Yeah, this is another chapter of baloney, my longest as of yet.

Thank you for sticking with me.

Disclaimer: All characters, plots, and settings related to Twilight are the property of Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended by the author.

Chapter Six

I Knew My Place

"So, Bella, are we still on with the bet?" Mike was leaning against the counter as he asked.

"What bet?"

His smirk turned to a full menacing grin. "About you and Cullen, of course."

What was the jerk up to now? "Sure, Mike. Do you want to raise the stakes to a thousand dollars?"

The grin didn't leave his face. "Don't be so confident, Bella. You haven't seen the guy for days now, and I've heard some talk going around..."

Shit! What talk? I was suddenly a bit queasy. I haven't seen Edward since last Friday, the day I accused him of being an unfeeling asshole. Today was Friday, a whole week since then. "What talk?"

Mike leaned closer to me, and I leaned back away from him in response. "Talk that Cullen's enjoying the Sacramento sun with some girl he's hiding."

Edward's in California? Damn that guy for not telling me! I quickly hid the surprise on my face, "That's bull. He's just..." I waved a hand in the air, my brain wracking to make up something believable. "...visiting some relatives. His aunt lives there and she wanted some company." Ha! I really had no idea what I was talking about, but I doubt Mike knew more about Edward Cullen than I did. Well, except for this bit of information. And then there was about Edward and his ex-girlfriends.

Okay, I was doomed.

Mike laughed. Laughed! "Oh, Bella, you have no idea!" He was right, of course. He continued laughing as he walked away from me.

I've been meaning to contact Edward when he hasn't showed up for days now, but somehow it felt inappropriate for me to do so. There was also the fact that I was still a bit ashamed of what happened last week. Although he did tell me we were okay, I suspected it wasn't all true. Was he hiding from me? Was he mad? I gave it another thought before I pulled out my phone. Mike's words and laughter made the decision for me. I felt like a fool not knowing where Edward was.

I sent him a text, asked him where the hell he was. I waited for a reply. There was none.

I really shouldn't have been surprised this time, but not seeing Edward Cullen for seven days without any notice made his appearance that afternoon unexpected. Shocking, even. He breezed into the store like he owned the place, strutting down the aisle of camping goods like a runway model. He walked towards Jacob and they made that knuckle banging guys do. It was clear that the awkward tension between them last week have long past forgotten. What was it with guys and their ability to move on so fast? I could only be envious.

Edward was smiling when he came over to me. He brandished his hands with a flourish, acting like he magically appeared in front of me. Ta-da! I made a face.

"Did you miss me?" he asked, his brows wriggling playfully.

Something was seriously wrong with him. Honestly. I scowled.

He laughed.

I waited until the dog was gone before confronting the man who has gone MIA for the past week. "Nice of you to finally show up."

"Uh-huh," he said.

I took a deep breath. "Look, Edward, if this is about what I said last time, it was entirely unintentional. It just came out of my mouth. I'm sorry, okay?"

He looked confused. "I thought I said we're cool, and what is this 'this' you're talking about?"

"You were gone," I pointed out.

"Yeah," he said. "I was out of town for a couple of days. Personal reasons."

"And these personal reasons are...?" I prodded.

He grinned. "Personal."

Ugh! I wanted to wring his neck! I knew it was none of my business whatever he does, but his 'personal reasons' were making me curious. "Come on, Edward. We're supposed to be partners, remember? Let me in your dirty little secret."

"Okay, I was with my aunt who lives in Sacramento. She wanted some company."

My jaw seemed to have hit the counter. "Are you serious?"

He did look serious for a second, before he doubled over in laughter. "Well, it appears that was what my girlfriend said to Mike Newton."

"You heard about that?"

"Yeah, I just came back this morning and I met some guys at noon," he said.

My mouth hung open again. "You really left town?"

He nodded.

Woah! Could it be? "Edward, are you hiding a girl somewhere?" And before I could stop myself, the scenario I had imagined this morning came through my mouth. "Is she pregnant with your love child?"

"No! Who the hell told you that?" Disgust was evident on his face.

Oops. Okay, my imagination went a little overboard. "No one. So, you're not telling me what have you been up to?"

"Nope."

