BEWITCHED: THE SWEETEST TABOO

by Jasline Devereaux

Edward unsuccessfully tries to fight feelings for his stepsister, Bella. Bro/sis fighting, jealousy, assault, perverseness,angst and comedy. Viewers Discretion Advised.

7. THANKSGIVING MAYHEM

Chapter 6: Thanksgiving Mayhem

"I know what you're thinking. You're thinking I'm a hostile pervert and that there's no good reason for my belligerent conduct. You're thinking that an asshole like me doesn't deserve Bella and that I should probably burn in Hell for what I did. You know what? Maybe I should. But…fuck, I love her and it's all I have. That's the Only realistic explanation I can give you."

—Edward Masen

Edward

Please let it all be a dream.

My feel good thought process is not the same when I wake up from my long nap. It's after three in the evening and all I can think about is the shit I said and did to Bella on the family's kitchen floor. I want to believe the events that took place this morning were a dream. Yet, as I smell the evidence of Bella on me, I know it indeed was real.

I gave in to the temptations of her and I did something I shouldn't have done. I've committed the ultimate sin. Not even 24 hours in Forks and already I break every rule that I've set for myself with Bella, the rules I've been hiding behind. It was only supposed to last for less than a minute…I knew she wouldn't be able to handle me. But the feel of her—how she drew me into her body—I got lost in it.

Yet I was angry because I wasn't the only man to…connect…with my sister the way we did on that kitchen floor. I forced her onto me as punishment, opening her up more to accommodate me.

Because she is mine. She belongs to me; that mere reality has never changed.

I so easily reflect back to the small amount of blood that her body had given me and I know for a fact that I fucked up big time. I really hurt her.

Getting up from the bed, I rub my eyes and exit my bed for the bathroom to take a shower. In the scolding water, I could do nothing but reflect on my acts.

'Edward'

She'd called out my name, but it wasn't from ecstasy as it should have been.

I fucking fucked her roughly. Then I basically told her that she couldn't handle what I wanted to give her and that she needs to—my god—wax the hair off her pussy. What a dick thing to do.

I seriously can't believe I did that to my own sister. Now I'm worried.

What if Bella had gotten pissed and told her father?

She couldn't have done that or your ass wouldn't be alive right now.

True. But what if she plans on telling him?

Then you're truly fucked, my friend.

Damn!

I punch the shower tile.

How do I leave this room and ever face Bella again? Is she angry?

She must be.

What about the parents? Does my mother know? My mother would disown me for my acts if she knew and Charlie would more than likely bear arms and shoot my dick off. Nevertheless, I won't find any of that out unless I leave the room.

After my shower, I dry myself off and oil my skin. I throw on my gray fraternity Delta Tau Delta sweatshirt, the violet Greek letters surrounded by a yellow outline and light denim blue jeans. I spray on Absolutely Irresistible cologne by Givenchy because…well...if I'm going to die, I at least want to smell good on the way out.

Sitting on the bed, I attempt to calm my nerves before I walk out of my bedroom door. First, I need a reason to walk out of the room. Spotting the dirty pile of clothes on the floor, I gather up the load and use that as my decoy.

Maybe Charlie's bullet won't hurt as bad if it tears through the clothing before it penetrates my skin.

I take in a deep breath and twist the knob, walking out of the room.

Empty.

So far, so good.

I scuttle past Bella's room hoping not to see her right away. Her door is closed. She's probably downstairs helping my mother with the cooking. That's too bad because I have to go through the kitchen to get to the laundry room.

I'll just have to overlook her and hope she hadn't spilled the beans to my mother… or to her cop father.

Descending down the stairs, the aroma of several food fragrances bombard my sense of smell. Getting closer to the kitchen, I can hear laughing. I recognize my mother's voice and the other one sounds familiar, exactly similar to one I haven't heard in quite some time. Hitting the bottom of the steps, I notice the front room television is set to a cartoon channel but nobody's in there.

Getting closer to the kitchen, I momentarily pause and close my eyes. Bella might be in there—next to my mom and Charlie. Charlie might have his gun out ready to shoot me right between the eyes.

Just let it be over quick and easy.

When I enter the kitchen I see only my mother and her younger sister, Aunt Esme, who I haven't seen in forever. Aunt Esme has always been recognized for her good cooking just like my mother. She has this amazing ability to come up with new food inventions that everyone would automatically love. Back in her mid-twenties, she used her cooking skills to get her into a top European culinary academy. Graduating at the top of her cooking class, Aunt Esme now owns three restaurants overseas where she lives and nine restaurants based in the states.

My mother is leaning over the stove and Aunt Esme is making one of her famous dessert dishes. I clear my throat and they both look up. My Aunt Esme speaks first when she sees me.

"Well, I'll be damned. Look who finally decided to come home!" She runs over to me and kisses my cheek.

"Hey! Long time no see, Aunt Esme. When did you get here?"

"We got in at a little after noon. Your uncle's around here somewhere with little David."

"I saw the front room television on. They're probably in there somewhere."

"So how are you, Edward? My how you've grown!" She steps back to take a good look at me.

I smile sheepishly. Aunt Esme has always had a way of making me feel like a shy young boy. I used to have a crush on her when I was nine years old. She was the prettiest woman I'd ever seen in my life besides my mother and…her.

"I'm doing well," I answer her. "Just busy maintaining a 4.3 GPA in school and working. Stuff like that."

Aunt Esme places her hands on her hips. "You're so busy that you can't bring your ass home even for the holidays?"

If it's anyone that I hate being chastised by, it is her. When someone is in the wrong, Aunt Esme would make sure to tell them that they were wrong and rub it in their faces several times for an everlasting effect. She and my mother are very strong women. I guess that's how my appeal developed to women of their stature.

Maybe that's why I had this long-lasting thing for Bella.

My aunt's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. "Hello, Earth to Edward? I'm talking to you!"

I start to come up with an explanation for my prolonged absence. "See, what had happened was—"

I don't even get to continue because Aunt Esme slaps me so hard across my face, my neck spins and cracks.

"Oh. My. God!" I let out after the sting of the solid slap settles in my cheek, making my eyes water.

"You better hope God saves your life the next time you pull such a disrespectful stunt like that. I don't care what the reasons were, Edward! Whether it's because of academics or because you met some tramp you met who gives good fellatio, you bring your ass back to where you come from. Do you hear me?"

I can't even answer her. My face feels like it just hit the fucking floor. I nod repeatedly.

"You know damn well you better answer me, Edward Jr."

What is with this Junior thing? I've distinguished a long ass time ago whose loins I sprang from. Must they have to remind me every single time?

"Yes," I choke out, wiping the water from my eyes.

"Yes what?" She asks sharply.

"Yes, ma'am."

Aunt Esme smiles in satisfaction. "Better. Now go start on that load. And where is that pretty little Bella?"

My mother replies as I walk into the laundry room and situate the proper settings on the washing machine. "She was down here just before you arrived but she wasn't feeling all too well. Kept bemoaning about her stomach bothering her so I told her to go lie down."

Now I feel even more like shit because I know I'm the reason for Bella not feeling well.

"Poor girl." I could just see Aunt Esme shaking her head. "You don't think she's pregnant, do you?"

She tried to whisper the last part but I heard her clearly. I damn near drop the clothes out of my hands. Then I calm down and relax. Bella is on birth control. She's not stupid like that.

Then I hear my mother respond to my aunt's direct question. "Absolutely not! Ever since I found out about her activities, I whisked Bella off to the clinic for birth control. I was here when she'd made the decision to take things to the next level with her boyfriend, Jake."

Wait. What?

My mother knew that Bella was going to have sex with that fucker and she didn't stop her? Also, she's the one that helped to put Bella on birth control so she could continue?

What the fuck, man!

My mother continues. "I was helping Bella fix her make-up in the bathroom and I had a feeling that she was going to 'do it' by the way she was dressed that night but I wasn't certain. When I heard her rush back into the house and go straight to her room, I'd gone to check on her to make sure she was…okay. I kid you not; the girl was standing in her birthday suit in front of the mirror looking for the changes."

Aunt Esme and my mom are chuckling all happy and shit and I'm trying to figure out when the conception of Bella having sex had gotten funny.

How could my mother allow that to happen?

How could she allow another man to touch what so obviously belongs to me?

"So, I walked back out of the room and knocked on the door. I heard Bella bustling around in her room, trying to get herself together. She told me to come in when she was fully dressed in her sleepwear. I asked her if she was alright and she responded, 'Yes, Mama Beth. I'm fine'. Then, to trip her out, I went straight for the kill and asked her, 'So, how did it go for your first time?'

"That girl's mouth dropped so far open that a bird could have flown in there and built a nest. You know how she has that ridiculous blush that gives away ev-er-y-thing…"

Watch it, mom. I happen to love that ridiculous tell-all blush.

After I throw in the detergent, I begin loading the clothes in the washer and listen intently.

"So Bella knew she was caught and started to apologize for having sex. I stopped her and told her 'Bella, you know you can talk to me about anything, right?'

She nodded and stared at her sheets for a minute before finally breaking and spilled to me about it. I remembered her saying, 'It hurt a bit and it didn't last long. He sweated all over me and he asked too many questions. All I wanted him to do was shut up and get on with it…'

I burst out guffawing. I try to cover my laughs with a cough but I know they've heard me and I'm busted. Still, my mother maintains talking.

"So we talked for over an hour and when Bella figured out she wasn't in trouble, she thanked me for not being mad and gave me a long hug. I swear that mother of hers doesn't know that she's missing the most important stages of her daughter's life! The next day, I took her in to get the birth control. Oh, Esme, you should see her now! With the birth control and the sex, little Bella has filled out in every way. That Jacob must be well endowed or something because it's as if she literally grew over night. Charlie almost had a heart attack when Bella began developing so rapidly."

