I floated happily inside after Edward left, still on a high from the kiss. Charlie looked up from the TV as I passed the lounge room. "Did you have a good time?"
I smiled radiantly at him, "The best Dad," I answered as I passed him and headed upstairs. I showered leisurely, running over my action packed night. Edward's reaction had been interesting, I didn't realise that he felt so strongly about being a vampire. I was definitely not going to tolerate him calling himself a monster anymore. I had been so desperate for him to stop calling himself that that I had blurted out that I loved him on the spot. It had made me nervous when he had literally frozen solid for a few seconds. When he didn't say anything, simply getting out of the car, I was worried that I had said something wrong- or that maybe I was wrong about the reason he had been shadowing me, perhaps he had just been curious. But all my concerns had dissipated the moment he had pulled me to his chest and whispered that he loved me too. I was sure my heart would burst on the spot at his words. His kiss had left me breathless- literally, and I had immediately wished I was already a vampire so that I wouldn't need air.
Of course, inevitably, as I turned off the shower the guilt set in. I knew so much about Edward and his family, including their biggest secret, yet he knew next to nothing about me. I got dressed, wallowing in my guilt- I knew Edward would see straight through me if I didn't admit something soon.
By the time I had gotten dressed and called down, "Night Dad," to Charlie, I had decided that it was time for another phone call to Volterra before Edward arrived.
I filled them all in on my night, Demetri and Felix congratulating me on taking out four men. "Go Bella!" they cheered. Though I could tell that they would have been happier to have been with me and taken care of the men themselves- they took their status as my guards seriously.
My whole family was overjoyed that we had finally professed our love for each other, and I received Aro's smug "I told you so," with good grace.
Finally I got around to explaining how guilty I felt. "I can't keep secrets from them guys; I love them, and I can't do it. I have to tell them. I understand if you don't want me telling them about you guys, and I won't do that unless you ask me too- but I need to at least tell them about my shield." I said. "Besides, it will give them some insurance that I won't tell anyone about them either." I explained.
Aro sighed, "Well, if you're sure Bella, I know how closely you've guarded your secret, and if you feel you can trust them, then go ahead. I know Carlisle is a man with a lot of integrity, and I'm sure his family is too." The others agreed with him.
"Thanks guys," I said, relieved. "I gotta go now, I have school tomorrow, and Edward should be arriving soon." The minute those words came out of my mouth I kicked myself.
They pounced. "He's been spending his nights in your room?" Caius roared.
"Aww, how sweet," Heidi cooed.
'It's not sweet," Marcus argued, "It's inappropriate to creep into a young girl's room- especially uninvited."
I rolled my eyes, even though they couldn't see it. "Guys relax, I like him spending the nights, and don't worry uncles, we won't do anything inappropriate."
"Better not," Caius muttered, "I feel we should at least get to interrogate him before we let you go on a date with him," he grumbled, "If you were already a vampire and we could reveal who you were, then we'd have at least sent Felix and Demetri to rough him up a bit and threaten him."
I laughed, "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll all do it anyway after I graduate and we tell his family the truth." That seemed to reassure them for the moment, and I finished the call not long after.
I opened my window, the lay back on my bed reading as I waited patiently for Edward to arrive. Not long after I heard Charlie's bedroom door close, I felt Edward's presence in the tree outside. "You might as well come in Edward, I know you're out there," I whispered, pleased when his surprised face quickly appeared through my window, followed by the rest of him.
"What are you thinking?" he asked, seeing my amused expression as he closed the window silently behind him.
"I'm thinking about how fun it is to surprise you." I answered, ginning at him.
He smiled back, "Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to understand the way your mind works Love," he said. "How did you know I was out there?" he asked curiously.
I sighed; it was time to start telling at least part of the truth. "I can feel you when you're near." I explained. "I know you've been watching me sleep at night."
He looked sheepish, "I couldn't help it," he explained, "I want to be near you as much as possible." I smiled a little at that, "Besides," he mused, "You're very interesting when you sleep- you sleep talk."
I groaned, "I know. I bet I said your name a lot didn't I?" I asked, embarrassed.
He smirked and nodded, "Yes," he looked pleased, but upon seeing my embarrassed face, he crossed the room and held me tightly against him. "Don't be embarrassed," he whispered, his cool breath washing over my. I swooned at his next words, "If I could dream, it would be you I dream about."
