A/N- Hi again, this chapter is also in Edward's POV, Bella's is coming but I thought we needed more of an insight into our boy first. I'm pretty nervous about this chapter because it's different to what I've written before. This story is going to get pretty heavy soon, so I included a little fluff toward the end of this chapter. Just to lighten things up a little and because a bumbling, flirting Edward is always fun. He's so innocent, it's cute.

Big thanks to all who added me as an alert or favourite story. After only posting the first chapter, I was amazed how many of you added me, so thanks guys!

A big thanks goes out to my friend Sienna for her kind words and her help with naming a special somebody in this chapter. You rock girl!

Hope you all enjoy. Next chapter will be Bella's POV.

Thanks,

Gemma xx

EPOV

I was smiling lazily to myself as my mind drifted back to the restaurant this evening. Surprisingly, Jessica wasn't dominant in these thoughts; instead my mind was flooded with sweet smiles and silky chestnut hair. I saw images of deep chocolate coloured orbs and the way that they shone when she smiled or as she defended me sweetly against Jessica's snide insults. My smile faded when I remembered the last time I had seen those eyes; full of tears that were threatening to fall because of Jessica's venomous words. I snapped back to reality when I felt Alice place a hand on my shoulder gently.

"Are you okay brother? Where did you go just now?" She said with a breathy chuckle, obviously trying to figure out my strange behaviour.

Good luck with that Alice, I can't even figure it out myself.

"Dad will be home from work soon Alice." I said whilst avoiding eye contact. I would never admit to anyone but my sister that I went to great lengths to avoid my own father. To her credit; she never pulled me up on it. She just nodded back at me sadly.

"I thought he would have been here already..." I let my words trail off and she nodded her head furiously with a grimace.

"He's working late; he's doing that a lot lately." She mumbled whilst looking at me with tear filled eyes. I looked at her in question but she just shrugged her tiny shoulders and pulled me in for another hug.

"They argue a lot now." she whispered into my chest.

I suddenly felt ashamed for coming to her with all of my problems. She seemed so vulnerable, like a child and yet here I was; nearly thirty years old and getting her to fight my battles for me. It should be the other way around; I should be protecting my little sister. Instead I was letting her down just like I did with everyone. I pulled out of the embrace and turned away from her, feeling the bitter sting of tears that were threatening to fall. I knew I had to get out of here before I lost hold of what little dignity I had left. Alice opened her mouth but I cut her off before she could speak.

"I have to go now Alice. I'm sorry little sister." I said, placing a kiss to her hair.

"Don't worry about Jessica alright? I'll handle that myself." She looked back at me sceptically, so I continued.

"I will, I promise. I need to do this Alice, please understand." I pleaded pathetically. She smiled back in sympathy.

"Fine, but you will be telling me what happened." She said in a tone that left no room for debate. I frowned in response.

"I mean it Edward. I want to know what that bitch has done to make you see sense. You are too good for her, no matter what anyone says. Don't you dare settle for anything but perfect, you'll find her when its time. I know it and when is the oracle ever wrong, huh?"

She nudged my shoulder playfully to end her mini rant.

"Ok. Will you be alright here tonight? You can crash at mine if you want you know. You're always welcome. You know that right?" She shook her head gently to dismiss my offer.

"I'll be fine dearest brother. Seriously, I'll be okay. I can't leave Mom anyway." She said and I felt the guilt wash over me anew. I felt like I had abandoned my mother. I cringed internally at the memory of her tears on the day I moved out. Even though it was only six months ago.

"Do you have plans tomorrow morning?" I asked. Tomorrow was Sunday, so we would all be having lunch here but I vowed to myself that I would make time for my little sister.

Alice informed me that she was free and so we arranged to meet for lunch. We exchanged goodbyes and 'I love you's' and I left after calling into the kitchen to exchange the same with my mother. Unfortunately, I also had to skilfully avoid her questions about the date I had this evening. I really didn't feel like discussing that tonight.

I was about to pull out of the drive just as my father pulled up in his black Mercedes. He got out and swaggered over to my window. I suppressed a sigh as I wound it down to speak to him.

"Hi Dad." I said with as much confidence as I could muster. He grunted in greeting.

