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Alice's Version of Breaking Dawn
Chapter 1: Missing
We pulled up in front of the Cullen's house in Edward's Volvo.
Alice had called, saying she had an idea for the wedding and she wanted to tell me in person. So, I had grabbed my jacket and went out in the rain, with Edward by my side. He had opened the car door for me and was in his seat before I had my seatbelt on.
I was glad that Charlie hadn't been home, imagining his reaction to me telling him that I was going over to the Cullens place to make wedding plans with Alice. Charlie hadn't been very happy with my decision to marry so soon. When I had told him that Edward and I were going to be married he had gone so white that he had been almost as pale as Edward, but nowhere near as beautiful, and then fainted. It had taken a long time to calm Charlie down after he had woken up, but eventually we had gotten him to relax a bit. While Charlie tried to start breathing normally again, I had gone to the phone to call Renee and tell her the news. It had taken even longer to calm her down then it had with Charlie. But eventually she had realized that there was no changing my mind and had then started congratulating me rather than scolding me.
When I had returned to the family room, I had found Charlie giving Edward a lecture.
"If you ever hurt her, or do anything to send her crying back home, then you will wish that you had never moved to Forks! I will hunt you down with the largest police force I can get and make you regret ever looking at my daughter, you got that!"
"Don't worry Charlie, I would never do anything to hurt Bella. I will do everything in my power to protect her. You have my word."
That seemed to calm Charlie down.
"Then you have my blessing. Congratulations," Charlie had then held out his hand and Edward took it and they shook hands "I guess this makes you my future son-in-law."
The memory of Charlie's words made me shiver. If Charlie knew that his future son-in-law was a vampire…I shivered again.
Edward put his arm around me as we walked up to the large three-story house where the Cullens lived. I felt my heart jump in my chest at Edward's touch. I knew he could hear it, which made me blush. He looked at me and smiled his crooked smile.
Alice met us at the front door, her face angry.
"Edward, can I talk to you for a minute?" She growled through her clenched teeth.
Edward sighed.
"What is it Alice?" I asked.
"Just something I need to talk to Edward about. Privately." She added, looking at Edward.
Edward sighed again, and then he turned to me.
"Stay here, it will only take a moment."
He kissed me on the forehead, and then he and Alice were gone.
I looked out the glass wall facing south. It was cloudy, as usual. But the green forests surrounding the house were beautiful and so were the snow-capped mountains in the distance. I realized that the beauty of the small town of Forks had grown on me, and it surprised me when I realized that I would miss it when Edward and I left. But we would come back and visit, right? But then I remembered what Jacob had told me. That when I became a vampire that the treaty would be broken, no matter where we were when I changed, and he and his pack would have to attack the Cullens if they ever found them again, the war would start.
It took all my strength to fight back the tears that threatened to overflow as I remembered Jacob.
I had made my choice. I couldn't live without Edward, and there was no way that I could be with Edward and Jacob at the same time. I had tried, and failed. It would be hard to live without Jacob, but not as hard as it would have been to live without Edward. I'd been there; I knew how it felt when Edward had left almost a year ago for my own good. But in the end, it had nearly killed us both.
I was interrupted from my thoughts when Edward and Alice returned to the room. Edward looked worried and lost in thought. But before I could ask what was wrong, Alice spoke.
"I have a great idea for the wedding, Bella," Alice said as she danced toward me. She was so graceful. It took my breath away. "I thought that we would have the wedding in a chapel or something. But then I had a vision of the wedding taking place in a beautiful meadow. I asked Edward about it and he told me that it was your special place where you two hang out. So I thought that we could have the wedding in the meadow! What do you think?" She asked me with pleading eyes, waiting for my answer.
I imagined myself walking down the aisle in my wedding dress between the plastic chairs and towards Edward in a tuxedo, looking perfect beyond description, in the perfectly circular meadow and the wild flowers swaying in the wind. Though the thought of getting married still terrified me, I found myself longing for the image in my head to become a reality.
"I think it's a great idea, Alice. But how is everyone going to get there? It's not exactly the easiest place to find."
"Well, I thought we could hire someone to make a road or something, if that's alright with you. After you and Edward leave you won't be using it anymore anyway, right? So it won't really matter if other people know about it?" Her eyes were pleading again. She really wanted to do this. Whatever makes her happy, I reminded myself.
"Sure, Alice. Whatever it takes."
"Yes! Thanks Bella!" She said as she ran to me and hugged me. "I need to get to work, then. You and Edward go play." She threw Edward an angry look, and then spun away from us and gracefully danced away like a perfect ballerina.
Edward took my hand and led me to the front door. When we were in his car I asked him.
"What's wrong? Why was Alice mad at you?"
"It's nothing." Edward said, not looking at me.
"If you won't tell me, then I'll ask Alice."
Edward sighed in defeat. I waited.
"I sent Jacob a wedding invitation," he hesitated, "and a letter."
"What?" I gasped.
"I just told him thank you, and promised that I would take care of you. But I did it without your permission. I'm sorry."
"That's alright. But why was Alice so mad?" I whispered.
It was silent for a long moment, but then he finally spoke.
"Alice saw, in a vision, Charlie telling you that Jacob has been missing for three days. He'll tell you when he gets home tonight."
I stared at him, my mouth hanging open. I struggled to fight the tears back. No more tears, I told myself, you promised.
I tried to compose myself until I was able to speak.
"Is he alright? Will he come back?" I asked, my voice strangled.
"Alice can't see that. But I'm sure he'll be fine."
"No he won't," I disagreed. I couldn't fight the tears anymore. I began to sob. "I wish I had never met him. That way I could never have hurt him. I'm horrible! It's all my fault! I wish I didn't exist!" But as I accused myself I knew I was lying, about the first part anyway. I loved Jacob. He had helped me during my darkest days. He had been my sun. Imagining my life without knowing him was impossible. But that just made me hate myself more.
Edward stopped the car on the side of the road and put his arms around me. I saw that we were in front of Charlie's house, but I was too distraught to be surprised.
"No, Bella, don't blame yourself. It's not your fault, it's mine. He wouldn't have run away if I hadn't sent him that letter. It's not your fault."
I couldn't argue. I was crying to hard to talk.
"Do you want to go inside?" Edward asked.
I nodded, still unable to speak.
Before I could blink, Edward was opening the car door on my side. He unbuckled my seatbelt for me and picked me up easily. The next thing I knew, I was on my bed in my bedroom, Edward still holding me. Again, he held me as I cried, my tears falling onto his shirt. I started hating myself even more. I had promised myself that Edward would never see me shed another tear over Jacob. And yet, here I was, crying just as I had the last time.
But this was different; Jacob was missing. He was in pain, and it was all my fault, despite what Edward had said. I looked at the bracelet on my left hand, at the little wooden wolf Jacob had carved himself, and it made me cry harder.
It steadily got darker and darker in my room, and I knew Charlie would be home soon. I slowly got up. Edward saw what I was trying to do and released me. I longed, almost craved, to go back into his arms and have him hold me. But I had other responsibilities, such as feeding Charlie.
