Disclaimer: If I owned Twilight I'd live off writing and, therefore, would probably be more dependable on it….

Chapter 25

Edward and Bella remained on the couch, holding each other close, for quite a long time after they had both finished saying everything they felt needed to be said. The stillness was comforting, as was the opportunity to comfort and be comforted with no judgment. After a while, Bella took a deep breath and removed herself from Edward's arms. He looked at her, startled.

We should get going, she signed, smiling sheepishly.

Edward nodded and stood up as well, stretching and swiftly moving over to where Bella's bags were to pick them up before she even had the chance. She rolled her eyes, but let him do as he wished. Furthermore, she still felt somewhat weak and, while she was not willing to admit it to Edward, lest he think her a weakling, she would not turn down his help.

Once they were outside, Edward opened the car door for her and offered her his hand to help her into the seat before putting her bags away and getting into the driver's seat. Bella smiled lightly, subconsciously, as she thought about his behavior. He was treating her like a princess, and if it had been Jasper doing such things she would have slapped his hands away, accusing him of being overbearing and stereotypical. However, when Edward did these things it seemed so honest, like he truly just wanted to care for her. And Bella really did feel cared for. And that was a feeling she was not willing to ruin because of her pride.

The drive was short and, when they got to the Hales', Edward rushed around the front of the car to open the door for Bella once more. When she moved to take the bags from the trunk, he slapped her hand away jokingly. Once more, Bella refrained from complaining, delighting in the warm and tingly feeling that enveloped her whenever he did something like that. Instead, she waited patiently for him and then led him up the porch stairs and unlocked the door, letting him in.

Once inside, Bella leaned over to get the bags from him, to take them up to her room, but Edward held on to them tightly and shook his head. He smiled shamelessly and motioned for her to lead the way up the stairs. Nervous, Bella did so, hyper aware of the fact that she was going to let Edward into her room, her secret sanctum. As she opened the door to her room, she began to worry about her bed being made, her things being on the floor, and countless other things, all of them impossibilities due to the fact that she had not been at the Hales' in a week and the Hales' maid visited every Tuesday.

Once inside the room, Edward set the bags down by the door and looked around. The room was not highly decorated and did not have very many personal effects lying around, yet it managed to create a feeling of home and safety. The walls were off-white, and there were a few posters hanging up. There were two prints of artwork he had never seen before but recognized as Van Gogh and Picasso respectively. They were both in warm colors, matching the burnt orange curtains hanging in front of the large ceiling-to-ground windows. The lamp, which hung from the ceiling, was also orange, and gave off a warm light. The sheets on Bella's bed, on the other hand, were brown and dark green, and the carpet was the vibrant mix of oranges and yellows of fallen fall leaves. The furniture—a set of tall shelves, a sturdy desk and matching chair, and a tall armoire—was all matching, probably bought as a single set, and matched the color scheme perfectly.

Edward had the feeling of being outside on a cool autumn day and a smile erupted on his face. He turned to look at Bella, who was leaning all her weight on her right leg as she rubbed her left arm with her right hand, obviously nervous. At his smile, she seemed to relax and she smiled ruefully at him.

Do you like it? she signed, not quite sure why it meant so much to her for him to approve of the room. In a way, she guessed, that room had become "her space." The Hales did not go inside without her permission and James had absolutely no access to it; it was simply…Bella's. And now that she had shown it to Edward she began to berate herself silently, fearing that he would not like it and, therefore, would taint what she had always seen as perfection.

I love it, answered he, causing a smile to spread on her face, reaching her eyes. It is so…relaxing. I could stay here all day.

I think the Hales might disapprove of yet another squatter.

Edward laughed, relieved to see Bella smiling and joking once more. Their eyes caught each other's and held them for a couple seconds, exchanging no words. Finally, feeling somewhat awkward, Bella turned to head downstairs, Edward close behind her.

Do you want something to drink? Milk, orange juice, tea…, she asked as they stepped into the kitchen. Edward could not help but notice the great difference between the Bella in front of him and the Bella in her own house, just a half hour previous. There, she had been introverted, scared, leaving as little a mark of her existence as possible. Here, however, she seemed free as she led Edward around, making herself at home. Furthermore, besides her own room, the kitchen seemed to be her realm. Edward remembered Bella's love for cooking and, here, he could truly imagine Bella cooking the day away.

