Story: The Truth About Love

Rating: M for later chapters.

A/N: Finals week! Woooooo-not. Thank you for keeping up with the story thus far! :)

DISCLAIMER: ALL RECOGNIZABLE CHARACTERS BELONG TO STEPHANIE MEYER.

BPOV

I was laying in bed trying to fall back asleep but to no avail. My eyes were heavy enough, but every time I closed them they got all irritated with sand or I yawned and they watered. I had fallen asleep, but checking the time told me it was for no more than an two hours. I tried to think of a reason why I'd woken up. For a while, after much analyzing, I concluded it was the fact that I was in a new bed…that had allergen sheets. Seriously, they were like sleeping on tissue paper.

In the back of my mind, though, something else was bothering me. Something more serious than a bed that hasn't been set in yet.

Edward. Ever since we had met in the kitchen earlier, I could feel something - something I couldn't explain - buzzing and bursting between us. There was the initial attraction I had to him at first. He was just so unique in his beauty. I mean, bronze hair? Seriously, who can pull that off? His features were a bit harsh; the angular lines of his jaw and nose were very prominent. But it was all balanced with the smooth pan of his forehead and high, yet soft, cheek bones. His eyes were a dull green in the quiet lighting, but I'm sure that they would change colors depending on many things.

Macon's eyes changed color sometimes. They were usually a gray blue, which contrasted nicely with his dark brown hair, but sometimes in the right lighting, with the right clothes, they turned into a bright sea blue. It was very impressive compared to my eyes that stayed the same color all the time.

But there was more to this buzzing than the initial physical attraction I had felt towards Edward. Edward's body language. During the kitchen conversation his mood seemed to shift a few times, I'd noted. And at these times, he would either seem extremely focused on me – leaning in, inquiring – or off in his thoughts – where he would gain a sort of tortured expression. I moreover felt than saw his eyes one me throughout the night. Often, my body would gain goose bumps, and I'd look over to Edward instinctually and see his eyes on me, studying me it seemed. The one time we had touched set off a similar, but all together unfamiliar reaction.

And I didn't know why!

I hadn't any time to explain it to myself. But if I did, where would I start?

Edward was attracted to me? It just didn't sound right. Not just because of morals, but because it didn't seem probable. I mean, has he even looked at me? I know I'm not ugly, but I also know I'm not that kind of beautiful. If I wear too much make up I look like a drag queen. If I don't wear any, well, let's just say nobody looks at me twice. It wouldn't seem that Edward would be typically attracted to me, but after all that had happened tonight, in such a short time, what other explanation could I offer?

Whenever I looked into his eyes, I saw attraction. His eyebrows did this lightening quick, twitch up and down reaction that was a tell tale sign of it. At one point during the evening, he had even leaned into me slightly, for no reason. We weren't even talking.

So, I guess, the signs were there. Which, if I was thinking for an unbiased view, said Edward was attracted to me.

I took a deep breath and let it out. Where did this leave us?

I liked Edward. And apparently he liked me.

So couldn't I just leave it at that?

I loved Macon. I'm perfectly happy with Macon.

But I'm finding it terribly hard to ignore this attraction to Edward. Not just around him, but away from him. I can't stop thinking about him now. And it's starting to scare me. What exactly was this all supposed to mean?

Is my mind telling me I want something else? Something or someone more?

I don't think I want anything more.

But I'd be lying to myself if I said I didn't want Edward. Being attracted to someone and wanting someone went hand in hand. It doesn't matter if you're married or engaged or on your deathbed, if you see someone you're attracted to, you automatically get the instinct to make that someone yours. Even if that person is way out of your league. It doesn't matter.

Sure, you may never act on it because you know you can be perfectly happy without them, but that feeling is still there. Some people can ignore it.

But can I? Do I even want to?

I'm with Macon. And I don't want to hurt him.

But I like Edward, even though I barely no him.

The choice, as of right now, is easy.

So… I'll just take the friend's path with Edward. Macon's friends were attractive... for the most part. If I could have friendships with them than one with Edward should be no different.

But there was one difference that I was ignoring. I wasn't insanely attracted to any of Macon's other friends at first sight.

I reasoned with myself though, that with time, these feelings would surely disappear. It was obviously just infatuation. And I know that sometimes infatuation can lead to something else, something more serious, but it's obvious that neither Edward nor I are in a situation that would lead to that.

