Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, New Moon or Eclipse. The characters in this story belong to Stephenie Meyer.

Chapter 4

Conversations

"I wanted to surprise you." Renee said happily, still hugging me a little too tightly.

I couldn't breath.

I tried to loosen out of her grip the best I can without her being aware of me doing so. "Wow, mom, I'm so happy to see you." I said. I really meant it too.

Renee pulled back to take a look at me. She reached out, playing with my hair some, a huge smile on her face. "Well, Phil is doing better. He'll be coming out tomorrow, I think, so we can all spend the day doing something together. You'll never believe what a good deal on plane tickets I got."

I smiled or at least tried too. I was not ready to tell my mom. That much was certain. "That's great."

"And I'm staying at a nice hotel and got this great rental car." She waved her hand over to the Dodge Neon looking remotely plain compared to the silver Volvo sitting beside it. I think Renee noticed too because her eyes widened at the sight of the car. She exchanged a look with me, clearly impressed.

"Hello Renee," Edward spoke when he got a word edge wise with my mother. His voice sweet and formal.

Renee turned to Edward smiling big still. "Hello Edward."

And surprising us both, she did something she's never done before. She hugged him. The expression on Edward's face showed his complete surprise. A little awkwardly, with his arms he had pinned to his sides, he hugged her back carefully. Patting her back awkwardly. Edward's eyes met mine; all I could do was shrug, just as surprised as he is.

Renee pulled back, still smiling, showing no indication that Edward, is indeed, different. "It's good to see you again. How's your family?"

Edward, still in shock, quickly replied, his face no longer showing his surprise. "They're doing well, thank you for asking."

Renee nodded. "I'm glad."

"How are you and Phil?" Edward asked.

"We're both doing well. Phil's so much better." My mom looked from Edward to me then back again. "Would you like to join me and Bella for dinner?"

Dinner? I almost forgot how late it was.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

Renee glanced back over at me. "I saw a pizza place in Port Angeles, where I'm staying. I passed by it on the way here and pizza sounds good, don't you think?"

I began to open my mouth to say something, what? I don't know, so I didn't say anything, closing my mouth instantly.

I could feel Edward's warm, topaz eyes on me. He then answered. "I would love to but I have to get home. Maybe some other time."

Huh?

I gaped at him, my mouth falling open. Oh no. He can't leave me alone with my mom. Not when I have such big news to tell her and don't know how to tell her. I don't know where to start. And I'm not a very good at hiding it when something big is on my mind. Ask anyone. I'm an open book. I'm not good at hiding my emotions.

"I wish you would, tomorrow sounds great though." Renee said.

Edward smiled politely. "Alright."

I put on a smile, perking up slightly or at least the best I could. "Edward."

He looked over at me, eyebrows raised. "Yes Bella?"

I came over to him, putting my hand on his arm. "Can I speak to you for a minute please?" I looked at my mom. "Umm, just a minute ok?"

Renee nodded, and I felt her staring at us the whole time we walked off to the side a little ways from her. Remembering my last conversation with my mom, I wondered if she was seeing what she saw between us again…and after she hugged him, her mind racing to other theories, gathering them and putting two and two together before I was able to steer her away from them like I did before. Now I would have to think of something if she asks.

I turned to face him, keeping my voice low and not panicky. "Edward, you can't leave me alone with her."

Edward sighed but I could tell he was trying to hold back a laugh. "Bella, she's your mother."

"Yeah and I don't even know where to begin."

Edward reached down so quickly before I knew it, I felt him holding my hand, intertwining our fingers. A smile was still playing across his face. "You don't have to tell her today. We'll tell her together like we told Charlie."

Speaking of Charlie, I wondered why he didn't come out. Did he know Renee was coming? He was probably at work still… but did he tell her? He wouldn't…would he? Did he?

My mind began to race. What if he told her thinking I already did? No…no, that can't be true though because Renee wouldn't have been able to act like she didn't know. She wouldn't be smiling all goofy and she wouldn't have greeted Edward the way she did. No, she would sit us both down, lecturing or possibly she would have faint. And I think the first words out of her mouth would have been something along the lines of getting married. I frowned, puzzled now.

Truth be told, I have a feeling I know how she'll act, just not sure of the actions.

"Bella." Edward's soft voice brought me back to reality.

"Ok." I said, caving in. "But you're taking a chance here and you owe me because I cannot not pretend when I have something on my mind." I waved my hand in front of my face in a full circle. "Open book."

Edward chuckled and bringing our hands up, he brushed the back of my cheek softly with the back of his hand. I blushed, my heart fluttering at his touch. His thumb was tracing circles against mine and slowly I felt myself start to relax. I forgot momentarily my mom wasn't too far away.

He smiled. "I think you'll be fine. You're being highly over-dramatic."

"Or realistic." I corrected.

Edward tilted his head to the side, pretending to think between the two choices. "Definitely over-dramatic."

