SOOOOOO…this REPOST is a bit of a change. I'm combining TWO previous written chapters into two different chapters, hopefully making it easier to follow. The next chapter will also likely be a combination of the same two chapters, but the end sections rather than the beginning sections like this one will have.

So it's KIND OF a new chapter….kind of….

Anyway, five (including this one) more chapters before NEW CHAPTERS! Hooray! On with the story and as always…

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or DWTS. Ah, shucks!


BPOV

Why does this feel like a date? Oh, because he's a gentleman and a gentleman walks a lady to her door. He's too much sometimes, in the best way possible.

I tried to get Edward to stay, to eat dinner with us but he said he should get back to his family. That made sense. I was happy that things were starting to look up for him and his family. I'm grateful that I was around to witness it.

Then I had to bring up this James guy and ruin the happy vibe he was running on. What the hell was I thinking?! I mean I didn't want Edward going into that meeting on Monday blind, but still I wasn't expecting his reaction to that name.

Poor Alice. She's such a nice, sweet person and to think anything like that could have happened to her is awful. I'm glad that she has Jasper. He is her perfect match. Now if only I could find mine…

Oh yeah. He's standing right in front of me! Too bad he's so far out of my league. I took a moment to look at him. He had dropped his head to look at his feet. He really was a beautiful man who had held so much inside himself over the last 10+ years.

Just kiss him! What? There are moments that I detest my inner monologue. I really do think I'm crazy at times.

You know you want to. I do, but… So do it! I can't. Just do it!

Ugh…maybe a quick kiss on the cheek. That's what friends do, as a thank you. Besides, he's kissed me on the forehead a couple times, so I'm just reciprocating the friendly gesture. Oh please…

Shut up!

I kept hope alive that he would keep his head down and wouldn't be watching me do this. I wouldn't be able to kiss him with his eyes on me, even on his cheek.

"Well," I started, trying to break up the silence and get this over with. "I'll see you on Monday, Edward." I moved in quickly so as to not lose my nerve.

What I didn't anticipate was him starting to speak just as I leaned in, which meant he began to lift his head. I couldn't stop myself as the momentum propelled me forward.

"Bella, I…" And that was as far as he got to before my lips on his lips cut his voice off.

I know I really just caught the corner of his mouth, but my lips were still in some way touching his and although most wouldn't consider it a 'real kiss', where both parties are fully invested in the kiss or even if both sets of lips actually hit the target accurately, it was more than I ever expected. My insides were on fire and I could feel my body come alive. If a 'real kiss' was ever in our future, I think I could spontaneously combust.

But let's be realistic. This wouldn't ever happen again. This really shouldn't have happened in the first place and as much as I wanted to hold on and continue, I needed to stop myself.

I finally pulled myself away after maybe 2 seconds, but it felt like hours. All of a sudden everything hit me at once. I had just kissed Edward Masen. He was my dance partner and I had to work with him for at least the next three weeks. I couldn't even imagine how awkward things were now going to get! I'm an idiot!

I backed away quickly, mumbling my apologies or something along those lines, and tried to get out of that situation. I got the door unlocked and open and I practically slammed it back into his shocked face. I hope the look on his face was 'shock' and not 'appalled'. Double idiot!

I slid down the door frame listening for Edward to leave my porch and drive away while holding in tears. If he was still on the other side I didn't want him hearing me and, worst of all, pitying me.

Everything had been going so well and then my damn subconscious told me to do the most ridiculous thing and ruin whatever friendship Edward and I had started. I should really just pull out of the competition now. I wouldn't be able to handle it.

I heard the sound of wood creaking on the other side of the door followed by footsteps away, then back to the door, then away again. Was he pacing? Why!? He just needed to leave! After one more trip to and from the door, the footsteps headed down the porch stairs and I could then hear the faint crunch of the gravel under his feet. His car door opening and closing tugged at my heart but the sound of his engine coming to life ripped it in two. I couldn't take him leaving but I couldn't face him after this. Not right now. I would need tomorrow to recoup before seeing him on Monday.

