I do not own Twilight. I do own, however, a love of strawberry gum.

Chapter Eight

The sky was a light, indefinable grey. It was too early for the sun to have yet risen, so only faint light lit the room. I tossed and turned, trying to find a suitably comfortable spot. It was useless. Without Edward by my side, I wasn't going to get another minute of sleep; he'd become almost like drug to me. I could hardly even sleep without him near. It was terrifying, how much I needed him now. He'd so easily become my support, a pillar of stability in a storm of uncertainly.

With a tired sigh, I readied myself for the day and wandered from the room to the study, hoping to find Edward there. As far as I knew, he should be finished preparing for Emmet's and Rosalie's arrival. To my disappointment, the room was empty.

I hesitated at the door, and then swiftly turned to the right. I was slowly memorizing the sprawling maze that was the Masen home. Entering the kitchen, I scanned the whole room, hoping to see Alice or Edward. As early risers, they both tended to raid the kitchen for a light breakfast long before anyone else was even awake.

I turned away, mentally racking my brains for a place that Edward could be. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't notice someone else turn the corner until I ran straight into them. I stumbled away and cried out in surprise, almost losing my balance entirely. The person I'd crashed into used the counter to steady himself. His eyes went wide when he saw my face.

"Lady Isabella, I'm so sorry, I did not see you there!" he prattled. His voice was tinged with an odd accent. His rotund frame shook a little, and I watched as his pudgy face revealed a hint of anxiousness

"I'm fine," I insisted, taking another step back. I now recognized him as the main chef for this house. His apron should have given him away at once.

I turned, having every intention of exiting the kitchen by way of the other door, but the cook stopped me in my tracks. "Are you looking for Lord Masen?" he called after me. I suddenly comprehended that though he was slightly intimidated by my presence, he was making an effort to communicate with me despite this. I knew that the whole household staff was mystified by me; I was reclusive and made only limited conversation. They simply didn't know what to make of me. Whether this man was talking to me because he was looking to gain my favor, or because he was inquisitive, I didn't know.

I was tempted to ignore him and scurry from the room like a frightened rabbit, but this rankled me more than usual, so I ceased my internal debate and turned. "Do you know where he is?" I asked, quiet as ever.

"Yes, Lady. He left to arrange the arrival of your guests," he informed me. "Lord Masen will not return for a while, I'm sure."

The man stopped talking for a minute, and looked down as if he was thinking hard about something. I was about to thank him and attempt to steal back to the study when the cook met my eyes again. I noticed that his seemed kindly and cheerful. "Would you like something to eat? You could stay here until your husband returns from his trip," he suggested. I look at him in surprise, and for the first time noticed a hopeful edge to his face. Odd. I wanted to refuse, but…

He seemed benevolent enough. Alice would tell me to just talk to him, like she would. She could befriend the devil himself if she tried. No one was able to resist her exuberant charm.

"I don't want to be any trouble-" I objected weakly.

"No, no trouble at all!" he protested, his face gaining a merry touch.

"If you're certain…"I trailed off. He beamed at me, "Of course I am!"

One thing I could say for certain was that he was very enthusiastic. A bright kind of liveliness emanated from him as he hummed around the kitchen, pulling things together and picking up various utensils. I watched in fascination; I'd never watched someone cook before, and it looked entertaining.

"What is your name?" I asked shyly from where I sat in the corner, out of his way. I felt that it was rude for him to call me 'Lady' and 'Isabella' when I didn't have even the slightest clue as to who he was.

"I am," he announced with a flourish, a light dusting of flour coating his hands, "Gavino the cook."

Though I fought the urge, the corners of my mouth turned up and I giggled softly at his theatrics. I wondered how I hadn't run into him before. Immediately I wanted to smack myself for my own foolishness. I never saw Gavino because I never went into the kitchen-there was no reason to.

For a while longer I listened as Gavino cheerfully chattered away while munching on warm muffins he had made. Occasionally he would ask me something, and I would answer as best I could. It was mostly simple things he asked about, such as what I preferred to eat, and how well I was adjusting. It was pleasant, I acknowledged, to be treated so casually by someone.

When someone unexpectedly entered the kitchen and whispered into my ear from behind, I nearly leaped from the chair and yelped in surprise. "I see you're up earlier than usual," he remarked.

"Edward!" I exclaimed, my annoyance and relief at seeing him warring briefly for control. The eagerness won out, and forgetting we were not alone in the room, I flung my arms around him for a customary hug. I held tightly to him for a minute before stepping back, blushing, when I remembered Gavino's presence.

