Paul climbed into the passenger side of the truck and buckled up. "So what happened with you and Edward? Angela mentioned you guys seemed close."

"We kind of were." Bella gripped the steering wheel tightly. "I was attracted to him, a lot more than I should have been but nothing ever happened."

"But?" Paul pressed.

"But, he was in Port Angeles that night. He knew what was going to happen. He wanted to rescue me like some hero but then I started bleeding so he ran," Bella finished. "I can't trust him after that. Just the thought of being around him makes me sick." Paul's hands tightened around the seat. Bella pulled up to the stop sign and glanced at him. "Please don't destroy my truck," she begged. "Rosalie will make me let her buy me a new one."

That distracted Paul from his anger. He loosened his grip. "Did she really?" he asked surprised. "You didn't want to accept a credit card from her but you will let her buy a car for you?"

"I figured my truck would last a long time," Bella shrugged. "I hoped she would forget she wanted to get me a new one."

Paul laughed. "They don't forget things Bella."

"I was afraid of that," Bella sighed.

"If I get my hands on Edward I will rip him apart," Paul growled.

"Just leave him alone, please," Bella requested. "All I want is him to leave me alone and for him to stop coming into my room at night."

"What do you mean coming in your room at night?" Paul demanded.

Bella winced. She hadn't meant to say that. "Alice found his scent in my room," Bella admitted. "She spent a day cleaning my room to clear his scent."

"How is he still alive?" Paul asked. If it had been Angela, or anyone he cared about, he would have killed Edward.

"I don't want Rosalie killing her brother. I know she would do it but it doesn't seem right and I don't him to die," she added. They drove the rest of the way in silence. "Is there any vegetables in particular you want?" she asked when they pulled into the parking lot.

"Anything is fine. I'm not picky."

"Okay. Is there something you would like for dessert?" she tried.

"Chocolate cake," Paul said hopeful. "And maybe some ice cream."

Bella laughed. He sounded like a little kid. "Sure. You can take some cake to Jared, Sam and Emily." She frowned. "Maybe I should make two."

"Good idea," Paul grinned.

Bella rolled her eyes. "Come on, we have shopping to do."

Paul followed Bella into the grocery store. He grabbed a basket to push around. "What's first boss?"

Bella ran a hand through her hair. She didn't have a list prepared so she had to hope she remembered everything. She looked around the store. "Let's start on this side and work our way around," she suggested pointing to the produce section.

"Works for me."

Paul followed Bella to the produce section. "How much food are you going to want?" Bella asked. She was looking at baked potatoes. She grabbed a medium one for Charlie, a small one for herself and wasn't sure if she should get one or two for Paul.

Paul studied the potatoes. "This one is good." He handed over a large baked potato. Bella placed it into the plastic bag and stuck it into the basket.

They moved onto the vegetables. Bella grabbed enough fresh green beans for all three of them. She also grabbed some chives for the baked potatoes. As they walked to the butcher Bella buried her nose in her sweater. She took several deep breathes. "Are you okay?" Paul whispered.

Bella nodded. "I just miss her. They say it's normal but it's slightly inconvenient and honestly a little embarrassing. I feel like a clingy and annoying human."

"I don't know you or Rosalie well but I highly doubt she would view you as clingy. I'm sure she understands," Paul said. "I know if it was me I wouldn't blame you."

Bella nodded and ordered four steaks from the butcher. The fourth would be cooked for Paul, just in case one wasn't enough. If it was left over he could take it home. Paul grabbed the steaks from the butcher and placed them in the shopping cart. They went down the aisle right behind them and picked up some coke and an assortment of chips and dips so they, mainly Paul, would have something to snack on while they cooked.

Bella peered down the other aisles trying to figure out what else she might need for the rest of the week.

She held the sleeve of her sweatshirt to her nose and for a minute Paul was concerned she was going to be sick. "Do you need to call her?" Paul asked concerned.

Bella shook her head. She was determined to make it through their shopping trip, and dinner, without needing Rosalie.

Paul wasn't too sure but didn't argue. Sooner or later she would learn she couldn't fight the pull. He hoped for sooner rather than later, for her sake. "Okay, where to next?"

Bella pulled the sleeve away long enough to reply. "Dairy."

They grabbed milk, sour cream and shredded cheese. Bella walked over and grabbed eggs since they were out. She made sure to grab bacon as well since they were going to run out soon.

"Let's get the cake mix and frosting," Bella said.

