Oh, I was so mad last chapter because I had the perfect quote that I was going to put at the end, and I had been planning to put at the end since the beginning, and I forgot it! But I edited it in, so go look! Please…

Most Awesome Review Dedication: emamula. You're too cute and sweet! And the fact that you brought up house-elves (my weakness) just secured this dedication. And Jagga-Love, you're one of my favorite people, haha. I like your compliments far too much to be good for me.

And thanks moon(.)witche for putting up with my lies of having "the chapter out tonight." Go check out her story Echoes of an Enigma. It is pure awesomeness.

And, I was really surprised by how many vehement responses I got about the 'too long lemon' comment. Lol guys, I was just joshing!

Oh, and there's a 'Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy' reference in here if you can find it. Probably one of the best cartoons ever.

Warning: This chapter contains…weirdness. I wrote about 3/5 of it while on extreme, cumulative sleep-deprivation. Just so you're warned.

EPOV

Where was I before the day,
That I first saw your lovely face?

The Luckiest by Ben Folds Five

I woke up quite early the next morning, much earlier than I needed to. I think it was the weight of her on top of me that caused it - I wasn't used to it yet, this warm feminine flesh pressed so tightly, so securely, so trustingly against me.

I thrilled myself with the thought that I would have many more nights to get used to it.

Because she loved me.

I stared at her. The clock blinked five a.m. and my eyes never wavered, not feeling remotely tired though I should.

She was a goddess incarnate. Beautiful, creamy skin. Long, thick black eyelashes. Pink, full, parted lips. Wavy dark brown hair. So dark that when it was wet it looked almost black - like when it'd clung to her glistening face last night.

I almost groaned. Thinking about that would only earn me a hard-on, and she was trying to sleep. I could see though, her breasts pressed flat against my chest, spilling over the side of her frame, and her tempting cleavage calling out to me.

Fuck me, but she was exquisite.

What had I done to deserve this angel? This angel who saved me and had purged my heart of its guilt and loneliness. I moved one of my arms to trail my fingertips up and down her spine lightly. She had the softest skin I'd ever felt - like I could bruise her so easily. With a sharp jolt I realized I'd been more than just a little rough last night…and it was her - our - first time. Fuck. I was a selfish bastard. My eyes quickly swept over her body, without the haze of lust, and I was relieved to see that there was no visible bruising. Yet.

Panic was building, but I forced myself to take a few deep, calming breaths. My chest rose and fell a little bit more noticeably, and Bella let out a small sigh, her fingers flexing just the tiniest amount, her nails grazing my skin.

I shook the dark thoughts out of my mind for now. Valid or not, I knew myself well enough to recognize that I was deliberately trying to create problems where there were none - because I'd never felt like this. So…weightless. Like nothing could go wrong here, in the dark of my room, with Bella on top of me and the covers encasing us together. My hand, which had stilled in fear, once again began its soft journey up and down her back. My other arm wrapped securely around her waist.

There was a feeling of permanence settling inside my veins. It had built up slowly the whole last month…gradually lining the insides of my heart with her, until I knew there would never be any going back. I was here forever or until she told me to leave. It felt to me like I'd been waiting for her my entire life. My slice of heaven of earth. I just wondered how I deserved it. What justified me getting all the happiness I ever wanted so early on?

I remembered that my mother used to tell me that when I found the right girl for me, I would know it. That men don't fall easily, but when they do, they fall hard. And, like with everything, she was right. Bella Swan; clumsy, sweet, beautiful, selfless, sarcastic, funny, thoughtful, deep, amazing Bella Swan …she was my life now.

My brushing hand ghosted over her back to pet her hair, gently tucking a stray strand that had fallen over her face behind her ear. It had been blocking my view - no matter how partial - of her gorgeous face. Intolerable.

I let my hand lightly cup the side of her cheek, lifting my hand to trace over her features delicately, stroking over and around her brow, eyelids, nose, lips, jaw. She was so achingly lovely. She couldn't be real. I felt like she was going to disappear right underneath my fingertips.

