Sorry I'm late *dodges bullets* I have a good reason, I swear! My computer broke and then I lost all my stuff. Translation: the chapter I was working on was lost. I felt really shitty and couldn't bring myself to writing. It took a while, but I finally built a better and more interesting chapter.

I'd like to call attention to something TheYaoiFan mentioned in a review. Apparently back in Chapter 5, I mentioned that Edward's mother's name is Elizabeth and that his father died when he was 11. Then, Esme and Carlisle (Edward's parents) show up in Chapter 10, alive and not Elizabeth. I think I also mentioned that his mom lives in Chicago. I'd like to apologize for this lapse in good writer behavior. I definitely need to catalgoue my characters' backstories more carefully. I'm so terribly sorry; I feel like I've let you all down. That was part of the reason I couldn't write, because I was so ashamed. I'm trying to put that past me and not beat myself up over it too much. So just to be clear: Esme and Carlisle are alive, Elizabeth doesn't exist. They don't live in Chicago anymore; they moved to Tacoma to be closer to Edward. That's the path we're going down.

Welcome, new readers: TheYaoiFan, athena-apollo, RobstenLover, Bammers - Hope you enjoy the story, and keep on reading it!

Thanks for not hitting me, Jazz.

Stephenie Meyer owns everything, except my key necklace.

BPOV

Being with Edward made me so happy, despite my worries about our relationship being too perfect to last. He was a rare and wonderful man, and I would just have to enjoy what we had and not take it for granted, because at any moment, it could all be over.

Walking into the kitchen with my thoughts swimming around in my head, I grabbed a water bottle out of the fridge and gulped it down. I felt a little better after getting hydrated when my cell phone rang from inside my room. I ran to answer it, hoping it was Edward. To my dismay, it wasn't, but when I saw the name flashed across the screen, I was immediately restored to a happy state.

"Angela! Hi, how are you?! Oh my god, I miss you so much!" My enthusiasm reached epic proportions, something that hadn't happened since…ever.

"Calm down, Bella! Alice much?"

I laughed at her comparison. "Very funny. How's Portland?"

"Actually," she said, "I got home last night. I was calling to see if you wanted to go to lunch today. We need to catch up."

"I would love that, Ang. Except I have work today! Damnit." Angela meant a lot to me, and I wanted to see her as soon as possible.

"What time do you work?" she asked.

"Um…1 o'clock."

"Well, then we can go for an early lunch. Panera. My treat. I'll come get you, and then I'll bring you to work!"

"Okay! Come get me in…" I looked at the clock. "In 30 minutes. I'm going to go get ready. See you then!"

"Bye!" she said, and we hung up.

As I got dressed and ready, I began to think about all Angela and I had been through. I recalled a memory from high school; Angela got me through a difficult time. Mike had been pressuring me to have sex with him, and I wasn't ready yet. He would tell me that 'everyone does it' and that I was 'the last virgin on earth.' Angela talked me through it and helped me regain some confidence that Mike was stealing from me every time he said things like that. Of course Alice was there, too, but her deal was more about getting all the guys on the football team to kick his ass. Thanks to Angela, I was more assertive with him and it immediately turned the dynamic of the relationship around. I was able to dictate the pace we went at, which made my first time better than it would have been if I had surrendered. I was forever grateful for her support during those years.

I called Edward to let him know I didn't need a ride to work, and that I'd see him at around 10. He was a little reluctant to let me out of his sight, but he knew how much I loved Angela, and he didn't argue.

After slipping on my uniform and brushing my unusually knotty hair, light taps on the door signaled Angela's arrival. I skipped in an Alice-like manner to answer the door and nearly screamed when I saw her.

"Angela! Oh my god, I've missed you so much!" We yelled and hugged and kissed and almost cried at one point, until I broke away and finally insisted we get to lunch; I didn't want to end up late for work, and all this hugging was embarrassing if your name wasn't Alice Brandon.

Angela told me all about her time in Portland on the ride over. She sold a few paintings and even started working on a sculpture inspired by the culture of downtown Portland. She described a lot of symbolic art mumbo jumbo that I didn't understand, but trust me when I say, it sounded like something that would have artists talking around the world.

Ben, her fiancée, visited her every weekend and they had a great time taking in their surroundings.

"It was such a beautiful place. Ben and I really loved it there," she told me as we stood in line at Panera.

"Why don't you move there then?" I asked her.

"Everything I know and love is in Seattle, though. My friends, my job, my apartment. My parents are in Forks, and moving to Portland would take me farther away from them."

"You're 25 years old, Ang. Your parents' opinion shouldn't effect your decision."

