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Chapter 14

When it's love you give
I'll be a man of good faith.
then in love you live.
I'll make a stand. I won't break.
I'll be the rock you can build on,
be there when you're old,
to have and to hold.
When there's love inside
I swear I'll always be strong.
then there's a reason why.
I'll prove to you we belong.
I'll be the wall that protects you
from the wind and the rain,
from the hurt and pain.

All for Love – Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and Sting

How do you answer something like that, when your not even sure yourself? Ok I was almost certain that I did, but that wasn't the point. Rose clearly thought I was, otherwise she wouldn't be asking. So obviously I hadn't been as transparent over the last few weeks as I thought I had. How many more people thought they knew? Em? Jazz? My parents? God even Bella?

How do you tell your Sister-in-law who is counting on the woman in question to be her surrogate, that you think you might be in love with her? That every time you think of her being pregnant, you wish it was your child instead of theirs. Because honestly, that is how I had been thinking of Bella over the past few weeks.

It was an extremely selfish thought, Em and Rose had been desperately trying for a child for some time now, whilst I hadn't and honestly still wasn't, ready for a child. But in walks who I think is the most perfect woman ever, a woman who is willing to give my Brother and his wife the most amazing gift, but I, selfishly want it for myself instead.

It all seemed very rushed, even to me. I had known Bella for little over two months, and already, every time I thought of my future, she was in it. I was thinking of things I had never even dreamt of with Tanya. I was thinking wedding bands, pacifiers, a four bedroom house with a white picket fence, a golden retriever running around after it's young owners. Something straight out of like the nineteen fifties right? But it was what I was imagining. What I found myself wanting.

It was crazy even to me, but it was what I wanted. Which in and of itself was odd. I had never put too much thought into my future as a whole, never really looking past the next day, or week. I always kind of figured it would work itself out in it's own time. I wasn't in any great rush, I was still young, with plenty of time ahead to settle down and do the 'regular' things. But the moment Bella stepped into my life, it all changed. No longer was I taking it day by day, I was thinking ahead, planning, wanting, wishing and needing.

Every night when I walked into my apartment after work, I let my imagination run wild with me, as I rode the elevator to my apartment. I imagined walking in, only to be greeted by the most delicious of smells, seeing Bella preparing dinner for us. A candlelit table for two. Other times I imagined it was me preparing the meal for when Bella got home.

It never occurred to me that maybe, just maybe Bella didn't want any of this with me, or even at all. Sure over the past few months, we had shared moments. But what if they were moments to me, but nothing more than time spent to her. I felt sure there was a mutual attraction between us, but honestly, who really knows.

The night we met, I liked to think feelings were very mutual. She took me back to her place for goodness sakes. But that was all before she had agreed to be Emmett and Rosalie's surrogate. That changed everything. Add that to the fact we were both pretty drunk. I wasn't so sure. Even when I had kissed her a few weeks back, she had been the one to break the kiss and pull away. Sure we had remained in contact since, though sometimes it felt forced, other times natural. Her texts were always playful, the kind you would send to a big Brother or best friend. Which lead me to believe she wanted nothing more from me, but just that.

I was aware that my thoughts sounded more like a girls thoughts, but that was what she caused. She unhinged me. My confidence and ease I normally had with women had been pulled from under me. In some ways it scared me to realize how far I had fallen in such a short space of time. How hard I had fallen for someone I wasn't sure reciprocated the feelings.

So back to Rose's question. Deny or affirm Rose's suspicions?

The real question was, which would cause most damage? Was it worth admitting to her, causing issues between us all, only for Bella not to reciprocate, or lie and try to bluff my way out of it, with the chance of them finding out anyway further down the line.

Thankfully before I had the chance to answer her, Bella walked back into the room. I forced Rose a smile, trying to make it look I was slightly disappointed at not being able to talk further with her, but the only look I received back was the well known 'later' look, which knowing Rose, there most certainly would be a later. So now I had to try and avoid being alone with Rose until I got my shit together.

For the rest of the evening, I caught Rose carefully eyeing both myself and Bella whenever we were together, like she was trying to read my body language, and figure it out for herself. I tried not to focus too much on it though, I knew if I did, my behaviour would change and everyone would then pick up on it. Especially Bella.