It might be a little awkward at first. Edward's stares were often intense this past evening. But we were both adults, and though the attraction was obviously mutual, I hoped that the need to ignore those feelings was shared too.

I couldn't risk losing what I had with Macon. I just couldn't. I'm twenty-seven years old now, and I should be in for the long haul.

But what fueled me to remain casually detached from Edward the most was the fact that I truly believed that if Macon were in my situation, he'd do the same.

Because we love each other.

I turned over on my side and gazed out the window. Our room was cast in a yellowish-orange glow. I watched the guilty street light outside for a while without blinking, wishing sleep would just come so I wouldn't have to think about Edward or worry about anything else for that matter.

I think I felt the feeling before I saw it in its physical form. Snow. Little flurries deflecting the light as it flashed down to street level. Snow!

There were three things certain in this world, death, taxes, and the fact that whenever it snowed, I became uncontrollably happy.

The thing is, snow had brought so much joy to my life in the past. I had absolutely no reason to hate it with all the good fortune that seemed to fall from the sky with it. Random things from winning concert tickets on the radio to Macon telling me that he loved me, all happened when it snowed.

So, without hesitation, I flung the covers off of me and cautiously raised myself out from under the upper mattress that was currently housing Macon. I figured since sleep was avoiding me that I'd take a peak outside and just relish in the exhilaration that snow brought me. Sure, it was a little much, especially since it was probably no more than two degrees outside, but I had a thing with snow. Whenever a fresh layer was in the making, I had to be outside, or at least near a window, to witness it.

Wary of the motion sensing automated screaming monkey, I crouched down below its range and quietly tip-toed out of the room. I didn't even bother asking Macon to come with me. Maybe in the daytime he would, but Macon and his sleep could not be disrupted. He could be a bitch without it. That was for sure.

But whenever I needed to sleep, it seems, especially on my days off from the clinic, Macon seemed to have no regards, often waking me up while he burned food in the kitchen or turned on CNN with the volume on full blast. Seriously, I never understood that.

As soon as I was out of our room and positive that Emmett and Rosalie's and Sarah's doors were shut, I quickly made my way down the steps. In the back of my mind I noticed that the living room was a little more illuminated than to be expected but brushed it off in my frantic hurry to see the snow. Once further down the steps, though, I noticed that the kitchen light was on. Wary of whom it was, I slowed my steps before rounding the corner. It was Edward.

"Oh, hey," I said to him.

He was hesitant to greet me at first.

And suddenly the big pink elephant that was the palpable chemistry between Edward and I was back. His eyes tentatively roamed over my body – not in an 'undressing you with my eyes' way. Certainly not. I could feel the nerves running off his body, and could see it in the way his eyes seemed desperate as they came higher that he was having a serious mind battle. I turned away and stopped shaking my foot. I didn't want this to be hard for either of us. He shook his head quickly and turned back to his current project. I smiled in spite of everything at the little fail wrapping paper set out. Then I looked towards the window, all it showed was a reflection of the room.

Well, I wanted to see the snow, but I also wanted to portray to Edward that I only felt friendly feelings toward him. Because that was all I could offer him… a friendship.

So, I went out on a whim and closed the distance between us. He stiffened slightly when I gripped his unsurprisingly – because that was always how my life worked – firm arm. I quickly apologized to him for being forward. His eyes softened slightly but his lips were still parted in a mixture of what I assumed to be confusion. I explained to him excitedly that it was snowing out, and as he followed me - and the electricity buzzed unabashedly in the air and my hand felt all weird again - the excitement of why I really came downstairs surfaced again. And I suddenly didn't care that Edward was protesting in a whisper and that we both obviously liked each other.

All there was, from the moment I unlocked both doors and the frigid air blew in, was snow. I stepped out, not really curious anymore if Edward would follow me. For the moment, I had done my part, at least I hoped.

I hoped that I had portrayed the right amount of casual friendliness.

I craned my neck upwards and felt the thick flakes fall randomly on my skin and melt. I closed my eyes briefly and smiled. Then I opened them, wary of getting dizzy and walked further out on the sidewalk.

Goose bumps, those same goose bumps from earlier this evening made their appearance again.

Sure it was cold out, but the wind was still for a moment. I guess Edward had followed me out here.

I turned around and sure enough he was staring at me again with those nearly awkward intense green eyes. The air buzzed with new electricity, much more prominent and needy than the others.

