A/N - New story, yet again. I get these ideas in my head and I usually can't rest until I write them out. I don't always post them, I have endless chapters for stories that I've randomly wrote because it helps me relax.

Anway, we have a bit of Bella/Sam action going on here, hope you all like it. Weird for me, I'm going totally non canon but I wanted to try something different. At least I can be a little adventurous with this.

Summary: Bella breaks up with Edward when she realizes how controlling he is. On a whim, she attends a bonfire with Jake which in turn leads her to Sam. The only thing is, Bella isn't looking for a serious relationship just yet, especially not with another mytical creature claiming to be her mate.

Chapter One
Bella's POV

Sitting in the old chair at my desk, I glanced every so often at my window. It was closed, a usual occurrence as of late, hoping Edward would get the hint if he dropped by and saw it wasn't open. I didn't want to go as far as locking it, just trusted he'd respect my privacy enough to stay away. The only time I ever closed the window was when Edward was hunting. I didn't see the point in allowing the cold Forks air to whip through and freeze me if he wasn't coming.

I knew I was probably over reacting but I wanted to stand my ground. I had told him repeatedly during the build up to my birthday that gifts and a party were definitely off the cards. I wasn't joking around either, my words weren't empty - I actually meant what I said. I allowed the finality in my voice to be heard whenever he brought it up. He knew how I felt about it and yet he still went behind my back and did it anyway. I probably wouldn't have cared so much if it wasn't for the fact he - well probably Alice - had gone had gone and invited half of our senior year to said party.

Then of course was the momentum gift opening session which I had to force a smile through after Edward had told me not to be 'difficult'. I hated being in the centre of attention so why they believed this would be a good idea to celebrate my birthday, I had no idea. They were supposed to know me. Edward was supposed to know me more than anyone. Apparently not. The whole night was unbelievably boring and I didn't enjoy a minute of it. It was a disaster but I bit my tongue and held out through because I loved Edward and it was what he wanted.

Alice suggested I stay the night, saying she'd pull a few strings with Charlie, but I refused. I wanted nothing more then to go home and spend the rest of my eighteenth birthday soaking in the tub. The drive home with Edward was silent and not the comfortable one we usually shared. I knew he felt it too as he gave me a tense goodbye before peeling out of the street. He didn't even give me a kiss and while I was surprised, I was even more so when I realized I wasn't as upset I'd usually be. I craved Edward's attention, to feel him against me but recently I had found myself reveling in the time we spent shared apart. What's worse, I'd begun to question whether I really wanted to throw my life away to become immortal like him.

I let out a sigh as I rose from the chair and made my way to fulfill my wish. A nice, hot bath was calling to me. Charlie was currently watching the game downstairs so I wouldn't have to worry about being disturbed. He had questioned why I was home so early, expecting me to stay out later since it was my birthday but he understood immediately as I told him about the party that was thrown for me.

See, it wasn't that hard to understand what I was adverse to.

On the way out of my bedroom I grabbed a tattered version of 'Romeo and Juliet' to read while I was relaxing. Once the tub was full of water and bubbles, I tied my hair up into a messy bun before climbing in, allowing the warmth to surround me. I quickly washed my face, scrubbing off the make-up I had reluctantly allowed Alice to apply. After the treacherous yelling of 'surprise' when I entered the Cullen household, Alice swiftly whisked me upstairs to change me into more appropriate party attire, as she called it, which of course left me feeling even more uncomfortable throughout the night.

Once I was happy that I was clean, I dried my hands on a nearby hand towel and spent the next half our or so reading away until I was probably resembling that of a prune. I quickly wrapped a fluffy white towel around myself and padded back to my bedroom, book in hand. The bath had done its job and I no longer felt the tension the nights endeavors had brought upon me and I was more than ready to fall into a deep slumber. Only, my plans were no sooner halted than I had thought of them as my book fell to the floor with a thump.

The very last person I wanted to see was unfortunately sitting on the edge of my bed looking the epitome of perfection. The cold wind blew through my window catching me off guard and causing me to gasp.

"Bella, I'm sorry, uh, I'll go while you change," Edward muttered pitifully while diverting his eyes as if he's seen something revolting. He moved towards the window using his nifty vampire speed and was gone before I had a chance to regain my senses. I grimaced immediately. I knew Edward wasn't your average human boy but I was sure everything worked in pretty much the same way yet he seemed unwilling to do anything but chaste kisses. Anyone would probably get aroused if their girlfriend walked into a room wearing nothing but a short towel. I knew I wasn't anything spectacular but it still hurt that Edward acted as though I was disgusting and fled quicker than you could say 'vampire'.