By the time I crept into bed, I was exhausted, physically and mentally. My shoulder ached, my knee ached and every movement my stomach muscles screamed in protest. Emmett had been kind enough to leave the Tylenol on the bedside cabinet, as well as lending me some sweats to sleep in. They were a little on the big side, but it was better than nothing, and I felt much better being close to Bella in case she needed one of us during the night.

Sleep didn't come easily. There wasn't any one thing that ran through my mind, because everything ran through it. Things like had we seen the last of James? Did Bella have any feelings for me at all? Should I own up to my own feelings for her, to her? To Rose? To Emmett? The way it felt to be the one who protected her. The pain in my knee. The pain in my shoulder. Had I remembered to give the paper work to accounting, or was it still sat unsigned on my desk? All ridiculous thoughts really, none of which helped me settle into sleep.

At one point I felt sure I had heard movements coming form Bella's room, but sleep was finally starting to take over, and I let it, my exhaustion thankfully winning me over. My dreams didn't exactly let me rest peacefully though. I was unsure which was worse, the thoughts in my head whilst awake, or the dreams that haunted my unconscious.

It started like any other dream really, nothing that I could pick out or remember, but then a pregnant Bella appeared. Gushing over her swollen belly, announcing to those around her, that she couldn't wait for her little one to come along, and she hoped it looked like it's Daddy. At that point, she looked up and beamed at me. Such a proud hopeful smile. I even felt myself smile back, secretly hoping it looked more like it's Mommy. Then James stepped into the picture, announcing that 'he' had better look like him. Before I could say anything, the dream continued, flashing in to look at my own family, Rose and Em chasing around after two toddlers, smiling and laughing, a heavily pregnant Alice and Jasper watching, commenting that it would be their turn soon. And my parents sat on a nearby bench, holding hands and watching their family adoringly. It didn't seem as though I was even part of their happiness. Before I had time to dwell, I was back in Bella's apartment, watching, frozen as James slapped Bella and threw her into the walls by her hair.

I woke up, my fists clenched tightly around the edge of the pillow. I felt murderous, anger stewing inside. It took me a few minutes to calm down, and even then, I knew any little thing could reignite my sudden anger. I was angry at myself for being angry over a damn dream. But in my defence it all felt very real.

I sat up slowly, waiting for my stomach muscles to bring on a wealth of pain, but surprisingly, it didn't really hurt, other than a slight soreness, that really is to be expected. Seeing the bedside clock flash seven thirty, and knowing sleep would not come for me again, I slowly got out of bed and went to the bathroom. I could hear the shower coming from Em and Rose's en-suite, and figured it would be Rose. Em was never an early riser by choice.

After going to the bathroom and brushing my teeth, I headed toward the stairs, only to think better of it, and check in on Bella first. I felt guilty for having not arranged with Emmett and Rose who was going to wake Bella at whatever times. I had seemingly left it up to my Brother and his wife. I knocked gently on the door, loud enough for her to have heard had she been awake, but not loud enough to have woken her. After waiting a moment and having not heard a reply, I gently pushed the door open, popping my head in the gap.

Upon seeing the bed empty, I immediately began to worry. It never once crossed my mind that she had gotten up of her own accord. Scenarios ran through my mind, wondering if she had become ill during the night. Surely Em and Rose would have woken me. Trying my best not to panic, and think the worst, I made me way back out of the room and down the stairs, coming to a stop when I saw Emmett stood in the doorway to the living room.

I fought the urge to sneak up behind him, knowing Rose would seriously castrate me if I woke her up making Em scream like a little girl. I was thankful I did, when I came to a stop behind him, seeing the girls fast asleep, leaning on each others shoulders. The TV was still on, some random cheesy off air sales were playing.

Bella looked so perfect asleep. Completely relaxed and worry free. I struggled to remember when she had looked so at peace last. Her life certainly wasn't without it's struggles, seemingly as though there was always something in the way, blocking her from complete happiness. She had, had to deal with so much, and yet I knew there was even more, that she wasn't telling us.

"They look too sweet to wake." Em mused.

"Yeah they do, but I'm sure their muscles aren't going to agree." I whispered in return.

He nodded, stepping into the room obviously to wake them. I excused myself to make breakfast for us, not wanting to crowd Bella too much from the moment she woke up. The day ahead of us would be difficult enough without starting it off badly. I wanted her to know I was going to be there for her, but also I was willing to give her space. Even if that meant letting Emmett wake my sleeping angel.

