Hi all. I'm not a medical expert, so just go with me on this one okay? I'll do my best. Thanks for your feedback so far! Please read and review! The more reviews I get the sooner the update! xo

I was sure that my face was still glowing various shades of red while Alice was saying goodbye. Edward was already out the door, out of my shop as fast as he could manage.

I was more confused now than ever before.

I tried to silence my own head so that I could concentrate on Alice's conversation with me instead of staring out the window like an idiot. But that was proving to be easier in theory than in practice.

His mouth...his body...so close to me. Everything about what just happened on my staircase was vibrant, electric, new. We were buzzing, glowing human beings. The way he looked at me...so much want. And still so much more I had yet to understand.

In the same breath he could manage to piss me off and then make me melt.

And then he's gone again. Out my door, leaving me dumbstruck.

"...anyway, you and Angela can meet us there. They've got an adorable bartender I think you'd just loooove, Bella. So we'll meet you there at ten?"

Whoa. What?

"Oh - sorry what's this place called again?" I practically stuttered.

"Eclipse. It's downtown. Here's the address." she took a moment to scribble on a post it note from my front counter and handed it to me. "I can't wait to meet Angela!"

Oh. Okay. Right. Eclipse, ten o'clock. Got it. Wait, when did I agree to this? My own obliviousness had gotten me into a girls night out. I could have settled for some pajamas and a movie tonight with Ang, but how does one say no to Alice? Plus, Angela would love Alice and Rose.

I guess we are going out tonight.

"I better go before Edward starts laying on the horn." Alice giggled, rolling her eyes. "I'll see you tonight!"

"O-okay! Thanks again, Alice. Give my love to Esme." I called after her as she practically skipped out the door.

The shop door closed with the jingle of the welcome bell and I found myself staring at it for a few minutes, standing in one place, unable to really move. In my head I wasn't here at all. I was back upstairs, pressed against the wall with Edward's body enclosing around me.

I had to smile a little. Maybe Edward didn't want to be friends...but he did want me. Perhaps I should have been upset about this, but it was nice to feel wanted. It had been a while since anybody made me feel that way.

And then he left so quickly...he couldn't even look at me.

Now I worried.

Maybe he realized I wasn't what he wanted. Maybe he was freaked out by Alice's interruption or the timing or maybe he had seen me hiding my pills. He looked like he could hardly wait to get away from me.

What does that even mean?

Goddamnit.

I forced myself to focus, cleaning up the shop a bit and calling back a few customers about orders for next week. I talked to Charlie for a bit and said hi to Sue, feeling a little lonesome in my apartment.

I couldn't wait to see Angela. I'd have to fill her in on all of this Edward nonsense and see what she thought. She was always good with boys. I gave her a call to let her know where we were going tonight. She was determined to wear a "bitchin' get up."

Oh, Angie.

Angela was a tall, petit brunette. She had shoulder length, dark straight hair, green eyes and a sly smile. When she finally showed up at the shop she was wearing dark wash skinny jeans and grey pumps. There was a pretty blue baby doll neck shirt under her fitted navy blazer. She had her glasses on and her hair up. We nick named her glasses her 'sexy nerd goggles.' She looked hot, had the mouth of a trucker, and she had more brains than she knew what to do with. That was always Angela.

Guys were always drawn to her because of her hot librarian looks and her witty sense of humor. It worked like a charm every time.

"Ang! Lookin' good, mama." I cat called from the top of the stairs.

"Bella baby!"

She ran up the stairs to meet me, dropping her bag in my doorway and giving me a giant squeeze. She pulled back and looked me up and down. I was still in my work clothes from the day. But Angela wasn't concerned with what I wore. She studied my face for a moment, eyes narrowing in observation.

"Spill."

She knew me all too well. I wasn't very good at hiding my emotions. She knew I was conflicted about something as soon as she looked me in the eyes. I couldn't help but laugh at her unfailing intuition, pulling her in for another hug and bringing her inside the apartment.

