Disclaimer: I own none of the characters, they belong to Stephanie Meyer and no copyright infringement is in any way intended. All I own are my ideas.

Chapter 29 – Avoiding or Busy?

EPOV

This week has been literally a week from hell. Since I left Bella on Tuesday morning I haven't gotten to see or talk to her at all. Between her work schedule, her new workout schedule, and my work schedule all that we have been able to accomplish is a few texts back and forth. Even those texts indicate how Bella seems to be pulling back because she only talks about generic things so I have no idea how her week has actually gone.

I had been hoping to see her tonight but when I tried to call her after I got off work she didn't answer. I decided to just drive by her apartment on my way home but all her lights were out. I'm not sure if she is trying to avoid me, but I get a bad feeling about the fact that we have only been able to connect via text message especially after what happened with Jasper.

I also know that she had an appointment with her therapist today. When she told me that her therapist was the one who wanted her to try to talk things out with Jasper I knew she was going to see herself as a failure for not being able to accomplish that task. I had really hoped to catch her after appointment but just like every other day this week that just doesn't seem to be in the cards.

On my way home my phone rings and I check out the caller id before I answer it. "Hey Emmett."

"Edward, how are you doing tonight?" he asks and I can tell that he is at the bar.

"I'm doing okay. How are you?" I ask him.

"I'm good man. Hey I was calling to see if you and Bells would like to meet me and Rose for a few drinks."

I thought about telling him no, but I knew if I ended up going home I would just sit there and worry about Bella all night. "Sure Em. What time?" I said, purposely not specifying whether or not I would be coming with Bella. I didn't want to tell him over the phone about my lack of communication with Bella.

"Whenever man. We just got here so whenever you want to get here is great."

"Okay, I will be there in a little bit." I told him before I hung up.

After I parked the car I decided to send Bella a text before I went inside.

Hey Babe. Just wanted to see how your day went. Give me a call. Xx E

I put my phone back in my pocket and hoped that I would hear from Bella but for some reason I knew that there was a distinct possibility that I wouldn't.

When I walked inside I looked around to see where Em and Rose were. I noticed them sitting at a table near the back. Rose saw me first and waved at me. I stopped at the bar on my way over and grabbed a beer.

Once I made my way over to them I took a seat across from them. "Hey guys."

"Hey," Rose answered as Emmett got up to get them fresh drinks. "Where's Bella?"

I shrugged. "I'm not sure. We haven't been able to connect much this week. She might be at the gym." I told her.

Rose frowned. "Is she okay? Emmett told me what you guys talked about the other morning and I admit that I was worried about her after last week but to hear that she is pulling away from you as well concerns me."

"I get what you are saying. I'm planning on going over there in the morning if I don't hear from her. Between our work schedules and her new gym schedule we keep missing each other this week but I promise that I will let you know if I think there is cause for concern." I told her.

Just then Emmett made his way back to the table and the topic of Bella seemed to be dropped. "So Edward, how has your week been?"

"It's been good Em. I have been pretty busy at work so I haven't had time to do much of anything other than work." I told him.

"So are you still going to the game with us on Sunday?" he asked.

"I'm planning on it. Because of all the extra time I have been putting in, I'm off all weekend."

"Great," he said.

As I took a drink of my beer I noticed Rose eyeing Emmett. It was obvious that she wanted him to say something but I just decided to ignore it until one of them decided to bring it up.

We sat there drinking and talking about how our weeks went for about half an hour. I excused myself to use the restroom and get myself another beer. On my way back I pulled my phone out to see if maybe I had just missed Bella's call. My brow furrowed when I saw that I had no missed calls or texts. I vowed that I was going to be at her place first thing in the morning to ensure that everything is okay.

I looked back at the table as I waited for the bartender to get my beer. I stifled the groan that wanted to escape when I saw that Jasper and Alice were now there. I knew that I couldn't just leave without going back over there so once I got my beer I took a deep breath before walking back to the table.

"Hey guys," I said as I took my seat.

Once I was seated Rose caught my eye and I could tell by the look on her face that they didn't set me up.

I sat there drinking my beer as the conversation flowed around me. I didn't really contribute much to the conversation but rather just looked around the bar instead. After about fifteen minutes I noticed a couple walk in. The girl looked familiar but I couldn't quite place where I had seen her before.