That one word sounded so final, and I knew it wouldn't do any good if I continue being persistent. I knew my place, and I was fine with that.

That night was my second time at the Cullen's. Apparently, Esme wanted me to have dinner with them, and although Edward looked quite uncomfortable asking me, I knew he couldn't say no to his mother. He was definitely a momma's boy. Cute... not!

During the drive, Edward seemed to be getting more and more nervous. It turned out I would be meeting his father, Dr. Carlisle Cullen, for the first time. If their family moved earlier than they had, I might have known Dr. Cullen. I was constantly present in the hospital during my younger years.

When I asked Edward what was so nerve-racking about me meeting his dad, he just muttered, "He will surely keep a fucking eye on me tonight." And with that lone sentence, we finally arrived.

We stood on their doorstep for a couple of minutes, Edward shaking his nerves away. I was pretty nervous, sure, but he was another thing altogether. He was literally shaking with heebie-jeebies.

"Should I be scared of your dad, or something?" I asked.

"No," he said. "He's just a bit of a perfectionist. Just follow my lead."

We stood side by side staring at the front door, both of us trying to settle down our nerves, especially Edward. He took a deep breath before he offered me his hand. I took it and nodded, indicating that I was ready. He squeezed my hand once before he opened the door.

Casa de Cullen was much more magnificent the second time around. Without my mother's giggling, the whole place was calm and serene. Dr. and Mrs. Cullen stood by the round center table in the foyer looking very regal and picturesque. I wondered, however, how long have they been standing there.

Esme instantly came over to hug me as soon as I came into view. Dr. Cullen remained standing by the table, smiling at me from a short distance. Woah. Although he emitted the air of a professional medical practitioner, I could tell he was as kind as his wife, and just as beautiful. What was Edward so nervous about?

"Dad," Edward started, pulling me a step forward towards his father. "This is my girlfriend, Isabella Swan." He turned to me, his smile a bit constrained. "Bella, this is my father, Carlisle."

I offered a hand and greeted Dr. Cullen, and he offered to let me call him Carlisle in return.

Dinner was served then, and I found myself seated on the same seat beside Edward. That was where the similarities ended though; tonight was definitely unlike the last time. Aside from not having my mom and Esme prattle on and on, Edward was also different. He assisted me when I took my seat earlier and has even held the table napkin for me afterwards. It was strange, but charming nonetheless.

"Do you care for some more mashed potatoes, Bella?" he asked. His voice was unusually soft and gentle, but his eyes betrayed his calm exterior.

I nodded absentmindedly, wondering the puzzle that was Edward Cullen when he was with dad.

"Bella, do you wish for me to refill your drink?" Edward asked once again just minutes later. Seriously, he sounded like a waiter in a fancy restaurant.

"It's okay." I wanted to laugh, but because I was compelled to follow his suave lead, I added, "Thank you, Edward."

The talk around the table was mostly focused on me and my educational background. I noticed Edward listening intently as I spoke, his response always pleasant. I was sure that wouldn't be the case if we were somewhere else without his parents.

Dr. Cullen was very kind, looking quite interested and respectful as I talked, but why did I feel the need to make a good impression? I squirmed on my seat as I recalled random stories of my high school days in Forks High and my grueling on-going college journey at the University of Washington. I felt incompetent and boring. I never had this kind of experience before. I certainly never had this conversation with Billy…

Ugh. Don't go there, Bella. Focus.

"So, Bella, is Edward treating you like a gentleman all the time?" Dr. Cullen asked out of the blue.

I must have stared at Dr. Cullen with a blank face since I was then discreetly kicked under the table by the person in question.

"Oh, yes. Edward's very... kind… and courteous…" Eh. Saying the words felt like eating my mom's tuna and spinach casserole – leftover version.

Dr. Cullen nodded, looking quite pleased…and proud. Ah, I get it. It was sweet, seeing this father-son relationship. I turned to Edward and smiled at him. He was a momma's boy, but his dad was his hero. He wanted to make his father proud by being the gentleman that he's not. Haha!

Edward looked like he badly wanted to roll his eyes.

When dinner was over, I insisted in helping Esme clear the table. She talked about cooking as we went on with the task. She was a good cook, another trait opposite to my mom's. It really was quite mind-boggling how they get along so well.

