Author's Note: I am surprised that people support me in making Bella hold her ground and not fall immediately into Edward's arms the moment she sees him. I am making a stand for Bella so she doesn't have to be the "fragile always needing to be rescued girl" that so many people see.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

Why did I tell Alice I would let him explain? That was the one thing I was trying to avoiding. What class did I have next? Oh right, theater. I have to pay attention in this class, because this involves getting up and performing. I walked in, prepared to do whatever it is to get through today, but I wasn't that lucky. Edward was in this class, and as it happens, the only available seat happens to be next to his. I dropped off my schedule at the teacher's desk so he can add my name to his list and sank down in the chair.

"Alright, spit it out. Go ahead, explain to me what happened," I demanded. He was absolutely shocked. Actually, I couldn't blame him. One moment I was ignoring him and the next I was yelling at him. Stop, I told myself. You are only doing this for Alice. "Are you going to explain or just sit there like a rock?"

"Bella, it doesn't matter what I say, does it? You won't listen either way." My mouth dropped open. Here I was, giving him a chance and he just snapped at me. He just made me sound like a hypocrite. I straightened and took a deep breath.

"How do you know I won't listen?" I challenged. "I'm listening now, tell me." I tried to sound calm. He had doubt in his eyes, he was afraid I might blow up again. I smiled trying to encourage him. I wasn't going to change my opinion about him but I wasn't going to let him think I was a hypocrite either.

"Today is a day to get to know your classmates, so please socialize and make friends with the people you will be working with throughout the year," the teacher said before retrieving back to his desk. Great, we have all period.

"Well? You wanted to talk to me this morning and now suddenly you have nothing to say?" I pressed.

"Bella, I don't know what to expect anymore, you keep switching personalities," he stated.

"I don't need your opinion on my personality. Are you going to explain or not?" I was getting impatient. He nodded curtly.

"I left the rose as a goodbye and to say that I will always love you no matter where I was. I never meant for you to misunderstand," he started. I clenched my teeth together.

"Go on."

"I thought that if I left, you will have a chance at a normal, happy life. I had no idea, and I had no intention for this to happen." This was just about all I can take.

"Stop, that's enough." He reached out to reach for me but I pulled away. "Don't touch me," I said shaking my head. "Do you think that you can just walk back into my life after ten years? I'm not the Bella you met ten years ago and you're not the Edward I fell in love with. I'm no longer that naive and trusting." I got up and and walked to the teacher's desk.

"I don't feel so well. Can I leave early?" I made my voice sound alluring, I found it easier to get what I want if I dazzle them. I saw his eyes turn hazy and knew it was working.

"Of course," he muttered handing me a pass. I smiled slightly and left.

I think I would've been in tears if I still had the ability to cry. I got in the car and drove home. I was so tense, I needed to calm down. I decided to take a bubble bath. I poured two capfuls of my favorite strawberry bubble bath solution into the bath and let the water run until it filled the tub. I layed down, soaking myself in the hot water letting it wash away my troubles momentarily. I spent a good hour with my eyes closed just letting myself drift in my own thoughts. The voices in my head was arguing about whether or not he was speaking truthfully. Boys lie. But he sounded so sincere. He lied. He was so sad. He hurt you. That was the end of it, he did hurt me and I wasn't going to let it happen again. I opened my eyes and turned on the shower to rinse myself off.

It didn't take long for my problems to rush back to me. Why is my life so complicated? I heard a car entering the driveway and assumed it was Henry. A moment later the doorbell rang. That's strange. I pulled the door opened.

"Did you forget you key-" I almost fainted at the sight of him, though I doubt I could. "How did you know where I live?" I asked horrified.

"I heard it from Alice's mind," he answered. "Can I come in?" I turned around and stomped into the living room. He came in, closed the door quietly behind him, and followed me.

"What do you want now?" I turned around abruptly causing him to jump back.

"I um wanted to see if you were okay," he stuttered. I raised an eyebrow at him in disbelief.

"Why wouldn't I be?" I asked. I heard another car in the driveway and so did he. "Who is that?" I asked. He shrugged keeping his eyes on me.

"Bella, you home?" It was Henry.

"Yeah, I'm in here," I replied. I glanced at Edward, he looked furious, I couldn't help but smirk. Henry walked in with a giant grin.

"Bella, who is this?" he asked curiously.

"This is Edward, he's an old friend of mine," I answered. I saw from the corner of my eyes that Edward winced at the word friend. "Edward, this is Henry." Henry walked over to Edward attempting to shake his hand. They looked like they were trying to crush each other's hands, not shake it. "Okay, that's enough hand shaking," I said pulling their arms apart. "Henry, don't you have to watch a game or something today?" I was hoping he does, this was getting awkward. Henry mumbled something and left for his room. I turned to Edward. "So what is it that you want?"

"Who is he?" he asked me instead of giving me an answer.

"I don't think that's any of your business," I said amused.

"I don't like the thoughts he was having and it is my business."

"No it isn't. You pushed me out of your life, so you have no say in who and what is in my life," I said.

"Bella, what do you want me to do for you to forgive me?" he asked.

"I don't know, I'll tell you when I think of something. Can you leave now?"

"Actually, I think that Henry would like some company while he watches the game," he had a mischievious smile and I was getting nervous. Before I could utter a response, he bounced up the stairs and into Henry's room. I sighed and walked up to my room closing the door behind me. For the rest of the night, I could hear them pretending to be friendly to each other. Edward didn't leave until early morning, I was pretty sure he wouldn't if he didn't have to change for school.