Disclaimer: I take no credit in the characters within this story; those are the sole work of Mrs. Stephenie Meyer. I do, however, take credit for the specific, new traits I gave them and am quite proud of them.

Note: IF YOU MISSED THE NOTE I POSTED PLEASE RETURN TO CHPT 30 AND GIVE IT A QUICK READ! I would be very much appreciative. It may clear up some questions some of you have had. Please enjoy this chapter. I hope it is what a few of you have been expecting of me (no no, not the end) and I hope you all enjoy it. :) I would love to hear what you all think!

-BPOV

A week later I was sitting on Alice's couch, the sun pouring in through the patio doors, warming me as I scribbled in an old notebook. The house was completely quite and I took full opportunity to relax and enjoy it; peace was not something that came easily when one was around Alice. I had been curled up in my spot, outlining my ideas into future chapters as peace rang through me.

My mind wandered back to a few night ago…

True to form, Alice burst through the door looking frantic as she hurried over to me, dropping several bags onto the floor along the way. "!"

"Whoa, Alice. Slow down. What?" I asked, bewildered by her excited babble.

She took a breath. "Esme called me. We are putting together a family camping trip, just like old times. I guess Emmett has it all planned out. Esme told me to check my email. There are directions to the spot to print. We leave on Saturday."

"That's in two days, Alice," I pointed out.

"I know! I absolutely can't wait. Can you imagine? Everyone together just like before? Even you used to have fun camping with us!" She was practically bouncing out of her skin. "I stopped at the mall and picked up some stuff that we would need. You can't tell me it wont be fun Bella."

I could, but I wouldn't. She was so excited I couldn't ruin it. But, at the same time, I couldn't help but search my mind for an excuse. "Well I had kinda hoped to set something up with Val on Saturday."

"Oh please, Bella! You haven't even called him back since last Friday. You can't use that as an excuse. You are going if I have to hogtie you and toss you in the trunk."

I tried harder. "What about Jasper, Alice? You two have been inseparable. How are you going to handle being awa—"

"I already called and invited him. He pulled some strings and is coming. Stop with the excuses, they wont work this time."

I barked a laugh, "As if they ever have before."

"See, there's the spirit." She beamed and started bouncing again. "I can't wait to introduce him to Esme and Carlisle!"

Then it hit me, Alice had a lot more reasons to go than I had reasons not to. Even I had reasons to go, even if I would rather ignore them out of spite of my reason not to. I hadn't seen Esme and Carlisle in a very long time, and she was right when she said that even I had enjoyed the trips when I had gone through high school. I was stuck.

The drive was essentially one long argument between Alice and I. She insisted that I use this as a chance to make Edward realize what he had let go and while I insisted that I was getting over it, that Val had helped me remember that I could have fun without Edward, and that the last thing I needed was for him to realize anything now. Jasper stayed silent, looking rather bemused as he stared out the window. Finally I just stopped arguing back and Alice was forced to drop it.

We arrived at the site after more than an hour of bumpy, unkept dirt roads that threw us against our seatbelts hard enough to bruise. Emmett's car was parked right beside Edward's in a little embankment off to the right. Alice swerved in, nearly hitting Edward's mirror before shutting off the car. There was little path through the trees and a red tent could be seen set up not too deep in. I pulled a duffle bag and pair of sleeping bags out of the back seat while Alice let Jasper wrestle with the tightly packed trunk, taking whatever he could pull out. She led the way up the path barely managing to walk in a straight line under the three bags she had pulled over her shoulders. We reached a little circle in the trees where three tents were set up and waiting. A large fire pit was set off to the side, not really needing to warm the tents in the heat of the end of summer. Emmett was just dropping logs into it when he spotted us and gave a cheer.

Alice set down her bags near one of the tents and ran over to him, arms spread. He gave her a bear hug, lifting her from the ground. "Glad you all made it!"

I laid my bags beside hers and meandered over, smiling at the large man. He pulled me into a huge hug of my own which I returned happily, feeling a little nostalgic. A hug from Emmett carried with it the feeling of home, like a pat on the back from Charlie.

"You better not be groping at my man Bella!" Rose's voice drifted from between the trees in the opposite direction that we had entered the clearing from. She appeared a moment later, smiling behind a pair of black sunglasses and looking as gorgeous as ever. "That's my job."

I laughed as Emmett set me back on my feet and started toward Rose. "Then you aren't doing a very good job right now."

She giggled as he caught her, lifting her up and spinning her around a few times with a tender kiss. When he set her down she had to put a hand on his arm to rebalance herself. I smiled and turned to see Jasper watching the exchange with a touch of white in his cheeks. Brotherly love at it's most angry.

From behind Rose a females laugh cut through the trees. At first I thought it sounded like Esme had a stuffy nose, but then I remembered that there were only three cars parked now: Alice's, Emmett's, and Edwards…

My stomach sunk deep into my feet as understanding struck. Moments later a skinny blonde stepped out of the trees, smiling as she battered her eyes at something behind her. Her short shorts showed off perfectly toned legs and her white shirt barely even covered her bikini. She was probably about 20, though maybe quite not at the mark yet, and very pretty. I wanted to throw up. Rose turned and watched her with a cross expression and called, "Come on Edward, we have new arrivals."

Edward stepped out of the trees from behind the girl, his face blank as he turned to us. A small smile spread on his lips finally as he made his way toward where we were standing. "Alice, Bella, Jasper, we were wondering when you would get here."

"Too late for the party it would seem," Alice said, staring at the girl who had skipped over to Edward's elbow and looking at us all.

"This is Brie," he said nonchalantly, as if she hardly even existed. He was looking at me, trying to hold the smile in place though it didn't seem to want to stay. "How was the drive, Bella."

"Bumpy," was my absolutely ingenious answer.

"It's very nice to meet you all. I am Brie," said the girl beside Edward, giving a better introduction. She stuck out her hand to Jasper first.

Alice spoke up before Jasper could. "You as well Brie, this is my boyfriend Jasper. I am Alice, Edward's sister. And this is Bella, a very dear friend to our family."

She shook each of our hands in turn, though she didn't even look at me once. I pulled my eyes off of her to glance at Edward. He was staring at me and I tore my eyes away quickly, using them to burn a hole in the ground and wishing it would swallow me. Edward's voice broke through the sudden tension. "Brie found us a few minutes ago. Her family is camping about ten minutes up the beach."

The tension dispersed nearly instantly, Alice even letting out an audible sigh. "Oh! Well isn't that great? Who are you here with Brie?"

She gave Alice a distant smile. "My parents and two brothers. We do a trip here every couple summers. Only run into one other family though. Everyone will happy to hear what nice people you all are." She gave Edward a very flirtatious look and actually batted her eyes. "Maybe we can get everyone together?"

"Oh yes! How about you run and go get them? We were just about to set up for a game!" Rose said, smiling a little coldly at the girl. Obviously, she wasn't very enthused with the girls presence either.

"Okay! We should be back soon! Don't start without us!" She danced off into the direction she had emerged and I felt a little relief. Rose shook her head but pulled a big smile back onto her face. "Alright, while the boys set up, how about I show you two the tent we will be staying in so you can get your bags situated.

Alice and I followed rose into the larger of the tents where three cots were set up and waiting. "I figured it would be nice and comfy for a couple of days"

We beamed at her and went to collect our bags, dragging them slowly into the tent and lining them against the wall, out of foot path. Once all the bags were in we claimed our cots and unrolled our sleeping bags onto them, getting comfy before returning to the boys.

Fantastic! Of all the games to choose, they decide on the one where I would actually have to participate. The one where I had to hit the ball. I shook my head and sat on the little cliff that hovered over the water, letting my feet dangle as I stared across the lake. The sun, high above me, seemed to scorch my skin and I had a terrible urge to jump in. Brie had returned about fifteen minutes earlier with her parents and one brother in tow, introducing us all. Her parents, Randy and Carla we extremely nice, though I had yet to speak to her brother. The only real thing that stopped me from diving headlong in was the sight from the corner of my eye. My head could have spun completely around as Brie leaned into Edward with a giggle, wiping a bit of sweat from his cheek, her own half naked top pushed against his shirtless one. I could've breathed fire if I wanted to. But, after the initial irritation, I looked the other way, blushing like mad. My eyes close as I took a deep breath. 'Calm down Bella. You have no claim. Stick to the plan… You are over this. Just let it go.'

