Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight, and no copyright infringement is intended.

Birthday Surprises

'There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.'- Friedrich Nietzsche

EPOV

"You know what they say about people who sleep only two hours a day." Emmett teased me, nudging me playfully on the shoulder.

I took a big gulp of vodka. "Shut the fuck up, you dick." I looked around the pub and my head whirled. Maybe I had taken too much to drink. I suddenly felt like I was turning into a woman. Shit.

"Only stating the facts, little bro. You hardly even see daylight anymore because you spend half your time in that damn library," my half brother said, as he eye fucked a blonde girl dancing. "It's not like they have any porn collections there, right? No one researches about that kind of stuff, right?"

"Except you. Do you have any idea how fucking obvious you are?" I asked him. He looked like a love sick puppy and I could imagine him starting to pant in a few seconds.

Emmett grumbled. "Don't you dare tell Rose about this, or I'll fucking kill you."

I ignored him. "I'll kill you first if you did do that shit. You're fucking married for God's sake."

Emmett snorted. "Yeah, athe age of twenty three. And I'm proud of it, man. I'm gonna start a big happy family soon and you'll be jealous in no time."

"Oh yeah? Good luck with that. It looks to me like Rose is more interested in working hard than having a baby right now," I scorned him. "I'm pretty damn sure she doesn't want people to assume she's married because she got fucking knocked up." Was he fucking kidding me? If Rose and Emmett had children, I might as well get out of the country before I became some fucking nanny or something.

I looked around, wanting to distract myself in case my thoughts returned to Bella…and babies. I didn't know what to think of it yet. I wasn't ready and neither was she, but it wasn't like I hadn't thought about it either. The future for us held so many different possibilities. And only about half of them involved both of us. Girls in the pub at night were completely drunk and animalistic but for the first time in my life, I wasn't interested in any of them. Not one. Not any. Even Emmett was having a hard time ignoring the skanky blonde bitches I knew he would want to fuck if he hadn't found Rosalie.

"Why aren't you dancing?"

I shrugged and looked back down at the wooden table. 'I don't know. Just don't fucking feel like it, I guess."

Emmett sighed. "Is it Bella?"

I nodded and felt my heart skip a beat. I was unable to deny it. "You know I love her, Emmett. I wouldn't do this to hurt her, even though she would never know anyway. And I've had enough of those girls, okay? They belong in the past. I don't even fucking remember any of their names, much less where they are now."

The conversation was getting uncomfortable now and Emmett could sense it.

"Wanna catch a cab home? Don't forget, you have class tomorrow morning," he offered, standing up.

"Yeah. Bunk on my couch tonight. And don't worry – I have blankets. I'm sick of having no company." Except for Bella's letters of course.

"Sure. I'm planning to crash at your place for a bit anyway." He pushed the door open and we headed out in the dark. "It's much more crowded than Forks."

"And don't even think about raiding my fridge – it's basically empty." I said with an evil grin.

Emmett stopped walking and groaned. "Aw, man! Are you kidding me?"

"If you want to go to the shops, I'll give you directions, but I won't give you directions back to my house so screw your plans. You ate enough already anyway." Two plates of lamb and potatoes were surely good enough for my brother. I couldn't even finish one plate for fuck's sake.

"I'm gonna fucking starve here," Emmett finally grumbled.

'I'm counting on that,' I laughed and nodded. "It's time you lose some goddamn weight, or people might start assuming it's you who's pregnant."

Emmett flicked me off while I laughed at him, ignoring the wary looks of the people nearby.

"YOU'VE GOT MAIL!" Emmett shouted in my ear, early in the morning.

"What?" I mumbled, rubbing my eyes, my voice still thick with sleep.

Emmett chucked it at my head. "I think it's from Bella."

I shot out of bed at these words and rushed into the bathroom to get dressed quickly. My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my head as I brushed my teeth. I had only sent her my letter yesterday. She wouldn't have received it yet, right? Then why was she writing another one? Was she sick? Did she need help? Did she need me? I pondered on the last question for a while.