Well endowed, HA! That motherfucker barely broke her in. She wouldn't even know what a real dick feels like if I hadn't done her in this morning!

"Of course, Charlie convinced himself that her puberty stage just hit late. But, deep down, I know that he knew Bella and Jacob were having sex. He and Jake's father have been friends since they were kids so Charlie must have a lot of trust in that boy to let him continue dating Bella. I guess Charlie figures that as long as he doesn't have to see or hear it, then it's out of his hands."

I slam down the lid on the washer.

Fucking Charlie! What kind of father is he? He knew and he didn't do shit about it, either? When I lived here, he'd give me the third degree if I even brought a girl in the fucking house. This is bullshit!

"Edward," Aunt Esme calls. "Are you alright in there?"

"Yeah, it's just this stupid comforter. Can't get it to fit-in-here," I pick up the lid and drop it a few times.

"Well, maybe you should separate it from the load, honey," she suggests.

"Yeah, maybe you're right."

I go away and all of a sudden it's a Fuck-Bella-Free-For-All? That is not cool!

My Aunt Esme whispers something to my mother that I can't hear. My mother responds in a low tone but I can still hear her.

"I don't know, Essie. It might, it might not. I didn't think she'd ever get on when he left...I think she was alone and latched on to the first person who accepted her without pushing….Yes, there is something there….From what I know, nothing ever came to life….Just last night shit hit the fan…..she looked distraught about something earlier….Probably. They just have this weird thing they do Essie and nobody gets it but them. It always seems to work out for the best…..I have no idea but I hope that they'll confront it sooner than later before it blows up in their faces."

When I come out of the laundry room, the women immediately change the subject.

"Yes, that was exactly what I was telling Carlisle," my Aunt says.

"So you think he'll get the car for you?" my mom inquires.

"I hope so. I've been hinting at it for a while now."

"Ladies," I bid as I pass them in the kitchen.

Aunt Esme retorts, "Eavesdropper."

I freeze in my tracks, my face growing heated by the seconds.

Both my mother and Aunt Esme begin boisterously cackling, the kind that somehow bounces off one and ricochets over to the other. I turn my head and fake a laughing face, which makes them giggle more.

"I was not," I state.

"Son, you know—for someone as smart as you are—you can't lie worth a pile of shit."

My mouth drops open in shock. Seriously, it's only once in a blue moon that I ever hear my mother swear. The only times I ever hear her go that far is when someone pisses her off to the max and when she calls someone on their shit.

Aunt Esme belts out a loud howl before laughing herself to tears.

"Ha ha ha ha," I mimic my aunt before going over to give her a hug and wet kiss in on the cheek. I do the same to my mom and leave out of the kitchen.

It's very fun watching those two interact together. They turn into adventurous teenagers around each other. They're probably going to experiment with the food and come up with a new dish. I can't wait to try it out.

In the front room, I see Uncle Carlisle watching a program with little David sitting next to him on the couch. Carlisle is a doctor who owns a private practice but works in hospitals from time to time. From what I know about him, Carlisle grew up with Aunt Esme and my mother. He married my aunt after she graduated from culinary school. They tried for children a few times but, after my aunt's third miscarriage, they went to the doctor and found out she wasn't able to have children. My aunt, being the determined woman that she is, didn't accept that sentence and had Carlisle use his connections to find a specialist who knew more about her condition. When they found the issue, Aunt Esme had corrective surgery and was able to conceive and carry her son, David Cullen, full term.

"What's up, Uncle?" I approach him.

Uncle Carlisle stands up when he notices me. I go to shake Carlisle's hand. His eyebrows rise as he says, "Damn, boy. I know that hand print anywhere."

As he pulls me in for a hug, he chuckles. "How are ya doing, Edward?"

"You mean before or after I got bitch slapped?" I say.

"After."

"Like a bitch."

"What about before?" Uncle Carlisle jokes.

"Like I was about to be molded into a bitch."

We both chortle.

"Speaking of that," I pull back swiftly, "Should I be expecting a back hand from you as well?"

"No, I'll save that for the one with the wicked hand."

"Good."

David runs next to his dad. "Hi, Cousin Eddie!"

Okay, the kids can call me Eddie, but only because they don't know any better.

I pick him up and hold him in my arms. "What's up little man? You're not so little anymore! How old are you now?"

"I'm five." David holds up his hand and spreads his miniature fingers to the number of his age.

"Five?" I pretend shocked face. "Wow! You're a big boy now aren't you?"

"Yep! I'll be six in May."

"Me too!"

His little eyes grew wide. "You'll be six like me?"

I chuckle and respond, "No. I mean my birthday is in May, too."

It's David's turn to look surprised. "Cool!" He turns to his father. "Dad, Cousin Eddie's birthday is in May like mine!"

"Whoa, that is cool!" Uncle Carlisle smiles at his son.

I sit David back on his feet, immediately looking around for danger. "Where's Charlie?"

"He was here about an hour ago and then went to the station to finish up some paperwork. Oh, and he also said he was going to pick up his friend, Billy, afterward. I think your mother said something about his kids coming, too."

I frown by default. I'd met Billy's daughters, Rebecca and Rachel, a few times in the past. Then there's his fucker of a son, Jacob. Was he coming, too?

I want to ask Uncle Carlisle but he doesn't know the Black family like we do.

"I'll be right back." I say and make my way back into the kitchen to find out.

"I just heard Billy's kids are coming. Are all of them coming?" I ask my mom.

"That's what was discussed."My mom shrugs.

"Oh."

That is not good.

"Why?" she asks.

"Nothing. I didn't know we were having a full house tonight."

"Okay…is that alright with you, Edward?"

"No, no, it's good. I was just wondering."

"Wondering about?"

I press my lips together and shake my head. "Nothing."

My mom gives Aunt Esme a confused look. Aunt Esme just shrugs her shoulders and replies, "You already know what I think, Beth. This would have never happened if Edward learned how to COME HOME EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE!"

"I got it, Aunt Esme, sheesh." She never lets anything go!

"Don't sheesh me. If you came home often and kept in touch with your roots, your brain wouldn't be so malfunctioned."

I roll my eyes. "Fine. I'm going back into the living room. Call me if you need anything."

"Uh-huh." My Aunt clicks her tongue in her mouth.

I shake my head smiling as I walk out. Then the doorbell rings.

My heart constricts.

If it's that fucker I don't know if I'll be able to keep myself contained. As I'm a few feet away from the door, Bella comes dashing down the stairs in a long navy blue t-shirt and answers the door. Upon opening it I see that it's her friends, Alice and Rosalie, each with a shopping bag in hand. Bella takes Rosalie by an empty hand and drags her in the house. Rosalie takes Alice's hand as Bella starts to drag them up the stairs, shouting greetings.

"Hey Uncle Carlisle, hey little David you're-so-cuuuute, HI AUNT ESME! MAMA BETH, I FEEL BETTER NOW! I'LL BE DOWN SOON!"

Then they disappear up the stairs. Bella spoke to everyone in the house except for me. Not that I blame her for it, after what I'd done to her that morning. Yet, I can't deny that it does sting a little when she doesn't even acknowledge my attendance.

My first thought is to go upstairs and demand that Bella show me some respect. She doesn't have a right to not talk to me. I know what I did was uncalled for but that doesn't mean she can just ignore me altogether.

Then again, you did put all of her shit out of your room.

I had to do that. I couldn't keep her stuff hanging around my room torturing me with thoughts of her and what we've done.

You didn't have to evict her so callously, either.

I guess. Maybe she should stay mad at me.

For once, I couldn't agree with you more.

My second thought is to give her time to calm down.

My third thought is that she needs to get the fuck over what happened and speak to me.

Bella knows that what she did was wrong. She put me on the spot. I had to show her who was boss when it came down to…that. I had to put her in her place.

Now that I think about it, I want an apology from her.

Taking the stairs two at a time until I'm at the top, I walk straight to her door and knock on it. When I don't hear anything, I knock again. Bella cracks the door open.

"What?" she says in a low voice.

"Don't 'what' me. Why didn't you speak to me downstairs like you did everybody else?"

"Because I saw you early this morning in the kitchen, or did you already forget that?" her tone is icy. That confirms her anger.

"Well you could have at least said something to me. And why are you hiding in your room? Aunt Esme has been asking about you. She wants you to come downstairs to greet with her."

"And I will as soon as I'm done."

I peak my head in the room. Alice and Rosalie are sitting on Bella's canopy bed pretending like they're not listening. Bella taps her fingers on the door. "Is that all?"

"No."

"Then what do you want?"

"Listen," I speak really low. "You know you have to keep what happened between us to yourself, don't you?"

She rolls her eyes. "Pfft. I cannot believe this."

"Bella, I'm dead fucking serious. I'm not trying to catch a case for that shit."

"So I'm shit now?" she says too loud.

I put my fingers to my lips, whispering, "Shhh—keep your damn voice down. I did not say that you were shit."

"Oh, I get it. What we did was shit. Rather," She points her finger at me. "What you did to me was shit."

I run my fingers through my hair. This is not going as planned.

"Okay, I admit. Yes, what I did to you was pretty shitty. But that's over and there's nothing I can do about it now!"

"You can apologize." She demands.

Huh?

"Apologize for what?"

"For being a shitty asshole that makes his sister bleed and cry because he's a fucker who can't deal with his emotions."

Why is she being so unreasonable?

"Bella, look—"

Bella looks behind her to her friends. "Hey Rose and Ali, wanna hear some fucked up shit that Edward did to me in the—"

"Alright, I'm sorry I did that!" I yell loud enough for the state of Kentucky to hear.

