Chemicals React

BPOV

I traced the lines of Edward's face as he fell asleep, putting every little detail to memory. I hadn't asked him to describe himself to me, but I had a feeling he wouldn't do himself justice. From what I could tell, he was beautiful. He sighed as I traced his jaw line with the tips of my fingers, his head shifting so I was cupping his face. He was cold to the touch even for me, and I pulled the blankets up so they were covering half his face. His family walked in then, Alice rattling off strings of profanities at both myself and Edward.

"I can't believe him! Or you! Why did you do that? You could've come to one of us if you wanted someone to talk to!" she yelled at me. I just sighed, waiting for the end of the rant.

"And Edward! You don't even have the decency to be awake when we come to make sure you're okay! Ugh!" She threw her hands up in the air before collapsing on the end of the bed. "Thanks, Jazzy," she said as he walked over to her, kissing her on the top if the head. Jasper turned on the lamp beside the bed before standing behind Alice again. I propped myself up on my elbow, my head resting on my fist.

I had to smile at them. They had been together so long that they could tell what the other needed without asking. I had been in this life for three years and still hadn't found that person. I didn't have any hope that I would, but it was nice to see such nice people happy.

"Sorry about that," Alice said. "You have no idea how worried I was when I saw him leave. We were already so far away looking for you that we just decided to search the few towns around where we were and come right back. It would have been sooner but we made sure to look in every little spot that you could fit." She smiled sheepishly. "We really had no idea where to look for you. We went into Forks and spread out throughout Washington from there. By the time I saw Edward heading along that trail, we were too far to go all the way back just to go looking for you again."

I nodded once, but didn't feel the need to say anything. I couldn't help but feel the slightest bit angry that they hadn't immediately come back when they knew Edward was wandering around in the woods alone, but I also understood their situation. They knew how Edward would react if they stopped him from looking for me, and then stopped looking themselves because of their concern for him. He would never forgive them. I was humbled that they would go so far out of their way to look for me, but they should have been more concerned for their brother.

I sighed as I looked down at the blur that was Edward's face. My heart tightened as I put the image I made of what he looked like over it, but it didn't feel the same. I still felt like I was lacking something with it. Another feeling came to the surface as I ran my hand through his hair. I couldn't name it, which confused me even more. It made my heart tighten even more, but it wasn't a bad feeling. It was like…a desire to protect Edward, to make sure he was always okay, but stronger. There was more to it, but that was just as hard to place as the emotion itself.

"Love," Jasper said, apparently feeling my confusion and whatever else it was. I looked up at him. He was still standing behind Alice, his hand on her shoulder.

"Love, Bella. That's what that is," he explained. I looked down at Edward's half-covered face as a smile crept onto my face.

Love. That had to be it. There was no other word for it. The overflowing protectiveness. The overwhelming desire to be near him. The feeling of completeness whenever he was around. The connection I felt to him that I had no solid explanation for. It was love.

I ran my hand slowly through his hair again, my fingers brushing his face. He felt a lot warmer than he had before. He sighed as my hand reached his cheek, his sweet breath rushing over my wrist. My smile grew until I remembered why the others had come in. I looked up at them, nonchalant confusion on my face.

"We just wanted to make sure Edward got back. We didn't know until we were coming up the driveway that you were here," Jasper said, once again reading my emotions like they were my thoughts. "He is okay, right?" He asked, his voice betraying more emotion than usual. I nodded, pulling the blankets down just enough to show them his face. Carlisle decided to speak up then, scaring the crap out of me since I didn't know he was there. I heard his light steps as he walked over.

"He looks okay," he said. "His lips are still a little blue, but he feels warm enough. Just don't let him get too hot, alright?" he said. I nodded again, the smile making its way back onto my face. I felt his hand squeeze my arm once before it disappeared and all I heard were pairs of light steps getting farther away as they left the room and closed the door.

I let my gaze wander over Edward's face, or what I thought was his face. I could tell he was beautiful, even for a human. Probably more so than that sleaze ball when I first met him. That was before I knew he wasn't human, though. And just like that, all of my insecurities flooded my mind, threatening to drive me insane.

What if Edward didn't love me back? What if I wasn't good enough for him? What if someone better looking came along and he decided to leave? What if he turned out just like he did?

The questions repeated over and over in my mind, new ones making their way in every now and then as my breaths quickly became short and shallow with my panic. I leaned up and grabbed at the necklace around my throat, feeling it grow warm with my touch. I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself, taking deep, slow breaths. I felt a small touch of calm help me, but didn't look up at Jasper until I was sure I wouldn't have another attack.

"Why did that both feel and look like it was routine?" he asked me. I just looked at my lap and shrugged. He didn't press any further, but sat down on the end of the bed by Edward's feet. I could still feel him looking at me, but the dim light from the lamp was really messing with my eyes.

"You don't have to worry about him, Bella. I want you to know for a fact that he feels like you do." He chuckled. "Right down to the insecurities. I've felt what he feels for you, and I felt it again tonight. Don't make yourself so confused and doubtful, Bella. You have no reason to." I hesitated, but took his word. I nodded and I felt him stand up, the bed rising with the absence of his weight. I felt him stop right next to me and his hand rested lightly on my shoulder.