I was sure I was glaring at him but ended up breaking into a smile anyway, waving my hair in front of my face to hide my smile from him. He saw it though. I would guarantee it. How could I not though? It really was unfair he can make me smile when I don't want to.

"I'll come back later." He promised.

"If I make it back." I sighed dramatically just because.

Edward rolled his eyes. "I'm pretty sure going out to dinner with your mother won't be dangerous."

"Maybe not dangerous," I said. "But nerve-racking."

Edward ever so quickly kissed my forehead. "Have fun, my love."

"I'll try."

He chuckled, letting go of our hands and we walked back over to where the cars were sitting. Renee was waiting on the driver side, the keys in her hand.

I looked back at Edward once more and he gave me one of my favorite crooked smiles of his. I smiled back even if I was becoming a nerves wreck all over again, all the feelings I felt when we were going to tell Charlie came flooding back.

Renee talked the whole time on the way to the restaurant, telling me about what's going on in Florida since I last been there, Phil's progress and how the last time she went to the beach, she almost got stung by a jellyfish.

I couldn't really tell her too much about what was going on or what went on before, so I kept it to a comment here and there, asking her questions instead.

When we got to the pizza parlor, which was a small restaurant with the choice of eating indoors or outdoors, we sat at one of the tables shaded by a large umbrella and ordered a medium cheese pizza and two cokes.

"So, tell me all about your graduation. I want to hear everything. Every detail." Renee said now, taking a sip of her soda and leaning forward, clearly interested.

I took a sip of my own soda, abiding some time. "Um, well, there's not really much to tell. It basically went the same way all graduations go. Wore the caps and gowns, went up to get my diploma, family and friends in the crowd. Dad and I went out to dinner and then Alice threw a graduation party." I paused for a second. "That's pretty much it."

My mom seemed to be fine with that description even though I could tell she would have preferred if I padded the story with every single detail.

"I'm so sorry Phil and I couldn't make it out here." Renee apologized for the thousandth time.

I took a bite of my pizza and swallowed, setting the remainder of the slice back on my plate. "Mom, I told you it was fine. It's no big deal."

You'll get to go to a different big event in my life soon enough, I thought to myself, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. How on earth am I going to be able to say the words? I know exactly how she'll react. I can't even begin to say.

"How are all of your friends?" Renee asked me.

I felt the awkwardness set in. "Um, we kind of all went our separate ways." I replied, picking my cup up and then setting it back down.

Renee seemed to understand. "That happens sometimes sweetie."

I gazed down at the table momentarily, tracing my finger along the edge absently. "I know."

Soon enough my mom was jumping back into what it was like being back in Forks. Only Renee can jump through conversations still somehow keeping it flowing.

While she was talking on about how when she drove down here it started to rain, I kept thinking about how much has changed between us. How my mom's life and my life are hardly connected together anymore. And how it hasn't been that way for a long time now. It used to be just the two of us; me looking out for her but over the years things have changed. Not that this realization is new to me or I don't like it. I just see it more now. It's kind of sad in a way but also meant to be the way it is. We're all living our own lives now. She can take care of herself now. She's happy. I just hope, like I was with her decision, she'll be able to see mine and be happy for me.

People surprise you, right?

Which got me thinking about good-byes. Good-byes are never easy and hard but sometimes in order to move on with your life, sometimes you need to say them to get where you want to be. Where you need to be. Sometimes you just have to let go.

I know that.

This is where I want to be. Where I'm going is where I want to be.

"It hasn't changed very much, has it?" she asked me like I remember when I was a baby the last time she was here.

"Not really." I said, unsure by what she means. I was only half-listening and felt kind of guilty for not listening better.

"I don't think after living with the sun shining all the time, I could stand the constant rain." Renee added with a laugh.

"The rain isn't so bad." I replied the way I did the last time she asked, only re-wording my words a little bit. "You get used to it."

Renee kind of shrugged, taking a bite of her pizza and swallowed. She picked up her napkin, dabbing her mouth. "So any news you want to tell me?"

I literally almost choked on my pizza. I began coughing, shaking my head as my mom started to get up to come over to make sure I was ok. I could feel eyes from the tables around us glancing my way.

"I'm fine." I assured her in between coughs. I reached for my cup, almost knocking my cup over. The table shook as I reached out to grab my cup. Renee grabbed my cup along with me, both of us moving the table. With all of the commotion, I managed to get a firm grip, taking a long sip of my drink.

Oh geez.

"Bella, is something wrong?" Renee asked worried.

I shook my head again, holding my hand up to my temple. "No, I just swallowed wrong." I took a deep breath and let it out. "What did you want to ask me?"

Renee, who's expression slowly changed from worried back to before, asked, "Do you have any ideas about college or did you get accepted anywhere? Or what do you plan on doing now?"

See, now, would be the perfect time to tell her. Timing is all right in this moment, well, almost right. Edward isn't here. Now when she's asking me straight out what I plan on doing, I could tell her. Keeping things from my mom isn't easy.

Why couldn't he have come?

Why am I stressing?