I went downstairs, with Edward by my side, and into the kitchen. As I preheated the oven and turned on the heat on the stove, Edward spoke.
"Bella…I think you should reconsider your decision."
I turned and stared at him, shocked.
"It's…unbearable to see you in so much pain. If you're putting yourself through this just for me, then stop it. I want you to be happy. If Jacob is what you want, then you should choose him. You should--" His face was pained.
"No, Edward. I'm not upset because I'm unhappy with my decision. You're all I'll ever want. I'm upset because Jacob's missing, because he's in pain and it's my fault, because I don't want to change my mind, and my decision is hurting him. I'm upset with myself, because I'm selfish and I'm hurting everyone I care about." I stopped. I couldn't talk about this anymore. It hurt too much.
Edward put his arms around me again. Feeling his touch calmed me down a bit. It was only after I had calmed down that I realized I had been shaking.
"Bella, the last thing you are is selfish. You have risked your life to save others and have sacrificed your own happiness to make everyone else happy. But you can't save everyone, and you can't make everyone happy. You have to take care of yourself once in a while, at least."
I was about to argue, but I knew he was right. I couldn't save everyone, and I couldn't make everyone happy, no matter how hard I tried.

Chapter 2: Attack
It had been two weeks since Edward had told me of Jacob's disappearance, and Jacob still hadn't returned. Billy had called Charlie to report him missing, though I knew that Billy knew that Jacob hadn't been abducted. Billy had probably told Charlie so that the police could keep another set of eyes open for Jacob.
Edward was now always worried about me, always being cautious around me, in case I cracked again and started crying. After a while it started to get annoying, but I knew I would probably do the same thing if the situation were reversed.
The rest of the Cullens seemed perfectly at ease, only worrying about the wedding. Jacob's absence caused them no distress. Though, when Esme looked at me her face was full of care and worry about me. Alice would always give Edward angry glances. I wondered why she was so mad. It wasn't Edward's fault that Jacob was missing, it was mine.
So that day, when Edward was driving me home in his Volvo, I asked him.
"Alice still seems pretty mad at you about Jacob. Why is that?"
"Well, because it was against the rules." Edward answered.
"Against the rules?"
"The treaty." He reminded me.
"Oh." I let the subject drop. The treaty that kept the werewolves and the vampires from fighting right now. Of course Alice would be upset if Edward had put their safety in jeopardy. But Edward seemed confident that it wouldn't come to that though, so I wasn't worried. I didn't have enough energy to be worried. There was so much that I already had to be worried about: Jacob, the wedding, the Volturi, me becoming a vampire, Jacob.
Jacob, I repeated in my head.
Would he ever come home?
I didn't know.

It was just a few days until the wedding, and I was nervous.
Nervous was putting it mildly. I was terrified. But I had to get it over with, and afterwards Edward would have to fulfill all of my demands. I told myself that over and over again, and that's what kept me from screaming. And to make matters worse, Jacob hadn't come home. I was getting frantic. I now called Billy's house every half hour to ask if he was back. And always the same answer: no.
As I became more panicked, Edward kept trying to distract me, which was fine, but it still didn't erase my worry.
One day, Alice wanted Edward and I to go up to the meadow with her and make plans. Edward was eager, wanting to distract me some more. So I agreed, and we went.
The trip there was exhilarating, as always.
When we reached the meadow, Alice was already there looking around with her hands on her hips. She didn't look surprised to see us, of course.
"This meadow is so small!" Was the first thing she said to us.
"Well, that won't be a problem. We don't have that many people coming. It's supposed to be a small wedding, remember." I said.
"Yeah, I guess. I was just hoping we could have more room for decorations and stuff." She complained.
"Not too overboard, Alice. Remember?" I reminded her.
"Yeah." She mumbled.
She turned away from us and started pointing to different sections of the meadow and mumbled to herself.
"The chairs will go along here, and Bella will walk along here, and maybe some light's here…"
I looked around the meadow. It was just as beautiful as it had been the first time I'd been here with Edward. It had been the first time I'd seen him shine in the sunlight, looking like a god. I looked up at the sky. It was cloudy, unlike my first day here, but it was still beautiful.
"Do you remember our first day here together?" Edward asked me. I turned to him.
"Yes, I was just thinking about that. I thought you couldn't read my mind?" I asked, teasing.
"I can't, I just get lucky sometimes."
Then he brought his lips down to mine and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he wrapped his arms around my waist. As usual, my breathing became uneven and my heart pounded.
Edward's lips left mine and traveled down to my neck. While Edward continued to kiss me, I tried to remember how to breathe normally.
All of a sudden, Alice gasped.
Edward released me and we both turned toward Alice.
She was looking at nothing in particular, but her face was paler than usual, and her eyes seemed unfocused. But I knew, and so did Edward, that she was no longer seeing the meadow, she was seeing something that was yet to come, something that might happen.
Edward and I ran to her, Edward running at human speed next to me.
"What is it Alice?" I asked her.
Her eyes suddenly went back into focus, and she looked at us, her eyes were filled with a mixture of anger, anxiety, and terror.
"We have to leave, now!"
"Why?" I asked, confused.
Several things happened at once.
Both Edward and Alice stiffened, Edward let out a growl of rage, and I saw a pair of shining eyes in the forest surrounding the meadow. Then Edward and Alice went into attack position, half-crouched, placing themselves between the glittering eyes and me.
Edward and Alice backed up, pushing me with them, as a huge, russet-colored, wolf entered the meadow.
Jacob.
I wanted to run up to him, grab on to his shaggy fur, put my head against his warm body, and cry in relief. But then I looked into his eyes again, and a shiver ran down my spine. The look in his eyes was hostile, murderous. He, too, was in a crouch, ready to pounce. A growl came from his chest.
I looked back at Alice and Edward, ready to attack, and I wanted to scream.
This can't be happening. This can't be happening!
They were going to fight.
Edward started whispering to Alice so low and so fast that I couldn't hear. Whatever Edward had told Alice made her look at him in shock.
"Now!" Edward said louder and slower so I could hear.
Slowly, Alice walked to me, still in her crouch, never taking her eyes off Jacob. She grabbed my arm.
"Jacob--" Edward started, his velvet voice full of authority.
Before he could finish, Jacob attacked.
Jacob jumped, closing the gap between him and Edward. Jacob slashed his paws at Edward, trying to tear him with his claws. Edward moved out of the way so fast I couldn't see him. I stared in horror as Edward and Jacob fought, so fast I could hardly see them.
Suddenly, I found myself in Alice's arms. And then we were flying through the forest, leaving Edward and Jacob fighting behind us.
"No!" I screamed. I struggled to get out of her steal grasp, but to no prevail. "They're going to kill each other, we have to go back, we have to stop them!"
But how?
This wasn't Edward and Victoria. This was Edward and Jacob. My true love and my best friend. I couldn't just threaten to cut myself with a rock or a knife. And if we went back, Alice would just help Edward kill Jacob.
