DISCLAIMER: STEPHENIE MEYER OWNS ALL THINGS TWILIGHT!

Chapter 6:Meeting and Greeting

E.P.O.V

I glared at my brother Emmett as he looked behind him, laughing as Bella blushed and looked away quickly.

"You know her Edward?" Alice asked me, her head turned toward Bella's table as well. It was then that I noticed my whole family was either craning their necks or turned around to try and look at her. One stupid comment from Emmett about me smiling at someone and it turned into this.

I ran a hand over my face and gave a sigh. "Please stop looking over there. You're embarrassing both her and I."

"How do you know her?" Tanya asked with a smile, completely ignoring me.

"She goes to school with me." I shrugged. It wasn't a complete lie, but I didn't think Bella would want me to say I was her therapist. It wasn't very fair of me to tell people something so personal about someone they didn't know. That wasn't my place.

"She's really pretty." My Aunt Esme complimented with a smile.

I let my own smile spread onto my face. "She is."

"Well are you going to introduce us?" Rosalie asked with a smirk. She wasn't very friendly when it came to meeting new people. It usually took a while for her to warm up to someone. Although, I did understand why she was like that…

I ignored her and instead looked at my Uncle Carlisle. "Isn't this supposed to be for Tanya? This is her engagement party."

"Oh stop it. I am grateful for you all planning this small engagement party for me, but let's wait for the gushing and flattery when the real one comes. I'm sure I'll get enough attention then," She grimaced. "Right now I think you should tell us about your new friend."

I gave her a 'you're kidding me look' and she laughed. The last thing I needed was for someone to go along with what Emmett had started. "Aren't you such a good best friend?"

"Wouldn't be one if I didn't care about your life, would I be?"

I chuckled lightly at her come back and looked back at Bella, who was now talking to someone across from her. The sight spread a wide smile across my face. She had gone out with her friend she was telling me about. The sight alone made me so very proud of her. She really was trying.

I couldn't even see her very well from where I was sitting, but just the way she was laughing made her look very beautiful. I could tell she was having a good time.

I felt something hit my leg from under the table. I looked across from me and noticed it had been Alice. She raised an eyebrow and smiled. I only shook my head and glanced back at Bella. Maybe it would be a good idea for me to introduce her to my family.

B.P.O.V

"This was such a good dinner!" Angela approved.

I nodded. "Ya, it was. The salad was delicious." Not that I had eaten much of it.

"Would you ladies like any dessert?" Our waiter asked, setting down another glass of coke for me.

"Oh no thank you. We're stuffed," Angela laughed. "Could we just get the check please?"

"Of course. I'll be right back with that."

"This was fun Ang," I said, as soon as the waiter had left. "We should do this again. Maybe you can bring Ben next time. I haven't seen him in such a long time." I suggested shyly. I felt myself blush lightly.

"That sounds great Bella. I'm sure he'd be so happy to see you."
I nodded.

"Here you are. Take your time."

I quickly grabbed the check and took out my wallet. Angela gave a huff in front of me.

"Bella, I want to pay for that!"

"Nope. This was my idea so it's my treat. Don't worry about it."

She sighed. "Ok. Thank you. But next time it's my turn."

I smiled at the idea of next time. This hadn't been bad at all.

"Deal."
I placed my credit card and the check back on the table, smiling when the waitress passed by and took it. She assured us that it would only be a few minutes so we both got ready to leave. I was about to put my jacket back on when I heard someone give a chuckle. I looked up and instantly became nervous.

"It's very nice to see you here." Edward smiled. I quickly glanced behind him and noticed everyone at his table was with him. He must be leaving already too.

I gave him a shy smile. "Hey. It's nice to see you here too. I thought you weren't into the big, fancy restaurants." I teased. It was one of the many things he'd said to me during our therapy conversations. I knew him way better than I'd thought.

He laughed. "I'm not, but this was a special occasion so big and fancy was necessary."

"Mmm," I replied with a smile. I looked across from me and saw Angela, who was looking back and forth between him and I. I blushed, realizing I had completely forgotten about her and gave her a sorry smile. "Ohh, umm, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Angela."

