Without further ado, chapter 18! REPSOST with edits…yada yada yada!

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or DWTS.


BPOV

"I'm coming with you."

I felt like I had won a prize just because he asked me to join him. The fact that he wanted to continue to spend time with me was almost too much. I can't believe I had basically turned him down a minute before.

Yes, it was true that I needed to edit some things that I had indeed been putting off, but it wasn't like the world would end if I put it off just a little more. Even Angela had said if I got to it, great, if not, it was fine. So, it was fine.

I only had three weeks left with Edward at the minimum, so I needed to make the most of our time together. Who knows what would happen, or more likely what wouldn't happen, between us, but I would start taking some chances for once in my life.

I had an epiphany while I was in the house after Edward had stepped outside to leave. I had this one shot to live fully while doing something outside of my comfort zone and by some cosmic force, I had Edward along with me for the ride.

I had no doubt that it would be one hell of a bumpy ride, but I was planning to hold on for dear life and do my damndest to succeed. I would make Edward proud, even if I broke every bone in my body to do it.

The epiphany also involved my feelings for Edward. There was definitely a pull that drew me to him and while I couldn't exactly describe it, I acknowledged that there was something there. He had looked defeated when I mentioned needing to work. I didn't want to see that look on his face again, and I certainly didn't want to be the cause of it. I needed to try to make the effort with him and maybe even make my feelings known. I could hopefully walk away with a new and amazing friendship at least.

But I would be lying if I didn't say that I wanted more. I knew I would have kissed him if Alice hadn't called and interrupted the moment. It was becoming a trend. So I was going to continue to put myself out there, because if I didn't try, I'll never know.

So here I was in Edward's arms once more due to my clumsiness, and taking my first step towards what will hopefully be a new me; a new Bella.

Edward was smiling down at me and I felt that no matter what happened it would be worth it. He made me forget the world around me the way reading and writing would. It was magical to find that feeling with another human being; a real human being and not just a character in a story.

"So," he began and I felt myself melt with just that one word. His voice was smooth and sweet like honey and I was drawn into him more. "You're really coming with me?"

I didn't like the doubt that was evident in his voice so I smiled as wide as I could, knowing he was my reason for changing my mind and nodded.

"Yes, that's why I'm here," I said with a smirk and small roll of my eyes to tease him.

His smile reached from ear to ear as he gave me a huge hug. I was shocked but I quickly relaxed as I laughed and wrapped my arms around his shoulders.

"Well then, would you like to lock your door or does the Chief usually keep his front door wide open?"

I spun around as much as best as I could in his grip to see that I had indeed left the door open in my haste to get to Edward before he left. Smart ass. The silly part was that it only made me like him more.

I stuck my tongue out at him as I ran back up the steps and into the house to leave Charlie a note. I didn't know when I'd be back and I didn't want him to think something had happened to me, because as the police chief and a father, he would probably think the worst.

I quickly jotted down that I would be over at the Cullen's if he needed me and that I would explain everything when I got back later that evening. Quickly finishing the note with an 'I love you' and my name, I left it on the kitchen table, grabbed my keys and headed back out the door.

Edward was leaning against his car while he waited for me to lock up. He looked so casual and yet so regal against his Volvo all at the same time. I didn't know how he did it. I envied him for the way he carried himself and hoped that he would be able to teach me a little of that in the next few weeks.

"Should I follow you?" I asked, pointing to my truck.

"No, don't worry about it. I'll drive us there and drop you back off when you want to come home. Even following someone, the house can be difficult to find." And with that he met me on the passenger side of his car and opened the door for me.

Such a gentleman.

We drove east out of Forks, across the river and headed into a heavily forested area. Having always driven to and from Forks from the southwest (yes, weird I know, since Seattle is more to the northeast of the tiny town), I had never been out this way before. I had always thought there wasn't anything past Forks on this side.

It was beautiful out here. There was a tranquil peace and openness to the surroundings. You felt that you were a part of nature. Everything felt so serene, but that could have been due to the classical CD Edward had playing in the background. I couldn't be sure.

We didn't say anything during the ride. I was too busy taking in the lush greenery that I once hated. I think Edward was getting a kick out of my intensity to all that was outside his vehicle. But the silence between us was never uncomfortable. It was like a blanket. I felt warm and safe and it was like we had been around each other for years rather than days.

