Chapter 23

BPOV

I awoke this morning to the sun blasting in through Edward's glass walls.

"Good morning gorgeous" I looked to my side to see Edward playing lightly with my hair and humming a tune that I had never heard before.

I bundled myself deeper under the covers, planning on staying here all day.

"Come on love, time to get up."

"No, I don't want to, I want to stay in bed with you all day." I whined letting my inner three year old come out.

"Come on baby, remember our conversation last night about finding balance, well this is our chance. Our friends and family are down there and I think that we should join them."

I knew that he was right, but it didn't mean that I had to like it. "Fine, I'm going to take a shower then." He gave me my favorite sideways grin and I knew that my decision had made him happy.

I walked into the bathroom and started the water, I turned all of the jets on and once I stepped in, the hot water and steam began to soothe my stiff and still somewhat sore muscles. I even was noticing a change in my attitude; I was feeling much more relaxed when I heard the bathroom door open and close again. I was wondering if Edward had intended on joining me when I felt the draft from the shower door opening.

"Do you mind love?" He asked while wrapping his arms around me.

"Mmm, not at all" and I reached up to get my morning kiss.

His kisses began intensifying and very soon we were both extremely aroused; "This is what I meant by balance, time for just us and then time for us to join the world." I could hardly argue with this logic.

We made love while in the shower, it was passionate and it was needy; I knew that I would never be able to get enough of him.

Before long the water began running cold and we had to finish our showers and get dressed.

He stepped out of the shower and grabbed two fluffy towels; He wrapped the first around his narrow hips and handed me the second.

I stepped out and was instantly shivering.

He started drying me off, trying to help warm my skin. Once dry I was only slightly warmer. I walked out and went to my overnight bag, hoping that I had packed something warmer than t-shirts to wear. Damn no such luck.

He walked into his closet and pulled out a black hoodie with the New York skyline printed on it; underneath it said Julliard.

"Here put this on love." I took the shirt gratefully, once I pulled it on I went to look in the mirror to make sure that I was presentable. I got a good look at the shirt, I don't know why but I loved wearing this, it made me like I was wearing a part of him.

"That looks great on you" He said his eyes darkening somewhat; "Keep it."

"Edward, I can't, this is from your time at school, it's a part of your past."

"Bella, it's a shirt, but I love the way that it looks on you, please keep it."

"Ok," I agree. I had always heard that guys loved seeing girls in their clothes, I guess that there is something to it.

After I pulled my hair into it's trademark messy ponytail, we left the sanctuary of his room. I hated to, but I knew that he was right, it was time that we let others into our world.

We made our way into the family room and everyone was already up and seemed to be enjoying the conversation.

"Morning Bells" Jake said once he saw us. "Morning Jake" I answered in response.

"You two certainly look well… uh rested" Emmett bellowed.

"Emmett" Edward and Rosalie yelled at the same time.

"We're so glad that you joined us." Alice said while hugging me; It made me feel bad, I guess that we had become really exclusive and I swore to make more time for my friends.

"So what does everyone want to do today?" Alice asked, I guess that she was the self-appointed social director.

Nobody jumped to answer, I really didn't care, as long as I was with Edward, I would agree to just about anything.

"How about we all go to the diner and get breakfast, Bella didn't eat much last night and she needs food." Edward suggested.

"I'm fine Edward really" I said not wanting to disrupt any plans that someone else might have. The truth was though that I was starving.

"Food sounds great" Emmett and Jacob both said.

Jacob had a little worried look on his face and I immediately understood. Jake is like me, he doesn't come from money and what he gets he spends working on his car and taking Nessie out.

"Hey Jake, can you come here, I want to show you something." I wanted to take him away from the group so that I could help him.

"Sure Bells" He said following me up to Edward's room. I went in my bag and handed him my debit card.

"Thanks Bella, I really appreciate it" He said hugging me. "I also want to tell you how happy I am that you met Edward, he seems like a great guy, with a great family and he obviously loves you." "I approve."