Edward leaned over and shook her hand. "Nice to meet you."

I bit my lip in nervousness when I realized he would introduce me to his family next. I took in a small breath, nothing to be nervous about…nothing to be nervous about.

Just then the waitress came through and put my card back on the table. "Thank you for coming to Midnight Sun. Hope you ladies have a good night."

I nodded in acknowledgement and mumbled a thank you.

"Why don't you meet us outside once you girls are all ready? I want to introduce you to my family but its too loud and crowded in here."

I couldn't help but give him a nervous look. "Ok." I said lightly, grabbing my jacket and pulling it on. I guess he'd noticed too, because before he left he squeezed my shoulder in reassurance. I turned to look at him and he gave me a wink, before fully turning his attention to the girl next to him

"He is very handsome." Angela gushed, grabbing onto my arm as we walked toward the door.

I didn't really know what to say so I just let out a laugh.

"You know what, I think I'm gonna go to the bathroom real quick before we leave. You can go ahead and go outside. I'll just look for you when I'm done."

I shook my head. There was no way I was going to go out there by myself. "No that's fine. I'll just wait for you by the door."

She nodded before letting go of arm and walking back toward the bathrooms. I sighed as I made my way toward the exit, stopping in a little corner so I could lean against the wall.

I watched people walk by me for a while, lost in my own thoughts. Edward had a big family, and they all seemed very close to one another. I didn't exactly know if the strawberry blonde was part of his family, but a strong feeling told me she wasn't. I had glanced over more times than I can remember, and every time I could see them talking to one another.

I was in such a daze that I jumped lightly when I felt an around go around the side of my waist. I turned around to push whoever's arm was around me but instead blushed when I realized it was Edward.

"Here you are. I thought you'd left." He laughed; giving me the smile I liked so much.

I shook my head. "Of course not. I'm just waiting for Angela to come out of the bathroom."

A couple of people past by us then so we leaned as far as we could into the wall to let them pass, Edward's arm tightened around me so they wouldn't end up taking me with them.

"I've been meaning to ask you, how was your dinner with your dad?"

I looked up at him and gave him a grin. "It was great. I hadn't seen Jacob and Billy in such a long time so it was a nice."

"That makes me very happy Bella."

"I'm happy too. I feel like this weight has been lifted off me. I don't have to be so nervous about seeing them anymore." I bit my lip. "I do have to admit though," I began. "I'm nervous to meet your family."

He twisted my body lightly so I would be facing him, and I let out a sigh. "I know you are. Your look said it all a couple minutes ago." He chuckled.

I playfully rolled my eyes and smiled slightly.

"You have nothing to be nervous about Bella. And I know that's easier said than done, but I promise that everything will be fine. I don't want this to be a fear of yours anymore."

"It's just…meeting new people, you get close to them. They want to know things about you and about your life. And that's what scares me. I'm not ready to let people in that far yet."

"I know. But all your doing today is saying hello. I'll be there the whole time so just look at me if you begin to feel too overwhelmed. They just want to meet you right now. I do have to admit though, my cousins love making friends. So don't be too alarmed if they're much more friendly than you expect." He laughed.

I giggled lightly. "Ok."

I felt his body tense up and I pulled my eyebrows together in question. He was looking over my head at someone, his eyes narrowed.

"What's wrong?"

He looked down at me again. "Looks like you have an admirer. The guy behind you keeps looking at you, and not in a very gentlemanly way."

I turned around and looked just as the creeps eyes trailed up my body. I felt a shiver go down my spine as he winked at me when he finally realized I was looking at him.

I turned around quickly and looked up at Edward. "That's disgusting." I grumbled.

"I can make him go away if you'd like."

I laughed. "Really? And how do you plan on doing that?"

"Well, option one I can go over there and beat him up for being a perv."
I quickly shook my head, eyes wide. "No way. What's the second option?"

He pulled me closer than before and rested both his hands on my waist. I felt my eyes widen a little and I let out a small gasp. My first instinct was to back up and put some distance between us, but I knew Edward wouldn't do anything to the point were I felt extremely uncomfortable.

"I don't know if you'll approve of the second option." He whispered in my ear.

I laughed. "And why not?"

