Hi all!

I am sorry for the long wait. I wanted this chapter to be perfect, but perfect doesn't exist. Is this the last chapter? I don't for now, treat it as it is. I may just write a part two because there were so many questions left unanswered. Remember, this story is about Edward and Bella,so it's their conclusion that is important. All they ever wanted was unconditional acceptance for being different, and maybe that is what they get. Thank you so so much to all of you for being a part of this. Your positive feedback, reviews and messages really made this an amazing experience for me. I will be back, only by popular demand (LOL) but for now I'll enjoy writing my new fic ABOVE & BELOW. Please check it out if you have time.

Please leave any closing comments.

I love you guys.

xx

Chapter 40

BPOV

Trading flip flops with winter's boots and hair ties with feather bands, I cannot make up my mind.

"Bella, Pocahontas doesn't wear any fucking shoes." Ally insists as she stands with her palms placed on her growing tummy, staring blankly into Rosalie's floor to ceiling mirror. My girl continues to live in her own bubble of denial and I am allowing her to do just that.

"I know- I know…but it's so cold outside." I sulk, pulling my face to match the weather. When I look up again, pregnant girl is chewing with her mouth open as she digs into butter spiced popcorn.

"I got an idea! Why don't we play Black Shoe-Black Shoe on your shoe situation?" Best girl fakes a giggle, searching for time to play.

"That doesn't even make sense, Ally." I murmur, rolling my eyes. I end up leaving my tanned cow boy boots on white carpets and step into my equally coloured flips.

Its winter and its cold and I guess I'll suffer for some beauty.

"I'll go barefoot once we get there." I mumble, not giving two shits anymore.

"That's the spirit." Ally mimics the cliché cheerleader as she dirties Rosalie's room by throwing popcorn against my butt. We are surrounded by pink sheets and glass cabinets and everything that is perfect for a high school adolescent.

Wanting to drift off to dreamland in the comfort of these surroundings, I trace my nude nails along picture frames and happy memories. With the smell of strawberry-raspberry-whatever berry, Rosalie, the room owner walks in flashing a row of perfectly white teeth. This girl is Victorian era glamorous with her golden locks that looks golden.

"You girls are looking sexy!" She winks, offering us wine coolers. "Loving the look Bella. You're perfect for Pocahontas."

We're missing boy band music and feather pillow fights but I smile and say thanks, reaching out for my drink. Ally automatically goes back to hiding her tummy behind her arm, making up an excuse as to why she doesn't want alcohol to enter her system.

"Alice, you're looking gorgeous too. Why don't you want a drink? Com'on? Even Bella's having one." Prom queen is being as persistent as my best friend's blasphemous vocabulary.

One-two-three unladylike gulps of spirited liquid later; I take a seat next to my popcorn chewing best friend. Purposefully bumping my shoulder against her own, our secret language of silence says many words.

She knows without knowing that Rosalie waits with questioning eyes.

When punk rock princess meets goldilocks queen, she's all kinds of stern and too much to the point. "I didn't think I'd say this before, but you don't look so bad yourself, Hale. By the way, the only reason why I came here is so that I could use your makeup and shit. I can't accept drinks from you."

"You don't mean that. Here?" Rose fails at another attempt to get Ally to take the drink.

"No. Drink it yourself." My girl rolls her eyes.

And these bickering teenagers are Oscar winning beautiful.

Rosalie giggles and grins and desperately searches for excitement with her sparkly dress and glittered complexion, "Excuse me. I need to go pee. We can leave after some shots, shots, shot!"

Taking a seat on her overly dramatic queen sized bed, I am smothered with plush cushions and luxury. In this moment, I am relaxed and content, no longer running away from my day of disappointment.

Basically, after Edward dropped me off at home this morning and before I could unpack my bag or absorb my strange encounter with Charlie, Rose and Ally appeared at my door step. Begging and banging, they almost-literally kidnapped me.

I was kinda thankful for their arrival because it put an immediate end to my impending tears. I didn't shed a tear like I thought I would the moment I saw the man who was responsible for my life. For some reason I was overcome with relief, and that I guess is okay. Edward was by my side this time and he created safety and acceptance in a moment of total rejection.

Edward refused to leave me alone, but I knew there were other places he needed to be. So with some pushing-shoving- man handling, my prince of love fled the scene. I breathed against the forced shut door, and sighed in pain with an aching heart. Not even ten seconds later, squeaky voices of two and a quarter people, wanted my attention.

I convinced myself to forget this morning's episode and my coping mechanism of repression is totally by choice. So yes, my heart may be fucked up and in denial, but it's also seventeen and moving on. I met my siblings and they know I exist, and again, that's okay. I wish that under different circumstances I could see them again, and maybe this time get to know them. Unfortunately, I'll always have that underlying hope. Hope will always follow me and I will never ever leave it behind.

