All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer

Author's note--- This is a new ending. I forgot to write a chapter and so I included it here. I hope you all enjoy. There will be no sequel.

I woke the next morning, my eyes feeling incredibly dry and my head aching. I didn't want to get up. I wanted to pretend yesterday never happened. Fresh tears filled my eyes as I went over the events from the previous day in my head. The doctor giving me the bad news, Edward's reaction, my harsh words…

I shook my head angrily back and forth to dispel the images and flung my blankets off of me. I sat up quickly and gasped. There sitting in my rocking chair was Edward. I rapidly blinked back my tears as we stared at one another saying nothing. I had no idea how long he had been in my room. Maybe I hadn't been alone last night.

I thought I would feel anger, but I didn't—I couldn't. I felt hurt, betrayal, guilt, and abandoned—but couldn't make myself feel angry with him. Looking into his eyes it was almost like looking into a mirror. Though he kept his face smooth and calm his eyes betrayed him. I could see his pain, and guilt within.

"How long have you been here?" I finally asked unable to take the silence a minute longer.

Up until that moment he had been like a statue unmoving. At my words he seemed to relax minutely. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Most of the night."

"Why are you here now?"

I saw a flicker of an emotion cross his face. I thought it might be hurt but I wasn't sure, he recovered too quickly to tell. "I can leave if you wish."

He made to get up from the rocking chair and my heart ached at the thought of him leaving. "No. That's not what I meant."

He sat back down seeming relieved. "It's just you stayed away all day yesterday. I didn't think…I mean…you were so…and then what I said…" I trailed off looking down at my hands as I fidgeted.

He was at my side in a flash taking my hands in his. "You said no more than I deserved."

I looked up at him misty eyed as I awaited his explanation. He smiled sadly reaching up and wiping the tears from my eyes.

"Oh my sweet, sweet Bella. I'm so sorry for what happened yesterday. My actions were inexcusable. I was convinced these treatments were the answer. With more time I knew they would work, they had to work. I couldn't lose you like that. I was infuriated when you refused to continue. I thought you were giving up, admitting defeat, wanting to die. I had convinced myself so thoroughly that I could not see the plain truth in front of my face. Not that any of this is an excuse for what I put you through."

"Edward it's…" I began to say but he cut me off.

"You spoke nothing more than the truth to me yesterday. You were right, the treatments served one purpose and one purpose only-to give me what I wanted--hope." His voice was full of disgust. "I refused to accept that your life was over. You are so young, beautiful, and perfect in every way. You deserve so much more—certainly better than what I can give you."

He hesitated before he continued. "I would not blame you if you never wanted to see me again." His voice broke as he uttered his last sentence in a low hoarse voice.

"Edward." I said softly. He looked up at me with such sadness in his eyes it broke my heart. "I love you. I never want to be without you."

He smiled faintly at my words but his eyes remained pained. "I'm sorry for what I said last night." He opened his mouth to interrupt me but I covered it with my hand to stop him. "I know you think you deserved it, but I was harsher than I should have been. I was so angry and hurt, but that's no excuse. When you stayed away I thought…well I wasn't sure if you would ever come back."

He removed my hand from his mouth and placed it to his cheek. "I will always be here with you—only if you wished me away would I leave." He promised earnestly.

I stroked his cheek with my thumb. "So where does this leave us?" I mused out loud.

"That depends on you."

"Me?" I asked puzzled.

"You do not wish to continue with treatments correct?"

My face fell. Was he still hopeful after everything that I would continue? "Edward, I can't." I replied desperately.

"I'm not asking you to."

My mind was spinning. He wasn't making sense. "What are you asking then?"

"For time."

I furrowed my brow. "I don't understand."

He reached out burying his hand in my hair. "We had an agreement, and I made you a promise." He hesitated then sighed. "You upheld your end of the bargain, so I will uphold mine." I could tell his last words cost him a great deal to say, but I couldn't stop the smile that crossed my face. "I am simply asking for time. I want you to be able to enjoy being human and have every human experience you possibly can before I change you."

"I don't have much time." I countered.

He sighed deep and low. "I know." He whispered unable to mask the pain in his voice. "But I want you to enjoy what time you have left. Please, Bella? I promise to change you, just be patient. Enjoy being human just a little longer. You don't get another chance at being human."