"Because it requires you laying your head on my chest and me giving you a kiss on your head."

I backed my head up to look at him and raised an eyebrow. "And you think that will make him go away? He obviously doesn't care that you're with me over here."

"Well I don't think he's seen me yet. He's been looking at you this whole time, so if you go through with my plan I'm sure he'll back off."

I let out a loud sigh. "All this just to make some guy stop looking at me?" I teased.

I was so close to him that I felt his chest rumble with laughter. "He's making you uncomfortable. Just trying to help a friend out Bells."

"Ok ok." I finally agreed. He had a point.

I slowly brought my head toward his chest and laid it softly against it. His smell instantly overcame me, so I closed my eyes as I smelled his sweet fragrance.

My arms felt awkward as they dangled near my sides so I lifted them up to wrap them around his neck. The motion made my body lean against his, only becoming closer as he fully wrapped his arms around me.

I felt him give me a long kiss at the top of my head and I let out a sigh of content. Something about this felt so right in the strangest way. It was like I knew I shouldn't be enjoying this as much as I was, but I couldn't seem to pull away.

"I told you so." He whispered again in my ear.

I giggled. "He left?"

He nodded and smirked. "One kiss on the head and a quick glare made him realize you weren't alone."

I pulled back slightly but he didn't move. "I appreciate your help then." I smiled.

"My pleasure."

His arms finally dropped from around me and I stood next to him, chatting quietly as we waited for Angela to come out of the bathroom.

"Sorry I took so long," She apologized as soon as she saw me. "The line was longer than I expected."

"Oh that's perfectly ok." I said, a little happier than I normally sounded. Oh man…I guess that "kiss" made me giddier than I had thought.

She laughed and nodded as we followed Edward out to the front of the restaurant.

I felt his arm behind my back as he guided me lightly toward a group of people.

"Sorry I left you out here guys, but I would like you to meet some new people."

They all turned to look at Angela and I as I smiled politely.

"Bella, Angela, this is my Aunt Esme and Uncle Carlisle," he began, signaling toward a very pretty woman and a handsome man. Her eyes looked so warm and welcoming that it didn't feel awkward at all when she gave me a hug and a light 'hello'. I cocked my head slightly as I shook the man's hand. He looked very familiar but I couldn't think of where I'd seen him. I would have to think later because Edward was already introducing me to someone else. "This is my cousin Alice and her boyfriend Jasper."

"Hi Bella, it's so nice to meet you." Alice chirped happily. She was beautiful like her mother; they both shared expressive grey eyes and a caring smile.

I laughed at her excitement as she gave me a hug and looked at Edward so he could see I didn't feel overwhelmed like he'd predicted. "It's very nice to meet you too."

I shook Jasper hand as he wrapped his arm around Alice's waist. He was also very good-looking, what with his shaggy blonde hair and crooked grin, he and Alice made a very nice couple.

"My brother Emmett and his girlfriend Rosalie."

"Very nice to meet you squirt!" Emmett practically yelled as he gave me a hug, after he'd patted my head like I was a little kid. He was so big and muscular that I almost felt like I was. The hug he'd given me was nearly as hard as the ones I received from Jacob. I'm sure he wouldn't have a problem hugging me even tighter if he'd known me in a much more personal way. Hmm, the thought made me curious.

I let out a laugh as I hugged him back and realized Edward was rolling his eyes at him.

"Emmett she's not six!"

He shrugged and smiled, two dimples showing in his cheeks. Jeez, Edward's family are all very good looking I thought.

"Couldn't help it bro."

I turned to shake Rosalie's hand when I realized that good-looking would be an understatement for her. Don't get me wrong, everyone was so beautiful and charming, but she was just gorgeous. Just looking at her made me feel intimidated and plain, and I could tell she knew what kind of impact she had on people.

Unlike everyone else, she gave me a small smile and a quick handshake. As soon as her hand was out of mine, she'd flipped her hair and walked over to Emmett's side.

The pairing was so odd to me. Emmett seemed so jolly and happy while she just looked like she didn't want to talk to anyone. It was only when I saw him give her a kiss on her forehead as she looked up at him with a happy smile that I thought they might be very perfect for each other.

