**It isn't taking me months to update so yay! There is a little drama in this chapter, but it ends with a little fluffiness that you might like. This chapter also introduces Edward's song which I hope you like. Thank you to everyone who is still reading, following, or has added this story to their favorites. Enjoy**

ESMEPOV

I slammed the phone down on the receiver with a growl. Another person cancelled on the fundraiser and it was starting to piss me off. I don't know what happened in the past two days to warrant everyone cancelling on us except Edward's fight, but when I asked they told me that had nothing to do with them being unable to help. Everyone had a different reason for pulling out of the fundraiser, but something didn't sit right with me. I have worked with these people for years on different events and have never had all of them cancel at the same time. I am hoping that Jane and the kids have had better luck. They were so excited about this and I would hate to tell them that we were unable to pull it off.

Picking up the phone I dial the Whitlock's number and wait for Jane to pick up. We have talked a few times over the past few days and it has been nice to have another girlfriend to talk to that shares common interests. I am polite to the women I interact with in society, but they are so conceited that I can only take them in very small doses. On the fourth ring I hear the call connect and am met with the panting voice of Jane Whitlock, "Hello?"

"Jane? Is everything alright? Did I call at a bad time?"

I can hear a scraping noise over the phone before she answers, "Its not a bad time at all. I was just in the garden when I heard the phone ringing." Her laughter filters through before she continues, "How are you doing, Esme?"

Sighing I tell her about the phone calls I have received. She listens patiently as I relay the reasons for everyone cancelling and when I am finally done she is as livid as I feel, "I can't believe this! Don't they understand that this is for charity?"

"Honestly, I think there is more to this than we've been told. I have never had a problem with any of these businesses following through."

"Any ideas on what could have changed?"

I've been trying to figure it out for hours and haven't come up with anything other than Edward's fight, even if they say that had nothing to do with it, "I don't know, but I can ask around. Patricia Crowley is Tyler's mother, and she doesn't have the clout to cause this kind of trouble. Have you had any luck?"

I could hear her sigh and knew it wasn't good, "No, I haven't. I've asked around, but I've gotten pretty much the same response as you."

Something definitely wasn't adding up. They needed to get to the bottom of this soon; the fundraiser is supposed to be in a week, "Do you think you could come over for dinner tonight and we can try and figure out what's going on? We can call all of the kids and have them join us. Maybe they know what's going on."

APOV

At lunch we all received a text from Edward telling us that his mom wanted us all at his house for dinner tonight. I knew that I could make it. Riley is staying with some friends of his and mom is working a double and won't be home until after midnight. Bella was the only one who had to talk to her dad. Everyone else was able to get ahold of their parents while we sat there.

It was a little weird not having Edward here the last two days. Ever since he started sitting here it was like he just fit. Our entire group seemed to come together pretty well over the last week and I couldn't be happier. It still seemed like something was missing though. I don't know what, but I just get the feeling that we are missing something, or someone.

"Squirt, you need a ride to Edward's house tonight? I'm taking Jake and I can pick you up on our way over."

I bit my lip thinking about it. I had band practice after school and didn't want them waiting on me, "Um, I have to stay here for a couple hours after school for band practice. It doesn't let out until five. Is that okay?" I bite my lip waiting for his answer.

Rolling his eyes he pulls me into his side and rubs my short hair, "Of course it's okay! Jake and I can run by the shop and pick up our checks while we wait for you. That cool with you, dude?"

Jake pretends to huff and crosses his arms dramatically, "If we must." He earns a laugh from everyone at the table and conversation dissolves into meaningless chatter. Everyone seems to be keeping things light, but my focus is on Bella. It is obvious her mind is far away. I want to ask her what's wrong, but I figure she'll come to me if she needs to talk.

Exiting the cafeteria I could feel eyes on me. When I looked around there were several people looking our way, and their glances were none too friendly. Now that I was paying attention, I could hear the whispers around us. I shrugged it off, knowing that it was probably nothing.

