A/N: Sitting on something big here.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

A Guiding Heart

Moonlighting

Chapter 19-B

I had gotten up, pacing across the floor before returning to the bed, my shirt still open.

Seated alongside him, I told him that I did accept him, more than he knew.

"You do?" he asked.

I nodded yes.

"Show me," he pleaded, sitting up and immediately covering my mouth with his.

I did accept him, maybe more than I had showed, I thought.

I caressed his cheek with my right hand as we kissed, before sliding it down his chest, and across his abs until I reached the bulge of his boxers. Gently wrapping my hand around his cock, I stroked his length up and down over his boxers, eliciting a very surprised look from Edward. As he continued to kiss me, I felt his hand cover mine, guiding me under the soft material of his shorts. Bare skin to bare skin. It all felt so tentative until that moment. I could feel his eyes hungrily piercing me through the darkness. We kissed and both worked slow and steady to bring him to climax. He groaned, allowing himself to fall backward against the headboard, making too much noise. His breathing slightly uneven, he averted his eyes, but I could see his full, cheeky smile in the dark.

"Show you ...like that?" I whispered with a teasing tone to which he quietly chuckled, the smell of his ejaculation filling the air of my bedroom.

"Oh baby, that's only the beginning of how far I want to go with you," he mused too loudly. He moved to sit back up, kissing me on my neck. "But it's enough for now, for me anyway, if you let me return the favor."

His other hand was already playing with the bottom hem of my shirt, his fingers gliding horizontally across my stomach, his fingertips leaving delicious trails of warmth like I've never known in this new body. In a quick move, and without much difficulty, he had unbuttoned my jeans, his fingers moving to explore just below my waistline as he continued to lick and suck up and down my neck telling me how smooth and cool I felt to him. "These are going to have to come off," he whispered, tugging at the denim at my waist.

No. Fear came over me of having to expose my body to him.

All too quickly, I grabbed his hand before he reached any lower, climbed off of him and silently tugged, leading him to stand up and follow me into the hall bathroom quietly. After I washed my hands under the running tub faucet of hot water, I pulled a washcloth and towel from the cabinet and turned the shower on for him, leaving him standing in the bathroom in his boxer briefs.

"Wait, you're leaving?" he asked confused. The fear of exposing myself to him remained prevalent like an invisible wall between us that he couldn't see. I couldn't have him freaked out and disgusted by me when he was supposed to be here healing from a concussion.

I tried to flash a convincing smile of dazzlement through the dark. "Charlie's in the next room, remember? You can shower. I'll still be here when you get out."

He bent down to kiss me on the forehead. "Promise?" he asked.

"Yeah," I whispered. "Promise."

After Edward showered, he returned with a towel wrapped around his waist. I showed him the boxers and flannel pants I had pulled out for him, and in the darkness, without hesitation he dropped his towel and dressed in front of me. I gasped at the sight of his large cock, remembering how it felt pulsing in my hand. I spotted a small tattoo on his upper thigh of an uppercase "V" written in script before he pulled on his boxers. He draped the towel over the rocking chair in front of my window, and I saw a dark tattoo on his lower back.

"What is that?" I asked.

"What is what?"

"Your tattoo. It's hard to make it out in the dark." It technically wasn't hard for me to see, I just wanted the explanation.

"It's just a hockey puck."

"And what about the letter 'V' by it?"

"You could see that?" His posture stiffened like I had made him uncomfortable.

I lied and said I saw it before when he was in the hospital.

"It has something to do with my time in the hospital back in Chicago. Something about the procedure - the doctor told me anyway because I woke up with it. It's harmless." He laughed softly. "I think it's a 'V' for victim."

I gasped, horrified, that such a thing could happen, my thumb smashing the wood of the desk it leaned against. "How . . . how could you be so accepting of that?" I was going to have to ask Carlisle. He came to stand in front of me, immediately taking me into his arms and kissing me.

"Relax. It's no big deal. Think of it as the Roman Numeral five - for how many times I've envisioned you naked this evening."

He pulled me closer to him, his eyes lost in mine in an intoxicating manner that I've never seen in another man. In a way that made me feel desired and guilty for what had just happened between us. Or rather what I didn't let happen.

