A/N: Another chapter, just for you guys. I know it's been a while but being an A level student and a weekend worker is a bit of a struggle. I promise to update as often as I can.

Song for this Chapter : Gravity by Sara Bareilles

Chapter 6

The rest of my first week in Forks wasn't as eventful. Today is Saturday and it is also, so far, the first day Charlie and I haven't argued about my condition. He was treating me like glass. 'Bells, I'll cook, you shouldn't be standing for too long.' 'Bells let me carry that.' It was nonstop. I was tempted to ring Carlisle to see if he would come and talk some doctor sense into my father. I mean, he's been around a pregnant woman before, I'm sure he didn't irritate mom this much. Maybe she can talk to him.

Anyway, today I was sneaking out. I felt like a teenager again, tip toeing to the back door before bolting out of it, truck keys in hand. I hope the thing still runs; after all I'm not driving the cop car. Luckily, I managed to hop in the truck without being spotted. I had left Charlie in front of the TV, so I doubt he will even notice I'm missing.

The drive to the supermarket was loud. I had gotten used to the sound of my silent Ford or Edward's Volvo. I cranked the ancient radio up to the fullest as I continued down the dusty roads of Forks.

Luck stayed with me as I arrived at the small supermarket on the outskirts of town, as I was able to park at the front. My feet have been achy recently so I would have to make this trip quick. I grabbed a trolley and happily made my way into the store.

I made my way through the first aisle; all the healthy stuff. Recently I have gone off anything that included vitamins and have been eating anything with sugar. I decided to pick up a few items of 'healthy' for dad; need to look after that heart of his.

I continued to through the aisles. Mmm, doughnuts. Chocolate. I had to practically drag myself from the sweets aisle or I would have spent the whole budget on sugar. As I idly pushed my trolley down each aisle, I softly stroked my stomach.

I can't wait until the baby started to move; Mom told me it is the most brilliant feeling in her life, to feel those flutters. I had burst into tears when mom had shown me a picture of her and Dad, smiling happily at the camera while caressing her baby bump. I wouldn't have that moment. There will be no pictures of Edward and me, him with his ear over my large bump while I ran my fingers through his hair. I would dream of these moments, dream that Edward looked at me with adoration gleaming in her green orbs.

But I couldn't let it happen.

I knew without a doubt that Edward will be an amazing father; after all he didn't become a teacher for the pay check. That was the thing I adored about Edward, he loves kids. Another reason I won't allow him to know this one, ours. Because in ten, twenty years when he remembers he has a child with me, when he sees them grown up, working; it will rip him apart knowing he forgot about us. That he left his own child without a father. I am doing this for him. For Edward. I know he is hurting now but he'll get over it. He'll meet another Tanya and forget all about me again.

And if I let him in, to lose him, again, the hurt will probably kill me.

CRASH

"Oh my god, I'm ever so sorry. I didn't mean to..." As I looked up, my rant cut off. There before me, in a gorgeous blue sweater, his hair manic as ever, was Edward.

"B...Bella?" He stuttered as his eyes locked with mine. Crap. What should I do? Should I continue on like I didn't see him? Should I run the other way? Or should I tough it out? I didn't have much time to think as I was scooped up into his strong arms, crushed tightly to his chest. "I thought I would never see you again. God, I've missed you." he whispered into my ear; his lip so close I could practically feel them brush against my ears as he spoke. I chose not to fuss; after all I was in Edward's arms after so long, it felt great.

Finally he set me down on my feet, holding onto my shoulders as if I would bolt. He didn't say anything, just stared at me, drinking in my appearance.

"I've missed you so much Bella." He said again, his hand rising slowly to caress my cheek. I stood frozen as my brain told me to run but my body melted into his gentle touch.

"Edward? There you are I've been looking all over for..." Esme's motherly voice instantly cut as she noticed my presence. She quickly threw her items into the trolley before bounding into me, wrapping me in her tight embrace, breaking me out of Edward spell.

"Oh Bella, darling. I've been so worried. You should have contacted us." Esme cooed into my ear, making me feel awful for not telling my 'second' mother I was home.