I felt this odd urge to run up to Edward and just hug him, touch him, do something. So, my feet moved on their own accord and I began closing the distance between us again, but with strikingly different intentions.

My mind became clouded with the vision that was before me. Edward, in pajama pants, hair a total mess, eyes heavy, and he was walking towards me too, with more determination in his steps compared to my apprehensive ones. No words were spoken once we were in arms reach of each other.

There were a few flakes on the tips of his hair, my logical mind told me to poke fun at him and accuse him of having dandruff. That's what I would have done if it was one of Macon's other friends… even Macon for that matter.

But I didn't. Or really, I couldn't. Edward stared at me with this strangely vacant look in his eyes, but at the same time they were so focused on me. Was he going to kiss me?

The wind blew harshly. And just like that, the moment was gone. My mind cleared and I really didn't have time to think about what had just happened. I just had to do something to erase it, to eliminate the awkward factor.

Laugh, Bella. Laugh.

I forced one out. "Sorry for dragging you out here. I just get really excited when it snows."

He laughed too, looking away briefly. "That's okay. I don't mind."

His change in tone surprised me some. Then he took a deep breath and closed his eyes before opening them and smiling at me. And just like that my mind clouded again with his pearly white teeth and the way everything outside took on an odd glow from the Christmas lights, somehow making the area appear smaller. The green in his eyes was basically indecipherable, but they were still light enough to give off a dull sparkle.

"Let's go inside." he said clearly.

I closed my eyes, frustrated with myself. Why did doing the right thing have to be so hard?

I nodded in assent before taking the lead into the house, eager to get away from the cold. Once inside I turned to see Edward locking the doors. I walked further into the kitchen and was brought back to the current conflict at hand. Edward would probably need help wrapping these presents. It was the polite thing to do. Leaving him to struggle would be rude. And besides, the cold had woken me up so I doubted I'd be going to sleep anytime soon.

"Would you like some help?"

He breathed a laugh while putting his hand on the back of his head. "I suppose I have no choice."

He was absolutely right. But I shrugged indifferently and got started.

'Piano for Dummies' was the first task at hand. I took the liberty of assuming it was for Greg. A while back I remember seeing Macon caught up in a laughing fit when he was on the phone. Once the call ended he explained to me in between gasps that his father had taken up beginners piano lessons. At first I didn't really understand why it was so funny, I mean, Macon was practically in hysterics. But after I envisioned Greg sitting eagerly on a piano bench while he learned where the Middle C was, I laughed.

Edward stood near me while I worked quickly to get the present wrapped. The same goose bumps spread over the left side of my body, the side closest to him. I could almost feel his body heat.

And I felt that silly pull again, to just touch him, to feel his arms encase me. I didn't want to think about that, but they were my body's outlet to the attraction I felt for him. If I couldn't always control my thoughts, fine. But at least I'd have control over my actions. And in the end, that would be all that mattered.

As soon as I finished wrapping I made sure the present was for Greg. He stared at me for a moment before shaking his head and then awkwardly telling me that it was indeed for Greg.

I could tell he was having hard time with this too. But I laughed anyway, to lighten the mood before I explained my plan for the next present. I leaned over the counter, too lazy really to walk around, and grabbed the labels and bows for Edward.

"Sounds good to me." he laughed.

I picked up the CD out of the bag and recognized the band immediately. And to top it all off it was signed! I studied the cover for a few moments. I could feel Edward looking at me. After I exclaimed my admiration openly he asked if I was a fan.

I nodded thinking back to the first time I heard them. "The Sundays are awesome. I bet Sue's going to love this." I looked up at him.

I knew Sue had an obsession of some degree for The Sundays. She had a small picture of them in her wallet, right next to a very warn picture of Macon's preschool graduation. When I asked her why she had it, she simply responded with "Why not have a picture of The Sundays in your wallet?"

Curiously, I asked him how he got it.

"One of my friends from the Dover Branch was somehow weirdly related to the drummer, Patrick Hannan, and apparently he had a ton of signed CD's so he gave one to me." he finished with a shrug.

He spoke of his work and friends in a way of complete indifference. And the shrug on the end sealed the deal.

