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Special thanks to my superstar beta, Jensy. She is a miracle worker. Thank you for making my chapters worth reading!

Disclaimer: Twilight and its characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. I just put them behind bars.

BPOV

Birthdays have never been a big deal to me. Most kids have large, festive celebrations yearly, but not me. I would usually be satisfied by a sleepover at my Mom's house with a couple of my closest friends. But that had been years ago; I hadn't hosted an actual birthday party since I had turned thirteen.

Today would be no different. I had already received a package from my mom, delivered yesterday and waiting downstairs for me to open it. I'm sure Charlie would provide me with something practical like pepper spray or a gas card for my truck.

I enjoyed getting gifts, but I had never been a material kind of girl, so a casual dinner with my family would more than suit my birthday desires. Well, until this year, that is. What I really wanted was to go on an actual date with my boyfriend . . . only a little more than three years to go until that would happen. Sardonically I realized that I would be able to drink alcohol before I would have a real date with my boyfriend. I loved my life.

I hadn't spoken to Charlie at all yesterday. He was gone before I got up for school, and I was already in bed by the time I heard his cruiser pull in the driveway. Wanting to avoid listening to him remind me of his disapproval towards Edward, I stayed snuggled under the covers and pretended to be asleep.

Frankly I was still recuperating from my first-ever shouting match with my dad, which left me with lingering mixed feelings. Even though it had been awful, I felt a surprising sense of optimism that we would be able to work out some sort of an agreement when it came to visiting Edward. Baring my soul like I did seemed to make him more receptive to the idea of letting me continue my relationship with Edward. And Charlie being so honest with me, talking to me like I was an adult who could handle the truth, had really meant a lot to me.

A part of me was still skeptical, however. I had to prove myself over the next month and I had a feeling that my dad would be watching me extra carefully. If I screwed up, no more Edward. Charlie held the key to my happiness and he knew it.

I started my typical morning routine of showering and getting dressed. I stumbled down the stairs and was surprised to find my dad waiting for me in the kitchen. I had been so preoccupied by my thoughts of Edward that I didn't notice the smell of eggs and bacon sizzling on the stove. Charlie had cooked me breakfast. I was honestly surprised and grateful.

We didn't speak much at the table. The minimal conversation was normal for us, and the sense of normalcy steadied me. So far the day was drama free. Charlie inhaled breakfast while I used my fork to push around my eggs on the plate, finally taking the risk to try a few bites. Though the eggs were a little runny, this was the best birthday gift my dad had ever given me.

When we were finished Charlie handed me a small wrapped box and I squealed in delight after tearing through the paper, finding myself staring at a new cell-phone. It was a really sophisticated smart-phone with a keyboard for texting and I immediately shot out of my chair to envelop him in a huge hug.

"Oh my gosh, Dad! I can't believe you got me a cell phone. This is so awesome!"

My effusive reaction to his gift made Charlie appear uncomfortable but happy.

"Well, it seems all the kids have cell phones nowadays, and I don't like the idea of you driving far from home without some way to contact me."

Wait a minute. Did he just say what I think he said?

"Dad, are you saying I can still visit Edward?"

He cleared his throat and swirled his coffee cup around.

"Yeah, Bella. I guess that's what I'm saying. You can still visit."

Scratch my previous statement. THIS was the best gift Charlie had ever given me, hands down.

I squealed even louder than before and practically jumped on Charlie. I hugged him as tightly as I could, and I could feel the tears start to pool in my eyes.

"Thank you so much Daddy. I love you."

Charlie started coughing and began pushing his way out of my embrace.

"I've got the picture, Bella. You can let go now. I can't breathe."

I laughed and released him from my suffocating embrace, returning to my own chair.

"There will be rules, Bella. And if you can't follow them, I won't allow you to visit with that boy."

"Of course, Dad. Don't you worry. I will walk the line."

"Well, you better. I won't be giving second chances."

He explained I had to keep my grades up and not get into any trouble at school. No skipping classes or being tardy. I was to let Charlie know where I was at all times, and if he found out I had been somewhere I shouldn't have been, I would be grounded indefinitely.

"So can I go see Edward on tomorrow, Dad? He has visiting hours then."

"We went over this the other night, Bella. You are grounded for a month. You purposely deceived me and that is unacceptable. You will survive a month without Edward—it's not like he's going anywhere."