Once I no longer heard his Volvo's gentle purr, I let out a quiet sob. I had ruined everything. I had no doubt in my mind. I sat there for a good five minutes trying to catch my breath in between the hiccups and sobs. I was a mess.

It was then that I remembered my reason for coming home: Charlie. I needed to make him dinner and not look like my dog had died. I quickly ran upstairs to splash some water on my face and change my shirt. I didn't really sweat today but it made me feel better without having to take a shower. I didn't have time for that right now and I would do that tonight before bed. Maybe I could drown while I was in there and then I wouldn't have to think about what had just happened….oh shut up! I needed to get a grip.

I headed downstairs to the kitchen to start something for dinner. Of course, once I got there the flashback of my lunch pre-hospital visit reminded me that there really wasn't much to make food wise. I needed to run to the store.

I pulled out my cell phone and called my father at the station.

"Chief Swan." I smiled as I located my keys and purse.

"Hi dad."

"Bells! You made it. When did you get in? Did you get my note?"

"Yes, I did. I actually got in around eleven this morning." I was going to try to avoid the hospital visit if I could. He'd see the bandage when he arrived back at the house.

"Ah, that would explain the rumors." He chuckled to himself.

"What rumors?" I could only imagine what was being spread around the town.

"Mrs. Peterson called in today telling me that she could have sworn that she saw you heading into the hospital. I figured she was probably right and that you made it into town if you were already being 'seen' at your second home. You alright? I figured since I didn't get a call from Dr. Cullen that it wasn't too serious."

I sighed quietly as I made my way out the door and locked up the door. I took a moment on the porch to remember Edward and then I pushed on with the conversation. So much for keeping the hospital visit out of the convo.

"Ugh. Small towns…everyone knows everything. Yes, I went to the hospital and Carl…I mean, Dr. Cullen treated me. I cut my hand making a sandwich, not too bad. I'm bandaged up and right as rain."

"Well, I'm glad you're ok and you're home, even if it's for a short visit. So what's the reason you're calling? Obviously not to tell me you made the drive safely since you would have called hours ago." I giggled. Charlie always lets me have my space. He was not worrying about my not checking in and the hospital visit proved it. He knew if I needed him and it was serious, he would be my first call.

"Well, I was about to run to the store, because someone obviously can't do it for himself, and I wanted to see when you were coming back so I could have some dinner ready for you."

"Oh Bells, you know you don't need to do that. I'll be here at the office for the next hour and then I'll start the drive home. Does that give you enough time?"

I checked my watch as I opened the door to my truck. Basically I had an hour and fifteen minutes to get everything done. Maximum time to drive to the store, shop and drive back would be about 30 minutes, leaving me another 45 minutes to get dinner cooking and ready. I was planning on making lasagna so that Charlie could have leftovers for the next few days, so it wouldn't be completely ready but close enough.

"Definitely. I'll see you when you get back! Love you!"

"You too Bells. See you soon."

I hung up the phone and started my truck. It was an explosion of sound after the soft hum of Edward's car. It startled me and then got me thinking about a certain someone. All that did was help my eyes tear up once more…oh stop thinking about him already! It's not helping you!

I put my truck in reverse and headed out to the store. The ride to and from was pretty uneventful and the market was almost empty of people, not that there were many people in this little town to begin with.

When I got back to the house, I tried to make it to the door in one trip but the damage to my hand hindered that option. Since I bought some extra things for Charlie to have to eat like lunch meat, more bread and some chips and beer, I had more bags than I originally had anticipated.

Once the groceries were put away, I got started with dinner. I could make lasagna in my sleep. Noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, sauce, repeat. It's a fairly simple recipe, so simple that my mind could wander while making it. Good news for me, no knife like the last time I daydreamed while preparing food. Bad news because there was only one person I was daydreaming about.

I kept mentally bashing myself for the kiss. It probably didn't mean anything to him and it probably didn't even faze him one bit either. I don't know if that made things better or worse because I know it meant something to me. Maybe the whole thing would blow over and on Monday when I saw him it would be like it never happened. I could continue with the show and hopefully things wouldn't be awkward.

