Hey all!! Thank you so so so much for all of the reviews!! I'm sorry I didn't update yesterday but it was my birthday so I wanted to relax! =] This chapter isn't as intense as the last one, but to tell you guys the truth, you don't know all of Edward's past yet…there is a little but of EPOV in here!! Enjoy :)

Chapter 10: The Truth of Things, Almost

Bella POV

We kissed and kissed and continued kissing for I don't know how long. It wasn't the savage need sort of kiss but Edward kept it soft and sweet. Finally, we pulled away for breath, both of us panting and sharing goofy smiles.

"That was—that was amazing." I looked over at him for reply but his eyes were still closed and he had an 'I'm the luckiest guy in the world' smile. So cute.

"Yeah, amazing." Panting, out of breath, and with me still sitting on his lap, Edward gazed into my eyes with an in-depth appeal. His eyes were so deep with emotion, some unknown to me, and others I could clearly recognize, one of them was guilt. Why is he feeling guilty? Does he think that our awesomely amazing kiss is wrong because he's my boss?

"Edward, what's wrong?" He was about to reply but was interrupted because my body gave way and I yawned.

"It's late and you're tired, I should get you to bed. Come on, I'll show you to, uh, your room for tonight." Before I could even say anything, he pulled me up with him and started leading the way towards the room I'd be spending the night in. I was about to protest again but I yawned for the second time, I'm tired and I should sleep. Especially if I want to, uh, talk with Edward tomorrow.

Just as I entered the room, my clumsiness caught up with me and I tripped. But this time, I had Edward to catch me. Instead of setting me back on my feet, he picked me up and gently placed me on the bed while I blushed as red as a fire truck.

"Thank-you, but, uh where are you going to sleep? Your mom took your bed and now I took this one…"

"I'll sleep on the couch." Edward smiled and was just about to leave but I stopped him. Sleep on the couch? Not on my watch.

"Sleep on the couch?! I don't think so, Edward. Your back will hurt like crazy in the morning if you sleep on the couch. This bed is, uh, very big for one person, so, uh, we can share it." In response, he chuckled a little and once again had that foreign emotion in his eyes.

"Bella, I can see how uncomfortable you are with that thought, honestly it's okay. I've had to sleep on the couch before, it was before your, um, accident. I've slept there for nights at a time, so I'm pretty used to it by now.

"Edward Cullen, you are not going to sleep on the couch one more night if I have a say in it! Now get in this bed this instant!" I don't know why but I can't bear the thought of him sleeping on the couch or him not being anywhere near me.

"Alright, alright, alright. No need to yell, Bella." He pretended to salute me like a soldier and got in the right side of the bed while I took the left side.

Once we were both settled, the awkwardness of this all came upon me unawares. I'm in bed with my boss. Wait, saying it like that sounds weird. I'm sleeping in the same bed that my boss is right after I made-out with him. Yup, that just about sums up everything.

"Bella? Are you sure this isn't weird for you? You seem kind of tense…" Rolling over, I turned my body to face his only to find that he was already looking at me.

"I'm fine, I'm fine, it's just that everything we did is finally dawning on me. I mean, you're my boss! This is kind of weird….but nice." When I said that this was weird, his face fell a little but as soon as I said it was nice, his face lit up with…hope? Ugh, he is so confusing! First, he feels guilty about making out and now he likes it?

"Well, Bella technically I'm your hus—I mean, I'm your best friend before I'm your boss. So, does that make it feel any better? You must think this is weird and, don't deny it from me, but I know you feel uncomfortable sharing a bed with me. Honestly, I can go to the couch."

"No!" I grabbed his hand and scooted over closing the distance between us so that I was in his arms. It felt really good to be there. Edward's arms felt like a safe harbor to me, all of those things from his past and my past can't reach me here. I just hope he feels the same way.

"Edward, please stay with me. I need you to stay." I didn't even bother for his answer and made myself comfortable enough to sleep. Just before unconsciousness took over my body, I heard him whispering.

"Good night, my lo—my Bella." In my half-sleep state, I smiled. The use of possession felt normal, it felt good. As if I was his and he was mine. I like that, I really like that.

I spent the night in Edward's arms and when I woke up; it was to see his emerald eyes gazing down at me with happiness and a bit of concern.

"How long have you been watching me?" At this, he smiled and shrugged.

