Hello lovelies...How are we all today? Thank you for your patience. I promise no matter what, I will finish this story. Just saying.

Also, thank you to Mabinda . Against all odds, she has beta'ed for me and even when things are bad, she still carries on and tries to stay strong. You inspire me Mabs. Xx

I don't own twilight, but I think I am part of the phenomenon !

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BPOV

I walked into Edward's room, pasting a smile on my face and trying to act like everything was ok. The last thing I wanted was Edward thinking that my mind was going on me...Maybe it was going on me?

I obviously gave something away because Edward eventually squirreled it out of me...he had a way of doing these things to me. He really cared, like, a lot. He had a way of validating my feelings so that I didn't feel so bad about how I thought or acted, and this is what he did before he leaned in and kissed me. Heat fused through my torso and I leaned in, ready for more when he broke the kiss to ask suddenly

'Babe, what are you doing for your week off?'

'Well...I was thinking of visiting my mother in the city...but I'm not sure...maybe I could do that some other time. I just don't know at this point.'

'I was going to ask Aro about taking some time off with you. My week off is supposed to be directly after yours, so I was thinking if I moved my week up, then we could spend a few days together?'

'Can you do that?' I was amazed but excited that he would go to so much effort to be with me.

'I can't see why not. We will just have to prep a little more, or, rather, I will and there is another chef there to keep things in order. This will give him a chance to run a kitchen for a few days. It will look good on his CV, so I guess it is a win, win situation!

'Ok, cool! I can't wait!' I felt the urge to do a happy dance all around the place but I resisted...just.

He kissed me softly and smiled as he said...

'I can't wait either beautiful, but right now, we should get going. I am hoping to catch Aro so he can sort things for me. I need to ask him how the newsletter is coming along too, to see when we need to start getting the kitchen sorted.'

Yes, Yes, Yes! I was flat out not screeching those words and I just managed to nod at him, smiling my head off. My mood had lifted greatly from earlier. If it were possible that we could get a few days off together, that would make my day, week...month really! I grabbed Edwards hand as we left his room and as we strolled to the kitchen, I felt on top of the world. I loved spending time with this man; he made me happy. He really did... but all too soon we arrived at the kitchen.

'I'll be back in a sec.' Edward leaned over to whisper to me and then he walked out of the kitchen quickly, to see Aro I assume.

I was feeling pretty happy about the possibility of having some time with Edward, just me and him, together. It made me feel really good that he wanted to do this...he wanted to make this effort, just to be with me.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts and started looking at what needed to be done with today's menu. I began to give direction to some who looked like they didn't know where to start.

We all got stuck into our work and the kitchen was powering on as I checked everyone and kept going with my jobs of preparation. I was half way through marinating some lamb with rosemary and red wine and I strangely felt like I was being watched.

I glanced toward the door and I spotted Edward watching me, smiling. I was instantly curious...he had been gone a long time so palms up, I raised my hands and shoulders in the universal language of a question and mouthed 'What?'

Edward put two thumbs up and strolled toward me to tell me his news.

'We're on! I'll take you to your mothers place and return here, then I'll come for you after a couple of days and maybe we can go somewhere nice and stay for a while if you like. Will that be enough time with your mother? It was just an idea...what do you think?'

I squealed and bounced up and down, clapping my hands twice. It was all I could do not to throw my arms around his neck and kiss him. I tried to be a little more discreet and I grabbed his hands in mine, stood on my tip toes, kissed him quickly and smiled up at him.

'This is going to be so fun; thank you Edward. Thank you.' I said quietly but excitedly.

'It is my pleasure babe. I can't wait either.' He looked very pleased with himself, like he had done something very clever.

'I thought for sure Aro was going to say no! You were in there for ages!'

'Oh, no, we were talking menu and what not. I'll tell you more about it later but I do need to announce it to the staff as well so we all know. I'll tell you the rest later, in private.'

My curiosity was burning me up but I knew we had a job to do so I said simply 'Ok'.

