done is over the clothes touching which I'm sure Edward was getting bored with although he would never admit it.

"Fine." He whined like a kid who got told he wasn't allowed a cookie before diner.

I laughed at him. "You're the one who organized tonight. You've only got yourself to blame." I grabbed my coat, scarf, hat and gloves before making my way out of the room, Edward close behind.

In the kitchen we were greeted by an impatient Alice and amused Jasper.

"What's wrong little sister." Edward asked as he wrapped his arms around me from behind.

Alice abruptly stopped her pacing and turned to give Edward a wide eyed stare.

"What's wrong? What's wrong?!" She all but shouted. "What's wrong is that we are going to be late if those two-" she gritted thru her teeth as she pointed above our heads. "Don't get their asses moving!"

Jasper choked on his laughter before saying. "Honey, you don't even know where we're going. Why are you stressing out?"

"I know I don't know where we're going but that doesn't mean I want to be late." She stated matter-of-factly with a roll of her eyes.

Thankfully just then Rosalie and Emmett came waltzing in.

"Finally!" Alice cried with a wave of her arms.

The two of them looked at Edward, Jasper and I confused, as Alice all but bolted to the door screaming. "Come on!" We just shook our heads, silently telling them not to ask.

After all hopping into Emmett's jeep – Alice having to sit on Jasper's lap – we drove to the first destination the boys had planned for us. All they had told us was to dress warm.

Twenty minutes later we had parked and were struggling to get out of the car – the boys had blind folded us five minutes previously. Once on the side walk they lead us inside and into an elevator. The elevator dinged and we were led out then up a small flight of stairs. Edward, knowing how clumsy I was with eye sight decided to pick me up bridal style and carry me up. I was very grateful. He set me back on my feet and led me by my hands, I faintly heard a door open and the feel of a cool breeze on my cheeks and realised they were leading us outside. I felt warm lips against my neck as the blind fold was removed and I was met with the sight of a roof top restaurant, candles guiding a path towards a large table in the corner. The guys had booked not only one table but all of the patio tables of the Salon de Ning restaurant in the Peninsula Hotel.

I was stunned speechless.

I felt a tug on my hand and realised Edward was trying to lead me towards our table. I looked up into his gentle green eyes that were shining with happiness. I gave him a goofy grin as I leaned up and claimed his lips in a short but passionate kiss.

"Come on love." He said as we broke apart, tugging on my hand again. This time I followed.

Being the gentleman that he is Edward pulled out my chair for me before settling in to his own to my left, casually throwing his right arm around my shoulders.

I looked around the table at the smug smiles of our boys and the stunned faces of Alice and Rosalie which I am sure mirrored the expression I was wearing.

"How...how did you come up with this?" Rosalie asked the boys.

"We've been known to have a good idea every once in a while." Emmett quipped.

Rosalie looked at him with an unbelieving expression and raised an eye brow. As hard as the poor guy tried to remain cool, the look was too much and eventually made him crack.

"Fine!" He sighed dramatically. "Those two Mary's came up with it!" He admitted, pointing to Edward and Jasper.

I expected Rose to maybe be disappointed but surprisingly she grinned and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

I turned to Edward.

"Why did you do all of this?" I asked.

"Can't I do something nice for my girlfriend every now and then?" He replied with a grin while I thrilled at the word girlfriend.

What are you twelve? Get a grip Swan! You've been his girlfriend for over a month now!

"Of course, but why really Edward?"

He chuckled at my persistence. "If you insist." He pretended to be annoyed but the smile on his lips and the sparkle in his eyes told me otherwise. The fingers of his right hand started playing with my hair as he spoke. "A little birdie told me it was your birthday." He grinned.

I froze, my eyes wide. What? My birthday? Was it? I quickly thought about the date and realised he was right. November 21st. My last few birthdays had been so horrible that I had forced myself to block them from memory. I had never liked attention or gifts and therefore birthdays were not my favourite time of year but what with my last three birthdays holding nothing but tragedy and horror I had understandably grown to despise this dreaded day.

"It's your birthday!" Alice screeched. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"I-I.....H-how... How did you know?" I asked Edward confused.

He smiled cheekily. "You talk in your sleep." He chuckled as I blushed. "At first I just thought it was a random dream or memory but then you mumbled the date." He explained.

