Alice waited for us in the woods close to the house. For once there was no big grin on her face and she did not bounce as usual. Instead she silently stood between the trees. Her eyes were full of understanding and sadness.

The morning was cast in a gentle, muted light.

"I saw you both in the meadow. I know what you've been through." Alice told us softly. "I will not say anything until you are ready."

Edward and I exchanged glances.

"Thank you."

"I'm sorry I even saw it. I had no right to." She looked down at her entwined hands. "But by the time I realized that it was most definitely not meant for my ears, it was already too late."

"Alice, you have nothing to feel sorry about." Edward said sharply. "You and I both know that we can not change the fact that we invade others' privacy. It's what we do with the information that we gain that is important."

She nodded and gave him a stiff smile. "I did not tell anyone. Jazzy even asked me because I was so sad after I saw the vision and I told him it was not my secret to tell. I think he was a bit disgruntled but he will get over it." Alice giggled.

"Alice, we'll tell the family when the time is right." I said. "For now, Edward needs some time to process everything and I am not quite ready for all of them to know something so private. But I am sure it will not be long until I will feel comfortable enough. I promise you that you will not need to keep the secret from Jasper for very long, alright?"

Alice nodded and looked down to hide a small smile. "I know. And until then, your secret is safe with me." She smiled openly at me.

"Thank you." Edward told her as well. "I guess I should not be complaining after that but could you change the music to something else if you want to hide a thought?"

"What is she singing?" I asked curiously as we walked to the house.

"Kids songs." Edward groaned. "Currently it's Maya the Honey Bee."

I chuckled and patted his chest.

"It needs to be topical, right?" Alice grinned.

My smile fell.

Alice realized what she had said. "Sorry! I was just- I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry." She rapidly apologized. "I will change it."

"Thank you." Edward said softly after a moment as he opened the front door for Alice and me.

The weather turned cooler the following week. Fall had truly come and the leaves began to change. And with it our lives settled into a new, somewhat calmer rhythm. Edward and I would attend school just as we were supposed to do. Even the gossip about us that had initially been so very agitating to me had started to quiet down. The whispers became less frequent. Stares grew more reluctant. And I detested the school hours a little less. It no longer felt like Edward and I were part of an elaborate theater play that had us in main roles and all the students as audience. The townspeople had a way of moving on to the next intriguing piece of news, and I for one was very grateful for the respite. I no longer felt like and knew because of Edward that every word, every gesture, every glance exchanged between us was analyzed and discussed.

I had made an effort to maintain my growing companionship with Angela. Edward, Angela and I walked together in between classes. But I could not bring myself to join her lunch table again. Even though Angela had given Jessica and Lauren a piece of her mind in the gym locker room she would still eat with her old friend group every day. And both Edward and I had no intention of ruining our lunch break every time.

Instead we sought refuge at the table of Edward siblings. They welcomed us with open arms and in Emmetts case similar questions the rest of Forks had as well. Rosalie became my ally. I could always trust her to remind Emmett of both Edward and my boundaries.

Even without the extra opportunities at lunchtime Jessica Stanley, Lauren Mallory and Mike Newton had no problem finding ways to annoy us. Mike Newton started to talk to me every opportunity he got and asked me for a date at least once a day. Sometimes twice. Sometimes thrice. Most times in front of Edward who did his very best to keep calm. But I could see his patience wear thinner and thinner every time.

Jessica and Lauren started acting nice towards me and then demanded "inside information" about the Cullens, Edward and Edward and my relationship. At the same time they assaulted Edward with their fantasies and undeterred by my presence tried to flirt with him every chance they got. Which made me hate them more and more every day.

By friday I was reluctant to even go back to school and only Edward could talk me into another day. Even though I could see that he was just as reluctant to go back. That day, at least, there was a further easing of interest in our relationship. And after I had spent a lot of the previous night working on my mental shield, when Edward allowed me to keep it up, that is, I was also able to take away the disturbing thoughts from him.

"I can not tell you how much I love you, Bella." he told me for the hundredth time that day. And every time my long silent heart almost felt like it beat again. "Your gift is a blessing. A miracle. It's as if we have been made for each other. You are truly an angel sent from heaven. I love you. You know that, don't you?"

"Hm." I smiled at him as we entered the busing cafeteria. "I think I forgot. Could you remind me again?"

"I love you, Bella." he gladly repeated. "So much."

I smiled at Angela as we passed her table. We were on our way to the lunch queue to get our props for the day when Lauren stumbled over her own two feet, no wonder in the high red heels she decided to wear that day. Edward, ever the gentleman, instinctively caught her in his arms to prevent her from falling.

Fanning embarrassment she looked up at my husband while staying limp in his arms. "Oh, Edward, you're my hero! I would have fallen if it weren't for you. How can I possibly repay you?"