I heard a giggle again two seconds before something brushed my skin. She was sitting next to me. "So, Bella, Alice tells me you have been friends with the Cullen's for years."

"Yeah," was my only slightly biting answer as I kept trying not to imagine myself tearing her head from her shoulders.

"What do you know about Edward?" she asked quietly.

I sighed, letting out a long breath as I slid my hands under my thighs. Surely pushing her into the lake wouldn't be the proper response to a simple question. "A lot."

She giggled, "Alice looked hesitant when she said he wasn't dating anyone, but she wouldn't tell me why."

"According to her he is in love with someone," I said, closing my eyes as they began to burn. "But I don't believe that's true."

"It can't be," she said in the most knowing way. As if she knows him. "There is no way a girl could say no to someone that looks like him. If he wanted her, he would have her."

"Yeah," I muttered, swallowing down as much of my irritation as I could, "my thoughts exactly."

"What's Edward's type?"

I nearly groaned as I pushed my thighs down harder on my hands. She was really making this as difficult for me as she possibly could. "I don't know."

"But Alice said you two are best friends."

"We used to be," I corrected.

"What kind of girls did he date when you guys were still friends?" Could she push any harder? Could she really not read my discomfort? WAS SHE BLIND?

"He didn't date."

"I find that hard to believe," she hissed, glancing at him with obvious longing.

"You shouldn't," I snapped before I could stop myself, "he was too much higher than the girls at our school. Too smart for them."

"So he wants someone smart," she murmured to herself as if she would suddenly be able to pull a brain out of thin air. "What else?"

I couldn't take it anymore. If I was going to be okay through this, if I was going to prove to myself that I could handle it, I had to get out of here. Standing, I did my best not to glare as I said in a perfect monotone, "Ask him if you want to know his taste." I walked away, whispering, "I can't help you."

"Are you okay, Bella?" Edward asked as I tried to quickly escape without notice.

I looked at him, my heart racing as I tried to pull a smile onto my face. He took a step toward me and lifted his hand to take mine. I managed to step back almost naturally, as if I wasn't purposefully trying to avoid him. I did my best not to let my smile falter. "Sure. Why wouldn't I be? It's really Brie you should try to talk with. Someone desperate for your attention it seems."

His eyes squinted, anger flashing as he looked at the girl sitting in the same place I had been, staring out at the water. "Bella..."

"I don't need to hear it," I said quickly, knowing I couldn't take it. "Please, just talk to her. I am sure she would make enjoyable company. I need to go find Alice… to ask her something." I hurried away before he could say anything, doing my best to hold my composure.

I made it back to my tent just as Alice emerged, looking as gorgeous as ever. Her eyes shot over my face, making her lips pull down in a frown, "Bella, what's wrong?"

Trust Alice to know. I flinched and shook my head as I ducked into the space I would be calling partly mine for the next three days. She followed me and watched patiently as I flopped onto my cot. "Nothing. I'm just being stupid."

She sat down next to me. "What you mean?"

I almost didn't tell her. I knew that Alice wanted the best for me, but she took it a little too much on herself to make MY happiness sometimes. But, I found myself telling her anyway. "I am just letting Brie get to me. It is nothing, Alice. I am fine."

"Brie is not Edward's type," Alice said, shaking her head.

"Alice, look at her. Brie is man's type," I sighed. "And it doesn't matter anyway. Edward is free to do whatever he wants, just as I am. Just as I have."

"Edward isn't your ordinary man."

"But a man nonetheless," I muttered, "She's wearing a bikini. Rose already had to stop Emmett from staring. And Edward has no reason to hold back."

"But he is 40 times more gentlemanly than Emmett will ever be!"

"That may be, but what does that mean? That he won't gape at her or that he will ignore her? Just let it go, Alice. I am."

She looked cautious as she answered, "I'm not saying he wont look, just that she's a temptation he won't have trouble ignoring as long as you're around."

I was about to reply that it didn't even matter when the zipper sounded and Rose appeared, fuming. "That stupid hussy! If she strings herself across Edward or Emmett one more time I'll separate her jaw from her pretty little face."

"Getting to you too then?" I asked, smiling a little. At least I didn't seem to be losing my cool for no reason if it was pissing Rose off as well.

Rose's face fell a little. "Not as much as you I'm sure. At least she knows Em's taken and is just using him to try to catch Edward's attention. I'm sorry Bella. But, if it helps, Edward walked away from her after you left, telling her to watch what she says to you."

I sighed. It really didn't. Not at all. "Thanks Rose, but he didn't need to do that. He has every right to chase her if he cares to. I have no claim over him. Furthermore, I am truly leaving it behind. It's all that there is left to do. Honestly, I had just hoped he would have better taste."

"He does. He isn't chasing her Bella. He is hardly looking at her. As for you though, he can't seem to keep his eyes to himself. But, because I know you don't believe me, let's just go out and kick her ass at volleyball. Sound good?" Rose asked, reaching her hand toward me. I hesitated and she continued. "Whether it is for him or not Bella, it will feel good to beat her, won't it?"

I smiled at that and took her hand as I stood, reaching for Alice's as well. "Who could possibly be lucky enough to get you two as friends?"

Alice leaned into my side, "Only someone who can put up with us. Or someone who has been lusting after a certain brother since she first saw him. He made it rather easy to lure you to the dark side you know? Too bad he had to ruin all my power over you."

We all laughed as we looked around, the air of calm making me feel better. We started out of the tent toward the lake, but Rose pulled us to a stop after a few steps, looking at me. I knew that look too well. "Bella…"

"No."

Alice laughed and patted my arm. Rose just looked dejected. "Just a shirt Bella. It's really cute, I promise!"

"No, there is absolutely no reason for that," I repeated, looking away from her. Alice tugged me back into the tent without my consent.

Ten minutes later I was back in the open sun, protesting as my two friends tugged me toward the net the guys had set up. "Bella, you look fantastic. Edward will have kittens when he sees you jump in that. Please, just trust us!"

"I don't want Edward to have kittens. I don't want to dress up for him. There is no reason to!"

"To make him regret it, Bella? And to make me feel better? I probably want to kick him in the balls more than you do, you know?" Alice pleaded.

I tugged on the white cotton, trying to adjust the top so it covered as much of my body as the fabric possibly could. My choices, it seemed, were to have my boobs fall out, or to have half of my stomach showing. I opted for the latter. All I could say was thank god for the lack of mirrors; I'm sure if I really saw how ridiculous I looked I would find a way to get out of it. I made one last feeble attempt. "This isn't necessary guys. My other shirt was fine."

"Your other shirt was a tent in itself Bella. This looks much better," Rose said, tugging me onto the sand court.

I ran my hand over the tapering stomach, flinching at how form fitting it was and how I could feel skin as I was led toward the nets that had been set up. My eyes first found Edwards bare back as he stared across the water. 'It's just habit,' I told myself. I relaxed before moving my eyes to the others. Brie was stretching not too far from where Edward stood, obviously trying to call attention to her body—as if you could miss it if you were trying.

Panic ran through my system as she suddenly picked up a ball by her feet and bumped it at him. I turned to Alice, "I don't think I can do this."

"You want Edward, don't you?" Alice asked cautiously, her voice low enough for only me and Rose to hear.

"That's not what I meant Alice! We discussed that! What I meant was I don't know if I can play."

Alice laughed, calling Edward's attention from the ball that had hit his side to us. I couldn't help but blush as I quickly looked away from him.

APOV

She turned a cute pink as his eyes found her first despite her position between his own sister and his brother's girlfriend. She went to take a step back, trying to hide behind Rose as she let her hair fall forward. He smiled as he took in the top that fit her so well. Yeah, he liked it, that much was obvious as he took what seemed to be an involuntary step toward us, his eyes still drinking her in as she fought against the grip I had on her arm. She would hate me for it but I couldn't help but ask, "Edward! Bella's always trusted your opinion. How does this shirt look on her?"