"It's not fair that you dazzle me." I accused, as I collapsed in his arms. He looked down at me, smiling, a tender look on his face.
He laughed softly, "Dazzle?" he asked.
"Yes, you make me swoon all the time," I grumbled.
He looked pleased, "I love you Bella," he said as he softly placed his lips on mine and kissed me. The kiss was sweet and tender; the only complaint I had was that it ended too soon.
He laughed at my pouting expression as he pulled away, "You need to get some sleep Bella," he reminded me. I huffed, annoyed because I knew he was right. I pulled him down onto the bed with me- him outside the covers and me under them so I wouldn't get cold. Resting my head on his chest, I felt incredibly content as he reached over and turned off my lamp.
Just before dozed off he seemed to remember something, "Bella?" he asked. I hummed in acknowledgement, "There's a special place where I like to go, and I want to show it to you. Would you like to come with me on Saturday?" he asked.
"I'd love to Edward." I mumbled happily into his chest. "I have something I need to tell you then too. But it really requires a demonstration, so I'd like to show you sometime this weekend." I said, hoping he wouldn't be scared of me when I revealed my gift. I wanted to show him first before telling the rest of his family, and hopefully his special place would be the perfect spot to finally reveal one of my biggest secrets.
I drifted off into a contented sleep after that, steadily breathing in Edward's glorious scent.
EPOV
I lay in bed, happy to finally be holding Bella in my arms. Surprisingly, I had long ago learnt to ignore the burn in my throat when she was near and instead of it hurting, it now served as a reminder that she was close to me- I didn't think I'd ever be able to hurt her now. I was confused by what she had to tell me. I could tell from her voice that whatever it was serious, and important to her. I tried to think of what it might be. Then I thought back to all the things she had done which had amazed me tonight. Things that were impossible feats for someone like Bella. Now that I thought about it, a normal human would not have had enough force to break so many bones, especially not a femur. Her comment about taking on Jasper, Emmett and I at once and winning also disturbed me. At first I had laughed, thinking that she didn't know we were vampires, but now that she had revealed that she had known all along, I was confused. She seemed completely confident in her abilities, and while I would never fight her, or allow my brother's to either, I couldn't help but wonder if she really could do all she claimed. In any case, it was obvious that Bella was much more powerful than she seemed.
Thinking about that, I was brought back to Bella's explanation of meeting a few vampires when she was four. I figured that they were probably nomads, who though Bella was relatively harmless and would probably forget the traumatic experience of watching vampires drain humans. If they had known she would remember they would have been forced to kill her under Volturi law. That reminded me that we would have to be careful with Bella; if the Volturi ever found out that we were friendly with a human who knew about us they would kill her, and possibly us as well.
I moved on from these depressing thoughts, thinking again about Bella. I began to wonder if she really was human; she seemed to have incredible strength, was fearless of vampires, and I couldn't read her mind. Perhaps she wasn't human after all- although she certainly smelled and looked human. But if she was human what possible explanation could she have that would explain everything? I realised I wasn't going to be getting answers from Bella until Saturday, and while I tried to tame my burning curiosity, it wasn't working.
As the sun began to rise again, I was still pondering Bella's secret, but I was no closer to an answer.
BPOV
I woke up from the best sleep I'd had in years. I soon found out why as I snuggled down into my hard, but comfortable, pillow and it vibrated. Edward was chuckling softly, "You have to wake up Love," he said gently. I grumbled and clutched him tighter. "You've got to get ready for school Bella," he chastised me softly as he picked me up off the bed. Charlie had already left for work, so he carried me to the bathroom, placing my feet on the ground and holding me steady until I got my balance. "You need to get ready while I go home and change. Then I'll come back and pick you up for school." He promised.
I clutched his shirt as he tried to move away from me, looking up into his golden eyes expectantly. "Where's my good morning kiss?" I demanded. He grinned at me before swooping down to capture my lips with his own.
I reluctantly let go of his shirt and he backed out of the bathroom. "I'll be back soon," he promised, "I want to show off my girlfriend to everyone at school, especially Mike Newton."
I grinned, "So you're my boyfriend now hey?" I asked, revelling in the idea of it, but somehow wanting more.
He looked uneasy, "Well, unless you don't want me to be," a frown marred his marble face.
