Chapter 25 - Rumours

Bella's POV

People in town were growing used to seeing Edward around the place. She was usually following either Alice or myself. We had grown more physical of late. We would cuddle more, and the occasional kiss was not quite so occasional. I was beginning to think that I may actually be attracted to girls as well; But I don't have to worry about that just yet, I can think about it later.

I had also come to enjoy Jacob's daily visits as he spent the time talking about the mysterious girl he met. It was nice to have my best friend back again, although he had grown rather depressed when had not seen her again.

Edward and I had gone out together, we were going for a walk to get some fresh air. Edward and I usually found excuses to not be alone, that way we didn't have to discuss our relationship.

We were out for a walk when we bumped into Jessica, who insisted on asking about Edina's entire life's story, along with what happened to Edward and my relationship and why he left so suddenly. When she finally left us to go talk to her mother on the phone, Edward and I found ourselves a moment of peace.

"How are you doing?" I asked my lover.

"I'm okay." She mumbled her reply.

Seeing as no one was around, I put my arm around her shoulders. "I know it is hard for you," I told her, "hearing me tell people about how we broke up when in reality we are still together." I pushed the hair out of her eyes affectionately. The only reasons she had not cut it was because she used it to hide, and because people were less likely to recognise her as Edward with long hair. "It's gonna be okay, everything will work out. I love you." I promised, leaning forward to press a reassuring kiss to her lips.

"What, the..." I turned around to see Jessica staring at us both in shock, the phone still held to her ear. "Yeah, mum I'll call you back." She then hung up and just looked at us both for a minute before speaking. "So you and Edward split up a week after you met his cousin Edina, because he 'didn't want to try long distance'." She announced, tongue in cheek. "Right." Jess said sarcastically and walked off.

Shit.

I walked through the door that evening to find my dad sitting at the table, he had the same look on his face as the time he tried to give me 'the talk'. I knew instantly that this could not be good.

I walked past him casually with a simple, "hi dad," and opened the door of the fridge.

He coughed awkwardly. "Bella," He began as I poured myself a glass of juice. "Could I have a word?" He asked in a voice that left no room for argument.

"Sure Dad." I said, sitting with him at the table.

He seemed incredibly uncomfortable and I suspected I knew why. "Listen," he began awkwardly, "I have heard some... Things, said about you recently." He informed me, staring at his hands as he spoke. "About how close you are, with a certain girl..." And I was right, big shocker there.

"Dad," I stopped him there. "Just tell me what the rumours are and I tell you how much is a lie." I assured him.

He seemed slightly more at ease with with my much simpler option, but he quickly grew embarrassed again when he had to tell me what the rumours Jessica has started spreading around town actually are. "Well..." He began once more. "Some people have been saying, that the relationship between you and, a certain girl, is more than just friendly." He struggled to get out, so he knows and Edina and I. He had met Edina, and rather liked her, which is surprising seeing as he had hated Edward

"Go on." I prompted him, eager to get this over with.

"And there are those who have informed me that they have been told," He appeared to be struggling with this part of the rumours even more and I internally rolled my eyes. "Your break-up with Edward was not quite as..." He paused, searching for the appropriate word. "Simple, as I have been led to believe." He left it at that and finally met my eyes as I sipped my juice, listening to his rendition of Jessica's little story.

I put my juice down and met his eye. "That is not true." I told him and relief flooded his face. "I did not cheat on Edward, I would never cheat on anyone." He nodded, glad to have me confirm the falsehood of what he had been told. "And Edina and I decided not to tell anyone about us yet because we didn't want to move things too fast." The realisation of what I had just said hit and Charlie looked to me again, his eyes wide with shock.

He fumbled in shock before finally speaking. "So it's true then?" He asked me. "You are a..." He couldn't finish the sentence so I said it for him.

"I am dating a girl." I stated simply. "I am not a lesbian," a look of confusion crossed his face and I was quick to explain. "I'm still not entirely certain of what I am, hence, another reason for keeping things quiet." I explained and he half nodded as he swallowed thickly. "Of course that didn't go to well after Jessica saw us kiss and let her imagination fly away with her." I added and he calmed somewhat, now knowing how the rumours began and that they are completely false.

Authors Note: I've been getting a bit behind on writing but I still have enough chapters for the next few weeks.

tlc125 - Not much actually happens with Edward and Bella for a bit, they don't disappear and will have the odd chapter here and there, but the focus is currently on Seth, the focus will shift on occasion but no one will be forgotten.

The betrayer hunter - I intend to.

~SophieAngel69