“Eat,” Edward commanded. “Then we’re going to Charlie’s to pack up your things.” He watched my face intently for my reaction.

I just stuffed some more food in my mouth, not really focusing on his words and the meaning behind them.

I left Angela and Ben in a house full of vampires to go deal with Charlie. He wouldn’t be home until much later, so I would have plenty of time to get my room packed up. This would be one of the last times that I would be back here. I sat in his Volvo just memorizing everything about the outside of our little home. I’d only spent two years of my life here, but they’d been the most important, interesting, and memorable moments of my eighteen years. Leaving it behind forever was harder than I’d ever fathomed.

Edward didn’t say anything; he simply kept staring at me curiously, waiting for me to share my thoughts with him. His patience would wear out if I kept up my silent reverie. He hated his inability to know my thoughts.

When I finally faced him tears were shining in my eyes. “I don’t know how to say goodbye to him,” I faltered as the tears took me and I collapsed in his hard arms. He whispered comforting words into the top of my head as he stroked my hair and back.

“It’s not too late,” he managed.

I looked at him sharply. “What does that mean?”

“You don’t have to give any of this up. I told you I would stay by your side forever. Your human forever. And I meant that.” He looked stricken. His brows furrowed and his forehead creased in concern.

“And what about the Volturi? I do believe that my life is forfeit if I do not become a vampire soon,” I reminded him

“I will not have that being your sole reason,” he countered.

“It’s not my sole reason. It’s not even one of the top five reasons. It’s just a fact.”

“I don’t want to take your life away, Bella. I-”

“You’re not really taking my life away, Edward, your giving me another. The one I want. The only life I want.” I kissed him silent, tired of listening to the same argument he’d been waging since I’d first asked to be transformed.