Wow, last chapter, here we go.

Chapter 37
Bella POV

Shortly after our conversation, I fell asleep in the meadow- trust me to always sleep and ruin the romance. Edward didn't mind- not that he would tell me if he did. Sometimes I wish he would find something wrong, not that there isn't a lot to find, but at least just express his true opinion. After being showered with compliments, they sound meaningless, I mean you can hardly tell somebody 'you're ugly'.

I guess there were some advantages of everybody being worried about my mental health. Now that they knew I could handle school, they didn't cut me any slack in the morning…
"Bellaaaaaa! Wake up! I need to do your hair and make-up. Up, up now!" I grumbled and turned around; not in the mood. I knew it was pointless to fight her because she would have me out of bed sooner or later, but I just couldn't find the energy to endure one of her makeovers.
"Bella, that's enough. You know I can just force you."
"Alice, why? Its too early and I'm only going to school."
"Precisely, when everybody is talking about your outburst yesterday, you can at least look good."
"Wow, thanks for the encouragement sis." Seriously, sometimes I wanted to be treated like a baby- especially at six in the morning.
"Sympathy was for yesterday, I let you wear what you wanted and no make-up. Come on, enough is enough. I'll call Emmett." This warning I took seriously, I shot up in bed, but it was already too late.
"BELLSY! GOOD MORNING!" He immediately started jumping on the bed sending me flying but he obviously caught me and got off the bed before staring to spin me around.
"Emmett, put me down, too early, I'm going to be sick." I gasped.
"You always say that."
"Oh Emmett put her down, she's starting to look green and I can't have her being sick- she needs to look beautiful today." Emmett reluctantly let my go but still held my arm as I stumbled.
"You're no fun and you break too easily." He complained.
"She's not a toy Emmett." Came Esme's disapproving voice. She was carrying a tray of food and I blushed.
"You really don't have to do that anymore you know."
"Well, I felt bad for missing you on your first day of school, and from what I hear, it went very well." She winked at me and I blushed a deeper red- they were never going to let that go.
"Hmmm, I smell Bella's embarrassment- delicious." Jasper joked as he walked in. I looked around hopefully and my heart dropped minimally when I couldn't spot the person I was looking for.
"He went hunting with Rose." Jasper smiled. "They should be back soon." My face lit up.
"Lovesick." Emmett coughed and I stuck my tongue out at him.
"Oh? So you don't miss your wife then?" Rose raised her eyebrow as she entered the room followed by Edward who came to sit by my side.
"Good morning"
"Very good morning indeed." He said as he kissed my nose and then relaxed in the bed next to me while I ate.
"Of course I miss you Rose, but you know, well I was just" Emmett stumbled.
"Emmett 0, Rose 2" Jasper muttered.
"Oh come over here and give me a hug you great loaf." Rose laughed.
"Rose, its good that you're back. I'm enjoying the family reunion and all, but now gwt out of here- we need to get Bella ready." I clung to Edward's shirt.
"No more hunting in the morning, the real danger is here; they wait until you're gone and they pounce." He simply chuckled before giving me a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Let Alice have her fun today and I'll protect you tomorrow." I pouted and looked away playfully.
"Hey, don't be stubborn, you know I love you really." Once he gave me that crooked grin, I was a goner. I nodded helplessly and he laughed.
"See you in a bit."
"Ok, enough gushy gushy- get out." It was a funny sight watching Alice forcefully remove Edward from the room. She and then Rose closed the door and turned to face me. Oh boy, here we go again…

