Throughout the Twilight series, I don't think I'm the only one who noticed Edward's possessive qualities. What if Bella couldn't handle having her freedom stripped away, and decided a break was necessary? Will Edward actually give her the space she needs?

First Fanfic! Be nice (:

Disclaimer – I don't own this rockin' series.

The first italic part is taken from Eclipse.

Chapter 1

I grabbed my jacket and shoved my arms through the sleeves as I ran down the stairs.

Charlie looked up from the game, instantly suspicious.

"You care if I go see Jake tonight?" I asked breathlessly. "I won't stay long."

As soon as I said Jake's name, Charlie's expression relaxed into a smug smile. He didn't seem surprised at all that his lecture had taken effect so quickly. "Sure, kid. No problem. Stay as long as you like."

"Thanks, Dad," I said as I darted out the door.

Like any fugitive, I couldn't help looking over my shoulder a few times while I jogged to my truck, but the night was so black that there really was no point. I had to feel my way along the side of the truck to the handle.

My eyes were just beginning to adjust as I shoved my keys in the ignition. I twisted them hard to the left, but instead of roaring deafeningly to life, the engine just clicked. I tried it again with the same results.

And then a small motion in my peripheral vision made me jump.

"Gah!" I gasped in shock when I saw that I was not alone in the cab.

Edward sat very still, a faint bright spot in the darkness, only his hands moving as he turned a mysterious black object around and around. He stared at the object as he spoke.

"Alice called," he murmured.

Alice! Damn. I'd forgotten to account for her in my plans. He must have her watching me.

"She got nervous when your future rather abruptly disappeared five minutes ago."

My eyes, already wide with surprise, popped wider.

"I'll put your car back together in time for school, in case you'd like to drive yourself," he assured me after a minute.

With my lips mashed together, I retrieved my keys and stiffly climbed out of the truck.

"Shut your window if you want me to stay away tonight. I'll understand," he whispered just before I slammed the door.

I stomped into the house, slamming that door, too.

"What's wrong?" Charlie demanded from the couch.

"Truck won't start," I growled.

"Want me to look at it?"

"No. I'll try it in the morning."

"Want to use my car?"

I wasn't supposed to drive his police cruiser. Charlie must be really desperate to get me to La Push. Nearly as desperate as I was.

"No. I'm tired," I grumbled. "'Night."

I stamped my way up the stairs, and went straight to my window. I shoved the metal frame roughly - it crashed shut and the glass trembled.

I stared at the shivering black glass for a long moment, until it was still. Then I sighed, and opened the window as wide as it would go.

I took slow, careful steps as I stumbled across the wet pavement of the Cullen's driveway. Looking down as my shoes splashed through the puddles, I tried to sort through my thoughts. I may be making a mistake. But I know one thing is for sure - I'm not happy anymore. I haven't been for a while now.

I know he can hear me coming.

The rest of the Cullen's are out on a quick, single-day hunting trip – a trip I'd bet anything that Alice had suggested, most likely after having a vision of what I planned to do today.

I stepped up to the large door, and right before I was able to connect my knuckles to the wood, it swung wide open to reveal a blur of untamed, bronze hair. I stumbled forward, startled by the quick movement, and two arms snaked around my waist in order to steady me.

"You always know how to make an entrance." His cool breath washed over my face as I finally looked up at him, trying to adjust my thoughts.

I frowned, and lightly pushed on his chest. I needed to put some space between us so I could keep my thoughts in order – I will need complete coherency if I actually wanted to get through this. He let go instantly, as if I had burned him.

I was finally able to take him in – he wore a snug, cream colored sweater that really highlighted his bright topaz eyes which, at the very moment, were giving me a look as if I had just kicked his puppy.

"Did I say something to offend you?" I looked down instantly, preoccupying my stare with anything other than the look in his eyes – I knew I couldn't get through this if there was going to be any sort of eye contact.

"We need to talk Edward." My voice sounded shaky and I knew he could hear it. Without a word he stepped to the side of the door, letting me brush past him. I kept walking until I reached the living room.

"Is something wrong?" His melodic voice was thick with concern. He stood a few feet away from me, grasping onto the fact that I didn't want to be in close proximaty with him.

