A/N: So, this is it. Bella and Edward are going to talk. This can only go well...

Chapter Twenty-Six

"You sure you don't want anything to eat?" I ask Edward as he takes a seat opposite.

"No, I'm fine," he replies. "Enjoy your soup."

I nod my thanks and unravel my cutlery from the serviette. I dip the spoon into the bowl. I don't really like soup, but it's warm and looks half decent for hospital food.

"I forget to eat sometimes," he admits quietly after a few minutes of silence. I set my spoon down.

"Really?"

"Of course. A hundred years of not eating- it's a tough habit to break." He smiles briefly, but it doesn't meet his eyes.

"But don't you feel hungry?"

"Sometimes, but often I don't realise what it is. I don't know what hunger feels like."

I lick my lips. He is watching the table, seemingly embarrassed.

"What about when you were alone- before you came back that is. I thought you said you were learning what it was to be human again." I try to keep the scorn from my voice.

He takes a deep breath and pauses. He closes his eyes, and I instantly feel bad.

"You misunderstood me," he begins quietly. "It wasn't just stuff like eating and drinking. There were other things too."

I make a noise at the back of my throat, unconvinced. His eyes shoot open, and he grabs my wrist across the table, making me jump.

"Tell me, Bella. Would you have had me when I was like a child? When I couldn't use the bathroom? When I wet myself and didn't know what was happening to me? When I fought sleep because I thought I was dying instead?"

I stare at him with my eyes wide. After a moment, he drops my wrist and turns his head away from me. I gulp and try to comprehend what he just said. I can't picture Edward that way- so oblivious and confused.

"I'm sorry," I mumble after a moment. He hisses out a sigh.

"Don't be."

It's me who reaches across the table this time. I close my fingers around his and give them a tight squeeze.

"No, listen to me, Edward. I judged you for all the wrong reasons before, and for that I am so sorry. I was being selfish, and I regret that now." I pause for a moment before I lean back. He is still facing away from me, and I can see his mouth is set in a hard line. I grab my jacket from behind me.

"Have a good evening," I say quietly before standing and walking away.

A/N: Told you it would go well! ;)

I have a question I would like to ask you guys. Well, more a dilemma I want to pose. Normally, with my multi-chapter fics, I post the chapter on Twilighted a few days before it makes it to FFn. However, it is becoming increasingly difficulty to upload anything there because of their apparent penchant for Firefox. My question is: is it worthwhile me updating on Twilighted any more, or is it easier for you guys if I relocate permanently and exclusively to FFn?

Lemme know!