I pulled on my shorts and walked over to where the letter lay on my table.

"Impatient, are you?" Emmett said while crunching on a chocolate bar and watching TV.

I ignored him and carefully opened the letter to reveal Bella's beautiful handwriting.

Dear Edward

How's everything going? I know you must be wondering why I sent this letter so quickly but I just realised it is going to be your 19th birthday this Saturday. I want to wish you all the best and hope you will have a wonderful party with Emmett and your friends at college.

It's less than one hundred days now and I'm going to keep counting until the moment I see your beautiful face, trust me!

I wish I could be able to come see you on your special day, and maybe bake your favourite cake for you and we could spend some time together. Exams are tomorrow and I hope there wouldn't be homework so I am able to visit you after all.

I love you and I hope it will be possible to see you this Saturday.

Bella

"Oh my," I whispered faintly.

"What's going on, Edward?"

"Nothing." I grinned at him widely and started laughing at Emmett's dumbfounded expression.

He shook his head furiously. "No shit, man. It's probably something like Bella decided that you weren't such a miserable ass and won't go out with Mr McHottie after all."

I grimaced and my heart sank. "I'm not being a very good boyfriend to her, or even a good friend." Bella had done everything that was possible so we could have some time together every day. I didn't even have to think about it.

"Even a piece of dog shit is better than you," Emmett agreed.

But I wasn't just a piece of dog shit. I was a massive stinking pile of it and I could feel it. It's just that I have been so busy that I had completely forgotten my girl, never mind my damn fucking birthday. Busy isn't an excuse, Edward, I told myself, not when there was someone special out there who got into so much trouble for someone like me.

I hung my head and sighed.

"Are Mum and Dad coming here to celebrate with you? On your birthday, I mean."

"Pretty sure they are. Rose is coming too, right? And Alice and Jasper…maybe." I added, ticking them off with my fingers.

"Anyone from college?"

I hesitated as I wasn't sure who I would invite. "Angela and Ben. Probably." At least I trusted them.

"No Tanya, okay? She's a bitch," Emmett declared.

"No Tanya," I rolled my eyes and promised. It wasn't a good feeling when your brother thought so little of you.

2 days later

I looked at myself in the mirror, seeing the same dishevelled hair and ordinary clothes and tired eyes that made me look like a homeless person. I was feeling jittery in the stomach for reasons I didn't know. Surely it wasn't because it was my birthday today. I was never excited about that shit. It was just an ordinary day usually, but I hadn't seen my parents or Rose or Alice or Jasper in ages. I almost missed them. I never wanted any of them to give me presents. It just made me feel guilty because I never gave gifts to anyone except for Bella. I just wanted to see Bella as a present, I thought. It would be a dream come true.

The door bell rang and I called Emmett to open it for me.

"Jazz!" I heard him exclaim, surprised. "So fucking good to see you, man. Edward's a mess. Thank God I have someone else for company now."

"Oh really?" Jasper replied. "Carlisle and Esme are on their way. They shouldn't be long."

I slammed my bedroom door shut and headed down to see what Emmett was up to. I nodded at Jasper. "I don't know why you decided to come here. It's not like I have a cake or anything."

"Rose took care of that." Jazz winked at me and I shrugged.

"Fine. Just don't fuck up this place. I don't have a maid to clean up party shit."

By the time Carlisle and Esme came in and greeted me, Rosalie was already done setting up food and decorations. It was getting ridiculous.

"Say, is Alice going to turn up at all?" Carlisle asked Jasper.

I tensed, waiting for his answer.

"Yeah. She should be arriving in ten minutes or something."

"Is Bella with her?" I croaked, my heart clenching so tightly it was hard to breathe.

Jasper stared at me and opened his mouth to form the words, but I could already tell what the answer was by his apologetic eyes.

"Forget it." I had no appetite anymore and stood up to head back up to my room. All the waiting was for nothing.

"No, Edward. Please, Bella would want you to enjoy your birthday and be happy." Esme pleaded, gesturing me to sit back down.

