Chapter 14

BPOV

We finally arrived at mom and dad's for Thanksgiving dinner, I still wasn't feeling that great.

I felt really tired still, even though I slept great in Edward's arms.

Everything about this Thanksgiving felt different.

It felt like a chore.

Emmett came out and helped bring in the pies as I carried Grayson inside.

"Happy Thanksgiving," Esme said as I stepped inside the door.

Hopefully the pies will make it to the kitchen without Emmett sneaking any bites.

"Happy Thanksgiving," I said.

"Here, let me take that cutie off your hands," Esme said.

"Thanks," I said a I put him in her hands.

"Are you doing okay, sweetheart?" she asked looking me over.

I felt uncomfortable under her gaze.

"I'm fine just a little tired," I said as Bailey ran passed us and Edward came in following Emmett.

"Yeah, the days when they're little are tiring days - but they will pass."

"Yeah they will," I said softly as Rose came in.

"Hey Bella, how are you?" she asked.

"I'm okay."

I smiled at her - Esme and Carlisle will be so excited.

I was so happy for them, and I couldn't wait to be an aunt again.

I couldn't help but feel sad that Alice wouldn't be here with us.

Jasper came in with Carlie in his arms.

"Hello darlins," he said as he smiled at me and Rose.

"Hey Jasper, how are you?" I asked.

"Doing okay...Carlie and I are adjusting."

I nodded.

"You look kind of off, B? Are things okay?" he asked.

What is with everyone? I looked perfectly fine, I knew the role I had to play.

"Yes, I wish people would stop asking."

"I didn't mean anything by it," he said as he looked at me.

"I'm sorry for snapping at you," I said as Edward came in and slipped his arms around my waist and kissed my cheek.

I couldn't help but tense up.

I missed Edward and I wanted things to get better - but his neglect has really hurt - I'm afraid to hope everything will be fine.

"Mom said that we are ready to eat," he said as he took my hand.

I nodded as he led me to the dining room.

As always everything was set up buffet style and we all made our plates and then we sat down as Carlisle offered the blessing.

Carlisle started - saying how thankful he is for his wife, kids and his grandkids and continued health.

Esme said how thankful she was for her children, her husband and her grand kids.

Emmett said how thankful he was to be alive and to have his lovely wife, and how thankful he is that they are expecting.

"What!?" Esme exclaimed.

"Rosalie and me are expecting. We didn't want to tell everyone until we were sure everything was fine," Emmett said with a huge grin on his face.

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy or was it sadness as I listened to everyone congratulate Em and Rose.

After the excitement died down, Rose said that she was grateful for Emmett and her family, and the second chance to be a mom.

Jasper went next, saying how he was grateful for the love and support of everyone and how grateful he was for Carlie.

"I'm thankful for my family. Amazing parents that raised me...my siblings. My wonderful children that make everything better and my Bella," Edward said.

"I'm thankful for my children, all of you for showing me what a real family is like, and for my Edward," I said as I looked down at my plate.

"Let's eat," Emmett exclaimed.

We all ate and the conversation flowed around the table, except between me and Edward.

I looked up to see Rosalie watching us, and I knew that she was putting it together.

She looked at me with concern and pity, I dropped my gaze, I didn't want pity - I wanted Edward.

After everyone was done eating, Rosalie and I cleared away the plates as the guys went to watch football and mom was with the kids.

"What the fuck is going on, Bella? It felt like hell froze over between you and Edward," she said as she sat down the stack of plates she had in her hands.

"Wish I knew - he's just been so distant."

"Do you guys still have sex?" she asked sounding more like Alice than ever.

"Uhhh...what?" I asked, flushing as I started putting dishes in the dishwasher.

"You heard me. Do you still have sex? I know how hot and heavy you two were."

"Not for a little while," I admitted quietly.

"Why haven't you talked to me? I'm going to kick his ass, he can't treat you like that," she said as she handed me more dishes.

"Don't say anything - it will just make it worse."

"Fine, I won't now. But know that if it doesn't get fixed, I will take care of this," she said.

"Thanks," I said quietly.

After we were finished loading the dishwasher, I went to check on the kids and they were perfectly fine with their grandparents.

I sat down next to Rose on the couch as my phone started to ring.

"Hello?" I asked not recognizing the number.

"Hi Bella, it's Victoria. Happy Thanksgiving."

"Oh, ummm, Happy Thanksgiving to you too."

"I was calling to see if maybe you could come out tomorrow night. There's this awesome club that recently opened."