She smiles that evil smirk that she stole from me before we'd even met. "You're forgiven."

"Are you going to keep quiet?"

"Mum's the word. Now go away." She slams the door in my face.

Conniving Bitch.

How the fuck did I come up here for an apology and I'm the one that ends up apologizing?

By five-thirty, we have a full house.

Charlie brought over Billy at four o' clock. His daughters, Rachel and Rebecca, arrived with Billy's shithead son an hour later. Billy's oldest, Rachel, has a four year-old daughter named Sicily. She and David hit it off well.

We're all watching a football game and the girls make conversation. Bella still hasn't come out of her room.

I'm anxious to see her.

Aunt Esme brings out an assorted plate of delicatessens for us while we watch the game. I know it's something that she made from scratch because I don't even recognize what it is. I take whatever it is I have and dip it in whatever the hell kind of dip she's concocted. Looking at my aunt as if I'm scared to eat it, I take a small bite. When the mixed flavors come together, the taste is awesome. I chew the rest and swallow it down.

Reaching for another piece of food I convey, "This is really good, Aunt Esme. What is it?"

She answers back, "I call this the-last-recipe-I've-made-for-the-past-two-years-and-if-you-came-home-like-you-should-you-would-know-what-it-is."

I roll my eyes and throw my hands up in defeat. "Never mind, I give up."

"That's what I thought."

Everyone in the front room bursts into laughter. Aunt Esme searches through the bodies on the couches and then scowls. "Where is Bella? Is she feeling that sick? I'm going to go upstairs and get her."

Jacob stands and volunteers, "I can go upstairs and get her if you want."

Aunt Esme suggestively counters, "Oh that would be nice. Would you?"

I'm thinking this motherfucker better sit nice and comfy on that settee before he gets his jaw broken in.

"You know what," I stand. "I'll go get her. She's not really going to open the door unless it's someone who knows her well."

I stare at Jacob who glares right back at me.

"Well, someone go and get her please. I'm tired of waiting to see her." Aunt Esme heads back into the kitchen.

"Jacob, have a seat. You've done enough." I don't even try to hide the double meaning behind my words. I watch as Charlie shifts in his seat.

Sitting there like he doesn't know that fucker has been fucking his kid. I can't believe him.

I rush up the stairs and knock on Bella's door again. There are strange noises that are coming from the other side.

"Just a minute," Bella shouts.

"Hurry up!" I bang on the door.

Shuffling can be heard on the other side of the door. Ten seconds later, the door widely opens.

Holy Christ.

Bella looks…words are indescribable. Her long hair has a wet look and is pinned up with a few strands hanging from the back. Bella's make-up is flawless and she's wearing diamond studded earrings. I can't recall Bella ever wearing jewelry in all the days I've known her. A small diamond pendant matching the earrings hangs from her neck and she's wearing a Fuck Me hot thin, one strap black dress that's silk at the top and sheer at the bottom. It's so short that it leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination. No shoes are on her feet. It looks like she was getting a pedicure to match the French manicure she had.

She is so fucking beautiful.

"Oh, it's just you," Bella says nastily.

When I break out of my temporary stupor, I speak. "Aunt Esme says to have your ass downstairs in less than five minutes before she breaks down the door and comes to get you. You already know how apprehensive she gets about waiting so you need to finish up."

"I'm almost done. I'm just waiting on my nails to dry."

I immediately notice the upgrade of her room. The bed that was on the far left side of the wall now sits on the back wall in the middle of the room. School pictures that I've never seen and poster of suck-ass bands cover the walls. Two plush red chairs sit on opposite sides of the room. Her armoires are at the back wall by the bed and the computer desk is right by the side she normally sleeps on. The walls are painted soft lavender, an upgrade from winter green I remembered. Bella even set up her stuffed animals around the room and on the bed.

I stand there for whatever reason looking like a lost puppy.

"Are you coming in or not?" Bella moves to the side so I can step in.

"Hi, Edward!" Alice chirps enthusiastically and runs over to give me a big hug like we're long lost friends.

"Uh…hey, Alice…" I loosen her grip on me until she lets me go.

Rosalie turns to me from Bella's desk with her eyebrow arched and a smirk on her face. "What's up, BD?"

What the hell is a BD?

Bella gives Rosalie a hushed look before Rosalie snickers and corrects her saying. "My bad. Hi, Ed-ward."

"So Edward," Alice starts off. "How is college life? I mean, is UW really big? You know, I'm going there next year and….Is that a fraternity shirt you're wearing? Bella didn't tell me anything about you being a Frat Boy! So are there like really cute guys in your Fraternity because I'm coming up there soon to check out the school. Bella's coming too! We applied to the same colleges. I can't just let her go away to college without me because we're best friends and best friends are suppose to be around for every big life event, right? So we've decided that we're going to go to UW together next year, which should be great because at least we know you so we thought that you can show us around the school…"

Bella never told me she was coming up to UW. She didn't even tell me she planned on going to the same college as me!

Alice keeps blabbering, "Oh! We're going to have the same dorm room because I don't want to end up with some stranger my freshman year of school, you know? Anyway, how do you like Bella's dress? I found it as Nordstrom's online but I made a few adjustments because the material was just too loose on Bella. It has to show off her shape, you know? And I did her nails and Rosalie did Bella's hair and her make-up and she looks so hot right now! Don't you think so, Edward?"

Does this girl EVER shut up?

"She looks nice." I nod.

Alice all of a sudden looks angry with me. "You're not even looking at her!"

"Alice," Bella grabs Alice's hand. "He saw me when I opened the door, okay?"

"I guess…but Edward, you should really take notice of all the hard work we put into making Bella look like this."

It's then that uneasiness creeps into my chest and I know Bella said something to her friends about what took place between her and me. I give Bella a disapproving look letting her know that I know what the hell she did. She slightly shakes her head to deny it.

Liar. It's written all over your face.

Before I let the anger take over me in front of her friends, I grab Bella's forearm and drag her into the bathroom. As I shut the door, Alice barks, "Don't mess up her nails!"

When I slam the door behind me, I let go of Bella's arm and face her accusing, "Bella, what the fuck? You told them?"

"I swear I didn't mean to. It just happened, okay? And they kind of figured it out anyway—"

"Who the fuck randomly figures out you and I had sex?"

"Well, they started questioning me about what I was going to say earlier when you came up here the first time and apologized. I told them what went down, but not in specific details."

"Jesus, who else did you tell? Please tell me you didn't say shit to your father—"

"No! I didn't tell anybody else."

"That's one less thing I have to ponder over. Now I have to worry about your little pixie friend running her mouth to everybody in Forks—"

"Alice isn't like that. She's not going to tell anybody about it." Bella confirms.

"Just like you weren't going to tell anybody about it, right?" Running my fingers through my hair, I see Bella reach out to touch my arm but pulls back, putting her arms to her sides.

"Edward, Alice will keep her mouth shut, this I know and Rosalie doesn't give a damn one way or another so you don't have to worry about seeing a fucking jail cell any time this century because of me…again."

Well, she did get me locked up before. But that really didn't count because the cell was unlocked. Bella looks down and begins picking with her nails. My hand automatically grabs her wrists and gently separates both hands from each other. When she looks at me with a confused expression, my first thought is to bend down and mess up her make-up with kisses.

Instead I order, "Don't do that. Your little midget out there is going to think that I messed up your nails and I'm not in the mood for any more of her babbling. Just…hurry up and come downstairs. And try not to let anyone else figure out I had sex with you."

When she nods, I jar the door open and quickly make my exit from the room.

"See you later, BD!" Rose calls out behind me. I catch Alice and Rose talking as I round the door.

"Rose!" Alice whispers loudly, "Do you really think it's appropriate to call him that in his face? We're not even supposed to know about Edward's…equipment size."

"Geez, Alice, it's not like we haven't heard the rumors at school. Besides, now that he's fucking Bella, we know it's true. Edward Masen really does have a big dick! Hmmm…BD is too formal. Maybe I should call him MCK: Master Cock-Knocker…"

Well that's just spectacular. Now some chick I'm not even fucking has nicknames for my dick!

David and Sicily run up the stairs chasing each other down and laughing in hysterics. David grasps hold of my leg."Edward, help! She won't stop tickling me!"

"You started it!" Sicily crawls through my legs and latches on to David's foot, almost making me lose my balance. I grab David by his shirt, picking him up and throw Sicily over my shoulder. Both kids are screaming and kicking.

"Whoa, kiddies. Let's take this back downstairs."

As I'm going down the stairs, Rachel meets me halfway and I hand her Sicily.

"I'm so sorry, Edward. I told them not to play on the stairs," Rachel apologizes.

"Don't worry about it. They're kids; it's their job to break all the rules," I tell her.

At the bottom of the staircase, I set David on his feet and he takes off after Sicily again. After taking my seat on the couch, Charlie asks, "Is Bella coming down soon?"

"Yeah, she's just waiting on her nails to dry."

"Mmm," Charlie's grunts before focusing his attention back to the game.

It floors me how Charlie is so laid back about Bella. Before, I thought he wouldn't allow that much ease with his daughter, especially where having sex is concerned. I notice Jacob glancing at the staircase every couple of minutes. Then I remember how Bella is dressed and I am not at all comfortable with him seeing her like that. Though, he's probably seen her dressed up on more occasions than necessary.

He has seen her without clothing.

"Looking for something, Jacob?" I ask as coolly as possible. I'm sure my evil gaze doesn't match my voice.

He looks at me and then back at the television. "Not looking for anything, Edward."

"I hope not."

We stare each other down long and hard before Charlie breaks roars with excitement, "Touchdown! Billy, you're going to lose this bet!"

