Disclaimer: Twilight and characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.

People have claimed to be more mature than their actual age. They believed they were wise beyond their years. Edward was a somewhat rational person, but he was still young. He was still a boy turning into a man. His rationality was skewed, but he seemed to feel that he was acting sensibly. He didn't understand that people can take a lifetime of study. Nothing was simple.

Edward was also extremely stubborn. This was the first real 'grownup' relationship he had ever been in. He didn't know how to sort through his emotions. The lines were a blur.

He could see Jacob seething nearby. It only spurred Edward on. How dare he act protective of Bella? What right did he have?

"Your boyfriend seems to think I'm being unpleasant to you — he's debating whether or not to come break up our fight."

"Don't be a dick, Edward."

"What? It's pretty obvious he is over there waiting for me to mess up so he can try and interfere. More likely waiting for me to piss you off enough so you go running to him for comfort. Don't you find this whole thing a little cliché?"

It had been a full twenty-four hours since Bella and Edward had spoken after he saw her leaving her classroom with Jacob… for the first time. Edward had planned on not taking her calls, but he didn't need to bother. She hadn't called.

"You came here with the attitude. It's written all over your face and body language. He's just being a good friend." Bella made sure to emphasize the word friend. She may have been pissed off, but she wasn't stupid.

It started to rain lightly and Bella couldn't help but to think back to another time when she stood in the woods, in the rain, saying goodbye to Edward. Was this another goodbye?

"He's over there pacing like a wild animal."

Jacob was just a few feet away. He was just out of earshot to give Bella space like she requested, but he refused to let her out of eyesight. He didn't like how aggressive Edward appeared. As soon as Edward approached them, almost the same as yesterday, he knew something was wrong. Bella hadn't been her usual jovial self in class, so he had gone out of his way to crack silly jokes to try and cheer her up. When they exited the building, Edward had been there waiting.

"What do you expect? You're pretty much vibrating with anger." Bella didn't mention the fact that it looked like he hadn't slept or showered. It wouldn't have been too noticeable if she hadn't known him so well. He was still too pretty, in her opinion. She probably looked worse. She'd spent the morning crying and had practically no sleep as well.

"Well, let me see. Maybe it's because I am angry." Edward knew he was being snotty, but he was too hopped up on adrenaline to care.

"Can we please go back to my apartment to talk about this? We are in a public place. It's not appropriate." There really weren't that many people around and they were both keeping their voices down, but she still felt queasy with the idea that people might know. She never felt comfortable being the center of attention.

"Sure, but don't forget to invite Jacob. God forbid you do anything without him."

"Now you are just being rude. I can't talk to you when you are being this way."

Edward coughed out a laugh. "Bella, right now I think I am done talking. It was nice seeing you and all, but I see that you are busy. I don't want to bother you or make a hassle for you in public. It wouldn't be appropriate, you know, with your friend hovering on the sidelines."

Bella reached over to touch Edward's jacket but he backed up out of reach. "Don't do this, Edward. You're being immature."

Edward shook his head from side to side and then looked her in the eyes. "Bella, you haven't said one nice thing to me since you saw me. You haven't called. You haven't done anything. Maybe I'll see you around."

Edward turned and walked away. Bella didn't call out for him this time. She knew he wouldn't respond. She wanted to run after him but couldn't find the strength or the courage. She hated herself for being such a chicken.

"Are you ok?" Jacob asked as he watched Edward storm off.

Jacob's concern only made her feel worse. It shouldn't, but it was just like Edward said. Jacob was right there ready to comfort her and it made her feel like shit.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Listen, I have to take off. I'll see you in class next week…" Bella didn't wait for him to reply. She was already too broken up about the Edward situation. He was only being a friend and he had waited to make sure she was alright. She didn't have it in her to care.

Alice was at their apartment when Bella arrived. Bella found her in her room messing with her laptop. Alice looked up when she noticed someone in the room.