"Oh." I said embarrassed. Thoughts were running threw my head at lightning speed.

What else have I said?

What do I do if he hears things he shouldn't?

How do I explain that I forgot my own birthday?

"Well?" Alice's voice dragged me out of my thoughts.

"What?" I asked confused.

"Why didn't you tell us it was your birthday?" She asked, a mixture of hurt and confusion on her little face.

"I'm sorry." I apologised. "I just don't like birthdays."

"How can you not like birthdays?" Emmett asked incredulously. "You get presents!"

Everyone laughed at his immaturity but me. Sensing something was wrong Edward turned to look at me and saw the tears in my eyes.

"Oh Bella! What's wrong? I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have said anything! Please forgive me, I-" He fretted but I cut him off by placing my fingers over his lips.

I couldn't be mad at him, I could never be mad at him. He had no idea of my past and the things I had gone thru so naturally he would think I was just hiding my birthday because I didn't want a fuss and to be honest if everything was different and I hadn't ever gone thru what I had then I probably would have done exactly that.

"It's okay. Don't be sorry." I told him as I tried to smile which caused a few of the tears to spill over.

Immediately Edward was wiping away the tears with the pads of his thumbs looking both distraught and ashamed.

"Edward please don't be sad, you did nothing wrong." I told him, feeling my bottom lip tremble both because of my memories and because I had ruined a perfect evening before it had even started.

"The fact that you're crying proves that I have." He said dejectedly.

"I promise you Edward that I'm not mad at you. You had no idea that I would react this way. You were just being the caring, loving boyfriend that you are by wanting to celebrate my birthday. There's nothing wrong with that." I stated adamantly and gave him a peck on the lips.

"Why do you hate your birthday so much Bella?" Rosalie asked concerned.

I sighed. I knew I had to tell them. It wasn't one of the many taboo topics – well the story I was going to tell them wasn't.

I took a deep breath and looked up at Rosalie determined. "My parents died in a car accident on my sixteenth birthday." I told them. It was the truth...just lacking a few details like how the brakes had been cut and I knew who did it. It was the same person who had ruined my other birthdays and had made my life a living hell. Jacob.

I heard the shocked gasps travel around the table.

"I'm so sorry Bella." Rosalie apologised.

I smiled a sad smile.

"It's okay Rose. It was a long time ago."

Edward leaned over and rested his forehead against the side of my head.

"God, Bella. I'm so sorry. Fuck I'm such an idiot." He scolded himself.

I turned and cupped his face. "Edward I've already told you I'm not mad. It was so sweet of you to do this for me. Please stop beating yourself up for this." I pleaded as I stared in to his green pools.

He sighed. "Bella. I got you something." He looked down then flicked his eyes back up to mine. "I'm not sure if you'll want it now though."

Normally I hate people giving me presents and now was no different but I didn't want to upset Edward anymore than I already had.

I smiled. "I would love to see what you got me Edward." I gave him a reassuring peck on the lips.

He reached a hand into his coat pocket and pulled out a square blue box with a lighter blue bow tied around it and handed it to me. I gulped as I took it. It looked expensive.

I carefully pulled the bow loose, letting it fall to my lap and then slowly opened the box. My breath got stuck in my throat as I looked at the silver locket. I gently pulled it from the box and studied the engravings; on the front was an engraving of a rose and the number 20 written above. I stroked the smooth surface with the pad of my thumb and felt something on the back of the locket as well. I turned it over and saw another engraving, this time it was writing. It said: Happy Birthday my love. Edward xx

I felt a smile on my lips and tears in my eyes. No one had ever gotten me something as beautiful as this. I turned to Edward to thank him but he spoke before I had the chance.

"Open it love." He said softly, looking slightly worried.

With a furrowed brow I carefully opened the locket. Once open my hand flu to my mouth and a tear slid down my cheek. Inside Edward had put in two pictures; the one on the left was of my parents on their wedding day – it was the same picture as I had in a frame in our room, he must have made a small copy. The one on the right was of me and my parents on Christmas day, sat around the tree – it was the one I had found in a smashed frame on the day of the break in.

"Bella, I'm sorry I hope you don't mind. I knew how much your parents meant to you – I thought you'd like to have something to remind you of them where ever you are. If you don't like it, that's okay-" He started to rant in his worry but I cut him off by kissing his sweet lips.