Hope is a blessing but also a curse. It keeps you wondering and it makes you look back.

Love is never looking back.

"Helloooo?" Highly strung calls from my girl breaks my moment of morning memories. " I asked you to zip me up, Bella." Best friend growls in irritation. Her cat suit-tutu dress fitted her perfectly just a week ago, and now it's all kinds of tight as it spills out her tits.

"Uh, sorry." I mutter, rushing over to help her. "Are you sure you comfortable in this thing?" I lift my eyebrow, concerned.

"Yeah fuck that. It's black…nobody will notice that I'm knocked up." Ally murmurs, but just as the words leave her mouth, Rosalie walks into her bedroom glaring in a what-the-fuck-did-you-say kinda way.

Ally and I gasp, mumbling excuses about the life growing inside of her.

"Did I just hear what I think I heard?" Rosalie backs up against her wooden door, hands placed on her chest and looking doubtful.

Confusion? Worries? Revelations? Float in sweet-smelling surroundings.

Ally gives me a look, telling me that it's okay. My girl is mellow and one step ahead.

I get that.

Again our silent language is mastering this level of awkwardness scented with truth. And then my best girl lifts up the tight dress that she was supposed to hide with a tutu and tail.

With big blue eyes and pinned up blonde air, Rosalie pops her cherry bubble-gum as she stares and stalks.

"No. Fucking. Way." Prom queen is speechless for once in her life.

"Yes. Fucking. Way." Best girl rolls her eyes, and then she smirks, throwing popcorn at Rosalie's open jaw.

She misses her target and I want to laugh.

I won't.

"W-who is the father? Oh my God. I mean yeah I suspected when you were in the dressing room the other day, but I thought I was just been stupid and waaay too observant. Oh my God, is that why you got engaged Bella? So you can adopt the kid?" Continuing to stand with her palm placed over her beating heart, Ally and I burst into laughter as we listen to Rose's ridiculous assumptions.

"No!" We manage to mutter in unison, grinning and giggling because is this girl for real?

Ally decides that this is her moment to tell Rose the whole story from getting wasted at the lake party to hooking up with some guy in the back of his car. She doesn't mention that it is Jasper, and I get why. Best friend isn't sure if her baby daddy wants the world to know that he created a life.

Rose and Jasper are first cousins, meaning this unborn baby is closer to her by blood than she'll ever know right now.

I keep quiet, and instead allow her to explain her secret that will soon be a situation.

Ten minutes later, Rosalie and I are in her kitchen downing three shots of caramel vodka. The alcohol burns into my throat, but soon after I grow accustomed to sweet raspy taste. Ally stands with her water bottle rolling her eyes, taking pictures of our brand new trio.

Rosalie's mother walks into the kitchen with yoga tights and a fitted crop. Mrs Hale is Southern bell talking and beauty pageant reminiscing. Somehow reminding me of my own mother, I display a friendly smile as she offers to take a shot with us.

"Go away, Mom. You're so embarrassing!" Rose practically yells at her mother who seeks youth and free spirit in the comfort of her own kitchen.

Waving good bye, we head back up the stairs into her brightened pink bedroom.

"Stop fucking looking at me like I'm pregnant!" Ally barks, jumping to the topic lurking between four walls. She continues her bitter mood and I guess this is a side effect of being knocked up.

"Okay, okay. I swear I won't tell anyone." Rose promises once again. She's blushed cheeks and stalling on her words and we all know there's alcohol to blame.

I can't stop grinning because maybe I'm a little tipsy too. My views are rainbow colourful as the rain pours grey.

Deciding to ditch the shoes, I run my hands through my loose hair one more time, and head to the bathroom.

Pinching my cheeks and coating my lips strawberry balm pink, I can't wait to see Edward Cullen.

Another ten minutes later, a prom queen, a Slummer and a pregnant girl make their way to Treehaven High Halloween dance.

Buckling up in Ally's passenger seat, her phone begins to ring.

"Speak?" Best friend demands without any greeting. "Okay, just hold a sec…" Holding the phone to me, Ally whispers, "lover boy wants your attention."

With the beat, beat of my heart, I should have known it was him on the other end of the line. Placing her phone to my ear, I smile and make sure to greet. "Hello, Edward."

"Hello, Bella." With just two simple words of welcome, I can hear the trouble in his voice and I know I'm in for another surprise.

"We're in the car, on our way." I explain, answering his question before he can actually ask.

"Get your sexy butt here! I can't wait any longer." He laughs along with ruffled voices in the background. Edward is my person, the base where I unravel. His very presence is coated in pure entitlement and I wouldn't want this any other way.

