Chapter 3 "The Death of Me"
"Damn it, Bella! You'll be the death of me, I swear you will!"
Edward Cullen, Twilight
The Cullens lived in Wallingford which was across Green Lake from where Bella and Emmett lived. It was near the university, so it had a liberal atmosphere, but mostly established families lived in the neighborhood.
The Cullens' home was a two story Craftsman style house. It had been remodeled with modern amenities and to also restore the historical details of the home. The house had a tan exterior with white trim and a wrap around porch with white railing and stone details on the posts. Jasmine bushes, hydrangeas, and marigolds were planted around the porch and lined the walk way. Red geraniums cascaded over pots that sat on the steps up to the porch.
Bella and Emmett had visited the Cullens before, but for Bella each time was a trial. Whenever she visited in the past, Edward was away, but the idea that he had been in the house, sitting on the same couch, walking in the same rooms would only make her long for him more. If she could punch herself, she would for being so pathetic as to actually look at a kitchen chair with yearning because Edward might have sat there.
Now that she was going over to their house, knowing Edward would actually be there this time, she couldn't help feeling a little nervous. When she thought about it, the last time they hung out together was actually at the old Cullen house in Forks.
She tried to squash the small thrill that was rising in her when she and Emmett walked up to the house. Bella did not want to feel this way especially since Rosalie was supposed to be there. She dreaded having to watch her and Edward being a couple. She'd rather dig her eyes out with a rusty spoon.
Once they arrived, things went into full swing. Alice and Edward's parents, Dr. Carlisle and Esme, only stayed long enough to see Emmett and Bella arrive, then they were off to dinner and then to a production of Aida at the Seattle Opera House.
After they left for the evening, Alice made everyone gather in the kitchen to assemble their sandwiches. Bella was a little surprised that they ate at the breakfast nook rather than in the dining room. Alice was usually into making a big production out of things, but Bella realized that Edward really meant it when he said that Alice wanted to keep things simple.
She was nervous about being around Rosalie and Edward, but Jasper managed to put her at ease. During dinner, he kept her entertained with interesting trivia facts about the Civil War which she learned was a hobby of his. Whenever there was a lull in their conversation, there was no awkwardness. Jasper was really good at small talk.
After they finished dinner, they all moved into the family room. Emmett had to go to work at that point and Bella noted how reluctant he was to leave. When she followed him outside to say goodbye, she caught him giving Rosalie one last look before he went out the front door.
She didn't have time to ponder this gesture because Alice was calling her back to the family room. No doubt to make sure she didn't latch on to Emmett on his way out.
They took out Scrabble by the time she got back to the family room. Bella actually enjoyed the game and was eager to play. While they played, their conversation centered around inconsequential details about work, the wedding, and school.
She learned that Rosalie was a rare car broker. She traveled frequently to meet with potential clients and assess cars that have been restored. Great, Bella thought. Not only is Rosalie gorgeous, but she was also totally into cars. Emmett would be interested in that tidbit, she thought.
She knew that Jasper and Emmett met at Berkeley, but she also learned that after Jasper graduated, he got into advertising. He freelanced and was apparently very successful. He had a knack for reading audiences and making his clients' products appealing to consumers.
Bella already knew what Alice did. What she didn't know was that Alice commuted between Seattle, New York City, and San Francisco to not only keep up with work, but also to maintain her relationship with Jasper. Jasper lived in Northern California, but they were still deciding where to settle down after they were married. Jasper admitted that he could do his job anywhere, but since Alice was a buyer for Nordstrom, she was limited to places that were always up to date with the latest fashions. If she wanted to stay in the United States, New York City would be the place.
Bella wondered how Edward was doing, but didn't have the courage to ask. It was as if Alice could read her mind, and suddenly asked Edward, "So, how's work going?"
Bella focused her attention on her tiles, but not really looking at the letters. She wanted to take in every detail of Edward's life right now.