"Oh...ummm," I hesitated for a moment but then I thought of Edward's words, both his encouragement earlier and his hurtful what he's thankful for.

"Sure, I guess so," I told her.

"Really? That is so great, Bella. It will be so much fun," she said. "Do you want me to pick you up or do you want to meet me there?"

"Ummm, I better meet you there."

"Okay, sounds good. I'll text you the address. I'm so excited. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye," she said excitedly.

"Okay, sounds good."

I know Edward will want me to take one of the bodyguards - even if all they do is sit in the car.

I laid my phone down and looked over to see Edward looking at me.

"What's up?" he asked.

"That was Victoria, she asked me to go out to a club with her tomorrow night, and I told her I would go," I said looking up at him.

"Okay. Please take Seth with you?"

"Fine. I figured as much," I said.

"Do you know how long you'll be out?"

"Not sure, do I have a time I need to be home by?" I asked.

"No, I was just wondering."

I nodded, "Did you get dessert yet?"

"Not yet."

"Oh."

I got up and started serving dessert.

It was easy to know what everyone liked, and I handed Edward his plate and our hands brushed against each others as he took the plate from me.

"Thank you," he said as he gave me a smile.

I gave him a small smile.

I was still mad at him, but we didn't want the rest of the family to know anything.

I could feel Rosalie's eyes on us as I sat next to him.

I tried to look happy but it was hard.

I was counting down the minutes until we went home.

I watched as Edward talked with Emmett and his father, and then he talked with his mom before he came over and asked it I was ready to go home.

I nodded as I got up and went to get Grayson from Esme.

"Bella, I'm looking forward to watching the kids on Saturday," she said as she handed me Grayson.

"Yeah, thanks."

"I asked Edward yesterday if things were okay with you two, and as I watched you both today I can see that something isn't right. What's going on?" she asked.

I felt my face heat up at her question.

I didn't know what to say as Edward came up with Bailey and wrapped his arm around my waist loosely.

"Ready baby," he said as he kissed my forehead.

"Ummm, yeah," I said quietly.

"You're not fooling me, Edward Anthony. Something is going on between you two, and I will figure it out," she said as she hugged me.

"If you need to call me, don't hesitate," she whispered in my ear.

"Thanks," I said quietly.

We grabbed our coats and put them on the kids and I slipped mine on over my shoulders as I picked Grayson back up.

"Be careful out there, Edward. It's starting to snow," dad said as he hugged us both.

"Thanks dad, love you," he said.

Edward being the gentleman that he is, held me around the waist as we walked to the car.

Bailey was looking up at the sky as the snow fell on her face.

She giggled as Grayson pressed his face into my chest.

He wasn't too happy about the snow falling on his face.

Edward put the kids in the car and then opened the door for me.

"Thank you," I said as I slipped into the seat.

He closed the door and went around the car and got in his seat.

He turned the heat on and then started to drive towards our home.

Tonight was hard - it was such a strain to try and smile when all I wanted to do was cry.

His words really hurt tonight, saying how thankful he was for me.

Lately, he hasn't seemed like he even cared if I'm around.

"Bella," he said.

"Yeah."

"Is Rosalie mad at me or something? I noticed her looking at me when we were eating dessert."

"You would have to ask her."

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked.

"It means I'm not a mind reader and I don't know how she feels."

I know that probably sounded pretty rude, but really how do I know if she's mad at him per say, but she knows that we are having issues.

I don't even want to talk right now - I'm just so tired all I want to do is sleep.

But obviously he wanted to talk as he pulled into the driveway.

"Are you mad at me or something?" he asked before getting out of the car.

What a loaded question - how did I even answer that?

I got out of the car and took Grayson in my arms and headed for the door.

Once inside I took off our coats and stomped upstairs once he came in with Bailey.

I heard him come up the stairs with Bailey and he went into her room.

I finished changing Grayson and laid him in his crib.

"Love you sweet boy. Sleep well," I said as I kissed him.

I stood by Bailey's door as I heard him talking to her as he rocked her.

"I'll fix this somehow with mommy," he said softly. "I promise, sweet girl."

I quietly turned around and went into our room, as the tears threatened to fall from my eyes.

I hated feeling like this, all I wanted was Edward.

I got changed for bed and got in bed before he came in the room.

I was laying on my side as he changed and got in the bed.

"Bella, I know you're not asleep yet," he said softly.

I turned over and opened my eyes.

"You didn't answer my question I asked you in the car," he said as I stared at his lips.

I missed the feel of them on mine.

