Disclaimer : I don't own Twilight, obviously.

Sorry if there are mistakes, English is not my first langage. Please, review.

Chapter 7

Charlie had a raised eyebrow while the biggest smile possible was plastered on my face and Carlisle had a small smile of his own.

"So, Bella, I have something to tell you." My father seemed uneasy. I was pretty sure whatever he was about to announce me wasn't good news.

"I found Jake."

I was biting my bottom lip, anticipating what was to come silently. Suddenly, I felt Edward's arms around me and I relaxed a little. My dad continued.

"I brought him to the station for a couple of questions. You know, I decided to take the legal way first."

Carlisle broke the silence.

"I assume he didn't say anything remotely close to the truth", he sighed.

Charlie shook his head.

"Nothing so far so we couldn't keep him at the station too long, unfortunately." He turned to me. "Bella, you should reconsider and do more than only filing for a restraining order. At least, he doesn't seem to know where you are."

I doubt it. In fact, I was certain he knew exactly where I was.

*Flashback*

Jake was so mad at me. I truly was afraid he would lose it. His fist raised in the air and the next thing I thought was it would land on my nose. I screamed, but the impact never came. Opening my eyes, his fist was millimeters from my nose and Jake was breathing heavily while tears streamed down my cheeks.

"Don't ever say that again, Isabella!" He whispered harshly. "I won't kill you. No. It's HIM I'll kill. Your precious Edward."

*End of flashback*

I sobbed. "I can't do that, Dad… I… I just can't!" I couldn't tell him about the threat. I was so afraid! I couldn't risk Edward's life.

That night, I had an horrible nightmare that made me scream. I couldn't breathe. Noah woke up crying. I cried too. Would I ever be able to forget everything about Jacob and move on with my life?

Noah stopped crying when I held him close to me and I was able to calm down. When the door opened and closed a few seconds later, I thought Esme had come to check on me, but it was Edward. I knew because he lied down next to me and put his arm around my stomach like we used to do before.

"Everything's gonna be ok, Bella. You're strong" he murmured, his nose inhaling my hair. "You can talk to me. I'll always be there for you, in anyway that you need me to…"

I turned around so I could face him. His face displayed only pure sincerity. He caressed my cheek, drying my tears. I closed my eyes and pulled him even closer to me, resting my head on his shoulder. He caressed my hair and I fell asleep.

I was safe in Edward's arms, but I knew it wouldn't be long before Jake came back to haunt me.

A month later

I was back at Dr Hale's office. She was silent, her penetrating my soul as I finished talking. She took a deep breath.

"You know, Bella, I think it's time I told you my story. I think you need to hear what I have to say. It might help your healing process. I say this as your therapist, but also as your friend."

Even though Rosalie seemed like an ice queen on the outside, she cared very much for those she loved. Over the weeks, we really had grown to be friends, like sisters even. She helped me so much with my self-confidence and she knew everything about Edward.

I still hadn't talk much to Edward. I knew he was there for me, but I was still trying to sort out my feelings. To him, I probably appeared hot and cold most of the times. I couldn't help myself. One day, I felt like kissing him passionately and the next, I was hurt and confused, afraid he would betray me. We still hadn't talk about our kiss and the fact that he slept in my bed every nights that I had nightmares. He truly was my rock. The problem was that I needed to be able to get up by myself. I couldn't depend on him only.

Plus, there was the fact that for all I knew, he was still Tanya's boyfriend. He told me long ago that he would explain his situation with her, but hadn't told me anything.

I looked at Rosalie uneasy. I was curious, but I knew it would be a difficult conversation.

"I feel the same, Rosalie. I truly consider you like a sister. I wouldn't be where I am if not for you. And Edward." I gave her a small smile.

She nodded and began her story.

"A couple of years ago, I had a boyfriend. His name was Royce."

She took a deep breath and told me everything about the rape and how he left her for dead. I was horrified. I didn't know what to say.

Rosalie seemed ok. As she explained, she'd had her closure.

"I want you to know that I'm here for you. You are worth it, Bella" she said softly, taking my hand.

I nodded and dried my tears.

"Thank you so much, Rose." She smiled at the nickname.

"Now, Bella. Tell me about Edward."

I blushed.

"I don't know what to tell you…"

She raised an eyebrow.

"Have you told him yet how you feel about him?"

I rolled my eyes.

"I don't even know how I feel yet. I'm not about to tell him!"

"That's bullshit, Bella Swan, and you know it!"

If there was one thing I loved about Rose, it's that she was so completely sincere all the time.

"Ok, ok! I… have feelings for him. He's a really good… friend" I said lamely.

"Friend. Yeah, right. Listen, Bella. You have to come to terms with your feelings. I like to tease you and push you a little, but you don't have to tell him yet if you don't feel like it. However, you have to admit them to yourself."

She was right. I knew that my feelings for Edward weren't only the friendship type. I loved him so much that it hurt. I didn't know how to tell him that. Noah and Edward were everything to me and I was afraid to hope Edward felt the same. Would he want to date a young mom? Was he ready for that kind of commitment? And there was Tanya… Damn! I'm a home wrecker now!

