A/N for 2018-12-19: Lots of stuff going on in this chapter. Let me know what you think.

~ Erin

"Why didn't you tell me?" Bella asked.

Edward hadn't approached her yet, still standing at the door, face arranged in a way she didn't recognize. Her breathing snagged temporarily on itself, and then moved naturally again. He looked at her, concern and worry clear in his eyes.

"Why?" she repeated.

Now he stepped closer. "Why would I?"

Why? She shook her head angrily. "Her visions—"

"Don't always come true," Edward finished.

She was aware her face felt hot, and that there was that ringing, simmering in her ears.

Clearly, they'd all known what Alice had seen, and still kept it from her.

Was there more? Did Edward see her as less, because she was human, or young? Did he even really respect her? The clawing uncertainty hooked itself into her chest. He'd bought her—could he really ever come past that—?

"Of course I respect you," he whispered. "I love you." His exhale seemed heavy. "I've kept this from you because I thought it would terrify you, Bella, without any good reason. Why would I torture you with something so uncertain?"

Hands to her head, she breathed in and out, trying to calm herself enough to silence her mind. She wanted all her words to be ones uttered with choice, and care. With her voice.

"I'm sorry," he said, "I know you don't want me to hear."

She shook her head, as if it would shake loose her anger. It wasn't that he could hear her. It was that he could only hear her when she was angry.

"It's OK," she said. "It isn't like you can help it."

He took a step closer. They were within arm's reach now, and she held her hand out to him.

He responded by picking her up, and settling her on top of him, arms around her, face pressed to hers. "I love you so much. I don't want to see you hurt. I don't want what I am to hurt you. And to think of you changed, for any reason—let alone us. I can't—"

"But if it's what I want?"

His grimace pressed against her face. "How could you want this?" he finally asked.

"To be strong? To never worry about becoming ill, or dying, or being hurt by other people?"

She rearranged herself so she could see his expression. The bridge of his nose was puckered.

"And watch the people you love die, while you live, not aging, not changing? Not having children?"

"Already done the first part," Bella husked out.

Edward blew out a breath. "I'm sorry. Yes. You have." Hands cradling her face, his thumbs brushed at her cheeks. "But there would be more. All your human friends. It's an ugly grief, Bella."

"But there would be you."

Something pained flickered over his face. "You will always have me. No matter what"

Now it was her face's turn to crumple at its edges. "You can't keep stuff like this from me. We can't have that between us."

Closing his eyes, he shook his head. "I hear people's thoughts, Bella. I—"

"I'm not asking for the world's secrets, but you all knew this. I should have known it too. Well before today."

"Yes, I should have, and I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

"I need you to promise, Edward."

She knew this was harder. "Are you asking to hear everything Alice sees?" His eyes swept back and forth over her face. "Because I see most if, and I wish I couldn't."

"If it alters my life, then yes."

His nod was reluctant, but solemn. "I promise."

"OK."

She leaned back against him, accepting this answer, and the comfort of his arms. The question of her being like him remained, but now wasn't the time to press it.

"You didn't get to finish your game," she murmured instead.

He snorted, breath ruffling her hair. "Our game," he laughed. "Not important."

"So long as you're OK with Rosalie beating you, I guess," she mumbled back.

This was returned with his fingers at her ribs, making her shriek as he tickled her. Trying to evade this pleasant torture, she slid out of the chair, and he followed her, rolling her on top of him, moving his hands to her hips. "Rosalie didn't win, because the game didn't finish. So there," he smiled at her.

She laughed, and then the spasms of it still rocking her, bent down and made his lips join with hers in this motion. Her hands traced his cheeks, and then his neck, find their way down to his chest, where he stopped them at his waist. He mirrored her movements, fingers running through her hair, and then, making her feel clumsy by comparison, traced elegant and invisible lines over her face, her neck, and the length of her back.

When her breathing became regular again, he cupped his hands at her face, and whispered, "I love you."

- 0 -

"I just want to see you, Bella, that's all."

Bella listened, twisting the cuff of her sleeve in her free hand.

"I'd like to know my friend's daughter is OK." Billy's voice was soft, its gentle ghosts slipping easily under her defenses.

It would be nice to see Billy.

"Sure," she breathed out, feeling brave. "Sunday work for you?"

"Absolutely. Whereabouts? My treat."

