Option two it is. Notes at the bottom of the chapter.


Bella's POV

I felt soft, cold kisses running along my face and down my neck - firm yet slightly hesitant. As if thoughts of breaking lingered around the corners of the mind. My eyes fluttered open and met glittering, topaz orbs and a crooked grin. I tried to fight the grimace that started to play at the edges of my lips but alas, no such luck.

"What is the matter, love?" his voice was full of worry and concern as he studied my face intently.

The first thought that came to mind tumbled past my lips, "I need a human moment."

He seemed satisfied with my answer and allowed me to roll off of the bed, carefully planting my feet on the cold wood and rising. I grabbed my toiletries and started to head towards the bathroom but being the klutz that I am, my toe caught the rug placed near by and I began to fall. Reflexively, my eyes closed tightly as I braced myself for the impact, throwing my arms out and completely forgetting about the vampire in the room.

Edward's cold and rock hard arms were almost instantly wrapped around my waist, forcing a whoosh of air to pass by my lips. I shuddered from his touch - and when I tilted my head back and to the side slightly, I could see that he had misunderstood the reaction. It was not from pleasure as he assumed. No, it was disgust. An emotion I have been feeling for months now, baffling me even as it steadily heightened. Why would I feel so repulsed around the man I stubbornly insisted I loved - to myself and everyone else?

And it was only Edward who caused such a reaction. I had at first thought, perhaps foolishly, that it was only my self-preservation finally kicking in. But that thought had not made sense as I did not feel fear, only disgust. And if that had been the case, the rest of the Cullen's would have garnered the same reaction.

But no.

Alice - the adorable, pixie like vampire - still inspired powerful surges of adoration, affection, and an abundance of indulgence. (For really, one needed such patience with the excitable woman.)

Emmett, with his boisterous and infectious attitude, still causes warmth to radiate through my chest as he crushes me in a signature bear hug, teases like a brother, becomes over-protective around silly human boys.

Jasper and Rosalie - though I do not know either as well as I would like - did not bring up any negative emotions either. Though I suppose longing could be considered as such...

I still love Esme and Carlise dearly, to the point I consider the pair a second set of parents. But who could not adore Esme?

So perhaps...perhaps I was falling out of love with Edward? But that cannot be! I am his mate, aren't I? One cannot fall out of love with one's soul mate. It is impossible.

Isn't it?

"-alright, Bella?" said soul mate broke me from my thoughts and I realized Edward must have been speaking to me while I had been lost within my mind.

"Sorry, what was that?" I wasn't able to keep all of my confusion out of my voice but if he noticed, he did not react or say a word.

"Are you alright?"

I rolled my eyes, stifling a sigh of exasperation, "Yes, Edward. I'm not going to break in half because I tripped."

I pulled myself out of his loose grip and spun around, striding out of the room with my toiletries in hand.

He was always doing this. Treating me as if I was a porcelain doll, meant to be wrapped neatly in fabric and kept inside of a case, safely perched on a shelf. Out of reach from anyone but himself. A simple fall in his eyes would shatter me - never mind the fact I have survived eighteen years in this world and a year in the supernatural verse.

Always one to be in control, my actions were no longer my own. Under the assumption I was reckless to the point of stupidity, any want, any idea deemed unfit for such a fragile human was brushed to the side with sweet breath, intense eyes, and a silky murmur.

If only Edward was aware of how I spent my time in La Push.

I giggled at the thought.

Stepping into the bathroom, I immediately began the process of starting my shower, placing my tolietries in the small area and setting a fresh towel on the rack. I quickly relieved myself as the water warmed and then undressed slowly so as to not trip. Cautiously, I stepped over the side of the tub, humming with pleasure as the hot water rained down over me. Water droplets trailed down my body like waterfalls and steam slowly began to fill the room. Deciding not to dawdle, I squeezed strawberry scented shampoo into my palm, crinkling my nose as the sweet fragrance became oppressive from the warm damp, air. Why did I begin to use this scent instead of the cherry I had before?

Shrugging these thoughts away, I quickly washed my hair and then conditioned it, wiping my body down with a bar of soap as the latter substance softened my long, tangled tresses. I ran a hand up my left leg to see if I needed to shave and when realizing I did not, I rinsed the conditioner from my hair, running my fingers through the locks several times.

I turned off the water and wrung my hair before opening the glass door of the shower. Reaching for my towel, I wrapped the soft fabric around my body and stepped out of the tub, closing the shower door behind me. Padding softly to the counter, wiping the condensation from the mirror, I sighed and studied my face for a moment. Thoughts prodded at the edge of my mind but I found I could not reach them, as if they skittered out of reach.

Frowning briefly, I shrugged the strange feeling off and quickly brushed my teeth, rinsing with mouthwash afterwards. I began to look for my clothes and then groaned quietly. I had forgotten to get them in my rush to get away from Edward and unpleasant thoughts.

