When you reach the prom scene, listen to "Flightless bird, american mouth--by Iron & Wine" Just to keep with the theme from the movie. It goes well.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Hope you like this one, guys. :)

EPOV

I woke up with a start. Where was I?

Oh, right. Home. Bella was sleeping soundly against me, her hair messy and tangled.

I smiled, rubbing at my eyes. I glanced at the alarm clock by my bed. It was nine pm. Charlie would be wondering where Bella was. I sighed, gazing down at her relaxed form. She looked so peaceful. I played with a strand of wayward hair on her shoulder, not wanting to wake her up.

"Bella," I whispered, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "Bella, honey." I murmured, rubbing her arm.

She stirred, groaning and rolling over to her other side, facing away from me. I chuckled. "As much as I want you to stay, I'm sure Charlie doesn't. He'll be wondering where you are." I reminded her. "Come on," I talked louder, standing up stiffly. My clothes were rumpled and they smelt like Bella, her shampoo.

She groaned again, pulling the pillow over her ear. "I don't want to go..." she moaned. I changed my shirt while she complained.

"I just want to sleep," I shook my head, running a hand through my hair. "Bella..." I sang softly. I knelt by the side of the bed, her face obscured by her haystack hair—I liked it. "Do you want me to carry you?" She blew her hair out of the way so she could stare at me. "No," I grinned and stood up.

I leant down and scooped her up in my arms. "Hey! I am perfectly capable of walking." I perked an eyebrow. "You sure about that?" I challenged. She nodded, her jaw set. "Okay." I sighed, placing her feet back down. She shuffled over to the door, putting her shoes back on. "Alright, Edward. You can take me home." She murmured groggily. I smirked at her acid tone. She could be quite angry after waking up. She dragged her feet a little, hopping down the stairs.

On the very last one, her foot fell through the gap, bending the wrong way. I sucked in a breath, catching her before her head came into contact with the steel banister. She let out a blood curdling scream. "Shit, fuck!" I muttered, gingerly pulling her leg out of the gap between the steps, pulling her body up into my arms. "Shh," I tried to hush her crying. She grasped my shirt, wailing in pain. "Ow, ow, ow. It fucking hurts!" she cursed. "Don't worry, we'll go get it fixed up."

I promised, stalking toward the front door, kicking it open and starting towards me car.

The whole routine felt familiar—I should have 911 on speed dial, for Bella, anyway.

"Argh! I think I actually broke it again." She sobbed. She took deep, calming breaths, gritting her teeth.

"Keep breathing slowly, okay. Relax, I'll take care of everything." I said as I placed her in the passenger seat. I carried her straight into the ER again—straight to Carlisle. I could see on his face that he almost had a heart attack, seeing me carry Bella through the ER, again. It probably looked so familiar to last time.

I placed her down on a cot, she gripped my hand with all her strength, which happened to be heightened when she was in pain.

I stroked her face and let her abuse my hand while Carlisle put a splint on her leg. It was swollen and red. "Okay, now Bella. How does that feel?" Carlisle asked, gently squeezing her toes. "It just hurts, doc." She answered truthfully. "I can still feel my toes, it just fucking hurts!" she hissed. Carlisle chuckled.

"Sorry, Bella. It's all standard procedure. I have to ask you the stupid questions." She cracked a pained smile. "I'm sorry, Dr—Carlisle." She corrected herself, slumping back down on the bed, gripping my hand tighter. I bit my lip, trying not to laugh—even though she was in pain. She was being rather blunt. It was amusing.

"Now," he began after twenty minutes. "You're going to have to wear a cast for the next couple of weeks. I'll also write you a prescription for the pain. And, I think you should stay the night." He suggested. She scowled at the green curtains around us. "Can't I go home? I won't walk until tomorrow, I promise." Carlisle considered this. "I suppose..."

"Yes!" She looked at me expectantly. "Come on. Lets go!" she said enthusiastically. "Are you high?" I laughed. She shrugged. "Carlisle gave me something before...thanks by the way—I can barely feel it." She started to move her legs, dangling off the bed to slide down. I grabbed her legs and hoisted her up. "No walking." I reminded her.