She opened her mouth to protest, but then closed it again. He'd be offended if she made a fuss. "OK, um, the cafe in town?"

They settled on the particulars, and just before they hung up, Bella blurted out the question that she didn't' want to be left unanswered. "Will Jake be bringing you?"

"No," Billy said after a pause. "He's . . . away just now."

She puzzled over this, finally returning her attention to the textbook in front of her.

The words were all smearing together under her blurry eyes, and she rubbed at them.

A light knock at the door made her jerk awake.

"I'm pulling rank," Esme said. "Bedtime."

Bella laughed, standing and stretching. "Don't think you need to. Stick a fork in me, I'm done."

Esme's perfectly shaped eyebrow arched in comic disbelief, and then they both laughed.

"OK, if I'm making comments like that, clearly I need some sleep."

The room felt empty without Edward, and it was partly why she'd been avoiding heading to bed.

She'd practically shoved him out the door to go hunt properly. After a few well placed comments from his siblings, Bella had realized how much he'd been depriving himself.

When he told her he was fine, she'd retorted with, "Really? Like I'm fine when I skip breakfast?"

He'd narrowed his eyes, and she could see him debating a rebuttal. If he wouldn't take care of himself, it eroded the high ground he had for asking her to do the same.

"I'll go, but only if you promise to take care of yourself too," he'd finally countered.

"Night Bella," Esme said now, resting her hand lightly on Bella's shoulder.

Bella turned, tired, not thinking, and went to give Esme a hug. She stopped, arms awkwardly half-stretched, not sure if this was safe.

Esme smiled widely, and offered the full gesture enthusiastically. Letting go, she placed a light kiss on Bella's forehead. "Sleep well."

Bella's dreams took her to places old, new, and vividly imagined. She was busy untangling a long, red string of yarn, whose place kept slipping from her fingers, when it snapped, and she was sliding, falling and then suddenly jerking awake.

The pillow she had wrapped her arms around was at the foot of the bed, and in its place, was a cold hand.

"Hi," Edward whispered.

"You're back!"

"In the flesh."

"You weren't supposed to be back until Monday."

"Missed you."

"I missed you too, but you need to hunt—"

"I did. I'm fine."

She squinted in the darkness, trying to assess his eyes.

He grinned impishly, "But I can go, if you don't want me back—"

She silenced this immoral suggestion with the pressure of her lips.

"But I'll take that as a no," he murmured, reaching around her back and pulling her closer.

Her small moan matched his, at the physical relief his proximity inspired.

It inspired other responses too, which over the lad few weeks, had become more habitual, and habituated.

When Bella's hands had last strayed fractionally beyond the territory Edward favoured, he'd again stopped her with the gentle press of his own hands.

"Too much," he'd whispered.

"For me, or for you?" She'd countered.

He hadn't answered right away.

"You said we could try," Bella had reminded him. She hadn't liked using the word promise. She'd feared the reaction it might provoke. "And I'd like to think that when that time comes, it isn't a gigantic leap, physically, but more a step."

She'd known he feared what she was asking, but she'd feared not doing it.

Charlotte had counselled small but progressive steps, and while Bella hadn't wanted to push past what he was comfortable with, she'd wanted to move forward, at least, somehow.

Because sliding backwards felt so possibly real and terrifying.

She'd told Edward that too.

So now, she knew the press of his body to hers, a sturdy piece of flesh keeping their hips some distance apart, his hands splayed around her ribcage, thumbs whispering over the sides of her breasts, making her moan.

His lips grazed over her neck, and she felt like her nails would splinter, as she dug them into his arms.

"But I should let you get some sleep," he murmured, his grin wickedly wide. "You have work tomorrow."

"You are cruel," she moaned.

"Oh no," he said, still trailing small kisses over her clavicle. "Having a job is a good thing. Even if it means I have to leave you alone to do it." Then he pulled away, laying back on his arm.

Her eyes had adjusted enough to the dark, so she could make out his outline. He looked like Adonis in repose.

With a flustered groan, she put her hands to her head. She felt completely worked up by their few, brief moments together, and wasn't sure if she'd be able to get back to sleep.

"I'll go," he said softly.

"No!" she said, shooting an arm out to grab him.

He chuckled, a low, and musical sound. "Or not."

Willing her body to calm itself, she took in several long, and deep breaths, trying to be as inconspicuous about it as possible.

