Chapter Eleven

Present Day:

Edward had shifted away from Bella in frustration when the subject of Tanya arose. What else could he possibly do or say to convince Bella that Tanya wasn't, and shouldn't, be an issue? He had vowed to stand beside Bella throughout this dilemma concerning the Volturis, to protect her and keep her safe. Edward loved Bella, and tried to show that through his actions and not just with words.

Edward stood up with an audible sigh, deciding he needed some space before he lashed out at Bella. In her vulnerability, Bella was the one who lashed out first. "See, Tanya is a touchy subject. Yet you claim she doesn't matter." Bella said sarcastically.

"It's not a touchy subject for me Bella, but it's clear you're another story." Edward rolled his eyes and started to walk away.

Bella tried to quell the panic that bubbled up inside her as she saw Edward walk away from her. This caused her mouth to move without her brain's permission. "Run to your lover. She'll make it all better."

Edward stopped but didn't turn around. He took a deep breath and shook his head in disappointment. He was surprised to see this side of Bella. His head told him why she was acting this way, but his heart felt the pain of having her hatred directed at him.

Emmett saw the confrontation, though he was too far away to hear the heated words Bella was slinging around. She caught his eye and he easily saw the fear that was so prominently displayed on her heart- shaped face.

As Edward stormed past, Emmet quickly reached out and grabbed his arm. "Edward man, you know she didn't mean it."

Emmett tried to turn Edward back towards Bella so he could see for himself, but Bella turned her back on the both of them before he could. "I'm not so sure Emmett."

"Bella's scared right now, you know that. She's like a caged animal, clawing anyone who comes near."

"Why does she keep throwing Tanya back in my face then, Emmett? No matter how much I wish it didn't happen, there's nothing I can do about it now."

Edward tried to pull away from Emmett's grasp, but this caused him to only hold on tighter. "When she cools down, Ed, the tears will come. It should be you who comforts her, not me."

Edward clenched his jaw and roughly gritted his teeth. "She doesn't want me." Emmett dropped Edward's arm at the sound of the pain in his voice.

As Edward walked off, Emmett looked back at Bella who had been watching the exchange with veiled interest. The look on Emmett's face caused her to leave her pity party behind and quickly move to find Edward.

Bella spotted him sitting on the far side of the lobby, with his head in his hands. Edward felt Bella's gaze on him and slowly looked up with hardened eyes. Her unsure face crumbled at the sight, as she silently tried to mouth, "I'm sorry" through the threatening sobs.

Edward's eyes immediately softened when he saw hers fill with tears. He reached his hand out towards her. Bella eagerly accepted the invitation and unabashedly moved to sit on Edward's lap. He instantly pulled her into his chest and surrounded Bella with warmth.

Edward quieted Bella's cries of "don't let go", while he spoke soothing words against her neck. She tried to voice her apologies aloud, but Edward wouldn't let her. He placed his fingers across her lips, whispering his understanding. "I will not leave you, Bella." Edward said with conviction.

And this time she believed him.

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Emmett, satisfied that Edward and Bella were going to be okay, wandered over towards Tanya and Felix. The hateful look upon Tanya's face proved that she had been watching the reconciliation as well. Emmett chuckled at her childish reaction.

Felix noticed Emmett's presence and invited him to sit down. Emmett didn't want to waste time with small talk. "So why exactly is James worthy of so much fear?"

Felix and Tanya comically stared at Emmett's bluntness. He looked from Tanya to Felix. "What?" Emmett innocently asked.

"Well, ain't you the cheeky one?"

"Tanya." Felix warned his wife. She continued, "Why's James so scary, he says. Where you been living, in a tin of sweet corn?"

"Tanya, that's quite enough." Felix intervened. As Felix tried to calm her down, he draped his arm around her shoulders and tried to explain. "Tan, Emmett can't possibly grasp the seriousness of our situation. Let's give him some leeway, since he hasn't been involved with the exchanges like the rest of us."

Tanya smiled a wicked smile. "Emmett hasn't been risking his neck like the rest of us, you mean. He's been taking the easy way by nicking ladies handbags."

Emmett jumped out of his seat as he raised his voice. "I did not steal your purse and you know it!"

Edward appeared and forced Emmett back down. Felix angrily whispered, "Enough! Both of you."

Emmett swallowed his next remark and focused on Bella instead. "Are you truly frightened of James?" he asked her.

"Yes, very much." Bella answered simply.

Emmett's demeanor calmed at her honest words. He spoke to Edward next. "And you're willing to go against him, to protect her?"

"Absolutely."

"Well, everything is set then." Emmett reluctantly said.

Bella smiled and lightly took Emmett's hand. "I never doubted you, Em."

Tanya mumbled, "Let's not celebrate yet. The wanker is sure to screw something up."

Felix sighed. "Oh Tanya, do shut up!"

Bella and Edward tried to hide their smiles as Emmett clapped a quiet round of applause.