I nodded. I had hoped he would change his mind about grounding me, but he was a stickler for the rules. Damn it.

"Well, kiddo, you better get your stuff or you'll be late for school. Remember, no tardies."

I ran upstairs to grab my backpack when I noticed a small flower pot filled with little light-blue and yellow flowers lying on my bed. A marker in the pot's soil listed them as "forget-me-nots". They were lovely. Beside the flowers was a piece of rolled paper with a pale yellow ribbon tied around it. I glanced up and noticed that my bedroom window was open, even though I was quite sure it had been closed as I made my way downstairs earlier.

I walked to the window and looked out, but didn't notice anyone outside.

Making my way back to the offering on my bed, I untied the soft ribbon and unrolled the note. I broke out into an enormous grin when I saw Edward's elegant handwriting on the page.

A friend who is far away is sometimes much nearer than one who is at hand.

And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.

~Kahlil Gibran

Bella,

Thank you for offering the gift of your love to the awkward boy in your biology class. I am eternally grateful for your presence in my life. You will live in my thoughts for all of my days. Happy Birthday, my Love.

Always,

Edward

I threw myself on the bed, hugging the note and skimming my fingers over the feathery, soft petals. Edward was amazing! Only he would be able to organize a birthday surprise from juvie. I giggled, knowing that he probably had put Jasper up to this. I had never received flowers from a boy before and now I could officially claim today as the best birthday ever.

My dad's voice brought me out of my love-induced haze.

"Bells, you alright up there? What's taking you so long?"

"Sorry Dad, I'm just checking out my new phone."

"You need to get a move on, or you'll be late for school."

I looked at my watch and groaned. Charlie was right. I was running behind schedule and I couldn't risk being late, thereby extending my time away from Edward.

I placed my gift on my desk and hoped Charlie wouldn't notice.

I heard the doorbell ring as I was making my way down the stairs and was shocked to see my dad and Jasper Hale in some sort of staring contest at the front door.

My dad looked over at me and then back at Jasper. He didn't even try to disguise his scowl.

"Hale, what are you doing here?"

"Hello Chief Swan. I'm here to escort Miss Swan to and from school today, for her birthday."

I noticed for the first time that Jasper was wearing a white dress shirt and black tie with his jeans.

"Thanks Jasper. That's awfully sweet of you. We better get going."

I glanced over to Charlie, who appeared a bit dumbstruck, and kissed his cheek.

"See ya after school, Dad."

Jasper and I headed to his parents' luxurious Lincoln Towncar. He scurried to the passenger side and opened the door for me, before crossing over to the driver side. We both buckled in, knowing my dad might be watching from the house.

"So Jasper, you didn't have anything to do with a certain floral delivery this morning?"

I could see the blush creep up his cheeks.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Miss Swan. I am merely here to make sure you arrive to school safely."

"Yeah, right. Well I'm impressed you managed to make it up that tree without harming yourself."

He shrugged. "I know, right? I was supposed to put the flowers in your locker, but I thought it would be much cooler for you to find them in your room. Were you surprised?"

"Completely. I can't believe Edward put you up to this."

"I was happy to help. He would do the same for Alice if the roles were reversed."

My jaw unhinged. "Alice? What do you mean?"

Jasper's face turned a thousand shades of red. "Um, I misspoke. I meant he would do the same things for me if the roles were reversed."

The ride to Forks high was awkwardly silent. A million scenarios were running through my mind. I was so excited that Edward had given me a birthday surprise, but I just couldn't stop thinking of Jasper's slip. He was totally into Alice. Edward had hinted that Jasper had a thing for her, but I hadn't read much into it then.

Jasper was such a great friend to Edward and me. The least I could do was to throw him a bone.

We arrived to school with only a few minutes to spare, and Jasper quickly made his way to my door. He reached his hand in to help me out of the car and I gave him a kiss on the cheek once I was out.

"Thank you Jasper. I'm willing to bet that if you ask Alice to the homecoming dance next week, she will say yes. Don't blow this perfect opportunity."

He looked at me dumbfounded and I winked before bolting to my first class.

Jasper drove me back home from school and I gave him a hard time when he admitted he still hadn't asked Alice to homecoming.

"Jazz! I'm telling you she is a sure thing. If you don't ask her, someone else will."