"I'm sorry, I begged Alice not to tell anyone I was home." I whispered before pulling away to look at her beautiful face. "Forgive me." I pleaded as I saw the sadness flood her eyes. She glanced back at Edward who was standing close, his brow furrowed and his hands shoved into his pockets.

"Of course dear, I understand completely." She told me once she had turned to face me. "Now tell me how you've been?" She placed a caring hand over my stomach which was only slightly raised.

"I've been fine. Morning sickness isn't as bad as it has been. Charlie has been crazy; I had to practically sneak out of the house because 'in my condition I should be relaxing.' I swear I nearly reached for one of his guns. And don't get me started on Alice. She took me shopping the other day. I'm telling you Esme, this baby will have to be changed four times a day with the amount of clothes I have at the house. I mean, they will only get dirty so why bother with designer?" Once I had finished, I remembered Edward's presence. Esme was giggling, her face alight with happiness where as Edward's was full of sadness and longing. Hurt was so powerful in Edward's eyes as he stared at my stomach, nearly knocked me to the ground. When I met his eyes, he quickly looked away, looking at anything but me.

"Bella dear, you must come to dinner tonight." I fumbled for an excuse. I loved the Cullen's dearly however I couldn't spend a whole evening with Edward staring at me and Emmett's comments.

"Esme I can't." With my eyes I begged her to understand. She shook her head at me before turning to face Edward.

"Edward honey, can you go and get me something for dessert." He looked at Esme confused before his eyes glanced over me.

"Sure." He mumbled, his head dropping to watch the floor before he shuffled off.

"Now, why can't you indulge an old lady and come for dinner?" Esme scolded me for turning down her offer.

"Esme you're not old. Fifty is not old. And you know why I can't come for dinner." Esme tutted at me as she placed her fragile hands upon my shoulders.

"Honey, I'm going to be a grandma, I've accepted the fact that I am old. Anyway, do not let Edward stop you from spending time with your family." I know I shouldn't hide from Edward, but I also couldn't be around him without feeling the sting of his rejection.

"Esme, I can't." I was practically begging with her. "I don't want to cause problems between you and Edward." I know how close Edward and Esme were; typical mother's boy Edward is.

"Bella please. One night is all I'm asking." I sighed; I was not going to get out of this one.

"One night?" I queried. She nodded, excitement glowing in her eyes. "Fine. Only one night." She practically bounced with joy.

"Oh, Bella, Thank you. I'll see you tonight at six." By now Edward had returned, placing what looked like a chocolate cheese cake into their trolley. "Come on Edward, we need to grab some things for dinner tonight."

EPOV

Bella was here, in Forks, and Alice didn't tell me. I was so angry at her, no not angry furious. How could she do this to me knowing how I feel? I wanted to strangle the pixie. I can't even explain the feeling of relief and happiness that filled me when I saw Bella's beautiful face. I couldn't contain it and just had to hug her. To feel her so I knew she was real. I had dreamt about bumping into her, and planting a passionate kiss against her luscious lips. Of pulling her into my arms and never letting her go.

I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. It was so unreal. I had this morning, expressed my desire to Alice to fly to Florida and track her down. I had planned to search for her, to spend as much money needed to track her and my unborn child down. Alice had told me that she hadn't heard from Bella since that last phone call that caused me to go crazy. She had lied and that was eating at me, my own sister lied to me about the love of my life and my unborn child's whereabouts. As soon as I entered the house, I made my way to the bottom of the stairs.

"MARY ALICE, GET YOUR MEDDLING PIXIE ASS DOWN HERE NOW!" I shouted up to the second floor. I knew she was here; both hers and Jasper's cars were in the garage. Mom suddenly appeared from the garage, her arms full with paper bags.

"Edward, don't speak to your sister like that. As soon as she comes down, you apologise." It had been a long time since mom had used her motherly scolding voice. The thought of Bella's scolding voice as she told off a mini version of herself popped into my head. I had to physically shake my head to discard the thought. This was not the time.

"What's crawled up your ass?" Alice's feminine voice called as she made her way down the stairs. I had to anchor my feet so I wouldn't launch at her and slap her silly. What was she thinking?

"Guess who I just bumped into in the supermarket?" I asked through clenched teeth; having Alice before me made me even angrier. How could she do this to me?

"Hmm. Er...Jessica Stanley?" I looked at her as if too ask 'really Alice?'