But, it was pretty neat that he knew someone, who was oddly related to Patrick. So I laughed naturally at that before turning to wrap the CD. Edward and I worked side by side for a few moments and soon both presents were wrapped and labeled. Now, a smile of companionship would be appropriate. But he was closer to me now than he was before, not necessarily on purpose. The work naturally caused him to move closer. He smiled back and said thank you.

"You're welcome," I said quickly.

Before I could let the night draw to an end, I had to dig a little deeper into the psyche of Edward. Just out of curiosity, I wanted to learn more about what he did, what he thought of it. Would he speak of it any differently than he had with the group earlier in the evening?

"What do you do, Edward?" I inquired as he shut his mouth abruptly.

I almost smiled. He explained it in professional detail with the same detachment and indifference as he had earlier when the conversation turned to him.

This could mean any number of things really. I figured he was shy, and maybe had a hard time expressing emotions. But, then again, working for a printer ink manufacturer and distributor wasn't necessarily a fun topic to discuss.

"Do you like your job?" I was curious as to whether or not he was passionate about what he did.

He looked a little bemused but smiled nonetheless. "It's kind of complicated. Most times, yes." he answered.

I smiled at that because he was right, and he seemed to be opening up a little more. "Yeah, most jobs are like that." I assented, thinking back briefly to the roller coaster of emotions that was my job.

There was a pause before Edward asked what I did for a living.

I was confused some, but quickly thought differently. There was no need to analyze this. We were simple two people having a conversation, and it wasn't supposed to be one sided.

After I told him, he inquired further, and I didn't slip up this time, just falling into the natural beat of our conversation, explaining to him vaguely what it was like. He correctly assumed that I loved animals, and I explained to him what I explained to everyone else.

When the conversation reached its natural end, I slid off the stool. These past few days of working overtime were starting to take their toll on me.

And, even though Edward and I were having an okay time discussing our occupations, the presents were wrapped and it was getting late.

"I suppose I should get to bed." I told him.

He yawned a 'me too,'

He connected his hands behind his head while he stretched his back. His shirt slid up some and of course my eyes were drawn to the skin revealed. His stomach was flat, and there was a barely there strip of hair that disappeared under the waist band. He quickly stopped and pulled his shirt down before grabbing the presents. I couldn't be sure, but I thought I had seen him blush... which would mean I was caught.

Not exactly portraying the 'friendly' message…

I walked backwards for a second before turning around and heading towards the stairs. We said our good nights in whispers and parted ways.

Never before had I been in an emotional situation quite as trying as this. Walking back into my room – well, crouching – and seeing Macon's leg hanging off the top bunk further reminded me of that fact.

I shivered and submerged myself under the covers and wrapped my arms around my knees. My heart sank a little as I began feeling guilty for what had happened tonight. I had gotten carried away at one point, and it scared me to think about what could have happened. And even though nothing happened, it was still blatantly obvious to me that I cared for Edward more than I should. I couldn't forgive myself, because I couldn't let myself forget.

…

"There is a house in New Orleans. They call the Rising Sun!"

I groaned and buried my face further into my pillow. Macon.

Ugh. He had a terrible habit of singing in the shower. And, yet again, his disregard for my sleep – as well as others for that matter – became obvious with his current rendition of "House of the Rising Sun".

Frustrated, I curled out of the covers and reached for my phone to check the time. It was eight-forty-five. Well, I had to give Macon some points, at least he waited longer to shower and sing.

Suddenly, the fact that we were in a house with eight people and one water heater frightened me. The size of that water heater was unbeknownst to me, but I couldn't take any chances. I pulled my sweater down that had shrugged up during the night and crawled out of bed. My vision grew black for a few moments but I managed to find my way to the bathroom door unscathed.

"And God, I know, I'm one." he continued, dropping down an unnecessary octave.

I banged the door loudly, hoping I could get his attention without having to go in. His voice faltered.

"Macon!" I took the chance. "Don't use all the hot water!" I complained.

"Well Mother, tell your children!" he nearly screamed in return.

Asshole.

I groaned at my disheveled appearance in the mirror. My lips inflated to five times their regular size when I slept. The most annoying and disgusting trait of mine in my opinion.

Macon's tenor was unrelenting. Since it was almost nine, I decided to go downstairs and see if I could eat some breakfast while Macon finished up in the shower.

Tons of light was let in from the two story windows in the living room. It was really white outside. I judged that it had snowed at least two inches last night. Smiling, I made my way down the stairs.