Edward? Bella asked once more, her brow furrowed, anything to drink?

Just water, thank you, he answered, flustered, embarrassed at being caught daydreaming.

Bella served them both glasses of water and took them over to the living room, setting them down on the table before sitting down on the overstuffed couch. She patted the space next to her invitingly, biting her lip. Edward sat next to her and, without thinking much about it, pulled her lip from between her teeth with his thumb. Bella blushed furiously, her eyes meeting his. When he realized what he had just done, Edward blushed too, pulling his hand away quickly. The sudden movement snapped Bella out from her trance and she pulled away, her eyes falling to her lap.

Do you want to watch a movie or something? She asked nervously.

Yes, that'd be nice, answered Edward, smiling comfortingly at Bella to try and help her get over her sudden embarrassment. What did you have in mind?

Bellalooked indecisive as her eyes drifted through the assortment of films on the shelf by the TV screen. Well…what are you in the mood for?

Something light, I guess. A comedy?

Bella got up to see the films better and pulled something from the shelf.

This will do, I think.

She put the DVD into the player and went back to her seat on the couch, sitting cross-legged. As the film started, she let her hair down from its ponytail and began to braid it, trying to look at Edward inconspicuously through the long locks. Edward noticed, of course, and winked at her, causing her to laugh. Neither was paying much attention to the film. In fact, fifteen minutes into the movie Bella began to nod off. Much to Edward's delight, her head ended up resting on his shoulder as she slept peacefully. He reached for the remote and muted the film so she would not wake up and put an arm around her as she slept on and he watched the rest of the movie until, at last, he gave in as well, falling asleep with his own head resting on Bella's.

It was in this position that Jasper and Rosalie found the two when they finally returned home from school. The twins shared a look half of relief and half of distress, unsure of how to react to the situation. Whereas they were glad that Bella seemed to be opening up to somebody else and that that somebody was receptive and caring, they could not help but worry that something would go wrong and make Bella retreat further into her shell. After all, there was nothing like a spurned love to lead a girl into melancholy. On top of that, where Rosalie was happy that Bella seemed to be finding somebody in whom to confide and whom to trust, Jasper was starting to admit to himself that he was jealous. It had taken years for Bella to open up to him; what was so special about Edward that created such a reaction? Jasper sighed; he did not like these thoughts, as he wanted Bella to be happy, but he could not help them.

Jasper was brought back from his thoughts by the sound of a camera shutter; Rosalie had taken out her camera to take a picture of the sleeping couple. Jasper smiled sadly at her as he finally moved from the spot where he'd been standing all that time, going into the kitchen to drop off his bag and get a snack. When he went back into the living room, he was startled to find that Edward was now awake, seemingly content with merely holding Bella's sleeping form. He went over to sit on the other couch, facing Edward.

Hey. How is she?

She's OK. Tired, still. We had a… stressful afternoon, one could say, Edward replied after carefully maneuvering Bella so that her head was now resting on his lap, not his shoulder, freeing his arms to sign.

What happened? Jasper asked, worriedly, his eyes drifting down to Bella's face quickly, looking for any signs of distress. Despite finding none, his face remained worried, tense.

We went to her house, to get her things. She left me to roam and I went into the basement. When she came down to find me, she had an anxiety attack.

Jasper squared his jaw, feeling fury spread through him, at James, at himself, at Edward, and, he was loathe to admit, at Bella; at James, for being the asshole who could not appreciate his own daughter and who treated her like trash. At himself, for not being there to help her when she needed him. At Edward, for going into the basement and causing her attack, and at Bella, for pushing herself for Edward and confiding in him so quickly. That was not the time or place to let his anger rule him, though, and so he collected himself, sweeping the rage under the carpet, so to say.

Is she OK now? I mean, after the attack and all?

Yea, it was just the situation that got to her, I think. Maybe she should go to the doctor, though. Has she ever had an anxiety attack before? I asked and she said she hadn't, but I know sometimes people dismiss them as emotional breakdowns or such.

I don't think so, either, answered Jasper, trying to remember, I mean, she has had breakdowns, but they didn't seem like panic attacks.