Well that was awful- nothing new there, but I can never deny that they do a good job. Today's outfit was perhaps a little bit too revealing for my taste, but nothing indecent. I was wearing a cute pair of jean shorts with leggings and a low cut, long sleeve dark green top. Everything fit me perfectly as usual and I wore a pair of green flats- luckily Alice understood my lack of balance. As usual, the outfit was casual and simple, but such a contrast to my previous wardrobe or what I would usually choose to wear by my own free will. My makeup was just a bit of color on my lips with eyeliner under my eyes and very discreet eye shadow. My hair was curled so that it actually looked shaped for once rather than hanging limply around my face. I hurriedly thanked Rose and Alice as I skipped down the stairs.
When Edward saw me, his eyes grew wide.
"You know, I really do enjoy when Alice takes you hostage as selfish as that sounds."
"Mhmm, that is selfish. But I don't mind." I grinned as I put my hands on his shoulders and stood on my toes to kiss him.
"Ewwww, Bella and Edward kissing!" Emmett made gagging noises effectively ruining the moment.
"You really are an ass Emmett." Edward scowled.
"It's a skill."
"Oh you guys be quiet, its time to go anyway." I sighed.

The ride wasn't the most comfortable as I was squished in the middle and I was relieved when it was time to get out of the car. Mostly we rode in Emmett's Jeep where somebody could fit in the back, but it was always a little crowded. Again, everybody looked expectantly at the car as we pulled into the parking lot. I sighed, finally coming to grips with how petty and stupid these kids could be. I was last to step out and another round of gasps followed my exit. It was slightly irritating and it was confusing above anything else. What was their problem today? They already knew I was dating Edward so what could possibly shock them now? As I stood there perplexed, Edward grabbed me around the waist a bit rougher then usual and pulled me to his side. His stance was guarded and he scowled at the people he passed. I just followed confused as Emmett, Jasper, Rose and Alice laughed finding Edward's behavior thoroughly amusing.

"Ok, what's going on?" I sighed eventually.
"I think Edward here is feeling a little bit jealous." Jasper mocked.
"Jealous, what?" Wow, I was obviously not on the ball today. We sat down at some benches as we were still too early for class but Edward kept his arm wrapped around me. He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Are you blind Bella?" He asked a bit sharper then usual.
"I'm sorry?"
"Have you seen the entire male population of the school staring at you?" I choked slightly at his words, completely surprised. He turned away from me and addressed Alice.
"No more makeovers for school. You knew this was going to happen." He tightened his grip and groaned as a particular boy passed by.
"Can't handle a few schoolboys' thoughts Eddie? Besides, your face is priceless, I couldn't miss this." She giggled. I was still struggling to keep up. I mean, yesterday they practically hated me and now… they were staring? In a good way?
"Bella, this shouldn't shock you as much, after all, boys are idiots." Jasper concluded.
"Yes they are." Emmett smiled proudly.

A part from the new staring, school was similar to yesterday. It was obvious that the news of my outburst had travelled the school as some people looked wary I would explode again while others looked guilty and even some impressed. I sat out in gym again, but unfortunately for me, Mike Newton had sprained his ankle and would be joining me on the benches. He always supported Jessica and Lauren and was blatantly aware of what they did do me as he occasionally helped them. So it surprised when he addressed me with a smile.
"Hey Bella."
"Um, hi."
"So how is school going? Is it good being back?" I grimaced at this casual conversation- it felt wrong and I didn't want to be talking to him.
"Yeah, its fine I guess, its still school." He laughed much louder than it should have considering nothing was even remotely funny.
"Nice one, school will be school." There was an awkward silence and I just didn't want to have to deal with this. Better be blunt.
"Why are you talking to me Mike?" He seemed a little bit surprised at how forward I was.
"Well, why wouldn't I?"
"Mike, seriously. Don't play dumb."
"Right. Um really, I heard about yesterday and I wanted to congratulate you. I mean standing up to Lauren and Jessica- that's no small feat." I snorted at his comment, what is he talking about? "I completely agree with you, people were jerks and it's obvious that you don't deserve anything you got. I mean, look at you; you're hot." Oh no, he did not just say that. " I was wondering when you were free. To go on a date, obviously. I think we would make a good couple." I could feel myself fuming and was scared of another explosion. Luckily, before I responded the bell went and Edward came storming in. He walked straight up to me and kissed me deeply before pulling away and leaving me breathless.
"Everything alright baby?" he asked loudly and I smiled a bit at his jealousy- it was endearing.
"Yeah, everything is perfect now." I smiled. I turned to Mike who had gone pale and I gave him a sickly sweet smile.
"You know, as generous as that offer is, I'm afraid I will have to decline. After all, I have a perfect boyfriend and who needs a moron like you? Maybe who should go try Jessica" But then I winced in fake realization. "Oh wait no, she dumped you didn't she? Oh well." I then happily turned on my heel and left with Edward by my side. As soon as we left the gym, I couldn't help exploding into a fit of giggles.

