Disclaimer: I don't own twilight or the characters. :o)

Chapter Nine

We stayed in the meadow for a long time, laying on our sides, next to each other. The sun continued to shine and we soaked it in. The warmth seemed to go all the way to my heart. I reached out and took Bella's hand, running my thumb along her palm. She smiled and curled her fingers around mine. She shifted closer to me, then rolled until she was laying on her stomach. As she rolled, she brought my hand up, not letting go. With her free hand, she brushed my unruly hair out of my face. I closed my eyes as her fingers traced along my cheek bones and under my eyes. Along my nose and then, gently, her fingertips ran along my lips. I sighed softly. "That feels so good," I whispered. Then her fingers were replaced with her lips, gently running along my own.

"Edward," she breathed, her lips still against mine. "You are so beautiful, so special."

Before I could argue, her lips pressed harder and I lost my self in the heat of her mouth. I broke away and with my free hand, pulled her head down so I could bury my face her in hair. The scent of strawberries and freesia poured over me as I breathed deep. I ran my fingers through her hair, marveling at the silky strands. Then I ran my finger along her jaw and brought her face up so I could look into her eyes. "You are the amazing one, Bella," I said quietly, holding her chin. "You make feel alive in a way I haven't felt in years." She ducked her head and kissed my neck. "You are gentle, and kind and caring." I pulled her face back up. "I have never met anyone like you before."

I lifted my head and kissed her again.

Just then, the clouds opened and a soaking rain fell. We looked at each other and began laughing. I grabbed her hands and pulled her to her feet. "Come on," I said, laughter still in my voice. I was drenched, rain streaming down my face already. "I have to get you out of here."

I picked up the backpack, took her hand, and we hurried back through the forest. The rain was less drenching here, but drops still found their way through the leaves. "That was insane!" Bella laughed. "It was sunny!"

I smiled. "I think we were a bit distracted. Didn't notice the clouds coming in."

"Hm, I wonder what was so distracting." She yanked on my hand and caught my face as I fell towards her. Immediately her lips were on mine, gently attacking.

"I have no idea," I gasped as we pulled away. We continued walking and made it back to the car much faster than it had taken us to walk in. We darted through the pouring rain and I opened the door for her and then ran around to the driver's side.

As I pulled up to her house, Bella turned to look at me. "I had a marvelous time today, Edward. Thank you."

"As did I," I said back.

She leaned over and kissed me quickly. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

I picked up her hand and brought it to my lips. Very gently I kissed the top. "Of course."

A smile burst across her face, brighter than any of the sunshine we had seen that day. "I can't wait."

The smile didn't leave my face as I watched her get out of the car, race through the rain and open her front door. As she entered, she turned back to wave at me. Before she turned away, she blew me a kiss.

Driving home, I felt as if I was flying. This kind of happiness was foreign to me and I hardly knew how to contain myself. For years, I had lived in fear. Fear that I would upset him and he would beat me for my crimes. Fear that I would arrive home too late. Fear that I wouldn't be able to protect my mom. Fear of failing my father. Those fears had come true. The first came true more times than I could possibly count. The last fears came true only once, but it was enough. But right now, I knew no fear. Bella had taken the fear and replaced it with peace. Right now, I was fearless.

I pulled into the Cullen garage and parked. I exited the vehicle, then walked in a circle around it, ensuring that I had done no damage. Satisfied that the Mercedes was in the same shape as prior to my ride, I walked inside the house.

"Hey Edward!" The whole family was sitting around the kitchen table. I saw a board game spread out in front of them. "You are home!" Alice sounded extremely excited. Even more so then usual.

"Hi," I smiled at the family.

Carlisle and Esme stood up. Carlisle walked toward me, a grin on his face. "We have a surprise for you that I think you will like."

Uh oh. Immediately his mumbled words as I left this morning came back to me. I looked down and saw the car keys in his hand. Oh dear Lord. Carlisle held his hand out, the keys dangling from his hand. "You need a car," he said simply. "No seventeen year old boy should be without one."