"Here, I'll show you what I mean. Get up and stand by the wall," he said. I was completely confused, but did what he asked, making sure not to disturb Edward.

I walked over to the wall and turned around, just able to make out Edward's sleeping form in the lighting. He just continued to lay there and I looked at Jasper, confused. I thought I saw him grin and he thrust his head towards Edward. I turned back to see him starting to stir, moving his arms and legs like he couldn't get comfortable. He turned his head so that he was facing me, but didn't say anything. I took a guess and said he was still asleep. I heard a soft groan come out of his mouth as he threw one of his arms across the section of the bed where I had been. I chuckled and he turned over completely. I felt Jasper move next to me and lightly push me forward.

"Go get him, little sister," he whispered, making a smile break out across my face.

I took a few steps forward and sat on the edge of the bed so that I was facing Edward's head. I let my fingertips lightly brush over his face, letting me know what his expression was. From what I could tell, it was a mix between confusion and sadness. His brows were wrinkled together and I smoothed them gently, taking his face in my hands. My thumbs brushed over his cheeks and I could just feel a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth.

He was smiling.

I heard the bedroom door open and close softly and knew Jasper had left. I smiled down at Edward, even though I knew he couldn't see me. Jasper had been right, and now I knew for sure. What the next step was, I had no idea. So I took Edward's hand, his immediately tightening around mine, and moved next to him on the bed. I rested my free hand on the side of his face and he moved the arm that I was holding on to so that it was wrapped around my shoulders. He pulled me closer so that I was right against him before draping his other arm over me. He sighed and my smile grew. I folded my arms between our chests and laid my head down on his arm, letting my mind drift off, the last thought running through my head being that I'd have to tell him the rest of my story before I did anything else…

*~*~*

EPOV

I was warm and surprisingly happy when I woke up the next morning. Or, I hoped it was only the next morning. My arms were wrapped around something, and something was resting on my upper arm. It was somewhat chilly, but not enough to make me cold. I yawned before opening my eyes to see Bella's head resting close to mine. She was still sleeping, or whatever you want to call it, and there was a small smile on her face. I smiled and rested my forehead against hers gently, trying not to wake her.

I stared at her closed eyelids as she slept, thinking just how lucky I was. Bella had to be the kindest, most beautiful person in the world and here she was, laying in my arms when she could be with any other guy she wanted. I couldn't explain how happy I was that she hadn't. I felt myself slowly getting over the insecurity I had had before, my mind now telling me why I shouldn't try to push her towards someone else. There was no argument that I was probably the only person who could understand her and love her the way-

My whole body tensed and my eyes widened. I couldn't believe it. I had just used the word. I didn't even know if I was ready to, and I just did. About Bella. The girl sleeping in my arms. The girl who stole my heart the first day we met, even if neither of us knew it. The girl I understood like she was my other half. The girl who didn't mind that I wasn't the most active person in the world. The person who helped me do things I had trouble with, even though she didn't have to.

I loved Bella.

I loved her. I loved her. I loved her. My heart soared with this epiphany, and a smile broke out on my face. I looked down at her and it grew even more. She moved her head closer to me, burying her still sleeping face in my shirt. I heard her inhale deeply before sighing and had to hold in a chuckle. I reached up behind her and brushed back the hair that had fallen over her face, letting my fingers linger on her face. She leaned up into my touch, causing my hand to cup the side of her face. She moved one of her hands over mine and moved her face back into my shirt, not letting go of my hand.

"Yeah, I'd have to say he's fine," Alice's voice said from the doorway. I turned my head just enough so that I could look over my shoulder. She was smirking at me, one of her hands on her hip and the other holding the doorknob. Jasper's head appeared around the corner and his face broke out into an eerily knowledgeable smile. I glanced down at Bella and her eyes were still closed-

Oh, boy. Just great. Exactly what I needed to wake up to. As soon as either of them came close to the bed, they would see her sleeping, and I knew Bella probably wouldn't appreciate the questions that could come from that.

And, of course, Alice started dancing her way over. This was not a good start to my day.

"What's up, Alice?" I asked as she stood a few feet behind me, just enough so she couldn't see Bella. She just shrugged.

"Wanted to know if you were alive, is all," she responded, glancing at Bella's sleeping form. "What's up with her?" She thrust her chin in Bella's direction. I looked down at Bella and then back at Alice.

"She's not a fan of the sun early in the morning," I said, mentally smacking myself in the process. Alice looked thoughtful. I held my breath, waiting for her to answer, waiting to see if my lame response worked. Waiting to see if Bella had some explaining to do to the rest of the family when she woke up.

"Hmm…She must not have been much of a morning person before she was changed…" Alice said, almost to herself. I let out my breath in a low sigh of relief just as Bella's hand twitched over mine. I looked down at her face just as her eyes fluttered open, revealing the softly glowing golden color that was currently my favorite. She smiled softly at me, her eyes searching my face. I smiled back.