"Bella, isn't Edward just the sweetest? Always there to rescue a damsel in distress." Jessica asked me with falsely innocent wide eyes. "I am sure Lauren would love to thank him over dinner date, right Lauren?"

"What a brilliant idea, Jessica," she agreed instantly, fluttering her eyelashes at him. "I am sure Edward will have a great time."

"You will know how to satisfy his appetite." Jessica remarked as she stared me right in the eyes. "I am sure Edward will be hungry. He must be quite dissatisfied."

"Oh, I am sure!" Lauren said with what should have been a seductive voice as she put her hand on his chest. "You will want for nothing with me."

A violent shudder went through Edwards body as he forcibly straightened her up and stepped back. His nose was wrinkled as he stared her down with an anger I had never seen before. "If you want to repay me then stay away from Bella and me. There is nothing I would like less than to spend any extra time with one of you." I could see the tension in his jaw as he clenched his hands. "So, no I will not attend a dinner with you, Lauren. In fact I will have no need to ever attend anything that involves the combination of words dinner, date and Lauren. Or anything else that involves me spending time with either of you for that matter. I have been trying to stay kind but your repeated attempts to win me over have been nothing but an inconvenience in my day.

And I must tell you that today I no longer feel inconvenienced by your actions."

I could see the hope blossom in both their faces as they stared up at my husband and could not help but roll my eyes at them.

"Today I felt utterly violated by your actions. I do not want to be addressed by you. I do not want to be flirted with by you. And I absolutely do not want to be touched in any way by you." he told them as his voice rose. The surrounding tables turned to watch his outburst and I put my hand on his back. Trying to sooth his anger. I could feel the muscles under my touch loosen as he took a deep breath to center himself again.

Jessica seemed close to tears as Lauren shot daggers at me with her eyes.

"And I am in no way dissatisfied. Thank you very much." He wound his arm around my waist and turned to go.

Lauren snorted loudly. "Yeah, sure!"

"What was that?" he asked her coldly.

"Sure, you are satisfied. The new girl won't even kiss you. Some fiancée that is. A prude. I bet she won't even put out."

He whipped around and almost growled at her.

"Edward," I said sharply. "She is not worth your anger. Let's join your family and forget about it."

"What, are you not up for a little competition, new girl?" Lauren asked innocently.

"There is no competition." Edward protested. "Bella and I are each other first and only. Nothing will ever change that. Especially not some random girls like you."

"Edward!" I put my hands on his cheeks and turned him to me and looked into his anger darkened eyes. "Please, take a deep breath for me."

He nodded and did as I told him. All the while holding my gaze. After three breaths he turned to kiss my right palm.

"Edward, I need them to understand that you're mine. I can't let them disrespect our relationship, our marriage, like this anymore." I whispered with a soft voice. "It's just that, well, we've faced so much, and I don't want anyone to think they can come between us. Even two insignificant humans."

"Three." He corrected me. "Newton too."

I nodded in agreement. "Fine, three insignificant humans."

Edward smiled at me. "I am in complete agreement with you, love."

"Kiss me, Edward." I ordered him.

He blinked rapidly for a second before the worry leaked into his eyes. "Are you sure, love?"

I nodded determinedly. "I am sure. Any intimate touch is sacred to me, you know that. It is not something I like to put on display. But our marriage is more important to me. You are more important to me. And their involvement in our lives brings both of us to a low point. It is deteriorating your mental state. I can see you struggling. And it brings out the parts of you you never liked. Anger and repulsion are ruling you in school. I do not want that for you. And I can not see them giving up until we give them something to realize that we are in fact a romantic couple."

"I can not see them ever giving up." Edward sighed sadly.

"We will see about that, Edward." I said. "But I need to acknowledge that times have changed. Today you claim your partner through public shows of affection. A ring no longer keeps people away."

"No it doesn't." he agreed, grabbing my ringed hand. Kissing Elizabeth Masens engagement ring on my fourth finger. "Sadly."

"I must go with the times. So, kiss me." I told him. "Please."

Our lips met in a gentle and loving kiss. But it was unlike any other kiss we had shared before. I was hyper aware of our audience. The cafeteria fell into a hushed silence, students pausing their conversations to witness our display. I could hear Jessica's gasp and Emmetts distant cat calls. I was almost sorry that I had allowed this. That I had defiled the magic and intimacy that came with every kiss Edward and I had shared before. This was nothing more than a desperate and obnoxious claiming of the other. I showed everyone that Edward was mine and I was his.

This kiss was not about us. It was about everyone around us. And I was sorry that the students of Forks High had driven me to this point.

And at the same time I liked it. I liked to claim him. He was mine. I was his. And we showed that to everyone.

Edward snaked his arms around my waist and pulled me closer. His lips were sweet against mine. And when I felt the tip of his tongue brush against my lower lip the surrounding finally faded away and I relaxed into his arms. Placing one hand on his shoulder and the other in his hair I opened my mouth to him. Breathing in his sweet scent of honey and lavender and sunshine.

