Confrontations

Walking out into the cool night air, I couldn't get Edward's grandfather's words out of my head.

Edward has specific obligations and I will be sure that he meets every one of them.

My feet ached as I quickly texted Alice that I would be leaving early. I asked her to tell Edward that I was leaving, too. I didn't know if I could face him just yet. I knew within myself that I was choosing the easy way out-to run away. But, it all felt like too much. As much as I loved Edward and knew that he loved me too, a small part of me knew that we came from different worlds. He is a trust-fund kid, and I'm a scholarship kid. His grandfather is chairman of the board at one of the most prestigious universities in the country, and my grandpa was a mailman. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath, trying, but failing, to forget the image of Edward and Lindsay dancing together.

They make a dashing couple.

I remembered how sure Mr. Cullen sounded when he looked over at Edward and Lindsay. As much as it pained me to see them together, I think the worst part about it was that he was right. They looked great together. They were both born into privilege, and it made sense that Edward's grandfather wanted them to be together.

I waked from my scattered thoughts when the taxi that I called had arrived. My feet needed relief from Alice's heels, and I was desperate for my bed.

It had been a long night.

I stiffened when I heard keys jangle outside my dorm room a few hours later.

Alice is back. I thought to myself.

I tried my best to lay still. I knew that she'd want to know where I disappeared to, so I pulled my warm blanket over my head, hoping that she'd think I was asleep.

"Bella?" She whispered.

"Bella?"

I didn't respond.

"I think she's asleep Edward." She whispered again. I felt when Edward stepped into the room. I always knew when he was close for some strange reason.

My heart beat frantically.

"I need to talk to her Alice." I heard him whisper to her.

"No. Let her sleep. She's probably tired. Grandfather said she looked tired when she left."

"But she would have told me. Not just leave like that."

I could hear Alice's sigh. "I know. Let's just get some rest tonight and we'll clear this whole thing up tomorrow. Bella needs to sleep."

"I know, but…"

"Edward, let her sleep. She'll be here in the morning." Alice said a little too loud that time.

"Fine. But, I'll be back first thing in the morning. Please, tell Bella to wait here for me when she gets up. I think her phone is turned off."

"Okay" I heard Alice sigh again before she closed the door.

I breathed out a small sigh of relief and shifted uncomfortably under my blanket. The heat was making my hair stick to the back of my neck.

"You can come out now."

Alice's voice made me gasp, and I could feel her standing next to my bed.

"Bella. I know you're not sleeping."

I tried my best to breathe softly when she pulled the covers from my head.

I looked straight into her searching eyes. "Bella, what happened tonight?" She asked, concern evident in her voice.

"I was tired, I guess." I lied.

Alice didn't seem to buy the lie. "Bella, I'm not an idiot. Did this have anything to do with Edward dancing with Linsday Blake?"

"No." I quickly responded.

"Oh Bella, please tell me what happened. Edward is driving himself crazy. He said that he looked over from the dancefloor and you weren't with Grandfather anymore. He thought you may have just gone to the bathroom, but when he got back, grandfather told him that you left. He thinks you're upset with him."

"Alice." I sighed.

"Yes, Bella? Please, talk to me." she said, sitting next to me on my bed now.

"I'm not upset with Edward...I'm sorry I left. I just...I don't think your grandfather likes me very much."

Alice stiffened. "Did he tell you that?"

"Sort of." I told you, looking down at my hands now.

Why did I feel embarrassed? I didn't do anything wrong. I thought to myself.

"Oh, Bella. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault Alice." I sighed. "I didn't mean to leave like that. He just made it very clear to me that Edward had obligations to meet, and I'm not one of them."

Alice looked at me, and I could tell that she was trying her best to mask her frustration.

"Bella, you have to tell Edward."

"No...I."

"Tell him, Bella." she said firmly, pulling me from my tiny bed. "Go, now. He's back at his dorm and I know for certain he isn't asleep. You can still make it there before curfew. It's only 9:35."

"But, I.."

"Bella. Do you love Edward?"

"Yes, I love him so much that it scares me sometimes." I told her softly.

Her face softened and she squeezed my hand. "Then, tell him what happened, Bella. Grandfather isn't just going to disappear. You have to tell Edward. This has nothing to do with you and everything to do with grandfather wanting him to marry some rich heiress."

I sat on my bed, still processing what she said when she woke me from my thoughts.

"You have to stop running away all the time Bella."

"But, I don't.."

"Bella. Listen to me. I love you like a sister and I know that there are things that you deal with that you don't tell me. But, I am very observant and I've noticed that when you're afraid or things become a bit too much, you have a tendency to run away."

