I had trouble with this one. But I hope you like it.

I had just stepped out of the shower when I heard it. A soft rapping on my door. I dismissed it the first time. The light knocking on my door was easily disregarded to the raging storm outside. Wind was something Chicago did not lack. Then there was a second knocking, more urgent this time. Thinking it was someone who had been caught in the storm, I tied my wet hair in a bun and went to the door.

To my utmost surprise and embarrassment it was Edward. I immediately became aware of the way I was dressed and how horrible I must have looked. I tried waving the emotions aside. "Did you have car trouble?" I asked, looking out, I could barley see the Volvo in the rain.

The pained look on his face made me hesitate on inviting him inside. Before he spoke I felt a cold tremor rush through me, "Bella, it's about Lizzy," he paused, "I'm so sorry."

My mind shut down, I couldn't comprehend what he was trying to tell me. "Li-Lizzy?" my voice broke.

"She was in an accident on the way home. My father was there when they brought her in." he paused again, struggling for words. Somewhere in the back of my mind I realized he never had problems talking. ""She…she didn't make it Bella."

I let out an anguished cry and grabbed my keys off the counter. I didn't care that there was a torrential rainstorm outside or that I was wearing grungy pajamas. I had to do something. I refused to believe she was dead. My luck couldn't be that bad.

Unfortunately of perhaps fortunately Edward is stronger than I am and he caught me around the waist as I tried going to my car. I thrashed. I kicked. I did anything to breaking his grip, probably giving myself bruises.

"I have to go" I repeated over and over, my eyes becoming blurry as tears spilled over.

"There's nothing you can do Bella. It's too late." He murmured trying to make me see reason, but my mind was closed.

Eventually my flailing died down as I realized that he was right, there was nothing I could do. I stopped repeating the same stupid phrase and sobbed not so quietly into Edward's shirt. If he felt awkward or uncomfortable he didn't show it. "I don't have anyone Edward! My dad, my mom, Lizzy, they're all gone."

Edward rubbed circles into my back as he tried to comfort me but my bad day wouldn't loosen its grip on me. Only until Edward's phone buzzed did I regain some composure. He looked at his phone and then returned it to his pocket. Hesitantly I pulled away from Edward. "You should go home," I said, my voice sounding like I had been screaming for hours on end. "Your parents are probably worried."

"They know where I am." He said quietly, making it obvious that he knew I shouldn't be left alone. It was nice, in an odd kind of way. Awkwardly I stumbled over to my futon, where I promptly collapsed. I looked back to see Edward studying me. Noticing my gaze he gave me a half grin, "Would you like some tea?"

I gave a grateful smile and he disappeared into my kitchen. Five minutes later Edward came out with a steaming cup. A comforting aroma filled the room. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I always loved the smell of warm tea. It was clean and refreshing, warm and inviting.

He handed me the cup and I took a sip. Warmth entered that helped me gain more composure. Edward sat next to me. I felt guilty breaking down in front of him like that. I looked down and traced the rim of the cup. "Thank you Edward. It's just…I don't seem to fit in anywhere. I-I can't find a place to call home."

I paused, "What is it like," I started hesitantly, "to have a big family?"

He seemed startled for a moment but his facial expression quickly turned thoughtful, "It's crazy most of the time. Trying to get something done is almost impossible. We all have different views. But," he looked up at me, "even surrounded by my family it can be very lonely."

I remembered seeing his family, how they were all paired off except for him, and how he told me he didn't have a girlfriend. I realized he was the only one who could understand my position.

Slowly, carefully, I started my story. At least part of it. It was time for Edward to understand why I was so crazy before. "I never really enjoyed being a part of big crowds. It was like I didn't quite fit in with the people my age. My mom would tease me saying I was born middle aged. I didn't mind too much though. I was never a social butterfly. But then Charlie got sick. I realized that the fewer people that I had come to know and loved meant that I depended on them more. It broke my heart when Charlie died. And when my mom remarried I lost her too." I paused to collect myself, "When I came here I thought I could change that. That I would be able to hold onto the people I loved."

Edward took the cup from my hands and grabbed my hands with his. I didn't know how much I was shaking. Maybe I wasn't as put together as I thought I was. "Bella," he murmured softly, "I promise you don't have to go through anything alone."

His words were soft as he stroked the wet trails the tears had left on my cheek. It was swift and barely touching my skin but I found comfort in it. Exhaustion hit me like a wall as his reassurances settled in. I sagged in my futon so I pulled my knees to my chest. I rested my chin on them, refusing to sleep while Edward was here. As usual he seemed to read my mind.

"You can sleep Bella," he said with a quiet laugh.

"Sleep's overrated," I mumbled as my eyes slid closed of their own accord. My version of reality warped as I felt Edward pick me up. Even in my half dead state I was hyperaware of him, but my mind twisted everything. I couldn't make anything make sense.

I sank deeper into my dream world as my head hit the pillow. Maybe I was already dreaming. I must have been because I could have sworn I felt Edward's lips on my forehead.

S0? Did he kiss her? Or was it just her imagination. Only I know. :D