Edward raised an eyebrow, as if doubting he information; he had just said that sometimes people confused them with breakdowns, and then he tells him that they were just breakdowns? For all he knew, they were full-out anxiety attacks. If so, Bella needed help.

Jasper recognized the look of derision and distrust in Edward's eyes, because he spoke up to defend himself.

I volunteer at the hospital during vacation and Rosalie has panic attacks every once in a while; I know how to recognize one. I'm not stupid.

I know, answered Edward quickly, I'm sorry, I didn't mean that you were. I just… I'd feel more comfortable if she saw a doctor, is all.

Yea, and what would she say? asked Jasper, his face twisted into a mocking grin, that she had a panic attack because she had to go into the basement her father uses to punish her? That would fly wonderfully. Particularly since she has shown so much collaboration in telling the authorities before. Don't tell me, she'll do it if you ask? Never mind that I have been trying to get her to do it for years. Forget it, pretty boy, it's not happening.

Edward's face hardened and he grinded his teeth, his hands tightening into fists for a second.

I don't know what's wrong with you, but I don't think I deserve it. If I've done something to offend you, tell me, but don't take out your own stress on me. As for the doctor, I was thinking about my father. And yes, I will ask Bella about it, and I hope she will agree to go see him. And, unless you can control yourself, that will be none of your business, Edward finished, his eyes cold as ice. Any further discussion was stopped by the fact that Edward's movements had finally caused Bella to wake up and she was slowly stretching and getting up. When she realized she had been lying on Edward's lap, she blushed and pulled herself up into a sitting position, a short distance from Edward.

Sorry, I didn't mean to crush you. When she noticed that Jasper was also in the living room, she realized that it was later than what she had originally thought. Edward, you didn't have to stay all this time! And I was lying on you, so you couldn't even get up to do anything. I'm sorry.

She looked flustered, her hair having fallen somewhat out of her loose braid and her cheeks still pink from both sleep and her current embarrassment. Edward smiled crookedly, amused by her antics, which only caused her to blush more.

You should get going, Edward, I'm sure you have homework or something to do. I really did not intend to keep you here this long, she reiterated, her movements now exaggerated. Edward sighed and, as he had begun to do more often, took a hold of her hands to silence her. It was definitely not a polite gesture and, in a more public setting, it would be highly frowned upon, but it seemed to work in their relationship, since both of them seemed to blabber on when they got nervous, making the other uncomfortable.

I actually want to talk to Jasper, answered Edward at last. Why don't you go shower and do some homework? I promise I'll say goodbye before I leave, OK?

Bella looked between the two nervously, obviously feeling the tension between them, but said nothing. She took a deep breath and got up, leaning over to kiss Edward on the cheek before crossing over to do the same to Jasper. She then went up the stairs, slowly, looking back at the two constantly, still. As soon as she was up the stairs and out of sight, Edward turned to Jasper, his face angry.

Why the hell didn't you tell me about Bella? I could help! Damn it, how could you let it happen? What the hell were you thinking, keeping it a secret?

Jasper's face grew more and more livid with each of Edward's accusations, which he kept hurling at him, ignoring Jasper's repeated attempt to defend himself. At last, he grabbed Edward's wrists tightly and pulled them down, successfully preventing him from saying anything else. Edward fought to pull away, but Jasper held his grip and glared at him until Edward's entire frame seemed to slump in defeat.

Now, Jasper signed harshly, I talk. What right do you have to make any sort of accusation? Bella is my friend, first and foremost. If she tells me something in confidence, I will keep that confidence. Just because you come in here with your pretty boy looks and get comfortable with her does not mean that you have a right to hear all of her secrets. That is not haw it works.

You don't keep a secret when it is hurting her! exclaimed Edward, outraged, that just ends up hurting her more. She needs help. More help than you can give her on your own, obviously, since you have not done anything to stop the situation.

Don't you fucking dare to tell me I have done nothing. I've given Bella a home, a family. What have you done, besides drive her into a panic attack? It seems to me like you are harming her more than helping, said Jasper, maliciously. The smirk disappeared from his face when Edward lunged at him, shoving him. Jasper returned the gesture, with more force than Edward had originally used.