However, when I turned to look at him, he was softly singing a jolly tune while cutting something up by the sink, though his mouth was turned up in an unrepressed grin.

I smiled at Gavin as we exited the kitchen, and I could've sworn he winked at me, but we were walking too fast for me to be certain.

"It would appear that you had a good morning," Edward commented nonchalantly.

"Yes," I agreed easily. "But what about you?"

"Not as well as it could have been," he confessed, jaw clenched. When I looked to him for an explanation he only shrugged. This piqued my curiosity; what didn't he want to tell me? I wouldn't press him though. We both still had more than enough hidden from each other.

"My lord!" someone shouted from behind. Edward immediately spun around. A man was sprinting towards us, panting heavily.

"My lord," he gasped out. It was apparent by the poor man's heaving chest that he must have run a long way. "It's the king."

"What about the king?" Edward snapped, deep lines drawn in his furrowed brow. "He was attacked in a failed assassination attempt. He's calling the nobles together," the tired man informed him, straitening a little.

"To the palace?" he asked, face still drawn tight. "Or one of the castles?"

"The Ezran castle, my lord. You should be there in two weeks time." He looked from Edward to I, before Edward dismissed him with a wave. We resumed walking, though now we moved more slowly. Thick layers of tension hung in the air.

"It will only take a full day of travel to reach Ezra. We won't leave for at least a week, perhaps longer," he reasoned aloud. We had reached the side door to the house, one that was significantly less ornamented and carved than the front. Edward and I passed through while he continued his musings. Finally he paused for a moment.

"Bella, would you rather stay here? I know you're still adjusting, and-"

I cut him off, "No, I want to go with you." I put my hand on his arm. He nodded in acceptance, though his expression betrayed his worry. He saw more and more each day how little interaction I'd had with most of the world, from being penned up in my home for the entirety of my life.

"I will make the necessary arrangements then." He paused for a minute before continuing, "Are you ready for your lesson?" he asked teasingly. He knew how much I both dreaded and looked forward to these trips.

In response I just turned my back to him and entered the stables. His laughter rang out behind me. It didn't take long for him to catch up. We split up for a few minutes to get our own horses.

Edward saddled and bridled his own horse, Ianto, with ease. I had to wait sheepishly while a hostler handled Silver Bells for me.

When both were ready, the animals were lead outside. After the hostler departed, I took my time mounting Silver. She waited patiently beneath me, which I was grateful for.

I was relieved that there was no one to watch us-both because I was a terrible rider, despite my improvement, and the fact that I wasn't riding sidesaddle. It was the proper way to ride a horse for women, but rebellious Alice told me outright that she never rode that way, and she wasn't going to let Edward teach me how to. In the end I agreed, if only because it would appease her, and now I rode the way Edward did. Though it wasn't really appropriate I couldn't see the harm in it.

The hour passed by quickly, with us walking or trotting down trails to boost my confidence. Edward called out tips and advice as we went, ensuring that I knew what I was doing. His dark colored horse was gigantic, and I was amazed that he remained so in control with such ease. I figured he had a gift for horsemanship.

When the horses were back in their stalls, happily munching away at oats and hay, we returned to our room to clean up. According to Edward, our new guests had already arrived and were going to meet us in the front hall. I wanted to delay, to make the time before I met them stretch out as long as possible, but I didn't want to disappoint Edward. With little enthusiasm I finished getting ready and took Edward's hand-this gave me a powerful case of déjà vu. I could only hope that this time it ended better.

***

Sunlight drifted from the open windows in lazy spirals, brightening the front hall. I could hear faint conversation through the door, and my knees felt slightly weak. All I could think about was how this new arm to Edward's 'family' would accept me. I'd had mixed success with the last two.

The voices ceased when we came into view, Edward with one arm slung around me for comfort. He knew as well as I did that I was all too easily daunted by strangers.

The first thing I noticed was the man, Emmett. He was easily the largest man I'd seen in my life, and the instinctive urge to escape twisted uneasily at the back of my mind. He was also handsome, I saw at my second glance, in a rugged, tough kind of way.

I assumed Rosalie was the woman, and I couldn't even begin to describe my shock when I saw her. If the doctor was the most physically intimidating person I'd ever come across, then she was the most beautiful. Her blonde hair curled lightly around an unbelievably striking face. Her red mouth set into a hard, straight line when her eyes settled on me.