"I'm sorry Edward. About before….I wasn't prepared...I just wasn't...I mean….I'm not ready to do more tonight. Not here….not while we're..." I stammered through my apology. There weren't really the right words to offer up the real explanation.

"Hey, hey, shhh. Don't worry and don't apologize. I took a cool shower. Just let me be close to you," he whispered. "Okay?" he asked. I nodded as he shh'd me more and stroked my hair, allowing him to kiss me and let him think he overpowered me slightly as he backed me against the wall by the window, continuing a slow, steady kiss. When we moved to the bed, he eventually began to fall asleep holding me. If I could have fallen asleep, it would have been to the feeling of contentment that lightened my stone body and the steady cadence of his heart - it was much stronger than it had been when we first met. It was the strongest I had ever heard it.

As I wished him goodnight and placed a blanket around him, he faintly responded.

"I love you, Bella."

~AGH~

"So you didn't go through with it?" Alice's question came through loud and clear in her annoyed tone over the phone as I walked toward the forest.

"Alice, he wasn't that drunk. And I . . . I'm just not ready for him to take in all of the real me."

"Well he's obviously smitten with you," Alice insisted, and I could hear her smirking but told her I had to go. "Wait! You didn't mention any pooling of the venom."

"You're right, Alice! Because there was none." Amazing, I thought before hanging up with her.

I allowed myself to believe it was more than that. His various levels of attraction to me and how I affected his heart, and how we kissed were all swirled together, almost creating this perfect storm, save for one important detail - I was a vampire.

I was back home and sitting on the couch when Charlie came downstairs at 7 in the morning having already showered and hunted - me, not him. My hunting trip had been cut short when I heard the noise of wolves out in the forest. I didn't want any trouble from them. Stupid wolves!

"You sticking around today kid or am I playing nurse all day?" Charlie asked.

"I have some things to do. I think Edward is just going to take it easy and catch up on some work on his laptop today. I left the wifi password on a sticky on the frig. Just call me if he starts acting loopy or complains of a headache."

In my head I was going over his requests. Laptop, his stuff, and a manila envelope from the safe. I had retrieved all of it but somehow I don't think the manila envelope made it inside Charlie's house yet. In fact, I was sure it was still in my car because Edward distracted me yesterday when I was bringing everything in.

"A headache? Didn't you go to a bar last night?" Charlie asked.

"Yeah but, it was just to give him a little social time with Jasper and Alice. They were trying to help support me. He's not hungover. And as far as his concussion goes, I think he's fine, but thanks for offering him to stay here. Dad . . . there's something else I have to tell you."

"Oh? What's that?" Charlie asked in his usual neutral way.

"Things are a little complicated with Carlisle right now."

"How so?" he frowned.

"He's just . . . I don't know, something happened, and he's not being supportive of my interest in Edward. Alice and Jasper are trying to help keep the peace, so Edward doesn't catch on, but I'm not going to be staying with the Cullens right now."

"Jesus Bella, where are you going to stay?"

"I'm just….I'll be back and forth between here and Edward's hotel room and the hospital working." Charlie spied me suspiciously as I got up and went into the kitchen intending to brew a strong pot of coffee - probably stronger than Charlie usually makes it, but he always buys the cheap brand, and I was looking forward to the aroma of coffee.

"Whatever you need to do," he called out. "I'll make space here if need be. I don't mind two roomies," he said when I returned to the living room.

"Dad, I don't even sleep anymore, remember? You don't need to do that."

"Oh right. No sleeping. No eating. No questions," he deadpanned with a frown and quick rubbing of his mustache.

"Right." I smiled at him. "But I'm alive." I flashed him my best jazz hands and a big goofy smile like I used to do growing up. I hugged Charlie before walking back into the kitchen to pour him coffee.

"That you God for that," I heard him murmur to himself. No doubt he was either remembering the day he brought me to Carlisle or lamenting hearing that Jacob was dead.

Alice texted me when Carlisle left the house, and I told my dad I was going to go over to get some of my things. Edward was sleeping soundly when I left.

