Sorry again for the late update! Technically, in Australia at the moment, it's actually two minutes past Thursday the eighteenth. Oh well!

Thanks again to everyone reading and a special thanks to those who've put this story on their favourites/ alerts. And extra special thankyous go to Fudgie-chan, SasukesGurl118, prettibunn13 and Vampire Archangel for reviewing – your reviews will always make my day!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight – and there is one teensy quote from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You in this chapter – anyone who can spot the quote wins a lollipop!

On with the show!

Eight Maids a-Milking

Thursday the Eighteenth of December

I woke up in a bed. It was nice and warm and I was so comfortable that I snuggled further into the covers and squeezed my eyes shut. My head rested on the softest pillows imaginable. About ten seconds later I reopened my eyes as my mind screamed ­–where was I?

I – almost reluctantly – sat up and looked around. I was in a tent – smaller than the ones I'd seen in the carnival before, but the same simple shape. The bed covers were a royal blue – the only other furniture in the tent was a small bookcase to the right of the bed and a two seater navy blue couch to the left. I noticed that there were covers and pillows strewn across the couch – someone had obviously slept there last night.

I looked back at the small bookcase and tried to make out what the small figurines placed on its shelves were. I got out of bed and bent down to have a closer look. Upon realisation I laughed. I should have guessed as much.

Inside the case were dozens of brightly dressed drummers, lords, dancers, maids and lots of little imitations of hens, swans and the rest. This was the collection he'd been telling me about. Which meant the bed I had slept in last night was Edward's. It was clear to me who had slept on the couch. I wondered why Charlie hadn't just taken me home last night when Alice walked in.

"Morning Sunshine!" she said cheerfully.

"Morning Alice," I said, running my hands through my hair.

"Edward didn't want to wake you last night – that's why you've woken up here," she explained.

"He carried me here?" I asked.

"Yup," Alice said winking, "Charlie went home pretty late last night, so he thought it best to leave you sleep. I can drop you off home a little later if you like."

"Sure, thanks Alice."

She exited the tent and I was left, head buzzing.

I was still in the clothes I'd worn last night – I followed Alice out of the tent a few moments later.

The sun was already up – it had to be almost midday. There were a few people enjoying the rides and amusements, but most seemed to be still recovering from the Ball. I set off to find Edward. That's when I saw Emmett over by the cotton candy stall, handing out balloons to some of the children. He saw me and waved. I walked over to him.

"Bella!" he said, pulling me in to a bear hug.

"Hi Emmett," I managed to choke out.

"So," he said as he let me go, "I hear you've made quite an impression on young Edward."

I laughed at his tone, "Have I now?" I asked in the same light tone.

He turned serious. Well, as serious as Emmett the clown could be, "Really Bella, I've never seen Ed like this before. It's kinda sweet," he made a face. It was so strange to hear this – especially from a clown.

"Surely he must have had girlfriends before?" I asked, kicking myself for assuming I was in that position with Edward.

"Not like you," Emmett said, "You're different."

"Well... thanks?"

Emmett laughed.

"I heard about the Twelve Days of Christmas game you have with him," I said, "he told me you've been like a big brother to him since he was nine," I paused, "Where's Edward's family?" Smooth Bella, smooth, I cringed.

Emmett gave me a long look, as if studying me, searching me, "That's not my story to tell Bella," he said quietly, then he smiled, illuminating the clown makeup, "I better get back to work anyhow, see ya round Bells!" And he was gone.

Emmett's answer confirmed to me that there was a part of Edward's life which he kept hidden. I didn't expect to hear the answers from Edward; after all, I'd known him for what? Four days? I didn't even know his last name! This realisation shocked me, because it felt as though I knew him. In fact, it felt as if I'd known everyone here – Emmett, Alice – my entire life. The thought made me smile.

I turned around and walked straight into Rosalie –only this time I managed to remain standing.

"Sorry," she said – almost reluctantly.

"It's fine," I rushed. I made to walk away, but stopped as Rosalie called, "Hey Bella."

I turned, "Yes?"

"I just wanted to let you know that it's... good... that Edward has you. He seems... much happier," she seemed to have difficulty praising me. I wondered why she was bothering.

"Oh," I said, "Edward and I aren't... together," I felt Rosalie might appreciate the piece of information; instead, she glared at me.

"Just be careful, k?" she'd turned back into the ice queen I'd known her as.

"Sure," I said, "Of course."