"Edward told me to get you out of there so you wouldn't get hurt. We'll go back to the house and I can the rest of the family and we'll go back and help Edward." Alice's voice was confident, but the look in her eyes did not match her tone.
No! I didn't want Alice to get reinforcements; I wanted the fighting to cease completely.
When we were in the Cullen's house, Alice laid me on the couch and then ran upstairs at full vampire speed. After what seemed to be hours, but only a few seconds, Alice returned downstairs with the rest of the Cullens. Carlisle spoke quickly to me.
"Stay here, Bella. We'll help Edward. You wait here. Do you understand?"
"Yes." I whispered, my voice shaking.
Carlisle nodded once and then they were gone.
I was now alone, with no occupation, left to think. Horrible images flashed through my mind, the look in Jacob's eyes, Edward and Alice in attack position, Jacob's claws slashing at Edward.
I tried to shake away the memories, but they wouldn't leave my mind. I tried to get up to walk around, but I was too shaky to get off the couch.
In my head, I saw Jacob dead on the ground, or Edward ripped to shreds.
No!
Why was Jacob doing this? He had been my friend. My safe harbor. My sun.
And now it seemed that my sun was setting.
I remembered how Edward had been kissing me. Had Jacob been watching? Was that too much for him? Had he just snapped?
Or was it something else? Had Sam ordered Jacob to attack Edward? But why, what was the motive? Sam knew my decision, why would he do something like this? I knew it wasn't to prevent to Cullens from breaking the treaty. In doing this, the treaty was already broken.
Oh no!
Would the war start early? Would we have to leave sooner? No, that couldn't happen?
But what if it did?
As I waited for the Cullens return, I tried to think of other reasons Sam would order Jacob to attack Edward, but I couldn't think of any.
I hoped the Cullens would come back soon. The horrible images kept going through my head, and I wanted to see Edward, alive and whole, and have him hold me and help me forget everything. But if the Cullens returned, then Jacob would have to be dead.
No!
But if Jacob survived, then the Cullens would be dead.
No!
But could Jacob destroy an entire family of vampires? Only if the rest of the pack helped him.
No!
This couldn't be happening!
But someone would have to win, and someone would have to loose. Someone would live, and someone would die.
No!
Then I heard the front door open. I looked up. Could there be a chance that all of them, even Jacob, were alright? I doubted it.
Carlisle entered first, followed by Esme, Alice, Jasper, Rosalie, and Emmett. I looked around for Edward, but I couldn't see him.
Then I noticed that some of the Cullens were carrying something. I studied the pieces of white stone in their arms. And then, unable to breath, I fell into unconsciousness.

Chapter 3: Return
"Bella?"
I opened my eyes, or at least I thought I did. Because, when I did, I saw Edward.
And I knew I was dreaming.
Edward was dead.
I had seen Carlisle, Emmett, and Alice holding his remains. His body torn to shreds by the monster that had once been my friend.
My life was over; everything worth living for was over, gone.
I waited for the pain to come as the realization hit. I would never see Edward again, his perfect face or his crooked smile, or his bronze hair flying in the wind, or his piercing topaz eyes. I would never hear his perfect voice, soft as velvet, sweet as honey. And I would never feel his cool skin on mine, cold as ice, hard as marble.
But as I laid here, in this perfect dream, staring at Edward, the pain did not come. Not as I looked into his golden eyes, or saw his perfect face, or his saw his hair shining in the dim light coming from the window.
But in my dream, Edward wasn't smiling. Instead, his face was full of worry, for me.
"Bella, are you alright?" Edward asked.
"Of course," I said as I sat up. I saw that Edward wasn't alone, behind him was the rest of his family, looking at me warily. "I'm dreaming about you."
"Bella," Edward said slowly, looking at me cautiously now, "you're not dreaming."
"Of course I am, or you wouldn't be here right now."
Edward sighed and then sat down on the couch next to me. He began to lift his hand to the side of my face, hesitated, and then pushed the hair from my face and behind my right ear. The feeling of his cool hand felt very realistic, for a dream.
"Bella, I'm not dead."
"Not in my dream." I pointed out.
"Bella, you're not dreaming. I'm alive. I'm alright. We're in my house and we're together."
"How?" I said, still trying to prove him wrong. He knew what I meant.
"Well," he hesitated, "remember those legends that you heard in La Push a few months ago?"
"Yes." I said as I remembered the time when Jacob Black had taken me to the bonfire party where his dad, Billy Black, had told us old Quileute legends about spirit warriors, werewolves, and vampires. A surge of anger ran through me as I thought Jacob's name.
"Remember that one legend about the destroyed vampire, and how it started trying to put itself back together?"
It surprised me that he knew the story. He hadn't actually been there because of the treaty, but then I realized that he must have heard the story in Jacob's mind (another surge of anger).
"Yes." I said as I remembered; the werewolves had destroyed a vampire who had been killing girls from another tribe. When the tribal elders had examined the shredded remains, it had started to put itself back together. The only way to keep that from happening was to burn all the pieces.
I suddenly understood.
"That's what happened?"
Edward slowly nodded.
I felt like I would explode from the relief that rushed through me.
I wasn't dreaming. Edward had never been killed, because Jacob had forgotten to burn him. He had put himself back together.
I threw my arms around him and pressed my face into his shoulder. I was sobbing with relief.
"It's alright, Bella. It's alright." Edward whispered in my ear.
I lifted my head, keeping my arms around him, and then pressed my lips against his. He put his hand on the back of my head-as if to hold me there-and kissed me back. During the few times we broke apart to breath, I sobbed some more. My heart felt ready to burst out of my chest, but I didn't care. Edward was alive, that's all that mattered. Except…
I reluctantly broke away from Edward, and he let me go. Though he couldn't read my mind, he looked like he knew what I was about to ask.
"What about Jacob?" Now that I knew that Edward was alive, I didn't feel as much anger toward him anymore.
It was Carlisle who answered.
"Jacob is alive."
I turned to look at him.
"How?"
Alice spoke this time.
"We got there too late. Jacob had already left."
"But why didn't Jacob burn…" I looked at Edward. Not that I wasn't glad Jacob hadn't burned him, but I still had to ask.
"We don't know." Alice answered.
I still had so many questions to ask, but then Edward spoke.
"It's getting late, we better get you back home before Charlie does."
"Alright." That was okay; most of my questions were for Edward anyway. Then I remembered.
"What about my truck?" I asked. My truck was still at the end of the trail on the one-ten.
"I'll get it," Alice said, "It'll be at your house before Charlie gets home."
"Alright then," Edward said, looking at me, "Shall we?"
It was a quiet ride home. I was still in shock from everything that had happened. I decided that I would ask my questions when we were at my house.
Charlie wasn't home when we got there. My truck wasn't there yet, but I knew it wouldn't be long before it appeared on my driveway. I decided to serve leftovers so that I would have more time to talk to Edward before Charlie arrived. Edward watched me as I gobbled down my food, his face still looked worried. I looked at him more closely than I had back at his house and I was grateful when I saw that he didn't have a single scar from the battle.
