Bella was asleep against Edward, He used his shirt as a blanket for Bella since it's a bit cold in the Volvo including his skin.
Making love in the forest is something he always wanted to do but when it started raining they continued in his car.
It was wonderful, He will hold on to her until she wakes up, being in his embrace is where he wants her. forever.
Sending her to college is painful, but tries not to think about that. He wants his interference to end so that Bella can enjoy her human life.
If Alice didn't predicted that they will marry he wouldn't be able to let her go. It would just hurt too much.
Edward looked down and saw her open her eyes, innocent but large eyes stared back at him acknowledging.
Bella moved from his chest and rested against his shoulder facing the ceiling of the Volvo feeling at peace.
"Did I hurt you?" Edward asked.
"No, "I'm so happy" Bella chirped moving Edwards shirt from her breasts for skin contact.
Edward's chest felt a bit cold against hers but It's nice and Edwards skin warmed up again.
Edward kissed her and let Bella sit on his lap wanting to have sex again.
He felt Bella flinch and heard her say ouch quietly.
"What's wrong?" Edward said alarmed and then realized the culprit of Bella's pain.
Close to her rib area there were bruises. Edward looked at it and there were a few on her arms as well.
"Oh Bella I'm sorry" Edward Said.
"No no hush hush," Bella said holding his face. "You did nothing wrong. "
"But I did, I tried to be so careful and it wasn't enough.. I hurt you Bella" Edward said. The bruises were dark purple
"Maybe it's better that we'll have sex after you turned" Edward said crippled with guilt.
"Stop making decisions for me" Bella then became agitated.
"I enjoyed it, I'm happy.. I feel alive" Bella said and her annoyance faded.
"You do love me.." Bella said,
"Very much, and I always will" Edward said. "there is nothing you can do about it"
"I believe you now" Bella said.
"That's all I need to hear" Edward said, "Bella I'm so happy that I have another chance with you"
"Right now I'm scared of losing you for good" Edward said.
"Never" I got everything I want right here" Bella said.
"I'll be your solace as well" We are going to have a wonderful existence together, with great memories we'll talk still about after years later" Bella said.
"And best of all I feel so loved by you,"
"I just never knew how much until now, you were so allured by me, a mere woman" Bella said thinking a bit low about herself.
"I'm no longer doubtful of our future, despite asking you again to marry me I still felt like my hold is not strong enough to keep you but I now I know that my presence alone is more than enough to make you stay" Bella said.
Edward eyed shimmered happy, it radiated relief like swimming to the surface for air,
"I guess I could feel slightly better about this" Edward carefully touched a large bruise close to her upper leg.
"You no longer doubt me?" Edward asked for reassurance.
"Never again" Bella said,
Edward knows that his trials are finally over, but right now he's the one who is afraid of losing her, He had to convince her that she'll never have to lose Him and that he'll always be near. But hopefully Bella can be his solace too.
"Are you looking forward to be called Miss Cullen very soon?" Edward asked.
"Yes, Bella said, she flinched when Edward held her around the waist,
"Until death do us part," Bella said, and touched the ring she gave him.
"Do You really want a large wedding? you won't get cold feet?" Edward asked.
"No I won't get cold feet" And Yes I really want to..
There isn't much to do after University besides getting married. It's a great way to end the chapter of my human life" Bella said.
"Do you want to be turned on our honeymoon?" Edward asked.
"No, after I finished University, then I'll be around my 20's and I think that's the right age to stay in forever"
"I mean I have no desire to redo High school forever" Bella said.
"What If you'll outgrow me?" Edward asked and Bella could see that it made him unsure about everything.
"Never," Bella said assuring him.
"No human will ever love me more than you, that's a good enough reason to stay"
"I want to mature a little more, I feel like spiritually I haven't left the nest and your brain stops developing at 25 so that's my ideal age" Bella said.
"I'll still be the same at 25, I'll love you the same way, or even better."
"The only difference is that I'll be wiser and more confident in my skin" Bella said.
"And less co dependent too, I want to need you like the Ocean needs the moon not a junkie who needs to smoke weed" Bella said.