I flinched without meaning to, and though Emmett didn't notice, both Edward and Rosalie did. Edward's arm tightened around me. This did not escape Rosalie's notice; her face took on an edge of disgust.

I felt my weak display of confidence withering, but before I could say even a word, sudden booming laughter rang loudly through the hall. It startled me, and I quickly sought out the source. It was Emmett, who was now ambling over.

"Edward, it's good to see you!" he declared. His deep voice echoed as loudly as his initial greeting.

Edward shook his head in mock despair. "I'm afraid I can't say the same to you, with you being the pestilence you are. It doesn't help that you eat us out of house and home," he chuckled. I watched this exchange, observing how the light banter flowed easily between the two men. I felt a sour pang of jealousy that my own insecurities prevented me from interacting in the same manner.

"Ah, and this is the Lady Swan?" Emmett's attention now turned to me. His eyes roamed appraisingly over Edward's expression and the arm around me. "Well, I must say, Edward, you are lucky man."

I blushed, the color rising easily in my cheeks. Emmett laughed, amused. "I hope Edward has been treating you well. He never was one for marriage." He beckoned to his wife then, deaf to Edward's objections.

Rosalie, who had been standing to the side of the three of us, now stepped forward. The look in her eyes told me just how she thought of me. I didn't know what made her so averse to me, but it was mutual. I didn't like the way she glanced at me. I felt threatened by it.

I shrank the tiniest bit into Edward, his warm body giving me reassurance and strength. With him behind me, I was fine. It was uncanny how things had reversed between us. He was now my mainstay of stability rather than the one who made me vulnerable.

"This is Rosalie," Emmett introduced her, oblivious to the ice in her eyes. "Are Alice and Jasper here?" he asked. The sudden change in topic distracted me. I guess I hadn't expected him to be connected to the pair in the same way as Edward, even though I distinctly recalled him saying the five of them were very close. He'd also mentioned that they had grown apart somewhat after he remained alone whilst the others married.

Edward nodded, and Emmett, in a show of unrestrained enthusiasm, punched the air and whooped gleefully. I wanted to grin at his child-like antics, but I could still fell Rosalie's eyes on me, uncomfortably hostile.

"Where are they then? Surely they don't want to miss the homecoming of a brother?" he complained in mock sorrow.

"Emmett! Rosalie! You're here!" I heard a now familiar voice nearly shouting at the top of her lungs. Even at that pitch, her voice still managed to come out bell-like and musical. She tackled Emmett, although they were polar opposite in size. Minutes later she was doing the same to Rosalie. I was expected her to refuse Alice's excitement, but to my surprise, her expression softened, a smile gracing her perfect lips.

Jasper wasn't far behind. He greeted Emmett, and the two of them launched themselves into a heated debate about the damage a dagger could do when used properly. I was puzzled until I realized that because Emmett was a doctor, and Jasper was educated in weaponry, that they both were probably well versed on the subject.

Alice was literally dancing around the rest of us, her dark eyes shining. "Oh, Bella, we'll have so much fun with Rosalie here!" she sang. I looked at Rosalie doubtfully, and I saw that her face had once again become unreadable. "Maybe," I shrugged, noncommittally. I didn't want to disappoint her.

The reunion lasted for quite a while. It was apparent that everyone had a lot to catch up on, having spent so long apart. I found out that Emmett and Rosalie had been on the move so that Emmett could study the medical practices of different people.

I considered attempting to slip away, but I didn't want to look rude and I knew it would be very obvious if I suddenly left. Finally we moved from the hall to the dining room for lunch. I picked at my meal while everyone continued to converse. I felt out of it, an outsider who didn't understand the mechanisms of a group event.

Edward noticed my discomfort. I was sure Alice had too, but she said nothing. Edward leaned towards me, and whispered, "After lunch Emmett and Rosalie will need to settle in. They're staying for a while, like Alice and Jasper. You and I will go and prepare for our trip. Sound good to you?" he asked, gauging my reaction. He was giving me the opportunity to recuperate. He had to have noticed the loathing way that Rosalie was ignoring me.

I nodded quickly, grateful for a reprieve. He smiled, and chills raced through my spine, prickling and leaving behind odd tingles. I flashed him an answering grin. He made me react in the most curious, sensational ways. I noticed that the table's talk had lessened, and nearly everyone was watching us. I flushed, thoroughly embarrassed and self-conscious. Emmett sniggered. His wife only watched in derision. Jasper's face was emotionless, and Alice was grinning. I was beginning to doubt her sanity.

