A/n So, I'm not a huge fan of extremely long author's notes, but so many people out there are writing some impressive stories that I want to give them a shout out:
Say Hello, Wave Goodbye www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/5979914/1/ - by the lovely afoolishmortal
An Angel Closes Her Eyes www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/5880132/1/ - by the highly entertaining tg10781
Fill My Little World www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/5986853/1/ by the Amazing Hongkongphooey
A Matter of Trust www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/5936854/1/ - by QuietRuby - this one pains me the most as she has so many more reviews than me, but hey go check out her brilliant story, there's enough love to go around.
Last but by no means least, My Elevator Love Letter www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/5863752/1/ by the wonderful pearl421

Also check out this amazing interview www(dot)tazz0617(dot)blogspot(dot) with Snowqueens Icedragon...one more chapter left of MOTU(sob), there better be a wedding, I've bought a hat…

Thanks to xoEmc for her amazing beta skills and for giving me her thoughts, so that I know if I'm on the right track.

Ms Meyer owns it all! I'm just having a play around with the characters in England. There aren't any scenes of abuse in this chapter. Please enjoy…

Chapter 7

The weekend passes uneventfully; I notice some positive changes in James behaviour which makes me feel terrible for ever doubting him. We speak further about his actions towards me and how I feel around him, I'll be honest I hold some things back – I'm no fool. As I watch his car pull out of the drive, he waves to me; a tight, thin smile on his face. He assures me he'll make an appointment to talk to someone today. All I can do is hope, hope for change and better times.

Without the usual limitations of a list of chores, or the disapproving eye of James to watch over me, I decide to relax a little – a girl could get used to this! Settling on the sofa, I lift up my legs, crossing them at the ankle and rest them on the arm. I reach my hand down the back of the sofa between the cushions. My fingers poke around, extending to their full length, the fingertips ghost over the spine of the well-worn book I hide down there. Stretching, I tug on the dog-eared paperback, roughly pulling it free. Usually I look after my books much better than this, but it's a very old duplicate copy that I hide here for rare times - just like now. Humming contentedly I snuggle down further and open Edward's book at the last page I was reading. Oh yes, it's Edward now, no more E.A.M Cullen for me!

A few chapters later and I'm completely immersed in the words on the page, despite having read this book so many times...

"Eep!" I squeal and nearly jump out of my skin at the sound of someone rapping on the outside of the front room window. I peer up over the top of the sofa. Oh it's Edward. Shit! It's Edward. I haven't spoken with him since Friday; I smile meekly at him and wave slowly. He holds up the Tupperware container as if to explain his reason for calling round. I hold up my index finger to indicate that I will be with him in just a minute. I roughly shove the book down the back of the sofa and dash to the front door.

Taking a deep breath I straighten my blouse and smooth out my skirt. I unlock the door and yank it open quickly. "Edward," I pant lightly. "So nice to see you again. Did you have a good weekend?"

I look up into his bottomless green eyes, my gaze lingering on his muscular lithe body on the way. Oh! He looks like an Adonis, even in casual clothing. He's sporting a pair of pale-wash denim jeans, a white cotton t-shirt and his feet are encased in a pair of brown leather biker boots. His hair is…oh don't get me started on that delicious mop!

"My weekend was…pleasant enough." He shrugs, his face unreadable. I find his answer puzzling, but I plough on.

"I see you've bought the container back." I motion towards his left-hand.

"Uh yes." Edward shakes his head lightly as if trying to clear it. "To be honest, the container was a bit of an excuse to call round really…I wanted to have a chat with you."

I cock my head to one side and look at Edward. He has a guarded look on his face and his stance indicates that something is bothering him.

"Ok…" Confused, I move to the side and motion for Edward to enter the house. "Would you like to talk over a pot of tea?"

