End of Chapter 28

I looked into her eyes for permission before I bent down and placed a soft lingering kiss on her lips before holding my arm out to her, and walking back into the party. It was going to take a while before I earned back all of Bella's trust, but as I stood there later that evening, kissing her at midnight, I hoped that next year was a promise of better things to come.

Chapter 29: That's How You Know (BPOV)

True to his word, Edward came over and had New Year's Day dinner with Charlie, Sue, and I. Seth and Leah joined us as well, and we had a quiet evening of food and conversation. Sue and I were cleaning up dishes together and chatting with Seth and Leah in the kitchen, when I returned to the dining room to gather the last of the dishes. That's when I heard the sound of Edward and Charlie's voices speaking quietly from the living room. Setting down the dishes quietly on the table, I walked around standing where I could not be seen, but I could hear what they were saying.

"I'm so sorry, sir," I heard Edward say. "I made a promise to you, and on the last day I needed to care for her in your stead, I failed you. I failed her."

"I am sure whatever little argument you and Bella had to have her in her cave, was not intended, son," Charlie said, and I thought I heard the sound of Charlie patting him on the back.

"It's all my fault. I belittled her devotion to you because of my own feelings of abandonment," Edward whispered. "I know we are just seventeen, and have so much growing up still to do, but I got used to having her around."

I smiled a bit at the thought of being around Edward every day. Waking to him in the morning, and then kissing him good night before bed.

"I know what you mean, Edward," Charlie sighed, and I heard him sit back in his chair. "Try only having her a couple weeks through the year, just to have to say good-bye. I might have thrown a fit or two myself, if I was the type. Unfortunately, this cave thing comes from me. Give her some time to work through whatever she is feeling. She'll come out when she is ready."

"Eaves dropping, Bella?" Sue whispered from behind me, and I had to throw my hand over my mouth to stifle the gasp of surprise. "Come on, give their heart-to-heart some privacy."

School was starting back up the next day, so Edward, Seth, and I needed to get our sleep. So, after everything was cleaned up, our party broke for the evening. Edward stood with me on the porch as Charlie hobbled out to walk the Clearwaters to their car. It was not lost on us the small kiss they gave each other before saying good-bye. I was still standing there smiling when Charlie walked back up onto the porch.

"What?" He said, but he was smirking, and he kissed the top of my head as he passed by me walking into the house.

"I guess, I will see you tomorrow in school, then," Edward said pulling me into his arms.

"That you will," I replied. "I am sort of glad to be getting back to normal things again. These last two weeks have been a roller coaster of events."

"Well, I better get going, so we can both get a good night's rest," Edward acknowledged as he threaded his hands around the sides and behind my neck, tipping my face to him. He looked at me for permission for the kiss he wanted to give me. Though, I was still reluctant, I gave a slight nod. He leaned in and gave me a chaste, yet lingering kiss, before pulling back and hugging me tight.

"I love you, Bella," he whispered by my ear.

I hugged him tight, trying to trust in those words. Those three words that can bring so much joy, but the emotion behind them can be so crushing when they are betrayed.

"Good night, Edward," I said stepping back from him, and crossing my arms across my chest.

He smiled at me, though it didn't meet his eyes. He hopped down the steps and headed out to his car. Opening the door, he turned to me and waved, before climbing inside. I continued to watch from the steps as he started the car, and gave me one last, hurt smile before pulling away.

I sat at my desk that night trying to concentrate on the history book laying open in front of me, but once again, my melancholy seemed to seep in through the quietness of the room. The emptiness that permeated the air I breathed is the ghost of the memory of his phone call. It had been four days since Edward had said those hateful words to me. I understand that he was just missing me and upset, and I know the saying is forgive and forget, but there is no forgetting when someone you love so much makes you feel so small.

Giving up on the pretense of reviewing what I should have read over break, I turned to my computer. I smiled as I saw a fresh email from Renee sitting in my inbox.

Dear Bella,

First of all, I know you are in your cave right now. Get out. Wallowing is something pigs do in mud, and not what an intelligent women does.

Secondly, I was sorry to hear that you and Edward had a fight. It's hard to remember sometimes that the two of you are just seventeen, but honey, you are. With that often comes a situation that you have not handled yet, emotionally, and reactions are not always well thought out. You say he is penitent, and after seeing the two of you together over Christmas, there is no doubt in my mind that he regretted saying those things to you the moment they came out of his mouth.

Finally, I miss you something awful. I had so much fun spending Christmas with you, baby girl. I hope to see you again sooner than later!

I love you!