"We're almost at the school. What are you wearing? I wanna be able to seek you out?" I say, smiling into the speaker.

"You will know it's me, Baby B. Text me when you get here okay?"

"Okay…"

Silence.

"I love you, Isabella Swan." Dependency breathes.

And in this moment, I can't help but blush in between rapid heartbeats. Love is waiting and he wants my attention. So I voice, "I love you back" and hang up.

Because I am two minutes away from seeing my boy.

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With a perfectly centred disco ball brightening a decorated gymnasium and colourful hues of luminous lights, two hundred students dance in sobriety and in inebriation.

I have hiccups and I am barefoot just like my girl wanted me to be. Surrounded by Louboutins and slutty Halloween outfits, I search for love but he is nowhere in hind sight. My hair hangs loose just below my butt, and the suede feather topped head band is causing an indented pattern on my forehead. I am sporting a killer blue necklace that matches the one of Pocahontas, and the short dress worn by distant Indian tribes, hides the skin that only one set of green eyes has kissed and touched and worshipped.

I should have text him like he asked, but where's the fun in that? I am happy and I want to play this game.

Feeling like I'm stranded in a maze of moving bodies, I search the crowed, but I don't see my boy. I wonder what he is wearing or if he is camouflaged with disguise. But I'd know it's him. Painted faces or balaclava masks, I'll know it's him.

Music is blaring and cliques have already formed. I receive some "hello's" and winks and friendly waves. I send some back with extra appreciation as three caramel vodka's and two wine coolers loosened my mood.

I didn't notice that Ally and Rose have left my side, or that people are staring at my left hand. I hear whispers over the music even though I only have moving lips as evidence of my suspicions.

No longer am I the freak or the girl from the Slums with a single mother. No longer am I the girl who nearly died or the one sneaking around with Treehavens golden boy. Now I'm Isabella Swan who is engaged to Edward Cullen, in High school.

I get that.

We are prepared to answer disapproving questions and battle against those who don't understand. I don't expect anyone to understand because they weren't given the privilege to witness who we were in secret. We grew from comfort to obsession and ended up in love. We conquered a town that we feared would tear us apart, and we survived the obstacles that no teenager should have to face.

But we dealt with it and now we are living. And guess why?

Because love is on our side.

Releasing my bubble where there is no room for outsiders, I grow needy-dependant-impatient.

Walking over to the door where I entered, I encounter a photographer taking pictures as students arrive, a Halloween king and queen voting station, and a table with spiked punch. I am waiting and wondering because love isn't near.

Vulnerability seeps back into my consciousness and unwelcomed thoughts return to my morning madness. Edward and I didn't part in good terms the last time his greens met my browns. He kept asking me if I was okay and he didn't believe me when I assured him that I was. I grew annoyed, and my last words to him were that "I'll see you tonight." I didn't look back and something tells me neither did he. But with immature bickering, the solid rock on my finger will eventually make everything okay.

Right?

As I wait at the entrance, foot tapping and head bobbing to the music, I seek out fascination at the scar on my left arm. The physical evidence of an accident that made everything change, consumes my attention.

Sensing a warm breath on my shoulder but knowing that it does not spell out love, I whip my head one-two-three and I find myself face to face with Mike Newton. I guess this will be the first time in three years that he makes an effort to speak to me, and that's okay.

"Bella," Newton nods. "Looking good…I thought I should come tell you myself."

I smile, not meeting his eyes as I say nice things. "Thanks, captain." Because Mike is sporting a Captain Hook costume.

Just as our little awkward moment grows even more awkward, I feel him.

With Edward, I don't have to turn my head to know that he is around me. Spending your time with one person without the disturbances of others, allows you to grow accustomed to their presence. I smile with some relief and Mike thinks this friendliness is for him.

"I'll see you around, Mike." I nod, and turn around.

Just as my body turns one hundred and eighty degrees, my heart screams and I don't know how to feel right now. Edward is all kinds of sweet-spicy cologne smelling with minty gum popping. Green meets brown and my heart squeezes so tight I forget how to breathe.

I think.

I know.

But right now, our encounter is a misty winters evening turned summertime brightness. I don't miss the possessive glare that Edward sends Mikes way. They have a sensitive history and I don't want to think about it right now.

My boy, standing tall and strong, breathes me in with just a wink of green-green. I check him out from bottom to top, and I find this moment more difficult to conceal my laughter.

His personality is as addictive as his looks.

With moon boots meeting faded blue jeans, my boy wears a fitted white t-shirt that reads, 'Vote for Pedro.' He has on a curly blonde wig with massive reading glasses, and as I meet his face, I crumble.