My father was an imposing man in many ways. His hair jet black, like Emmett's but tinged with grey at the temples and always perfectly groomed. His eyes were dark and hard, almost always caught in a stern glare when I was around. Except when I managed to fail in some way; which was frequently, then they seemed to dance with mirth and satisfaction. He was as tall as me but with much broader shoulders, built like my brother but with a more stocky appearance. He carried himself with an air of superiority around me, and always seemed to be looking down on me.

"How was your date?" He said almost knowingly. His tone did not indicate a friendly curiosity. He was reading me like an open book, obviously sensing that it hadn't gone well. His eyes were dancing again.

"Fine." I mumbled.

"Then what the fuck are you doing here? If it was Emmett, he'd be doing me proud and fucking her brains out right now. Not running home to mummy. You're a fucking disgrace." He chuckled darkly. I prayed silently that traitor tears wouldn't fall. I wasn't a child anymore; I couldn't let him see that he had gotten to me. I could cry in private when I got home.

"No, no it was good; a very pleasant evening." I replied flatly, mortified when my voice wavered.

"Pleasant eh? What happened? Did you blow in your pants before she even touched you huh? Probably for the best, you'd only disappoint her anyway. Hey Son?" he emphasised the last word as if it burnt him to say it. I hung my head so he couldn't see the hurt and shame on my face. It would only give him more satisfaction. He was about to speak again when the front door opened.

"Oh, Ed your home. Finally." My mother said whilst walking towards us and throwing a sympathetic glance in my direction.

"Well obviously, Esme. Hey you better hope Rosalie and Alice pop plenty out for you because you haven't a hope in hell of this one giving you grandkids. But hey, look on the bright side; he might bring you a new son when he finally comes out of the closet. Lord knows he doesn't know how to handle a woman." He said maliciously and my heart sank when I saw my mother's eyes water up. She leaned to the window and kissed my cheek.

"You get off home now baby. I love you." She said sweetly and I returned the sentiment.

"Bye dad." I said in his direction. He didn't reply.

The only sounds I heard as I pulled away were the quiet purr of the engine and my father muttering that I was "fucking pathetic."

I didn't bother to wipe away the tears as they fell.

I arrived home a little over half an hour later; if you could call it a home. I had an apartment in the city; it was in a prestigious building and had excellent views of the skyline. I had to appreciate the view because gazing out at it was how the majority of my evenings were spent.

The whole of the apartment was sparsely decorated; I was here alone so I needed little in the way of furniture. It's not like anyone ever came around here, even Jessica hadn't been over in the whole time we had been dating. Despite its barren appearance, I felt like my home said a lot about me. The real me that I hid away. The few paintings that hung on the walls showed who I dreamed of being, speaking words of character and fulfilled potential. Nobody knew they came from my own hand; I passed the praise off to a local unknown artist if my mother or sister ever commented during a visit and they were the only people who did visit. The books that lined my walls displayed my desires for the objects of their common themes; bravery, honour, companionship, family, belonging and love. None of which I could ever possess. The white baby grand piano that sat alone by the window sang of my loneliness and the longing I felt for my younger days when my grandfather; Anthony Masen, would sit and watch me play with proud eyes.

Aside from my mother, my grandfather was the only person who didn't make me feel like a disappointment to the Masen name. He had lived nearby until my grandmother died two years ago. Then he moved to Washington, where he had first met his wife 50 years before. He said it made him feel closer to her somehow. At the time I was devastated, feeling like I had lost two grandparents at once. I could understand it now though; he was a proud man and wanted to grieve privately. What I can't understand, is why I didn't take him up on the offer to leave with him. This offer had angered my father greatly, and despite the way he behaves, I suppose I still crave his approval and so I declined.

I entered my apartment and cringed in response to the deafening silence that met me. This is why it wasn't a home, it was empty. That's a trait I also possess; always empty, void. I passed through the spacious open plan area, activating my answer phone messages as I passed. I had a couple from work, one from Jasper about some new gadget and one from my mother checking I was okay and asking me to call her tomorrow. I sighed, appreciating the sentiment but knowing that I would have called her anyway. We already speak every day, what she meant was; 'call me tomorrow, so I can make up for the fact that your father hates you.'