Carrie Bradshaw was on the TV, but nobody was watching. In fact, there were only two people downstairs. Emmett and Sarah were in the kitchen eating breakfast.

"Top of the mornin' to ya," Emmett said while raising his coffee mug.

"Morning," I said in assent.

"House of the Rising Sun?" he asked, nodding towards the stairs.

My nose crinkled in annoyance. "Muse's cover," I confirmed.

His eyebrows rose. "Really? I didn't even know they had one. That explains the shrieking, I guess."

I nodded before grabbing a cereal box and pouring myself a bowl. "So… where is everyone?" I asked.

He set his coffee down. "Greg had to go to work. Sue and Rose went on a few errands."

I nodded, taking a seat in front of them on the island.

I smiled at Sarah tentatively but she seemed to be off in her own world, staring into space instead of eating the banana in front of her.

"Hey look, the top of my head." Emmett said out of the blue after a few moments of silence.

He was reading the newspaper and was currently going across the sports section. He pointed out a blurry head that was apparently his. I laughed at the absurdity of the situation and we both went back to eating.

Emmett was a funny guy when he wasn't being a total ass, though I admit, sometimes the two went hand in hand. It just depended on who he was picking on.

I finished first. Emmett apparently had to stay and make sure that Sarah ate sufficiently or he'd get hell from Rosalie. After I put my bowl in the dishwasher I turned to head back up stairs. Edward appeared in the entrance then. His hair was even worse than the night before, sticking straight up in the front and completely suppressed in the back. His eyes weren't as heavy, but he had a little stubble growing on his chin. We stared at each other expressionless while Emmett reprimanded Sarah for throwing a banana slice at him. Edward's gaze shifted to my lips and his eyes widened slightly before he looked away quickly and cleared his throat.

"Good morning, Edward," I said to him, blushing. My slip effectively ruined any chance I had of pretending I didn't notice his.

He cleared his throat again and nodded.

"Oh, hey, Edward," Emmett said distractedly from his seat.

"Morning," Edward said quietly before taking a seat on the stool.

I left the kitchen wordlessly. Carrie Bradshaw was still on the television. I didn't hear Macon's voice anymore so I assumed he was at the very least out of the shower.

Okay, so the whole kitchen confrontation wasn't the best way to start out my day on strictly casual terms with Edward, but it could have been a whole lot worse. The day wouldn't get easier, but hopefully my resistance and his for that matter would.

Macon was already dressed. His hair was wet and nearly pin straight. I giggled when I came into the room.

"Hey, Bella," he said over the screaming monkey with a smile on his face.

I walked up to him and we waited, looking at each other for fifteen seconds before the monkey stopped.

"You may not know this, but I always turn the water down during the last ten minutes of my shower. That way when I rinse the conditioner out, it seals the cuticle. So, she's all yours." he explained before gesturing proudly to the bathroom.

I laughed and rolled my eyes before mumbling "Metro Macon" under my breath.

"Hey now," he started.

Macon wasn't metro, I just liked to tease.

I smirked at him and grabbed my bag. Inside the bathroom left no trace of Macon's shower. The mirror was clear of steam, his towel hanging up. I sighed before I started the water.

…

"Wait, what?" I shook my head.

We were all in the kitchen; everyone was showered and well fed. Edward's hair was still damp from his shower, but the sticking up to flat ratio was much better now. Emmett was laughing at me. Macon was smiling like a mad man. Rosalie and Sarah were counting each other's fingers. Sue was smiling hopefully.

And I was sitting there, first in disbelief, but then as Macon didn't say "Ha ha, just kidding!" and just kept smiling, I stared at them in fear.

"We're going ice skating." he said again.

"And I'm going to be an Ice Princess!" yelled Sarah triumphantly.

I looked at her and Rosalie was smiling, proud.

I shook my head again, desperate for an escape. "I can't go skating. I-no, I won't!"

Macon frowned and tilted his head in pity.

"Aw, come on, Bella. It'll be fun." he pushed.

I really didn't want to do this, but it appeared to me that I had no other choice. I pushed my bangs away from my forehead and felt around until I found the small indent. "See this, Macon? This small dent that I claimed was a chicken pox scar? Yeah, I lied."

He looked a little speechless, repeatedly opening and closing his mouth. His eyes were alight though. He was amused.

I sighed and the action pulled my shoulders up high. This was going to be mortifying, especially since everyone's eyes were on me… even Edward's. Goose bumps told me so.