Then she was shifting slightly, and her hand came up to gently grab a hold of mine, the one touching her face. Her lips curved upwards into a smile and slowly her eyes opened, blinking softly, before lifting them to look at me.

Her smile was so tender, eyes so warm, that I could've fallen apart. I might have, for all I could tell.

"Good morning," I whispered.

Her smile widened. "It is," she agreed quietly, moving her head so that her chin rested against my chest, looking at me straight on. Ah, I could see her entire face now…much better.

I honestly wasn't sure what to say yet. What could I say that would accurately portray all my ardent thoughts and feelings for her? So instead of humiliating myself or, worse, ruining the moment, I just stared at her, stroking the side of her face again, and sometimes running my fingers through the silky smooth strands of her hair.

Her eyes took on a contemplative stare. "Are you even real?" she whispered to me.

It was so absurd and so absurdly right that I couldn't help but to chuckle a little. "I certainly hope so," I said, looking at her wistfully. "I'd hate to think that it was all a dream…"

"Me too," she agreed quietly. Her fingertips started to trace light circles on my chest. "Are you okay?" she suddenly asked, louder than we'd been talking before. It caught me off guard so much I almost jumped.

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused. Was I okay? What a silly question. I couldn't remember ever being as okay as I was right now.

"I mean…" she blushed, gesturing to herself. "I've kind of been laying on top of you all night…and I'm not the lightest…"

I rolled my eyes. "You're fine," I told her sardonically. My hand trailed down the entirety of her back, more firm than before. She shivered the tiniest bit, sending pleasurable sparks through my body. "If I could have you like this permanently, I would."

She laughed and rolled her eyes as well, resting her head back down more contently, snuggling into me like a cat. Stay there, just like that, I wanted to say. Don't ever move away from me.

"What about you?" I asked, thoughts returning to my rough handling of her last night. "Are you okay?"

She glanced up, surprised. "Of course," she answered at once. She gave me a Cheshire grin. "Never better."

"Really? I thought that…virgin women felt…sore, in the morning."

She blinked. "Oh yeah. I hadn't even thought about it." I rolled my eyes. Of course she hadn't.

She sat up slowly, stretching a bit. Her legs started to separate slightly, but then she winced and laid back down on me. Guilt seeped through my system.

"Sorry," I whispered, wishing for nothing more than the power to take the pain away. Or to ensure that she'd never felt it at all.

"Oh hush," she said crossly. "This is supposed to happen. It had to happen one day anyhow. Unless I was doomed to be a virgin forever. And I definitely didn't want that to happen."

"What would you have done if it did?" I asked, amused.

"Oh, I had contingency plans," she informed me matter-of-factly. "If by thirty I hadn't gotten laid, I just would've dragged some random guy into an alley and raped him."

I had to laugh out loud. "I doubt you would've needed to rape him. Any man would only be too willing."

"Says you," she responded shortly. "And you're rather biased."

I smirked at her, crossing my arms behind my head. "Well, I think I can verify that it's an experience many would kill for - much like I would kill anyone who tried."

Bella looked down at her hands and began to fiddle with them. I grew concerned after about a minute of silence. Had that come off as too possessive? We'd already declared ourselves, but maybe it was a bit too much too soon…

"So you did enjoy it then?" she finally whispered. "I was okay?"

"Bella," I groaned out in frustration. And here I was thinking it was something sensible. "Of all the ridiculous…" I grabbed her waist and gently rolled us over so her back was to the bed and I could lean over her.

She stared up at me with her wide eyes, and I let my fingertip outline her mouth lightly. "It appears there's been some kind of mistake," I started slowly. "Some miscommunication, if you think that last night was anything less than the greatest night of my life."

"The greatest night of your life?" she repeated hopefully, eyes imploring. Silly, insecure girl.

I smiled. "Indeed. I mean, didn't you see my orgasm face?" I scrunched my face up, crossing my eyes slightly and sticking my tongue out. She started to giggle loudly and I beamed down at her, happy that she was happy.

"You didn't look like that silly," she giggled, pushing against my chest with her hand. I grabbed her hand and kissed it. "You looked…beautiful."

