All things Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer; I just like to play with her characters.

No copyright infringement is intended.

Thanks to my betas and prereader – darcysmom, twimom817 and EdwardsMyObsession1971 you ladies make my words better! Love you!

Where Life Takes You

Chapter Five

I spent the day after Edward's birthday with my dad. We got up and had a nice breakfast together before packing up and going fishing for the day. I didn't mind fishing with him. The thrill of the catch was actually fun; it was the cleaning of the fish I didn't like. Thankfully, Dad didn't mind cleaning them as long as I didn't mind frying them up or putting them in the freezer.

We were content sitting together and enjoying the quiet the outdoors provided. The only sounds around us were the trickling of the water and the birds chirping. I was grateful for the time to think after the emotion of the previous days. Did I really want to go back to Las Vegas? Not really, but I'd do it for my mom. I had the sinking feeling that she'd tell me as soon as I stepped off the plane that we were moving to Phoenix. I was dreading it, actually, but I couldn't let it hinder the summer. I was supposed to be spending it having fun with my dad and Edward.

Dad finally broke the silence as we packed up and headed home.

"So I hear you're leaning toward going back to Las Vegas."

I nodded.

"Baby girl, your momma can take care of herself. It's you that I'm not sure she can take care of. She tends to think with her heart instead of her head, and I don't want that to affect you. I can tell you that I want you to stay until I'm blue in the face but that said; I want you to do what you want to do. You're a smart girl and you have a level enough head to make that kind of a decision."

"Thanks, Daddy."

"You're welcome, kiddo. Just know that if you decide to go back to Vegas and things don't work out – all you have to do is call and I'll come get you. You can call me anytime – day or night."

I turned to him and wrapped my arms around him and held him tight. It was the kind of embrace we hadn't shared since my mom left with me. I missed my dad's hugs. They were warm, comforting and made me feel safe and loved.

"I love you so much, Bella. "

"I love you too, Daddy."

I was cleaning up the kitchen after dinner and finishing putting the last of the fish in the freezer when the phone rang. I picked up the phone thinking that it must have been someone calling for Dad since it was after seven.

"Bella?"

God, how I missed his voice and it had been less than twenty-four hours.

"Hey."

"Hey. How was fishing with Charlie?"

"It was good. What did you do today?"

"I went with my mom to the farmer's market in Port Angeles."

"Yeah? How was it?"

"Boring. It would have been more fun if you were there."

I giggled softly.

"I missed you today too, Eddo."

"Soo … I talked to my Aunt Charlotte today."

"She's the one in Tacoma right?"

"Yeah. She wants me to come visit for a week or so and she thought it might be fun if I brought some friends along. She said she'd get us tickets to Six Flags and maybe we'd go camping for a couple days."

"That's cool. When does she want you to come down?"

"She was thinking in a couple weeks. I think it sounds like fun."

"Definitely, but what about baseball?"

"Jazz and I can miss a week. Everyone else is taking a vacation too, so we wouldn't be the only ones. Does it sound like something you'd want to do?"

"Yeah, but what about Charlie? I mean I came here to spend time with him too. I'd feel guilty if I didn't see him for a week."

Edward sighed.

"Please? At least ask Charlie what his opinion is?"

"Who else are you asking to go?"

"Alice and Jazz. I don't want to be anywhere near Rosalie after this past weekend. What a disaster." Edward sighed again.

"Okay." I said softly.

"Okay?"

"Okay." I giggled.

Edward and I talked for a few more minutes before I promised to see him the following day at the baseball field. I joined my dad in the living room and told him about my conversation with Edward.

"I haven't seen Charlotte in years. She and Esme used to be really close and visited each other all the time. I know she's Edward's Godmother – maybe she just wants to spend some time with him. That's real nice of her to extend the invitation to his friends too."

"I think she's planning on taking everyone to Six Flags and maybe camping for a few days."

"That sounds like a lot of fun, baby girl. Let me call Esme in the morning and I'll talk to her about it, and I'll let you know, okay?"

"Thanks, Daddy. I understand if you don't want me to go. I came to visit you too."