When Bella appeared, looking as gorgeous as ever in her sleep crumpled clothes, and sleepy smile, it was so easy to make small talk with her as I finished cooking. Everything with Bella was just so natural and easy. Even talking about something as benign as 'Happy days' just made me feel stupidly happy. Even when Rose and Emmett joined us, there was nothing awkward between us. If anything it felt like two couples getting together for breakfast. And how I wished this was true.

I hated breaking it to her after breakfast that we needed to go and give our statements. It was something I would gladly continue putting off, but I knew it had to be done, and by doing so, if it ensured James was punished correctly, then so be it. It almost killed me seeing the apprehension in her eyes when I told her, and even though I wanted badly to spend as much time with her alone, I was so very grateful at this point, that her Dad would be joining us.

The journey to the station was silent, not an inch of awkwardness between us, it was usual, comfortable. I never felt as though I needed to fill the emptiness when I was with Bella, hell any time I was with her, it never felt empty. I could however feel the apprehension rolling off of her in waves. I wanted badly to put her concerns to rest, though I knew it would be impossible. Especially considering I felt a slight nervousness about the whole giving my statement. I had never done anything like this before, coupled with the fact I was physically involved in an altercation with James. I kind of wished I had, had the opportunity to talk to Bella's Dad last night, so he could give me an idea of what to expect.

The moment we saw Bella's Dad, I could feel Bella calm, which in turn calmed me down some, but oddly enough her Dad's presence had the most calming affect. I suspected it was because of his Police background, and I knew he would understand the full process and steer the both of us throughout.

The whole morning was one big joke if I was being honest. We were treat like we were the bad guys, intimidation tactics in full force. I had my own business, I could see the signs of intimidation a mile off, hell I had probably used some of them at times. I just couldn't figure out the need to use them on us. Bella's Dad was great though, quickly shooting both Officers down in flames when he announced he was a Chief. If it had been any other time, I would probably have burst into laughter at the expressions on the two men's faces upon learning they were sat opposite someone who was ranked higher than themselves.

Nothing, and I do quite literally mean nothing could have prepared me for seeing the bruises that covered Bella's back and upper arms. I know it was completely naïve of me to have not considered she would have some, but actually seeing them, made my blood boil. Murderous thoughts flying through my mind.

"Are you in pain?" I heard my voice ask, recognising the slight harshness to my tone.

I ran a finger over the bruises on her arms, wishing I could have prevented these, wishing my touch would rid her of her pain, of the visual evidence at what she had been through. I was angry, angry that I hadn't been there to protect her, angry that we hadn't insisted that first night to call the Police, and angry that I hadn't done more damage to James on both my meetings with him.

"I'm fine." She uttered.

I searched her face desperately, trying to work out with my own eyes how truthful she was being with me. I might not have known her as well as I wanted to, but I already knew her well enough to know when she was blatantly lying... hopefully.

All I saw though, was slight fear, and it didn't take a genius to work out that she was currently scared of me. The harshness to my tone only mere moments ago, mixed with the anger that was probably radiating from my ever pore, there really was no wonder she looked scared. I didn't want her to ever be scared of me though. I wanted her to feel loved, protected, and safe with me.

I yanked her into a tight embrace, hoping it conveyed everything I felt for her, that I couldn't find any words to explain right now. I wanted her to know how much I felt for her, how much I wanted her to be mine, and how I may have failed this time, but it was now my aim to never fail her again.

It was only a few moments into the hug, that I realized that all the feelings I was throwing into the embrace, may be too much for her. She had plenty to deal with currently, without me adding to it, so regrettably, I pulled away, before suggesting we make our way back to her Dad and the other two officers.

Dumbstruck would be a good word to describe me when we were told of James history. And for the first time I truly began to realize how dangerous he was. I know Bella had told us before, warned us, but it had never really hit home, that she meant he was this dangerous. Though honestly, looking at her face, it didn't appear that she even realized how dangerous he truly was. It all happened in slow motion, I could see the sheer panic and guilt spread across every part of Bella, before she started mumbling things about what could have happened. And as much as both her Dad and I tried to convince her not to think about it, I knew instinctively that she was. Not that I could blame her, as honestly, some of the 'what if's' were running through my mind too. How could they not?

