16 Years Old

This is a huge year in Bella's life. It is not only the year she is moving from Sunshine but also is supposed to be the last time she sees Dana. Over the past few years Bella and Dana's friendship had remained strong which would only make it harder to say goodbye but she knew it was necessary because it just couldn't be hidden any longer; her family looked just the same as they had fifteen years ago.

Bella never wanted to say goodbye to Dana but, what could she do? Her family had already sacrificed so much for hers and Dana's friendship. The longer Dana was in their lives the bigger chance there what that they would be exposed for who they really are. Vampires. Bella knew that if Dana fount out the secret it could endanger her more than she knew.

Also, Bella had every intention of becoming a vampire which only made Dana's presence worse. Bella had never really fit in very well with other humans in her life and, as odd as it is, she fits in quite well with vampires. She just knew that her future was being a vampire. It didn't quite make since but her life never had. The Cullen's were her family and she knew she was supposed to be like them.

Then there was also the slight problem that Bella had recently really hit puberty and almost every time she was in the same room with Edward her heart seemed to flutter uncontrollably. She was now sixteen and he looked seventeen so it was only a year age difference but she realized how complicated it was, not to mention the fact that she hadn't even talked to Edward about this erratic attraction. So, in this area of her life, she felt stuck in place. She didn't think she was able to tell him how she felt and she didn't know if he could ever feel the same way, she was almost positive that he didn't feel the same way now.

One night many of these things were brought out in the open. All the Cullen vampires were out hunting except for Edward, who had stayed home because he'd been hunting the week before. When Bella walked into the living room he was sitting on the couch reading something. When he saw her he sat the book down.

"Hey Bella." She smiled awkwardly and stuttered,

"H-hi. Um, where's everyone?" His brows furrowed a little.

"There out hunting and they'll be back in a few hours. Are you alright? You're a little flushed." This comment only made her more flushed.

"Oh, uh, I'm fine. You know, I should, um, uh-" she realized she wasn't making sense and she turned to leave the room. She was almost out when Edward said,

"No, don't go. Come on, sit down." She turned around and he gestured to the spot on the couch that was right beside him. She slowly walked over and sat down. Her hurt was pounding hard and she knew he could hear it. She took a few breaths to calm herself before asking,

"What's up?" He replied,

"I was about to ask you the same thing. You've seemed very flustered lately." She looked up at him for the first time that night and got lost.

I was mesmerized the moment I looked at his face; the hard line of his jaw, his softer full lips, his perfect pale white skin, the sharpness of his cheekbones, a tangle of bronze hair. He was perfect.

When I gazed into his warm liquid gold eyes framed with thick black lashes I momentarily forgot where we were, what we were talking about and, just for a moment, my own name. When I recovered his features portrayed his worry and I rushed to reassure him,

"I'm fine, Edward, really." He didn't look convinced.

"Something's going on with you Bella. Tell me, please." I knew that he was referring to my flustered attitude but what was I supposed to say? I couldn't just tell him that every time I look him in the eyes I forget who I am and that I think I love him. Wait...do I think I love him? I can't be sure. So instead I say,

"I guess I'm just worried about moving again, and going to a high school with you guys, and saying goodbye to Dana." Edward put his arm around me comfortingly and my heart almost burst.

"In regards to moving, you'll be fine. We're going back to Forks to the same house. Granted, last time we were there we all stayed out of sight and didn't attend school so we would be able to return soon but we have attended school there in the past and I know you'll enjoy yourself. Besides, you don't have to worry about that till July which is four months away.

"About this whole Dana thing, I'm not sure what to say. I wish there was another way but there's just not. You're a part of this family and we're a family of vampires. I wish it was different, Bella. I really do."

