a/n: All you amazing readers are pretty much the most awesome people in the world. This is coming to and end soon, only a few more chapter. I hope you enjoy what I have done with this. Once this is over I will start posting my new story, just as angsty... so full of emo!

Ereeen, thank you my sexy Irish lass for your super power beta skills.. hugs!

Music I was listening to while writing this chapter: Snow Patrol- You could be happy, Tom Waits- The world keeps turning, Kelly Clarkson- Sober, My Chemical Romance- I'm not ok and I don't love you.

Carry on lovies and enjoy

BPOV

As I walked off the plane with Alice, Rose, and Jake in tow into the sea of people waiting for loved ones to come off the plane, my nerves started to get the better of me. Jake placed a calming hand on the small of my back as if he was leading me forward, as if he knew I was contemplating turning around and going back home. I was thankful the plane we had previously booked was over booked causing us to leave on the next flight out.

It bought me a little extra time.

I was being a chicken, obviously. This was Edward, I could do this. He wasn't the only one I was here to see; Renee, Esme, Charlie and Carlisle were all high on my list of people I missed desperately. I had to suck it up and just deal with it. I promised Esme I wouldn't be a problem.

I could do this.

Besides the extra wait, the flight was as good as could be expected for flying on such a hectic day. My mind was too busy calming itself down to focus on just how crowded it was. My crossed legs bounced nervously as I shook my foot back and forth. I couldn't stop playing out scenarios in my head, situations that went from the best possible out come to the worst. Every now and then Jake would place his hand on my knee to stop the bouncing, but the movement would cease for a few moments only to start the same nervous dance.

But I had this in the bag. I could do this.

I searched the crowd of eager faces until my eyes locked with Renee's. She reminded me of a older version of Alice; she was bouncing up and down, and clapping her hands together in excitement to see everyone. I smiled despite my nervous state.

I saw a flash of black hair as Alice bolted towards my parents, wrapping her arms around Renee then Charlie, both laughing at her enthusiasm.

"Gee, you would think that she was their daughter, and not me." I said lightly to Jake as he chuckled warmly at the mini reunion.

"Bella, baby, I have missed you so much!" Renee squealed as she engulfed me in a tight squeeze.

"I've missed you too, mom." I returned the hug just as enthusiastically.

Once she released me, Charlie pulled me into a tight bear hug.

"Bells, it's so lonely without you here," He said quietly as he placed a sweet kiss on the crown of my head.

"Dad, you have mom, what are you talking about?" I asked him teasing. I nudged him with my elbow.

"Yes, but your mother and Esme are always off together doing their girly things. You know you were always my company." Charlie replied as he ruffled my hair. I shoved his hand away playfully and rolled my eyes.

"Oh dad, the holidays are turning you into such a sap." I heaved a deep sigh. I smiled to him I was kidding.

"No, my baby girl coming home who I haven't seen in months turns me into a sap."

"Well, I'm here now, so don't worry. I will keep you company as long as I'm here." I said with a smile and a reassuring squeeze. In return he ruffled my hair again and let me go.

"Well, who is this?" Renee asked nodding towards Jake. She gave him an approving glance. I blushed inwardly.

"Oh, duh, sorry!" I stuck my tongue through my sheepish smile and pulled Jake's arm near me. "Mom, dad, this is a very good friend of mine, Jacob. He was going to be spending Christmas alone, and that just wasn't acceptable. So he came with us." Jake smiled widely and nodded.

"Of course it wasn't. Jacob, it is so nice to met you! I have heard that you are an amazing friend." Renee said leaning forward to give him a hug. Charlie gave him a quick handshake.

After the introductions, Jake and I headed to the car with my mom and dad. Rose and Alice were renting a car so they would be able to get back and forth on their own to see Jasper and Emmett.

We talked about things happening in my life lately as we drove to the house. I talked about how business was doing, and discussed Charlie and Renee visiting L.A. some time soon; the normal stuff. Stuff far, far away from a certain auburn haired man.

Once we made it home, we barely had time for everyone to shower and get ready for the party due to our flight. Rose and Alice almost collapsed when they heard we only had three hours to prepare.

There was a game on so Jake claimed he was the fastest with a distracted glance at the T.V., so he went first and when finished, went to watch the game with Charlie.

