a/n i accidentally updated the wrong chapter please go back and read the real 30

31

In another effort to stall, I stop by Alice's room to check on her progress. She proudly shows off her complete book report that she's already emailed to Angela for her to proofread.

"Dinner's ready. I have to do something real quick, and then we'll eat."

She nods and tells me she'll be down in a minute.

Standing in front of Bella's door with my mea culpa supplies, I'm trying to find the guts to knock. I know she can hear me, but she's going to make me work for it. I knock softly and wait an eternity for her to open it.

When she does, she's got her nose stuck in the air and refuses to make eye contact. "Yes, Mr. Cullen?" she asks, all professionally.

"I'm sorry," I blurt out. "I was out of line when I spoke to you earlier." I thrust the elaborate hand-picked bouquet at her. "Angela said lilies and impatiens are your favorite."

Her face doesn't soften, but she accepts them.

"Please keep in mind that I'm used to apologizing to the human females in my life. They accept gift cards and chocolate, so I got you one of those too. For the home goods store you and Ang like to visit."

A small smile forms on her pretty lips.

"I know you don't like using our dishes for your blood, so I thought I'd get you this as a thank you for the mug you got me. I never got the chance to thank you for it." She runs her fingers over the floral-themed coffee cup I picked out on my own. "And last but not least." I hand her a stuffed squirrel, and her smile turns to confusion.

"Um, thanks?"

"There's actually a funny story behind this. I immediately regretted talking to you like that and contemplated apologizing by going out back and catching you a squirrel. The probability of me catching one is zero, but I figured I'd get a laugh or two out of you for the sentiment."

It works because Bella laughs and squeezes the toy to her chest, jumping in surprise when it squeaks.

My face flushes with embarrassment and her eyes dilate, but I'm not scared. "I couldn't for the life of me find a toy squirrel that wasn't made for dogs. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's adorable," she insists. "Consider your apology accepted. Thank you, Edward."