And Bella felt Edward's chest tremble as he let out a chuckle. He then cradled her tighter against it.
"My Bella.. It's a deal.. so 25 it is?" Edward asked to be sure.
"My Edward.. yes" Bella said.
Bella sat up to look him in the eye " Mainly because I want you to feel at peace too, I'll be 20 soon and you did say that you wanted 5 years of marriage before you feel comfortable enough to turn me yourself" Bella said.
"That was in the past, I will no longer decide for you.. If you want to be turned sooner than that I'll do it for you" Edward said.
"But I want you to be at peace as well" Bella said.
"I'm not at peace with turning you that soon.." Edward admitted.
"Why?" Bella asked.
"Bella being with me and turn into a vampire will cease any chance to start a family" Edward said.
"Don't you want to have a baby before I turn you?" Edward said.
" I promise we'll raise the child together, And I will love you and your baby until the end of time" Edward said.
Bella smiled as her face blushed, It seems tempting but If she ever becomes a mother she'll just be the child's caregiver and mentor" maybe because she never had a great mother of her own.
"Motherhood never really excited me, sure it can be a wonderful moment where you feel a baby nudge your stomach but
I see it as a biological purpose I need to fulfill" Bella said.
"Just like a lioness in the wild I will raise to secure my bloodline and that's pretty much it.
"A human life is trivial, You don't have time to waste, nor afford to make wrong decisions, when you start a family then your children and their children will be part of the next generation, even If I die there will always be a part of me that survives, but If I remain human and not have a chance to start a family then my time of this Earth is wasted.
"But If I become eternal then I'll always be there, I will survive through every generation so the need to reproduce becomes less and it will feel like a choice not an obligation"
"I never thought about it that way, I thought you just wanted to be young forever and be strong taking humanity for granted" Edward said.
"I never took humanity for granted, I like being human but I don't like growing fragile and dependent on others, I'm vulnerable enough like this and I don't want it to be worse."
"I just never found a way to tell you this, I always used to get silenced by you," Bella said.
"Forgive me" Edward said, " For not being considerate of what you want, being away from you has been a learning progress, from the start I should have prioritized what I can offer instead of what I think is best for you" Edward said.
"I already have" Bella said, Edward deserves forgiveness, he has gone a long way, especially for finally accepting that it's inevitable not to remain a human.
-/-
They went to his home and Bella wanted to make love again, She thought she had to seduce him and was willing to do so by wearing the outfits Alice gave her but despite feeling guilt for the bruises he caused he accepted.
Bella's eyes grew in awe, the sun shined over Edward it made him sparkle and this time it seemed like Gold sparkling dust comes off his skin, bathing in golden particles.
So Beautiful..
This time Bella wasn't bruised, Edward was a lot careful but the experience was still great, Bella wondered how Edward would make her feel if he didn't had to hold back, at times she feels so incompetent that he has to work his way around her fragile frame. But instead of pestering him into changing her she just accepts the 5 year deal.
She knows being a vampire has it's challenges but she can overcome those.
Bella drowsily looked up when she was awoken from a wonderful dream, In that dream she remained human through her whole life with Edward, She would work out everyday to slow down the ageing progress, have funds for plastic surgery to look beautiful for him in her 50's that future seems nice too but getting sick and die is something she's not looking forward to, In her dream she died before reaching a very old age but Edward was with her holding her hand and cried when she breathed her last.
"Did you had a nightmare?" Edward said brushing her eye with his thumb.
"No" Bella said.
"Then why are you sad?" Edward asked sitting up holding her on his lap.
"I had a nice dream, I stayed human through my whole life and died around my mid 50" Bella said.
Edwards face winched troubled, but let her finish speaking.
"That life was wonderful too, We started a family and we home schooled them until they decide they want to go to private school, twin girls at first one was Renny Edwardine Cullen, and EsMae Edna Cullen.
And later we had a boy named Edward Charles junior." Bella said.
"So I'll be like my Father" Edward said pleased.
"yes, Because I wanted to make you feel that they are yours too, every part of me belongs with you" Bella said.