"I know, but I like having them in the same state." She seemed a bit saddened that she didn't live closer, and I knew that was what she was thinking about as she twiddled her thumbs and hung her head down. We had this discussion before. I felt bad about pushing it so I apologized.

"It's alright, Bella. I guess I'm still a 5-year-old at heart."

"If you don't want to live there permanently, why not get married there? You said you saw some really beautiful spots." I felt better once I suggested this, and her face lit up as she interpreted how that would play out.

"That's a great idea! Oh, why didn't I think of that?! Thank you so much for putting that in my head! I've got to tell Ben as soon as we're done with lunch. I think he'll like idea."

"Well, I'm glad to have been of some help to a worthy couple."

Angela smiled at me as we ordered our food and waited for it to be ready. We stood in comfortable silence as our names were called out and we picked up our food. I scoped out a quiet table by the fireplace that wasn't lit because of the summertime, and we sat down and dug in. I was halfway through my sandwich when Angela said something that caught me off guard.

"So Alice tells me you have a boyfriend."

I nearly choked on my sandwich and had to take a sip of my Diet Coke to move the piece of food down my throat.

"Shit, Alice doesn't wait for anything, does she?" I didn't even have to ask that question.

"No, she doesn't. If you want to talk about him, I'd really love to hear about him."

This was what I loved best about Angela Webber. She was kind and sweet and thoughtful and knew when to shut her mouth and when to talk. She was sensitive to your feelings and didn't push you to blab all of your personal secrets. Of course I would want to tell her all about Edward. I was so proud of our relationship and he was a great guy. No way I would hold back from saying anything.

"His name is Edward Cullen, he's 26, and works as a advertiser at the Worktank Agency. He's about 6' 2", has messy bronze hair, piercing green eyes, full, pouty lips, strong forearms, perfectly sculpted shoulders…chiseled abs…"

"Geez, Bella, he sounds like a hottie!"

I didn't hear anything. I was too busy fantasizing about my gorgeous boyfriend doing naughty things to me.

Angela snapped her fingers in front of my face. "Bella! Wake up! Quit the daydream, huh?"

"What? Oops…sorry." I smiled sheepishly, embarrassed for getting so intimate with my daydreams in such a public place.

"Anyway, he sounds gorgeous. But how is he personality wise?"

"The perfect man. And I'm not kidding. He has the manners of a Southern gentleman at the turn of the 20th century, without the irritating accent and 'ma'am' nonsense. He cares for my well-being and wants me to be comfortable with everything that happens. Edward is protective and jealous, but not to the point of a scary Lifetime movie way. He's funny and sweet but also a real man."

Angela sighed. "He sounds like a real winner, Bella. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks. I really don't want to end this heart to heart, but I have to get to work. Banner will kill me if I'm late. Even though I've never been late a day in my life, he still has the need to fire anyone who is. Freakin' moron…"

"Well let's get you to work! I think I'll have to pull an Alice and speed through every street we encounter."

"Sounds terrifying. Let's go." We cleared the table of all remnants of lunch and made our way to Angela's car. On the way over to work I talked mostly of what had been going on in mine and Edward's relationship. She thought it was a good sign that I had survived and excelled in the meeting-the-parents challenge, though I couldn't shake that stupid nagging doom feeling again. I didn't voice my concerns, hoping there was no evidence to get so worried that I needed to tell someone. Besides, speaking these feelings out loud would make the possibility of a problem up ahead all the more real.

All too soon we arrived at the restaurant and I had to leave Angela behind.

"Give me a call. Me and you can get together. And I'd really like to meet Edward."

"I'd like that," I said truthfully as I got out of the car. "Thanks for lunch! And for dropping me off at work. I appreciate it." I waved and ran into the restaurant and was able to clock in right before my shift started. This was going to be an awesome day.

"Swan! You're late!"

"Check the clock, Banner, I punched in at 12:59, my shift starts at 1. I'm right on time."

"Oh…well…get to work!" Mr. Banner was hilarious when he was wrong, his face turned red and it looked like the vein in his forehead was about to explode. I chuckled my way to the kitchen and was not greeted by the usual inappropriate joke from Jacob, as it had been since Edward had nearly threatened death upon him at Mrs. Cope's retirement party. I rather liked it this way, but it did cause for some awkwardness. I felt weird working with him and I didn't know what to say if I needed to speak with him. Don't get me wrong, I was eternally grateful for Edward's actions but I didn't know how to handle the aftermath. I sighed and decided to just deal with it.

I said hello to the rest of the staff and was introduced to a temp by the name of Embry, and got right to work.