After I was finished eating, I looked out the front window to see if my truck was there, though I was sure I would be able to hear it, even through the pounding of the rain. It surprised me when I saw it in the driveway; I hadn't heard a single noise. Alice was nowhere to be seen.
When I turned away from the window Edward was standing next to me.
"So, I bet you have a lot of questions for me. Why don't we sit down?" He pointed to the living room.
"Okay."
He sat down on the couch and then held out his arms for me. He wrapped his arms around me after I took my place on his lap.
"Where to start?" I sighed to myself.
Edward waited.
Unable to hold in my curiosity any longer, I blurted everything out at once.
"What happened? Why did Jacob attack? Why was Jacob there? What did Alice see? Why didn't you know he was there? Couldn't you read his mind? Why didn't you let Alice stay and help you? Why didn't Jacob-?"
"Bella, relax, one question at a time."
It was my turn to wait.
"Jacob was there because he wanted to make sure you were alright. The reason he attacked was because he thought I was about to change you…" He paused, watching my expression as I froze in shock.
I remembered how Edward had kissed me before Alice had gasped and Jacob had attacked, how he had brought his lips to my throat while I tried to remember how to breath properly. Had Jacob thought that Edward was about to bite me?
"When you were kissing me…?"
Edward nodded.
"But how did you not know he was there?" I asked after I had recovered from my brief moment of shock, "Couldn't you read his mind?"
"I could. But I was concentrating to block Alice's thoughts, she was getting really distracting, and I ended up blocking Jacob's thought's as well. He was far enough away at the time that Alice and I couldn't smell him."
"Then what did Alice see, after Jacob decided to attack?"
"Alice had seen me in the meadow, after Jacob had left."
I shivered.
"But why didn't you let Alice stay and help?" I asked.
"Bella, did you really think I would let you stay during the fight? And besides, Jacob had no quarrel with you or Alice, just me."
I brushed my fingertips along his ice-cold arm, perfect and whole.
"Why is that?" I mumbled, mostly to myself.
"Why is what?" Edward asked.
I didn't answer. It was silly; I should just be grateful that Edward was alive, but I couldn't help being curious.
Edward groaned. I suddenly wondered if he could still be in pain from getting torn apart and put back together again.
"What is it? Are you alright?" I asked, panicked.
"I'm fine, but please tell me what you were thinking, before I go insane. Even after all this time, it's still so frustrating to not be able to hear your thoughts." He smiled slightly.
I blushed, "It's nothing."
Edward groaned again. Then he turned his gaze back to me and unleashed the full power of his eyes on me. I was suddenly confused, my thoughts scattered by his absurd beauty. Would I ever get used to this?
"Please." He breathed in my face, confusing me further.
"Please what?" I asked, trying to gather my thoughts.
"Please tell me what you're thinking."
I struggled to break my gaze from him, but I couldn't will myself to look away from his perfection.
"I was wondering why you don't have any scars?" I blushed again and, embarrassed, I was able to look away from his now amused eyes and down at our entwined hands.
"That's what you were wondering?" I could hear the smile in his tone.
"I told you it was silly." I said, still looking down.
"No it's not. It's just funny because you thought it was silly. If I didn't already know, I would wonder the same thing."
"Then why?" I asked again.
"It's a vampire thing. Our skin is different from a human's. Only vampire venom can scar us. Remember what Jasper told you?"
I blushed again. It was obvious. Of course their skin wasn't the same as humans. Humans skin wasn't bullet proof, and it didn't shine in the sunlight as if thousands of tiny diamonds were embedded in the surface. And how could I forget what Jasper had told me, showing me the dozens of crescent moon shaped scars on his arm?
I suddenly felt a strange sense of déjà vu. Edward's words had reminded me of something, and I tried to remember exactly what it was.
Then I remembered when Jacob had told me about how werewolves heal faster then humans, how he had called it a 'wolf thing.' I looked up and the question burst out of my mouth before I could push it back.
"Was Jacob hurt?"
Edward went still as a statue. Several emotions ran across his face, one after the other: sadness, anger, pain, and others that disappeared before I could identify them. Eventually his face drained completely of any emotion.
"No, I don't think so." He finally answered, his voice also emotionless, empty.
I nodded, looking down again. Relief filled the small part of my heart that would always belong to Jacob.
Suddenly Edward picked me up with one hand and set me down on the couch next to him.
"What-?" I started to ask. Then I heard the front door open.
"Bella, you home?" I heard Charlie call from the front entryway.
"In here dad!" I called back.
A moment later Charlie entered the family room.
"Great news, Bella!" Charlie said the minuet he saw me, ignoring Edward, "Billy called me at the station and said that Jacob was back. Isn't that great?"
"Yeah, Dad. That's great." I tried to sound excited, but I didn't fool him.
"So, how was your day?" He sounded disappointed, probably from my lack of enthusiasm.
"It was good." I lied. I hoped Charlie would fall for it, but I was a bad liar. He looked at me suspiciously.
"Um, if you're hungry, there's food for you in the microwave." I said, trying to distract him.
"Alright." He said. He gave Edward a quick glance, gave me another suspicious look, and then walked to the kitchen.
As soon as Charlie was out of sight, I sighed and laid my head against Edward's shoulder. I felt him lean down and kiss the top of my head, inhaling the scent of my hair. As he did, I felt another wave of relief wash through me.
I had gotten what I wanted: both Edward and Jacob alive, whole, unharmed, and safe. No one had won, and no one had lost. It had been a tie.
But what would happen now? Would Sam consider the treaty broken? Would the war between the vampires and the werewolfs start early?
Horrified by the thought, I curled myself up against Edward's cold body, and I felt calm as sat here with my true love, knowing that my best friend was alive fifteen miles down the road to La Push. It was more than I had hoped for.

Chapter 4: Wedding Day
When I woke up and looked at my little calendar in the corner of the alarm clock's display it took all of my strength to keep myself from screaming.
Today was August 13th.
Today was my wedding day.
I began to feel dizzy and lightheaded, as if there was blood in the room. I felt the blood drain from my face.
"What's wrong?" Edward asked, now kneeling next to my bed. He had probably been sitting on the rocking chair in the corner before I had woken up. I looked up at him, his face looked worried.
"Today is August 13th." I whispered.
"Yes." Edward said, his tone filled with curiosity.
"Today is the wedding." I said, panicked.
I could tell Edward that was fighting a smile.
"Is that what you're upset about?" Amusement colored his tone.
I nodded.
"Yes, today is our wedding. Speaking of which: Alice told me to tell you that she'll be coming over soon to get you ready. She also said that everything has been set up and that all you need to be worried about is the possibility of you tripping on your gown while your walking up the aisle." He cracked a smile.
I groaned and fell back onto my pillow. Alice was coming, and I knew it would probably take her hours just to do my hair, even if she went at vampire speed. Then I remembered that my Mom had arrived last night and was now asleep on the couch downstairs, and I knew she would want to help. And, knowing Renee, that would just make things worse. I groaned again.