Her face bloomed when she told more about the dream.
And instead of telling our kids that you are a vampire we just told that their dad is a super hero, and they weren't allowed to tell other humans about it or you will have to leave forever to the superhero realm".
"You wanted to tell them the truth why you are different but you didn't want them to be afraid of you so you left the vampire part out."
"But before that you would pretend you are human and eat things, and join the beach when It's cloudy so that you don't sparkle," And when they stopped believing in Santa Claus you just spilled the beans" Bella laughed.
Edward smiled too, that life seems wonderful indeed, " Bella you have no idea how happy your dreams makes me feel, except for the dying part.. just you and me having a wonderful life together"
"And don't worry I won't let you die, you can choose any age you want as long as you are healthy and full of life dear Bella" Edward said.
"But what if ppl think you're dating a woman that could be your mother?" Bella wonders.
The transformation will eliminate all human flaws, every wrinkle will be gone, every brittle bone will be replaced with a new frame." Edward said.
"You will only keep your mature look and salt and pepper hair but besides that you will not look old.. at least not like humans, still I am going to spend the rest of my life with you" Edward said convincing.
"And make love to me every night" Bella said.
"That too" Edward said tightening his embrace around her.
"But Bella did that dream changed your mind about Motherhood?" Edward asked.
"No," Bella said.
"Dreams and reality are different things, Sure I like the dream a lot but I want to be able to focus on two things, MY marriage and career."
" I can't add children with that, It will be too hard, I'm happy with living a free life because freedom is only worth living for" Bella said.
"I understand," Edward said, it might seem selfish but Edward likes that he can be the center of her universe,
"Anyway Bella I you need a shower," Edward said plucking a feather out of her hair, Bella smiled " Want to join?" Bella asked.
"I can't say no to that"
-/-
Edward was doing his usual thing, making supper for Bella while she waits for it watching TV in the living room, She has no idea of the ticking time bomb that can go off any time. The treaty line is the only thing that gets between saving Bella.
He needs to contact Jacob one last time to try and come to an agreement.
Edward turned off the stove and brought Bella's plate towards her. "Thank you" Bella said.
"Bella I need to go hunting soon," Edward said and Bella noticed his eyes were still Topaz colored.
"You don't seem thirsty love" Bella said.
"I'm not but I can get tempted, during spring a blood of a singer smells amazing" Edward said.
Bella shrugged nonchalant, "Well I'll wait for your return" Bella said.
Edward saw her eyes pop when he said that to her, It startled her but tried to brush it off like it's no problem.
"Bella I would never hurt you, but If I can keep you safer I will do so" Edward said.
"It's okay, how do I smell?" Bella asked.
"Well Think of it as the smell of your favorite dinner" Edward said.
"But I have to go.. you're becoming more irresistible" Edward said.
"Are you flattering me or is that a heads up?" Bella asked.
"Both" Edward said.
"Okay, come back soon" Bella said letting go of his hands. Edward kissed her before leaving mainly because he's feeling uneasy about lying to her but this is something he needs to settle alone.
Alice already texting the number of the reservation before Edward touched his phone to call her and waited until someone picks up.
"Quileute residence" a voice said calm.
"It's Edward Cullen, I need to talk to Jacob it's urgent" Edward said. And could hear Billy call Jacob over the phone.
"It's Cullen"
"Tell him to piss off"
"He said it's urgent come on now!" Billie said strict.
Where was a sound of having the phone handed over,
"What?" Jacob snapped.
"Good day Jacob, I wanted to ask you if I can speak to you in person, It's about Bella" Edward said.
"What about her? What have you done" Jacob snapped and almost broke the phone in his grip.
"Nothing, I want to help her but I can't do it without your assistance" Edward said.
Jacob breathed out, "Okay fine where can I meet you?" Jacob said.
"I'll wait behind the treaty line of La Push, I come in peace Jacob you have my word" Edward said and Jacob just placed the phone down.
"Bastard" Jacob said, Jacob then used his car to drive to La Push he waited for a second and fast footsteps were coming his direction, Edward emerged for the forest carefully remaining behind the treaty line.