I gave her the tour of the apartment and the shop. It was around seven and the sky was getting darker. I threw on the pot of Esme's amazing wild rice and vegetable soup and proceeded to spend the next hour filling in my best friend about the enigma that was Edward Masen.

"What is this fucker's deal?"

"I honestly don't know, Ang." I shrugged, swallowing a warm spoonful of soup.

"Well at least we know he probably wants to bang you." She deadpanned. With a straight face she continued to butter some wheat bread before stuffing it in her mouth.

I almost spit out the contents of my mouth all over the table and all over Angela's 'bitchin' get up.'

"But why did he bolt out of here so quickly? Maybe he realized I was a mistake?"

"Oh come on, Bells. This whole push and pull act is gonna have to end at some point. It's obvious the guy has some issues, but you aren't the problem here. He wouldn't have tried to kiss you if he hadn't wanted to."

I nodded, knowing she was right.

"I wish he had." I said quietly. "I mean... really kissed me."

Ang put down her spoon slowly and looked at me with wide eyes.

"Girl, you like him."

"I don't know. Yes. No. He's an ass. Nope... Yeah-I mean- no. He drives me crazy! I just want to know more about him that's all..."

"And you haven't thought once about what it would be like to get in bed with that..."

"I..."

"You so have!" she smirked at me and laughed.

I was definitely guilty. Edward was a beautiful man, with or without his whiplash inducing mood swings.

"I bet he has a nice package. The broody types usually do..." she trailed off.

I had to laugh at that.

The humorous light in Ang's eyes became serious for a moment as she looked at me.

"Just be careful, Bells. I'd love to see you happy with somebody - you deserve that. But don't be blind. Pretty boys are the worst. So hot they distract you from how shitty they can treat you. They take what they want and leave. I don't know Edward yet, but don't be that girl."

I nodded, knowing she was right. Sound advice from a seasoned pro. I had to stay on my toes.

I forgot how nice it was having Angela with me. I had loved living with her in college. She was single handedly responsible for my shift in wardrobe from little girl to college student. I hadn't realized how nice it would have been to have a mother until I met her. She taught me about hair and make up and clothes and shoes. She taught me about boys, coached me about sex and love. I was almost nostalgic as she went straight to my closet after dinner and helped me pick out something to wear.

She had me put on a pair of pretty patterned black tights from my drawer underneath a short dark denim skirt. On top I wore a loose, flowing, light sweater that fell off of one shoulder. It was fitted around my small waist but comfortable and loose in a carefree way about my shoulders and breasts. I wore a long, dangling necklace that Sue gave me for Christmas once. It had a single silver bicycle charm on it, a quirky little gift to commemorate my love of bike riding once I was recovered from my transplant.

I wondered briefly what Renee would think if she saw me now. If she even knew that I had survived. That I'd been to hell and back and lived. Would she want to see me now that I didn't have an IV for an extra limb? Now that I was...normal? I erased the thoughts as Ang helped me find a pair of shoes. I'd rather have her for a friend, a sister, a mentor...than have my mother. It was sad, but it was my reality.

I put on a pair of knee high, black, slouching leather boots that had a small heel on them.

"Damn, woman. God loves you for running thats for sure. Your legs and ass are killer." Angela whistled once, giving me a look up and down. "And I see those boobs, girl..."

"Hey, you have your sexy nerd goggles and I have my push up bra."

"Noted. Now, lemme do your hair!"

Angela twisted my hair into a bohemian looking side braid. Loose and natural. Perfect for me. A light touch of make up, a piece of Esme's carrot cake and one shot of rum later, we were in my car on our way to the bar. That was the one good thing for Angela about my inability to drink. She always had a designated driver.

I could hear the music before I could even see the place.

Eclipse was one of many bars in the downtown strip. It's dark pub windows were lit up with various neon signs promoting ales and loggers, whiskey and live music. It sounded like the band was cranking tonight. Bluesy electric guitar riffs immediately caught our attention. I shot Alice a text letting her know we were there.