Kisses,

Mom

I sat back and sighed. I knew she was right. I needed to snap out of this funk. Knowing I hurt Edward, and probably scared him earlier tonight, when I didn't return his sentiments, was starting to eat me up the longer I sat there. I was not a spiteful person. I did love Edward. I needed to let this go, for both of us. So, I picked up my phone next to me, and sent him a text.

I love you, too. Good night. –B

My phone started to buzz with an incoming call. 'Edward', the screen read, and I smiled.

"Hello"

"Bella, thank-you for sending me that. I was so scared. When all you left me with was a good-bye, I began to think that I had really messed things up beyond repair."

"No, Edward. I was just…I was still dwelling. I do love you, and I want to trust you with my emotions, but baby, know that you hold them in your hands. My happiness can be shattered with a simple word from you. Because I love you, it is all the more acute when something like that comes from you."

"I understand, and I can't say sorry, enough, Bella."

"You can, and you have. Now, get some sleep. I will see you in the parking lot in the morning."

"OK, love. I love you, Bella."

"I love you, too, Edward. Good night."

"Good night, beautiful."

When my alarm went off in the morning, I hurried through getting showered and dressed, so I had some time to make Charlie some breakfast before I left. I cooked us both up some omelets, bacon, and toast. As I cooked, I thought of when I made a similar meal for us at the start of his treatment. Back then, we were so isolated; it was just the two of us and the cancer. Now, we had the Cullens, Hales, and Clearwaters in our lives expanding our little family of two by ten. The sound of Charlie creaking down the stairs brought me out of my reverie.

"Mmmm…" Charlie said. "I thought I smelled bacon. This looks and smells so good after all of that hospital food."

"I'm sure it does," I said setting down our food and orange juice.

"Excited to be getting back to school?" Charlie asked as we ate.

"I am, actually. It will be nice to get back to our normal routine of things, which will include our walks. Want to do them when I get home from school, or after dinner?"

"Let's do them after dinner, like before," Charlie said taking another crunchy bite of bacon. "I like stretching out the gut after a good meal."

"After dinner, then," I said as I glanced up at the clock. "I better get moving."

"Have a good day, honey," Charlie said as I bent down to kiss his head before grabbing my bag.

"I will. You be good," I said with a wink. Charlie laughed and waved me out of the house.

When I pulled into the school lot, Edward was waiting for me outside of his car. The scene seemed so familiar, yet also felt like a lifetime ago. I pulled my truck into the space next to his, and he came around to my door, and opened it. I instinctually handed out my bag, which Edward tossed over his shoulder before putting his hand out to help me out of the cab. Once I was on my feet, he wrapped his arms around me.

"Good morning, beautiful," he said with a smile.

"Good morning, yourself, good lookin'," I returned, and reached up to kiss him.

"Now it is definitely a good morning," Edward said smiling at me. "So, ready to get back to the ol' grind stone?"

Edward took my hand in his, and we headed towards the building. With that, we settled back into our routine of normal life. School went on as normal. It was nice to talk to Rosalie and Jasper on a more regular basis again. They had been around while Charlie was in the hospital, but I was gone so often visiting him, that we didn't get to spend a whole lot of time together. After school, some conglomeration of people would be at my house doing homework. Sometimes they would stay for dinner, but they would always go afterwards, so Charlie and I could have our walks.

Sue was always around when she had a day off, and I could see how much she and Charlie were becoming a more permanent item. They were no longer shy or secretive about showing their affection for each other, and it made me smile to think that maybe Charlie had finally found someone he could love again. I, also, couldn't love Sue more. She was not only a wonderful match for Charlie, but she was a mother figure that was nice to have around, and distracted me from the daily things I missed about living with Renee.

The first Friday after school started, we resumed our Friday night movie and hang out at the Cullens. I had decided not to stay the night, and this time wasn't because my fears of Charlie. Deep down, I thought it was best, so soon after staying so long with the Cullens, and Edward's subsequent reaction, that staying over right now just wouldn't be the best choice. Alice, Edward, and Emmett all pouted a bit when I told them, but they understood.

I went home after school, and made Charlie dinner, and went on our walk. When I got back, Jasper was standing in our driveway, leaning against his car.

"Good evening, Jasper," Charlie said as we approached the house.

"Good evening, sir," Jasper replied, shaking Charlie's hand. "Bella, I was passing by, and I thought I might offer you a ride to the Cullens."

"That's nice of you, Jasper, but I am not staying the night," I answered.

"Neither am I," he said winking. "I need my rest for the big game tomorrow. I can give you a lift home after the movie."

"Thanks. I'll go get my bag," I said, as I walked into the house. I heard Charlie and Jasper start to talk about Monday's Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State as I went inside.

