How Can I Help You?

Chapter 9

The next week passed in a blur of cooking lessons with Edward and playing games with the girls. We had all gotten into a routine of sorts in the Cullen house. Edward would work on his music in the mornings while I would get the girls off to school, and then together we would spend the time after 11 o'clock in the kitchen working on various dishes we thought the girls would like. After school ended we all would spend time together, it didn't matter where we went as long as we were together. Katie would ask for piggy back rides whenever we walked somewhere and Irina skipped everywhere we went. We would take the girls to the park, the playground, the beach or the museum in Port Angeles.

The morning of my graduation I hit my alarm clock before sitting up in bed and then I bolted for the bathroom. "Bella, are you alright in there?" I heard Edward call from outside the bathroom door. "Yeah I guess I just have a nervous stomach this morning."

I rinsed my mouth and brushed my teeth before walking back into my bedroom. Edward sat at the end of the bed holding out a cup of coffee.

"I thought you might need this since we stayed up so late last night." I had been too keyed up to sleep the night before, so Edward suggested watching a movie. He pulled out an old favorite of mine, The Lost Boys, eh… so I had a thing for vampires, sue me.

"Thanks," I said as I took the cup. He looked at me as if trying to decide something. "Do you think you could eat something this morning?"

I nodded my head enthusiastically, "Sure, I'm starving."

"Good, get ready. We are meeting your parents for breakfast at the Lodge before your ceremony."

I showered and dressed in the blue dress that Alice had given me for graduation. The ceremony didn't start until 11:30 that morning, but I needed to be there by 11 o'clock.

The sun was actually shining as Edward drove over to the restaurant where my parents would meet us. "You look lovely, Bella." Edward told me as he helped first me then each of the girls from the car. Rini and Katie were bouncing around like they were on pogo sticks. "I think you may need to watch how much time they spend with Alice, Edward. They get more like her every day. I wish I had that energy, especially today."

We joined my parents at their table, my mother hugging me tightly saying over and over, "My baby is graduating" and "Look how grown up you are." Dad was his usual stoic self when in public, just a quick hug. He did however laugh at me when I inhaled my pancakes and eggs. "Is Edward not feeding you enough, Bells?"

"I'm just hungry, Dad. I had a bit of a nervous stomach this morning, so I guess I made room." Mom gave me a concerned look. "You aren't getting sick are you sweetheart?"

"No, Momma. I'm fine I think it was just the excitement of graduation." After helping the girls clean their faces and hands, we all headed over to the school. The graduates had to be there by 11 to get last minute instructions and line up. The honors students took the first row, and then the other students were seated alphabetically. Eric Yorkie was our Valedictorian and Angela was our Salutatorian, I was actually grateful that that I was third in the class, there was no way I would've survived making a speech. The ceremony passed quickly, the speeches were short and as I received my diploma, the sounds of cheering from my family caused my face to heat. I looked over and made eye contact with my father and a smiling Edward as they clapped and cheered for me. Once everyone had received their diplomas and we had the changing of the tassels and the hats flew, everyone was trying to get to their respective family groups. I made my way over to my family and had just been hugged and congratulated by them all when my feet left the ground. I let out a squeal before I realized it was Jake that had me. Dad laughed at us, Katie and Rini squealed in delight, but both Mom and Edward were wearing concerned expressions.

"Hey beautiful! So how does it feel to be a graduate?" Jake asked as he put me down.

"You'll know yourself next week." I managed to get out before I felt the bile rising in my throat. I ran for the closest bathroom, barely making it before I lost everything I had eaten at breakfast. A cool wet towel was placed on my forehead. "Are you ok, sweetie?"

When I was done, I wiped my mouth on the towel, flushed the toilet and felt my mother wrap her arms around me.

"I'm ok, Mom. Maybe I am coming down with something." I walked to the sink, washing my hands before rinsing my mouth. "Or," my mom started, "maybe you are coming down with a Jake problem. Bella, you have been avoiding him a lot lately. Are you going to break up with him?" "I don't know, Mom. Things are so screwed up and confusing right now."