They walked to aisle four where all the baking ingredients were kept. They had just started their search for chocolate cake mix when Bella felt a hand on her shoulder. Bella jumped and almost crashed into the shelves but was saved by cool arms wrapping around her waist. "It's me Bella," Rosalie whispered in her ear.

Bella relaxed in Rosalie's arms. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong?" she asked concerned.

"Nothing is wrong," Rosalie promised. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Bella said.

Paul shook his head. "She's been sniffing your sweatshirt." Bella glared at him. "Sorry Bella but I would rather have you mad at me then her."

Rosalie pulled off her sweatshirt and handed it to Bella. It pained her to watch Bella hurt and it killed her knowing there was nothing she could do to take the pain away, other than being there. This had to be why a human was changed immediately if they were mated to a vampire.

Bella changed sweatshirts and handed the other one over. Rosalie tossed the sweatshirt over her shoulder and pulled Bella into her arms. "Do you need me to stay?"

Bella shook her head. "I'll be okay," she mumbled against Rosalie's shirt.

"I'll come by while you're cooking," Rosalie decided.

Bella pulled away from Rosalie. "You don't have to."

"Bella, this is going to be hard for you while you're human. If you need me around then I'll be here. There's nowhere I would rather be," Rosalie said softly. "I'll let you guys finish your shopping." She leaned over and kissed Bella's cheek.

She walked the aisle, ignoring the looks of passerby's. Paul grabbed two containers of frosting and tossed them into the basket.

"I think that's it," Bella said tearing her eyes away from the spot where Rosalie disappeared.

Paul pushed the cart up to the checkout stand. There was one person ahead of them so they waited patiently for their turn. "Do you want help cooking?"

"If you want. There's not much to do. It will just take some time," Bella answered.

"I'll help. Sometimes I help Emily. It would be nice to do more than throw together a salad and half the time Emily doesn't trust me to do that." Bella figured it was because he ate more than he cooked but didn't comment. They moved forward and started putting their groceries on the conveyer belt.

"Hello. Did you find everything you needed?" the checker asked Bella. Paul growled when he saw the checker staring at Bella.

"Yes, we found everything fine." Bella was avoiding looking at the boy that was at least two years older than her.

"Good." He started ringing up their things. "You're Chief Swan's daughter right?" Bella looked up and cringed at the look on his face.

"I am," she answered, pulling out her wallet.

"Are you free Friday night?" he asked hopeful.

"No," Bella answered. She wished he would hurry up so they could leave. Bella was getting more and more uncomfortable and she really wished she didn't send Rosalie away.

The checker's eyes flickered to Paul. "Is that your boyfriend?"

"No. He's just a good friend," she told him.

"Then why not go out with me?" he pushed.

"She said no, now back off," Paul growled. He started shaking. Bella touched his arm in hopes of calming him. The last thing they needed was him exploding into a wolf in the middle of the supermarket, especially with her so close.

The checker glared at him. He was ready to snap at Paul, completely oblivious to the fact that Paul was fighting the urge to phase. "Come on Bella," the checker practically begged. "I'm sure your dad would love it if you dated me. I'm a good guy."

Rosalie moved beside Bella, faster than any normal human should. "She said no," Rosalie snarled. Her lip was curled back and she was fighting her instinct to crouch down and protect her mate.

"Who the hell are you?" he asked surprised at her sudden appearance.

"Her girlfriend, now back off or I will make you." Her dark red eyes were now pitch black. It was enough to scare the checker into submission.

"Alright, alright," he agreed.

He went back to scanning all of their groceries. Bella swiped her new ATM card and paid for the groceries. Rosalie was by her side the entire time. She could feel Bella's distress and she wasn't about to leave her mate's side.

Paul and Rosalie carried most of the groceries to Bella's truck. All she was allowed to carry were the eggs. "I'll be in your room when you get home," Rosalie told Bella.

"How did you know to come?" Bella asked.

"Alice called when I was leaving. She had a few flashes. She didn't know what was going on but she knew I needed to stay," Rosalie answered. "So I stayed outside and waited."

Bella touched Rosalie's face. Her eyes were still black from her anger and lack of hunting. "You're hungry."

Paul snatched the truck keys from Bella and climbed into the driver's seat to give them some privacy. He wasn't going to let Bella drive.

Rosalie leaned into her touch. "I'm fine," Rosalie lied. She did need to hunt. But she wasn't going to leave Bella to do so, not when Bella needed her.

"I thought vampires were supposed to be good liars," Bella commented. Paul snorted.

"I'm not leaving you," Rosalie said firmly.