"Oh… your face… really…as if I would say yes… truly Edward… your face!" I laughed uncontrollably and he just rolled his eyes while pulling me along to the car.
"Well I'm glad you found me that entertaining, but could you please pull yourself together now? People are staring." He said amused. I had now gained enough composure to form complete sentences.
"As if they need a reason to stare."
"Very true."

I wasn't surprised to see the rest of the family laughing as I was a few seconds ago waiting by the car.
"Honestly, will you just let it go?" Edward muttered frustrated.
"Sorry man, but your face-" Emmett began
"So I've heard." He cut coldly.
"Aw, don't be that way." I joked as I kissed him. "You looked very cute." And then I turned to Emmett. "Besides, how did you see his face?"
"Alice warned us and we decided to spy."
"Ok now that is stupid."
"You didn't disappoint either." Rose grinned. "Maybe you should try Jessica? What has gotten into you recently?"
"Yeah, you're on fire Bella!" Emmett exclaimed and I blushed.
"Its not fun when you're the target is it?" Edward whispered in my ear and I sapped his chest playfully.
"Shut up." We all got into the car and this time it was Alice's turn to sit in the middle which suited me- after all she did cause so much trouble today. Trouble, and entertainment.

Esme and Carlisle were waiting for us once we got home, I was surprised to see Carlisle, he usually works until much later. My mind automatically assumed something was wrong until I saw that they were both smiling.
"What do you say to a family night in?" Carlisle proposed. It was like music to my ears; family, they were my family now.
"Just go do your homework and then you can relax." I grumbled slightly, but it really was for the best, I already had so much to catch up- lucky for me I was surrounded by most of the smartest people alive, well not really but my point remains the same. I was finished with work quickly and then everything was done to the book. We watched a movie; which everybody agreed on for once; The Blind Side. It was beautiful, I have never been so touched by a story and I am sure Emmett enjoyed the football point of view. Then we ordered pizza for me, but to my great satisfaction, I managed to convince Emmett to taste some- the result was revolting but seeing him in pain brought a lot of satisfaction, for once, he was the one who was tricked. I still had school tomorrow and the poor little human needed some sleep and it was the normal goodnight a family would share. Everything was normal and that was what was ideal; it was effortless, I was in the right place for once in my life. When Edward kissed me goodnight, I just took his hand and wordlessly dragged him upstairs and he smiled at me. I didn't usually sleep with Edward every night but I knew he still came in sometimes, it didn't bother me at all but I felt like falling asleep in his arms tonight.

