I'm SORRY! I know it's been MONTHS since I've last updated but I have a hard time doing re-writes simply because I've already done the story before so I'm a slow updater when it comes to this kind of things. Also add the fact that I've had to concentrate in my studies because my second semester is not as easy as the first. Anyway, I'm sorry for the short chapter as well. Nothing much happens, I know. I hope to make it up soon if my schedule allows time.

Chapter Six- For better or for worse

"Tanya," I managed to say curtly. "To what reason do I owe this call?"

Tanya's melodic, sweet, syrupy voice which was a huge contrast to her character answered, "Good evening, Edward. I just called to tell you that I'd agree to the change in the birth certificate on one condition."

I restrained the urge to sigh. Parallel to her mood swings on whether to change Selene's paternal father on her birth certificate, Tanya had been demanding more stipulations that were not really necessities but luxuries.

"What is it this time?"

"I'd heard about your wedding to Bella. You didn't tell me you were going to get married."

"I didn't think that it was necessary to inform you."

"Let's pause with our pretenses for a minute, Edward. We both know that the reason you didn't think it was necessary to inform me was because if I learned about your impending marriage I would have requested you to postpone it."

"It's good that you were able to second-guess me."

"I have to so you won't get away but I doubt that you were able to second-guess me."

I could almost see her smirk as she said her last sentence. Whatever it was that she wanted, she was sure that her triumph was almost at hand.

"I apologize if I wasn't able to browse for you in the latest Vogue magazine for some outfit you're going to ask for me right now if I'm not wrong."

"No, I'm opting for something better," she replied with a little laugh. "And to make it more entertaining, I'd make this my last request in which if you do what I'd say, I'll give my permission to change Mike's name."

"Damn you, this isn't some sort of game like you're making it out as, Tanya. I want Selene's proper upbringing with me as her father because after I've seen the way you treated her for seven years, I'm sure as hell that you're an incompetent mother."

"And who would the courts believe; the workaholic father who could only spare his time off work for once or twice a week or the mother who'd stayed with Selene every night?"

"Don't you dare twist what's happening-"

"You know I could get them to believe me. I have no qualms on the foot I'll step on if only to bring Selene away from you."

"Fine, just tell me what you want me to do."

"I'm glad you're trying to meet me eye to eye. You see, I only want us to have a simple meeting- you, me, Selene and of course, let's not forget, you new wife, Bella. And just so I'm not going to be short on funds, I'll have to request a quarter of what she's bringing you."

"You're out of your mind if that's what you're suggesting. Bella's not yet ready to meet Selene and she's most certainly not prepared to meet you again!"

"That's my last request, Edward. Take it or leave it. I hope you have a pleasant evening, I know I'm having one."

I hung up after hearing her irritating laughter.

Damn her!

She just knew where to push and prod. She just freaking knew, leaving me in a tight spot yet again.

X

"So how was your call?" Bella asked when I got back- almost too giddy. Well, at least one of us was in a good mood.

Murmuring some excuse about a report that someone gave me, I sat down and reached for my slice of pizza. Ignoring the fact that Bella's careful observation of me eating was getting a bit strange, I took the bottle of hot sauce and added more than my usual amount of drops. It was just what I needed after a phone call from Tanya.

Casting my mind around for some sort of conversation starter for us so that my mood couldn't get any worse, I observed others casually while I ate my meal. The pizza was hot which was to be expected because I added more than what was required but its hotness was something else. Too hot. There was too much sauce on the pizza!

I scrambled as I took the glass of water and took a sip of the refreshing water.

And Bella- looking innocent and all –burst out in laughter. Looks like I found my suspect.

"You did this!"

She tried to pretend at first but I had her, I know her and this was the sort of thing she'd do when she felt pressured. It wasn't serious. It was just petty revenge. I was relieved to realize that for the moment that I was able to turn it around to her.

"No, you're only going to get what you want if I cancelled the engagement and besides, I don't want to. For better or for worse we're going to be stuck together, right darling?"

It was the sight of seeing Bella all red and angry that did it, I let myself indulge in the medicine everyone seems to agree on- laughter.