A/N: so…this chapter was particularly hard to write. I know many of you have expressed extreme frustration with Bella in this story and well, Bella decided to be Bella. See, my method for writing is kind of strange. The characters talk to me, in my head. Ally thinks I'm showing signs of schizophrenia… So…I got to this chapter and as you'll see, we get little glimpses of Bella's past. Well, she just clammed up…nada, nutton, for weeks. They were standing outside in the cold, teeth chattering and Bella wouldn't talk. For weeks… Then one night this week at 2 am, I started getting bits and pieces, some from Edward, some from Bella. She started giving me little things. It's odd, she's so tight lipped about her past in this story and that just translated into my head and she just wasn't ready to go there. So with that, it's taken forever to update.

To those of you who sent me PM's and reviews I appreciate the motivation, I really do and I feel like a jerk saying well, sorry, RL got in the way. It did, I was working hard on my Twilight gift exchange, which I can't wait to post for ya'all. I enjoyed writing a different Edward and Bella and lets just say there's chocolate involved…

But really the delay in this chapter was just Bella being afraid of all the things she was feeling. I seriously spent two hours online with VJGM just talking about this chapter and what I was going to do with it, things ended up totally different than my outline and we get something in this chapter that wasn't supposed to happen for a couple more chapters. *coughHopeandBellameetcough*

I hope you enjoy it and again I apologize profusely for the extended wait. I'm hoping Bella is more cooperative going forward because there are some scenes I just can't wait to write but I need to get to them. This chapter is 26 pages in word and nearly 11,000 words. I hope it was worth your wait!

Thanks as always to my Beta's VJGM and Withthevampsofcourse because without them this story would just plan suck, and the comma abuse and run on's would be rampant. Thanks for helping me sound better than I really do.

Also, side note…I've updated my profile with the songs in this chapter, a picture of Rosalie's car, Edward car and a link to the diner they all go to (which is a great website because it has music, and after you go there, PM me and tell me how much you can totally see Edward and Emmett eating there all the time. I'm going to go back to Chicago just to go there…)


Chapter 12 – Breaking Traditions

It would be a lie to say I wasn't nervous going back to Shady's. Last time I was there, it wasn't all that long ago, and to be honest, I was fearful Teddy would remember me. It felt wrong not telling Edward I'd seen him prior to actually meeting him. Dishonest. And, if nothing else, I believed that Edward was always honest with me. But to tell him would mean I'd have to explain why I was there. Explain the anniversary of sorts, which I was not willing to do. Not now. Maybe not ever.

I'd made my way into the bar with Jasper and Alice when we immediately found Rose and Emmett seated at the table right in front of the stage. I snickered as I walked past the bar and overheard Tanya vehemently protesting her apparent ousting from her coveted table closest to the piano. "Teddy, seriously, this is just wrong. We're loyal patrons, we come here all the time. We could at least be afforded the courtesy of having our regular table saved for us."

Teddy was wiping down his bar top, patiently ignoring the whine that was coming from Tanya and her entourage of college sorority sisters. "Edward's fan club" as he'd called it last time.

I took the seat with my back toward the bar. If I sat like this all night, then Teddy would surely not notice me.

The energy in the bar was different from last time; there were quite a few more people, and I'm sure it had something to do with being the weekend. Plus, there wouldn't be just a piano on stage, but a band. Edward took the stage with two other guys, one who played the guitar and another who played the drums.

The night was anything but predictable as I watched Edward talk to the crowd, play requested songs and smile more than I think he ever had in the short time we'd come to know each other. He may be a doctor, but music was his thing. The crowd was eating him up. People were dancing and requesting crazy songs, all of which he seemed to know.

I was beginning to think Edward was a musical savant.

I sat in a chair and watched Edward all night. I talked to Jasper and laughed with Rose. I drank with Emmett and I dodged Alice's requests for bathroom chats. But all the while, I watched Edward.

Jasper at one point leaned over and whispered in my ear, "It's nice to see you laugh, Bella."

I smiled and squeezed his hand as I leaned over and whispered back, "It's nice to laugh, Jasper."

Edward left the stage for a break and James and Matt continued to play. Edward walked to the table, directly over to me. It sent me back to that night when I'd last seen him play. His look had been so feral, determined; like he came to the table with a purpose. Once again, Edward approached like he was stalking his prey. This time, instead of feeling embarrassment or fear, I felt a slight shiver start at the base of my spine that went right to the hairs on the back of my neck.

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks as he extended his hand to me, not even paying attention to anyone else. "Dance with me?"

My eyes hadn't left his. I didn't dare look at the faces around me. "I…I can't…" I don't dance. I couldn't dance. The last time I danced was at the father-daughter dance in eighth grade with Charlie. To say it was awkward would have been an understatement. Dancing was never Charlie's thing, even when Renee and I would bop around the kitchen or while dusting the living room, Charlie never did more than observe. Rhythm to Charlie was being able to tell the difference between getting your line stuck on an underground structure and the slightest hit from a fish. Rhythm was the perfect cast, not the newest dance craze.

But Edward, as usual, wouldn't be deterred. He leaned down and I felt the warmth of his breath as he whispered in my ear. "Just like you can't eat anything but apple pie? Trust me, Bella."

The last time I'd danced was with Charlie… "Edward, I really can't…please." I felt my chest constrict as visions of Charlie and his red-stripped tie twirling me across the dance floor filled my mind. Edward pulled me up and whispered in my ear, "I promise, I won't let you fall."

Come on, Bells. Dance with your old man, I promise I won't let you fall.

His words both melted and burned within my chest. Melting the long-standing ice yet burning my heart as memories rushed back to me. I took his hand and we made our way to the dance floor. We stopped in the midst of the crowd and Edward spun me as if it were something I did everyday.

I told him that spinning wasn't the best thing to do with someone who was coordination-challenged. He simply smiled and replied, "You walk just fine. And only the most beautiful brown-eyed girl should dance to Van Morrison. Are you ready?"

Sensing the double meaning of his words, I looked directly into his eyes, "No…" Was I ready for this? For all of this? For what Edward was offering me? Was I ready to take a step away from the corner I'd lived in for the last ten years?

Edward pulled me back to him after spinning me around again. "I promised I wouldn't let you fall."

