Chapter 9: safety first. . .

"What happened?" Charlie asked as Edward and I steadied him on his feet. "Dad you-" I cut off not entirely sure as to what to tell him exactly. "Charlie, you were sleep walking is all. No worries…" Edward said and held onto his shoulder as Charlie began to swoon. "Here, Dad, let us help you back to your room." Edward and I followed him into his room. I sat with him for a while and told Edward to go back to my room. He sighed and gave in reluctantly, walking out of the room. I kissed Charlie on his forehead, "Bells, don't baby me. I'm grown, I can do this, besides, and I was only sleep walking. Yeesh." he said with a silent laugh. I laughed with him and then walked slowly out of the room.

Edward was on my laptop, his fingers swiftly moving at incredible speeds across the keyboard. "Yeesh, take it easy with my pc, it can only endure so much." he smiled up at me and patted the bed near him. I walked over and sat down. "I'm going to go back to my house tonight; I'll leave the car for you in the morning. I need to talk to Carlisle about tonight." I shook my head, "I'm going with you, and I refuse to be left behind… again." I looked him in the eyes, they were darker than usual. Distress was in them and fear, "Bella…" I put my finger to his lips, "No, I'm going. You can't just expect me to sit around here, after what I just saw and not d anything. That's inexplicable. Besides, I'm afraid to stay by myself…" I hated to play this card on him right now, but I didn't want to be left behind. He sighed and wrapped his arm around me. "You are unbelievable -I smiled to myself- but I cannot say no to you, so yes, I'll take you along…"

"Thank you. So what are you doing on here anyways?" I asked, but he was faster. He closed everything out and flipped the laptop closed. I pouted playfully next to him, and then got up to get dressed. I packed my purse full of stuff, clothes… toiletries…the works. I went down to the kitchen and began to scribble out a note for Charlie to find in the morning.

Charlie,

I'm sorry we had to leave in such a hurry. Something

Came up at Edward's home and we had to leave. I will

Be back soon, before the end of the week. Sorry about

Last night and everything. Love Bella.

I left it on the counter, where he was sure to find it. I felt bad about leaving him tonight, of all nights. But I would see him again, but then I got an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. I saw my hand shaking, and I dropped the note. Following Edward outside made me feel like a child again, not allowed to walk ahead of them for fear I would run off or something would happen to me. I got in the car quietly and rested my head against the back of the seat. "What's wrong, Bella?" I shook my head, "Nothing, I'm just worried. All of this is happening now and we go back to school in like 3 days…" I chuckled and popped a CD in. Claude Debussy's Claire De Lune filled the car, a symphony that made my legs yearn to be free, that made my body want to bend a twirl and free from all these stresses. "Don't worry, nothing will happen. It's not as serious as we thought, but we on the other hand, have to keep an eye out for everything because we live so close to here and they are one of us, so if they mess up, there's a slight chance we could get reprimanded for it as well." I nodded, biting on my lip nervously.

I felt my cell phone vibrating in my pocket, Jacob. I accepted the call.

Bella: Hey, Jacob?

Jacob: "Hey, um sorry for calling so late, I was just wondering if you were going to come down to La Push anytime soon…"

Bella: "Wow, um, I don't really know, Jacob. I mean, I'm pretty busy visiting Edward's family and then there is the case of Charlie. But I can see what I can do. Don't you have school in the morning or something?"

-I added half joking and half serious-

Jacob: "Oh, I hadn't realized you… and Edward were, serious…" -I heard him sigh heavily into the phone-

Bella: "Well, yeah, it's okay. I mean I can see if I can stop by later tomorrow. Will that be alright?" -I was trying to cheer him up just a little-

Jacob: "Oh, really? That would be… that would work out. It would be fun. I'll see you tomorrow then."

Bella: "Okay. -I sighed- See you tomorrow, Jacob."

I hung up and closed my eyes; I can't believe I actually felt bad about this. I hardly knew the kid, yet I felt compelled to keep him happy, it was like if he wasn't happy, then I couldn't be happy. "That was very nice of you, Bella, you constantly continue to amaze me… everyday, no matter what you are doing." he took my hand and I twined our fingers together. Pale ivory marble against the pale pink flesh of my hand. It was beautiful in its own, unique way. I squeezed his hand gently and he raised mine to his lips, grazing my fingers gently.