Get out of my house, signed Jasper, furious, you're no longer welcome.

Edward, in no better shape than him, gathered his things and began to head up the stairs, when Jasper stopped him.

What the hell do you think you're doing?

I promised Bella I'd say goodbye before I left, replied Edward coolly.

Like hell you're going up there. You're no good for her. Get out. Now.

Incensed, Edward turned on his heel and stormed out of the house, getting into his car and driving home. Once there, he went up to his room and slammed the door shut, fuming. He paced up and down the room, unable to concentrate on anything but his fight with Jasper. When his door opened slowly, he turned on his heel to glare at the intruder. It was his mother.

Hey. Alice told us you were with Bella. Is she feeling better?

Her intentions were good, he knew, but the question caught him at a bad moment. With a glare, he turned away from her, continuing to pace. Esme stepped into the room and went up to him.

Excuse me, I asked you a question. What's wrong? Did something happen with Bella? she asked, her face worried as the new thoughts came to her.

It's none of your business, Edward snapped, pulling away from the hand she had lightly put on his arm, comfortingly. Now can you leave me alone in my room, or do I have to leave to find some peace?

Esme pulled away, hurt, and left the room without another word. Edward groaned, throwing himself on his bed and burying his face on his pillow. Everything was going wrong! And that feeling could only be supported when his door opened once more and, this time, it was his father, a furious expression on his face.

What did you tell your mother? he asked, not beating around the bush. Edward groaned.

Nothing, just to leave me alone. Can't I even be alone in my own room? Really?

Your room is in my house, mister. I don't believe you paid the mortgage, did you? So don't get an attitude. Your mother was only worrying about you and your friends, you were wrong to be so rude to her. You owe her an apology.

Edward made a big show out of groaning and hiding his head under his pillow, but he knew his father was right. He simply did not feel like apologizing and acting as the prodigal son once more. He wanted to be alone and think about what he had learned that day. Was that too much to ask?

Apparently not, for when he took the pillow of his head to look at his father one more time, he was gone, the door closed behind him. Edward sat up and leaned against the headboard, his eyes closed, as he took a deep breath. So much had happened, he felt like he had had little time to process it all. Although he had had time to think about Bella's situation while she slept, the new development with Jasper was a completely different matter.

There seemed to be a lot of resentment and jealousy in his part towards Edward, and that confused him, and his holier-than-thou attitude and the possessive attitude he had towards Bella—as if only he could care for her or help her—, did nothing but anger Edward. Edward knew he should not have made the accusations he had; Jasper obviously tried hard to take care of Bella. But he felt in the right; one could not keep somebody's secret when it did nothing but cause pain. And, whereas he admitted to himself that his accusations were not necessary, he felt like Jasper's attack of him was absolutely unfounded.

The anger was not going away, and Edward began to feel locked in; claustrophobic. He stood up, grabbed a jacket, and left his room, quickly heading to the garage. He got the car out and began to drive around the area, with no specific destination in mind. It seemed his subconscious knew what it was doing, though, and Edward found himself parking in front of the Hales' house. He sighed, hitting his head lightly against the steering wheel. When he looked up again, he realized there was a small shape sitting on the stairs of the porch. Edward squinted, attempting to recognize the figure through the darkness of the evening. It was, he realized, Bella.

Before he had even had any time to consider the situation and take a deliberated decision, Edward had opened his car door and was heading over towards Bella. She met him halfway.

Hi, she signed, looking quite nervous. Her hands then fell to her sides; she had nothing else to say. They stood still, a foot of space between them, without exchanging a single word. Finally, it got to be too much for Edward.

I didn't mean to… interrupt. I mean, you were probably doing something.

Even to him, his words seemed empty. He did not know what else to say, though; he was merely finding comfort in her presence, in knowing she was alright. And, he thought with hope, it seemed she was, too.

I was actually just thinking about you. I... Jasper told me the gist of what happened between the two of you. I'm sorry, it's all my fault, she signed, her face earnest and her shoulders slumped in defeat. Edward shook his head vehemently.

Why would you be sorry? You did nothing wrong, Bella.

Jasper and you wouldn't have fought if it weren't for me. It's my fault for putting the both of you in that position. I'm sorry. It won't happen again.