"I don't want to be happy without her," I answered stiffly, and left the room.

I heard someone knock on the door but I was still wallowing in my disappointment and I didn't bother to greet Alice.

"Happy Birthday, Edward!" Alice shouted through the walls.

"Yeah thanks," I shouted back.

I heard my door open and I jumped up immediately.

"Don't you fucking dare –"

Shit, it was only my mom. "Edward, honey, none of us want you to be unhappy. Come join us in the living room. Emmett wants to play cards or something."

I grumbled. "No."

"Come on," she insisted. "We have presents for you."

Was this going to get any easier? "And I'm a fucking five year old, right? No, thanks."

"Edward, honey, please. Everyone's waiting downstairs for you."

I groaned. I could never disappoint my mother. It would be like spitting in her face.

Esme smiled and ruffled my hair. "I think you need a haircut, sweetheart. You're getting a little messy."

"I suck at cards," Emmett whined.

"We could try darts. Everyone can play darts," Jazz said reasonably.

I was the best at darts. I started the game, throwing an impressive triple twenty and Emmett growled at me.

"What?" I teased. "Can't stand a little competition for once?"

Just as Emmett was about to throw, the door bell rang and I was frozen to my spot. No way. No fucking way. My heart started to thump loudly and I bet everyone in the room could hear it.

Alice coughed nervously and hid her smile. "I think you better answer that, Edward, and see for yourself."

My heart was thumping harder and faster than ever in my chest as I ran to the door and flung it wide open.

"Edward," Bella breathed, and moved slowly towards me. I crushed her to my chest and pressed my lips tightly to hers. And for a second, I didn't care that my family was watching, and I didn't care that Carlisle and Esme were looking puzzled and confused by my reaction. She was here. My girl was here, and that was all that mattered.

"You're here," I whispered in her hair. I still couldn't fucking believe it.

"I'm here," she said, her face splitting into a huge grin. "I love you."

Fuck, I did not deserve this girl. She was simply amazing.

"I made you a cake," she smiled and I shook my head in disbelief.

I growled, "Oh no, you didn't." What the hell? Why was everyone treating me like a five year old girl?

"Yeah. I did. It's your favourite- Black Forest."

"Thanks Bella!" I heard Emmett shout in the background. "It's about time the cake arrived."

My girl giggled and I hugged her tighter.

"Come in." I held her hand in mine and led her to the dinner table.

"Wow. So you rented this place?" she asked, her eyes wide.

"Yeah." I answered, trying to sound offhand.

"I'm so proud of you," Bella said, squeezing my hand and I felt the weight in my heart lift a little. She was proud of me. "You work so hard to achieve everything."

"Edward?" Esme asked, standing by the wall and smiling at us.

I jumped at the sound of her voice and I shifted slightly so Bella could see Esme. "Hi Mom," I greeted her.

"Is there something I ought to know?" I was relieved that there was a smile in her voice, not suspicion.

"Mum, this is Isabella, but she prefers to be called Bella. Bella Swan. She's my girlfriend." I decided to do this the right way. "I've been with her for a while and I missed her a lot so we decided to keep in touch by writing letters." I looked down at Bella and we smiled at each other as I tightened my grip on her waist.

For once, everything seemed perfect.

BPOV

I was ninety nine percent sure I was going to fail my examinations today. Not because I didn't study. I did, but it was because Edward was stuck in my mind and I couldn't push him out of my brain – no matter what the circumstances were.

Alice groaned. "Look – are you or aren't you going to see Edward tomorrow? Because if you are, I'll be there. If you aren't, I'll still be there."

I sighed and rumpled my hair slightly, a habit I had learnt from Edward. "I really want to be there and surprise him, Alice. He deserves all the happiness in the world."

"Okay. Whatever. I don't care. He's my dumb brother so I can't really describe what he's really like."

I looked at her fiercely. "He's loving and caring. And he's considerate. He went through all this trouble for me. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here with you. I would have only applied for Washington."

Alice scowled. "True."

"Good luck on your exam," I added as we headed into the silent room.