"A while. You know Bella; you talk in your sleep. I've heard it before but did you know that?" I blushed madly, so he must have heard what I think of him. But wait, what do I think of him? I know I feel strongly for him but I always thought that was friendship or something. Now after last night, am I feeling something else for him? I need to talk to Alice about this, maybe she'll know.

"No, what did I say?" Slight concern and sadness filled his eyes.

"Just little tid bits about what happened last night. Look Bella, I'm sorry for telling you and I'm sorry for you to go through all that but you have to believe me. Don't listen to a word Tanya says because she's a liar." I don't understand anything he's saying! What does he mean by 'don't listen to anything Tanya says'. What did she say that concerned me?

"Edward, I don't quite follow. What do you mean?"

"Nothing, um, nothing. Come on, I'll go make breakfast. My mom might wake up soon and I want to cook something nice for her. It's been forever since I've last seen her, so, uh, yeah. I've already brushed my teeth and stuff so the bathroom is yours. Oh and Alice dropped off some stuff you might need earlier." He hastily got up and left the room. Okay, I'm guessing we're going to pretend that we didn't happen last night.

I got up and did the necessary morning routines before heading inside the kitchen. Luckily Alice did drop off some stuff otherwise I would have to had brushed my teeth with my finger and I'd still be wearing sweats. But what she did bring for me isn't much better; it's simply a really long t-shirt with skinny jeans. I don't even know whose t-shirt it is but I know it definitely isn't mine.

When I got into the kitchen, Edward was cooking. He was cooking! I didn't know he could cook! That's so, I don't know how to describe it but it's pretty cool that he can cook. I cleared my throat so he would notice me, he turned around and once he spotted me, his emerald eyes grew darker with desire…And to my sudden surprise, he kissed me! Guess we're not forgetting last night…

He pushed me back onto the fridge and we continued kissing until we heard someone's footsteps coming this way.

"Edward?! Baby, honey, where are you?! How many times does mommy have to ask you to sleep in the same bed as her so daddy can have one to himself?! He likes to keep to himself! Good thing he already left to work, young man! Since I didn't wake up early enough, he might get a bit angry sweetie, but remember he loves you. Now, where did you go off to?" Elizabeth finally found her way into the kitchen and saw Edward standing next to me.

"Darling here you are!" She went up to him and kissed me lightly on the cheek, having to go up on her toes to do so.

"Mom, um, good morning. Dad isn't here and he won't come back." I could hear the undertone of anger in Edward's voice but why is he so angry? I feel like he's hiding a lot of things from me. Things that I should know.

"Edward! Don't say things like that, you know it makes me angry. Now, who is this lovely young lady?" If she still thinks Edward is a toddler, how old does she think I am? Edward wrapped his arm around my waist and introduced me to this mother.

"Mom, uh, this is Bella. Bella, this is my mom." I smiled at Elizabeth who regarded me with curiosity. She kept glancing from my face to Edward's arms around me to Edward's face. What is she thinking?"

"Bella." Elizabeth came up to me wagging her finger at me, Edward's arms tightened around me.

"Now, Bella, you take care of my Edward. He's very special and looks like he's special to you. And Edward, baby, you watch this young lady and take care of her properly. Baby, you've found a gem among the rocks!" She smiled at us and pulled us in for a hug. Edward smiled like he was one of the happiest men in the world and I'm just confused. What does she mean?

"Alright, I'm going to go freshen myself up a bit then I'll be back. Looks like you've already cooked breakfast, Edward." She smiled lightly at him and kissed him on the cheek before leaving the room.

"Edward? What does she mean?" Panic flashed across his eyes quickly before settling into calm.

"Nothing, uh, she means well that's all." 'You've found a gem in the rocks!' 'Take care of him', that does not sound like nothing. If I didn't know better, then I would think that she thinks Edward and I are together. Wait, that's exactly what she thinks! But are we—are we together? We've already done things that couples do so does that mean that we're a couple ourselves? Do I even feel that way for Edward?

"Bella, I've got your food right here. Eat up! I don't want you to go hungry on this beautiful—and I mean beautiful— Friday morning." At the word 'beautiful' he looked at me and smiled. But his use of words, I recognize them from somewhere; I'm getting that déjà vu feeling. I don't know when or where but I've heard those words before.

My head pounded in my brain and random words flitted through. Marriage. Freak. Tanya. Jacob. Park. Hate. Club. Divorce. Contract. What do all of those mean?

