Chapter 5

Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and New Moon.

I spent most of the night thinking about what Bella had said. That, and ignoring Tina's vulgar dreams. It wasn't like I had thought we could actually go back to the way we were. Yet, some part of me felt sad. I wanted to hold Bella again. To be back in her beat-up old truck. To sneak into her room each night to be with her. Those were things that couldn't be brought back. Still, I couldn't help but wish. She had grown up, and Peter Pan couldn't take her back to Never land anymore.

I couldn't mope, though. Not in front of Bella. I knew it would make her sad, and I wanted to see her happy, for all the time we had left. It was my job to make Bella happy. I craved her companionship like the monster inside of me craved her blood. And if being her friend was the way of getting close to her, then so be it.

I waved those thoughts from my mind. It was done. But, I couldn't shake the angry looks from Lacey. Why had she seemed to hate me only after meeting me for a moment? Had I done something wrong? I did remind myself of the fact that I was a complete stranger to her, but why the hostility and anger?

It was morning before I realized it, and there was a wave of life that stretched through the house as everyone woke up. I startled Tina as she came down into the kitchen. Lacey, just went about getting breakfast.

"Why, hello!" Tina's voice came in high-pitched.

"Good morning," I said politely.

Bella appeared, even beautiful at her age in her yellow robe.

"Morning, Edward," She smiled.

Lacey quickly ate her toast and went back upstairs to get ready, I guessed.

"Can I get you anything, Edward?" I noticed that Tina's shiny blue robe reflected the sunlight and debated whether or not I was sparkling.

"Um, no thanks," I said, my eyes never leaving the reflection. She seemed to take notice, but overly-dramatized pretending not to.

"How did you sleep?" My eyes flickered to Bella, but before she answered, Tina jumped in.

"Very well, thank you," And went back to fixing breakfast.

"Good, and how did you sleep, Bella?"

"Fine, thanks for asking," She smiled sincerely and moved around Tina.

After a few minutes, Tina brought me a plate of toast, an apple, and milk.

"I was almost certain I heard your stomach growl," She looked innocent. I could have laughed at that comment. Yes, for your blood. I couldn't help but smile. She watched intently, waiting for me to eat. Bella shot me a sorrowful look. I quickly took at bite of the apple and that seemed to be enough for Tina. She gave me a wave and headed off up the stairs.

Bella was immediately at the table with me.

"I'm sorry, Edward," She tried to suppress a laugh, unsuccessfully. "Tina doesn't take no for an answer."

I laughed, though knowing I'd have to cough it up later. "It's alright. Her intentions were kind."

"I have a slight feeling that she may have a crush on you," She giggled.

"Really? Never would have guessed," I said sarcastically.

"Well, it's nice of you to smile for her," She complimented. We went back and forth until Bella had finished her cereal.

"Better go get ready," She saw the curious look on my face. "For work." She finished and with a smile she was gone.

I sat at the table, looking out at the rising sun, when I heard a small noise behind me. Lacey was standing a few feet away from me, staring directly at me. I tried to make the moment less awkward by smiling.

"Hello," I greeted as pleasantly as I could.

"Hi," She said softly, but continued to stare. I tried to dissect her expression, but I couldn't. It seemed like a cross between confusion and fear. I think I saw some of that anger still, too.

"So," She seemed to snap out of a trance. "Has my mom bore you to death with our childhood pictures yet? If she hasn't, I'm sure she'll get the album out soon. Warning you in advance." She gave a hint of a smile.

"No, but I'd like to see it sometime," I was glad she wasn't afraid anymore, if she ever was, I couldn't get through her expression.

"You're the first," She moved over towards what looked like her back pack.

"You're mom told me you enjoy the theater," I attempted small talk.

"Yeah. Have since I was five," She seemed to be recalling memories.

"Are you doing any plays now?" I waited for an answer, but never got one. Tina came rushing downstairs. Tina's expression looked as though she were about to ask me something, but Lacey grabbed her.

"We're going to be late," She dragged Tina towards the door. "You can flirt later." Tina laughed "shyly", grabbed her things and followed Lacey out the door. I watched out the window as the two jumped into the convertible and drove away.

"They are a pair, aren't they?" Bella's voice was behind me.

"They sure are," I felt her hand on my shoulder.

"Edward," Her voice suddenly broken. "I'm sorry if last night made you feel--"

"It's nothing," I smiled at her. "Really. I agree. Peter Pan, Wendy, and all."

She laughed and seemed cheerful again. She said goodbye and headed out. Hearing the roar of the truck only made me laugh.