I took a deep breath considering his plea. I guess it didn't really matter when as long as he did change me. It would be nice to have a little more time to say my goodbyes before I left my family forever. "Ok." I agreed softly.

He smiled crookedly and for the first time that morning it reached his eyes. He leaned up and kissed me long and hard. This kiss was filled with so much passion it left me yearning for more. My lips worked perfectly against his. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck and as he pulled me tight against his body.

When we finally broke apart I found myself gasping for air. He chuckled cradling my head into his chest. "I love you Isabella Swan."

"I know." I breathed in between gasps for air. I felt him shake with laughter around me.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"Alice what's going on?" I whined for the hundredth.

"Nothing Bella." Her eyes were a little too innocent for my liking.

I glared at her as she pulled me into the salon. "I am simply pampering a close friend of mine. Is that a crime?" She giggled.

I sighed rolling my eyes at her. I had been extremely busy for over a month now. I had made arrangements with the school to graduate early. Which sounded good when I initially started, but I was beginning to regret my decision. Every spare moment I had was devoted to studying. I was taking a double class load and it was just about killing me. I had no time for anything anymore. Luckily, for me, Edward was tutoring me.

Alice had surprised me today, waking me up by bouncing excitedly on my bed. She decided that I needed a day out, just us girls. I had been working too hard and needed to take a well-deserved break.

I tried to fight her but I was starting to discover that it's virtually impossible to deny Alice anything. Edward had been little help. He had all but pushed me out the door. So here I sat in one of those swivel chairs getting a pedicure and manicure.

"Can't you at least read to me while I sit here?" I asked. I had insisted on taking some textbooks with me to study during the drive to and from Port Angeles.

"Bella." Alice whined. "You are not going to fail by simply taking one day off to relax and have fun. No books." She insisted taking a seat next to me as she too got her nails done.

I sighed resigned. There was just no arguing with her when she set her mind to something.

"What color would you like?" The manicurists asked.

"Uh…" I started looked at the large basket of nail polish she placed in front of me trying to decide on a semi-moderate color.

"She'll take this one." Alice called reaching out and placing a very dark shimmering red nail polish in the manicurists' hand.

"Wait. No."

"Trust me Bella. It will look fabulous." She smiled.

The manicurists looked at me expectantly raising an eyebrow at me. "Yeah, ok." I agreed somewhat unwillingly. I turned to see Alice beaming and rolled my eyes at her.

Once our nails were done Alice insisted we get our hair done. I actually felt myself relax as my hair was being shampooed and my head massaged. I wasn't sure what orders the stylists had been given but soon my hair was being curled, teased and pinned, in the most elegant style I had ever seen.

I leaned closer to the mirror to admire her work. My hair had been pulled away from my face on the sides and pinned straight back, while the hair at the crown had been gently teased to give my hair more volume as it cascaded down my back. What were most surprising were the clips holding my sides back. They were, for lack of a better word, extraordinary. They were lined with hundreds of crystals that glittered and sparkled as the light reflected off them.

"It's called a feminine faux hawk." The stylist commented as she watched me admire her work in the mirror.

"Where did you get these clips?" I asked gently touching one in my hair.

"You're friend." She answered simply.

I turned to find Alice beaming at me. She looked amazing. Her hair had been flattened and styled elegantly around her face.

"Where did you get these hair clips?" I asked.

She shrugged walking towards the register to pay. "Just something I had lying around at home."

"They're beautiful. Thank you."

She smiled as she finished paying and we exited the store. I was relieved when she didn't insist upon going shopping, instead leading me back to the car.

"Are we going home?" I asked hopefully. It was already past four and I wanted to get some studying in while it was still light out.

She grinned knowingly. "Yes, but you're not studying. There's still too much to do."

I eyed her shrewdly as we left town. Something was definitely up. "Alice Cullen, tell me what is going on right now." I demanded, in what I thought was a firm voice, crossing my arms across my chest.

She grinned shaking her head.

I huffed annoyed.

She sighed. "Just relax Bella. I promise no one is going to hurt you. Enjoy yourself for once."