When Edward found out Dr. Pruisner was going to teach at Berkeley, he transferred there in the hopes of working with him. It turned out after Edward graduated, he continued working with Dr. Pruisner who was a Professor of Virology. He was impressed with Edward, and after he graduated, Dr. Prusiner offered him a position on his research staff.
"So, you research viruses?" Bella asked.
"You could say that." Edward set a tile down on the board.
"Do you plan on going to medical school?" Bella looked down at her letter tiles.
He lifted one shoulder up and then down. "I don't know."
"Why not?"
"I don't think I want to be a doctor."
"Don't let dad hear you say that," Alice said.
"Why not?" Bella asked.
"I'm more interested in research."
"So, what are you studying?" Bella asked.
He hesitated before he said, "I'm studying hematology."
Bella looked up from her tiles. "What's that?"
Rosalie said, "It's the study of blood."
Edward gave Rosalie a sharp look. "It's a little more complex than that."
Surprised, Bella turned to Edward. "You study blood?"
Edward glared at Rosalie who sighed and said, "To be more precise, it's the study of blood and blood disorders."
"Oh," Bella resumed her study of her Scrabble tiles.
Rosalie continued, "Edward has an unusual interest in blood disorders. Right now he can't decide whether or not he wants to focus his research on type one diabetes or the HIV virus."
Edward said, "They're both equally fascinating."
He was about to go into how each virus attacks the blood when Rosalie held up a hand, "Don't geek out on us right now, please."
Edward opened his mouth and closed it.
For the first time this evening, Bella took a minute to really look at Rosalie and Edward. She managed to evade watching them be a couple during dinner by focusing all her attention on her conversation with Jasper.
They all sat around the large square, leather ottoman that doubled as a table while they played their game. Edward and Rosalie were seated beside each other. Bella was thankful for that; she could barely tolerate them sitting that close. She didn't think she could stomach the sight of them engaged in any other form of physical contact.
She snuck a glance at Rosalie who was concentrating on her tiles and on the board. Rosalie's sole focus seemed to be on the game which surprised Bella.
How could she pay so much attention on the game when Edward was close enough, within arm's reach? Bella didn't think she'd be able to keep her hands off of Edward if he was her boyfriend.
Bella looked down at her tiles and then gave a tentative peek at Edward. He was studying his tiles too, but then he glanced up at her at the same moment, their eyes briefly meeting. She was quick to look away and return her attention back to her tiles.
To an outsider, Edward and Rosalie seemed to be a bit disinterested in each other, but that was hard to believe. Bella figured that they were the type of couple who just weren't very affectionate in public.
Alice's voice pulled Bella from her observations. "I think Edward's torn because he really enjoys working with Dr. Pruisner, but he was approached by the CDC about a position with them."
Bella looked up at Edward. "Isn't the CDC in Atlanta?"
"Yes." He looked at her.
"So, you might be moving to Atlanta?"
"I don't know yet."
There was a tense silence. Then Jasper said, "I think I'm going to have to throw in the towel. All I've got left are X, Q, and L."
Alice said, "Let's watch a movie!" She bounded over to the entertainment system and opened up the hutch that concealed their DVD collection.
"I'll be right back. I have to use the bathroom." Bella stood up and walked to the kitchen. She made her way through the kitchen, passing the laundry room to get to the powder room.
After she was done, Bella stepped out of the powder room and took out her cell phone from her back pocket. She had two text messages. One was from Jacob and the other was from Angela.
She opened Jacob's message.
Hey, Bella! I'm back. Are we still on for tomorrow?
She sent him a text back.
Hey! WB! I have plans in the evening, but we can do something in the afternoon. I'll call you tomorrow.
She laughed to herself. Jacob had spent the latter part of the week in Oregon. He was rebuilding a 1965 Mustang. He traveled to Oregon because someone had the parts he needed. He had been working on the car for a year now and to Bella it didn't look any closer to being finished, but Jacob assured her that he was almost there.