Fifteen minutes later, I hear footsteps descending down the stairs. When I look up, Alice and Rosalie are standing at the bottom of the staircase. Alice clears her throat.

"I need everyone's attention, please." Alice claps her hands.

Once she has everyone's attention, she carries on.

"I know that you all have been waiting for Bella. Rose and I truly apologize for the delay. The two of us were steadily creating the perfect ensemble for Bella to make her look flawless for this evening. I am proud to say that we've succeeded in our task. Can I have you all stand up as she makes her grand entrance tonight?"

Our guests look at one another before conceding to Alice's demands. Aunt Esme, hearing Alice's voice, walks into the family room with my mother right on her heels. When we're all standing and peering up the staircase, Alice finally calls Bella down.

"Without further ado, I would like to present to you the one and only: Isabella Swan. Oh, Bella?"

When the bottoms of Bella's legs are revealed, my heartbeat speeds up as I take notice of the heels she's wearing. Not only are they tall heels, but silk straps lace up to the top of her calves and… fuck, I do not need to get a hard-on for my step-sister in the midst of my family on Thanksgiving Day!

Down boy…..I said stay the fuck down! God, why do You hate me so much?

Once Bella reaches the bottoms of the stairs, everyone gives sounds of approval for the new Bella.

"Alice, did you really have to make a big deal out of this?" Bella's face turns slightly pink.

"Yes! Look at you, you're a sight for sore eyes, girl!"

My Aunt Esme slowly approaches Bella with her mouth open wide. Bella actually looks frightened by our Aunt's stealth approach and she looks back to Rosalie and Alice for assistance if Aunt Esme's reaction is disapproving.

"I'll be fucking damned," Aunt Esme scopes out Bella.

"Is it too much?" Bella asks cautiously. "If so, I can always go change—"

"Don't you dare!" Aunt Esme shrieks. "Not with a dress like that, honey! Turn around."

Bella carefully swirls around and then turns to face Aunt Esme again.

"You're absolutely gorgeous," Aunt Esme whispers.

Bella's face possibly turns two shades redder. "Thanks."

Aunt Esme places both hands on either sides of Bella's face. "You are fucking stunning, young lady, do you hear me?"

Then Aunt Esme laughs out loud like a lunatic and turns her face toward us until she locks eyes with Jacob.

"You!" she points at him.

Jacob's eyes widen and he points to himself. "Me?"

"Yes, you! Come here." Aunt Esme walks over to him, taking his hand. She then leads him over to Bella until they're both standing side-by-side. The sight is truly sickening. My hands automatically ball up into fists.

Aunt Esme stands in front of Jacob and says, "You did this to my little Isabella?"

Jacob stutters, "I…um…see…it was—"

"It was sex is what it was," Aunt Esme finishes.

"Aunt Esme!" Bella buries half her face in her hand.

"No!" Jacob refutes. "It isn't like that…"

"Oh, so you're saying you haven't been sticking your dick in my niece?"

"Esme, Jesus!" Charlie interrupted. "This is not the appropriate time for a conversation like that! Leave those kids alone, for crying out loud. It's the holidays!"

Aunt Esme waves Charlie off. "I was just telling the boy that he did a good job, Charlie. Don't have a heart attack. We all knew she was bound to have sex sooner or later. Do you see her body? My goodness, she looks great! You should be thanking this boy here for making your daughter into one hot mama!"

Bella hit the top of her forehead with the inside of her palm. "Please, please end this."

My mother clasps Aunt Esme's arm and guides her toward the kitchen. "Come on, Essie. I should've known not to let you have that second glass of wine."

"Nonsense, Beth! I'm not even drunk enough to say what I really want…"

Charlie rubs the back of his neck while Billy wears a half grin on his face. Rachel sits back on the couch and finally uncovers Sicily's ears. Uncle Carlisle is as calm as can be. It seems like he expects Aunt Esme's over-the-top outbursts.

Rebecca, trying to come up with an idea to recover from the recent shocker, looks to Bella and says, "You really do look extravagant, Bella. I love the dress and the make-up…your hair..."

Bella nods.

Rosalie chants with a full blown smile, "Now I really wish I could stay for dinner."

Alice leads Bella to the couch where Bella sits trying to calm the extreme blush rising in her cheeks. Jacob follows behind them sitting next to Bella, something I'm really not cool with.

"Are you okay?" Jacob asks in a grossly soothing voice as he places his hand over Bella's.

Slick fucker.

Stay cool, Edward. Don't lose your cool in front of all of these people. And sit the hell down, will you?

When I look around, I see that everyone has taken seats except for me and Rosalie, who's standing by the door with this sort of crazed grin on her face. I take my seat on the sofa but make sure to scoot closer to Bella. If only Alice wasn't in the damn way.

"I'm fine," Bella swallows hard. "I should have expected that much. Aunt Esme just has an open way with words sometimes. I almost forgot how she can get."

"Do you want me and Rose to stick around for a little bit?" Alice offers.

"No. I'm fine, I swear. You and Rose can go; I'll call you later," Bella reassures her, still letting Jacob touch her hand without saying anything.

Alice looks unsure about departing until Bella gave her a nod of approval after.

"Okay. We'll talk later then." Alice hugs Bella and rushes over to Rosalie. She grabs her hand and rushes them out the door. Before Alice can successfully whisk her out the door, Rosalie peeks her head back in, shouting, "Later, Bella! See ya around, BD! Happy Thanksgiving everybody! "

"Get out, Rose!" Bella yells after her.

The front door shuts and the guests slowly get back into the groove of things after Aunt Esme's embarrassing exploit. Well, everyone except for Charlie, who's squeezing the hell out of his beer can.

A little too late for that reaction, Chief.

When my eyes fix on Bella, her eyes are glued to her hand in Jacob's and, at that moment, I wished for any clue as to the thoughts going through her head.

Why is she even letting him hold her hand when they're not even together?

As if she hears my thoughts, Bella quickly breaks the hand contact and rises up from the couch to move next to Billy's daughters for conversation. Jacob's face drops during Bella's haste to get away from him before his disappointed look vanishes altogether and he settles his eyes back on the television. I do the same with my hands cradling the back of my head and a smug smile on my face.

By the time seven rolls around, it's taking all of me to focus on the television and not on Bella. The inner fight doesn't last long and my eyes travel to where she's sitting. My gaze starts at her feet as I get a closer look at her mini, open-toe stilettos. The tall heel itself is about four inches—maybe more—and metal-looking, as is the platform. The sandal strap is clear, showing off her full small feet and manicured toes. A glow graces her ivory legs and I keep thinking about what kind of body lotion she applied to them for that shiny look.

David runs over to her and climbs into Bella's lap, making her already short dress ascend further up. Seeing more of her toned thighs, my mind immediately wanders to what kind of underwear Bella is wearing or if she took me up on my advice and…waxed. With that new image instilled in my brain, I now start visualizing Bella's pussy all smooth and clean. Then I drift off into how my lower region would sound slapping against her smooth pussy as I fuck her—like I did this morning, only not with so much anguish.

Hot, tight, immensely deep…

"Looking for something there, Eddie?" Jacob's voice fractures my inappropriate thoughts and, apparently, the gaze I had on my sister's legs.

Out of all the people to catch me looking at her that way, why the hell did it have to be his ass? Hold on—did this motherfucker just call me Eddie?

I should bash his fucking head in.

Think about the kids before you do anything stupid.

I know but, damn, I really want to.

Unclasping my hands, I lean toward Jacob with my fists balled tight in order to keep my hands to myself. Making sure to keep my voice low, I retort, "I don't know Jake, was I?"

Jacob peers to Bella and then back at me with condescension before replying, "I hope not."

"Whatever," I scoff. "I'm not the one who got dumped the day before Thanksgiving. Why are you here again?"

Jacob's exterior stiffens and his face grows hard.

I see Aunt Esme approaching Bella from the corner of my eyes. "Bella, honey can you help us set the food on the table? We're about to serve dinner in ten minutes."

Bella agrees and sashays to the kitchen in her heels as if she was born to wear them.

"Edward?" Aunt Esme calls my name and snaps her fingers.

I turn toward her. "Yes?"

"I want you to carve the turkey this year. I figure the task should do you some good after your bi-annual disappearing act. We've decided to feed your ass so it's the least you can do….unless you have something better in mind?"

I wipe my face with my hand before shaking my head and standing. "No, Aunt Essie. I can do that since you're blessing me with food this year."

"That's the enthusiasm I like to here!" She notices the Greek letters on my sweater. "When did you join a fraternity?"

"Freshman year, second semester."

"And I assume they have sororities there as well?"

"Eh…something like that."

"Those girls must be giving out free blow-jobs to keep you away from Forks for so long—"

"Esme," Uncle Carlisle calls out. "Sweetheart, come here. Take a break for a few minutes."

Surprisingly, Aunt Esme doesn't put up a fight and goes directly over to her husband, sitting in his lap. Uncle Carlisle plants a kiss on her forehead and lays her head in the crook of his neck. Who knew the guy had such a soft touch? I watch their tender embrace momentarily and…..why can't that be Bella with me?

Why is shit so fucking difficult?

Before I can let those thoughts consume me, I turn and make my way into the kitchen, passing Bella and my mother setting the china and the food on the table. In the kitchen, I see this huge turkey on the table and I'm trying to guess where the hell they found such a big ass bird in the first place and how the hell they got it to fit in the oven.

Aunt Esme.

Only she can find a bird this damn big.

Shaking my head, I grab the biggest knife I can find and a large pitchfork—that's what it looks like to me— that would do the trick. Standing in front of what I assumed to be an actual turkey, I contemplate how I'm going to carve the stuffed monstrosity.

A sweet voice interrupts me. "Start by the leg. It's much more tender there and simpler to cut."