After talking to Esme, my dad had no problem letting me go to Tacoma with Edward. Alice and Jazz tagged along as well, and we were all excited about going to Six Flags. Carlisle and Esme drove us to Charlotte's house. They stayed and visited for a bit before going back home with the promise they'd come pick us up the following Sunday.

Edward's Aunt Charlotte and her husband, Pete, lived in an upper class neighborhood in Tacoma. Their house was huge but homey and comfortable. Charlotte gave us a tour and told us to help ourselves if we needed anything.

"You guys have been here longer than five minutes so you're no longer guests." Charlotte smiled. "If you don't see it, we probably don't have it but don't be afraid to ask okay?"

"Aunt Char?" Edward asked.

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for having us. It's really cool of you to invite us."

"No problem, sweetie. I thought you guys might want to get out of Forks, and since Pete and I are both on vacation this week, we thought it might be fun."

Alice and I shared one of the guest rooms while Edward and Jasper shared the other one. We each had our own en-suite bathroom which excited Alice to no end. After dinner we helped clean up, and then Alice and I changed into our pajamas and met the boys down in the rec room to watch a couple movies. Charlotte and Peter had their own home theater with a cushy U shaped sofa and a big screen television.

I fell asleep in the middle of the second movie. I woke to Edward hovering over me and whispering that he'd help me get upstairs and into bed. Alice and Jasper had already gone upstairs leaving Edward and me alone.

"Come on, sleepy girl. Up you go. Let's get you to bed."

"I'm sorry I fell asleep, Edward."

"Don't apologize, Bella. It happens."

The next morning dawned gray and cloudy. It would only be a couple hours before the storm that was predicted hit us. The boys suggested that we continue our movie marathon and that sounded okay to me. I was miserable when I woke up. I had horrible cramps – I'd totally forgotten about my period - thank God for Alice. I managed to make my way downstairs where Charlotte had breakfast waiting for us and the boys were already half-way through their pancakes. Unfortunately, as good as everything looked and smelled, I didn't feel much like eating.

While I didn't have a problem telling Alice why I wasn't feeling well, I wasn't too keen on telling Edward. True, he's my best friend and I can tell him just about everything – this particular subject wasn't one I cared to talk about with him. It squicked me out, so I was sure that it would do the same to him.

I munched on a piece of bacon and drank a small glass of orange juice while everyone else enjoyed their fluffy pancakes. Alice and Jasper helped Charlotte clean up the dishes while I went upstairs to find some Tylenol.

I wasn't expecting Edward to knock on the bedroom door.

"Everything okay, Boo? You didn't eat much at breakfast and pancakes are your favorite."

"I'm okay. My stomach is feeling a little off is all."

"Are you sure?" Edward asked with a worried look.

I nodded.

Together we walked down to the theater where Jasper was just putting in the first movie. I did my best to try and get comfortable, but no matter what I did – my cramps got worse. I excused myself and went upstairs to lie down. Charlotte was upstairs folding laundry when I made it to the guest room.

"Bella? Are you all right?"

She came in and sat on the bed next to me. My cramps were so bad I couldn't hold back the tears that filled my eyes. I knew at that point I couldn't keep it from her so I told her why I was feeling so awful. She left the room for a few moments and came back with a heating pad.

"This will help," She promised. "Try and rest for a while. I'll come back and check on you later."

I had just begun to fall asleep when I felt the bed dip and a warm body curled up next to me.

"Edward …" I whispered.

"Boo … what's wrong?"

I looked up into Edward's concerned face and found so much worry there.

I was so embarrassed that I didn't say anything, but I should have known that Edward wouldn't leave me alone. It was one of the many things I loved about him. I felt a little better having him there with me.

"Is it a girl thing?" He asked.

I nodded.

"Bella … don't be embarrassed about it." He said softly.

"D-Doesn't it bother you?"

"No," he chuckled. "I don't want graphic details, but no, it doesn't bother me."

I started to laugh but cringed when another cramp wracked my stomach. I curled up tighter into the ball I was in and held the heating pad to my stomach.

"Do you have cramps?"

"Yes …" I whimpered. "They hurt really badly, Edward. I've never had cramps this bad before – I don't know why it's happening."

"Oh, Bella. Do you care if I lie here with you? I can't take the pain away, but I'll keep you company and I'll even rub your back if it helps."

