Chapter 16

Bella's POV

I wake up surrounded by the Cullens, they look worried. Esme is the first to talk "Let's give Bella some room, she needs air." Edward is the only one staying with me. He helps me to sit up. I realize now that I was in a couch. "Bella, do you want me to call a doctor?" Edward says sternly. I don't feel sick, I guess I was overwhelmed. "I'm fine Edward. I think I had a nervous breakdown or something. I feel so ashamed, what would your parents think of me now?"

Edward tenderly strokes my back as he says "They were just concerned about you. They don't think badly of you." I just don't believe it "They say first impressions matter, and if that's true I guess I left an awful impression."

Alice joins us and she has brought me a glass of water. "This should make you feel better Bella" I take the glass and drink some water, it feels wonderful. "Are you sure you're feeling better now? You can stay in my room, we could have a sleepover." Alice is always ready to host, Edward is pondering Alice's words. "I think Bella would be more comfortable in her own bed Alice."

I have to agree with Edward, "Thank you Alice, but Edward is right. Besides, we have classes tomorrow." Alice seems torn, but I can't always make people happy.

I check my watch and I'm surprised to see how late it is. My parents will be mad. "We should probably get going Edward. It's pass my curfew." Edward's parents enter the living room. "Oh darling, I'm so glad you're feeling better." Esme rubs my arm while Carlisle and Alice share a hug. I guess is time for me to speak. "Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, it was a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry for all the troubles I put you thru."

"Bella, don't be so formal, you're part of our family now. Please call us by our given names." Esme is always polite and caring, Edward sure share the same qualities.

Carlisle speaks now, "Feel welcome to come anytime you want. Nuestra casa es la tua casa." I have to laugh, Edward sure has shared a lot of information about me with his family. The fact that we are Spanish partners seems to be a topic of conversation. Edward seems embarrassed by his father's comment. "Dad, you're mixing languages again." "Am I? I'm sorry, I tend to combine Spanish and Italian, they are too similar sometimes."

"That's alright, don't worry. I tend to do the same with French and Spanish sometimes." I don't want Carlisle to feel bad, but just then I realized I hadn't said a word to Edward about my French lessons. They supposed to be a surprise, I wanted to impress him. He seems to read my thoughts and adds "I can help you with your French." "That would be wonderful, thank you."

I hug each one of the Cullens and make my way to the garage. Edward holds my hand and murmurs "That went better than I had planned."

"Except for the part where I passed out, it was a remarkable moment."

"It surely was." Edward snorts out.

The ride to my house goes smoothly, I even forget about the whole passing out incident at the Cullen's. I sure love Valentine's Day. Edward has done an amazing job. As customary, he opens the door for me and helps me out. I love those details, he's such a gentleman and he's all mine. We walk hand in hand until we reach the porch. We stop right in front of the stairs; we are surrounded by the stars and moon, they have a wonderful effect on Edward, he resembles an aquarelle of the belle époque. I can picture him in those years and most importantly we both adore that era.

"Goodnight Bella, I really had a great time. I hope you've enjoyed it."

"I sure did Edward. It's more than what I expected. Thank you for everything." I give him a peck on the lips. To my surprise Edward doesn't return my kiss. I've had enough, what's going on with him tonight? "Ok mister, we have to talk. Why are you avoiding any physical contact with me today? Is something bothering you?" Silence. Edward is pounding what to say, that just worries me more.

"Bella, there's something we have to discuss." Oh, no. I was afraid of those words.

"What is it Edward? Please tell me. You're worrying me."

"Don't get me wrong Bella, I love kissing you and any other form of physical contact with you. But there's something I need you to know."

"I'm listening."

"A long time ago I made a promise to myself. Not for any religious beliefs or any popular trend. I promised I would do everything in my power to preserve myself for my wife. I don't want you to feel obligated and I won't judge you if you have other plans. I just want you to know that I intend to keep that promise." That was a big confession, and I'm glad he feels that way about something that matters to me.

"Edward, I'm glad you mentioned that."

"You are?"

"Of course I am. I mean, it's not something I promised or something I tell everyone, but I do intend to wait until I'm married to do any type of interaction other than kissing and cuddling with a man."

"That's amazing Bella. I was worried about your reaction, but I'm glad we're on the same page."

"So, are you going to kiss me or that promise includes no kissing and cuddling?"

He laughs. "Come here." Edward pulls me closer to him and kiss me passionately I give up and surrender happily. I'm flustered and giddy. But I won't push him forward, I couldn't ask for more.

"Well, I guess it's time for me to go. Can I drive you to school tomorrow?"

"That would be wonderful. Thank you for everything." I hug him tight. I could spend the entire day like this. He brushes my hair with his hand and soothes me while he leaves a track of kisses on my head and forehead.

"I almost forget it. There's one last present for you." He pulls a small black velvet box from his pocket. I wonder what's inside.

"Edward, you've given me more than enough. You're going to spoil me."

"I would be pleased to grant you everything you wish for. This is our first Valentine's Day together and I want it to be perfect like you." He opens the box and a crystal droplet pendant comes to surface. He directs me to turn around and I instinctively pull my hair up while he expertly sets the silver necklace around my neck. Then, he directs me to turn and helps me accommodating my hair down my back. I grab the stunning piece of jewelry with my fingertips and study it. It's the companion of my hand-me-down earrings. This is too much. I don't deserve it. Edward's lost his mind. He brushes his fingers on my cheek wiping some tears I hadn't realized I shed. He kisses me tenderly on the lips and I hold him closer to me. I let my face rest on his chest and I inhaled his aroma deeply. He rubs my head and back with one hand and holds me still with the other.

"Bella, I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry if I made you feel bad."

I look up and chew my lips once again. "It's just too much. Really, Edward I don't need all of these. I mean, I appreciate the gesture, but I want you to keep your grandma's jewels. They belong with your family."

"You've heard them Bella. You are family now. I promise I don't have any other jewel from my grandma. You've already owned the earrings, the proper thing to do was for you to have the necklace too." He takes out his handkerchief and gives it to me. I wipe my tears with it and hold it close to my heart.

"That's all I guess, I'll see you tomorrow morning. Doux rêves mon ange." Edward kisses me one more time and I stand still as he leaves to his car. What did he just say?