I followed Angela through the front doors, the two of us already bouncing a little in our steps to the music. Inside it was dimly lit and pretty packed. The bar was on our right, tables and booths on our left. The band was at the back of the bar, glowing under the lit stage. I had no idea how we were going to find a table, or even space at the bar. The place was full of people.

"Bella! Over here!"

Leave it to Alice to find us a booth and claim it as her own. I imagined her wrestling four giant biker dudes to nab that spot. Not to mention I was already impressed with how her tiny body could project enough to get my attention across a noisy room. Her little hand shot up and waved frantically at me from the booth she was sitting in.

I grabbed Angie and wove us through a maze of bar folks to meet Alice and Rose.

"Hey guys!"

Both girls looked beautiful as usual. Alice was in black leggings and a dark floral print dress, her usual high heels finishing the ensemble. Rose looked dressed to kill in a red, skin tight shirt and long skinny jeans, a pair of black high heeled pumps on her feet. There was a man next to her who had his arm wrapped tight around her waist. This, I could only assume, was Emmett.

Anyone could tell by looking at Emmett that he was Alice's brother. Same eyes, same dark hair, same bright smile. The only difference beside their gender was that compared to Alice, Emmett looked like he was on steroids. Tall and extremely fit, his muscles - thought he didn't flaunt them - were definitely noticeable. I wouldn't want to pick a fight with him.

Fortunately, he was also just like Alice with the fact that both were very much ...huggers.

"Babe this is Bella." Rose spoke loudly in his ear over the music. A light of recognition sparked in his eye as he rose from the table and wrapped his arms around my little body, clapping me once on the back for good measure.

"So this is baby Bella! I've heard so much about you. I'm a little devastated that I missed out on those cookies Dad is still talking about." he laughed.

"Well we'll have to fix that won't we?" I winked at Rose, promising her a batch next time I saw her.

I introduced Angela to the group. The girls all immediately clicked. Her attitude and humor charmed everyone as it usually did. I sat on the end of the booth, surrounded by good friends and good music. I couldn't stop smiling.

I was happy here in Riverdale. I'd made it. I'd done well. And I had good friends to show for it. Friends who liked me for me.

The band was actually really good. Though it was hard to hear much over them, their sound was unique and easy to get into. Everybody in the place seemed to love it. Angela ordered a round of drinks for everyone. She also was a pro about getting me a coke without anyone noticing or mentioning that I wasn't a drinker.

"Who is this band?" I asked Alice, leaning forward to shout over the music.

"Oh they're called Volturi. Garrett has been a friend of the family for a while now, he's the lead singer."

"Oh wow, he's really talented."

"Annnd really cute." observed Angela. She was raking him up and down with her eyes. I had a feeling before the night was over, she'd have his number in her pocket.

I could see why Rose loved Emmett. He was the happiest person I'd ever met. And such a comedian. He had us all in hysterics, telling us stories from the fire house. He and his co workers would prank each other constantly.

"I swear to God, my eye brows are just growing back to normal now..."

"He's not even kidding about that one..." Rose said. Anyone could see that the two of them were head over heels in love with each other. Rose looked positively radiant next to Emmett. She never once stopped smiling. And he was constantly attached to Rose. Some part of him had to be near her or touching her at all times. Once in a while I would catch them giving each other heated looks. Angela picked up on it too.

"They only have to look at each other and I feel like telling them to get a room..."

I smiled, happy they were so in love. I thought of Edward for a moment. I wondered if he had ever been in love like that. If there was ever a time when he gave affection freely. If anybody had loved him the way he deserved.

"Bells, I need another drink. Come with me?" Angela said, rising from the booth and pulling me with her. We'd been at the booth for about an hour and a half. Alice followed us, leaving the love birds alone for a moment.

"Oh Bella, I wonder if James is working tonight! He's just so...yummy. I think you should get his number."