"Check on him, Dad, but don't wake him. He needs his rest. But when he wakes up, tell him I left his medications on the kitchen counter. Call me if you need anything."

"Will do," agreed Charlie. "Sure you can't stay for a cup of coffee? Maybe tell me about those new earrings you're wearing."

"I wish, Dad." Oh how I wish! "Save some for Edward." I smiled unabashedly. "He gave me these last night."

My dad complimented my new jewelry and commented on what a man giving jewelry to a woman meant.

I was packing some of my things up at the Cullen house.

"Bella, please don't do this," Esme said calmly, standing in the doorway of my room. "We can work this out somehow."

I hugged her before sinking down onto my bed and inviting her to sit on my chair. "We sat here with Alice talking about how I could ever have a relationship with a human just recently. I thought it was impossible. But now it's happening. Somehow Edward makes it possible. And I don't want to walk away from it, Esme. I have to live with this fear that one day he will learn what I really am and not want anything to do with me, but until then . . . Esme, I care for him." That's what I told her. I love him, I told myself.

"Well dear, what if we changed him?" Esme offered.

"Change him!?" I reacted with a confused yelling. "Change him? What a sick thing to say, Esme! He has a life and a career that he's doing great things with. And he's already survived so much!"

"It was just a suggestion, dear," Esme replied. "I just feel desperate here and don't want to see you go."

"Then talk to Carlisle," I begged of her.

"I have. He hasn't confided in me yet."

I moved around my room quickly, pulling things from my closet and drawers and packing them into the same duffel bag that I brought them in, only seven months ago.

"Look Bella, just don't take everything. If you do, it will be some sign of a standoff to Carlisle, and I don't want that. This is your home, not because you are a vampire now, but because you are part of this family. This is your home with us."

She was right. And I was still planning on going to work with Carlisle. "This is all wrong, Esme. I should be sitting here telling you how good it feels to be with Edward. How I laugh when I'm with him. How wonderful he makes me feel, how human again."

"Do you?" she asked.

I smiled a yes to her. "He's amazing and caring. And giving. And I just want to be with him all the time. When I'm away from him, like now, I just get so tingly at the thought of being able to see him and touch him again," I admitted easily with a smile on my face.

"Oh my, you've completely fallen for him."

I nodded a yes to Esme, covering my cheeks even though I knew they couldn't reveal a blush. "Despite the mess and our obstacles, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world that he likes me. Oh my God, I sound like a corny school girl, don't I?"

"No, you just sound . . .happy. And I'm sorry if Carlisle is taking away from that happiness. That's not the way it should be at all. I will try to find out more for you, I promise." Esme was completely genuine in what she said. WE both knew Carlisle was cautious and protective of the family. I was the one who was always throwing a wrench in the works.

"He gave me these yesterday." I tilted the earrings slightly so the diamonds could flash.

"They're very pretty," Esme approved.

"Want to hear the greatest thing? He said they reminded him of me. And he doesn't even know I sparkle in the sun!" I chuckled out loud and Esme joined me with her melodically sweet giggling.

"Oh Bella, I'm going to do whatever I can to help you. It's so good having you here."

It was good to see Esme too, but I also realized how much I missed my own mother. I didn't think I could visit her, but I was definitely due a call. I packed up a few more things and told Esme that I would see her soon before leaving.

Emmett was pulling into the driveway just before I left, and my only course of action was to apologize to him. He parked his white jeep outside of the garage, and I was ready for the awkward...until I saw Victoria in the passenger seat. Damn it! I wasn't ready for this much awkward!

"Hello," I greeted Victoria as she exited the Jeep. Her long red hair had the perfect amount of flowing waves to it. "I wanted to apologize to you for how rude I must have come off. And to you, too, Emmett at the rink. I admit that I don't know you and it was wrong of me to jump to conclusions. With me being a newborn still, maybe I'm just extra protective."

"Your human was never in danger," Emmett answered as he joined Victoria's side. "Oh and by the way, he's not one of us and you're pretty much getting out of the newborn stage according to Carlisle. So thanks for stopping by, Bella," he said dismissively.

"I wasn't going to hurt him. He had a nice smell. Though, I tend to choose my prey with a stronger lifeline," Victoria laughed with a dark undertone.

