Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter Eight

"Can you tell me what we are about to do?" I questioned as Edward escorted me through the empty parking lot of Newton's Olympic Outfitters.

"I can. Yes."

A light laugh escaped my lips as I clarified, "But you aren't going to tell me."

He raised his eyebrows, slowing his pace to walk next to me. "Does it honestly matter?"

Honestly? No. It didn't matter.

Honestly? I had a bad feeling I'd go just about anywhere with him.

Honestly? I should have responded or something because Edward was staring at me like I was an imbecile.

"Do you have plans?" His tone was somewhat dark, only the amused glint in his eyes giving him away.

"No." I shook my head. "No where else to be." Not really, anyway. Renee could look after herself for a little while longer.

"Good."

"Are we going inside? Isn't this place closed?"

Edward pulled a set of keys out of his pocket and walked us around the back of the building. "For all they know, I left something important in my office."

We meandered through the dimly lit store in silence. He picked up a few Clif Bars and two bottles of water.

"Hungry?"

"Not really," he admitted as we walked in the direction of the Camping and Outdoors section of the store. "But you should never be unprepared."

Biting my lip, we stood in front of the tents and I...was kind of confused.

Edward unzipped one of the larger tents and waved his hand, motioning for me to crawl inside. "After you."

Crawling in the dark tent - I will admit - I was a bit suspicious. Maybe Edward did this all the time. Maybe he lured naive women into dark tents to seduce them. With Clif Bars. And overpriced purified water.

I thought back to our previous conversation as we walked through town, but nothing led me to believe he was anything but kind.

"Do you do this often?" I hoped my tone didn't sound accusatory.

"No. Never."

I believed him. "I believe you."

We settled in the tent, lying side by side.

Then he spoke, and any suspicion I had vanished with his easy chuckle. "Emmett once thought he was being attacked by a bear."

Our laughter filled the tent as he explained a past camping experience which involved a rented bear suit, lots of alcohol, and some mushrooms.

"I used to be wild," he snorted. "Now I think it's wild if I leave the cap off the toothpaste."

"Oh, but that is wild," I teased.

"Tell me something crazy you've done," Edward said conversationally.

"This is up there." I sighed, almost content. Until the simple word crazy floated around in my head, taunting me.

"Oh yeah?"

"Oh yeah. Breaking and entering, lying in department store tents, eating unpaid Clif Bars..."

"There was no breaking to accompany the entering; I used my keys," he pointed out. "And you've shown no interest in the Clif Bars I lifted for you."

"Sorry. I've never had anyone steal an energy bar for me before, so I'm not sure how to react."

I could practically hear Edward smiling in the dark as he noted, "They're organic; it was the least I could do."

We laid on our backs, staring at the polyester ceiling.

"Great view, huh?" I joked.

"The best. Very romantic."

Refraining from rolling my eyes, I pondered for a moment before speaking. "Does your family go camping often?"

"Not really. Does yours?"

"Renee and I have been a handful of times, mostly when I was younger." Before she was unhappy. "It's not really my thing."

Edward turned on his side to stare at me. His fingers ghosting along my arm as he asked, "What is your thing, Bella?"

"Wha-" I stuttered, focusing on trying to slow my heartbeat. "My thing?"

"I've spent most of the night talking about myself and other irrelevant things. What is your thing?"

I wasn't sure; not really.

My thing - for the past fours years - had been taking care of Renee. Looking after her and making sure she didn't leave the oven on. Reminding her to drink water and Emergen-C the morning after consuming Vicodin and vodka. And the nights she did consume the deadly pair, to keep all sharp objects hidden.

But how do you tell someone that's your 'thing'? Looking after your mother. Keeping her alive; pacifying her, each day.

How do you tell someone you came home for spring break during your first year of college, only to find your mother had been drinking, cutting, and consuming more than the recommended amount of pain pills?

How do you tell someone your mother begged, cried, and pleaded for you to stay with her, claiming it would make her better? Normal.

How do you tell someone you're scared and lonely and most days you aren't sure about...anything.

You don't. You can't.

I didn't lie to Edward. I couldn't let myself believe omission was lying.

"My thing is..." I paused, searching for an answer or time. Maybe both.

"Biting your lower lip?" Edward asked, laughing quietly. "What is making you so nervous?"

"You are," I hummed.

"Why?"

Looking away, I kept myself from trembling. "You're too good."

Edward's fingers stilled on my arm, burning my skin from contact. "You're good."

Rolling on my side, we laid face to face. And I believed him.

"I believe you."

A/N: This story will focus on E & B's relationship, and the only drama will come in the form of Renee. I promise this won't get too heavy, but I understand if this isn't some people's cup of tea. To those who stick around- thanks for reading.