Hi guys! Back again with a new chapter... So, there's a lot of misunderstandings and problems between Edward and Bella. Edward's jealousy and Bella's obliviousness are the roots of their problems... Let's see if they can clear it up...

As always, thanks so much to all those who read, followed, and reviewed the story. I really appreciate it.

The story is complete. So, it will have daily updates. This story is not betad. So any mistakes are my own. Hope you like it. Please review and let me know.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 19

Present

When I settle into his car, I take a deep breath. My heart is still beating rapidly, his intense gaze from the elevator unnerving me.

I wait for him to start the car, but he doesn't. We both just sit there for a while, breathing heavily.

"God, Bella, you're driving me crazy." He says, finally, his hands clenched around the steering wheel.

"I—"

Before I could reply, he turns toward me and continues. "Why do you do this?"

My brow furrows in confusion. "Why do I do what, Edward?"

He scowls. "You said you don't love him."

"Yes."

"Then, why…" He stops, searching for the words. "What was all that just now in his apartment?"

I huff in annoyance. "He was drunk, Edward. I was just caring for him. As a friend."

He gives out a short laugh. "Friend? Then what was it about when you were patting him down?"

I close my eyes in resignation. "God, you make me sound like a sexual predator. I was just looking for his keys. I would have asked you to do it if I could hold Jake upright."

"Bella, your "friendship" with Jacob is driving me mad." He says and makes the air quotes angrily.

I narrow my eyes. "What are you trying to say here? For once, just be honest."

He gives a short, sardonic laugh. "Jacob was blatantly putting his moves on you in the restaurant and you…" He stops short, his nose flaring.

"I what, Edward? Say it."

"You are letting him. Just like before."

I huff, loudly. "I let him? Are you saying that I'm leading him on? I swear to god, Edward—"

"It's always been like that, Bella. Even in school, he pursued you relentlessly and you never refused it."

I freeze. "Edward, it was… it was never like that for me. I didn't even know until recently."

"He's in love with you, Bella." He declares.

I stop short. I look at him in surprise. "I know."

He inhales loudly. "You… You know?"

"Yes," I reply in a whisper this time.

"So, you and him…" he trails off.

"We're just friends, Edward. Really."

"Does he know that?" He stares at me hard, his jaw clenched again.

I look away from him towards Jacob. I sigh. "He does now."

"What does that mean?"

"It means I've made it clear that I don't have feelings for him."

"Oh."

We stay silent, pondering over what is just said. Then he asks, "Recently?"

I frown. "What?"

"You said you found out recently. What did you mean?"

I sigh. "A couple days ago, he confessed that he loved me."

"Oh."

The car is silent again. I turn towards him. "Can you take me home now?"

Without a word, he starts the car. "Have you thought about it?" He asks, after a while.

I'm staring out the window, my mind running through everything that was said tonight. "About what?"

"About us."

I don't answer for a long while and then admit, "I'm scared."

He remains silent and then says, "You don't trust me."

"I thought that our love was strong." The ride is silent after that. Neither of us dares to say anything.

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I'll see you in the next chapter.

~SunAndMoon42