A/N: I know, I know... you all hate me. But you can't hate me anymore cause I'm back!! With a brand new chapter! I get cookies for this... right? Oh, also... I'm starting a new story soon. I'm not sure what the title will be yet, but I'll figure one out and let y'all know. =] R&R please!

Disclaimer: I'm not SM... just Laura, therefore the characters do not belong to me.

recommended music for this chapter: She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5

"Hey, big brother..."

EPOV:

Emmet was glaring at me from behind, or rather above, Alice. I haven't seen my brother since before I left, but I knew that he knew what Mom, Dad, and Bella had been going through since I left. I could see it in his eyes as he looked at me, appraising. He stepped forward, getting a bit closer to me as he began speaking in low tones.

"Edward.. do you know what you put Mom and Dad through? How they hoped and prayed every night that you would return home to them safely. How they begged God every day that this would be the day you came back. And what about Bella. She was left with only Jacob to protect her. Did you know that her mom left and her dad was so down and out about it that he fell into alcoholism? Did you know that Jacob left her, after four years together and her carrying their child. Do you know that, for nearly 3 months after you left, Alice would go to her house and let her cry herself to sleep? Do you know that, even now, because she's a good person, that she still loves you? Do you?", Emmet finished quietly,having thoroughly wiped away my good mood. What he said at the end tore at my heart more than any of his other words. He stepped back and looked on somberly as Bella blinked three times and began to tremble. I reached over to hold her but she stepped away into Alice' waiting arms.

"Shh, shh Bells.", she comforted her, "Everything is going to be fine. Emmet was just trying to hurt Edward. I'm sure he doesn't know what he was talking about. Shh shh." she continued as Bella sobbed harder.

"But--but... He--he's.. he's right, Alice.", she glared at me. "I do love Edward... but I don't know that I could ever forgive him.. or trust him. Ever. I don't think I'll ever be able to trust him again.". That statement was like a slap to the face. On one hand, she loves me. On the other, she hates me. I knew I had to do something to make things better. I just don't know how I could possibly do that. She won't even let me near her.

BPOV:

He moved to comfort me after his brother's outrageous statement, but I couldn't do it. I knew that his touch would set fire to my mind and make it completely impossible for me to control myself. Yes, I loved him. Love him. I probably always will. I just can't let him know that there are ways he could win back my trust, because I, honestly, don't know myself.

"Sorry little B", Emmet said, moving forward to wrap his thickly muscled arms around me. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just trying to get a thought through Eddie boy's thick head.". He grinned down at me and I instantly forgave him.

"And he did...". Edward said quietly. I watched him reach for the door to the mall entrance once more, to hold it open for everyone, and I almost lost it again. He was, of course, beautiful. Angelic. Glorious.

"but he doesn't really love you, not the same way you love him. He just wants to be your friend again. Am I strong enough for even that?" I asked myself .

Emmet, oblivious to the tension as we walked through the doors into the mall, grinned and slapped Edward on the back. "Its good to have you back, bro.". Edward just looked at him incredulously.

"Does this mean you forgive me?", he asked softly. Emmet just smiled and lunged at Edward, securing him in a headlock. After giving him a 'noogie', he stepped back.

"What do you think?", he asked. Edward smiled a small half smile and hugged his brother, glad to have made amends one more time. Over Emmet's shoulder, Edward glanced at me, and I could see all the longing, fear, sadness, and hopelessness stream from his beautiful, angelic, gorgeous...

I smacked myself mentally once more to escape from my unwilling appreciation. Gosh, this pregnancy was harsh.

A/N: Just another filler, but I needed to sort of set the scene for some plans I have, tentavily, of course. I hope you all enjoyed!