Me: I am sorry that it has taken so long for this update. This past month has been hard on my family; one of my uncles was placed on life support due to fluid and bacteria in his lungs. His white blood cell count was at zero and he had started organ failure. We were told only 30% of people survive this condition. Thankfully two weeks ago his condition took a turn for the better and he was not only taken off life support but he was able to generate his own white blood cells and he is now in a rehab facility. It's safe to say I hadn't been in the writing spirit until recently.

Edward: This is the uncle who doctors said wouldn't live past two?

Me: Yep and he is currently 40 years old and he keeps proving the doctors wrong. He truly is a living miracle in my opinion.

Emmett: *sniff* We are glad that your uncle is getting better.

Me: Awww, is the big bad bear man getting sentimental on me?

Emmett: No *sniff* I just have something in my eye.

Edward: Emmett, our eyes have a coating of venom…nothing can get caught in our eyes.

Emmett: Well, maybe the venom isn't working right….will you look at the time; I think we owe these nice patient people a story.

Me: Oh, right. I do not own the characters or anything to do with Twilight; they all belong to Stephenie Meyer.

Chapter 30: Promise

Bella POV

I had awoken this morning to my phone going off at seven am and an evil elf cheerily ordering Emmett and me to be present at the Cullen residence no later than noon. She is the only person I know who always has the balls to call at seven on a Saturday morning (note to self, set password to unlock my phone so she can't change the ring tones). It took some convincing to get my dad to let Em and I go without having a police escort. We had to promise to send a picture text when we got there so he had visual evidence that we were where we were supposed to be. Apparently Sue had lied to him that eventful Saturday morning by claiming to be working at the hospital for an extra shift. It is never a good idea to lie to Charlie; he sulks and then goes into over protective mode. On the plus side, the whole Rene situation allowed for him to forget all about the loosing of my V-Card so I wasn't really complaining.

Ever since Sue and Esme's field trip to the P.A. jail house two weeks ago he has been on high alert and just a tad paranoid to put it lightly. Mama Sue and Esme were released with a warning when dad went to bail them out, apparently never having a criminal record plus being family to a police chief meant they could go home without a mug shot.

Rene wasn't so lucky.

She apparently had a previous record from when she was in her twenties after she left us, a bunch of small crimes here and there, nothing that would keep her in the cellar for more than a night or so except for the fact that she was still on probation for a DUI and drug possession from five years or so. When the cops found small amounts of weed in her purse they threw the book at her. Add to that the restraining order that Charlie put into effect and we all had a feeling that we wouldn't be hearing from her for a while, even if she does make bail…Phil was out of the country currently managing a baseball team in Mexico and he has yet to be informed that his wife is in jail…I think we were supposed to let him know…oh well.

Emmet and I pulled into the drive way in front of the Cullen's house, noticing that Jasper's truck and Angela's Subaru were already out front and that both Esme's and Carlisle's cars weren't there. I was a bit apprehensive as I opened my driver's side door and hopped out, we had no idea why we were here. Alice had left that detail out when she called so damn early this morning.

Em and I walked into the house using the key that they keep under the mat, not a very safe place if you ask me but they do live in the middle of the woods, and noticed that no one was present to great us. I.e. Alice was pouncing and jumping around before we had a chance to put a foot in the door. We did, however, hear the sounds of an argument coming from the basement entrance, the door being wide open. Neither one of us wanted to be the one to bust in but after a few intense games of rock paper scissors, Emmett led the way down where everyone was seated in front of the Cullen's giant TV screen. Rose was seated on the sofa while everyone else was located on the many bean bag chairs that the Cullen's have scattered throughout the basement.

"Alice, for the last time! Keep that bag away from me!" Rose covered her mouth as she visibly gagged and leaned in the opposite direction of Alice.

"Rose, it isn't anywhere near you! You are on the couch; I am currently seated on the floor trying to enjoy my cheddar pop corn. If anyone should be complaining it's the rest of us. Your peanut butter, mayonnaise, and cheese sandwich smells to high heaven!" Alice gasped and covered her mouth, but it was too late to cover up her word vomit.

What the hell was I walking into?

At Alice's comment, Rose's eyes began to water and her lip quivered. "Damn hormones," she muttered as she set her sandwich on the table so she could use both hands to wipe at the tears.

"What the hell is going on down here?" Emmett boomed, jumping down the last steps and rushing over to sit on the empty seat next to Rose. As soon as he sat, she turned and buried her head into his chest. I silently made my way to share a bean bag with Edward, knowing that Alice's explanation was going to be good or else Em was going to let her have it for making his Rosie upset.

"It's a movie showing. Rose was having one of her crazy craving moments and for some reason can't stand the smell of popped pop corn. Jasper threw that bag away and got me one of my cheddar bags as I made her the sandwich. I know she doesn't mean to be moody and I shouldn't have argued back, the stress isn't good for my little niece and or nephew and I know you keep saying there is only one peanut in their but you never know you should go for a second opinion with your new doctor after the last one broke patient doctor confidentiality." Alice let out in a rush…that girl needs to learn how to breathe. Emmett tilted his head confused, rubbing small circles on Rose's back.

