Chapter 7: A Sliver of Truth

Bella

For the second time today, I stood in front of my closet. I wanted something a little dressier, but with a casual feel. I looked over my shoulder to where my digital clock sat. Half-past three.

I pulled out a couple of options I felt comfortable in and laid them across my bed, hoping Angela would help me decide. The first was a cozy olive sweater dress with black leggings. And the second was a touch daring – a pleated black top with a zipper in the front. I would pair the top with dark wash jeans. Both outfits would be completed with knee-high boots. They were a far cry different than what I wore this morning.

I bit my lip as I considered the two outfits. Safe or daring? Closing my eyes, I pictured myself in both outfits.

A shiver coursed through me when, in my mind, I saw Edward draw me into his arms. He bent his head toward me, capturing my lips with his. One of his hands crept up and pulled the zipper down inch by inch, revealing my…

The ringing of my cell phone jarred me out of the fantasy. The number wasn't one I recognized, but I answered the call anyway.

"Hello," I said a little breathy.

"It's Angela. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. My mind was in a fantasy." I grimaced after I admitted that.

"About who?" she asked with a knowing laugh.

I blew out a breath and the hair in front of my face moved. "It's not funny, Ang. Edward kissed me. I freaked out because I thought I saw Jacob. Thanks for telling Edward to get me somewhere else. On that note, why did you tell him to take me to his parents' house?"

"Well… it was the safest place I could think of and it helps that they live off-the-beaten-path."

"Out with it. There's another reason."

She was silent for a long moment. "I saw the kiss and saw Edward's reaction. He was beating himself up, Bella."

"I'm aware."

Again she was silent for a time. "He's different with you."

"Huh?"

"I wish I could explain, Bella. It's his story to tell." She blew out a breath as if she was considering whether to tell me more. "My telling him to take you his parents was a test. He didn't hesitate. Swept you up into his arms and walked to his car."

Words failed me for a moment. "Are you saying he would have questioned the order in the past?"

"Well," she hedged. "Yes and no."

Angela fell silent.

Thinking about what she said and the conversation I had with Edward, I asked, "Does this have anything to do with how the town perceives him?"

I felt I was right and her confirmation had me seething.

"But they don't know the full story. I know I don't even know it at all. But to still be blaming him for something that may or may not be his fault… I don't have the words for how wrong it is. Doesn't he deserve to find happiness?"

"Wow! You gained all that during breakfast. And yes he does. Is he going to tell you why they are blaming him?"

My gaze drifted to my bed and the outfits. The zippered top was out. "He said he would. And I feel I can trust him with my story." I let out a breath. "I got to get ready. I'm having dinner with him and his parents."

"Whoa! How did that come about?"

Puffing out my cheeks, I took a minute to figure out how it did. "I'm not sure. Carlisle found out I was new in town and invited me. I was raised never to turn down an invitation."

She laughed. "Carlisle and Esme are good people. Just be yourself and they will love you in no time. I'll let you go. Bye."

"Talk to you later."

~~ Black Cat ~~

With a smile on my face, I opened the front door. Edward stood on the other side, three white roses in his hand.

Moving to the side, "Come in."

My eyes moved to the boxes I still had to unpack, wondering if I would be able to find my vase. "Hmmm." I tapped my lips.

Edward cleared his throat.

Once I was facing him again, he pointing to what I hadn't noticed. The flowers were in a vase.

"Knowing you just moved in, I thought getting a vase would be wise."

Pulling my lip between my teeth, I blushed. His thoughtfulness was foreign to me. Never had someone I dated done anything like that. I had a strange feeling it was something I would have to get used to.

"Ready?"

After placing the vase on the kitchen counter, I nodded. Grabbing my bag and jacket, I followed him out the front door.

~~ Black Cat ~~

Edward held the car door open for me, internally I groaned. Yet another thing I would have to get used to if we ended up making a habit of going out with him. Not that I minded. There were times in the past I wished someone other than my father would hold a door open for me.

Sliding in, I smiled at him as he closed the door.

"I want to thank you for picking me up."

"My pleasure, Bella."

He hit the button starting the car.

"How are you feeling?"

I was expecting the question. Taking a deep breath and releasing it, I gave myself time. "At the moment, I'm fine. I honestly don't know why I fainted."

"Fainted? Bella, my father was worried. And from what I witnessed, I was too."

Foreign. It was becoming the word du jour in the short time I've known Edward. His worry was a bit disconcerting and endearing at the same time.

Reaching over, I touched his knee. "I'm touched you were worried. I didn't mean to worry anyone."

His hand dropped from the steering wheel and covered my hand. There was a rightness to it like when we held hands at the diner earlier. I wasn't sure how, but Edward was slowly breaking down the walls I had built. The crazy thing was I wanted him to do exactly what he was doing. I had been so damn afraid of dating that I shied away from all men. And yet, here I was going on a second date with Edward and, of all things, meeting his parents.

He squeezed my hand. "You're not used to having someone show concern about you, are you?"

Biting my lip, I shook my head, not wanting to voice my thoughts. Sure I thought it, but to voice it… yeah, not going there, yet. Taking a breath, I said, "Only family. And, before you ask, they don't know about my latest episode."

"And why is that?

Hmmm. That was a tricky one to answer. I was pretty sure Edward now knew my rank and I was read into the mission before I moved to Forks. Still, it was need to know. "My father and stepmother are on a deep space mission and the ship is radio silent."

"Ah, I see. What about today's security issue? I thought Star Command only operated in space."

He released my hand and turned on the main thoroughfare.

That was another difficult question. "The primary role of the military is to minimize civilian harm. I can't tell you the full details of why Star Command was called in to assist. We just were and were happy to help."

"Understandable and your explanation is enough." There was a smile in his voice.

Glancing over at him, I notice the smile gracing his lips. "What about your parents? Would you tell them if you collapsed?"

He turned again before dropping his hand back atop mine where it still rested on his thigh. "I would, eventually. I don't keep much from them."

"It sounds like you're close with them."

He little chuckled, cutting the ignition. "Yes. That's life in a small town. Everyone knows people's business." He pushed his hand through his hair. "My parents found out before I was home what happened between me and a former girlfriend."

I didn't want to ask, but it slipped out before I could stop myself. "The one the town blames you for what happened."

He again swiped his hand through his hair. "Yes, but that was before what happened to her. I didn't care they found out." He sighed. "Ready to meet my parents?"

Looking out the car window at the house, I closed my eyes and nodded.