He looks devastated, hurt like he has no where to go..
"Did Bella kick him out?, Oh I hope so" Jacob said smiling maliciously.
"No she did not!" Edward snapped. " Seriously now is not the time to fight each other"
"I came here to ask you for a favor, and I'm willing to beg" Edward said.
"What favor?" Jacob asked.
"I need to save Bella but in order to do so I'm asking you to please turn a blind eye let her become a vampire" Edward said.
"No!" Jacob said furious.
" Jacob wait it's not what you think." Edward wanted to calm him.
"Don't you dare cross that line Cullen!" Jacob said becoming spiteful.
"But I need to turn her before It's too late, she"s.."
I'm not going to let you do that!" Jacob said and stepped back.
"Get over here right now" Jacob said daring Edward to step on the treaty line so that they can fight.
"Jacob no I didn't come for that" Edward pleaded.
"Step over the line you Coward, It's time for you to die!" Jacob shouted and became red.
"No you don't understand!" Edward shouted back.
"Bella is dying" Edward said and fell on his knees groveling close to Jacobs feet.
"She'll end up like Charlie, she'll die of ovarian cancer I have to save her please help me just this once" Edward said face down on the ground.
"I wanted her to pass away of old age, in a warm bed with all her loved ones with her,"
"But not like this" Edward said lifting his head from the ground to face Jacob.
Jacob could tell Edward wasn't lying.
"Please help me save her, I will do everything for you but don't let her die" Edward began to weep.
"Is that the only outcome?" Jacob asked being disturbed by this.
"Yes, Alice has seen her future, She will not live very long" Edward.
"It's either death or becoming a vampire" Edward said.
"I just spoke to her yesterday, She never told me this" Jacob said, the news hit him hard, outliving Bella was painful enough having losing her at such an early age was enough to create a nervous breakdown.
"She doesn't know, I couldn't tell her this" Edward said.
"How could you not tell her?" Jacob asked becoming angry again.
"She has every right to know!"
"If I did she would want to become a vampire right away, I want her to be human for a while, and It might take very long to convince you to be lenient with breaking the treaty" Edward said.
"I'll do everything for Bella, I would turn a blind eye in a heartbeat" Jacob said and Edward was relieved to hear that.
"Do I have the permission to turn her?" Edward asked.
"I can't change the treaty settlement, I'm not the Alpha but I can pretend this chat never happened" Jacob said.
"If Bella will get sick,
"I need to hear it from her and you need to prove it that she indeed has cancer by showing me test results and after that I will clear all of your tracks" Jacob said. "No one will know that you had anything to do with this" Jacob said.
"I'll make up a story that vampires attacked her and I arrived too late to stop them from biting her"
"Thank you" Edward said his eyes glistered like life returned in them.
"I truly hope one day.. Werewolves and Vampires never have to be at the brink of war any time I need to speak with you" Edward said.
"It's tiresome to deal with hostility just because I'm a vampire, I didn't ask to become one, nor did I went up there and kill Most of you off,
"The vampires who prey on humans do that" Edward said.
"You fed off humans before" Jacob said.
"On pedophiles, rapists and serial killers, They are hardly human" Edward said.
Jacob smiled lightly at Edward's wit, he did humanity a favor with that but not enough to change his views about vampires.
"You wanted to feed on Bella" that alone is enough reason to hate you" Jacob said.
"Yes, but for her safety I left for weeks but I'm in control now and I would never harm her,
"before I fell in love with her I wanted her to be safe" Edward said.
"And I definitely won't do it now" Edward said.
Jacob seemed a bit saddened hearing the news about Bella, He hates that Vampire is the only way to save her, If only he could bite her so that she can turn into a werewolf like him.
Werewolves don't get cancer or any human disease, If Bella becomes a vampire then the treaty line will go for her too, that was devastating.
Edward could see Jacobs knees buckle, Edward wanted to catch him from falling to his knees, He read Jacobs thoughts and Felt awful that this needs to be done to safe her.
Jacob flinched hostile and moved back from Edwards reach,
"I'm fine," Jacob brushed his concern off.