"I'm not mad at you, just hurt by your words at dinner. You made it sound like things are perfect between us, and there not. Can you tell me when the last time that we made love?" I asked looking him directly in the eyes.

I could see my words bothered him...he couldn't remember either - his shoulders drooped and his eyes fell. "I know I'm failing," he whispered.

I didn't know how to respond to him as I longed to reach out and touch him.

What I said hurt him and it bothered me.

"I don't want to lose you, baby. You are my everything. I... I love you, so much," he said softly.

I scooted closer to him and wrapped my arms around him.

"I'm not going anywhere, Edward. We'll get through this together," I said as I held him.

I could hear him sniffling and I felt his tears on my shirt.

I ran my fingers up and down his spine, trying to reassure him, even though I was still upset with him, I couldn't be angry at him when he was so distraught.

His hands pressed me closer and I felt the tears in my eyes.

"Edward, we'll make it," I said as I pressed my lips to his forehead.

"B...bella, I want to kiss you. C..can I?" he asked as he lifted his head from my chest.

"Y...yes," I whispered.

In a moment his lips were on mine, at first moving hesitantly and then he moved them a bit freer.

He pulled away and smiled at me.

He settled us on our sides in bed. It felt nice...maybe we will be fine in time.

I fell asleep with a small smile on my face for the first time in awhile.

When I woke up in the morning, Edward was still sleeping next to me.

I wanted to do something special for him...I don't want to lose him.

Since I know he doesn't have meetings today, I decided to make him breakfast and bring it to him in bed.

I hopped out of bed quickly, and I had to sit down for a second.

Everything was spinning.

I sat there for a moment to regain my balance.

"Bella," he murmured in his sleep.

I didn't want him to wake up, so I stood up slowly and walked out the door.

I mixed chocolate chip pancakes and cooked some sausage. I put the food on a tray with some cut up fruit and some juice and coffee.

I carried it back up to our room and opened the door slowly.

He was sitting up when I came in.

"I.. I thought you were gone," he said softly.

"Just to the kitchen - that's all. I made you breakfast."

I put the tray on his lap and then sat next to him.

He looked over the tray and smiled, "You made all of this for me?"

"Yeah," I said quietly.

"Are you eating some?" he asked as he moved some hair off my face.

"I wasn't going to...unless you want me to."

I smiled at him as he dug into the pancakes.

I grabbed one of the sausages and munched on it.

We ate silently but it was nice to just be sitting here with him.

We still felt miles apart but its a start I guess.

After we ate I took the stuff downstairs and then got Bailey and Grayson's breakfast ready.

Edward came down the stairs carrying both our children in his arms

"Ma-ma!" Bailey squealed.

"Hey sweet girl," I said as I smiled at her.

"Ba-ee hung-ee," she declared.

"I have your cereal and bananas ready," I said as Edward sat her down.

"Nummy!"

"Do you want another cup of coffee?" I asked him as he put Grayson in his seat.

"Yes, thanks."

I turned to get his coffee and I had to grip the counter, as everything felt as if it spun around.

Please don't let him have seen that.

I steadied myself and Edward didn't seem to notice that I had wobbled.

I brought his coffee over to the table and sat it down as he finished feeding Grayson.

It felt nice to sit together and not feel all tense.

"Are you sure you'll be okay with the kids if I go with Victoria? I can cancel."

"Positive, I want you to have fun with your friend."

"Thanks," I said quietly.

"Bella, I want us to spend the day together until you leave. No phones, no interruptions."

"Okay...that sounds nice."

I wasn't sure what he had planned, but I wasn't going to deny him.

"Do you have a plan of what we are going to do?"

"Just spend time together."

I nodded.

"What do you think of going for a sleigh ride?" he asked.

"That sounds fun. Can we get hot chocolate?" I asked.

"Of course, anything you want."

I really did love when he told me anything I wanted.

I smiled at him as I absentmindedly reached for his hand and intertwined my fingers with his.

"I'll go and get their snowsuits," I said as I stood up.

"Okay," he said. "I'll finish cleaning up in here."

I walked up to Bailey's room to get her snowsuit and then I went to get Grayson's.

Could we really spend the day together and talk with each other? I was going to try my best to get along with him.

Once I had Grayson's suit I headed back downstairs.

Edward smiled up at me as I came in the kitchen.

"What?" I asked.

"You look so beautiful," he said softly.

"Oh," I said looking down at my jeans and tee shirt.

"It's more than what you are wearing, love. Your beauty comes from within, and radiates outward," he said as he leaned in and looked deep into my eyes. "Can I kiss you?"