"Baby, talk to him. Let him know how you are feeling. If you don't want to be with him anymore, if you don't love him, you need to tell him, let him go so that he can find his happiness and you'll be free to find your own." Mom gave me a knowing look, one that said she knew what was in my heart and what wasn't.

I decided to skip all the parties, just in case I was really sick. Instead that night I sat wrapped in a blanket leaning against Edward with Katie on my other side and Irina lying beside her father. We were in the den watching Beauty and the Beast. It never failed, each time I watched that movie I always cried at the end, when Belle is crying over the Beast after he dies and right before he changes back into the prince. Edward handed me a tissue as the girls laughed at my crying over the movie. After wiping my tears I laughed with them. I went to get up, to take the girls upstairs, but Edward held me back saying, "Stay. I'll get them to bed. You should rest." I snuggled into the warm spot he left on the sofa, know I needed to get up and go to bed, but I was just too comfortable to move.

"Bella," Edward shook me, calling my name. "Bella, wake up, love. Come on." I opened my eyes to see him standing over me trying to get my attention. "There you are. Come on let's get you up to bed as well." He pulled me to an upright position and my eyes started to roll back. "Ugh, dizzy." I sat still for a minute until the room stopped trying to spin.

"I'm ok now." Edward was looking at me strangely. "Are you sure about that? Maybe I should take you over to the ER. Dizziness is not a good thing, Bella."

"Edward, I'm fine, really. I just sat up too fast." He nodded his head in acceptance.

"Fine then, well let's get you upstairs." He followed me up, making sure I didn't faint or fall over, then waited while I changed in the bathroom, before pulling back the covers on the bed. I tripped over nothing when I walked out, but Edward caught me before I face-planted the floor. I was giggling when I said, "Its official, I'm a world class klutz."

Edward walked me to the edge of the bed, "Can you take it from here?" he smirked. "Yeah, I don't think the bed will bite."

He leaned over and kissed my forehead. "Night, Ms. Graduate, sleep well."

"Thank you Edward, for everything. Goodnight."

Standing in the anteroom of the church my mother was straightening my gown, when she looked into my eyes.

'Is this really what you want, honey? Is he the one you want?'

I nodded to her as my father took my arm, telling me it was time. The doors opened, the first notes of The Wedding March began to play as I told my mother,

'Yes, Momma, he's the one I've always wanted. I was just too afraid to let him in.'

I woke before I made the walk down the aisle, but not before I saw his green eyes.

oooooo

We entered into June with very happy girls in the house. Kate and Irina were happy to be out of school. With no studies, they had more time to play. Alice came for a visit while Edward was in Los Angeles for a week.

"So how are you doing, Bella?"

"I'm good. I think I've finally shaken whatever bug I had. It's been a couple of weeks with no repeats of the dizziness, so that's a plus."

We were in the living room going over possible inventory for Sparkle . Edward had decided to reopen the store, but was turning over the control to Alice. He didn't want to permanently close the store, but also didn't want to run it; Sparkle had been Tanya's baby. So Alice decided she would move to Port Angeles later in the summer and reopen by August. Edward had enough to do anyway. In addition to raising the girls, he was working on the score for a movie and had a few other requests for his music.

"Have you spoken to Jake since his graduation?" I went with my parents to Jake's graduation the week after mine, but after dinner with Jake and Billy, I made my excuses so I could leave early.

"No. I mean how do I tell him I want us to take a break? It's been over two weeks since I saw him. I haven't called him, he stopped calling me. I know I've hurt him, but I don't know what to tell him that won't hurt him more."

"Bella you can't help how you feel, or in this case how you don't feel. You are letting your friendship suffer though. So my advice to you is not to wait too long. You've always valued your friendship with Jake. Tell him the truth now, so that maybe you can work through it and salvage your friendship."

I thought about what both my mother and Alice had told me. It still took me another week to pull the 'Big Girl Panties' on and call Jake. I asked him to meet me at First Beach.

My stomach was twisting itself into knots and I battled waves of nausea as I drove to La Push. I was sitting on the beach when Jake arrived.

"Hey Bells." He walked slowly over to me.

I stood and gave him a hug. "Hey Jakey, come walk with me?"

He took my offered hand saying, "Sure."