We turned off the road into a hidden driveway that Edward was right about. I would have easily missed it even if I had been following him.

After what felt like a mile of driving straight into the woods, a large beautiful white house made its way into view. It looked to be three stories tall with walls of windows. It was gorgeous and made Charlie's house look like a small cottage in comparison.

"This is your house?" I was dumbfounded. It wasn't what I had expected, but really, I don't know what I was expecting.

"Not mine personally," he said with a smirk, "but yes, when we moved from Chicago, we came here."

"Whoa." So verbose, Bella. Nice.

Edward pulled in front of the house and parked, stopping the engine. He quickly got out and opened my door for me before I had time to register what was happening. Offering his hand, he helped me out and led me up his front steps.

Once I stepped inside, I couldn't help noticing how open and uncluttered it was and yet, it felt so warm and welcoming.

"Edward? Is that you?" A female voice called out and the caramel haired woman from the airport stepped out from around the corner and joined us in the entryway.

She smiled when she saw Edward, but smiled even bigger when she looked at me and down and my hand that was still in Edward's left. I hadn't realized we were still holding hands. Awkward.

"You must be Bella," she said and I nodded. "I'm Esme. It's so nice to finally meet you."

I let go of Edward's hand reluctantly and stepped forward to shake Esme's, but she took me by surprise when she pulled me into a hug very similar to the one I saw her in with Alice at Sea-Tac.

"How's your hand?" she asked, lifting my left arm to examine the bandaging.

"Oh, it's fine, thanks to your husband."

"Carlisle explained things to me when he returned home without Edward. I'm glad you are alright and it was nothing serious."

"Speaking of Carlisle," Edward piped in. "Where is he?"

"Upstairs, taking a nap. He was, uh, exhausted when he came home." If I didn't know any better, I'd say she was blushing, which means…oh my. Go Carlisle and Esme!

I looked back at Edward to confirm my suspicions and he had a look that bordered on revulsion and amusement. I was right!

"Anyway, I'll wake him before dinner," she said quickly before turning to me and continuing. "You are more than welcome to join us if you would like Bella. Mike will be here as well since he's staying with us for the remainder of the weekend."

"Thank you, Esme. That is very gracious of you, but I should probably head home to see my father for dinner. He was already at the station when I got here this morning so I haven't seen him yet." I could see Edward with a look of disappointment but resigned to my decision. This was something I really couldn't cave on.

"Well, you are welcome if you change your mind." Esme was such a sweet and loving woman. "So, Edward," she continued, turning to face him. "What are your plans now?"

"I'm going to show Bella around and then I guess I have to go out and assist the pixie with her partner." He made a face and I tried to hide my smile.

"Edward Anthony, you promised your sister that you would help her, so you march your butt out to the studio as soon as you've shown Bella around. And you better do it with a smile on your face, do you hear me? " Note to self: don't cross Esme.

"Yes ma'am." Edward said with a sulky face.

Without another word, he grabbed my right hand again and led me away from a winking Esme. She knew she called him out and she was proud of it. I loved that woman already.

I turned back to Edward as he led me around the ground floor, pointing out the living and dining rooms. We then headed upstairs, still hand in hand, and I couldn't help blushing. I was heading upstairs with a man and I couldn't help thinking of other implications that it could mean. I needed to get my head out of the gutter.

"So, Anthony, huh?" I broke the silence between us in an attempt to clear my mind.

"Yes, Anthony. What's your middle name?"

"Marie. It was my grandmother's name."

"Isabella Marie," he said simply as if he was testing it out.

"Um, where are we?" I asked, looking away from him and seeing that we had stopped in front of a closed door.

"My room." There was a glint in his eye that sent a jolt to my stomach and I could swear the hall grew warmer.

"You're showing me your room?" I was impressed that I didn't stutter.

"Well, yes, but I really want you to see the view from my room. It's really the only room where you get the full impact." He twisted his grin and gave me a quick wink. "Are you scared to be in my room with me?"

I gulped but gathered myself. Quickly shaking my head, he opened the door. The first thing that greeted me was light. Yes, it was still misting outside and overcast, but what I meant was that there was no far wall. I had an unobstructed view of the world outside the white house.