It didn't take as long as I thought that it would to get back to his house. I had fallen asleep on the way here, but when I felt Edward carrying me into his home, I startled awake and couldn't manage to get back to the peaceful place. The sat in the living room, Carlisle and Edward were huddled together talking swiftly. Esme sat near me and took my hand. She reminded me so much of my mother, that no matter what I was feeling before, I felt amazingly calm and collected now. There wasn't a worry in my body. Then I remembered Jasper was there, cradling Alice in his arms while they sat on the couch beside me. It was getting late, I was having trouble keeping my eyes open, and then I felt cool-strong arms. Marble like, yet oh so very comforting. I let them carry me and then I felt something soft give underneath me. I jumped up clingy to the cold figure. Edward I sighed and relaxed back onto the bed. I pulled the covers up over my body and snuggled up on the pillow. He kissed my forehead, but, I was already out of it.

I slept soundly that night, and when I awoke, the room was dimly lit, the sun was out, but hidden behind the notorious clouds of Forks, WA. I smiled and sat up, but the bed was empty. I frowned to myself and slipped off of the big bed. I walked over to my bag and grabbed it, dashing into the bathroom. I knelt over the toilet bowl and everything just sloshed right out of me. I clung to the toilet while everything that had ever churned in my stomach came up and spilled over into the toilet. When I felt it was safe I rested my head against the cool, tiled floor and waited. I sat up finally and flushed the toilet. I rinsed my mouth out and splashed cold water on my face. I brushed my teeth and then jumped in the shower; I took my time for a while and then grew agitated and gave up. I dressed briskly in one of my Alvin Ailey shirts and jeans, pulling my hair up into a pony tail on the way out. Downstairs I smelled something delicious, but oddly it smelled horrible through my senses. Edward was standing at the stove cooking something, he didn't acknowledge that I was there so I just sat down and cupped a hand under my chin resting.

"Good morning -he paused- well afternoon, sleeping beauty." he said with a smile, as he turned around and handed me a plate of food. Sautéed Chicken on a bed of lettuce with some kind of vinaigrette dressing. It looked wonderful, but then my stomach was churning again. "Pretty good, this looks wonderful. Well you see, I'm not… well I'm not that hungry today." I said with a grimace, and pushed the plate away. He nodded and took the plate and tossed it into a Tupperware container and then into the refrigerator. I let my head fall onto the counter, "So what are you going to do today?" I asked, closing my eyes. "I… don't know. I will probably hang around with Alice and Jasper for a while… then spend some time with Esme." I saw him shrug. I nodded. "Sounds fun. I've got to go down to La Push…" I sighed and sat back up. It was just enough time to catch his expression. He looked angry and devilish. Looking at him now put a fear in me I had never had before when I was around him. "It won't be that bad" he said, leaving the room.

I sat, baffled at how he was blowing me off this morning. He just has a lot on his mind I kept telling myself the whole way down to La Push. It had turned out to be a nice day after all. I pulled up in front of the red house, Should I have called? I thought to myself. I sighed and got out of the car. You could hear the ocean, although it was a ways away. I knocked on the door, but it swung open before I could finish the knock itself. "BELLA!" an exuberant Jacob exclaimed when he saw me. "Err… Hi, Jacob. Nice to see you too." I said laughing. He invited me in and I saw Billy sitting in the kitchen. I waved to him and he offered me a big, warm smile. It was relaxing here, so easy and comfortable. It made me feel like I was at home.

Jacob and I sat in the living room for a while just chatting and catching up on a few things. As I sat there and talked to him I felt the old days from our childhood coming back to me and everything. We had fun, his sisters, him, and me all playing together while our dads fished. It was fun. Then I moved to New York with Renee and everything just kind of fell apart after that. We never really talked much and then of course I met all of my wonderful friends in New York. Angel and the gang, they were truly amazing. But then again, hanging out with Jacob and his sisters was always fun too. We got along so well, but we were never really close. Our parents just sort of threw us together when they felt the need to do so.