Oh, who am I kidding? Even if he didn't mention it, it would be like the elephant in the room for me because I would constantly be wondering 'why doesn't he think it's a big deal' or 'why the hell aren't we talking about what happened in Forks'.

I came to the conclusion that no matter if we talked about it or not, I would never truly regret it. Sure, I regret how it happened and how I became a spaz afterwards, but I now have something that I will remember forever even if he doesn't or if there is no repeat, which is the likeliest scenario.

Before I knew it, the lasagna was made and in the oven and I was going to prepare the salad. I had to keep my wits about me here, but the chopping went smoothly this time around. I was happy about that. I really didn't need another trip to the ER.

I finished chopping the vegetables and tossing them in the bowl when I heard the key in the door. I could hear Charlie's heavy boots on the floor and the rustle of him removing his jacket and gun belt like clockwork.

"Bells? You in the kitchen?" I simply smiled and yelled back to him confirming his thoughts. He rounded the corner and he was wearing that same police uniform and tired smile that I had always remembered.

"Hi dad," I spoke over my shoulder, putting the finishing touches on the salad.

"Hey kiddo. Smells great in here." I loved that he appreciated my cooking, but I figured that was easy for him since most of the time he ate out at the diner or made simple sandwiches. I guess that was better than him burning down the house.

"Thanks. The lasagna is still cooking, but should be done soon. Why don't you go get cleaned up and changed and I should be ready to go by the time you're done."

He nodded to me and headed back the way he came, the sound of his feet trudging up the stairs reaching my ears easily. He may be a quiet man when it came to speaking, but physically he was anything but. He represented the term 'elephant feet' with honor.

I quickly peeked my head in the oven to double check dinner and reclosed the oven door. I set the table and pulled out a beer for Charlie and myself. I had a feeling that he would react to seeing me drink because it was such a rare thing, but I felt I deserved it after the day I had. I finished setting the salad bowl on the table when I heard footsteps heading back down the stairs, slightly lighter sounding due to the lack of shoes on his feet. He was so predictable.

Charlie smiled again as he re-entered the kitchen and glanced at the table. I saw him eye both beers and smirked before I could see him start to look up at me. I quickly turned around and headed to the oven so as to not make eye contact.

"Is everything alright Bells?" I huffed audibly but covered it with pulling the lasagna out of the oven.

"Yep. Great. How was your day? Why did you go in on a Saturday? I thought you were off weekends?" I asked the logical questions, trying to get him to start talking and get him off my back.

"Oh, George was sick yesterday and I told him I would come in and cover. No big deal. Not much was happening today. I caught up on some paperwork but mainly played solitaire on the computer." He chuckled and I joined in as I dished up a plate for the both of us and took them to the table.

"Ah, our tax money is hard at work, huh?" I teased as we sat down. Charlie laughed again as he dug in.

"Mmm. This is great, Bells. Beats what I've been eating lately," he said as he inhaled the hot food.

"I figured as much." I helped myself to the salad as I let my food cool down but I saw Charlie watching me out of the corner of his eye. I started to cut up the lasagna, trying to ignore the eyes on me, and just as I took a bite my father spoke up.

"So, how's the dancing coming along?"

EPOV

I don't remember much about how I got home. I don't remember getting in my car or turning the ignition. I don't remember putting the car into gear or the actual drive itself. I don't remember pulling into my parents' driveway or parking the car.

What I remember are Bella's lips. I remember the wide-eyed look she gave me before rushing into her father's house. I remember pacing to and from the door as I tried to gather my thoughts. I remember feeling defeated.

I looked up from my apparent daze from my forgettable drive to see that I still sat in my car in front of my parents' home. I tried not to fight the lack of memory and just go with it. It's easier at this point to not care how I got home. I should just be grateful that I got home in one piece.

I clamored out of the car and trudged up the front steps hoping upon hope that I could make it up to my room discreetly. I know I should spend time with my family, especially after our recent 'breakthrough' but I feel like I'm going to have a breakdown if I don't get some alone time with my thoughts on Bella.