That was one of the things that she loved about Jacob: his unwavering optimism. She had known Jacob since her senior year in high school, but they didn't really become friends until she moved out to Seattle. Jacob declined a football scholarship to the University of Washington because his father suffered a stroke. Jacob stayed behind to help his father recuperate. For the most part, Billy recovered, but sometimes needed a cane to assist him in walking.
Billy never really got over the guilt of 'holding back' his son as he called it, but Jacob never saw it that way. Family always came first and Jacob brushed off the opportunity and focused on going to the community college in Forks. After Jacob finished his AA degree, he applied to Evergreen State College in Olympia where he was a Biology major with an emphasis in animal behavior. After a semester, Jacob decided he was done with school. He was working part time for a man who needed help restoring a 1953 Cadillac Sedan. After the car was completed, Jacob earned a strong reputation for restoring cars.
Jacob moved to Seattle because it was easier for work, but Bella suspected it was because of her. Billy supported the move and eventually Jacob moved his father in with him. They opened Black's because Billy needed a purpose and Jacob thought it would be a good return on the money he was making from the restored cars.
During that time, Jacob and Bella became close friends. Bella spent many evenings hanging out in Jacob's garage while he worked. When they did go out, Bella was very clear they were just going as friends, but that didn't stop Jacob from pushing the boundaries of their friendship.
There was a time in their relationship when they did cross the lines of friendship. Bella did not like dwelling on it. She was also quick to put the boundaries back in place and Jacob did not push.
That had happened two years ago and they never spoke about it, but they were still good friends. Bella was looking forward to spending time with him.
She sent the message to Jacob and opened Angela's. Bella thought Angela was just confirming their plans for tomorrow night.
She read Angela's message.
Call me asap. I have to talk to you about something.
Bella peeked from the kitchen into the family room and saw that they were all still trying to decide on a movie. She went out the back door and on to the porch and called Angela.
Angela picked up on the first ring.
Bella said, "Hey, Angela! What's up? I just got your message. My phone was off because I'm at the Cullens' house."
"Oh. Wow! How are things going? Is Edward there?" She asked.
"Fine. I'm actually still here."
"And?" Angela barely hid her excitement.
"And what?"
"How's Edward?"
Bella sighed. "Fine, and so is his gorgeous girlfriend."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"Yeah. Plus, Emmett had to bail to go to work, so I'm stuck."
"I'd offer to come pick you up, but I'm actually on my way out to Forks."
"What? Why? Is something wrong?"
"My mom hurt her hip, so she's supposed to stay off her feet for a while. I'm going home to help out with the house and my brothers."
"I'm sorry. Is she going to be OK?"
"Yeah. She was outside working in her garden and she tripped on a root. I think she's more upset with herself than anything."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"No, but I'm not sure how long I'll be in Forks."
"Oh."
"I mean, I might be back in time before Emmett leaves for his conference-"
Bella swore. "I forgot about that. Is that next week?"
Angela laughed. "Yeah. I know I said I'd stay with you while Emmett was out of town, but I don't think I'll be able to."
"No, of course not. You should be with your mom."
"Thanks. I'm really sorry."
"No worries."
They talked for a few more minutes before they said their goodbyes. Bella sat on one of the porch chairs. There was no way Emmett was going to let her stay at the townhouse by herself for a week. She just convinced him to let her go running at night. That took months of persuading. There was no way she could convince him before he left that she would be fine on her own for a week.
She thought about calling Emmett to let him know what happened with Angela, but she decided not to. She would just have to stand her ground that she'd be fine by herself for a week.
"Hey, there you are!"
Bella turned to see Alice step out on the porch. She said, "We were wondering what happened to you."
"Sorry, I had to make a phone call."
Alice sat on the chair next to hers. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes."
Alice raised an eyebrow at her.
"No," Bella slumped in her chair and told Alice about her predicament.