"No way…" Is all I can say. I hold my chest because why do I want to cry right now.

He steps close, close, close, inches apart and I want to pull him into dark places and do dirty things to him. Number Ten maintains his breath-taking wicked grin and he knows what it's doing to my hormones.

"Pocahontas, huh? Let's get the fuck out of here?" Smooth and deep sounds leave the voice of my angel as he whispers fake-seriousness.

Removing his hand from my butt, I whisper, "I can't believe you dressed up as Napoleon Dynamite. It's my favourite movie. I worship that dude." I shake my head in disbelieve, running my free hand along his shoulder blades.

Edward smiles and plants his lips onto my forehead. He's touching-feeling-consuming my presence. With beating hearts and suspicion, we are two opposites who were made for eachother.

Love begins with having no other choice, to not allowing it to be any other way.

"Ask me how my day was?" Edward grins, eager to welcome my staged question.

Lifting up my eyebrow, I whisper the words he asked me to. "How was your day?"

My boy scrunches up his nose, and looks to the floor, saying in one breath, "the worst day of my life, what do you think! Idiot."

And those simple words make up love. Because not only did Edward quote the words out of Napoleon Dynamite, he took the time to watch and learn the movie.

"I will never grow tired of you Edward Cullen." I admit, placing my lips onto his own.

Golden-Green kisses me back. We're standing in the middle of the entrance but we too in love to care.

With clearing throats, our blissful moment comes to an end.

We both look up quickly, meeting Jake and Jasper as they wait for their leader.

"Looking hot, Bella." Jake winks at me, openly checking me out.

Edward shoves him playfully on the shoulder and mumbles threatening words with a smile. "Don't look at my girl like that unless you want me to fuck you up."

Love is possessive.

Appalled by words of aggressive, I swat Edward on his arm and apologize to Jake.

"No probs, Bells. Do you mind if we lend your boy for a sec?"

"Yeah, sure." I insist.

"No. Let me first make sure Bella gets to Alice." Edward grabs my hand, entwining our fingers.

Our bubble never popped, just a little deflated as we walk towards crowds and search for a girl who breathes for two.

Just by hearing my best friend's name, I automatically look over to Jasper. His composed demeanour travels from relaxed to tense in just a matter of seconds. And just like that, he fades into dancing bodies.

I don't know what is up with them or whether or not they are enjoying the game that they're playing, but just like everybody else, time is running out. As the clock ticks, my best girl's tummy grows bigger, and her co-creator stands still.

One-two-three minutes later, I am seated next to Ally. She is texting on her phone and I ask her who it is.

"Urgh, it's just my mom. She's annoying as fuck these days." Ally rolls her eyes. Her mood growing intense and erratic.

"Are you okay, Ally?" I shout into her ear over the loud music.

"Yeah." She nods. "Why don't you go back to Edward?"

"No! We came here together." I want to smile but her hurt expression makes me hurt as well.

Just as I am about to say something else, Rosalie plops herself next to me.

"Are you girls having a good time? Sorry that I couldn't chill much. Something went wrong with the damn voting tallies and I had to make sure to make it right."

Ally rolls her eyes again, feeling fat and unbeautiful. She glares towards Rosalie, unconcerned about the bitterness that lurks in her voice. "Don't sweat it Rose. You and I all know that the crown is yours. No need to hover over at the voting station."

I swat her arm, pointing out her rude behaviour.

"No it's okay." Rose nods. "Alice is totally right."

"Ally, please don't be rude." I beg.

And just like that, my girl stands up. There are tears in her eyes and I get that she wants to leave. I immediately stand up beside her and say, "Let me take you to the restroom."

"No." her simple answer is filled with so much pain. My girl diverts her attention to what's in front of her, refusing to acknowledge the concern that Rose and I breathe her way.

"Ally. Please?" I beg. I need her to be okay.

"He just doesn't get it!" Her screams sound more like a whisper as it fights against the sound of remixed hip-hop.

"What do you mean?" Rose and I ask in unison.

Continuing to stare ahead, we both look at the display that has captured my best friend's attention. Feeling angry, I watch as Jasper is grinding behind a junior, flirting and leading on.

"I'm so sorry. Come let's go?" Gently tugging my best friend by her hand, I never ever took the time to actually ask her what her deal is. Her eyes remain fixed on Jasper as she wipes her tears and follows me into the vacant hallway.

Rose has disappeared and I know that Ally's directed hurt just answered her only question.

"I hate him, Bella. I hate him!" She cries into her hands as I throw my arm around her.

"I'm so sorry Ally. If it will make you feel better, we can leave?"

As my girl caves down onto the hard and cold floor, conflicted and uncaring, she places her head into her hands and cries in agony

Just as I am about to kneel down beside her, the hallway door flies open as Jasper rushes through with Rose and Edward closely behind.