Rose and Alice, of course, did an inventory check on my duffle bag to make sure I had picked the things they bought me. I took a shower first so I could have one of them was with me at all times to help me get ready.

Alice pulled out the dreaded lace underwear and a matching strapless bra. Rose in turn, pulled a dress from her own luggage out. It was a deep blue strapless number that fit my curves perfectly. It hugged the top half of me beautifully before flowing out at the waist, falling just a bit above my knees. Throw in a pair of black peep toe heels, and the outfit was set. Rose fixed my hair by curling it, then running her fingers through it creating loose waves. Alice spent little time with my makeup, telling me I was already a natural beauty and she was just playing up my features; lips and eyes to be exact.

Once they were done dolling me up, I left them to ready themselves and headed down to spend some time with my Mom and Dad.

I carefully made my way down the stairs. Spending Christmas Eve in the hospital was not my idea of fun. When I reached the bottom, I noticed Jake and Charlie were so into the game that they didn't even look up. As I passed the couch, I leaned down and kissed my Dad on the head, earning me a smile and a soft hi.

Jake looked up and saw something flash across his eyes. I didn't know what, but he recovered quickly and told me I looked breathtaking.

I left the men to their game and found my mother in the kitchen making sure she had everything ready to take over to the Cullen's.

"Oh, sweetheart. You look absolutely stunning." Renee cooed and took me into a sweet embrace..

"Thanks, mom! With Alice and Rose around, I can't be expected to leave the house unless I have been tortured into submission."

"Well, I say the result is well worth it. You look amazing."

There was a moment of silence and I helped her pack up the rest of the pies she had.

"Bella?" My mother asked as she placed the last pie into the warming bag.

"Hmmm?"

"Are you going to be alright tonight?" she asked, looking at me with motherly concern.

"It's going to be fine mom." I gave a strained smile.

"I just hate seeing you two separated, it is so odd. I don't know how to act. I love you both so much, but you're my daughter. I want to just strangle him for what he did."

The image of Renee attempting to strangle Edward flashed before me and I couldn't hold back the laughter that followed.

"It's fine, Mom. Act how you normally do. We have both made some pretty stupid mistakes. I should have told him how I felt a long time ago. I might have been able to avoid this whole mess."

"Well, things have a way of working themselves out. You two will do what's best for the both of you."

I just nodded. What if what was best for Edward was not being a part of my life? What if me not being a part of his was what was best for me?

No.

I had to stop thinking negatively. it would work out as it was meant to. Either way, I had to think of myself. I had to make sure that I was going to be able to get through this night without melting down.

It was going to be the hardest thing I would ever have to do.

Alice and Rose had gone ahead of us to see Emmett and Jasper. Charlie, Renee, Jake, and I had finished loading the car. I plopped down in the backseat with Jacob, and settled myself as Charlie pulled out of the driveway and headed to the Cullen's.

It wasn't that far of a drive. They lived in the same neighborhood, just a few blocks over. I remember running through people's backyards when I was little to take a shortcut getting there to see Edward.

Before I could even register the ride to the house, we were there in what felt like seconds.

My chest tightened, and I felt as if I was going to hyperventilate. I was frozen stiff in the back seat of the car. I noticed Charlie and Renee exchange a worried glance before she gave him a quick nod. He was out of the car along with Jake unloading while she turned in her seat to face me.

"Bella dear, it will be okay. It's only Edward."

"That's the problem, mom." my voice quivered slightly..

"Sweetheart, I know you're nervous and I can't imagine how hard it will be on you, but please, relax. Everyone who loves you will be in there. Everything will be fine, just breath deep breaths." Renee said as she held my hand.

I took a few deep breaths trying to expel all the tension when I released the air from my lungs.

It wasn't working.

My hands were trembling and my knees were weak with worry.

"Bella, we don't have to do this. You know they would understand. No one would be upset with you. We can turn around and go home and have our own party."

"No! No, I'll be fine." I quickly climbed out of the car, not wanting to ruin this for anyone. "See," I said standing up and bracing my hand against the car for support. "I'm fine, really." I said with a tight smile.

Renee returned and equally tight smile and nodded her head, then continued inside.

Once she was out of sight, I released a gush of air. I watched it evaporate in the frigid air.

I can do this, I can do this, I can do this…

Finally, after a few moments of my mini pep talk to myself, my legs started to move and I headed inside.