"When I was little my preschool took us out on a field trip to the local Ice Skating rink. We were holding hands with some volunteers and I got confident and went off on my own." I looked around, bad, bad choice.

Macon's lips were pursed, his eyes tight. Holding back laughter. Emmett's face was red. I had to stop now if I planned on getting to the last part.

"I lost my balance and fell, landing head first on the corner of the half wall." I admitted. My stupid face was heating up.

There was something that sounded like a strangled burp before Emmett and Macon broke out simultaneously.

I scowled. "You guys are assholes."

Sue frowned at the two before smiling politely at me.

"Did it do any damage?"

This set them off again. Not exactly the right question to ask, Sue.

"No, the cut wasn't extremely deep. It bled a lot though, and I had a minor concussion." I explained indifferently, having to raise my voice at certain times in order to be heard over Rosalie's renewed giggles.

Macon stumbled over to me, still in a fit of laughter. He tried hugging me. I pushed him away, a bit peeved. Yes, I know it was funny, but seriously, he could see it was causing me discomfort.

"Macon," I sighed when he ignored my physical protests and wrapped his arms around my waist.

He took a few deep breaths, his warm breath showering my covered shoulder. He seemed to be having troubles standing up. "Bella, I'm sorry, really, I am. But I won't let go of you. I promise." he explained, holding me tighter.

"Aw," Emmett said loudly.

I looked over Macon's shoulder at everyone in the room. Hopeful smiles graced the faces of Sue and Rosalie. Emmett sneered at me teasingly. Sarah's bottom lip was quivering. I looked at her, dumbfounded for a moment before shrugging it off.

Edward wasn't looking at me. His stance was tense and awkward, and he was reading a notepad on the computer desk. I frowned but sighed in resignation.

"Alright, Macon."

He pulled away and smiled hugely. "Now I know why I've kept you around."

…

"Are you sure you trust me with this?" I asked Emmett, wary of his knowledge of the extent of my ice skating skills.

He laughed. "Bella, you've been skating for a good half hour and haven't fallen once. Sarah will be fine. Besides, we'll be going at turtle speed." he winked down at Sarah.

After my initial reluctance wore off, and I made Macon swear he wouldn't bring up The Dent accident, the whole ice skating thing had been a lot of fun.

Macon stayed with me at first like he promised. But he was in one of his 'innuendo' moods, finding everything dirty. It was funny at first but after a while it got annoying. So once I was sure that I wouldn't fall and could sufficiently skate a few laps at a reasonable speed, I sent him packing.

Edward had been avoiding me… subtly. I mean, he wasn't full out like treating me like I was the pariah but he didn't go out of his way to be near me or talk to me. I was thankful, but I was also a little disappointed – even though I shouldn't be.

What he was doing was good. I mean, what good could it possibly do if we did spend time together?

It was just that silly attraction I felt that made me feel bad for not talking with him.

"Fine," I said.

Macon and Rosalie were currently racing around the rink. He had said it was a staple of their sibling rivalry. So, Emmett needed another hand in holding Sarah's. This was her first time ice skating, and she needed two balance guards on either side of her in order to thoroughly enjoy the experience without getting hurt.

I took her little mitten covered hand and matched Emmett's speed, which was more like a walk.

And I was actually surprised at how well Sarah was doing. She wasn't wobbling or anything, just moving along slowly, getting used to the gliding effect.

"Wow," I laughed. "I'm impressed."

Emmett smirked and picked up the speed at Sarah's request. She looked proud and ambitious as she started a small glide.

"We had a little practice before." Emmett admitted. "Don't tell Rose this but, when she was away I let Sarah practice skate around the house."

I smiled. "Okay, I won't tell."

Sue and Edward were skating together, and Macon and Rosalie were arguing over something. A rematch would be in order.

I watched Edward instead for a little while. We all knew Rosalie would win anyway. He was smiling politely while Sue went on about something animatedly. He had a good glide, better than mine. I found myself smiling at him, for no reason really. He had a black hat on that covered his ears, and he towered over Sue effortlessly. It was a cute sight.

After a lap Rosalie came up behind us, panting heavily. Macon came a few seconds afterwards.

She slowed her breathing as a small smile spread across her face. Macon looked pissed.

"I win," she breathed.

His eyes narrowed in response, but they softened as he too tried to control his breathing.