"Aww thanks Jake that means a lot to me." I tell him. "Now let's get back downstairs before they send out a search party."

Once we were downstairs, I walked over to join Edward in the recliner, he pulled me down onto his lap and he was positively beaming.

"I know what you did" He whispered "You're such a good friend."

"How did you know?" I wanted to make sure that nobody else knew, I wouldn't have Jake and Nessie embarrassed.

"Bella, I'm good at reading people and I saw that panicked look on his face when I mentioned going out to eat." "I had already decided that I was paying for everyone."

"Thanks but I can't let you do that" I told him.

"Bella, he's important to you, so by default he's important to me too." "Plus I owe him for being there for you before I could be."

I felt the tears stinging my eyes and I once again pondered how I had managed to get so lucky.

"Don't cry baby" He said tilting my head back so that he could give me a sweet kiss.

"Ok you two break it up, Christ didn't you two get enough last night?" Emmet said.

OK I have had it with Emmett and his innuendo, so I decided to shut him up. "Emmett there is no such thing as enough." I said. The look on his face was priceless, part shocked and part impressed. Edward was chuckling behind me.

"Ug, Bells, TMI, TMI." Jacob said, "Remember we used to make mud-pies together, I don't need those mental pictures."

"Mud pies Bella, honestly didn't that ruin your clothes?" Alice asked.

I just rolled my eyes at her.

"I bet she was an adorable little girl." Edward said

"She was, I think when we were five I told her that I was going to marry her one day." Jacob said.

"OH Ok enough about Bella's childhood please." I begged.

"Edward, I think that Charlie has videos, you should ask to see them." Jacob said.

"Oh little Bella footage, I want to see this." Rosalie said.

"What the hell? Is this gang up on Bella day?" I asked.

"I would love to see them love, but only if you say that I can." Edward said soothingly.

"We'll see." I said.

After that discussion ended we all headed out to go to the diner; Edward invited Jacob and Nessie to ride with us and Alice and Jasper asked Angela and Ben to ride with them.

We arrived at the diner and had all placed our orders, I was really looking forward to some French toast, when Clara our server came up to me and asked me if I had heard about the arrests last night.

"Uh-huh" I answered "What happened?"

"Well, apparently your dad pulled over a car with four highschoolers in it and they were all drunk, and two of them in back were also charged with indecent exposure."

"That's terrible" I tried to say with some seriousness, but unfortunately both Angela and Alice broke out in laughter at the same time and the others followed. I reached over and gave Alice a high five; Clara looked really confused.

"So, now that Halloween is over, I guess it's time to start thinking about Christmas shopping." Alice said.

"Alice, don't you think that you should at least wait until Thanksgiving to worry about that?" I asked.

"Well I need to have my lists made out way in advance, so I can plan for optimum Black Friday shopping.

Edward, Jasper and Emmett all began groaning in protest at the same time.

"Hey, that gives me a great idea, why doesn't everyone plan on coming to our house for Thanksgiving dinner and we can all have another sleepover and go shopping together the next morning."

"Umm, don't you think you should ask your parents about that before inviting us all over?" I asked.

"They won't care, that will give mom more of a chance to show off her amazing culinary skills."

I was absolutely all for another sleepover, but the shopping not so much.

"Well, Charlie is going to be working so I was going to cook for him and the guys at the station." I said.

"Mom, will be happy to do it love and then you and I can take it to them." Edward said.

"I hate to impose" "Bella, haven't you figured out yet, you're family now, you could never impose." Edward said.

Alice and Emmett agreed quickly and even Jasper and Rose chimed in to say that it was true.

Jacob and Nessie said that we could count them in, Nessie seemed really excited about the possibility of shopping with Alice and Rose; Ben and Angela both said that they would have to ask their parents but would let me know as soon as possible, so that I could relay it to the Cullen's.