Bella dropped her hand. "I won't let you starve because of me."

"I'll hunt tonight while you sleep," Rosalie promised. "Alice can stay with you if you want."

"Can Jasper stay?" Bella asked hopeful.

"Sure," Rosalie agreed. She didn't care who stayed with Bella as long as Bella was able to sleep peacefully. Rosalie walked over and opened the truck door. "I'll be in your room if you need me. Don't hesitate to come see me."

"Okay." Bella got in the truck.

Rosalie leaned over and kissed the corner of her mouth. "Stay safe Bella."

Paul drove them back to her house. "I'm guessing you don't want your dad to know about this either," he said.

"That would be right," Bella agreed.

Paul pulled up to the curb and turned the engine off. "He's a good guy Bella. He would understand."

"That's not the problem. I… I don't want him to worry about me. He doesn't deserve to be burdened by this," Bella said softly. Paul almost hadn't heard her.

"This isn't a burden Bella. He's your father. He loves you. I know Charlie. He would want to know," Paul said turning to face Bella.

"There is nothing to know Paul. Those… those guys are dead and if I told Charlie he would start digging. I won't put Rosalie or the rest of the Cullens in danger because of me," Bella said firmly.

"Okay." Bella looked surprised he gave up that quickly. "I can't and won't force you to tell him. If you don't want to tell then fine."

"Thanks Paul," Bella said gratefully.

"Come on, let's go instead before your dad starts to worry. I believe you're going to teach me how to cook," Paul grinned.

Bella had a bad feeling about their cooking. "Please don't burn down my house."

Paul put a hand over his heart. "You wound me Bella."

Bella rolled her eyes and grabbed a few of the bags. Paul grabbed the rest and they went inside. "Paul, Bella?" Charlie questioned, climbing out of his chair.

"Yeah Dad it's us," Bella replied.

"Need any help?" Charlie asked.

"No Dad, we got it," Bella called back. "Do you need another beer?"

Charlie walked into the kitchen just as they dropped the bags on the table. "I can get it," Charlie said. He eyed all the bags. "This is a lot of food for tonight."

"It's not all for tonight," Bella told him. He walked over to the fridge and pulled out another beer. She dug through the bags looking for the chips and dip. She found it and pulled it out. She pushed the snacks into Charlie's hands. "Dinner is going to take a while so I brought you some snacks."

"Thanks Bells." Charlie frowned at the four steaks Paul unpacked. "Bella, how did you pay for all this? I don't think there was that much money in the jar."

Bella gulped. She couldn't say Rosalie gave her the money. That would lead to questions. "I paid Charlie," Paul said, saving Bella from having to lie. "I eat a lot and it didn't seem right for you to pay for it all."

"Are you sure about that Paul? It doesn't seem right to make you pay for dinner," Charlie said. He reached for his wallet but Paul stopped it.

"It's fine Charlie. I don't really spend a lot of money so it's not a big deal," Paul said pulling out the potatoes. There was no way he was going to let Charlie pay for all this food.

"Alright then, if you're sure."

"I am," Paul said before Charlie could change his mind.

"Okay." Charlie took his beer and snacks and went back to the game.

"What do you need me to do first?" Paul asked. Everything was unpacked and the bags were tossed in the trash. Now it was time to work.

"Set the oven to 425, scrub the potatoes, poke them with a fork and wrap them in aluminum foil. The foil is in the drawer under the oven. Then stick them on the bottom rack," Bella instructed. "I'm going to get the steaks ready. Let me know when you're done."

Paul nodded and got to work. He was determined to do the best job he could. Even if all he was doing was preparing some baked potatoes. Bella watched him for a minute. He was working slowly but Bella could see he was doing everything he could to make sure it was perfect. Once she was sure he was alright on his own Bella went to work on the steaks.

Bella decided on a simple rub for the steak. She sprinkled some salt and pepper on each steak as well as a little bit of chili powder. It wasn't a lot, just enough to get it a slight kick. Bella pushed the steaks aside. She heard the oven open and shut and knew Paul was done with the potatoes.

"What's next Bella?" he asked coming up beside her. Bella jumped. "Sorry Bella."

"It's okay." She placed her hand over her heart and took a deep breath. "Why don't you rinse and cut the ends off of the green beans while I cut the chives?" she suggested.

Paul agreed and grabbed a knife. Bella demonstrated how to cut the beans and let Paul get to work. Bella chopped up the chives and stuck them into a bowl. She covered the bowl with some cling wrap and stuck them into the fridge. Since Paul was still working on the green beans Bella decided to put the sour cream and shredded cheese into separate bowls for serving.