Edward guessed the reason behind my mood.
"I'm sure it won't be that bad. I'll tell Alice to try to keep it simple. But I can't make any guarantees." He smiled again.
"Well, if she's coming, then I'll need a human minuet," I sat up and reluctantly slid out of bed. I gathered some clothes and headed for the door. When I reached the door I turned around and looked at Edward.
"Stay here, I'll be back soon." I said.
"Yes, ma'am." He said as he lay down on my unmade bed. He was then still as a statue.
It reminded me of the earlier days of our love, when things had been simple-well, as simple as you can get when a vampire and a human fall in love-and now today we were taking our love to the next level.
Marriage. I shuddered as I walked to the bathroom.
I was shaking as I got ready, trying to hurry. I reminded myself that after this was over, Edward would fulfill my demands, and we would be together for eternity. I continued to think about that. But in that case, would this be the last day that I would see Charlie and Renee? The thought made me shake even harder.
After I was decent, I went back to my room and found Edward exactly as I had left him. He sat up as I entered the room and held his arms out for me. I walked, almost ran, to him and sat on his lap. I lifted my face up to his with my eyes closed. He knew what I was searching for, and he leaned down and kissed me. Almost instantly, I became dizzy, and my heart beat unevenly. Then, to soon, he broke the kiss.
"Alice is here." He said before I could complain.
I then heard the doorbell ring from downstairs.
"I have to go." He whispered in my ear.
"No!" I didn't want him to go.
"I won't be far. And besides, what would your parents think if I came out of your room with you?"
"I don't care, I don't want you to go."
"I won't be far." He said again.
And then he was gone.
I sighed heavily, and then I headed for the stairs.
When I got there, I found that Renee had already opened the door.
"Morning Mom, hey Alice," I greeted them both when I found them in the kitchen.
"Hi Bella!" Alice said to me at the same time Renee said "Good morning Bella," without taking her eyes off Alice, her mouth hanging open in aw at Alice's beauty.
Alice skipped, or danced, gracefully to me and stopped in front of me. I realized my mouth was hanging open too and quickly composed myself.
"Time to get you ready, Bella." She said to me, her tone playful.
"Oh, can I help?" Renee asked, excited.
"Sure, Mom," I said to her, then I turned to Alice and mumbled, "Let's get this over with."
"Don't worry, Bella. It'll be great." She said before heading up the stairs. I sighed and then Renee and I followed her to the bathroom.

I waited behind the tree's-with Alice and Rosalie behind me, and Charlie beside me-for when the music would start. I was wearing my wedding gown, long and flowing, which looked just like my dress from my Anne of Green Gables vision. My hair was done up in a bun, with long strands of hair curled up on the sides of my face. It had been the last of several experimental hairstyles, some stranger than others.
I was shaking, and as every minuet passed-every minuet, which brought me, closer to the time when I would walk down the aisle-I shook harder. Eventually I was shaking so hard that it probably looked like I was having convulsions.
"Bella?"
I turned to the sound of Charlie's voice, my vision of him obscured by the veil that hung over my face.
"Bella," He said again. He lifted his hand and gently put it on my shoulder, "I just want you to know that…whatever happens after this, you'll always be my little girl. I know you're nervous…" That was an understatement, "But there's nothing to be afraid of. Edward is a good man…and I know he'll take care of you. Everything will be fine. It's not like the end of the world." He laughed weakly.
I didn't say anything. His words went through my head over and over again, as I thought of how wrong he was.
It was the end of the world, my world. My human life was coming to an end. And, though I knew it was what I wanted, there were still parts of my human life that I would miss terribly: my parents, and my friends. And I knew that once my human life had ended that I wouldn't be able to visit them in fear that I may kill them, or someone else from my dark world would.
But the thought of remaining mortal, to grow old-and eventually die-while Edward stayed beautiful and seventeen was also to horrible imagine. My decision was made: I couldn't live without Edward.
"I love you, honey." Charlie broke my thoughts.
"I love you, too, Dad."
Then my Dad hugged me, and I hugged him back. When we broke apart, I realized that I had tears strewn down my face. I reached my hand behind my veil and wiped them away. I was glad that Alice had used waterproof make-up on me again.
I looked behind me; Alice and Rosalie were looking away-at nothing in particular-trying to ignore us, though I knew that they could hear us.
Then I heard the wedding march coming from the speakers that Alice had set up, and I froze.
I felt Charlie wrap his arm around mine. I looked at him and he gave me an encouraging smile.
Then we walked forward.
I concentrated on my feet so that I wouldn't trip, which helped me not notice the dozens of people staring at me. I looked up at the platform ahead of me and I took in a deep breath as I saw Edward, looking more beautiful than in my vision of the wedding, standing a few feet away from Emmett. I fought a smile. Edward had gotten Emmett to get a clerical license off the Internet, probably trying to make me feel more comfortable, just as he said he would.
Charlie then released my arm and I walked up the steps alone. Edward took my hand, smiling at me. We then both looked at Emmett, and he spoke.
"Welcome to the marriage of Isabella Swan and Edward Cullen. You have been asked to gather here to witness and share in the joy of this union."
Then Edward turned to me and I turned to him, just as we had rehearsed during the wedding rehearsal.
"There was darkness for a long time and then there was light, and that light was you. Your love has given me wings, and our journey begins today. I pledge before this assembled company to be your husband from this day forward. Let us make of our two lives one life. I want you for today, tomorrow, and forever." Edward said.
Then I repeated the words that I had practiced yesterday during the wedding rehearsal, which had included a lot of tripping and stuttering until I had gotten it right.
"I have dreamed my whole life of having someone as wonderful as you love me the way you do. I give myself to you as your wife, and I promise here to treasure for all of my days the love we celebrate today. Let us bring together our lives and find ourselves anew each day."
Emmett then turned to me, and my stomach started doing flips.
"Isabella Swan, do you take Edward Cullen as your husband, in happiness and with patience and understanding, through conflict and tranquility?"
I took deep breath, "I do."
I turned toward Alice, who was standing behind us holding a small silk pillow with two rings, and took the one that belonged to Edward. I then placed it on his cold finger.
Emmett then turned to Edward,
"Edward Cullen, do you take Isabella Swan as your wife, in happiness and with patience and understanding, through conflict and tranquility?"
"I do." Edward's honey sweet voice was calm.
He then took the last ring from Alice and turned to me. I lifted my left hand to him and he placed the ring on my fourth finger, Elizabeth Masen's ring.
Emmett spoke again, but Edward and I didn't look at him. Instead, we stared at each other. Edward wore his crooked smile, and his astounding beauty took my breath away, as usual.
"In the years which shall bring Isabella Swan and Edward Cullen into greater wisdom, we hope that their love will be ever young; that they shall always be able to recover from moments of despair. In this hope, may they keep the vows made on this day, in freedom, teaching each other who they are, what they yet shall be, enabling them to know that, in the fullness of being, they are more than themselves and more than each other, that they are all of us, and that together we share joyously the fruits of life on this earth.
