Disclaimer - I do not own Twilight. *tear*

Before I start anything, I want to thank all of those who reviewed: cullengirl989, Breathless In Voice, teeesah, Isabela is Online, Bella654, team-edward-lion-lamb, harleymae, Elven at Heart, Andrew. You guys seriously make my day.

First, I want to answer Breathless In Voice's review: The part where Bella was in the water is the dream, not reality. Hope that solves your confusion!

Second, I want to tell you all that I'm going to make this story about five chapters shorter than I'd originally intended. So it will have 15 chapters, give or take a chapter. I WILL keep the surprise up but its not really a surprise considering that you probably won't like it. Also the next chapter will skip ahead a bit.

Third, REAR = Read, Enjoy, And Review!


Bella POV

It's been a week since I've been discharged from the hospital. Edward stays over most of the time, worrying over if I'll faint again. I tell him it's just stress but he shakes his head, thinking I'm down playing it. Besides Edward, I have no visitors. I wouldn't blame them though; I wouldn't want to see me either. I get calls from Alice and Jasper from time to time, though. But there's one person who hates me more than Rosalie is the person I never expected.

"She hates me," I told Edward, stuffing a pillow in front of my face.

Edward pulled the pillow away so that he could see my face. "Would you please not do that? And Esme does not hate you. She's just . . ." Edward trailed off, looking for the right words, ". . . not happy with you right now."

I groaned. I needed something to take my mind out of its depressing state. I thought back to St. Thomas—the room, the rose petals, the pool, the ring—and found where I wanted to redirect the conversation.

I looked down at my finger and realized I'd been wearing my new wedding ring all this time. Edward followed my gaze and before saying in a soft whispering, "You kept it."

I stared into his smoldering green eyes. "Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

"Because honestly, for a moment, I thought what Rosalie said was true. That you'd chosen Emmett after everything we've been through. There's nothing more scarier than losing you." His gaze was so intense that I couldn't help but lean in, wanting him to devour me with anticipation as he gently sucked on my bottom lip . . .

But right when our lips were about to meet, the phone rang. Edward cursed under his breath and sprang to his feet to answer the call. "Hello? Yes, she's okay...Today?...We'll be there."

"Who was that?" I asked once Edward took his place by me on the couch.

"Counseling. Since you fainted, we got a week off. And that week has ended so we have to go back today at six-thirty." He sighed. "I really don't want to go."

"Why?" I said, propping myself up on one knee so I could get a better look at his face. "It will help us with our relationship. I don't see the down side in that."

"I don't want to talk about all the bad things that have happened. I just want to move forward without a glance back at the past. But it's never that easy." I wanted that too. To move on and forget everything bad that happened. But like he said, it's never that easy.

I grabbed his warm hand in mine and pressed it lightly against my cheek. "We'll get through it. Together."

Edward smiled. "Together."

-.-

Edward's hand rubbed soft, soothing circles on mine as we faced Mr. Dirickson, our marriage counselor. Rain pounded on the roof of the building but it didn't waver my mood. Today was a different day, a different counseling session. Instead of being as far apart as the couch would allow, I was snuggled up against Edward's chest, practically sitting in his lap. I noticed and so did Mr. Dirickson.

"Seems like you to have made some serious progress. I take it that the weekend and week off went pretty well. Care to explain?" He asked, his pencil in hand, ready to jot down notes about our session.

Edward didn't speak so I did. "It wasn't as easy as it sounds. I had to come to terms with all the hurt I've caused everyone. But we are together. And I'm going to do everything in my power not to jeopardize that."

Mr. Dirickson penciled in what I'd just said, and without looking up, he asked, "What do you mean by everyone?"

"I mean his whole family when I say everyone. I left the trip early because I couldn't accept a gift Edward was about to give me. I couldn't whilst I was still some what involved with Emmett. So I hopped on a plane and talked to everyone. Well . . . there was really no talking at all. Just lots of crying and yelling."

"What happened in the confrontation with Mr. Cullen's brother?"

I could see why Edward didn't want to come now. I didn't want to relive this. I didn't want to relive Emmett telling me that I was lying when I said I loved Edward. I looked at Edward and remembered he was not present for that part. He deserved to know, so I pushed my pain aside. "I basically told Emmett that whatever we had, was done. But he didn't want to believe it."

Mr. Dirickson stopped writing and looked me dead in the eyes. His gaze was so intense that I cowered under it, hiding in my hair. "I'd advise you that you tell Emmett under no uncertain terms that what you had is done. I predict that he is going to keep trying. Which means you and Mr. Cullen need to make sure your bond is unbreakable, because something tells me the fight for your love is not over."

-.-

I knew it. Edward knew it. I'm pretty sure Alice, Rosalie, Jasper, Carlisle, and Esme knew it. Emmett is not one to give up so easily. He lost the battle, but the war is not over. Not by a long shot.