We walked down the beach. "Jake, I'm sorry I've been so distant since prom. I never wanted to hurt you. I care for you too much to ever intentionally hurt you, but I'm not ready for such a serious relationship. We're leaving for school in a few weeks and while I'm happy you are going to be there with me, I'm not sure we should be 'together' there. I love you, Jake, but I'm not in love with you. I don't think I am capable of that kind of love." Jake scoffed at me. "You are Bella, just not with me I guess."

He turned to walk away, "Jake…"

He gave me a hard look. "No Bella, I get it, I really do. I love you, but you can't return it. Just let me alone for a while. I'll call you later, but right now I just need time." There was so much hurt in his face. "Do you want me to come back?"

"No, I'll call you when I'm ready." I hugged him then turned back towards my truck.

"Bye, Jake."

"Bye, Bella."

oooooo

I made it back to the house before breaking down. I just sat in the driveway until the tears stopped. Edward opened the door before I reached it, "I was wondering…Bella, love, what's wrong?" He had me in his arms before I could blink.

"I broke up with Jake. I couldn't keep hurting him, but then I hurt him so much worse, ending it." I cried all over Edward's shirt once again. I was turning him into my own personal Kleenex. I stepped back from him.

"Sorry about your shirt again, just leave it in the laundry room. I'll wash it. I'm ok Edward, I just had to cry it out."

"Are you sure?" He asked, looking like he didn't believe me.

"Yeah, I'm going up to shower and change. Where are the girls?"

"Mom took them to a movie. They should be back in an hour or so."

I nodded, "Good I'll be fine by then. You better go change your shirt."

I was definitely feeling more myself by the time Esme, Kate, Irina and Alice walked in the door. "Did you have a good time?"

"Yes!" The girls filled me in on their afternoon while Esme and Alice discussed the changes she was making to Sparkle.

"Bella," Irina whispered, "Daddy said you were leaving soon."

I pulled her into my lap and nodded my head. "Yes, I start school in Seattle in a few weeks. I wont get to see you everyday like we are now, but it's not too far to visit. Maybe your daddy will let you visit when you go to see Grandma and Grandpa."

After settling the girls down for the night I went out on the back deck with the throw from the sofa and a bottle of water. It may have been June, but temperatures still cooled down into the 50's at night.

"Are you really alright, Bella?" Edward asked from the door. "Was breaking up with Jake what you really wanted?"

"Yes," I answered as he walked over to join me. "It wasn't fair of me to drag it out. I'm not in love with Jake, and he deserves someone that will love him unconditionally."

Edward sat with me on the loveseat and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side.

"You will know when it's right, Bella, and you were right to break it off if you didn't love him." We sat quietly for a while just looking at the stars.

"Hey guys, I just wanted to say goodnight. Mom and Dad have already gone to bed and I'm heading up now." Edward removed his arm and stood to give Alice a kiss on her forehead. "Night, Sis, don't let the bed bugs bite."

"Night, Alice." She smiled over at me, "Goodnight Bella."

I started to gather what I had brought outside. "I better get upstairs myself. The girls will be up early." Edward stopped me with a hand on my arm. "Would you stay a little longer, please?"

"Okay. Is there a reason why?" I returned to my position on the loveseat.

Edward looked over at me, his eyes were so intense. "I feel peaceful when you are close. It's like all the chaos that has been around the last 6 months fades. I don't know how to explain it, Bella. You've…you've made me feel… alive again. When I'm around you I feel things..." He leaned forward in his seat, bracing himself with his arms perched on his thighs, studying his hands. "I'm not really sure what I'm saying, it's just… I never thought I'd feel like this again, let alone so soon. You make me feel so alive yet so scared at the same time."

Why on Earth would I make Edward scared? I was trying to follow the conversation but he was bouncing all over the place with it.

"What are you saying, Edward?"

He was so tense, running his hands through his hair and pulling on it.

"Bella… I want you to, no I need you to know… your feelings… they aren't all one sided." I just stared at him, floored by what he was saying.

"Edward?"

"I…I never imagined that I would start to feel this way again. I don't know what to do about it either. It's not something that would be easy. There is just so much that would make it impossible, but that doesn't prevent me from feeling this way about you."

He stopped speaking then, looking into my eyes and taking a deep breath, he leaned over and gently brushed his lips over mine.