"Inasmuch as Isabella Swan and Edward Cullen have declared their love to each other before family and friends, I now greet them with you as husband and wife."
Emmett then leaned down to Edward with a huge grin on his face,
"You may kiss the bride."
Edward lifted my veil and flipped it behind my head, gave me one more beautiful smile, and then brought his lips to mine. I thought it would be the same as all of our other kisses, but it was different. It felt more…official, as if the bond we had just forged between us had made our love even stronger. But some things hadn't changed; my heart pounded unevenly, I couldn't breath normally, and I started to feel lightheaded. Then-all too soon-Edward broke the kiss, his smile still on his face and excitement flashing in his gold eyes.
I suddenly wondered how Charlie was taking this.
Then Edward took my hand and we walked back down the aisle together, as husband and wife.

Chapter 5: Demands
Wasn't the wedding itself enough? Wasn't standing at the altar with Edward and stating my vows of love and devotion for him in front of dozens of people enough for Alice? Why, oh why, did she have to put me through this torture?
Why did we have to have a wedding reception?
I had already known about the wedding reception, but I would rather have Alice dress me up a thousand times rather than be here. It seemed that all of Forks was here, crowding Charlie's backyard. The entire yard was dressed up in ribbons and balloons and lights. I should have never taken my eyes off Alice during the few hours Edward and I had spent in the house after the wedding. But it could have been worse. According to Alice, most people had a luncheon after the wedding and then a reception. But it was still horrible.
Edward and I, Charlie and Renee, and the rest of the Cullens, had to stand in a line as people filed along to chat and congratulate us. Some people I recognized, and others I didn't. It seemed that the line went on forever. But when Jessica Stanley started talking to me, it took her a long time and most of the people behind her got impatient and gave up and went over to the large, highly decorated, refreshment table. Thanks to Jessica, it didn't take as long as it could have. But after that, even worse, Charlie and I had to have a father-daughter dance. Both of us had balance problems, and it was a disaster. I mentally cursed Alice as Charlie and I tripped over each other. But after that things went much smoother. Edward and I danced and he kept me up, never letting go of me. We danced for a long time, but eventually my legs got tired from standing all day, and we went to go sit down on the back porch. People kept taking pictures of us, and it got very annoying.
"I'm never going to forgive Alice for this." I promised to myself.
"You know Alice, you can never reign her in completely." Edward said.
"But she knows that I hate this type of thing. And she does it anyway, though she said she wouldn't!"
In my Anne of Green Gables vision, I had imagined Edward and I-he in his tux and I in my wedding gown-on a porch swing with no one else around. Instead, Edward and I were sitting on the back porch steps surrounded by people. I looked around at the crowd, making a face.
Edward read my expression.
"The reception will be over soon and we can be alone. We still have our honeymoon."
I looked at him and smiled.
"Yes, that will be nice."
Edward and I had decided that he would fulfill my demand on our honeymoon, which we would spend in a small hotel on a quiet beach in California. We would stay inside during the day, of course, or we could spend the day outside in a secluded area around there. I imagined watching him sparkle in the sunlight, being alone with him with no deadlines, and it made me smile wider.
He smiled back-my favorite crooked smile. But then his expression changed from smiling, to shock, to anger. A hiss escaped his chest. For a second, he looked like a vampire. He stood up.
"What is it?" I asked. An image of Jacob's werewolf pack, coming to kill us, flashed through my mind.
"Stay here, it'll only take a second." Edward said.
"What is it?" I asked again.
"Some of our high school friends are going to ruin my car. I'm just going to inform them that I'd rather they didn't do that."
I realized I had been holding my breath. I let it out and then started to laugh.
"Well then let's go tell them." I said, still laughing.
I took Edward's cold hand and he lifted me up. We walked to the front of the house, hand in hand. When we reached Edward's silver Volvo we found Mike, Jessica, Lauren, Tyler, Austin, and Conner with what seemed to be bags of rice, balloons, whipped cream, Oreos, and ribbons. Tyler was writing 'Just Married' on a piece of white cardboard with red marker. I giggled. They looked up.
"Oh," Austin said, "This is awkward."
"Could you please not do that? I know it would be fun, but it would ruin the car and it would be a little inconvenient to fix it when Bella and I are trying to go on our honeymoon." Edward told them.
I looked at Edward's face; his expression was still angry.
"Um, yeah, we were just going…"Mike said as he started picking up the bags of rice.
"Yeah, we're leaving now." Lauren said, helping gather the items that were supposed to be used to abuse the silver Volvo.
There was a chorus of apologies as they put the items in Mike's Suburban. Then they walked quickly away from the Volvo and back to the reception, smiling apologetically in the awkward moment.
"Now you see why I don't like receptions?" I asked Edward.
"Yes, I see your point." He said. He smiled.
We both turned when we heard someone running toward us.
"Bella! Edward! It's time to cut the cake, come on!" Renee called as she jogged to us.
"We're coming!" I called back before she reached us. She stopped.
"Well, hurry up! Everyone is waiting!" She turned around and jogged back to the reception.
As Edward and I followed Renee, I wondered what Edward would do. He detested human food, but Renee (not Alice, for once) had insisted that we have a cake.
"So, are you going to take a bite, or are you going to hide it somewhere?" I asked before we reached the crowd.
"I can eat it, I just won't like it very much." He answered.
"You don't have to if you don't want to. You can pretend your feeling sick or something."
"No, I'll be fine. It's just one bite." He smiled again.
One bite, I thought. One bite could change everything. I suddenly remembered what waited for me after all of this was over. I shook the thought away quickly.
The cake was large; three layers of white gnash and cream, covered cake. Two little figures, which were supposed to resemble Edward and I, stood on top. Renee had bought it in Phoenix. Edward and I cut each other a piece and fed each other a bite. Everyone clapped and cheered. Edward looked fine, but I knew it didn't taste very good to him.
I was grateful when everybody started to leave. A few more people congratulated us, and then left. When everyone had gone except Charlie, Renee, and the Cullens; Alice skipped over to Edward and I.
"How'd you like it Bella?" She asked.
I folded my arms across my chest and looked away. I didn't say anything.
"Look, I'm sorry. But I thought a reception would be fun! And…I guess I got a little carried away."
"A little?" I turned to her, "the entire population of Forks was here! You promised you wouldn't go overboard."
"It could have been worse," she pointed out, and then sighed, "I'm really sorry. Will you forgive me?"
She made a puppy dog pout, but she looked more like a baby angel.
"Alright, you're forgiven." I gave in.
"Thanks, Bella!" Alice hugged me, and then let go, "Well, guess I better clean up. You two go have fun together." She said to both of us and then danced back to where the rest of the Cullens were.
I looked up at Edward and smiled. He smiled too, and then we walked back to the house with his arm around me.

I wasn't surprised when I saw the 'Welcome to Forks' sign and knew that we had made a two-day journey in one. I was disappointed that our honeymoon was over. It felt like we had left Forks yesterday-though I knew that we had left about a week ago-and now we were back.