Edward turned and spotted some guy that was always hovering around where ever you turned, putting him on desserts way over the other side of the kitchen. I managed not to laugh at his offended expression and I just listened to Edward addressing the staff. Excitement was still thrumming though me so I didn't think anything could ruin my day.

'I love it when you take control!' I grinned at him thinking of all the ways I would like him to take control once he had finished speaking and everyone had dispersed.

'Just you wait, little missy, just you wait.'

I felt a shiver run over me and my breath hitched. Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. I absolutely can NOT wait until we spend this time together...alone...just the two of us...

My mind turned instantly to lingerie and cute outfits...

Thank God for the birth control pill...

Edward gave me a wicked grin and turned back to his work like I should...

I didn't say that aloud did I? I felt insecure for a moment before realising that I hadn't spoken out loud. I gave a mental sigh of relief and got back to the job at hand, grateful that things were finally on track.

When we finished for the day, I remembered my girl's night and the promise of something nice from the kitchen while we were watching our movies and giggling like teenagers, so I grabbed a chocolate tart that was left over from today's hungry visitors and headed out with Edward.

We went directly to his place and I showered and changed in record time, jumping into the night clothes that I had worn the night before. There was no way in the world that I was going to go into my room tonight. I had what I needed in my little overnight bag and someone could come with me tomorrow to help me collect a few of my things.

I made a mental note to go see Jane to ask some questions about the room that I had occupied since I had come here. I was starting to wonder if the actual room was cursed...

I walked out into Edwards lounge room where he was waiting and he took a few steps toward me, put his arms around me and kissed me softly on the lips.

'Are you sure you want to leave me all alone tonight? I think I'm going to miss you...' he said quietly, in between kisses.

'I do like your room much better...but...I promise I'll come back. Maybe we can do breakfast in the morning together?'

'Sounds perfect...now you go have fun with the girls.' He hugged me tighter and I felt so so safe.

'Thank you. I think I will.' I gave him one last kiss before picking up the tart that I had left on the coffee table and making my way to the door, and then turned back, suddenly remembering what I was going to ask him.

'Oh...and what was that thing that you said earlier...that you were going to tell me tonight?'

Edward looked surprised and then stuttered 'um...don't worry about it...just...enjoy your night...ok?'

I put the tart back down on the coffee table and walked over to where Edward stood. He had tweaked my curiosity with his reticence to fess up immediately. I was going to get whatever it was out of him if it took all night...I may enjoy all night too. He slowly took my hands in his and then pulled me onto his lap and sat on the couch. I almost squealed in surprise but when I cuddled into him, I quite enjoyed where I was.

'What is it Edward? Is it bad?'

'It's a matter of how you look at it I guess.'

'Well, tell me and I'll decide how bad it is.'

'The cameras...?'

'They caught something?'

'Bella... I didn't even think or have any idea that this would be an issue...'

'Just spit it out Edward. Was it James or what?' I said grinning and gently poking him in the chest. He was being so serious and I refused to stress over a possible sighting of James on film.

'They have been searching the footage for something, anything out of the ordinary and Aro found something ...us...in the pool...remember?'

I felt slightly confused with what Edward was talking about...If not James...then what? The cameras caught...us...in the pool... Oh my god! That was when Edward and I uh... I buried my face in Edwards shoulder in embarrassment and he held me and gently rocked me a little.

'Oh Edward. How can I ever show my face again? Aro has seen me naked...and...and...us...together!'

He gently cupped my chin and brought my face up so he could look at me. 'Look, Aro deleted it and if I understand correctly, no one else saw it. He said you could hardly see anything anyway. But it's gone now. He didn't want it to get out any more than we do. It's not good for business or OUR reputations.'

'Oh, ok.' I swallowed. I wasn't really expecting that and now that the shock was subsiding and the promise of the evidence destroyed, I guess I didn't feel so bad...sort of.