We each said goodbye to her Dad, Chief Swan taking a moment to thank me again, though I had tried to tell him it wasn't necessary. He then surprisingly told me that he couldn't have asked for a better man for Bella than me. His comment threw me for all of a few seconds. In my mind I couldn't figure out whether it was his way of hinting that he thought we would be good together, or that he thought or rather knew of my feelings for his Daughter. Either way, I thanked him, before shaking his hand and standing beside Bella as we watched him drive away.

I tried to forget his words for now. I needed to focus on other things. Only later, when I was alone would I dissect his words, and try to figure out his true meanings. He didn't strike me as a man who would say things like that, just because. Even Bella had told us that Charlie Swan was a man of few words, and the words he did speak always had a purpose. I just needed to figure out his purpose for speaking his previous ones to me.

Throughout the morning I had seen Bella try and keep a brave face, only allowing minimal tears to escape, and for the most part, I had been expecting her to break down at some point. It however came as a complete surprise that her walls finally fell once her Dad was out of sight. And for the first time ever, I didn't know what I could say to her to make her feel better. This was not a moment where humour would save me. So I did the only thing, that I wanted to do pretty much constantly anyway. I wrapped my arms around her, waving off her apology.

She had know idea how strong she actually was. Anyone else would probably be curled up in a ball after giving up, but not her. I was in awe of how well she was coping. For her to apologize for the one moment of weakness, it was unneeded. She certainly didn't owe me an apology, in fact I was a little relieved that she was letting it all out.

What I wasn't relieved for though, was how she felt so guilty for bringing James into our lives. How much she hated herself right now, and how she thought we hated her. Hate was the last thing I could ever feel for her, regardless of how many James' she brought into my life, and I was pretty sure I could say the same for my family. To hear how she thought we wouldn't want her, it broke my heart. I wanted her so much it was killing me.

The whole way back to Em and Rose's I had to constantly remind her to stop worrying. She had convinced herself that Rose and Em would hate her, banish her from our lives. No matter what I seemed to say, she had thoroughly convinced herself that she was to blame, that she should have done more to keep James from our lives, and that when the information had sunk in, we would turn on her. I was exhausted trying to convince her otherwise, but I would never give up.

Her whole reaction made me start to wonder if it was more of a habit for her to take the blame for everything. Whether there was someone back in Forks, or even her Mom, whom she had never said a word about, that had constantly blamed her for things, until she actually began to believe them.

Eventually I managed to get her to relax some, but all that work was quickly undone when Emmett and Rosalie returned home. Bella immediately tensed, a panicked expression glazing her features. She couldn't look either my Brother or Sister in law in the eye, and of course Emmett was oblivious to it, but Rose, she immediately picked up on it.

I took the reins, explaining that we'd had quite the morning, and gestured for us to all go into the living room. I knew what we would tell them would shock them, but I was under no illusion that they would see everything the same as myself. No-one was to blame for James actions to but James himself. All I could do was hope that the more people that told Bella this, the more she would actually believe it.

Other than a stuttered apology at the beginning, Bella was silent throughout my explanation of what we had been told, my hand gripping hers, if anything to make sure she sat beside me, and didn't run like I was half expecting her to do. The more I told them, the more convinced I made myself that Bella wasn't going to run. She had never run from anything before, and I really didn't expect her to start now.

It was only when Rose started to question that she finally lost the bit of control she had, and snatched her hand from mine, muttering yet another unwarranted apology before making her way from the room. Both Em and Rose looked to me, confused over her reaction, before I darted after her, catching her just inside the front door.

She barely put up a fight, completely defeated. I have to say this scared me more than her blaming herself. The Bella I had become to know was a fighter, but this Bella, was to put it simply, broken. I could do no other than just hold her, and hope she could feel that I was going to fight with her, for her. Always. She clutched me, holding on as if her life depended on it.

Eventually Rose and Em appeared in the doorway and as expected reiterated to Bella exactly what I had been trying to tell her all day. No-one blamed her for that psychos actions, and that we didn't think any less of her for her past.

I have to say I was grateful when Rose lead Bella away. As much as I wanted and needed to be near her, it was absolutely killing me to see her so broken. I wanted to wave a magic wand and make everything right for her, for the both of us. Because quite simply, it had gotten to the point where she hurt, I hurt. And I was tired of hurting.