Alice then took her phone and programmed her number into it, so that she could call her herself.

After we were all stuffed, true to his word Edward paid the check and we piled up in the cars and headed back to the Cullen's we had decided to have a movie day.

We were all on our way downstairs to pick out movies when we noticed Carlisle and Esme sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee.

"Hey kids, where have you been?" Esme asked.

Alice told her that we had all been to breakfast and explained about the invitations to everyone on Thanksgiving and even told her about needing to cook for Charlie and the officers that would be on duty that night.

"That will be wonderful. I have also invited the Denali's, I don't know if they will be coming or not though", and she even suggested that everyone invite their family also.

"Wow, you weren't kidding were you?" I asked. "I told you so love." Edward responded.

Now everyone was excited about Thanksgiving, Alice suggested working on shopping lists, but everyone else wanted to watch movies.

"What are we watching?" Rose asked. The arguments then ensued.

We decided that the girls would choose one first and then the guys had their turn. We all decided on Steel Magnolia's and the guys choice was Hall Pass.

I fell asleep in Edward's arms half way through the first movie and slept through most of the second movie.

After they were both over, I knew that it was time for me to be heading home. I wanted to cook dinner for Charlie tonight.

Angela and Ben were the first to leave and Jacob and Nessie quickly followed.

I went upstairs to gather my things from Edward's room and broke into tears.

"Oh baby, what's the matter?" Edward asked concerned.

"I don't want to leave you or your family" I said through my sobs.

"I know love and we don't want you to go either, shh I will be there tonight." He told me trying to comfort me.

"I know, it's just I'm sorry, I don't want you to feel bad." "It just feels like every time we get to spend this much time together, I feel like I'm being ripped in two every time I have to leave."

Edward sat down on the bed and pulled me into his lap; "Bella, do you think that we need to slow things down?" and I panicked.

"No, no, please no." I wailed

"Ok sweetheart ok, It's not what I want, I just thought that it might be what you need." He explained.

"No God no" I need more time with you not less.

"Whatever you need baby, it's yours." He cooed while stroking my hair.

"I've got to go" I said dejectedly "I know baby, I will be there before you know it."

He grabbed my bags and led the way downstairs, my eyes were still red and swollen from my meltdown and I was embarrassed, but I wanted to say goodbye to everyone and thank them for everything.

I made the rounds and finally reached Alice and Jasper curled up together on the couch and I began to fight the tears again.

Alice stood up to hug me and whispered to me "Be patient sweetie, it's all going to work out, I just know it."

Jasper got up and hugged me too; and told me "I know how you feel Bella, but it does get easier, I promise." For some reason I felt better after talking with Jasper.

Edward walked me out to my truck and took me in his arms; "I'll figure out something baby, I swear to you that I don't like this anymore than you do."

We spent a few minutes outside kissing and holding each other, pouring as much love as possible into every kiss.

It was beginning to get dark and I knew that I needed to leave so I reluctantly pulled away and got in my truck, cranked it and drove away leaving my heart behind.

About ten minutes later I pulled into the driveway and saw the cruiser there.

"Hey Bells, have a good time?" Charlie asked as I walked in.

"I really did dad" I said with a small smile; he seemed to be looking strangely "What's the matter baby?" I could tell that he was concerned.

"Nothing, I'm fine dad." "Did you and Edward have a fight?" He wasn't going to let this go. "No dad, of course not." "Is he pressuring you for something? Something that you're not ready for maybe." I could tell by the look on his face that this was not a conversation he really wanted to have.

"God dad, no, he would never do that." "Ok Bells, I'll drop it, but if you want to talk, I'm here, Ok."

"Thanks dad, but I'm fine." I hoped that I sounded convincing, I just didn't know how to tell him that I love him, but I really want to move in with the Cullens, it's not like they have asked me anyway.

"What do you want for dinner dad?" "There's fish in the freezer if you want to cook that." He said. Of course there is.