'I'm sorry babe. I wanted to leave it until you had had your fun tonight. I don't want to put a dampener on your evening with your friends.' he kissed me softly, gently sucking on my bottom lip. I think he was trying to get me to stop worrying about it. It is still pretty mortifying though.

'If it makes you feel any better, I was a quite mortified at first too.'

'It's ok Edward. I may just have to avoid Aro for the rest of my life but I'll survive.' I rolled my eyes and shrugged one shoulder. What else can I do?

'Oh, Miss Drama! Your first porno and it was deleted!'

'Ooohhh, you've had time to get over it. Does Jane know?' Hmph! I felt like pouting and did he just say my first porno? I slapped him on the arm gently.

'I didn't ask. Like I said, I was embarrassed too. I wasn't feeling like asking too many questions, I was just thankful that Aro got rid of it so no one else could watch it.'

'Yeah, we can be grateful for small things I guess.'

Edward leaned in and kissed me a few times and I knew that if I was still going to be hanging with the girls tonight, I would have to make a move or I would want to stay here all night and maybe finish what we started this morning.

'I'd better go. I would love to stay here all night making out with you but the girls a wait!' As I scrambled off Edwards lap, he swatted me playfully. Ooohhhh! Bad boy wants to play...not just now for me.

I grabbed my tart and turned to kiss this stunningly handsome man softly. 'I'll miss you.' I murmured.

'I'll definitely miss you too Beautiful.' he kissed me again. 'Want me to walk you?'

'It's only a few doors down...but ok!' I smiled again holding the tart in one hand and grabbing Edwards hand in the other.

It was only moments and then we were at Alice's door. The door suddenly swung open and Alice was there ushering me inside excitedly. 'We've been waiting for you!' She exclaimed.

I stole another kiss and then Alice pulled me inside to begin our fun evening, calling out 'Bye Edward!' I waved to him as the door closed and I could no longer see his beautiful face.

'Well you sure took your time...' Rosalie said, popping a chip in her mouth while watching me from the couch. '...but I'll forgive you.' She finished with a grin.

'Sorry...I got here as fast as I could. We still have time for a movie right?'

'Of course. What do you want to see...'Pride and Prejudice'...or 'The note book'?' Alice said holding up two movie cases for me to peruse.

'We have already decided what we want, but we are waiting to see if we all agree.' Rosalie said.

'I say even though it takes an age, let's go with 'Pride and Prejudice'. I can never resist the dark broodiness of a sexy English man.'

'Yeah...we know...' Rose said dryly.

'Hahaha.' I laughed at Rose rolling her eyes at me.

'That's ok...I totally get where you are coming from.' Alice whispered in my ear before racing to the DVD machine and slipping the disk in and pressing play. It appears that we all agree on the same movie.

I walked over and put the chocolate tart on the coffee table and sat next to Rose while Alice fiddled around with the TV and then grabbed a couple of disposable spoons before skipping over to the couch and squishing in between Rose and me.

'This is going to be so much fun! Lucky we all wanted to see the same movie hey girls?' Alice chirped happily and then dropped the spoons next to the tart.

With spoons in hand, we all tucked into the tart, and ooohhhed and aaahhhhed over Colin Firth at the appropriate moments and Yelled at Miss Elizabeth Bennet to get her facts straight and just get it on with him finally, but I guess they didn't do that back then.

Suddenly, as we were watching Mr Darcy swim in his pond on his property and then meet up with the woman of his dreams at his home in the country, completely inappropriately dressed, Alice flicked the DVD off.

'Awwww, what did you do that for Alice?' I said.

'Turn it back on Alice! We were watching that!' Rose exclaimed.

'Girls...it's time for truth or dare.' Alice announced.

'What?' Rose and I said together.

'Ok, well mostly truth then...Sooooo, Bella...you've been staying over at Edwards place eh?'

'Uh...yeah. But only because I was freaking out over the window being open a couple of nights ago and I stayed with Edward. He invited me to stay again last night so I would feel safe. That's it.'