"C'mon Bro, I think a beer is in order." Emmett clapped a hand on my shoulder before leading the way into the living room.

I sat at the breakfast bar, gratefully accepting the offered bottle, taking a long, much needed swig. Emmett stood opposite me, and I could tell he was wanting to say something. Knowing Emmett how I did, I could almost read his mind. I knew he wanted further information, information he wouldn't ever dare to ask in front of the girls, he would also probably want to know if there was anyway he could get to James. He already thought of Bella as a little Sister, and if Emmett was anything, he was extremely protective of his loved ones, even more so than me.

"How much you wanna kill that bastard right about now?"

"More than you'll ever know Bro, more than you'll ever know." I replied honestly, taking another swig.

We sat for the next hour talking in further detail about the mornings happenings, before moving on to what would happen next. Though we had been told it was unlikely that we would be needed in court, I explained to Emmett that I would get in touch with the family lawyer on Monday, to make sure everything was correct. The last thing we needed was for James to be getting out any time soon, and if the armed robbery charges didn't stick, at the very least we had assault and breaking and entering to name a few charges to fall back on. I also wanted a restraining order putting in place for the whole family.

We eventually headed back into the living room, acting as natural as possible, by watching a football game on TV, giving the subject of James as wide a berth as possible. Bella for the first time all day seemed to finally have relaxed, and there was no-way I was wanting to cause any more stress. We'd all had about as much as we could take all day.

When Alice and Jasper appeared a little later, the girls immediately disappeared off upstairs. I immediately took this as my cue to get the hell out of the house. On too many occasions growing up, had both myself and Emmett made the mistake of hanging around the house when Alice was having her girlie get togethers, and had suffered the consequences. Emmett having had the same thought, made haste in his exist, both of us were quickly followed by Jasper, who too had learned the hard way.

"I feel a little bad leaving Bella with them. I doubt she knows what she's getting herself in to up there." I couldn't help voicing as we clambered into Emmett's Jeep.

"Ed, Bro, it's every man for himself." Was Emmett's reply. "Besides she's a chick, she'll be able to cope besides Lil B's feisty."

I had to agree. I was sure Bella could stand up to Alice and Rose if needs be. Besides it wasn't like Rose was going to let anything awful happen to her. Rose had quickly turned into Mama bear where Bella was concerned.

Ten minutes later, we had pulled into the parking lot of Joe's. I couldn't help but think this was where it all began. Had it not been for that night where I was running late for meeting Emmett, I probably would never have met Bella. I might have seen her from across the bar, but chances are since I would have been acting as my Brother's sounding board, I wouldn't have taken the time to speak to her.

The bar was pretty quite, even though it was a Saturday. It was however still pretty early in the evening. Alec waved to us, silently acknowledging the fact he would join us as soon as he had a free minute. We piled into the booth nearest the bar, waiting for Alec to arrive with our usual order. I listened half heartedly as Emmett retold the last few days events to Jasper, quickly catching him up. There was only so many times I wanted to have to tell the story. Thankfully Alec arrived with a tray of beers right at the beginning of Em's explanation, so that I didn't have to listen to the story yet again. As with telling the story, there was only so many times I could hear it too.

The mere thought of James laying one finger on Bella made my blood boil, I wanted to forget it all, badly. I wanted to pretend like James never existed. I wanted to stop seeing Bella beat herself up over this.

I had pretty much zoned out of the conversation, not having paid any attention to anything other than the beer bottle in front of me, and the label which I had been peeling off slowly. It was only Jasper giving my shoulder a nudge that I landed back on Earth with a bump, seeing the amused expressions watching me, waiting for me to answer them, only I didn't know what the question was.

"Pretty out of it there, huh, lover boy." Alec teased.

"Yeah." I replied half heartedly.

It was mere moments later that I finally caught onto the nickname Alec had used. Lover boy? Sure he had an idea of my feelings for Bella, but it had never been Alec's style to drop someone in the deep end. My mind began to race, trying to think of anything that may have caused him to use such a nickname. I vaguely caught the end of Jasper declaring that I couldn't even deny it. Deny what?

"Huh?" Was all I could come up with.

