Distant

Rosalie linked her arm around Edward's when he passed the first floor and both walked together at a human pace down the stairs.

She wore a blood red mini dress with long black boots that came over her knees. Her make-up and hair was perfect. Bella's self-confidence took a plunge to the negative when she spotted them walking together. Rosalie looked perfect by Edward's side. Her beauty matched his, and the smile on his face spelled happiness and pride. Bella was looking at them as an outsider and it hurt.

It didn't matter that Edward only had eyes for her and was smiling at her. Rosalie smirked, she had achieved what she set out to do; make Bella feel insecure and very much like she didn't belong.

Edward freed his hand and embraced Bella, kissing her on the forehead. The whole family greeted him with birthday wishes which shocked him. He was focused on them and missed Bella's upset as she fought her tears back. Jasper helped her compose herself quickly with his gift as they presented Edward with the baby grand piano that was newly added to the living room. It was a gift from everyone present and Bella's idea. Esme and Carlisle were its previous owners.

Edward swallowed his choking emotions as he accepted the gift. Rosalie presented him with sheet music of timeless classics. He was surprised by her gift and hugged her with his free arm. His other hand held onto Bella's waist possessively. He dragged her to the piano chair and started playing with the keys. They all listened and sang along with Edward playing a few simple songs. He was the happiest he ever remembered being as a vampire; and loved Bella more for her thoughtfulness.

Bella's thoughts didn't let go of the picture perfect Rosalie and Edward. After she had changed for the night, she slipped under the covers of her small bed. Edward wrapped her with their 'blanket' and lay next to her.

"Is something the matter Bella?"

He asked quietly.

Chief Swan was yet to go to bed for the night. He didn't know about the vampire who spent nights in his daughter's room, or her doing the same. He didn't know she had already lost her heart to a boy. Whenever Bella wasn't home on weekends, he assumed she was with Alice, believing the notes she always left. He liked it; to him it was better than leaving her alone in the house while he went fishing.

"No" Bella shook her head.

She was distant, making Edward desperate to know what she was thinking.

He thanked her again for his birthday gift and told her he hadn't celebrated the day since he became vampire. He had completely blocked the date from his mind. Bella listened. She always liked listening to him talk. His voice was beautiful and soothing.

She wondered why he was there, with her, in her small room. The real reason why and whether he'd disappear as soon as the nomads were taken care of. Gaining no response for her, Edward started playing with her hair. He brushed his fingers gently through her thick mane.

He had never allowed himself to do that before. Bella's hummed and she let out a moan of pleasure. The act was very sensual and the most contact Edward had ever had with her besides holding hands or kissing her forehead. Encouraged, Edward continued to massage her scalp, neck and shoulders. Bella relaxed enough to fall asleep.

Edward was pleased with himself; even though he knew she was keeping something form him. His frustration with her silent mind was at its all-time peak. He tucked her securely in his arms and settled in for a long night.

Jasper had listened to Alice prattle on about anything and everything. She usually sat on her bed before sleep and they talked for hours until she was too tired to stay up any longer. He loved her cheerfulness and inability to stop talking for any length of time. She was his opposite. He was calm and reserved. She had a beautiful heart, always looking to keep the people close to her happy and safe. She always told him the truth about her feelings, hopes and fears. She was his tiny bundle of joy and he planned to treasure her for eternity.

That night Alice had explained Bella's feelings to Jasper. She expressed her own feelings of inferiority around the vampires. Jasper listened to her complain about not having big enough breasts, or girly curves at all. She hated her plain hair; and in comparison, Rosalie was a goddess without personality. She finished her rant making Jasper laugh.

"Alice, you're beautiful to me. You're perfect. I wouldn't change a single hair on your head."

Jasper comforted, wrapping her in a bubble of love with his gift.

"Thank you Jasper, you're very sweet."

Alice absorbed the butterfly emotions and settled in to sleep feeling better about herself. Jasper kept the feeling constant through the night. When morning came Jasper and Alice went to Bella's house.

Bella was catching up with the cleaning and laundry she had been ignoring in favour of spending all her time with Edward. He was helping her clean at vampire speed, which she found annoying.

"Could you stop doing that?"

She snapped, stopping him midstride. He had finished cleaning up the top floor in less than five minutes; packed up cupboards, cleaned the floors and washed the bathroom wall and shower.

"I'm only trying to help Bella." He replied, confused

"I know, but just...stop!"

Bella walked past all of them to the living room.

"May I ask why?"

Edward asked, still confused.

Alice and Jasper were quietly watching the show. The two hadn't even had a chance to say hello.

"Because!" Bella blew up.

"Sometimes a little manual labour is all a girl needs, and I need this. Don't help! Stop being so damn helpful with your perfectly delivered lines, and super speed and super strength and head massages that make me feel like...like...ugh!"

She stormed upstairs and shut the bedroom door behind her. The three downstairs stood stunned and didn't speak a whole minute after the door slam.

"I'll go speak to her. You two, finish up here"

Alice ordered them to finish cleaning and doing the laundry.