I walked into my uncle's house and was greeted with absolute silence, which at this point is only reassuring. Emmet was still at practice, Charlie at work, and I was sure Sue was attending to some event, probably for some big party, thrown in the honor of some important visitor- tons of things to plan. We've seemed to be getting more visitors lately. Just that time of the century I guess. And to think if I had been born a decade early or later, I could have avoided this whole mess.

When Lumen have children, it isn't as sporadic as normal people. The women's biological clocks literally are set, so that a whole new generation grows up together, within a four year time gap. It helps that the aging process slows down and the birthing ritual only happens once every century. Can you believe Uncle Charlie is about 140 years old?! No joke.

Alice is only a year and a half younger than me. Emmett beat Edward by just a few months. He turned 18 in late March. I'm not so lucky. I have until February until I am finally recognized as a legal adult and free to be on my way. Which means college and unfortunately, the only free ride I have right now, happens to be the nice prestigious college, just 10 miles outside of town. For now, ten miles looks like a thousand, so I'll take what I can get.

I snapped out of my reverie of mini fridges and freshmen roommates when the phone blared out a sharp ring.

"Hello, Swan residence."

"Bella. Listen, I need you to get dinner started, so its ready when the boys get home. And I have some laundry that needs to get gone sitting in the washroom."

Sue paused momentarily, awaiting my reply of acceptance. I could almost taste her annoyance over the phone. Hello, to you too, Sue.

"Sure, of course," I replied, trying to sound compliant and end the conversation quickly. This sort of thing was nothing new for me. I don't know what she would do without me, nothing in this house would get done, probably.

After I hung up with Sue, I made my way into the kitchen and started in on making chicken tacos.

As I was dashing some spices into the pan of chicken, the doorbell rang. I turned the stove down, but left on the radio I had been jamming out to, to go investigate.

"Oh. Hi." I said dumbly, wiping the sweat from my brow, surprised to see Edward standing before me. Glare perfectly in place.

He didn't bother saying hi back.

"Do you have eggs? Mom needs 3 and she forgot them at the store."

"Um. Yeah. I think we do. Come in. Or wait here. Whichever." Why was I acting so nervous? If Edward noticed he didn't say anything. Instead he just brushed passed me, careful not to actually come in contact with me, and waltzed his way towards the kitchen. I was momentarily caught off guard before darting ahead of him.

"Excuse me, I didn't say blow me over and take whatever you want," I shot at him, striding over to the refrigerator and opening it up.

I grabbed the carton of eggs and felt its weight in my hands.

"Here. We have another one, so just take this one. There's probably a half dozen."

He held out his hand and snatched it from me quickly.

"Esme will appreciate it."

"Ok."Is my only reply. He wouldn't even look at me.

I busied myself by going back to attend to the chicken, knowing I wouldn't get much in the way of a goodbye from him. I Added oil to the other pan for the shells when suddenly the flame shot upward.

"Ow! Shit, that hurrr-ugh" I cried out my fingers throbbing in pain, as I pulled back, cradling my singed hand in my other.

Before I could take another breath, I felt a strong tug as I was pulled away swiftly, then relief as cool water ran over my hand. It was then I realized, Edward was the reason for this and that he was now touching me. He pulled me over to the sink so fast, I didn't have time to react. Now my back was pressed right up against his chest, his arms caging me in and his hands clasping mine as he rain them under the water. I couldn't even breathe. His face was so close to mine, I could feel his breath on my neck. Curiously, I turned my head to the side, to see his own expression. He had a look of concentration, staring at where the flames had licked my hand.

"Be careful." He hissed. " You could have set this whole place on fire. You're lucky, the burn isn't bad," he barked out. Why did he seem to upset about this, I wondered?

He continued to rub my hand, mindlessly, as the cold water soothed the burning.

"Its fine." I tried to pull out of his hold, but only ended up pushing myself further into him. It was a strange sensation being held by him; tingly and warm.

As if suddenly sensing our situation, Edward launched himself away from me. He checked the stove situation, as I examined my hand.

"Here, watch out. I have to finish dinner."

"First, you have to have Esme heal that burn."

"It's not bad. I'll be fine. I need to get dinner ready before everyone gets home."

"Just come on. It will take one minute."

"I'll have her do it later." I replied stubbornly.

"Fine. Do whatever you want" He used his hands and even tugged his hair, which he usually does when he's worked up or frustrated.

Then he stormed out the back door, slamming it loudly, making me startle on reflex.

"Jerk" I whispered to myself, stirring the chicken more harshly than necessary. My body still tingled.

A/N: having a hard time getting this story started, but I'm just going to work through it, so hopefully, you stick with it. let me know whats what