"Says the pot to the kettle," I murmured, dropping my head to nudge my nose along her neck. I placed a light kiss to her smooth, soft skin.

"Mmm…" she hummed. "Edward…I want you to kiss me."

I lifted my head to look at her and then grinned. Yes ma'am…

My mouth met hers softly, lips molding to my mine. It was a wondrous feeling. I brought a hand to the back of her head to push her lips more firmly against mine. She tasted absolutely divine. Decadent. I pulled her bottom lip into my mouth and sucked gently. God…not even seven yet and I was already feeling stirrings in my nether regions.

She moaned and tilted her head to press her tongue into my mouth. My breathing became a bit more ragged and I shifted, bringing myself to lay on top of her unthinkingly. Automatically it seemed, her legs spread for me. But I felt her wince, and that brought me back to reality. I pulled away abruptly, my head spinning. It felt like nothing I'd done while kissing her was done consciously. Damn. I'd definitely have to be careful for now - especially since it didn't seem like I could control myself at all when it came to her.

Bella's hand wound into my hair, trying to pull my face back to hers. "No, don't stop," she whimpered. "Kiss me again."

What was I supposed to do against that?

With a groan I crashed my lips back to hers. She felt too good - her naked body pressed against me, every curve molding itself to my shape. I loved how…feminine, she was.

"Touch me," she whispered again. Without realizing I was doing it, my hands slid to cup her breasts. These were possibly my favourite pieces of flesh. So warm and full and touchable. They filled my hand like they were designed for were mine. I squeezed a bit, and ran my thumbs over her hardened nipples. We both moaned.

Her legs wrapped around my waist, and though she tried to hide it I felt her body stiffen for a moment. I trailed my mouth to her neck and let go of her breasts. It was difficult - my length was very close to the source of her heat, and it felt like hell to have to stop. But I wasn't going to hurt her. Never that. Even though I hated to deny her anything. Everything she'd told me to do in the last few minutes I'd done. It was almost frightening, the control she had over me.

"No sex," I whispered. "At least until tomorrow. You're still sore."

"No fair," she pouted. "I'm just fine."

I smiled and kissed her lips lovingly once more. "If you say so."

She huffed, and then glanced over at the clock. "Don't you have to go to work?" she asked, surprised, before she turned sheepish. "It's my fault if you're late…"

I grinned, shaking my head. "I don't have to leave for a little while. Anyway, it's a loose business and it takes forever to get set up anyway. The time we're 'supposed' to get there is kind of just a round about estimate. As long as you're there close to it, you're fine. You can always blame it on paparazzi anyway."

She gave a soft laugh. "So you're leaving soon?" Her full lip pushed out in a small pout.

"I'm definitely reconsidering it," I muttered huskily, transfixed by her mouth.

"Don't do that," she scolded. "You have responsibilities. Now come on - you definitely need a shower if you don't want to start filming smelling like sex."

"And who says I don't?" I grinned cheekily at her.

She blushed. "Well you do smell good," she murmured, staring at the blanket, and I almost moaned.

"Alright," I breathed. "Let's get in the shower before I decide to just keep you here all day with me." I paused, actually considering it for a moment, before she giggled and shoved me, sitting up.

"You're a trouble maker," she murmured, and began to try swinging her legs out over the bed. But she was still wincing and I took affirmative action, scooping her small body up easily into my arms bridal style and standing.

It was absolutely astonishing to me, but for the first time, as I was carrying her into my bathroom, she finally seemed to truly comprehend that she was very naked, and very exposed to me. Her blush covered from her hairline all the way down to her chest, and my breath caught. Awkwardly, she tried crossing her arms over her breasts, but there was no way in hell I was standing for that. Catching her hands after I'd stood her in my shower, I gently placed them down at her sides. She was still blushing.

"Now is a really late time to get all modest on me," I murmured to her, smirking as I dipped my head lower in order to meet her eyes that were steadily looking downward. She seemed unable to resist responding to my grin and smiled awkwardly.

"Sorry," she whispered. "This is kind of new to me."

"And this isn't kind of new to me too?"

"Yeah, well, you're perfect," she stated, as if it was the silliest thing ever.