I turned my head to look out my side window. "Easy for you to say." I mumbled. "You're not the one being forced to do things against her will."

I heard her shrill angelic laughter from beside me as we whizzed down the road too fast. I grabbed one of my schoolbooks and started reading to pass the time.

All too soon we pulled up to the large white house and I felt my spirits lift at the prospect of seeing Edward. I hadn't seen him in hours, something I was not used to. He almost never left my side these days, not that I minded.

I looked towards the house expectantly as I climbed out.

"He's not here." Alice said as she opened the front door. I felt my face fall at her words.

"Where is he?" I demanded.

"Out. He'll be back soon."

Alice forced me upstairs and into her room, which had transformed into a min-salon of sorts. I looked at all the make up and visibly flinched. I did not enjoy putting on a lot of make up. It always left me feeling heavy, and fake somehow. I was a simple person.

"Sit." She ordered as she danced into her closet.

I debated refusing her, but decided she would just pick me up and force me into the chair if I did so I complied.

She began busying herself as she applied a thin layer of eyeliner to each eye, and then moved onto my lashes. She stepped back raising her hand to her lips thoughtfully before she grabbed a dark lip-gloss and applied it to my full lips.

"There. Not too much, but just enough." She concluded happily. "Now to get you dressed."

"Dressed?"

"You can't wear that." She said pointing to my usual outfit of jeans and a t-shirt in disgust.

"Why? Where am I going?" I asked nonchalantly as I tried to catch her off guard.

She smirked. "Nice try. Now come on."

She lead me into the bathroom and closed the door behind me. "Wear what is hanging up behind the door. Call if you need any help." She added as she danced excitedly from the room giving me privacy.

I found a black dress bag hanging from a hook. Hesitantly, I reached out and unzipped the bag, gasping once I realized what was inside. The dress I had admired while shopping with Alice all those weeks ago hung beautifully before me. I reached out and once again took in the silkiness of the fabric. I was shocked. I remembered this dress costing a fortune. There was no way I could accept such a gift.

"Alice, I can't. This is…"

"Don't even try to get out of this. Put the dress on, or I will call Jasper in here to help me hold you down as I force you into it." She commanded.

There was something undeniable about her tone and I blushed as I took the dress of the hook. There was no way I was going to allow Jasper to see me in less than Edward had.

I was surprised how well the dress fit. Aside from being a little too long it seemed to hug every curve perfectly, even the curves I never knew I had.

Shyly, I opened the door to her room.

"I knew it would fit perfectly."

"It's a little long." I lifted the dress up as I walked into the center of her room. The last thing I wanted to do was trip in this dress.

"Not with these." Alice beamed as she held up a silver pair of stiletto shoes.

"No way." I said backing away. "I'll kill myself if I wear those."

"Stop being so dramatic. They're perfect." She said as she advanced on me. I thought about running but knew I wouldn't get far.

I sighed defeated as I stood before her, now a few inches taller. She smiled brightly obviously pleased with how I had turned out.

Without another word she lifted me into her arms and flew with me down the stairs. I started to protest but she was sitting me down in front of the living room couch before I could get anything out. She fixed my hair in a few placed and then nodded in approval.

"The door will be for you." She commanded with a smirk as she raced back up to her room.

"Alice." I whined. "What's going on?" I finished flustered, finding myself alone for the first time today.

I jumped as I heard the doorbell ring and slowly I made my way to the door, careful not to trip in my new shoes.

My eyes widened as I took in who stood before me. Never had I seen a sight more beautiful in all my life. I felt as though I were dreaming. I blinked a few times as I tried to take it all in. Edward stood in front of me dressed in a black tuxedo holding one solitary red rose. He looked just as shocked as I did. I felt his eyes rake over me hungrily, and I blushed furiously.

"Wow." He breathed still frozen in place.

After a long moment he stepped forward. "You are absurdly beautiful." The sincerity of his words only proved to deepen my blush.

"I could say the same for you." Never before had I seen Edward wear black, and I could see why. It contrasted brilliantly with his hair and skin, enhancing his already unnatural beauty.

"Are you ready?" He asked handing me the rose.

"And where is it we're going?"

He grinned. "You'll see. Come on, or else we'll be late."