As I walked through the front door into the foyer that held the massive main staircase to the second floor, the rails of which were decorated in festive holiday garland, everything hit me like a ton of bricks. It was like being home, more so then being at my parents house. There were pictures that lined the stair case of Edward and I in our youth; random snapshots of our life. My heart was heavy with the memories flooding back of the days each one was taken.

I started to feel my knees shake again, and knew I was in desperate need of liquid courage if I was going to make it through tonight in one piece.

I headed straight to the bar that they had set up in their finished basement. I descended down the stairs I knowing everyone would be there. That's where we usually hung out during the party.

Once I reached the bottom of the stairs, I saw him. He was talking to Emmett and Jasper animatedly. Rose was perched on Emmett's lap, whom was talking in a weird accent, and they were all laughing at something he had just said.

I heard my name called and saw Alice barreling towards me. I noticed Edward's head snap up, his laughter ceasing immediately. A look of pain and longing painted his face now. He tried to give me a small smile, but his lips only twitched, unable to form the expression he desired.

"How are you holding up?" Alice whispered as she leaned close to me, wrapping me in a tight hug.

"Good, I think I need a drink."

"Alright." Was all she said as she let me pass.

I headed to the bar and found a glass and some ice. I grabbed the crystal jar that held a clear liquid of whatever the hell it was, and filled my glass half way.

Taking a sip carefully, I recognized the taste immediately; gin.

My body shivered as it traced a warm path down my chest.

I noticed a person approaching the bar that I didn't recognize. She was a girl about my height, with dark hair peppered with chunks of red chunks. Her lips were bright red and her skin was like porcelain. Her hair was styled in loose pin curls. She wore a fifties era style black dress; plunging neckline and capped sleeves, a fitted skirt with a front slit that fell just below the knee. It was cinched at the waist with a little belt. She was beautiful. She looked like a punk pin-up girl. I wondered who she was.

I was about to find out.

She stepped up to the bar and looked around for a drink with a slight frown.

"You don't happen to see any Guinness back there, do you?" She asked in a thick Irish accent.

"Ummm…" I looked around, opening the mini fridge. I saw a frosty Guinness towards the back, then handed it to her. "Here ya go."

"Ah, beautiful, I was worried I was going to have to drink that piss you Americans call beer." She gave me a thankful smile before taking a large pull from the bottle.

I gave a small smile. I didn't know who she was and I didn't know how to act. I liked how she drank like a man, though.

"So, how do you know the Cullen's?" I asked, trying to make decent small talk.

"Oh, sorry." The girl smiled and pushed her tongue through her lips, just like I had earlier that day. She put her drink down and extended her hand. "I'm Erin, I work for the ass over there." I followed where she was pointing after she gave me a quick shake and saw her landing on Edward.

I let a small laugh escape at how she talked about him.

"Oh, that's nice." Was all I could think to say.

"Oh no, it isn't. The man is like an overgrown toddler. He has to be woken up instead of doing it on his own like a normal human being. So, I have a special way I like to do it." Erin smiled and took another pull from her beer.

"Which is?" I asked intrigued.

"Mm," Erin swallowed her mouthful of beer before she explained, "A good Elbow drop to the ribs is always a perfect wake up call for the inept. I figure he will get tired of the bruised ribs soon and he will learn to be a man and wake his own ass up. That, or my Christmas present to him will do the job."

"And what is that?" I laughed, shaking my head slightly. I liked this girl.

"Well, it's one of those ball alarm clocks, I don't know what you Americans call them," She waved her hand dismissively. "Once it goes off, it rolls off the table and around the room blaring this horrible noise until the person actually gets out of bed to turn it off. I refuse to wake him up anymore. He is such a little shit in the morning." She took another swig of her beer. I smiled and nodded. She was so carefree and true. I really liked her.

"Yeah, I know."

" Ah, 'course you do. You're Bella, right?" Erin smiled excitedly and winked.

"How did you know?"

"I've seen you before. Edward talks my ear off about you." She answered shrugging.

"He does?"

"Yeah, sorry if I don't know to much about you, though. I tend to tune him out when he goes off about you."

I loved her spunk. She reminded me of a more punked out version of Alice.

"Well, I'm going to head back over there. It was good to finally meet you in the flesh."

"Nice to meet you too, Erin." She gave me a small playful curtsy and I laughed and waved in response.