"I—Thank you," I said. Please let it be a used car, please let it be a used car, I chanted in my brain.

"Come on bro!" Emmett stood up and herded me outside. "Take a look!"

"I helped pick it out," Alice said bouncing up and down next to me. "I decided you would want something simple, but fast."

The shiny silver Volvo S60R stood in front of the house. It was beautiful, sleek and expensive. Emmett ran to the car and threw open the front seat. "Look at this, Edward."

Overwhelmed, I walked up to him and looked into the car. New car smell bombarded my nose. So much for a cheap used car. "Get in," Emmett commanded. I obeyed, because I didn't know what else to do. I slid onto the black leather of the interior and looked around. The first thing I saw was the navigation system sitting in the dash. I stared at it. I heard a jingling near my ear and saw Emmett shaking the keys near my head. "Let's go for a ride!"

He dropped the keys in my lap and ran around to the passenger side.

"Me too!" Alice squealed as she jumped into the backseat.

I slid the key into the ignition and turned the key. The car purred to life underneath me.

"Oh yeah," Emmett said.

I smiled weakly and pressed the gas. The car responded to the lightest touch and we raced away from the curb. I looked in my rear view mirror and saw Carlisle and Esme standing next to the curb, both waving with huge smiles on their face.

The car was quick and seemed to respond to my thoughts as I guided it through the turns that lead away from the Cullen mansion. Around me I could hear Alice and Emmett's excited chatter. I tried desperately to remember my lighthearted feeling as I had driven away from Bella. Now, I felt like I was choking with panic. I held my self stiff, forcing myself to smile and laugh with Emmett and Alice. But inside, all I wanted was to stop the car, lean my head against the leather steering wheel and catch my breath.

"What do you think, Edward?" Alice was bouncing up and down in her seat. "Isn't it perfect?"

"Yeah," I said thickly. "It's great. You did a great job picking it out. Perfect."

She beamed at me when I caught her eye in the rearview mirror. "I knew it!"

Hoping that I had indulged them enough, I turned to head back to the mansion. I put on what I hoped was an enthusiastic mood as I faced Carlisle and Esme. I spent a few minutes gushing over the speed and handling. I listened intently as Carlisle explained the safety features of the car. I nodded as he told me to take care of it and that as long as I maintained a 3.5 grade point average, the car was mine, no questions asked. And then, judging the initial excitement was dying down and as politely as I could, I excused myself, stating I had a lot of homework.

I walked slowly up the stairs, the smile plastered to my face. I waved to them as I turned the corner, saying thank you again. I opened my door and stepped into my room. My gaze lingered on the king size bed, on the down comforter, on the hi tech stereo system. And then I walked to the far corner of the room and slid down the wall. I tucked my knees into my chest and curled up as tight as I could. My body began to shake as I released the torment I had been holding in. I thought about my old car, still a Volvo, but I remembered using the crank to roll the windows up and down. The one of the passenger side had fallen off within the first week of owning the car. I remembered the twin mattress and box spring I had slept on and the comforter that was so old it was threadbare in some places. I had received both the bed and comforter for my 5th birthday. My heart ached as I thought of my old life and all that had changed. I had escaped from my life of pain and despair. All I had to do was kill my mother.

I gripped my knees tighter as the intense pain washed over me in waves. I felt like it was going to rip me in half. Broken sobs exploded from me, even as I fought to keep them down.

"Edward?" Esme. No no no. "Honey, are you okay?" Her hand lightly touched mine. No no no.

"I'm okay," I whispered. I knew I was far from convincing. I lifted my head, wishing I could control the tears streaking down my face. She was kneeling in front of me, sympathy in her eyes. I pleaded with my eyes, telling her to just turn and leave before I could suck her into my desperate world.

"What's wrong?" she asked gently, her hand still resting on mine.

"Nothing, really," I managed. "I just feel a little overwhelmed by all of your kindness." I tried to smile through my tears. It was the truth, just played down a little bit.

