Jacob and I left the next day. Mom had given Jake a critical look before she waved bye and started crying. "I'll miss you Bells!" she had yelled as we backed out of the drive-way and took off down the road.

The drive back was long and I slept most of the way there. Jacob shook me when we got to Forks. He drummed his large fingers on the wheel as we road down my street. He rolled to a stop on the side of the road. I popped the door open and climbed out.

It was much colder here in Washington than in Florida. The chill made my skin prickle. I shivered once and pulled my jacket tighter around me. Jacob looked at ease. To him it must be perfect temperature here.

I walked to the back of the cruiser. Jake popped the trunk open and we gathered our bags.
Just as I set my hand on the doorknob, Charlie flung it open. He yanked me into a crushing bear hug.

"Bells! "Charlie exclaimed.

"Can't . . . breathe, "I gasped.

He set me down and smiled. "The food really sucks when you're gone."

I smiled at him and set my bags down. Almost cautiously, I walked into the kitchen. It smelled like burnt noodles and the air hung with the heady smell of tomato. He must have tried making spaghetti. Pots and pans were scattered along the counter. A few plates were stacked in the sink. Charlie's favorite chair was pulled away from the table.

I sighed.

Charlie ambled up beside me and scratched his head. "It's sort of a mess, "he said gruffly.

"Sure enough, Captain Obvious, "Jake said.

"Oh shut up Jake, "I said.
"So how was Florida? "Charlie asked.
"Hot, "Jake replied.

"Okay, "I lied.

Charlie grunted. "Well, welcome home you two."

Jake left to go to La Push.

I hauled my luggage up stairs into my room. As soon as I closed the door behind me, I heard a cheerful, "Hello."

I turned frozenly.

Edward sat on my bed with his hands folded in his lap. A crooked, stunning smile lit up his already beautiful face.

"HI, "I mumbled as I put my stuff away.

He appeared by me and hurriedly finished my job for me. Edward grabbed my arm and took me to the old rocking chair. He pulled me up onto his lap and buried his face in my throat. "I've missed you, "he said musically.

I hesitantly hugged him. He sat back and wrinkled his nose.

"What? "I asked.

"No offense, but you smell like dog, "he chuckled.

I sighed. I pulled away from him, taking his arms one at a time off from around me and dropping it off by his side. Pushing off his lap, I climbed into my bed. I tucked the quilt around me. The mattress dipped under Edward's weight.

"Come on, I'm tired. Go back home, "I told him.

"I don't have a home, "he said, eyes burning a fiery liquid gold.
"Last I remember, you do." I frowned at the memory of my last v

Isn't there. The white house hidden in green vegetation. Abandonment was strong there.
Edward misunderstood why I frowned. "I can, want, to stay if you would like me to, "he said.

I shook my head. "No. Go home."

He sighed. "As I told you before, I don't have a home. In the sense anyway."

Confusion swept over me. "I know you do. I've been there plenty of times. Don't lie to me."

It was his turn to frown. "No. The others aren't there. It's no longer my home."

Hm. I realized I had had the assumption they had come along with him. I crossed my arms.

"Why don't you go rent an apartment then, "I suggested.

"Bells, why would I go to all the trouble when I have no need of it?" He raised his perfect brows.

"Why must you argue with me?" I asked. I was tired and my mood was dimming.

His frown deepened, and I didn't like it. "Why must you push me away? I love you Bella. So much. I guess it was wrong of me to assume you'd ever forgive me."

Dang right it was. "No, Edward. I-I'm just not going with the idea that you staying here tonight is the only option."

"So what you're saying is that you're not comfortable with me?"

It was more of an accusation but I nodded anyways.
He sighed sadly. His gold eyes became unfocused as he gazed at the wall behind me. I recognized the look of thought.

"Okay," he finally said. "I will go tonight. But we must talk some other time. I just need to tell you that-"

His words abruptly cut off and he tensed. One second he was there, the next he was gone. I wonder what he had to tell me. Most of all, I wonder what made him leave so suddenly.
My door swung open. And, oh my gosh, Jacob stood there. He didn't look too pleased.

Okay, I hope you guys are not mad at me anymore since I just updated like three chapters and counting. Sorry, I think she only has like two more wrote up so yeah. They should be up soon if my computer is nice to me. ~merlingirl (a.k.a. the beta)