I watched as she walked back over to the group to sit down. Edward looked up and made eye contact with me. Once again, he tried to smile at me, but it was strained. He ran his fingers through his hair out of nervous habit.

I decided to find where Jacob was and have him come join us, because he was upstairs still stuck with the adults. I headed upstairs, and just as I made it to the top, I bumped into Jake as he was making his way down. I started to stumble backwards, but he caught me pulling me close. I sighed in relief.

"Jesus, Bella! You could have killed yourself falling down the stairs!"

"Eh, it wouldn't be the first time I fell down stairs, Jake." I laughed, giving him a hug.

"Okay, well, not on Christmas eve, alright?" Jake laughed back and returned the hug.

"Alright, I was just coming to get you so you could join us downstairs."

"I was just catching the finale score of the game I was watching with Charlie." He said letting me go and I turned to head back down the stairs.

I paused at the sight before me.

Edward had Erin in a dip and his lips were puckered as if he was going to kiss her. Emmett and all the others were laughing at her reaction. she looked like she was going to deck him.

The sight of him that close to her like that caused the familiar burning pain to rip through my body. My eyes started to fill with water and I saw Alice look up from laughing and make eye contact with me.

Her eyes went wide and she called out to me.

I didn't give her or anyone else recognition, I just turned and ran up the stairs looking for a place to breath and be alone.

I shouldn't have ever come here. It was too soon.

EPOV

The flight home was bearable. I sat next to Erin and Jasper and Emmett we behind us. Most of the time I just stared out the window, picturing my reunion with Bella.

After all this time away, we would see each other and all would be forgiven with just a look, and she would run into my arms and I would apologize profusely and let her know that her love was not one sided.

One could hope.

I, however stupid as I was, was not that stupid. I knew that it was going to take a hell of a lot more than that to mend our broken relationship.

I tried to run through a checklist in my mind of all the things I wanted to say, all the things I needed to apologize for and things I needed make sure she understood.

Let's just say the list was a pretty hefty one to memorize, but I had to. I had to say everything because she deserved to know.

The plane landed smoothly, and once we were off, I searched for my parents.

I spotted Esme right away and headed over to her and gave her a hug.

"Mom," I said hugging her "I'm sorry." I whispered as I buried my face into her neck.

Something about seeing her made me feel like absolute shit for the situation, more then I already did. The disappointment from my parents was clear in their faces. Mom was at least trying to hide it. dad, on the other hand…his face read like an open book.

"Glad you kids had a safe flight." Was all he managed to say.

Both Mom and Dad had driven here, so we would all have a way home. After introducing Erin briefly, we went our separate ways.

They took the Mercedes while the rest of us all climbed in my old Volvo.

The ride to the house was quiet. Maybe it wasn't, but I couldn't be bothered to pay attention to anything else other then the frantic beating of my heart.

We drove by Bella's parent's house on the way to my house, and I held my breath until we passed. I was scared she'd walk out of her house and throw something at me.

I knew she wouldn't, we were all supposed to be on the same flight, but the girls were bumped to a later flight. I was kind of hoping to see her on the plane because neither of us would have been able to run, trapped in a tube of metal at thirty thousand feet. We would have to talk. Inevitably.

I pulled up to the house and we all jumped out and headed to the trunk grabbing our bags and heading inside.

I showed Erin to the guest room, then headed to my room. Mom had already set up the air mattresses for Emmett and Jasper. We were going through our things, and people wanted to shower to get the airplane grim off of us.

When I was finished, I headed down to talk to Mom. I wanted to see if she needed any help.

"Hey, sweetie, is everyone getting settled?" She asked when I entered the kitchen.

"Yeah, everyone is up taking showers and getting dressed." I answered as I lazily stirred a wooden spoon in some batter that was laying on the counter.

"Are you stressing over tonight?" She asked as she put her arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to her

"A bit."

"And what has you worrying so much?"

"What if I can't fix it, Mom? What if the damage is done and she can't forgive me?"

"Edward, what's done is done. Don't focus on the what if's, focus on how you are going to fix it. If you stress how every option isn't going to work, it won't. You love her, right?"

"Yes mom, I am so in love with her. It hurts to breath knowing what I've done." I said miserably and laid my head on her shoulder.