"O-Okay."

When my cramps subsided, I rolled over to face him and he lay with me quietly. We didn't need to fill the silence. He held my hands in his and I drifted off to sleep. When I woke hours later, Edward was still right there with me, his bright green eyes wide and waiting for me to tell him how I was feeling

"How are you feeling?"

"A little better. You stayed."

"Where else am I gonna go, Bella?"

The next morning, I felt much better, but Aunt Flo had arrived with her bags fully packed. Thankfully, my cramps were virtually gone. However, it didn't keep Edward from watching me like a hawk. I'd gone downstairs for dinner the night before and I even managed to sit through two entire movies before the pain took over again. Charlotte gave me some Midol and told me to lie down again. Edward shamelessly followed me and made sure I was tucked into bed and he stayed until I was asleep humming softly to me.

Charlotte and Pete took us to Six Flags that day after I promised them I was perfectly fine and able to go. Once we were in the park, Alice and I hooked our arms together and skipped ahead of Charlotte, Pete and the boys. Alice was determined that if she could take my mind off my visitor I'd have a better time – and she was right.

We got in line for a huge, white wooden roller coaster. It was one of the first ones built, and Jasper promised that it was fun. I was a little leery of the roller coasters – it seemed unnatural to me for something to travel upside down and it scared me – a lot if I was being honest. Alice promised they were fun and Edward swore that I wouldn't have to ride anything I felt uncomfortable with.

It turned out that the ride wasn't that bad after all. Alice sat next to me and held my hand. I laughed at how childish it was but it was so comforting, I couldn't bring myself to let go. I giggled throughout the ride. I don't know why I found it so funny and I was still giggling when we stepped off the ride. Edward and Jasper looked at me like I had three heads.

"You okay there, Boo?" Edward asked.

"I'm good," I nodded.

Alice grabbed Jasper's hand and wandered off toward the next ride. Edward shrugged and stuck out his hand as if to say 'after you'. We rode a few of the smaller rides and played the games on the midway. Jasper was determined to win a stuffed animal for Alice who was beside herself with excitement. I tapped Edward's shoulder and told him I was going to get a frozen lemonade and sit under the trees in the shade.

Edward found me a few minutes later.

"Are you having fun?" He asked softly.

"Yeah." I smiled.

"Feeling okay?"

"For the most part. I mean, I feel like I usually do when I have my … uh, you know … period. I don't know where yesterday's cramps came from. That was awful."

"Yeah, it was pretty bad and I wasn't the one feeling it. I felt so helpless yesterday, Bella. I'm sorry you felt so shitty."

Edward started to say something else but got cut off by Jasper saying that they wanted to walk up toward the bigger coasters. He must have seen the panic in my face.

"Bella, I meant what I said earlier about you not having to ride them if you don't want to."

"But I don't want to wait by myself." I pouted.

"You won't have to wait by yourself. I'll wait with you."

"What fun would that be for you, Edward? You like the roller coasters, you shouldn't have to sit and wait with me."

Edward sighed.

"At least I'd get some time alone with you, Bella."

I looked into his eyes and saw exactly what he was asking me for and my heart hurt for him because I wasn't ready to give it to him no matter how much I wanted to. He wanted me to be his girlfriend and I wanted it too, but I knew it would either make us or break us and I was scared of either option. Edward admitted that he liked me as more than a friend. While I hadn't thought about him that way up until that point – the more I thought about it; the more I realized that I felt the same way. I didn't want to lose my best friend. I didn't want the aching feeling that I always felt when I left him at the end of a visit to be multiplied by a thousand. I didn't want to miss him more than I already did when he was sitting right next to me.

"We're alone right now, Edward."

"That's not what I mean, Bella. I mean you and me by ourselves with no one else that knows us around. No Alice and Jazz. Just us."

He stood up to follow Jazz and held out his hand to help me up off the grass. I took it willingly and trailed along behind them. I laughed as I saw Alice lugging around a ridiculously huge Tweety Bird.

"I'm glad you have to carry that around and not me," I giggled.

"Shut it, Tweety's cool."