"And this is Tanya." Edward smiled as he walked over to the girl I'd seen him all night with. He placed his hands on the small of her back just as he'd done to me moments ago. I don't know why seeing it made me so upset, but I shook the feeling away as she walked toward me.

"Its so nice to meet you Bella." She greeted very nicely.

She extended her left hand out for me to shake when I noticed her ring finger glimmered quickly from the corner of my eye. I looked down and noticed a beautiful engagement ring placed on her finger.

…this was a special occasion so big and fancy was necessary. Edward's words rang in my ears.

I looked up quickly before she could think I was ignoring her and shook her hand. "Likewise," I said simply. "It's really nice to meet all of you."

I heard a phone ring and turned to look where it was coming from. Angela gave an apologetic smile and took out her phone. "So sorry, I have to take this." She said. I nodded and she walked away ton talk in private.

"You know, now that we've met, you both should come to Edward's birthday party next week! It'll be a lot of fun." Alice suggested.

Edward shook his head. "No, see, I'm not having a birthday party," He said tome as I laughed. "My crazy cousin here doesn't seem to understand that."

She only rolled her eyes. "Oh come on Edward. Don't be such a grouch and let me throw you a party! You only turn twenty-three once!"

"Not happening Alice."

"Bella I'm sure you can convince him." She said, quickly turning to me.

I laughed and I looked at Edward. "I, uh, I think you should have a party. It would be fun."

He raised an eyebrow and I bit my lip to hide my smile. "I thought you didn't like parties?"

I shrugged. "Your cousin seems to know how to throw some real killer ones." Even though he'd been right, parties were not at all my thing, this seemed to be a good way to break the ice.

Everyone laughed at my comment as Alice responded, "Oh believe me I do."

His face changed from one of amusement to a smirk. I narrowed my eyes when I realized he was about to say something that I wasn't going to be happy to hear. "Ok, fine. I'll let Alice throw me a party, but you have to promise that you'll be there."

"Fine. I promised." I said quickly. I could feel everyone's eyes on me so I couldn't back down. They all laughed again once they heard my answer.

"So that's it then!" Alice clapped her hands as Edward gave me an amused look again. "You're getting a party mister." She pointed at him and then walked gracefully over to me. She wrapped an arm around my shoulders and winked. "I can tell we're going to be great friends Bella." She giggled.

Angela was still on the phone as they said their goodbyes and turned around to walk to their car. It was already pretty late and it was getting colder by the minute.

Edward had decided to stay with me until Angela was finished so I wouldn't have to be alone.

"That wasn't so bad, now was it?"

I shook my head. "Not at all," I smiled. "Your family really is great Edward."

"I'm glad you liked them. They really like you too you know. My mom seemed absolutely taken by you and I swear, Alice thinks she has a new friend."

I laughed, mist coming out from my mouth because it was so cold. "She's great. She's happy and bubbly but it didn't make me feel awkward at all. I think that's something I need in my life at this point." I confessed.

"Then she's the right person for you. Which reminds me! Thanks so much for convincing me to have a party! I don't know what I was thinking by saying no." He said playfully.

"Well your very welcome! I don't know about me showing up though, I-"

"Oh no you don't! You already promised you'd go!"

We both laughed and I nodded. "Ok ok. I guess I can't go back on my word now."

"You can't. You have five other people who heard you agree to my proposition."

"Drat." I grumbled, loud enough for him to hear.

"Very funny Bella," He chuckled. He looked behind me and sighed. "Seems like Angela's finished with her call. She's already walking over here."

I turned my head and saw that she was. She was still talking but I'm sure her conversation was almost over.

I nodded. "She is. You should walk to your car then. Don't want everyone to wait because of me."

"Alright Bella," He laughed lightly. He walked toward me and gave me a hug, my arms wrapping around his neck as he pulled me toward him again. "By the way," he whispered softly into my ear. "I forgot to mention how absolutely stunning you look tonight."

He pulled back as I stood there, literally stunned. "Good night Bella." He smiled crookedly before walking away.

"Hey, so sorry I took long. Ben needed me for something." She frowned when I mumbled an answer. "You ok? You're blushing." Angela laughed.