He didn't even glance at me. "Beautiful as always Bells," he said, trying to smile but obviously finding it hard to when her eyes were actually on him, "Everything you wear looks amazing."

She flinched as she looked away again, turning her eyes toward Emmett who was talking to a skinny shirtless blonde guy, obviously related to Brie. He wasn't bad looking, though not what I would call cute either; his face was too round, his body too lanky. But, none the less, though my brother was still talking to him, the guy's eyes had drifted to none other than Bella and that gave me an idea. Without a second glance at Edward I began to pull Bella toward the newcomer even as she stared down at her feet. She really was going to hate me, but I couldn't resist. Despite her insistence that she was getting over it, I knew better. She hadn't even talked to Val since her night with him, no matter how much she seemed to have enjoyed it. How could she say that she was over it if she couldn't even call the guy that she claimed had helped?

"Emmett, did you make a new friend?"

He gave me a sarcastic look before shaking his head. "One of Brie's brother's, Alice. This is Sam. Sam, this is my sister Alice, friend Bella, and girlfriend," he growled the word toward him, "Rose."

Sam's eyes flicked between the three of us, smiling. I watched them settle back on Bella who was staring very intently at the sky now. I saw his eyes trace down her neck to her chest. Okay, maybe the shirt was a little bit over the top. "It's very nice to meet you Sam. Are you planning on joining our little game?"

"He was considering it," Emmett answered.

Sam's answer cut of the last word of Emmett's. "I would love to. And my brother will be back in just a minute. I'm sure he would like to play as well, if that's okay."

"The more the merrier," I said, patting Bella's hand as she tired to pull away. Like that was happening. "What is your brother's name?"

"Zach."

"I see. And are you two good at volleyball?" I asked, giving the friendliest smile I could as he smirked at me, as if he knew something that I didn't.

"We aren't bad."

"Great. Well, Bella here could really use some practice. She… doesn't play sports too often. Do you think you could help her before we start?"

Now Bella spoke up, her voice a few pitches too high. "Oh Alice, that is really unnecessary! I doubt practice will help."

Sam was smiling at her obvious panic. "Oh, don't worry Bella. I am an excellent teacher." Whoa, there was more than one innuendo intended there, that's for sure. "I would be more than happy to help. Don't worry, I won't bite unless you want me to."

Emmett's eyebrows shot up at that line and I could see that he wanted to hit the guy. I managed to draw his attention away. "Emmett, have you heard from Carlisle or Esme?"

He shook his head as he looked to me rather than Sam. "No. Have you?"

I shook my head, "No. Why don't you go call him before we start playing? They should have been here already. I am sure they are just running late"

He walked toward the tent, probably to get his cell phone, and I turned to glance at Rose who was staring at me like I was crazy. When she shifted her eyes to the guy standing in front of us before glancing at Bella who was clinging to my arm now, I understood. She disagreed with what I was about to do. I did feel kind of bad too, but it would work. It had to. I just looked away from her and to Bella. "Okay, now you go practice with Sam, Bella. We'll start the game soon."

She released my arm reluctantly as Sam made an ushering move toward the net. His smile even kind of creeped me out, but there were plenty of people watching him with her; nothing could happen. Besides, if all went as planned she wouldn't have to deal with it for long. She was going to hate me for it later… but it would be worth it.

"Alice, what the hell are you doing to her? That guy is no less than a creep!" Rose hissed in my ear as I watched the two walk slowly away. Sam grabbed the ball, glancing at Bella's ass in the process. God, he was becoming increasingly unattractive. I could see her point, but as I glanced toward my dearest little brother all doubt vanished. I nodded toward Edward. His back was straight as he glared openly at Sam, his fists tightening at his side as he fought for control. He took a step forward, anger flashing across his face, making me look back toward Bella. It would appear that Sam was trying to help her serve. His hand was on her lower back and stomach, making her straighten her form completely. Slowly I saw his hand move down toward her ass. My eyes flicked back to Edward; he was already starting across the sand toward them. 'Right on time, little brother.'

"Sam!" Edward's tone was sharp as he approached. Sam stopped his downward movement, but kept his hands on Bella still. I saw Edward search for what to say; he would never tell him straight out to get his hands off of his girl. Sam waited expectantly and Bella stood uncomfortably, tapping the ball gently. She sent a pleading glance toward me but I looked away quickly enough to not let it get to me. My eyes fell back on my brother. "I… where is your brother? I think we should start."

Sam gave the same smirk I had seen earlier and Edward's eyes narrowed. "He'll be back soon. If we have to start without him he'll deal."

Edward lifted a hand, running it through his hair as he looked toward the lake, searching for a reason to stay. When he turned back his eyes were on Bella. "How are you Bells? We've hardly spoken since you got here."

She lifted her eyes to his nervous face and I saw, for the first time, the sides of her lips truly lift for him. He didn't seem to notice, just switched his weight from one foot to the other as he waited to see if she would even talk to him. Sam was momentarily forgotten by both of them. "I've been worse Edward. Not too happy about being here now, as you can imagine, but Alice is very convincing."

His lips pulled up nervously as his hand dropped back down to his side. "And for this game? Nervous?"

She laughed gently, but stress was still evident on her face. "You could say that." She paused for a moment then smirked. "What are the bets?"

He laughed and for the first time I could see Edward as he had always been. "Em is at all, Rose said three, and I haven't gotten to Alice yet."

"And your prediction?"

"I am not entering," was his simple, quite reply. She broke into a smile then, resulting in a bit of red to flare across his cheek. He didn't look away though, like he usually would.

"What bets?" asked Sam, trying to get back into the conversation.

"How many times I miss the ball and it hits me instead," she said, still smiling. "Personally, I am with Emmett."

Edward nodded before meeting Bella's eyes again. "I am sorry for the choice of game though Bells. It was Emmett's idea and Brie wanted to play it as well."

I flinched. How could my brother, as smart as he was, be so socially obtuse? Bella's face fell instantly and she looked away. "It doesn't matter. Sam, I have to go get something to drink. I'll be back in a minute. Excuse me."

My eyes followed the dejected girl as she walked slowly toward the cooler at the edge of the sand. I glared at my brother for a minute but he wasn't aware enough to really notice. He was staring after Bella with confusion. Could he seriously not know what he had just done? I turned to Rose. "Do you ever wonder if your brother was adopted?"

She laughed. "He is a guy, Alice; it's their job to screw up what we want them most to succeed in. Besides, your plan worked better than I would have expected. I don't know how you do it hon, but you have a gift."

I sighed, "Not really Rose, but thanks. Will you excuse me? I have to go bash in Edward's head."

She laughed again, "Don't be too hard on him."

I marched toward him only to be stopped as an arm wrapped around my waist. Jasper. With a sigh I leaned back into him.

"Calm my love. Calm."

I closed my eyes, focusing on his hand as it ran across my stomach to my hip, then back again. He could make me forget too easily, make irritation and anger leave me too quickly for my own liking. But, even at that thought, I couldn't muster any of it back. And who cared anyway? What would I do? March over and punch Edward when he was already confused about what was happening? That didn't seem quite right… cold even. As I relaxed into him further I even began to feel bad for what I had just done to Bella. For a moment, a simple, small moment she had a taste of him again, only to have it washed away when he dumped the water over her head. What was I trying to do? Make her happy or get them together? Were they really as interwoven as I thought? Tossing them together when no known outcome would arise certainly didn't seem to make her happy, that was for sure. Again, that didn't seem right. But I did have to get them together somehow. They knew that they loved the other, they just had to realize that the other loved them as well…

"Don't put her too far under, brother dear. We need her energy for the game." Rose's voice broke my thought process, making my eyes pop open, almost with an audible sound. Jasper chuckled in my ear, but didn't let go. I turned in his arms, looking up into his beautiful blue eyes. "You know you do that too well, right?"