"Oh n-no I'm..."

"Hey Jamie!" Alice let out a little squeal. Angela and I turned to the bar where a tall, sandy blonde, blue eyed bartender looked up at the sound of his name.

"Shit, Bella. Alice wasn't kidding. Yummy." Angela whispered.

"Hey Ally, what can I get you ladies?"

The three of us found a spot to lean on the bar. James's eyes flitted over to me for a moment, a small smile blossoming on his lips. He was quite tall, rather muscular in his shoulders and arms, his tight shirt stretching to accommodate his biceps. He had the build of a swimmer. Everything about him was lean and toned. He was still glowing with the remnants of a summer tan.

Oh my.

Angela ordered a rum and coke, Alice got something fruity with an umbrella. The man was a pretty smooth bartender, making us laugh with his glass tossing tricks and keeping up conversation.

"And for you, Beautiful?"

It took me a moment to realize that he was in fact talking to me, waiting expectantly for my answer. I wasn't always a shy girl, but this man's charm was making me feel a little foolish and bashful.

"I'll just have a - "

"She'll have a Jack on the rocks." Angela piped in, taking a large swig of her drink.

James looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to confirm. I nodded once, feeling the blood rush to my face. As soon as he turned I poked Ang in the side.

"What was that? You know I don't drink..."

"Yeah I know, but I do. And James is a bartender. You should be ordering a real drink, not a fucking Shirley Temple. He'd probably ask you how old you were and if you wanted some crayons to color on your napkin..."

True.

James handed me my glass, his fingers lingering long enough to touch mine. He leaned over the bar top and tilted his head, looking at me curiously.

"What's your name?"

"Bella." I answered, holding his eye contact.

Someone on the other end of the bar was whistling for James's attention, waiting to be served. Yet neither of us looked away.

"Listen, Bella I get off of work at 2 am. Think you'll still be around?"

I bit my lower lip and looked up at him through my eye lashes. A trick Ang had taught me. I was notorious for biting my lip while I concentrated, she convinced me that it was much more effective if I did on purpose. Sure enough, it got James's attention. His eyes were soon looking longingly at my mouth.

"It's possible." I said.

The whistler at the opposite end of the bar was getting agitated now, clearing their throat as loudly as humanly possible.

I made the move to put my money down on the bar, but James's hand over mine stopped me.

"It's on me." he winked.

"But... how can I pay you back?"

"Wait for me after my shift and maybe I'll let you buy me one then." he smirked. He knocked his knuckles on the bar top twice before turning around to serve whoever the hell was whistling for his attention. I followed his form over to a tall, leggy, impatient blonde who was giving him nothing but attitude for making her wait. He made her two drinks. And no, she didn't tip. Some people are just assholes.

I turned back to the girls only to find that Ang had already downed her drink and mine.

"Bellaaaaaaa!" she slurred. "Hewantsto kisssssss you."

"I told you he was adorable!" Alice insisted.

"He wants to humpppp you." she said in sing song. "Oh speaking of humping...can we go up front to look at the mannn... the man singer guy? I think we'd be good at humping."

Alice burst out laughing.

"Bella, where did you get this chick. I. Love. Her." she linked arms with Angela. "Come on, they're taking a set break soon, I'll introduce you."

Angela looked back at me excitedly, waiting for my approval.

"I'm pro-humping. Let's go." I said with a laugh.

"Yes!"

I gave Rose and Emmett a wave and some botched sign language to let them know where we were going before following the girls through the crowd towards the stage.

Garrett was a very handsome guy. And I shouldn't be surprised, Angela has excellent taste. He was tall with light brown hair. It was a little longer and shaggier, but it was perfect for him. He was rugged looking and he looked magnificent even sweating from the stage lights. He was just the kind of guy Ang would be into.

The band eased their way through a slower rock ballad before taking a break and promising to be back with more music after another band took the stage for a break. The first half of the show had flown by.