"I…" I can't breathe. I want this all to go away – I didn't want to have to do this, I didn't want to hurt him. God knows how much he means to me. After everything we've been through, how could I do this?

"Bella?" He prompted. I knew that if I didn't do this now, I would never work up the courage to. And I needed to.

I looked him right the eyes. "I can't do this anymore."

"Do what anymore?" He asked, confused.

"This. Us."

He just looked at me. He looked at me for what felt like forever, but really was only a few seconds. His eyes started to take on that hurt look again, and I quickly dropped my eyes to the floor, suddenly fascinated with the swirly pattern of the carpet. He finally asked, speaking each word slowly, "Do you mind…clarifying?"

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. "I can't do this anymore. I can't...I feel like I'm not myself anymore. Last night, with my truck…that crossed the line, Edward."

My words were jumbled, and I could only hope they were getting my point across. When I opened my eyes to see his reaction, I could see that they did.

"You don't want to be with me anymore?" He spoke each world slowly.

"That's not what I mean."

"Then what do you mean, Bella?" I could tell he was getting frustrated.

"I think we need to take a break. From us."

In less than a second, I was pressed against the wall. Confused, I quickly looked up to see Edward's face nearly touching mine, his hands on either side of my head pressed against the wall, trapping me between them.

His eyes were pitch black.

"A break?" He spat out the word as if it were poison.

In this instance, I was scared. Edward never acted this way. When he was mad in the past, he usually would pinch the bridge of his nose and wait until he calmed down. But today he was different. Animalistic.

"I...I…" The coherency thing wasn't exactly working out in my favor.

"Bella," he breathed through his teeth. "Please."

I stared at his chest – it made things a bit easier. "I don't like what our relationship has become. You tell me what to do like I'm a kid, or a…dog. It's like you keep me on a leash. Yesterday, I wanted to go see my friend. My friend, Edward. That was my choice. You didn't have any right to stop me."

I looked up at him after the words rushed out of my mouth. His eyes were blank, but still very, very black.

"I was just trying to act in your best interest, Bella." He gave me a disbelieving look. "He's a werewolf for God's sake! They aren't exactly the best…company."

"And I'm not allowed to have my own opinion?"

"You know they can't control themselves – if you stand anywhere close to them when they get too angry, you'll -"

"And vampires are better company, how?" I interrupted him. I've heard this argument one too many times.

"I'm trying to protect you!" He yelled.

"There is a difference between being protective and being possessive!" I screamed, and instantly slapped my hands over my mouth as if that could reign the words back in. I could see my words register in his eyes. The frustrated tears that had been building up finally broke loose, streaming down my cheeks as I turned my head to the floor again.

He stayed silent. As I finally calmed myself down enough to speak, I told him, "Just because you're stronger and faster than I am, doesn't mean you should use that against me."

More silence.

Finally, after what seemed like minutes, he breathed out, "My only intentions were to keep you safe."

I shouldn't be feeling guilty, should I?

"I've told you this many times before…you are my life. You're the only thing I live for in this world. I will not lose you."

I let his words sink in. "Look at me." He prompted with conviction.

I looked into his eyes, determined to stick to what I want. I told him, once again, "I need a break."

"Bella-"

"I know. I know you want to protect me, but I'm not even me anymore, Edward. I'm not ready for this type of a relationship. It's like I'm looking for a boyfriend, and you're looking for…a mate. And I'm not ready for that. I'm eighteen. I just need…time. I think we both need some time apart to think." I really wish my voice would stop shaking.

He lowered his hands from the wall. Defeated. A shock of both accomplishment and sadness jolted through me.

"How long?" He questioned.

"Um…I'm not sure." I said intelligently.

"So does this mean I can't speak to you at all until you get this…sorted out?"

"It just means we can't spend every second of the day together. I need space." I said, lightly.

He looked thoughtful. Then he leaned in and slowly kissed me. A slow, sweet kiss.

He breathed the words, "I've waited a century for you Ms. Swan. I could wait a little while longer."

I would soon find out that that, in fact, was not true at all.

Review? :3