We made our way to one of the biggest coasters in the park and both Jasper and Alice begged me to go on it. It looked so freakin' scary. It went upside down six times and had eight corkscrews. I could only imagine myself throwing up before we'd even gotten to the first loop.

"Please, Bella? I promise this ride goes so fast you'll hardly notice the loops and corkscrews. It's so much fun." Alice begged.

I looked over at Edward who had been quiet the entire time. I could tell that he wanted to ride it. It was one of the newer rides and he hadn't been on it yet.

"Will you hold my hand the entire time?" I asked him softly.

"Of course I will, Bella."

I may as well have waved the white flag right then and there.

"You can't be mad at me if I throw up though, okay?"

"Okay."

Alice squealed with excitement and I wondered why in the hell I agreed to this.

Jasper led us to the line followed by Alice and Edward. Once again I brought up the rear. As we stood in the long line, I could feel the anxiety rising within myself. I hadn't noticed that Edward's warm hand enveloped mine until I heard him say my name.

"Bella? Come on, it's our turn."

I kept telling myself over and over that Edward was the only person in the world that I would put myself in this position for – and that was the truth. I held on to his hand tightly and squeezed my eyes closed. I could hear Edward chuckle beside me as he pulled the shoulder restraint down over me.

"Bella … breathe. You're going to be fine, I promise. I'm right here if you need me."

I always needed him – didn't he know that?

"'Kay." I squeaked.

I opened my eyes for a moment as the car began to climb up toward the sky. The clicking of the car as it climbed seemed ominous.

"Here we go, Bella!" Edward shouted.

I felt gravity take over and pull us down.

"EDDWAAAAARD!" I screamed.

I couldn't hear anything else around me but the screams of other people. I thought I heard Alice laughing ahead of us but my heart was thumping so loud in my chest that the sound filled my ears.

We came to a sudden stop and I could hear the hydraulics of the brakes and it broke me out of my stupor.

"Bella?" Edward asked.

It sounded like he was talking to me but the sound was muted like I was under water.

"Is she okay?" A foreign voice asked.

"She'll be okay," Edward promised.

He held my arm tightly as he guided me out of the car and onto the platform. Once we were clear of the exit, Edward pulled me to his chest and held me tight.

"Are you all right, Bella? Please say something," Edward begged.

I smiled against his chest and wrapped my arms around him to hug him.

"Can we go again?" I asked sheepishly.

I felt him shake with laughter and I'm sure it was mixed with relief. He'd been genuinely worried that I wasn't okay.

"Of course we can, Boo. But we'll let you rest a bit first. Your heart is flying. Are you sure you're okay?"

I was still a little shaky from the adrenaline that was coursing through me and I knew immediately that was why he was asking.

I nodded against his chest and he released his hold on me. I immediately missed his comfort and warmth but reminded myself it was for the best.

We were exhausted and hungry when we got home that night. Pete called and ordered us pizza and we cleaned up and changed into pajamas while we waited. Jasper wanted to watch another movie and both Alice and I warned him that we knew we wouldn't be able to stay awake for the entire movie. Both Edward and Jasper laughed at us but said they understood.

Charlotte asked if we were still interested in going camping for a couple of days before we went home and we told her yes.

"Cool. We'll leave the day after tomorrow and come home early Sunday morning. Sound good?"

We all murmured yes and wished her goodnight.

The next day, Alice and I went out shopping with Charlotte to get everything we'd need for our camping trip. Pete and the boys were in charge of getting all the gear together.

"We only have two-four person tents," Charlotte explained. "So it's up to you guys what you want to do. We can have a girls tent and a boys tent or you four can sleep in one tent and Pete and I in the other. But … and this is a big but … you have to behave yourselves. Bella, I know you and Edward are just friends but, Alice, you and Jasper aren't. I talked to all of the parents about it and they're okay with it if you all can behave.

"It'll be fine, Aunt Char." Alice promised. "Jasper and I aren't at that point in our relationship. Even if we were – I wouldn't flaunt it in front of other people. I just hope the boys realize that they're going to have to be patient with us."

I couldn't help my giggle and Aunt Char raised her eyebrow at me.

"Girly things," I giggled again.

"Ahh."

