All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer

"Why what?" I asked innocently.

He narrowed his eyes at me as he dropped his hands from my shoulders. "Why are you refusing treatment?" He growled in a low harsh voice.

I lifted my chin stubbornly. "That's none of your business." I pushed past him heatedly as I made my way for the front exit. I didn't get far before I felt his hand on my shoulder forcing me to stop.

"I think I have a right to know."

I shrugged my shoulder free and continued to walk towards the door as my anger grew. Where did he get off assuming he had rights? It was my life and my decision to make alone. I could feel him close on my heels but I didn't care. It started sprinkling as I reached my truck, but I ignored the rain as I wheeled around to confront him.

"How dare you follow me here, and then ease drop on another one of my conversations. You had no right!" I spat out furiously.

"Answer the question Bella." He said through clenched teeth completely ignoring my accusations.

I stubbornly set my jaw refusing to tell him anything. We stood close to one another staring each other down until the rain picked up. I could feel the rain soaking through my clothing, and I shivered once involuntarily.

Edward was the first to break contact closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose with his forefinger and thumb. I could see him clenching and unclenching his jaw as he tried to calm himself.

He raked his hand roughly through his hair and looked back at me with a pained expression on his face. "I'll take you home." His voice sounded worn.

"I can drive." I whispered as I reached out for the handle of my truck.

I felt Edward's strong hand reach out and cover mine as I gripped the handle to the door. "Please Bella."

I looked up at him with tears in my eyes. "Why?" I breathed.

"Please." He pleaded softly.

I gazed up at him for a long time before I finally agreed to go with him. He took my hand in his and side-by-side we walked to his car. There was a great deal of tension in the car as Edward drove down the street. I kept my eyes down as I played with a strand of my hair. Neither one of us quite knew what to say.

I looked up after a short while expecting to be almost home, but I was surprised to see nothing but open road in front of us.

"Where are you taking me?"

"I want to show you something."

I sighed sitting back in my seat, not knowing what to expect. We traveled for a while longer. I had no idea where we were. Eventually the car stopped at a cliff far out of town. Edward walked around to my side of the car and helped me out. He handed me his jacket and I obediently put it on. It wasn't raining wherever we were, but my clothes were still damp from before.

I followed Edward to a big boulder where he sat down. I sat down next to him as I looked out over a valley. It was so beautiful. I felt as though I could see forever. It was very green and so many trees! I could just barely make out a small clearing off in the distance.

"I come here sometimes times when I'm out driving around to think." Edward said softly. I didn't say anything as I continued to look straight ahead.

After a long silence he sighed. "I didn't follow you today. I was helping Carlisle at the hospital when I heard your voice. I didn't plan on listening in on your appointment, but when I heard him mention treatments I couldn't help myself."

I turned my gaze to look at him as he explained his actions. He was staring off into the distance not really focusing on anything when he abruptly turned to face me. He looked deep into my eyes for a while before he spoke again.

"You asked me what right I had to question your decisions. You told me it was none of my business. But it is my business. I care about you Bella. When I am not with you I grow unbearably anxious. My every thought is of you." He paused briefly taking my hands into his. "You have brought new meaning to my life. My world was completely dark before you. You are my sun, my one point of light and happiness. You are the only thing in my life that truly matters. I love you Bella."

My heart fluttered at his words. He had left me speechless. I blinked once slowly as I tried to let everything he said sink in. He loved me. I looked down at our hands as he waited for me to respond. I could feel the tears building in my eyes as the minutes passed. Never had someone cared so deeply for me. Never had I felt so intensely for another. It was wrong for me to feel this way knowing it would only end in heartbreak. I felt guilty for allowing my feelings to run away from me and for allowing him to get this close to me. But there was nothing I could do about that now. All I could do was love him for as long as I had.

I could sense him growing more anxious as he waited. I looked up at him as silent tears trailed down my face. "I love you too." I breathed.

He smiled and let go of my hands placing them on either side of my face. He cupped my face in his strong hands and gently wiped away my tears with his fingers. My breath caught in my throat as he slowly moved closer to me.

His face was mere inches from mine and he smiled. "That's good to know." And then his lips were on mine, so soft and gentle.

Electricity coursed through my veins as our lips moved together. It was the most amazing feeling I had ever experienced in my entire life. I could feel my face burn as blood rushed to fill my lips and face. My stomach churned as it filled with thousands of little butterflies. I could feel myself growing dizzy, and then he pulled away.

I opened my eyes slowly to see that he was still very close. "Breath Bella." He whispered as his cool breath flowed over my face.

I gasped for air, my eyes wide, as my head cleared. He chuckled as I attempted to calm my breathing. "Wow." I muttered.

He grinned, his eyes full of love. He pulled me to him taking me in his arms. I rested my head against his strong muscular chest and felt at peace. He held me for a long time, neither one of saying anything.

I knew he wanted answers but I didn't know what to say, or how to say it. He deserved to know, he was right it was his business, especially now.

"Have you ever endured treatment for cancer, Edward?" I asked in a hushed tone.

I could feel him stiffen around me and then relax as he answered. "No."

"Have you ever seen someone go through that?"

"No. I haven't."

"I have." I said barely above a whisper as a tear slid down my cheek. This was not easy for me to talk about.

"It's hell." I said through clenched teeth as I tried to control my emotions. "There are times when you are so tired you can't fulfill your basic needs on your own without help. Other times you suffer from insomnia and for days sleep evades you driving you mad. The nausea and vomiting make it almost impossible to eat and before you know it you look like the living dead."

I paused as I gathered my thoughts. "You're so sick, life just isn't worth living. Doctor Spencer wants to try some new treatments on me. He isn't sure they will work. They may give me a few extra months, if they work. If they don't work they will make my remaining time left, hell on earth."

I pulled away slightly so that I could look up at him. His face looked pained and his eyes were filled with sadness. "Please try to understand. I can't go through that again without some kind of guarantee."

He placed one hand to the side of my face and stroked my cheek. "Maybe a few extra months are all you need." He said reassuringly.

"Please don't ask me to through that. I can't. I just can't." I openly started to cry and he once again pulled me into his chest. He held me close until all my tears were gone.

"I don't want to lose you Bella. I just found you." I could hear the suffering in his voice.

"I'm sorry. I should never have allowed you to get close."

"Never say that." He admonished in a stern voice.

I remained quiet as I relaxed into his body. I started to tremble as night fell upon us. It was a cold night and my clothing was anything but dry.

"Let's get you home." He whispered as he picked me up and walked me to his car.

The ride to my house was quiet, there was nothing left to say for now. We held hands the entire time. As we reached the house I didn't want him to leave. I wanted him to stay with me. I never wanted to be parted from him again.

"Edward." I began. I could feel the blush enter my face as I continued with my request. "Will you stay?"

He looked at me with a confused expression on his face. "Will you stay with me tonight." I clarified.

He grinned. "I have to drop off my car. I'll be in your room by the time you go to bed tonight."

I smiled at him before getting out of his car. So much had been admitted, it was hard to believe it had all happened in one short night.