"Oh honey," she smiled at me. "You don't need to feel overwhelmed. All this," she waved her hand to encompass the mansion, "Is nothing to Carlisle. I promise you."

I nodded. "I really appreciate all that you've done." I did, I truly did. "You and Carlisle, you rescued me and I never thought--," I stopped.

"What?" she asked softly, squeezing my hand.

I moved my shoulders. "I never thought I could have all this."

"We are very glad you are here."

"Me too." I smiled at her, wishing I could jump into her arms and let her release the kindness that was in her heart.

"Would you like to come downstairs for dinner?"

I shook my head. "I really do have homework."

"Okay, if you are sure."

I nodded. I watched her get up and walk out of my room. I didn't move, except to rest my cheek on my knees. I stayed that way for a long time, staring off into the black nothing outside the windows. Eventually, I stood and went to my backpack. I took out my Calculus book and opened to the appropriate page. Falling back on an old habit, I buried myself in the complex puzzle that was math. When I finally came out of it, the sun was rising outside my window. I sighed and closed the book. It was time for another day.

At Alice and Emmett's insistence, I drove the Volvo to school the next day. When I pulled into the school parking lot, I saw Bella standing next to her red truck. We got out of the car. "Excuse me," I muttered to the other two and then I made a bee line for Bella.

"Hey," I said softly as I cradled her face in my hands.

"Hey yourself," she whispered. I leaned in and very gently ran my lips across hers. I breathed in, taking her unique scent to the very bottom of my lungs. I wrapped my arms around her waist and felt hers go around my neck. "Hey," she said again. "Are you okay?" Her voice had fallen to a whisper and felt her hands running all my hair and back.

I leaned my face into the top of her head, kissing her soft hair. I didn't know how to answer her question. I was on a roller coaster of emotions and not sure how to get off. I only knew that when I was with her, the track evened out a little bit. "I don't know," I sighed. It felt good just to give an honest answer, if nothing else.

She pulled back a little, put her tiny hands on my face. "You look tired." Her fingers gently rubbed under my eyes.

"Yeah." I reached up and ran a hand through my hair. "Didn't sleep so good last night." Or at all really.

"Why?"

I moved my shoulders, tension building in me again. "I guess talking about all that stuff yesterday brought up some memories."

Her face softened. "Oh Edward," she murmured. She pulled me back against her, once again running her hand over my back.

"And the Cullens bought me a car," I said against her hair.

I felt her shoulders shake with laughter. "I saw. I can understand how that would be distressing."

Unbelievably, I smiled. For real this time, not a fake smile. "You have no idea."

"I knew it!" The squeal came from behind us and Bella jumped out of my arms. I watched as my favorite color flooded her face. "I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!" Alice flew into my line of sight, dragging Jasper with her. "I told you Bella. I told you that you would like him!"

"Alice!" Bella hissed. "Really, can you at least try to keep your thoughts to yourself?"

Jasper laughed at that. "No," he snorted out. "Never going to happen."

"Hey!" Alice jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow. "Be nice."

Jasper wrapped an arm around Alice's shoulders and leaned down until he could whisper something in Alice's ear. She smiled at whatever he said and by the way she looked into his eyes I knew he had been forgiven. I glanced down at Bella and found her looking at me. I took her hand and led her to the school. The bell signaling first period rang. I heard Jasper and Alice follow behind us.

"Really though," Alice continued. "I had a feeling about you two. There's something there."

"Come on," Jasper pulled her in the direction of their first period. "I think you've said enough."

Her bottom lip stuck out, but she followed Jasper away from us.

"Sorry about that," Bella muttered.

"No problem. I think she was right though."

Bella looked up at me. "What do you mean?"

I touched her cheek with my other hand and felt the electricity shoot up my fingertips. "Feel that?"

Bella nodded and smiled. "Yeah." She glanced around, realizing we were standing in front of her first period door. "So I guess this is good bye."