"Oh, yeah." She giggled. I shook my head. "Come on, loopy." I said, carrying her out. I picked up the prescription slip for Bella, and stuffed it in my pocket. "Why were you afraid to love me?" she asked suddenly. I was taken aback. The question had risen out of nowhere. I glanced at her. "Afraid of loving you? I'm not." I said. She frowned.

"No, silly. I'm talking about that day behind your house. When we kissed, you told me to leave, like your were scared you'd done something wrong." I frowned.

"You're surprisingly intuitive when you're drugged out." I observed. "Enough with the evasiveness." She snapped. I sighed. "I was scared...because, I thought I would lose you." She stared at me. "That's a pretty lame excuse." She said scathingly. I chuckled. "It's not just that. It was because I thought I hadn't been punished for my parents. And I thought the universe was sending me you, so it could take you away from me again. I wouldn't be able to survive that." I said frankly, my voice hard.

"And, I didn't want you to pay. I somehow knew that the way I felt and still feel about you would destroy me in the end. I was certain I would pay through losing you in some way. I was terrified." I explained. She watched me with sad eyes. "You were trying to protect me?" she squeaked. I nodded. "I fell in love with you before then.

I had been planning to break off our friendship." She glared at me, her mouth hanging open. "It was because I was already falling for you.

But when you told me...I knew I had gone far beyond just a little crush. I couldn't find it in me to leave. I needed you—every single day."

"You can have me every single day." She said. I smiled down at her. "I'm glad." She laughed—the sound was melodic. "You don't still blame yourself, do you?" I shook my head.

"You made me understand." I told her. "When you were almost...killed," I got the word out eventually, through a strained voice. "I thought that for certain I was to blame, and that it was what I deserved. But you made me understand. You made me see that we found each other for the same reasons. To heal each other. You came to me, to take away the guilt I felt, to help me heal. To awaken a feeling in me, one that I never thought possible." She sniffed, dabbing at tears.

"You made me understand, too. That I am still who I am. I define myself, nobody else does. And he never did. You made me feel like myself again, you made me feel beautiful, whole, not damaged. You protected me. You made me feel love—something far beyond any of my imaginings."

The car came to a stop outside Charlie's house. She grimaced, breathing in deeply. "Does it hurt?" I asked warily. "Nope." She shook her head. I rolled my eyes.

"Sure." I stepped out and dashed over to her side. "Come on then," I said, pulling her arm over my shoulder and wrapping my arm around her waist and under her legs. I closed the door with my foot, hoping I didn't scratch it with any gravel stuck in my shoes. She sighed sadly then.

"What's wrong?" I asked. "I have to wear this stupid thing to school." She pointed at her foot.

"Don't worry, I'll be there to help you." I grinned. She rolled her eyes then, the morphine obviously wearing off now.

"You'll have to wear skirts, or something to school." I noted.

She looked horrified. "Over my dead body." I glared. "Very funny." I said sarcastically. She opened the door for us, I walked in sideways so I didn't hit her head against the wooden frame. "You're wearing a dress now." I observed, staring pointedly at the black dress she had on. "Yeah, but, I don't wear dresses to school." She said. I chuckled.

"I guess not. Well, it kind looks like you don't have a choice." She groaned.

"This is so gay." She whinged. I laughed out loud then.

"Uh, what's going on?" Charlie asked from the couch, eyeing my arms around his daughter. I cleared my throat. "Bella broke her ankle at my house. She can't walk for a few days." I informed him. Bella scowled. "Actually, just till tomorrow." She corrected. I sighed.

Charlie laughed. "Well, you keep off it, then." He said, turning back to the T.V. "Thanks for your concern, Dad." I laughed while I started up the stairs.

"Bella you almost broke my hand." I stated as I sat her down on the edge of the bed. She bit her lip and smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry. It just...really hurt." She explained. I nodded. "Yeah, I kinda guessed." She smiled then winced, taking a deep breath. "I'll get you some Tylenol." She nodded.

"Thank you." She called while I wondered into the bathroom, browsing through the cabinet and producing a small bottle of pills and a glass of water.