"You are such a fucking dick! Look at her!" Rosalie points in between Jasper and Ally.

"Butt out of this shit Rosalie. This has nothing to do with you!"

"Oh yes it does! You knocked up an innocent girl and now you practically shoving your dick up Brees ass!"

Ally continues to cry as I kneel beside her, my boy immediately at my side.

"Go away! All of you just get the fuck out!" Ally yells, but I know who her words are directed to.

Edward shakes his head at Jasper, and they silently agreed on something. He helps me up while I fail to get my best friend to calm down. My place beside her is taken over by the co-creator of their mistake.

"Get away!" Ally shoves Jasper but he refuses to move. His eyes are red and his a lot more calm then someone in this situation should be.

I'm sober in an instant as floating images disappear. This right here is reality. I get it. Time won't let any of us go. We all faced with different situations that are harboured with hurt. I whisper words of promise as Edward gently tugs me back.

Jasper is high on his substance dependence and no one in this vacant hallway has the courage to tell him just that. He throws his arms around Ally, and eventually she gives up the fight.

"Let's go Bella. They'll figure it out." Edward whispers into my ear as I witness my precious person break over-and-over again.

"She needs me Edward." I shake my head, disagreeing.

"No. She needs him. Trust me Bells. Let them figure it out."

Eventually, I follow behind Edward and Rose as we leave two helpless souls in an empty dark hallway. I guess this is their time to finally confront the growing reality of their circumstances.

As we enter through the door, the loud music, heat and humidity warm my cold exterior. My boy pulls me into his arms as he leads me onto the dance floor.

"What's a night without some drama?" He smirks, attempting to lighten my mood.

"I just wish she would be honest with herself." I whisper into my beating hearts ear as our body moves to the sudden mellow music.

"Were you honest, Bella?" Scented whisky voices question.

Creating a tiny distance, I meet his eyes and ask, "What do you mean?"

"I mean…were you honest when it came to us?"

Shaking my head, I say, "No. It took me a while."

"How did you know you were falling for me, Bella?" Edward asks smoothly, I want this moment to be intense and serious but how can I not laugh at a boy who is dressed up as Napoleon Dynamite.

"Well…I always kinda knew."

"Me too." He looks down, leading my body to melodies.

"How did you know you were falling for me Edward?" I ask, genuinely interested.

"Do you remember that time when we didn't hear from each other for like three days? And then you called and I invited you over to swim at my house?"

"Yeah?" I nod, reminiscing on the first time we kissed.

"I kinda knew then. But I knew for sure when my parents threw me that surprise party and you couldn't be there. I was going out of my mind that night. I kept thinking how the fuck can one person make me feel this way. But I guess I needed to experience that feeling because it allowed me to admit how I really felt. I fucking cried in my grandmother's arms that night." My boy meets my eyes and I believe him.

As I am about to respond, Jasper appears beside us.

Whispering into Edward's ear, I immediately look around for my girl.

"Where is Ally?" I interrupt them.

"She's waiting at her car. Edward's gonna drive my car home while I go with Alice." Jasper assures, suddenly looking concerned. As he is about to turn, I tap on his shoulder and ask, "Is she okay Jasper?"

Shaking his head, baby daddy smiles sadly. "She will be, Bella. We gonna head to my house and talk. Edward's truck is there so I'll probably see you later."

I nod and wave. Edward pulls me into an embrace and in this moment I've never felt more grateful for this boy.

The night progresses and I feel sad because my best friend isn't here. Rose is voted as Halloween queen and Edward is voted as king. He refuses to accept his title, and instead hands the crown over to Emmet. I laugh, wondering how Napoleon Dynamite could ever be king.

With dancing and drinking and letting lose, I think I'm drunk again. Some of Edwards friends agree to go to his beach house for an after party. We head towards Jasper's silver Audi and the cold leather seats of his baby-making mobile burns into my skin.

"You want my jacket, Bells?" Edward offers, and removes his hoody before I can answer.

"Thanks." I say, keeping my eyes on the road as he drives to Jasper's house to exchange cars.

Once we arrive at Jaspers, Edward calls him to say that we are outside. His electric gates open, and we slowly pull up the steep driveway.

Jasper is standing on his porch, all kinds of comfy sweat pants and band T's. I wonder where Ally is but her car is parked in front.

"Where's Ally?" I ask, stepping out of his car. Edward hands Jasper his car keys and they exchange some boyish handshake.

"She's sleeping here tonight. She's safe." And I guess his words are final.

"Why didn't you take her home?" I question.

With five simple words that probably changes everything, Jasper Hale takes ownership of his feelings and whispers, "I needed her to stay."