He chuckled again before kissing me gently. I could feel it all the way in my toes. "And you, my dear, are very appreciative."

"Couldn't be more so," I teased before detaching myself from him, "but now what am I going to do? I had a good reason to hit Edward, but you stole it away."

"Why are we hitting me?" my brother asked from behind me.

I turned to face him, "Because you, brother dear, are an idiot."

"I am aware of that Alice. But what did I do exactly?" his eyes pleaded for the answer. A bit of my anger returned. What hadn't he done?

Jasper answered before I began my list, "You just brought Bella back to a subject she doesn't… really like."

Edward was slow. "The… volleyball game?"

I slapped his arm, but Jasper answered calmly. "No."

"Emmett? She has been fine with-"

"No."

"…Brie?" Edward tried again. When he wasn't shot down and received no blow from me recognition dawned. "Bella doesn't like Brie?"

"Try 'hates' Edward. Loathes, detests, abhors… do you understand?" I said harshly. "Especially when the name passes your lips."

"But why?"

Jasper laughed openly and I felt my jaw drop. Was he serious?

"Are you really that oblivious? She is trying her best, you know? Whatever she can to make what she believes is your wishes to come true. She thinks you don't want her, and she is trying to make it so that she doesn't want you either. All she wants is to be happy, but what do you do when what makes you happy isn't happy with you? And you just make it as painful for her as possible."

His eyebrows shot up, but before he could respond Emmett bellowed, "Time to start the game!" Then he looked over at us and called, "Got a flat. Running a couple hours behind, but they are coming."

As we separated I was very careful to make sure that the teams lined up as I wanted them to. Bella, me, Rose, Jasper, and Zach, Sam's brother, whenever he arrived, made up one while Brie, Edward, Emmett, and Sam made up our opposing team. Randy and Carla stayed in their chairs under the edge of the trees, watching. Bella looked nervous as she wandered over to our side of the net, seeming to be weighing out the pros and cons of making a mad dash for it. Edward took the position directly across from her, eyeing her carefully as she stared at her feet while Rose and Brie did the best of three in rock, paper, scissors to see which team served—Rose won, as was expected.

I was first to serve and did it as a simple test of Brie's skill, wanting to see what we were up against—she spiked it right at Bella as if she knew the weak point. Jasper saved it as Bella jumped back, swinging and only narrowly missing my boyfriend's head. Edward bumped it back over to me, which Rose quickly set so I could spike it at Brie. The ball nailed into the girls arms as she tried to return it only to knock it out of bounds. The growing red marks were visible even from a distance. Smirking to myself I served again, this time avoiding Brie and sending it toward Sam who sent it right back over the net. The ball volleyed for a few before Brie again spiked it at Bella, this time not to be saved. From there the game became much more personal.

"One-one," Sam called as he served, aiming just a bit too high for Rose to reach and making her jump to send it back; it was impossible not to see the way Sam stared at her body as she stretched up. This, however, did work to our slight advantage as Emmett was distracted enough by Sam's leer not to notice the ball coming right toward him.

"Two-one," Jasper said fairly quietly as he passed the ball smoothly over the net, right to Edward who was careful to put it as far from Bella as he could. There was a quick volley until Brie again tried to spike it at Bella, making me dive in for the save. Missing, the ball nailed the side of my face just as poor Bella covered her own eyes, getting ready for the impact. Jasper growled as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled my hand from my cheek. I glanced at Brie, shocked by the malicious smirk on her face.

"Sorry Alice," she called in a sugary voice, "I was a little off with my aim."

"Oh no she did not!" Rose hissed as she stepped closer to me.

I turned my eyes to Bella who was looking at me with worry, obviously nervous about my face, not the challenge just issued to her. Brie was obviously out to get my sweet best friend because of Edward's evident favor. My eyes flicked to my brother, taking in his cross expression as he looked at the petite girl on his team, a bit of loathing felt. Her eyes turned to him and a smile spread as she obviously overlooked the bad of his glance and only noticed the fact that he was watching her. Bella noticed none of this.

"Oh it's fine Brie. It might have been bad if there was any power behind the ball, but I hardly felt it thank god," I said with a cheery smile, masking the intent of the insult.

She read it quickly anyway, returning her own plaster smile. "As long as no one was hurt."

The game continued, Sam claiming that it was their point and serve despite the slowly rising welt on my face. War had been declared. Emmett served to me carefully, giving me an easy return to Edward who bumped it gently across the net to Bella. I was close behind her in case she couldn't get it, but she was focused enough to bump it back up into the air high enough for Rose to spike across. Sam managed to dive for it and catch it, sending it back to Bella who, no longer fully prepared, missed the ball. She looked dejected as she picked it back up and tossed it over to Em. I wrapped my arms around her before the serve and smiled, but Edward was the one who spoke.

"Good set Bells; if Sam hadn't been so close it wouldn't have been returned at all."

She blushed and looked away as Emmett called the score and served. Jasper returned it and an easy volley began again, giving me time to make quick observations. Emmett was watching between Sam and Rose very carefully, hardly paying any attention to the ball. Sam's eyes kept flicking between Bella, me, and Rose, creeping me out and making me wish he wasn't there. Jasper was staying very close to me, getting in front of me every chance he had as if to block someone's view. Bella was watching the ball cautiously, obviously praying it would come no where near where she stood. Edward was hardly watching anything but Bella, his face becoming sadder every time she flinched at the approach of the ball. I smiled to myself at that—this was good. I stepped closer to Bella, leaning into her ear. "Okay, this time I am going to bump the ball to you, and I want you to send it over the net."

She turned panicked eyes toward me. "Alice, please don't…"

I smiled, "Come on Bella, you can do it."

Stepping back I looked up just in time to see Brie again getting ready to spike, her feet moving into the same position as they had before. I growled and watched as she jumped just as Sam set it for her. Before I even had a chance to dive in front of Bella again, the ball smacked into her arms as she tried to protect her stomach, sending it shooting back over the net and just out of reach of the surprised Brie. I gave an incredulous laugh before cheering as Bella rubbed her forearms. Jasper patted her back and Rose gave her a quick hug as Edward just beamed at the girl who seemed to take no excitement out of hitting the ball back.

From there the game moved quicker and points built up fast. We were only playing to 15 and our fifth team mate didn't even show up till the score was 12-11 with our team in the lead. Everything till then was just a blur of protecting poor Bella who it seemed was doomed to Brie's wrath on a new level from that moment on and battling it hard across the court. It was accepted by majority that, after Bella's first serve in which she nailed Jasper in the back of the head, she would no longer have to serve the ball. Once the new member arrived things changed though.

EPOV

"11-12," I called as I sent the ball flying over the net to Alice who, with her normal quick movements, hit it back to me. I considered, momentarily, bumping it to Bella to put her back in the game but it passed as I recognized the fear on her face. I sent it, instead, to Zach who, had I glanced earlier, was much too busy staring at Bella's ass to even notice. The ball bounced off his head knocking him down (to my satisfaction) and pulling a cry of outrage from his throat.

"Dude! What the hell?"

I raised my eyebrows, surprised by his irritation; it had been his own fault that he wasn't paying attention, not mine. Not to mention the fact that he had definitely chosen the wrong distraction for me to be even mildly sympathetic. "What? It was an easy hit."

He glared at me as I took the ball that Jasper returned to me. Being careful not to smile I served again. As the game progressed I watched Bella carefully; she was obviously tired from the stress the game was bringing her and I could see several red marks rising on her arms from the various blocks she had managed when the others were too slow to protect her. They brought out an anger in me that was directed at only one person—Brie. It was hard to believe that a single girl could hurt my Bella so much, but the proof was right before me. My anger was almost too painful as I turned my eyes to the petite girl in the barely-there bathing suit who, it would seem, was bouncing for no apparent reason. Why would my beautiful, sweet, amazing Bella feel that this girl had anything on her?