After she was done, Alice asked, "Bella, you're twenty-three years old. What's Emmett worried about?"
"It's a combination of him and dad. The only reason they let me move out to Seattle is because I was going to live with Emmett. They think that some catastrophe will happen if I'm left alone."
"Talk about over protective."
"I know! You know what Emmett told Edward earlier today?" She didn't wait for Alice to respond. "If he was ever in a fight, he'd want me by his side. Can you believe that?"
Alice shook her head.
"If he's that confident in my ass kicking abilities, why can't he just let me stay at home for a week by myself?"
Alice shrugged.
"And you know what the worse part of it is? No matter how much I try to convince him that I'll be fine on my own, dad will have the final say in the matter, and I'll have to go back to Forks while Emmett is gone."
"Charlie wouldn't do that."
"Yes, he would." Bella let out a frustrated sigh. "I don't want to miss classes and work just because my brother and dad won't let me live my life."
"I'm sure they're just concerned for your welfare."
"Alice! It's Fascism."
Alice couldn't help letting a small laugh escape her lips.
After a moment, Bella felt deflated. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken it out on you."
"It's okay." She reached over and gave Bella a pat on the knee.
"What are you guys doing out here?" Edward stood in the doorway.
Alice looked up at her brother. "Bella is a little upset."
He took a step out on to the porch. "Why?"
"It's nothing. I'm fine now," Bella said.
Alice said, "She might have to go back to Forks for a week while Emmett is out of town."
Edward looked at Bella. "Were you planning on visiting your dad?"
"No." Bella crossed her arms across her chest.
Bella was not going to elaborate, so Alice explained Bella's situation.
After a moment, Edward said, "Sounds like Emmett hasn't change where your safety is concerned."
Bella rolled her eyes.
"It's really too bad because she's got responsibilities with school and work." Alice said while looking at her brother.
"You guys don't have to worry about it. I'll try to convince Emmett I'll be fine, but. . ." She knew it was a hopeless cause. Emmett would pack her bags while their dad waited outside in his truck for her.
Alice said, "I'd offer to stay with you, Bella, but I'll be leaving on Tuesday for New York. I've got to wrap some stuff up for work and the wedding."
For a moment, Bella was hopeful, but when she heard Alice was leaving so soon, she didn't think Emmett or Charlie would go for it. They loved Alice, but if she wasn't going to stay with Bella for a whole week, it didn't matter.
"Why doesn't she just stay here?"
Alice and Bella looked up at Edward.
"Yeah, but Alice said she was leaving Tuesday," Bella said.
"Yeah, but I'll still be here," he said.
Alice smiled. "That would be really nice of you, Edward."
Bella sat up. "No, wait."
"I'm sure Emmett would be okay with it," he said.
"Charlie might not, but I'll talk to him," Alice said.
"It's not like we'd be completely alone either. Mom and Dad would be here too," Edward said.
This appeased Bella a little, but the arrangement still did not sit well with her. She said, "But, I don't feel comfortable imposing on your family for a whole week."
Edward and Alice were quick to reassure her that it wouldn't be an imposition.
Bella was reluctant to acquiesce. The idea of spending a week with Edward was both exciting and daunting. Things between the two of them on the surface seemed fine, but there was this undercurrent of tension that she had a hard time ignoring. She still did not know why he became so distant all those years ago and then just cut off all contact with her.
But she also could not deny spending a whole week with Edward was her idea of apple pie a la mode. Her mouth was salivating at the potential situations they-
"Bella?"
"Huh?" She looked up to see Alice was gone and Edward had taken Alice's place next to her. "Where's Alice?"
"She went to go talk to Charlie."
"But I haven't told Emmett yet."
A corner of his mouth pulled up. "She figured if she got Charlie to agree first, Emmett would have to agree too."
She sat up in her chair. "But I haven't agreed."