A smaller group got up to the stage, rearranging chords, and testing mics while Garrett and his friends left the stage and grabbed a few beers. Alice didn't waste anytime.

"Garrett!"

I took a second to look around, trying to see if I could spot James. But someone else caught my eye.

It was the irritable blonde from earlier. She was smiling and giggling as she ran right past me, almost knocking me over and spilling the two drinks in her hand.

"There you are! I thought you were right behind me at the bar. You disappeared!" she squeaked at someone in front of her and several feet behind me. I looked over my shoulder and almost swallowed my own tongue.

Edward Masen was still as a statue, eyes locked on me.

Blondie came right up to him and placed a drink in his hand before placing a sloppy looking kiss on his neck.

Oh.

His gaze faltered for a moment, distracted by her nuzzling her face further into his neck. But he looked up again at me, his eyes unreadable. My heart, my borrowed little heart, dropped.

I turned around and forced myself not to look back.

"Garrett, this is Bella." I heard Alice say. Garrett graciously shook my hand and smiled.

"Nice to meet you, Bella." he said politely. Angela had effectively reeled in her drunken state and started a conversation with him. I watched him carefully as he turned to her, his eyes making trails up and down her body.

She absolutely had his attention.

Angela had a magic about her that I wished for. She was a beautiful girl with a commanding presence. She could have whoever she wanted. And it looked like Garrett was an easy target.

I could feel Edward. I was hyper aware that he stood only a few yards behind me. I had hoped beyond all hope that Alice wouldn't notice him, but...of course she did.

"What the fuck is that tramp doing here with my brother..." she growled.

"You're brother? I thought Edward was your cousin?"

"Oh yeah," Alice replied in a matter-of-fact tone. "I forgot I hadn't told you yet. My family adopted Edward after the -...I mean when he was sixteen. As for the slut succubus on his arm... that's Tanya."

I remembered Alice telling me that Edward lived with her family for quite a while, but I didn't know he had been adopted.

And I didn't know he had a slut succubus.

Alice was waving him over.

He tried looking everywhere but at her, but Alice would not be ignored. She would wave and call him his name until he saw her. She'd use a mic if she had to. There was no avoiding this interaction.

He slowly made his way through the crowd towards us, Tanya following behind him. She was rolling her eyes as soon as she saw Alice. It seems these two were not fans of each other.

"Edward, I didn't know you were coming tonight! Why didn't you tell me?" Alice said.

He looked at me briefly before answering her.

"I just needed to get out for a while. I figured I'd come hear some music. Haven't seen Garrett in a while..." he shrugged. I was still as stone next to Alice, my eyes glued to his shoes, the people behind him, the stage. Anywhere but him. I pretended to be listening intently to the band currently on the stage, but I wasn't interested.

"Did you have to bring the whore with you?" said Alice, officially getting my attention.

Edward sighed, rolling his eyes as Tanya piped up.

"Oh fuck you..." she answered, looking over at me. She caught me watching Edward. She saw him looking back at me. His eyes were searching me, trying to look through me as usual. She narrowed her eyes at me and then spoke to me almost directly. "Edward needed to spend time with a real woman tonight." She looked back up at Alice. "Of course he'd call me."

"Enough."

Edward's voice cut through the hum of background noises, voices and music. He hadn't spoken very loudly, but his word was enough to silence both Alice and Tanya. There was a finality to his tone that was threatening enough to shut them up.

Suddenly, I felt a wave of exhaustion consume me. I could feel it in the back of my eyes and all through my body. It made me sway on my feet for a split second.

I knew it as soon as my knees weakened. I had forgotten to take my meds. Shit.

When was the last time I took them? Did I even take them this morning? Last night? I was going to take them after I'd gotten back from my run but...I'd been so distracted...

There was no immediate, dire consequence to this, it just made the fatigue more intense. And because I was usually so good about taking my pills, I hadn't experienced anything like this in a while. It was stronger than I remembered.

I blinked rapidly, trying to make sure my focus returned to me.