'Mmmhhhhmmm.' Rose nodded at me with a knowing look, movie forgotten. 'So...why didn't you come to one of us...?I mean, hell, even Emmet would have had you stay with him.'

'Because I thought you would be there if you know what I mean.' I said back, raising my brows to her suggestively and giving her a pointed look.

'Um, no, we haven't... you know... had sex yet.' Rose looked down at her feet and kept her eyes there. 'So, have you and Edward...?'

'No, not yet, but why haven't you yet?'

'It's complicated.' Rose said in an almost whisper, her discomfort palpable.

'If it makes you feel any better, Jasper and I haven't yet either...I don't think it is too far off...but...I'm still the big V.' Alice spoke softly as she put her arm around Rose and gave her a little squeeze.

'You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to...' I spoke just as softly, reaching across and putting my hand on her knee slowly, almost like Rose was a wild bird, about to get startled and take flight at any moment.

'Oh guys...I'm sorry...I'm just not normally so reserved with anything...'

'That's ok.'

'It's fine.'

'Oh...well, you may as well know...but if you tell anyone...so help me god.' Rose looked menacing for a moment before breaking out into a sad smile. 'You can stop freaking out girls, I'm kidding, although I would like you to keep it to yourselves.'

'We promise.' Alice said.

'Promise.' I repeated.

'Okay...well...it has been a while since I have spoken of this, and don't get me wrong, I'm not a crazy person...but I have been burned pretty badly by someone I thought I knew; thought I loved... His name was Royce. He was really suave and sophisticated. Everyone said what an amazingly handsome couple we were, and if I do say so myself, we really did look good together. Ugh! He was so beautiful...seriously...if you saw him, you became tongue tied and so many girls did. He wasn't a total player, or so I thought...He was really smooth and sexy, but he was like that all the time. He came from a really good family too, like one of those families that expect you to become a doctor or a banker or something, and my family was pretty high end too. Our parents actually went to the same country club and knew of each other. Once Royce and I became an item, they seemed to become really good friends and we even took vacation together a few times. Royce proposed to me probably 8 months after we started seeing each other. I was over the moon. The happiest I have ever felt. My life was so on track. I was almost finished my study to be an accountant and he was doing some interning at the local hospital. We moved into a small unit together in a well-to-do area, shortly after our huge engagement party- at the country club of course. I thought we were really happy, I know I was...Anyway, I kind of noticed him having less time for us...just little by little... He became very short with me at times, getting angry if I ever questioned where he had been or what he had been doing... I...I...found a mobile phone one day while I was waiting for him to get ready for a dinner with quite a few of his colleagues. This thing was supposed to be a big deal and I wasn't trying to make trouble or anything but I had felt like something was going on, so I flipped it open and it opened to messages. There were quite a few messages from this person who was simply programmed into the phone as 'Bo'. I read a few messages and became more and more horrified as my eyes flew across the screen as quick as possible, tyring not to get caught. I quickly went to sent items and read a few of his messages to this same person. Basically the messages said that he had a great time that day or night and he was going to meet up again the following day. He wrote some smutty things in there too and I know he didn't send these things to me! I didn't want to question him and ruin the night, but I promised myself that I would keep an eye out for the bitch that was trying to steal my man. Anyway, we kind of hung out with a friend of his and his girlfriend for the evening, and I was eyeing her up and checking her out, asking a few covert questions and doing a bit of general inquiring to check her out. She seemed to be pretty taken with her man and was very busy in her career and seemed happy. She never once eyed Royce off so I didn't think she could be the one. By the end of the night, when we left, I tentatively asked him if there was anyone else that he was interested in romantically. He got angry at me at first for asking something like that of him, but then he went all smooth telling me that I was the only one for him and he didn't know why I would ever ask such a question. I tried to forget about my suspicions but a month later, after I had finished my finals and I had begun this brilliant new job at a coveted firm, I had to go home at lunch time because I felt like I was going to be sick. I never get sick so I decided to take the time off to rest for a huge day the next day. When I got home I pulled my shoes off and went straight to the bedroom where I saw Royce and his friend 'Beauregard'...of course...'Bo'... kissing each other and having sex. I just stood for a few moments and watched in confusion and horror. They didn't even notice me in their height of passion until I ran for the bathroom, spewing the contents of my stomach up until I could retch no more. Royce jumped up of course and began to promise it would never happen again, and it was just this once and so on. I didn't care at that moment in time. All of my hopes and dreams had come smashing down in one, unbelievable second. It was hard to take, let me tell you. So then his 'bum buddy' got the shits on and started huffing and pulling his clothing on muttering about how Royce had told him that he loved him and walked out with Royce begging and trailing along behind him. After locking the door and lying on the cold bathroom tiles for hours with Royce whispering and promising and trying to get me to come out of the bathroom so we could make up, he finally left me alone. I collected some of my things and high tailed it over to my parents. They were pretty good and left me alone until Royce began turning up every day, begging me to come home, and every day I was sick, and depressed and not in the mood.'