"Besides, Victoria has gone vegetarian, haven't you sweetheart?" Emmett cooed, wrapping an arm around Victoria's shoulders. Vomit!

"You have?" I asked surprised.

"Sure, and it's not that hard. I've tried to live this way once before. I'd do anything to make my Cuddle Bear happy," she purred, rubbing her hand up and down his muscular arm.

"Well good luck with that. It can be hard but . . . I'm sure that Emmett is good support." I turned away feeling heartbroken for the way Emmett was treating me, knowing I used to be on the receiving end of his support. Without a goodbye, I got in my car and left.

~AGH~

Dialing Renee, I was trying to center myself to talk to her. She didn't know anything about the new me, but she was too busy in her life anyhow to know.

"I miss you sweetie!" she told me, and I believed her, telling her that I missed her, too. It was a good conversation from there, with me making things always seem brighter and happier than they were. That was the way with Renee. She was always so enthusiastic about how her life was going that it was hard to be any less enthusiastic in return.

"I met a guy, Mom," I blurted out.

"I knew it! Tell me all about him," she answered.

"Well, he's a big sports guy and he's from Chicago . . . and Dad likes him . . ."

"Bella, honey, what about you? None of that tells me anything about how you feel about him."

"I like him, Mom. A lot, but it's a little complicated right now," I cleared my throat. It was hard to hide the words from my mom that I really wanted to say. I'm a vampire. He's a human.

"Complicated? He's not married is he?"

"No Mom, nothing like that. We are just on two paths in life right now, I guess you could say."

"Well listen honey, if it's meant to be, then it's meant to be. Love always finds a way when we let it. Just be open to it all working out, okay? Remember I love you!"

Out of habit, my hand wiped away tears from my face that weren't there, hearing my mom giving me her motherly advice, as generic as it seemed.

"I love you too, Mom." My ever-positive maternal role model. My call waiting beeped through and I saw that it was him. "I have to go right now. Let me call you back," I said with my final goodbye before flipping over to Edward.

"Hey, you're up earlier than I expected," I said into the phone.

"And you're not here," he replied in a raspy morning voice with a hint of disappointment. "I woke up with you on my mind."

"That's sweet. How are you feeling? How's your head feel?"

"Why don't you come home and examine me for yourself, Doc?" he breathed into the phone.

"Edward," I said softly, involuntarily swallowing.

"I'm fine," he said. "Carlisle was wrong. There was no concussion. Now where are you that you aren't here with me?"

"I needed to visit with Esme a little bit," I said. "I had to catch her before she went to work," I added in for good measure.

"Okay. So what's the plan for today?" he asked.

"Your plan for the day is to just stay put and rest. Set up at my desk. Do some work and make some calls if you need to but take it easy. And no driving. I'll be back later tonight."

"As long as I get to spend some time with you. There's something I've been meaning to tell you," he admitted.

"Alright," I agreed calmly. "I'm listening."

"I just woke up with it on my mind. I think I had a dream about it. I lied to you, Bella."

"What about?" I asked, kind of surprised.

"It was early on, but I just want you to know. When I told you that I had never seen eyes like yours before-I lied. I have. I don't know who had eyes like yours, but the person who had them I remember standing over me while I was in the hospital in Chicago during one of my procedures. That's why it was such a surprise to me to see you and your eyes. Then when you asked me if I knew you, I was confused. I thought somehow it had been you at the hospital back in Chicago and that you knew me."

"Edward, I've never been to Chicago," I told him honestly. "You don't know anything about the person?"

"No. I guess I was too out of it. I don't even think I could tell you if it was a man or a woman. A visitor? A person who worked there? I've just never forgotten those eyes. Eyes like yours."

I laughed it off quickly. "Maybe a long-lost cousin or something," I said convincingly. I wasn't worried that he lied to me. He barely knew me then. And it's not like I didn't think he was someone else when I first saw him. But what vegetarian vampire would have been in the hospital in Chicago and why? The only one I knew of with any real reason would be Carlisle. I changed the subject back to today's plans and how we could talk about this more tonight.

"And what else for tonight?" he asked in a way that I knew he had thoughts about it he hadn't shared.