I turn around to find Bella standing in the archway. She looks as beautiful as ever and all I want to do is scoop her into my arms and kiss her longingly. I don't let my eyes linger on her body for long and turn back to the bird. As I'm cutting into it, Bella stops me.

"Not like that, Edward. You have to gently pull the leg and remove it. Here, let me show you."

I become rigid with pitchfork and knife in hand as she approaches me. Bella grips both of my hands until she can pry the utensils from them. With her right hand, Bella clutches my hand and guides it to the turkey like a snake in attack mode.

"If you loosen up, the process will go a whole lot smoother." Bella tells me.

Smoother—is that a hint or something?

I realize I'm acting like a fucking dork and pull myself together so Bella can show me how to carve the biggest turkey of all time. She notices the transformation of my character and takes my hand to grab the tip of the drumstick. Then she so effortlessly uses my hand to pull the drumstick apart from the turkey.

You dumbass. A nearly completed college education and you can't even carve a turkey.

"Now, pick up the knife and the fork." She orders.

And I follow her directions like a good student because I'm caught up in her witch voodoo. With the knife and fork in my hands, Bella wraps her hands around mine and presses the fork firmly into the breast of the turkey. Then she takes the hand with the knife in it and carves a piece of the breast apart from the turkey. She repeats the step again, delicately carving away another piece of the breast. As I'm watching her every movement so precisely, I can't help but to stare at her and find the whole ordeal. . .erotic. Out of the blue, I begin picturing Bella as the turkey and I'm the one carving myself into her, making her a part of me.

Get your mind out of the gutter, perverted prick.

After a few slices, Bella removes her soft, warm hands from mine and it feels like a part of me just deteriorated.

"Easy, right?" she finally looks up at me. She didn't have to look that far because her heels kind of made her an average height of five feet-eight inches at most.

Say something you fool!

I shut my eyes and rapidly shake my head before opening them and answering, "Yeah, it was… is, or whatever. I think I can take it from here."

With that, Bella turns on her heels, grabbing the bowl of mash potatoes, tucking it under one arm and a platter of corn. I want to ask her if she needed help with the food but then I remember that I'm supposed to be carving this… fucking turkey and I don't ask. Instead, as she's making her way to the dining room, I loudly call her name.

"Bella?"

Her head towards my direction and it's like I'm looking at a model at a photo shoot. "Yeah?"

"Thanks for showing me what to do with the turkey."

She bobs her head and reaches the archway before spinning around to look at me. "You know, Edward…."

I pause and glance at her. "What's up?"

Bella looks down at the floor a few seconds and then sharply gazes at me with a determined look plastered on her face with the exact same extent as that morning. "It's good to see that I'm not the only one who doesn't know how to handle it. If you didn't know what you were doing…..maybe you shouldn't have fucked with it."

She doesn't let me respond as she quickly stomps out of the kitchen, her heels clacking in a victorious rhythm.

Ha! She told your ass! Serves you right.

What the fuck ever.

Still a pansy, I see—and a whiner.

Leave it alone, will you?

For now.

I wound up taking my frustrations out on the turkey, hacking chunks of breast away.

Why can't she just take my apology and move on from it? It's not even like I'm going to let it get that far again. I mean, I proved my point, right? So why is she constantly throwing the shit in my face like I'm the one to blame? She's the one that waltzed into the kitchen in a tight fucking shirt and itty bitty underwear. I tried to avoid her but she's the one who got all ballsy and man-handled me on the floor! What was I supposed to do?

You were supposed to get a grip of the situation, Edward, not fuck her like some goddamn barbarian!

Okay, I messed up. I know that. So what do I do to make things right between the both of us? And how do I get rid of these thoughts I have of her?

That is something you have to come to terms with on your own.

Some help you are! For over two years I've had to deal with this shit. You were there! What if I can't make it go away? I should have never come back. Maybe after this holiday, I won't come back….not until she's gone.

You can't keep running.

I can't keep fighting, either.

And, as if my complex isn't shitty enough, that fucker, Jacob, comes into the kitchen making the heat rise within me and my heart beat speed up. Out of my peripheral vision, I watch him go straight for the fridge to retrieve a few beers.

He's just in here to get some drinks for the guys. Keep your cool.

I will, as long as he keeps moving.

When he slams the fridge too hard, I give him an evil look. "Watch what the fuck you're doing."

"Relax. It's just a fridge, not like a piece of glass."

You see what I mean? This motherfucker just keeps getting smart with me! What if he'd broken the refrigerator door? He's not going to pay for the shit.

Calm down! The fridge is fine.

My eyes instinctively follow Jacob as he preps to leave the kitchen.

Almost there…..carve the damn turkey, don't hack into it.

I focus back on the task at hand. Then, for no reason, Jacob stops walking and stalls right by the counter top. He sits the beers down on the island and takes a seat. Jacob glares at me while I'm making my best effort to carve the Godzilla turkey without accidentally cutting myself. Jacob doesn't say anything; he just sits there and looks at me all 'Brokeback Mountain' style. He better fix his eyes because I'm not down with that gay shit. I keep at my job and ignore him for the most part. I almost make it without losing my cool.

Then the fucker just had to say something to me.

"You're doing it all wrong," Jacob states.

I experience a Bella moment and reply, "Pfft, like you know."

"I do know," he confidently replies.

I temporarily stop cutting and frown. "Who the fuck are you, the turkey police or some shit? Like you know what to do. You can't even keep my sister on lockdown as your girlfriend and now you're trying to give me advice? Give me a ticket and get the fuck out of here."

Seems I touched a soft spot because Jacob scoots the chair back and stands tall, defensive and froggy.

I wish his ass would jump.

Of course he doesn't because he's a pussy. Jacob alternatively sits back down in the chair to calm himself. When he's back to what I figure is his normal gay self, he gets to talking again.

"Edward, you think you scare me, but you don't. I know that Bella is going through a phase right now but she'll come back to me. She always does."

Is that right?

"Not while I'm here she won't." I say matter-of-factly.

"That's fine but what about when you leave? Who do you think she'll come running back to?"

Shit. I am going to have to leave in a few days. What if Bella decides that she wants to get back with him after I'm back in Seattle?

Don't forget about that other guy she mentioned, the one that's not him.

I kind of chuckle at that fact. "Not you."

"We'll see." Jacob implies.

"We will see."

It gets quiet as I'm cutting the turkey when, all of a sudden, the fucker says something that throws me.

"I don't know, Edward. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you may just want Bella all for yourself."

I stop cutting the turkey and peek up at him through my eyelashes.

Is it that fucking easy to see?

"You have no idea what you're talking about."

"No, no. I think I'm on to something here." Jacob stands like before, only with tranquility and using his hands to speak. "See, you and Bella may be brother and sister. But you're just step siblings; the both of you aren't related. So, I think she's just as much game to you as any other girl. And—if that's the case—it kind of shocks me that you haven't baited her for yourself, what with the reputation you've built here in the past."

I almost claim him wrong but my jaw tightens as I'm holding back my truth and now I'm defensive. "You've got a sick mind, bitch."

"Ah, I think I struck a nerve." Jacob displays a half grin.

My nostrils flare. "Keep talking and the only nerve that's gonna be struck is the one on your temple when I knock your ass clean the fuck out."

Very passively Jacob shrugs. "Eddie, calm down. The truth can be hard to accept sometimes."

Twice he's called me Eddie and that is twice too much. I step back from the turkey, setting the fork down and securing the knife in my hand. Shifting my head slightly to the side, I ask in him in a scary calm tone, "What did you just call me?"

Jacob ignores me and rambles on. "Bella never talked to me when you were around. She never talked to any guy when you were around. Yet, not long after you leave, she's working out and I can only imagine all the guys asking her out on dates. They never did that shit when you were here. Then, last fall, she's showing up at my job with a cut and leaking gas line. One that I highly suspect she knew was cut. I'm thinking she probably even cut it herself."

I cross my arms, carefully keeping the knife at bay. "And why on earth would you think that?"

"Her gas line's under the car. Only when she pulled into my shop, Bella's shirt was wet and she reeked of gas."

No shit, Sherlock.

"Did you ever think that maybe she checked the gas line and it leaked on her hand, causing her to wipe the gas on her shirt?"

Jacob positively conveys, "Sure I did. But the other version makes more sense. It adds up. Charlie brought that same car to me two weeks prior to have it checked and it was fine. So, you see, Bella chose me. She came after me first and she'll come back to me again."

I laugh at his silly assumption. "Whatever, man. You're delusional. You come in here telling me this shit about Bella coming after you as if that would ever happen in this lifetime—or any lifetime. If that's the case, why the fuck did she break up with you?"

Jacob easily replies, "Because big brother was coming home and she knew you'd be cock-blocking the moment you stepped through the door."

"Except she didn't know I was coming home early. So how do you explain that Mr. Analysis? Notice how the word starts with Anal."

"Maybe she didn't know you were coming early, but she did know you were coming. For whatever reason, she gets timid about talking to guys when you're around."

"Maybe it's not me: maybe it's you."

Jacob laughs. "You know what your problem is, Eddie?"

I unconsciously take a step toward him. "Call me Eddie one more time—"

"You're jealous of me."

Now it's my turn to laugh. Hard. "Riiiight. Because you're just so fucking intimidating. Please, spare me the humor. I'd wipe the floor with your ass without breaking a sweat."

"I think you want to be in my shoes. You want to know what it is to be with Bella. Am I right?"

"Fuck you," I spit.

Jacob continues to taunt me. "You know…the more I think about it, it fits. You see, there's no real reason for your hostility unless you've been wanting Bella all this time."

If only he knew…

"Shut up."

"You want to know what it's like to fuck your sister."