'You didn't take him back right?' Alice asked. I was amazed that Alice had kept quiet this long.

'I'm getting there'. Rose said. 'Do you want to hear the rest or not?'

'Yes, we do, we do' I urged her on with Alice nodding eagerly beside me.

Rose began again...'Well, I did go back about two weeks later, when he wasn't there, but of course he turned up not long after. I had to talk to him anyway. I had to tell him that I was pregnant. Once I told him, he dropped to his knees and begged me to give us another try and he would not see 'Bo' any more. I considered for a moment. I could take the path to everything I thought I wanted; The picture perfect life; be the Stepford Wife and sell my soul, or I could break out and make it on my own, without anyone else, no family, no cheating men that didn't even want to admit to themselves let alone their family that they were most probably gay, no one. I probably wasn't thinking straight at that time, but I was still in shock and I had a new little life growing inside of me, full of promise and I had to protect him or her. I really wanted a little girl. Anyway, I told him I'd call him with my answer and he seemed happy enough to wait for it. I drove away that day with whatever I could pack in my car and I never turned back. I drove and drove until I found myself in this little alternative town or village. I had my trust fund so I wasn't worried about money and I decided to do a massage therapy course to help me keep my mind on something other than the despair within. It was a wonderful course and I felt I had found my passion, but two weeks after I started it...I lost the baby. It was just awful and I was all alone. This threw me into even more turmoil. I had loved Royce so much and I sort of felt like this baby was the only good thing I could take out of the relationship in the end. I was going to transfer all my loving feelings and happiness onto this baby, but it wasn't meant to be...anyway...I finished my massage study and got a diploma, and haven't turned back since. I don't see my parents as much as I did. They didn't understand everything I was going through. I think they thought I should have lived the charade. I know it opened my eyes and helped me see life for what it is. It's not about money and looking like the perfect family with the perfect life and keeping up with the Joneses, it's about loving people, helping when you can and trying to inject some good into the world...well, that's what I got out of it anyway... so, that's why I do feel a little guilty still Bella, that I was such a bitch to you when I first met you. I saw you with Emmet and I was just struck with how gorgeous this guy was and he was with you, and it made me feel jealous and bitter about missing the boat.'

'It's really ok Rosalie. I forgive you.' I said softly.

'Yeah, especially now that you have Edward in your hot little hands!' Alice exclaimed.

'Hmph!' I rolled my eyes at Alice, and then turned to Rosalie to ask 'So, you never spoke to Royce again? Does he think that he has a kid out there somewhere?'

'Nope, I haven't talked to him and I don't actually care what he thinks. He would have had his people look it up and assume whatever, but there are no babies registered by me so...'

'So...why won't you sleep with Emmet if you are so hot for him?' Alice asked.