She stalked off and I was more than a little puzzled. So Edward's 'Carnie family' seemed to think Edward and I were something more than friends. I was stumped – were we? I couldn't imagine someone like Edward ever being interested in someone like me – but the last few days had been...different. Something I'd never experienced before. I felt like I might wake up out of my dream at any moment.

I needed to talk to Edward, so I wondered over to the carousel. Only, the man working the controls wasn't Edward.

"Oh," I said surprised, "Hi Jasper."

"Hey Bella," he answered. Now that I was actually looking, I could see the family resemblance between Jasper and Rosalie. They both had the same shade of blonde hair and the same deep brown eyes. And they were both gorgeous.

I wanted to know where Edward was, but I didn't ask. It seemed I didn't have to.

"Edward's got the day off," Jasper said. Was I that transparent?

"Oh," was all I could muster. I wanted to ask Jasper if he knew where Edward was. When he didn't answer my unspoken question I asked, "Do you know where he is?"

Jasper looked at me with the exact same expression Emmett had had when I'd asked him about Edward's family, "Yes," Jasper answered slowly. When I realised he wasn't going to elaborate, I nodded.

"Right," I said in a concluding tone.

Jasper smiled, amused, "I'm sure he'll be back by tomorrow, maybe you should ask him your questions then," he gave me a knowing look.

"Thanks Jasper," I smiled. I felt instantly better. I was about to walk away when I felt someone behind me link their arm with mine. I looked and found it was Alice.

"Hi Jasper," she said in the quietest voice I'd ever heard her speak with.

He smiled brilliantly at her. She smiled back as she led me away from the carousel.

"I have got to ask that boy out one of these days," she whispered. I laughed.

"I envy your courage Alice. I really do," I was still laughing.

"Perhaps you could take a leaf out of my book," she winked at me.

I stared at her, trying to think of something to respond with. She laughed delightedly, "I'm serious Bella – I mean, Edward doesn't often do the whole girlfriend thing, but I think he likes you," she nudged me suggestively.

"Why does everyone keep telling me that?"

"Maybe because it's true?" she winked again, "Did you want me to take you home now?" she asked.

I thought for a moment, "No thanks Alice, not yet. There's something I need to do."

She looked at me questioningly, but I had already started to walk in the opposite direction – "I'll see you later Alice!" She waved at me, the questioning look remaining.

I walked around the carnival, trying to find Emmett. As I did so, I wondered why Edward didn't leave a note to let me know that he wouldn't be here today. It took a little longer than I expected to find Emmett, but I eventually found him by the hotdog stand, trying to stuff two hotdogs in his mouth at once.

"Hey Emmett!" I said as I walked over.

He mumbled out what sounded like a "Bella," in response.

After he finished his mouthful he asked, "What can I do ya for?"

I laughed, "Can I have a map please?"

He frowned, "You're helping Ed win our little bet, aren't you?"

I smiled, "Maybe," I answered.

Emmett laughed, "Why?"

I paused, "I'm not quite sure of that just yet," I heard myself saying.

Emmett's grin grew ten times its normal size, "Ok," he said, "Well, have fun! But trust me, I've hidden them pretty good this time."

I spent the rest of the day looking for a 'maid a-milking'. Truth be told, the real reason I wanted to hang around at the carnival was so that I might catch Edward on his way back in. I didn't understand why he didn't leave a note! Not that it was really any of my business where he spent his time. But then, would I have left a note for him if the situation was reversed? I would've thought about it, definitely. Would a note imply something? Was there something to be implied? Did I want there to be?

This was way beyond ridiculous now. I was over thinking a non-existent note.

"Bella!" I heard someone shout from behind me, I turned to find Carlisle.

"Hi Carlisle," I said distractedly.

"Edward gave this to me early this morning before he left," Carlisle said, reaching into his pocket, "he told me to give it to you; I've been looking for you everywhere!" He handed me the object and walked away, "Sorry Bella, I've got to get back to work, see you!"

I waved Carlisle off and looked down at the object in my hands. Sure enough it was a miniature 'maid a-milking'. There was something attached to it. Something that looked an awful lot like a note.

Bella,

I was going to tell you last night, but you fell asleep on me – quite literally. I won't be around today – I have some family things I need to sort out. I won't be back until late – so don't wait around for me. I hope to see you tomorrow.

Edward.

I smiled. So there was a note after all. I didn't know what to think of that. I pushed the note and the figurine into my pocket and walked out of the carnival smiling.

Sorry – no Edward in this chapter! You'll find out his "big secret" soon... [cue dramatic music].

Hope you enjoyed it! To make up for Edward's absence in this chapter, I'll put double the fluff into the next one : ) Swans a-Swimming coming soon!