I chuckled. "Just for a bit." I reached up and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Have a good day."

"You too."

I nodded, then turned to make my way to Calculus. But she didn't let go of my hand. I turned back to her. "I mean it Edward." She looked at me intently. "You are worth it."

I nodded again, gave her hand one last squeeze and turned away. She knew. Somehow, she had seen through everything and knew exactly what had kept me up all night. Unfortunately, she just didn't know all the facts.

My day continued slowly and I looked forward until the time I would get to see Bella again. It was crazy how much I missed her, considering only a week ago she hadn't even been in my life. Now I couldn't imagine it without her.

"So, I saw you making out with Swan in the parking lot."

I looked up at the crude statement. Mike Newton stood over me, smirking while I laced up my shoes. I chose not to acknowledge his comments. I finished, and stood. I walked out of the locker room and made my way out to the track.

"Hey Masen, I'm talking to you!" He jogged up and walked next to me. "How'd you do it? Bella's been the most off limits girl since eighth grade."

"Not really any of your business," I said through my teeth.

He laughed. "Hey man, I'm giving you props here. Trust me, there are many guys at this school that have been trying to get her since she was the new girl in town. So far, no one's succeeded."

My hands fisted, but I remained silent.

"Eric, Tyler, myself included all tried--,"

"Shut up," I growled. "Just shut up." I stopped walking and glared at him. How dare he speak of Bella with such disrespect?

Mike held his hands out. "No worries bro, just saying, like I said."

"Don't 'just say' anymore."

I could feel his eyes on me as I walked away.

Coach Clapp was calling everyone to attention. "Okay men and women, today we are going to run sprints to finish up our track and field unit."

Perfect, I thought. Newton deserved a good ass kicking right now. I took my place at the line and glanced at the blonde haired boy. His eyes narrowed and I knew it was game on. The whistle blew and I took off. I pumped my arms and legs as fast as they could go. I imagined Bella on the other end and ran as fast as I could. I reached the finish line in record time. I turned and saw Mike Newton still steps away from the finish. Coach Clapp stood stock still, the whistle hanging from his mouth. The rest of my classmates were also staring.

"You bastard."

I turned and saw Mike racing towards me, his fist raised. The fist connected with my jaw before anyone could react. But within seconds, Mike's friend Tyler and another boy had grabbed Mike, pulling him away from me. Coach Clapp was ordering them to take Mike to the principal's office and yelling at a few girls to go get some ice.

Twenty minutes later, I walked into the cafeteria. The ice had kept my jaw from swelling too much. In fact, the only proof of what Mike's fist was a small red mark on my jaw bone. "Edward!" Emmett boomed.

I turned towards his voice and walked over to the table that held Rosalie, Jasper, Alice, Emmett and Bella.

"Look who finally made it to the cafeteria," Alice said smiling.

"Yeah," I kissed the top of Bella's head and sat down.

Her eyes narrowed at my jaw. "What happened?"

I rolled my eyes. Only she would notice the tiny mark. "Nothing. Newton said some choice words, I beat him at sprints. He didn't like that so much."

"He hit you?" Bella gasped.

"Trust me Bella, not a big deal." I had known so much worse.

"That, that monster!" she snarled.

I was shocked at the venom in her voice. "It's okay," I repeated. "He's in the principal's office. I'm sure he will pay for what he did."

Gently, she touched my tender jaw. "No one hurts you and gets away with it," she whispered fiercely. "No one." She leaned over and kissed my jaw. "By the way, what were his choice words about?"

I hesitated. Then I answered honestly. "He realizes how lucky I am to have you."

I watched the gears in her head whirl as she deciphered what I had said. Then she rolled his eyes. "Still hasn't gotten over eighth grade, huh."

"Loser," Emmett interjected. "Like he ever stood a chance."

Bella nodded as she looked at me. "Nope, never once. I knew what I was waiting for."

A/N I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and that it all worked. Don't forget: reviews are fantastic!