As Edward and I drove to his house, I thought about if I would ever get to be truly and completely happy. I thought about whether or not Emmett would give me up. He had to. Because I was happy with Edward and I couldn't have Emmett fighting for me. I wondered if he still though he had a chance. And I wondered just how far he would go.

We pulled to a stop and Edward walked around to open my door for me. We walked to the door in silence, probably thinking the same thing: What would we do about Emmett?

Edward turned on the thermostat when we entered his house. It felt liked long time since I'd been here. We were about to go upstairs when my legs would follow, so I asked Edward to carry me. He smirked and carried my up the steps into his room. He laid down next to me in bed and I snuggled up against his chest. I was tired but I liked the feeling of his arms wrapped around me, protectively.

After a while he noticed that I wouldn't go to sleep. "Bella, you couldn't even get up the stairs. What makes you think you can last another minute?" He asked, pushing the hair out of my eyes.

"I'm not sleepy." I was so tired that I didn't even try to make my voice sound more convincing.

Edward chuckled softly. "You are. Now get some sleep, your getting circles under your eyes," he said, stroking the unattractive bags under my eyes.

I tried to fight against my lids but they eventually won out. Before I dosed off, I made sure to place a long, lingering kiss on Edward's lips. He stoked my hair. "I love you," I whispered.

I opened my eyes for a fraction of a second only to see pure love in his eyes. "I love you, too, Bella. Never forget that." It made me feel special, knowing that I could only have that effect on him. Knowing that I could only make him feel that way.

Then my eyes zipped closed, giving in to sleep.

Edward POV

Ding! Ding!

My eyes fluttered open unwillingly and I whipped my head around to see the clock, which told me it was about a quarter to six in the morning. I heard a door open and close.

Ding! Ding!

I looked over to Bella and found that the doorbell did not wake her, so I carefully climbed out of bed. She began to reach for me, so I put a pillow in her arms and she clutched it tightly, murmuring my name. The sight was so beautiful, that I had no intention of leaving. The door bell rang again and I tip-toed down the stairs and threw the door open.

"Do you have any idea what time it is?" I hissed under my breath.

Alice walked past me, shrugging off her jacket and turning to me as she said, "I'm very aware of the time. I came so early because I wanted to warn you about—"

"Emmett?" I guessed, cutting her off and receiving a glare in return. I scoffed, "I think I can handle my own brother, Alice. But I appreciate the thought."

Alice sighed. "I just wanted to tell you that Emmett's got something up his sleeve. He was gone out all yesterday and didn't show up until midnight. You should have seen him! His grin was practically painted onto his face. I don't know what he's up to, but as soon as I found out, I'll let you know."

My features softened. "Thank you, Alice."

"No problem."

We were silent for a moment until Alice whispered, "How are you doing?"

The first impulse is to respond with a "Fine. How about you?" or a "I've been good" but I knew Alice wanted more than just a casual conversation. My eyes flickered to the stairs and then settled back on Alice, who was watching me, waiting for a response. "I'm doing . . ." I struggled for the right word. "Better."

"I'm sorry if I helped Rose by telling on Bella."

"S'Okay. Better late then never, right?" My thoughts drifted back to the confrontation. Jasper was quiet the whole time, but he has a knack for knowing a person's emotion. Rosalie's was clear but . . . what was Alice feeling? "Alice, how do you feel about the whole situation? Are you with Rose or . . ." I trailed off, waiting for her to answer.

She seemed surprised that I would ask of her opinion but answered, "I'm Switzerland; neutral. I don;t agree with what Bella did, though I cannot say that I'm completely against it." She stopped talking, but I could tell she was bursting to share her side.

"Humor me."

"Well . . . I agree that Bella could have at least given some insight to what she was doing. I mean, it concerns the both of you. But I can say that she did it for you, and only you."

I walked towards her and hugged her tight. "Thanks, Alice, I really needed some comforting at a time like this."

We broke apart and Alice donned her leather jacket. She smiled, "I'm glad I could help. You've been so gloomy lately that somebody had to do something. I'm glad you back."

She headed to the door and as she was about to leave, I remembered something. "Hey, does Esme hate Bella?"

Alice turned around and yelled, "Just to be safe, don't bring her to the house!"

Rosalie POV

Esme had walked quietly to her room after the conversation and Carlisle followed behind her. Emmett grunted, slammed his fists on the table and then left as soon as Edward to Bella to the hospital. Jasper looked at me and said I was bitter. But he's wrong. I'm not bitter. I'm mad as hell.

Me? Well I lay in one of Esme's spare rooms and thought about the shit that is my life.

I'm pathetic, and I know it. It's useless pining over someone who won't return the feelings. It's easier to just move on and get on with your life. But Emmett is almost always around and my love for him runs bone deep.

I hate Bella. I hate her so much that the word doesn't do it justice. I mean, sure I'd been mean to her in the past, but we made up and eventually worked our way up to being friends. Best friends.