Edward had paid for everything, though I had objected, saying that he wouldn't let me spend my college money (he was still hoping that I would change my mind and go to college, at least before he changed me).
Though the time had been to short for me, it had been one of the best weeks of my life. Possibly the best week of my life. I smiled to myself as the memories from our honeymoon flashed through my mind. Edward and I on a secluded beach, Edward sparkling-beautiful beyond belief. We had even had a picnic. Well, I had a picnic, Edward just watched me eat. Edward wouldn't go hunting, even when his eyes became dark onyx, until I practically kicked him out of our hotel room. The hotel had been nearly vacant, so it had been very quiet-which I hadn't noticed until Edward left. The silence and his absence had nearly driven me to insanity. But I didn't notice the silence when Edward returned, his eyes liquid butterscotch.
But the best part of the amazing week was when Edward fulfilled my demand. The experience that I wanted to have as a human, before my lust for blood took me over. Of course, Edward had tried to make me change my mind-reminding me of the dangers, the risks it held for me. I had reminded him that he promised we would try. Despite Edward's worries, I had walked away unharmed.
But even the best things had to come to an end. I sighed as we pulled up in front of Charlie's house.
"You're not happy we're home?" Edward asked, misunderstanding my mood.
"It's not that. It's just, it seems like we just left yesterday."
"I know what you mean." Edward agreed.
Charlie seemed very excited about my return when he opened the door for us. He gave me a hug and shook Edward's hand.
"Did you kids have fun?" He asked both of us, which surprised me. Usually he only looked at me and ignored Edward.
"Yeah, it was great." I said.
"That's great. How 'bout you, Edward?" Charlie asked.
"Yes, Charlie, we had a great time." Edward replied.
I smiled. It was nice to see Charlie being polite to Edward, for once.
"That's good. There's pizza on the counter, if you're hungry." Charlie said as he started walking toward the family room. There must be a game starting.
"Thanks." I realized that my stomach was grumbling, so I walked to the kitchen with Edward beside me. I took a slice from the half empty box of pizza and began nibbling on it.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Edward asked.
"Yes, really, I did." I assured him. I smiled again as the memory's ran through my mind again.
This whole compromise thing had worked out well; Edward had gotten what he wanted, marriage, and I had gotten what I wanted. Almost all of my demands were fulfilled, except for one. For Edward to bite me, to give me immortality as a vampire.

Chapter 6: Jealousy
"Alright, what are we going to do?" I asked.
I looked around at the Cullens, everyone having different reactions as we discussed me becoming a vampire. Carlisle seemed lost in thought. Esme seemed slightly worried. Emmett had a big grin on his face. Jasper seemed to have no emotion at all. Alice looked excited. And Rosalie…Rosalie looked as if she was trying to scream at me with her expressions only. I turned away quickly and looked at Edward instead. But that was the wrong place to look. He too was lost in thought, but his expression was pained. I looked at Carlisle as he lifted his head.
"We won't be able to stay here, of course. We'll have to leave. Now…Bella," Carlisle looked directly to me. "Charlie thinks you are going to Alaska to go to the university there, is that correct?"
"Yes." I answered.
"Well, we can go there," Esme said, "we can go to Alaska. Maybe Tanya and her family will let us stay with them for a while."
"Not for too long. Remember when we lived with them before? People started to get suspicious. And now our family has grown." Edward said.
"Yes, not too long. Maybe just until we've found a place to settle down." Carlisle said.
I felt bad as the Cullens stood here in their house discussing how they were going to leave because of me. If it weren't for me, they wouldn't be expecting a visit from the Volturi and the treaty between the werewolves and the vampires would not be on the edge of being broken.
"But one more thing. It will also look suspicious if we all leave together. If Edward and Bella are going to college, it would look strange if the rest of us went with them." Carlisle pointed out.
"Maybe," Jasper started, "Maybe Edward and Bella can go first. Then later we catch up to them, saying we're moving somewhere else. But we go to Alaska instead."
"That's a good idea," Alice said. Then she closed her eyes. Then they opened almost as soon as she had closed them, "It'll work. No one will get suspicious."
"Alright then. Once we're in Alaska, Edward can change Bella."
Edward stiffened next to me. I turned to him. His face still looked pained.
"You promised." I whispered.
Edward sighed, "I know. How soon?" Edward asked Carlisle.
"As soon as you and Bella are ready." Carlisle replied.
"Bella?" Edward turned to me.
I didn't answer right away.
I had married Edward. I had given Charlie the warning he wanted. Charlie had been asking if Edward and I were still going to go to college together. I had told him yes, but I hadn't told him when. But my birthday was coming soon. It seemed that the closer it came, the faster time went. Perhaps I should tell Charlie tonight.
"I'll tell Charlie tonight. We can leave in a couple days." I finally answered.

Edward was silent as we got in his car. He didn't relax, he remained tense. He drove the car down the long, curving, driveway away from the Cullens house. When we were almost to Charlie's house, I broke the silence.
"How am I going to tell him?" I whispered.
"All you have to tell him is that we've decided to go to college together." His voice was empty, no emotion. Then we reached the house and he parked the car. Neither of us spoke. I felt terrified as we walked into the house. How could I keep myself in one piece as I told Charlie I would be leaving, knowing just how permanent the separation would be?
"Bella? Is that you?" Charlie called from the family room when we were inside.
"Yeah, Dad. It's me." Now my voice was empty.
Charlie entered, looking concerned. Probably because of how lifeless my voice sounded.
"What is it, Bella?" Charlie asked.
I took a deep breath.
"Dad, Edward and I have decided that we want to go to college together, to the University of Alaska." I whispered.
Charlie froze, shock on his face. But just for a moment, he then replaced the shock with a smile.
"That's great, Bella. But, you don't seem very happy about that. Is something wrong?" He glanced at Edward and then back at me.
"I'm fine," I lied, "It's just that I feel bad about leaving you here alone."
"Don't worry about me, Bells. I took care of myself for sixteen years before you moved here with me. And you're growing up. I knew you would move out eventually. And, besides, it's just college. It doesn't last forever, and you'll come back and visit."
I didn't say anything. Charlie walked over to me and hugged me.
"It'll be alright, Bells. And you don't have to go if you don't want to." I felt his head turn as he glanced at Edward again. Then he released me.
"I do want to go. It's just that I'll miss you." I said, still whispering.
It was quiet for a while. Then Edward spoke.
"It's getting late, I better get going," He said. He kissed me on the forehead; "I'll see you later." He said before walking out the door.
I looked out the window and watched him leave in his silver Volvo, knowing that he would be back tonight after Charlie was asleep. When Edward was gone, I headed for the stairs to my room.
"Don't you want to call Renee and tell her the news?" Charlie asked from behind me. I turned to him.
"It's late. She'll be asleep by now. I'll call her in the morning." I said. Then I went upstairs as Charlie returned to the family room.
I went in my room to grab my stuff before heading to the bathroom to get ready for bed. I fumbled around for the light switch in my dark room so I could see. I flipped the switch when I found it and the light went on.
