Thank you to everyone who has left me a review. I truly appreciate them. I dont find writing easy and your support means a lot.

I would just like to make you all aware that I have only seen season 1 and the odd episodes from other seasons of Dexter, so the comment asking me 'will I end it the same way' will be, I dont know because I have no clue how it ended lol.

Any mistakes in this fic are my own and Gdocs at the minute (because it is being temperamental) I will get round to fixing any obvious mistakes but I would like to make you aware that my grammar sucks.

Thank you Sherry for the continued help and support.

Chapter 3.

Parking outside of Emmett and Rosalie's house, I watch Isabella take a deep breath. Squaring her shoulders, she turns to look at me, her dead eyes giving nothing away.

"I'm ready." Was she nervous? I couldn't tell.

"There's no need to be nervous. It's not like your meeting my parents as my girlfriend. We're friends, right? And I'm sure they will like you." If someone didn't like me it didn't make an impact on my life whatsoever, people put too much stock in other people's opinions. I didn't know if Isabella was one of those people.

"I'm not nervous. People tend to find me strange," she shrugged. "I'm just preparing myself for the inevitable questions." Her voice was flat. Her eyes gave nothing away.

Why did she need to prepare herself?

"Why… If they ask you something you don't like, tell them to mind their own business." People seem to think it was appropriate to start the Spanish Inquisition when first meeting someone. As far as I was concerned they had no right to know more than her name and that she was my friend.

"Wouldn't that be rude." I look into her eyes and pause, they really were hypnotizing, it almost made me feel like I was her prey. She was the snake waiting to strike and I was the feeble mouse unable to run. My heart sped up as my eyes continued to be trapped in her gaze. It was a weird, almost humbling feeling, I wonder if this is how my targets feel?

"Do you care? You may never see these people again." I realized that I may have offended her with that last comment, but before I could say anything else she spoke.

"No. You're right. I guess I will try, but I'm not really a people person." People are overrated.

"Well, we should get along great. I despise most people and I just tolerate my family for the most part." My eyes flick over to the window and I watched as the curtains move back into place, I knew it was Esme. She probably spotted Isabella and was bouncing for joy at the moment. I do hope she contains herself before we step foot in there. "Let's go before Rosalie has a fit." I guess she needed to be warned about Rosalie. "Please ignore her, she's an insufferable woman. I still don't know if she married Emmett for his money or because she loves him. I personally think she is incapable of feeling love for anyone but herself."

I made my way out of the car and up to the front door, Isabella behind me the whole way. Once inside I looked at her, "Here goes." I whisper, and for a moment I think I see something flash in those dead eyes of hers but it was gone before I could work out what it was.

We walk into the living room and immediately all eyes are on us, I feel Isabella tense and her hand squeeze mine. When the hell did I grab her hand, and how did I not notice the electric current that always seemed to happen when we touch? I watch as Esme's eyes focus on our joined hands and I see her eyes water slightly, God, please don't cry, tears made me extremely uncomfortable. Squaring my shoulders, I address the room.

"Everybody. This is my friend Isabella." Letting go of her hand, I turn to Isabella. "Isabella, the couple over there," I point to my parents, "are my parents, Carlisle, and Esme." I point to Emmett and Rosalie, taking note of the sour expression on Rosalie's face. "The big guy is my brother, Emmett and the blonde is his wife, Rosalie." And last but not least. "The bouncing short woman is my sister, Alice and her husband, Jasper, is beside her."

"It's nice to meet you." She sends them a smile. Fake. "Thank you for having me."

That's when she-bitch makes her appearance. "Nobody invited you." Before anyone can say anything she is up and making her way over to me. "Edward, you could have called to inform me that your little buddy would be joining us, I only prepared enough food for seven." She sent Isabella a sneer which would make most women cry, but all Isabella did was stare at her with those pretty little dead peepers. So intriguing.

Isabella turns to me, one eyebrow raised and leans closer to speak to me. "You said she was difficult, but I thought she would at least show some self-restraint when in the presence of guests." Rosalie opened her mouth to speak, before this could turn ugly I spoke up.

"We can leave if you'd like Rosalie." To be honest, I would prefer to leave. Maybe I should bring someone along to dinner with me every time, especially if it had this kind of effect. I could save myself the headache of pretending to enjoy being here.