'I've been scarred I guess. I went through so many blood tests to see if Royce had given me something or if it was why the baby stopped growing and I lost it or just if I was going to get sick. I wanted to protect myself really badly. I still do. I know Emmet hasn't had that many partners but we have made an agreement that we will both go get tested before we become really intimate.'

'Well that is smart too.' I said nodding thinking I might bring that up with Edward tomorrow.

'Yeah...' Alice said absentmindedly. I bet she was thinking the same thing.

'So Alice, why haven't you and Jasper done the wild thing yet?' Rosalie said, changing the subject.

'Well...we have done some pretty heavy petting...and I feel as if I really like, and even almost love him, but I want it to be perfect...you know?'

'Sure, I guess.' Rosalie said and then turned to me. 'So, why haven't you and Edward howled at the moon yet Bella?'

'Well, let me tell you it is not for lack of trying on my part. Edward wants us to know each other really well before we do that and I do think he's right. He doesn't want me to regret it later on and he wants me to be really sure. We are going to have a couple of days off together soon, so, I think it could be then!' I couldn't keep the excitement out of my voice with the last sentence, but I was excited about consummating our relationship.

'Well, great. I guess we will all be sharing rooms soon with our men! Aro can rent out our rooms!'

With Aro's name spoken, I blushed remembering what Edward had confessed to me earlier that Aro had witnessed and it didn't go unnoticed by Eagle eye's Alice.

'What Bella...you have to tell us now. Something happened. Tell us now.'

'Uh...ok, ok. God this is so embarrassing...um, the other night, when someone broke into my room and left the window open, well, Edward and I had had a little wine and we made out in the pool. I think it would probably have looked pretty sexy and Aro found the footage, while he was looking for anything that the police could use, on the cameras.'

'Were you bumping and grinding in the pool?' Rose exclaimed her eyes alight and then slapped her hands over her mouth in disbelief.

'Uh, well, what happened was, we started kissing and Edward was feeling me up. I sat on his lap and I could totally feel his arousal right? And so he is feeling me up, and I am getting more hot and horny for this guy while we were kissing , so I whipped my bikini top off. I mean, it seemed like a great Idea at the time...and...we were having fun...and I kind of had an orgasm. We didn't have sex or anything...I was just rubbing myself on him and...you guys know how it is!' Ugh, I was totally embarrassed now.

'Don't worry Bella, we know how it is.' Alice patted my hand.

'Well...Aro has seen me naked now...I don't know what I'm going to do when I see him next. At least I can escape for a week soon!'

Rosalie laughed loudly 'God Bella! You and Edward don't waste any time do you?'

'No, I know it probably sounds bad...but...'

'It's ok Bella, we know you and Edward have been hot for each other for weeks. It's natural. At least you didn't bang in the pool.' Alice said kindly.

'No, we haven't 'banged' at all yet. Anyway, Rose and I have spilled...what about you and Jasper? Heavy petting? Tell us your secrets.' I rubbed my hands together in anticipation while Alice rolled her eyes at me.

'Yes...do tell.' Rose purred. I think she wanted some info on both of us now that she had spilled her deepest most painful secret.

'Awww, girls. Don't make me say it...' Alice looked at both our expectant faces and sighed in defeat. 'Ok...where do I begin? Well, I've let him feel me all over and I've felt him all over, ok? Is that enough information?'

Rose wasn't letting her get away with that little information and began asking a few questions. 'Do you know how to give head? Have you done that before?'

'Uh, no. I've only read about that in magazines. I figure when the time comes, Jasper will tell me what he likes?'

'How about we don't leave it until then and we go through it now?'

'Ok, sure.' Alice smiled at Rosalie for the lesson she was about to get and I leaned in closer to pay more attention too. I hadn't had much experience in this area either and I hoped I might learn something too.

Rosalie laughed at both of us paying her the utmost attention and then she began, explaining the male anatomy in great detail. Alice and I giggled a little and mimicked Rose's hand actions with our hands. It was kind of embarrassing but also very informative. So finally we knew where to put our hands, mouths, tongues...everything. And then we got to the discussion of to spit or swallow...our own choice of course, but the guys love it when you swallow. Eeekkk...ok...