"Ed—

"Edward! Why is Bella standing around while you've got hot food on the table?! Come on, be the gentleman I taught you to be and escort her to her seat!" Edward followed her orders and led me to the seat but I don't care for reality right now. My mind is running those same words over and over again. They're significant and if placed right then I should be able to figure out everything. At least I hope I will.

Edward POV

Having my mother live here doesn't exactly comfort me. For most people, seeing and living with their mother after seven years is a Godsend. But for me, it's a nightmare. With her here, all of those old memories I've repressed for so long come back.

Bella being here doesn't make it much better. How can I survive this without my love to keep me from falling under? Sure, before she hated me but I know that if I were in this situation then, she would have kept her own feelings aside and comforted me.

When Tanya dropped by yesterday, I freaked out. How could she have been my mother's nurse?! How could she have not given my mother her medication?! High school sabotage just wasn't enough for her, she had to go and ruin seven years of my mother's life!

And that kiss with Bella. Well, more of those kisses with Bella. They were amazing, absolutely fantabulisticly amazing. It's been so long since I've been able to do that and, God, I feel like I'm home at last! It feels like my life is complete, like I'm the happiest man in the world! The best part about it is that not only did my mother actually approve of Bella this morning—that feels good because my mother's never approved of any friends that I had—but also because Bella wanted to kiss me! She wanted me to sleep in the same bed as her last night! She wanted me!

But then again, what she said in her sleep last night was equally horrifying. From her words I could tell that she was imagining my childhood. She was imagining the horrors of my past! I shouldn't have told her, that is something I both feel happy about and intensely regretful for. By telling her, I let her inside of my past and let her see my true self but then again, I tainted her pure soul. Because of her parents, her life has been hard enough but now with the knowledge of what I went through a long, long time ago she must feel burdened! I knew I shouldn't have told her! Then why did I? For my sick, selfish needs! I needed to tell someone, I needed to talk through it with her, not just any old someone. Because of that selfish reason she must feel horrible! Then I go and offer to tell her everything and I kiss her! How could I kiss her?!

Of course it felt amazing to do that but there I go again with my selfish needs! I took advantage of her and she probably still thinks that I'm her friend and would never do that to her. But I did, I took advantage of her feelings for my gain. She was feeling sympathy toward me and I took advantage of that! How could I?! After 'daddy dearest' didn't I promise myself I wouldn't do that?! Then this morning when she woke, I tried to pretend like nothing happened but when she came into the kitchen wearing my shirt, my primal instincts took over. It felt right to say my Bella. I forcefully kissed her, yet she didn't say anything. Why didn't she say anything?

Is she starting to feel the same for me or was it sympathy again? I bet it was sympathy, how could she fall in love with someone like me? I have the most horrible past imaginable and I'm not special in any way. There are so many better people in this world for someone as pure and perfect as Bella. But just because I know that she can't love me doesn't mean I'll give up on her so that that retched Jacob Black could take her.

Ever since high school he's hated me because Tanya was infatuated with me. As if I could ever like her! She's claimed to love me but I've never felt anything other than 'family affection' for her. But knowing what she's done now, she doesn't even deserve that. Bella is the one I love and I will always love.

"Edward?! Darling, you've been staring off into space for a while now. Your food is getting cold so eat up!" My mother snapped me out of my thoughts and back to the present. We were sitting down and eating the breakfast I had prepared. Ironically enough, my mother was the one to teach me how to cook. Back in high school, she thought that I should know how to cook so that when the right girl came along, I would be able to take care of her and treat her like the queen she is. I already have that girl yet she doesn't know who she is and when she knew it, she didn't care.

"Sorry, I was just, uh, thinking." Before any of them could reply, I stuffed the food in my mouth and finished quickly. Carlisle and Esme should be here soon, I have to go to work so they promised to take care of mom for me until then. No sooner had I thought that, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." Quickly rushing to the door, I opened it only to see Jacob Black facing me on the other side.

"What are you doing here?! Twice you come here only for me to have something horrible happening, now going for a third time?" He sneered back at me but stayed nonetheless and whispered furiously in reply.

"None of that was my fault, in case you'd like a reminder. I'm here to talk to Bella; last time I came she wanted to talk to me so now I'm here." I rolled my eyes; he actually thinks I'm going to let him talk to her? Please, I'd rather be struck by lighting then let that happen.

"I don't care what she might have said, you are not talking to her lest we want another accident to befall upon her and I'm not letting that happen. In case you'd like a reminder, she's in this situation because of you."

"Me?! She only ran away because you're treating her like some trophy object, a contract?! Are you serious?! Marrying her and keeping her through a contract? How low could you possibly get?"