I nod, and Edward and I say our good byes. Jasper hands a brown paper bag over to Edward and I know there are some illegal substances beneath the seal.

As we make our way back to the beach house, I ask, "What's in the bag?"

'Weed." My boy, open and honest, keeps his eyes on the road.

I ignore my thoughts and instead turn up the music as my mind lingers in gym-bag-smelling contentment.

Fifteen minutes later, we are at the beach house. There are about five cars parked around the house, and Rosalie jumps out of Emmets Jeep when she spots us arriving. Prom queen is wearing her crown and her glittered skin is the perfect contrast against the clear evening sky.

As Edward unlocks, I immediately walk towards his room to drop off my bag. The house is surrounded by students from Treehaven and around the affluent part of the town.

This will be the first time I socialise with Edward and his friends outside of school hours.

I tie my hair up into a loose bun and pull on my cowboy boots. Entering the kitchen, my boy is surrounded by his friends and he is forced to take shots. I wonder where all these people came from, where all the alcohol came from.

I am observing my surroundings but the sound of love breaks my thoughts, "Bella, come over here?" Edward calls, grinning and beautiful.

I walk over to my boy who is standing by the counter. Jake slides a shot glass over to me and Rosalie joins this drinking marathon.

"I wanna make a toast. Wait! Let's all make a toast." Rosalie smiles with pretty cheeks and I still can't believe how beautiful she is when she's actually not busy being a bitch.

"To my second year as queen!" She grins, spilling some alcohol from the tiny glass.

"To finally telling Jessica to fuck off!" Jake laughs, but we all know he's hurt.

"To being forced to be Halloween king!" Emmett laughs, bumping against Edwards shoulder.

We all look at Edward, and with a sneaky smile, I zoom into the mole just below his lips, with dimpled happiness, my boy voices, "To marrying Isabella Swan." He winks at me and then squeezes my ass.

I smile shyly, and I guess it's my turn to make a toast, so with upright shoulders, I say, "To getting to know you guys better."

With cheers and laughters, we clink our glasses and end up taking way more shots than necessary.

I think I'm definitely drunk because everything is spinning and I feel good-good-good. Rose offers me weed but before I can accept her offer, Edward shakes his head and says no.

A part of me is thankful for his intrusion because I don't want to do those things. Instead, I drink some more and party some more.

With karaoke singing and champagne popping, high school seniors are partying like it's a law.

Locking myself in a typical beach house bathroom, I text Alice from Edward's phone and take a seat on the rim of the bath tub as I wait for her response.

Bella: Ally-cat…Are you smiling?

Ally: NO! I'm sleeping!

Bella: In the arms of Jasper Hale?

Ally: Walk a mile, baby girl.

Bella: Love you?

Ally: Need you

Bella: Head over to Edward's beach house. I'm drunk and this feeling is golden hilarious.

Ally: Haha! Not tonight. Xx

And I guess my girl is happy. That makes me happy.

What feels like ten hours later, Tanya, Victoria and the rest of their group arrives. They attempting fashionably late and I love their audacity. Leaders and minion's smile-wave-greet but that's as friendly as we get.

Edward is rosy cheeks tipsy and I want him so badly. We're having a good time outside of Treehaven, surrounded by people who worship my boy just as much as I do. As he grins, he's young looking and care free and I'm going to marry him one day.

Feeling way too unsteady, I support myself along the wall as I walk towards Edward bedroom. Closing the door behind me, I rest my head onto the pillow and close my eyes. What feels like two seconds later, the door creeks open and I know it's him even in my drunken state.

"You okay, Baby?" Edward smiles into my eyes, the mischievous look on his face makes my heart beat, beat, beat. I place my palms onto his cheeks as he straddles me.

"What's the time?" I ask, laughing for no fucking reason.

"Time to be alone with you." Green eyes wink and then presses his hard bulge against my centre.

We're kissing-shoving, pressing-pulling. This moment is over taken with dry humping almost sex but we are disturbed with a knock on the door.

"Edward? Where the fuck are you?" Jake, the buzz-killer disturbs our moment of overdue passion for the second time in one evening.

"Fuck!" Edward roars. He kisses me with some extra force and then promises to be back in just a second. I watch as he repositions his dick and I admire his sexy butt as he leaves the room.

Alcohol makes me reckless and horny and I know I'll feel like shit when the sun shines bright.

As seconds burn into minutes, I curl up into a ball and wonder if he will come back. I don't know how long time goes by, but the music in the background softens and I hear cars begin to pull away.

Sleep wins this battle as I openly welcome darkness.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It's morning.

I think.

I know.