He hesitated before he said, "Alice seemed to think that you were fine with it."
Alice must've somehow read her mind about the apple pie a la mode thought.
"But," She was desperate now for an excuse. "What about Rosalie?"
"What about her?"
She looked at him in shock. Then she said, "I'm sure she's not going to like this arrangement."
"She won't mind."
"You don't know that."
"Trust me."
"Are you really this dense?"
He looked at her in surprise.
Bella continued, "Are you telling me she's fine with you being practically alone for a week with another woman?"
Understanding dawned on Edward and he said, "She won't be concerned."
"How can you-" And then the realization hit her. Of course Rosalie wouldn't be concerned. Rosalie was the female equivalent of apple pie a la mode. When compared to Rosalie, Bella felt like the female equivalent of those lame lemon pies you get at the gas station. "Yeah, I guess not."
"So, you're going to stay?" He asked.
Bella stood up and put her phone in her back pocket. "It's not like I have a choice." She walked back into the house.
Edward followed after her. "I don't want you to feel like we're forcing you to stay."
They were in the kitchen. Bella turned around and looked up at Edward. "Let me see, go back to Forks and stay with Charlie or stay here with you. Gee. I think I'd rather take option number three which is to hack off my legs with a butter knife."
She turned to walk back to the family room, but Edward caught her arm. "Why are you so upset? I thought you'd be happy to stay here."
Bella's eyes narrowed. "Do you mean I should be happy that I get to spend time with you because I haven't seen you in the last seven years?"
"That's not what I-"
"Or maybe I should be grateful." There was venom behind the last word.
Edward flinched at her tone and said, "Bella, you're purposely misunderstanding me."
"Really? Because seven years ago you made it clear that you didn't want to have anything to do with me and now I'm supposed to act like I'm thrilled that I have the privilege to spend time with you."
"Is that what you think?"
"What else am I supposed to think, Edward? You were the one who ended our friendship. Then you left and I never saw you again. Then all of a sudden in a matter of days, I've seen you more times than I ever have in the last seven years and you act like everything is the same."
"I didn't mean to hurt you."
She pulled her arm away from his grasp. She almost denied it, but what would be the point.
"Is everything alright?" Rosalie stood in the doorway.
Bella felt her eyes getting wet, but she blinked back her tears. "I want to go home."
"Bella-" Edward said.
She held up her hand. "I'm not feeling well. I'd like Alice to take me home."
Rosalie looked at Bella and then at Edward. Bella had turned away from Edward looking everywhere except at Rosalie or Edward. Edward was looking at Bella with a pained expression.
"Okay. She's in the family room with Jasper." Rosalie stepped aside.
Bella was quick to leave them in the kitchen. She found Jasper and Alice in the family room, sitting on the couch together.
"Bella, are you ready-" Alice took one look at Bella and stood. "What happened? What's the matter?"
"I'm not feeling well. I'd like to go home. Will you take me?"
Alice took a step forward. "I thought-"
Jasper stood and laid a hand on Alice's shoulder.
A few seconds later, Alice said, "Of course, I'll take you home."
Bella walked to the door with unusual speed. When they got to the door, Edward joined them, but Rosalie was no where to be seen.
"Bella, let me take you home," he said.
She shook her head.
Jasper leaned over and whispered something to Edward. He looked like he was going to say something to Jasper, but he held back. He looked at her and said, "Good night, Bella."
"Good night." She turned away and Alice followed her.
The ride home was quiet. Bella was thankful that Alice did not question her. When they pulled up in front of her place, Bella unbuckled her seat belt and was about to thank Alice, but Alice put a hand on her arm to stop her.
Alice said, "I'm sorry you're not feeling well."
"I'll be fine."
"If you can't make it to the bridesmaid dress fitting, I'll understand."
Crap, she thought. "Is that this weekend?"
"Yeah, Sunday."
It was Friday. "I should be fine by then."
After a moment, she said, "I also talked to Emmett too."