"She chose to sign the contract! I did it because I love her! Do you love her? No! You want her because I have her!"

"She's my friend, Edward! Long before she was yours! I care about her and I want to protect her from the likes of you!"

"Protect?! You weren't protecting her at the park now were you?! When she's with me, she's protected 24/7 from any harm and right now that includes you!"

"I bet she cried every single night of your marriage! When she was with me, I would listen to her go on and on about how much she dislikes you! How much she wishes that you would agree to a divorce!"

"Well fine then but you weren't the one that she was kissing last night now were you?!" His eyes bulged out at this information but his face once again turned into pure rage. He's like some sort of animal, he can't keep control of his anger and that's his weakness.

"Took advantage of her while she was in no state, Edward! You obviously told her about your sob story past but, hmm, let me guess you didn't tell her all of it now did you? You only told her enough to gain her sympathy. Just like Edward Senior now aren't you?" By now, we were both yelling, Bella and my mom must have heard because not a second later I heard footsteps coming this way. If not for them coming, I think I would have been choking him by now. He has no right to talk to me that way.

"Jacob Black?! Is that you? You've grown into such a big boy! You have your father's eyes." That was the last straw!

"Get out of here, right now." My eyes narrowed and I lowered my voice to a dangerous low. He better get the message before I kill him.

"I'm sorry Elizabeth, but I have to go to work right now. Goodbye!"

"Goodbye!" My mom was leaning out of the doorway to say goodbye to that scoundrel! He even had the nerve to address her!

"Um, Elizabeth I think I see another car pulling up, would you mind going to say hello to them?" Bella was right, Carlisle and Esme pulled in as soon as Jacob left. Bless her soul, she knew that I was shaking with rage and wanted my mother out of here.

Bella POV

Lucky Carlisle and Esme pulled up as soon as Jacob left, whatever they talked about must have infuriated Edward a lot because he was visibly shaking with anger.

"Um, Elizabeth I think I see another car pulling up, would you mind going to say hello to them?" She obeyed and went to go greet them, thank god because Edward doesn't look to well right now. They were going to come back inside to say a quick hello but I told them now wasn't the time. I have to go see what's wrong with Edward. There's a lot that I'm missing, that I don't know.

"Edward? What's wrong? What did Jacob say?" I kept voice calm so as to not anger him anymore by demanding answers from him. He doesn't look like he wants to talk about anything but he needs to get it all out. What he told me last night wasn't all of it. I could tell he was withholding some information from me and I didn't mind then but I have to know now.

"Bella I don't want to talk about it right now." Just like last night, he put his head in his hands while sitting down on the sofa and I went up to him and sat myself on his lap.

"Edward you have to talk about it. You may not want to but obviously you haven't told me the entire truth of your past, now tell me what went down with you and Jacob? Did he want to meet me?"

"Stay away from him, Bella. He's bad news and not good for you." This angered me, he's not telling me everything and yet he wants to keep me away from someone I had a dream about? Jacob is important somehow and I'm going to figure out why.

"How do you know that? You hate him a lot so that must mean that you don't talk to him quite often, now I don't know why you hate him but I'm going to meet him one day. I had a dream about him and that can't just mean nothing!" His eyes darkened but not from desire from suppressed anger and he wrapped his arms around me tightly, not enough to hurt but as if he never wanted to let go.

"I know it Bella. I know Jacob far closer than you think! The dream you had about him should be called a nightmare! It may seem like a good dream but what happened at the end, Bella?! You woke up in a hospital! Jacob is not good! He's—he's vile! You are not going to see him and that's final!" Now anger flashed through me! He can't just tell me what to do!

"Edward I am not a child and I am not a sick patient in need of care, you cannot tell me what to do! You have no right! I am my own person and I just can't wait to be free of you! I never want to see you! You won't tell me anything! You won't tell me the truth when I ask and now you're acting as if you own me!"

Suddenly, everything rushed inside my head. I understand now. I understand everything. I know everything. I got up off Edward in disgust. The ring near my clothes suddenly makes sense. Everything makes sense.

Whoa, didn't expect that now did you? For those of you that wanted to see Bella/Edward fluff and then them falling in love, I'm sorry it's not in this chapter! But don't worry there is a lot of fluff coming up in later chapters. Bella's ridiculousness won't last for long!! Anyways, I hope you liked the chapter—I had a lot of expectation after the last one so I hope that this could live up to it. =]]]