Because with howling wind from a grey winters morning, my senses are welcomed with seaside aromas and the sounds of rough tides. I stir in between dry throats and throbbing headaches.

Recalling images from the night before, my cloudy memories spin and sway.

Edward is pressed up against my side. I can't move underneath his unconscious possessive hold. Yawning, I hold up my left hand and admire the shiny silver ring. I didn't have time to process the permanent decision on my left hand, but this isn't a lie anymore.

As I continue to stare at the concrete evidence of eternal devotion, a scratchy voice whispers. "Second thoughts?"

I smile, as I shift to meet the sleepy face of my forever. This boy is dishevelled looking and Hollywood perfection. His glare meets my hand and he gently tugs it down as my fingers meet his moist morning lips.

"No" I shake my head. "I'm just admiring what we are right now."

"Good. How you're feeling?" My boy places his hand over my covered breast, and begins massaging around my nipples. He was left unsatisfied last night, and now he wants to make up for lost time.

"Pretty hung-over. How about you?" I ask, itching to run my hands all over him.

"The same. I feel like shit." He stifles a giggle, and then runs his hand lower, lower, lower.

I gasp, taken aback by his intimate intrusion. I am wearing one of Edwards grey T-shirt and cotton white panties. His right hand rests between my legs, teasing its way into the only place I wish it would be.

"You left me hanging last night. Once I finally got everyone to leave, I came back and you were passed out."

"You could have woken me up?" I lift my eyebrow.

"I tried." He laughs.

"You should have tried something else then." I grin, running my fingers against his lips.

"What? Like necrophilia?" Edward teases.

"No, Silly. Like…I don't know. Shake me awake or something."

"I tried, Bella. Uh…the struggle." My boy feigns dramatic as he sighs and I laugh beneath his teasing.

Love is morning-playfulness.

With mischievous smiles and deep pleasure seeking eyes, I am sober and wanting. So without any shame, I whisper, "you owe me something."

He knows what I am referring to but he wants me to say it. So being more specific, I cover my hand over his own and push it harder against my centre.

I guess my forward behaviour works, because one, two, three seconds later, I am flat on my -back with my boy topped over me. He roughly tugs onto the hem of the T-shirt that I am wearing, and tugs it over my head.

Lying exposed and in wanting, I bite my lip and wait for him to take more control. Edward runs his hands down my body, his touch sending tickling sensations all the way down to my core. He too removes his T-shirt then places his lips to my own.

Sucking my bottom lip, my boy grows needy. From total calmness to desperation, we're tugging and pulling and then we're naked.

I don't expect anything gentle, because we've been starving for this moment. My boy pushes my legs apart and crawls down my body. He continues to stare into my eyes as his heated gaze drives me insane.

I close my eyes, breathing in moments that are no longer stolen with lies. In one motion, my clit is met with moist tongue licking. Everything goes blur and I guess that's a good thing. Before I can even comprehend what is happening, I am flipped onto my stomach.

My boy teases my core with his penetrated dick as he rubs it against my swollen folds. I cannot see the expression on his face but I know he's losing his own game. So within two seconds, he thrusts his cock deep inside my waiting centre. I call out in pleasure as he slides in and out of me creating a record pace.

The slapping sounds and stabbing pleasure makes everything feel so much better. We're two helpless teenagers expressing love through fucking and I have never felt more belonged.

As my boy drills into me from behind, I grab onto cotton sheets and scream into summer house pillows.

I know we're losing control so with the sounds of my beating heart, my hold clenches as pleasure builds up into the pit of my stomach. One, two, three seconds later, I probably experience the best orgasm of my life.

While travelling back into reality, overcome with pleasure, Edward flips me over and pumps into me over and over and over again.

His eyes are filled with seduction and pleasure, and as it begins to close, his body grows rigid as he imprisons me with lust. The intrusion of salty liquid enters into my system as we pant together, recovering from the world's best fuck.

Love is pleasure-seeking and need fulfilling.

Too tired to wonder, I close my eyes as my boy and I lay together. He doesn't remove his dick from inside of me. I don't want him to ever leave.

We just lay.

We love.

We fall.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Oh my God, I can't believe I'm doing this." I sigh, walking a step behind my boy as we enter his front door that looks more like a dungeon.

To my disbelief, Dr Cullen and his trophy wife arranged a Sunday lunch. Edward decided to tell me when we were driving down his road.

"Don't you trust me?" Questioning eyes stop in mid step, causing me to stumble.

"I have the worst hangover Edward!" I complain. "And I look like I was just fucked senseless."

"Uh…but both of those things are true." Edward shrugs, unconcerned and uncaring.

I try to neaten my hair, flattening the estranged stands that curtain around my face. After a mega love making session, we took a shower and left the beach house. Edward called some cleaning service to tidy the place while we were humping like dogs.