The night was uneventful to say the least, but I was happy to see a text message from Edward when I took my break.

Bella,

I wish you were here right now.

Work is brutal.

I miss you,

Edward

I didn't like hearing that Edward was stressed or upset in any way, and my heart broke for him. Even though I didn't hear what he said live, I could imagine in my head the way his voice sounded when he said those words, and it was truly tired and frustrated.

Edward,

I'm sorry to hear that, babe.

I miss you too.

I don't like to hear that you're upset.

- Bella

Bella,

Don't worry about me.

I'm just counting the minutes until I pick you up.

- Edward

Edward,

So am I.

Can I sleep over tonight?

I promise I can make it worth your while ;]

- Bella

Oh, how I loved to toy with him. I figured a promise for something special later on might lighten his mood, plus I couldn't resist flirting with my sexy as hell boyfriend.

Bella,

Hell yeah you're sleeping over.

If you don't, I'll tie you up…

- Edward

Edward,

Going for some payback, are we?

- Bella

Bella,

You bet.

See you at 10.

- Edward

Smiling in anticipation of what was to come later tonight, I closed my phone and practically skipped back inside the restaurant. I hummed while I stirred the House's famous sauce, and did a little dance as well. Garrett laughed and I'm pretty sure the temp was a bit frightened; I could almost guarantee he would never be working here again.

"Swan! Quit dancing and get to work!" came Banner's voice loudly from behind me.

"Sorry, sir," I mumbled, embarrassed and ticked off. I continued on with my work, singing and dancing only in the safe confines of my mind. The clock seemed to tick slower and slower with each second that passed. I honestly thought Mr. Banner kept moving the hands backwards so as to drive me nuts and keep me overtime. Alas, it was only my exaggerated mind, and 10 o'clock finally came. It wasn't my turn to lock up, so all I had to do was clean up my station, punch out, gather my things and head out the god damn door.

Edward was leaning up against the side of his car, waiting for me. He still had his work clothes on, save for the tie. His light blue collared shirt was hanging loosely out of his black dress pants, three buttons messily hung open, exposing a few stray chest hairs that he was always very protective of. He said it took him 26 years to grow them, and that he would do everything he could to keep them there. I didn't stop laughing for a half hour.

"Eager, are we? How long have you been waiting out here, may I ask?" I questioned, walking over to him.

"About 30 minutes. Just in case you got off early. And because I don't want to keep you waiting, especially by yourself this late. I'm supposed to be protecting you, remember?"

My hands snaked around his waist and I rested my head on his chest. I listened to his heart beat steadily. It was a comfort to feel his chest rise and fall, and had we be laying down I could have easily fallen asleep. I kissed his bit of exposed chest, making my way up his neck and finally to his pouty lips.

"Thank you for being so wonderful," I whispered as he opened the door for me, letting me slide into his comfortable Volvo.

"Anytime." He winked and closed the silver door, walking at an inhuman speed around to his side of the car, and we were off. I knew he liked to drive fast, but recently he had started to slow down. I think he was afraid of hurting me in some way. Hopefully he would be that careful with my emotions.

I got this weird craving that came out of nowhere, and I knew that if I didn't feed the beast, it would bother me all night and I'd never be able to fall asleep.

"Can we stop at Dunkin' Donuts? I am so in the mood for a muffin."

"Really, Bella? Right now? It's pretty late."

"Who are you, Renee circa my childhood?"

"From what you've told me, Renee would have let you eat an entire tray of donuts and a liter of soda at whatever hour of the night. So, technically, no. I am your concerned boyfriend."

"Smartass," I mumbled. "Just pull in to the Dunkin' Donuts near our complex." I get cranky when I'm hungry, and I didn't want to end up getting into a useless fight over nothing with Edward. Anything to save our relationship and wipe the impending doom out of my mind, I was game for.

"You have to get out of the car, you know. They don't have a drive-thru," said Edward.

"Ugh, don't remind me. I'll deal. I really need this muffin." Like an addict really needs his fix, that's how bad this craving was.

"Bella, you are so…" His eyes searched out distantly, past the roads and signs he was following, as if the words to describe exactly what I was were hidden in the stars of the night sky.

"I'm so what?" I asked, curiously playful.

"Weird."

My brow furrowed and I crinkled my nose. "Weird?"

"Yeah, that's definitely the word. You're one big weirdo."

I poked his ribs and reminded him, "I'm not the one that has an insurance plan for my chest hairs!"

"I should hope not, because then you would be too manly for my liking," his velvet laugh boomed as I sulked. I could seriously never win with this guy. He was way too witty and charming for his own good.