"I love it Edward!" I said before attacking him with more kisses. "This is the most special gift anyone has ever given to me. Normally I wouldn't except something so expensive but I love it too much to give it back." I told him as he chuckled.

"You really like it?" He asked as he wiped away the last few tears still on my cheeks.

"I love it!" I said as I leaned my forehead against his and stroked his cheek with a smile. "Thank you so much." I whispered.

"You're welcome, love." And just like that everything was back to normal, the cloud of sorrow gone.

Just then a waiter came over and we ordered our food. Conversation flowed easily as we ate the copious amounts of mouth watering food, although everyone was careful to not mention my birthday again.

Once we were unable to eat anymore the boys generously paid the check and ushered us back out to the car where we were blindfolded once more as we sped away to our next destination.

Epov

Damn it! I should have realised Bella didn't want to celebrate her birthday by the fact that she didn't even tell me it was her birthday.

When I heard her mumbling about her birthday in her sleep I thought it would be a great idea to surprise her. I was wrong. She hated her birthday so much that she didn't even remember that it was today. And she had good reason. God I couldn't even imagine losing my parents, let alone on my birthday. She was so much stronger than I could ever be.

I was so nervous when I gave her the locket I had bought her. I didn't know how she would react as it was so personal and after what she had just divulged I thought she would be angry with me. Again I was wrong; she all but drowned me in kisses – not that I was complaining.

Jasper, Emmett and I all grinned at each other once we had blindfolded our significant other. This was the part we were all excited for.

Emmett expertly navigated his way thru the busy streets of New York until we pulled up at central park. Once again we each helped our girls out of the car before untying their blindfolds.

"Central park?" Alice asked confused with a raised eyebrow.

"Yep." Jasper replied with a pop on the 'p', grinning widely.

"Oakyyy." She drew out the word slowly.

I grabbed Bella's hand as we followed Emmett, Rose, Alice and jasper thru the park.

"Are you warm enough baby?" I asked Bella.

She turned to me with a big smile and nodded as she leaned her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her small shoulders and placed a kiss on the top of her head.

"Thank you Edward." Bella all but whispered.

"What for, love?" I asked.

"Tonight. For caring. Everything." She said just as quietly as before.

"You deserve nothing less." I replied simply as we came into view of bright lights, laughing children and an ice rink.

The girls froze.

"You're taking us ice skating!" Alice squealed excitedly.

Before anyone was able to answer Alice was already speeding over to a small booth set up next to the rink where you could hire ice skates. The rest of us quickly followed behind her but as I turned to ask what size shoe Bella was I noticed the look of terror gracing her beautiful face.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked as I cupped her pink cheeks in my hands.

"Edward-I can't...I can't even stay upright on concrete let alone ice!" She panicked.

I bit my lip to hold in my chuckle at her terrified face.

"I'll be right next to you the whole time and you can even hold on to the bar." I told her as calmly as I could get out without showing my amusement.

"But what if I hurt you?" She whispered with wide eyes.

As hard as I tried I couldn't hold in my laugh. She was just too adorable.

As quick as if I'd switched a light switch, adorable, worried Bella morphed into un-amused, feisty Bella, complete with the hands on her hips and raised eyebrow. I coughed in an attempt to disguise my chuckles.

"Care to share what's so funny?" She asked in a deadly calm voice.

I immediately stopped laughing.

"Wh-I-I-nothing.....?" I stuttered out. She glared at me. "I'm sorry?" I practically squeaked out.

"And why is it that you're sorry?" She asked.

"F-for laughing at you." I felt like I was nine again, being told off by my mother.

"And why were you laughing at me?"

"Because you looked so adorable when you were scared of going on the ice." I whispered out, not knowing if this would make her angrier or not.

"But you know how clumsy I am!" Bella whined as she stomped her foot. Adorable Bella was back.

I smiled. "Yes, I do. But I promise that I will not let go of you for even a second, okay?" I asked.

She exhaled thru her nose loudly as she crossed her arms over her chest looking like an angry adolescent.

"But I might hurt you." She said quietly.

"You won't be able to because I won't let you fall or even wobble." I said as I rubbed my hands up and down her upper arms.

She looked up at me for a few moments before huffing. "Fine!"

I grinned. "What size shoe are you?" I asked.

"Six."