He offered me his arm and sighing I took it. "Have I told you lately how much I despise surprises?" I asked as I keep my feet in the ground in front of me determined not to trip.

He laughed heartily beside me as he led me to his car. I was too preoccupied with my feet to notice what I was getting into until Edward closed the door behind me.

It was not in his Volvo.

"Where'd you get this car?" I asked as he got in.

"This is my special occasions car." He answered brightly.

"Special occasions?"

He smiled taking my hand in his and bringing it to his lips. "You'll see."

I pursed my lips, taking my hand from him and crossing my arms across my chest to demonstrate my annoyance at being kept in the dark.

I heard him chuckle beside me as we made our way down the windy driveway. I still didn't have a clue as to where he might be taking me, especially dressed the way we were.

As he started to slow I finally took in my surroundings. We were in Port Angels, but why? Port Angels was a tourist town, nothing more. What could we possible be doing here that would require eveningwear?

I watched curiously as Edward parked in front of a small, but very nice hotel. I furrowed my brow as he got out and came to my side of the car and offered me his hand.

Grudgingly, I placed my hand in his and stood beside him. I allowed him to lead me into the hotel only to be met with curious stares. I shied away from them, leaning more heavily into Edward's side, feeling self-conscious.

We finally stopped in front of a large set of doors. Edward turned to me, his eyes a glow with excitement.

"Close your eyes."

I sighed, but complied. We walked a few feet more before we stopped. I opened my mouth to ask what was going on when I felt his lips at me ear.

"Open your eyes Bella."

Slowly I opened my eyes and inhaled sharply. We were in a beautifully decorated ballroom. Everything was decorated in burgundy's and rich gold's. There were wine-red accent lights positioned against the walls making the room look very seductive and romantic. Two small tables were placed towards the edge adorned in think golden tablecloths, the chairs clothed in deep red fabric tied off with a gold sash. In the middles was a wooden dance floor. Red lights shown down on the dance floor in the middle making it look mysterious. Chandeliers adorned the ceiling shining softly, accenting with just the right amount of light, as to keep things from being too dark.

In the corner I noticed Edward's entire family standing smiling brightly. I turned to look up at Edward with a confused expression on my face. He smiled leaning down and placing a soft kiss to my forehead.

"I wanted to do something special for you. You've been working so hard lately, and I know you're going to miss your prom." He said with just a hint of sadness in his voice. I smiled and gently stroked his cheek. We both knew I was going to be far too sick to go to prom once it came around. "I wanted you to have your moment. I didn't want you to miss anything."

I felt my eyes fill with tears. He had done all this for me. I didn't know what I had done to deserve him, but I was so thankful he was in my life. We stared at one another for a long time before we heard someone clear their throats. Blushing, I looked over at his family to find Emmett grinning wickedly.

"Well if you two are done over there, let's get this party started." He boomed.

I looked down feeling embarrassed as I heard Edward laugh beside me. Out of nowhere I heard music start playing and Edward pull me towards the dance floor. I instantly stiffened. I was grateful for all he had done, but there was no way I was going to dance. I was far too clumsy and didn't even know how.

Edward turned to me cocking his head to the side inquisitively. "What's wrong?" He asked.

"I don't dance." I said in a low voice.

"Why?"

I sighed feeling embarrassed. "In case you haven't noticed I seem to have two left feet." I snapped a little more sharply than I intended.

He got a knowing look in his eyes and grinned. "It's all in the leading."

He started to pull me towards the dance floor again but I dug my feet in refusing to move. I could see his family twirling brilliantly around the room. There was no way I would ever be able to compare to them. Knowing my luck I would somehow trip him sending us both barreling into the floor.

Feeling my resistance, he turned around and sighed. He eyed me shrewdly before walking towards me with a mischievous glint to his eyes. I started to back away and soon found myself trapped between the wall and Edward with no escape.

"I can see I'm going to need to convince you." He placed his hands on either side of my head smirking. I swallowed hard never taking my eyes off him.

He leaned down and ran his lips along my jaw back and forth causing me to shiver.

"Bella." I felt his cool breath play across my cheek. "Won't you dance with me, just once?"