I laughed, remembering Charlie as he spun me around the gymnasium floor. I remembered what it was like to be carefree and loved. I told Edward he was crazy, he was tempting fate by keeping me out here on the dance floor. He took the opportunity to try and get me to sing the song we were dancing to. For the first time in so long I couldn't even recall, I felt light and free. I danced with reckless abandon and I laughed as Edward spun me around, singing sha la la la's to me.

Edward dipped me, and as I lay back over his arm, he came closer to my face. His gaze flickered from my eyes to my lips then back again. "Van Morrison is quintessential. You'll have a CD tomorrow full of his good stuff, and the CD player."

I rolled my eyes at him, knowing this was a battle I would never win. "I'm not going to win this one, am I?"

Edward then rolled me back up so my back was flush to his chest. "Nope. It will be easier if you stop fighting it."

My breath caught in my throat as I noticed the noise had faded to the background. We stopped dancing and I turned to look at him. "I give up."

Thinking this was the perfect time to escape the dance floor, I told Edward I needed a drink and led him back to the table where I reintroduced Jasper and Alice. He greeted both of them then continued to make small talk as a waitress came up and gave Edward a large glass of water.

He told me one of the guys in the band had a brother who was in a quartet and he'd agreed to talk to us after the last set, if I'd like that. After everyone agreed, Edward had gotten up, excusing himself so he could get ready until Emmett reached out and grabbed him. "Loser buys breakfast for a week."

Edward laughed and replied, "Sure, I could use a free week's worth of breakfast." Then he walked back toward the restrooms.

I looked over at Emmett who was rubbing his hands together watching as Edward walked away.

"What was that about?"

Emmett raised his eyebrows and smirked. "Oh, Edward and I have this little game. See, he thinks he's some kind of musical prodigy –"

Rose interrupted him. "No, Emmett, you think he's some kind of musical prodigy."

Emmett barely glanced at her before adding, "Not the point. Anyway, Edward, musical prodigy, Mr. Musical Know-It-All."

Rose rolled her eyes. "He knows more than you…"

This time Emmett turned completely to look at her. "Not the point." He turned back to me. "As I was saying. When it's request night, I try to throw some zingers at him. Get him to fumble the ball, admit he doesn't know everything-"

Rose chimed in again, "He always kicks your ass, Emmett."

He slowly turned toward her again. ".Point." She then poked him in the chest. "You're going to be buying his smug ass breakfast for a week, again. You mope worse than a teenage girl who's lost her cell phone privileges, I can't take it again."

Emmett huffed back into his chair. "Rose, seriously, not the point." He looked at me. "What's the point again? Oh, yeah. Edward, musical Charlie Babbitt, anyway. I come up with crazy songs and we bet stupid shit, just so I can best him-"

Rose crossed her arms over her chest. "Which you never have."

Now Emmett rolled his eyes. "ROSE! Seriously, you're killing me here."

She smiled back at him. "Not the point, Em."

Jasper was trying hard not to laugh and Alice was just watching the verbal tennis match intently as they went back and forth. She looked back to Emmett and said, "So what's your song, Emmett?"

He smiled as he looked from Rose to Alice. "Not yet, I don't want to jinx myself. Let's just say it's a good one, there's no way he's going to know it." He turned back to Rose. "And when he doesn't, HE will be buying ME breakfast for a week." I laughed at the look on Rose's face. She clearly did not have the confidence Emmett did in his song choice.

I turned around and glanced back toward the bathroom. I noticed Edward was flat against the wall while Tanya stood directly in front of him, twirling her hair between her fingers. To say Edward looked uncomfortable would have been an understatement, and I almost considered going back to save him. For almost a second I thought I felt a twinge of jealousy. Almost. But what did I have to be jealous about? I had no hold over Edward, and I didn't want one. Right? Right.

I smiled as I remembered how enthusiastic Tanya had been that first night I was here at the bar. I quietly chucked as I remembered that old saying Every dog has their day. Well, maybe today was Tanya's. Her shot at the "piano man". Turning back toward the table, I caught Emmett's eye. He looked at me curiously, then looked over my shoulder to the back hallway. "Ah, the crazy redhead. Look at her, she's got it bad."

I laughed as I looked back to the potential train wreck in the restroom hallway. "She really does, doesn't she?"

"You have nothing to worry about," Emmett said as he reached for his drink.

I shrugged and shook my head, "I'm not worried, why would I be?"

Emmett raised one eyebrow at me, which really annoyed me because, hell, I can't do that. He put his drink down and said, "Well-"

Rose interrupted him again. "Yeah, Emmett, why would she be worried? Plus, we all know, Edward doesn't like redheads, he's more the brunette type."

An eerie hush came over the table. I was just about to break the uncomfortable silence when we heard James. "Well, ladies and other patrons. It's time for my break now, so I'm going to leave you in the ever-so-capable hands of Edward and Matt. But before I go, we have a little treat for you. My man Edward here's been working on something of his own lately. And I know him well enough to know he'd probably never play it for you on his own, so I'm gonna put him on the spot."

Emmett responded by hooting and clapping, while Edward hung his head and looked embarrassed. He raised his head and locked eyes with me, and I clapped to cheer him on. He broke my gaze to reach for the guitar that was resting near the piano and began to play it. "This is a notch down from what we've been playing tonight. It's rough, but I hope you like it."

He lifted his head once again and stared back at me. "It's for my newest fan. This song is called 'I was Broken'."

I barely registered the squeal coming from Tanya's table as Edward began playing the guitar again a soft and slow tune permeating the air. The words he sang bit into my soul, once again. Edward spoke to me through the music he played from within.

I was tied but now unbound,
My head is off the ground
For a long time I was so weary
Tired of the sounds, I've heard before

The gnawing of the nighttime at the door

Haunted by the things I did,

My heart froze as the words ricocheted off the memories that were locked in my head. I remember being at Angela's house when Deputy Mark came to the door. His words, I heard them clear as day.

"Bella, I'm sorry."

"Accident on the mountain…"

"Coming back from Port Angeles…"

"Ran out of gas…"

"The truck lost control…"

Haunted by the things I did… I'd be forever haunted. The tears fall without remorse. They fall out of habit, out of the guilt of knowing the why behind the how. I was haunted every night with the why.

