A/N: So sorry for the wait; school work and all. I stayed home sick today, so what better time to write another chapter. Please review!

Edward's POV

They all despised me. My father, the only man in the world I thrived to impress, couldn't stand the sight of me. Although he had a reason, I just couldn't imagine him ever ignoring me.

Sam was closer than usual to Carlisle now. I couldn't tell, really, even with his thoughts if it was because he was more comfortable with us or if it was just unconscious protectiveness of the pack.

"Well, your son here passed the boundary line. Although, I realize that Jacob passed the line first, he was under a very difficult situation—"

"—And you don't think Edward was under one also?" Carlisle cut in defensively. So he did care. Or, he felt obligated to protect the Cullen name; I still couldn't tell. Carlisle was not an open book you see.

Sam let out an exaggerated sigh in frustration, the bitter cold fogging up from his mouth. The pack was eagerly awaiting answers.

"Yes, he was, I have to agree. But Jacob had nothing to do with the incident between Bella and your son. I am in no situation to be childish, but Edward started it. Jacob was only trying to protect Bella, who we all know and love."

Everyone was quiet. No one's thoughts could deny the love we all felt for Bella. The love was shared in an equally surprising way. Some brotherly, like Seth, Jasper, Emmett, Paul and the others. Sisterly, from Alice and surprisingly Leah and Rosalie. Even parentally from Esme and Carlisle. But not one of them matched what I felt. Not one.

I had to intervene; we all had to come to terms. Everyone had to understand.

"You think you all love her—and I can't deny that you do. I know, trust me, I know. But none of your thoughts can compete with mine. I love Bella more than anything in this world. I didn't mean for this whole thing to get out of hand. Something happened to me, I swear it. I never would mean to hurt her…you have to believe me. I wish we could all just toss this aside and forget it." My teeth were gritted, and my jaw was straight and tight. My words were coming out in slurs and everyone seemed ridged. I swallowed and stood straight.

"I know that may not be possible to forget, but I really hope this whole argument over the boundary line would cease. One from each side crossed it. We're even; we should not make it any more complicated than it already is."

No one uttered a word in what seemed like lifetimes. The wind just blew, annoying and full of tension. All of a sudden, though, one surprising tinkling voice chimed through. It was hard and set, but soft and soothing at the same time.

"I agree with Edward. Although he did something unforgivable—and I can see why you would never want to trust him again. Really, I do. We should just ignore this whole boundary issue. I think we are all urging this because of the wrong reasons. We all may be angry at each other for betraying Bella, but that is no reason for us to deliberate. It is between Edward and Bella. Not us."

I was implausibly bewildered, even though my thoughts heard her every word before they were said; I could not believe she would be the one to stand up for our family.

"Don't forget Jacob too—he's a part in all of this, remember?" Paul called out, always fuming with anger.

"Technically, that other girl—Tanya or whatever—she's involved too." That was Seth. As much as I loved him, he never really knew when to shut up.

"Yes, I understand." I commented, staring at them all with narrowed eyes. "Tanya already agreed she would talk things over with Bella—and no, she's not dangerous. I would never let anything happen to Bella and you know that."

I couldn't quite tell how many people were assessing that in their minds, but I answered out loud for all to hear.

Sam seemed apprehensive at first. His black, shaggy hair billowed back in his face. He glanced once at us and once to the pack. Our faces said it all.

"Fine," He growled, taking one step backward until he was centered with the pack. "But if any one of you—under any circumstance—passes the line again we will be forced to take immediate action."

"We understand." Carlisle bowed a little, always the gentleman. "Nothing will, we assure you."

The pack stood there for another long minute and then took off in the other direction, the crinkling leaves and rough pitter-patters granting us a goodbye.

My family peered at me, their eyes wide and reluctant—some angry as hell. But nevertheless, they were looking at me. Ashamed, maybe, but they were looking. They were all there.