When we were done, she handed me a glass of iced tea. "I hope we didn't make you feel uncomfortable tonight, Bella. I couldn't stop Carlisle from asking questions. We all wanted to get to know you better."

I shook my head. "It was actually fun." Especially watching Edward in front of his dad. "Thank you for inviting me over for dinner. The food was delicious."

She beamed at me, but then turned serious. "Is Edward treating you well, dear? He could be a little rude sometimes, and arrogant." There was a small smile on her face even when she pointed out her son's flaws. I bet she found them adorable.

"Yeah…" I nodded in agreement. When I realized what I have just done, I blushed, and quickly corrected myself. "He's not that bad. He is a little obnoxious, but we do get along." I think.

She laughed. And then,"Bella, do you love my son?"

I almost spat out my iced tea to her face. Almost. Thank God. The question took me completely by surprise that I knew I didn't have any chance of adjusting my reaction. The shock was written all over my face.

Fortunately, Esme took pity on me, and I could see that she, herself, was astounded with her own query. "You don't have to answer that, Bella. I'm sorry I asked. That was wrong of me."

I nodded, finally swallowing the liquid that has almost escaped my mouth. If she had insisted on my answer, could I possibly lie and say yes without making a face?

She grabbed something from the refrigerator then, and handed me a box the size of a book. "Here, something for you to take home. I hope you like chocolate."

Chocolate! That was enough to take away the uneasiness that has caused my unladylike surprise earlier. I smiled and thanked her.

Before I left, she took hold of my free hand and held it in hers, her voice soft and muted. "Bella, would you do me a favor?"

I automatically nodded. It was like a reflex action.

"If you have any idea if Edward would be leaving the town, would you please contact me? Your mother has my number."

Although I couldn't quite grasp the reason of her request, I nodded once again.

"And please, I'd rather have this conversation be unknown to Edward."

"Okay."

She smiled, relief washed over her face. "Thank you, Bella."

As I sat in Edward's car on the way home, I thought of where my loyalties should lie. I couldn't possibly say no to Esme, but then if I would indeed keep his mother's request a secret from Edward, would that be a form of betrayal to him? We were in this self-arranged quasi-relationship, and that made us some sort of a team. Partners, as he said. Was Esme even aware that Edward left town just recently? Hmm.

My thoughts were interrupted when Edward spoke beside me. "Did my mom give you chocolates? If she told you it was from me, she lied."

That was when I smelled the faint aroma of chocolate swirling inside the car. I lifted a corner of the box that was on my lap and peeked inside, and a stronger wave of chocolaty goodness wafted through my nostrils. "Wow! Brownies! Your mom just gave me a whole box of brownies!"

"Yeah, she always tells me to feed you more."

"Why's that?" Did I look malnourished?

"Well, she said that you are quite on the thin side…" he said. He chuckled once, and I suspected he was trying to repress laughter. "…and that you're hips are not wide enough for child birth."

Child birth? I flushed red. "Shut up, Edward."

He chuckled again. "Those were her words, not mine."

Child birth? I wouldn't dare think about what Esme must have thought when she mentioned that, and it really was more than the thought of having a child with her son that was disturbing. There was also the fact that she was okay with someone like me for Edward. Although I'd never hope to be with Edward that way, it just wasn't right. The Cullen's were, without a doubt, the most beautiful family I've ever seen. They were wealthy, as well, and having seen them all tonight, I knew they were also one of the kindest. Having someone like me in the picture would only taint their picture-perfect lives.

"I can't believe your mother would approve sharing your genes with mine," I said, my mind creating an image of the right girl for Edward, someone like Rosalie Hale, perhaps.

"Hey, my sharing of my genes is entirely my business and therefore needs no approval from my mother. Anyways, what the heck is wrong with your genes? Do you have some genetic abnormalities, or something?" he asked.

"No, but obviously the Cullen's and the Swan's are two distinct species and therefore wouldn't be compatible for mating."

"Mating, Miss Swan? You're thinking about mating?" He raised a brow at me, a cocky crooked smile on his lips.

"No!" I wasn't thinking of mating, was I?