His words made me want to melt - it's been awhile since he said anything like that.

"Y.. you never need to ask me that," I said as I placed my hand on his cheek.

He leaned in and kissed my lips softly as Bailey clapped her hands.

I loved the feel of his lips on mine - I missed having this all the time.

I couldn't stop the small moan that escaped my lips as he pulled away.

I could see the desire in his eyes, and it was making me second guess going tonight.

I wonder if I should just cancel with Victoria, I'd rather spend time with Edward instead of going to a club.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Soon as we wrestle the kids in these snow suits."

Bailey was pretty easy to get in her suit - Grayson in another matter - he wanted nothing to do with being put in this snow suit.

After we finally get him in his suit, Edward and I pulled on our winter gear and we all headed to the car.

He put the kids in their seats and then opened the door for me.

I smiled at him as I climbed in.

Was this a dream? Were we really spending the day together with our kids?

If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up from it.

He reached for my hand as he started the car and I couldn't help but smile as he pulled out of the driveway.

This felt like the old us and I felt hope well in my heart.

It felt so nice to have him touching me.

It seemed like a long time ago that we were this way with each other.

It wasn't long until we reached the big city park.

He helped me out of the car and then we got the kids out.

I carried Grayson as he carried Bailey in his arms and with his other hand he held mine in his.

Edward walked us over to the sleigh rides and he paid the fee and we waited our turn.

I could see several women looking at him and I didn't like it.

I tucked my arm under his and moved closer to his side.

Can these women not see that he is with me and our children?

I made sure that my ring was visible as I had my hand on the outer side of his arm.

Edward looked over and saw them gawking at him and he leaned down and kissed me on the lips.

Bailey clapped and laughed.

He pulled back and we both looked over at the women with smug smiles on our faces as the attendant told us our sleigh was ready.

I settled Grayson on my lap as Edward lifted Bailey in and she sat next to me.

Finally Edward climbed up and settled next to Bailey, and he pulled up the blanket around us.

He handed the attendant his camera to take our picture.

We huddled close together as he took our picture.

When he got his camera back he put his arm along the back of the seat, running his hand over my hair.

"Ma-ma, looky horsey," Bailey said excitedly as we passed another sleigh.

The bells jingled and Bailey squealed in glee.

Grayson was asleep in my arms as Edward moved Bailey to his lap as she started to doze off.

Edward's arm came around my shoulder and he pulled me to his side.

"Are you cold, baby?" he asked as his warm breath washed over my face.

"A little, but not bad."

He ran his fingertips over my cheeks, as he leaned in and captured my lips in his.

My heart soared in my chest - I had missed being like this so much.

When he pulled away we were both grinning and breathless.

Both kids were still asleep in our arms as I laid my head on his shoulder.

"I've missed you," I said softly.

"I've missed you too, and we'll fix this, baby...together."

I smiled and nodded as I looked up at him.

I could see he meant it and I loved him even more.

I didn't really want to go out tonight, but I knew if I didn't she would just keep bugging me to go.

So if I went, maybe she'd see that I'm not a lot of fun to be around at a club. Since I don't dance and I'm not drinking anything.

I have a feeling that I may be pregnant.

Since I was meeting her there I could leave whenever I wanted.

"What are you thinking about, baby?" he asked kissing up my neck to my ear as he sucked my earlobe into his mouth.

I moaned low and was having trouble concentrating.

"How I really would rather stay home with you tonight."

"I want you to go and have fun, but since you are meeting her there you don't have to stay long. I'll be home waiting for you."

"Okay," I said with a smile.

The sleigh ride came to an end and I couldn't tell you anything that we saw because we were wrapped up in each other.

Edward got out and helped me down with Grayson and we walked over to get some hot chocolate before we walked to the car.

"Do you want to grab some lunch before we head home?" he asked as we put the kids in the car.

"Anything in particular you want?" he asked.

"Nachos with extra jalapenos," I said looking out the window.

"Really?" he said.

"Yeah, I'm really hungry for them today."

"Okay," he said looking at me a little funny.

"What?" I asked looking back at him.

"Nothing...just interesting."

"I like them, nothing interesting about that."

"Okay.."

He held my hand as he drove to our favorite Mexican food restaurant.

When he pulled into the parking lot, we got out and got the kids out of the car.

"Yay Ba-ee eat!"

"Are you hungry, sweet girl?" I asked.

"Yeah, yeah."

The hostess led us to a table and brought over some chips and salsa as we looked at the menu.