Alice was almost overloaded with the information, but she looked a little keen to try it too. I must admit, I was feeling more confident in the love game myself and I was looking forward to trying my newly acquired knowledge out on Edward.

'So it was kind of lucky that someone left your window open Bella, so that you could go sleep with Edward, well, in Edward's room anyway.' Rosalie changed the subject to me.

'Um, it really didn't feel like it at the time hey. I have been having intense dreams at times too, of that creepy guy. I really don't know what it is all about but they seem so real...like when he touches me...' ugh! I shivered from the revulsion of the memory.

'What does he do in your dreams? Sex acts?' Alice asked, curious.

'No, no, nothing like that! I think you have sex on the brain Alice!'

'Well, the time is nigh! So tell us, what does he do?'

'Um... just weird stuff. Get this, last night I dreamed of this guy in my room and he lit a match. He threw it on the floor and it went out, then he was pushing me back on my bed. I started yelling and fighting of course but then I woke up in Edward's bed. The dream seemed so real, and even now, it is still fresh in my memory, but the weirdest thing was, that when I went back into my room to get my uniform on for the day...there was a burnt match on the floor... Is that a coincidence or real?'

Alice shrugged her shoulders and Rosalie looked at me uncomfortably for a moment before she spoke.

'Bella...when I stayed at that little alternative town, I did hear of people who were able to stay conscious when they dream and they could come visit you in their sleep. Now, no one came to me, or at least I don't remember it, but others had told of very vivid dreams and certain things were missing in the morning or had appeared in their rooms. These people could mind fuck with you if they wanted to, or help you. The choice is theirs really. But like I said, I only heard the stories, I never experienced anything, so it could be all fake, but what you just said reminded me of those stories.'

'Wow. Ok. Do you think this guy is like that? Like, has this ability?' I asked nervously.

'Like I said Bella, it's only a story, or rumour. Maybe, maybe not, I don't know.'

'So, what did you do with the match Bella?' Alice asked.

'I used a tissue to pick it up and put it in my drawer under the Kleenex box. Do you think I should take it in? It just seems so inconsequential. So dumb to tell of this dream...you know?'

'It may have evidence on it or mean something to the police. Emmet said they were getting detectives on the job. It may mean something like a calling card or something, or it could be nothing. It's better to be safe than sorry.' Rose said.

'Ok, ok. I'll take it in tomorrow, or later today for that matter, and give it to Jane. I'm not ready to see Aro yet.' I smiled awkwardly; they knew what I meant.

'I'm getting a little tired guys...it's one in the morning. Can we go to bed soon?' Alice asked, stifling a yawn.

'Yes, of course, of course. Bella, where do you want to sleep? Alice and I have made up a mattress on the floor in her room and one of us can sleep in the bed with her. Where do you want to sleep?'

'I don't care girls. I'm pretty easy, I'll sleep anywhere.'

'Yeah, so we have heard!' Rose snickered and Alice and I giggled along as well. It felt good to have these girls' as such good friends.

'Ok, you take the bed with Alice, Bella. I'm going to take the floor. I like a firm mattress anyway.'

'Amongst other firm things.' Alice giggled and both Rose and I laughed too. This girl was going to have dick on the brain for a while I think.

We all brushed our teeth and went to bed, calling goodnight to each other. I fell asleep almost immediately with the knowledge that my girls were with me and my man was a few doors down, and all was well with the world at this moment in time.

'Bella... Bella...?'

'Hmmm?' I murmured, groggy from lack of sleep.

'Come to me my angel...'

'Whaaaa?' I was struggling to wake up, but something didn't feel right. When did Alice hold me from behind?

'Come to me...'

I shivered, suddenly feeling cold. Where was Alice...? Where was Rose?

Wake up, wake up, wake up. I screamed to myself silently, rubbing my eyes, trying to get them to open.