I can feel the rage building inside of me. "Watch. Your. Mouth."

"You want to know what it feels like to be deep inside of her as she's moaning and screaming your name because it's the best sex she's ever had."

Son-of-a-bitch!

I grip the knife in my hand hard. Jacob carries on, not observing my actions.

"I'm right, aren't I? You want to be that guy for her." He slightly leans over the island and stares into my eyes deeply before replying, "You want to be me."

Before I know what I'm doing, I rush over to Jacob with the knife in my right hand and hold it up to his throat, sneering. "You listen to me, motherfucker, and you listen real hard. You stay away from Bella. If I catch you even looking at her the wrong way, I will take this knife in my hand and cut your goddamn heart out. Now, you may have been able to test the waters with my sister but you're old news. She's moved on from you so you better trying pretty fucking hard to move on from her. This is your one and only warning. I'm not fucking with you. And if you even fix your mouth to call me Eddie again, I won't hesitate to fuck you up and spread your blood all over the town of Forks! You got that, bitch?"

We stare each other down until I hear my Aunt Esme calling my name. "Edward? Edward, hurry with the turkey; the food's going to get cold!"

"I'm coming," I yell in a calmly, never taking my eyes off of Jacob.

Jacob looks through the archway hoping that somebody, anybody will come in and save him.

I persist on. "As for wanting to be you, don't make me laugh! I've heard all about your sweaty performances."

Jacob's eyes snap back to mine.

"Oh, you didn't know?" I use his move, batting my eyelashes and grinning. "Yeah, seems like little sis was so disappointed in your lack of stamina and the way you ask too many questions. Though, she wouldn't know what to expect from a virgin boy such as yourself."

I laugh maniacally. "It was so awful that Bella came home and told my mother about it the very first night. My mother! Now that's bad. Fuck, that's the worst. We all had a big laugh about it earlier standing in this very same kitchen. She only stayed with you so long because she didn't want to hurt your feelings."

Jacob's breathes unsteadily. "You're crazy!"

"I know that; never denied it. I'll go crazy on any motherfucker who fucks with Bella or fucks her. I've worked too damn hard to protect her from assholes like you. After tonight, I never want to see your face on this property again."

Jacob defiantly stands his ground. "You don't scare me! Put the knife down and we'll see who the real man is."

Admirable, but very stupid.

I can smell the fear on him. Pressing the knife harder under Jacob's chin, his eyes grow wide.

"You're a coward, Masen!" he blurts. "You wanna kill me? Go ahead, do it! I dare you!"

Never test a man who's not in his right mind.

Just when I feel like I'm about to slice and dice his ass, Aunt Esme shouts, "Edward! If you don't get your ass out here in less than thirty seconds, I'm coming in there and it won't be pretty!"

Regaining my composure, I remove the knife from Jacob's throat and back away from him carefully. Jacob takes a deep breath and pushes the chair back harshly on the tiles. When he's on his feet, I scoop up the beer cans and shove them into his chest.

"Take heed to my warning and make this the last night you step foot on this property, Jacob. Stay the hell away from my sister."

Jacob snatches the beers from my hand, his jaw flexing repeatedly. "You can't keep me away from her no matter what kind of tactics you use for attempts to frighten me."

I grab the platter in my hands and stern catch his eyesight. "Like you said before, we'll see."

So I might have overreacted in the kitchen with Jacob. It seems that the kitchen is becoming the one place where I can't keep myself under control these days.

Or maybe not.

While the guests are seating themselves at the dining table, I almost drop the turkey platter and lose it when I see Jacob sitting right next to Bella at the dining table talking to her.

Hold your shit together!

I'm really trying here but that fucker keeps pushing it!

Finding a clear spot on the table for the turkey, I carry the heavy thing to the only empty space and set it down. When I make eye contact with Bella, she looks upset—particularly steamed—at me.

"We need to talk, now." She states in a piercing tone.

It was then it clicked; Jacob spilled the beans to her about what I did to him.

Fucking sissy.

"It can wait," I tell her.

"No, it can't—"

Aunt Esme breaks in and belts out, "Edward, what the hell did you do to my turkey?"

"I carved it like you told me to," I reply. That obviously wasn't the right thing to tell Aunt Esme.

"You massacred it is what you did! See what happens when you stay away too long? You come back here discombobulated and fuck everything up! I had you do one simple job and you can't even do that right."

This is not my day.

"I'm really sorry, Aunt Esme. I tried following Bella's instructions—"

Bella defends herself. "Oh no, you are not going to put this all on me!"

"If you would shut up and let me finish." I say to Bella before turning back to Aunt Esme. "Like I was saying, I was following Bella's instructions and I was doing fine until he came in the kitchen blabbering and I got distracted."

I nod in Jacob's direction.

"Edward, do you not know how to walk, talk, and chew bubble gum at the same time? Does somebody have to hold your hand for you to get shit right?" Aunt Esme rubs her temples.

My eyes immediately travel to Bella. "Evidently so."

Bella picks up her water glass and takes a drink, avoiding any direct eye contact with me whatsoever. I take my seat between Uncle Carlisle and Aunt Esme, glancing at the heap of food on the table. Name any food and we probably have it on the dining table. There is the turkey I Friday the 13th'd, gravy, a ham decorated with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, mashed potatoes, baked beans, Aunt Esme's French cut green beans sautéed with almonds and onions, crab stuffed mushrooms, spinach greens, my mother's cabbage and homemade cranberry sauce, my aunt's bacon-wrapped shrimp, zucchini ribbon pasta, hot buttered rolls, potatoes au gratin, candied yams with marshmallows, rutabaga fries, wild rice, squash, deviled eggs, and much more. There has to be at least thirty different dishes on the table. There's wine for the adults, juices for the kids, and cider for the young adults.

I feel like I'm in that painting, Leonardo Da Vinci's The Last Supper. Apart from Jesus, there were twelve of his disciples sitting at the supper table with him.

There are twelve people gathered at our dining room table, including me.

Aunt Esme had to have brought some previous made dishes with her. Both her and my mom couldn't have cooked this much food in one day.

Uncle Carlisle chooses to lead us off in prayer. We stand and bow our heads. I've never been a religious freak but I do believe in God, so the prayer itself doesn't bother me. Though, the reason why Thanksgiving exists kind of does. Here we have Indians sitting at our table amongst us 'Whites' and—from what History has taught us— our people stole their land from them.

Talk about coincidence that they're now joined with "The Man" once more to have a sensible feast they created.

"Our Father in Heaven,
We give thanks for the pleasure
Of gathering together for this occasion.
We give thanks for this food
Prepared by loving hands.
We give thanks for life,
The freedom to enjoy it all
And all other blessings.
As we partake of this food,
We pray for health and strength
To carry on and try to live as You would have us.
This we ask in the name of Christ,
Our Heavenly Father.*

Amen."

"Amen," we all concede before taking our seats and prepare our plates with food.

No words are exchanged for a prolonged time as forks and spoons scrape repeatedly against the china. Aunt Esme and Rachel made sure to tuck napkins into the children's collars, which was a smart idea because little David is making a mess and Sicily keeps wiping her hands on the napkin covering her outfit. I feel Rebecca's eyes on me from time to time but when I look her way, she peeks back down at her food. Bella didn't stack a lot of food on her plate while Jacob is scarfing his food down like he's never had a decent meal in his life.

Charlie is at one end of the table acting like he's Hugh Hefner and shit with a beer in his hand. He and Billy are going back and forth about the bets they made against each other during the game. Carlisle is making every attempt to keep David from getting a speck of food on him. Aunt Esme is pretending to be a damn wine connoisseur and a food critic. My mother rolls her eyes at my aunt and picks at her plate.

I'm so busy paying attention to the manners of everyone else that I've barely finished my meal. It's not like I didn't like the food. I was just too busy gawking every now and then at Jacob, who I would catch gawking at Bella.

When I spot his hand creeping under the table to touch Bella's thigh, I find his foot and stomp on it.

"Ouch!" Jacob pulls his leg back.

"Sorry, man. Guess that was a bad reflex." I smirked.

Jacob snares at me.

"So, Edward," Uncle Carlisle sets his fork down before facing me. "How's it going for you at UW?"

"UW is pretty cool. It's a good academic college, better than I thought it would be," I answer.

"You know, I heard that you'd gotten accepted to Dartmouth in your senior year of high school. I'm surprised that you chose to stay in Washington for your studies. Wouldn't it have been a wiser choice if you went there for your medical degree instead of UW?"

"Yes, the academic ranks are better at Dartmouth, this is true. I guess I wasn't ready to venture too far away from home at the time."

"That's funny," Aunt Esme broke into the conversation. "It seems to me you haven't been too concerned with staying away from home as close as you are."

"Esme," Uncle Carlisle speaks. "That's enough. There is nothing he can do about the past. Edward is here now and that's all that matters."

Aunt Esme claps her hands. "Well thank God for that! As a matter of fact, thank God that his immediate family hadn't fallen ill and needed him when he was hiding out in Seattle being a chicken shit. There's no excuse for his absence and he needs to know that what he's been doing is plain wrong!"

So not my fucking day.

My mother pulls on Aunt Esme's shirt sleeve. "Essie, it's alright—"

My aunt whispers quite loudly, "No, it is not alright and you shouldn't be okay with it. Edward Jr. would not pull stunts like this if his father was alive. Edward Sr. would have had his head and you know it! You and Charlie are too soft on him. He acts like he's the only one that's suffered a loss."

Just the mention of my father's name makes my muscles tense. It's been a code of silence that we never say his name in this house. Even Bella knows not to say anything about him. She didn't know him and Aunt Esme damn sure didn't come around often to know him, either. How could she even talk about him?

