Disclaimer: We do not own, nor claim to own anything that is from the wonderful imagination of Stephenie Meyer.

A/N: So Here's Chapter 7. It's a bit more of a relaxing chapter, which is nice. It made me smile. It's definitely a bit on the bittersweet side, but I love it. And there might be a bit of foreshadowing? Maybe? I don't know? Haha. Just read it.

So if you didn't see the author's note that we posted as a chapter on Wednesday, here's the short of what it said; we've got a teaser chapter of our new story up, so you should go read and review it and tell us what you think. We'll definitely be continuing it, which only people who have reviewed that story know (well, I guess not anymore) but it'll still be a few weeks before we have enough time to get a good start on it.

Ok. This is Ben! Like Allie so well put it, we have a new story, so seriously review. It means a lot to us and Allie pretty much flips shit when it happens. So if you want to give her a happy attack, just keep on with those reviews.

BTW: This is my favorite chapter!

What He Would Have Wanted
By: cALLIEfornia BENches

Carlisle had left the room less than a half hour ago, but it felt like I had been waiting an eternity. The room was eerily silent—the only sound was my breathing, and it was echoing off the walls as if I had been yelling. The usually creaky house was just as quiet. It was almost as if everyone knew what was about to happen, and had simultaneously stopped moving. I was sure my screaming silence was ringing through the house as bad as it was this room.

I was beyond nervousness, now. There was an excited sort of fluttering in my stomach, as though I was waiting in anticipation just before a big public speech. But this was much bigger than a public speech—this was a complete transformation, literally and figuratively. I adjusted my place on the bed so I was slightly more comfortable, the covers rustling soothingly around me, molding to my body shape like water. They were trying to calm me, I think. Pulling the covers up to my chin, I waited.

The room felt too small, now. I felt somewhat claustrophobic. But what was I supposed to do? It wasn't as if I could ask to go some place else; I didn't want anyone to see me during my three days of hell. This, I knew, was the best place for me to be. But it didn't mean I had to like it.

I squeezed my eyes shut—ignoring the horrible images that splayed on the back of my eyelids—and hoped that when I opened them Carlisle would be there. And then, as if my wish came true, I heard the wooden door creak. I opened my eyes quickly and looked towards the door, where Carlisle was standing there with too many pillows in one hand, and a few syringes as well as a yellowing first aid kit that looked like it hadn't been used in centuries. And for all I knew, it hadn't. I had no idea how long these vampires had existed here.

"What're those?" I asked.

"Morphine," he replied, not looking towards me. He was too busy setting things down on the small desk in the corner and preparing his kit.

I was confused. How did he get the morphine? It wasn't like people—or even vampires—had it just lying around. It would have taken some serious effort to get that. "How'd you get it?"

He took a brief glance towards me before looking back to his kit, which he was now bent over, setting gauze and wipes and disinfectant out next to the syringes. "I'm a doctor," he replied, "A trustworthy one. All it took was a run to the hospital. Though I didn't much like lying, it was necessary," he said with a shrug.

He stood up straighter now and walked over next to the bed, kneeling down so he was eye level. "You're sure you want to do this?"

I raised my eyebrow at him. "Even if I wasn't, I would do it."

"Bella." His voice held a warning tone. Apparently he didn't like my answer.

"Yes, Carlisle, it's something I want to do. I'm one hundred percent sure. Would you like me to write it out and sign it?"

Ignoring my sarcastic statement, he stood back up and brought all the necessary tools over to the bed and set them down gingerly as he started disinfecting my arm. The tingling in my stomach was turning into a full-blown case of the butterflies, but I ignored them as if they were merely part of my everyday life. I took a deep breath as he glanced up to me, a syringe in one hand.

"Ready?"

I nodded once, gravely. The butterflies were floating up into my throat now, causing my voice box to stop working.

He pressed the needle into the crease of my elbow lightly, not yet breaking the skin. He looked up at me once more, and I nodded again, closing my eyes and turning away. I hated needles. I felt the prick of the needle pass through my skin and I sucked in a deep breath of air through my teeth, emitting a hissing sound.

"You okay?"

I released the air. "Yeah. Fine."

"Alright. We should wait a few minutes for this to kick in. I'm going to do another one right after I bite you, and then one tomorrow. Hopefully, by the time that one wears out, it won't be a problem. Does that sound okay?" he asked, moving some of the equipment back to the desk.

"Yeah," I said. Monosyllables seemed to be the only thing I could manage now. I was just starting to feel the numbness spreading through my body, like thousands of spiders crawling up and down my arms. I couldn't move my limbs; it was as if they were no longer attached to my body. I shot a nervous glance at Carlisle, telling him that I was uncomfortable.