Slowly everyone went back to their conversations, though the aura of edginess remained. When the dishes had been cleared, we split, just as Edward had promised.

Unfortunately, the drama wasn't over yet. Rosalie left Emmett on their way to the rooms they were to occupy and sought us out. Edward gestured for me to go ahead and enter the study and begin the preparations. I agreed; I didn't need to stay near Rosalie any longer.

However, as I tried shut the door behind me, it stuck and refused to fully close. Upon further investigation, I saw that it was jammed with a bit of the carpeting. I left it as it was, not wanting to damage the rug.

I was sorting through paperwork on the desk, seeking out a map, when I realized that I could hear Edward and Rosalie in the hall. Their voices were growing louder, and I was positive that neither knew that I could hear.

I tried to ignore them, but it was useless. I could hear every word whether I wanted to or not. Suddenly, I heard my name, and I froze, listening.

"-know that! You see how she follows you, like your shadow! I can't believe that you're falling for-"

"Enough!" Edward warned, voice flat with pent up fury. "You don't have any idea what you are talking about. If you want to compare her to yourself, go ahead. That doesn't mean a thing to me; I know you are wrong," he hissed.

"I'm doing this for you!" she cried. "No, Rosalie, you're not. I know what this is about, and it needs to stop. If Emmett knew…" The hall abruptly slid into silence. There was a sharp intake of breath, then, "You wouldn't."

"I would." Came Edward's reply, hard and unyielding. Finally, there was the sound of footsteps, and a sigh from outside the door.

Edward came into the study a minute later. There was a forced smile on his face that was painfully artificial. "I had to take care of a little business," he told me. I just nodded. He was obviously very upset, so I let him be.

***

Later that night, while we were in bed with only the light of the moon to see by, I considered asking Edward about his argument in the hall. I didn't want him to know that I had been eavesdropping, however unintentional it had been, though so I decided against it. Instead, I asked something else that had aroused my interest.

"Why did Rosalie marry Emmett? She's a noble, and he's only a doctor," I said softly. Sometimes, at night, it just felt right to be quieter, even if there was no reasoning behind that. "And she doesn't seem like the type to do that," I added.

I felt Edward chuckle beneath me. "True. I think she did it for love. I see nothing else that ever could have swayed her from her the man she was supposed to have married. I stifled a gasp. "She was promised to someone else?" I queried, not wanting to make assumptions.

"Yes. It was kind a scandal at the time." We laid there quietly for a while, each absorbed in our own thoughts. I wondered what it was like to love someone like that. I quickly shoved the thought away. I was married….to Edward. Why did that no longer make me weep? Why did thinking about him send trembles through my body?

I banished that thought away. I was nearly on top of him, and I didn't need to think about such thing while in this position but-

My thought processes stopped when Edward kissed the top of my head, and his hand began to rub soothing circles on my back. I sighed in pleasure, enjoying the sensation. How had I gotten here?

***

A few days later, a confrontation had yet to occur, but everyone could feel it approaching. The uncomplicated companionship that had been apparent at first was slowly being overshadowed. The tense atmosphere seemed to be primarily fueled and goaded on by Rosalie's hostility, my isolation, and Edward's stiff refusal to deal with either.

We were ready for the trip, with bags packed and letters sent. It turned out that Jasper would be going with us, while Emmett and Rosalie would remain in charge at our home in our absence. Alice proclaimed rather loudly that she was going to buy a whole new wardrobe for me while we were gone so that I would have something pleasant to return to. I knew I needed the clothes, because I had brought little with me from my old home, but I still dreaded it anyway.

I was saddened that Edward and I would no longer have as much privacy, because we would no longer be in our own home for a while, but I was also excited. I felt as though this trip was going to be the turning point of something; of what, however, I wasn't sure.

Of course, I never knew that in the aftermath, I was going to regret that.

Notes: The secerets continue! I'm trying to build up the suspense here... Gavino was an unexpected addition, and Rosalie's behavior isn't normal either. Can anyone guess why?

Thanks to everyone who's reviewed so far, and I hope you all had happy holidays and new year!

I'm glad I finally posted that promised long chapter. This is the longest one I've put up so far! I need everyone's opinion though-should I post more often , with shorter chapters, or fewer chapters that are longer? I can do either.

As always, feel free to point out errors or ask questions, and please review!