I'm back! Well, kind of. I'm still in Europe, but Jensen and I are staying with my aunt and her family in Rome until September, and my lovely aunt is loaning me her laptop. Europe was so amazing, if you ever get the chance, you absolutely have to go.

EPOV, October 13, 2009:

Bella had come to school yesterday and today; seeming completely normal. She didn't talk to anyone all day, but when we got to biology she seemed to be in a good mood.

"My mom said I could go to the college tour with you." She said awkwardly, toying with the charm bracelet on her delicate wrist.

"That's great, Bella. I'm glad you can come with me." I smiled, squeezing her hand in mine before dropping my hand on the table. Bella looked up at me, her doe eyes wide and innocent. She smiled shyly before timidly reaching for my hand and cupping hers over it. I instantly laced my fingers in hers, and Bella's smile grew wider as our hands dropped below the desk; clutched together as the rest of our classmates filled into the room.

We spent the entire class like that, barely paying attention to the teacher. I occasionally ran my thumb over Bella's knuckles, and she would shiver and smile up at me; her eyes positively alive. I was glad she finally seemed to be genuinely happy, not hazed in sadness. And I was especially glad that I was the one that was making her happier.

"I'll pick you up around five on Friday….we can eat dinner, if you want." I offered a little bashfully as the bell rand and our hands separated. We were walking towards the door, and the rest of the class was in the hallway already.

Bella paused in the doorway, turning back to grin at me.

"I would like that." Bella murmured; her soulful eyes sparkling. She peered out into the parking lot and her shoulders sagged. "My ride is here." She explained, gesturing to the red truck at the far end of the parking lot.

"Bye, Bella." I whispered, pecking her smooth cheek. Her warm hand snaked around my cheek and she sighed, gently kissing me again.

"See you tomorrow." Her hand dropped back to her side and she turned to go, fumbling with her iPod as she went.

I touched a hand to my lips, unable to control my smile. I watched her walk out into the parking lot, her head down and her bag swinging at her side.

"Are we going, or are you going to stand there all day?" Rosalie was standing next to me, and Emmet loomed next to her. I flinched at the sight of his hand in her back pocket.

"We're going." I grumbled, walking to my car as Alice fell in to step along with us.

"Hi!" She chirped, adjusting the strap of her shirt. "Edward, Jasper and I are staying after school to finish up our art pieces. Tell mom I'll be home for dinner." And with that, she turned on her heel and marched off to the art room, where Jasper was undoubtedly waiting for her.

The car ride home was awkward with my little sister and my best friend kissing and laughing in the backseat.

It really did bother me, knowing what they did together. As strained as the relationship between Rose and I was, she was still my baby sister. And knowing that Emmet was….screwing her made me uncomfortable. Rosalie had a tendency to go after my friends as fuck buddies. It was sick, really. It was now too awkward with quite a few of my friends now that I knew my sister had been with them, and then dumped them when she got bored. She was sixteen years old, for god's sake. I was sure Carlisle and Esme had absolutely no idea what Rosalie and her 'guy friends' got up to, because they weren't the type of parents that would be okay with something like that. I, however, also noticed that Rosalie has been with Emmet for a little over three months. This was longer than any of her other flings, and she seemed a little different around him. She still had that tell-tale touch of bitchiness, but more lively and animated. I guess Emmet really is a good influence on her usual sarcastic and self-centered personality.

With Alice, I was lucky. Alice was so bright and optimistic; she shared nearly everything with me. I couldn't bring myself to resent her, no matter how much more attention my parents paid to her and Rosalie. She and Jasper had an actual, committed relationship. I could only hope that Jasper felt as strongly about her as she did him, because otherwise Alice would be shattered.

And I couldn't handle any other broken, shattered women. Seeing Bella in so much pain was unbearable; but my baby sister? I knew I couldn't bear the pain of both of the women I cared about.

More Edward explanations….I need some suggestions for the Edward/Bella trip. I have a basic idea of what will happen, but not the specifics.

Xoxo- Melodyella aka Mellie