I turned the shower on, placing my back to it so the initial cold water hit me alone before it heated up. I put my hands on her waist and pulled her flush against me. "Isabella Marie Swan," I whispered into her ear, and she gulped, hands settling on my chest. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. If you ever try to pretend that you're not again, there's going to be consequences." I have no idea what made me say it, since I didn't have anything particular in mind yet, but when she began to tremble against my body I figured I'd think of something if the time came.

"That's actually pretty good incentive to be insecure," she breathed shakily. "You're not doing a good job persuading me."

I had to laugh.

BPOV

"I might have been able to make it as a pitcher except for one thing: I had a rather awkward motion and every time I brought my left arm forward I hit myself in the ear."

- Casey Stengel

At around half past seven Edward left, giving me a sweet and gentle good-bye kiss.

"I love you," he'd whispered in my ear, and I melted. It was the first time he'd said it since the other night.

My hands had tightened in his hair. "I love you too," I'd murmured. This was exactly the kind of moment that I rolled my eyes at when I read about it in books, but then dreamt about yearningly as I fell asleep, the day's exhaustion allowing me to give in to my secret longings, wishing someone would care for me like that. It seemed overwhelming to know that I did have somebody now. And especially after a life of having no one. This would take getting used to.

But now I was kind of just sitting here on his couch. I really wasn't sure what I was supposed to do. I mean, was I supposed to stay here until he came home? Was I supposed to leave? Was I supposed to leave and come back later? What time later? Oh…all the practical details we had completely neglected to talk about. No, let me just grope him and stick my tongue in his mouth instead! And it's okay because love automatically gives you contact information and everything! It struck me I didn't even have his cell number. Somehow it'd just never come up. Damn. And how could I ask him what to do without being completely awkward?

And why is reality such a bitch?

I'd just had the greatest night of my entire life, and now I was curled up on Edward's leather sofa stressing over what was expected of me now. Was I supposed to keep up our normal routine? Leave and meet him at the book store at eight? It seemed like that routine should be altered now, but what the hell did I know…

"Arghhhh!" I growled out angrily to the silent air. All of my inexperience was coming back to bite me in the ass. I was thankful that I'd waited to give up all of my firsts to the right man, but damn! I had no idea what to do.

I wanted to call my mom, but a) I really wasn't sure I wanted to tell her what happened yet. And b) it was still like, three in the morning where she was.

"Uh yeah mom, I know you just woke up and all, but I just slept with the man of my dreams, you know, the one I'm in love with? Romantic book-store dude? Well, great news, he loves me too! But he's kind of at work and I'm in his pent house, and I'm not sure if I should stay or not…Help me out? Oh, and, by the way, I've neglected to mention for quite some time now that he's probably one of the most famous actors in the world currently. Because, you know, details details!"

Yeah, I don't think she'd concentrate on anything else after I told her that bit of info. Which is why I was so trepidatious about doing so.

Well…it was still pretty early. No sense in leaving just this minute. Might as well look around the house of the famous Edward Masen…

Standing up and stretching, grimacing slightly - though I was definitely feeling better and I didn't honestly believe we'd have to wait until tomorrow to have sex again - I yawned and pulled down the ends of Edward's button-up shirt. I have to be honest…the couple of buttons undone, revealing partial amounts of my breasts, and the way the shirt only fell to mid-thigh made me feel kind of…sexy. But really only when Edward was staring at me.

It struck me then that if - when - I left, I'd be leaving in the same clothes I came in. The thought was making me blush already. I hoped that nobody would notice. Probably not. Nobody had noticed me before - why would they now? My world may have been invariably altered, but their's hadn't.

I walked out of the living room and entered a dining room area. There was a small table with one chair. It reminded me of my home. With a saddened heart I realized Edward and I weren't so different - we were both pretty solitary. My heart ached more for him, because he could have company - everybody knew him. But his old guilt kept him isolated. I wanted to rectify that.

Walking farther in, I froze. I found what must be heaven, surely. It was…

The most perfect specimen of kitchen to ever grace a household.