Alice and Tanya were still in a staring show down, but Edward's eyes had cut to me quickly, watching me. He never missed anything. Damn him.

"Are you alright?"

I nodded, feeling the blood pool in my cheeks. I noticed Garrett getting back up on stage and felt Angela move in behind me. She was pocketing a small slip of paper.

Phone number. I knew it.

"Wait so, whose the whore? I heard someone say whore..." she asked.

Alice started laughing and Tanya started cussing. I couldn't focus on their words though. I knew I needed to get to my car and take my pills. This bout of fatigue was so much stronger than anything I'd experienced before. I'd be fine, I just needed my medication.

I also needed to not have a panic attack. My anxiety could cause them from time to time, especially when I was off my usual routine of medications.

"Are you sure you're alright, Bella?" Edward was closer to me now. His hands were out just slightly, as if to catch me, only a breath away. And he said my name. My name sounds so...so much better when he says it.

I looked up at him, seeing nothing but concern on his face. And something else I couldn't quite place. Was that fear? Raising my head to look at him brought on a small dizzy spell, causing me to blink more than necessary, trying to focus.

I felt his hand close around my arm gently but firmly as I started to tip ever so slightly.

"Bella..."

He was warm and he was comfort. His touch was like calm in the storm. Like if I just held my breath, we might stay this way. Close.

"Yeah, she's just had a bit too much to drink. I've got her, Chief." Angela said in her sarcastic, mind-your-own-fucking-business tone of voice.

"Bella doesn't drink."

"Sorry...and you are?" Ang retorted, hand on her hip. Her other arm was wrapped firmly around my waist, holding me steady.

"I'm Edward."

"Oh so he's the fucker..." she mumbled to me.

Angela...

"Excuse me?"

"Nice to meet you Wardo, but we gotta run. Hope all your future std tests run negative. Peace out cub scout." she winked at him and blew a kiss at Tanya, successfully locking me to her hip and making her way quickly and easily through the crowd.

I could hear Alice following behind us.

"Angie that was awesome! I seriously love you. Hey...where are we going?"

Angela didn't answer, she simply asked me for my keys. She knew what was going on. She'd done this before.

I berated myself in my head. If only I hadn't been so careless. I wouldn't be embarrassing myself right now.

I could feel the cool air from the parking lot hit my face as we left through the front doors. I felt my eyes starting to get heavier and my breathing a little more shallow. My anxiety would only make this worse if I went into a panic attack. I could feel one coming on now.

I could hear Angela better than I could see her, my throat constricting as I started to panic.

"Calm down, Bella. It's alright. I've got you. Are the spares still in the glove box?"

I nodded quickly, feeling her placing me in the passenger seat, my feet hanging out the door.

"Is she okay?" Alice sounded scared.

"She's fine Alice. She just needs ...uh...she just needs these."

I heard the pill bottles rattle. How had I been so caught up that I forgot to take them for more than a day?

"Jesus..." Alice breathed. She was probably referring to the number of pills I had stocked in my glove box. I only needed my fatigue meds at the moment, but yeah...I took all of them. Twice a day every day. That was my life.

I felt Angela put the tiny pills in my hand and I immediately popped them into my mouth, swallowing them without any water.

"B-Bella...Bella what are these all for?" Alice's voice sounded tiny and frightened.

I looked at Angie, beginning to find my focus again now, my breathing starting to slow again. I shook my head at her, eyes wide. Telling her with my eyes that Alice didn't know and that I didn't want her to. Not yet.

"Anxiety. Just...allergies and anxiety thats all." Angela supplied the answer. Pretty impressive for still being pretty buzzed.

"Wow, Bella I didn't realize you were allergic to so many things!"

Oh good. I'm pretty sure Alice is buzzed too.

My breathing was beginning to come back to normal now and my vision had settled. I was glad it was only a minor panic attack. I had to get home though, drink fluids, take the rest of my meds and try to relax.

