I do not own Twilight

Chapter 11

Bella's Point of View

My reflection looked at me with the same resigned expression on her face. I was in nothing except my underwear, examining the contours of my human form. It was normal: legs, arms head. Nothing extraordinary. What did Edward see in me? We were in effect, total opposites. I thought over the conversation he and I had yesterday. He must think I'm a freak.

But, to be totally fair what did I see in him? He's gorgeous, gentlemanly, intelligent, and easy to talk to, funny, kind...and a vampire.

I sighed, He would be picking me up in a few hours and I really need to do something with my hair. Jess and Angela are coming to help me soon, and I'm just not in the mood. I'm utterly bewitched by a Vampire- the very beings I protect humans from.

But Edward's not like the others.

When they did arrive, Jess was totally oblivious to my internal war- but Angela was always a bit more perceptive. I was instructed to sit down (I was wearing a robe by this time), in front of the mirror and ready myself for some different hair styles.

'Are you ok?' she said, looking at me through the mirror. Her hands were holding my hair in place while Jess ran to find some hair clips.

'Yeah...I'm just worried he won't like me...you know?' It wasn't the whole truth but it will do.

'Oh Bella, you're beautiful, charming-'

'Blah blah!' I cut her off, and we both started laughing.

Jess returned, and in an hour I was ready. Jess had piled my hair in an elegant layered quiff, paired with my new outfit I was ready to go!

'Right, well we'd better be off before Edward gets here. Have fun girl! Phone us later!' Just as they left, a silver Volvo pulled up. Eager to see him, I slid into the front seat next to him.

I wasn't the only one who'd made an effort. His hair was styled in an organised mess of spikes, and wore jeans and a black top over a leather jacket and I was totally consumed by his masculine scent. My goodness my heart nearly stopped.

'You look...divine.' He whispered.

I struggled to find my voice for a second.

'You look very nice as well' I said strangled. 'Thank you,' he said graciously. 'Now, I have planned the day for us- If that's alright?'

'Sure' I said a little surprised. He looked genuinely happy, and so began our date.

It was very weird. We had been driving for about fifteen minutes, and an awkward silence and fallen over us. He turned on the radio, just for some back ground noise. David Bowie began singing to us, lightening the mood totally- and we both started singing along to it.

'Do you have any specific music tastes?' I asked

'Well- I think the 50's was the best era for music' he said thoughtfully.

'Ah, I disagree- the 70's had some serious class' I said enjoying the argument.

We went on like this for a while; we must have covered everything humanly possible. I only started questioning where we were going after about an hour.

'Edward, where are taking me, exactly?' I asked.

'For a picnic' he smiled.

When we did finally stop, it was in the middle of nowhere it seems. I hadn't noticed the landscape changing because I was too engrossed in Edward. He had parked next to a luxurious forest. The green and brown hues of the wood were simply beautiful. I wanted so much to run, to stretch my powerful muscles.

Edward was already out of the car and rooting through the boot.

'Bella...' he called as I got out from the car.

''Yes?'

'I know how much you like to be free, so I thought that perhaps we could run together. There's a great spot about 5 miles north west of here.'

He pulled out a backpack and a picnic basket. He set the backpack down at my feet.

'I'm going to wait over there, once you've...ah changed put your clothes in the bag' He said, flushing a little.

I was touched. 'How did you know I like to be free?' I asked

'You talk in your sleep' he said unashamedly.

'I...What?'

'Come' He motioned again to the bag and went a little way off. I quickly undressed, trying not to feel embarrassed about the situation. After all he can't see me. Crouching behind the Volvo, I stuffed my clothes in the backpack. I stood up and stretched out my fingers and toes. The familiar feeling of intense sensation flowed throughout my body. My limbs elongated, my body became powerful and streamlined. I slowly changed into one of my favourite forms: The cheetah.

I sauntered up to Edward who had his back to me, leaning against a tree. I had the backpack in my mouth, and set it down in front of him. He smiled and stroked my head. I have never had this kind of affection in this form...it felt so satisfying that an involuntary purr issued from my throat.

Edward chuckled quietly, and in one fluid motion swung the bag on his back, basket still in hand- and started running in a graceful lope.