"Of course I do Edward," I quickly reassured him, "I just feel like we are already more than that," I admitted softly.
"Me too." He said tenderly. He sighed, "You have to get ready now Bella, or we'll be late."
I nodded and closed the bathroom door, getting myself ready for the day.
Sure enough, Edward was soon back, and he sat at the table watching curiously as I wolfed down my breakfast, before leading me out to his car.
We arrived at school quickly, and once we were out of the car, the rest of the Cullens, who had been waiting by Rosalie's convertible, converged on us.
Rose came over and hugged me. "Are you sure you're alright after last night," she asked, concern in her eyes.
I nodded, "I'm fine Rose," I assured her, "They didn't touch me." She looked relieved at that. "Don't worry though, they were in no condition to move when I left them lying in pain in the middle of the street." I said smugly. All of the Cullen's chuckled, "Then Edward showed up and ruined my fun," I pouted slightly.
Alice was the first to comment on our relationship though. Jumping up and down with excitement she yelled, "See Edward, I told you it would all work out," triumphantly staring at our joined hands.
His jaw clenched slightly-I wasn't sure why, but then he relaxed and nodded. "Yes Alice, you were right." He said dryly.
"Well it's about time!" Emmett enthused behind her. "Edward here has been moping for weeks and stalking Bella everywhere."
"Shut up Emmett," Edward snarled. I laughed.
"Seriously Bella, before you came Edward was always sad and moody, and now he's happy all the time," Jasper said. Edward sighed, but nodded in admission. "You should have seen him after you asked him to the dance Bella," Jasper continued, and Edward's jaw clenched again, "He was absolutely euphoric." The others snickered.
I smiled up at Edward, "I think it's sweet," I murmured, stretching up on my toes to kiss him softly on the cheek. Edward relaxed, smiling back down at me.
"Aww," the rest of the Cullen's crooned together before bursting out into laughter.
"Hey Bella?" Emmett asked.
I nodded. 'Yes Emmett?" I asked sweetly.
"Now that we know that you know what we are, we can act natural around you when you come over right?" he asked.
I chuckled, "Yes Emmett, now that I know that you know that I know what you are, you are more than welcome to show off your super speed and strength as you want to Emmett."
"Yes," he pumped his fist in the air enthusiastically, "No more playing human at home."
We all laughed at his childlike antics. "Congratulations guys," Rosalie grinned at us, pulling Emmett away as the bell went.
We all headed into our classes, and I was surprised when Edward walked into my English class with me. "Edward, don't you have Trigonometry now?" I asked.
He grinned, "Bella, my schedule matches yours now, Alice got Mrs Cope to change it this morning." He looked pleased.
"Every lesson?" I asked.
"Every lesson." He confirmed.
"That's wonderful Edward," I said enthusiastically, throwing myself into his arms. He hugged me briefly, but when more students started to pile into the room he stopped and found us two desks at the back of the class to sit in. We sat through the lesson holding hands under the table, ignoring the speculative glances of our classmates, and even our teacher.
The rest of our classes were the same, but I didn't care about the looks we were getting as I long as I was with Edward. When we walked into trig together Jessica's eyes bugged out, and her mouth dropped open. We sat down near her and she leaned over, "Are you two a couple now?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her. I nodded smugly before turning back to Edward. He smiled at me, his golden eyes wickedly amused. Apparently it was because Jess's curiosity had not been sated. "So do you like him?" she hissed, thinking it was low enough that Edward wouldn't hear- I knew better. I nodded, blushing, and turned to look down at my notes. I continued to ignore Jess for the rest of the lesson while she desperately tried to get my attention.
Lunch was an experience. As soon as we sat down Alice pounced, "So Bella, how was your night last night?" Alice asked slyly, her eyes dancing mischievously.
"I'm not talking," I stubbornly announced, crossing my hands over my chest and trying to ignore Alice's famous pout.
I looked over at Rose for help, but she also looked intrigued, "Oh yes you are. Now spill." Rose commanded. Edward, Jasper and Emmett looked on curiously.
"Yeah Bella, or we might have to dazzle you," Alice snickered.
I blushed bright red and buried my head into Edward's chest, which was shaking with laughter. "How do you know about that?" I grumbled at Alice.