I had no time to react to anything that had just happened before Edward pulled away and stood. "It's getting late, you should get to bed. Goodnight Bella." He rushed inside leaving me completely confused.

I stayed outside a little longer trying to make sense of what happened, before going up to bed. Thankfully I was able to sleep peacefully. I woke with no trouble the next morning and headed down to start breakfast.

Esme greeted me as I entered the kitchen. "Morning, Bella. I hope you slept well." I nodded. She had already begun the prep for breakfast so I asked what I could help with.

"I've got it under control. Why don't you go get the girls up?" I had just turned towards the stairs when three sleepy smiles met me. Edward had already gotten the girls up. I smiled and said, "Good morning" to them as they walked over to the table. The girls asked for pancakes, so I got the syrup, cut fruit and whipped cream out for them. Esme was pouring the batter onto the griddle when Edward walked up behind me. He smiled at me as I stiffened saying, "Good morning Bella." He reached over me for a coffee mug as I stepped away to give him access to the coffeemaker.

"Good morning Edward." I was completely rattled and he acted like nothing was different. I sat at the table between Kate and Irina asking them what they wanted to do for the day.

"Actually, Bella," Esme interrupted, looking towards Edward, "Carlisle and I were hoping Edward would let us take the girls on a trip this next week. Edward, would you mind if we took Kate and Irina to Disneyland?" The girls were bouncing in their seats. "Please Daddy, please?"

Edward looked at his mother. "When did you decide to do this?" He was asking her, but looking at me.

"Well, your father has the next two weeks off and we didn't get a chance to schedule a big trip what with everything that happened, so we thought maybe some quality grandparent time to spoil our granddaughters would be a good idea."

Carlisle and Alice joined us then. "So are you going to let us take the girls to Disneyland, Edward?"

Edward looked over at his father, smirking. "I don't know old man, are you sure you can keep up with my two little hellions?"

Carlisle laughed, "They may be a little rambunctious, but they aren't hellions, and your mother and I aren't that old. I can still beat you at basketball, so watch who you are calling old. This will give you time to work in peace and give Bella time to get everything together for her move to Seattle as well as time for herself."

The girls had gotten up from the table and were dancing around their father, begging for permission. He grabbed them in a hug, "but if you go, what will I do? What do I do when my princesses aren't here? Will you miss me? Will you both promise to always stay with Grandma and Grandpa, and never leave their sights?" Kate and Irina nodded their heads in unison. "Will you call me everyday?" more nodding. Edward let out a huff of breath.

"Well… alright, I guess you can go to Disneyland," They squealed in delight. "but you … need to sit and eat before you do anything."

We all sat down for breakfast going over the details for the trip. Esme wanted to fly out the next morning, giving us the rest of the day to get the girls packed. Alice would be leaving as well. Jasper was flying into Seattle after visiting his parents. They were going to be looking at apartments in Port Angeles.

"Edward, don't forget that Emmett and Rose will be arriving at the end of the month."

"I remember, Ali. I already promised I would help them unpack once the movers get there." Emmett had gotten a job at an elementary school in Port Angeles and Rosalie used her connections to find a nice townhouse to rent until they could find a suitable house.

The rest of the day proceeded as it normally would. Edward was acting like everything was normal, and I was beginning to think I had imagined what had taken place the night before. I was seriously thinking of asking Maggie for a referral to a good psychologist.

It was only after the girls were packed, bathed and in bed, and I was alone trying to think of something to do the next week, that Edward found me again outside.

"You like it out here, don't you?" I looked over towards him.

"Yeah, it's so peaceful here."

"May I join you?"

"Sure," I motioned to the seat beside me, but he didn't sit. Edward walked over to the railing looking out into the forest.

"I want to apologize for last night."

I stood up then. "What is there to apologize for, Edward?" I walked over to him, hoping he would look at me. "You did nothing that you need to apologize for."

He did turn to look at me then. "Bella, I've tried to watch myself with you, but I always fail at keeping the distance. I see you with the girls, all of you so happy and then when we are all together, well it makes it hard to resist. I don't even know if you have feelings for me. A crush isn't real and then you started seeing Jacob. You dated him almost a year, and you just broke up with him…so could you even still have feelings for me? I'm just trying to find my way here, and realized I'm not sure I even should…"He had begun to ramble, so I put my hand over his mouth, stopping him. He looked into my eyes as if he was trying to find his answers.