Edward did not quite know what to make of such a statement, but the claim that it would not happen again worried him. What did she mean by that? Did she mean to not tell them about her home life again? Did she mean to not let them interact with each other? Was she finally going to seek qualified help for her situation? Or did she mean to do as Jasper said and distance herself from him? The yearning to ask was strong, yet Edward did not dare; he was too afraid of the answer. His tense frame seemed to give Bella a clue that something was wrong, however.

Edward? What's wrong? She looked truly worried as she leaned forward, her lips pursed. Edward smiled weakly at her and shook his head, indicating that he was just fine. Bella did not believe him fully, but she accepted his answer. Then, unexpectedly, she took hold of Edward's hand and led him towards the porch stairs where she had been when he had arrived. She sat down and patted the spot next to her. They stared at the sky, dark now, and covered in stars.

After a while, Edward turned back to Bella, who was still staring intently out at the stars. Her expression was serious, her head tilted lightly to the side, and her hair framing her face nicely. She was no standard of beauty, Edward knew, but something drew him to her, and he wanted to believe it was something more than her ability to communicate with him. Once more, his thoughts went to her knowing ASL. A question he had been wondering about for a long time came to mind, and he finally gathered the courage to ask her.

Bella?

When that did not grab her attention from the stars, he tapped her shoulder lightly. She turned to him, her eyes shining.

Bella, why don't you have a sign name?

Bella blushed and looked away, the smile falling from her face. Once again, Edward felt like he had stepped out of place. Luckily, Bella turned back to him and answered his question without needing further prompting, only looking slightly upset.

I never got one, she answered plainly.

But I thought you said your grandmother gave Jasper his. Why would she—he drifted off as he realized the implications of what he had learned. He stared at Bella with something between surprise and pity, making her shuffle uncomfortably and blush once more. Would you mind… would it be OK with you if I gave you one? Edward asked hesitantly. At Bella's wide eyes and suddenly smiling face, the doubt left his mind. Now he just had to worry about her liking it.

You would do that? Bella asked excitedly, looking at Edward as a savior. Edward smiled and nodded.

In fact, I had considered some… he drifted off, trying to decide on one single name instead of a never ending string of them. As he watched Bella's red face, realization dawned upon him. He leaned over, towards her. Bella stared at him in surprise as he extended a half-closed hand toward her face and placed it on her cheek. She closed her eyes and started to lean into his caress when, much to her surprise, Edward's hand opened and he spread his fingers up her cheek. She opened her eyes and stared at him in surprise. When he saw her surprised face, he blushed and pulled away.

Sorry, I thought…never mind.

Realization dawned upon Bella; he was demonstrating his sign!

No! I mean…can you…do it yourself? I didn't see it. Sorry, you caught me by surprise.

Edward looked at her dubious before lifting his right hand, in a fist with his thumb tucked in against his palm, and placing it on his cheek, where he opened his fist until it was in a B-shape. Bella's eyes widened; it was a combination of the B from her name and the sign for "blush." Appropriately, when she realized it, she blushed, causing Edward to laugh.

Thank you, she signed, her eyes downcast. Edward smiled and put his thumb under her chin to bring her face up to his level.

You're welcome.

They sat in silence for a while longer until, once more, Bella leaned her head on Edward's shoulder and wrapped her arms around him. Smiling, he responded by doing the same to her, and they sat on the stairs of the porch, not exchanging a word.

Author's Note—So, I'm sorry I've been gone this long…I can't even believe I last wrote way back in November. What the heck? I'm a horrible person, I apologize. The only excuse I have is that my computer is broken. And, yes, I mean broken. My beloved older brother stepped on my computer and so now the screen is hanging on by bits of plastic. Not even kidding. So I keep being afraid of moving my computer, because I think it'll break. But that's no excuse. So, I apologize. Over and over and over again. Also, I apologize, but I'm trying to get this chapter out ASAP, so I'm not doing individual review replies for it. =[ I'll start again with the next chapter, I promise. So, for now, I'll just send out a HUGE thank you to all the people who are sticking with my stories. Oh, and, guess what? With this chapter we cross over into:

25 chapters!

100,000 words!

1 year!

Exciting, isn't it? Anyway, that's it. Please, review, I look forward to your feedback!