"Tonight? Umm what else did you have in mind?" I asked with a chuckle, wondering what much else we could do while he was stationed at my dad's house.

"Dinner. Wine. My hotel room. Your childhood bed is nice, Bella, but it hardly accommodates two people. Or any kind of movement."

As always, I could hear his grinning and insinuation, even through the phone. I took a deep, quiet breath just to convince myself, reminding myself that last night his last thought was to tell me that he loved me, whether he remembers saying it or not.

"Bella, I want you, baby," he declared slow and with fire.

I took a hard swerve to the side of the road then regained my direction, creating a pause between us.

"Okay," I replied simply to him.

"Okay?" He seemed surprised but asked this gently.

"Yes, but let me arrange everything," I said. "Please."

"Done. I trust you," he hesitated, "I- … I- …" His voice trailed off, and over the sound of the car's motor running and despite a somewhat weak phone connection, I knew what he wanted to say to me. It wasn't one thing; it was everything-last night, the day we met, the connection to his heart, possibly even a future together-everything unspoken between us.

"I know, Edward," I breathed, "Just...know I feel the same way." I hung up telling him to enjoy his coffee and relax and that I was looking forward to being with him later.

~AGH~

I had already looked up the records to confirm who lived at Justin's old address. Alicia, Justin and their parents were all listed on record. In essence, it was still the family home. It was definitely Alicia at the door when Edward was here, but it remains to be seen if Justin still lived there.

I whipped my car down the lane of their house, seeking out the same refuge from the same brush to hide my car. I wasn't planning on knocking on the door, either with or without my car. It was a modest ranch with brick exterior. I sensed at least two people in the house and got a glimpse of something I hadn't seen last time, probably too distracted by Edward. There was a wooden ramp visible from the side of the house. Someone in the house used a wheelchair? Before I could look closer, a scent hit me.

Vampire in the area.

Jasper had warned me that some vampires' initial reactions to each other was combat while others remained friendly. It was a lot like dogs encountering each other, ironically. Some were just curious while others were more aggressive. I was already taught to err on the side of caution for now to avoid any confrontations, so I made my way back to the cherry bomb and left the area with a plan to come back tomorrow.

As I drove off, again, I wondered if Alicia or Justin would recognize me with my newer dark, auburn hair, pale but flawless skin, and amber eyes. We weren't talking the difference between Dirty Dancing Jennifer Grey and post-nose-job Jennifer Grey here. For the most part, however, I looked so different from the blonde teenager I once was.

I called Alice while on the road and told her I needed help with the date tonight. I needed her to set me up in terms of the dinner, wine, and hotel room tonight. Despite Alice's questioning as to how I was going to pull this all off, there was a stillness that came over me, and I wasn't too worried. We made a plan that involved drinking prior to the meal so that I could avoid eating human food in front of Edward. Ever the event planner, Alice was going to make some calls and meet me at the hotel later. I knew that her idea of planning would include something in the form of lingerie for me. I made a face at that thought. I was going to get the cheap mall kind, wasn't I? She still treated me like her little dress-up Barbie Bella, but maybe I needed that tonight to help distract Edward. Maybe I didn't. Somehow this was going to work out. I was sure of it.

I spent the rest of the morning in and out of various stores looking for some things I anticipated needing for the evening.

When my phone rang, I assumed it would be Edward, but instead it was Carlisle.

"Hello Bella. I have some patients I would like to see this afternoon and hoped you would accompany me. Then I have some documentation I need done in the office. It would just be for a few hours. I know we exchanged words, but that is in our personal lives, and we don't let our personal lives interfere with our professional lives."

"Sure Carlisle. I can meet you at the hospital this afternoon," I responded hopefully.

I glanced at the time. This wasn't completely out of character for Carlisle to call me about a day shift. It was an overcast day with no danger of the sun coming out. Edward wasn't expecting me until tonight, and I figured this would go a long way in smoothing things out with Carlisle.

I texted Alice to tell her I was going to the hospital to work with Carlisle, and she said she thought it was a step in the right direction for us. I hoped so, too and suggested meeting up before I went in so I could give her the hotel room key-card, but ninja-Alice assured me she wouldn't need it. I laughed at the thought.