Cursing mentally - I did not want to listen to Edward scold me like a child over the proper behavior and language of a lady - I crept slowly down the hall to my room. Opening the door and realizing it was empty brought a smile of relief to my face. He must have gone home to change and get his car. Thank gods for small blessings.

Quickly - knowing he would be back soon - rushing over to my dresser, I pulled out a pair of loose fitted jeans and a grey long sleeved t-shirt. I also grabbed a light blue colored bra and a pair of panties before turning around to head back to the bathroom.

I froze when I saw that I had not been fast enough. Edward stood there, staring at me with dark, pitch black eyes; the same color they had been at that disastrous birthday party. But I knew this time he was not lusting for my blood - but for my body.

With a mortified squeak, I rushed out of my bedroom to the bathroom. Leaning against the door after I had slammed it shut, I groaned despairingly, thinking of what Emmett would say if he caught wind of what happened.

With pink cheeks, I untucked the towel and let it drop to the floor. After pulling on my under garments and then my jeans and shirt, I ran a brush through my hair several times and decided to let it dry naturally.

Sighing, bracing myself for the rise in embarrassment, I left the bathroom. My cheeks were still flushed when I walked back into my bedroom, and I had to force myself to move the rest of the way to sit in Edward's lap. I fiercly told myself my reluctance was from embarrassment only and not any other reason.

"Is Charlie here?" I inquired, completely ignoring what had occurred before.

"He left early this morning. But not before checking up on you." an amused smile made its way on his face as he gazed down at me affectionately, wrapping arms around my body.

"What are you hiding?" I demanded, slightly annoyed but trying not to allow the emotion to show on my face or in my voice.

His smile was mischievous as he murmered, "He was checking to see if I was in your room,"

"What?!"

Edward winced.

"Calm down, love. Supernatural speed and strength, remember?" he reassured, his humorous smile replaced by a bitter one.

Mentally rolling my eyes, I rose from my seat in his lap and grabbed his hand, "Come on, Edward. I want to visit the rest of the Cullens today,"

His eyes darkened while his mouth tightened in a thin line before smoothing. I stared at him, confused at the abrupt shift in his mood, "Why don't we go to the meadow today and spend some time together?"

My confusion only heightened at the harsh edge in his voice. Cautiously, I murmered, "We always spend time together, Edward. Today I want to see our family,"

"You think of them as family?"

"Of course I do!" I exclaimed incredulously, having thought he already knew this.

"You know, love, you do not have to spend time with the others to be with me."

I ripped my hand away from his, the constant feeling of disgust increasing alarmingly so, "Is that really what you think, Edward? That I spend time with them for you?"

He seemed to become confused and stared up at me with a frustrated expression on his face. I knew he was wishing he could read my mind at that moment, "I do not understand, Bella. Why else would you?"

Disbelief and revulsion swam through my veins at the question, "Because I love them, Edward! I thought that was obvious!"

He stared at me for a moment longer. Something flashed in his eyes that made me instantly wary, the hairs on the back of my neck rising - but before I could discern what the emotion was, he was standing with a blank face, "Let's go then, love,"

I followed behind him after a moment as he began to walk down stairs, utterly befuddled. Why was he acting like this? Did he really think I only tolerated the other Cullen's? I had thought it was abundantly clear how I felt about them...

And 'why else would you?' - what does that even mean?

I grabbed my hoodie, keys and phone and then locked the door before we left. Edward opened my car door for me, shutting it after I slid in. I barley buckled my seat belt before he had the car moving and sat in silence, staring out my window as I thought.

I was pulled out of my musings when my phone vibrated. Pulling the cellular device out of my jacket pocket, I smiled when I saw the caller I.D.

"Jake!"

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Edward's hand tighten around the steering wheel and his jaw clench. I ignored him for the moment, sighing quietly.

"Hey, Bells!" He exclaims. I could hear the smile in his voice and my own widened.

"So, what is that you wanted?"

"We're having a bonfire tomorrow and I was wondering if you would like to go. The Pack misses you, Bells." I miss you. It was not said but I could hear it all the same.

"Yeah, I'll go. When is it?"

"Just head down here at six. The usual place." My eyes lit with excitment. I missed the pack dearly. Edward always halted any attempts at going to La Push but I would not allow him to do so this time.

"Okay. I'll be there, Jake."

We both said goodbye to each other before hanging up.

I hadn't noticed we had already arrived at the Cullen's home until I focused on my surroundings and not my best friend'a voice. Turning my head, I saw that Edwrd had already opened my door and was standing there waiting for me. Smiling in thanks, I unbuckled my seat belt and slid out of the car.

"Bella, I do not want you to go to La Push tomorrow."

Here we go.

I walked past him with an aggravated sigh, "I wasn't asking for permission, Edward."

A small breeze that ruffled my hair and then he was standing in front of me, a stern expression on his face, "You will not go."

