Chapter 2

I beat Edward out of the cafeteria, but-surprise, surprise-he caught up. And he had the next class with me. So there was no way out of this conversation. I'd never liked people buying me presents. And, knowing Edward, he would want to get me something worth money I've never dreamed of.

"Edward, really, please. You don't have to get me anything," I pleaded.

"Nonsense, Bella." He put his hands on my shoulders, gently. His eyes burned into mine. My heart sped again. "Now, I know you hate getting presents, but please be reasonable. I am getting you a gift. Don't be difficult about this. It doesn't have to be anything expensive. But please, love. What do you want?"

I had absolutely no idea what I wanted. I didn't want anything. So I just replied, "I'll think about it." He dropped his hands, and although he didn't look too pleased by my answer, he let it go.

The next day, in the Volvo on the way to school, Edward informed me that the first night of Hanukkah was in a week, and also wanted to know if I had thought about what I wanted. "No," I told him.

"Bella…" he replied, aggravated. "If you don't tell me what you want, I'll buy you something and without your input at all," he threatened. I groaned.

"Fine. I don't care."

"We'll see." And that was all either of us said for the rest of the car ride. But this wasn't very long, considering how close I live to the school, and how fast Edward drives.

On our way to lunch, holding each other's hand, I thought of something. A malevolent grin spread across my face. I let go of his hand and stood in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. He looked confused. "Edward," I began. My grin got even wider. "If you have to get me something, I'm giving you something. So what will it be?"

His face flickered with fury, then something that looked like defeat, and then put on his excellent poker face. "Hmm?" I pressed.

His eyes bored into mine, appearing tender. But I knew the tenderness was a shield for his anger. And as I waited for an answer, I stared into those eyes. And his annoyance grew the longer I stared.

His eyes still pierced mine as he spoke. "Bella, love, you do not need to get me anything. Having you is already more than I deserve. So for you to get me a present is just unfair."

"That's not going to work, Edward. Either we exchange gifts, or neither receives one. Stop being such a hypocrite. Which will it be?"

He sighed, and tried to step away from me. But he did so halfheartedly, because I was able to step in front of him again, blocking his path.

He was silent for a few moments. "We should get to our table," he said finally, "instead of standing in the entrance to the cafeteria the entire hour."

"Fine," I told him. "But this discussion is not over yet. We still have the whole rest of the hour."

He made a noise close to a grunt, and we walked to our table in silence. I saw Alice turn to us, expectantly. Her eyes were eager. I looked at Edward, but his face was still stern from our "discussion." To make sure he wasn't mad at me, I gave him a weak smile, which he mirrored.

I wasn't sure what to feel at the moment. I actually felt triumphant for once, having gotten to Edward. But I think I upset him, which I definitely did not want to do.

For the slightest moment, I didn't feel any tension. It was almost like our walk to the cafeteria. But unlike before, Edward didn't take my hand.