She looked at Alice.
"Charlie is fine with you staying at our house, and so is Emmett." She hesitated before she said, "Will you be?"
"Yeah." But Bella didn't sound like she would be.
"Since Emmett is leaving early on Monday, he said it was a good idea that after the bridesmaid dress fitting, you can come to our place."
"But that isn't necessary. I can just come over on Monday evening."
"He said he would feel better knowing that you were with us before he left."
Bella let her head fall back on the head rest.
"I can cancel my trip to New York if that will make it easier for you."
Bella looked at Alice. "Oh, no. Don't do that. I know it's really important for you to finish up with work. And I'm sure you want to finalize the wedding details too."
"Those things can wait." She brushed away Bella's hair from her face. "You know you're my favorite person in the world."
Bella laughed. "Then why am I just a bridesmaid?"
Alice smiled and said, "Rosalie is Jasper's sister. It was kind of a gimme that she'd be my maid of honor."
"Right, I'll remember that when it's my turn to get married."
"I'll be your maid of honor." She said in a matter-of-fact tone.
Bella laughed again. "Aren't we a little confident?"
Alice looked at her with a serious expression. "I'm Edward's sister, so it's a gimme that I'd be your maid of honor."
Bella open and closed her mouth several times.
Alice leaned over and said, "Things will sort themselves out."
Bella fought back the tears that threatened to spill. "Alice, please don't joke about this."
"Since when do I joke about stuff like this?"
Bella let out a shaky breath. "You Cullens are going to be the death of me."
Alice laughed.
They said goodnight to each other and Bella climbed the stairs to her town home. She went straight to her room, stripped down to her underwear, and got into bed. When her head hit the pillow, she was asleep immediately. It was a fitful sleep because even in her dreams, she couldn't escape the pained expression on Edward's face when she left their house.
/&/
Edward opened the door to his bedroom, hoping to just slip into bed and forget the look in Bella's eyes when she left the house. He only got a few feet into his room when he saw Rosalie sitting on his bed in her pajamas.
Crap, he thought. He forgot she was staying in his room to keep up pretenses.
Rosalie put her book down. "What happened? Did you talk to her before she left?"
He walked over to his bed and sat on the empty side. "Nothing. I didn't get to talk to her."
"Why not?"
"Jasper didn't think it was a good idea. He could tell she was really upset."
"Hell, I could even see that."
"Rosalie," He said in a warning tone.
"I'm sorry. It's just. . . this is a really weird situation."
"Yeah."
She set her book down on the bedside table. "Are you going to tell her?"
He looked at Rosalie. "Are you okay with that?"
She smiled and said, "I want you to be happy, Edward."
"What about Jasper and Alice?"
She shrugged. "I think they'll learn to live with disappointment." Then she added, "Besides, I think they're on to us."
"What makes you say that?"
Rosalie said, "They've never said anything before, but earlier today, Alice said that she was surprised that I brought my stuff to your room."
"So, I guess the charade really is gone." One of Edward's eyebrows curved. "But, what about you? Will you be able-"
She held up her hand. "I'll be fine. I'm a big girl. I can handle it. It was just easier using you as an excuse."
After a moment, a small smile crept on her lips. "Besides, you never mentioned how cute Emmett is."
Edward's eyes widened. "You think Emmett is cute?"
She lifted up one shoulder up and then down.
He said, "I didn't think he was your type."
She laughed. "I didn't think so either."
After a moment, Rosalie said, "Bella seems nice."
"She is."
"I hope it works out."
"I've really made a mess of things."
"Well, you have a whole week to sort it out."
Edward leaned back on the headboard. "Yeah, if she doesn't tear me into pieces first. I don't think she even likes me in that way."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, we all grew up together. I'm sure she sees me as a brother figure type."
"I don't know."
"What?"
"She wasn't looking at you like you were her brother."
He turned his head to look at Rosalie. "What are you talking about?"