I know there's no place to hide.
Stuck between the burning shade and the fading light

I was broken for a long time, but it's over now;

Said I was broken for a long time, but it's over now

I felt a single tear drop from my eye. I couldn't allow myself to cry, not now. I reached for my wine and emptied the glass.

Yes, and you
You walk these lonely streets and people stand
People stand

There are some wounds that just can't mend
And I do pretend
Now I'm free from all the things that take my friends
And I will stand here till the end

Truthfully, I barely knew Edward. He was virtually a stranger in my world. So, how could he know the very depths and darkness of my traitorous soul? Was I really an open book for him to read? How could he know the words to sing? He always knew what to say.

Were we really the same? No, not the same. We both had lost. He was an innocent victim. Me? Not so much.

Broken.

It's over.

Is it over?

Stuck between the burning shade and the faded light

Stuck. Past and present, yet to be reconciled. Stuck between the past and present.

It's not over yet.

I was broken for a long time

But it's over now

It's over now

It's over now

I broke away from my silent reverie, as I looked to Edward, strumming the guitar over the last few chords. Everyone was clapping and cheering. I felt my heart thump in my chest, loud and clear as Edward looked over at us. It may not be over for me; it may never be over for me, but for some reason, his words brought me hope. I felt the cage weaken in my mind. I realized I was scared. I'd been so numb for so long it was painful to feel.

I looked around the table. I looked at the people who were sitting with me, laughing with me and some who were crying with me over the words Edward sang. I was so scared. I'd let them in. I never meant to, I'd never really made the conscious choice. Jasper and Alice meant more to me than I was ever willing to let onto.

I was broken for a long time

They were all finding a way in. Rose, and now Emmett.

And Edward.

I watched Edward walk back to the piano. He began playing a song for Jasper and Alice squealed as she reached over and grabbed Jasper's hand, pulling him toward the dance floor.

I laughed as I watched them and realized - I'd let them in. All of them, in their own way. I may not have known I was doing it, but I did. And I don't think I could bear it if I lost them now. I smiled as I watched Edward play while Jasper and Alice danced. Rose and Emmett had been facing the stage, then Emmett turned to face me. He looked at me quizzically, as if he were trying to get the last three blocks of the Rubik's Cube to line up.

"What?"

Rose turned around and looked between Emmett and myself. Looking between the two of them, I slowly tilted my head. "Seriously, what?"

Emmett looked at Rose, then back at me. "Nothing," he replied. "Nothing at all. I'm going to get another beer, you ladies want a refill?"

Rose smiled at him. "Sure. Bella, merlot, right?"

I nodded as Emmett picked up my empty glass and left the table. I turned back to catch Rose staring at me also. "Okay, seriously, is there something on my face?"

She laughed. "No, Bella. Really, it's nothing."

I looked at her like she was crazy. "You know, you're all a little weird, right?"

"Oh, Bella, you don't know the half of it. I just think Emmett's a little emotional right now, and, well, I just think maybe he thinks you're the cause of it."

"Me? What did I do?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. But whatever it was, I hope you never stop."

I sighed. "You know, you guys are the reason I avoid the mass population. I feel like I'm stuck in Bizarro World or something, I have no clue what you're talking about."

She laughed at me again. "I know, that's the beauty of it. You don't even know."

"Oh my God, Rose. Spit it out already."

She leaned forward toward me. "Edward, Bella. Edward."

"What about him?"

She shook her head slowly. "I know you barely know him, so you wouldn't know how much he's changed, but these last few weeks…he's a different person. Night and day. And I don't know, but I think it may have something to do with you."

I leaned back, away from her, away from the conversation. "Me? What could it possibly have to do with me? We barely know each other."

Rose followed my lead and leaned back in her chair then shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe it's just the timing," she smirked at me, "yeah, I'm sure that's it. Just the timing."

Emmett came back with our drinks and told us how Tanya was up at the bar telling everyone how Edward had dedicated his song to her. "She really thinks he sang it to her. I kinda feel bad for her, poor disillusioned girl…almost."

Jasper and Alice had returned to the table. Alice asked Emmett, "Who do you feel bad for?"

"Tanya," I replied.

Emmett turned to face me. "How do you know her name? Do you know who she is?"

Shit. "Um…no? I just…I heard her friend say her name earlier."

Emmett cocked his head to the side and gave me one of those glances that just freezes you in your shoes. Shit.

Shit…shit…shit

He grinned one of Edward's little crooked half-smiles at me. Damn it…must be genetic… He turned to face Alice. "Well…Tanya…seems to think Edward was singing his song to her, she's telling everyone at the bar about it. I kinda feel a little bad for her, poor girl. She never stood a chance."

He looked back to me. "Being a redhead and all, I'm quite confident she's not the one he was singing for." For some reason my body reacted and I felt the blood rush to my face. I looked away toward the stage just as the bouncer was removing two girls from between James and Edward.

I heard Emmett say "Oww!" and turned in time to see Rose shaking her head at him. I chuckled as he rubbed his head. As I sat there smiling I'd realized, I'd let them in, and I liked them there. Maybe I wasn't as broken as I'd thought I was.

I turned to the stage to see Edward laughing as he showed James and Matt a request paper. Edward turned toward the crowd and said, "To quote Jimmy Buffett, 'if you stretch your imagination ever so thinly you can put this into the category of a love song…a little alter boy dream'…Why don't we…" he toggled two keys on the piano and everyone in the crowd yelled, "get drunk and screw!"

I nearly choked on the wine I had been drinking! "That's a real song??" Emmett laughed as he turned to look at me.

"Damn Bella, have you been living under a rock or something. This is like, a total man anthem AND…it's Buffett."

I stared at him like I should understand what he was saying…maybe…in another lifetime. He looked at me like I had three heads. "Wastin' away again in Margaritaville? Cheeseburger in paradise? Really, nothing?"

I shook my head. He looked aghast… he shook his head and said, "Really?" He looked to Rose and she shrugged. He turned to Jasper. "Dude, where'd you find her? What asylum did you spring her from?" He just laughed at Emmett and raised his hands. "I hold no accountability for her lack of musical awareness. I just feed her hot chocolate addiction and occasionally get her out of her apartment. Maybe Edward can bring her some musical enlightenment."

I closed my mouth, which apparently had fallen open. I pouted as I replied, "Not you too, Jasper."