I handed them to her. "Thanks," she murmured, popping three pills and sculling the water. "It's till going to hurt until we get you the proper pain medication," I warned her.

"We'll get it tomorrow." She said. "It is a Sunday, after all." I nodded. Yes, it was a Sunday. And this week also held some significance. It was prom on Friday.

I smiled to myself. Prom. I was taking Bella to prom, I had gotten agreement from Alice and Charlie. Alice was in charge of getting her the dress.

Feigning interest in bookstores just to get Bella to step foot in a mall. That was yesterday, before the funeral today, and Bella needed to be cheered up, anyway.

Alice had tricked her into trying something on, completely oblivious as to the reason why she was getting a formal dress.

She just assumed it was because Alice was so extravagant, always buying things she would never get to wear in everyday life.

I sat on her bed beside her, taking her hand in mine, playing with the diamond heart on her wrist.

BPOV

"Alice, why the hell am I doing this?" I groaned, trying to stand straight and not fidget while she zipped up my dress.

That's right. My dress. Sigh. I had graciously gone shopping with Alice when she begged me to, after dangling a book shop bribe in my face. We only ended up going to one—and we barely stayed for over ten minutes. "Bella, relax. Anyone would think I was squeezing lemon juice in your eyes. It's not that bad."

She crooned. I rolled my eyes at her through the mirror I was in front of, trying not to look at my own reflection—which was pretty hard when you wore something like I was. I admit, it was beautiful, expensive, delicate and graceful—not me at all. That was my observation, however, Alice believed otherwise.

"Okay, you're done. Now it's makeup time." I frowned incredulously.

"You said nothing about makeup, Alice." I accused. She shrugged and grinned. "Too late, you already agreed. No turning back now." She grinned wider, absolutely enjoying my uneasiness. She took me by the shoulders and sat me down, this time I wasn't in front of a mirror—for that I was glad.

Alice stood in front of me, pulling out a bag that was crammed full of accessories. We were at Alice's house, in her bathroom. This gratuitous torture was like heaven on freaking earth to Alice. She hummed cheerfully as she prepared her makeup crap. I suppressed another groan. She might let me out on good behaviour.

I thought sardonically, that it was a lot like a prison in here. "Now, close your eyes." I glared up at her.

"We can do this the easy way, or the hard way. I will use force, believe you me. You're still an invalid, remember?" I sighed, and closed my eyes. She was right, after all. I still had the cast on, although it didn't hurt anymore. She had graciously volunteered to help me in whatever way she could while I was...disabled.

I cringed at the thought of asking dad to help me shower. So, Alice filled that position. Charlie always loved Alice, now more than ever. So, I let her so called pampering continue.

"I love this." She sang. "Alice, what is this all for anyway? I know you know more than I do, so don't try to give me the same excuse Edward did." I heard her shift her weight, uncomfortable with my interrogation. I opened my eyes, she was biting her lip, avoiding my gaze.

I knew how she loved to gossip, it was probably hard to keep secrets, especially exciting ones. "Alice, tell me what you know." I demanded slowly. Her eyes shifted away from my face, her lips pursed. "Do you want liquid or pencil liner?" she asked innocently. "Where am I going tonight?" I grilled. She shrugged.

"I don't know..." she swallowed loudly and went back to brushing stuff on my eye lids. I sighed loudly. "Besides, you're not supposed to know." She reasoned. I wanted to roll my eyes. I hated surprises...especially when they involved pretty blue dresses, makeup, heels and hot curlers.

Alice moved behind me to start on my hair then. I didn't open my eyes, afraid I would lose it and scream at the atrocity Alice called fashion. I could feel her pulling and tying and curling my hair until it suited her tastes.

"There!" she declared.

"Done." I could even hear her grinning. "You look beautiful, Bella." Her voice shook. I opened my eyes.

"Alice? What's wrong?" I asked, concerned. "Why are you crying?" She just waved her hand.

"Nothing. You just look so magnificent." She breathed. I snorted. "Alice," I moaned. "Stop it, you're going to make me cry." She laughed then.