I broke out of my reverie of memories when I realized that Jacob was trying to talk to me. Asking me a question was more like it. "Do you want to go and hang out down by First Beach?" he was asking me. I smiled; I hadn't been there in forever. "Um I don't see why not. But it looks like it might rain… I hate the rain -I grimaced- but it's whatever you want to do." I finished with a smile. He took my hand and led me outside. It had warmed up considerably since this morning, but there was still a chill in the air. I wrapped my jacket around me tighter as we got into Jacob's Volkswagen and headed down the road. I toyed around with his radio for a while and then gave up; the weather here was always messing around with the radio stations. He smiled -more to himself I would have guessed- and then turned to talk to me. I hadn't really noticed that we were silent for the majority of the car ride. To be honest, I didn't really remember how long it took to get to First Beach.

"So, where are you staying again?" he asked in a polite, conversational tone. "Um… in Seattle. At an art school…" I said, biting my lip afterwards. I turned to look out of the window, half joking, "Are we there yet?" I asked in an exasperated tone. He laughed lightly; it was an attractive laugh, mesmerizing. "Patience is rewarded." he said and I couldn't help but smile up at him. "Alright, so… what do you have planned for us to do at the beach?" I asked. His face was thoughtful, "Well, I figured we could just walk around and take in the sights or something. It's really boring here at La Push, much like Forks. But whatever comes our way, we can do it…" he let it trail off into the silence of the car. He popped a CD in and a bunch of jumbled instruments began to play with people screaming into the background. I turned it down until it was just background noise. He started to bob his head to the music. I covered my ears in mock horror; he just laughed and tried to pull them away. I punched him playfully as he parked and I jumped out of the car and took off toward the beach.

"Catch me if you can!" I screamed as I ran for the pebbled covered sand. He was fast, very fast. He caught up to me in a matter of seconds, and I had a good head start at that too. I sat down under a tree and tried to catch my breath, all the while holding my stomach trying to get my laughing under control. He sat down as well, breathing almost normal again, laughing as well. Jacob picked up a rock and tossed it over the sand and it skidded across the surface of the water. "Wow, it's even more beautiful than I ever remember it being. I rested my head back against the tree. He nodded, "Yeah, people have been trying to keep it in good shape, the better the beaches… the more tourists I guess." he finished with a shrug. "I see. You know, I was actually dreading today, but it turned out to be pretty fun. I've been so stressed lately and everything, but this… this really helped me. You are easy to get along with." I said, smiling at him. He took my hand in his, I wanted to pull away, but he meant the best and he wasn't some creepy pervert either. But his hand was warm, extremely warm. But it felt good, oddly enough.

I pulled my hand away after awhile and stood up stretching my muscles. I thought about what to do next and I remembered that I had slipped my swimsuit on after Edward had left me earlier this morning. I stripped my pants off and began to pull my shirt off. I stood above Jacob smiling, "Race you in?" I said laughing, starting to run off again. He sighed, started laughing with me and ran into the water. He beat me in and once I was knee deep I realized that the water was freezing. I tried to go back but he started to splash so I just dove in and swam out to him. The water felt good after a while and we swam around and then ended up back on the beach. I laid in the sand, basking in the warm sun that had decided to grace us with its presence. It felt warm against my ice-cold skin. It warmed my blood and as I closed my eyes I could feel the sun beating down on my eyes, it was warm and delightful.

Jacob shook me. "Bella? Come on… it looks like rain again." I shot up, when had I fallen asleep? This was ridiculous. I got up and dusted myself off. I was still considerably wet, so I just slipped my shirt on and we headed back to his car. "Wow, sorry. I hadn't realized that I had fallen asleep. I'm sorry about that." I finished, catching my breath and then yawning. He shrugged, "Don't worry about it. It happens, besides, you looked so peaceful and you did seem tired. After all, I did call you in the middle of the night and you answered pretty fast which can only mean that you were up that late or maybe even later than that." I laughed at him after he was finished, "It seems like you thought a lot about this all…" I nudged his shoulder lightly. It didn't seem to take as long to get back as it did to get there. We pulled up into his driveway and then it started to rain. I sighed. "It seems like it will never let up -I glared toward the sky- always rain and more rain." I sighed again and closed the door to his car and ran out toward his house. "It did for a while, we swam and it was sunny. Be thankful for that." I nodded and started to laugh as he held the door open for me and I walked in and out of the rain.