I watched her and her date for a few minutes as I tried to figure out where I knew her from. Finally it hit me and I excused myself from the table and went over to the couple as they stood at the bar.

"Hi," I said as I walked up. "It's Angela, isn't it?"

Her brow furrowed for a minute before she responded. "Edward?"

I nodded and I noticed that her date was trying to figure out who I was. Angela noticed as well because she introduced us. "Ben, this is Bella's Edward. Edward, this is my fiancé Ben."

"Congratulations man," I told him.

"Is Bella with you?" Angela asked.

"No. Actually I was wondering if I could talk to you about her for a minute."

"Sure. Lets grab a table over here and we can talk," Angela said leading us to an unoccupied table close to the door.

"So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?" Angela asked as soon as we were seated.

"Well, I haven't really been able to talk to Bella much this week so I guess I was just wondering how she is doing."

"She seems fine," Angela said although she seemed to be thinking about something else.

"Are you sure?" I asked. "I mean, I'm worried about her and I'm afraid she might be pushing herself too hard."

Angela nodded as if she knew what I was saying. "She has been pushing a lot. She has had us going to kickboxing classes all week. I know that I'm feeling it but she doesn't seem to be showing any signs of being in pain. However, I haven't said anything to her for two reasons."

I looked at her wanting to know what she was thinking. "First, she isn't showing any signs of pushing too hard so I don't want her to think that I am just one more person who knows better than her about what she should or shouldn't be doing." I nodded and she continued, "Second, I think that the kickboxing has been a good outlet for her to be able to start to get some of the frustrations she is dealing with out."

I cocked my eyebrow at her. "Frustrations, anything specific?"

"No, just stress at work, the situation with her attack, her relationship with her brother. I know she has been trying to keep it all in and not 'burden' people with her problems and at least with the kickboxing she is letting some of the feelings out through the classes. Does that make sense?" she asked me.

"It actually makes perfect sense. I just hope that she isn't doing too much too fast."

"I know. Same here Edward. But you should know that Bella cares a great deal about you and I think she is afraid that if she lets go that you will push her away. Like…" she trailed off.

I knew exactly how she wanted to end that statement so I ended it for her. "Like Jasper."

Angela nodded. "I know we haven't been seeing each other for long, but I love her Angela and I want to be there for her. I just wish I knew how to get her to open up to me."

"Edward, I really wish I had an easy answer for that but all I can tell you is to just hang in there. I know that Bella loves you as well even if she doesn't admit it, so please don't give up on her."

"I don't plan on it. Thanks for taking the time out of your night to talk to me. I should probably get back over to my group." I told her and Ben as I motioned over to my table.

Angela scowled when she saw who I was with. I just laughed and said, "I know how you feel Angela. You guys have a nice night and we will have to see about the four of us getting together some night."

I shook Ben's hand before I left the table and made my way back to the group. As I approached the table my sister decided to open her mouth. "Oh you can finally come back and be with us. Are you actually going to talk to us this time or are you too good for that?"

Rose had a surprised look as she heard what my sister had said. Jasper and Emmett apparently had been in their own world because Emmett asked, "What's going on?"

I put my hand up. "Nothing to worry about Em." Then I turned back to my sister. "Do you care to share what crawled up your ass and died Alice?"

Alice huffed. "I just love how you would rather ditch us to talk to people you don't know. Especially when you haven't seen us since we last had brunch at mom and dad's house."

"First, how do you know that I don't know them? Don't presume to know everyone I associate with Alice. Second, the road goes two ways. If you had wanted to see me you could have made the effort to see me. Third, why do you always have to be such a bitch?"

Alice started to speak again, but Jasper stopped her. "Alice, Edward is right. We discussed this and I thought we had an understanding."

Alice just rolled her eyes but didn't say anything. I couldn't quite figure out what Jasper might have been talking about but I decided to leave it alone. I finished my beer and decided to call it a night in an effort to avoid any further confrontation with my sister.

"I'm going to head home. It has been a long week at work and I could really use the sleep." I told the table as I got up. I noticed Rose elbow Emmett but decided to ignore it as I got ready to leave.