"Well, we can tell Carlisle that everything is fine in here, Jasper," Alice said, moving back over to the door. "Just don't forget about school today, you two." And with that, they walked out and shut the door. I let my head fall against the pillows, ending up almost touching Bella's face.

"That was a close one," I whispered. "She almost saw you sleeping." Bella's eyes widened for a second, my breath softly rustling the loose hairs around her face. Then she turned thoughtful and resigned. She scooted herself backwards just enough for her to be able to fit her hand between us and sign to me without completely moving out of my arms.

I'm going to have to tell them eventually, she said, her eyes looking into mine. I nodded once.

"Yeah, I know. I just want to make sure it's when you're ready to, not when they find out by accident," I said. She smiled softly and nodded.

I've got to tell you the rest of my story sometime, too, she added. I shook my head even though she couldn't see it.

"Only when you're ready, Bella. Besides, I haven't told you mine, yet," I said. I thought about it for a second before deciding. "Do you want to head back up to the meadow when we get back?" I asked her. She looked at me nervously.

Are you sure? It didn't turn out all that great yesterday.

"Yeah, well…I was…exactly prepared yesterday," I whispered turning my head towards the ceiling. "Plus," I hesitated, "I think…I think I'm…ready. To tell you mine." I could feel myself blushing, and was somewhat happy she couldn't see it.

So, going along with the start of my day, she took the hand she was signing with and put it against my cheek. She smiled and shook her head as she felt the heat in my face. She took her hand from where she was holding mine to her face and signed.

Are you sure you want to? She asked. I nodded. Okay. We'll go later and make sure you have warmer clothes on. I nodded again.

"Now, we have to get ready before they come barging in here again," I said, starting to move towards the edge of the bed.

She let her hand slowly slide off my face and I let my arms brush over her as I moved. It had been the closest we've ever really been to each other while both of us were conscious, and I really didn't want it to end. It didn't look like she did either, and it brought back what I had discovered just a few minutes ago. Maybe, just maybe, she felt the same way.

We finally stopped touching and I slowly turned towards the edge of the bed. My breath hitched as the muscles in my legs screamed from the exertion of last night's hike. I took calming breaths and continued to move them, trying to ignore the pain. My feet finally touched the floor and I stood up slowly, trying to make sure I could catch myself if I started falling. I closed my eyes as sharp pains ran up my legs and felt two hands steadying me, one grabbing my upper arm and the other resting in the middle of my back.

I opened my eyes slightly and turned my head to see Bella standing next to me. She looked down at me with a small, understanding smile on her face. There was no pity in her eyes, just the kind of caring I hadn't seen from anyone but the Cullens in a long time.

I stood up straight and waited for some of the pain to fade away. Bella held on to me the entire time. It faded after a short time, but didn't fully go away. I sighed and started walking towards my dresser, Bella following at my side. I grabbed a random shirt and jeans and Bella opened the bathroom door for me, closing it as I set my clothes on the counter. I changed and brushed my teeth slowly, letting Bella have enough time to get dressed before I came looking for her.

I stepped out of the bathroom and, as expected, my bedroom was empty. I grabbed my backpack off the floor and walked to Bella's bedroom. The door wasn't fully shut, so I stuck my head in before opening the door all the way. She was standing at the edge of her bed, facing away from me, and I walked up behind her. I put my hand on her shoulder and looked over the other at what she was looking at.

She had her bag open in front of her on the bed, the contents spilled out. She must have been making sure everything was there from yesterday's events. The thing that caught my attention was the piece of paper she was holding in her hands. It looked like she had opened it and then closed her fists around it, but she wasn't moving. Her head was down and she was staring at it. My body tensed as I saw the tears falling down onto the paper, making wet spots all over it. I took my free hand and wrapped it around hers, gently prying the paper out of her hands. She let go after a few seconds, and leaned back against me, her hands going up to cover her face as she sobbed quietly.

I unfolded the paper in my hand, not taking my other from her shoulder. I saw the writing before it was even fully open, but kept going anyway. The letters were large, and the computer paper was white enough that the black sharpie letters stood out in stark contrast. The person who wrote it had to have known about Bella's condition to take the time to do that, and it struck both fear and worry into me. The anger and intense protectiveness came after I read the carefully scripted words on the page…

I'm back, my Bella.

I hope you missed me…

A/N: This seems like an appropriate dun, dun, duuunn moment…ANYWAY, so sorry about the lack of updating, but I've had quite a bit of my usual writing time taken up by various things.

I know this was a lot shorter than usual, but I want to try to get another chapter out this weekend (fingers crossed!). It also seemed like an appropriate place to end. And, once again, the Volturi WILL be making an appearance. Quite soon, as far as I can see at the moment. So will the wolves, but I can't say anything more on that topic…

The song is Chemicals React by Ali and AJ. This one was a little harder to choose, since nothing really happened, but this one seemed pretty close.

Please review! Any and all suggestions are welcome, and so is any constructive criticism you may have. As long as you state it without implying that the whole story completely sucks, feel free to tell me. I appreciate the help! :D