I hadn't texted Edward an SOS - I hadn't needed to. Instead, after Renee went to bed each evening, a radio station on because she couldn't bear to be alone with her thoughts, I called him. After reassuring him that everything was fine, we always kept the conversation light - I didn't have enough privacy for a heart to heart about anything heavy.

When Edward wasn't at work, he, Jasper and their mom were having a quiet Christmas too, he said, though it sounded active to me. They'd decorated a tree, done lots of cooking, even gone out to the Christmas market, which was apparently totally misnamed since it was open through New Year's Day. In turn, I told him about the shows I'd watched on TV, and what I was reading. We discussed the Little Prince, and Jane Eyre. I didn't tell him what Renee was up to because there was little to tell: she slumped in front of the TV mostly, rousing every now and then to retreat to her bedroom for a cigarette. Afterwards she'd make a real effort, becoming talkative, even affectionate, for thirty minutes or so, before the exhaustion of cold turkey took her over again.

By our second phone call, Edward had become persuasive, determined that we should meet up, explore the Christmas market ourselves. But I was still cautious about Renee, not wanting to reveal to her how close he and I had become. Saturday, I'd told him instead. I'll see you at the volunteer program at the library on Saturday. I was still keeping from her that I had a part time job and had managed to fulfil graduation criteria early. She had to earn all that knowledge, and it would take longer than a week.

And then Saturday was upon me, and my blood was thrumming through my veins with the anticipation of seeing Edward again. I'd half expected a message from him, suggesting meeting at the gate to the park again. I didn't get one, and swallowed back the disappointment, figuring he'd been scheduled to arrive early and help Carlisle with the baking. But when I got to Holding Ground at 7.45, Edward was leaning against the wall opposite, the collar of his coat pulled up against the slight wind.

He pushed off the wall, instantly coming towards me, 'Happy birthday ma belle!'

I didn't hesitate, launching myself at him and raising into tiptoe to kiss his beaming mouth. He tasted of peppermint.

'Why are you out here?' I asked breathlessly, when we eventually broke apart.

'So we could do that without an audience. But also, a little surprise…'

'I don't like surprises,' I said flatly.

'You'll like this one,' he said, and right on cue, Carlisle came out of his coffehouse, two takeaway cups in his hands.

'Happy birthday Bella,' he said with a furtive glance up and down the street, and in a stage whisper. 'Edward told me you don't want people to know, but as my assistant manager he had to tell me, due to the company policy.'

I split a sceptical scowl between the pair of them. 'Company policy? At your coffeehouse?'

'Yes,' Carlisle said amiably. 'Here at Holding Ground, no-one is allowed to work on their birthday. So you've got the day off Bella - paid, of course.'

I gritted my teeth. 'Fine,' I said. 'Well happy birthday to me.' I turned on my heel and stormed off. Toward the shit hole, to spend yet another day in front of brainless soap operas of my mother's choice, and eat Ramen.

'Day off,' I muttered mutinously as I pumped my arms and legs. 'No free coffee and sandwiches. No tips. No laughing with Rosalie. No working so achingly close to Edward that I-'

'What's that about me?' Edward asked, from right behind my shoulder.

I jumped half out of my skin, then turned. He was holding two coffees, and thrust one towards me. Carlisle, back in the coffeehouse doorway, was empty handed, and waving.

'Have a fun day, kids!' he called.

I glared at Edward. 'Explain.'

'I switched shifts with Tyler. I worked Christmas Eve, he's working today. So I'm taking you out for your birthday.'