"So, how are things? Have you heard from him yet?" Alice asked.

"It was like déjà vu all over again," Bella replied.

"What?"

"Yeah, I walked out of class and he was waiting for me. Just like yesterday. He was so mad… I just… I don't know."

Alice waited for Bella to continue. Bella let out a sigh and tried to sum up their conversation as best as she could. She thought back to how she called him a dick, and rude, and immature. He was right, but wasn't she justified?

"Maybe I wouldn't feel so bad if I would have thrown in an I miss you or something," Bella confessed.

Alice closed her laptop and sat up. "We're going out tonight. Edward is supposed to be there. You guys need to talk."

"Alice, that is the opposite of a good idea. He was really pissed off. Maybe he just needs time?"

"You should call him at least. I don't think you are in the wrong, but you guys need to talk. Both of you are giving me a headache."

Bella tried calling him. Twice. He didn't answer and she didn't know what to say to his voicemail so she hung up instead. After sitting on the edge of her bed for too long she decided to listen to Alice. They did need to talk. She was going to take the chance that she would see him there.

The diner was pretty busy for a week night. A game had let out and people had bustled in afterwards. When Alice and Bella entered they had to squeeze their way through to the back towards their friends. Alice had called Rosalie in advance to find out where they were sitting. She also secretly texted to find out if Edward was there. Alice received a yes and a frowny face as a response.

Bella spotted Edward right before they hit the table. He was sitting rather close to another female. He no longer looked pissed off. He no longer looked upset. He looked casual. He was also so deep in conversation with said female that he didn't notice her approach.

It was customary for Bella to sit next to him; after all, he was her boyfriend. She felt it was show time.

"Hey, Edward," Bella greeted.

Edward immediately looked up. He was shocked to find her out. He was more shocked to find her so laid-back. "Hey, Bella."

Bella stood for another second. Her stomach turned in knots when she noticed he didn't offer her a seat… or move to get up.

Bella had tried to act nonchalant, but that second was too long. It was too much. She couldn't handle the noise, the people, or the situation. She turned and walked towards the exit.

Edward excused himself and followed her out. "Bella! Where are you going?"

"Home," she called back. There were people in the parking lot, so she worked extra hard to keep her voice even.

"You just got here."

Bella stopped her retreat and waited for him to catch up. They were on the sidewalk a little ways from the diner.

"I came here tonight to find you. I wanted to talk to you. I get here… and… I don't know. What the hell is going on? You seemed so upset this afternoon and then I see you here… you're with another girl… you seem completely fine. I just don't get you!"

Edward smirked. "You're quite adorable when you're jealous. It's surprisingly enjoyable."

"Don't. Don't do this. I'm not jealous. I'm hurt."

"Alright," Edward said, lowering his guard and the smirk disappeared. "Believe it or not, that chick and I were just talking. About some douche I know. I guess she wanted my opinion about him or something. I just don't understand why you're upset, I mean, we were just talking. However, you have been hanging out with a guy that tried to pick you up at a bar. Are you admitting that maybe I was right in my assessment?"

"I hope you weren't talking to her just to piss me off."

"Wow, when did you get so egotistical?"

Edward and Bella just stood there for a moment. Bella was tired. She was tired of the bullshit. They were just being hurtful at this point.

"I'm going home, Edward."

"Where does this leave us, Bella?"

"I don't know. I guess nowhere. I'm too tired to do this right now."

Edward bobbed his head a little and then ran his fingers through his hair. He was taking her words too literal. He focused on the underlying meaning.

He didn't say anything when she turned and walked away. He didn't call her later when he got home. He didn't answer his phone when she called the next day.

He was tired too. He was confused and broken.

I like Deer Tick - Beautiful Girls for this chapter. Jessica0306 liked Mumford and Sons - Little Lion Man. I agree with her only because she is the master beta.

I am sorry for the delay. I HATE waiting for updates, so I know I am an ass.

Thanks to my followers and the lovely people who review.