"I tend to do that a lot, don't I?" she smiled through the tears. I cracked a smile. "Yes, you do." I agreed, getting to my feet.

"Okay, Alice. I know you had the perfect outfit in mind, but..." I looked down at the shoe—one shoe on my good foot. "I can't wear this." I sat back down, untying the blue ribbons. "Alright," she grumbled. "I'll give you veto on shoes." She sighed, resigned. I grinned.

"Yay," I hobbled out to her bedroom and grabbed the shoe I wore here. My blue Converse All Stars. I smiled happily as I put it on my left foot.

"There," I said, admiring my favourite shoes. They were durable, reliable and safe—everything I needed to walk, even after that it was difficult.

Alice grimaced at my choice. I told her to shut up. "You said I had veto," I explained. "Veto counts as anything. So there." I stuck my tongue out at her.

"Fine!" she threw her hands up into the air in exasperation. I grinned and got wobbly to my feet. "Okay," I breathed. "I suppose I'm ready." Alice clapped. I was clearly and easily forgiven. "Oh my god, I can't wait for him to see!" she almost squealed. She opened her bedroom door and called down the stairs.

"Edward?" I waited. "Yeah?" he sounded closer now. "You need help or something?" he wondered, I could hear his foot on the bottom step.

"No! You'll ruin the entrance!" she said quickly. "Just stay down there and close your eyes!" she ordered in her high-pitched voice.

I sighed and waited by the door. I had to hand it to Edward, he was willing enough to work with Alice.

She grabbed my hand and led me out to the stairs.

I stood at the top, looking down at him. I couldn't hold back the giant grin—and my god, he looked amazing. He was polished and sharp in his tux. If it weren't for Alice holding my hand and the fact that we were in someone else's house...well, I don't know what I would have done.

I probably would have torn his clothes off with my teeth. I frowned to myself for a moment. That was highly inappropriate thought; however my thoughts were private, so I was free to think what I wanted. I grinned again as I descended. Edward's eyes were still closed, his perfect lips—the lips only I could kiss—were turned up in an excited smile.

We stopped mid-stairs, almost stacking it. A giggle escaped my lips. "Okay, Edward." Alice consented. His eyes opened and he stared up at me. His smile faded, and his mouth hung open, his eyes bugging out. I smiled down at him and Alice led me to the bottom where he stood, slack-jawed. "You look...exquisite." he breathed.

And, on cue, my cheeks flared.

I ducked my head, embarrassed. His finger came under my chin, lifting my face to look at him. He was grinning, his eyes bright. He was shaking his head. "Alice. You're a genius." He commended. I thought he was going to start applauding her—no doubt that would send Alice into a field day.

She didn't need an even more inflated ego. I smiled at Alice then turned my attention back to him.

He escorted me to the car, opening my door before getting in, himself. "Okay," I started. "This is getting ridiculous, what on earth are we doing, Edward?" I demanded. He looked at me incredulously and laughed. "You really haven't worked it out yet?" he laughed. I smacked his arm.

"I'm serious. Where the hell are we going?" I complained, my voice squeaking. He chuckled.

"You'll work it out, soon enough." He answered. "Argh!" I collapsed back into the seat, huffing. I chewed on my lip, thinking about it.

Then, the truth dawned on me as we pulled into the school parking lot. Ribbons, and dresses, tuxes and silk...flowers on lapels.

"Prom!" I exclaimed, furious. Edward jumped and stared at me as he eased the car into a space. "Bella, calm down. It's not going to be the end of the world." He promised. I didn't see how. I crossed my arms over my chest stubbornly. He narrowed his eyes at me, a sly smile creeping across his lips. His hands shot out toward me, tickling my stomach and arms. I couldn't help but laugh even though I was outraged. "Stop it! Stop it!" I begged breathless. He just did it more, laughing along with me.

"I will kill you," I giggled, tears forming. "I'm serious, Edward! Please!" I laughed harder. He stopped then and got out, coming around to my door. I thought about locking it, but that would be beyond childish. And that's exactly what I did. I locked the door. He glared through the window at me, his head cocked to the side.