"Ally baby, I don't think Em heard all of that," Jasper is the only person I think who even knows Alice's thought processes.

Alice opened her mouth to try to explain again, but Rose looked up at Em and whipped her nose using the sleeve of her hoodie. "We thought the cheddar ones wouldn't have a smell. She just opened them and I felt like I was going to hurl. I didn't mean to snap at her."

Alice reached over and patted Rose on the back. "No, I'm sorry. I should have gotten rid of the bag; I didn't mean to snap back."

"This should go into the history books," Edward whispered in my ear as he pulled me into his lap. "That has to be the shortest argument in the history of the Cullen sisters and they both apologized of their own accord." He told me in response to the confused look I was giving him.

Angela clapped her hands together. "Okay peoples I only have another couple of hours before I have to get ready for work. Alice, why did you call us all here?"

"Oh, right!" It was like Angela said the magic word. I could see the light bulb go off in Alice's head as she hopped out of Jasper's hold and twirled her way to stand in front of the giant TV, remote in hand being held like a microphone. Aliceland must be a nice place to visit.

"Ladies, gentleman and Emmett. I have called you all here today to witness my first ever feature film. It is not only directed, edited and reviewed by yours truly, I also was responsible for the sound track. Unfortunately the costumes were out of my control. Actors," she scoffed, "you can't work with them but you don't have a film without them. I mean really, they get away with being complete assholes because we the public let them get away with it. Same thing with some of the singers out there. For every celebrity out there who has a soul and is genuine there are ten who would love nothing better than to suck the life out of humanity and watch us all burn. "

I wonder how long Alice's rant would have gone if Edward hadn't jumped up and covered her mouth. "Allie, I love you and everything but you brought us here for a reason. We need you to focus. I still have things I would like to do this century. When I let go, you are going to take a deep breath okay?" She nodded her head in agreement. "Good, then you will get to the point. I would like to see your creation." Edward lifted his hand and slowly backed away from Alice before rejoining me on his bean bag chair.

Alice took a deep breath. "Okay. Without further ado, I give you all 'When Mama Bear's Attack!" Alice hit the power button for the TV and the play button for the dvd player. We all anxiously starred at the screen.

And nothing happened.

"Alice?"

"Yes Bella?"

"Did you put the disc in the player?" She slapped herself. "Damn, knew I forgot something. Let's try this again." We waited for her to put the disc in and take her seat…again. I had a feeling that the film was going to be about the confrontation that happened on Saturday, but I had no idea that she could do something like this with surveillance footage and people we knew!

The beginning of the movie started with a reenactment of the fight at my house, complete with Leah, Ben, Angela and Jasper playing the roles of Mama Sue, Charlie, me and Rene…poor Ben had to play the part of me…I felt a bit disturbed but he did a good job. From there it cut to the footage Alice got in the restaurant. I got all choked up at the comments Mama Sue had about what it meant to be a mom, I wished for the millionth time that Rene had never reentered our lives. When it came to the part where Rene slapped Sue the sounds of Pit Bull's shut it down started to play segueing to Eye of the Tiger as Esme and Sue jumped her sorry ass.

Best home video ever.

I totally forgive Alice for the early wake up call. After the end credits (the girl should really go into the film biz) Alice turned off the DVD player and let regular programming keep the group entertained as we broke off from the main cluster to continue with our Saturdays. Angela left for work after promising Alice to help her with her next project…apparently Alice and she had worked out a contract since Alice filmed while Angela did the editing work. Em took Rose up to her room to let her rest for a little while, he had taken it upon himself to try and keep her as stress free as possible. He was going to make a good father.

I was about to join Jasper and Alice in some television when Edward took my hand and dragged me to the basement stairs. "What are you doing?"

"Getting in some alone time with my girl before me sisters remember you are here and try to play Bella Barbie." Huh, he had a point there. I heard him chuckle as I picked up my pace to keep up with him and get out of Alice's line of vision. As we passed the coat rack in the hallway he helped me with my jacket before putting on his own, he was so sweet. I let him guide me out to the back yard and through the woods surrounding the Cullen house. I was happy to recognize the path leading up to the meadow Edward had taken me too. I let go of Edward's hand so I could link my arm through his and slow his pace down to a leisurely walk. It was hard to believe that it was only three weeks ago that he had brought me here that first time. We took our time walking through the woods, pointing out the different squirrels jumping through the trees and the occasional deer.

The vision of the meadow still took my breath away even through the sky was overcast and rain was lightly falling. I really can't wait to see what this place looks like in the spring and summer time. Edward guided me to the largest rock so I could sit without getting grass all over my behind, bad enough I was getting wet from the rain. Edward stood in front of me looking down at our clasped hands…in silence…it was starting to creep me out a little.