" I hate you for this Cullen, but I know you are telling the truth, I want Bella to survive even If I have to lose her" Jacob said.
"Can't you just ask Sam to make only one exception for her?" Edward asked,
"Then the treaty will lose it's purpose, All Vampires needs to stay away even her, What if some of my family is a singer? who also happen to have the werewolf gene?"
"The venom would kill them" Jacob said.
"But I said enough, please don't come back here any time soon" Jacob said turning around.
"Wait Jacob," Edward said, " You can still be her husband after she has turned, I can help you get with anything you need if the pack decides to disown you" Edward said.
"They won't, I'll make sure I'll become the Alpha before they suspect anything" Jacob said. Even if he will never be the Alpha, he rather linger alone forever than ever accept the help of a leech.
Without a further word Jacob left, Edward watched him leave, a possible partnership between wolves and Vampires seems very far away, No matter what he's willing to do Jacob's hatred keeps growing, Edward doesn't care much about Jacob's dislike towards his kind but he just want a truce between them for Bella.
But maybe in a very distant future.
-/-
Bella has finally graduated, she listened to her class mates speeches while sitting next to Jacob, her life is anything but normal engaged to two supernatural beings, both of them represents a different piece of her heart. She feels fortunate that she can have both.
The Cullens graduated too but asked to have their diploma without attending so that Bella can have her moment.
Alice was braiding Bella's hair in a white room, in front of a mirror she watches herself, she has a shoulder-less white bridal gown and her hair was drapped over her shoulder in a large beautiful fairy like braid with tiny white flowers adorned in them.
In a different room Carlisle held Edwards coat and he placed his arms in the sleeves,
The day has arrived that they'll meet each other at the altar.
There were so many people present and Edward waited for Bella coming towards the altar. Alice has chosen the best dress for her and she has been avoiding being in the same room as him for days so that no brief image of the dress will slip. Edward was in awe with the dress. So beautiful..
Tears were swimming in Bella's eyes as she smiled so joyfully. It's finally happening.
Hopefully her father is watching, Carlisle walked her to the alter since he's the closest thing she got right now.
After they did their vows they went to the cake cutting, Bella cut a small peace feeling sorry that Edward will never know how lovely this cake tastes to a human. She fed him a piece and Edward did the same.
On the same day Bella married Jacob at night, having a second wife ceremony, Jacob feasted her eyes on Bella, she had a native American attire on.
She resembles the iconic Pocahontas, with braids and hair with feathers adorned, there were tears of joy during this ceremony too but also sadness, because Edward isn't allowed to come, but Seth came with an idea, he will let Edward read his mind after the wedding is over.
Seth usually doesn't really like seeing people kiss but he didn't want to look away, so that Edward won't miss a moment of this day, Jacob cupped Bella's face and both kissed doing their vows.
"You are my sun, I need you like north pole needs the eternal winter.. oh Jae I love you so much" Bella thought as she rested against his shoulder during a slow dance.
She will have her honeymoon on Island Esme with Edward and will go on a trip to Hawaii with Jacob for her birthday.
-/-
August has arrived a new college semester has started. It was time to let Bella go to Seattle, Edward asked for their future and Alice did see dark spots in their future but Edward assumes that it's because of the werewolves. That's the downside of having her being married to one it blocks every foreseeing future.
That could also be a good thing because no physic vampire could track her down nor harm her easily.
Edward bought a suitable car for Bella so that she can drive all the way to Seattle and back if she ever needs to drive home. Bella placed the box with the locket in the drawer of the dashboard first so that it won't get lost in her belongings.
Bella closed the back of her truck, all her things are packed and the few other things will be shipped by Edward.
"Okay I'm leaving" Bella said turning to Edward,
"I'm going to miss you, look after yourself, don't make any side stops and head to Seattle" Edward said.
" I will do that" Bella said.
"Call me as soon as you arrive" Edward said.
Bella nodded, she tip toed giving Edward a kiss "I'll see you very soon" Bella said trying to stay strong and Edward let go of her hand, he seemed peaceful with letting her go and that made it less hard for Bella to head to college, she will find comfort because she will meet with Jacob sooner. She won't be alone for long. Some of her friends will attend the same College so things can't go wrong.