"Oh, umm, ya. I'm fine. It's just really cold out here that's why my cheeks are red. We should go." I replied, ducking my head so she wouldn't see the tinge in my cheeks.

I was in no way 'fine.' My heart seemed to thump rapidly in my chest every time I repeated his words in my head.

It was only when I remembered he might be engaged that the smile was wiped away from my face in an instant.

Three days later…

Monday. That only meant one thing: Therapy with Edward.

The thought didn't make me so nervous as it did the last time I went. It was a chance for me to talk about things I felt uncomfortable talking about with other people.

I walked into the now familiar building and straight to the front desk.

"Hello Bella. Edward's already in your usual meeting place so you can walk right in."

"Thanks Ivy."

I walked down the hall and turned the corner before stopping at a room on my right. I knocked three times on the door before peeking my head in. Edward was over at the desk placing something down.

"Hey." I said since he hadn't heard me.

He whipped his head around I smiled. Seeing a smile in return on his face reminded me of the other night, and suddenly I became a little nervous.

"Hey. You're right on time."

I nodded and looked around, just to see if there was anything set up for me today. "What, no painting today?" I laughed.

He chuckled. "No. I thought today would just be a good day to just…talk."

"Oh." I nodded.

"I will say though, you're drawing was so beautiful, I couldn't resist hanging it up."

He signaled toward the far wall behind me and I gasped. "Edward! That is not funny!" I yelled, running over to look at it.

He laughed again. "I didn't do it to be funny. I just really like it."

I knew that the smile on his face was sincere, but at the same teasing. He obviously found my reaction to be entertaining.

"I don't! So it's coming down now." I stated, reaching up to take it down from the wall.

"I don't think so Miss Swan."

He grabbed my hand and brought it down, holding it tightly so I wouldn't be able to reach up again.

"Edward," I whined. "It looks like a three year old drew it and it's going to be really embarrassing if someone comes in here and sees it!"

He laughed lightly and I pouted slightly. "Bella, it does not look like a three year old drew it." He tried to convince me.

I scoffed as I looked up at it again and grimaced.

"Besides, no one can come into my office without permission."

I looked back at him quick, eyes wide and a smile on my face. "What do you mean?"

"Mr. Hawkins is letting me keep the room to work in. Whether it's for this," he pointed to us both, "or to do homework. He wants to see how it goes with you and I so, if it does go well, he can start assigning me more clients to work with." He shrugged. I knew he was studying this for a living so I was happy for him.

"That's great Edward!"

He nodded and laughed. "Thank you."

"Is that why you're putting up all these picture frames?" I asked as I walked over to the small desk in the far end.

I looked at the pictures, quickly noticing Emmett and Alice. I saw his Aunt Esme and Uncle Carlisle, and another of all of them, including Rosalie and Jasper. It was only when I got to one of Tanya that I turned back to look at him.

"Ya. He even let me choose between this room and the one we used for our first session. But once I told him you preferred this one, it was enough for him to agree to give me this one."

I cocked my head to the side. "You told him I like this one?"

"Yes. You do, don't you? Because I can tell him I want the other one if you'd like. I just thought you didn't like the walls and-"

"No no, Edward. I really like this one." I laughed. I was flattered that he'd thought about me over a room. It was a nice feeling to be considered for such a small decision.

"Ok. I just want you to be comfortable Bella."

"I am." I smiled.

E.P.O.V

She sat down in front me after glancing at her painting one more time. I laughed quietly when I noticed the frown placed on her face again, but there was no way I was going to let her take it down. Despite her thinking I was lying, I really did like her painting. The fact that it came from her wasn't such a bad excuse either, but I thought she'd be weirded out if I'd said that.

I looked at her as she sighed on the couch, my thoughts going back to when I saw her at dinner just a few nights ago. She looked gorgeous in the dress she'd been wearing. Her hair seemed to flow down to her shoulders, and even though she seemed to have trouble walking in heels, she still managed to make it look elegant. And although it had taken all the courage in me to tell her how beautiful she looked, it had been worth it.