Retuning my eyes to Bella I had to swallow hard to keep from making any noise as I absorbed her image. Alice and Rose had obviously pushed her into the tight fitting cotton top that was so low cut it left me panting for more than one reason. I could see, even with the distance, that the shirt clung even more than it had because of the heat of day in mixture with the game bringing just enough perspiration to the surface to make her skin shimmer in the sunlight and the cotton dampen just a bit. Bella's legs seemed long and so well toned in the shorts that she wore, leaving more to the imagination than I would have liked had I been alone with her.

I was pulled from my thoughts as the ball hit the sand right by my feet, making me flinch as I turned to see Sam and Emmett glaring at me. I shook my head as I picked the ball back up and tossed it to Zach. After a deep breath I focused myself. While I wanted Bella's team to win I knew that if I just handed out the points like I just had I would actually be accused of not even trying later. Everyone fought hard now, knowing the game would soon come to an end as my team again managed to even the score at 13. It was Brie's serve and I knew something bad was about to happen even before she spiked it at my Bella yet again.

BPOV

Everyone knew it was coming and everyone but me seemed to be prepared for it. I closed my eyes as the ball again hurled toward me, covering my face in hopes of saving the last unmarked place on my body. I could feel Alice dive in for protection, but she wasn't quite fast enough as the ball collided with my arms, stinging them again and making me bite my lips to keep from cursing at the pain.

"Out of bounds. Our point!" Sam called as the ball deflected off me and just past the marker.

To my surprise it didn't just go by this time. "You know what? I am so sick of this. Brie, if you try to hit Bella like that one more time, whether you succeed or not, our team is forfeiting. The girl is covered in fucking welts because of you! This is a game and I don't care what you have against her, taking it out on her like this is nothing but bullshit. Not that you have a right to have anything against her anyway."

I stared at Edward, wide-eyed as he spoke to Brie in a tone he had never used with me. Edward was one to express his irritation, disappointment, and anger with calm, deep tones and full explanations, not growls and what was pretty damn near a yell. She looked near tears as he turned back to face me, the anger leaving his face instantly as he met my eyes for only a moment. I swallowed hard just as he looked away. Obviously dejected the girl folded her arms across her chest and pouted for a second before turning hate filled eyes to me. A fake, sugar filled smile overtook her lips as she saw me looking at her and she waved her hand as if to clear the air—"Sorry Bella, I just get rather competitive when it comes to some games."

I didn't even fake curtesy as I held my blank-faced stare as Sam got ready to serve. I knew exactly which 'game' she was referring to and it certainly had nothing to do with volleyball. I wanted to claw her eyes out as she turned a swift, apologetic glance to Edward who had been watching her… again. Jealousy boiled in my blood as I looked away, afraid of what I might do if I continued to witness the disgusting flirtation. I hated that he could pull that reaction from me after everything. I had tried so hard to prepare myself for this encounter, but had never expected there to be another girl here. Just him, I could have handled. But the flirtation made my blood boil, no matter how much I hated it.

Needing a distraction I turned my eyes to the more immediate threat of my wellbeing—the ball that Rose was currently passing across the net to Edward. For being such a small, innocent looking object, it brought out some pretty extreme rage in some people. Or, rather, it gave people a way to release their rage in a 'healthy' way. I glanced down at my arm for a second as Edward passed it back to Alice. The bruises that would be covering them tomorrow seemed far from healthy. Alice set the ball so that Rose could spike it just on the other side of the net, evening the score at 14. The next team to score would win, and it was our serve.

Zach's serve hardly even cleared the net, bringing instant irritation to everyone on my team; the sucky hit was obviously intentional. Brie returned the ball, not spiking it for once, but aiming for me—the weak spot—none the less. Still energized by my mixup with jealousy I managed to bump the ball right back to her, smirking as I did it. Seeming to be aggravated that I had been able to hit it back she pushed it back at me again, a little quicker, but still not a spike. I, again, returned it though I am not sure how I aimed enough to strike it. She glared as she slammed it back toward me, not aiming quite as well as she had been. I dove for it, determined to hit it back out of sheer spite. My feet tangled together and suddenly all I could see was the lakes edge and the water a little way below.

EPOV

I can not honestly tell you who seemed the most surprised by Bella's sudden ability to play the game. Looking around everyone but Brie and my Bells were frozen in place as they watched the volley. The first return was impressive and brought an instant smile to my lips out of pride for Bella. The second made my heart beat faster as the urge to pick her up and hug her ran through my system, making my entire body stiffen as I realized I couldn't. The third, however, made my heart stop. Brie hit it hard, just in bounds, but not nearly close enough for Bella to reach without a good stretch which, it seemed, she was willing to give. Her body tightened as she dove hard, reaching for the ball with all her power. She hit it alright, sending it to Jasper, but from there everything went wrong. Her feet tangled under her as she tried to stop herself and she fell right over the edge and into the lake. My body reacted before my mind even processed the fact that she had gone in. I dove into the water without thinking about removing my shorts or shoes, without considering the fact that we were in the middle of a game and Bella was a good swimmer, without even glancing to see if anyone else was worried or planned on helping her. My entire body washed in cold fear as I wrapped my arms around the girl under the water. She didn't make a movement to grab onto or try to get away from me… she didn't seem to move at all.

I swam hard to the surface, holding her to my chest. The lake had not been very deep and with the way she had gone in, head first and with no control, the chances she had hit the rocky bottom were pretty great. I turned her in my arms, looking for signs of head trauma. There was none that I could immediately find, a mild relief, and swam toward the shore quickly, not looking away from the empty face so close to mine. When it was shallow enough for me to stand I stopped, lifting Bella in my arms, almost completely out of the water. Her hair hung back from her face, matting in the same way it had every time she went into the pool; she had complained about it many times.

"Bella? Can you hear me?"

The body in my arms shivered once before she opened her eyes and started coughing. She only had a little water in her lungs, nothing to really hack up, but she held onto me while the shutters ran through her none the less. My arms tightened around her suddenly fragile form as I waded to the shore, not even noticing the welcoming party that was waiting for us. Bella, however, was quite aware. "Oh no…"

"What's wrong Bells?" I asked quietly as I looked down into her face. Her eyes momentarily turned from the shore to meet my gaze, only to quickly turn back away.

"They all saw me, didn't they?

I couldn't help but give a little laugh as I watched red flare across her cheek. "Bella, you fell off a ledge into the water in the middle of a volleyball game… there isn't much chance that people wouldn't take notice."

She glanced at me again, a wilting look that sent my heart racing; she had used to give me the same look when I bought her something or broke the news that Alice was taking her shopping. How I missed being able to pull those kind of reactions from her—anything would be preferable to the anger, sadness, or fake smiles that I had been witnessing all day. Her own face softened as I looked down into her eyes, as if she was reliving memories as well. I wondered, only momentarily, if she missed the past as much as I did. The answer, I was sure, would not be the one I wished to hear if I made the mistake of asking. I doubted anyone, even my passionate Bella, could feel as strongly as I did in this particular case. Her gaze, as if reading the pain in mine, swept back to the not too distant crowd waiting for us on the shore. My eyes, momentarily out of my control, carried down to the shirt of the beautiful girl, revealing that beneath the white cotton that was now plastered to her, she wore a pale blue bra, sheer and unpadded. Feeling like a dog lapping up the image that would haunt me forever I looked back away, focusing only on the sunbleached sand of the beach. Once I reached that I didn't stop moving, bypassing the people, Alice and Rose the only two to follow me to the tent where I set Bella down on a cot. To my surprise she grabbed my hand before I could turn to silently leave.

"Thank you Edward."

I lifted my eyes to hers, shivering at the sincerity that rang out in her look. I gave a weak smile and nodded, swallowing hard as I left the girl that I wanted so badly to hold to the care of her two closest friends.

APOV

We all sat around the fire, keeping warm and happy, with the exception of Bella who was still in the tent, probably wrestling with herself about the clothes that I had picked out for her. I still couldn't believe she hadn't hurt herself with that last trip up. But she swore she was fine, and she had also won the game for our team. Edward had been so focused on her that he had just taken off after her. Dove right into the lake without a second thought. Of course, he hadn't changed into anything but a new pair of jeans and a tee. For Bella however, I had picked out a pair of super cute black jeans that I was sure she wouldn't have worn on any other day, but wouldn't have too much problem slipping into today. The shirt is what she wouldn't like.