I smiled.

Rosalie turned to us.

"Hi, Sarah! You are doing so well!" she praised excitedly.

Rosalie's eyes seemed to light up in response to her. She turned to Emmett. "It's in her blood, you know." She banged her fist on her chest.

Emmett scoffed but otherwise smiled.

"How would you feel about going with just mommy for a little while?" Rosalie asked Sarah.

She smiled enthusiastically and immediately let go of my hand and Emmett's. Her balance waned slightly but Rosalie was quick to catch her.

Sue came towards us now with a big smile on her face. I swear she was always happy.

"So, who won?!" she clapped her hands in anticipation.

Rosalie laughed. "Well, isn't it obvious?" she responded cockily.

Macon was fuming again.

"You were on the inside the whole time! And there were more people in my way." he exclaimed.

Sue frowned ruefully. "Aw, my poor Macon," she patted his shoulder.

Macon slumped slightly. He was such a sore loser sometimes. And yet he insisted on playing games that he knew he sucked at. At least he was determined, I reasoned.

Rosalie, Emmett and Sarah were further ahead of us now.

"I'm going to go get a drink of water. Do you have a dollar, mom?" Macon asked while moving out of someone's way.

Sue scowled. "Follow me," she sighed.

I decided to stay on the ice. Macon followed Sue and it was quite the comical sight. His form was slumping while Sue was swift. Soon they were both off the ice and heading for the soda machine.

I giggled at the way Macon was walking before turning around and settling in for another lap. It wasn't overly crowded today, but we just got here at a good time. There were more teenagers here than adults, which was sort of annoying but not distractingly bad. Rosalie was the only one holding Sarah's hand now and they were moving at a quicker pace. Emmett swiveled in front of them smoothly and I suddenly wished that I could do that.

Soon, I realized that I was just few dozen yards behind Edward. His back was turned from me because we were on a straight. Since I had no one to talk to, and I didn't want things between us to be overly distant and awkward, I sped up to meet him. I reasoned further with myself that we could have perfectly friendly conversation without any awkward moments. Last night had proven so, well… at least the last part did.

And I was also…lonely. Not just lonely for company… but for his. He seemed like a nice guy and I wanted to get to know him further, innocently of course. If I couldn't date him, well, since I can't date him, I can still be friends, right?

I shook my head. I was over thinking things again. Just let things be.

I caught up with him.

"Hey," I said, voice dripping with casualness.

He jumped slightly before turning to me and smiling hesitantly.

"Having fun?" I questioned, keeping pace with him.

He nodded naturally. "Yeah, actually, I am."

I smiled. "That's good."

"Are you," he raised an eyebrow and when I didn't answer continued, "having fun? I mean."

I smiled. "Yes, I am."

He nodded and his smile wasn't so tight anymore.

"Have you been ice skating before?" I asked even though it was mildly obvious he had… just making conversation. So far, so good.

I suddenly got the urge to do that swivel thing that Emmett did. It looked so cool. So, while I was asking him, I attempted it… even though I've never skated backwards before.

This thought did not occur to me until it was too late. I lost my balance, couldn't move in any direction but forward, and grabbed on to Edward's arm unthinkingly and instinctually.

He wasn't expecting it at all because I ended up pulling him down with me. We both landed on our sides with a muted thud. And pain shot through my ankle the second we were motionless.

"Are you okay, Bella?" Edward asked tensely, trying to get up but failing because the ice was slippery and I hadn't let go of his arm yet.

And I suddenly got the urge to laugh. At everything. At the condescending stares a few girls who skated past us shot. At the fact that Emmett let Sarah skate in the house. At Macon for being such a sore loser, even at the age of twenty-seven. A

Edward finally sat himself up and continued asking me if I was alright.

"My ankle," I managed to gasp between giggles.

Maybe it was that thing that your body does when it's injured, how you can't feel the pain for a few moments. It's an automatic thing that your body does in case you need to flee from the sight. Whatever it was, I couldn't feel any real pain at the moment.

I laughed harder when Edward gingerly picked up my ankle and tried to set it in a more comfortable position.

I was really, really ticklish there, even through the skates. So I giggled some more. Edward looked at me like I was crazy for the most part, but after a while he smiled at me, and started laughing too.

And then I laughed because I realized that Edward was still holding my hand.

A/N: Thank you for reading. :)))))) Reviews are appreciated.