Disclaimer: I own everything but their names.

July 16, 2001 – Santa Cruz, California

"You gonna be nicer today?" Edward asked, his voice all calm and nice – like he was afraid I would bite his head off or something.

"Yes," I replied, laughing nervously as I turned away and finished pulling on my wetsuit. "If I'm not, you have permission to drown me."

"Don't tempt me."

I bent over to strap my board around my ankle. "I wouldn't blame you. I deserve it."

"Nah," he replied, grinning. "Who else would verbally abuse me if I left you out there for shark bait?"

I frowned. It was the first time Edward had actually voiced anything about my behavior toward him. Even though I'd apologized already, I felt like it needed to be said again.

"I really am sorry," I told him softly.

He reached out and grabbed my hand, eyes filled with understanding. "I know."

Breathing a sigh of relief, I smiled. Edward squeezed my fingers once before letting go and grabbing his board.

I followed him and we dove into the brisk ocean, swimming quietly through the glassy early morning waves. After a week or so, at least I could say the temperature of the water got easier to handle.

"Go get 'em," Edward called out as he swam in a different direction.

With a deep sigh, I lay forward and settled myself on my board. It'd been a week filled with disappointment, each wipeout fueling my frustration and in turn, my failure. The fact that Edward had forgiven me for the way I acted had at least lifted one heavy weight from my shoulders.

I focused, attempting to shake off what remained – my stupid crush – and forget everything except the water.

One glance over my shoulder later and I was off, paddling hard and pushing myself to prepare for the ride. Water gathered below me, lifting the board up and into the wave. I pulled my upper body away from the board, pushing my legs under me to stand. I lifted higher and my stomach danced, igniting that same bubble of excitement I'd felt so many times before. I planted my feet, closing my eyes and mouth as I prepared for the fall I was sure would come.

Seconds passed, and the cool ocean breeze swam around me as I glided across the water. On my feet. On my freaking feet!

I opened my eyes in disbelief, my smile returning.

I had done it. I was surfing.

Adrenaline flowed to my hands and arms and my head, making the experience that much greater. My heart pounded so fast I felt it in my toes.

Logically, I knew it only lasted seconds – but it felt like the longest, most exhilarating few moments of my life. I rode that wave as long as it allowed before sinking into shallower water in shock. I felt like I was dreaming, like if I blinked too many times I might suddenly wake up and realize my subconscious had been the only part of me taken for such an amazing ride.

Edward's voice reminded me it was real as he splashed his way through the water, stopping only when I was in his arms and my feet were dangling in the air. "I knew you could do it," he breathed. "I fucking knew it."

His grin was so big and bright and full of pride, I couldn't help myself. My stomach flipped and my chest lit on fire as I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him back with everything I had.

Best. Day. Ever.

Edward didn't hesitate to wrap his arms more firmly around me, spinning us around in celebration. I buried my face against his shoulder, inhaling the familiar sweet, salty ocean smell I'd come to think of as pure him. Warm breaths soaked into the cool skin of my neck, and I wished more than anything I could pull away and feel that same warmth against my lips. That I could just tell him the truth about how I felt and have him reciprocate…

I didn't want to care about the consequences, or that I knew I shouldn't have felt about him the way I did. I wanted to throw caution to the wind and bask in the happiness and excitement of the moment by showing him how I felt.

But I did care, and losing what we did have by making a stupid move was a risk I wasn't willing to take.

Oh, Bella. I know you're all probably shaking your fists at me, so… I'll just be over here hiding in the corner.

Thank you all so much for reading!

Reviews are love.

Until tomorrow (or maybe later today, we shall see…)

xx