I glanced around quickly to take in the rest of the room before returning to fully appreciate the sight outside. There was not much to look at. Most of the bookshelves were empty due to the fact that he probably had all of it with him back in California. There was a desk along the right wall that looked as if he hadn't touched it since his school days and a double bed that wasn't made with an open duffle bag resting towards the foot of it.

I'm sure there was more I wasn't taking in, but the wall of glass was calling to me. Edward wasn't wrong. The view was incredible. The Olympic mountain range towered in the distance. I could see the terrain move up and down with the flow of trees trickling down the hillsides and into the valleys. I could even see the movement of water and assumed the river wound itself around just on the outskirts of the property.

Everything was lush and alive here. The low lying ceiling of clouds gave the landscape a fantasy-like feel that made it feel like we were in another world. I felt Edward's presence behind me and voiced my awe.

"It's beautiful," I said quietly so as to not disturb the stillness in the air.

"Yeah. Beautiful." I could feel his breath on the back of my neck. I shivered slightly, although I knew I wasn't cold.

His large hands came up to my shoulders and I felt my eyes close as he moved them down to my elbows and back up again. I think he was trying to subtly warm me up by using the friction in his hands, but trust me, he didn't need it. I wasn't going to stop him though. Not when he had his hands on me.

Sure it was a friendly gesture, but I couldn't help but hope that it was more than just 'friendly' to him. I felt safe in his arms. I didn't entirely understand it.

"Bella," he breathed out and I felt that jolt in my stomach again.

"Yes?" My voice was just a whisper and due to the quiet behind me, I realized he probably hadn't heard it. I turned around to face him and became lost in his eyes.

My eyes then moved from his down to his lips and back up again. I could see him doing the same. We were practically nose to nose again. Damn! I just want to kiss him!

I took a deep breath and made my choice. I leaned in…

"There you two are!" I jumped back so fast that I hit the window behind me. Believe me, there was a moment of panic that I felt when I was leaning against something that I couldn't see and all I could see was the ground below. Freaky!

"Alice!" Edward pretty much growled at her and I had to admit, it was hot. "Don't you know how to knock?!"

"Yes, I do, actually. Do you know how to keep promises?" Alice sneered back at him.

"I'm here, aren't I?"

"Yes, technically you are here, in your room, when you should be in the studio helping me!"

"I was getting there, Alice. I just wanted to show Bella around first. Is that a crime?"

"No, but I think I will steal your partner now and bring her with me, because I'm pretty sure you'll follow her. I think it may be the only way to ensure you'll go where I need you to go." And with that, Alice swooped in and snatched me away from Edward.

We were down the stairs so quickly that I didn't think it was actually possible. I could hear Edward slamming his door quite violently, followed by a few choice words that probably shouldn't be repeated.

"Sorry about that, Bella," Alice said, interrupting my thoughts. "He really needs to learn how to follow through on his promises and learn how to share." She gave me a wink and took me out of the back door to the house and on to a well worn path.

"Do you two always fight like that?" I asked worriedly. Never having siblings to fight with, I didn't know how common it was.

"Oh yeah, all the time…although, I would have to say he was really touchy up there. Did I interrupt something?" I blushed and Alice smirked.

"No. He was just showing me around. There wasn't anything to interrupt, so no worries." I hoped that sounded believable. I am the worst liar.

Alice stared at me as best as she could while walking the path but seemed to let whatever she was looking for go as we came upon a large building about 100 feet from the house.

"What's this?" I gestured to what I thought might be a garage.

"This is our studio! When Edward and I got serious into dance, Carlisle and Esme decided it would be helpful to have a dance facility here at home so we could practice together. It was very sweet of them."

She said it as well. Carlisle and Esme, not mom and dad.

"Um, Alice? I don't mean to stick my nose in other people's business, but I keep noticing that both you and Edward call Carlisle and Esme by their first names. Why is that?" I blushed, not wanting to get too personal, but I really did want to know. Anything I could learn about Edward and his family was high on my list of priorities.

Her eyes glazed over slightly and I found myself backtracking.

"You don't have to tell me, really! I was just curious…but you know what they say about the cat and curiosity…." My voice trailed off.