I quickly said my goodbyes and started to make my way out of the bar. I waved to Angela and Ben as I passed their table. I had just made it to the front door when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I stopped and looked to see who it was.

"Hey Em," I said.

Emmett shuffled a little before he spoke. "Hey man about the game. Apparently the girls have decided to go with us and I guess your parents are coming as well so we were kind of hoping that maybe Bella would come with you."

I stiffened at the thought of putting Bella in that position. "I don't know Em. You know what happened that last time Bella, Jasper and Alice were in the same room. Then with what happened with Jazz last week."

"I know man, but I spoke to Jasper and he really wants Bella to come. He said he has been trying to contact her but she won't return his messages. I get it man, I do but I was just hoping maybe you might be able to talk to her and get her to come. It would mean a great deal to me and Rose."

I thought about what he was saying. "I can't promise anything. I will ask her when I finally talk to her but I won't force her if she says no."

"Fair enough man. Just let me know."

"Okay. Night Em." I told him before I made my way out to the car.

I drove by Bella's place on my way home and her lights were still out. I put the worry in the back of my head and headed home. Once I got there I made my way to the bedroom and got ready for bed. I would be making my way to Bella's place first thing in the morning.

BPOV

I didn't sleep well Friday night. My body was fighting me for the continuous workouts, but that wasn't what kept me from getting a good night of sleep. My night was filled with nightmares. Not of the attack, but rather of everyone around me, including my parents, telling me that everything would be better if I wasn't around. After the third dream I decided that sleep wasn't going to be coming.

About 6:00 I decided to try and run out my frustrations. I went on my normal running route. I stopped at the park and just sat there for a little bit thinking about the dreams. When I started to get cold and my muscles started to ache because I had stopped I decided it was time to make my way home.

When I got back to my building I decided to take the stairs rather than the elevator. When I got to my floor I wasn't really paying attention because I was still listening to my music so I jumped when I turned the corner and almost ran right into Edward.

"Hey," I said. "What are you doing here so early?" I asked as I moved around him to unlock the door.

"It's not that early," Edward replied and I looked at my watch realizing that it was after eight.

I furrowed my brow as I tried to figure out where the time had gone. "Huh, I guess I didn't realize how long I was gone." I told him as I gestured for him to enter the apartment.

"Anyway it is a pleasant surprise to see you this morning. What has you out and about?" I ask as I make my way to the kitchen. I turned to look at him and before he got a chance to answer I gestured to the coffee pot, "Coffee?"

Edward chuckled. "So many questions that you don't even give me a chance to answer."

I blushed because I realized how right he was. "Sorry."

"Don't be sorry," he said as he made his way over to me. "First things first," he said before he leaned down and gave me a kiss.

"Good Morning. I have been missing that all week. I have hated that we haven't really gotten a chance to speak this week so right when I got up I made my way over her to make up for lost time, and yes, I would love a cup of coffee."

I turned back toward the coffee pot and while I was preparing the coffee he reached around me and pulled me to him. I fought the urge to hiss when he pulled me tight against his body. Between the kickboxing and my run this morning I was feeling it. Instead I relished the feel of his arms around me as I got his cup ready and handed it to him.

"Lets go to the living room," I said after I got my cup of coffee.

I let him lead the way as he continued holding my hand all the way and directing me to sit next to him on the love seat. Once we were seated Edward pulled me into him and placed his arm around me.

"So do you have any plans for today?"

"I might head to the gym later, but other than that nothing much. How about you?" I asked him.

"Well, if you could forego the gym I was thinking that maybe we could do something together. I have missed spending time with you this week."

I chewed on my lip. In my head I knew I was supposed to be putting some space between us so that I can't hurt his relationships any further than I already have, but my heart had missed him a great deal and wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. The two were warring with one another. Finally I just decided to go with my heart. "I would love to spend the day with you. What do you have in mind?"

"Well, the weather is gorgeous so I was thinking that maybe we could go to the aquarium, take a walk through the park, and go out for a nice meal. Does any of that appeal to you?"

"Truthfully, I'm game for whatever you want to do. Just spending time with you is appeal enough." I told him before I leaned up to give him a kiss.