But now that's ruined. Hell, everything is ruined. Our friendship is ruined. My relationship is ruined. Even this family is ruined because of her. I mean, Bella had no right. Absolutely no right. She had no right to manipulate Emmett into doing her deed. She had no right to even defend herself, because I know she knows what she did is wrong.

In the next room, I could hear Esme softly crying and Carlisle as he tried to soothe his pained wife. No sound came from downstairs. The T.V. wasn't on, no one in the mood to watch it. I heard the floorboards creak and assumed it was Jasper, until they poked their head in. I saw the person I wanted to and not wanted to see at the same.

"Hey," he whispered, "Can I come in?"

I hadn't talked to him or even so much as look his way when he'd broken my heart and left me to pick up the pieces so I wasn't surprised when my voice cracked as I said, "Sure."

Emmett inched his way in carefully and leaned against my dresser. I almost slipped off the satin sheets as I quickly sat upright. He didn't say anything for a long time, our steady breathing the only sounds that could be heard. Emmett's gaze was intense, his eyes full of . . . love?

What? For a moment, I let myself believed that Emmett still wanted me. That he finally he realized that Bella loved Edward and that, no matter what he'd done, our bond was unbreakable. That he actually stilled care about me. That he stilled loved me. But it was only for a moment and the second it was over, I rearranged my face into the bitter mask and snapped, "Why are you here?"

Emmett was unfazed, knowing how I'd respond. But the love in his eyes never wavered. "I'm here because I want to be here."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Why couldn't he just leave?

He pushed himself off the dresser and took a step towards me. I pushed back on the bed to distance myself further away from him and almost fell off in the process. "It means," he began, "That I want to work things out."

I eyed him suspiciously. "What are you talking about?"

He smiled slightly and watched me carefully, as if I'd disappear before his eyes. He took a step towards me and I pushed my self further back until I hit the head board of the bed. Emmett climbed onto the bed, his face inches from mine as he said, "I want you back, Rose. I don't know what I was thinking. Maybe I just got caught in the moment and forced myself to believed that I loved her. But I could never love Bella, not like the way I love you. And I'm willing to do any and everything to get you back, Rose."

I gulped loudly. Part of me wondered if he was lying. That he just wanted to play with my emotions while I was weak and confused. But the love in his eyes was undeniable. Maybe he actually cared for me. Maybe his words were true . . .

My mouth moved without command and I found myself whispering, "No." I couldn't let him think I was just waiting around for him while he pined after Bella. Like I would forgive him after all the hurt he caused me. Like I could forget everything and accept him back into my life. But I couldn't forget. And I wouldn't let Emmett off the hook so easily. "No."

"Rose, I know I hurt you but -"

"No," I said, raising my voice slightly even though he was right in front of me.

Emmett's eyes were pained. "I understand what I did to you. I was just confused when it came to Bella. But hearing what you said that day, made me realize how wrong it was and how right you were. I know that Bella's happiness lies with Edward and that you belong with me. And I'm going to tell you now that I'm not giving up on us. I will make it up to you. I promise."

His eyes left my gaze and I saw that he was staring at my lips. Without warning, he pressed his lips to mine. It wasn't rough or demanding or urgent. It was as if it was our first kiss, soft and sweet. I missed his lips and didn't hesitate as I kissed him back. I missed this feeling. The feeling of his lips on mine and feeling completely and utterly in love. He lips left mine but he life one . . . two . . . three chaste kisses on my lips before sliding off the bed and heading out the door.

I brought my hand up to my lips, and sure enough, they were still tingling.

But I wouldn't forgive him. I wouldn't. I couldn't. And I shouldn't. I hadn't been in the best shape without him but I knew that letting him back into my life would only cause more heartache. It could happen again and that was not a chance I was willing to take.

Bella POV

I woke up to the soft stroking of my hair. I blinked a couple of times until finally I could see Edward clearly.

"Good morning, love," Edward said, trying to hold back some laughs.

I propped myself up one elbow and said, "What?"

"Do you remember what you were dreaming about?"

Oh crap. I knew I talked in my sleep. I tried to remember my dream but it seemed to vanish from my mind the second I woke up. I knew Edward and I were in the dream, but nothing else.

Smiling mischievously, Edward said, "Bella, I believe you have some kissing up to do."


A/N: Okay so the chapters are coming out a little bit faster. I don't really like this chapter but its a chapter. Mostly filler. The ends not really a cliffy but the next chapter contains a lemon. If your too young then I will put a start and end to the lemon so you can skip it. Bella will remember part by part of her dream when their um . . . kissing up. So that means I'm changing the rating to M.

Also if you didn't read the first A/N, I'm going to repeat it. This story does not have a lot of chapters left. Seriously like three or four. BUT I WILL do a SEQUEL.

Also a lot of people reviewed the seventh chapter and I'm noticing that they don't review anymore. So if you read please review. I never knew how much they are appreciated until I started my own story.

Next chapter: B and E Kissing Up. Emmett and Rosalie's 'relationship'. And then everything is not what it seems.

REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!