"No, Edward, don't leave." Esme makes her way over and takes hold of Isabella's hand. "It's wonderful to meet you, dear," Isabella smiles and I hear Esme's breath hitch. Does she see what I see? Does she see that there is no life in her eyes and that her smile is as fake as mine?

"You too Esme." Isabella removes her hand from my mother's and takes a step closer to me. Not a people person, but obviously an Edward person. Most people tend to shy away from me. Maybe they sensed the monster inside me? It seems Isabella doesn't have that problem.

Carlisle decides to speak up; probably hoping he can put an end to the tension in the room. He knows how I hate to be tense. Although, he could always strap Rosalie down on the dining room table and let me at her with the carving knife. That was a sure way to make me feel relaxed. I could muffle her screams with a table napkin so it didn't interrupt our dinner conversation.

"Let's all calm down now. Isabella is welcome to join us, there is plenty food to go around." He sends Rosalie a look, clearly telling her to give it a rest. That's right. Don't upset the serial killer.

Everyone made their way into the dining room in silence, taking my normal seat, closest to the door. I watch as Isabella takes a seat next to me and places her napkin on her lap, back straight; she waits for me to pass the tray of food, before taking a small serving and putting it back on the table. I hate how everyone just grabs at everything on the table and Emmett's plate always looks dangerously overfilled and ready to fall. It's refreshing to have someone who obviously knows the appropriate way to behave at the dinner table.

Dinner is quiet, even Rosalie has not said a word, choosing instead to sit and pout. If I knew bringing a friend would have had this kind of effect on her I would have brought someone along sooner. Maybe the homeless man who sits in front of the 7-11 would like a homecooked meal. I guess it's an option for next time.

"So, Isabella, what do you do?" Alice asks, I look at Isabella, who is in the process of cutting her chicken up into small even pieces.

Lifting her head, she looks at Alice. "I work at the library." I notice Alice flinch slightly and wonder if a natural reaction to Isabella's flat voice.

"Do you enjoy it. I don't really read much, fashion and gossip magazines, mainly" Alice was trying, but even I could tell the conversation was forced.

I looked over to Isabella and watched her nod, not offering anything more to the conversation. Leaning over I whispered into her ear. "Do people always go quiet when you're around?"

Her eyes flick to mine, they truly were beautiful. "Sometimes… Is that a problem?"

I can't help but smile a real smile at her, it seems to be an involuntary reaction around her. "No problem at all." She nods and gets back to work on her chicken. Lifting my eyes away from Isabella, I see Alice and Rosalie hissing at each other. God knows what those two are talking about.

Rosalie seems to be through with whatever argument they were having and turns to face Isabella. "So, Isabella, is that why you came here? I figured librarians don't make much money, is that Edwards appeal? Money? He is rich after all. I can't imagine it's his winning personality that has you here."

"I guess you would know about being attracted to someone for their money." Isabella's eyes flick to Rosalie for a brief moment then back down to her chicken. "And Edward's personality is just fine." Her voice shows no inflection at all as she spoke. It was as if she was simply commenting on the weather.

Rosalie's eyes flash with anger as she sneers at Isabella, her words spoken between clenched teeth. "What is that supposed to mean?" She stands up and leans across the table as if she was going to reach over and grab Isabella. I wouldn't put it past her.

Not wanting to see Isabella attacked I jump up and move closer to Isabella, for some reason, I want to stop the words that are bound to come from Rosalie's mouth from hurting her. "Sit down Rosalie you are making a scene and Isabella is a guest of mine. Show some class." My words seemed to hit the spot and direct her attention over to me.

"Class? What have you been saying about me, Edward?"

Taking my seat again, I look at her. "The truth. That you're a bitch." I raise an eyebrow in her direction, daring her to deny it. "I also made it clear that you were more than likely going to cause a scene today. Which, might I add was correct."

Before she could respond Carlisle's voice echoed through the room. His normal soft, compassionate voice sounded loud and aggravated. "Enough… the pair of you. Like Edward pointed out, we have a guest and now is not the time to argue with each other." Looking at Isabella he offers her a strained smile. "Please excuse them, Isabella."

