There is no graceful way to say that I woke up. My eyes didn't flutter open, I didn't sail out of bed to say good morning to the animals by my window, none of that. I also lost every shred of the dream I'd been having about my adopted parents. Jason and Leah were awesome, and that's all I want to say about that. Quite honestly, if I said anymore then it would all come back to me... just like that. Jason is still in a coma at the Phoenix hospital, Leah still lives on the reservation with the wolf pack, and I'm still in Forks. Well, at least Edward wasn't a dream. He's still perfectly solid, sitting in Renee's old rocking chair.

"Were you there all night?"

"You might not remember, but you did ask me to be. Don't worry, I was productive." He explained, holding up his textbook and the paper that clearly showed his homework.

"Good to know that you didn't stare at me all night like a stalker."

"I may be a vampire, but I do have standards." Edward scoffed. "I considered waking you up earlier because you started whimpering in your sleep."

Of course I was. This is why I can't have nice things.

"Glad you didn't. It was a good dream." He raised an eyebrow.

"It was!" I protested. "Where's my dad?"

"He had a late shift and should be home soon. I offered to house sit and he seemed glad for it. I don't think he likes leaving you alone."

"He knows you're here?" Edward nodded.

"Good. I would hate for him to freak out if he came home and found you."

"Like I said, I'm no stalker."

"I know. I would have kicked you out at the first sign. And told your parents."

Carlisle and Esme were generally very laid-back people, but there are some things they just won't stand for. My mother, Renee, is one of them and their kids using their vampire status to spy on people is another. Not that any of them would.

"Do you want breakfast?" Edward asked.

"You can cook?" I blinked in shock. Who knew?

"I learned from my mother."

Esme was a wonderful cook; a lot like Jason, now that I thought about it.

"Okay. Would you mind making some for Dad too? He's probably going to be hungry later."

"Sure thing." He nodded as he rose to his feet and headed for the stairs.

I stumbled as headed for the bathroom. A nice hot shower would get me ready for the day, and as it turned out, that was exactly what I needed.

Charlie Swan was a bit shocked to hear the shower running upstairs and smell the food coming in from the kitchen. Either Bella got distracted or someone was in their house.

"Hello, Chief Swan." The appearance of his daughter's red-haired friend confirmed his suspicions.

"Hello, Edward. I'm surprised you decided to stay after all."

"You didn't seem comfortable with leaving Bella at night and it was no trouble for me." The 17 year old offered smoothly. Charlie nodded.

"Thanks for that, really. I figured you've been around her long enough that I can trust you to be there when I… can't, so…"

Edward nodded, having gotten the message loud and clear.

"Is that your cooking?"

"I learned from my mother." He repeated his earlier line to the Chief, who nodded.

"That smells great, whatever it is. I'm sure we'll both appreciate it."

He'd taken to noticing that Edward's family didn't eat around others, and chalked it up to them wanting a little privacy. Jason hadn't been comfortable taking things from strangers either.

I got dressed and crept down the stairs to find that my father had gotten home as promised… and was talking to Edward.

"What exactly are your intentions toward my daughter?" Charlie asked. I blinked in shock. Was Edward getting a shovel talk? That was weird… I wonder what he'll say.

"She's not like other girls, you know." Charlie added. "Can tell bullshit a mile away, so I haven't needed to worry as much this past year, but I do worry."

"You're her father, so I can respect that." Edward hesitated. "Truth be told, Chief, I don't have a plan. I'll be whatever she needs me to be for as long as she needs me to. I'm sure she would let you know if whatever status we have changes, but I'm perfectly fine with being around."

"Nice speech, kid. I'll hold you to it."

"Yes, sir."

"Call me Charlie, Edward."

Edward set the table and I sat, instructed not to move a muscle unless I was piling food onto my plate. Charlie sat down and the two of us ate, with Edward watching TV in the living room as offered by Charlie.

"Morning, kiddo." Charlie muttered between bites of cheesy eggs and hash browns. "Happy birthday!"

Thanks, dad. How was work?"

"Nothing new, really. Were you alright with yesterday?"

"I was fine, Dad. You didn't have to ask for Edward."

"He insisted it was alright. I checked with his parents anyway, and they were fine with it. I just don't want you alone at night."

I decided not to tell him that it wasn't the first time I'd done that. It would break his heart even more and make Edward only that much worse to Renee.

It was bad enough that Leah couldn't think of her without spitting. I didn't need everyone I liked knowing that Renee was that scatterbrained. Besides, she had Phil to keep her on track now, and I hope that whatever baby they have will be as strong and good-natured as he is, because they'll probably need it. I picked up our dishes and put them in the sink.

"Time for school, Wildcat." Edward called from the front door. I rolled my eyes.

"Alright, Copper." I snickered. He opened my door of his shiny silver Volvo and we were off in minutes.

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