I passed the kitchen and entered the den in search of my most prized possession, and I wasn't disappointed. I felt a wide grin spread across my face as I saw her there in all her glory. She was sprawled out over the ridiculously expensive rug that my mother insisted on having imported when I moved in. She was laid on her side with her legs off in all directions; she tilted her head back to look at me, her tongue lolling off to the side. I chuckled to myself at the sight of her, from this angle she looked as though she was grinning back at me. She scrambled up quickly when she caught sight of me and came bounding over, jumping up and slapping her front paws against my chest. I quickly took a step back to steady myself and leaned down to rub her head with both hands.

"Did you miss me Abby?" She responded to this by attempting to lick my face, so I pulled away quickly with a chuckle.

I hadn't intended on getting a dog, it just kind of happened. I had gone to the rescue centre set on coming home with a cat, something easy to look after that would still give me company when I came home. When I got there though, I went to the reception desk and waited behind a family that were looking for a Labrador. The woman behind the desk told them that they only had one; a bitch that had been found abandoned, and badly treated. She had been malnourished, and had some health problems, but was on the mend. I was touched when the little girl told her father that she wanted that one. Then they were led away, presumably to look at the animal. I continued to wait, pleased that the poor thing would get a home now. However, the family came out with the little girl crying. The father promptly told her to "shut up" and said they would get a "proper dog" because nobody would want that thing. I suppose I related to her in some way, both of us were damaged and unwanted, both having been rejected by the person who was supposed to care for us.

They weren't lying when they said she was malnourished. She was a tiny little thing, with lank fur and some of her bones were showing. Suffice to say, Abby came home with me as soon as the checks and paperwork were completed. I was all prepared for a cat at the apartment, so I had nothing for her to sleep on, in the end I forged a make shift dog bed out of blankets and set her up in the den. As I was heading to my room, she gave me doe eyes and I instantly felt sorry for her. I ended up sleeping in there with her, my too long body cramped up on the loveseat, with her on the rug beside me. In hindsight, this was a ridiculous thing for me to do. She was a rescue dog and I knew nothing about her temperament, so she could have decided to chew my fave off in the night. Thankfully, she didn't but I returned to my own bed after that. Abby has pretty much been in the den ever since. She lords over it likes it's her palace, only coming out to eat or when I literally drag her around the block. At first I thought she hated going out because she was afraid of being left by the roadside again, I have since learned she is in fact just ridiculously lazy. I'm seriously considering just installing a set of wheels to her ass to make walk time easier on me.

I left the den and headed for the kitchen, Abby hot on my heels because food was involved. I prepared her bowl and tapped her nose gently with my finger, showing her the bowl before I set it down. She is partially blind in one eye and a little deaf so she sucks as a guard dog. Someone could break in and rob me blind and she would be happy as hell as long as they didn't go in her den. I could live with that though because she is awesome as a companion.

Just as Abby was finishing up, my cell phone rang. I sighed heavily when I saw the caller ID. I let it ring a few times while I composed myself, willing myself to channel my inner Alice, and stay strong. I answered in an unsteady voice.

"Hello, Jessica."

"Edward, why have you ignored my texts-" She continued to talk in an annoyed screech as I pulled the phone from my ear to check the display, I did indeed have numerous messages from her. I ran a trembling had through my hair as I continued to listen.

"I'm willing to forgive you Edward." She stated as I listened on speechless.

"Once you apologise." She said, in a matter of fact way.

Apologise? Did I need to? After all, she was the one who was rude. She even threatened me for money. My father's voice resounded in my head telling me I couldn't land a girl like Jessica. So I did the only thing I could do.

"I apologise for my behaviour tonight Jessica. To make it up to you, will you come to Sunday lunch with me tomorrow? I'd like you to meet my family." My gut wrenched as I said the words but I knew I couldn't handle this alone. I would ask Alice to help me.

Jessica was silent for a minute before she exhaled deeply.

"Fine. I'll go. You'll have that money for me then right?" She demanded.

"Yes, I'll pick you up at 3 if that's ok?" I replied pathetically.

"Right. Oh and Edward?"

"Yes Jessica?" I screwed my eyes shut and pinched the bridge of my nose as I answered her, dreading what would come out if her mouth next.

"To make up for tonight, make it a grand not $800." with that she hung up and I wanted to scream. She made me feel so small, so worthless.