Why I looked at it? I didn't know, since I already knew what I was getting.

Our waitress came over and took our order.

We got Bailey the chicken nuggets kids meal and Edward got the combo platter and I got the nachos.

It didn't take us long to get our food, and we enjoyed talking and watching Bailey eat her food.

I caught Edward watching me several times as I ate my nachos and jalapenos.

"Do I have food on my face?"

"No, you're beautiful as always."

"Edward," I said with a blush spreading over my cheeks.

"I love this," he said, touching my cheek.

"I know you do. I still hate it. I hope that none of our children inherit that trait."

"I hope they all do," he said with a grin.

I smiled at him as Bailey finished her food.

"Ice cream now?" she asked.

"You want ice cream? It's freezing," Edward said.

She nodded her head.

"Alright, ice cream it is then," he said with a laugh.

When the waitress came over, Edward ordered a small hot fudge sundae and an order of sopapillas for us.

She brought the desserts over quickly and Edward put a sopapilla on each of our plates.

"Honey or chocolate?" he asked me.

"Honey please."

He drizzled honey over it and I stuck my finger in it and suck the honey off my finger, moaning as I did.

Edward's eyes got wide and I saw him visibly gulp.

"Problem?" I asked.

"Umm...no...just...umm...very sexy...you are very sexy."

We smiled at each other as we continued eating.

Once we were done, he paid the bill and then we went out to the car.

"Thank you for suggesting we spend the day together," I said as I leaned up and kissed his cheek.

"I should have been doing this more often."

"It's okay, we both made mistakes. We just have to learn from them."

"I love you, Bella."

"I.. I love you, too," I said softly as he pulled me into his arms.

I could feel some of the horrible tension from the last few weeks beginning to melt.

We got in the car and he drove us home.

As we drove I was trying to decide what I should wear tonight and how quick I could leave without being rude.

He pulled into the driveway and got out quickly, he opened my door and pulled me into his arms.

"I can't wait til you get home tonight. I so want to reconnect with you in our bed," he whispered as he leaned in and kissed me.

"I can't wait," I said when we pulled away for breath.

We took the kids inside, and I helped him get them bathed and put in their pajamas.

We laid them in their cribs for a nap, as we went into our room.

"What should I wear tonight?" I asked him as I stood in front of my closet.

"Nothing too sexy," he said with a laugh.

"Will you help me?" I asked as he came up behind me.

"Always," he said.

I reached in and pulled out a pair of black skinny jeans and a black skirt.

"Which one is better?" I asked holding them up.

"The pants," he said.

I nodded.

I pulled out a deep dark blue shirt and a purple one and I held them up to him.

"Purple - blue is what I like to see you in."

I laid the clothes on the chair as I turned in his arms.

"Thank you," I said softly, brushing my lips against his.

"Anytime," he said as his hands skimmed over my waist.

He lifted me in his arms and carried me to the bed and laid me in the middle of it as he hovered over me.

He leaned in and kissed me deeply, pressing his weight to me.

I could feel how turned on he was as his erection pressed against me.

"A preview for later," he said in my ear when he pulled away.

"Mmm.. I wish I was home already."

"I wish you were too."

I felt wanted again and I really liked that feeling.

"I guess I better get dressed, so I can meet her," I said softly.

"Okay, I suppose I can be patient."

I nodded as I got up off the bed and started to get dressed.

I looked over my shoulder to see him watching me.

His eyes were hungry - I couldn't wait till I was home.

"Are you sure you'll be okay with the kids?" I asked.

"Yeah baby, they're sleeping."

"Fine, I guess I'll go," I said.

"Seth will take you," he said.

I nodded as I leaned in to kiss him.

We kissed deeply for a few seconds, before I pulled back and hugged him.

"I love you," I said against his chest.

"I love you, hurry home to me, baby."

I nodded and left the room and went downstairs, feeling happier than I have in a long time.

Seth was waiting by the door and he handed me my coat as we walked out the door.

"Where to?" he asked and I handed him the address Victoria had texted me.

He nodded as I got in the car.

"How long are you staying?" he asked.

"Not long," I said looking over at him.

"I'll be out in the car if you need me," he said.

"Thanks," I said, feeling nervous.

Once there he parked and I got out.

"If anything feels off, don't hesitate to call me," he said as I got out of the car.

I nodded as I walked towards the club.

Victoria was waiting right inside the door.

"Bella! I'm so glad you came," Victoria enthused as she grabbed my hand.