Alice hugged Jasper and she replied, "Come on, Bella. You know we love you."

I crossed my arms and huffed back into my chair. "Love assumes one wouldn't throw said loved one under the oncoming bus."

The night was winding down as Emmett picked up the request paper he'd had sitting before him all night. He wrote on the paper and pulled a fifty-dollar bill from his wallet. He smiled as he rose from his chair. "This here, Rosie my girl, this is free breakfast for a week."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever, Emmett. It's your wallet."

Emmett walked up to the piano and placed his slip of paper on the piano then leaned over to say something to Edward. Edward looked at the paper and laughed as James came over and laughed with Edward.

Emmett came back to the table and said, "He'll never know it. Free breakfast for a week."

Alice looked at Emmett and asked, "So what's the song?" Emmett's eyes lit up. "It's some obscure bluegrass song; one of the ladies in the front office told me about it. Alison Krauss, Baby, Now That I've Found You. Out of his element. He'll never know it."

Alice slammed her hands down on the table and looked as if she'd been struck by inspiration. Jasper lowered his head to the table. "Oh God…"

Emmett looked confused as Alice flew from the table to the stage. She ran right by the bouncer and sat down right next to Edward, her mouth going as fast as her hands. Emmett looked from Jasper to me. "What?"

Just then I heard Edward. "Alright, this is a special request from my cousin, Emmett. He's out of the closet, folks. Bluegrass is his thang. We have a special guest singer for this song. Apparently, it has meaning for the little dark-haired sprite here."

Jasper raised his head;, his entire face right up to his ears was red.

"Also, our lovely bartender wants me to tell you it's last call…last call for alcohol…remember to tip your waitress and I hope you enjoy Alice singing 'Baby, now that I found you' – by Allison Kraus and Union Station. Almost as much as I'll be enjoying free breakfast for a week. Emmett…you lose, once again."

Emmett slammed his fist on the table and Rose just laughed. He gave her the evil eye as Alice started to sing. She had a lovely voice, very sweet and delicate. Emmett shook his head as Rose rubbed his back. "It's okay, Emmett."

He continued to glare at her. "It's not okay, he had help. That's cheating."

I smiled as I watched Alice and Edward on stage. I turned to look at Jasper, who was staring at her like she was the proverbial glass of water and he'd just emerged from the desert. You could feel the love he had for her, and it was as beautiful as her voice. I leaned over and whispered in his ear. "You're a very lucky man, Jasper Whitlock."

He simply nodded, never taking his eyes off of Alice. I watched as they locked eyes; the air was filled with the love they shared, a tangible feeling that permeated the air we breathed. It was beautiful, truly beautiful. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I hoped someday to have that.

The song ended and Jasper rose to his feet, clapping and whistling for Alice. The lights came on and people started to clear out. Alice flitted over and leaned up to kiss Jasper. I looked away so as not to intrude on their moment. Emmett was pouting over where Edward was standing and I watched as Rose came up behind him and encircled his waist with her arms. My eyes caught Edward's gaze as we locked eyes and he smiled at me.

"Hey, Bella?"

I turned toward Alice. "Yeah?"

"I just wanted to thank you for inviting us out tonight. I had a great time. I really did, and I just want to thank you."

I smiled at her, "No problem, Alice. It was fun, we'll have to do it again."

Her face lit up like a kid in a candy shop. "We will. Soon. Right, Jasper?"

He chuckled at her exuberance. "Yeah. Soon Alice."

Edward approached the table with Matt and introduced everyone there, saving me for last. We made arrangements to set up a time where I could hear his brother's quartet play and congratulated Edward on a great night. After Matt left, Edward invited us out to breakfast, on Emmett of course. He did lose the bet after all, and he was still sulking.

Everyone seemed to disappear all at once as Edward left to clear off the stage. Jasper and Emmett left to retrieve the jackets from the coat-check. Rose and Alice headed off to the bathroom and I waited at the table for everyone to return. Suddenly, I felt someone's eyes on me. As I turned I saw Teddy leaning against the mirrored wall smiling at me. I felt the telltale blush as it covered my face. I tried to look away, but he kept his eyes locked on mine and shook his head slowly then crooked his finger at me. He'd recognized me, I was sure of it. Damn.

I slowly walked over to the bar and he reached behind him and pulled out a glass. "If I remember correctly, you're a double scotch on the rocks. Right?"

I put my hand over the glass. "Not tonight, Teddy. That drinks reserved for certain nights only. Tonight ain't one of 'em."

He cocked his head and nodded. "Good to know." He got silent as my fingers danced along the rim of the glass.

"So…" I finally managed to squeak out.

"So, indeed," he stated as he crossed his arms over his chest, a slight smile playing across his face. "How 'bout a name? Last time, if I recall correctly, you were pretty tight-lipped."

I looked up at him, panic coursing through my veins. "Um…Bella."

He reached across the bar to me and I shook his hand. "Well, it's nice to make your acquaintance, 'Um Bella'. I'm glad to see you've found some friends. Overrated or not, they're good to have around."

I released his hand and smiled, looking down and feeling the blood color my face yet again. "Yeah, I guess they are."

Just then Edward approached the bar, looking quizzically between both Teddy and me. "Teddy. Everything okay?"

I watched as he grinned and looked at Edward, then back to me. "Yeah, everything's great. You did great tonight, probably the best night ever. I'm liking it."

Edward looked puzzled and I held back a chuckle as I wondered if that was how I looked to Teddy. "Liking what?"

As he turned to Edward, he winked at me. "I'm liking you with friends. Kindred spirits and all. Have a great night, Edward. And Bella," he reached out and took my hand. Pulling it to his lips he kissed it. "It was nice to meet you. Keep smiling. It suits you."

As we stepped outside of the bar, Jasper and Emmett went to get their cars out of the parking garage and Edward stayed with "the ladies" as Emmett so nicely put it. It had started to rain, so we were all huddled under the small awning outside of the bar and my teeth had started to chatter.

A beautiful red Camaro pulled up along the sidewalk and Emmett emerged with an umbrella. "Edward, you riding with us?"

Edward shook his head. "No, I actually drove tonight."

I pulled my eyes from the beautiful car to see Emmett reaching a hand out for Rosalie. "That's a nice car, Emmett."