Edward's hum was so quiet at first, she didn't quite catch it, but the sound grew, and she could feel the soft buzz of it in his chest, pressed to her back.

"Is that the piece you wrote?" she asked, voice slurred with unexpected sleepiness.

"Mm-hmm," he said, only interrupting the melody briefly.

She made a contended, "hmm," the pitch of her voice discordant with his own. He hummed on, voice steady in its key. This was another thing she found admiration for. Her own voice was so easily toppled from the notes of any tune, but his sailed on, strong, and clear in all its enticing velvetines.

It was into this soft hammock of sound that she entrusted herself, slung back and forth on the musical air with which he filled the room.

- 0 -

Bella yawned her way through her shift at Newton's. While the good weather had pulled in more business, and she as kept busy, any moment that left her rubbing her eyes. By the time four o'clock rolled around, she was debating taking a nap in the car before heading home.

Edward's appearance beside the volvo spared her this.

"I wasn't expecting you," she called, approaching him.

He met her halfway to the store, placing a discreet kiss on her cheek, then leading her further away, and accepting a much less discreet one, out of sight of the store's windows.

"I wasn't expecting to join you, but Alice saw something," he said, voice light.

Too light.

"What did she see?" Bella asked, insides squirming.

"Possibly some trouble from the pair we met."

She swallowed, feeling her stomach drop. "What kind of trouble?"

"Nothing dire, but they've returned to the area, and clearly they need more than words to be made to leave." He grimaced.

"And you're—"

"Going to make sure they leave."

"Oh." She wasn't sure what else to say. Then she realized why he was there. "Do we need to leave, is that why—?"

"No, not at all," he said quickly. "I just wanted to see you, and see you home, before a few of us go."

The sudden relief left her dizzy. "OK."

By the time they reached home, Bella was too worked up to try to sleep, much as she needed to. The idea of Edward chasing after the two nomads made her jittery. He'd be with his siblings, but still—accidents happened. Being apart from him felt . . . wrong.

"We won't be long," he murmured, letting go of her hand. More playfully, he added, "And if you like, I can crash Sally's party later on."

That made her laugh. "Sure, we can give you a facial and everything."

"Cucumbers, mud, seaweed, yum," he chuckled. "I'm game, if you are." Then he waggled his eyebrows, and her nerves disappeared, imagining this.

Waiting outside, Jasper rolled his eyes. Emmett, normally so patient, was bouncing back and forth on his heels. "Hurry up, they might leave before we can have some fun!"

"I'll see you later," Edward said, brushing her lips with one last kiss. Then they were gone, and Bella rubbed her eyes, looking at her watch, realizing she needed to hurry if she wanted to get to Angela's on time.

Esme insisted on driving her there. "Just call if you want to come home. We'll be up." She winked, and Bella laughed.

"Cute," she said, grinning, hopping out of the car. Then she turned back. "But thank you. I think this'll be fun."

She hoped it would, at any rate.

Angela had proposed the spa party idea, and said that Sally seemed pleased with it. Bella was less certain. Both of them avoided make-up. Facials seemed a hair's breadth away from cosmetics.

When she made it down to the Weber's basement, though, things seemed decidedly low-key. The main event seemed to involve movie, and a pizza. Excellent. Even Jessica seemed to be on her best behaviour.

After the several small, but thoughtful gifts had been opened, and appropriately ooed over, Jessica's good behaviour came to a distinct end.

Pulling out a sizeable flask from her backpack, Jessica held it up. "Time for some toasts."

"Sure," Angela said, "let me get some juice."

Jessica laughed. "Just make sure it's orange juice. I want a screwdriver myself."

Bella looked at her, and the flask nervously. So did Sally.

"Um—" Angela started.

"C'mon preacher's kid, I think we can all handle one drink."

Holding out the flask, Jessica waited for someone to take it.

No one did.

"Seriously? What kind of party is this?" Jessica asked incredulously.

Lauren held out her hand for it. "A good one, that's what." She took a generous swig.

"Come on, birthday girl, to you, and all that sixteen brings." She giggled, as if in on some private joke.

"I'm good, thanks," Sally said quietly.

"Suit yourself," Jessica said, shrugging, taking her own drink.

Bella looked at Angela, who lifted her shoulders nervously, but shook her head. Clearly, she didn't want to make a scene.

No one else asking for the flask, Jessica and Lauren passed it back and forth to each other. It wasn't long before their speech grew louder.

