I'm an aunt you guys! My sister in law just had her baby yesterday. She was so adorable!

Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

xxx

NOV 2007: Esme's Sister's House. Thanksgiving Day.

The pumpkin pie sits on the counter and my mouth is salivating just looking at it.

Can we just hurry and eat so I can have some of that?

I hate family get togethers during the holidays. Especially at Sue's house. Her kids are always too loud, crazy and out of control. I'd rather just be home with Leah and Seth. But that's divorce for you, alternating holidays. Next year I'll be home.

A tug interrupts my staring at the pie. I stare down at my little step cousin as she clings onto my skirt.

"I wanna watch Cats," she says.

Oh god, not again.

"But we just watched that this morning," I say.

She frowns at me. "But I wanna watch it again!"

Her cheeks are red and her eyes widen. There's a crying fest that's about to unload on me unless I turn on that damn movie again.

Groaning to myself, I take her hand. "Alright, let's go watch Cats," I say as she leads me to her room. "Better than watching football," I mumble as I pass Edward, my dad and Rosalie's boyfriend Emmett.

As we walk past Edward, I glance at him. His eyes flash to me for a moment with an unreadable expression then goes back to the screen as he jokes with Emmett.

Dismissal.

It hurts.

He's been avoiding me since I got here last night. I assumed at first he was just keeping himself in check, but now, I know it's more. He barely meets my gaze, won't be alone with me, won't speak to me.

I don't what I did to set this off.

Yes you do, you knew this was going to happen. He's realized what a complete waste this is.

My inner voice is malicious.

I pop the movie in and Claire starts clapping loudly singing along with the movie.

Not bad for a four year old, she's probably going to be a decent singer in the future.

After the movies plays for a minute I grab her hand.

"Hey, I'm going to the bathroom," I say as I stand up.

She peers up at me. "But you're coming back right?"

"Mommy, you're coming back right?"

There's a painful sensation spreading throughout my chest.

So I smile down at her. "Yeah I'm coming back," I say, my hand smoothing her hair down.

"Okay," she says flashing me a toothy grin before turning her attention back to the screen.

As I find the bathroom door, it opens causing me to jump back a little. Edward stands in front of me.

"Hey," I say.

"Hey," he mumbles as he steps around me.

Enough. If he's finished, he can tell me himself.

"So, are you done now," I say, my voice cold and demanding. "You could at least tell me instead of giving me the silent treatment," I finish as my hand grips the door frame.

He turns back to me, his eyes narrow.

Jesus. Will this ever stop.

"Am I done?" He hisses at me. "I don't know Bella, you tell me."

We stand there looking at each other. His chest heaves and my fingers curl.

"And you know what you did, so stop stalling and just spit it out." My mother's cold voice plays over and over in my head.

I feel it in the tips of my fingers, slowly spreading up my arms, like poison. My breathing quickens. My hand itches to slap him, to throw something, to scream.

He doesn't get to do this to me.

"This game gets old when my crazy mother plays it," I spit at him. "I won't play it with you," I say before slamming the door behind me.

I turn on the facet and splash water on my face. I absolutely refuse to play scenario after scenario in my head trying to figure out what he's talking about. It'll just make me go crazy.

Why can't things just be normal?

My palm smacks down on the counter, the sting radiating up my arm.

Fuck it, if this is what he wants to do then I'm out. I get enough of this bullshit at home, I won't do it here.

As I open the door, hands go on my waist and propel me back into the bathroom. Edward's foot closes the door. His head rests on mine, his breaths coming out in short pants. His fingers curl into my sides.

The tension between us is so thick I can almost taste it.

How is it that we always wind up like this?

"I called you, multiple times," he breathes against my face. "I just figured you changed your mind."

I'm stunned, upset and even a little angry.

"I'm grounded, I haven't had my phone since the day I got home," I say.

Renee was not all too pleased with our Olive Garden standoff.

So you just assume I ghosted you? So you just treat me like shit.

My hands push him away. He stumbles back, hitting the door.

"You could have just asked," I hiss at him.

His eyes narrow.

"I hadn't hear from you in three weeks, most people would take that as a break up," he seethes.

My fists clench. I'm so angry.

He's right.

I hate that he's right.

Suddenly his shoulders sag as he leans his head back against the door.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have just assumed," he says quietly. "I mean, I know things aren't always easy there."

His words shock me a little.

He's been paying attention.

Panic flies through me.

"I don't know," I start. "I mean,-

He's on me, his arms wrap around my body, his breath hot on my neck.

"It's okay, you don't have to talk about it," he whispers. "This is my fault, I forget things are different for you," he says more lightly. "Though it might be easier if you would just talk to me."

My hands are trembling.

Charlies fingers against my thigh.

"If mom doesn't come back, are you going to be our mom?"

I feel sick, and the walls are closing in. His arms feel suffocating.

Charlie's hands unclasping my bra.

"What did he say to you, Mom."

I struggle against his hold. He holds me tighter.

"Don't fight me, Bella. Please," he whispers.

He sounds so broken, so sad.

Don't cry.

My eyes burn.

Don't you dare fucking cry.

Wetness falls on my cheek.

So fucking weak.

He kisses me.

It's soft. His mouth pleading with me.

I feel so raw, so exposed.

I hate it.

"I didn't think about you maybe calling me," I admit, refusing to look at him. "I'm not used to someone caring."

He kisses me again.

"I'll always care," he breathes into my mouth.

Oh Edward, at least he apologizes when he knows he's wrong. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!

Next chapter will have B & E again!

Please let me know what you think!