"No, Bella, it's fine. You know, I think you should know. It explains a lot about Edward and his personality and may even help you understand him better. Anyway, Carlisle and Esme are…"

"Ok, Alice. I'm here. Let's get this over with." I jumped out of my skin a little when Edward burst through the trees and interrupted Alice. He had changed, which explained why he didn't immediately follow us. Looking at his body I could see that this was going to make things harder for me. He looked amazing, back in his workout pants and tank top.

He looked between Alice and me trying to gauge the situation. "What?" he asked.

"Nothing, Edward. No need to get your dance belt in a twist. Come on!" Alice grabbed my hand and led me into the dance studio, with Edward right on our heels.

When I entered the building, music was playing and I could see two guys inside to the far side, one with a camera and one without. Cameras again. Great.

I recognized Mike Newton from our last meeting at the studios when everyone was introduced to each other and their partners. He seemed nice and a little nerdy, but I really didn't know the guy from anything, so I couldn't really judge. The second guy with the camera was completely unknown to me. He was smaller with dark hair and slightly bad skin. He wore a baseball cap backwards, well worn jeans and a band t-shirt with a name I didn't recognize.

"Alright men, I found them so we can get back on track now." Alice sashayed into the room with a vibrant presence. She headed over to both guys in the corner and I felt Edward come up beside me.

When I looked up at him, he still seemed to be fuming from his earlier debate with Alice. I wish he would calm down. I slowly reached my hand up to his chest to get him to look back down at me.

"Are you ok?" I asked once I got his attention. His eyes lightened and he gave me his crooked smile, nodding in response. I felt his arm wrap around me as he led me forward and I looked back to the corner, where the camera was trained on us. We aren't supposed to be filmed, right? I thought we had Tyler. Who was this guy?

"So," the little pixie interrupted, again. "Introductions. Bella, do you remember Mike Newton, my partner?" I nodded and she continued. "Good. Now this," she said gesturing to the camera man "is Eric Yorkie. He's the camera man assigned to Mike and I. Eric, Bella Swan, my brother's partner."

Eric was a cute guy, but next to Edward every good looking guy would be cute and not sexy or hot. Edward had that market cornered.

"Nice to meet you, Bella," Eric said quietly. I simply nodded back at him, never moving from Edward's side.

I felt Edward's hand rubbing slightly up and down on my lower back and I felt myself relax. I leaned back slightly into his hand. I looked at him from the corner of my eye and I saw a hint of a smile on his face and it put one on mine.

"Now that the introductions have been completed, let's get to work." Once the words were out of Alice's mouth, she was a flurry of motion and it became obvious that if you weren't with her, you were against her. I pulled myself away from the hysteria and found a spot along one of the walls. I could see Eric getting his gear ready and was wiring Edward up with a mic while Alice spoke with Mike.

I felt left out, but I wasn't entirely upset about it. I wouldn't inflict any pain on anyone, so that was good. I wasn't prepared anyway. I was no way warmed up and I wasn't dressed appropriately, not according to Edward's standards. I had on jeans and a tank top with a cardigan and chucks. I hadn't planned on seeing anyone today except my father and I certainly hadn't planned on dancing.

Eric gave Alice the thumbs up and they began. Alice broke through my reverie.

"Bella, what are you doing over there?" All eyes turned to me, including Edward who did a double take when we noticed I wasn't next to him anymore.

"Um…I figured I could watch from over here to stay out of the way, but if you need me to leave, I can." I started to stand up and I heard Alice's bell-like laugh. I looked up and saw her with a huge smile, Mike with his normal grin, but I don't think he understood Alice's giddiness anymore than I did, and Edward's look that brought the word crestfallen to mind.

"No silly! You're dancing with us. No sitting on the sidelines for you!"

"But," I started.

"No buts, missy! Edward will need his partner!" And with that, she all but threw me at Edward. She was pretty damn strong for being so tiny. Although, pushing me around probably wasn't that hard.

Edward caught me with ease and I tried to figure out the look in his eyes. He spoke up before I got too deep.

"You don't have to do this, you know?" he whispered in my ear, which led me to shiver in his arms. He started to rub my arms again as he had in his bedroom.

"No, it's fine. I just didn't expect to be dancing today. I mean, I didn't expect to see you or Alice so I'm not exactly prepared for this." I gestured at my clothes and shoes.

"You look fine and while this is more for Mike than you, I'm sure it will help you as well, ok? It's not our usual rehearsals, but it won't hurt you to have fun." He whispered the last two words in my ear again and my body reacted once more. Edward pulled away and looked at me.

