THREE

Dinner was excellent, naturally. We'd actually finished eating over an hour and a half ago, but no one seemed ready to leave. So, instead we were retelling embarrassing stories of each other. Or rather, they were retelling embarrassing stories of me. I just listened, and laughed along with them as my face turned five different shades of red. I should be used to this by now, but no. Not me.

"Oh!" Emmett bellowed. "Remember last summer when we got Bella drunk for the first time!" He exclaimed, already laughing hysterically. I sighed heavily, and hung my head. I detested this story. It was most definitely one of the most embarrassing stories of my life. Of. My. Life.

"Yes!" Rose chimed in. "When she sang 'Like a Virgin' and danced, very naughtily I might add, around Edward."

"Or what about when she told him she wanted him to tou-"

"Emmett!" Alice growled, cutting him off. I knew I loved her for a reason. I was crying, and desperately hoping no one else noticed. Silly me. Everyone noticed. That was not only embarrassing, but painful. I don't remember that part of the night. I do remember Edward coming to my room later that night. And, I also recall us going a little too far. No, we did not have sex. I wanted to, but he, of course did not. Edward couldn't 'bear the thought of taking his best friends virginity'. I guess it was okay to fool around with your best friend though. I threw my napkin on the table, and hurried off to the bathroom. I knew Alice was following, and that was fine by me. I needed her.

"Alice, I'm fine." I lied. "I'm just..starting to realize he's really leaving." I insisted, wiping my eyes. I heard her snort, and could just imagine the smile playing on her lips.

"Silly Bella. Like I didn't know this would happen, or why." She stated, pointing to her head. I gave a slight smirk, but sighed just the same.

"Alice.. why now?! He has an eternity to do this stupid thing! Why can't it wait until I'm dead?!" I whined as more tears began to fall. "Seriously! He's waited this long to do it, what's another.. I don't know 20 years or so?!"

"Oh, Bella. I wish I could tell you, but I can't. It's his secret to tell, not mine. If he wants you to know, you'll know. As of right now, I can tell you he hasn't made up his mind. This, by the way, is very frustrating for me." She stated with a chuckle.

I gave a little laugh, and wiped my eyes. Alice fixed my make up, and we set off arm in arm back to the table. A little bit later, we were walking to our cars when Alice winked at me, and followed the rest of the family to Emmett's jeep. Okay.. I guess he's going to tell me. The question was, was I ready to know? I certainly hoped so.

EPOV-

Watching Bella rush off to the bathroom in tears was hard, knowing why she was crying made it harder. This did not make my decision much easier, but I knew I couldn't keep it any longer. I wanted her to know before I left for Chicago. I don't know why exactly, I mean, it wouldn't change anything. She'd still be here, finishing her high school career, moving on without me, and I'd still be in Chicago, missing her terribly. My biggest issue was how to tell her I loved her? And had loved her since I first laid eyes on her.

Alice was, of course, no help. She said Bella would either understand, or blow up and be angry. Like that made me want to tell her. But, as I said, I wanted her to know. And since I wouldn't have another chance before I left, I had to do it now. On the way home with her. Thankfully, Alice knew this as soon as I did, therefore saving me the trouble of telling her out loud. Thank goodness for smaller blessings I suppose. As we drove away from the restaurant, I took a deep breath of the air I didn't need, and said a small prayer that all would go well. This was better for her. I just had to keep reminding myself of that.