'I want you, and I know you want me too...'

'Leave me alone.' I said as firmly as I could muster my voice into sounding and I tried to lift my arm. I felt like I was in slow motion.

'Bella? Are you ok?'

My eyes flew open and I could see Rosalie in the dim light watching me closely.

'Sorry, what was that?' I asked in a low whisper, rubbing my eyes again.

'You were talking in your sleep. I was just wondering if you were ok?'

'Yeah, fine. I was just having a slightly odd dream. I'm ok. How did you sleep?'

'Pretty good. I was thinking of waking up Emmet and having a good morning kiss but I think I'll leave it until we have both brushed our teeth!'

'Good idea. I was thinking of saying hi to Edward, but I think I'll let him sleep in.'

'Do you want to go get some coffee and then we could go see Jane with the match? I'll come with you?' Rose asked.

Wow, she doesn't forget anything does she? 'Ok. I'll just get it now. We can let Alice sleep. She was so tired last night.'

'Yeah, she was, and then she had a lesson on top of it all!' Rose laughed

'She was so cute learning how to please her man! I think I learned a few things myself.'

'Good! Let's go then.'

I slid to the end of the bed and got off gently so as not to disturb Alice, and then made our way to the front door. Quietly we left, stopping in at my room to throw on a light weight sweater and I collected the match which was still where I left it, under the Kleenex box.

We headed out again to go toward the office and let ourselves in through the kitchen, collecting a couple of steaming mugs of coffee, Rosalie grabbing a third.

'Thirsty today?' I asked her, looking at the third mug.

'No, I saw Jane yesterday and she mentioned that she was coming in early this morning. I thought she might like a cup. This is why I suggested you come give her the match now...Aro won't be in until later.'

I smiled at Rosalie. She really did get it. My embarrassment, my fear for my stalker...she was a good friend, and I was hugely grateful in that moment to have her.

We reached the office and knocked. It was still really early and hardly anyone was about except for the kitchen staff and the occasional visitor to the retreat.

'Come in.' We heard Jane call out.

'Hi Jane. We have brought you coffee...' Rosalie handed Jane the mug of hot liquid.

'Thanks girls! What a surprise! Now, what brings you both by at such an early hour?' Jane sipped her coffee and smiled at us. 'Mmmm, it's good.'

'Um, it's kind of dumb really, but I had a dream of that James guy the other night, and in my dream, he lit a match...and then when I went into my room the following morning...I found a burnt match on my floor. I don't know if it means anything or maybe nothing, but Rosalie wanted me to tell you and bring it and so I guess you can decide.' I handed the tissue holding the match to Jane. She took in gingerly and placed it on the desk.

'I'll speak to the officers about it. They are due back today I think.'

Something that was tickling at the back of my brain pushed its way forward and before I could even articulate a sensible question, the words just flew out of my mouth...

'Why can't we go outside the boundary? I mean...Aro was most insistent when I arrived here and...Other's have mentioned it and made me curious...and...Are you allowed to tell me?'

Jane looked startled for a moment, but soon regained her composure before nodding and answering quite matter of fact.

'Because of the contract...because of the curse...'

/

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Sooooo...what is going on? The mystery deepens!

Another Bella POV coming up next.

Oh, I have to rec another Fic by VampiresHaveLaws. It is called 'Evading Edward'. Seriously, I couldn't sleep for needing to absorb everything this girl writes. Her writing is so full of passion that I feel like I am part of the story. She has won 2nd place for two of her short stories too, although if you don't want to bawl like a baby, 'Lost like tears in the rain' will do it to you. Just saying! 'Cinnamon bread and awkward head' is so awesome too. GO...read it asap!

Did you all give One Dark Bella a read? 'Darkest before the Dawn'. It will get angsty. Let her know what you think!

Thank you all for reading and I love every review I get. I try to reply to them as much as possible. Thank you again for following my BxE story!

Kacull. xx