Wow I'm really slacking off with updating every day…I'm sorry!

I do not own any of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight characters, settings, etc.

The day grew from early afternoon to the darkening hours of night as we sat in the middle of the meadow, talking, laughing. I didn't want that day to end; I wished I could just stay in that meadow and talk to Edward forever, not have to face the pain of what reality really had in store for me. Once I got back out of this meadow, I'd have to answer questions about my dad to police officers or detectives, and I'd constantly have to listen to people say, "It will all be okay." I won't be able to believe that until this whole situation is over.

Once the sun was almost completely down-well, what was there as the sun…we were in rainy Forks, after all-Edward told me that we should be heading home. We were late home from school, and we had lost track of time. Esme and Carlisle must have been in a panic! We rushed out of the meadow, but he still held my hand.

We went to the mostly empty school parking lot-janitors remained to clean up-and we got into his car. He drove off, heading toward the house.

It was only about a 15 minute ride, and when we got home there was a police car parked near the steps to the front door. Officer Stanley, Esme, and Carlisle stood outside the glass house, talking. When they noticed we were here, they had a look of immediate relief on their faces.

We made it up the steps, and I was swarmed by the three of them, bombarded by questions.

"Where were you?" Esme asked frantically, tears in her eyes. "We were so worried! We thought something happened!"

"It's my fault," Edward said. "We were together. It was my responsibility."

"Damn right it was your responsibility!" That was the first time I'd heard her really yell at someone. She was totally pissed off. "Bella, what were you thinking? Both of you! We got a call from the school. They said neither of you came to class after lunch! What happened?"

"We…I…" I trailed off.

"I decided we should ditch class." Edward said.

"It wasn't completely his idea. I said we should." I didn't want to see him end up getting in trouble for no reason.

"I am so disappointed in both of you! You could've put yourselves in danger! And right after this officer tells you to come right home after school!"

"You not coming home was a big risk." Officer Stanley finally spoke. "Be sure not to do it again." He didn't seem to care as much as Esme did.

"They won't." Esme promised him. "Inside the house, both of you. We'll talk to you more about this later."

Edward and I went inside the house and then upstairs.

"Sorry for getting you in trouble," he said.

"It's not your fault. We just lost track of time."

"Well, personally, I'm glad we ditched class."

I smiled at him. "Me, too."

Did he mean because we got out of class, or because of the trip to the meadow, talking, getting to kiss once? I didn't want to ask; it would be embarrassing if it was for the first reason.

I heard the door close behind Carlisle and Esme, and they both talked in anger. I figured the worst of their yelling was to come soon, and I might as well listen, apologize, and let it be forgotten. Hopefully.

They marched up the stairs.

"Please, you two go into Edward's room." Esme said as calmly as possible. We both went to Edward's room. I'd never been in his room much; only once or twice to tell him something or when I got annoyed at him when I was younger so I could take something of his and hide it. His room had all glass walls-like pretty much all the walls in this house-with a door so you could take in the fresh air. He had everything else in a basic bedroom-a TV, CD's, a bed, shelves. Nothing all too special.

We both sat on his bed, and Carlisle and Esme just looked at us for a minute. From the look in their eyes, I knew they knew something was up. Instead of asking about that they began talking.

"You both knew how much danger there would be from Bella being away from home." Carlisle said. He looked at both of us disappointedly, but especially Edward.

"I know, Dad." Edward said. "If anything would've happened, you know I would've protected her. At least she was with me."

"You're my son, Edward. And I trusted you to keep her safe by bringing her home, where she's guaranteed safety. Where were you two, anyway? The school called. They said you never returned from lunch."

"And how convenient is it that two people who know each other well both don't go back to class?" Esme added.

"We know you skipped class, so don't even try making excuses." Carlisle said as I was about to say something.

"Don't blame him." I said. "It's my fault. I'm the one who's safety is on the line. So don't yell at him. If I had gotten hurt…it would've been my fault. Not his."