I looked at Alice this time, blinded by my tears. "I guess...I guess you're right."

"Bella, you're stronger than you give yourself credit for."

"Thank you Alice." I told her, tearing streaming down my face now. "I think...a lot changed after my dad died. I don't know. It just became easier to avoid facing my problems head on. When my dad was sick, I always felt like I had to be strong for mom. Even though I was so young, I always felt responsible for her, even though it killed me inside to watch my dad suffer so much."

"Oh, Bella…"

"I think..I think after he was gone, I just sort of checked out. I never wanted to face anything again that seemed too hard because I knew how things ended up with my dad."

"I'm sorry, Bella."

"I loved him so much," I told her, my face, neck and T-shirt wet with hot tears. She pulled me in for a hug and I cried on her shoulder.

"You..you're right though." I finally told her, wiping my face with my sleeve. "I have been running away and it's not fair to Edward. I believe that we can get through this."

"You can, Bella. Edward loves you."

"I know." I told her, softly.

Good." She said, laughing now through her own tears. "Now, go and get your man."

I laughed too, as I pulled on a pullover, threw on my Converse and ran out the door.

I speed walked to Edward's dorm and my mind raced as I did. I gave myself an internal pep-talk.

Edward loves me. There's no need to be so insecure.

As difficult as it may be, I will show Edward's grandfather that we belong together.

When I finally arrived at his dorm, I felt significantly better. More confident. I was relieved when I noticed that other residents had female residents over this late in the night. Emmett always complained about how big of a deal his dorm advisor made when they had guests after 9 pm. No one seemed to care tonight though.

My hands trembled when they knocked on Edward's door a few moments later. I took two deep breaths and nearly choked on one when Edward opened the door. He looked miserable.

"Bells!" He looked shocked to see me.

"I'm sorry." I told him quickly.

"For what?" He asked, pulling me in for a hug. He kissed the top of my head, and led me into his room.

"For leaving tonight."

"I'm just happy you're okay. Grandfather told us you were tired?" Edward looked at me this time with concern in his eyes. I sat on the chair next to his small desk and he sat on his bed, waiting for me to speak.

"I.. I wasn't tired Edward. I mean, I was kind of… But that's not why I left."

Edward's jaw clenched and he looked angry. "Bells. What did he say to you? I knew I shouldn't have left you there with him. I just…" He sighed in frustration and finished, "I just knew if I declined the dance, I wouldn't hear the end of it. He can be so difficult."

I stared at him blankly. It was the first time I've seen him so worked up about something.

"Well...I…" I hesitated.

He sighed again. "Bells, please. What did grandfather say to you?"

"He...basically told me that I wasn't good enough for you." I finally got out, quietly.

"What!?" Edward asked. His concerned expression was now angry and he roughly ran his hands through his hair and said something under his breath.

"Bells, you should have come get me."

"I didn't want to interrupt your dance." I told him quietly.

"Why not? You're my girlfriend. I should have been dancing with you anyway. My grandfather." He said, pacing the room now. "He's trying to control my life."

"I'm sorry Edward. I should have stayed to talk with you, but you seemed comfortable with Lindsay."

He looked at me this time, surprise written all over his face. "What?"

"You were smiling and you seemed like you were having fun."

"Bells. I wanted nothing more than to be dancing with you tonight." He told me tenderly.

"I'm sorry. I just...you two looked so good together dancing. You seemed to be hitting it off. I guess..I guess I was a little jealous and I know that it's immature. I just…" I told him, rambling now.

Edward stopped me, mid-ramble and pulled me to my feet. He hugged me tight and kissed my neck.

"Bells. I've known Lindsay for a long time now. If I wanted to be with her, it would have happened years ago. How could you not know that you have my heart?."

I felt a tear slip down my cheek and I bit the inside of my cheek to keep them from flowing.

Why am I even crying right now? I thought to myself, annoyed.

"Bells? Why are you crying?" I heard him ask me, but I just kept on hugging him.

He chuckled.

I finally spoke. "I just love you. So much. You're always so good to me, but I'm always allowing my own insecurities to get in the way." I told him, looking up at his face.

"Bells, I'm a far cry from perfect myself. We've both made mistakes. It makes no sense dwelling on the mistake itself. We just have to learn from them."

"You're right," I told him.

"I think so" He chuckled, sitting down on his bed this time and pulling me next to him. He wrapped his arms around me and we both just sat, listening to one another's breathing.