We spent the afternoon getting Charlotte and Pete's Escalade packed up with all our gear. We'd put the food in right before we were ready to head out. It was a nice evening and we ended up grilling hamburgers out on their deck, and Alice and the boys decided they wanted to swim in the pool. I'd brought my suit but I felt uncomfortable getting in the pool with Aunt Flo visiting.

"Come on, Bella. You should come swimming with us. The pool's heated." Jasper grinned.

"Nah … I'm good. I think I'll just run inside and get the book I'm reading."

I'd just stepped into the guest room when I heard Edward behind me.

"Bella? Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't it be?"

"Because you don't want to go swimming. You love to swim."

"I'm just uncomfortable, that's all, Edward. If I wasn't on my period I'd be all about going swimming."

I grabbed my book, and Edward and I walked back down to the deck. I knew I probably shouldn't have made a big deal about not going swimming, but I was nervous. I'd never used a tampon before and I didn't want to have an accident in front of Edward and Jasper. Alice had tried her best to make me feel comfortable – maybe there was just something wrong with me.

We got up early the next morning and packed the coolers in the car. I grabbed my backpack and pillow and settled into my seat – next to Edward. We were headed to Mt. Rainier National Park. Pete promised it was only a couple hour drive at the most. We stopped and had fast food for breakfast before really getting on the road. I put on my headphones and curled up in a ball to read my book.

The next thing I knew, Edward was gently shaking my shoulder; waking me up.

"We're here, Boo. Time to wake up."

Pete and Jasper had carried the coolers over to the picnic table, and Alice and Charlotte were pulling out the tents. I joined them and we went in search of a place to set them up. We found some fairly level spots just out of view of the campsite. We wanted to be close but still far enough away that there was a bit of privacy.

I'd been camping enough with Charlie that I was able to figure out how to put up the tent fairly quickly. Pete came over and hammered in the stakes for us, and then we were able to get our sleeping bags and the extra blankets we'd brought.

Pete suggested that we take a short hike and stretch our legs before coming back to eat lunch. We could go on a longer hike after lunch.

"Tomorrow I'd like to hike up to the falls," Edward said quietly.

"That would be a nice hike, Edward. Remember when we used to go up there when you were little?"

Edward nodded.

I vaguely remembered Edward telling me about his camping trips with his family when he was younger. He was completely mesmerized by the waterfalls. He always said that he'd like to take me there someday and now was his chance.

That night, we built up a big fire after dinner and after Alice and I changed into our sweats we gathered around the fire – roasting marshmallows and telling scary stories.

"Bella … do you remember the story that old Billy Black told your dad about the cold ones?" Edward asked.

I shuddered at the memory.

"Yeah, but I wish I didn't. I hated those stories."

I should have counted on Edward's memory being as good as mine. He remembered the story all too well and recounted it to the others flawlessly.

It was the last thing I needed to be thinking of as I was drifting off to sleep that night. I know that Edward had been harmless with his suggestion – he had no idea the trouble it would cause later.

The boys walked with us to the bathrooms before we went back to our tent. We washed our faces and brushed our teeth and the boys were standing outside waiting for us when we were done. We walked back quietly and Edward asked if we needed a minute before they crawled into the tent. Alice told him no and let him lead us in with the lantern.

We slept with our heads in the center of the tent; Jasper by the door then Alice, Edward and finally me by the back of the tent. Alice and I were on one side and Edward and Jasper were on the other.

"Night, Boo," Edward said softly as I snuggled into my sleeping bag.

I was running – as fast as my legs would carry me but I couldn't see what I was running from. I only knew that it was something dangerous. The brine from the ocean assaulted my senses as I ran through lush green forest. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw a wolf – only it wasn't just any wolf. It was huge – the size of a Clydesdale horse. It was growling and baring its teeth at me. I panicked; not knowing what to do when I felt a breeze behind me and I turned to find a man with hair black as ebony and blood red eyes staring back at me.

"Bella? Bella …" I heard in the distance. It was Edward's voice I heard but I couldn't distinguish where it was coming from. I wanted to find it so desperately because I knew along with that voice came safety and comfort.

The wolf and the strange man circled around me; I felt like a caged animal. The man laughed sinisterly and it sent chills up my spine. I could hear myself whimpering and I screamed when I felt strong hands grasp my upper arms.