"Guess again. I'll give you a hint, you lied to me." I saw her bite her bottom lip in nervousness; a habit she has copied off Bella over the years.

"Now, Edward, you need to understand, she begged me not to tell anyone. I swear I wanted to but she begged me Edward." I saw honesty in Alice's eyes however that didn't stop the hurt I felt. Was I really hurt because Alice didn't tell me or because Bella didn't want to see me that much she begged my sister to keep her whereabouts a secret from me? Had I hurt her that much? I'm a terrible person. Poor Bella.

I sunk to the last step, my hand clutching my chest as I tried to hold in the tears. She hated me that much she had to hide. The woman I love hides from me. What does that say about me?

"Edward?" Alice's small arms wrapped around me as she hugged me.

"She hates me Ally. I'm that terrible." I felt a stray tear run down my cheek.

"Now you listen to me Edward. You are not a terrible person. You are incapable of being a terrible person. You are going to be at this dinner tonight and you are going to be nothing but a gentleman. You will pull out Bella's chair, hold open doors and drive her home. You will kiss her at the end of the night and leave her feeling special. Do you hear me?" I looked up at Alice with a confused look.

"But I thought she..." Alice cut me off before I could finish.

"Bella loves you Edward. She always has and always will. She is just insecure at the moment. She needs to be loved. It will take time for her to come around but you have to be persistent Edward. Don't ever give up." Alice kissed my forehead before leaving me to think. How did I go from angry to sad in a matter of seconds? I feel like a girl.

Alice was right. Bella needs to be wooed. I love her and tonight at dinner, I am going to show her. Flowers, she loves flowers, Wildflowers in particular. That's where I will start. Flowers.

The door bell rang at five minutes to six. I could hear the sound of the chief's voice before the sound of a car leaving. I took in a deep breath before smoothing out my blue shirt and making my way down the stairs. In the hall taking off her coat, Bella stood in a beautiful blue dress that clung tightly to her figure, accenting her baby bump. She was practically glowing.

"Bella." I said breathlessly as I scrambled for something to say. "You look...gorgeous." However I was sure gorgeous was not a word strong enough to express how amazing she looked. In true Bella fashion, her cheeks glowed red as I took her coat from her, hanging it in the closet before leading her towards the living room.

Mom, Dad and the rest of the Cullen crew sat patiently around the room, watching us in warily. Mom was the first to move, standing from her place beside Dad to hug Bella. Of course once mom had moved, so did everyone else; in seconds Bella was surrounded by my whole family.

"Oh Bella, I'm so glad you came. I have to be honest and say I did expect to you to call with an excuse." Mom's happy voice broke the silence.

"I could never do that to you, Esme." Bella flashed her an amazing smile, causing my heart to skip a beat at the sight. God I missed her smile.

"Bella, it's good to know you are ok." Dad said as he also pulls Bella into a hug. "You are practically glowing." I wanted to smack my Dad silly. Trust him to make a comment on the elephant in the room, stupid doctor. I saw Bella's cheeks begin to turn red, feeling mine follow suit as the room fell silent.

"Thank you Carlisle." Bella whispered, unable to look my dad in the eye as she turns her head to look at me, her eyes burning into mine with, sadness, longing. My heart twisted at the love that she tried to hide. In that moment, I have never wanted to kiss her as much as I did now.

"Oh yeah, Eddy's gonna be a daddy. Poor Bella, having to deal with a mini Eddy. A little tip for you Bella, keep mini Eddy away from girls, that's when everything goes downhill." Once Emmett had finished, a huge smile on his face, the silence in the room was deafening. So as to not make Bella feel more comfortable, I turned and left the room, hanging my head in shame as I made my way up the stairs to my room. Slamming the door behind me before I collapsed on my sofa, head resting in my hands, resisting the urge to lash out.

Damn Emmett, Damn dad. Surely they could feel the tension in the room and I'm positive Mom had warned them about landmine subjects. I'll be sure to remind them once this tense evening is over.

It's not like I want to leave Bella to bring up my child, or even get her pregnant – not that I would change that – just the way she wouldn't let me in. Surely she can see how much I love her? She's known me for forever; more than anyone she can tell if I was lying.

