Chapter 11

"Wait, let me hug you a bit more." He enveloped me and, I don't know what it was, but I fell apart in his arms. I sobbed like a little girl who merely scraped her knee and bled.

Charlie may be my father, but first and foremost he's the Cheif of Police. So despite my explanation I was put into an interrogation room and an interrogator questioned me. When I was told I had to go through it, I knew Edward was going to be taken to another interrogation room. I had given the important points and added details to it as Carlisle and Edward asked questions I answered to try to fill in any holes.

"We decided that I'd say I convinced Edward to do it. Edward hates the rain and the unwanted attention and gossip. He's always quiet, apart from everyone but his siblings and tense so it fits with his story arc. As for me, I wanted to runaway from the responsibilities I had. Edward doesn't know much about what they are but he can make the connection between that and my parents being divorced."

"Why would was it so easy for you to convince me to go?" Edward asked.

"Boy meets girl, that's what everyone thinks?"

"I think it's a rumor blown out of porportion by the student body. We simply ran away, then we, you know." He said awkwardly.

"Remember to hide your neck," Carlisle told me.

"Will the scar go away?"

"I don't think so; Edward and the others still have theirs from the moment they died." Edward leaned close to me, pointing at the faint scar on the right side of his neck.

"If only I was paler." I said, something I never thought I'd say.

There was also a chance he heard me, I was hoping he didn't, but I had no idea of his hearing range.

Whatever. It happened, it's over, I'll deal with it later.

It was dark out by the time they let me go. I was fed while the interrogator talked to Edward, but I was still tired. It was hard giving my reasons for convincing Edward to run with me to the officer, and telling him about how I really liked him; the kiss, the want. He kept pushing for more, forcing me to admit that I might actually be falling in love with him, at the very least. I could only hope what was said stayed confidential until the case file was thrown away.

Edward on the other had to stay. I hesitated outside the door he was in. When would I see him again? Would I ever if he did hear the things I've said?

"Will I see you tomorrow?" I whispered.

"Bella Swan is the most gentle and caring person I ever met. I should have said that to her, I should have thanked her, and I should have said I love her. I don't care what everyone says or thinks." I was frozen where I stood.

He heard every word and...more than that...he felt the same way?

"Bella," Charlie called. I trudged to the end of the hall wishing I could go into that room and kiss him. Good looking boys always made me nervous but he wasn't just a pretty face.

Carlisle was sitting by the entrance with coffee in his hand. The adults said good night and he gave me a sweet smileCharlie drove us home us home in silence. All he said was 'hungry?' when we got into the house. I responded with 'no' and went into my room. I was away from Edward for a mere four hours but it felt like forever. It could have been because I was used to being near him but I knew that wasn't it.

I woke up the next day and found out that it was a little after six am. I must have slept soon after laying in bed. I could hear Charlie was eating breakfast at the table from the top of the stairs.

"Morning Dad."

"Hey, you're up early."

"Yeah."

"Hungry?"

"I got it." I went to the cupboards and took a bowl and a spoon from the drawer.

"Listen..."

"Yeah...?"

"Your mom and I only want what's best for you,"

"I-I know..."

"But we always knew you knew what was best for you. So...you don't have to share anything if you don't want to, especially with me; I know I wasn't present much in your life. A quick update is enough, just so you know."

"...Sure." I wanted to go back into my room, run from the awkwardness, but sat in the other chair, trying to be as quiet as possible. He left with a 'see you later' and kiss on my forehead. When the door closed I dropped my spoon in exasperation. I hated the awkwardness that time created.

I finished up and got dressed for school, making good time. Walking out the door I saw a familiar Silver Volvo and it's driver.

"Is that a new one?" I asked through my incredulous grin.

"Alice 'thought' ahead." He said, making quotation marks with his fingers. "I am grounded though. Maybe you would be too if you kidnapped someone." He added.

"Charlie thinks I kidnapped you and I'm not so," I said smugly. He smiled.

"Lucky. Ride with me?"

"Yeah." He walked around the the front of the car and opened the door for me. I thanked him and in a flash he was in the driver's seat, starting up the car.

"Bella I've been thinking." He said as he pulled onto the road.

"...yes?"

"Could you ever forgive me for what I've done and all the pain I'm causing you?"

"Didn't I already say I did?"

"Yes however...I suppose I needed to hear it again."

"Well, you're only human."

"You're right though, I am. I don't remember my human family but when I was reborn, I didn't accept Carlisle as my father until much later on. The same struggles you have I've been through. Carlisle and Charlie may be different people but all fathers are the same, I hope. They only want you to be free from pain; they're protectors."

"I know."

"Don't worry about Charlie, he understands; I read his mind. Sorry about eavesdropping, for that and your conversation with him back at the station."

"It's fine, I've accepted that you've heard. Did the others...?"

"Yes, my family and a few officers."

"Mmm."

"I hope they keep it to themselves."

"Me too."

"I genuinely hope that you will open up to me. You should have someone to confide in, like how I confide in you. N-no pressure though, to tell me your secrets and hold mine."

"Honestly it feels like you already know everything and it's no trouble."

"Yeah, I've felt that way since then. It's strange but it's an adjustment I'm willing to make. O-one more thing, bear with me."

"I like it when you talk." He smiled at that. He couldn't blush but I could tell he was.

"I wish I could have confessed to you in person rather than the way it happened."

"Oh..." Heat rushed into my cheeks.

"Would it be alright with you, or should I say, would you not pretend to my love interest?"

"I may if you don't."

"Then I won't."

"I won't either." I bit my lip to keep from grinning and turned away to hide my face. Somehow how I could sense he was trying to control his grin too.