It was very medicinal, nothing homey here to chase the cold bleakness way. The only aspect that saved it from looking like a doctor’s office was the huge bed in the center of the room. But it was surrounded by medical devices rendering it uninviting.

Carlisle smiled warmly at me. “Good morning, Bella.” His eyes shot toward Edward who gave a slight nod at some unasked question. “So, we are truly doing this today?”

Edward was scowling. We’d fought for the better part of the night, last night. I’d made good on my promises, but he was still pushing for more time. “Just a semester, Bella, be reasonable,” he’d admonished me. “You might find that you actually enjoy college and want to wait until you graduate.” The hope that emanated from his golden eyes had been almost unbearable. Fortunately, the idea of being in my mid twenties while he remained forever seventeen had been so repugnant to me that it overrode the desire to give in to him.

He’d tried every argument that he could think of. Cheated in every way he knew how, but in the end I was victorious and here we stood. Him fuming at my stubbornness and me scared out of my mind.

I’d imagined this moment so many times. And in all those times not once had Edward been angry or distant. He’d always been my rock. I hadn’t been afraid when I knew he was with me, that he truly wanted me to be a vampire.

I’d been debating all morning whether or not to simply allow Carlisle to do it. The way he was looking at me right now was exactly how I wanted Edward to look. Tears began to burn my eyes as I stared into Carlisle’s caramel gaze filled with kindness, acceptance, and love.

Scrutinizing my tearful reaction Carlisle asked uncertainly, “Edward, can you give us a moment?”

Edward’s hand tightened around mine as he went rigid. He stared intently at Carlisle listening to thoughts that I was not privy to, before glancing at me. His face still full of anger, crumbled as he took in my tears. He released my hand abruptly and strode from the room. He really could be so moody. The last time he’d behaved like that he’d been working his way up to leaving me forever. I sighed. At least that’s not the case this time around; he’s just a really poor loser.