"I asked you, when you were going to come clean about your feelings?" Emmett asked me, his face deadly serious.

Shit. How the hell did he know? Had I subconsciously mentioned it? Was I that obvious? Or had Alec spilled his guts? Or had Rose put him up to this. If I had to put a bet on one, my bet would be Rose. I should have known she wouldn't have let it drop.

I had know idea what to say. I couldn't for the life of me think whether or not I should deny them, or just admit it. I knew without a doubt I had to start being more careful. First Alice, then Alec, followed by Rose, and now Jasper and Emmett. Damn. They all had to be talking right? I wasn't that obvious, surely!

"Don't even try denying it Bro, it's plain to anyone who sees the two of you together." Jasper told me, an encouraging smile gracing his face. Well what I hoped was an encouraging smile.

"Um... huh... how?... when?... ugh." Not only couldn't I seem to think straight, I couldn't talk either.

"Eddie, it was plain as day from the moment you first met, I've never seen you behave like that towards anyone in your life. It was like you were torn from running from the room, or staying and staring at her longingly."

Jesus, when did Emmett become so insightful. He was the last person I ever expected to catch onto what I felt for Bella.

"Add that to the fact every time we spoke, you always asked after her, you don't even realize it, but you were calling me a few times a day, when you normally only ever speak to me once or twice a day at most."

"Fuck... I'm sorry. I tried, I honestly did."

Shit this was it. It was all coming out, and my Brother would want to kick my ass. Bella being their surrogate was so important, and my not being able to keep my emotions under control was severely putting it all at risk.

"Tried what?" Emmett asked. He looked confused. "Edward."

Damn, he rarely called me Edward, he's gotta be mad. And who could blame him.

"Not liking her. If it makes you feel any better, I want to just see her like I do Alice or even Rose, but I can't. Because she's Bella." I wasn't sure how much sense that made, but it made plenty to me. "I've tried so hard, but no matter what, I can't get her from my damn mind. I have never felt anything like this for anyone before, not even Tanya. It's like..." I wasn't sure how to explain it.

"Like everything's right with the world when you're near her, like you finally feel complete." Jasper inserted for me.

"Like you could die a happy man, just because you knew her?" Alec added as I nodded along.

"No... it doesn't make me feel better Bro." Emmett suddenly stated.

I knew it, I knew he would be anything but happy about this. Who could blame him, really. I should have gone to him right in the very beginning and told him. I had betrayed his trust in me by not telling him. I had just made everything so much more difficult for him and Rose.

"It doesn't make it any better Edward, because more than I want a baby with Rose, I want my family to be happy. And Ed, I honestly never thought that after that Tanya bitch screwed you over, I never thought I would see you completely happy again. None of us did. But here you are, whenever you're around her, the Edward I grew up with, the pre-bitch Edward is back, and I couldn't be happier."

Huh! So he was ok with me liking Bella. Or maybe he was luring me into a false sense of security before he pummelled me.

"Am I the only one that's aware that she's going to be having your baby?" I suddenly asked. Even I wasn't sure where it came from.

"So?"

"That complicates things do you not think?" I asked.

"Only if we let it." Emmett answered, his voice never betraying the truth of which he clearly felt. "Listen, I think we all know that you more than like Bella, so if what you want is our permission, then Rose and I are fine with you wanting to be with Bella. But honestly, you don't need it. Yes we hope that Bella is going to carry our baby for us, but never once did we expect her to put her life on hold for us. So if you're what she wants, we couldn't be happier."

That was all any of us needed to say on the subject. Clearly Emmett knew how I felt, and I now knew how he and Rose felt, and that was all that we needed to know for now. Besides there was no point in analysing it further, since I had know idea how Bella felt. I had a fair idea, but I could be so far from the mark. For now, I was going to try and enjoy the rest of my night out with the guys, and if I needed to talk to Emmett further, then I would do that later, preferably when we weren't surrounded by everyone else.

When we returned home, the girls were clearly still awake since we could hear their laughter every so often. Deciding to give them a wide berth and not advertise our return, we headed straight for the living room, turning to one of the many sports channels Emmett subscribed to, and settled down for the duration.