I decided instead on spaghetti, salad and garlic bread. Seriously if I never see a fish again, I would be fine with it.

After dinner once I was through cleaning the kitchen, I told dad that I had homework and I was going upstairs to do it and then probably go to bed. I wasn't sleepy at all, due to my excellent nap, but I just needed some space right now.

I turned on my Ipod and laid down on my bed, trying to figure out why I reacted the way that I did today; I had my phone out and was thinking about texting Edward, when I got a message;

Are you ok?

E

I'm OK, laying in bed listening to some music.

B

On my way.

E

Good! J

Love You

B

Love you too, see you in a few.

E

I had changed out of my jeans and put on some pajama bottoms, not willing to give up my Julliard shirt yet. I knew that I was going to have to wash it sometime, but not today.

I went into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth, by the time that I was back he was already on my bed. He must not have been kidding when he said that he was on the way.

I rushed into his open arms like I hadn't seen him in months instead of hours.

A few minutes later the house phone rang and Charlie answered.

"Bells, are you still up?" I heard him calling out.

I jumped up and met him in the hall, closing the door behind me.

"I have to go into the station, one of my officers just called in sick. I had to be there in the morning, so I won't be back until tomorrow evening." "Will you be ok, or do you want me to drop you by the Cullen's on the way?"

"Give me a minute dad, let me call Alice and see if it's ok for me to come over," "What time do you have to be at the station?" "I have about an hour". He told me. "Ok dad, I'll be down in a few."

I slipped back in my room and Edward was already up and putting his shoes and jacket back on. "Excellent, I'll see you in a little while, ok love?" "Would you rather leave and come back here when he leaves, we could have the house to ourselves?" I ask.

"No, that's ok, if you stay here, he'll probably patrol by and I don't want him to see my car."

He kissed me quickly and took off out of my window.

I stayed in my sleep pants and hoodie and packed everything that I would need for school the next day and went downstairs and told Charlie that I was ready to go.

"You look a little happier then last time I saw you Bells." He said chuckling but then got serious. "I love you baby, I just don't want to see you hurt, ok?"

"I love you too dad, don't worry, I won't be."

Twenty minutes later, we were pulling up the very familiar mile long drive. The door was open before we even made it to the porch and I saw those gorgeous green eyes, it felt like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I knew that it would be back tomorrow, but for tonight I refused to think about it.

"Hey Charlie" Edward said while taking my bag and my backpack from me.

"Edward" dad said while shaking Edward's hand; "Tell your parents I said thanks for letting her come back so soon." "I worry about her when I have to leave her alone overnight"

"It's no problem, my parents consider her another a part of the family." "I'm going to go put these in your room, ok? Mom and dad are in the kitchen."

"Good night Charlie, thanks for bringing her over."

"Night Edward" "I trust that you will be in school tomorrow" He said looking at me.

"Yeah dad, I'll be there. Don't worry." "Well I'd better go then, night Bells."

"Night dad, I love you."

I had barely closed the door when he attacked me, picking me up and carrying me to his room. "Nobody's here right now, you're all mine for the night."

"Where is everybody?" "Alice and Emmett are at the Hale's and Dad is at the hospital and mom is on her way to Seattle." He grinned.

"Shit Edward, what if he had wanted to come in and talk to your parents?"

"Then they would have just conveniently gone to bed." I guess.

"Now to bed with you, I have to have you at school in the morning."

"I'll go to bed if you'll come with me." I said.

"Bella, I'd love to come with you" He said not even trying to hide the innuendo.

Of course we made love again that night, but he didn't try to prolong it, he was serious about me going to sleep.

The next thing that I knew the alarm clock was screeching at me and I tried to ignore it. "Come on Bella" "It's time to get up."

"You're much too chipper in the mornings." I grumbled.

"Only on mornings that I wake up with you in my arms." He said while kissing me on the forehead.

"Go get a shower, I'm going to start coffee and make you breakfast."

"Edward you don't have to do that."