"I know, I know." His eyes were huge and he looked like he was about to pee in his pants. "M-M-Maybe I'll drive to her house after I drop you off."

I jumped out before he had a chance to open my door. "Go ask her. You look handsome in your tie and she won't be able to resist your charms."

I patted him on the shoulder and made my way to my front door.

Charlie and I had a nice dinner at the Forks Diner and I was busy working on my homework when the phone rang. I had already spoken to everyone who would typically call for my birthday, so I assumed it would be for Charlie.

I was quite surprised when Charlie yelled up the stairs for me to pick up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Happy birthday, Bella!"

"Edward? Oh my gosh!"

"Were you expecting someone else? Your other boyfriend, perhaps?" He chuckled.

"No, I'm, um, just surprised. Thank you so much for the flowers, Edward. They were beautiful."

"They aren't half as beautiful as you, my Love. I'm so glad you like them. I thought about roses, but they wouldn't last very long, and with the right amount of water and sunlight, the forget-me-nots will stay with you much longer."

We continued to talk about school and then it occurred to me that my dad had answered the phone. Had he realized who was calling?

"Edward, did my dad recognize your voice when he answered?"

"Of course he did, Bella. He was expecting my call. I asked him for permission yesterday."

"Yesterday?" I was totally confused.

"He didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

Edward laughed. "Your dad paid me a visit yesterday."

"Oh no. He didn't threaten you or anything, did he?"

"No, nothing like that. He just came to Meyer to lay down some ground rules for my relationship with you. He was quite fair, actually."

"Yeah, except for the fact I won't see you again until October."

"I know. It's going to suck to not see you for a month, but he could have forbidden us from ever seeing one another. Imagine how terrible that would have been. We just need to bide our time and obey Charlie's rules. If we do that, he will let you visit whenever you can. And I will try to call you as much as possible. He didn't seem too opposed to my request to call you tonight."

Edward was right. My dad was being far cooler about everything than I would have ever expected. But a month was such a long time—I hoped I would survive. I just wanted to kiss my boyfriend on my birthday. Hell, holding his hand would be enough.

Edward and I spoke a few more minutes before he was forced to end his call. Phones were a hot commodity in prison and he was only allowed fifteen minutes to talk.

"Happy birthday, Bella. I'll try to call you again tomorrow. I love you."

"I love you too, Edward. Goodnight."

I slept peacefully that night, dreaming of myself and Edward kissing on a bed of blue wildflowers.

***

One month . . . Thirty days . . . It might have seemed like a short amount of time, but it was hell to be kept away from Edward for so long. Every morning I marked another day off my "Countdown to Edward" calendar.

While life crept by at a turtle's pace for me, it seemed to speed along for my friends.

Jasper took my advice and finally asked Alice to the homecoming dance. She didn't make it easy for him and told him "I need to think about it," before sprinting into the house to put Rose and me on three-way calling. I was sure my ears had been permanently damaged from her loud screams of excitement. She made him suffer for a full twenty-four hours before calling to accept his invitation.

Almost four weeks had passed since the dance, and Alice and Jasper were now attached at the hip. They were so sweet that it was almost nauseating, and I could tell it was killing Rose to see her brother with her best friend. And though she claimed she was waiting to find a "mature" boyfriend in college, it was obvious that she was envious that her two best friends were in serious relationships.

Being grounded meant I was on home-arrest after school and on the weekends. I spent a lot of time getting ahead in my classes and emailing Edward. He had gone so far as to create our own private online chatroom and we would try to instant message as much as we could, since it was such a pain for him to get access to the phones.

I also used my month-long sentence to complete all of my college applications. Edward didn't want me to limit my academic future simply because he was trapped in Washington, and he insisted that I apply anywhere I wanted to go. Truthfully, it really didn't matter to me where I went for school since I had no clue about what I wanted to do with my life. I did know that my parents didn't have a lot of money, so I decided to stay in-state for the tuition savings.

I applied to three schools: Central Washington University, Washington State University, and University of Washington. Alice, Rose, and Jasper were hoping to attend UW, so I was leaning towards there as well. It also helped that Seattle was only a half hour from Edward.

Edward kept busy with schoolwork. Luckily his midterms fell during our time apart, so he had plenty of time to devote to studying. Charlie seemed very impressed by Edward's mid-semester grades (all A's). I hoped my dad would be willing to end my punishment early, but when I suggested it, he threatened to extend it another month.