JAKEPOV

After school, I ride with Emmett through the torrential rain to the shop so we can pick up our money. We haven't really seen Rose much except fleeting glances at school, so when we pull up to see her talking to her uncle I'm a little surprised. She has been avoiding the shop since the last time she came to see us. I can admit that I was kind of an ass to her, but she deserved it. I never agreed with her decision to keep her work at the shop a secret. It felt like she wasn't only ashamed of her hobby working on cars, but that she was ashamed of me and Emmett.

The slamming of the Jeep's door causes them to both look up in our direction. The looks on their faces were priceless. On her uncle Garrett had a smile on his face, but she seemed apprehensive, "Hey boys, what brings you here on your day off?"

"We heard about people getting paid for the work they do, so we thought we'd try it out," I joked.

Just before we reached them I watched as Rose leaned over and whispered something into Garrett's ear before taking off. Part of me wanted to chase her down and try to talk some sense into her, but the rational part of my brain knew that it was pointless. I turned to Emmett, knowing that he was fighting the same emotions. We cared about Rose, but there was no way we could help her if she didn't want it. He shook Garrett's hand before asking, "What was up with her?"

Garrett turned in the direction his niece disappeared and shrugged, "Can't tell ya. She asked me not to until she figures things out first." Turning back to us he added, "Don't count her out yet. Okay boys?" We nod before sharing another look. Wonder what she's up to now.

BPOV

The rain was really coming down as I made my way towards Edward's house. The only way my dad would let me come is if I promised to drive really slow and call him when I arrive, when I leave, and when I make it home. He can be a little over-protective, but it's to be expected when your dad is the chief. I can understand why he is worried with the rain coming down as hard as it is. I had the windshield wipers on as high as they would go and everything was still blurry.

When I finally made it Edward met me at my truck with an umbrella in hand causing me to blush at his thoughtful gesture. I'm not use to people being chivalrous towards me, but it was a really nice change. "Hey, glad you made it. We were starting to get worried."

I blushed again at the concern, "I'm here, and in one piece." He laughed and led me towards the door with his hand on the small of my back causing me to smile. Unfortunately, my smile soon fell as I thought about leaving him and everyone else to go to Florida.

Once we were inside the rather noisy house I was pulled into a gentle hug by Esme which only caused me to blush again. It was ridiculous how much this family can make my face flush, "How are you dear? I was starting to get worried about you."

'I'm fine. I promised my dad that I would take it slow so I didn't get into an accident. Speaking of which I have to call him and let him know I made it."

"Of course dear. Everyone else is in the living room if you want to join them after your call."

After I called Charlie I joined the rather interesting conversation taking place in the living room, "There is no way Buffy would kick Xena's ass. She slays vampires, big whoop. Xena can take out gods man!" Emmett yelled as I entered the room.

"I'm not saying that Xena isn't cool, but Buffy has super human strength and reflexes. Xena is human," Jake added.

"Buffy is human too. Xena puts the pinch on her and she is down for the count," Emmett counters to laughter around the room.

"Buffy and Xena isn't really an even fight. A match up between Buffy and Max from Dark Angel would be better. They are both super human and have killer reflexes," Edward adds.

I sit down between Leah and Edward to enjoy the debate just as she leans forward to add her two cents, "I like that combo better, and I would have to go with Max. She has more abilities than Buffy and is evenly matched in their fighting abilities."

"I can't believe you guys are fighting about this. It is so stupid," Alice chimes in and is met with angry glares from our friends, "What? I don't see how knowing how arguing over what superhero is better is productive."

I figured it was time to talk or Alice may have an angry mob after her, "They aren't really superheroes. They are heroines from popular TV shows. You're thinking superheroes like X-Men and Batman, but that is different."

Emmett turns his angry stare toward me and I cringe, "You did not just put Marvel and DC in the same category." Esme calling out that dinner was done saved me from my little slip up. At least I thought it did until Emmett passed me saying, "This isn't over."

During dinner Esme and Jane informed us of the trouble they've been having getting and keeping sponsors and volunteers. "I don't know what is going on, but I know that there is more to the story. Something just doesn't add up."