I wish more than anything that I had told her how I felt when I turned up on her door step, or when I found out she was avoiding me. Hell, I wish I had told her before high school, before Tanya.

I ignored the silent knock to my bedroom door, wishing to be left alone. I sighed in relief when the knocking stopped, however the squeak of my bedroom door opening caused my anger to spike.

"I came up here to escape you guys. I didn't want you to make her feel uncomfortable. I didn't want this opportunity to see her ruined by you lot being idiots." I practically growled, not lifting my head from my hands. "I just want to be left alone for a minute; let Bella relax a bit without my ass being an unwanted distraction."

"I...I'm sorry I disturbed you, I just wanted to let you know that dinner is ready." Bella stuttered quietly from the doorway. My head snapped up, meeting her 'deer in the headlights' orbs. I sprung from the sofa, watching her flinch slightly.

"Bella, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ramble; I was just frustrated with Emmett and his big mouth." Bella gave me a small smile, nodded her head, then turned to leave me be. However she stopped after a couple of steps, turning back to face me.

"I was never uncomfortable around you Edward. I love our baby and I would love to share it with your family." Her voice was confident; I could tell she had been thinking about this for a while from her well rehearsed speech.

"It's just me you don't want." I muttered to myself, not expecting her to hear me.

"Oh Edward, I... Look at yourself, you're gorgeous and you know it. You use it to get with women. You always have. What make you think that a baby, your baby, would stop you from finding someone knew and forgetting about them? I love you Edward, I always have and always will. But I can't let our baby suffer, knowing that daddy doesn't want them as much as his latest girlfriend." I felt a stab of pain through my chest. Is that how she has always seen me?

"Bella, you know I can handle a relationship. Look at Tania. Don't punish me because of things that happened in high school. Plus, what makes you think I want anyone else but you. What have I done recently that has indicated to you that I don't want you and our baby? I love you Bella. Ever since we were sitting on that porch step at the age of five, sharing animal cookies. I love YOU Bella, yet when I tell you that you constantly turn me down." I was now right in front of her, chest to chest staring into her eyes. My hands came up to clutch her heart shaped face, holding her eyes with mine.

"I love YOU Bella." I felt the urge to lean forward and kiss her, to press my lips to hers, and I did. The electric spark that struck my lips at the softest of touches caused my whole body to shiver. Bella's small hands clutched to my shirt, pulling me closer to her.

"Bella? Edward?" Alice called followed by a gasp. At that Bella and I broke our kiss; Bella blushed furiously as I tried my hardest to look anywhere but at my sister. "Well, I guess I know what kept you. Erm, dinner's getting cold." She bit her lip to hold back a smile but she was doing a terrible job.

"Thanks Alice." I told her as I turned to face Bella, but she had already started to move towards the stairs, Alice practically bouncing behind her.

The dinner proceeded quietly. Mom had obviously set Bella beside me at the table, causing the air to be awkward between us after our steamy kiss. I sighed, why did I have such a meddling family? Every time I would glance at Bella, she would quickly look away. This followed to after dinner, as we sat together on the small sofa; Bella squashed into the arm as she tried to put as much distance between us as she could.

As soon as the movie we were watching was finished, she was on her feet and thanking everyone for a perfect evening. And hold it to Alice to practically demand that I give her a ride home. After fifteen minutes of arguing, Bella practically sulked on her way to the garage. I silently followed, a small smirk on my face, at least I would have a little while longer with her.

The silence of course continued until we were parked outside her father's house; the police cruiser place on the drive.

"Thank your mom again for dinner for me." Bella said quietly, her head bowed as she played with her hands.

"I think you just being there made her happy." I told her honestly, speaking for both my mom and myself.

"Good." Bella finally looked up at me; her chocolate eyes shy as ever. As quickly as she looked, she turned away, opening the Volvo door and exiting my car. It took my brain a few seconds to register that she was leaving. Before I knew it I was also out of my car, standing before her, my lips placed gently against hers. It wasn't for a few minutes till I pulled away, my forehead resting against hers as we breathed heavily.

"Goodnight Bella." I whispered into her hair as I placed a kiss to her forehead. I stood watching her as she made her way to the house. After I was sure she was inside and safe, I hopped back into my car and left.