"You did mention mating, and with a Cullen at that. I am an only child, and so are you. Who do you want to be mated, huh, Miss Swan?"

I really hated the blush that was still on my face. "I don't want to have anyone mated, and you were the one who started it with child birth!"

He roared in laughter. Prick.

The light on our porch was on, and I was fairly sure my dad was still up watching television. Edward parked his car at the side of the empty road and helped me out.

"You don't have to do that," I pointed out.

"What?"

"Pretending to be a refined gentleman," I said.

He frowned, his lips pouted. "Hey, I am a refined gentleman. I was raised that way. It just rarely comes out because you do not act like a lady."

I snorted. "Yeah, and that's a very gentlemanly thing for you to point out."

"Well, no one's here to judge me, is there?" He grinned down at me.

"I'm pretty sure Dr. Cullen would like to hear that from me next time…"

He was about to say something back when he froze, his eyes grew wide in a sudden thought. "Oh, shit."

"What?" I asked.

"I have to meet the Police Chief sometime soon, don't I?"

Oh, Edward. The thought made me want to laugh. If I seriously had a real boyfriend, this idea might have been scary, but with Edward… haha! I seemed to have the sweeter end of the deal here, since his parents were the epitome of good moral behavior. Not that my parents were not. Charlie and Renee were just a little off the standard track. "Don't worry," I said, smiling at him. "If you are the gentleman that you say you are, I'm pretty sure my dad will not need his trusty ol' rifle when he meets you."

"Seriously?" he asked.

I shrugged. "It's standard operating procedure. I mean, since I'm his only child, and there's the fact that I'm a girl, it's necessary stuff."

"Huh," he paused for a moment before he let out a chuckle. "So, did Jake receive a good beating from the Chief?"

There went the easy conversation. "Um… no… I don't think so. I really didn't have to introduce him to my dad, considering we're basically like family."

"I meant after you guys broke up."

Oh. "He… I… I don't know," I admitted. "I haven't been to La Push ever since, and my dad kind of stayed out of it…" Only the first part was true. My dad, however, did not stay out of it. I remembered he tried to take me to the Black's so Jake and I could talk. He wanted us back together, both him and Billy having delusions of being in-laws. I hated him for it, and even went berserk once when he didn't stop calling me Bells.

"Lucky bastard got away with murder," Edward muttered under his breath.

Ditto. "You can say that again."

"And with Leah Clearwater at that."

Yeah, the prize fighter, Leah Clearwater. I could only bob my head in accepted defeat.

"Don't worry, partner!" Edward's loud booming voice surprised me, his arm suddenly around my shoulders. "You and I will get our sweet, sweet revenge."

Not again! I rolled my eyes.

"It's you and me against the world, champ!" he jokingly exclaimed. I worried the neighbors could hear him.

"Edward," I hissed, trying unsuccessfully to shove his arm away. "I'm the amateur fledgling who was pounded flat, remember? I will never again attempt to go against someone, especially not the world!"

He laughed, and when he calmed down, he held my shoulders with both of his hands. "Bella, you are strong enough." His voice was suddenly serious, and I could almost hear the sympathetic undertones. I wasn't sure if he meant it either. I, myself, wondered if I was strong enough, and if I was, for what? For revenge? I knew I wasn't strong enough to forget though.

"And if you're not…" he went on.

And if I'm not? I was expecting an insult, or perhaps another pretentious knight-in-shining-armor line from Edward.

"If you're not, get a hold of that damn rifle of your dad's and fucking bust their heads off." He smirked, his lips forming into that crooked smile again.

"Nice." There was no other word for it, and I was being sarcastic. My sardonic expression, however, was ruined when I yawned.

He rolled his eyes. "Okay, time to go to bed." He pulled me along with him to the front door. "Goodnight, Bella." He smiled as he waved goodbye.

Huh. Talking to Edward was a bit exhausting, but I was glad the night didn't end in an uncomfortable note.

Carrying my box of brownies, I let myself inside the house after Edward drove off. Only a few lights were on inside, and the television was surprisingly off. I was heading straight to the kitchen when I heard my parents' voices floating from upstairs. My steps halted. Charlie and Renee were arguing again. Neither noticed that I was back.