I walked around him, furious, "You can't stop me," I was trying to keep my cool, not wanting to fight in front of the others. Even though I was pissed at Edward for trying to control my actions again, I managed to stay composed.

I strode into the living area, finding everyone gathered there. I assume they had heard us pull up and had abandoned what ever they had been doing before to greet us. It wasn't often I, and an extension Edward, would come over to simply visit.

Edward was already sanding in the room and laughed bitterly, "I think you forgot that I'm a vampire, Bella."

I rolled my eyes and sat beside Emmett, who flung an arm around my shoulder. I looked up at Edward, my lips curling downward, "And I think you forgot that I have a whole pack of wolves who love me and would love to come down and get me."

Emmett let out a booming laugh but Edward only ignored his brother as he glared, "You are not going, Isabella!"

I glared right back, my eyes flashing with my anger despite my want of staying calm, "You are not my fucking father, Edward!" The curse word slipped out before I even registered it happening. It felt like a battle was going on inside of my head but I pushed forward, "I can do what ever I want! I am an adult and I do not need anyone's permission to do what I wish!"

The Cullen's were obviously shocked at my language. I had never spoken in such a way in front of any of my vampires before, but what they did not know was that before I had ever met Edwrd, I had the mouth of a sailor. I couldn't remember why that had changed...

"See, love. They're a bad influence." He said smugly.

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever, Edward. Have you heard Emmett?"

"Hey!" Emmett yelled but there was a smile on his face.

Both of us ignored him.

"Love, they're dangerous. You could get hurt!" He pleaded for me to understand but I was not having it. I crossed my arms.

"Vampires are dangerous! Am I running away from any of you?!"

He winced, "We have more control, Bella."

I stood and glared fiercely , "Do you remember my birthday, Edward?"

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Jasper flinch as if struck. Immediately dismissing Edward, I turned towards the scarred, blonde haired vampire, "Oh no, Jasper, I didn't mean it like that," I reassured, "I know you wouldn't have lost control if you hadn't been consumed by Edward's blood lust."

He looked confused but before I could explain, Edward - who looked furious at the accusation - shouted, "Bella, that is ridiculous! How could he be consumed by my bloodlust?!"

I looked at him like he was an idiot. Which at the moment, he was one, "Jasper is an empath, Edward."

At the gasps that resounded, I allowed my eyes to sweep the room. Jasper was staring at me with realization and wonder, the very same expression on Carlisle's face. Esme seemed joyful, her hands clasped together as she looked at me and then turned her proud eyes to Jasper. Alice had one hand covering her mouth and was staring at her mate with a look of shame and regret. Emmett looked stunned while Rosalie stared at her 'twin' with pride.

"This never occurred to anyone?" I asked incredulously.

The only answer I recieved were arms wrapping around me, tight in appreciation but not tight enought to hurt. I tilted my head back and smiled when I saw Jasper's grateful face near my own and hugged him back, "Thank you, Bella. I do not know why I had never thought of my empath abilities affecting my blood lust-"

There was a growl and then I was ripped away from Jasper, held possessively in Edward's restricting arms. I squirmed in his hold but it was as if he could not even feel my movements since he did not acknowledge me at all but continued baring his teeth at Jasper.

"Let go of me, Edward!" I yelled, trying to twist away though I knew it was fruitless.

His grip tightened though he still did not look at me. I whimpered in pain and knew I would have bruises later, "You're hurting me."

Instantly, I was released. I stumbled and felt myself about to topple over but before I could, I was steadied by gentle hands. Jasper.

"Thanks." I whispered.

He nodded while shooting a glare in Edward's direction.

Suddenly, Alice gasped. Everyone looked over at the small vampire, waiting nervously after recognizing the signs of a vision. But my attention did not stay on her long.

Chaos began to race through my head, not quiet pain but an uncomfortable pressure. My hand shot to my temple and I bit my lip roughly, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion. And then, as if a rubber band was expanding, I felt a stretch and then a snap. Inhaling sharply, I didn't have any time to think of these feelings before my attention was once again on Alice as she spoke.

"How could you, Edward?" She whispered, rage and sadness in her eyes, tears that would never fall glistening from the light shining through the windows.

Everyone's eyes, which had moved from me to Alice, flickered behind me. Turning slowly, mind still half focused on the strange feelings that had been racing through my head, I found myself looking into the face of a stranger.


Well, I hope everyone enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was certainly interesting to see how much my writing has improved, though I did keep a few similar sentences and didn't change much of the dialogue. I was going to post this as a new story as I didn't feel right having past reviews connected to this (never mind it's still essentially the same story and my writing), but I decided to anyways what with others following this fic already

Anyways, I should probably say now updates will be slow. I'm a senior in high school, freshman in college, and am in the work force. I do not have much free time but I will definitely write when I can.

Please review and tell me what you think with the new and improved version of Lies and Wishes. Any comments are welcome - well, other than flames. Constructive criticism, though, definitely.