"Hey Edward, is there a reason you brought me here? I'm not complaining or anything but your silence is starting to weird me out."

He took a deep breath and gave my face a fleeting glance before looking back at our hands. "I got a letter this morning."

He lost me. "Okay. What type of letter was it?" He let go of one of my hands to run it thought his hair. I really hope he doesn't go bald one day that would be a crime against nature…granted they have procedures to fix that now days…

"It was from Berkeley." That got my attention back to the present. "It was one of the schools I had applied to at the beginning of the year when I was debating between music and science for a major."

"Wow, I had almost forgotten that it was almost acceptance letter time. So what did it say?"

He looked me in the eye. "I got in."

I threw my arms around his neck, nearly knocking myself off the rock. "Edward that is wonderful! That is one of the top thirty schools on the West Coast! I am so proud of you!"

Edward gave me a squeeze before making sure I was safely on the rock again. "Bella, you do realize if I go to Berkeley I will be in California, right? I'm not saying that's the college I want to go to; it's just the first one to send me a letter. I don't want to really major in science anymore and I don't want to go to school too far from everyone else. I applied on a lark anyway." I can tell he and Alice are related when he gets all worked up like this.

I put a smile on my face hoping it would help him calm down. "Yes, Edward, I know what you going to school in California means." I cupped his face in my hands. "Look at me. We knew that we were probably going to different colleges anyway. Hell, I only applied to Washington State and Peninsula. But even if you go to school in a different state we can still see each other on weekends and holidays. Not all long distance relationships are doomed to fail. Let's not worry about it now; we will cross that bridge when we get to it. Have you told your parents yet?" I didn't want to admit that I hated the idea of being too far away from him. But what else could I say? I also didn't want to be the one to hold him back from what he wants to accomplish.

"No, I haven't told them yet. I got the letter after they left for the day." He searched my face. "Are you really okay with the idea of me going so far away to school?"

"Yes." I was proud of myself, my voice didn't waver and my face didn't heat up.

Edward chuckled and pulled my hands away from his face so that he was holding them again. "You are a terrible liar."

"How could you tell? I didn't blush or anything!"

"You furrow your brows a bit when you lie and you don't make eye contact. Now tell me the truth, please, love."

I sighed and looked down at my feet. "I am not one hundred percent happy, but I am happy for you whatever you decide. I don't want to hold you back anymore than you want to hold me back from the future I want."

"Good." I looked up just in time to see Edward drop down on one knee, letting go of one of my hands to reach into his jacket pocket. "Ed-Edward! What are you doing?" I couldn't take my eyes off of the hand in his jacket.

When he looked into my eyes I found that I couldn't look away. "Bella, I love you more than anything. I think I have loved you ever since you fell on me that summer." He took his hand out of his jacket and produced a small silver ring with a tiny gem stone. I let out a breath when I noticed that the stone was blue and not a diamond. "This isn't an engagement ring if that is what you were thinking. I don't think we are ready for anything like that yet. This is a promise. I promise that no matter what I will be there for you. I don't know what our future holds but I do know that I want you in mine for as long as you will have me. I promise to not keep anything from you and to never hurt you."

"Edward-"

"Look you don't have to say anything now. I know I said this wasn't a proposal-"

"Edward! Stop rambling." He shut up immediately. "I think it's sweet that you want to give me a promise ring. "

He looked relieved. "Really? You don't think it's stupid?"

"No." I giggled (can't believe I actually giggled). "I would be very proud to wear your promise ring."

He took my right hand and placed the ring onto my ring finger. "Its bad luck to wear a ring on your left ring finger if it isn't an engagement ring." He explained at my puzzled expression, "You have no idea what Seth charged me for your ring size."

I laughed as he stood and pulled me against him into a kiss.

I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us.

Me: Hello everyone. I want to say thank you to all of my readers, both new and old I am sad to say that our story is coming to a close. But there is still the epilogue so don't worry, I am not going to leave this story hanging. I do have a couple of ideas for my next story and I thought it would be fun to post a little poll on my profile page and let you guys have a say in which one I work on next. I plan to name the winning story at the end of the epilogue. I already have the first chapters written for both and an outline for how I want the story to go.

Story idea #1:

Alice, Party of One: Alice is the only one in her family who has yet to meet "the one" and settle down, to her mother's horror. In all honesty, Alice doesn't think she is cut out for love and is fine spending her free time watching her niece and nephews or shopping to pass the time. Can a chance encounter with a sweet talking Texan change her mind about Love?

Story idea #2:

Life Changing Voyage: Welcome to life on the S.S. Voyager shortly after it winds up in the Delta Quadrant. Newly appointed First Mate Edward isn't sure if he can trust the truce between his rebels and the Starfleet's Captain, Esme Platt…that is until the discovery of a damaged Borg ship and a young woman who has no memory of her life before she joined the collective. Can the new common threat bring the two groups together?

Go ahead and check out the poll, you are able to vote for both selections at once if you like.

Thank you