When I came back out, it appeared that my dad and I were invited over to the Hale's house to watch the game. I kissed Charlie on the cheek, and told him I would be home later. He reminded us to have fun, and waved as we pulled away.

Edward had rearranged the Cullen Netflix cue late last week to get "Earth" on Blu-Ray when it came out on Tuesday. Emmett had complained at first about the 'school movie', but we were all soon silently watching the crystal clear images of the animals in their habitats. The girls and I would coo and carry on about the baby polar bears, elephant, and lion cubs. The guys yelled a whooped when the shark snagged its prey. On the Cullen's big screen, it was hard at times to forget we weren't actually there.

When the movie was over, each of the couples found there way to their own quiet alcove to say their good-byes. Edward led me down the hall to the music room, and we stood inside of the French doors with only the moonlight spilling in from the two floor length windows illuminating us. Edward pulled me into his arms, and held me close for a moment, before giving enough space to look into my eyes. We stood there not saying anything, but enjoying the quiet serenity we brought to one another. He lifted one of his hands, and began tracing the contours of my face. He ran his fingertip up my cheekbone, and circled down in front of my ear and along my jaw line. When he reached my chin, he lifted up while lowering his lips to mine. Softly, his lips caressed and captured my bottom lip, until our need for more had us clutching our bodies together, and welcoming the sliding and stroking of tongue against tongue.

I could feel his strong fingers dragging down the length of my back before sliding themselves into the pockets of my jeans. My hands were glued to his perfect jaw as my fingertips tingled with the stubble that was starting to poke through. Slowly our passion simmered down to sweet adoration of lips.

Edward picked me up, and I wrapped my legs around him, burying my face in his neck, as he carried me back down the hallway towards the others.

"I love you so much," he said almost as if it were a thought that drifted to me. I pulled back, so I could see his face.

"I do love you, Edward," I said looking him in the eye. "I am sorry I was so distant. I was just afraid."

"Afraid of what, baby," he asked confused.

"Afraid of losing you," I said softly, pulling myself close to him again.

"You're not going to lose me," Edward said holding me close. "If anything, I love you too damn much."

I giggled into his chest, and he laughed with me.

"Ready to go, darlin'?" Jasper asked as he leaned against the back of the couch with Alice tucked into his side.

"Yep," I said extricating myself from Edward. "Will I see everyone at the Hales Monday?"

"We'll be there," Alice said, as Jasper kissed her on her forehead, and pushed himself off of the couch.

"Can't wait, man," Emmett said bumping fists with Jasper. "This game is going to be awesome!"

"I'll talk to you tomorrow, sweet girl," Edward said kissing me once more.

"Good night," I said losing myself in his eyes one moment more.

I spent the whole ride home listening to Jasper excitedly talk about how the Longhorns were matched up with the Buckeyes and what a great game it was going to be. It was probably the most animated I had ever seen Jasper, and was glad we could have this little bit of time to more deeply carve out our little niche of a friendship.

"I'll see you Monday in my scarlet and grey," I said opening the car door once we arrived at my house.

"Woman, you will be denied entrance," Jasper said dead seriously.

On Sunday, the Clearwaters came over for dinner. I made steak and goat cheese quesadilla, and despite Charlie and Seth turning up their noses at first at goat cheese, they devoured most of what I made. After dinner, Leah asked if she could braid my hair, because she missed doing it since Seth decided to cut his off. He stuck his tongue out at her.

"So," Leah said quietly so only I could hear, as she braided. "How are things with Edward?"

"They are OK," I said. "We had this big blow up before New Year's, and I have forgiven him, but I am still a bit hurt about it all. I am just trying to move past it."

"We are all human, after all," she said with an understanding smile, "and he is a boy."

We laughed together at this, and Seth looked over at us questioning about what we were laughing about, and we laughed even harder. He just rolled his eyes, and went back to talking to Charlie about the upcoming bowl games. Sue looked up at us from where she was mending one of Charlie's shirts, and smiled and winked at us, letting us know that she was privy to our conversation.

The Clearwaters stayed until around nine, and then decided to hit the road. They were invited over to the Hales tomorrow, as well, and we all decided to pile in and ride over together. Charlie went to get up, and Sue waved at him to stay where he was sitting. She walked over to him, and said something quietly to him that made him blush, and then he took her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly. Leah put her arm around my waist, and rested her head on my shoulder.

"That sight makes me smile," she said.

"Me too," I agreed, putting my arm around her, and we walked to the door.

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A/N: Sorry this is late. I am officially blaming tby789 on the lateness, because just as I got writing, she started singing Xanadu to me, and I my brain was taken over by Olivia Newton-John and roller skates. Thanks for your patience!

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