The music was loud and thumping and most the people here were dressed to catch someone's eye - even Victoria.

"Let's get a drink," she said over the music. She ordered a gin and tonic and when I ordered a coke she arched her eyebrow at me. "I didn't realize you were a teetotaler, Bella."

"I'm not - I just have to be able to deal with my kids tomorrow," I told her.

"Whatever, do you dance at least?" she asked.

"Not well," I told her.

"Doesn't matter - I have a couple more friends that will be joining us, they will show us some moves."

"Oh...okay," I said, feeling self conscious.

"Sure you don't want one drink to loosen you up."

"No, I'm good," I told her - no way am I going to reveal my worries about being pregnant.

I should've just cancelled on her.

She led the way to a small booth with high padded, red plush seats. We sipped our drinks as Victoria received a text.

"How is that delicious looking husband of yours?" she asked.

"Fine," I said, really disliking how she talked about Edward.

"Maybe sometime we all can go out," she said as she looked down at her phone again.

"We'll see - he's really busy."

She seemed to not hear me.

"My friends are almost here - they're going to love you."

I really wanted to go home now, something in the way she said that didn't set well with me.

A few minutes later, Victoria squealed and waved her hand at a group of people walking our way - three girls and two guys.

"Hi guys!" she said jumping up excitedly.

"This is Bella everyone. Bella, this is Katie, Heidi, Shelly, James and Riley."

"Hi," I said quietly.

One of the guys, James I think, gave me an up and down look that made my skin crawl.

"How did you two meet?" he asked sitting down next to me as he draped his arm over the back of my chair.

I moved forward to the edge of my chair, "At a mommy and me group," I said.

"You're a mommy? No way," he said looking me over again.

"Yeah," I admitted quietly.

"Bella actually has two sweet children, James," Victoria said.

"No way is this babe a mom of two," he said as his hand wandered to my shoulder.

"Can you please move your hand off of me?" I asked quietly.

"Sorry babe, it's hard to keep my hands to myself around such a fine ass woman."

I felt very uncomfortable. I wanted to go home to Edward.

"Come on, Bella, lets dance," Victoria said, grabbing my hand.

She pulled me behind her on to the dance floor - James and Riley close behind.

She found us a spot in the middle of the floor and started swaying her hips next to me.

I didn't know what to do, a dancer I wasn't.

Victoria stepped behind me and I felt her hands on my hips and she moved us to the beat - I didn't like that at all. I took a step to move away but found my way blocked by James, I was trapped between them.

James reached out and put his hands over Victoria's hands as together they moved with me.

"Relax baby," he said close my ear. "Feel the music."

I wasn't comfortable at all and I just wanted to leave.

"I would like to sit down," I told them.

"Don't be a spoilsport Bella," Victoria said close behind me. "James and I both really like you - I think the three of us could have a lot of fun together."

"Umm, no...I'm not into that," I said as I struggled to move away from them.

He grabbed my chin in a firm grasp as I felt Victoria shove me closer to him and his lips landed roughly on mine.

I pushed against James' face as hard as I could and punched him as hard as I could in the face. It felt like my bones exploded and the pain was intense.

Victoria and James both burst into laughter. I could feel the tears stinging my eyes, though luckily in their laughter their hold on me loosened and I was able to get away.

I weaved through the crowd and made my way to the bathroom, shutting myself in a stall.

I wished so much that Edward was here as I let my tears fall as I looked down at my hand.

I needed to get out of here and get my hand looked at.

How was I going to get out of here without running into them?

I sent a quick text to Seth telling him to meet me outside the women's bathroom.

Thankfully he didn't question me and texted me a few minutes later saying he was right outside the door.

I opened the door and Seth reached out for me.

"Bella? You okay?"

"No, I need to go home."

"What the hell happened to your hand?" he asked.

"Never mind - I just want out of here."

He put his arm around me and guided me through the crowd.

Once at the car, he opened the door and helped me inside.

"Bella, I think I need to take you to the hospital to get your hand looked at."

"Fine, but not the one Carlisle works at - I don't want the whole family to know this whole evening was a mistake."

"Bella, don't you think I should call the boss?" he asked.

"No, he'll just be upset. I'll tell him, when I get home."

"Bella, fine. If he yells at me or kicks my ass, you better tell him that you stopped me from calling him."

"I will - I just don't want him worrying."

"He's going to be pissed off, I just know it," he said as he started the car.

"I'll deal with it," I said as I cradled my hand against me.

I leaned my head back as he drove.

I knew I should've stayed home.