Oh my…

I used to love to cook all the time. But when I moved into my tiny, shabby apartment, the kitchen was just so unusable that I found myself uninspired and unmotivated to make anything. I hadn't really cooked in such a long time.

But this kitchen. I just wanted to whip out a spatula and an apron and get started with Pat the Baker. I was inspired, refreshed, rejuvenated…just staring at it was making me feel like a top chef.

It was stainless steel, up to date. Wide fridge, spacious cabinets, plenty of workspace…it was all so shiny, and new-looking, and sleek, and immaculate, and drool-worthy. The list could go on!

I walked in as if in a haze. I wondered why there were tiles beneath my feet and not fluffy clouds. I spun around, gaping and awed.

If I didn't love Edward Cullen before, I sure did now.

I didn't know what to touch first, and wasn't even sure if I should. I stood there, wavering, my eyes on the wide fridge doors that looked just a scale below restaurant-design.

Open me Bella…open me…I want you to…

Oh heavens, the fridge was speaking to me. Oh well. Shouldn't resist Fridge after all. And if it wanted me to open it…well, who was I to say no?

I stepped forward giddily, my fingers waggling toward the handle. Gripping it hesitantly, I pried it open with tact, like it was a fragile, beautiful thing.

I almost had a hernia when I saw what was inside.

Almost nothing! A two liter of soda. Ketchup. A box of take-out. A small jar of pickles. Can of whip cream.

All that space! All that glorious empty beautiful need-to-be-filled-so-I-could-cook-wonderful-culinary-delights space!!!

Edward won't stock me Bella…he abandons me…you won't neglect me, will you Bella?

That man and I were having a talk when we met again. This kind of abuse should be illegal!

Biting my lip, I decided I should leave before the cabinets and god knows what else started to speak to me too. As interesting as it was to have inanimate objects whisper things inside your head, I was pretty sure that was lock-away behavior.

Backing slowly out of the kitchen and into a hall on the other side, I continued to explore.

There was a gym I found, with quite a few pieces of expensive looking equipment I'd be afraid to touch because I'd think I'd break it. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised - I'd seen his body, and I'm sure he wasn't just born looking like a Greek god. I wondered how many hours he spent in here - and that led to thoughts of sweat dripping down his body, and that left me leaning against the door frame, shaking.

Definitely going to have to watch that one day.

There was a guest bedroom and bath. Not really stocked up. A bed with sheets. Some towels in the bathroom.

And then there was his bedroom again. I went inside the darkened room, wrapping myself around the fresh memories. I crawled into the bed slowly, the smell of our sex still strong. It smelled really good to me. I laid against the soft sheets, missing Edward's hard body already. And the feel of his bare flesh inside me…

I bolted upright. My eyes widened in horror.

We hadn't used protection! And I wasn't on the pill! Oh, how could I have been so careless? But I'd found that this man made me do strange things - things I never would have done before. Like be open with myself. And stop thinking every little thing through. Relax, even.

Which would be good. If I hadn't been lax on something that actually mattered.

I took a deep breath. Well, I could fix this. I'd just zip down to the nearest pharmacy and buy a morning after pill. No need to freak out…everything would be fine, and I'd buy some birth control while I was at it.

No need to freak out.

I was just so grateful that some pharmacies in California allowed you to buy the morning after pill without a prescription. The last thing I wanted to do was go to clinic.

EPOV

Assumption is the mother of all screw-ups.

Wethern Law

I tapped my foot anxiously on one side of the stage, as Glenda, one of make-up artists, brushed me up. Other crew members roamed around, fixing up the stage as necessary and getting everything coordinated for the next shoot. The director was talking emphatically to the writer. I could tell from the way the red was creeping up the back of Nigel - the director's - neck that he would probably be letting us go in an hour.

Yes!

Out of my periphery I saw Tanya, my fellow lead, slowly stalking toward me, hiding behind things and ducking out of sight so as to sneak up on me. My lips twitched in to a smile, but still I gently extricated myself from Glenda's brush, preparing to make a hasty get-away.

I had been quite successful in avoiding Tanya all day, despite this cat-and-mouse game we were playing. It made me feel eight years old again. The only times we'd talked was when we were filming - and then, of course, that wasn't really us talking but our characters.

