When Tiny Grizzlies Attack

I, once again, had left Alice on Bella-sitting duty. Such a fool I am-now I sat facing an angry Bella. She didn't say a word when I entered my room, she just pointed to her face, nails, and clothes. Alice had used her as a life-size Barbie again; I would thank her for this later.

Bella sat on the bed in the center of my room, arms crossed-I sat on the black leather sofa across from her. I slowly rose and crossed the space between us, retrieving the makeup bag Alice had left on the floor. I opened it and found makeup removal cloths and gently wiped the makeup off Bella's face. Next, I found the acetone and removed the nail polish from her fingers and toes.

All the while Bella silently watched me work, she was slowly relaxing.

"Bella, I'm so..."

"You left me here with Alice, Edward." She interrupted.

"I know and I'm sorry I honestly did tell her no makeovers this time."

She just looked at me and unsuccessfully tried to stifle a yawn.

"Are you tired, my love?" I asked cautiously.

Still glaring, Bella nodded. I got up and retrieved her pajamas for her from the end of the couch and left the room. Five minutes later I knocked.

"Bella, may I come in?"

"Yes." Was the only answer I got.

I opened the door slowly, and found my Bella laying on the couch curled up into a tiny ball. Without a word I walked over to her and lifted her from the couch. I pulled the covers back on the bed and placed her down gently between the sheets.

"The bed is here for a reason, Bella, and much more comfortable than the couch." I said as I tucked her in before laying down beside her.

I moved toward her and kissed her pouting lips. Her arms found themselves around my neck, pulling her closer to me. She sighed in defeat and I smiled against her lips. When we broke apart our breathing had become uneven.

"Am I forgiven?"

"Like you didn't already know I would forgive you." She said mockingly.

"I never know with you, love, you could have been mad at me for days. You know, you forgive me far too easily for my own good, Bella." I said with mock disapproval.

She only laughed and pulled herself into the circle of my arms, which tightened around her.

"I missed you, Edward."

"And I, you, my love." I said before beginning to hum her lullaby softly until she fell asleep.