"Bella! Wake up! You're having a nightmare, Boo."

I looked up to find mossy green eyes looking down at me in the dim light. I looked around, frightened and saw that Jasper and Alice were both awake as well; Alice was perched in Jasper's lap. I sighed and threw my arms around Edward's neck breathing in as much of his sweet smell as I could. His arms encircled me and he drew patterns on my back trying to relax me.

"Shhh … sweet girl. You're okay, you're safe. I've got you," Edward crooned.

I felt the tears fill my eyes and spill down my cheeks as I clung to him.

"I heard you … in my dream. At least I think I did. It was your voice calling my name," I murmured into Edward's chest. "I tried to see where it was coming from but I couldn't. I was so scared."

"I know, Bella. You were whimpering in your sleep and you whispered my name. I'm right here and you're safe, Bella."

Edward was everything I needed him to be; safe, comforting, a friend. I burrowed against his chest and clung to him with everything that I had – willing him to chase away the memory of my nightmare.

"Stay with me," I begged.

"I'm not going anywhere, Bella," he whispered into my hair.

I awoke what only felt like a few hours later. I was warm; enveloped by Edward's embrace. I could feel the cool of the morning around us but I was so comfortable where I was that I hated to move. I looked up to see Edward sleeping peacefully; his long lashes resting against his cheeks and his hair a riotous mess. Edward's lips looked so soft – I wondered for a moment what they would feel like against mine – if the years since he'd kissed me last had changed them.

"Bella? Edward?" I heard Alice say softly. "Are you awake?"

"Yeah," I whispered back. "I am anyway. What's up?" I asked sleepily.

"Breakfast is ready. Peter wants to get going … there is supposed to be a summer storm late this afternoon and he wants to be back before it hits."

"Okay. Give us a few minutes."

I nudged Edward gently and knew he was awake when a slow smile spread across his face. My eyes lingered a bit longer than they should have and I soon found myself staring into amused emerald eyes. I blushed and attempted to hide my face.

"Don't hide, Bella," Edward said softly as he raised my chin with his finger. "Are you okay?"

I nodded as a single tear slipped down my face.

"Sorry I woke you up in the middle of the night."

"Don't apologize, Boo. It's fine. I'm just glad you're okay. You really worried me there for a minute. Your dream was so intense and so real that you didn't hear me calling your name or you did and you thought it was a part of your dream."

"Please, don't remind me." I sighed.

The hike up to the waterfalls was beautiful. Pete pointed out flowers and plants as we walked along the path. Edward stayed close to me but gave me enough space that I didn't feel smothered. At one point, Alice and I paired off and walked by ourselves for a bit. We talked about my nightmare, and Alice asked me how I truly felt about Edward.

"He's in love with you, Bella. You can't tell me you don't see that."

"I know and I do. I'm just not sure what to do about it, Alice. He's my best friend and has been for as long as I can remember. I'm deathly afraid of making an epic mistake."

"Do you want my opinion for what it's worth?"

I nodded.

"I think that you are both worthy of a chance. He deserves to show you the love he has for you and you deserve to receive it. I know you love him too, Bella. Show him – he needs to know you at least care for him. Why won't you at least talk to him about it instead of ignoring the elephant in the room?"

"Because I don't want him to be more disappointed than he already is. He wants me to stay in Forks, and I can't. Even if I talked to him and we sorted out these … feelings, I'll still be going back to Las Vegas. I don't want to make the goodbye harder than it already is."

"Oh, Bella …" Alice said sadly. "I wish you'd tell him you love him. He needs to know."

I picked at the hem of my shirt and was just about to answer when I heard a voice behind me.

"She already has."

A/N: So Edward knows how Bella feels. Maybe it wasn't the way she wanted him to find out, but at least he knows, right?

FYI – because I didn't mention it before and I should have … this story will post every Tuesday. I like to keep ahead in my writing so there shouldn't be a lapse in updates. This will be a slow burn, so settle in for the ride ;)

Thank you for all the lovely reviews, I greatly appreciate them. I wish I had more time to reply to them all.

Thanks for reading and I'll see you next week!