"Yes Bella. I think that would be a good idea."

x-x-x-x-x

I place two matching cups and saucers on the table, a teaspoon on each saucer, a tea-strainer, small milk jug, bowl of sugar-cubes and lastly a pot of English breakfast tea. Pouring Edward a cup of tea, the strainer resting over the cup I invite him to begin speaking.

"So Edward, what did you want to talk about?" I slide his cup and saucer over to him, he takes it carefully and stirs some milk into it. A fleeting look at his face suggests he is deep in thought, hesitant about what to say next.

"Bella…this is tremendously difficult for me to say and if you think I'm speaking out of turn, please tell me to mind my own business." The words tumble of out Edward's perfect mouth, he seems almost nervous which is unlike him. I nod to indicate I have heard him and look down directing all my attention on pouring myself a perfect cup of tea. I stir in the milk and then add two cubes of sugar, I take no comfort in the familiar 'plopping' sound they make as they enter the velvety warm liquid. I stir the tea gently, tapping the teaspoon on the side of the china cup before placing it on the saucer. I hope he doesn't want to discuss dinner!

"Bella...t-thank you very much for dinner on Friday night. The food was wonderful," he continues.

"You're welcome Edward it was a pleasure to cook for you," I blush at his kind words.

He nods and clears his throat before continuing, "Perhaps I'm wrong…but I couldn't help notice some tension between you and James. Is everything alright?"

I feel Edward's concerned eyes boring into the top of my head, I sit watching my hands as they pick at imaginary threads on my skirt. Anything to avoid looking into those beautiful eyes, those eyes that I know will be filled with pity!

I gulp noisily, this is exactly what I was hoping he wouldn't want to discuss – why he must be so intuitive, he's nothing like ordinary men.

Nervously, I tuck my hair behind my left ear, reaching for my tea I bring it to my lips and I blow on the hot liquid gently. I use the action to buy me a few seconds of time, so I can think of a suitably convincing answer that will satisfy Edward's growing curiosity and evident concern.

"Edward…I'm not quite sure I understand what you are alluding to. I can assure you that everything is perfectly fine between James and me. I don't know what I have done that would make you think otherwise." Edward is quiet, as if waiting for me to elaborate. I however choose to remain silent and continue to stare at my drink, unable to look Edward in the face. Why, when James is trying to make a concerted effort to get better is Edward asking me this now!

"Bella, I'm sorry I don't mean to speak out of turn, but some things have been bothering…no that's not the right word. Puzzling me…" Edward sounds like he has thought about this discussion in some detail as he deliberates over which wording I would find less insulting. I watch him run his finger around the rim of the teacup again and again…it's very…distracting.

Edward begins speaking again, his voice taking on a concerned yet slightly exasperated tone. It breaks me out of my trance.

"Bella, I'm aware I've only known you for a very short period of time. However, I've been asked, to keep it a secret from your husband that you baked me a cake, and I'm assuming you haven't mentioned that you ever visited me that day. I'm not allowed to call you Bella in front of him…It's, well, it's all very confusing!" Edward takes a sip of his tea to wet his throat and then licks his lips before he begins to speak again.

"But, the one thing that bothers me the most…" his voice drops to an almost whisper as he closes his eyes and continues to speak, "and it rankles me so much..." He reaches out and grasps my forearm which rests on the table next to my rapidly cooling cup of tea; I gasp, the contact startling me.

"He treats you like a possession Bella!" His voice sounds tight and exasperated, he continues, "answering questions on your behalf, talking to you as if you are stupid and ordering you around like a servant. You seem so meek in his presence, constantly seeking guidance and approval for your actions." He squeezes my arm once gently and then lets me go and runs a hand through his hair.

I am shocked into a stunned silence, in a few sentences Edward has just described the dynamics of what mine and James' relationship has been like – Yes, past tense. I feel light-headed and slightly nauseous. I thought I had been more careful at hiding our problems than this. Perhaps it's the writer in him that makes him so perceptive. Or perhaps I have been so comfortable around Edward, that I've let my guard down and I've only myself to blame.