"Edward, there was a reason I was never able to give my whole heart to Jacob. Part of my heart already belonged to someone else. Jake was actually the one to tell me. I had become completely oblivious to my own feelings because I knew they could never be returned."

He took my hand in his. "I don't know where to go from here. I kept telling myself to stay away. You're so young, you have your whole life ahead of you and I don't want to hold you back from your dreams." I put our joined hands over my heart.

"You aren't holding me back, Edward. You help me find my dreams, not take them away. You are my dream. I've seen your eyes in my dreams for so long." My eyes were searching his willing him to believe me.

"Bella," Edward drew me close, wrapping his arms around me. He lowered his head settling his mouth over mine. At first it was a soft, sweet kiss, just our lips moving together, but Edward parted his lips, his tongue swept over my lower lip seeking entrance. I parted my mouth letting out a whimper as our tongues met. We kissed for what felt like hours, but still not long enough. He was the one to gentle the kiss, easing back with a few quick pecks before our lips broke contact completely.

We just stood there in the late evening, holding each other and smiling like fools. I leaned back to look at him, "You really know how to kiss." Edward laughed and then stepped back from me. There was a faint blush on his cheeks. "Um, thanks?" It came out like a question, so I giggled. I took his hand and led him over to the loveseat.

"So what were you doing when I came out here?" He placed his arm around me.

"I was just trying to decide what to do for the week." He gave me an undecipherable look, "Are you going home to your parents?" I shook my head. "There's no reason to go home. Mom and Dad are leaving for San Francisco the day after tomorrow for some kind of law enforcement conference."

He looked relieved to hear that. "Would you like to go over to Seattle for a few days? I'm sure my parents wouldn't mind if we stayed at their house. I'd like to show you around town, take you to places you'll need to know once you are on campus. We can do some of the touristy things if you'd like." I smiled, "It sounds great, I've never actually been to the Space Needle."

"Good, then I will make reservations for dinner there one night. We can eat and enjoy the beautiful Seattle skyline."

oooooooo

After many hugs and kisses from Kate and Irina, as well as Esme and Carlisle, Edward and I watched them leave early the next morning, heading towards SeaTac airport. They wouldn't reach Los Angeles until early evening so I was not envying Esme and Carlisle their trip at all. By the time they landed the girls would be extremely cranky as they had had very little sleep from all the excitement.

"Ok guys, I'm off to meet Jasper. So you will be at the house tomorrow, right? Let's plan a little retail therapy at University Village then maybe over to Pikes Place before Jasper and I leave." I laughed at her enthusiasm, "Sure Alice, shopping… sounds fun." She gave us each a hug, whispering something in her brother's ear before leaving.

Edward wrapped his arms around me from behind. "What did she say to you?"

His jaw tightened briefly before he relaxed his face and smiled. "Nothing, she was just telling me to try and get you excited for the shopping she wants to do." I just shook my head laughing, "It's not going to happen."

Edward smiled and kissed my cheek before stepping back. "Will you take a walk with me?" He held out his hand, and I took it. We walked around to the back of the house, following a trail. "Where are we going?" The smile he gave me was simply dazzling.

"It's just a spot the girls and I found." We walked for at least 30 minutes just enjoying the day before Edward left the trail. "I'm not sure that's such a good idea for me, remember I'm a klutz."

"Don't worry, I won't let you fall." True to his word he kept me from breaking my neck a few times. Ten minutes later we stepped into a small but beautiful flower covered meadow. Trees ringed the area giving off a feeling of complete isolation and solitude.

"It's beautiful. Rini and Katie must have loved this. Did you bring Tanya here to see it?"

I regretted asking the question as soon as it left my lips. I looked away from him, not wanting to see the sadness the question brought.

He stepped over to me, lifting my chin up so he could see my eyes. "No, love, we didn't find this until a few weeks ago. It was during your finals, while you were at your parents." He placed a gentle kiss on my lips before leading me to a spot right in the center of the meadow, then sitting down. He patted the ground beside him so I sat turning my body to face him.