It was apparent from every email and phone call that Edward was lonely. His attempts to stay out of trouble had effectively caused him to isolate himself from his fellow inmates, and the forced seclusion was starting to show. I worried about him, feeling the palpable pain of our separation and knowing it must have been even worse for him, locked up as a criminal.

Jasper had obtained approval to visit Edward, and ended up road-tripping to Meyer in early October. Of course he delivered a care package from me that seemed to lift Edward's spirits. Edward said Jasper spent the whole time describing how Alice was the perfect woman. I was glad to be far away from that conversation.

The day I had waited so long for had finally arrived and I was on my way to visit Edward again. My dad insisted on driving me in his cruiser, stating that he had some official business at the detention center anyway (which I doubted). I groaned, but knew that my enforced chauffeur-chaperone was not negotiable.

The ride was quiet, but internally I was bursting with excitement. I was out of the car before Charlie could kill the engine and practically ran to the visitor entrance. I paced the visitation room, trying to calm myself, when I finally saw Edward being led in. Not thinking, I ran across the room intending on throwing myself into Edward's arms. It wasn't one of my most graceful moments and I gasped, feeling myself start to fall as my feet came out from under me. Luckily, Edward leapt forward and caught me before I hit the floor with a thud. He picked me up and I nudged my face into the crook of his neck, tightly wrapping my legs around his waist.

God how I had missed him. His smell, his taste; the feel of his skin. I swore then and there that I would never do anything that would keep us apart for this long again. I stole a few kisses on his neck and captured his lips with mine before I felt the guard yank us apart.

"Masen. If you can't control your girlfriend, I will be required to take you back to the cell block and have her escorted off the premises."

Mortified, I put my feet back on the ground and made my way to our table. We scooted our chairs close together and held hands on the tabletop.

"I missed you so much Edward. Staying away from you was the worst punishment I've ever had to endure."

"Same here, Bella. I was so miserable I actually considered busting out of here just long enough to visit you in Forks and be back in my cell before count."

I laughed, feeling thankful he hadn't actually attempted to break out.

As usual our hour together was entirely too short, and I kissed him goodbye, dreamily making my way back to the lobby. My dad was waiting for me, looking a little disgusted, and I prayed he hadn't witnessed my momentary loss of sanity when I had practically jumped Edward. In my excitement, I had forgotten Charlie was there.

"Ready to go, Dad?"

"In a minute, Bells. I need to speak to Masen first."

Oh crap. He totally saw Edward slip me a little tongue as we said goodbye.

"You aren't going to hurt him, are you Dad?"

"Geez Bella, I'm not some evil tyrant. I just need to speak with him for a second. Calm down."

Charlie walked in and I watched him through the window as he shook Edward's hand. The two of them seemed to engage in a comfortable conversation and I was shocked to see them both smile and even laugh for a moment.

"What the hell?" I whispered.

Edward had never spoken of my father, other than that phone call on my birthday, but it looked like the two of them had been communicating without my knowledge. I didn't know whether to be happy or disturbed by it all.

Charlie patted Edward on the back and made his way back to the lobby.

"Gee Dad, if I didn't know any better, I would say you and my boyfriend are pals."

"I wouldn't say that, Bells. We just have an understanding. And I'm taking him fishing on Saturday."

Bet you guys never saw that one coming, huh? Well, I'm already quite a few words into the next chapter and it will include the Jailward/Charlie fishing adventure! Charlie's a good guy and maybe he can be the father Edward never had....

Thanks so much for reading and if you feel so inclined, I would love a review.

***Special note***

Sept 11 at 11:59 pm, the SupportStacie authors auction will begin. All money raised will help a young mother with breast and ovarian cancer pay her medical bills. There was an auction in April and it raised a ton of money. I had a great time bidding and went in with some girls to buy an outtake from tby789's "The Office". It was worth every penny.

I've decided to offer myself up for bid this time. I know I'm not one Twilight's fanfic superstars. But I encourage anyone who is interested to bid! I'll write whatever the winner wants. It could be a Visitation outtake or something completely new. I'm open to anything. I'm sure there is someone out there who would love Bella and Jailward to have a real conjugal visit...complete with sexytimes!

There are over 119 Twilight authors up for sale! Please go check out the site! .?f=115

Thanks again for all your support!