I knew that when she caught up she was going to dig - because of yesterday.

Flashback

Tanya had walked up to me as I was removing the foundation last night, the director having just given us the "ok go" to leave..

"So Edward," she'd grinned, leaning against the mirror attached to the table. "Who's the lucky lady?" I'd resisted the urge to grimace - she'd definitely noticed my goofy smiles and lack of ability to perform kissing scenes.

"No one you know," I'd said offhandedly. I really didn't mind Tanya. She was a nice person, a good friend.

She was rather nosy though. But then, she'd informed me that that was common in the human species: curiosity.

She'd rolled her eyes. "Obviously. But what's her name?"

I'd hesitated a moment before giving in. "Bella," I'd told her, and a smile had formed on my lips without my direct permission for it to do so.

Her grin had softened at that, into a tender smile.

"Bella..." she'd said slowly, trying it around on her tongue. "That's pretty."

"It fits her," I'd agreed, throwing down the cloth and shrugging on my gray hoodie.

She'd said nothing more and I began to walk away, trying to calm myself from running. It was almost eight - the usual time to meet Bella. I was at the door when she'd finally called to me, "It's good to finally see you happy Edward. Thank your girlfriend for me."

I'd paused for a few long moments, before finally turning to face her. "She's...not exactly my girlfriend," I'd confessed, a pull to my lips. Oh how I had wished. The fears seemed to silly now.

Tanya's eyes had widened, before they turned sympathetic. "Oh...does she have a boyfriend already?"

I'd grimaced. "No. She's single."

She had looked confused at that admission. "Then what's the problem? Why aren't you two an item?"

Of course she was right - there was no real reason I hadn't made a move; aside from being a coward, that is.

I'd shrugged, keeping my eyes glued on the floor. "I don't know," I'd whispered. "I'm scared, I guess? That she won't feel the same way."

Tanya had rolled her eyes. "Well she's stupid then," she'd said pointedly. "But I doubt that. Listen to me Edward, and listen good. The things in this world worth having aren't easy to obtain. You have to make an effort. A sacrifice. A chance. This girl got pretty much handed to you - are you just going to sit there and not grab on to her?"

I'd stared at her silently for a few moments. "Thank you." A whisper had been all there was to say. That was when I'd turned on my heel and ran to change my life.

End Flashback

As eternally grateful as I truly was - for, without Tanya, I'm not sure how long it would have taken me to find my balls - I also didn't want to get into details with her.

My foot started to inch along the floor as I sidled away…

"OH NO YOU DON'T MASEN! NOT AGAIN!"

I had been completely unprepared for the 5"6 strawberry blonde to come hurtling onto my back from behind me - how had she gotten that close? - her arms locking into a choke-hold around my throat.

I gagged, trying to cry out but not having the breath to do so. How was this possible!? Hadn't she used to be a…I dunno…ballerina or something? I hadn't realized she also held the medal for World-Champion wrestler extraordinaire.

"Let…go…" I wheezed, trying to tug her arms loose from my neck.

"Not until you promise to talk to me," she hissed into my ear.

Ballerina, actress, wrestler, absolutely psychotic…

I envisioned this as the scene in Order of the Phoenix where Voldemort infiltrated Harry's body, locking around him and possessing him. Visions of Bella swam to my mind as I tried to use the force of my love to get Tanya to flee my body, being tortured by the absolute pure, raw power of it.

But the choke-hold remained.

Tanya was obviously stronger than even the Darkest wizard of all time.

Maybe I was doing it wrong. I should re-read that chapter. I bet Bella had the books. Bella. I must stay alive for her.

I was slowly losing the oxygen in my brain…

"I promise, I promise!"

"Hmpf!" With a self-satisfied sigh she jumped off my back, breaking her grip on my neck. I doubled over immediately, placing my hand on the nearest thing to me to steady myself. Oh, life! Oh joyous life! The oxygen was returning to me!

"Now spill," she demanded, putting her hands on her hips. For a minute I was reverted back to high school.