I shook my head back and forth. He began kissing his way down my neck ever so slowly. I could feel my breathing start to increase as his kisses went lower and lower.

"Please? I promise I won't let anything happen to you."

I gasped as I felt his tongue ice-cold trace lightly across my collarbone. What was he doing to me? My whole body started to heat up as his tongue left my skin a flame in its wake.

"Don't you trust me, Bella?" His lips were back at me ear.

"Yes." I choked out in a very shaky voice.

He pulled back smiling hugely at me. "Dance with me. If you don't like it I promise never to ask you again."

I could tell by the look in his eyes that he knew that he had won. I sighed. "Cheater." I mumbled as he again grabbed my hand and pulled me to the dance floor.

I caught sight of Alice during a turn and she gave me an encouraging smile. Edward positioned my hands around his neck and I could feel my anxieties rising.

"Edward." I whispered hoarsely staring at him with anxious eyes. "I really can't dance."

He smiled. "I told you. It's all in the leading." And with that he lifted me up placing my feet on his and began to expertly spin me around the room. Before I knew it I found myself smiling, actually enjoying myself.

We danced the night away in each other's arms. It was an absolutely magical night, one that I would not soon forget. I fell asleep that night with a huge smile on my face for all Edward had done for me.

"I love you." I barely whispered as I felt sleep claim me.

"I love you too." I heard him faintly whisper as I drifted off to sleep.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I had my own little cheering section come graduation day. Edward and his family sat next to my father in the front cheering me on. I worked harder than I ever had in my entire life, and was now graduating a year early. Of course Edward was there every step of the way. He was the best tutor I could have ever asked for.

My last few months had been heaven on earth. Edward took every opportunity he could to show me new things, allowing me to experience life as much as possible. He was always careful to not over due it, for fear I would get sick.

I was in almost constant pain now. I was on bed rest and on morphine drip. I had but weeks left. Edward never left my side, not even at night for appearances. Charlie never complained. It's not like anything could have happened.

Carlisle took over my care. He visited me every day to check up on me, and to see how I was doing, making any needed adjustments to my medications.

The time had come.

The plan was flawless really. I would go into cardiac arrest; Carlisle would administer to me and pronounce me dead. Edward would then come and take me away where Alice would be waiting with a car. They had a location already picked out where I would change far away from everything and everyone. All we needed was to pick a day.

It was Friday and Charlie had taken the day off. He had done that a lot lately, taking three-day weekends to be with me as much as possible. I needed to say goodbye.

We were playing a game of cards when I stopped to look up at him. I was thankful that I had decided to come live with him. He really was a great father. I was glad for the opportunity I had to get to know him better. I had asked Edward to leave for a while so that I could talk to him one last time alone.

"Dad?"

"Yeah honey?"

"I'm glad I came to live with you these last few months."

He smiled. "Me too. It's been nice having you around."

"I love you daddy."

"I love you too Bells."

"I always will. You know that right? No matter what."

He swallowed hard. "Enough of that." He replied gruffly. "This is not goodbye."

I looked at him sadly knowing how wrong he was. I could see his eyes getting misty as he reached up and roughly wiped at the moisture.

"Now are we going to play cards or what?" He almost growled.

I smiled. "Yeah dad, let's play." I answered.

I gave him a hug that night using all the strength I had left, knowing this would be the last time I saw him. I told him again how much I loved him and he smiled saying that he loved me too.

The plan went off without a hitch. Alice and Edward took me to a small cabin hours away. I was pumped full of morphine to keep me as comfortable as possible as we traveled.

Edward laid me gently on a bed they had prepared for me and smiled.

"Are you ready?"

I swallowed. "Yes." I whispered.

"I love you." I told him as I looked into his anxious eyes. "I trust you."

He leaned down and I felt his mouth at my ear. "I will never leave your side. I love you Bella."

I ran my fingers through his hair as he positioned himself at my neck. This was it--the beginning of my forever.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

THE END!!!!! Sorry there will be no Sequel. I forgot to write this scene earlier…so I decided to just fix the ending to include it. I hope you all liked it.

Yes, Edward bites her. I tried to leave that part up to the reader, though it is heavily implied. But many have asked soooooo…yes he does indeed fulfill his end of the agreement.