A/N: Hello, lovelies! I actually have a legitimate excuse for being so late this time! Shocking, I know. My internet has failed me, so I have not been able to update whatsoever. As always, I apologize.

I know I've mentioned it before, but I just wanted to remind you guys that I'm working on another Twilight fanfic. In fact, with all this spare time, I am working on TWO new Twilight fanfics. I'm actually really proud of both of them, and will have both of them up as soon as I beta them myself.

This chapter is very, very short.

For those that are still reading and still haven't given up on me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I really love you all.

Bella

I was abruptly awoken to the morning sunlight shining through the guestroom window onto my face. I blinked away the sleepiness that always plagued me in the morning and stretched my sore limbs. The night before felt like a blissful dream. I was able to make love to Edward without any physical or psychological consequences, and I actually felt what was probably normal for anyone else that had amazing sex all night.

Begrudgingly, I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. After catching a quick glimpse of not-so-sexy sex hair and faint circles underneath my eyes, I decided to take a long-overdue shower.

I didn't even realize how much I was doddling under the refreshing hot water until it grew painfully cold. It would have been fine if it weren't for the fact that conditioner was still in my hair and soap suds were practically devouring me. I shut my eyes to prepare for the icy nightmare. I scrubbed the conditioner out of my hair as quickly as possible and squealed as I rinsed the soap suds off my body.

Shivering and dripping wet, I retreated from the nightmare shower. It took me a while to feel back to somewhat normal.

After brushing my teeth and getting dressed, I headed to the kitchen. Carlisle and Esme left a note on the dry erase board that they were out and would not return until late afternoon. It was only 7:00 A.M. on Saturday morning, so I was not surprised that both Edward and Alice were still asleep— leaving me alone in the kitchen.

I poured fresh water into Esme's tea kettle and set it on the stovetop. While I waited for the water to boil, I glanced out the large kitchen window. The forest outside was stunning. The morning light seeped through the trees and lit up the wildflowers below. The silent house allowed me to hear birds singing and even the flowing water from the nearby creek.

I mentally scolded myself for being so sentimental about my surroundings. I figured it was probably just prolonged afterglow from the night before.

When my tea was ready, I slipped silently outside to relax on the porch. I was surprised to see a head of messy bronze hair already in one of the oversized chairs. He turned his head to face me and grinned.

"Having a spot of tea, me love?" Edward asked in a terrible attempt at an English accent.

I mirrored his smile and nodded.

"You woke up early too," I observed.

"No," Edward replied. "I've actually been up all night."

I raised my eyebrows. "Impressive," I mused, playfully nudging him with my elbow before taking a seat next to him.

I sipped Esme's expensive Earl Grey and savored the flavors on my tongue before swallowing it. Edward watched me with incredible curiosity. Though he'd been up the entire night, he didn't appear to be very tired. His hair was messier that usual, which wasn't saying too much since it was always a disaster.

We sat in silence, quietly enjoying the morning sunlight before the impending clouds blocked it and made everything annoyingly dark and damp.

"Where did your parents go?" I asked, breaking the peaceful silence.

Edward ran his hands through his hair, clearly uncomfortable with my question. "They're out looking for an attorney," he said softly.

"For?" I asked, getting frustrated.

"They're just looking at prices, really. It's nothing definitive, nothing to worry about."

I felt my jaw drop. "Is that so?" I asked calmly. "I mean, I'm really glad that no one took the initiative to tell me about this, since it is so obviously about me."

Edward sighed and reached for my hand futilely. "Bella," he said softly, hypnotizing me with his voice and his touch. "Please don't think anyone has been being intentionally deceitful towards you. All of us want what's best for you, and you know what's best is to have that motherfuckwad Charlie in prison for the rest of his pathetic life. My parents are trying to take the first step to ensure that happens, to ensure your absolute safety. Please don't get angry about it. Please." Edward's eyes were puppy-like and almost hypnotic, so much so that there was no way for me to be angry at him or his family for searching for an attorney behind my back.

Before I could respond, Edward showered me with kisses in the faint morning sunlight. As his lips eagerly tasted mine, I could tell he knew he was already forgiven.