"Stop. Stop focusing on that. Fight for her, Edward. Don't let anything stop you. If this is what you want, you're heart needs you fight for her. But, expect her to fight back. She is so much stronger then she thinks she is, even more so now. You have a lot of work ahead of you, son, but if she is worth it to you, then you fight."

"She is most definitely worth it." I looked up at her to see her smiling.

"I always knew you two were meant to be." Esme stroked my hair gently

"Would have been nice of you to tell me." I grumbled playfully.

"But, what would that have helped? When relationships are easily gained, there is no story, no history; nothing to show what got you there, and nothing to hold on to. The best love stories are the ones with bumps and bruises along the way. The ones where people make mistakes only makes their love stronger. You and Bella will hold each other more dearly now that you know what it is like to lose one another. You know you can't live without the other one in your life, and it will make you both appreciate each moment you spend together that much more." She said while brushing the hair out of my eyes.

"I hope you're right, Mom."

"As I told Bella, I always am."

My head snapped up.

"You've talked to Bella?" I asked shocked.

"Of course I have." She looked at me like I was crazy.

"And," I hedged, gesturing wildly with my hands.

"Oh no, you two need to speak. I am not involved in this anymore then giving motherly advice." My shoulders slumped.

"Thanks mom."

"Edward, you're an adult, it is about time you start acting like one. You made this mess, now you fix it. It is simple. I love you dearly sweetie, but sometimes you can be so hardheaded."

I let out a heavy sigh and pushed myself away from the counter and headed downstairs to the basement.

I plopped down on the couch and stretched out with my arms over my eyes. Tonight was either going to be the worst possible moment of my life, or the best. I couldn't tell. I was not sure if I should be eager to find out. For all I knew, this could be the last time I ever spoke to her, ever saw her up close.

I must have dosed off ,because I was awoken but Emmett's booming laughter and Erin's tinkling laugh. She was trying to talk through her laughter, but because her accent was so thick, it only came out garbled. Apparently she was teaching Emmett Irish slang and he was getting a big kick out of it. I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. Erin Smirked at me.

"Top o' the morning, Sleeping beauty," Erin patted my head. I shoved her hand away.

"Shove off," I answered mimicking her voice. She feigned shock.

"I resent that!"

Just then, I heard the door bell and my heart stopped and my eyes focused on the stairs. I heard footsteps above, and then I saw two pairs of girl legs coming down the stairs. I held my breath only to let it out in a frustrated sigh when I saw it was only Alice and Rose.

"Well, nice to see you too, Edward." Rose said glaring at me before she rushed over to Emmett and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissing him.

"Where's Bella?" I asked looking at Alice hopefully.

"She stayed behind to help her Mom and Dad. She and Jake are coming with them in a few."

I knew Jake was coming. I wasn't happy about it at first, but Emmett had told me they were just friends, and that nothing more had happened then what I witnessed at the club. I was thankful for that. It still didn't erase that image from my head. Whenever I had a nightmare, that was usually the image my brain played for me.

We all grabbed some drinks and decided to sit around talking until the rest of our guest arrived. Emmett was trying out his new slang Erin had been teaching him, and everyone was laughing at what an absolute ass he was making of himself when it happened.

I hadn't been paying attention to the stairs anymore after Emmett tried to use his new slang words. Erin told him it would help to use them in a sentence.

"Alright, Tubby. Word of the day, are you ready?" Erin asked Emmett as she turned to face Emmett and Rose. Rose clapped excitedly.

"Bring it, sprite."

"Air biscuit; A fart."

A loud snort ripped from my nose. Leave it to Erin. Seriously.

Emmett tapped his chin thoughtfully before he answered in a horrible imitation of an Irish accent, "I just floated a serious air biscuit there, gents. Run while you still facking can."

The room filled with laughter and I had tears in my eyes. I heard Alice yell Bella's name and took off running toward the stairs, my head snapped up and she was there.

Our eyes locked, and I attempted to smile, but all of a sudden, every single thing I had worried about at this moment came flooding back and I couldn't breath. Did I get up and go say hi? Do I wait for her to feel comfortable and come to me? I just wanted to run and hug her and tell her now, but she looked just as terrified as I felt.

Alice was talking to her as she continued to hold my gaze, then she said something to Alice and she broke eye contact and headed towards the bar.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Erin stand and head towards the bar.

"What are you doing?" I hissed at her and grabbed her forearm. "I don't think Bella will appreciate air biscuits.