I walked over to the booth and told the middle aged man there our shoe sizes when I faintly heard Jasper speak.

"He is so whipped." He said.

I turned and noticed he was talking to Emmett who was miming using a whip along with sound effects. They caught me looking and shook their heads as I grinned widely.

Once we were all wearing our ice skates we very carefully made our way to the rink. My poor Bella was close to crawling along at this point. Attempting to walk on two very thing blades is hard enough for someone who has coordination let alone Bella. Finally we made it to the ice, Em, Jaz, Rose and Alice all skating off together immediately. I slipped onto the ice and turned around to a terrified Bella.

"Love, it's going to be okay, I promise. I won't let you fall." I told her.

"Are you a good skater?" She asked quietly.

"I'm not bad." I replied. "My parents used to take is ice skating all the time, especially at Christmas."

She nodded before shakily raising a foot and placing it on the ice. I grabbed her upper arms as she started to lift the second foot and place it on the ice also.

"Okay?" I asked after a few seconds.

She nodded again.

"Alright, now relax your muscles and lean forward a little – it'll help your balance." I heard her snort at that.

"Doubtful." She chuckled and I grinned.

I slowly started to skate backwards, pulling Bella along with me. Her right hand attached to the small wall and her left clinging to my bicep in a death grip.

"See? You're doing it!" I congratulated her.

She laughed shakily. "You're pulling me around!"

"So? It still classes as skating." I decided.

She giggled with a radiant smile. "You're ridiculous!"

"You know you love it!" I joked before realising what I had said. I froze and hesitantly looked at her.

Her eyes were slightly wider than normal and her mouth parted.

Oh god, I've really put my foot in it now! I thought.

She bit her bottom lip. "Yes I do." She said quietly.

"What?" I asked shocked. Does she really mean what I think she means?

"I-I love you Edward." She spoke with a blush. From the look in her eyes it seemed that she didn't think I felt the same.

I grinned like the cheshire cat. "I love you too." I said and I meant it. I had never in my 21 years felt like this about anyone. I'm pretty sure I loved her from the moment I first laid eyes on her. She was everything to me.

"Really?" She asked...surprised? Only Bella finds it hard to believe that someone could be in love with her.

I chuckled. "Really." I whispered as I leaned in to kiss her sweet lips.

The kiss was chaste and loving, sweet and meaningfully and lasted far too short for my liking. It would seem that my ass of a brother decided that we looked to happy and so he took it upon himself to skate over and scare the shit out of the two of us. I jumped out of my skin as did Bella when he shouted. "Get a room!" right in our ears. Thankfully I didn't fall and managed to catch Bella as well. I turned to my brother.

"What the hell was that asshole!" I shouted at him, seriously annoyed that he had to ruin the moment between Bella and I.

"What?" He asked innocently as he skated off.

I rolled my eyes and huffed. I turned back to Bella and began to lead her around the rink again.

A couple hours later we were in the elevator of our building. Ice skating had been a complete success, by the time we were finished skating Bella had managed to skate on her own for a full minute before she lost her balance and I caught her. Tonight had been amazing. When Bella had told me she loved me I felt as if my heart was going to explode from happiness. No one other than my family had ever said that to me and hearing those three little words come from Bella was...amazing? Mind-blowing? Unbelievable? There really are no words.

After we said our good nights to everybody we made our way up stairs and to our room. We quickly changed in to our pj's – Bella had taken to wearing my tops to bed, not that I minded – and climbed into bed together. I immediately pulled her warm little body to mine, wrapping my arms around her and kissing her on her forehead.

"I love you so much Bella."

She leaned up and kissed me sweetly on the lips.

"I love you too Edward."

And with that we fell asleep in each other's arms, blissfully happy.

My laptop is fixed!

I hope you guys liked this chapter, I was originally planning on putting a little lemon in at the end but it just didn't seem to fit so maybe there'll be one in the next chap.

Anywho! Story recs!

Hit by destiny by ocdmess

Paradise retreat by kacull

Carpe diem by ladyinblue6 (it is such a sad but awesome story.)

Monster's serenade by Devy-Artemis

The blizzard by sheviking

F.Y.I. I've got so many ideas for other fic's so I may be posting some one-shots soon and I am thinking about getting a beta for when I start to write other multi-chap stories but I probably won't post said multi-chap stories until I've finished 'starting over'.