"What do you mean?" I asked innocently, standing up straight again slowly as I rubbed my abused neck.

"Cut the shit Masen, I want to know now!"

"Haha. You stomped your foot like a little girl."

"I'm going to guess it went well or else you wouldn't be this happy." She sidled up closer, looking at me coyly under her eyelashes. "Sooo…what happened…?"

I smiled down at the floor, knowing what details she was looking for. I gave her a pure one instead. "She loves me too."

"That's nice. And what else?"

"Leave me alone Tanya." I almost spun on my heel before I remembered the last time I'd turned my back to her. I began to edge away sideways, like a crab.

"You so had sex last night!!" She squealed, capturing the attention of everyone within a thirty-foot radius. Most of the crew. Great. "I totally see a scratch on your back!"

My face turned red, but man that I am I couldn't smother the grin that twitched over my face as my memories of last night flooded forward.

Her writhing body.

Her nails scratching my back.

Her heady breaths in my ear as she moaned my name.

I checked my watch. Almost eight, the normal time of release. I glanced up at Nigel and now he was in some heated debate with someone from lights and sound.

We may get out of here sooner than I thought.

"And now he's checking his watch because he's going to go get some more," Tanya sneered. "Give the girl a break Edward." She glanced at her watch as well. "But I kind of want to hit out of here too, so I'm going to do you, yet another favor Eduardo."

I watched with respect as she sauntered up to Nigel. "Niiiiiiigellll!!!!" she whined. "It's too hot in here! Didn't you get someone to fix the AC?"

The poor man looked about ready to explode. He was relatively new to the business, and we were his first major-scale production. He put his hands on either side of his head as his face turned a disturbing shade of purple, squeezing his eyes shut as he rocked back and forth on his heels, mouth moving quickly with no sound. Tanya winked at me. 'Thank you' I mouthed.

After a few minutes of the startling but not altogether surprising episode, he took a deep breath, dropping his hands and opening his eyes. "Everyone go home," he said. It was like he was trying to be calm, but the words came out a snarl.

Score.

I tiptoed back to Glenda to get her to remove my make-up quickly, and then I was off to my apartment at lightning speeds, streaking through the darkness to avoid detection, hood pulled over head.

I was becoming better at avoiding paparazzi. I think it was partially because of Bella - even if I wasn't careful before I was downright cautious now, not wanting to ever bring crazed reporters down to her little book store. While I sprinted home it struck me with a sadness and a slight panic that eventually, she was going to be submitted to paparazzi so long as we were together. I hoped we would be able to get through that. I knew she didn't know what lime-light was.

Shoving the disheartening thoughts away for now, I slowed to a halt as I reached my building, going through the tinted glass doors and over to the elevators. I nodded slightly to the receptionist, Tyler. He was a professional man and helped keep reporters and stalkers away from the celebrities that mostly resided here. I owed him many times over.

I was giddy as I slid my card through the automated lock, anticipating the thought of returning to my Bella. I wondered in what room she'd be in…

I stepped inside and shut the door, looking around. Well, not the living room it seemed. Should I surprise her, or warn her I was home? Who knew what she was doing. I decided to go with the latter out of courtesy.

"Bella!" I called. My voice rang out. I realized what a large, empty space I lived in. I hadn't really thought about it before, but it was like I was seeing everything anew - seeing it the way Bella might have. And I was embarrassed. And ashamed as well.

There was no answer. Frowning, I walked further in, to the dining room, to the kitchen, to the hallways beyond.

"Bella?" I called again, more hesitantly this time. Realization was dawning on me.

We had never actually came up with any plan of action. I had just left. I hadn't told her to stay, or to come back if she left - I'd just assumed she would have.

I leaned against a wall and sighed, letting my head fall back. I am a dumbass.

It was after eight. And there was one place that I was hoping she'd be at.

This was going to include them meeting up, but then it got too long. And that'll give me a place to start for next time.

My spell check tried to tell me that the word "Voldemort" isn't real. WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN VOLDEMORT ISN'T REAL???

Your very tired writer who would love reviews to wake up to.

- The Romanticidal Edwardian