"Hi Billy." I said as I walked in and let Jacob follow behind me. My cell went off. "Can I use your bathroom?" they pointed me down a small, narrow hallway. I picked up my phone…

Bella: "Hey Edward…"

Edward: "Bella -relief radiating from his voice- How are you?"

Bella: "I'm fine. I actually had a good time. -I scowled at the wall- Why? What's wrong?"

Edward: "Well… nothing. Nothing is wrong, I was just wondering how your day turned out. You seemed kind of down…"

Bella: "You worry a lot. But I'm fine, it was actually a lot of fun. I'm actually getting dressed right now and then I will be on my way back to your house."

Edward: "Oh, well I guess I will see you when you get here. I love you, Bella. And I miss you dearly, I can't wait until you get here… I have a gift for you…"

Bella: "Wow, well I guess I better get moving then. I'll see you soon."

I said laughing as I heard Edward sigh and then hang up. I pulled on my pants and straightened my hair up, just pulling it up into a sloppy pony tail. I stepped out of the bathroom, putting my phone into my purse and walking out into the front room. "He's that worried about you, huh?" Jacob said smiling up at me as I walked out. I blushed, "Yeah, can you blame him? I'm kind of accident prone and everything." I said with a laugh. I said goodbye to Billy and Jacob walked me out to my -well Edward's- car.

"Thanks. You didn't really need to do all of this. I could have walked over here by myself. But I appreciate it a lot, and well… I had a lot of fun today. Maybe we can do it sometime soon." I gave him a friendly hug and got into the car. I started to text Angel…

Angel, darling. You will never guess what

Has happened to me over the past week.

It's amazing and I can't wait to see you guys

Again soon. I miss you all dearly and hope all

Is well with not only you but everyone around you

Tell the gang that I said hello.

Love ya, B.

I smiled to myself as I sent it and then backed out of the driveway. I had totally forgotten that Jacob was waiting outside in the rain and I immediately felt bad about it, but pushed the thought from my mind. I drove home with Edward on my mind. It wasn't unusual, but I was wondering about what was wrong with him earlier today and also about what he had waiting for me. I pulled off the freeway and began the long drive down the dirt road to his house. I finally found the entrance turnoff and made my way down his driveway. It had an eerie, yet cheerful atmosphere to it. I guess it felt like that to keep the unwanted people away and the welcomed one always felt comfortable.

I parked the car and walked into the house. It was quiet, but I heard soft music coming from the dining room, so I made my way there. There was a table set for two with candlelight and all the works. I smiled in awe and made my way into the kitchen. Before I could turn completely around the corner, Alice caught my in a strong grip, like I was a football, and carried me up the staircase to her bedroom once again. She set me down in the closet and started flinging things every which way. Then she came across and tossed me a knee length gown. It was beautiful. A red satin that seemed to be my perfect size. She helped me slip it over my head -strapless- and then adjusted it so that it was perfect. In all the time I had known Alice, I learned not to argue with her when it came to clothing. It was a battle you would always lose. She smiled to herself and I sighed as she forced me into a chair that sat in front of her vanity. She undid my hair and began to twist it and pull it into this elegant twist, but left stray hair falling down my back. It was a beautiful style, just not meant for me. She smiled again and hugged me as I sat down again. "Well? What do you think?" she asked in a very excited, yet impatient tone. I shrugged, "I love it Alice, it is amazing. You know, you should open your own boutique or something of that nature. You truly are amazing." I finished and smiled up at her, patting her hand. "But… might I ask what all of this is for?" she shook her head and then I heard a light knock on the door, but just as I heard it, the door flew open. I hadn't realized that Alice had even left. My phone vibrated across the floor. I reveled with myself on whether or not to see who it was or who it was from, but I was whisked away. Edward stood in a red button down dress shirt and black suit pants. The top button of his shirt was undone -which made him look even more like a male model, dressed to portray the great Adonis- and his hair was messy, but I had a feeling no one could attempt to even get their hair to look half as great as his did. Then I forced my eyes to look at his face. His eyes were a warm honey color and he was smiling at me. Most likely laughing at me or simply fascinated by my gorgeous looks. As if I thought to myself and sighed.