"Umm…actually…" I stuttered, unsure what I was going to say when the waitress came to hand my mom the bill. Saved by the bell. Well, by the bill in this case. Maybe I could steer the conversation off for a while.

I smoothed my hand over my shirt, ready to go.

"Mom, we should get back to Charlie's before he does." I said now getting up. I backed up against my chair, almost tripping. I gripped onto the table to steady myself. Wow, I need to calm down.

And we still have the drive back to Forks to go through. "He's not the best cook." I threw in to get back home quicker. Maybe this factor will help accomplish that.

Renee laughed, getting her money out of her purse. When the waitress passed by with an empty tray from another table, my mom pulled her aside. "Excuse me."

The waitress stopped, blowing her hair out of her face. The pizza place was starting to grow busy. "Yes?"

"We're ready to pay." Renee said handing her the money.

The waitress took the money and bill from my mom. "I'll be right back with your change."

"Oh, you can keep the change and thank you." Renee replied, standing up and taking one more sip of her soda before we left.

The waitress smiled. "Thank you and have a nice night."

"You too."

A soft summer breeze blew past us as we walked back to the rental car. The sky was soon night, the stars started showing themselves, shining above us.

"Bella, I don't say this enough." Renee said, putting her arm around my shoulder, pulling me into a sideways hug. I caught the familiar whiff of her perfume and shampoo. I remember when I was little; I thought her perfume was the most wonderful scent in the world. Now though, that's changed. She kissed the side of my head. "I'm proud of you, honey."

I stared at my mom for a second, feeling tears start to spring behind my eyes. I reached up looking away slightly for a minute to make it look like I was rubbing my eyes rather than wiping away the tears that might escape that I didn't even know were there. "Thanks mom." I said.

I hugged my mom back, leaning my head against her shoulder.

Renee smoothed her hand down my hair, squeezing me tightly before walking around to the other side of the car, digging in her purse for the keys.

I leaned against the door of the car, folding and unfolding my hands, kicking a rock gently with the tip of my shoe.

"Umm Bella?" Renee's voice rose up. Which meant she needed to ask me something important. Meaning she forgot about something. I was good at picking out the emotions in my mom's voice.

I turned around, snapping out of my daze. "Yeah?"

"Do you know where the keys are?" she asked.

I frowned. "Aren't they in your purse?"

She pushed aside items in her purse, digging and opening the top as far as it will go. "I can't find them." She looked up at me. "Did I set them on the table back at the restaurant?"

I tried to think back. I don't remember seeing them on the table. I pushed myself up off of the car door. "I'll go back and check."

Renee searched her surroundings with a confused expression. "I'll keep looking. I know they're here someone." She mumbled off the last sentence while I made my way back to the pizza parlor.

I navigated through a now long line, going around and through the tables, back to the one we were sitting at. The table was already cleared. I walked around the entire table, looking up, down and over a few times. I bent down, holding up the table cloth, sticking my head under the table. Maybe they fell?

No luck.

No car keys in sight.

I bit my bottom lip, standing there for a second, thinking, tracing back to our every step before going back to the car. I can't think of where they could be. This reminded me of the many times my mom either forgot where something was or misplaced it.

Only Renee.

I folded my arms around myself, glancing both ways before crossing the street, stepping off the sidewalk and headed back to where Renee was peering into the window.

Oh no.

Renee threw her hands in the air seeing me. "Well, I found the car keys," she said as I approached her.

"In the car?" I guessed in disbelief. I cupped my hands on either side of my face, peering in through the window. Sure enough, there they are. The car keys are sitting on the seat.

Renee breathed in. "No need to panic." She said.

My mind was already in panic mode. I could feel it happening the click, me going into crisis management mode. It was like falling back into a routine you know so well even if you haven't done it for a while.

"Mom, can I see your cell phone to call the lock smith." I asked holding my hand out. "That way we can get in our car."

Renee pulled her cell phone out of her purse, handing the phone over to me. I had my fingers ready to dial when I realized I don't know the number for the lock smith. Great.

I tapped my thumb against the back of the phone, thinking of ways to get us un-stranded. I can call Edward to come pick us up. I was about to when… "We're in."

I turned my head, seeing Renee opened up one of the back doors. "One of the back doors was unlocked." She stated.

I closed my eyes for a brief moment, feeling like, for some reason, laughing. I wanted to laugh. It was kind of funny when you think about it. And just like Renee.

"Ready to go back to Charlie's?" Renee asked sheepishly.

"Yeah."

Renee opened her door, sliding into the driver's side, unlocking my door for me. I closed the back door because of course, Renee forgot to. I rounded around the back of the car, opening the door, getting into the passenger seat. As soon as I closed my door and buckled my seatbelt, Renee stuck the keys into the ignition, the car roaring to life.

"And tomorrow, I have the whole day planned." Renee said, pulling out of the parking space.

"Really?" I said.

"Yeah, I'm spending as much time with my beautiful daughter, the high school graduate, as possible."

I just shook my head. "Mom."

Renee laughed.