"Bella, please believe me when I say, I don't usually interfere in other peoples personal lives and I certainly don't warm to people as quickly as I have to you! Generally, I'm a borderline recluse." His hands go up in the air and a bitter chuckle escapes his lips. "I'm aware that I don't know you very well…but you seem so, delicate…and innocent, something about you makes me feel…protective of you." He stresses the word protective and looks at me anxiously, his shoulders droop as though he is exhausted yet relieved to have all of the words out in the open. Protective? Of me? Does he really think that my relationship with James is that strange? Is my life that dissimilar to other housewives..?

I have no idea what to say, I'm warmed by Edward's concern, but based on his relationship history - which has been made very public knowledge - he is surely in no position to comment on or offer up his theories on my relationship with James. Especially, considering James is making a real effort to change and to get some help. I know we've had our difficulties, but I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet. Charlie Swan always said, "Only quitters, quit!"

I think we can still salvage something from our relationship. Besides, what am I going to achieve confessing everything to Edward!

I need to reassure Edward that everything is fine, so that he will feel comfortable around me again, I don't want to sabotage or taint our potential orchard time, I want us to be friends and I want to keep my husband – I don't want to feel like I a failure!

"Edward, thank you for your concern but it's not necessary really. James and I are fine." I speak confidently and look across at Edward.

"Are you sure?" Edward raises his eyebrows and doesn't look convinced.

"Certain." I nod firmly. "I mean like all couples we've had our difficulties. James is naturally quite a jealous person and so I thought it would be best to keep quiet the fact that I baked you a cake." I shrug and carry on, "When you came for dinner, James and I had a misunderstanding of sorts, which is resolved now. But I'm sorry we didn't do a better job of concealing it. I hope you didn't feel too uncomfortable?"

"No Bella, of course not! That's not what I meant. I feel like a complete fool now! You…you just seem so different around James compared to the time that I spend with you. Timid almost…"

Edward sighs and looks apologetic. "I'm sorry Bella. Just because I write about relationships, obviously doesn't mean I'm equipped to offer advice on them. I didn't mean to get it so wrong."

"Honestly Edward, please don't worry about it. I'm flattered by your concern. I don't know if it would reassure you to know but James is actually going to talk to someone about his jealousy."

I look at him reassuringly and pat his hand across the table. Phew! I cannot believe I pulled that off convincingly. I do so hope that James does change this time. "But if we really could keep that between you and me, I would appreciate that."

"Of course. I can't believe I got it so wrong!" Edward shakes his head and looks a little ashamed. "Well as long as you're sure everything is ok. But…please…think of me if you ever need someone to talk to." Edward drains his cup, setting it back on the saucer, he looks at me expectantly.

"If I ever have any problems that I cannot go to James with, I will come and find you." I speak directly to Edward looking into his mesmerising green eyes.

"Will you promise me, Bella?" There is an urgency in his tone that I find disarming.

"I promise Edward." A huge sense of déjà vu descends over me.

"Ok, well if I haven't offended you entirely…maybe we should move onto lighter topics and discuss the orchard. I wanted to go over some of my plans with you." Edward seems to relax with the mention of the orchard.

I reach across the table and rub my thumb across Edward's knuckles, "You haven't offended me, and I'd love to discuss the orchard."

We busy ourselves discussing a much more pleasant subject and I pour more tea. Edward loosens up and becomes animated as he explains his elaborate plans and I smile at him encouragingly. I am becoming tremendously fond of this kind, insightful man sat before me.

x-x-x-x-x

Edward adds the finishing touches to the detailed plan we have been working on for the past few hours. We have compiled a list of the purchases we need to make, a timeline of when certain activities must be completed and a list of tasks that will be divvied up between us. I pick up the now empty plates that held the sandwiches we ate long ago and walk over to the kitchen worktop, placing them on it.