Even as I thought about it Bella stepped out of the tent, her hair pulled back into a high clip, making her features stand out more. She never kept her hair pulled back like that simply because it gave her nowhere to hide. I looked down, away from her beautiful face that held not a drop of makeup and didn't need it, to the beautiful blue lace top that was one size smaller than most of her clothes and fit her to the curve. The bright blue was beautiful next to her skin, which had a touch of gold, and contrasted well with her dark hair and eyes. The jeans, of course, fit her closer than any pair I had ever put her in before, but didn't look bad. She had bore a low hanging diamond tear that I remember Edward having bought her for Christmas a few years ago. The last that we had all been together for the holiday, when he had brought all of our gifts up to us. I could picture her opening it in our dorm room, taking her time with the wrapping. She had been afraid to touch it once she had it all open, but he had insisted on her putting it on. He ended up doing it for her. For a year she only took it off when she went to take a shower. She had put it away eventually because it hurt her to look at it.

No one else had noticed her yet. I glanced over at Edward who was talking to Brie, the girl leaning in and smiling like she was in heaven. The only seat open was next to Jasper and me. That would never do.

"Hey Brie! Come here," I called, smiling and patting the spot next to me. She nodded, looking reluctant as she stood up and wandered over, sitting down next to me. "So, I was wondering if you would like to come with me tomorrow. I was going to gather the girls and just stay together in one tent and have a girl's night."

She smiled and nodded, "That would be great!"

I smiled and patted her arm as I glanced over at Bella who was looking nervous as she stood just outside of the firelight, nibbling on her lip as she searched for a different seat. I pulled Brie's arm through mine before she could decide to go back to other seat. "Bella!"

She looked at me, releasing her lip as she smiled. She didn't seem to notice that everyone else turned to stare at her. I glanced at Edward whose jaw was hanging open as he took her in, the smile on her face radiant and beautiful. Rose glanced at me with a smirk, a wink, and gave an approving nod. When she turned back to look at Bella she said, "Take a seat Bella. How are you?"

Her smile went down a little as she looked again for a different seat. There wasn't one. She went to Edward's side and sat down, not looking at him. "I'm fine. I really am."

Rose beamed, "I'm so glad. We were all so worried when you fell in like that."

Bella answered but I was too busy looking around at everyone else to gauge reactions to actually hear. Brie was all but glaring as she looked over Bella's attire, her eyes flicking back to Edward who was staring at Bella with wide eyes. Emmett was still slack jawed and looked ready to cover her up. Neither Rose nor I would ever allow that, of course. Randy and Carla were whispering back and forth, both smiling as they kept glancing at Bella and Edward. I had seen the comprehension on their faces when they had watched Edward dive in after Bella, figuring out pretty quickly who was meant to be together. They were apparently unaware of Brie's attempts to change that plan. Esme and Carlisle (who had arrived shortly after the incedent) were smiling as they leaned their faces together and kissed before looking back at their son and Bella. I knew for a fact that they had both accepted Bella into the family that first day when they had seen Edward really laugh. I was momentarily glad that the boys hadn't come and tried to steal Bella's attention again. I glanced up at Jasper, whose lap was a more comfortable seat for me then the stupid log, and saw he was smiling at me. He leaned into my ear and chuckled, "My little match maker."

I smiled and kissed him quickly before looking back at Bella. She was smiling, but there was definitely barely masked stress in her face as she stared into the fire. I blinked a few times as I tried to figure out a plan, searched for something to bring the two closer. Emmett figured it out before I did, which really shocked me. "Time for truth or dare all. And I do mean ALL! Everyone is playing."

Everyone but Bella was nodding eagerly. Of course, she knew that with so many against her there was no way that she would be getting out of it.

"Okay, Jasper, truth or dare?" he said, smiling.

Jasper flinched, "Dare."

"I dare you to show us the CD case from you car," he said, smiling. I knew automatically what he was getting at. I also knew that he was completely correct.

Jasper sighed and I got up, letting him hurry to the car. He was back a minute later, the black case in hand. He tossed it to Emmett as he sat back down, patting his knees. I sat down happily and watched as my brother read off the titles, nearly every single CD bringing a snicker simply because they were mine. When he was finished they were all staring at Jasper who was blushing a bit as he looked only at me.

"Jasper my friend, I'm afraid you've become completely whipped," he laughed.

Everyone laughed as Jasper kissed my cheek. "What can I say?" He scanned the circle looking for the next victim. "Okay, Brie, truth or dare?"

"Truth," she said, looking up at him.

He smiled and thought about it. "What's the most embarrassing thing you have ever done?"

She considered it before smiling, "I was still in middle school and we had an assembly. I fell asleep during it and started snoring while the principal was talking. It had been so quiet in the gym that it echoed. My friend woke me up as quickly as she could but it was too late."

We all laughed as she smiled.

-BPOV

I could see it. The petite blonde with a big manly snore. That was why I was laughing, though I'm sure everyone else was laughing because of the story. She was smiling, basking in the attention. Her eyes met mine and I smiled fakely.

"Okay, Bella, truth or dare?"

"Truth," I said cautiously, not sure exactly how dirty she played.

"Good, I have to know. What is the worst break you've ever had?" she asked. "All I've heard since Edward pulled you out of the lake is that you've always had bad luck with that kind of thing."

I smiled a little as I met Alice's eyes. She was already laughing, knowing my answer. I looked over at Carlisle and Esme who were also chuckling before I started. I glanced briefly at Edward who was staring into the fire with a wide smile, probably picturing it again. I met Brie's eyes. "Well, it was my senior year. I had gym with Edward and Alice. We were playing basketball, the class divided into four teams, so while two were playing two got to sit out. I was playing while the two of them were sitting. I'm … a bit of a klutz, so the entire class basically did one thing; not get near me while I ran. I was so used to it that I wasn't paying any attention to the game and was just… glancing at Edward and Alice when the coach told someone to pass the ball to me because apparently I was the only one that was open. With no choice they did, but I was completely unaware of it. I was just running past the bleachers and it hit me, which shocked me so much that I jumped back and fell into the bleachers just under where those two were. I broke my wrist, two fingers, and my ankle on top of a concussion that day."

Alice now had her head buried in Jasper's neck as she laughed, Esme was whispering something to Carlisle as they both laughed, Emmett was hooting, Rose was trying to be a friend and keep a straight face, I could feel the log shaking a little so I knew Edward was laughing, Brie was staring at me with wide eyes, and her family had their heads cocked, probably trying to picture it.

"Oh god, I remember when I saw her on a stretcher again," Carlisle said aloud. "Edward was leading it, looking whiter than poor Bella was. Alice was clutching the hand that was obviously okay, almost crying. Bella was just lying there, saying it was nothing. NOTHING!"

I smiled at him, "Well, it seemed like they were making such a big deal out of it."

"I wish I had still been at school then. I came home a few weeks later for a weekend and Bella was sitting on the couch with two casts on the same side of her body. I almost died laughing when I saw her."

"Which gives you full insight into what kind a friend Emmett is," I said, laughing. "Okay, Em, truth or dare?"

He smiled, "Dare."

"I dare you to sing the beginning to…" I thought about it. A song that I knew he would know, but would embarrass him. Something that no guy should know, but every guy does. "Truly Madly Deeply."

He opened his mouth, then closed it. Alice was laughing and nodding again, knowing full well that he knew the song. He sighed and closed his eyes. "I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy. I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need. I love you more with every breath Truly madly deeply do. I will be strong I will be faithful 'cos I'm counting on a new beginning. A reason for living. A deeper meaning, yeah."

We all applauded, hardly holding back our laughter. Rose was the first to let it out, patting her boyfriend's cheek. He was blushing like mad. "Bravo honey."

"Okay, Rose, truth or dare?"

She smiled, "Truth."

He smiled and paused for a second. "If I asked you to marry me, would you?"

Everyone froze, staring at them. I felt my jaw loosen and fall open as she turned slowly to look at him. She stared at him for a second, then nodded. "Without a second thought."