"Are you ok? You keep shivering and you even have goose bumps." I looked down at my exposed forearms and sure enough they were covered in the little bumps. "Are you cold?"

I looked at him with my eyes wide but I spoke with confidence. "I'm not cold."

I saw confusion flicker in his eyes, followed by amusement. He had a half smile on his face before Alice interrupted again.

"Ok, Mike. I brought in my brother to come and help us today for the purpose of you watching another male dancer do what you need to do. Do you have any questions?"

"Uh, yeah. Can't Edward just take my place?" Mike must have been having a difficult time just like me. It made me feel good to know that I wasn't the only one. I could feel his pain. I remember wishing that they would replace me, but I was glad that I was seeing this through.

"Mike," Alice said, giggling. "You know he can't do that."

"Besides, I like my partner," Edward chimed in as he put his arm around my shoulders. "And I don't feel like giving her up anytime soon."

I blushed at his words. I really wish I could turn that feature of my body off!

"Also, Bella is here to learn as much as you are so no worries. We're all in this together." Now I had that High School Musical song in my head. Thanks, Alice.

Edward swiftly took me into his arms and began speaking to Mike.

"Mike," he began and I looked over at the other couple to see them in a similar hold as Edward and I. "I know you and Alice are working on the Foxtrot, like Bella and I, so we'll start there."

Mike nodded and Edward continued.

"So, as the male, you are the structure of the pair. The hold is essential. Alice can't do everything on her own, so you need to be her frame and support.

"Most of the ballroom holds are fairly identical. In Latin dances, it changes slightly, but if you master the ballroom, the others will come pretty naturally."

"Do you see how Edward is holding Bella?" Alice interjected. "How they match up perfectly." She smirked at the two of us. I started to think she wasn't talking about the hold entirely. Mike nodded.

"Edward," he said. "I don't know where exactly to place my hand on Alice's back and keep it there. It keeps moving up and down. Is there a trick you use?"

Edward nodded before turning me to have my back towards Alice and Mike.

"Well, there are two holds. One is the 'blade' in which you are holding your arm stiff and straight, with your hand in a flat position like a blade perpendicular to the back." He demonstrated to Mike on my back.

Edward paused and I looked up at his sheepish face and he began chuckling quietly to himself.

"Now, the other one is a bit more specific. This has worked with every guy that I've told this to, so ladies" he said, gesturing to both Alice and I. "I apologize if this offends you in any way." Now I was curious and slightly worried about what he was about to say.

"You need to keep your right hand on her left shoulder blade. The way to always keep it there is to imagine that you are palming her shoulder blade as if you were palming a woman's breast."

My eyes popped open and I met Edward's emerald orbs just as I heard a yelp from Alice to my left. Both Edward and I quickly looked over and saw why Alice was in distress.

Mike had palmed Alice's shoulder as Edward had suggested but had it in a death grip with his fingers clenched in her skin as if his life depended on it.

I dropped our hold and collapsed into a fit of laughter into Edward's chest. His arms came around me and held me to him as he joined in.

As my laughter died down, I could hear Alice trying to explain how Mike didn't need to grip so hard. The sound was just noise in the background though, as I was still enclosed in my Edward bubble. That bubble filled me with want. I wish there was a way to make the leap forward that I so desperately wanted to do. I wanted a chance with Edward. I wanted the confidence to go after it.

It was at that point that I noticed movement and a shimmer of light over Edward's shoulder. I found what I was looking for: Eric was moving around the room with his video camera and the lens must have caught the fluorescents from the studio.

It jolted my senses and I started to pull away from Edward. It was clear that Mike's shoulder blade move had been captured on film and it would make great footage for his intro clip, but I didn't need any extra scenes of Edward and me. I needed to figure this all out on my own without millions of viewers watching.

My sudden pull pack had Edward looking around. After seeing what had 'spooked' me, he turned back to me, placed his fingers under my chin and lifted it so we were looking into each others' eyes. So much for the whole 'don't let the camera catch anything else' thing.

"Let's continue shall we?" I may as well have been a pool of goo for much I was melting when he touched or spoke to me.

Just as he was taking me in his arms, Alice called him over to her and Mike. With a quick wink, he stepped away to talk with them and I left alone, but not for long.