I hurriedly changed into a pair of sweats and a ratted t-shirt before sitting on my bed. I wasn't sure whether I should call out to Edward or just close the window once again. After all, I hadn't wanted him to come by in the first place but before I could make a decision he appeared in my room once again. "Sorry Bella," he repeated, "I wasn't expecting you to be wearing just a towel." He moved to sit beside me and stayed perfectly still, not falling into his arms as I usually would.

"Why are you here, Edward?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"What do you mean?" came his immediate response.

I sighed quietly as felt his arms snake around my waste and pull me to his side. I could do nothing about it, he was so much stronger than I was. "I told you I didn't want to celebrate my birthday," I said sharply. I felt Edward chuckle against me and I ripped away from his hold.

"Love, you did but you had to know that we would do so anyway. It is your birthday after all."

"No, Edward, I didn't know you would. I though, as my boyfriend, you would respect my wishes. It wasn't like I was being modest, I genuinely did not want a party. If you really wanted to give me something, you could have gave me that."

We stayed in silence for a lengthy time. When I realized Edward wasn't going to say anything I decided to finally speak my mind. I needed to get what I'd been feeling for the past three weeks off my chest. Maybe then I'd be able to understand it all.

"I don't think it's working Edward. I mean, you don't even want to change me," I whispered. "How can we even be together if you stay the same while I'm forever aging." Edward still had yet to meet my gaze but I stood my ground. This was what I knew was right and for once in a very long time, I was doing something that was good for me instead of tiptoeing around other people's feelings.

"Is that what this is all about? Because if it is Bella, if you really feel that strongly about it that you want to end things, then fine, I'll change you. I'll do anything. I'll do it right now," Edward said frantically, raising off my bed and walking towards me. I shook my head taking a step back.

"This isn't an ultimatum, Edward. I don't want you to change me because you feel obligated, hell, I'm not even sure if I it's what I want anymore, if it's worth it, and if I'm honest, I don't think it's what you want otherwise you would have done it by now."

"It's not that," he mumbled. "I love you Bella and it would please me no more than to spend eternity with you."

"But that's the thing. You don't love me Edward, you're fascinated by me. By my scent and lack of thoughts, that's what drew you in. What you feel isn't love. I mean, sure, it may be there but no where near the intensity of I loved you -" his eyes widened at my use of past tense. I didn't realize how true it was though until I had said it, "-I'm sorry, but I think we both know that doesn't even reach the limits of Carlisle and Esme's relationship, or anyone else's for that matter."

Edward's usually stoic face bared ever emotion in that moment. Desperation stood out most and I momentarily felt bad for being so blunt but then I remembered I had to do this for myself - I couldn't continue to push my feelings aside to please everyone else.

"Of course I love you, you're my mate," Edward reasoned, sounding quite childish. He took another step forward which in turn made me take another back. I gasped when my back made contact with the cool wall, trapped between it and Edward. Being in this position didn't help with the control I wanted to hold.

"Your mate? Or your possession?"

Edward faltered. He eyes me warily, a look of complete shock crossing his face. "Where is this coming from, Bella?" he asked, standing just centimeters away from me. I could feel the coolness radiating from him and all I could think was how wrong it felt. When a boyfriend stood close to you, you were supposed to feel his warmth, not be chilled by his presence. You shouldn't have to wrap in extra layers just so you can lie next to him. Then again, nothing with Edward had ever been 'normal'. That was what appealed to me at first but I was beginning to think I was the same as him. It was fascination that held us together, not undying love.

I closed my eyes. "My heart," I whispered. "Maybe it would be best if we had a break from… each other." It shamed me that I found the words a lot easier to say than I anticipated. It was very clear now that that what Edward and I had was slowly beginning to slip away and the sooner we faced it, the better it would be everyone. When I opened my eyes, Edward had removed himself from in front of me and was standing by the window.

I hadn't even heard the movement. "If that's what you want…" he trailed off. The pain was evident on his face. For someone who usually kept his emotions under a tight lock, he was certainly letting them go tonight. I wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. Edward was finally letting me see him but he could just be trying to make me feel bad and forget everything I had just said.

"It is, Edward. I just need some time but I don't want you to wait for me. This may be a final thing," I muttered. The idea of the one constant thing in my life no longer being there was upsetting and the fact Edward and I would possibly not talk for a long time - or maybe even never - hurt too, but I was doing this for myself. I had to breathe for a while before I made any final decisions I could regret forever.

"I can't make you do anything but I'll wait. After all, you are my mate." Edward climbed gracefully out of my window leaving nothing but cool air whipping around my room.

I seriously hoped I had done the right thing.

A/N - So what do you think? Good? OK? Or just down right awful? Let me know, I've been building up my armor for all the flames I'll get for breaking up Bella and Edward but hey, my world my rules...

REVIEW! There what makes this world go round.

-Savanna