I watched as Edward pushed his food around his plate, "Is it because of me? It seems like all of this started after my fight with Tyler."

I wanted to comfort him, but that wasn't my job and I wasn't sitting near him. Instead, Alice rubbed his back with her little hand, "I doubt that's it. Maybe there is another even going on that we don't know about."

Esme shook her head, "There isn't an event within a fifty mile radius that I don't know about. I-" The phone ringing interrupted her and she excused herself to answer it. I finished my food and was collecting my plate when I heard Esme's voice raise from the other room, "I DON'T CARE WHERE YOU GOT YOUR INFORMATION! MY SON AND HIS FRIENDS ARE TRYING TO DO A GOOD THING AND YOU ARE ACCUSING THEM OF THIS!" There was silence as we all exchanged glances, wondering what was going on before her voice rang out again, this time somewhat softer, "I can prove that this is a real charity! I have all of the paperwork right on my desk." Once again there was silence, but this time we could not hear what was said when she started speaking again.

Figuring there would be nothing more to hear until she finished her call I took my plate to the kitchen and was followed by Alice, "What do you think that was all about?"

I shook my head. From what I could gather we were being accused of something, I just didn't know what, "I don't know, Alice. Obviously, someone is accusing us of something."

We heard Mrs. Whitlock call Esme's name and raced back into the dining room to hear what happened. Sweet Esme looked like she was ready to murder someone, and I was very glad it wasn't directed at me, "Someone has been spreading rumors that this fundraiser is a fake. That you kids are going to keep the money you collect."

"WHAT?!"

"THAT'S INSANE!"

"YOU KNOW WE WOULDN'T DO THAT!"

She raised her hand to halt the slew of protests that were coming from our mouths. When everyone settled down she continued, "I know you kids wouldn't do something so deceitful. I'm not sure who is spreading these lies, but I intend to find out."

"That might explain the dirty looks we were getting in school today."

Everyone turned to Alice who shrunk back from the attention. Jane took her hand and asked her what was on everyone's minds, "What do you mean? Were people giving you a hard time at school?"

She shook her head, "No, nothing like that. At lunch today I noticed that people were starring at us and whispering. I didn't think much of it until now. I'm use to people acting like that towards me."

My cell phone rang, breaking up the tense moment and causing me to once again flush with embarrassment, "Sorry." Walking toward the empty living room I answered my phone, "Hello?"

"Bella? Where are you? Have you left the Cullen's place yet?"

"No, sorry, dad. We were just talking about the fundraiser. There are some problems and we're trying to figure them out."

"Alright, well I want you to stay there tonight. We're getting freezing rain and the roads are very dangerous. I'm going to be working all night because there have been several accidents and I don't want anything to happen to you."

"Um, I should probably ask Esme if that's okay first."

"Why don't you let me talk to her. I'm pretty sure she's going to be getting a call from Carlisle soon. The hospital is getting inundated with so many accident victims that we are having to send some to Port Angeles."

"Just please be careful, okay dad? I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I will. Now put Esme on the phone for me."

EPOV

After a few days of being stuck by myself I now had all of my friends staying over. Once she talked to the chief, mom started calling everyone's parents and explained the situation, stating that it would be safer for them to stay the night instead of driving on the icy roads. I was ecstatic. I wasn't able to talk to anyone during my suspension so this was my time to catch up.

We were laughing and talking about stupid stuff when I noticed that Bella wasn't participating. When I turned her way I noticed that she was watching the group with glossed over eyes, the tears on the verge of falling. When one escaped down her cheek I wiped it clear, "Bella, what's wrong?" My question drew the attention of the rest of the gang.

Wiping her cheeks she forced a laugh and replied, "Nothing," but I wasn't buying that.

"Bullshit! Something is obviously wrong. Tell us."

Alice squeezed on her other side, "Yeah, Bella. You can trust us. We're here for you."