"Good luck, too," she winked at me and I walked down the aisle of chairs and tables, searching for my seat.

"How do you think you did?" Alice asked me, making small talk as we made our way back to the dormitory.

I shrugged. "Dunno. Hope I did well."

"Of course you did. As for me, as long as I passed…" Alice grumbled.

"Mmm hmm," I mumbled absentmindedly, but I wasn't really listening to her. Now I had completed my exams and there was no homework on the weekend, I wanted to go see Edward. I wanted to bake him a cake and watch his face light up like a Christmas tree. I wanted to make love to him and tell him I loved him over and over until he was sick of me saying it. I wanted –

"Bella?" Alice said. "Did you just hear what I just said?"

"Ugh. No. Sorry."

Alice rolled her eyes. "I said that Jazz, Rose, and my parents will all be there to surprise Edward. I'm his sister, remember?"

"Okay," I said, my heart beating hard. What about me? I was only his girlfriend…

"I'm sure that Edward would love to see you so you're gonna come with me, too. But like, later, as a surprise."

"Surprise?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.

"Surprise birthday gift." Alice said. "I can just imagine the look on his face when he sees you."

I sighed. "I hope he'll be happy."

"Of course he will be. He bloody misses you and all he thinks about is you. It's a good thing you're bringing him a cake," Alice added.

Did I miss something? "Why? What happened?" I started to panic. Did he have an eating disorder and didn't tell me?

"He only sleeps about two hours a day, and he hardly ever eats because all he wants is to complete his courses as fast as he can and then he'll be free and will be able to go wherever he wants."

I groaned and blinked my tears away. "Why is he doing that to himself?"

"I don't know." Alice grinned evilly. "Find out tomorrow for yourself."

My stomach was full of butterflies and I couldn't wait. I shook my head at the image of him…thin and starved. No. It wasn't possible. Edward wouldn't do that to himself, right?

My arms and legs were shaking from anticipation and excitement. Just one more floor to go and I'll be able to see Edward's flawless face again. I started to wonder what I was going to say to him, and contemplated what his reaction would be.

I pressed a sweaty finger to the door bell and heard it ring once and then the door flew open. I heard Edward gasp out loud and I looked at him, stunned. I wasn't sure if the tears in my eyes were due to happiness or sadness, but I think it was a mixture of both. He had dark circles under his eyes and he looked about five pounds thinner. It was a good thing I had brought a cake.

"Edward," I whispered, taking him in with my eyes. What have you done to yourself?

I didn't know who started moving first but in a second I was finally in his arms. He crushed my body against his and before I could rest my head against his head, he pressed his warm lips to mine. He looked at me with tear filled eyes.

"You're here," he said, and looked as though he could not believe his eyes.

"I'm here," I answered him. Oh, I was definitely here with his arms around me. "I love you."

"I made you a cake." I smiled at him and he shook his head.

"Oh no, you didn't!"

"Yeah! I did," I told him. "It's your favourite – Black Forest."

I heard Emmett yell out something but I wasn't sure what it was. I was looking for Edward's reaction to my being here.

"Come in." He held out his hand for mine and I reached out for him, giving his fingers a little squeeze.

The apartment block was amazing. I didn't know how much he had worked to earn enough to rent a place like this. The kitchen was grand and the living room even had a piano in it. "Wow. So you rented this place?"

He smiled. "Yeah."

Wow, I thought again. "I'm so proud of you. You've worked so hard to achieve everything."

"Edward?" someone asked, and I jumped at the sound. It was Esme.

Edward shifted slightly so Esme could see me better. He tried greeting her, sounding offhand again as he did before but Esme was smiling brightly with a knowing look in her eyes. I fidgeted nervously with the hem of my shirt.

"Is there something I ought to know?" she asked.

'Mum, this is Isabella, but she prefers to be called Bella. Bella Swan. She's my girlfriend. I've been with her for a while and I missed her a lot so we decided to keep in touch by writing letters.' Edward looked down at me and we smiled at each other and I felt his grip on my waist tighten.