I feel embarrassed but golden boy is shameless.

I get that.

"Wow…Welcome." Making me jump in surprise, the woman who gave birth to the boy I am going to marry, stands with precision and perfection.

Esme Cullen is rocking a pair of faded boyfriend jeans with heels as high as length of my foot. I crumble, staring into the elegant eyes of Treehavens elite. This woman is Victoria Secret beautiful and I wish I had her confidence. If someone was to tell me that she is battling with depression, I'll spit my soda in their face.

Peeking up, I am hypocritical and fearful behind the shoulders of my saviour. As if he feels my anxiety, my boy grabs my hand and smiles at his mother.

"Mom, this is her." Edward smooth voice sounds way too casual.

"I know. I know baby." She smiles, and I want to believe that it is a genuine emotion.

I display a shy-innocent smile but this woman probably knows that I got it all this morning.

"Isabella. Allow me to formally introduce myself. As you should know, I'm Edwards's mother. Call me Esme. Please." She stares into my eyes, motioning for us to follow her inside.

"It's nice to finally meet you." I mean it.

"Ofcourse. Have a seat." She continues to smile her shiny white teeth as she pulls her son into an embrace.

Edward hugs his mother, briefly closing his eyes. In this moment I realise how a son can adore-cherish and deliver unconditional love to a woman who carried him for nine months. I know that if he didn't keep fighting for us, they would have eventually won. And he would have chosen her.

Because this boy worships his mother.

Who wouldn't?

She is all kinds of polite and caring as she cherishes a moment that has become rare to her. There little display of affection is broken by the sound of confidence. Carlisle Cullen walks in, clean shaven and so fucking sophisticated.

He winks at his wife, smiles at his son and then he stares at me. I stare back, loosing this battle.

"Bella. Bella, Bella, Bella." And just like that, this man couldn't have said my name any more.

"Carlisle, Carlisle, Carlisle." I mirror, smiling-mortified.

Grinning, lover boy's daddy opens up his arms. This moment may be fake but I know he wants to accept me. So without a beat, I surrender under his request and accept the little that this people are willing to give me.

We dine like kings. We eat and smile and make jokes. Edward holds my hand, gently leading me into his world.

This moment is far from perfect. I am a total contradiction to the perfect world that two souls wished for their only son. But they get it. They surrendered to this love because it will always win.

Seventeen and eighteen, rich and poor. Hopeless and helpless, this is how our start of forever begins. We are welcomed-accepted-tolerated but also appreciated.

Because the truth is, there is no Edward without Bella. We were supposed to be before we even knew each other. Starting off as innocents, we grew to love and accept. We craved the difference that we breathed into each other. And with one simple innocent lie, we fell.

We didn't mean to hurt anybody or betray those close to us. We just wanted eachother and got a lot more than we deserved. As a shiny fork with roasted chicken meets my lips, I stare into green eyes and he winks.

In one summer, Edward and I fell in secret and in lies.

We fell in obsession and depression.

We fell unprepared and uncaring.

We fell ruthless and daring.

We fell hard.

We fell ugly.

We fell terrified.

We fell forever.

P.S. AUTHORS NOTE: To those who don't know…this fanfic contains events that occurred in my own life. The excerpt below is the ending that I got…but I wanted to give you guys a happy ending. This story isn't over, it's just done for now. Thank you for staying along for the ride.

I wanted to beg him not to go, lean on my knees and pray for him to stay. But in this moment, with tears and trembling lips, I whispered, "I'll follow you."

Because he's not coming home. I get that. And finally my golden boy gets it too.

Love is chest hurting but heart healing.

My boy, broken in hearts but never in this love, enfolded me with all his might. He held on tight-tight-tight, whispering that we still have forever. We were dramatic and longing, we were young and finally letting go. And that last touch of skin, finger tips and hearts of loss, brown meets green, he turned around and walked towards the boarding terminal heading miles away to a foreign place.

He allowed his world to win. He didn't fight for me like he should have. But he needed this future. He deserves to be happy.

I held my chest, crying into nothing as the oxygen in my life grew distant. I continued to stare at his fading figure, memorising every inch of perfection. Six feet one was slowly disappearing and slipping out of my dependent reach. Remembering we had one silent rule, I knew he wouldn't look back.

Never ever.

But he did look back, and I've never loved him more for doing just that. Because the tiny piece of forever that he claimed in that moment, was so fucking human.

We fell in desperation and in need.

We fell in expiration.

We fell temporary.

We fell in love.

And love will always follow you.

A/N: Any comments? Thank you so much for being part of this with me. Remember I can always continue, that's the beauty of fiction :-)

xx