"You're lucky you're hot, or else I wouldn't let you get away with it." Again, his laughter filled the car, clearly amused with my statement. Score one for Bella.

"You are quite the hilarious woman, my Bella." We had finally arrived at my haven of coffee and doughnuts. Edward parked in one swift and easy motion, and said, "Alright, you. Hurry your cute little butt up. I want to get you home as soon as possible." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Noted, Mr. Cullen," was the only response I gave him, desperate to not surrender to his little game. He groaned in frustration as I slammed the door and ran into the 24 hour heaven.

I loved having this back and forth with my Edward. It bothered me when couples were too intense or lovey-dovey on a daily basis. Your significant other should be your best friend as well as your romantic partner. I've always admired those couples that seem like they've known each other for years, and can still act like they are aware of every aspect of each other without seeming gooey. I admire the couples that aren't making out with each other every second of every day. I admire the couples that are just big goofballs, yet aren't flakes. I like to think Edward and I are getting there.

"Can I get a chocolate chip muffin? Thanks." I didn't let the boy behind the counter get a word in edgewise. As much as I wasn't succumbing to Edward's game, that doesn't mean that I didn't want to get home quickly and do whatever the eyebrow wiggling was suggesting.

I heard the door open behind me, and since it was late I could only think it was Edward coming to accompany me. I turned and smiled, when to my dismay and horror, it wasn't Edward.

"Sorry," I mumbled, terribly embarrassed. The man looked like he hadn't shaved in weeks, though his beard wasn't full yet. I couldn't tell what he looked like very much, partly due to the fact I hadn't taken a good look at him, and partly because his hood was up, obscuring most of his face. He was very nondescript, an average looking guy. I turned around again to see him staring at the back of my head. His clothes were saggy and dirty and looked as though they had been slept in for as long as his beard had been growing. His dark eyes frightened me, so I quickly looked away, hearing the boy behind the counter tell me my total. I turned to leave, but something unexpected and terrifying happened.

The man grabbed me by the throat and growled, "Not so fast." He pulled a gun out of his pocket and shot the boy in the shoulder, and he went down, screaming in pain. My heart was pounding in my ears, my stomach had fallen to the floor, my brain was pulsing and my lungs felt like those of a withered, emphysema-ridden senior citizen. He threw me to the ground and I hit my head against the counter. I smelled the blood before I felt it, and I felt even more sick, if that was possible.

"Yes, that's right, you're bleeding. The crimson liquid is flowing out of your head at quite a pace," his voice slithered, almost snake like. His almost-black eyes held no life behind them; they were dead and matte and unfeeling.

Suddenly there was vomit next to my mouth, which I could only assume to be my own. I kept regurgitating my dinner until it felt like my stomach was hollow; it was as if all my insides had been scraped out with a rusty knife. Everything got blurry and my head was pounding. My head wound was becoming worse, and I was beginning to think that this man wouldn't have a chance to kill me, that the gash on my skull would do the job efficiently enough. Although, at this point I would rather he shoot me and get it over worth than going through the painful suffering. I felt myself slipping away, and I heard a scruffy yet soft "goodbye" in the distance.

Oh, Edward. I need you so badly. I'm going to miss you, Edward. You meant so much to me. At least you can live and move on…that will make me happier when I'm…wherever I'm going…

I tried to hold on to my life, focusing on the cold, hard tile floor and the prickly feeling my hair gave my cheek. My heart was pounding in my chest as he walked easily over to the cash register and took what I could guess to be a large sum of money. Ignoring the throbbing gashes and pain, I watched him look over the doughnuts and muffins, like he was a harmless man shopping around. He took a glazed doughnut and shoved it in his mouth, holding it like a dog and its chew toy. The money he obtained was stuffed into a duffel bag and finally ate the doughnut protruding from his mouth. His crusty, dirty hand reached into the pocket of his muddy black jeans and pulled out a short, shiny silver knife. He leaned over towards the boy and slit his throat in one clean, smooth, stroke. He sighed. I screamed at the sight of his cool demeanor whilst slicing another human being. He strolled over to me and kneeled by my side, watching me watching him.

"I thought you were already dead. Such a shame, now I have to do it all over again."

*dodges more bullets* Sorry! But I thought I'd return with a POW! I hope this sort of makes up for the stupidity and the long gap between updates.

Share your comments, questions, concerns, etc by reviewing, or PM me if you'd like to say so much more. Reviews are as cute as Edward's baby chest hairs, and they could possibly save Bella's life. But who knows? YOU have the fate of the characters in your hands.