"It really is beautiful, Edward, so quiet. It would be a great place to lose yourself for an afternoon." He flashed a crooked grin at me, "So you've discovered my nefarious plans, hmmmm?"

He pulled me close and we lay down in the grass. "I just wanted to spend some time with you, alone with no distractions."

I propped myself up on his chest. Smiling down into his face, I said, "That's impossible, Edward. You, yourself, are quite a distraction." I placed a kiss over his heart then settled into his side. He kissed my temple and then we both just lay there relaxing.

We left the meadow and walked back to the house in the late afternoon. "Would you like another cooking lesson?" I asked as we made our way up the steps to the front door.

"What will we make?"

"How do you feel about grilling?"

"That's one thing I do well Bella. I've grilled a lot over the years."

I just smiled at him. "I know that, but you aren't just cooking meat tonight. We can grill our vegetables as well as some fruit for dessert."

We worked well together in the kitchen. Edward got the steaks into the marinade, and then helped me slice the vegetables and fruit so the pieces would cook evenly. I think the idea of grilled pears and apricots with vanilla ice cream intrigued Edward. While Edward manned the grill I cut a few potatoes to roast in the oven and then took two glasses of wine outside to join him.

"Hey," he smiled taking the glasses from my hands and setting them on the table, he wrapped me in his arms. "This is nice."

I leaned into him, feeling his warmth against my back. "It is." He kissed my jaw, squeezing me a little tighter. "What time are they due to land, Edward?"

He checked his watch for the time. "They should have just landed. We'll hear from them soon. I wonder if Mom and Dad are regretting this trip yet. The girls are probably driving them crazy right now."

We had an enjoyable evening. The dinner was nice, the conversation and company even better. We had just finished cleaning up when Edward's phone rang.

I could hear the girls chattering away. Just watching Edward smile and laugh while speaking to his daughters made my heart flutter. He smiled over at me as the girls went on and on about the flight and how much fun they were having, how excited they were to see Cinderella and Mickey Mouse the next day. I spoke briefly with them, just saying we missed them and hoped they had fun with their grandparents.

Edward went up to the studio after speaking to the girls. I decided to go to bed not long after. As was his usual habit, unless he was recording, Edward left the studio door cracked. I listened to him work through several pieces while I was getting ready for bed.

He must have started a new piece, one he was just working on, because he would go through it time after time, adjusting it here and there. It started slow and somber, but transformed into something faster paced and lighthearted, building in momentum before softening into a quiet melody again. It lulled me to sleep that night.

oooooo

The next morning after a quick breakfast and pouring our coffee into travel mugs, we got into Edward's car heading for Seattle. The drive took us through Port Angeles and Edward pointed out the street that Emmett and Rosalie were moving to. "He really can't wait to get here. He's already planned all of these camping and fishing trips. No women allowed, he says, he wants male bonding time. I think he's really missed being close to family." I smiled at him. "You have a terrific family, Edward. If I lived that far away, I'd be excited to see you all as well."

Sadness flashed across his face. "What's wrong?" He shook his head and then smiled his lazy smile. "Nothing. Would you like to go for a boat ride tonight? We can take my father's boat out into Lake Union." I knew he was trying to distract me, but I let him get away with it this time. "I'd love to."

I didn't know what it is about road trips, but I was always able to fall asleep on longer drives. I had not even realized I had fallen asleep until Edward brushed my hair away from my face and called my name.

"Bella, love, wake up." I slowly opened my eyes, noting the car had stopped and we were parked in the driveway of a large two story house.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep on you." Edward wasn't bothered at all; he smiled the same goofy grin both of us seemed to be wearing a lot. "It's quite alright. I wasn't bored; on the contrary, you kept me entertained with your conversation." Edward looked like he was trying very hard not to laugh. "Oh no! What did I say?" I couldn't remember any dreams, so there was no telling what had come out of my mouth.

Edward opened his door, got out and walked around the car to help me out. He pulled me from the seat and after closing the door, pinned me against it. "Let's just say you made yourself quite clear." He smirked down at me, "I know what you really want, my sweet, sweet Bella, and you drove me crazy with it the last half of the drive." He crashed his lips down onto mine. The kiss didn't get a chance to deepen as we broke apart when the door opened.