"Thanks Bella, I feel like we've accomplished a lot this afternoon." Edward rises from the table and gathers up all of the papers.

"You're welcome, I've had a lot of fun planning all of this." I move from the counter, knowing that Edward is politely hinting that he needs to leave now. No doubt he has much more exciting things to be filling his time with.

"I should leave you to get on with the rest of your day, I've taken up enough of it already. I hope I haven't distracted you from anything."

"Oh, not at all! I was just catching up on some reading – which reminds me, I was going to lend you that book about the orchardist." I wander towards the front room to get the book and motion for Edward to follow me.

"Oh yes! I don't want to forget that. It sounds really interesting."

I turn my back to Edward and begin browsing the bookshelf to find the title I am after. I hear a strangled sound coming from behind me and then Edward's voice…

"Bella..." I spin round to look at Edward. He's holding my battered copy of his second novel, the one that should be wedged in the sofa! I freeze on the spot, I must look like a rabbit caught in the headlights.

"How long have you been reading my books?"

x-x-x-x-x

There's no point lying to him anymore – He'll know that cover is from the first print-run and the battered book he's holding is a first edition. I clear my throat and speak, "A...while." I walk over to the closest armchair and almost fall into it. I feel emotionally drained.

I look up at Edward, waiting for him to shout, or throw something or...even to just walk out, that would be something. He just stands there, clutching my book staring at me, his face blank. I'm unsure he even heard me. "Edward...? I-I said awhile."

"I heard you." His voice is a monotone, he's talking to me, but not really acknowledging that I am in the room. He sits on the edge of the sofa, he couldn't be further away from me - unless he was in another room.

"Why didn't you tell me you knew who I was?" He looks hurt, he just doesn't understand why I would lie.

I take a deep breath and speak, "Edward, we hardly met under…conventional circumstances. You thought I was a paparazzo or worse a stalker." I chuckle mirthlessly. Looking over to Edward I watch him staring at the book in his hands, turning it over and over. "Then we got talking and I thought it would just be best to pretend that I wasn't aware of your amazing talent."

Edward scoffs and drops the book to the floor, it lands with a dull thud. He rests his head in his hands and his long slender fingers pull at his silky auburn hair. "You still lied Bella, our friendship is based on lies. How can I trust anything you say to me now?" His voice is muffled.

I rise from the chair and walk over to Edward, I drop to my knees in front of him and gently prise his fingers from his hair, stopping them mid-assault. "Edward I was embarrassed, I am a huge fan of yours! Probably your biggest fan! I had to stop myself from somersaulting round your garden, yelling from the top of my lungs." I grasp his hands in mine. "I've read every single story you've had published...and not just once!"

He looks up at me, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips.

"You moved in right next door to…hmm to use your words 'a crazy stalker housewife'. The very kind you were trying to avoid...how could I tell you that and expect you to stay around and speak to plain old me?"

He shakes his head and gently slips his hands from mine.

"You're anything but plain Bella." I blush at his words.

"I'm sorry Edward, I truly am. I didn't mean for you to feel betrayed. Or laid bare."

He nods and stares deep into my eyes.

"If it's any consolation Edward, you're a very private person. I know very little about you outside of your fiction." I hope my words put him at ease.

"There is one thing I want to ask you though Bella..." Edward covers his mouth with his right-hand and exhales noisily through his fingers.

"Yes Edward...you can ask me anything."

"When we first met, you enquired about the whereabouts of my wife…" Oh dear, I don't like where this is going…

"Why would you do that when you must've known she was dead?"

A/n So let me know what you think of Bella in this chapter…is she going to end up, having pushed Edward too far?

I'm on twitter as flubbles, you can follow my pointless ramblings on there should you wish too.

Also I have an area set up for me on the forum, please go and check it out at www(dot)twilighted(dot)?f=44&t=9753. I am away this weekend, so may not update again until next Thursday, however it should all be back to normal after that!