Edward pulled back first, leaning his forehead against mine and placing a few more pecks on my lips. "You are my life."

"And you are mine."

"Did they just...?" Jessica whispered to Lauren but I could hear her perfectly.

She sounded just as shocked as she whispered back "Yeah, I believe they did."

"Edward is so hot." Jessica noted. "I wish he would kiss me like that."

I had to grit my teeth to keep myself from making some very unseemly comments.

"It seems the situation is hopeless." Edward sighed and took my hand in his, leading me to his siblings table. He pulled me into his lap and wound his arms around me. Emmett greeted us with an unprecedented enthusiasm but we both ignored his lewd remarks.

Edwards' embrace was tight and comforting. Edwards face was buried in my hair as he took calming breaths. "Love, I have to apologize." he said after a while.

I furrowed my brows. "What for?"

"I shouldn't have helped Lauren. All of this wouldn't have happened if I just had not caught her. I am so sorry, love."

I turned to look at him. "Edward, you caught her by reflex. What else should you have done? Let her fall? That would go against everything that is you. You are kind. You are willing to help. You are a gentleman. And I love you for it. I would never want you to change that about yourself." I brushed my hand against his cheek. "Yes, today they used your goodness against us. But you should never be sorry for something like that."

"But I should have seen their intent." He protested.

"How?" I asked him. "I took away your mind reading. You are essentially blinded at the moment. One of your senses is gone. A sense that you relied on heavily."

He nodded affirmative.

"If anything I should apologize to you. I am the one that is making you blind. I am-"

"Bella, this is ridiculous." He protested rapidly. "You have no fault in this."

"But you do?" I challenged him.

He stayed silent and lowered his eyes.

"Edward Anthony Masen,"

"Oho!" Emmett commented loudly. "The full name? With middle name? You are in for it, Eddie."

I angrily hissed at him and turned back to Edward, putting my hand under his chin to lift his gaze. "Edward, none of us is to blame. Not you. Not me." I told him. "Only Jessica Stanley and Lauren Mallory. And you know that they would have found another opportunity to say the things they said if they had not found an opportunity today. You know that better than anyone."

He nodded reluctantly and I smiled at him. "I love you. Never change."

"As I love you."

I kissed his forehead and turned to Alice. "Do you see them becoming less obnoxious?"

Her eyes clouded over for a short moment before she shook her head. "Sadly not."

"What did you see, Alice?" Edward asked her.

"More shenanigans. There is nothing definite, I will let you know if there is, but they will not give up so easily. I can tell you that." She shrugged. "But on the bright side, I did see a thunderstorm on monday!"

Emmett cheered so loudly that the surrounding tables turned their heads. He clapped an equally cheerful Jasper on the back.

Even Edward smiled a little.

"And we will finally have equal teams!" Rosalie smiled. "Esme won't have to stand on the sidelines."

I drew my brows together in confusion. "What teams?" I asked. "What is so special about a thunderstorm?"

"Baseball." Jasper said as if that explained everything.

"We use the thunder to hide the loud sounds of our hits when we play. It is the only time we can play a game." Edward explained it to me.

"So you have infected your poor family with your baseball love?" I asked him. "Is it still the White Sox?"

He smiled shyly.

"Too bad the Reds defeated the White Sox in 1919, right?" I asked him cheekily.

"Only because of the Black Sox Scandal! Otherwise they would have won." He told me. Then Edwards' eyes widened almost comically. "Why are you aware of that?"

"I thought of you when I heard it." I said sadly. "At the time I was trying to convince myself that your death had been a mercy. So I told myself that you were better off dead because you would have been so very disappointed in the players that had a part in it. They were your heroes just as much as the soldiers were."

"I love you, Isabella Masen." he said with a strained voice as he tightened his hold on me.

"Hm."

"I don't get it." Emmett said. "Everyone knows that the White Sox have not won the world series since 1917. Do you love me too for knowing that?"

"Bella never liked Baseball." Edward said. "When we first started courting I actually took her to a Cubs game but she was so confused and I could tell she only even listened to my explanations because she did not want to seem rude."

I shook my head. "I would have listened to anything you could have told me, Edward. But to be honest the rules of baseball were not on the top of my list. And to be honest I don't remember much, only how excited you were. I loved seeing your eyes sparkle with enthusiasm. Believe it or not, I think that is when I first realized that I loved you. Because it made me so happy to see you so happy. And that is what love is, isn't it? To place another one's happiness and wellbeing above your own."

Edward pressed a tender kiss to my head.

"Anyway, I think I will just watch your game with Esme." I told Edwards' siblings. Emmett enthusiasm was noticeably dimmed but I knew his disappointment would not last long. He acted more like a toddler, quickly distracted by the next thing.

Absent-mindedly I brushed down my sweater.