"It's fine, that's normal. It means its working; and sooner than I thought, too." We sat in silence for a minute or two, the both of us lost in our thoughts, until finally he broke the silence again. "Can you feel anything?" he asked.

"No."

"Good. Okay, here's what's going to happen, Bella. I'm going to bite your neck, first. That one will probably hurt the most, considering how sensitive the skin is. But just after, I'm going to bite both your wrists and ankles. By that time, chances are you won't feel any of the additional pain." He took a deep breath and smiled at me. "Well. See you on the other side, I guess."

"Thanks," I managed to choke out.

"Of course, Bella. Anything for you."

And with that, he moved his head so it was hovering over my neck. He was hesitating; I'm sure weighing the pros and cons of backing out now. Probably thinking of what Edward would do in a situation like this.

Bite me, I thought, both in response to what Edward would do and as a command to Carlisle. I really wanted to get this over with. The sooner he bit me, the sooner it would be over and I'd be one of them. The sooner I'd be one of him.

I heard Carlisle take a deep breath, and a sharp pain immediately stung through my body. I cried out once, but stopped myself before I could worry him. The last thing I needed was him regretting it and backing out half-way through. But just then, I lost all train of thought.

And the fire began.

I felt the heat rise up slowly in me, like the beginning heatings of an oven waiting for use. The warmth rose at my bitten wrists, and traveled down my arms like a hot pack was placed conveniently following the trail. Almost rhythmically, I could feel the journey of venom inch its way through my veins, lighting a match inside.

But oddly, none of it seemed to be uncomfortable. I was hot, there was no doubt. But the heat was nothing short of tingling. In fact, I would be safe to venture in saying the sensation was enjoyable, like a shower head spewing hot water over my back, or the jets of a jaccuzi massaging my legs.

I was completely prepared for the screeching and cries of pain. I was still braced for the small match to hit a trail of gasoline and burst my body into horrific flames of pain, like I had imagined. I could feel my fists clenching the soft, white comforter in preparation.

But it never came.

And I didn't know why.

The tingling only numbed my entire body. Eventually, my grip on the sheets loosened. I smiled.

This isn't hard at all. I could enjoy this time to myself, where I can't be part of the outside world. I can focus on me.

I was still utterly confused as to why I was experiencing no pain. There was no screaming. I didn't think I was thrashing from side to side, either. What was I doing?

As quickly as I thought it, a white light blinded my eyelids. The bright glow filled my entire vision, and immediately seperated me from my thoughts. The luminescent sear continued to shine.

Slowly, the light faded. As it darkened, I noticed myself, or rather my conscious in physical form, in a white, clean room. The whole scene was quite odd. I felt too drab in such a spot-free place.

What is this?

Sure enough, the white room faded to black, and the once white walls begin dancing with vibrant colors, hypnotizing my eyes with the flourescent shades. The colors gracefully jumped along the walls, which held no past thought that they were indeed white.

Suddenly, and also to my surprise and utter shock, the walls began playing clips of video.

My mind was playing the reel of film of him.

Of Edward.

The sun was blazing down on his bare back, glinting sparkles off his perfect chest. He was smiling that crooked, lazy smile of his. And he was smiling at me. We were sitting carelessly in the meadow. I was twirling a blade of grass through my fingers, my head resting on his lap. He slowly ran his cold, pale fingers through my hair and brushed it away from my face. My lips pouted as his hand teased me by grazing over my cheek in the process. He knew I wanted a kiss.

"You continue to surprise me, silly Bella."

Both video Bella and I blushed a fierce red crimson.

I knew the memory was fake. I never remembered being so careless with Edward. But I really didn't care. In any vision of him, the effect he had on me was enough truth for me. I could stare at this clip all day, and marvel his dazzling topaz eyes. And that hair...

The mural of the video melted into the wall, and the white, plaster-like tone was brought back.

But just as it had came, the wall was once again shimmered in neon colors.

In its place, a video of Edward on his piano, with me by his side, surfaced. This Edward was not bare-chested, much to my dismay. But the look of pure concentration and joy in his eyes dazzled me just the same. His fingers lightly pranced about the keys, touching each one gingerly, as if each note had a specific calling to be played. A smile was pasted on the Bella by his side.

I couldn't help but be envious of the video version of myself. But none the less, I decided not to hide the feeling of being jovial. I hadn't been this happy in a long time.

The melody filled the Cullen house quite easily. Video Bella quietly swayed to the soft beat of the song, closing her eyes and slowly placing her head on Edward's shoulders, humming the tune and tapping her hand to her knee with the flow of the rhythm.