Rose grinned at me as Emmett walking Rose to the driver's side door. "That it is, but it ain't mine. Only the best for my Rosie."

I scoffed. "Rose, that's your car?"

She tilted her head and lifted her eyebrows. "Of course. Emmett drives a truck. I, on the other hand, prefer style over function. Wanna ride?"

"Um…no…" I chuckled, "the thought of you behind the wheel of that kind of…scares me?"

She shrugged. "Suit yourself. You can always ride with Edward and his soccer mom car."

I heard Edward gasp and I turned to look at him as he scowled at Rosalie. "I prefer safety over style. And the S80 is not a soccer mom car."

I heard Alice giggle as Jasper pulled up in his SUV and she turned to Edward. "S80? I don't speak car. What's an S80?"

His eyebrows were knit together as he turned to Alice, still glaring at Rose. "Not a soccer mom car. I drive a Volvo."

Jasper got out of his SUV carrying an umbrella. He looked confused between Alice and Edward. "Bella, you coming with us?"

I turned to face Edward who was still pouting and smiled. "Do you want some company? I won't pick on your car." That seemed to break him out of his trance as he smiled slightly and responded. "Sure, I'd love company. Jasper, do you know where we're going?"

Jasper closed Alice's door as she pulled the seatbelt over her lap. "Nope, I figured I'd follow you."

Edward nodded. "Okay, do you mind waiting with Bella while I get my car?"

Jasper walked over to where I was and put his arm around my shoulder. "Not a problem." He turned to face me. "Cold?"

I nodded my head. "What gave it away, the clanking of my teeth or the love I'm showing for my jacket?"

He smiled. "I'd say it was a little of both. Tonight was fun." He put his arms around my shoulders and pulled me into a hug under his umbrella.

I squeezed him back. "Yes, it was. I had a good time." He released me and looked down into my eyes, searching for what, I'm not sure. "I'm glad you did, Bella. I really am."

Just then Edward pulled up, he ran around the car carrying an umbrella. "Benefits of a 'soccer mom' car, heated seats. We'll have you warm in no time."

Jasper laughed as he walked back to his SUV. "I'll follow you, then."

I slid into the front seat of Edward's car and thought, Soccer mom's car or not, heated seats are a definite benefit.

Edward slid in and tucked the umbrella onto the back floor. "You all set?"

I nodded my head at him as he pulled out of the side road and Jasper fell in behind us. Rose and Emmett were gone; I'm sure to get a table ahead of us.

The ride was silent, reminding me of the first ride that Edward and I had shared. Not wanting to slip back into the awkwardness we shared that first night, I plucked up the courage and asked about the restaurant we were going to.

"Well," Edward responded, "it's a small place that Emmett and I go to a lot. They have great breakfast. Do you have something specific you like to eat for breakfast, or are you up for suggestions?"

I snickered. "Suggestions? From you? Am I going to end up eating five different breakfast dishes?"

He shook his head as he turned down a side street and parked. "Well, Bella, are you going to tell me something like you only eat oatmeal?" He turned to face me, mischief playing in his sparkling eyes. "Because if that's a yes, I'm going to have to intervene. The diner is actually world renowned for its Eleven City French toast. I highly recommend it."

I felt my chest constrict as he continued to look into my eyes. "Well, I guess I'll have to trust you and have that then."

He grinned at me. "Good."

I noticed Jasper and Alice standing outside the car and went to open the door when Edward reached over and placed a hand on my arm. "Hold on, let me get the umbrella."

Not sure why, but I felt the heat in my face as his hand lingered on my jacket-covered arm. He gently squeezed my arm, and then he opened his door and raced to my side. The rain was really coming down now as we all ran together into the diner.

The bell on the door jingled as old time music filtered through the sound system. Emmett stood in the corner at a large horseshoe-shaped booth. Edward put his hand on my lower back as we made our way to the corner while Emmett reached for our jackets, handing them on a hook next to the table. Rose was already looking through the menu as Alice slid in next to her.

"Em, honey, what did I have last time I was here? I can't remember."

He slid in next to her and kissed her gently. "Um…I think it was that Basil Pesto Omelet?"

She raised her eyebrows at him and smiled. "Yep, that was it. You're so sweet, remembering that. See, it's the little things like that, that's the reason I love you."

He leaned in and kissed her neck. "And here I thought it was because I could…" he whispered in her ear and she slapped him away.

"Emmett McCarty Cullen, you're going to pay for that."

Just then a waitress came up to our table. "Good morning, so what can I get you all to drink?"

Emmett turned from Rose and looked at the waitress. "Good morning…" he paused as he looked at her nametag, "Melissa…how are you? How about a pot of coffee and a round of waters?" He turned to look at everyone at the table. "That work for you guys?"

Everyone nodded. "Actually, can you bring this lady here a hot chocolate with whipped cream? She doesn't drink coffee." I smiled at Edward's request and the fact that he remembered that.

Alice then leaned forward. "Excuse me, could I please get some lemon for my water?"

I raised my hand. "Make that two, please?"

And Rose added, "Actually, three if it's not a problem."

Melissa smiled. "No problem at all, I'll bring those right over."

"I don't get the whole lemon thing," Emmett stated. "Is there a purpose, or is it just a chick thing because I never see a guy asking for lemon in their water?"

Jasper shook his head. "Don't ask. Last time I did, I got an hour-long lecture on the benefits of lemons to a body and how water plain is just…" he rolled his eyes and acted exasperated, "so plain," as he sighed.

Edward chuckled and Emmett just looked lost. I turned to him, saying, "It's a chick thing, Emmett, just let it go." I noticed Alice lean over and flick Jasper's ear. "Ouch! Well, it's the truth!"

She now rolled her eyes at him and crossed her arms over her chest. "Whatever." I had to laugh as Jasper rubbed his ear and Alice huffed.

I turned toward Edward. "So, I take it you've been here before."

Rose scoffed. "Been here? He and Emmett eat breakfast here more than at home. I'm shocked they don't have their own booth yet."

Emmett pouted. "Aw…Rosie, you know it's nothing personal. You hate making breakfast, and Edward and I have been coming here since high school. See, makes everyone happy. You don't have to cook and, well, you just don't have to cook."

Jasper was looking over the menu now. "So, then, what's good?"

Emmett turned toward Jasper. "Dude, two words - steak and eggs."