"So, Bella, how are you enjoying being a part of the show?" Eric had stepped up behind me, thankfully with the camera off his shoulder, but with a mic pack in his hands. I had to draw my attention away from Edward so I could answer Eric, and I wasn't a fan.

"You know, it's only been a week since rehearsals began, but so far so good I guess." I had to lift my shirt slightly so Eric could put the pack on me.

"Good, good. You really lucked out in the partner department." He placed the mic belt around my waist and secured it. He seemed to be taking longer than Tyler ever did and it made me uncomfortable.

"Yeah, I did." I looked back at Edward and sighed wistfully, though I hoped Eric wouldn't read too much into my words and sigh.

"Things should be getting pretty interesting now with the additions though." I was confused by what he was saying.

"I'm sorry, but what do you mean by additions?" It piqued my interest and not in a good way.

"Oh, well, I'm not really supposed to say anything. Apparently you will be told this week." He was stopping there? Hell no!

"Oh, come on. Who am I going to tell? Can't you let me in on the secret?" I tried to flirt on purpose and I had no idea if it was working until I could have sworn that Eric's eyes glazed over.

"I guess I could tell you. I mean, you won't tell anyone, right?" he suggested and I nodded in return. "Ok, so we aren't supposed to have five couples this season. It's too low a number of partners for the length of weeks the show is slated to run." He stopped and looked around; I guess to double check that the others weren't listening in. I looked around as well, only to catch Edward glaring. I couldn't tell who he was glaring at though: Eric or me.

"Well," Eric continued. "Ben Cheney was supposed to dance this season but due to his injury he wasn't going to be ready in time for the rehearsal period. So the execs had to think of something else. So, they're bringing in another professional and another celeb."

"Ok," I said, not following why this would be a big deal. "So, why do you think things are going to get 'interesting'?"

"You see, the dancer they chose is not exactly on the greatest terms with Edward. In fact, they can't stand each other." I looked back at Edward, who was no longer watching Eric and me, although he kept his body turned as if he was itching to.

"Why don't they like each other?" My curiosity was getting the better of me.

"No one knows, except the two of them"

"Does Edward know about the addition?" Judging from his body language and demeanor this week, I'm going to go with a solid 'no'. Eric shrugged.

"Doubt it. The studio execs were probably afraid that Ed would have walked prior to the season. I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to leave after he finds out, but he has you now, so who really knows."

I hadn't taken my eyes off of Edward. I was so worried that when he finds out about all this he'll snap. I've never met this new guy or know anything about him or this rivalry, but I could just tell by what little Eric told me, that Edward's reaction wouldn't be good. I felt obligated to tell him, but I couldn't figure out how.

I hadn't realized I hadn't been paying attention to Eric until he was snapping his fingers in front of my face and calling out my name. It jolted me out of my Edward reverie.

"I'm sorry, Eric. What were you saying?"

"I wanted to see if you wanted to get together when we're back in California?"

"Oh!" I was stunned. "Like a date?" He couldn't be serious, right?

"Yeah, I mean, I think we could be great together and I feel like we really click." He was sure of himself, I would give him that much, but it wasn't a very attractive look on him.

"Really? Um, we just met, like 10 minutes ago." I was hoping to get out of this situation. I looked back at Edward and tried to get his attention.

"I know we did, but I can just get this feeling that we're connected deeply." Eric was stepping closer to me and starting to get this creepy edge to his voice. It was unnerving.

Edward finally looked at me and I tried to plead with my eyes to him to say "please dear god, help me!"

I felt a hand grip my arm and start to turn me around. I snuck a peek at Edward before being completely whipped around and I saw his eyes flash. I came face to face with Eric again and while I wasn't really afraid of him, I was shocked he was being so physical, especially with others in the room.

"So, what do you say Bella?" His warm breath wasn't comforting and I cringed.

"Eric, it's sweet of you, really." In my head I was trying to backpedal as fast as possible without hurting his feelings. "I just don't think I can give you the time you need. Between my book and this show, I wouldn't be good for anyone." Well, for Edward I would make time…

"But," Eric began. I wasn't sure how long I could keep saying 'no' nicely.

"Bella?" I heard that honey-like voice behind me and I was relieved. My savior had come to my rescue.