"Let's go to my room," he whispered in my ear and I rolled my eyes. How mature of him, thinking these kind of things with his family around.

Esme looked at me, and Emmett whistled.

Yeah. It was going to be the best night ever.

Edward took his shirt off and threw it beside the bed as he walked over to me. His firm hard muscles were there, but I could almost see his ribs. Had he been starving? Wasn't there anyone home to cook for him? Probably not.

"What have you done with yourself?" I asked him brokenly, the energy of his party wearing off quickly.

"What?" His eyebrows furrowed as he looked at me. "What's wrong?"

I ignored his question and gulped. "You're….you're so thin. You looked like you're starving yourself or something. Doesn't anyone take care of you? Cook you anything?"

He shook his head. "Bella, I've been a wreck without you and I…"

"Edward, you can't do this. Don't fall apart so easily. You're stronger than this," I told him firmly. "Tell me about it."

"I drank myself into oblivion almost every night. It was the only way I could get some sleep without nightmares," he said.

"What were your nightmares about?" I whispered, not knowing whether I wanted to know the answer or not.

He looked uncomfortable but I encouraged him to go on with my pained eyes. "They were about you…leaving me. That I'll never see you again or anything."

I grimaced.

"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry. I wish I could be better for you," he said softly. "I'm not being the best boyfriend, I know, but I'm trying and I'll promise to make this work somehow."

I opened my mouth in shock. "So that's what you're worried about? That I might leave you one day?"

"I'm so sorry," he apologized again. For what? I didn't like this vulnerable Edward. I wanted to see the strong, calm, sure Edward I had come here for.

"Don't be. We all have our insecurities, yeah?"

"Yeah," he grinned.

I pulled him onto the bed and sucked on his bottom lip. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

He hovered on top of me and spread my legs apart. My breath hitched as he pulled down my panties in a rush. I brought my mouth back to his lips as he gently traced my collarbone, my breasts, and finally the entrance to my wet pussy with his long fingers. I dragged my fingers over his hard chest and he groaned. He eagerly yanked my dress down and his mouth and tongue was on my breast, sucking and nipping on my raised nipple, circling as much of the surrounding area as he could. I arched my back to allow him to gain more access. His eyes lifted to mine and I begged him to continue.

His mouth left mine and travelled downwards, his breath on my inner thigh as he ran his tongue from my knee higher up my leg. He placed feather kisses on my stomach just below my navel. It was sweet torture. I felt his hands on the inside of my thighs, spreading my legs wider apart as his warm mouth covered my wet entrance. I gasped and arched into him.

"Oh God," I panted.

"You taste so good."

My hands clenched the bed sheets and I felt like I was going to come any second.

"Let go, Bella." Oh fuck. That sexy tone and the continued sucking on my clit were driving me insane. I finally lost myself and came in his mouth.

"Edward," I breathed.

"How do you feel?" he asked me, his mouth now moving against mine.

"Fucking fantastic."

I wanted him so badly now. And I was sure he wanted me, too. I felt his tip press into my softness and I was so wet that he slipped in a little.

"Fuck, you're so tight," he moaned.

I lifted my hips and he thrust into me in one smooth movement. He felt big and amazing and I felt him hit every one of my sensitive spots.

"You feel amazing," I groaned.

I wrapped my legs around his waist tightly, making him slide deeper inside and causing me to release with a muffled scream. The look on his face as we came together was unforgettable. He came into me with warmth and passion, shooting his hot seed deep inside me.

"Are you alright?" Edward panted, brushing my hair back.

"No," I looked at his face and saw his concern. "Just perfect."

"I want to stay like this with you forever," he said, still holding me tightly to him.

"Me, too," I agreed. "Forever, and ever and ever."

Sorry there's a lot of overlapping. Promise it won't be as bad next time.

Thanks to all my readers and reviewers. Every review means a lot to me, and I'm sorry I still haven't replied to some of you.

Thanks to the people over at PTB especially Wendy5542 and AnotherJen.

xx