"Let's do some spa stuff!" Jessica said.

"That's the plan," Angela mumbled. She and her friend Cassie were pulling supplies out of a bag.

"Ooh, you've got nice stuff!" Lauren piped up, pawing over some of the bottles. "Sally, let's do your make-up!"

"No thanks," she said, trying to hold onto a polite smile, while shaking her head.

"No, no, she's really good!" Jessica said. "Trust me, this girl has gifts!"

This girl, Bella thought, eyeing Lauren, had bleary eyes and boozy breath. She could smell it from across the circle they were in.

"I do," Lauren mumbled, picking up a tube of lipstick. "Here, try this one."

"No," Sally said, louder this time.

"Really, come here. Just let me put some—"

"She said no, Lauren," Bella said, annoyed at this point.

"Oh shut-it plain Jane, just cuz you don't wear make up doesn't mean everyone else has to follow your lead," Jessica snapped. She grabbed the tube and went to push it towards Sally's face. Sally jerked back, and recognizing the look on her face, Bella jumped up to get in between them.

The intended movement was far from actual one. Bella lost her footing halfway to Sally, and instead of moving between them, managed to fall onto Jessica, her elbow jamming into Jessica's jaw.

"Argh! What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Sorry," Bella muttered automatically, not happy she'd hurt her, but glad she'd managed to stop her from harassing her friend. "She said no, Jess—"

Jess mumbled something, hand to her jaw, standing.

Angela mirrored her movements. "I'll get you some ice—"

"I'm fine," Jessica growled, and walked into the small bathroom, slamming the door.

There was a strained silence, and then Cassie spoke. "Want me to do your face, Ang?"

"Um, sure," she said unenthusiastically. "Maybe you next, Sally?"

Sally nodded mutely, looking pale. She shook her head at Bella, who nodded back. Bella understood. Sally needed a few minutes to recover. Bella wouldn't press her friend with words. Sometimes they were just too much.

Jessica stayed in the bathroom. They were well into Sally's facial when a set of heavy footfalls thumped down the basement stairs.

"Girls?" Mr. Weber's voice called. "Can you come upstairs for a bit?"

"Sure Dad, what's up?" Angela called.

"The police are here, and they'd like to speak with you all."

Bella froze.

The police?

"Quickly, please," he repeated.

The girls looked around the circle at each other.

Then the bathroom door opened, and Jessica came out, heading not for them, but for the stairs. Her cellphone was in her hand.

Had she called the police?

Lauren scurried after her friend.

The other girls went too, much more slowly.

When they emerged into the brightness of the Weber's kitchen, Bella's favourite Fork's police officer was standing directly in front of them, leaning against the kitchen counter, arms folded. He looked displeased.

He was also looking directly at Bella, who was beginning to feel the stirring of panic.

"I've had a report of an assault." He swept the room with his eyes.

Bella felt several sets of eyes land on her, and then Jessica.

"She punched me," Jessica mumbled, not looking at Bella, where her finger pointed.

Mark sighed. "Jessica, Bella, can I speak with you outside, please?"

Bella felt numb. Her fingers twitched, she knew, but it was like she couldn't feel it happening.

Mark gestured that the girls walk ahead of them.

Jessica went first. Her gait was carefully prescribed, each step measured, like she was afraid of making a mistake.

Like she was afraid of letting on she was drunk.

Had she called the police? Was she that drunk or stupid?

Not much of Bella's thinking mind was available to estimate, or even speculate, an appropriate answer. It was too busy plotting escape routes.

The night was warm, and by the time they stepped outside, Bella's forehead was prickling with sweat.

"Here's good," Mark muttered, turning to face them.

Bella saw his hands settle on his belt, arms akimbo, and his fingers brush the place where his handcuffs sat on his utility belt.

She didn't remember bolting. She only felt the resulting smack of the ground against her bare feet as she ran. The forest, never far in Forks, loomed before her, and was around her in seconds. If voices called out, she didn't hear them. She was all burning air in her lungs and ground and narrowly missed trees.

When the familiarly cold arms gripped her, she sobbed with relief.

It was a second later, when she realized that the smell was all wrong, and looking up, screamed.

It wasn't Edward, or any of the other Cullens.

One of his hands covered her mouth, and the other her neck, where well placed fingers silenced her consciousness too.

Disclaimer: S. Meyer owns Twilight. No copyright infringement intended.