"Getting a drink, mate. Jesus, calm down." She looked at me confused and brushed my hand away.

I watched as Bella searched the bar for something, then finally finding a glass, and putting some ice in it and pouring her drink of choice. She sipped it slowly and closed her eyes as she swallowed. I bit my lip. She was so beautiful.

I watched as her and Erin started talking and Bella fetched her a beer from the fridge.

Every now and then, I would hear Bella laugh at something Erin said. It was like music to my ears, I hadn't heard her laugh in so long. I missed everything about her, every detail.

I noticed Erin had finished talking with her and was making her way back over. I saw Bella leave to go back upstairs, so I stood up and met Erin halfway.

"What were you two talking about." I asked he in an urgent whisper, grabbing her elbow.

"Oi! Don't be getting all pushy with me, gent. We were just talking about what an unbelievable ass you are to wake up in the morning." She said pulling her arm from my grasp.

"Did she ask about me?"

"Oh, you really are a pathetic shit," she answered me in a huff. She gave my chest a quick push. "go talk to the lass."

Our conversation was cut off by Emmett's howling laughter filling the air.

"Oh, now isn't this just to freaking perfect," He boomed, clutching his stomach.

"What are you going on about. Emmett?" I looked at him letting him know I was annoyed.

"Dude, just… " He was laughing and pointing to the ceiling.

Erin and I glanced up at the same time. Erin was the first to react.

"Oh, I do not think so. Do Not Want!" She basically yelled and stepped back, stumbling slightly.

"Oh come on," Emmett laughed "It's tradition, don't be such a poor sport!"

The look of disgust on Erin's face cracked me up. She looked as though she was about to vomit at the thought of having my lips on hers.

After all the harsh things she had said to me and the bruised ribs I have received, I thought a little payback was in order.

I reached forward and wrapped my arms around her waist pulling her closer to me. Erin let out a little yelp in surprise and tried to push me off.

"Cullen, I swear to all that is holy if you put your funky lips on me you will be sporting a black eye for the rest of the year." She balled her right hand up menacingly.

I wasn't really going to kiss her, but her reaction was just so funny that I puckered my lips up as if I were. I heard a gasp, and Alice call out to Bella.

NO!

I looked up in time to see her running up the stairs, and Jake standing there shaking his head. Everyone had stopped laughing and I released Erin. My body went numb.

"You wanker, you seriously need to have your head checked." Erin spat and pushed me. "I was friends with her, until you had to pucker your lips."

"Fuck."

"I'm going to go talk to her." Alice said.

"NO!" I shouted "This has gone on long enough. I'll talk to her."

I ran up the stairs past Jake and into the foyer. Where could she have gone?

I went to check the front porch but I stopped in my tracks and I found her in the darkened living room, the only lights were those of the Christmas tree. She had her hand over her eyes, and she was sitting on the edge of the sofa with her elbows on her knees.

This is it.

I walked over to her, kneeling down in front of her.

"Bella, that was most definitely not what you thought it was. I was just messing with her, she finds me absolutely disgusting, all of them know it. We were both under mistletoe, and it seemed like a funny thing to torture her with."

I heard her sniff and she shook her head, but didn't look up.

"Bella, I have missed you so very much. I have wanted to talk to you so many times, I am so sorry. I am so sorry for every single thing I have ever done to you, Bella. I love you, and I am so sorry."

"Don't. Don't do this here, Edward, not now." She looked up from her hands, her face was tear stained.

I brought my hand up to cup her face, wiping away the path the tears had taken.

"Bella, I can't wait any longer to speak to you. I have put it off long enough. I thought it would be better that way, I thought I would only hurt you more, but I can't anymore. It has to be now."

"NO! Not now, Edward! It's Christmas Eve, I won't ruin everyone else's time with out problems."

She wiped her face with the back of her hands and stood up to leave me. I couldn't let her leave me, I couldn't let her go, fucking man up, Edward. Now or never.

I stood up and grabbed her arm pulling her back to me.

"No Bella, now is the perfect time to talk. You need to know something, you need to listen to me now."

I tightened my grip on her waist and with my free hand I cupped her face with my hand.

"I love you, Bella."

a/n: I KNOW I KNOW!! I am soooo mean.. but.. chapter 16 is with my beta.. so it will not be that long of a wait... I promise.