He smiled for a second and leaned behind the log, bringing out a red velvet box and lifting the lid, "Rosalie Hale, will you be my wife?"

She closed her eyes for a second, the most beautiful smile spreading across her face. "Yes."

There was a collective sigh as everyone let out the breath they had been holding, then Alice broke the silence with a loud screech. She ran over and gave Rose the biggest hug while Emmett took her hand and slid the ring on. "! !"

Everyone was laughing and clapping, looking at the glowing Emmett as he stared at his new fiancé. She laughed and hugged Alice for a second, then the little fairy stood back up and hurried back to Jasper's lap, a smile plastered on her face. I smiled at her before looking back at Rose as she kissed Emmett. It was one of those kisses that no one ever wanted to witness someone else doing. I blushed. She was laughing happily as she pulled away and hugged herself to him, tears in her eyes. I felt some prickle up in my own.

With a sigh she let go, and wiped at her tears. She looked at Carlisle and Esme who were beaming and holding each other's hands as they looked at their soon to be daughter. They approved. She let out another breath and then sang, "Okay, on with the game."

We all laughed as she looked around, choosing her victim. "Randy!" he looked nervous as he looked at her, "Truth or dare?"

He looked at his wife for a second who whispered into his ear. "Dare."

Rose smiled, and thought about it, then she just laughed and said, "Kiss your wife!"

I smiled as he leaned into his wife and gave her a simple kiss on the lips. I rolled my eyes and Emmett yelled, "Come on! You can do better than that!"

His wife laughed as she patted his shoulder. He met Emmett's eyes and laughed, "We can't all be amazing kissers!"

"I'm sure you're the pride of the family," laughed Carla, looking at Emmett.

Edward scoffed quietly beside me and it took a lot for me not to blush. He hadn't meant it to be heard, I'm sure, that wouldn't have been like him. But everyone turned to look at him with me being the only exception as I stared into the fire, swallowing hard. Randy spoke up, "No Edward? Prove it. I dare you to."

He went stiff beside me, but I knew it was too late for him to back out. "How?"

"Show us a better kiss then Emmett's," Alice sang. I looked up at her, meeting her eyes. She smiled. My eyes flicked to Brie's whose eyes were incredibly hopeful. I swallowed hard again.

"Who?"

"Bella. You two have been friends for years now. I think you can handle not taking too much out of it, right?" Esme said. My head rounded and stared at her, my jaw open. She smiled and I blushed. She knew. I could see it in her eyes. She knew what had already happened between us. And now she was playing matchmaker.

"Unless you're afraid of losing," Emmett said, laughing.

I glanced at Edward, completely helpless. He had the same look on his face, looking like he had no idea how he had gotten himself (or me) into this mess. With a sigh he stood up and turned to me, holding out a hand. I stared at it for a second, finally remembering that I should take it. He helped me stand up, then lifted me by the hips onto the log so I was face to face with him. He leaned to my ear, "You don't have to do this Bella."

I swallowed, "It's too late to back out now."

He met my eyes and smiled weakly, fakely. He didn't want to do this. I closed my eyes for a second, then looked at him again, biting my lip. I could do this. I was trying to get over him, trying to let it go. Maybe once he kissed me and neither of us felt anything I could finally truly put it behind me. I nodded, letting him know I was ready. He took a step closer, his nose brushing mine once, then his lips were there, touching mine. I didn't freeze like the first time, knew that I couldn't if I wanted him to win this. I lifted my hands to his neck as he pushed against me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me right to him. It only took a second for me to lose my mind.

The outside world melted away, my heart stopped beating, my mind went blank, and I was lost in his smell. I tightened my arms around him, my hands running up and burying themselves in his hair, holding his face to mine. His lips moved perfectly, and I watched as his eyes closed. My own followed as I tilted my head and pushed harder. He sighed against me, tightening his grip even more. Without thinking I lifted my legs and wrapped them around his torso. I felt his heart slamming in his chest just below mine, the quick beat that seemed to work so well with my own. I parted my lips a little and breathed. He let out a sharp breath as well, the taste filling my mouth as one hand climbed my back till it gripped my clip. I felt it release, my hair tumbling down my back as his fingers ran through it. Every fiber of my being, every atom, wanted to be touched more, to have him wrap around me tighter and to never let me go. I parted my lips at the same moment he did, sucking in the others oxygen. My tongue swept across where our bottom lips met, really tasting him for the first time.

"Whoa! Guess who just lost his crown!" Alice called laughing, "I'm afraid that Edward had every right to scoff Em!"

I pulled away from his lips, surprised. He opened his eyes suddenly, staring into me. I let out my breath, swallowing hard as I held his look, not sure what else to do. I felt his breathing as his chest rose and fell under mine, not nearly as erratic but far from calm. He stood there for a moment, not blinking, then he slowly untangled his hand from my hair. Understanding, I did the same, dropping my hands to his shoulders, then releasing my legs and sliding to the ground. He waited a second before letting my hips go. I closed my eyes and sat back down, staring at the fire and not meeting any eyes, especially his. There was a miniscule amount of silence, then applauding. I still didn't look up as I felt my cheeks burn a little more. Fantastic. I had just had a mini-makeout session with the guy who I had been completely in love with but could never have, right in front of his family. Yeah. Great...

-APOV

I watched them disentangle before sitting down, both with red cheeks as they looked away from each other. I took Jasper's hands and clapped them together, just teasing. The others joined in for a second, celebrating the new kissing king of the Cullen family. Both of their faces went redder and I watched as Edward closed his eyes. It was Carlisle who was the first to really speak up, trying to negate some of the tension that was obviously flowing between his son and the girl of his dreams. "Edward, I believe it's your turn."

He opened his eyes and looked at his father. After a brief paused he gave the fakest smile I had ever seen on his face and shook his head, "Someone else can have my turn; I think I'm going to go for a walk."

I watched as he turned on the log before walking off into the woods. Bella flinched when he said it, her entire body seeming to twitch. Her eyes were completely focused on the fire, not wandering away from the flames as he rose and left, her cheeks losing the blush and a green pale taking over. I glanced at Brie who was smirking as she looked between Bella and the retreating Edward. I wanted to slap that smirk off her face. She had seen as well as everyone else that, though the kiss had only been a bet, for the two of them it was anything but. They were still fighting their emotions, but that kiss had shattered a lot in them. It couldn't be long before things became too much for them to handle. If only they would accept them.

I turned my eyes to Rose who was staring at Bella with worry. I couldn't blame her, the girl looked as if she may be sick. I sighed and looked up at Jasper. He turned his eyes to me and smiled, giving me a tight hug. Leaning into my ear again, he whispered, "It'll work out Alice. With you on the case, it has no choice."

I laughed and rested further into him, looking around again. Everybody was lost in their own conversations, the game obviously forgot. Well, everyone but Brie and Bella. With a sigh I pulled out of Jasper's arms, giving him a quick kiss. "I'll be back."

Bella didn't look up when I sat down next to her, didn't move at all. I had the oddest feeling she wasn't even breathing. When I touched her arm she woke with a start, her head whipping in my direction as she took a shaky breath. "Alice."

"You okay Bella?" I whispered, hoping no one could hear.

Her cheeks went paler, a sight I had never expected to see. "Yeah, I'm fine."

I took her hand, shaking my head as I looked at her. "Let's go to the tent."

She stood slowly, seeming to shake herself awake. She lifted her chin, following me with her eyes ahead, blatantly ignoring everyone and acting as if everything was completely normal. I had to admit I was proud of her. Even I couldn't ignore the smirk on Brie's face as we walked by, as if she had won something in all this. The first chance I had to smack that girl I would leave one hell of a mark, there was no doubt about that.

"Are you okay?" I asked as I held open the tent flap for her.

The darkness hid her face, but I saw her head turn in my direction. "I'm fine, Alice."

"You didn't look fine, Bella," I whispered as I turned on the lantern, illuminating the confined space. She still looked pale, actually, as she sat on her cot. Her eyes trailed across the floor, tracing imaginary lines. I sat beside her, taking her hand into mine. "This is all my fault, Bella. I am so sorry."

