A/N: Hey all! I'M BACK! Sorry, it took me so long. If you need to re-read, that's fine :) Catch ya at the bottom so… GO READ, lol!

Unbeta'd so all mistakes are mine.

Chapter 22

EPOV

Over the last few days, I've only been away from Bella when she's working a shift at the bar. The way she's been has concerned me and I'm worried that she'll fall into a deeper depression. She's always been so calm, yet uplifting and happy that her current mood has me a little on edge. I know she lost her family and her protector, but sadness doesn't suit her. There's nothing wrong with wearing your emotions on your sleeve, but it's affecting her work a little.

I told her that first shift back to work that I'd just stick around and be in the corner if she needed me. She tried to put on a brave face and hold herself up to the bartender persona she needs to have while working, but it slipped many times throughout the night. I noticed some customers ask if she was okay. She always told them she was fine and forced a smile, then did what she was supposed to and changed the subject to ask about them. Bella took several breaks that night, something that didn't seem like was the norm, and even got sent home early the next night. She said it just wasn't that busy when I know for a fact it was quite the opposite; I watched the place like a creeper.

I decided to not act like an obsessed or overly worried boyfriend and only dropped her off at work. On top of Seth's death, her truck started having issues the other day and I've been taking her wherever she needs to go as I tinker on it. I got it to start after I got home from taking her to the bar this evening. She stayed the night last night and is staying again tonight so we can head over to my parent's house for the family Christmas.

Today is Christmas Eve and I still need to wrap a few gifts for Sophia. Going into my closet, I get the remaining purchases and wrapping paper and set to work in the living room. I've only just cut the paper to size for a sit-to-stand toy when Bella's ringtone plays.

"Hey," I answer.

"Hey, I'm about done here."

"Okay, I'll get my coat and be on my way," I say, getting up from the floor.

There's a voice in the background and Bella answers them by saying she'll be right there. "I'll see you soon, Edward," she says and then hangs up without a goodbye or I love you.

I just sit there for a second, my heart starting to pound and a sinking feeling in my stomach. I try not to take it to heart as she might have had a customer to attend to or something else rather suddenly, but I must admit that not hearing 'I love you,' even a rushed one, kind of stings.

A/N: Hmmm.

MysteryPOV next update, then it'll switch over to Bella for a few chapters.

I've been writing this off and on since the last update, but it was sporadic within the storyline so I couldn't post anything. The little break I had between spring and summer semester was rather short and I had a lot going on; so much so that I was never able to sit down long enough to concentrate on this or even just fanfic as a whole.