When Bella's car start to drive away from him it felt like a bereavement, He kept watching until the car became a small dot and he held in a sob, it hurts seeing her leave, they'll be apart from each other again and touched the wedding ring on his finger.. Edward turned away from Bella's direction and wanted solitude to collect himself,
Edward went home without saying a word, he couldn't even look at his wedding ring without being so distraught about seeing Bella leave, and has placed it in the ring box in his car.
"Leave me alone" Edward said to Alice distraught, he brushed passed her and leaned against the door inside his bedroom.
Edward breathed out, this was a huge mistake, He should have known better than thinking he can even stay a second without her ever again.
Remaining in touch, a phone call means nothing If she's not in the same town as he is. This feels like another separation, And felt his body bulging screaming at him to go and get her.
" I suppose I could tell her I've changed my mind and I'll live with her there, maybe I can tutor her or make her assignments when she wants to go out with friends."
"No.. she needs that space, but I can watch over her from a distance.. Edward thought.
He felt a bit bad for snapping at Alice who only wanted to comfort him, but apologizing can be done later, Edward then hurried down the stairs towards the telephone Alice was there she was about to use it but when Edward came she placed it down.
"I need to book a hotel" Edward said calm.
"I was about to do that for you" Alice said.
Edward slumped his shoulders eying Alice apologetically. " Alice, thank you.. for always wanting to help me no matter how many times I ignored your advise"
"I'm surprised you haven't grown tired of me" Edward said.
"Well you got some making up to do" Alice said.
"Shopping..." Edward said dreadful.
"Uhum" Alice said,
"There is a nice Cottage that I want, with furniture.. It's going to be fun" Alice said.
"Anything for you." Edward said.
"And by the way, I'm coming with you to Seattle, I will be able to see what Bella is doing" Alice said holding onto Edwards hand as she walked to her car.
"I don't want Bella out my sight either, with us remaining near she'll be safe from any possible danger." Alice said.
Edward nodded " I wished I didn't have to worry about her all the time, It's like anything bad can happen as soon as I turn my back for a split second" Edward said.
"She will arrive in Seattle safe," Alice said. "there was a dark spot in her future but I see her being reunited with her friends" Alice said.
"Dark spots?" Edward repeated,
"Strange.. or maybe a few werewolves followed her to make sure she leaves Forks safely" Edward said.
"Anyway I feel better now that It's certain that Bella will be fine" Edward said.
"Good, just stay calm and I'll arrange our flight" Alice said gently pushed Edward out of the way.
Edward left her in the living room, he stepped outside of the balcony, his heart still felt restless.. but why? why is he so worried about her?
Everything is fine according to Alice, and she has never been wrong.. Edward inhaled staring at the forest, the sooner he's out of Forks the easier it will be to shush all the brooding in his head.
Bella was happy that there are multiple people on the road, Forks is a bit busier than usual now that more people are going overseas to college, for some strange reason she feels a bit unsafe, maybe that's why Edward was very clear about not making any side stops, She will do as he says.
As the traffic started moving Leah was watching Bella's car behind the forest.
"Can't we just take her out now and massacre the eye witnesses?" a voice sneered.
"No, too many people have been harmed because of that swan girl" Leah said, "besides If the wolves find out Bella went missing that telepathic Cullen will find out we are behind this" Leah said.
"Both of us will have our revenge, but the last thing we need is ending up hunted down ourselves" Leah added.
"Or I'll create a bigger army, a legion and we'll reach Seattle by sea" If the Cullen's do find out they will be powerless to stop me"
"That could also work, I'll join you to cover your tracks" Leah said.
Leah could have allowed the attack right now, but revenge takes patience.
If Jacob ever finds out about this then she'll never be forgiven so she needs to make sure she's not missing anything, every step she takes needs to be certain that she won't rat herself out, All she wants is getting rid of Bella without anyone else take the fall, and with Jacob being stricken with grief over Bella's loss she will be his shoulder to cry on.