I can't remember falling asleep, but I most certainly remember waking up. The crick in my neck aching, as was the rest of my body due to the awkward position in which I had most likely spent most of my night. Emmett was still sprawled out in the recliner and Jasper was on the opposite end of the sofa to myself, his feet propped up on the coffee table. Emmett was the only one who looked vaguely comfortable, but then again, he had probably spent more than a few nights in the very same recliner at some point.

I was tired, that I knew. After the events of the previous day and then the uncomfortable night, I was desperate for some proper sleep. It wasn't likely to happen though. Non of us were due to work with it being a Sunday, so chances are we would be hanging out for the day. I supposed I would have to go back home though at some point. I could only live in Emmett's clothes for so long, and unlike Bella I had no real excuse to not go home.

Dragging myself up, I headed for the kitchen aiming to put a pot of coffee on and maybe start making some breakfast. I was beginning to feel the pangs of hunger, so chances are if I was, Emmett would be practically dying of starvation at this point. As I thought, the moment I put the bacon in the pan, Emmett made his appearance, yawning loudly and scratching his head. He looked like the stereotypical caveman. He took the mug of coffee with a smile and sat at the breakfast bar. Jasper who had followed him in, took his place in the kitchen beside me and began the eggs.

We were just about to start plating the food up when we heard the sounds of footsteps dashing around upstairs. Clearly the girls were awake, but why it sounded like a herd of elephants up there I wasn't sure. I couldn't figure out what the reasoning for such speedy movements this early in there morning, there was. Before I even had chance to ask the guys, three sets of footsteps began barrelling down the stairs.

"What the hell!" Emmett declared, clambering to his feet, heading toward the hall way.

Both myself and Jasper followed quickly behind him, only to see the backs of the girls as they rushed out of the door. What the hell, indeed. By the time we even got to the door to follow them, they were in Alice's car, speeding form the driveway.

I couldn't help the bubble of panic rising in me, I couldn't remember any of the girls saying they needed to be anywhere this morning. And looking at both Emmett and Jaspers faces, neither could they. Emmett had pulled his cell out and was clearly trying to call Rose, though by the look on his face he wasn't having much luck.

"Let's not panic too much here guys, if there was something wrong, they would have told us." Jasper tried to state calmly, though even I could hear the doubt in his voice, which was very unusual for Jasper. "They probably made spa appointments last night and are running late. You know what Alice is like for punctuality." Now there was the Jasper I knew and loved.

We each nodded, trying to convince ourselves that Jasper was right, though it made concentrating and eating breakfast incredibly difficult. Every time Emmett squirmed in his seat, my head snapped in his direction, hoping it was because his cell was vibrating in his pocket, even though I knew he'd turned the volume onto full. It was stupid really, all three girls were capable of looking after themselves, and failing that they were all together. Knowing this however, did nothing for the nagging feeling I had.

Twenty minutes later, the girls suddenly returned, though the only reason we knew was because we heard them come through the front door. Without a word, we all dashed to meet them.

"Rosie, where the hell..." Emmett began asking, I could hear the pure relief in his voice.

"Emmett. Not now."

Huh. All girls looked... odd. It was weird, they all immediately aimed to return upstairs, none of them even giving us the courtesy of looking at us. It was almost as though each and every single one of us were in the dog house.

"Ali, honey..." Jasper tried, though he reached for Alice, trying to get her attention.

"Not now sweetie." Was the response, followed by a peck to his cheek.

All three of them had me stumped. I managed to catch Bella's eye, but all she had to offer was a tight smile in response. The nagging feeling I had felt early, clearly was spot on. In a confused daze, we returned to the kitchen, not saying a word to each other. I suppose the only positive was that they were all home safe, anything else was just a secondary thought. Whatever it was that was bothering them, we would deal with it.

Emmett looked the most troubled out of the three of us, and as much as he tried to show he wasn't worried, he wasn't as successful as he hoped. All Jasper and I could do was try and go along with his pretending. If he needed to pretend like everything was ok, then that was fine. Whatever worked for him.

"EMMETT!"

Hmmmm what's going on here then? Lol. This chapter I have to say was so damn difficult to write, and I know it wasn't the best, but it was intended to be a filler chapter. I realize the most part of this chapter is simply the last chapter but in Edward's p.o.v, but I wanted the last part to be Edwards p.o.v and without the first half it would have been one short chapter. So anyway. Regardless of whether you loved it or hated it, I would appreciate your thoughts PLEASE :)