I turned around as much as I could with Eric's hand still holding my arm. Edward was glaring at Eric and if looks could kill, Eric would be in a body bag right now. I felt the pressure release on my arm and felt the blood rush back through it painfully. I stepped away from Eric and felt myself come into contact with Edward's hands and arms.

The difference between both men's hands was astronomical. Where Eric's hands were forceful and rough, Edward's were strong but gentle.

"Sorry Eric," Edward said as he steered me away. "I need to steal Bella. You understand, right?" I couldn't help hearing an edge in his voice that twisted my stomach into knots.

"Thank you," I whispered once we were away from Eric, grateful that he had come to my aid.

"I hope you have better taste than that," Edward spit out quietly but sternly and with disgust.

"Excuse me?" I had never heard Edward use that tone with me and I was uncomfortable with it. I hadn't done anything to deserve it.

He didn't answer me, just pulled me over to Mike and Alice. I looked back at Eric who had reattached the camera to his shoulder. I looked over to Alice and saw her watching Edward intently, and then she shifted her gaze to me with a sympathetic smile. What was going on?

"Come on Bella," Edward broke my reverie by pulling me into a hold that I wasn't really ready for. I apparently wasn't moving fast enough so he pulled my left arm up to his shoulder and dropped it there. Bad news.

Since my body wasn't really cooperating due to the shock of Edward's demeanor towards me, I wasn't in great control over my muscles. My bandage-wrapped left hand dropped full force onto Edward's shoulder, hard. The wound in my hand came in contact with his shoulder bone and began to throb immensely.

I hissed out in pain and pulled out of his grasp holding my hand close to myself. Edward's eyes lightened and widened all at the same time.

"Shit, Bella, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you." The tone of his voice was a complete one-eighty from what it had been only seconds before. I didn't know what to think anymore, except that I wanted to cry and not just from the pain in my hand.

"I'm fine," I gritted out through clenched teeth.

"No you're not. You're starting to tear up."

Sure enough, I felt a tear slide down my cheek and I couldn't tell anymore if it was due to my hand or Edward's mood swings.

"Bella?" Alice stepped between the two of us. "We don't have any ice packs left in here. Why don't you head up to the house? I know Esme keeps some in the freezer in the kitchen."

She took me from Edward, who looked like he just ran over someone's dog, and led me to the door.

"Just ignore him Bella," Alice whispered to me in my ear. "He's being an ass and he knows it. Go get some ice for your hand and come back when you're feeling better. I'll have a little chat with my brother." She finished speaking with a glare in Edward's direction. I started to interrupt her because I didn't want her to yell at Edward, but she stopped me by pulling me into a hug and then she gave me a small nudge out the door.

I walked the short distance back to the house, trying to hold back tears. My hand really hurt like a bitch and Edward's attitude didn't helping. I didn't know what I had done to make him so cold towards me, but it really sucked.

I let myself back into the house and made my way towards the kitchen. I found Esme sitting at the island writing something on a small pad of paper. She looked up at me with a smile as I walked in. Her smile faded from her face into a look of concern as she took in my appearance.

"Oh, Bella! What happened honey?" She rushed over to me and took my bandaged hand into hers.

"It was an accident. Clumsy me strikes again." I wasn't going to blame Edward, not to Esme. It really was an accident. It wasn't his fault that my muscles didn't do what they have done and slowed my arm down from hitting his shoulder so hard.

"Well, let's get you some ice. I'm sure that's why you're here. I didn't even think to restock the studio with more first aid things. The kids haven't been back in a while to use it." I nodded and followed her. I then voiced one of my fears.

"Um, Esme? How are you with blood?"

"Pretty good. When Edward and Alice were younger, they had their fair share of cuts and scrapes. Why?" She looked into my eyes and I felt her concern and caring nature flow through me.

"I'm actually pretty squeamish when it comes to blood, so I haven't checked to see if I popped any of my stitches. Would you mind? I would probably faint and end up doing more damage to myself." Esme smiled gently at me and nodded.

"Why don't I go grab Carlisle and have him take a look at you? He is the doctor you know?" I quickly shook my head.

"I'd rather not disturb him if he's still sleeping. I just want to double check and I don't think it would be another medical emergency for him."

"Honey, Carlisle would be happy to come down to check you over, but if you insist, I won't get him unless I need to, alright?"