I had to be honest with myself. She was the person who was controlling my moods right now. I just wanted to be in her presence. Spending time with her today was beyond imaginable and even after I was a brat and moody earlier, she stayed. She stayed and listened about my past and never once questioned or pitied me. She was irreplaceable. She had done something that no one had done for me except Alice. And let's face it, I love my sister, but she's no Bella.

The front door was unlocked; a side-effect of the trusting small town atmosphere. I squeezed myself silently and listened as the small click of the door seemed to echo everywhere. I was cursing the hardwood floors that creaked quietly underneath my feet as it felt as though everything was amplified.

My final challenge came as I finished crossing the entry and came to the first door jam. Through the door frame was a clear shot to the kitchen and I could hear my mom and Alice's voices faintly. If I passed by and either one of them happened to be looking in my direction…I would be caught. But if I could get past the open door, I could make it to the stairs and up into my room easily.

I tentatively snuck a peak around the corner and saw both women hovering around the kitchen island, with my mom's back to me. That was a good sign, but I needed to make sure that Alice was looking away when I made my move. Unfortunately for me, she really does have some psychic tendencies and she looked over and the exact time I was looking at her. She smirked and I pleaded with my eyes for her to drop it, as I hurried past the door and on to the stairs.

"Hey mom, I'm going to go see if Edward is back. I thought I heard a car," I heard Alice say.

I knew I could sprint to my room, but I also knew that Alice would follow me, so I awaited my fate. Alice quickly turned the corner and met me at the foot of the stairs.

"And just where do you think you're going," Alice whispered. I was grateful she was keeping it down.

"Please Alice," I whispered so Esme wouldn't catch on. "I really need to have some time to myself to work through some things. Just don't say anything about me being back…"

"Is it about Bella?"

I milled that over in my head for a second and then nodded. Alice would figure it out anyway so it's usually just easier to tell her.

"Don't give up on her, Edward." And with that, she flitted through the door frame and proceeded to tell our mom that my car was there, but she saw me walking down the path away from the house. I didn't hear anything else from Esme, so she must have accepted it.

I took a deep breath once I realized I had been holding it and continued up the stairs to my room, silently shutting the door behind me. When I turned back to face my room, I could still picture Bella inside it. She had looked over some of the items, things from my school years, and I could still feel her warmth around. There were still subtle hints of her that I could smell: the strawberry from her shampoo and some floral scent as well.

I made my way over to the window where I stood behind her and could almost visualize her there. I wished she was there. I found myself thinking about her constantly now and I really didn't know what to make of it. What I did know was that I wanted whatever it was between us to be more, if possible.

I knew that this was dangerous, the place I was in at the moment. Falling for my dance partner and not even a real dance partner because she wasn't a dancer, but a celebrity instead. I had never once compromised my integrity this way, but with Bella…I couldn't help it. It was crazy.

Sure, when I met her I thought she was beautiful. I still did. I thought there was something about her and I pretty much couldn't keep my eyes off her, but I thought it was because of intrigue, nothing more. After one week of being in my life, I was ready to turn it upside-down for her. I would give it up in a heartbeat.

I don't know how long I stood there thinking of a potential future with Bella before I heard a timid knock at my door. I was fairly sure I knew who it was but I allowed her in anyway. She must have heard my quiet 'come in' since I heard the door open and tiny footsteps enter. I looked over in my peripheral vision to see my sister staring out the window like myself. I didn't say anything, I didn't want to talk, but Alice had other plans.

"So..." She stopped speaking after one syllable. I waited on baited breath for her to continue, as she always has something to say. But no other words followed.

"So..." I kept it short, because if Alice wanted something else from me, she had to work for it.

"So…what's your problem?" she asked, turning to face my profile. I was dumbfounded. What was my problem?

"Excuse me?" It was my turn to look at her. She had a determined look on her face and I still couldn't believe she had the nerve to ask what my problem was?

"Edward, why are you here?"

I gaped at her.

"What the hell are you talking about? You wanted me to come home! That's why I'm here." I was trying to keep my voice calm and even, but really where was she going with this? I had a desire to kick her out of my room. It was bad enough thinking about Bella, but the addition of Alice's nonsensical questions weren't helping anything.