I felt at peace. More at peace that I have felt in a long time. I decided that I would no longer run away. No matter what the future held, I would face it head-on with Edward.

Even if that future held Edward's grandfather... and Lindsay Blake.

"Bella!" I woke up to the sound of Alice's voice and her loud hair dryer.

"Yes, Alice." I groaned, pulling the covers over my head.

"I'm sorry to do this, but Edward insists that you come with us to brunch with my family."

"Huh?" I got up this time. "I thought he said that we would have dinner with your parents on Sunday?"

I heard the hair dryer turn off and Alice peaked out from the bathroom, her hair still damp. She looked apologetic.

"Yeah, well, grandfather changed it to today. Apparently, he has an announcement for the family. Edward wants you to be there."

"He wants me there...with your grandfather...so soon?" I asked, measuring my words as I did.

"Yes, he does, and I don't blame him."

"Okay." I responded, although it sounded more like a question.

"Bella" Alice said from the bathroom. "There's no need to be afraid. Edward will make sure that there isn't a repeat of what happened last night."

"I know." I finally assured her. "I'll be okay." I meant it too. After talking with Edward, I felt more confident.

"Good. Now, let's hurry and get ready. Jasper is coming too, so he'll take us in his car.

"Is Edward driving with us, too?"

"Yeah, he's on board. He wanted you two to drive together, alone, but I insisted we all drive there."

"Okay." I said quietly. I would have liked to drive over with Edward alone, but it was good that we were all going together. "I'm happy that Jasper is coming too. I won't be the odd ball."

"Oh, please Bella. That would never happen around my family. Edward and I love you already. Mom and dad will love you too. Who knows" she chuckled, "Grandfather may see how great you and Edward are together too."

"One can only dream" I said as I dragged myself from bed. I sorted through my closet and groaned.

Great, I thought to myself, realizing that I now have to look for another outfit. The navy dress that I wore was strewn over my laundry basket. I sighed. "Alice, I have nothing to wear."

"Sure you do!" Alice said cheerfully. "You can wear something casual. We're meeting at a house that my grandfather is renting, so everyone is dressing casual. At least I am."

I smiled when I thought about Alice's definition of casual. I'm sure that still included a pair of heels and some elaborate statement-piece.

"Okay then. Is this okay?" I asked her, pulling out a blush sweater that my mom bought me. It still had the tag on it.

"Yes! That's so cute Bella."

"Thanks." I said, dryly. My mom would love Alice, I thought to myself with a smile.

"You're welcome. Now, hurry up and take a shower. I want to make a quick stop at the Cafe' too before we leave campus. I'm starving."

"Same" I laughed, before turning on the shower.

By the time we were both ready, I had declined Alice's efforts to curl my hair again. As pretty as it looked before, I felt much more comfortable with my hair in a braid running down my back. I examined myself in the bathroom mirror and felt content. The blush sweater actually looked nice against my complexion and the light pink blush that Alice brushed on my cheeks complimented it well. I smiled to myself as I applied my chapstick. Alice tried, but failed to get me to use her lip gloss again. No way was I going to agree to that again.

"Bella, Edward just called your phone. He's out front waiting." Alice called out.

I quickly finished applying my chapstick, and walked in the room for my bag. Alice was standing in front of her closet, again.

"Alice, I thought you already had an outfit picked out?"

She sighed. "I did! But, I didn't really like it anymore. I'll find something. You and Edward can head to the Cafe. I'll text Jasper and we can meet you guys there." She said, before she turned back to the closet.

"Okay, I'll see you later." I told her before I left the dorm.

When I walked outside, I noticed Edward sitting on the bench at the front of our dorm entrance. I tiptoed so that he wouldn't hear me approaching, and wrapped my eyes around his neck and kissed his cheek and his temple, like he always did to me. I could feel that he was smiling when I did it.

"Morning, my love."

I blushed. "Morning."

I walked around the bench and sat next to him, only to be greeted with my favorite crooked smile.

"You look beautiful."

"You like it?" I asked him, looking down at the sweater. I actually felt comfortable in it.

"Yes, you look beautiful in everything. But, I love it when you wear your hair like this the most." He told me, playing with my braid.

I kissed him on the lips this time. "Thank you, Edward."

He smiled. "What was that for?"

"For appreciating me for who I am."

"Well" He smiled, "In that case. I appreciate everything about you."

I laughed and kissed him on the lips again. I stood up now, so that we could walk to the Cafe'.

"Wait" he said laughing, "There's a lot more that I appreciate you for. I deserve more kisses"

I laughed out loud this time. "Edward Cullen, you're something else."