Isabella offers him a nod and turns to face me, a small genuine smile playing on her lips. It was a little shocking to see, leaning forward I speak into her ear, "What's the smile for?" My eyes are drawn to the goosebumps that rise on her arms, is she cold? The temperature is fine in Rosalie's house, but maybe she was coming down with something?

"Just," she shakes her head and for the first time since meeting her, I see something I can describe in her eyes, "thank you. No one has ever done that for me before." Done what? Before I can question her, she turns her face back around and resumes eating her chicken.

I watch my family as I eat, Carlisle and Esme exchange small smiles and secret conversations that nobody else can hear. Alice is talking Jasper's ear off about something that happened today and him, as patient as ever, is dutifully agreeing with whatever she is talking about. My eyes look over to Emmett, who is whispering to Rosalie, no doubt trying to get her to cheer up after her little spat. It comes so easy for them and even though I am part of this family, I never felt it. Maybe it was the monster within? Maybe whatever caused the malfunction in my DNA also screwed with the part of me that should be able to participate in family gatherings. Am I supposed to make idle conversation with Isabella? I don't really enjoy forced conversation and that's what it would be, forced. Looking over to Isabella, I wonder if she feels the same. Like an outsider? I notice that she has finished eating and is now staring off at the far wall looking quite content. She isn't fidgeting or watching the others like I am, she's just staring with those vacant eyes, back straight, hands placed prettily in her lap. Perfectly poised in every way.

Today has been a tiresome day, I can feel the small thread that holds me together wound tight, ready to snap. I'm in desperate need of a good night's sleep and with my little guest waiting at the cabin I know I won't be able to rest until I had him dealt with.

"How's the hospital day shifts going? Are you feeling less stressed?" I can't help but grimace at Carlisle's question. Last month I had been a little stressed, doing long hours at the hospital. I hadn't had anyone to take my frustration out on at the cabin due to my workload. That led to the nurses and doctors at the hospital becoming my outlet for my growing agitation. I had taken to secluding myself from the family. Not that I was very involved with them in the first place, but my phone calls to Alice had become nonexistent and Carlisle and Esme hadn't seen me in a little over a month. I was at the point where I was considering going to hunt my next target down during the day, when Carlisle chose to intervene. He had arranged for me to cut my hours down and switch over to day shift for the foreseeable future.

Pushing away my plate I wipe my mouth with my napkin and turn to face him at the head of the table. "It's fine, nothing to complain about." Standing up I offer my hand to Isabella. "Well, we must be going now. Esme, I will call you next week." Isabella takes my hand and mumbles a small 'bye' in the general direction of the table as I pull her away.

Entering the car I wait until Isabella is belted in before placing my cell phone in her lap, I instruct her to add her number and start the car. I watch from the corner of my eye as she presses the buttons on my phone and hear a beep coming from her handbag. I guess she has my number now.

The drive to Isabella's apartment is quiet except for her directions, I suppose this is the point where I would try to get to know her, but I'm too wound up to put the effort in. I guess she really was seeing my true self tonight. With that thought, I get a flash of Isabella standing over the table, Riley's prone body strapped down, mouth gagged, his body bowing in pain as I slowly dismember him. In my mind, Isabella is silent, those vacant eyes watching me as I work in ridding the world of him. She could hold my saw. Maybe she would let me teach her how to sterilize my tools after. DNA was an intricate thing, something I refused to leave behind. If anyone was to find my little hideout, there wouldn't be a trace of me or my victims in there.

"The building on the left is mine." Following Isabella's instructions I pull over to the left and cut off the engine.

I feel my lips turn into a slight grin. I guess today was a success. "Well, still want to be friends?" Her own smile was small and fleeting but looked to be genuine. That's twice now that I have seen beyond her mask. I wonder why she needs it? Does she have her own monster? Is she hiding something?

"Yeah, I think I would like it if we were friends. Thank you for today. It was fun?" The laugh tumbles from my lips unexpectedly, it feels good but a little strange. I wasn't used to feeling genuine emotions, especially humor.

"No problem. I will call you, or you can call me." With a small nod and a fake smile she exits my car and makes her way to her apartment building.

With Isabella out of the car, my agitation from earlier returns and I decide to head over to the cabin to see Mr. Beirs. I can't think of a better way to end a day full of tension than watching the life drain from his eyes.

Thank you for reading.

Have a killer day.