Angela looked over her shoulder and then back at me.

"We should go." she whispered. She looked again. "Edward's watching us from the door, we should go before he asks questions.

I peeked behind her and there he was, pacing in front of the door like he was in a hospital waiting room, watching us. Watching me. Tanya was nowhere in sight.

Part of me wanted to go to him. To do what, I don't know. I just wanted to go to him. But I was too tired. And I wasn't up for rejection or mind games tonight. Without a word, I slid over into the driver's side seat.

"Are you okay to drive, Bella?" asked Alice.

"Yeah, I'm alright now. Sorry for scaring you, Alice."

She still looked concerned, watching me carefully as I moved to make room for Angela. She gave Alice a hug and hopped in the car.

"Tell Rose and Emmett we said goodbye!" she said out the window.

"I will! I'll call you girls tomorrow!" she waved after us. I waved out my window, my voice stuck in my throat as I drove out of the parking lot. I watched in the rear view mirror as Edward immediately came up to Alice, leaning his head down to speak in her ear.

"Hey...you alright?" Ang asked quietly.

"Yeah...I'm just...I'm just embarrassed. I'm sorry I ruined your night. Garrett really liked you."

"Oh pleeease. I've got his phone number and he's got mine. I don't he would have let me grope him while onstage so I'm not missing out on anything."

I smiled weakly, glad she had a good time. I thought about Edward and my head hurt. Tanya...who is she? Watching her kiss his neck and hold his hand...I couldn't do it.

"Dude, you have a problem." came Angela's voice.

"W-what? With what?"

"Edward is damn fine. I mean damnn fine. I mean I could tell you were a little drool-ish over him when we talked but now...now I get it. The man is sex on legs. And I saw the way you looked at him. You have trouble on your hands."

I had to laugh at little. She was right. Edward, in all of his complexity, was the most beautiful man I'd ever seen. There was no denying that I wanted him.

Could I have him...that was the question.

"I'm just hoping the walking std he called his date tonight hasn't tainted him."

I frowned at the mention of Tanya. I didn't like the way she touched him, as if he was her possession. Angie put her hand on my arm.

"Bella, don't think about her. His eyes were only for you tonight. I barely know him and I noticed."

"Really?"

"Really."

The rest of the ride home was fairly quiet. Angela's alcohol intake had caught up with her and she was droopy eyed and sluggish by the time we got back to my place. I had to help her up the stairs and into pajamas. She barely brushed her teeth before she had passed out on the right side of my bed. She was out cold.

I picked up her clothes, folding them neatly and putting them beside her bag. My mind wasn't ready to sleep yet even though I felt like a truck had run me over.

I went into the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked a little paler than usual. I placed one hand over my chest, feeling the fleshy ridge of my scar. I said an apology to it in my head, sorry I had been so careless.

I went to the kitchen, pulling out my various medications from the drawer I had hidden them in. I took each dose I needed and drank a tall glass of water.

Returning to my room, I pulled off my bar clothes. I could smell the place on my sweater. Cigarette smoke, sweat. I cleaned up with a cool wash cloth in the bathroom, brushing my teeth and washing my face before slipping into a pair of cotton shorts and a tank top for bed.

I wondered briefly if James would be looking for me when he finished his shift. But I wondered even more what Edward said to Alice after I left.

It was late now. Almost one in the morning.

I finally laid down in my bed, smiling as I heard Angela grumble something about 'mother fuckers in the cookie jar...'

I tried closing my eyes and taking some deep breaths. Just as I thought sleep might actually come for me, I heard something down stairs.

It was knocking.

I waited for a minute, unsure I'd really heard anything.

The knocking came again.

I looked over at Angela, who hadn't flinched... a little unsure of what to do and a little startled that someone was outside my door this late. Maybe Alice forgot something.

I got up and wrapped my short, thin blue cotton robe around myself. Tip toeing over to the window I looked down trying to see who was at the door.

Holy shit.

Edward.