Rosalie held up her hands. "I'm just telling you what I saw."
After a moment, Edward said, "So, can I have my room back?"
Rosalie feigned shock. "You're kicking me out?"
He smiled. "You can sleep in the guest room."
"I've already changed into my pajamas."
He looked at her nightgown. It was a sheer white cotton material and it had thin straps that fell just above her knee. Rosalie considered this her casual pajamas.
"Hey, you had your chance, sweetie," Rosalie said.
Edward laughed. "Don't worry. I'm going." He grabbed a pair of pajama bottoms before he left his room. "Night, Rosalie."
"Night, Edward."
He shut the door and made his way downstairs. He figured Alice and Jasper already went to bed, so when he got to the family room, he was a bit surprised to see Jasper on the couch, flipping through different TV stations.
Without looking up, Jasper said, "Hey, Edward."
He hesitated before he said, "Hey." He tossed his pajamas on the armchair of the sofa and took a seat next to Jasper.
They sat in silence for a few seconds while Jasper flipped through the channels and finally settled on an info-mercial about an adjustable mattress.
"The part where they jump on the bed with the wine glass is pretty good," Jasper said.
Edward looked at Jasper. "Uh, okay."
"It gives the audience the impression that this bed could really give you a good night's sleep."
Edward couldn't help smiling.
After they watched a bowling ball being dropped on the mattress, Jasper said, "I like Bella."
He looked at Jasper.
Jasper continued, "She listened to me when I talked about Civil War stuff."
"She probably found it all interesting."
"I think she did," Jasper put the TV remote down. "So, you're sleeping on the couch tonight?"
Edward hesitated before he said, "I was going to sleep in the guest room."
"Is Rosalie upset?"
"I don't think so."
Jasper thought for a minute. "I didn't think she would be."
"Are you. . ." Edward raked his fingers through his hair. "I like Rosalie, but not that way."
"I know."
Surprised, Edward said, "You knew?"
"I didn't think you were her type." He looked at Edward whose mouth was partly open. "Besides, there's that thing with Bella."
"What thing?"
"You know."
Edward opened his mouth, but Jasper cut him off. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone."
"What are you-"
"It's okay, Edward."
"But-"
Jasper patted him on the shoulder. "The vibes you give off whenever you're near her are hard not to notice."
Edward rubbed the back of his neck and swallowed. Before he could say anything else, Alice walked into the family room.
Edward stood up.
"Where's Mom and Dad?" She asked.
"Still out," Jasper said.
Alice looked at Edward. "I thought you'd be asleep by now."
He shook his head. "How's Bella?"
She looked at Edward for a minute before she said, "Not too good."
"Maybe I should go talk to her." He took a step forward, but Alice held up her hand.
"She's sleeping now."
Edward let out a deep sigh.
Alice continued, "She'll start staying here on Sunday."
Edward's eyebrows shot up. "How did you get her to-"
She shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I just thought you should know."
When she turned to go upstairs, Edward said, "Alice, wait." She turned around and he continued, "Thank you."
She tilted her head to the side. "Just make sure you don't waste this opportunity. You've had more than enough time to figure things out."
"Alice-"
She shook her head. "You don't have to explain anything. I was happy when you and Rosalie started dating, but only because I thought you were happy."
"So, you're okay with-"
She kissed her brother on the cheek. "Just don't screw things up this time." She turned and walked to the staircase.
Jasper stood up and followed Alice. "Night, Edward."
"Night."
He sat on the couch and picked up the remote. After a minute of flipping through channels, he turned off the TV. He picked up his pajama pants and went to the guest room. He slipped out of his clothes and into his pajamas. When Edward laid on the bed, the coolness of the sheets on his skin made it hard to fall asleep. But once he did, memories of Bella in the garage and the punching bag played in his mind.
Instead of applying ointment to her battered knuckles, he dreamt that he kissed them.