How embarrasing, I thought.

The song faded with his hands no longer touching the keys, and I immediately wished he would entrance me more with his angelic talent. Memory Bella kept her head glued to his muscled shoulder.

I glanced over at Edward once more. He was smirking toward the memory version of me.

"Am I a bed to you now?" he asked.

"No. You're even better. With a bed, I can't be assured I'll have a good night's sleep. But when I'm with you, it doesn't matter," Video Bella replied nonchalantly.

Wow, I realized, I really lay it on thick.

But Edward didn't seem to realize. He merely gazed down at the girl by his shoulders, and continued to smirk. I almost shouted at him, but remembered the video couldn't reply back. I just stood there smiling.

"When I'm with you, I don't need to care about anything, let alone the sleep I can never endure."

Video Bella glanced up from her perched post to gaze up into his eyes. For a moment, the two simply stood still, looking at each other with an intense study. Gracefully, a hand shot up to her face, and she blushed, continuing to look into his topaz eyes. They were in love, it was easy to see.

That's you.

I laughed. It was a healthy dose of realization. I finally understood what we looked like in those moments we simply stared. I finally grasped the love Edward had for me, always would have for me. It didn't matter that he left me. It didn't matter anymore that I was left for months to wallow in misery. And it certainly didn't matter that he lied to me. Because I saw all the truth in those eyes. In our merged stares.

We were in love. And he was wrong; I did know how much he loved me. As much as I did to him.

I sighed at the sight of the memory fading.

"I miss you Edward," I whispered. "I miss you so much."

I didn't have time to conduct tears or dwell on the future. Another wisp of video appeared upon the walls in a colorful haze.

I didn't ever remember a similar memory I had to this vision as I had with the others.

Edward was sitting on what looked to be a beach, wearing only a pair of board shorts.

How delicious, I thought.

The sun was beating down on his glorious form. He was smiling, looking stunning with his sunglasses on.

But something was different. And I gasped.

Edward wasn't shimmering. In fact, as I inspected closer, I noticed many things. He wasn't as pale; his skin had a certain tanned glow to him, like he had been in the sun and actually...tanned. His hair was still as messy and rugged as ever, but the bronze tinge was less pronounced.

But I couldn't believe he wasn't shimmering!

How could this be?

Unless...

A pale girl with brown-spun hair in a swimsuit rushed up out of the water and ran up to Edward. She was medium height, with a heart shaped face, and a red tinge to her cheeks.

Me.

"Hey Edward. Why don't you come down for a swim with me?" Her eyes had a hint of mischief. I was almost possessive.

"Go ahead, Bella. You know I have to stay dry. I have to get our date ready."

Date? What was going on?

Wet Bella strode over to Edward and sat down. Edward quickly wrapped his arms around her and proceeded to stare at her through his sunglasses. The same adoration was evident in her eyes. Obviously something was different, though.

It was only when Edward took off his sunglasses that I realized it. His eyes were green.

He was human.

My jaw stood agape as I tried to process the memory that was still reeling.

Human? What kind of memory was this? Is this even possible?

Thoughts zoomed through my head as I tried to make an understanding with the situation.

It has to just be another fake memory, like the last one, I told myself. He's gone. And he can't be...

Human.

My eyes redirected themselves back to the memory, and I lost all conception of an internal argument.

Edward and video Bella were staring once again.

Edward slowly moved his hand up and down her arms, all the while never breaking contact through his gaze. Ever so slowly, both foreheads touched.

"I love you, Isabella."

"I love you, too, Edward."

I was left to my thoughts and my smile as the memory drifted away to the plain, white wall. I decided I couldn't make anything of the visions. And I didn't want to. I enjoyed them, and they brought back happiness to my life.

I sighed.

I heard a smooth, velvet chuckle behind me, pulling me out of my thoughts. I knew that chuckle. I had heard it millions of times in my head over the past few months, not to mention the number of times I heard it when he was with me. I would recognize it anywhere, but I was afraid to turn around. Afraid that if I did, he wouldn't be there. And it would only hurt that much worse. I squeezed my eyes shut tight, hoping that whatever was behind me, reminding me of him, would go away so I could reminisce in peace.

But all I heard was the soft chuckle again.

This time, I was determined to make that person go away. All I wanted was Edward. I turned around to give whatever it was a piece of my mind, but froze dead in my tracks when I saw what was there. It was hard for me to believe that the figure in front of me was really standing there. It was impossible. It was the tangible version of him, I could tell. But he looked exactly the same. His tall figure glided gracefully over the ground and he was so close I could probably reach out and touch him. But I was too afraid he would vanish as soon as I did, so I kept my hands to myself. All I could do now was stare at his glorious face; bask in the scenery. The side of his mouth pulled up into his famous crooked grin and for the first time in what felt like years, every single bit of pain in my chest dissipated like a popsicle in the summertime.