"Bella…" he stopped, he was lost for words. In his eyes, beneath the warm color, I could see the love and adoration he had for me. And I could sense that he saw the same in mine. I smiled at him, "Well… this is some mighty fine planning you've done. But did it ever occur to you that I would do all of this willingly and you wouldn't have to have Alice carry me around the house like I was some football in overtime during the Super bowl?" I asked with amusement. He shook his head, "You would never have agreed to this." he said with a smile and held his hand out in a gesture for me to take it. I did, and he led me out of the room. "Well, why wouldn't I agree? I mean we are just having dinner here at your house… I don't think I would have disagreed." he grimaced at my comment, "Bella, we aren't staying here. Alice has that set up for her and Jasper , not for us. We on the other hand, we are going out… but it's a surprise, so please try to go along with it." I sighed and nodded my agreement. "I can do that… but one small request, can I have my purse from upstairs?" but I could barely get the question out when Alice flew down the stairs and handed me a black handbag. "Um… thanks? But I need my phone and stuff out of my purse…" she stared at me blankly and shook her head, "Bella, you are absurd. Like I would be so dumb as to forget that." she said and walked off as if I had actually hurt her feelings.

We left the house and got into a sleek, black car. Far to fancy to be the one I used so often. At first I thought it was, but as I got situated inside of the car, I noticed that this…this car was definitely not the same. It had an expensive interior, and the outside I couldn't see, but I'm sure it looked way better than the inside. I took my phone out of the purse. Angel had text me back…

Oh sweetheart, I'm so glad to see that you are happy

It means the world to me that you finally have someone

Worth your time. Tell me, I want all of the details. don't

Spare anything because you know how I like this kind of stuff

We are all fine and everyone says hello as well. You worry too

Much for your own sake hon., we are all well, nothing new here

Joanne and Maureen are getting along again, but other than that…

Nothing. But I do want to know your good news and everything about

It. Hope to hear from you soon. Love you, Ang.

I smiled to myself, she was always so ready to help out with anything that she could. And she was always telling me that I worried too much. Well serves her right, we live across the country and see each other on rare occasions. Like spring break.. But they were only here for barely a weekend, but it was still nice…

Well, what can I say? I learned it from the best. Yes, I'm

Happy that I am finally happy. Edward -remember, the hard

To get one?- yup, well its him. He is the love of my life, always

I don't know what I would do without him… but he is truly one of a kind

Right now, I don't really know where he is taking me, but he says it's a

Secret. I'm dressed up. Top to bottom, all thanks to his sister. Red strapless dress, barely to the knees, my normal jewelry

Edward is dressed to match. How romantic? But I don't know

He was acting kind of funny, but other than that… I think he is

Trying to make up for something, but the biggest news of all is

IM ENGAGED! Yup, that's right… I'll call and tell you more about it

But right now I think he is catching on to what I'm doing, sorry love.

But I've got to go for now. I send my love, tell Renee I said hello and

That I miss her, but don't tell her about the engagement, I want to surprise her with it. See you guys sooner than later. Love always, B.

I sent the text and put my phone away as I noticed Edward was looking down at it. I glanced up at him and he was smiling, "So I take it you don't think the whole engagement thing is such a big deal anymore? How is… Angel taking the news?" I felt my mouth pop open. "Eaves dropping is for the birds. And I don't know how she is taking it. I just told her… you aren't mad are you?" I asked with some nervousness in my voice. He stared over at me and a grimace formed on his face. "How could I be mad at you, love? I'm so excited that you are ready to tell your friends. I was so worried that you wouldn't want to tell them… for well… for fear of what they would think and say." I saw sadness and happiness in his eyes.