Isn't it enough that the moment I pull up to this dreadful place, I get smacked around by every female in my family? Why the fuck is everybody on my case?

Out of nowhere, my mother slams her fist on the table and snaps. "Lay off the shit, Esme! All day you've been attacking him and I want it to stop right now. Edward has his own reasons for being away from us and whatever problems affected him to the point where he felt he had to stay in Seattle is not your concern! How dare you use my dead husband's name to make my son feel ashamed! Edward is my child and if I have an issue with his course of actions, that is for me to bitch about, not you!"

Yikes! Now I see where I get my bad temper from.

Aunt Esme folds her arms like a child and my mother closes her eyes, taking a deep breath through her nostrils. When her eyes open, she glares at her sister expectantly. Aunt Esme rolls her eyes and finally submits. "Alright, alright. I'm sorry."

"Apology accepted," my mother says before eyeing the entire table. "Now who the hell wants dessert?"

When the dinner is complete, Rebecca and Rachel help Aunt Esme, Bella, and my mother clear the table. David and Sicily decide that they can't sit still any longer and run to the living room to watch television, leaving all the men alone at the table.

Charlie breaks the silence. "I see Esme hasn't changed one bit."

Uncle Carlisle snickers. "She shows her love in. . .unusual ways. . .but it's all worthwhile behind closed doors."

"I bet." Charlie smiles.

Not the visual I need roaming through my head.

"You took quite the verbal beating tonight, eh Edward?" Charlie jokes.

I rub my stomach. "It's nothing I can't handle. I can take being the guinea pig for one night."

The men chuckle. Then Billy speaks to me, which is shocking because the most he's ever said to me is "hello" and "goodbye".

"Do you have a special lady in your life, Edward? Or are you still playing the field?"

Where the hell did that come from?

"I'm checking out my options." I explain to him.

"Ah. That's a good way of putting it, but it's nice to settle down once in a while. You should try it out sometime."

"I'll think about that." I scratch my head.

Billy points to his son. "Jacob there is the commitment type. He finds a girl he likes and sticks to her. I raised him to respect women that way. He's always been a gentle soul like his mother."

"Uh-huh," Charlie snorts, focusing on Jacob. "He better be nice and gentle with my little girl. Don't think I'm not hip to what goes on between you and Bella when I'm not around. All I ask is that you two don't make me a grandfather at a young age. . ."

"Oh you don't have to worry about that, Charlie," Jacob declares.

I add, "Especially since they're not together anymore."

Man, if looks could kill, Jacob would have pinned me dead.

"What?" Billy asks shockingly. "When did this happen?"

"Yesterday," I retort too proudly.

"We're on a temporary break," Jacob exclaims. "With all of the overtime I'm working at the shop and school starting up again, Bella and I decided that it was best that we take a break from each other. We'll remain friends until the time is right for us to be together again."

Bella and you decided my ass. More like she kicked you to the curb.

"That's too bad," Charlie responds in a sad way. Yet, his facial expression doesn't match his tone.

"Yes, it is." I say.

"Nothing's official." Jacob replies, glaring at me.

I mouth the word, 'Dumped" to him and his eyebrows furrow.

The ladies return to the dining room with desserts in hand and small plates. Rachel asks the children's whereabouts and Billy tells her where they are. Rachel nods and reasons with the knowledge that she doesn't have to feed her already hyper daughter any sugar tonight.

When Bella goes to take her seat, Jacob stands and pulls out her chair.

Nice way to play it down, loser.

"Thanks, Jake." Bella takes her seat.

"What are friends for?" He leans close to her and places a kiss on Bella's cheek.

Bella stiffens and gives Jacob a curious look before turning her eyes to face me. I shrug the whole display off as if it doesn't bother me, and it really doesn't.

Because I know something he doesn't, information that's going to make him fall to his knees when I shell it out.

Instead I focus on the many desserts on the table. Perfect for the plan I have in mind.

Sweet revenge.

Charlie goes straight for the pumpkin pie. Uncle Carlisle and Billy settle for the cherry tart pie. Everyone else goes for the apple and the whipped cream chocolate praline pies. Jacob takes a piece of strawberry cheesecake.

I go for Aunt Esme's five layer bars. She always makes them differently every holiday. This time she used chocolate, coconut, pecans, butterscotch, and graham crackers. Very creative.

I choose to indulge in frivolous conversation with Rebecca as everyone at the table randomly talks to one another. My mom and Aunt Esme are back to cackling again. Charlie talked Carlisle into going with him and Billy on a fishing expedition Saturday morning. Bella exchanges a couple of stories with Rachel but she really isn't talking to Jacob. After he kissed her, she refused to say much of anything to him. That didn't stop him from making any attempts to talk to her.

First, he tells her that she should bring her car to his shop for an oil change. Then he tries to invite her over to his place for a present he'd had for her before the break-up. He starts going on and on about some new music that he picked up at the music store and asks if she would like him to make her some CD copies. Jacob's finding any and every reason to touch Bella. He'd brush his hand against her. He would tuck a strand of loose hair back in place. When a piece of dessert spilled on her dress—specifically by her left breast—the bastard actually had the gall to try to wipe it off with a napkin.

That's when I determine that I've had enough of his bullshit.

It's time for the arsenal.

Biting my bar I casually articulate, "So, Bella, tell me more about this new guy you were going on about in my room yesterday."

Both Bella and Jacob's heads sharply turn in my direction.

He then turns toward Bella and asks, "What new guy?"

With her eyes still on me, Bella shakes her head. She knows what I'm doing.

"Edward—" she pleads. I ignore her.

"What's his name again? I thought you told me last night but it must have slipped my mind." I tap my forehead with my finger.

Bella drops her fork on the table and gapes at me. Her face turns all shades of crimson.

"Please, don't do this now…" she whispers.

Sorry, sis. I have to for your own good.

"So when are we going to meet him? You should have invited him over tonight."

That's when Aunt Esme enters the dialogue. "Invited who over tonight?"

I answer my aunt. "Bella has a new friend, a new guy friend. Isn't that right, Bella?"

"Oh my god." Bella brings her hands up to her face. I take another bite of my bar.

I observe Jacob's hand twitching and his face becomes distorted.

"Wait, I don't understand. I thought Bella was with Jacob." My Aunt points between the two.

I turn to my aunt, leaning back in my chair and chomping on the last bits of my bar. "Was is the key word there. See, last night Bella told me that she broke up with Jacob and when I asked her why she said that"—I quote with my index and middle fingers—" 'It wasn't working out' and that they were both 'experimenting' with each other. Then she told me about this new guy but I can't think of his name. Bella, what was it again?"

Now Aunt Esme turns to Bella curiously. I suddenly take notice that the whole table has tuned in to what's transpiring.

"Yes, sweetheart, who is this mysterious young man we haven't heard of yet?"

"I don't want to talk about this right now," Bella counters in a shaky voice, rising from the table.

"No," Jacob takes hold of Bella's hand and stands. "We should definitely talk about this right now. Who the hell is this guy?"

"Yeah, who the hell is this guy?" I repeat.

"Shut up! I'm not talking to you," Jacob growls at me and then turns back to Bella. "Is that all I was, an experiment to you?"

"No, you're getting it all wrong—"

"So make it right, Bella." Jacob strains. "Tell me the truth. There's another guy in the picture, isn't it?"

I grab another bar, offering Aunt Esme a piece. She breaks off half and we nibble on the dessert, watching the entire scene unfold.

When Bella doesn't say anything, Jacob takes her silence as confirmation. "How long?"

Bella sighs and responds, "Not long."

"Is it one of my friends, Paul or Embry? Quil, maybe?"

"No," Bella hesitates. "He's not a friend of yours."

"But I know him though, right? Who is he?"

Bella looks away from Jacob and at me. Then her eyes shift around the table. Everyone looks away except for Aunt Esme and me. Bella rocks back and forth on her heels and I'm waiting to find out if she'll reveal this new guy I'm going to have to beat down. Moments pass and Bella bites on her bottom lip, refusing to say anything else. Jacob asks her once again who the guy is and when Bella still hasn't said anything, I take it upon myself to hammer the final nail in the kid's coffin.

"You might as well tell him who it is. I mean, it must be serious because you told me you love him."

Several gasps erupt from the table and Rebecca looks like she's about to cry for her brother.

Jacob squeezes his eyelids shut and his hands form two very tight fists. His breaths are coming out harshly and I'm now concerned that if he blows up he might haul off and hit Bella. I slide my chair back from the table and lean forward just in case he decides to get stupid. I see Charlie and Uncle Carlisle rise up from their chairs. Billy probably would have done the same but his paralysis doesn't allow him that luxury.

A full minute passes before Jacob opens his eyes and loosens his fists. Then he speaks in the deepest voice I've ever heard from him. "I gotta get out of here."

"Jake—" Bella reaches for Jake but he shifts away from her.

"No, Bella. I can't do this anymore. You could have told me something other than you just needed space. What was it again? Your grades weren't up to par and your parents weren't happy about it. That's the last time I believe another word you say. I don't need to put up with this or you. I'm outta here."

Jacob storms out of the room.

"Jacob, wait!" Bella calls, rushing after him.

Suddenly, I feel fourteen pairs of eyes on me. Rebecca turns to me with tears in her eyes.

"Why on earth would you do that?" her voice cracks.

"I just thought the kid should know the truth."

"It wasn't your truth to tell!" Rachel accuses.

"Better he found out now than later!" I yell back.

"Edward, that was highly inappropriate and completely uncalled for," my mother snaps, "and on Thanksgiving Day!"

"So this is my fault now?"

"Yes!" The women shout, except for Aunt Esme who just sucks on a piece of the bar I'd given her.

"I think it's time for me to go home," Billy says.