"No, dumbass. Not why are you here in Forks. I mean, why are you here, at home, when you should be with Bella?"

"Alice, I can't be with her," I said softly. I closed my eyes and I saw Bella shutting the door on me again and again as if on instant replay.

"Yes, you can." I felt her hand come up to my shoulder, rubbing it in a comforting way and I shook it off.

"No, Alice. I can't. She doesn't see me like that, she doesn't want to." I headed back over to my bed and slumped down on the edge. Reliving everything was killing me, and nothing had really happened. Damn!

"Edward, why do you say that? I've seen the way she looks at you. There is something there, and you know I'm never wrong about these things."

"Well, you are wrong this time." I took a deep breath and tried to continue. "She…she kissed me, but I don't think she meant to…..I don't know. All I know is that she kissed me one minute and the next minute, she can't open her door and get into her house fast enough, leaving me outside wondering what the hell just happened!"

I put my head in my hands as I slouched over my legs. I didn't know how this partnership was going to work if she couldn't look at me. I didn't know how we would even get through the next three weeks at least, without some form of communication, but I didn't see that happening in the near future.

I felt the bed give, just enough to let me know Alice's little body had come to sit beside me. I couldn't even bring myself to raise my head from my hands to look over at her.

"Edward, listen. Bella is…cautious when it comes to relationships. Apparently, experiencing her parents' divorce didn't exactly solidify love and marriage and stuff so she's protecting herself. It's not you, so please don't think that."

I stifled a laugh with the 'it's not you' comment. It's not you, it's me. Her statement did make me pause before answering back.

"How do you know this, Alice?" I was looking at her now and saw the sheepish look on her face.

"From Angela. We were talking on the plane and she mentioned it to me when we were sitting next to each other." She paused and I took that information in before she continued. "Look, maybe she scared herself because trust me when I say that she cares for you in more than a purely platonic way. It's all over her face. I'm sure it shocked the hell out her to be kissing you, but you can't just let it go. You need to tell her what you are feeling, because she's probably thinking that she's ruined any kind of future with you because of that kiss."

I still didn't say anything. I was processing everything and I felt like I couldn't really think for myself at the moment. I was taking everything that Alice was saying into my head, but the words were just a jumble.

"Earth to Edward." A snap of fingers in front of my face broke my reverie.

"Sorry."

"Hmmm." She was frowning at me. I hated it.

"Alice, listen. Maybe you are right and she's insecure, but Alice, have you ever thought about the possibility that you could be wrong? It would break her if I went up to her and put her in that position and honestly, it would break me to be rejected like that again. I don't want to ruin a potentially great friendship." The image of her face closing the door on me popped in front of my eyes again. The scared look on Bella's face tormented me.

"But you want more with her so why deny yourself the chance to see it through? You're right, and I could be wrong, although I know I'm not. But you and I both know that I'm not really omniscient so how does either of us really know unless you try."

I knew she was right, at least about the need to try and see for myself. She may be right about Bella's insecurities, but I didn't really know so I couldn't judge on that. I just had to put myself out there, for her, and see if she's willing to try.

I wrapped my arm around Alice and pulled her close to me.

"Thank you, Alice." She quickly latched her arms around me tightly and murmured a 'you're welcome' into my chest.

I held on to my sister for a few more minutes until there was a knock at my door. I looked up and saw Esme standing in the open doorway watching the two of us. She was smiling and I could tell there were unshed tears in her eyes.

"Dinner's ready, if you two would like some," she said as she tried to keep her emotions in check.

"We're coming! Edward just needed my sisterly advice!" She was teasing me. That runt!

"Oh, shut up! I didn't ask for it!" I teased back.

"Edward!" Esme's eyes showed that she wasn't really upset with me for my comment. More like she wanted to play along.

"Sorry, mom," I said jokingly, but knowing that it would mean more to her if it were at least half-honest.