Alice's words caused the tears that she was trying to fight to spill over and turn into sobs. She couldn't speak, and hugged herself closer to Alice for comfort. I looked at everyone else dumbfounded because I had no clue what was going on when I saw Jake's face and he didn't look surprised. He actually looked angry, "Jake, you know what's up?"

He whispered, "Bella," to which she nodded and he addressed the rest of us, "Her mom is trying to force her to move to Florida." It was quiet. I felt like I couldn't breathe. I just got Bella into my life and someone was trying to take her out. I wanted to scream, or break something. "She has until next week to decide or her mom makes the decision for her."

Alice was the first to speak, her watery voice strong, "She can't have you. She hasn't been around for how long, and now she wants to play mommy? You can't go. I'm not letting you."

Bella laughed through her tears and it caused me to draw breath, "She's right. You can't go. You need to stay with m...us." I wanted to tell her to stay with me, but she wasn't mine, yet. If we can get her to stay then I'm going to find a way to make her mine.

My dreams were restless and I couldn't get to sleep to save my life. We all crashed in the living room because we didn't want to leave Bella. Her arm was hanging over the edge of the couch and her fingers were lightly ghosting across my wrist. It felt so nice that I didn't want to get up, but the melody from the other day was back in force and this time I had the lyrics to go along with it.

Easing my way out from between the couch and Jasper I climbed the stairs to my room and grabbed my guitar. Bella was my muse and right now I wanted to be close to her, so I took a seat in the family room that overlooked the living room. I could see the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she slept and it made me smile. I would have been afraid of waking everyone if Emmett and Jake's snores weren't drowning out every other sound. Softly strumming, I allowed myself to relax and let the music come. With my eyes closed I began to sing the words that came to me after hearing about her mother.

Oh Florida, please be still tonight
Don't disturb this love of mine
Look how she's so serene
You've gotta help me out

And count the stars to form in lines
And find the words we'll sing in time
I want to keep her dreaming
It's my one wish, I won't forget this

I'm outdated, overrated
Morning seems so far way

So I'll sing a melody
And hope to God she's listening
Sleeping softly while I sing
And I'll be your memories
Your lullaby for all the times
Hoping that my voice could get it right

If luck is on my side tonight
My clumsy tongue will make it right
And wrists that touch
It isn't much, but it's enough
To form imaginary lines
Forget your scars, we'll forget mine
The hours change so fast
Oh God, please make this last

'Cause I'm outdated, overrated
Morning seems so far way

So I'll sing a melody
And hope to God she's listening
Sleeping softly while I sing
And I'll be your memories
Your lullaby for all the times
Hoping that my voice could get it right
Could get it right

You could crush me
Please don't crush me
'Cause baby I'm a dreamer for sure
And I won't let you down
I swear this time I mean it

And I'll sing a melody
And hope to God she's listening
Sleeping softly while I sing
And I'll be your memories
Your lullaby for all the times
Hoping that my voice could get it right

I didn't realize that the snoring had stopped until I heard Bella's soft voice beside me, "That was beautiful, Edward." I opened my eyes to see all of my friends starring at me.

I could feel my face heat up and ducked my head, "Thanks," I mumbled.

"Was it for me?" she asked.

I couldn't look at her as I nodded, and of course Emmett had to make a joke about it, "Aw, Eddie wrote Bella a song. Now can you be quiet so the rest of us can sleep?" I heard a loud smack and Emmett cry out, making me laugh.

Everyone started settling back down, leaving Bella and I to ourselves, "Edward, why did you write me a song?"

I locked eyes with her and decided to tell her the truth, "I've liked you for a long time, Bella. I thought I had time, but then I find out about your mom and Florida." Grabbing her hand I decide to lay it all out there, "Please don't go. Stay here with me. With us."

"Okay," her answering smile was blinding and I couldn't help but lean forward and kiss her lightly.

**That was the song I had in mind for Edward from the beginning, and is one of my favorites. The song is called "I Swear This Time I Mean It" by Mayday Parade. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. There are going to be some issues arising in the next few chapters, but it won't last long**