"Fine" He laughed again, and it warmed my heart.

"Let's go get something to eat. I'll get those kisses later." He winked and my heart leapt.

By the time we finished eating our breakfast, Alice texted us that she and Jasper would pick up something from the drive-thru. She appreantly took longer than expected to get ready. This was no surprise to me or Edward. After they made a quick stop to the Panera drive-thru, we were on our way. Edward held my hand the entire drive, rubbing his thumb over my veins to soothe my nerves. I laid my head on his shoulder and enjoyed the ride. Alice and Jasper were in a heated debate about something that I couldn't follow, and Edward sat quietly next to me. He was unusually silent.

"You okay? I asked him, looking up at his face.

He smiled warmly at me and kissed my forehead. "Sort of. I just don't want a repeat of what happened last night."

I squeezed his hand. "I'm not leaving again, Edward." I assured him.

"I know that Bells. I mean I don't want my grandfather to hurt you again. If he does, I won't stand for it."

"Edward, I don't want to cause any trouble."

"It has nothing to do with you Bells. Trust me. It's my grandfather. He's always been difficult to deal with."

I didn't know what to respond to that, so I laid my head back down on his shoulder.

"I love you Bells, and whether my grandfather likes it or not, my heart is yours. It will always be yours."

"Same here" I told him quietly.

"I…"

"We're here!" Alice said, interrupting whatever Edward was about to say.

"Great." Edward said, dryly. I squeezed his hand again.

"It'll be okay." I said, smiling up at him.

"You're not leaving my side tonight." He told me, before we pulled up to a huge house.

"Your grandfather is renting this house?" I asked, looking out at the elegant, tudor style house. "Wow."

"Yup" was Alice's response. "And it's only him staying here."

"Wow" was all I could muster up again, as we pulled into the driveway. "This is stunning."

"You like tudor style houses?" Edward broke me from my thoughts with his question.

"Yeah, my mom actually grew up in a house something like this. Definitely not as grand, but the style is similar. She would love this." I told him, looking out at the beautiful house again.

"We'll look around inside for a bit then."

"Can we?" I asked him, excitedly.

He smiled. "Of course."

Walking up to the giant door, I was surprised that I didn't feel an ounce of nerves. That probably had everything to do with Edward holding my hand in a death grip.

When the door opened, I was relieved to see Edward's mom and not a disapproving glare from Edward's grandfather. Esme's warm smile welcomed us in.

"Bella! I'm so happy you came today."

I smiled at her. "I'm happy I did, too."

"Come, join us in the living room. William is just waiting on one more guest."

"I thought this was a family brunch, mom?" Edward asked, stilling holding onto my hand, firmly.

"You know how your grandfather is. I think he invited a few of his old friends."

Esme gave Edward no time to respond, and she motioned for us to follow her into the living room.

"Alice, it's good to see you. Jasper! How are you, son?" I stiffened a little when I heard the voice of Edward's grandfather.

Edward stopped me outside the door and looked intently in my eyes. "I won't let anything happen, Bells. I'll be right next to you all day."

I smiled, appreciation evident in my eyes, but reassured him. "I'm not afraid, Edward. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Now, let's go in before your mom starts to worry."

Edward quickly kissed my hand before we walked into the room. The first pair eyes that bored into my own was Edward's grandfather. He stared at me unflinchingly, just as he did the night before. Only this time, I stared back. No way was I going to allow him the privilege of intimidating me again. He seemed to realize this, raised an eyebrow and smiled, as if he was suddenly happy that I came.

"Edward, son. I see you brought your friend again." He said, walking over to where Edward and I stood. I wished that Alice and Jasper stayed with us, but they were already across the room.

"Bells is not just a friend, grandfather, she is my girlfriend." Edward responded, his voice hard.

"Friend...girlfriend. What's the difference these days?" His grandfather chuckled, ignoring me.

"There's a big difference and I would appreciate it if you showed Bells more respect."

"Edward."

"Grandfather" Edward cut him off. "Don't you ever disrespect my girlfriend again."

"I beg your pardon?"

Edward's grandfather looked at me with malice in his eyes.

"You heard me. Don't you ever disrespect my girlfriend again."

"Edward Cullen. Do you have any idea…" His grandfather said, before he was cut off.

"Mr. Cullen. It's so good to see you again."

My mouth felt dry when the Blake family entered the room.

Mr. Blake nodded at us from across the room, while Mrs. Blake seemed to be speaking to Esme about something. I looked over at Alice who looked just as shocked as I did.

When Lindsay entered the room, I quickly dismissed the prick that I felt in my heart, and looked up at Edward, who was searching my face as if to see if I was okay.