He pulled out his keys and unlocked it. I pouted. "Bella. I want to enjoy this with you. I want to be a teenager with you, act like a kid, forgetting about the problems we've had to deal with in our past that are beyond our years." I frowned and groaned. "You play dirty." He grinned, triumphant. Grabbing my hand and putting it around his shoulder so he could lift me from the car.

"Alice!" I hissed as I caught sight of her with Jasper. She jumped, surprised, caught my death glare then smiled sheepishly, waving. "She is going to pay." I stated calmly.

"Oh boy, will she pay." Edward chuckled, amused at my obstinate attitude. Edward spun me around, dragging me onto the dance floor—the gym. I raised an eyebrow.

"Are you kidding? Do you want me to break a second ankle?" He smiled that crooked smile and I couldn't find it in me to argue.

Dazzled and breathless, I let his snake his arms around my waist. He pulled me closer, when he let me go, my feet landed on top of his—and we were off.

Dancing in perfect swirls, far better dancing than the rest. I gaped. "I didn't know you could dance." He smiled again and shrugged. I placed my hand on his shoulder, my other hand in his.

It was effortless, because he was perfect and because I wasn't doing anything other than acting as a counter-weight. Rosalie gave me a knowing nod as we passed her and Emmett. I nodded back, grinning. It was actually quite fun—wait, did I think prom was fun? I shuddered.

"Cold?" Edward smiled. I shook my head.

"Nope. I'm fine." I grinned. "You sure are fine." He said, raking his eyes over my dress. He glanced around then, frowning.

"What is it?" I asked, trying to follow his glaring. "Just making sure no-one's staring at you." I laughed. "Right." He looked down at me, his eyes wide.

"You have no idea, do you?" I frowned. "Of what?" He nodded to a group—the basketball team, Mike included—gawking at us. "They're probably just jealous of your tux or your pro dancing skills." He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, mhmm. That's got to be it." He answered sarcastically, spinning us around so his back was to them.

"I want to be the only one who can admire you. I can be a very jealous person." I snorted. "Well, so can I." I nodded to a couple of girls—well, more like the cheerleading team—undressing Edward with their eyes from the bleachers. He chuckled.

"They're probably just jealous of your dress, or your dancing skills—well, maybe just your dress." I laughed.

The floor was getting crowded, so we retired to the campus outside. Edward carried me effortlessly across the damp grass under the moon.

We could hear the music vaguely from where we stood, out on flat part of grass outside the gym. There were garlands of fairy lights around, twinkling beautifully in contrast to the dark foliage they were wound into. Edward started spinning us around slowly, dancing along slowly with the melody. I smiled up at him.

His eyes roamed over my face, and landed on my neck, he frowned.

I felt self-conscious, I had almost fully covered up the bruise on my neck with my little cardigan, pulled up close to my throat.

Edward let me down on my own feet then and took my face in his hands, they slid down to my neck, pulling the soft fabric away and leaving it down.

We swayed a little to the music, my hand in his, held over his chest. He spun me around in a pirouette. I spun back to him, his hands guided me back till I was leaning almost to the ground. His mouth came to my neck, kissing the spot where Jacob had left his mark. From then, it wasn't his mark anymore. Edward lifted his face to meet mine.

"I can't believe I've found you." I blushed, leaning forward till our lips were inches apart. "So soon in my life, too." He went on. "My life started when I met you." I whispered.

He smiled, his eyes half closed, he leaned our foreheads together, lifting me up with his arms around my waist. "I was lucky. Most people don't have this." He squeezed me tighter. "We don't have forever." He said regrettably. I smiled. "See, that's where you're wrong. With you, I have forever."

I leaned in closer till our lips met, sealing the night--our piece of forever--with a kiss.

:'( I love you guys. Whoever had enough patience to read this. You are the awesomest. And this is my last chapter to this story. I have finished. Which is both good and bad. It feels like the last day of school, man. BUT, I will be making another story. Quite soon, like in the next couple of days. Hope you will check it out.

**BIG FUCKING HEART** to Twig and Meg. ;) you guys deserve hugs for reviewing me so much. :)