Jasper nodded as Emmett sat back and put his arm around Rosalie. Melissa came back with our drinks and pulled out her pad. "So, we ready to order?"

Emmett responded. "Yes, ma'am, we are." He nodded toward Jasper who took his advice and ordered the steak and eggs, Alice had the Belgian waffles with berries, Rosalie ordered her omelet, Emmett ordered the same as Jasper. Edward ordered something called the Tom Waits 2 a.m. breakfast and I took his advice, order the Eleven City French toast.

We all sat and talked comfortably until our food arrived. As we started eating, Rosalie turned to Edward. "Oh God, I almost forgot. Edward, you're working on Thanksgiving this year, huh?"

Edward nodded, swallowing his food. "Just in the morning, why?"

She continued. "So, you'll be home for dinner then?"

"I think so," he replied. "We're not eating until three, right?" Rosalie nodded as she took another bite of her omelet. "What time is pie this year?"

I turned to look at Edward, as he seemed to mull the question over in his head. "Um, I was thinking around six or so. That gives everyone time to be with their families and then those who leave come back to the hospital. Probably between six and seven."

Alice, who looked about as lost as me, piped up. "Pies?"

Emmett, who was cutting into the giant steak on his plate, barely looked up as he responded. "Family tradition."

Edward looked at Alice and replied, "We bring homemade pies to the hospital on Thanksgiving for the families who have sick relatives. Most of them don't leave the hospital, so we try and bring a little of the holiday to them."

Alice pouted. "Aw, that's so sweet. I bet they really appreciate that." She cut into her waffle and took a bite. "Oh my, sweet baby Jesus, Jaz you gotta try these." Jasper looked a little overwhelmed at his own plate. "Not sure I'm going to have room, Alice."

I laughed as cut a bite of my French toast. Edward was watching me and I smiled at him as I put a bite into my mouth.

I moaned as the combination of strawberries, bananas and toasted coconut hit my tongue. "Good lord, Edward." I noticed his eyes close slightly as he tilted his head. "Oh my God. This is sinful." His eyes seemed to bounce between my lips and my eyes.

"I'm glad you like it."

The table had gotten quiet all of a sudden as I turned to look at Rose smiling at me. She winked and mouthed the word "timing".

I crinkled my brow at her and shook my head. She was still staring at me as she asked, "So, Jasper, Alice, what are you two doing for Thanksgiving?" I turned toward Jasper who was seemingly lost - looking between Rosalie and me.

"Well," he drawled, "we were going to go to Texas to see my parents but they were asked to go on a last minute cruise with my aunt and uncle. So, we're staying local. Alice's parents already had plans since they assumed we wouldn't be coming by."

I noticed she hadn't turned away from me as she asked, "And you, Bella? Do you have any plans?"

I dropped my eyes to my plate as I responded. "I don't usually, um…well, holidays aren't that big of thing to me, you know? I kind of have some plans."

She leaned back as she continued to pierce me with those clear blue eyes of hers. "Really, with anyone special?" I noticed Edward shift uncomfortably next to me as he reached for his coffee.

I shook my head as I felt the telltale heat of the blush now staining my cheeks. "Well, um..no, not really. I just kinda like to be by myself. Nothing big. Plus, I have a paper due after the holidays I really need to work on."

She pursed her lips and continued. "Don't you actually have the week off for the holiday?"

I nodded. "Um, yeah."

She then leaned forward and put her elbows on the table around her plate. "Well, then you have plenty of time to work on your paper. I think the three of you should join us for Thanksgiving. Esme and Carlisle have been asking to meet both you and Alice, and since we're all working together now, and I'm sure they'd love to have a house full for the holiday."

Alice smiled. "That would be wonderful. I'd love to actually meet her."

Jasper looked at me questioningly. He reached out and put his hand on mine, which was unexpectedly shaking. "Bella? What do you think?" He squeezed my hand and lowered his head so he could look into my eyes. He clearly knew I was uncomfortable with this.

"I don't know," I whispered.

Edward then reached over and nudged me with his shoulder. "Why don't we let her think about it, huh Rose? Thanksgiving is a week away, she has time to mull it over."

I smiled weakly at him. "That sounds like a good idea. I appreciate the offer, I really do. I'm just not sure with my schedule is all."

"Sure, take all the time you need, we'll save you a spot," Emmett replied. "My mother loves having people around, just let us know what you decide." I nodded as Emmett started talking about the evening and what he heard Tanya talking about at the bar.

I went back to my French toast, which had suddenly lost some of its appeal. The air was easy around me, filled with conversation and friendship. I fought with the warring emotions I was feeling. On one hand, everything felt so comfortable, so natural. I was with some wonderful people, enjoying a great breakfast. But on the other hand I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. If the truth be told, it wasn't that holidays weren't that big to me, it was that they were big. Monumental reminders of everything I'd lost. Traditions passed down that lay wasted with me.

When I was a just a little girl, Renee would wake me up at five am on Thanksgiving morning because we had to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. In her opinion it was "the only turkey day parade worth watching". We used to always talk about actually going to New York to see the parade and walk through Rockefeller Center. We planned it fresh every year, adding something to our imaginary trip - ice-skating, Serendipity, Broadway, Macy's and Radio City.

The parade started off our holiday season. We watched the parade, made breakfast and woke Charlie up extra early. It was almost as exciting as Christmas morning to us. We would spend all day making Thanksgiving dishes and watching our favorite shows, which included Miracle on 34th Street and The Christmas Story over and over. We'd shop the next day and pull out all of our Christmas decorations. By the end of the weekend, we were all set up for Christmas.

After they died, the holidays never held the same luster or shine. Jacob and his family didn't have cable and they didn't get the channel that showed the parade. The holidays just weren't the same on the reservation as they had been in our house. I tried to find new traditions, traditions that meant something to Jake, but they never quite fit.

When I moved to Chicago, I saw the holiday festivities, but no longer held any special meaning for me. They were a constant reminder of lost traditions, lost hope, lost futures. My new Thanksgiving Day tradition included take out Chinese food and wishes for the day to end as I sat and fought the memories.

I felt another nudge as I turned to see Edward staring at me, concern on his face. "Hey, you okay?"

I forced a smile as I nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just getting really full." I turned back to my half-eaten plate of food.