We sat there for a few more minutes when I suddenly realized that I needed to get ready. "I'm going to just take a quick shower and I will be ready to go," I told Edward.

"Take your time. We have all day." Edward replied.

As I got in the shower I was looking forward to spending the day with Edward.

EPOV

When I first got to Bella's this morning and she didn't answer the door, I found myself getting a little worried. Just as I was pulling my phone out to try to call her she came around the corner, obviously returning from her run.

At first it almost seemed like she was upset that I was here. I was about to offer to leave when she invited me in. I followed her in and laughed when she continued to fire questions at me without giving me an opportunity to even try to answer them.

When I called her on not giving me an opportunity to answer her rapid-fire questions I could tell that she was embarrassed. I pulled her to me and gave her a kiss before I started to answer her questions. As I held her while she was making coffee it seemed like she might be wincing and I was even more worried that she might be overdoing it.

In just the short few days since I had last seen Bella she seemed to have lost some weight. I don't think it is from not eating, but no matter the cause it worried me. I tried to hide my worry as we sat on the love seat drinking our coffee and talking about the week.

When she talked about her plans of going to the gym I hoped that I would be able to convince her to spend the day with me instead. I could tell that her bodily most definitely needed a break but I think she needed a chance to just have fun and not think as well. I was ecstatic when she agreed to spend the day with me. I sat in her living room while she got ready and tried to figure out how to prove to her how much I love her.

As Bella came back into the living room after getting dressed I sucked in a breath. Yes, she was absolutely breathtaking but I could see that her skinny jeans were a little baggy on her. I quickly got up and gave her a kiss telling her how beautiful she was before I escorted her out of the apartment.

The day with Bella was beyond wonderful. For the first time since her last confrontation with Jasper, Bella seemed to be free. A few times she seemed to pull back, but then she would let go again. As the day wore on, however, I knew I couldn't put off asking her about the game much longer. I decided to wait until we got back to her place so as not to ruin the wonderful day we were having.

After dinner I drove us back to Bella's place and she invited me in for a drink. Once we were settled in the living room I cleared my throat.

"I have had a wonderful time today Bella." I told her as I pulled her into a kiss.

"Me too," was her response.

I cleared my throat before I spoke again and I noticed that Bella's face began to pale. I took her hand and said, "So I was wondering if you wanted to go to the game tomorrow."

Bella furrowed her brow, but said, "Sure. That sounds like fun; I mean if there isn't someone else you would rather take."

"Oh no, there is nobody else." I assured her. "The thing is that my mom, dad, Emmett, Jasper, Rose, and Alice will also be there."

Immediately I could tell that Bella was trying to come up with an excuse to get out of going. I knew I needed to speak fast if I had any chance of getting her to still come with me. "I promise that there isn't a problem. Jasper wants you to come and my parents love you. Also Rose and Emmett have been begging for us to go out with them."

Bella still looked hesitant as she sat there and bit her lip. Finally she nodded. "Okay, if it means that much to you I will go."

I pulled her into a hug and gave her a deep kiss. "You have no idea how happy I am that you said you would come."

She chuckled at my enthusiasm. When I realized the time I made to get up and leave. Bella cleared her throat. "If you would like you could stay," she said hesitantly.

I couldn't help the smile that graced my face. "I would love to stay."

Bella pulled me from the couch and we made our way to her bedroom. As she changed in the bathroom I stripped down to my boxers and crawled into bed. When she came out of the bathroom Bella got into the bed and I pulled her into me. We kissed for a little while until I could tell Bella was falling asleep. I pulled her to my chest and held her as she drifted off.

I was just about asleep when Bella started fighting in my arms. I pulled her closer to me and started humming to her in an effort to ward off whatever nightmares were plaguing her. Luckily it seemed to work and the last thoughts I had before I fell asleep were that I needed to figure out how to help her get rid of her nightmares and that I hope that Jasper and Alice were decent to Bella tomorrow because if they aren't I might just take those two out myself.

A/N

I apologize for not being able to post last week. Once I got back from vacation everything seemed to fall apart.

I want to thank everyone who is reading and reviewing this story it means a great deal to me. As of the last chapter I have 96 reviews and I just want you to know that each and every one of them mean the world to me.

I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. We will see you next week at the game.