"Yes I do, you're in my care and I say that you're going to have breakfast before you leave."

"Yes master" "Hmm, I think that I like hearing you say that a little too much."

"Don't start something you can't finish" I warn.

"Oh, I can finish, but not this morning, if you're late for school Charlie would have my head, and I'm not sure which one he would go for."

A few minutes later I was showered and dressed in a not really Alice approved outfit, but I didn't have time for all the coordinating that would have taken last night.

I made my way downstairs and into the kitchen where Edward was putting the finishing touches on breakfast. Yum, scrambled eggs with cheese, toast, bacon, OJ and coffee.

"Damn, this looks amazing, I may have to keep you around after all." I teased.

"Oh I see, using me for my mad cooking skills are you?" "Yep, how did you know?"

Once I finished my amazing breakfast I tried to clean the kitchen, but he wouldn't let me. "Don't even think about it Swan, go get your things, it's time for school."

I went and picked up my backpack and my bag, I told Edward that I would just leave it in his car until he picked me up this afternoon.

Fifteen minutes later we were pulling up to the school and he resumed his daily routine of insisting that I stay put until he pulls up to the door.

He kissed me lovingly, told me that he loves me and that he would see me this afternoon.

The day passed without incident and I was relieved that the gossip seemed to have switched it's focus from me and onto Jessica, Lauren, Mike and Tyler. Dad had said that they would be incarcerated until tomorrow evening.

The following day unfolded pretty much in the same fashion; and the day after that, even though everyone was back in school, they pretty much left me alone. I wonder what Charlie had said to them?

Life had finally started to fall into the same, comfortable routine, Edward would pick me up for school and he would take me home after even though he had lessons to teach in the afternoons, as soon as he was through he would either come over to our house for dinner and a movie or take me to his house for the same. Charlie was not crazy about us going out on school nights, but had relaxed the curfew on weekends. A couple of times Alice had asked if I could spend the weekend and he didn't even give us a hard time. Alice pretty much has him wrapped around her little finger though and I'm pretty grateful for that.

Every weekend he tried to make sure that we did normal date things instead of staying holed up in his room.

We went to Port Angeles for dinner and movies a lot, we went to Seattle a couple of times for concerts. He was even able to get me focused enough to give me a few piano lessons, Charlie was thrilled when he would catch me practicing at home.

I was still suffering from separation anxiety after spending nights and weekends with him, but he was still coming at night to stay with me until I was asleep. I had not had a meltdown, since that first Sunday.

Even our sex life was becoming more controlled. We always made time for each other and we would never go too long without each other, so we didn't give ourselves a chance to fall back to our uncontrollable desperation. We had learned each others bodies so well, we always knew what the other needed; and things were never boring. We had both discovered that as far as sex goes, we both had a wild side that needed attention; Neither one of us were ashamed to discuss things that we were interested in trying we were a perfect match.

Before I knew it it was the Thanksgiving week; and I was going to be staying with the Cullen's from Wednesday night until Sunday. Charlie had several people on vacation and would be picking up a lot of extra shifts to compensate. He was actually grateful that I was so welcome there.

I wonder how grateful he would be if he knew that Edward had started making room in his closet and drawers for my things. Oh well what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him, or so I thought.

A/N

First of all, sorry for the cliffy but the chapter was getting kind of long.

Second, sorry about the lack of lemons here, I had one written but there was a lot to cover in this chapter and something had to go; I had even written a Jacob and Nessie lemon, but it wound up on the cutting room floor also.

Third of all, I'm pretty sure that the Denali's will be making an appearance in the next chapter. So I'm wondering, Should Tanya be sweet as can be, and possibly be a good friend to Bella, which if my memory serves, I don't think that I have ever read, or should we say hello to Tanya the bitch? I would love some input here. For the record they will be cousins to the Cullin's. If that helps make your decision.

And of course, you guessed it my name is not Stephanie Meyer and I own none of this.