He reached over and gently pulled my chin to him. "Bella, no pressure here, okay? I understand if you're not up for it. It's okay." I nodded as he released my chin. He smiled and turned back to the conversation that was going on around my mental breakdown.

Melissa came back to the table and asked if we needed anything else. Emmett responded, "Nope, I think we're good, just the check, if you please."

"Actually," Edward responded, "can I get another order of the Eleven City French Toast, but add chocolate chips and powdered sugar, to go?" I turned to look at him like he was crazy. How was he going to eat that on top of everything else he'd already eaten?

He smiled that lazy, devious smile at me. "It's not for me."

I looked at him, confused. "Okay…"

He laughed. "Really, it's not. But I was wondering, are you up to meeting someone?"

"Meeting someone?" I questioned. "As in now, at…" I looked at my watch, "five thirty in the morning?"

He beamed. "Yeah. I'll bring you home right after that if you'd like. We won't be long, I promise."

Going with the whole, Edward-hasn't-steered-me-wrong-yet feeling, I decided why not. "Sure, I guess so."

"Great," he replied.

Everyone started to shift out of the seats as Emmett went up to pay the bill and Edward went to the counter to get his French toast order for the mystery person I was going to meet at five thirty in the morning.

Jasper reached over and gently pulled me aside as he held my jacket for me. "You know, Bella, you don't have to do anything you don't want to."

I gave him a small smile; Jasper was always looking out for me. "I know, Jasper."

He kissed my forehead. "Okay. You know, we can always come and hang out with you too. We don't need to go the Cullen's."

I pulled away and looked at him. "Jasper, really. I'm good. I'm going to think about it. You and Alice should go, you'll have a good time." I smiled as I hugged him one last time. "Thank you, Jasper. Thanks for just knowing."

He nodded. "Anytime, Bella. I'll talk to you tomorrow? Or, well, maybe later on today?"

I stepped back as Alice came over and gave me a hug. "Thanks for inviting us, Bella. I had a great time. Have fun, 'kay?"

Edward had just come back over to me as Alice reached up and gave him a hug. "Take care of her, would you?"

He smiled. "Sure thing, Alice."

He reached out and shook Jasper's hand as Jasper added. "I'm counting on it."

He nodded as Jasper released his hand. "You ready, Bella?"

I nodded as Rosalie and Emmett came over. "So, Bella, think about it, let me know alright?"

I reached over and hugged Rosalie. "Sure, Rose. Emmett, thanks for breakfast."

He tipped his imaginary hat. "Anytime, kid. See you soon."

Edward stepped up. "Okay, then. We're going to head out. Emmett, I'll talk to you later."

The rain had stopped while we were in the diner and we walked slowly to Edward's car. I paused as he unlocked the door. "Thank you, Edward."

He turned to me. "For what?"

I looked down at my feet, my hair falling to shield my face. "Well, for asking me to come out tonight. For inviting Rose and Emmett, for letting me bring Jasper and Alice. And just, well, just for everything. I can't remember the last time I had this much fun. Thank you."

He reached out and gently lifted my head, then pushed my hair back over my shoulder. "Anytime, Bella. In case you missed it, I had a good time, too."

I smiled as he opened the door and I sat down. He handed me the take out bag as he started the car and turned the heat back on. "We're not going far, so I'm not sure if the car will warm up," he apologized.

We drove through the streets that were just starting to come alive until we came to Mercy Hospital. I looked at him questioningly. "I'm meeting someone at the hospital?"

He crinkled his nose and looked kind of timid, "Um, yeah. I have this patient, her name is Hope. And she's, well, she's pretty special to me."

"Okay." I responded. "Well, let's bring Hope her breakfast, then. Before it gets cold."

He smiled. "Absolutely."

We parked in the staff parking lot and went in through a side entrance. We took an elevator up to the third floor and Edward said "hello" to people as we passed. It was odd walking down the corridor with him. The Edward I had come to know was not the doctor, he was something else. His whole persona was different within these walls. He was revered and respected. I wondered how many of them knew the side of Edward that I had come to know. As crazy as I know it is, I loved the idea that I knew him in a different way. It made me feel special, like we shared a secret.

As we came to the nurse's desk, I saw an elderly woman sitting in front of a computer. She looked up and caught my eye, looking from Edward to me. Then she smiled. "Well, good morning, Dr. Masen." I noticed he rolled his eyes at her. "Good morning, Sylvia. I thought you had today off."

She sighed. "Well, Mary Anne called in sick and we've had some new admits, so they called me to cover. I'm taking tonight off in exchange. I could ask you the same thing – aren't you supposed to have today off? Why are you here? And more importantly, who is this lovely lady you have with you?"

I noticed Edward look down, uneasy. "Um, this is Bella, she's a…friend of mine. We were just out for breakfast and I thought I'd bring Hope one of her favorites. Do you know if she's up?"

Sylvia reached out and offered her hand. "Well, Bella. I'm Sylvia, it's nice to meet you. And yes, Edward, Hope's up. She's been up for a while. She's had a rough night."

I watched as Edward visibly shifted from the carefree musician into doctor mode. "What's going on? Do you have her chart?"

Sylvia reached down. "Yep. She's just showing signs of congestion, slight fever, and moderate crackling in her left lung. She hasn't slept very well and she isn't responding to her pain meds, but what else is new?"

I watched as Edward flipped through her chart with a worrisome look on his face. "Okay, I'm going to go and see her. If her condition changes at all, please, beep me. I'll keep my pager on, I want to know."

Sylvia reached back for the chart. "No problem, Edward. If I don't see you before you leave, get some sleep this weekend. Okay?" She turned to me. "Please make sure he gets some rest."

I looked at her, stunned. "Um, sure?"

Edward reached out and grabbed my hand; tingles ran the length of my arm as he gently squeezed my palm. "Come on, Bella. Sylvia."

We walked down the hall and stopped outside a door as Edward reached over and squirted sanitizer on his hands, indicating I should do the same. Then he pushed the door open and walked in.

I stayed back, toward the door and behind the curtain that had been pulled as I heard a girl's voice. "Well, if it isn't Dr. McDreamy. What brings you here this lovely morning?" She coughed as she ended her question.