Maybe this was all I was good for, the best I would get. I should just accept it.

I shook my head to clear my depressed thoughts as Alice's words from earlier resounded in my head.

You are good enough, no matter what anyone says.

Don't settle for less than perfect.

I didn't know what to think. I was confused and needed to clear my head. I looked around for Abby and saw her slinking off towards the den again. I quickly coerced her back and grabbed her lead from the drawer by the door. Surprisingly, she didn't put up too much of a fight and there was minimal dragging involved. Perhaps she could sense I wasn't in the mood. Even my dog pities me. I really am pathetic.

The night air helped me to calm down and I started to rationalise that Alice would help me figure everything out tomorrow.

We headed home after a while as Abby was becoming more and more reluctant and thanks to the fact that I spoil her and she lies around most of the day, she was gaining weight now so I didn't want to carry her when she flat out refused to move and she would if we went much farther.

I swear she sighed in relief when we arrived back on our block.

My mind wandered again to the pretty waitress this evening. This brought a small smile to my face. I shook my head to clear it, I was losing my mind. I was so absorbed with her that I was seeing her face everywhere. The jogger across the street even began to look like her.

Her hair was tied up at the back of her head, flowing down her back in a ponytail, swaying as she moved closer. I couldn't see her eyes from here, but I knew they wouldn't be as beautiful as the orbs that had intoxicated me since I left the restaurant.

I was wrong. They were just as beautiful, they were one and the same. It was her and she was looking right at me and shit, she was getting closer now as she jogged across the street towards me.

Somehow, my eyes drifted from her perfect face and I looked down to her tight sports top and was entranced by the jiggling of her...

"Hello again." the angel's voice broke me from my lurid observation.

"Uh... uh...hey-ello hi." I stammered ridiculously. She was close and probably other things I couldn't think of right now, because she was close and that made my brain stop working. But she looked confused. Why was she confused? She tilted her head to the side and chuckled and it was magnificent.

It wasn't that fake giggle that girls like Jessica would use, it was like an angel sat on a cloud with puppies and chocolate and sweet things and everything else that I love. I wanted to hear it again, record it and set it as my ringtone.

"Hey-ello hi?" She asked playfully, a smile still playing on those perfect lips. Then it hit me she was confused because I was an idiot. When she had giggled, she was laughing at me and my stupidity. Normally when people did this, I would get depressed but this time I found myself smiling back. Feeling proud because I was the one who put her smile where it was.

"I went to say hey, hello and hi but they all blended together." I laughed out nervously.

She smiled again and so did I.

"Wow. You're thorough with you greetings" she giggled with a nod.

"I like to cover my bases" I giggled. Yes, giggled.

Her smile was dazzling as she looked up at me through her long lashes. I'm pretty sure I looked creepy with the way I was grinning. She cleared her throat softly and my eyes drifted to the source, mesmerised by the curve of her slender neck. I was shamelessly staring at the creamy skin on show in the warm night air. My eyes drifted lower momentarily before I caught myself. Yeah, definitely creepy.

"Do you always jog on your own at this time?" I asked, suddenly becoming worried about her. I noticed how tiny she was. She was so slender and much shorter than me. I could so easily just wrap her in my arms and...

"Not usually so late. I just moved in around the corner and I needed to uhm... clear my head a little." she said and I nodded. I knew that feeling.

"I've not lived here too long myself." I admitted and she nodded. I couldn't shake my concern and so I continued.

"You should be careful out here alone at night though." I said whilst hoping it came across as friendly concern but suddenly paranoid it might have sounded like a weird stalker threat.

"I am, that's why I don't have my iPod; so I can hear what's going on. Plus I have my pepper spray." She said, as she pulled the small canister out of the pocket of her way too tight yoga pants. I swallowed, I was suddenly too hot.

"It works too, I can show you if you like." She joked, and I shook my head trying to think of a witty reply, but naturally I failed miserably.

"Plus, it seems to be a pretty safe neighbourhood. Although, apparently there is this one weird guy you have to watch out for." She said seriously and I was immediately worried for her, I hadn't heard about this guy. But then I shouldn't be surprised. I only spoke to my mother and my sister and they lived on the other side of town. I frowned, feeling pathetic then nodded for her to continue.

