Chapter Four

Edward's smirk slowly disappeared from his handsome face. For a moment I saw how conflicted he was, like thinking about answering my question truly pained him.

I found myself reaching out to him by holding on to his arm. "What's going on, Edward?"

He quickly shook his head then he was his cocky self once more. "How long are you staying here for, Bella?"

Change of topic. I wondered what he was hiding and what Rosalie failed to tell me about him. Not once did she mention any of Edward's extreme changes. Whenever I asked about her family, she would say: "They're doing well, as always. They miss you a lot."

And when I called Esme, she had only lovely things to say about everything and I was happy to believe her. I had my best friend with me in college and frequently, that's all that matters.

But I felt something was off.

"Rose and I planned to stay for the whole summer, then go back one week before school starts," I answered, smiling at him. I hadn't seen the Cullens in three years because it was... It just hurt me to think about Charlie and how I would never see my dad again.

"Hey, you all right? You don't have to go there if it still hurts." I felt him kiss my forehead. Sigh. Edward almost always knew what's on my mind and if something's bothering me at all. He was usually spot on when it came to my thoughts, even back then.

He was my best friend's little brother, yes, but he and I also had a small friendship of our own. He was so sweet as a kid.

"Y'all need to go down for dinner." I jumped up in surprise at Rosalie's voice. She stood at my door with her hands on her hips and a mischievous grin on her face.

Right, dinner... with Esme and Carlisle. With Edward, sure.

I looked back at Edward who did not seem fazed at all. "Come on, baby. Time to get you fed."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. I should have come up with something better than that. But I was lame and that was all I had... I didn't want to show just how much he affected me with that one word.

Dinner was good. Like, really good. There was nothing like home-cooked meal, and Esme was the master of all cooking, baking, whatever. We talked over dinner like the old times. I was surprised to be on the receiving end of most questions, mostly from Esme and Carlisle.

Edward was quiet the whole time, except for some whispers here and there. He was so nonchalant with all the little touches, while I was hypersensitive every single time. When he held my hand under the table, that's when I truly noticed him.

The awkward thing is, how do I eat when he's holding my right hand under the table? Nobody else seemed to have noticed what's going on down there.

I eventually stopped eating. And Edward noticed this when dessert was served. I didn't even get to enjoy Esme's Mango Bravo because my hand was busy down there, just being held. It was weird, and I was afraid my hands would get sweaty out of nervousness. Rosalie, who sat across me, just gave me an odd look.

Edward finished his cake quickly and excused himself. "I gotta head out, ma."

"Edward, what did I tell you? No parties tonight. Just tonight."

Parties, as in more than one?

And why was he no longer holding my hand?

"I promised Emm I would go. Jasper expects me to be there, too."

Carlisle just gave Edward his nod of approval and he was suddenly off his chair.

"Carlisle!" Esme growled. "We should be spending our first night together as a family. Why are you condoning this? We already discussed that he would stay in tonight."

"But, ma!"

"Oooh, someone's a party animal," Rosalie teased as she picked on her cake with a fork.

Well, that didn't change. Edward and Rosalie always fought over everything just because they're brother and sister. And maybe if I had a sibling of my own, I would know... But since I didn't...

"Take Rose and Bella with you, at least," Esme said in resign.

What?

"Fine."

A/N: As always, thank you for the lovely reviews. I reply to each signed review so check your inbox.

Who's ready to see Edward in action? And what did you think of him and his hands under the table? Let me know what you think!

x Kat / mmecullen