I watched as Edward walked over and placed the container of food on the hospital bed table and pulled it over toward the bed. "Ha ha. Good morning, Dr. Grey. I brought you some food." He lifted his eyes to mine as I stayed close to the door.

Suddenly, the curtain was pulled over as I saw a young girl reaching over; moving it to see what or who Edward was looking at. "She doesn't look edible," she stated as I took in her small frame.

She was beautiful, long blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail, bright blue eyes shining over the oxygen mask she was holding to her nose. Edward threw a slipper at her and I flinched. "Don't be a smart ass, or won't get your French toast. I know how much you love the hospital's eggs."

She deflected the slipper as she turned back toward him. "Well, you didn't say you brought French toast. Eleven City?"

He pulled it out of the bag. "Is there any other?"

She smiled as she pulled the mask away from her face. "I'll be on my best behavior." She turned to me. "Hey, girl who's lurking in my doorway, I'm Hope. Edward's better half. And you are…?"

I watched the exchange between the two of them as Edward slid her leg over and sat on the end of the bed. He motioned for me to come over. "Hope, this is Bella. She's a friend of mine. Bella, this is Hope, she's, well…how do I explain Hope?" She reached over and smacked him on the arm.

"Like I said, I'm his better half. We're co-dependant on each other, he's misery and I'm company. Although lately, he's chipper and I'm scared."

Edward reached over and plucked a strawberry from atop her French toast. "Honestly, I don't know why I do nice things for you, you're vicious."

She slapped his hands. "Keep off the strawberries, Dr. Masen. Oh, you had them add the chocolate chips. Fine, I'll be nice. I'm his patient, he's my doctor. He keeps me sane in my little locked-up hell here and I keep him honest." She popped a strawberry in her mouth as she looked from Edward to me, and then continued. "He's my sanity," she said with an air of honesty on her whispered breath.

Just then, Sylvia popped her head in the door. "Hey, Edward, you have a minute? I just want you to look at something here." He turned to me. "You going to be okay here, with her?"

I smiled as Hope rolled her eyes. "What could I possibly do to her, Edward? Seriously? I won't bite her, I promise."

I laughed at the camaraderie between the two of them; it was endearing. "I'm fine, go do what you need to. I'm sure Hope and I can find something to talk about."

He stood up and looked pointedly at Hope. "That's what I'm afraid of." He turned back to me. "I'm sure more than half of what she tells you will be a lie. Keep that in mind, Bella."

She huffed. "As if…"

Edward turned and left the room as Hope pointed to a chair on the other side of her bed. "Have a seat, friend Bella." I walked across the room to the chair she had pointed to and moved the laptop to the nightstand. Hope was cutting into her French toast eagerly as I sat. "Sometimes, I really love that man. He knows how to make a girl feel loved."

She took a bite and turned her head to face me as some emotion passed though her eyes. "I mean, chocolate- and strawberry-loaded French toast? Does it get any better?"

I laughed. "They are good. I had the same thing, minus the chocolate."

She moaned as she took another bite. "Next time add the chocolate, it's so much better."

Next time…

I nodded. "I'll remember that."

She finished chewing as she studied me, making me slightly uncomfortable. "So, friend Bella. Edward has never directly mentioned you. How long have you two been…friends?"

I squirmed slightly in my chair. "Um, well, it's been a fairly recent development. A couple of months."

She stopped chewing as again her eyes flickered, a knowing glance passing over her face. "A couple of months, huh? Makes sense."

I cocked my head at her, furrowing my brow. "I'm sorry?"

She waved her fork at me. "Nothing. Just forget it. Nothing big."

Edward stepped back into the room then. "Is she being nice?"

I smiled, looking from Edward to Hope. "Very cordial."

He turned around, looking toward the door and back at me. "Did I come into the right room? I don't think I've ever heard anyone refer to Hope as 'cordial'."

She scoffed. "Now who's being the smart ass?"

He put his hand out and ruffled her hair. "All's fair, wee one."

She pushed him away. "Don't call me that, I hate that nickname and you know it."

He smiled at her. "Hence the reason I use it so liberally."

She cut another piece of toast and put it in her mouth. "Whatever."

"We're going to head out, it's been a long night. I still have to bring Bella home, and you should really try and get some sleep yourself. Ask Sylvia for something if you find that you can't, alright?"

She waved her fork at him now. "Sure, sure."

He offered me his hand as I started to get up out of the chair and I noticed Hope turning to look at us with a piece of French toast hanging on her fork in mid air.

"It was nice meeting you, Hope. I hope you feel better soon."

She shook her head as if coming out of a stupor. "Yeah, you too, friend Bella. You should stop by sometime. This guy's mug, as pretty as it is, gets a little boring after a while. I could use some good girl talk."

Edward turned to Hope. "Now, there's a scary thought."

Hope shrugged. "Hey, you brought her to the den, can't help it if she likes it."

I snickered at the two of them; it was like they were siblings or something. "Sure, Hope, I'd love to come back."

She tilted her head as she plopped the French toast in her mouth. After she swallowed she said, "I'll hold you to that."

We turned and walked out of the room. Edward said his goodbyes as we walked past the nurse's station. As we walked to the car, I thought of the invitation Rose had extended. I'd been alone for so long, made my own traditions, traditions that secluded me from people who cared. People like Edward.

She smiled at me as he opened my door and closed it behind me.

Edward genuinely cared about people, including me. He was smart and kind, talented and fair. He was open and honest and just wanted me to try. Try and see him or the world in a little different light. He was making me want to try.

As he got in I turned to face him. "Edward?"

He started the car. "Yeah?"

I looked down as I knotted my hands. "Um, are you sure I wouldn't be imposing if I were to come to Thanksgiving?"

He smiled slightly and I noticed his eyes were alight. "Not at all."

I took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, if you're sure. I'd love to come."

He reached out and grabbed me in a hug. I felt my body melt into his as tingles coursed their way through my body, warming me from the inside out. "That would be wonderful, Bella. Truly wonderful."

For him, for this, I felt like I had to at least be willing to try.


A/N: well, there you go…they met. Whatdya think? Again, sorry for the delay, I hope its not that long again going forward!

There's this little itty bitty button down yonder…yep, that's the one. Go ahead and push it, I dare ya…leave me a little Sutton Sutton…you know you want to…and now you know I want you to! Go ahead, everyone's doing it…

See you on the flip side!

t