Usual disclaimer applies.

March, 2012

~66~

Edward shakes his head slightly, disagreeing with my words. "She's never hit me Bella. Ever. She may be pathological and well, pretty horrible to live with, but she's wouldn't hit me. I still can't believe that she—"

I cut him off, the words pouring from my mouth before I can stop them. "She lied to you Edward!"

He freezes, narrowing his eyes quizzically at me. And I think I've surprised him. I mean, I haven't been to the Cullen's for almost a year. I haven't seen Esme, or hung out with Edward. How should I know if she is lying to him?

But when his face smooths out again, and he gives a brief nod, I can tell that he has accepted the fact that I know something, something big. But he's still doesn't back down. "Whatever it is, it doesn't matter right now. We need to get you some ice. Your cheek is already swelling."

I roll my eyes because this is the way Edward has always been. Overprotective and over-reactive.

I guess some things never change.

Edward quickly leaves the truck and, walking hastily, heads to the small guest house that sits on the Cullen's property. I wouldn't have wanted to enter the main house with Esme in it either. And I'm surprised she hasn't come out yet, screaming like a banshee, demanding Edward not talk to me. Perhaps she has already given up. Thinks we drove off into the sunset.

After all, the woman is certifiable.

I use the few moments that Edward is away to compose myself. Looking at the vanity mirror, I swipe under my eyes at the mascara that has collected there and brush my fingers through my wayward hair, pulling it back into a ponytail. Finally, I close my eyes, trying to regain some of my inner strength.

I jump when Edward opens the passenger door.

He presses a cloth to my cheek, and the cooling sensation of the ice it contains instantly helps relieve the burning pain. I life my hand up to me cheek to hold it against me, and Edward lets his hand fall back into his lap.

"Better?" His eyes are wide with concern, yet hopeful that his small action may have helped me. I nod my head and Edward looks slightly relieved. He leans back in his seat, hands behind his head, and stares out of the windshield, lost in thought.

"Remember Bella, when you first got this truck? I hated it. The only thing I liked was the fact that it couldn't go over forty miles an hour. And in an accident, I don't think anyone could even dent this monster." He chuckles.

My lips turn up in a smile too. Yeah, Edward hated the fact that my truck could break down at any minute, leaving me stranded on the highway. I always had to remind him that I owned and carried a cell phone...

And I suddenly feel anger at Edward. It's just been so long since then. So much has changed. And thinking back, I was such a kid back then, just a girl with no cares. I miss those times and I'm hurt that Edward is bringing them up now, not even acknowledging all that has changed since then. Pretending like this isn't the first time we've really spoken in almost a year.

He really has no right to bring up the past.

So I ignore his comment and fight down the hurt I feel at his nonchalance with those precious, past memories. Taking a deep breath, I say what I came here to say.

"Edward, the reason I wanted to talk to you is because my dad found some things out…well, details on the affair," He nods mutely, looking slightly sick. "And he also got a paternity test taken."

At this, Edward grabs my knee, alarmed at the direction I've taken the conversation. His hand is shaking slightly, and his face has darkened. He looks physically ill.

"Don't, Bella." he rasps, his voice trembling and small. The panicked expression he carries seems to worsen every second, and his hand tightens ever so slightly. Does he think I'm about to confirm his mother's suspicions? Didn't he already fully believe her lie?

"Edward!" My eyes are wide, my body stiff. I'm alarmed at his reaction, at the physical manifestation of his emotions. "Edward. It's alright. I'm not your sister. The results showed that Charlie is really my dad." My voice breaks at the last sentence, because the fact that Charlie is my dad means more to me than anything.

Edward lets out a foreign, unrecognizable sound and I suddenly find myself engulfed in his arms.

A/N:...So there you have it. Thoughts?

Have a great day everyone!