The three of us made our way downstairs and Carlisle was waiting for us in the kitchen. He clapped me on the shoulder as I walked past him and we shared a look. He was happy at what we were all becoming and I was grateful that I could finally make that happen. Grabbing a dish, I headed to the dining room where Esme had set the table for us. It had been a long time since I had eaten a meal at this table.

We all gathered and began passing the plates of food around the table, talking small talk when I realized.

"Alice, where's Mike?" I looked at the four of us at the table, noticing that there should have been five.

"Oh, he grabbed some food from Esme earlier. Apparently he was having a bit of a technological crisis at his company. Something about nanos or something. You know I understand a word of that stuff."

I smiled at her as I dug into my plate of delicious food. I always wondered why Esme never became a chef. She was brilliant at cooking, but her true passion was design and décor. Oh well.

"So, Edward…do you know if Bella is working on anything new?" Esme asked from across the table and I nearly choked on my food. I quickly picked up my water and took a gulp before I could speak.

"Um, I don't really know. I think she mentioned something about editing, so maybe?" I could tell Esme was disappointed in my lack of information. "We don't talk much about her work, but I can see if I can find out anything for you." I was trying to perk her back up. I know how much she liked her books.

"Oh, Edward, you don't need to do that. Besides, she may not be at liberty to say anything right now." She was pushing her food around her plate when she spoke again. "But, if you do find out anything, you will tell me, won't you?"

I laughed out loud and nodded. I looked at Carlisle who was taking everything in: the entire conversation, the image of us all enjoying each other at the table. I could see that it was almost a little too much for him and when he met my eyes I knew I was right. He nodded to me and it felt like it was in thanks and gratitude.

I had been such a schmuck and I knew I did the right thing.

Dinner passed quickly and the playful banter lasted the entire duration. When we started to clear the dishes, Carlisle held me back as Esme and Alice headed to the kitchen.

"Edward, thank you...for coming back to this family. You have made us all extremely happy and proud and I'm grateful that you have brought us all back to life." His eyes were shining.

"I'm sorry, for everything before." I hung my head in shame.

"No, no apologies. Everything happened for a reason and now everything is as it should be. Let's not look back, ok?" I knew he meant what he said and I was grateful he was such a forgiving father. I nodded my head and he pulled me into a hug and I hugged him back.

I heard the sniffles behind me and I pulled out of my father's grasp to see my mom and sister with silent tears dripping down their faces.

"Oh, don't mind us," my mom said as she wiped her face and came to get the dishes my father and I were supposed to have brought to the kitchen, but not before she touched my face reverently.

As quickly as they had come in, they disappeared.

I turned back to my father and he reached out for one of my shoulders and looked into my eyes.

"And you take care of Bella, alright?"

I did an internal double take as he brought up Bella. As I tried to gather my thoughts, he continued.

"She's an amazing girl, Edward, and I know she's kind of accident prone but she tries hard and I know she's trying hard for you. Take good care of her."

"I will." I knew that I would.

He brushed past me and headed into the kitchen and left me to my thoughts. Carlisle and Alice were right. Bella was an amazing girl and I needed to let her know my thoughts about what I think we could be. I didn't want to waste time because I don't know how much time we had to get to know each other. Whether we get voted off first or we make it to the end, it still wasn't a lot of time and I wanted to see this through.

I went into the kitchen, kissed Alice and my mom on the cheek and patted my dad on the back, before heading back out to the front with my keys. I was pretty sure Alice said Bella's name as I sprinted out the front door. I quickly hopped in my car and started back to Chief Swan's house.

It was then that I realized...just what was I going to do when I got there? I guess I could knock on the door and ask to speak with Bella privately. What if her father answered the door? That would be kind of awkward considering that he probably didn't remember me. I figured I would deal with it when I got there.

I decided to park down the street. I didn't want to spook Bella, having her see my car and not answer the door. That wouldn't work at all. So, I made my way up the block and noticed Bella's truck and Charlie's car. It's now or never.

I was walking up to the house when I started to be able to hear voices from inside. I noticed that one of the front windows was open just enough to hear the muffled sounds.

"So, how's the dancing coming along?"


What do you think?! Another mixed POV coming up in the next chapter!