It was a weird feeling, not having the pain throbbing at me. I felt an odd sense of relaxation coursing through my veins.

It's not real, a voice in the back of my mind told me.

But I didn't care. I didn't care at all. Edward was here, in front of me. So close I could smell the delicious scent of his breath brushing my cheek, just as soft as a butterfly's wing.

I still couldn't get myself to touch him, though. I couldn't do it. I refused to let my selfishness and craving to touch him drive him away. Instead, he was the one that reached out to me first. Tentatively, he reached an arm around my waist and anchored it there, gauging my reaction. My eyes closed in the amazing feeling of being in his arms again. The cold was familiar, and I wanted to cry of happiness. He was here. With me. I had no idea how long it would be for, but I wasn't going to let it go to waste.

He pulled me closer, so our bodies were flush together, his freezing body clashing horribly with my overly-warm one. This time, he wrapped both arms around me and rested his cheek on the top of my head.

Even though I was so afraid he was going to disappear the second I touched him, I mimicked his movements and put my head on his chest, closing my eyes. It felt as though a sunlight was warming us both; even Edward's chilled skin. I took deep breaths; ones that would help me savor and remember this moment for later.

I had so much to say, but at the same time I refused to ruin this perfect moment with words. Words weren't needed with us. And I loved that about him. I could comfortably lie in his arms for hours and not say a word.

One of his hands—I was too entranced to notice which—started slowly rubbing my back. It wasn't sexual, but it was a different feel than the fatherly one I had received from Carlisle earlier today. It was more comforting than anything. It was his way of telling me he loved me without any words. And at that moment, that very moment, I knew it would be okay.

I would be okay.

As long as Edward was here with me, in my mind at the very least, I could survive.

He hummed contentedly, as if mentally agreeing with me. The vibrations of his vocal chords reverberated soothingly on the top of my head. I could spend the rest of my life here. I'd give up everything in a heartbeat and stay like this. Who needs food and water when you have Edward?

I tightened my arms around him and buried myself closer into his stone chest. Maybe if I buried myself far enough into him, we wouldn't have to separate. He could come back to the real world with me, and I could go back to wherever he was with him. It was simple, really.

I would never let go. Ever.

We held each other for a very long time. The tingling I felt earlier returned, and I shivered to the odd sensation. Edward chuckled, shaking his shoulders, sending his vibrations my way.

I was content.

But slowly, I could feel the numbing begin to end. The tingling stopped. And Edward no longer felt cold.

And ever so slightly, Edward released his grip on me with ease, placing my hands by my side, as if commanding them to stay there. I couldn't move. I was rooted to the ground.

My eyes darted for his retreating form, shock and fear evident on my face.

Don't leave me, my eyes shouted.

Pain was evident in his eyes as he stood in front of me. By surprise, his hand shot up and caressed my cheek once more. His fingers twirled in my hair longingly, biding time.

"I still love you, silly Bella. Always have, always will."

I stayed frozen on the spot, staring at him with love-filled eyes and despair. Deep down, I knew he why he was leaving; my transformation was almost complete. And abstract Edward, no matter how much I wanted him to stay, had to go.

Tears made their way to my eyes. I could feel the hole that had miraculously mended break back open to its original state. I let out a sharp yelp with each cracking my heart made.

His hands lingered once more on my face. And the coolness I was so used to, the iciness of his skin, was no more.

I was cold too. I was a vampire.

I blinked back my tears and gasped.

Edward was gone.

And in my hand, stood a lone freesia.

The Cullens said that the transformation from human to vampire was the most confusing, painful thing in the world.

As the white room darkened to the face of Carlisle, I completely agreed.

A/N: This is Ben's favorite chapter. It's one of my favorites too, seconded only to Imperishable Ties (just because that one is like my child). Anyway, so you got to see a little bit of Edward. Hope you liked it.

Oh, and sorry to whoever reviewed and got a preview of this new chapter. As Ben and I were writing last night, there was a change of plans so most of the preview of what I sent got taken out. But you still got to have some BellaxEdward moments, even if it was in her mind.

So review and tell us what you think. And then go read and review Typing Love in French, and tell us your thoughts on that. We'll be like your psychiatrists; Tell Us How You Feel... about our stories. Hahah.

Anyway, Until Tuesday.

-tALLIE-marked BENto box.