"The only advice I'll give you regarding Edward is : don't shut him out."

I nodded, letting her know I understood and somewhat agreed with her. I wouldn't wait any longer. Even though I wasn't ready to confess my feelings I needed to address the situation we were in. 1. We had kissed. 2. I needed to know about Tanya.

"I won't, Rosalie. I know what I have to do. I'll talk to him tonight."

She smiled.

"Ok, then. How about we go shopping this weekend? I want you to meet Alice. She's Edward's cousin. I believe she moved here when Edward and you fell apart…"

I sighed. I didn't really enjoy shopping, but I needed a couple of clothes. And I was glad I'd meet new people.

"I'd like that, but we're not going overboard with the shopping."

Rosalie snickered.

"Clearly you don't know Alice" she muttered. "I'll call you Saturday morning."

"Thanks again, Rose" I said as I hugged her.

When I closed the door to her office, I gasped. Edward was there, waiting for me. He smiled tentatively when he saw me and my own smile grew bigger. I was so happy to see him.

"Hey" he said. "I hope you don't mind that I came. I didn't want to let you take the bus home", he explained.

"I'm glad you came, Edward."

"Are you ready to go?"

I nodded and followed him.

"My mom went shopping with Noah, something about shoes. Oh, and she said she's take him to see your dad since he's been asking to see Charlie."

"That's really nice of her" I said softly.

Edward opened the door for me and I thanked him. He was always a gentleman.

"You know, my mom sees Noah as her own grandkid" Edward said. Then, he seemed to realize what he'd just implied. "Sorry I didn't mean…"

"Edward."

He hadn't started the Volvo yet so he turned to look at me, his green eyes penetrating mine.

"We need to talk, but I would prefer we do it at home."

He took a deep breath.

"You're right. We do need to talk, Bella."

I smiled reassuringly, but my heart was beating so fast in my chest, I was sure he could hear it. He drove silently, a little too fast for my liking, but driving fast was a part of him. Some things never changed. I was dreading this conversation, but I knew it was necessary. Rose was right. I needed to do it for myself.

When we arrived, I suggested we spoke in the living room. It was neutral ground, after all. Not that I thought we would fight. Only, I didn't think we would be comfortable having this conversation in my room or his for that matter.

Edward was fidgeting, playing with his hands, looking to the floor. When he finally looked at me, I was very near him. I couldn't resist. I took his hand. He was staring at me, breathing heavily. I didn't know how to start, so I only said his name. My voice was low, soft.

"Edward…"

He squeezed my hand, unsure.

"Bella, I…"

He shook his head, as if gathering his thoughts. His messy bronze hair fell, hiding his eyes from my view. He passed his other hand through his hair. I wanted to hug him. I wanted to feel close to him. My arms enveloped his body and I put my head on his chest.

Edward touched my face, gently lifting my chin.

"I need to tell you something, Bella."

I was silent.

"First, let me clear something up. I'm not dating Tanya. I've never been. I'll explain everything but first, there is something else I need to tell you."

I was so surprised. He wasn't dating her?

"I know you've been hurt, Bella. I've seen it eating you alive this past month. Jacob Black left his mark on you. I need you to know that I'm nothing like him. Please, Bella, I need to be there for you. I know you're strong, but you don't have to face this alone. I want to be there for you."

Tears were streaming down my cheeks.

"What do you mean exactly, Edward?"

"Isn't it obvious, Bella?" He asked, pleading me with his eyes. "I always wanted to be the one for you, your rock, your best friend… your love."

My heart skipped a beat. What? He really loved me?

"Didn't you know, Bella? I always hoped we would be together. I loved you so much. It hurt terribly when you chose Jacob and stopped talking to me. I let you go and for that, I'm sorry. I told myself, as long as you were happy… And when you told me you were pregnant… It killed me inside, Bella! I desperately wanted to be Him. I was so jealous!"

I hugged him again, so hard! I hadn't known Edward felt that way. I remembered when we used to joke that I would be Mrs Isabella Cullen someday. I felt terrible now that I knew I had caused him so much pain. I wanted to take it all away.

"I'm so sorry, Edward. So sorry!" I couldn't let him go. I clung to him desperately and he did the same. His eyes were watering.

"Please, Bella, let me be there for you. I don't mind if you need time, I'll be your friend if that's what you need!"

I knew Edward would never force me to do anything I didn't want. Not like Jacob Black.

"I love Noah too, Bella."

"I know…" I whispered. "I know you take care of him like he was your own son…"

He seemed like a deer caught in headlights for a moment. "I'm not that oblivious, you know." I chuckled. "And if I'm honest… I… I sometimes wish you were."

OH. My. God! I said that out loud. I looked at his surprised expression. Hell with it! He confessed, I will too!

"I need time, Edward. But I know… No. I'm certain. I love you. I love you, Edward."

When he smiled just then, I knew. I knew I would be ok eventually.