"All done," Paul grinned.

Bella smiled at him. He was so proud. "Good job. Now get a pot from the cabinet under the sink, fill it three quarters of the way full with water and stick it on the stove but don't turn the stove on yet. We'll give it ten minutes before we start the water."

Paul dug around for a pot. He filled it and stuck it on the front left burner. "What's next?" he asked eager to learn more.

Bella giggled. It was so fun watching his face light up. "Do you want to help get the cakes ready? We can't cook them until the potatoes are done but we can at least get them ready to go."

"Sure. What do you need me to do?" Paul asked.

"Grab the eggs out of the fridge and the vegetable oil from the cabinet next to the fridge," Bella instructed. While Paul gathered their ingredients, Bella pulled out the mixing bowls, measuring cups and pans to cook the cakes in.

Paul dumped everything onto the table. Bella handed him a box of cake mix and a large mixing bowl. "You make one, I'll make the other."

"I… are you sure that's a good idea?" Paul asked hesitantly. He wasn't sure he trusted his skills enough to prepare a cake by himself.

"You'll be fine Paul. If you want me to double check before you do anything I can," Bella offered.

Paul read the directions on the back of the cake. It seemed simple enough. "I'll be okay," Paul decided.

Paul worked much slower than Bella but he still managed to complete the cake. He sat the cake next to the one Bella prepared. The stove was turned on and while it was being heated Bella pulled out the grill to cook the steaks.

"What do you need to me to do now?" Paul asked.

Bella turned the stove on to heat the grill. "Keep an eye on the water. Once it starts boiling put the green beans in."

While Paul waited for the water to boil he walked over and opened the bag of chips Bella had bought for him. He was halfway through the bag when the water started boiling. He tossed the green beans in. "Don't forget to stir," Bella called as she pulled the steaks out of the fridge.

Paul grabbed a wooden spoon and stirred the beans. "Got it."

"Good job. Now when they start boiling again keep an eye on the time. They should be done in about seven minutes but I'll double check just in case. How do you like your steak?"

"Rare," Paul answered. It was a wolf thing. He, Sam and Jared all ate their meat rare.

Bella nodded. Paul's steaks would go last. Charlie preferred his medium rare and she liked hers medium well so hers would go first.

The green beans started boiling again and Paul kept an eye on the time. He stirred them every few seconds and munched on chips when he wasn't stirring. There was ten minutes left on the potatoes so Bella put her steak on the grill.

Bella put Paul's steaks on the grill as the green beans finished cooking. She double checked to make sure they were done and they were. "Drain the beans," Bella told him as she turned the steaks. While Paul drained the green beans Bella dug around for a pan. "Dump them in here and drizzle some olive oil on them. Mix it with your hands and make sure it is evenly spread. Then add a handful of crushed red pepper." Bella glanced at Paul's hand. "Make that half a handful."

Paul got back to work. Bella pulled out a plate and started taking the steaks off the grill, after first checking to see that they were cooked properly. She let hers sit for another minute while she pulled the potatoes out of the oven. "Ouch," she shouted pulling her hand away from the oven.

Paul jumped and whipped around. He grabbed the potatoes from the oven, ignoring the pain in his hand, and slammed the door shut. He turned his around and found Rosalie checking Bella's injured hand. "Let's get your hand under some cold water."

"Bella is everything alright?" Charlie asked walking toward the kitchen.

"Fine Dad," Bella yelled. "Just burned my hand."

"Need any help?" Charlie asked.

"I'm fine Dad. Paul and I have it covered," Bella assured him.

Charlie went back to the game while Rosalie took care of Bella's hand. "It should be okay," she muttered kissing the burn. "Do you need aspirin?"

Bella shook her head. "I'm fine Rose. This isn't the first time I've burnt myself."

"Do you want help finishing dinner?" Rosalie asked.

"I'm okay. I have Paul to help," Bella assured her. Bella turned to Paul. "Lower the oven temperature to 350 and wait a few minutes. Then put both cakes in."

Paul nodded and moved to the oven. Bella turned off the grill and then checked the potatoes and was relieved to find they were done. "If you need me I will be upstairs," Rosalie said before disappearing.

"She sure acts quick," Paul muttered.

"She's overprotective. I'm surprise she didn't destroy the oven." Paul heard Rosalie snort.

"I'm sure the thought crossed her mind. Cakes are in," he announced.