"Yeah. Some weird dude, who goes around at night dragging a dead dog behind him" She said and grinned widely.

I was just about to comment on how scary that was and urge her to be careful, even offer to walk her closer to home. Then I noticed her looking down at Abby who was sprawled out on the pavement. I sighed and rolled my eyes.

"She's not dead. She's just relaxing." I said as I chuckled again and I was sure I hadn't laughed this much in a long time.

"I'm pretty sure she's dead." She dead panned. I shook my head.

"She's not. Look." I said, waggling her lead. Abby did nothing. Thanks girl, love you too. In all fairness, she did look dead.

"Abby… Abby… come on girl." I said, urging her to show some small sign of life. I got nothing. The girl looked at me doubtfully, trying to supress a laugh.

"You're getting nothing there I'm afraid." She said and she smiled again. I love that smile.

"She's just a bit deaf, hold on." I said, moving to the side to try and get Abby to look at me. It was hard because she had her head flat on the floor now. The angel shook her head when I came off blank again.

"Hold on, that's her blind eye." I added quickly and went to move to the other side.

She bent over laughing. I liked it because it meant I got a perfect view of her...

"Passed out, deaf and blind? What in the name of Fuck did you do to your dog?" she exclaimed with a high pitched squeal. My eyes widened at her profanity, I liked it much more than I should have. The laughter she had been holding all came out now. I loved it, so I just looked on. When she had calmed down I shook my head.

"I haven't done anything, she was a rescue dog. She had it pretty hard before I got here." I explained and her laughing stopped, her eyes started watering up.

"Aww… you poor thing." she said softly, bending her knees and going to pet Abby. I panicked.

"Don't!" I all but yelled and instantly felt guilty when she flinched.

"She had been really badly treated and she doesn't trust new people, she growls and goes to snap sometimes. But she's getting better." I justified in a weak voice. She still looked sad.

Of course, Abby liked to make me look like an idiot. When she crouched down, the movement must have caught Abby's attention. She went to jump up at her chest causing her to step back; startled. Abby wasn't to be put off and started bounding around the angel's dainty feet and she tumbled, her legs caught up in the lead. As if on reflex, I opened my arms stepping forward and caught her. I pulled her into my body and she felt perfect against me. So warm and inviting and she smelt like strawberries, my senses were overcome with her. My head was swimming with new emotions. Then just like that; the spell broke.

Abby continued to bounce, getting me caught up to and I fell to the floor, bringing the girl with me. Her weight on top of me was heavenly. Abby sniffed at me and obviously found me of no interest, so she began clambering over the girl on top of me, trying to sloppily lick her face as she hid behind her hands whilst giggling furiously. I quickly came to my senses and untangled us before I stood up and offered my hand in assistance. She took it and her palm fit perfectly in mine. Once we were upright, she continued to chuckle softly and looked up at me through her eyelashes again. She was still holding my hand; she noticed and pulled away quickly.

"I'm so sorry." I started but she waved me off.

"Don't be silly at least she's alive. Obviously she doesn't like new people; She's ferocious." she said, acting scared. I laughed. Again.

"That's what I mean; you've got to be careful on these streets" I joked.

"Yeah, I'll watch out for Cujo in future." she laughed, looking at her hands whilst crinkling her nose. I looked on apologetically.

"So, what about you? Not with your girlfriend?" she asked with an expression that I didn't understand.

"No, no I dropped her off after we had dinner." I said, feeling uncomfortable talking about Jessica with this sweet girl. I didn't want her to taint my time with this angel.

"That's a pity. She was a delight." she dead panned. I smirked.

"I'm Edward by the way." I said anxious to change the subject and excited to finally find out her name.

"Nice to meet you Edward, I'm-" she started but I cut her off when I looked towards my apartment building and saw a familiar car parked outside, I knew who would be sitting in it and I didn't want this sweet girl to be subjected to that tonight.

"I- I- I have to g-go. S-sorry" I stuttered, ignoring her protests and confused expression, even though it pained me to do so.

I hurried over to the car and was greeted by a cruel smile.

"Hello Edward. Your mother gave me your address. Aren't you going to invite me up?" I nodded in response, frozen in place.

I hazarded a glance to where the unnamed beauty had been standing, but she had already gone.

A/N – Thanks, please review and let me know what you think. x