I smiled at him, but I know that it didn't fully reach my eyes.

I made the mistake of looking over at Lindsay who looked as beautiful and regal as ever. She was openly staring at Edward.

Edward's grandfather seemed to notice Lindsay's stare, and he looked at Edward again with an expression I couldn't understand, before he turned to greet the family.

"Great! I'm so happy you all are here. Before we start dinner. I have an announcement to make. Well, actually, Mr. Blake and I have an announcement to make." He said, gesturing for Mr. Blake to join him where he stood.

Edward still stood frozen, but finally moved and pulled me with him, when Carlisle motioned for us to join the rest of the family. I was grateful when Alice came to stand next to me. I could tell that she was acting like a protective older sister. With the hand that Edward wasn't holding, I squeezed Alice's hand.

"Now, you all know that the Blake and Cullen family have been in business together for years. We have developed somewhat of a bond not only in our business exploits, but personally." He said, smiling at Mr. Blake, who seemed to agree. "Now, we all know that I will be retiring in a few years, so my role as chairman of the board will pass over to another Cullen." He looked directly at Edward as he spoke now. "Of course, my son Carlisle chose a noble profession. As a doctor, he will not have the sufficient time to meet such responsibilities, so my grandson, Edward will be taking my place."

My mouth dropped open, and I felt Edward's hold on my hand tighten. Edward's grandfather continued on, "Now, Edward has a few more years to complete his studies, and I will wait until he has completed them. However, there must be plans in place for when he graduates. The first plan is his engagement." His grandfather said, smiling now.

My hand dropped from Edward's and he seemed too shocked to notice that it did. I felt Alice gasp next to me.

"Engagement?" Edwards' mom finally interjected.

"Yes. Edward's engagement to Lindsay." His grandfather stated, matter-of-factly.

"What?" Edward finally spoke and I could hear the anger in his voice.

"You heard me, son. When you graduate college, you will announce your engagement to Lindsay and you two will be married shortly after."

"But father. You can't just make that decision for Edward." Carlisle cut in this time, and I could tell that he was frustrated.

"Yes. I. Can. Edward doesn't know what is best for him right now. It is my job to guide him."

"But father…"

"No, Carlisle. This is not up for discussion. I have made up my mind and Mr. Blake is more than willing to come on board. Edward and Lindsay make an excellent match." He said, looking at me as he did. "I'm sure you all would agree."

"Grandfather, why are you doing this?" I heard Alice say, disappointment in her voice.

"Oh, Alice. You wouldn't understand, child. Your brother will thank me for this."

"No." I jumped when Edward spoke.

"What was that?" His grandfather responded.

"I said no. When I graduate I have no intentions of proposing to Lindsay or marrying her."

Edward's grandfather did not look bothered in the least. "Edward, don't pretend that you have a say in this. This is your birthright. You have obligations to meet."

"I said no!" Edward screamed this time, holding my hand again. My hands were trembling this time and I prayed silently that I didn't pass out.

"Edward Cullen. How dare you disrespect me in this way. You see what happens when you fraternize with people beneath you? Before you met this girl, you never once raised your voice at me."

"What did you just say?" Edward responded. His voice was hard.

"You heard what I said. You should never have gotten involved with this girl."

"Dad, that's enough." Carlisle told his father.

"No, it isn't enough. You," He said, pointing to me now, "You don't belong here. And we all know it. The only reason Edward is objecting to this arrangement is because of you. I thought I made myself clear last night. How dare you even come under my roof today."

I stood frozen.

"That is enough grandfather!" I heard Alice say.

"No. Alice." Edward interjected. "Everything that he's said tonight is true."

"What?"

My heart dropped.

His grandfather sounded smug. "See. I knew you would come to your senses."

"Edward, what are you doing?" I heard Alice whisper.

"He's right Alice. If it wasn't for Bells, I would have gone along with this ridiculous plan. I would have allowed him to control my life, but not anymore."

"What?"

"I said not anymore." Edward told him again. "Bells, let's go."

I still stood frozen, trying to process what just happened. I looked around the room at Esme, who gave me a small smile of assurance. Mr. Blake's eyes poured into mine, but they held no malice, just sympathy, as if he was realizing for the first time that Edward and I were a couple. Mrs. Blake looked disinterested in the entire ordeal. The only eyes I did not get to meet were Lindsay's because Edward was pulling me from the room.

When we finally made it outside, I let out a breath that I didn't remember holding, and turned around to see Edward's face. Unshed tears filled his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Bells."