Edward tucked me in and lay on top of the covers. I turned to face him and propped my elbow on the pillow, mirroring his position.
"Everybody is going out hunting, they'll be back in the morning."
"Oh, even Rose? She went this morning with you." He grinned.
"She wanted to give us privacy." Well that suited me. I turned my back to face Edward and scooted closer to him. He held me in his arms.
"I'm sorry if you were upset today." I eventually whispered after a long comfortable silence.
"Don't worry about it, it was hardly your fault. And I wasn't upset, its just some of those boys' thoughts- its vulgar."
"I don't understand them." I sighed "How can they let a human being be tortured in front of their very eyes and not do anything about it but then turn around and say they care for somebody? It just doesn't fit in my head."
"Well your head is an odd place I must admit."
"Hey,"
"But, you are right, as usual. Don't try to understand because it makes no sense." I closed my eyes and relaxed into the embrace. I shouldn't worry myself about such stupid issues, they could think and believe what they want.
"Well it doesn't matter anyway, I'm all yours, forever."
"Forever sounds perfect he sighed." He didn't say another word, maybe he was waiting for me to fall asleep, but I thought now would be a good time to bring up an important matter I've been thinking about for a while.
"Edward?"
"Hmmm" He hummed into my hair. I hesitated slightly.
"Do you really mean forever?"
"Of course I do, you know that."
"But do you really mean it? Do you want to be together for eternity?" I felt him stiffen and his next words were very slow.
"What do you mean?" I took a deep breath and decided it was no longer time to beat around the bush.
"I want to be with you forever, I want to become a vampire." I waited for his reaction, my back was to him so I couldn't gauge his reaction and this silence was definitely full of tension. I could feel the seconds ticking by. Finally his answer came out, cold and harsh.
"No." I took in a sharp breath in surprise an pulled away to face him.
"Why not?" I asked taken aback the tears forming in my eyes. His eyes in return softened and he tried to pull me back to him but I refused.
"I will not damn you to this life. "
"Damn? Do you know what you're talking about? Do you wish Carlisle never saved you?!" He was getting frustrated.
"No Bella, do you know what you are talking about? You can not take things so lightly, I refuse to change you and that's final."
"Take this lightly? I've known my decision for a while, I have turned around in my mind so many times you would be surprised! Don't even suggest I haven't thought about it because I have. I know what I want. I want you." He just shook his head angrily and my heart broke.
"Don't you want me too?" I choked and his eyes snapped up to mine. I was immediately engulfed in his embrace as he cradled me. I couldn't help the small sobs that were escaping out of my throat.
"Shh, Bella, its okay, its okay Bella." He whispered as he rocked me. "I want you and nothing but you; please believe that. I don't want this life for you. I don't know what I would have chosen if given the choice. I will not take your soul away."
"My s-soul?" I cried unbelieving. "You think vampires don't have a soul?" I felt him nod and the sobs only came quicker and louder. "How can you t-think that? Do you honestly b-believe that you don't have a soul? That anybody in this f-family doesn't have a soul. You're wrong Edward, you have more of a soul that anybody else I know." I just cried harder when rethinking of what he just said. How could he think that- it horrified me, they were the kindest, most considerate, most-
"Calm down Bella, I'm sorry, calm down, please. Breathe with me." He said anxiously. He hugged me tighter and rocked me until the sobs eventually quieted and turned into small hiccups.
"I love you, I need you." I said quietly clinging on to his shirt.
"I love you to, more than you can imagine. But I can't Bella. I can't do that to you. Please, drop it." I nodded minimally but I knew what I wanted and I wouldn't forget it. He lifted my chin with his finger and looked at me for a few seconds- searching my face until he a small smile graced his lips.
"I love you, you know." I smiled too.
"Ditto."
"Ditto? That's all I get?" He played.
"Mhmm…" I joked. "Okay, maybe not. "I leaned forward to kiss him but he met me half way. For once I was the one to break away as I desperately needed oxygen and Edward placed small kisses running from my neck to my temple.
"Now get some sleep, you look tired." He whispered tenderly. Just to emphasize his point I yawned. He chuckled slightly and I snuggled closer. I was already slipping into a blissful sleep but I fought it as hard as I could to say one more things, the only thing left to say,

"My soul already belongs to you."

Wow, I'm getting all emotional now. I can't believe it's actually finished. Well I really hope you enjoyed the chapter, it means a lot to me that you are reading my story and a special thanks to all the readers who have stuck with me from the beginning even when I completely failed to update. Just, thank you so much!