She pulled an ice pack out from the freezer and dropped it on the counter as she made me sit where she had been. She slowly began unwrapping the bandage carefully. I made myself look anywhere but where she was working.

The kitchen was amazing. All the appliances were state of the art. It was open with so many windows that looked out at the garden just outside and all of the trees in the distance. There was a pot and pan rack that hung just above the island and the copper gleamed even in the cloudy weather outside. I continued to take stock of everything in the kitchen when I noticed something in the corner that caught my eye.

There was a small wall nook that held a desk. There was a laptop open with one of those starry screensavers that appear like you are traveling through space. But it wasn't the movement that caught my attention. There were four photo frames on the desk and the bookshelf above. Two were group or family shots and the other two were individual pictures of children.

A younger Alice, probably around ten or eleven, stared out of the white frame in a very model-like pose with one hand on her hip and the other behind her head. She wore what looked to be a tribute to Cindy Lauper, with the puffy skirt and shirt that hung off of her shoulder. It was extremely colorful and I smiled. This seemed very fitting for Alice from what little I knew of her.

The second picture frame held a photo of a little boy. Edward also looked to be around ten. He had a black baseball hat on, which did little to reign in his hair, and a black and white baseball uniform . He was holding a bat that was slung over one of his shoulders. His green eyes were so bright and he was amazingly good looking, even as a child.

"Alice hasn't changed much, has she?" Esme looked up at me after I asked my question, and then followed my line of sight as she took in the pictures. She sighed.

"She has always been a bundle of energy and an entertainer. I wasn't surprised that she pursued dancing but I always believed that designing would have been where she finally landed. She was constantly sketching dresses and making clothes for her dolls as she was growing." Esme smiled beamed when she spoke of Alice.

"Was Edward good at baseball?" I watched again as a different look washed over Esme's face. This time she didn't look up and her smile was tight and unnatural.

"Yes, he was a great player. We all thought he would continue, but he stopped a long time ago and then got involved in dancing like his sister." Her voice was sad as she spoke of Edward and I couldn't help but wonder why. I didn't get to wonder before she spoke again. "Bella, you didn't pop any stitches but I want Carlisle to come down and take a look at your hand just in case."

Before I could argue with her, she was out of the room. I looked back at the desk and made my way over to it to take a better look at the other photos. I recognized what I figured to be Edward and Alice's graduation picture. The two of them only had graduation caps on, but they weren't the ugly yellow ones from Forks High. Makes sense, since they were homeschooled.

Carlisle and Esme looked so proud as they smiled brightly next to them. All of the smiles reached their eyes, all but Edward's. You could tell that he had a well placed smile, but it wasn't entirely genuine. To someone passing by, he would look happy, but if you were to really look at him, you could tell there was something else going on.

The last picture was a group shot from when Edward and Alice were younger. It included Esme and Carlisle but two additional people as well. There was a brunette woman with one arm around Edward and the other around Esme. On the other side, a dark haired man had his hand on Alice's shoulder and he stood next to Carlisle, whose hand was around the other gentleman. The smiles in this picture were wide and bright, including Edward.

"So Bella, twice in one day, huh? Let's take a look at that hand of yours." I nearly jumped out of my skin as Carlisle entered the kitchen quickly followed by Esme. I spun around quickly to face them and to not look like I had been snooping.

I offered my hand up to Carlisle, but my mind kept wandering back to that last photograph.

"Ok, Bella, it's looking fine. We'll rewrap your hand and put that ice pack on it to help numb the pain. Esme also brought down some painkillers for you too."

"Thank you," I said shyly.

I wanted to ask about the other photo. I wanted to find out who those other people were. I had a sinking suspicion from putting things together from what both Edward and Alice have said, but I didn't know anything for certain. I just didn't want Edward to be mad at me for asking questions around his back. But you'll never know if you don't ask. Obviously Edward isn't the most forthcoming with the information.

I was arguing with myself internally. I decided I would just bite the bullet. Clearing my throat, I got their attention.

"I'm sorry if this may seem rude and I don't mean to pry, but could I ask the two of you a question?" Esme and Carlisle looked at each other before nodding back at me.


Thoughts? The next chapter is Edward's POV and many questions will be answered. More edits and reposts coming!