I reached over and took one of his hands from the steering wheel of the car. I squeezed it gently in mine, lacing and twining our fingers together. "I love you, and I'm not ashamed to tell anyone about what we have…" he brought his hand up and wiped a tear from my eye. I blushed not realizing that I was crying, and turned to look away. We pulled up in front of this five star looking restaurant.

"WOW!" was all I could say while Edward held the door of the car open for me as I got out. Half of the wow was for the restaurant, the other half was for the car that we had arrived in, as people lined up and stared at both us and the car. "This… this is amazing Edward, I mean… I don't deserve this." he stopped dead in his tracks and I was yanked back. He steadied me, and then a black anger filled his features, "Bella, you are everything to me. Everything and nothing less. You are beautiful, funny, sweet and smart. Don't talk down about yourself, you deserve all of this."

I stared at him in astonishment, this was the first time since before we were even together, that he had ever like… lost his temper with me. It frightened me, but I laughed… then sobered up, "I'm truly sorry. Of course, I do deserve this. I deserve a wonderful guy like you… whom I want to spend forever with. I'm sorry I said all of that, forgive me?" I finally finished, playing it up a little because I was batting my eyelashes. He chuckled and bent down and brushed his lips across mine. I felt my cheeks grow hot under his touch. I smiled and stole another kiss from him before he broke away and led me into the restaurant. All the while he was shaking his head in disbelief.

I don't know how it came to be, but he was amazing. Maybe I had been through enough hardships in life that it was my turn to take a turn at the easy side of life and be loved for a change. All I know is that Edward was mine and I was his and that was all that mattered. And despite me being away from my family, I was thankful for my life now. He had reserved us a secluded table in the back of the restaurant. With him tipping the waiter, he pulled my chair out for me and I sat; then he sat down across me. I rested my hands on the table leaning in toward him. Edward took my hand and held it in his own. I smiled up at him and he brought my hand to his mouth. I blushed at his touch, but he seemed pleased by my reaction.

"Well, this is some evening you have planned, this restaurant is…" I was at a loss for words. "Amazing? Yes, I agree… but you top it all. And yet, I know it's wrong for us to be together, I just cant imagine my life with you, Bella." he frowned down at the table. I just nodded, feeling tears in my eyes, I picked up the menu and scanned it. "So what's good to eat here?" I asked absentmindedly. He waved off my question, "I have been wondering… since our conversation this afternoon…" I eyed him carefully, trying to read the emotion hidden deep within his eyes, they had darkened considerably. "Okay… what about?" he took my hand in his again and toyed with the ring he had given me. "Well, never mind. It doesn't matter. Forget it, lets order." and with that said he waved over the waiter over.

He ordered something that sounded like something that would resemble Chicken Cordon Blue. I didn't object to it, I just went along with him.

Dinner was more of a quiet affair. Something was on his mind, but I couldn't quite make out what it was. It worried me, therefore I lost my appetite. I pushed my plate away and sat watching him pick at his food. "Are you ready to get out of here?" he asked after a long moment. I nodded and stood up. For some reason, anger pulsed through me and I wanted to physically hurt someone. I was usually a pretty calm person, but tonight…well tonight, it scared me because I wanted to hurt someone. I stalked out of the restaurant and into the parking lot leaving Edward behind. He ran up to me from behind and I pulled out from under his grip.

"If you didn't want to really be with me, then just say so. Don't say sweet things to me and then go about ignoring me and then trying to buy me over with expensive dinners and what not." I stalked off toward the water front that was on the other side of the parking lot. "Bella… what are you talking about? Bella!" he yelled after me. I didn't turn, I kept walking, speeding it up, and due to my clumsiness… I tripped. I fell to the ground and just sat there. Tears spilling over the brim of my eyes. I smashed my fist into the ground and he caught my hand before I could do it again. "Bella, love. Please, stop this. I don't … well I don't know what to tell you. Why are you freaking out?" I glared at the ground. "Really? You basically ignored me this morning and then you seemed upset when I went to La Push earlier. You were the one who said it wouldn't be that bad. Then you take me to this goody two shoo restaurant and don't say not one word to me after you ordered…" I had to stop to catch my breath. "You didn't even try to make conversation… and then I could tell you were upset, do you not trust me enough to talk to me?" I finished, my heart lurching painfully in my chest. I played with the ring on my finger. I took it off, then set it on the ground after a few moments. "I am sorry about earlier today. It had nothing…Bella, it had nothing to do with you…" he said, not making eye contact with me. "Yeah, sure. That's why you cant even look me in the eye…" I got up and walked off toward the car. I saw him reach over and pick the ring up, then it looked like he was going to cry.