I also thought about the jerk that'd been looking at her like she was a piece of meat. The thought alone was enough to make me angry again. I had hid it well from Bella, but it was the first option I had been leaning more toward against. I couldn't say I had any trouble going through with the second though.

Bella really was a beautiful girl, both inside and out, and even though I could still she was hurt on the outside, it didn't take away the beauty she held on the inside.

Her eyes still seemed to have the look of lost sleep at night, and the way she held herself together showed me just how much she tried to hide what she didn't want people to see. I was determined to break that now more than ever.

"Oh! I forgot to tell you that I found your note the other day!" She said suddenly. She narrowed her eyes and glared at me playfully as I laughed.

"Did you really?" I said simply.

"Yes. I didn't appreciate you giving me my money back. You had agreed to let me pay you back for my drink."

"Like my note said, I didn't want you to think I wasn't a gentleman by letting you pay." I smirked.

"So does that mean you're a liar then?" She challenged, eyebrow raised and her own smirk in place.

I laughed loudly and leaned against the desk, crossing my arms. I winked at her and the smirk fell from her face. "I guess that's for me to know and you to find out."

She frowned and threw one of the pillows from the couch at me. "Ha ha. Very clever Edward."

I chuckled again and went to sit next to her instead of across. She turned so she would be facing me and we began to talk.

We talked for so long that we ended up using all our time, and when we looked up at the clock it was already time for her to leave.

"I'll bet you then," she said as she got up to head out the door. I followed her lead and laughed. "We'll have a contest to see if your brownies are better than my chocolate cake."

"Only if we have judges though." I said seriously.

"Of course." She replied back just as seriously, as if this were a real important contest or something. "You are so going to lose." She giggled finally.

"I think I'll take my chances Isabella."

She narrowed her eyes. "Now it's really on."

Before talking about our favorite dishes to bake or who could make certain things better, we were talking about things we hated the most (how we had gotten from that topic to the other, I didn't remember). She didn't even wait five seconds after I had asked the question to tell me her name was what she didn't like. According to her it was "boring and generic" whereas I thought it was unique and very pretty. When I told her my opinion she'd rolled her eyes and shook her head, so I knew it would irritate her if I used it now that we were challenging each other. I laughed as she bent down to pick up her bag and noticed the grimace on her face. Again.

I looked toward the direction she was facing and realized she was looking at her painting again.

"I really don't want that up there." She said stubbornly, crossing her arms.

"I suggest you write a caption underneath it for what it signifies or at least sign your name at the bottom, because that's going to be up there for a loooonggg time." I teased.

She looked at me and bit her lip, looking once more toward her artwork and then back at me. "Alright." I heard her mumble as she walked to it, taking out a pen from her bag. She took it down from the wall and walked to the small table in the room, turning the canvas over so she cold write in the back. My eyebrows scrunched together in confusion as I watched her bend down, deep in concentration.

This girl always seemed to surprise me, and that was one of the things I liked so much about her.

B.P.O.V

What this painting means:

I feel like I can't get through the horrible past in my life. Most of the people and things I've loved, I've lost because of my decisions and actions. It's hard to wake up in the morning and know that I have a full day ahead of me, despite the tragedy I keep holding to myself. It's getting better though. It's getting much easier to take it day by day. And I think I have a very good idea why…

I capped my pen and smiled as I looked down at what I wrote. It was a small portion of how I felt, and since I was sure Edward would make me do something like this again, I could turn back and see my own improvement.

I lifted my painting and put it back on the wall, turning to look at Edward. "Now I trust that you won't read what's behind that. I'm letting you keep that up but you have to promise that you won't touch it! It's very private."

He sighed and looked at me in an unsure way. "I don't know Bella. I might say that I won't look but since you accused me of being a liar…" he trailed off and I laughed.

"Edward!"

He chuckled. "Of course I promise not to look Bella." He said sincerely.

"Thank you."

As we both walked out together, I realized that it really was getting easier. I just hoped it got better than how it was now.

A/N: So sorry it's a day late! I was about to post it and thought it was too short. I only update once every other week so I think you guys deserve a long chapter! Well, hope you like this one! I know I really enjoyed writing this one! Please review friends!

Love,

Edward Is My Lullaby