I went straight to Carlisle's office and pulled up his list of patients. I wasn't there long before he met me and said we would be doing rounds. He was cordial, normal even, as he made sure I saw any bodily signs and observed symptoms of his patients for thoroughness. He was doing his best to train me to be a doctor. I believed that. He believed in me that I could be like him, resistant to the temptation of blood. After rounds, he spoke in a hushed tone about the concoction that Alice had brought me, knowing that Kate had been to visit. He suggested if I was going to partake, that I was much better sticking to the vegetarian version, rather than exposing my new body to small portions of the Denali version, as my body might build up a craving for human blood.

He led me to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee, as per usual pretenses, then we headed to the office. Carlisle set me up with the normal research, but told me just do what I could get done for the time I was giving him today. He excused himself for a meeting. While he was gone I continued the research, until I got curious about Edward. I pulled up his file in the database only to find it wasn't very extensive. The patient presented with vertigo. That's strange. I remember being there when Carlisle started his dictation into his phone. This was much more than vertigo! I went through some files that were stacked on his desk. Here it was. A paper file. One with more details about his condition and attributing the scar over his heart to a 'heart reconditioning' procedure. What was that exactly? I was going to have to ask Carlisle what specifically this meant. And, it was probably time to explain to him my affect on Edward's heart. Maybe that would give him some perspective to this relationship and make him see our connection differently.

When the office phone rang, it startled me slightly. It was Carlisle asking me if I was okay and that he had some business outside of the hospital to attend to and that he'd be back later to go over a few files with me. I told him I would still be here when he got back. Great so now I'm stuck here! I lazily found myself dreaming about Edward and that first time he called me while I was here to ask me out. Me! He asked me out! And how would things go this evening? I suddenly hoped Alice was bringing candles. Maybe even a Yankee Candle. I laughed to myself.

I put in a solid hour of work before Alice called me. "Hey, Bella! I have good news. Kate is on her way down, and I want you to see her. I have a surprise for her and I want you to be there to witness it."

"Okay. But Alice you know I have plans tonight."

"I know. I know. I think this will be just for a few before you have to go. Besides, she is bringing a new batch of Denali cocktails with her. Emmett and Victoria polished off what was left. But she'll have the vegetarian kind that you'll need tonight. Everything else is taking care of."

"Fine. Where should we meet?"

"Here at the house," Alice said like I was supposed to not have any doubts. "Come on, you're working with Carlisle today. I'm sure you can stand to be here for a short time."

"Yes, Alice, it's not a problem. Besides, I wanted to ask her about something. Remember when we were there visiting and they referred to a 'red head' that came through that didn't want to be vegetarian?"

"Yeah but...oh, I follow you. You're thinking that might be Victoria."

"Bingo. I just was curious. I'm concerned for Emmett."

"We'll find out then. I'll see you later. And once Kate comes, I'll have everything you need for a wonderful night at the hotel with your human boy toy," Alice laughed.

"Don't call him that!" I snapped into the phone playfully.

"Fine. Your boo. Your bae. Mr. Jock Strap. Your Doug Dorsey. Your Fred. Whatever."

"Goodbye Alice." I had to cut her off or else she'd go on forever.

Edward was a little like Doug Dorsey, I had to admit to myself complete with a sad story about his fall from hockey.

I went back to thinking about Edward's chart and made some mental notes. His chart made him seem too normal, and there was barely a mention of Dr. March on it. I made myself a note that was the next thing I was going to do, look into Dr. March's practice. I switched gears and got back to doing the documentation Carlisle had requested as minutes turned into hours waiting for Carlisle.

Alice texted me to let me know Kate was there and Carlisle said it was okay for me to leave because he decided he wouldn't be returning to the hospital. Sigh. I was going to have to come back to this. I cleaned up my work space quickly with no one around to see me use my speed and locked up Carlisle's office.

Once at the Cullen house, I was ushered in by Esme who greeted me warmly and then asked me to follow her into the woods. "You were right," she told me. "Emmett's girlfriend did come through Tanya's group. Despite that, we have to see how things play out with her and Emmett. We cannot interfere. Kate is actually going to be staying with us for a day or two."