Her hand tightened around mine. "No Alice, this is my fault and no one else's. I have been trying to be completely impervious to this all. Just trying to ignore it and believing it would go away. But that doesn't work. I can't ignore something that has tortured me for years now. It won't just vanish because I don't want to face it." She paused and let out a deep sigh. "I just wish I knew what I am supposed to do about it."

"Did you ever consider that, maybe, you are just supposed to be with him?" I asked quietly, cautiously. "That maybe that is what makes it so hard to let it go?"

She shook her head slowly. "Alice, I have been telling myself that for years and look how far it has gotten me so far. I have barely dated. Hell, I have hardly a social life except for what you helped force me into."

"Bella…" I began, not even sure how to express my guilt at what she was saying.

"I don't mean that in a bad way, Alice. I am the one who has made it so difficult. You always just wanted to see me happy and, because I have never done it for myself, you did your best to help. I didn't always enjoy it, but overall it was for my own good. If you hadn't I would have to say that I never had a social life and that would have been worse. At least I had some fun, met people." She gave a bitter laugh, "Just think, I would probably be a shit in already, surrounded by cats and never leaving my house. Instead, I have you and your entire family as my friends. I am in a beautiful place, surrounded by love. Could I really ask for more?"

"Yes!" I insisted.

She laughed but there was a lot of pain in it. "Alice, no matter how much either of want it, he has to want it as well."

"But he does!"

"Then where is he? Why wouldn't he be here if that was so?" her voice showed her broken heart. "Alice, no matter how much you don't want it to be true, even you have to admit the truth behind that. If he loved me in that way, wanted to be with me, why wouldn't he be here?"

"Because he is an idiot, Bella. When it comes to love you both are. You always have been," I nearly shouted, shaking my head. "I had hoped both of you would grow out of it… obviously not."

She sighed, "Have you ever thought that maybe it is you who are wrong, Alice?"

I laughed. "Not that I can't be wrong, Bella, but if I am in this case so is everyone else who has ever seen the two of you together. My entire family, for instance."

She slumped down, leaning against my side. "Then a lot of people are wrong."

"Bella—" I began only to stop as the flap opened. Even I was shocked as Edward entered, looking flustered and pale. He ran hand through his hair, pushing it back nervously as he met Bella's eyes.

His mouth opened but he didn't speak for a moment, as if the words had simply flown away. "Sorry if I interrupted," he sputtered after a little shake, backing his way up toward the exit again, "I can go if…"

"Edward, you must have come for a reason. Stay. You aren't interrupting," I said before he could escape.

He took a deep breath. "I was hoping to talk to Bella."

I turned my eyes to the girl at my side. Her eyes were wide as she starred at my brother, confusion coating every inch of her face. She opened her mouth but quickly snapped it shut. It took her a minute to answer, almost as if considering, but really gaining the courage to speak I think. "Of course, Edward."

Relief flitted across his face, as if he had been afraid that she wouldn't even have let him get that far. I couldn't blame him—he loved Bella deeply and knowing that he caused her pain made a part of him hate himself. He stepped away from the makeshift door taking a seat across from Bella on my cot. His posture was not nearly as proper as he usually maintained and he had completely abandoned his normal air of cool. He looked completely dishevelled and unsure, something I hadn't seen since he had first met Bella. His pointed look at me, however, was completely his style.

"I think I will go back to the fire, see how Jasper is doing." I stood, giving Bella's hand one last firm squeeze before parting.

-BPOV-

My hands shook a little in my lap as I heard Alice zip the tent behind her, something that had yet to be done. I couldn't look him in the eye now that we were alone and found myself staring at his shoulder instead. My mind was torn between fear and hope, though I dared not let the latter take too much control. When he didn't immediately start talking I had to break the silence. "So, what's up?"

"I can't stand this, Bella." His voice sounded as shaky as my hands were. I closed my eyes, not daring to hope at what would come next.

"What do you mean?" Did that squeak come out of me?

"Bella, you have been my absolute best friend since we were sophomores in high school. I have never known anyone who I could… talk to like I can to you. Who cared enough to really listen, never mind have something interesting to say in return. You are the most incredible human being I have ever had the pleasure to meet. And I can not take you looking away from me. I can not stand you seeming so sad. So introverted. No matter what Alice tells me, I can feel that you are not ok and I can't handle it. Knowing that it is my fault is killing me and I could never expect you to forgive my stupidity." He took a deep breath and I opened my eyes, still not looking directly into his. "Bella, I want to make you smile again. Is there anyway you would ever be able to be my friend? I could never ask for more, but your friendship alone would mean more to me than I could ever express with words."

"I thought," I stuttered, "we had already decided to be friends."

"But are we? You can hardly look at me. I want to offer you my sincerest apology and—"

"No, Edward. You owe me absolutely no apology. You act as if you are the one to blame, but you really aren't. And if you want my friendship Edward you can have it. I would never ever hold that from you. You have been the most amazing friend to me for so long." I met his eyes, but could only hold them for a moment. "I… I never meant for all of this to happen. I know that it is irreversible, that it can never be forgotten, but if you want to and think we can be friends again and put it behind us, make it just a moment in a long long friendship, then I will trust you."

A small piece of me didn't want to say it. Part of me wanted to tell him that it couldn't be the same because I would never be able to forget how his lips felt on mine, how his body drove me wild, how just his scent made my heart tremble. But how could I say that when he offered me his loving friendship back with such sincerity, and begged for mine in return. How could I reject him after so many years of honesty and trust had gone into building up to what we had been? A couple weeks couldn't destroy that unless we let it, right? But only part of me even wanted to believe that.

'And how do you propose to keep yourself sane?' the darker side of my heart asked. I could hardly think of a proper answer other than, 'The same way I had through all the time before when I wanted him and could never have him. If I did it then, can I not do it again?'

"How could this possibly be you fault, Bells?" Edward asked, disbelief in every syllable.

I smiled a little bitterly, "If I answer that an argument with follow." I lifted my eyes back to his, determined to hold them this time. "And I don't think that is what you came here for."

He leaned down, resting his elbows on his thighs. "No, I didn't. But I didn't come here to have you accept just because you somehow feel that this is your fault either."

"Edward, I am not accepting out of guilt."

He eyed me for a moment, looking for the trace of a lie on my face or waiting for me to break. When he seemed satisfied he straightened. "I know it won't be easy Bells, but you can't imagine how much relief I feel just coming this far."

I nodded and gave a small smile, "I know what you mean."

He smiled, a real smile for me for the first time since before he had left, but didn't speak. I waited, patiently, wanting him to break the silence, but he just watched me. I swallowed hard, searching for something to say when we heard voices outside of the tent.

"Sounds like everyone is heading into the tents. When I passed by on my way here they were talking about getting up early for a hike."

I sighed, "Oh joy."

He gave a quirky smile and lifted his hand to his hair. "I bet I can get them to leave us behind if you agree to something."

I raised my eyebrow, slightly nervous about answering. Did I really want to be left alone with him? I mean, I know we had just agreed to be friends again but… "Tell me what you had in mind and then I'll answer."

"Keep up with tradition. I have the supplies in my bag and the fire is still plenty hot enough. It'll probably be burning all night."

"And tomorrow?"

"We can stay in camp. Go swimming. Relax. You haven't really been able to since you got here," he said simply, still smiling. He knew I wouldn't be able to resist.

I sighed, bidding the little bit of tension left away. "Okay. I'll meet you out there in 15."

His smile caused a very unwelcome shiver to run up my spine. "'Smores in 15. If you aren't there I am coming to get you." He stood and turned to leave before turning back around and giving me a sheepish look. I expected him to beat around the bush with whatever he wanted, but he surprised me. "Can I get a hug?"

I stood, unable to refuse. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me to him so tightly it reminded me of hugging Emmett. It was that thought alone that actually allowed me to relax enough to return it sincerely. He leaned down to my ear, "I really did miss you, Bells."

He released me and disappeared before I could respond.