While I was glad that the subject was no longer awkward I was also upset because what I had said was true as well. My worry over moving and Dana were very real and very troubling. I sighed and responded,

"I know and I'll be fine Edward. It's just all overwhelming." He nodded but his eyes were dark with upset so I continued, "Besides, this is what I want, even if it comes at a price. It'll all work out in the end." I hope. He seemed a reasonably okay when he said,

"I hope you're right Bella. Now, you should probably get some sleep. Are you hungry?" I shook my head and reluctantly stood.

"See you in the morning Edward."

"Goodnight." I walked to my bedroom and plopped down on my bed, examining the cork board on the ceiling that was covered in various pictures. I fell asleep staring at a picture of Edward and I at my last birthday party.

Chapter 18

Edward may have said that it was four months before they left but it seemed like much less. Everyday seemed to fly by and I just couldn't handle it. It didn't make it much easier that someone had discovered my secret.

Jasper and I had just finished class for the day when he asked me to go on a walk with him and Alice. I thought it was odd but I replied,

"Sure, I guess." Alice appeared in the room and cheered,

"Yay! Now, come on."

"Wait, wha-" I began but she had already scooped me into her arms. They gathered by the window and to say I freaked out would be an understatement.

"Alice! Jasper! What do you think your doing? We're on the last floor of the building!" They merely laughed and jumped out the window. I bit my lip to keep from screaming and shut my eyes tightly. I only knew when we landed because the wind stopped momentarily but quickly picked up again when they started running. I didn't know where they were going because I kept my eyes closed but when I felt them stop moving I opened my eyes and we were in some kind of forest, surrounded by trees.

Alice sat me down on my feet and I asked,

"What kind of walk was that? What do you guys want?" They were silent for a moment and Jasper began,

"Well a few days ago while Edward and I were in the living room you came in and I could feel all your emotions towards him." Alice shrieked enthusiastically,

"You love Edward!" My eyes widened with sudden comprehension and utter horror and embarrassment.

"I-I, you can't, I mean, I-I don't, this isn't, I..." I didn't know what else to say. I felt as though my heart had stopped beating which I'm pretty sure it did for a moment. Jasper sent waves of calm my way which were greatly appreciated. Alice sighed impatiently.

"Don't even try to deny it Bella!" I finally managed a full sentence,

"Why does it even matter if I love him?" She was right though. There was no denying that I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him. I had spent months trying to hide this and denying it to myself but it was the truth. No matter how much I may wish it was different, I love Edward Cullen with a love that may very well be stronger than any love there's ever been.

There was a long beat of silence.

"He loves you too!" Alice suddenly blurted. My eyes widened and I yelled,

"What?" Never, ever, in all of my wildest dreams would I have ever thought it was possible for Edward to reciprocate my feelings. Just because I love him doesn't mean he loves me. It's impossible that someone as perfect as Edward could ever love me. Alice responded,

"It's true! Jasper's felt it! It's been driving Jazz crazy for months. You two love each other and seem completely oblivious to each others feelings." I could t believe it. Was it possible? I couldn't think straight. Jasper murmured,

"Bella, breathe." I hadn't realized I wasn't breathing. I took a few deep breaths and the air filled my lungs soothingly. At the moment all I wanted was to be alone so I could think.

Could he love me? Could we love each other? How long had he loved me? Was it a strong love? Was it even a possibility? Had Jasper read his emotions wrong? My head was spinning.

"Look guys, even if this is true, which I don't think it is, keep it to yourself. Don't even think about it, especially not around Edward. I need to think so take me home."

"But-" Jasper tried to argue.

"Home," I demanded and reluctantly they complied.

When I was home I ran towards my room. Edward was walking in the hallway and I froze. He asked,

"Are you okay? You look as pale as a ghost. Almost as pale as me."

"I, well, I-I, I'm fine." I ran past him, into my bedroom, and shut the door. I paced around the room for hours thinking and at the end of my pacing I hadn't come up with anything so I laid down.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't sleep. One question stayed in my head all night: Did Edward love me?

I was very grateful for the glitch in my brain that made me immune to Edwards mind reading abilities.