He walked slowly back to the car. "Bella, don't do this…" he said as he closed the door behind himself and sat with his forehead on the steering wheel. His voice caught and my heart plummeted into my stomach. How could I treat him like this? I loved him with all my self being, I know he meant well… why am I overreacting?

I turned to him, "Edward, I'm sorry -my voice caught- I.. didn't mean to react like that." I said, reaching over to stroke the back of his head, slowly running my hand through his hair. He shook his head, "No, I was being unreasonable. You know I trust you, its just that… well it's hard to tell you things. I'm not used to being so vulnerable around humans. But you… Bella you have changed me for the better. I am sorry about today and tonight. I was only trying to show you a nice night out…" I took his hand, he turned to face me. I saw sadness and shame in his eyes. I leaned in and brushed my lips across his, "Don't worry, I am sorry as well. You are the most amazing guy I've ever dated. You are me and I am you. That's just how it is, Edward, and I appreciate what you did tonight. Thank you." I said, smiling at him gently. His jaw tightened and then he smiled my favorite crooked smile. I hadn't seen it in ages. "I love you." I whispered, and he whispered it back as we pulled out of the parking lot. "Let's go back to Charlie's house?" I offered as we got on the freeway. He nodded, "Are you sure? I mean… the last time… he had some problems." he smiled to himself and I just laughed out loud.

"I have to stop at home to get clothes and some stuff. I don't think the neighbors would approve if I left in the wee ours of the morning, still wearing the same things… not mention me leaving out the window so chief swan doesn't attack me." Edward said, smiling. I shook my head, well can I borrow the car to get back to my house, before you get there. So I can like… get Charlie off to bed.. If not already?" I said, laughing at how I had to sneak my fiancé into my father's house… and then into my bedroom. He nodded in agreement and within minutes we were pulling up in front of his house. "On second thought, can I just wait here for you?" I said, not feeling as confident as I was before. I heard him chuckling as he was opening my door. I still wasn't used to how fast he could moved. I got out and he pulled me into his chest, I sighed at the touch of his cool skin. It should scare me off, but instead, it brought me comfort. I was starting to say something when his lips met mine, it was slow and urgent at the same time. I was scared stiff, but he softened the kiss and I pulled away reluctantly.

I didn't see it coming, it looked like it came out of nowhere. Edward went flying into the darkness to my left. I stood, motionless, staring out after him. My scream was stuck in my throat and I lost all movement of my limbs. I stood there, and then I saw it. It was huge, I don't know what it was. It was big, no -scratch that- it was huge and fury. I started to back away and then I saw it bare its teeth. Tears filled my eyes and I broke out into a sprint after Edward. He was laying on the ground at the foot a huge cedar tree. I knelt down, but, before I could reach out to help him, I was being pulled up by huge, fury, muscular arms. I screamed out in terror, "LET ME GO!!" I started to kick and scream; he shook me and I fell silent as I saw Edward start to move. The creature dropped me and I scurried away back to the front lawn. I got in the car and locked the doors. I cried, I didn't know what to do. I reached into the dashboard and grabbed a screwdriver. I clenched my hand around it until my knuckles were whiter than usual. I jumped out of the car and broke out into a dead run toward Edward and the…but as I was able to get a closer look, I could see that there was more than just one of them… it looked like a whole group. I kept running and jabbed into the thigh of one; he yelped and fell to the ground. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Carlisle, Emmet, and Jasper running towards us. He was stronger than me, he reached up and smacked me away. I felt myself become airborne and then I smashed into something. But I couldn't concentrate. The only thing I remember was that Esme was over me, and Alice…