"Me too," Rebecca stands. Rachel doesn't say a word as she walks right out the room, glaring at me the whole way.

Uncle Carlisle peers down at me. "Was that really necessary?"

"You don't get it. It doesn't matter how it was done; it had to be done. That's all I can tell you."

Charlie helps Billy settle into his wheelchair. Billy then begins to wheel himself around the table. Rolling past me he stalls and looks me dead in the face. His expression shows no sign of anger, only disappointment.

He looks away from me before verbalizing, "Edward, your disdain for my son truly disheartens me."

I bark, "Well, your son's obsession with my sister truly aggravates me."

"Why do you think that is?"

"That's easy; he doesn't belong with her. She's never been his to claim."

"Then tell me, Edward." Billy glares at me. "If not him, then who?"

I so badly want to tell him that Bella belongs to me and, as Billy's continues to look at me, I swear he already knew my answer to his question.

A commotion can be heard from the front room and we all jump up from the table to see what the deal is. As we comb through the archway to the front room, I can see and hear Bella taking verbal abuse from Rachel. Jacob is standing by the door while Rebecca talks to him in hushed tones. I hear Rachel tell Bella, 'People like you disgust me'. My poor sister's face is so red and she looks as if she's been crying. My brain clicks into defense mode and I rush to Bella's side.

"Don't talk to her like that!" I fire at Rachel.

"Why not? She deserves it and so do you! People like you and her don't care about anyone but yourselves! You are cruel, heartless individuals who are made for each other. "

"Get out of my house," I sneer.

"With pleasure!" Rachel picks up her daughter and swings open the front door, disappearing into the darkness along with Rebecca and Jacob.

"Bye, Jake." I taunt with a smile creeping up the side of my face.

"Fuck you, Masen! You're a dick that needs to seek psychiatric attention!" Jacob yells.

I was about to form a rebuttal to his outburst until Uncle Carlisle places his hand on my shoulder. "Let it go."

Charlie wheels Billy past us to the coat rack and places Billy's jacket in his lap. Charlie then shuffles on his own jacket. He looks between Bella and me.

"I don't know what the hell that was but when I come back here, both of you better have damn good explanations for it. You've made this holiday a nightmare and embarrassed your mother and myself in front of our guests. I can't even begin to describe how irate I am about this. That was ten kinds of fucked up!"

"Charlie," my mother pointed her head in David's direction.

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth but it has to end. The erratic behavior between these two has gotten way out of line and it has to come to an end tonight. When I get back, somebody better start talking."

With that, Charlie wheels Billy out of the front door.

Once the door shuts behind them, my mother states, "I need a drink."

"Now you're talking," Aunt Esme chants and scampers into the kitchen. She comes back with an unopened bottle of red wine, two glasses, and a corkscrew. My mother takes the glasses and the corkscrew knowing that Aunt Esme won't release that bottle of red wine. They both take off for the staircase. My mother glances down from the rail at Bella and me.

"I want the dining table cleared, the food put away, the dishes cleaned, the counters scrubbed, the floors mopped, and the garbage taken out before midnight. I will deal with Charlie myself when he gets home. You have approximately three and a half hours so I suggest you two get a move on it. When I come back down here, it better be spotless or Charlie will be the least of your problems."

Both women rush up the stairs to start on their drinking ritual. Uncle Carlisle picks up a half-sleeping David and leads them to their guest bedroom. When I face Bella, she walks around me and starts for the kitchen.

I don't know why but the first thing that comes out of my mouth is, "Your feet won't survive in those heels."

Bella stops in her tracks and stands very still for long seconds. Then she bends over to undo the silk laces and removes the heels from her feet. Much too fast, Bella spins around and heaves the shoes at me. One of the heels smacks me right in the face.

I hold my hold over my face shouting, "Shit, you hit me in my fucking eye!"

"How's that for stamina?" Bella yells, swiveling around and walking into the kitchen.

We spend over two hours cleaning in silence. Bella puts away the food while I wash the dishes and take out the trash. The load of chores have my sweater sticking to my skin so I take it off and throw it over a bar stool. A part of me expected Bella to peek glances at my bare chest but she ignores me as she puts away the dried dishes. Bella doesn't hide her pisstivity during our share of the work load. Somewhere in the middle of our duties, Charlie walks through the front door. I prep myself for a confrontation but there is none. I peek through the archway to see Charlie hang up his coat and goes straight up the stairs.

My mother must have reasoned with him over the phone.

I head to the laundry room for cleaning supplies for the counters and the broom and dustpan. I almost run into Bella standing in the doorway.

"What?" I ask.

"Jacob didn't deserve what you did to him."

I brush past her and sit the contents on the counter. "I'm not sorry."

She follows, taking the cleaner and spraying down the island. She uses a rag to wipe them down as I sweep the messy floor.

Bella pauses and then speaks. "What goes on between him and I is none of your business."

"If you didn't want me to know about it, you shouldn't have told me."

"I told you that in confidence!"

I sneer out loud. "We had no verbal agreement about it being a secret."

"You still didn't have to put it out there in front of everybody."

"Well, he shouldn't have started shit with me in this kitchen."

As I sweep around her, Bella asks, "Did you really pull a knife on him?"

I don't answer the question.

"Edward, I saw the laceration above his throat—"

I press the broom into the floor. "Are we talking or cleaning?"

Bella goes back to wiping down the island while I return to sweeping.

Seconds later, she speaks again. "How can you be so meticulous about statutory rape charges and then acknowledge a felony for aggravated assault?"

By now, I've had it with Bella's accusations against me. I snap. "Can we just finish this shit? I'm fucking tired and I want to get this done so I can go to bed!"

Bella zips her lips, attending to the counters. Then Bella just has to be Bella once again. "Aside from Mama Beth's threat, why did you even come back here?"

I stop sweeping and really look at her. Bella's eyebrow arches. "I'll tell you that when you tell me the name of the new boyfriend you're keeping secret."

Bella opens and shuts her mouth a several times but she speaks no name. Instead she turns her back and sprays the stove with cleaner.

"I thought so," I scoff and sweep up the rest of the floor.

When I sweep the pile of muddle into the dustpan, Bella calls my name. I face her but her back in still turned to me, so I empty the filled dustpan into the garbage.

"Edward," Bella calls out to me again.

"What?"

"You are so clueless." Bella states and then turns to face me. "I've told you his name."

I frown and think back to the conversation we had last night. I know for a fact that she never even said his name. I don't recall even asking for the guy's name.

So I reply, "No, you didn't."

"Yes, I did."

I play back every single word we had exchanged last night. I even allow myself to think about any words we'd come across this morning. Confused, I slowly shake my head, disagreeing with her. "You never told me his name."

"Yes, I did tell you his name."

"So say his name again if you've told me."

"Edward—"

"What? I'm merely asking you for a straightforward response to a simple question."

We stare each other down long and hard. I wonder if Bella may have snuck herself a glass of wine at the dining table because she never told me the guy's name. Had she told it to me, I definitely would have memorized it. Then strategies would have been invented for future references to fuck him up.

Bella rolls her eyes at me. "Never mind. You just don't listen."

Fifteen minutes to eleven, we finish our cleaning routine. Bella mumbles about being drained and drags her feet out of the kitchen and to her room. Putting the mop and bucket back into the laundry room, it hits me that I never put the load of clothes I brought down earlier to wash in the dryer. Lifting the washer lid, I see that my load isn't in there.

The hell?

I open the dryer door and, sure enough, the load of clothes are staring right back at me. That's weird. I have no recollection of ever putting them in there. Maybe my mother or Aunt Esme did it.

Or maybe I'm just losing my damn mind.

I pull the load out of the dryer and lug it up the steps. The sight of my bed makes me drool with exhaustion. I rush to make up my bed and then change into my pajamas.

Damn. I left my sweatshirt downstairs in the kitchen.

Now I'm not so sure I'm correct about Bella not telling me the mysterious guy's name.

Oh well. Save it for another day.

Fuck pulling back the duvet. My body collapses on top of the mattress. Without delay, I hit the light and welcome the brink of unconsciousness.

Several minutes later, a strange noise stirs me out of my semi-slumber. At first I think I'm dreaming about the noise until I hear it again. I shake off the fatigue and depend on my sense of sound. When I hear the noise again, it sounds like the bushes on the side of our house are moving.

Probably a deer.

Yeah, you're probably right.

Only my natural instincts don't accept the conveyance. I would have found the idea of a deer in the bushes believable if I was a kid. I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was seven years old. Deer hooves don't sound like shoes scraping the side of a window. Deer don't climb up the sides of three story mansions and they definitely don't make a loud thump on one of the bedroom floors close by.

Very hastily, I shuffle out of the bed alarmed and hit the light.

A burglar just broke into the fucking house!

I desperately run over to the closet and search until I find my weapon of choice: my Little League steel baseball bat. Whoever managed to sneak into this residence was in for a rude wake-up call amid my batting skills. They didn't call me 'Crash Masen' for nothing.

I don't want the thief to know that he's been discovered so I turn off the light from the far wall and twist the door knob. Stealthily I tiptoe down the hall, listening for any odd movements. I don't hear anything for a while.

Then I hear voices coming from inside Bella's room.

The fucking burglar is in her room!

I waste no time reaching Bella's door. The other voice grows loud and harsh. It's a male, an angry male. This needs to be done quick and fucking fast. Gripping the handle, I open Bella's door and raise my bat in a swinger's stance.

My body temperature erupts in flames as I make eye contact with the culprit standing right beside my sister with his hand clutching her by her elbow. The tint of my eyes glows red.

"Jacob. . .WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOUSE?"

Suddenly, the world goes black.

2 weeks, 3 days, 36 beers, and one long chapter later, it's finally over.