"Any reason why?"

"Yes, but it's absolutely necessary for you to keep this a secret. Okay?"

"Of course, Esme."

"Kate's mate, Garrett is meeting up with her here. He's been gone for a long time, but he's already in town and has made contact with Carlisle. Right now we are heading out to a small cottage we own that we have set up as a meeting place. It's hidden deep in the forest, and we aren't listed as owners on record. It's more of an abandoned house that I've fixed up over the past two years."

"Wow, I had no idea!"

My phone buzzed with a text from Edward.

Why didn't you tell me?

I stopped running and called over to Esme to give me a sec.

Tell you what? I asked in a return text.

We can talk about it tonight.

Not satisfied with his reply, I tried calling him but there was no answer.

As we reached the cottage, I was struck by its quaint beauty and that I had never come across it in my travels. Esme was right, it was hidden behind thick brush and trees. It was straight out of a fairy tale, and the rest of the world seemed so far away. Inside was just as quaint with older painted furniture and rustic accents.

"Bella!" chimed Kate, emerging from a back room I had yet to see, followed by Alice. Kate threw her arms around me and hugged me hello. "It's so good to see you again!"

"Yes, you too. Thank you for the new supply of cocktails."

"You are welcome! You inspired the current batch. Did you know?"

"No, I didn't know, but I'm grateful."

We sat down in the small living room, while Kate caught us up on the rest of the Denali clan. When the conversation moved to Garrett, the size of her smile tripled. I understood it had been a long time since she had seen him last, and she's been very concerned about his safety.

"What is it about the Volturi that he knows?" I asked.

"We don't know yet," Alice answered. "He may have told Carlisle. We aren't sure. Both of them are supposed to meet up with Kate here later."

Later? "I'm sorry then I think I'll miss meeting Garrett."

"It's okay, Bella. I'm just happy to have the chance to see you again," Kate exclaimed.

"And dear, I wanted the chance to show you the way to the cottage, in case we ever need to meet up here," Esme said. I thanked Esme, pointing out a few pieces that I liked inside. Kate went on to talk about how Garrett got a message to her through Carlisle, and how thankful she was to the Cullens for allowing them to rendezvous.

We were chatting when a text came in from Edward.

You should have told me.

I wrote back immediately asking: I thought we were going to talk about it tonight?

When he didn't text me back, I noticed the time stamp on the text was over an hour ago. It had gotten hung up. I stepped outside the cottage and tried calling him. There was no answer on his phone. I waited a few minutes before calling again. This time Charlie answered.

"Dad? Where's Edward? I need to talk to him."

"Bella," Charlie said with some formality to his voice then broke down. "He's not here. He's gone Bella."

"Gone, Dad? Gone where? To the hotel?"

"No Bella. He was upset about something and said he was leaving. I think he's gone for good."

"What? No! How long ago did he leave?" My mind was racing wondering how or when this could have happened. He couldn't be too far. "And he left his phone behind, Dad?"

"Yeah, Bella. He just packed up his stuff, hopped in his car and took off. There's a note too. It says not to try to contact him and to just let him go. I'm sorry Isabella," Charlie choked out those last few words.

Anger and confusion boiled inside me as I tried to muffle my cries of despair. I hung up with my father after a few choice words to him about how he could have let Edward go. I stared at the text from earlier today again. Why didn't you tell me?

He found out what I am! I started heaving for air that I knew I didn't physically need. It was the only explanation! My fear came to fruition and he just left? After telling me last night that he didn't want to be away from me? I told Esme, Alice, and Kate that I had to leave and ran back through the forest until I reached the Cullen house. On my way, I'm sure I sensed Garrett, but I didn't have time for a meet-and-greet right now. I hopped into the cherry bomb and headed out of Forks trying to catch up with Edward.

~AGH~

~AGH~

A/N: Edward always leaves. Why? why? *cries*

I know Carlisle and Emmett are both unbearable in their treatment of Bella...they'll have to find a way to redeem themselves.

Who do you think Edward saw before with amber eyes?

V tattoo is a Roman Numeral Five, right?

Next chapter tomorrow!