"Well," she lowered her voice to a whisper, "My gift is the ability to see the future, and I may have sneaked a peek at your night," Alice said sheepishly.
I unburied my head to glare at her, "You spied on us?" I accused her.
"Well I couldn't help it, I've been wanting you two to get together for weeks, I had to know what was going on," she defended herself. I sighed, realising that there wasn't much I could do about it. I hoped I had sufficiently sidetracked Alice from her questions, but I hadn't. "Now that we've sorted that out, you can tell us about your night- starting with the kiss." Alice demanded.
I groaned, "How come you aren't interrogating Edward as well?" I asked, stalling for time.
"Because we already bombarded him when he came home last night," Emmett chuckled.
I groaned, "Fine, it was amazing, I've never felt anything like that before." I admitted.
They all turned to look at each other, "Did you two plan this?" Alice demanded.
Edward chuckled, and at my confused look he explained, "That's exactly what I said last night." I laughed along with him.
I dodged a few more questions, before Emmett decided that it would be fun to tease me. "So Bella, what exactly does Edward do in your room every night?" he asked, "Does he really just watch you sleep, or do the two of you do something more physical?" he waggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"Well Emmett, if you really must know," I said, leaning towards him. "He really only watches me sleep," I whispered in his ear as if it was a secret.
Emmett looked disappointed, "Aw Bella," he complained. I snickered, then swiped the chocolate cake off his tray. He watched me eating it for a bit before a light flickered in his eyes. "You knew!" he exclaimed, his voice unable to fully vent his frustration as he kept his voice low so that the rest of the school wouldn't hear us, "You knew we found food repulsive! That's why you shoved the cake in my mouth." He accused.
I smirked, "Absolutely," I said proudly, "And if you ever try anything else again, the cake will look like nothing in comparison to what I'll do to you." I warned.
Emmett grinned, "Bring it on Bella." He said smugly, "Just remember that I'm a big scary vampire," he said, baring his teeth menacingly, a hopeful look in his eyes. I held in my laughter, trying to keep a straight face, but it must have come out as a grimace because Emmett looked pleased. "I knew I could scare you." He said proudly.
"Actually Emmett, she was trying not to laugh at you," Jasper corrected him. The whole table burst into laughter at that as Emmett looked disappointed.
"I'll scare you one day," he threatened.
"Emmett," Edward warned.
I ignored him, turning to Emmett, "I doubt it," I said smugly.
Seeing Edward's annoyed glance I decided that it was time to change the subject. "By the way Emmett, I don't suppose I could persuade you to use some of your strength to 'help' a tree topple over onto my truck if I parked under one could you?" I asked.
Emmett's eyes lit up with excitement, "Hell yeah!" he boomed, causing some students near us to look over with surprise. We finalised our plans for totalling my truck this afternoon; Alice mentioning that about half an hour after I got home a storm would hit- the perfect time for a tree to fall on my truck. Edward promised to be my chauffer for the rest of the week.
Alice then mentioned that Sunday would be a perfect day for the six of us to go to Seattle and look for a new car for me, and Rosalie beamed at that. I told them I needed to go to the bookstore anyway, so we planned it out.
That afternoon, after Edward dropped me home, and left to spend some time with his siblings; who he had been neglecting lately by stalking me 24/7, I moved my truck a little further up the driveway, right in the path of a tall tree.
Leaving it there I went inside and quickly finished my homework before starting dinner. Sure enough, thirty minutes later I heard the beginnings of a storm. Not long after Charlie arrived we heard a loud crack, then a bang and a shattering sound. I rushed to the window, and looked out to find my truck totally destroyed, and a large tree resting on it. I feigned surprise. "My truck," I wailed.
Charlie looked apologetic, "Sorry Bella, I know you didn't have it long, we'll get you a new car, and I'll drive you to school for the rest of the week." He promised.
"No, no! Dad it's fine," I protested quickly, panicking slightly, "I'm sure the Cullen's won't mind picking me up for school, and I already made plans with them to go to Seattle on Sunday for some books and shopping, I can pick out a new car then- you know I have plenty of savings." I hurriedly assured him, hoping desperately that he wouldn't try to buy me another slow vehicle.
Luckily, he seemed to like my idea better, and he agreed, before telling me he would arrange to have my truck sent to the wreckers.
I heaved a sigh of relief when I got to my room that night, and settled down to wait for Edward.