"Both of you are at fault for skipping. That is that. And as for not coming home…both of you are at fault as well. We were worried about both of you."

"So, Edward," Esme said, "you're grounded for this weekend. And Bella-well, you're not allowed to leave the house, anyway, besides for school. You're not allowed to use the computer until this weekend is over. Got it?"

We both nodded.

"Okay, then." Carlisle said. "Come on, Esme. Let's go fix dinner."

They both left the room, Carlisle's arm around Esme's shoulders. I turned to Edward.

"Sorry, again." I said.

"Not your fault, Bella."

I sighed. "Did you have any plans this weekend?"

He shrugged. "Nah, not really. Maybe I would've seen a movie or something."

"With who?"

He looked at me. "Me."

"Who do you talk to in school? Anyone?"

"Not exactly. I mean, sometimes I talk to someone, but otherwise I'm pretty much a loner."

"Do you like being one?"

"I guess I don't mind it."

"Well, this weekend you'll have someone to hang out with. Me."

He smiled at me. "I'd like that."

Dinner was awkward and silent today, and we all sat around the table, occasionally all looking at one another. However, Carlisle and Esme kept looking at either Edward or I a lot.

"So, Edward, Bella…" Esme said, clearing her throat. "We've noticed you two have gotten along well lately."

"Yup." I said, taking a bite of spaghetti. Was there something wrong with us getting along?

"So…is it…like…well, you two…are you…" She couldn't seem to find the right words.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Esme." I said. "Is there something wrong with Edward and I getting along?"

"No, no." She said defensively. "I just noticed…that's all."

I was glad she didn't accuse us or anything. That would've been awkward. And annoying to explain. Because I didn't even know what was going on yet. I wondered if Edward had an idea. I didn't want to ask him, though.

The silent dinner continued and then I went upstairs to start my homework. I had a Calculus test tomorrow, along with a Biology quiz. Studying was not the best thing for me to do. I was not a good test taker, and I never would be. But, if I tried, maybe I'd get a good grade and Esme wouldn't be as mad at me as she was now.

As I read the third section of my Biology book, a knock came to the door. I turned from my desk chair, and Edward stood against the doorframe. He walked in the room, shutting the door behind him. He sat at my bed, near the desk.

"They have the idea that we like each other." He said, sounding somewhat amused.

"How do you know?"

"I heard them talking about it in the kitchen."

"Oh. Well…"

"What?"

"Do we…like each other?" I asked, one eyebrow raised.

He laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"Bella, wouldn't it mean we liked each other because of the fact that we kissed?"

"I…guess so." I smiled at the thought. Edward liked me. And I liked him. "Yeah, I guess it does mean that."

"Looks like my mom and dad are right. It doesn't mean they have to know for a fact, though."

"What else did they say?"

He shrugged. "Didn't hear."

"Oh." I thought of something I wanted to ask him, so I changed the subject of the conversation. "Have you found out anything about my father?"

He shook his head. "I'm not supposed to tell you, but we're going to the detective's office on Sunday morning."

"Really? What's gonna happen?"

"He just has some stuff to go over."

"But you're grounded."

"They want me to know about this."

"Do you know why?"

"They told me that I need to know in case I see anything. So then I'll know to tell someone."

"Right. And why can't I know, then?"

"Detective Robinson says he doesn't want you to be too freaked out. Sometimes people go insane because of the fear. He says you just need to focus on being safe."

"That's not fair. I should be able to know."

He shrugged.

"So…Edward…you have plans on Saturday?"

He grinned, playing along with the joke. "I don't know. I'll have to see. Why?"

"Well, I was wondering if you'd like to watch a movie in the living room. Your parents will probably be out, though. Is that okay with you?"

"I suppose. I'll meet you there, seven o'clock?"

"Deal."

He stood, heading toward the door. On his way out, he said, "Can't wait," and smiled at me once more for today.

Again, sorry for not updating in so long. I can't update this weekend but I will be writing, so hopefully I'll have a chapter up by Monday. Thanks everyone for reading! Please review!