I gasped when I saw that I wasn't alone.
Rosalie turned to face me; her expression on her beautiful face hadn't changed since I had left the Cullens house.
"Bella." She greeted me, her voice cold. A shiver ran down my spine.
"Hey, Rosalie." I said, trying to sound pleased.
"I need to talk to you." She said, her tone sharp.
"What is it?" I asked, though I already knew what she was going to say.
"Did you remember anything I told you?"
"Yes, Rosalie-"
"Have you considered anything I said?"
"Rosalie-"
"Have you?" She asked again.
"Yes, Rosalie. But this is what I want. I want to be with Edward for eternity."
"Yes, I know that's what you want now. But have you thought about what you will want in the future? In the future you may be wishing that you stayed human. This is a permanent thing, Bella. I thought I had been clear before, but apparently I wasn't clear enough. You can't do this, Bella. You are throwing your whole future away! You can't do this!"
"My future isn't a future at all without Edward. There is no other way."
"Yes there is. I'm not saying you can't stay with Edward, just stay human. I'm not trying to get rid of you, Bella. I'm just trying to protect you from making the wrong decision."
"What about the Volturi?" I was getting mad now. Couldn't she see that there was no changing my mind? "They'll kill me if I stay human."
"Edward has had other idea's about how to deal with the Volturi." She frowned. I knew she didn't approve of his plan. Neither did I.
"You really think I'm going to let Edward risk his life protecting me while I stay human? No, Rosalie, I'm not staying human. I've decided to become one of you, and there is no way you can change my mind."
"Please, Bella, reconsider." She whispered.
"No, Rosalie." I said, my voice getting louder. I knew she was trying to protect me, but couldn't she understand? One way or another, my human life would have to end.
Suddenly, Rosalie disappeared. Then I heard the door open behind me.
"Are you alright, Bella? I heard voices. Is someone here?" Charlie asked.
I turned to him, "No, Dad. I'm just getting ready for bed." I grabbed my pair of pajamas off the floor.
"Alright," He said looking around the room suspiciously, "Well, I'm going to bed. Goodnight, Bella."
"'Night, Dad." I said as he closed the door behind him.
I turned around expecting Rosalie to be back, but the room was empty. I sighed and grabbed my stuff and walked across the hall to the bathroom.
As I brushed my teeth and got into my pajamas I thought about what Rosalie said. I knew it would be permanent, I knew I would be leaving a lot behind. But did I have a choice? If I didn't become a vampire, the Volturi would kill me. But if I did, I would never again see Charlie, Renee, my friends, Jacob.
Jacob, if I did turn into a vampire, he and his werewolf pack would have to kill my family and I if they ever saw us again.
The thought of Jacob made me feel frustrated. I had tried to call him; but he either never answered, or Billy said he wasn't there, which I didn't know if Billy was telling the truth or not. Eventually, I had given up trying to reach him.
But my friends and family were the reason I had to leave, because, whether I was a vampire or human, I would put everyone in danger. Anyone near me would be at constant risk. I was a danger magnet. Leaving was the only choice I had, the only way to keep everyone I loved from getting hurt.
After I was ready for bed, I walked into my room. For some reason, I had expected Rosalie to be there. So when I saw Edward in my room instead of Rosalie, I jumped.
"Oh!"
Edward sat up off my bed and walked over to me. He put his arms around me.
"Sorry, did I frighten you?" He asked.
"No, it's just that I had been expecting…" I stopped. Would it be okay to tell him? I didn't know.
"Rosalie." He finished for me.
"You know?"
"I ran into her on my way here. Literally." He smiled as he, I guessed, remembered colliding into Rosalie as they ran at vampire speed in opposite directions.
"You aren't mad at her, are you? She was just trying to help." I defended her. I didn't want to make any discord in his family over something so silly.
"No, I'm not mad. Though, from her thoughts, it seems she did make you upset. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." I lied.
"Bella, you're not a very good liar."
I sighed.
"Well, it's just that she's right, about one thing anyway. I will be leaving a lot behind. But that's why I have to be changed, that's why I have to leave. Because, as long as I stay here, I'm putting everyone I care about in danger. Leaving is my only option. And, while I'm at it, I might as well get one thing I want. You," I leaned my head against his chest, "For eternity."
"Bella, I'm not going to change you if this is just to make everyone else happy. Only if it's what you want. I'm not going to force you into this." Edward said.
"I want you to change me, I'll just miss my parents and my friends."
Edward gently pushed me off his chest so that I could see his topaz eyes. He kept his hands on my shoulders.
"This is not going to turn into a choice between me and your family. I'm yours as long as you want me, no matter where you are, whether you're a vampire or a human, I'm yours."
"I know that. But there is no choice to make. You are my family," I showed him the ring on my fourth finger on my left hand as proof, "The only thing I want more than you is you for eternity."
Edward sighed.
"Just remember, you don't have to do this."
"Don't worry, I won't forget." I said. I closed my eyes and laid my head against his chest again, inhaling the scent of his shirt.
"Alright, it's time for you to sleep." Edward said.
"I don't want to sleep." I complained. I grabbed at his shirt as if trying to hold myself there. Not that it helped. He picked me up and carried me over to my bed.
"You need to rest. I won't leave." He said as he laid me down on my bed. He gave me a quick kiss and then lay next to me, placing the covers between him and me so I couldn't feel his cold skin, and started singing my lullaby again. Soon I fell asleep.

I felt tears drip down my face as I hugged my Dad for the last time. We were at the airport; Edward and I were about to go to Alaska where I would spend my last human moments before he changed me. This would be the last time I would see Charlie. I had already said goodbye to Renee over the phone. She hadn't been able to come see me off because it was so soon, and she couldn't get a plane ticket. That was fine, I didn't want her to see how I cried when I heard her voice for the last time.
"Bella, you don't have to go if you don't want to." Charlie reminded me.
"I know," I glanced at Edward, his face was empty of emotion again, and then looked back at Charlie, "But I want to go."
"It'll be fine, Bells. It's just college. It's not like we'll never see each other again."
I couldn't stop the fresh flow of tears that came. Charlie hugged me one more time.
"It'll be fine, Bells, It'll be fine." He chanted in my ear. Then he released me.
"Your plane's about to leave. You best get going." He said.
I looked at his face; he gave me a weak smile.
"I love you, Dad." I said.
"I love you, too, Bella."
"Bye." I whispered as I backed way.
"Bye, Honey. See you at Christmas time!" He said as he waved goodbye.
I didn't say anything. I turned away and almost ran to the terminal with Edward beside me. I didn't look back, incase my will power to get on the plane faltered.
When we were on the plane, I waited impatiently for take off. I suddenly wanted all of this to be over, to get the hard stuff over with and then be with Edward forever. But my impatience wasn't enough to keep the pain of loss away. It wasn't as bad as when Edward had left, but it was still bad. How many times would I have to suffer this kind of pain? How many times would I have to go through this? Would there never be an end?
I tried to distract myself from the pain by thinking of something else. How would I get Edward to leave me during the three day