Alice was rushing down the front steps towards us. "I'm so glad you guys finally got here." She hugged me, but was shooting daggers over my shoulder at her brother.

"Let's get settled into the guestroom. Then it's on to the stores." She gave Edward a quick kiss on his cheek then grabbed my arm, pulling me inside. "Get the bags, Edward." She called over her shoulder. Alice led me into the house talking about all the stores she wanted to show me. She seemed determined to show me every possible store that I would ever need once I started school. Edward brought the bags in and was speaking with Jasper in the living room. Alice looked over at her brother, then back to me before asking, "Bella, what is going on between you and Edward?"

I gaped at her, not sure what I should say. "Well, we…" I started to say, but Edward said, "Alice", in a warning tone at the same time. She shrugged her shoulders at him and then took me on a quick tour of the house, ending in the guestroom I was to sleep in.

We left there and headed to the game room where the guys were waiting for us.

Edward looked anxious, but Jasper looked amused. Edward kept trying to get closer to me, but Alice kept pulling me away towards the door. She informed us that we needed to get going so she headed outside with me in tow. "So is there anything in particular that you need today, Bella?" Alice asked me, but it was Edward that answered. "I'll take her shopping for her dorm supplies later, Alice, but I would like you to help her find a dress for tomorrow night." Edward tried yet again to draw me closer towards him, but Alice put herself between us. "What's going on tomorrow night?" Edward reached around his sister, taking my hand and pulling me into his side. "I made reservations at Sky City for dinner. Bella hasn't been to the Space Needle and I thought this would be the perfect experience for her." He smiled at me, rubbing circles with his thumb on my hand.

"Oooh Jasper, lets stay here another day and go too." I thought Edward was going to strangle Alice, then and there. Jasper tried to swallow his laugh, but he ended up choking a bit. "Ali, honey, its rude to invite yourself on someone else's date. Let them alone, will ya?"

Edward led me over to the car while Jasper spoke to Alice. "Try not to pay any attention to her, love. I don't know what her problem is today." He helped me into the passenger seat and then kissed my forehead. He was just getting behind the wheel and fastening his seatbelt when Alice and Jasper joined us, getting into the rear seat.

She was much nicer to her brother and stopped asking about our plans for our visit.

Alice also stopped trying to be some twisted version of a chaperone, keeping us separated. We made it to University Village in just a few minutes. Alice told the guys to amuse themselves as she drug me through Victoria's Secret and JCrew. We found a great summer weight dress in what they were calling a soft pewter color, but it was more like a cream. The dress was a sleeveless shift with a deep V neckline. Alice added a thin black belt and black heels. It was lovely and nothing too over the top for a dinner date. "It's perfect, Bella, simple and elegant." She smiled at me as we went to locate the guys.

"I think Jasper and I are going to head on out to Port Angeles. Rose said there was an apartment down from their townhouse that was available, so I want to get a good look at it. Alice asked Edward to drop them off before we continued our day.

While Edward took the shopping bags in, and Jasper was getting the last of Alice's suitcases, she asked to speak with me in private. "Bella," she started quietly, "I know it's not any of my business, but I care about you and my brother. Please, think hard about this before you do anything you may regret later. I don't want to see either of you get hurt." She hugged me tight and then without waiting for a response from me, she got into her car waiting for Jasper. I waved to her before walking into the house. Edward and Jasper were talking quietly until they noticed me. Jasper smiled and told me goodbye as Edward walked over, looking me in the eyes. His eyes looked sad. "Has Alice convinced you yet?"

"Convinced me of what?" I asked him. "That I'm not right for you, that I can't be what you need, and that you should be with someone younger."

I shook my head at him and then wrapped my arms around his waist hugging him.

"You are exactly right for me."

OoOoO

Ok, so the chapter got away from me a bit, and instead of posting a 13K word chapter, I had to break it again. Good news the next post will be up by noon tomorrow, the bad news Charlie's chapter won't be the one posted tomorrow, but it will be up before Monday. He's fun to write.

Please let me know what you thought. Review and let me hear from you.