"Set the timer for twenty minutes," Bella told him. "Then start pulling butter, sour cream, chives and stuff from the fridge."

"Yes ma'am," he saluted.

Bella double checked the steaks to make sure they were cooked properly. When she was satisfied they were she went to the cabinet and pulled out four plates. She placed three of the plates at the table. Next she placed the steaks on each plate. The extra steak for Paul was left on the plate on the counter.

"What do you want to drink?" Bella asked, pulling out three glasses.

"Whatever you and Charlie have is fine," Paul answered. He pulled open drawers in search of serving spoons.

"One more to the left." Paul grinned at the sight of the spoons. He grabbed one for the sour cream, one for the butter, one for the chives and one for the cheese.

Bella poured milk in each cup and sat them at the table. "Dinner's ready," Bella called as she checked on the cakes to make sure they were cooking properly.

Paul dumped the green beans into a large bowl and placed a spoon inside. He sat the bowl on the table next to the butter.

Charlie walked into the kitchen. "Smells good guys." Charlie sat in his usual spot. Bella pointed to a chair for Paul and he sat down. Bella pointed to a chair for Paul and he took a seat. "How's your hand Bells?" he asked concerned.

"It's okay." Bella lifted her hand to show Charlie the burn.

Charlie glanced at the burn. The skin on her palm was red but Charlie wasn't a doctor and couldn't tell how bad it was. Charlie cut open his potato and began piling butter, sour cream, cheese and chives on it. "Well you two worked hard so I'll take care of dishes."

"I can help," Paul offered, spooning green beans onto his plate.

Charlie shook his head. "I'll take care of it. It's the least I can do." Bella silently prepared her own potato and took a bite. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until she started eating.

Paul, Charlie and Bella ate in silence. Charlie and Bella were comfortable in the silence and Paul didn't know what to say. Everything he wanted to say couldn't be talked about in front of Charlie. Paul cocked his head to the side at the sound of Rosalie pacing in Bella's bedroom. It seemed she was getting impatient.

True to his word Charlie began cleaning up the kitchen after they finished dinner and dessert. Bella prepared a plate of food for Paul to take home as well as one of the cakes to share with his pack mates. "Thanks for dinner," Paul said grateful. He loved Emily's cooking but it was nice to get something different once in a while.

"You're welcome here for dinner anytime," Charlie told him.

"Thanks Charlie. I may take you up on that," Paul said shaking his head. "Thanks for letting me help Bella. I hope I wasn't too annoying."

Bella laughed. "You were a great student." She walked over and wrapped her arms around him. "Thanks for coming. I like having you around."

Paul grinned. "I don't know if I will see you before Saturday so I'll tell you this now. I'll pick you and Angela up around 3 and we can hang out in La Push for a while. I'll talk to Sam and the others to see about letting Rosalie, or at least Jasper, come over."

"Thanks Paul," Bella whispered.

Paul left the house and Bella headed upstairs. She was tired and thankful Charlie was cleaning up.

"Did you have fun cooking with Paul?" Rosalie asked when Bella walked into the room.

Bella collapsed on her bed. "It was great but I'm tired," Bella answered.

"Why don't you get ready for bed and I'll call Jasper," Rosalie suggested. She gently kissed the burn.

Bella pulled herself off her bed. She grabbed her pajamas and headed to the bathroom to change, wash her face and brush her teeth. She got ready for bed as quickly as she could. When she got back to her room Rosalie was still in the same spot was before.

"Jasper will be here after you fall asleep," Rosalie told her. Bella nodded and climbed on the bed. Her head was resting on Rosalie's shoulder. "I won't be gone long."

Bella reached over and touched Rosalie's face. Her eyes were almost solid black with a hint of red and gold. "You need to eat. I don't want you to starve because of me."

"I won't starve Bella. It takes more than a few days to starve us."

"Promise you won't rush back because you're worried about me," Bella said turning to face Rosalie.

"I promise not to rush back unless Jasper or you need me back," Rosalie promised. Bella didn't like that answer. "It will be fine Bella."

"Are you sure you're okay with me going to the bonfire?" Bella asked.

"Do you want to go?" Bella nodded. "Do you feel safe around Paul?" Bella nodded again. "Then there is no reason you shouldn't go. Paul will look after you and you have your phone if you need me." Bella still wasn't sure. "Bella, you can't avoid living your life. You are allowed to have fun without me around." Bella yawned. "Go to sleep Bella," Rosalie said softly. "I'll be here when you wake up."

Bella snuggled closer to Rosalie and drifted off to sleep.